Socrates

Buffon closes in on new Juventus deal The experienced shot-stopper is expected to ink a new deal with the Bianconeri at the end of the season, with a three-year extension in the pipeline for the Italian. Mar 27, 2012 Juventus goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon is close to signing a contract extension, Tuttosport reports. The 34 -year-old's current term with the Bianconeri expires in 2013 and his agent had previously cast doubt over the custodian's interest in ending his career at the Turin-based club. However, it is believed that over the next few weeks, Buffon and Juventus will engage in talks over a contract extension, with the Old Lady expected to formalise the renewal in May. Buffon will reportedly sign a new deal with Juventus until 2015 which will also improve his current €6 million-a-year salary as the Bianconeri seek to reward the player for his important role in the squad. The Italy captain has been at Juventus since 2001, when he completed a €54.2m move from Parma.

Chiellini: Winning only Juve option Mar 27, 2012 Giorgio Chiellini has admitted that Juventus may have to win every game they have left this season in order to lift the Scudetto. Despite convincing triumphs over Fiorentina and Inter in recent weeks, the Bianconeri are still trailing leaders Milan by four points. “It won’t be easy to win the championship,” the defender commented. “We just have to think about winning our games. “The rest will be up to Milan because if they continue doing what they are doing then the maths won’t help us.” Although Juve are unbeaten in Serie A, the Diavolo have collected more victories. Following the loss at Lazio, the Rossoneri have managed two draws and six wins. While Chiellini is hoping Milan lose the title, he’s supporting the Rossoneri in their Champions League quest. “Every football fan will be watching Milan-Barcelona,” he continued. “It will benefit all of Italian football that they progress as far as possible given the current rankings.”

Juve line-up new Buffon deal Mar 27, 2012 Gigi Buffon will sign a new contract with Juventus by the end of May, a report in Italy on Tuesday is suggesting. The Italian international is currently only committed to the Old Lady until June 2013, but both parties want to extend their relationship. According to Tuttosport, talks are imminent and a deal should be signed and sealed within the next nine weeks. The former Parma ‘keeper, signed at a cost of £32m in 2001, will allegedly put pen to paper on a three-year agreement. The 34-year-old, who currently earns €6m a season after tax, is set to accept a cut in salary in exchange for new terms.

Chiellini would keep Del Piero Mar 26, 2012 Giorgio Chiellini hopes that Alessandro Del Piero and Juventus can reconsider the captain’s impending departure this summer. Del Piero, who has won 15 major honours in his 19 seasons with the Bianconeri, is set to leave the Turin club in the summer when his contract expires. However, Chiellini, who has seen his 37-year-old teammate net against Milan and Inter inside a few days this week, reflects that if it were up to him, Del Piero would be staying. “You never can tell if the decision is right or not,” the defender said on RTL. “Alex is a great champion and always will be, and we as players can only observe and accept these choices. “For us, the champion and the man would remain with us always - I believe that until the end of the season there is time for him and the club to talk and reach a decision together. “Ale was one of the first to think only of the field and help us out through the year, and we hope more and more through these two months. Then, any other discussion is best left out, so as to avoid controversy.” Earlier today, Del Piero was less than clear on what will happen this summer.

Serie A Week 29 - 25-3-2012 (8:45 p.m.) 2 - 0 Martín Cáceres (57′) Alessandro Del Piero (71′) Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee: Andrea De Marco Attendance: 34000‎ Del Piero: I never felt useless at Juventus The veteran attacker has stressed that he has always felt he still had a role to play at the Old Lady, and was delighted with the 'important' win over Inter. Mar 26, 2012 Juventus attacker Alessandro Del Piero has stressed that he never considered leaving the Bianconeri in the January transfer window, and added that he has always felt useful at the Turin giants this season. The veteran forward has been struggling to secure regular first team action in the 2011-12 campaign. However, he played a vital role in Juventus' 2-2 Coppa Italia draw after extra-time against AC Milan last week, while netting in the Old Lady's 2-0 Serie A win over Inter on Sunday as well, and Del Piero is determined to continue his career. "I have never felt useless this year, and I am not thinking about quitting. I never even thought about leaving in January," Del Piero stated to Rai 2. The 37-year-old then went on to underline the importance of the Bianconeri's 2-0 Serie A win at home over Inter on Sunday evening, and stressed it was a crucial result in the race for the Scudetto. The forward netted his side's second goal to effectively put the match to bed, and made it clear that the Old Lady have to keep pushing on in order to be successful in 2011-12. "Today’s win was fundamental in order to keep Milan in our sights. Now we have to continue with our foot firmly on the gas," he said to Sky Sport. "We’re in the Coppa Italia final and are four points adrift of Milan. We mustn’t give up if we want to be champions." Del Piero then went on to express his delight with his individual success in Juve's last two games, and highlighted that he is not thinking about his long-term future. "I’m happy that I scored in both games, it fills me with pride because they were very important as far as we are concerned. "My future? The game against Napoli is next up. I want to enjoy this moment and continue to fight in every game." http://www.soccerway...regular-season/

