Socrates

Risultato bugiardo.

Si mette male. Oscar 2-0

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE (1st leg) - 19-9-2012 (8:45 p.m.) ................ CHELSEA - JUVENTUS Stamford bridge stadium - London Referee: Pedro Proenca (Portugal) Marotta: 'Juve must try to win' Sep 19, 2012 Director Beppe Marotta is not afraid of Chelsea. “We are Juventus and it is our duty to go for the best result in every competition.” The Bianconeri return to the Champions League at Stamford Bridge this evening against the trophy holders. “This is Juventus and it is our duty to go for the best result in every competition,” director general Marotta told Sky Sport Italia before kick-off in London. “Tonight it is an important test for a group that is new at every level, in terms of players and directors. It is exciting and for many a novelty. “We have to grow in various aspects and at this stage the Champions League is a series of challenges to be overcome in the group.” Kwadwo Asamoah was snapped up from Udinese over the summer and is in the starting XI against Chelsea. “Asamoah is a player who attracted a lot of interest from different clubs, as did Arturo Vidal. The fact he’s playing tonight shows what a versatile player he is who fits our needs. “We were looking for a young athlete who would settle in quickly to the squad, without forgetting an adequate price.”

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE (1st leg) - 19-9-2012 (8:45 p.m.) ................ CHELSEA - JUVENTUS Stamford bridge stadium - London Referee: Pedro Proenca (Portugal) Line-ups: Chelsea-Juventus Sep 19, 2012 Juventus keep the 3-5-2 at Stamford Bridge with Mirko Vucinic and Sebastian Giovinco against John Terry’s Chelsea, but Juan Mata is benched. The Bianconeri make their return to the Champions League after a two-year absence and begin with the trophy holders in London tonight. As expected, Stephan Lichtsteiner, Arturo Vidal, Kwadwo Asamoah and Vucinic return to the starting XI after the 3-1 win at Genoa on Sunday. Gigi Buffon marks his 400th appearance for the Old Lady. Coach Antonio Conte – who is in the stands due to a 10-month touchline ban for failing to alert authorities to a potential fix while at Siena – sticks with the 3-5-2 system. Chelsea are top of the Premier League despite being held by QPR at the weekend and are hoping the form of Eden Hazard can fire them up in Europe. Fernando Torres is in the starting line-up despite his angry reaction to a substitution at the weekend, backed by Oscar and Ramires, so Juan Mata is surprisingly sent to the bench. John Terry shook off a knee problem he picked up in Saturday’s 0-0 draw with QPR and is available again after a two-match European ban, while John Obi Mikel has recovered from back pain. These sides also faced off in the Round of 16 in 2009, as a spectacular 2-2 draw in Turin was followed by Chelsea’s 1-0 victory at Stamford Bridge. In a somewhat worrying statistic, Juventus have lost their last five consecutive Champions League trips to England against Liverpool, Newcastle United, Manchester United and Arsenal (twice). The last time the Bianconeri conquered English soil in this competition was 1-0 at Manchester United in the group stage on November 11, 1996. Chelsea: Cech; Ivanovic, David Luiz, Terry, Cole; Lampard, Mikel; Ramires, Hazard, Oscar; Torres Chelsea bench: Turnbull, Azpilicueta, Cahill, Bertrand, Juan Mata, Moses, Oriol Romeu Juventus: Buffon; Barzagli, Bonucci, Chiellini; Lichsteiner, Vidal, Pirlo, Marchisio, Asamoah; Giovinco, Vucinic Juventus bench: Storari, Lucio, Giaccherini, Isla, Marrone, Matri, Quagliarella

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE (1st leg) - 19-9-2012 (8:45 p.m.) ................ CHELSEA - JUVENTUS Stamford bridge stadium - London Referee: Pedro Proenca (Portugal) Oscar makes full debut as Chelsea begin Champions League defence against Juventus The 21-year-old comes in for Ryan Bertrand in Roberto Di Matteo's only change from the weekend draw with QPR, with Andrea Pirlo among the familiar faces in the Italian's line-up. Sep 19, 2012 Brazilian starlet Oscar makes his first start for Chelsea in their Champions League opener against Juventus. The Blues start their defence of their European crown at Stamford Bridge, where Roberto Di Matteo makes just one change from the side that drew 0-0 with QPR in the Premier League on Saturday, the 21-year-old replacing Ryan Bertrand. Fernando Torres keeps his place as the lone striker, while the impressive Eden Hazard continues in midfield alongside another Brazil international, Ramires. Elsewhere, the back-five remain the same, with John Terry and David Luiz keeping Gary Cahill on the bench, along with new signings Cesar Azpilicueta and Victor Moses. As for Juventus, there is no place for Nicklas Bendtner in the side after he joined on loan from Arsenal in the summer. The Serie A outfit's coach, Massimo Carrera, instead plays Sebastian Giovinco up front, with an attacking three of Mirko Vucinic, Kwadwo Asamoah and Arturo Vidal in support. Andrea Pirlo, who Frank Lampard, Ashley Cole and John Terry will know well from Euro 2012, will be looking to pull the strings from midfield in west London. Chelsea starting XI: Cech; Ivanovic, Luiz, Terry, Cole; Mikel, Lampard; Ramires, Oscar, Hazard; Torres Subs: Turnbull, Azpilicueta, Cahill, Bertrand, Romeu, Mata, Moses Juventus starting XI: Buffon; Lichtsteiner, Barzagli, Bonucci, Chiellini; Marchiso, Pirlo; Vucinic, Asamoah, Vidal; Giovinco Subs: Storari, Lucio, Giaccherini, Isla, Marrone, Quagliarella, Matri

