Socrates

Serie A Week 24 - 18-2-2012 (8:45 p.m.) - Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee: Christian Brighi Montella: No Juve plot Feb 17, 2012 Catania boss Vincenzo Montella has rejected the theory that there is a conspiracy to stop Juventus from winning. The Old Lady have been very vocal in their protests at not being awarded three penalties in their last two games – against Siena and Parma – which both ended 0-0. “I’ve instructed myself to not speak negatively about referees,” Montella, ahead of tomorrow night’s meeting in Turin, commented. “The referees are doing a good job and I don’t think there is a design to damage Juventus’ progress,” he added. “There needs to be a change in culture, this needs to be the first step. Errors are part of the game and they always have been.” Catania drew 1-1 with Juve earlier in the season, but Montella is cautious about his side’s chances of coming away from the Juventus Stadium unbeaten. “Our side is different compared to the first game against Juventus this term,” continued the former Roma striker. “Juventus are having a spectacular campaign and they all deserve praise. It will be a hard game for us. I see a Juventus side with more character and determination. “We’re ready to play our game without losing sight of our objectives. It’s nice to feel such faith in us, but the fundamental matches for us will be against Siena and Novara. “We have to play as aggressively as we did against Roma. We’ll play with attention, but without putting up barricades.” http://www.soccerway...regular-season/

Serie A - 2^ Giornata - Ritorno - 15-2-2012 (ore 18:30) 0 - 0 Stadio Ennio Tardini - Parma Arbitro: Paolo Silvio Mazzoleni Spettatori: 13000 Serie A - La Juve impatta contro il Parma: 0-0 Parma e Juve si dividono la posta in palio. Nel recupero della 21a giornata, la squadra di Conte non va oltre lo 0-0 al Tardini. I bianconeri creano molte occasioni, ma il palo e Pavarini salvano i gialloblu. La Vecchia Signora rimane a -1 dal Milan capolista. Eurosport - Mercoledí, 15 febbraio 2012 Si conclude 0-0 il recupero della 21a giornata tra Parma e Juventus. Al Tardini, la squadra di Conte perde una buona occasione per superare il Milan capolista. I bianconeri vanno vicino al gol in più occasioni ma, prima il palo, poi Pavarini, impediscono alla Juve di portare a casa i tre punti. BIANCONERI CON MATRI E VUCINIC, DONADONI SCEGLIE FLOCCARI CON GIOVINCO - Conte si affida alla difesa a tre con Estigarribia e Lichsteiner esterni alti. In attacco spazio a Matri e Vucinic con Quagliarella pronto in panchina. I crociati rispondo davanti con Giovinco coadiuvato da Floccari. Prima del match piccola cerimonia di addio ad un grande del Parma: Hernan Crespo. L'argentino saluta la società emiliana dopo 162 partite e 72 gol, una Coppa Uefa, una Coppa Italia e una Supercoppa Italiana. Sul suo futuro nulla è ancora deciso. CHIELLINI PRENDE IL PALO, PIRLO E VUCINIC CI PROVANO - Al Tardini va in scena un primo tempo abbastanza avaro di emozioni. Al 4' minuto la Juve sfiora il vantaggio con Chiellini che, su punizione dalla fascia battuta da Pirlo, svetta in mezzo all'area e di testa colpisce in pieno il palo. I ducali si difendono praticamente a cinque, chiudendosi molto bene ad ogni azione avversaria. Per cui i bianconeri cercano altri modi per rendersi pericolosi. Ci provano su punizione con il solito Pirlo che al 20' da limite sfiora il palo, e con due belle conclusioni di Vucinic dalla distanza: la prima va alta sopra la traversa, la seconda viene facilmente parata da Pavarini. Non succede praticamente nient'altro nella prima frazione, e dopo due minuti di recupero le squadre vanno a prendersi un the caldo. LA JUVENTUS CI PROVA, MA IL PARMA REGGE - Il secondo tempo è di un'altra pasta rispetto al primo, molto più vivace e divertente. La partita si accende al 20' della ripresa, quando accade il primo intervento dubbio del match: Pirlo trova libero Giaccherini che scatta in posizione regolare, Biabiany da dietro lo tocca e l'ex cesenate cade in area ma Mazzoleni lascia proseguire. Il Parma finalmente si fa vedere dalle parti di Buffon con Mariga che pesca Giovinco in posizione regolare; la Formica atomica salta Buffon e da posizione defilata cerca qualcuno in mezzo ma Barzagli interviene e mette in angolo. Cinque minuti dopo anche il Parma reclama un rigore: il solito Giovinco salta Barzagli con un colpo di tacco magnifico. Il difensore ex Palermo con il braccio spinge un po' il giocatore del Parma che cade a terra. L'arbitro redarguisce subito Giovinco per essersi buttato, ma dal replay la spinta sembra esserci stata. La gara è vibrante e la Juve ci crede. Vucinic ci prova ancora con due conclusioni di sinistro, ma Pavarini è sempre pronto. Il portiere del Parma è decisivo soprattutto nel finale di partita, prima all'81' quando Pirlo si inventa un destro da 30 metri angolatissimo, ma l'estremo difensore si allunga e devia in angolo. Poi tre minuti dopo Giaccherini scatta da solo in posizione regolare e davanti alla porta tira di sinistro. Pavarini però non si butta, rimane in piedi e blocca addirittura la conclusione in due tempi. L'ultimo episodio del match succede al 93', quando Santacroce atterra Pirlo davanti alla porta. Il contatto è dubbio, ma l'arbitro lascia ancora proseguire mandando su tutte le furie l'ex milanista. La partita finisce qui con il risultato di 0-0. JUVE A -1 DAL MILAN, PARMA SALE A 28 PUNTI - Un punto sicuramente guadagnato dalla squadra di Donadoni. Il Parma ha fatto poco per vincere questa partita, con Buffon spettatore dalla sua porta e mai praticamente impegnato. Due punti persi invece per i bianconeri, al secondo 0-0 consecutivo dopo quello contro il Siena. La Vecchia Signora ci ha provato, ma il gol non è arrivato. Ora la Juve aspetta sabato sera il Catania, per provare a superare momentaneamente i rossoneri in classifica. Fabio Psoroulas - Eurosport Parma - Juventus 0-0