Serie A Week 29 - 25-3-2012 (8:45 p.m.) 2 - 0 Martín Cáceres (57′) Alessandro Del Piero (71′) Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee: Andrea De Marco Attendance: 34000‎ Are you watching Agnelli & Conte? Ageless Del Piero shoots down Inter to show Juventus what they've been missing all season The club captain came off the bench to help see off the Nerazzurri. Now there needs to be some serious consideration given to keeping him on for another year. Mar 26, 2012 COMMENT By Kris Voakes | Italian Football Editor After showering and changing, Alessandro Del Piero went off to do interviews for Italy's various media outlets. He talked of the result coming first, and of the countless reasons why the victory was so important. He thanked all of the pundits for their kind words when they praised him for his performance. He even neatly sidestepped a question from the studio floor on Antonio Conte's hair-piece. He remained the perfect professional until the end. He could have stuck two fingers up to Conte and Juventus president Andrea Agnelli, but he'd already done that on the pitch. In his 40-minute cameo, Del Piero scored one goal and created plenty more trouble for Inter as he gave the greatest example yet as to just why he should be kept on for another year by the Bianconeri. When the No. 10 entered the fray in the 53rd minute, the Derby d’Italia was still largely there for the taking. While Juve had undoubtedly had the better of the game to that point, Inter were looking threatening on the break, particularly through Diego Milito. But that was all to change. Conte switched to a 3-5-2, as Alessandro Matri and Simone Pepe were both replaced, with Leonardo Bonucci also joining the proceedings. And within four minutes, with Claudio Ranieri’s men still trying to adjust to the extra aerial threat that Bonucci provided from deep, Martin Caceres had been allowed a free header from an Andrea Pirlo corner, and the Uruguayan made no mistake in giving the home side the lead. Enter Del Piero. As a side who had been failing to kill off teams all season, Juve now needed to bury their greatest rivals in order to move back to within four points of the Serie A summit. And it was their skipper who would lead the way. First, a classy turn in the box forced Lucio to clear, then he linked with Pirlo in providing the silky skills which showed his threat. But his crowning moment was still to come. On 71 minutes, Arturo Vidal, a colossus again in midfield, picked up the ball in Inter territory. With no angle to pass, he feinted one way, saw a gap, and played Del Piero into it. ‘Il Capitano’ read the through-ball perfectly, drifting unchallenged into the space the Chilean had opened up to meet the pass with a first-time strike across Julio Cesar. Game over. It was the skipper’s first league goal of the season, but his second in five days, following on from his opportunist effort against AC Milan in the Coppa Italia semi-final second leg in midweek. Almost more than that, it was a reminder that he still has something to offer. At a club he loves as much as anyone else in the world, his talent is still needed. He may well be 37 years of age, but, just as Javier Zanetti has something at 38 that no younger Inter player can provide, the same can be said of Del Piero. Yes, it is a very different type of something to the Argentine, and it may well come in shorter bursts, but Conte’s tendency to ignore his skipper when Juve have needed that little extra has got the coach nowhere so far this season. Agnelli celebrates derby win | But is it time to reconsider Del Piero's future? Not since he started against Novara in December had the former Padova man been entrusted with such a long run-out in Serie A, but he proved in the second half that he can still trump what many of the Bianconeri strikeforce have been producing this term. The country’s most profligate forward line has needed the surefootedness in front of goal that Del Piero provides, but he has been given far too few opportunities to contribute. But what now for Del Piero? It is more than five months since Agnelli announced that this would be the striker’s last season in Turin, but the past five days should have him and Conte thinking again. New additions could well be brought in this summer to render a further 12 months for the skipper rather excessive, but why take the risk? When Mirko Vucinic was signed at the start of the present campaign, many suggested Del Piero would be all but forgotten. He wasn’t. And with other recent additions such as Marco Borriello and Matri having done little to diminish the captain’s status at the club, who is to say that Juve won’t find themselves in exactly the same position again this time next year? It would make such a small dent into the coffers to keep Del Piero at the club, but it could prove hugely costly to let him go. The attitude, the passion and the professional approach would be missed, but above all, so would the ability to strike just when a goal is needed. It is time Agnelli and Conte invited Alex in for a chat. The past week has been a reminder of just who Alessandro Del Piero is and what he provides. Now the spotlight falls on those who decided Juventus didn’t need it anymore. Do they have the balls to admit they were wrong? http://www.soccerway...regular-season/

Serie A Week 29 - 25-3-2012 (8:45 p.m.) 2 - 0 Martín Cáceres (57′) Alessandro Del Piero (71′) Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee: Andrea De Marco Attendance: 34000‎ Del Piero made the difference, says Chiellini The powerful defender has hailed the experienced attacker, and was very pleased with the Old Lady's defensive display in what he feels was a "fundamental" win. Mar 26, 2012 Juventus defender Giorgio Chiellini has taken time to praise team-mate Alessandro Del Piero in the wake of the Bianconeri's 2-0 home win over Inter in Sunday's Serie A encounter. The veteran attacker scored his side's second goal of the evening to effectively put the match to bed after Martin Caceres had given the Bianconeri the lead, and Chiellini feels that Del Piero made the difference for the Turin giants when he came on as a 53rd-minute substitute. "Del Piero deserves this recognition, along with our other team-mates who don't feature in every single game," Chiellini stated to the official Juventus website. "Whenever they come off the bench, they manage to make the difference for us. These players give us something extra that can help us to a successful season." The Italy international then went on to underline the importance of Sunday's victory, and expressed his delight with Juve's defensive display. "It was important to win in a fundamental game. We barely concede goals because we all do a great job defensively. "When we all press high, we run a lot and hold our positions, which makes everything easier." Juventus remain second in the Serie A table, trailing leaders AC Milan by four points. They host Napoli in their next league encounter. http://www.soccerway...regular-season/

