Socrates

La formica atomica!

Eh giá.

Sarebbero ottimi come riserve di un grande attaccante.

Pogba...il nuovo Vieira

Io mi rifiuterei di indossarla.

Supercoppa Italiana - Finale - 11-8-2012 (ore 14:00) 4 - 2 Edison Cavani (27′) Kwadwo Asamoah (37') Goran Pandev (41′) Arturo Vidal (rigore - 74') Christian Maggio (a.g. - 97') Mirko Vučinić (101') Beijing National Stadium - Pechino Arbitro: Paolo Mazzoleni Juve, rivincita in Cina: sua la Supercoppa I bianconeri, in rimonta, vincono per 4-2 la Supercoppa Italiana al National Stadium di Pechino contro il Napoli. Partita tesa e ricca di episodi: ai gol di Cavani e Pandev, rispondono Asamoah, Vidal, Maggio (autorete) e Vucinic. Nel Napoli espulsi Pandev, Zuniga e il tecnico Mazzarri. Eurosport - Sabato, 12 agosto 2012 Se le amichevoli estive vi avevano “annoiato” con fairpaly, buonismo e poche emozioni, eccoci qui: il calcio italiano è tornato, e con sé si è riportato il lungo strascico di polemiche che è ormai caratteristica intrinseca del prodotto “pallone” made in Italy. Finisce in polemica, infatti, la Supercoppa “dagli occhi a mandorla”, con il Napoli, sconfitto per 4-2, che diserta la cerimonia di premiazione in segno di protesta vero l’arbitraggio di Mazzoleni, reo di aver espulso, nel momento chiave, prima Pandev, poi Zuniga e infine anche Mazzarri e una Juve, nel frattempo, che festeggia la rivincita della finale di Coppa Italia. POCHE EMOZIONI... POI CAVANI - Eppure le cose non si erano messe benissimo per gli uomini di Carrera. Dopo un primo quarto d’ora che fa rimpiangere a molti il sonnellino pomeridiano sotto l’ombrellone, con una Juventus che gestisce il possesso palla a velocità degne di un’amichevole qualsiasi, il Napoli, alla prima vera occasione, punisce una Juve che contro gli uomini di Mazzarri proprio non sembra voler capire la lezione. Il – a tratti disastroso – trio Bonucci-Barzagli-Lucio, infatti, opta per un inspiegabile fuorigioco sulla linea della metà campo: Cavani scatta ben dietro la linea della mediana, si invola verso la porta, e dopo aver provato a saltare Buffon senza fortuna, sulla seconda respinta infila il gol del vantaggio. E’ il minuto 27 e alla prima vera occasione il Napoli è avanti. LA PERLA DI ASAMOAH - Che la giornata non sia sfortunata però, per i bianconeri, si può intuire qualche minuto più tardi. Nonostante la gambe continuino a girare a marce bassissime, Vidal taglia il campo con un lungo traversone e Asamoah, senza pensarci troppo, infila un sinistro al volo di terrificante potenza che beffa sul primo palo un discutibile De Sanctis: 1-1. La partita si accede. LAVEZZI CHI? - Si perché nemmeno il tempo di esultare e Bonucci fa rimpiangere ai tifosi bianconeri la mancata squalifica: il centrale della Juventus prova a ‘giochicchiare’ in uscita con Pandev, ma il macedone è bravo a rubar palla, lanciarsi verso Buffon e superarlo con un delizioso tocco sotto che chiude la prima frazione. Il Napoli conferma tutto il suo cinismo e Pandev, con i suoi 8 gol nelle prime 8 uscite dei partenopei, prova a far dimenticare ai napoletani un certo Pocho Lavezzi. LA MOSSA - Nella Juventus, intanto, non funzionano tante cose. La prima, come già sottolineato, è