Serie A Week 21 - 15-2-2012 (6:30 p.m.) 0 - 0 Ennio Tardini Stadium - Parma Referee: Paolo Silvio Mazzoleni Attendance: 13000 Juventus back Antonio Conte's comments over state of refereeing The Bianconeri have demanded fair treatment from referees after several club personalities expressed their unhappiness with the lack of penalty kicks awarded to Conte's side. Feb 16, 2012 Juventus have issued a statement in support of Antonio Conte's criticism towards the referees' treatment of the club. The Italian coach, along with midfielder Andrea Pirlo and former Juventus star Pavel Nedved, aired his unhappiness towards the way match officials treat the Bianconeri after Wednesday's goalless draw at Parma. Juventus have only been awarded one spot-kick in Serie A so far this season (the lowest record in the competition), and Conte demanded that his side be treated on par with the remaining clubs. "Juventus Football Club confirm and support all statements from manager Antonio Conte, councillor Pavel Nedved and Andrea Pirlo at the end of the game," a club statement read. "Juventus hope that treatment equality - a fundamental purpose pursued by the club - always applies in accordance with football rules and with both sports and ordinary law." The Turin-based club lie in second position in the Serie A table, one point off AC Milan, albeit having one match in hand. http://www.soccerway...regular-season/

Serie A Week 21 - 15-2-2012 (6:30 p.m.) 0 - 0 Ennio Tardini Stadium - Parma Referee: Paolo Silvio Mazzoleni Attendance: 13000 Juve support Conte’s claims Feb 16, 2012 Juventus have released a statement backing the comments from Coach Antonio Conte and midfielder Andrea Pirlo, that the club deserve equal treatment. The pair, along with Pavel Nedved, have been vocal in complaining about the failure of referees to award the Bianconeri penalty-kicks this season. The outcry followed the latest penalty appeals against Parma, that Conte claimed was the latest example of match officials being afraid to award the club spot-kicks. “Juventus football club confirms and supports the statements by Coach Antonio Conte, director Pavel Nedved and Andrea Pirlo after the game,” read the official club note. “The club hopes that equal treatment, which they are pursuing and will pursue at every ground, is always applied in accordance with the rules of the game of football.” http://www.soccerway...regular-season/