Serie A Week 29 - 25-3-2012 (8:45 p.m.) 2 - 0 Martín Cáceres (57′) Alessandro Del Piero (71′) Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee: Andrea De Marco Attendance: 34000‎ Ranieri frustrated by brilliance of 'super' Buffon after Derby d'Italia defeat The Italy captain was in inspired form during the first half of the game in Turin, playing a key role in a result which leaves the Nerazzurri 10 points behind third-placed Lazio. Mar 26, 2012 Inter coach Claudio Ranieri felt that Juventus goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon was the difference between the two sides in Sunday night's 2-0 Derby d'Italia defeat in Turin. The struggling Nerazzurri had the better of a scrappy first half and forced the Italy captain into a string of fine saves. The hosts then took over in the second period and opened the scoring when an unmarked Martin Caceres headed home Andrea Pirlo's corner, before sealing three precious points through substitute Alessandro Del Piero, leaving Ranieri cursing the brilliance of Buffon and a fatal lapse in concentration from his defence. "That set-piece changed everything," the Inter boss said of the opening goal during his post-game interview with Premium Calcio. "Until that, we had created so much and only a super goalkeeper like Buffon denied us a goal." Ranieri elaborated on his frustration over Caceres' opener on Sky Sport Italia: "There is regret at having wasted a good hour of play by again conceding a goal after switching off for a set-piece. "There was only a few in the penalty area but we were drawn to [Mirko] Vucinic at the front post, leaving only Caceres in the middle. Then we didn't react. "I'm sorry because we could have come away from here with a different scoreline after that first half." Inter's loss at Juventus Stadium leaves them eighth in Serie A, 10 points adrift of third-placed Lazio. However, while Ranieri concedes that the Nerazzurri now have it all to do if they are to qualify for next season's Champions League, he refused to throw in the towel just yet. "We must fight and take it one game at a time," the Roman reasoned. "Then we'll see where we are. "Sure, to win here would have given us a big push but this year we have not been able to get on the right track. "Ten points to make up on Lazio is a lot, it is true, but we will not give up." http://www.soccerway...regular-season/

Serie A Week 29 - 25-3-2012 (8:45 p.m.) 2 - 0 Martín Cáceres (57′) Alessandro Del Piero (71′) Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee: Andrea De Marco Attendance: 34000‎ Conte hails 'decisive' Del Piero after win over Inter The Bianconeri coach had nothing but praise for the former Italy international, and also had words of encouragement for the Giuseppe Meazza outfit. Mar 26, 2012 Juventus coach Antonio Conte has expressed his satisfaction with Alessandro Del Piero's form in recent weeks in the aftermath of the Old Lady's 2-0 Serie A win at home over arch-rivals Inter. The veteran attacker netted once in Juve's important victory after previously finding the net in the Bianconeri's Coppa Italia semi-final against AC Milan in midweek, and Conte understandably feels Del Piero is currently a key player for the Turin giants. "Del Piero? He’s in excellent form at the moment, and he was absolutely decisive in these last two important matches. His experience and character are fundamental in this crucial stage of the season," Conte was quoted as saying on the club's official website. The Juventus trainer then went on to reflect on the win over Inter, and had words of encouragement for the Giuseppe Meazza side. "We faced a great team, and it’s really hard to understand their current position in the table. "In the first half, they caused us some difficulties. During the break I told my lads that we would revert to a three-man defence. I don’t know whether this change was decisive, but it helped turning the game around." Juventus remain second in the Serie A table, whereas Inter have dropped to eighth spot following this weekend's results. http://www.soccerway...regular-season/

Serie A Week 29 - 25-3-2012 (8:45 p.m.) 2 - 0 Martín Cáceres (57′) Alessandro Del Piero (71′) Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee: Andrea De Marco Attendance: 34000‎ 'I relish the pressure of a title run-in' - Buffon after Derby d'Italia win The veteran keeper has spoken of his joy at winning Sunday night's clash against Inter, and how he's looking forward to challenging the Rossoneri for the Serie A title. Mar 26, 2012 Juventus goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon has said that AC Milan's 2-1 win over Roma on Saturday spurred his side on to win in the Derby d'Italia against Inter on Sunday. The veteran keeper performed heroics to keep the Bianconeri in the game in the first half, and conceded that the added pressure of the tie made him perform at his best. “I like it when we play later, especially when the other team [Milan] has won, because it adds that little spark of anxiety that I enjoy,” the 34-year-old told the club's official website. “Historically the Derby d’Italia is a special game, but we were also playing to win so we could keep our hopes alive of troubling the side ahead of us. If we had failed to win tonight, those hopes would’ve been wiped out. “This way we can still push to end the season on a high.” Buffon also took time to praise his team mate Alessandro Del Piero, after the Italian striker bagged his first league goal of the season. “I am very happy for Del Piero, who obviously deserves this goal. “He is a great champion, but I’d like to point out how wonderfully professional Ale has been this year. He accepted this role and never made any trouble or controversy, working hard in training and repaying the coach when called upon.” Juventus remain in second place in Serie A, four points behind league leaders AC Milan. http://www.soccerway...regular-season/

