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Serie A - 17^ Giornata - Andata - 8-1-2012 (ore 15:00) 0 - 1 Alessandro Matri (27') Stadio Via del Mare - Lecce Arbitro: Mauro Bergonzi Spetttori: 23300 Serie A - La Juve soffre ma passa a Lecce Basta un gol di Alessandro Matri ai bianconeri per restare imbattuti e in vetta alla classifica insieme al Milan. Preoccupa per

The chief of defence Initially signed as a squad player last January, Andrea Barzagli is now an unexpected key element in Juventus’ Scudetto bid. Antonio Labbate writes. Jan 11, 2012 Fabio Cannavaro had no doubts when he was asked earlier this season who, at the time, was Italy’s best defender. “Andrea Barzagli,” he responded with conviction. “He has experience and he has picked himself up after a difficult spell. I’ve congratulated Juventus President Andrea Agnelli for bringing him back to Italy. That was an excellent move.” Cannavaro knows Barzagli well. They were teammates at the 2006 World Cup when Andrea, under the guidance of the Italy captain, played his part in the Azzurri’s German triumph following injury to Alessandro Nesta and suspension to Marco Materazzi. Barzagli had just turned 25 and was widely considered as an international regular of the future. Things didn’t quite turn out as anticipated. In 2008 he decided to leave Palermo and was expected to move on to a bigger club which could match his ambitions. Instead he ended up at Wolfsburg in Germany. “After four years at Palermo it was time to go,” the centre-back recalled. “There was an agreement between myself and the Rosanero that we would part company. I was waiting for a big club to come in for me, but they all had excellent defenders already. Wolfsburg offered me a good contract and I decided to sign for them.” The Bundesliga switch may have benefitted him financially and saw him win a League title, but it came at a cost in his homeland. The longer he remained abroad, the more forgettable he became. He then disappeared from the international scene completely after a pretty shaky performance in Italy’s unconvincing 2-1 win against Cyprus back in September 2008. It wasn’t until this time last year that Barzagli entered Italian football’s consciousness again. With a contract coming to its end, Juventus opted to net him for €300,000 – less than three years after Wolfsburg agreed to pay almost €12m. He was initially signed on a contract until 2013 as a squad player, but today he’s one of the cornerstones on which the Old Lady’s Scudetto bid is built. So far this season under Antonio Conte he’s been an untouchable in the team. He’s played in every second of the side’s Serie A campaign, totalling 1,618 minutes of action – a stat only matched by right-back Stephan Lichtsteiner. He also featured in the 120 minutes that it took his team to dispose of Bologna in the Coppa Italia. “It’s down to hard work,” Barzagli says of his rejuvenation. “As a player, there are seasons which go well. Saying that, joining a club like Juventus is the maximum for anyone. I just do what I need to do on a daily basis to make sure that I deserve to wear this shirt.” Barzagli may not have great speed or even the technical ability of current centre-back partner Leonardo Bonucci, but what he does have over his younger colleague is focus, positional sense, as well as an understanding and reading of the game which he has acquired over the years. He’s also disciplined given that his last booking came in May last season in the game against Napoli. As it stands, Juventus have the second best defence in the land with 11 goals against – just one more than Udinese. They’ve kept a clean sheet in their last three Serie A games and six from their last eight. The last goal they conceded was against Roma in Week 15 – 355 minutes ago – when Arturo Vidal miserably failed to clear a Daniele De Rossi effort. Not bad stats from a team whose defence was viewed as their Achilles’ heel at the start of the season. “We all have to stay alert and concentrated,” the 30-year-old says. “As soon as the defenders lose focus for an instant then things can get complicated. But Coach Conte is always stimulating us and that is important for a defender like myself. We have a great midfield, a great attack and if we at the back don’t concede then one of our strikers will put the ball in sooner or later.” Barzagli’s form hasn’t been lost on Italy boss Cesare Prandelli either. Dealing with a shortage of quality stoppers, an area that the Italian game once excelled at, the former Under-21 international returned to the international stage in October 2011 to win his 26th and 27th caps. “I didn’t think that my Azzurri career was a closed book, but I admit that I did stop thinking about it…” Euro 2012 now awaits, as does a possible Scudetto and a probable new contract.

