Socrates

Serie A - 14^ Giornata - Andata - 4/12/2011 (ore 15:00) 2 - 0 Claudio Marchisio (72') Arturo Vidal Pardo (R - 83') Juventus Arena - Torino Arbitro: Daniele Doveri Spettatori: 27000‎ Serie A - La Juve soffre, ma resta in vetta La squadra di Conte mette alle corde il Cesena ma sblocca il risultato soltanto nella ripresa grazie a un sinistro di Marchisio e a un rigore trasformato da Vidal. Sfortunatissimo Del Piero, che entra nel 2° tempo ed esce poco dopo per un taglio al volto. Eurosport - Domenica, 4 dicembre 2011 NIENTE TURN OVER - Dopo il brillante pareggio in rimonta contro il Napoli, allo Juventus Stadium arriva il Cesena: 1 fisso sulla carta, ma Antonio Conte non si fida dei bianconeri più deboli, e così il turnover è rimandato a data da destinarsi (quasi certamente la Coppa Italia). Effettua solo un cambio, inserendo Pazienza, e soltanto perché Pirlo è squalificato. MONOLOGO JUVENTINO - La Juve del primo tempo (e complessivamente di tutti i 90’) è quella di sempre: tanta grinta e pressing, con il Cesena costretto a difendersi fin dalle battute iniziali, ma stoicamente deciso a difendere con le unghie e con i denti un prezioso pareggio. Matri e Vucinic si procurano un paio di occasioni per parte, ma il fortino del Cesena resiste agli assalti degli uomini di Conte, e quando Doveri manda le squadre negli spogliatoi, il risultato è ancora fermo sullo 0-0. LA CHANCE DI QUAGLIARELLA - Nella ripresa Arrigoni dà spazio a Malonga, che sostituisce Bogdani, mentre poco dopo Conte decide di gettare nella mischia Quagliarella al posto di Matri. Al 56’ arriva anche il momento di Del Piero, tra l’ovazione del pubblico, mentre Vucinic si accomoda in panchina. La Juve nel frattempo ha già ripreso il proprio forcing furioso, con gli ospiti che (eccezion fatta per qualche tentativo di contropiede) rimangono ancorati nella loro metà campo. Pepe di testa sfiora l’ennesimo sigillo in campionato (sarebbe stato il quarto consecutivo), Pazienza e Quagliarella ci provano con due conclusioni da fuori, ma senza fortuna. SFORTUNA DEL PIERO - Al 64’ Del Piero viene anticipato da Rossi, che nel tentativo di anticiparlo alza la gamba e lo colpisce al volto: sangue al sopracciglio, tanto spavento, e il capitano della Vecchia Signora costretto a lasciare il terreno di gioco. Al suo posto entra Giaccherini. Intanto il tempo passa, Martinho impegna Buffon nell’unica occasione degna di nota per il Cesena, mentre la Juve non demorde e continua a premere. Al minuto 72 un bel sinistro rasoterra di Marchisio pone fine alle sofferenze degli uomini di Conte, e poi Pepe (servito da Giaccherini) si mangia il 2-0. Che arriva comunque, con la grossa complicità del direttore di gara: all’81’ Antonioli anticipa Giaccherini, che cade a terra: per l’arbitro è rigore, e a poco servono le proteste dei romagnoli. PENALTY GENEROSO - Oltre il danno la beffa: Arrigoni ha finito i cambi, in porta ci va Rodriguez, che sul tiro dal dischetto di Vidal nemmeno si muove. 2-0, e pratica chiusa. Eder sfiora l’1-2, Quagliarella tira addosso a Lichtsteiner, poi arriva il triplice fischio finale. La Juve si riprende la vetta; con tanta fatica ma in ogni caso con merito. Il Cesena-tutto-difesa (catenacciaro) ha fatto quel che ha potuto, e per poco non gli è scappata una mezza impresa. Eurosport http://www.tifosibia...0#entry11662945 Juventus - Cesena 2-0

Marotta moves to block Chelsea switch for Giovinco Dec 6, 2011 Juventus GM Beppe Marotta is ready to battle Chelsea for Parma midfielder Sebastian Giovinco. Giovinco's agent has already confirmed Chelsea's interest in the Atomic Ant, where Blues owner Roman Abramovich is a big fan. However, the midfielder is co-owned by Juve and Marotta has made it clear they want to bring him back to Turin. "We hope that Giovinco would return to Juve," he said. "Parma is a friendly club. There is a real possibility: it will be good for Juventus and, therefore, also good for the national team. We have half, so we can bring him back."

