Socrates

Marchisio: I'd like to stay at Juventus forever The 26-year-old has been a key component in the Bianconeri's midfield this season and he has confessed that he would like to end his career in Turin. Apr 13, 2012 Claudio Marchisio has admitted that he would like to stay at Juventus forever, revealing that he feels like one of the leaders within Antonio Conte's squad. The Italy international has drawn comparisons with Bianconeri legend Marco Tardelli because of his performances this season. Marchisio is reluctant to be drawn on such talk, but freely admits that he never wants to leave Turin. “Obviously, I’d like to play at Juve forever," the Bianconeri youth team product told Sky Tg24. "But for now I’m just thinking about the current season. "My personal goal is to help Juventus return to winning ways. I’m more focused on winning in the present than on my future." With the Old Lady currently just one point clear of AC Milan at the top of Serie A, Marchisio is not losing sight of what is important. “The challenge is still on," the midfielder said of the Scudetto race. "They’re a great side, their players can always be decisive, and being out of the Champions League, they can exclusively focus on the championship. "We lost some important points against those teams referred to as ‘minor sides’, and we regret that, but we’ve also been good in returning to lead the table. "Now we must continue on this path, planning every move in both the championship and the Coppa Italia." Up next for Juve in Serie A is a trip to Cesena. Mario Beretta's men are currently rock bottom but Marchisio is not taking the three points for granted. "In Cesena, we’ll have an important chance to remain at the top, but we should be very careful," he argued. "The game is easy on paper only, because in the last fixtures Cesena gave their opponents a rough ride.”

