Socrates

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/

Serie A - 17^ Giornata - Ritorno - 2-5-2012 (ore 20:45) 1 - 1 Claudio Marchisio (9′) Andrea Bertolacci (85′) Juventus Stadium - Torino Arbitro: Paolo Valeri Spettatori: 32000 Serie A - Disastro Buffon, il Lecce ringrazia Un incredibile errore del portiere della Nazionale, a 6 minuti dalla fine, consente al Lecce - rimasto in 10 per l'espulsione di Cuadrado - di strappare un pareggio dopo aver subito nel primo tempo un gol da Marchisio. Il Milan torna così a -1 dalla Juventus e riaccende il finale di campionato. Eurosport - Mercoledí, 2 maggio 2012 Gigi Buffon non è mai banale. Nella buona e nella cattiva - per i tifosi Juventini - sorte. E' infatti un suo clamoroso errore - dopo una stagione praticamente perfetta - a riaprire il campionato a pochi minuti dal termine di una gara che la Juventus aveva praticamente già vinto. I bianconeri infatti, contro il Lecce, erano andati subito avanti grazie al gol di testa di Claudio Marchisio che sembra dover indirizzare la gara su ben altri binari. Tanti errori sottoporta però, uniti a una superiorità numerica non sfruttata dal 10' della ripresa (espulso per doppio giallo Cuadrado), alla fine hanno premiato un Lecce coriaceo, attento, equilibrato e mai arrendevole. Sul clamoroso controllo sbagliato di Buffon è infatti Bertolacci il più lesto di tutti, regalando al suo Lecce un punto che tiene aperta ogni speranza per Cosmi... e non solo. IL PRIMO VERO MATCH POINT - La Juventus doveva affrontare, forse per la prima volta in stagione, il peso di un pronostico che a 270 minuti dalla fine la vedeva davanti all'ultimo "vero" ostacolo verso il sogno Scudetto. Il Lecce infatti, con l'acqua alla gola, è squadra in piena lotta salvezza e per i primi 45 minuti mantiene un ordine nelle idee, nel gioco ma soprattutto nella fase difensiva che gli permette di chiudere il primo tempo "solamente" sotto 1-0. PIRLO ILLUMINA, MARCHISIO CONCLUDE - La Juventus infatti, a differenza della gara con il Novara, parte leggermente più contratta per merito soprattutto degli uomini di Cosmi che non rinunciano a priori a giocare a calcio ma nemmeno decidono di scoprirsi concedendo spazi letali. E' una fortuna infatti per Conte che a sbloccare la partita ci pensi il solito illuminate lancio di Andrea Pirlo che, in collaborazione decisiva con la testa di Claudio Marchisio (e la scarsa reattività di Benassi), permette alla Juventus di passare dopo solo 9 minuti e gestire il resto del primo tempo con più tranquillità. COLPO DEL KO? MACCHE'... - Non fraintendeteci, la Juventus gestisce per larghi tratti tutto il possesso palla e dalle parti di Buffon non passa nemmeno una minaccia, ma le occasioni non sfruttate da Vidal - al 11' e al 27' - e la poca potenza della conclusione di Marchisio costringono i bianconeri a mantenere alta la tensione anche per tutto il secondo tempo. LECCE IN 10 - E la ripresa, per la Juventus, sembra aprirsi nel migliore dei modi. Valeri grazia Obodo sventolandogli un giallo per un'entrataccia su Quagliarella ma, due minuti più tardi, non fa lo stesso con l'intervento di Cuadrado - già ammonito - su Caceres lasciando il Lecce in 10 per i restanti 36 minuti. GOL SBAGLIATO... - Gli uomini di Cosmi però hanno il merito di non mollare mai le redini continuando a giocare attenti in tutte le zone del campo e approfittando di una Juventus a corrente alternata: accelerazioni improvvise intervallate da lunghi, lunghissimi tratti di sterile possesso palla. Occasioni, per gli uomini di Conte, ne arriverebbero anche ma ancora la scarsa vena di Vidal - ben trovato da un prolungamento aereo di Vucinic - e un bell'intervento di Benassi su Quagliarella a 20 minuti dalla fine, negano alla Juventus il gol della sicurezza. ...GOL SUBITO - Nonostante questo la Juventus sembra poter tranquillamente gestire il risultato e il Lecce, dalle parti di Buffon, si fa vedere soltanto sui calci da fermo quando i centrali salentini salgono per provare a dar fastidio sulle palle aeree. La più grande, a un quarto d'ora dalla fine, dà addirittura il là al contropiede di Matri su cui Benassi, ancora una volta, è chiamata a dire la sua. La beffa prendere quindi i tratti di un'autentica doccia fredda: al minuto 84' un normale retropassaggio di Barzagli è controllato malamente da Buffon e il pallone, schizzato sui piedi di un incredulo Bertolacci, è un regalo tanto gradito quanto inaspettato. Il forcing finale della Juventus è infatti confuso e non porta nessun pericolo alla retroguardia salentina. Come disse un famoso ex allenatore bianconero: "don't say cat if it's not in the sac". Simone Eterno - Eurosport Juventus - Lecce 1-1