la velocità di manovra; la seconda è la difesa e la terza – ma non ultima – è quella malattia congenita in zona gol che si porta dietro dalla passata stagione. Matri si è infatti messo in mostra più per i litigi con Cavani e la retroguardia partenopea che per le azioni pericolose e Giovinco, invece, è un autentico corpo estraneo. Conte, dalla tribuna, deve solo scegliere chi levare. Fuori Matri dentro Vucinic. Bingo! VUCINIC INDIAVOLATO - L’ingresso del montenegrino ad inizio ripresa dà alla Juventus nuova linfa e nel giro di 10 minuti – tra il 50’ e il 60’ – il numero 9 bianconero cambia l’inerzia della partita: prima una traversa con un gran diagonale (bravissimo in questo caso De Sanctis a deviare), poi una punizione conquistata dalla quale Pirlo impegna ancora il portiere e, infine, un’azione personale terminata con un tiro che Cannavaro è costretto a salvare sulla linea di porta. FERNANDEZ DISASTROSO - Proprio dal nome di Cannavaro però nasce la mossa che, alla fine, si rivelerà suicida per il Napoli. Mazzarri infatti, preoccupato dalla piega che sta prendendo la partita (Vucinic, oltre al talento, ha portato in campo una certa animosità), decide di levare il suo capitano – già ammonito – per fare spazio a Fernandez. E’ il jolly… per la Juventus. Nemmeno il tempo di ambientarsi e Giovinco gli prende per due volte il tempo ma, l’errore più grande, arriva al 73’: da un traversone dalla destra Vucinic taglia sul primo palo e Fernandez, in ritardo, lo aggancia. Rigore. Dal dischetto va Vidal: 2-2. PIOGGIA DI ROSSI - Il Napoli protesta, si innervosisce, e trova una serie di ammonizioni che si riveleranno fatali. Una di queste arriva per Zuniga che, toccato da dietro al limite dell’area, si lascia cadere e aggancia il pallone con le mani: punizione Juventus. E via di proteste, spintoni e gialli che arrivano per chiunque. E’ il 76’. Passano 8 minuti e Pandev, dopo un fuorigioco, insulta il guardalinee. Mazzoleni non esita: rosso diretto. Mazzarri è una furia… ma è solo l’inizio. Nell’ultimo dei tre minuti di recupero, infatti, Zuniga blocca ingenuamente una ripartenza di Giovicno in mezzo al campo: altro giallo. Napoli in 9. La panchina partenopea esplode e Mazzoleni, per la terza volta, si avvicina e invita anche Mazzarri ad accomodarsi negli spogliatoi. Il Napoli ha già perso… ma non lo sa ancora. MAGGIO E VUCINIC, GOL GIA’ SCRITTI - I supplementari, infatti, in 9 contro 11 (all’11 di agosto), sono segnati. Dopo 7 minuti, su una punizione di Pirlo, De Sanctis esce a vuoto sorprendendo anche lo spaesato Maggio che infila così di testa nella sua porta. Cinque minuti più tardi, sulle gambe, il Napoli è preso d’infilata al tocco geniale di Marchisio che di prima smarca Vucinic davanti alla porta: è il quarto gol. Il resto è già storia. Il Napoli diserta la cerimonia di premiazione mentre la Juve festeggia una rivincita che nonostante consegni il primo trofeo stagionale lascia alla coppia Conte-Carrera non pochi grattacapi dal punto di vista del gioco. Da adesso spazio alle dichiarazioni dei protagonisti (e non) che siamo certi non tarderanno ad arrivare. Il calcio è tornato. Vi era mancato? Simone Eterno - Eurosport Juventus - Napoli 4-2

