Socrates

Serie A Week 16 - 18-12-2011 (3:00 p.m.) 2 - 0 Simone Pepe (4') Fabio Quagliarella (75') Juventus Arena - Turin Referee: Andrea Gervasoni Attendance: 28000 Quagliarella's year-long wait Dec 18, 2011 Fabio Quagliarella was just glad to be starting a game, so his first goal in a year “was the icing on the cake.” The striker hadn’t netted since 19 December 2010, almost precisely a year ago, due to his devastating knee injury. “It took me 364 days to get back here and play a match at my level,” said Quagliarella after the 2-0 win over Novara. “I am happy, but also have to point out that I worked hard to achieve this performance. I really wanted it. “I tried with everything I had to put myself at the disposal of the team and do what the Coach asked of me. I think I did my duty and the goal was the icing on the cake.” http://www.soccerway...regular-season/

Serie A Week 16 - 18-12-2011 (3:00 p.m.) 2 - 0 Simone Pepe (4') Fabio Quagliarella (75') Juventus Arena - Turin Referee: Andrea Gervasoni Attendance: 28000 Tesser 'expected Juve shock' Dec 18, 2011 Attilio Tesser admits Novara “thought we could give Juventus a shock” in the derby this afternoon. They survived numerous chances and created some of their own, but were beaten 2-0 in Turin. “We thought we could give Juventus a shock, creating three or four important opportunities against Gianluigi Buffon,” said the Coach. “We conceded an early goal with the defence in place, so that made the rest of the match much more difficult for us. “We were too tense at the start, as I cannot explain that goal any other way. After the break we improved and threatened an equaliser. “After half an hour I changed the five-man defence that had done so well against Napoli, as we were suffering too much under the Bianconeri’s pressure.” http://www.soccerway...regular-season/

Serie A Week 16 - 18-12-2011 (3:00 p.m.) 2 - 0 Simone Pepe (4') Fabio Quagliarella (75') Juventus Arena - Turin Referee: Andrea Gervasoni Attendance: 28000 Conte: 'Not good for my arteries!' Dec 18, 2011 Antonio Conte was not entirely happy with the Juventus performance against Novara. “There was a negative aspect…” The Bianconeri dominated the game and won 2-0, but wasted numerous scoring opportunities before Fabio Quagliarella put the result beyond doubt. “There was a negative aspect to this match, as we left the result in the balance to the very end,” said the Coach. “It’s not a good situation for my coronary arteries! Above all, we run the risk of conceding a goal. Then again, we cannot sit back and defend a lead. I prefer to win less and always play good football.” Quagliarella had a rare start and scored his first goal since that devastating injury a year ago. “Fabio is a player who I always considered to be important. I give gifts to nobody, as I always send out the best XI for the circumstances. “Gigi Buffon is the best goalkeeper in the world and I always counted on him. Besides, he needs to justify his wages!” Conte was also asked about the reported Juventus offer for Martin Caceres, currently at Sevilla. “Do I like Caceres? I prefer women,” joked the tactician. http://www.soccerway...regular-season/

Serie A Week 16 - 18-12-2011 (3:00 p.m.) 2 - 0 Simone Pepe (4') Fabio Quagliarella (75') Juventus Arena - Turin Referee: Andrea Gervasoni Attendance: 28000 Antonio Conte rues sloppy finishing against Novara The 42-year-old was satisfied with the Bianconeri’s win over the Serie A newcomers but felt his side should have converted more of their chances. Dec 18, 2011 Juventus coach Antonio Conte has expressed his disappointment with his side's finishing in their 2-0 Serie A win at home over Novara on Sunday afternoon, but was pleased with the outcome of the game. The Bianconeri created numerous chances to double their lead after Simone Pepe's early opener, but they failed to make it 2-0 until Fabio Quagliarella found the net in the 75th minute to put the game to bed. "During the week we work a lot on this aspect of the game [finishing]. In the next games we’ll look to convert more of our chances, also to avoid giving me heart problems," Conte stated during the post-match press conference. "However, I prefer to have this problem rather than others. I’m happy at how the team creates chances. "We’ll enjoy today’s victory and tomorrow [Monday] we’ll turn our attention to the game against Udinese. We want to end 2011 in a positive way and exceed expectations." Juventus top the Serie A table at the moment with 33 points from 15 games. http://www.soccerway...regular-season/

