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Serie A Week 27 - 11-3-2012 (3:00 p.m.) - Luigi Ferraris Stadium - Genoa Referee: Nicola Rizzoli Matri: 'Race is wide open!' Mar 11, 2012 Alessandro Matri insists the Scudetto race “is wide open” as Juventus go into the game with Genoa trailing Milan by two points. “There are a few regrets at the recent stalemates, but we are also aware that we gave our all,” said the striker. “Our season remains very positive. We are two points from Milan and the race is wide open, so the Scudetto dream remains and we’ll keep hold of it to the end. “We score so many goals with our midfielders because of the tactics and movements we practice in training all week, so the credit goes to everyone. “The Coach chooses his line-up based on what he sees during training and the characteristics of our opponents. I scored two goals against Genoa earlier this season, so I hope to be the ideal forward for this game...” Antonio Conte will be in the stands due to a touchline ban, so assistant manager Angelo Alessio makes the substitutions. “To be honest, we were all stunned by the red card against Bologna, as it didn’t seem as if he had protested that much,” noted Matri. “In any case, Sunday’s performance also depends on what we did during the week, so Conte worked with us throughout. We’ll try to ensure he is not missed and collaborate as best we can with Alessio.” http://www.soccerway...regular-season/

Serie A Week 27 - 11-3-2012 (3:00 p.m.) - Luigi Ferraris Stadium - Genoa Referee: Nicola Rizzoli Kucka spots Juve weakness Mar 11, 2012 Juraj Kucka is confident Genoa can take advantage of the Juventus frailties today. “It won’t be easy for Arturo Vidal to play as a defender.” The Bianconeri are without Giorgio Chiellini, Andrea Barzagli and the suspended Leonardo Bonucci for their trip to Marassi, so Vidal or Luca Marrone could be re-routed to centre-back. “It won’t be easy for Vidal to play as a defender, as changing position is not a simple thing to do,” noted Kucka. “I know what it’s like to play in the back, as I did it many, many years ago. We can make the most of this situation. “Alberto Gilardino is back too, as he and Rodrigo Palacio are crucial players for us. We are without a win in five, but beating Antonio Conte’s side could be the turning point.” Kucka’s contract is still half-owned by Inter and the midfielder is reportedly heading to San Siro next season. “I am not thinking about what could be. I am happy in Genoa. My performances weren’t great at the start of the season because I need a little time to hit form. I’m healthier and therefore doing better now.” http://www.soccerway...regular-season/

Bonucci denies involvement in Italian betting scandal The former Bari defender was questioned by police on Friday, and has made it clear that he has nothing to do with the Scommessopoli investigations. Mar 11, 2012 Juventus defender Leonardo Bonucci has denied any involvement in the so-called Scommessopoli scandal that rocked Italian football in 2011, La Repubblica reports. The centre-back was questioned by Puglia police on Friday about his role in the betting scandal, but Bonucci has made it clear that he was not aware of any attempts to manipulate games during his spell at Bari. Il Corriere dello Sport reported that Bari's 3-3 draw against Udinese in the 2009-10 campaign has come under scrutiny as there are suspicions that the outcome of the match was influenced. However, Bonucci insisted when questioned by investigators that he was neither involved in manipulating games, nor was aware of any attempts to fix matches. Famous ex-players such as Cristiano Doni and Giuseppe Signori were arrested in 2011 for their alleged role in the scandal, as were a host of lower league players.

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2 pali e 1 traversa .....

Palo di Pepe .....

Siamo davvero sfortunati.

