Juventus Season 2011-2012

[Socrates 7971]

Coppa Italia - Semi-final (First Leg) - 8-2-2012 (8:45 p.m.)

1 - 2

Martin Cáceres (53′)

Stephan El Shaarawy (62')

Martin Cáceres (83')

Giuseppe Meazza (San Siro) Stadium - Milan

Referee: Paolo Mazzoleni

Chiellini hails team performance

after Juventus' Coppa Italia win over AC Milan

The Italy international defender has expressed his delight with his side's display

at San Siro, and stressed that the Old Lady are determined to lift the Coppa Italia.

Feb 9, 2012

Juventus defender Giorgio Chiellini has expressed his satisfaction with his side's performance in the first leg of their Coppa Italia semi-final win over AC Milan.

New signing Martin Caceres netted twice at San Siro to help the Old Lady to a 2-1 away victory, and Chiellini had nothing but praise for Juve's winter arrivals.

"The team’s performance was the most important aspect of the evening. We changed eight of the 11 that featured against Siena, but everyone played really well," Chiellini was quoted as saying on the club's official website.

"The new players, [simone] Padoin and Caceres, managed to fit in perfectly. This is the test that shows this team has great determination and tactical organisation."

The defender then went on to stress that the Bianconeri are determined to win the cup competition.

"The Coppa Italia is a primary objective, especially when considering the fact that we’re not playing in Europe."

The Turin giants last won the Italian cup in 1994-95.

[Socrates 7971]

Coppa Italia - Semi-final (First Leg) - 8-2-2012 (8:45 p.m.)

1 - 2

Martin Cáceres (53′)

Stephan El Shaarawy (62')

Martin Cáceres (83')

Giuseppe Meazza (San Siro) Stadium - Milan

Referee: Paolo Mazzoleni

24 down 19 to go - After beating AC Milan at San Siro,

can Juventus now go the season unbeaten?

After a couple of years of mediocrity, the Bianconeri are in with a chance of going

through an entire campaign without losing a game in either the league or the cup.

Feb 9, 2012

Ever since taking charge of Juventus as coach last summer, Antonio Conte has been trying in vain to play down his side's prospects of winning the Serie A title. So, the former Bianconeri midfielder will be feeling more than a tad bewildered this morning by giddy talk of his troops going through the entire campaign undefeated.

However, with Juve having extended their unbeaten run in all competitions this term to 24 games with a 2-1 victory over AC Milan in the first leg of their Coppa Italia semi-final tie at San Siro on Wednesday night, the Bianconeri boss is just going to have to deal with it - for a few more days at the very least.

Perugia (1978-79) and Milan (1991-92) are the only two previous sides to have ended a Serie A campaign unbeaten, but both sides tasted defeat in cup competitions, meaning Juventus are currently in a position to do something that no Italian team has done before.

So, can they do it? Well, a perusal of the Bianconeri's fixture list would suggest that it is by no means inconceivable.

The league leaders have already played five of the six sides immediately below them in the table away from home. In addition, Juve are now done with third-placed Udinese, having picked up four points from their two league meetings with the Friuli outfit.

As for the one major side that Juve have yet to meet on their travels, it's Milan, which, of course, is hugely significant.

However, will Conte's men really be that scared of taking the Rossoneri on in their own backyard on February 25 given that they have now beaten the reigning Italian champions twice this season, comprehensively at Juventus Stadium early in the campaign, and now at San Siro in the Coppa Italia?

There is also the fact Milan will be without talismanic striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic for that crunch clash at the Giuseppe Meazza, with the Sweden international having been hit with a three-game ban for slapping Salvatore Aronica during last weekend's 0-0 draw with Napoli.

Looking elsewhere, Juve have on paper tricky trips to Liguria and Tuscany lined up for next month. Genoa, with Rodrigo Palacio currently in sensational form alongside new arrival Alberto Gilardino, could definitely prove a difficult obstacle to overcome at the Luigi Ferraris, while Fiorentina never want for motivation when it comes to tackling the Bianconeri.

