Socrates

Pirlo cools Juve enthusiasm Jan 24, 2012 Juventus playmaker Andrea Pirlo has warned his teammates in Turin that they haven’t won anything yet. The Old Lady were crowned as Winter Champions on Saturday after finishing the first half of the season at the top of the standings. Although pleased to be at the summit during a campaign where the side has yet to taste defeat, the Italian international insists they still have much to prove. “We’re happy to be top at the half-way point of the season, but we’re aware that the championship is finely balanced and we know that we still haven't achieved anything,” he stated. “The judgements will be made at the end of the season, but for now it’s important to be ahead.” Pirlo joined the Bianconeri from Milan during the summer with the intention of helping La Signora return to winning ways. “The assessment up until now is more than positive,” he continued. “We started with a new team and a new Coach and have had a great run, taking each game as it comes, whilst improving our play.”

Coppa Italia - Quarter-final - 24-1-2012 (8:45 p.m.) - Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee: Luca Banti Goals to flow between Juventus & Roma In form tipster Phil Kitromilides now has five winners in a row and he is backing goals between Juventus and Roma, plus a 15/2 first goal scorer tip. Jan 24, 2012 On paper this would seem a difficult match for punters to invest in as it pits a Juventus team, unbeaten all season playing at home, against an in form Roma side who have won their last five matches including and scoring 15 goals in the process. A case could in theory be made for backing either side to win, with Juve priced at a an appealing price of 10/11 (1.91) and Roma available at a tempting 3/1 (4.00) while the draw is available at 12/5 (3.4). It is perhaps too difficult to call so instead delve into the goals market which could be a more profitable not to mention more comfortable investment. Roma have only failed to score twice in their last seventeen matches, while Juve have scored in every game they have played at home this season. In a one-off cup tie both teams will look to progress and play attacking football, especially as there can be no holding back for a second leg. Roma have been on a decent scoring streak recently netting fifteen goals in their last five games, while Juve have only failed to score once in their last fourteen matches and that was at Udinese who have a formidable defensive record at home. The bet of the day then has to be for both teams to score priced at an inviting 4/5 (1.80). While that market is definitely worth an investment, punters looking for some longer odds for this game could consider Francesco Totti to open the scoring. With four goals in the three games since the turn of the year the veteran has recaptured his scoring touch and at 15/2 (8.50) to break the deadlock on Tuesday night he represents a decent value bet.

Coppa Italia - Quarter-final - 24-1-2012 (8:45 p.m.) - Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee: Luca Banti Antonio Conte wary of Roma threat ahead of Coppa Italia quarter-final The Bianconeri coach expects a difficult match, but is eager to go far in the Italian cup. He added that he is likely to make changes to his regular starting XI. Jan 24, 2012 Juventus coach Antonio Conte is full of respect for Roma ahead of Tuesday's Coppa Italia quarter-final in Turin. The Bianconeri trainer feels that his colleague Luis Enrique is doing a great job at the Giallorossi, but has nonetheless set his sights on progressing to the next round. "Roma are doing very well. They have their own identity and a precise idea of how they want to play. Luis Enrique’s doing an excellent job," Conte said at his pre-match press conference. "Nevertheless, we will give our all in the Coppa. It’s a competition in which we want to go far. We’ll give our utmost to get through to the next round, whilst remaining aware of the difficulties that could lie ahead." Conte then went on to state that he will make a number of changes to his starting line-up compared to last weekend's 2-0 league win over Atalanta. "We’ll definitely change certain things around. Both due to the injury situation and to give an opportunity to those who have played less. So we’ll look to do what we possibly can." Tuesday's Coppa Italia encounter kicks off at 20.45 CET.