Pirlo fourth for UEFA award Aug 14, 2012 Andres Iniesta, Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo are shortlisted for the UEFA Best Player in Europe Award, followed by Andrea Pirlo in fourth place. Barcelona and Argentina man Messi won the trophy last year and is up against his club teammate Iniesta, who is fresh from winning Euro 2012. Ronaldo of Real Madrid and Portugal is the other contender for the silverware, which will be awarded on August 30 after a deciding vote. Italy and Juventus midfielder Pirlo just missed out on the shortlist, as he finished up in fourth place in a vote among 53 sports journalists representing each of the UEFA member associations. Pirlo received 90 points and was way out in front of the chasing pack, such as Xavi Hernandez (57 points), Iker Casillas (53), Didier Drogba (31), Petr Cech and Falcao (14). Mesut Ozil completed the top 10 on 10 points.

Buffon set for contract talks Aug 14, 2012 Juventus intend to negotiate a new deal with Gianluigi Buffon this summer, but it is likely to involve a pay-cut. Tuttosport understand that President Andrea Agnelli has already spoken to the Juventus captain after Euro 2012 about the intention to extend his current deal by at least one more year. The two men are apparently set to meet in the coming days to begin official talks on the subject, with Buffon’s current deal expiring in June 2014. However, it is believed that the Bianconeri’s strict wage structure for senior members of the squad will also apply to the 34-year-old and that his extra year would come alongside a cut from a current €6m salary down to €4m.

Palazzi appeals Pepe, Bonucci acquittals Aug 14, 2012 The betting trials have taken a new twist overnight with the news that Federal Prosecutor Stefano Palazzi is appealing last week’s rulings. Palazzi, as prosecutor, put forward suggested sentences for several individuals, including a 42-month ban for Leonardo Bonucci and a 12-month ban for Simone Pepe. The Juventus duo were being accused off the back of Andrea Masiello’s testimony for involvement in the alleged attempted fix of Bari-Udinese in May, 2010, whilst other individuals were facing charges in other games that Masiello was giving evidence for. However, the Disciplinary Commission, in handing out a 10-month ban to Antonio Conte and demoting Lecce to the Lega Pro for alleged involvement in other games, ruled Masiello’s evidence for alleged Bari-Udinese, Bari-Bologna and Bari-Lecce fixes as inconsistent. This saw Bonucci, Pepe, Marco Di Vaio, Daniele Padelli, Giuseppe Vives and Nicola Belmonte and Udinese all acquitted of charges faced in relation. However, reports indicate that Palazzi is resolute that Masiello’s evidence can hold up and has filed an appeal overnight at the Federal Court of Justice. His appeal is for all three of these games, as well as rulings relating to Albinoleffe-Siena, which Juve boss Conte was handed a 10-month ban for alleged involvement in - five months less than Palazzi’s recommended sentence. Palazzi’s appeal means that affected parties, including Bonucci and Pepe, have a few days in which to prepare a defence, before the Federal Court reportedly consider the appeal on August 20 and 21.

Marotta unhappy with 'inappropriate' Zeman comments on Conte The Bianconeri general manager has voiced his dismay with the Roma trainer's latest outburst, and urged the coaching union to take measures against the Czech. Aug 14, 2012 Giuseppe Marotta has hit out at Roma coach Zdenek Zeman in the wake of the veteran coach's comments about Antonio Conte's suspension. The 65-year-old claimed over the weekend that the Juventus boss' ban should not allow him to train his team during the week, and the general manager feels the Czech's remarks were out of order. "As a football man and the general manager of Juventus, I feel Zeman's comments are inappropriate," Marotta told Sky Sport Italia. "He was referring to Conte even though he didn't mention him specifically. It was either a joke, and therefore a worthless comment, or an intentional jibe. "He admitted that he hadn't read the documentation himself and that he couldn't explain this first-instance ruling given to a fellow coach from the same association, who has been sentenced for failure to report rather than for any violation. "I find these latest remarks by Zeman out of place. He had his say on Juventus' titles just two weeks ago and now he is speaking out against a fellow manager, which I think is even more serious. "I hope the president of the coaches' association takes a stance on this matter because situations such as these only create more tension in what is already a delicate time for Italian football."