The April meeting with Palermo in Sicily could also prove problematic but, on the face of it, Juve's schedule for the remainder of the season is not that daunting. Of course, a potential Coppa Italia final showdown with the always dangerous Napoli may need to be factored into the equation, but it is clear that the Bianconeri are in a strong position to make history this season.

It would be remiss of us not to issue a word of warning, though. Firstly, during a 20-day spell between the tail end of March and the start of April, Juventus must first face Milan in the Coppa Italia again before tackling Inter, Napoli, Palermo and Lazio in the league. That is a run of games which will most likely make or break their season.

Secondly, it is worth noting that the aforementioned Perugia did not lose a single game in Serie A during the 1978-79 season but still failed to land the Scudetto. The Umbrians finished second to Milan on account of the fact that they had drawn a staggering 19 games over the course of the campaign. That stat is of particular relevance to Juve given that they have drawn nine of their 21 league games to date.

Still, with spring now upon us - though the current cold snap would suggest otherwise - the Bianconeri are still in contention to win the Scudetto and go through the entire season undefeated.

Achieving both feats would be nice but, for Conte and his players, only one is worth focusing on.

[Socrates 7971]

Coppa Italia - Semi-final (First Leg) - 8-2-2012 (8:45 p.m.)

1 - 2

Martin Cáceres (53′)

Stephan El Shaarawy (62')

Martin Cáceres (83')

Giuseppe Meazza (San Siro) Stadium - Milan

Referee: Paolo Mazzoleni

Did Ibra slap Storari?

Feb 9, 2012

Giorgio Chiellini has accused Zlatan Ibrahimovic of slapping Marco Storari at the end of last night’s Milan-Juventus Coppa Italia tie.

A scuffle between the striker and the goalkeeper developed at the final whistle following the Old Lady’s 2-1 win.

“What happened at the end with Ibra? Nothing with me, but the same thing that happened on Sunday between Ibrahimovic and Salvatore Aronica occurred with Storari,” the defender told Sky Sport Italia.

“I hope that someone saw it and the TVs picked it up. These things can happen when emotions run high, but it is right that people are punished for their mistakes.

“These things don’t kill anyone, but the gesture was the same as Sunday’s. I don’t know why it happened as we were only discussing things…”

Ibra was sent off at the weekend after he lashed out at Napoli's Aronica during the Serie A 0-0 draw at the Meazza. He’s been banned for three League games as a result.

Turning to the game itself, the 27-year-old was delighted with what his troops did on a cold Milan evening.

“The display was the most important aspect,” he continued. “We changed eight of the 11 that featured against Siena, but everyone played really well.

“The new players, Simone Padoin and Martin Caceres, managed to fit in perfectly. This is the test that shows this team has great determination and tactical organisation.

“The Coppa Italia is a primary objective, especially when considering the fact that we’re not playing in Europe.”

Caceres scored twice in the win. Stephan El Shaarawy netted for the home side.

[Socrates 7971]

Coppa Italia - Semi-final (First Leg) - 8-2-2012 (8:45 p.m.)

1 - 2

Martin Cáceres (53′)

Stephan El Shaarawy (62')

Martin Cáceres (83')

Giuseppe Meazza (San Siro) Stadium - Milan

Referee: Paolo Mazzoleni

Video: Ibrahimovic v Storari

Feb 9, 2012

Zlatan Ibrahimovic could be in trouble after TV footage seems to confirm that he did slap Marco Storari last night.

Juventus defender Giorgio Chiellini claimed that Ibra struck the goalkeeper at the end of the 2-1 Coppa Italia victory over Milan.

The images are not great, but watch Ibra’s left-hand closely at around the three-second mark.

[Socrates 7971]

Coppa Italia - Semi-final (First Leg) - 8-2-2012 (8:45 p.m.)