Serie A Week 29 - 25-3-2012 (8:45 p.m.) 2 - 0 Martín Cáceres (57′) Alessandro Del Piero (71′) Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee: Andrea De Marco Attendance: 34000‎ Zanetti: Inter were unlucky to lose versus Juventus The experienced Argentine feels the Nerazzurri put in an outstanding performance in the opening 45 minutes, but stated that Juve's goal ended their good spell. Mar 26, 2012 Inter skipper Javier Zanetti has expressed his disappointment with the Giuseppe Meazza side's 2-0 Serie A loss away against Juventus, as he feels they deserved better after an 'excellent' first half. The Nerazzurri caused their opponents plenty of problems in the opening 45 minutes, but failed to break the deadlock and were made to pay for their inability to score after the break as Martin Caceres and Alessandro Del Piero helped Juventus to the full three points. "Inter put in an excellent performance in the first half. We managed to do this in Juventus' own stadium, in a place where they are still unbeaten," Zanetti stated to Sky Sport. "We knew that we could cause them problems, but we were unfortunately unable to capitalise. We also started the second half pretty well, but then Juventus' goal affected us badly." Inter have dropped to eighth in the Serie A table following this weekend's results. http://www.soccerway...regular-season/

Serie A Week 29 - 25-3-2012 (8:45 p.m.) 2 - 0 Martín Cáceres (57′) Alessandro Del Piero (71′) Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee: Andrea De Marco Attendance: 34000‎ Chiellini on Juventus defensive Mar 26, 2012 Giorgio Chiellini has revealed why high-flying Juventus are so difficult to break down. “It’s not just the defence.” The Old Lady have the best defensive record in Serie A given that they have conceded just 17 goals in 29 League games. Their clean sheet in last night’s 2-0 win over Inter was also their 15th of the Serie A campaign this term. “We don’t concede a lot of goals because we all do a great amount of work,” the Italian international centre-back noted. “Players show how good they are individually when they play in an organised side. When we all press high, run and hold our positions, it all becomes easier for us.” Chiellini, partnered by Andrea Barzagli and then Leonardo Bonucci against Inter, also nearly made a difference at the other end. He had a header well saved by Julio Cesar and then he opted to assist Fabio Quagliarella rather than shoot when through on goal. “Maicon did really well to clear Quagliarella’s effort,” the former Fiorentina man continued. “I would have wanted to score, but I saw that Quagliarella was free and he was in a better position. “It would have been nice to score, but the most important thing was to win this fundamental game.” http://www.soccerway...regular-season/

Serie A Week 29 - 25-3-2012 (8:45 p.m.) 2 - 0 Martín Cáceres (57′) Alessandro Del Piero (71′) Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee: Andrea De Marco Attendance: 34000‎ Conte explains Juve tears Mar 25, 2012 Antonio Conte explains why he shed a tear at the final whistle of Juventus-Inter ad adds “we wanted to give our fans this moment of joy in the Derby d’Italia.” The Coach was visibly moved at the end of the 2-0 victory this evening, although it had little to do with football. “My aunt died recently and she was like a second mother to me,” he told Sky Sport Italia. “We had to win tonight and it’s a wonderful campaign. We also wanted to give our fans this moment of satisfaction in the Derby d’Italia. “To be honest, I am struggling to understand why Inter are so low down the standings. They are full of champions and in a one-off game can beat anyone. “We knew it would be a struggle, especially as we played 120 minutes in the Coppa Italia on Tuesday. Inter had nothing to lose, while the pressure was on us, but we held out well.” Alessandro Del Piero scored his first Serie A goal of the season after a Martin Caceres opener, but Gigi Buffon required heroics in the first half to deny Inter. “In my view Del Piero and Buffon are our extra weapons. At this moment Ale is in good shape and therefore he’s playing. He also played in the Coppa and he repaid me with an excellent performance. “When he gets the ball between his feet, it’s difficult for him to not get it in the net. We have a very honest rapport and he knows what I think.” The victory keeps Juve within four points of Serie A leaders Milan in a thrilling Scudetto race. “How much do we believe in the title? It is in Milan’s hands. I don’t want to upset anyone, but I am objective. The Rossoneri are proving they have such strength in depth that they can continue to do well even through injuries. “As of today Milan are the strongest side in Italy and I hope they do well against Barcelona in the Champions League quarter-final.” http://www.soccerway...regular-season/

