Socrates

Sono d'accordo.

Primo errore di Isla.

Vai Mangiafuoco!

QUAGLIARELLA 4-0

Matri fuorigioco.

Entra Lucio esce Chiellini

Pirlo Mangiafuoco .... tiene i fili dei burattini.

Matri

Prima parata di Gigi al 62'

3 volte con i piedi.

Esce Seba

Entrerá Quagliarella per Matri o per Giovinco?

Ci pensa la fidanzata ad alzargli .... il morale.

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE (4th leg) - 7-11-2012 (8:45 p.m.) ................ JUVENTUS - NORDSJAELLAND Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee: Aleksandar Stavrev (Macedonia) HT: Juve dominate Nordsjaelland Nov 7, 2012 Juventus are back on their feet, dominating the first half and leading Nordsjaelland 3-0 with Claudio Marchisio, Arturo Vidal and Sebastian Giovinco. In the other group game, Chelsea are leading Shakhtar Donetsk 2-1. The pressure was on the Bianconeri after nine consecutive European stalemates and on Saturday their 49-match unbeaten run in Serie A was ended by a 3-1 defeat here to Inter. Mirko Vucinic bruised his calf in that game and was therefore ruled out along with Simone Pepe, so Alessandro Matri partnered Sebastian Giovinco, while Mauricio Isla and Kwadwo Asamoah took the wide roles. Nordsjaelland earned their first ever Champions League point with a 1-1 draw when these sides met in Denmark and kept the same starting XI. As Juve had drawn all three games so far in Group E, they had to win tonight or leave themselves a mountain to climb for qualification – namely having to beat Chelsea at home and Shakhtar in Donetsk. Once again, the Juventus Stadium was not full for the Champions League despite packing out Serie A games regularly. Giovinco forced a save out of the goalkeeper when falling, but the linesman had correctly flagged him offside. It was an early warning that Nordjsaelland did not heed, as Juve broke the deadlock moments later. Andrea Pirlo spread the play to the right for Isla to flash a ball across the face of goal and Claudio Marchisio was ready to tap in from seven yards. Jesper Hansen had to sprint out of his box to clear from Matri when the striker sprung the offside trap in midfield. Giovinco had penalty appeals for a handling offence as he went to hook the long ball, but the referee waved play on, while Nordsjaelland desperately cleared in the six-yard box as Asamoah pulled back from the by-line. Marchisio threatened a second goal on 17 minutes when getting in front of his marker to run on to a ball over the top, but the goalkeeper parried from point-blank range with his knee. Arturo Vidal fired over from a Giovinco assist, while a crucial Enoch Adu tackle stopped the Atomic Ant short as he was about to pull the trigger. Juventus did double their lead with Vidal acting as a real goal poacher. Isla put the loose ball back into the middle and Vidal’s shot was charged down by Lorentzen, but the defender wasn’t alert enough and Vidal snuck back in at full stretch to prod it in at the near post from six yards. Isla charged into the area to sting Hansen’s palms, then from a Pirlo corner the looping Matri header cracked against the crossbar on 26 minutes, as it was absolute domination from the Italians. A corner was cleared to outside the box, where Marchisio unleashed a blockbuster that Hansen palmed round the upright with great difficulty. Giovinco broke his Champions League drought after numerous attempts in this first half. He gathered from Pirlo down the right and took advantage of Ivan Runje backing off slightly to smash an angled drive across Hansen towards the far corner. Asamoah’s volley turned into an assist for Matri, but his first touch on the turn let him down. Juventus 3-0 Nordjsaelland (Half-Time) Scorers: Marchisio 6 (J), Vidal 22 (J), Giovinco 37 (J) Juventus: Buffon; Barzagli, Bonucci, Chiellini; Isla, Vidal, Pirlo, Marchisio, Asamoah; Matri, Giovinco Nordsjaelland: J Hansen; Parkhurst, Okore, Runje, Mtiliga; Adu, Stokholm; Laudrup, Lorentzen, John; Beckmann Ref: Stavrev (MKD)

