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Serie A Week 35 - 29-4-2012 (3:00 p.m.) - Silvio Piola Stadium - Novara Referee: Domenico Celi Novara v Juventus Preview: Serie A Leaders Face Biancoazzurri Apr 28, 2012 NOVARA v JUVENTUS Silvio Piola April 29th 2012, 13:00 GMT Kick-off **** It’s a Piedmont derby as struggling Novara host run-away leaders Juventus at the Silvio Piola in a crucial encounter on Serie A’s Sunday afternoon fixture. The hosts are languishing in 19th position in the table and hopes of survival have all but faded away. With 12 points to play for and an eight-point gap between them and Genoa, every game will be treated as a final. But with games against Juventus and Milan on the horizon, they certainly look set to return to Serie B next season. With just four games to play for this season, Juventus have one hand on the Scudetto already. Their three-point advantage over Milan means the Scudetto is well within their sights. The next four games include – Novara, Lecce, Cagliari and Atalanta – all four fixtures which look easy enough on paper for Antonio Conte’s men. Team News and Tactical Brief Novara For Attilio Tesser’s men, the upset win in midweek against Lazio provides a little ray of hope as they battle on for survival. Their tough fixture list, however, dictates that survival looks a minor possibility with big games ahead and it doesn’t come bigger than Juventus. Tesser is expected to keep faith in his 4-3-1-2 formation that overcame Lazio. Just a couple of changes for Novara as Giuseppe Gemiti is expected to take the suspended Morganella’s place at right back, while Giuseppe Mascara’s free-kick winner against Lazio will earn him a starting role instead of Takayuki Morimoto. Mascara is expected to partner Andrea Caracciolo in attack. The former Sampdoria striker will be expected to hold up play and bring others into the game. He will have to be clinical and add to his goal-tally which stands at an uninspiring two goals this campaign, if Novara want to come away with anything from this game. Like most teams, Novara are expected to sit back and defend against Juventus and hope to break quickly. Mazzarani will act as the trequartista and will play just behind the attacking duo. Their central defensive duo of Massimo Paci and Andrea Lisuzzo will have a daunting task ahead of them in trying to limit the influence of Juve’s tricky attack. Mirko Vucinic and Quagliarella both do have the quality to unlock this Novara defense and with waves of Juventus attack after attack, Novara do have their work cut out for them. Carlalberto Ludi, Samir Ujkani, Jeda and Francesco Marianini are all set to miss the game through injury. Probable Starting Line-up (4-3-1-2): Fontana; Gemiti, Lisuzzo, Paci, Garcia; Porcari, Pesce, Rigoni; Mazzarani; Mascara, Caracciolo Juventus Against Cesena, Juventus met a tough side who were predictably going to sit back and defend. And they did so resiliently, until Marco Borriello netted his first goal for the Bianconeri. It wasn’t the best performance from the away side but they still managed to grind out three points which is exactly what champions manage to do. Conte isn’t expected too many changes from the game against Cesena. He is expected to retain his 3-5-2 with Lichtsteiner reclaiming his place in the starting line-up in Martin Caceres’ place. The Uruguayan was below-par against the Seahorses and might be relegated to the bench. The other change will see Fabio Quagliarella return to the Juventus set-up after missing out on the Cesena game through suspension. He will take Alessandro Matri’s place who is suspended for this game. The back three will comprise of Barzagli, Bonucci and Chiellini. Bonucci is a ball playing defender that enjoys distributing the ball from the centre of defense. On the other hand, Barzagli and Chiellini provide the elegance and steel, respectively, to Conte’s defense. The three of them also form the meanest defense in the league and much of Juve’s success is down to their rock-solid back three. De Ceglie and Lichtsteiner will provide the width down the flanks. Vidal and Marchisio will patrol the midfield area, while Andrea Pirlo who had an unusually low game against Cesena, will provide the creativity and direction from midfield. The moody Mirko Vucinic will partner Quagliarella in attack. Expect a cameo appearance from Alex Del Piero who might be given 30 odd mins by Antonio Conte. Probable Starting Lineup (3-5-2):Buffon; Barzagli, Bonucci, Chiellini; Lichtsteiner, Vidal, Pirlo, Marchisio, De Ceglie; Quagliarella, Vucinic Key Match Facts Juventus are the only unbeaten team in the top five leagues in Europe. Juventus have the tightest defense in the league having conceded just 18 goals. Novara have just one win out of their previous 6 games. TheHardTackle’s Players to Watch Out For Marco Rigoni (Novara) With 7 goals and 6 assists this season, Marco Rigoni has been Novara’s stand-out player in an otherwise abysmal season. The former Juventus midfielder will have to perform at his inspirational best to help his side achieve a positive result. Fabio Quagliarella (Juventus) Time for another Quagliarella special. The former Napoli front man scored an impressive header against Novara in the reverse fixture. It hasn’t been the most prolific of seasons for Quagliarella and he may have to come up with another long overdue play-station goal to overcome the Biancoazzurri. TheHardTackle’s Prediction Novara 0-2 Juventus This won’t be an easy game for Juventus as Novara have it all to play for. But with quality and determination on their side, expect the away side to justify their favorites tag and come away with three points. TheHardTackle’s Blast From The Past http://www.soccerway...regular-season/

