Socrates

Serie A Week 4 - 22-9-2012 (8:45 p.m.) - Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee: Carmine Russo HT: Chievo frustrate Juve Sep 22, 2012 Juventus had several chances, including a disallowed goal, but at half-time they are frustrated by Chievo and Stefano Sorrentino. The Bianconeri were defending a 100 per cent Serie A record, but also rested stars in-between their 2-2 draw with Chelsea and Tuesday’s trip to Fiorentina. It gave 19-year-old Paul Pogba his Serie A debut in place of Andrea Pirlo, plus rare starts for Mauricio Isla, Lucio and Fabio Quagliarella. Chievo missed Luciano, Boukary Drame, Alberto Paloschi and Lorenzo Squizzi, but opted for ex-Juventus youth product Marco Rigoni supporting evergreen Sergio Pellissier. Stand-in Coach Massimo Carrera described Chievo as Juve’s ‘bete noir’ after four draws in their last five meetings, home and away. Quagliarella had a couple of great early chances, a header caught and a half-volley beaten away by Stefano Sorrentino at full stretch one-handed. Giorgio Chiellini did well to close down Pellissier in a training ground set piece move, but Mirko Vucinic should’ve done better when firing wide on the counter from that resulting corner. Juventus had the ball in the back of the net after 26 minutes, but it did not count. Vucinic was just offside when he redirected Isla’s assist from six yards. Moments later Kwadwo Asamoah’s sharp cross-shot was flicked on by Emanuele Giaccherini, but again Sorrentino reacted very quickly to parry from close range. The Chievo goalkeeper had his palms stung by an Asamoah screamer from distance, then Giaccherini couldn’t quite get control of a smart Quagliarella chipped pass when clear on goal. Juventus 0-0 Chievo (Half-Time) Juventus: Buffon; Lucio, Bonucci, Chiellini; Isla, Giaccherini, Pogba, Marchisio, Asamoah; Vucinic, Quagliarella Chievo: Sorrentino; Frey, Dainelli, Cesar, Jokic; Vacek, L Rigoni, Hetemaj; Thereau, M Rigoni; S Pellissier Ref: Russo http://www.soccerway.com/national/italy/serie-a/20122013/regular-season/

ETA BETA DI NUOVO!

QUAGLIARELLA

Occasione

Sta per entrare Vidal.

Asamoah fortissimo.

Serie A Week 4 - 22-9-2012 (8:45 p.m.) - Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee: Carmine Russo Pogba starts for Juventus against Chievo The former Manchester United midfielder will replace Andrea Pirlo, as Lucio, Fabio Quagliarella and Mauricio Isla are all selected to face the Flying Donkeys. Sep 22, 2012 Paul Pogba has been given his first Juventus start as the Bianconeri face Chievo in Turin on Saturday. The France midfielder, who signed from Manchester United in the summer, takes over from veteran playmaker Andrea Pirlo alongside Claudio Marchisio and Kwadwo Asamoah in midfield. That triumvirate will be flanked by Mauricio Isla and Emanuele Giaccherini, with Lucio, Giorgio Chiellini and Leonardo Bonucci playing as a back-three. Up front, Mirko Vucinic starts alongside Fabio Quagliarella, who made a big impact after coming off the bench in the midweek Champions League draw with Chelsea at Stamford Bridge. For Chievo, captain Sergio Pellissier makes his 299th Serie A appearance for the club, starting up top alongside Marco Rigoni. A four-man midfield will consist of Kamil Vacek, Luca Rigoni, Perparim Hetemaj and Cyril Thereau, whilst Bostjan Cesar and Dario Dainelli start at centre-back. Juventus (3-5-2): Buffon; Lucio, Bonucci, Chiellini; Isla, Marchisio, Pogba, Asamoah, Giaccherini; Vucinic, Quagliarella. Chievo (4-4-2): Sorrentino; Frey, Dainelli, Cesar, Jokic; Vacek, L. Rigoni, Hetemaj, Thereau; M. Rigoni, Pellissier. http://www.soccerway.com/national/italy/serie-a/20122013/regular-season/

Serie A Week 4 - 22-9-2012 (8:45 p.m.) - Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee: Carmine Russo Line-ups: Juventus-Chievo Sep 22, 2012 Paul Pogba, Fabio Quagliarella, Mauricio Isla and Lucio get the chance to start as Juventus welcome Chievo this evening. The Bianconeri make several changes to their squad in Turin between big games against Chelsea and Fiorentina. It kicks off at the Juventus Stadium at 19.45 UK time, 20.45 local, and you can watch it LIVE on your PC. Coach Antonio Conte and assistant Massimo Carrera are forced to rotate the squad after their Champions League opener at Stamford Bridge, particularly for the fatigued Andrea Pirlo. He is rested in favour of former Manchester United midfielder Pogba, while Isla, Lucio and Giaccherini are also introduced. Quagliarella’s wonderful goal against Chelsea earns him a starting spot in place of Sebastian Giovinco to partner Mirko Vucinic. Andrea Barzagli, Arturo Vidal, Stephan Lichtsteiner, Pirlo and Giovinco are all rested. Simone Pepe and Simone Padoin are sidelined. Chievo have a surprisingly good history with Juve, as they have drawn four of their last five encounters, home and away. Luciano suffered a thigh problem this week and joins Boukary Drame, Alberto Paloschi and Lorenzo Squizzi on the treatment table. As always, Sergio Pellissier leads the attack, but this time he has support from ex-Juventus youth product Marco Rigoni. Juventus: Buffon; Lucio, Bonucci, Chiellini; Isla, Giaccherini, Pogba, Marchisio, Asamoah; Vucinic, Quagliarella Chievo: Sorrentino; Frey, Dainelli, Cesar, Jokic; Vacek, L Rigoni, Hetemaj; Thereau, M Rigoni; S Pellissier http://www.soccerway.com/national/italy/serie-a/20122013/regular-season/

