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Serie A Week 6 - 2/10/2011 (08:45 p.m.) - Juventus Arena - Torino Serie A Preview: Juventus v AC Milan The league leaders will look to beat the defending champions in a heavyweight clash in Turin on Sunday evening. Oct 1, 2011 PROBABLE LINE-UPS Juventus (4-2-4): Buffon; Lichtsteiner, Barzagli, Chiellini, De Ceglie; Marchisio, Pirlo; Krasic, Vucinic, Matri, Pepe Antonio Conte has the luxury of choosing from an essentially-fully-fit squad for the crunch clash on Sunday, as Vincenzo Iaquinta is the only player he will not be able to call upon. Andrea Barzagli took part in Wednesday's training session and should get the nod alongside Giorgio Chiellini in the centre of defence. Milan (4-3-1-2): Abbiati; Abate, Nesta, Thiago Silva, Antonini; Nocerino, van Bommel, Seedorf; Aquilani; Ibrahimovic, Cassano Zlatan Ibrahimovic returned for the Champions League clash midweek against Viktoria Plzen and will start up front beside Antonio Cassano. Massimiliano Allegri will still be missing a plethora of players though as Philippe Mexes, Kevin-Prince Boateng, Robinho, Gennaro Gattuso, Massimo Ambrosini and Alexandre Pato are all nursing injuries. DID YOU KNOW?

Serie A Week 6 - 2/10/2011 (08:45 p.m.) - Juventus Arena - Turin Aquilani looking to punish old club Juventus on Sunday The Italy international spent a season in Turin in 2010-11, but is more happy at the Scudetto holders and is looking for three points against his former club this weekend. Oct 1, 2011 Alberto Aquilani has stated that he is happy to be playing at AC Milan, and is hoping to end Juventus' unbeaten Serie A record on Sunday. The Italy international spent last season on loan in Turin, but moved to the Scudetto holders in the summer, and is happy at the Milanese club. "AC Milan seems like a little paradise, now I understand why all players who come to Milan say they want to stay," the 27-year-old told Corriere dello Sport. "Now I want to become a key player for this team. I am very glad I made that choice." Antonio Conte's team are top of the Italian league after a strong start, whilst Massimiliano Allegri's side have started slowly, but despite this, Aquilani does not feel that Sunday's clash will decide the title. "I do not think tomorrow's match against Juventus will be decisive for the Scudetto, it is still too early," he stated. "I'm not sure how far the Bianconeri can go; the last couple of years they have said they could do well. Surely, however, the purchases of Vucinic and Pirlo strengthens them," he concluded.

Serie A Week 6 - 2/10/2011 (08:45 p.m.) - Juventus Arena - Turin Vucinic looking to beat childhood heroes AC Milan The Montenegro international has admitted he supported the Milanese team when he was younger, but will have no soft spot for Massimiliano Allegri's side on Sunday. Oct 1, 2011 Juventus striker Mirko Vucinic has admitted that he supported AC Milan as a youngster, but will have no soft spot for his childhood team when he faces them on Sunday. The Montenegro international was suspended after being sent off against Bologna, but will return against the Serie A champions this weekend. Despite stating he is happy at Antonio Conte's side, the 27-year-old admits to supporting the Milanese outfit when he was younger.

Serie A Week 6 - 2/10/2011 (08:45 p.m.) - Juventus Arena - Turin Seedorf warns AC Milan: Juventus have great enthusiasm The veteran midfielder is wary of the opposition's and believes it could prove fatal against his side, as the Turin outfit will want to show they are contenders for the title. Oct 1, 2011 Clarence Seedorf is sounding an early warning to his AC Milan colleagues ahead of their Serie A showdown against Juventus on Sunday. The Dutchman said there will likely be hidden dangers in Turin, and he believes Juventus will be spurred on by a sell-out crowd in their new stadium. "This game is worth plenty because both teams are in good form and as well as the three points, a lot of pride is at stake," the former Real Madrid and Ajax star is quoted as saying by La Repubblica. "Juventus have great enthusiasm and they will want to show it against us. Also, the new stadium and the fans will be extra factors we need to be aware of." AC Milan are currently 11th in the table with five points, three points behind Juventus, who sit in joint-first place with Udinese going into the weekend fixtures.

