Socrates

Serie A Week 25 - 25-2-2012 (8:45 p.m.) - Giuseppe Meazza (San Siro) Stadium - Milan Referee: Paolo Tagliavento AC Milan coach Allegri: Juventus match could be decisive in title race The Rossoneri boss was quite pleased with his side's victory over Cesena and is eagerly anticipating next weekend's game against the Turin outfit. Feb 19, 2012 AC Milan coach Massimiliano Allegri believes that next weekend's Serie A match against Juventus could prove to be decisive in the title race. The Rossoneri beat Cesena 3-1 on Sunday to leapfrog Juventus in the league table and Allegri is confident that his side will put in a strong performance in the encounter at San Siro on Saturday. "We are happy to be top of the table again, even if we have played one more game than Juventus. Next weekend's encounter could be decisive and I expect it to be a fascinating match," Allegri said during a press conference. "We have an entire week to prepare for the big game and I am confident that we will put in a great performance. If Ibrahimovic is available, he will play. If not, we will find another solution." Allegri then took the time to reflect on his side's away win over Cesena and was quite pleased with the final result. "The boys put in a great performance right until the third goal. We then allowed them too much space for a while. The most important thing is that we won though." Milan have collected 50 points from 24 encounters and hold a one-point lead over 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 AC Milan's Kevin-Prince Boateng in doubt for Juventus clash with new thigh injury The 24-year-old is a major worry for Saturday's crunch match against the Bianconeri after sustaining another medical problem in the club's midweek Champions League victory. Feb 19, 2012 AC Milan have announced that Kevin-Prince Boateng will have to spend some more time on the sidelines after sustaining a new thigh injury. The versatile midfielder had returned from a four-week lay-off in Milan's 4-0 Champions League victory against Arsenal in midweek, scoring the club's first goal with a stunning volley. However, Boateng, who was replaced in the second half, will have to return to the club's infirmary after picking up a new muscular problem against the Gunners. "Milan would like to announce that after the match against Arsenal, Kevin-Prince Boateng was diagnosed with a muscular strain in his left thigh," a club statement read. "In the next few days a prognosis will be established after further medical tests are conducted." Meanwhile, Il Corriere dello Sport claims that the Ghana international, who has been left out of the squad for the match at Cesena on Sunday, is doubtful for Saturday's visit of Juventus as he may have to spend at least two weeks on the sidelines. 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 prepares for emotional return to AC Milan The former Rossoneri stalwart acknowledges that he will be feeling the occasion when he returns with Juventus to San Siro, the stadium where he spent 10 years of his career. Feb 19, 2012 Juventus midfielder Andrea Pirlo admits that it will be emotional when he steps onto the San Siro pitch against Milan for the first time with his new club. The 32-year-old spent 10 seasons with the Rossoneri before moving to the Turin outfit as a free agent last summer. "I'll inevitably feel particular emotions," the Italy international, who won two Scudettos on his way to making 284 appearances for Milan, told Juve's official website. "It will be an important game which will see two excellent sides face each other. If the strongest players are involved, the match will be more interesting." The World Cup winner will be bringing his best form into the game, having scored a goal and set up another two in his side's 3-1 Serie A comeback against Catania on Saturday. "It was fundamental," Pirlo said of his performance at Juventus Stadium, "Because we were one goal behind and we needed to recover. "We managed to do it very soon, and then we controlled the game. It was the same in our previous encounters as well [goalless draws with Parma and Siena], but unfortunately we failed to net in those games.” The win saw Juventus return to the summit of Serie A, two points above second-placed Milan ahead of the two sides' climactic meeting on February 25. 