Serie A Week 29 - 25-3-2012 (8:45 p.m.) 2 - 0 Martín Cáceres (57′) Alessandro Del Piero (71′) Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee: Andrea De Marco Attendance: 34000‎ Ranieri: 'Inter crumbled after goal' Mar 25, 2012 Claudio Ranieri admits Inter made the same mistakes with Juventus and after the opening goal “the game was over for us.” The Nerazzurri had numerous great chances in the first half and were kept out by Gigi Buffon’s heroics, but Martin Caceres’ free header and an Alessandro Del Piero strike sealed Juve’s 2-0 victory. “There are regrets about this game, as for an hour we did very well, but the goal was down to yet another distraction on set plays. There were only four of them in our box, but we were drawn away by Mirko Vucinic,” said Ranieri. “Andrea Poli was meant to be marking Vucinic, but Maicon lost Caceres because he was drawn to the Montenegrin. From there the game was over for us, as we lost in terms of intensity and determination on every ball. “I am bitter at the result, because we held out very well against Juventus who deserve to be up there. We had studied this game and interpreted it very well, but only up until the Caceres goal. After that Juve legitimised the result with at least three scoring opportunities. “Our defect is that we tend to lose sharpness at the first setback. It had all gone so well up until the goal and Buffon was man of the match. We’ve got to fight to the end and we’ll see where we are when the games have been played. “It’s true the gap is widening from the European places and there are fewer games left to catch up, but we will not give in. “My future? I feel relaxed, you know how it is... We are doing everything we possibly can, the President knows that and we have to end the season well.” http://www.soccerway...regular-season/

Serie A Week 29 - 25-3-2012 (8:45 p.m.) 2 - 0 Martín Cáceres (57′) Alessandro Del Piero (71′) Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee: Andrea De Marco Attendance: 34000‎ Buffon hails Del Piero Mar 25, 2012 Gigi Buffon admits Milan’s victory spurred Juventus on to beat Inter and praised Alessandro Del Piero. The Bianconeri needed a win to maintain the four-point gap from leaders Milan, who won 2-1 against Roma on Saturday. “I like it when we play later, especially when the other team has won, because it adds that little spark of anxiety that I enjoy,” said Buffon after a 2-0 win over Inter. “Historically the Derby d’Italia is a special game, but we were also playing to win so we could keep our hopes alive of troubling the side ahead of us. If we had failed to win tonight, those hopes would’ve been wiped out. “This way we can still push to end the season on a high.” Buffon performed heroics in the first half before Martin Caceres and Del Piero scored the winning goals. “Inter played very well for 60 minutes and Claudio Ranieri put us under a lot of pressure. I am very happy for Del Piero, who obviously deserves this goal. “He is a great champion, but I’d like to point out how wonderfully professional Ale has been this year. He accepted this role and never made any trouble or controversy, working hard in training and repaying the Coach when called upon.” http://www.soccerway...regular-season/

