Socrates

Coppa Italia - Semi-final (First Leg) - 8-2-2012 (8:45 p.m.) - Giuseppe Meazza (San Siro) Stadium - Milan Referee: Paolo Mazzoleni Milan-Juve probable line-ups Feb 8, 2012 Milan and Juventus will meet in the first leg of their Coppa Italia semi-final clash at San Siro on Wednesday evening. The probable line-ups are… Milan (4-3-1-2): Amelia; Abate, Thiago Silva, Mexes, Mesbah; Ambrosini, Van Bommel, Emanuelson; Seedorf; Ibrahimovic, El Shaarawy. Bench: Roma, Zambrotta, Bonera, Antonini, Maxi Lopez, Inzaghi, Robinho. Juventus (3-5-2): Storari; Caceres, Bonucci, Chiellini; Lichtsteiner, Giaccherini, Pirlo, Padoin, Estigarribia; Borriello, Del Piero. Bench: Buffon, De Ceglie, Barzagli, Marchisio, Elia, Matri, Quagliarella.

Coppa Italia - Semi-final (First Leg) - 8-2-2012 (8:45 p.m.) - Giuseppe Meazza (San Siro) Stadium - Milan Referee: Paolo Mazzoleni Allegri bemused by Beppe Marotta's attack on referees The Bianconeri official laid into the standard of officiating in Serie A after his side were denied a penalty in the closing stages of their 0-0 draw at home to Siena on Sunday. Feb 7, 2012 AC Milan coach Massimiliano Allegri has taken a swipe at Juventus general director Beppe Marotta ahead of Wednesday night's Coppa Italia clash between the two sides at San Siro. Marotta launched a withering attack on referees after his side were denied a penalty in the closing stages of their 0-0 draw at home to Siena on Sunday. However, Allegri has claimed that he was left utterly bemused by the Bianconeri official's attack on match officials. "People always say they want to help the referees but then after the first mistake that goes against them, they attack [the referees]," the Rossoneri boss mused ahead of the first leg of the semi-final tie with Juve. "In one season there will always be decisions for and against, but at the end they even themselves out. "To reduce to a game to a penalty incident is wrong; we should all be more calm. "Marotta's words? I do not know what they are borne out of; myself and Milan have a different style." Addressing Zlatan Ibrahimovic's dismissal against Napoli on Sunday for slapping Salvatore Aronica in the face, Allegri conceded that the Sweden international had been clearly in the wrong but stated that the incident has been blown out of proportion. "What happened on Sunday was certainly not a nice gesture," the former Cagliari coach admitted. "But you see things like this every Sunday. He paid a little for everyone." Meanwhile, Allegri revealed that while January signing Maxi Lopez will feature at some point against Juve, the former Catania forward will not start. The 44-year-old coach also said that injured duo Alexandre Pato and Kevin-Prince Boateng are now just over a week away from returning to first-team duty but added that it is not yet certain when Alberto Aquilani will be ready to make his comeback.

Coppa Italia - Semi-final (First Leg) - 8-2-2012 (8:45 p.m.) - Giuseppe Meazza (San Siro) Stadium - Milan Referee: Paolo Mazzoleni Antonio Conte to start January signings against AC Milan in Coppa Italia clash Marco Borriello, Simone Padoin and Martin Caceres all arrived in Turin last month and the Bianconeri boss believes that the trio warrant the opportunity to prove their worth. Feb 7, 2012 Juventus coach Antonio Conte has revealed that he will field his three most recent signings in the first leg of their Coppa Italia semi-final clash with AC Milan on Wednesday night. Marco Borriello, Simone Padoin and Martin Caceres all arrived in Turin last month and the Bianconeri boss believes that the trio warrant the opportunity to prove their worth at San Siro in the away leg. “The three players who arrived in the transfer market need to play and must give us important responses just like all the others," Conte told Juve's official website. "They’ve been brought in to bolster the squad and not just as alternatives, but valid options from every point of view.” Conte also revealed that Marco Storari will take over from first-choice goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon between the posts. “The Coppa Italia is Storari’s competition, there’s no doubt about that," he argued. "I’d like to praise his professionalism. "He’s a great goalkeeper, he wants to play, but he’s making a great contribution both when he’s required to play and off the field.” While Conte is clearly resting some first-team regulars for the game in Milan, the former Bianconeri midfielder insists that his side have every chance of bringing a lead back to Juventus Stadium. “The game needs to be approached in the right way," he mused. "I think both ourselves and Milan want to get through and reach the final, so we’ll look to give everything we’ve got over the two legs to get there. “As far as we’re concerned, it’s the first leg of a semi-final regardless of the opposition we’ll face. "It’s inevitable that I would have preferred to play a weaker opponent and have a greater chance of going through. “Instead, I’d say that both sides have an equal possibility of progressing in the competition." Juventus, who currently lead Serie A by a solitary point from Milan, will face the Rossoneri again in the league at San Siro later this month.

