Socrates

Serie A - 19^ Giornata - Ritorno - 13-5-2012 (ore 15:00) - Juventus Stadium - Turin Arbitro: Gabriele Gava Confronti ufficiali 113 - 99 (Serie A) - 12 (Coppa Italia) - 2 (Campionato a gironi) Vittorie Juventus 57 - 53 (Serie A) - 3 (Coppa Italia) - 1 (Campionato a gironi) Pareggi 42 - 35 (Serie A) - 6 (Coppa Italia) - 1 (Campionato a gironi) Vittorie Atalanta 14 - 11 (Serie A) - 3 (Coppa Italia) Goals Juventus 204 - 178 (Serie A) - 23 (Coppa Italia) - 3 (Campionato a gironi) Goals Atalanta 99 - 81 (Serie A) - 17 (Coppa Italia) - 1 (Campionato a gironi) Juventus-Atalanta Serie A a Torino Confronti ufficiali 49 Vittorie Juventus 31 (L'ultima il 28.03.2010, 2-1) Pareggi 14 (L'ultimo il 17.05.2009, 2-2) Vittorie Atalanta 4 (L'ultima il 08.10.1989, 0-1) Goals Juventus 97 Goals Atalanta 33 Giocatori con più presenze e goals contro l'Atalanta a Torino 12 presenze Boniperti Giampiero 9 Del Piero Alessandro 8 Leoncini Gianfranco 8 Parola Carlo 8 Viola Giovanni 7 Del Sol Luis 7 Manente Sergio 7 Muccinelli Ermes 7 Salvadore Sandro 7 Tacconi Stefano 6 goals Boniperti Giampiero 5 Hansen John 5 Trezeguet David Sergio 4 Montico Antonio 3 Baggio Roberto 3 Charles John William 3 Del Piero Alessandro 3 Gabetto Guglielmo 3 Moeller Andreas 3 Muccinelli Ermes Ultimi confronti diretti 19.11.2004 Coppa Italia Atalanta-Juventus 2-0 13.01.2005 Coppa Italia Juventus-Atalanta 3-3 30.01.2005 Serie A Atalanta-Juventus 1-2 09.12.2007 Serie A Juventus-Atalanta 1-0 20.04.2008 Serie A Atalanta-Juventus 0-4 21.12.2008 Serie A Atalanta-Juventus 1-3 17.05.2009 Serie A Juventus-Atalanta 2-2 07.11.2009 Serie A Atalanta-Juventus 2-5 28.03.2010 Serie A Juventus-Atalanta 2-1 21.01.2012 Serie A Atalanta-Juventus 0-2 Giocate 10 - Vittorie Juventus 7 - Pareggi 2 - Vittorie Atalanta 1 - Goals Juventus 24 - Goals Atalanta 12

Barzagli: Juventus want to end the season unbeaten The Bianconeri have already wrapped up the Scudetto, but with a home fixture against Atalanta and the Coppa Italia final against Napoli to play, the defender wants to finish well. May 12, 2012 Juventus defender Andrea Barzagli has admitted his delight at winning Serie A, but is now eager to end the season unbeaten. The Bianconeri won the Scudetto last weekend with a 2-0 win over Cagliari, but with a home fixture against Atalanta and the Coppa Italia final against Napoli still to play, the Italy international wants to avoid defeat this term. "Winning the Scudetto feels great. There are still two weeks until the end of the season, so we must remain focused," he told Juventus Channel. "Sunday's game will be a chance to celebrate with the fans, and we want to look good and remain unbeaten. "Few people expected us to win the league, but we wanted to get back to our best and be protagonists from the first day. "Juve did not deserve a low league finish last year and we have turned it around. Then, during the season we started to believe more and more," he confessed. Antonio Conte's men will look to make a domestic double when they take on Napoli in the Coppa Italia final on May 20, but Barzagli is expecting a tough game. "In a final anything can happen. When we played Napoli in Naples we had great difficulty, while at home it was a great match and we drew. "They are a solid team that has played with the same side for two or three years, with virtually the same players, and up front they are really strong. We will definitely have to be careful and prepare for the match well."