Serie A Week 21 - 15-2-2012 (6:30 p.m.) 0 - 0 Ennio Tardini Stadium - Parma Referee: Paolo Silvio Mazzoleni Attendance: 13000 Ranieri: Conte is wrong Feb 16, 2012 Claudio Ranieri does not follow Antonio Conte’s assertion that only Juventus are suffering at the hands of referees this season. After having two penalty appeals denied against Parma on Wednesday night, Conte delivered a post-match complaint to the Press that his Bianconeri are victims of referees unwilling to award them such decisions. In his own news conference the next day that was otherwise for looking ahead to Inter’s Friday meeting with Bologna, Ranieri took time to assess Conte’s claim. “The referees are afraid to award penalties to them?” he began. “Then with Inter they are terrified. “With us too they have been wrong. I do not agree with Conte. “I lost to Novara, and have been quiet with no excuses, the important thing is that the referee designator is not influenced by those who raise their voice.” http://www.soccerway...regular-season/

Serie A Week 21 - 15-2-2012 (6:30 p.m.) 0 - 0 Ennio Tardini Stadium - Parma Referee: Paolo Silvio Mazzoleni Attendance: 13000 Donadoni questions Juve style Feb 16, 2012 Parma boss Roberto Donadoni thinks that Juventus’ refereeing protests show a lack of class. The two teams drew 0-0 at the Stadio Tardini on Wednesday, but the Old Lady were furious after having two penalty appeals turned down. “I don’t comment on refereeing errors whether they are for or against my side,” the ex-Italy tactician told the Corriere dello Sport. “That is a stance that I have always set myself. “Clubs of the calibre of Inter, Milan and Juventus should always maintain a certain kind of elegance in relation to match officials.” Juventus boss Antonio Conte, midfielder Andrea Pirlo and director Pavel Nedved have all spoken out about the spot-kicks which were not awarded to La Signora last night. http://www.soccerway...regular-season/

Serie A Week 21 - 15-2-2012 (6:30 p.m.) 0 - 0 Ennio Tardini Stadium - Parma Referee: Paolo Silvio Mazzoleni Attendance: 13000 Berlusconi: Milan better than Juve! Feb 16, 2012 Soon to be Milan President Silvio Berlusconi insists his side are a stronger outfit than title rivals Juventus. Berlusconi made the claim after Juve drew 0-0 at Parma, while his Rossoneri demolished Arsenal 4-0 in the first leg of their Champions League tie. “We’ve never had any doubt about retaining the Scudetto,” the former Italian Prime Minister told Sky Sport Italia. “We are convinced that we are superior to Juventus – even if we do have respect for the excellent squad that they have.” http://www.soccerway...regular-season/

Serie A Week 21 - 15-2-2012 (6:30 p.m.) 0 - 0 Ennio Tardini Stadium - Parma Referee: Paolo Silvio Mazzoleni Attendance: 13000 'Referees need to have more courage', says Nedved after Juventus denied penalty against Parma The Bianconeri legend has stressed that referees need to show more courage when making big decisions, but added that the Turin giants will put the anger into positive energy. Feb 16, 2012 Juventus director Pavel Nedved has expressed his anger with the lack of courage displayed by referees in the aftermath of the Turin giants' scoreless Serie A draw away to Parma on Wednesday evening. The Bianconeri felt they deserved a spot-kick late in the game when Andrea Pirlo went to ground inside the Parma box, but the referee decided against it and waved play on, much to the dismay of Nedved. "There were incidents that influenced this game and it becomes difficult to explain these kind of draws to the players," Nedved was quoted as saying on the club's official website. "Referees need to have more courage. However, we’ll know to turn this anger into positive energy. Conte is doing a great job and we’re all happy." The stalemate saw Juventus remain second in the Serie A table with 46 points, one point behind AC Milan but with a game in hand. They resume Serie A action on Saturday when they host Catania. http://www.soccerway...regular-season/