Verratti: 'I can play with Pirlo' Sep 22, 2012 Marco Verratti is still only 19, but the Italy international has won over PSG fans and admits “I’d love to play alongside Andrea Pirlo.” The former Pescara midfielder is known as the ‘new Pirlo,’ a comparison that was also made by Paris Saint-Germain Coach Carlo Ancelotti this week after his Champions League debut. “I haven’t forgotten Pescara and as soon as I get two days off, I head straight back home,” he told La Repubblica newspaper. “I dreamed of making my Serie A debut with my hometown club and I owe them everything. Money was the last reason why I chose PSG, as I thought about this club as a turning point. “It is one of the most important teams in Europe today and we can win everything. The Champions League represents a great shop window for me.” Verratti certainly took that chance to shine, as he earned plaudits for his performance in the 4-1 win over Dynamo Kiev. “Ancelotti tried to relax me before the game. After all, I only have to play football and that is what I have always done. It’s the thing I do best in this life.” Yet the 19-year-old had been so committed to Pescara that he rejected an opportunity to join Milan a few years ago. “I didn’t feel ready to leave home, so I said no.” It would’ve given him the chance to learn from Pirlo, who at the time was still running the Rossoneri midfield. “I have similar characteristics to Pirlo, but I am convinced that I could play alongside him and I confess I dream of that scenario. It would be wonderful. “I don’t know if Cesare Prandelli wants to use us together at some point for Italy. I don’t consider it a limitation to be seen as an alternative to Andrea, but rather believe that is an honour. I include him among the three best midfielders in the world. “There are far more experienced figures in front of me in the Azzurri pecking order, so I will sit, wait for my chance and learn. Wearing the Italy shirt is a privilege.”

Serie A Week 4 - 22-9-2012 (8:45 p.m.) - Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee: Carmine Russo Pirlo rested for Pogba? Sep 22, 2012 Andrea Pirlo looks set to be rested against Chievo this evening, giving Paul Pogba his Serie A debut for Juventus. In the last couple of performances against Genoa and Chelsea, Pirlo has looked increasingly tired and the statistics show he has played 660 minutes of football in 40 days. The 33-year-old has made 46 starts in a Juventus shirt since joining last season and only failed to finish two of those matches. As a result, Antonio Conte and assistant Massimo Carrera look set to give Pirlo a rest in favour of Pogba for tonight’s game against Chievo. It will be the former Manchester United man’s Serie A debut after he impressed in pre-season friendlies. “There were misunderstandings with Sir Alex Ferguson,” Pogba told French newspaper L’Equipe. “He kept telling me that my moment would arrive, but then I didn’t get to play. In order to join Juventus, I turned down many other options.” Others who could be rested this evening include Andrea Barzagli, Stephan Lichtsteiner, Sebastian Giovinco and Arturo Vidal. http://www.soccerway.com/national/italy/serie-a/20122013/regular-season/

Juventus can win the Champions League, says Vialli The former Bianconeri striker feels his former side could spring a surprise on their return to European club football's elite competition this term. Sep 22, 2012 Gianluca Vialli believes Juventus have what it takes to go all the way in the Champions League this season. The Serie A champions started their European campaign with a 2-2 draw at holders Chelsea midweek, and the former Italy international, who won the competition with the Old Lady in 1996, was impressed with their performance at Stamford Bridge. "Juventus are on the right path to win the Champions League again. Their style of play is really well suited to the Champions League," Vialli was quoted as saying by giornalaccio rosa dello Sport. "They play some very aggressive, intense and modern football. I believe they will soon be among Europe's protagonists once more. "Juventus are among the outsiders for the European title, and they gave a clear signal against Chelsea that they are a force to be reckoned with. "It will not be easy to be on top of their game in both the Serie A and the Champions League, but the Bianconeri have a good chance to become part of the European elite again."

