Socrates

Abbiati hands it to Buffon May 6, 2012 Christian Abbiati has an eye on Juventus and another on tonight’s opponents Inter, but also reassures Gigi Buffon. The Scudetto race was blown wide open midweek when Buffon’s howler allowed Lecce a 1-1 draw in Turin, closing the gap to just one point. “I made 100 more mistakes like that,” smiled Abbiati. “I show honest solidarity to a friend and a great person. He’ll be distraught at letting down his teammates, but I’m sure Gigi will make up for it in the next game. “It’s only normal that Milan should believe in the Scudetto and fight to the end. There are only two games to go and we have to approach them as best we can. All we can do is win and hope Juventus slip up.” The Rossoneri have a tougher fixture list, as tonight they face local rivals Inter in the Derby della Madonnina. “I see a united Inter group with a new Coach who helped them climb back up the table. I fear their desire to prove a point, because they’ve struggled this season and want to target a Champions League spot.”

Serie A Week 37 - 6-5-2012 (8:45 p.m.) - Nereo Rocco Stadium - Trieste Referee: Daniele Orsato Cossu: 'Why I want to beat Juve' May 6, 2012 Massimiliano Allegri can count on special friends at Cagliari to trip up Juventus tonight. “They sent us into Serie B,” noted Andrea Cossu. Milan are one point adrift of the leaders and Allegri has to hope his former club, including many of the players he launched in Serie A during his time there, can hold the Bianconeri. “If you beat Juve, then you are the only ones who did it. If you draw, you enter the history books as Scudetto deciders,” said Davide Astori. “Allegri is a unique and truly incredible person. We all owe him a great deal.” Cossu has already scored against Juve this season in a 1-1 draw in Turin and has an ulterior motive to cause an upset. “Allegri is a great man, but I want to win for Cagliari. We don’t forget that 20 years ago Juve sent us into Serie B.” http://www.soccerway...regular-season/

Serie A Week 37 - 6-5-2012 (8:45 p.m.) - Nereo Rocco Stadium - Trieste Referee: Daniele Orsato Juve win Scudetto if... May 6, 2012 We round up the possible scenarios for tonight’s games, as Juventus could mathematically clinch the Scudetto this evening or open it all up again. Juventus win the title tonight if: Juve beat Cagliari and Inter get a result in the derby. Even a San Siro stalemate would prize the Bianconeri, because they have a superior head-to-head record with Milan, so going three points clear would mathematically put them beyond reach. It goes to the final round if: Juventus and Milan register identical results, leaving a one-point gap going into the last match. Juve fail to beat Cagliari and Milan see off Inter, potentially leaping to the top of the table. Any combination of results that leaves a gap of under three points. http://www.soccerway...regular-season/

Serie A Week 37 - 6-5-2012 (8:45 p.m.) - Nereo Rocco Stadium - Trieste Referee: Daniele Orsato Conte full of pride at Juventus Scudetto challenge The former Siena trainer believes his team have done brilliantly to compete for the Serie A title and claims they have put the disappointing 1-1 draw against Lecce behind them. May 5, 2012 Juventus coach Antonio Conte has told his players that they should be proud that they are even challenging for the Scudetto on the back of two disappointing campaigns. The former midfielder took over as the club's head coach last summer and has immediately changed the fortunes of the Turin outfit after two consecutive seventh-placed finishes in Serie A. Juve currently hold a point lead over AC Milan at the summit of the league with two games to go and face a tricky trip to face Cagliari on Sunday evening, a game the side are desperate to win. “We are back to experiencing these high profile games and I think that is the most positive aspect of all,” the coach stated in his pre-match press conference. “All of this is thanks to the work done by the club, the staff and the players. We should be full of pride to be challenging for the Scudetto with two rounds to go and that must motivate us even more “Fortunately, I have experience of going through completely opposing experiences. I’ve been trailing at the last 90 minutes and on another occasion out in front. “Football always brings new sensations and what counts is the present. We want to achieve something super-extraordinary. I always say to win you need head, heart and legs, in that order.” The Bianconeri are looking to return to winning ways after a late Gianluigi Buffon mistake allowed Lecce to earn a 1-1 draw midweek, and Conte believes the team have put the result behind them. “At this stage we have such a strong unity within the team that we only need a glance to understand each other,” added Conte. “It is important for me to understand how everyone is feeling and I don’t see why anything should change tomorrow. After the Lecce game, everyone wanted to get straight back on to the pitch and play again. “That was a heavy blow, but it only fuels our desire to make up for it and cancel out what happened on Wednesday night. The lads are ready and have belief, they know this is an historic moment. “We can put ourselves in the Juventus history books and I doubt I need to do anything to motivate my men. If anything, I might have to hold them back.” Juventus are still without a league defeat this term, winning 21 and drawing 15 of their 36 Serie A encounters. http://www.soccerway...regular-season/

