Juventus Season 2011-2012

[Socrates 7989]

Serie A Week 18 - 15-1-2012 (3:00 p.m.)

1 - 1

Mirko Vučinić (7')

Andrea Cossu (48′)

Juventus Arena - Turin

Referee: Marco Guida

Attendance: 30874‎

Juventus created enough chances to win, says Barzagli

Jan 16, 2012

Andrea Barzagli believes Juventus were unlucky not to claim all three points against Cagliari on Sunday.

Mirko Vucinic’s opener was cancelled out by Andrea Cossu’s strike early in the second half, but, after peppering the Cagliari goal, Juve could not find a winner.

“It’s a shame not to have won. We created many opportunities without being able to make the most of them,” said the central defender.

“Cagliari played a great game from a defensive point of view. We lacked a bit of attention in the first ten minutes of the second half, when we conceded and also took another risk. Then we got back to dictating the game and with a bit of luck we would have been able to win.”

Juve went clear at the top despite only drawing, but they face a difficult clash in Bergamo against Atalanta next Saturday.

“We’ll keep the morale and concentration levels high, because we have an important and difficult match coming up on Saturday.”

http://www.soccerway...regular-season/

[Socrates 7989]

Serie A Week 18 - 15-1-2012 (3:00 p.m.)

1 - 1

Mirko Vučinić (7')

Andrea Cossu (48′)

Juventus Arena - Turin

Referee: Marco Guida

Attendance: 30874‎

Juventus aim to join Serie A legends with unbeaten run

Jan 16, 2012

Juventus broke a 62 year old club record this weekend for the most games unbeaten in Serie A, their 18th game without defeat. However, they have a long way to go yet to match some of the unbeaten records of Calcio sides of the past.

In post-war Serie A, going an entire season unbeaten is almost impossible. In fact, only two sides have done it, while a select few clubs have come very close, losing only once during the whole campaign.

The 1955-56 season was a famous one in the city of Florence, as it was the first time the city’s famous side Fiorentina won a Scudetto, and they did so by only losing a solitary game, away at mid-table Genoa on the last game of the season, ending an excellent 33 game unbeaten run. Incredibly, the next side to lose only one game in an entire season was Fiorentina again in the 1968-69 season. Finishing four points ahead of Gigi Riva’s famous Cagliari side, la Viola lost their only game of the season at home to Bologna in only their fifth game, meaning that in a league of 16 teams, the Tuscans went 25 games unbeaten as they claimed their 2nd Scudetto badge.

Torino also managed to go a whole season losing only one game, but could still only finish 2nd behind rivals Juventus in the 1976-77 race, losing to Roma in February that ultimately cost them a second post-Superga triumph. It was Juventus themselves who only lost once in their 18th Scudetto season the following year.

After all these near misses, it was an un-fancied underdog who were the first Italian side to go an entire Serie A campaign unbeaten, and incredibly they still didn’t win the title.

The Perugia side of 1978-79 came unbelievably close to winning what would have been arguably the biggest Scudetto shock in history. Going the entire season unbeaten, it was the defensive efforts of Frosio and Della Martira that propelled I Grifoni to the brink of the championship, conceding a miserly 16 goals all season. Ultimately, it was draws that cost the Umbrians an unlikely title, as they only won 11 games, drawing a massive 19 games to finish four points adrift of legendary coach Nils Liedholm and his Milan side. Never again would Perugia grace such heights, while only one more side since has gone the season without defeat.

Fabio Capello’s stock may have fallen on these shores since taking the England job, but once he was the coach of one of the greatest sides the world has ever seen. Milan won the 1991-92 title comprehensively, finishing eight points clear of Juventus and becoming only the 2nd side to go the entire Serie A season unbeaten, also setting an Italian record for most consecutive games without defeat, a run of 58 games that stretched from 26th May 1991 against Parma (0-0) and coincidently was ended by Parma on the 21st March 1993.

