Socrates

Pirlo: Winning desire increasing here Jan 1, 2012 Andrea Pirlo can sense a winning desire growing inside the Juventus dressing room. Pirlo has been a major influence on Juve's turnaround this season. “Our hunger is growing, game after game, victory after victory. Compared to this, what we felt in the summer was a mere appetite. “I needed new motivation and am increasingly convinced that I made the right choice coming to Juventus. What do I wish for the new year? To at least partly sate that hunger and give the fans that joy they deserve.”

Pirlo: 'Juve hungry for 2012' Dec 31, 2011 Andrea Pirlo looks forward to a great 2012 for himself and Juventus. “Our hunger is growing, victory after victory.” The midfielder wanted a new experience when he left Milan after 10 years and has found a new lease of life in Turin. Both clubs are joint top of the Serie A table and are training in Dubai. “Coming to the warm climate during the winter break really pays off, as I realised with Milan in recent years. Your muscles work better in these temperatures,” Pirlo told Juventus Channel. Having the Rossoneri here means it’s a bit like the Scudetto race continues even when there are no games. I hope this head-to-head can continue to the end. “I’d say we started with the right foot and if possible I sense even more enthusiasm than when we started out in pre-season. We didn’t know where we could end up, because we weren’t a team yet. Now we are aware of our potential and can cancel out the last two seasons. “Our hunger is growing, game after game, victory after victory. Compared to this, what we felt in the summer was a mere appetite. “I needed new motivation and am increasingly convinced that I made the right choice coming to Juventus. What do I wish for the new year? To at least partly sate that hunger and give the fans that joy they deserve.”

Bonucci: 'They all fear Juve' Dec 31, 2011 Leonardo Bonucci looks forward to a great 2012 from the camp in Dubai. “Now they all fear Juventus. The future depends only on us.” The joint Serie A leaders are spending the winter break doing intensive training in Dubai before their next match against Lecce on January 7. “Now all our opponents fear Juventus and we are at the top of the table,” said the defender. “The future depends only on us, so we must continue along this path and begin again from Lecce with the same grit we showed at the start of the season.” Juve are joint top with Scudetto holders Milan and many expect this to be the title tussle throughout the campaign. “Considering the results achieved so far, I’d say that was true, but we must also not forget Udinese, Napoli and Lazio right behind. Now we have to only focus on facing the next five months, which will be even tougher than the first.” Bonucci had no intention of complaining that Juventus went straight into a training session after a five-hour flight to Dubai. “That is the credo of this year. It was the same in America over the summer and I think it’s only right, because that way we easily overcome the fatigue of the journey.”

Andrea Pirlo: I am convinced that I made the right decision leaving AC Milan for Juventus The Italy international swapped the Scudetto holders for Antonio Conte's men in the summer, and feels that his choice has been justified due to the Turin club's success this term. Dec 31, 2011 Andrea Pirlo has declared his conviction that he has made the right decision in leaving AC Milan to join Juventus, and wants to repay the Turin club's fans for their warm welcome. The 32-year-old left the Scudetto holders to join Antonio Conte's men in the summer, after spending 10 years at the Giuseppe Meazza outfit. Despite leaving Massimiliano Allegri's men having been a risk for the Italy international, the Lombardy-born midfielder thinks that he has made the right choice in changing clubs. "I needed new challenges and I am increasingly convinced that I have made the right choice coming to Juventus," he told Tuttosport. "I had the desire to begin a new adventure, but also curiosity." Juventus have started the campaign strongly, and are joint-top of Serie A alongside Pirlo's former club on 34 points. The Italy midfielder, who boasts 81 caps, has high hopes for the Turin club, and wants to repay the team's supporters. "We are hungry and in 2012 we want to give the fans the satisfaction they deserve. They welcomed me from day one with affection and esteem, and I want to reciprocate the courtesy," Pirlo concluded.