Serie A Week 35 - 29-4-2012 (3:00 p.m.) - Silvio Piola Stadium - Novara Referee: Domenico Celi Novara v Juventus: Preview Apr 28, 2012 Juventus forward Mirko Vucinic believes his team can cope with the pressure of leading the Serie A standings with four games remaining. The Turin giants travel to the Silvio Piola stadium to face relegation-threatened Novara holding a three- point advantage over AC Milan. Wednesday's 1-0 triumph at Cesena left Juve still unbeaten in the league this season and stretched their winning run to seven games. "We have four battles left to win the war," Vucinic told www.juventus.it . "We have four difficult games left to play, starting with Sunday's game at Novara. "We know that destiny is in our hands. "In recent months we have grown more aware of our physical and mental strength and our competitive quality so we are optimistic." Juve, coached by Antonio Conte, must overcome the absence of striker Alessandro Matri, who must serve a one-match ban. Matri is the team's top scorer with 10 goals so far. Fortunately for Juve, Novara have the second worst backline in the competition behind Genoa, with 57 goals given away in 34 games. Novara go into the encounter on the back of Wednesday's 2-1 triumph over Lazio which kept their faint hopes of avoiding the drop alive. However, Novara know that anything other than a win tomorrow could see them relegated from Serie A. Attilio Tesser's side are in 19th place, eight points from safety with 12 points still up for grabs. "We have to win," Tesser said. "It's going to be a battle from start to finish. "We will give all that we have. "There are still four games left and until the numbers say otherwise, we are still in the battle to avoid the drop." Novara have not lost at home since February 2. The hosts will be without defender Michael Morganella, who serves a one-match ban. http://www.soccerway...regular-season/

Serie A Week 35 - 29-4-2012 (3:00 p.m.) - Silvio Piola Stadium - Novara Referee: Domenico Celi Serie A Preview - Conte's troops look to continue title march The Bianconeri will be hoping to secure another three points when they lock horns with the relegation strugglers at the Stadio Silvio Piola on Sunday. Apr 28, 2012 PROBABLE LINE-UPS NOVARA Fontana Gemiti, Lisuzzo, Paci, Garcia Porcari, Pesce, Rigoni Mazzarani Mascara, Caracciolo JUVENTUS Buffon Barzagli, Bonucci, Chiellini Caceres, Vidal, Pirlo, Marchisio, De Ceglie Quagliarella, Vucinic Juventus striker Fabio Quagliarella is available for selection on Sunday after missing the midweek victory over Cesena through suspension and will likely get the nod up front in place of Alessandro Matri, who is serving a one-game ban. Bianconeri boss Antonio Conte has no injuries to deal with although Arturo Vidal, Claudio Marchisio and Andrea Barzagli are all one booking away from being suspended. Meanwhile, Novara coach Attilio Tesser will be without the services of Samir Ujkani, Francesco Marianini and Jeda, who are out injured. Defender Michel Morganella is suspended for an accumulation of yellow cards and will also miss out on Sunday's fixture. DID YOU KNOW? • Novara are unbeaten in their last six games at the Stadio Silvio Piola (W2 D4). • The Serie A new boys have conceded 11 goals in their last five encounters. • Tesser's side have lost five games by a three-goal margin this season. • Juventus are currently riding a seven-game winning streak, outscoring their opponents 19-1 during that span. • The Old Lady have not lost this term but have the most draws in Serie A with 14. • The Bianconeri have only conceded 18 goals in 34 league games this season and have kept seven clean sheets in their last eight contests. Head to Head Serie A ‎- Dec 18, 2011 - Juventus 2 - Novara 0 Last Five Matches Novara Apr 25, 2012 - Novara 2 - Lazio 1 - Serie A Apr 21, 2012 - SSC Napoli 2 - Novara 0 - Serie A Apr 11, 2012 - Parma 2 - Novara 0 - Serie A Apr 7, 2012 - Novara 1 - Genoa 1 - Serie A Apr 1, 2012 - Roma 5 - Novara 2 - Serie A Juventus 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 Apr 7, 2012 - Palermo 0 - Juventus 2 - Serie A Apr 1, 2012 - Juventus 3 - SSC Napoli 0 - Serie A Players to Watch Marco Rigoni The 32-year-old leads Novara in scoring this season with seven goals. The midfielder has only found the back of the net though once in his last 17 appearances and will need to rediscover his scoring touch if the hosts are to end Juve’s impressive unbeaten run. Arturo Vidal Pardo The Chile international has bossed the midfield this season and is a big reason why Juve are poised to win the Scudetto. The 24-year-old has chipped in with six goals this term, including two in his last three encounters. Should be a highly-influential figure against Novara at the weekend. Prediction The Bianconeri are firing on all cylinders at the moment and it’s hard to see them dropping points against the hosts on Sunday. All signs point to an easy Juve victory. Editor's Prediction Novara 0 - 2 Juventus http://www.soccerway...regular-season/

