Socrates

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE (2nd leg) - 2-10-2012 (8:45 p.m.) ................ JUVENTUS - SHAKHTAR DONETSK Juventus stadium - Turin Referee: Bas Nijhuis (Netherlands) Juventus revert to Chelsea XI Oct 1, 2012 Juventus will reportedly field the same starting XI who took on Chelsea when they face Shakhtar Donetsk. The Old Lady returned to the Champions League at Stamford Bridge two weeks ago and collected a creditable 2-2 draw after coming from 2-0 down. According to speculation on Monday, Conte will keep the faith with the men who started in London on that night. The Turin giants will hold their first ever Champions League game at the Juventus Stadium on Tuesday. Boss Conte should thus make three changes from the team that beat Roma 4-1 on Saturday. Stephan Lichtsteiner and Kwadwo Asamoah should replace Martin Caceres and Paolo De Ceglie on the flanks. In attack, Sebastian Giovinco is in pole position to replace Alessandro Matri alongside Mirko Vucinic. Juventus probable: Buffon; Barzagli, Bonucci, Chiellini; Lichtsteiner, Vidal, Pirlo, Marchisio, Asamoah; Vucinic, Giovinco.

................ JUVENTUS - SHAKHTAR DONETSK UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE (2^ giornata di andata) Juventus stadium - Torino martedì 2-10-2012 - Ore 20:45 Arbitro: Bas Nijhuis (Olanda) Confronti ufficiali 2 - 2 (Coppa UEFA) Vittorie Juventus 1 - 1 (Coppa UEFA) Pareggi 0 Vittorie Shakhtar 1 - 1 (Coppa UEFA) Goals Juventus 3 - 3 (Coppa UEFA) Goals Shakhtar 1 - 1 (Coppa UEFA) Juventus - Shakhtar a Torino Confronti ufficiali 1 Vittorie Juventus 1 (Il 24.11.1976, 3-0 - Coppa UEFA) Pareggi 0 Vittorie Shakhtar 0 Goals Juventus 3 Goals Shakhtar 0 Giocatori con più presenze e goals contro lo Shakhtar 2 presenze Benetti Romeo 2 Bettega Roberto 2 Boninsegna Roberto 2 Causio Franco 2 Cuccureddu Antonello 2 Scirea Gaetano 2 Spinosi Luciano 2 Tardelli Marco 2 Zoff Dino 1 Furino Giuseppe 1 goal Bettega Roberto 1 Boninsegna Roberto 1 Tardelli Marco Ultimi confronti diretti 24.11.1976 Coppa UEFA Juventus-Shakhtar Donetsk 3-0 08.12.1976 Coppa UEFA Shakhtar Donetsk-Juventus 1-0 Giocate 2 - Vittorie Juventus 1 - Pareggi 0 - Vittorie Shakhtar 1 - Goals Juventus 3 - Goals Shakhtar 1