Serie A Week 16 - 18-12-2011 (3:00 p.m.) 2 - 0 Simone Pepe (4') Fabio Quagliarella (75') Juventus Arena - Turin Referee: Andrea Gervasoni Attendance: 28000‎ Player Ratings Goal.com rates the players as Juve return to the top of Serie A following a comfortable home win. Dec 18, 2011 Juventus Gianluigi Buffon 7.0 - Held on well when Novara got the odd shot on target, and then made a magnificent tumbling stop to keep out Rubino. Giorgio Chiellini 6.5 - Looked much more comfortable at centre-back, though he was occasionally given a tough time by Rubino. Andrea Barzagli 6.5 - Got a vital block in on Meggiorini's effort as Novara broke with a four-on-three overlap, and looked solid in the air up against the former Bologna striker. Paolo De Ceglie 6.0 - His cross for Pepe's early goal set the tone for a Juve onslaught in which he spent more attacking than defending, and did so with some ease. Stephan Lichtsteiner 6.0 - Got forward well down the right as Juve attacked for the large part, but was occasionally caught out of position as Novara broke with some threat. Andrea Pirlo 6.5 - Same old Pirlo. Ran the show with a little to spare in the middle of the park before being given a late breather as Pazienza came on. Claudio Marchisio 6.0 - After being foiled early on by Ujkani, he had another good chance on the edge of the box on the hour but blazed well over. Emanuele Giaccherini 7.0 - Missed a great chance to make it 2-0 when Ujkani kept him out, but kept going and but for his finishing he was one of Juve's most threatening players. Simone Pepe 7.0 - Grabbed the early goal from De Ceglie's left-wing cross, but then tripped over the ball when he went through in the right channel. Got in behind a few more times, but his last pass was sometimes lacking. Alessandro Del Piero 6.5 - Should really have done better when he had time to get a shot in after Pepe's run, but somehow sent his effort wide. His trickery kept the Novara defence on their heels, but he just missed the finishing touch. Fabio Quagliarella 7.5 - Eventually rewarded for his endeavour and intelligent running when he got up to head home above Ludi. A great first start under Antonio Conte. • Substitutions Michele Pazienza N/A - Replaced Pirlo late on. Marcelo Alejandro Estigarribia 6.0 - Replaced Del Piero and stretched the defence a little more with his wider starting position. Alessandro Matri N/A - Brought on for Quagliarella just after the starter had made it 2-0. Novara Samir Ujkani 7.0 - The man in the mask made a vital save from the onrushing Giaccherini at 1-0 and had to hold on tight to numerous other efforts under the barrage from the home side. Carlalberto Ludi 6.0 - Did ok for the most part when crosses came in high, but was regularly undone by the running of Pepe in the channel when Juve broke. Matteo Centurioni 6.0 - Did his best to keep up with the movement of Quagliarella, but seemed less at ease when Del Piero was on the ball. Pablo Hernan Dellafiore 4.5 - Limped off early on with a muscle problem to be replaced by Massimo Paci. Giuseppe Gemiti 5.0 - The German got forward well, but Pepe's runs often exposed him, and Juve could have scored more coming from the right. Michel Morganella 6.0 - The Swiss defender was regularly exposed by Giaccherini and Del Piero, but delivered some of Novara's better moments with his accurate crosses. Ivan Radovanovic 5.0 - Showed his strength at times but his lack of mobility made it too easy for Juve to bypass Novara's midfield completely. Marco Rigoni 5.5 - Will think he should have done better when heading straight at Buffon as his return to Turin didn't quite turn out as he'd have wanted. Francesco Marianini 5.0 - The warrior ran well but didn't get close enough to the Juve midfield. Giaccherini often got away unmarked. Raffaele Rubino 6.0 - Failed to test Buffon with a flicked header which went just wide, but his second-half effort brought the best out of the keeper. Riccardo Meggiorini 5.5 - Had one good chance deflected wide by Barzagli as Novara threatened on a four-on-three break, but largely quiet otherwise. • Substitutions Massimo Paci 6.5 - Replaced the injured Dellafiore in the first 20 minutes and got in the way of Pepe's cross before making a great tackle on Del Piero to keep it at 1-0. Filippo Porcari 6.0 - Came on to add some of the missing industry to the midfield but wasn't able to turn the game around. Andrea Mazzarani N/A - Late replacement as Novara looked to grab a late consolation. http://www.soccerway...regular-season/

