Socrates

Serie A Week 20 - 28-1-2012 (8:45 p.m.) - Juventus Arena - Turin Referee: Paolo Valeri Serie A Double: Juventus to triumph on Saturday while Roma should record a comfortable win on Sunday Phil Kitromilides has identified a tempting weekend double in Serie A, backing Juventus and Roma to record victories at 2/1. Jan 27, 2012 Juventus v Udinese: Juventus to win at 13/20 (1.65) with Sportingbet Juventus remain the only side unbeaten in Serie A and in midweek enjoyed another home victory, 3-0 over Roma in the Coppa Italia and they look good value at 13/20 (1.65) with Sportingbet to claim victory again. The Turin giants face a stern test on Friday against a Udinese side who are just three points behind them in third place. The two sides played out a goalless stalemate when they met in the reverse fixture just before Christmas. Yet Udinese's defensive solidity has deteriorated in recent weeks with the side failing to keep a clean sheet in their last four matches, conceding three goals in losing their last away game at Genoa. At home, Udinese are formidable, away though they are beatable, and with Juve flying high, scoring goals and winning three of their last four games, the home victory can be backed with confidence at 13/20 (1.65) with Sportingbet. http://www.soccerway...regular-season/

Serie A Week 20 - 28-1-2012 (8:45 p.m.) - Juventus Arena - Turin Referee: Paolo Valeri Guidolin: Juve ahead of us Jan 27, 2012 Francesco Guidolin has conceded that his Udinese side’s opponents this weekend, Juventus, are still very much ahead of the Zebrette. The two Bianconero teams meet on Saturday night first and third in the table, with Udinese sitting just three points behind the unbeaten Old Lady. However, whilst relatively close in the standings heading into the second round of fixtures, Guidolin reflected on Friday that he sees Juve as ahead by some distance. “Juventus are absolutely ahead, because they are the first club in Italy who have their own stadium. “This will be my first time in their new facility, I’ve heard that it’s wonderful and can transmit a special drive to the team. “I think it’s fundamental that the whole Italian football world aligns with this concept, because the comfort of those fans who attend the match is very important. “Moreover, the stadium also produces financial resources to reinvest.” Guidolin then widened his focus, suggesting that the Turin side also carry an advantage on the pitch. “Quality and drive are their main features. They are similar to [Marcello] Lippi’s Juventus. [Antonio] Conte’s managed to transmit the right attitude to his players, especially desire, commitment and complete cooperation. “Their positive results aren’t a surprise, on the contrary I admire them, because their results are thanks to both the club and the team.” The 56-year-old tactician then told the assembled media about the approach he and his players will take into the Week 20 fixture. “We must try to play according to our way of playing, with our weapons and taking advantage of our peculiarities. “From the tactical point of view, I’ve tested different solutions and we’ll try to cause them some difficulties with quick play and counter-attacks. “We need to show our desire to overcome every problem. Our spirit will affect the display of our qualities - speed and the initiative to trigger [Antonio] Di Natale. “My idea is to wait for them in our half, but when facing this kind of team, there’s often the risk of being required to deal with the opponent’s ball possession and quality. “We’ll face a solid, compact group, we’ll need the right strength not to give in, to instead go back to action every time we can.” http://www.soccerway...regular-season/

Serie A Week 20 - 28-1-2012 (8:45 p.m.) - Juventus Arena - Turin Referee: Paolo Valeri Juve-Udinese worth six points! Jan 27, 2012 Coach Antonio Conte insists tomorrow’s game between Juventus and Udinese is a Scudetto six-pointer. The Old Lady currently lead the standings, but Saturday’s opponents are in third and just three points behind. “We shouldn’t underestimate this encounter,” the former Bari and Siena tactician said in his pre-match media conference. “We are facing a team who is challenging for important objectives like we are. It is a game against a direct rival, a match worth six points. “There will be risks to face out there. We just have to keep working hard in an effort to improve.” Conte has a starting XI to invent given that there are fitness doubts over Claudio Marchisio, Simone Pepe, Eljero Elia and Mirko Vucinic. “The infirmary is full,” he added. “We haven’t been too lucky recently. I’ll see who is fit and well tomorrow morning. The formation is the last thing on my mind right now.” Problems in midfield could see another chance given to Italian Under-21 international Luca Marrone. “I had him with me at Siena last season and I was instantly impressed,” Conte explained. “When I had the chance to keep him here I didn’t let him get away. He represents the present and the future of Juventus. “He now needs to confirm the good he has done so far.” The tactician was understandably questioned about the transfer market after Martin Caceres arrived for his medical today. “I’ve spoken to him. He’s a versatile player, a defensive wildcard. He already knows the environment here and that means he’ll take less time to settle. “Our directors are working hard to conclude transfer deals. Let’s wait and see what happens.” http://www.soccerway...regular-season/

