Socrates

Coppa Italia - Semi-final (First Leg) - 8-2-2012 (8:45 p.m.) - Giuseppe Meazza (San Siro) Stadium - Milan Referee: Paolo Mazzoleni Conte targeting Coppa final Feb 7, 2012 Antonio Conte has declared that Juventus will do everything to beat Milan in the Coppa Italia, even as he confirms first-team changes will be made. The two sides, currently locked in the Serie A title race, are preparing this week for the first leg of their Italian Cup semi-final, scheduled at San Siro for Wednesday evening. Ahead of the hotly-anticipated clash, Conte has promised that he and his players will give their all to progress through. “I actually would have preferred a weaker opponent,” he told the assembled Press on Tuesday afternoon. “Let me be clear, however, that tomorrow’s match is important beyond the team we face, because it is the semi-final of the Coppa Italia. “We want to reach the final, as well as to take on Milan now. The opportunity to progress is equally spread between the two teams because playing home and away in this meeting counts for a lot in terms of performance. “To win a European competition for example, you have to be good but also lucky, because if you are in a period of poor form, you can get away with facing less-equipped opponents, whilst in the League usually the best team is rewarded for their continuity.” Conte has confirmed that he will ring the changes for the clash, from giving run-outs to each of the club’s January signings to handing Marco Storari a go in goal again. “He is playing his part in the right way and the least I can do on my part is thank him for what he is doing. He is a great professional and a great goalkeeper who is giving me a big hand on and off the field. “The new signings have come to represent not only alternatives but points of strength. “Moreover, Caceres has been at Juventus before, I’ve worked with Padoin at Atlanta, whilst Borriello has now been here for a month. “Therefore when they play they can contribute, because we need them to, straight away.” However, it may still be too early to expect involvement from the forgotten man Elijero Elia. “Elijero has grown since he arrived. He is starting to understand what we want from him and he is close to becoming a more complete player. He is entering a new type of mentality and a new way of working and is starting to show in training some of the features that led us to buy him. “I expect him when the time is right to become a reliable player in all the points that you say I do not see in him on the field, and it will be when you least expect it.” The two clubs also meet later in the month in the League. Before they do, though, the Bianconeri face three further League tests in what is proving to be a cramped fixture schedule through February. Specifically, the postponed clash with Parma is scheduled for a week tomorrow. “The rearranged fixtures are destabilising, because there are programs of work we have planned out for months in advance, and instead, you find yourself having to review things a little because you have to try to retrieve items that are already planned out. “There was meant to be a week of work between Bologna and Catania, and yet now we have to play against Parma… “We are experienced a tough winter, you still don’t know what will happen tomorrow of even in the next round of League games, but the call is always the same - to be in a position to offer the best show possible.”

Marchisio calls for Juve focus Feb 7, 2012 Claudio Marchisio has admitted that his Juventus side need to be better prepared when facing Serie A’s smaller clubs. The Old Lady have impressed in the big games this season, but have sometimes stuttered against other outfits whom they are expected to beat. Their 0-0 with Siena on Sunday followed earlier home draws this season against Bologna, Cagliari and Genoa. “We have to be more motivated and focused, especially in games like this,” the midfielder told Sky Sport Italia when asked about the weekend tie. “It was a big match for us, but we were unable to take advantage of Milan’s false step against Napoli. “We have an easier fixture list on paper when compared to the others, but we have to improve our concentration.” Juve did receive a boost on Monday though when Zlatan Ibrahimovic was banned for Milan’s next three games – meaning he’ll miss the clash with the Old Lady. “It shouldn’t interest us,” Marchisio stated. “The Rossoneri are a great side even without him. It won’t be easy.”

Bologna-Juve to be moved? Feb 7, 2012 Bologna have confirmed that they have asked for Sunday’s kick-off time for their game against Juventus to be moved. The tie is presently scheduled to start locally at 20.45, but the Rossoblu want it brought forward to the afternoon because of the big freeze in Italy. “We’ve asked the Lega Serie A to move the match to 15.00 hours,” Rossoblu Vice-President Maurizio Setti told TMW. “It has started to snow again in Bologna today and there is a risk that snow at the weekend could make the game impossible to play. “Nevertheless, Juventus have informed us that they will agree to an earlier kick-off. Let us see what happens over the next hours.” All of last weekend’s evening matches were switched to afternoon ties given the freezing temperatures in the peninsula.

