Socrates

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 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.

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 Barzagli: 'Dedicated to trial trio' Aug 11, 2012 Andrea Barzagli said the Juventus Super Cup win was for Antonio Conte, Simone Pepe and Leonardo Bonucci. “We dedicate it to the Coach, to Simone and to Leo. We had some tricky months, but it was great to lift the trophy today,” he said of the 4-2 victory over Napoli. Conte received a 10-month ban in the betting trial on Friday and was therefore in the stands in Beijing, while Bonucci and Pepe were cleared. Napoli were so angry at the refereeing decisions, including two red cards, that they refused to come out for the presentation ceremony. “I leave the controversy aside. It was a tough and hard-fought match, Napoli played their game and so did we,” continued Barzagli. “It was an entertaining battle and thankfully we won at the end of 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 Marotta: 'Win for and by Conte' Aug 11, 2012 Juventus director general Beppe Marotta said the Italian Super Cup was “a victory by and for Antonio Conte.” The Coach was in the stands in Beijing for the 4-2 win over Napoli due to a 10-month ban in the betting trial, replaced on the bench by Massimo Carrera. “This is Conte’s victory, as he prepared in recent weeks an impeccable performance, while it was also a victory for Conte, as the players wanted to give him this success,” said Marotta. Tempers ran high at the Bird’s Nest Stadium, as Goran Pandev and Juan Camilo Zuniga were sent off, prompting Napoli to boycott the presentation ceremony. “I only know President Aurelio De Laurentiis said he wouldn’t participate,” shrugged Marotta. “I think it was a valid victory. The match was refereed by six officials, so there couldn’t be more eyes on the field. My only doubt is with the penalty, but other than that the decisions seemed perfectly fair. “Don’t forget we didn’t complain in the Coppa Italia Final when there was an incident on Claudio Marchisio.” Marotta had pledged to bring a ‘top player’ to Turin for the Champions League squad. “The definition ‘top player’ is vague. For example, how would we describe Kwadwo Asamoah, who scored a great goal today? “Or Andrea Pirlo, Mirko Vucinic and Sebastian Giovinco? We are looking at the market, but this squad deservedly won the Scudetto and the Super Cup.”

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: 'Dedicated to Conte' Aug 11, 2012 Stand-in Massimo Carrera dedicated the Italian Super Cup victory to banned Juventus boss Antonio Conte. “I must thank the lads, who played a great game and we are happy,” he said of the 4-2 extra time win in Beijing. Carrera is on the bench, potentially for the next 10 months, after Conte was suspended in the betting trial. “Naturally our first thought goes to the Coach. We showed that we are united, all working in the same direction and know what we want. “Did Conte communicate with me? No, it all went cleanly and as planned.” Napoli were furious, as they finished the 90 minutes with only nine men on the field. “I saw Napoli chasing us down, trying to systematically foul and obstruct play when in front,” replied Carrera. The Bianconeri are still looking for a ‘top player’ to reinforce their attack. “Juve need these characteristics, motivation, grit and concentration, then any more players are down to the club.”

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 Juventus dedicate Supercoppa Italiana win to banned Conte Management and players of the Bianconeri rallied around the 42-year-old boss, after picking up their first silverware of the season. Aug 11, 2012 Juventus senior management and players were quick to dedicate their 4-2 Supercoppa Italiana victory over Napoli, to banned coach Antonio Conte. The win comes during a turbulent period for the club, with head coach Conte embroiled in a legal battle to overturn a 10-month ban, for his part in the match-fixing scandal engulfing Serie A. The 42-year-old was forced to watch the game in Beijing from the stands and in the aftermath of of the win, Juventus' director general Giuseppe Marotta reserved special mention for the banned boss. "This is a victory by Conte, for Conte," Marotta declared to the club's official website. "The only thing we were interested in today was the win, which was an impeccable victory that was prepared for throughout the week by Conte. Midfielder Kwadwo Asamoah was also quick to pay tribute to his manager, while hailing the strength of character of the side to come from behind twice, before securing the win. "It was a tough game against a strong Napoli side, but we never gave up even after going behind in the first half. "We managed to level and then came good in extra-time. That's the team spirit we have here; the coach deserves to have this win dedicated to him more than any other." Caretaker manager Massimo Carrera, who is expected to lead the team from the dugout until Conte's ban expires, remarked on the performances of his defenders, after seeing blunders from Lucio and Leonardo Bonucci lead up to Napoli's two goals. "I don't believe our defenders played badly," the 48-year-old told Goal.com exclusively. "I don't think the club will buy anymore defenders this summer, especially in light of Chiellini's eventual return from injury. "People tend to scrutinise the mistakes of defenders, but in the end, it is something that can hardly be avoided. Only those sitting on the bench are immune to such errors."

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: Napoli deserved dismissals Juventus may have secured their first silverware of the season, but that didn't stop the Bianconeri midfielder from delivering a damning verdict on the Partenopei's indiscipline. Aug 11, 2012 Juventus midfielder Claudio Marchisio has criticised the rough-house tactics employed by Napoli, during the Bianconeri's Italian Super Cup triumph on Saturday. Napoli duo Goran Pandev and Juan Zuniga both saw red in the second period, as they fell to a 4-2 extra-time defeat, prompting Walter Mazzari's men to boycott the trophy ceremony and decline receipt of their runners-up medals. "They were marking us man-for-man in midfield, trying to get as many of themselves behind the ball," lambasted the 26-year-old to the Bianconeri's official website. "I don't understand their protests post-match. If the referee had shown several more yellow cards for their challenges in the first half, there might not have been those sending-offs following the break at all." The Italy international nevertheless reserved praise for his team-mates, who battled back from falling a goal behind twice in the match, to exact revenge on Napoli, who defeated them in the Coppa Italia final last season. "We had to work hard for it but it was a good way to open preparations for the new campaign ahead. We had to dig deep to come from behind twice, but it was nice to finally settle the score." The Old Lady will begin their defence of the Serie A title against Parma on August 26th.

