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Serie A Week 13 - 26-11-2011 (8:45 p.m.) - Olimpico Stadium - Rome Referee: Gianluca Rocchi Juventus and the top contenders for the Scudetto It's close at the top of Italy's top flight with just a single point between first and fourth. Ed Malyon rounds up the runners and riders on the peninsula. Nov 25, 2011 Rarely has Calcio ever been closer during its long and illustrious history. Only a point separates the top four contenders at this stage of the season. To add further spice, there are only three Champions League spots up for grabs after Serie A lost a ticket to the Bundesliga for Europe's showpiece competition. Holders Milan lead the latest odds at 1.91 with William Hill to retain their title. The Rossoneri may be favourites but they seem to be a little short at 1.91 given the changes to their squad since May. They do, of course, have a very talented frontline with Ibrahimovic, Pato, Robinho and the like but having released playmaker extraordinaire Andrea Pirlo to title rivals Juventus, and suffered freak injuries to Rino Gattuso and Antonio Cassano, Juventus seem a better shout at present. The Turin side have remodelled over the summer and under new coach Antonio Conte they have a defined system in which to slot their wealth of talent. Their only concern is a goalscorer, and they will need Alessandro Matri to step up to the plate this season if they can make a real go for glory. Latest odds supplied by William Hill Milan 1.91 Juventus 3.25 Napoli 10.0 Inter 13.0 Juve don't have any European commitments and will be eager to land their first title after years in the wilderness. You can back the Bianconeri and current table-toppers at 3.25. Udinese have no such problems in the striking department and in Antonio Di Natale have one of the best finishers on the globe. The hitman has bagged 57 goals in the last two seasons and he has unsurprisingly continued in the same vein this campaign. Udinese's three-man defence is unusual to many, but it's the tightest backline in the league, letting in just six goals thus far in 2011-12. Their odds of 21.0 and are good value but suggest their squad isn't deep enough. Currently in second spot, Lazio will back themselves to be in with a chance of their first Scudetto since 2000. With a front two of Miroslav Klose and Djibril Cisse they will never struggle for goals but their key man is 'The Prophet' Hernanes who has impressed for Brazil and is an immensely-talented playmaker. A price of 13.0 is solid for a team that has only lost twice in all competitions this season. Lazio are also worth a punt at 2.75 to finish in the top three. Other contenders are Lazio's local rivals Roma at 17.0 who are beginning to pick up form under new boss Luis Enrique. Man City's conquerors Napoli are a short 10.0 to pick up their first Serie A crown since 1990 with Palermo are more optimistic shout at 151.0. http://www.soccerway...regular-season/

Serie A Week 13 - 26-11-2011 (8:45 p.m.) - Olimpico Stadium - Rome Referee: Gianluca Rocchi Vucinic sees Lazio derby Nov 25, 2011 Juventus man Mirko Vucinic may no longer wear the Roma jersey, but facing Lazio is still a derby. “He wants to smash the game!” The striker spent five years with the Giallorossi and in his career has scored five goals against Lazio, so taking them on at the Olimpico on Saturday night has a very special feeling. “I spoke to Mirko and he says he wants to smash the game!” revealed manager Alessandro Lucci. “It is going to be a special game for him. He will be split between the old Giallorossi soul and the new Juventus one.” http://www.soccerway...regular-season/