Serie A 4^ Giornata - Andata - 22-9-2012 (ore 20:45) - Juventus Stadium - Torino Arbitro: Carmine Russo Confronti ufficiali 20 - 18 (Serie A) - 2 (Coppa Italia) Vittorie Juventus 12 - 11 (Serie A) - 1 (Coppa Italia) Pareggi 7 - 6 (Serie A) - 1 (Coppa Italia) Vittorie Chievo 1 - 1 (Serie A) Goals Juventus 36 - 33 (Serie A) - 3 (Coppa Italia) Goals Chievo 18 - 17 (Serie A) - 1 (Coppa Italia) Juventus - Chievo - Serie A a Torino Confronti ufficiali 9 Vittorie Juventus 6 (L'ultima il 23.08.2009, 1-0) Pareggi 3 (L'ultimo il 03.03.2012, 1-1) Vittorie Chievo 0 Goals Juventus 19 Goals Chievo 11 Giocatori con più presenze e goals contro il Chievo a Torino 7 presenze Buffon Gianluigi 5 Camoranesi Mauro German 5 Del Piero Alessandro 5 Pessotto Gianluca 5 Thuram Lilian 5 Trezeguet David Sergio 4 Chiellini Giorgio 4 Marchisio Claudio 4 Nedved Pavel 4 Zambrotta Gianluca 3 goals Zalayeta Marcelo Danubio 2 Iaquinta Vincenzo 2 Trezeguet David Sergio 1 Camoranesi Mauro German 1 Chiellini Giorgio 1 De Ceglie Paolo 1 Del Piero Alessandro 1 Ibrahimovic Zlatan 1 Matri Alessandro 1 Nedved Pavel Ultimi confronti diretti 28.08.2005 Serie A Juventus-Chievo 1-0 18.01.2006 Serie A Chievo-Juventus 1-1 09.11.2008 Serie A Chievo-Juventus 0-2 05.04.2009 Serie A Juventus-Chievo 3-3 23.08.2009 Serie A Juventus-Chievo 1-0 17.01.2010 Serie A Chievo-Juventus 1-0 19.12.2010 Serie A Chievo-Juventus 1-1 09.05.2011 Serie A Juventus-Chievo 2-2 16.10.2011 Serie A Chievo-Juventus 0-0 03.03.2012 Serie A Juventus-Chievo 1-1 Giocate 10 - Vittorie Juventus 3 - Pareggi 6 - Vittorie Chievo 1 - Goals Juventus 12 - Goals Chievo 9

Serie A Week 4 - 22-9-2012 (8:45 p.m.) - Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee: Carmine Russo Juventus-Chievo Preview: Round 4 — (Flying) Donkey Kong Sep 22, 2012 The good thing about the busy parts of your schedule is that you fly by them in what seems like just a few hours. Let's be honest, does it really seem like Juve are about to play their third game within a week's time? It's like rapid fire. But, the bad part is that, well, there's a ton of games in an incredibly condensed amount of time and things can get a little bit — or a lotta — hectic. Juventus have both right now. After Wednesday night's emotional 2-2 draw at The Bridge against Chelsea, Juventus return home — literally. Tomorrow's match against Chievo is the first time in basically a month that our boys in Black and White have played in front of the home crowd at Juventus Stadium. Does it seem like it has been that long? I dunno. These damn international breaks just seem to screw everything up. But who cares. Juve's back where they should be — home. Avanti! LE CHIAVI In comes Chievo — who have only picked up three points in the season's first three games — to Turin. But regardless of how they may or may not be doing in the standings, this fixture has been quite a tricky one over the last couple of years. How tricky? Well, take a look for yourself. Yeah, not exactly the best results against a bottom-half-of-the-table kind of team like Chievo you'd want your team to have. Juventus are expected to do some more squad rotating (more on that later) tomorrow night much in the same fashion that took place against Genoa. With Fiorentina, Roma and a Champions League meeting with Shakhtar on the horizon, Chievo seems like the natural spot in the schedule to play a good number of the bench guys to give the regulars some much deserved rest. And if Genoa was any kind of hint as to what may happen, the odds of squad rotation seems pretty good. So if you're a gambling person, maybe you should wait until things are looking a little better in your favor. GOOD NEWS We're at 42 games unbeaten and counting. Not too shabby. BAD NEWS Sergio Pellisier is healthy. /sits in corner of the room, goes into fetal position. WHAT TO WATCH FOR Recovery — physically and mentally. Not a lot of time to recover with the body and the mind. Wednesday's draw in London wasn't only taxing physically, but also for the head, as any Champions League game would be. I'm not so much overly worried about the mental part considering Antonio Conte has this team drilled to the core. But the physical part, with the schedule being so freaking compact right now, is something that has my attention. I know they're fit, but it's been a little while since some of these guys have played so many games in such a short period of time. Andrea Pirlo. Not because he's been playing all that fantastic as of late, but due to the fact that he looks completely gassed. His performance against Chelsea on Wednesday was something we have rarely seen from Pirlo since he put on a Juventus jersey — it wasn't very good at all. We knew coming into this season that resting Pirlo from time to time was something that had to be done. He's 33 years old, people. That's not exactly close age-wise to the other guys he is paired with in the center of the park. Paul Pogba. The 19-year-old Frenchman is being tipped as the player to replace Pirlo in the starting lineup if in fact the maestro starts on the bench. It would be Pogba's official debut in Serie A, having most recently played in the Trofeo Berlusconi win over Milan. And while that was only a small sample size as to what kind of player he is, Pogba can definitely establish himself as a useful piece off the bench if he puts in a good showing against Chievo. That's if he plays, of course. Fabio Quagliarella. I'll admit this: When Quags was the first striker that came off the bench against Chelsea, I had my doubts. He certainly wasn't playing much at all to begin the season. And when he did see the field, it's not like he was looking all that dangerous. He was certainly a far cry from the player he was before his knee exploded right after the Christmas break a few years ago. But his performance against the reigning European champions was definitely a pleasant surprise — scored one goal, and was only a crossbar away from having another. He looks set to get the start against Chievo, which pretty much every Italian news outlet seems to be reporting. If he wants to score another goal or two, that's fine with me. My Starting XI (3-5-2): Buffon; Bonucci, Marrone, Chiellini; Isla, Marchisio, Pogba, Giaccherini, Asamoah; Vucinic, Quagliarella Juventus probable (3-5-2, via GDS): Buffon, Lucio, Barzagli, Chiellini; Isla, Marchisio, Pogba, Giaccherini, Asamoah; Vucinic, Quagliarella Chievo probable (4-3-1-2): Sorrentino; Sardo, Dainelli, Cesar, Jokic; Vacek, Rigoni, Hetemaj; Cruzado; Thereau, Pellissier http://www.soccerway.com/national/italy/serie-a/20122013/regular-season/

