Socrates

Serie A Week 13 - 26-11-2011 (8:45 p.m.) - Olimpico Stadium - Rome Referee: Gianluca Rocchi Edy Reja: Our Serie A fixture with Juventus should be an even game The capital-city side are neck-and-neck with Antonio Conte's men on 22 points each, and can move to the top of the league standings with three points on Saturday. Nov 26, 2011 Lazio coach Edy Reja is expecting a tough game against Juventus on Saturday as he regards the visitors as one of the favourites for the Scudetto. The two teams are currently level on 22 points in Serie A, and the victor can go back to the top of the standings with a win. The home side's trainer knows that it is an important game which could be decided by small margins. "It's an important game for us and for Juve," the 66-year-old told Tuttosport. "It is a key match. We've shown high-level performances at home and we must do it now against Juventus. It will be tough." The race for the Scudetto is heating up with three points separating four teams at the top, but Reja feels that others are in a better position to top the pile. "Milan have superior quality. Then there's Juve. These two teams are better candidates," the coach candidly admitted. "We may be surprise candidates, depending on what we do in this game. A victory would give us knowledge and strength." Miroslav Klose is once again available for Lazio after an injury lay-off, and will be partnered by either Djibril Cisse or Tommaso Rocchi in attack. http://www.soccerway.com/national/italy/serie-a/2011-2012/regular-season/

Serie A Week 13 - 26-11-2011 (8:45 p.m.) - Olimpico Stadium - Rome Referee: Gianluca Rocchi Serie A Preview Antonio Conte's table-toppers aim to make it 11 games unbeaten in the league this season, but face a similarly in-form Lazio side, who have not been defeated in their last nine. Nov 25, 2011 PROBABLE LINE-UPS LAZIO (4-3-1-2): Marchetti; Konko, Stankevicius, Diakite, Radu; Brocchi, Ledesma, Lulic; Hernanes; Sculli, Klose Juventus (4-2-3-1): Buffon; Lichtsteiner, Bonucci, Barzagli, Chiellini; Marchisio, Pazienza; Pepe, Vidal, Vucinic; Matri Lazio coach Edy Reja has a mounting injury list to contend with, as Simone Del Nero, Stefano Mauri, Javier Garrido, Albano Bizzarri, Andre Dias, Libor Kozak, Stephen Makinwa and Matuzalem have all been ruled out of this encounter. It is possible that the former Napoli trainer will name an unchanged XI from last week's goalless draw with Napoli, despite Djibril Cisse's return to the fold. However, the Frenchman has endured a difficult start to his career in Italy, with just one goal since his arrival from Panathinaikos during the summer, and is expected to start on the bench. Meanwhile for Juventus, Andrea Pirlo's muscular setback means that fellow summer recruit Michele Pazienza should get the nod to replace him in central midfield and feature alongside Claudio Marchisio and Arturo Vidal. However, the Italy playmaker will undergo a late fitness test prior to the match on Saturday. DID YOU KNOW? • Lazio have lost 68 games against Juventus, more than against any other Serie A side. • Edy Reja's men have not scored more than two goals in their last 18 league meetings with the Bianconeri. • However, Lazio are unbeaten in their last nine league matches, winning six of them, and have kept clean sheets in the last three. • Juventus are the only Serie A side still unbeaten this season, after recording six wins and four draws. • The Old Lady have conceded just three times in their last eight league games away from home. • Midfielder Claudio Marchisio has already scored five goals in 10 games, his highest-ever tally in a Serie A campaign. • Juventus are unbeaten in their last 13 matches against Lazio, with nine wins and four draws. Head to Head Italy - Serie A - May 2, 2011 - Lazio 0 - Juventus 1 Italy - Serie A ‎- Dec 12, 2010 - Juventus 2 - Lazio 1 Italy - Serie A ‎- Jan 31, 2010 - Juventus 1 - Lazio 1 Italy - Serie A ‎- Sep 12, 2009 - Lazio 0 - Juventus 2 Italy - Serie A - May 31, 2009 - Juventus 2 - Lazio 0 Last Five Matches Lazio Nov 19, 2011 - Napoli 0 - Lazio 0 - Serie A Nov 6, 2011 - Lazio 1 - Parma 0 - Serie A Nov 3, 2011 - Lazio 1 - FC Zurich 0 - EL Oct 30, 2011 - Cagliari 0 - Lazio 3 - Serie A Oct 26, 2011 - Lazio 1 - Catania 1 - Serie A Juventus Nov 20, 2011 - Juventus 3 - Palermo 0 - Serie A Oct 29, 2011 - Inter 1 - Juventus 2 - Serie A Oct 25, 2011 - Juventus 2 - Fiorentina 1 - Serie A Oct 22, 2011 - Juventus 2 - Genoa 2 - Serie A Oct 16, 2011 - Chievo 0 - Juventus 0 - Serie A Players to Watch Miroslav Klose (Lazio) - Currently Serie A's top headed goalscorer, the German hitman will look to add to his tally of six league strikes this weekend. Despite the solidity of the Bonucci-Barzagli partnership at the back for the visitors, they have not faced a calibre of striker in Klose thus far, and as shown against the likes of AC Milan, his clinical finishing ability coupled with his knack of scoring headers and intuitive hold-up play could prove too much of a handful. Alessandro Matri (Juventus) - Another prolific performer, while being a player of similar characteristics to his German counterpart, Matri will be licking his lips when he faces a makeshift back four at the Olimpico on Saturday. He has arguably been Juventus' most important player in their surge to the summit, with plenty goals and assists to his game. Although not the quickest of attackers, his ability to lead the line efficiently, while using his instinct to bury chances will make for fascinating viewing. Prediction Both teams have built their successes on watertight defences and profiency in front of goal this season, and it will be no surprise if this one ends a point a piece. While Lazio may lack the likes of Andre Dias to marshall their defence, Andrea Pirlo's absence may heavily impact on Juventus' possession play and functionality. Editor's Prediction: Lazio 1 - Juventus 1 http://www.soccerway.com/national/italy/serie-a/2011-2012/regular-season/

