Juventus Season 2011-2012

[Socrates 8024]

Serie A Week 16 - 18-12-2011 (3:00 p.m.)

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Juventus Arena - Turin

Referee: Andrea Gervasoni

Serie A Preview

Dec 18, 2011

Juventus midfielder Emanuele Giaccherini insists his team will not be distracted by Wednesday's game at Udinese when they host Novara tomorrow.

The Turin giants end the year with a midweek match in Udine which could prove to be a battle for top spot in Serie A.

Antonio Conte's side head into this weekend top of the standings but level on 30 points with Udinese, who face Lazio in Rome tomorrow.

"Our only focus right now is on Novara,'' Giaccherini said. "Only on Monday will we concentrate on the game at Udinese.

"We certainly hope we will get maximum from those two games in order to go into 2012 in first place.''

Juventus drew 1-1 at Roma last time out to extend their unbeaten league run to 14 games.

Novara, in contrast, are 19th in the standings - three points adrift of safety.

Attilio Tesser's men almost stunned Napoli last weekend but were denied their third win of the campaign after they conceded a late equaliser.

Giaccherini knows the promoted visitors cannot be taken lightly.

"We will face a team that will come here determined to get a result in their battle to avoid the drop,'' he said. "It will be difficult to find spaces up front and we will have to be patient to score.''

Tesser, meanwhile, has urged his players to show the same spirit tomorrow that they displayed against Napoli.

"We could have beaten Napoli but the 1-1 draw is still a good result considering who we were facing,'' he said.

"Now we must show the same determination and hunger at Juventus.''

Novara have not won on the road this season but will be bolstered by the return of defender Massimo Paci from injury and striker Riccardo Meggiorini from suspension.

The hosts will be without defender Leonardo Bonucci and midfielder Arturo Vidal, both suspended, as well as injured forward Mirko Vucinic.

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

[Socrates 8024]

Serie A Week 16 - 18-12-2011 (3:00 p.m.)

-

Juventus Arena - Turin

Referee: Andrea Gervasoni

Novara 'will attack Juventus'

Dec 18, 2011

Novara take on Juventus in their first Piemonte Derby for 55 years, but Attilio Tesser assures they “won’t clam up and defend.”

The minnows have been out of the top flight since the 1950s, so didn’t have the chance to face their local rivals before now.

“We are playing for prestige as well, but the points count for more,” said the Coach.

“Therefore we will try to get a result, albeit aware we will be taking on the top team in the Division, not to mention the only European side still unbeaten.

“The difficulties of this match are evident and we must play to the best of our abilities. It will take technique, tactical nous and team spirit.

“If we only play with a defensive attitude, then we’d be getting absolutely everything wrong,” continued Tesser.

“Of course we don’t intend to be arrogant in Turin, but we will have to courage to play and not just hand Juve the initiative. We will reply blow for blow. Our intensity is going to be key.

“I am sure Juventus will come out all guns blazing straight away and try to break the deadlock immediately.”

He confirmed the 5-3-2 system tested in their 1-1 draw against Napoli last week.

“The system isn’t the important thing, but rather the mentality, so we must interpret the game the same way we did against Napoli.”

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

[Socrates 8024]

Serie A Week 16 - 18-12-2011 (3:00 p.m.)

-

Juventus Arena - Turin

Referee: Andrea Gervasoni

Marchisio: Juve is great

Dec 18, 2011

Juventus midfielder Claudio Marchisio believes the Turin club has a strong enough squad and does not need to add reinforcements during the January transfer window.

Juve and AC Milan have both been linked with a move for Manchester City forward Carlos Tevez next month, but Marchisio reckons the Bianconeri is already a force to be reckoned with.

"With regards to the transfer market, the club will evaluate the situation," he said to giornalaccio rosa dello Sport.

"But I believe we are already competitive and we are a great team.

"Of course, if the club decides to make a move in the market it will be for the good of the side."

Juventus, which is unbeaten in Serie A, goes into Sunday's (Monday AEDT) game against Novara on the back of a 1-1 draw at Roma.

The result left Juve top of the standings, level on 30 points with Udinese.

"The important thing is that we are first and we hope to stay in top spot for as long as possible," Marchisio added.

Udinese has won its last three league games but faces a difficult task at the Stadio Olimpico when it hosts a buoyant Lazio on Sunday (Monday AEDT).

The Roman club, which qualified for the Europa League round of 32 this week, is on a two-game winning streak and heads into the weekend two points off the summit.

Milan is third, level on 28 points with Lazio, and hosts Siena on Saturday (Sunday AEDT) on the back of a 2-2 draw at Bologna.

Roma will be bolstered by the return of defender Juan, midfielder Gago and striker Bojan for its trip to Napoli.

All three players missed the 1-1 draw against Juve through suspension.