Serie A Week 20 - 28-1-2012 (8:45 p.m.) - Juventus Arena - Turin Referee: Paolo Valeri Estigarribia fears Di Natale threat Jan 27, 2012 Marcelo Estigarribia has no doubts about whom Juventus will have to stop on Saturday – Antonio Di Natale. The veteran hitman is again at the top of the scoring charts – along with Milan’s Zlatan Ibrahimovic – thanks to his 14 goals. Udinese will arrive in Turin this weekend in the knowledge that the Stadio Friuli boys have won every time that the striker has scored against the Old Lady. “We’ll have to be very alert against Udinese, especially Di Natale,” the winger told Sky Sport Italia on Thursday. “Everyone in the world knows about Toto,” added the Paraguayan. “Saturday’s game is going to be tough for us.” The international moved to Turin during the summer on a loan deal and he has made nine League appearances so far. “To be at Juventus and be playing in Serie A is like being on another planet,” the 24-year-old commented. “Our objective this season is to try to win the Scudetto and also the Italian Cup.” Unbeaten Juventus are currently at the top of the Serie A table, while they have qualified for the semi-finals of the Coppa Italia. http://www.soccerway...regular-season/

Serie A Week 20 - 28-1-2012 (8:45 p.m.) - Juventus Arena - Turin Referee: Paolo Valeri Juve have Vucinic concern Jan 27, 2012 Mirko Vucinic is a doubt for Juventus’ home game against Udinese in Serie A this weekend. The summer signing from Roma missed Tuesday's Coppa Italia tie against his former club with injury. Some sceptics questioned how serious the problem was amidst claims that he didn’t want to feature against the Giallorossi. However, Vucinic is struggling with a left knee problem and reports from Turin are suggesting that he won’t be fit in time for Saturday. Juventus boss Antonio Conte is already dealing with fitness concerns over Claudio Marchisio and Simone Pepe. Both men picked up problems last weekend in the 2-0 win at Atalanta. They are on the mend, but they’ll have to prove their fitness for the Week 20 tie. http://www.soccerway...regular-season/

AC Milan's Stephan El Shaarawy targets win over Juventus in Coppa Italia semi-final The young attacker was very pleased with his side's win over the Rome club on Thursday, and is eagerly anticipating the last four game versus Antonio Conte's side. Jan 27, 2012 AC Milan forward Stephan El Shaarawy has expressed his delight with his side's 3-1 Coppa Italia quarter-final win at home against Lazio on Thursday, and is eagerly anticipating the semi-final against Juventus. Lazio picked up an early lead via Djibril Cisse, but goals from Robinho, Clarence Seedorf and Zlatan Ibrahimovic eventually helped the Rossoneri to a comfortable victory. "We’re satisfied that we have made it to the next round. It was not easy after going down early on, but we did well to come back," El Shaarawy said to reporters. "It certainly won’t be easy against Juventus in the next round. It’ll be a battle, but we always aim for the maximum and want to reach the final." The first leg of the semi-final between Milan and Juventus takes place at February 8, with the return-leg scheduled on March 21.

El Shaarawy issues Juve warning Jan 27, 2012 Stephan El Shaarawy has warned semi-final opponents Juventus that his Milan outfit want to lift the Italian Cup. The two teams will meet in the last four of the competition after the Rossoneri disposed of Lazio at San Siro last night. “We’re happy that we have made it through,” noted the 19-year-old forward. “We did well to come back from being a goal down to win 3-1. “It certainly won’t be easy against Juventus in the next round. It’ll be a battle, but we always aim for the maximum.”

