Socrates

Agent reveals Buffon will commence contract talks with Juventus in the summer The Italian shot stopper's representative stated that his client will sit down with the Turin club and begin talks over a new deal at the end of the current season. Mar 1, 2012 Juventus goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon will discuss his future with the club at the end of the season, his agent has revealed. The 34-year-old's current contract expires in 2013 and it has been suggested that the Bianconeri are interested in offering him a new deal which would keep him in Turin until he decides to retire. "Juventus are happy with him and he is very happy at the club," agent Silvano Martina told Radio Sportiva. "The reason why there has not been any contact is because we will wait until the end of the season." However, the glovesman's agent was non-committal when asked if his client wanted to see out the rest of his career at the club. "It is hard to say. He could end his career at Juve, but anything can happen," Martina concluded.

Frey backs up Buffon Feb 29, 2012 Sebastien Frey has defended under-fire Juventus ‘keeper Gianluigi Buffon, but the Genoa man has asked for the introduction of goal-line technology. Buffon has been heavily criticised for his admission that he wouldn’t have told the referee that Sulley Muntari’s ghost-goal, in the 1-1 with Milan, should have been awarded if he had realised it had crossed the line. “You can’t question Buffon,” the Genoa No 1 told Sky Sport Italia. “I would have acted in the same way that Gigi did. “There are referees who are there to make the decisions. Buffon is blameless in all this. “We’ve taken some important steps forward with technology and I would be in favour of its use in football. It wouldn’t be bad to give the referees a helping hand.”

Marrone back for Juventus Feb 29, 2012 Italian Under-21 international Luca Marrone has returned to full training with Juventus following injury. The 21-year-old has been sidelined in recent weeks because of a thigh muscle strain in his left leg. The Turin native, who has played just twice in Serie A this season, took part in the full session with the rest of the squad yesterday.

Serie A Week 25 - 25-2-2012 (8:45 p.m.) 1 - 1 Antonio Nocerino (14') Alessandro Matri (83') Giuseppe Meazza (San Siro) Stadium - Milan Referee: Paolo Tagliavento Attendance: 53000‎ Ibrahimovic: Muntari's disallowed goal is a tragedy for football The Sweden international is shocked that the assistant referee did not see the ball cross the line in the Serie A showdown at San Siro last weekend. Feb 28, 2012 AC Milan striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic revealed his dismay over Sulley Muntari's disallowed goal in Saturday's 1-1 draw against Juventus. Muntari's close-range header crossed the goal-line before it was scooped out by Gianluigi Buffon, but the assistant referee failed to spot the ball cross the line even though he seemed to be in a good position to judge the play. "Muntari's goal, which the linesman did not see, is a tragedy for football," Ibrahimovic said during a press conference. "I am more disappointed than angry. Everyone could see it was a goal. An offside, you can make a mistake, but a goal, no." Ibrahimovic then commented on his slap to Napoli defender Salvatore Aronica, which saw him miss the match against Juventus as part of his three-game ban. "The opponents will always do everything to stop me," Ibrahimovic said. "You have to learn from your mistakes and try not to repeat them. "But I cannot say that something like this will not happen again in the future. "There is always a lot of tension on the field." http://www.soccerway...regular-season/

Serie A Week 25 - 25-2-2012 (8:45 p.m.) 1 - 1 Antonio Nocerino (14') Alessandro Matri (83') Giuseppe Meazza (San Siro) Stadium - Milan Referee: Paolo Tagliavento Attendance: 53000‎ Tacconi backs Buffon: Never tell the truth in football The former Bianconeri goalkeeper has admitted that he would not have readily informed the match official if the ball had crossed the line against the Rossoneri either. Feb 28, 2012 Stefano Tacconi has backed Gianluigi Buffon over the controversial comments the Juventus goalkeeper made regarding Sulley Muntari's 'ghost goal' at San Siro on Saturday, arguing that honesty is not the best policy when it comes to football. The AC Milan midfielder beat Buffon with a close-range header during the first half of the top-of-the-table clash but the match officials failed to notice that the ball had crossed the line before Buffon was able to get it under his control. Buffon claimed after the game that he had no idea if the ball had gone over the line but then infuriated the Rossoneri by claiming that even if he had known, he would not have informed the referee. The Italy international's less than sporting attitude has shocked many but former Bianconeri goalkeeper Tacconi believes that there is no room for honesty in the game. "I would not have said anything [either]," the 54-year-old Italian told Goal.com. "I'd have kept quiet. "Never tell the truth in football. I've experienced it during my career when I was out for six months for telling the truth. "Since then I have realised that being honest in football does not pay." Tacconi also believes the fact that Buffon's comments have sparked such a heated debate within the game is indicative how times have changed since he was a player. "In today's football everyone talks too much," he argued. "I say this: that everyone takes responsibility for their own actions and that we return to playing football. "Once we were winning the Scudetto with fists, punches and broken teeth; now that there are thousands of cameras filming every game, however, the titles are won by talking ... They only want to go onto the field to talk. "It's no longer football - it's football-gossip: who has gone out with who; who has sniffed coke. These are the arguments that you often read about in the papers and on the internet. Now the more you talk, the more you win." As for who will win this year's Scudetto, Tacconi believes that the title race will go right to the wire, feeling that Bianconeri might have a slight edge given they have no European commitments. "The duel could last until the end, though usually the Scudetto is decided in the spring," he mused. "With the arrival of summer we will see who has more strength. Milan may have to expend a significant amount of energy in the Champions League, but the race remains open." Tacconi, who was capped seven times by the Azzurri during his playing days, spent nine years with Juventus between 1983 and 1992. http://www.soccerway...regular-season/