Non va

Vuciniiiiiiiiiiiic .... traversa

Serie A Week 27 - 11-3-2012 (3:00 p.m.) - Luigi Ferraris Stadium - Genoa Referee: Nicola Rizzoli Change back to a 4-2-4 & five things Antonio Conte needs to do to rescue Juventus' title bid The Bianconeri have fallen behind in the race for the Serie A crown, but not all needs to be lost if their coach can get them back on their feet starting in Genoa on Sunday. Mar 11, 2012 COMMENT By Kris Voakes | Italian Football Editor Five draws in six, including three on the bounce, have left Juventus exactly where many fans feared their profligacy might leave them. With a third of the season to go, the Bianconeri find themselves playing catch-up to AC Milan for the first time. They have been behind the Rossoneri before now, but have always had games in hand. This time, it's different. So with Milan having the title in their hands for the first time, what can Juve do to ensure they keep up the pressure rather than fade into the background? Coach Antonio Conte, in his first season at Vinovo, has exceeded the expectations of many, but has a big job still to do over the final 12 games. If he is to pull off the ultimate debut season, it is important that Conte irons out the creases that have seen Juve lose ground of late. Below we look at the five main issues the former Bianconeri midfielder needs to address. STOP TINKERING Arguably one of the worst things that can befall a coach is the belief that anything he tries will pay off, or that he can stay ahead of the game no matter what he tries, and Juventus' constant changes of formation have shown Conte to be both indecisive and cocksure. After beginning his reign employing the 4-2-4 system which had served him so well in his previous roles, he soon changed his side's shape to accomodate both Arturo Vidal and Claudio Marchisio in a 4-1-4-1-cum-4-3-3. That also went out of the window later on, with a 3-5-2 favoured in order to regain some width, but once more it was a short-lived switch as the 4-3-3 has been back in vogue of late. This is not a struggling side we are discussing here. Juve are second, not second from bottom. The need to search for answers to formation-related dilemmas is not one you would normally attribute to a side flying high, but Conte has never really settled on one plan. This has been reflected in the way that he has never settled on a first-choice forward partnership since first walking in to Vinovo. With Alessandro Matri, Mirko Vucinic, Fabio Quagliarella and Alessandro Del Piero at his disposal, he was unable to find the right combination, and that hasn't changed since Marco Borriello was added to the ranks. GO BACK TO THE 4-2-4 THAT WORKED SO WELL BEFORE Coaches who are adaptable to change are normally worth their weight in gold, and this writer in particular is a huge advocate for the open-minded approach of a coach who isn't afraid to change when things are going wrong. However, Conte's decision to abandon his tried and tested 4-2-4 at the beginning of the season has come back to bite him. Three formations later, he still hasn't found a shape he is comfortable with, and there is seemingly only one reason for not having switched back to the model which saw him succeed at Bari, Siena and, to a lesser extent, Atalanta. With a 4-2-4, there was only space in the centre of midfield for one of Vidal and Marchisio alongside playmaking kingpin Andrea Pirlo. That meant he was torn between choosing an engine room man who would do Pirlo's dirty work while also supplying the necessary drive from midfield, and a luxury addition who has the capability of adding something extra in front of goal. His choice was to turn his back on what had worked well for him in order to accommodate both, with Milos Krasic proving an easy sacrifice at the time. Rather than fitting square pegs into round holes, he decided to change the shape of the holes. But now, with Marchisio having hit an extended spell of indifferent form, a lack of real fluency besetting his side ahead of Pirlo, and the likes of Emanuele Giaccherini and Marcelo Estigarribia having shown at various stages that there are options still available out wide, it may be time for Conte to go back to what he knows. DO NOT PICK MARCO BORRIELLO Whose bright idea was this in the first place? The signing of Borriello from Roma was a very unpopular move among Juve fans, while the addition also drew widespread disbelief in the Italian media. With Luca Toni and Amauri having been moved on, and Vincenzo Iaquinta loaned out, the Bianconeri had seemingly palmed off the dead weight up front only to add more in the form of the ex-Treviso and Milan striker. But worse than that, Borriello has been given regular playing time, and has recently been included in the starting XI ahead of the likes of Vucinic, Matri and Quagliarella. And while none of the first choice three has done quite enough to nail down a permanent spot from minute one, all three have shown they have infinitely more to add than the lumbering Borriello. With no great amount of skill, no huge display of energy, no real hold-up ability and no goal threat, Borriello has fast become the flop many Juventini feared he would be. And yet he continues to get the nod from Conte. Whether it is sheer bloody-mindedness or a constant impression that Borriello is about to turn a corner, Conte has developed an unhealthy belief in the striker. It is time to admit that the experiment hasn't worked and force Borriello to earn his place again like the rest of the strike force. USE MARTIN CACERES ON THE RIGHT Arguably one of the moves of the summer in 2011 - after Pirlo, of course - was the one which brought Stephan Lichtsteiner to Juventus Stadium. The former Lazio full-back proved to be the answer to a four-year long selection headache, with the Bianconeri having been through the likes of Zdenek Grygera, Dario Knezevic, Jonathan Zebina, Marco Motta and Fredrik Sorensen without finding a suitable resolution. But one man who had fleetingly shown glimpses that suggested he could be the long-term solution was Martin Caceres, who, when on loan from Barcelona in 2009-10, had been largely disappointing when chosen as a centre-back, but proved to be a more than capable right-back. So when Caceres returned in January, it was thought that he may provide competition for Lichtsteiner in the full-back spot. And, while he could yet pip the Swiss to the shirt thanks to his superior defensive ability, he has proven in the little time he has been spared so far that he could have enough of an attacking influence to give Conte a further option down the right. The inclusion of both Lichtsteiner and Caceres on the right in a 4-2-4 would give them the extra defensive cover that the shift to 3-5-2 added, yet would also give the side the structured width and ability to overlap going forward. And, as he proved with his brace against Milan in the Coppa Italia, the Uruguayan is a real threat going forward too. While Simone Pepe's endeavour is to be lauded and Lichtsteiner's energy has been a real feature, Caceres could potentially add a bit of both in either the right-back or right wing slot. Either way, giving him a chance beyond the length of Giorgio Chiellini's absence could turn out to be a masterstroke by the coach. SHOW A COOL HEAD, HOWEVER HEATTED THINGS GET Beyond what has happened within the field of play in recent weeks, there has been a real soap opera going off on the touchline and in the media, culminating in Conte's expulsion from today's fixture thanks to his midweek sending-off at Bologna. At a time when a unit who - a couple of players apart - have not been in a title race before, it is important that the coach provides a calming influence when things get a little hairy, but instead Conte's 'woe is me' attitude has summed up Juve's bad run. Yes, decisions have gone against the Bianconeri. And yes, there has been a sense of dreadful timing about some of the calls which have caused them particular pain. But nothing has set Juve back more than their own inability to take their chances. Instead of spitting his dummy out and calling media blackouts, now is the time for Conte to unite his side as a group and ensure they start to make the most of their dominance in games. No team has made more chances this term. No side has looked more able to make a helpless bystander of their opposition. Yet still they trail in the title race. If they are to get back on the bike, Juve need a cool head directing them back on course, and that needs to come from their coach. Lots of progress has been made this term, but you cannot just pick and choose when to win a title, and they are in with a good chance still of winning a 28th official crown in 2012. But they won't achieve it by pointing fingers and making accusations. They will do it by bringing the best out of what they have, and that's where Conte comes in. http://www.soccerway...regular-season/

