Socrates

Serie A Week 2 - 2-9-2012 (6:00 p.m.) 1 - 4 Arturo Vidal (14'- Penalty) Mirko Vučinić (45+1′) Sebastian Giovinco (53′) Sebastian Giovinco (71′) Andrea Lazzari (78′) Friuli Stadium - Udine Referee: Paolo Valeri Attendance: 23000 'Conte is the real coach' - Carrera taking inspiration from suspended boss The Old Lady destroyed 10 man Udinese in Serie A on Sunday, but the club's caretaker coach insisted the banned Italian remains the driving force behind their fine start. Sep 2, 2012 Juventus continued their excellent start to the season, despite the loss of suspended coach Antonio Conte, by seeing off Udinese 4-1 in the Stadio Friuli. While the game was marred by a questionable red card to Zebrette goalkeeper Zelkjo Brkic, Bianconeri coach Massimo Carrera focussed on his own team's performance after the game. "The team is developing even though we didn't keep the high tempo we wanted to at the start," he told Juventus' official website. "We wouldn't have conceded their consolation goal last season, so we need to show even more hunger." And despite winning a number of plaudits for the Old Lady's start to the new season, Carrera was quick to explain the real reason behind their success. "Conte is the real coach. I'm looking to take inspiration from him during the week so the team can continue to feel his presence," he stated. http://www.soccerway.com/national/italy/serie-a/20122013/regular-season/

Serie A Week 2 - 2-9-2012 (6:00 p.m.) 1 - 4 Arturo Vidal (14'- Penalty) Mirko Vučinić (45+1′) Sebastian Giovinco (53′) Sebastian Giovinco (71′) Andrea Lazzari (78′) Friuli Stadium - Udine Referee: Paolo Valeri Attendance: 23000 'The referee lacked common sense' - Udinese supremo Pozzo lashes out after Juventus defeat The Zebrette chairman criticised the red card shown to goalkeeper Zelkjo Brkic early in the first half of his side's clash with Juventus, claiming it ruined the game as a contest. Sep 2, 2012 Udinese chairman Giampaolo Pozzo launched a scathing attack on referee Paolo Vareli after watching Juventus dismantle his side 4-1. Goals from Arturo Vidal, Mirko Vucinic and Sebastien Giovinco (2) sealed an emphatic victory, but the Old Lady were helped on their way by the 14th minute sending off of goalkeeper Zelkjo Brkic. "Before making a decision so severe, that ruins a game, you should have a little common sense and balance," the Udinese supremo told Sky Italia. "It makes me angry, ruins the game and a Sunday of fun." http://www.soccerway.com/national/italy/serie-a/20122013/regular-season/

Serie A Week 2 - 2-9-2012 (6:00 p.m.) 1 - 4 Arturo Vidal (14'- Penalty) Mirko Vučinić (45+1′) Sebastian Giovinco (53′) Sebastian Giovinco (71′) Andrea Lazzari (78′) Friuli Stadium - Udine Referee: Paolo Valeri Attendance: 23000 Pozzo: 'Ref ruined the game' Sep 2, 2012 Udinese patron Giampaolo Pozzo was furious with the referee after their 4-1 defeat to Juventus. “He ruins games and has done it to us before.” The match was transformed after just 12 minutes when Zeljko Brkic was sent off for a challenge on Sebastian Giovinco, though it seemed a harsh straight red. “We have this referee who already came here twice. Last time he sent off Gokhan Inler for a debatable reaction foul. It’s a shame, as he has no balance and ruins games. “Juventus winning in Udine can happen, but deciding the match after 15 minutes does nobody any favours, including Juve. “The red card was completely unnecessary. Before making a decision like that, it requires a little common sense and balance. “Every time this referee comes here, he ruins games. These are Serie A officials, why is it not possible for them to evaluate things correctly. A penalty was understandable, but why the red card?” http://www.soccerway.com/national/italy/serie-a/20122013/regular-season/