Serie A Week 13 - 26-11-2011 (8:45 p.m.) - Olimpico Stadium - Rome Referee: Gianluca Rocchi Pirlo in Juve squad Nov 25, 2011 Andrea Pirlo is in the Juventus squad travelling to Rome for Saturday’s game and Lazio have Miroslav Klose back. There are still doubts over Pirlo’s ability to play after he picked up a muscular problem in training this week, but he is in the side. It should also be noted the same squad will stay in Rome after the match to prepare for their Coppa Italia trip to Napoli on Tuesday. Lazio have Klose back in the team after he missed last week’s 0-0 draw in Naples through injury. Juventus squad: 1 Buffon, 3 Chiellini, 5 Pazienza, 7 Pepe, 8 Marchisio, 9 Iaquinta, 10 Del Piero, 11 De Ceglie, 13 Manninger, 14 Vucinic, 15 Barzagli, 17 Elia, 18 Quagliarella, 19 Bonucci, 21 Pirlo, 22 Vidal, 24 Giaccherini, 26 Lichtsteiner, 27 Krasic, 28 Estigarribia, 30 Storari, 32 Matri, 33 Sorensen, 34 Marrone Lazio squad: Carrizo, Marchetti; Biava, Diakitè, Konko, Lulic, Radu, Scaloni, Stankevicius, Zauri; Brocchi, Cana, Gonzalez, Hernanes, Ledesma; Cissè, Klose, Rocchi, Sculli. http://www.soccerway...regular-season/

Serie A Week 13 - 26-11-2011 (8:45 p.m.) - Olimpico Stadium - Rome Referee: Gianluca Rocchi Conte: ‘One game at a time’ Nov 25, 2011 Antonio Conte still refuses to talk about the Scudetto as he prepares his table-topping Juventus side for a difficult couple of games. The Bianconeri travel to the Stadio Olimpico on Saturday night for Week 13's top-of-the-table clash with Lazio, before then heading further south on Tuesday for the rearranged Week 11 fixture with Napoli. In preparing for the challenging double-header, Conte has again brushed off suggestions that the Old Lady are thinking about the title race as early as Week 13. “When will I talk about the Scudetto? Never,” began Conte to the assembled Press, before as Juve’s official website recount, re-evaluating and opening up to the possibility of doing so, but only later in the campaign. “We’re working to build something important. At the end of the first half of the season, once we’ve faced every team, we’ll be able to assess how we’re developing and take stock of the situation. “We’re currently doing extraordinary things and performing beyond expectations. However, even in other seasons we have started well only to end badly.” The 42-year-old also intimated that the team’s thoughts are only of the next encounter. “We’ll take things one game at a time. There’s no fear from our point of view: we’ll go there to play our brand of football, looking to take the game to the opposition as we always do. We’ll only think about Napoli after the final whistle. “We’ll be up against a strong team who finished above us last season, Lazio have strengthened considerably and Reja’s doing a great job. “They’re a very physical side, we have great respect for their work and individuals such as Klose, Cissé, Konko, Marchetti… quality players who have settled into an already important unit.” Andrea Pirlo remains a doubt for the two games after picking up a knee injury after a training ground clash. “There are two more training sessions to undergo. We know that the season does not end either in Rome or Naples, so we will make careful evaluations with Andrea and we will take the most appropriate decision.” http://www.soccerway...regular-season/

Serie A Week 13 - 26-11-2011 (8:45 p.m.) - Olimpico Stadium - Rome Referee: Gianluca Rocchi Reja: 'A defining game' Nov 25, 2011 Edy Reja has described Saturday night’s meeting between joint League leaders Lazio and Juventus as ‘important for both sides’. Speaking ahead of the Week 13 clash between the two sides that share top spot in the table, Reja has acknowledged that this could be a ‘defining fixture’ for his Aquile players. An attendance of more than 60,000 fans is anticipated, which is bigger than crowds allowed to attend the Rome derby, where security restrictions apply. “It would be nice to win this game for our fans, considering the wonderful audience that is expected. “It’s an important game for us and for Juve. We are yet to produce a high level performance at home, we must do it now against Juventus. It is a key match that will demonstrate the exact size of our ambition. “Juventus have found a tactical balance with Pepe and Pirlo. Moreover, I’ve noticed that Lichtsteiner has considerably improved his crossing ability with respect to when he played with us, therefore we need to be wary. “We’ve already played different teams with various systems and as far as that’s concerned we’re used to it. We’re ready.” Indeed, having not beaten the Bianconeri in the League in front of their own fans for almost eight years, Reja argues of the significance picking up a win could have on any title ambitions. “Are we in the Scudetto race? It is hard to say. Milan have organic and superior quality. Then there’s Juve. The two teams are the best candidates, with Inter to look forward to. “But, we could be a surprise, depending on what we do in confrontations such as this one.” http://www.soccerway...regular-season/