Serie A - 13^ Giornata - Ritorno - 11-4-2012 (ore 20:45) 2 - 1 Simone Pepe (30′) Stefano Mauri (45′) Alessandro Del Piero (82′) Juventus Stadium - Torino Arbitro: Antonio Damato Spettatori: 35000 Serie A - La Juve torna in testa grazie a Del Piero Bella partita allo Juventus Stadium. I bianconeri giocano una grande gara e battono la squadra di Reja per 2-1. In gol Pepe nel primo tempo, pareggio momentaneo di Mauri, nel secondo tempo la rete di Del Piero riporta in testa alla classifica i bianconeri. Eurosport - Mercoledí, 11 aprile 2012 Allo Juventus Stadium va in scena il big match della 32ma giornata tra Juventus e Lazio. I bianconeri vengono da quattro vittorie consecutive in campionato e vogliono continuare la striscia vincente, ma soprattutto la squadra di Conte vuole subito tornare in vetta alla classifica. Avversario di oggi è l'ottima Lazio di Reja, reduce dalla bella vittoria contro il Napoli. Ne viene fuori una partita molto accesa ed emozionante, dove la Juve ha sempre avuto in mano la partita, ma solo nel finale di gara è riuscita a portarsi a casa questi tre punti fondamentali in ottica scudetto. Ma passiamo all'analisi del match. CONTE SCEGLIE QUAGLIARELLA, REJA SENZA CINQUE GIOCATORI - I Bianconeri scendono in campo con il tandem offensivo Quagliarella-Vucinic, mentre a centrocampo trova posto Simone Pepe. La Lazio, senza i vari Klose, Radu e Konko, prova a frenare l'armata juventina con Rocchi supportato in attacco da Mauri. GRANDE JUVENTUS PER 40', POI LA LAZIO PAREGGIA - Bella, bellissima Juventus nel primo tempo: la squadra di Conte gioca bene e crea molte occasioni da rete, e solo un grande Marchetti riesce a tenere la Lazio in partita. Subito al 5' Pirlo illumina la manovra bianconera servendo sulla sinistra Chiellini che di prima intenzione calcia per Quagliarella in mezzo, ma l'ex di Udinese e Samp manda fuori a lato. Pochi minuti dopo ancora Quagliarella dalla distanza ci prova, la conclusione però trova la deviazione di un difensore della Lazio e i pallone colpisce in pieno volto Marchetti. Il portiere biancoceleste è ancora protagonista alla mezz'ora quando blocca il diagonale a botta sicura di Pepe, ma sull'azione seguente la Juve finalmente trova il meritato vantaggio: un Pirlo in giornata di grazia mette in mezzo uno straordinario pallone per l'inserimento ancora di Pepe che stoppa di petto e da solo rovescia ed infila Marchetti. Bianconeri in vantaggio e di nuovo in testa alla classifica, ma la squadra di casa non abbassa affatto il ritmo di gioco e un minuto dopo Vidal vede l'estremo difensore laziale fuori dai pali, e da 60 metri si inventa un tiro che per poco non fa venire giù lo stadio intero. Al 34' ancora Quagliarella si gira benissimo in area e di sinistro cerca il secondo palo, ma ancora Marchetti ci mette la mano e respinge il tiro. Tre minuti dopo è Vucinic ad avere sul destro il pallone del raddoppio, quando da centro area colpisce liberissimo a botta sicura, ma Diakitè si immola e devia in angolo. La Juve allora si rilassa qualche minuto e la Lazio ne approfitta subito: cross di Scaloni dalla fascia destra, Mauri di testa stacca benissimo ed infila Buffon. 1-1 a Torino e il primo tempo si conclude qui. SUPER DEL PIERO RIPORTA LA JUVE IN TESTA ALLA CLASSIFICA - Ripresa meno spettacolare della prima frazione, ma è sempre la Juventus ad avere in mano il pallino del gioco. La Lazio non crea pericoli in attacco e Buffon nel secondo tempo è uno dei tanti spettatori di questa partita. Al 52' Vucinic si mangia il gol del vantaggio con un preciso diagonale di sinistro che esce di un soffio. Poi per un po' non succede nulla e così inizia la girandola di cambi: Conte ci crede nella vittoria e rischia il 4-2-4 facendo entrare Giaccherini e, soprattutto, Alex Del Piero. Il capitano della Juve si fa notare subito al 77' con un tiro dal limite dell'area, ma Marchetti blocca sicuro, mentre cinque minuti dopo mette a segno la rete della vittoria: punizione non irresistibile del numero 10, ma tanto basta per spiazzare il portiere della Lazio e far diventare lo Juventus Stadium una vera e propria bolgia. 2-1 quindi e Juve di nuovo a +1 sul Milan. La Lazio reagisce per lo più di nervi e prima Reja, poi Kozak, vengono espulsi per proteste. Dopo 6 minuti di recupero l'arbitro mette fine all'incontro. Juventus batte Lazio 2-1. PARTITA PERFETTA DEI BIANCONERI, LAZIO ANCORA TERZA - La Juventus centra la quinta vittoria consecutiva, ma il come è stata ottenuta è ancora più importante: la squadra ha dimostrato di avere un grande cuore e di crederci fino all'ultimo; e poi non poteva esserci marcatore migliore di Del Piero, capitano di tantissime battaglie, precisamente 700 in maglia bianconera, festeggiate proprio stasera. I bianconeri tornano prepotentemente in testa alla classifica, pronto alla sfida col Cesena di domenica. Per la Lazio questo è un passaggio a vuoto, ma Reja può comunque essere contento, date le contemporanee sconfitte di Udinese e Napoli. Fabio Psoroulas - Eurosport Juventus - Lazio 2-1

Bonucci undergoes surgery on broken nose The defender has undergone an operation on the facial injury he sustained in the 2-1 Serie A win over Lazio, and could miss this weekend's match against Cesena. Apr 13, 2012 Juventus have announced on their official website that defender Leonardo Bonucci has undergone surgery on his broken nose. The centre-back sustained the facial injury in the dying minutes of the 2-1 win over Lazio in Serie A on Wednesday. Juve were initially unsure whether Bonucci had to go under the knife, but the defender eventually opted for surgery after consulting with the club's medical staff. "Leonardo Bonucci has undergone surgery on a fractured nose sustained during the closing stages of Wednesday night’s 2-1 win over Lazio," a club statement reads. "Doctor Libero Tubino carried out the operation at the Santa Caterina da Siena clinic in Turin. The player was discharged on Thursday afternoon, with his condition to be monitored on a daily basis." The 24-year-old is unlikely to feature in Sunday's Serie A match away against Cesena as a result of the operation.

