Socrates

Serie A Week 12 - 20-11-2011 (3:00 p.m.) 3 - 0 Simone Pepe (20′) Alessandro Matri (48') Claudio Marchisio (65′) Juventus Arena - Turin Referee: Mauro Bergonzi Attendance: 26000 Player Ratings Goal.com rates the players as the Bianconeri reclaim top spot in Serie A with a straightforward victory over their Sicilian rivals in Turin. Nov 20, 2011 Juventus Gianluigi Buffon 7.0 Had little or nothing to do in the second half but his contribution to the victory was crucial, with the Italy captain denying Ilicic on three separate occasions during the opening 45 minutes. As solid and reliable as ever. Leonardo Bonucci 5.5 Like his central defensive partner, he looked far more solid in the second period but he was caught out of position several times during the first half. His distribution was poor and also mistimed a couple of tackles. Andrea Barzagli 6.0 Switched off a couple of times during the first half but improved as the game went on. Giorgio Chiellini 6.0 The Italian international has not always looked comfortable at full-back this season but he was one of Juve’s better players on the day. His crossing was not always 100 per cent accurate but he picked out Pepe for the opener with aplomb and was always a willing runner on the left wing. Stephan Lichtsteiner 7.5 Top of the Match Terrific game from the full-back. His distribution at times was poor but he was a constant threat down the right-hand side and his pass through for Matri’s goal was sublime. Andrea Pirlo 7.0 Yet another impressive display at the heart of the Juventus midfield form the peerless Pirlo. Produced some characteristically wondrous passes, twice releasing Vucinic with terrific balls, and was cruelly denied his first goal for the Bianconeri by the post. Claudio Marchisio 7.0 Tremendously industrious effort from Marchisio. Broke up a number of Palermo attacks and his endeavour was rewarded with the killer third goal, the midfielder finishing coolly after being picked out by Vucinic. Simone Pepe 6.0 Combined well with Lichtsteiner on the right-hand side as Juve caused Palermo all sorts of problems during the first half. Took his goal well but faded as an attacking force as the game wore on. Arturo Vidal Pardo 6.0 Not a spectacular or particularly eye-catching display from the Chilean but was quietly effective in the Juve midfield alongside Marchisio and Pirlo. Mirko Vučinić 6.0 Squandered a fine chance when picked out by Lichsteiner during the first half but was unlucky with a fine effort from the edge of the box during the second period. A real menace on the left-hand side but he remains frustratingly inconsistent and profligate. Alessandro Matri 7.0 Endured a frustrating first half but finished clinically when a chance finally came his way early in the second half. His dummy for Marchisio’s goal was equally impressive. • Substitutions Michele Pazienza 5.5 Introduced into the action 13 minutes from the end and did not have sufficient time to make his mark. Alessandro Del Piero 5.5 Received a tremendous ovation when he was thrown on in the closing stages and had a half-chance at the death but his impact was unsurprisingly minimal. Fabio Quagliarella 6.0 Came on for Vucinic midway through the second half and showed some nice touches and held the ball up well. Will be desperate for more game time but that seems unlikely given Matri’s current form. Palermo Alexandros Tzorvas 6.0 Was repeatedly left exposed by his central defenders and could not be held accountable for any of the goals he conceded. Mauro Cetto 4.0 Flop of the Match A shocking performance from the central defender, who lost Pepe for the game’s opening goal. His difficult afternoon was mercifully brought to an end early as he was hauled off 15 minutes into the second half. Matías Silvestre 5.0 Was undoubtedly overworked because of a lack of protection from the midfield but he was pulled out of position too many times. Federico Balzaretti 5.5 Showed plenty of fight and did his best to get forward whenever possible but he was completely overwhelmed by Pepe and Lichtsteiner, particularly during the first half. Eros Pisano 5.0 Struggled to contain Vucinic and was booked in the closing stages of what was a difficult afternoon for the Palermo full-back. Armin Bačinovič 5.0 Looked out of his depth throughout the game and failed miserably to impose himself on the proceedings Edgar Osvaldo Barreto 5.5 Made absolutely no impact on the game as Palermo’s midfield struggled dismally to contain their Juventus counterparts. Josip Iličič 5.5 Horribly profligate. It could have been a very different game had the Slovenian taken just one of three gilt-edged opportunities which came his way during the first half. Giulio Migliaccio 5.0 Another Palermo player who simply stood and watched as the game passed him by. Nicolás Bertolo 4.5 A desperately ineffective performance and, in truth, confirmation that he was actually playing only came when he was substituted during the break. Fabrizio Miccoli 6.0 A trying afternoon for the former Juve forward, who was booed throughout the game. Slashed at the few chances which came his way but he did create two fine openings for Ilicic. • Substitutions Francesco Della Rocca 5.0 Came on for Cetto on the hour but didn’t manage to get himself into the game at all. Eran Zahavi 5.5 Replaced Bertolo at the break as Devis Mangia tried to freshen things up but didn’t really get the chance to show what he can do. http://www.soccerway...regular-season/