Serie A Week 2 - 2-9-2012 (6:00 p.m.) 1 - 4 Arturo Vidal (14'- Penalty) Mirko Vučinić (45+1′) Sebastian Giovinco (53′) Sebastian Giovinco (71′) Andrea Lazzari (78′) Friuli Stadium - Udine Referee: Paolo Valeri Attendance: 23000 Carrera: 'These are the rules' Sep 2, 2012 Stand-in Coach Massimo Carrera blamed “the rules” on the early red card that saw Udinese go down to 10 men against Juventus. Zeljko Brkic was harshly sent off after 12 minutes for a last man foul, though it seemed as if Danilo was more at fault for shoving Sebastian Giovinco into the goalkeeper. It sparked a 4-1 Juve victory. “The rules are rules. When it’s a last man foul, that’s what happens. It’s a shame, but they must be respected,” shrugged Antonio Conte’s touchline surrogate. “This team is growing, although we still don’t have the tempo we are looking for. Last season we were hungrier, as perhaps then we wouldn’t have conceded the late goal.” The Bianconeri are in the same Champions League group as Chelsea, so Roberto Di Matteo was in the stands today. “We played our game, that is all. I don’t know what he got from this experience.” http://www.soccerway.com/national/italy/serie-a/20122013/regular-season/