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE (4th leg) - 7-11-2012 (8:45 p.m.) ................ JUVENTUS - NORDSJAELLAND Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee: Aleksandar Stavrev (Macedonia) Line-ups: Juventus-Nordsjaelland Nov 7, 2012 Juventus must beat Nordsjaelland tonight to stay in the Champions League, so look to Alessandro Matri and Sebastian Giovinco. The pressure is on the Bianconeri after their 49-match unbeaten Serie A run was ended by Inter on Saturday and their European hopes are hanging by a thread too following three stalemates. Mirko Vucinic is not even on the bench due to a bruised calf muscle, joining Simone Pepe in the stands. Stand-in Coach Angelo Alessio confirmed Matri would start, though there was a question mark on whether his partner would be Fabio Quagliarella or Giovinco. Mauricio Isla and Kwadwo Asamoah take the flanks in a 3-5-2 system, but there is no room for Paul Pogba or Nicklas Bendtner, who are only on the bench. Nordsjaelland earned their first ever Champions League group phase point – and goal – when holding Juve to a 1-1 draw. The Danes have no particular injury concerns going into this game, as captain Nicolai Stokholm is back after missing the weekend’s Danish Super League tie with a calf problem. They therefore use exactly the same line-up that held Juventus in their last meeting. Juve have now drawn their last nine consecutive UEFA fixtures, but a win could put them back into contention as top two Shakhtar Donetsk and Chelsea face off at Stamford Bridge tonight. Shakhtar lead Group E with seven points, followed by Chelsea on four, Juventus three and Nordsjaelland just one. Juventus: Buffon; Barzagli, Bonucci, Chiellini; Isla, Vidal, Pirlo, Marchisio, Asamoah; Matri, Giovinco Juventus bench: Storari, Lucio, Caceres, Pogba, Giaccherini, Bendtner, Quagliarella Nordsjaelland: J Hansen; Parkhurst, Okore, Runje, Mtiliga; Adu, Stokholm; Laudrup, Lorentzen, John; Beckmann Nordsjaelland bench: R Jensen, Gundelach, Christensen, Ticinovic, Issah, Christiansen, Nordstrand

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE (4th leg) - 7-11-2012 (8:45 p.m.) ................ JUVENTUS - NORDSJAELLAND Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee: Aleksandar Stavrev (Macedonia) Matri in for Vucinic as Juventus take on Nordsjaelland The Italian striker has been chosen to lead the Old Lady attack against their Danish opponents on Wednesday evening, with the Montenegro international unavailable. Nov 7, 2012 Alessandro Matri has been chosen to partner Sebastian Giovinco up front, in a Champions League match against Nordsjaelland the Turin giants must win to keep alive their hopes of making the next round of the competition. The 28-year-old got the nod after it was confirmed that Mirko Vucinic would miss out on the match through injury, having sustained a knock in the weekend reverse against Inter that ended the side's incredible run of 49 Serie A matches without defeat. Fabio Quagliarella and Nicklas Bendtner, who were also in contention for the place left vacant by the Montenegro international, start from the bench. Stephan Lichtsteiner is another change from Saturday, as he is replaced in the starting line-up by Mauricio Isla who will play on the right side of a five-man midfield. The visitors, who lie bottom of Group E having picked up just one point from their opening three fixtures, are boosted by confirmation that Nicolai Stokholm will be fit to play. The club captain was a doubt before kick-off due to injury, but will take the field; Lasse Petry, meanwhile, is out. Juventus (3-5-2): Buffon; Barzagli, Bonucci, Chiellini; Isla, Vidal, Pirlo, Marchisio, Asamoah; Matri, Giovinco. Nordsjaelland (4-5-1): Hansen; Okore, Mtiliga, Parkhurst, Runje; Adu, Stokholm, Lorentzen, John, Laudrup; Beckmann.