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 Player Ratings The Bianconeri won a fifth Supercoppa crown after the dismissals of Goran Pandev, Camilo Zuniga and Walter Mazzari left the Coppa Italia winners short-handed. Aug 11, 2012 Juventus Gianluigi Buffon 3.0 - Pulled off a great save from Cavani’s first effort but could do nothing about the follow up, and was similarly not at fault for the second. Leonardo Bonucci 2.5 - His error led to Napoli’s second goal just when Juve had got a foothold in the game, and then he handed a great chance to Cavani. Lucio 2.5 - Looked uncomfortable for long spells of the game, especially thanks to Cavani’s pace, and was at fault for the first goal when trying to play the Uruguayan offside in the opponents’ half. Andrea Barzagli 3.5 - Looked a little ill at ease playing more to the left that usual in the absence of Chiellini, but coped reasonably well compared to his defensive team-mates. Stephan Lichtsteiner 2.5 - Got down the right an awful lot before being replaced by Simone Padoin after setting yellow for getting involved in an argument. Claudio Marchisio 3.5 - Provided a superb touch for Vucinic to wrap up the victory having been a great influence from the left of the midfield three. Andrea Pirlo 3.0 - Didn’t quite dominate the midfield in the same way as he often did last season, but he was still instrumental and tested De Sanctis from a free kick. Arturo Vidal 4.0 - His magnificent crossfield ball picked out Asamoah for Juventus’ first goal of the game, then he grabbed the second from the spot, and he was once more the hardest working of Juve’s midfielders. Kwadwo Asamoah 3.5 - Was one of Juve’s star players from the opening whistle, and delivered a magnificent strike to put his new side level from outside the area. Sebastian Giovinco 3.0 - Started very well, keeping Napoli’s defence guessing for long spells with his movement. Faded a little in the second period. Alessandro Matri 1.5 - Substituted at half time having had done little to make an impact on the proceedings. • Substitutions Simone Padoin 2.5 - Replaced Lichtsteiner and helped Juve keep the ball off Napoli’s nine men for long spells. Emanuele Giaccherini N/A - Late sub for Giovinco. Mirko Vučinić 4.5 - Made all the difference after coming on as substitute, occupying the Napoli back line in a way which Matri had found impossible, and got the final goal as a reward. SSC Napoli Morgan De Sanctis 2.0 - Suspect on the first goal as Asamoah’s fierce shot skidded off the wet surface and beat him at the near post, then he came and missed a free kick as Juve went ahead through Maggio’s own goal. Hugo Armando Campagnaro 2.5 - Kept Matri quiet throughout the first half, but struggled once Vucinic entered the fray at half time. Miguel Angel Britos 2.5 - Looked to be a more than adequate replacement for Aronica at first, but struggled more as the game went on. Paolo Cannavaro 2.5 - Made one fantastic clearance after De Sanctis had been beaten all ends up, and made a couple of excellent tackles, but he was booked and then replaced by Fernandez. Christian Maggio 1.5 - Was unfortunate to score an own goal as the 10 men fell behind for the first time, but that came after he’d allowed Asamoah time and space to volley home the first goal, and he looked short of fitness for long spells. Gökhan Inler 3.0 - Patrolled the midfield well, with some neat first-time passes helping to put Napoli in good positions, feeding Pandev and Cavani almost at will while their side still had 11 men. Marek Hamsik 3.0 - Had the superiority ahead of the midfield battle at times in the first half, helping to keep Pirlo quiet, but he couldn’t keep up that side of his game, and he was later replaced. Valon Behrami 3.0 - Worked hard from start to finish, proving to be one of Napoli’s more reliable players on the day. The Azzurri may have found one of the forces they’ve missed at times previously. Juan Camilo Zúñiga 2.0 - Saw red for a second bookable offence to leave his side with nine men having made a useful contribution before then. Edison Cavani 4.0 - Kept his head to slot Napoli ahead after Buffon had stretched out to deny him a tap-in, and remained the Azzurri’s main threat throughout. Goran Pandev 3.0 - Lifted a superb effort over the advancing Buffon after robbing Bonucci to put Napoli back in front, but was later sent off for foul and abusive language. • Substitutions Andrea Dossena N/A - Late introduction. Federico Fernández 1.5 - Came on for Cannavaro, but couldn’t match the club captain’s workrate, fouling Vucinic to hand Juventus a penalty which helped change the game. Walter Gargano 2.0 - Replaced Hamsik and became something of a second attacker at times after his side was reduced to nine men, breaking from midfield to support the isolated Cavani.

