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Serie A Week 16 - 18-12-2011 (3:00 p.m.) - Juventus Arena - Turin Referee: Andrea Gervasoni Novara 'will attack Juventus' Dec 18, 2011 Novara take on Juventus in their first Piemonte Derby for 55 years, but Attilio Tesser assures they “won’t clam up and defend.” The minnows have been out of the top flight since the 1950s, so didn’t have the chance to face their local rivals before now. “We are playing for prestige as well, but the points count for more,” said the Coach. “Therefore we will try to get a result, albeit aware we will be taking on the top team in the Division, not to mention the only European side still unbeaten. “The difficulties of this match are evident and we must play to the best of our abilities. It will take technique, tactical nous and team spirit. “If we only play with a defensive attitude, then we’d be getting absolutely everything wrong,” continued Tesser. “Of course we don’t intend to be arrogant in Turin, but we will have to courage to play and not just hand Juve the initiative. We will reply blow for blow. Our intensity is going to be key. “I am sure Juventus will come out all guns blazing straight away and try to break the deadlock immediately.” He confirmed the 5-3-2 system tested in their 1-1 draw against Napoli last week. “The system isn’t the important thing, but rather the mentality, so we must interpret the game the same way we did against Napoli.” http://www.soccerway...regular-season/

Serie A Week 16 - 18-12-2011 (3:00 p.m.) - Juventus Arena - Turin Referee: Andrea Gervasoni Serie A Preview Dec 18, 2011 Juventus midfielder Emanuele Giaccherini insists his team will not be distracted by Wednesday's game at Udinese when they host Novara tomorrow. The Turin giants end the year with a midweek match in Udine which could prove to be a battle for top spot in Serie A. Antonio Conte's side head into this weekend top of the standings but level on 30 points with Udinese, who face Lazio in Rome tomorrow. "Our only focus right now is on Novara,'' Giaccherini said. "Only on Monday will we concentrate on the game at Udinese. "We certainly hope we will get maximum from those two games in order to go into 2012 in first place.'' Juventus drew 1-1 at Roma last time out to extend their unbeaten league run to 14 games. Novara, in contrast, are 19th in the standings - three points adrift of safety. Attilio Tesser's men almost stunned Napoli last weekend but were denied their third win of the campaign after they conceded a late equaliser. Giaccherini knows the promoted visitors cannot be taken lightly. "We will face a team that will come here determined to get a result in their battle to avoid the drop,'' he said. "It will be difficult to find spaces up front and we will have to be patient to score.'' Tesser, meanwhile, has urged his players to show the same spirit tomorrow that they displayed against Napoli. "We could have beaten Napoli but the 1-1 draw is still a good result considering who we were facing,'' he said. "Now we must show the same determination and hunger at Juventus.'' Novara have not won on the road this season but will be bolstered by the return of defender Massimo Paci from injury and striker Riccardo Meggiorini from suspension. The hosts will be without defender Leonardo Bonucci and midfielder Arturo Vidal, both suspended, as well as injured forward Mirko Vucinic. http://www.soccerway...regular-season/