Inter Milan visits Cesena looking to continue its climb in the standings.

The Nerazzurri won 1-0 at Genoa last start to clinch its fourth win in five league games.

The result allowed Claudio Ranieri's side to move into sixth, 10 points behind Juventus.

Genoa takes on Bologna on Sunday (Monday AEDT) hoping to bounce back from its midweek defeat to Inter - its first home setback this season.

Parma is hoping to recover its top scorer, Sebastian Giovinco, in time for its game against bottom-placed Lecce.

Giovinco is doubtful after sustaining a muscular injury during last weekend's goalless draw at Cagliari.

Fiorentina will have striker Stevan Jovetic available for Saturday's (Sunday AEDT) clash with Atalanta.

Jovetic missed last weekend's 2-0 defeat at Inter with a hip problem.

Palermo visits Catania on Sunday (Monday AEDT) hoping to end a dismal week on a positive note.

Devis Mangia's side saw its unbeaten run at home end in a 1-0 defeat to Cesena and was then eliminated from the Coppa Italia on penalties by Siena in midweek.

Chievo has lost just once at home this season and hosts Cagliari on Saturday.

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

[Socrates 8024]

Serie A Week 16 - 18-12-2011 (3:00 p.m.)

-

Juventus Arena - Turin

Referee: Andrea Gervasoni

Round 15 (or so), We’ll be Caught up in a Few Days

Dec 18, 2011

Apologies for the late and relatively non-substantive preview. Nobody here needs to be told how hectic the holidays are, and particularly in the line of work which I am in, this particular time is particularly busy in a conspicuously contentious era. But here we are about to face Novara, in the first (Piemont) derby we’ve been able to have in a couple years, and I’m here for a few. And also, allow these paltry words to serve as both the preview and the game-time thread; particularly considering that we’re less than nine hours from kickoff.

A Milan win today saw i Diavoli in first place for now with 31 points, one more than us and Udinese, whom we face off with on Wednesday when I can finally write “Round, number” and be all caught up with it. A well-fought draw away at Rome saw us leveled after 14 games, and made me realize why the media was actually referring to the match as another chapter in a bitter rivalry. I never knew that a hammer could have a rivalry with a nail, but alas, if the nail were allowed to pinch back, I’d get it.

Anyway, tomorrow’s fixture will probably see the most changes yet.

Le chiavi: How do we cope without three regular players? A lot of people complained about how deep our squad was not too long ago, despite not having any European commitments. Too many attackers we have, they said. And no they weren’t all Yoda, I don’t know why I’m writing in reverse order. Anyway, these first world problems are starting to benefit us finally.

Well anyway, the depth will finally come in handy now, with Mirko injured and Boner and King Arthur, suspended. I’m expecting to see Chiellini slide back to the middle where he belongs, making way for Paolo De Ceglie to finally get another start at left back. I honestly feel this guy can be a good player, and I want him to have a chance to show he can recapture the form he showed last year before his unfortunate impact injury.

Meanwhile, Giaccherini, a typical winger/attacker type, has been playing farther back during training going on two weeks now. While he had been training in Pirlo‘s position a couple of weeks ago while John Bon was taking a hiatus from touring, he could very well play next to him and Marchisio in the midfield where Vidal would normally play.

I wish that this would open up a spot in the front three for Elia, who had some positive moments in the past week, setting up Principino’s winner in the Coppa tie versus Bologna, and showing flashes of vision and creativity in Rome. Sadly, it’s not likely — but he’ll at least be one of the first looks off the bench midway through the second half if we need to break a deadlock.

My starting XI: (4-3-3) Gigi, Kelso, Giorgio, Dre, Forrest; Patsy, Jon Bon, Principino; Dutchie, A-Mat, Melosh.

Probable: (4-3-3) Buffon; De Ceglie, Chiellini, Barzagli, Lichtsteiner; Giaccherini, Pirlo, Marchisio; Del Piero, Matri, Pepe.

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

[Socrates 8024]

Serie A Week 16 - 18-12-2011 (3:00 p.m.)

-

Juventus Arena - Turin

Referee: Andrea Gervasoni

Fabio Quagliarella makes first Juventus start

of the season against Novara

The striker will play from the beginning for the first time since his knee ligament

injury against Parma in January, with Alessandro Del Piero also in the starting XI.

Dec 18, 2011

Fabio Quagliarella will make his first start of the season for Juventus after being chosen to lead the attack for the Serie A clash with Novara this afternoon.

It is the former Napoli striker's first starting appearance since he damaged knee ligaments in the home fixture against Parma on January 6. Alessandro Del Piero has also been given the nod by coach Antonio Conte for the first visit of the Piedmont neighbours to Juventus Stadium.

At the back, Giorgio Chiellini switches to his preferred centre-back slot to cover the absence of the suspended Leonardo Bonucci, with Paolo De Ceglie stepping in at left-back. Arturo Vidal's one-match ban means Emanuele Giaccherini starts in midfield.