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE (1st leg) - 19-9-2012 (8:45 p.m.) ................ CHELSEA - JUVENTUS Stamford bridge stadium - London Referee: Pedro Proenca (Portugal) Chelsea goalkeeper Cech wary of tough Juventus test The Czech Republic international insists the Blues will have to be at their very best to ensure they make a winning start to the defence of the trophy they won in May. Sep 19, 2012 Chelsea goalkeeper Petr Cech says his side will need to be at their best if they are to making a winning start to the defence of their Champions League crown when they entertain Juventus on Wednesday evening. The meeting with the Italian champions will be the west Londoners’ first game in the competition since they defeated Bayern Munich to lift the European Cup for the first time in May. Juventus will line-up at Stamford Bridge without boss Antonio Conte, who is serving a ban for failing to report an approach for match-fixing at previous club Siena. Despite being without their manager, Juve have made a perfect start to the new Serie A season, and Cech is well aware that they will put up a good fight at Stamford Bridge. “We're playing Juventus, who have been missing from the Champions League for a few seasons, so they will definitely want to show they are back,” Cech told Chelsea’s official website. “Last time we played them we beat them in the knockout stages [in 2009], so this is a chance for them to get revenge for that defeat. “Anybody who plays against us will want to raise their game, we are the defending champions so its extra motivation for everybody.” Last season, under the stewardship of Andre Villas-Boas, Chelsea only sealed their progression to the knock-out stages in the final group game, and Cech does not want a repeat of that this time around. “The sooner you can qualify from the group, the better it is,” the 30-year-old added. “But whether you qualify on the last day or the first day it's not important, the main thing is just to get through. “If we win every home game and lose every away game but win the Champions League, it doesn't really matter. “We want to improve, though, because in all of our away games last season we were in a good position but failed to kill the match off, so that's definitely an area we want to build on to make our life easier.” Chelsea were recently humbled by Atletico Madrid in the Super Cup, but Cech hopes to see his side's domestic form - which has seen them start unbeaten - transferred to Europe. “It's always better if you can keep a clean sheet in the Champions League as it relieves the pressure,” the Czech Republic international said. “It's been a positive start in that sense and we want to keep it going. Against Juventus it will be important as I don't see a game with many goals. “They've been doing well and they will want to keep progressing. They have quite a few younger players who came through a couple of years ago who are still there, they have a very good defence and of course [Gianluigi] Buffon in goal, so it's going to be a very difficult game.”

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE (1st leg) - 19-9-2012 (8:45 p.m.) ................ CHELSEA - JUVENTUS Stamford bridge stadium - London Referee: Pedro Proenca (Portugal) Carrera relishing 'big test' against Chelsea The caretaker is eagerly anticipating Wednesday's trip to Stamford Bridge, as he believes his players have been presented with a great chance to announce their return to Europe. Sep 19, 2012 Massimo Carrera sees Wednesday's Champions League Group E opener with Chelsea as the perfect yardstick for Juventus to measure their progress. The Serie A champions have picked up from where they left off last season, with three wins from three games, and the interim boss wants his team to make full use of their opportunity against the competition holders. "We are really proud to have the opportunity to face the champions of this competition," Carrera said at a press conference. "Of course it's a big test for us and we have to work and improve. "But we are really happy that we can play these sort of games. We have spoken to the players and they know what they should and shouldn't do for tomorrow's game. "We are conscious of what we need to do; these sort of games can give you a better understanding of where you are as a team." Juventus last featured in the Champions League in 2009-10, when they failed to survive the group stage.

