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Serie A Week 17 - 8-1-2012 (3:00 p.m.) - Via del Mare Stadium - Lecce Referee: Mauro Bergonzi Serie A Preview Fresh from the winter break, the Old Lady aim to make a winning return to domestic matters with a convincing victory against Serse Cosmi's outfit, who are also in need of points. Jan 7, 2012 PROBABLE LINE-UPS LECCE Benassi Oddo, Tomovic, Ferrario Cuadrado, Giacomazzi, Obodo, Olivera, Brivio Muriel, Di Michele JUVENTUS Buffon Lichtsteiner, Barzagli, Bonucci, Chiellini Vidal, Pirlo, Marchisio Pepe, Matri, Vucinic Lecce are tipped to line up with an unchanged squad on Sunday from the side that were defeated 4-1 by Inter, but will be without duo Manuel Giandonato and Luigi Falcone, both of whom are currently nursing injuries. Meanwhile, for the league leaders, a Juventus are set to name a full-strength side as coach Antonio Conte has no pressing injury worries or suspicions to contend with. Mirko Vucinic, for whom Marcelo Estigarribia deputised during the 0-0 draw with Udinese prior to the winter break, is available for selection once more. An experimental line-up was utilised in the 7-1 thrashing of Saudi club Al Hilal in a recent friendly clash, but up to five changes will be made for the trip to the Via del Mare on Sunday - Frederik Sorensen, Luca Marrone, Eljero Elia, Fabio Quagliarella and Alessandro Del Piero look set to be replaced by Andrea Barzagli, Stephan Lichtsteiner, Andrea Pirlo, Claudio Marchisio and Vucinic. DID YOU KNOW? Lecce ended a run of six consecutive losses against Juventus after their 2-0 win over the Old Lady last February. However, Lecce are still winless at home and have picked up just one point at the Via del Mare so far. The Salentini have not kept a clean sheet in their last 10 games at home since beating Udinese 2-0 back in April. Juventus remain the only unbeaten side among the 'top five' European leagues this season. The Bianconeri have drawn their last three games on the road thus far. Antonio Conte will face Lecce, the club of his birthplace where he played between 1985 and 1992, as coach for the first time. Head to Head Serie A - Feb 20, 2011 - Lecce 2 - Juventus0 Serie A - Oct 17, 2010 - Juventus 4 - Lecce 0 Serie A - May 3, 2009 - Juventus 2 - Lecce 2 Serie A - Dec 7, 2008 - Lecce 1 - Juventus 2‎ Serie B - Apr 14, 2007 - Lecce 1 - Juventus 3‎ Last Five Matches Lecce Dec 21, 2011 - FC Internazionale 4 - Lecce 1 - Serie A Dec 18, 2011 - Parma 3 - Lecce 3 - Serie A Dec 10, 2011 - Lecce 2 - Lazio 3 - Serie A Dec 3, 2011 - SSC Napoli 4 - Lecce 2 - Serie A Nov 26, 2011 - Lecce 0 - Catania 1 - Serie A Juventus Jan 5, 2012 - Al Hilal 1 - Juventus 7 - FR Dec 21, 2011 - Udinese 0 - Juventus 0 - Serie A Dec 18, 2011 - Juventus 2 - Novara 0 - Serie A Dec 12, 2011 - Roma 1 - Juventus 1 - Serie A Dec 8, 2011 - Juventus 2 - Bologna 1 - Serie A Players to Watch Luis Fernando Muriel Fruto The Colombian starlet is definitely one-to-watch for the future, as his goal at Inter perfectly showcased his exciting talent. The 20-year-old, currently owned by Udinese, now has a big opportunity to prove that his opener against the Nerazzurri was no flash in the pan by netting against the Old Lady, who must be aware of his impressive pace and technique. Simone Pepe In recent weeks Pepe has improved immeasurably, playing the best football of his career by adding a clinical edge to his game, and his duel with young full-back Davide Brivio will be one of the most fascinating one-on-ones during proceedings. With Juventus' other options in attack failing to deliver in recent matches, Pepe has arguably been their most potent weapon in the final third. Prediction After three draws in their last six league matches, normal service looks set to be resumed for Juventus, as a domineering display against the basement boys should be expected if they are serious about pipping AC Milan and the like to the title in several months time. Editor's Prediction Lecce 0 - Juventus 3 http://www.soccerway...regular-season/