In more recent years, going unbeaten or even losing just once has been managed only by Inter in 2006-07 in a Calciopoli ravaged Serie A, with Roma the only side to take maximum points from Roberto Mancini’s Nerazzurri. The same Inter also came closest to breaking Milan’s unbeaten record, but still fell 25 games short, remaining unbeaten in 33 games between May 2006 and April 2007.

Should Antonio Conte be looking through the history books, he will be both in awe and inspired by the great sides of Serie A days gone by. His Juventus side deservedly lead at the almost half-way point this season and have rarely looked like losing. The closest they came was being 3-1 down at Napoli but even then la Vecchia Signora clawed it back to 3-3, showing determination that’s long been missing for the Bianconeri. The tactician has constantly preached that his side are taking it one game at a time, so whilst the aim remains to win the Scudetto by any means necessary, now a 62 year old weight has been lifted, the most decorated side in Calcio will be hoping to extend that unbeaten record for a little while yet.

http://www.soccerway...regular-season/

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Serie A Week 19 - 21-1-2012 (8:45 p.m.)

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Atleti Azzurri d'Italia Stadium - Bergamo

Referee: Domenico Celi

Atalanta's Giacomo Bonaventura reveals

Alessandro Del Piero is his biggest idol

The midfielder shared his thoughts ahead of the Bergamo-based club's meeting with the Old Lady

at the weekend, including his long-standing admiration of the evergreen No.10.

Jan 19, 2012

Atalanta midfielder Giacomo Bonaventura has intimated that Juventus forward Alessandro Del Piero has exerted the greatest influence on his career to date.

In an exclusive interview with Goal.com on Thursday, the 22-year-old revealed the World Cup winner was his boyhood idol, and added that he would declare his career a success if he attained even a quarter of the striker's achievements.

"When I was little I liked [Del Piero] a lot. It will be really nice to see him. He is an example to follow. Even if I am able to replicate only a quarter of what he has done in his career, it'd be very fulfilling for me."

Bonaventura then discussed Atalanta's forthcoming opponents Juventus, whom he described as a genuine title contender, before speaking highly of their coach Antonio Conte.

The 41-year-old endured a disappointing spell between September 2009 and January 2010 in charge of Atalanta, but the starlet insisted despite his failings, he learned a great deal from the trainer.

"I knew immediately that [Conte] had great ideas for me and as a coach he is a gentleman. Even though my experience with him was brief, I learned a lot from him.

"I really hope we can put on a good match. Juventus are a great team with some great champions, so it will not be easy.

"They are a very tough opponent, and although I did not expect them to start so strongly, I knew they had the right qualities to fight for the title."

Kick-off at the Azzurri d'Italia on Saturday is scheduled for 20:45 CET.

http://www.soccerway...regular-season/

[Socrates 7989]

Serie A Week 19 - 21-1-2012 (8:45 p.m.)

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Atleti Azzurri d'Italia Stadium - Bergamo

Referee: Domenico Celi

Lichtsteiner calls for aggression

Jan 19, 2012

Stephan Lichtsteiner expects a tough match in store for Juventus this weekend as they attempt to bounce back from recent disappointment.

The Bianconeri have struggled in previous games to break through against weaker opposition, only edging Lecce 1-0 in Week 17 and then dropping two points at home to Cagliari last weekend in a 1-1 draw.

Whilst that latest result still returned the team to the top of the table, Swiss full-back Lichtsteiner believes that focus must remain on hard work.

“So far we have been good, but we have not won anything yet. We lost two points last Sunday but still showed fight.

“Now we must look ahead and try to turn things around on Saturday. Against Atalanta it will not be easy, as the Bergamo side have performed excellently at home.

“We will have to be aggressive, play to our pace of the game and stay alert in defence.”

Lichtsteiner, who recently turned 28, believes that it is not just the back-line that are responsible for the team’s strong defensive showing this season. The Old Lady have conceded just 12 goals this season.