Barzagli set for Juve extension Jan 11, 2012 Juventus have reportedly already started negotiations with Andrea Barzagli in a bid to extend his contract. The international defender is only contracted to the club until June 2013 and a new deal seems to be on the horizon. Barzagli, signed for less than €500,000 from Wolfsburg last January, has played in every minute of all Juventus’ games so far this season. According to Tuttosport, the Turin giants have held initial talks with the World Cup winner’s representative. It’s unclear at this stage whether the Old Lady will offer the 30-year-old fresh terms until June 2014 or 2015.

Serie A Week 17 - 8-1-2012 (3:00 p.m.) 0 - 1 Alessandro Matri (27') Via del Mare Stadium - Lecce Referee: Mauro Bergonzi Attendance: 23300 Antonio Conte: We can do better than what we showed against Lecce The Bianconeri coach stressed that his team must improve in closing out matches after their slender win over Lecce, but praised his players for their work ethic. Jan 9, 2012 Juventus coach Antonio Conte believes that his side did not perform at their best in Sunday's Serie A win over Lecce, but was pleased to see his side bag the full three points nonetheless. The Turin giants failed to impress in their first league game after the winter break, but a single Alessandro Matri strike in the 27th minute was enough to secure a 1-0 win for Juve. "We’re happy about the points, even if we could have wrapped the game up earlier. In terms of performance, we can do better," Conte said to the club's official website. "However, I liked how the lads wanted to seal the victory, working really hard right until the end. I already said on the eve of the game that the championship restart is always an unknown territory." The Juventus boss then went on to explain Marco Borriello's decision not to join the Bianconeri two seasons ago, and hinted that players such as Amauri and Luca Toni are likely to leave the club this winter. "Marco explained why he didn’t come here two years ago. He didn’t turn the club down; also because only someone crazy would reject Juventus. He, alongside Quagliarella, Matri, Del Piero and Vucinic, is one of the five strikers I have available. "We’ll see what happens in the rest of the transfer window - I speak with the club every day." Juventus sit joint first in the Serie A table with AC Milan on 37 points from 17 games. http://www.soccerway...regular-season/

Serie A Week 17 - 8-1-2012 (3:00 p.m.) 0 - 1 Alessandro Matri (27') Via del Mare Stadium - Lecce Referee: Mauro Bergonzi Attendance: 23300 Lichtsteiner happy with bad win Jan 9, 2012 Stephan Lichtsteiner has hailed Juventus’ flat performance in their 1-0 victory at Lecce. “It’s important to win like this.” The Old Lady maintained their joint-leadership of Serie A with Milan after Sunday’s success at the Via Del Mare. Although the full-back concedes that the Bianconeri didn’t shine, he feels the three points send an important signal. “It is important to win games even when you don’t play that well,” the summer signing from Lazio told Juventus Channel. Juve returned to Turin with another triumph thanks to a goal from Alessandro Matri – who is now their top scorer in Serie A this term with seven. “We knew that we would have had some difficulties to contend with against Lecce due to their aggressiveness,” the defender added. “We scored with our first real effort on goal and then the defence held up well which is also a good sign. “We just did what we needed to do in a game which Lecce had nothing to lose from.” Juventus have now kept a clean sheet in their last three Serie A games after shut-outs against Novara, Udinese and Lecce. http://www.soccerway...regular-season/

