Socrates

Serie A Week 29 - 25-3-2012 (8:45 p.m.) - Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee: Andrea De Marco Ranieri: The upcoming Derby d'Italia is more important for Juventus than Inter The 60-year-old has attempted to play mind games with Antonio Conte by claiming that the Turin club need the three points more than the Nerazzurri do when the teams meet on Sunday. Mar 24, 2012 Inter coach Claudio Ranieri has tried to place pressure upon Juventus by claiming that the meeting between the two teams on Sunday is more important for the Bianconeri. The Giuseppe Meazza outfit head into the game in seventh place and struggling to compete for the European qualification positions after a dreadful run of one win in nine league games. Juventus on the other hand are four points off league leaders AC Milan and for this reason, Ranieri believes three points are more imperative for Antonio Conte's men. "In this situation, the game is more important for Juventus than Inter, so they have more to lose," he told reporters at his pre-match press conference. "With a defeat, Juve would see Milan break further away at the top of the table. They are also afraid that Inter can be the first team to beat them this season. It's a derby, I know, having been on the other end and realising full well what his game means." The trainer was talking about his previous spell in charge of the Turin-outfit where he was dismissed from his role two weeks before the end of the season in 2009. "I took over a side that was coming up from Serie B and lacked many champions. In the last four or five years everything has changed, as they are building a new project, the philosophy and above all, the budget has been totally transformed," he mused. "Am I disappointed at not continuing in Turin? We all have our karma, our story, and I always reconstructed wherever I went, but never bowed to compromises. "The reason I left was there were three of us choosing players. At that moment I was excluded from making decisions, then I walked away." Ranieri concluded his press conference by turning his attention to his own side and believes they may have turned the corner after going through a dismal run of form. "In recent outings we've seemed less weighed down. Now we are ready to face this Juventus, a side which are doing really well," he added. "It's not true that we have nothing to lose though. You always want to win a big game and although Juve run the biggest risks, I would've preferred to be in their shoes." http://www.soccerway...regular-season/

Serie A Week 29 - 25-3-2012 (8:45 p.m.) - Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee: Andrea De Marco Conte: Inter will play the game of their lives against Juventus The 42-year-old believes Claudio Ranieri's men will be determined to claim victory at the expense of his side, but expects the Bianconeri crowd to play a key role. Mar 24, 2012 Juventus coach Antonio Conte has warned his players that Inter will be ready for battle when the two teams clash on Sunday. The Nerazzurri have struggled for form recently, winning only one of their last nine Serie A games and are currently in seventh place. Despite their disappointing campaign, Conte believes a tough task awaits his men at Juventus Stadium. "Inter will play the game of their lives. It is a very deeply-felt match for them and they will also want to interrupt our unbeaten record," he told reporters at a press conference. "The challenge with Inter is important for the present, but the past doesn't interest me. These are truly fundamental points up for grabs and we expect great support from our fans." Juve beat AC Milan in extra-time midweek in the Coppa Italia to reach the final of the competition. However, the Bianconeri remain four points behind Massimiliano Allegri's side in the league, and Conte is looking for his men to focus on a game-to-game basis. "All we can do is take it one match at a time and always give 100 per cent, then we'll see where we end up. We are playing against champions so we must concentrate. I don't see a depressed Inter, so they're certainly not coming to Turin to act as sacrificial lambs. "We achieved our first objective which was reaching the Coppa Italia final and eliminating Milan, so we must compliment the lads." The 42-year-old was also questioned on his line-up for the game, with Andrea Barzagli given the all-clear to start but the coach remained coy on who will play. "There is no first-choice starting XI for me. I always try to pick the side that I consider to be the best to win this particular game," he concluded. http://www.soccerway...regular-season/

