Socrates

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE (3rd leg) - 23-10-2012 (8:45 p.m.) ................ NORDSJAELLAND 1 - 1 JUVENTUS Mikkel Beckmann (50′) Mirko Vučinić (81′) Parken Stadium - Copenhagen Referee: Deniz Aytekin (Germany) Attendance: 22404 Juventus stalemate proves mentality in Europe needs to change Oct 24, 2012 If you were to take someone who knew little about football and sit them down in front of the Juventus-Napoli fixture at the weekend and Wednesday’s fixture against FC Nordsjaelland, aside from the kit and some of the players, they’d probably think they were watching two different teams. In a sense, they’d be right. There were five changes between the Juventus line up that dominated Napoli at the weekend and the 11 men that lined up in Denmark on Wednesday – but unlike the drive that saw the Bianconeri stretch the Partonopei for 90 minutes in Turin, there was no fight, no fire, no confidence. It’s surreal to see a side that has almost no rivals domestically genuinely struggle to put a side away who – and no offence meant to FC Nordsjaelland, are not as talented as Napoli, Milan or arguably even Fiorentina - sides that Juventus have performed much better against thus far this season. So what is it? It is widely reported that while Juventus have one of the best midfield’s in Europe, all three of the “MVP” trio making an appearance on Wednesday – but looked out of sorts, without any of the cohesion that has saw them continue to make confident strides towards a consecutive Scudetto. The lack of a truly world class striker that Juventus director Beppe Marotta has been chasing for two years is so storied it is almost bordering on Italian journalistic cliche’ – but that isn’t the problem either. Juventus don’t dominate possession like they do in Italy. Pirlo doesn’t dominate as he has done for club and country in the last 18 months, whilst the multi faceted, “reference-less” system that has seen Juve register more goalscorers than anyone else in Serie A has not quite illuminated Europe with the ease that was expected. With the current approach and form that Conte’s side are showing in the Champions League, it seems only a matter of time before Juventus register their first loss in all competitions since their loss in the Coppa Italia final to Napoli late last season. Quite simply: Juventus need to up their game. Resultssometimes come for Juventus in Serie A because sides allowing themselves to be dominated by the Bianconeri rather than try and play ball with the undefeated side. Sometimes, the aura of Juve is enough and teams are beaten before a ball is kicked. Juventus fans will of course argue that you still have to win, and while this is true – there is no doubt that sides fear Juve, and that will naturally inhibit performance, whether the sides admit or not. In the Champions league, situations don’t present themselves like that quite so easily. Inside Italy, Juve still maintain the indomitable reputation that saw them continually atop of the peninsula’s highest division. In Europe, they are a big scalp, but by no means possess the same fear factor they used to have; the same one Barcelona, Real Madrid, Bayern Munich or Manchester United have in today’s game. Juventus fans won’t want to hear it, but the Old Lady will have to work a little harder to climb the “sides teams are most scared of” mountain. The mentality needs to change. Isla is a hardworking, efficient player, but doesn’t possess the same capabilities offensively or defensively as Lichtsteiner, and Paolo De Ceglie certainly isn’t Asamoah. Sebastian Giovinco doesn’t have the same penetrative effect on teams in Europe whilst Mirko Vucinic is the only proven scorer at continental level in Juventus’s entire squad, and isn’t the most consistent forward himself. Juventus at full strength possess a starting XI that contains numerous players that most Arab funded super-clubs would love to whisk away from Turin, and will in all likelihood look to do so in summer. Their entire squad is perfectly competitvely domestically, and has proved so in the last month with a series of excellent performances without a few select star names. However in Europe, it is quite clear that some don’t possess the quality to break sides down. Juventus squads of old were legendary for their ruthlessness, and it rang true for the club as well. If you didn’t make the grade on the highest level, you didn’t play for Juventus at the highest level. By no means are “La Vecchia Signora” down and out on the continent – to be still unbeaten is noteworthy, and a knockout place is by no means unachievable(a feat made much more attainable after Chelsea’s defeat against Shakhtar Donetsk). But results are slowly turning from optimistic to disappointing, and all of a sudden it will seem that Juve just aren’t good enough. It’s time to separate the men from the boys in Turin, before the Old Lady gets schooled on things she used to already know. http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/49/uefa-champions-league/group

