Socrates

Coppa Italia - Final - 20-5-2012 (9:00 p.m.) - Olimpico Stadium - Rome Referee: Christian Brighi Mazzarri: 'Juve favourites, but...' May 19, 2012 Walter Mazzarri believes Napoli are the underdogs to Juventus in the Coppa Italia Final, but “my lads would do anything to win.” The Bianconeri could set a new record by ending the season unbeaten in all competition, while the Partenopei need a boost after finishing fifth in Serie A. “My lads would do anything to win,” said the Coach in his pre-match press conference. “It’s one thing wanting to win and another being able to do it. Incidents will make a big difference on the night and they have more experienced players. “Having just won the Scudetto, Juventus will also have less pressure on their shoulders, while for us it is a very important test. “Juventus are still unbeaten and seem unbeatable, so they are the favourites. In order to win this trophy, we have to do something extraordinary, not make a single mistake and have incidents go in our favour. “We feel the importance of this game so intensely that I fear it might even be noxious. We’ve got a little Champions League experience now and that could be helpful tomorrow. “We need adrenaline rather than tension. Juve have more experience and players like Alessandro Del Piero who can give certainty and calm to their teammates. He can make the difference at any moment.” Ezequiel Lavezzi was dropped in recent weeks, but is expected to start in place of Goran Pandev at the Stadio Olimpico, while Walter Gargano is suspended. “My choices are limited in midfield and there won’t be huge changes. Lavezzi worked perfectly during the week and is in great shape. “It sounds as if there will be a real exodus of Napoli fans travelling to Rome, so if we manage to win it’ll be the crowning moment of something exceptional. Whether we win or not, just reaching this Final is already enough to make us happy.”

Coppa Italia - Final - 20-5-2012 (9:00 p.m.) - Olimpico Stadium - Rome Referee: Christian Brighi Juve aim to add Cup to unbeaten season May 19, 2012 Juventus is looking to cap its undefeated season by adding the Italian Cup to its Serie A title when it meets Napoli in the final on Sunday. The Bianconeri completed the recovery from its darkest period following the 2006 match-fixing scandal as it lifted its first Serie A title in nine years last week, sparking scenes of jubilation in Turin. "On Sunday we will try to win another trophy in the Italian Cup final," Juventus midfielder Luca Marrone said. "Napoli is a great team, it's not going through a very fortunate period, but in a one-off game anything can happen. "We are ready, the celebrations are already behind us and the coach immediately prepared us in the right way." It has been a long road since the 2005 and `06 titles were stripped from Juventus and it was relegated to Serie B but finally under young coach Antonio Conte, one of Italy's oldest clubs is proving it is back to its best once more. Should Juventus win, it will have gone the entire season unbeaten in all competitions. It is legendary striker Alessandro Del Piero's last game for Juventus. Del Piero, who scored in his last Serie A game for the club, has spent most of his career at Juventus after signing from Padova in 1993 and he will be hoping to complete a dream farewell campaign. Juventus will be without key defender Giorgio Chiellini, who picked up a thigh injury in the last match against Atalanta. Juventus wants to add a third gold star to the two already on the team shirts, as it counts the two titles it was stripped of, and debate over whether the club should be allowed is set to rumble throughout the offseason. If it wins on Sunday, however, it can add a silver star, to mark a 10th Italian Cup victory. It currently stands level with Roma as the club to have won most in the competition. Juventus has not won the cup since 1995, losing finals to Parma and Lazio since then. Napoli has lifted the trophy three times, with its last victory coming in 1987. It has reached two finals since then, losing to Sampdoria and Vicenza. "We will give everything Sunday," Napoli captain Paolo Cannavaro said. "It's an important date for us, it will be a match to make history in and who manages to play better will take the Cup home. "We know that Juventus is strong and that it more than deserved the league this year. They say that appetite for success comes with winning, but we are really hungry for this victory. This is a Cup that Napoli has lacked for 25 years and we want to give this joy to our fans, it would be amazing." It is almost certain to be Ezequiel Lavezzi's last game for Napoli, with the Argentina forward set to leave in the offseason after the club failed to qualify for the Champions League. The sides have met eight times in the Italian Cup - including two two-legged ties - with Juventus winning five matches and Napoli three. Napoli drew 3-3 at home to Juventus this season, but lost 3-0 in Turin.

Coppa Italia - Final - 20-5-2012 (9:00 p.m.) - Olimpico Stadium - Rome Referee: Christian Brighi HAMSIK HAILS 'PHENOMENON' DEL PIERO May 19, 2012 Napoli midfielder Marek Hamsik hailed Juventus captain Alessandro Del Piero as a "phenomenon" ahead of Sunday's Coppa Italia final at Rome's Stadio Olimpico. Del Piero led an unbeaten Juve to their 28th Serie A title this season, with this weekend's cup final set to be his last game for the Italian club after 19 years playing for the Bianconeri. Hamsik admitted winning the cup would be a huge boost after Napoli narrowly missed out on qualifying for the Champions League to Udinese, but reserved his praise for the 37-year-old Del Piero, whom one day he hopes to emulate. "Del Piero is a phenomenon," Hamsik told Corriere dello Sport. "He has made history at Juventus over the past 19 years with loads of victories. I don't like the use of superlatives, but we are talking about a truly extraordinary player, who still is very strong. "I would very much like to become Napoli's Del Piero. It would be a source of pride for me to still be a key player of this team by 2016, even though it does make me feel old to look that far ahead." Victory on Sunday for Napoli would be their fourth cup triumph and their first silverware in 22 years since their last Serie A title win in 1990, whereas if Juve lift the cup it would complete their third domestic league and cup double. Juve will be without centre-back Giorgio Chiellini for the final after he was substituted with just two minutes left of Juve's 3-1 win over Atalanta last Sunday. Juventus coach Antonio Conte revealed he did not know the full extent of Chiellini's injuries, but he would definitely play no part against Napoli. "It was a thigh twinge," Conte said. "He will certainly be out of the Coppa Italia final, but needs more tests." Midfielder Andrea Pirlo believes more silverware is on the cards for Juve this season, although he expects a tough encounter against Napoli. "On Sunday we'll show the right concentration and desire to lift this trophy," Pirlo told Sky Sports. "We've laid the foundations to do something great. "When you start to achieve success, you want to get more. We'll have the chance to lift further cups and trophies and to play more finals. We can definitely win more silverware. "Napoli are a great side, they've showed their value over recent years, and will certainly give their all. It will be a tough match."