Serie A - 8^ Giornata - Ritorno - 11-3-2012 (ore 15:00) - Stadio Luigi Ferraris - Genova Arbitro: Nicola Rizzoli Eros Ramazzotti: "Stiamo di nuovo sulle balle, presi di mira come in passato per buttarci giù" "La Juve è una bella squadra con la testa. Conte è bravo e finalmente si gioca al calcio" ha affermato il cantante, che ha poi sentenziato un chiaro "Bonucci non è da Juve".. Mar 11, 2012 Nelle sue canzoni parla di sentimenti, di buoni propisitivi. Ma se Eros Ramazzotti si trasforma in tifoso, le cose cambiano radicalmente "La Juventus che lotta per lo scudetto dà fastidio" sentenzia il cantante intervistato in esclusiva da 'Tuttosport'. Il caos delle ultime settimane, tra goal fantasma e fuorigioco, scatenatosi "perché sta sulle balle e allora cercano di buttarla giù. Lo era prima, antipatica e presa di mira perché vincente. Poi per un po’ si è assentata e adesso è tornata. Sì, stiamo sulle balle perché siamo tornati. Punto e basta". In attesa di visita re il nuovo stadio ("Mi hanno invitato più volte a Torino, spero di andarci quanto prima per vedere lo Stadium. Mi dicono sia molto bello"). Ramazzotti si complimenta con i piani alti: "La Famiglia sta facendo un gran lavoro" e attacca: "Per me Bonucci non è da Juve". E finalmente, balle o meno "la Juve è una bella squadra con la testa. Conte è bravo e finalmente si gioca al calcio". http://www.soccerway...regular-season/

Serie A - 8^ Giornata - Ritorno - 11-3-2012 (ore 15:00) - Stadio Luigi Ferraris - Genova Arbitro: Nicola Rizzoli Alessio: "Conte, squalifica ingiusta. Decideremo domani tra Marrone e Vidal in difesa" L'allenatore in seconda della squadra bianconera ha parlato oggi a Vinovo in conferenza stampa prima della partita contro il Genoa in programma domani. Mar 10, 2012 Vista la squalifica di Antonio Conte, oggi in conferenza stampa a Vinovo ha parlato il secondo del tecnico della Juventus, Angelo Alessio. Il quale si è soffermato sia sulla squalifica del suo 'superiore' che sulla partita di domani contro il Genoa. "La squalifica di Antonio la considero una vera e propria ingiustizia, non si è mai comportato al di sopra dalle righe contro gli arbitri. Questa ingiustizia subita dal nostro allenatore ha reso la squadra ancor più determinata e volitiva in vista della partita di domani. Affronteremo il Genoa con la voglia di fare risultato e di vincere che abbiamo sempre avuto fino a questo momento". Il problema della Juventus sembra sempre la scarsa capacità degli attaccanti di andare a segno con regolarità, ma Alessio non è affatto preoccupato: "All'interno del nostro reparto d'attacco non c'è nessuna gerarchia, scegliamo sempre i giocatori da schierare in base all'avversario. Devo però dire che se state attenti capite che noi creiamo sempre molte occasioni da goal, arriverà il momento nel quale i nostri bomber saranno ancora più freddi sotto porta". La conclusione è dedicata ai problemi in difesa: "Speriamo di poter recuperare il più presto possibile Chiellini, che sta lavorando bene con lo staff medico. In difesa abbiamo provato accanto a Caceres sia Marrone che Vidal, vedremo domani chi scenderà in campo tra i due". http://www.soccerway...regular-season/

Serie A - 8^ Giornata - Ritorno - 11-3-2012 (ore 15:00) - Stadio Luigi Ferraris - Genova Arbitro: Nicola Rizzoli Juve in crisi? Marino: "I pari non ingannino, se sono imbattuti ci sarà un perchè..." "Queste squadre sono sempre e comunque su ottimi livelli perciò noi dovremo giocare e correre da squadra, compatti. Pensiamo a finire il campionato nel migliore dei modi".. Mar 10, 2012 "Che effetto mi fa giocare contro chi non ha ancora perso una partita? Ve lo dico verso le 17 di domani su, non abbiate fretta...". Risponde sorridendo, Pasquale Marino, a chi in conferenza chiedeva sensazioni riguardo all'imbattuta Juventus, domani ospite del Genoa allo stadio 'Ferraris'. Finalmente domani ci sarà nuovamente Gilardino, con lui ha recuperato anche Sculli: "Non abbiamo giocatori con le caratteristiche di Gilardino in rosa, è utile in attacco e anche quando si deve difendere. Sì, è un recupero importante che ci garantisce delle alternative. Beppe ci sarà". Nonostante gli ultimi pareggi la squadra bianconera fa comunque, ovviamente, paura: "I pari non devono ingannare, se sono ancora imbattuti ci sarà un perché. Queste squadre sono sempre e comunque su ottimi livelli perciò noi dovremo giocare e correre da squadra, compatti" le parole riportate dal sito ufficiale del 'Grifone' Arbitri condizionati dopo gli ultimi errori? Non per Marino: "Penso solo alla partita, comunque no, non penso che ci saranno condizionamenti, di nessun tipo. Conte in tribuna un vantaggio? Francamente avrei preferito fosse in tribuna Pirlo, Andrea si può fermare solo con il sacrificio dei nostri avanti. Pensiamo alla gara, al fatto di voler chiudere in crescendo questo campionato perché noi il potenziale lo abbiamo". http://www.soccerway...regular-season/