Serie A - 6^ Giornata - Andata - 29-9-2012 (ore 20:45) 4 - 1 Andrea Pirlo (11′) Arturo Vidal (16' - R.) Alessandro Matri (19′) Osvaldo (69′ - R.) Sebastian Giovinco (90′) Juventus Stadium - Torino Arbitro: Nicola Rizzoli Spettatori: 39221 La Roma si schianta sul treno Juve: 4-1 Troppa Juventus per la Roma di Zeman che dopo 19 minuti è già sotto 3-0 grazie alle reti di Pirlo, Vidal e Matri. Giallorossi "in partita" solo a risultato ormai compromesso con il gol di Osvaldo su rigore. Chiude la rete di Giovinco nel recupero. Eurosport - Sabato, 29 settembre 2012 Continua il tabù Juventus Stadium per la Roma che dopo il 4-0 della passata stagione, esce con le ossa rotte – e non solo – anche in questo caso subendo un 4-1 che lascia poco spazio alle discussioni e riporta i bianconeri ad un momentaneo +3 sul Napoli. Se la Juventus continua così il suo cammino vincente che la vede ormai a 45 turni consecutivi in serie A senza subire sconfitte, l’impressione, in negativo, è tutta per la Roma di Zdenek Zeman. IN BAMBOLA - Il riferimento al risultato della passata stagione non è casuale. Se l’undici di Luis Enrique infatti, dopo 29 minuti, si era trovato sotto 3 a 0 e con un uomo in meno, Zeman riesce “nell’impresa” di farlo in 19 minuti e in parità numerica. L’atteggiamento della squadra giallorossa è infatti al limite dell’impresentabilità mettendo in scena difetti congeniti della filosofia zemaniana – la difesa ballerina –, scelte di ruolo discutibili e una scarsa efficacia in zona offensiva che è tutto sommato una novità. Se un Pirlo libero di agire indisturbato passa probabilmente una delle sue serate più divertenti da molto tempo a questa parte, non lo fa il centrocampo della Roma, incapace di trovare soluzioni al pressing asfissiante dei bianconeri, di fare filtro per la difesa e di riuscire ad inspirare i suoi avanti: insomma, in una parola, di giocare una partita alla pari. I 19 MINUTI DI FUOCO - La superiorità della Juventus è quindi totale e dopo 19 minuti del primo tempo la gara è già di fatto decisa. All’8’ Caceres scappa sulla destra e mette al centro: Matri non ci arriva di pochissimo e Marchisio, sul secondo palo, non trova lo specchio. Passano 3 minuti e la Juve va avanti. Su un lancio dalle retrovie la difesa della Roma è in vacanza e Taddei deve stendere Marchisio lanciato a rete; dagli sviluppi della punizione Pirlo trova il buco nella barriera e punisce un rivedibile Stekelenburg sul suo palo. E’ solo l’inizio di un incubo per il portiere giallorosso. Al 16’ infatti l’olandese è costretto all’uscita disperata su Marchisio capace ancora di infilarsi nel burro della difesa giallorossa; il portiere della Roma riesce sì nell’anticipo ma il pallone resta in zona pericolosa e sulla conclusione a botta sicura di Vidal, Castan deve immolarsi allargando un braccio: giallo e calcio di rigore che lo stesso cileno infila per il 2-0. Nemmeno il tempo di tornare a centrocampo e la Juve fa tris: la Roma, ancora altissima, prova un fuorigioco inspiegabile sul lancio lungo per Matri che, pur non concludendo benissimo, infila solo davanti a Stekelenburg il 3-0 che chiude la gara. Diciannove minuti e per l’undici di Zeman è notte buia. ROMA, TRAVERSA AMICA - Sì perché la Juventus, come spesso gli accade, continua ad affrontare la gara come se fosse uno zero a zero e, solo un po’ di leziosità sotto porta degli avanti bianconeri, salvano la Roma da un risultato più ampio. De Rossi nella posizione di interno di centrocampo sembra decisamente fuori ruolo, la difesa non imbrocca un movimento, Totti e Osvaldo sono abbandonati al proprio destino e l’intensità del pressing bianconero, insieme a un Pirlo libero di pensare (e agire!) fanno sì che la Juventus vada prima con Marchisio (22’) e poi con Vucinic (36’) – entrambi fermati dalla traversa – ancora vicina al gol. STEKELENBURG SALVA TUTTO - L’intervallo corre così in soccorso dei giallorossi che però, ad inizio ripresa, si presentano inspiegabilmente con lo stesso undici e, come facilmente prevedibile, continuano a subire lo stesso tipo di trattamento della prima frazione. Vucinic dopo 40 secondi chiama Stekelenburg al grande intervento, Matri è lento 9 minuti più tardi a scattare sul filtrante proprio del montenegrino. La Roma si salva e Zeman, al 61’, si sveglia: fuori Totti e Tachtsidis dentro Destro e Perrotta. QUESTIONE DI GIRI - Il doppio cambio rinvigorisce la Roma che con il campione del mondo trova un po’ di dinamismo nella zona nevralgica del campo e con il giovane attaccante un po’ di movimento in un attacco statico come piloni dell’alta tensione. In contemporanea poi, la Juventus opta per un drastico taglio ai consumi, levando il piede dall’acceleratore del pressing e permettendo alla Roma di trovare un po’ di campo e fiducia: Destro ci prova al 67’ con una pregevolissima girata al volo e due minuti più tardi si conquista un rigore per una netta ostruzione in area di Bonucci. Osvaldo spiazza Buffon e il punteggio – solo quello – si riapre. ZEMAN, CONTROINDICAZIONI E (PRESUNTI) VANTAGGI - Sì perché la Juventus, spaventata, nel giro di 3 minuti fa capire che la macchina, per quanto a giri bassi, è dotata di un’ottima ripresa e con Marchisio – destro a giro vicino al palo -, Vucinic – gran conclusione da fuori – e Bonucci – gol annullato per fuorigioco -, può ancora fare male. Avvisaglia consegnata, i bianconeri tornano a chiudere tutti gli spazi a una Roma sì in grado di mantenere tra i piedi il pallone ma di farlo con ritmi decisamente poco pericolosi. E’ quindi Barzagli, al 90’, a punire ancora una Roma sbilanciata superando con un pregevole sombrero Taddei e lanciando il contropiede che Giovinco – entrato a un quarto d’ora dalla fine al posto di Matri – chiude saltando Stekelnburg e infilando il 4-1 che mette fine ai giochi. Per la Juventus l’ennesimo esame di maturità (se ancora ce ne fosse bisogno) superato. Per la Roma un pesante ridimensionamento sul quale a Trigoria ci sarà da riflettere: se la difesa ballerina è una controindicazione ben indicata sul “pacchetto Zeman”, il gioco spumeggiante è la garanzia che invoglia il consumatore a correre il rischio. Di quello però, fin ora, se n’è visto ben poco. Simone Eterno - Eurosport Juventus 4-1 Roma

Juventus have rediscovered taste for Champions League, says Chiellini The Bianconeri have returned to Europe's premier competition after two seasons in the wilderness, and the defender is eager to make up for lost time. Oct 1, 2012 Juventus defender Giorgio Chiellini has spoken of his excitement as the club prepare to host Shakhtar Donetsk in the first Champions League game at their new ground. The Turin giants moved to Juventus Stadium at the start of last term and stormed to the Serie A title, securing a place back in Europe's top competition after a two-year absence. "The first game in the Champions Leauge in the new stadium will certainly be emotional for us all," he told reporters at a press conference. "It has been hard to be just spectators in recent years, but we got a taste for it again in London [against Chelsea a fortnight ago]. We want to show the whole of Europe what we can do. "We don't plan on going out in the group stage, or even qualifying for the Europa League. We always aim high." The Italy international went on to warn of the threat posed by the Ukrainian champions, who reached the quarter-finals of the competition two years ago, eventually losing out to Barcelona. "We are playing a side I think are very strong and generally underestimated," he continued. "They play in Ukraine and are maybe not so well-known, but I can assure you at least half would be first-teamers in many European sides and we will need the best possible Juventus against them. "It's a decisive game because a win can put you into a favourable position. We are not favourites for this game or this group - Shakhtar have been in the Champions League for years and have gained a lot more experience than us."

Serie A Team of the Week: Miccoli magic steals the show Goal.com looks at the star performers from the latest round of Italian league action at the weekend. Oct 1, 2012 It was a five-star weekend for one player in Serie A in round six, but it was a magnificent four-star effort from a single club as Bologna find themselves with a quartet of representatives in this week's Goal.com Team of the Week. The Rossoblu contingent begins in goal, where Federico Agliardi helped set up his side for a 4-0 victory over Catania at the Renato dall'Ara with an excellent display between the sticks after replacing Gianluca Curci at the midway point. That's one way of winning your place back! His back line starts with Andrea Barzagli, who not only kept Francesco Totti et al quiet against Roma, but also set up Juventus' late fourth goal with a barnstorming run down the right wing before slotting a great ball through for Sebastian Giovinco. In the centre of the back three is our second Bologna hero, Mikael Antonsson, who dealt superbly with the Etnei's 'triple threat' forward line of Alejandro Gomez, Pablo Barrientos and Gonzalo Bergessio. Christian Terlizzi's great weekend was only getting started when his thumping shot was deflected into the Cagliari net at the Is Arenas, with his Team of the Week entry also being recognition of his defensive effort in the Delfino's win. Gyorgy Garics' effort down the right for Bologna earns him a first call-up of the campaign, while Antonio Candreva also gets a debut in our side thanks to his contribution to Lazio's well-earned victory over Siena which took them back into the top four. Juventus were helped on their way to the 4-1 win over Roma by Claudio Marchisio, whose runs on the left of the midfield three had Rodrigo Taddei and Nicolas Burdisso at sixes and sevens, with only the bar preventing him from getting on the scoresheet. He is sandwiched by Laziali, with Ederson taking the last midfield slot thanks to a great shift against Siena, topped off with a headed goal in the 2-1 win. In the forward line, there are six goals to be boated, with half of them going to Fabrizio Miccoli. There wasn't a bad strike among the Palermo skipper's hat-trick, but the third was particularly spectacular as he magnificently lobbed Chievo's Stefano Sorrentino from distance. Alberto Gilardino gets a second TOTW appearance thanks to his smart double in Bologna's mauling of Catania, while Antonio Cassano gets a second successive call after his winning goal against Fiorentina capped a fine individual performance as the counter-attacking Nerazzurri saw off their slick-passing visitors. AGLIARDI (Bologna) BARZAGLI (JUVENTUS) - ANTONSSON (Bologna) - TERLIZZI (Pescara) GARICS (Bologna) - CANDREVA (Lazio) - MARCHISIO (JUVENTUS) - EDERSON (Lazio) MICCOLI (Palermo) - GILARDINO (Bologna) - CASSANO (Inter)