CHAMPIONSLEAGUE.CA UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE (4th leg) - 7-11-2012 (8:45 p.m.) ................ JUVENTUS - NORDSJAELLAND Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee: Aleksandar Stavrev (Macedonia) Juventus vs. Nordsjaelland Preview Nov 7, 2012 Wednesday night features an important Champions League Group E match between Juventus and Nordsjaelland in Turin. Sitting on three points just one behind second place Chelsea, Juve are in a must win situation. With the defending European champions traveling to Donetsk to face Shakhtar, it’s a real opportunity for the Bianconeri to take three points off Nordsjaelland at home as they have a very good chance of ending the week in the top two. As usual, Juventus will deploy their 3-5-2 system with the regular back line of Giorgio Chiellini, Leonardo Bonucci, and Andrea Barzagli with Gianluigi Buffon in goal. Kwadwo Asamoah missed the game in Copenhagen, so he could slot in the left wingback position alongside the midfield trio of Andrea Pirlo, one of Arturo Vidal or Claudio Marchisio, and Paul Pogba, who is rumoured to start tomorrow night. Mauricio Isla will most likely replace Stephan Lichtsteiner on the right side after the Swiss defender featured on the weekend against Inter. Juve assistant manager Angelo Alessio confirmed that Alessandro Matri will start up front, but his partner is yet to be determined. Sebastian Giovinco or Fabio Quagliarella are the choices as Mirko Vucinic is questionable, so he might be a substitute if necessary. Nordsjaelland have a few injury problems coming into the game. The Danish outfit could be without their captain Nicolai Stockholm, and while he has travelled to Turin, he missed the weekend match with a calf injury. Lasse Petry is also sidelined alongside Joe Sise. The key man for the Danish champions is Jores Okore, who was magnificent in the reverse fixture. Mikkel Beckmann might be the lone striker up front, he’ll be trying for his second goal in as many games against his childhood club. Jesper Hansen will be the starting goalkeeper, he was also brilliant against the Bianconeri two weeks ago. He might be just as occupied tomorrow. The storyline surrounding this match is all about Juventus. The Scudetto holders had their 49 game undefeated run end on Saturday after a 3-1 loss at home to arch rivals Inter in the Derby d’Italia. Everyone will be watching to see how they cope with the defeat and whether or not they’ll be able to snap another streak: Nine straight draws in Europe. The derby on Saturday taught everyone two things about this football club. Firstly, they miss Antonio Conte. Angelo Alessio has proven to be a good assistant, but he’s managed his team to some less than convincing results like the 1-1 draw two weeks ago to Nordsjaelland. He lacks the motivation and what Italians call “grinta” that Conte has, so we’ll see if he can truly lead this team or if he’s simply warming up Conte’s seat for the next month. Second, Juventus desperately lack finishing in their strike force. Normally the midfield bails out The Old Lady, but against Inter all five of them were outplayed. Tomorrow will be the re-test as to whether the strikers can deliver in big matches and not be saved by the likes of Paul Pogba and Arturo Vidal. For Nordsjaelland, they’ll be hoping to build on their impressive display last matchday. They played very well against Juve and deserved their point. If they stick to that same game plan, they have a good chance at getting a similar result. They’ll need to do something Inter Milan did effectively if they are to accomplish that. Man mark Andrea Pirlo, and stop the forward runs and long balls of Leonardo Bonucci. Inter manager Andrea Stramaccioni focused on this and it completely shut down Juventus’ attack and also put pressure on them at the back. If Nordsjaelland do this, it could be another Champions League nightmare for the home side.

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE (4th leg) - 7-11-2012 (8:45 p.m.) ................ JUVENTUS - NORDSJAELLAND Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee: Aleksandar Stavrev (Macedonia) Alessio: Matri Will Start For Juventus Against Nordsjaelland Nov 7, 2012 Juventus assistant Angelo Alessio has stated that Alessandro Matri will start Wednesday’s Champions League fixture against Nordsjaelland. The Bianconeri host the Danish champions but have seen their attacking options depleted after Mirko Vucinic picked up an injury in the Derby d’Italia. “He has a bruised calf, so we want to rest him”, Alessio said. However the 47 year old believes there is plenty of quality in the squad to overcome any problems. “Alessandro Matri will start on Wednesday, alongside either Fabio Quagliarella or Sebastian Giovinco. We are happy with all our strikers”. Alessio also has confidence that Nicklas Bendtner will prove a hit in Turin despite failing to make an impression so far. “Nicklas Bendtner has started well, but we expect him to improve and get on the scoresheet soon.” Juventus currently sit third in Group E after drawing their opening three games. The group’s other game sees leaders Shakhtar Donetsk travel to Stamford Bridge to face Chelsea.

