Juventus Season 2012-2013

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Serie A Team of the Week:

Hernanes the hero, while Gilardino double downs Roma

Goal.com looks at the star performers from the latest round

of Italian league action at the weekend.

Sep 17, 2012

Serie A was high in goals and in drama once more in round three, with Atalanta stealing the headlines thanks to their win over AC Milan at San Siro.

There were other great performances elsewhere though, and not just in the Palermo boardroom. Below Goal.com presents the star performers from the third round of action in Serie A, with not a trigger-happy president in sight.

If there was one moment which defined Palermo's embryonic season so far, and therefore Giuseppe Sannino's entire spell in charge, it was when Fabrizio Miccoli's free-kick seemed to deceive Cagliari goalkeeper Michael Agazzi, only for the shot-stopper to somehow keep the ball out of the net with an instinctive backheel. Best save of the season so far? Certainly the most original!

Across the defence there were a number of decent performances despite 33 goals being netted in total. Dusan Basta netted his second competitive goal of the season in Udinese's draw at Siena, and any Friulano who has more goals than Antonio Di Natale deserves a mention.

Alongside him, Facundo Roncaglia gets a nod for quickly becoming a new terrace idol for Fiorentina fans, supported by his display in the 2-0 win over Catania, while Juan Jesus' excellent debut for Inter at Torino does not go unnoticed.

In midfield, there simply had to be a spot for the majestic Anderson Hernanes, who weaved a spell on Chievo to score twice and add an assist for Miroslav Klose in Lazio's 3-1 win in Emilia Romagna.

Luca Cigarini topped a typically durable midfield display with the headline-grabbing goal as Milan were outgunned by Atalanta, while Pedro Obiang has been one of the stars of the short season for Sampdoria, who grabbed a third straight win at Pescara.

And what would a Team of the Week be without Marek Hamsik? It would be a season old, that's what; the Slovakian makes it a hat-trick of appearances in the opening stages thanks to his display in Napoli's 3-1 success against Parma.

Three forwards were so good that even Goran Pandev failed to make the cut! First, take Mirko Vucinic, who came off the bench to change the game as Juventus looked set for their first defeat in 16 months at Genoa. Add in Alberto Gilardino's clinical masterclass in Bologna's come-from-behind win over Roma at the Stadio Olimpico. Top it off with Stevan Jovetic's latest display of poise and panache in Fiorentina's victory over Catania, and you have a front line from heaven... at least for this weekend!

AGAZZI (Cagliari)

BASTA (Udinese) - RONCAGLIA (Fiorentina) - JUAN JESUS (Inter)

HERNANES (Lazio) - CIGARINI (Atalanta) - OBIANG (Sampdoria) - HAMSIK (Napoli)

VUCINIC (Juventus) - GILARDINO (Bologna) - JOVETIC (Fiorentina)

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UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE (1st leg) - 19-9-2012 (8:45 p.m.)

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CHELSEA - JUVENTUS

Stamford bridge stadium - London

Referee: Pedro Proenca (Portugal)

'Every year is harder & harder' -

Lampard wary of Juventus threat

The Chelsea midfielder has revealed his respect for the Italian ahead of the Blues'

Champions League group stage opener at Stamford Bridge on Wednesday evening.

Sep 17, 2012

Chelsea midfielder Frank Lampard has expressed his respect for the club's upcoming Champions League opponents Juventus.

The Blues face the Serie A champions on Wednesday at Stamford Bridge hoping to get their European campaign off to the perfect start.

However, the 34-year-old admits it will be a tough ask to beat a side who did not lose a single game in the Italian top flight last term.

"Every year is harder and harder. Real Madrid and Barcelona are stronger than ever, but we have to keep focused and do well since it is the first match of the group," he told reporters.

"We know that the match against Juventus won't be easy. They are a very strong team that is part of football's history.

"They won the last Serie A unbeaten, they have invested a lot and in the right way, so they are a hard nut to crack for us."

The England international went on to reveal his favourite games of last year's victorious campaign and dismissed suggestions that winning the competition has quelled his desire this time around.

"Particularly the two matches against Barcelona in the semi-final were exciting," he continued.