Serie A Round 6 Results: Miccoli hat-trick inspires Palermo to maiden victory, while Torino & Bologna rack up big wins An action-packed weekend also saw Lazio resume winning ways against plucky Siena, while Pescara recorded back-to-back successes with their first points away from home at Cagliari. Sep 30, 2012 Serie A Round 6 Results League Table PARMA 1 - 1 AC MILAN Match Report - Player Ratings JUVENTUS 4 - 1 ROMA Match Report - Player Ratings UDINESE 0 - 0 GENOA Udinese could only muster a goalless draw with Genoa at the Friuli on Sunday, as they looked lost for ideas in attack without captain Antonio Di Natale. The talisman was dropped to the substitutes' bench for the visit of the Ligurians following a bust-up with coach Francesco Guidolin, who was quick to add before the match that they had cleared the air, and his absence was keenly felt. They had the best chance of the game just two minutes in through Danilo, but the Brazilian's header from a corner came crashing off the upright, while Diego Fabbrini also came close in an otherwise scrappy encounter which will not live long in the memory. The Zebrette have notched up just six points in six matches and find themselves 15th. Genoa, meanwhile, pick up a successive point and are placed ninth. ATALANTA 1 - 5 TORINO Torino produced a scintillating second-half performance at the Azzurri d'Italia on Sunday to trounce Atalanta 5-1 and inflict a second straight defeat on the Orobici. Yet it was the hosts who took the lead on 28 minutes through German Denis, who collected Riccardo Cazzola's pass and struck the ball past Jean-Francois Gillet. However, Giacomo Bonaventura's clear handball in the box allowed Rolando Bianchi to grab the equaliser from the penalty spot. The incident marked the turning point of the match, as Torino flew out of the traps immediately after the restart. A corner was headed home by Alessandro Gazzi soon enough, before Alen Stevanovic applied the finish on Alessio Cerci's cross not long after the hour mark. There was still time to deepen Atalanta's woes, as Danilo D'Ambrosio made it 4-1 from a free header, and with little under 15 minutes to go, Rolando Bianchi saw a shot strike the bar and cross the line to complete the rout in Bergamo. The Granata are now sixth in the Serie A table, but the home team flounder in 15th place. BOLOGNA 4 - 0 CATANIA Bologna ended a run of two games without victory in style by coasting to a 4-0 win over Catania at the Dell'Ara on Sunday. Former Sevilla midfielder Tiberio Guarente took advantage of Alberto Gilardino's headed lay-off to break the deadlock, before Gyorgy Garics once again served as his side's provider, picking out Gilardino for his first of the afternoon. The Rossoblu were in a commanding position by the end of the first-half, and on the hour mark, Alessandro Diamanti beat the offside trap to float in a ball for Gilardino, who glanced past Mariano Andujar. The visitors' bad day wascompounded soon after when Ciro Capuano was given a straight red card. And deep in injury-time, Panagiotis Kone tapped an easy finish following more good work from Diamanti, as Bologna climbed to 12th in Serie A, with Catania dropping to 10th. CAGLIARI 1 - 2 PESCARA Pescara survived a late goal to eventually hang onto an impressive 2-1 away win over Cagliari on Sunday and extend their unbeaten run to three games. The match served as the long-awaited inauguration of the Is Arenas following last weekend's failure to host Roma, which was marred by Sardinians' president Massimo Cellino unsuccessfully overruling the local authorities' decision to play the fixture behind closed doors on security grounds. Still, it seems that the Rossoblu still need to acclimatise to their new surroundings. Christian Terlizzi struck the first goal inside the new stadium five minutes after the restart, albeit with a hefty touch of luck as his strike needed two deflections to beat Michael Agazzi. More bad news ensued for Cagliari, as they went a man down through Luca Rossettini, and the points were bagged by Pescara with 10 minutes remaining. Vladimir Weiss maintained his promising start to life in Serie A by finishing off a sweeping counterattack. Terlizzi conceded a late penalty, which Mauricio Pinilla made no mistake with, but the result keeps Cagliari bottom and without a win this term. The Delfini, however, soar to 13th. LAZIO 2 - 1 SIENA Lazio made sure that they put an end to their recent poor form with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Siena at the Olimpico. The Biancocelesti had lost their last two Serie A games, raising question marks over their ambitions for a top-three spot, but their cause was boosted significantly by Ederson's first goal for the club - a header from a corner. And when Siena goalkeeper Gianluca Pegolo brought down Miroslav Klose on the 37th minute, Cristian Ledesma netted the subsequent penalty, which proved the match-winner as Massimo Paci made for a tense ending in injury-time. The win moves Vladimir Petkovic's men to fourth, but the Tuscans reside in a lowly 19th place. PALERMO 4 - 1 CHIEVO Palermo finally got their season off the mark as they eased to an impressive 4-1 win against Chievo - their first of the campaign and under the management of Gian Piero Gasperini. The Rosanero took the lead inside 13 minutes through captain fantastic Fabrizio Miccoli, who curled in a magnificent free-kick. However, the visitors temporarily restored parity through Marco Rigoni directly from a corner-kick. Nonetheless, Miccoli was in no mood to see his side surrender yet more points, and his mazy dribble resulted in a fine second on the hour mark, and he played a huge role in Luigi Giorgi's strike with only 10 minutes left to seal the victory. Miccoli's virtuoso showing was capped off with a spectacular third of the afternoon, slamming a volley home late on. And while Franco Brienza's second yellow card may have taken some of the gloss off the result, Palermo move 17th, but Chievo drop to 18th. SAMPDORIA 0 - 1 NAPOLI Napoli ensured they kept up with pace-setters Juventus at the top of Serie A by scraping a 1-0 win at Sampdoria on Sunday. However, the victory was not as clear cut as the southerners would have liked. To begin with, coach Walter Mazzarri was given his marching orders at the end of the first-half after protesting at officials over a rash tackle by Pedro Obiang. Still, justice was served in the eyes of the trainer, as Daniele Gastaldello was too sent off for unfairly bringing down Marek Hamsik. It was the defender's second yellow card, and it allowed Edinson Cavani to continue his prolific start to the season from 12 yards out. The visitors stay second, tied on 16 points with Juve, following the win, but Sampdoria have now not prospered in their last three and are in fifth place. http://www.soccerway.com/national/italy/serie-a/20122013/regular-season/