Platini: Buffon went overboard Feb 27, 2012 Michel Platini has offered his two cents on the ongoing controversy surrounding Gianluigi Buffon’s post-Milan-Juventus comments. After the top-of-the-table clash, which finished 1-1 but was overshadowed by the controversy of Sulley Muntari’s missed legitimate goal, Buffon said that even if he knew the ball had crossed the line, he would not have admitted so to the referee. The Italy captain has been criticised for lacking responsibility in his choice of words and even as the goalkeeper and his national Coach Cesare Prandelli defended them on Monday morning, former Juve legend and current UEFA President Platini is the latest to suggest he was unwise. “Buffon has gone too far with his words and between Turin and Milan there should not be war. If the referee had asked him and he had said ‘no’, then that would have figured him to be a liar. “If I had scored a goal with my hand and the referee had asked me, I would have said I had scored it with my hand. Diego Maradona didn’t do it? No-one asked him.”

Serie A Week 25 - 25-2-2012 (8:45 p.m.) 1 - 1 Antonio Nocerino (14') Alessandro Matri (83') Giuseppe Meazza (San Siro) Stadium - Milan Referee: Paolo Tagliavento Attendance: 53000‎ Mexes banned, Pirlo, Muntari acquitted Feb 27, 2012 Milan defender Philippe Mexes has received a three-match ban after video evidence found him guilty of punching Juventus’ Marco Borriello at the weekend. French centre-back Mexes was caught on camera punching former Roma teammate Borriello in the ribs, on the blind side of both the referee and his assistants, during Saturday’s clash between Milan and Juve. After investigation, the No 5 has been handed a three-game ban and will now miss the Rossoneri’s fixtures with Palermo, Lecce and Parma. Meanwhile, teammate Sulley Muntari and Juve midfielder Andrea Pirlo, who were both also under investigation for alleged off-the-ball clashes, have both been cleared and will not face any action. Muntari had seemingly been caught on camera twice lashing out at Stephan Lichtsteiner, whilst Pirlo reportedly elbowed Mark Van Bommel. http://www.soccerway...regular-season/

Serie A Week 25 - 25-2-2012 (8:45 p.m.) 1 - 1 Antonio Nocerino (14') Alessandro Matri (83') Giuseppe Meazza (San Siro) Stadium - Milan Referee: Paolo Tagliavento Attendance: 53000‎ Mexes banned for three games for punch on Borriello The Frenchman escaped any punishment at the time as it went unnoticed by the referee, Paolo Tagliavento, but the incident was caught by the television cameras. Feb 27, 2012 AC Milan defender Philippe Mexes has been suspended for three games for punching Juventus forward Marco Borriello during Saturday's 1-1 draw at San Siro. Mexes appeared to strike the Bianconeri forward in the kidneys during the second half of the Serie A clash at the Giuseppe Meazza but the incident was missed by referee Paolo Tagliavento and the Frenchman escaped punishment. However, Mexes' offence was captured by the television cameras and he has now been handed a three-game ban, meaning he will miss the Rossoneri's upcoming Serie A meetings with Palermo, Lecce and Parma. However, no action has been taken against either Milan midfielders Sulley Muntari or Mark van Bommel. Muntari stood accused of slapping Stephan Lichtsteiner, while Van Bommel was said to have deliberately elbowed Andrea Pirlo in the head but both were cleared of any wrongdoing. However, Milan team manager Silvano Ramaccioni has been hit with a one-game ban for comments he made towards Juventus players. http://www.soccerway...regular-season/