Serie A - 8^ Giornata - Ritorno - 11-3-2012 (ore 15:00) - Stadio Luigi Ferraris - Genova Arbitro: Nicola Rizzoli Juve in silenzio stampa, in conferenza il vice-Conte, Alessio Il tecnico e i giocatori bianconeri non si presenteranno ai microfoni in questo weekend: nella conferenza stampa odierna il vice di Conte, Angelo Alessio. Mar 10, 2012 Bocche cucite per evitare di esplodere. Antonio Conte, ancora furioso per quanto accaduto a Bologna e nelle ultime settimane, ha deciso di non presentarsi questo pomeriggio nella tradizionale conferenza della vigilia e di disertare anche il rito delle interviste post-partita. Silenzio stampa dunque in casa Juventus, un diktat esteso anche ai giocatori. Il tecnico bianconero non è sereno, Madama sta attraversando un momento delicato, e accendere ulteriori polemiche, aggiungere benzina ad un fuoco che sta già divampando preoccupantemente, potrebbe andare solo a danno della squadra. La scelta di restare in silenzio, condivisa dalla società, è anche dettata, come spiegato da 'Tuttosport', da quella presunta forma di antipatia nutrita dai direttori di gara nei confronti di Conte, personaggio schietto e scomodo. L'unico autorizzato a rilasciare dichiarazioni è Angelo Alessio, il secondo di Conte, uomo riservato, quasi allergico a telecamere e microfoni. Una scelta che ricorda quella fatta da Mourinho ai tempi dell'Inter, quando, da squalificato, mandò al suo posto in sala stampa il vice Beppe Baresi. Intanto in casa Juve è stata stilata la tabella di marcia da seguire da qui a fine anno: la Signora deve vincere almeno 9 delle prossime 12 partite per poter sperare, statistiche alla mano, nel tricolore. Alla quota-scudetto di 80 punti (la stessa pronosticata da Allegri) mancano 28 lunghezze, solo un punto in più di quelli che potrebbero bastare ai rossoneri per assicurarsi la vittoria finale, considerando il vantaggio dell'esito dei due scontri diretti. http://www.soccerway...regular-season/

Serie A - 8^ Giornata - Ritorno - 11-3-2012 (ore 15:00) - Stadio Luigi Ferraris - Genova Arbitro: Nicola Rizzoli Verso Genoa-Juventus: La Signora rivuole la vetta, ma si ritrova senza difesa... Conte dovrà fare a meno di ben tre difensori (Bonucci, Barzagli e Chiellini) e lancia Vidal come centrale. Marino vuole ritrovare quel successo che manca dal 5 febbraio.... Mar 10, 2012 QUI GENOA Rientro molto importante per Pasquale Marino, che ritrova Alberto Gilardino, in campo dal primo minuto dopo l'infortunio. In difesa mancherà lo svedese Granqvist, infortunatosi a Lecce: al suo posto confermato Carvalho, neo-acquisto di gennaio. Probabile conferma per lo schieramento 4-4-2, con due ali molto offensive come Sculli e Jankovic. QUI JUVENTUS Antonio Conte è costretto a rinunciare alla difesa titolare: fuori causa Barzagli e Chiellini per infortunio e Bonucci - espulso contro il Bologna - per squalifica. Quasi certo l'impiego di Vidal come centrale difensivo, in coppia con Caceres. A metà campo, al posto del cileno, possibile chance per il giovane Marrone; davanti, Vucinic ed uno tra Borriello e Matri. L'ULTIMA SFIDA 22/10/2011, Juventus-Genoa 2-2: Matri-bis illude, poi beffa Caracciolo IL MOMENTO La Juve arriva da tre pareggi di fila contro Bologna, Chievo e Milan. La squadra di Conte non ha mai perso, ma è anche stufa di pareggiare così spesso (lo ha fatto nel 50% delle gare). Il Grifone, dal canto suo, non vince dal 5 febbraio (3-2 interno contro la Lazio): da allora, due ko e due pari. In casa, però, i rossoblù si trasformano, grazie alla spinta del proprio calorosissimo pubblico. PERCHE' GUARDARLA Sarà interessante valutare la reazione dei bianconeri, a cui, nel recupero del Dall'Ara, non è riuscita la missione-aggancio nei confronti del Milan, ora a +2 in classifica. Sbancare Marassi non sarà facile, specie in emergenza difensiva: un bel test per valutare lo spessore, soprattutto psicologico, del gruppo Conte. Anche perchè i rossoblù ci tengono da morire a conquistare un risultato di prestigio, magari con un goal di Palacio, che non ha mai segnato alla Juve... http://www.soccerway...regular-season/

