Socrates

Serie A Week 15 - 12-12-2011 (8:45 p.m.) - Olimpico Stadium - Rome Referee: Daniele Orsato Pirlo: Juventus can achieve important goals if we follow Conte The former AC Milan midfield star has hailed the Bianconeri coach as a 'great motivator' and believes he has been key to the side's return to form this season. Dec 12, 2011 Juventus midfielder Andrea Pirlo has heaped praise on his coach Antonio Conte, highlighting the 42-year-old's motivational skills. Conte returned to the club he represented over 300 times as a player in the summer, prompting an upturn in the Turin outfit's fortunes and leading them to an unbeaten start to the 2011-12 Serie A season. Pirlo believes that the former Siena boss' influence at the club has been key to their impressive form, and has been important to Claudio Marchisio's reinvention. "Conte is a great coach a great motivator. He has left a great mark on the club. We follow him completely, because we are sure that by following him, we can achieve important goals," Pirlo told Sky Italia. "Marchisio was good before, but did not play in his best position. Now he has matured and plays in a midfield three, where he shows his best qualities." Juventus face Roma on Monday night, and Pirlo admits that he is unsure as to whether his international colleague Daniele De Rossi will extend his stay at the Stadio Olimpico. "He's a friend, we often see each other in the national team, and we have spoken. He will decide according to his desire whether he wants to continue with Roma, or go to another great team. "Honestly, this is a totally personal choice." Juventus and Roma kick at 20.45CET on Monday night, and a victory would send the Turin club back to the summit of Serie A. http://www.soccerway...regular-season/

Serie A Week 15 - 12-12-2011 (8:45 p.m.) - Olimpico Stadium - Rome Referee: Daniele Orsato Luis Enrique: We don't fear Juventus The Spanish coach was full of respect for the Bianconeri, but added that they are not afraid of Antonio Conte's men and they have an 'extra incentive' to win Monday night's game. Dec 12, 2011 Roma coach Luis Enrique has lavished praise on Juventus and labelled them one of the favourites to win the Scudetto, but stressed that the Giallorossi are not afraid of the Serie A pace-setters ahead of Monday's encounter. Antonio Conte's side are still undefeated after 13 league games, but Roma are hopeful of ending the Turin side's hot streak at the Stadio Olimpico. "Juventus are incredibly strong. Along with AC Milan, they are the favourites to win the Serie A title in my opinion," Luis Enrique said in a press conference. "They’re still unbeaten and this should be an extra incentive for us to get the full three points, just as it would playing at the Stadio Olimpico. "We have to do our utmost, though, otherwise it will become a difficult game. However, we don't fear Juventus." Monday's game in the Italian capital kicks off at 20.45CET. http://www.soccerway...regular-season/