Serie A Week 6 - 2/10/2011 (08:45 p.m.) - Juventus Arena - Turin Juventus v AC Milan: Preview Sep 30, 2011 Juventus goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon is not getting carried away by his team's positive start to the campaign ahead of tomorrow's game against defending champions AC Milan. The Turin giants go into the encounter at the Juventus arena as one of just three teams unbeaten in the league. Last weekend's 1-1 draw at Catania lifted Antonio Conte's side level on eight points with Udinese at the top of the standings, with Milan three points behind them. "This game will have more significance for us than it will be for Milan,'' Buffon said to giornalaccio rosa dello Sport. "Milan is the reference team this season, they are the defending champions. "This game will give us a strong indication as to where we are at in terms of our growth. "We've enjoyed a good start to the season but it's early days and we have to just focus on ourselves and continue to improve.'' AC Milan travel to Turin in buoyant mood. Wednesday's 2-0 triumph over Viktoria Plzen handed the Rossoneri their first Champions League win this season. Massimiliano Allegri's side will be bolstered by the presence of Zlatan Ibrahimovic on Sunday. The Swedish striker returned to play after a two-week absence through injury in midweek and scored a penalty and set up a goal for Antonio Cassano. And Ibrahimovic warned his former club Juve his best is yet to come. "I feel much better but I'm not yet 100%,'' Ibrahimovic said. "But I hope I will be come Sunday.'' Ibrahimovic will again partner Cassano up front. The visitors are still without injured Robinho, Gennaro Gattuso Massimo Ambrosini, Alexandre Pato, Kevin-Prince Boateng and Philippe Mexes. Conte will have all of his players available with Montenegrin forward Mirko Vucinic returning from suspension. Andrea Pirlo will play alongside Claudio Marchisio in the heart of Juve's midfield in what will be first game against his former club since leaving the San Siro outfit this summer. Team Stat Comparison Juventus - AC Milan 4 - Matches Played - 4 1 - Table Position - 12 8 - Points - 5 4 - Goal Difference - -1 2.5 - Goals for * - 1.0 1.0 - Goals against * - 3.0 D-D-W-W - Last 5 - W-D-L-D D-W - Last 5 home - W-D-D D-W - Last 5 away - L * Goals per match - home matches for home club and away matches for away club Competition Stats Juventus - AC Milan Mirko Vucinic 1 - Goals - Zlatan Ibrahimovic 1 * - Assists - Antonio Cassano 3 Arturo Vidal 1 - Yellows - Antonio Nocerino 2 Mirko Vucinic 1 - Reds - *

Marcello Lippi sees balanced Serie A Having analysed the top Italian sides, the former national team coach feels they are all more or less the same and also spoke of potential job offers. Sep 30, 2011 Marcello Lippi has said gone are the days when one team dominates Serie A as he sees a balanced campaign. Juventus have started brightly, they are unbeaten in four games, like joint-leaders Udinese. Napoli, Inter, and AC Milan have all stumbled early on. However, the former Italy coach says things have evened up across the spectrum for all. "Compared to other years where Inter used to be the strongest, now there is a balance," Lippi is quoted as saying on La Repubblica. "Milan are strong after winning the league last season and they have rediscovered enthusiasm. "Inter are also on the right track, while Juventus, Roma and Napoli can all be protagonists." Lippi then spoke of his future as he eyes a return to coaching after his Italy exit in 2010 after a dismal World Cup campaign in South Africa. "I have had offers in Europe and beyond from clubs and national teams," Lippi confirmed. "What is certain is that I will not be coaching in Italy." Juventus take on AC Milan on Sunday, while Inter host Napoli on Saturday night in what could be a telling round of Serie A action.

Serie A Week 6 - 2/10/2011 (08:45 p.m.) - Juventus Arena - Turin Claudio Marchisio: Beating AC Milan is vital for Juventus A mega clash is in store in Italy this week, and the midfielder hopes his side turn up the heat and emerge victorious against their rivals coached by Massimiliano Allegri. Sep 30, 2011 Claudio Marchisio has underlined the significance of beating AC Milan when Juventus welcome them in Serie A on Sunday night. The Italy international has started all four of their games so far this season, and he is hoping to witness more action against the champions. Captain Alessandro Del Piero recently said the game is not decisive, but Marchisio has a different opinion. "It is the most important game for us on paper to date, we are playing against the Italian champions and we know it is a great chance for us to take advantage," he is quoted as saying by La Repubblica. "We want to win the game so we can stay on top of the league. "Milan are a great team and so it is very important for us to get it right." Kick-off at the Juventus Arena is at 20:45 (CET). Juventus' Fabio Quagliarella is in contention after for a starting place after he featured in a youth game in midweek following his recent return from long-term injury as a substitute in the 1-1 draw with Catania last weekend.

