Socrates

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 Disallowed goal makes us even with AC Milan, says Matri The Bianconeri hitman had a goal ruled offside by the linesman, but he feels it is justice for Sulley Muntari's first-half header, which appeared to have crossed the line. Feb 25, 2012 Juventus striker Alessandro Matri has claimed his offside strike should take the sting out of Sulley Muntari's disallowed header, following his side's 1-1 draw with Serie A rivals AC Milan on Saturday. The Ghanaian looked to have scored a perfectly-legitimate goal 10 minutes after Antonio Nocerino's early opener, as the ball was shown to have crossed the line despite Gianluigi Buffon's best efforts to clear the effort, but the linesman deemed that it wasn't a goal. However, Matri also had a valid goal of his own chalked off for offside near the end of the encounter, and he believes the two incidents have cancelled each other out in a bid to defuse tensions after the match. "My disallowed goal? It ties us with AC Milan, as I have said Muntari's header to be a regular goal," the 27-year-old Sky Sport Italia. Nevertheless, Matri managed to salvage a draw for Juventus late on and preserve their unbeaten start to the campaign, much to the relief of the striker, who reckons the point may not be decisive in the title race, but important for team morale as the business end of the season approaches. "It was important we were able to equalise in such a difficult match. It's a draw that makes a difference in the league table, but not one that will be decisive in the race for the title. "The result also keeps our momentum going, which for us is the most important thing," he concluded. Juventus remain in second place and one point behind Milan at the Serie A summit, but have a game in hand over their rivals. 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 Player Ratings Goal.com evaluates the performances of those involved in the Serie A showdown at San Siro, a game in which the visitors preserved their unbeaten record thanks to Alessandro Matri. Feb 25, 2012 AC Milan Christian Abbiati 6.5 - Had little to do during a first half in which Juve offered little going forward but he fisted away a dangerous cross from the right-hand side from Lichtsteiner before parrying Vidal’s shot from distance away to safety. However, when Milan needed him most, Abbiati came up trumps, making a wonderful point-blank save from Quagliarella. Philippe Mexes 6.0 - Caught in possession early on but looked pretty composed otherwise and deal well with Borriello. The Frenchman also drew a wonderful save out of Buffon with a powerful header from 12 yards out. However, he let himself down with a petulant dig on Borriello in the second half and also became increasingly erratic as the game wore on. Ignazio Abate 6.0 - Got forward when he could during the opening period, forcing a corner early on, but, for the most part, he was more concerned with keeping Estigarribia quiet - which he did to good affect. However, Pepe caused him much more trouble in the second half. Thiago Silva 5.0 - Did not look his usual classy self in the first half, though he should perhaps be granted some leeway in that regard given he took an awful blow to the… eh, groin area, after bravely throwing himself in the way of a shot from Vidal. However, his distribution was poor at times and he was also booked for needlessly going through the back of Quagliarella. The Brazilian did not improve after the restart and it was his shocking clearance which led to Juve's leveller. Luca Antonini 5.5 - Selected ahead of Mesbah because of his defensive qualities and justified his inclusion with a reasonably solid display. Indeed, he did remarkably well in nullifying the threat posed by Lichtsteiner, one of Juve's principal attacking threats this season. However, it was Antonini who failed to track Quagliarella's run when Chiellini picked out the former Napoli forward. Luckily for Antonini, he was bailed out by his keeper. Mark van Bommel 6.0 - Mixed bag from Van Bommel, who gave the ball away badly on occasion and yet also won it back for his side with great regularity. Indeed, he stripped Pirlo of possession at one point, albeit thanks to a sly elbow to the back of the head. Saw a daisy-cutter from the edge of the area roll just wide in the first half but did not really offer anything going forward for the most part. Sulley Ali Muntari 6.5 - Made two wonderful interceptions inside the opening 13 minutes of a very encouraging first-half display. Indeed, his endeavour should have been rewarded with a goal - but the linesman decided otherwise. In saying that, Muntari really should have made sure with his one-yard header! He also faded as the game wore on. Antonio Nocerino 6.5 - The surprise success story of Milan's season, Nocerino's goal may have taken a wicked deflection but his willingness to shoot when he had players making runs to either side of him underlined just how much he has grown in stature this season. Worked tirelessly for the Milan cause, putting in a succession of well-executed challenges in the middle of the park. Urby Emanuelson 5.5 - Miscued embarrassingly after being teed up on the edge of the area by Robinho early on but he did threaten sporadically during the first half and picked out some nice passes. However, he struggled to really get into the game. Alexandre Pato 4.0 - A desperately ineffective display from the Brazilian. In his defence, this was his first outing in a month because of a thigh problem but he may as well have not been playing during the first half. Indeed, he made no impact on the game and even when he was gifted possession by Bonucci, he failed to make the most of the opening, losing the ball almost immediately. Hauled off at half-time; in turth, Allegri would have been within his rights to take him off earlier. Robinho 6.5 - Milan's liveliest player during the first half and their most menacing attacking player throughout. Robinho popped up everywhere during the opening 45 minutes and it was he who intercepted the loose pass from Bonucci which led to Nocerino's goal. However, the Brazilian wasted a glorious opportunity to put El Shaarawy straight through on goal in the second half with a poorly-weighted pass. • Substitutions Massimo Ambrosini 5.5 - Came on for Emanuelson as Milan moved to shut up shop for the final 20 minutes and did his job to good effect. Stephan El Shaarawy 5.5 - Replaced Pato during the break and posed a greater attacking threat - though that is not saying much. Indeed, while he proved a far more willing runner than the Brazilian, the youngster never got a clear sight of goal. Juventus Gianluigi Buffon 6.5 - Could not be faulted in the slightest for Nocerino's goal, which took a massive deflection off Bonucci. The Italy international then kept his side in touch with a stunning double save midway through the first half from Mexes and Muntari – even if the second was made from at least a yard behind the line. Was scarcely troubled in the second half. Giorgio Chiellini 7.5 - Failed to cut off a through-ball from Robinho to Emanuelson but, for the most part, Chiellini did not put a foot wrong for Juve at the back. The versatile defender made a string off wonderfully-timed challenges, the most memorable of which left Van Bommel in a heap. Chiellini also laid the ball on a plate for Quagliarella to level the game but the forward shot straight at Abbiati from point-blank range. Andrea Barzagli 5.5 - Struggled during the first half. Indeed, he was left on his backside after being bamboozled by Robinho's quick feet but he just managed to flick the ball away out for a corner. Barzagli was then booked for taking out Emanuelson as the Dutchman looked to get away. However, Brazagli looked far more comfortable in the second period. Leonardo Bonucci 4.5 - Endured a nightmare opening half hour. The defender was stripped of the ball after stepping out of defence 13 minutes in and then gifted Milan the opener by passing the ball straight to Robinho before deflecting the ball into his own net as he tried to block Nocerino's subsequent strike on goal. The second half provided some respite but this was a night to forget for Bonucci. Stephan Lichtsteiner 5.5 - Nowhere near his usual dynamic self down the right flank. He worked hard and regularly got himself into good positions but his distribution was, on the whole, uncharacteristically poor. Kept plugging away but this was not one of Lichtsteiner's better displays. Claudio Marchisio 5.0 - Was full of running but was a bit of a passenger, truth be told. Indeed, he struggled horribly to impose himself on the game and has still not rediscovered the attacking threat which made him such a key player for Juve before the winter break. Andrea Pirlo 5.5 - Pressed and probed throughout but his passing was surprisingly poor. Twice tried his luck from distance but failed to trouble Abbiati on either occasion. Kept Juve moving forward right until the end but this was by no means a vintage showing from the playmaker. Arturo Vidal Pardo 4.5 - Never really managed to impose himself on the game in a positive sense, though he did call Abbiati into action with a well-struck shot from 25 yards out during the tail end of the first half. However, he became increasingly frustrated with himself as the game wore on and it was not really that surprising that he saw red in the closing stages for a reckless challenge on Van Bommel. Marcelo Alejandro Estigarribia 5.0 - Saw a fair bit of the ball during the first half but did absolutely nothing with it. Indeed, it is hard to think of one occasion on which he managed to beat the first man with a ball into the box. Unsurprisingly withdrawn at the break. Fabio Quagliarella 5.5 - Got a shot away in the opening minute but he was forced to live off scraps during the first half. Credit it to him, he was always willing to drop deep to hassle and harry when Milan were in possession but while he worked hard, his game will be defined by his failure to convert the most inviting of crosses from Chiellini from just five yards out. Marco Borriello 5.0 - Like his striker partner, he also did his best to unsettle the Milan defenders when they were in possession but Borriello did not threaten once and his game was best summed up by his dreadful attempt at a backpass to Buffon which gifted Milan a corner. He was called ashore a couple of minutes later. • Substitutions Simone Pepe 6.5 - Not deemed fit enough to start but the winger was thrown on at the break and made a vital contribution, providing the cross from which Matri earned Juve a precious point. Mirko Vučinić 5.5 - Replaced Borriello ten minutes into the second half and got himself far more involved than the on-loan Roma forward but did not exactly alter the course of the game. Alessandro Matri 7.0 - Overlooked by Conte once more but did not sulk and instead kept his head down until given the chance to prove his worth to this Juve side once more. The former Cagliari man came came on for Quagliarella with just over 20 minutes to go and ended up rescuing his side from a first defeat of the season with a terrific volley with just seven minutes to go. It was just reward for Matri: primarily because he should have started but also because he'd had a goal incorrectly ruled out for offside moments earlier. 