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 Super Cup: Juve beat nine-man Napoli Aug 11, 2012 Juventus fought back twice for a 2-2 draw, but when Napoli had two men controversially sent off, the Bianconeri won the Italian Super Cup 4-2 in extra time. The SuperCoppa opens the campaign and is between the holders of the Coppa Italia and the Scudetto at the rainy Bird’s Nest stadium in Beijing. This is also a replay of the Coppa Final in May that saw the Partenopei emerge 2-0 winners, their first piece of silverware since 1990. Antonio Conte was replaced on the bench by Massimo Carrera due to a 10-month ban in the betting trial that was announced yesterday. Leonardo Bonucci and Simone Pepe were cleared. With Giorgio Chiellini, Mauricio Isla and Martin Caceres injured, Alessandro Matri and Sebastian Giovinco were the surprise starters. Napoli had Edinson Cavani back with Goran Pandev after the short-lived Olympics experience, though Miguel Angel Britos and Juan Camilo Zuniga were chosen ahead of Salvatore Aronica and Andrea Dossena. Blerim Dzemaili sat out a ban. This was also the first Italian competitive match with goal-line referees. Nobody was ready to tap in a dangerous Giovinco ball across the face of goal. From the resulting corner, Matri was furious as he demanded a penalty for a nudge from behind, but the referee rightly waved play on. Giovinco’s cross took a deflection and looped over Morgan De Sanctis, but fortunately for the Napoli goalkeeper it was off target. Kwadwo Asamoah’s great work dummied two defenders down the left and his strike was in-between the far top corner and Stephan Lichtsteiner’s header. It was Napoli who took the lead with a classic counter-attack. Cavani was sent totally clear on goal from inside his own half by Goran Pandev and Gigi Buffon performed a miracle to fingertip the ball off his feet, but the Uruguayan stayed up and regained his composure to fire into the empty net as the goalkeeper tried to scramble back. It was Lucio who was slow in the original move. Pandev’s volley was into Buffon’s arms, but a free kick came to Marek Hamsik and Buffon needed a fingertip save to turn his angled drive across the face of goal. Just as Napoli were putting on the pressure, Juventus equalised with Asamoah’s first goal in a Bianconeri jersey. It was a screamer of a left-foot volley from the edge of the box and Morgan De Sanctis got a hand to it at the near post, but couldn’t stop the powerful finish squirming in off the wet turf. Paolo Cannavaro also hit a fierce half-volley from distance that Buffon smothered on the ground. Juve had barely finished celebrating when Napoli restored their lead. Pandev pounced on an uncertain Bonucci and bravely risked a potential kick in the face to surge into the box and delicately chip Buffon. It was the Macedonian’s seventh career goal against the Old Lady. In first half stoppages Napoli ran a big risk, as a deflected cross looped up and De Sanctis flapped it on to the crossbar. Mirko Vucinic replaced Matri for the second half, but Cavani hit a half-volley that stung Buffon’s palms. The move continued and Vucinic cracked a shot against the underside of the crossbar with the aid of a De Sanctis fingertip from a tight angle. Cannavaro was booked for a very late sliding tackle to hack down Giovinco, as was Valon Behrami after he clattered into Claudio Marchisio. Andrea Pirlo’s curling free kick from distance dipped towards the far top corner, but De Sanctis flew to palm it away. Cavani had a great chance to extend the advantage on the counter-attack, but rolled across the face of goal rather than cut back to the unmarked Hamsik, skimming the upright. Moments later Vucinic hooked a long ball forward and waltzed round De Sanctis, but Cannavaro got back in time for a decisive goalline clearance! Cavani pounced when Bonucci was distracted, the half-volley hitting the side-netting in another mistake from the Italian international defender. Cavani helped out in defence, but got himself booked for a late tackle from behind on Pirlo and the midfielder curled over. The referee pointed to the spot when Vucinic fell under a Federico Fernandez challenge, though it’s not entirely clear if the Napoli man got the ball first. Vidal stepped up and powerfully converted by sending De Sanctis the wrong way for the equaliser. Walter Gargano’s shot was deflected on to the side-netting, but there was a blatant push on Behrami in the middle of the box. Vucinic burst past Fernandez and set up Giovinco, forcing De Sanctis to come screaming out of the penalty area to clear at his feet. In a dramatic twist, Pandev was shown a straight red card for something he said to the linesman. The striker was flabbergasted and didn’t seem to realise what had happened, claiming he only said ‘that wasn’t offside.’ Lorenzo Insigne was about to come on at the time, but this change had to be shelved. Vidal rolled across for Vucinic, but a crucial Britos interception stopped him tapping in. In stoppages Napoli went down to nine men, as Zuniga received a second yellow card for a mistimed clash with Giovinco. Coach Walter Mazzarri was also sent off for dissent, as the Italian Super Cup went to extra time with 11 against 9. Juventus took the lead for the first time, as Pirlo curled a free kick that Maggio accidentally nodded into his own net as De Sanctis completely mistimed his intervention. There was no way back for nine-man Napoli, as moments later Vucinic added a fourth. The credit goes to Marchisio, who with one motion volleyed a cushioned assist from a long ball for Vucinic to tap into an empty net. The Partenopei were limping and two men down, but would not give up with Cavani, Maggio and Britos trying to hit on the counter-attack. Juventus 4-2 Napoli (aet) Scorers: Cavani 28 (N), Asamoah 37 (J), Pandev 41 (N), Vidal pen 73 (J), Maggio og 97 (J), Vucinic 101 (J) Juventus: Buffon; Barzagli, Bonucci, Lucio; Lichtsteiner (Padoin 89), Vidal, Pirlo, Marchisio, Asamoah; Matri (Vucinic 46), Giovinco Napoli: De Sanctis; Campagnaro, Cannavaro (Fernandez 62), Britos; Maggio, Behrami, Inler (Dossena 106), Hamsik (Gargano 68), Zuniga; Pandev, Cavani Ref: Mazzoleni Sent off: Pandev 85 (N), Zuniga 93 (N), Mazzarri 93 (Coach N)