Attilio Tesser's side will line up with Raffaele Rubino and Riccardo Meggiorini spearheading a 3-5-2 formation.

Juventus (4-3-3): Buffon; Lichtsteiner, Barzagli, Chiellini, De Ceglie; Marchisio, Pirlo, Giaccherini; Pepe, Quagliarella, Del Piero.

Subs: Storari, Sorensen, Pazienza, Elia, Estigarribia, Matri, Krasic.

Novara (3-5-2): Ujkani; Dellafiore, Centurioni, Ludi; Morganella, Marianini, Radovanovic, Rigoni, Gemiti; Rubino, Meggiorini.

Subs: Fontana, Paci, Garcia, Porcari, Mazzarani, Giorgi, Granoche.

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

[Socrates 8024]

Serie A Week 16 - 18-12-2011 (3:00 p.m.)

-

Juventus Arena - Turin

Referee: Andrea Gervasoni

Line-ups: Juventus-Novara

Dec 18, 2011

Juventus ring the changes in the Derby di Piemonte, as Alessandro Del Piero, Fabio Quagliarella and Paolo De Ceglie get rare starts.

The Bianconeri take on local rivals Novara this afternoon at the sold out Juventus Stadium.

Ahead of a midweek round against Udinese, Antonio Conte is rotating his squad to bring in Del Piero, Quagliarella and left-back De Ceglie.

Some of these changes are necessary, as Mirko Vucinic is injured, joining banned duo Arturo Vidal and Leonardo Bonucci.

This also moves Giorgio Chiellini back into central defence, while Emanuele Giaccherini takes over in midfield.

Novara have won just one of their last 11 Serie A games and haven’t played away to Juve since 1955.

Andrea Lisuzzo and Takayuki Morimoto are the only absentees for Attilio Tesser, as Riccardo Meggiorini returns from suspension to partner Raffaele Rubino.

Juventus: Buffon; Lichtsteiner, Barzagli, Chiellini, De Ceglie; Giaccherini, Pirlo, Marchisio; Pepe, Quagliarella, Del Piero

Novara: Ujkani; Morganella, Dellafiore, Ludi, Centurioni, Gemiti; Marianini, Radovanovic, Rigoni; Meggiorini, Rubino

Ref: Gervasoni

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

[Socrates 8024]

Serie A Week 16 - 18-12-2011 (3:00 p.m.)

2 - 0

Simone Pepe (4')

Fabio Quagliarella (75')

Juventus Arena - Turin

Referee: Andrea Gervasoni

Attendance: 28000‎

Pepe and Quagliarella on target to send

Turin giants back to Serie A summit

An early strike from the wide player before a well-placed header

from the forward proved enough to send the Old Lady back to the top of the table.

Dec 18, 2011

Juventus defeated Novara 2-0 in Turin on Sunday afternoon as goals from Simone Pepe and Fabio Quagliarella ensure the hosts regain top spot in Serie A, in what was a dominant but wasteful display.

The Bianconeri took an early lead when Pepe was on hand to finish Paulo De Ceglie's low cross in the third minute, but from there on the hosts wasted numerous opportunities, before Quagliarella netted his first goal in almost a year in Serie A to ensure his side go into Wednesday's clash with Udinese top of the league and unbeaten.

The match started at a frantic pace, with the hosts almost taking the lead inside of two minutes. Fabio Quagliarella’s well-timed cut back found Claudio Marchisio on the right side of the area, but the Italy international’s first-time effort flew straight at Samir Ujkani.

Moments later, though, the Bianconeri got their goal. De Ceglie’s low cross went straight across the area, leaving the onrushing Pepe with a simple finish to put the Old Lady in the driving seat.

With a quarter of an hour gone a great chipped ball from Marchisio fell to Emanuele Giaccherini, but the former Cesena midfielder’s tame shot was easily held by Ujkani.

Just over half an hour in, the home side came close to doubling their lead when Giaccherini’s neat through ball found Alessandro Del Piero on the left side of the box, but the captain's curling strike sailed just past the post.

The second half began with the Antonio Conte’s side still controlling the game, and in the 46th minute they almost doubled their lead when Pepe burst down the right wing before playing in Del Piero with a perfectly weighted pass, but again his curling effort went just wide.

With 65 minutes gone and against the run of play, the visitors almost pulled back on level terms when another fine cross from Morganella found Raffaele Rubino in the centre of the area, but Buffon pulled off a magnificent save to deny the former Perugia striker's low header.

On the 74th minute Juventus finally doubled their lead, when a great corner from the impressive Pepe was met by Quagliarella, whose powerful header flew straight in the top corner to hand the former Napoli forward his first goal of the season.