Serie A Week 14 - 4-12-2011 (3:00 p.m.) 2 - 0 Claudio Marchisio (72') Arturo Vidal Pardo (P - 83') Juventus Arena - Turin Referee: Daniele Doveri Attendance: 27000 Vidal delighted with Juve win Arturo Vidal has praised his Juventus side after they broke down a determined Cesena defence to record a 2-0 victory on Sunday. Dec 5, 2011 Cesena made it difficult for the Old Lady by focusing on simply defending while hoping to catch Juve on the break. However, head coach Antonio Conte's side kept hammering away at the Seahorses and finally broke through as Claudio Marchisio and Vidal hit the back of the net. "We'll go far like this," Vidal stated. "I'm very happy about the three points and the hard-fought victory. "This was a very difficult game for us, one where Cesena came with the idea of just putting up barricades. "You have to compliment them. They did well until we finally scored and they were on the verge of picking up a great result. "We broke the deadlock though and it was then a different game. "First place belongs to us in the table and we are having a spectacular campaign so far." http://www.soccerway...regular-season/

Pirlo: I want a trophy with Juventus Dec 5, 2011 AC Milan’s midfield string-puller-in-chief for some ten years, Andrea Pirlo certainly caused something of a stir this summer when leaving I Rossoneri for Serie A rivals Juventus. Making the switch even more piquant was the fact that the Italian international, a FIFA World Cup™ winner in 2006, was out of contract and cost Juve nothing in transfer fees. “It’s the bargain of the century for us. Seeing him play in front of my backline, it made me realise that God does exist,” said his new club-mate Gianluigi Buffon, another key member of that triumphant Nazionale squad at Germany 2006, on a player who has to date won 72 senior caps and scored nine goals for his country. Drawing a line under his time in Milan must have been tough for the 32-year-old, whose role as a deep-lying playmaker and ball-winner was a vital cog in the red-and-black machine. A veteran of 401 matches for the club, Pirlo collected two UEFA Champions League crowns, two Serie A titles and one FIFA Club World Cup success, among a host of other winners’ medals. Yet after spending much of last season on the treatment table, the midfield schemer decided the moment was ripe for a fresh challenge and Italian football’s Vecchia Signora welcomed him to Turin with open arms. Three months on, during which Pirlo has already proved he has lost none of his world-class ability, the quietly spoken superstar generously made time for an interview with FIFA.com. FIFA.com: Andrea, Michel Platini once said about you that “if Pirlo’s on song, everything else falls into place”. How are you enjoying life in your new club’s shirt? Andrea Pirlo: I feel very comfortable. The Juventus shirt is steeped in years of success and tradition. Pulling it on gives me a genuine sense of pride after so many years wearing the Milan jersey, which is similarly steeped in history and tradition. I’m very pleased, happy even. *You were part of the furniture at AC Milan, enjoying key-player status as a fans’ favourite. What made you decide to leave? *My contract was coming to an end and I felt the need to seek out new challenges, to win things in another club’s shirt. I think that I needed to move on. You know, after nine or ten seasons with the same club you can find yourself losing your motivation, not having the same level of desire. I’m the one who made the decision: I wanted to experience something new. Right from the moment I arrived at Juve, I could immediately sense the club’s will to win, their determination to go as far as possible as quickly as possible. The coach, the club and the players are all on the same wavelength. From my personal experience, I think we’ve got all the ingredients for success. No other club would have been able to meet my expectations so well. Juve want to reign in Italy and Europe once more and that’s a challenge I want to be part of. *How is your relationship with new boss Antonio Conte, who was as iconic a player for Juventus as you were at AC Milan? *Very good. His footballing philosophy reminds me a little of Carlo Ancelotti, but he’s very similar to Marcello Lippi in the way he goes about his business. He sees the team as a unit that should always stay compact, and he believes that we shouldn’t get obsessed with moving the ball too quickly, as unless your technical ability is faultless that can often lead to mistakes. *Given that you started out as a conventional No10, which coach had the inspirational idea to position you as a deep-lying playmaker? *The idea came from Carlo Ancelotti, and I think that I was one of the first players to play that role out on the pitch. I don’t know if I’d call myself a pioneer, but from a tactical point of view it’s clear that playing in that role allows me to dictate the tempo of the whole team, to set the pace of the game. I feel particularly at home in the position. And it’s true that, even when I was just starting out (and playing as a No10), I tended to drift deep to get hold of the ball. That’s perhaps the reason why I feel so good in this position. *Would it be fair to say that playing in a deeper role is also a better fit for your personality, since you’re quite a reserved character? Playmakers tend to be in the spotlight more... *I’m quite simply a totally normal guy. And once I’m away from the pitch or the dressing room that’s where it ends for me, the rest is nobody else’s business. I’ve had the extremely good fortune to be able to do what I love most in the world for a job. But at the same time, because of the way I am, I’ve always been able to keep my feet on the ground – thanks to the help of my family and those closest to me. *As a former No10, can you explain why fewer and fewer teams deploy someone in that role? *There are a few youngsters coming through in that position, but coaches nowadays are looking for other characteristics – such as physical strength and speed. They matter, no doubt, but they're not the be-all and end-all. *Johan Cruyff once said that “Pirlo can make his feet do whatever he wants. He’s a genius.” How does it feel to hear that? *It is possible that I was born with a particular gift. But I still wouldn't have got to this level without a lot of hard work and sacrifice. I’m a fan of players with strong personalities and great technical ability. Above all I really have an appreciation for those players capable of dictating the tempo of matches and starting moves. *How would someone go about becoming a set-piece expert like yourself? *Every single day, ever since I first became a pro, I’ve stayed back after training to practice my set-piece taking. Nobody has ever forced me to, but it’s something I enjoy. I’d like young players to understand how important dead-ball situations can be, as they can often decide the outcome of a game. By practising them a little every day, you gain greater accuracy and a more delicate touch. *What do you think of the view that the way you play has changed Italian football? *Of course that’s nice to hear, but one player alone, however technically gifted he is, can’t change a whole playing system. I think it’s best to keep your feet on the ground and keep working hard. *Which coach have you enjoyed the closest relationship with? *Without taking anything away from all the great coaches that I’ve crossed paths with during my career, I think that I’ve felt most at home with Ancelotti. Why? It’s hard to explain. It’s probably down to the simple fact that we share similar character traits. *Is there anything you regret about your career? *It would be impossible not to have regrets: they’re part of the game. That said, I think that every disappointment or regret we experience helps us all grow as people and professionals and strengthens our characters. *Finally, do you think this could be the season Juventus reclaim the Scudetto? *It’s still too soon to tell and, to be honest, I don’t even think we should be thinking about that yet. Juve have finished in seventh place for the past two seasons, so we need to keep our feet on the ground, keep working hard and continue playing the way we’ve been doing since the start of the campaign.