Serie A Week 12 - 20-11-2011 (3:00 p.m.) 3 - 0 Simone Pepe (20′) Alessandro Matri (48') Claudio Marchisio (65′) Juventus Arena - Turin Referee: Mauro Bergonzi Attendance: 26000 Pepe, Matri & Marchisio send Conte's men back to the top After three weeks without a game following the postponement of their clash with Napoli, the Bianconeri made up for lost time with a facile win at Juventus Stadium. Nov 20, 2011 Juventus returned to the summit of Serie A with a comfortable 3-0 victory over Palermo in Turin on Sunday afternoon. Simone Pepe opened the scoring with a first-half header before Alessandro Matri fired home early in the second half to double the home side’s advantage. Claudio Marchisio sealed victory for Antonio Conte’s men with a 65th-minute strike. Juventus began brightly and should have taken the lead just three minutes in, but Giorgio Chiellini headed over from close range after being picked out by Andrea Pirlo. Marchisio then fired wide from the edge of the box after Alexandros Tzorvas had flapped at a cross, before the hosts deservedly made the breakthrough on 20 minutes. Chiellini made amends for his poor miss by producing a wonderfully precise cross from the left-hand side which was headed home by Pepe. Pirlo went agonisingly close to making it 2-0 on the half hour, the Italy international seeing his terrific curling effort from the edge of the box come back off the right post. In truth, though, the Bianconeri were fortunate to go in a goal to the good at the break, with Josip Ilicic having spurned three terrific chances during the opening 45 minutes. On each occasion, the Slovenian was denied by Gianluigi Buffon. Ilicic, though, really should have given the Juventus goalkeeper no chance when he was played in by Fabrizio Miccoli on 36 minutes but he failed to prod the ball past Buffon, who had come out of his area in a desperate attempt to deal with the danger. Palermo were punished for Ilicic’s profligacy within three minutes of the start of the second half, Matri finishing smartly after being put in on goal by a measured through ball from Stephan Lichtsteiner. The visitors never looked remotely capable of turning the game around and they fell further behind shortly after the hour when Marchisio coolly slotted home after Matri had cleverly stepped over Mirko Vucinic’s low cross from the left-hand side. Marchiso’s strike allowed Juve to coast to a victory which draws them level at the top with Lazio ahead of their crunch meeting with the Biancocelesti next weekend. Palermo, meanwhile, remain without a goal away from home this season but stay fifth in the table. http://www.soccerway...regular-season/

Serie A Week 12 - 20-11-2011 (3:00 p.m.) - Juventus Arena - Turin Referee: Mauro Bergonzi Line-ups: Juventus-Palermo Nov 20, 2011 Juventus have Alessandro Matri and Mirko Vucinic leading the way against Fabrizio Miccoli’s reshuffled Palermo. The Bianconeri could go top of the table despite having a game in hand, if Udinese fail to conquer Parma this afternoon. With injury problems now behind him, Antonio Conte declared his choices would now be purely tactical and technical. Vucinic and Matri get the nod in attack with Simone Pepe and Arturo Vidal, while Giorgio Chiellini moves to left-back again. Palermo have won their last three visits to Turin, but have a dismal away record this season. There are also injury worries, as Mauricio Pinilla and Abel Hernandez are out, meaning Miccoli is the only available striker. He has to take the unusual centre-forward role against his former club, backed by Josip Ilicic and Nicolas Bertolo in a double-trequartista system. Juventus: 1 Buffon, 26 Lichtsteiner, 19 Bonucci, 15 Barzagli, 3 Chiellini; 8 Marchisio, 21 Pirlo; 7 Pepe, 22 Vidal, 14 Vucinic; 32 Matri Juventus bench: 30 Storari, 11 De Ceglie, 5 Pazienza, 17 Elia, 24 Giaccherini, 18 Quagliarella, 10 Del Piero Palermo: 33 Tzorvas, 31 Pisano, 3 Silvestre, 4 Cetto, 42 Balzaretti; 8 Migliaccio, 21 Bacinovic, 5 Barreto; 14 Bertolo, 27 Ilicic; 10 Miccoli Palermo bench: 99 Benussi, 2 Mantovani, 6 Munoz, 7 Della Rocca, 20 Acquah, 16 Zahavi, 26 Lores. http://www.soccerway...regular-season/

Serie A Week 12 - 20-11-2011 (3:00 p.m.) - Juventus Arena - Turin Referee: Mauro Bergonzi Vucinic & Matri start up front for Juventus against Palermo Alessandro Del Piero is benched once again as the Bianconeri welcome the Sicilian outfit, but there is room for Andrea Pirlo and Giorgio Chiellini. Nov 20, 2011 Alessandro Matri and Mirko Vucinic will forge the striking partnership for Juventus as they welcome Palermo to Turin in Serie A. Having had their fixture against Napoli cancelled before the international break, Antonio Conte's men are hoping to rekindle their relationship with the top of the table - currently occupied by Lazio. Gianluigi Buffon starts in goal for the Bianconeri while Giorgio Chiellini, Andrea Pirlo and Arturo Vidal all get the nod. There is no space for Alessandro Del Piero, who is on the bench once again. For Palermo, captain Fabrizio Miccoli starts up front. Josip Ilicic also takes to the field for the visitors following his goal in the 3-1 win over Bologna two weeks ago. Juventus (4-2-3-1): Buffon, Lichtsteiner, Barzagli, Bonucci, Chiellini; Pirlo, Marchisio; Pepe, Vidal, Vucinic; Matri. Subs: Storari, Pazienza, Del Piero, De Ceglie, Elia, Quagliarella. Palermo (4-3-2-1): Tzorvas, Pisano, Silvestre, Cetto, Balzaretti; Migliaccio, Bacinovic, Barreto; Ilicic, Bertolo; Miccoli. Subs: Benussi, Mantovani, Della Rocca, Munoz, Zahavi, Acquah, Varela. http://www.soccerway...regular-season/

Miccoli non va.

