Socrates

Serie A Week 1 - 21-12-2011 (6:00 p.m.) 0 - 0 Friuli Stadium - Udine Referee: Paolo Tagliavento Attendance: 16000‎ Player Ratings Goal.com evaluates the performances of everyone involved at the Stadio Friuli, a turgid affair in which both sides struggled horribly to create any chances. Dec 21, 2011 Udinese Samir Handanoviç 7.0 - By far the busier of the two goalkeepers, although that wasn't saying much. Dealt competently with everything Juve threw at him, including Pepe's shot from distance and two close-range efforts from Chiellini. Decent game. Maurizio Domizzi 6.5 - Did not really put a foot wrong at the back as Udinese's three-man defence did a fine job frustrating Juve's forwards. Danilo 6.5 - Solid showing from Danilo, who also threatened at the other end midway through the second half with a header which Buffon tipped over. Damiano Ferronetti 6.5 - Had a couple of lapses in the first period but was, for the most part, pretty solid. Pablo Armero 5.5 - His presence on the left kept Lichtsteiner occupied, thus nullifying one of Juve's main attacking outlets, but he did not really cause any panic in the visitors' defence. Kwadwo Asamoah 6.5 - Industrious as ever, Asamoah got plenty of work done in the middle of the park, breaking up a number of Juve attacks. Giampiero Pinzi 5.5 - Showed some neat touches at times and a willingness to make things happen but struggled really to impose himself on proceedings. Mauricio Isla 6.0 - Had arguably Udinese's best (only?!) chance of the game when Chiellini's botched header put him in on goal but he failed to lob the ball over the advancing Buffon. Quiet overall. Dušan Basta 5.5 - Worked hard throughout but failed to contribute much in an attacking sense. Antonio Di Natale 5.5 - Horribly starved of quality ball, he was forced to make do with scraps throughout. Hit the side netting with a volley from a desperately acute angle in the first half before calling Buffon into action with a couple of tame efforts from distance in the second half. Frustrating night for the veteran forward. Almen Abdi 5.0 - Did not really get into the game at all and yet lasted until four minutes from the end before being replaced by Floro Flores. • Substitutions Antonio Floro Flores 5.0 - Only got four minutes at the end of the game so was unable to do anything of note. Juventus Gianluigi Buffon 6.5 - Did not have much to do, in truth, but he read the danger superbly well when Chiellini's poor headed clearance put in Isla and blocked away the Chilean's lobbed effort. Was also on hand to tip over Danilo's second-half header. Giorgio Chiellini 6.0 - Very nearly gifted Udinese the lead with a woeful header early on which left Isla one on one with Buffon and was, overall, nowhere as reliable as usual. However, he was a constant danger at set-pieces and drew two fine saves out of Handanovic either side of the interval. Leonardo Bonucci 6.0 - Like his central defensive partner, Bonucci had a fairly solid game and nullified the threat posed by Di Natale. Andrea Barzagli 6.5 - Hassled into the concession of a corner by Abdi ten minutes in but was rarely ruffled thereafter. Pretty comfortable evening at the heard of the Juve defence. Marcelo Alejandro Estigarribia 5.0 - Created a fine opening for Marchisio with a clever cutback but he did nothing to justify his inclusion in the starting line-up. An opportunity wasted. Andrea Pirlo 5.5 - Plenty of probing and neat touches on the ball but the veteran midfielder did not exhibit the same control over the game as he normally does. Still caused trouble with the odd set-piece delivery but not his best game for Juve. Arturo Vidal Pardo 5.0 - Started promisingly enough but his passing was poor at times and he was also caught in possession a few times. Claudio Marchisio 5.0 - Nearly all of Juve's best openings fell to Marco Tardelli's alleged heir. But his shooting was unusually inaccurate. In fairness, his first strike, a curling effort from the edge of the box, did appear to have Handanovic beaten but the ball went just wide. Overall, though, he was poor and was particularly wasteful in possession. Stephan Lichtsteiner 5.5 - Didn't have too many problems defensively but did not offer the same attacking threat down the right-hand side. Had one half-chance during the second half but snatched at it and fired high and wide. Simone Pepe 5.0 - Looked lively in the early exchanges, stinging the hands of Handanovic with a well-struck effort from distance but his influence waned as the game wore on and he was replaced with ten minutes to go. Alessandro Matri 4.5 - A shocking display from Matri, whose form of late has not been good at all. Repeatedly gave the ball away and nothing he tried came off. At one point in the second half, he squandered possession three times in a minute. Staggering that he lasted 71 minutes. • Substitutions Paolo De Ceglie 5.0 - Thrown on injury time for Estigarribia so barely got a look-in. Fabio Quagliarella 6.0 - Did more in 19 minutes than Matri did in the preceding 71, firing wide with his first touch before then volleying straight at Handanovic. Alessandro Del Piero 5.0 - Got ten minutes at the end after being thrown on for Pepe but struggled to make his presence felt. http://www.soccerway...regular-season/