Serie A Week 29 - 25-3-2012 (8:45 p.m.) - Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee: Andrea De Marco Pazzini motivated to beat Juventus on Sunday The Nerazzurri are seventh in Serie A after a shaky campaign, but the Italy international is keen to kick-start a strong end to the season with three points in the Derby d'Italia. Mar 24, 2012 Giampaolo Pazzini is targeting a win in Sunday's game against Juventus, which he hopes would spark a strong finish to the term for Inter. The Nerazzurri sit in seventh place ahead of the weekend's fixture list, six points adrift of the top four. Nevertheless, the Italy international feels his side are motivated for the game against Antonio Conte's men, and insisted that the team will keep fighting until the end of the campaign. "Motivation comes by itself in a game like this. Juventus have more to lose than us, while we want to do well, above all for president Massimo Moratti," Pazzini told Studio Sport. "The president has always stuck right by us and that is wonderful for the team, to have someone like him putting his faith in us and pushing us forward. It’s important. "We will continue to believe in third place until it becomes mathematically impossible. It’s pointless making calculations now or looking round to what the other sides are doing. "First of all, we have to start winning," he concluded. http://www.soccerway...regular-season/

Serie A Week 29 - 25-3-2012 (8:45 p.m.) - Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee: Andrea De Marco Chiellini: Inter remain Juventus' greatest rivals Currently seventh in Serie A, Claudio Ranieri's men appear in complete disarray at the moment, but the Italy international retains the utmost respect for the Nerazzurri. Mar 23, 2012 Giorgio Chiellini has claimed that Inter remain Juventus' greatest rivals ahead of the Derby d'Italia. The Bianconeri are currently battling it out with AC Milan for this year's Scudetto, while the Nerazzurri are languishing in seventh and in real jeopardy of failing to qualify for next season's Champions League. However, Chiellini believes that there is no bigger game in Italian football than Juventus versus Inter. "It's true that at the moment, from the media's point of view, the game against Inter has maybe lost some of its lustre," he told Sky Sport24. "But they remain our biggest rivals and we've talked a lot about this within the dressing room this week." However, Chiellini did concede that Juventus are facing the Nerazzurri at an opportune time, in light of the San Siro side's stuttering form of late. "Inter this season are going through a difficult period," the 27-year-old admitted. "They were strong but at this time we feel in better shape than them." The goal now, Chiellini, admits is to emulate the Nerazzurri's achievements under former boss Roberto Mancini and his predecessor Jose Mourinho, in re-establishing themselves as a major force once more after years in the wilderness. "I hope that Juventus can follow the same path as Inter, who have recovered after a difficult time," he confessed. "I also hope that this season might mean the beginning of a new era for us." Juve's meeting with Inter in Turin gets underway on Sunday at 20:45CET. http://www.soccerway...regular-season/

Serie A Week 29 - 25-3-2012 (8:45 p.m.) - Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee: Andrea De Marco Moratti: The games against Juventus are always important for political reasons The Nerazzurri presdent wants his charges to give everything they have when they lock horns with their rivals in the Derby d’Italia on Sunday in Turin. Mar 23, 2012 Inter president Massimo Moratti has stressed that the match against Juventus is still of immense importance, despite the fact that the Nerazzurri are out of the title race. Inter sit seventh in the Serie A table at the moment, and are trailing their rivals by a whopping 15 points. Nevertheless, Moratti has insisted that the encounter is still extremely important for Inter due to other factors. "Regardless of the league table, the match against Juventus still remains the most important one of the season. That's definitely how it feels for me, and it should be like that for others, too," Moratti stated to La giornalaccio rosa dello Sport. "Also for political and other reasons that we know all too well. It's time to rekindle Inter's pride. I expect something extra from everyone. "We have to get the maximum out of the remaining 10 games. The match against Juventus should be the start of something. It's time to wake up." Sunday's encounter at Juventus Stadium kicks off at 20.45 CET. http://www.soccerway...regular-season/