Buffon agent in no contract rush Feb 7, 2012 The agent of Gianluigi Buffon says that there is no meeting planed with Juventus to discuss a contract extension. Buffon has 18 months left on his Turin deal and there have been reports that negotiations were on the horizon for a renewal until 2016. “For the moment, there are no meetings pencilled in with Juventus,” his representative Silvano Martina told TMW on Tuesday. “To be honest, that is to be expected given that the present agreement ends in 2013. “There is plenty of time to sit down around a table to find a solution. It’s only right that Juve and Buffon concentrate on the championship for now.” The Italian international, 34, joined Juventus in the summer of 2001 from Parma for a fee of £32m.

Coppa Italia - Semi-final (First Leg) - 8-2-2012 (8:45 p.m.) - Giuseppe Meazza (San Siro) Stadium - Milan Referee: Paolo Mazzoleni If Zlatan Ibrahimovic is suspended for Juventus Scudetto showdown, then bet against AC Milan retaining the title The Swede has been handed a three-match ban which will keep him out of the top-of-the-table clash, and if the decision is upheld it spells trouble for the Rossoneri. Feb 7, 2012 We’ve been here before. It was last March when Zlatan Ibrahimovic lashed out at Bari’s Marco Rossi in back play during a disappointing draw at San Siro. His red card and subsequent suspension appeared to have jeopardised AC Milan’s title charge, with a derby clash with Inter one of the fixtures he was due to miss. But whereas last time around the Rossoneri pulled through without their talisman, there is a very different feel about what the Swede’s current ban could do to their hopes of retaining the Scudetto. His latest red card, for a slap on Napoli’s Salvatore Aronica on Sunday, has resulted in a three-match ban which will see him miss trips to Udinese and Cesena, plus – crucially – the San Siro clash with Juventus at the end of the month. He and Milan could yet decide to appeal against the suspension, with the FIGC’s justice committee potentially holding one of the keys to the title in their hands in making a decision. There are two very important differences between the current case and the episode with Rossi last spring. The showpiece game of Ibra’s ban in 2011 was the second of his original three-match punishment, with his appeal then resulting in a one-game deduction which saw him return for the trip to Fiorentina but still miss out on the Derby della Madonnina. Now, there will be great spotlight on the next step in the disciplinary process given that game three could be a title decider. And that is especially so after Milan turned in another clueless performance at the weekend. With Robinho putting on an anonymous display yet again, the doubts over the champions’ threat on the ball increased. Their midfield has become increasingly one-dimensional as the season has progressed and, Ibra aside, their attack has struggled for both goals and ingenuity. The next three games will make or break the Rossoneri’s title hopes. If they can at least maintain the current gap behind Juve in the table, then they should still be regarded as the favourites to pull off a title success. If they drop further behind, they could well be a goner. Their forward reserves are hugely stretched as it is, so without their one true force they are likely to struggle big time. These same three fixtures last year saw Milan pick up a solitary point, and that came at Udinese on the final day when the title had already been won and the home side needed a draw to clinch a Champions League play-off spot. Even six points may not be a positive return one year on. Milan will now look to Maxi Lopez to make a huge impression just a couple of weeks after his eventual arrival from Catania. They had the Argentine striker sat waiting around in a Milan hotel while they attempted to make strides in their move for his countryman Carlos Tevez before finally getting Lopez to sign on the dotted line when the Tevez move became doomed. Yet their second-choice signing must now prove he can lead a Serie A title challenge. It is a big ask of anyone at any time, but it is especially so given the current absences of Alexandre Pato, Kevin-Prince Boateng and Antonio Cassano, along with the poor form of Robinho and Filippo Inzaghi’s continued battle with Father Time. The struggles are reflected in the numbers, with the Rossoneri infinitely more reliant upon Ibrahimovic for goals and results this season. Their win percentage is up when he plays, down when he doesn't. Last term, they had what it took to get over his absences. Do they now? You wouldn’t bet on it. On Wednesday night at San Siro, Ibrahimovic will lead Milan’s attack against Juventus as they look to blaze a trail to Rome for the Coppa Italia final. But by the time he comes up against Italian opposition once more, the Rossoneri’s title hopes could be over. The next few games will provide their make or break moment.

