Socrates

Serie A Week 27 - 11-3-2012 (3:00 p.m.) - Luigi Ferraris Stadium - Genoa Referee: Nicola Rizzoli Conte starts media silence Mar 10, 2012 Antonio Conte is refusing to speak to the media after his “unjust” ban, so assistant manager Angelo Alessio insists Juventus “will double our efforts” against Genoa. The Coach is suspended after his red card for dissent against Bologna on Wednesday evening and opted against holding today’s traditional press conference. “Antonio always behaved correctly with referees and assistants, so the dismissal was unjust,” said Alessio. “We were there and we know how things went. He’s very upset at this one-match ban and I hope in future a similar situation does not happen again. “We will face Genoa the same way we did the other teams, with that determination and hunger to get a result. This side has a team spirit constructed through eight months of work and tomorrow we’ll be even angrier about this situation, so will double our efforts.” Conte isn’t the only absentee at Marassi, as Andrea Barzagli and Giorgio Chiellini are injured with Leonardo Bonucci suspended, so the defence has to be completely revamped. “We tested both Arturo Vidal and Luca Marrone at centre-back during the last training session. Antonio will make the decision. At this moment of difficulty, we will not change the system. “We hope Chiellini can recover to face Fiorentina, but must be cautious, as with this type of injury you can’t risk a relapse. “As for the forwards, the ones we choose will always be functional to the match in hand. There is no hierarchy.” http://www.soccerway...regular-season/

Serie A Week 27 - 11-3-2012 (3:00 p.m.) - Luigi Ferraris Stadium - Genoa Referee: Nicola Rizzoli Caceres: We’ll miss Conte Mar 9, 2012 Martin Caceres believes Antonio Conte’s absence will be as significant this weekend against Genoa as the makeshift defence he may find himself a part of. With Andrea Barzagli and Giorgio Chiellini injured and Leonardo Bonucci now suspended, Juventus are heading into the weekend’s trip to Marassi anticipating playing Caceres in an untried centre-back pairing alongside midfielder Arturo Vidal. Appearing on Juventus Channel ahead of the potential challenge, Caceres reflected on the task at hand, but suggested that Coach Conte’s absence through suspension will be as equally significant. “Obviously we are missing two big players in Barzagli and Chiellini. If I have the opportunity to play with Arturo in defence, we will do our best to cover these two heavy absences. “It will be difficult without the Coach, because the Coach is everything. You feel it when you play and the Coach is missing. We know he is a major presence, he is very involved from the bench, he lives the game with the players, giving us a great deal. “But, we will try to play in the best possible way to win at Genoa.” http://www.soccerway...regular-season/

Serie A Week 27 - 11-3-2012 (3:00 p.m.) - Luigi Ferraris Stadium - Genoa Referee: Nicola Rizzoli Juventus defender Caceres targets victory against Genoa The Uruguay international is looking forward to the Serie A game at the Luigi Ferraris, and is pleased to be back at the Bianconeri after his previous loan spell in Italy. Mar 9, 2012 Juventus defender Martin Caceres is eagerly anticipating Sunday afternoon's Serie A game away against Genoa, and is determined to get the full three points again after a number of disappointing results. The Turin side have drawn their previous three league encounters and have consequently dropped to second spot in the table, with Caceres is desperate to return to winning ways. "We know that it will be a difficult game. That’s why we’re preparing with the maximum effort. But this Juve side has the characteristics to play home and away with the same conviction and desire to impose ourselves. We’ll go to Genoa looking to win," Caceres was quoted as saying on the club's official website. The Uruguay international then went on to express his delight with his return to Juventus after a previous loan spell in 2009-10. "Since I left here a year and a half ago, I always wanted to come back and so I was delighted when this opportunity came about. "Very few players are left from the team I played with, but I’m very happy in this group. The lads are friendly and great players. There’s always a nice atmosphere at Juventus." http://www.soccerway...regular-season/

