Juventus Season 2012-2013

[Socrates 7971]

Signings, departures & possible starting XIs

for the 2012-13 Serie A season

Goal.com takes a look at the ins and outs at every Italian top-flight club so far this summer.

Aug 1, 2012

N.B - Only official transfers have been included

P: Permanent transfer - C: Co-ownership - L: Loan - EL: End of Loan - R: Released *Completed in 11/12

Atalanta

Signings

Denis (Att, Udinese, P)*

Masiello (Def, Bari, P)*

Cazzola (Mid, Juve Stabia, P)*

Cigarini (Mid, Napoli, L)*

Radovanovic (Mid, Novara, EL)

Kone (Mid, Pescara, EL)

Ardemagni (Att, Modena, EL)

Pettinari (Mid, Varese, EL)

Brivio (Def, Lecce, P)

Tonon (Mid, Pavia, P)

Parra (Att, San Felipe, L)

Matheu (Def, San Felipe, P)

Departures

Doni (Mid, R)

Mutarelli (Mid, R)

Tiribocchi (Att, R)

Basha (Mid, Torino, C)

Possible starting Xl

Consigli

Bellini - Lucchini - Manfredini - Peluso

Schelotto - Cigarini - Carmona - Bonaventura

Moralez

Denis

__________________________________________________________________________

Bologna

Signings

Rickler (Def, Chievo, P)*

Acquafresca (Att, Genoa, P)*

Taider (Mid, Juventus, P)*

Diamanti (Mid, Brescia, P)*

Paponi (Att, Parma, P)*

Marchi (Def, Piacenza, P)*

Rodriguez (Att, Piacenza, EL)

Gavilan (Att, Piacenza, EL)

Riverola (Mid, Barcelona, P)

Pasquato (Att, Udinese, L)

Curci (GK, Roma, L)

De Carvalho (Def, Tombense, P)

Motta (Def, Juventus, L)

Abero (Def, Nacional, P)

Guarente (Mid, Sevilla, L)

Natali (Def, Fiorentina, R)

Umunegbu (Att, AC Milan, R)

Departures

Di Vaio (Att, Montreal, R)

Raggi (Def, Monaco, R)

Loria (Def, R)

Bernacci (Att, R)

Gillet (GK, Torino, P)

Mudingayi (Mid, Inter, L)

Possible starting Xl

Agliardi

Antonsson - Portanova - Cherubin

Motta - Guarente - Perez - Morleo

Ramirez - Diamanti

Acquafresca

__________________________________________________________________________

Cagliari

Signings

Perico (Def, Albinoleffe, P)*

Dessena (Mid, Sampdoria, P)*

Ekdal (Mid, Juventus, P)*

Pinilla (Att, Palermo, P)*

Thiago Ribeiro (Att, Cruzeiro, P)*

Cocco (Att, Albinoleffe, EL)

Ragatzu (Att, Gubbio, EL)

Sau (Att, Juve Stabia, EL)

Vigorito (GK, Triestina, EL)

Rossettini (Def, Siena, P)

Avelar (Mif, Karpaty Lviv, L)

Camilleri (Def, Reggina, L)

Departures

Agostini (Def, R)

Lazzari (Cen, Fiorentina, P)

Canini (Def, Genoa, P)

Possible starting Xl

Agazzi

Pisano - Rossettini - Astori - Perico

Ekdal - Conti - Nainggolan

Cossu

Pinilla - Sau

__________________________________________________________________________

Catania

Signings

Lanzafame (Att, Palermo, P)*

Andujar (GK, Estudiantes, EL)

Alvarez (Def, Saragozza, EL)

Augustyn (Def, Vicenza, EL)

Martinho (Mid, Cesena, EL)

Moretti (Mid, Grosseto, EL)

Sciacca (Mid, Grosseto, EL)

Keko (Att, Grosseto, EL)

Maxi Lopez (Att, Milan, EL)