Coppa semi-final dates Jan 27, 2012 The dates and kick-off times have been confirmed for the first legs of the Coppa Italia semi-finals. Milan will entertain Juventus on Wednesday 8 February, with the Stadio Meazza tie set to kick off at 20.45 local time. The following evening, again at 20.45, will see Siena play host to Napoli. The second leg ties will take place around March 21 – but the actual dates have yet to be confirmed for the return fixtures.

Coppa Italia - Quarti di finale - 24-1-2012 (ore 20:45) 3 - 0 Emanuele Giaccherini (6') Alessandro Del Piero (30') Simon Kjaer (a.g. - 90') Juventus Stadium - Torino Arbitro: Luca Banti Coppa Italia - Del Piero si riprende la Juve: Roma fuori. La sfida dei quarti di Coppa Italia finisce 3-0 con gol di Giaccherini al 6’ e del capitano al 30’, più autorete di Kjaer al 90': i giallorossi restano in dieci per l’espulsione di Lamela al 68’, i bianconeri se la vedranno con la vincente di Milan-Lazio.. Eurosport - Martedí, 24 gennaio 2012 Niente da fare. La Juventus non rallenta la marcia anche se si tratta di Coppa Italia, se l’avversario di turno è una Roma reduce da cinque successi di fila e se per l’occasione c’è un pizzico di turnover. La sostanza è sempre la solita. Con un furore agonistico senza pari, i bianconeri spazzano via il “toque” dei giallorossi e accedono alle semifinali, lì dove affronteranno la vincente di Milan-Lazio. Allo Juventus Stadium la sfida è già decisa dopo mezz’ora: un gol di Emanuele Giaccherini al 6’ e una perla di Alessandro Del Piero al 30’. Al 90', poi, arriva anche la ciliegina sulla torta dell'autogol di Simon Kjaer: 3-0 e knock-out totale. DEL PIERO E BORRIELLO TITOLARI, BORINI IN PANCA - Antonio Conte opera un turnover massiccio che comporta anche un cambio di modulo con passaggio al 3-5-2 visto all’opera soltanto nella trasferta di campionato a Napoli. Tra i pali c’è Storari, con Buffon in tribuna e Manninger in panchina. Bonucci recupera in extremis e va a comporre il trio difensivo con Barzagli e Chiellini, mentre l’altro titolare Lichtsteiner avanza sull’out di destra di centrocampo. Rivoluzionato il centrocampo, dove Pirlo viene affiancato da Marrone e Giaccherini, mentre Estigarribia prende la fascia sinistra. In attacco, spazio a Del Piero e al grande ex Borriello, alla prima da titolare. Out per infortunio l’altro ex Vucinic, Elia, Pepe e Marchisio. Luis Enrique non tocca il tradizionale 4-3-3 e cambia il meno possibile quella che ormai è divenuta la formazione titolare. Le uniche novità rispetto al match di sabato con il Cesena sono José Angel al posto di Rosi in difesa, con Taddei che si sposta a destra, e Kjaer al posto di Juan in mezzo. Invariato il centrocampo, dove Gago prende il posto dell’infortunato De Rossi. In attacco, infine, Totti e Lamela sono coadiuvati da Bojan e non Borini, che parte dalla panchina. Ancora out per infortunio Osvaldo, Burdisso e Cassetti. GIACCHERINI SBLOCCA, DELIRIO DEL PIERO - In un’atmosfera incandescente, la Juventus parte a mille, cercando di intimorire subito la Roma. Gli uomini di Conte riescono nell’impresa e alla prima avanzata giallorossa rispondono con una ripartenza micidiale che nasce da un lancio a tagliare da destra verso sinistra. Giaccherini si sgancia come il miglior Marchisio e va a concludere con un diagonale perfetto senza che la difesa ospite, colpevole perché troppo alta, lo ostacoli. è l’1-0 che manda in delirio lo Juventus Stadium. Ma non è finita, perché i padroni di casa non sono sazi e continuano a martellare. Al 9’ Estigarribia viene fermato per un fuorigioco dubbio su un’azione identica a quella del gol di Giaccherini, mentre al 21’ Borriello chiede inutilmente un rigore. Alla mezz’ora, arriva il 2-0. Del Piero prova a servire Borriello, la