Conte brings ‘new mentality to Juventus' One of his merits has been to eliminate the fear which had unfortunately taken hold for years, Marchisio says. Dec 30, 2011 Eight years since Juventus last won the Scudetto, midfielder Claudio Marchisio believes the winning mentality is back at the club under coach Antonio Conte. Marchisio's six league goals have helped the Bianconeri to a 16-match unbeaten start to the season and they head into the new year joint top of Serie A with champions AC Milan. "Conte has brought a new mentality to the club," Marchisio told Reuters in an interview. "One of his merits has been to eliminate the fear which had unfortunately taken hold at the club after years of disappointing results." With 27 scudettos, nine more than AC Milan and Inter Milan, Juventus are Italy's most successful club domestically, but they have struggled since the 2006 calciopoli scandal when they were stripped of the 2005 and 2006 scudettos and demoted to Serie B. "Conte is called the hammer by some of the players, and there's probably no better description," said the 25-year old. "The boss knows what winning means and he brings that winning mindset to the club every day based on his own hard-working committed character." The Turin giants, who missed out on European football last season after finishing outside the top six, have also benefited this term from the new close-to-the-action Juventus Arena, Italy's first stadium to be owned by a club. Encouragement "I couldn't guess how many extra points the ground will be worth for us this season," Marchisio said. "But what I can definitely say is the feeling you get when you hear the fans constantly encourage. Seeing their faces close up gives you renewed energy and helps you go the extra mile." The 41,000-capacity arena was the venue in October when Marchisio struck two late goals to beat Milan 2-0, a result that could be crucial come the end of the season as ultimate standings in Serie A are decided on head-to-head records — not goal difference — after points won. "I think the new system has helped bring out my best qualities," Marchisio said. "I've always thought of myself as a central midfielder with good technical ability and a good engine. The boss's style helps my game and I've been able this season to get between the opponents' defensive lines." Marchisio's all-round ability has been likened to Marco Tardelli, the Juve player who scored Italy's third goal in the 1982 World Cup final before unleashing a wild scream of joy. "The comparison with Tardelli is something journalists have been saying for a while," said Marchisio, a former captain of Juve's youth team. "I honestly don't remember Tardelli playing, just a few match highlights so it's difficult to say.

Goal.com's Serie A Team of the Season so far: Ibrahimovic & Pirlo star as Inter have no representatives Joint-leaders AC Milan and Juventus provide five players between them, with Cagliari and Atalanta among the other teams represented. Dec 30, 2011 Serie A Team Of The Season so far: 2011-12 GOALKEEPER Gianluigi Buffon Juventus It seems strange at times for a goalkeeper of his quality and reputation, but Buffon has never really been known for his ability to save penalties. However, his improved form against spot-kicks is just one of the numerous highlights of the Italy captain's season so far. The Bianconeri have regularly had the 33-year-old to thank during their 16-game unbeaten run, with his shot-stopping, positioning and organisational prowess a huge key behind them having conceded only 11 goals so far. DEFENDERS Christian Maggio Napoli Andrea Barzagli Juventus Thiago Silva AC Milan Senad Lulic Lazio Maggio continues to bolster his reputation as wing-back of great quality, with his energy down the right helping Napoli to record some notable victories this term. Wins over Milan and Inter have featured great displays from the ex-Sampdoria man, and he even netted against the Nerazzurri. Barzagli edges out Maggio's team-mate Paolo Cannavaro thanks to his weekly contributions to the unbeaten Bianconeri. His consistency has seen him retain ever-present status so far, with even Giorgio Chiellini unable to hold down a centre-back spot. Alongside him is Thiago Silva, who remains the league's stand-out centre-back thanks to his consistency in an oft-changing Milan backline. After a slow start, the Rossoneri have put together a great run, including six clean sheets in their last seven games of 2011. Lulic has recovered from an uncertain start in Rome to become one of the first names on the Lazio team-sheet. The Bosnia & Herzegovina wide man has filled in superbly for Stefan Radu, proving to be one of Edy Reja's most reliable performers over the past few months. MIDFIELDERS Daniele De Rossi Roma Andrea Pirlo Juventus Radja Nainggolan Cagliari De Rossi has returned to the very top of his game this season, proving himself to be the heartbeat of Luis Enrique's Roma side. His vision, passing and anticipation have been crucial to the Spaniard's idealogy for his side, and even when playing centre-back of late he has been the Giallorossi's star man. Italy team-mate Pirlo has arguably been the outstanding player in Serie A since his summer move from Milan, directing attacks with great consistency for Juventus. He has quickly become an irreplaceable member of the first team, helping the Bianconeri to play a high pressing game which has changed the face of Serie A. Meanwhile, Nainggolan's phenomenal form for Cagliari has attracted the attention of several top clubs around Europe. Win, lose or draw, his personal input has been spectacular, and it sees him make the Team of the Season so far ahead of the likes of Kwadwo Asamoah, Claudio Marchisio and Antonio Nocerino. FORWARDS Miroslav Klose Lazio German Denis Atalanta Zlatan Ibrahimovic AC Milan Our strikers have 32 goals between them, with Klose accounting for nine since his switch to Lazio in the summer. His ability to pop up with crucial goals was never more evident than in victories over Roma, Cesena and Fiorentina, with his movement often proving far too much for opposition defences to live with over 90 minutes. Atalanta's remarkable rise after starting the season six points behind has been personified by Denis, whose 12 goals already represent a personal best. His loan switch from Udinese has been one of the shrewdest moves to have been made in the summer transfer window. Ibrahimovic may well have scored five penalties this term, but his coolness from the spot has been spread to general play, netting 11 times in Milan's superb recovery after a slow start. A regular supply of goals has always been his forte, and having netted braces against Roma and Chievo he has more than made up for missing three weeks with injury in September.