Serie A Week 2 - 2-9-2012 (6:00 p.m.) 1 - 4 Arturo Vidal (14'- Penalty) Mirko Vučinić (45+1′) Sebastian Giovinco (53′) Sebastian Giovinco (71′) Andrea Lazzari (78′) Friuli Stadium - Udine Referee: Paolo Valeri Attendance: 23000 Player Ratings Goal.com evaluates the performances of everyone involved at the Friuli, after a game in which Sebastian Giovinco struck twice for the rampant Bianconeri. Sep 2, 2012 Udinese Zeljko Brkic 1.5 - Lasted just 14 minutes, having been shown a straight red for taking out Giovinco after the forward had nodded the ball past him. Was it a penalty? Yes. Did the offence warrant a red card? Not at all given the goalkeeper's momentum had carried him into the Juve attacker, not to mention the fact that there were also two Udinese defenders in close proximity. Danilo 3.0 - Had it not been for Danilo, Udinese would have been hammered, with the Brazilian making a number of crucial interventions, with his wonderfully timed challenge on Vidal the pick of the bunch. Dušan Basta 2.5 - Certainly did not want for effort, Basta was a lively presence throughout, getting forward whenever he could. However, he was badly exposed defensively on occasions. Maurizio Domizzi 2.5 -Struggled with the movement of Giovinco and Vucinic and despite his best efforts, he was caught out of position far too often. Mehdi Benatia 3.0 - Played well in difficult circumstances and even threatened at the other end of the field whenever Udinese earned themselves a set piece in a dangerous position. Pablo Armero 2.5 - Did not pose any sort of attacking threat and struggled badly to contain Lichsteiner. He was also completely at fault for Vucinic's goal after failing miserably to cut out Asamoah's cut back. Roberto Pereyra 2.5 - Got forward down the right hand side a few times early on but he was unable to impose himself on the proceedings and was unsurprisingly whipped off 10 minutes into the second period. Giampiero Pinzi 2.0 - Blazed a shot over from the edge of the area early on but Krkic's dismissal signalled the end of his attacking endeavour. Indeed, the midfielder looked lost thereafter and his frustration ultimately got the better of him and he was booked for going through Chiellini. Andrea Lazzari 3.0 - Was far more effective in getting forward than Basta and his set-piece deliveries were also good. Worked tirelessly and it was somewhat fitting that it was he who pounced on Barzagli's poor clearance to net a consolation goal for the home side. Antonio Di Natale 2.5 - Only stopped running once his number went up with 15 minutes to go. The veteran forward showed some neat touches while he was on the field but he just did not see enough of the ball. Diego Fabbrini 2.0 - Impossible not to feel a fair bit of sympathy for Fabbrini, who was sacrificed just 14 minutes into the game in order to fill the void between the posts left by Brkic. Had looked reasonably lively up until that point. • Substitutions Daniele Padelli 2.5 - Had no chance with Vidal's penalty but while he made some good saves, most notably from Vucinic, he was badly at fault for Giovinco's goal after allowing Marchisio's shot to get away from him. Allan 3.0 - Only saw 15 minutes at the end after Di Natale had run out of steam. Muriel 3.0 - Came on in place of Pereyra shortly after the interval but, one breakway aside, he did not really have an opportunity to show what he can do. Juventus Gianluigi Buffon 3.0 - Could not have asked for an easier outing on his return to first team duty. Expended more energy celebrating his side's goals than dealing with anything Udinese could throw at him. But he'll be disappointed that his clean sheet was effectively taken away from him by Barzagli. Giorgio Chiellini 3.0 - Somewhat fortunate to escape a booking for a foul on the lively Basta, but he was rarely troubled once Udinese were reduced to 10 men and was ultimately afforded a rest at the end, with Marrone coming on his place. Andrea Barzagli 3.0 - With Udinese playing with reduced numbers and just one up top, the Italy international was enjoying the proverbial armchair ride at the heart of the Juve defence, but he lost his concentration late on and was at fault for gifting the home side a consolation goal with a poor clearance. Leonardo Bonucci 3.0 - Not quite as comfortable as his defensive colleagues - he was booked for pulling down Di Natale after being rolled by the striker on halfway - but he was solid enough at the back. Stephan Lichtsteiner 3.0 - Signalled his intent to put Armero on the back foot right from the off and really should have opened the scoring after leaving the Colombian for dead with just four minutes in. However, he was a constant threat down the right-hand side and Vucinic really should have buried a sublime cross from the Swiss. Claudio Marchisio 3.0 - Worked hard and was neat and tidy throughout the game, but only really started to make a menace of himself in an attacking sense as 10-man Udinese tired late on and was unlucky not to get his name on the scoresheet. Still, he did get an assist of sorts as it was his shot which Giovinco followed up. Andrea Pirlo 3.5 - Set the tone for a dominant display by putting Lichsteiner in on goal with a terrific through-ball with less than four minutes on the clock. His understanding with Giovinco was there for all to see, as the pair combined for the fourth goal, as well as the penalty, the decisive moment in the game. Kwadwo Asamoah 3.0 - Enjoyed a productive return to the Friuli. Was rarely tested from a defensive perspective while at the same time getting forward whenever he could, playing a key role in Vucinic's goal just before the break. Arturo Vidal 3.0 - Tucked away his penalty in fine style but was actually caught in possession a couple of times early on, while his passing was a tad erratic. However, his influence grew as the game wore on. Mirko Vučinić 3.5 - Ambled about the pitch in his usual laconic style before coming to life around the half hour mark by stinging the palms of Padelli. Just before the interval, though, he gave the goalkeeper no chance with a wonderfully laid back finish from the edge of the area. Linked up really well with Giovinco but really should have been more clinical. Sebastian Giovinco 4.0 - A constant thorn in Udinese's side, the Italy international won the penalty which led to Juve opening the scoring and, even more significantly, Udinese being reduced to 10 men. Missed a great chance at the start of the second half after a jinking run but then helped himself to a double, with his second strike particularly impressive. • Substitutions Luca Marrone 3.0 - Came on for Chiellini for the last 15 minutes but did not have a major impact on the game. Fabio Quagliarella 3.0 - Replaced Giovinco late on but was unable to get himself on the scoresheet. Alessandro Matri 3.0 - Was expected to start in place of Giovinco, who had been carrying an injury, but ultimately had to settle for an uneventful cameo. http://www.soccerway.com/national/italy/serie-a/20122013/regular-season/