Serie A Week 17 - 8-1-2012 (3:00 p.m.) - Via del Mare Stadium - Lecce Referee: Mauro Bergonzi Conte: 'Back to business' Jan 7, 2012 Antonio Conte is confident Juventus are “ready to get back to business” in his hometown Lecce and welcomes Marco Borriello. The Bianconeri are still unbeaten this season and joint Serie A leaders with Milan, flying down directly from the winter training camp in Dubai. “The Christmas break always holds some uncertainty. We were coming from a series of 16 positive results in a row, but had to stop and now there are a few question marks,” said the Coach in his Press conference. “Having said that, we worked well on our heads and legs, so I am confident. We are ready to get back to business, because we are Juventus and we must not fear anyone. “We know that Lecce have quality in their side, like Luis Muriel, David Di Michele, Ruben Olivera, Guillermo Giacomazzi and Juan Cuadrado. They’re not getting the points they expected, but are hungry for success. I expect a tough match.” Conte spent much of his first six months on the Juve bench calming Scudetto talk, but now embraces their status as title contenders. “I expect it to be more difficult from here on in, because our opponents did not previously expect such a tough Juve to stand in their path. Our primary objective was to recapture credibility in the eyes of our fans and seeing the welcome we got in Dubai and back in Italy, I’d say we achieved that,” continued the tactician.” Juventus have been strengthened over the January transfer window by bringing in Borriello from Roma. “We have five strikers and will use those who are in the best shape. Marco is welcome and represents another alternative, but still needs to get into the mentality, tactics and hierarchy of this squad. “Football has evolved. Once upon a time there was a hefty centre-forward who would stand there hoping to put it in the net. Now a good striker in modern football has to take part in attacking and defending moves. When Leo Messi loses the ball, he is the first to try to get it back.” http://www.soccerway...regular-season/

Serie A Week 17 - 8-1-2012 (3:00 p.m.) - Via del Mare Stadium - Lecce Referee: Mauro Bergonzi Di Michele asks for perfect Lecce Jan 6, 2012 Without a win at home all season, David Di Michele admits it will take a flawless performance on Sunday to overcome League leaders Juventus. Serse Cosmi’s Giallorossi have now entered their eighth month in search of a home win since the last one in May. Welcoming the unbeaten Old Lady this weekend, striker Di Michele reflected on Friday that it will take a significant effort to collect three points in Week 17. “Last year against Juventus we played the perfect game,” said Di Michele, in reference to February 2010’s 2-0 win over the Bianconeri. “We hope to have a game this Sunday that is just as nice, especially on a psychological level. “Only with the right concentration, determination and bite can we beat Juve, a team that from last season has changed greatly.” Lecce are currently bottom of the League, six points adrift of safety and without a win from their last six games played. Di Michele hinted that where their situation has had an affect on morale, it won’t change the effort put in this weekend. “We are training a little ‘in the moment’, but when you face big teams, the motivation is greatest. They have a mentality in their group and a Coach who is doing a great job. “We will have to be good and play a perfect match - we have our strengths, which when expressed correctly, may give us a lot of satisfaction.” http://www.soccerway...regular-season/