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE (1st leg) - 19-9-2012 (8:45 p.m.) ................ CHELSEA - JUVENTUS Stamford bridge stadium - London Referee: Pedro Proenca (Portugal) The Old Lady is back: Juventus return to the Champions League with bad memories to bury The Bianconeri have had a rollercoaster 33 months since their last taste of the big time, and a successful European campaign would cap their rise back to the top. Sep 19, 2012 COMMENT By Kris Voakes | Italian Football Writer Many Juventus fans did not stick around to watch Anatoliy Tymoshchuk make it 4-1 - they’d already seen enough. Little did they know it at the time, but things would get worse. Their elimination from the Champions League in the group stages was just the beginning of the Bianconeri’s woes in 2009-10, and the following season would not be any better either. After a European campaign which saw them twice scrape unconvincingly past Maccabi Haifa and fail to beat either Bordeaux or Bayern Munich came a run of five defeats in six league games and elimination from the Coppa Italia. It was the end for Ciro Ferrara, but the misery had only just started, with the appointments of first Alberto Zaccheroni and then Luigi Del Neri doing nothing to steady the ship. Truth be told, that defeat to Bayern Munich in December 2009 was the start of the rot. Having just seen their side beat Inter to close in on Jose Mourinho’s league leaders and eventual treble winners, many Juventini were expecting great things to follow. Instead, there was 18 months of ignominy to come. "That defeat to Bayern was just the start of the rot. There was 18 months of ignominy to come" Consecutive seventh place finishes, an entire Europa League group campaign without a win, a thrashing at Fulham, humiliating home defeats to the likes of Parma, Bologna and Palermo … the tale of woe was longer and more painful than anything they could have imagined as they trudged out of the Olimpico on that cold winter evening after Mario Gomez had put the game beyond them. The aftermath of Calciopoli was a trying period for the club, but there was a feeling of victimisation driving everyone on. This time, all of the damage was self-inflicted and they needed all sorts of work from top to bottom. Tonight, Juventus step back into the Champions League having undergone a mesmerising transformation in the 33 months since their elimination by die Roten. Despite the troughs that have been experienced in between times, it is from the top of the tallest of peaks that they head for Stamford Bridge to take on European champions Chelsea. It is all thanks to their overhaul on and off the field over the last year and a half. Unbeaten in 42 league games, boasting a ground-breaking new stadium, playing football which is the envy of Italy with a squad brimming with confidence, this Juventus could hardly be any more different from the one which last graced the Champions League stage. Back then, there was a distinct lack of partnerships on the field. Now, the unity of the side is their outstanding quality. No more is there the feeling of dread as fans enter the ground, that was washed away when Juventus Stadium was opened and Antonio Conte’s brand of football was embraced. Along with their new home, there have been other great strides off the pitch. There is now a greater belief in the administration of the club too. JUVENTUS IN EUROPE SINCE THEIR LAST CHAMPIONS LEAGUE APPEARANCE 2009-10 - EUROPA LEAGUE Last 32 - Ajax (a) W 2-1 Last 32 - Ajax (H ) D 0-0 Last 16 - Fulham (H ) W 3-1 Last 16 - Fulham (a) L 1-4 2010-11 - EUROPA LEAGUE 3rd Qual - Shamrock Rovers (a) W 2-0 3rd Qual - Shamrock Rovers (H ) W 1-0 Play off - Sturm Graz (a) W 2-1 Play off - Sturm Graz (H ) W 1-0 Matchday 1 - Lech Poznan (H ) D 3-3 Matchday 2 - Manchester City (a) D 1-1 Matchday 3 - Red Bull Salzburg (a) D 1-1 Matchday 4 - Red Bull Salzburg (H ) D 0-0 Matchday 5 - Lech Poznan (a) D 1-1 Matchday 6 - Manchester City (H ) D 1-1 2011-12 - DID NOT QUALIFY After a difficult first term, director general Giuseppe Marotta and sporting director Fabio Paratici have brought in players who have been hugely effective in the club’s rise to the top in the Bel Paese. President Andrea Agnelli, once questioned for his inability to stand up for Juventus within the wider football community, now has the backing of the vast majority of the fan base thanks to his approach to the three-star debate and the Conte touchline ban episode. It really is a world away from the days of Jean-Claude Blanc, Roberto Bettega and Alessio Secco. But above all, when the Champions League anthem is played in west London at 20.40CET tonight, the camera will be panning across a line of black and white shirts being worn by Andrea Pirlo, Mirko Vucinic, Arturo Vidal and Stephan Lichtsteiner rather than Christian Poulsen, Amauri, Tiago Mendes and Zdenek Grygera. Three seasons on from the beginning of the landslide, Juve are back. And as they embark on the next step of their rise back to the top of the world game, a victory over the continental kings would bury for good the bad memory of Bayern and the 18 months of hell that followed.

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE (1st leg) - 19-9-2012 (8:45 p.m.) ................ CHELSEA - JUVENTUS Stamford bridge stadium - London Referee: Pedro Proenca (Portugal) Buffon wants 'competitive' Juventus to prove their worth in Champions League The veteran glovesman feels the Old Lady must now step up to the plate on the continental stage, as he looks forward to Wednesday's clash with reigning champions Chelsea. Sep 19, 2012 Gianluigi Buffon has stressed that the time has come for Juventus to prove they have what it takes to shine in the Champions League. The Serie A champions are by many seen as one of the dark horses to win the competition, and the goalkeeper wants his team to step up to the plate in their Group E curtain raiser against Chelsea. "Last season’s Scudetto win was epic and qualifying for Europe as Italian champions gives us both pride and belief in our ability," Buffon told reporters at a press conference. "I believe there are three or four teams that are above us, then there’s a group in which I’d include ourselves. It’s now down to us to show we’re competitive at Champions League level. "Our style of play is suited to European football. Chelsea’s players may have more appearances in the Champions League than ours, but we’re an emerging side." Wednesday's encounter at Stamford Bridge kicks off at 20:45CET.