Coppa Italia - Final - 20-5-2012 (9:00 p.m.) - Olimpico Stadium - Rome Referee: Christian Brighi Del Piero set to bow out at Coppa Italia final May 19, 2012 Alessandro Del Piero is set to play his last game for Juventus tomorrow when the Serie A champions take on Napoli in the final of the Coppa Italia in front of a packed Stadio Olimpico in Rome. The 37-year-old Juventus captain is a hero in Turin, having scored 290 goals in 704 games, but the board has not renewed his contract and is likely to head to the United States next term. Over 19 years, Del Piero has won six Serie A titles, one Coppa Italia, one Champions League and an Intercontinental Cup, as well as the 2006 World Cup with Italy. That same year as the Azzurri’s triumph in Berlin, he took a step down to Serie B after Juve were relegated following a match-fixing scandal. However, he helped them return straight back to the top flight as champions. Last week, he bid an emotional farewell to Serie A, typically scoring as Juventus beat Atalanta 3-1 to become only the third side to go an entire campaign unbeaten having won their first official title since 2003 the week before. After being substituted in the second half, he accepted the invitation to stand in front of the Juventus Stadium’s Curva Sud and the applause of teary-eyed supporters, before heading over to the other side of the ground and receiving a similar ovation. “I’ve never seen such a thing before. Let’s say that the fans won us another title,” said the number 10 after his tribute. “What happened today is something incredibly beautiful, the bond with these people goes beyond anything else.” Should Juventus win tomorrow it will be their 10th Coppa Italia and with it their third domestic double. For Napoli it would be their fourth cup triumph, the first since 1987 and first silverware since their 1990 Serie A title and Italian Supercoppa win, back in Diego Maradona’s heyday. It has been an up-and-down season for Napoli, who missed out on Champions League football to Udinese at the weekend, while their thrilling brand of counter-attacking football in European competition captivated fans at home and abroad. However, many felt that they had the chance to challenge for the Italian title and missing out on the Champions League has meant that some of their key players, including playmaker Ezequiel Lavezzi, have been the subject of transfer speculation. Maradona himself urged Napoli to cash-in on Lavezzi, saying that, if he were club president Aurelio De Laurentiis, he would sell to Inter, who are favourites to sign the 27-year-old Argentine. “If I were De Laurentiis I would make a good transfer, if Inter offer lots of money,” said Maradona. “This is the right moment to sell him, but Inter have to pay like they did for Ronaldo.” Both teams will be backed by thousands of passionate fans, with the Stadio Olimpico expected to be a sell-out. Reports have claimed that many supporters will travel to the Italian capital without tickets. Juventus and Napoli fans have never particularly got on and tensions between both sets of fans and Roma supporters has prompted concerns about possible safety problems in the city and at the stadium tomorrow.

Coppa Italia - Final - 20-5-2012 (9:00 p.m.) - Olimpico Stadium - Rome Referee: Christian Brighi Juventus vs. Napoli: Bianconeri Will Finish Unblemished Season with Another Win May 19, 2012 Juventus will try and put a cap on their perfect Serie A campaign with a win over Napoli on Sunday. The Bianconeri have already won the Serie A title. Winning the Italian Cup would be sweet justice for a much-maligned club. Juventus was subject to a match-fixing scandal in 2006. The club was relegated and sent into a dark age of sorts. Their first Serie A title since that time revived the club and it's fanbase in one swift motion. Let's take a look at the significance of this game for Bianconeri. It Has Been a Long Time Juventus haven't won an Italian Cup since 1995. They have lost to Parma and Lazio since their final cup victory. This should be enough motivation for Juventus to show up in this game. Who will win the Italian Cup? A. Juventus 93.8% B. Napoli 6.2% Total votes: 113 This season's campaign has been truly incredible for their squad. They have played much better than the rest of Serie A and an Italian Cup would fit a successful season perfectly. Winning the Italian Cup over Napoli would be even better. Juventus beat Napoli already earlier this year, and Napoli has not hoisted the Italian Cup in 25 years. Juventus need to do their best to make sure that streak extends to 26 years. Alessandro Del Piero Del Piero has 500-plus career appearances and 200-plus career goals with Juventus. He has been with the club since 1993. Del Piero is one of the best supporting strikers the world has to offer. His career puts him in the same breathe as other phenomenal European talents. Del Piero will be a free agent after this season. Juventus want to grab a victory for their leader. Del Piero only had five points in 23 games this year, but he is vital to Juventus' morale. What to Expect First of all, you can expect a Juventus victory. Bianconeri has been dominant on both ends of the field all year, and that will not change in their season's final stanza. Playing for pride and Del Piero will have Juventus' squad amped up. They will want to win more than they normally would, and that is problematic for any team facing a side with this much talent. Napoli is in a bad spot. They are playing an extremely motivated team with an obvious chip on its shoulder. Juventus grab the victory, renew their club reputation and send Del Piero out on the highest note.