Serie A Week 14 - 4-12-2011 (3:00 p.m.) 2 - 0 Claudio Marchisio (72') Arturo Vidal Pardo (P - 83') Juventus Arena - Turin Referee: Daniele Doveri Attendance: 27000 Marchisio pleased with hard-fought Juventus victory over Cesena Dec 5, 2011 Claudio Marchisio acknowledges Juventus were made to sweat for their victory against Cesena, while also noting the team can still improve. The Little Prince finally found the breakthrough after 77 minutes of Juve toil and frustration against the Seahorses on Sunday, for his sixth goal of the season. Arturo Vidal netted a controversial penalty to then seal the result. Marchisio told the club’s official website the Old Lady must learn to be more clinical in the final third: “We looked to stretch the play on the flanks, but they closed us down a lot. It wasn’t easy but we already knew that. We must be more clinical in front of goal, but this can also be a positive aspect: it means that we’ve still got great margins to improve. “We’re more calm and confident in our means and this helps us to obtain certain results. We’re happy about the victory and the response to Udinese and Milan overtaking us.” Of his crucial strike, the Turin native said: “I didn’t think that the ball was coming back to me. Instead, Arturo managed to feed it back into my path and the control was important to hit it with my left foot.” Marchisio returned to the starting line-up after serving a one match suspension, but Andrea Pirlo had to sit out because of his yellow card accumulation and was replaced by Michele Pazienza. He hailed his impact and that of the other substitutes. “Pazienza? He had a great game. He was important, as were the introductions of Quagliarella and Giaccherini who gave us fresh impetus. I’m sorry for Alex Del Piero. We were immediately concerned, because we saw the cut and the blood. He reassured us once we were back in the dressing room.” Del Piero required eight stitches to the head after a nasty collision, but is expected to be fine. http://www.soccerway...regular-season/