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 Ibrahimovic: AC Milan are missing an extra quality, but Juventus have a big advantage by only playing once a week In an exclusive interview with Goal.com, the Sweden international explained that an ability to pick up points when playing badly has eluded the Rossoneri this term. Feb 19, 2012 Zlatan Ibrahimovic believes that there is an intangible quality missing from AC Milan this season, which has resulted in them being unable to pull away from a Juventus side who, he claims, are playing with a significant advantage. Milan are currently two points off the pace in Serie A under Massimiliano Allegri, a man who Ibrahimovic says that he ranks very highly as a coach, with the unbeaten Bianconeri's 3-1 win over Catania on Saturday having once again deposed the San Siro outfit as leaders. And, in an exclusive interview with Goal.com, the 30-year-old said that there is one key difference between this season and last term's successful title charge. "I think when we had been playing badly last year, we still got the points we needed. This year, when we have played badly we have been losing those games, and I think that is also a quality, that when you play bad you still get a point or even win," said Ibrahimovic. "But this year has been less like that. We have lost many important points when we have played badly. We have also had to go through some very strange injuries, so it’s a combination, but it’s in the moment also. One moment you’re here, one moment you’re there, but the most important thing is to keep the level very high all season and I think that is what will make a team win." The giant Swede, who is set to miss next Saturday's crucial clash between the top two through suspension, believes that there is something which remains in Juve's favour. "I think Juventus are doing very well, but we shouldn’t forget that they play one game a week, and we play three," he observed. "It’s a big difference." However, Ibrahimovic remains very happy with Milan's progress, and that of coach Allegri, who he says that he ranks among the best he's ever worked with despite some question marks in the media recently due to the Rossoneri's wavering form. "If you think of him like a book, he is at the beginning because he has a lot of pages in front of him to fill up," said the former Barcelona star. "He has won the league, he has won the Supercoppa, but I think he’s at the beginning of his career as a coach with a big team. He is still in a learning phase and is still to develop, but still I rank him very high because you have to be a very good coach to win the league. "I heard Jose Mourinho say it’s better to be a coach in England than in Italy because in England you can be a coach for 20 years without winning anything, but in Italy you can be a coach for three months without winning and you are out. So, I think he is questioned every day depending on the result on a Sunday or Wednesday." http://www.soccerway...regular-season/

Serie A - 5^ Giornata - Ritorno - 18-2-2012 (ore 20:45) 3 - 1 Pablo César Barrientos (4′) Andrea Pirlo (22′) Giorgio Chiellini (74′) Fabio Quagliarella (81′) Juventus Stadium - Torino Arbitro: Christian Brighi Spettatori: 31000‎ Serie A - Catania rimontato, la Juventus torna prima Nell'anticipo del sabato, i bianconeri si impongono per 3-1 ma se la vedono brutta nel primo tempo, quando Barrientos porta avanti gli etnei dopo soli 4'. Pirlo pareggia con una magia su punizione alla mezzora, Chiellini mette la freccia e Quagliarella chiude. Espulso Motta. Eurosport - Sabato, 18 febbraio 2012 La sofferenza, questa volta, è stata premiata. La Juventus batte 3-1 il Catania nell'anticipo del sabato e torna in vetta alla classifica anche se forse per una notte sola. Quel che conta, però, è che i bianconeri siano tornati a vincere, impresa che contro Siena e Parma non era riuscita. Eppure, non è stato affatto un compito semplice, specie se si considera che i rossazzurri sono passati in vantaggio dopo 4' con Barrientos e che sino al 75' erano in parità nonostante l'espulsione del pessimo ex Marco Motta. Poi, però, ci hanno pensato Andrea Pirlo, Giorgio Chiellini e Fabio Quagliarella. E, adesso, la Vecchia Signora può tornare a sorridere. BORRIELLO TITOLARE, SPOLLI IN PANCA - Antonio Conte rivoluziona centrocampo e attacco dopo il pareggio di Parma. In prima linea fa il debutto dal primo minuto Borriello in coppia con Quagliarella, mentre a centrocampo