Coppa Italia - Final - 20-5-2012 (9:00 p.m.) - Olimpico Stadium - Rome Referee: Christian Brighi Down Coppa’s Memory Lane Juventus and Napoli will contest the Coppa Italia Final on Sunday. Luca Cetta remembers the last time they each lifted the trophy. May 19, 2012 Only Alessandro Del Piero survives from their last triumph. That in itself reveals the length of Juventus’ Coppa Italia drought as well as adding another layer to his finale and enduring legacy. As for their opponents, Napoli will be seeking to add a trophy to their cabinet for the first time since the Diego Maradona era. Both Juve and Napoli will battle for the unloved Coppa Italia with the opportunity to enter club history. A Bianconeri victory will ensure they add a silver star to their shirt for 10 Coppa successes, the first club to do so. The Partneopei are hoping to hoist a trophy high into the night sky for the first time since the 1990 Italian Super Cup – won thanks to a 5-1 thrashing of Juventus. Antonio Conte attempts to lead his side to a domestic double for the first time since Marcello Lippi in 1994-95. Seventeen years ago, Juve won their ninth Coppa thanks to a 3-0 aggregate win over Parma. In search of redemption following a defeat at the hands of the Ducali in the UEFA Cup Final a fortnight earlier, Sergio Porrini nodded home the only goal in Turin and opened the scoring at the Stadio Ennio Tardini. Juve won a spirited and at times fiery contest when Fabrizio Ravanelli beat Luca Bucci. Roberto Baggio collected his final trophy in Turin – perhaps a precursor to his successor’s final match in the black and white. Napoli also managed to end their dream 1986-87 season in double delight – “You never tire of winning” said Maradona afterwards – and confirmed their status as the new kings of calcio. In the Final they faced surprise package Atalanta, freshly relegated from Serie A. Ottavio Bianchi’s side romped through the group stage and knock-out rounds and despite piling on the pressure in the first leg, found an inspired Ottorino Piotti in goal. He kept them at bay with a series of stunning saves for an hour, until a 10-minute salvo in which Alessandro Renica’s long-range scorcher plus goals from Ciro Muro and Salvatore Bagni sealed the result. Bruno Giordano’s lone strike in Bergamo ensured a 4-0 aggregate win and Napoli’s third Coppa. Since last revelling in victory both sides have experienced dual disappointments. Parma would exact revenge on Juventus in 2001-02 – denying another domestic double – as they sucker-punched the Turin giants with an injury time away goal before a lone strike at home meant an away goals success. Two seasons later Juve were outplayed in Rome, losing 2-0 versus Lazio. Juve equalised just after half-time at home, but Bernardo Corradi and Stefano Fiore won it for the Biancoceleste. Napoli returned to the decider in 1988-89, but after winning the first leg they were blown away by a rampant Sampdoria in the return, losing 4-1 on aggregate. Ten years after Bergamo they were back, but it was a very different Napoli – gone were the stars and Scudetto assaults. They were in steady decline and the Coppa offered some redemption. Napoli beat Vicenza 1-0 at home, but the Biancorossi scored twice deep into extra time at the Stadio Romeo Menti to win their one and only major trophy. If their recent Serie A encounters are any indication, it is sure to be an exciting affair. When the duo march on Rome for the first time since the reintroduction of the one-off showpiece finale Juve have the chance to farewell Del Piero in the best possible manner and complete an extraordinary unbeaten campaign, whilst the Partenopei can cap a wonderful period under Walter Mazzarri. It may ‘only’ be the Coppa Italia but the two clubs and their supporters will be hoping – for entirely different reasons – their side wins, as they seek to emulate the triumphs of the past.