With just over five minutes to go the hosts almost got a third, when substitute Alessandro Matri played in Marchisio, but the Italy international’s long range strike was cleared off the line by Massimo Paci.

This result sees Juventus regain top spot in Serie A, and the league leaders now face a difficult trip to Scudetto rivals Udinese on Wednesday evening, while Novara welcome Palermo on the same night.

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

[Socrates 8024]

Serie A Week 16 - 18-12-2011 (3:00 p.m.)

2 - 0

Simone Pepe (4')

Fabio Quagliarella (75')

Juventus Arena - Turin

Referee: Andrea Gervasoni

Attendance: 28000‎

Juve graced by Quagliagol

Dec 18, 2011

Juventus wasted dozens of chances, but still beat Novara 2-0 with Fabio Quagliarella’s first goal since December 2010.

These two sides both hail from the region of Piedmont, but had not faced off here in Serie A since a 2-2 draw in October 1955. The Bianconeri had to do without the suspended Leonardo Bonucci and Arturo Vidal, while Mirko Vucinic was still injured. Alessandro Del Piero, Fabio Quagliarella and Paolo De Ceglie got rare starts, moving Giorgio Chiellini back into central defence. Novara missed Andrea Lisuzzo and Taka Morimoto, but had won just one of their last 11 top flight games.

Within 120 seconds Juve had gone extremely close, as Quagliarella set up Claudio Marchisio only for him to fire at Samir Ujkani’s shoulder from point-blank range.

It was only a warning, as the low De Ceglie ball flashed across the face of goal to find Simone Pepe’s tap-in at the back post, giving the Bianconeri the lead at the fourth minute.

De Ceglie tried to go for goal himself, an angled drive smothered by Ujkani. Paolo Hernan Dellafiore pulled up with a suspected thigh strain, only adding to Novara’s problems.

Pepe’s shot skimmed the far post, while Emanuele Giaccherini was clear on goal, but Ujkani rushed off his line and performed a desperate save to deny Juventus a second goal.

Del Piero’s curler was not far off the target, though Novara had a great chance when Gigi Buffon rushed off his line to stop Meggiorini.

Moments later, Ujkani dove to his left to beat away a Giaccherini header, then Pepe wasted when his first touch let him down and Del Piero’s free kick was well held. Novara again tested Buffon with a Rigoni header.

Straight after the restart, Pepe robbed Centurioni in midfield to spark a counter, which Del Piero fired wide with only the goalkeeper to beat. Andrea Barzagli and Massimo Paci collided when trying to get on the end of Del Piero’s free kick, but the referee waved play on.

Giaccherini ran on to a Quagliarella back-heel only to aim a weak finish at Ujkani. With so many chances wasted, Novara were still in it and only a lucky deflection off Barzagli took Meggiorini’s shot out for a corner.

Juventus continued to let Novara off the hook, as Pepe sprinted down the right and rolled across for Del Piero in front of an open goal, but Ivan Radovanovic’s sliding tackle was absolutely decisive.

Buffon needed a spectacular diving save to push Raffaele Rubino’s header off the line with his fingertips at the far post on 65 minutes.

Juventus finally put themselves 2-0 up with Quagliarella’s first goal since his devastating injury in January. Quagliagol rose above the crowd for a powerful header to turn Pepe’s corner in at the far post.

In the final minutes Giuseppe Gemiti performed a goalline clearance on Alessandro Matri, then Giaccherini fired at Ujkani on the counter.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Juventus: Buffon; Lichtsteiner, Barzagli, Chiellini, De Ceglie; Giaccherini, Pirlo (Pazienza 80), Marchisio; Pepe, Quagliarella (Matri 77), Del Piero (Estigarribia 64)

Novara:Ujkani; Morganella, Dellafiore (Paci 19), Ludi, Centurioni, Gemiti; Marianini (Porcari 55), Radovanovic, Rigoni; Meggiorini, Rubino (Mazzarani 76)

Ref:Gervasoni

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

[Socrates 8024]

Serie A Week 16 - 18-12-2011 (3:00 p.m.)

2 - 0

Simone Pepe (4')

Fabio Quagliarella (75')

Juventus Arena - Turin

Referee: Andrea Gervasoni

Attendance: 28000‎

Juve back on top

Dec 18, 2011

Juventus returned to the top of the Serie A table with one-sided home victory over lowly Novara.

Simone Pepe set Juve on their way with a fourth-minute opener and Fabio Quagliarella added a second 15 minutes from time as the Turin outfit moved back above AC Milan, who beat Siena last night.

Juve will be joined on 33 points at the summit if Udinese beat Lazio this evening, while at the other end of the table Novara remain rooted in the bottom two.

Juve go to Udinese on Wednesday but Antonio Conte's side showed no sign of being distracted by that showdown as they quickly assumed control against Novara.