Salihamidzic shows Buffon support May 4, 2012 Hasan Salihamidzic sent former Juventus teammate Gigi Buffon a message of encouragement after his error against Lecce. “All of the world are now talking about that mistake,” the Bosnian told Sky Port Italia. “I’ve already sent Gigi a text message about it. “It is true that he made an error, but how many times as he saved Juventus?” Buffon was responsible for Lecce’s equaliser in midweek which has allowed Milan to close to within one point of leaders Juve with two games to play. “It’s great to see my old mates in first place while playing football so well,” added the man who spent four years in Turin before his 2011 move to Wolfsburg. “I speak with people like Giorgio Chiellini, Buffon and Alex Del Piero quite often. It’ll be lovely to see them win the League.” Brazzo also paid tribute to Del Piero, the club captain who will leave the Old Lady this summer after almost 20 years in Turin. “He’s a great guy, a friend, a champion. You can’t say everything with words though. Everyone knows what Alex has done for Italian football and the world game. “He’s a great guy, a great player and I don’t think he’ll retire. He’ll play on for a few more years.”

Serie A Week 36 - 2-5-2012 (8:45 p.m.) 1 - 1 Claudio Marchisio (9′) Andrea Bertolacci (85′) Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee: Paolo Valeri Attendance: 32000 Juventus use up their Get Out of Jail Free card as Buffon gifts AC Milan Scudetto lifeline The Bianconeri's hold on the title race was loosened thanks to the goalkeeper's bizarre late mistake, allowing the reigning champions to close the gap to a single point. May 3, 2012 COMMENT By Kris Voakes | Italian Football Editor That wasn’t how it was supposed to happen. On the night Juventus could have left the field as champions, they instead allowed the current holders of the Serie A title to believe again. And it was one of their most flawless, unflustered individuals who gave AC Milan hope. Of all people, it was Gianluigi Buffon who gifted Lecce a late equaliser at Juventus Stadium to allow the Rossoneri to close the gap at the top to a single point. In a squad of players many of whom have not tasted the experience of a title run-in before, it was the likes of Buffon, Andrea Pirlo and Alessandro Del Piero who were expected to just get on with business. If a season-changing error was to be made, it would surely come from a younger, less savvy player … right? Wrong! With Juve still holding just the narrow lead given to them by Claudio Marchisio’s early header which escaped the clutches of Massimiliano Benassi, they remained vulnerable to a sucker punch. And, with Lecce having not previously troubled Buffon in the entire game, the keeper took a heavy touch on his left foot from Andrea Barzagli’s simple back pass, allowing Andrea Bertolacci to steal in and grab a point for the Salentini. It hadn’t been a vintage Juve showing, but they had done enough to get into several good positions to grab a second goal. This time around, they couldn’t do it. It was a return to the profligate side of the first three-quarters of the season, but more than that it was a nervy showing of sorts. Against a Lecce outfit battling for survival, they gave up more possession and more space than they generally have this term. Their penalty area remained practically unbreached, but mainly thanks to their having camped out in their own half at times in a way they simply hadn’t done before in 2011-12. It was a huge result for Serse Cosmi’s side in their quest to stay in the heavyweight division, especially with relegation rivals Genoa winning against Cagliari, but that wasn’t really the story. Instead, Buffon had made all the headlines. The Italy captain, the man who followed a World Cup win with a trip to Serie B with the Bianconeri, the second-highest caps holder for the national team, one of the most reliable goalkeepers in the world, he was suddenly the failure. His inability to deal with Barzagli’s pass has blown open the race, not simply due to the gap being reduced, but also because of the new pressure it will induce. There is no margin for error anymore. Gone is the knowledge that they can slip up once and get away with it. Every clearance, every shot, every crucial tackle that needs to be made, could now be a title-defining one. The ‘Get out of jail free’ card has been used. Juve now need to at least match Milan’s results in the final two games in order to claim a 28th official title. It can still be done, and they are still favourites, but it’s no longer the foregone conclusion it appeared. They still could be champions by Sunday night, but that’s not under their control anymore. Milan entered the field against Atalanta knowing it could be for the last time as champions, but left with a renewed spring in their step. Marchisio’s goal in Turin had been almost immediately mirrored by Sulley Muntari’s opener at San Siro. Replays suggested he may have been offside by about a stud’s length, but one could forgive the referee’s assistant for not have a magnifying glass on him to make the call. The pass to the Ghanaian had come from Kevin-Prince Boateng, and he was the architect for what was little less than an onslaught on Andrea Consigli’s goal early on. Like Juve, Milan held on to their slender lead until late, with even Zlatan Ibrahimovic miscuing wildly at one point. But then, having heard news of Lecce’s equaliser, the Rossoneri grabbed a late clincher, with Robinho superbly following in to turn home Consigli’s parry from Ibrahimovic’s long-range blast. Belief and momentum. Two things that can be supremely vital in a title race are suddenly with Milan, if only for a few days. Juve remain ahead, and with the more simple run-in to negotiate, but the cafe debates and message-board threads will all be about their ability to hang on now, rather than planning Sunday afternoon celebrations in Sardinia. Where once it was a carefree march to the crown, now it is a test of nerve for players young and old. Meanwhile, Milanisti will head to the derby clash with Inter that evening believing they can pull off Mission Impossible. It’s game on again. ELSEWHERE… • Delio Rossi ended the 2010-11 season waving a fond farewell to the 40,000 Palermo fans who had travelled to Rome to see their side compete in the Coppa Italia final. Twelve months on, he finishes the campaign jobless after one of the craziest moments witnessed in calcio for some time … and that’s saying something! Rossi was forced into an early rethink after his Fiorentina side fell 2-0 behind to relegation-threatened Novara at the Artemio Franchi, and he made the decision to withdraw the under-performing Adem Ljajic just after the half-hour mark. The young Serb’s response was to sarcastically applaud his coach, which led the 51-year-old to gesticulate wildly at his player before launching himself into the dugout swinging punches at the winger. While many have quickly defended Rossi by rightly proclaiming that the behaviour wasn’t indicative of his usual manner, the extraordinary scenes were always likely to lose him his job. Two Riccardo Montolivo goals would eventually be enough for the Viola to save face and relegate Novara, but the real damage had already been done. • Inter’s much-improved run under Andrea Stramaccioni came to an abrupt halt four days before the derby with a 3-1 defeat to Parma at the Ennio Tardini. After Wesley Sneijder grabbed the opening goal, it appeared that the Nerazzurri’s Champions League charge would continue unabated. But a disappointing second-half display saw the home side eventually run away with the points, leaving Inter to dust themselves off ahead of their clash with Milan at the end of a five-game fortnight. http://www.soccerway...regular-season/