Grande Gigi stasera.

Mamma mia che occasione!

Simone Pepe 0-1

Claudio Marchisio credits Juventus team-mate Del Piero and Liverpool's Steven Gerrard as his idols The 25-year-old Italian international has lauded his captain as 'a legend' while also branding the England midfielder as the most complete midfielder he has ever seen. Nov 25, 2011 Juventus midfielder Claudio Marchisio has credited his teammate Alessandro Del Piero and Liverpool's Steven Gerrard as his idols. The 25-year-old has been in good form for his club this season, scoring five goals, and speaking to La giornalaccio rosa dello Sport the Italy international lauded his captain as his childhood hero. "Del Piero has always been my idol. A legend. In my own position, I was crazy about [steven] Gerrard. "I remember in the Champions League final comeback by Liverpool against AC Milan, you saw him up front, on the wings, and a moment later he was back, marking the playmaker. "I have never seen such a complete midfielder." Marchisio also tipped AC Milan to retain their Serie A crown, and stated that his aim for the season was to help his club back into the Champions League. "We're thinking about it one game at a time and trying to stay ahead of everyone for as long as possible. I want to get Juventus back into the Champions League. "I see AC Milan as the title favourites. They have the experience." Juventus travel to Rome on Saturday as they look to protect their unbeaten record against fellow Scudetto contenders Lazio.

Serie A Week 13 - 26-11-2011 (8:45 p.m.) - Olimpico Stadium - Rome Referee: Gianluca Rocchi Antonio Conte: Lazio are one of the best teams in Serie A The Turin side's head coach expects a difficult encounter at the weekend as he feels the Stadio Olimpico outfit are among the league's finest. Nov 25, 2011 Juventus coach Antonio Conte is eagerly anticipating Saturday's Serie A match away against Lazio as he expects a difficult, yet entertaining encounter against the Stadio Olimpico outfit. The Turin side currently sit on top of the Italian league table with 22 points from 10 games, sharing the summit with Lazio, who have exactly as many points, but from 11 fixtures. "I think that it will be a great match between two teams that both try to play attacking football," Conte was quoted as saying by PA. "I rate Lazio among the best teams in Serie A. I have always said that they can play a key role in the league this season, just like Juventus." Saturday's match at Stadio Olimpico kicks off at 20.45CET. http://www.soccerway...regular-season/