Visiting goalkeeper Samir Ujkani had already been tested by Claudio Marchisio before Juve took an early lead when Pepe slotted in Paolo De Ceglie's cross from close range.

That looked set to open the floodgates as Juve laid siege to the Novara goal, but the hosts had to wait until near the end to double their advantage.

It was not for the want of trying, though, as Juve created chance after chance.

Before the break, Quagliarella sent two efforts wide, De Ceglie was denied by a good save from Ujkani, who also kept out shots from Marchisio, Emanuele Giaccherini and Alessandro Del Piero.

Del Piero also failed to hit the target with two other openings in the first half while Pepe missed a chance to double his tally for the afternoon.

Juve could have been made to pay for their profligacy as Novara made a rare dangerous foray forward on the stroke of half-time but, fortunately for the hosts, Gianluigi Buffon was equal to Marco Rigoni's header.

It was a similar story in the second period as Juve continued to get themselves in shooting positions, but without being able to make the most of them.

However, the likes of Del Piero, Giaccherini, Marchisio and Pepe were not made to rue their missed opportunities as, after Buffon had done well to save from Ivan Radovanovic, Quagliarella calmed Juve's nerves in the 75th minute when he made it 2-0.

Andrea Pirlo curled over a corner and Quagliarella got on the end of it to power a fine header into the roof of the net.

Juve could have increased their lead further in the closing stages but Giaccherini saw his shot well saved by Ujkani, before Pepe hit the post with a free-kick from a tight angle.

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

[Socrates 8024]

Serie A Week 16 - 18-12-2011 (3:00 p.m.)

2 - 0

Simone Pepe (4')

Fabio Quagliarella (75')

Juventus Arena - Turin

Referee: Andrea Gervasoni

Attendance: 28000‎

Player Ratings

Goal.com rates the players as Juve return to the top

of Serie A following a comfortable home win.

Dec 18, 2011

Juventus

Gianluigi Buffon 7.0 - Held on well when Novara got the odd shot on target, and then made a magnificent tumbling stop to keep out Rubino.

Giorgio Chiellini 6.5 - Looked much more comfortable at centre-back, though he was occasionally given a tough time by Rubino.

Andrea Barzagli 6.5 - Got a vital block in on Meggiorini's effort as Novara broke with a four-on-three overlap, and looked solid in the air up against the former Bologna striker.

Paolo De Ceglie 6.0 - His cross for Pepe's early goal set the tone for a Juve onslaught in which he spent more attacking than defending, and did so with some ease.

Stephan Lichtsteiner 6.0 - Got forward well down the right as Juve attacked for the large part, but was occasionally caught out of position as Novara broke with some threat.

Andrea Pirlo 6.5 - Same old Pirlo. Ran the show with a little to spare in the middle of the park before being given a late breather as Pazienza came on.

Claudio Marchisio 6.0 - After being foiled early on by Ujkani, he had another good chance on the edge of the box on the hour but blazed well over.

Emanuele Giaccherini 7.0 - Missed a great chance to make it 2-0 when Ujkani kept him out, but kept going and but for his finishing he was one of Juve's most threatening players.

Simone Pepe 7.0 - Grabbed the early goal from De Ceglie's left-wing cross, but then tripped over the ball when he went through in the right channel. Got in behind a few more times, but his last pass was sometimes lacking.

Alessandro Del Piero 6.5 - Should really have done better when he had time to get a shot in after Pepe's run, but somehow sent his effort wide. His trickery kept the Novara defence on their heels, but he just missed the finishing touch.

Fabio Quagliarella 7.5 - Eventually rewarded for his endeavour and intelligent running when he got up to head home above Ludi. A great first start under Antonio Conte.

• Substitutions

Michele Pazienza N/A - Replaced Pirlo late on.

Marcelo Alejandro Estigarribia 6.0 - Replaced Del Piero and stretched the defence a little more with his wider starting position.

Alessandro Matri N/A - Brought on for Quagliarella just after the starter had made it 2-0.

Novara

Samir Ujkani 7.0 - The man in the mask made a vital save from the onrushing Giaccherini at 1-0 and had to hold on tight to numerous other efforts under the barrage from the home side.

Carlalberto Ludi 6.0 - Did ok for the most part when crosses came in high, but was regularly undone by the running of Pepe in the channel when Juve broke.

Matteo Centurioni 6.0 - Did his best to keep up with the movement of Quagliarella, but seemed less at ease when Del Piero was on the ball.

Pablo Hernan Dellafiore 4.5 - Limped off early on with a muscle problem to be replaced by Massimo Paci.

Giuseppe Gemiti 5.0 - The German got forward well, but Pepe's runs often exposed him, and Juve could have scored more coming from the right.

Michel Morganella 6.0 - The Swiss defender was regularly exposed by Giaccherini and Del Piero, but delivered some of Novara's better moments with his accurate crosses.