Serie A Week 4 - 22-9-2012 (8:45 p.m.) - Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee: Carmine Russo Juventus vs. Chievo Preview – Breaking the Donkey-Curse Sep 22, 2012 Having barely been offered the time to lower their arms after that wonderful London draw-that-felt-like-a-win, Juventus will face another test Saturday evening as the flying Donkeys of Chievo Verona visit Turin. While the Gialloblu are — on paper — an ‘easy’ opponent, it is worth remembering that the Bianconeri have an awful habit of tying the obstinate Veronese minnows. In fact, all of the last four meetings between the two sides have resulted in rather depressing draws, and Juventus have not recorded a win in this fixture since August 2009! Given this recent history, it might not be a bad thing that some squad rotation is on the cards for this match, especially in light of the very busy calendar the Bianconeri have to deal with during this — and the coming — week. Indeed after their tie vs. Chelsea, Juve will have another midweek away game next Tuesday against Fiorentina (the pitchforks and torches already being raised to the Florence sky, as ever), which will then be followed by a clash against AS Roma Saturday. Phew! From an optimistic angle though, some new blood and fresh ideas may be just the tonic to end the horrible string of results against the traditionally “old school” and extremely defensive Chievo, the very incarnation of the setup Juve have had a considerably hard time breaking down in the last few years. That is the best way to be looking at it, at least. Juventus As mentioned above, Antonio Conte / Massimo Carrera are expected to rotate the squad for this match. Warrior-king Arturo Vidal will be rested to recover from that ankle strain he heroically battled through against Chelsea, while both Andrea Pirlo and Stephan Lichtsteiner could do with a break. All of Paul Pogba, Mauricio Isla, Martín Cáceres, Paolo De Ceglie, Luca Marrone and Emanuele Giaccherini are in contention for the places potentially vacated, depending on the exact tinkering done. Pogba is particularly strongly rumoured to receive a starting berth — a very interesting proposition — because in case you don’t know this, Pirlo has been playing every 90-minute league game since last season started ( + Euro 2012 with Italy). Some change at the back has been suggested as well, with Lúcio back from injury. Not sure how I like that idea really (especially since we can’t expect Lúcio to bring more pace to the backline), unless it is due to fatigue or injury in the B-B-C unit. The guys have been shaky, but one would imagine that more rather than less playing time together would be the cure? It is true that Andrea Barzagli has been struggling for form so far this season, which may be down to playing all of last year (Euros included). Like Pirlo, he is after all no spring chicken. We could also see Luca Marrone feature instead of Bonucci, as he has proven an admirable stand-in in the ball-playing, central role. Up front, one Mr. Fabio Quagliarella decided to mess up the hierarchy somewhat on Wednesday with a splendid effort and a classy goal to tie the most important game of the season so far. That would make him favourite to start on Saturday. It is indeed wonderful news for Juventini if FabQuags is truly back on form. However, Alessandro Matri and Nicklas Bendtner may not be overly thrilled at this development. Especially Matri will conceivably struggle to get time on the pitch for a while, as one would assume Bendtner will be played at some point in the near future (Elia-Alert! Elia-Alert!), while Giovinco and Vucinic remain the preferred front duo in the important games for the time being. One thing is certain however: if Eta Beta continues to deliver, the selection headaches will increase for the coaching team. Which – in the wider picture – is a good thing of course, considering the amount of games to be played this season. JUVENTUS (3-5-2) Buffon Lúcio, Bonucci, Chiellini Isla, Marchisio, Pogba, Giaccherini, Asamoah Quagliarella, Vucinic BENCH: Storari, Rubinho, Barzagli, Cáceres, Marrone, De Ceglie, Lichtsteiner, Pirlo, Vidal, Matri, Giovinco, Bendtner Starting %: Isla 60-40% Lichtsteiner, Lúcio 60-40% Barzagli, Pogba 70-20/10% Pirlo/Marrone, Asamoah 60-40% De Ceglie, Vucinic 60-40% Matri Injured: Pepe (matchday #6), Padoin (#7) Suspended: - Chievo As already touched upon, the Flying Donkeys (or the “Soaring Asses”, as some would have it…) are the incarnation of the stubborn kind of calcio that was so dominant in the peninsula in the past. Be it at home (ably assisted by that World War I battlefield known as the “pitch” of Stadio Marc’Antonio Bentegodi) or on the road (where this is almost a prerequisite of a team of Chievo’s mould) Chievo tend to play an extremely controlled game, always seeking first and foremost to annul the threats of the opposition. This is of course frustrating for the team unlucky enough to face them, but – thankfully – football is a diverse affair, and one cannot blame a team for making the best of their limited resources. The ball will be thoroughly in Juve’s court, with coach Mimmo Di Carlo‘s team undoubtedly very eager to leave Juventus Stadium with the one point with which they came. The Gialloblu have had a so-so start to the season, beating Bologna in week #1 only to suffer successive defeats to Parma (away) and Lazio (home). The 3-1 loss to the Biancocelesti especially stands out, as – while Lazio have been on great form so far – the Bentegodi is traditionally known as a stronghold for the Veronesi, who are not accustomed to be outfoxed there in such emphatic fashion. However, don’t expect that disappointment to alter anything for a Chievo team who will be hoping that their defence — and occasional forays from Sergio Pellisier (cursed be thy name) — can salvage points from the claws of the Old Lady, as they have been accustomed too. Should all else fail, ex-Juve youth goalkeeper Stefano Sorrentino – like many of his colleagues – seems to always have excellent games against the Bianconeri. In this fixture last season he had yet another blinder, a feat which he will likely have to repeat this time around if the Donkeys are to succeed. CHIEVO (4-3-2-1) Sorrentino N.Frey, Dainelli, Cesar, Jokic Vacek, L.Rigoni, Hetemaj Théréau, M.Rigoni Pellissier BENCH: Puggioni, Viotti, Sardo, Andreolli, Papp, Cruzado, Guana, Samassa, Di Michele, Moscardelli, Stoian Starting %: N.Frey 60-40% Sardo, M.Rigoni 60-40% Cruzado, L.Rigoni 60-40% Di Michele Injured: Paloschi (matchday #9), Squizzi (#12), Luciano (TBA) Suspended: - No-one will question that this Donkey-curse has lasted long enough, so the object for Conte’s men is as simple to describe as it is (apparently) difficult to execute: find a way to penetrate the Chievo wall, preferably early on, and for God’s sake try and get a cushion to prevent any last-gasp equalisers! Back in March, Juventus 1-1 Chievo was one of the most frustrating experiences of the season (and Lord knows there was a few to choose from!), prompting Marco to basically replace the review of the game with a majestic rant. Luckily such woes seem behind us now, as this Juventus team has grown a lot since March, which has been evidenced in abundance so far this season, not least in last week’s comeback victory in Genova. Most Juventini will rightfully feel a lot less frustrated and a lot more confident now than they did in that dour period in the spring. However, in a packed fixture list, these are exactly the kind of games that will require something extra in terms of motivation and creativity. Here’s hoping that a revamped Bianconero side will be able to provide exactly that on Saturday. Vincere è l’unica cosa che… CONTE! http://www.soccerway.com/national/italy/serie-a/20122013/regular-season/