Moratti: No one expected Juventus success The Nerazzurri chief says that the Turin-based club are performing better than anyone had expected, while saying that his side can still finish third in the league. Apr 12, 2012 Inter president Massimo Moratti has admitted that he did not expect Juventus to fare so well this season. The Bianconeri are en route to winning their first Scudetto since 2002-03 after finishing seventh in the league in each of the past two campaigns. "I am admired Juventus, who are doing very well," Moratti told reporters at the inauguration of the restaurant of Nerazzurri players Javier Zanetti and Esteban Cambiasso. "They play well, a very efficient game. They are something new; no one expected this to happen. "AC Milan? They still have a strong structure." Inter currently sit seventh in the Serie A table, and Moratti believes that his side can still finish third, despite the six-point difference between that place and the Nerazzurri.

Bonucci suffers broken nose against Lazio The Italy international has picked up a facial injury in Wednesday's victory, and will possibly have to go under the knife in the upcoming days to correct the broken bone. Apr 12, 2012 Antonio Conte has received some disturbing news from the treatment table in the aftermath of Juventus' 2-1 Serie A win over Lazio on Wednesday as he will possibly have to make do without the services of Leonardo Bonucci for a while due to a facial injury. The centre-back went to the ground in the closing stages of the match after a duel with Libor Kozak, and although he stayed on until the final whistle, it was later confirmed that the 24-year-old has suffered a broken nose. Juventus have announced on their official website that a decision will be made on Thursday morning about whether Bonucci will have to undergo surgery. It is not yet known how long the defender will be out of action, but he could miss the upcoming league game against Cesena on Sunday due to the injury.

Serie A Week 32 - 11-4-2012 (20:45 p.m.) 2 - 1 Simone Pepe (30′) Stefano Mauri (45′) Alessandro Del Piero (82′) Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee: Antonio Damato Attendance: 35000 Del Piero: Dropping points would have been 'football suicide' for Juventus The experienced attacker has expressed his delight with his strike against Edy Reja's side, and added that it would have been "suicide" had the Old Lady spilled points. Apr 12, 2012 Alessandro Del Piero hopes that his goal in the 2-1 Serie A win over Lazio will be decisive in the title race, and added that it would have been a huge blow for Juventus had they dropped points on Wednesday. After Stefano Mauri's strike had cancelled out Simone Pepe's opener, it looked as though the Bianconeri would have to settle for a draw against the Stadio Olimpico side, until Del Piero helped Juventus to the three points with his winner in the 82nd minute. The 37-year-old is hoping that his effort will be the goal that will deliver his side the Scudetto at the end of the season, but assured that Juventus will keep fighting for the title. "I hope that this goal will be the one that eventually proves crucial in the race for the Scudetto," Del Piero said to reporters. "It would have been football suicide if we had drawn or lost this game after our superb first half. We will keep fighting till the end. Milan won't give up, but neither will we. "It's all about holding your nerves and fighting fatigue now. We're feeling great and are focussing on our next game." http://www.soccerway...regular-season/

Marchisio has Juventus dream Apr 13, 2012 Claudio Marchisio has underlined that he’d like to end his playing days with Juventus. “I now feel like a leader.” The 26-year-old is a stable member of the starting XI after graduating through the youth ranks at the Italian club. “I want to remain at Juventus for life,” he told Sky Sport Italia. “However, for now, I’m just thinking about this season and helping the club get back on to the stage that it deserves. “I’m more worried about winning during the present rather than thinking about the future.” The Italian international is now one of the most experienced players at the club after a few summers of big squad changes. “I feel like a leader because I’ve acquired experience in these years,” he added. “The club have allowed players like myself and Giorgio Chiellini to grow in the right way. “We are now in the position to teach others in the side about what it means to wear this shirt…” Marchisio, who spent the 2007-08 season on loan at Empoli, is the fourth highest appearance maker [167] and goalscorer [18] in the present squad. Only Alex Del Piero, Gigi Buffon and Chiellini have played in more game for Juve than him. Only Del Piero, Chiellini and Alessandro Matri have more goals.