“The credit belongs to the whole team because everyone covers and works in the same direction. We must continue on this road.

“In the last two games we have not been as brilliant as usual, but there are no physical or psychological problems.

“I see all my teammates are fit and I don’t think any are taking it easy.”

http://www.soccerway...regular-season/

[Socrates 7989]

Serie A Week 19 - 21-1-2012 (8:45 p.m.)

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Atleti Azzurri d'Italia Stadium - Bergamo

Referee: Domenico Celi

Buffon: 'Juve want to amaze'

Jan 19, 2012

Gigi Buffon feels the secret to the record-breaking Juventus campaign is their “desire to amaze.”

The Bianconeri had never before reached Week 18 still unbeaten in Serie A and will be crowned winter champions if they avoid defeat away to Atalanta this weekend.

“It seems like a novelty now, but a few years ago we were used to situations like this and it’s a pleasure to be back there,” the goalkeeper told Juventus Channel.

“We are managing that thanks to our desire to amaze, to sweat and prove ourselves all over again.

“The defence is doing well, it’s true, but this is thanks to the work of the whole squad who with their pressing ensure the service that comes my way isn’t easy to finish off.

“My best save of the season so far was the one against Milan’s Kevin-Prince Boateng. It may not have been spectacular, but not everyone can realise how difficult it was. A goalkeeper knows that was a great save.”

Buffon is looking ahead to Saturday’s big test in Bergamo, where only Milan have been able to take away a victory this term.

“It will be a difficult and fiery encounter, as it always is against Atalanta. We want to maintain our position in the table.”

http://www.soccerway...regular-season/

[Socrates 7989]

Serie A Week 19 - 21-1-2012 (8:45 p.m.)

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Atleti Azzurri d'Italia Stadium - Bergamo

Referee: Domenico Celi

Mid-Season Fears

Jan 19, 2012

January 2010, four points collected from a possible fifteen. January 2011, four points collected from a possible fifteen. January 2012, four points collected from a possible six. By this point, the reoccurring theme becomes apparent. With three games remaining this month, the Bianconeri will attempt to achieve something they have failed to do in the past two years, obtain more than four points in January. Following a disappointing home draw with Cagliari, coupled with an equally disappointing second-half performance, do Antonio Conte’s men risk coming close to repeating history?

Unfortunately my name isn’t Marty McFly, and predicting the future is beyond my abilities. However, what is certain is that Juve have some sort of mental obstruction when playing a club with the Rossoblu colours. Cagliari followed the example set by Bologna and Genoa in holding the Bianconeri to a share of the spoils in Turin, which at the sound of the full-time whistle was set to ruin the weekend of all those who have an affinity for the league leaders. Come Sunday night however, Juve found themselves a point ahead of nearest rivals Milan after their Derby della Madonnina defeat.

This Saturday presents the tricky trip to Bergamo, where Juventus will attempt to become only the second team this season to inflict defeat on Atalanta at home. Giorgio Chiellini returns from suspension, to fortify a defence that has conceded just six goals away from home all season, three of those coming in the same game in Naples. Undoubtedly this weekend will be a tough task, a sentiment echoed by Stephan Lichtsteiner;

“Against Atalanta it will not be easy, as the Bergamo side have performed excellently at home. We will have to be aggressive, play to our pace of the game and stay alert in defence.”

Astonishingly, Juve have failed to record back-to-back victories since late November, with victory over Palermo followed up with all three points at the Stadio Olimpico against Lazio. It’s this stuttering stop-start form that could permanently jeopardise their Scudetto ambitions, with the likes of Milan and Inter putting together title-winning runs of victories. It comes as no surprise that the Nerazzurri are back in the mix, and they will almost certainly be in the running come the end of the season. However, history suggests Conte should have little to fear on Saturday, although every game represents a new challenge. Unbeaten in their last five clashes with Atalanta, the Old Lady has four wins and a draw, including 5-2 and 4-0 wins in Bergamo. Perhaps in this instance, it might well be a case of hoping for history to repeat itself.