Coppa Italia - Quarter-final - 24-1-2012 (8:45 p.m.) - Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee: Luca Banti Borriello: No Roma vengeance Jan 24, 2012 Juventus striker Marco Borriello insists that revenge won’t be on his mind when he faces Roma in the Coppa Italia. The centre-forward is being tipped to start tonight’s quarter-final game at the Juventus Stadium – just weeks after leaving the capital club on a loan deal. “I’m not after revenge against Roma,” the Italian told the Corriere dello Sport on Tuesday. “However, I do want to be confirmed in Bianconero. “I won’t fail to take up this opportunity because I want to demonstrate to everyone that I deserve to wear this shirt. “I’ll look to convince everyone here over the next five months that I am a player that they can count on.” Borriello, 29, has struggled for action so far this season after Luis Enrique was appointed as the new boss of Roma. Under the Spaniard, the former Milan man only made seven League appearances. He’s made one substitute appearance for the Old Lady so far. Borriello hasn’t scored for 247 days.

Coppa Italia - Quarti di finale - 24-1-2012 (ore 8:45) - Juventus Stadium - Torino Arbitro: Luca Banti Confronti ufficiali 173 - 155 (Serie A) - 14 (Coppa Italia) - 4 (Campionato a gironi) Vittorie Juventus 80 - 72 (Serie A) - 6 (Coppa Italia) - 2 (Campionato a gironi) Pareggi 51 - 47 (Serie A) - 2 (Coppa Italia) - 2 (Campionato a gironi) Vittorie Roma 42 - 36 (Serie A) - 6 (Coppa Italia) Goals Juventus 266 - 240 (Serie A) - 21 (Coppa Italia) - 5 (Campionato a gironi) Goals Roma 187 - 169 (Serie A) - 17 (Coppa Italia) - 1 (Campionato a gironi) Juventus - Roma a Torino Coppa Italia Confronti ufficiali 8 Vittorie Juventus 4 (L'ultima il 01.12.1994, 3-0) Pareggi 0 Vittorie Roma 4 (L'ultima il 27.01.2011, 0-2) Goals Juventus 13 Goals Roma 9 Giocatori con più presenze e goals contro la Roma a Torino - Coppa Italia 3 presenze Brio Sergio 3 Del Piero Alessandro 3 Marocchi Giancarlo 2 Alessio Angelo 2 Cabrini Antonio 2 Casiraghi Pierluigi 2 De Agostini Luigi 2 Gentile Claudio 2 Marocchino Domenico 2 Napoli Nicolò 2 goals Borel II Felice Placido 2 Casiraghi Pierluigi 2 Del Piero Alessandro 2 Vialli Gianluca 1 Boniek Zbigniew Kazimierz 1 Cabrini Antonio 1 Gabetto Guglielmo 1 Platini Michel 1 Ravanelli Fabrizio Ultimi confronti diretti 23.09.2007 Serie A Roma-Juventus 2-2 16.02.2008 Serie A Juventus-Roma 1-0 01.11.2008 Serie A Juventus-Roma 2-0 21.03.2009 Serie A Roma-Juventus 1-4 30.08.2009 Serie A Roma-Juventus 1-3 23.01.2010 Serie A Juventus-Roma 1-2 13.11.2010 Serie A Juventus-Roma 1-1 27.01.2011 Coppa Italia Juventus-Roma 0-2 03.04.2011 Serie A Roma-Juventus 0-2 12.12.2011 Serie A Roma-Juventus 1-1 Giocate 10 - Vittorie Juventus 5 - Pareggi 3 - Vittorie Roma 2 - Goals Juventus 17 - Goals Roma 10