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 Bianconeri see off nine-man Partenopei in extra time Walter Mazzarri's men gave away the lead on two occasions and then imploded in the closing stages of normal time, enabling the Turin side to secure their fifth Supercoppa title. Aug 11, 2012 Juventus came from behind twice to defeat a nine-man Napoli 4-2 after extra-time in a truly exhilarating encounter at a drenched Bird's Nest stadium in China. Edinson Cavani handed the side from Naples the lead after 27 minutes but his strike was cancelled out by Kwadwo Asamoah 10 minutes later. Goran Pandev pounced on a defensive error to regain Napoli's advantage before half time but a penalty from Arturo Vidal tied the score at 2-2 in the 76th minute. The Azzurri self-destructed towards the end of normal time as Pandev, their coach Walter Mazzarri, and Camilo Zuniga were all sent from the field of play. Juve then took full advantage of their additional men in the extra time that followed as a Cristian Maggio own goal was followed by a winner from Mirko Vucinic. Due to Antonio Conte's 10-month suspension banning him from the touchline, his assistant Massimo Carrera took charge of the Bianconeri for the game. They assumed control inside the opening 15 minutes but for all of Stephan Lichtsteiner's continual forays down the right flank, the creation of a clear-cut opportunity remained elusive. Juve's inability to test Morgan De Sanctis ended up costing them dearly in the 27th minute when a high defensive line allowed Cavani to stream through on goal. He attempted to round Buffon and although the keeper got a hand to the ball and forced him wide, the Uruguayan remained composed and stabbed his effort home. Napoli failed to capitalise on a poor throw-in from Asamoah as Buffon held Pandev's volley from inside the area but the Ghanaian more than atoned for that lapse in the 37th minute. A long ball from left to right by Vidal was lashed into the bottom corner with a perfectly executed 18-yard volley from Asamoah. However, the scores were not tied for long as the Azzurri regained their advantage four minutes before the break. Leonardo Bonucci's clearance rebounded off of Pandev's chest and put him in on goal from the left wing. The defender's efforts to chase him down were in vain as the forward produced a delicate finish, dinking the ball over Buffon and into the net. Vucinic replaced Alessandro Matri for the Turin outfit at half time and his introduction certainly galvanised his side. After three minutes he rattled the bar and he then saw his goal-bound effort, after rounding De Sanctis, blocked by Paolo Cannavaro before the hour mark. Andrea Pirlo had a long-range free kick saved between the Montengrin's two efforts but the Bianconeri's improved attacking display eventually paid dividends with 16 minutes left on the clock. Vucinic was dragged down in the area by substitute Federico Fernandez and Vidal converted the penalty, sending the keeper the wrong way. The game became increasingly ill-tempered and Pandev and Zuniga were shown utterly stupid red cards, the former for dissent and the latter for two clumsy challenges, in the closing stages, while coach Mazzarri was also sent from the touchline. With the score level at the final whistle the game went to extra time and Napoli were thus forced to contest it with nine men. The reigning Serie A champions made their two-man advantage count with a pair of goals in the first half of the additional 30 minutes. Maggio diverted a Juve free kick from the right into his own goal after De Sanctis failed to clear and Vucinic added the finishing touch to a delightful flick from Claudio Marchisio to put the game well beyond the Partenopei. The final whistle was greeted by scenes of jubilation among the Bianconeri players who lifted the fifth Supercoppa Italiana in the club's history in what was a game that truly had everything and served as a fantastic curtain-raiser for the 2012-13 domestic Italian season which begins in two weeks.

Supercoppa Italiana - Final - 11-8-2012 (2:00 p.m.) - Beijing National Stadium - Beijing Referee: Paolo Mazzoleni SuperCoppa line-ups Aug 11, 2012 Alessandro Matri and Sebastian Giovinco take on Edinson Cavani and Goran Pandev as the Juventus-Napoli Super Cup kicks off in Beijing this afternoon. The Italian Super Cup traditionally starts the campaign and in recent years has often been hosted in the Bird’s Nest Stadium in China. It is a battle between the winners of the Coppa Italia and the Scudetto, but in this case also a replay of the Coppa Italia Final that saw Napoli emerge 2-0 winners back in May. Juventus are without the injured Giorgio Chiellini, Mauricio Isla and Martin Caceres, but Leonardo Bonucci and Simone Pepe are available after they were cleared in the betting trial. Coach Antonio Conte did not fare so well and starts his 10-month ban, though it only applies to sitting on the bench or the locker room on match days. Massimo Carrera takes his place on the touchline. Many thought it would be a race between Giovinco and Matri to partner Mirko Vucinic, but instead both of those players start and the Macedonian is on the bench, most likely as he is still not 100 per cent fit. Napoli must do without the suspended Blerim Dzemaili, while Lorenzo Insigne is carrying an ankle problem. Walter Mazzarri’s new-look 3-5-1-1 formation has Marek Hamsik in a deeper role behind Cavani and Pandev. It is Cavani’s first appearance for the club since his Olympic adventure was cut short by Uruguay’s first round exit. Miguel Angel Britos and Juan Camilo Zuniga get the nod ahead of Salvatore Aronica and Andrea Dossena. This will be the first competitive Italian match to use goal-line referees. Juventus: Buffon; Barzagli, Bonucci, Lucio; Lichtsteiner, Vidal, Pirlo, Marchisio, Asamoah; Matri, Giovinco Juventus bench: Storari, Marrone, De Ceglie, Padoin, Giaccherini, Vucinic, Quagliarella Napoli: De Sanctis; Campagnaro, Cannavaro, Britos; Maggio, Behrami, Inler, Hamsik, Zuniga; Pandev, Cavani Napoli bench: Rosati, Aronica, Fernandez, Dossena, Gargano, Insigne,Vargas

Quando i dipendenti della rai cominciano a fare polemiche, l'unica cosa é abbassare il volume o spegnere la tv del tutto.