Serie A Week 2 - 2-9-2012 (6:00 p.m.) 1 - 4 Arturo Vidal (14'- Penalty) Mirko Vučinić (45+1′) Sebastian Giovinco (53′) Sebastian Giovinco (71′) Andrea Lazzari (78′) Friuli Stadium - Udine Referee: Paolo Valeri Attendance: 23000 Juventus Make Udinese Pay For Running Into Little People Sep 2, 2012 The discussion won't be about how Juventus beat Udinese 4-1. No, no, no. Who would want to do that? That just makes no sense. Why discuss the game when you can mention DRAMA DRAMA DRAMA! The talk after the game — hell, even while the first half was still going on — was about the decision to send off Udinese goalkeeper Zejiko Brkic for absolutely destroying Sebastian Giovinco as he attempted to catch a 50-50 ball at the top of the box. I mean, it's Italy. Who doesn't love them some controversy in Italy? Exactly my point. But without a doubt, the sending off of Brkic changed this game. There's no ifs, ands, or buts about it. Udinese were looking fairly good when there were 11 men on the field to open thing sup. After Brkic was shown the red card? Completely different. Udinese went from positive play to doing absolutely nothing. So, you have your controversy. Go ahead and discuss. I won't stop you. Man of the Match: The lil' fella. Giovinco easily had one of the best games he's had in a Juventus jersey — past or present. Yes, the two goals obviously help his cause, but he has been contributing in all aspects lately. And today he got his goal(s). With Seba starting to really hit his stride with Europe and the Champions League a few weeks away, that's nothing but good news. Now if only we could get Mirko Vucinic to play like he's actually interested in things for more than a couple minutes at a time... Also of note: Juventus are undefeated in the last 41 Serie A games, including victories in 12 of the last 13. That's good. I would like it if Juve kept that trend going. http://www.soccerway.com/national/italy/serie-a/20122013/regular-season/

Serie A Week 2 - 2-9-2012 (6:00 p.m.) 1 - 4 Arturo Vidal (14'- Penalty) Mirko Vučinić (45+1′) Sebastian Giovinco (53′) Sebastian Giovinco (71′) Andrea Lazzari (78′) Friuli Stadium - Udine Referee: Paolo Valeri Attendance: 23000 Udinese 1-4 Juventus Sep 2, 2012 Juventus sent out a resounding message that they intend to retain their Serie A title with a comprehensive dismantling of Udinese. The Old Lady were aided by the 14th-minute dismissal of goalkeeper Zeljko Brkic, but regardless of that, such an emphatic win at the Stadio Friuli has to be taken notice of. Arturo Vidal opened the scoring with a penalty that was a consequence of Brkic's sending off, with Mirko Vucinic making it 2-0 on the stroke of half-time. It was game over eight minutes after the break thanks to Sebastian Giovinco and, when the same player made it four, it was a rout before Andrea Lazzari grabbed a consolation for the Bianconeri. With Antonio Conte again unable to coach Juve owing to his suspension, the Turin outfit had to operate on auto-pilot, with veteran midfielder Andrea Pirlo pulling all the strings. He laid on an early chance for Sebastian Lichtsteiner and then threaded the pass which led to Brkic hauling down Giovinco. Vidal stepped up and converted the subsequent penalty. Antonio di Natale had an immediate chance to level but his header was well wide, and with few opportunities coming their way as a result of being a man down, Udinese were forced to try and shut up shop. They managed to hold out until the 45th minute when Vucinic ended their resolve when he nipped in to finish after Pablo Armero failed to clear. Di Natale tried to lay on a chance for Dusan Basta after the restart but he failed to take it, while Giovinco went close from the edge of the box. The summer signing from Parma would get the first goal of his second spell with the club, though, cashing in after substitute stopper Daniele Padelli failed to hold Claudio Marchisio's shot. The goalkeeper did keep out Marchisio minutes later, but he was bending into the back of his net for a fourth time with 19 minutes left after Giovinco skinned Maurizio Domizzi and rapped a drive beyond him. Udinese would stir when Lazzari netted from close range with 12 minutes left, but it was nothing more than a token goal. http://www.soccerway.com/national/italy/serie-a/20122013/regular-season/