palla gli ritorna indietro dopo una respinta e il capitano bianconero risponde con un tiro a giro dal limite dell’area che si insacca all’incrocio dei pali. La prima rete stagionale per lui, un boato micidiale per tutto lo stadio, il terzo impianto juventino in cui Del Piero può dire di aver fatto gol. A questo punto, gli uomini di Conte tirano il fiato e permettono alla Roma di uscire fuori. Al 37’ Gago ci prova con un gran destro da fuori respinto da Storari, mentre al 43’ una punizione straordinaria di Pjanic dai 35 metri finisce a lato di una spanna. E, alla fine, l’occasione migliore prima dell’intervallo è quella che capita a Estigarribia al 39’, quando dopo un altro buco sulla destra romanista, calcia clamorosamente a lato. LAMELA PERDE LA TESTA, ARRIVA IL TRIS - Nella ripresa il copione non cambia. La Juventus si limita ad attendere e ripartire, ma fa tutto benissimo, nonostante i giallorossi raggiungano il massimo sforzo nel primo quarto d’ora. Oltre a una botta da fuori di Taddei al 54’ e un liscio di Bonucci al 47’, di pericoli i padroni di casa non ne corrono. Luis Enrique mette dentro anche Borini al posto di un impalpabile Bojan (58’) e poi anche Greco per un Simplicio divorato dalla coppia Giaccherini-Estigarribia, il tutto mentre Conte sostituisce un Borriello ancora in ritardo di condizione con Matri (63’, l’ex di turno è uscito tra gli applausi). Si potrebbe andare verso un gran finale, peccato che nel momento di massima tensione Lamela perda la testa e rifili un calcio a Chiellini a palla lontana (68’). Il rosso è inevitabile, la Roma resta in dieci e Luis Enrique finisce i cambi togliendo un Totti tutt’altro che in serata mettendo Perrotta. Gli ospiti finiscono qui, se si fa eccezione per un contatto sospetto di Barzagli su Kjaer al 75’ in piena area bianconera. Conte, infatti, azzecca la mossa togliendo Del Piero e mettendo uno scatenato Quagliarella (76’). L’ex napoletano entra e cambia il finale di gara prendendo una traversa, servendo due palloni fantastici a Estigarribia e Matri. L’ultimo dei quali viene tradotto in gol clamorosamente da Kjaer al 90’. è l’autorete della staffa, finisce 3-0. La Vecchia Signora avanza anche in Coppa Italia, adesso sarà semifinale contro la vincente di Lazio-Milan. JUVE MATURA, ROMA RIMANDATA - Risposte sempre più importanti per Conte, che sale a 21 partite senza perdere e scopre sino in fondo anche giocatori che sinora avevano dato poco. Impressionante la prestazione di Estigarribia a sinistra, almeno quanto buona è stata quella di Marrone, Giaccherini e della bandiera Del Piero, che ha festeggiato nel migliore dei modi il gol nel nuovo stadio. Da rivedere ancora un Bonucci spesso svagato e un Borriello in ritardo di condizione, ma tutto il resto è semplicemente perfetto, anche con le riserve e un modulo nuovo. Se la Juventus sembra una squadra già fatta e finita, lo stesso non si può dire della Roma che interrompe la serie di risultati positivi iniziata proprio il 12 dicembre scorso contro i bianconeri. In queste sei partite (un pareggio e cinque vittorie di fila), i capitolini hanno dimostrato di poter affondare squadre medio-piccole con la propria qualità di gioco. Ma a Torino hanno evidenziato ancora dei limiti contro avversari di pari peso. Troppe ingenuità difensive, troppo poco movimento senza palla e troppi singoli ancora spaesati (che ne è stato del Bojan di Barcellona?). E, qui, anche Luis Enrique ci ha messo del suo regalando la propria corsia di sinistra – quella da cui sono nati tutti i gol e i problemi – alla Juventus. Rimandato, non bocciato. Mattia Fontana - Eurosport http://www.tifosibianconeri.com/forum/topic/403428-juventus-season-2011-2012/page__pid__11859026__st__1000#entry11859026 Juventus - Roma 3-0