Bonucci: Supercoppa win just the beginning for Juventus The Italy international was very satisfied with his side's display at the weekend, and is hoping that further success awaits later in the 2012-13 campaign. Aug 13, 2012 Leonardo Bonucci is hopeful that Juventus' Supercoppa Italiana win over Napoli is the beginning of a successful season for the Serie A champions. The Old Lady beat the Coppa Italia holders 4-2 after extra time, and the centre-back was pleased with his side's performance in what was a 'challenging' game for him due to the recent controversy over the Scommessopoli scandal, which eventually saw his name cleared. "We have to make sure this [supercoppa win] is just the beginning. We have a long and demanding season ahead," Bonucci was quoted as saying on the club's official website. "Mentally the game was challenging for two reasons. Because I had all that is gone on away from the pitch behind me, and also because of the dangerous opponents on the pitch. "Napoli waited for us and we perhaps gave them too much space. We came good though. But that's Juve for you, a team that proves they are better than the rest on the pitch."

Marotta: Juve monitoring Llorente Aug 13, 2012 Juventus director general Beppe Marotta has given an update on Juventus’ search for a striker, admitting Fernando Llorente’s situation is being monitored. The Bianconeri have been linked with a number of strikers this summer, as well as suggested to be considering selling at least one of their current forwards too. Whilst Edin Dzeko and Robin Van Persie have been paired with the Turin side this summer, Athletic Bilbao’s situation with Llorente has many believing that he is now the Italians’ prime target. However, whilst Marotta confirmed that he is under consideration, any move won’t force the departure of Alessandro Matri or Fabio Quagliarella. “We give substance to those that we have. Like every club we try to improve our quality when there is an opportunity, if there are the players there who can help us leap forward then we will evaluate things. “Llorente? We are waiting and watching the evolution of the situation, but we could pursue other contacts. “Van Persie? Difficult to track. Arsenal does not want to lose him easily, despite the player being almost out of contract, they demand a high figure. “Matri? He is not on the list of outgoing players, we consider him in all effects to be a Juventus player. Quagliarella? He’s a part of our project. “Dzeko? His situation is always susceptible to change and he is certainly an important player, but he has a high price. “These situations can evolve from morning to night.” The dg also commented on Roma Coach Zdenek Zeman’s assertion that Antonio Conte’s ban for his alleged role in the match fixing scandal should also apply to training. “I think it is unfortunate for Zeman to make such a bad statement. He himself says he does not read the papers, so you cannot give his words meaning. I hope that the President of the Italian Coaches’ Association takes a position on this matter.”

Juve: 'We're in Llorente talks' Aug 12, 2012 Juventus director general Beppe Marotta confirms they are “negotiating to bring Fernando Llorente here, but it’s not easy.” The reports have been swirling around Italy and Spain over the last few days that he is their new ‘top player’ transfer target. “We are negotiating to bring Llorente here, but it’s not an easy process because Athletic don’t want to sell him,” Marotta told Tuttosport. There could soon be a breakthrough, as Athletic Bilbao have called a Press conference for Monday. Spain international hitman Llorente has only one year left to run on his contract and it’s believed he’d be available for around €20m. The 28-year-old would fit the bill with the characteristics of a tall striker that Juve and Antonio Conte are looking for. Previous targets include Robin Van Persie, Stevan Jovetic and Luis Suarez.

Supercoppa Italiana - Final - 11-8-2012 (2:00 p.m.) 4 - 2 Edison Cavani (27′) Kwadwo Asamoah (37') Goran Pandev (41′) Arturo Vidal (penalty - 74') Christian Maggio (o.g. - 97') Mirko Vučinić (101') Beijing National Stadium - Beijing Referee: Paolo Mazzoleni Bonucci: 'Nightmare is over' Aug 12, 2012 Leonardo Bonucci went from facing a three-and-a-half-year ban to winning the Italian Super Cup in the space of 24 hours. “I knew I was innocent.” The Juventus defender risked a lengthy ban in the betting trial due to his time at Bari, but was cleared of sporting fraud on Friday when the testimony of Andrea Masiello was considered to be untrustworthy. “It has been a very dramatic time for me. It all went well, both on the field and off it,” he said after Saturday’s 4-2 extra time win over Napoli in Beijing. “I went from being cleared to starting the Super Cup game and winning it. This must surely be just the start of a long and tiring season. “The most difficult thing was facing up to an obsolete sporting justice system. I never thought it would end badly, because I knew I was innocent. “My conscience was clear and I always worked hard, thinking about the Super Cup we had to win. And we did it.” Simone Pepe also risked a ban of a year, but was also cleared of failing to alert authorities to a potential fix. “I immediately went to find Simone, who shared this nightmare with me. I embraced him and all our teammates. Now we hope Antonio Conte’s situation can end well too.” Bonucci was asked why former Bari teammate Masiello had pointed the finger at so many players when his testimony was considered unsafe due to numerous contradictions and changes. “I don’t know why he did that. Maybe it was just jealousy. Now it’s a closed chapter and I am looking ahead to football that is played on the field.”