Supercoppa Italiana - Final - 11-8-2012 (2:00 p.m.) - Beijing National Stadium - Beijing Referee: Paolo Mazzoleni Zoff: 'Super Cup wide open' Aug 11, 2012 Juventus will “try to win for their Coach” but Napoli will be just as highly motivated in today's Super Cup, according to Dino Zoff. The showpiece event, pitting the winners of last season’s Serie A and Coppa Italia titles against one another, kicks off at 12.00 GMT this afternoon at Beijing's Birds Nest Stadium. Juve Coach Antonio Conte will be absent, from the touchline at least, having yesterday been hit with a 10-month ban - pending appeal - for failing to report the potential fixing of matches during his time in charge of Siena. Technical director for youth development Massimo Carrera will deputise for Conte in China, and for the ban’s duration. Even so, legendary 'keeper Zoff, who played for both teams and spent two years coaching Juventus, sees very little between the competitors. “The Super Cup will be wide open. I see two teams in good shape and that are already proven,” the former Italy CT told Tuttomercatoweb. “The teams know each other, are organised and have done well in pre-season. It will be a lively match, open to every result. “We need to understand the impact Conte's disqualification will have,” Zoff continued. “In particular whether he will be able to follow the game from his position. Clearly Carrera acts on Conte's indications, but mostly you have to understand the reaction of a team that will try and win for their Coach.” However Zoff doesn't believe Napoli, whose last and only Super Cup triumph came with a 5-1 win over Juve shortly after he was sacked as Bianconeri boss in 1990, will be any less fired up. “The motivation of both teams will be very high. For Napoli it is a trophy which has taken on even more importance, one they want to bring home after so many years without it.”

Buffon: Conte ban could destabilise Juventus squad The 34-year-old has dismissed talk that the coach being sanctioned could motivate the Bianconeri squad, but is happy that Simone Pepe and Leonardo Bonucci have been cleared. Aug 10, 2012 Juventus goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon has admitted that Antonio Conte's 10-month ban could have an adverse affect on his team-mates. It was announced on Friday morning that the 43-year-old coach would be forced to miss all of the Bianconeri's title defence after failing to report match-fixing activities to the authorities during his time at Siena. And the Italy international has dismissed the notion that the trainer's absence will serve to motivate his team ahead of Sunday's Supercoppa Italiana meeting with Napoli. "When things like this happen, they can destabilise the environment. We Italians like to say it makes you stronger," he told reporters. "Personally, I do not think that they can help an individual or a team. That said, we are totally relaxed and want to do our duty: win the Supercoppa. "We come into this from a defeat in the Coppa Italia final, and losing a final is never good. As for the coach, he has the will to fight in his DNA, and also, we are only at the first stage of his judgement." Two Juventus players, Simone Pepe and Leonardo Bonucci, were cleared of all charges after initially being suspects in the case, and Buffon went on to voice his happiness at his team-mates' being acquitted. "I am happy for Simone and Leonardo, who are friends of mine. I congratulate them because they have been through this with great courage, while Bonucci, who played sensationally at Euro 2012, has proved that he is a strong man."

Juventus vow to back Conte after Scommessopoli verdict The Turin giants have released a formal statement in support of the beleaguered head coach, and are hopeful he will be acquitted on appeal. Aug 10, 2012 Juventus have reiterated that Antonio Conte and his assistant Angelo Alessio still have the club's full support, despite the duo being sanctioned for their role in the Scommessopoli scandal. The coach was handed a 10-month suspension for his involvement in the match-fixing scandal, while his deputy was banned for eight months. "Following the verdicts given by the FIGC's disciplinary committee regarding the involvement of Juventus employees in incidents while at other clubs, Juventus are extremely satisfied with the acquittal of footballers Leonardo Bonucci and Simone Pepe," read an official statement. "Furthermore, the club underlines its full support for Antonio Conte and Angelo Alessio, in the hope that their innocence will emerge during the appeals process. "The coaches' legal team, comprising of professionals chosen by the parties themselves in complete agreement with the club, is already drawing up the grounds for appeal, in the firm belief that the coaches had no involvement in the matter. "Antonio Conte and Angelo Alessio will be assisted by lawyers Antonio De Rensis and Luigi Chiappero, and additionally by Giulia Bongiorno." The verdicts come only one day before Juventus' Supercoppa Italiana match against Napoli on Saturday.