Baggio hails Juve and Italy Dec 5, 2011 The legendary Roberto Baggio expects Juventus and the Italian national side to fight for honours over the next 12 months. Baggio was a star for both teams during a glittering career and he’s confident that, after some tough times, the Bianconeri and the Azzurri can compete for silverware again. “Juventus can win the Scudetto this season and I’m sure that Italy will do well at Euro 2012,” Baggio stated on Monday afternoon. “Italian football is starting to pick itself up. There seems to be more focus on younger players and this is very positive. “There are now some of our club sides who are doing well in Europe again and this helps everyone in our game. “There are also Italian teams who are playing some really attractive football – Udinese, Milan and Juventus are doing really well.” Italy’s European Cup hopes took a slight knock on Friday when they were grouped with Spain, the Republic of Ireland and Croatia at the European Championship. “I think that Italy boss Cesare Prandelli has done a great job,” Baggio, scorer of 27 goals in 56 caps, continued. “I do think that we’ll do well at Euro 2012.”

Andrea Pirlo: Juventus want to reign in Italy & Europe once more The Italy international has stressed that the Old Lady are full of ambition, but added that they're not getting carried away after their good start to the season. Dec 5, 2011 Juventus midfielder Andrea Pirlo has stressed that the Bianconeri are determined to return to the pinnacle of Italian and European football in the not too distant future. The Turin giants' last official Serie A title dates back to 2002-03, while they haven't won a major European trophy since lifting the Champions League trophy in 1995-96, but Pirlo feels the club are on the right path to return to the top. "Juventus want to reign in Italy and Europe once more and that’s a challenge I want to be part of. Right from the moment I arrived at Juve, I could immediately sense the club’s will to win, the determination to go as far as possible as quickly as possible," Pirlo said to Fifa.com. "The coach, the club and the players are all on the same wavelength. From my personal experience, I think we’ve got all the ingredients for success." The playmaker then went on to discuss his side's chances of winning the Scudetto this term, and he stressed that the Bianconeri have to stay grounded. "It’s still too soon to tell whether we can win the Serie A title and, to be honest, I don’t even think we should be thinking about that yet. "Juve have finished in seventh place for the past two seasons, so we need to keep our feet on the ground, keep working hard and continue playing the way we’ve been doing since the start of the campaign." Juventus currently top the Serie A table with 29 points from 13 games.

Serie A Week 14 - 4-12-2011 (3:00 p.m.) 2 - 0 Claudio Marchisio (72') Arturo Vidal Pardo (P - 83') Juventus Arena - Turin Referee: Daniele Doveri Attendance: 27000 Andrea Pirlo: Juventus want to reign in Italy & Europe once more The Italy international has stressed that the Old Lady are full of ambition, but added that they're not getting carried away after their good start to the season. Dec 5, 2011 Juventus midfielder Andrea Pirlo has stressed that the Bianconeri are determined to return to the pinnacle of Italian and European football in the not too distant future. The Turin giants' last official Serie A title dates back to 2002-03, while they haven't won a major European trophy since lifting the Champions League trophy in 1995-96, but Pirlo feels the club are on the right path to return to the top. "Juventus want to reign in Italy and Europe once more and that’s a challenge I want to be part of. Right from the moment I arrived at Juve, I could immediately sense the club’s will to win, the determination to go as far as possible as quickly as possible," Pirlo said to Fifa.com. "The coach, the club and the players are all on the same wavelength. From my personal experience, I think we’ve got all the ingredients for success." The playmaker then went on to discuss his side's chances of winning the Scudetto this term, and he stressed that the Bianconeri have to stay grounded. "It’s still too soon to tell whether we can win the Serie A title and, to be honest, I don’t even think we should be thinking about that yet. "Juve have finished in seventh place for the past two seasons, so we need to keep our feet on the ground, keep working hard and continue playing the way we’ve been doing since the start of the campaign." Juventus currently top the Serie A table with 29 points from 13 games. http://www.soccerway...regular-season/