Serie A Week 1 - 21-12-2011 (6:00 p.m.) - Friuli Stadium - Udine Referee: Paolo Tagliavento Attendance: 16000‎ Juve lose grip on top spot Dec 21, 2011 Juventus missed the chance to return to the summit of Serie A after being held to a goalless draw at title rivals Udinese. Juve lost their grip on top spot on Tuesday night when AC Milan overhauled them with a 2-0 win over Cagliari, and Wednesday night's stalemate means Antonio Conte's men are now level on 34 points with the Rossoneri but behind them on goal difference. The draw keeps Udinese in third place, just two points behind the leading duo. Both sides had chances to win tonight's encounter at Stadio Friuli and goalkeepers Samir Handanovic and Gianluigi Buffon had to work hard for their clean sheets. Juventus saw Claudio Marchisio pepper the Udinese goal with two sighters inside the first eight minutes, while Simone Pepe threatened for the visitors after 10 minutes but Handanovic made a routine save. Two minutes later it was Buffon's turn to warm his hands, saving well from Mauricio Isla's effort from the right side of the area. Marchisio fired wide on 35 minutes as Juventus continued to press, while moments later Handanovic got down well to stop Arturo Vidal's 25-yard drive. The home goalkeeper also had to be on his toes five minutes before the break, gathering well from Andrea Pirlo's angled drive. Udinese looked sharper after the break and Buffon was the busier of the two keepers, with Kwadwo Asamoah and Antonio Di Natale both seeing efforts saved in the second period. But the best save of the half belonged to Handanovic, who kept out Fabio Quagliarella's low 83rd-minute shot with a full-stretch save. 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 Friuli stalemate puts Juve top Dec 21, 2011 Both Udinese and Juventus had chances, but the finishing left a lot to be desired in their 0-0 draw, so Juve end 2011 as joint leaders with Milan. Arturo Vidal and Leonardo Bonucci returned from their bans, though Mirko Vucinic was still injured. The Friulani missed Andrea Coda, Paulo Vitor Barreto, Emmanuel Badu and the suspended Mehdi Benatia, so Damiano Ferronetti stepped into the back three. Antonio Conte changed to an adaptable 3-5-2 with Stephan Lichtsteiner going into right-back when needed. Claudio Marchisio had a great chance in the opening minutes, his scuffed shot with the outside of the right boot scraping a coat of paint off the far post. Ex-Udinese player Simone Pepe’s strike from distance stung Samir Handanovic’s palms, while Gigi Buffon had to rush off his line to charge down Mauricio Isla following a Giorgio Chiellini error. Antonio Di Natale was incorrectly flagged offside and Stephan Lichtsteiner’s effort was deflected over. When two Udinese defenders collided at the back post, it was still enough to stop Marcelo Estigarribia nodding in a sweeping Pepe cross. Alessandro Matri’s first touch let him down when one-on-one with Dusan Basta, then seconds later Isla blasted over. Marchisio had another fantastic chance, as his toe-poke from the D flashed wide of the upright with Handanovic left stranded. Handanovic just about beat away an Andrea Pirlo free kick from a tight angle. Di Natale ruined a good opportunity for teammate Basta when going on to the pass despite being offside, as he should’ve left it. After the restart, Pirlo floated in a set play for Chiellini’s header, which Handanovic did well to pluck off the line. Pepe also drilled wide, but at the other end Buffon had to fingertip Danilo’s header over the bar from a Di Natale free kick. Marchisio blasted over