Coppa Italia - Semifinale di Andata - 8-2-2012 (ore 20:45) - Stadio Giuseppe Meazza (San Siro) - Milano Arbitro: Paolo Mazzoleni Confronti ufficiali 206 - 153 (Serie A) - 19 (Coppa Italia) - 32 (Campionato a gironi) - 1 (Champions League) - 1 (Supercoppa italiana) Vittorie Juventus 72 - 53 (Serie A) - 6 (Coppa Italia) - 13 (Campionato a gironi) Pareggi 70 - 53 (Serie A) - 6 (Coppa Italia) - 9 (Campionato a gironi) - 1 (Champions League) - 1 (Supercoppa italiana) Vittorie Milan 64 - 47 (Serie A) - 7 (Coppa Italia) - 10 (Campionato a gironi) Goals Juventus 288 - 211 (Serie A) - 20 (Coppa Italia) - 56 (Campionato a gironi) - 1 (Supercoppa italiana) Goals Milan 278 - 205 (Serie A) - 22 (Coppa Italia) - 50 (Campionato a gironi) - 1 (Supercoppa italiana) Milan - Juventus - Coppa Italia a Milano Confronti ufficiali 8 Vittorie Juventus 2 (L'ultima il 23.01.2002, 1-2) Pareggi 3 (L'ultimo il 31.03.1992, 0-0) Vittorie Milan 3 (L'ultima il 04.06.1978, 4-2) Goals Juventus 8 Goals Milan 10 Giocatori con più presenze e goals contro il Milan a Milano in Coppa Italia 3 presenze Spinosi Luciano 2 Casiraghi Pierluigi 2 Cuccureddu Antonello 2 De Agostini Luigi 2 Galia Roberto 2 Marocchi Giancarlo 2 Schillaci Salvatore 2 Scirea Gaetano 2 Tacconi Stefano 1 Alejnikov Sergeij 1 goal Bellini Savino 1 Birindelli Alessandro 1 Bozzi Marco 1 Del Piero Alessandro 1 Galia Roberto 1 Haller Helmut 1 Novellini Adriano 1 Schincaglia Maurizio Ultimi confronti diretti 12.03.2006 Serie A Juventus-Milan 0-0 01.12.2007 Serie A Milan-Juventus 0-0 12.04.2008 Serie A Juventus-Milan 3-2 14.12.2008 Serie A Juventus-Milan 4-2 10.05.2009 Serie A Milan-Juventus 1-1 10.01.2010 Serie A Juventus-Milan 0-3 15.05.2010 Serie A Milan-Juventus 3-0 30.10.2010 Serie A Milan-Juventus 1-2 05.03.2011 Serie A Juventus-Milan 0-1 02.10.2011 Serie A Juventus-Milan 2-0 Giocate 10 - Vittorie Juventus 4 - Pareggi 3 - Vittorie Milan 3 - Goals Juventus 12 - Goals Milan 13

Coppa Italia - Semi-final (First Leg) - 8-2-2012 (8:45 p.m.) - Giuseppe Meazza (San Siro) Stadium - Milan Referee: Paolo Mazzoleni Lack of goals as top two clash in the cup Feb 7, 2012 Even with Zlatan Ibrahimovic eligible, Michael Lintorn sees AC Milan's big-match issues continuing against Juventus in the first leg of their Coppa Italia semi-final... AC Milan v Juventus, Wednesday 19:45, Match odds: AC Milan 2.3, Juventus 3.6, The Draw 3.35 As Juventus and AC Milan are far friendlier than either are with Italy's other giants, Inter, their fight on two fronts for the scudetto and the Coppa Italia has been disconcertingly civil so far, both trying almost too hard to talk up the other. Antonio Conte and co furiously repel any bid to tag them as favourites, even though that's exactly what they are in Serie A at 1.92, so will perhaps relish a chance to compete as legitimate outsiders at the San Siro on Wednesday in the first leg of this Coppa Italia semi-final. Their respective routes to the top of the table and final four of the cup could hardly have been more different. Juventus lead the way because they haven't lost but just as significantly due to their ability to peak in the big games, winning four of their five meetings with top-five rivals. AC Milan don't have that air of invincibility, falling four times already, and their defeats have come to positional rivals with only one victory and six points claimed in eight encounters with top-seven colleagues. They stay in contention because unlike the Old Lady, they excel at negotiating Serie A's notoriously tough lesser teams. That's primarily thanks to moments of Zlatan Ibrahimovic magic, however a slap at Salvatore Aronica on Sunday sees him banned for three league matches, one against Juventus. The Swede is available for this cup clash with his former employers, yet he didn't have much of an impact when Juventus sunk the Rossoneri 2-0 in October. He heads into this tie on the back of two blanks in which his side failed to score entirely, so the visitors do appeal at chunky odds of 3.6. Other options if you fancy the unbeaten Bianconeri but aren't certain that they will triumph include laying the hosts at 2.32 and backing them in the draw no bet market at 2.3. Three of the last four semi-final first legs have had under 2.5 goals, so with both sides involved in 0-0 draws at the weekend and the champions in particular weakened by the absence of Alexandre Pato, Antonio Cassano and Kevin-Prince Boateng, that's perhaps the most attractive option of all at 1.75.

