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Barzagli seeks consistency October 15, 2011 Andrea Barzagli has urged his Juventus team-mates not to let up ahead of their Serie A encounter with Chievo on Sunday. Antonio Conte's men are top of the league table after five matches, and the Juve defender hopes that will be still the case after 90 minutes in Verona. "We must play Chievo without any fear so we can continue winning and give consistency to a season in which we have started very well," Barzagli told Sky Sport Italia. Juventus were tipped as title candidates after their 2-0 win over AC Milan just before the international break, but the 30-year-old feels early predictions could be misleading. "Juventus for the Scudetto? We are still at the start but it's always the case that papers start speaking about these things so early," Barzagli said. "The important thing is to stay calm and we must prepare ourselves for each game. Then we will see what happens in the future." The Turin giants have 11 points from five games this season and sit top alongside Udinese.

Serie A Week 7 - 16-10-2011 (3:00 p.m.) - Marcantonio Bentegodi Stadium - Verona AC Milan & Juventus Saturday's big Serie A winners as Napoli & Inter slip up again With the to-and-fro nature of the fledgling season continuing, the champions got back on track while other title contenders were taking backward steps. Oct 16, 2011 With the rain pouring down on Sicily and the cold enveloping Milan and Naples, the reminders of a long winter to come were plentiful as Serie A football resumed after the international break. But whereas AC Milan welcomed the seasonal change with a convincing home win, Napoli missed a great chance to go top of the league. Meanwhile, things just get worse for Inter. The Nerazzurri

Serie A Week 7 - 16-10-2011 (3:00 p.m.) - Marcantonio Bentegodi Stadium - Verona Di Carlo targets Juve scalp Oct 16, 2011 Domenico Di Carlo has already beaten Napoli and Genoa, so warns Chievo want to make it a hat-trick against Juventus. The Flying Donkeys have always been giant-killers, though their record against the Bianconeri is not very strong.

Serie A Week 7 - 16-10-2011 (3:00 p.m.) - Marcantonio Bentegodi Stadium - Verona Chievo Verona v Juventus: Preview Oct 15, 2011 Juventus defender Stephan Lichtsteiner has urged his team-mates to focus on consistency when they make the trip to Verona to face Chievo tomorrow. Antonio Conte's side are coming off a morale boosting victory over AC Milan in the last round. The 2-0 triumph in Turin lifted Juve to the top of Serie A, level on 11 points with Udinese after five games. "We overcame an important test against Milan,'' Lichtsteiner said to www.juventus.it. "It was an important victory for our morale but especially because we handed a convincing performance. "That game allowed us to understand our true potential. "But the tests are never ending in Serie A and now we must repeat that performance otherwise the victory against Milan would have served for nothing. "The game in Verona against Chievo is an opportunity for us to show that we can play always with the same intensity that we displayed against Milan.'' Juve will not take Chievo lightly with the Flying Donkeys having collected seven points from a possible nine in their last three games. Moreover, Chievo, who are eighth in the standings, twice held Juventus to a draw last term and are determined to end the Bianconeri's unbeaten run this season. "This is the strongest Chievo I have ever trained,'' Chievo coach Domenico Di Carlo said. "Many players go on the bench who are potentially first choice picks and we can still improve a great deal. "I tell my players the same thing before every game. We work all week to win, now we're going on to the pitch to achieve it.'' Di Carlo will have all of his players available for Sunday's game at the Marcantonio Bentegodi stadium. http://www.soccerway.com/national/italy/serie-a/2011-2012/regular-season/

Serie A Week 7 - 16-10-2011 (3:00 p.m.) - Marcantonio Bentegodi Stadium - Verona Conte: 'Juve always need to win' Oct 15, 2011 Antonio Conte won