from the edge of the area and Buffon smothered an Asamoah angled drive. Matri made numerous mistakes to waste good chances, so was replaced by ex-Udinese striker Fabio Quagliarella, who with his first touch fired wide of the near post. Buffon smothered a Di Natale free kick and Handanovic was almost propelled backwards by the ferocity of a Quagliarella screamer. Alessandro Del Piero picked out Stephan Lichtsteiner to blast over at the back post. In the final minutes, Udinese went on a strong counter-attack that Di Natale drilled wide, but this result ended their run of seven consecutive Serie A home wins. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Udinese: Handanovic; Ferronetti, Danilo, Domizzi; Basta, Isla, Pinzi, Asamoah, Armero; Abdi (Floro Flores 85); Di Natale Juventus:Buffon; Barzagli, Bonucci, Chiellini; Lichtsteiner, Marchisio, Pirlo, Vidal, Estigarribia (De Ceglie 90); Pepe (Del Piero 80), Matri (Quagliarella 71) Ref:Tagliavento Sent off: Guidolin (Udinese Coach 92) 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 Points shared at the Friuli as Antonio Conte's men enter Christmas break unbeaten in Serie A Claudio Marchisio went close for the visitors during the first half but, for the most part, both sides struggled horribly to create chances during a terribly anti-climactic clash. Dec 21, 2011 Juventus reclaimed top spot in Serie A courtesy of a dour 0-0 draw with Udinese at the Stadio Friuli on Wednesday evening. Claudio Marchisio threatened a couple of times for the Bianconeri but they were, for the most part, frustrated by a Udinese side who only threatened sporadically on the counterattack during the second half of what was a desperately disappointing game. Juventus started promisingly enough, with midfielder Marchisio slicing wide from the edge of the box after a clever cutback from Marcelo Estigarribia, before Simone Pepe called Samir Handanovic into action for the first time on 10 minutes with a well-struck effort from 25 yards out which the goalkeeper could only parry away. Udinese’s only real opening came from a mistake by Giorgio Chiellini, the defender botching an attempted headed clearance which put Mauricio Isla in on goal. However, Gianluigi Buffon was alive to the danger and made himself big to block Isla’s attempted lob. However, the odd defensive lapse aside, Juve were relatively comfortable throughout and they came desperately close to taking the lead on two occasions shortly before the interval, Marchisio curling just wide from the edge of the area before Chiellini drew a fine reaction save out of Handanovic with his clever flick from Andrea Pirlo’s free kick. The visitors continued to look the slightly more likely to break the deadlock in the second half, with Handanovic doing well to get down low to keep out another effort from Chiellini six minutes after the restart. However, in truth, with Alessandro Matri looking desperately out of sorts up front, Juventus never really looked like scoring. Matri eventually made way for Fabio Quagliarella midway through the second period and the former Udinese forward did inject some life into the game but when he was presented with a decent chance to win the game for Juve with seven minutes to go, the forward shot straight at Handanovic on the half-turn. As it was, Juve were forced to settle for a point which, while disappointing, did at least see them climb back above AC Milan and into top spot on account of their superior head-to-head record. Udinese, meanwhile, remain third, three points adrift of the co-leaders. http://www.soccerway...regular-season/