Serie A Week 14 - 4-12-2011 (3:00 p.m.) 2 - 0 Claudio Marchisio (72') Arturo Vidal Pardo (P - 83') Juventus Arena - Turin Referee: Daniele Doveri Attendance: 27000 Antonio Conte: Juventus' maturity made Cesena crumble The Bianconeri's coach was satisfied with his his team's victory, praising his players' attitude as they recorded a hard-fought away win to return to the top of the table. Dec 5, 2011 Juventus coach Antonio Conte has expressed his satisfaction with his side's 2-0 Serie A win at home over Cesena on Sunday, and felt his players showed maturity as they kept on going for the win right until they broke down their opponents' resistance. The Serie A minnows proved to be a tough test for the Bianconeri throughout the match, but late goals from Claudio Marchisio and Arturo Vidal eventually helped Juventus to the full three points. "The team passed a test of maturity with flying colours. Cesena gave in? No, it was us who made them crumble, by forcing them to play with 11 men behind the ball," Conte said in the post-match press conference. "I liked the attitude and the drive displayed by my players. They played knowing the goal would come sooner or later and the 21 shots on goal tell the full story. "Now we’ll turn our attention to the Coppa Italia, and will only consider Roma from Thursday night onwards." Juventus host Bologna in the Coppa Italia on Thursday evening before visiting Luis Enrique's Giallorossi next Monday. http://www.soccerway...regular-season/

Pirlo: Juve will win – at some point Dec 5, 2011 Andrea Pirlo is convinced that Juventus have what is needed to get back to winning ways, but he’s making no promises for this season. The Old Lady currently lead the standings by two points over Milan and Udinese, yet the Italian international is playing it cool. “It’s still too soon to tell if we can win the Scudetto this season and, to be honest, I don’t even think we should be thinking about that yet,” he told FIFA.com. “Juve have finished in seventh place for the past two seasons, so we need to keep our feet on the ground, keep working hard and continue playing the way we’ve been doing since the start of the campaign.” The World Cup winner has been an instrumental figure in Turin since his Bosman free transfer from Milan during the summer. “My contract was coming to an end and I felt the need to seek out new challenges, to win things in another club’s shirt,” he added. “You know, after nine or 10 seasons with the same club you can find yourself losing your motivation, not having the same level of desire. “I’m the one who made the decision – I wanted to experience something new. I think that I needed to move on. “I feel very comfortable,” he continued. “The Juventus shirt is steeped in years of success and tradition. “Pulling it on gives me a genuine sense of pride after so many years wearing the Milan jersey, which is similarly steeped in history and tradition. I’m very pleased, happy even. “Right from the moment I arrived at Juve, I could immediately sense the club’s will to win, their determination to go as far as possible and as quickly as possible. “From my personal experience, I think we’ve got all the ingredients for success. No other club would have been able to meet my expectations so well. “Juve want to reign in Italy and Europe once more and that’s a challenge I want to be part of.”

Marchisio was never for sale Dec 5, 2011 Juventus have rejected speculation that they considered selling Claudio Marchisio during the summer transfer window. The Italian international has been one of the club’s best players so far this season and a major reason why they are currently top of the League. “We never thought about selling Marchisio,” director general Beppe Marotta told La Domenica Sportiva. “He is eclectic, a player who can combine quantity with quality. He’s one of the top players in Europe right now.” The midfielder, 25, is actually the club’s joint leading Serie A scorer this season – with Alessandro Matri – thanks to his six goals in 12 games. His latest came in Sunday’s 2-0 win over Cesena. “We knew that we had to collect a victory,” Marotta continued. “And the side brought home the three points needed.” The former Sampdoria official also applauded the work of new boss Antonio Conte, the former Juve captain who led Siena to promotion last term. “Conte has talent, he has got the best value out of our players, he’s given them an attachment to the club and installed a good work ethic.”

Serie A Week 14 - 4-12-2011 (3:00 p.m.) 2 - 0 Claudio Marchisio (72') Arturo Vidal Pardo (P - 83') Juventus Arena - Turin Referee: Daniele Doveri Attendance: 27000 Vidal hails Juve persistence Dec 5, 2011 Arturo Vidal was impressed by how his Juventus side overcame Cesena’s barricade on Sunday afternoon. The Turin giants sealed a 2-0 win with goals from Claudio Marchisio and Vidal himself, but it took them some time to break down the Seahorses. “We’ll go far like this,” the 24-year-old stated. “I’m very happy about the three points and the hard-fought victory. “This was a very difficult game for us, one where Cesena came with the idea of just putting up barricades. “You have to compliment them. They did well until we finally scored and they were on the verge of picking up a great result. “We broke the deadlock though and it was then a different game. “First place belongs to us in the table and we are having a spectacular campaign so far.” The Chilean international, signed for €10.5m from Bayer Leverkusen in the summer, has developed into a key figure in Turin. He’s played in 12 of the club’s 13 League games and has responded with two goals. “We are a great squad,” he added. “All of my teammates have made me feel indispensable and I couldn’t have settled in any better.” The Old Lady are two points clear of Milan and Udinese. http://www.soccerway...regular-season/