Serie A Week 15 - 12-12-2011 (8:45 p.m.) - Olimpico Stadium - Rome Referee: Daniele Orsato What Luis Enrique needs to change to beat Juventus & turn around Roma's season The former Barcelona star has endured a turbulent start to life in the Eternal City and desperately needs a morale-boosting win against the Bianconeri at the Stadio Olimpico. Dec 12, 2011 When Luis Enrique Martinez Garcia was a player, there was no problem he could not solve. He was Barcelona’s Renaissance Man. Bobby Robson had the great Ronaldo at his disposal during his one season at Camp Nou between 1996 and 1997 but it was Luis Enrique who was his favourite player because of the former Real Madrid midfielder's remarkable versatility as a footballer: right-back, centre-half, midfield, centre-forward - it did not matter where the Spaniard was stationed, he would not only perform his given role excellently, he would, more significantly, do so without complaint. How he must yearn for some like-minded professionals within his current Roma squad. Indeed, with Serie A's early-season pace setters Juventus in town on Monday night, Luis Enrique’s Roman revolution is already in real danger of being quashed by scepticism among players and supporters alike. When the 41-year-old Spaniard arrived in the Eternal City during the summer, Arrigo Saachi infamously greeted him by saying: “Welcome to Hell!” As with any good joke, there was an element of truth in the words, something Luis Enrique is now plainly aware of given the heat has been well and truly turned up in the Italian capital in the past fortnight. Luis Enrique brought with him the promise of turning Roma into an Italianised version of Barcelona. Just as Pep Guardiola had stepped up from the Blaugrana's B team to take the first team to another level, so Luis Enrique was expected to, at least, reinvigorate Roma. There was a key difference here, though: Barcelona had an excellent starting point. There is, after all, a 'Barca way', and there has been for many, many years. Luis Enrique, by contrast, is effectively starting from scratch. It was obvious from the off that the new boss would need both time and patience to implement his ideas. There is little of either commodity, however, in the highly-pressurised world of Serie A. Consequently, Luis Enrique needed Roma to hit the ground running this season; they have not. They were dumped out of the Europa League in the preliminary stages and did not manage to rack up a win in Serie A until week four. That Juventus have been transformed from also-rans to title challengers so rapidly under new coach Antonio Conte has not helped Luis Enrique's cause. Players and fans are, for the most part, creatures of habit. They react with suspicion and fear to change, and with results not going Roma’s way both groups have lost confidence in the coach and his ambitious tactical approach. Consequently, it is imperative that Luis Enrique gets the fans but also, more importantly, the players back on his side. He was an inspirational figure as a player. Now he must prove just as inspirational as a coach. Stirring words are needed ahead of the visit of high-flying Juve.N AND OFF THE FIELD However, in order to get the players listening to him, he must first get them to stop bickering among themselves. Dressing room bust-ups can occur in any squad but the altercation between Pablo Osvaldo and Erik Lamela after the defeat to Udinese a fortnight ago, which resulted in the latter being punched in the face for a perceived display of insolence, was symptomatic of the lack of unity within the camp. It was also a manifestation of the frustration that has set in among the playing staff after a trying start to the new season, a sense of frustration which has also been very evident on the field. Just a week after the Osvaldo-Lamela incident, Roma had three men sent off in a demoralising 3-0 defeat at struggling Fiorentina. At a time when the players were meant to be presenting a united front at a time of great media and public scrutiny, they descended further into disarray, thus undermining Luis Enrique's authority in the eyes of the fans only further.ECTION HEADACHE Roma go into tonight's game shorn of the services of two of his high-profile summer signings in Bojan Krkic and Fernando Gago, as well as Juan on account of their respective dismissals against Fiorentina. The latter’s absence is particularly significant because with Simon Kjaer and Marco Cassetti having now joined Nicolas Burdisso on the sidelines, Roma are horribly short on defensive personnel. Juve are not exactly prolific but their front-three will be looking forward to taking on what will be a makeshift back-four. It is possible that Daniele De Rossi could be redeployed at centre-half, thus robbing Roma of their most influential presence in midfield against a side for whom Andrea Pirlo, Arturo Vidal and Claudio Marchisio have been combining so wonderfully well so far this season. Roma’s problems do not end there, either. There is a major question mark over Osvaldo, who is set to return against the Bianconeri after serving a one-game ban for striking Lamela. Will his inclusion have a positive or negative effect? For all their fluidity and intricate passing, Roma have struggled to turn all of their possession into goals, so there is no other option but to start their top scorer. However, will Osvaldo, who some feel was harshly treated by his coach, be pulling with Luis Enrique or against him? The same could perhaps be said of Francesco Totti, who, it is fair to say, has not exactly been enamoured by the new set-up at Roma, and the arrival of Franco Baldini as general manager. Luis Enrique needs the inspirational Totti of old to resurface so it is imperative that he coaxes a performance out of the fit-again veteran No.10. His job could depend on it. It is in such an atmosphere of animosity, suspicion, paranoia, distrust and uncertainty that the coach is attempting to lay the foundations for a new chapter in the Eternal City's proud history. Rome most certainly wasn't built in a day - but Luis Enrique's fledgling empire could undoubtedly hinge on one game. Become the first team to beat Juve this season, and there's a sign of hope. Lose, and it's a long way back. http://www.soccerway...regular-season/

Serie A Week 15 - 12-12-2011 (8:45 p.m.) - Olimpico Stadium - Rome Referee: Daniele Orsato Enrique undaunted by Juve test Dec 12, 2011 Roma manager Luis Enrique says his side will take a fearless approach into their Serie A clash with Juventus on Monday. Enrique's side welcome the Turin outfit to the Stadio Olimpico looking to end Juventus' unbeaten run this term. Antonio Conte's men have won eight and drawn five of their 13 Serie A matches to remain the only unbeaten team in the Italian top flight this term. A win for Juventus could send them back to the top of the table. Roma will be missing the influential trio of Juan, Fernando Gago and Bojan Krkic through suspension after they were all sent off in their 3-0 defeat to Fiorentina last weekend. But despite the capital city club sitting 11th in the Serie A, Enrique said the motivation of taking on Juve could spur Roma on to victory. "Juventus won eight games out of 13 and drew the other five, they haven't lost a match ... therefore we have to give it our best, otherwise it will be a difficult match," Enrique said. "Obviously we're not afraid, nobody should be afraid of playing football, what could happen?" "We should just try and do what we're doing and the best way to do this is to train giving our 100%. The best way to get ready for a match is to continue with what you're well and never be afraid to play a match, especially at the Olimpico." "They only have to play football and they know how to do that, and how to create difficulties for a very strong team." "Not only me, but all of us have the chance to beat a Juventus team that's still unbeaten, I don't see any better motivation than this one." http://www.soccerway...regular-season/