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 ensures spoils shared Feb 25, 2012 AC Milan and Juventus remain first and second in Serie A following their draw at the San Siro although both teams could feel aggrieved by refereeing decisions that may have cost them three points. Antonio Nocerino put Milan ahead in the 14th minute and Sulley Muntari appeared to have doubled the lead midway through the first half when his header crossed the line but inexplicably it was not given. Juventus then had the ball in the net 11 minutes from time but Alessandro Matri was wrongly adjudged to be offside before the same player scored four minutes later. Juve ended the game with 10 men after Arturo Vidal was sent off in the 88th minute for a challenge on Mark van Bommel. The hosts went ahead with the first chance of the game, Nocerino's powerful shot from outside the area dipping beneath the bar. Milan seemed to make it 2-0 when Muntari's header clearly crossed the line before Gianluigi Buffon clawed it back - however, the goal was not awarded. That decision was almost compounded moments later when Claudio Marchisio shot from the left but Christian Abbiati saved well. Thiago Silva was just wide for the hosts before Andrea Pirlo, returning to the San Siro for the first time since his summer move, also narrowly missed. Matri then appeared to have equalised after scoring in the bottom right-hand corner but he was flagged offside - replays showed, however, he was onside. However, Matri then levelled with a close-range volley from Simone Pepe's cross although the point was overshadowed by Vidal's lunge on Van Bommel and subsequent red card. 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-Juve all square amid scandal Antonio Nocerino and Alessandro Matri secured a 1-1 draw, but both Milan and Juventus were denied evident goals in a controversial encounter. Feb 25, 2012 The two top teams went head-to-head in this Scudetto showdown and it was particularly special for Andrea Pirlo and Marco Borriello against their former club. Zlatan Ibrahimovic lost his appeal against a three-match ban, joining the injured Maxi Lopez, Kevin-Prince Boateng, Clarence Seedorf, Alberto Aquilani, Mathieu Flamini, Alexander Merkel, Antonio Cassano, Rodney Strasser and Gennaro Gattuso. Alexandre Pato got a rare start with Robinho and Urby Emanuelson. Antonio Nocerino couldn’t get enough power to a volley at the back post, while Leonardo Bonucci was robbed for an Urby Emanuelson shot deflected wide. Bonucci’s wayward pass was intercepted again in midfield, so Nocerino unleashed a screamer from 20 metres that took a decisive deflection off the same defender to leave Gigi Buffon stranded. Thiago Silva bravely charged down an Arturo Vidal snapshot with his crotch, while Robinho forced a corner from Andrea Barzagli as he tried to go past him at the by-line. From that corner, Buffon palmed a Mexes header off the line, then Sulley Muntari had the follow-up from a couple of yards that the goalkeeper again scooped away, but replays clearly show it was well over the line. Nonetheless, play continued and Juve nearly scored at the other end, as Christian Abbiati had his palms stung by a Marcelo Estigarribia strike. Pirlo fired wide from a huge distance, but the Bianconeri were struggling, so after 37 minutes switched from the 3-5-2 to a 4-3-3 system. Andrea Barzagli went into the book for tripping Emanuelson as the Dutchman surged forward on the counter-attack in the final third. Thiago Silva’s free kick was straight into the wall, but the Mark Van Bommel follow-up skimmed a coat of paint off the upright. A poor clearance fell to Vidal on the edge of the box for a chest and volley inches wide. At half-time both sides made changes, as Stephan El Shaarawy and Simone Pepe replaced Pato and Estigarribia. However, within 60 seconds of the restart Mexes was caught on camera punching Borriello in the ribs in an off the ball incident. The referee did not spot it, but Mexes will undoubtedly be penalised using video evidence. Robinho seemed to be tripped on the very edge of the box by Vidal, but the referee was right there and waved play on. Robinho also threaded a smart through ball that Muntari just failed to control when clear on goal. Emanuelson’s pass was sending El Shaarawy through, but Barzagli’s crucial sliding tackle stopped him short. Juventus finally created an excellent scoring opportunity on 68 minutes, as Chiellini rolled the ball across the face of goal for Fabio Quagliarella, but Abbiati managed to parry from point-blank range. Moments later Abbiati flapped a cross off the head of Vucinic, but in the final 15 minutes Vidal had to limp on as there were no more substitutions. Alessandro Matri ran on to a through ball and put it in the net, but the offside flag was incorrectly raised and the goal did not stand. It was the same linesman who got it wrong with the ‘phantom’ goal. There was a huge risk on the counter with three Milan men after Pirlo’s poor free kick, but Barzagli performed a decisive sliding tackle to stop Robinho on the edge of the box. With seven minutes to go, Juventus equalised in spectacular fashion. Pepe got down the right and crossed for Matri, who got in front of Thiago Silva and volleyed a powerful right-foot strike at the near post. In the final minutes it was end-to-end stuff, but Vidal was shown a straight red card for going through the back of Van Bommel. Moments later, Pepe risked another red when he went through Robinho, but got away with a booking. Luca Antonini knocked down a cross for Muntari, but Buffon smothered at his feet from six yards. There was an ugly scuffle after the final whistle, as both Chiellini and Massimo Ambrosini had to be dragged away by teammates. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Milan: Abbiati; Abate, Mexes, Thiago Silva, Antonini; Nocerino, Van Bommel, Muntari; Emanuelson (Ambrosini 71); Pato (El Shaarawy 46), Robinho Juventus: Buffon; Barzagli, Bonucci, Chiellini; Lichtsteiner, Vidal, Pirlo, Marchisio, Estigarribia (Pepe 46); Quagliarella (Matri 70), Borriello (Vucinic 53) Ref:Tagliavento Sent off: Vidal 88 (J) 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 equaliser cancels out Nocerino opener and preserves unbeaten run of Turin giants An absorbing clash between the two heavyweights saw the substitute save a point late on for the visitors, who stay a point behind in the standings but still hold a game in hand. Feb 25, 2012 A late goal by Alessandro Matri rescued a point for Juventus after a 1-1 draw with AC Milan in Saturday's top of the table Serie A matchup at San Siro. A calamitous piece of defending by Leonardo Bonucci gifted Antonio Nocerino an opener in a first half dominated by the hosts, who also saw a Sulley Muntari goal questionably not given. However, Juventus belatedly came alive in the second half, and an equaliser by substitute Matri seven minutes from the end salvaged a draw, as Arturo Vidal was also sent off in injury time for a reckless challenge. Both sides were clearly not shying away from the occasion in the initial exchanges, with an open game in midfield developing thanks to some sloppy passing from the visitors. Juve were soon made to pay for their carelessness on the ball, after a horror sequence from Bonucci a quarter of an hour in. Under no pressure, the defender passed the ball straight to the opposition, allowing Nocerino time to stride forward and fire an effort from distance which deflected back off Bonucci, wrong footed Gianluigi Buffon and nestled into the back of the net. Massimiliano Allegri’s men were in the ascendancy, and should have been 2-0 up after 25 minutes, but for a controversial incident which saw a legitimate goal not given. Buffon initially did well to parry a header by Philippe Mexes from a corner, but hooked out Sulley Muntari’s rebound with the ball clearly over the line, sparking Milan celebrations. However, referee Paolo Tagliavento did not signal, and play continued as Juventus immediately stormed down the pitch on the counterattack, with only the fingertips of Christian Abbiati denying Marcelo Estigarribia from range at the end of the move. Milan were instantly back on the offensive though, as Robinho was put through on goal, but Buffon was quick off his line to thwart the Brazilian expertly from a one-on-one. The home side were dictating the flow of the game, with Juventus struggling to shift the pressure away from their goal. Vidal and Mark Van Bommel both flashed efforts wide from outside the box as the half ended with Antonio Conte’s men on the ropes. Milan continued to find space in and around the visitors’ back line coming out of the break, but lacked the cutting edge of the first half as Buffon remained relatively untroubled. With the Milan offence seeming somewhat blunted, Juventus slowly grew the game, and increasingly looked to get shots in on goal as the match crossed the hour mark. With 68 minutes gone, Andrea Pirlo fed the overlapping Giorgio Chiellini on the left, who in turn teed up Fabio Quagliarella for a shot that was saved superbly by the arm of Abbiati. The visitors thought they had equalised with 10 minutes to go, but Alessandro Matri’s goal was chalked off for an offside on Mirko Vucinic, despite the Montenegrin appearing to be uninvolved in the passage of play. Matri would get his leveller three minutes later though, after a mistake by Thiago Silva saw Juventus maintain possession and spread the ball wide to Pepe, who crossed for the substitute to volley home. Conte’s men poured forward for a winner, but their endeavor was halted in the 89th minute after a dangerous challenge by Vidal on Van Bommel saw the Chilean receive a straight red card. The hosts were unable to take advantage of their numerical superiority in the little time that remained, and both teams were forced to settle for a point after a captivating contest. The result sees Milan move onto 51 points, and maintain their one point lead over Juventus. However, the Turin outfit has the advantage in the title race as they still hold a game in hand. http://www.soccerway...regular-season/