Cavani: Coppa Italia final against Juventus the most important game of the season The Uruguayan hitman is ready to do all he can to help Napoli to glory, and feels that his team have the right mentality to beat the Scudetto winners next Sunday. May 12, 2012 Napoli striker Edinson Cavani has stated that the Coppa Italia final against Juventus is the most important game of the season for his club. Walter Mazzarri's men have had a rollercoaster season, excelling in the Champions League before a painful elimination at the hands of Chelsea, but stumbling on the road to a third place in Serie A on numerous occaisons. However, the Uruguay international believes that the game against Antonio Conte's men is more crucial than any other during this campaign. "We will give our all in these final games of the season and at the end of it all we’ll see where we are," Cavani told Radio Marte. "The final against Juventus will be the most important game of the season and we are slowly preparing our mentality to win it."

Serie A Week 38 - 13-5-2012 (3:00 p.m.) - Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee: Gabriele Gava Conte: 'Let's stay unbeaten' May 12, 2012 Antonio Conte has won the Scudetto, but urges Juventus to remain unbeaten for the whole season. “That way nobody can ever surpass us.” The Bianconeri have already set a new Serie A record by going unbeaten for the first 37 rounds of the campaign and aim to avoid defeat against Atalanta on Sunday. “Against Atalanta our objective is to maintain our unbeaten record to the end of the season, as that really would be something extraordinary,” said Conte in his press conference. “I told the lads that if we were to do that, in future they can only match us, but nobody can ever surpass us.” The Coach also announced that Alessandro Del Piero will start tomorrow’s game at the Juventus Stadium. “Del Piero was in the starting XI as captain in the first game in this stadium against Notts County, in the first Serie A one here with Parma and will be tomorrow against Atalanta. “It seemed only right for him and his career, but also everything he has given us this year. He must do well both on Sunday and next week in the Coppa Italia Final with Napoli.” Conte also took time to thank his staff for their efforts in the title-winning campaign. “I had already worked with Cristian Stellini and Angelo Alessio at Siena, where we won the Serie B title. I played with Angelo at Juventus in the Giovanni Trapattoni era. He is a great man with excellent human and professional qualities. “The same is true of Massimo Carrera, as we played together for many years. I had Stellini for a year and a half as a player at Bari, so as soon as I heard he was hanging up his boots, I proposed he come to work because I needed someone who knew my ideas.” http://www.soccerway...regular-season/

Barzagli: 'Juve Scudetto is different' May 12, 2012 Andrea Barzagli admits the joy of winning the Scudetto with Juventus is “a stronger sensation” than his title at Wolfsburg. The defender conquered the Bundesliga in 2009, but insists it cannot compare with the current celebrations in Turin. “Having won the title is a wonderful sensation,” he told Juventus Channel. “There are still two games to the end of the season and we must remain concentrated, even if we are enjoying this moment to the full. On Sunday it’ll be a party for the fans, but we want to impress and remain unbeaten. “I cannot compare winning the World Cup with anything else, but winning the Scudetto with Juve is certainly a much stronger sensation than the one I had at Wolfsburg. “Few expected this success, but we wanted to be protagonists again and from the first day of pre-season training that’s what we worked towards. Over the course of the campaign we started believing, each day a little more...” The Bianconeri welcome Atalanta to the Juventus Stadium on Sunday, then conclude their campaign with the Coppa Italia Final against Napoli on May 20. “Anything can happen in a Final and you cannot afford a single mistake,” continued Barzagli. “We had huge problems in Naples, while at home we played a great game and must take inspiration from that performance. “Napoli are a solid side who have been playing the same system for two to three years, practically with the same players, and are really strong in attack. We’ll certainly have to be concentrated and prepare well for this match.”