Serie A Week 35 - 29-4-2012 (3:00 p.m.) - Silvio Piola Stadium - Novara Referee: Domenico Celi Conte: I believe Juventus can win the Scudetto The 42-year-old coach trusts his side's chances of lifting the Serie A crown this term and highlighted the growth of the team since the start of the season. Apr 28, 2012 Juventus coach Antonio Conte has declared that he believes that his side can fend off AC Milan's threat and win the Scudetto. The Bianconeri are three points clear of the holders at the top of the Serie A table, as they prepare to visit Novara on Sunday afternoon. "I do believe in the Scudetto, seeing as where we are right now," Conte told reporters at a press conference. "Let's not forget where we came from, this is a source of pride. We have the possibility to write an important page in Juve's history. "We are playing so many matches in such a short space of time, we are thinking match after match. My players have matured a lot and I am proud of them." Conte then praised Milan, but said that Juventus are closing the gap between themselves and the Rossoneri. "I have always said that Milan have a better squad," the 42-year-old noted. "In the end, the side who deserves it the most will win. "In terms of organisation, we are now at Milan's level." The Italian coach also took the time to comment on Novara, noting that he expects a more open match than the one against Cesena in mid-week. "Novara always play good football," Conte explained. "Compared to the match against Cesena, who played a very defensive game, we will find a side who will try to play their own game." http://www.soccerway...regular-season/

Serie A Week 35 - 29-4-2012 (3:00 p.m.) - Silvio Piola Stadium - Novara Referee: Domenico Celi Chiellini's Novara concerns Apr 28, 2012 Giorgio Chiellini warns Juventus that “this match with Novara is more complicated than the one at Cesena, but our future depends only on us.” The Bianconeri are three points clear at the top of the Serie A table and travel to the Stadio Piola for a local derby that could doom their opponents to relegation. “We showed great heart against Cesena, even at the end with a series of crosses and corners,” the defender told Libero newspaper. “It would’ve been important to find the net in the first half-hour after we created so many chances, especially the penalty, as the game would have changed. In any case, we did well to keep calm and avoided counter-attacks, which Barcelona didn’t manage against Chelsea on Tuesday night. “You can attack for infinity and all it takes is one single distraction to make it all fall to pieces. To beat medium-level teams you need to score straight away or get a goal from a set play. What is essential is to always put an aggressive approach into the game. This match with Novara is more complicated than the one at Cesena. “The future depends only on us,” continued Chiellini. “We know it is extremely difficult, as in every round we face a team that will give its all to beat the leaders and end the unbeaten run, but our future is in our hands. “I’ve been saying for a month that the most complicated games are against the bottom of the table clubs. When they’ve had a negative campaign, they want to lift themselves back up by beating Juve.” http://www.soccerway...regular-season/