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE (1st leg) - 19-9-2012 (8:45 p.m.) ................ CHELSEA - JUVENTUS Stamford bridge stadium - London Referee: Pedro Proenca (Portugal) Chelsea's European honeymoon is over four months on from Munich The Champions League holders begin the defence of their trophy at home to Juventus but much has changed at Stamford Bridge since their triumph over Bayern Munich in May. Sep 19, 2012 COMMENT By Dan Levene Four months to the day since the magical and miraculous in Munich, Chelsea return to Champions League action against Juventus on Wednesday night. It is difficult to grasp the magnitude of relief and elation experienced by Chelsea fans at winning last year's Champions League, unless you were actually there. And by that I mean there for at least some of the nine campaigns in which it did not end in glory. This was not a victory over 120 minutes plus penalties, but a victory over 13 years and countless near misses (some nearer than others). Four defeats at the semi-final stage and one in the final had led some to suggest that it might never happen for Chelsea. And when it did happen, in the unlikeliest of all circumstances, it had a strange effect on Chelsea supporters. In fact only now is that elation starting to die-down. As with the team itself, there was an older generation of supporter who kept on coming just on the basis of 'maybe one day'. Now that day has come, some have decided it cannot be topped. It is by no means an exodus, but I have spoken to those who have decided to put their passport back in the draw: seasoned European travellers who have, as modern playing parlance puts it, 'retired from international football'. The draw handed to Chelsea this season has added to that: Turin and Copenhagen (where Nordsjaelland will play their games) are places the Blues have been in recent years. And Shakhtar Donetsk is too far, too much bother, or too expensive a trip for a lot of people. When it comes to matters on the pitch, there is not massive optimism for Chelsea in Europe this season. One of the phrases I heard most often in Munich the day after that final was: “Well we've done it now – that's never going to happen again, is it?” The truly unbelievable nature of the victory itself (a caretaker manager, a terrible domestic season, and 'Unsere Stadt, Unser Stadion, Unser Pokal') contributed to that. Most people understand that, but for that utterly incredible night, things might have been very different: without the cash from this season's Champions League qualification, and new FFP hurdles being erected. So now there is a touch of black humour when it comes to this season's chances. Roberto Di Matteo is starting to find that the honeymoon is over when it comes to both results, and fan reaction to them. A sizeable minority of people are questioning his abilities. That has not yet led to any sort of revolt: all want him to succeed. But the crushing nature of the Super Cup defeat to Atletico Madrid will have caused more than a flesh wound to one or two of his nine lives. And then there is the oft-repeated stat known to every schoolboy: no team has ever retained the Champions League. Not many Chelsea fans are booking their taxi to Wembley for next May's final just yet. It is not all doom and gloom of course: it would be ridiculous to say that about a club which reached the highest point in its 107-year history just seven competitive matches back. The signings of Eden Hazard, Oscar and Victor Moses have got people quite excited - notably Hazard, who looks like a fantastic buy. But there are definite concerns about how successful a strategy it is to buy three attacking midfielders, when the squad does not seem to possess a dedicated holding midfielder, or a back-up striker or understudy goalkeeper. As with the acquisition of Fernando Torres and David Luiz on the final day of the January 2011 transfer window, there is a belief that Roman Abramovich is committed to buying the best for the future. However, as also shown by that cash splurge of 20 months back, there is a concern that those underneath Abramovich are not showing the world that they know what they are doing. Four months on from Munich, Chelsea are a very different club with different players, different aspirations, and different concerns. It would take a punter with very strong will to bet that he knows how Chelsea's involvement in the 2012-13 Champions League will play out.

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE (1st leg) - 19-9-2012 (8:45 p.m.) ................ CHELSEA - JUVENTUS Stamford bridge stadium - London Referee: Pedro Proenca (Portugal) Di Matteo urges Chelsea not to dwell on Champions League success The Italian claims last season's victory will live long in the memory but wants his players to focus solely on the task in hand against Juventus on Wednesday night. Sep 19, 2012 Chelsea manager Roberto Di Matteo believes his side must focus on their current campaign rather than dwelling on last season's astonishing Champions League win. The Italian is determined to repeat the feat this term but, when quizzed on what the European win meant to him, insisted it was not on his mind. He told reporters: "When you are at a big club like Chelsea, there is always pressure to win trophies and bring more success. "Everybody was pleased we finally brought the Champions League trophy to Stamford Bridge but now we have to look forward now, that's in the past." Wednesday night's opposition, Juventus, represent a tough opening task for Di Matteo's side, the Serie A champions are currently on a unbeaten domestic run of 42 games. The 42-year-old admits the match will prove a stern test of his side's credentials, adding: "Playing Juventus is one of the most difficult fixtures we could have drawn in the Champions League. "They are a very strong team, everybody recognises that and they are on a long unbeaten run. They have a lot of quality, experienced and younger players." Di Matteo is determined to become the first manager to retain the Champions League title and dismissed claims that the Blues were lucky on their way to the European crown last season. He added: "You need to deserve everything you get. We worked very hard and prepared well for the different opponents we faced. It can't just be luck, of course you need a portion, but that's a minor part of it. "It's difficult because of the fierce competition. Every season there are new strong teams who qualify, such as Paris Saint-Germain and Juventus, which makes it difficult, but we will try because it's not impossible."