Serie A Week 17 - 8-1-2012 (3:00 p.m.) 0 - 1 Alessandro Matri (27') Via del Mare Stadium - Lecce Referee: Mauro Bergonzi Attendance: 23300‎ Barzagli on the defensive Jan 9, 2012 Andrea Barzagli insists that Juventus’ defensive strength this term is the result of teamwork and not just the back four. The Old Lady have been tough to break down in recent times. They kept their third clean sheet in a row yesterday at Lecce which was also their sixth in their last eight League matches. “The defence is doing well, but the credit also has to go to our teammates who help us,” the January 2011 signing from Wolfsburg noted. There were question marks over the Juve rearguard at the start of the season, but they have let in only 11 goals – just one more than Udinese who have the best defensive record in the League. Juve, who will be without the suspended Giorgio Chiellini against Cagliari, maintained top spot with Milan at the weekend thanks to a goal from Alessandro Matri at the Stadio Via Del Mare. “We prepared well for the Lecce game, knowing the risks that could arise with their quick strikers and strong counter-attacks,” Barzagli added. “We knew that this would be a difficult game, also because it came after the break. We gritted our teeth and emerged victorious.” http://www.soccerway...regular-season/

Juve director talks transfers Jan 9, 2012 Juventus director general Beppe Marotta has responded to transfer questions regarding Marco Borriello, Amauri, Carlos Tevez, Milos Krasic, Martin Caceres and David Pizarro. Juve have already brought in Borriello from Roma on loan for the rest of the season, a move which has been criticised by fans after the player allegedly turned down the Old Lady a year ago. A section of the support at Lecce yesterday unveiled a banner which read: ‘Borriello, mercenary without honour or dignity.’ “That message surprised me and I attach myself to what boss Antonio Conte said,” the official told Sky Sport Italia. “Juventus would never be able to sign a player who rejected our club in the past. “We signed him now because we could, whereas at the time Milan preferred to sell him to Roma as they could guarantee that they would later buy him outright.” Borriello isn’t expected to be the last new face brought in as the club are also keen on Sevilla’s Caceres and Roma playmaker Pizarro. “We are monitoring the window with great attention in a bid to increase the quality of the side, even if we have to keep an eye on finances,” Marotta continued. “Apart from Borriello, there is nothing concrete right now. “Manchester City’s Tevez? The Argentine is a strong player, but we were not after him before and we don’t want him now.” The Turin giants will also use the winter transfer session to sell with Amauri and Krasic possible departures. “We’ve had no offers for Krasic and he won’t be leaving,” the ex-Sampdoria man noted. “Amauri to Roma? There has been no contact.”

Serie A Week 17 - 8-1-2012 (3:00 p.m.) 0 - 1 Alessandro Matri (27') Via del Mare Stadium - Lecce Referee: Mauro Bergonzi Attendance: 23300 Comments Jan 8, 2012 Serse Cosmi: “There are regrets, because Juve were not their usual selves today and we had the chances to equalise. Rodney Strasser’s injury so early changed the balance of the team and I had to readjust.” Antonio Conte: “My players really wanted to win and we could’ve finished it off earlier without running so many risks. The team can certainly do better.” http://www.soccerway...regular-season/

Serie A Week 17 - 8-1-2012 (3:00 p.m.) 0 - 1 Alessandro Matri (27') Via del Mare Stadium - Lecce Referee: Mauro Bergonzi Attendance: 23300 Fabio Quagliarella suffers fractured cheekbone against Lecce The Italy international sustained a facial injury in Sunday's Serie A encounter and could be out of action for a while. Jan 8, 2012 Juventus have received some disturbing news from the treatment table in the aftermath of their narrow 1-0 Serie A away win over Lecce on Sunday as attacker Fabio Quagliarella has fractured a cheekbone during the match and faces a spell on the sidelines. The former Udinese striker featured from the start in the Bianconeri's victory, but was forced to leave the pitch after 23 minutes of play due to the facial injury. Quagliarella immediately visited the Vito Fazzi hospital in Lecce to undergo further examination and Juventus have now announced on their official website that the attacker has fractured the cheekbone on the right side of his face. The Italy international travelled back to Turin with the rest of the team, and is expected to undergo surgery later this week. Juventus returned to the top of the table following Sunday's win and have now collected 37 points from 17 games. http://www.soccerway...regular-season/