Marchisio: I want to remain at Juventus my entire career The Italy international is not interested in leaving his current club, and feels the Bianconeri have one of the best midfields around in the game. Oct 1, 2012 Claudio Marchisio has made it clear that he has no intention of leaving Juventus any time soon as he wants to remain at the same club for the remainder of his career. The 26-year-old is a product of the Juve youth academy and has developed into a key player at the Serie A champions since his return to Turin after a one-year loan spell at Empoli in 2007-08. "I am feeling very young and I have an ongoing contract with Juventus. My dream is that when my contract expires in 2016, Juve offer me another five-year deal to keep me here until 2021," Marchisio was quoted as saying by Tuttosport. "People have likened me to Steven Gerrard, and I would love to be identified with only one team just like him." Juventus' midfield of Andrea Pirlo, Arturo Vidal and Marchisio has been described as one of the best in Europe, but the 28-cap international isn't sure whether they're the absolute best. "I do not know of many midfields that are stronger than ours. You could think about Bayern, even though they have a different style of play than us. "And then there's Spain, which brings forward Barcelona's midfield. "This Champions League campaign will show where we stand and whether Arturo and I are at that level yet. Andrea has already conquered the world and proven his worth." Marchisio will be looking to show what he can do on Tuesday, when Juventus host Shakhtar Donetsk in the Champions League.

Barzagli: 'Juve have more belief' Sep 30, 2012 Andrea Barzagli says Juventus “have even more belief than last season,” which is why they demolished Roma 4-1. “We put in a great performance and are very happy, especially as we were worried, knowing Roma’s qualities,” said the defender. “In the second half we could’ve controlled the game a little better, but in any case at the end of the day we did well.” Barzagli even went on a rare foray forward to set up the last-minute Sebastian Giovinco strike. “Did I get vertigo being that far up the pitch? Yes, my teammates all made fun of me! I had that little bit of energy left and joined the attack.” Juve are top of the table and extended their unbeaten Serie A run to 45 matches, but could be up there alone if Napoli don’t beat Sampdoria today. “We have reinforced the squad and have even more belief than last season, but we know Serie A is always going to be difficult and on top of that we’ve got Champions League commitments. “When we step up the tempo, we can make life tough for any opponent.”

Serie A - Week 6 - 29-9-2012 (8:45 p.m.) 4 - 1 Andrea Pirlo (11′) Arturo Vidal (16' - PG) Alessandro Matri (19′) Osvaldo (69′ - PG) Sebastian Giovinco (90′) Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee: Nicola Rizzoli Attendance: 39221 Giovinco proud of 'convincing performance' against Roma The 25-year-old spoke positively about his Bianconeri team-mates after the big win over the capital outfit on Saturday, claiming they can be pleased with their efforts. Sep 30, 2012 Juventus forward Sebastian Giovinco has praised his team-mates for giving 100 per cent in the 4-1 victory over Roma on Saturday. The forward grabbed the fourth goal in the 90th minute to round off an emphatic win for the current champions, and he is adamant that the result makes up for the stalemate against Fiorentina on Tuesday. "We were average in Florence, so it was important for us to win [on Saturday] and put in a convincing performance." the Italy international told the club's official website. Giovinco then went onto credit the overall performance of his colleagues, reserving particular plaudits for fellow striker Alessandro Matri. "All our strikers are scoring? I'm happy for Matri, as he wasn't going through the best of periods, and for myself too," he added. "It's great when everyone gives 100%. We'll celebrate a bit tonight, then start thinking about the Champions League tomorrow morning." http://www.soccerway.com/national/italy/serie-a/20122013/regular-season/

Serie A - Week 6 - 29-9-2012 (8:45 p.m.) 4 - 1 Andrea Pirlo (11′) Arturo Vidal (16' - PG) Alessandro Matri (19′) Osvaldo (69′ - PG) Sebastian Giovinco (90′) Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee: Nicola Rizzoli Attendance: 39221 De Rossi: Aiming for Scudetto would be wrong The midfielder was visibly disappointed and frank when reacting to his side's heavy defeat on Saturday, insisting that the Giallorossi must re-assess their objectives. Sep 30, 2012 Daniele De Rossi has told his Roma team-mates to forget about winning the Serie A title after suffering a 4-1 defeat to Juventus on Saturday. Zdenek Zeman's side were roundly beaten by the Bianconeri thanks to a first-half blitz from Andrea Pirlo, Arturo Vidal, Alessandro Matri and a late strike from Sebastian Giovinco. After the match, De Rossi admitted that while Juve were the better side, the Giallorossi should instead focus on qualifying for the Champions League rather than the Scudetto. "It's been a bad evening, we put on a poor showing against a team stronger than us," the 29-year-old admitted. "There is bitterness, we were hoping to do well in spite of the awareness of being inferior. The fact is we can not match Juve, it is wrong to say that we can aim for the Scudetto. "We must have a great season in order to return to Europe. We must compete with those who are at our level, but we need to start winning points in general. "Juventus have a stronger unit, and a savagery that we are only showing in fits and spurts." http://www.soccerway.com/national/italy/serie-a/20122013/regular-season/