Serie A Week 7 - 16-10-2011 (3:00 p.m.) - Marcantonio Bentegodi Stadium - Verona Serie A Preview The league leaders will be looking to maintain their unbeaten start to the season against a Flying Donkeys team that could move level on points with their opponents if they win. Oct 15, 2011 PROBABLE LINE-UPS Chievo (4-3-1-2): Sorrentino; Sardo, Morero, Cesar, Jokic; Bradley, Rigoni, Hetemaj; Cruzado; Pellissier, Moscardelli Juventus (4-2-4): Buffon; Lichtsteiner, Barzagli, Bonucci, Chiellini; Pirlo, Marchisio; Krasic, Del Piero, Vucinic, Pepe Chievo coach Domenico Di Carlo is expected to go with the same starting XI that drew 0-0 with Cesena in their last fixture before the international break after the players who represented their countries - Alberto Paloschi (Italy Under-21), Bojan Jokic and Bostjan Cesar (both Slovenia), Kamil Vacek (Czech Republic), Rinaldo Cruzado (Peru) and Michael Bradley (USA) - were all given a clean bill of health. The Verona-based side's only doubt is veteran Brazilian midfielder Luciano, who is still struggling with an injury to his right thigh muscle. Antonio Conte, on the other hand, is likely to make tweaks to both his personnel and his formation. After utilising a 4-1-4-1 formation in the 2-0 victory over AC Milan, the Bianconeri boss looks set to revert to his trademark 4-2-4 formation, with Alessandro Del Piero replacing Arturo Vidal in the side and partnering Mirko Vucinic in attack. The coach has also received positive news on the injury front in that Claudio Marchisio has shaken off a sprain suffered on international duty. The in-form midfielder fired Italy into an early lead against Serbia but had to be replaced on the 70-minute mark due to the knock. However, he has since said:

Serie A Week 7 - 16-10-2011 (3:00 p.m.) - Marcantonio Bentegodi Stadium - Verona Antonio Conte feeling pressure of Scudetto challenger tags The Turin outfit have started well, marching to the top of the Serie A standings after five undefeated games, but the 42-year-old is keen to avoid overhyping his side. Oct 15, 2011 Juventus coach Antonio Conte has stated that pressure to win the Serie A title is normal at the club, but has moved to keep expectations in check. The Turin team have moved to the top of the standings after an unbeaten start to the campaign, having amassed 11 points from their first five games. The 42-year-old is glad to have started strongly, but has admitted that this has increased the supporters' belief that they can lift the Scudetto crown. "Are we are in the race for the Scudetto? When you're Juventus [you] must live with pressure, stress and victory. For us it is the norm," he told Tuttosport. "We have played five games, the fact that [we have] had a good start has helped us grow in self-esteem and confidence." Conte's team take on Chievo on Sunday, and the manager feels it will be a difficult fixture. "We have watched all Chievo's matches, but we know how to play against them. We go there to get three points, we must not leave the field with any regrets," he stated. "The sure thing, though, is that I'm lucky to have players that give me the chance to have two options of play, and then depending on various factors, I can take advantage of a situation." http://www.soccerway.com/national/italy/serie-a/2011-2012/regular-season/

- SERIE A 2011/2012 - 7^ GIORNATA - ANDATA DOMENICA 16 OTTOBRE 2011 - ORE 15:00 STADIO MARCANTONIO BENTEGODI - VERONA Confronti ufficiali 18 - 16 (Serie A) - 2 (Coppa Italia) Vittorie Juventus 12 - 11 (Serie A) - 1 (Coppa Italia) Pareggi 5 - 4 (Serie A) - 1 (Coppa Italia) Vittorie Chievo 1 - 1 (Serie A) Goals Juventus 35 - 32 (Serie A) - 3 (Coppa Italia) Goals Chievo 17 - 16 (Serie A) - 1 (Coppa Italia) Chievo - Juventus - Serie A a Verona Confronti ufficiali 8 Vittorie Juventus 5 (L'ultima il 09.11.2008, 0-2) Pareggi 2 (L'ultimo il 19.12.2010, 1-1) Vittorie Chievo 1 (il 17.01.2010, 1-0 ) Goals Juventus 14 Goals Chievo 6 Giocatori con più presenze e goals contro il Chievo a Verona 7 presenze Del Piero Alessandro 6 Buffon Gianluigi 5 Thuram Lilian Ulien 5 Trezeguet David Sergio 5 Zambrotta Gianluca 4 Camoranesi Mauro German 3 Cannavaro Fabio 3 Chiellini Giorgio 3 Davids Edgar Steven 3 Legrottaglie Nicola 4 goals Trezeguet David Sergio 3 Del Piero Alessandro 1 Ferrara Ciro 1 Iaquinta Vincenzo 1 Legrottaglie Nicola 1 Olivera Ruben Ariel Da Rosa 1 Quagliarella Fabio 1 Vieira Patrick Ultimi confronti diretti 31.10.2004 Serie A Juventus-Chievo 3-0 13.03.2005 Serie A Chievo-Juventus 0-1 28.08.2005 Serie A Juventus-Chievo 1-0 18.01.2006 Serie A Chievo-Juventus 1-1 09.11.2008 Serie A Chievo-Juventus 0-2 05.04.2009 Serie A Juventus-Chievo 3-3 23.08.2009 Serie A Juventus-Chievo 1-0 17.01.2010 Serie A Chievo-Juventus 1-0 19.12.2010 Serie A Chievo-Juventus 1-1 09.05.2011 Serie A Juventus-Chievo 2-2 Giocate 10 - Vittorie Juventus 5 - Pareggi 4 - Vittorie Chievo 1 - Goals Juventus 15 - Goals Chievo 8