Serie A Week 29 - 25-3-2012 (8:45 p.m.) 2 - 0 Martín Cáceres (57′) Alessandro Del Piero (71′) Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee: Andrea De Marco Attendance: 34000‎ Player Ratings Goal.com evaluates all of those involved in the Derby d'Italia, a game in which the Turin giants clinched three precious points thanks to Martin Caceres and Alessandro Del Piero. Mar 25, 2012 Juventus Gianluigi Buffon 7.5 - Very busy in the first half. The Italy captain made a crucial stop from Milito on 15 minutes, using his feet to great effect, before then displaying his wonderful reactions by keeping out a terrific near-post header from Forlan. Denied Milito again in the 32nd minute and also kept out long-range efforts from Obi and Stankovic. Giorgio Chiellini 7.0 - Lucky to avoid giving away a free-kick in a dangerous position - and perhaps even a booking - for blatantly obstructing Milito after the Argentine had flicked the ball by him. However, for the most part, he defended solidly and was desperately unlucky to end with neither an assist, after a wonderful run into the Inter box, or a goal, on account of a terrific reflex save from Julio Cesar. Martín Cáceres 7.5 - Proved a more than able deputy for Lichtsteiner, picking out Matri in the area with a sublime lofted cross which the forward really should have buried. He was not afraid to get himself into the box either. He probably should have done better with a Pepe cross from the right wing 27 minutes in but made amends by heading Juve into the lead midway through the second half. However, from a defensive perspective, he was exposed by Obi's pace on a couple of occasions. Paolo De Ceglie 5.0 - Struggled to contain Maicon whenever the Brazilian ventured forward, while at the same time failing to put the Inter full-back under any pressure himself. His crossing was pretty poor, too. Andrea Barzagli 6.0 - Had a momentary scare when he Milito put him under pressure as he tried to shepherd the ball back to Buffon but this was a decent display from Barzagli given it was his first game back after injury. Simone Pepe 4.5 - His first couple of crosses were poor but his terrific delivery from the right wing some 26 minutes in deserved better from Caceres. However, that was to be the highlight of his evening as he was hauled off early in the second half, just moments after wasting a pretty decent opening. Claudio Marchisio 5.5 - Started pretty slowly but he started to get himself involved from the half-hour mark on and forced the corner which led to Caceres' goal with swerving drive which Julio Cesar tipped over the bar. Andrea Pirlo 6.5 - Lost the ball deep in his own half early on and was very nearly caught in possession in his own box just before the break. However, he was much more like his usual self in the second period and ended with another assist to his name after Caceres headed home his terrific corner from the right. Should have had another too but Vucinic wasted his wonderful through-ball. Arturo Vidal Pardo 7.5 - Really put himself about early and tested Julio Cesar from distance after winning the ball well just inside Inter territory before surging forward. His shooting was suspect throughout but his pass into Del Piero for the crucial second goal was absolutely sublime. Mirko Vučinić 5.0 - Offered an early indicator of his growing confidence by barging Marchisio off the ball midway through the opening period. However, he was on the fringes of the game for most of the half before calling Julio Cesar into action with a deflected effort shortly before the break. Presented with a great chance to put Juve 2-0 up but shot tamely at Julio Cesar. Alessandro Matri 4.5 - Demonstrated his admirable willingness to chase back during the first half but he spurned a golden opportunity to open the scoring by heading Caceres' wonderful cross straight at Julio Cesar. He then blazed over after the Uruguayan's cut-back had fallen for him some in the middle of the box. Unsurprisingly replaced early in the second half. • Substitutions Leonardo Bonucci 6.0 - Thrown on in place of Pepe as part of a tactical reshuffle which saw Juve switch to 3-5-2 and slotted back into the side with the mininum of fuss. Alessandro Del Piero 7.5 - Harshly dropped after scoring against Milan in midweek, the legendary trequartista proved a point by making a tremendous impact after bring sprung from the bench, scoring Juve's vital second goal after being put through by Vidal. Why oh why are Juve getting rid of him at the end of the season?! Fabio Quagliarella 6.0 - Saw 10 minutes of action at the end and came close to scoring just before full-time only to be denied by Julio Cesar. FC Internazionale Julio César 6.0 - Failed to claim Pepe's low cross early on but got away with it as Vucinic was unable to pick out a team-mate after pouncing the rebound. Mad a string of impressive saves in the second period but could do nothing about either Caceres' header or Del Piero's strike. Badly let down by his defenders in both instances. Javier Adelmar Zanetti 5.5 - Industrious as ever, the Argentine broke up several Juve attacks, most notably when he almost effortlessly stripped Vucinic of possession just outside the Inter box. However, his overall influence was negligible. Lucio 5.0 - Stuck pretty close to Matri for the majority of the game and kept the forward quiet, but he did lose the Italy international during the first half and was lucky to see the forward head tamely at Julio Cesar. Must also accept the majority of the blame for Caceres' goal by allowing the Uruguayan a free header on the six-yard box. Maicon 6.5 - Lucky to avoid a booking for catching De Ceglie but soon settled and caused havoc every time he went forward in the first half, particularly when he cut infield on 13 minutes and put Milito in on goal only for the Argentine to shoot straight at Buffon. Less of a threat, though, after the break. Walter Adrian Samuel 6.0 - Cannot be faulted for the loss. The Argentine won a fair bit of ball in the air and also made a couple of important blocks, throwing himself in front of a shot from Marchisio in the opening quarter before deflecting a strike from Matri away for a corner. Yuto Nagatomo 5.5 - Initially appeared that he and Obi might caused all sorts of problems for Juve down the left-hand side after linking well with the youngster nine minutes in but the Japanese rarely ventured forward thereafter. Kept Pepe pretty quiet, though. Dejan Stankovic 5.5 - Given the nod ahead of Cambiasso in midfield and made several timely interceptions in the first quarter of the game alone. Also drew a save out of Buffon with a long-range effort. However, his sloppy passing put the Nerazzurri in trouble on occasion. Andrea Poli 5.0 - Never really managed to get a grip of the game, though he did get a grip of Vucinic's shirt just before the interval and was booked for his troubles. Quite who he was supposed to be marking for the corner which led to Caceres' goal is anyone's guess. Obi 5.5 - Showed an impressive turn of pace in breaking away down the left wing early on but then failed to pick anybody out in the centre. Tested Buffon with a well-struck strike from distance. However, was anonymous in the second half before being replaced. Diego Forlan Corazo 5.0 - Recalled to the starting lineup after allegedly refusing to come on as a sub last weekend and initially struggled to find a team-mate. However, he linked well with Maicon in the lead-up to Milito's first sight of goal before then drawing a terrific reaction save out of Buffon with a near-post header. Diego Alberto Milito 6.0 - Had the first big chance of the game after being slipped in on goal by Maicon. Unfortunately, the ball got under his feet a tad and he was only able to stab it towards goal, thus leaving Buffon with a far easier save to make. Produced a far cleaner strike after killing a long ball over the top but Buffon was again equal to it. • Substitutions Marco Faraoni 5.5 - Failed to make an impression after coming on for Obi midway through the second half. Giampaolo Pazzini 5.5 - Came on for Poli on 67 minutes but never got a sight of goal while on the field. http://www.soccerway...regular-season/