Coppa Italia - Semi-final (First Leg) - 8-2-2012 (8:45 p.m.) - Giuseppe Meazza (San Siro) Stadium - Milan Referee: Paolo Mazzoleni Galliani: “Milan aren’t favourites” Feb 7, 2012 Milan Vice-President Adriano Galliani has shot down Antonio Conte’s claims that the Rossoneri are favourites for the Scudetto. The Juventus boss recently suggested that the Diavolo were in pole position for the title despite the fact that his Old Lady side lead the standings. “Conte is being crafty when he says certain things,” Galliani told the giornalaccio rosa dello Sport. “He’s saying as much to keep the attention off his side. “I don’t see why we would be favourites. With all these injuries that we have at the minute we can’t be any more…” After placing the Bianconeri in pole position for the title, the San Siro official seemed to rule out an Inter recovery in the championship. “Sport is made up of cycles,” he noted. “Perhaps they’ll return to winning ways in a few years from now.” Juve lead Milan by a point in the standings, but the leaders also have a game in hand. Inter are fifth, nine points behind the Bianconeri.

Serie A - 3^ Giornata - Ritorno - 5-2-2012 (ore 15:00) 0 - 0 Juventus Stadium - Torino Arbitro: Sebastiano Peruzzo Spettatori: 35392‎ Serie A - Il Siena fa muro, la Juve rallenta La Juventus di Antonio Conte scivola sul suo unico punto debole di questo sorprendente inizio di stagione, ovvero correre, produrre gioco senza però concludere. Nel freddo di Torino il muro senese lascia a secco Pirlo e compagni. Protagonista assoluto del match Pegolo. Eurosport - Domenica, 5 febbraio 2012 C’è una cosa che questa Juventus capolista e imbattuta non riesce proprio a trovare: la concretezza. Gli uomini di Antonio Conte dominano in lungo e in largo, macinano chilometri su chilometri ma riescono sempre e puntualmente a mancare l’ultimo e decisivo affondo. Colpa di un Vucinic sotto tono? Può darsi. Di un gioco che in molte occasioni lascia fuori Andrea Pirlo per preferire la corsa istancabile degli uomini di fascia? Anche questo influisce, fatto sta che la Juventus anche contro il Siena, nella bolgia del proprio stadio, non riesce ad andare oltre lo 0-0 nonostante le innumerevoli occasioni create. Un male, questo della mancanza di cinismo e concretezza, che accompagna la Juventus dalla prima giornata di campionato. A salvare la domenica bianconera ci pensa comunque il Milan che pareggia in casa contro il Napoli lasciando invariata la situazione in classifica con i bianconeri sempre sempre leader, con un punto di vantaggio e una partita in meno (contro il Parma, rinviata per neve). C’è solo la Juventus in campo. Un dominio che però si rivela, fin dai primi minuti sterile. Per vedere una conclusione in porta bisogna attendere infatti la mezzora con Lichsteiner servito alla perfezione da Pirlo che si vede respingere in angolo da Pegolo (migliore in campo) la conclusione al volo. Il Siena si limita a contenere e lanciare lungo per il solo Mattia destro sempre in fuorigioco. Al 37esimo esce l’acciaccato (e invisibile) Pepe, dentro Giaccherini. Nella ripresa la storia non cambia. Solo Juve in campo ma la trama è la stessa: tanta corsa, tante azioni e poche conclusioni. Ci vuole infatti un calcio di punizione di Pirlo a impegnare Pegolo con un miracolo che salva la porta senese. Esce l’inconsistente Vucinic per Borriello. Conte si affida sempre alle corse di De Ceglie e Lichsteiner ma i suoi non riescono a segnare. La partita si infiamma quindi a cinque minuti dal termine quando Vergassola tocca il pallone con un braccio in area. L’arbitro lascia correre tra le tante proteste bianconere e nella ripartenza il Siena per poco non colpisce. Buffon non riesce a bloccare una conclusione dal limite e Gazzi manca per poco la deviazione in gol. Giaccherini sfiora il gol con una conclusione a giro. Il Siena si salva e la Juventus rallenta. Andrea Prete - Eurosport Juventus - Siena 0-0