Serie A Week 7 - 16-10-2011 (3:00 p.m.) - Marcantonio Bentegodi Stadium - Verona October 14, 2011 We

Serie A Week 7 - 16-10-2011 (3:00 p.m.) - Marcantonio Bentegodi Stadium - Verona Andrea Barzagli: We must show no fear against Chievo The Italy international admits title talk in Turin might be premature but insists it's essential for the club to build on their swift start to the new campaign. October 14, 2011 Andrea Barzagli has urged Juventus to continue their winning ways ahead of the Serie A encounter against Chievo on Sunday. Antonio Conte's men are currently joint top of the league table and the Juve defender hopes it stays that way after 90 minutes. "We must play Chievo without any fear so we can continue winning and give consistency to a season in which we have started very well," Barzagli told Sky Sport Italia. Juventus were tipped as title candidates following the 2-0 win over AC Milan just before the international break, but the 30-year-old feels early predictions could be misleading. "Juventus for the Scudetto? We are still at the start of the season, but it's always the case that papers start speaking about these things so early," reflected Barzagli. "The important thing is to stay calm and we must prepare ourselves for each game. Then we will see what happens in the future." The Turin-based giants have 11 points from five games this season and sit top alongside Udinese. http://www.soccerway.com/national/italy/serie-a/2011-2012/regular-season/

Serie A Week 7 - 16-10-2011 (3:00 p.m.) - Marcantonio Bentegodi Stadium - Verona Serie A - Preview October 14, 2011 Juventus

Serie A Week 7 - 16-10-2011 (3:00 p.m.) - Marcantonio Bentegodi Stadium - Verona Barzagli: 'Juve covering all bases' October 14, 2011 Andrea Barzagli sees a Juventus side preparing for all eventualities against his former side Chievo this weekend. The 30-year-old centre-back spent a single season at the Stadio Marc'Antonio Bentegodi eight seasons ago. Now at Juventus, Barzagli reflected on his breakthrough season with the Mussi Volanti, the danger his former side now pose and the subsequent level of preparation from the Bianconeri.

Bonucci understands defender desire October 14, 2011 Leonardo Bonucci says he

Capello hails the new Juventus October 14, 2011 England manager Fabio Capello is bowled over by Juventus and their new stadium.

Rafael Benitez: Juventus are favourites to win Serie A The former Inter and Liverpool boss believes that the Turin-based outfit are on course to win the league, while hailing Andrea Pirlo's contribution since his arrival. Oct 14, 2011 Former Inter coach Rafael Benitez says Juventus are heavy favourites to win the Serie A title this season. The Turin side got off to a great start in the league and they currently top the table after finishing seventh in the last two seasons. Benitez conceded that Juventus are looking odds-on to clinch the Scudetto, though he confessed that they do find themselves in a favourable situation compared to their rivals as they do not compete in Europe. "The best teams, especially AC Milan and Inter, have not been doing things as well as they used to," Benitez told Eurosport. "Juventus have a better chance than the rest. They are coached by Antonio Conte, who knows the club's philosophy, the fans and the market, because he used to be a player. "When you are at a club, you want to play in every competition. When you cannot do that, the only thing left is to do your best in the competition you are in." Benitez went on to praise Andrea Pirlo, who has been in great form at Juventus since his arrival from AC Milan in the summer. "Pirlo is a key player," Benitez added. "He can control the game very well and he is certainly a crucial piece in any team." The league leaders head to Verona on Sunday to take on Chievo, hoping to preserve their unbeaten start to the campaign.