Serie A Week 29 - 25-3-2012 (8:45 p.m.) 2 - 0 Martín Cáceres (57′) Alessandro Del Piero (71′) Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee: Andrea De Marco Attendance: 34000‎ Juve win Derby D'Italia Mar 25, 2012 Juventus maintained their unbeaten record in Serie A this season with a 2-0 win over Inter Milan which takes them back to within four points of AC Milan at the top of the table. Martin Caceres and Alessandro Del Piero scored the goals for the Bianconeri, who moved 15 points clear of their bitter rivals in the process. Inter's 12th defeat of the season leaves them in seventh place in the table, behind Catania and seven points away from a place in Europe next season, which is beginning to look increasingly unlikely for the 2010 Champions League winners. The ongoing dispute over the Serie A titles in 2005 and 2006 has added further spice to the Derby d'Italia this season while the contrasting form of both teams made the stakes high at the Juventus Stadium. The fact that former Juve coach Claudio Ranieri was sitting on the Inter bench was another ingredient and, fittingly, the show on the field lived up to the expectations with both sides showing a willingness to attack. The home side made their first break for goal in the third minute, but Alessandro Matri was unable to make anything of the chance after Julio Cesar pushed Simone Pepe's cross out to him. Inter responded with a break of their own in the 14th minute, but Gianluigi Buffon denied Diego Milito. Julio Cesar did not want to be outdone at the other end as he kept out a Matri header with a reflex save. Milito got two bites of the cherry in the 32nd minute, but he was first denied by Buffon before hitting over. Only the customary yellow cards were missing from an exciting encounter, but Yuti Nagatomo changed that as his became the first name to go into the book after 34 minutes. Antonio Conte made two changes early in the second half, first bringing Leonardo Bonucci on for Pepe, much to the home fans' disapproval, but then sent Del Piero on for Matri. Only three minutes later, Juve were in front. Andrea Pirlo's corner was met by Caceres, who was left all alone to head past Julio Cesar. Del Piero's impact on the game became even more tangible when he set up Mirko Vucinic, who was denied by Julio Cesar in the 70th minute. The Juve club captain then doubled their lead with a shot into the far corner from Arturo Vidal's assist. Maicon saved Inter from further damage 10 minutes from time when he made a sliding tackle to deny Fabio Quagliarella from close range while Julio Cesar made two more spectacular saves to deny Giorgio Chiellini and Quagliarella as Juve threatened to run away with the game. http://www.soccerway...regular-season/

Serie A Week 29 - 25-3-2012 (8:45 p.m.) 2 - 0 Martín Cáceres (57′) Alessandro Del Piero (71′) Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee: Andrea De Marco Attendance: 34000‎ Juve's Derby d'Italia triumph! Gigi Buffon’s heroics denied Inter in the first half, then Martin Caceres and Alessandro Del Piero struck to secure a Juventus victory. Mar 25, 2012 The Derby d’Italia has always been a fiery occasion, but even more so since the Calciopoli scandal of 2006. The new Juventus Stadium makes very clear they do not acknowledge the two stripped titles, so maintain they have 29 Scudetti rather than 27. Indeed it was in huge letters all over the stadium choreography with the banner ‘That which we earned on the pitch with sweat, was handed to you in the courts.’ The Bianconeri got through to the Coppa Italia Final on Tuesday night against Milan in extra time, though the club insisted their unbeaten record remained intact despite losing 2-1 at the end of the 90 minutes. Inter faced a massive struggle to even qualify for the Europa League and pressure was building on ex-Juve Coach Claudio Ranieri. Wesley Sneijder and Ricky Alvarez were unavailable, so Diego Forlan and Diego Milito were picked in attack. The home side missed Emanuele Giaccherini and the suspended Stephan Lichtsteiner, so Martin Caceres stepped in and Andrea Barzagli returned from injury. Juve had their first chance within three minutes, as Julio Cesar beat away Simone Pepe’s pull-back to Alessandro Matri and the defence scrambled clear. Inter also threatened, as Douglas Maicon played through the middle for Milito, forcing Gigi Buffon to parry from close range. On 16 minutes Caceres crossed for Matri inbetween two defenders, his header that Julio Cesar did well to palm away from six yards. There was a bizarre moment when Claudio Marchisio was barged off the ball by teammate Mirko Vucinic just as he was about to cross in the Inter box, much to the midfielder’s bemusement. Marchisio did manage to get a cross away soon after, but Vucinic just failed to make contact with his head and, as the move continued, Matri ballooned over from a Caceres cut-back. Vucinic was again unable to get on the end of a wayward Caceres header from Pepe’s cross. Inter threatened from a Maicon corner, but Buffon performed a stunning reaction save at the near post from point-blank range on Forlan’s header. Milito also went very close, trapping a long ball over the top and stinging Buffon’s gloves from just inside the box, then firing the follow-up over. Buffon was becoming much the busier of the goalkeepers, again forced to parry a screamer of a Joel Obi strike from distance. Milito was furious when the referee waved play on after he clashed with Giorgio Chiellini on the counter, while Julio Cesar smothered a Vucinic effort. A poor clearance found Dejan Stankovic on the volley, but again Buffon was there to save with his legs in a reflex parry. After the restart Pepe pounced on a Yuto Nagatomo error, but Walter Samuel got back to block the shot. Alessandro Del Piero and Leonardo Bonucci replaced Matri and Pepe, moving to a three-man defence. Julio Cesar flew to fingertip a Marchisio blockbuster out from under the bar and from the corner Caceres was left in far too much space to nod in the Juventus opener. The Uruguayan defender was totally unmarked from eight yards and left the goalkeeper rooted to the spot. Buffon audaciously came well out of his area to clear from Milito, while Ranieri introduced Giampaolo Pazzini and Marco Davide Faraoni for Obi and Poli. Vucinic sprung the offside trap from Del Piero’s pass to be totally on his own against Julio Cesar, but fired straight at the goalkeeper. The move continued and this time Del Piero was the one who went clear, keeping his cool to pass it across Julio Cesar into the far bottom corner. The captain timed his run perfectly on an Arturo Vidal pass through three Inter defenders. It was Alex’s first Serie A goal of the season, the 186th in his career. It really should’ve been 3-0 when Chiellini burst through the distracted Nerazzurri defence and rolled across for Leonardo Bonucci at the back post, but Maicon performed a crucial goalline clearance with Julio Cesar well beaten. Chiellini went for goal himself with a bullet header from the set play, but Julio Cesar flew to palm it out from under the crossbar. Substitute Fabio Quagliarella muscled his way past Nagatomo to force another save at the near post. Chiellini was furious in stoppages when Milito ran with an arm into the back of his neck, but the referee waved play on. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Juventus:Buffon; Caceres, Barzagli, Chiellini, De Ceglie; Vidal, Pirlo, Marchisio; Pepe (Bonucci 53), Matri (Del Piero 53), Vucinic (Quagliarella 74) Inter:Julio Cesar; Maicon, Lucio, Samuel, Nagatomo; Zanetti, Stankovic, Poli (Pazzini 68), Obi (Faraoni 68); Forlan, Milito Ref:De Marco http://www.soccerway...regular-season/