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE (3rd leg) - 23-10-2012 (8:45 p.m.) ................ NORDSJAELLAND 1 - 1 JUVENTUS Mikkel Beckmann (50′) Mirko Vučinić (81′) Parken Stadium - Copenhagen Referee: Deniz Aytekin (Germany) Attendance: 22404 Analysing What Went Wrong for the Bianconeri Oct 23, 2012 Juventus travelled to Denmark to take on FC Nordsjælland tonight with one simple goal: win the game. Mission failed. After a disappointing 1-1 draw, the Bianconeri find themselves in third place in Group E and in dire need of a win if they are to secure one of the top two spots that qualify for the next stage of the Champions League. Let's have a look at what exactly went wrong for the Bianconeri, and what could explain this disappointing result. Coaching Decisions Giving some playing time to everyone is a great idea, but it is not when you face a must-win situation in Europe's premier club competition. Mauricio Isla is not a bad player, but he did not have enough minutes under his belt for a game of this magnitude. Juventus hardly threatened Nordsjælland over the right wing, deciding to focus their attention on the left wing and Paolo De Ceglie, who is a serviceable player but nothing more. De Ceglie had the multitude of his crosses blocked and failed to do anything to warrant more playing time. He was active and involved, but after the display Martin Cáceres put up against Napoli, I was very surprised not to see him start. Lucio remains a liability everytime he touches the field. He was out of position, couldn't contribute to the buildup and nearly caused a second Danish goal when he decided to sit down instead of challenging a Danish striker in mid air. If Conte is serious about Luca Marrone as a centre back, he should have started this game. As for Alessandro Matri, he never found his groove. Sebastian Giovinco did everything he could in this game and deserved a goal for his many efforts, but Matri paled in comparison. It was no coincidence Mirko Vucinic scored the equaliser after replacing Matri. Even Nicklas Bendtner, who has been a complete afterthought for the Bianconeri so far this season, was more dangerous in limited time than Alessandro Matri. One of the few bright notes to take from this game was the impact the Danish international had on it. As the striker on loan gets into shape, he could become the best option Juventus have next to Vucinic/Giovinco. Lack of Pace FC Nordsjælland are not a good team. This became very clear during the first 20 minutes when Juventus pressed forward and created multiple chances. The Danish were too slow, couldn't compete with the Bianconeri on a technical level and were lucky not to concede. Yet for some reason, Juventus decided to give the Danish space and allowed them to get a rhythm going and fight their way back into the game. Where Juve had pressured the backs of Nordsjælland, they were suddenly given space to bring the ball forward. The pressure returned, on occasion, but Juventus seemed to lack a sense of urgency. There was very little depth in the Bianconeri play, and the pace of the game was far too low. More often than not, the wings were completely ignored, and the ball was played around the centre of the pitch for far too long. Before the opening goal, Juventus had been by far the better team. Yet they only held the ball for roughly 50 percent of the game. When you play an inferior team, you go in for the kill. Straight away. The Danish were about to break, yet they were allowed to survive. Sloppy Play The passing game was sloppy. There is very little to say about this. Juventus lost possession of the ball far too often because of bad passes. Too many back heels. Too much fancy footwork. Keep the game simple and let the ball do the work. Bad Luck Let's face it, Juventus had some bad luck too. Sebastian Giovinco's header, Arturo Vidal's effort that rolled past the wrong side of the post... You could argue the free kick awarded to the Danish—producing the only dangerous moment for the Bianconeri—was very harsh and should not have been given. Gianluigi Buffon got a touch on the ball but just couldn't deflect it enough. If Juventus had been just a bit more lucky, this would have been an easy win. What's Next? This result is not a disaster. We'll have to assume both Chelsea and Shahktar Donetsk will beat this Danish side for a second time. This means one thing: Juventus must beat FC Nordsjælland at home and will probably have to win out against both Chelsea and Shahktar. Shahktar looked very good in their 2-1 win over Chelsea, and I'm backing them to win this group. If they can steal a point in London, it will be up to Juventus to take care of Chelsea themselves and return from Ukraine with at least a point. But Juventus can't count on other teams anymore. The pressure now lies with the Italian champions to secure the results themselves. And that means winning every game from now on. http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/49/uefa-champions-league/group