Serie A Week 15 - 12-12-2011 (8:45 p.m.) - Olimpico Stadium - Rome Referee: Daniele Orsato Round 14: When in Roma Dec 11, 2011 The week kicked off with another win in league play, and continued with a rotated squad, a first Coppa match, and a little help from our principino (he’s overrated though, right?). Their number 10/captain < ours. And off to Rome we go. Much is being made in the media about how much these two teams dislike each other. I suppose that it’s true, and I won’t argue. But for me, ain’t no hatred like a hatred for Sfinter, and all other rivalries pale in comparison. Regardless, whatever it takes to win, let’s just do it. We need to overblow the rivalry for motivation? Have at it. I hate you, Roma, with your stupid little red shirts that are actually burgundy, and your stupid little patch with two babies sucking from the teat of a she-wolf. Real original. Yes, tomorrow is a huge game. Even if I am having difficulty fanning the flames of this rivalry, the importance of the fixture certainly can’t be downplayed. With Udinese (do they ever lose?) a point ahead of us currently, it will be important to go to Rome and make a statement. Especially since Roma is having a few problems right now. Good news: Three…yes, *three* red cards picked up versus Fiorentina last week means that Roma will have to play without Juan, Fernando Gago and Bojan “I Refuse to Use Vowels Unless Absolutely Essential” Krkic are all suspended, while Kjaer, Burdisso, Pizarro and Borini are all injured. Totti remained on the bench last week, but now that he’s back to full fitness, I’ll expect him to play, while De Rossi might have to play as a makeshift center back again in light of all the thinned-out squad. On our end, I’m expecting much of the same non-coppa lineup. While Elia played well in assisting Marchisio’s winning goal last Thursday, expect him to start from the bench, while Giorgio Chiellini is likely to once again start at left back, to my chagrin. Grrr. Mirko Vucinic remains out til at least the end of 2011. My starting XI: (4-3-3) Gigi; Kelso, Giorgio, Dre, Forrest; Prince, Jovi, King Arthur; Dutchie, A-Mat, Quagmire. Roma probable XI: (4-3-1-2) Stekelenburg; Taddei, Heinze, De Rossi, Rosi; Pjanic, Viviani, Perrotta; Totti; Lamela, Osvaldo. Le Chiavi: Luis Enrique likes to play a possession-based, smooth passing game, not all that dissimilar to Conte’s preferred system. However, it’s easier said than done with so many regulars unavailable. Football-Italia has Roma lined up as so, in a narrow 4-3-1-2, notably with Taddei terzinoed (ala my dreams about Simone Pepe, at least until Matteo Liviero is ready for the first team, but I digress), and Heinze at center back. If that is the case, expect our biggest asset — our ability to stretch the field wide with a plethora of tricky wingers at our disposal — to be our key to victory. If we can hold onto the ball, use the whole field, and incisively attack two non-traditional center backs, 3 points should not be out of the question. Juventus probable XI: (4-3-3) Buffon; Chiellini, Bonucci, Barzagli, Lichtsteiner; Marchisio, Pirlo, Vidal; Pepe, Matri, Estigarribia*. *This probable lineup was also lifted from Football-Italia. I wouldn’t be surprised to see Quagliarella instead of Esti. I’m also hungover as F and unwilling to keep thinking anymore about this than I have to. Damn holiday parties. http://www.soccerway...regular-season/

Serie A Week 15 - 12-12-2011 (8:45 p.m.) - Olimpico Stadium - Rome Referee: Daniele Orsato Pirlo's Olimpico stepping stone Dec 11, 2011 Andrea Pirlo tells Juventus Monday’s trip to Roma is “an important stepping stone towards something very prestigious.” The Bianconeri are the only side still unbeaten and must get a win to stay clear at the top of the table, though they are resisting talk of the Scudetto. “This can be an important stepping stone towards something very prestigious,” said Pirlo. “Francesco Totti is going through a difficult moment because of injuries, but he remains a great champion. I often talk to Daniele De Rossi when we’re on international duty. His contract with Roma expires in June, but it’s up to him to decide whether or not to change clubs.” Few expected Pirlo to walk away from Milan after 10 years, but the move to Juventus has revitalised his career. “Last season, for the first time in a decade at Milan, I was out for a long while due to an injury. I knew that I had more to give and this year started with even more hunger to prove how much I’m worth. “Antonio Conte is a great motivator who has given the team a specific identity. By following him, we can reach prestigious targets.” http://www.soccerway...regular-season/

Serie A Week 15 - 12-12-2011 (8:45 p.m.) - Olimpico Stadium - Rome Referee: Daniele Orsato Conte defends Roma´s Enrique Dec 11, 2011 Juventus coach Antonio Conte spoke out in support of under-fire Roma boss Luis Enrique as the two teams prepare to meet in Serie A. Both new to their respective roles at the beginning of the season, the two men have experienced contrasting fortunes so far in 2011/12. Conte has led Juve to the top of the table, and his team remain unbeaten in the league after 13 matches played. Enrique however has struggled - Roma sit 10th in the standings and are without a win in their last two outings. They suffered the embarrassment of having three players sent off in a 3-0 loss at Fiorentina last week. Some of the demanding Roma faithful are already calling for former Spanish international Enrique to be sacked. But despite Roma's poor start to the campaign, Conte feels his counterpart should be given time at the Stadio Olimpico. "I am convinced Luis Enrique is doing a great job," he said. "We need more coaches like him and you can see his mark on the side, as even (though) they lost to Fiorentina last week, they continued to play good football when down to eight men." Conte anticipates a tough contest when Juve visit the Italian capital on Monday, despite their opponents' inconsistent form. "I expect the usual Roma, they are a team with a precise idea of football and they will remain close to that idea," he said. "I like them a lot, I like how they play football." "Everyone has his philosophy, but I think we share with Roma the desire to play football, that's for sure." "As I have said many times we think football is a kind of mathematics and the good or bad work you've been doing with your team depends on the results you get." "Rome is always a challenging place to go, because it's always a very heartfelt match against a great team and we've always had difficulties in the past against them." "The support at the Olimpico is like a 12th player on the pitch for them." http://www.soccerway...regular-season/