Zoff backs Buffon to put Lecce error behind him The former Bianconeri No.1 does not believe that the Azzurri captain will be affected by the poor touch which cost his side two precious points in their bid to land the Scudetto. May 3, 2012 Italy legend Dino Zoff suspects that Juventus goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon has already put his crucial error in Wednesday's Serie A draw with Lecce behind him. The Bianconeri looked poised to claim a 1-0 victory in Turin, which would have put them one win away from clinching this season's title. However, a desperately poor touch from Buffon allowed Andrea Bertolacci to snatch a draw for the visitors and that result, coupled with AC Milan's 2-0 success over Atalanta, means that Juve's lead over the Rossoneri has been cut to a single point with two games remaining. "These things happen," Zoff told ANSA. "I would not make a drama out of it. I think that Buffon would have already, if not forgotten about it, at least put it behind him. "It was just an oversight, a mistake that anyone who plays the game can understand. Everyone in football, and indeed every profession, makes mistakes. "Certainly, when it happens to a goalkeeper, it's different, more obvious. But it's not more serious, especially when such episodes are rare. "Of course, at the time, it's a real blow, but you must look ahead and I'm sure that this weekend Buffon will not have any further setbacks."

Marchisio: Juventus must remain calm The influential midfielder has urged his side not to start panicking after Wednesday's draw, and stressed that the Old Lady still have everything in their own hands. May 3, 2012 Claudio Marchisio has urged Juventus to remain calm despite their unexpected 1-1 draw against Lecce on Wednesday. The Turin giants saw their lead over rivals AC Milan shrink to one point following Wednesday's results, but the midfielder has stressed there's no reason for negativism as the Bianconeri still have everything in their own hands. "We’re still at the top of the table. Now we must play and show our strength and calmness, especially because we must remember that at the beginning of the season, we didn’t expect to be one point in front of the second side in the table with two games to go," Marchisio stated to the official Juventus website. The midfielder then reflected on Gianluigi Buffon's error which led to Lecce's equaliser, and he's confident the experienced goalkeeper will bounce back with a strong performance at the weekend. "Buffon's mistake? He was obviously upset, because he absolutely wants to clinch the title. However, he’s a strong character, and he will be back to his usual best again versus Cagliari."