Lichtsteiner e Pepe vanno in panchina lasciando il posto a Padoin e Giaccherini. Il titolare a sinistra, poi, è De Ceglie e non Estigarribia che va in tribuna. Panchina anche per Del Piero, Vucinic e Matri. Vincenzo Montella passa nuovamente al 4-3-3 e propone gli ex Motta e Legrottaglie dal primo minuto in difesa. Conferme per il centrocampo titolare con Lodi in regia e il duo Almiron-Izco sugli esterni, mentre in attacco c'è il trio all'insegna della rapidità con Gomez e Barrientos a supproto di Bergessio. Spolli getta la spugna poco prima della partita e va in panchina lasciando il posto a Bellusci. SHOW A TORINO: PIRLO RISPONDE A BARRIENTOS - Un primo tempo mozzafiato, senza soluzioni di sosta e con due squadre che continuano a rispondere colpo su colpo. La Vecchia Signora squilla per prima con Marchisio, che di testa mette a lato dopo nemmeno un minuto. Ma il primo gol è di Barrientos, che al 4' gela lo Juventus Stadium con un sinistro a giro dal limite che si infila all'incrocio battendo Buffon, già costretto al salvataggio su una conclusione precedente di Almiron. La partita si fa subito vibrante. I padroni di casa ci mettono un po' per reagire, ma dal quarto d'ora in avanti premono a più non posso sino a quando Pirlo si procura una punizione dal limite (ingenuo Bergessio). A calciare va lui stesso ed è 1-1, con una splendida soluzione a giro imprendibile per Kosicky (22', suo primo gol da juventino). Se possibile, il match diventa ancora più divertente. Ma di gol non se ne vedono, perché al 30' Quagliarella prende una traversa clamorosa dal limite e lo stesso fa Bergessio due minuti dopo. Conte inverte Giaccherini e Marchisio in mediana, mentre Montella cambia tutto passando al 3-5-2. La Juventus preme ancora di più, però si va all'intervallo sul risultato di 1-1. MOTTA ESPULSO, CI PENSANO CHIELLINI E QUAGLIARELLA - La ripresa è tutta un'altra partita, meno spettacolare, più aggressiva. Il Catania si chiude a riccio senza più ripartire, con Montella che al 50' toglie Barrientos per mettere Biagianti e dieci minuti dopo toglie anche Lodi per Spolli. La Juventus attacca a più non posso senza trovare spazi. Le occasioni da gol diminuiscono e Conte prova a smuovere lo stallo con Pepe al posto di Padoin. La mossa decisiva, però, è di uno degli ex in campo, Motta, che nel giro di un quarto d'ora si fa espellere nel più ingenuo dei modi, con due fallacci vistosissimi a centrocampo. Al 65', in sostanza, il Catania resta in dieci. Conte mette anche Vucinic, passa al 3-4-3 e, nonostante Buffon salvi il risultato su Almiron (66'), la Juventus porta a casa la partita. Decisive, anche in questo caso, due topiche clamorose di Kosicky. Il portiere etneo al 74' esce a vuoto su una punizione di Pirlo dalla destra e regala a Chiellini la palla del 2-1. Copione simile all'81', quando rinvia sul piede del regista bianconero, che serve a Quagliarella il secondo assist della propria serata e 3-1 annesso. Finisce qui. Con l'unica appendice tragicomica dell'esultanza juventina al terzo gol, con Storari che si butta nella mischia di giocatori vicino alla bandierina del corner e ferisce involontariamente sia Quagliarella che Pepe. Ma, questa volta, il finale è davvero dolcissimo per la Juventus. LA VECCHIA SIGNORA SI RIMETTE IN MARCIA - Dopo due pareggi consecutivi e quasi 200' senza gol segnati, la Juventus si sblocca e riparte. Merito di un Pirlo in formato deluxe, autore di una splendida rete e anche di due assist. Ma la sensazione è che i problemi dalla trequarti in avanti non siano risolti del tutto. Che cosa sarebbe successo se Motta non avesse commesso quella sciocchezza? Con il Catania in parità numerica la Juventus avrebbe fatto molta più fatica a creare occasioni da gol, come sempre accade quando l'avversario di turno si chiude sulla difensiva. Ma tant'è. Gli uomini di Conte tornano a vincere e superano temporaneamente il Milan salendo a quota 49 (+2). Quello che ci voleva per mettere un pizzico di pressione sull'avversario diretto e presentarsi nel migliore dei modi allo scontro in programma a San Siro sabato prossimo. Da imbattuta dopo 23 partite. Una cosa che non le era mai accaduta nella propria storia. Non male. Mattia Fontana - Eurosport Juventus - Catania 3-1