Serie A - 15^ Giornata - Andata - 12-12-2011 (ore 20:45) - Stadio Olimpico - Roma Arbitro: Daniele Orsato Confronti ufficiali 172 - 154 (Serie A) - 14 (Coppa Italia) - 4 (Campionato a gironi) Vittorie Juventus 80 - 72 (Serie A) - 6 (Coppa Italia) - 2 (Campionato a gironi) Pareggi 50 - 46 (Serie A) - 2 (Coppa Italia) - 2 (Campionato a gironi) Vittorie Roma 42 - 36 (Serie A) - 6 (Coppa Italia) Goals Juventus 265 - 239 (Serie A) - 21 (Coppa Italia) - 5 (Campionato a gironi) Goals Roma 186 - 168 (Serie A) - 17 (Coppa Italia) - 1 (Campionato a gironi) Roma - Juventus a Roma Serie A Confronti ufficiali 77 Vittorie Juventus 24 (L'ultima il 03.04.2011, 0-2) Pareggi 25 (L'ultimo il 23.09.2007, 2-2) Vittorie Roma 28 (L'ultima l' 08.02.2004, 4-0) Goals Juventus 93 Goals Roma 112 Giocatori con più presenze e goals contro la Roma a Roma 13 presenze Boniperti Giampiero 12 Furino Giuseppe 12 Scirea Gaetano 12 Varglien II Giovanni 11 Bettega Roberto 11 Depetrini Teobaldo 11 Zoff Dino 10 Cabrini Antonio 10 Causio Franco 10 Morini Francesco 7 goals Borel II Felice Placido 4 Bettega Roberto 3 Anastasi Pietro 3 Boniperti Giampiero 3 Iaquinta Vincenzo 3 Nedved Pavel 3 Trezeguet David Sergio 2 Baggio Roberto 2 Bercellino I Giancarlo 2 Cevenini III Luigi Ultimi confronti diretti 25.03.2006 Serie A Juventus-Roma 1-1 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 Giocate 10 - Vittorie Juventus 5 - Pareggi 3 - Vittorie Roma 2 - Goals Juventus 17 - Goals Roma 10

Serie A Week 15 - 12-12-2011 (8:45 p.m.) - Olimpico Stadium - Rome Referee: Daniele Orsato Conte Leads Table-Topping Juventus With a Big Touch of ‘Soul’ Dec 11, 2011 Anyone searching for a snapshot of Juventus’s early season success should look no further than Antonio Conte’s leaping, fist-pumping celebrations on the touchline. The Juventus coach is transmitting the same intensity, desire and spirit to the squad that he once showed in 12 years as a key midfielder with the club. As Pavel Nedved, another former Juventus midfielder, described it after last weekend’s 2-0 win over Cesena, “Conte deserves the compliments for the way in which he’s given this squad a soul.” After a disappointing seventh-place finish last season, Juventus holds a two-point lead in the Italian league over AC Milan and Udinese heading into Monday’s match at Roma. Juventus also remains unbeaten in all competition this season after moving to the Italian Cup quarterfinals with a 2-1 win over Bologna on Thursday. Roma, meanwhile, is in full crisis after having three players sent off in a 3-0 loss at Fiorentina that resulted in calls for the firing of manager Luis Enrique. Also this weekend, Milan visits Bologna, Udinese hosts Chievo Verona and fourth-place Lazio visits last-place Lecce. Many commentators were expecting Milan to stay in front of Juventus for the first time this season after the Rossoneri’s 2-0 win at Genoa on Dec. 2. But Juventus showed its resolve against Cesena two days later. After Claudio Marchisio finally broke a 0-0 deadlock and gave Juventus the lead in the 72nd minute, Conte went into his usual routine — running around wildly with his arms flailing, jumping up and down and slapping the plexiglass barrier behind the bench with both hands. The jubilation is a product of the new order and poise that Conte has instilled in his players. And unlike previous managers, Conte has had the nerve to use Juventus’s 37-year-old captain, Alessandro Del Piero, almost exclusively in a bench role — even though he was once a teammate of Del Piero’s, and preceded him as captain. Before returning to Juventus, Conte proved himself as a manager with smaller clubs Arezzo, Bari, Atalanta and Siena — leading both Bari and Siena up to the top division. “He experiences the matches nearly like the players do,” observed Roma midfielder Daniele De Rossi. “He understands football and he’s given them solidity.” Conte will be without Mirko Vucinic against Roma after the forward was ruled out for three weeks with a right thigh muscle tear. Roma will be without the three players sent off against Fiorentina — defender Juan, midfielder Fernando Gago and forward Bojan Krcic. Luis Enrique held a meeting with the squad on Tuesday to see if he has the support to continue. “We’ve got to continue as we are, although we’ve got to continue improving and working to find this identity we’re looking for,” De Rossi said. “It’s difficult to outline our goals right now or say where we’ll finish at the end of the year because everything is new here. But I think if this squad were to finish among the top three, it would be a sporting miracle.” Roma is level with Cagliari and Catania in seventh, 12 points behind Juventus. http://www.soccerway...regular-season/