Serie A Week 25 - 25-2-2012 (8:45 p.m.) - Giuseppe Meazza (San Siro) Stadium - Milan Referee: Paolo Tagliavento Pato returns for AC Milan's crunch clash with Juventus The Brazil international has been out of action since suffering a thigh injury in last month's Coppa Italia clash with Novara but will start up front alongside Robinho. Feb 25, 2012 AC Milan have been buoyed by the return of Alexandre Pato for Saturday night's Serie A showdown with Juventus at San Siro. The 22-year-old striker has been out of action since suffering a thigh injury in last month’s Coppa Italia win over Novara but he returns up front to form an all-Brazilian frontline with Robinho. Maxi Lopez misses out through injury, while Zlatan Ibrahimovic is also unavailable after the Rossoneri failed in their bid to have the final game of his three-match suspension quashed. The top-of-the-table clash has come too soon for Kevin-Prince Boateng, so Urby Emanuelson will continue in the role of trequartista in front of a three-man midfield consisting of Antonio Nocerino, Mark van Bommel and Sulley Muntari. Philippe Mexes slots back into the heart of the Milan defence alongside Thiago Silva in place of Daniele Bonera, while Luca Antonini has got the nod ahead of Djamel Mesbah at left-back. As for Juventus, Marco Borriello will partner Fabio Quagliarella in attack, with top-scorer Alessandro Matri and Mirko Vucinic both having to make do with a seat on the bench. Elsewhere, Marcelo Estigarribia takes over from Emanuele Giaccherini on the left-hand side of midfield and there are also recalls for Stephen Lichtsteiner and Arturo Vidal as the Bianconeri revert to 3-5-2. However, all eyes will of course be on Andrea Pirlo, who has, as expected, been again entrusted with the playmaking duties at the base of the Juventus midfield in his first league outing against Milan at San Siro since moving to Turin last summer. AC Milan (4-3-1-2): Abbiati; Abate, Mexes, Thiago Silva, Antonini; Nocerino, Van Bommel, Muntari; Emanuelson; Pato, Robinho. Subs: Amelia, Inzaghi, Zambrotta, Ambrosini, Bonera, Yepes, El Shaarawy. Juventus (3-5-2): Buffon; Barzagli, Bonucci, Chiellini; Lichtsteiner, Vidal, Pirlo, Marchisio, Estigarribia; Borriello, Quagliarella. Subs: Storari, Caceres, Pepe, Del Piero, Vucinic, Giaccherini, Matri. http://www.soccerway...regular-season/