Serie A Week 4 - 22-9-2012 (8:45 p.m.) - Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee: Carmine Russo Del Neri reads Juve-Chievo Sep 22, 2012 Gigi Del Neri has been Coach of both Chievo and Juventus, so has a special view of tonight’s game. “Nothing is impossible.” The tactician was a hero at the Bentegodi from 2000-04 and again in 2006-07, but his spell at Juve lasted only one disappointing campaign in 2010-11. “Which of the two teams would I support? Chievo. I spent my best years there, so that Chievo side remains a unique masterpiece. Juve were also a wonderful story, but it lasted only a year. The situations and state of mind were different. “As for the game, Juve are Juve, but Chievo know that nothing is impossible,” he told L’Arena. “My story with Juve ended badly and too quickly, but in these cases it’s too easy to just throw the baby out with the bathwater. There were good things too. “This is football take it or leave it. The sport gives you a great deal and it was an extraordinary opportunity for me to lead Juventus, when I feared a top club was never going to happen for me. How can you say no?” It was a disastrous spell in Turin, as the Bianconeri finished seventh in Serie A and failed to qualify for Europe. “When you work in certain environments, you have to take everything into account, from training world class players to understanding the supporters and media mood. I know that it was all going so well in January, as we were up there and challenging. Some people bet I’d be there for a long time. “Then the tide turned. Fabio Quagliarella got injured and he was crucial for us. We dropped a few points, lost some certainties and it took us a moment to end up in the eye of the storm. “I am consistent and will say something to your face, which is what players appreciate. I don’t lie to the players. “In hindsight perhaps I should’ve stayed at Sampdoria, but I do not renege my Juventus experience.” Before that Turin spell, Del Neri was at the helm of the ‘Miracle Chievo’ who surprised everyone in their debut Serie A campaign in 2001-02 by finishing fifth. When the Flying Donkeys went to face Juventus in Week 3 of that first season, they were joint leaders and 2-0 up before the Old Lady fought back to win 3-2. “That time we risked victory in Turin... If they hadn’t stopped us, we might’ve been able to win the Scudetto. We notched up 25 points in the first half of the season and that was an 18-team League, so...” http://www.soccerway.com/national/italy/serie-a/20122013/regular-season/

Montella ignores Juve shadow Sep 21, 2012 Vincenzo Montella insists Fiorentina are “not thinking about Juventus” ahead of tomorrow’s Serie A trip to Parma. The Viola fans are already fired up for next Tuesday’s midweek game, when they welcome arch-rivals Juve to the Stadio Artemio Franchi. Before then, they take on Parma. “Maintaining the right attitude and tension ahead of Juve is the job of a Coach. We’ve got to take it one game at a time, which for me is easy and should also be for the players,” said Montella. “We need to prove our step up in quality. It’ll be an important test against Parma and I have no doubts we are not thinking about Juventus already. The psychological approach is key, so I want to test the team and myself.”