Serie A Week 15 - 12-12-2011 (8:45 p.m.) - Olimpico Stadium - Rome Referee: Daniele Orsato Serie A Preview Dec 11, 2011 Roma coach Luis Enrique insists he does not feel any additional pressure ahead of tomorrow's home match against Juventus despite his team's poor run of form in Serie A. The Romans have managed just two wins in their last six league games and suffered a 3-0 defeat at Fiorentina last weekend. That result followed their 2-0 loss at Udinese and dropped Roma to 10th in the standings, but Luis Enrique is concerned only with tomorrow's game. "I don't know if this game will mark a turning point or if it will bring me down,'' he said. "The only think that worries me is that the team to beat is Juventus. "The rest does not bother me. "Juve is a very strong team and has a great coach. "I consider this game the most difficult because Juve are in great form. "We will need to go out on the pitch without fear and showing the best Roma in order to beat a very strong Juve.'' Juve lie 12 points clear of Roma and will look to keep their unbeaten run this season at the Stadio Olimpico. They won 2-0 against Genoa in the last round to record their eighth win in 13 games. The Turin giants lie second, one point behind leaders Udinese ahead of Monday's encounter. Udinese won 2-1 against Chievo on Sunday to leapfrog Juventus in the standings. Despite their good run of form, Juve coach Antonio Conte has warned his players to expect a difficult game at Roma. "It's always a challenge to play at Roma,'' Conte said. "We have great respect for Luis Enrique and for his team. "They have great players and are a very good side.'' Luis Enrique will be forced to make wholesale changes to the team for the game against Juve with defenders Simon Kjaer, Nicolas Burdisso and Marco Cassetti out injured while Juan is suspended. To add to Roma's woes, midfielder Gago and striker Bojan will serve a one-match ban. Roma captain Francesco Totti is set to start behind attacking pair Daniel Osvaldo and Erik Lamela. Conte will have all of his players available with the exception of injured striker Mirko Vucinic. http://www.soccerway...regular-season/

Serie A Week 15 - 12-12-2011 (8:45 p.m.) - Olimpico Stadium - Rome Referee: Daniele Orsato Serie A Preview Dec 11, 2011 This has always been a bitter grudge match and now represents leaders Juventus visiting a Roma side in crisis. The bubble well and truly burst for Luis Enrique after the 3-0 defeat to Fiorentina, their second on the bounce, as fans lost their patience with this new project. Ultras called for his resignation and even waited for the team at the train station on their return to hurl abuse. That debacle in Florence was certainly damaging, especially as Juan, Fernando Gago and Bojan Krkic are all suspended thanks to their red cards at the Stadio Franchi. Enrique finds himself also having to completely reconstruct his defence, as Simon Kjaer and Marco Cassetti join Nicolas Burdisso, David Pizarro and Fabio Borini on the treatment table. Options are limited, so Daniele De Rossi could become a makeshift centre-back to fill the gaps. It’s not too much of a stretch considering midfielders Rodrigo Taddei and Simone Perrotta have been used as full-backs periodically this term. At least there is some good news with Pablo Daniel Osvaldo returning from his club-imposed suspension for punching teammate Erik Lamela, while Francesco Totti has also fully recovered from that ankle injury. It’s possible Enrique will give a starting spot to Federico Viviani, the Under-20 international and captain of the Roma youth team. If the Giallorossi are in crisis, then Juventus are sitting pretty on top of the table and still unbeaten. There was a minor blip midweek when Bologna forced them into extra time for the Coppa Italia, but Claudio Marchisio eventually snatched a 2-1 victory. They also survived the loss of Andrea Pirlo to suspension last week against Cesena, so he returns to the starting XI. The only absentee for Juve is Mirko Vucinic, who would’ve relished coming back to face his former club. After all, he left Roma precisely because of his terrible relationship with the local fans. He’s not the only ex-Roma man in the squad, though, as Simone Pepe grew up in the Giallorossi youth academy. Keep an eye on: Francesco Totti (Roma) – The captain’s presence on the bench in Florence only intensified the fans’ anger towards Luis Enrique, so now that he is back to full fitness it seems inevitable he’ll be the focus point against old rivals Juventus. His teammates lost the plot against Fiorentina, so it’s time to be a true leader. Totti also hopes to improve his record against Juve of seven goals in 26 meetings. Form Guide: Roma (L W W L L) Juventus (W W W D W) Last season: Roma 0-2 Juventus Stat fact: In their last seven visits to Rome in all competition, Juventus have earned six victories and a 2-2 draw. The Bianconeri are unbeaten at the Olimpico since a 4-0 drubbing in February 2004, which remains their only loss here in 11 years. Roma (probable): Stekelenburg; Rosi, De Rossi, Heinze, Taddei; Perrotta, Viviani, Pjanic; Totti; Osvaldo, Lamela Juventus (probable): Buffon; Lichtsteiner, Barzagli, Bonucci, Chiellini; Vidal, Pirlo, Marchisio; Pepe, Matri, Estigarribia http://www.soccerway...regular-season/