Serie A Week 37 - 6-5-2012 (8:45 p.m.) - Nereo Rocco Stadium - Trieste Referee: Daniele Orsato Vidal: Juventus cannot afford any more mistakes The Bianconeri have a slender lead over AC Milan in the race for the league title with two games remaining, and the Chile international knows the Old Lady need to win both fixtures. May 5, 2012 Juventus midfielder Arturo Vidal has stated that his side cannot afford to drop any more points if they want to win the Scudetto. The Bianconeri unexpectedly drew 1-1 with Lecce in their last outing, which saw their lead at the top of the Serie A standings reduced to one point. With AC Milan in hot pursuit, the Chile international has urged his side to get back to winning ways when they take on Cagliari on Sunday. "We can’t many any more mistakes," the South American confessed on his official Facebook page. “We anxiously await Sunday so we can prove we are the best." With two games remaining, Juventus can secure the Serie A title if they win against Cagliari this weekend and Milan are defeated by rivals Inter. http://www.soccerway...regular-season/

Serie A - 18^ Giornata - Ritorno - 6-5-2012 (ore 20:45) - Stadio Nereo Rocco - Trieste Arbitro: Daniele Orsato Verso Cagliari-Juventus: La corazzata bianconera cerca il match-point che potrebbe valere lo Scudetto con un turno d'anticipo Una vittoria contro il Cagliari, combinata ad una mancata vittoria del Milan nel derby meneghino contro l'Inter, regalerebbe alla Juventus la vittoria dello Scudetto già domenica. 6 maggio 2012 QUI CAGLIARI Per il Cagliari la salvezza è già acquisita. Quella che giocherà a Trieste contro la Juventus, pertanto, rappresenta per i rossoblù isolani una partita che vale solo per il prestigio, nel caso dovessero riuscire a battere la capolista, infliggendogli la prima sconfitta stagionale e fermandola sulla strada che porta al titolo. Ma tali motivazioni basteranno per tener testa alla 'fame' di Scudetto dei bianconeri? QUI JUVENTUS La squadra di Antonio Conte è ormai a due soli passi dalla vittoria dello Scudetto... o forse ad uno solo: se domenica sera dovesse battere il Cagliari e il Milan non riuscisse a vincere contro l'Inter, allora i bianconeri potrebbero festeggiare la vittoria del titolo con una giornata d'anticipo. La squadra di Ficcadenti, seppure da non sottovalutare, non sembra possa riuscire a fermare la corazzata bianconera come aveva invece fatto nella gara del girone d'andata. Questione di stimoli. IL MOMENTO Ad un Cagliari ormai salvo e senza più patemi di essere risucchiato nella lotta disperata per non retrocedere, si contrappone una Juventus che, dopo il pareggio col Lecce nella scorsa giornata, ha visto ridursi ad un solo punto il vantaggio sul Milan e pertanto un nuovo passo falso potrebbe essere fatale ai bianconeri nella corsa-scudetto. LA CHIAVE La qualità dei giocatori della Juventus è indiscutibilmente maggiore nel complesso rispetto a quella della formazione del Cagliari, ciononostante la squadra rossoblù ha dimostrato nei precedenti confronti contro i bianconeri di essere in grado di dargli gran filo da torcere. La chiave della partita sarà probabilmente la diversa motivazione delle due squadre. Se il Cagliari approccerà il match in maniera 'molle', visto che, con la salvezza giù in tasca, non ha nulla più da chiedere al campionato, per la Juventus potrebbe essere una passeggiata, considerato il fatto che i bianconeri non possono permettersi altri passi falsi dopo il pari col Lecce e la fame di vittoria sarà senz'altro al massimo. Al contrario, la spensieratezza con cui i rossoblù potranno approcciare la gara potrebbe dargli quella tranquillità che fa riuscire semplici anche le giocate difficili, mentre qualche errore di troppo in avvio di gara potrebbe mandare fuori giri i bianconeri, che avranno la tensione già al massimo. I PROTAGONISTI Sulla sponda rossoblù, da tenere sotto osservazione è la coppia di centrali, Ariaudo e Astori, che avranno il loro bel da fare per fermare gli attacchi bianconeri, soprattutto gli inserimenti in area dei centrocampisti, vedi Vidal e Marchisio. Protagonista del match sarà anche Pinilla, che se in giornata potrebbe essere una costante spina nel fianco della difesa bianconera. Fra i bianconeri, Pirlo sarà come sempre il fulcro del gioco della squadra di Conte. Decisiva sarà anche la prestazione di Vidal e Marchisio, non solo in chiave offensiva ma anche difensiva, con Cossu che giostrando sulla trequarti potrebbe creare diversi problemi. LE FORMAZIONI CAGLIARIAgazzi Perico - Ariaudo - Astori - Pisano Ekdal - Conti - Nainggolan Cossu Ibarbo - Pinilla ------------------------------------------------- Vucinic - Quagliarella Caceres - Marchisio - Pirlo - Vidal - Lichtsteiner Chiellini - Bonucci - Barzagli Buffon JUVENTUS Testa a Testa Serie A ‎- 15/gen/2012 - Juventus 1 - Cagliari 1 Serie A ‎- 05/feb/2011 - Cagliari 1 - Juventus 3 Serie A ‎- 26/set/2010 - Juventus 4 - Cagliari 2 Serie A ‎- 11/apr/2010 - Juventus 1 - Cagliari 0 Serie A ‎- 29/nov/2009 - Cagliari 2 - Juventus 0 Ultime 5 Partite Cagliari 02/mag/2012 - Genoa 2 - Cagliari 1 - Serie A 28/apr/2012 - Cagliari 0 - Chievo 0 - Serie A 24/apr/2012 - Cagliari 3 - Catania 0 - Serie A 21/apr/2012 - Parma 3 - Cagliari 0 - Serie A 12/apr/2012 - Bologna 1 - Cagliari 0 - Serie A Juventus 02/mag/2012 - Juventus 1 - Lecce 1 - Serie A 29/apr/2012 - Novara 0 - Juventus 4 - Serie A 25/apr/2012 - Cesena 0 - Juventus 1 - Serie A 22/apr/2012 - Juventus 4 - Roma 0 - Serie A 11/apr/2012 - Juventus 2 - Lazio 1 - Serie A Previsione Cagliari 0 - 2 Juventus http://www.soccerway...regular-season/