1 - 2

Martin Cáceres (53′)

Stephan El Shaarawy (62')

Martin Cáceres (83')

Giuseppe Meazza (San Siro) Stadium - Milan

Referee: Paolo Mazzoleni

Del Piero: ‘Another important step’

Feb 9, 2012

Alessandro Del Piero sees Juventus’ first leg victory over Milan in their Coppa Italia semi-final represents a significant progression by the Bianconeri.

Antonio Conte’s side ran out 2-1 winners on the night at San Siro, which combined with the unbeaten start to the season that sees them top of the Serie A table, leaves them on course for a League and Cup double.

Whilst not getting carried away, Del Piero posted a message on his site on Thursday that suggested yesterday’s performance provides the self-belief to progress forward.

“If we still needed confirmation that we believe in ourselves and are aiming for all available targets this season, then the night at San Siro must provide that increased awareness of our capabilities,” the 37-year-old began.

“To win at San Siro against an opponent like Milan is never easy, to do it in a two-legged challenge is even more important, even if the very fact that it is a double-header makes us realise that we are only halfway.

“We have to complete the work in the second leg at home, because the 2-1 obtained in Milan will not protect us from danger.

“Certainly last night is another important step in our journey, but I never tire of saying that the goal is still distant. We face this road with even more confidence in ourselves because at San Siro we were proven to be a good team.”

[Socrates 7971]

Coppa Italia - Semi-final (First Leg) - 8-2-2012 (8:45 p.m.)

1 - 2

Martin Cáceres (53′)

Stephan El Shaarawy (62')

Martin Cáceres (83')

Giuseppe Meazza (San Siro) Stadium - Milan

Referee: Paolo Mazzoleni

'Chiellini mustn’t tell tales'

Feb 9, 2012

Milan captain Massimo Ambrosini has hit out Giorgio Chiellini for accusing Zlatan Ibrahimovic of slapping Marco Storari last night.

The Juventus defender drew attention in a post-match interview to a clash that he saw between Ibra and Juve’s goalkeeper at the end of the Coppa Italia semi-final first leg yesterday.

Video evidence suggests that the Swede did hit out at Storari, but where Ambrosini admits that if true then Ibra deserves punishment, he has accused Chiellini of stirring up trouble unnecessarily so.

“I think Chiellini should avoid taking these stands,” the 34-year-old angrily suggested.

“They are nasty things, out of place, and I mind because then you attempt to raise certain tones.

“You say that it is fair to raise them, but it does not seem funny to go into the Press room and call for television proof.

“If there is action taken against Ibra? If he has made a mistake then he must pay, but do not go into the Press room and tell tales or say certain things because that is something that should not be done.”

Ambrosini Mafia boss

The captain then reflected on the current predicament the team find themselves in, as the Juventus defeat last night confirmed a winless run of three games.

“We must learn from yesterday’s defeat for the [sake of the] rest of the season. At this moment there are differences between us and Juve and we must understand what they are as we have time to fix them.

“We must find the bite that last year enabled us to win the League and play out a great season.”

The Rossoneri face Udinese at the weekend and then Arsenal in the Champions League in midweek.

“Who do I fear most between Juve and Arsenal? I am currently concerned about the game with Udinese, which is the nearest. It is decsive as early February has shown it takes something more than now, we cannot let another game pass without showing that there is a change of course.

“I think that Juve right now has an extra point and a game in hand and will contend with us to the end. I think Antonio Conte and the players know how good their chance is of winning.”

[Socrates 7971]

Coppa Italia - Semi-final (First Leg) - 8-2-2012 (8:45 p.m.)

1 - 2

Martin Cáceres (53′)

Stephan El Shaarawy (62')

Martin Cáceres (83')

Giuseppe Meazza (San Siro) Stadium - Milan

Referee: Paolo Mazzoleni

Amelia: 'Juve reaction infantile'

Feb 9, 2012

Milan goalkeeper Marco Amelia accused Juventus of having “an infantile reaction” to Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s row with Marco Storari.