Supercoppa Italiana - Final - 11-8-2012 (2:00 p.m.) 4 - 2 Edison Cavani (27′) Kwadwo Asamoah (37') Goran Pandev (41′) Arturo Vidal (penalty - 74') Christian Maggio (o.g. - 97') Mirko Vučinić (101') Beijing National Stadium - Beijing Referee: Paolo Mazzoleni Vucinic: 'A team victory' Aug 12, 2012 Mirko Vucinic scored in a 4-2 Juventus Super Cup win over Napoli, but insisted “it was a victory from the team.” The Montenegro international came off the bench for the second half to score and also earn a penalty. “One man does not change a game,” Vucinic told the official Juventus website. “It is the group that came out and fought back, as we have done so many times. It was a victory from the team. “We went behind twice against a strong side, but recovered the situation with character. We start the season on the right foot. “I want to dedicate the victory to the Juventus fans and my family, while of course we are also happy for Antonio Conte.” Napoli caused controversy when they boycotted the presentation ceremony in protest at the red cards for Goran Pandev, Juan Camilo Zuniga and Walter Mazzarri. “Everyone can do what they want, but after the Coppa Italia Final in Rome we stayed on the pitch and applauded Napoli as they lifted the trophy.”

Supercoppa Italiana - Final - 11-8-2012 (2:00 p.m.) 4 - 2 Edison Cavani (27′) Kwadwo Asamoah (37') Goran Pandev (41′) Arturo Vidal (penalty - 74') Christian Maggio (o.g. - 97') Mirko Vučinić (101') Beijing National Stadium - Beijing Referee: Paolo Mazzoleni Lega: 'Shame about Napoli' Aug 12, 2012 Lega President Maurizio Beretta criticised Napoli for boycotting the Supercoppa presentation ceremony. “It’s a shame about that epilogue.” Juventus won the trophy 4-2 in Beijing after extra time, though the Partenopei were furious that they had Goran Pandev, Juan Camilo Zuniga and Coach Walter Mazzarri sent off. In protest, Napoli refused to attend the presentation of the trophy on the pitch and ordered a media blackout. “It’s a shame about that epilogue,” said Lega President Beretta. “One can understand disappointment and irritation, but the fact remains the event was lacking that last little bit. “This doesn’t take away from the validity of playing the match in Beijing. It was a very positive evening and the event was successful with great participation from the fans.”