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE (1st leg) - 19-9-2012 (8:45 p.m.) ................ CHELSEA - JUVENTUS Stamford bridge stadium - London Referee: Pedro Proenca (Portugal) Ranieri neutral ahead of Chelsea-Juve Sep 19, 2012 Claudio Ranieri says he won’t be supporting Chelsea or Juventus when his two former clubs clash in the Champions League tonight. The tactician spent four years with the London side before his dismissal in 2004, while he was netted by the Old Lady in 2007. “I just hope that I see some good football,” Ranieri told RAI. “I’m looking forward to watching those two clubs on the international stage. “Chelsea have changed a lot and will need to find the right balance, but I think Roberto Di Matteo will be able to do that.” Ranieri spent two campaigns in Turin before he was sensationally sacked with just two games of the 2008-09 season remaining. “There was a misunderstanding and something didn’t fit,” he continued. “A Coach is very much like a lawyer. “You are given a case to fight and you aim to do your best, but if it doesn’t work out then you change your lawyer. That’s what happened.” Juventus will kick off in London without the legendary Alessandro Del Piero after he left for Sydney FC, but Ranieri believes that Sebastian Giovinco can shine. “He’s an excellent player and he could become a champion,” the current Monaco tactician insisted. “He has all of the qualities needed to blossom, even if you need time when at a great club. It’ll depend on him and his teammates.”

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE (1st leg) - 19-9-2012 (8:45 p.m.) ................ CHELSEA - JUVENTUS Stamford bridge stadium - London Referee: Pedro Proenca (Portugal) Mikel hails 'legend' Pirlo Sep 18, 2012 John Obi Mikel is looking forward to facing “a legend like Andrea Pirlo” in tomorrow’s Chelsea-Juventus clash. “Pirlo is a great player and he has been in the game a long time,” said midfielder Mikel in a Press conference. “Every day I come in to training and I like learning, even from the younger players, and I am always open to new things. “Playing against a legend like Pirlo is going to be great but I also want to win so it is going to be a battle. “He wants to win and I want to win but I respect him as a player and hopefully I can learn from him tomorrow. “We have lots of good, senior players to deal with the pressure and we are all big players so we live with pressure every game. “It isn't going be easy because Juventus haven't lost for a long time but if we go out there and we are tactically sound then we have a very good chance of winning the game. “Everyone knew how important it was for us to win the Champions League, but we don't want to stop and hopefully tomorrow is going to be the start of us retaining the title. “We worked very hard for what we achieved last season and we have brought in new players that are going to help us in the game. Hopefully this season we can play good football and get to the final again. We are still hungry.”

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE (1st leg) - 19-9-2012 (8:45 p.m.) ................ CHELSEA - JUVENTUS Stamford bridge stadium - London Referee: Pedro Proenca (Portugal) Carrera: 'No Chelsea nerves' Sep 18, 2012 Massimo Carrera makes his Champions League debut as stand-in Juventus Coach against Chelsea, but insists “it’ll be a normal game for me.” The assistant is standing in for Antonio Conte during a 10-month touchline ban in the betting scandal, as the Coach fights the charges of failing to alert authorities over a potential fix. “I’m not nervous. It’ll be a normal game for me,” assured Carrera ahead of tomorrow’s Euro opener at Stamford Bridge. “We are back in Europe and are very proud to be facing the holders of the trophy. It represents an important test for us.” The Bianconeri fought back from a goal down to win 3-1 at Genoa on Sunday, continuing their 42-match unbeaten Serie A run. Carrera has replaced Conte in four official games this season, winning all of them between Serie A and the Italian Super Cup. “We still have to work in order to improve. We watched back the recording of the Genoa game and studied the mistakes made so that we won’t repeat them again. “We have even more reason to prepare and wipe out those errors considering we are facing a strong side like Chelsea tomorrow night.” Although Conte is banned from the touchline and locker room on match days, he is still in charge of day-to-day training, as that is not included in the suspension.