Serie A Week 24 - 18-2-2012 (8:45 p.m.) 3 - 1 Pablo César Barrientos (4′) Andrea Pirlo (22′) Giorgio Chiellini (74′) Fabio Quagliarella (81′) Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee: Christian Brighi Attendance: 31000‎ Conte: Referee was 'perfect' against Catania Juventus coach sparked controversy after the midweek draw with Parma by claiming that officials have been afraid to award his side penalties this season. Feb 19, 2012 Juventus coach Antonio Conte was at pains to praise the performance of referee Christian Brighi after Saturday night's 3-1 victory over Catania. The Bianconeri boss sparked controversy after the midweek draw with Parma by claiming that Serie A officials have been afraid to award his side penalties this season. Conte then moved to try to defuse the situation on Friday by arguing that he is not seeking favours from referees, merely equal treatment. The former Italy international felt that Juve got exactly that against Catania. "Today [saturday], Brighi was perfect," Conte told Sky Sport Italia after the game against the Sicilians. "I give him my compliments." Turning his attention to next weekend's top-of-the-table clash with AC Milan, Conte insisted that his preparations for the game will not be affected by the uncertainty surrounding the participation of Zlatan Ibrahimovic, with the Rossoneri reportedly still trying to have the final game of this three-match ban for slapping Napoli's Salvatore Aronica quashed. "It's for someone else to decide in this regard, but we hope that the right decision is made," the former Siena boss stated. "We still go to Milan to play our own game whether Ibra is there or not, and Milan will do the same." Juventus are currently one point behind their title rivals in the table, but the Bianconeri have a game in hand on the reigning Italian champions. http://www.soccerway...regular-season/

Serie A Week 24 - 18-2-2012 (8:45 p.m.) 3 - 1 Pablo César Barrientos (4′) Andrea Pirlo (22′) Giorgio Chiellini (74′) Fabio Quagliarella (81′) Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee: Christian Brighi Attendance: 31000‎ Chiellini hails 'vital' win over Catania The powerful defender has expressed his joy with Saturday's Serie A victory and is eagerly anticipating the crunch clash versus AC Milan next weekend. Feb 19, 2012 Juventus defender Giorgio Chiellini has underlined the importance of his side's 3-1 Serie A win over Catania on Saturday. The Old Lady had to settle for draws against Siena and Parma in their last two league encounters and Chiellini feels it was essential to beat the Sicilians. "It was vital to get all three points against Catania. We felt the importance of the game because we wanted to redeem ourselves after the last two encounters," Chiellini was quoted as saying on the club's official website. "The goal scored 15 minutes from the end shows exactly how much we pushed and how we never give up." The Italy international then looked ahead to next weekend's game against AC Milan and expects an entertaining encounter. "It will be a spectacular game. It’s important to go into it off the back of a victory. The difference between the two sides is that we’ve drawn more against the smaller teams, while they can count on Zlatan Ibrahimovic who makes the difference in those games." Ibrahimovic is likely to miss Saturday's encounter at San Siro due to suspension following his dismissal against Napoli earlier this month. A decision on his appeal against the three-match ban will be made on February 23. http://www.soccerway...regular-season/

Serie A Week 24 - 18-2-2012 (8:45 p.m.) 3 - 1 Pablo César Barrientos (4′) Andrea Pirlo (22′) Giorgio Chiellini (74′) Fabio Quagliarella (81′) Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee: Christian Brighi Attendance: 31000‎ Buffon: Juventus' win over Catania was 'a victory of character' The experienced goalkeeper was pleased with his team's response to the early setback in the game and believes that the triumph will put them in good stead to face AC Milan. Feb 19, 2012 Juventus goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon has signalled the importance of his side's 3-1 victory against Catania on Saturday. The Bianconeri found themselves on the back foot just four minutes into the game following a Pablo Barrientos strike, but goals from Andrea Pirlo, Giorgio Chiellini and Fabio Quagliarella allowed the Turin outfit to turn the score around. The result saw Juventus leapfrop AC Milan at the top of the Serie A table and Buffon believes that it is a major boost ahead of Saturday's trip to San Siro. "These three points will give us much peace of mind before the match against Milan," Buffon told reporters. "This will be an important week. "I was angry when I suffered the goal, but the team responded in the best possible way. This was a victory of character. "I am very happy that Pirlo has scored his first goal in a Juve shirt and that Quagliarella has scored again." Coming back from conceding the early goal meant that Buffon's side maintain their unbeaten Serie A record in 2011-12. http://www.soccerway...regular-season/