Supercoppa Italiana - Final - 11-8-2012 (2:00 p.m.) 4 - 2 Edison Cavani (27′) Kwadwo Asamoah (37') Goran Pandev (41′) Arturo Vidal (penalty - 74') Christian Maggio (o.g. - 97') Mirko Vučinić (101') Beijing National Stadium - Beijing Referee: Paolo Mazzoleni Buffon: 'Supercoppa dedications' Aug 12, 2012 Juventus captain Gigi Buffon dedicated the Italian Super Cup victory to Antonio Conte, Leonardo Bonucci, Simone Pepe and Alessandro Del Piero. The Bianconeri lifted the trophy in Beijing on Saturday after beating nine-man Napoli 4-2 in extra time. “The first dedication goes to our Coach, who daily sends us his sporting rage and hunger to be first that has no equal. All of that, despite his troubles...” wrote Buffon on his Facebook page. Conte was in the stands because he has received a 10-month touchline ban in the betting trial, replaced by assistant Massimo Carrera. Bonucci and Pepe were also in the trial, but were cleared on Friday. “The second dedication is for our Italian-Chinese fans, who followed us all the way here and supported the team with great passion. “The third thought goes to Simone and Leo, who emerged from a very long nightmare and in all this time never for an instant held back in their efforts for the Juventus cause. “The fourth is for Giorgione Chiellini, who would’ve deserved to be among us celebrating, but an injury caused by his usual generosity kept him out... “Marco Storari who, unlike me, was unfortunate enough to play the Coppa Italia Final rather than this one, otherwise he’d have won this trophy as a protagonist. But then he is always a protagonist, because all our teammates who aren’t lucky enough to play are still contributing with advice and support. “Finally, a dedication to our captain Ale Del Piero, who deserved to end his Bianconeri story by lifting a trophy... but life is long... and sometimes you enjoy getting one back...” The Italian Super Cup was the first official match Juventus have played since the end of the 19-year Del Piero era.

Supercoppa Italiana - Final - 11-8-2012 (2:00 p.m.) 4 - 2 Edison Cavani (27′) Kwadwo Asamoah (37') Goran Pandev (41′) Arturo Vidal (penalty - 74') Christian Maggio (o.g. - 97') Mirko Vučinić (101') Beijing National Stadium - Beijing Referee: Paolo Mazzoleni Carrera passes first test with flying colours as Juventus win Supercoppa The stand-in boss led the Bianconeri to victory in the season curtain raiser after they had looked to be on the rack at half-time, bringing on Mirko Vucinic to change the game. Aug 12, 2012 Juventus lifted the silverware, Napoli promised so much but fell short, refereeing decisions came under the spotlight, and the off the field events of the summer loomed large over the proceedings throughout. The Supercoppa Italiana proved once again that while so much changes in football, everything stays very much the same, with the Bianconeri’s possession-based game just about seeing them through to victory after a contest full of drama in Beijing. After the announcement of Antonio Conte’s Calcioscommesse ban on Friday, Massimo Carrera took charge of operations pitchside for the first time in his career, and made a very good first impression thanks largely to a game-changing half-time substitution when he introduced Mirko Vucinic for Alessandro Matri. As was the case for much of the 2011-12 campaign, Juve saw plenty of the ball but could make little of it in the first half, with Matri’s static approach up top doing little to help them make the most of their advantages in territory and possession. What's more, they were up against a Napoli side intent on punishing them, just as they did in the Coppa Italia final in May, and for long spells of their Serie A contest at the San Paolo in November. Following Lucio’s attempt to play Edinson Cavani offside in his own half, the Uruguayan failed to round Gianluigi Buffon but then kept his head to side-foot home at the second attempt. A goal behind with Andrea Pirlo shackled by a combination of Marek Hamsik, Valon Behrami and Gokhan Inler, and the remainder of the attacking unit looking short of ideas on how to break down the Partenopei’s three-man back line, Juve momentarily seemed to lose their cool. But an inspired crossfield pass from Arturo Vidal picked out debutant Kwadwo Asamoah on the left, and with Christian Maggio having wandered out of position, the Ghanaian was able to power a magnificent first-time volley beyond Massimo De Sanctis at the near post. Questions are always asked of goalkeepers conceding on the front stick, but with the force of Asamoah’s shot, plus the skid it took off the wet surface, De Sanctis was always going to be severely examined. That that was the Bianconeri’s first shot on target was a telling statistic, and before long they were left chasing the game once more thanks to Leonardo Bonucci’s latest piece of calamitous defending. The former Bari man – cleared of Calcioscommesse involvement 24 hours earlier – has so often shown in the past that a mistake is never far away no matter how composed he appears to be, and the negative side of his game reared its ugly head again in Beijing. Facing his own goal, he attempted to hook a ball away on the stretch with no cover in behind him, meaning that when he miscued straight into the harrying Goran Pandev, he had given the Macedonian a clear run in on goal. The striker showed superb composure to draw Buffon and clip an inch-perfect effort over the sprawling Juventus skipper. The Italian champions needed something inspired ahead of the second half, and the introduction of Vucinic supplied just that. With his greater movement, the former Roma man finally asked questions of an ever-fallible Napoli defence. Now more stretched and panicked, they were always likely to make a mistake, and it was no surprise when Federico Fernandez misjudged a challenge on Vucinic to concede a penalty. Vidal slotted home and it was 2-2. Then came the controversy. With five minutes left of normal time, Pandev questioned a linesman over a previous incident, apparently using a few choice words. The red card came out, and Napoli were up against it. While there was no clear evidence to the public as to what Pandev said, there could be no doubt over the second dismissal which followed in injury time. Already on a yellow card for a set-to with Stephan Lichtsteiner, Juan Zuniga went in late and a little high on Sebastian Giovinco, giving Paolo Mazzoleni every reason to show a second red card. In his protests, Walter Mazzarri was also sent from the bench and Napoli would later refuse to take part in the presentation ceremony in protest, but all the evidence suggested that there was little to argue about. What there was no argument about was the fact that Juve were now massive favourites, and they took little time in ensuring victory during the additional 30 minutes. First De Sanctis and Maggio conspired to deal horrendously with a free kick, with the defender turning into his own net. Then Vucinic was left with a tap in after Claudio Marchisio’s inspired first time pass from Asamoah’s angled ball. With that, Juventus’ superiority in Italian football was re-affirmed, and Carrera was left to dedicate the victory to Conte in his post-match TV interview. But he should take credit too. He has passed the first of what will be many examinations this season as Juve look to defend their Scudetto and also make an assault on Europe without their coach on the bench. So far, so good, and so little has changed too. Calcio is back, and is just as we remembered it.