Coppa Italia - Quarter-final - 24-1-2012 (8:45 p.m.) 3 - 0 Emanuele Giaccherini (6') Alessandro Del Piero (30') Simon Kjaer (o.g. - 90') Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee: Luca Banti Lamela: Chiellini provoked me Jan 25, 2012 Roma attacker Erik Lamela has defended his dismissal against Juventus in the Coppa Italia. The young Argentine was sent-off in last night’s 3-0 loss in Turin after kicking out at Giorgio Chiellini in an off-the-ball incident. “Chiellini provoked me,” the summer signing from River Plate is quoted as saying on Wednesday morning. Roma, however, through boss Luis Enrique and director Franco Baldini, have criticised the actions of the South American talent. “I don’t know what really happened,” the tactician told the Corriere dello Sport. “It is hard to see from the sidelines. “If he did kick at Chiellini then that certainly wasn’t a nice gesture even if football is a contact sport.” Baldini noted: “I didn’t see it, but we’ll certainly have to speak with Erik because certain reactions don’t help.”

Coppa Italia - Quarter-final - 24-1-2012 (8:45 p.m.) 3 - 0 Emanuele Giaccherini (6') Alessandro Del Piero (30') Simon Kjaer (o.g. - 90') Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee: Luca Banti Del Piero's dream 'debut' goal Jan 25, 2012 Alessandro Del Piero admits his first goal in the Juventus Stadium “was exactly the way” he had pictured it. The captain curled a magnificent strike into the far top corner during last night’s 3-0 Coppa Italia quarter-final win against Roma. “If I had been asked to imagine my first goal in the new stadium, this is exactly the way I would’ve pictured it,” he wrote on his official website. Del Piero summed up the experience by name-checking Roma, Francesco Totti and the dedication to ‘Avvocato’ Gianni Agnelli on the anniversary of his death. “In a game that really matters, against an opponent to respect and admire as well as beat, with an embrace from the great captain just before kick-off, the packed stadium, a curling finish, the ball in the corner, the thunderous roar of the fans, my family and friends in the stands, the run towards the supporters at the final whistle and a special dedication on a day that for all of us who knew and loved l’Avvocato cannot be like any other. “It is incredible how everything that happens when wearing the Juve jersey still manages to surprise me and be so very special. “This was a great night, we qualified for the next round, so are in the running for our 10th Coppa Italia and top of the Serie A table. I also scored my first goal in the new stadium. Let’s say it’s a good start...”

Coppa Italia - Quarter-final - 24-1-2012 (8:45 p.m.) 3 - 0 Emanuele Giaccherini (6') Alessandro Del Piero (30') Simon Kjaer (o.g. - 90') Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee: Luca Banti Giaccherini always ready for Juve Jan 25, 2012 Emanuele Giaccherini is delighted to be making an impact with unbeaten Serie A leaders and Coppa Italia semi-finalists Juventus. The midfielder was signed from Cesena in the summer as a squad player, but he’s been used frequently by boss Antonio Conte. Giaccherini came off the bench to score in the 2-0 win at Atalanta on Saturday and he also netted in the 3-0 Italian Cup triumph over Roma on Tuesday. “I work everyday to make sure I’m ready, just as all my teammates do,” said the 26-year-old. “That’s the secret of this Juventus side.” The attacking midfielder gave his outfit the lead at the Juventus Stadium last night and they remained in control for the rest of the tie. “The game was a difficult encounter,” he underlined. “We faced our opponents in the right way, scoring immediately, then closing them down before breaking on the counter. “We’re going well in the championship and Coppa Italia – we hope to finish out in front in both competitions.”