Rosso per Guidolin

Di Natale spreca il contropiede.

Lo 0-0 in casa dell'Udinese mi sta benissimo.

Handanovic ferma Quagliarella.

Forza Alex!

Entra Alex

É il momento di Alex Del Piero.

Matri una cosa buona e una sbagliata.

Partita bloccata tatticamente. Lo 0-0 va bene ad entrambe.

Matri non bene stasera.

Marchisio spara alto

Serie A Week 1 - 21-12-2011 (6:00 p.m.) - Friuli Stadium - Udine Referee: Paolo Tagliavento HT: Udinese-Juve tussle Dec 21, 2011 Both sides have had chances and scares, but so far it’s goalless in the leadership clash between Udinese and Juventus. The winners of this fixture would end 2011 on top of the table, while a draw would make Juve joint leaders with Milan. Arturo Vidal and Leonardo Bonucci returned from their bans, though Mirko Vucinic was still injured. The Friulani missed Andrea Coda, Paulo Vitor Barreto, Emmanuel Badu and the suspended Mehdi Benatia, so Damiano Ferronetti stepped into the back three. Antonio Conte changed to an adaptable 3-5-2 with Stephan Lichtsteiner going into right-back when needed. Claudio Marchisio had a great chance in the opening minutes, his scuffed shot with the outside of the right boot scraping a coat of paint off the far post. Ex-Udinese player Simone Pepe’s strike from distance stung Samir Handanovic’s palms, while Gigi Buffon had to rush off his line to charge down Mauricio Isla following a Giorgio Chiellini error. Antonio Di Natale was incorrectly flagged offside and Stephan Lichtsteiner’s effort was deflected over. When two Udinese defenders collided at the back post, it was still enough to stop Marcelo Estigarribia nodding in a sweeping Pepe cross. Alessandro Matri’s first touch let him down when one-on-one with Dusan Basta, then seconds later Isla blasted over. Marchisio had another fantastic chance, as his toe-poke from the D flashed wide of the upright with Handanovic left stranded. Handanovic just about beat away an Andrea Pirlo free kick from a tight angle. Di Natale ruined a good opportunity for teammate Basta when going on to the pass despite being offside, as he should’ve left it. Udinese 0-0 Juventus (Half-Time) Udinese: Handanovic; Ferronetti, Danilo, Domizzi; Basta, Isla, Pinzi, Asamoah, Armero; Abdi; Di Natale Juventus: Buffon; Barzagli, Bonucci, Chiellini; Lichtsteiner, Marchisio, Pirlo, Vidal, Estigarribia; Pepe, Matri Ref: Tagliavento http://www.soccerway...regular-season/

Serie A Week 1 - 21-12-2011 (6:00 p.m.) - Friuli Stadium - Udine Referee: Paolo Tagliavento Alessandro Matri starts in attack for Juventus in Serie A clash at Udinese The Italy attacker will lead the line for Antonio Conte as the Turin giants aim to reach the Christmas break unbeaten in Serie A. Dec 21, 2011 Juventus coach Antonio Conte has opted for Alessandro Matri to spearhead his attack in their Serie A clash versus Udinese on Wednesday evening. The Italy attacker will be flanked by Simone Pepe and Marcelo Estigarribia in Conte's patented 4-3-3 formation. For the home side, Antonio Di Natale takes his place in attack, in the final round of domestic fixtures in Italy before the Christmas break. Udinese (3-5-1-1): Handanovic; Ferronetti, Danilo, Domizzi; Basta, Isla, Pinzi, Asamoah, Armero; Abdi; Di Natale Subs: Padelli, Neuton, Pasquale, Doubai, Torje, Fabbrini, Floro Flores Juventus (4-3-3): Buffon; Lichsteiner, Barzagli, Bonucci, Chiellini; Vidal, Pirlo, Marchisio; Pepe, Matri, Estigarribia Subs: Storari, De Ceglie, Pazienza, Giaccherini, Elia, Quagliarella, Del Piero http://www.soccerway...regular-season/

Serie A Week 1 - 21-12-2011 (6:00 p.m.) - Friuli Stadium - Udine Referee: Paolo Tagliavento Line-ups: Udinese-Juventus Dec 21, 2011 Juventus have announced their starting XI for today’s top of the table showdown with Udinese, but the system remains a mystery. The kick-off is at 17.00 UK time at the Stadio Friuli and the winner will end 2011 as Serie A leaders. Arturo Vidal and Leonardo Bonucci return from their bans, though Mirko Vucinic is still out injured. Marcelo Estigarribia starts with Alessandro Matri and former Udinese star Simone Pepe, but it is unclear whether this is a 3-5-2 or a 4-3-3 system. Meanwhile, Udinese are without the suspended Mehdi Benatia, injured Andrea Coda, Emmanuel Badu and Paulo Vitor Barreto. Almen Abdi is supporting Antonio Di Natale, while Damiano Ferronetti steps in to the defence. Udinese: Handanovic; Ferronetti, Danilo, Domizzi; Basta, Isla, Pinzi, Asamoah, Armero; Abdi; Di Natale Udinese bench: Padelli, Neuton, Doubai, Pereyra, Pasquale, Fabbrini, Floro Flores Juventus: Buffon; Barzagli, Bonucci, Chiellini; Lichtsteiner, Marchisio, Pirlo, Vidal, Estigarribia; Pepe, Matri Juventus bench: Storari, De Ceglie, Pazienza, Elia, Giaccherini, Del Piero, Quagliarella http://www.soccerway...regular-season/