AC Milan to appeal Ibrahimovic's three-match ban The Swedish ace has been ruled out of the club's next three Serie A matches, including the clash against Juventus, after it was ruled that his gesture represented violent conduct. Feb 6, 2012 AC Milan have confirmed that they intend to appeal against Zlatan Ibrahimovic's three match-ban for violent conduct in Sunday's goalless draw against Napoli. The Sweden international saw red midway through the second half of the game at San Siro for slapping Salvatore Aronica in the face. Lega Calcio's disciplinary panel convened on Monday to rule on the incident and sports judge Gianpaolo Tosel dished out a three-game ban to the forward. However, the Rossoneri confirmed later in the day that they will contest the suspension, which threatens to deprive the Italian champions of their talismanic striker for their upcoming clashes with Udinese and Juventus. "AC Milan confirms that it will appeal the decision of the Sports Judge who has banned Zlatan Ibrahimovic for three rounds of competition," a statement on the club's official website read. After the game, Milan coach Massimiliano Allegri admitted that Ibrahimovic deserved to be sent off, although club CEO Adriano Galliani stressed there had been no violence involved in the gesture. Ibrahimovic's absence for three games would represent a massive blow to the Rossoneri as the 30-year-old forward is the club's top Serie A scorer with 15 goals this term. http://www.soccerway...regular-season/

Serie A Week 22 - 5-2-2012 (3:00 p.m.) 0 - 0 Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee: Sebastiano Peruzzo Attendance: 35392 Mezzaroma: Not a Juve penalty Feb 6, 2012 Siena President Massimo Mezzaroma believes Juventus’ claims for a penalty on Sunday are incorrect, suggesting Beppe Marotta’s protests are misplaced. The Turin Bianconeri were left frustrated by both Siena’s defence and the match officiating in Week 22, being held to a 0-0 result with their appeals for a penalty turned down. This was the result of midfielder Simone Vergassola appearing to handle a cross coming into the penalty area. Where Beppe Marotta, Antonio Conte and even Siena Coach Giuseppe Sannino have all analysed the decision as incorrect, the Robur’s President sees otherwise. “Last year at Coverciano, the referees showed us when they give a penalty for hand ball,” explained Mezzaroma to Radio Crc “Here, I think is an incident that could be taken as an example of a penalty correctly not given. “The point gained is important - we have kept the same points gap over those pursuing us in the table and we did so by playing football, not be setting up the barricades. “I believe that Marotta’s statements are an outcome from the result yesterday, where Juve came up against a well-organised team. “It is not about merits, but all teams must be protected in the same way, otherwise you create a debate of preferential treatment that is not acceptable. “Being subjected to equal treatment is the right that should be guaranteed to all in Serie A. Teams like Siena and Napoli can be no less protected than Juventus. “I think that Marotta’s statements are because of the disappointing result.” http://www.soccerway...regular-season/

Serie A Week 22 - 5-2-2012 (3:00 p.m.) 0 - 0 Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee: Sebastiano Peruzzo Attendance: 35392 Matri rues Juve start Feb 6, 2012 Alessandro Matri has regrets about Juventus’ performance in the first 45 minutes of their game against Siena. The League leaders were frustrated by the Tuscan minnows in Turin on Sunday as they collected a 0-0 draw. “We were pretty subdued in the first half,” the former Cagliari centre-forward noted on Monday afternoon. “We tried to change gear in the second period, but not enough in order to take the lead in the game as a result.” Yesterday’s match was the first time in Serie A that the Bianconeri had failed to score at their new Juventus Stadium home. They have now grabbed 21 goals in 11 games in Turin, collecting seven victories and four draws. http://www.soccerway...regular-season/