Miccoli deriso

Chiellini scalciato, Bergonzi non prende provvedimenti

Entra Alex!

Si erano abituati troppo bene a venire a vincere tutti gli anni a Torino. Il vento é cambiato!

Bravo Fabio!

Idem

Palermo in ginocchio. Entra Quagliarella per Vucinic

Passaggio di Chiellini inguardabile

Marchisio 3-0

Serie A Week 12 - 20-11-2011 (3:00 p.m.) - Juventus Arena - Turin Referee: Mauro Bergonzi Serie A Preview Nov 19, 2011 Palermo travel to Juventus with one of the worst away records in Serie A, but in the knowledge that they have won on their last three visits to Turin. Devis Mangia’s Rosanero are truly the Jekyll and Hyde of the Italian top flight so far this term. They have the best home record, along with Udinese, thanks to five wins from five. Yet playing outside of their Stadio Barbera fortress they’ve collected just one point from 15 available. Only Cesena have done worse and, to compound matters, the Rosanero haven’t scored on the road in 2011-12 yet. “We have to improve in general and not just on the road,” stated Mangia this week. “The players are doing reasonably well, but I wouldn’t want the thought of an away game becoming a problem. We play with less personality when we travel and I think that has to do with the low average age of the squad.” The Sicilian tactician, who replaced Stefano Pioli on the eve of the new season, has problems in attack given the absence of Abel Hernandez and the fitness issues of Mauricio Pinilla. Yet he insists that his side will go to the Juventus Stadium to play their own game against a side who he rates very highly. “I would say that Milan are favourites for the Scudetto, but Juventus and Napoli will be fighting until the very end,” he added. “Antonio Conte is a prepared Coach who has always given an identity to his sides. He’s also modified a few things with Juve this term.” Those changes have been on a tactical level given that the Coach has benched his trademark 4-4-2 for a 4-1-4-1 that can be transformed into a 4-3-3. By playing that way the Old Lady have beaten Fiorentina and Inter. The tactician may be forced into changes though. Andrea Barzagli pulled out of the Italy squad with injury so Giorgio Chiellini could be placed in the middle, with Paolo De Ceglie getting the nod at left-back. Juve could be somewhat rusty. By the time Sunday arrives, 21 days would have passed since the team was last fielded given that their Week 11 tie at Napoli was postponed. “Fortunately a lot of us have played on the international stage during this period,” noted Chiellini. “And those who haven’t have worked hard at Vinovo.” The defender, however, is aware of the dangers when playing host to Palermo. “They’ve always played really well against us,” he added. “They’ll want to continue with that trend.” Amazingly, Palermo have collected 3-1, 2-0 and 2-1 wins since being battered 5-0 by Claudio Ranieri’s Juventus in November 2007. Palermo’s only previous win in Turin before their three-in-a-row came in 1962! Keep an eye on:Mirko Vucinic (Juventus) – The quality he has is obvious, it’s the inconsistency which annoys. Vucinic has had a mixed campaign so far and his lack of goals – just two in eight games – have now seem him moved out to a wider attacking position. He’ll be desperate to hit the back of the net. Form guide:Juventus (W D D W W) Palermo (L L W L W) Last season:Juventus 1-3 Palermo Stat fact:In 23 League games in Turin, Juventus have scored 64 goals – an average of 2.8 per tie. They have collected 16 wins, three draws and four losses. Palermo have scored 31 times in Turin. Juventus (probable):Buffon; Lichtsteiner, Bonucci, Chiellini, De Ceglie; Pirlo; Pepe, Vidal, Marchisio, Vucinic; Matri Palermo (probable):Tzorvas; Pisano, Silvestre, Cetto, Balzaretti; Migliaccio, Bacinovic, Acquah; Ilicic, Zahavi; Miccioli http://www.soccerway...regular-season/