Serie A Week 2 - 2-9-2012 (6:00 p.m.) 1 - 4 Arturo Vidal (14'- Penalty) Mirko Vučinić (45+1′) Sebastian Giovinco (53′) Sebastian Giovinco (71′) Andrea Lazzari (78′) Friuli Stadium - Udine Referee: Paolo Valeri Attendance: 23000 Juve crush 10-man Udinese Juventus added to Udinese’s woes with a comfortable 4-1 victory at the Stadio Friuli, inspired by Sebastian Giovinco’s brace and a controversial red card. Sep 2, 2012 The Bianconeri welcomed back Gigi Buffon, Giovinco and Giorgio Chiellini from injury, the defender making his first appearance since the Euro 2012 Final in early July. Mauricio Isla, Simone Pepe, Lucio and Simone Padoin are still sidelined with Nicklas Bendtner’s transfer not come through yet, but Kwadwo Asamoah returned to face his former club. Udinese were still traumatised by Tuesday’s Champions League play-off defeat on penalties and Coach Francesco Guidolin had considered resigning. He had a full squad to choose from here except for Emmanuel Badu and threw new buy Andrea Lazzari straight into the starting XI. Juve have been drawn in the same Champions League group as Chelsea, so Roberto Di Matteo was in the stands. So was Antonio Conte, still sitting out his 10-month ban and represented on the touchline by Massimo Carrera. Stephan Lichtsteiner sprung the offside trap from a long Andrea Pirlo ball over the top, but placed his lob well over the net with only Zeljko Brkic to beat. There was controversy after just 11 minutes, as Giovinco ran into the box between two defenders on another long Pirlo pass. The Atomic Ant managed to get his head to it first, just a second before Danilo shoved him into the on-rushing Brkic. The referee hesitated for a moment before awarding the penalty and red card for the goalkeeper, who was flabbergasted. Ex-Liverpool ‘keeper Daniele Padelli came off the bench and his first job was to take Arturo Vidal’s penalty out of the net, as the Chilean blasted into the top corner. It was Juve’s second spot-kick of the campaign, but the first to be converted, as Vidal saw his saved against Parma. Tension threatened to explode moments later when Giampiero Pinzi was booked for tackling Chiellini and scuffles broke out around the field. Chiellini volleyed wide from a free kick under pressure from Danilo, but comical defending saw two Udinese players collide down the left, allowing Vucinic to get an angled drive which Padelli palmed round the far post. Maurizio Domizzi didn’t catch his volley properly from the D, sending it well wide. Juve kept possession without making much of an impact, but in first half stoppages Asamoah’s pass was let through by Pablo Armero for Vucinic to immediately curl into the bottom corner. The Montenegrin did not hesitate to take the chance from the edge of the box, leaving Padelli rooted to the spot. After the break Giovinco did everything right until the shot, skipping past Dusan Basta and committing Mehdi Benatia with a dummy, but fired over the bar. Moments later Padelli spilled a long-range strike from Claudio Marchisio, so Giovinco was ready to tap in the loose ball from four yards. The former Liverpool goalkeeper should’ve done better, even if the shot took a slight deflection. Padelli got a hand to Vucinic’s header and parried a splendid Marchisio rising strike at the near top corner. The young goalkeeper rushed off his line and used his legs to clear from Vucinic, but the fourth goal was in the air. Pirlo spread the play for Giovinco, who confused Domizzi with some footwork and smashed the angled drive into the far bottom corner. Still, the home side did get one back when Allan’s through ball was not dealt with properly, so eventually Lazzari turned in the loose ball from six yards on his Friulani debut. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Udinese: Brkic; Benatia, Danilo, Domizzi; Basta, Pereyra (Muriel 52), Pinzi, Lazzari, Armero; Fabbrini (Padelli 13); Di Natale (Allan 76) Juventus: Buffon; Barzagli, Bonucci, Chiellini (Marrone 72); Lichtsteiner, Vidal, Pirlo, Marchisio, Asamoah; Giovinco (Quagliarella 75), Vucinic (Matri 75) Ref:Valeri Sent off: Brkic 12 (U) http://www.soccerway.com/national/italy/serie-a/20122013/regular-season/