Claudio Marchisio: Antonio Conte has brought a new mentality to the club The Bianconeri midfielder has heaped praise on the head coach, claiming that his new approach has brought out the best in the club and himself as they stand joint-top of Serie A. Dec 28, 2011 Juventus midfielder Claudio Marchisio has hailed the impact of coach Antonio Conte, crediting him with instilling a new fearless mindset into the side. With the BIanconeri ending the year as joint-Serie A leaders with AC Milan, the midfielder believes that the new coach's style has brought out the best in himself and the club. "Conte has brought a new mentality to the club," Marchisio said, according to Reuters. "One of his merits has been to eliminate the fear which had unfortunately taken hold at the club after years of disappointing results." Having been stripped of their 2005 and 2006 Scudetti following match-fixing scandals, the club has since been unable to claim the Serie A title. However, since the appointment of Conte in May this year, Juventus have yet to lose in the league, having recorded nine wins and seven draws in 16 fixtures. "The boss knows what winning means and he brings that winning mindset to the club every day based on his own hard-working, committed character," Marchisio stated. The 25-year-old Italian also believes that the style of play employed by Conte has allowed him to perform more effectively on the pitch. "I think the new system has helped bring out my best qualities," he continued. "I've always thought of myself as a central midfielder with good technical abiltiy and a good engine. The boss' new style helps my game and I've been able this season to get between the opponents' defensive lines." Marchisio has been a star performer for Juventus this season, having scored six goals in 16 appearances in the league.