Serie A Week 32 - 11-4-2012 (20:45 p.m.) 2 - 1 Simone Pepe (30′) Stefano Mauri (45′) Alessandro Del Piero (82′) Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee: Antonio Damato Attendance: 35000 Chiellini thanks Del Piero but warns Juventus must be more clinical The towering defender has stressed that the Bianconeri cannot afford to keep missing chances and relying on their veteran talisman to bail them out in the Scudetto race. Apr 12, 2012 Giorgio Chiellini feels that Juventus made things unnecessarily difficult for themselves in Wednesday's 2-1 Serie A win over Lazio, and expressed his gratitude to match-winner Alessandro Del Piero. The Old Lady created numerous chances to decide the match in their favour, but eventually needed a late Del Piero strike to bag the full three points and move back to the top of the league table. "We made life difficult for ourselves. At the end of the first half, we should have been two goals in front, but instead we conceded Lazio’s equaliser. The final minutes usually are the worst moment to be caught up, because you have no time to react," Chiellini stated on the club's official website. "Tension was high, because a draw in such a match was inconceivable, considering that we clearly dominated. We all thank Alex [Del Piero] for his wonderful goal, but we must learn to decide our games earlier on." Chiellini then urged his team-mates to turn their focus to the upcoming match against Cesena. "These games are often tricky: we’ll play on a synthetic pitch, against a team who will have the chance to write an important page of their history, seeing that we’re unbeaten. Therefore, we must pay the utmost attention." Sunday's match kicks off at 15.00CET. http://www.soccerway...regular-season/

Bonucci to miss Cesena Apr 12, 2012 Leonardo Bonucci is unlikely to be available for the Cesena game after the Juventus man had surgery on his nose. The defender suffered a fracture during last night’s 2-1 win over Lazio following a late clash with Libor Kozak. The former Bari man underwent tests this morning which revealed the need for a minor operation. The procedure took place at around 1pm Italian time. Bonucci will be released from hospital later today and his fitness will then be assessed on a daily basis at Vinovo. The Italian international is set to miss out on this weekend’s game at Cesena, but he could feature against Roma with the aid of a mask.

Serie A Week 32 - 11-4-2012 (20:45 p.m.) 2 - 1 Simone Pepe (30′) Stefano Mauri (45′) Alessandro Del Piero (82′) Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee: Antonio Damato Attendance: 35000 Pepe: Hard work paying off Apr 12, 2012 Juventus’ lead at the top of the table is down to boss Antonio Conte’s work in training, says Simone Pepe. The Old Lady went one point clear of Milan again last night after Pepe and Alessandro Del Piero netted the goals in the 2-1 win over Lazio. “It’s no surprise we’re in form with all the work we do during the week,” the former Udinese man noted after a fifth straight win. “The vast majority of us have played for many years and when we speak about it, the opinion is unanimous – we’ve never worked so hard.” The wide attacker grabbed his sixth League goal of the campaign with a stunning bicycle-kick in the first half. “I missed a good opportunity shortly before, partly due to [Lazio ‘keeper Federico] Marchetti’s good work and partly due to my error. “I soon made amends though, thankfully…” http://www.soccerway...regular-season/