Serie A Week 21 - 15-2-2012 (6:30 p.m.) 0 - 0 Ennio Tardini Stadium - Parma Referee: Paolo Silvio Mazzoleni Attendance: 13000 Pirlo demands Juve equality Feb 16, 2012 Juventus ace Andrea Pirlo was amazed that he wasn’t awarded a penalty in last night’s 0-0 draw at Parma. The Italian international fell in the box after a challenge from Fabiano Santacroce, but the referee waved play on – just as he did earlier in the game when Emanuele Giaccherini asked for a spot-kick. “I shielded the ball and I felt a knee in my back,” he told Sky Sport Italia. “I thought it was a clear penalty, but it wasn’t given. “We’re not playing the victims and we don’t want presents from anyone,” added the 32-year-old. “Equality, however, is what we’re after and we ask that when it’s a penalty then it’s awarded – even if it is in the last minute.” Juventus have now drawn their last two Serie A games 0-0 – results which have allowed Milan to go back to the top of the table. “The problem is that we create many opportunities and we don’t score,” continued the summer signing from San Siro. “We dominated the game against Parma, but goalkeeper Nicola Pavarini did well to keep us at bay. We’ll look to improve further, to get back to winning ways instantly.” The Old Lady face Catania at home this weekend. They haven’t beaten them at home in Serie A since 1984. http://www.soccerway...regular-season/

Serie A Week 21 - 15-2-2012 (6:30 p.m.) 0 - 0 Ennio Tardini Stadium - Parma Referee: Paolo Silvio Mazzoleni Attendance: 13000 Conte: 'Refs won't give Juve penalties' Feb 15, 2012 Antonio Conte was furious at the referee after their draw in Parma. “They won’t give us a penalty even if we get killed.” Juventus had two strong appeals for a spot-kick in today’s 0-0 rescheduled Week 21 tie at the Stadio Tardini. “We dominated the game for long periods and need to win in these situations, so it’s a shame we didn’t get all three points,” said the Coach. “Once again, there are a few replays I’d like to see. There was absolutely nothing in Parma’s appeal, as Sebastian Giovinco dived. “As for us, the footage speaks for itself. I think at this stage referees are afraid of giving a penalty to Juventus. We’ve only received one spot-kick this season. “I am not just talking about today’s incidents, but it is a general view of the whole campaign that people are afraid of giving a penalty in favour of Juventus. “That fear comes from all sorts of areas. We carry on, but it is annoying. We’ve had fewer penalties than anyone all season and play 75 per cent of our games in the opposition area. “This situation is really getting on my nerves and I cannot accept that Juventus are unfairly treated. I expect every referee to be even, fair and courageous, because you need guts to award a penalty in stoppages. “At the moment they won’t give us a penalty even if we get killed. We train like animals to play an extraordinary season and just demand fair treatment on a par with everyone else.” http://www.soccerway...regular-season/

Serie A Week 21 - 15-2-2012 (6:30 p.m.) 0 - 0 Ennio Tardini Stadium - Parma Referee: Paolo Silvio Mazzoleni Attendance: 13000 Refs need courage, warns Nedved Feb 15, 2012 Juventus director Pavel Nedved has applauded the players for their efforts at Parma, but was annoyed by the performance of the referee. The Old Lady failed to go back to the top of the table on Wednesday after being held to a 0-0 draw at the Tardini. However, Bianconeri boss Antonio Conte made it clear after the game that he felt his side should have been awarded two penalties. Nedved shared that view. “We can’t criticise the players as they performed with intensity, as did Parma,” the former Czech Republic international told Juventus Channel. “It was a great game, one which was played until the very end and we saw numerous players suffering from cramp. “Unfortunately I wasn’t in agreement with some of the refereeing decisions. Referees need to have more courage. You need personality to make the big decisions. “However, we’ll now turn this anger into positive energy. Conte’s doing a great job and we’re all happy.” Juventus’ previous game in Serie A against Siena ended 0-0 – a tie in which they also believed they should have been awarded a spot-kick. http://www.soccerway...regular-season/