Serie A Week 37 - 6-5-2012 (8:45 p.m.) - Nereo Rocco Stadium - Trieste Referee: Daniele Orsato Cagliari v Juventus: Preview May 5, 2012 Juventus midfielder Arturo Vidal has warned his team-mates they cannot afford to make any further mistakes if they are to clinch the Scudetto. The Bianconeri will be crowned Italian champions if they win against Cagliari tomorrow night in Trieste and closest rivals AC Milan fall at Inter Milan. Juve saw their lead cut to one point at the top of the standings with two games remaining after Milan won 2-0 over Atalanta on Wednesday and they conceded a late equaliser in a 1-1 draw against Lecce. "We cannot make any more mistakes,'' Vidal said. "We are anxious about Sunday's game and we want to prove to everyone that we are the strongest team.'' Antonio Conte's Juve are two games away from joining Perugia and Milan as the only sides in the history of Serie A to go an entire season undefeated. The Bianconeri have the best defensive line in the competition with 19 goals given away in 36 games. Tomorrow's game will be played at the Nereo Rocco stadium as Cagliari are playing their home games in Trieste rather than Sardinia because of a dispute with the local council related to the renovations of the Sant' Elia stadium. The hosts have nothing to play for except pride as, despite Wednesday's 2-1 defeat at Genoa, results elsewhere ensured Cagliari are now mathematically safe. Massimo Ficcadenti's men have won just one of their last six games and lie 14th in the standings. "We have achieved our aim which was to defend our Serie A status,'' Cagliari defender Lorenzo Ariaudo said. "Now we go into the game against Juventus without pressure. "We will nevertheless have a lot of motivation to beat Juventus. "They are unbeaten and have proved to be a very strong team, but we will try.'' Conte will have all of his players available with the exception of defender Paolo De Ceglie, who sustained a muscular injury in midweek and is out for the rest of the season. Cagliari defender Alessandro Agostini must serve a one-match ban tomorrow. http://www.soccerway...regular-season/

Serie A Week 37 - 6-5-2012 (8:45 p.m.) - Nereo Rocco Stadium - Trieste Referee: Daniele Orsato MATCH PREVIEW May 5, 2012 Cagliari may be safe but they could still have a say in the Scudetto race as Juventus look to try and seal the title. The midweek loss to Genoa could prove to be costly to Cagliari, not in terms of their Serie A status but for achieving a respectable finish. Had the Isolani defeated the Grifone, they would have already equalled last season’s tally of 45 points, and would have done Lecce a favour by allowing them to draw level with Genoa on 36 points. Even so, midweek results saw that the Rossoblu achieved mathematical safety, in light of their superior head-to-head records on other candidates for the drop. Currently sat in 14th spot, the Sardinians still have two games in which to climb one place to equal last season’s finish. Massimo Ficcadenti’s men have a decent home record this season, but could expect a backlash from a hungry Old Lady. Juventus will look to redeem themselves after a rare and costly Gigi Buffon howler against Lecce gifted Milan with a two-point reprieve in the title race. The powers that be have rescheduled this tie to 7.45pm UK time in Trieste to coincide with the Milan derby, so the Bianconeri will not be able to cheer on their bitter rivals the Serpenti- but will still be hoping that they can do them a favour and end Milan’s title challenge. An Alessandro Matri brace and Luca Toni strike sealed a 3-1 victory for the Bianconeri last term, but they were held 1-1 in Turin in Week 18. In 31 meetings in Sardinia, Juventus only just edge the number of victories with 10 to Cagliari’s nine, and 12 have ended all square. The home side’s most recent victory was a 2-0 win in November 2009, and was their first for just over a decade. Keep an eye on: Claudio Marchisio (Juventus) Scoring his ninth goal of the season against Lecce has allowed the Italian midfielder the opportunity to end the campaign in double figures, and he has surely cemented his place as a Bianconeri stalwart and a ‘must pick’ for Euro 2012 Form Guide: Cagliari (L L W D L) Juventus (W W W W D) Last season Serie A: Cagliari 1-3 Juventus Stat fact: A win here coupled with a loss or draw for Milan will grant Juventus the title, as the Bianconeri have a superior head to head over the Rossoneri. Cagliari: Agazzi; Perico, Ariaudo, Astori, Agostini; Ekdal, Conti, Nainggolan; Cossu; Ibarbo, Pinilla Juventus: Buffon; Barzagli, Bonucci, Chiellini; Lichtsteiner, Vidal, Pirlo, Marchisio, Caceres; Quagliarella, Matri http://www.soccerway...regular-season/