Ivan Radovanovic 5.0 - Showed his strength at times but his lack of mobility made it too easy for Juve to bypass Novara's midfield completely.

Marco Rigoni 5.5 - Will think he should have done better when heading straight at Buffon as his return to Turin didn't quite turn out as he'd have wanted.

Francesco Marianini 5.0 - The warrior ran well but didn't get close enough to the Juve midfield. Giaccherini often got away unmarked.

Raffaele Rubino 6.0 - Failed to test Buffon with a flicked header which went just wide, but his second-half effort brought the best out of the keeper.

Riccardo Meggiorini 5.5 - Had one good chance deflected wide by Barzagli as Novara threatened on a four-on-three break, but largely quiet otherwise.

• Substitutions

Massimo Paci 6.5 - Replaced the injured Dellafiore in the first 20 minutes and got in the way of Pepe's cross before making a great tackle on Del Piero to keep it at 1-0.

Filippo Porcari 6.0 - Came on to add some of the missing industry to the midfield but wasn't able to turn the game around.

Andrea Mazzarani N/A - Late replacement as Novara looked to grab a late consolation.

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

[Socrates 8024]

Serie A Week 16 - 18-12-2011 (3:00 p.m.)

2 - 0

Simone Pepe (4')

Fabio Quagliarella (75')

Juventus Arena - Turin

Referee: Andrea Gervasoni

Attendance: 28000

Antonio Conte rues sloppy finishing against Novara

The 42-year-old was satisfied with the Bianconeri’s win over the Serie A newcomers

but felt his side should have converted more of their chances.

Dec 18, 2011

Juventus coach Antonio Conte has expressed his disappointment with his side's finishing in their 2-0 Serie A win at home over Novara on Sunday afternoon, but was pleased with the outcome of the game.

The Bianconeri created numerous chances to double their lead after Simone Pepe's early opener, but they failed to make it 2-0 until Fabio Quagliarella found the net in the 75th minute to put the game to bed.

"During the week we work a lot on this aspect of the game [finishing]. In the next games we’ll look to convert more of our chances, also to avoid giving me heart problems," Conte stated during the post-match press conference.

"However, I prefer to have this problem rather than others. I’m happy at how the team creates chances.

"We’ll enjoy today’s victory and tomorrow [Monday] we’ll turn our attention to the game against Udinese. We want to end 2011 in a positive way and exceed expectations."

Juventus top the Serie A table at the moment with 33 points from 15 games.

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

[Socrates 8024]

Serie A Week 16 - 18-12-2011 (3:00 p.m.)

2 - 0

Simone Pepe (4')

Fabio Quagliarella (75')

Juventus Arena - Turin

Referee: Andrea Gervasoni

Attendance: 28000

Conte: 'Not good for my arteries!'

Dec 18, 2011

Antonio Conte was not entirely happy with the Juventus performance against Novara. “There was a negative aspect…”

The Bianconeri dominated the game and won 2-0, but wasted numerous scoring opportunities before Fabio Quagliarella put the result beyond doubt.

“There was a negative aspect to this match, as we left the result in the balance to the very end,” said the Coach.

“It’s not a good situation for my coronary arteries! Above all, we run the risk of conceding a goal. Then again, we cannot sit back and defend a lead. I prefer to win less and always play good football.”

Quagliarella had a rare start and scored his first goal since that devastating injury a year ago.

“Fabio is a player who I always considered to be important. I give gifts to nobody, as I always send out the best XI for the circumstances.

“Gigi Buffon is the best goalkeeper in the world and I always counted on him. Besides, he needs to justify his wages!”

Conte was also asked about the reported Juventus offer for Martin Caceres, currently at Sevilla.

“Do I like Caceres? I prefer women,” joked the tactician.

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

[Socrates 8024]

Serie A Week 16 - 18-12-2011 (3:00 p.m.)

2 - 0

Simone Pepe (4')

Fabio Quagliarella (75')

Juventus Arena - Turin

Referee: Andrea Gervasoni

Attendance: 28000

Tesser 'expected Juve shock'

Dec 18, 2011

Attilio Tesser admits Novara “thought we could give Juventus a shock” in the derby this afternoon.

They survived numerous chances and created some of their own, but were beaten 2-0 in Turin.

“We thought we could give Juventus a shock, creating three or four important opportunities against Gianluigi Buffon,” said the Coach.

“We conceded an early goal with the defence in place, so that made the rest of the match much more difficult for us.

“We were too tense at the start, as I cannot explain that goal any other way. After the break we improved and threatened an equaliser.

“After half an hour I changed the five-man defence that had done so well against Napoli, as we were suffering too much under the Bianconeri’s pressure.”

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

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Serie A Week 16 - 18-12-2011 (3:00 p.m.)