Serie A Week 38 - 13-5-2012 (3:00 p.m.) - Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee: Gabriele Gava MATCH PREVIEW May 11, 2012 Newly crowned champions Juventus seek to sign off in style – and remain undefeated – as they host mid-table Atalanta. Juve travelled to Trieste to take on Cagliari with the chance to seal the Scudetto. A Mirko Vucinic opener gave the Old Lady one hand on the trophy and an own goal 20 minutes from time – coupled with Milan’s derby disaster – meant it was time to celebrate. Juve’s win ensured an unassailable four-point margin over the Rossoneri. They can complete what would be just the third ever unbeaten Serie A season by avoiding defeat on Sunday. It would take the unbeaten streak to 38 matches and would be a first in the 20-team era. There will be cause for celebration with the Scudetto presentation, but also sadness with Alessandro Del Piero in the squad for the final time at home. Antonio Conte is not expected to make excessive changes with the Coppa Italia final on the horizon. However, Paolo De Ceglie is injured and Arturo Vidal suspended. Stephan Lichtsteiner is ok to feature after being stretchered off in Trieste. Atalanta fell out of the top half of the table with a defeat last weekend at the hands of Lazio – their second successive defeat. Coach Stefano Colantuono was not overly disappointed with the performance as the Bergamo side lost to a deflected goal then a Lorik Cana screamer. The Nerazzurri will aim to end the season on a high and striker Manolo Gabbiadini says they will be going to the Juventus Stadium to win. Atalanta could finish in the top half with a victory - all the more remarkable when considering their points deduction. However, they travel to Turin without a number of players. Matteo Brighi, Guido Marilungo, Daniele Capelli, Andrea Consigli and Simone Tiribocchi are all injured, while former Juve defender Guglielmo Stendardo is suspended. Carlos Carmona is seeking to prove his fitness. The Bianconeri have historically dominated, winning 32 out of their previous 50 meetings, including the last two seasons ago. Atalanta have won just four times in Turin, the last occurring in 1989-90. Keep an eye on: Alessandro Matri (Juventus) – The striker has been in and out of the starting line-up recently and is without a goal since February. Matri will be looking for a positive performance to book a spot from the opening whistle in the Coppa Italia final. Form guide: Juventus (W W W D W) Atalanta (L W W L L) Last season: Not played Stat fact: If Alessandro Del Piero features, it will be his 478th appearance in Serie A and likely to be his last. JUVENTUS: Buffon; Barzagli, Bonucci, Chiellini; Lichtsteiner, Padoin, Pirlo, Marchisio, Pepe; Matri, Vucinic ATALANTA: Frezzolini; Bellini, Lucchini, Manfredini, Peluso; Schelotto, Cigarini, Cazzola, Bonaventura; Moralez; Denis http://www.soccerway...regular-season/

Team Focus: Serie A Champions Juventus May 11, 2012 Well, there it is. The Old Lady of Turin is back at the summit of Serie A, Champions of Italy for the first time in five years. After the hell of Calciopoli and the purgatory of a season spent in Serie B, Andrea Agnelli, Beppe Marotta and Fabio Paratici delivered the ingredients for a successful team and the intensity, drive and intelligence of Antonio Conte moulded them into exactly that. In winning the Scudetto in his debut season on the Juventus bench the 42 year-old coach has followed in the footsteps of some true greats of the modern era, matching the feat accomplished by Fabio Capello, Marcello Lippi and Giovanni Trapattoni. It seems almost laughable that less than a year ago many were sceptical of his appointment, wondering how he would rise to the challenge of leading one of European football’s truly giant clubs and how his beloved 4-2-4 would cope with the complexities of one of the most tactically astute leagues in the world. Simply put, he passed with flying colours. Instilling a belief in his players that they were always good enough to clinch victory and a desire to never lose, Conte abandoned his trademark formation almost before the season began. A quick look at the Formations Summary here on WhoScored.com shows he has deployed his team in five different formations this season, utilising 4-3-3 and 3-5-2 most regularly (14 and 13 matches respectively) but it is the ease with which they have switched that most impresses. Almost to a man it has made no difference which framework they are asked to line up in, the players have given their all to ensure Conte’s orders are carried out. That they have been so successful in doing so is mostly attributable to one factor; whatever formation they were asked to play, the tactical system remained the same. Conte has made his players value possession and they enjoyed an average of 61.1%, comfortably the best in Italy and only bettered by Barcelona (69.5%) and Bayern Munich (63.6%) anywhere in Europe. By playing a pressing game and condensing the field they were able to retrieve the ball quickly and, once they had it, their passing was superb, again topping all Serie A clubs with 85.4%, a total good enough for fifth place on the continent. At the centre of that passing game – far more direct and patient than the tiqui-taca of Barcelona – is the man responsible for the shelving of the 4-2-4, Andrea Pirlo. Placed back in the middle of a midfield trio after being shunted out to the left hand side by Massimiliano Allegri in his final injury plagued season at Milan, the 32 year-old has been perhaps the sides’ best player this term. His 3134 completed passes (made at an average of 87.1 per game) is a higher total than anyone in Europe’s top five leagues and is over 800 passes more than his nearest domestic rival, Lazio’s Cristian Ledesma (2321). That he has done so at a completion rate of 86.9% is similarly impressive while his league highs of 13 assists and 3.5 key passes per game is simply stunning from a man written off less than twelve months ago. Yet he is far from alone with Andrea Barzagli (89.1%), Leonardo Bonucci (88.7%) and Giorgio Chiellini (87.3%) all completing at least 1500 passes at a more accurate rate than their team-mate. Of course Pirlo attempts more difficult passes than that defensive trio but they have contributed to that eye-catching team figure as no fewer than six first team regulars made over fifty accurate passes per match. One criticism of the team has been the lack of a regular goal-scorer and seeing that fifteen players have topped Alessandro Matri’s team high of 10 goals is perhaps concerning until noting that no less than eighteen different players have found the back of the net during the campaign. With five of those registering at least six goals, Juventus have lead the way with 46 strikes from open play for yet another league best with only Milan scoring more total goals. All those numbers have been impressive but, when it comes to this Juventus, never has the old maxim that defence wins championships been more appropriate. The Bianconeri have been positively miserly, not only conceding just 19 goals but allowing a meagre 9.2 shots per game, a total again only bettered by Bayern Munich and Barcelona. Gigi Buffon has been reduced to a watching brief in most games, making just 79 saves on his way to a jaw-dropping 21 clean sheets. Writing for The Guardian in 2003, James Richardson famously called their 27th triumph ‘every bit as startling as snow in Siberia’ and, when looking at their dominance throughout this campaign, it is hard not to draw the same conclusion here. Antonio Conte and this Juventus have certainly started off a new era in impressive fashion and all that remains is to see whether they can win trophies with the regularity which prompted that comment eight years ago. With the Coppa Italia Final against Napoli less than two weeks away they will have the opportunity even before next season begins.