"It's great to have the trophy and medal in the drawer, but it is not the case to relax. Since we did it once, why not try it again?"

[Socrates 8056]

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE (1st leg) - 19-9-2012 (8:45 p.m.)

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CHELSEA - JUVENTUS

Stamford bridge stadium - London

Referee: Pedro Proenca (Portugal)

Lampard: Juventus will be tough

Sep 17, 2012

Chelsea midfielder Frank Lampard is expecting a tough test when Juventus visit Stamford Bridge in the Champions League.

The European champions take will take on the Scudetto holders this Wednesday and the England ace respects the Old Lady.

“Every year is harder and harder,” he said. “Real Madrid and Barcelona are stronger than ever, but we have to keep focused and do well since it is the first match of the group.

“We know that the match against Juventus won't be easy. They are a very strong team that is part of football's history.

“They won the last Serie A unbeaten, they have invested a lot and in the right way, so they are a hard nut to crack for us.”

[Socrates 8056]

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE (1st leg) - 19-9-2012 (8:45 p.m.)

................

CHELSEA - JUVENTUS

Stamford bridge stadium - London

Referee: Pedro Proenca (Portugal)

Bonucci on Juve’s Euro challenge

Sep 17, 2012

Leonardo Bonucci says Juventus won’t be content with just taking part in the Champions League. “We can fight on all fronts.”

The defender is set to make his debut in the competition on Wednesday when the Old Lady travel to reigning champions Chelsea.

“It will be a dream come true,” the stopper told Juventus Channel. “To get to play in the Champions League is an important achievement. However, it should be a point of departure and not one of arrival.

“Wednesday will just be the first game, the first experience and we’ll go to Stamford Bridge in the knowledge that we are a strong squad, but with the humility that we will have to work harder than they do to get a result.”

The London club may start the game as slight favourites, but the former Inter and Bari man insists his side are built to challenge.

“They’ve lost an important piece in attack with the departure of Didier Drogba who formed the attack on his own,” the international noted.

“However, they are an important collective and we have to be alert. We’ll study them closely so that we are not surprised by them.

“We are aware that the club directors here have done some good work on the market given the solid base which they had to work from.

“The entrance of Kwadwo Asamoah yesterday against Genoa proves as much. Juventus can fight on all fronts and we are not scared of anyone.”

[Socrates 8056]

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE (1st leg) - 19-9-2012 (8:45 p.m.)

................

CHELSEA - JUVENTUS

Stamford bridge stadium - London

Referee: Pedro Proenca (Portugal)

Juventus v Chelsea history

Sep 18, 2012

Juventus will be looking for their first competitive win over Chelsea when the two sides face each other in the Champions League on Wednesday.

The Old Lady are back in Europe’s premier club competition and will come up against the reigning champions in midweek.

The two sides have met just twice in the past, back in the 2008-09, at the last 16 stage of the European Cup.

Didier Drogba scored the only goal at Stamford Bridge back in February 2009.

The return leg ended 2-2 with goals from Vincenzo Iaquinta, Michael Essien, an Alessandro Del Piero penalty and another Drogba goal. Giorgio Chiellini was dismissed in that tie.

Juventus line-up for the 1-0 defeat: Buffon, Mellberg, Chiellini, Legrottaglie, Molinaro, Camoranesi (Marchionni 51), Sissoko (Trezeguet 86), Tiago (Marchisio 62), Nedved, Del Piero, Amauri.

Juventus line-up for the 2-2 draw: Buffon, Grygera, Mellberg, Chiellini, Molinaro, Tiago, Marchisio, Nedved (Salihamidzic 13), Iaquinta (Giovinco 61), Del Piero, Trezeguet (Amauri 79).

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UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE (1st leg) - 19-9-2012 (8:45 p.m.)

................

CHELSEA - JUVENTUS

Stamford bridge stadium - London

Referee: Pedro Proenca (Portugal)

Porrini hails Juve Euro strength

Sep 18, 2012

Sergio Porrini, who won the Champions League with Juventus in 1996, believes that there are only three teams better than the Old Lady in Europe.