Serie A Week 21 - 15-2-2012 (6:30 p.m.) 0 - 0 Ennio Tardini Stadium - Parma Referee: Paolo Silvio Mazzoleni Attendance: 13000‎ 'Referees are afraid to award penalties to Juventus,' says Antonio Conte The Italian coach says that his side are being treated unfairly as far as spot-kicks are concerned after they missed the chance to leapfrog Milan at the top of the table. Feb 15, 2012 Juventus coach Antonio Conte has launched a scathing attack at Italian referees after Wednesday's goalless draw at Parma. The Bianconeri had two penalty claims waved away by the referee as they were unable to return to the top of the Serie A table, which is occupied by AC Milan. "I think referees are afraid to give penalties to Juventus and I am not talking about today's match," Conte told Sky Sport Italia. "What happened today I have already seen before. "The air we breathe says that if you do not whistle for something against Juve, it is not a mistake. If you make a mistake against Juve, nothing happens. "We want to be treated fairly." Juventus have so far been awarded just one penalty in Serie A this season, with director Beppe Marotta demanding "respect" from match officials earlier in the month. "We play 70-75 per cent of our games in the opposition area and yet we are the team with the lowest number of penalties," Conte continued. "Even the last team in the table is ahead of us in this matter. We dominated the match and had several chances to score. It is a shame that we did not take the three points." Parma also had a strong appeal for a spot-kick in the second period, but Conte saw the play in a different way. "There was nothing in Parma's appeal, as Sebastian Giovinco dived," he explained. "He deserved yellow for that." http://www.soccerway...regular-season/

Serie A Week 21 - 15-2-2012 (6:30 p.m.) 0 - 0 Ennio Tardini Stadium - Parma Referee: Paolo Silvio Mazzoleni Attendance: 13000 Paying the Penalty Feb 15, 2012 There is an old adage that stipulates a title winning campaign is largely based upon finding a way of winning games without necessarily playing great football. Back-to-back goalless draws have seen Juventus fall a point behind title rivals Milan, with a game in hand away at Bologna yet to be played. Despite dominating for large periods at the Tardini on Wednesday night, the Bianconeri were unable to convert chances into goals, thus giving Coach Antonio Conte the foundations on which to deliver a furious post-match rant. Is the pressure building? The heated tirade was based on the notion that the Old Lady’s luck has deserted her. While dismissing a penalty shout for Sebastian Giovinco as nonsensical, Conte revealed a deep rage over the performance of referees involved in games concerning his side thus far. “I think at this stage referees are afraid of giving a penalty to Juventus. We’ve only received one spot-kick this season. This situation is really getting on my nerves and I cannot accept that Juventus are unfairly treated. At the moment they won’t give us a penalty even if we get killed.” While his synopsis may be borderline irrational in terms of not earning a penalty even if we ‘get killed’, it is a view shared by Beppe Marotta who had previously questioned the standard of refereeing and demanded fairness. Similarly, this opinion was echoed by players both past and present. Pavel Nedved called for referees to 'have more courage', while Andrea Pirlo, who was at the centre of a penalty shout, claims 'we're not playing the victims and we don't want presents from anyone, but equality is what we're after'. While it is both acceptable to suggest and debatable as to whether the Bianconeri have wrongly been denied numerous penalty claims, Emanuele Giaccherini appeared to have a legitimate claim last night, it provides a distraction from a deeper lying problem, goals. Of the top eight sides in Serie A, along with Palermo, Juve have scored the least goals so far this season, 33 in 22 games compared to Milan’s 45. While they may well boast the tightest defence in the league, it fails to address the issue of a lack of clinical edge. From Giorgio Chiellini’s effort against the post, to Andrea Pirlo’s free-kick which whistled past Nicola Pavarini’s woodwork, until there is a distinct improvement in front of goal, these draws will not be turned into victories (a penalty or two would help). Juve have scored more than two goals in a game on just three occasions this season, which ultimately paves the way for heart-wrenching moments in avoiding conceding late goals to scupper victory, to gasps of desperation when in search of a game-winning goal. With the pessimistic outlook succinctly covered, numerous positives remain. The Bianconeri are still unbeaten, 12 wins and 10 draws attesting to that. Should they win their game in hand, they have an opportunity to open up a two point gap at the top with the upcoming trip to San Siro on February 25. While a grievance can have the undesired effect of frustration, it’s perhaps important to remain calm as we enter a crucial part of the season. While the Rossoneri appear to be regaining form with a win away at Udinese and their mid-week thrashing of Arsenal, it is more important than ever for Conte and Co. to concentrate on the task in hand, and hope lady luck returns before the end of the season. Angry with some of the refereeing decisions in recent weeks and feel Juve are being hard done by?! Or is it all just a distraction from the real issue, the lack of goals? http://www.soccerway...regular-season/