Coppa Italia - Quarter-final - 24-1-2012 (8:45 p.m.) 3 - 0 Emanuele Giaccherini (6') Alessandro Del Piero (30') Simon Kjaer (o.g. - 90') Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee: Luca Banti Del Piero’s goal for Agnelli Jan 25, 2012 Alessandro Del Piero was happy with the timing of his first goal at the Juventus Stadium given that it came on the anniversary of Gianni Agnelli’s death. The legendary Juve patron left us nine years ago on Tuesday – the same day that the captain scored his first goal of the season with a stunner against Roma in the Coppa Italia. “It was a nice goal and I’m happy to have scored it on such a particular day in this club’s history,” the No 10 noted. “I think he [Agnelli] would have summed it up with one of his legendary quotes,” continued the 2006 World Cup winner. Del Piero has struggled for first team action in Turin so far this season, but he insists his goal drought was not a concern. “Not finding the target until today didn’t make me anxious,” added the 37-year-old. “However, I’ve shaken off a slight burden, because both myself and many fans had been waiting for this goal. “It was also nice to score because the goal wasn’t just a moment, it came during a good performance, made up of plenty of movement and exchanges with teammates. “I wanted to play well, get through to the next round and then score a goal. “Personally speaking, I’m happy, but this evening’s test won’t change much as far as I’m concerned. I’ll continue to prepare to my very best, as always, just like my teammates. “We’re all working towards the same objective with great commitment.” The Old Lady, unbeaten this season and the current League leaders, will now either play Milan or Lazio in the semi-finals of the competition.

Coppa Italia - Quarter-final - 24-1-2012 (8:45 p.m.) 3 - 0 Emanuele Giaccherini (6') Alessandro Del Piero (30') Simon Kjaer (o.g. - 90') Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee: Luca Banti Enrique: 'Roma not inferior to Juve' Jan 25, 2012 Luis Enrique insists the 3-0 scoreline did not reflect the real game. “I did not see Roma in any way inferior to Juventus.” The Giallorossi were swept aside in tonight’s Coppa Italia quarter-final in Turin and saw Erik Lamela sent off for an off the ball incident with Giorgio Chiellini. “We made a few mistakes on the first goal, then on the second Alessandro Del Piero came up with a wonderful finish,” said the Spaniard. “The result is bad for us, but we must continue to work, because we are on the right track. I did not see Roma in any way inferior to Juventus, but the details make the difference. “We made life difficult for ourselves by being caught out on through balls in the first two goals.”

Coppa Italia - Quarter-final - 24-1-2012 (8:45 p.m.) 3 - 0 Emanuele Giaccherini (6') Alessandro Del Piero (30') Simon Kjaer (o.g. - 90') Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee: Luca Banti Conte: 'Juve got revenge' Jan 25, 2012 Antonio Conte was glad Juventus took revenge on Roma in the Coppa Italia and particularly for Alessandro Del Piero’s goal. “We are doing well and really wanted to go forward in this competition,” said the Coach after a 3-0 quarter-final victory. “In recent years Roma had always eliminated us from the Coppa, but this time we got to knock them out. I am also happy because those who haven’t played as much this season showed they were ready and that is to their credit.” The goals were scored by Emanuele Giaccherini and Del Piero, the captain curling a glorious trademark right-foot effort into the far top corner. “Giaccherini deserves my faith in him. A few years ago he was in Serie C and now with hard work he’s living a fairy tale,” continued Conte. “I’m happy that Del Piero scored, as he was searching for this goal for a long time.” It is Del Piero’s final season for the club and his first goal at the new Juventus Stadium.

Coppa Italia - Quarter-final - 24-1-2012 (8:45 p.m.) 3 - 0 Emanuele Giaccherini (6') Alessandro Del Piero (30') Simon Kjaer (o.g. - 90') Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee: Luca Banti Erik Lamela: Giorgio Chiellini provoked me The Argentine attacker has defended himself in the wake of his red card on Tuesday, but the Giallorossi are not amused with their forward's actions in the defeat. Jan 25, 2012 Roma attacker Erik Lamela has defended himself in the wake of his red card in Tuesday's 3-0 Coppa Italia quarter-final loss away against Juventus. The Argentine youngster received his marching orders in the 68th minute after kicking out at Giorgio Chiellini without the ball around, and Lamela has stressed that his action was a response to the Italy international's provocations. "Chiellini provoked me," Lamela revealed to Il Corriere dello Sport. (Lamela, poor child) Nevertheless, Roma director Franco Baldini was not amused with the attacker's behaviour, and has made it clear they will speak with Lamela about his dismissal. "I didn't see what happened, but we will definitely talk with Erik about this. We can't have these kind of actions. This is not the behaviour we at Trigoria stand for," Baldini said. The 19-year-old joined Roma from River Plate in the summer transfer window and has since become an important first team member.