Serie A Week 16 - 18-12-2011 (3:00 p.m.) - Juventus Arena - Turin Referee: Andrea Gervasoni Serie A Preview The Bianconeri will be looking to extend their impressive 14-match unbeaten run in the league when they welcome the newly promoted outfit to Turin on Sunday. Dec 17, 2011 PROBABLE LINE-UPS JUVENTUS Buffon Lichtsteiner, Barzagli, Chiellini, De Ceglie Marchisio, Pirlo, Giaccherini Pepe, Matri, Del Piero NOVARA Ujkani Morganella, Dellafiore, Ludi, Gemiti Centurioni Marianini, Radovanovic, Rigoni Mazzarani, Meggiorini Antonio Conte does not have many injuries worries ahead of the match as Mirko Vucinic is the only player sidelined but the 42-year-old coach will be missing the services of Arturo Vidal and Leonardo Bonucci through suspension. Emanuele Giaccherini looks poised to start on the wing, while Alessandro Del Piero should get the nod upfront. Novara boss Attilio Tesser has the luxury of choosing from a fully-fit squad as he looks to spring a surprise over Juve on Sunday. DID YOU KNOW? The Bianconeri have keep three clean sheets at the Juventus Stadium this term. Juventus are unbeaten at home this season (W5 D2) and have outscored their opponents 16-5 in the process. The Turin outfit have won five games by a one-goal margin in the 2011-12 campaign. Novara have picked up just two wins against Juve in their last 24 Serie A encounters (W2 D9 L13). The Serie A newcomers are winless on their road travels this season (W0 D2 L5). Attilio Tesser's men have conceded 14 goals. Last Five Matches Juventus Dec 12, 2011 - Roma 1 - Juventus 1 - Serie A Dec 8, 2011 - Juventus 2 - Bologna 1 - Coppa Italia Dec 4, 2011 - Juventus 2 - Cesena 0 - Serie A Nov 29, 2011 - Napoli 3 - Juventus 3 - Serie A Nov 26, 2011 - Lazio 0 - Juventus 1 - Serie A Novara Dec 11, 2011 - Novara 1 - SSC Napoli 1 - Serie A Dec 5, 2011 - Lazio 3 - Novara 0 - Serie A Nov 29, 2011 - Catania 2 - Novara 3 - Coppa Italia Nov 26, 2011 - Novara 2 - Parma 1 - Serie A Nov 20, 2011 - Genoa 1 - Novara 0 - Serie A Players to Watch Andrea Pirlo The midfield metronome has kept things ticking in the middle of the park and should be able to dictate the rhythm of play against the underdogs on Sunday afternoon. Marco Rigoni The veteran midfielder has been sensational for the newly promoted club so far this season. The 31-year-old leads the team in scoring with five goals and will need to add to his name to the scoresheet if Novara hope to pull off an upset in Turin. Prediction The league leaders should have no problem extending their unbeaten run with a straightforward win over the Serie A new boys in Turin. Editor's Prediction Juventus 3 - 0 Novara http://www.soccerway...regular-season/

Serie A Week 16 - 18-12-2011 (3:00 p.m.) - Juventus Arena - Turin Referee: Andrea Gervasoni Antonio Conte relaxed ahead of Novara meeting despite first-team absentees Juventus coach is not too downbeat about the prospect of facing the newly-promoted side without a number of his first-team regulars Dec 17, 2011 Juventus coach Antonio Conte has played down the impact of the club's injury and suspension list ahead of Sunday's Serie A encounter against Novara, claiming he is relaxed about the prospect of having to tinker with his squad. Arturo Vidal and Leonardo Bonucci are both suspended for the game, joining Mirko Vucinic in the stands as the Montenegrin striker is currently out injured. Giorgio Chiellini could revert back to centre-half in the absence of Bonucci with Paolo De Ceglie set to start on the left side of defence, and Conte is confident about trying out different players. "It is the first time we have to do without three first-team players and we have tested out a few options. I am relaxed because whoever is called upon to do their duty will give their all to prove themselves," the former midfielder told reporters during his press conference. "This is what I expect from my players, especially those who are further down the pecking order as they know what order is easily changed." Despite being near the top of the league for the whole season, Conte is cautious of Novara who were promoted in the summer. "I victory tomorrow would be very important for us, but we have great respect for Novara who are doing very well," he added. "I know them well, having faced Novara last season in Serie B when I was in charge of Siena. They want to achieve something special and it's up to us to ensure that doesn't happen. Novara deserve to be in Serie A." Juventus currently sit top of the table on goal difference ahead of Udinese, who face Lazio on Sunday evening. http://www.soccerway...regular-season/