Coppa Italia - Quarter-final - 24-1-2012 (8:45 p.m.) - Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee: Luca Banti Alessandro Del Piero hails Francesco Totti The Bianconeri legend has voiced his admiration for the Giallorossi icon, and is eagerly anticipating Tuesday's Coppa Italia game quarter-final against Luis Enrique's men. Jan 23, 2012 Juventus veteran Alessandro Del Piero has taken the time to praise Francesco Totti in the wake of the Roma captain's brace against Cesena last weekend. Totti broke former AC Milan attacker Gunnar Nordahl’s all-time record of 210 league goals with a single Italian club following his double on Saturday, and Del Piero feels the Roma legend fully deserves his record. "What Francesco has done is extraordinary, 211 goals with the same shirt, he deserves the record," Del Piero said at a press conference. The Juve icon then looked ahead to Tuesday's Coppa Italia encounter, and expects a tight game versus the Giallorossi. "We expect an important commitment in the Italian Cup against Roma. We all want to do well and to give our maximum because it's an important objective for us." Tuesday's Coppa Italia quarter-final kicks off at 20.45CET.

Serie A - 19^ Giornata - Andata - 21-1-2012 (ore 20:45) 0 - 2 Stephan Lichtsteiner (55') Emanuele Giaccherini (81') Stadio Atleti Azzurri d'Italia - Bergamo Arbitro: Domenico Celi Spettatori: 21000 Serie A - Atalanta al tappeto, Juve regina d'inverno I bianconeri passano 2-0 a Bergamo con i gol di Lichsteiner e Giaccherini nella ripresa. Palo di Barzagli, traversa di Vidal e infortuni per Marchisio e Pepe. Eurosport - Sabato, 21 gennaio 2012 La Juventus torna a vincere e lo fa lì dove era passato soltanto il Milan, all'Atleti Azzurri d'Italia. L'Atalanta cede il passo dopo una partita di pura lotta e perde 2-0 nell'anticipo serale della 19esima giornata di Serie A. Quella che chiude il girone d'andata. E quella che, grazie ai gol nella ripresa di Lichtsteiner e Giaccherini, regala il titolo di campione d'inverno agli uomini di Antonio Conte, che salgono a quota 41 e non potranno essere agguantati dal Milan impegnato a Novara. TORNA MAXI MORALEZ, BONUCCI OUT - Stefano Colantuono riporta Maxi Moralez a supporto dell'unica punta Denis nel tradizionale 4-4-2 nerazzurro, con una difesa che propone Ferri e Manfredini centrali e Raimondi terzino destro al posto di Andrea Masiello, risparmiato per le note vicende legate al calcioscommesse. Soltanto panchina per Marilungo e Gabbiadini, mentre Carmona e out per squalifica. Antonio Conte risponde con il classico 4-3-3 che propone il trio Pepe-Matri-Vucinic in prima linea. Novità in difesa, dove Chiellini torna dopo la squalifica e toglie il posto a Bonucci. Il terzino sinistro resta così De Ceglie. Gli unici due indisponibili sono Quagliarella e Manninger. PALO DI BARZAGLI, TRAVERSA DI VIDAL - La Juventus fa la partita da subito. Pressing alto, molto movimento sugli esterni e continue sovrapposizioni dei terzini (De Ceglie in particolare). Dopo tre minuti Matri spedisce alta la prima palla gol servita da Pepe, mentre all'8' è la stessa ala destra ad angolare troppo una conclusione in diagonale dopo un recupero di Marchisio su Padoin. Al 10', però, si capisce che l'Atalanta ha un suo piano di gioco ed è rispettabilissimo. Contropiede