Serie A Week 17 - 8-1-2012 (3:00 p.m.) 0 - 1 Alessandro Matri (27') Via del Mare Stadium - Lecce Referee: Mauro Bergonzi Attendance: 23300 Conte stands up for Borriello Jan 8, 2012 Antonio Conte says Juventus expected a battle in Lecce and stands up for new signing Marco Borriello after a message from fans. The striker arrived on loan from Roma this week, but supporters held up a huge banner ahead of the 1-0 victory at the Stadio Via del Mare that read: ‘Borriello, mercenary without honour or dignity.’ “Borriello is to all intents and purposes a Juventus player and I think he explained that he never actually ‘rejected’ this move last year,” said Conte. “The Bianconeri simply didn’t have the funds to offer a permanent deal at the time and the player and Milan preferred to send him to Roma, but he did not reject Juve. Only a madman could reject this jersey.” Borriello may be needed earlier than expected, as Fabio Quagliarella fractured his cheekbone during the Lecce game and will undergo surgery on Monday. “I had said beforehand that it was always a danger going into the first game after the break, especially for a Juventus side that is still unbeaten. “The three points are satisfactory, though we could’ve finished off the match earlier and saved ourselves some suffering. I think we could’ve done better in terms of performance. We’re working to be in shape for the entire campaign and not just one game.” http://www.soccerway...regular-season/