Serie A - Recupero 4^ Giornata - Ritorno - 7-3-2012 (ore 18:30) 1 - 1 Marco Di Vaio (17') Mirko Vučinić (59′) Stadio Renato Dall'Ara - Bologna Arbitro: Luca Banti Spettatori: 19000‎ Serie A - La Juve non vince più, espulso Conte Finisce 1-1 il recupero della 23a giornata di Serie A tra Bologna e Juventus. Per gli uomini di Conte si tratta del tredicesimo pareggio stagionale, il terzo consecutivo. In gol per gli emiliani Marco Di Vaio, salva il match Vucinic su splendido assist di Pirlo. Eurosport - Mercoledí, 7 marzo 2012 E' una Juventus incerottata e in cerca di riscatto quella che si presenta a Bologna nel recupero della 23a giornata di Serie A. Non sono piaciuti a Conte i fischi nei suoi confronti e nei confronti di Vucinic e Bonucci dopo la prestazione non esaltante contro il Chievo. Un Conte che crede nella forza della sua squadra, chiamata al Dall'Ara a portare a Torino quei tre punti che la vedrebbero in prima posizione con il Milan. Non ci sono Chiellini e Barzagli in difesa, titolare quindi la coppia di centrali Caceres-Bonucci. A centrocampo torna Vidal e in avanti Conte punta sulla voglia di rivincita del criticato Vucinic e su Borriello. Mister Pioli si affida all'esperienza delle sue stelle, in avanti pronta la coppia Di Vaio Diamanti con Ramirez a sostegno. Bastano i primi minuti di gioco per capire che per la Juventus sarà una partita complicata. Il Bologna scende in campo con gran voglia di fare e attento ad approfittare delle sbavature avversarie. Le possibili sbavature, diventano, in poco tempo, vere e proprie voragini. I bolognesi dimostrano di essere decisamente più in palla dei bianconeri e soprattutto a centrocampo gli uomini di Pioli costruiscono il vantaggio. Minuto 17 e Ramirez si inventa un passaggio perfetto per Di Vaio che si ritrova a tu per tu con Buffon e lo batte senza problemi per il vantaggio bolognese. Juventus sotto e Bologna che prende coraggio. Si gioca su ritmi altissimi e la Juve continua a evidenziare una preoccupante crisi di gioco con la totale assenza di corsa e pressing. Nel secondo tempo Conte ripropone la stessa formazione del primo tempo. Non cambiano le due squadre e non cambia neanche la storia in campo. Bologna subito su altissimi ritmi ma la Juventus sembra ritrovare ordine e fiato. Le azioni bianconere vanno si sviluppano tutte per vie centrali sull'asse Pirlo e Vidal. In avanti però non funziona la coppia Vucinic-Borriello, con il secondo in evidente ritardo di condizione. Passano i minuti e la stanchezza comincia a farsi sentire, soprattutto negli emiliani e Pioli decide infatti di far uscire Diamanti e Garics per Kone e Pulzetti. La Juve si affida al più lucido del Dall'Ara, Andrea Pirlo e proprio dall'ex milanista arriva il pallone del pareggio bianconero. Pirlo libera in modo perfetto Vucinic che riceve e supera con freddezza Gillet. Passano cinque minuti ed è il portiere bolognese a salvare il risultato con un doppio intervento su Liechsteiner e Marchisio. Il Bologna ritrova forza e lucidità ma non bastano in avanti il solo Di Vaio e la fantasia di Ramirez (migliore in campo). La Juve ci prova e al 70esimo protesta per un calcio di rigore non fischiato a De Ceglie. Nell'occasione l'arbitro decide di espellere, per proteste, Antonio Conte. È il momento decisivo del match con le due squadre alla ricerca del gol vittoria. La Juve resta in dieci per l'espulsione di Bonucci. Un rosso che mette ancora più in crisi Conte che nel prossimo turno avrà solo Caceres a disposizione come centrale difensivo. Escono Vucinic e Borriello (troppo tardi?) per Quagliarella e Giaccherini ma in dieci uomini la Juve non può fare altro che resistere agli attacchi bolognesi. Non cambia il risultato al Dall'Ara e per la Juve arriva il tredicesimo pareggio della stagione, il terzo consecutivo. Un bilancio che lascia gli uomini di Conte nel mirino delle critiche. Un'occasione persa per i bianconeri con il Milan che resta solitario in testa alla classifica con due punti di vantaggio sulla Juve. Per il Bologna una prestazione tutto cuore ma che non basta per battere la corazzata bianconera, ancora a zero nella casella sconfitte. Andrea Prete - Eurosport Bologna - Juventus 1-1