Serie A Week 29 - 25-3-2012 (8:45 p.m.) - Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee: Andrea De Marco Stankovic: Juventus have more to lose than Inter The Serbian midfielder has voiced his opinion that the Turin side have it all to play for in Sunday's Serie A encounter, and stressed that the Nerazzurri can still finish third. Mar 23, 2012 Inter midfielder Dejan Stankovic believes that the pressure will be on Juventus when the two sides go head to head in Serie A on Sunday. The Nerazzurri are currently lingering in seventh place in the table, while Juve are challenging AC Milan for the Scudetto, and Stankovic feels that the Old Lady will have more to play for as they can't afford to lose any points or risk their title ambitions slipping away. "Juventus have much more to lose than Inter. They are fighting for the Scudetto and we know that brings a lot of extra pressure," Stankovic was quoted as saying by La giornalaccio rosa dello Sport. "They really can not afford to drop any points. There will be even more pressure on them if AC Milan win their league game on Saturday." Stankovic then went on to discuss his side's chances of finishing third in the Serie A table to qualify for the Champions League play-offs. "It hurts to see us like this in the league table. However, we have some important games coming up against Udinese and Lazio for third place. We are still a feared opponent." Inter currently have 41 points from 28 games, seven points behind Lazio who occupy the final Champions League spot. http://www.soccerway...regular-season/

Serie A Week 29 - 25-3-2012 (8:45 p.m.) - Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee: Andrea De Marco Chiellini: 'Juve-Inter the top rivalry' Mar 23, 2012 Juventus star Giorgio Chiellini has snubbed Milan by pointing out “Inter remain our greatest rivals” ahead of the Derby d’Italia. The Bianconeri and Rossoneri are fighting for the Scudetto, but there is more bad blood with the Nerazzurri. “It’s true that at this moment in time the game with Inter perhaps doesn’t have as much media impact as in the past, but they remain our greatest rivals and we talked about this match a lot this week,” Chiellini told Sky Sport Italia. “This year Inter are going through a difficult time. They were strong and at this moment we feel that we’re in better shape than they are. “I hope this season can represent the start of a new era for Juventus.” Sunday’s match also represents a return to Turin for Claudio Ranieri, whose spell at Juve ended with dismissal. “I learned a great deal from Ranieri during his time as Coach of Juventus,” assured Chiellini. http://www.soccerway...regular-season/

Serie A Week 29 - 25-3-2012 (8:45 p.m.) - Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee: Andrea De Marco De Ceglie: Motivation is easy Mar 23, 2012 Paolo De Ceglie says Juventus need little to motivate them for this weekend’s clash with Inter or for the season run-in. Currently four points behind League leaders Milan, Juve host their struggling rivals Inter for the Sunday evening fixture in Week 29, by which stage the Rossoneri may boast a seven-point advantage. “Every game against Inter is a big match, therefore we’ll be absolutely motivated to do well and clinch a victory,” reflected the left-winger on Juventus Channel this Friday. “Certainly, when we play Milan and Inter who are Juventus’ historic rivals, motivations easily arise and we don’t need to seek them. “Having our fans so close is always a great spur to give our all. The stadium is very important and our public can be decisive.” There are 10 games of the League season to go for the Coppa Italia finalists. “The championship finale needs to be in-line with our performances shown so far. We must continue to give our all and impose our way of playing. “Then we’ll see what we’ll achieve. There are 10 games left and several points to get, everything can happen.” De Ceglie was talking to the club’s official outlet at the end of a week in which he signed a contract extension to 2017. “The renewal was a memorable day, because I can say that my dream continues. The chance to wear this shirt has always represented for me the great opportunity. “I’m very excited if I think about both recent and future years. I love Juventus, this side is absolutely the top and I feel strong emotions when I’m involved with this colours.” http://www.soccerway...regular-season/