Serie A Week 25 - 25-2-2012 (8:45 p.m.) 1 - 1 Antonio Nocerino (14') Alessandro Matri (83') Giuseppe Meazza (San Siro) Stadium - Milan Referee: Paolo Tagliavento Attendance: 53000‎ Buffon refuses to retract controversial comments following AC Milan draw The Italy international has reiterated that he would not have informed the referee if he had realised that Sulley Muntari's header crossed the line in Saturday's crunch clash. Feb 27, 2012 Juventus goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon has stood by his post-match comments regarding Sulley Muntari's disallowed goal. The 34-year-old custodian was at the heart of the controversy in Saturday's 1-1 draw at San Siro as he saved the Milan midfielder's header after the ball had crossed the goal-line. After the match, Buffon claimed he would not have helped the referee even if he had realised the goal was legitimate and he has now maintained his stance. "The respect and the esteem I have for my team-mates are enough, I do not care about the rest," he told Sky Sport Italia. "I am happy the way I am. This is a world where everyone defends their position. I would say exactly the same things. "I do not have to justify myself, people can write what they want. I repeat that I did not see anything in that situation." Juve remain one point behind Milan in the race for the Scudetto but have a game in hand. http://www.soccerway...regular-season/

Prandelli stands by Buffon Feb 27, 2012 Italy boss Cesare Prandelli says under-fire Gigi Buffon will remain as captain, while he’s defended the exclusions of Mario Balotelli and Pablo Daniel Osvaldo. Buffon is in the middle of a storm after the goalkeeper’s comments regarding the Sulley Muntari goal that was not awarded in Saturday’s 1-1 draw between Milan and Juventus. The custodian palmed the ball away, but only after it had crossed the line. He admitted after the game that he wouldn’t have told the referee that the goal should have stood if he had realised it was over. “I haven’t thought about taking the armband away from Buffon,” Prandelli stated on Monday. “Absolutely not.” There have been some calls for Buffon to be stripped of the captaincy or even dropped from the set-up altogether. “I don’t think Gigi needs any kind of defence,” the Coach continued. “I’m more convinced than ever that during games and straight after them, players have so much competitive tension that they can’t favour a referee if they have any kind of doubt. “Two or three days after the incident, everyone can say that the ball was in or not, but we can’t expect a player who is unsure to help the referee during such an important incident.”

Serie A Week 25 - 25-2-2012 (8:45 p.m.) 1 - 1 Antonio Nocerino (14') Alessandro Matri (83') Giuseppe Meazza (San Siro) Stadium - Milan Referee: Paolo Tagliavento Attendance: 53000‎ Allegri calm after the storm Feb 27, 2012 Milan boss Massimiliano Allegri has looked to inject some calm following the furore in the aftermath of the Juventus clash. The game ended 1-1, but only after Milan had scored a ghost goal and the Old Lady were denied of an onside Alessandro Matri strike. “There was anger because it was an important game,” the former Cagliari tactician stated on Monday afternoon. “Certain episodes take place during games and they need to be faced with serenity. Referees make mistakes. “I’m disappointed with what took place, but I have nothing against the match officials. There was an error, but the game was well officiated. “We could have done without the post-match tension-induced statements. We’re disappointed, but I don’t want to create more tension.” The Italian media today are focusing heavily on Gigi Buffon’s claims that he wouldn’t have told the referee that Sulley Muntari’s goal should have counted had he realised the ball was over the line. “I don’t want to say anything about that,” the Coach noted. “I’d rather just talk about football. The referees need to make decisions therefore the responsibility is theirs.” http://www.soccerway...regular-season/

Serie A Week 25 - 25-2-2012 (8:45 p.m.) 1 - 1 Antonio Nocerino (14') Alessandro Matri (83') Giuseppe Meazza (San Siro) Stadium - Milan Referee: Paolo Tagliavento Attendance: 53000‎ Buffon conscience is clear Feb 27, 2012 Juventus goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon has stood by his controversial post-match comments over the Milan goal that never was. Sulley Muntari should have put the Rossoneri 2-0 up in Saturday’s game after the match officials failed to recognise that the ‘keeper’s save had occurred behind the line. Buffon claimed after the 1-1 draw that he wouldn’t have informed the referee that a goal should have been awarded had he realised the ball was in. “I would repeat my words again,” Buffon told Sky Sport Italia this morning as he arrived at Italy’s Coverciano training base. “If I had understood that the ball was over the line then I wouldn’t have said anything. I wouldn’t have buried my team. “My conscience is clear. After all, I have set a good example on many other occasions.” Buffon is also quoted in La Stampa today where he defended his point of view following the controversial incident. “Bring me whoever would have helped the referee,” the former Parma shot-stopper noted. “All I thought about was to get the ball – perhaps Muntari should have done better. “Their unfavourable incident may have weighed more than the one that went against us [Alessandro Matri’s disallowed onside goal], but the game should have finished 2-2 anyway…” http://www.soccerway...regular-season/