Serie A Week 27 - 11-3-2012 (3:00 p.m.) - Luigi Ferraris Stadium - Genoa Referee: Nicola Rizzoli Caceres ready to answer Conte’s call against Genoa Mar 11, 2012 For this weekend’s match against Genoa, Juventus will be missing their main defenders Andrea Barzagli, Leonardo Bonucci and Giorgio Chiellini, meaning new arrival Martin Caceres will most likely step in to replace them. “We are missing some great players, but I can play in the center without problems, I’ve already done it other times,” Caceres said to Juventus Channel. On his return to the club last January after two years in La Liga with Sevilla, he said: “I always wanted to return, so I was very happy when this chance came along. Compared to the team where I played then, few players have remained, but I feel fine with this group. At Juve there is always a nice environment and fine players.” On the match against Genoa at the Luigi Ferraris stadium, the Uruguayan said: “We know it will be a difficult match, that’s why we are preparing the best possible way. But Juve have the characteristic of playing with the same conviction and desire both at home and away. That’s why we are going to Genoa to win.” http://www.soccerway...regular-season/

Serie A - 8^ Giornata - Ritorno - 11-3-2012 (ore 15:00) - Stadio Luigi Ferraris - Genova Arbitro: Nicola Rizzoli Confronti ufficiali 136 - 89 (Serie A) - 10 (Coppa Italia) - 33 (Campionato a gironi) - 2 (Campionato di guerra) - 2 (Serie B) Vittorie Juventus 73 - 53 (Serie A) - 7 (Coppa Italia) - 11 (Campionato a gironi) - 1 (Campionato di guerra) - 1 (Serie B) Pareggi 28 - 18 (Serie A) - 2 (Coppa Italia) - 7 (Campionato a gironi) - 1 (Serie B) Vittorie Genoa 35 - 18 (Serie A) - 1 (Coppa Italia) - 15 (Campionato a gironi) - 1 (Campionato di guerra) Goals Juventus 271 - 189 (Serie A) - 22 (Coppa Italia) - 53 (Campionato a gironi) - 3 (Campionato di guerra) - 4 (Serie B) Goals Genoa 176 - 98 (Serie A) - 13 (Coppa Italia) - 60 (Campionato a gironi) - 3 (Campionato di guerra) - 2 (Serie B) Genoa - Juventus Serie A a Genova Confronti ufficiali 44 Vittorie Juventus 18 (L'ultima il 21.11.2010, 0-2) Pareggi 10 (L'ultimo il 24.09.2009, 2-2) Vittorie Genoa 16 (L'ultima l'11.04.2009, 3-2) Goals Juventus 72 Goals Genoa 59 Giocatori con più presenze e goals contro il Genoa a Genova 10 presenze Boniperti Giampiero 10 Varglien II Giovanni 9 Varglien I Mario 8 Depetrini Teobaldo 8 Rava Pietro 7 Foni Alfredo 7 Parola Carlo 6 Borel II Felice Placido 6 Emoli Flavio 6 Marocchi Giancarlo 6 goals Boniperti Giampiero 4 Borel II Felice Placido 3 Bellini Savino 3 Hansen John 3 Sentimenti III Vittorio 3 Sivori Omar Enrique 2 Boninsegna Roberto 2 Cabrini Antonio 2 Charles John William 2 Colombo Umberto Ultimi confronti diretti 21.04.2007 Serie B Juventus-Genoa 3-1 21.10.2007 Serie A Juventus-Genoa 1-0 09.03.2008 Serie A Genoa-Juventus 0-2 13.11.2008 Serie A Juventus-Genoa 4-1 11.04.2009 Serie A Genoa-Juventus 3-2 24.09.2009 Serie A Genoa-Juventus 2-2 14.02.2010 Serie A Juventus-Genoa 3-2 21.11.2010 Serie A Genoa-Juventus 0-2 10.04.2011 Serie A Juventus-Genoa 3-2 22.10.2011 Serie A Juventus-Genoa 2-2 Giocate 10 - Vittorie Juventus 7 - Pareggi 2 - Vittorie Genoa 1 - Goals Juventus 24 - Goals Genoa 13

Serie A Week 27 - 11-3-2012 (3:00 p.m.) - Luigi Ferraris Stadium - Genoa Referee: Nicola Rizzoli Preview Mar 11, 2012 Genoa were somewhat lucky to get a 2-2 draw with Lecce last week, as the Grifoni’s Giuseppe Sculli scored his second of the afternoon with minutes to spare. Hailed by coach Pasquale Marino as their “best away performance of the season”, the Rossoblu could have easily made it 3-2 had luck gone their way. Andreas Granqvist will miss the remainder of the season, as the defender suffered a serious knee injury. Alberto Gilardino could partner both Rodrigo Palacio and Sculli up front, as the Italian international returns from injury. It is crisis time at Juventus – and not because the team cannot get a win. Despite getting its 12th and 13th draws of the season against Chievo and Bologna over the past seven days, the Bianconeri have no fit defenders. Only Martin Caceres remains a full bill of health defensively. Without Leonardo Bonucci, Andrea Barzagli and Giorgio Chiellini, the Bianconeri could use Arturo VIdal as a centre-back. Antonio Conte will not be on the sidelines after being sent off against the Rossoblu. A 2-2 draw occurred in the reverse fixture earlier in the season, and a similar scoreline should occur on Sunday. Prediction: Genoa 2-2 Juventus http://www.soccerway...regular-season/