Serie A - Week 6 - 29-9-2012 (8:45 p.m.) 4 - 1 Andrea Pirlo (11′) Arturo Vidal (16' - PG) Alessandro Matri (19′) Osvaldo (69′ - PG) Sebastian Giovinco (90′) Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee: Nicola Rizzoli Attendance: 39221 Shambolic Roma allow Juventus time to breathe ahead of return to Champions League duty The Giallorossi suffered a nightmare start to proceedings in Turin, meaning the Italian champions could ease off the gas before Tuesday's clash with Shakhtar Donetsk. Sep 30, 2012 COMMENT By Kris Voakes | Italian Football Writer They were supposed to make it a really rough ride. In the middle of a period during which Juventus have looked unconvincing in their ability to come to terms with a new heavier workload, Roma were meant to ensure the Bianconeri were put through the ringer. Instead, a shambolic first 20 minutes at Juventus Stadium on Saturday night practically handed Juve three points and gave Antonio Conte’s men an easy ride ahead of Tuesday’s Champions League clash with Shakhtar Donetsk. If the draw with Fiorentina in midweek was their toughest test in recent memory, this was their biggest cakewalk in years. The Giallorossi were simply awful. From the first minute, Juve attacked and Roma stood and watched. Paolo De Ceglie was allowed to get three crosses in even before the first goal, as the gameplan of getting at Rodrigo Taddei worked a treat. The Brazilian then brought down Claudio Marchisio as the last man, and Nicola Rizzoli decided that the contact warranted a free-kick but, somehow, not a red card. Still, the punishment was dealt by Andrea Pirlo anyway, firing low and hard into the far corner. There was no let-up, as Maarten Stekelenburg and Leandro Castan both failed to clear the ball sufficiently, and the big defender conceded a clear penalty for handball. Arturo Vidal dispatched the penalty, and two minutes later Alessandro Matri found himself in acres of space from which to slot home his first goal in seven months. Not 19 minutes had gone, and Roma were deservedly three down. The onslaught continued, and could have got worse had efforts from Marchisio and Vucinic found the net rather than Stekelenburg’s crossbar. It was just the response that Juve fans were hoping for after Roma coach Zdenek Zeman added to his long rap sheet of anti-Bianconeri statements by claiming that Conte should step down last month, before stating that Massimo Carrera should have faced the media instead of Claudio Filippi for this week’s pre-match press conference. It was the Czech making all the bold statements in the build-up, but Juventus saved their talking for game time. Understandably, the Old Lady’s foot came off the accelerator pedal a touch after the break, even if the frenzied Leonardo Bonucci was taking the game more seriously than perhaps any other he’d played in his life, even picking a fight at one point with team-mate Vucinic. Roma pulled one back from the spot thanks to Pablo Osvaldo after Bonucci brought down substitute Mattia Destro, but there was never a comeback on the cards. Sebastian Giovinco tied up the result in the dying moments after Andrea Barzagli had steamed past Taddei down the wing. That Barzagli was made to look like Alexis Sanchez by the immobile full-back told many a story about the game as a whole. Juve were too good, and Roma were oh so bad. The visitors’ midfield got nowhere near their counterparts, while their back four and goalkeeper looked like a group of players dragged off the nearest public park five minutes before kick-off. A much-closer affair had taken place at the Ennio Tardini earlier in the evening as AC Milan again failed to spark into life against Parma, being forced to settle for a 1-1 draw in torrential rain. Once more it was Stephan El Shaarawy who looked the most likely to get the Rossoneri going, and he grabbed his fourth goal in under a week to put his side ahead early in the second half. But as soon as Parma showed the hunger to really get at Milan they succeeded, and Daniele Galloppa lashed home a low free-kick which deflected off the visitors’ wall on its way past Christian Abbiati. The goalkeeper was then forced the make an awkward save after another shot from distance, as the Ducali played the conditions better than Massimiliano Allegri’s men had at any stage in the game. Once more, they were ill at ease on or off the ball, once more Kevin-Prince Boateng looked a shadow of the man who pulled up trees in his first two years in Italy, and once more there was a lack of dynamism at key moments. Allegri’s job still hangs in the balance, but the fact that the points column ticked over again, coupled with the proximity of Wednesday’s trip to St Petersburg and next Sunday’s Milan derby, will probably combine to keep him in work for now. However, there was little about his team’s performance to suggest the pressure is even close to being released just yet, and it will be a surprise to many if he remains in charge beyond the international break should they head into the interval with just seven points from seven games. Going into the midweek Champions League games, there must be confidence among Italian fans regarding the form of Juventus, but they will surely be concerned for Milan. Still, the Rossoneri can’t possibly perform as badly as Roma did last night. http://www.soccerway.com/national/italy/serie-a/20122013/regular-season/

Serie A - Week 6 - 29-9-2012 (8:45 p.m.) 4 - 1 Andrea Pirlo (11′) Arturo Vidal (16' - PG) Alessandro Matri (19′) Osvaldo (69′ - PG) Sebastian Giovinco (90′) Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee: Nicola Rizzoli Attendance: 39221 Matri: 'I needed that goal' Sep 29, 2012 Alessandro Matri has “taken a weight off” with his first goal since February, but makes a confession too. The Juventus striker had been on the bench for the last three matches only to start and net in tonight’s 4-1 demolition job on Roma. “I took a weight off my shoulders with that goal, as it had been many months since I’d last scored,” he told Sky Sport Italia. “I am happy that my goal coincides with a wonderful victory. I hope to play in the Champions League, but the decision is up to the Coach.” Matri sprung the offside trap and his shot went in off Maarten Stekelenburg’s knee. “I’ll be honest, I mis-hit that! Still, a scuffed effort is one of my trademarks,” he joked. http://www.soccerway.com/national/italy/serie-a/20122013/regular-season/