Juve in seventh heaven Jan 5, 2012 Juventus finished their Arabian spell with a thumping 7-1 victory over Al Hilal thanks to an inspirational Alessandro Del Piero. The Bianconeri have been training in Dubai since late December and concluded the trip by playing a testimonial for goalkeeper Mohammed Aldeayea in Riyadh. It was Aldeayea who twice denied Del Piero in the opening minutes, but was beaten on his big day when the captain squirmed away from his marker to score with an angled drive. Del Piero added a second delightful lob before Eljero Elia made it 3-0 by bursting down the left. Al Hilal fought back as Alshlob hit the upright, then fired over, but Arturo Vidal’s fantastic right-foot curler into the top corner secured a 4-0 result at half-time. Coach Antonio Conte completely revamped the squad for the second half and Al Hilal took advantage by pulling one back through Alharthi springing the offside trap. Claudio Marchisio pulled back for Giorgio Chiellini to net a fifth, while Simone Pepe’s free kick and a late Fabio Quagliarella volley completed the rout. Curiously, testimonial star Aldeayea was replaced by his son, Badr Aldeayea, who performed some good saves on Mirko Vucinic. Al Hilal 1-7 Juventus Scorers: Del Piero 14, 23, Elia 32, Vidal 45, Alharti 48 (A), Chiellini 51, Pepe 75, Quagliarella 86 Al Hilal:M Aldeayea (Shrahili 48) (B Aldeayea 72); Alsharani (Almarshdi 27), Hawsawi (Flatah 27), Almouald (Albisi 46) (Khirat 72), Alzouri (Aldokhi 46) (Alfarj 72); Alganam (Aldosari 46) (Almohyani 72), Alshlhob (Alsbiaai 58) (Alyaas 72), Algamdi (Aziz 27), Wilhelmsson (Algarni 46) (Hrmash 72); Alharthi, Aljaber (Alaabd 27) Juventus: Buffon (Storari 46); Sorensen, Barzagli (Lichtsteiner 46), Bonucci (Chiellini 46), De Ceglie (Estigarribia 46); Marchisio (Pepe 46), Marrone (Pazienza 46), Vidal (Giaccherini 46); Elia (Krasic 46), Matri (Quagliarella 46), Del Piero (Vucinic 46)

Alessandro Del Piero: Dubai experience was very positive The 37-year-old attacker is happy with his side's training camp, while Conte noted that the match was important for him to take notes on his players ahead of Serie A's return. Jan 5, 2012 Juventus attacker Alessandro Del Piero has described Juventus' training camp in Dubai as a positive experience. Just like Serie A rivals AC Milan, Juventus travelled to Dubai for a mid-season retreat, which ended with a friendly match against Al Hilal. Del Piero netted two goals in Juventus' 7-1 demolition job of the Saudi Arabian side, and after the match he confessed to being happy with his side's time in the emirate. "We have received a splendid welcome in Dubai, on our arrival yesterday in Riyadh and this evening at the stadium," he told the club's official website. "The chants? I once heard [former basketball star] Magic Johnson say on a video that you play to win, to enjoy yourself and to give people enjoyment. "These are three things I have always looked to do - the affection I am afforded is an acknowledgement of this. "I feel good. I have rested up over the holidays and have been working at my best. The overall assessment of this mid-season training camp is more than positive." Meanwhile, Juventus coach Antonio Conte praised his side's display but admitted he did not expect Al Hilal to field a much-changed team. "They opted for a team made up of their reserves," Conte explained. "I would have preferred to play against the first choice players, but the game was still useful in order to get back to our championship way of thinking. "I liked the application with which we read the game. They all played 45 minutes, adapting well to their own roles, despite the fact we tried certain different options, such as Estigarribia at left-back and Simone Pepe as an inside midfielder."

Zambrotta respects weaker Juve Jan 4, 2012 Milan’s Gianluca Zambrotta rates former club Juventus as a Scudetto contender despite them not having the most competitive squad. The Rossoneri and the Old Lady currently lead the Serie A standings as the championship resumes this weekend following the winter break. “On paper, Juve have fewer champions than ourselves and Inter, but that is only a relative disadvantage,” Zambrotta told La Stampa. “Apart from the two years under Fabio Capello when we had a really strong squad at Juve, my side wasn’t always the best team but we won because of our spirit. “I saw that again in them three months ago when we went to Turin and lost. “However, we at Milan have the Scudetto shield on our shirts and I agree with Zlatan Ibrahimovic when he says that we are better than last season.” Although the two giants lead the way, Zambrotta is refusing to rule out any other side from entering the Scudetto race. “It’s like we have gone back in time,” the former Italian international noted. “In the sense that Juventus have completed their path to become a great side again. “The difference is that in the past there was a big difference between teams, now Inter, Lazio, Udinese and Napoli are in the position to fight until the very end.”