Giorgio Chiellini went to the media room after the final whistle of last night’s 2-1 Coppa Italia victory and demanded video evidence, claiming Ibra had slapped Storari.

“Looking at the footage, it’s less of a slap than Ibra telling Storari he wasn’t fair by denying he’d touched a shot for a corner and only admitting to it after the match,” Amelia told Radio Sportiva.

“Therefore he just prodded him with a finger to show that Storari had done the wrong thing, but this enormous chaos emerged out of nothing, followed by an infantile reaction from Juve.”

Ibrahimovic is at the centre of controversy just days after receiving a three-match Serie A ban for slapping Napoli’s Salvatore Aronica.

“In my view, the Napoli gesture wasn’t so serious either, as it was a discussion during the game and it ended there. I saw no real violence.

“I saw Chiellini arguing with Mauro Tassotti and I told him to stop it, as he was trying to stir up trouble over nothing.

“Everyone is afraid of Zlatan, because he’s so big and has this scary look in his eyes, but if they think they’re going to wind him up by provoking him then they are unfair. He apologised to everyone for his red card against Napoli.”

Zlatan is a psychopathic!

[Socrates 7971]

Coppa Italia - Semi-final (First Leg) - 8-2-2012 (8:45 p.m.)

1 - 2

Martin Cáceres (53′)

Stephan El Shaarawy (62')

Martin Cáceres (83')

Giuseppe Meazza (San Siro) Stadium - Milan

Referee: Paolo Mazzoleni

Chiellini accuses Ibrahimovic of slapping Storari

The Italy international has insisted that the towering attacker lost his temper

in Wednesday's game and feels he should be punished for his behaviour.

Zlatan the psychopathic

Feb 9, 2012

Juventus defender Giorgio Chiellini has accused AC Milan forward Zlatan Ibrahimovic of slapping goalkeeper Marco Storari following the Bianconeri's 2-1 win in the first leg of their Coppa Italia semi-final at San Siro on Wednesday.

The Sweden international recently made the headlines for all the wrong reasons when he received a red card for slapping Napoli defender Salvatore Aronica and Chiellini insists that Ibrahimovic lost his temper once again in Wednesday's game.

"What happened at the end of the game with Ibrahimovic? I wasn't involved, but the same thing that happened between Ibrahimovic and Aronica last Sunday happened with Storari now," Chiellini said to Sky Sport 24.

"I hope that someone spotted the incident and that it will have consequences. Of course, things happen during a game, but you deserve to be punished if you make a mistake like this.

"Nothing dangerous happened, but the gesture he made was the same as what he did last weekend."

Ibrahimovic was handed a three-match ban for his dismissal against Napoli, but the Rossoneri have appealed the decision.

[Socrates 7971]

Coppa Italia - Semi-final (First Leg) - 8-2-2012 (8:45 p.m.)

1 - 2

Martin Cáceres (53′)

Stephan El Shaarawy (62')

Martin Cáceres (83')

Giuseppe Meazza (San Siro) Stadium - Milan

Referee: Paolo Mazzoleni

Ambrosini slams Chiellini for Ibrahimovic slap remarks

The veteran midfielder has expressed his distaste at the accusations made

by the Juve defender, claiming they are 'unpleasant and out of place'.

Zlatan is innocent like Berlusconi

Feb 9, 2012

AC Milan's Massimo Ambrosini has hit back at Giorgio Chiellini after the Juventus defender accused Zlatan Ibrahimovic of slapping Marco Storari during the first leg of their Coppa Italia semi-final at San Siro.

The Sweden international, who was recently handed a three-game ban for slapping Napoli's Salvatore Aronica, has now been accused of striking the Bianconeri goalkeeper at the end of Wednesday's game, but Ambrosini believes that Chiellini should stay out of the matter.

"I think Chiellini should avoid taking this stance because it is unpleasant and out of place," Ambrosini told Sky.