Coppa Italia - Semi-final (First Leg) - 8-2-2012 (8:45 p.m.) - Giuseppe Meazza (San Siro) Stadium - Milan Referee: Paolo Mazzoleni Conte: It's 50-50 Feb 7, 2012 Juventus coach Antonio Conte believes tomorrow's Coppa Italia semi-final first leg against AC Milan is too close to call. Milan beat Lazio 3-1 at the San Siro to book their place in the last four as Juve overcame Roma 3-0, and Conte is confident both sides will give the competition their all alongside battling it out at the top of Serie A. Juve are currently top of the league, one point ahead of Milan. "We'll put everything we have on to the field," Conte told www.giornalaccio rosa.it. "The percentages are split 50-50, and the result will be decided on the pitch." Conte also confirmed his three new signings will play at the San Siro. "Marco Borriello, Martin Caceres, Simone Padoin will play," he said. "In goal we will play Marco Storari and who is in better shape at the moment out of strikers Fabio Quagliarella and Alessandro Del Piero? I think they're both well. I hope so. Del Piero plays." Milan boss Massimiliano Allegri will be without a host of players, including Antonio Cassano, Alexandre Pato, Kevin-Prince Boateng, Alexander Merkel, Gennaro Gattuso, Alberto Aquilani and Mathieu Flamini. However, striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic is eligible for the cup clash against his former club after he was sent off 19 minutes into the second half of Sunday's Serie A clash against Napoli for slapping Salvatore Aronica. In the other semi-final first leg, Siena take on Napoli at the Artemio Franchi on Thursday. Edinson Cavani's brace fired Napoli into the last four at the expense of reigning champions Inter Milan, while Siena defeated Chievo 1-0 in the other quarter-final to book their spot in the semis for the first time. Siena head coach Giuseppe Sannino admitted he was surprised to make it this far, but is prepared for a tough clash against Napoli, who held Milan to a 0-0 draw in the league last weekend. "We reached this semi-final almost without realising it, but by working hard every day," Sannino told Radio Kiss Kiss Napoli. "I have often played youngsters who have not played much in the league and they have done well.Now we have to play with a carefree style, but keeping in mind that Napoli will face us at their home in the next game. "Playing at home, obviously we have to take more risks, because then we will return to San Paolo, where the Napoli crowd always urge their team on to do more. We want to get a positive result to give ourselves a chance against Napoli in the second leg."

Coppa Italia - Semi-final (First Leg) - 8-2-2012 (8:45 p.m.) - Giuseppe Meazza (San Siro) Stadium - Milan Referee: Paolo Mazzoleni Allegri defends Ibra, attacks Juve Feb 7, 2012 Massimiliano Allegri stirred the fires ahead of AC Milan's Italian Cup trip to Turin on Wednesday by sticking up for his under-fire striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic while pointing an accusing finger at opponents Juventus. Ibrahimovic is available to play but will then miss the next three league games – including the crucial top of the table clash with Juve on February 25 – as punishment for slapping Napoli's Salvatore Aronica on Sunday. He was sent off for that, although to Aronica's credit he indulged in no theatrics after the incident. Quite the opposite, in fact. Ibrahimovic's slap came as the Napoli defender had Milan's Antonio Nocerino by the throat and Aronica reacted by slapping the diminutive midfielder, whom Ibrahimovic was standing behind when he threw his cheeky blind-sider. But the linesman saw the first strike and Ibrahimovic was sent packing. Even so, Allegri stuck up for a player who was also banned last season for punching another opponent in the ribs and another time for abusing a linesman. "He did something that wasn't very nice but he was defending Nocerino who he saw as the little guy," said a smiling Allegri. "Similar incidents happen in games and they're not always punished. On Sunday Zlatan paid for everyone so now we'll wait for his appeal (Milan are hoping to have his suspension reduced)." Having defended his own player, Allegri turned on Juventus, who have been complaining since Sunday about a possible penalty they weren't given in their 0-0 draw at home to strugglers Siena. It was a touch-and-go incident but Juve seem convinced they have been robbed and general manager Guiseppe Marotta has been particularly vocal in demanding respect for his team and only the best referees for their games. "People talk about helping the referees but then as soon as a decision goes against them they kick up a stink," said Allegri. "At the end the decisions for and against even themselves out, there's no need to reduce matches to single incidents such as a penalty. "You need to be more serene to help referees. We as a club do things differently (to Marotta)." As for Wednesday's game, Allegri believes a positive result could also help his side's title quest. Juve lead Milan in that competition by a point with a game in hand. "Tomorrow we'll need to work hard because we want to go all the way in this competition," said Allegri. "We must do well and not compromise our chances of making the final. Psychologically it could be a very important key in the league."