Serie A Week 37 - 6-5-2012 (8:45 p.m.) - Nereo Rocco Stadium - Trieste Referee: Daniele Orsato Cagliari - Juventus Preview: Serie A leaders look to keep slender lead in Scudetto race With two games left to go in Serie A, Antonio Conte's men need a win in their last away fixture of the season to fend off advances for the top spot from reigning champions Milan. May 5, 2012 PROBABLE LINE-UPS CAGLIARI Agazzi Perico, Astori, Canini, Pisano Ekdal, Conti, Nainggolan Cossu Ribeiro, Pinilla JUVENTUS Buffon Barzagli, Bonucci, Chiellini Lichtsteiner, Vidal, Pirlo, Marchisio, Giaccherini Vucinic, Borriello The match unquestionably means more for Juventus than Cagliari; the home side are almost certain to end the season comfortably mid-table, being six points away from relegation and 14 from the final European spot in Serie A. The Old Lady, on the other hand, are just a point above Milan following their draw to Lecce and need full points in order to assure their hold at the summit of the league. Massimo Ficcadenti's men will look to bounce back to winning ways after a 2-1 loss to Genoa during midweek. The 14th-placed side will likely make a few changes from their defeat, with Alessandro Agostini suspended and Daniele Dessena a doubt for the match. Up front, either Thiago Ribeiro or Ibarbo will start alongside team top goalscorer Mauricio Pinilla. The midfield quartet is set to stay the same as usual whereas the backline is also expected to look vastly familiar. The visitors have lost Paolo De Ceglie for the rest of the season with a thigh problem and Simone Pepe is also likely to miss the match through injury. The biggest question mark for Antonio Conte's men revolves around who will partner Mirko Vucinic up front, with Marco Borriello and Alessandro Matri in contention to lead the front-line. DID YOU KNOW? • Cagliari have just one win in their last six matches, a 3-0 drubbing of Catania at home. During that span, the side have lost three times and acquired just five points. • Pinilla, Cagliari's top scorer this season, has scored 10 goals this season, as many as Juventus' Alessandro Matri, AC Milan's Antonio Nocerino, and Bologna's Marco Di Vaio. • The home side have had trouble netting this season; only four sides have notched fewer than Rossoblu's 44 strikes in 36 matches. • Juventus can stretch their remarkable unbeaten run to 37 games this season should they avoid defeat against Cagliari. • No side in Serie A has conceded fewer than the visitor's 8 goals during their travels this season. • Juve are also tied for third most prolific team on the road in the current league campaign, having scored 26 goals in 18 away matches. Head to Head Serie A ‎- Jan 15, 2012 - Juventus 1 - Cagliari 1 Serie A ‎- Feb 5, 2011 - Cagliari 1 - Juventus 3 Serie A ‎- Sep 26, 2010 - Juventus 4 - Cagliari 2 Serie A ‎- Apr 11, 2010 - Juventus 1 - Cagliari 0 Serie A ‎- Nov 29, 2009 - Cagliari 2 - Juventus 0 Last Five Matches Cagliari May 2, 2012 - Genoa 2 - Cagliari 1 - Serie A Apr 28, 2012 - Cagliari 0 - Chievo 0 - Serie A Apr 24, 2012 - Cagliari 3 - Catania 0 - Serie A Apr 21, 2012 - Parma 3 - Cagliari 0 - Serie A Apr 12, 2012 - Bologna 1 - Cagliari 0 - Serie A Juventus 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 Apr 22, 2012 - Juventus 4 - Roma 0 - Serie A Apr 11, 2012 - Juventus 2 - Lazio 1 - Serie A Players to Watch Davide Astori Defensive nous will be the key to the home side taking points away from the match with Conte's men needing to attack throughout the match. Highly rated centre-back Davide Astori thus will need to be at his best in order to provide the most unlikely of upsets. Mirko Vučinić Though he's blown hot and cold this season, this spring has been somewhat of a revival for Mirko Vucinic. The former Roma striker has traditionally relished scoring in big games, which is exactly what this match has become if Juventus want to keep up hopes of a Scudetto. Prediction Though Cagliari are a very respectable team this season despite their table position, Juventus simply have too much momentum, power, and purpose heading into the match to go away with anything but a win. Editor's Prediction Cagliari 0 - 2 Juventus http://www.soccerway...regular-season/