Serie A Week 2 - 2-9-2012 (6:00 p.m.) 1 - 4 Arturo Vidal (14'- Penalty) Mirko Vučinić (45+1′) Sebastian Giovinco (53′) Sebastian Giovinco (71′) Andrea Lazzari (78′) Friuli Stadium - Udine Referee: Paolo Valeri Attendance: 23000 Giovinco double helps sink 10-man hosts The Italy international, who rejoined the Bianconeri from Parma during the summer, netted twice as the reigning champions heaped more misery on Francesco Guidolin's men. Sep 2, 2012 Juventus maintained their winning start to the new Serie A season by cruising to a 4-1 victory over Udinese at the Stadio Friuli on Sunday evening. Arturo Vidal opened the scoring from the penalty spot 14 minutes after Zebrette goalkeeper Zeljko Brkic had been shown a straight red card for taking out Sebastian Giovinco. Mirko Vucinic doubled the Bianconeri’s advantage just before the interval with a sublime finish before strike partner Giovinco tapped in to make it 3-0 early in the second half. The latter struck again on 71 minutes, rendering Andrea Lazzari's late strike purely academic. Juventus looked somewhat sluggish in last weekend's win over Parma but they could have been ahead inside four minutes in Udine, with Andrea Pirlo prising open the home side’s defence with a predictably precise pass only for Stephan Lichsteiner to lob his team-mate’s sublime through-ball over the bar. However, the Bianconeri would not have to wait much longer to break the deadlock. Again, Pirlo was involved, the playmaker picking out Giovinco with another exquisite ball over the top. The diminutive attacker nodded the bouncing ball past the onrushing Brkic, whose momentum carried him into the former Parma man. Referee Paolo Valeri quite correctly pointed to the spot but his decision to dismiss Brkic was harsh in the extreme given there was nothing malicious about his challenge, while there were also two covering Udinese defenders in attendance. The injustice of the straight red was of little concern to Vidal, though, and the Chilean confidently dispatched the ball past Brkic’s replacement, Daniele Padelli, to put the visitors a goal to the good. Unsurprisingly, Juve dominated possession thereafter, but without doing very much. Indeed, a well-struck drive from Vucinic, which Padelli tipped around the posts, was the sum total of their efforts before the Bianconeri’s Montenegro international put daylight between the two sides on the stroke of half-time. Former Udinese man Kwadwo Asamoah advanced down the left-hand side before pulling the ball across the face of the box. Pablo Armero really should have cut out the cross; he did not, and Vucinic pounced, controlling the ball before almost calmly bending it past a stationary Padelli. Giovinco almost bettered that strike after jinking his way past a couple of players shortly after the restart but the Italy international fired over the bar. However, he made amends just moments later, slotting home the rebound after Padelli had spilled Claudio Marchisio’s strike from distance. The 'Atomic Ant' then doubled his tally in emphatic style, firing home from just inside the area after being slipped in on goal by Pirlo. Udinese, who saw their hopes of Champions League football dashed by Braga in week, did manage a late consolation through Lazzari after he punished some sloppy defending from Andrea Barzagli but the spoils went to Juventus, who look set to go into the international break at the summit of the standings. http://www.soccerway.com/national/italy/serie-a/20122013/regular-season/

Serie A Week 2 - 2-9-2012 (6:00 p.m.) - Friuli Stadium - Udine Referee: Paolo Valeri Di Matteo in stands for Juve Sep 2, 2012 Chelsea manager Roberto Di Matteo is in the stands for today’s Udinese-Juventus match, keeping an eye on his Champions League opponents. The Blues were drawn in the same group as Juve, Shakhtar Donetsk and Nordsjelland, starting the campaign at Stamford Bridge against the Italians on September 19. It is confirmed that Di Matteo was spotted in the stands ahead of the 17.00 UK time kick-off at the Stadio Friuli. He is looking to personally ‘scout’ the Bianconeri after Chelsea’s humiliating 4-1 European Super Cup defeat to Atletico Madrid on Friday. http://www.soccerway.com/national/italy/serie-a/20122013/regular-season/