Serie A Week 13 - 26-11-2011 (8:45 p.m.) - Olimpico Stadium - Rome Referee: Gianluca Rocchi Juventus and the top contenders for the Scudetto It's close at the top of Italy's top flight with just a single point between first and fourth. Ed Malyon rounds up the runners and riders on the peninsula. Nov 25, 2011 Rarely has Calcio ever been closer during its long and illustrious history. Only a point separates the top four contenders at this stage of the season. To add further spice, there are only three Champions League spots up for grabs after Serie A lost a ticket to the Bundesliga for Europe's showpiece competition. Holders Milan lead the latest odds at 1.91 with William Hill to retain their title. The Rossoneri may be favourites but they seem to be a little short at 1.91 given the changes to their squad since May. They do, of course, have a very talented frontline with Ibrahimovic, Pato, Robinho and the like but having released playmaker extraordinaire Andrea Pirlo to title rivals Juventus, and suffered freak injuries to Rino Gattuso and Antonio Cassano, Juventus seem a better shout at present. The Turin side have remodelled over the summer and under new coach Antonio Conte they have a defined system in which to slot their wealth of talent. Their only concern is a goalscorer, and they will need Alessandro Matri to step up to the plate this season if they can make a real go for glory. Latest odds supplied by William Hill Milan 1.91 Juventus 3.25 Napoli 10.0 Inter 13.0 Juve don't have any European commitments and will be eager to land their first title after years in the wilderness. You can back the Bianconeri and current table-toppers at 3.25. Udinese have no such problems in the striking department and in Antonio Di Natale have one of the best finishers on the globe. The hitman has bagged 57 goals in the last two seasons and he has unsurprisingly continued in the same vein this campaign. Udinese's three-man defence is unusual to many, but it's the tightest backline in the league, letting in just six goals thus far in 2011-12. Their odds of 21.0 and are good value but suggest their squad isn't deep enough. Currently in second spot, Lazio will back themselves to be in with a chance of their first Scudetto since 2000. With a front two of Miroslav Klose and Djibril Cisse they will never struggle for goals but their key man is 'The Prophet' Hernanes who has impressed for Brazil and is an immensely-talented playmaker. A price of 13.0 is solid for a team that has only lost twice in all competitions this season. Lazio are also worth a punt at 2.75 to finish in the top three. Other contenders are Lazio's local rivals Roma at 17.0 who are beginning to pick up form under new boss Luis Enrique. Man City's conquerors Napoli are a short 10.0 to pick up their first Serie A crown since 1990 with Palermo are more optimistic shout at 151.0. http://www.soccerway...regular-season/

Serie A Week 13 - 26-11-2011 (8:45 p.m.) - Olimpico Stadium - Rome Referee: Gianluca Rocchi Vucinic sees Lazio derby Nov 25, 2011 Juventus man Mirko Vucinic may no longer wear the Roma jersey, but facing Lazio is still a derby. “He wants to smash the game!” The striker spent five years with the Giallorossi and in his career has scored five goals against Lazio, so taking them on at the Olimpico on Saturday night has a very special feeling. “I spoke to Mirko and he says he wants to smash the game!” revealed manager Alessandro Lucci. “It is going to be a special game for him. He will be split between the old Giallorossi soul and the new Juventus one.” http://www.soccerway...regular-season/

Serie A Week 13 - 26-11-2011 (8:45 p.m.) - Olimpico Stadium - Rome Referee: Gianluca Rocchi Pirlo in Juve squad Nov 25, 2011 Andrea Pirlo is in the Juventus squad travelling to Rome for Saturday’s game and Lazio have Miroslav Klose back. There are still doubts over Pirlo’s ability to play after he picked up a muscular problem in training this week, but he is in the side. It should also be noted the same squad will stay in Rome after the match to prepare for their Coppa Italia trip to Napoli on Tuesday. Lazio have Klose back in the team after he missed last week’s 0-0 draw in Naples through injury. Juventus squad: 1 Buffon, 3 Chiellini, 5 Pazienza, 7 Pepe, 8 Marchisio, 9 Iaquinta, 10 Del Piero, 11 De Ceglie, 13 Manninger, 14 Vucinic, 15 Barzagli, 17 Elia, 18 Quagliarella, 19 Bonucci, 21 Pirlo, 22 Vidal, 24 Giaccherini, 26 Lichtsteiner, 27 Krasic, 28 Estigarribia, 30 Storari, 32 Matri, 33 Sorensen, 34 Marrone Lazio squad: Carrizo, Marchetti; Biava, Diakitè, Konko, Lulic, Radu, Scaloni, Stankevicius, Zauri; Brocchi, Cana, Gonzalez, Hernanes, Ledesma; Cissè, Klose, Rocchi, Sculli. http://www.soccerway...regular-season/