The Bianconeri will start their Champions League bid on Wednesday with a trip to holders Chelsea and Porrini fancies their chances.

“There are only three superior teams to Juventus,” he told Tutto Juve. “They are Barcelona, Real Madrid and Manchester City.

“This Juventus side may only be considered as an outsider, but, like the side I played in, they have great hunger and enthusiasm.

“It’s not a bad position to be in when playing in the Champions League. Chelsea were not favourably backed last term and they ended up winning it.”

Juve won the championship in 2011-12 and Porrini, a former Italian international defender, has congratulated the club for their market work.

“Juventus are the strongest team in Italy and director general Beppe Marotta didn’t make one false move,” he added.

“The Bianconeri are a really strong side and Napoli are the only team in Serie A who could give them a hard time.”

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UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE (1st leg) - 19-9-2012 (8:45 p.m.)

................

CHELSEA - JUVENTUS

Stamford bridge stadium - London

Referee: Pedro Proenca (Portugal)

That Vucinic brace against Chelsea

Sep 18, 2012

Chelsea will be well aware of the threat that Mirko Vucinic will carry in Wednesday’s Champions League game against Juventus.

While with Roma, the Montenegro international scored two memorable goals in the Giallorossi’s 3-1 win over the London club in the 2008-09 campaign.

[Socrates 8056]

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE (1st leg) - 19-9-2012 (8:45 p.m.)

................

CHELSEA - JUVENTUS

Stamford bridge stadium - London

Referee: Pedro Proenca (Portugal)

Vucinic: Juventus do not fear Chelsea

The Montenegro international forward insists the Bianconeri will arrive in west London

high on confidence and claims the Blues are weaker than they were last season.

Sep 18, 2012

Juventus forward Mirko Vucinic has fired a warning shot to Chelsea ahead of their Champions League clash on Wednesday night, claiming his side do not fear the reigning champions.

Juventus are on a 42-game domestic unbeaten streak which saw them pick up the Serie A title last season and although Chelsea won the Champions League in May, and currently lead the Premier League, Vucinic feels the west London side are a weaker proposition than they were last term.

Vucinic told reporters: "This is not the same Chelsea as last season because in the last few weeks they have failed in several matches and that increases our chances for Wednesday.

"Will we play for a draw? Never! Our challenge is to win three points. We are the best team in Italy and it’s a matter of pride for the players."

The forward continued to stress the pride that the Juventus players feel ahead of their return to the top tier of European football and while acknowledging Chelsea deserve respect, insisting the Bianconeri will arrive in London high on confidence, and low on fear.

"Stamford Bridge is not the best place for us to open the group but there exists no fear," he added.

"We are the champions of Italy and that gives us a prestige we need to exploit. This is our return to the Champions League and very special.

"Chelsea are European champions and deserve our respect, but we go to London without fear and with a lot of confidence."

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UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE (1st leg) - 19-9-2012 (8:45 p.m.)

................

CHELSEA - JUVENTUS

Stamford bridge stadium - London

Referee: Pedro Proenca (Portugal)

Chelsea 'don't want to stop' in quest for trophies, says Mikel

The Nigeria international has insisted the Blues still have the desire to win,

as they kick-off the defence of their Champions League crown against Juventus on Wednesday.

Sep 18, 2012

Chelsea midfielder John Obi Mikel has insisted his team-mates "don't want to stop" winning trophies, as they begin the defence of their Champions League crown.

The Blues claimed an unlikely victory in Europe's premier cup competition last season, defeating favourites Barcelona before edging out Bayern Munich on their home ground in the final.

And, though he expressed his pride at that momentous achievement, the Nigerian believes the west London club still have the desire to repeat their win.

"It was good to win the trophy as some players were leaving, but we want to build on it, we don't want to stop," he told reporters.

"We train every day trying to improve, we're still hungry and still want to win more, we want to add to what we've won.

"Nothing changes, hopefully we can build on it, tomorrow is the start and we want to make sure we go far.

"I've watched the final once, we've won it but we don't want to keep looking back at it, now we have to move on."

Ahead of his side's group stage clash with Juventus on Wednesday, the 25-year-old also conceded that the pressure is on Chelsea this year given their status as defending champions.