Serie A Week 32 - 11-4-2012 (20:45 p.m.) 2 - 1 Simone Pepe (30′) Stefano Mauri (45′) Alessandro Del Piero (82′) Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee: Antonio Damato Attendance: 35000 Chiellini asks for sharper Juventus Apr 12, 2012 Giorgio Chiellini has again underlined that Juventus need to start taking their chances in front of goal after almost being held to a draw by Lazio. The Old Lady dominated the tie at the Juve Stadium on Wednesday, but they needed a late piece of magic by Alessandro Del Piero to seal a 2-1 win. “We all thank Alex for his wonderful goal, but we must learn to seal games in advance,” the international stopper noted. “We made life difficult for ourselves. At the end of the first half, we should have been two goals in front, instead we conceded Lazio’s equaliser. “After the break, our way of playing was quite fragmented. Tension was high because a draw in such a match was unconceivable considering that we clearly dominated.” Juve returned to the top of the table with victory and the defender, who played at left-back last night, has called for focus ahead of the Cesena trip. “These games are often tricky,” he added. “We’ll play on a synthetic pitch, against a team which will have the chance to write an important page of their history, seeing that we’re unbeaten. “Therefore, we must be fully alert.” http://www.soccerway...regular-season/

Bonucci awaits surgery decision Apr 12, 2012 Leonardo Bonucci will undergo tests on Thursday after he broke his nose in the closing stages of the Juventus-Lazio tie. The stopper picked up the injury in a clash with Libor Kozak. He’ll be assessed today and a decision will be made on whether or not he’ll need surgery. The 24-year-old has played in 26 Serie A games for the Old Lady this season, scoring two goals in the process. Juve returned to the top of the table last night thanks to a 2-1 win over the capital outfit.

Serie A Week 32 - 11-4-2012 (20:45 p.m.) 2 - 1 Simone Pepe (30′) Stefano Mauri (45′) Alessandro Del Piero (82′) Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee: Antonio Damato Attendance: 35000 Conte: 'Almost another draw...' Apr 11, 2012 Antonio Conte felt “regret and even anger” at having to scrape a victory over Lazio when Juventus had dominated the game. “There is certainly some regret and even anger, as we dominate games and don’t close them off, which often ended up in draws. This was heading in a similar direction, as we were in control and not determined enough to get the final blow,” he said of the 2-1 win. “Unfortunately it was happening again today after an excellent first half and we allowed Lazio so little. We have to improve and grow, but the lads are achieving something extraordinary. “It’s inevitable that if we converted all our scoring opportunities, we’d all be calmer and our coronary arteries under less stress! It’d also be fair, as Juventus dominated so much and had to suffer until the final whistle tonight. “It’s ok, as we go back on top of the table and always have Milan’s pressure behind us, but it is a good step forward.” It was set to be another draw until Alessandro Del Piero came off the bench to curl in a decisive free kick. “Del Piero, it’s a great fortune for us to have him here. When you need to score, he’s your man. He has always been and will always be an added bonus for the team. If I ask him for a minute, five minutes, eight or a whole game, he always gives 100 per cent.” Conte was asked whether he will speak to President Andrea Agnelli in a bid to renew Del Piero’s contract, as he is set to leave on a free transfer in June. “Compliments to Ale and the whole team. At this moment we must focus on Cesena and the present, then there will be time to discuss the future. What is important right now is to recoup energy and be ready for the next test.” http://www.soccerway...regular-season/