Serie A Week 16 - 18-12-2011 (3:00 p.m.) 2 - 0 Simone Pepe (4') Fabio Quagliarella (75') Juventus Arena - Turin Referee: Andrea Gervasoni Attendance: 28000‎ Juve back on top Dec 18, 2011 Juventus returned to the top of the Serie A table with one-sided home victory over lowly Novara. Simone Pepe set Juve on their way with a fourth-minute opener and Fabio Quagliarella added a second 15 minutes from time as the Turin outfit moved back above AC Milan, who beat Siena last night. Juve will be joined on 33 points at the summit if Udinese beat Lazio this evening, while at the other end of the table Novara remain rooted in the bottom two. Juve go to Udinese on Wednesday but Antonio Conte's side showed no sign of being distracted by that showdown as they quickly assumed control against Novara. Visiting goalkeeper Samir Ujkani had already been tested by Claudio Marchisio before Juve took an early lead when Pepe slotted in Paolo De Ceglie's cross from close range. That looked set to open the floodgates as Juve laid siege to the Novara goal, but the hosts had to wait until near the end to double their advantage. It was not for the want of trying, though, as Juve created chance after chance. Before the break, Quagliarella sent two efforts wide, De Ceglie was denied by a good save from Ujkani, who also kept out shots from Marchisio, Emanuele Giaccherini and Alessandro Del Piero. Del Piero also failed to hit the target with two other openings in the first half while Pepe missed a chance to double his tally for the afternoon. Juve could have been made to pay for their profligacy as Novara made a rare dangerous foray forward on the stroke of half-time but, fortunately for the hosts, Gianluigi Buffon was equal to Marco Rigoni's header. It was a similar story in the second period as Juve continued to get themselves in shooting positions, but without being able to make the most of them. However, the likes of Del Piero, Giaccherini, Marchisio and Pepe were not made to rue their missed opportunities as, after Buffon had done well to save from Ivan Radovanovic, Quagliarella calmed Juve's nerves in the 75th minute when he made it 2-0. Andrea Pirlo curled over a corner and Quagliarella got on the end of it to power a fine header into the roof of the net. Juve could have increased their lead further in the closing stages but Giaccherini saw his shot well saved by Ujkani, before Pepe hit the post with a free-kick from a tight angle. http://www.soccerway...regular-season/

Serie A Week 16 - 18-12-2011 (3:00 p.m.) 2 - 0 Simone Pepe (4') Fabio Quagliarella (75') Juventus Arena - Turin Referee: Andrea Gervasoni Attendance: 28000‎ Juve graced by Quagliagol Dec 18, 2011 Juventus wasted dozens of chances, but still beat Novara 2-0 with Fabio Quagliarella’s first goal since December 2010. These two sides both hail from the region of Piedmont, but had not faced off here in Serie A since a 2-2 draw in October 1955. The Bianconeri had to do without the suspended Leonardo Bonucci and Arturo Vidal, while Mirko Vucinic was still injured. Alessandro Del Piero, Fabio Quagliarella and Paolo De Ceglie got rare starts, moving Giorgio Chiellini back into central defence. Novara missed Andrea Lisuzzo and Taka Morimoto, but had won just one of their last 11 top flight games. Within 120 seconds Juve had gone extremely close, as Quagliarella set up Claudio Marchisio only for him to fire at Samir Ujkani’s shoulder from point-blank range. It was only a warning, as the low De Ceglie ball flashed across the face of goal to find Simone Pepe’s tap-in at the back post, giving the Bianconeri the lead at the fourth minute. De Ceglie tried to go for goal himself, an angled drive smothered by Ujkani. Paolo Hernan Dellafiore pulled up with a suspected thigh strain, only adding to Novara’s problems. Pepe’s shot skimmed the far post, while Emanuele Giaccherini was clear on goal, but Ujkani rushed off his line and performed a desperate save to deny Juventus a second goal. Del Piero’s curler was not far off the target, though Novara had a great chance when Gigi Buffon rushed off his line to stop Meggiorini. Moments later, Ujkani dove to his left to beat away a Giaccherini header, then Pepe wasted when his first touch let him down and Del Piero’s free kick was well held. Novara again tested Buffon with a Rigoni header. Straight after the restart, Pepe robbed Centurioni in midfield to spark a counter, which Del Piero fired wide with only the goalkeeper to beat. Andrea Barzagli and Massimo Paci collided when trying to get on the end of Del Piero’s free kick, but the referee waved play on. Giaccherini ran on to a Quagliarella back-heel only to aim a weak finish at Ujkani. With so many chances wasted, Novara were still in it and only a lucky deflection off Barzagli took Meggiorini’s shot out for a corner. Juventus continued to let Novara off the hook, as Pepe sprinted down the right and rolled across for Del Piero in front of an open goal, but Ivan Radovanovic’s sliding tackle was absolutely decisive. Buffon needed a spectacular diving save to push Raffaele Rubino’s header off the line with his fingertips at the far post on 65 minutes. Juventus finally put themselves 2-0 up with Quagliarella’s first goal since his devastating injury in January. Quagliagol rose above the crowd for a powerful header to turn Pepe’s corner in at the far post. In the final minutes Giuseppe Gemiti performed a goalline clearance on Alessandro Matri, then Giaccherini fired at Ujkani on the counter. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Juventus: Buffon; Lichtsteiner, Barzagli, Chiellini, De Ceglie; Giaccherini, Pirlo (Pazienza 80), Marchisio; Pepe, Quagliarella (Matri 77), Del Piero (Estigarribia 64) Novara:Ujkani; Morganella, Dellafiore (Paci 19), Ludi, Centurioni, Gemiti; Marianini (Porcari 55), Radovanovic, Rigoni; Meggiorini, Rubino (Mazzarani 76) Ref:Gervasoni http://www.soccerway...regular-season/