Robin van Persie was an impossible signing for Juventus and any Italian club, says Giuseppe Marotta The Bianconeri official revealed that signing the Dutchman would be a hard task for any side from the peninsula, whilst clarifying what happened with Dimitar Berbatov. Sep 2, 2012 Juventus director Giuseppe Marotta has revealed that signing Robin van Persie was impossible for any Italian club during the transfer window. The Bianconeri official also insisted that there was no wrongdoing against Fiorentina in regards to the potential transfer of Dimitar Berbatov, who eventually snubbed the two teams in favour of Fulham. Nevertheless, Marotta revealed that whilst signing the former Arsenal captain was an objective, the transfer fee was not a feasible option for any Italian side in the current climate. "Last year we were able to hit a record that is hard to beat such as ending the season unbeaten. We had some goals and not all of them have been achieved," the 57-year-old told Sky Sport Italia. "I take the example of Van Persie. He is impossible for an Italian club right now. Spending €30 million on a player, not to mention the wages, is not feasible for Juve or for any other club in Serie A. "The Berbatov case? I hope to meet with President Andrea Della Valle soon to clarify the situation of Berbatov, but I want to clarify that there was no misconduct against Fiorentina. "We made an enquiry after the player said he did not want to go to the Viola, but it was off very shortly because he said he preferred Fulham." Marotta also turned his attention to the Champions League group stage, where the Serie A holders were drawn against Chelsea, Shakhtar Donetsk and Nordsjaelland. He continued: "We are pleased to return to an important competition like the Champions League. Although we can't say we are on par with the four or five most important clubs in Europe, we will focus especially on the way we play and on strengthening. "Progressing from the group is within our reach, even though there are dangers hidden around the corner. Just look at Basel and Apoel last year."

Buffon returns to action for Juventus' clash with Udinese Veteran stopper returns from injury for trip to Stadio Friuli, while Giorgio Chiellini and Sebastian Giovinco are also declared fit. Sep 2, 2012 Juventus welcome recent injury victims Gianluigi Buffon and Giorgio Chiellini back into the side for Sunday's Serie A trip to Udinese. Both players missed the opening weekend's win over Parma, but have been passed fit and take their place in a now familiar 3-5-2 formation. Sebastian Giovinco, who had been expected to miss the next two weeks with a sprained ankle, also features in the starting lineup alongside Mirko Vucinic. New signing Nicklas Bendtner, brought in on loan from Arsenal, did not complete his registration in time to take part. Udinese welcome newcomer Andrea Lazzari into the midfield, but there is no place for Brazilian Maicosuel, whose disastrous ‘Panenka’ penalty proved decisive in the Zebrette's Champions League play-off against Braga this week. Instead, Diego Fabbrini will support Antonio Di Natale in attack. Udinese (3-5-1-1): Brkic; Benatia, Danilo, Domizzi; Basta, Pereyra, Pinzi, Lazzari, Armero; Fabbrini; Di Natale Juventus (3-5-2): Buffon; Barzagli, Bonucci, Chiellini; Lichtsteiner, Vidal, Pirlo, Marchisio, Asamoah; Giovinco, Vucinic

Serie A Week 2 - 2-9-2012 (6:00 p.m.) - Friuli Stadium - Udine Referee: Paolo Valeri HT: Juve lead 10-man Udinese Sep 2, 2012 Juventus are leading 2-0 at half-time away to 10-man Udinese with Arturo Vidal, Mirko Vucinic and a controversial red card. The Bianconeri welcomed back Gigi Buffon, Sebastian Giovinco and Giorgio Chiellini from injury, the defender making his first appearance since the Euro 2012 Final in early July. Mauricio Isla, Simone Pepe, Lucio and Simone Padoin are still sidelined with Nicklas Bendtner’s transfer not come through yet, but Kwadwo Asamoah returned to face his former club. Udinese were still traumatised by Tuesday’s Champions League play-off defeat on penalties and Coach Francesco Guidolin had considered resigning. He had a full squad to choose from here except for Emmanuel Badu and threw new buy Andrea Lazzari straight into the starting XI. Juve have been drawn in the same Champions League group as Chelsea, so Roberto Di Matteo was in the stands. So was Antonio Conte, still sitting out his 10-month ban and represented on the touchline by Massimo Carrera. Stephan Lichtsteiner sprung the offside trap from a long Andrea Pirlo ball over the top, but placed his lob well over the net with only Zeljko Brkic to beat. There was controversy after just 11 minutes, as Giovinco ran into the box between two defenders on another long Pirlo pass. The Atomic Ant managed to get his head to it first, just a second before Danilo shoved him into the on-rushing Brkic. The referee hesitated for a moment before awarding the penalty and red card for the goalkeeper, who was flabbergasted. Ex-Liverpool ‘keeper Daniele Padelli came off the bench and his first job was to take Arturo Vidal’s penalty out of the net, as the Chilean blasted into the top corner. Curiously, this was the first Juventus spot-kick to be successfully converted in Serie A this season, as Vidal's was saved against Parma. Tension threatened to explode moments later when Giampiero Pinzi was booked for tackling Chiellini and scuffles broke out around the field. Chiellini volleyed wide from a free kick under pressure from Danilo, but comical defending saw two Udinese players collide down the left, allowing Vucinic to get an angled drive which Padelli palmed round the far post. Maurizio Domizzi didn’t catch his volley properly from the D, sending it well wide. Juve kept possession without making much of an impact, but in first half stoppages Asamoah’s pass was let through by Pablo Armero for Vucinic to immediately curl into the bottom corner. The Montenegrin did not hesitate to take the chance from the edge of the box, leaving Padelli rooted to the spot. Udinese 0-2 Juventus (Half-Time) Scorers: Vidal pen 14 (J), Vucinic 45 (J) Udinese: Brkic; Benatia, Danilo, Domizzi; Basta, Pereyra, Pinzi, Lazzari, Armero; Fabbrini (Padelli 13); Di Natale Juventus: Buffon; Barzagli, Bonucci, Chiellini; Lichtsteiner, Vidal, Pirlo, Marchisio, Asamoah; Giovinco, Vucinic Ref: Valeri Sent off: Brkic 12 (U) http://www.soccerway.com/national/italy/serie-a/20122013/regular-season/