"Being champions adds pressure, but we have a lot of good, senior players to deal with that, we live with pressure every day," he said.

"In everything you do, you need luck, but it wasn't luck which saw us through, we worked very hard, we beat Barca with 10 men."

The Nigeria international went on to reveal his admiration for Juventus playmaker Andrea Pirlo, adding: "Pirlo is a great player, everyone saw what he did in the Euros. He's a legend, playing against him will be great and a battle".

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UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE (1st leg) - 19-9-2012 (8:45 p.m.)

................

CHELSEA - JUVENTUS

Stamford bridge stadium - London

Referee: Pedro Proenca (Portugal)

Chelsea - Juventus Preview: Blues look to repeat

home comforts that propelled them to last year's title

Roberto Di Matteo will look to repeat the stunning heroics that lead the west Londoners

to the Champions League title, beginning with a tie with the unbeatable Bianconeri.

Sep 18, 2012

PROBABLE LINE-UPS

CHELSEA

Cech

Ivanovic, Cahill, Terry, Cole

Ramires, Mikel, Lampard

Hazard, Torres, Mata

JUVENTUS

Buffon

Barzagli, Bonucci, Chiellini

Lichtsteiner Pirlo, Asamoah

Vidal, Marchisio

Giovinco, Vucinic

Chelsea begin the defence of their Champions League title against Italian champions Juventus, with both sides leading their respective leagues after an impressive opening few weeks of the season.

John Terry and Ashley Cole (both ankle) have shaken off knocks that ruled them out of England encounters during the international break and will feature against the Bianconeri. Roberto Di Matteo should also welcome back Juan Mata following the Spaniard's absence from the 0-0 draw against QPR at the weekend.

Juventus will be without former Inter defender Lucio (ankle) with Andrea Barzagli and Giorgio Chiellini set to be partnered by Leonardo Bonucci at the back.

Former Manchester United midfielder Paul Pogba is yet to make his Juventus debut but could feature after being included in the Old Lady's squad.

DID YOU KNOW?

• Chelsea won all six of their Champions League home games last season.

• The Blues have finished as group winners in seven of their last nine Champions League campaigns.

• Chelsea won the last meeting between the sides, claiming a 3-2 aggregate victory.

• Gianluigi Buffon will make his 400th appearance for Juventus if he features in Wednesday night's match.

• Juventus are currently on a 42-match unbeaten streak in Serie A, stretching back to the end of the 2010-11 season.

• Juventus are one of only two teams to have won the Champions League on home soil, the other is Borussia Dortmund.

Head to Head

UEFA Champions League ‎- Mar 10, 2009 - Juventus 2 - Chelsea FC 2

UEFA Champions League ‎- Feb 25, 2009 - Chelsea FC 1 - Juventus 0

Last Five Matches

Chelsea FC

Sep 15, 2012 - QPR 0 - Chelsea FC 0 - Premier league

Aug 31, 2012 - Chelsea FC 1 - Atletico Madrid 4 - European Supercup

Aug 25, 2012 - Chelsea FC 2 - Newcastle 0 - Premier league

Aug 22, 2012 - Chelsea FC 4 - Reading 2 - Premier league

Aug 19, 2012 - Wigan Athletic 0 - Chelsea FC 2 - Premier league

Juventus

Sep 16, 2012 - Genoa 1 - Juventus 3 - Serie A

Sep 2, 2012 - Udinese 1 - Juventus 4 - Serie A

Aug 25, 2012 - Juventus 2 - Parma 0 - Serie A

Aug 11, 2012 - Juventus 4 - SSC Napoli 2 - Italian Supercup

Aug 4, 2012 - Juventus 2 - Malaga 0 - FR

Players to Watch

Fernando Torres

The now reinvigorated frontman is really starting to repay the millions Roman Abramovich paid for him. It was not long ago that Torres looked lethargic, unhappy and clueless, but now the Spaniard cannot seem to put a foot wrong. As he thrives on the service from Eden Hazard, Juan Mata and Ramires, he continues to look more and more unplayable.