Serie A Week 25 - 25-2-2012 (8:45 p.m.) 1 - 1 Antonio Nocerino (14') Alessandro Matri (83') Giuseppe Meazza (San Siro) Stadium - Milan Referee: Paolo Tagliavento Attendance: 53000‎ Milan-Juventus: Now the bans… Feb 27, 2012 The Milan-Juventus tie is set to be played out again on Monday as the sporting judge will rule on a number of controversial incidents. While the red card handed to Arturo Vidal and the yellow to Simone Pepe during the 1-1 draw will see them banned for the next 90 minutes, they may not be alone. Rossoneri stopper Philippe Mexes risks a three-match suspension after TV footage seems to show him punch Marco Borriello at the start of the second half. Footage has also emerged of Sulley Muntari getting physical with Juventus right-back Stephan Lichtsteiner during the tie. Meanwhile, Milan are claiming that Andrea Pirlo of Juventus elbowed Mark Van Bommel on two separate occasions during the encounter. There is also a risk that Juventus boss Antonio Conte and Milan Vice-President Adriano Galliani could be punished in some way for their argument during half-time. Milan’s Massimo Ambrosini and Giorgio Chiellini of Juventus also exchanged strong opinions at the end of the game. http://www.soccerway...regular-season/

Serie A Week 25 - 25-2-2012 (8:45 p.m.) 1 - 1 Antonio Nocerino (14') Alessandro Matri (83') Giuseppe Meazza (San Siro) Stadium - Milan Referee: Paolo Tagliavento Attendance: 53000‎ Thiago Silva calls for more assistance Feb 27, 2012 Thiago Silva says three match officials are not enough for the big games after the events of Milan-Juventus on Saturday evening. The fiery Scudetto clash at San Siro ended 1-1, but the Rossoneri should have gone 2-0 up in the first half after a Sulley Muntari goal was not awarded – despite the ball clearly being over the line. “I’m disappointed with what happened against Juventus,” the Brazilian international told Sky Sport Italia. “I’m stunned by the mistake of the linesman. I saw the ball go in from where I was in the middle of the pitch and he was in a position where he could see everything… “I’m in favour of the use of TV replays or officials behind the goals – we have to have them in the big matches.” Although the centre-back criticised the referee and his assistants, he refused to blast Juventus goalkeeper Gigi Buffon who clawed the ball away. The Rossoneri have reacted angrily to the Juve No 1’s post-match claims that even if he thought the ball had crossed the line, he wouldn’t have told the referee. “Had I been him, I would have done the same,” Thiago Silva continued. http://www.soccerway...regular-season/

Serie A Week 25 - 25-2-2012 (8:45 p.m.) 1 - 1 Antonio Nocerino (14') Alessandro Matri (83') Giuseppe Meazza (San Siro) Stadium - Milan Referee: Paolo Tagliavento Attendance: 53000‎ 'I was watching the ball, not the line' - Buffon after ghost goal in Juventus' draw with AC Milan Sulley Muntari appeared to have scored for the hosts with a header but the Italy goalkeeper believed that he had kept it out, though he admits that he would not have spoken up. Feb 26, 2012 Juventus goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon has claimed that he was watching the ball and not the line and so did not realise that a mistake had been made in the 'ghost goal' incident against AC Milan on Saturday. A Sulley Muntari header for the Rossoneri appeared to be comfortably in the net, but the Italy international scooped the ball clear and a goal was not awarded, the game eventually finishing 1-1. The 34-year-old stated that he was unsure whether the effort had crossed the line and was only interested in helping his team, adding that, if he had known that the goal was legitimate, he would not have corrected the officials. "I was watching the ball, not the line," Buffon told La Repubblica. "I didn't realise it had gone over the line, and even if I did I wouldn't have lent a hand to the referee. "Taking a point and continuing the unbeaten streak makes it a special evening, where we played against most successful team to win the Scudetto. "In the end what counts is that we were ready to adapt to whatever happened in the match. Milan had greater freshness, lucidity and technical skill. "In the second half we tried to change and in the last 25 minutes we were better because in the first half AC Milan had control of the game," he admitted. The draw means that Milan are still top of Serie A by one point, though Juventus have a game in hand. http://www.soccerway...regular-season/