Serie A Week 14 - 4-12-2011 (3:00 p.m.) 2 - 0 Claudio Marchisio (72') Arturo Vidal Pardo (P - 83') Juventus Arena - Turin Referee: Daniele Doveri Attendance: 27000 Del Piero in hospital overnight Dec 4, 2011 Alessandro Del Piero will stay in hospital overnight for observation after he was accidentally kicked in the head. The Juventus man had only been on the field for nine minutes when he clashed with Cesena defender Marco Rossi this afternoon. He was stretchered off bleeding from the left temple and had eight stitches put in by the medical staff. Del Piero underwent hospital tests and was given the all-clear, but Juve announced he’ll be kept in overnight for observation. The veteran has head trauma, but no concussion, so he is set to be released tomorrow morning after another test. http://www.soccerway...regular-season/

Serie A Week 14 - 4-12-2011 (3:00 p.m.) 2 - 0 Claudio Marchisio (72') Arturo Vidal Pardo (P - 83') Juventus Arena - Turin Referee: Daniele Doveri Attendance: 27000 Del Piero gets stitches Dec 4, 2011 Juventus star Alessandro Del Piero needed eight stitches for a cut to his eyebrow after a boot in the face. The captain came off the bench, but lasted only eight minutes in the 2-0 win over Cesena. He was accidentally kicked in the face by Marco Rossi and was stretchered off the field bleeding heavily. Reports from Turin suggest Del Piero was given eight stitches on his left eyebrow and taken to hospital for check-ups, which gave him the all-clear. http://www.soccerway...regular-season/

Serie A Week 14 - 4-12-2011 (3:00 p.m.) 2 - 0 Claudio Marchisio (72') Arturo Vidal Pardo (P - 83') Juventus Arena - Turin Referee: Daniele Doveri Attendance: 27000 Arrigoni on Juve penalty Dec 4, 2011 Daniele Arrigoni admits “Juventus deserved the victory” over Cesena, though the penalty and red card were “non-existent.” The Sea Horses held out for most of the game in Turin, but were beaten 2-0 after Claudio Marchisio’s strike and a contested Arturo Vidal penalty. “Unfortunately, Marchisio was very smart and took his chance, so Juventus deserved the victory,” said the Coach. “We were organised and that was about it. The Bianconeri are in great shape and you can see why they are top of the table. It’s true we didn’t run many risks, but we didn’t threaten their goal either.” Cesena were furious at the late penalty, which saw Francesco Antonioli sent off, as he might’ve got to the ball first. “It took away our chance of fighting back in the final 10 minutes. From the bench, the penalty seemed dubious and the red card non-existent. Antonioli is very important to us and we will lose him to a ban in the next game. “The goal came at the wrong time, as were just pushing forward, but the moment we stretched out, we were punished.” http://www.soccerway...regular-season/

Serie A Week 14 - 4-12-2011 (3:00 p.m.) 2 - 0 Claudio Marchisio (72') Arturo Vidal Pardo (P - 83') Juventus Arena - Turin Referee: Daniele Doveri Attendance: 27000 Conte calmed Juve down Dec 4, 2011 Antonio Conte explains how he kept Juventus calm enough to patiently break down the Cesena brick wall. “I am very happy with the performance of the lads,” said the Coach after this 2-0 victory. “At the end of the first half I told the players to stay calm, because sooner or later we’d have broken the deadlock with the way we were playing. “I told the wingers to stay wide and make life difficult for the Cesena defence, without clogging up the midfield. We did well to keep them pegged back.” Conte had to readjust his tactics due to Andrea Pirlo’s suspension, giving Michele Pazienza his first start of the campaign. “I told him he couldn’t possibly and should not even attempt to play like Pirlo. We signed Pazienza to play like Pazienza, which is what he did very effectively.” Juve are top of the table with a two-point advantage over Milan and Udinese. Next Monday they face a tricky trip to troubled Roma. “First of all we are focused only on the next game, which is the Coppa Italia against Bologna on Thursday. That is an important objective for this season. After that, we will think about Roma.” http://www.soccerway...regular-season/