Serie A - 1^ Giornata - Andata - 21-12-2011 (ore 18:00) 0 - 0 Stadio Friuli - Udine Arbitro: Paolo Tagliavento Spettatori: 16000 Serie A - La Juve chiude senza sconfitte: è primato! Al Friuli finisce 0-0 tra Udinese e Juventus: partita molto tattica, con la Juve che ha avuto le occasioni migliori. La squadra di Conte raggiunge il Milan in testa alla classifica di Serie A, ma è davanti ai rossoneri per via del successo ottenuto sulla squadra di Allegri allo Juventus Stadium... Eurosport - Mercoledí, 21 dicembre 2011 Tanto, troppo tatticismo: questo quello che si è visto al Friuli dove Udinese e Juventus si sono affrontate a viso aperto, ma che si sono alla fine bloccate a vicenda per via di un atteggiamento speculare e davvero poco imprevedibile. La formazione di Conte torna così a Torino con un punto importantissimo: il Milan è raggiunto in testa alla classifica, ma per via dello scontro diretto a favore dei bianconeri davanti c’è proprio la Juventus. Guidolin, espulso nel finale, conferma ancora una volta che la sua Udinese - oltre che uno splendido “giocattolo” - è una bellissima realtà del nostro calcio. JUVENTUS: E’ ANCORA 3-5-2 A SPECCHIO - Antonio Conte cambia ancora l’assetto tattico della sua Juve e, come contro il Napoli, gioca a specchio contro i suoi avversari. L’Udinese gioca con il 3-5-2? E allora lo fa anche la Juventus: dietro ci sono Barzagli, Bonucci e Chiellini con Lichtsteiner ed Estigarribia larghissimi, ma sulla linea di Marchisio, Pirlo e Vidal. Davanti Matri torna titolare dopo la panchina contro il Novara: con lui Pepe. Tutto confermato invece nell'Udines, dove torna titolare Di Natale: in attacco con il capitano dei friulani c'è Abdi e non Floro Flores come invece si era ipotizzato alla vigilia. In difesa, Ferronetti prende il posto dello squalificato Benatia. LA JUVE CI PROVA DALLA DISTANZA - La partita si accende già dopo otto minuti: sugli sviluppi di un’accelerazione di Estigarribia sulla sinistra, Marchisio sfiora il gol con l’esterno destro da ottima posizione. La risposta dell’Udinese è nel tentativo di Isla, che sfrutta un errato disimpegno di Chiellini e si presenta tutto solo davanti a Buffon: il portiere dell’Italia conferma il suo ottimo momento di forma e gli chiude lo specchio in uscita. E’ la Juve a fare la partita, con la formazione di Conte che ci prova soprattutto dalla distanza: Pepe, Vidal e Marchisio (a lato di un niente il suo destro a giro dal limite) non sono però particolarmente ispirati. Nel finale del primo tempo, tentativo di Pirlo direttamente su calcio di punizione: Handanovic si salva in qualche modo. E’ l’ultima azione del primo parziale, con le squadre che vanno a riposo sul risultato di 0-0. QUAGLIARELLA SUBITO AGGRESSIVO, GUIDOLIN ESPULSO - Pronti via e la Juventus sfiora il gol a inizio ripresa con Chiellini: il colpo di testa del difensore bianconero sugli sviluppi di un calcio d’angolo è però neutralizzato da Handanovic. Pepe, uno dei più attivi dei suoi, continua a provarci dalla distanza, ma i suoi tentativi sono a salve. Nell’Udinese, dopo un paio di conclusione tentate da un Di Natale poco in evidenza, è Danilo – di testa – a creare qualche problema a Buffon, con il portiere della Nazionale che si salva deviando sopra la traversa il tentativo del difensore brasiliano. Nel finale Conte dà spazio a Quagliarella, dentro al posto di uno stanchissimo Matri, e l’ex attaccante del Napoli è pericoloso fin da subito: sue le ultime conclusioni della partita. Di destro e di sinistro: una ben parata da Handanovic, e l’altra fuori di poco. Al 90esimo viene quindi espulso Guidolin per via delle reiterate proteste nei confronti di Tagliavento: l’allenatore dell’Udinese si lamentava del fatto che i giocatori della Juve non avessero messo fuori il pallone nonostante Pinzi fosse rimasto a terra a centrocampo. Ma qui è la regola (che tra l’altro non c’è) a essere sbagliata. Andrea Tabacco - Eurosport http://www.tifosibianconeri.com/forum/topic/403428-juventus-season-2011-2012/page__st__860 Udinese - Juventus 0-0