Serie A Week 7 - 16-10-2011 (3:00 p.m.) - Marcantonio Bentegodi Stadium - Verona Lichtsteiner: We must take three points from Chievo clash The Switzerland international has made it clear that their win over AC Milan counts for nothing if they do not continue their good form this weekend. October 14, 2011 Juventus defender Stephan Lichtsteiner has stressed that the Turin side cannot afford to drop points in Sunday's Serie A game away against Chievo. Antonio Conte's men have been in superb form in the opening months of the 2011-12 campaign, and the Swiss full-back has made it clear that they have to build on their 2-0 win over AC Milan in their last league game. "We passed an important test against AC Milan. Not only because that victory increased our morale, but especially because we put in a convincing performance which allowed us to understand what we're capable of doing," Lichtsteiner is quoted as saying on the Juventus website. "However, tests never stop and now we must continue on this track, otherwise that 2-0 result would just be in vain. "We'll play Chievo in Verona on Sunday, and in this match we must demonstrate our value, playing with the same intensity shown on the pitch against Milan." Juventus currently sit top of the Serie A table, having taken 11 points from five games. http://www.soccerway.com/national/italy/serie-a/2011-2012/regular-season/

Napoli & Juventus will challenge for the Serie A title - Giuseppe Rossi The Italy international has voiced his opinion that both of the clubs that were interested in signing him in the summer could win the Scudetto. Oct 14, 2011 Villarreal attacker Giuseppe Rossi has voiced his opinion that both Napoli and Juventus have what it takes to challenge for the Serie A title this season. The 24-year-old Italy international appeared to be close to joining the current league leaders in the summer transfer window, while the Naples side also expressed an interest in signing him. However, Rossi eventually stayed at Villarreal as the Spanish side decided to keep hold of him after selling Santi Cazorla to Malaga. "I think that both Juventus and Napoli are well equipped this term and they have what it takes to fight for the league title. They have great coaches and could go all the way in Serie A," Rossi told Radio Kiss Kiss. The forward then went on to state that he is not thinking about a transfer, and added that Villarreal can still reach the Champions League knock-out stages despite losing their opening two games. "I am only thinking about Villarreal. I don't know anything about a possible move to Napoli. I just want to do well in the Spanish league and in the Champions League.

Fabio Capello: Juventus deserve first place in Serie A The highly decorated Italian coach believes his former club are in their rightful position at the top of the table following a strong start to the season. Oct 14, 2011 Fabio Capello has praised Juventus' start to the season, proclaiming that his former club deserved to go into the international break top of Serie A. Antonio Conte's men have been particularly effective in their new surroundings at Juventus Stadium, defeating last season's champions AC Milan 2-0 in their most recent game. And the current England manager, who was in charge of the Turin side between 2004 and 2006, has been impressed with their start to the campaign. "Juventus deserve first place. They are a real and gritty team," the experienced Italian told Tuttosport. "Against AC Milan we saw how important the new stadium is. Our football is weighed down by outdated stadiums. Juve ought to be imitated." Juventus return to Serie A action after a two-week international break with a trip to Chievo on Sunday. Conte's side currently lead the league on goal difference ahead of Udinese, having picked up 11 points from their opening five games.