Serie A Week 14 - 4-12-2011 (3:00 p.m.) 2 - 0 Claudio Marchisio (72') Arturo Vidal Pardo (P - 83') Juventus Arena - Turin Referee: Daniele Doveri Attendance: 27000 Alessandro Del Piero to spend the night in hospital following facial injury against Cesena The legendary Bianconeri No.10 required several stitches to his left temple, suffering a kick to the head from defender Marco Rossi during the victory over the minnows. Dec 4, 2011 Juventus captain Alessandro Del Piero will spend the night in hospital after needing eight stitches from a high boot in the face during his team's 2-0 win over Cesena in Serie A on Sunday. The former Italy forward was the recipient of a kick from Seahorses defender Marco Rossi, forcing him to leave the pitch on a stretcher just eight minutes after coming on as a substitute for Mirko Vucinic. After Juve's physio team managed to stop the blood streaming from his face with eight stitches to his left temple, the club released a statement, confirming that he was admitted to hospital for further treatment. "He never lost consciousness and the wound was sewn up at the stadium with eight stitches," said the statement. "Our captain will however be taken to hospital for the normal controls." News agency Ansa have since confirmed that although a CAT scan ruled out any other complications, Del Piero will remain in hospital overnight as a precautionary measure, potentially ruling him out of the Old Lady's Coppa Italia fixture with Bologna on Thursday. Juventus have moved two points clear at the top of the Serie A table following their two-goal victory. http://www.soccerway...regular-season/

Serie A Week 14 - 4-12-2011 (3:00 p.m.) 2 - 0 Claudio Marchisio (72') Arturo Vidal Pardo (P - 83') Juventus Arena - Turin Referee: Daniele Doveri Attendance: 27000 Arturo Vidal: Win over Cesena was hard-fought The Chilean midfielder admitted that the Bianconeri did not have an easy game, and made clear that he is determined to help the team keep up their good form. Dec 4, 2011 Juventus midfielder Arturo Vidal has expressed his satisfaction with his side's 2-0 Serie A victory at home over Cesena on Sunday afternoon, and admitted that their opponents put up a good fight. The Chile international assisted Claudio Marchisio's opener in the 72nd minute, and later on put the match to bed with a well-taken penalty. "I’m very happy about the three points and the hard-fought victory. It was important to break the deadlock somehow, and we managed to do it," Vidal was quoted as saying on Juventus' official website. "We’re continuing our spectacular championship form, and a win in this manner will help us to go on in the same vein." Vidal then went on to express his satisfaction with the way he's adapted to life at his new club since his summer move from Bayer Leverkusen. "We’re a great group and my team-mates have made me feel indispensable. I couldn’t have settled in any better." Following their win over Cesena, Juventus sit at the summit of the Serie A table with 29 points from 13 games. http://www.soccerway...regular-season/