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE (1st leg) - 19-9-2012 (8:45 p.m.) ................ CHELSEA - JUVENTUS Stamford bridge stadium - London Referee: Pedro Proenca (Portugal) Di Matteo: 'Juve toughest test' Sep 18, 2012 Roberto Di Matteo prepares to defend Chelsea’s Champions League title against Juventus, “one of the most difficult teams we could have been drawn against.” The Italian tactician surprised many by winning the trophy when he stepped in for Andre Villas-Boas midway through last season and opens this campaign at Stamford Bridge on Wednesday evening. “The objective is always to get past the group, that's our first target,” said Di Matteo in a Press conference. “We have three champions in our group, from Italy, Ukraine and Denmark, so it will be difficult. It's not just them; other teams who have joined the Champions League this season are very strong. It's very competitive and probably even stronger than last year. “When you are at a big club like Chelsea, there is always pressure to win trophies and bring more success. “Juventus are a very strong team, everybody recognises that and they are on a long unbeaten run. “They have a lot of quality, experienced and younger players and this is one of the most difficult teams we could have been drawn against.” Di Matteo suggested the Bianconeri would be content with a draw, or at least take an old-fashioned approach. “Their side will be similar to the one that came here a few years ago, determined to sit back, but they will try to impose their football, they like to get on the ball but we will try to limit their spaces on the pitch.” Chelsea were surprise winners of the Champions League, especially after almost crashing out against Napoli, and their manager insists it was not a fluke. “You need to deserve everything you get. We worked very hard and prepared well for the different opponents we faced. It can't just be luck, of course you need a portion, but that's a minor part of it. “It's difficult because of the fierce competition. Every season there are new strong teams who qualify, such as Paris Saint-Germain and Juventus, which makes it difficult, but we will try because it's not impossible.”

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE (1st leg) - 19-9-2012 (8:45 p.m.) ................ CHELSEA - JUVENTUS Stamford bridge stadium - London Referee: Pedro Proenca (Portugal) Buffon: 'Juve suited to Europe' Sep 18, 2012 Gianluigi Buffon assured Juventus will give Champions League holders Chelsea a battle. “I think our philosophy of football is more suitable to European competition.” The goalkeeper attended a Press conference ahead of tomorrow night’s return to the European main stage at Stamford Bridge. “We have more awareness of our potential than we did in 2009,” he said of Juve’s last foray into the Champions League. “Before we would rely on individual champions, but now we are more and more becoming an effective unit. “Naturally, Chelsea’s players have a lot more combined Champions League experience than we do right now, so we are to be considered underdogs. “However, there are three or four sides who are the favourites to win the trophy and I would put Juventus in the group just behind them.” Juventus won the Scudetto unbeaten last season and dominated Italian football, but Buffon does not fear the change of competition. “I think our philosophy of football is actually more suitable for European competition than Serie A. Last season’s Scudetto win was EPIC,” he grinned. “Re-entering the Champions League as the champions of Italy gives us pride and confidence. We are fully aware that we must prove we are competitive.”

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE (1st leg) - 19-9-2012 (8:45 p.m.) ................ CHELSEA - JUVENTUS Stamford bridge stadium - London Referee: Pedro Proenca (Portugal) Di Livio evokes Juve CL glory Sep 18, 2012 Former Juventus winger Angelo Di Livio hopes the current side can 'retrace the footsteps of my Juve' in the Champions League. The Bianconeri kick off their first tie in Europe's premier club competition for over three years at Stamford Bridge tomorrow night, where the holders Chelsea await. Di Livio was - along with current La Vecchia Signora boss Antonio Conte - part of the last Juve team to win the tournament in 1996, defeating Ajax on penalties in Rome. “I hope that Conte's team can retrace the footsteps of my Juve in Europe,” the man nicknamed the 'Little Solider' told Radio Mana Mana. “I'm curious to see how they will behave tomorrow against such difficult opponents as Chelsea. I am sure that Juve will not err in their approach to the game. Hearing the Champions League theme will be a great incentive for the players. “The Bianconeri have to play this tournament with the utmost humility and a spirit of sacrifice – values Conte's Juve have already proved they have.”

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE (1st leg) - 19-9-2012 (8:45 p.m.) ................ CHELSEA - JUVENTUS Stamford bridge stadium - London Referee: Pedro Proenca (Portugal) Juventus squad for Chelsea Sep 18, 2012 Juventus boss Antonio Conte has named a 23-man squad for Wednesday’s Champions League game at Chelsea. The only players missing for the trip are the injured duo of Simone Pepe and Simone Padoin. Vincenzo Iaquinta has also been omitted as he has been frozen out of things after failing to find a new club in the summer. Squad: Buffon, Lucio, Chiellini, Caceres, Pogba, Marchisio, Vucinic, De Ceglie, Giovinco, Barzagli, Bendtner, Bonucci, Pirlo, Asamoah, Vidal, Giaccherini, Lichtsteiner, Quagliarella, Storari, Matri, Isla, Rubinho, Marrone.