Serie A Week 25 - 25-2-2012 (8:45 p.m.) 1 - 1 Antonio Nocerino (14') Alessandro Matri (83') Giuseppe Meazza (San Siro) Stadium - Milan Referee: Paolo Tagliavento Attendance: 53000‎ Abbiati: 'Goal would've changed game' Feb 26, 2012 Christian Abbiati and Urby Emanuelson believe the ‘phantom’ goal would’ve changed the game in Milan-Juventus. The Rossoneri were 1-0 up in the first half when the linesman failed to spot Sulley Muntari’s header cross the line. “We played so well and inevitably felt the fatigue in the second half,” said Emanuelson. “However, if Muntari’s goal had been given, then on 2-0 it would’ve been a different game, opening up a lot more space. “We remain confident for the Scudetto, because we played very well despite missing so many players.” Goalkeeper Abbiati agreed that the Muntari incident weighed more heavily than Alessandro Matri’s late goal that was incorrectly ruled offside. “We are disappointed with the result, but not too downhearted because we know that we played well,” said the former Juventus shot-stopper. “In the locker room I saw that my teammates were sad, but also convinced they had proved a victory was deserved. “Obviously, if we had gone 2-0 up in the first half, then it would’ve been a whole other game. I don’t know if we would have won, but it’d still be a different situation for us. “It’s a shame, although a point against Juve is not to be sniffed at.” http://www.soccerway...regular-season/

Serie A Week 25 - 25-2-2012 (8:45 p.m.) 1 - 1 Antonio Nocerino (14') Alessandro Matri (83') Giuseppe Meazza (San Siro) Stadium - Milan Referee: Paolo Tagliavento Attendance: 53000‎ Buffon: 'On Muntari's goal...' Feb 26, 2012 Gianluigi Buffon reveals even if he had realised Sulley Muntari’s effort had crossed the line, he “certainly wouldn’t have told the referee!” Juventus fought back for a 1-1 draw against Milan last night, but when it was still 1-0 the officials failed to spot Muntari’s header go into the goal before Buffon batted it away. “I have to be honest, it was all moving so quickly that I didn’t realise the ball had crossed the line. Mind you, even if I had realised, I certainly wouldn’t have told the referee! “We are happy with this point against a team that remains the favourite for the Scudetto and who created so many problems for us for 65 minutes. “It wasn’t a great start to the game for us and Milan always managed to pin us back, so after the break we changed a few things and it went better, especially in the final stages.” Antonio Conte had a row on live television with Zvonimir Boban, who claimed the two refereeing errors could not be considered equal. However, Buffon seemed to go against his Coach and agree with the former Milan star turned pundit. “We were certainly helped by the incidents. The linesman’s error on the Milan goal had a specifically different weight on the game and the way it played out. “Having said that, the club was right to point out that it’s abnormal we have only received one penalty all season considering the way we play football. That is an incontrovertible fact.” http://www.soccerway...regular-season/

Serie A Week 25 - 25-2-2012 (8:45 p.m.) 1 - 1 Antonio Nocerino (14') Alessandro Matri (83') Giuseppe Meazza (San Siro) Stadium - Milan Referee: Paolo Tagliavento Attendance: 53000‎ Matri enjoyed Milan revenge Feb 26, 2012 Alessandro Matri admits it was particularly special to score against his former club and “perhaps it’s lucky my goal was disallowed.” The striker came off the bench to net the equaliser in last night’s 1-1 draw with Milan, but before that was incorrectly flagged offside. “The important thing is we were able to bring home a point,” said Matri. “Perhaps it’s lucky my goal was disallowed, as that evened out the one Sulley Muntari was not given in the first half. “The performance was pretty good, although we all realised it was not the usual Juventus out there. “My goal is worth a great deal, but not for the Scudetto. A defeat would’ve been a heavy blow, but we maintain our unbeaten record, which means a lot to us.” Matri grew up in the Milan youth academy, but was never given much consideration at the club. “It was a special atmosphere for me, as it was the first time I had played such an important match. It meant a lot to me to be here.” http://www.soccerway...regular-season/