Juventus should stay away from Carlos Tevez - Luciano Moggi The former general director, who was once responsible for signing controversial stars in Turin, has told the current crop of leaders at the club to forget about the Argentina star. Oct 13, 2011 Luciano Moggi has warned his former club Juventus to steer clear of troubled Manchester City striker Carlos Tevez. Tevez returned to training for City on Thursday as he awaits a club disciplinary hearing for a breach of contract after allegedly refusing to play for them during a Champions League match against Bayern Munich last month. The 27-year-old has been linked with an exit from City at the next available opportunity and Juventus have been rumoured to be keen on landing him. Giuseppe Marotta, the Italian club's general director, said they have not entered any negotiations with Tevez or City for a transfer on Wednesday. Moggi believes the Serie A leaders should turn their back on the striker altogether. "Buying a dressing room breaker like Carlos Tevez in January would be the biggest disaster ever that could hit Juventus who are in the process of rebuilding," Moggi wrote in his Tuttomercatoweb.com commentary column. However, regardless of whether Tevez joins Juventus, Moggi went on to state that Antonio Conte's men are not strong enough to win the Scudetto this season. "The quality of the squad is not enough to challenge AC Milan, Inter and Napoli for the title," added Moggi.

The Power of Television Oct 13, 2011

Serie A preview: Tough tasks at top Oct 13, 2011 Serie A leaders Juventus and Udinese both face tough assignments in round six action this weekend. Eighth-placed Chievo tackle Juventus but coach Mimmo Di Carlo has warned the Turin side not to expect any favours. Chievo will stick to their defensive approach having already beaten third-placed Napoli this season. "We didn't allow Napoli space to go on the counter and in the second half put more pressure down the wings, creating a situation where we could win," Di Carlo told the giornalaccio rosa dello Sport. "Juve play with the centre of the squad higher up the field, so I'll have to modify a few things to avoid their rapid transitions in the final third." "This is the strongest Chievo I have ever trained. Many players go on the bench who are potentially first choice picks and we can still improve a great deal." Last season's Serie B champions Atalanta take on Udinese knowing that, without the six-point deduction, they would be in the top five instead of 16th spot. Udinese are unbeaten this season and are looking to secure a Champions League spot for a second consecutive year. With 10 goals in the last four games between the clubs, and with a combined goals for tally of 15 already in Serie A this season, few will expect a goalless stalemate this time around. Di Natale is the obvious danger man, but his counterpart for Atalanta, German Denis, is on loan from Udinese and will be keen to find the back of the net. Meanwhile, Roma captain Francesco Totti has been ruled out of the Rome derby with Lazio on Sunday because of a thigh injury. Totti sustained the problem in a 3-1 win over Atalanta on October 1 and was substituted in the 69th minute. But after losing his fitness battle, the 35-year-old will take no part in Sunday's derby, with Roma owning eight points from five Serie A matches. "After having a scan in the morning at Trigoria, Francesco Totti continues his rehabilitation program with physiotherapy and swimming exercises," Roma announced on their website. "Over the next few days he will train separately in the gym. An ultrasound to evaluate the course is scheduled for next week." Totti has yet to score in five league matches this season after netting 15 goals in 34 appearances last term. In Saturday's other matches, Catania, unbeaten at home this season, face struggling Inter Milan, AC Milan are at home to fourth-placed Palermo and Napoli entertain Parma. On Sunday, fifth-placed Cagliari are at home to Siena. Second-bottom Cesena, with only one point so far this season, host Fiorentina. Genoa should collect their third home win over Lecce and Novara will be looking to put more pressure on cellar dwellers Bologna.

Cannavaro hails Pirlo impact October 13, 2011 Former Juventus star Fabio Cannavaro says Andrea Pirlo is the player capable of making the difference in the Serie A title race this season. Turin giants Juventus lead Serie A having picked up 11 points from their opening five games, and Cannavaro believes that Antonio Conte's side are capable of maintaining their early season form with the deep-lying playmaker in midfield. "The transfer of Andrea Pirlo from AC Milan to Juventus shifted the balance in Serie A," Cannavaro told Tuttosport. "He is 32 years of age, and at that age I won the Ballon d'Or." "The beginning of the season with Juventus and Italy is surprising only to those who underestimated one of the strongest players in the world throughout the last decade."

Marotta's U-Turn on Sebastian Giovinco? October 13, 2011 Juventus General Director has intimated that the club are not closing the door on a sensational return for Sebastian Giovinco back into the fold at Vinovo, in an interview with the giornalaccio rosa dello Sport.