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE (4th leg) - 7-11-2012 (8:45 p.m.) ................ JUVENTUS - NORDSJAELLAND Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee: Aleksandar Stavrev (Macedonia) FC Nordsjaelland defender Jores Okore ready to step up against Juventus Nov 7, 2012 FC Nordsjaelland defender Jores Okore admits the team may be nervous ahead of kick-off against Italian giants Juventus when they meet in the UEFA Champions League on Wednesday night, but he remains optimistic they can claim a positive result. The plucky Danes stunned their illustrious opposition a fortnight ago as they held Juve to a draw in Copenhagen, but the Superliga champions now face a testing trip to Turin to take on the Serie A title-holders and Okore expects a completely different match. "I will probably be a little nervous when we go into the match," said the stopper, whose side sit bottom of Group E and two points adrift of third-placed Juve. "It is a big job but I am ready to take responsibility, and I am good at telling myself that it's just a football game." Juventus assistant manager Angelo Alessio is targeting the knockout stages for the Italians and believes that such an achievement would represent significant progress for a side that was only promoted from Serie B in 2007. He said: "We would like to move forward in the Champions League and to get in the knockout stage. But we also know that we are on a path of growth, we have not forgotten where we came from and that we have so many rookies in this team." Juventus will hand a fitness test to Mirko Vucinic, with the Montenegrin striker a doubt after suffering a calf injury against Inter Milan at the weekend. Fabio Quagliarella, Alessandro Matri and Nicklas Bendtner are all vying to replace Vucinic, although the latter has still to score since joining on loan from Arsenal. Nordsjaelland will make a late decision on whether captain Nicolai Stokholm will be fit to play after sustaining a calf injury. He has travelled to Turin with the rest of the squad after a scan on Monday was positive after he sat out the weekend's game against Sonderjyske.