Serie A Week 25 - 25-2-2012 (8:45 p.m.) - Giuseppe Meazza (San Siro) Stadium - Milan Referee: Paolo Tagliavento Line-ups: Milan-Juventus Feb 25, 2012 Robinho, Alexandre Pato and Urby Emanuelson take on Fabio Quagliarella, Marco Borriello and Andrea Pirlo in tonight’s Scudetto showdown at San Siro. The top two teams in Serie A go head-to-head this evening and Juventus hope to maintain their unbeaten record when it kicks off at 19.45 UK time. Milan’s choices are limited, as Zlatan Ibrahimovic is suspended after losing his appeal against a three-match ban. The injury list includes Alessandro Nesta, Kevin-Prince Boateng, Maxi Lopez, Clarence Seedorf, Antonio Cassano, Mathieu Flamini and Gennaro Gattuso. It’s a very Brazilian attack for the Rossoneri with Robinho and Pato leading the way, supported by the versatile Emanuelson. Philippe Mexes steps in to the back four, as Nesta failed a fitness test earlier today, while Sulley Muntari starts in midfield for the second game running. Juventus are still unbeaten and have defeated Milan twice this season in Serie A and the Coppa Italia semi-final. Milos Krasic was left out of this trip and Luca Marrone is sidelined, but other than them Antonio Conte has a full squad to choose from. He adopts the 3-5-2 system with strikers Quagliarella and Borriello, who surprisingly are chosen ahead of Alessandro Matri and Mirko Vucinic. Borriello prepares for a very special game, as he faces his former club, but Pirlo has even more pressure, as he was at San Siro for 10 years. Marcelo Estigarribia is chosen out wide rather than Simone Pepe. Milan: Abbiati; Abate, Mexes, Thiago Silva, Antonini; Nocerino, Van Bommel, Muntari; Emanuelson; Pato, Robinho Milan bench: Amelia, Bonera, Yepes, Bonera, Ambrosini, Inzaghi, El Shaarawy Juventus: Buffon; Barzagli, Bonucci, Chiellini; Lichtsteiner, Vidal, Pirlo, Marchisio, Estigarribia; Quagliarella, Borriello Juventus bench: Storari, Caceres, Pepe, Giaccherini, Del Piero, Vucinic, Matri http://www.soccerway...regular-season/

Serie A Week 25 - 25-2-2012 (8:45 p.m.) - Giuseppe Meazza (San Siro) Stadium - Milan Referee: Paolo Tagliavento Capello can't wait for Milan-Juve Feb 25, 2012 Former England manager Fabio Capello is in the stands at San Siro for tonight’s Milan-Juventus. “I’d say it’s going to be a wonderful match.” The tactician resigned from the England job and is currently on vacation, but took time out to visit the Stadio Giuseppe Meazza. “I’d say it’s going to be a wonderful match,” Capello told Sky Sport Italia. “It will be very interesting to see the aggressive Juventus play against Milan’s extra quality. Zlatan Ibrahimovic is an important player and Milan’s style is based on him, so it will be intriguing to see how the Rossoneri attack moves without him. “It’s also going to be interesting seeing how the Bianconeri move up front.” Capello was asked about his own future, as he has been linked with the likes of Inter. “I am watching games only from the stands at the moment, then we’ll see what happens in future. They just let me free and I am enjoying this liberty. “A future as a director? I don’t think it’s my role.” http://www.soccerway...regular-season/

Serie A Week 25 - 25-2-2012 (8:45 p.m.) - Giuseppe Meazza (San Siro) Stadium - Milan Referee: Paolo Tagliavento Serie A Preview Top two in Serie A face off in Scudetto showdown The visitors have the chance to leapfrog the Rossoneri to the top of the standings as they are just one point behind their opponents, despite having played one game less. Feb 25, 2012 PROBABLE LINE-UPS MILAN Abbiati Abate, Nesta, Thiago Silva, Mesbah Nocerino, Van Bommel, Muntari Emanuelson Pato, Robinho JUVENTUS Buffon Barzagli, Bonucci, Chiellini Lichtsteiner, Vidal, Pirlo, Marchisio, Pepe Quagliarella, Vucinic AC Milan have looked in fine form going into this match but the biggest blow for coach Massimiliano Allegri will be that their appeal to have Zlatan Ibrahimovic's suspension reduced was turned down, meaning they will be without their star striker for one more Serie A match. The Sweden international's absence should be covered by Alexandre Pato, who is likely to be given the nod ahead of Maxi Lopez or Stephan El Shaarawy to form a Brazilian partnership with Robinho up front. Kevin-Prince Boateng and Clarence Seedorf are still sidelined with thigh and hamstring knocks respectively, so Urby Emanuelson is likely to retain his place 'in the hole' behind the two strikers. Ex-Bianconero Alberto Aquilani will not be able to face his former team due to injury. One player who could return is Alessandro Nesta, the veteran resumed training this week and may feature at centre-back, but Philippe Mexes should also be available if the Italian is not declared match fit. On the other side of the pitch, Juventus coach Antonio Conte has relatively few selection issues. Young midfielder Luca Marrone is not available, but Simone Pepe seems to have recovered and is set to feature on the left side of a five-man midfield with Andrea Pirlo, who will be taking on his old team-mates, once again pulling the strings in the very centre of the pitch. Up front, Fabio Quagliarella, who scored during the 3-1 win over Catania last weekend, looks favoured to join Mirko Vucinic in attack with top-scorer Alessandro Matri having to settle for a place on the bench. DID YOU KNOW? • AC Milan have the most prolific attack in Serie A this season, having scored 48 goals, while Juventus have the best defence, conceding only 14. • Since their 2-1 first-leg Coppa Italia loss to Juventus, Milan have won three games in a row against Udinese, Arsenal and Cesena. • Milan have let in just five goals at home this season in Serie A and lost just once in front of their own fans (a 1-0 defeat to Inter). • Juventus are the only remaining unbeaten side in Serie A during the 2011-12 campaign (W13 D10 L0). • The Bianconeri have only scored 12 times in 11 away matches this season, with a record of five wins and six draws on the road in the league. • Juventus have won on their past two trips to San Siro to face Allegri's side in official matches. Head to Head Coppa Italia - Feb 8, 2012 - AC Milan 1 - Juventus 2 Serie A ‎- Oct 2, 2011 - Juventus 2 - AC Milan 0 Club Friendlies - Aug 21, 2011 - AC Milan 2 - Juventus 1 Club Friendlies - Aug 18, 2011 - AC Milan 1 - Juventus 2 Last Five Matches AC Milan Feb 19, 2012 - Cesena 1 - AC Milan 3 - Serie A Feb 15, 2012 - AC Milan 4 - Arsenal 0 - UCL Feb 11, 2012 - Udinese 1 - AC Milan 2 - Serie A Feb 8, 2012 - AC Milan 1 - Juventus 2 - Coppa Italia Juventus Feb 18, 2012 - Juventus 3 - Catania 1 - Serie A Feb 15, 2012 - Parma 0 - Juventus 0 - Serie A Feb 8, 2012 - AC Milan 1 - Juventus 2 - Coppa Italia Feb 5, 2012 - Juventus 0 - Siena 0 - Serie A Players to Watch Urby Emanuelson Slotting into an attacking midfield role against Cesena, the Dutchman looked right at home dribbling past opposing defenders and taking powerful shots from distance - Milan need a repeat performance from him as with Boateng, Ibrahimovic, Seedorf and Antonio Cassano missing in action their creative resources are somewhat depleted. Andrea Pirlo The deep-lying playmaker grabbed his first goal in a Juventus strip and arguably had his best game yet for his new team in what has been a stellar season thus far for the Italy international. Going up against the team he spent a decade with, he will no doubt be eager to show them he still is capable of deciding big matches like this one. Prediction Despite Juve's recent success at San Siro in the Coppa Italia, Allegri's side have looked reborn since that setback and seem to be the more hungry side at the moment, even overtaking their opponents in the standings recently. Without Ibrahimovic, someone will have to step up in attack, and if that happens then the Rossoneri should be able to edge what promises to be a very close contest. Editor's Prediction Milan 1 - 0 Juventus http://www.soccerway...regular-season/