Serie A Week 1 - 21-12-2011 (6:00 p.m.) - Friuli Stadium - Udine Referee: Paolo Tagliavento Why Di Natale didn’t join Juve… Dec 21, 2011 Udinese have revealed the background to Juventus’ failed attempt to sign Antonio Di Natale in the summer of 2010. The Old Lady targeted the veteran striker after deciding to sell Diego to German club Wolfsburg on the eve of the new campaign. However, the move never happened after the Italian international committed his future to the Stadio Friuli outfit instead. “We don’t sell players, but if they come to us asking for a move and there is no chance of keeping them then we talk about transfers,” Udinese patron Giampaolo Pozzo stated. “With regards to Di Natale, his agent let us know that he was in possession of an offer from Juventus. “We set the price and the same representative informed us that in Turin they had agreed to pay what we were asking for. “However, when we spoke to the player he told us that he was happy to remain in Udine. Everything ended there.” The two teams meet at the Stadio Friuli tonight and Pozzo is keen for a home win after a 4-0 reverse in the same fixture last term. “That defeat still hurts,” the owner continued. “We’ve not won that many games against Juventus so it is about time that we did.” Udinese have triumphed in just five of their 37 home League games against the Old Lady of Italian football. “I’m optimistic,” added Pozzo. “Juve are Juve so we expect a difficult game. Saying that, I’m convinced that it will be enjoyable.” http://www.soccerway...regular-season/

Serie A Week 1 - 21-12-2011 (6:00 p.m.) - Friuli Stadium - Udine Referee: Paolo Tagliavento Juventus to go 3-5-2? Dec 21, 2011 There are suggestions that Antonio Conte may field his Juventus side in a 3-5-2 formation against Udinese on Wednesday. The tactician has used various shapes this term, whether it be 4-4-2, 4-1-4-1 or 4-3-3. The only previous time he has used a 3-5-2 was in the 3-3 draw at Napoli. The whispers claim that Conte wants to match Udinese in midfield and will line up with Andrea Barzagli, Leonardo Bonucci and Giorgio Chiellini at the back. Right-back Stephan Lichtsteiner will be pushed up into a midfield that will also contain Arturo Vidal, Claudio Marchisio, Andrea Pirlo and Simone Pepe. Fabio Quagliarella, following his goal against Novara at the weekend, is being tipped to partner Alessandro Matri in attack. Whoever wins tonight’s game will end the year at the top of the table. If Juve triumph then they will be sole leaders, whereas Udinese would join Milan at the summit with three points. Juventus are unbeaten in Serie A, while Udinese have a 100 per cent home record. Should Udinese collect a triumph then they will end the solar year with 77 points. Only Milan, thanks to their 80, would have done better. http://www.soccerway...regular-season/

Serie A Week 1 - 21-12-2011 (6:00 p.m.) - Friuli Stadium - Udine Referee: Paolo Tagliavento Juve should fear Di Natale Dec 21, 2011 History shows that Udinese win when Antonio Di Natale scores against Juventus in Serie A. Although the veteran hitman has netted just three times in 11 top-flight matches for Udinese versus the Old Lady, his goals have proved to be crucial. The 34-year-old scored his first against La Vecchia Signora in a September 2007 1-0 win in Turin. He then netted in January 2009’s 2-1 triumph at the Friuli, before he celebrated again in a 3-0 victory in April 2010. In 37 Serie A games at home, Udinese have only beaten Juventus five times. But two of those have come in the last three matches. Udinese, who have a 100 per cent home record this term, entertain Juve on Wednesday evening in their re-arranged Week 1 tie. http://www.soccerway...regular-season/