Serie A Week 4 - 22-9-2012 (8:45 p.m.) - Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee: Carmine Russo Juventus v Chievo Verona: Preview Sep 21, 2012 Leonardo Bonucci has warned tomorrow's opponents Chievo that Juventus are ready to "terrify everybody" in Serie A following their Champions League exploits. The Bianconeri went a long way to prove they will be a force to be reckoned with on the European stage after battling back from two goals down to hold reigning champions Chelsea at Stamford Bridge in midweek. With three wins from three league games, and holders of an impressive unbeaten run stretching back to the beginning of last season, the Old Lady were already the team to fear back in Italy. And defender Bonucci believes their impressive continental display will give tomorrow's opposition further food for thought. Quoted on juventus.com, he told Sky Sport Italia: "We're satisfied that we got a good draw in a difficult game. "Juve has held its head high in Europe and now we must continue with the same hunger to terrify everybody we meet. "We showed that we can be a great team, with the determination and desire to never give up and get results we want on the pitch." La Vecchia Signora could not find their way past Chievo last season as the clubs played out two draws. Flying Donkeys boss Domenico Di Carlo is without Luciano, Alberto Paloschi and Lorenzo Squizzi for the trip to Juventus Stadium with defender Gennaro Sardo eager for his team-mates to avoid suffering a third straight league defeat. He told the giornalaccio rosa dello Sport: "We have to forget about what happened against Parma and Lazio. "Juve are a great side, (Kwadwo) Asamoah has impressed me the most. "Pirlo? We're aware that most of Juve's good play comes through him, so stopping him will be a good place to start. "But that won't solve everything, Juve are a team full of champions. We will have to pay close attention." http://www.soccerway.com/national/italy/serie-a/20122013/regular-season/

Serie A Week 4 - 22-9-2012 (8:45 p.m.) - Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee: Carmine Russo MATCH PREVIEW Sep 21, 2012 Fresh from a positive Champions League start, Serie A leaders Juventus take on a Chievo side that have lost two on the bounce. The champions encountered some difficulties - especially in the opening 45 minutes – in Genoa last Sunday, but still managed to leave with the points. That stretched their unbeaten run to 42 matches. Goals from Emanuele Giaccherini, Mirko Vucinic and Kwadwo Asamoah after the interval cancelled out Ciro Immobile’s opener. Against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Wednesday the Bianconeri marked their European return with a sound performance. They displayed a fighting spirit to come from behind and draw 2-2, as Arturo Vidal and Fabio Quagliarella responded to Oscar’s double. With minds again focused on domestic matters, Antonio Conte and Massimo Carrera are not expected to make sweeping changes, although Mauricio Isla and Lucio look set to start their first League match for the club. The two Simone’s - Pepe and Padoin - remain on the sidelines. Chievo faced Lazio at home on Sunday and were left steamrolled at the final whistle. Hernanes netted a double and Miroslav Klose the other, with Sergio Pellissier’s late penalty meaning little. Domenico Di Carlo conceded the rampant Romans had more quality and were more clinical than his side. The reversal was their second in succession and the tactician will be looking to steady the ship before the downturn in results gains momentum. They make the journey west without Alberto Paloschi and Lorenzo Squizzi, both of whom are out for several weeks through injury. Veteran Luciano will need to prove his fitness. While the visitors have never left Turin with the three points, they have proved a tricky opponent, as last season’s 1-1 draw demonstrates. That was the third draw overall, with Juve enjoying six wins. Keep an eye on: Mirko Vucinic (Juventus) – With Juve’s summer transfer campaign revolving around their hunt for and failure to land a top striker, Vucinic has started the season with a bang. He was vital off the bench in Genoa and carried that impetus to London in midweek. Form guide: Juventus (- - W W W) Chievo (- - L L W) Last season: Juventus 1-1 Chievo Stat fact: Sergio Pellissier is the only player to net a hat-trick in this fixture. His treble in 2008-09 came during a 3-3 draw. Juventus: Buffon; Lucio, Barzagli, Chiellini; Isla, Marchisio, Pogba, Giaccherini, Asamoah; Vucinic, Quagliarella Chievo: Sorrentino; Sardo, Dainelli, Cesar, Jokic; Vacek, L. Rigoni, Hetemaj; Cruzado; Thereau, Pellissier http://www.soccerway.com/national/italy/serie-a/20122013/regular-season/