Serie A Week 25 - 25-2-2012 (8:45 p.m.) 1 - 1 Antonio Nocerino (14') Alessandro Matri (83') Giuseppe Meazza (San Siro) Stadium - Milan Referee: Paolo Tagliavento Attendance: 53000‎ Conte: 'Milan deserve praise' Feb 25, 2012 Antonio Conte admitted “Milan deserved more” than a point, but engaged in a row on live TV because “both refereeing errors were equal.” Juventus had spent weeks protesting at the controversial refereeing decisions that went against them, so there was huge pressure on the officials during tonight’s 1-1 draw. The linesman, Romagnoli, made two errors when he failed to see Sulley Muntari’s header cross the line, then flagged Alessandro Matri offside. “First of all we must praise Milan, as they played for an hour at the highest level and put us under pressure with our own weapons. Where I see that we went wrong, it’s also because they made us go wrong. “Of course it’s tough to keep up that tempo and they collapsed at a certain point, while our substitutes brought fresh legs and allowed us to equalise. “Let’s leave the Scudetto talk alone after this game. Anyone who saw this match realises Milan were wonderful, while Juve were lucky. We have a long way to go and Milan are a very strong team who proved it again today despite their many absentees. “I compliment my lads for hanging in there and eventually snatching a draw at the end. That fightback showed our 24 games unbeaten are not down to luck, but also heart and hard work.” Conte blamed the media and also accepted some responsibility for the tension around this fixture. “These things happen. What I am disappointed by is that this game was fired up too much by everyone, both those within it and outside of it. The atmosphere in my view was not good for sport. It’s a shame, but the match is decided within the pitch and too many things happened this week. “The most wonderful thing about all this was the match itself. The rest needs to be improved by everyone, including myself. “The officials made two big mistakes again this evening. What can I say? These things happen and we take note one was in our favour and the other against us. We hope that the errors all even out at the end of the season for all the teams.” However, Conte engaged in a row with former Milan star Zvonimir Boban, now a Sky Sport Italia pundit, when discussing the two incidents. “I find it unacceptable that you can compare the two and say one error was more damaging than the other. Both goals were incorrectly disallowed and are therefore equal. What, was our goal not worth as much? I see no difference whatsoever. They were both mistakes. “You always manage to make it into controversy, even when we come here very openly. For the last week we have been bombarded by questions and controversy, so the temperature was raised far too much. “Admittedly, Milan deserved more from the match in terms of performance, but there were incidents against both teams tonight.” The two eventually made peace and Conte apologised for using harsh words during the debate. http://www.soccerway...regular-season/

Serie A Week 25 - 25-2-2012 (8:45 p.m.) 1 - 1 Antonio Nocerino (14') Alessandro Matri (83') Giuseppe Meazza (San Siro) Stadium - Milan Referee: Paolo Tagliavento Attendance: 53000‎ Allegri: 'Result falsified' Feb 25, 2012 Milan Coach Massimiliano Allegri mocked Juventus after a phantom goal. “It falsified the result. I am entertained by all this.” The Rossoneri had been leading 1-0 when Sulley Muntari’s header was flapped out by Gigi Buffon, but only after it had crossed the line. “I had fun, as it was a wonderful game that Milan played very well. Unfortunately there was that incident that certainly falsified the result. Either the line was drawn wrong and was a bit too big… We have to accept it,” said Allegri in a sarcastic tone. The 1-1 draw came after weeks of Juve directors, players and Coach Antonio Conte protesting at unfair treatment from referees. “There’s no need to see the replays. It was pretty obvious from all round the stadium. The referee pointed to the centre-circle then it all just kept on going. “Apart from everything, this incident certainly damaged us as we would’ve gone 2-0 up and that is a different match. This is a sign that perhaps someone ought to stay quiet. I am entertained by all this. In any case, it’s better to talk about the football. “Juventus are unbeaten until now and are doing some great things. Tonight we chose to put pressure on them as high up the field as possible and take away their spaces. We kept up the tempo for most of it and got tired at the end, but wasted three or four great counter-attacks. “This was an important turning point in the campaign, we put in a wonderful performance and I’d like to think the chances of winning the Scudetto are now 50-50.” Alessandro Matri also had a goal incorrectly ruled offside in the final stages, but Allegri points out they cannot be compared. “Muntari’s goal would’ve made it 2-0. Matri’s would’ve made it 1-1, so it’s a different situation entirely.” Alexandre Pato disappointed, while replacement Stephan El Shaarawy brought more of an attacking threat. “Pato was not 100 per cent fit, as he had a muscular twinge during the first half, so rather than risk I preferred to replace him. “El Shaarawy gave us great intensity and could’ve done better with a few chances. I am happy with the spirit shown by the team and we will now relax a little, then begin again. “We had a spell during the season where we felt a little mentally tired, such as the derby and against Lazio.” There were also problems at half-time, as Vice-President Adriano Galliani reportedly shouted at the referee in the tunnel and then left San Siro due to "blood pressure problems." http://www.soccerway...regular-season/