Conte: Milan could romp to Serie A title if they continue present form Both Juventus and league rivals have 37 points after 16 games. Jan 3, 2012 Dubai: Juventus coach Antonio Conte is fearful that if fellow Serie A title-chasers AC Milan continue their current form they will lift the Scudetto with months to spare. Conte was speaking at a press conference at Dubai's Meydan Hotel yesterday during the Bianconeri's winter training camp, courtesy of the Dubai Department of Tourism and Commerce and Marketing and Dubai Sports Council. They are in the city at the same time as league rivals Milan, with whom they are level on 37 points after 16 games in Italy's top flight. Both clubs return to domestic action this weekend, when Juventus will travel to Lecce while AC Milan take on Atalanta away. But in the meantime the Rossoneri face Paris Saint Germain (PSG) in a friendly at Dubai's Al Ahli Stadium tonight (7.30pm) and Juventus take on Al Hilal in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, tomorrow. Conte said of Milan, who have nine wins and two draws from their last 11 games: "I hope they don't, but the truth is if Milan continue their incredible run, they could finish [as champions] two-and-a-half months in advance of the league ending. Two penalties "In one of the two draws they should have won, they deserved two penalties and one goal got cancelled [against Fiorentina]." "Milan are favourites to lift the Scudetto. But we will try our best. "It's not just about AC Milan and Juventus though. Don't forget Inter [other than Udinese and Lazio] because they are still gaining points. They are very strong and could arrive to the top also. "Don't forget to get to this level [first in the league] Juventus started from zero and only after two seasons have we arrived back at the top, having finished seventh two seasons in a row. To finally get to the top again we are happy, but the history is quite a shame." Asked if Juventus had the advantage and could relax given AC Milan have a backlog of fixtures due to their Champions League participation, Conte disagreed. Great club "It would be stupid to say we are more relaxed because, mid-week, we watch Champions League matches on TV. We see Inter and Milan but we are at home. We want to be playing every three days also because we are a great club and it's important to get back to that level," he said. "Playing every three days with Champions League football and Serie A participation can have the opposite effect. It can destroy Juve. As a player I played in three finals and also won the title. The Champions League can add euphoria to the team." Juve defender Giorgio Chiellini, also at the conference, said: "Juventus started very well to beat Milan, but Milan started badly thanks to injuries and late arrivals from the Copa America. "They lost many points but now they have recovered. Even if we won against them now we are equal on points. We just have to continue. It's too early to say who will lift the title. We are just hard at training with a winning mentality for Lecce."

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Allegri doesn’t fear Juventus Jan 3, 2012 Massimiliano Allegri has declared that Milan do not fear Juventus going forward in the League, as Serie A resumes with the two level on points. Speaking in Dubai during the Rossoneri’s winter training retreat that includes a friendly against Paris Saint-Germain on Wednesday, Allegri revealed that he and his players are resilient in the face of Juve’s title challenge. “Juventus are going very well. I believe they are the only unbeaten team in Italy, but we aware of our own strength and are ready to fight to win back the title again. “In the first five League games we collected only five points, while they were almost never wrong. Now that we have wiped out the [points] disadvantage we will see what will happen from January 8 onwards. “Do not forget the injuries we had at the start of the season, we have incurred a certain preparation given the significant commitment required in Beijing against Inter. That was the first trophy of the season and we wanted to win it. “Without doubt, Juventus has had the advantage of not playing Europe, but we have others ourselves - we’ve known each other for a year and a half, we’ve been together in this time and know what to do every day, then our new arrivals have been perfectly integrated. “In this period, now, there is increased self-esteem.” The Coach finished with a lighthearted reflection when prompted about comparisons between his first season with Milan and Antonio Conte’s with Juventus. “Is Conte the new Allegri? I hope not…I won….I hope that he does a good job, but finishes second.” Allegri also again commented on Alexandre Pato’s situation at the club. Pato’s comments late last month initiated strong rumours of a fall-out with Allegri and an imminent departure out of San Siro. “Pato’s declarations? I think they are just an outburst. Here in Dubai he has been laid back, in the best way and just with the desire to train well. “My way of being is this. I try to talk to him as much as possible, as with others. There was a time when Pato was injured and he could not always be with the group and this has perhaps left him feeling a little sidelined. “When he always played he was happy. I hope he stays here at Milan because he is an important player for us.”