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE (1st leg) - 19-9-2012 (8:45 p.m.) ................ CHELSEA - JUVENTUS Stamford bridge stadium - London Referee: Pedro Proenca (Portugal) Chelsea - Juventus Preview: Blues look to repeat home comforts that propelled them to last year's title Roberto Di Matteo will look to repeat the stunning heroics that lead the west Londoners to the Champions League title, beginning with a tie with the unbeatable Bianconeri. Sep 18, 2012 PROBABLE LINE-UPS CHELSEA Cech Ivanovic, Cahill, Terry, Cole Ramires, Mikel, Lampard Hazard, Torres, Mata JUVENTUS Buffon Barzagli, Bonucci, Chiellini Lichtsteiner Pirlo, Asamoah Vidal, Marchisio Giovinco, Vucinic Chelsea begin the defence of their Champions League title against Italian champions Juventus, with both sides leading their respective leagues after an impressive opening few weeks of the season. John Terry and Ashley Cole (both ankle) have shaken off knocks that ruled them out of England encounters during the international break and will feature against the Bianconeri. Roberto Di Matteo should also welcome back Juan Mata following the Spaniard's absence from the 0-0 draw against QPR at the weekend. Juventus will be without former Inter defender Lucio (ankle) with Andrea Barzagli and Giorgio Chiellini set to be partnered by Leonardo Bonucci at the back. Former Manchester United midfielder Paul Pogba is yet to make his Juventus debut but could feature after being included in the Old Lady's squad. DID YOU KNOW? • Chelsea won all six of their Champions League home games last season. • The Blues have finished as group winners in seven of their last nine Champions League campaigns. • Chelsea won the last meeting between the sides, claiming a 3-2 aggregate victory. • Gianluigi Buffon will make his 400th appearance for Juventus if he features in Wednesday night's match. • Juventus are currently on a 42-match unbeaten streak in Serie A, stretching back to the end of the 2010-11 season. • Juventus are one of only two teams to have won the Champions League on home soil, the other is Borussia Dortmund. Head to Head UEFA Champions League ‎- Mar 10, 2009 - Juventus 2 - Chelsea FC 2 UEFA Champions League ‎- Feb 25, 2009 - Chelsea FC 1 - Juventus 0 Last Five Matches Chelsea FC Sep 15, 2012 - QPR 0 - Chelsea FC 0 - Premier league Aug 31, 2012 - Chelsea FC 1 - Atletico Madrid 4 - European Supercup Aug 25, 2012 - Chelsea FC 2 - Newcastle 0 - Premier league Aug 22, 2012 - Chelsea FC 4 - Reading 2 - Premier league Aug 19, 2012 - Wigan Athletic 0 - Chelsea FC 2 - Premier league Juventus 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 Aug 4, 2012 - Juventus 2 - Malaga 0 - FR Players to Watch Fernando Torres The now reinvigorated frontman is really starting to repay the millions Roman Abramovich paid for him. It was not long ago that Torres looked lethargic, unhappy and clueless, but now the Spaniard cannot seem to put a foot wrong. As he thrives on the service from Eden Hazard, Juan Mata and Ramires, he continues to look more and more unplayable. Andrea Pirlo As against England at Euro 2012, the Italian maestro will look to rule proceedings once more. Although diminutive in stature, Pirlo more than makes up for it in presence. He makes his team-mates play better and for that reason, Chelsea should watch out. Prediction Both sides have displayed plenty of defensive aptitude in recent months, with Chelsea the current Champions League holders and Juventus on an unbelievable undefeated run. With that in mind, goals may be hard to come by at Stamford Bridge, but that shouldn't detract from what will surely be an entertaining game. Editor's Prediction Chelsea 1 - 1 Juventus

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE (1st leg) - 19-9-2012 (8:45 p.m.) ................ CHELSEA - JUVENTUS Stamford bridge stadium - London Referee: Pedro Proenca (Portugal) Chelsea 'don't want to stop' in quest for trophies, says Mikel The Nigeria international has insisted the Blues still have the desire to win, as they kick-off the defence of their Champions League crown against Juventus on Wednesday. Sep 18, 2012 Chelsea midfielder John Obi Mikel has insisted his team-mates "don't want to stop" winning trophies, as they begin the defence of their Champions League crown. The Blues claimed an unlikely victory in Europe's premier cup competition last season, defeating favourites Barcelona before edging out Bayern Munich on their home ground in the final. And, though he expressed his pride at that momentous achievement, the Nigerian believes the west London club still have the desire to repeat their win. "It was good to win the trophy as some players were leaving, but we want to build on it, we don't want to stop," he told reporters. "We train every day trying to improve, we're still hungry and still want to win more, we want to add to what we've won. "Nothing changes, hopefully we can build on it, tomorrow is the start and we want to make sure we go far. "I've watched the final once, we've won it but we don't want to keep looking back at it, now we have to move on." Ahead of his side's group stage clash with Juventus on Wednesday, the 25-year-old also conceded that the pressure is on Chelsea this year given their status as defending champions. "Being champions adds pressure, but we have a lot of good, senior players to deal with that, we live with pressure every day," he said. "In everything you do, you need luck, but it wasn't luck which saw us through, we worked very hard, we beat Barca with 10 men." The Nigeria international went on to reveal his admiration for Juventus playmaker Andrea Pirlo, adding: "Pirlo is a great player, everyone saw what he did in the Euros. He's a legend, playing against him will be great and a battle".