Serie A Week 25 - 25-2-2012 (8:45 p.m.) 1 - 1 Antonio Nocerino (14') Alessandro Matri (83') Giuseppe Meazza (San Siro) Stadium - Milan Referee: Paolo Tagliavento Attendance: 53000‎ Robinho: 'Error can decide Scudetto' Feb 25, 2012 Robinho has warned the officials that the ‘phantom goal’ denied to Milan tonight “can decide the Scudetto. It was so clear!” Gigi Buffon scooped a Sulley Muntari header out, but only after it had clearly crossed the line by at least 20cm. “It was so clear and it’s incredible the goal has not been given. This can decide the Scudetto,” blasted Robinho on Sky Sport Italia at half-time. After 45 minutes, Milan are leading Juventus 1-0 with Antonio Nocerino’s deflected strike. “Now we have to stay calm and get back on to the field with the same determination we showed in the first half.” http://www.soccerway...regular-season/

Serie A Week 25 - 25-2-2012 (8:45 p.m.) 1 - 1 Antonio Nocerino (14') Alessandro Matri (83') Giuseppe Meazza (San Siro) Stadium - Milan Referee: Paolo Tagliavento Attendance: 53000‎ Conte bemoans refereeing errors in controversial AC Milan draw Juventus coach is disappointed that the match will be remembered for its officiating rather than the football it served up, but nevertheless happy his team rescued a point. Feb 25, 2012 Juventus coach Antonio Conte has expressed his disdain at the tense nature of his side's 1-1 draw with AC Milan in Serie A on Saturday. The Old Lady bagged a late point courtesy of substitute Alessandro Matri, who cancelled out Antonio Nocerino's early strike, but the game was overshadowed by a pair of questionable refereeing decisions in the form of two disallowed goals from Matri and Sulley Muntari. A half-time bust-up between both clubs also ensued, and Conte could only apologise for the controversy that unfolded at San Siro. "These things happen, and I'm sorry that this match had too much tension," he told Sky Sport Italia after the match. "There was not a beautiful atmosphere for the purists. Too many things happened that were not football-related, and I did not like them. "The best thing was the game itself, the rest should be improved in the future. I, for one, must also improve." Conte then backed Alessandro Matri's view that both incidents cancelled each other out, but attacked former Milan midfielder and Sky pundit Zvonimir Boban, who claimed Muntari's header held more significance to the final outcome of the match than Matri's offside finish. "There were two serious technical errors on two goals from Matri and Muntari. These are errors that can occur, but they are both even," he continued. "We hope that errors can always be balanced for and against all teams come the end of the season, but I find unacceptable to say that a goal is more regular than the other." However, despite the negativity surrounding the game, Conte praised Milan for successfully putting his team on the back foot for the first hour, but was pleased the Bianconeri responded thereafter. "We must credit Milan because they played at a very high level for an hour, putting us under intense pressure," he stated. "But it was unlikely that they could sustain it for the entire match and we were good at exploiting them, aided by the players I brought on. "The people watched a great Milan team, although they missed many important players. We were both good and lucky, but there is still much to do for the Scudetto." http://www.soccerway...regular-season/