Serie A Week 15 - 12-12-2011 (8:45 p.m.) - Olimpico Stadium - Rome Referee: Daniele Orsato Serie A Preview The Old Lady travel to the capital hoping to maintain unbeaten record, while the hosts look to end two-game losing streak. Dec 11, 2011 PROBABLE LINE-UPS ROMA Stekelenburg Rosi, De Rossi, Heinze, Taddei Perrotta, Simplicio, Pjanic Totti Lamela, Osvaldo JUVENTUS Buffon Lichtsteiner, Bonucci, Barzagli, Chiellini Pirlo Pepe, Vidal, Marchisio, Giaccherini Matri Luis Enrique will be missing several key personnel for the visit of the league leaders, with Juan, Bojan and Fernando Gago all suspended after the trio saw red in last week's defeat to Fiorentina. David Pizarro remains a doubt for the Giallorossi, along with Simon Kjaer, meaning Daniele De Rossi is likely to fill in as a makeshift centre-back. However Pablo Daniel Osvaldo is in line to return for the hosts following his internal suspension following his clash with Erik Lamela. The visitors will travel to the capital without former Roma forward Mirko Vucinic, who has been ruled out with the muscle strain sustained in last week's victory over Cesena. On the plus side for the Old Lady, Andrea Pirlo should make his return following suspension, with the former Milan midfielder expected to sit in behind central partners Arturo Vidal and Claudio Marchisio. DID YOU KNOW? - Roma have won only half of their home games this season. - Defeat has been the most frequent outcome of Roma's fixtures this season, with the Giallorossi suffering six losses. - Luis Enrique’s side have lost their last two games without scoring a goal - Juventus have only lost to Roma once in their previous 12 Serie A meetings. - The Old Lady are the only unbeaten side in Serie A this season. - Antonio Conte's side have won exactly half of their away games this season. Head to Head Serie A - Apr 3, 2011 - Roma 0 - Juventus 2 Coppa Italia - Jan 27, 2011 - Juventus 0 - Roma 2 Serie A - Nov 13, 2010 - Juventus 1 - Roma 1 Serie A - Jan 23, 2010 - Juventus 1 - Roma 2 Serie A - Aug 30, 2009 - Roma 1 - Juventus 3 Last Five Matches Roma Dec 4, 2011 Fiorentina 3 - Roma 0 - Serie A Nov 25, 2011 Udinese 2 - Roma 0 - Serie A Nov 20, 2011 Roma 2 - Lecce 1 - Serie A Nov 5, 2011 Novara 0 - Roma 2 -Serie A Oct 29, 2011 Roma 2 - AC Milan 3 - Serie A Juventus Dec 8, 2011 Juventus 2 - Bologna 1 - Coppa Italia Dec 4, 2011 Juventus 2 - Cesena 0 - Serie A Nov 29, 2011 SSC Napoli 3 - Juventus 3 - Serie A Nov 26, 2011 Lazio 0 - Juventus 1 - Serie A Nov 20, 2011 Juventus 3 - Palermo 0 - Serie A Players to Watch Miralem Pjanic The former Lyon playmaker has impressed in the capital, since signing for the club in the summer, putting in some impressive performances for his new side. The 21 year old is currently leading the assists chart for the Giallorossi, with six already this season, and he will need to be at his creative best, if his side are to overcome the league leaders on Monday night. Simone Pepe The versatile winger has been in excellent form for the Bianconeri in recent weeks, netting three goals in his last four league appearances, and after grabbing the winner at the Stadio Olimpico a few weeks back, he will be hoping for a repeat performance on his return to the capital. Prediction With Luis Enrique's side struggling for form at present, along with the visitors recent record against the Giallorossi, another defeat for the hosts could be on the horizon. Editor's Prediction: Roma 1 - Juventus 2 http://www.soccerway...regular-season/