veloce avviato da Schelotto, palla per Peluso che mette al centro su Denis, sponda e tiro di controbalzo di Bonaventura. Buffon ci arriva senza problemi, ma la trama è chiara. L'Atalanta aspetta e riparte a mille, spaventando gli ospiti più volte nella fase centrale della prima frazione. Le occasionissime, però, sono tutte bianconere. All'11' Barzagli centra il palo con un sinistro sugli sviluppi di un calcio piazzato, mentre al 42' Vidal prende una traversa con una botta dai trenta metri. Il tutto mentre De Ceglie va vicino alla rete in due occasioni, sempre su invito a nozze di Pirlo. Il primo tempo si chiude sullo 0-0, ma a Bergamo è mancato soltanto il gol. Lo spettacolo c'è stato eccome. PROTESTE DI DENIS, GIACCHERINI CHIUDE - Conte perde subito Marchisio, che non rientra per il secondo tempo a causa di problemi muscolari e viene rimpiazzato da Giaccherini. L'ex Cesena va però in mediana e il modulo della Juventus non cambia, così come l'approccio dei bianconeri che nella ripresa partono a mille, esattamente come avevano chiuso i primi 45'. Matri spreca subito un buon pallone di De Ceglie, mentre altrettanto non fa Lichtsteiner al 55', quando lo svizzero sblocca la partita con un'incornata in solitaria su assist di Pirlo e dormita di Bonaventura. Vucinic subito dopo sfiora il raddoppio con un destro geniale da posizione molto defilata, mentre Matri si divora il 2-0 al 62', mancando il pallonetto su Consigli dopo un regalo di Ferri. Colantuono però si gioca le ultime carte e mette prima Marilungo per Bonaventura (63') e poi Ferreira PInto per uno stanco Schelotto (77'). Il tutto mentre Conte perde per infortunio anche Pepe, rimpiazzato da Marrone al 69'. L'Atalanta trova le forze per un ultimo assalto, non premiato dall'arbitro Celi che al 75' nega un possibile rigore per trattenuta in area di Chiellini su Denis. E, così, all'82' la Juventus chiude i conti con una grande azione rifinita da Marrone e conclusa splendidamente da Giaccherini. É il 2-0, quello che permette ai bianconeri di espugnare l'Atleti Azzurri d'Italia e portare a casa il titolo di campioni d'inverno. JUVE CAMPIONE D'INVERNO, MINI-CRISI ATALANTA - Dopo tre pareggi in quattro trasferte, la Juventus fa bottino pieno su un campo difficilissimo e sale a quota 41. Quello che basta per laurearsi campione d'inverno per la 26esima volta nella propria storia. I bianconeri continuano la marcia a singhiozzo che li vede alternare una vittoria a un pareggio (è così da 9 match), ma rispetto all'1-1 con il Cagliari mettono in mostra un'ottima prova da parte di Pirlo e Vidal (i più deludenti una settimana fa). Senza dimenticarsi dell'apporto di De Ceglie a sinistra, Chiellini al centro della difesa e del duo di subentranti composto da Giaccherini e Marrone. Terza sconfitta di fila per l'Atalanta che chiude comunque il girone d'andata a quota 20 nonostante i sei punti di penalizzazione. La prestazione, al contrario del ko dell'Olimpico con la Lazio, c'è stata. Ma il secondo tempo lascia intendere che la "gamba" di inizio stagione sia ormai persa per gli uomini di Colantuono, che incassano la seconda sconfitta in casa. Mattia Fontana - Eurosport http://www.tifosibianconeri.com/forum/topic/403428-juventus-season-2011-2012/page__pid__11845966__st__960#entry11845966 Atalanta - Juventus 0-2