Serie A Week 14 - 4-12-2011 (3:00 p.m.) 2 - 0 Claudio Marchisio (72') Arturo Vidal Pardo (P - 83') Juventus Arena - Turin Referee: Daniele Doveri Attendance: 27000‎ Player Ratings Goal.com evaluates the performances of all of those involved in Juventus' clash with Cesena in Turin, a game in which the hosts laboured for long periods. Dec 4, 2011 Juventus Gianluigi Buffon 6.0 - A virtual spectator for most of the game but got down well to save from Martinho when he was finally called into action in the second period. Giorgio Chiellini 6.5 - Another very solid display from Chiellini. Had a couple of misplaced passes but he got forward very well and his delivery from the flank was good. Indeed, Pepe should have scored from his wonderful cross shortly after half-time. Andrea Barzagli 6.0 - Not his most taxing afternoon given Cesena's lack of a goalscoring threat but he made some decent interceptions all the same and can be pleased with his efforts. Leonardo Bonucci 6.0 - Had an early slip but got back well to recover the situation and proved pretty reliable thereafter. Also contributed at the other end, playing a wonderful first-time ball out to Pepe on the half volley at one point before then very nearly setting up Vucinic for the opener with his header back across goal. Stephan Lichtsteiner 6.5 - Perhaps not as effective as he was against Palermo a few weeks back but was still full of running down the right-hand side and remains a great outlet for Juve. It was from his cross that Giaccherini won the penalty. Michele Pazienza 5.5 - Not a particularly eye-catching display from Pazienza, who was charged with the rather unenviable task of filling in for the suspended Pirlo in midfield. Decent showing, though, and he was unlucky not to hit the target with a fine drive from distance during the second period. Simone Pepe 6.5 - A bundle of energy throughout the game, he always looked the most likely to make something happen for Juventus. However, he squandered a couple of terrific opportunities at the start of the second half and was no doubt very relieved when Marchisio finally made the breakthrough. Claudio Marchisio 6.5 - It has to be said that Marchisio was pretty subdued before his goal. His passing was poor and he just wasn't carrying his usual goalscoring threat. However, he then came up trumps by firing home left-footed after two neat exchanges on the edge of the box. Arturo Vidal Pardo 7.0 - A very industrious performance from Vidal, who was constantly pressing and probing in the middle of the field. His penalty was just reward for a dynamic display. Mirko Vučinić 6.0 - Carried a real attacking threat while he was on the field, doing a lot of good work down the left-hand side. However, there remains a big concern over his end product, something clearly shared by Conte, who whipped him off before the hour. Alessandro Matri 5.0 Unusually poor showing from the striker. Nothing went right for him at all - he miscued horribly on two occasions during the first half - and it came as no surprise when he was hauled off five minutes into the second half. • Substitutions Emanuele Giaccherini 6.0 - Thrown on for Del Piero, Giaccerini proved a lively replacement and it was he who earned the penalty from which Juve sealed their win. Alessandro Del Piero 5.5 - A desperately frustrating - and painful - cameo for the legendary No.10. Came on for Vucinic just before the hour but only last roughly eight minutes before being stretchered off with a nasty head wound after taking a boot to the head. Fabio Quagliarella 5.5 - Has been starved of game time this season but was given 40 minutes to make an impression. That he failed to do so was particularly disappointing, his best effort being a shot from the edge of the box which flew over. Cesena Francesco Antonioli 5.5 - Had surprisingly little to do before being beaten by Marchisio from the edge of the box. He was then harshly sent off for taking out Giaccherini as it seemed he had gotten plenty on the ball. Guillermo Rodriguez 6.0 - A pretty eventful afternoon for Rodriguez, who was lucky not to give away a penalty - or at least a free-kick - for a lunge on Lichtsteiner in the first half before later being forced to go in goal following Antonioli's dismissal. He actually performed pretty well in between the sticks! Maurizio Lauro 5.5 - Struggled with the movement of Pepe but was also left exposed whenever Lichtsteiner bombed forward. Got stuck in, though, and was full of running throughout. Marco Rossi 5.5 - Defended well for the most part but became increasingly reckless. Indeed, less than five minutes after booting Del Piero in the head, he took out Chiellini on the edge of his own box. Steve von Bergen 6.0 - Did not really put a foot wrong during a pretty disciplined display at the back. His efforts deserved better. Roberto Guana 5.5 - Put himself about in the middle of the park and also exhibited a decent range of passing. However, became an increasingly peripheral figure in the second half as Juve began to dominate possession. Marco Parolo 5.5 - Like Guana, Parolo had some nice touches on the ball but the trouble was that he too saw very little of it during the second period. Adrian Mutu 5.0 - The Romanian held the ball up very well whenever it came his way and showed flashes of his undoubted talent. However, he was largely starved of any decent service. Martinho 5.5 - A very hit and miss performance from Martinho. He looked a threat at times and stung Buffon's palms with a good strike in the second half but some of his passing was dreadful, the lowlight being a shockingly bad attempt to find Ghezzal at the far post during a promising breakaway in the first half. Abdel Kader Ghezzal 5.0 - Another Cesena player who was not afraid to put the boot in but he failed to make a positive impact on the game and some of his distribution was desperately poor. Erjon Bogdani 4.5 - A couple of neat lay-offs aside, he struggled terribly to get into the game during the first half and was whipped off at the break. • Substitutions Antonio Candreva 5.0 - Came on for Martinho 13 minutes before the end and did not have sufficient time to really get involved. Eder 5.0 - Also brought on with just 13 minutes to go but he did at least have a half-chance late on, only to scuff the ball wide. Dominique Malonga 4.5 - Shocking stuff from Malonga, who replaced Bogdani at the break but was then suffered the ignominy of being replaced himself after just 32 minutes of action. http://www.soccerway...regular-season/