Coppa Italia - Final - 20-5-2012 (9:00 p.m.) - Olimpico Stadium - Rome Referee: Christian Brighi Juventus - Napoli Preview: Bianconeri look to win Coppa Italia final on Del Piero's swansong The Turin giants are hoping to claim a domestic double as the Partenopei aim to lift a long-awaited trophy as the two rivals clash at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome. May 19, 2012 PROBABLE LINE-UPS JUVENTUS Storari Barzagli, Bonucci, Caceres Lichtsteiner, Vidal, Pirlo, Marchisio, Giaccherini Del Piero, Vucinic NAPOLI De Sanctis Campagnaro, Cannavaro, Aronica Maggio, Inler, Dzemaili, Dossena Hamsik, Lavezzi Cavani Juventus ended the Serie A season on a high by defeating Atalanta 3-1 to maitain their unbeaten record, but can wrap their season up in a tidy bow by winning the Coppa Italia. However, coach Antonio Conte must face a determined Napoli side without star defender Giorgio Chiellini. Despite the former Fiorentina man's absence, Conte is set to stick with a 3-5-2 with Caceres stepping into the defence alongside Andrea Barzagli and Leonardo Bonucci. Marco Storari has been steady for Juventus in the competition all season and could be rewarded with a place in goal in the final. Meanwhile, De Ceglie's injury means Emanuele Giaccherini could start on the left of midfield, but Simone Pepe is another option. Up front, club legend Alessando Del Piero is expected to be given a start on his final game for Juventus alongside Mirko Vucinic. On the other side, Partenopei boss Walter Mazzarri has a worry in captain Paolo Cannavaro, but the centre-half is expected to grit his teeth to be in the starting XI come Sunday night. The two-goal hero from their final league game against Siena last weekend, Andrea Dossena, is also a slight doubt and if he cannot feature Juan Camilo Zuniga should take his place on the left flank. Blerim Dzemaili will replace the suspended Walter Gargano in the centre of midfield. DID YOU KNOW? • Juventus overcame Bologna, Roma and AC Milan to reach the Coppa Italia final this season • The Bianconeri have been crowned champions of the tournament nine times (the joint most with Roma), although they have not lifted the cup since 1995 when they beat Parma. • In Serie A play in 2011-12, Juventus drew 3-3 with Napoli at the Stadio San Paolo before defeating them 3-0 in Turin in the opposite fixture. • Napoli have beaten Cesena, Inter and Siena on their path to the domestic cup decider. • The Partenopei have three Coppa Italia crowns, but have not won the tournament since a 4-0 aggregate triumph against Atalanta over two legs in 1987. • Edinson Cavani leads the scoring charts in the Coppa Italia with four goals. On Juventus' side, Martin Caceres, Alessandro Del Piero and Emanuele Giaccherini each have two strikes to their name. Head to Head 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 Serie A ‎- Mar 25, 2010 - SSC Napoli 3 - Juventus 1 Last Five Matches Juventus May 13, 2012 - Juventus 3 - Atalanta 1 - Serie A May 6, 2012 - Cagliari 0 - Juventus 2 - Serie A May 2, 2012 - Juventus 1 - Lecce 1 - Serie A Apr 29, 2012 - Novara 0 - Juventus 4 - Serie A Apr 25, 2012 - Cesena 0 - Juventus 1 - Serie A SSC Napoli May 13, 2012 - SSC Napoli 2 - Siena 1 - Serie A May 6, 2012 - Bologna 2 - SSC Napoli 0 - Serie A May 1, 2012 - SSC Napoli 2 - Palermo 0 - Serie A Apr 28, 2012 - Roma 2 - SSC Napoli 2 - Serie A Apr 25, 2012 - Lecce 0 - SSC Napoli 2 - Serie A Players to Watch ALESSANDRO DEL PIERO The Bianconeri icon scored against Atalanta in his final Serie A match for the club on home soil last weekend, but a perfect ending would be leading them to a Coppa Italia trophy for the first time in over 15 years. Does the veteran striker have one last moment of magic left in his boots? BLERIM DZEMAILI With the energetic Gargano suspended, Dzemaili will have show he can do battle with the likes of Andrea Pirlo, Claudio Marchisio and Arturo Vidal in the centre of the pitch and come out a winner. The trio were arguably the most spectacular members of the Bianconeri's Scudetto victory and the ex-Parma star must limit their effectiveness if the Partenopei are to have a chance. Prediction Juventus finished the Serie A season with an incredible run of 10 wins from 11 matches and have looked more impressive than Napoli for large portions of 2011-12. Mazzarri's side have the attacking talent, but a less assured defence than Conte's side and that could play a role on Sunday. Editor's Prediction Juventus 2 - 1 Napoli

Coppa Italia - Final - 20-5-2012 (9:00 p.m.) - Olimpico Stadium - Rome Referee: Christian Brighi The last time you will see Del Piero in a Juventus shirt - Five reasons to watch the Coppa Italia final The football world has been focused on Munich this week but, as Goal.com is keen to convey, Juventus' meeting with Napoli at the Stadio Olimpico on Sunday night deserves attention. May 19, 2012 By Mark Doyle The Champions League has a lot to answer for. To some, its very name is an insult to the prestigious competition it so cynically hijacked in 1992, while it has spent the past two decades widening the gap between the haves and the have-nots of European football. So much so to that we are unlikely to ever again see proud footballing institutions such as Red Star Belgrade, Steaua Bucharest and even four-time champions Ajax lift the trophy. It has also thoroughly devalued the once great Uefa Cup - which is now fighting valiantly to maintain a semblance of relevance under a new name - as well as domestic cup competitions. So it has come to pass that the FA Cup final no longer brings the curtain down on the English football season and now kicks off at teatime, while the Coppa Italia barely gets a mention during a week dominated by the build-up to a game between a German side beaten with such regularity by the nation’s undisputed champions Dortmund that it is getting embarrassing at this stage, and an English outfit which has reached the final of football's biggest cup competition on the back of two painfully defensive displays. Italian football, of course, has long been associated with defensive football but those who still buy into such a clichéd notion should take in Sunday night’s meeting between Juventus and Napoli at the Stadio Olimpico. Why? Well, aside from the fact that these two produced one of the games of the season when they drew 3-3 at the San Paolo back in November, there is the small matter of a living legend bringing the curtain down on his career in Italian football. And that's just for starters ... DEL PIERO'S FOND FAREWELL It was once claimed that Muhammad Ali resisted the temptation to swing another punch at George Foreman as the then heavyweight champion of the world collapsed to the canvas during 'The Rumble in the Jungle' because 'The Greatest' did not want to run the risk of ruining the moment by missing his falling target. In that context, a small part of Alessandro Del Piero must be wondering if he really needs to take to the field at the Stadio Olimpico after enjoying the perfect Serie A send-off last weekend. Lining out in front of his adoring Turin public one final time, 'Il Pinturicchio' scored a goal of typically perfect precision and poise, enjoyed a lap of honour (while the game was still going on!) and then lifted the Scudetto. It was a fitting finale for a true great of the Italian game, but it is difficult to see how Del Piero could possibly top it on Sunday night. It just does not seem feasible. Still, one last 'Gol alla Del Piero' would be nice, just for old time’s sake. PEERLESS PIRLO While a Del Piero special is by no means a guarantee, an Andrea Pirlo masterclass is about as close as you can get to a sure thing these days. Just turned 33, the Italy international is still doing what he does best and perhaps only Xavi does better: painting pretty pictures with pin-point passing. Indeed, it does not seem right that Pirlo has never been bestowed with a Renaissance-inspired moniker himself. The regista’s performances this year have been nothing short of sublime and he has been as influential as he has been consistent. Pirlo missed just one game in Serie A all season and ended with three goals and, more significantly, 13 assists to his name: statistics which only serve to underline the folly of AC Milan’s decision to deny him the three-year contract he was seeking to remain at San Siro last summer. If Napoli are to have any hope of triumphing in Rome, they will have to do something that no other side has done this season, and that is shut down Pirlo. JUVE'S MISFIRING FORWARDS Given Pirlo’s penchant for creating openings, it is shocking that Alessandro Matri, Fabio Quagliarella and Marco Borriello have contributed just nine goals between them since the turn of the year. Matri has not netted since February and was on Sunday night left out of Italy’s preliminary squad for Euro 2012. Quagliarella and Borriello, meanwhile, have impressed sporadically in recent weeks but their performances have still been well below par. Consequently, all three now face uncertain futures with the Old Lady. Both Matri and Quagliarella recently signed new contracts with the club but, if recent reports are to be believed, their positions are even less secure than that of Borriello, who is on loan from Roma. As a result, Matri, Quagliarella and Borriello will all be desperate to not only start at the Stadio Olimpico, but also prove to coach Antonio Conte that they are worth holding onto for next season’s assault on the Champions League. CAVANI'S BODY LANGUAGE Of course, irrespective of what happens in Rome, Juventus will move heaven and earth this summer to land the genuine world-class striker they are so sorely missing. They have been linked with both Robin van Persie and Gonzalo Higuain, but it is believed that Edinson Cavani remains their primary transfer target. The Uruguay international is arguably the most lethal marksman in Serie A and Napoli would be loathe to allow him leave this summer, particularly with Ezequiel Lavezzi seemingly edging towards an exit. However, as Cavani underlined this week by revealing that he will represent Uruguay at this summer’s Olympics whether Napoli like it or not, the 25-year-old striker will clearly do whatever it takes to get what he wants and the fact is that Juve can offer him a second consecutive season of Champions League football; his current employers cannot. It will be therefore fascinating to watch his body language before, during and after the game to see if it is possible to detect any indication that Cavani’s commitment to the Napoli cause is wavering. SILVERWARE Of course, no player is bigger than the club and Napoli’s current concern should not be keeping Cavani or Lavezzi; it should be ending their wait 22-year wait for a major trophy. Qualification for last season’s Champions League was a fantastic achievement for a club who five years previously had been lining out against the likes of Juve Stabia in Serie C1. However, no matter what American investors, Russian oligarchs or Arab businessmen might think, the Champions League is not the be all and end all; silverware still counts for something. Indeed, just try telling the 32,000 Napoli fans set to descend upon the Italian capital on Sunday evening otherwise!