Serie A - 18^ Giornata - Ritorno - 6-5-2012 (ore 20:45) - Stadio Nereo Rocco - Trieste Arbitro: Daniele Orsato Confronti ufficiali 71 - 63 (Serie A) - 6 (Coppa Italia) - 2 (Coppa Uefa) Vittorie Juventus 30 - 28 (Serie A) - 2 (Coppa Italia) Pareggi 27 - 24 (Serie A) - 3 (Coppa Italia) Vittorie Cagliari 14 - 11 (Serie A) - 1 (Coppa Italia) - 2 (Coppa Uefa) Goals Juventus 87 - 78 (Serie A) - 8 (Coppa Italia) - 1 (Coppa Uefa) Goals Cagliari 62 - 54 (Serie A) - 5 (Coppa Italia) - 3 (Coppa Uefa) Cagliari - Juventus Serie A a Cagliari Confronti ufficiali 31 Vittorie Juventus 10 (L'ultima il 05.02.2011, 1-3) Pareggi 12 (L'ultimo il 15.04.2006, 1-1) Vittorie Cagliari 9 (L'ultima il 29.11.2009, 2-0) Goals Juventus 26 Goals Cagliari 28 Giocatori con più presenze e goals contro il Cagliari a Cagliari 10 presenze Del Piero Alessandro 9 Furino Giuseppe 9 Salvadore Sandro 8 Causio Franco 8 Cuccureddu Antonello 8 Zoff Dino 7 Anastasi Pietro 7 Bettega Roberto 7 Morini Francesco 6 Buffon Gianluigi 3 goals Altafini Josè João 2 Bettega Roberto 2 Matri Alessandro 2 Tardelli Marco 1 Amauri Carvalho de Oliveira 1 Anastasi Pietro 1 Baggio Roberto 1 Boniek Zbigniew Kazimierz 1 Cannavaro Fabio 1 Capello Fabio Ultimi confronti diretti 15.04.2006 Serie A Cagliari-Juventus 1-1 02.09.2007 Serie A Cagliari-Juventus 2-3 03.02.2008 Serie A Juventus-Cagliari 1-1 21.09.2008 Serie A Cagliari-Juventus 0-1 31.01.2009 Serie A Juventus-Cagliari 2-3 29.11.2009 Serie A Cagliari-Juventus 2-0 11.04.2010 Serie A Juventus-Cagliari 1-0 26.09.2010 Serie A Juventus-Cagliari 4-2 05.02.2011 Serie A Cagliari-Juventus 1-3 Giocate 10 - Vittorie Juventus 5 - Pareggi 3 - Vittorie Cagliari 2 - Goals Juventus 17 - Goals Cagliari 13

Serie A Week 37 - 6-5-2012 (8:45 p.m.) - Nereo Rocco Stadium - Trieste Referee: Daniele Orsato Juve bring party to Trieste? May 5, 2012 Juventus are perhaps preparing a Scudetto party, as Antonio Conte has brought the whole squad to Trieste, including injured Paolo De Ceglie. The Bianconeri are one point clear at the top of the table and will mathematically win the title on Sunday evening if Milan lose to Inter and they register a victory over Cagliari. All Cagliari’s remaining ‘home’ games are played at the Stadio Nereo Rocco in Trieste and over 30,000 Juve fans are expected to flood into the venue. Conte might be expecting a party, as he has brought along injured De Ceglie along with the squad. Meanwhile, Simone Pepe has recovered from his knee problem. Juventus squad: Buffon, Chiellini, Caceres, Pepe, Marchisio, Del Piero, Manninger, Vucinic, Barzagli, Elia, Quagliarella, Bonucci, Padoin, Pirlo, Vidal, Borriello, Giaccherini, Lichtsteiner, Krasic, Estigarribia, Storari, Matri, Marrone http://www.soccerway...regular-season/

Serie A Week 37 - 6-5-2012 (8:45 p.m.) - Nereo Rocco Stadium - Trieste Referee: Daniele Orsato Allegri: 'It's now or never' May 5, 2012 Massimiliano Allegri expects a very attacking Inter in the Milan derby, but warns “whoever is on top tomorrow evening is 99 per cent sure of winning the Scudetto.” The Rossoneri sliced the gap at the top of the table from four to just one point thanks to the midweek round, but the Coach warns this title is still very much in the hands of Juventus. “I believe whoever is on top tomorrow evening is 99 per cent sure of winning the Scudetto, although anything can happen,” said Allegri. “If I had to play one of our games again, it may well be the head-to-head with Juve. However, I’d also like to point out we picked up five points in the first five rounds. Not everything can be decided by a single match. Milan have had an important campaign and it could get even more important tomorrow evening. “We do hope that we don’t end up on level points with Juventus, as that would be pretty irritating.” If the two teams do finish joint top, then Juve will win the title thanks to their superior record in head-to-head meetings this season. While the Bianconeri visit Cagliari on neutral turf in Trieste, Milan take on rivals Inter in the Derby della Madonnina. “I expect a very attacking Inter side, as they have done well recently and are still in the race for third. The derby is always a special game and we must put in a great performance, as we really can afford only one result. “Inter will also be highly motivated because they have two objectives – staying in the Champions League hunt and winning the derby. We’ve just got to make sure we’re even more motivated.” Thiago Silva has not recovered in time for Sunday’s match and there are reports he won’t be ready next week either. “To be a point behind Juventus with all the injuries we’ve had means a lot,” insisted Allegri. “There are so many qualities within this squad. We must face the derby with courage and the awareness we can win and only then see what’s happening elsewhere. “I have complimented Antonio Conte throughout the campaign, because Juventus have had a great season. Regardless of how it ends, it has been a wonderful season and a great challenge for the title. “Antonio Cassano or Robinho? I will evaluate their form today, including Stephan El Shaarawy and Maxi Lopez. I rested Ignazio Abate midweek, but he is certainly ready.” Allegri was asked whether he would ever accept the Inter job in future and had a cryptic reply. “I have two years left on my contract, so I’ll tell you in two years.” Naturally, the Coach was also asked about Delio Rossi’s dismissal from Fiorentina for attacking player Adem Ljajic. “It was a great shame, as a fraction of a second later Rossi immediately regretted his actions. I think at times there needs to be more respect for players towards their Coach. There is so much stress and mistakes can happen, for these are professionals, but also men. Respect and politeness for people are fundamental concepts and many say modern society has changed them, but I’d prefer to go back.” http://www.soccerway...regular-season/