Serie A Week 6 - 2/10/2011 (08:45 p.m.) - Juventus Arena - Turin 'Juventus can stop AC Milan & Ibrahimovic' - Giorgio Chiellini The Italy international is eager to show the champions his qualities when they lock horns at the weekend and says the fight for the title is on this season. Sep 30, 2011 Juventus defender Giorgio Chiellini is ready to throw a blanket over Zlatan Ibrahimovic and keep him under cover when AC Milan arrive on Sunday night in Serie A. The Italy international has picked the former Juventus striker as the dangerman following his good performance in the Champions League against Viktoria Plzen. Ibrahimovic scored a penalty and assisted Antonio Cassano's goal in the 2-0 midweek win, all the more reason for Chiellini to express concern. However, the stopper insists he is prepared for trouble. "When you play against a player as good as Ibrahimovic then you have to be prepared, not just individually, but as a team," Chiellini told Juventus Channel. "It will be great to play against a champion like him, even better if we win." Antonio Conte's men are not top of the table without reason, and Chiellini feels they can compete for the Serie A title. "The intensity is always growing and we have plenty of will to show that we can fight for the title and hold our own on matters," he concluded.

Serie A Week 6 - 2/10/2011 (08:45 p.m.) - Juventus Arena - Turin Ibrahimovic: Pass me the ball and I will be more dangerous The Swedish ace said he can play better if his team-mates pass him the ball more often, while saying he is anticipating a tough match at Juventus. Sep 30, 2011 AC Milan striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic has declared he can only score more goals if the ball gets to him more often. The 29-year-old has only recently returned from an ankle injury and scored in his side's 2-0 Champions League victory against Viktoria Plzen in midweek. It was his third goal in as many matches this season, and 'Ibra' said he can perform even better, but only if he gets some extra help. "In the Champions League match I played in a position I really like," he told Milan Channel. "I can move back and forth a lot, even to help my team-mates. "I have more chances to do my thing and be more dangerous if I get the ball more frequently." Ibrahimovic went on to talk about this weekend's clash against Juventus, who he represented from 2004-06, saying he is anticipating a close encounter. "They are a really strong team, they have improved a lot when compared to last year, they have signed many players and appointed a new coach," he noted. "And then there is our man, Andrea Pirlo, who is doing great. We should be careful, it will be very hard, just like every big match, but we must play our game because we remain favourites in Serie A, but also in the Champions League." Despite starting the match against the Czech side on Wednesday, Ibrahimovic noted he is not yet fully fit. "I am happy because I am feeling fine and for this I want to thank the people I worked with, but also my team-mates," he added. "Obviously I cannot be at 100 per cent yet, but I am working every day to continue my recovery. In Wednesday's game, I did not feel pain, but you never know what could happen."

Serie A Week 6 - 2/10/2011 (08:45 p.m.) - Juventus Arena - Turin Del Piero: Milan clash not decisive Sep 30, 2011 Juventus veteran Alessandro Del Piero says that the outcome of Sunday's match against AC Milan will not decide who wins the Serie A title this season. Del Piero's side have begun their campaign well with two wins and two draws from their opening four matches and, having no European distractions, are being tipped to bring the first valid Scudetto title to the club since 2002-03. Defending champions Milan, though, have struggled early on and only picked up their first win 1-0 against Cesana, having drawn two and lost to Napoli. They won 2-0 over minnows Viktoria Plzen in the Champions League on Wednesday, but Del Piero believes that Juve's opponents have time to recover whatever the result on Sunday. "This game has always been a Scudetto clash and it marks the race for the title," Del Piero told La Repubblica. "I am sure it will be the great league clash we all expect, but I don't think that it will be decisive. Whichever way it goes, the road ahead is still a very long one." Meanwhile, AC Milan striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic says he is ready to play against one of this old clubs. "I am feeling fine and hope to be even better on Sunday,'' he told giornalaccio rosa dello Sport. ''I played the entire game [against Plzen] and didn't feel any problems. On Sunday evening it's Juve, my old club. It is going to be a tough match, but we will go to Turin in order to win."