Serie A Week 35 - 29-4-2012 (3:00 p.m.) - Silvio Piola Stadium - Novara Referee: Domenico Celi Tesser: 'Juve a big occasion' Apr 28, 2012 Attilio Tesser feels Novara are fuelled by the “atmosphere of the big occasion” as Juventus come to visit with guests Michel Platini and Giampiero Boniperti. This is a local derby that has not been seen in Serie A for 55 years and is extra special because Juve legends Platini and Boniperti will be in the stands, invited as their families originate from the Novara area. “There is the atmosphere of the big occasion around this game and the stadium will be packed out, while you can already breathe the air of excitement in the city. However, we must not be touched by that,” said Tesser. “We hope to make our intentions become real on the pitch. Facing this team, at this stage of the season and with everything this game could be worth, fires us up to a remarkable degree. “I wanted to see a reaction after the Napoli defeat and it was there when we beat Lazio. Now I hope to see the same determination tomorrow.” Novara are practically relegated and would mathematically go down tomorrow afternoon if they lost and Genoa were to win. “We must not leave the game in Juve’s hands. Of course they are a squad of immense value, but it would be a mistake to focus only on defence. We must know how to turn the situation around and stop them coming forward. “Juventus have extraordinary intensity and attack you for the entire 90 minutes. It would be terrible to let them come at us from the opening minute, especially as the start of a match can give you confidence. “I am evaluating whether to use the 3-5-2 or the 4-3-1-2 system. It depends on the condition of some players and also how Juve run out.” http://www.soccerway...regular-season/

Serie A Week 35 - 29-4-2012 (3:00 p.m.) - Silvio Piola Stadium - Novara Referee: Domenico Celi Conte: 'I believe in the Scudetto' Apr 28, 2012 Antonio Conte “believes in the Scudetto,” although he shows great respect for Novara and reveals more injury problems. The Bianconeri are now three points clear at the top of the table and visit practically-relegated Novara on Sunday afternoon. “Novara play good football and, compared to Cesena who took on a more defensive approach, I think we will face a side who want to take the game to us,” said the Coach in his press conference. “I really like this team, especially their Coach Attilio Tesser. Last season they played fantastic football in Serie B and I do cheer them on generally, especially as they tried to maintain that spirit even in Serie A. Compliments to Novara, even if they don’t manage to save themselves this season.” Only a late Marco Borriello goal gave Juventus the win over Cesena, but there are further setbacks in Conte’s choice of players for tomorrow’s game. “I have to evaluate the fitness levels of Fabio Quagliarella, who has a thigh problem, and Alessandro Del Piero. Alessandro Matri is suspended and Simone Pepe still out, so I will make my choices, aware that I can count on everyone, including the enthusiastic Borriello. “A lot will depend on what the lads tell me, as if they are in good shape then I won’t make too many changes from Cesena.” The Scudetto race is in Juve’s hands and they will have UEFA President Michel Platini in the stands at Novara along with another former Bianconeri legend, Giampiero Boniperti. Both have been invited to the Stadio Piola, as their families originate from the Novara area. “I don’t think Platini has come to see Juventus in order to celebrate something,” argued Conte. “His visit had already been planned. It will be extra motivation for us, though. “We are playing many games in a short space of time, so have to take it match by match. These lads have matured a great deal and I am proud of them. “I’ve always said Milan have a superior squad, although now in terms of organisation we have caught them up. At the end of the season the title will be won by the side that deserves it. Nothing is decided yet and obviously Milan are still in the race. “How much do I believe in the Scudetto? I do believe, seeing as we are at this stage. Let’s not forget where we started from and that has to make us proud. We have the chance to write an important page in the Juve history books.” Juventus squad: 1 Buffon, 3 Chiellini, 4 Caceres, 8 Marchisio, 10 Del Piero, 11 De Ceglie, 13 Manninger, 14 Vucinic, 15 Barzagli, 17 Elia, 18 Quagliarella, 19 Bonucci, 20 Padoin, 21 Pirlo, 22 Vidal, 23 Borriello, 24 Giaccherini, 26 Lichtsteiner, 28 Estigarribia, 30 Storari, 34 Marrone http://www.soccerway...regular-season/

Pirlo: Scudetto race against AC Milan is special The Italy international admitted that he needed a new challenge in his career and revealed that he had no problems in adapting to life at the Turin-based club. Apr 27, 2012 Juventus midfielder Andrea Pirlo has admitted that there is a special feeling to the fact that AC Milan are contesting his side for the Serie A title. The 32-year-old playmaker, who signed for Juventus last summer on a free transfer after a decade with Milan, has played a leading role in the Bianconeri's quest to win their first league crown since 2002-03. Milan are currently three points behind leaders Juventus, with four games remaining, and Pirlo is not indifferent to the challenge posed by his former club. "We knew that they would battle until the end," Pirlo told the club's website. "Obviously, as I played there for 10 years, I feel this to be a special race. "Improvements have been noticed game after game, which boosted our self-confidence. "I immediately felt I belonged to this team, also because I have known some of my team-mates for a long time. "Moreover, playing for a new club gave me some extra drive."