Serie A Week 29 - 25-3-2012 (8:45 p.m.) 2 - 0 Martín Cáceres (57′) Alessandro Del Piero (71′) Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee: Andrea De Marco Attendance: 34000‎ Caceres and Del Piero settle Derby d'Italia and close gap to leaders AC Milan back to four points Second half goals from the Uruguayan and the Italian were enough to give the Bianconeri all three points, in what was a captivating encounter in Turin. Mar 25, 2012 Second half goals from Martin Caceres and Alessandro Del Piero were enough to give Juventus a 2-0 win over Inter at Juventus Stadium on Sunday. A header from the Uruguayan defender and a delightful first time finish by the veteran Italian striker gave the Old Lady a valuable win in their hunt to chase down leaders AC Milan at the top of the Serie A table. With Juventus fresh off the back of that Coppa Italia semi-final aggregate win over Milan on Tuesday, it was clear that Antonio Conte's men were brimming with confidence, and they started the game as such. The Bianconeri dominated possession in the early exchanges, but were nearly made to rue their lack of chances created on 13 minutes. Maicon made a trademark run down the right, cut inside, found the run of Diego Milito, and played the Argentine forward in on goal. Unfortunately for the Nerazzurri though, the former Genoa striker couldn't make the most of the opportunity, firing his shot straight at Gianluigi Buffon. Conte's men still had the monopoly on possession, but were now starting to create chances on goal, and they perhaps should have opened up their account on two occasions midway through the half. First, Alessandro Matri had a header from eight yards saved by Julio Cesar, and then just a few minutes later, a low cross from the right found Matri again, but the Italian forward could only hit his shot over the bar. Claudio Ranieri's side slowly started to impose themselves on the game; putting pressure on Andrea Pirlo, Claudio Marchisio and Arturo Vidal. And it was that leg-work that almost led to Inter opening their account for the night. Dejan Stankovic dispossessed Marchisio in the centre circle, and played a long, diagonal ball to Milito. The Argentine forward brought the ball down superbly, took it into the box, and fired a shot straight at Buffon, only for the ball to arrive back at his feet for a second attempt. Regrettably for the Nerazzurri though, that effort was also missed, and the sides went into the break all square. The second half began in almost the exact opposite way to the first, with Inter controlling the play but struggling to create any clear-cut chances. Milito was, as usual, full of running, but the Nerazzurri midfield four were finding it difficult to pick out the Argentine forward's darting runs. That lack of incisiveness came back to haunt Inter on 57 minutes. A corner from the right was whipped in by Pirlo, and the ball found Caceres, who, unmarked inside the six yard box, headed home easily for his first Serie A goal of the season. The Nerazzurri starting pushing desperately for an equaliser, but all that pressing left them exposed at the back, and Juventus took full advantage on 70 minutes. A delightful through ball by Vidal found the run of Del Piero, who, just inside the area, gently slipped it past the on-rushing Julio Cesar to make it 2-0. Late chances for Fabio Quagliarella and Giorgio Chiellini almost made the final scoreline even more resounding, but Conte's men had to settle what they had, as they closed the gap on leaders Milan back to four points. Inter remain in eighth, meanwhile, and now trail third-placed Lazio by 10 points. http://www.soccerway...regular-season/

Inter a -18

Chiellini tenta l'autogoal

Parata straordinaria di Julio Cesar

Crampi alla gola?

Che goal fallito!

Quagliarella in campo fra poco