Supercoppa Italiana - Final - 11-8-2012 (2:00 p.m.) - Beijing National Stadium — Beijing Referee: Paolo Mazzoleni‎ Juventus - Napoli Preview: Perennial rivals lock horns in Supercoppa Italiana The new season in Italy is finally upon us, and it is last term's Coppa Italia finalists who will once more take centre stage, with the Scudetto holders keen to exert revenge. Aug 10, 2012 PROBABLE LINE-UPS JUVENTUS Buffon Lucio, Barzagli, Bonucci Lichtsteiner, Vidal, Pirlo, Marchisio, De Ceglie Vucinic, Matri NAPOLI De Sanctis Campagnaro, Cannavaro, Aronica Maggio, Hamsik, Inler, Behrami, Zuniga Pandev, Cavani Juventus are likely to name a full-strength XI for their trip to the National Stadium in Beijing, where they will contest the 2012-13 Supercoppa Italiana against Napoli. Several changes are in the pipeline from the 2-0 friendly success over Malaga, with Luca Marrone, Simone Padoin, Kwadwo Asamoah and Sebastian Giovinco ready to be dropped in favour of Andrea Barzagli, Leonardo Bonucci, Paolo De Ceglie and Mirko Vucinic. And despite being implicated in the Scommessopoli match-fixing scandal, Simone Pepe and Leonardo Bonucci are both eligible to feature in the China showpiece. The pair originally seemed destined to miss out, but their names have since been cleared. However, Antonio Conte's 10-month ban from football, along with assistant Angelo Alessio, the departure of first-team coach Cristian Stellini, means it is presently uncertain as to who will take charge of the side in Asia. Meanwhile for Napoli, numerous alterations are also to be expected. The side may have eased to a 2-0 win over Bordeaux in their last pre-season outing, but coach Walter Mazzarri will be in no mood to experiment come the weekend. Consequently, Federico Fernandez, Walter Gargano, Blerim Dzemaili, Andrea Dossena and Eduardo Vargas should all be replaced by Paolo Cannavaro, Gokhan Inler, Marek Hamsik, Juan Zuniga and Edinson Cavani, the latter of whom returns from an unsuccessful Olympics campaign. DID YOU KNOW? • Juventus went the entire 2011-12 Serie A campaign unbeaten, before eventually lifting the title. • Despite being one of the more successful sides to have won the fixture, the Old Lady last lifted the trophy in 2003. • However, their recent record over the Partenopei is poor, with only two victories in their last eight. • Napoli hold the upper hand over these two teams, having won their last meeting 2-0 in last season's Coppa Italia final. • Marek Hamsik has scored five goals against Juventus; more than against any other club. • Their only appearance in the Supercoppa was in 1990 - a resounding 5-1 success over Juventus. • Both sides have enjoyed unbeaten pre-season campaigns, with Juve winning two of their three matches and Napoli maintaining a 100 per cent record. • This will be the second time Beijing plays host to the Supercoppa, with at least two out of the next three curtain raisers to be played at the National Stadium. Head to Head Coppa Italia ‎- May 20, 2012 - Juventus 0 - SSC Napoli 2 Serie A - Apr 1, 2012 - Juventus 3 - SSC Napoli 0 Serie A ‎- Nov 29, 2011 - SSC Napoli 3 - Juventus 3 Serie A ‎- May 22, 2011 - Juventus 2 - SSC Napoli 2 Serie A ‎- Jan 9, 2011 - SSC Napoli 3 - Juventus 0 Last Five Matches Juventus Aug 4, 2012 - Juventus 2 - Malaga 0 - FR Aug 1, 2012 - Juventus 1 - Benfica 1 - FR Jul 28, 2012 - Hertha BSC 0 - Juventus 2 - FR May 20, 2012 - Juventus 0 - SSC Napoli 2 - Coppa Italia May 13, 2012 - Juventus 3 - Atalanta 1 - Serie A SSC Napoli Aug 1, 2012 - SSC Napoli 2 - Bordeaux 0 - FR Jul 29, 2012 - SSC Napoli 2 - Bayer 04 Leverkusen 1 - FR Jul 20, 2012 - SSC Napoli 3 - FC Bayern München 2 - FR May 20, 2012 - Juventus 0 - SSC Napoli 2 - Coppa Italia May 13, 2012 - SSC Napoli 2 - Siena 1 - Serie A Players to Watch ALESSANDRO MATRI The striker heads into 2012-13 with a productive pre-season under his belt, and his two goals against Champions League hopefuls Malaga should have been enough to land the Italian a starting berth against Napoli. The onus will be on Matri to fire his side to more successes, but with his future currently uncertain, his performance on Saturday could decide whether or not he stays in Turin or departs this summer. EDISON CAVANI Unlike his striking rival, the Uruguayan endured a disappointing London 2012 campaign, where he failed to score in three group matches for his country, but it is a different story with his club side. Cavani has been linked with Juventus on frequent occasions, and a commanding showing in his rightful place up top alongside Goran Pandev will only further enhance his already-impressive reputation. Prediction The fall-out of the Scommessopoli scandal will take its toll on Juventus one way or another, having been denied the services of Antonio Conte for the entire season, but champions do not simply back down in the face of adversity. And while Napoli will be hungry as ever to start the new season with a win in Beijing, the Old Lady will be desperate to prove that life goes on after the 43-year-old Lecce native. Editor's Prediction Juventus 2 - 1 Napoli

Conte handed 10-month ban in Scommessopoli scandal The Old Lady boss has been hit with a lengthy suspension for his role in the match-fixing ring, but Leonardo Bonucci and Simone Pepe have both been acquitted. Aug 10, 2012 The Italian Football Federation (FIGC) has announced that Juventus coach Antonio Conte has been suspended for 10 months due to his involvement in the Scommessopoli scandal. The 43-year-old has been found guilty of failing to report attempts to influence the outcome of two Serie B matches against Novara and AlbinoLeffe in the 2010-11 season, when he was in charge of Siena. He had previously reached a plea bargain deal with prosecutor Stefano Palazzi over a three-month ban, but the agreement was rejected by the FIGC's Disciplinary Committee. Furthermore, Angelo Alessio, Conte's assistant at both Siena and Juventus, has been handed an eight-month ban for his involvement in the match-fixing probe. Lecce and Grosseto have both been relegated from Serie B, while the presidents of both clubs have been suspended from all football activities for five years. However, Juventus duo Leonardo Bonucci and Simone Pepe are among the players who were acquitted due to a lack of evidence, with veteran striker Marco Di Vaio also walking away unscathed.

Buffon: Conte ban won’t motivate Aug 10, 2012 Gianluigi Buffon has dismissed the notion that the betting scandal can be used to Juventus’ advantage motivationally, but reassures that everyone is calm. The club are facing a season without their Coach on the touchline after Antonio Conte was hit with an initial 10-month ban for his alleged involvement in the betting scandal to have hit Serie A and B. However, Buffon has been quick to honestly suggest that the situation is unlikely provide extra stimulus for the season, even if the players remain relaxed. “When things happen like this that can destabilise an environment, we Italians like to say that it makes you stronger,” reflected the veteran shot-stopper to the assembled media. “Personally I do not think that they can help an individual or a team. “That said, we are totally relaxed and we want to do our duty, namely to win the Super Cup. We come into this from a defeat in the Coppa Italia Final and to lose a final is never good.” The Italy captain was asked for his reaction to the verdicts that have left the club potentially without its Coach on matchdays, but with Simone Pepe and Leonardo Bonucci available for selection. “I am happy for Simone and Leonardo, who are friends. It is a similar relationship I have with the Coach, because we were also teammates. “To Leo and Simone I congratulate them because they have experienced this story with great courage whilst Bonucci, who played sensationally at the European Championships, has demonstrated that he is a strong man. “As for the Coach, the will to fight is part of his DNA and after all, we are only at the first stage of the judgement.” Buffon was also asked of the club’s decision to leave Alessandro Del Piero’s No 10 shirt vacant. “Between now and August 26 [when Serie A kicks off] there are still a few days missing and I think the numbers are not yet definitive. “Also, it depends on the fact that if a player feels like wearing it, because that shirt will always have a particular weight to it - he had it for 20 years and he wrote a part of Juve’s history like other champions before him. I’m thinking about Platini.”