Serie A Week 25 - 25-2-2012 (8:45 p.m.) - Giuseppe Meazza (San Siro) Stadium - Milan Referee: Paolo Tagliavento Maldini blasts Milan and Juve Feb 25, 2012 Paolo Maldini has blasted Milan for refusing to hire him as he is “an independent mind,” then hammered Juventus for “whining” about referees. The Rossoneri legend was expected to continue his career at San Siro, but has not been called in due to reported disagreements with Vice-President Adriano Galliani. “I don’t think I’ll go back to Milan,” he told the Corriere dello Sport. “I am seen as a problem because I have an independent mind. The club’s choices are perfectly legitimate, but let us avoid hypocrisy. They said ‘he’s one of us and is always welcome,’ but that’s not the truth.” Maldini had also been linked with a job at Paris Saint-Germain with former teammates Leonardo and Carlo Ancelotti. “I was in Paris to visit Leonardo, but I don’t want to be a Coach. Mind you, going abroad makes you realise just how little teams know about how to defend...” The former Milan captain was asked about tonight’s big game at San Siro. “With Zlatan Ibrahimovic suspended, it’ll be a faster Milan side looking more to counter-attack. I don’t understand the justice system, though, as last season he received a two-match ban for much the same thing and this time it’s three. Salvatore Aronica did something similar and was not punished at all. “As for Juventus, they need to stay calm, as whining about every half-a-shout for a penalty isn’t the kind of thing a big club does. “In order to beat them, you need pace. Had I been at Milan, I wouldn’t have let Andrea Pirlo join Juventus, as he should’ve gone abroad to Chelsea. Tonight’s game could be decisive for the Scudetto, even if only in psychological terms.” http://www.soccerway...regular-season/

Serie A Week 25 - 25-2-2012 (8:45 p.m.) - Giuseppe Meazza (San Siro) Stadium - Milan Referee: Paolo Tagliavento Nesta out of Milan-Juve? Feb 25, 2012 There are reports emerging that Alessandro Nesta might not even be fit enough for the bench in tonight’s Milan-Juventus showdown. The veteran defender has been struggling with injury in recent weeks and was expected to be back in the central partnership with Thiago Silva this evening. However, reports from the Milanello training ground this afternoon suggest Nesta has failed a fitness test and might not even be able to stay on the bench. This means Philippe Mexes steps in to the centre-back slot. Milan are already missing Kevin-Prince Boateng, Clarence Seedorf, Alberto Aquilani, Mario Yepes, Antonio Cassano, Gennaro Gattuso, Alexander Merkel, Rodney Strasser and the suspended Zlatan Ibrahimovic. http://www.soccerway...regular-season/

Serie A Week 25 - 25-2-2012 (8:45 p.m.) - Giuseppe Meazza (San Siro) Stadium - Milan Referee: Paolo Tagliavento Nedved: 'Juve penalties are a fact' Feb 25, 2012 Pavel Nedved returned to the penalty controversy ahead of tonight’s Milan match. “It’s a fact that referees are conditioned against Juventus.” The club engaged in a very public war of words with officials over the past few weeks, claiming there were numerous refereeing errors in their recent games. “We don’t want favours, but only equal treatment,” counsellor Nedved told Sky Sport Italia. “It’s a fact that referees are conditioned against Juventus. After 2006 we received very few penalties in our favour. That’s not normal. “In recent years we changed everything and are working to bring this club back to where it belongs. My objective is not to be liked, but to win and that is all. “I believed it before and am even more certain now that we’ve got a world class Coach on the bench. Antonio Conte is doing exceptional work.” Nedved also commented on the fact Zlatan Ibrahimovic misses tonight’s Scudetto showdown due to suspension. “It’s a shame he is absent, as he’d add to the spectacle. With him on the field, fans and neutrals would certainly have been more entertained.” http://www.soccerway...regular-season/

Serie A Week 25 - 25-2-2012 (8:45 p.m.) - Giuseppe Meazza (San Siro) Stadium - Milan Referee: Paolo Tagliavento Aquilani: 'Milan stronger than Juve' Feb 25, 2012 Alberto Aquilani assures “Milan are stronger than Juventus, but we have to prove it on the pitch” in tonight’s Scudetto showdown. The midfielder has played for both clubs and is injured for this game, but spoke to the giornalaccio rosa dello Sport on the fixture. “What do I envy Juve? Just their unbeaten record. There are many talents in their squad, but I’d point out Claudio Marchisio, who is very strong and we have a good rapport. “I hope Alexandre Pato will be the decisive man for Milan, as he has enormous capabilities, but due to injury this season he hasn’t yet expressed himself at his best. “I think Milan are stronger than Juventus, but we have to prove it on the pitch,” continued Aquilani. Zlatan Ibrahimovic also misses out, as an appeal against his three-match ban for slapping Napoli’s Salvatore Aronica was rejected. “A three-game suspension was too much, especially as there was no equal treatment for Aronica. Having said that, we didn’t get too worried about losing Zlatan, as we did well even without him. “This is not a decisive match for the Scudetto, because there are so many rounds left to go, but it can be a turning point for the season. “I thought Juventus would be in the title race, as they invested so much in recent years, but I didn’t expect them to be unbeaten in February. Antonio Conte has given them solid organisation, but it’s the players who make the difference.” http://www.soccerway...regular-season/

Serie A Week 25 - 25-2-2012 (8:45 p.m.) - Giuseppe Meazza (San Siro) Stadium - Milan Referee: Paolo Tagliavento Moggi's Milan-Juve tips Feb 25, 2012 Luciano Moggi gave his predictions for Milan-Juventus. “The Rossoneri run the biggest risk with their many absentees.” The former Juventus director general spoke to RadioCalciomercato about tonight’s big Serie A match. “It was already a fixture in the past that decided important things like a Scudetto or Champions League. “This time it won’t be so decisive because there’s a long way to go to the end of the season, but it will be very important in psychological terms. Neither side wants to lose its positive streak.” Milan are without Zlatan Ibrahimovic due to his ban, joining the injured Kevin-Prince Boateng, Maxi Lopez, Alberto Aquilani, Clarence Seedorf, Antonio Cassano, Gennaro Gattuso, Alexander Merkel and Rodney Strasser. “Ibrahimovic was suspended for Juventus when they earned that famous 1-0 win here in 2005, but the ‘luxury reserve’ ended up scoring in the shape of David Trezeguet. “In my view, anyone would want Zlatan on the field at all times, so he is an important loss for Milan. Boateng is another serious blow, so the Rossoneri run the biggest risk with their many absentees and missing those stars will also make the others feel less confident.” Antonio Conte was a midfielder when Moggi was at the helm of Juventus and has now become a very successful Coach who is still unbeaten this season. “As a player he had already shown signs of potentially being a good Coach. After all, he won two Serie B tournaments as a tactician and always showed he could bring something to the players. “Besides which, he has the Juventus DNA and knows off by heart what we repeated every day – that you can make up for any lack in quality with mentality. “Are there any comparisons with my Juventus? My side was a bit better! Don’t forget the 2006 World Cup Final looked like a Juve training session with the number of our players out there for Italy and France. “We had Trezeguet and Adrian Mutu on the bench, so it’s impossible to make a comparison, but I have to say this current team is a surprise for everyone.” http://www.soccerway...regular-season/