Serie A - 12^ Giornata Andata - 20-11-2011 (ore 15:00) - Juventus Stadium - Torino Arbitro: Mauro Bergonzi Confronti ufficiali 51 - 46 (Serie A) - 5 (Coppa Italia) Vittorie Juventus 28 - 25 (Serie A) - 3 (Coppa Italia) Pareggi 12 - 11 (Serie A) - 1 (Coppa Italia) Vittorie Palermo 11 - 10 (Serie A) - 1 (Coppa Italia) Goals Juventus 104 - 92 (Serie A) - 12 (Coppa Italia) Goals Palermo 55 - 50 (Serie A) - 5 (Coppa Italia) Juventus - Palermo a Torino Confronti ufficiali 23 Vittorie Juventus 16 (L'ultima il 25.11.2007 Juventus-Palermo 5-0) Pareggi 3 (L'ultimo il 25.09.2004 Juventus-Palermo 1-1) Vittorie Palermo 4 (L'ultima il 23.09.2010, 1-3) Goals Juventus 64 Goals Palermo 31 Giocatori con più presenze e goals contro il Palermo a Torino 6 presenze Boniperti Giampiero 6 Del Piero Alessandro 6 Hansen John 6 Muccinelli Ermes 5 Manente Sergio 5 Praest Karl Aage 5 Viola Giovanni 4 Bertuccelli Alberto 4 Borel II Felice Placido 4 Buffon Gianluigi 5 goals Borel II Felice Placido 4 Boniperti Giampiero 4 Muccinelli Ermes 3 Del Piero Alessandro 3 Haller Helmut 3 Hansen John 3 Martino Reinaldo Fioramonte 3 Ricagni Eduardo 3 Vivolo Pasquale 2 Cesarini Renato Ultimi confronti diretti 07.01.2006 Serie A Palermo-Juventus 1-2 07.05.2006 Serie A Juventus-Palermo 2-1 25.11.2007 Serie A Juventus-Palermo 5-0 06.04.2008 Serie A Palermo-Juventus 3-2 05.10.2008 Serie A Juventus-Palermo 1-2 21.02.2009 Serie A Palermo-Juventus 0-2 04.10.2009 Serie A Palermo-Juventus 2-0 28.02.2010 Serie A Juventus-Palermo 0-2 23.09.2010 Serie A Juventus-Palermo 1-3 02.02.2011 Serie A Palermo-Juventus 2-1 Giocate 10 - Vittorie Juventus 4 - Pareggi 0 - Vittorie Palermo 6 - Goals Juventus 16 - Goals Palermo 16

Moratti: 'No peace table with knives...' Nov 19, 2011 Inter President Massimo Moratti is open to the proposed Calciopoli ‘round table talks,’ “as long as there aren’t knives under the table.” Juventus patron Andrea Agnelli called for round table negotiations to declare peace after the Calciopoli scandal and appearance of new evidence, an idea supported by the FIGC and CONI. “Can we sit down round a table for peace talks? It depends on whether everyone is prepared for something like this,” said Moratti ahead of today’s Inter-Cagliari match at San Siro. “It could take place, as long as there aren’t any knives under the table. We’ll stand up to see what happens.” Juventus are taking legal action to have the 2005-06 Scudetto stripped from Inter and handed back to them, while they’re also considering suing the Federation for damages from their demotion.

Serie A Week 12 - 20-11-2011 (3:00 p.m.) - Juventus Arena - Turin Referee: Mauro Bergonzi Italian Serie A Week 12 Preview Nov 19, 2011 With the international break over, means it’s time for the European domestic leagues including Italian Serie A to get back in action. Juventus will welcome Palermo on Sunday with the hosts coming off of an extended break. Due to their last game against Napoli being postponed, it has been an astonishing 21 days since Juventus beat Inter at the San Siro. Palermo return to action after a solid 3-1 home win again Bologna prior to 14 day disruption. Palermo currently sit in fifth place with 16 points after 10 games while Juventus are one spot above with 19 points in 9 games. A sold out crowd is expected for the Sunday match between these two in what will surely be an intense atmosphere as both teams look to climb further up the table. Will be interesting to see how the long layoff affects Juventus, as it may be difficult to get into the proper mindset after three weeks without a competitive match (don’t forget the postponed match against Napoli due to flooding). Conte will have to motivate his team or run the risk of being caught flat-footed. On the other hand, the long rest may have the Juventus players anxious and ready to get back on the pitch. Juventus should look to push forward often, in hopes to break down Palermo’s shaky defense. So far the Sicilians have allowed 12 goals this season which is second most amongst the top seven teams in Serie A, behind only Milan who had that terrible spell to start the campaign. Prior to the postponed match Juventus were enjoying fine form and top spot of the table. Alessandro Matri has been brilliant of late and was threatening in the few minutes he featured for Gli Azzurri. As always, the international break brought forth more transfer news with Milos Krasic once again rumored to leave as well as Michele Pazienza, who typically features as a late sub to help out the defense. In more important and relevant news, Emanuele Giaccherini has returned from his injury he sustained early in October as well as Andrea Barzagli, who had to leave the Italy camp with a thigh problem. Barzagli, who joined Juventus last year from Wolfsburg, enjoyed his longest stint in competitive football at Palermo, from 2004 until 2008. Palermo will sure to be excited for this game, as due to their recent history against Juventus. Palermo have yet to register a win this season on the road but have had a lot of success against Juventus over the past few seasons. In the last four meetings in Serie A between the two teams, Palermo are 4-0 scoring 9 goals while only allowing 2. Juventus have not won in Torino against Palermo since November 25, 2007. A player that Juve will have to watch is Fabrizio Miccoli. This campaign he has 3 goals and 3 assists. He has also scored 3 times against his former club over the years. Conte will have his hands full preparing for Palermo as they have used a variety of players this year. Their manager Devis Mangia has regularly switched his starting players, especially the pairings of his midfielders and forwards, using a combination of Miccoli, Hernandez, Illic, and Zehavi in different roles. There has been some news this week out of the Palermo camp about former Juventus player, Federico Balzaretti, who has been heavily linked with a move away from the club. Zamparini made a comment this week about the future of the Italian international saying that if the defender wishes he may leave to join PSG. If he does decide to leave he would be following in the footsteps of Javier Pastore and Salvatore Sirgu, who left for Paris in the summer. Antonio Conte will most likely go with the same formation he had deployed against Inter and Fiorentina. Mangia does like to keep his opposition guessing but he may wish to keep the same line-up as two weeks ago in hope of finding the same results with the addition of Miccoli. Probable Starting XI Juventus: Buffon; Lichsteiner, Bonucci, Barzagli, Chiellini; Marchisio, Vidal, Pirlo; Vucinic, Matri, Pepe Palermo: Tzorva; Cetto, Silvestre, Pisano, Balzaretti; Migliaccio, Bacinovic, Zahavi; Ilicic, Miccoli, Hernandez http://www.soccerway...regular-season/