Serie A Week 16 - 18-12-2011 (3:00 p.m.) 2 - 0 Simone Pepe (4') Fabio Quagliarella (75') Juventus Arena - Turin Referee: Andrea Gervasoni Attendance: 28000‎ Pepe and Quagliarella on target to send Turin giants back to Serie A summit An early strike from the wide player before a well-placed header from the forward proved enough to send the Old Lady back to the top of the table. Dec 18, 2011 Juventus defeated Novara 2-0 in Turin on Sunday afternoon as goals from Simone Pepe and Fabio Quagliarella ensure the hosts regain top spot in Serie A, in what was a dominant but wasteful display. The Bianconeri took an early lead when Pepe was on hand to finish Paulo De Ceglie's low cross in the third minute, but from there on the hosts wasted numerous opportunities, before Quagliarella netted his first goal in almost a year in Serie A to ensure his side go into Wednesday's clash with Udinese top of the league and unbeaten. The match started at a frantic pace, with the hosts almost taking the lead inside of two minutes. Fabio Quagliarella’s well-timed cut back found Claudio Marchisio on the right side of the area, but the Italy international’s first-time effort flew straight at Samir Ujkani. Moments later, though, the Bianconeri got their goal. De Ceglie’s low cross went straight across the area, leaving the onrushing Pepe with a simple finish to put the Old Lady in the driving seat. With a quarter of an hour gone a great chipped ball from Marchisio fell to Emanuele Giaccherini, but the former Cesena midfielder’s tame shot was easily held by Ujkani. Just over half an hour in, the home side came close to doubling their lead when Giaccherini’s neat through ball found Alessandro Del Piero on the left side of the box, but the captain's curling strike sailed just past the post. The second half began with the Antonio Conte’s side still controlling the game, and in the 46th minute they almost doubled their lead when Pepe burst down the right wing before playing in Del Piero with a perfectly weighted pass, but again his curling effort went just wide. With 65 minutes gone and against the run of play, the visitors almost pulled back on level terms when another fine cross from Morganella found Raffaele Rubino in the centre of the area, but Buffon pulled off a magnificent save to deny the former Perugia striker's low header. On the 74th minute Juventus finally doubled their lead, when a great corner from the impressive Pepe was met by Quagliarella, whose powerful header flew straight in the top corner to hand the former Napoli forward his first goal of the season. With just over five minutes to go the hosts almost got a third, when substitute Alessandro Matri played in Marchisio, but the Italy international’s long range strike was cleared off the line by Massimo Paci. This result sees Juventus regain top spot in Serie A, and the league leaders now face a difficult trip to Scudetto rivals Udinese on Wednesday evening, while Novara welcome Palermo on the same night. http://www.soccerway...regular-season/

Serie A Week 16 - 18-12-2011 (3:00 p.m.) - Juventus Arena - Turin Referee: Andrea Gervasoni Line-ups: Juventus-Novara Dec 18, 2011 Juventus ring the changes in the Derby di Piemonte, as Alessandro Del Piero, Fabio Quagliarella and Paolo De Ceglie get rare starts. The Bianconeri take on local rivals Novara this afternoon at the sold out Juventus Stadium. Ahead of a midweek round against Udinese, Antonio Conte is rotating his squad to bring in Del Piero, Quagliarella and left-back De Ceglie. Some of these changes are necessary, as Mirko Vucinic is injured, joining banned duo Arturo Vidal and Leonardo Bonucci. This also moves Giorgio Chiellini back into central defence, while Emanuele Giaccherini takes over in midfield. Novara have won just one of their last 11 Serie A games and haven’t played away to Juve since 1955. Andrea Lisuzzo and Takayuki Morimoto are the only absentees for Attilio Tesser, as Riccardo Meggiorini returns from suspension to partner Raffaele Rubino. Juventus: Buffon; Lichtsteiner, Barzagli, Chiellini, De Ceglie; Giaccherini, Pirlo, Marchisio; Pepe, Quagliarella, Del Piero Novara: Ujkani; Morganella, Dellafiore, Ludi, Centurioni, Gemiti; Marianini, Radovanovic, Rigoni; Meggiorini, Rubino Ref: Gervasoni http://www.soccerway...regular-season/