Serie A Week 32 - 11-4-2012 (20:45 p.m.) 2 - 1 Simone Pepe (30′) Stefano Mauri (45′) Alessandro Del Piero (82′) Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee: Antonio Damato Attendance: 35000 Conte: Del Piero is an asset to Juventus The 42-year-old coach heaped praise on match-winner Del Piero after he scored his side's winner, but believes they should have put the game beyond the Biancocelesti earlier. Apr 11, 2012 Juventus coach Antonio Conte has hailed Alessandro Del Piero after the veteran forward came off the bench to score the winning goal in the 2-1 Serie A victory over Lazio on Wednesday. The 37-year-old replaced Mirko Vucinic in the 73rd minute of the match and found the back of the net with a free kick just 10 minutes later. Conte had special words of praise for Del Piero, but was coy when asked if the club board would hand the striker an extension to his expiring contract. "Luckily, he comes on and scores," he told Sky Sport Italia. "For me, he is an asset to his team. "Whether I ask him to play for a minute or an entire match, he comes to help. "Right now we are thinking about the match against Cesena. We are fighting for something unthinkable, so we must be focused on this race. "There will be time to address other matters. We must pick up our strengths and win the remaining matches." Conte then admitted he was relieved that his side were able to grind out the 2-1 victory to send the team back to the top of the Serie A table ahead of AC Milan. "There is a little bit of regret, because we have drawn so many matches, like the ones against Genoa, Cagliari and Chievo, after being in command," Conte added. "Tonight the same thing almost happened - we could not give the final blow when we should have - but we were able to win despite suffering in a way we did not deserve, considering all that we had done. "We must grow in this aspect, but my players are doing something extraordinary. This is a small step forward, but there are so many matches remaining." Questioned about Juventus' reported interest in AC Milan duo Alessandro Nesta and Clarence Seedorf, Conte said: "They are both great players but they are fine where they are." Juventus will take on Cesena on Sunday in their upcoming Serie A fixture. http://www.soccerway...regular-season/