Coppa Italia - Semi-final (First Leg) - 8-2-2012 (8:45 p.m.) - Giuseppe Meazza (San Siro) Stadium - Milan Referee: Paolo Mazzoleni Coppa Italia Preview After the two Scudetto rivals both came off 0-0 draws in league play this past weekend they are looking for a good result in their first-leg encounter at San Siro. Feb 7, 2012 PROBABLE LINE-UPS AC MILAN Amelia Abate, Bonera, Thiago Silva, Mesbah Ambrosini, Van Bommel, Nocerino Seedorf El Shaarawy, Ibrahimovic JUVENTUS Storari Caceres, Bonucci, Chiellini, De Ceglie Vidal, Pirlo, Padoin Giaccherini, Borriello, Del Piero Going into the domestic cup tie, injuries continue to be a headache for Rossoneri boss Massimiliano Allegri, who will still be without the likes of Antonio Cassano, Alexandre Pato, Kevin-Prince Boateng, Alberto Aquilani, Mathieu Flamini, Alexander Merkel and Gennaro Gattuso among others. Veteran stopper Alessandro Nesta is also out due to a muscle strain, meaning either Daniele Bonera or Philippe Mexes will partner Thiago Silva at centre-back. Zlatan Ibrahimovic picked up a three-match league ban for slapping Napoli's Salvatore Aronica, but is available for this match and could indeed start against his former team before his enforced rest. New signing Maxi Lopez is also an option. On the other side of the pitch, the Bianconeri do not have nearly as many selection concerns, with just winger Simone Pepe likely to skip the high-profile clash through injury. Nonetheless, coach Antonio Conte is expected to provide some turnover in his starting XI. Marco Storari will replace Gianliugi Buffon in goal and winter signing Marco Borriello should give Alessandro Matri a rest in the central striker role. Leonardo Bonucci should also start in defence. Mirko Vucinic, Alessandro Del Piero and Fabio Quagliarella are all hoping to be the one selected alongside the former Roma player and Emanuele Giaccherini in attack. DID YOU KNOW? •AC Milan were defeated in the semi-finals of last season's Coppa Italia, losing over two legs to Palermo by an aggregate score of 4-3. •This match has not ended in a draw in an official fixture since May 2009, when the two sides fought to a 1-1 stalemate. •The Rossoneri have the best attack in Serie A so far this season (scoring 43 goals) while Juventus have the best defence (conceding 13). •Juventus still boast an unbeaten record in all competitions this term, already overcoming Bologna and Roma in the Coppa Italia. •Claudio Marchisio was the hero the last time these two sides met in a competitive game, scoring two late goals in the Bianconeri's 2-0 win during league play in October 2011. •Andrea Pirlo made 377 appearances for the Rossoneri over a 10-year spell before moving to Turin on a free transfer last summer. Head to Head Serie A - Oct 2, 2011 - Juventus 2 - AC Milan 0 Club Friendlies - Aug 21, 2011 - AC Milan 2 - Juventus 1 Club Friendlies - Aug 18, 2011 - AC Milan 1 - Juventus 2 Serie A - Mar 5, 2011 - Juventus 0 - AC Milan 1 Serie A ‎- Oct 30, 2010 - AC Milan 1 - Juventus 2 Last Five Matches AC Milan Feb 5, 2012 - AC Milan 0 - SSC Napoli 0 - Serie A Feb 1, 2012 - Lazio 2 - AC Milan 0 - Serie A Jan 29, 2012 - AC Milan 3 - Cagliari 0 - Serie A Jan 26, 2012 - AC Milan 3 - Lazio 1 - Coppa Italia Jan 22, 2012 - Novara 0 - AC Milan 3 - Serie A Juventus Feb 5, 2012 - Juventus 0 - Siena 0 - Serie A Jan 28, 2012 - Juventus 2 - Udinese 1 - Serie A Jan 24, 2012 - Juventus 3 - Roma 0 - Coppa Italia Jan 21, 2012 - Atalanta 0 - Juventus 2 - Serie A Jan 15, 2012 - Juventus 1 - Cagliari 1 - Serie A Players to Watch Stephan El Shaarawy The Italy Under-21 international showed plenty of effective touches with a goal and assist against Novara and Lazio respectively in the Coppa Italia thus far and this match will give the ex-Padova man another opportunity to prove to Allegri he can be a regular contributor for his side, even in Serie A and the Champions League. Andrea Pirlo The 2006 World Cup winner was deemed surplus to requirements at San Siro last season, although he has been an undoubted central figure in Juventus' revival in 2011-12 and arguably the best signing in Serie A this season. This cup contest will give the player the chance to show Milan first-hand that they should not have cast him aside so easily. Prediction Conte's men should fancy their chances of taking a result away from home due to the hosts' numerous absenteees. If the Bianconeri can keep it at the back, they should be able to come away with a draw or better before the return leg in late March. Editor's Prediction Milan 1 - 1 Juventus