Buffon: My future will always be with Juventus The veteran shot-stopper insisted that he still has lots to accomplish with the Turin-based outfit and hopes to add the Coppa Italia to the Bianconeri's trophy cabinet this season. May 19, 2012 Juventus goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon has said that his future will always be with the Old Lady. The 34-year-old custodian has been a vital part of Juve's set-up since joining the club from Parma in 2001 in a deal worth €54 million. The Italy international has been linked with a new challenge as his contract expires in 2013, but the keeper does not see his future away from Turin. "My future will always be painted in black and white," he told Radio Deejay. "We still have important goals to fight for after all the Scudetti we have won over the years. "I have celebrated the league title five times, but to keep talking about the '30' Scudetti gets boring." Buffon went on to say that he is expecting an enthralling encounter when Juve face Napoli in the Coppa Italia final on Sunday. "It is great to participate when you are part of a group like ours, even if you do not play," he added. "I hope that it will be a great spectacle, on and off the field, between two great sides from two intense cities."

Coppa Italia - Final - 20-5-2012 (9:00 p.m.) - Olimpico Stadium - Rome Referee: Christian Brighi Conte: 'My first Final as Coach' May 19, 2012 Antonio Conte is excited at facing his first Coppa Italia Final as a Coach, having lifted the trophy for Juventus as a captain. “It can crown an extraordinary year.” The Bianconeri face Napoli at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome on Sunday evening and can set a new record by ending the campaign unbeaten in official competition. “It’s a wonderful sensation and a unique emotion, because this is my first Final as a Coach,” said Conte in his press conference. “I think tomorrow’s Final can crown an extraordinary year that has seen us win the Scudetto by a comfortable margin. Now we prepare for another great evening that can give us the chance to lift a second trophy in this fantastic season.” Conte was also captain when Juventus won the Champions League in this stadium in 1996. “Our state of mind is to reach this game with a remarkable Scudetto victory behind us and a week in which we celebrated. However, as I told the lads, it is time to stop the party and focus on this Final that we really care about. “We fought hard to get here, so will step on to the field with the right mentality, of a side that knows it has achieved something remarkable already, but could make it a super-extraordinary campaign.” The encounters with Napoli in Serie A this season have been thrilling, including a 3-3 draw at the San Paolo. “In Naples it was a great show of strength and I realised this team is made of steel,” continued Conte. “Napoli are the worst opponent we could’ve chosen for this Final, as they have immense potential.” Naturally, the Coach was asked about the new accusations from Filippo Carobbio in the betting scandal, as unproved allegations suggested he knew about match-fixing when he was at Siena in Serie B last season. “I reply the same way I did during the season, don’t I? There’s nothing new on the horizon. I read the articles yesterday and have nothing to reply to, as it would be a lack of respect to those conducting the investigation. If and when I am called to testify, I will be happy to answer any questions put to me.”