Serie A Week 25 - 25-2-2012 (8:45 p.m.) - Giuseppe Meazza (San Siro) Stadium - Milan Referee: Paolo Tagliavento Robinho: 'I can't wait!' Feb 25, 2012 Robinho can’t wait for tonight’s Milan-Juventus clash. “I can picture the three points and if I were to score...” The Brazilian is expected to start in attack, especially as Zlatan Ibrahimovic is suspended and Maxi Lopez injured. “I can picture bringing home the three points and if I were to score then that would be even better,” he smiled. “I am relaxed, as I worked well during the week and trust I can put in a good performance. I’ve been feeling better recently. “We are a great side with many important players. Now we hope to have Alexandre Pato back to his best too, as we need him at 100 per cent. When he’s on form, we are even more dangerous. “As for Ibrahimovic’s absence, there’s no point causing controversy now, so let’s not talk about it.” Robinho was also asked by Sky Sport Italia what he thought of Massimiliano Allegri. “He is a great Coach. When we lose, he gets angry, but the team is always with him and follows his every suggestion.” http://www.soccerway...regular-season/

Serie A Week 25 - 25-2-2012 (8:45 p.m.) - Giuseppe Meazza (San Siro) Stadium - Milan Referee: Paolo Tagliavento Paolo Maldini criticises AC Milan & blasts 'whining' Juventus The 43-year-old has ruled out a return to San Siro as a coach, blasting the Serie A champions in the process while also speaking negatively of their Turin rivals. Feb 25, 2012 Former AC Milan defender Paolo Maldini has criticised his former club while also taking a swipe at Juventus, as the two teams prepare to meet on Saturday evening in Serie A. The 43-year-old has been previously linked to a move back to the Rossoneri as part of the club's coaching staff, but the legendary Italian has poured cold water on a potential return to San Siro. "I don't think I'll go back to Milan. I am seen as a problem because I have an independent mind. The club's choices are perfectly legitimate, but let us avoid hypocrisy. They said 'he's one of us and is always welcome,' but that's not the truth," Maldini told Corriere dello Sport. The Serie A champions head into the encounter a point clear of Antonio Conte's men at the summit of Italy's top division and Maldini was happy to take a dig at Milan's Turin rivals. "As for Juventus, they need to stay calm as whining about every half-shout for a penalty isn't the kind of thing a big club does," he added. "In order to beat them, you need pace. Had I been at Milan, I wouldn't have let Andrea Pirlo join Juventus, as he should have gone abroad to Chelsea. Tonight's game could be decisive for the Scudetto, if only in psychological terms." The fixture between the two sides kicks off at San Siro at 20.45CET on Saturday. http://www.soccerway...regular-season/

Serie A Week 25 - 25-2-2012 (8:45 p.m.) - Giuseppe Meazza (San Siro) Stadium - Milan Referee: Paolo Tagliavento Marco van Basten open to coaching Juventus one day The Dutchman, who is to take charge of Heerenveen in the summer, is a legend at San Siro but he admits that he would not turn down the Bianconeri if they came calling. Feb 25, 2012 Former AC Milan forward Marco van Basten has revealed that he would have no problem coaching Juventus if the opportunity arose at some point in the future. The legendary Dutch striker, who is set to take charge of Heerenveen at the end of the season, is considered a legend at San Siro because of his exploits with the Rossoneri during the tail end of the 1980s and the early 90s. However, Van Basten insists that he would not allow Milan's rivalry with Juve affect his thinking if the Bianconeri ever offered him a job. "They're one of Italy's big clubs," he told Sky Sport Italia. "It could be nice to do something in Turin one day." Van Basten admitted, though, that he would love to return to San Siro as coach and revealed that he very nearly realised his dream in 2009. "When [Carlo] Ancelotti was about to leave there was something," he explained. "But in that moment, I had problems with my ankle, so it was not the right time for me to go back to the Rossoneri." Milan CEO Adriano Galliani believes that the club have found a worthy successor to Van Basten in the former of Zlatan Ibrahimovic. Van Basten, for his part, does not see too many similarities between the pair but insisted: "It doesn't bother me at all to be compared Ibrahimovic [but] we are still two very different players. "He is one who knows how to score goals; he's very important for the team. He's bigger and stronger than me; I was a quicker player mentally. "But it's not for me to say if I was a better player. I'll leave the comparisons to the fans." Van Basten, who was capped 58 times by his country, spent eight years at San Siro, scoring 90 goals in 147 Serie A appearances for the club. http://www.soccerway...regular-season/

Serie A Week 25 - 25-2-2012 (8:45 p.m.) - Giuseppe Meazza (San Siro) Stadium - Milan Referee: Paolo Tagliavento 'There are not many champions of Pirlo's calibre' - Gattuso praises Juventus playmaker before AC Milan reunion The combative midfielder has suggested that the Rossoneri erred badly in allowing his former club and international colleague to leave on a free transfer last summer. Feb 25, 2012 AC Milan midfielder Gennaro Gattuso believes that Juventus playmaker Andrea Pirlo is a rare footballing talent. Pirlo parted company with the Rossoneri last summer before joining the Bianconeri on a free transfer and has since gone on to play a key role in the Turin outfit's resurgence under new coach Antonio Conte. Gattuso insists that he is not in the least bit surprised by his former team-mate's performances for Juve, hinting that the deep-lying midfielder should never have been allowed to leave San Siro. "Pirlo has been and is a great player," the former Italy international told Il Corriere dello Sport. "He is still showing it. There are not many champions of his calibre." Gattuso's skipper, Massimo Ambrosini, also admitted that Pirlo is still missed at Milanello. "Pirlo carried a certain weight in the dressing room in terms of decision-making and spirit," the veteran midfielder revealed. "He's a champion who will remain forever in our hearts." While Gattuso is still recovering from an eye problem, Ambrosini is expected to line up against Pirlo on Saturday night as Milan host Juve at San Siro in a crucial Serie A clash. http://www.soccerway...regular-season/