Coppa Italia - Semi-final (First Leg) - 8-2-2012 (8:45 p.m.) - Giuseppe Meazza (San Siro) Stadium - Milan Referee: Paolo Mazzoleni Allegri sees no Milan crisis Feb 7, 2012 Ahead of the Coppa Italia semi-final with Juventus, Max Allegri declares Milan are not in crisis and defends Zlatan Ibrahimovic after his weekend dismissal. Defeat to Lazio and a draw at home to Napoli may see the Rossoneri still just a point behind League leaders Juve, but they have now played a game more than their Turin rivals. Ahead of welcoming Antonio Conte’s side to San Siro in midweek for the first leg of their Coppa Italia semi-final, Allegri looked to first deny that the red half of Milan is struggling. “Right now we have to stay calm and focused on what we do in the field,” began the Coach. “Without getting distracted by what is said outside of Milanello. “This is not a moment of crisis. There have been some bad results but also on Sunday Juventus drew at home and we are therefore still in line.” The former Cagliari Coach is still wary of the threat Juventus represent on Wednesday night. “The first thing that catches the eye is that they are team with character, all the players show this with their availability and nature and this competition is their first chance to win something important. “If after 20 rounds they have not lost then it means that Juventus have excellent quality. “They are doing well but in the end to win a Scudetto it is always the same, you need to reach around 82-83 points. “Tomorrow will be important for us to win or at least do well in, so as not to endanger the chance of progressing to the final. We want to get to the final of the Coppa Italia.” Allegri prepares for the match with Ibrahimovic available, but he is facing doing without him for the team’s next three League matches after the Swede’s red card for violent conduct at the weekend. “Ibrahimovic has paid a little bit for everyone,” he reflected in defence of his forward. “Unfortunately Ibra has made a not-so-wonderful gesture in going to the defence of [Antonio] Nocerino. We have seen similar incidents in games go unpunished, but we are hopeful on the appeal. “We can cope without him now as apart from [Antonio] Cassano and [Alexandre] Pato, everyone is available, so I am not worried.” Where counterpart Conte refused to comment too much on the situation with Ibrahimovic, Allegri showed no qualms in stirring the pot with regards Beppe Marotta’s complaints from the weekend. The Bianconero director general’s statements on Monday have caught attention in the Press, after he suggested that referees need to be better assigned to games. “I do not know what has prompted these statements from Marotta, but at Milan I have a different style,” commented the 44-year-old tactician. “Here we talk about helping referees, instead of raising a fuss at the first unfavourable decision.”

Buffon best in the 21st Century Feb 7, 2012 Gianluigi Buffon has been named the best goalkeeper of the 21st Century by the International Federation of Football History and Statistics. The IFFHS collects data from all over the world and collates them, including the monthly ranking of clubs. Italy and Juventus shot-stopper Buffon has emerged as the best goalkeeper of the 21st Century, beating Spain’s Iker Casillas and Chelsea man Petr Cech. Recently, the IFFHS also named Buffon the best goalkeeper of the last 25 years. Other familiar faces to Serie A in the top 10 include former Juventus goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar, ex-Milan man Nelson Dida and current Inter star Julio Cesar. IFFHS Goalkeepers of the 21st Century 1) Gianluigi Buffon (ITA) 199 points 2) Iker Casillas (SPA) 197 points 3) Petr Cech (CZE) 154 points 4) Edwin Van Der Sar (NED) 116 points 5) Oliver Kahn (GER) 99 points 6) Nelson Dida (BRA) 90 points 7) Victor Valdes (SPA) 82 points 8) Julio Cesar (BRA) 76 points 9) Jens Lehmann (GER) 72 points 10) Roberto Carlos (ARG) 68 points