Following Atalanta, a home clash with Udinese and a trip to the Ennio Tardini to take on Parma complete the fixture list in January. However, the New Year hangover has a tendency to stretch into February and beyond. If the Bianconeri dismiss these mid-season fears in the next three weeks, Conte will have overcome another psychological downfall that has the potential to curtail their season. Unbeaten after eighteen games reads wonderfully, but you don’t win the Scudetto before January. If Juve are to prove themselves, they will have to do so over the next few months.

http://www.soccerway...regular-season/

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Serie A Week 19 - 21-1-2012 (8:45 p.m.)

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Atleti Azzurri d'Italia Stadium - Bergamo

Referee: Domenico Celi

Atalanta await ‘Battleship Juve’

Jan 20, 2012

Atalanta director Pierpaolo Marino has described Juventus as a battleship ahead of this weekend’s Serie A game.

The Old Lady face the Nerazzurri in Bergamo on Saturday night in a tie that would see the Bianconeri crowned as Winter Champions with a victory.

“I expect a good match,” the former Napoli official told Tutto Juve in an interview. “Juventus, as we all know, are a battleship.

“They are truly playing in an unstoppable fashion and it is not by chance that they are so far unbeaten this season.

“We have great respect for the Bianconeri, but we will try to catch them with surprise.”

The Bergamo boys have had a tough start to the New Year with 2-0 losses to Milan and then Lazio.

“I have to point out that we lost against Milan who are not exactly a newcomer to Italian football,” added Marino. “There was also that debatable penalty.

“In Rome, things got complicated with the dismissal of Stefano Lucchini. In any case, we lost against two great teams who are fighting for the top positions in the League.

“Remember, we are not Real Madrid…”

http://www.soccerway...regular-season/

[Socrates 7989]

Serie A Week 19 - 21-1-2012 (8:45 p.m.)

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Atleti Azzurri d'Italia Stadium - Bergamo

Referee: Domenico Celi

Conte underlines Juve ambition

Jan 20, 2012

Juventus boss Antonio Conte wants to fight for more than just a third-place finish in Serie A this season.

Speaking ahead of Saturday’s trip to Atalanta, the tactician underlined how hungry he is to get the Old Lady back to the very top.

“I wouldn’t sign for third place right now if it was offered to me,” the former Juve midfielder, who arrived from Siena in the summer, stated.

“I am obliged to give my best and dream about big targets. I wouldn’t have signed in June for just minimal objectives.”

The Bianconeri are currently first in Serie A and a win in Bergamo will see them crowned as Winter Champions.

“We are top because we have shown a great amount of determination, enthusiasm and a desire to win. I want to put my faith in players who want to achieve extraordinary things.

“We have another half of the season to go to confirm everything that we have done well so far. It won’t be easy.”

Atalanta started the campaign with a six-point penalty, but they reacted to that setback well and Conte is expecting a test.

“They’ve collected 26 points so far and they have a good Coach in Stefano Colantuono,” he continued.

“Despite their present difficulties, they’ve always put their heart and soul into this championship. They deserve applause.”

The tactician also knows the Nerazzurri well after he spent a problematic 12 games in charge there back in 2009-10.

“It was a constructive and important experience for me. I grew up, also thanks to the errors that I made. Nevertheless, I do think that things could have gone differently.”

Conte was also inevitably asked about the transfer market, a session which has seen Marco Borriello arrive on loan from Roma.

“Borriello has trained with the squad all week. He just needs to continue working with great intensity. He’s put himself at our disposal and this is a good sign for the future.

“Players on their way out and in? We’ll look to make everybody happy. We want players who are available for us. It is only right that whoever is not satisfied informs us of that.

“I tell the club what I think, but it is possible that my requests are not met.”

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