Serie A Week 24 - 18-2-2012 (8:45 p.m.) 3 - 1 Pablo César Barrientos (4′) Andrea Pirlo (22′) Giorgio Chiellini (74′) Fabio Quagliarella (81′) Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee: Christian Brighi Attendance: 31000‎ Pirlo: 'I'm ready for Milan reunion' Feb 19, 2012 Andrea Pirlo is already looking ahead to next week’s clash against his old club Milan. “I won’t be emotional, as the game is too important.” The midfielder spent 10 years at San Siro, but scored his first goal in a Juventus jersey during last night’s 3-1 win over Catania. “I am happy and the goal was important, as we were trailing at the time. We always put in strong performances against the smaller clubs, but lately were unable to score.” Next weekend there is a head-to-head for the Scudetto against Pirlo’s former teammates. “The return to San Siro will be exciting, but I won’t be emotional after that, as the game is too important. I don’t think we are the favourites for this match.” Zlatan Ibrahimovic is set to miss out due to his ban, although Milan have lodged an appeal to have it reduced. “I hope all the strongest players can take part,” added Pirlo. http://www.soccerway...regular-season/

Serie A Week 24 - 18-2-2012 (8:45 p.m.) 3 - 1 Pablo César Barrientos (4′) Andrea Pirlo (22′) Giorgio Chiellini (74′) Fabio Quagliarella (81′) Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee: Christian Brighi Attendance: 31000‎ Conte: 'Juve passed Catania test' Feb 18, 2012 Antonio Conte is pleased Juventus ended their dry spell and passed the Catania test. “We’d never gone behind at home before.” The Bianconeri were trailing in the early minutes, but fought back to equalise with Andrea Pirlo. After Marco Motta saw red, they emerged 3-1 winners. “We’d never gone behind at home before, but did well and showed maturity, giving a strong response to the fans and proving this is a strong side,” said the Coach. “We are a great squad and I saw that in the celebrations too. We knew that Catania were strong and motivated with many interesting players. I think they’re doing a great job in Sicily.” Juve adopted the 3-5-2 system against Catania’s initial 4-3-3 and were caught out at the back in the first half. “I think we did well both with the 4-3-3 and the 3-5-2 this season, but I believe the team is happier with this tactic. We have three excellent centre-backs and it’s a shame to leave one out.” Conte had complained a great deal about the referees recently, but had no qualms about Christian Brighi. “I think the referee was impeccable and deserves praise.” http://www.soccerway...regular-season/

Serie A Week 24 - 18-2-2012 (8:45 p.m.) 3 - 1 Pablo César Barrientos (4′) Andrea Pirlo (22′) Giorgio Chiellini (74′) Fabio Quagliarella (81′) Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee: Christian Brighi Attendance: 31000‎ Montella admires Juve mentality Feb 18, 2012 Vincenzo Montella has “regrets” about Catania’s missed opportunities in the 3-1 defeat, but praised the Juventus mentality. The Sicilians had taken the lead in the opening minutes, but after Marco Motta saw red they tumbled 3-1 in Turin. “It’s certainly not easy to play in a stadium like this against a team that is strong in its individuals, its temperament and mentality. I compliment my side for allowing Juve so little, but unfortunately their goals did come from our mistakes,” said the Coach. “There are regrets, as we even had the chance to go 2-1 up straight after the red card with Gigi Buffon’s great save on Sergio Almiron. It wasn’t simply to keep Juve in check, but we tried to the final minute. “Juventus strongly wanted this result and attacked us consistently. We wanted to hit them on the break and had four or five opportunities. “As for Motta, he struggled when we moved to five at the back, as he doesn’t know this system as well.” Goalkeeper Tomas Kosicky made a few mistakes, as he flapped at a free kick for Giorgio Chiellini’s header and his poor clearance allowed Fabio Quagliarella to net the third. “Tomas had done well in previous outings and we were forced to change after selling Mariano Andujar, then Andrea Campagnolo picked up an injury. There is no definitive choice on the goalkeeper.” http://www.soccerway...regular-season/