Serie A Week 13 - 26-11-2011 (8:45 p.m.) - Olimpico Stadium - Rome Referee: Gianluca Rocchi Roberto Baronio: I hope Lazio beat Juventus Speaking exclusively to Goal.com, the Italian midfielder said Edy Reja's side have what it takes to end their losing streak against the Turin-based giants. Nov 24, 2011 Former Lazio captain Roberto Baronio believes the capital city side will give Juventus all they can handle at the weekend. Lazio have not won against Juve since December 2003 in Serie A, but Baronio feels that will change on Saturday night at the Olimpico. "I hope Lazio win the game as I have always been a fan of the club," Baronio told Goal.com. "There is great expectation for this game in Rome and I hope it ends 1-0 to Lazio with a goal from Cristian Brocchi. "Brocchi is a player you can always trust." However, the Italian is expecting Edy Reja's side to encounter stiff resistance from the Bianconeri. "Juventus have dangerous players like Andrea Pirlo, but also they have great strikers in Mirko Vucinic and Alessandro Matri who need to be stopped," he said. http://www.soccerway...regular-season/

Serie A Week 13 - 26-11-2011 (8:45 p.m.) - Olimpico Stadium - Rome Referee: Gianluca Rocchi Andrea Pirlo doubtful for Lazio match The Italy international is nursing a muscular problem and could miss his first game for the club as they prepare for the crunch game at the Olimpico this weekend. Nov 24, 2011 Juventus playmaker Andrea Pirlo's presence is in doubt, a worry for coach Antonio Conte ahead of Saturday's trip to Lazio, Sky Sport Italia reports. The 32-year-old midfielder abandoned Thursday's practice session after complaining of a muscle problem. It is believed that Pirlo will undergo a series of tests before the end of the day to determine the extent of the injury and learn whether he will be available for the upcoming match at the Stadio Olimpico. Pirlo's absence would come as a heavy blow to Conte, who has used the ex-AC Milan talent in every match this season so far. Juventus and Lazio are sharing the top of the Serie A standings, on 22 points, although the Turin-based side have one game in hand. http://www.soccerway...regular-season/