Serie A - 16^ Giornata - Andata - 18-12-2011 (ore 15:00) - Juventus Stadium - Torino Arbitro: Andrea Gervasoni‎ Confronti ufficiali 42 - 24 (Serie A) - 2 (Coppa Italia) - 14 (Campionato a gironi) - 2 (Campionato di guerra) Vittorie Juventus 20 - 13 (Serie A) - 1 (Coppa Italia) - 4 (Campionato a gironi) - 2 (Campionato di guerra) Pareggi 15 - 9 (Serie A) - 1 (Coppa Italia) - 5 (Campionato a gironi) Vittorie Novara 7 - 2 (Serie A) - 5 (Campionato a gironi) Goals Juventus 78 - 44 (Serie A) - 3 (Coppa Italia) - 27 (Campionato a gironi) - 4 (Campionato di guerra) Goals Novara 44 - 18 (Serie A) - 2 (Coppa Italia) - 23 (Campionato a gironi) - 1 (Campionato di guerra) Juventus - Novara a Torino Serie A Confronti ufficiali 12 Vittorie Juventus 7 (L'ultima il 20.02.1955, 2-1) Pareggi 5 (L'ultimo il 22.10.1955, 2-2) Vittorie Novara 0 Goals Juventus 23 Goals Novara 8 Giocatori con più presenze e goals contro il Novara a Torino 7 presenze Manente Sergio 7 Praest Carl Aage Andersen 7 Viola Giovanni 5 Boniperti Giampiero 5 Hansen John 5 Muccinelli Ermes 5 Parola Carlo 4 Foni Alfredo 4 Gabetto Guglielmo 4 Mari Giacomo 4 goals Hansen John 4 Muccinelli Ermes 3 Boniperti Giampiero 2 Gabetto Guglielmo 2 Montico Antonio 1 Borel II Felice Placido 1 Manente Sergio 1 Parola Carlo 1 Scagliotti Cinzio 1 Varglien II Giovanni Ultimi confronti diretti 16.11.1952 Serie A Novara-Juventus 0-6 22.03.1953 Serie A Juventus-Novara 1-1 27.12.1953 Serie A Juventus-Novara 0-0 09.05.1954 Serie A Novara-Juventus 0-1 03.10.1954 Serie A Novara-Juventus 2-2 20.02.1955 Serie A Juventus-Novara 2-1 22.10.1955 Serie A Juventus-Novara 2-2 19.03.1956 Serie A Novara-Juventus 0-0 06.09.1970 Coppa Italia Novara-Juventus 2-2 30.08.1972 Coppa Italia Novara-Juventus 0-1 Giocate 10 - Vittorie Juventus 4 - Pareggi 6 - Vittorie Novara 0 - Goals Juventus 17 - Goals Novara 8

Serie A Week 16 - 18-12-2011 (3:00 p.m.) - Juventus Arena - Turin Referee: Andrea Gervasoni‎ Conte changes for Piemonte derby Dec 17, 2011 Antonio Conte is keeping Juventus on their toes ahead of the first Derby di Piemonte in 55 years against Novara. “A victory tomorrow would be very important for us, but we have great respect for Novara, who are doing very well,” said the Coach in his press conference. “I know them well, having faced Novara last season in Serie B when I was in charge of Siena. They want to achieve something special and it’s up to us to ensure that doesn’t happen. Novara deserve to be in Serie A.” Conte has to reshuffle, as Arturo Vidal and Leonardo Bonucci are suspended, joining the injured Mirko Vucinic in the stands. There are reports Paolo De Ceglie could take left-back, returning Giorgio Chiellini to the centre, with Alessandro Del Piero and Emanuele Giaccherini stepping in. “It is the first time we have to do without three first team players and we tested out a few options. I am relaxed, because whoever is called upon to do their duty will give their all to prove themselves. This is what I expect from my players, especially those who are further down the pecking order, as they know that order is easily changed.” Juve are joint top of the table with Udinese, who face a very tough test against Lazio this weekend, so could well be the lone leaders by Sunday evening. “We mustn’t look at the table, even if we are doing extraordinary things. We want to end the year knowing our work has gone beyond the rosiest expectations, but the important thing is not how you start. It’s how you finish.” Conte was also asked about reports Juventus are challenging Milan and Paris Saint-Germain for Manchester City striker Carlos Tevez. “Others within the club take care of the transfer market. I have many responsibilities.” http://www.soccerway...regular-season/