Morimoto (Att, Novara, P)

Antenucci (Att, Torino, P)

Salifu (Mid, Fiorentina, L)

Frison (GK, Vicenza, C)

Barisic (Att, Koper, L)

Castro (Mid, Racing Club, P)

Provenzano (Att, Cosenza, Undisclosed)

Departures

Suazo (Att, R)

Campagnolo (GK, R)

Kosicky (GK, Novara, P)

Lopez (Att, Sampdoria, L)

Possible starting Xl

Frison

Bellusci - Legrottaglie - Spolli - Marchese

Izco - Lodi - Almiron - Gomez

Barrientos - Bergessio

__________________________________________________________________________

Chievo

Signings

Hetemaj (Mid, Brescia, P)*

Fatic (Mid, Empoli, EL)

Bentivoglio (Mid, Sampdoria, EL)

De Paula (Att, Bari, EL)

Granoche (Att, Varese, EL)

Iunco (Att, Spezia, P)

Farias (Att, Nocerina, P)

Papp (Def, Vaslui, P)

Farkas (Def, Vaslui, P)

Guana (Mid, Cesena, P)

Cofie (Mid, Genoa, C)

Paloschi (Att, AC Milan, L)

Bonato (GK, Sambonifacese, R)

Santini (Def, Carpi, P)

Stoian (Def, Roma, C)

Di Michele (Att, Lecce, P)

Pavanello (GK, Giacomense, P)

Scolaro (GK, Sambonifacese, P)

Virdis (Att, Progetto Calcio, R)

Memushaj (Att, Carpi, P)

Confente (GK, Sambonifacese, L)

Departures

Acerbi (Def, Genoa, P)

Rickler (Def, Bologna, P)

Hanine (Mid, Ascoli, C)

Mandelli (Def, R)

Squizzi (Def, R)

Iori (Mid, Cesena, L)

Bradley (Mid, Roma, P)

Possible starting Xl

Sorrentino

Frey - Andreolli- Cesar - Drame

Guana - Rigoni - Hetemaj

Cruzado

Pellissier - Thereau

__________________________________________________________________________

Fiorentina

Signings

Lazzari (Mid, Cagliari, P)*

Cassani (Def, Palermo, P)*

Seferovic (Att, Neuchatel, EL)

Babacar (Att, Santander, EL)

Hegazy (Def, Ismaily, P)

Roncaglia (Def, Fenix, P)

El Hamdaoui (Att, Ajax, P)

Lupatelli (GK, Genoa, R)

Departures

Boruc (GK, R)

Montolivo (Mid, Milan, R)

Amauri (Att, Parma, R)

Marchionni (Mid, R)

Natali (Def, R)

Kroldrup (Def, R)

Salifu (Mid, Catania, L)

Kharja (Mid, Al Arabi, P)

Gamberini (Def, Napoli, P)

Behrami (Mid, Napoli, P)

De Silvestri (Def, Sampdoria, L)

Possible starting Xl

Neto

Cassani - Roncaglia - Nastasic - Pasqual

Cerci - Lazzari- Olivera - Vargas

Jovetic - El Hamdaoui

__________________________________________________________________________

Genoa

Signings

Kucka (Mid, Inter, P)*

Perin (GK Padova, EL)

Dainelli (Def, Chievo, EL)

Polenta (Def, Bari, EL)

Tomovic (Def, Lecce, EL)

Seymour (Mid, Catania, EL)

Tachtsidis (Mid, Verona, EL)

Boakye (Att, Sassuolo, EL)

Ribas (Att, Sporting, EL)

Rudolf (Att, Panathinaikos, EL)

Hallenius (Att, Padova, EL)

Rennella (Att, Cesena, EL)

Von Bergen (Def, Cesena, R)

Tozser (Mid, Genk, R)

Immobile (Att, Juventus, C)

Merkel (Mid, Milan, P)