Serie A - Week 6 - 29-9-2012 (8:45 p.m.) 4 - 1 Andrea Pirlo (11′) Arturo Vidal (16' - PG) Alessandro Matri (19′) Osvaldo (69′ - PG) Sebastian Giovinco (90′) Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee: Nicola Rizzoli Attendance: 39221 De Rossi: 'Scudetto talk harmful' Sep 29, 2012 Daniele De Rossi tipped his hat to Juventus, warned Scudetto talk around Roma is harmful, but has “no regrets” about staying. “Juventus were superior and seemed to know all our weaknesses. They were stronger than us,” he said of the 4-1 defeat. “We lacked a lot tonight and can’t clutch at straws. Everyone saw it was a negative performance in which Juve dominated apart from a small spell in the second half when they took their foot off the gas. “It started so badly and the game was over too quickly. We barely got going at all. We should’ve approached it differently, though we knew Juve were stronger than us. “Nonetheless, it is a very long season and we will be able to have our say. After all, you don’t face Juventus every week. “Am I disappointed by Zdenek Zeman? No. I am disappointed by Roma, which includes myself. I do think we can grow and fight for third place, though,” said the midfielder. “In my view it would be bad for the fans to think about the Scudetto, which I have always said. Looking at the other sides in the top places, if we have a great campaign then we can finish in the top three. That would be a very impressive achievement considering the situation. “I won’t say Roma can never challenge for the Scudetto, as it takes time for a team to develop and gel.” When asked what the Giallorossi need to do in order to change their fortunes, De Rossi cast a wide net. “Evidently we are also lacking something in physical terms, while Juve are more organised in the way they run, so it’s more efficient. Clearly we have to work on physical and above all tactical issues, get to know each other better. “Alessandro Florenzi has more pace, so he’s meant to run forward more than me. The problem is you need the ball to run forward and we barely got hold of it tonight. “Football is just that, it’s not as if someone brings it down from another planet. You need to get points.” De Rossi rejected proposals from Manchester City and more over the summer, but remains close to his hometown club. “Do I have regrets at staying? Of course not and I never will. I am very happy here, although obviously defeats hurt me worse than anyone else.” http://www.soccerway.com/national/italy/serie-a/20122013/regular-season/

Serie A - Week 6 - 29-9-2012 (8:45 p.m.) 4 - 1 Andrea Pirlo (11′) Arturo Vidal (16' - PG) Alessandro Matri (19′) Osvaldo (69′ - PG) Sebastian Giovinco (90′) Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee: Nicola Rizzoli Attendance: 39221 Zeman rues 'terrible' defeat at the hands of Juventus The Czech tactician conceded his opponents on the night were better in every aspect, admitting that his players never really settled into the game and deservedly lost. Sep 29, 2012 Zdenek Zeman was deeply disappointed with Roma's 4-1 loss at the hands of Juventus, but insisted that his team are still a work in progress and were accordingly outplayed by 'superior' opposition. The Giallorossi conceded three goals in quick succession during the first half, and although they clawed one back via a penalty in the second period, the coach noted his players never quite managed to recover. "Juventus were superior throughout," Zeman said at the post-match press conference. "Roma are improving, but this game was terrible." "We neither attacked nor defended effectively, and so were constantly under pressure. Tonight, I saw very little of what we do during training, although we are still a work in progress. "Conceding three goals rapidly would have knocked any team out. Maybe they were so intimidating we forgot how to implement our ideas." Zeman defended his decision to swap Pescara for the Italian capital in the summer, despite watching his team stutter in terms of performances lately. "I am happy to be at Roma and am sure we will express ourselves eventually. We will learn from games like these in due course. "I hope the players realise they were too sluggish tonight, and didn't do enough." Roma sit in eighth place in Serie A after two defeats, two draws and just two wins so far this term. http://www.soccerway.com/national/italy/serie-a/20122013/regular-season/

Serie A - Week 6 - 29-9-2012 (8:45 p.m.) 4 - 1 Andrea Pirlo (11′) Arturo Vidal (16' - PG) Alessandro Matri (19′) Osvaldo (69′ - PG) Sebastian Giovinco (90′) Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee: Nicola Rizzoli Attendance: 39221 Filippi: Bendtner he will get his chance The coach maintained that the summer signing's opportunity will come, and stated that Roma remained close challengers for the title despite their defeat on Saturday. Sep 29, 2012 Juventus goalkeeping coach Claudio Filippi, who took over the press conference after the Bianconeri's 4-1 victory over Roma, spoke of his belief that Nicklas Bendtner will get a chance to prove his worth. The trainer was quick to praise the Old Lady's collective spirit and togetherness and gave credit for the win over the Giallorossi to head coach Antonio Conte, who is currently serving his suspension. "Nicklas Bendtner will eventually have his chance," stated Filippi at the post-match press conference. "Juventus have a great group of strikers this season. Right now, we have several forwards that give us guarantees. They are rotated according to how they perform in training. "We work hard during the week with Conte, so this victory belongs to him." Despite the manner in which the Italian champions sent Zdenek Zeman's Roma packing, Filippi is refusing to dismiss the Giallorossi's title credentials. "It's true we got off to a splending start, but we fought against a side who will nevertheless continue doing important things this season, continuously challenging for the top places." Juventus now turn her attention to their Champions League fixture against Shakhtar Donetsk, after earning a credible opening day draw against fellow Group E heavyweights, Chelsea. http://www.soccerway.com/national/italy/serie-a/20122013/regular-season/

Serie A - Week 6 - 29-9-2012 (8:45 p.m.) 4 - 1 Andrea Pirlo (11′) Arturo Vidal (16' - PG) Alessandro Matri (19′) Osvaldo (69′ - PG) Sebastian Giovinco (90′) Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee: Nicola Rizzoli Attendance: 39221 Sabatini tears Roma apart Sep 29, 2012 Director Walter Sabatini lambasted the Roma players and Zdenek Zeman after their Turin mauling. “Perhaps we over-valued some players.” The Giallorossi were crushed 4-1 by Juventus and already 3-0 down within the opening 19 minutes. “The first half? I have to search my vocabulary. It was disastrous,” shrugged Sabatini on Sky Sport Italia. “Luis Enrique and Zeman are strong Coaches who focus on the attack, that doesn’t mean they are inadequate. “We perhaps have to consider other decisions that we made or that we might’ve over-valued some players for their abilities to perform in this type of match. “We should’ve approached it with different mentality, physicality, desire and ferocity. I am giving a negative view on what I see, which after tonight is inevitable. “The lads who came here are on paper and in theory very talented, but they have to prove it every day on the pitch and in training. They must have the right attitude all the time. “It is evident the team is midway through the learning process and that means there is a lack of balance, as some ideas have been assimilated and others not. However, we need other qualities during a game like this, such as determination and pace. “Many people said Roma would be challenging the top clubs for the title, which up until tonight was fairly plausible. The Coach tries to give the team a certain approach, but they lack temperament on the field at times. “We are asking ourselves questions with honesty. I say that more or less all the decisions were made with the Coach, so if there were mistakes in buying players then it was collective.” Sabatini was asked whether Roma’s hierarchy now felt sorry they had picked Zeman rather than Vincenzo Montella this summer. “Montella? No, of course we don’t feel regret. Montella is doing great things at Fiorentina and we are pleased for him, but Zeman is our Coach and we will all work together to do better as time goes on.” http://www.soccerway.com/national/italy/serie-a/20122013/regular-season/