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE (4th leg) - 7-11-2012 (8:45 p.m.) ................ JUVENTUS - NORDSJAELLAND Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee: Aleksandar Stavrev (Macedonia) Juventus vs. FC Nordsjælland Preview: A Must-Win Situation Nov 7, 2012 JUST WIN, DAMMIT. Here are six words I've never typed in my 16 months writing for this blog: "Juventus is coming off a loss." I don't know what to do. These new-found words are killing me. I'm just not used to this. Okay, fine. I'll carry on. Juventus begins the second round of Champions League group fixtures with only one objective: GOTTA WIN. That's the only thing that matters. Because of three draws in the first three group games, there's now nothing else that needs to be done The situation is clear: Juventus needs to win out to leapfrog Chelsea in the Group E standings. That's not exactly a monumental task to ask, especially since the defending European champs have to face Shakhtar tomorrow. But, with Chelsea coming to Turin in a couple weeks and a huge trip to Ukraine lurking in the distance, now is the time to snap out of this Champions League funk and get some momentum going again. I know I haven't said it in awhile, so here goes nothing: AVANTI! GOOD NEWS The line of thinking is that after a team loses, it gets pissed off. So, if a team loses to its arch-rival, it would be even more pissed off, right? That's the hope. That's what everybody wants to see from Juventus tomorrow night when they take the field. And even more motivation: How Juventus played the last time they faced the Danish champions. If that isn't enough reason to get up for this one and then go out and get three points, then I don't know what to say. The fixture list has been kind to Juve when it comes to who is scheduled back-to-back games in the Champions League. BAD NEWS It's the Champions League and Juventus has been doing a lot of not winning in Europe lately. That's probably gonna have to change as soon as possible, fellas. Just a piece of advice there for you. WHAT TO WATCH FOR 1. How Juventus starts. This is here for the sole reason of how they started last time Nordsjaelland was the opponents: TERRIBLY. Juve can't afford to have the Danish champs hanging around and risk there being any chance of a draw. Sure, a win is a win. But will anybody really feel comfortable if Juventus are playing mediocre and it's still tied 0-0 with not much time to be played? An early goal will do wonders to help Juve get three points. Although, the last time that happened it didn't really help in the grand scheme of things... 2. How Juventus finishes the game. You mention one, you're probably going to get the other. That's just how things go. And mainly since Juventus' second half against Inter wasn't very good at all, it's going to be interesting to see how things go the next time around. Up until Saturday's loss, Juve have been relatively strong when it comes to holding leads in the second half. But, with a loss in the rear view mirror now, it's going to be interesting to see how exactly the team responds. Gee, where have I said that before? I should stop repeating myself in this preview. 3. The Mirko Effect. Do Juventus bring the mustached wonder back from his injury he suffered against Inter for a must-win Champions League contest and then sit him out over the weekend against Pescara? Or, do Juventus have Vucinic lay low and have him available against one of Serie A's newest teams? 4. Matri Watch 2012. Why? Because of this: Alessio: Matri will start tomorrow night and will be partnered by Quagliarella or Giovinco So, we know one of the starting strikers, thus making point No. 3 somewhat meaningless at this point since we know Vucinic won't play from the opening whistle. It's another chance for Matri to try and show his potential as the striker shuffle continues. His dip in form is pretty well documented by now, so I won't say much more than that. But if he's struggling, don't be surprised if Angelo Alessio has a quick hook and goes to somebody else. 5. The Giovinco Effect. Man, this lil' fella sure gets people talking — and it was no different after the Inter loss. The doubters were out in full force on the Twitter machine. Some of the criticism was valid, some probably a bit over the top considering who Juventus had just lost to. But the fact still remains that Super Seba has yet to totally find his feet since returning in the summer. Some people's patience is wearing out, some are still keeping the faith in the Juve youth product. I, myself, like to think I'm in the second group. But there's no denying that if he wants to start more often than not for the immediate future, things are going to have to improve. 6. The home crowd. Not because they were so great the last time the Champions League came to Juventus Stadium, it's because they weren't. Things are supposed to be resolved between the ultras and the club, but who really knows what is really the case sometimes. All I know is that the stadio better be rocking for the last two home games of the group stage. If not, there will be a lot of questions to be asked. My starting XI (3-5-2): Buffon; Barzagli, Bonucci, Chiellini; Caceres, Vidal, Pirlo, Marchisio, Asamoah; Matri, Giovinco