Serie A Week 1 - 21-12-2011 (6:00 p.m.) - Friuli Stadium - Udine Referee: Paolo Tagliavento Serie A Preview The Old Lady can make it a resounding 16 games unbeaten in the league if they avoid defeat to Francesco Guidolin's Zebrette outfit, who have a 100 per cent record at home. Dec 21, 2011 PROBABLE LINE-UPS UDINESE Handanovic Ferronetti, Danilo, Domizzi Basta, Isla, Pinzi, Asamoah, Armero Abdi Di Natale JUVENTUS Buffon Lichtsteiner, Barzagli, Bonucci, Chiellini Vidal, Pirlo, Marchisio Pepe, Matri, Giaccherini Udinese coach Francesco Guidolin will be glad to have a virtually full-strength squad at his disposal, bar Mehdi Benatia, who is suspended for the encounter at the Friuli on Wednesday, and the peripheral trio of Paulo Barreto, Emmanuel Agyemang-Badu and Andrea Coda, all of whom are doubtful. However, the former Palermo boss is expected to make four changes to the XI that picked up a 2-2 draw at Lazio on Sunday, as Benatia, Giovanni Pasquale, Gabriel Torje and goalscorer Antonio Floro Flores are to be replaced by Maurizio Domizzi, Pablo Armero, Almen Abdi and Antonio Di Natale. Meanwhile for Juventus, Antonio Conte is expected to revert back to his tried-and-trusted 4-3-3 that has been regularly deployed of late, and be forced to make do without forward Mirko Vucinic once more. As a result, the personnel alterations should see Leonardo Bonucci, Arturo Vidal and Alessandro Matri come in for Paolo De Ceglie, Alessandro Del Piero and Fabio Quagliarella, who despite his goal against Novara, must settle for a place on the substitutes bench. DID YOU KNOW? •Udinese are unbeaten in four games, winning three times and drawing once. •They are also the only Serie A team with a 100 per cent record on home soil this season. •In the seven games played at the Friuli thus far, Francesco Guidolin's side have conceded just twice. •Juventus are the only Serie A side still unbeaten this campaign, with nine wins and six draws. •The Old Lady have drawn their last two away fixtures, while drawing four of the last six games away from Turin. •Both Udinese and Juventus have kept the most clean sheets in Serie A this season, with tallies of seven and nine respectively. Head to Head Serie A - Jan 30, 2011 - Juventus 1 - Udinese 2 Serie A ‎- Sep 19, 2010 - Udinese 0 - Juventus 4 Serie A ‎- Apr 3, 2010 - Udinese 3 - Juventus 0 Serie A ‎- Nov 22, 2009 - Juventus 1 - Udinese 0 Serie A ‎- Jan 28, 2009 - Udinese 2 - Juventus 1 Last Five Matches Udinese Dec 18, 2011 - Lazio 2 - Udinese 2 - Serie A Dec 15, 2011 - Udinese 1 - Celtic 1 - EL Dec 11, 2011 - Udinese 2 - Chievo 1 - Serie A Dec 3, 2011 - FC Internazionale 0 - Udinese 1 - Serie A Nov 30, 2011 - Stade Rennais FC 0 - Udinese 0 - EL Juventus Dec 18, 2011 - Juventus 2 - Novara 0 - Serie A Dec 12, 2011 - Roma 1 - Juventus 1 - Serie A Dec 8, 2011 - Juventus 2 - Bologna 1 - Coppa Italia Dec 4, 2011 - Juventus 2 - Cesena 0 - Serie A Nov 29, 2011 - SSC Napoli 3 - Juventus 3 - Serie A Players to Watch Antonio Di Natale Udinese's talisman and top scorer will have to be at his indomitable best if he is to break down Juventus' on Wednesday. His versatile, all-action style allows him to not only fire goals at will, but also contribute greatly to the team. Simone Pepe In recent weeks Pepe has improved immeasurably, playing the best football of his career by adding a clinical edge to his game, andduel with Pablo Armero will be one of the most hotly-anticpated one-on-ones during proceedings. Prediction The two best defences in the league against arguably the two most potent attacks the top-flight has to offer will make for an extremely intriguing bout, but this one should be too close to call as a share of the spoils would be a fitting outcome. Editor's Prediction Udinese 1 - 1 Juventus http://www.soccerway...regular-season/