Serie A Week 32 - 11-4-2012 (20:45 p.m.) 2 - 1 Simone Pepe (30′) Stefano Mauri (45′) Alessandro Del Piero (82′) Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee: Antonio Damato Attendance: 35000 Player Ratings Goal.com evaluates the performances of the players involved in the Bianconeri's slender victory over Edy Reja's men in Turin on Wednesday. Apr 11, 2012 Juventus Gianluigi Buffon 6.0 - Dealt quite comfortably with a Ledesma free-kick and a decent strike from Candreva but had no chance on Mauri's header. Had little or nothing to do in the second period. Giorgio Chiellini 6.0 - Shifted out to the left-hand side because of the late withdrawal of De Ceglie from the starting line-up and, as usual, got forward pretty well, picking out Quagliarella early on only to see the former Napoli man fire wide. Began to lose his control after the break, though, and was booked for a late challenge on Scaloni seconds after clashing with Diakite. Andrea Barzagli 6.0 - He was enjoying something of an armchair ride for most of the opening half but, like his defensive colleagues, he also went missing when Mauri rose to head Lazio level. Did make a crucial block on Candreva late on, though. Leonardo Bonucci 6.5 - Was so comfortable in the first half, winning everything in the air, that he elected to step forward at every opportunity. Caused panic in the Lazio box with a chip forward before then trying his luck with an audacious shot with the outside of his boot. Stephan Lichtsteiner 6.0 - A late addition to the starting 11, the Swiss wasn't his usual dynamic self going forward and, from a defensive perspective, he was very nearly sent off for bringing down Rocchi early in the second half when he was very close to being last man. Simone Pepe 6.5 - Recalled to the starting line-up, the former Udinese man blew a glorious chance to open the scoring on 28 minutes by shooting straight at Marchetti but then immediately made amends by controlling Pirlo's pass before volleying home in some style. Was pretty ineffective thereafter, though, and was replaced by Matri on 72 minutes. Claudio Marchisio 6.0 - Played his part in Juve's midfield dominance without ever really exerting the same level of control over the proceedings as either Pirlo or Vidal. Went close with an effort midway through the second half but, overall, did not pose much of a goal-scoring threat. Andrea Pirlo 7.0 - Typically influential, Pirlo had already been passing and probing away for half an hour when he produced a sublime ball to pick out Pepe in the area for the game's opening goal. A constant threat with his set-pieces and always looked the most likely Juve player to open Lazio up. Arturo Vidal Pardo 6.5 - As ever, was always looking to make something happen and very nearly scored a contender for goal of the season when, in a fine demonstration of his wonderful vision, he let fly from fully 65 yards out only to see a scrambling Marchetti pull off a terrific save. Also played a sumptuous ball into Lichtsteiner in the second period only to see the Swiss squander the opportunity. Mirko Vučinić 6.0 - Like Quagliarella, the Montenegrin began very brightly, with his jinking runs and clever moment asking plenty of questions of the Lazio defence. Perhaps should have had a penalty in the first half but his influence faded as the game wore on. Fabio Quagliarella 6.5 - Retained his place in the starting line-up and very nearly netted early on, but he diverted Chiellini's low cross over the bar. Then tried his luck from distance before going desperately close to getting on the end of a long ball forward from Bonucci. Was full of running throughout and collected a booking after the break but was not as dangerous during the second period. • Substitutions Emanuele Giaccherini 5.5 - Came on in place of Vidal for the last 10 minutes and did not make much of an impact. Alessandro Del Piero 7.0 - Given 17 minutes at the end and brought the house down with a typically brilliant free-kick. Are Juve really going to allow their legendary No.10 to leave at the end of the season? Alessandro Matri 5.5 - Replaced Pepe with just under 20 minutes remaining but did not really get a sniff of goal. Lazio Federico Marchetti 7.0 - Had it not been for Marchetti, Lazio would have been routed, with the goalkeeper pulling off a string of stunning saves. He did wonderfully well to keep out Vidal's audacious strike from inside his own half but the way in which he denied Quagliarella's deflected effort as he was going the other way was truly breathtaking. Did not deserve to end up on the losing side. Lionel Scaloni 5.5 - Scaloni played an integral role in Lazio's equaliser, the former West Ham United man advancing forward down the right wing before picking out the head of Mauri with a wonderful cross. However, he looked defensively suspect throughout and very nearly gave away a penalty after tangling in the area with Vucinic. Javier Garrido 6.0 - Coped quite competently with the threat posed by Pepe and Lichtsteiner down the right-hand side, without ever really offering much by way of an attacking threat. Giuseppe Biava 5.5 - Struggled for long periods in the first half and it came as no surprise when he picked up a yellow for bringing down Vucinic but was more solid after half-time. Mobido Diakite 6.5 - Booked for an incredibly reckless tackle on Vidal just 10 minutes in but more than made up for that with a goal-saving block on Vucinic shortly before the break. Continued to defend valiantly thereafter. Stefano Mauri 6.5 - Had really struggled to impose himself on the game before he headed his side level right on half-time after being left completely unmarked in the area. Battled gamely throughout but was booked for a trip on Pirlo shortly after the restart and ultimately ran out of steam. Alvaro González 6.0 - Did not really offer much of an outlet for the Biancocelesti, though he did work hard, doing his best to protect Scaloni. Cristian Ledesma 6.0 - Had a string of set-pieces in the opening quarter and although his delivery wasn't always up to much, he did at least draw a save out of Buffon with a 26th-minute free-kick. Worked tirelessly but cut a pretty frustrated figure by the death. Lorik Cana 6.0 - Put in a real shift in the middle of the park but was chasing shadows for long periods. Antonio Candreva 6.5 - One of Lazio's livelier attackers. Starved of possession but showed what he can do when he cut in from the left wing just before the break and tested Buffon with a well-struck drive. He also very nearly got in towards the end only to be denied by Bonucci. Tommaso Rocchi 6.0 - Playing in the lone striker role, Rocchi didn't really get in a look-in during the first half. When he did get himself on the ball just after half-time, he caused mayhem and would have had a sight of goal had he not been chopped down by Lichtsteiner, who was booked for his indiscretion. • Substitutions Hernanes 5.5 - Dropped from the starting line-up, Hernanes was given just over 15 minutes to strut his stuff but he was unable to alter the course of the game. Cristian Brocchi 5.5 - Throw on in place of Alvaro Gonzalez with nine minutes to go, offering him insufficient time to get into the game. Libor Kozák 4.5 - Came on for Rocchi with 16 minutes remaining but did not see the game out, getting himself booked moments after his introduction before receiving his marching order in the dying seconds. http://www.soccerway...regular-season/