'Bonucci can now focus on football' Aug 10, 2012 Leonardo Bonucci’s agent has reacted with joy at the news of his client’s acquittal and believes that the player will now be able to focus on football. Bonucci was alleged to have had direct involvement in the attempted fix of a match between his then side Bari and Udinese in May 2010. However, Andrea Masiello’s testament, which the case around Bonucci was built on, was ruled inconsistent by the FIGC’s Disciplinary Commission and the defender was confirmed this morning as acquitted of all charges. With the player originally facing the prospect of a 42-month suspension from the game, his agent has reflected on the happiness from today’s news. “Of course I am very happy. All of our defensive inferences have been accepted, we were convinced of the innocence of the player,” Davide Torchia told Tuttomercatoweb.com this morning. “A special thanks goes to his lawyers. Not only that, I want to thank the people who demonstrated unconditional support for Leonardo. He is now focused on the next challenge, fortunately this is a challenge on the field. These are the challenges he is experienced in. “Our sympathy goes to the Coach, we cannot go into the details, but we hope that everything will go well for him. Right now we are close to all those who have been involved.”

Chelsea identify Lichtsteiner Aug 10, 2012 Reports in England suggest that Chelsea are monitoring Juventus defender Stephan Lichtsteiner as a possible transfer target this summer. The Swiss full-back is reportedly an option being considered by the London club as they look to improve their defensive options. The Daily Mirror believe that Blues boss Roberto Di Matteo is interested in the 28-year-old if their interest in Marseille’s Cesar Azpilicueta fails to materialise. However, any move is likely to be met with resistance from the Bianconeri, in light of Martin Caceres’ injury ruling him out for at least six weeks and Lichtsteiner having recently impressed in pre-season in a new role of centre-back.

Official: 10 months for Conte Aug 10, 2012 Antonio Conte has been handed an initial 10-month ban from the Disciplinary Commission, but Leonardo Bonucci and Simone Pepe are acquitted. Meanwhile, Lecce and Grosseto have been relegated to Lega Pro for their alleged direct involvement in fixing matches for betting profits. Conte is alleged to have known about two attempted match fixes during the 2010-11 season when he was in charge of Siena. His original plea bargain of a three-month suspension and €200,000 fine was rejected by the Commission and he could not agree terms on a new plea bargain, so opted to take it to trial. Subsequently, the Commission have handed him a 10-month suspension from the game, up to June 9, 2013. This was five months less than the figure prosecutor Stefano Palazzi had suggested and Conte can appeal the ruling on August 20 in front of the Federal Court of Justice. Conte’s assistant Coach Angelo Alessio has been handed an eight-month ban. However, it is better news for Juve’s Bonucci and Pepe, as the Commission acquitted them of all charges because of inconsistencies found in the testimonial of Andrea Masiello. The current Atalanta player had alleged Bonucci’s direct involvement and Pepe’s knowledge of the attempted fix of Bari’s May 2010 match against Udinese, with Bonucci initially facing a three-year, six-month suspension and Pepe a one-year ban. The Commission has also acquitted Udinese, Marco Di Vaio, Salvatore Masiello, Daniele Padelli, Giuseppe Vives and Nicola Belmonte of charges in this case, but Belmonte still faces six months out for charges relating to his alleged involvement in a Cesena-Bari fix. Elsewhere, Lecce, who were relegated last season on the field in Serie A, have been demoted to the Lega Pro alongside Grosseto. The Salentini will also be given a €30,000 fine and six-point penalty to begin 2012-13 with, and Grosseto a three-point penalty. Grosseto’s President Piero Camilli and Lecce’s former President Giovanni Semeraro have both been handed five-year bans too, for the belief that they knew about attempted fixes involving their teams. Bologna have been handed a €30,000 fine and Ancona a €10,000 fine, whilst Novara must begin their Serie B campaign on -2 points. All those with sentences can launch an appeal in front of the Federal Court of Justice on August 20, six days before the Serie A campaign is due to begin. There were also numerous plea bargains during the course of the week. Among the clubs are Siena (-6 points and €100,000 fine), Bari (-5 and €80,000), Albinoleffe, Sampdoria, Torino and Varese (all -1 and €30,000) and Portogruaro (€5,000). Among the players and individuals to take plea bargains are sporting director Angelozzi (four months), Bentivoglio (13 months), Carobbio (six months added to the previous 20 months), Da Costa (three months and €30,000), D’Urbano (five months and 10 days), Esposito (three months and 10 days), Faggiano (four months) and Garlini (nine months added to the previous three years). Also with plea bargains are Gervasoni (four months added to the previous six years and eight months with proposed lifetime ban), Larrondo (three months, 20 days and €30,000), Andrea Masiello (two years, two months and €30,000), Mutti (four months), Parisi (two years and €10,000), Passoni (six months and 15 days added to the previous 14 months), Poloni (six months added to the previous 12 months), Marco Rossi (20 months and €20,000), Sala (two years), Sanfelice (four months), Savorani (five months and 10 days), Stellini (two years, six months and €50,000).