Serie A Week 23 - 7-3-2012 (6:30 p.m.) 1 - 1 Marco Di Vaio (17') Mirko Vučinić (59′) Renato Dall'Ara Stadium - Bologna Referee: Luca Banti Attendance: 19000‎ Investigation into Pessotto banner Mar 9, 2012 An investigation has been launched after an offensive banner towards Gianluca Pessotto was shown during Bologna-Juventus. Former Juve and Italy player Pessotto fell from a window in the summer of 2006 while suffering from depression. His life was in danger for many weeks, but he has now recovered and is a team manager at the club. During Wednesday’s Serie A match at the Stadio Dall’Ara, a couple of Bologna fans briefly held up a banner that read: ‘Pessotto’s a diver. Either he jumped or it was a penalty.’ The FIGC has now confirmed an investigation is underway into the banner, which was not spotted by the referee and therefore could not be dealt with via the usual disciplinary channels. Juventus were stunned by the bad taste of this banner, with general manager Beppe Marotta calling it “truly inhuman.” http://www.soccerway...regular-season/

Gigli: We nearly sold Buffon to AC Milan Former Juventus president has revealed that the Bianconeri had agreed a deal with the Rossoneri which would have seen the Italy goalkeeper move to San Siro in exchange for Abbiati. Mar 9, 2012 Former Juventus president Giovanni Cobolli Gigli has revealed that the club very nearly allowed Gianluigi Buffon to leave for AC Milan several years ago. The 67-year-old explained during an interview with Sky Sport24 that a deal had been agreed with the Rossoneri that would have seen the Italy captain switch to San Siro and fellow goalkeeper Christian Abbiati move in the opposite direction. "Galliani may not remember, but years ago it was almost Buffon for Milan,” Gigli claimed. “We had set up an exchange Abbiati-Buffon but then for various reasons, it all came to nothing." The aforementioned Buffon joined Juventus from Parma for a reported €40 million in 2001.

Marotta: Not easy to buy big Mar 9, 2012 Director general Beppe Marotta has suggested that whilst Juventus hold ambitions to sign a big name player, it is fundamentally difficult. The Bianconeri have spent just under €100m on new players in the last two transfer windows, but in a long interview with Sky Sport Italia on Friday, Marotta, who has overseen that activity, believes that the very highest level of player is still out of the club’s reach. “Zlatan Ibrahimovic is a player who you can call a top player,” he began, when asked for an example. “Top players are a rare commodity in the sense that very few are around and of those that are available there is then those who are affordable. “It is no coincidence that, if the choice is right, they make the difference - I am referring to Ibrahimovic, but the most striking example is that of Lionel Messi, who is definitely a player who makes a different in a team and for a club that is already great. “Meanwhile, we have to understand what is available, then how much they cost, as well as a whole host of things. “Certainly this is a goal that I think teams look at carefully, we must try to seize an opportunity, but it is not easy.” Marotta was also grilled on Juve’s recent form. Consecutive draws to Chievo and Bologna has left the club two points behind Milan. “We must continue to work from week to week and then at the end draw any conclusions. We are in a position - I would say beyond these draws - that is of high calibre, which has been obtained with great credit to all, from the team, Coach and club. “Now we have to fight to get the most [points] we can, this is our goal. But surely we have demonstrated to date that we are still as competitive as other teams and this is something that we should feel proud about.” In light of the team’s 13th League draw of the season, attention has focused this week on the strikers and their struggles in breaking down opposition defences. “I like to look to the statistics and they support us - look at the goal difference and we have the second best one in the League. In first is clearly Milan, as is not coincidentally the case in the position in the table too. “Then, we have the best defence, so it is clear that the Coach’s model also takes into account the fact that the strikers must sacrifice much, they must work hard for the team. “It is clear that if we had more goals then things would be easier. It’s a subject that Conte is working on and very meticulously, but I feel we shouldn’t crucify the strikers - we have the best defence [thanks to them] so this must be taken into consideration.”