Pirlo: Allegri didn’t want me May 11, 2012 Andrea Pirlo has revealed that he left Milan because he was no longer in the first team plans of boss Massimiliano Allegri. The playmaker quit the Rossoneri on a Bosman last summer to join Juventus and he subsequently inspired their Scudetto success. “Milan offered me a one-year extension, but I wanted three years because I was younger than the other players whose contracts were expiring,” he told the giornalaccio rosa dello Sport. “But the real reason behind why I left Milan was because Allegri wanted to use Massimo Ambrosini or Mark Van Bommel in front of the defence instead of me. “That meant that I had to change position on the pitch. So I said ‘no thanks’ to Milan and chose Juventus. “Milan decided that I was no longer useful to them. I understood that immediately during our meeting.” Some were surprised by Pirlo’s decision to leave champions Milan for a team who had finished the previous two seasons in seventh place. “When I was at Gigi Buffon’s wedding in June last year, people asked me if I was crazy because I had left,” he added. “I then replied that when I decide to join another club, I do it because I want to win. And I also said that we would win the Italian championship. “And now those same people thank me because they went and put money on us winning the Scudetto…” While Juventus enjoyed the assists of Pirlo, Milan did struggle at times without his calmness and vision. “A lot of my former teammates told me that they missed me during the campaign,” he added. “But I’m happy as I won. “Almost all of my former teammates at Milan sent me text messages congratulating me on winning the Scudetto.” The 32-year-old has fond memories of his time with the Diavolo, but he admits that their attempt to get him suspended for a Cup game after an alleged elbow on Van Bommel was uncalled for. “That annoyed me,” he continued. “I played there for 10 years and they know that I don’t do certain things…” The experienced Italian international also took advantage of the interview to praise ‘rookie’ Coach Antonio Conte. “Conte is a great. I’ve had a lot of Coaches in my career, but never one who has been so prepared, so meticulous in his work and who explains things so well. “We watch videos of our opponents three or four times a week and it's difficult for them to surprise us as a result. “In terms of tactics and the way he teaches, he’s better than Carlo Ancelotti and Marcello Lippi.” With the Scudetto won, Pirlo now believes that his side can be a force in next season’s Champions League. “This Juve is one of the strongest ever in terms of mentality and pride,” he commented. “We can make a bid for the Champions League as we are now by playing in the same way. “But we’ll need a few signings to complete the squad, even if we would have done well in the competition this season.”