Serie A Week 2 - 2-9-2012 (6:00 p.m.) - Friuli Stadium - Udine Referee: Paolo Valeri Line-ups: Udinese-Juventus Sep 2, 2012 Gigi Buffon, Sebastian Giovinco and Giorgio Chiellini are back as Juventus take on Udinese in the early evening Serie A kick-off. The goalkeeper and defender missed the opening 2-0 win over Parma, but have recovered from injuries in time for the 17.00 UK time start at the Stadio Friuli. It is Chiellini’s first appearance since he picked up a muscular injury in the Euro 2012 Final for Italy. Giovinco was expected to be out for two weeks after spraining his ankle against Parma, but he’s already back in the starting XI with Mirko Vucinic and ex-Udinese hero Kwadwo Asamoah. Mauricio Isla, Simone Pepe, Lucio and Simone Padoin are sidelined, while Nicklas Bendtner’s transfer did not come through in time. Udinese are still traumatised by their defeat to Sporting Braga on penalties, which saw them knocked out of the Champions League play-offs for the second year running. Coach Francesco Guidolin had been ready to resign, but he was convinced to stay on and has a full squad at his disposal apart from the injured Emmanuel Badu. Andrea Lazzari is a newcomer this week from Fiorentina and is thrown straight into the starting XI. Udinese: Brkic; Benatia, Danilo, Domizzi; Basta, Pereyra, Pinzi, Lazzari, Armero; Fabbrini; Di Natale Juventus: Buffon; Barzagli, Bonucci, Chiellini; Lichtsteiner, Vidal, Pirlo, Marchisio, Asamoah; Giovinco, Vucinic http://www.soccerway.com/national/italy/serie-a/20122013/regular-season/

Lazzari ci segna di nuovo.

Doppietta di Seba

'Pirlo is a true great' - Lamela pays tribute to Juventus midfielder The Argentine talent heaped praised on the veteran midfielder, although he is confident Roma are not far behind in the race for the Scudetto. Sep 1, 2012 Roma midfielder Erik Lamela has labelled Andrea Pirlo as the key behind Juventus' bid for a second successive Serie A title, but believes his side are not far behind the reigning champions. La Maggica take on Inter at the San Siro on Sunday as they look to bounce back from last week's 2-2 draw against Catania, while Juventus travel to Udinese, with Lamela paying homage to the veteran Pirlo. "Pirlo is a true great, and Juventus have an advantage with him," the 20-year-old acknowledged to giornalaccio rosa dello Sport.

Vucinic quasi 0-4

Lingua di Giovinco alla Del Piero

Bravissimo Giovinco. Peccato per il tiro.

La voce di Giovinco mi fa venire in mente la parodia ..... Zio Antonio!

Chi non salta é bianconero .... e saltó tutto lo stadio.

0-2

Palla favolosa di Giovinco