Coppa Italia - Final - 20-5-2012 (9:00 p.m.) - Olimpico Stadium - Rome Referee: Christian Brighi Buffon sees 'spectacular' Coppa Final May 19, 2012 Gigi Buffon has committed his future to Juventus and expects a “spectacular” Coppa Italia Final against Napoli on Sunday night. The shot-stopper was rested for the last Serie A game of the season and is again likely to be benched tomorrow evening, as Marco Storari has been the regular in this competition. “At times it is also nice to participate when you are part of a group like ours,” Buffon told Radio Deejay. “I expect it to be a spectacular evening both on the pitch and in the stands between two great teams and two passionate cities. “My future is always in black and white. We can achieve many more important objectives after the Scudetto. “I celebrated as champion of Italy five times, but I realise that in the long-run always talking about this issue of the 30 Scudetti can get boring.” Juventus are adamant they have won 30 Serie A titles, counting the two that were stripped in the Calciopoli trial of 2006.

Coppa Italia - Final - 20-5-2012 (9:00 p.m.) - Olimpico Stadium - Rome Referee: Christian Brighi Lapo: 'Bring Juve the Coppa!' May 19, 2012 Juventus patron Lapo Elkann respects Napoli, but warns his side is not sated by the Scudetto. “We want to triumph in the Coppa Italia too.” The two teams go head to head at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome for Sunday night’s Final. “Napoli are a side with great champions. At Juventus we proved our value by winning the Scudetto and can double that success in Rome,” Elkann told Il Mattino newspaper. “We want to triumph in the Coppa Italia too. I will say that with Juve out of the Champions League, the only team I cheered on this season was Napoli. “They had a positive campaign and put many opponents under pressure, including Chelsea. That night I was at the San Paolo as a guest of the President.” Elkann is one of the heirs to the Agnelli empire and can count himself as a personal friend of Alessandro Del Piero, who is set to make his final appearance in a Bianconeri shirt. “Alex is a friend and has done so much for not only Juventus, but also Italy and the whole world of sport. He is an example to all and continues to be that. “We have to speak about Del Piero in the present, because he will continue to do so much for us. In the new Juventus Museum we inaugurated on Wednesday, we dedicated the final section to him, because he represents the Bianconeri.”

Coppa Italia - Final - 20-5-2012 (9:00 p.m.) - Olimpico Stadium - Rome Referee: Christian Brighi Ref chosen for Coppa Italia Final May 18, 2012 Christian Brighi has been assigned as the referee of Sunday’s Coppa Italia Final between Napoli and Juventus. The decision was announced this evening and Brighi will be assisted by Giorgio Niccolai and Cristiano Copelli, while Mauro Bergonzi is the fourth official. Napoli and Juventus face off at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome on Sunday evening in a one-off Coppa Italia Final.

Chiellini 'optimistic' for Euro 2012 May 18, 2012 Giorgio Chiellini is recovering quickly and “optimistic” for Euro 2012, revealed the Italy and Juventus star’s brother. The defender limped off during the final game of the Serie A season with a first degree thigh strain, which is expected to keep him out of action for three weeks. “Giorgio is doing well,” Claudio Chiellini told Calciomercato.it. “He is already hard at work at the Coverciano ground and can’t wait to get back on the field. He is disappointed to be missing out on the Coppa Italia Final, but we are optimistic for the Euros.” Chiellini’s sibling was also asked about reports of interest from Manchester City. “I don’t think there’s any need to comment on certain rumours that emerge at this time of year to fill up the newspapers.”

Coppa Italia - Finale - 20-5-2012 (ore 21:00) - Stadio Olimpico - Roma Arbitro: Christian Brighi Confronti ufficiali 151 - 132 (Serie A) - 8 (Coppa Italia) - 6 (Campionato a gironi) - 1 (Supercoppa Italiana) - 2 (Coppa UEFA) - 2 (Serie B) Vittorie Juventus 69 - 59 (Serie A) - 4 (Coppa Italia) - 4 (Campionato a gironi) - 1 (Coppa UEFA) - 1 (Serie B) Pareggi 49 - 45 (Serie A) - 2 (Coppa Italia) - 1 (Campionato a gironi) - 1 (Serie B) Vittorie Napoli 33 - 28 (Serie A) - 2 (Coppa Italia) - 1 (Campionato a gironi) - 1 (Supercoppa Italiana) -1 (Coppa UEFA) Goals Juventus 231 - 192 (Serie A) - 12 (Coppa Italia) - 21 (Campionato a gironi) - 1 (Supercoppa Italiana) - 2 (Coppa UEFA) - 3 (Serie B) Goals Napoli 168 - 145 (Serie A) - 11 (Coppa Italia) - 3 (Campionato a gironi) - 5 (Supercoppa Italiana) -3 (Coppa UEFA) - 1 (Serie B) Juventus - Napoli - Coppa Italia - Campo neutro Confronti ufficiali 0 Vittorie Juventus 0 Pareggi 0 Vittorie Napoli 0 Goals Juventus 0 Goals Napoli 0 Giocatori con più presenze e goals contro il Napoli - Coppa Italia - Campo neutro - Ultimi confronti diretti 18.10.2008 Serie A Napoli-Juventus 2-1 04.02.2009 Coppa Italia Juventus-Napoli 0-0 28.02.2009 Serie A Juventus-Napoli 1-0 31.10.2009 Serie A Juventus-Napoli 2-3 13.01.2010 Coppa Italia Juventus-Napoli 3-0 25.03.2010 Serie A Napoli-Juventus 3-1 09.01.2011 Serie A Napoli-Juventus 3-0 22.05.2011 Serie A Juventus-Napoli 2-2 29.11.2011 Serie A Napoli-Juventus 3-3 01.04.2012 Serie A Juventus-Napoli 3-0 Giocate 10 - Vittorie Juventus 3 - Pareggi 3 - Vittorie Napoli 4 - Goals Juventus 16 - Goals Napoli 16

Mancini sets his sights on Juventus defensive star May 17, 2012 Manchester City are preparing for their Premier League title defence by lining up a move for Juventus defender Giorgio Chiellini, according to reports in Italy. Roberto Mancini's side claimed the title with a dramatic last-day victory over QPR but have at times appeared shaky in defence, with Stefan Savic coming in for particular criticism. And Tuttosport newspaper now claim City are preparing a £12m bid for Juventus defender Chiellini, who is part of the Italy squad for Euro 2012. Mancini has reportedly been tracking Chiellini for some time, and has been so impressed by his performances as Juventus completed an unbeaten Serie A season that he has made the 27-year-old City's top priority for the summer.