2 - 0

Simone Pepe (4')

Fabio Quagliarella (75')

Juventus Arena - Turin

Referee: Andrea Gervasoni

Attendance: 28000

Quagliarella's year-long wait

Dec 18, 2011

Fabio Quagliarella was just glad to be starting a game, so his first goal in a year “was the icing on the cake.”

The striker hadn’t netted since 19 December 2010, almost precisely a year ago, due to his devastating knee injury.

“It took me 364 days to get back here and play a match at my level,” said Quagliarella after the 2-0 win over Novara.

“I am happy, but also have to point out that I worked hard to achieve this performance. I really wanted it.

“I tried with everything I had to put myself at the disposal of the team and do what the Coach asked of me. I think I did my duty and the goal was the icing on the cake.”

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

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Serie A Week 16 - 18-12-2011 (3:00 p.m.)

2 - 0

Simone Pepe (4')

Fabio Quagliarella (75')

Juventus Arena - Turin

Referee: Andrea Gervasoni

Attendance: 28000

Welcome Back, Quags

Dec 19, 2011

Wanna try and guess the last time Fabio Quagliarella netted a goal in Serie A?

Go ahead, take a shot.

If you said exactly a year minus one day, you are correct, sir.

Before his goal against Novara today, Quags’ last Serie A goal came on Dec. 18, 2010, against Lecce — a sexy overhead kick at that. That’s 364 days between finding the back of the net, folks.

"364 days have gone by since my last goal, but that was also the last time I started a championship game. When I knew that the manager had included me in his starting line-up, I was only focused on my performance and I think I showed to be in good shape. My goal was the icing on the cake and I dedicate it to Storari and Toni who predicted it before the match. I’ve gone through difficult months, but I’ve always felt trust from our manager and the club. It was just up to me to show my value with facts, the rest was just talk."

Hopefully this is the start of something we saw from the man with the wonderful tan last season.

Ratings

Buffon - Seems to have found his finest form in recent weeks and is maintaining it, much to the delight of everyone associated with the club. Made a terrific save down to deny a definite goal, won all aerial engagements, distributed the ball intelligently, kept calm under pressure when it invariably came. 7/10

Lichsteiner - Much improved from the last game, due to both a better performance personally and a better team performance as a whole. Always a threat in the final third, full of running, solid in the tackle and quick enough to blaze a trail back to his RB zone to defend and cover after foraging forward. 7/10.

Barzagli - A picture of professionalism and consistency. From the first game of the season until now, Andrea has been in top form. Long may it continue. 7/10.

De Ceglie - Did brilliantly with the cross for Pepe's goal, showed poise and elegance in turning to shoot in the area and constantly supported the offence with quick bursts forward. I am pleased for him. But...at the same time, I did not see him make even one decent tackle. A couple of useful blocks, but mainly, as expected, Giaccherini did his tackling, and Chiellini was occasionally forced into the LB area to cover him. Great assist and wonderful enthusiasm, but the jury remains out on his ability to defend, especially against stronger opposition than from what I have seen, the worst team to visit Turin this season. 6.5/10

Chiellini - He becomes a monster when back in the middle. Some of his challenges were impeccably timed and ferocious. Thrived on his return to his favoured position, and never looked like faltering. 7/10

Marchisio - Classy throughout, very unlucky not to score with a snap shot from outside the box, hit with venom and deflected just wide. Also should have done better with another shot from a similar position which he blasted well over. Took some time to get into the game, which is understandable given the re-arrangement of the midfield trio. As the game wore on, he grew into prominence. Satisfactory (by the high standards he has set this term). 6.5/10.

Pirlo - Composed, brilliant on the ball, full of running and continuing to show marvellous energy and stamina for a man who last season couldn't stay fit for 4 games in a row, let alone 14 out of 15. Unsurprisingly, the majority of our many attacking moves flowed through Andrea. 6.5/10

Giaccherini - I was debating with someone during the week a suggestion that Giaccherini plays the same role as Giovinco, and Giovinco does everything Giaccherini does much better. I disagreed completely. For I do not see them as playing the same role, naturally suited to, nor trying to. And whilst Giovinco is very obviously more dangerous in the box, in the final third as a whole perhaps...la Formica atomica makes as many tackles, interceptions and runs back to help defend in a whole season, as Giaccherini makes every game. A slight exaggeration maybe, but whoever I was arguing with, must surely have seen last nights game, and now understands what i mean. For Conte's usage of Giaccherini is hugely different to how Giovinco is best deployed. Even in the mezz'alla role, Emanuele was very similar to how he plays when started further up the field and wider. His natural game is defend as much as attack, run, run, run, run, hustle, dribble, be very direct when he gets the ball at his feet. He did well yesterday. Showing both his strengths and weaknesses, and was unlucky not to get a goal or assist. Despite a few examples of his lack of top level technique, for his endeavour, and the fact that he was constantly involved...he did almost everything asked of him by Conte. 7/10.