"If an incident took place, then fine. But going to spy on him or searching for a culprit almost forcibly in the press room is something that should not happen."

The return leg will be played on March 21 at Juventus Stadium, as Milan aim to overturn a 2-1 deficit away from home.

[Socrates 7971]

Coppa Italia - Semi-final (First Leg) - 8-2-2012 (8:45 p.m.)

1 - 2

Martin Cáceres (53′)

Stephan El Shaarawy (62')

Martin Cáceres (83')

Giuseppe Meazza (San Siro) Stadium - Milan

Referee: Paolo Mazzoleni

Marco Amelia: Everyone is afraid of Ibrahimovic because he is so big

and has a scary look in his eyes

The 29-year-old custodian has played down the latest incident involving

the Sweden international and stated the striker has become a target for other clubs.

Feb 9, 2012

AC Milan goalkeeper Marco Amelia has hit out at Juventus for their 'childish reaction' to Zlatan Ibrahimovic's row with Marco Storari.

After Juventus' 2-1 victory at San Siro in the first leg of the their Coppa Italia semi-final on Wednesday, Giorgio Chiellini accused Ibrahimovic of slapping Storari.

The incident comes just days after Ibrahimovic was handed a three-match ban for slapping Napoli defender Salvatore Aronica in the face, but Amelia says that the Sweden international did nothing wrong.

"After looking at the footage, I would say that it is less of a slap than Ibra telling Storari that what he did was wrong when he said he had not touched a shot for a corner, only to admit he had done it after the game," Amelia told Radio Sportiva.

"Ibra only placed a finger on him to say he was wrong and it turned out to be a huge mess out of nothing, followed by Juventus' childish reaction.

"Everyone is afraid of Ibra because he is so big and he has this scary look in his eyes, but if they think they will provoke him, they are wrong.

"Against Napoli he certainly made a mistake, but he has apologised to everyone for it."

[Socrates 7971]

Coppa Italia - Semi-final (First Leg) - 8-2-2012 (8:45 p.m.)

1 - 2

Martin Cáceres (53′)

Stephan El Shaarawy (62')

Martin Cáceres (83')

Giuseppe Meazza (San Siro) Stadium - Milan

Referee: Paolo Mazzoleni

Marotta: Chiellini is a great player and a man of principle

The director of the Serie A leaders backed the Italy international

and refuted the notion his side want to see Zlatan Ibrahimovic banned.

Feb 10, 2012

Juventus general director Giuseppe Marotta has leapt to the defence of Giorgio Chiellini following the defender's comments about AC Milan forward Zlatan Ibrahimovic.

Chiellini accused the Sweden international of slapping Marco Storari during the first leg of their Coppa Italia semi-final at San Siro, which Juve won 2-1.

Milan duo Massimo Ambrosini and Marco Amelia have since slammed Chiellini for his remarks, but Marotta believes that the defender's character is unquestionable.

"Chiellini is a great player and a man with great principles," Marotta told Sky Sport Italia. "He did nothing except answer questions from the reporters.

"Neither he, nor Juventus, want to pass judgement on what happened. Milan are strong with or without Ibra.

"The Coppa Italia tie is still an open affair."

The return league is scheduled for March 21 at Juventus Stadium.

[Socrates 7971]

Coppa Italia - Semi-final (First Leg) - 8-2-2012 (8:45 p.m.)

1 - 2

Martin Cáceres (53′)

Stephan El Shaarawy (62')

Martin Cáceres (83')

Giuseppe Meazza (San Siro) Stadium - Milan

Referee: Paolo Mazzoleni

Galliani slaps down Chiellini

Feb 10, 2012

Adriano Galliani is the latest man from the Milan camp to criticise Giorgio Chiellini of Juventus after he called for Zlatan Ibrahimovic to be banned.

Chiellini used the post match interviews after Juve’s 2-1 Coppa Italia win at Milan on Wednesday to claim that Ibra had slapped Marco Storari at the end of the game.