Serie A Week 29 - 25-3-2012 (8:45 p.m.) - Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee: Andrea De Marco Juve show Barzagli caution Mar 23, 2012 Andrea Barzagli should be declared fit to face Inter this weekend, but Juventus boss Antonio Conte may not risk him. The Italian international had played in every single minute of the Old Lady’s season before he limped out of the 1-1 draw with Chievo in Week 26. Although he seems to have recovered from a calf problem, Conte may only place him on the bench this weekend. Juve could thus line up with a back four consisting of Martin Caceres, Leonardo Bonucci, Giorgio Chiellini and Paolo De Ceglie. Caceres will replace the suspended Stephan Lichtsteiner at right-back. http://www.soccerway...regular-season/

Serie A Week 29 - 25-3-2012 (8:45 p.m.) - Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee: Andrea De Marco Milito would take out Pirlo Mar 23, 2012 Inter’s Diego Milito has respect for the Juventus forward line, but he’s worried by the creativity of Andrea Pirlo. “They have attackers of value,” he told the Corriere dello Sport ahead of this weekend’s clash in Turin. “Mirko Vucinic, Alessandro Matri, Fabio Quagliarella, Marco Borriello and Alex Del Piero are all important players and they have experience. “But Juve’s strength is in their organisation and their enthusiasm rather than in their individuality. “Saying that, if there was one player I would take out of their team then that would be Pirlo. He makes the side tick.” While Inter have been one of the biggest disappointments of the season, title-chasing Juventus have been a revelation after two consecutive seventh place finishes. “I knew that they were a good side with a great Coach,” continued the Argentine international. “Juve have focused on their desire to win something after so many years without a trophy. “For us, our mental approach will be important in this game. While true that running and intensity count, you won’t be able to play without a free mind.” http://www.soccerway...regular-season/

Serie A Week 29 - 25-3-2012 (8:45 p.m.) - Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee: Andrea De Marco Pressure on Juve, says Stankovic Mar 23, 2012 Dejan Stankovic insists Juventus will be feeling the pressure when his Inter side travel to Turin on Sunday evening. “They have more to lose than us,” the midfielder told the giornalaccio rosa dello Sport. “They are playing for the title and we know what kind of pressure that leads to. “They are forced to win – and that will be even more the case should Milan, who play a day earlier, collect three more points.” While Juve are four points adrift of Milan in second, Inter are seventh – seven points behind the last remaining Champions League spot. “The League table is clear and it’s not nice to lie,” continued the former Lazio player. “However, to finish third you have to win a few direct clashes and we have those against Udinese and Lazio. “It is also never good to have an Inter side chasing you. Despite everything this season, I think we are still feared.” The 33-year-old is known for his contribution in front of goal, but the veteran has yet to ripple a net this term. “I still have 10 games at my disposal,” he noted. “Perhaps Sunday will be the right day. I’ve never ended a season without scoring a goal. Never. “I don’t think it is possible for me to not score in a campaign and I don’t even want to think about it.” http://www.soccerway...regular-season/

Serie A Week 29 - 25-3-2012 (8:45 p.m.) - Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee: Andrea De Marco Bonucci: 'Juve on par with Milan' Mar 23, 2012 Leonardo Bonucci feels Juventus are now joint Scudetto favourites with Milan, but first have to beat Inter “at all costs.” The Bianconeri are second in Serie A, but knocked the Rossoneri out of the Coppa Italia semi-final 4-3 on aggregate this week. “I am very happy at this qualification. In the four games that we have played against Milan, we showed that we can keep up the head-to-head,” Bonucci wrote on his official website. “After all, we beat them twice and drew twice. This must give us strength and belief in our abilities. “If I always said Milan were the favourites for the Scudetto, then now I can say this: We’re there too!!! And if Milan make a mistake, then we are there. “As for Sunday night, we have to face Inter, a side I really don’t trust. We’ve got to win at all costs. Of course, at the end of the day may the best team win, as always.” http://www.soccerway...regular-season/