Serie A Week 35 - 29-4-2012 (3:00 p.m.) - Silvio Piola Stadium - Novara Referee: Domenico Celi Juventus Nears League Title and Loss-Free Season Apr 27, 2012 Juventus is moving closer and closer to its first Italian league title since the 2006 match-fixing scandal, with Antonio Conte’s club still undefeated and finding new weapons. With four rounds remaining in Serie A, Juve has a three-point lead over defending champion AC Milan and also holds the tiebreaker with a win and a draw head-to-head. Both Juve and Milan scraped out 1-0 wins on Wednesday. This weekend, Juve, seeking a first title since 2003, visits a Novara squad battling to avoid relegation, while Milan is at mid-table Siena. Unbeaten through 34 rounds, Juventus has matched AC Milan’s Serie A record set in 1991-92 under Fabio Capello, when the Rossoneri went undefeated the entire season, which then lasted only 34 rounds. No Serie A club has ever gone undefeated in a 38-round season. Juventus is also on a seven-match winning streak. However, it didn’t look like the Turin squad was going to win on Wednesday until the 79th minute, when Marco Borriello scored his first goal since transferring from Roma in January. Borriello hadn’t scored since the end of last season, having been cast aside by new Roma manager Luis Enrique at the start of this campaign. “He arrived with a lot of bad baggage, but he remained humble and fought his way up in the group,” Conte said of Borriello, who scored 11 goals for Roma last season. “He never gave up, he worked hard in silence with great dedication and now I hope this goal gets him the affection he deserves. “It moved us a big step toward our dream. Marco is giving his soul for Juve and these are the type of men I’ll defend with a sword, against anyone and everyone.” Novara, Juve’s next opponent, is coming off a win over third-place Lazio. “We’ve still got four finals,” Conte said. “In Novara we’re going to find more difficulty. ... Anyhow, Juve has become competitive again, with key fundamentals. For years we sat at the banquets of others, but now we’re hungry and we want to eat.” Juve’s last two titles, in 2005 and 2006, were stripped in the match-fixing scandal. The last title it retains came in 2003. Meanwhile, all Milan can do is keep winning and hoping that Juve will slip up at some point. “Between Novara, Lecce, Cagliari and Atalanta, I think something could happen,” Milan manager Massimiliano Allegri said, referring to Juve’s remaining matches. “When Juventus has clinched mathematically we’ll give them the scudetto, but why should we give it to them before?” Allegri dismissed rumors he could be fired if Milan doesn’t win, taking heart from recent support expressed by vice president Adriano Galliani. “The rumors make me smile,” he said. “The club has already said what it thinks.” Compared to the title race, the battle for third place and the final Champions League berth is even more competitive. Lazio is currently third with 55 points, followed by Napoli (54), Inter (52), Udinese (52) and Roma (50). With Lazio struggling, Napoli and Inter appear to be the favorites. Napoli has won two straight, while Inter welcomed back long-injured Wesley Sneijder to a starring role in Wednesday’s 3-1 win over Udinese. This weekend, Lazio visits Udinese, Napoli is at Roma and Inter hosts a Cesena squad that has already been relegated. Roma is in crisis mode following a 2-1 loss to Fiorentina and a 4-0 rout by Juventus, putting Luis Enrique’s job at risk. http://www.soccerway...regular-season/

Serie A Week 35 - 29-4-2012 (3:00 p.m.) - Silvio Piola Stadium - Novara Referee: Domenico Celi Novara v Juventus – Preview Apr 27, 2012 Novara caused an upset midweek by beating Lazio 2-1 midweek at the Stadio Olimpico. It was the Biancoazzurri’sfirst win in six outings, but the run home is quite tough. S hould things go against Atillio Tesser’s men, thry could be relegated as early as this weekend by their Piemonte rivals. Juventus are still undefeated this season, and are aiming for another win this weekend. Milan fans believed Cesena had scored against the Bianconeri, denying the Turin side the win and closing the gap at the top of the table, but they were misinformed. The 1-0 victory saw Juventus relegate the Seahorses, and could do the same this weekend. Juventus to win, Novara to be realistically relegated. Prediction: Novara 0-3 Juventus http://www.soccerway...regular-season/