Serie A Week 25 - 25-2-2012 (8:45 p.m.) - Giuseppe Meazza (San Siro) Stadium - Milan Referee: Paolo Tagliavento Ambrosini hoping to strike a psychological blow against Juventus The veteran midfielder admits that whoever comes out on top at San Siro on Saturday will have all of the momentum going into the decisive stage of the Serie A season. Feb 25, 2012 AC Milan's Massimo Ambrosini does not believe that Saturday night's clash with Juventus will decide the title but accepts that the victors will come away from the top-of-the-table clash with a huge psychological advantage over their rivals. The Rossoneri currently sit one point above the Bianconeri in the standings, but Antonio Conte's men have one game in hand. Ambrosini is unwilling to attach too much importance to the pair's eagerly-awaited meeting at San Siro but the veteran midfielder concedes that it will have a massive bearing on where the Scudetto ends up this season. "It's an important game in terms of the table, but I don't think it will be decisive in terms of the title because there are many games left to play," the Rossoneri skipper told Milan Channel. "Of course, the team that wins will have a psychological advantage but we must face Juventus head-on because teams like Juve must be confronted without fear." Milan are still on a high at the moment after last week's 4-0 Champions League victory over Arsenal but Ambrosini feels that the club's exploits in Europe will ultimately prove a hindrance when it comes to trying to hold onto their league crown. "I think the fact that Juve have no European commitments is an advantage for them," he claimed. "They play only on a weekly basis and that allows them to be in great condition for every game." Milan's meeting with Juventus at the Giuseppe Meazza kicks off at 20.45CET. http://www.soccerway...regular-season/

Serie A Week 25 - 25-2-2012 (8:45 p.m.) - Giuseppe Meazza (San Siro) Stadium - Milan Referee: Paolo Tagliavento Aquilani: AC Milan are better than Juventus but now we must prove it The midfielder, who will miss the pair's top-of-the-table clash through injury, is hoping that the Rossoneri will remind everyone just why they are the reigning Italian champions. Feb 25, 2012 Alberto Aquilani is adamant that AC Milan are a superior side to Juventus - but he acknowledges that Massimiliano Allegri's men must prove it at San Siro on Saturday night. The midfielder, who spent last season on loan to the Bianconeri from Liverpool, has enormous respect for the Turin outfit but he is confident that the Rossoneri will prevail in the eagerly-awaited top-of-the-table clash at the Giuseppe Meazza. "I think that Milan are stronger than Juventus, but they must prove it on the field," Aquilani, who is currently out of action with an ankle problem, is quoted as saying by giornalaccio rosa dello Sport. "I envy Juventus' unbeaten record and [midfielder Claudio] Marchisio, who is a very strong player. "Juventus have invested so much and have returned to the top. And [coach Antonio] Conte has given great organisation to the team. "However, I remain of the view that it is players who make the difference." Aquilani is of the opinion that Milan are stronger than their title rivals man-for-man, arguing that their strength in depth has been underlined by the way in which they have coped in the absence of the Zlatan Ibrahimovic, who will miss the visit of the Old Lady as he serves the final game of his three-match suspension. "The team has shown it can do well without him," the former Roma ace opined. "And I hope that [Alexandre] Pato has a great game for Milan; he has enormous potential." The crunch clash at San Siro gets underway at 20.45CET. http://www.soccerway...regular-season/

Serie A Week 25 - 25-2-2012 (8:45 p.m.) - Giuseppe Meazza (San Siro) Stadium - Milan Referee: Paolo Tagliavento Nedved: Referees have been conditioned against Juventus The Czech legend has backed Bianconeri boss Antonio Conte's assertion that officials are now afraid to award the club penalties, claiming that 'Calciopoli' is to blame. Feb 25, 2012 Pavel Nedved is adamant that referees have been conditioned to go against Juventus ever since 'Calciopoli'. The Bianconeri were relegated to Serie B and stripped of two titles because of their involvement in the scandal, which centred on former managing director Luciano Moggi's alleged attempts to influence the performance of match officials, as well as their appointment for certain games. Nedved, now a director at the club, believes that Juve are still paying the price for their involvement in 'Calciopoli' and is in total agreement with coach Antonio Conte, who recently claimed that referees have been afraid to award his side penalties this season. "We do not want favours but we expect fair treatment," the 39-year-old Czech legend told Sky Sport Italia. "It's a fact that they are conditioned against us. After 2006 we have been given very few penalties in our favour." Turning his attention to Saturday night's eagerly-awaited clash between second-placed Juve and league leaders AC Milan, Nedved insisted that he is disappointed that the Rossoneri will be without their talismanic forward Zlatan Ibrahimovic through suspension. "I'm sorry for his absence; he's a loss to the game," the former Ballon d'Or winner admitted. "With him on the pitch, the people would certainly have enjoyed the match even more." Juve go into the game at San Siro, which kicks off at 20.45CET, one point in arrears of the Rossoneri, but with a game in hand over their title rivals. http://www.soccerway...regular-season/