Serie A Week 19 - 21-1-2012 (8:45 p.m.) 0 - 2 Stephan Lichtsteiner (55') Emanuele Giaccherini (81') Atleti Azzurri d'Italia Stadium - Bergamo Referee: Domenico Celi Attendance: 21000 Why winter champions Juventus have history on their side in their bid for the Serie A title Unbeaten and unbowed, the Bianconeri lead the way after 19 rounds, but despite a poor recent post-Christmas record, there is one stat which suggests they are champs in the making. Jan 22, 2012 It may only be a symbolic award, but Juventus clinched the winter championship on Saturday with their 2-0 victory over Atalanta, completing an unbeaten andata to sit top of Serie A at the halfway stage for the first time in six years. But while they may receive no silverware for leading the way after 19 rounds, recent history is on their side, with the last seven league titles being won by the winter champions. The Bianconeri have undoubtedly been the most consistent side so far, with every other club having lost at least three fixtures, but coach Antonio Conte will not be taking anything for granted just yet with AC Milan only one point behind. The regular smattering of draws has been the only drawback for the Old Lady so far, with dropped points at home to Bologna, Genoa and last week against Cagliari undermining their otherwise sensational start to the campaign. But their record against some of those chasing has been what has set them apart. Victories over Milan, Inter and Lazio, plus draws away to Udinese, Roma and a sensational 3-3 with Napoli have proven that Juve can take on their big rivals. They also had a very good record against the top six last season, but this term Conte has been able to get his side up for many of those matches people would normally expect them to take in their stride. Much of that is down to the addition of Andrea Pirlo, whose ability to add an extra dimension and pick apart the opposition has proven a much-needed feather in Juventus’ cap. Above all else though, Conte’s insistence on a relentless work rate from front to back has been the greatest catalyst. With a still-suspect defence, many would not have expected the Bianconeri to have kept 10 clean sheets by this point, but their high pressing game has resulted in a huge percentage of possession over the course of the season, and the ball has more often than not been in the opposition half. The best form of defence is attack, they say. And Juve’s forward line has been exemplary in their hassling and harrying of the opposition. While they could easily have bagged a great deal more goals from the amount of possession and chances they have enjoyed so far, the fact that so many opportunities have come their way has been thanks in large part to their pressing style. The midfield has adapted well to Conte’s 4-1-4-1 come 4-3-3 system, with Pirlo’s role at the axis laying the platform for the all-rounder Arturo Vidal and Claudio Marchisio, whose six goals so far have been vital to the cause. And the wide men have been led by the desire of Simone Pepe. However, with 19 more fixtures come 19 more tests. Some fans began to wonder as early as September whether this Juventus could go the whole season unbeaten, and while it is still premature to suggest that is a real possibility, their consistency suggests few will be given the chance to beat them on a plate. With 41 points gained so far, a greater conversion rate into victories would be welcomed. While 82 points has been enough to win the last two Serie A titles, those tallies have been below the norm since the 38-game season came into force in 2004. Champions Milan are sure to have a say in the title race, but if Juve can maintain their consistency and add a clinical edge up front, they will be difficult to overhaul. Their great concern right now must be that they have a dreadful record over the past two ritorno campaigns. A miserable early-2010 under Alberto Zaccheroni was followed up by an almost equally poor spell 12 months ago for Luigi Del Neri's men. This Juve looks different, but with still many of last season's side in the current ranks, it should not be discounted that the scars may remain. All seven winter champions in the 38-game era have eventually got their hands on the silverware that counts. The gauntlet is thrown down to Juve to make it eight. http://www.soccerway...regular-season/