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE (4th leg) - 7-11-2012 (8:45 p.m.) ................ JUVENTUS - NORDSJAELLAND Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee: Aleksandar Stavrev (Macedonia) Juventus vs Nordsjælland PREVIEW: A Bit Of Perspective Nov 7, 2012 It hasn’t been a great week by recent standards. But considering that one year ago Juventus was hovering just on the outskirts of the top of the table, with the most optimistic hope for a top-3 finish and a return to the Champions League brings back perspective – that when tifosi were stunned from a loss to Inter Milan, it was only because it prevented the 50th – read that again, yes 50th – consecutive undefeated match from occurring, well… A bit of perspective is in order. It’s time to bring perspective away from domestic competition and think about what the initial goal from last season, the UCL. Having accomplished that and then some, bringing home a serious piece of silverware, the bianconeri stay home to face Nordsjaelland in what is undoubtedly a must-win in order to keep their Champions League hopes alive (or at least into the knockout stage in order to secure that revenue remains on its way in). It’s a bit of dejavu all over again for Juventus, as a paltry 3 points out of 3 games conjures memories from the team’s last jaunt into Europe (the secondary competition that is). Despite all three draws coming from behind and arguably showing that ‘grinta’ rediscovered after last year, some wonderful opportunities to gain a foothold in the group have gone squandered. Sitting in third place, they need to capture all three points at home against the little Danes that could; especially considering that the next two fixtures are away at Shakhtar and, albeit home, against defending Champions Chelsea. Nordsjaelland, meanwhile, have just about saw the clock hit 11:59 from inside their magic pumpkin. Although, what is critical to note is that the one point they’ve earned in their first trip to Europe’s elite competition was against yours truly. What will be key is whether Juventus can recoup and recover from the aforementioned defeat from last weekend. A common narrative from the aftermath has been that exact question. Yes, it is true that champions are made out of that ability. Juventus under Antonio Conte have never experienced that before, so their ability to rebound is virtually untested to this point (absent a post-scudetto hangover-induced thrashing to Napoli). That, and whether the rigors of playing on three fronts will finally catch up to them. Despite that, reports suggest that interim coach Carrera Alessio (edit: whoever it is at this point) will play it safe with most of the lineup. I am a bit surprised to not see the lineup shift a bit more, expecting perhaps to see Lucio or Martin Caceres make a spot start to provide a breather for Andrea Barzagli or Giorgio Chiellini; although the former’s recent displays probably attest to why not. Perhaps more surprising, recent hero teenage mutant ninja Pogba finding a spot in the starting XI. Per recent custom, the only changes seem to be the perpetually moving striker-carousel. Although goalless, Niklas Bendtner has looked decent off the ball and is surely not lacking in confidence – something a team with a tendency to miss that last winning goal could use a bit more of in the final third – and could also find a start against his (and Lars’) countrymen. As for Nordsjælland, you’re lucky I can deliver a probable XI. Although rumors have been swirling that a certain Danish writer of JuventiKNOWS is offering readers one swift kick to his Danish groin per person in order to soften the blow in the event of dropped points. At press time, these reports could neither be confirmed nor denied, so I’ll just go ahead and confirm them to be on the safe side. Juventus Probable Formation: (3-5-2) Buffon; Barzagli, Bonucci, Chiellini; Lichtsteiner, Vidal, Pirlo, Marchisio, Asamoah; Matri, Quagliarella Nordsjaelland Probable Formation: (4-3-3) Hansen; Parkhurst, Okore, Runje, Mtiliga; Adu, Lorentzen, Stockholm; Laudrup, Beckmann, John What makes a truly championship-caliber team is the ability to show resiliency in the wake of crushing defeat. Let’s not forget that the Mourinho-era Inter — a team widely regarded as one of the recent best in Italian and European football — never came close to such a long unbeaten run, even losing to an eventual 7th place Juventus during the course of that historic treble-winning season. The response in Turin will be key in terms of momentum moving forward, with ramifications beyond the Champions League. And for the love of God, let’s please just have a win in Europe already.

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE (4th leg) - 7-11-2012 (8:45 p.m.) ................ JUVENTUS - NORDSJAELLAND Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee: Aleksandar Stavrev (Macedonia) Juventus must defeat Nordsjaelland at all costs, insists Alessio The Bianconeri assistant coach is aware of the importance of Wednesday's encounter, and has stressed that the team need to triumph over the Danish champions. Nov 7, 2012 Angelo Alessio has insisted that Juventus cannot afford to spill points against Nordsjaelland in their quest to claim a place in the Champions League knokout stages. The Serie A champions currently sit third in Group E after three draws, and their assistant coach has made it clear that they desperately need a victory to advance to the round of 16. "We understand the importance of this game. It’s an encounter to be won at all costs," Alessio said at a press conference. "In order to do this we need to be determined and hungry to get the result. We’re aiming to progress in the Champions League and get through to the last 16. "But we also acknowledge that we’re still developing as a side. Let’s not forget where we started out and the fact that we have many players experiencing this competition for the first time." Wednesday's match at the Juventus Stadium is scheduled to kick off at 20:45CET.