Serie A Week 1 - 21-12-2011 (6:00 p.m.) - Friuli Stadium - Udine Referee: Paolo Tagliavento Wednesday's Bet of the Day: A low scoring game between Udinese and Juventus After a great return on Tuesday's Bet of the Day, Ed Malyon is back to examine the betting opportunities when Udinese host Juventus on Wednesday. Dec 21, 2011 Match odds: Udinese 2/1, Draw 11/5, Juventus 7/5 Udinese are a club that just continues to confound people with their success. Last season's Champions League finish was an excellent achievement for the small side from the North-East, but having lost Alexis Sanchez, Gokhan Inler and Cristian Zapata in the summer, they have surprised onlookers by continuing with their good form in this campaign. If anything, they have been tightening up the defence in the process, as they currently sit third in the table. The fear for Juve will be the Zebras home record, having won seven from seven league games at Friuli. The Old Lady are, of course, the only remaining unbeaten side in Serie A, and they are just two points ahead of Wednesday's hosts. Juventus will back themselves to get a result, but up against the tightest defence in the league they will need leading scorers Claudio Marchisio and Alessandro Matri in top form. The former's ability to break from midfield will be crucial in a match where Udinese's system will frequently leave them with an extra man at the back. Marchisio's well-timed late runs have bagged him six goals in Serie A already this season, and he is a good value 10.00 (9/1) to open the scoring in this one. Betting on the result presents a tough call, and Mehdi Benatia will be a big miss for the hosts in the centre of defence. Having won 10 from 11 it is hard to oppose Udinese, and by taking the draw out of the equation, you can back them at 2.2 (6/5). The best bet surely though is the under 2.5 goals market. Given the significance of the game, in addition to Udinese's tight defence, 1.72 (18/25) is more than tempting enough to be backed. http://www.soccerway...regular-season/

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Serie A Recupero 1^ Andata - 21-12-2011 (ore 18:00) - Stadio Friuli - Udine Arbitro: Paolo Tagliavento Confronti ufficiali 81 - 74 (Serie A) - 3 (Coppa Italia) - 2 (Campionato a gironi) - 2 (Spareggio Coppa Uefa) Vittorie Juventus 52 - 49 (Serie A) - 1 (Coppa Italia) - 2 (Campionato a gironi) Pareggi 18 - 14 (Serie A) - 2 (Coppa Italia) - 2 (Spareggio Coppa Uefa) Vittorie Udinese 11 - 11 (Serie A) Goals Juventus 161 - 152 (Serie A) - 5 (Coppa Italia) - 3 (Campionato a gironi) - 1 (Spareggio Coppa Uefa) Goals Udinese 67 - 64 (Serie A) - 2 (Coppa Italia) - 1 (Spareggio Coppa Uefa) Udinese - Juventus a Udine Serie A Confronti ufficiali 37 Vittorie Juventus 22 (L'ultima il 19.09.2010, 0-4) Pareggi 10 (L'ultimo il 20.03.2004, 0-0) Vittorie Udinese 5 (L'ultima il 03.04.2010, 3-0) Goals Juventus 68 Goals Udinese 28 Giocatori con più presenze e goals contro l'Udinese a Udine 11 presenze Del Piero Alessandro 8 Conte Antonio 8 Scirea Gaetano 8 Tacchinardi Alessio 7 Birindelli Alessandro 7 Boniperti Giampiero 7 Cabrini Antonio 7 Trezeguet David Sergio 6 Buffon Gianluigi 6 Camoranesi Mauro German 4 goals Del Piero Alessandro 3 Charles John William 3 Hansen John 3 Hansen Karl Aage 3 Iaquinta Vincenzo 3 Marocchino Domenico 3 Platini Michel 3 Vivolo Pasquale 2 Bettega Roberto 2 Boniperti Giampiero Ultimi confronti diretti 21.09.2005 Serie A Udinese-Juventus 0-1 05.02.2006 Serie A Juventus-Udinese 1-0 16.09.2007 Serie A Juventus-Udinese 0-1 10.02.2008 Serie A Udinese-Juventus 1-2 14.09.2008 Serie A Juventus-Udinese 1-0 28.01.2009 Serie A Udinese-Juventus 2-1 22.11.2009 Serie A Juventus-Udinese 1-0 03.04.2010 Serie A Udinese-Juventus 3-0 19.09.2010 Serie A Udinese-Juventus 0-4 30.01.2011 Serie A Juventus-Udinese 1-2 Giocate 10 - Vittorie Juventus 6 - Pareggi 0 - Vittorie Udinese 4 - Goals Juventus 12 - Goals Udinese 9