Serie A Week 16 - 18-12-2011 (3:00 p.m.) - Juventus Arena - Turin Referee: Andrea Gervasoni Fabio Quagliarella makes first Juventus start of the season against Novara The striker will play from the beginning for the first time since his knee ligament injury against Parma in January, with Alessandro Del Piero also in the starting XI. Dec 18, 2011 Fabio Quagliarella will make his first start of the season for Juventus after being chosen to lead the attack for the Serie A clash with Novara this afternoon. It is the former Napoli striker's first starting appearance since he damaged knee ligaments in the home fixture against Parma on January 6. Alessandro Del Piero has also been given the nod by coach Antonio Conte for the first visit of the Piedmont neighbours to Juventus Stadium. At the back, Giorgio Chiellini switches to his preferred centre-back slot to cover the absence of the suspended Leonardo Bonucci, with Paolo De Ceglie stepping in at left-back. Arturo Vidal's one-match ban means Emanuele Giaccherini starts in midfield. Attilio Tesser's side will line up with Raffaele Rubino and Riccardo Meggiorini spearheading a 3-5-2 formation. Juventus (4-3-3): Buffon; Lichtsteiner, Barzagli, Chiellini, De Ceglie; Marchisio, Pirlo, Giaccherini; Pepe, Quagliarella, Del Piero. Subs: Storari, Sorensen, Pazienza, Elia, Estigarribia, Matri, Krasic. Novara (3-5-2): Ujkani; Dellafiore, Centurioni, Ludi; Morganella, Marianini, Radovanovic, Rigoni, Gemiti; Rubino, Meggiorini. Subs: Fontana, Paci, Garcia, Porcari, Mazzarani, Giorgi, Granoche. http://www.soccerway...regular-season/

Serie A Week 16 - 18-12-2011 (3:00 p.m.) - Juventus Arena - Turin Referee: Andrea Gervasoni Round 15 (or so), We’ll be Caught up in a Few Days Dec 18, 2011 Apologies for the late and relatively non-substantive preview. Nobody here needs to be told how hectic the holidays are, and particularly in the line of work which I am in, this particular time is particularly busy in a conspicuously contentious era. But here we are about to face Novara, in the first (Piemont) derby we’ve been able to have in a couple years, and I’m here for a few. And also, allow these paltry words to serve as both the preview and the game-time thread; particularly considering that we’re less than nine hours from kickoff. A Milan win today saw i Diavoli in first place for now with 31 points, one more than us and Udinese, whom we face off with on Wednesday when I can finally write “Round, number” and be all caught up with it. A well-fought draw away at Rome saw us leveled after 14 games, and made me realize why the media was actually referring to the match as another chapter in a bitter rivalry. I never knew that a hammer could have a rivalry with a nail, but alas, if the nail were allowed to pinch back, I’d get it. Anyway, tomorrow’s fixture will probably see the most changes yet. Le chiavi: How do we cope without three regular players? A lot of people complained about how deep our squad was not too long ago, despite not having any European commitments. Too many attackers we have, they said. And no they weren’t all Yoda, I don’t know why I’m writing in reverse order. Anyway, these first world problems are starting to benefit us finally. Well anyway, the depth will finally come in handy now, with Mirko injured and Boner and King Arthur, suspended. I’m expecting to see Chiellini slide back to the middle where he belongs, making way for Paolo De Ceglie to finally get another start at left back. I honestly feel this guy can be a good player, and I want him to have a chance to show he can recapture the form he showed last year before his unfortunate impact injury. Meanwhile, Giaccherini, a typical winger/attacker type, has been playing farther back during training going on two weeks now. While he had been training in Pirlo‘s position a couple of weeks ago while John Bon was taking a hiatus from touring, he could very well play next to him and Marchisio in the midfield where Vidal would normally play. I wish that this would open up a spot in the front three for Elia, who had some positive moments in the past week, setting up Principino’s winner in the Coppa tie versus Bologna, and showing flashes of vision and creativity in Rome. Sadly, it’s not likely — but he’ll at least be one of the first looks off the bench midway through the second half if we need to break a deadlock. My starting XI: (4-3-3) Gigi, Kelso, Giorgio, Dre, Forrest; Patsy, Jon Bon, Principino; Dutchie, A-Mat, Melosh. Probable: (4-3-3) Buffon; De Ceglie, Chiellini, Barzagli, Lichtsteiner; Giaccherini, Pirlo, Marchisio; Del Piero, Matri, Pepe. http://www.soccerway...regular-season/