Del Piero - I felt sorry for him throughout his woeful performance. He seemed like a man trying to soak up as much of the atmosphere as possible, knowing, with more certainty after every bad pass, every time he was caught out instantly for pace, every shot which went wayward, that such sensations won't be afforded him for much longer. Should have scored two goals. Nowhere near the force to be reckoned with we are all do desperate to see of him, in his final season at the club. We carried him for the time he was on the pitch, which is preferable to the past, when he carried the rest of the team...Unlikely to start against any of the big boys, when sorely lacking sharpness (which is understandable, for he is 37 and has hardly played any competitive action). 5/10.

Quagliarella - I am so fkin happy that he got a goal, and what a magnificent header it was. Very ring rusty, his confidence seems on a knive's edge. These are testing times for Quag's mental resolve, for his body seems fine, whats holding him back is a lack of consistent first team action and a mental hangover from his injury. Some of his end product was awful, but then flashes of genius such as the back heel assist and that huge jump and powerful header. Still a long way to go on his road to recovery, but well done, Fabio...7/10

Pepe - His industry was back to better standards than his last outing versus Roma. Ran the channels well, sneaked in for a good finish from De Ceglie's cross, should have scored at least another goal but his lack of technique shone through when presented with several gilt edged opportunities. Profligate but also potent...one goal and one assist seems wrong to criticize, when his job is to score and create. Taking into account his limitations, and his team job, and the wasted chances...7/10.

SUBS

Estigarribia - Pretty tame showing. Hustled and bustled but produced little positive play. A wasted substitute...why not Elia???? 5.5/10

Matri - Not given long to impress, but went close with a clever glancing header, and also created a chance for a team-mate with a powerful surge forwards in the latter stages of the game. 6.5/10

Pazienza - N/A

Conte - Set the team up to go for the jugular from the very beginning, by starting DP and also de ceglie, offsetting their offensive natures by placing Giaccherini in a mezz'alla role. Clever move. Showed faith in Quagiarella which was ultimately rewarded. Managed to rest our most in form prima punta before the Udinese game. I wish he had given Elia a run instead of Esti, but other than that, his team played some wonderful football, created a huge amount of chances and thoroughly deserved to win...so..7.5/10

Conclusion Novara are the poorest team we have played this season. They offered very little in attack, were completely over-run in midfield, and if it wasn't for a very worrying lack of sharpness in our attack, and the fine form of their keeper, they could have easily lost 9-2.

After the game, Conte said 'we cannot continue like this...we need to improve our killer instinct...otherwise opponents can rise at any moment and score...and that can become a serious problem'

Which was exactly what I was thinking, throughout the match. Those comments from Conte, I suspect are connected to his future idea of Juventus, of further down the path if we continue at our current rate. Its likely that I over-estimate the quality of Napoli and Milan, but I still see them as both technically better than us. Especially Milan in the offensive department. We are not miles behind them, and have given ourselves a superb chance of remaining in the top three. My concern, and Conte's I assume, is that the top teams around europe, amongst which is where we are striving to return, we would be made to pay dearly for such profligacy. I watch a lot of premiership football, and the top teams do not waste 15 out of 17 chances. Neither do their right wing forwards try to stop the ball and drag it back, but actually kick it straight off the pitch as Pepe did so embarrassingly in the first half. Clearly we have hunger, belief, enthusiasm, but make no mistake about it, our team lacks the technical quality of the group of teams we aspire to join at the pinnacle of european football. Giaccherini and Pepe, for all their great value of work and hustle and determination, are both very average in terms of technique. When we have Vucinic, Marchisio, Pirlo, Matri and Vucinic in attendance, the Industry of the workhorses often meshes well with the flair and talent of our more technically gifted players. For now...

Its fair to say that their work ethic and application makes up for their lack of ability on the ball, but this seems only correct to assert when talking of weaker teams like Novara.

Some will likely think I have been unfair on De Ceglie...but I am still horrified at the idea of him playing against top quality opposition, at least as a left back. Further forward, he could be a useful sub. I imagine the likes of Rooney, Aguero, Ronaldo, Silva...all finding problems against Barzagli, Chiellini, Lichsteiner...but against de ceglie??? He would be an extremely obvious weak spot to exploit, over and over again. A left back purchase is a MUST in January. next on the list would be a backup RB.

Well done, boys! I look forward with confidence to the Udinese game...when we will be lucky to have even a quarter of the amount of chances to score, so must be much sharper. And with Bonucci back, I will hope that Chiellini is moved back out wide to LB.

We remain top. Played some sublime, controlled football yesterday, kept a clean sheet, conceded no injuries, created a huge amount of chances and Quagiarella found a goal which will do him personally, and the team as a whole in turn, the world of good.

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

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