Serie A Week 27 - 11-3-2012 (3:00 p.m.) - Luigi Ferraris Stadium - Genoa Referee: Nicola Rizzoli Match preview Mar 10, 2012 Juventus coach Antonio Conte has brushed aside rumours of a crisis despite his team's failure to win a game in recent weeks. The Turin giants visit Genoa on Sunday looking for their first win since February 18. Having led the Serie A standings for several months earlier this season, Juventus fans had high expectations that this could be their year. However, recent results have cast doubts on whether Juve can keep up with AC Milan in the Scudetto race. Wednesday's 1-1 result at Bologna was Juve's fifth draw in their last six league games. "I don't think we are dropping off the pace and I don't think it's right to talk about Juve losing momentum" Conte said. "We are two points behind league leaders AC Milan with 12 games remaining and my group never gives up." "Perhaps it is for that reason that we are still unbeaten this season." "I can assure everyone that my team is united and ready for Sunday's game." Conte will have to watch the encounter from the stands at the Luigi Ferraris stadium as he serves a one-match touchline ban. The visitors are still without injured defenders Giorgio Chiellini and Andrea Barzagli while defender Leonardo Bonucci is suspended. Rivals Genoa will be bolstered by the return of striker Alberto Gilardino this weekend. The Italy international has been sidelined for the last month with a muscular injury but will lead the Grifoni's attack on Sunday. Without Gilardino, Pasquale Marino's Genoa have mustered just two points from their last five league games. Genoa have lost just one of their last six league games at home but know they face a stern test on Sunday. "Juventus is not in a crisis," Genoa captain Marco Rossi said. "We watched their game against Bologna and there were no signs that Conte's team is struggling." http://www.soccerway...regular-season/

Serie A Week 27 - 11-3-2012 (3:00 p.m.) - Luigi Ferraris Stadium - Genoa Referee: Nicola Rizzoli MATCH PREVIEW Mar 10, 2012 Juventus will be aiming to return to the winners list when they travel to the Stadio Luigi Ferraris to face Genoa on Sunday. A typically chaotic Grifone run of form saw a four-match home winning streak – which included victories over Udinese and Napoli – snapped by Chievo and Parma. Where Genoa could normally rely on their home ground advantage to see them over the line, the recent downturn has equalled a slide into the bottom half of the Serie A ladder. Genoa went five matches without a win last Sunday as Giuseppe Sculli rescued a point late against Lecce. President Enrico Preziosi was forced to come out in support of Coach Pasquale Marino before the 2-2 draw, claiming he was not at risk. Marino will be seeking a response from his players against Juve. However, the tactician goes into this fixture without defenders Luca Antonelli, Cesare Bovo and what appears to be a season-ending injury to Andreas Granqvist, but Alberto Gilardino returns from a five-match stop. Meanwhile, Juventus missed the chance to retake first position following consecutive 1-1 draws against Chievo and in the rescheduled Bologna clash. A run of three consecutive stalemates has taken Juve’s season record to 13 wins and 13 draws, yet whilst still unbeaten, the team is lacking a clinical edge in attack. Juve’s Wednesday deadlock against the Rossoblu highlighted the creativity issues up front, with the trio of Marco Borriello, Mirko Vucinic and Simone Pepe largely ineffective and unable to fashion clear-cut scoring opportunities. Antonio Conte’s continued exile of Eljero Elia and lack of starts for Fabio Quagliarella and Alessandro Del Piero is puzzling. Conte will hand the reigns over to assistant Angelo Alessio following his dismissal in Bologna and will be joined by defenders Leonardo Bonucci, Andrea Barzagli and Giorgio Chiellini. This will result in a makeshift central defensive pairing of Martin Caceres and Arturo Vidal. The Turin giants tasted success at the Luigi Ferraris last season, as Milos Krasic starred in a 2-0 win. Historically, the fixture has proved to be quite even - Juve shading it 18 wins to 17, with a share of the points occurring on ten occasions. Keep an eye on: Rodrigo Palacio (Genoa) – The Argentine has scored 14 goals in 2011-12, including eight post-Christmas. A constant menace in and around the penalty area, he will be up against the temporary Juve central defensive duo. Form guide: Genoa (L L L D D) Juventus (D W D D D) Last season: Genoa 0-2 Juventus Stat fact: Genoa captain Marco Rossi has scored four career goals versus Juventus - the only club he has netted against more than once. Genoa: Frey; Rossi, Carvalho, Kaladze, Moretti; Mesto, Kucka, Biondini, Sculli; Gilardino, Palacio Juventus: Buffon; Lichtsteiner, Caceres, Vidal, De Ceglie; Giaccherini, Pirlo, Marchisio; Pepe, Matri, Vucinic http://www.soccerway...regular-season/