Serie A Week 24 - 18-2-2012 (8:45 p.m.) 3 - 1 Pablo César Barrientos (4′) Andrea Pirlo (22′) Giorgio Chiellini (74′) Fabio Quagliarella (81′) Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee: Christian Brighi Attendance: 31000‎ Conte delighted Juventus 'have shown themselves to be a great team' following win over Catania The young trainer has commended his side for responding maturely to their goalless draw against Parma, and feels the Bianconeri have now proved their credentials for Serie A glory. Feb 18, 2012 Juventus coach Antonio Conte has praised his side for showing themselves to be a "great team" after coming back from behind to beat Catania 3-1 in Serie A on Saturday. An Andrea Pirlo-inspired Old Lady eventually coasted to a comfortable victory on the night, and the 42-year-old was pleased to see his players put on a display of maturity and professionalism, but also reserved credit for their Sicilian opponents at Juventus Stadium. "We were good tonight, we were concentrated and mature and gave an excellent response to the fans, as we showed that we are a great team," said Conte after the match. "We are a large group and it was also seen in our celebrations tonight. I knew we'd face a strong and motivated team like Catania, who also showed their strength. "They have some very interesting players and it is proof that [sporting director Pietro] Lo Monaco and the board are doing a great job." Conte then explained his reasons behind his decision to ring the changes from the XI that started the goalless draw against Parma. "On Wednesday we played Parma and [the players] had little time to recover," he continued. "We also have a month of matches every three days coming up, and for this I needed to deploy a different team from the beginning to keep things fresh for the rest of the season." The coach was also anxious to stress the outcome of Zlatan Ibrahimovic's hearing for his red card appeal will not affect his plans ahead of the clash with AC Milan next weekend. "I trust that the right decision will be made. However, we're going to San Siro to play and win the game, without thinking that Ibrahimovic may or may not feature," he concluded. Juventus have now moved two points clear of Milan in the Serie A table. http://www.soccerway...regular-season/

Serie A Week 24 - 18-2-2012 (8:45 p.m.) 3 - 1 Pablo César Barrientos (4′) Andrea Pirlo (22′) Giorgio Chiellini (74′) Fabio Quagliarella (81′) Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee: Christian Brighi Attendance: 31000‎ Important to get back to winning ways against Catania, says Andrea Pirlo The playmaker, who put in a man-of-a-match shift against the Sicilians, claims it was vital the Old Lady ended their winless run on Saturday, and is now looking forward to AC Milan. Feb 18, 2012 Juventus midfielder Andrea Pirlo says it was important his side put their recent run of draws to an end on Saturday, following their 3-1 win over Serie A rivals Catania. The 32-year-old was in imperious form against Vincenzo Montella's outfit, assisting two goals and grabbing one for himself in a convincing victory in Turin, but despite his individual brilliance, he was only too happy to ensure his team found themselves back on the winning trail again. "It was important to score because we were at a disadvantage, and it was crucial to win again," said Pirlo. "It was also important to find the three points against such a plucky side, but I will now concentrate on winning the league with Juventus." Pirlo also added he would be keen to face former team-mate Zlatan Ibrahimovic in their upcoming league clash with AC Milan next Sunday, although the Swede's participation currently hangs on his red card against Napoli for a slap on Salvatore Aronica being overturned. "I hope he can play because it will make the match an even more beautiful occasion," Pirlo said. Juventus are now two points clear of Milan at the Serie A summit, as the duo prepare to lock horns next weekend. http://www.soccerway...regular-season/