Diego Della Valle orders Guido Rossi to disclose every detail of the investigation into Calciopoli Fiorentina co-owner wants the former FIGC commissioner to outline exactly what happened during his enquiry into the fixing scandal which rocked Italian football. Dec 16, 2011 Fiorentina co-owner Diego Della Valle has called on Guido Rossi to publicly reveal every detail of his investigation into Calciopoli. Just a day after the peace talks arranged to smoothe relations between the clubs involved in the corruption scandal which rocked Italian football in 2006, Della Valle posted a letter on the Viola’s official website urging the former Italian Football Federation (FIGC) commissioner to disclose everything he knows about the investigation. "Guido Rossi first of all has to publicly explain what really happened,” he wrote of the enquiry which led to Juventus being demoted to Serie B and Fiorentina, Milan and Lazio being docked points. “With regard to the meeting which took place yesterday at the headquarters of CONI, I want to thank president [Gianni] Petrucci for the invitation and the attempt for peace. Even if it has not achieved the desired goal, it has, however, opened a path. "The shared desire of all in wanting to pacify the members must first pass through a clear and honest analysis of what happened in his time. “The protagonists of that time must publicly clarify [what happened]. And Guido Rossi has the duty to reconstruct the facts and give a public explanation to all those who want to know the truth.” The peace talks were headed by CONI president Petrucci, who was joined by Della Valle, AC Milan vice-president Adriano Galliani, Juventus president Andrea Agnelli, Napoli patron Aurelio De Laurentiis, Inter's Massimo Moratti and current FIGC chief, Giancarlo Abete. The scandal, which centred on teams trying to influence the outcome of games by selecting favourable referees, came to light as a consequence of investigations by Naples prosecutors into the Italian football agency GEA World.

Buffon doubts Tevez worth Dec 16, 2011 Gianluigi Buffon believes Juventus would not benefit from Carlos Tevez and has questioned Milan’s necessity to sign him either. The wantaway Manchester City forward had been linked in recent weeks with both the Turin and Milan sides. The Rossoneri have put in an offer to take the Argentine in January and are now waiting on his club’s decision amid reported competition from Paris Saint-Germain. Despite the player’s goal-scoring record in recent seasons and the reportedly low price the player is available at - almost half his summer valuation - Buffon believes he is not a player that would add value to the Bianconeri. “In the event that he is at Juve, I have no idea if he will improve us. In attack we are covered, in numbers and quality, and I do not know if someone like Tevez has other problems. “To get great results, everyone needs to pull in the same direction and you have to set aside the ego and the self. Speak in the plural.” The Italian goalkeeper, who recently equalled Dino Zoff’s caps record between the Azzurri sticks, also went on to question whether Milan need Tevez either. “In attack Milan are so strong, they have no big problems - with Ibrahimovic, Robinho, Pato and then the returning Cassano and Inzaghi. “In short, they are well covered. It is clear, though, that the assessment is their business.”

‘Lichtsteiner one of the best’ Dec 16, 2011 Moreno Torricelli has crowned Juventus’ Stephan Lichtsteiner as one of the finest right-backs presently in the game. The Swiss international joined the Old Lady in the summer from Lazio for €10m and he’s been an ever-present in the club’s Serie A starting XI since. “Lichtsteiner is doing very well,” Torricelli, himself a former full-back in Turin, told Radio Mana Mana. “He is demonstrating to everyone just how good a player he actually is. “Lichtsteiner, in my opinion, is one of the best full-backs in Europe and I hope he doesn’t stop performing so well.” Torricelli spent six years at Juventus where he played in Marcello Lippi’s mythical side alongside present Juve boss Antonio Conte. “There are similarities between this team and the Juventus I played in,” added the former Fiorentina man. “They play with the same velocity, high pressing and the squad is very similar. This is an excellent team. “Antonio is charismatic, he was an excellent captain who is pays close attention to every detail. His DNA is Bianconero.”

I’m a centre-back, says Chiellini Dec 16, 2011 Giorgio Chiellini will be happy to once again be fielded in the heart of the Juventus defence this weekend. “It’s my role.” The Italian international has been mainly used as a left-back by Antonio Conte in Turin this season, but Leonardo Bonucci’s suspension should see him move over into the middle against Novara. “I’m ready to return into the centre, but it will be up to the Coach to decide,” Chiellini told Sky Sport Italia. “At the end of the day I consider that to be my natural position and I think I play better in that role,” he added. “I’m at the disposal of the squad and I’ll be happy to play as a centre-back against Novara.” Juventus are currently top of the standings with Udinese, two points clear of Lazio and title rivals Milan. “We have great respect for Milan,” the former Fiorentina player noted. “After all, we know that they are the reigning Italian champions. “There is a great desire here at Juventus to do well, but we are just taking things one game at a time without thinking about what could happen at the end of the season.”