Serie A Week 29 - 25-3-2012 (8:45 p.m.) - Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee: Andrea De Marco If Milan make a mistake Juventus will be there, warns Bonucci The 24-year-old defender feels his side's impressive record against the Italian champions stands as proof that they are able to compete with Massimiliano Allegri's men. Mar 23, 2012 Juventus centre-back Leonardo Bonucci has voiced his belief that his side are on par with AC Milan, despite the four-point gap at the top of Serie A. The Turin giants have experienced an extraordinary season under Antonio Conte's stewardship, and are currently unbeaten in the league after 28 rounds. A 2-2 home draw after extra-time with Milan on Tuesday was enough to see Juve qualify for the Coppa Italia final, and Bonucci is hoping his side's good record against the champions will spur them on to seal their first title since their controversial relegation in 2006. "I am very happy to qualify for the [cup] final. In the four games that we have played against Milan, we have shown that we can keep up with them head-to-head," the 24-year-old wrote on his official website. "After all, we beat them twice and drew twice. This must give us strength and belief in our abilities. If Milan make a mistake, we are right there." Juventus host Inter on Sunday evening, and Bonucci vowed that his side would fight to defeat Claudio Ranieri's beleaguered team. "As for Sunday, we have to face Inter, a side I really don't trust. We've got to win at all costs," he concluded. Juventus and Inter kick off at 20.45CET. http://www.soccerway...regular-season/