Serie A Week 25 - 25-2-2012 (8:45 p.m.) - Giuseppe Meazza (San Siro) Stadium - Milan Referee: Paolo Tagliavento Andrea Pirlo, Allegri's Plan B & the five things that will decide AC Milan v Juventus There is plenty at stake in the huge fixture at San Siro, with the smallest details likely to prove key as the league's top two sides go head-to-head. Goal.com gives the lowdown. Feb 25, 2012 COMMENT By Kris Voakes | Italian Football Editor Calcio's two most storied cornerstones battle it out this evening in the biggest domestic football match of 2012, as AC Milan and Juventus clash in a fixture which could well provide a huge turning point in the Serie A title race. The Rossoneri currently sit one point ahead of their visitors, who will travel down the A4 safe in the knowledge that no team has yet managed to send them home empty-handed since Parma beat them 2-0 nine months ago. Their 27-match unbeaten run in all competitions has helped to put them in with a great chance of winning a first official title since 2003, but they face their toughest assignment of this campaign at San Siro this evening. So what will be the deciding factors when the first and second-placed teams go head to head at 20.45CET? We've picked out the five most important hurdles which the two sides will have to overcome in order to win the points and take a huge step in the title battle. A FAST START One thing which has defined the two clashes between the pair so far this term has been Juventus' superiority from the early moments. At Juventus Stadium in October, the Bianconeri dominated from the word go, despite eventually having to wait until the dying moments to beat Christian Abbiati. Earlier this month in the Coppa Italia semi final first leg at San Siro, the same pattern was followed in the first half, as Antonio Conte's men were quickest out of the traps, imposing their game on Milan from the start. If the Rossoneri are going to reverse the trend and pick up the three points this time around, it is imperative that they don't let Juventus get comfortable, with a high-tempo, energetic opening similar to the one that they demonstrated at Cesena last Sunday surely the best way of giving them something to think about. An early strike from the returning Alexandre Pato, as was witnessed when the Rossoneri visited Barcelona in September, wouldn't go amiss either! MIDFIELD SUPREMACY It is in the centre of the park that Juventus have done most of the damage in their magnificent unbeaten run, and Milan have twice paid for not forcing the issue in that department in their clashes with the Old Lady this term. In the first league fixture, it was Clarence Seedorf, Mark van Bommel and Antonio Nocerino who lost out to the home side's central three, while Seedorf, Van Bommel and Massimo Ambrosini were given the run-around in the Coppa Italia semi-final first leg. Juve's more dynamic midfield game will likely give them the upper hand once more, unless Milan can match them for energy - which may prove difficult with Kevin-Prince Boateng absent. Arturo Vidal and Claudio Marchisio have not always been at the top of their form in recent weeks, so they must be asked questions in the midfield battle, and to do that the hosts will need fresh legs in their trio. But then there's always the question of ... ANDREA PIRLO The Italy maestro returns to San Siro for a third time in a Juventus shirt since his summer switch from the league champions, but this time around it is infinitely more vital. With a win in the Coppa Italia and a defeat in the Trofeo Berlusconi, Pirlo has experienced mixed emotions so far in his meetings with his former friends and colleagues, but tonight's outcome will have a real say in just how crucial his loss will turn out to be to Milan. Massimiliano Allegri, like so many Serie A coaches this season, has not yet proven capable of finding a way to remedy the ills which Pirlo can cause an opposition side, with the ex-Brescia man having helped the Bianconeri to remain in control for long spells of the two encounters before now. Ensuring that there is a gameplan to keep a tight leash on his former charge will be the Rossoneri coach's biggest task tonight. Oh, how he could do with Gennaro Gattuso fit and available. TAKING YOUR CHANCES One of Juventus' main issues this term has been their profligacy in front of goal. They lead the league in terms of goalscoring chances created, yet their finishing percentages are very disappointing. Their problems up front have been much of the reason for the high number of draws racked up (12 of the 27 fixtures in their unbeaten run have finished level after 90 minutes), and becoming more clinical in front of goal is, without a doubt, Conte's biggest concern. But Milan also have the small problem of trying to penetrate without their star attacker Zlatan Ibrahimovic. The Swede's three-game suspension was upheld after his appeal on Thursday failed. Ibra has scored 15 Serie A goals this season - Milan's next top-scorer in attack is Robinho with just four goals. SMART SUBSTITUTIONS What can be taken for granted about tonight's game is that there will be moments of real to-and-fro, with the momentum swinging one way and then the other at various stages. And one thing that will become crucial in the latter period of the game is the input of the two coaches. Many Milan fans have previously questioned whether Allegri is capable of making significant tactical changes to his side with his substitutions, claiming that he has no Plan B in his locker, while Conte doesn't have the greatest success rate when attempting to chase three points in the dying moments. If the game is on a knife-edge towards the end at San Siro, it will fall on the two bosses to reveal their hand. And they will have to make their changes knowing that, with each decision, they will not only be affecting their bid for three points, but also going a long way to deciding which of the two will be lifting the Scudetto come May. This is the big one, for both players and coaches. http://www.soccerway...regular-season/

Serie A Week 25 - 25-2-2012 (8:45 p.m.) - Giuseppe Meazza (San Siro) Stadium - Milan Referee: Paolo Tagliavento Chiellini: Juventus will take the game to AC Milan The Bianconeri are a point behind their title rivals with a game in hand but the defender insists that they will be going all-out for victory at the Giuseppe Meazza nonetheless. Feb 25, 2012 Giorgio Chiellini has declared that Juventus plan to take the game to AC Milan during Saturday night's eagerly-awaited Serie A showdown at San Siro. The versatile Italy defender is wary of the threat posed by the Rossoneri - even without the suspended Zlatan Ibrahimovic. However, while a draw would be a positive result for the visitors, given that they are just one point behind their rivals at the top of the table with a game in hand, Chiellini insists that the Bianconeri have no intention of going to the Giuseppe Meazza and inviting their hosts onto them, and instead plan to impose their own game on the reigning Italian champions. "Milan are coming off the back of a winning year and they’re showing that they’re one of the strongest teams in Europe," the 27-year-old told Sky Sport Italia. "So there’s plenty of respect for the Rossoneri, but also a great desire to go there and dictate the game.” Some pundits believe that the outcome of Saturday night's clash at San Siro could effectively decide the title race, but Chiellini is not attaching that level of significance to the game. "It’s not like the Milan-Juve clash in 2005 when I believe there were three or four matches left and you felt that it would be the decisive game," he argued. "In my opinion, whatever the result, there’s still a long way to go and anything could still happen.” The top-of-the-table clash gets underway at 20.45CET. http://www.soccerway...regular-season/

Serie A Week 25 - 25-2-2012 (8:45 p.m.) - Giuseppe Meazza (San Siro) Stadium - Milan Referee: Paolo Tagliavento Del Piero: 'The San Siro effect' Feb 24, 2012 “Playing at San Siro is an honour and a privilege,” wrote Alessandro Del Piero ahead of Milan-Juventus. The Bianconeri captain should know, as he has featured in this stadium many times and goes into the Saturday evening Scudetto showdown. “Playing at San Siro is an honour and a privilege,” read Del Piero’s official blog. “When you step on to the San Siro pitch for the first time, you understand that maybe you’ve really made it. “At San Siro the world is seen better upside down, or should I say overhead (like on May 8 2005). “San Siro is the home of champions. Among them all, I single out one: for me it will always be Paolo Maldini’s arena. He is world class, a friend and an example for all. “The night before a match at San Siro, you really cannot think of anything else. Like me, right now... “See you tomorrow, Alessandro.” http://www.soccerway...regular-season/

Serie A Week 25 - 25-2-2012 (8:45 p.m.) - Giuseppe Meazza (San Siro) Stadium - Milan Referee: Paolo Tagliavento Marchisio dismisses comparisons with Tardelli and Gerrard The Italy midfielder has been one of the Bianconeri's key performers this season but he is not a fan of being labelled and instead just wants to focus on facing AC Milan. Feb 24, 2012 Juventus midfielder Claudio Marchisio has moved to distance himself from comparisons with Marco Tardelli and Steven Gerrard, insisting that he is his own man. The Italy international has played a key role in the Bianconeri's resurgence this season, netting six goals in 22 appearances in Serie A. Marchisio has been labelled 'the new Tardelli' by many pundits, while others feel that Liverpool's all-action skipper Steven Gerrard is his English equivalent. The man himself, though, is reluctant to be drawn on which players he resembles, telling Corriere dello Sport: "I'm Marchisio, [though] we all learned from someone." The 26-year-old Turin native is hoping to put everything he has picked up during his career to date to good use in Saturday night's top-of-the-table clash with AC Milan at San Siro. The Bianconeri remain undefeated this season, and are just a point behind the Rossoneri with a game in hand, but Marchisio insists that Antonio Conte's men go into the game as underdogs. "Without wanting to talk ourselves down, we are not going to Milan at a good time," he argued. "They are in first place and have practically sealed their place in the next round of the Champions League - they are the favourites. "They have the Scudetto badge on their chests. They close matches out with greater ease than us because they have more experience." Milan will be without talismanic striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic through suspension but Marchisio believes that the Swede's absence does not make Juve's task any easier. "Ibrahimovic is a great champion, but whether he is there or not does not change anything," he claimed. "It's a problem for Allegri but it's not as if we can relax without him [on the field]." The match at the Giuseppe Meazza kicks off at 20:45CET. http://www.soccerway...regular-season/