Serie A Week 22 - 5-2-2012 (3:00 p.m.) 0 - 0 Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee: Sebastiano Peruzzo Attendance: 35392 Juve admit to minnows problem Feb 6, 2012 Juventus director general Beppe Marotta has admitted that his team do struggle to breakdown teams who primarily opt to defend. The Old Lady were held to their fourth home draw of the season against Siena on Sunday. That 0-0 followed ties with Bologna, Genoa and Cagliari. “We’ve drawn with four mid-table sides, teams who are not amongst the top outfits,” Marotta told Radio Rai on Monday. “This demonstrates that we do have problems in getting through these defences. However, I do think that Serie A is the most balanced championship in Europe.” While Milan have a player like Zlatan Ibrahimovic to resolve games, it is said that the Turin giants lack a star-man who can win a match on his own. “The statistics speak for themselves as we adopted a policy of rejuvenation at this club,” the official added. “Within a year and a half we changed 19 players from 24, so there are only five players from the old management. “It is clear that the players of great value​​, the talents of the game, are rare and involve significant financial investment. “Our first job was to work on quantity, then quality this year and we will see what we do next time…” Returning to the 0-0 with Siena, Marotta was yesterday very critical of the decision not to award a penalty to Juventus for a Simone Vergassola handling offence. “I just wanted to highlight the fact that there needs to be more attention when deciding which referees are given which games,” he added. “I’ve always said that the big teams need to have the best and most experienced referees. Certain games need experienced officials and a referee who knows how to handle difficult situations. “Look at players. If you have talent then you can play for a big club when you are 16, but players who are not that good are sent out to smaller clubs to gain experience. It should be the same for referees.” Marotta was also questioned about Ibrahimovic’s red card in the 0-0 draw with Napoli – as a possible three-game ban would see him ruled out of this month’s Milan-Juve tie. “The game against Milan is important and boss Antonio Conte will prepare for it in the manner he always does, no matter whether Ibra plays or not. “The disciplinary body will decide how long Ibrahimovic is banned for. Experience tells us that it will be two or three games for this type of incident. “But I don’t want to get involved in this situation.” http://www.soccerway...regular-season/

Gianluigi Buffon not thinking about new Juventus deal The experienced goalkeeper is focussing on his performances for the Old Lady as he believes that there will not be any issues with renewing his contract with the club. Feb 6, 2012 Juventus shot stopper Gianluigi Buffon has made it clear that opening contract talks with the Bianconeri is not his top priority at the moment as he prefers to focus on his performances on the pitch. A recent report suggested that the Bianconeri are ready to offer the Italy international a new deal that would keep him at Juventus until the end of his playing career, but Buffon revealed that he is in no rush to open negotiations. "We are not talking about a renewal right now," Buffon was quoted as saying by La giornalaccio rosa dello Sport. "The most important thing is concentrating fully on what is happening on the pitch. The rest can sort itself out after without any kind of problems whatsoever." The 34-year-old Buffon's current contract with Juventus runs until the summer of 2013.

Serie A Week 22 - 5-2-2012 (3:00 p.m.) 0 - 0 Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee: Sebastiano Peruzzo Attendance: 35392 Pegolo feared Chiellini threat Feb 6, 2012 Siena goalkeeper Gianluca Pegolo has highlighted Juventus’ problems in attack by labelling defender Giorgio Chiellini as their biggest scoring threat. Siena frustrated the League leaders at the Juventus Stadium on Sunday afternoon as they collected a 0-0 draw. “Chiellini was Juventus’ most dangerous attacker,” the custodian told the giornalaccio rosa dello Sport on Monday. “There were a couple of occasions when I did risk conceding a goal against him…” The Old Lady are being criticised for their difficulties in defeating smaller clubs who decide to sit back and defend. “We did some great work out there by playing really well,” continued the custodian. “This one point really satisfies us.” Although top and unbeaten, Juventus have been held four times at home this term by Bologna, Genoa, Cagliari and now Siena. http://www.soccerway...regular-season/

Buffon puts contract on hold Feb 6, 2012 Juventus

Capello on Scudetto Feb 6, 2012 Fabio Capello gives his views on the Scudetto race. “Juventus and Milan remain the favourites for the title,” he told RAI 1 television. “Juve do not just have grit, but also remarkable team spirit. Milan possess greater class, but without Zlatan Ibrahimovic they could really lose something. This is why I say Juventus are the favourites.” Capello had been heavily linked with both the Roma bench and Inter over the summer. “Roma deserve faith, as there are always risks when there is a new project, but with hard work and good fortune you can go far. The Giallorossi still have defensive problems, though. “I don’t know anything about reported links with Roma, even though I have an excellent rapport with Franco Baldini. “As for Inter, we did have talks, but nothing came of it and that’s long gone now.” Capello was at the helm of Juventus during the Calciopoli years, so the two Scudetti he won at the club were wiped off his CV. “I continue to maintain Luciano Moggi is absolutely the best director in Italy along with Antonio Giraudo,” he said, referring to the two figures at the centre of that scandal. http://www.soccerway...regular-season/