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE (1st leg) - 19-9-2012 (8:45 p.m.) ................ CHELSEA - JUVENTUS Stamford bridge stadium - London Referee: Pedro Proenca (Portugal) Vucinic: Juventus do not fear Chelsea The Montenegro international forward insists the Bianconeri will arrive in west London high on confidence and claims the Blues are weaker than they were last season. Sep 18, 2012 Juventus forward Mirko Vucinic has fired a warning shot to Chelsea ahead of their Champions League clash on Wednesday night, claiming his side do not fear the reigning champions. Juventus are on a 42-game domestic unbeaten streak which saw them pick up the Serie A title last season and although Chelsea won the Champions League in May, and currently lead the Premier League, Vucinic feels the west London side are a weaker proposition than they were last term. Vucinic told reporters: "This is not the same Chelsea as last season because in the last few weeks they have failed in several matches and that increases our chances for Wednesday. "Will we play for a draw? Never! Our challenge is to win three points. We are the best team in Italy and it’s a matter of pride for the players." The forward continued to stress the pride that the Juventus players feel ahead of their return to the top tier of European football and while acknowledging Chelsea deserve respect, insisting the Bianconeri will arrive in London high on confidence, and low on fear. "Stamford Bridge is not the best place for us to open the group but there exists no fear," he added. "We are the champions of Italy and that gives us a prestige we need to exploit. This is our return to the Champions League and very special. "Chelsea are European champions and deserve our respect, but we go to London without fear and with a lot of confidence."

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE (1st leg) - 19-9-2012 (8:45 p.m.) ................ CHELSEA - JUVENTUS Stamford bridge stadium - London Referee: Pedro Proenca (Portugal) That Vucinic brace against Chelsea Sep 18, 2012 Chelsea will be well aware of the threat that Mirko Vucinic will carry in Wednesday’s Champions League game against Juventus. While with Roma, the Montenegro international scored two memorable goals in the Giallorossi’s 3-1 win over the London club in the 2008-09 campaign.

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE (1st leg) - 19-9-2012 (8:45 p.m.) ................ CHELSEA - JUVENTUS Stamford bridge stadium - London Referee: Pedro Proenca (Portugal) Porrini hails Juve Euro strength Sep 18, 2012 Sergio Porrini, who won the Champions League with Juventus in 1996, believes that there are only three teams better than the Old Lady in Europe. The Bianconeri will start their Champions League bid on Wednesday with a trip to holders Chelsea and Porrini fancies their chances. “There are only three superior teams to Juventus,” he told Tutto Juve. “They are Barcelona, Real Madrid and Manchester City. “This Juventus side may only be considered as an outsider, but, like the side I played in, they have great hunger and enthusiasm. “It’s not a bad position to be in when playing in the Champions League. Chelsea were not favourably backed last term and they ended up winning it.” Juve won the championship in 2011-12 and Porrini, a former Italian international defender, has congratulated the club for their market work. “Juventus are the strongest team in Italy and director general Beppe Marotta didn’t make one false move,” he added. “The Bianconeri are a really strong side and Napoli are the only team in Serie A who could give them a hard time.”

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE (1st leg) - 19-9-2012 (8:45 p.m.) ................ CHELSEA - JUVENTUS Stamford bridge stadium - London Referee: Pedro Proenca (Portugal) Juventus v Chelsea history Sep 18, 2012 Juventus will be looking for their first competitive win over Chelsea when the two sides face each other in the Champions League on Wednesday. The Old Lady are back in Europe’s premier club competition and will come up against the reigning champions in midweek. The two sides have met just twice in the past, back in the 2008-09, at the last 16 stage of the European Cup. Didier Drogba scored the only goal at Stamford Bridge back in February 2009. The return leg ended 2-2 with goals from Vincenzo Iaquinta, Michael Essien, an Alessandro Del Piero penalty and another Drogba goal. Giorgio Chiellini was dismissed in that tie. Juventus line-up for the 1-0 defeat: Buffon, Mellberg, Chiellini, Legrottaglie, Molinaro, Camoranesi (Marchionni 51), Sissoko (Trezeguet 86), Tiago (Marchisio 62), Nedved, Del Piero, Amauri. Juventus line-up for the 2-2 draw: Buffon, Grygera, Mellberg, Chiellini, Molinaro, Tiago, Marchisio, Nedved (Salihamidzic 13), Iaquinta (Giovinco 61), Del Piero, Trezeguet (Amauri 79).