Serie A Week 17 - 8-1-2012 (3:00 p.m.) 0 - 1 Alessandro Matri (27') Via del Mare Stadium - Lecce Referee: Mauro Bergonzi Attendance: 23300 Player Ratings Goal.com evaluates the performers at Via del Mare as a scrappy first-half goal was enough for Antonio Conte's men to snare all three points. Jan 8, 2012 Lecce Massimiliano Benassi 6.0 - One could be a bit critical and point the finger at him for parrying Vucinic’s effort into the path of Matri, allowing the substitute to score. Otherwise, he did nothing wrong, and produced one or two fine stops to keep his side in the game till the very end. Andrea Esposito 6.5 - The Genoa loanee made his presence felt in the air today, getting his head to almost every ball above chest height that Juventus manufactured, while proving to be a menace at the other end of the pitch as he attacked the ball on set-pieces. Massimo Oddo 6.0 - Juventus gave away free-kicks seemingly at will, allowing Oddo numerous opportunities to make something happen from the dead ball. One or two deliveries caused problems, but Lecce were ultimately unable to register anything from his set-pieces. Saw yellow for a thumping challenge on Pepe in the first half. Nenad Tomovic 5.0 - Began the match well, keeping close watch on Quagliarella, but found things more difficult one Matri came on, and struggled to track the striker or communicate effectively with his defensive colleagues. Juan Guillermo Cuadrado 7.0 - Started the match on form, with his fearlessness and incisive running ensuring that the Juventus backline could not rest easy. The Colombian was involved in most of the good for the hosts in the opening half but did not influence proceedings quite as much after the interval, and was booked for scything down Pepe near the touchline on an attempted break. Christian Obodo 5.0 - As the match progressed, he found it more and more difficult to deal with Vucinic and keep up with the general flow of Juventus’s offensive movement. Substituted with eight minutes to go. Djamel Mesbah 5.0 - For the most part, he was marshalled into submission by the diligent Lichtsteiner, but escaped near the end to tee up Pasquato with a great cross for Lecce’s best chance of the match. Rodney Strasser N/A - Lasted barely five minutes on the pitch before hobbling off the pitch with an injury. Guillermo Gonzalo Giacomazzi 4.5 - Apart from spurning the first chance of the match with an unmarked shot from a free kick into Bufofn’s arms Giacomazzi was overrun by the superior Juventus midfield, and found himself chasing shadows for the majority of the contest. David Di Michele 6.0 - Looked lively throughout the game with a willingness to run at the Juventus defence, and was able to skip past his marker with ease on more than one occasion. Tested Buffon with a drive from distance at the end of the first half but apart from that effort, his end product was deplorable, with two promising Lecce attacks halted by his erratic shooting at the end of the move. Taken off in the second half. Luis Fernando Muriel Fruto 4.5 - Did not find much space to operate for most of the game and when he did, took too long to make up his mind, which led to the opening going up in smoke. Went close with a goal-bound effort that was stopped by the legs of Bonucci. • Substitutions Ruben Olivera 5.0 - Early substitute for the injured Strasser, but his most notable moment was a silly altercation with Vidal that saw both players booked. Had one embarrassing moment when he headed out for a throw-in from a great position at the edge of the six-yard area. Daniele Corvia N/A - Given an eight minute cameo but failed to make anything happen. Christian Pasquato 5.5 - Came on in the 73rd minute and fired a great chance at an equaliser for Lecce inches wide of the far post late on. Juventus Gianluigi Buffon 6.5 - Did his part in ensuring the victory, with two quality saves on Giacomazzi and Di Michele a particular highlight. The veteran keeper will be pleased with his performance and his clean sheet. Giorgio Chiellini 5.0 - Not the most convincing of outings from the Italy international, who caused a few hairs to stand on end with his failure to track the elusive Cuadrado in the first-half, added to his seeming willingness to concede cheap free kicks in his own half, one of which led to a booking in the 64th minute. Andrea Barzagli 6.5 - Was beaten a bit to easily by Di Michele whenever the two squared up on the pitch, but made up for it with a few last-ditch headers on a few of Lecce’s numerous set piece opportunities. Leonardo Bonucci 6.5 - A relatively quiet game for the centre back this afternoon, but he did have to be alert to make a crucial block on Muriel’s goalbound strike, especially with Buffon struggling to recover. Stephan Lichtsteiner 7.0 - Solid and dependable down the right flank, the full-back made sure that Mesbah was not given any space to operate, and stuck to his task for the full 90 minutes. Went forward on occasion, including one overlapping run that led to shouts for a penalty after he was felled on the byline. Simone Pepe 5.5 - Hit or miss would be the kind way to describe his distribution today, though he did force two Lecce players into the book after his bursting runs from midfield left them with no choice but to hack him down. Claudio Marchisio 7.0 - A terrier on both ends of the ball, the Italian never stopped running and was unlucky not to get his name on the scoresheet after seeing his shot saved by Benassi after a great overlapping run onto Pirlo’s through ball. Andrea Pirlo 7.0 - Bossed the midfield today, showing off his impressive range of passing to set numerous Juventus attacks in motion. Was simply a cut above his Lecce counterparts in the centre of the park. Arturo Vidal Pardo 7.0 - Kept things organized in midfield, and worked well in tandem with Pirlo and Marchisio to subdue Lecce. Chose to get involved in a spot of handbags with Olivera, for which both players were duly booked. Mirko Vučinić 6.5 - Did not have much joy cutting in from out wide to start, but played with more confidence after the first goal, which came about after his shot was not gathered cleanly by Benassi. Played a few delightful crosses from the flanks and went close again in the second half, with his rasping drive flashing inches wide of the far post. Fabio Quagliarella 5.5 - His afternoon lasted only 23 minute as he failed to make a case for a place in the plans of Antonio Conte. Ballooned one shot high and wide before picking up what appeared to be a facial injury which he could not play through. • Substitutions Paolo De Ceglie N/A - Given a brief run out Luca Marrone N/A - Late cameo Alessandro Matri 7.0 - Came on for the injured Quagliarella 23 minutes in, and made an instant impact, first firing straight into Benassi’s arms from a gilt-edged position inside the area, before nodding home the rebound from Benassi’s save on Vucinic to give the visitors first blood in the 27th minute. http://www.soccerway...regular-season/