Serie A Week 35 - 29-4-2012 (3:00 p.m.) - Silvio Piola Stadium - Novara Referee: Domenico Celi MATCH PREVIEW Apr 27, 2012 Novara caused a huge upset by beating Lazio midweek, but any hope of Serie A survival will surely end against unbeaten League leaders Juventus. Unfortunately for the Biancoazzurri, that Week 33 win may prove to be too little too late, as even without considering this game, their run-in includes away trips to Florence and Milan. By the time Novara welcome relegated Cesena in the penultimate round, both teams will more than likely have been consigned to Serie B, unless Attilio Tesser's men can do the unthinkable, and prove to be the banana skin that de-rails the Bianconeri's season. The likelihood of that scenario is lessened all the more by the fact that the Lazio result was their first win in six games, and only their sixth win of the season. It was also just their fourth at the Stadio Silvio Piola, form which is simply not good enough to ensure their Serie A Status. Francesco Marianini, Samir Ujkani, Jeda and Carlalberto Ludi are unavailable, but Giuseppe Mascara's free-kick winner against Lazio may earn him a start here. At the opposite end of the table, the Juventus juggernaut charges on with the Scudetto set firmly in their sights. With victory over the Cavallucci Marini bringing the champions-elect level with Fabio Cappello's Milan and their unbeaten season record of 34 games, a win or a draw here will see Conte's men stand alone as record holders, in what is only his maiden season. It looked as if the Bianconeri had allowed the title to slip through their fingers at one point, having failed to take advantage of their two games in hand over Milan, and indeed surrendering the initiative to the Rossoneri. Conte's sheer passion and tenacity once embodied on the pitch in a Bianconeri jersey, has been instilled into his players, with every one of them playing their part. Summer signing Arturo Vidal in particular has been a stand-out performer recently, after contributing two in the massive win over Roma last Sunday. Living legend and club captain Alessandro Del Piero started in the 2-0 home victory over Novara in Week 16, and may be afforded just his fourth League start of the season here. There have been 12 top-flight encounters here but Novara have only been victorious on two occasions, with the last being a 3-1 result, on what will be 61 years ago to the day when the teams meet on Sunday. Juventus have won six times, but the last result was a goalless draw in March 1956, of which there have been three, and a 2-2 draw in October 1954. Keep an eye on: Arturo Vidal (Juventus) The Chilean midfielder has had an explosive debut season for the Bianconeri, and has certainly contributed both in attack and defence to their title challenge. With Real Madrid showing interest in the player, Vidal can cement his loyalty with his seventh strike of the season. Form Guide: Novara (L D L L W) Juventus (W W W W W) Last season: Not played Stat fact: At one end of the pitch the second worst attack in the League faces the best defence in the League, and at the other the second worst defence welcomes the third most prolific in attack. Novara: Fontana; Morganella, Lisuzzo, Paci, Garcia; Porcari, Pesce, Rigoni; Mazzarani; Mascara, Caracciolo Juventus: Buffon; Barzagli, Bonucci, Chiellini; Caceres, Vidal, Pirlo, Marchisio, De Ceglie; Quagliarella, Del Piero http://www.soccerway...regular-season/

Serie A Week 35 - 29-4-2012 (3:00 p.m.) - Silvio Piola Stadium - Novara Referee: Domenico Celi Tesser plots Juventus upset Apr 26, 2012 Novara boss Attilio Tesser is thinking about upsetting Juventus at the weekend. “I could do with 12 players though…” Title chasing Juve will travel to their Piedmont rivals on Sunday afternoon looking for their eighth straight Serie A win. “Juventus are having an extraordinary campaign, their intensity is crazy,” Tesser told Radio Sportiva on Thursday. “I’ve already been thinking about the game. I think I could do with an extra player in order to better cover the field of play though… “We just have to do our best under all aspects and not have any fear. That’s the only way that we could get something from the game. “If we offer them any opportunities then, sooner or later, they will hurt you.” Novara beat Lazio 2-1 yesterday to keep their slim hopes of salvation alive. They are still eight points away from safety with four games left. “We have to believe we can do it,” added Tesser. “We are forced to honour the shirt and the fans.” http://www.soccerway...regular-season/

Pirlo: 'Scudetto race is special' Apr 27, 2012 Andrea Pirlo admits it is “a special” Scudetto duel for him between Juventus and his former Milan teammates. “We knew the Rossoneri would fight to the end and clearly after playing there for 10 years I feel it is a special race for me,” Pirlo told the official Juventus website. He received an award from the Lega Serie A as best midfielder of the month of March, voted for by fans. “We have seen progress from game to game and as time went by our self-esteem grew. I immediately settled in, helped by the fact I had already known some of my teammates for many years. “Being in a new team gave me extra motivation.”