Serie A Week 12 - 20-11-2011 (3:00 p.m.) - Juventus Arena - Turin Referee: Mauro Bergonzi Round 10…Round 12…Hmm, We’re Playing Palermo Nov 19, 2011 It seems like it was years ago that we marched into the San Siro and heaped more misery upon current (but sigh, admittedly not for long) relegation-battlers Sfinter; and no, it wasn’t 2006, it was actually three weeks ago. Another cancellation, albeit via an act of God instead of a resistant union, means our first mezzo giorno effect test will actually be a mezzo giorno kickoff against our nemesis Palermo. Currently the rosaneri sit with 16 points from 10 games, while with a game in hand we are +3 on them and in fourth place — having slipped from first after our last scheduled fixture versus Napoli was postponed, allowing three teams to leapfrog us. Palermo have been a thorn in our side the past few seasons, as have many Napoleonic complex sufferers Southern teams with something to prove. Luckily we’ll be playing in our new stadium. Credit: Zafar Good news: Palermo have earned one out of 15 potential points this season. Bad news: Their last three trips to Turin? Three wins. Good news: Our new stadium isn’t the Stadio Olimpico or Delle Alpi. Bad news: This Palermo. And it’s been a few weeks since we’ve played. Good news: Conte. Complete bad ass. Nothing else to say. Bad news: One word: Bergonzi. Le chiavi: Despite what the teachings of the Mr. Magoo of calcio taught us (sorry Ranieri), it is possible and dare-I-say appropriate to switch formations. I know, I know, it’s crazy, but Conte successfully switched from the 4-2-4 which never actually existed and was actually an attacking, wing-based 4-4-2 to a 4-3-3, capitalizing on the team’s biggest strength — three midfielders who are currently playing out of their mind. Pirlo, Vidal, and yes, even Claudio nobody-likes-me-because-all-I’ve-done-is-quietly-accept-playing-out-of-position-and-do-whatever-it-is-I’m-told-will-most-benefit-the-team-despite-my-own-personal-performance-suffering-as-a-consequence-effing-Marchisio have been completely solid behind whatever the trident-of-the-week il mister is willing to field (hint: it probably won’t involve Quagliarella). That midfield is quickly becoming one of the best around, and making the dip in form of Milos Krasic as well as the disappearing act of Fabio Quagliarella go essentially unnoticed. While Palermo is likely to line up in a 4-3-3 as well, the key will be in the center of the pitch. So long as Vidal and the new and improved (believe it or not I really am a real boy center midfielder!) Marchisio can continue to boss the 38th parallel, they should be able to stop the blood from flowing to the head of the snake and away from the talented Ilicic, (the man who Giovinco seems to be modeling his Juve-killing career after) Miccoli, and former Mossad agent Zahavi (alright, I may have made that Mossad part up). The other key battle could very well be on the right side (well, our right side, their left…right?) between also-in-torrid-form Stephan Lichtsteiner and Frederico Balzaretti, one of the best Italian left backs right now. Couldn’t we use a left back, by the way? Oh yea, we could. Where did this guy come from, anyway? Oh… The one thing I lament is the lack of a threat starting from out back on the left side. If we had that, we could really stretch out the field and own this game, particularly while now playing a more narrow-at-the-top 4-3-3. Paolo DeCeglie isn’t yet (and may never be) trusted by Conte, and while he can aplomb forward, his defense leaves much to be desired. Giorgio Chiellini is a centerback, and a damn good one, and can only be seen as a short-term stopgap. Fabio Grosso is at this point to calcio what Amauri is to…well, calcio. If only we had a player who could run really fast, for a really, really long time, and who’s a really good tackler, and can cross a little bit, while also pretty good with the ball at his feet, and is known for his gutsy efforts and covering every blade of grass from goal line to goal line, regardless of which side he’s playing on. I mean, I wouldn’t even care if his one flaw was his goal-scoring and finishing abilities. A player like that would probably make a damn-good fullback. If only we could find such a player. Whatever. If people started listening to me — and at least Adam Digby still has the same idea as me, even if he might have thought of it first — we could make a game out of the left side of things, as Simone I’m-supposed-to-be-a-winger-yet-I’ve-previously-lost-my-spot-to-a-central-midfielder-see-above-(even-though-I’m-doing-a-bit-better-now) Pepe would do fine wing-manning, I mean wing-backing the defensively-challenged, yet immensely talented and underutilized Eljero Elia. But what do I know? I say shit for years, and nobody pays attention until it’s too late and nobody even cares anymore. Pepe’s played a bit there before and with positive results. Time to terizino him once-and-for-good, I say. At least, if we aren’t going to give PDC a shot in hell. Motivation: Do it for Amauri. And by for Amauri, I mean out of spite. I get it Palermo, it’s not our fault that sold us this box of hammers for 22.8 m Euro. I still blame Secco most. But I mean really, to some degree you’ve gotta blame the Dutch for taking advantage of the natives and buying Manhattan for trinkets, right? Secco was barely a child. You should’ve known better. Jerks. And don’t give me any of that crap about “oooh it’s not Amauri’s fault, he didn’t do anything wrong.” He was told there was no room left for him at the squad. He knew this. He was shipped out last January for a reason, and it wasn’t just to prove himself. If it wasn’t for his unreasonably excessive wages, he would’ve never been back. He was then provided with more-than-sufficient offers to leave over the summer, which he refused. As consequence, in the final year of his contract with his shelf-life quickly expiring, he is being frozen out of the squad because of his own decisions. Yet now he’s counting the days until he can finally leave Juventus? My starting XI: (this will never happen – 4-3-3) Buffon; Sgt. Pepe, Georgy, Barzagli (or Boner, at this point, who cares?), Forrest; Marchisio, Pirlo, Vidal; Elia, Matri, Quagliarella. Palermo probable XI: (4-3-3) Tzorvas; Pisano, Silvestre, Cetto, Balzaretti; Migliaccio, Bacinovic, Acquah; Ilicic, Zahavi; Miccoli A disposizione: Benussi, Muñoz, Mantovani, Aguirregaray, Pinilla, Bertolo, Alvarez. Juventus probable XI: (4-3-3) Buffon; Lichtsteiner, Bonucci, Barzagli, Chiellini; Marchisio, Pirlo, Vidal; Pepe, Matri, Vucinic A disposizione: Storari, De Ceglie, Pazienza, Estigarribia, Krasic, Del Piero, Quagliarella. My verdict: I’m going to play it safe with this one, fellas. Amauri will remain to Juventus what Turtle from “Entourage” is to life: completely valueless. http://www.soccerway...regular-season/