Lazarevic (Mid, Padova, P)

Donaggio (Mid, Savona, P)

Fenoglio (Def, Savona, P)

Figone (Mid, Savona, P)

Canini (Def, Cagliari, P)

Bertolacci (Mid, Roma, C)

Piscitella (Mid, Roma, C)

Verre (Mid, Roma, C)

Departures

Kaladze (Def, R)

Palacio (Att, Inter, P)

Acerbi (Def, Milan, C)

El Shaarawy (Att, Milan, P)

Constant (Mid, Milan, L)

Caracciolo (Att, Brescia, P)

Bolzoni (Mid, Siena, P)

Destro (Att, Siena, C; Roma, L)

Acquafresca (Att, Bologna, P)

Troest (Def, Varese, P)

Eduardo (GK, Istanbul BB, P)

Meggiorini (Att, Torino, P)

Esposito (Def, Lecce, P)

Veloso (Mid, Dinamo Kiev, P)

Lupatelli (GK, Fiorentina, R)

Tachtsidis (MF, Roma, C)

Destro (Att, Roma, L)

Lamanna (GK, Siena, C)

Verre (Mid, Siena, L)

Possible starting Xl

Frey

Mesto - Granqvist - Von Bergen - Moretti

Rossi - Biondini - Kucka - Jankovic

Immobile - Gilardino

__________________________________________________________________________

Inter

Signings

Guarin (Mid, Porto, P)*

Jonathan (Def, Parma, EL)

Mariga (Mid, Parma, EL)

Coutinho (Att, Espanyol, EL)

Palacio (Att, Genoa, P)

Bardi (GK, Livorno, P)

Handanovic (GK, Udinese, P)

Silvestre (Def, Palermo, L)

Cossa (Mid, Novara, P)

Mudingayi (Mid, Bologna, L)

Zaro (Def, Aurora Pro Patria, P)

Granziera (Def, Liventinagoghense, P)

Departures

Cordoba (Def, R)

Orlandoni (GK, R)

Lucio (Def, Juventus, R)

Muntari (Mid, Milan, R)

Forlan (Att, Internacional, R)

Pandev (Att, Napoli, P)

Kucka (Mid, Genoa, P)

Lucio (Def, Juventus, P)

Possible starting Xl

Handanovic

Maicon - Silvestre - Samuel - Nagatomo

Zanetti - Mudingayi - Guarin

Sneijder

Palacio - Milito

__________________________________________________________________________

Juventus

Signings

Caceres (Def, Siviglia, P)*

Giaccherini (Mid, Cesena, P)*

Motta (Def, Catania, EL)

Pazienza (Mid, Udinese, EL)

Felipe Melo (Mid, Galatasaray, EL)

Giandonato (Mid, Lecce, EL)

Martinez (Att, Cesena, EL)

Iaquinta (Att, Cesena, EL)

Giovinco (Att, Parma, P)

Asamoah (Mid, Udinese, C)

Isla (Mid, Udinese, C)

Leali (GK, Brescia, P)

Lucio (Def, Inter, P)

Boakye (Att, Genoa, C)

Laursen (Mid, Aalborg, P)

Slivka (Mid, Futbolo Klubas Ekranas, L)

Mattelli (Def, Foligno Calcio, L)

Departures

Del Piero (Att, R)

Grosso (Def, R)

Manninger (GK, R)

Immobile (Att, Genoa, C)

Taider (Mid, Bologna, P)

Ekdal (Mid, Cagliari, P)

Pasquato (Att, Udinese, C)

Motta (Def, Bologna, L)

Boakye (Att, Genoa, C)

Possible starting Xl

Buffon

Lichtsteiner - Barzagli - Chiellini - De Ceglie

Vidal - Pirlo - Asamoah

Isla - Matri - Giovinco

__________________________________________________________________________

Lazio

Signings

Candreva (Mid, Udinese, C)*

Carrizo (GK, Catania, EL)

