Socrates

Penalising Juventus Why are Juventus getting so worked up about a couple of penalty claims against Parma? Rob Paton investigates. Feb 17, 2012 “I think at this stage referees are afraid of giving a penalty to Juventus. We’ve only received one spot-kick this season,” reflected Antonio Conte after watching both Emanuele Giaccherini and Andrea Pirlo have claims against Parma turned down on Wednesday. “I am not just talking about those incidents, but it is a general view of the whole campaign that people are afraid of giving a penalty in favour of Juventus.” Conte’s irritation in Parma was very similar to director general Beppe Marotta’s contempt after the club’s previous League outing. Where in at the Tardini Jonathan Biabiany had seemingly felled Giaccherini and Fabio Santacroce pulled back Pirlo, Siena’s Simone Vergassola had equally handled a cross in the penalty box in Turin. All were debatable decisions, particularly the one that fell in Siena’s favour, and in light of Juve’s misfortune, a rhetoric has begun. Most significantly, such debate is being fuelled by those at the club, from Marotta’s ill-judged claims that the club need stronger referees to Conte’s tirade at the media this midweek, which has been supported by Andrea Pirlo, Pavel Nedved and even a club statement. Importantly, such words are taking column space and headlines away from the otherwise significant issues that the team are developing in these first weeks of the second half of the season. Indeed, even as the Old Lady’s unbeaten run stretches on, comparisons with previous unbeaten sides Perugia 1979 and Milan 1992 are moving away from the latter and towards the former. In fact, as 1978-79 and 1991-92 boasted these unbeaten sides respectively, it was the Rossoneri who picked up the title in both seasons. In 1979, undefeated Perugia only finished second, because they drew almost two-thirds of their games. Which, in light of Juve’s latest stalemate in 2011-12, is the example most cited as likely to be repeated. The midweek trip to Parma saw Conte’s side held to a second consecutive 0-0 in the League and a joint-League-high 10th draw from 22 played. Whilst dominating possession and generally looking comfortable in defence against Roberto Donadoni’s men, it was a quiet evening for the team’s attacking personnel, who between them struggled to create many clear-cut opportunities. Following on from the blank in Week 22 at home to Siena, in which the side recorded 70 per cent possession of the ball, concern surrounds the freshness of the Bianconeri forward-line. Seventeen attempts at Parma’s goal and 20 against the Robur perhaps skew the graph slightly towards the argument of misfortune – an argument that would also back up the penalty discontent. However, nine of the 12 shots attempted inside Siena’s penalty area were either blocked by defenders or off-target, whilst similarly nine of the 13 inside the Gialloblu area failed to trouble the ‘keeper. Where Conte is perhaps accurate to claim that Juve are playing as much as three-quarters of each game in and around the opponents’ penalty area, it is statistically true that three-quarters of their goal attempts in and around the penalty area are not finding their way to goal at all. It has also been a similar ratio throughout the season, with comparable rates recorded against Cagliari in Week 18, as well as in early-season draws against Bologna, Catania and Genoa. The 0-0 in Chievo in fact saw 100 per cent of shots in the area fail to test the ‘keeper. The quandary is, where does the problem lie? In analysing the side’s three draws of 2012, it is interesting to note that only two players per game have created more than the one chance – one of those always being Pirlo. It is not to argue that Juve are dependant on Pirlo – there are six other players with more than one assist this season already – but the suggestion is there that in facing deep-laying banks of defence and midfield, the Bianconeri are statistically lacking the variety to their play. As journalist Marcello Chirico wrote this week in reaction to the Parma struggle, “Juventus spent two hours trying to find a gap and not once did someone invent a play to unlock the game.” Penalties would unlock such encounters and it is interesting to note that the two at the Tardini were the seventh and eighth contentious penalty calls to have gone against the Bianconeri this season. These are decisions that, it is argued, would have been the difference between the current 46-point total in the League and a more authoritative 54-point haul. However, as a Coach to have described his preparation work with the players as meaning it is as close as he can get to having a remote control on the sidelines to conduct things, Conte may be outwardly blaming others for recent draws, but inwardly, he’ll most likely be changing the batteries.