Serie A - Week 6 - 29-9-2012 (8:45 p.m.) 4 - 1 Andrea Pirlo (11′) Arturo Vidal (16' - PG) Alessandro Matri (19′) Osvaldo (69′ - PG) Sebastian Giovinco (90′) Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee: Nicola Rizzoli Attendance: 39221 Zeman: 'Juventus were superior' Sep 29, 2012 Zdenek Zeman held his hands up after Roma’s 4-1 demolition in Turin. “Juventus were clearly superior for the entire match.” The Giallorossi were humiliated this evening and 3-0 down after just 19 minutes. “We tried to play our game and didn’t manage it. Juventus were clearly superior for the entire match,” confessed the Coach. “We didn’t defend, nor attack effectively, so were always under pressure. The problem is finding the style of play, as if we don’t defend together then the gaps emerge and the team gets stretched out. “The same happens if we don’t play the ball quickly. We are working, but this game was terrible. Conceding three goals in the space of seven minutes would knock anyone down.” Zeman insisted this was not the real Roma and his concept of football has not yet been seen. “Are my ideas old-fashioned? When I see the team play with my ideas, then I can give a judgement, but tonight I saw very little of what we do in training. Maybe Juventus were so scary that we were unable to express our ideas.” The tactician was asked whether he might’ve preferred to stay with Pescara, who he took to promotion, rather than take on the pressure of this job. “I am happy to be at Roma and convinced the team will be able to express itself. Naturally games like this can help us to learn and I hope the players realise they didn’t do enough tonight. “We never won a challenge and if you go into a game with Juve lacking determination, then you’ll get nowhere. “We were certainly sluggish and that is one of the reasons why we can’t create a chance with speed. I knew Juventus were at a more advanced stage, as they know each other well, while we are a work in progress.” Francesco Totti was surprisingly substituted in the second half. “I took Totti off because I thought the match could not be recovered, so it was smart to rest him.” Zeman has long been a bitter rival for Juventus fans and was given a typically frosty welcome in Turin. “I didn’t hear any chants. Maybe I had something in my ear.” http://www.soccerway.com/national/italy/serie-a/20122013/regular-season/

Serie A - Week 6 - 29-9-2012 (8:45 p.m.) 4 - 1 Andrea Pirlo (11′) Arturo Vidal (16' - PG) Alessandro Matri (19′) Osvaldo (69′ - PG) Sebastian Giovinco (90′) Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee: Nicola Rizzoli Attendance: 39221 Filippi: 'All Conte's work' Sep 29, 2012 Juventus goalkeeping coach Claudio Filippi took charge of post-match comments and gave the credit to Antonio Conte. Filippi had also done the pre-game Press conference, stepping in for both Conte and stand-in Coach Massimo Carrera. “We agreed that I would be here for the post-match interviews, as that way I’d complete the job. “Carrera asked if I would come and meet the Press, so I was pleased to do so, especially as it was my first time. Maybe they’ll ask me to keep doing it like a lucky charm! “We work so hard during the week with Coach Conte and his assistants, so this is the result of Conte’s work.” Filippi was speaking to the media after a stunning 4-1 victory over Roma. “It was not an easy game. It’s true we got off to a splendid start and were able to do everything we wanted to very quickly, but we fought against a side that will do important things and stay close to the top places this season. Alessandro Matri had been dropped for several games, but started tonight and scored his first goal since February. “This season Juventus have a great group of strikers and we are all happy with their performances. They are alternated depending on how they work in training leading up to the game. “Nicklas Bendtner’s turn will come, but right now we have players who can give us guarantees.” Being the goalkeeping coach, Filippi had to comment on Gianluigi Buffon’s career. “In my view, Buffon is in a great period of his career and can continue for a long time if he stays on these levels. Dino Zoff kept going after 40, so Gigi can repeat that.” http://www.soccerway.com/national/italy/serie-a/20122013/regular-season/