Andrea Pirlo

As against England at Euro 2012, the Italian maestro will look to rule proceedings once more. Although diminutive in stature, Pirlo more than makes up for it in presence. He makes his team-mates play better and for that reason, Chelsea should watch out.

Prediction

Both sides have displayed plenty of defensive aptitude in recent months, with Chelsea the current Champions League holders and Juventus on an unbelievable undefeated run. With that in mind, goals may be hard to come by at Stamford Bridge, but that shouldn't detract from what will surely be an entertaining game.

Editor's Prediction

Chelsea 1 - 1 Juventus

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UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE (1st leg) - 19-9-2012 (8:45 p.m.)

................

CHELSEA - JUVENTUS

Stamford bridge stadium - London

Referee: Pedro Proenca (Portugal)

Juventus squad for Chelsea

Sep 18, 2012

Juventus boss Antonio Conte has named a 23-man squad for Wednesday’s Champions League game at Chelsea.

The only players missing for the trip are the injured duo of Simone Pepe and Simone Padoin. Vincenzo Iaquinta has also been omitted as he has been frozen out of things after failing to find a new club in the summer.

Squad: Buffon, Lucio, Chiellini, Caceres, Pogba, Marchisio, Vucinic, De Ceglie, Giovinco, Barzagli, Bendtner, Bonucci, Pirlo, Asamoah, Vidal, Giaccherini, Lichtsteiner, Quagliarella, Storari, Matri, Isla, Rubinho, Marrone.

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UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE (1st leg) - 19-9-2012 (8:45 p.m.)

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CHELSEA - JUVENTUS

Stamford bridge stadium - London

Referee: Pedro Proenca (Portugal)

Di Livio evokes Juve CL glory

Sep 18, 2012

Former Juventus winger Angelo Di Livio hopes the current side can 'retrace the footsteps of my Juve' in the Champions League.

The Bianconeri kick off their first tie in Europe's premier club competition for over three years at Stamford Bridge tomorrow night, where the holders Chelsea await.

Di Livio was - along with current La Vecchia Signora boss Antonio Conte - part of the last Juve team to win the tournament in 1996, defeating Ajax on penalties in Rome.

“I hope that Conte's team can retrace the footsteps of my Juve in Europe,” the man nicknamed the 'Little Solider' told Radio Mana Mana.

“I'm curious to see how they will behave tomorrow against such difficult opponents as Chelsea. I am sure that Juve will not err in their approach to the game. Hearing the Champions League theme will be a great incentive for the players.

“The Bianconeri have to play this tournament with the utmost humility and a spirit of sacrifice – values Conte's Juve have already proved they have.”

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UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE (1st leg) - 19-9-2012 (8:45 p.m.)

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CHELSEA - JUVENTUS

Stamford bridge stadium - London

Referee: Pedro Proenca (Portugal)

Buffon: 'Juve suited to Europe'

Sep 18, 2012

Gianluigi Buffon assured Juventus will give Champions League holders Chelsea a battle. “I think our philosophy of football is more suitable to European competition.”

The goalkeeper attended a Press conference ahead of tomorrow night’s return to the European main stage at Stamford Bridge.

“We have more awareness of our potential than we did in 2009,” he said of Juve’s last foray into the Champions League.

“Before we would rely on individual champions, but now we are more and more becoming an effective unit.

“Naturally, Chelsea’s players have a lot more combined Champions League experience than we do right now, so we are to be considered underdogs.

“However, there are three or four sides who are the favourites to win the trophy and I would put Juventus in the group just behind them.”

Juventus won the Scudetto unbeaten last season and dominated Italian football, but Buffon does not fear the change of competition.

“I think our philosophy of football is actually more suitable for European competition than Serie A. Last season’s Scudetto win was EPIC,” he grinned.

“Re-entering the Champions League as the champions of Italy gives us pride and confidence. We are fully aware that we must prove we are competitive.”

[Socrates 8056]

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE (1st leg) - 19-9-2012 (8:45 p.m.)