Serie A Week 27 - 11-3-2012 (3:00 p.m.) - Luigi Ferraris Stadium - Genoa Referee: Nicola Rizzoli Serie A Preview: Antonio Conte's men seek victory at the Marassi to boost flagging title hopes After drawing five of their last six matches, the Old Lady will be hoping they can nab three points at the expense of the Grifoni on Sunday to keep the pressure on leaders AC Milan. Mar 10, 2012 PROBABLE LINE-UPS GENOA Frey Rossi, Roger, Kaladze, Moretti Jankovic, Kucka, Biondini, Sculli Gilardino, Palacio JUVENTUS Buffon Lichtsteiner, Caceres, Vidal, De Ceglie Marrone, Pirlo, Marchisio Pepe, Borriello, Vucinic With Luca Antonelli, Cesare Bovo and Andreas Granqvist all out, coach Pasquale Marino is forced to name a makeshift defence, as Roger Carvalho and Marco Rossi should fill in at centre-back and right-back respectively to replace Granqvist and Giandomenico Mesto, who is to be dropped from the XI that drew 2-2 with Lecce last weekend. However, the biggest news sees the return of Alberto Gilardino, who will partner Rodrigo Palacio up front for the Rossoblu. As a result, Giuseppe Sculli will be forced to play out on the left-hand side of midfield, despite his two-goal salvo against the Serie A strugglers. Meanwhile for Juventus, they too have troubles at the back, with Leonardo Bonucci's suspension, incurred during the 1-1 draw with Bologna, only adding to the injury woes of key duo Andrea Barzagli and Giorgio Chiellini. To compensate, expect Arturo Vidal to fill in alongside Martin Caceres at centre-back. Fortunately for young midfielder Luca Marrone, he will be the biggest winner out of the Old Lady's current lack of numbers, as he is set to replace the Chilean in midfield. Also, regardless of his latest disappointing performance, Marco Borriello should be given the chance to redeem himself ahead of Alessandro Matri in attack. DID YOU KNOW? •Genoa have lost more times against Juventus than any other Serie A opponent. •They have won just one of their last seven home games against Juventus. •Genoa are also winless in their past five league fixtures, losing three of these. •Juventus' Alessandro Matri has scored in both of his games against Genoa in a Bianconeri jersey. •However, Antonio Conte's men have been held to a draw in five of their last six league games, including the last three. •The Old Lady have also drawn six of their last eight away games in this campaign. Head to Head Serie A ‎- Oct 22, 2011 - Juventus 2 - Genoa 2 Serie A ‎- Apr 10, 2011 - Juventus 3 - Genoa 2 Serie A ‎- Nov 21, 2010 - Genoa 0 - Juventus 2 Serie A ‎- Feb 14, 2010 - Juventus 3 - Genoa 2 Serie A ‎- Sep 24, 2009 - Genoa 2 - Juventus 2 Last Five Matches Genoa Mar 4, 2012 - Lecce 2 - Genoa 2 - Serie A Feb 25, 2012 - Genoa 2 - Parma 2 - Serie A Feb 19, 2012 - Genoa 0 - Chievo 1 - Serie A Feb 15, 2012 - Atalanta 1 - Genoa 0 - Serie A Feb 12, 2012 - Catania 4 - Genoa 0 - Serie A Juventus Mar 7, 2012 - Bologna 1 - Juventus 1 - Serie A Mar 3, 2012 - Juventus 1 - Chievo 1 - Serie A Feb 25, 2012 - AC Milan 1 - Juventus 1 - Serie A Feb 18, 2012 - Juventus 3 - Catania 1 - Serie A Feb 15, 2012 - Parma 0 - Juventus 0 - Serie A Players to Watch Rodrigo Palacio The Argentina international has been in excellent form for the Rossoblu this term, leading both the assists and goalscoring charts for the Grifoni. 14 goals and four assists signal his sheer importance to the Genoa cause, and without him they would be relegation fodder this season. His lightning pace and mesmerising movement in and around the final third is sure to cause lots of problems for the makeshift Juventus back four. Luca Marrone The young midfielder is set to be given a huge opportunity to impress in midfield alongside Andrea Pirlo and Claudio Marchisio, and he will do his utmost to make sure he does not get outshined by his more experienced peers. An energetic defensive midfielder by trade, Marrone, an Italy Under-21 international, also possesses a natural footballing ability - he has an impressive passing range in his locker and is comfortable with the ball at his feet. Prediction Genoa currently have no problems in finding the back of the net, but it's their deficiencies at the back which continue to haunt them - in stark contrast to Juventus, who hold the key to the most watertight defence on the peninsula, but currently are finding trouble at the other end. Therefore, a draw seems the most likely outcome, frustrating Antonio Conte once more in the process. Editor's Prediction Genoa 1 - 1 Juventus http://www.soccerway...regular-season/

Serie A Week 27 - 11-3-2012 (3:00 p.m.) - Luigi Ferraris Stadium - Genoa Referee: Nicola Rizzoli Conte fumes at touchline ban Mar 10, 2012 Juventus manager Antonio Conte enforced a media ban on Saturday, refusing to speak ahead of his side's clash with Genoa on Sunday. The Italian was sent to the stands in Wednesday's 1-1 Serie A draw with Bologna for complaints made when he felt his side should have been awarded a penalty. Conte was angered by the subsequent one-match touchline ban and insisted he would not speak to the media as a result, with assistant coach Angelo Alessio speaking instead. "First of all, Antonio Conte suffered an injustice, we all saw and know what happened there. Some journalists were there too and I think he's very bitter about the ban at the moment," Alessio said. "I've been working with Conte for two years and I've never seen him behaving badly toward a referee or his assistants, and I repeat: he suffered an injustice and hope that it won't happen again in the future." With recent results going against Juventus, Alessio insisted their tactics and approach would remain the same. "We'll play against Genoa in the same way as we have against everyone else this season, with the same determination and desire to win," he said. "I think we won't make any major tactical changes, despite the difficult time we've had recently. We also don't have enough men in defence to make changes, so we'll adopt the same tactics." With a defensive crisis on his hands, Conte may be forced to use Arturo Vidal and Luca Marrone in defence as centre back Leonardo Bonucci also serves a one-game ban for two yellow cards against Bologna. Alessio went on to defend his strikers who have been lambasted in the Italian press for a return of three goals in three consecutive 1-1 draws. "I think that Conte chooses a striker or a couple of strikers for a match because he's convinced they're the right guys to win," he said. http://www.soccerway...regular-season/