Coppa Italia - Semifinale - Ritorno - 20-3-2012 (ore 20:45) 2 - 2 Alessandro Del Piero (28′) Djamel Mesbah (51′) Maxi López (81′) Mirko Vučinić (98′) Juventus Stadium - Torino Arbitro: Daniele Orsato Coppa Italia - Non basta il coraggio Milan, Juve in finale! Emozioni a Torino. La Juventus pareggia 2-2 grazie a un eurogol nel primo tempo supplementare di uno splendido Vucinic. Milan che nei novanta minuti era riuscito a ribaltare il match con Mesbah e Maxi Lopez dopo il vantaggio iniziale di capitan Alex Del Piero. Bianconeri in finale di Coppa Italia. Eurosport - Martedí, 20 marzo 2012 JUVE-MILAN, MOLTO PIU' DI UNA FINALE IN GIOCO - Basta sentire il boato assordante degli oltre 40.000 spettatori dello Juventus Stadium per rendersi conto che tra Milan e Juventus non ci si giocherà solo una "semplice" finale di Coppa Italia. In campo le due protagoniste del campionato e delle ultime settimane di polemiche e colpi bassi. In palio l'accesso a una finale che la Juve non gioca dalla stagione 2003/04 quando fu battuta dalla Lazio e tante motivazioni anche per il resto della stagione. Per il Milan sarebbe un secondo colpo piazzato ai rivali bianconeri dopo il sorpasso in Serie A. Bianconeri ancora imbattuti e che per l'occasione rispolverano uno dei simboli del trionfo, degli anni della caduta e della rinascita: capitan Del Piero. Conte si affida proprio a lui e alla sua esperienza per frenare la rincorsa del Milan, sotto 2-1 all'andata a San Siro (splendida doppietta di Caceres). Bianconeri in campo con il 4-3-3 con Pepe e Vucinic a fare compagnia al capitano. Allegri lascia Nocerino in panchina e manda in campo il protagonista del match dell'andata, il giovane El Shaarawy, autore del gol della speranza rossonera. Confermato, nonostante l'influenza, Ibrahimovic. A supportare la coppia offensiva capitan Clarence Seedorf. PRIMO TEMPO, EQUILIBRIO E IL LAMPO DEL CAPITANO - Serve una mezza impresa al Milan per capovolgere una situazione non facile da gestire. Nessuno ha ancora battuto la Juventus nel suo stadio. Per farlo i rossoneri si affidano al possesso palla a centrocampo (58% al termine della prima parte di gara) e a un quantitativo industriale di lanci lunghi per Ibrahimovic. Parte bene il Milan che già al decimo ha la prima grande occasione per colpire: Chiellini mette giù in maniera fallosa Ibrahimovic al limite dell'area. È lo stesso svedese a calciare la punizione ribattuta dalla barriera. Pochi spazi e prime scintille al quarto d'ora quando Muntari mette giù un avversario e si prende il primo giallo del match. Le proteste di Allegri danno il via ai primi sorrisini di Antonio Conte. Si avvicina la mezzora e la Juventus colpisce: lancio perfetto di Pirlo per Lichsteiner che crossa dalla destra per Del Piero che salta, con un intervento dubbio, Mexes e batte Amelia. Il Milan accusa il colpo e l'entrata killer di Aquilani su Vucinic rischia di far saltare definitivamente i nervi. Giallo per il centrocampista con il montenegrino che non prende bene l'intervento dell'avversario. Ci vogliono Del Piero e la sua diplomazia per spegnere l'incendio in campo. Vucinic che cinque minuti più tardi viene ammonito. SECONDO TEMPO, FUORI IBRA IL MILAN RIBALTA IL MATCH - La seconda parte di gioco comincia con una sorpresa. Allegri lascia Ibrahimovic negli spogliatoi, dentro Maxi Lopez. È la svolta del match. Passano appena cinque minuti ed È il neo acquisto Mesbah a sbucare all'improvviso, complice l'errore di Pepe, e infilare con uno splendido colpo di testa in tuffo, il cross dalla trequarti di Mexes. La Juve subisce il colpo ed È il Milan a far girare meglio la palla. Manca velocità con un Seedorf eccessivamente macchinoso e così sono Mesbah e Muntari a prendere l'iniziativa. Conte corre ai ripari sostituendo uno dei peggiori in campo, Pepe, per Marchisio. Risponde Allegri inserendo la certezza Nocerino al posto di uno spento e nervoso Aquilani. È un Milan più ordinato e la Juve non può che affidarsi alle ripartenze, utilizzando come punto di riferimento un Vucinic in splendida serata. È il momento anche di Del Piero che lascia salutato da una standing ovation la sua ultima sfida contro il Milan da giocatore della Juventus. Al suo posto Borriello. È il momento chiave del match a livello tattico con Conte che torna a un 4-4-2 con l'intenzione di difendere il risultato senza correre rischi. E infatti i bianconeri non lasciano occasioni ma a ribaltare il risultato ci pensa un'invenzione di Maxi Lopez. L'argentino riceve palla al limite dell'area, salta un uomo e lascia partire un missile che si infila sotto l'incrocio dei pali. Tempi supplementari. I rossoneri si accontentano e neanche l'ingresso in campo, a sorpresa, di Inzaghi sblocca la situazione. Ad avere l'occasione più nitida é Borriello che si ritrova solo davanti ad Amelia ma decide di sprecare tutto calciando sul portiere avversario. Non bastano i novanta minuti. RISOLVE SUBITO VUCINIC CON UN EUROGOL - Neanche il tempo di prendere le misure che la Juventus colpisce. Dopo appena due minuti, un'altra perla, stavolta del migliore in campo Mirko Vucinic spegne le speranze rossonere e regala la prima finale dell'era Antonio Conte. Il montenegrino prende palla e con il suo solito movimento si accentra e lascia partire un tiro che non lascia scampo ad Amelia. È l'eurogol che risolve la partita. Non basta mezzora di forcing rossonero per strappare il gol qualificazione, È la Juventus la prima finalista di Coppa Italia. Pirlo e compagni in finale ma da applausi la reazione del Milan. Due squadre che hanno onorato al meglio questa semifinale, lottando fino alla fine, senza esclusioni di colpi. Sarà una partita che lascerà sicuramente qualche strascico nel corso della stagione con il Milan che vede sfumare il primo obiettivo in attesa di quella che da tutti È vista come una missione impossibile: eliminare il Barcellona dei record, di Leo Messi da stasera miglior marcatore della storia blaugrana, dai quarti di finale di Champions League. Per la Juve, per la prima volta battuta nei novanta minuti regolamentari, un esame di maturità superato a pieni voti. Andrea Prete - Eurosport Juventus - Milan 2-2