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE (4th leg) - 7-11-2012 (8:45 p.m.) ................ JUVENTUS - NORDSJAELLAND Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee: Aleksandar Stavrev (Macedonia) Bendtner eyes Champions League goal Nov 7, 2012 Nicklas Bendtner is hoping to hit the back of the net for Juventus against Nordsjaelland tonight – but he’s not expected to start. The Italian champions will entertain the Danish side at the Juventus Stadium in a game they must win after collecting just three draws from three games so far this term. “I want to score my first Champions League goal for Juventus,” the attacker, on loan from Arsenal, stated. The Old Lady, however, are set to field a front two consisting of Alessandro Matri alongside either Sebastian Giovinco or Fabio Quagliarella. Mirko Vucinic will not be risked because of a fitness issue. Juventus possible: Buffon; Barzagli, Bonucci, Chiellini; Lichtsteiner, Vidal, Pirlo, Marchisio, Asamoah; Matri, Giovinco.

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE (4th leg) - 7-11-2012 (8:45 p.m.) ................ JUVENTUS - NORDSJAELLAND Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee: Aleksandar Stavrev (Macedonia) Juventus in need of a reaction Nov 7, 2012 Juventus lost their unbeaten record on Saturday and, as Luca Cetta writes, they need to rediscover their hunger tonight against Nordsjaelland. There was something in the air in the black and white half of Turin on Sunday. It was a sensation rarely felt since May 2011. Then it was another in a line of continual disappointments. This was more unexpected. After 49 Serie A games without tasting defeat, Juventus witnessed their run come to a screeching halt at the hands of bitter rivals Inter. Not since Parma’s 2-0 win in Week 37 of season 2010-11 had they placed a stroke in the L column. Nine games prior was the last home defeat, against Milan. Like a never-ending goods train Juventus chugged along undefeated. Antonio Conte now faces a first in his Bianconeri stint – rebounding from a loss. They’ve lost before under the former captain, the Coppa Italia Final last term. But on that occasion they did not have to bounce back four days later. This loss dented their aura of invincibility, which Conte needs to drill into his players again. Perhaps he will turn to the mythical ‘bat of nails’ to gain the required reaction. It did wonders for joker in the pack Simone Pepe last season. Short of greeting every player with a whack of the bat as they entered Vinovo after the loss, Conte would have reminded his squad at training that this season is no cruise, even for the deemed favourites. Recent performances – even if the right results were obtained – proved that. Saturday also proved that. It followed the recent trend. Starting well, switching off then finishing with a late flurry. Perhaps after taking the lead Juventus expected to walk away with a win, after all it had occurred so many times during the past year. This was to be different. The Bianconeri were punished by a team in fine form who tactically out-thought the Turin giants. As they pushed at the death Juve were hit at the other end. Captain Gianluigi Buffon felt Juventus were carefree. “I did not like our attitude after we went 1-0 up. I don’t understand why we sat there waiting for them outside our own box, we were far too carefree. In my view we could’ve dealt with the game differently, but after 15 minutes we just left the initiative to them.” Not since the demolition of Roma have Juventus battered an opponent. Gone are the swashbuckling displays of 2011-12, replaced by in-part brilliance and individual moments. With the additions to the calendar it is to be expected the level of intensity will not remain at its peak constantly. And after the drop, it is up to Conte to remind the team only with hard work will they prevail. Aside from the change in mentality, the visit of Nordsjaelland is a chance to alter personnel. Bring in players hungry to succeed, players with something to prove. Paul Pogba, Fabio Quagliarella and Mauricio Isla fit the bill. Another has been guaranteed a spot from the first whistle – Alessandro Matri will start in place of the injured Mirko Vucinic. The Old Lady is aware anything less than a win over the Danes will signal the end of her Champions League campaign. This means snapping the European draw-a-thon. They must put Nordsjaelland to the sword, boosting confidence and qualification chances. Use anger of the weekend loss to spur them. Channel their inner-Conte and Juve will be on their way towards victory. As Buffon indicated the run had to end at some point. In context of the Champions League, possibly it came at the right time as Juventus looks to rediscover their verve in a must-win circumstance. As far as Serie A is concerned, Juve remains first with the second best attack and equal-second best defence. One loss is not a disaster. They just need a reminder of what this Juventus is about.