Serie A Week 37 - 6-5-2012 (8:45 p.m.) - Nereo Rocco Stadium - Trieste Referee: Daniele Orsato Conte: 'Historic Juve moment' May 5, 2012 Juventus may have fumbled their lead at the top of the table, but Antonio Conte insists the parallels with May 5 2002 are more inspiring than frightening. The Bianconeri were four points clear of Milan, but the gap was cut to just one after a surprise midweek 1-1 draw with 10-man Lecce. Precisely a decade after Inter dropped a seemingly secure Scudetto on the last day to hand it to Conte’s Juve, can the same be happening in reverse? “We are back to experiencing these high profile games and I think that is the most positive aspect of all,” assured the Coach ahead of Sunday night’s game with Cagliari. “All of this is thanks to the work done by the club, the staff and the players. We should be full of pride to be challenging for the Scudetto with two rounds to go and that must motivate us even more. “Fortunately, I have experience of going through completely opposing experiences. I’ve been trailing at the last 90 minutes and on another occasion out in front. “Football always brings new sensations and what counts is the present. We want to achieve something super-extraordinary. I always say to win you need head, heart and legs, in that order.” The mind may well be crucial, as Juve risk losing confidence after Gigi Buffon’s howler gifted Lecce a late equaliser. “At this stage we have such a strong unity within the team that we only need a glance to understand each other,” continued Conte. “It is important for me to understand how everyone is feeling and I don’t see why anything should change tomorrow. After the Lecce game, everyone wanted to get straight back on to the pitch and play again. “That was a heavy blow, but it only fuels our desire to make up for it and cancel out what happened on Wednesday night. The lads are ready and have belief, they know this is an historic moment. “We can put ourselves in the Juventus history books and I doubt I need to do anything to motivate my men. If anything, I might have to hold them back.” Paolo De Ceglie is out with a muscular injury, but Conte refused to confirm who would replace him. Simone Pepe has now recovered. http://www.soccerway...regular-season/

Juventus' nerve, Inter's derby incentive & five things that will decide the Scudetto after Buffon’s blunder After Wednesday night's twist of fortune for the Bianconeri, there are a number of factors which could now influence the Serie A title race just as it had appeared over. May 5, 2012 COMMENT By Kris Voakes | Italian Football Editor Wednesday night could have been the moment Juventus celebrated the end of six hellish years with their 28th official Serie A title. But Gianluigi Buffon's heavy touch allowed Andrea Bertolacci to equalise for Lecce, while AC Milan grabbed a 2-0 win over Atalanta to narrow the gap at the top to just one point with two games to go. Now there are a number of scenarios in the scrap for the Scudetto, with Juve's eight-match winning run over, but their 36-game unbeaten streak still intact. Meanwhile, the Rossoneri are seemingly coming out of a run of bad form at a time when they face a Milan derby and have a serious hope in the title battle once more. So what will decide where the Scudetto goes now? There are any number of possible twists and turns still to come, with Juve still in with a chance of clinching the crown as early as tomorrow evening. JUVENTUS' NERVE After the events of Wednesday, there is now no room for a Juventus slip-up. Having enjoyed an excellent winning run since the middle of March, the Bianconeri had fashioned a three-point lead which, taking head-to-head into account, gave them the advantage of knowing they could afford one misplaced step in the run-in. That has now been squandered, though, after the 1-1 draw with Lecce, meaning the Old Lady face a real test of nerve over the remaining 180 minutes. It is now going to be vital that they show a steely interior over their last two matches since they know that two wins will see them take the title, but one more error could see them end up with only second place to show for their magnificent campaign. They have plenty of experienced heads to help them through, but it was one of them whose lack of concentration cost them in midweek. BOLOGNA v NAPOLI Last April, Napoli beat Bologna 2-0 at the Renato dall'Ara to go level with Milan at the top of the league, boosting their hopes of a first Scudetto in 21 years. This season, their clash could well have just as big a say in the title race, despite the Azzurri having been well out of sight of the top two for some months. Walter Mazzarri's side still have much to play for in the chase for the Champions League playoff spot, and their 2-0 win over Palermo on Tuesday put them three points ahead of Inter, who lost 3-1 at Parma 24 hours later. The Nerazzurri now know that a victory for the Partenopei in Emilia-Romagna on Sunday afternoon will end their hopes of reaching the major European event next season, regardless of their own final two results. So, while there is no such thing as a protocol Milan derby, Inter could be heading for the big game at San Siro on Sunday evening with no competitive incentive and with a huge blow having just been suffered. This could potentially result in a slight drop in intensity on their part, giving the Rossoneri a boost as they look to push Juventus all the way. Of course, Inter could also see it as a chance to play party poopers in foiling their neighbours' big night. MILAN'S DERBY DAY FORM Much was made of Milan's results against their local rivals last season as their six points in the two clashes came at vital stages in their title-winning campaign. The 1-0 win in the opening fixture helped them to kick on to a healthy lead heading into the winter break, while the 3-0 success in April saw them all but extinguish Inter's hopes of earning a stunning comeback title triumph. This time around, they were underwhelming to say the least when the two sides met in January, with Diego Milito grabbing the only goal after Ignazio Abate's error gifted the Argentine possession, and a repeat performance could be all that is needed to ensure that the title does not go back to Milanello this term. There have been pivotal Milan derbies in the greater picture of the title race before, but perhaps not one quite so intriguing as this one, and it is important that the Rossoneri turn in a big performance in order to give them hope of retaining the Scudetto. MIXED MESSAGES As the Scudetto decision goes down to the last two days, simultaneous kick-offs have been scheduled which are sure to make for nervous times. There will also no doubt be many in the stadiums checking for scores from the other match in order to get a better picture of how the title race stands. In an age of some marvelous modern technology, one would have thought that misinformed reports were a thing of the past, but many at San Siro last Wednesday thought that Milan's winner against Genoa had been quickly followed by an equaliser for Cesena against Juventus. A roar went up in Lombardy despite no such goal having been scored, and the Rossoneri's Kevin-Prince Boateng even admitted afterwards that he thought Juve had taken one point rather than three when he left the pitch at full-time. Whatever roars, groans or gasps are heard in the crowd, both teams must ensure that they simply get on with their own job, and not let the atmosphere lead them into any kind of false sense of security. CONCENTRATION The importance of staying focused has been underlined by the lack of concentration displayed by one of the most experienced players in Italian football at Juventus Stadium in midweek. Andrea Barzagli's backpass was the kind of task Buffon has dealt with thousands of times over his magnificent career, but having taken his eye off the ball for just a split second, he has put the Bianconeri's title march in jeopardy. Such a moment serves to prove that anything can happen to anyone, and both title rivals will be looking for flawless performances from their troops over the next two games. Of course, not everyone can be perfect technically for the full 90 minutes, but Antonio Conte and Massimiliano Allegri will demand 100 per cent concentration from their players for the entirety of both fixtures. With the gap now so small between the two sides, one false step could end either's hopes. Two points dropped for Juve mean the initiative is with Milan, while a missed step for the Rossoneri will crown the Old Lady as champions. It really is that close, meaning he who blinks first could well miss out on glory.