Buffon: 'Juventus butterfly' May 11, 2012 Gigi Buffon describes how he felt when giving away that Lecce goal and how Juventus “transformed from caterpillar to butterfly” for the Scudetto. The title was thrown back into doubt in a 1-1 draw with 10-man Lecce when the goalkeeper’s howler handed Andrea Bertolacci an open goal. “From the ground I could see Bertolacci running towards the goal and I said to myself… relax, it’s just a film, now something will happen. He might faint before he gets there,” Buffon told Tuttosport. “It’s not a good sensation, even if with Antonio Conte and my teammates at the start of the season we had taken into account something horrible could happen. “I remember the silence straight after that idiotic thing I did. It kills you. At that point you have to ask yourself: will they massacre me or hold me up by the shoulders?” He and Juve recovered to celebrate the Scudetto six years after going into Serie B due to the Calciopoli scandal. “It was worth it. In many moments over the past six years I reached some conclusions, working things over in my mind. Not always, but some certainties did waver. It can happen. But then I meditated on my successes. The fans helped me in many moments. “We had realised from the start of the season that we’d be able to put together something extraordinary. Talking about it in August or September would’ve been madness… It was a victory of the squad, just as for Italy in the 2006 World Cup. During this journey we transformed from caterpillar to butterfly.” There was also controversy, most notably with Milan’s complaints about the Sulley Ali Muntari shot that Buffon batted away after it had crossed the line. “Unfortunately, in Italy winning and being applauded by your opponents is unlikely. It’s a concept that sits uneasily with most people here,” sighed the goalkeeper. “Objectively, I see no other solution for myself, at least as long as I remain an important player. When I am not crucial any more, it’s legitimate for me to take that into consideration. In any case, I am ready to sign a contract extension. “Alessandro Del Piero won’t be here next year, but I am sure our rapport and his relationship with Juventus will continue. I advise him to stay relaxed and be proud: he’ll be number one for eternity. “I want to be competitive and that must be our objective in the Champions League. Our last success in this tournament was 16 years ago and even the stellar Juventus I was part of could not repeat that. After all, Real Madrid have spent €800m and still can’t lift that trophy again. “With two or three careful signings, our team can be solid and important. If we faced Barcelona? I don’t know how that would end, as it’d still be a game of football…”

Hamsik makes Coppa promise May 11, 2012 Marek Hamsik has promised to restyle his hair should Napoli beat Juventus in the Italian Cup Final on May 20. The midfielder’s Mohawk cut has developed into something of a trademark for him, but he could be set for a trip to the barbers later this month. “If we win the Coppa Italia then I’ll cut it,” the Slovakian international commented. “I can’t wait to play that game…” While the Stadio Olimpico clash could signal the end of Hamsik’s distinctive hair, it may also be the last game at the club for Ezequiel Lavezzi. “I have no idea what he will do,” Hamsik responded when asked about his attacking colleague. “You’ll have to ask him.” Reports are suggesting that the Argentine could leave the Stadio San Paolo this summer for a switch to Inter. Anzhi and Paris Saint-Germain are also keen.

Buffon: Champions League is Juventus' next objective The goalkeeper is already looking forward to the 2012-13 campaign, but realises that it will not be easy to emerge triumphant in Europe so soon after domestic success. May 11, 2012 Gianluigi Buffon believes Juventus must now start focussing on becoming a Champions League contender after securing the Serie A title in 2011-12. The Bianconeri have not won European club football's elite competition since 1996, and Buffon is desperate to help Juventus claim the prestigious title for the third time in their history. However, he acknowledged that it will be impossible for the team to lift the trophy next year. "I want us to be competitive in the Champions League next season. That has to be our goal," Buffon stated to Tuttosport. "We haven't won it in 16 years, but I don't think that the current team have what it takes to win it yet. That would be too much to ask from a team that have just accomplished a miracle. "The team needs two or three editions in order to become great again in Europe. At this point, I would be happy just to win back Europe's respect. "After all, a team like Real Madrid have spent some €800 million or so, and haven't won the Champions League yet either."

Pirlo: Allegri preferred Ambrosini & Van Bommel in my position so I left for Juventus The Juventus playmaker has taken a dig at the Rossoneri coach, while he has nothing but positive words for his current boss at the Bianconeri after his move in 2011. May 11, 2012 Andrea Pirlo has revealed that head coach Massimiliano Allegri's preference for Mark van Bommel and Massimo Ambrosini was one of the main reasons for him to leave AC Milan for Juventus in the summer of 2011. The Italy international opted not to renew his expiring contract with the Rossoneri last season and eventually left them for Juventus, where he has immediately won the Serie A title in his first year. "Allegri wanted to play Van Bommel or Ambrosini in front of the defence. I would have to change position, but I was not interested in doing that, so I joined Juventus instead," Pirlo stated to La giornalaccio rosa dello Sport. The 32-year-old then went on discuss Antonio Conte, and had nothing but praise for the successful Juventus coach. "He’s a great coach. I’ve had many coaches over the years, but no one is as meticulous in his work and as good at explaining things as him. "From a tactical and instructive point of view he’s even better than [Carlo] Ancelotti and [Marcello] Lippi in my opinion."