Coppa Italia - Final - 20-5-2012 (9:00 p.m.) - Olimpico Stadium - Rome Referee: Christian Brighi Marrone eyes Coppa glory May 17, 2012 Luca Marrone is hoping that his Juventus side will soon be able to display the Italian Cup in their new club museum. The centre was officially opened last night and the Old Lady, fresh from their Scudetto success, will have a chance to show off the Coppa Italia in it should they defeat Napoli on Sunday. “This museum represents Juve’s history, it’s something unique and makes you realise the importance of wearing this shirt,” the young midfielder noted. “The trophy room is truly special and we know we’re playing to fill it even more. We’ll try and win another Cup in Sunday’s Coppa Italia Final. “Napoli are a great team, they’re not going through the best of spells, but anything can happen in a one-off game. “We’re ready, we’ve put the title celebrations behind us and the Coach has immediately prepared us in the right manner.” Marrone, 22, appeared in three Serie A games this season and scored on the last day of the season against Atalanta. He was also used on three occasions in Coppa games.

Bonucci almost moved to Zenit May 17, 2012 Juventus Scudetto winner Leonardo Bonucci was close to joining Zenit St Petersburg before the start of this season. The Russian club made an offer for the defender after a difficult first season in Turin, but he eventually remained at Vinovo. “There was a concrete possibility that Bonucci could have gone to Zenit,” agent Davide Torchia told Sky Sport Italia. Bonucci wasn’t guaranteed a starting shirt at the beginning of the season, but he gradually proved his worth in both a 4-3-3 and a 3-5-2 system. It led to a contract renewal until 2017. “We’re proud that he was offered an extension before the Scudetto arrived,” added Torchia. “I don’t think he improved just because of the formation change, he grew with the rest of the squad.” The former Bari stopper was part of a defence which conceded just 20 goals in 38 League games this season.

Playing alongside Pirlo next season would be fantastic, admits Verratti The 19-year-old has often been compared to his older counterpart, and has now affirmed suggestions that he has modelled his game after the Juve man . May 17, 2012 Pescara wonderkid Marco Verratti has spoken of his admiration for Andrea Pirlo and revealed it would be a great honour to play alongside the Juventus midfielder. Verratti's scintillating form has caught the eye of Italy coach Cesare Prandelli, who called the 19-year-old up to Italy's Euro 2012 preliminary squad. "Andrea Pirlo is the best midfielder in Italy, perhaps even the world, and I admit to always watching him on TV in a bid to understand my similar role on the pitch," he said according to La giornalaccio rosa dello Sport. "Playing alongside him next term would be fantastic, but we'll only talk about that at the end of this season." Verratti's agent has confirmed there are talks ongoing between Juventus and Pescara, but negotiations have reportedly hit a snag over the transfer fee.

Coppa Italia - Final - 20-5-2012 (9:00 p.m.) - Olimpico Stadium - Rome Referee: Christian Brighi Marchisio: Juventus' hunger for success was decisive in Scudetto race The Italy international believes that the Old Lady's determination to lift silverware drove the team to success in the Serie A title race as he now looks for cup glory. May 17, 2012 Claudio Marchisio has voiced his opinion that Juventus' hunger for success was one of the main reasons they won the Serie A title. The Bianconeri finished four points clear of AC Milan in the league table to secure their first official Scudetto since 2002-03, and Marchisio feels their determination to win proved to be vital. "We won because we were hungrier than the other teams. We also played a very important brand of football in every game, even when we missed several goalscoring opportunities and didn’t get a result," Marchisio stated to Sky Sport. "We always looked to take the game to our opponents every Sunday, both home and away. Our coach also deserves credit for this; he has instilled the right mentality required to get back to winning ways." The midfielder then discussed the upcoming Coppa Italia final against Napoli, and stressed that Sunday's game will not be easy based on the two league meetings. "It will certainly be a difficult test. The draw in Naples and the game we won at home were both tough encounters. The two games represented the two most important periods of our season." Sunday's cup final at the Stadio Olimpico kicks off at 21.00CET.

Buffon: There will never be another title like this Scudetto The Italian goalkeeper is overjoyed to see his side return to the top of Italian football, while saying that he still has plenty of years left in his career. May 17, 2012 Juventus goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon has admtted that the club's latest Scudetto win was a unique achievement. The Bianconeri finished four points clear at the top of the Serie A table to win their first league crown since 2003, after the 2004-05 and 2005-06 titles were revoked in the Calciopoli trial. As Juventus opened their new club museum on Wednesday, complete with its own section dedicated to the iconic keeper, Buffon shared his emotions about winning the Scudetto and guaranteed that he has no plans to retire just yet. "I am lucky enough to be able to play much longer, I hope that this museum will be filled even more," the 34-year-old told Sky Sport Italia. "The fact that there is a small space here dedicated to me is very good. "Celebrating this Scudetto was great. There was so much joy repressed in us. This title does not resemble any other we have won, and there will never be any other like this." Buffon, who joined Juventus from Parma in 2001 in a €54 million deal, has a contract with the Bianconeri until 2014.