Coppa Italia - Semi-final (First Leg) - 8-2-2012 (8:45 p.m.) - Giuseppe Meazza (San Siro) Stadium - Milan Referee: Paolo Mazzoleni Conte targeting Coppa final Feb 7, 2012 Antonio Conte has declared that Juventus will do everything to beat Milan in the Coppa Italia, even as he confirms first-team changes will be made. The two sides, currently locked in the Serie A title race, are preparing this week for the first leg of their Italian Cup semi-final, scheduled at San Siro for Wednesday evening. Ahead of the hotly-anticipated clash, Conte has promised that he and his players will give their all to progress through. “I actually would have preferred a weaker opponent,” he told the assembled Press on Tuesday afternoon. “Let me be clear, however, that tomorrow’s match is important beyond the team we face, because it is the semi-final of the Coppa Italia. “We want to reach the final, as well as to take on Milan now. The opportunity to progress is equally spread between the two teams because playing home and away in this meeting counts for a lot in terms of performance. “To win a European competition for example, you have to be good but also lucky, because if you are in a period of poor form, you can get away with facing less-equipped opponents, whilst in the League usually the best team is rewarded for their continuity.” Conte has confirmed that he will ring the changes for the clash, from giving run-outs to each of the club’s January signings to handing Marco Storari a go in goal again. “He is playing his part in the right way and the least I can do on my part is thank him for what he is doing. He is a great professional and a great goalkeeper who is giving me a big hand on and off the field. “The new signings have come to represent not only alternatives but points of strength. “Moreover, Caceres has been at Juventus before, I’ve worked with Padoin at Atlanta, whilst Borriello has now been here for a month. “Therefore when they play they can contribute, because we need them to, straight away.” However, it may still be too early to expect involvement from the forgotten man Elijero Elia. “Elijero has grown since he arrived. He is starting to understand what we want from him and he is close to becoming a more complete player. He is entering a new type of mentality and a new way of working and is starting to show in training some of the features that led us to buy him. “I expect him when the time is right to become a reliable player in all the points that you say I do not see in him on the field, and it will be when you least expect it.” The two clubs also meet later in the month in the League. Before they do, though, the Bianconeri face three further League tests in what is proving to be a cramped fixture schedule through February. Specifically, the postponed clash with Parma is scheduled for a week tomorrow. “The rearranged fixtures are destabilising, because there are programs of work we have planned out for months in advance, and instead, you find yourself having to review things a little because you have to try to retrieve items that are already planned out. “There was meant to be a week of work between Bologna and Catania, and yet now we have to play against Parma… “We are experienced a tough winter, you still don’t know what will happen tomorrow of even in the next round of League games, but the call is always the same - to be in a position to offer the best show possible.”

Marchisio calls for Juve focus Feb 7, 2012 Claudio Marchisio has admitted that his Juventus side need to be better prepared when facing Serie A’s smaller clubs. The Old Lady have impressed in the big games this season, but have sometimes stuttered against other outfits whom they are expected to beat. Their 0-0 with Siena on Sunday followed earlier home draws this season against Bologna, Cagliari and Genoa. “We have to be more motivated and focused, especially in games like this,” the midfielder told Sky Sport Italia when asked about the weekend tie. “It was a big match for us, but we were unable to take advantage of Milan’s false step against Napoli. “We have an easier fixture list on paper when compared to the others, but we have to improve our concentration.” Juve did receive a boost on Monday though when Zlatan Ibrahimovic was banned for Milan’s next three games – meaning he’ll miss the clash with the Old Lady. “It shouldn’t interest us,” Marchisio stated. “The Rossoneri are a great side even without him. It won’t be easy.”

Bologna-Juve to be moved? Feb 7, 2012 Bologna have confirmed that they have asked for Sunday’s kick-off time for their game against Juventus to be moved. The tie is presently scheduled to start locally at 20.45, but the Rossoblu want it brought forward to the afternoon because of the big freeze in Italy. “We’ve asked the Lega Serie A to move the match to 15.00 hours,” Rossoblu Vice-President Maurizio Setti told TMW. “It has started to snow again in Bologna today and there is a risk that snow at the weekend could make the game impossible to play. “Nevertheless, Juventus have informed us that they will agree to an earlier kick-off. Let us see what happens over the next hours.” All of last weekend’s evening matches were switched to afternoon ties given the freezing temperatures in the peninsula.