Serie A Week 23 - 7-3-2012 (6:30 p.m.) 1 - 1 Marco Di Vaio (17') Mirko Vučinić (59′) Renato Dall'Ara Stadium - Bologna Referee: Luca Banti Attendance: 19000‎ Conte and Beretta banned Mar 8, 2012 Juventus boss Antonio Conte and Cesena counterpart Mario Beretta will have to watch their teams from the stands this weekend. Both tacticians were sent off last night and have today been suspended for the Week 27 schedule. Juve defender Leonardo Bonucci will also miss out on Sunday’s Genoa clash as he was red-carded against Bologna. http://www.soccerway...regular-season/

Serie A Week 23 - 7-3-2012 (6:30 p.m.) 1 - 1 Marco Di Vaio (17') Mirko Vučinić (59′) Renato Dall'Ara Stadium - Bologna Referee: Luca Banti Attendance: 19000‎ Bonucci & Conte to miss Genoa clash due to suspension The Bianconeri coach and defender have both received a one-game ban for the upcoming Serie A match following their dismissals on Wednesday against Bologna. Mar 8, 2012 Serie A giants Juventus will have to make do without head coach Antonio Conte and defender Leonardo Bonucci in the upcoming league game away against Genoa. Conte was sent to the stands halfway through the second half in Juve's 1-1 draw against Bologna on Wednesday evening, and has consequently been handed a one-match suspension. The 24-year-old Bonucci received his second yellow card of the evening in the match versus Bologna after 84 minutes of play, and was handed a one-match ban as well for his dismissal on Wednesday. Juventus will be looking to return to winning ways in Sunday's match at the Stadio Luigi Ferraris after drawing their last three league encounters. http://www.soccerway...regular-season/

Serie A Week 23 - 7-3-2012 (6:30 p.m.) 1 - 1 Marco Di Vaio (17') Mirko Vučinić (59′) Renato Dall'Ara Stadium - Bologna Referee: Luca Banti Attendance: 19000‎ Marchisio insists Juventus remain confident The Italy international was slightly disappointed with his side's draw versus Bologna, but stressed that the Old Lady are still in a great position in the Scudetto race. Mar 8, 2012 Juventus midfielder Claudio Marchisio has stressed that the Bianconeri's morale will not be affected by their recent results as they remain confident of their qualities. The Turin giants have dropped to second spot in the Serie A table after drawing five out of their last six league games, and Juventus were again held to a draw on Wednesday evening as they had to settle for a 1-1 against Bologna. "We’re two points off Milan and have gained a point on Lazio. The team’s fine, we’re still unbeaten, we run a lot and we kept our balance even when we went down to ten men," Marchisio was quoted as saying on the club's official website. "The squad is competitive and that’s already been clear to see. We’ve got confidence in ourselves and in the group, this was also made evident this [Wednesday] evening." Juventus resume Serie A action on Sunday when they travel to Genoa looking to return to winning ways. http://www.soccerway...regular-season/

Serie A Week 23 - 7-3-2012 (6:30 p.m.) 1 - 1 Marco Di Vaio (17') Mirko Vučinić (59′) Renato Dall'Ara Stadium - Bologna Referee: Luca Banti Attendance: 19000‎ Conte: The more Juventus are denied a penalty, the more 'pissed off' we'll be The Bianconeri coach was proud of his players despite yet another draw in the league as he once again vented his frustration with the standard of refereeing. Mar 8, 2012 Juventus coach Antonio Conte has launched another scathing attack on referees as he shrugged off yet another draw this season. A 1-1 stalemate at Bologna on Wednesday left the Bianconeri two points adrift of leaders AC Milan as they missed the chance to catch the San Siro outfit in their rescheduled Serie A match. "We deserved to win. The lads cannot be blamed for anything. To see the faces of my players after the match fills me with pride," Conte told reporters after the match. "This was our 26th match in the league without a defeat: no one has beaten us. The 42-year-old coach has been highly critical of the standard of refereeing in Juventus' matches this season, and he was left fuming on Wednesday, when he and Leonardo Bonucci were both given their marching orders. "We are never awarded penalties. The more we are denied penalties, the more pissed off we will be," he barked. "We may not get penalties, but at least it would not bad to get fouls outside the box, like the one that Marco Borriello suffered. After all, we have good free-kick takers." Juventus, who have now drawn exactly half of their 26 Serie A games this term, travel to Genoa on Sunday. http://www.soccerway...regular-season/