Fabio Cannavaro: Juventus have won 30 Scudetti The retired defender is thrilled to see his former club win the league title again, and says that he takes into consideration the two titles lost after the Calciopoli scandal. May 16, 2012 Former Italy international Fabio Cannavaro has said that he considers Juventus' 2011-12 Scudetto is the club's 30th league title. Official records say that the latest triumph was the Old Lady's 28th league crown, as the 2004-05 and 2005-06 titles were revoked as a result of the Calciopoli trial. However, Cannavaro is refusing to forget the two Scudetti, while heaping praise on coach Antonio Conte for guiding the club to the title. "For me, Juventus have 30 Scudetti, I won two and I will defend them," Cannavaro is quoted as saying by Ansa. "Juve deserved to win the title this year, they had a fantastic season. "I would like to congratulate Conte, I am happy for him and my former club. I know what it means to win after making so many sacrifices."

Coppa Italia - Final - 20-5-2012 (9:00 p.m.) - Olimpico Stadium - Rome Referee: Christian Brighi Pirlo: Juventus want to lift the Coppa Italia The influential midfielder has stressed that the Old Lady are targeting the Italian cup in order to complete the domestic double but warned that Napoli will provide a stern test. May 16, 2012 Andrea Pirlo has made it clear that Juventus are hungry for more silverware after winning the Serie A title as they set their sights on claiming the Coppa Italia. The Old Lady lock horns Napoli in the final this Sunday evening, and Pirlo has insisted that the Turin giants are eager to complete the domestic double. "We've started an important week. On Sunday we'll show the right concentration and desire to lift this trophy," Pirlo said to Sky Sport. "We've laid the foundations to do something great. When you start to achieve success, you want to get more. We'll have the chance to lift further cups and trophies and to play more finals. We can definitely win more silverware." However, Pirlo acknowledged that Napoli will not be pushovers in this weekend's encounter. "Napoli are a great side, they've showed their value over recent years, and will certainly give their all. It will be a tough match." The final at the Stadio Olimpico kicks off at 21.00CET.

Buffon reveals poker passion May 17, 2012 Gigi Buffon was the first pick on Cesare Prandelli’s list for his Euro 2012 squad. No surprise there. A Serie A regular with Parma and Juventus since making his debut as a 17-year-old back in 1995, he’s been Italy’s No 1 goalkeeper for over a decade and has passed the 100 caps mark with many more to come. He’s vital to the Azzurri’s chances of success in Poland and Ukraine this summer after helping Juve to Lo Sucdetto this season. But he could continue his sporting career long after his football life is over – swopping the green turf for the baize of the poker tables. Italy’s World Cup winner was introduced to poker a couple of years ago when he participated in a charity poker event. Gigi says that his love of competition is one of the reasons that he took up the game. Since then, he continued to work on his poker game and he eventually caught the eye of online poker giant, PokerStars.com. In 2010, Gigi joined the ranks of Daniel Negreanu and Chris Moneymaker when he signed an agreement with Team PokerStars. As part of their deal, Gigi has become the brand ambassador of PokerStars' Italian market and plays in a number of online and live events particularly on the European Poker Tour. PokerStars are delighted with the partnership. Spokesperson Barbara Beltrami says: “It’s a union that combines the qualities often found in both sport and poker – those of skill, hard work and mental concentration. It also highlights that the very best players relish the challenge, whether it’s on the football pitch or at the poker table – a passionate pursuit of victory,” While few can beat Gigi on the football field, players will have an equal chance when they play with him online under his nickname "gigibuffon". Gigi's competitiveness is known by many football fans and that his competitive spirit will become a huge factor in his success at poker. Italy, who leave for Poland on June 5, have two friendlies lined up against Luxembourg on May 29 and June 1 against Russia. Buffon then will head the Azzurri challenge against Spain (June 10), Croatia (June 14) and Republic of Ireland (June 18). Football fans will be hoping he won’t have time to concentrate on his poker until after the Final in Kiev on July 1.

Coppa Italia - Final - 20-5-2012 (9:00 p.m.) - Olimpico Stadium - Rome Referee: Christian Brighi Cannavaro: '30 Juve titles' May 16, 2012 Fabio Cannavaro reveals he’s becoming a Coach, will watch Napoli in the Coppa Italia Final and insists “Juventus have won 30 Scudetti.” The Bianconeri celebrated their triumph last week in what was officially the 28th title-winning campaign, as the 2004-05 and 2005-06 editions were stripped in the Calciopoli trial. “Juventus have won 30 Scudetti. I won my two on the pitch and I defend them,” stated Cannavaro, who was in their defence during those seasons. “Juve deserved the title this year, as they had a fantastic season. I compliment Antonio Conte and I’m happy for him and my former club, as I know what winning after so many sacrifices means.” The 2006 World Cup and Ballon d’Or winner is back in Italy at the moment to sit a coaching exam at Coverciano, but while he’s here will also watch the Coppa Italia Final on Sunday. “Who will I support? I played for Juve for three years and have great respect for them, but I am Neapolitan, have always been a Napoli fan and my brother is the team captain. Therefore, it’s easy to guess. “I don’t see a favourite in the Final, as Juve have kept an amazing level of consistency, but in a one-off match anything can happen. “Since hanging up my boots I don’t really miss playing football. Right now I am enjoying myself with some of my 2006 teammates at the coaching course. “Do I dream of one day being the Coach of Napoli? Obviously, as leading the big clubs is everyone’s objective. “As for Euro 2012, it is a difficult adventure and there are strong opponents, but Cesare Prandelli has done great work and brought back enthusiasm. Therefore we should be optimistic.”