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE (3rd leg) - 23-10-2012 (8:45 p.m.) ................ NORDSJAELLAND 1 - 1 JUVENTUS Mikkel Beckmann (50′) Mirko Vučinić (81′) Parken Stadium - Copenhagen Referee: Deniz Aytekin (Germany) Attendance: 22404 Vucinic rescues point for Bianconeri Oct 23, 2012 Juventus drew 1-1 with Nordsjaelland at the Parken Stadium on matchday three of the Champions League on Tuesday. Mikkel Beckmann gave the Danes the lead early in the second half, but Mirko Vucinic levelled the score and earned a point for the Bianconeri late in the game. The Old Lady took the early impetuous with Arturo Vidal and Andrea Pirlo seeing shots from distance fly wide, before Sebastian Giovinco saw a great opportunity fly over the bar from 10 years out. It took a while for the Danes to get into the game, but Kasper Lorentzen did get a shot in to test Gianluigi Buffon. Then Joshua John tried an audacious chip on the Juve goalkeeper, who looked to have handled the ball outside the area, but the referee decided the ball only his his chest and no further action was taken. Giovinco should have found the net moments later, when he rounded the goalkeeper but took the ball too wide and could only shoot into the side netting. Towards the end of the first period, Alessandro Matri saw a head go wide, Giovinco had a shot blocked as did Claudio Marchisio. Juve suffered a blow early in the second half when Nordsjaelland took the lead through Beckmann, whose freekick from the edge of the penalty area sailed past a helpless Buffon. The away side though looked to immediately get back in level terms and peppered the Nordsjaelland with shots but goalkeeper Hansen stood firm. Pirlo went close from a freekick as Juve dominated possession and pinned their opponents back but found the Danish side difficult to break down. As the half wore on Nordsjaelland struggled to have any meaningful possession and had Hansen to thank after his excellent save denied Vidal. But Vucinic brought the score level on 80 minutes after steering home a Mauricio Isla cross. Both sides then went looking for a winner but none was forthcoming and the match ended in a draw. Elsewhere in Group F, Chelsea succumbed to a 2-1 defeat against Shakhtar Donetsk, meaning the Ukrainians top the standings on seven points, three points clear of the reigning European champions, with Juve sitting third a further point behind. Nordsjaelland: J Hansen; Parkhurst, Okore, Runje, Mtiliga; Adu, Stokholm; Laudrup (Christensen 70), Lorentzen (Christiansen 88), John; Beckmann (Nordstrand 67) Juventus: Buffon; Lucio (Bendtner 76), Bonucci, Chiellini; Isla, Vidal (Giaccherini 82), Pirlo, Marchisio, De Ceglie; Matri (Vucinic 70), Giovinco http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/49/uefa-champions-league/group