Serie A Week 16 - 18-12-2011 (3:00 p.m.) - Juventus Arena - Turin Referee: Andrea Gervasoni Marchisio: Juve is great Dec 18, 2011 Juventus midfielder Claudio Marchisio believes the Turin club has a strong enough squad and does not need to add reinforcements during the January transfer window. Juve and AC Milan have both been linked with a move for Manchester City forward Carlos Tevez next month, but Marchisio reckons the Bianconeri is already a force to be reckoned with. "With regards to the transfer market, the club will evaluate the situation," he said to giornalaccio rosa dello Sport. "But I believe we are already competitive and we are a great team. "Of course, if the club decides to make a move in the market it will be for the good of the side." Juventus, which is unbeaten in Serie A, goes into Sunday's (Monday AEDT) game against Novara on the back of a 1-1 draw at Roma. The result left Juve top of the standings, level on 30 points with Udinese. "The important thing is that we are first and we hope to stay in top spot for as long as possible," Marchisio added. Udinese has won its last three league games but faces a difficult task at the Stadio Olimpico when it hosts a buoyant Lazio on Sunday (Monday AEDT). The Roman club, which qualified for the Europa League round of 32 this week, is on a two-game winning streak and heads into the weekend two points off the summit. Milan is third, level on 28 points with Lazio, and hosts Siena on Saturday (Sunday AEDT) on the back of a 2-2 draw at Bologna. Roma will be bolstered by the return of defender Juan, midfielder Gago and striker Bojan for its trip to Napoli. All three players missed the 1-1 draw against Juve through suspension. Inter Milan visits Cesena looking to continue its climb in the standings. The Nerazzurri won 1-0 at Genoa last start to clinch its fourth win in five league games. The result allowed Claudio Ranieri's side to move into sixth, 10 points behind Juventus. Genoa takes on Bologna on Sunday (Monday AEDT) hoping to bounce back from its midweek defeat to Inter - its first home setback this season. Parma is hoping to recover its top scorer, Sebastian Giovinco, in time for its game against bottom-placed Lecce. Giovinco is doubtful after sustaining a muscular injury during last weekend's goalless draw at Cagliari. Fiorentina will have striker Stevan Jovetic available for Saturday's (Sunday AEDT) clash with Atalanta. Jovetic missed last weekend's 2-0 defeat at Inter with a hip problem. Palermo visits Catania on Sunday (Monday AEDT) hoping to end a dismal week on a positive note. Devis Mangia's side saw its unbeaten run at home end in a 1-0 defeat to Cesena and was then eliminated from the Coppa Italia on penalties by Siena in midweek. Chievo has lost just once at home this season and hosts Cagliari on Saturday. http://www.soccerway...regular-season/

Serie A Week 16 - 18-12-2011 (3:00 p.m.) - Juventus Arena - Turin Referee: Andrea Gervasoni Novara 'will attack Juventus' Dec 18, 2011 Novara take on Juventus in their first Piemonte Derby for 55 years, but Attilio Tesser assures they “won’t clam up and defend.” The minnows have been out of the top flight since the 1950s, so didn’t have the chance to face their local rivals before now. “We are playing for prestige as well, but the points count for more,” said the Coach. “Therefore we will try to get a result, albeit aware we will be taking on the top team in the Division, not to mention the only European side still unbeaten. “The difficulties of this match are evident and we must play to the best of our abilities. It will take technique, tactical nous and team spirit. “If we only play with a defensive attitude, then we’d be getting absolutely everything wrong,” continued Tesser. “Of course we don’t intend to be arrogant in Turin, but we will have to courage to play and not just hand Juve the initiative. We will reply blow for blow. Our intensity is going to be key. “I am sure Juventus will come out all guns blazing straight away and try to break the deadlock immediately.” He confirmed the 5-3-2 system tested in their 1-1 draw against Napoli last week. “The system isn’t the important thing, but rather the mentality, so we must interpret the game the same way we did against Napoli.” http://www.soccerway...regular-season/

Serie A Week 16 - 18-12-2011 (3:00 p.m.) - Juventus Arena - Turin Referee: Andrea Gervasoni Serie A Preview Dec 18, 2011 Juventus midfielder Emanuele Giaccherini insists his team will not be distracted by Wednesday's game at Udinese when they host Novara tomorrow. The Turin giants end the year with a midweek match in Udine which could prove to be a battle for top spot in Serie A. Antonio Conte's side head into this weekend top of the standings but level on 30 points with Udinese, who face Lazio in Rome tomorrow. "Our only focus right now is on Novara,'' Giaccherini said. "Only on Monday will we concentrate on the game at Udinese. "We certainly hope we will get maximum from those two games in order to go into 2012 in first place.'' Juventus drew 1-1 at Roma last time out to extend their unbeaten league run to 14 games. Novara, in contrast, are 19th in the standings - three points adrift of safety. Attilio Tesser's men almost stunned Napoli last weekend but were denied their third win of the campaign after they conceded a late equaliser. Giaccherini knows the promoted visitors cannot be taken lightly. "We will face a team that will come here determined to get a result in their battle to avoid the drop,'' he said. "It will be difficult to find spaces up front and we will have to be patient to score.'' Tesser, meanwhile, has urged his players to show the same spirit tomorrow that they displayed against Napoli. "We could have beaten Napoli but the 1-1 draw is still a good result considering who we were facing,'' he said. "Now we must show the same determination and hunger at Juventus.'' Novara have not won on the road this season but will be bolstered by the return of defender Massimo Paci from injury and striker Riccardo Meggiorini from suspension. The hosts will be without defender Leonardo Bonucci and midfielder Arturo Vidal, both suspended, as well as injured forward Mirko Vucinic. http://www.soccerway...regular-season/