Andrea Pirlo: We're pleased to top the table, but nothing is won yet The former AC Milan playmaker has voiced his satisfaction with the Old Lady's results so far, but stressed that trophies are to be won at the end of the season. Jan 23, 2012 Juventus midfielder Andrea Pirlo has expressed his happiness with the Bianconeri's performances in the first half of the season, but added that they have not achieved anything yet, and need to be on top of their game for the remainder of the campaign. The Turin giants are still unbeaten after 19 games and sit top of the table with a one-point lead over AC Milan, much to the delight of Pirlo. "The assessment up until now is more than positive. We started with a new team and a new manager and have had a great run, taking each game as it comes, whilst improving our play," Pirlo was quoted as saying at the Juventus website. "We’re happy to be top at the halfway point of the season, but we’re aware that the championship is finely balanced and we know that we still haven’t achieved anything. "The judgements will be made at the end of the season, but for now it’s important to be ahead."

Serie A Week 19 - 21-1-2012 (8:45 p.m.) 0 - 2 Stephan Lichtsteiner (55') Emanuele Giaccherini (81') Atleti Azzurri d'Italia Stadium - Bergamo Referee: Domenico Celi Attendance: 21000 Massimiliano Allegri: AC Milan & Juventus are the favourites for the Serie A title The Rossoneri coach has voiced his opinion that his side and the Bianconeri are the two teams with the best chance of walking away with the Scudetto come the end of the season. Jan 22, 2012 AC Milan coach Massimiliano Allegri feels that his side and Juventus are the two favourites to win the Scudetto, following their results in the first half of the 2011-12 campaign. Juve extended their unbeaten run this term to 19 games by beating Atalanta 2-0 on Saturday, and have so far collected 41 points. Milan, on the other hand, recorded a 3-0 win over Novara on Sunday courtesy of a Zlatan Ibrahimovic brace as well as a Robinho goal, consequently closing the gap with the Old Lady to one point. "Juventus are keeping up an impressive pace. They are still unbeaten halfway through the season. They are the favourites to win the Scudetto along with us," Allegri declared to the assembled press after the victory over Novara. "However, we obviously can't rule out the other teams just yet. Udinese, Roma and Inter are doing pretty well. "We really needed the full three points against Novara in order to reach the 40-point mark, the goal we had set at the start of the season." Milan start the second half of the Serie A season with a home game against Cagliari on January 29. http://www.soccerway...regular-season/

Serie A Week 19 - 21-1-2012 (8:45 p.m.) 0 - 2 Stephan Lichtsteiner (55') Emanuele Giaccherini (81') Atleti Azzurri d'Italia Stadium - Bergamo Referee: Domenico Celi Attendance: 21000 Lichtsteiner: Juventus should always play for the Serie A title The Switzerland international has expressed his satisfaction with the win over Atalanta, and feels that the Bianconeri are of a status that demands always targetting the Scudetto. Jan 22, 2012 Juventus defender Stephan Lichtsteiner has voiced his delight with Saturday's 2-0 Serie A win away against Atalanta and added that a team of the Old Lady's calibre should always be playing for top honours. The Switzerland international, who opened the scoring in Bergamo before Emanuele Giaccherini added a second late in the second half to put the match to bed, was very happy with his side's performance. "Being winter champions doesn’t count for much. For us it’s important to be first," he said on the club's official website. "Today [saturday] it was great to win in this way, with a great performance, creating many opportunities. We were more aggressive than last week, and we dealt well with gaining possession of the ball. "Juventus must always play for the Scudetto," Lichtsteiner argued. "We’re an extremely strong side and everything’s possible. However, we’re not thinking about the title, but winning all our games, then we’ll see what will happen." Juventus currently sit atop of the Serie A table with 41 points from 19 games. http://www.soccerway...regular-season/

Serie A Week 19 - 21-1-2012 (8:45 p.m.) 0 - 2 Stephan Lichtsteiner (55') Emanuele Giaccherini (81') Atleti Azzurri d'Italia Stadium - Bergamo Referee: Domenico Celi Attendance: 21000 Colantuono admits Juventus deserved 2-0 win: ‘There is too much of a gap between our teams’ Atalanta’s coach is not disappointed in his players for slipping to defeat against the Serie A table-toppers and refuses to blame the loss on refereeing. Jan 22, 2012 Stefano Colantuono admits that Juventus deserved their 2-0 victory over Atalanta, refusing to focus on his side’s penalty claims against who he feels were vastly superior opponents. Goals from Stephan Lichtsteiner and Emanuele Giaccherini sunk the hosts to take Antonio Conte’s side, at least temporarily, four points clear at the top of Serie A, and the home coach believes that the table-topping quality shone through for the visitors. “There’s nothing we can say, as Juve clearly deserved the victory,” Colantuono told reporters after the game. “We had studied the move for the first goal [on Saturday] morning, so it’s a shame that we still conceded anyway. “Juve are physically strong and, once they have broken the deadlock, they do kill you off. There is too much of a gap between our teams at the moment.” The result leaves Atalanta 15th place in the table, five points away from the relegation zone, but Colantuono is not worrying just yet. “Our position in the table is still good and it was only to be expected we’d struggle when facing Milan, Lazio and Juventus in a row,” the 49-year-old said calmly. “We may not be in great shape, but the Bianconeri are stronger and I cannot ask for more from my players.” There were suggestions during the game that Juventus defender Giorgio Chiellini had brought German Denis down in the box, with no penalties awarded, but the orobici trainer was unwilling to blame the defeat on refereeing. “I don’t know, it’s tough in these situations because some referees give the penalty and some don’t. It’s certainly not the reason we lost, though, so let us not grasp at excuses,” he insisted. “Juve deserved the three points.” http://www.soccerway...regular-season/