Serie A Week 12 - 20-11-2011 (3:00 p.m.) - Juventus Arena - Turin Referee: Mauro Bergonzi Juventus vs. Palermo – One of ‘Those’ Games Nov 19, 2011 Finally! After three weeks of Bianconero abstinence, it’s time to see some real action again as Juventus host Palermo on Sunday. And one can only hope that Conte’s men will be as fired up as us calcio-starved fans, since what awaits is a very stern test for the unbeaten hosts. For while it’s true the Rosanero haven’t won on the road this season (actually, they have lost four of five away games, earning only a single point against Lazio back in September), that poor run of form fades in the face of their recent record when playing Juve: Palermo have won five of the last six encounters between the two, including the last four matches in a row! In fact, we haven’t beaten the Rosanero in Turin since that 5-0 game back in November 2007… Like Napoli, whom Juventus would have faced before the international break, had the game not been postponed due to flooding (and the poor form of the hosts, if conspiracy rumours are to be believed – they are not, by the way), Palermo is one of those teams that Juventus have struggled massively against in recent times. Ever since their 2007 return to Serie A, what Juve have experienced the most serious difficulties in are exactly “these types” of games, neither a ‘Big Match’ nor a brush-aside fixture to be easily won 3-0 (though, admittedly, those have been few and far between in recent years too). It may be down to chance, mentality, or even good old fashioned off-days, but in the Old Lady’s track record against well-drilled sub-top teams there seems to be a pattern of bad results which needs to be dealt with. Gloomy as the head-to-head stats may sound though, this is one of those games that this season is all about: a chance for a cathartic win to wipe out past negligence and restore some much needed confidence among Bianconeri ranks. Juventus The momentum gained after beating Fiorentina and Inter in quick succession must have been somewhat slowed after three weeks off. Firstly, there was the futile preparation for the Napoli game. Then, an inconsequential International Break. Luckily, no Juve players were hurt in the process, so Antonio Conte can count on a full squad for this crucial match. It’s safe to say that Il Mister’s mind is probably at the brink of bursting from analyzing the possible dynamics of this game for a fortnight, but one thing he must have shouted at the lads over and over again is: ‘avoid free-kicks around the penalty area, guys!!’. Along with the fearsome counters and the well-known raids of Balzaretti, set pieces in general – and those of Miccoli from close range specifically – are key points that will have been addressed. That being said, expect to see nothing less a hungry Juventus team showing up, like the one that dominated Fiorentina for the first half – and hopefully one able to take its chances as well as in Milano against Inter. As for the Juventus starting XI, it is fairly safe to say that Conte will go for the same players that came through for him in previous games, particularly in the 4-2-3-1 / 4-3-3-ish formation. This means the use of a Andrea Pirlo-Claudio Marchisio-Arturo Vidal core in central midfield, assisted by Mirko Vucinic/Simone Pepe on the wings and Alessandro Matri all alone up front (or as Adam likes to call it, ‘the double MVP’). The left-back position (and consequentially, the CB) is still a bit up in the air, but it is likely to be covered by Giorgio Chiellini like in recent games. I have yet to see Conte change a winning team, so the coach’s tested and true formation should allow for plenty of possession as well as solidity in defense, coping with the very fast and fluid counters of Palermo. JUVENTUS (4-2-3-1) Buffon Lichtsteiner, Barzagli, Bonucci, Chiellini Marchisio, Pirlo Pepe, Vidal, Vucinic Matri Palermo Palermo have made a lot of changes this Summer. As is the twisted way of club owner Maurizio Zamparini, the club sold prize asset Pastore for good money to Paris SG – and then went on to sell some of their best and most consistent performers (Cassani, Nocerino) for the modern football equivalent of a packet of crisps… just to shake things up a bit, presumably! The core and style of Palermo, however, seems to be intact, at least when at the Renzo Barbera where they have been playing very well and notched up five wins in five this season, leaving them just below Juve in the standings. Caretaker manager Devis Mangia has been more or less steering the boat clear of (home) icebergs since Stefano Pioli’s dismissal, even marking his bench debut with a 4-3 win over Inter. (EDITOR’S NOTE: props to Lars here, for avoiding the obvious culinary joke of tying the coach’s name to Mike’s mid-week recipe) However as touched upon earlier, and despite a rather difficult schedule (the isolani have faced Milan, Roma and Udinese in the last three away trips) Palermo’s away record is abysmal, and the Rosanero are yet to score on the road this season, which indicates that Miccoli & Co. might be in for a tough time facing the re-born atmosphere at Juventus Stadium (how I love writing that name). And yet, somehow, you just know that quality in the squad will somehow show itself on Sunday… Palermo will probably be happy to surrender possession to Juve for the most part of the game, relying on soaking up the pressure only to launch the attacking threat and pace of either of Slovenian Josip Iličić, Israeli Eran Zahavi, or South-American duo Abel Hernández/Mauricio Pinilla. Not forgetting of course Fabrizio Miccoli – who seemingly never tires of proving his point against Juve – on the break. PALERMO (4-3-2-1) Tzorvas Pisano, Silvestre, Cetto, Balzaretti Migliaccio, Bacinovic, Barreto Ilicic, Zahavi Miccoli This game will be one of many tests of the Juventus morale this season. Knowing from previous experience that you can dominate play against Palermo all you want and still walk away with nothing (even 1-3 losers at that), it should be obvious that this is not an easy task. 90+ minutes of focus, grinta and a bit of cynicism will definitely be needed if Juve are to rid themselves of another taboo on that long road to redemption. In Conte We Trust! http://www.soccerway...regular-season/.