Serie A Week 37 - 6-5-2012 (8:45 p.m.) - Nereo Rocco Stadium - Trieste Referee: Daniele Orsato Juventus are arrogant and lack respect, says Cagliari president Cellino The Sardinian club's supremo has hit out at the Old Lady for their perceived negative attitude against referees, while claiming that they have an inflated opinion of themselves. May 4, 2012 Cagliari president Massimo Cellino has attacked Juventus for being arrogant and has also accused the Turin giants of lacking respect for others. The Bianconeri have attracted criticism from sections of the media for their perceived negative attitude towards referees when results have not gone in their favour. Their complaints have not gone down well with the Sardinian outfit's patron, who is heavily critical of Juve's stance, and insists the standard of match officiating in Italy will suffer as a consequence. "Juventus, above everything else, lack respect. They are arrogant," Cellino said at a press conference. "For months they have screamed about the referees and in the long run this attitude will affect our playing environment. "I expect a great performance against Juve. I would have the same approach if we played against Milan." Cellino also lamented a "bad year" for football, as he reflected on the players' strike at the start of the season and the controversy of Juve's third star among other issues affecting Calcio. "Someone in Turin has also started to talk about the third star. Unfortunately it's been a bad year for football," he continued. "We started badly with a players' strike that could have been avoided and there are still many unresolved problems. "Unfortunately due to the mandates of Coni and the FIGC, our football is fragile at the mercy of politics." The president had his say on the incident which saw Delio Rossi relieved from his managerial post at Fiorentina following his assault on Adem Ljajic, stating that while he did not condone the coach's actions, he would still consider appointing him. "I'm with Delio Rossi. Yes he was wrong, but certain actions must be understood," he mused. "Ljajic should also not pass for a victim. It was a similar story here when Carlo Mazzone slapped Francesco Cozza at San Siro. "Massimo Ficcadenti has all my confidence, but I respect Rossi. In fact I'd take him at Cagliari." http://www.soccerway...regular-season/

Serie A Week 37 - 6-5-2012 (8:45 p.m.) - Nereo Rocco Stadium - Trieste Referee: Daniele Orsato Boateng: 'Milan deserve Scudetto' May 4, 2012 Kevin-Prince Boateng would love a goal in the Milan derby on Sunday night and insists “we deserve the Scudetto.” The Rossoneri closed the gap at the top of the table to just one point from leaders Juventus and continue to look back at their controversial 1-1 draw, in which Sulley Ali Muntari’s shot crossed the line but was not spotted by the officials. “That incident was in the past and I don’t think it’s right to talk about it now, but it was important, as with that goal we’d have another two points and be the leaders,” Boateng told Sky Sport Italia. “We have closed the gap and our objective is to keep believing to the end. We deserve the Scudetto, despite the fact Juventus had a good season. It was a strange campaign and we played so many matches. “I was on the bench when news filtered through that Lecce had equalised against Juve. The whole stadium just exploded. We won and they made a mistake. “Their fixture list is easier now, but they have the pressure on their shoulders, because if they slip up again then we are ready.” Milan face rivals Inter on Sunday evening, while Juventus play Cagliari in Trieste. “I’d love to score a goal in the derby, but the important thing is that the team wins. If I could take a player off Inter, it would be Wesley Sneijder, as he is a great friend and a great player.” http://www.soccerway...regular-season/