Pirlo eyes gift for Chinese fans Aug 9, 2012 Andrea Pirlo hopes to “give the Chinese fans a great victory” in the Italian Super Cup against Napoli on Saturday. Juventus are in Beijing for the match, which kicks off at 13.00 UK time, and the local Bianconeri fans clearly outnumber their opponents. “I’d been to Japan twice, but this is my first time in China,” Pirlo told a local television station. “I am very happy with the warm welcome we received and hope to give the Chinese fans a great victory to celebrate. “We hope to win the Scudetto again this season, plus do well in the Champions League, which is a truly interesting competition. We want to improve on last year.” Pirlo looked back over his career and his slender chances of winning the Ballon d’Or. “The most exciting moment of my career was certainly the 2006 World Cup Final. The recent Euro 2012 Final was painful, but we have to turn over a new page and go forward,” he said of that 4-0 defeat to Spain. “The Ballon d’Or tends to be given to those who win on the European stage, but as long as Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo and Andres Iniesta are in the running, I think it’s always going to be between them.”

Juve shirt numbers: 10 unassigned Aug 9, 2012 As expected, nobody in the Juventus squad has been given Alessandro Del Piero’s old Number 10 jersey, as the squad list was announced. There was a great deal of speculation over who would inherit the 10 left by Del Piero, who ended his 19-year spell in Turin this summer. Nobody has been assigned the legendary 10, although it could be held back for the ‘top player’ who is yet to be signed. Sebastian Giovinco was the prime candidate for Del Piero’s jersey, but has instead taken the more unusual 12. Juventus shirt numbers: 1 Buffon, 2 Lucio, 3 Chiellini, 4 Caceres, 5 Masi, 6 Pogba, 7 Pepe, 8 Marchisio, 9 Vucinic, 11 De Ceglie, 12 Giovinco, 13 Leali, 15 Barzagli, 16 Ziegler, 18 Boakye, 19 Bonucci, 20 Padoin, 21 Pirlo, 22 Asamoah, 23 Vidal, 24 Giaccherini, 26 Lichtsteiner, 27 Quagliarella, 30 Storari, 32 Matri, 33 Isla, 39 Marrone

Betting trial verdict due Friday Aug 9, 2012 The Disciplinary Commission will reveal its verdicts on the betting trial, including Antonio Conte and Leonardo Bonucci, on Friday morning. The trial concluded last week and the panel of judges is set to announce the ruling tomorrow. It is reported that Juventus Coach Conte faces a 10-month ban for failing to alert authorities to a potential fix while he was at Siena in 2010-11. This is lower than the 15-month ban requested by prosecutor Stefano Palazzi and Conte is able to appeal. Juve players Bonucci and Simone Pepe are expected to be cleared, as the Disciplinary Commission noted multiple contradictions in Andrea Masiello’s testimony. Bonucci risks three years and six months in the stands, while Pepe could be out for a year. Also awaiting the verdicts are Juve assistant manager Angelo Alessio, Bologna defender Daniele Portanova, ex-Rossoblu captain Marco Di Vaio and more. Clubs Ancona, Bologna, Grosseto, Lecce, Novara and Udinese wait to know if they will have points docked for the new season or, in Lecce’s case, demotion to Lega Pro.

Barzagli: 'Trial fires up Juve' Aug 9, 2012 Andrea Barzagli insists the betting trial is “not disturbing us. If anything, this fires us up even more” ahead of Juventus-Napoli for the Italian Super Cup. A verdict is expected some time before tomorrow that is reportedly set to suspend Coach Antonio Conte for 10 months, clearing Leonardo Bonucci and Simone Pepe. “We are in good shape, concentrated and care a lot about this challenge,” said Barzagli in a Press conference ahead of Saturday’s showdown in Beijing. “The issues outside of football are not disturbing us. If anything, this fires us up even more. When you step on to the field, everything else is left behind and you focus only on the game.” Napoli are the only team who managed to beat Juventus last season, winning the Coppa Italia Final 2-0. “We know how strong Napoli are, as they have important players and great potential, but last year the real protagonist was Juve and I think Napoli will have to really struggle a lot to win the Super Cup. “We will be aggressive and try to impose our style of play. Basically, it’ll be the usual Juve. “They also caused us problems at the San Paolo with a 3-3 draw, but in Turin we dominated 3-0 and the Coppa Italia Final was very balanced, decided by incidents. “In a one-off match, anything can happen. The difference is made by the grit and hunger each of us put into the game.”

Mazzarri: 'Napoli are motivated' Aug 9, 2012 Walter Mazzarri assures Napoli are “motivated to push beyond our limits” in Saturday’s Italian Super Cup with Juventus. The game kicks off at 13.00 UK time in Beijing and is a repeat of the Coppa Italia Final in May, which saw the Partenopei emerge 2-0 winners. “Juve have players of a very high level and added more who belong in that squad,” said Mazzarri. “Both Juventus and Napoli are still a work in progress considering it is August, but we are motivated to push beyond our limits.” The Bianconeri are waiting for the verdict of the betting trial, which is reportedly set to ban Coach Antonio Conte for 10 months, although Leonardo Bonucci and Simone Pepe are due to be cleared. “At Juve there are many players who know how to draw positive energy from difficult moments,” continued the Napoli boss. “It doesn’t matter whether Conte is there or not. If a Coach does a good job during the week, then it makes little difference if he’s not on the bench for the game itself. It happened to me a few times.” Edinson Cavani is back in the Napoli squad after Uruguay were knocked out of the Olympics in the first round. “He seemed to be in good shape and is eager to make up for the Olympic experience.”