Serie A Week 23 - 7-3-2012 (6:30 p.m.) 1 - 1 Marco Di Vaio (17') Mirko Vučinić (59′) Renato Dall'Ara Stadium - Bologna Referee: Luca Banti Attendance: 19000‎ Draw-obsessed Juventus set to go season unbeaten, but still fail to win Serie A It was the same old story for the Bianconeri at Bologna, sending them another game closer to the unwanted record of being unbeatable losers, just as Perugia were 33 years ago. Mar 8, 2012 COMMENT By Kris Voakes | Italian Football Editor It’s a common sight in Italy, taking place in recreation ground changing rooms and bars, pizza places and piazzas. Football fans sit with a pen and that week’s pools coupon, shouting out fixtures and welcoming suggestions from their friends. But with each passing game this season, the very mention of Juventus brings increasing calls of ‘X’, with the Bianconeri becoming such draw specialists that their hopes of winning a first official title in eight years are going down the tubes, and fast. Wednesday evening’s latest stalemate away to Bologna was symptomatic of their recent malaise. Their fifth draw in six league games has resulted in them dropping two points behind leaders AC Milan in the Scudetto race, despite the fact they remain unbeaten through the first 26 rounds of the campaign. Maybe those keen gamblers across the peninsula should turn their attentions to sticking money on the Old Lady ending the season without a loss, but also without the title. Because right now, there is increasingly less fun in predicting Juve games. With each goal, you can almost immediately see the equaliser coming. And last night was no different. Bologna grabbed the lead when Stephan Lichtsteiner decided at the last second to attempt to play offside, despite being in the perfect position to see that he was the last man able to curb Marco Di Vaio’s route to goal. Instead, the striker drew Gianluigi Buffon away from his line and finished expertly. But not at any point did a home victory ever seem likely, and Juventus duly equalised during a much improved second-half performance. Andrea Pirlo played a trademark pass in the channel which pierced through the heart of the Rossoblu, and Mirko Vucinic delightfully dinked the ball over the onrushing Jean-Francois Gillet. Yet again though, Juve’s push for a winner appeared to the neutral like something you’d seen a million times before. Like a bad TV series where all of the episodes have the same storyline, the Old Lady’s away trips in particular are suddenly taking on a remarkably similar vein. When Marco Borriello’s header was superbly kept out by Gillet, Claudio Marchisio fired straight back at the keeper, who reacted quickly to ensure Bologna held on for a vital point. That header was about the best thing Borriello had to offer in yet another unconvincing display. Two months after his move from Roma which caused such consternation in the stands at Juventus Stadium, he still awaits his first goal. His situation sums up the current state at Vinovo, with the forwards still not having clubbed together to find the finishing power necessary to turn their side into potential champions. Once again, it felt like reading an old newspaper checking out Juve’s full-time stats. Even the histrionics had a sense of deja-vu about them. Just as at Parma and Milan recently, there was much debate on the touchline over various refereeing calls. Antonio Conte was sent off for his protestations, and before long he was joined by Leonardo Bonucci, who arguably could have been shown a second yellow card long before Luca Banti eventually brandished it for a foul on Gaston Ramirez. Bonucci’s mindless challenge was made all the worse when you consider his main mandate from his coach must have been to not get himself suspended, given that Juve’s other two first-choice centre-backs, Andrea Barzagli and Giorgio Chiellini, are both out with injuries. Bonucci’s stupidity strips them of a third for the trip to Genoa on Sunday. Just like Perugia in 1978-79, Juventus are fast heading for a runners-up spot rather than a Scudetto triumph thanks to their inability to turn draws into wins. Having now drawn as many as they have won over 26 games, it will need a significant change in attitude during tight games for Juve to pull off a title win. While a leap from two successive seventh place finishes to second this term would be reason for some celebration, it is bound to feel like an opportunity missed. As much as Milan have shown at vital times this season that they have the depth of ability to pick up wins even when not always convincing, the Turin giants have dominated game after game without ever looking likely to convert their superiority into a significant lead in the table. Just like Perugia in ’79, they will almost certainly end the season with the best defensive record. But also just like Perugia in ’79, they will have the worst goals return of the sides at the top end of the league. And, crucially, they look set to finish the season with no defeats, but also no title. http://www.soccerway...regular-season/