Massimiliano Allegri: Juventus don't scare us Milan coach has stressed that they are full of confidence ahead of the second half of the season and they don't fear the Old Lady in the fight for the Scudetto. Jan 3, 2012 AC Milan coach Massimiliano Allegri has made it clear that the Rossoneri do not fear Juventus as Serie A is set to resume next weekend after a brief winter break. The reigning champions and the Bianconeri currently sit joint first in the league table with 34 points from 16 games, and Allegri has insisted that the Turin side's unbeaten run doesn't intimidate Milan. "Juventus do not scare us," Allegri was quoted as saying by Tuttosport. "They are a great team and we respect them. However, at the moment, Milan have all the resources available that are needed to win the Scudetto once more." Milan's first game after the winter break is an away clash against Atalanta on January 8, while Juve travel to Lecce that same day.

Sirigu: It is nearly impossible to reach the level of Buffon Paris Saint-Germain keeper is of the opinion that the Italy No.1 is still arguably the best in his profession, and says it will be difficult to ever be on a par with him. Jan 2, 2012 Paris Saint-Germain goalkeeper Salvatore Sirigu has confessed that it will be a near-impossible task to reach the level of Juventus' Gianluigi Buffon. The 24-year-old feels that Buffon has set the bar so high that he may never be able to better the illustrious shot stopper once his playing days are over. "Buffon is still one of the greatest goalkeepers in the world, if not the absolute best. He has the ability to remain at the highest level for many years. For now, it is impossible to reach his level," Sirigu was quoted as saying by Le Parisien.

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Pirlo: Winning desire increasing here Jan 1, 2012 Andrea Pirlo can sense a winning desire growing inside the Juventus dressing room. Pirlo has been a major influence on Juve's turnaround this season. “Our hunger is growing, game after game, victory after victory. Compared to this, what we felt in the summer was a mere appetite. “I needed new motivation and am increasingly convinced that I made the right choice coming to Juventus. What do I wish for the new year? To at least partly sate that hunger and give the fans that joy they deserve.”

Pirlo: 'Juve hungry for 2012' Dec 31, 2011 Andrea Pirlo looks forward to a great 2012 for himself and Juventus. “Our hunger is growing, victory after victory.” The midfielder wanted a new experience when he left Milan after 10 years and has found a new lease of life in Turin. Both clubs are joint top of the Serie A table and are training in Dubai. “Coming to the warm climate during the winter break really pays off, as I realised with Milan in recent years. Your muscles work better in these temperatures,” Pirlo told Juventus Channel. Having the Rossoneri here means it’s a bit like the Scudetto race continues even when there are no games. I hope this head-to-head can continue to the end. “I’d say we started with the right foot and if possible I sense even more enthusiasm than when we started out in pre-season. We didn’t know where we could end up, because we weren’t a team yet. Now we are aware of our potential and can cancel out the last two seasons. “Our hunger is growing, game after game, victory after victory. Compared to this, what we felt in the summer was a mere appetite. “I needed new motivation and am increasingly convinced that I made the right choice coming to Juventus. What do I wish for the new year? To at least partly sate that hunger and give the fans that joy they deserve.”

Bonucci: 'They all fear Juve' Dec 31, 2011 Leonardo Bonucci looks forward to a great 2012 from the camp in Dubai. “Now they all fear Juventus. The future depends only on us.” The joint Serie A leaders are spending the winter break doing intensive training in Dubai before their next match against Lecce on January 7. “Now all our opponents fear Juventus and we are at the top of the table,” said the defender. “The future depends only on us, so we must continue along this path and begin again from Lecce with the same grit we showed at the start of the season.” Juve are joint top with Scudetto holders Milan and many expect this to be the title tussle throughout the campaign. “Considering the results achieved so far, I’d say that was true, but we must also not forget Udinese, Napoli and Lazio right behind. Now we have to only focus on facing the next five months, which will be even tougher than the first.” Bonucci had no intention of complaining that Juventus went straight into a training session after a five-hour flight to Dubai. “That is the credo of this year. It was the same in America over the summer and I think it’s only right, because that way we easily overcome the fatigue of the journey.”