Serie A Week 36 - 2-5-2012 (8:45 p.m.) 1 - 1 Claudio Marchisio (9′) Andrea Bertolacci (85′) Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee: Paolo Valeri Attendance: 32000 Juventus are still in control of Serie A, says Allegri AC Milan boss has stressed that the Old Lady still have everything in their own hands, but added that anything's possible in the last two games. May 3, 2012 AC Milan coach Massimiliano Allegri has stated that Juventus are still in control in the race for the Scudetto, despite their slip-up against Lecce on Wednesday evening. The Serie A leaders had to settle for a 1-1 draw at home, while Milan beat Atalanta 2-0 in their Serie A fixture at the Giuseppe Meazza. Nevertheless, Allegri has pointed out that Juventus still hold a one-point lead over the Rossoneri with two more games to go. "Juventus still have everything in their own hands. We just have to do our best to keep the race open and hope for another slip-up but that’s tough to see," Allegri stated at a press conference. "We’ll see now what happens on Sunday. This is why football is beautiful; anything can happen in a game. "This is the proof that the most impossible things to achieve are always the most beautiful and you always have to believe." Milan resume league action on Sunday when they take on rivals Inter. http://www.soccerway...regular-season/

Zoff: Buffon will recover May 3, 2012 Legendary Italian goalkeeper Dino Zoff doesn’t think that Gigi Buffon will be psychologically affected by his howler for Juventus last night. Buffon lost possession of the ball late in the game against Lecce which allowed the visitors to grab a 1-1 draw. That result subsequently saw Juve’s lead over Milan at the top of the table cut to just one point. “These things happen,” Zoff told ANSA. “There is no reason to make a drama out of it. I think that Buffon, even if he hasn’t forgotten about it, has put it behind him. “It was just an error, a mistake that can happen in the game. “It would certainly have affected him at the time, but I don’t expect it to cause any problems for him on Sunday. “Everyone in football, in all professions, make mistakes. It is only different for a goalkeeper because it is more evident, but not more serious.” Juve and Buffon will face Cagliari on Sunday before playing host to Atalanta on the last day of the campaign. Zoff, captain of Italy’s 1982 World Cup winning side, was a star for Juventus and the Azzurri. Buffon recently surpassed Zoff’s tally of 112 caps for his country.

Serie A Week 36 - 2-5-2012 (8:45 p.m.) 1 - 1 Claudio Marchisio (9′) Andrea Bertolacci (85′) Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee: Paolo Valeri Attendance: 32000 Bertolacci feels for Buffon May 3, 2012 Andrea Bertolacci may have benefited from Gigi Buffon’s mistake, but the Lecce man is hoping it doesn’t cost Juventus the Scudetto. The 21-year-old dispossessed the goalkeeper late in the game to score Lecce’s equaliser in their unexpected 1-1 draw in Turin. “Buffon gave me a high-five at the end of the game,” stated the Roman. “There was disappointment there and I hope that what has happened won’t compromise their campaign. “We were down to 10-men and I just attacked him. “We looked to give it our all and there is great satisfaction that we got a point. We are fighting for survival and we’ll keep working hard until the very end.” The Old Lady are now just one point ahead of Milan at the top of the table with two games left this season. http://www.soccerway...regular-season/

Serie A Week 36 - 2-5-2012 (8:45 p.m.) 1 - 1 Claudio Marchisio (9′) Andrea Bertolacci (85′) Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee: Paolo Valeri Attendance: 32000 Marchisio stands by Buffon May 3, 2012 Claudio Marchisio has backed teammate Gigi Buffon to bounce back after his error cost Juventus victory against Lecce. The goalkeeper’s late mistake gifted the relegation threatened side a goal which netted them a 1-1 draw in Turin. “Gigi was obviously upset because he absolutely wants to clinch the title,” stated Marchisio who had given his side the lead. “However, he’s a strong character and against Cagliari he will immediately be our certainty again. “In Trieste we’ll give our all in order to win. And if good news come from Milan, it will be better, however we just have to think about ourselves.” Juventus are now just a point ahead of Milan following the Old Lady’s failure to see off a Lecce side who had gone down to 10 men. “We should have sealed the victory against Lecce, also considering that they were one man down,” continued the midfielder. “We tried to manage the ball possession, because perhaps we were a bit tired having played three days ago. “Moreover, there was that mistake. Unfortunately, these circumstances can happen, but we can set it right.” Juve will face Cagliari on Sunday, while the Rossoneri will play their city rivals in the San Siro derby. “We’re still at the top of the table,” added Marchisio, the scorer of nine League goals during this campaign. “Now, we must play and show our strength and calmness, especially because we must remember that at the beginning of the season, we didn’t expect to be one point in front of the second side in the table with two games to go.” http://www.soccerway...regular-season/