Serie A - 13^ Giornata - Andata - 26-11-2011 (ore 20:45) - Stadio Olimpico - Roma Arbitro: Gianluca Rocchi Confronti ufficiali 156 - 134 (Serie A) - 19 (Coppa Italia) - 1 (Supercoppa Italiana) - 2 (Campionato a gironi) Vittorie Juventus 75 - 68 (Serie A) - 6 (Coppa Italia) - 1 (Campionato a gironi) Pareggi 40 - 34 (Serie A) - 6 (Coppa Italia) Vittorie Lazio 41 - 32 (Serie A) - 7 (Coppa Italia) - 1 (Supercoppa Italiana) - 1 (Campionato a gironi) Goals Juventus 267 - 239 (Serie A) - 25 (Coppa Italia) - 1 (Supercoppa Italiana) - 2 (Campionato a gironi) Goals Lazio 184 - 157 (Serie A) - 23 (Coppa Italia) - 2 (Supercoppa Italiana) - 2 (Campionato a gironi) Lazio - Juventus a Roma Serie A Confronti ufficiali 67 Vittorie Juventus 26 (L'ultima il 02.05.2011, 0-1) Pareggi 17 (L'ultimo il 18.01.2009, 1-1) Vittorie Lazio 24 (L'ultima il 06.12.2003, 2-0) Goals Juventus 90 Goals Lazio 87 Giocatori con più presenze e goals contro la Lazio a Roma 15 presenze Del Piero Alessandro 11 Boniperti Giampiero 11 Depetrini Teobaldo 10 Cuccureddu Antonello 10 Tacchinardi Alessio 9 Foni Alfredo 9 Varglien II Giovanni 8 Causio Franco 8 Conte Antonio 8 Furino Giuseppe 6 goals Bettega Roberto 5 Charles John William 5 Del Piero Alessandro 4 Sivori Omar Enrique 3 Bellini Savino 3 Boniperti Giampiero 3 Sentimenti III Vittorio 3 Trezeguet David Sergio 2 Cesarini Renato 2 Ferrari Giovanni Ultimi confronti diretti 15.12.2007 Serie A Lazio-Juventus 2-3 27.04.2008 Serie A Juventus-Lazio 5-2 18.01.2009 Serie A Lazio-Juventus 1-1 03.03.2009 Coppa Italia Lazio-Juventus 2-1 22.04.2009 Coppa Italia Juventus-Lazio 1-2 31.05.2009 Serie A Juventus-Lazio 2-0 12.09.2009 Serie A Lazio-Juventus 0-2 31.01.2010 Serie A Juventus-Lazio 1-1 12.12.2010 Serie A Juventus-Lazio 2-1 02.05.2011 Serie A Lazio-Juventus 0-1 Giocate 10 - Vittorie Juventus 6 - Pareggi 2 - Vittorie Lazio 2 - Goals Juventus 19 - Goals Lazio 11

Serie A Week 13 - 26-11-2011 (8:45 p.m.) - Olimpico Stadium - Rome Referee: Gianluca Rocchi Buffon underlines importance of Lazio clash The Italy international shot-stopper is eager for his club to maintain their good form in the league as doubts creep in over Andrea Pirlo who has a muscle problem. Nov 24, 2011 Juventus goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon has urged his team-mates to secure all three points in Saturday's Serie A clash against Lazio at the Olimpico. Buffon said his side are up for the fight against Edy Reja's men who are level on points with Juve at the top of the table. "Lazio and Napoli are very important games for us and we want to do well against them," Buffon told Juventus Channel. "We know the importance of these games and coach [Antonio] Conte is hoping for a good result. He always transmits will and determination within the squad." Meanwhile, Il Corriere dello Sport reports that Andrea Pirlo was forced to abandon Thursday's training session at Vinovo after complaining of a muscular strain. Juventus have not confirmed the extent of his injury, but there are suggestions he could miss the trip to Rome. http://www.soccerway...regular-season/