Serie A - Week 6 - 29-9-2012 (8:45 p.m.) 4 - 1 Andrea Pirlo (11′) Arturo Vidal (16' - PG) Alessandro Matri (19′) Osvaldo (69′ - PG) Sebastian Giovinco (90′) Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee: Nicola Rizzoli Attendance: 39221 Player Ratings: Juventus 4-1 Roma Goal.com casts a critical eye over the performers in Turin as three early goals earned the Bianconeri a facile win and a three-point lead at the top of the Serie A table. Sep 29, 2012 JUVENTUS Gianluigi Buffon - Kept his concentration well to keep out the occasional Roma attempt on his goal, and could do little about Osvaldo's penalty. Giorgio Chiellini - Dealt with whatever Roma could throw at him, and never put a foot wrong at the back in a confident display. Martín Cáceres - Got forward extremely well in the first half, functioning as an auxiliary winger at times. His attacking forays diminished in the second half as he was forced to do more defending. Paolo De Ceglie - Whipped in a few dangerous balls from advanced positions on the left as Roma’s lack of an offensive punch allowed him to stay camped in the opposition half, though he was forced to defend more after the interval. Andrea Barzagli - Much like Chiellini, he was imperious at the back, especially during Roma's second-half surge. Defended with purpose and composure. Leonardo Bonucci - Did not have much to do at all, but will be extremely disappointed in himself for a brainless barge into Destro during the second half that resulted in a penalty and ruined his team’s clean sheet. Claudio Marchisio - His engine was a sight to behold in this game, as he never stopped running in attack, consistently providing his team with another avenue to exploit. Unlucky not to see his name on the scoresheet after a thunderous drive that rattled the crossbar. Andrea Pirlo - As soon as he buried a lovely free kick low into the bottom corner after 11 minutes, you knew it was going to be his day. He was given the freedom of the pitch to probe by Roma and took full advantage, laying on chance after chance for his teammates with his exquisite passing. Arturo Vidal - Slotted home an extremely confident penalty, and looked accomplished in midfield. Faster, stronger, and hungrier than his Roma counterparts, comfortable with both setting up his colleagues and breaking up play. Mirko Vučinić - Constantly adopted dangerous positions across the front line and involved in almost every attack, with Balzaretti in particular finding him to be a menace. Hit the bar with an effort in the first half and came close again moments after the restart, when a great Stekelenburg save denied him a wonder-goal from distance. Alessandro Matri - He was afforded space to run into and receive the ball close to the Roma goal, and took advantage of that development in one instance when he finished past Stekelenburg to rack up his side’s third goal. Substitutions Paul Pogba - Saw five minutes of game time right at the end. Kwadwo Asamoah - Came on in place of Marchisio just over 15 minutes before full-time, but did not make a significant impact on the proceedings. Sebastian Giovinco - Came off the bench to add a late clincher, with a silky finish after rounding Stekelenburg. ROMA Maarten Stekelenburg - The nerves of his team seemed to extend to him, as he inspired no confidence between the posts with his shoddy handling and presence. However, he somewhat made up for it with a world-class save to stop a Vucinic bullet. Leandro Castán - A valiant attempt at twice blocking an unguarded net instead ended up with him conceding a penalty for handball. He fell apart completely after that, leaving a cavernous hole in the centre of defence with some abhorrent positioning. Nicolas Andres Burdisso - Sloppy in the wall defending Pirlo’s free-kick, and simply terrible otherwise. His lack of concentration and waifish defending made Roma seem to be playing with 10 men whenever Juventus attacked. Federico Balzaretti- Carved apart time and time again with ease by a rampant Juventus attack in the first half. He was put out of his misery after only 44 minutes as Zeman hauled him off the pitch. Taddei - Poor in the wall alongside Burdisso for Pirlo’s goal, and was lucky to stay on the pitch after a professional foul on Marchisio on the edge of the box. Looked shockingly out of sorts along with the rest of the defence. Daniele De Rossi - Not a happy return to the starting lineup for the vice-captain, as he was virtually a non-factor in midfield. Breezed past by the Bianoneri machine time and time again, and was woeful when on the ball. Alessandro Florenzi - Gave his side some much needed thrust in the second half, and was at the heart of what little good they could muster in the attacking third. Panagiotis Tachtsidis - Completely and continuously bypassed in midfield. His attempts to break up play consisted of nothing more than a few half-hearted tackles and more than a few mix-up with the back four. Erik Lamela - Involved in what little Roma could muster offensively in the first half - but not in a good way. Had he taken one of the two glorious openings that fell his way, the outcome of the match may have well be different. Osvaldo - Scored a confident penalty in the second half, and kept Buffon on his toes with another testing drive. A positive influence during Roma's improved second-half showing. Francesco Totti - The Giallorossi skipper looked his age today, and spent most of his time chasing shadows as Juventus swarmed all over his side. Substitutions Marquinho - Gave his side an outlet on the flanks after being sprung from the bench just before the break. Simone Perrotta - A little more decisive in the centre of the park than Tachtsidis, and went close with one effort. Mattia Destro - A difficult presence for the Juventus defence to deal with after his introduction in place of Totti, typified by the way he won the Roma penalty. http://www.soccerway.com/national/italy/serie-a/20122013/regular-season/

Serie A - Week 6 - 29-9-2012 (8:45 p.m.) 4 - 1 Andrea Pirlo (11′) Arturo Vidal (16' - PG) Alessandro Matri (19′) Osvaldo (69′ - PG) Sebastian Giovinco (90′) Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee: Nicola Rizzoli Attendance: 39221 Juve move clear at the summit Sep 29, 2012 Juventus opened up a three-point lead at the top of Serie A after seeing off Roma 4-1 at the Juventus Stadium. The victory was wrapped up within the opening 20 minutes with goals from Andrea Pirlo, Arturo Vidal and Alessandro Matri putting the Bianconeri in the driving seat. Pablo Osvaldo pulled a goal back from the penalty spot for the Giallorossi, but Zdenek Zeman's men were unable to find a way back into the game and Sebastian Giovinco added a late fourth to leave Roma eight points behind the Bianconeri in the Serie A table. The coals had been stoked in the build-up to the game with long-time Juve critic Zeman's return to Turin dominating the headlines even before the midweek matches in Serie A. As expected, he was given a hostile reception by the Juve fans and an even more hostile one from the Juve team, who had the ball in the back of the net three times inside the first 20 minutes. The first goal arrived in the 11th minute with Pirlo despatching one of his trademark free-kicks, opting for a low shot which took a slight deflection off the wall on its way past Maarten Stekelenurg. The second goal was a gift for Juve in the 16th minute as Leandro Castan handled the ball inside the area and Vidal stepped up to score from the spot. Three minutes later, the contest was practically over as Matri broke free to meet Stekelenburg and beat him with a powerful shot which released all the pent up frustration at not having opened his account for the season - until now. It could have turned even worse for Roma in the 36th minute when Mirko Vucinic grazed the top of the crossbar. Perhaps with one eye already on Tuesday's Champions League clash with Shakhtar Donetsk, Juve appeared to take it a little easier in the second half. They conceded a goal in the 69th minute when Leonardo Bonucci shoved Mattia Destro inside the penalty area and Osvaldo converted the spot-kick. Juve had a goal disallowed four minutes later with Bonucci in an offside position when he pounced to score after Paolo De Ceglie's shot hit the post. Osvaldo had a shot saved by Gianluigi Buffon before Giovinco wrapped up the win in the last minute. He raced through, nudged the ball past Stekelenburg and then slid it into the open goal to wrap up the victory in a game which ended fractionally before the 90 minutes were up. http://www.soccerway.com/national/italy/serie-a/20122013/regular-season/