No chip on Buffon shoulder Dec 15, 2011 Juventus’ Gigi Buffon has insisted that he wouldn’t have been annoyed with Francesco Totti had the Roman tried a cheeky chip penalty against him on Monday. The Italian international denied Totti from the spot after diving to his right following the captain’s decision to go for power rather than his previously seen delicacy. “I wouldn’t have got angry had he decided to chip in the penalty,” the Bianconero told Sky Sport Italia on Thursday. “That’s a very technical trick to pull off and it would have taken great courage. We’ve been friends for 15 years so I wouldn’t have been hacked off. “He took the penalty like he normally does. Had he aimed it in the other direction then it would have gone in.” Buffon is not widely recognised as a penalty saving expert, even if he’s unclear why such a view is held. “Right now there are goalkeepers like Udinese’s Samir Handanovic and Stefano Sorrentino of Chievo who are doing mad things with penalties. “However, I think I’ve saved about the right amount throughout my career so far.” The former Parma player was also asked for his thoughts on Milan’s proposed swoop of Manchester City forward Carlos Tevez. “Tevez would certainly improve the Milan attack, even if they don’t really have any issues in that sector as it is.”

Marchisio: Do Juve need signings? Dec 15, 2011 Claudio Marchisio wouldn’t be disappointed if League leaders Juventus opted against making any January signings. The Old Lady have been linked with a number of possible acquisitions, but the midfielder doesn’t think new faces are necessary. “The club will make its evaluations, but I can say that this squad is already very competitive,” he told Sky Sport Italia. “Obviously if the directors do decide to make some changes in the New Year then that will be good for everyone, but we are already a great group.” The Turin giants are currently joint top of the standings with Udinese, two points clear of Milan and Lazio. “We’ve demonstrated a lot up until this point of the season,” the Italian international continued. “We want to finish this month of December in first place.” Juve, who drew 1-1 at Roma on Monday night, are next in action at the weekend when they entertain Novara. “Novara are doing well,” he added. “They’ve played to win when facing everyone. They’ll come to Turin looking for points and we have to be alert.”

Claudio Marchisio: Juventus want to finish 2011 top of Serie A The Italy international is determined to end the year on a high, and team-mate Giorgio Chiellini has added that the Bianconeri can't slip up now after a good start to the term. Dec 14, 2011 Juventus midfielder Claudio Marchisio has made it clear that the Bianconeri will do their utmost to end 2011 on a positive note and enter the new year top of the table in Italy. The Turin giants currently sit joint first in the Serie A standings with 30 points from 14 games, and Marchisio is hopeful of successfully defending top spot in the final two league games of the year, against Novara on December 18 and Udinese three days later. "We are a great team and we will try to end the year in first position in the upcoming two games," Marchisio was quoted as saying by Tuttosport. "Novara have shown that their worthy of playing in Serie A. They might not have collected too many points, but they have done pretty well. They beat Inter and troubled Napoli as well. We have to be very alert. They need the points, but so do we." Team-mate Giorgio Chiellini was equally keen to end 2011 at the summit, and assured that they have that goal firmly in their sights. "Juventus' objective? We want to sit top of the table come Christmas. We are really close, so it would be a shame to ruin our great start in the next two games. We still have plenty to learn, but we are on the right track," the defender said to Sky Sport Italia. Juventus are currently preparing for Sunday's home game against Novara, which kicks off at 15.00CET.