Serie A Week 27 - 11-3-2012 (3:00 p.m.) - Luigi Ferraris Stadium - Genoa Referee: Nicola Rizzoli Crunch Genoa trip for title-chasing Juve Mar 10, 2012 Juventus face a crucial trip to Genoa at the weekend as Antonio Conte's men bid to keep pace with champions AC Milan in the Serie A title race. Juve dropped two points behind Milan following a 1-1 draw at Bologna in midweek and face by far the tougher test this weekend. Leaders Milan host relegation-threatened Lecce while Juve travel to play a team with one of the best home records in the division. What's more, Juve will be without all three recognised centre-backs and Conte will also be sitting in the stands suspended. Giorgio Chiellini and Andrea Barzagli are injured while Leonardo Bonucci is banned meaning South American Martin Caceres, a full-back, and Arturo Vidal, a midfielder, are likely to line-up at the back. It will be a tall order for Juve to keep hold of Milan's coat-tails, although they may be hoping the rossoneri's confidence has been hit by their 3-0 defeat at Arsenal in midweek. That may not be the case, though, as Milan chief executive Adriano Galliani believes the club will benefit from their reaction to that humbling defeat - which did not prevent them from progressing to the Champions League quarter-finals as they had won the home leg 4-0. Striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic was particularly annoyed by the performance and described it as unacceptable. And Galliani is pleased the big Swede is angry. "The more angry Ibra gets, the better things go. He's made this way, otherwise he wouldn't be Ibrahimovic," said Galliani. The manager also refuses to get carried away by Milan's league lead, the first time this season they have been above Juve without having played a greater number of games. "We're there, two points clear but nothing has changed. There are 12 matches left and hence 36 points up for grabs," added Galliani. Juve face possibly the biggest threat to their stunning unbeaten season on Sunday. After 26 league games, and three in the Italian Cup, they have yet to be beaten but are still second. That is because they have drawn half their league matches, including their last three and five of their last six. It is a run that has allowed Milan to suck them in and streak past. Goals have certainly been hard to come by for Juve in the last few months, only scoring more than once five times in their last 14 matches. In fact they have nine draws and just six wins in their last 15 despite mostly dominating possession and territory. If they don't start finding wins easier to come by they may come under pressure from third-placed Lazio, who host Bologna on Sunday and are just four points back. Also in the mix are fourth-placed Udinese, two points behind Lazio and facing a trip to rock-bottom Novara this weekend. http://www.soccerway...regular-season/

Serie A Week 27 - 11-3-2012 (3:00 p.m.) - Luigi Ferraris Stadium - Genoa Referee: Nicola Rizzoli Conte and Juventus players start media blackout ahead of Genoa game The Bianconeri coach was sent to the stands in the 1-1 midweek draw against Bologna, and the Turin outfit's trainer has decided that the club will not comment to the press. Mar 10, 2012 Antonio Conte has enforced a Juventus media blackout, which means neither he nor any of the club's players will talk to the press ahead of this weekend's game against Genoa. The Bianconeri trainer was sent to the stands in his side's 1-1 draw against Bologna in midweek, and as a result has had a one-match suspension sanctioned against him. Only assistant coach Angelo Alessio has been allowed to speak to the press, and the number two feels that Conte's punishment was unfair. "Antonio's disqualification I consider as a real injustice; he never behaves out of line with referees," the assistant stated in a pre-match press conference on Friday. "This injustice suffered by our coach has made the team even more determined in view of tomorrow's game. We shall go to Genoa with the desire to get a result.” The media have been critical of the Juventus attackers of late, but Alessio feels that his frontmen should not harbour the blame for the side drawing and not winning recently. "There is no hierarchy of attack, we always choose the players to field based on the opponent. “We create many more scoring opportunities and the moment has arrived in which our forwards will be even more cool in front of goal," he continued. In defence Leonardo Bonucci is also suspended, and the club have decisions to make in who to play in their backline. "We hope Giorgio Chiellini will recover as soon as possible; he is working well with the medical staff. "In defence we have Luca Marrone, Martin Caceres and even Arturo Vidal; we will decide tomorrow who will take the field," he concluded. http://www.soccerway...regular-season/

Serie A Week 27 - 11-3-2012 (3:00 p.m.) - Luigi Ferraris Stadium - Genoa Referee: Nicola Rizzoli Marino expects Juve battle Mar 10, 2012 Pasquale Marino does not believe Juventus are struggling ahead of the Genoa clash. “If they are unbeaten, there is a reason...” The Bianconeri have fallen off the top of the table recently thanks to three consecutive stalemates and pay a visit to Marassi on Sunday afternoon. “What does it feel like playing against a team that has not lost a single match? I’ll tell you on Sunday evening,” replied Coach Marino in his press conference. “The draws must not lull us into a false sense of security, as if they are still unbeaten then there is a reason... “Sides like Juve are always on a high level, so we must play and run as a unit, staying compact. Will the referees be affected by recent errors? No, I doubt it. “Antonio Conte is in the stands due to a touchline ban, but I’d rather Andrea Pirlo was taken out of the game. You can only stop someone like Andrea with the sacrifice of our strikers.” Alberto Gilardino is back from a long injury lay-off and could start along with Giuseppe Sculli and Rodrigo Palacio. “We do not have any players with Gilardino’s characteristics in the squad, as he is useful in attack and when it comes to defending. His return is an important one that guarantees us some alternatives. “We want to end this season on a high, as we do have the potential.” http://www.soccerway...regular-season/