Serie A Week 6 - 2/10/2011 (08:45 p.m.) - Juventus Arena - Turin Serie A Preview Sep 30, 2011 The first real test of Juventus

Serie A Week 6 - 2/10/2011 (08:45 p.m.) - Juventus Arena - Turin Vucinic: 'I was a Milan fan' Sep 30, 2011 Mirko Vucinic is back from his ban and the Juventus striker reveals he used to be a Milan supporter.

Serie A Week 6 - 2/10/2011 (08:45 p.m.) - Juventus Arena - Turin Abate likely to miss Juve-Milan Sep 30, 2011 Milan announced Ignazio Abate is likely to miss Sunday

Serie A Week 6 - 2/10/2011 (08:45 p.m.) - Juventus Arena - Turin Ibra enjoys new Juve-Milan Sep 30, 2011 Zlatan Ibrahimovic is impressed with the new Juventus, but also feels he has found his ideal position at Milan. Although he netted many times in Turin when wearing the Bianconeri jersey, the Swede has never scored here as an opponent and hopes to rectify that on Sunday evening.

Serie A Week 6 - 2/10/2011 (08:45 p.m.) - Juventus Arena - Turin Allegri: 'Pirlo left for the challenge' Sep 30, 2011 Ahead of facing him in a Juventus shirt, Milan Coach Massimilano Allegri has reflected on why Andrea Pirlo left the Rossoneri this summer. The 32-year-old ended a 10-year spell at San Siro to make the move to Turin, after enduring a frustrating final year with il Diavolo under Allegri's coaching. Allegri confirmed why Pirlo left, suggesting it was not because of contract or tactical issues.

Serie A Week 6 - 2/10/2011 (08:45 p.m.) - Juventus Arena - Turin Pro Pirlo-dependency Sep 30, 2011 As Andrea Pirlo's past and present teams prepare to meet on Sunday, focus is all about his role at both clubs, as Rob Paton explains. It is fair to say Juventus' start to the season has been a success. Being joint top of the League after four rounds is backed up with early signs of the team's refreshing capacity to rotate its squad members without drastically affecting performance levels. From game to game, Antonio Conte has made nine changes to the starting XI, switched left-backs through suspension and formation and focus up front through various forwards. Evidence of an unaltered end product perhaps comes from the fact that each of the seven goals scored by the team had been by a different player. However, there is one striking constant to have come from the opening weeks - Andrea Pirlo's overriding influence on proceedings. This ranges from the three assists he has provided - just under half the team's goals - to constant involvement in the team's efforts to always play the ball along the ground from goalkeeper to forward. For the player, it has been a return to some of his best football, the type perhaps last seen taking such hold on games when with the national team during their run to World Cup success in 2006. He has returned to the pendulum style of play - taking possession and ably spraying balls to the right, left or over the top of opposition back-lines - effectively dictating both how and when his new Juve side attack. Unsurprisingly came Pietro Lo Monaco's suggestion in the wake of Catania's 1-1 draw last weekend that Juve had, within a handful of games, grown to be 'Pirlo-dependent'. Vincenzo Montella placed a man-marker on Pirlo, Juve put in a less-than-inspiring performance. It is timely then that the Pirlo-dependency debate arises as he prepares to face Milan in Week 6, the team whose success was once perceived a direct result of his talents, and whose latter deterioration was then thought the outcome of an over-reliance on him. His success and end at Milan perhaps provides the greatest insight into the debate that Lo Monaco's words have created. The last three years saw the Rossoneri struggle to both protect a central midfield and central defence that was vulnerable to counter-attacking, and justify placing Pirlo in his preferred position in front of that defence. Pirlo's absence through injury during 2010-11 coincided with Massimiliano Allegri's redevelopment of the Rossoneri central-midfield. In place of the playmaker's less-than-convincing defensive attributes stood one of Mark van Bommel and Massimo Ambrosini, whilst the former Cagliari Coach - aided significantly by summer spending - was able to shift creative responsibility away from Pirlo and on to the forwards. By the time the No 21 was fit to challenge for a spot, Allegri's first edition of his Milan team had marginalised both the footballer's strengths and weaknesses. The defence was protected by a more solid brute force and the attack could now score goals without him. However, what is important to note is that this was not Allegri's final intention with the side. The Coach admitted he was disappointed with Pirlo's decision to leave in the summer as he said he intended to focus developing a way of bringing out the best of him, whilst maintaining the side's strengths that had grown in his absence through 2010-11. Alberto Aquilani's arrival and Kevin Prince Boateng's projected shift back into midfield is evidence to this line of thought. Allegri's tactics had created a Milan team that for the first time in a decade could win without Pirlo. However, their start to 2011-12 with minimal selections in attack and subsequent struggles to break down teams, when put alongside Pirlo's form at Juve, backs up Allegri's belief that his team still had room and a need for the playmaker. As such, at Juventus, the season is about - perhaps more than anything else - ensuring that the team learns from Allegri's Milan. That is say, that they both allow Pirlo to play as he can, which as he has proven still carries a heavy influence on team performance, and that they have a plan B that can operate, crucially, with the playmaker still on the pitch. Allegri said he was developing this at Milan, and former Bianconero Aquilani's progress therefore becomes very interesting to track this season, in effect acting as what-might-have-been for a Milanese Pirlo. For Juve short term, to a certain extent, Lo Monaco's reactionary comments are right - Juve are Pirlo-dependent. At this time. It is too early to declare them completely reliant on Pirlo, until the wingers and full-backs have had time to develop an understanding, and Alessandro Del Piero, Alessandro Matri, Fabio Quagliarella and Mirko Vucinic have formulated strike-partnerships. Indeed, it is also too early to panic that Pirlo's influence is too great on the team. It would have been a far worse quandary for Conte had the 32-year-old player on a