Serie A - 12^ Giornata - Andata - 20/11/2011 (ore 15:00) 3 - 0 Simone Pepe (20′) Alessandro Matri (48') Claudio Marchisio (65′) Juventus Arena - Torino Arbitro: Mauro Bergonzi Spettatori: 26000 Serie A - Juventus, un tris che vale la vetta La Juventus si conferma un rullo compressore allo Juventus Stadium. I bianconeri asfaltano anche il Palermo cogliendo il quarto successo stagionale tra le mura amiche. Una vittoria che permetteai bianconeri di riacciuffare la testa della classifica in coabitazione con la Lazio. Eurosport - Domenica, 20 novembre 2011 La Juventus si conferma un rullo compressore allo Juventus Stadium. I bianconeri asfaltano anche il Palermo cogliendo il quarto successo stagionale tra le mura amiche, il terzo di fila. Un trionfo netto che, complice l’inattesa sconfitta dell'Udinese a Parma, permette ai bianconeri di ritornare in cima alla vetta del campionato in coabitazione con la Lazio, che sarà proprio la prossima sfidante dei ragazzi di Conte. 3-0 inappuntabile per i bianconeri che giocano con un’intensità impressionante aggredendo il Palermo dal primo all’ultimo minuto e che travolgono la squadra di Mangia grazie ai gol di Pepe, Matri e Marchisio. Le buone notizie però per l’ambiente juventino arrivano dai zero gol subiti (cosa che non era mai successa nelle ultime tre giornate) e dalla qualità del gioco mostrata da Marchisio e compagni che hanno creato almeno sette-otto occasioni da gol e soprattutto mostrato una organizzazione, una forza e una compattezza veramente da grande squadra. Brutte notizie invece per il Palermo, che per l’ennesima volta non ha trovato nè i tre punti e nemmeno il gol. A differenza di quanto accaduto a San Siro il Palermo ha avuto due occasioni da gol nel primo tempo con Ilicic, che è stato murato da Buffon, ma non ha creato veri e propri grattacapi alla Juventus che a livello di ritmo ha azzannato Miccoli e compagni. CONTE NON CAMBIA, MANGIA SI’ - Squadra imbattuta non si cambia. Conte segue questo dettame e ripropone il consueto 4-2-3-1 con Pepe, Vidal e Vucinic alle spalle di Alessandro Matri. Mangia invece rispetto alla vittoria contro il Bologna di due settimane fa rilancia Miccoli al centro dell’attacco e lascia in panchina Zahavi preferendogli Bertolo, che agisce alle spalle del ‘Romario del Salento’ in linea con lo sloveno Ilicic. CI VUOLE PEPE – La Juventus come di consueto nel suo nuovo stadio parte in quarta mostrando un ritmo subito frenetico e spingendo sulle corsie esterne soprattutto con Lichsteiner che si propone con impeto sul binario destro sminestrando cross e assist interessanti. Proprio delle fasce arriva il primo primo pericolo per il Palermo: Pirlo dalla sinistra pennella un cross in mezzo per Chiellini che da due passi di testa non inquadra la porta. I bianconeri attaccano costantemente con otto uomini e rischiano in contropiede come al 9’ quando Ilicic si incunea in area, controlla e tira di prima intenzione Buffon però chiude lo specchio con un intervento veramente provvidenziale. Lo scampato pericolo non incrina la mentalità della Juventus che continua a spingere e al 19’ trova il meritato vantaggio, Chiellini sulla sinistra disegna un cross col contagiri per Pepe, che liberissimo, sotto misura incorna l’1-0. La Juventus non si accontenta e va vicinissimo al 2-0 con Pirlo che colpisce un clamoroso palo con un tiro a giro pescato da un assist intelligente di Pepe. La Juve è padrona del campo ma rischia clamorosamente di subire il pari al 34’ quando ancora Ilicic grazia Buffon stoppando male un bell’invito di Miccoli. E’ però nove minuti dopo che Ilicic va vicino al gol esaltando il portiere della Nazionale che devia in corner il tiro a botta sicura dello sloveno. ACCADEMIA BIANCONERA – Nella ripresa ti aspetti la reazione del Palermo, che inserisce Zahavi al posto di Bertolo, ma arriva subito il raddoppio della Juventus: Lichsteiner vede il taglio di Matri e con un lancio in verticale lo serve in area, l’attaccante ex Cagliari stoppa e con un diagonale rasoterra sul secondo palo fulmina Tzorvas per la seconda volta. Il 2-0 in apertura atterra le chance del Palermo che si spegne e al 64’ subisce il tris con un azione da manuale, Vucinic fugge sulla sinistra si incunea in area e allarga a destra dove Matri con un intelligente velo favorisce l’inserimento di Marchisio che controlla di sinistro e col destro deposita il pallone in rete realizzando il quinto gol stagionale. Questo gol chiude definitivamente la partita con mezzora d’anticipo, c’è solo il tempo per vedere l’ingresso in campo di Quagliarella e Del Piero e per godersi la notizia del successo del Parma sull’Udinese che riconsegna la vetta del campionato alla Juventus insieme alla Lazio, prossimo avversario in campionato. Stefano Dolci - Eurosport http://www.tifosibia...0#entry11615208 Juventus - Palermo 3-0