Serie A Week 15 - 12-12-2011 (8:45 p.m.) - Olimpico Stadium - Rome Referee: Daniele Orsato Enrique blasts anti-Roma 'bull' Dec 11, 2011 Luis Enrique lost his patience in the Press Conference. “I am tired of these questions. I see Roma, the rest is bull****.” The Coach is increasingly under fire following two consecutive defeats and journalists bore the brunt of his temper ahead of Monday night’s showdown with Juventus. “I am only concerned with the team beating Juventus, the rest is not an issue for me,” stated the Spaniard. “Juve are a strong side with a great Coach who have an incredible defensive approach and are rapid on the attack. “I consider myself the primary responsible figure, but the defeat to Fiorentina actually gives me more strength, because I see my team with eight men continuing to push forward and take risks. We all know we paid for that, but what happened to me can happen to every Coach.” Enrique lost his cool during the Press Conference when he was again asked if Marco Borriello will be picked for the first time since October 26. “If he is called tomorrow, then he will have his opportunity. I am tired of these questions. I always think of the team first and foremost. “I see Roma, the rest is bull**** that you lot care about, but I do not. I may be wrong, but this is my view and I make technical decisions. I see how the team works during the week, you don’t.” http://www.soccerway...regular-season/

Serie A Week 15 - 12-12-2011 (8:45 p.m.) - Olimpico Stadium - Rome Referee: Daniele Orsato Conte: 'Juve blood brothers!' Dec 11, 2011 Antonio Conte reassured Luis Enrique, but also said his Juventus “blood brothers” are out for revenge against Roma tomorrow night. The Bianconeri are top of the table and arguably the favourites going into the Stadio Olimpico on Monday evening, as fans begin to turn on the Giallorossi tactician. “Roma and Juventus are two teams who are quite similar and I think the Giallorossi will play an aggressive game,” said Conte. “I am convinced Luis Enrique is doing a great job. We need more Coaches like him and you can see his mark on the side, as even if they lost to Fiorentina last week, they continued to play good football when down to eight men.” However, Conte also points out this is no ordinary match for him, especially if Francesco Totti is playing. “I had both positive and negative sensations when playing against Roma. I was there when Totti waved four fingers at us as we lost 4-0 in February 2004. “We’ve got to be very careful not to feel the pressure of the Olimpico, as that is a similar atmosphere to our Juventus Stadium. “I also demand great concentration both when we have possession and when Roma have the ball.” Conte was a battling midfielder during his playing days and has lost none of that grit. “When I hear someone criticise my players, who work themselves to the bone, then I get furious. If you have to criticise, then pick on me and leave my lads alone, as they are like blood brothers for me. “The secret of this squad is how ready the players are to work for each other.” http://www.soccerway...regular-season/

Serie A Week 15 - 12-12-2011 (8:45 p.m.) - Olimpico Stadium - Rome Referee: Daniele Orsato Antonio Conte: Roma will play an aggressive game Juventus head coach has warned that the Giallorossi will not be pushovers in Monday's Serie A encounter, pointing out the similarities between the two sides. Dec 11, 2011 Juventus coach Antonio Conte is eagerly anticipating Monday's Serie A encounter away at Roma, and expects the Stadio Olimpico outfit to pose a stern test for the Bianconeri. The Turin club are still unbeaten after 13 league games and currently sit at the top of the table, but their trainer feels that Luis Enrique's men could put in an aggressive display in an attempt to end their opponents' hot streak. "The match against Roma is an important test for us. We have to be prepared for all the problems they could cause us," Conte told the pre-match press conference. "Roma will be looking to dictate play and put in an aggressive display. "Roma and Juve are two of the teams with the most possession and I see similarities between both sides. "I'm a big fan of their style of play. Like us, they always try to take the game to their opponents and dominate. We have to be fully concentrated both on and off the ball." Monday's game at the Stadio Olimpico kicks off at 20.45CET. http://www.soccerway...regular-season/

Tardelli crowns Marchisio Dec 11, 2011 Claudio Marchisio is often compared to Marco Tardelli, but the Juventus legend claims “he is stronger than I was.” The midfielder has become the unlikely hero of this season and their top scorer, though he received the highest praise from the current Republic of Ireland assistant manager. “It’s difficult to compare players from the past and the present, but in my view he is stronger than I was,” Tardelli told the giornalaccio rosa dello Sport. More of the stars from that 1980s Juventus and Italy side also gave their backing to Marchisio. “I always avoid comparisons, but Marchisio is Tardelli’s real heir,” said Fulvio Collovati. Current Azzurri Coach Cesare Prandelli added Marchisio “has broken through. He has quantity, quality and now scores goals too. He’s fantastic.”