Pepe and Marchisio suffer sprains Jan 22, 2012 Simone Pepe and Claudio Marchisio have been diagnosed with sprains, though the Juventus winger came off worse with ligament damage. Both players went off during last night’s 2-0 win away to Atalanta and the club released a statement this morning on their condition. Marchisio suffered a slight sprain of his right knee and tests showed no ligament damage. Pepe was stretchered off and has been diagnosed with a sprained right ankle with slight anterior ligament damage. Both players will be evaluated over the next few days to determine how long they’ll be out for, but it seems safe to say neither will recover in time for Tuesday’s Coppa Italia clash against Roma.

Serie A Week 19 - 21-1-2012 (8:45 p.m.) 0 - 2 Stephan Lichtsteiner (55′) Emanuele Giaccherini (81′) Atleti Azzurri d'Italia Stadium - Bergamo Referee: Domenico Celi Attendance: 21000 Colantuono bows to Juve Jan 21, 2012 Stefano Colantuono has no problems admitting “Juventus clearly deserved the victory,” even with the penalty Atalanta was denied. The Bergamo club was beaten 2-0 on home turf this evening, their third consecutive Serie A defeat. “There’s nothing we can say, as Juve clearly deserved the victory. We had studied the move for the first goal this morning, so it’s a shame that we still conceded anyway. “Juve are physically strong and, once they have broken the deadlock, they do kill you off. There is too much of a gap between our teams at the moment. “Our position in the table is still good and it was only to be expected we’d struggle when facing Milan, Lazio and Juventus in a row. We may not be in great shape, but the Bianconeri are stronger and I cannot ask for more from my players.” Atalanta also had recriminations, as German Denis twice appeared to be hauled to the ground by Giorgio Chiellini. “I don’t know, it’s tough in these situations because some referees give the penalty and some don’t. It’s certainly not the reason we lost, though, so let us not grasp at excuses. Juve deserved the three points.” http://www.soccerway...regular-season/

Serie A Week 19 - 21-1-2012 (8:45 p.m.) 0 - 2 Stephan Lichtsteiner (55′) Emanuele Giaccherini (81′) Atleti Azzurri d'Italia Stadium - Bergamo Referee: Domenico Celi Attendance: 21000 Conte: 'Juve are extraordinary' Jan 21, 2012 Antonio Conte can finally celebrate Juventus winning the Winter title after an “extraordinary” first half of the season. The crown of Winter champions is given to the team on top of the table at the midway stage and more often than not it leads on to the Scudetto. “Our first half of the campaign has been extraordinary,” he said after the 2-0 win away to Atalanta this evening ensured they remain unbeaten. “We played at a very high level and tonight was the crowning moment. My lads have done remarkable things, but now we must continue giving 120 per cent, as that is the only way to keep hold of the top spot. We are out in front of teams that were favourites before the season began. “We create many chances, but admittedly do miss quite a few as well, so I guess that’s inevitable. Perhaps we should be a little calmer, but the side does play with great intensity. “Atalanta are an organised outfit, so we needed a great performance to beat them. There are some negatives from today, as we hope Claudio Marchisio and Simone Pepe’s injuries aren’t too serious.” http://www.soccerway...regular-season/