Serie A Week 13 - 26-11-2011 (8:45 p.m.) - Olimpico Stadium - Rome Referee: Gianluca Rocchi Conte: ‘One game at a time’ Nov 25, 2011 Antonio Conte still refuses to talk about the Scudetto as he prepares his table-topping Juventus side for a difficult couple of games. The Bianconeri travel to the Stadio Olimpico on Saturday night for Week 13's top-of-the-table clash with Lazio, before then heading further south on Tuesday for the rearranged Week 11 fixture with Napoli. In preparing for the challenging double-header, Conte has again brushed off suggestions that the Old Lady are thinking about the title race as early as Week 13. “When will I talk about the Scudetto? Never,” began Conte to the assembled Press, before as Juve’s official website recount, re-evaluating and opening up to the possibility of doing so, but only later in the campaign. “We’re working to build something important. At the end of the first half of the season, once we’ve faced every team, we’ll be able to assess how we’re developing and take stock of the situation. “We’re currently doing extraordinary things and performing beyond expectations. However, even in other seasons we have started well only to end badly.” The 42-year-old also intimated that the team’s thoughts are only of the next encounter. “We’ll take things one game at a time. There’s no fear from our point of view: we’ll go there to play our brand of football, looking to take the game to the opposition as we always do. We’ll only think about Napoli after the final whistle. “We’ll be up against a strong team who finished above us last season, Lazio have strengthened considerably and Reja’s doing a great job. “They’re a very physical side, we have great respect for their work and individuals such as Klose, Cissé, Konko, Marchetti… quality players who have settled into an already important unit.” Andrea Pirlo remains a doubt for the two games after picking up a knee injury after a training ground clash. “There are two more training sessions to undergo. We know that the season does not end either in Rome or Naples, so we will make careful evaluations with Andrea and we will take the most appropriate decision.” http://www.soccerway...regular-season/

Serie A Week 13 - 26-11-2011 (8:45 p.m.) - Olimpico Stadium - Rome Referee: Gianluca Rocchi Reja: 'A defining game' Nov 25, 2011 Edy Reja has described Saturday night’s meeting between joint League leaders Lazio and Juventus as ‘important for both sides’. Speaking ahead of the Week 13 clash between the two sides that share top spot in the table, Reja has acknowledged that this could be a ‘defining fixture’ for his Aquile players. An attendance of more than 60,000 fans is anticipated, which is bigger than crowds allowed to attend the Rome derby, where security restrictions apply. “It would be nice to win this game for our fans, considering the wonderful audience that is expected. “It’s an important game for us and for Juve. We are yet to produce a high level performance at home, we must do it now against Juventus. It is a key match that will demonstrate the exact size of our ambition. “Juventus have found a tactical balance with Pepe and Pirlo. Moreover, I’ve noticed that Lichtsteiner has considerably improved his crossing ability with respect to when he played with us, therefore we need to be wary. “We’ve already played different teams with various systems and as far as that’s concerned we’re used to it. We’re ready.” Indeed, having not beaten the Bianconeri in the League in front of their own fans for almost eight years, Reja argues of the significance picking up a win could have on any title ambitions. “Are we in the Scudetto race? It is hard to say. Milan have organic and superior quality. Then there’s Juve. The two teams are the best candidates, with Inter to look forward to. “But, we could be a surprise, depending on what we do in confrontations such as this one.” http://www.soccerway...regular-season/

Serie A Week 13 - 26-11-2011 (8:45 p.m.) - Olimpico Stadium - Rome Referee: Gianluca Rocchi Roberto Baronio: I hope Lazio beat Juventus Speaking exclusively to Goal.com, the Italian midfielder said Edy Reja's side have what it takes to end their losing streak against the Turin-based giants. Nov 24, 2011 Former Lazio captain Roberto Baronio believes the capital city side will give Juventus all they can handle at the weekend. Lazio have not won against Juve since December 2003 in Serie A, but Baronio feels that will change on Saturday night at the Olimpico. "I hope Lazio win the game as I have always been a fan of the club," Baronio told Goal.com. "There is great expectation for this game in Rome and I hope it ends 1-0 to Lazio with a goal from Cristian Brocchi. "Brocchi is a player you can always trust." However, the Italian is expecting Edy Reja's side to encounter stiff resistance from the Bianconeri. "Juventus have dangerous players like Andrea Pirlo, but also they have great strikers in Mirko Vucinic and Alessandro Matri who need to be stopped," he said. http://www.soccerway...regular-season/