Serie A Week 16 - 18-12-2011 (3:00 p.m.) - Juventus Arena - Turin Referee: Andrea Gervasoni Serie A Preview The Bianconeri will be looking to extend their impressive 14-match unbeaten run in the league when they welcome the newly promoted outfit to Turin on Sunday. Dec 17, 2011 PROBABLE LINE-UPS JUVENTUS Buffon Lichtsteiner, Barzagli, Chiellini, De Ceglie Marchisio, Pirlo, Giaccherini Pepe, Matri, Del Piero NOVARA Ujkani Morganella, Dellafiore, Ludi, Gemiti Centurioni Marianini, Radovanovic, Rigoni Mazzarani, Meggiorini Antonio Conte does not have many injuries worries ahead of the match as Mirko Vucinic is the only player sidelined but the 42-year-old coach will be missing the services of Arturo Vidal and Leonardo Bonucci through suspension. Emanuele Giaccherini looks poised to start on the wing, while Alessandro Del Piero should get the nod upfront. Novara boss Attilio Tesser has the luxury of choosing from a fully-fit squad as he looks to spring a surprise over Juve on Sunday. DID YOU KNOW? The Bianconeri have keep three clean sheets at the Juventus Stadium this term. Juventus are unbeaten at home this season (W5 D2) and have outscored their opponents 16-5 in the process. The Turin outfit have won five games by a one-goal margin in the 2011-12 campaign. Novara have picked up just two wins against Juve in their last 24 Serie A encounters (W2 D9 L13). The Serie A newcomers are winless on their road travels this season (W0 D2 L5). Attilio Tesser's men have conceded 14 goals. Last Five Matches Juventus 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 - Napoli 3 - Juventus 3 - Serie A Nov 26, 2011 - Lazio 0 - Juventus 1 - Serie A Novara Dec 11, 2011 - Novara 1 - SSC Napoli 1 - Serie A Dec 5, 2011 - Lazio 3 - Novara 0 - Serie A Nov 29, 2011 - Catania 2 - Novara 3 - Coppa Italia Nov 26, 2011 - Novara 2 - Parma 1 - Serie A Nov 20, 2011 - Genoa 1 - Novara 0 - Serie A Players to Watch Andrea Pirlo The midfield metronome has kept things ticking in the middle of the park and should be able to dictate the rhythm of play against the underdogs on Sunday afternoon. Marco Rigoni The veteran midfielder has been sensational for the newly promoted club so far this season. The 31-year-old leads the team in scoring with five goals and will need to add to his name to the scoresheet if Novara hope to pull off an upset in Turin. Prediction The league leaders should have no problem extending their unbeaten run with a straightforward win over the Serie A new boys in Turin. Editor's Prediction Juventus 3 - 0 Novara http://www.soccerway...regular-season/

Serie A Week 16 - 18-12-2011 (3:00 p.m.) - Juventus Arena - Turin Referee: Andrea Gervasoni Antonio Conte relaxed ahead of Novara meeting despite first-team absentees Juventus coach is not too downbeat about the prospect of facing the newly-promoted side without a number of his first-team regulars Dec 17, 2011 Juventus coach Antonio Conte has played down the impact of the club's injury and suspension list ahead of Sunday's Serie A encounter against Novara, claiming he is relaxed about the prospect of having to tinker with his squad. Arturo Vidal and Leonardo Bonucci are both suspended for the game, joining Mirko Vucinic in the stands as the Montenegrin striker is currently out injured. Giorgio Chiellini could revert back to centre-half in the absence of Bonucci with Paolo De Ceglie set to start on the left side of defence, and Conte is confident about trying out different players. "It is the first time we have to do without three first-team players and we have tested out a few options. I am relaxed because whoever is called upon to do their duty will give their all to prove themselves," the former midfielder told reporters during his press conference. "This is what I expect from my players, especially those who are further down the pecking order as they know what order is easily changed." Despite being near the top of the league for the whole season, Conte is cautious of Novara who were promoted in the summer. "I victory tomorrow would be very important for us, but we have great respect for Novara who are doing very well," he added. "I know them well, having faced Novara last season in Serie B when I was in charge of Siena. They want to achieve something special and it's up to us to ensure that doesn't happen. Novara deserve to be in Serie A." Juventus currently sit top of the table on goal difference ahead of Udinese, who face Lazio on Sunday evening. http://www.soccerway...regular-season/