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CHELSEA - JUVENTUS

Stamford bridge stadium - London

Referee: Pedro Proenca (Portugal)

Di Matteo: 'Juve toughest test'

Sep 18, 2012

Roberto Di Matteo prepares to defend Chelsea’s Champions League title against Juventus, “one of the most difficult teams we could have been drawn against.”

The Italian tactician surprised many by winning the trophy when he stepped in for Andre Villas-Boas midway through last season and opens this campaign at Stamford Bridge on Wednesday evening.

“The objective is always to get past the group, that's our first target,” said Di Matteo in a Press conference.

“We have three champions in our group, from Italy, Ukraine and Denmark, so it will be difficult. It's not just them; other teams who have joined the Champions League this season are very strong. It's very competitive and probably even stronger than last year.

“When you are at a big club like Chelsea, there is always pressure to win trophies and bring more success.

“Juventus are a very strong team, everybody recognises that and they are on a long unbeaten run.

“They have a lot of quality, experienced and younger players and this is one of the most difficult teams we could have been drawn against.”

Di Matteo suggested the Bianconeri would be content with a draw, or at least take an old-fashioned approach.

“Their side will be similar to the one that came here a few years ago, determined to sit back, but they will try to impose their football, they like to get on the ball but we will try to limit their spaces on the pitch.”

Chelsea were surprise winners of the Champions League, especially after almost crashing out against Napoli, and their manager insists it was not a fluke.

“You need to deserve everything you get. We worked very hard and prepared well for the different opponents we faced. It can't just be luck, of course you need a portion, but that's a minor part of it.

“It's difficult because of the fierce competition. Every season there are new strong teams who qualify, such as Paris Saint-Germain and Juventus, which makes it difficult, but we will try because it's not impossible.”

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UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE (1st leg) - 19-9-2012 (8:45 p.m.)

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CHELSEA - JUVENTUS

Stamford bridge stadium - London

Referee: Pedro Proenca (Portugal)

Carrera: 'No Chelsea nerves'

Sep 18, 2012

Massimo Carrera makes his Champions League debut as stand-in Juventus Coach against Chelsea, but insists “it’ll be a normal game for me.”

The assistant is standing in for Antonio Conte during a 10-month touchline ban in the betting scandal, as the Coach fights the charges of failing to alert authorities over a potential fix.

“I’m not nervous. It’ll be a normal game for me,” assured Carrera ahead of tomorrow’s Euro opener at Stamford Bridge.

“We are back in Europe and are very proud to be facing the holders of the trophy. It represents an important test for us.”

The Bianconeri fought back from a goal down to win 3-1 at Genoa on Sunday, continuing their 42-match unbeaten Serie A run.

Carrera has replaced Conte in four official games this season, winning all of them between Serie A and the Italian Super Cup.

“We still have to work in order to improve. We watched back the recording of the Genoa game and studied the mistakes made so that we won’t repeat them again.

“We have even more reason to prepare and wipe out those errors considering we are facing a strong side like Chelsea tomorrow night.”

Although Conte is banned from the touchline and locker room on match days, he is still in charge of day-to-day training, as that is not included in the suspension.

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UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE (1st leg) - 19-9-2012 (8:45 p.m.)

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CHELSEA - JUVENTUS

Stamford bridge stadium - London

Referee: Pedro Proenca (Portugal)

Mikel hails 'legend' Pirlo

Sep 18, 2012

John Obi Mikel is looking forward to facing “a legend like Andrea Pirlo” in tomorrow’s Chelsea-Juventus clash.

“Pirlo is a great player and he has been in the game a long time,” said midfielder Mikel in a Press conference.

“Every day I come in to training and I like learning, even from the younger players, and I am always open to new things.

“Playing against a legend like Pirlo is going to be great but I also want to win so it is going to be a battle.

“He wants to win and I want to win but I respect him as a player and hopefully I can learn from him tomorrow.

“We have lots of good, senior players to deal with the pressure and we are all big players so we live with pressure every game.

“It isn't going be easy because Juventus haven't lost for a long time but if we go out there and we are tactically sound then we have a very good chance of winning the game.

“Everyone knew how important it was for us to win the Champions League, but we don't want to stop and hopefully tomorrow is going to be the start of us retaining the title.