Serie A Week 24 - 18-2-2012 (8:45 p.m.) - Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee: Christian Brighi Del Piero doubt for Catania Feb 17, 2012 Simone Pepe returns to Juventus for tomorrow’s match with Catania, but Alessandro Del Piero is in doubt after suffering from flu symptoms. The Bianconeri take on the Elefantini at 19.45 UK time on Saturday evening. Arturo Vidal sits out a ban, while Del Piero is “in doubt” with flu symptoms and “will be assessed tomorrow morning before he joins up with the group.” Pepe is back for the first time since spraining his ankle against Atalanta on January 21. It should be noted that Milos Krasic, who has been heavily linked with a move to Russia, is not even in the 20-man squad. Juventus squad: 1 Buffon, 3 Chiellini, 4 Caceres, 7 Pepe, 8 Marchisio, 11 De Ceglie, 13 Manninger, 14 Vucinic, 15 Barzagli, 17 Elia, 18 Quagliarella, 19 Bonucci, 20 Padoin, 21 Pirlo, 23 Borriello, 24 Giaccherini, 26 Lichtsteiner, 28 Estigarribia, 30 Storari, 32 Matri http://www.soccerway...regular-season/

Serie A Week 24 - 18-2-2012 (8:45 p.m.) - Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee: Christian Brighi Catania coach Vincenzo Montella: Juventus have defied all expectations this season After back-to-back seventh-placed finishes in Serie A, the Bianconeri are currently just one point behind league leaders AC Milan with a game in hand. Feb 17, 2012 Catania boss Vincenzo Montella believes that Juventus have surpassed all expectations with their impressive form so far this season. The Bianconeri are currently just one point behind leaders AC Milan with a game in hand and also have one foot in the final of the Coppa Italia after a 2-1 victory in the first leg of their last four clash with the Rossoneri at San Siro on February 8. Speaking ahead of his side’s trip to Turin, Montella admits that the Sicilians are facing a far more confident Juve than the one they held to a 1-1 draw at the Angelo Massimino back in September. “We’ll need to show great determination,” he is quoted as saying by the Bianconeri's official website. “It will be a different game from the first meeting this season. “We’re full of desire to do well. Juventus are having an excellent season and are perhaps performing beyond the best predictions.” Given that 14th-placed Catania face a midweek trip to struggling Siena before hosting basement boys Novara on February 26, Montella admits that he has an interesting selection dilemma for Saturday's game at Juventus Stadium – even though he is reluctant to tinker with the side which routed Genoa 4-0 last time out. “We’ve got three games in seven days,” he stated. “Two of these will be fundamental for us. I don’t know if I’ll go for the same eleven who played last Sunday. “Kosicky deserves to keep his place, but my decisions are never final. Izco? He’ll feature because he’s in very good condition." http://www.soccerway...regular-season/

Serie A Week 24 - 18-2-2012 (8:45 p.m.) - Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee: Christian Brighi Juventus to claim another win but Catania to keep it tight After an important 2-1 victory over fellow title contenders Milan, Juventus should record a routine win over Catania but William Duncan is backing a low scoring game. Feb 17, 2012 Title chasing Juventus can keep their quest to win Serie A on track this weekend by recording a comfortable home victory over mid-table Catania on Saturday evening. Juventus have yet to taste defeat in either league or cup competition this season and the home side, priced at 2/7 (1.29) with Sportingbet, are unlikely to experience the feeling this weekend against 8/1 (9.00) outsiders Catania, with Sportingbet offering 15/4 (4.75) on the points being shared. Juventus’ most recent outing saw the Turin giants draw 0-0 with Parma midweek, and Antonio Conte's men will be looking to return to winning ways this weekend. However, goals have not always been easy for Juventus to come by this season. It is somewhat surprising to note that, despite their lofty league position, the Old Lady have scored just 33 goals in 21 league matches this term. That equates to the only the equal seventh best scoring record in Serie A this term. It comes as no surprise, then, to find top scorer Alessandro Mattri, with nine goals in 21 appearances at the top of Sportingbet’s first goalscorer market at 5/2 (3.50) with evergreen striker Alessandro Del Piero, now aged 37, second favourite with Sportingbet at 7/2 (4.50). Catania’s best hopes of breaching Juventus’ defence lie with striker Gonzalo Bergessio, who has bagged five goals this term, including one against Juventus last time these sides met, and the striker is 9/1 (10.00) to open the scoring here. It is difficult to make a case against the Old Lady in this match and it should be a routine victory. However, given the frustrations that Juventus have, at times, suffered in front of goal, Sportingbet’s even money for fewer than 2.5 goals to be scored could be a way to find some value here and the 9/2 (5.50) with the same firm for Juventus to secure a 2-0 victory looks excellent value here. http://www.soccerway...regular-season/

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/