Serie A - 16^ Giornata - Andata - 18-12-2011 (ore 15:00) - Juventus Stadium - Torino Arbitro: Andrea Gervasoni‎ Confronti ufficiali 42 - 24 (Serie A) - 2 (Coppa Italia) - 14 (Campionato a gironi) - 2 (Campionato di guerra) Vittorie Juventus 20 - 13 (Serie A) - 1 (Coppa Italia) - 4 (Campionato a gironi) - 2 (Campionato di guerra) Pareggi 15 - 9 (Serie A) - 1 (Coppa Italia) - 5 (Campionato a gironi) Vittorie Novara 7 - 2 (Serie A) - 5 (Campionato a gironi) Goals Juventus 78 - 44 (Serie A) - 3 (Coppa Italia) - 27 (Campionato a gironi) - 4 (Campionato di guerra) Goals Novara 44 - 18 (Serie A) - 2 (Coppa Italia) - 23 (Campionato a gironi) - 1 (Campionato di guerra) Juventus - Novara a Torino Serie A Confronti ufficiali 12 Vittorie Juventus 7 (L'ultima il 20.02.1955, 2-1) Pareggi 5 (L'ultimo il 22.10.1955, 2-2) Vittorie Novara 0 Goals Juventus 23 Goals Novara 8 Giocatori con più presenze e goals contro il Novara a Torino 7 presenze Manente Sergio 7 Praest Carl Aage Andersen 7 Viola Giovanni 5 Boniperti Giampiero 5 Hansen John 5 Muccinelli Ermes 5 Parola Carlo 4 Foni Alfredo 4 Gabetto Guglielmo 4 Mari Giacomo 4 goals Hansen John 4 Muccinelli Ermes 3 Boniperti Giampiero 2 Gabetto Guglielmo 2 Montico Antonio 1 Borel II Felice Placido 1 Manente Sergio 1 Parola Carlo 1 Scagliotti Cinzio 1 Varglien II Giovanni Ultimi confronti diretti 16.11.1952 Serie A Novara-Juventus 0-6 22.03.1953 Serie A Juventus-Novara 1-1 27.12.1953 Serie A Juventus-Novara 0-0 09.05.1954 Serie A Novara-Juventus 0-1 03.10.1954 Serie A Novara-Juventus 2-2 20.02.1955 Serie A Juventus-Novara 2-1 22.10.1955 Serie A Juventus-Novara 2-2 19.03.1956 Serie A Novara-Juventus 0-0 06.09.1970 Coppa Italia Novara-Juventus 2-2 30.08.1972 Coppa Italia Novara-Juventus 0-1 Giocate 10 - Vittorie Juventus 4 - Pareggi 6 - Vittorie Novara 0 - Goals Juventus 17 - Goals Novara 8

Serie A Week 16 - 18-12-2011 (3:00 p.m.) - Juventus Arena - Turin Referee: Andrea Gervasoni‎ Conte changes for Piemonte derby Dec 17, 2011 Antonio Conte is keeping Juventus on their toes ahead of the first Derby di Piemonte in 55 years against Novara. “A victory tomorrow would be very important for us, but we have great respect for Novara, who are doing very well,” said the Coach in his press conference. “I know them well, having faced Novara last season in Serie B when I was in charge of Siena. They want to achieve something special and it’s up to us to ensure that doesn’t happen. Novara deserve to be in Serie A.” Conte has to reshuffle, as Arturo Vidal and Leonardo Bonucci are suspended, joining the injured Mirko Vucinic in the stands. There are reports Paolo De Ceglie could take left-back, returning Giorgio Chiellini to the centre, with Alessandro Del Piero and Emanuele Giaccherini stepping in. “It is the first time we have to do without three first team players and we tested out a few options. I am relaxed, because whoever is called upon to do their duty will give their all to prove themselves. This is what I expect from my players, especially those who are further down the pecking order, as they know that order is easily changed.” Juve are joint top of the table with Udinese, who face a very tough test against Lazio this weekend, so could well be the lone leaders by Sunday evening. “We mustn’t look at the table, even if we are doing extraordinary things. We want to end the year knowing our work has gone beyond the rosiest expectations, but the important thing is not how you start. It’s how you finish.” Conte was also asked about reports Juventus are challenging Milan and Paris Saint-Germain for Manchester City striker Carlos Tevez. “Others within the club take care of the transfer market. I have many responsibilities.” http://www.soccerway...regular-season/