Supercoppa Italiana - Final - 11-8-2012 (2:00 p.m.) 4 - 2 Edison Cavani (27′) Kwadwo Asamoah (37') Goran Pandev (41′) Arturo Vidal (penalty - 74') Christian Maggio (o.g. - 97') Mirko Vučinić (101') Beijing National Stadium - Beijing Referee: Paolo Mazzoleni Marchisio slams Napoli boycott Aug 11, 2012 Claudio Marchisio criticised Napoli for refusing to attend the Italian Super Cup trophy ceremony. “We stayed on the pitch when we lost.” The Partenopei boycotted the presentation after they lost 4-2 in extra time, so only Juventus went to receive their medals and lift the silverware. “Everyone is free to do what they want, but just as Italy stayed to watch Spain receive their reward after the Euro 2012 Final and Juventus watched Napoli lift the Coppa Italia, it would’ve been fair for Napoli to stay on the field too,” said Marchisio. “Their protests? If there had been a few more bookings in the first half to penalise nasty tackles, then perhaps we wouldn’t have seen the red cards after the break.” It was a replay of the Coppa Italia Final on May 20, which saw Walter Mazzarri’s men emerge 2-0 winners. “This was a good ‘revenge’ for that game. It was a tough victory that allowed us to start the season well. “Once again today we showed character by coming back twice from a goal down. We conceded while we were attacking. “It was difficult, as they marked us in midfield, defended with eight men and went on rapid counter-attacks.”

Asamoah hails 'Juve team spirit' Aug 11, 2012 Kwadwo Asamoah scored a sensational volley and praised the “team spirit” as Juventus beat Napoli in Beijing. The former Udinese midfielder netted in the 4-2 Italian Super Cup victory in extra time and was named Man of the Match. “We played a very difficult game, as Napoli are a side to be respected and not a ‘normal’ team. “We didn’t give up in the first half when trailing 2-1, fought back and then scored twice in extra time. “This showed the team spirit. The first day I arrived at this side, the Coach said everyone helps each other and we cannot give up.” Antonio Conte was in the stands due to a 10-month ban in the betting trial, replaced by Massimo Carrera on the bench.