Serie A Week 4 - 22-9-2012 (8:45 p.m.) - Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee: Carmine Russo Juventus - Chievo Preview - Conte's men look to dispatch the Gialloblu The Bianconeri will look to build on their good start to the season with a home win over the Flying Donkeys, as the champions look to stay atop of Serie A. Sep 21, 2012 PROBABLE LINE-UPS JUVENTUSBuffon Lucio, Barzagli, Chiellini Isla, Marchisio, Pogba, Giaccherini, Asamoah Vucinic, Quagliarella CHIEVO Sorrentino Sardo, Dainelli, Cesar, Jokic Vacek, Rigoni, Hetemaj Thereau, Cruzado Pellissier Juventus are likely to welcome back Lucio from injury as he makes his first start for the Bianconeri. The Serie A champions will look to gain three points at home following their draw in London against Chelsea on Wednesday. Arturo Vidal, who scored in the Champions League game but also picked up a minor knock, is likely to sit this match out, with the versatile Mauricio Isla to come in and Kwadwo Asamoah set to retain his place on the left-hand side of the midfield. Fabio Quagliarella will most likely get the nod up front after his midweek equaliser, though Alessandro Matri may come into the reckoning if Antonio Conte looks to freshen up his attack. Chievo, meanwhile, will look to field the same defence that lost to Lazio 3-1 at Stadio Marc'Antonio Bentegodi last weekend. In midfield, Kamil Vacek will replace Luciano, who is set to drop to the bench. In attack, Alberto Paloschi is still injured, so Sergio Pellissier will play up front alone, while David Di Michele will start from the sidelines as Peruvian Rinaldo Cruzado gets a start. DID YOU KNOW? • Juventus have drawn the last four games against the Flying Donkeys. Their last win came in this fixture in 2009, a 1-0 victory courtesy of a Vincenzo Iaquinta goal. • Juve defender Andrea Barzagli played 29 times for Chievo during the 2003-04 season. • The Old Lady go into this match on the back of a huge unbeaten run of games in Serie A, now standing at 42 matches since they last lost. • Chievo have one win this season, after they beat Bologna 2-0 at home on the opening weekend of the Italian season. • The Gialloblu have a record of four draws and one win against Juve in their last five league games, both home and away. • If he plays, the Chievo captain Sergio Pellissier will be making his 299th Serie A appearance for the club, having been with the side from Verona since 2001. Head to Head Serie A ‎- Mar 3, 2012 - Juventus 1 - Chievo 1 Serie A ‎- Oct 16, 2011 - Chievo 0 - Juventus 0 Serie A ‎- May 9, 2011 - Juventus 2 - Chievo 2 Serie A ‎- Dec 19, 2010 - Chievo 1 - Juventus 1 Serie A ‎- Jan 17, 2010 - Chievo 1 - Juventus 0 Last Five Matches JUVENTUS Sep 19, 2012 - Chelsea FC 2 - Juventus 2 - CL Sep 16, 2012 - Genoa 1 - Juventus 3 - Serie A Sep 2, 2012 - Udinese 1 - Juventus 4 - Serie A Aug 25, 2012 - Juventus 2 - Parma 0 - Serie A Aug 11, 2012 - Juventus 4 - SSC Napoli 2 - Italian Supercup CHIEVO Sep 16, 2012 - Chievo 1 - Lazio 3 - Serie A Sep 2, 2012 - Parma 2 - Chievo 0 - Serie A Aug 26, 2012 - Chievo 2 - Bologna 0 - Serie A May 13, 2012 - Chievo 1 - Lecce 0 - Serie A May 6, 2012 - Palermo 4 - Chievo 4 - Serie A Players to watch Fabio Quagliarella The dynamic forward scored his first goal of the season on Wednesday and will look to carry over his form into Serie A. Should he receive the right service from Andrea Pirlo, Claudio Marchisio and others, Quagliarella could be the man to make the difference in what could be another terse match against stubborn opposition. Sergio Pellissier The hardworking frontman and captain will look to lead by example as Chievo look to secure a result from the game in Turin. If the match is tight late on, there may be a sniff of a chance for the Gialloblu and Pellissier as tiredness sets in for the Bianconeri. Prediction Having played a tough Champions League encounter in midweek, Juventus will need to find real quality to capture three points against wily opponents with a fantastic record against the Old Lady in recent fixtures. Chievo will be looking to avoid losing three games in succession and will no doubt look to sit back and soak up pressure. Will Juve be able to break through? We say yes, just. Editor's Prediction: Juventus 1 - 0 Chievo http://www.soccerway.com/national/italy/serie-a/20122013/regular-season/

Serie A Week 4 - 22-9-2012 (8:45 p.m.) - Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee: Carmine Russo Carrera: Chievo match will be extremely difficult The caretaker manager has warned the Bianconeri of complacency as they look to stretch their 42-game unbeaten run, though, have not beat this weekend's opposition in three years. Sep 21, 2012 Massimo Carrera had demanded full focus from his Juventus side as he sets out to claim their first home win over Chievo since 2009. The Serie A champions have started off this season’s campaign with three wins out of three, nine goals scored and only two conceded while stretching their run to 42-games unbeaten. But the 48-year-old coach, who is at the helm while Antonio Conte serves his 10-month ban, demands full focus against Chievo on Saturday who they have failed to beat in their last five attempts. “It’s been a while since we got the better of Chievo, so we’ll need to take to the field with the right mentality. We know we’ll be in for an extremely difficult game and must remain focused,” he said. “We’re aware that we’re the team to beat. Everyone we come up against wants to be the first side to take all three points off us. We need to be up for the fight and give as much as we can. Quality isn’t necessarily enough to overcome opposition like the Gialloblu.” Carrera has hinted there may be some changes at the weekend following Wednesday night’s gruelling Champions League tie against Chelsea which finished 2-2. But he has reassured fans he believes the team has enough depth in quality to ring the changes this weekend. “We’ve still got two training sessions remaining, so we’ll use them to assess the physical condition of the entire squad and work out our best starting line-up,” he said. “We have many important players here and I’m confident that whoever plays will be able to fit into the team’s system. If we decide to give Pirlo a rest, Pogba and Marrone are both players capable of stepping in and doing a good job.” The former Juventus defender paid tribute to the work ethic of those in the squad and in their performances in the absence of their manager. He added: “We have a group ethic here. We’ve displayed it in the last few games, when those called upon to come off the bench have weighed in with an important contribution. "I make the decisions on the bench but speak with Antonio during the week and before the game to try and predict various moves. During the action I consult Filippi. He’s a coach and is able to give me a hand." http://www.soccerway.com/national/italy/serie-a/20122013/regular-season/

Verratti: I'm not at Pirlo's level yet The promising youngster is honoured to be compared to the influential midfielder. Sep 22, 2012 Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Marco Verratti has expressed his pride at being compared to Juventus star Andrea Pirlo. The 19-year-old has been in impressive form this season and has been likened to the Italy international for his style of play, with PSG coach Carlo Ancelotti the latest to make the link earlier this week. Nevertheless, Verratti remains humble and has stressed that he still has work to do in order to reach Pirlo's level. "The comparisons with Pirlo do me a lot of good as he is one of the best players in the world," the youngster told L'Equipe. "I am still far from his level. I will have to work very hard if I am to become as good a player as him and achieve the same success."