Buffon agent in no contract rush Feb 7, 2012 The agent of Gianluigi Buffon says that there is no meeting planed with Juventus to discuss a contract extension. Buffon has 18 months left on his Turin deal and there have been reports that negotiations were on the horizon for a renewal until 2016. “For the moment, there are no meetings pencilled in with Juventus,” his representative Silvano Martina told TMW on Tuesday. “To be honest, that is to be expected given that the present agreement ends in 2013. “There is plenty of time to sit down around a table to find a solution. It’s only right that Juve and Buffon concentrate on the championship for now.” The Italian international, 34, joined Juventus in the summer of 2001 from Parma for a fee of £32m.

Coppa Italia - Semi-final (First Leg) - 8-2-2012 (8:45 p.m.) - Giuseppe Meazza (San Siro) Stadium - Milan Referee: Paolo Mazzoleni If Zlatan Ibrahimovic is suspended for Juventus Scudetto showdown, then bet against AC Milan retaining the title The Swede has been handed a three-match ban which will keep him out of the top-of-the-table clash, and if the decision is upheld it spells trouble for the Rossoneri. Feb 7, 2012 We’ve been here before. It was last March when Zlatan Ibrahimovic lashed out at Bari’s Marco Rossi in back play during a disappointing draw at San Siro. His red card and subsequent suspension appeared to have jeopardised AC Milan’s title charge, with a derby clash with Inter one of the fixtures he was due to miss. But whereas last time around the Rossoneri pulled through without their talisman, there is a very different feel about what the Swede’s current ban could do to their hopes of retaining the Scudetto. His latest red card, for a slap on Napoli’s Salvatore Aronica on Sunday, has resulted in a three-match ban which will see him miss trips to Udinese and Cesena, plus – crucially – the San Siro clash with Juventus at the end of the month. He and Milan could yet decide to appeal against the suspension, with the FIGC’s justice committee potentially holding one of the keys to the title in their hands in making a decision. There are two very important differences between the current case and the episode with Rossi last spring. The showpiece game of Ibra’s ban in 2011 was the second of his original three-match punishment, with his appeal then resulting in a one-game deduction which saw him return for the trip to Fiorentina but still miss out on the Derby della Madonnina. Now, there will be great spotlight on the next step in the disciplinary process given that game three could be a title decider. And that is especially so after Milan turned in another clueless performance at the weekend. With Robinho putting on an anonymous display yet again, the doubts over the champions’ threat on the ball increased. Their midfield has become increasingly one-dimensional as the season has progressed and, Ibra aside, their attack has struggled for both goals and ingenuity. The next three games will make or break the Rossoneri’s title hopes. If they can at least maintain the current gap behind Juve in the table, then they should still be regarded as the favourites to pull off a title success. If they drop further behind, they could well be a goner. Their forward reserves are hugely stretched as it is, so without their one true force they are likely to struggle big time. These same three fixtures last year saw Milan pick up a solitary point, and that came at Udinese on the final day when the title had already been won and the home side needed a draw to clinch a Champions League play-off spot. Even six points may not be a positive return one year on. Milan will now look to Maxi Lopez to make a huge impression just a couple of weeks after his eventual arrival from Catania. They had the Argentine striker sat waiting around in a Milan hotel while they attempted to make strides in their move for his countryman Carlos Tevez before finally getting Lopez to sign on the dotted line when the Tevez move became doomed. Yet their second-choice signing must now prove he can lead a Serie A title challenge. It is a big ask of anyone at any time, but it is especially so given the current absences of Alexandre Pato, Kevin-Prince Boateng and Antonio Cassano, along with the poor form of Robinho and Filippo Inzaghi’s continued battle with Father Time. The struggles are reflected in the numbers, with the Rossoneri infinitely more reliant upon Ibrahimovic for goals and results this season. Their win percentage is up when he plays, down when he doesn't. Last term, they had what it took to get over his absences. Do they now? You wouldn’t bet on it. On Wednesday night at San Siro, Ibrahimovic will lead Milan’s attack against Juventus as they look to blaze a trail to Rome for the Coppa Italia final. But by the time he comes up against Italian opposition once more, the Rossoneri’s title hopes could be over. The next few games will provide their make or break moment.

Coppa Italia - Semi-final (First Leg) - 8-2-2012 (8:45 p.m.) - Giuseppe Meazza (San Siro) Stadium - Milan Referee: Paolo Mazzoleni Galliani: “Milan aren’t favourites” Feb 7, 2012 Milan Vice-President Adriano Galliani has shot down Antonio Conte’s claims that the Rossoneri are favourites for the Scudetto. The Juventus boss recently suggested that the Diavolo were in pole position for the title despite the fact that his Old Lady side lead the standings. “Conte is being crafty when he says certain things,” Galliani told the giornalaccio rosa dello Sport. “He’s saying as much to keep the attention off his side. “I don’t see why we would be favourites. With all these injuries that we have at the minute we can’t be any more…” After placing the Bianconeri in pole position for the title, the San Siro official seemed to rule out an Inter recovery in the championship. “Sport is made up of cycles,” he noted. “Perhaps they’ll return to winning ways in a few years from now.” Juve lead Milan by a point in the standings, but the leaders also have a game in hand. Inter are fifth, nine points behind the Bianconeri.