Milan players Massimo Ambrosini and Marco Amelia yesterday hit out at the stopper for his words and Galliani has now joined them in condemning the Bianconero.

“I’ve seen the images and there was nothing there,” the Vice-President told Milan Channel. “Storari behaved a thousand times better than Chiellini.

“It’s a shame as I know Chiellini and I admire him, he’s an intelligent guy.

“However, I can’t understand why such an important player, an international, needs to hope that TV evidence will be used to ban Ibrahimovic from the second leg.

“It seemed like he was a kid at school who goes to the teacher to tell tales. It’s not nice and I didn’t like it.”

Ibra was handed a three-match Serie A ban this week after he was dismissed in the game against Napoli on Sunday – for slapping Salvatore Aronica.

A video of the Ibrahimovic-Storari incident can be seen here.

[Socrates 7971]

Coppa Italia - Semi-final (First Leg) - 8-2-2012 (8:45 p.m.)

1 - 2

Martin Cáceres (53′)

Stephan El Shaarawy (62')

Martin Cáceres (83')

Giuseppe Meazza (San Siro) Stadium - Milan

Referee: Paolo Mazzoleni

Caceres notes new Juve spirit

Feb 10, 2012

Martin Caceres has instantly recognised a difference between this Juventus and the one he previously played for in 2009-10.

The Uruguayan spent a season on loan at the club while he was with Barcelona and he returned to Turin last month after a deal was done with Sevilla.

“This is a different Juventus,” the stopper told Tuttosport. “There is an alternative spirit within the camp.

“Juve today are very strong and the squad has changed a lot given that there are just five players left from that spell.

“It’s really satisfying to be able to play alongside people like Alex Del Piero, Andrea Pirlo and Marco Borriello.

“We are ready to achieve great things this season.”

Juve have finished seventh in Serie A over the last two campaigns, but they are currently unbeaten so far this term.

They are top of Serie A and have a 2-1 first leg advantage in the semi-finals of their Coppa Italia tie with Milan. Caceres scored both in that San Siro win.

[Socrates 7971]

Coppa Italia - Semi-final (First Leg) - 8-2-2012 (8:45 p.m.)

1 - 2

Martin Cáceres (53′)

Stephan El Shaarawy (62')

Martin Cáceres (83')

Giuseppe Meazza (San Siro) Stadium - Milan

Referee: Paolo Mazzoleni

Juventus stand by Chiellini

Feb 10, 2012

Juventus have defended Giorgio Chiellini after he was attacked by Milan for his comments about Zlatan Ibrahimovic in midweek.

The Italian international claimed that Ibra had slapped goalkeeper Marco Storari after Juve’s 2-1 Italian Cup semi-final win at San Siro on Wednesday.

Although television replays seem to suggest that is what happened, Milan Vice-President Adriano Galliani, plus players Massimo Ambrosini and Marco Amelia, have criticised Chiellini.

“Chiellini wasn’t telling tales,” Juventus director general Beppe Marotta told Sky Sport Italia. “He is a great player and a man with great principles.

“All he did was respond to the questions of the journalists after the game,” Marotta underlined amid suggestions that Chiellini was trying to get Ibra banned for the return leg in Turin.

“Neither he nor Juventus intend to judge what occurred and what the TV images show. We won’t be lodging any sort of complaint.

“We know that Milan are a strong side, with or without Ibrahimovic, and the Coppa Italia tie is still open to any result.”

Juve are unbeaten so far this season and the League leaders have defeated the Rossoneri twice in two games.

“What we have done so far is beyond our expectations,” the former Sampdoria official continued.

“We radically renewed the club and the technical staff, including the players, when Andrea Agnelli became President 18 months ago.

“There are only five players left from the 2009-10 season.

“Today we are up there thanks to boss Antonio Conte and his players, thanks to the work culture of all the club.

“We are happy with what we have done so far and we look to the future with serenity.”

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