Serie A Week 17 - 8-1-2012 (3:00 p.m.) 0 - 1 Alessandro Matri (27') Via del Mare Stadium - Lecce Referee: Mauro Bergonzi Attendance: 23300 Lecce 0-1 Juventus Jan 8, 2012 Alessandro Matri scored the only goal of the game to see off bottom side Lecce and keep Juventus neck and neck with AC Milan at the top of the Serie A table. Matri headed home from close range after 27 minutes to settle a game in which neither side made the most of plenty of chances. The win moved Juve, looking for their first Scudetto since 2003 and still unbeaten in the league this season, level on 37 points with Milan, who beat Atalanta 2-0, and two points ahead of Udinese. Lecce, in contrast, and losing touch at the foot of the standings, this defeat leaving them nine points from safety. But the hosts had the first chance of the match when Luis Murial headed Massimo Oddo's cross wide of the left post. Simone Pepe's shot from outside the area was saved low down by Massimiliano Benassi at the other end before opposite number Gianluigi Buffon kept out Guillermo Giacomazzi's effort from another Oddo cross. After that shaky start the visitors began to establish a foothold in the game with Arturo Vidal and Fabio Quagliarella both firing wide. Benassi did well to save a Matri shot and then kept out a long-range strike from Mirko Vucinic. But the pressure paid off in the 27th minute when Matri beat Benassi with a header into the bottom right corner. Lecce did not fold, though, and Juan Cuadrado sent a shot wide before David Di Michele tested Di Michele from range. Lecce continued to look for an equaliser after the break, Oddo putting in another cross which former Juve man Ruben Olivera headed over. But they always looked vulnerable at the back and Vucinic shot just over and Giorgio Chiellini brought another save out of Benassi. Matri should have created a second for Vucinic in the 78th minute following a counter-attack, but he made a mess of his cross with the Montenegrin unmarked in the centre. Vucinic forced a save from the busy Benassi before Lecce had a chance to level only for Cristian Pasquato to mis-hit his shot from close range. Matri might have sewn up the win in the 89th minute, Benassi saving his powerful shot, but one goal proved enough for Juve. http://www.soccerway...regular-season/

Serie A Week 17 - 8-1-2012 (3:00 p.m.) 0 - 1 Alessandro Matri (27') Via del Mare Stadium - Lecce Referee: Mauro Bergonzi Attendance: 23300 Matri conquers Lecce Jan 8, 2012 Alessandro Matri came off the bench to give Juventus a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Serse Cosmi’s Lecce. Antonio Conte returned to face his hometown club and did so as joint Serie A leaders with Milan and still unbeaten this season. Lecce were propping up the table and in dire straits, though Serse Cosmi’s arrival did boost their performances at the end of 2011. Manuel Giandonato and Moris Carrozzieri were unavailable for this difficult test. Marco Borriello completed his transfer from Roma, but was not yet in the squad. The new fans had a message for him, though, with a large banner that read: ‘Borriello, mercenary without honour or dignity.’ Benassi was at full stretch to palm a Simone Pepe angled drive past the upright, then bad news for Lecce, who lost Rodney Strasser to injury almost immediately. Lecce still had the first chance, though, as a free kick found Guillermo Giacomazzi from close range to force Gigi Buffon into a reaction save. Conte also had to make an early substitution, as Fabio Quagliarella got a knock to the cheekbone and made way for Alessandro Matri. The newcomer had a great chance to open the scoring straight away, but aimed a weak angled drive straight into the arms of Benassi. Matri made up for it moments later, as he was in the right place at the right time to nod in the rebound as Benassi only beat away a Mirko Vucinic screamer. Lecce were unlucky, as Muriel was stopped for an incorrect offside flag when going clear on goal because Leonardo Bonucci was keeping him in play. Buffon was again tested, as he got down quickly to palm a dangerously dipping David Di Michele snapshot off the line. Straight after the restart Claudio Marchisio’s finish was just wide from a tight angle, while Ruben Olivera horribly nodded Massimo Oddo’s free kick off target with only Buffon to beat. Olivera risked a red card for his shoving match with Arturo Vidal, but was fortunate they were both only booked. Vucinic wanted a penalty for the Oddo tackle, though the referee waved play on. There was chaos during a Lecce move with at least four shots all charged down by various defensive bodies. Oddo’s free kick skimmed the crossbar to land on the roof of the net, while at the other end Matri wasted a counter with his poor pass for Vucinic. Benassi was at full stretch to palm a Vucinic daisy-cutter off the line, but at the other end Juve-owned Cristian Pasquato flashed across the face of goal from six yards to scare the Bianconeri faithful. Lecce goalkeeper Benassi flew to push Matri’s powerful strike round the post from point-blank range with one strong hand. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Lecce: Benassi; Oddo, Tomovic, Esposito, Cuadrado; Giacomazzi, Obodo, Strasser (Olivera 5), Mesbah; Muriel, Di Michele (Pasquato 73) Juventus: Buffon; Lichtsteiner, Barzagli, Bonucci, Chiellini; Vidal, Pirlo, Marchisio; Pepe, Quagliarella (Matri 23), Vucinic Ref:Bergonzi http://www.soccerway...regular-season/