Serie A Week 4 - 22-9-2012 (8:45 p.m.) - Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee: Carmine Russo Carrera: Bendtner is ready to play for Juventus The stand-in Bianconeri coach has confirmed that there are no injury concerns ahead of their next Serie A fixture, and says the Denmark international could feature. Sep 21, 2012 Massimo Carrera has revealed that Juventus will have a full squad to pick from for Saturday's tie with Chievo at the Juventus Stadium, and suggested Arsenal's on-loan striker Nicklas Bendtner could feature. The Bianconeri currently lie first in the early Serie A standings, ahead of Napoli and Lazio on goal difference. "Everyone is available," the former Juve defender told reporters. "We'll work out our best starting line-up over the next two training sessions. "We have many important players here and I'm confident that whoever is selected for Chievo will fit into our system well." The 48-year-old also spoke of the encouragement his players could take from their 2-2 draw away to Chelsea in the Champions League. "We'll take heart from the performance in London," said the once-capped Italy international. "We saw the aggressive, determined Juventus from last year." Carrera also suggested that summer signing Bendtner could be in line to make his debut. "Bendtner has been training with the squad and is ready," said the caretaker coach. "We'll see if he has a part to play." http://www.soccerway.com/national/italy/serie-a/20122013/regular-season/

Serie A Week 4 - 22-9-2012 (8:45 p.m.) - Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee: Carmine Russo Vidal in Juve squad Sep 21, 2012 Arturo Vidal is in the Juventus squad for tomorrow night’s match with Chievo despite his ankle injury. The midfielder was limping heavily in Wednesday’s 2-2 Champions League draw against Chelsea, although he managed to score a goal. There were suggestions Vidal would be rested for the Saturday Serie A encounter, especially as they face a trip to Fiorentina on Tuesday. However, he is in the squad named by Antonio Conte and stand-in Coach Massimo Carrera. Juventus squad: 1 Gianluigi Buffon, 2 Lucio, 3 Giorgio Chiellini, 4 Martin Caceres, 6 Paul Pogba, 8 Claudio Marchisio, 9 Mirko Vucinic, 11 Paolo De Ceglie, 12 Sebastian Giovinco, 15 Andrea Barzagli, 17 Nicklas Bendtner, 19 Leonardo Bonucci, 21 Andrea Pirlo, 22 Kwadwo Asamoah, 23 Arturo Vidal, 24 Emanuele Giaccherini, 26 Stephan Lichtsteiner, 27 Fabio Quagliarella, 30 Marco Storari, 32 Alessandro Matri, 33 Mauricio Isla, 34 Rubinho, 39 Luca Marrone http://www.soccerway.com/national/italy/serie-a/20122013/regular-season/

Serie A Week 4 - 22-9-2012 (8:45 p.m.) - Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee: Carmine Russo Di Carlo: 'Chievo can upset Juve' Sep 21, 2012 Chievo Coach Domenico Di Carlo hopes being the undoubted underdogs can help his side cause an “upset” against Juventus tomorrow night. The two teams come face to face in Turin on Saturday evening and the Flying Donkeys have drawn four of their last five meetings with Juve. “Juve are charging forward in Serie A and fresh from a great Champions League performance against Chelsea,” said Di Carlo in his Press conference. “It is clear for all to see that Juventus are the stronger team. Tomorrow we will require the perfect performance, but I believe my team has already proved it can do that. I believe this upset is not impossible. “We must use our grit, work-rate, determination and hunger. The important thing will be not to repeat the mistakes we made against Lazio, which were due to a lack of concentration. “With a little luck and all those qualities, we can do this. I believe in my team.” Luciano, Boukary Dramè, Alberto Paloschi and Lorenzo Squizzi are out injured. Chievo squad for Juventus: Puggioni, Sorrentino, Viotti, Andreolli, Cesar, Frey, Jokic, Sardo, Papp, Dainelli, M Rigoni, Cruzado, Hetemaj, Cofie, L Rigoni, Guana, Vacek, Di Michele, Moscardelli, Pellissier, Thereau, Stoian, Samassa http://www.soccerway.com/national/italy/serie-a/20122013/regular-season/

Serie A Week 4 - 22-9-2012 (8:45 p.m.) - Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee: Carmine Russo Carrera: Bendtner could feature Sep 21, 2012 Stand-in Juventus Coach Massimo Carrera has confirmed the Bianconeri have a full squad to pick from for tomorrow's game against Chievo. The former Juve defender also congratulated the side for their 2-2 draw with defending European champions Chelsea on Wednesday. “Everyone is available,” he told a press conference today. “We'll work out our best starting line-up over the next two training sessions. “We have many important players here, and I'm confident that whoever is selected for Chievo will fit well into our system. “We'll take heart from the performance in London. We saw the aggressive, determined Juventus from last year.” Carrera then gave an update on the progress made by deadline day signing Nicklas Bendtner, who could make his debut in the game at the Juventus Stadium. “Bendtner has been training with the squad and is ready. We'll see if he'll have a part to play.” http://www.soccerway.com/national/italy/serie-a/20122013/regular-season/