Serie A Week 25 - 25-2-2012 (8:45 p.m.) 1 - 1 Antonio Nocerino (14') Alessandro Matri (83') Giuseppe Meazza (San Siro) Stadium - Milan Referee: Paolo Tagliavento Attendance: 53000‎ How Paolo Tagliavento fared in AC Milan-Juventus clash The senior official was always likely to be in the firing line, and so it proved on the night as a web of controversy grabbed all the headlines at San Siro. Feb 25, 2012 ANALYSIS By Kris Voakes | Italian Football Editor It was always tipped to be a controversial fixture, given the backdrop of recent claims and counter-claims to refereeing decisions involving AC Milan and Juventus. We were reliably informed that Paolo Tagliavento is the best referee Italy has to offer before Saturday night's 1-1 draw, but there were almost inevitably a number of talking points during the 90 minutes. With coach Antonio Conte and director Pavel Nedved having complained about Juve's rough justice of late in the past 10 days, sporting director Giuseppe Marotta was quick to back Tagliavento pre-game. But did he justify the credit that came his way? Two moments in particular will stick in everyone's mind post-match, but how did the referee and his team do in the big flashpoints on the whole? Below we break down all of the key moments. FLASHPOINT 1: 25th min - Muntari no-goal The game's big talking point. With Milan a goal to the good and bossing much of the territory, Philippe Mexes' header forces Gianluigi Buffon into an excellent save, but the ball is only cleared as far as Sulley Muntari. The Ghanaian's header is far from emphatic, but is more than enough to beat Buffon and clear the goal-line before the keeper claws the ball back into play. However, referee's assistant Roberto Romagnoli inexplicably fails to spot the ball's flight despite being stood in a perfect position to call it. Tagliavento signalled as if to award the goal, but bows to his colleague's over-rule given his better positioning. His instinct had been right, the assistant's decision-making was wrong. FLASHPOINT 2: 46th min - Mexes' dig in the ribs The second half was barely a minute old when Philippe Mexes and Marco Borriello clashed in back play after the ball had been cleared from their immediate surroundings. With initial pushing and pulling having not quite subsided, the Frenchman lands a hefty blow into the ribs of the Juventus striker. With no official catching it, the Milan man gets away with his indiscretion. One for the video panel, perhaps. FLASHPOINT 3: 54th min - Vidal and Robinho clash With Tagliavento in close proximity, Robinho makes a run for the Juventus penalty area with the ball in tow. The Chilean comes across to make a challenge, but when the Milan attacker knocks the ball wider to his left, Vidal seems to half pull out of the tackle. As contact is made between the two right on the edge of the box, the referee decides that the Juve man had done enough to avoid bringing down the now prostrate Brazilian. His decision to allow play to continue was probably the right one. FLASHPOINT 4: 80th min - Matri's equaliser chalked off Another black mark against Sgr. Romagnoli. Juventus substitute Alessandro Matri latches onto a throughball and fires home what appears to be an equaliser for the Bianconeri, only to see the linesman's flag go up. The striker's instincts were right. On the video replay, it is clear that Matri had timed his run perfectly, and while strike partner Mirko Vucinic was in an offside position, the Montenegrin had not interfered with play, meaning the goal should have stood. Juve fans may well claim that it was enough to cancel out the bad call on Muntari's goal, but since when have two wrongs made a right? The timings of the 'goals' were also very different, but it's hard to say one was more harsh than the other. Either way, Matri was right to feel aggrieved. FLASHPOINT 5: 89th min - Vidal's red card The Chilean topped off a poor night by going to ground and taking down Mark van Bommel from behind. The challenge was not only late, and nowhere near the ball, it was also high. The resulting red card was fair. There had arguably been other tackles in the game which the referee could have taken a hard line with, but taking this incident in isolation, it was again the right call. And as if all of that wasn't enough, there were tempestuous scenes at full-time, as Van Bommel and Andrea Pirlo came head-to-head after an incident during the second half when the Juve man claimed his former team-mate delivered an elbow to the head. Then, Massimo Ambrosini and Giorgio Chiellini got into a spat of their own. There will be plenty for the Lega Serie A's Disciplinary Committee to keep themselves busy with in the coming days! http://www.soccerway...regular-season/

Serie A Week 25 - 25-2-2012 (8:45 p.m.) 1 - 1 Antonio Nocerino (14') Alessandro Matri (83') Giuseppe Meazza (San Siro) Stadium - Milan Referee: Paolo Tagliavento Attendance: 53000‎ Allegri: I wasn't upset, but Muntari's disallowed goal affected the game Milan coach says he did not see Matri's equalising strike but ponders how the complexion of the match could have been different had his side been given the second goal. Feb 25, 2012 AC Milan coach Massimiliano Allegri says he is not disappointed with his side's play in their 1-1 draw at home against Juventus on Saturday, although he states that Sulley Muntari's disallowed goal changed the game. The Rossoneri took the lead in the first half after Antonio Nocerino capitalised on a howler from centre-back Leonardo Bonucci, before Alessandro Matri's late strike ensured a share of the spoils. Both sides had a goal controversially called off when Muntari's header was picked out of the net by Gianluigi Buffon after it had crossed the line, and another of Matri's shots was incorrectly adjudged to be offside. Speaking to Sky Sport immediately following the match, Allegri said it did not feel like two points lost. "I wasn't upset at the end of the game. It was a beautiful game played very well by Milan; regrettably there was that episode that affected the game. "The cancellation of Muntari's strike harmed us because we would have been up 2-0. Maybe we would have drawn all the same but the game would have been different," he noted. "Matri's goal? I didn't see it to be honest. It would have been the tying goal or just 2-1 if they had given us Muntari's goal." The draw keeps Milan just one point ahead of Juventus in the standings, although the Old Lady have a game in hand. http://www.soccerway...regular-season/