Serie A Week 12 - 20-11-2011 (3:00 p.m.) - Juventus Arena - Turin Referee: Mauro Bergonzi Antonio Conte worried by long break Nov 19, 2011 Juventus coach Antonio Conte is worried that his team's long break since their last match will have affected their fluidity when they entertain Palermo on Sunday. Juve's last league match against Napoli was postponed due to flooding and with the international break it means they have not played for three weeks. So Conte is resorting to drastic concepts to fire up his team. "For us the clash with Palermo has to be a World Cup final, we're thinking only of that without making calculations or resting players," said Conte. "From Monday we'll start thinking about Lazio and then Napoli. "Three weeks without playing is a lot and I see some perplexity surrounding us and how we'll represent ourselves on the field but that's inevitable. "We don't have any excuses, after the international matches from Thursday we retuned ourselves to the league. "We were ready before the international break and we will be (on Sunday)." Conte believes his side, the only one to remain unbeaten in the league, can handle any situation they come across. "I have a group of lads who've shown me a lot of availability, there's great desire to do something important," he said. "They're all ready so the decisions I make will be technical ones and not based on (physical) conditions. "Right now the standings don't matter, what counts is working hard and giving everything." While Juve may be amongst the front runners in the league, things off the pitch have not been so smooth for the Old Lady of Turin. In midweek Juve came under fire from Italian Olympic Committee president Gianni Petrucci for trying to exploit legal loopholes to have their 2005 and 2006 titles, of which they were stripped for match-fixing, restored. Juve have made a number of appeals to different bodies, both sporting and civil, but have so far always been rejected. But Conte doesn't think such issues will affect his players. "I have always liked looking at the verdict the pitch gives, that's the true one," said Conte. "We have to keep grouping our strength on the pitch to continue doing what we're doing to build something strong which will last into the future." Turning back to his players, Conte sprung to the defence of Chile midfielder Arturo Vidal who came under fire in his homeland for turning up late for international duty. "I've spoken with Vidal, I was surprised about what happened. Here in Turin his behaviour has always been exemplary. "I've never had anything to say about his conduct. For me he's a great lad but he was wrong to turn up late for the get-together in Chile. "The rules have to be respected in Chile as they are here. He showed maturity in apologising and maybe in the future he'll turn up early, he needs to learn from his mistakes." http://www.soccerway...regular-season/