CHAMPIONSLEAGUE.CA UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE (3rd leg) - 23-10-2012 (8:45 p.m.) ................ NORDSJAELLAND 1 - 1 JUVENTUS Mikkel Beckmann (50′) Mirko Vučinić (81′) Parken Stadium - Copenhagen Referee: Deniz Aytekin (Germany) Attendance: 22404 Nordsjaelland 1-1 Juventus Oct 23, 2012 Nordsjaelland accomplished the impossible, getting a 1-1 draw along with their first goal against Italian champions Juventus on Tuesday night. A stunning free kick from Mikkel Beckmann in the 50th minute gave the hosts the lead, but Mirko Vucinic tied it up in the 81st minute to salvage a point for Juve. The first half started out strongly for the home side, as Nordsjaelland looked very tidy in possession and spread the ball well. They even forced Gianluigi Buffon to make a couple of good saves to keep it level. As the minutes ticked by, Juventus grew into the game. Sebastian Giovinco looked very dangerous, despite missing two very good chances, but he was dictating the play on counter attacks and passed the ball nicely. Sadly, Alessandro Matri looked dull and slow compared to his counterpart up front. It’s apparent that these two don’t have the chemistry that Gio does with Mirko Vucinic. Give credit to Nordsjaelland, though. Jeff Parkhurst was giving the Bianconeri headaches down the right flank and Jores Okore was solid in center defense. The 20 year old Danish international surely has a bright future ahead of him if he can keep up these performances. Despite having more of the ball, Nordsjaelland conceded eleven shots to Juventus compared to their five (four of which hit the net), but only three of them were on target. Set pieces were a worry as the Juve players were able to win the ball in the air, but no one was able to get a clean attempt at goal. This with the midfield, especially Andrea Pirlo and the wingbacks, having plenty of time to pick out passes, but everyone was marked tightly. The second forty-five was when things got tasty. Just five minutes in, Giorgio Chiellini received the ball and lazily shoved off a Nordsjaelland defender, conceding a free kick 21 meters away from Buffon’s net. Mikkel Beckmann executed it perfectly, placing the ball in the right post, giving Buffon no chance to stop it. For thirty minutes, Nordsjaelland were in dreamland, until an exquisite Mauricio Isla cross connected with the foot of Mirko Vucinic to make it 1-1. Juventus fans could breathe a bit, but the result will sting in a performance that was simply not good enough. In what is now the third Champions League game in a row they’ve conceded the first goal and the ninth straight they’ve drawn, Juventus are beginning to look like an unlucky team in European play. Lots will criticize their lack of finishing and the decision of Antonio Conte’s selection of Alessandro Matri up front with Sebastian Giovinco, which is justified by the amount of missed chances. Juventus finished the game with 52% of the possession and had a whopping 30 attempts, 15 of which were on target. Of those 15, four were clear cut chances. Nordsjaelland only mustered eight with five hitting the goal. Alessandro Matri contributed to a few of Juve’s shots, but he was wasteful and looked very slow, a man who looks like his confidence has run out. Giovinco was lively and right away the chemistry between him and Vucinic was obvious. When Alessio changed to a 4-3-1-2 with Nicklas Bendtner coming in for Lucio and Giovinco dropping into a trequartista role, the team continued to pressure the Nordsjaelland goal. If they were given even five more minutes, they could’ve won that game. Nonetheless, it’s disappointing not being able to walk out of Copenhagen with three points. Take nothing away from Nordsjaelland, they had a well prepared and executed game plan. Okore continued his fine play from the first half, contributing to a few blocks by the Danes. Whenever the defense wasn’t there, childhood Juventus fan and Buffon admirer Jesper Hansen made several saves to keep the 1-0 lead safe. Another talking point will be the amount of corners conceded by the Danish champions. Juve were given eighteen of them, but couldn’t capitalize on any of them. The first few weren’t well defended, but the more the Bianconeri got, Nordsjaelland became better at clearing them. All in all, a very tactical battle in the Danish capital. It was a fair result given what happened, but with Chelsea losing 2-1 to Shakhtar in Donetsk, they’ll feel upset still being out of the top two in Group E upon returning to Turin. With a home date against Nordsjaelland next matchday, they’ll need to be a whole lot better. With Shakhtar at seven points, Chelsea with four and Juve at three, they’ll have to win in order to stay alive. If Shakhtar can give Chelsea another challenge, Juventus could be second with two games remaining, but they’ll have to play a lot better than tonight if they want to make that a reality. http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/49/uefa-champions-league/group

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Dobbiamo segnare!

Bendtner di poco fuori.

La palla non era uscita

MIRKO VUCINIC

VUCINIC 1-1

Altro miracolo di Hansen

Esordio di Bendtner in CL nella sua Danimarca.

O'core e chiste core ferma Vucinic.

Hansen salva su Pirlo.

Vidal abbattuto.