“We worked very hard for what we achieved last season and we have brought in new players that are going to help us in the game. Hopefully this season we can play good football and get to the final again. We are still hungry.”

[Socrates 8056]

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE (1st leg) - 19-9-2012 (8:45 p.m.)

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CHELSEA - JUVENTUS

Stamford bridge stadium - London

Referee: Pedro Proenca (Portugal)

Ranieri neutral ahead of Chelsea-Juve

Sep 19, 2012

Claudio Ranieri says he won’t be supporting Chelsea or Juventus when his two former clubs clash in the Champions League tonight.

The tactician spent four years with the London side before his dismissal in 2004, while he was netted by the Old Lady in 2007.

“I just hope that I see some good football,” Ranieri told RAI. “I’m looking forward to watching those two clubs on the international stage.

“Chelsea have changed a lot and will need to find the right balance, but I think Roberto Di Matteo will be able to do that.”

Ranieri spent two campaigns in Turin before he was sensationally sacked with just two games of the 2008-09 season remaining.

“There was a misunderstanding and something didn’t fit,” he continued. “A Coach is very much like a lawyer.

“You are given a case to fight and you aim to do your best, but if it doesn’t work out then you change your lawyer. That’s what happened.”

Juventus will kick off in London without the legendary Alessandro Del Piero after he left for Sydney FC, but Ranieri believes that Sebastian Giovinco can shine.

“He’s an excellent player and he could become a champion,” the current Monaco tactician insisted.

“He has all of the qualities needed to blossom, even if you need time when at a great club. It’ll depend on him and his teammates.”

[Socrates 8056]

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE (1st leg) - 19-9-2012 (8:45 p.m.)

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CHELSEA - JUVENTUS

Stamford bridge stadium - London

Referee: Pedro Proenca (Portugal)

Di Matteo urges Chelsea not to dwell on Champions League success

The Italian claims last season's victory will live long in the memory but wants

his players to focus solely on the task in hand against Juventus on Wednesday night.

Sep 19, 2012

Chelsea manager Roberto Di Matteo believes his side must focus on their current campaign rather than dwelling on last season's astonishing Champions League win.

The Italian is determined to repeat the feat this term but, when quizzed on what the European win meant to him, insisted it was not on his mind.

He told reporters: "When you are at a big club like Chelsea, there is always pressure to win trophies and bring more success.

"Everybody was pleased we finally brought the Champions League trophy to Stamford Bridge but now we have to look forward now, that's in the past."

Wednesday night's opposition, Juventus, represent a tough opening task for Di Matteo's side, the Serie A champions are currently on a unbeaten domestic run of 42 games.

The 42-year-old admits the match will prove a stern test of his side's credentials, adding: "Playing Juventus is one of the most difficult fixtures we could have drawn in the Champions League.

"They are a very strong team, everybody recognises that and they are on a long unbeaten run. They have a lot of quality, experienced and younger players."

Di Matteo is determined to become the first manager to retain the Champions League title and dismissed claims that the Blues were lucky on their way to the European crown last season.

He added: "You need to deserve everything you get. We worked very hard and prepared well for the different opponents we faced. It can't just be luck, of course you need a portion, but that's a minor part of it.

"It's difficult because of the fierce competition. Every season there are new strong teams who qualify, such as Paris Saint-Germain and Juventus, which makes it difficult, but we will try because it's not impossible."

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UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE (1st leg) - 19-9-2012 (8:45 p.m.)

................

CHELSEA - JUVENTUS

Stamford bridge stadium - London

Referee: Pedro Proenca (Portugal)

Chelsea's European honeymoon is over

four months on from Munich

The Champions League holders begin the defence of their trophy at home to Juventus

but much has changed at Stamford Bridge since their triumph over Bayern Munich in May.

Sep 19, 2012

COMMENT

By Dan Levene

Four months to the day since the magical and miraculous in Munich, Chelsea return to Champions League action against Juventus on Wednesday night.

It is difficult to grasp the magnitude of relief and elation experienced by Chelsea fans at winning last year's Champions League, unless you were actually there. And by that I mean there for at least some of the nine campaigns in which it did not end in glory.