'Capello's Juve beat Mou's Inter' Dec 24, 2011 President Andrea Agnelli is bullish going into 2012. “I want justice for Juventus. Fabio Capello’s side would’ve beaten the Treble-winning Inter 3-0.” The patron has no intention of pulling back after new evidence emerged from the Calciopoli trial, in which his club was stripped of two Scudetti. The so-called ‘round-table’ of peace talks came to nothing. “I consider that to be an important day, because it put together people who were swept up in Calciopoli,” Agnelli told Tuttosport. “Everyone stuck by their positions, but the final document recognised the trial was rushed. It is necessary, as I’ve said for a long time, to have a complete picture of what happened. There are elements that need to be re-evaluated by a judge, as there was too much disparity in treatment. “Juve paid far too excessively for what happened. Had we not increased the capital and worked carefully, then we really would be in the lower leagues right now. We can’t just pretend nothing happened and push onwards. “We have a request for hundreds of millions of Euros in damages. It’s not personal against Inter or Massimo Moratti, as we would’ve acted the same way if it had been a different club. We’re not at war.” President Agnelli does like to tease the Nerazzurri and maintains Juve not only deserved those titles, but others too. “I am certain Capello’s Juve would’ve beaten the Treble-winning Inter side 3-0,” he smiled of Jose Mourinho’s team and the 2004-06 Bianconeri. “In any case, right now we have a strong team that is growing. All of us in the club thought Antonio Conte was the right choice. He’s lacking a little in terms of experience, but the same is true of me!” Agnelli did draw a great deal of criticism when he announced Alessandro Del Piero was in his final year at Juventus, mentioning it in passing during a meeting. “I’m sorry that a gesture of affection was interpreted as a lack of respect. There are another 22 games left in the Scudetto race and our objective is certainly not just to reach the Champions League. “We will evaluate the opportunities that the transfer market provides. We hope Milos Krasic can be our best January ‘buy,’ though.” Krasic’s agents have confirmed he’s likely to leave Turin after failing to break into Conte’s side.

Buffon: 'I'm not finished yet!' Dec 24, 2011 Gianluigi Buffon has blasted the Juventus critics who said he was finished. “They’re peasants! As for the Scudetto, Milan remain the favourites.” The goalkeeper gave a lengthy end of year interview to the giornalaccio rosa dello Sport looking back at a mixed 2011 for Juventus and ahead to 2012. “There has been an evident change of direction from July onwards, but getting ahead of ourselves would be stupid,” said Buffon. “We are not even halfway there and up until now the journey has been a strain in every respect, including psychologically. All it takes is a moment and you find yourself back on the floor. I never want to experience those first few months of 2011 again. It was awful. “However, I wouldn’t blame Gigi Del Neri, as he is a great Coach and a good man. He was just unlucky. With a far weaker Juventus side than the current one, he was in the Scudetto race until December 2010, then in January it all went wrong. Endless injuries, heavy bans, we often ended up playing the youth team.” Buffon is an open and gregarious person, but explains why he has been so quiet in the media over recent months. “Some of you said I was finished. You know me, I am incapable of faking. In these 6-7 months I heard things that really hurt. There was also a grave lack of respect from people who haven’t the slightest thought for my career. “History must never be cancelled. I tell some people that in 50 years, despite the bad period of form I went through recently, people will probably still be talking about Buffon. This means I’ve done something good. Those who tore me to shreds are just peasants! “I want to deserve Juve for life. My objective is to stay, but only as the real Buffon. I’ve been here for over 10 years and will remain until I’m at least 34, so I’m proud of what I have achieved. You don’t stay this long at a top club if you lack quality.” However, ‘SuperGigi’ is keeping his feet on the ground when it comes to 2012. “Milan remain the favourites for me. Our primary focus is returning to the Champions League, as that is the priority. After finishing seventh twice in a row, nobody thought we’d have this position at the end of December. “As for Euro 2012, I’ve been enthusiastic about this Nazionale for a while. I like the way we play and Cesare Prandelli’s new philosophy.”