Coppa Italia - Semi-final (Second Leg) - 20-3-2012 (8:45 p.m.) 2 - 2 Alessandro Del Piero (28′) Djamel Mesbah (51′) Maxi López (81′) Mirko Vučinić (98′) Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee: Daniele Orsato Bonucci: 'Juve on par with Milan' Mar 22, 2012 Leonardo Bonucci feels Juventus are now joint Scudetto favourites with Milan, but first have to beat Inter “at all costs.” The Bianconeri are second in Serie A, but knocked the Rossoneri out of the Coppa Italia semi-final 4-3 on aggregate this week. “I am very happy at this qualification. In the four games that we have played against Milan, we showed that we can keep up the head-to-head,” Bonucci wrote on his official website. “After all, we beat them twice and drew twice. This must give us strength and belief in our abilities. “If I always said Milan were the favourites for the Scudetto, then now I can say this: We’re there too!!! And if Milan make a mistake, then we are there. “As for Sunday night, we have to face Inter, a side I really don’t trust. We’ve got to win at all costs. Of course, at the end of the day may the best team win, as always.”

Coppa Italia - Semi-final (Second Leg) - 20-3-2012 (8:45 p.m.) 2 - 2 Alessandro Del Piero (28′) Djamel Mesbah (51′) Maxi López (81′) Mirko Vučinić (98′) Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee: Daniele Orsato Pirlo: Juventus have achieved first goal of the season in reaching Coppa Italia final The Italy international has expressed his satisfaction with his side's progress to the Italian cup final, and stated that the race for the Scudetto is not over just yet. Mar 21, 2012 Juventus midfielder Andrea Pirlo has voiced his delight with the Old Lady's qualification for the final of the Coppa Italia at the expense of AC Milan. The Turin giants beat their rivals 4-3 on aggregate following Mirko Vucinic's strike in extra time of Tuesday's second leg (2-2 AET), and Pirlo has stressed that Juventus have to celebrate their success before turning their attention to Serie A again. "It’s been a great game, and we’re happy with our achievement, because we got through to the final against a great side, thus achieving our first goal of the season," Pirlo was quoted as saying on the official Juventus website. "We strongly wanted to win, and we also appreciated that the whole public enjoyed the match. Now, we don’t think about our tiredness nor about our next fixture against Inter, we only need to celebrate our success. "If the run towards the Scudetto is still open? Our task is to try to win each game in order to remain close to Milan."

Coppa Italia - Semi-final (Second Leg) - 20-3-2012 (8:45 p.m.) 2 - 2 Alessandro Del Piero (28′) Djamel Mesbah (51′) Maxi López (81′) Mirko Vučinić (98′) Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee: Daniele Orsato Vucinic hails Juventus' drive and determination after overcoming AC Milan The Montenegro international has expressed his delight with the Old Lady's progress to the final of the Coppa Italia, and feels their determination made the difference. Mar 21, 2012 Juventus attacker Mirko Vucinic has admitted that AC Milan caused the Bianconeri problems in the second leg of their Coppa Italia semi-final in Turin on Tuesday, but stressed that their team's determination and drive helped them through. Juve defended a 2-1 lead from the first leg and appeared to be on their way to the final when Alessandro Del Piero opened the scoring just before half-hour mark. However, goals from Djamel Mesbah and Maxi Lopez forced the game into extra time. But a Vucinic strike in the 96th minute made it 2-2 on the night to fire the Old Lady into the Coppa Italia final with a 4-3 aggregate victory. "Milan caused some difficulties after the opener, especially with their ball possession. But we managed to clinch this overall victory thanks to our drive, determination, running and sacrifice," Vucinic stated to reporters. "Just think about the defensive work carried out by the wide attackers and midfielders. And in extra time our effort was rewarded. "The most important thing is that the team achieves positive results. This evening, the fundamental thing was to get through to the final. We wanted it as much as our fans did."