This was not a victory over 120 minutes plus penalties, but a victory over 13 years and countless near misses (some nearer than others).

Four defeats at the semi-final stage and one in the final had led some to suggest that it might never happen for Chelsea.

And when it did happen, in the unlikeliest of all circumstances, it had a strange effect on Chelsea supporters. In fact only now is that elation starting to die-down.

As with the team itself, there was an older generation of supporter who kept on coming just on the basis of 'maybe one day'.

Now that day has come, some have decided it cannot be topped.

It is by no means an exodus, but I have spoken to those who have decided to put their passport back in the draw: seasoned European travellers who have, as modern playing parlance puts it, 'retired from international football'.

The draw handed to Chelsea this season has added to that: Turin and Copenhagen (where Nordsjaelland will play their games) are places the Blues have been in recent years. And Shakhtar Donetsk is too far, too much bother, or too expensive a trip for a lot of people.

When it comes to matters on the pitch, there is not massive optimism for Chelsea in Europe this season.

One of the phrases I heard most often in Munich the day after that final was: “Well we've done it now – that's never going to happen again, is it?”

The truly unbelievable nature of the victory itself (a caretaker manager, a terrible domestic season, and 'Unsere Stadt, Unser Stadion, Unser Pokal') contributed to that.

Most people understand that, but for that utterly incredible night, things might have been very different: without the cash from this season's Champions League qualification, and new FFP hurdles being erected. So now there is a touch of black humour when it comes to this season's chances.

Roberto Di Matteo is starting to find that the honeymoon is over when it comes to both results, and fan reaction to them.

A sizeable minority of people are questioning his abilities. That has not yet led to any sort of revolt: all want him to succeed. But the crushing nature of the Super Cup defeat to Atletico Madrid will have caused more than a flesh wound to one or two of his nine lives.

And then there is the oft-repeated stat known to every schoolboy: no team has ever retained the Champions League. Not many Chelsea fans are booking their taxi to Wembley for next May's final just yet.

It is not all doom and gloom of course: it would be ridiculous to say that about a club which reached the highest point in its 107-year history just seven competitive matches back.

The signings of Eden Hazard, Oscar and Victor Moses have got people quite excited - notably Hazard, who looks like a fantastic buy.

But there are definite concerns about how successful a strategy it is to buy three attacking midfielders, when the squad does not seem to possess a dedicated holding midfielder, or a back-up striker or understudy goalkeeper.

As with the acquisition of Fernando Torres and David Luiz on the final day of the January 2011 transfer window, there is a belief that Roman Abramovich is committed to buying the best for the future.

However, as also shown by that cash splurge of 20 months back, there is a concern that those underneath Abramovich are not showing the world that they know what they are doing.

Four months on from Munich, Chelsea are a very different club with different players, different aspirations, and different concerns.

It would take a punter with very strong will to bet that he knows how Chelsea's involvement in the 2012-13 Champions League will play out.

[Socrates 8056]

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE (1st leg) - 19-9-2012 (8:45 p.m.)

................

CHELSEA - JUVENTUS

Stamford bridge stadium - London

Referee: Pedro Proenca (Portugal)

Buffon wants 'competitive' Juventus to prove

their worth in Champions League

The veteran glovesman feels the Old Lady must now step up to the plate on the continental

stage, as he looks forward to Wednesday's clash with reigning champions Chelsea.

Sep 19, 2012

Gianluigi Buffon has stressed that the time has come for Juventus to prove they have what it takes to shine in the Champions League.

The Serie A champions are by many seen as one of the dark horses to win the competition, and the goalkeeper wants his team to step up to the plate in their Group E curtain raiser against Chelsea.

"Last season’s Scudetto win was epic and qualifying for Europe as Italian champions gives us both pride and belief in our ability," Buffon told reporters at a press conference.

"I believe there are three or four teams that are above us, then there’s a group in which I’d include ourselves. It’s now down to us to show we’re competitive at Champions League level.

"Our style of play is suited to European football. Chelsea’s players may have more appearances in the Champions League than ours, but we’re an emerging side."

Wednesday's encounter at Stamford Bridge kicks off at 20:45CET.