Serie A Week 13 - 26-11-2011 (8:45 p.m.) - Olimpico Stadium - Rome Referee: Gianluca Rocchi Andrea Pirlo doubtful for Lazio match The Italy international is nursing a muscular problem and could miss his first game for the club as they prepare for the crunch game at the Olimpico this weekend. Nov 24, 2011 Juventus playmaker Andrea Pirlo's presence is in doubt, a worry for coach Antonio Conte ahead of Saturday's trip to Lazio, Sky Sport Italia reports. The 32-year-old midfielder abandoned Thursday's practice session after complaining of a muscle problem. It is believed that Pirlo will undergo a series of tests before the end of the day to determine the extent of the injury and learn whether he will be available for the upcoming match at the Stadio Olimpico. Pirlo's absence would come as a heavy blow to Conte, who has used the ex-AC Milan talent in every match this season so far. Juventus and Lazio are sharing the top of the Serie A standings, on 22 points, although the Turin-based side have one game in hand. http://www.soccerway...regular-season/

Serie A - 13^ Giornata - Andata - 26-11-2011 (ore 20:45) - Stadio Olimpico - Roma Arbitro: Gianluca Rocchi Confronti ufficiali 156 - 134 (Serie A) - 19 (Coppa Italia) - 1 (Supercoppa Italiana) - 2 (Campionato a gironi) Vittorie Juventus 75 - 68 (Serie A) - 6 (Coppa Italia) - 1 (Campionato a gironi) Pareggi 40 - 34 (Serie A) - 6 (Coppa Italia) Vittorie Lazio 41 - 32 (Serie A) - 7 (Coppa Italia) - 1 (Supercoppa Italiana) - 1 (Campionato a gironi) Goals Juventus 267 - 239 (Serie A) - 25 (Coppa Italia) - 1 (Supercoppa Italiana) - 2 (Campionato a gironi) Goals Lazio 184 - 157 (Serie A) - 23 (Coppa Italia) - 2 (Supercoppa Italiana) - 2 (Campionato a gironi) Lazio - Juventus a Roma Serie A Confronti ufficiali 67 Vittorie Juventus 26 (L'ultima il 02.05.2011, 0-1) Pareggi 17 (L'ultimo il 18.01.2009, 1-1) Vittorie Lazio 24 (L'ultima il 06.12.2003, 2-0) Goals Juventus 90 Goals Lazio 87 Giocatori con più presenze e goals contro la Lazio a Roma 15 presenze Del Piero Alessandro 11 Boniperti Giampiero 11 Depetrini Teobaldo 10 Cuccureddu Antonello 10 Tacchinardi Alessio 9 Foni Alfredo 9 Varglien II Giovanni 8 Causio Franco 8 Conte Antonio 8 Furino Giuseppe 6 goals Bettega Roberto 5 Charles John William 5 Del Piero Alessandro 4 Sivori Omar Enrique 3 Bellini Savino 3 Boniperti Giampiero 3 Sentimenti III Vittorio 3 Trezeguet David Sergio 2 Cesarini Renato 2 Ferrari Giovanni Ultimi confronti diretti 15.12.2007 Serie A Lazio-Juventus 2-3 27.04.2008 Serie A Juventus-Lazio 5-2 18.01.2009 Serie A Lazio-Juventus 1-1 03.03.2009 Coppa Italia Lazio-Juventus 2-1 22.04.2009 Coppa Italia Juventus-Lazio 1-2 31.05.2009 Serie A Juventus-Lazio 2-0 12.09.2009 Serie A Lazio-Juventus 0-2 31.01.2010 Serie A Juventus-Lazio 1-1 12.12.2010 Serie A Juventus-Lazio 2-1 02.05.2011 Serie A Lazio-Juventus 0-1 Giocate 10 - Vittorie Juventus 6 - Pareggi 2 - Vittorie Lazio 2 - Goals Juventus 19 - Goals Lazio 11

Serie A Week 13 - 26-11-2011 (8:45 p.m.) - Olimpico Stadium - Rome Referee: Gianluca Rocchi Buffon underlines importance of Lazio clash The Italy international shot-stopper is eager for his club to maintain their good form in the league as doubts creep in over Andrea Pirlo who has a muscle problem. Nov 24, 2011 Juventus goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon has urged his team-mates to secure all three points in Saturday's Serie A clash against Lazio at the Olimpico. Buffon said his side are up for the fight against Edy Reja's men who are level on points with Juve at the top of the table. "Lazio and Napoli are very important games for us and we want to do well against them," Buffon told Juventus Channel. "We know the importance of these games and coach [Antonio] Conte is hoping for a good result. He always transmits will and determination within the squad." Meanwhile, Il Corriere dello Sport reports that Andrea Pirlo was forced to abandon Thursday's training session at Vinovo after complaining of a muscular strain. Juventus have not confirmed the extent of his injury, but there are suggestions he could miss the trip to Rome. http://www.soccerway...regular-season/