Serie A Week 6 - 2/10/2011 (08:45 p.m.) - Juventus Arena - Turin De Ceglie resumes training ahead of AC Milan clash The full-back has returned to fitness after a brief injury lay-off and could be available for this weekend's Serie A match against last season's champions. Sep 30, 2011 Juventus have received some encouraging news from the treatment table in the build-up to the Serie A match at home against AC Milan on Sunday as Paolo De Ceglie has resumed training after an injury lay-off. The defender, who has been first choice at left-back under new head coach Antonio Conte, picked up a knock in his side's 1-1 league draw against Bologna 10 days ago and has been ruled out of action since. De Ceglie consequently missed Juventus' 1-1 draw away against Catania last weekend, but the Turin giants have now revealed on their official website that he is close to a return to full fitness. The 25-year-old completed most of Thursday's training session without any noteworthy problems, and a decision on his availability for this weekend's clash is expected to be made in the hours before kick-off.

Serie A Week 6 - 2/10/2011 (08:45 p.m.) - Juventus Arena - Turin Juventus vs AC Milan will not finish with a draw - Aldo Serena The former Italy international has a feeling Sunday's Serie A clash will result in a win for either the home side or the guests, stating: "I don't think we'll see a draw.". Sep 30, 2011 Former Italy international Aldo Serena, who wore the jersey of both Juventus and AC Milan during his career, is eagerly anticipating Sunday's Serie A match, and has told Goal.com that he doesn't expect the encounter to end in a draw. Juventus currently sit top of the table with eight points from four games, while Milan have accumulated five points so far. "Antonio Conte's Juventus will probably start the game with attacking intentions, without allowing Milan to hit them on the counter-attack. Milan, on the other hand, will try to keep the pressure on Juve's midfield and make it a physical meeting," Serena told Goal.com. "If I had to make a prediction, I'd say either Juventus or Milan will take the full three points. I don't think we will see a draw on Sunday." The 51-year-old then went on to voice his belief that Milan's Champions League obligations in midweek are more likely to have a positive impact than result in fatigue. "I don't think that the match against Viktoria Plzen will have tired Milan. If anything, it will have given them a boost because of the return of Zlatan Ibrahimovic and moving to first place in the table ahead of Barcelona. The win in midweek has only boosted their confidence. "Juventus, on the other hand, have the advantage that they're well rested because of their absence in Europe. Conte has had the chance to work on specific things this week with an eye on Sunday's match, and I'm sure that they've worked pretty hard." Sunday's match at the Juventus Stadium kicks off at 20:45 CET.

Serie A Week 6 - 2/10/2011 (08:45 p.m.) - Juventus Arena - Turin Buffon: 'Positive result for self-esteem' Sep 30, 2011 Gianluigi Buffon has reiterated the importance of collecting a result against Milan this weekend for the Juventus dressing room's belief. The Bianconeri go into Sunday's meeting top of the table and undefeated from the first four rounds of games. Buffon believes recording a positive result against the Rossoneri, who they haven't beaten at home since December 2008, would be most important to continuing their positive start.