Serie A Week 17 - 8-1-2012 (3:00 p.m.) 0 - 1 Alessandro Matri (27') Via del Mare Stadium - Lecce Referee: Mauro Bergonzi Attendance: 23300 First-half Matri strike clinches three points for visitors to keep share of the top spot In a match devoid of much goalmouth action, a scrappy goal from the first-half substitute was enough to secure all three points for the Turin outfit and keep the pressure on Milan. Jan 8, 2012 Juventus produced a controlled display to overcome Lecce 1-0 at the Via Del Mare Stadium and keep up with Milan at the top of the Serie A. Substitute Alessandro Matri's close range header in the 27th minute proved to be enough for the visitors, who never looked in any real danger despite the efforts of their beleaguered hosts, who remain rooted to the foot of the table. The first opportunity of the contest fell to the home side, as Guillermo Giacomazzi found himself unmarked from Christian Obodo’s free kick, but his attempt on goal was struck within the grasp of Gianluigi Buffon. However, despite some encouraging play from Serie A’s last place side, it was Juventus who would strike first in the 27th minute. Mirko Vucinic’s low shot forced Massimiliano Benassi to parry and Matri, on only four minutes earlier after an injury to Fabio Quagliarella, reacted quickest to the rebound to nod the Turin outfit into the lead. Juventus began to dictate proceedings, holding nearly two-thirds of possession in the opening period. However, Buffon still had to be alert to tip away a rasping drive from David Di Michele from outside the area deep in first-half stoppage time. Antonio Conte’s men almost doubled their advantage seconds after the restart when Andrea Pirlo released Claudio Marchisio into the area, but Benassi was on hand to thwart the midfielder’s finish. Lecce were having a tough time creating anything meaningful after the break, but nearly managed an equaliser shortly before the hour mark. A three on three counter attack saw Di Michele completely miscue a shot from an unmarked position 10 yards from goal, before Leonardo Bonucci blocked Luis Muriel’s goal-bound effort at full stretch. Juventus had further chances for a second as the match reached its closing stages. Arturo Vidal disappointingly looped a shot over Benassi’s goal in the 76th minute after a great feed by Marchisio, before Vucinic flashed a low drive inches wide of the far post two minutes later. However, they were given a scare with six minutes to go, as Christian Pasquato’s shot flew just wide after a great cross by Djamel Mesbah. It proved to be the closest that the hosts would get to levelling the scores, and Matri fired wide on a late counter-attack as Conte’s men came away with the win. The result sees Juventus into first place, level with Milan on 37 points. Lecce meanwhile stay bottom of the standings with nine points, three points behind their nearest rivals Cesena. http://www.soccerway...regular-season/

Conte bagnato fradicio.

Cuadrado in bocca a Buffon.

La Juve perde tempo.

Benussi salva su Matri

Entra Marrone per Pirlo. Conte aggiunge chili in campo.

5-3-2

Entra De Ceglie! Ci chiudiamo!

Pasquato clamoroso fuori .....