Calciopoli talks end with no peace Dec 14, 2011 Those present at Wednesday’s Calciopoli peace talks have admitted that nothing has changed after a four-hour meeting. A summit was held today at the headquarters of CONI – the Italian Olympic Committee – in an effort to bring an end to the controversy which has shadowed the Italian game since the sentences of 2006. CONI chief Gianni Petrucci called for the get-together after Juventus started legal proceedings for damages after their demotion to Serie B five years ago. They were also stripped of two Scudetti. Amongst those at today’s ‘peace table’ were Juventus President Andrea Agnelli and Inter counterpart Massimo Moratti. Milan Vice-President Adriano Galliani, Fiorentina patron Diego Della Valle, Napoli chief Aurelio De Laurentiis and Italian Football Federation President Giancarlo Abete were also present. “It was a long, friendly and correct meeting,” Petrucci noted. “But I mustbe honest and sincere, the subject of Calciopoli is still very hot so nobody changed their stance on the matter. “There was a lot of good intentions, but no results have been obtained. I’ll certainly think very carefuly before planning another meeting.” He added: “I’m disappointed, but we gave it everything and we’ll sleep without problems tonight. There was no result, but no defeat either.” FIGC President Abete and Viola chief Della Valle also confirmed that nobody took a backwards step. “There was no change in position,” Abete stated. “Despite all of the effort, it’s hard to heal a deep wound.” Della Valle commented: “It was a civil meeting, but nobody altered their view.” Inter’s Moratti, whose side were handed Juve’s 2006 title, refused to go into detail about what was discussed. “All meetings can be constructive and everything can be useful,” he stated. Agnelli, meanwhile, didn’t leave a comment after admitting that he would talk to the media at a later stage about today’s events.

Calciopoli peace meeting ends with no resolution agreed Figures present at the four-hour summit all admitted that none of the problems discussed at the get-together have been ironed out with further meetings required. Dec 14, 2011 Wednesday's Calciopoli peace talks have ended with none of the issues discussed resolved, according to those present at the meeting. The four-hour showdown, which was held at the headquarters of the Italian Olympic Committee (CONI) on Wednesday came about as some of the most powerful figures involved in Italian football attempt to bring an end to the controversy that has clouded Serie A since the Calciopoli scandal in 2006. The meeting was headed by CONI chief Gianni Petrucci, who was joined by AC Milan vice-president Adriano Galliani, Fiorentina patron Diego Della Valle, Juventus president Andrea Agnelli, Napoli chief Aurelio De Laurentiis, Inter's Massimo Moratti and Italian Football Federation (FIGC) chief, Giancarlo Abete. Petrucci spoke to media after the talks and stated: "It was a long, friendly and correct meeting but I must be honest and sincere, the subject of Calciopoli is still very heated so nobody changed their stance on the matter. "There was a log of good intentions but no results have been obtained. I'll certainly think very carefully before planning another meeting. "I'm disappointed, but we gave it everything and we'll sleep without problems tonight. There was no result yet no defeat either." FIGC president Abete seconded Petrucci's view on the meeting, admitting it will be difficult to fully resolve all issues. "There was no change in position. Despite all of the effort, it's hard to heal a deep wound," he told the press. Inter patron Moratti, who saw his side dominate in Serie A after the Juventus' demotion to Serie B said: "All meetings can be constructive and everything can be useful." Fiorentina's Delle Valle added: "It was a civil meeting yet nobody altered their view." Juvents chief Agnelli refused to speak about the event, instead stating he will discuss the meeting at a later date.

Calciopoli peace talks begin Dec 14, 2011 A meeting with the intention of archiving Calciopoli for good has begun in Rome on Wednesday morning. The summit was organised by Gianni Petrucci, the head of the Italian Olympic Committee, after Juventus recently filed compensation claims for damages against their punishment back in 2006. The Old Lady were stripped of two Scudetti and demoted to Serie B with a point deduction after a rapid sporting inquiry. Milan, Fiorentina, Lazio and Reggina were also hit by point penalties, but they were allowed to remain in Serie A. The second of the two titles taken away from the Bianconeri was handed to Inter. Juventus, following revelations at the Napoli criminal trial, now claim that Inter’s title should be handed back. Amongst those at today’s ‘peace table’ are Juventus President Andrea Agnelli and Inter counterpart Massimo Moratti. Milan Vice-President Adriano Galliani, Fiorentina patron Diego Della Valle, Napoli chief Aurelio De Laurentiis and Italian Football Federation President Giancarlo Abete are also present. “I’ve come to listen and contribute,” stated Moratti on his arrival. “We’ll look to take things one step at a time. “A handshake with Agnelli? I don’t know. We’ll see…” De Laurentiis noted: “I hope Juve and Inter make peace. You are calling this the table of peace, I prefer to call it a table for a restart. “We’ve had enough of the talk, Italian football needs credibility.” Della Valle stated: “I don’t know if the table is round or square... I’ve come to hear what Petrucci has to say. I don’t know what will be discussed.”