Ciro Ferrara: Pirlo is one of the best players ever The former Bianconeri coach is full of praise for the deep-lying playmaker, and feels that he has made the difference for Juventus in the Serie A title race. Apr 27, 2012 Italy Under-21 coach Ciro Ferrara has hailed Juventus midfielder Andrea Pirlo as one of the best players in the history of the game, and believes that the Italy international has been the difference between the Old Lady and their title rivals AC Milan this season. The 32-year-old left the Rossoneri for the Turin giants on a free transfer at the start of the 2011-12 campaign, and has since developed into a key player at the current Serie A leaders. "Pirlo is the secret behind Juventus' success. In a sense, he has made the difference not only for Juventus, but also for AC Milan who decided to let him go," Ferrara stated to La giornalaccio rosa dello Sport. "He has made the difference in a positive way for Juventus, and in a negative way for Milan. "He is one of the best players in the world in my opinion. I see him as one the best midfielders in the history of the game. You don't read about him a lot, because of his quiet character. Pirlo is Juve's secret, though. He's one of the best ever." Pirlo has made 33 Serie A appearances for Juventus, scoring three goals, while setting up 11 more.

Goal of the Week: Majestic Marchisio wins landslide poll victory The Juventus midfielder's cultured strike leaves all his competitors trailing in his wake, including a sensational individual effort by Monterrey's Humberto Suazo. Apr 27, 2012 Claudio Marchisio garnered over 80 per cent of the vote to win this week's poll as emphatically as his side's 4-0 demolition of Roma. The Juventus midfielder strolled onto Mirko Vucinic's cheeky backheel to caress a beautiful side-footed finish into the far post from the edge of the area, adding some gloss to his side's convincing 4-0 win. Humberto Suazo may be left scratching his big bald head as to how his fine individual effort only gained less than 9% of the vote, as his sexy slalom run helped Monterrey on their way to a 2-0 victory over Mexican rivals Santos Laguna in the Concacaf Champions League. Lech Poznan's Artjoms Rudnevs won himself a place on the Goal of the Week podium when he latched onto a defence-splitting slide rule pass to slot past the keeper and give his side a surprise away win over Ekstraklasa leaders Legia Warsaw. Omar Cummings' strong run and strike against LA Galaxy was enough to pip Juan Velez's outrageous long-range effort to fourth place, although the Colombian midfielder can console himself with the knowledge that his goal put Ulsan on their way to a handy AFC Champions League away win in Brisbane.

Marchisio’s double vision Apr 27, 2012 Claudio Marchisio is confident of Juventus’ ability to win a League and Cup double this term, because of their togetherness as a group of players. The Bianconeri are three League games and one Cup final away from running through the 2011-12 campaign unbeaten. Ahead of the first of these final games this weekend, Marchisio has taken time to reflect on what could be achieved, as well as hint at what he thinks is the reason behind the side’s turnaround this year. “We have already achieved Champions League qualification and this is a very important milestone,” expressed the 26-year-old on Juventus Channel today. “But, we are now fighting for the Scudetto and we want to win it, and then the Coppa Italia too. “We must stay focused, but even in the most difficult times, this team has already proven to have nerves of steel and to be a united group. “This is perhaps precisely the reason behind the leap in progress from previous years.” The midfielder also reflected on the impact the club’s new stadium has had on generating momentum for the team. “From the first game against Parma there has been a great feeling established with the audience. It is a relationship that has never been seen at other stadiums that Juve have played in. “‘Our house’ as President [Andrea] Agnelli says, has certainly given us something extra.”