Serie A Week 12 - 20-11-2011 (3:00 p.m.) - Juventus Arena - Turin Referee: Mauro Bergonzi Serie A Preview Nov 19, 2011 Juventus defender Giorgio Chiellini admits last season's Serie A defeats against Palermo still weigh on his mind and wants to avenge those results when the two sides meet tomorrow in Turin. The Bianconeri lost 3-1 at home before falling 2-1 at Palermo last year, and Chiellini remembers both reverses well. "Palermo always play well against us,'' Chiellini said. "They are a team that can make life difficult for us. "In recent years they have had the upper hand and I haven't forgotten our two defeats against them last season. "I'm sure they will want to replicate those results and we will have to be as focused as ever.'' Juventus go into the encounter as the only unbeaten team in Serie A. They have won five of their nine games and are fourth in the standings, just two points behind league leaders Udinese. However, Juventus have a game in hand with their game at Napoli on November 6 called off due to adverse weather conditions in Naples. Rivals Palermo will be hoping the absence of striker Abel Hernandez will not hinder them as they seek their first triumph on the road this weekend. The Uruguay international suffered a thigh injury in his team's 3-1 triumph over Bologna last time out and will be sidelined for a month. Hernandez's injury is a setback for Palermo coach Devis Mangia, with the South American having scored three goals in nine Serie A appearances. Palermo, who are fifth in the standings, have taken just one point from their five games away from Sicily and Mangia expects a tough afternoon in Turin. "Juve have a great team with so many important players,'' he said. "We will have to play as a team and run more than Juventus. "We need to show more aggressiveness when playing away from home and hopefully, my players will show that on Sunday.'' Juventus coach Antonio Conte will have all of his players available for selection, with the exception of injured goalkeeper Alex Manninger. http://www.soccerway...regular-season/

Serie A Week 12 - 20-11-2011 (3:00 p.m.) - Juventus Arena - Turin Referee: Mauro Bergonzi Conte: 'Palermo a World Cup Final' Nov 19, 2011 Antonio Conte insists Sunday’s encounter between Juventus and Palermo is “like a World Cup Final.” The Bianconeri lost the Serie A top spot when their game with Napoli was postponed due to flooding, which also means they have not played for three weeks. “Tomorrow it’ll be 22 days since the last time we stepped on to the pitch,” noted the Coach in his Press conference. “It is inevitable there will be some question marks over how we’ll perform. We started working together again on Thursday and tried to throw the internationals back into the Serie A atmosphere, because after 10-12 days away it’s easy to pick up a different rhythm.” Arturo Vidal returned early from international duty with Chile, as he was sent home for missing the curfew while out drinking with some of his teammates. “It was a mistake to turn up late, but I have to say it surprised me, because Arturo has always behaved in a very professional manner here. He showed maturity in apologising. He is young and must use this negative experience.” Conte certainly cannot be accused of taking Sunday’s clash with Palermo lightly, especially as it begins a run of games against Lazio and Napoli. “We have to take it one match at a time, trying to get as many points as possible. Right now there is the challenge with Palermo and for us it has to be worth as much as a World Cup Final. “There are three very important points at stake and let’s not forget Palermo have conquered Turin for three years running. We must prove things have changed. “All the players have now recovered from injury, so all my decisions will be exclusively technical and tactical.” http://www.soccerway...regular-season/

Serie A Week 12 - 20-11-2011 (3:00 p.m.) - Juventus Arena - Turin Referee: Mauro Bergonzi Mangia: 'Palermo will attack Juve' Nov 19, 2011 Devis Mangia has no fear when taking on Juventus in Turin. “We certainly won’t sit back and watch.” The Sicilians have won their last three consecutive trips to Piedmont and hope to end their dismal away form this season. “Juve are a great squad with champions in every area, but we are going to Turin to play our game, without fear,” said the Coach. “We certainly won’t sit back and watch. I have faith in my lads. They are strong, but so are Palermo.” Both Abel Hernandez and Mauricio Pinilla are out of action, so ex-Juve man Fabrizio Miccoli is the only available striker. When facing the Bianconeri, some opponents tend to adjust their system to provide man-marking for Andrea Pirlo. “We have some tactical certainties and I have absolutely no intention of transforming the way we play for this match. Pirlo is a great player, but there’ll be no sentinel for him. Someone will be in his zone and take care of him, as always.” Mangia is not frightened by notoriously fiery President Maurizio Zamparini saying he can be Palermo’s Arsene Wenger. “I have an excellent and constructive rapport with him. He gave me my chance in Serie A and I will always thank him for that. I feel everyone’s support here and we are like a big family.” Palermo squad: Benussi, Brichetto, Tzorvas; Aguirregaray, Balzaretti, Cetto, Mantovani, Munoz, Pisano, Silvestre; Acquah, Bacinovic, Barreto, Bertolo, Della Rocca, Di Matteo, Ilicic, Lores, Migliaccio, Zahavi; Miccoli http://www.soccerway...regular-season/