Serie A Week 37 - 6-5-2012 (8:45 p.m.) - Nereo Rocco Stadium - Trieste Referee: Daniele Orsato Cellino: Juve are arrogant May 4, 2012 Massimo Cellino has hit out at the Lega Calcio and Juventus for rearranging their Week 37 fixture without consulting the Sardinians. The weekend fixture has been moved from a 2pm UK time kick-off on Sunday afternoon to 7.45pm UK time the same day, so that it can be played at the same time as Milan’s derby with Inter. Cellino, however, has complained that Cagliari were not consulted on this change, despite being the designated home side in Trieste. “We don’t count for anything,” the President blasted in the giornalaccio rosa dello Sport on Friday. “I read that [Lega Calcio President Maurizio] Beretta called Juve to set the time at our place, but no-one has felt the need to inform me. “The venue of our last game with Genoa was changed at the last minute too. So the team has travelled by bus to Trieste because we knew we needed to play at 2pm [uK time]. “But now the evening kick-off is causing us problems and inconvenience no end. Remember that the League has 20 teams. “These changes could be organised in time. But above all they lack respect, they are arrogant. Since they are there, do they want to choose the referee too?” http://www.soccerway...regular-season/

Serie A Week 37 - 6-5-2012 (8:45 p.m.) - Nereo Rocco Stadium - Trieste Referee: Daniele Orsato Moratti: Inter could decide title May 3, 2012 Inter President Massimo Moratti has conceded that his club will inadvertently help one of their great rivals – Milan or Juventus – to the title. The Old Lady currently lead the Rossoneri by a point in the standings ahead of this weekend’s San Siro derby. Inter will go into that game needing a win for their hopes of a top-three finish. “This season it looks like we’ll have to do a favour for one of them,” the oil baron noted on Thursday morning. “Who would be better? I don’t really know, it would be the same…” A win against Milan would favour Juventus in the title hunt, while a loss against the Rossoneri would see the Diavolo maintain the pressure or even overtake the Bianconeri this weekend. Inter’s own season took a turn for the worse on Wednesday when they were defeated 3-1 at Parma. They are now three points behind Napoli and Udinese. “Is our Champions League dream over? You never know with this championship,” he continued. “We certainly didn’t help ourselves last night. “We did well in the first half at Parma, but if you make mistakes then you run the risk of losing. But I don’t think that Coach Andrea Stramaccioni made mistakes. “Now we will face the derby with the same spirit as always. It’s a unique game and we won’t be favourites.” http://www.soccerway...regular-season/

Serie A Week 37 - 6-5-2012 (8:45 p.m.) - Nereo Rocco Stadium - Trieste Referee: Daniele Orsato Cagliari-Juventus kick off moved May 3, 2012 The Cagliari-Juventus game has been switched to an evening kick-off so that it takes place at the same time as the Milan derby. The tie, to be staged at Trieste’s Stadio Nereo Rocco, was set to begin at 15.00 local time on Sunday afternoon. However, with just one point separating Juventus and Milan, their two games will now be played simultaneously at 20.45 in order to not offer any side an advantage. Sky Italia are against the idea – given that their audience figures will be affected. http://www.soccerway...regular-season/

Serie A Week 37 - 6-5-2012 (8:45 p.m.) - Nereo Rocco Stadium - Trieste Referee: Daniele Orsato Inter will have to do Juventus or Milan a favour, says Moratti The 66-year-old supremo concedes that his side will have to give a helping hand to one of their two bitter rivals, while refused to rule out a top-three finish for his club. May 3, 2012 Inter president Massimo Moratti has claimed that his side could decide who wins the Serie A title when they face arch-rivals AC Milan on Sunday. After Juventus' 1-1 draw with Lecce on Wednesday, just one point separates the Bianconeri and the Rossoneri at the top of the table. However, should the Nerazzurri triumph in the Milan derby and Juventus beat Cagliari on Sunday, the Turin club will be crowned champions for the first time since their controversial relegation in 2006. "This season, it looks like we'll have to do a favour for one of them," Moratti noted according to Corriere dello Sport. "Which would be better? I don't really know, it would be the same." Wednesday's defeat at the hands of Parma left Inter three points adrift of the final Champions League place with two games remaining, but Moratti refused to rule out a top-three finish. "Is our Champions League dream over? You never know with this championship. We certainly didn't help ourselves on Wednesday night. "We did well in the first half at Parma, but if you make mistakes, then you run the risk of losing. "Now we will face the derby with the same spirit as always. It's a unique game and we won't be favourites." Inter's encounter with Milan on Sunday kicks off at 20.45CET. http://www.soccerway...regular-season/