Serie A - 14^ Giornata - Ritorno - 25-4-2012 (ore 18:00) 0 - 1 Marco Borriello (80') Stadio Dino Manuzzi - Cesena Arbitro: Marco Guida Spettatori: 16000 Serie A - Borriello decisivo, Cesena retrocesso E' il primo gol in maglia bianconera di Marco Borriello e tenere in alto la Juventus. Un Cesena coriaceo tiene in scacco la Juventus per 80 minuti poi, il sinistro al volo di Borriello, condanna i romagnoli alla retrocessione. Juventus che resta a +3 sul Milan a quattro partite dalla fine. Eurosport - Mercoledí, 25 aprile 2012 Marco Borriello sceglie l'occasione migliore per sbloccare la sua stagione in bianconero. Un suo gol a 10 minuti dalla fine di quella che era diventata una sfida complicatissima permette alla Juventus di mantenere il vantaggio sul Milan invariato e, contemporaneamente, condanna il Cesena alla Serie B. E' uno 0-1 decisivo infatti quello che gli uomini di Conte infliggono a una squadra che, se avesse mostrato questa intensità per tutta la stagione, probabilmente ora non si ritroverebbe a quota 22 punti in classifica. Ancora una volta decisivi gli inserimenti di Conte dalla panchina che con Del Piero - suo il cross per il gol e l'angolo da cui nasce il vantaggio - e Borriello sono riusciti a raddrizzare una partita che sembrava ormai destinata al pareggio. Nel primo tempo Pirlo aveva anche sbagliato un calcio di rigore. PICCOLE INDIGESTE - I pericoli, quest'anno, per la Juventus, non si chiamano Inter, Napoli, Roma o Milan. Ma bensì Genoa, Bologna, Parma, Cagliari o Cesena. Come spesso mostrato in stagione infatti i bianconeri di Conte faticano a sfondare il muro delle squadre più preoccupate a coprirsi che a giocare a calcio e, alla fine, si ritrovano a dover sudare più delle previsioni della vigilia. Sarà che Andrea Pirlo ci mette del suo calciando sul palo un rigore dubbio - il fallo di mano di Moras é leggermente fuori dall'area -, sarà che Matri e Vucinic di professione non fanno certo i cecchini - al 18' il primo non aggancia un gran pallone di Pirlo, al 27' il montenegrino non centra la porta (indisturbato) di testa da dentro l'area piccola -, ma a Cesena gli uomini di Conte vanno al riposo sullo 0-0 nonostante la solita grande mole di lavoro mostrata in campo. CESENA VIVISSIMO - Il Cesena dal canto suo, nonostante l'ultimo posto, mostra l'orgoglio di chi non vuole fare la vittima sacrificale a tutti i costi e la difesa "rinforzata" di mister Beretta, unita naturalmente al filtro e l'intensità del centrocampo, garantiscono ai romagnoli quella confusione al limite dell'area che impedisce a Marchisio e Vidal di inserirsi e portare quei gol che per tutta la stagione gli avanti bianconeri non sono riusciti a garantire alla squadra: l'unica occasione capitata al 24' proprio a Marchisio finisce ben sopra la porta difesa da Antonioli. Emblematico. TANTO POSSESSO, ZERO OCCASIONI - Per bucare la porta del Cesena servirebbe quindi un'invenzione ma in avvio di ripresa la Juventus sembra ricominciare da dove aveva lasciato. Tanto, tantissimo possesso palla ma di vere e proprie occasioni da rete nemmeno a pagare. Caceres dalla destra fatica a sfondare, Vucinic sembra giocare la solita partita svogliata e Matri, anche quando riesce a trovare il guizzo, viene fermato dall'intervento di Antonioli che dopo essersi fatto sfuggire il pallone su un suo diagonale riesce con un balzo felino ad allontanare la sfera sulla linea di porta. Alla Juventus sembra di vivere un dejavù della sfida contro il Genoa. I CAMBI DI CONTE - La pressione della Juventus si fa di minuto in minuto più costante e il Cesena, sulle gambe - Del Nero e Djokovic al 60' con i crampi -, non riesce più a uscire dai propri 35 metri. Il problema per i bianconeri, come già sottolineato, è però la zona rete non riuscendo con i suoi avanti a trovare il guizzo decisivo per abbattere la roccaforte romagnola. Conte capisce che Matri e in giornata no e insieme a lui richiama De Ceglie per fare spazio a Borriello e Del Piero. Bingo. LA PRIMA GIOIA DI BORRIELLO - Come contro la Lazio il numero 10 juventino trova una punizione dal limite: la battuta è perfetta ma Antonioli si supera e devia in corner. Del Piero non ci sta e, dagli sviluppi della battuta dalla bandierina, crossa al centro dove Vucinic sponda di testa e Borriello trova il colpo al volo che beffa Antonioli. E' il gol partita. IL FINALE NON E' SCONTATO - La Juventus resta così a +3 sul Milan - che negli stessi minuti trovava i 3 punti con il gol di Boateng - e a 4 giornate dalla fine continua la sua corsa al sogno Scudetto. La sfortuna di Conte però, se così possiamo definirla, è che da qui al 13 maggio non troverà nessun'altra big sul proprio cammino. Novara, Lecce, Cagliari e Atalanta infatti potrebbero proporre schieramenti sulla falsa riga di quelli visti oggi al Manuzzi. E per la Juventus questo sembra essere un problema ben più grande di ciò che comunemente si pensi. Simone Eterno - Eurosport Cesena - Juventus 0-1