Investigator into 'Calciopoli' claims that there were no 'truly' fixed games An anonymous source has argued during an interview with an Italian daily that many of the claims made by those convicted of trying to influence matches were pure bravado. Dec 23, 2011 One of the men involved in the investigation into Calciopoli has claimed that many of those found guilty of attempting to influence referees and fix matches were harshly treated. During an interview with Corriere dello Sport, the anonymous source also argues that there were no clearly arranged games. When asked how many of those convicted of sporting fraud were either harshly or unjustly punished, the investigator replied: "I tell you the truth, most of them …. if you go to actually see the games, really rigged games where the referee was truly involved, there aren’t any.” The source argued that many of the claims of having ‘bought’ the referee or ‘fixed’ a game were pure "bravado" on the part of those involved. The scandal, which centred on teams trying to influence the outcome of matches by selecting favourable referees, came to light as a consequence of investigations by Naples prosecutors into the Italian football agency GEA World. The subsequent enquiry eventually led to Juventus being demoted to Serie B and Fiorentina, Milan and Lazio being docked points. Earlier this year, Italian Football Federation (FIGC) investigator Stefano Palazzi claimed that Inter, who had never previously been implicated in the scandal, which saw Juventus stripped of two titles, had also been guilty of sporting fraud. However, the source who spoke to the Corriere dello Sport was unable to shed any light on the San Siro side's alleged involvement. When asked if he knew of wire tap recordings which featured Inter officials, he replied: “That they existed, yes, but personally I haven't heard them. I was doing other things..." When pressed on whether he had heard conversations involving former referee designator Paolo Bergamo and Inter owner Massimo Moratti or former chairman Giacinto Facchetti, he answered: “It's not like you always tap the same ones. And if you don't happen to be there, there's someone else who's listening.” Last week, some of the most powerful figures involved in Italian football met with the hope of bringing an end to the controversy, which has been hanging over Serie A since 2006. The 'peace talks' were headed by Italian Olympic Committee (CONI) chief Gianni Petrucci, who was joined by AC Milan vice-president Adriano Galliani, Fiorentina patron Diego Della Valle, Juventus president Andrea Agnelli, Napoli chief Aurelio De Laurentiis, Inter's Massimo Moratti and FIGC chief Giancarlo Abete. However, after four hours of debate, no significant agreement was reached over the major bones of contention.

Serie A Week 1 - 21-12-2011 (6:00 p.m.) 0 - 0 Friuli Stadium - Udine Referee: Paolo Tagliavento Attendance: 16000 Barzagli hails Juve mentality Dec 22, 2011 Andrea Barzagli has noted this current Juventus side under Antonio Conte is a “real team” after the top of the table draw against Udinese. The 0-0 result at the Stadio Friuli means Juventus, still unbeaten, was pipped to the crown of winter champions by Milan only on goal difference. Barzagli told the club’s official website a point each was fair: “We wanted to show a good performance, but this game was based on tactics and both sides blocked each other. Perhaps we’ve better managed the ball, but finally the draw is fair.” Conte mirrored Udinese with a 3-5-2 system, the second time he has utilised three at the back this season. “We’ve already played with three defenders, it’s not something new. We knew that Udinese were able to be lethal with their counterattacks but we watched out for them without risks. In the first half, we also had a couple of interesting chances forward, while in the second half we had some more difficulties, but the result and the point achieved in Udine are absolutely fair.” Juve will resume in January locked in a four-way battle at the top and Barzagli believes the mentality of this side will help them fight until the end. “We must keep it going in the new year as well, because we’re doing extraordinary things, we’re deserving the leadership of the table, and we don’t want to give in. Since the pre-season camp, we’ve become a real team. A strong, tough side which always battles without losing nor giving up, even in the most difficult games.” http://www.soccerway...regular-season/

Serie A Week 1 - 21-12-2011 (6:00 p.m.) 0 - 0 Friuli Stadium - Udine Referee: Paolo Tagliavento Attendance: 16000 Juventus stay unbeaten in Serie A after Udinese stalemate Dec 22, 2011 Juventus will go into Italian football's winter break level on points with leaders AC Milan after being held 0-0 by third-placed Udinese on Wednesday. Antonio Conte's team extended their unbeaten run to 16 Serie A matches to keep pace with the defending champions, who beat Cagliari 2-0 on Tuesday. Claudio Marchisio came closest to scoring in the eighth minute when he scraped the post with a low shot, while the home side rarely tested Juve keeper Gianluigi Buffon and had coach Francesco Guidolin sent to the stands late in the match. "If someone had told me in July that we would finish the year without losing I would have thought he was mad," Conte told reporters. http://www.soccerway...regular-season/