Serie A - 3^ Giornata - Ritorno - 5-2-2012 (ore 15:00) 0 - 0 Juventus Stadium - Torino Arbitro: Sebastiano Peruzzo Spettatori: 35392‎ Serie A - Il Siena fa muro, la Juve rallenta La Juventus di Antonio Conte scivola sul suo unico punto debole di questo sorprendente inizio di stagione, ovvero correre, produrre gioco senza però concludere. Nel freddo di Torino il muro senese lascia a secco Pirlo e compagni. Protagonista assoluto del match Pegolo. Eurosport - Domenica, 5 febbraio 2012 C’è una cosa che questa Juventus capolista e imbattuta non riesce proprio a trovare: la concretezza. Gli uomini di Antonio Conte dominano in lungo e in largo, macinano chilometri su chilometri ma riescono sempre e puntualmente a mancare l’ultimo e decisivo affondo. Colpa di un Vucinic sotto tono? Può darsi. Di un gioco che in molte occasioni lascia fuori Andrea Pirlo per preferire la corsa istancabile degli uomini di fascia? Anche questo influisce, fatto sta che la Juventus anche contro il Siena, nella bolgia del proprio stadio, non riesce ad andare oltre lo 0-0 nonostante le innumerevoli occasioni create. Un male, questo della mancanza di cinismo e concretezza, che accompagna la Juventus dalla prima giornata di campionato. A salvare la domenica bianconera ci pensa comunque il Milan che pareggia in casa contro il Napoli lasciando invariata la situazione in classifica con i bianconeri sempre sempre leader, con un punto di vantaggio e una partita in meno (contro il Parma, rinviata per neve). C’è solo la Juventus in campo. Un dominio che però si rivela, fin dai primi minuti sterile. Per vedere una conclusione in porta bisogna attendere infatti la mezzora con Lichsteiner servito alla perfezione da Pirlo che si vede respingere in angolo da Pegolo (migliore in campo) la conclusione al volo. Il Siena si limita a contenere e lanciare lungo per il solo Mattia destro sempre in fuorigioco. Al 37esimo esce l’acciaccato (e invisibile) Pepe, dentro Giaccherini. Nella ripresa la storia non cambia. Solo Juve in campo ma la trama è la stessa: tanta corsa, tante azioni e poche conclusioni. Ci vuole infatti un calcio di punizione di Pirlo a impegnare Pegolo con un miracolo che salva la porta senese. Esce l’inconsistente Vucinic per Borriello. Conte si affida sempre alle corse di De Ceglie e Lichsteiner ma i suoi non riescono a segnare. La partita si infiamma quindi a cinque minuti dal termine quando Vergassola tocca il pallone con un braccio in area. L’arbitro lascia correre tra le tante proteste bianconere e nella ripartenza il Siena per poco non colpisce. Buffon non riesce a bloccare una conclusione dal limite e Gazzi manca per poco la deviazione in gol. Giaccherini sfiora il gol con una conclusione a giro. Il Siena si salva e la Juventus rallenta. Andrea Prete - Eurosport Juventus - Siena 0-0

AC Milan to appeal Ibrahimovic's three-match ban The Swedish ace has been ruled out of the club's next three Serie A matches, including the clash against Juventus, after it was ruled that his gesture represented violent conduct. Feb 6, 2012 AC Milan have confirmed that they intend to appeal against Zlatan Ibrahimovic's three match-ban for violent conduct in Sunday's goalless draw against Napoli. The Sweden international saw red midway through the second half of the game at San Siro for slapping Salvatore Aronica in the face. Lega Calcio's disciplinary panel convened on Monday to rule on the incident and sports judge Gianpaolo Tosel dished out a three-game ban to the forward. However, the Rossoneri confirmed later in the day that they will contest the suspension, which threatens to deprive the Italian champions of their talismanic striker for their upcoming clashes with Udinese and Juventus. "AC Milan confirms that it will appeal the decision of the Sports Judge who has banned Zlatan Ibrahimovic for three rounds of competition," a statement on the club's official website read. After the game, Milan coach Massimiliano Allegri admitted that Ibrahimovic deserved to be sent off, although club CEO Adriano Galliani stressed there had been no violence involved in the gesture. Ibrahimovic's absence for three games would represent a massive blow to the Rossoneri as the 30-year-old forward is the club's top Serie A scorer with 15 goals this term. http://www.soccerway...regular-season/