Serie A Week 15 - 12-12-2011 (8:45 p.m.) - Olimpico Stadium - Rome Referee: Daniele Orsato Buffon: 'Scudetto talk crazy' Dec 10, 2011 Gianluigi Buffon “would be crazy” to talk about Juventus winning the Scudetto ahead of their trip to Roma. The Bianconeri are top of the table and the only side still unbeaten in Serie A. “We need a great deal of calm here,” the goalkeeper told Tuttosport. “There are too many games to go, including the entire second half of the season. “The road is too long and I really don’t want to take our fans for a ride. If I said that S word, then I’d be crazy. I’m not just refusing to say it out of false modesty. “Don’t forget in December last year we were in second place, then bad luck ran us down. So many injuries, at least six simultaneously, saw our season precipitate. “After all, if we were to lose one or two important players, then we’d have to see if the team could make do without them,” continued Buffon. “In those difficult moments, if they come, we can tell how good this squad really is.” http://www.soccerway...regular-season/

Serie A Week 15 - 12-12-2011 (8:45 p.m.) - Olimpico Stadium - Rome Referee: Daniele Orsato Del Piero: 'Bring on Roma!' Dec 10, 2011 Alessandro Del Piero played 120 minutes in the Coppa Italia with eight stitches in his head, but riles up Juventus again. “Bring on Roma!” The captain has barely featured this season and his appearance on Sunday lasted just eight minutes before he was accidentally kicked in the side of the head, warranting eight stitches. Despite that injury and medics advising rest, he played the full Coppa Italia tie plus extra time to beat Bologna 2-1 last night. “It took 120 minutes to get past Bologna in the Coppa Italia and qualify for the quarter-finals,” he wrote on his official website. “It was a tough game during which we were capable of reacting to the huge blow of conceding an equaliser in stoppages. “You just need to see how the game went to understand how much we all care about this objective, which allows us to continue the climb towards the ‘Silver Star,’ that is the 10th Coppa Italia. “We were supported from start to finish by our fans and this was important. I’d like to thank them all, even personally, for the warmth they greeted us with. “In terms of my own performance, let’s just say my head held up, despite the protection and the ‘turban’ on the wound I felt good and am happy with the game. I’m satisfied with my 120 minutes and ready to concentrate on the next step, Monday’s trip to the Olimpico. “We can’t stop now! Bring on Roma!” http://www.soccerway...regular-season/

Buffon: Talk of winning the Scudetto this early in the season is 'crazy' Despite the fact that the Turin club are top of Serie A and unbeaten after 13 league games, the 33-year-old feels that talk of his side being likely winners is premature. Dec 10, 2011 Juventus goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon has dismissed talk of his side winning the Scudetto as "crazy", stating that it is much too early to label them as Serie A champions-elect. The Turin outfit are currently two points ahead of AC Milan and Udinese at the summit of the Italian top flight and are unbeaten after 13 games. With a tricky fixture to come against an unpredictable Roma side at the Stadio Olimpico on Monday night, the 33-year-old feels that speaking about where his team will end up at the culmination of the season is pointless. “We need a great deal of calm here,” the Carrara-born keeper told Tuttosport. “There are too many games to go, including the entire second half of the season. “The road is too long and I really don’t want to take our fans for a ride. If I said that 'S-word', then I’d be crazy. I’m not just refusing to say it out of false modesty." Buffon was also quick to remind fans of last season, when Juventus enjoyed a strong start to the campaign but fell away to end up finishing seventh. “Don’t forget, in December last year we were in second place, then bad luck ran us down. So many injuries, at least six simultaneously, saw our season precipitate," the Italy international warned. “After all, if we were to lose one or two important players, then we’d have to see if the team could make do without them. “In those difficult moments, if they come, we can tell how good this squad really is," he concluded.

Serie A Week 15 - 12-12-2011 (8:45 p.m.) - Olimpico Stadium - Rome Referee: Daniele Orsato Del Piero ready for Roma clash after midweek Coppa Italia win The veteran striker says the extra-time victory over Bologna shows the Turin outfit's dedication to the cup, and wants to keep their run going against the capital-city side. Dec 10, 2011 Juventus stalwart Alessandro Del Piero believes his side are ready to face Roma, and feels that the midweek 2-1 extra-time win over Bologna in the Coppa Italia will help build confidence ahead of the Serie A clash. A Cluadio Marchisio strike in the added period gave the Turin club victory in a game in which the 37-year-old forward played every minute, and the veteran believes it was an important triumph. “It took 120 minutes to get past Bologna in the Coppa Italia and qualify for the quarter-finals,” Del Piero stated on his official website. “It was a tough game and we were capable of reacting to the huge blow of conceding an equaliser in stoppage-time. “You just need to see how the game went to understand how much we all care about this objective, which allows us to continue the climb towards the ‘Silver Star,’ that is, the 10th Coppa Italia [in Juventus' history]. “We were supported from start to finish by our fans and this was important. I’d like to thank them all, even personally, for the warmth with which they greeted us," he continued. Antonio Conte's men currently top Serie A, two points clear of AC Milan and Udinese, and face a misfiring Roma outfit on Monday night. Del Piero hopes for inclusion in the starting XI and feels his side have the momentum to get through the fixture. "I’m satisfied with my 120 minutes and ready to concentrate on the next step, Monday’s trip to the Olimpico," he added. “We can’t stop now - bring on Roma." http://www.soccerway...regular-season/