Stendardo (Def, Atalanta, EL)

Cavanda (Def, Bari, EL)

Foggia (Mid, Sampdoria, EL)

Sculli (Att, Genoa, EL)

Zarate (Att, Inter, EL)

Floccari (Att, Parma, EL)

Ederson (Mid, Lione, P)

Falasca (Mid, Inter, R)

Departures

Del Nero (Mid, R)

Makinwa (Att, R)

Possible starting Xl

Marchetti

Konko - Biava - Dias - Radu

Candreva - Ledesma - Lulic

Ederson - Hernanes

Klose

__________________________________________________________________________

Milan

Signings

El Shaarawy (Att, Genoa, P)*

Muntari (Mid, Inter, R)*

Albertazzi (Def, Varese, EL)

Taiwo (Def, QPR, EL)

Didac (Def, Espanyol, EL)

Paloschi (Att, Chievo, EL)

Traore (Mid, Nancy, R)

Montolivo (Mid, Fiorentina, R)

Gabriel (GK, Cruzeiro, P)

Acerbi (Def, Genoa, C)

Constant (Mid, Genoa, L)

Maresi (Att, Olginatese, P)

Melello (Att, Novara, P)

Pacifico (Def, Novara, C)

Bortoli (Mid, Novara, L)

Raviotta (Mid, Monza Brianza, L)

Departures

Roma (GK, R)

Nesta (Def, Montreal Impact, R)

Zambrotta (Def, R)

Oddo (Def, R)

Van Bommel (Mid, PSV, R)

Gattuso (Mid, Sion, R)

Seedorf (Mid, Botafogo, R)

Inzaghi (Att, R)

Merkel (Mid, Genoa, P)

Umunegbu (Att, Bologna, R)

Paloschi (Att, Chievo, L)

Thiago Silva (Def, Paris Saint-Germain, P)

Ibrahimovic (Att, Paris Saint-Germain, P)

Taiwo (Def, Dynamo Kiev, L)

Possible starting Xl

Abbiati

Abate - Mexes - Acerbi - Antonini

Montolivo - Ambrosini - Nocerino

Boateng

Cassano - Pato

__________________________________________________________________________

Napoli

Signings

Dezi (Mid, Giulianova, P)*

Pandev (Att, Inter, P)*

Vitale (Def, Bologna, EL)

Rinaudo (Def, Novara, EL)

Maiello (Mid, Crotone, EL)

Santana (Mid, Cesena, EL)

Insigne (Att, Pescara, EL)

Gamberini (Def, Fiorentina, P)

Behrami (Mid, Fiorentina, P)

Departures

Santacroce (Def, Parma, C)

Lavezzi (Att, Paris Saint-Germain, P)

Cigarini (Mid, Atalanta, L)

Fideleff (Def, Parma, L)

Santana (Att, Torino, L)

Possible starting Xl

De Sanctis

Campagnaro - Cannavaro - Britos

Maggio - Inler - Behrami - Zuniga

Hamsik - Pandev

Cavani

__________________________________________________________________________

Palermo

Signings

Benussi (GK, Torino, EL)

Garcia (Def, Novara, EL)

Di Matteo (Def, Lecce, EL)

Cetto (Def, Palermo, EL)

Andjelkovic (Def, Ascoli, EL)

Simon (Mid, Bari, EL)

Viola (Mid, Reggina, C)

Kurtic (Mid, Varese, P)

Morganella (Def, Novara, P)

Ujkani (GK, Novara, P)

Brienza (Att, Siena, P)

Goldaniga (Def, Pergolettese, P)

Dybala (Att, Atletico Central de Cordoba, P)

Arevalo (Mid, Tijuana, P)

Departures

Gonzalez (Att, Novara, P)

Cassani (Def, Fiorentina, P)

Lanzafame (Att, Catania, P)

Pinilla (Att, Cagliari, P)

Misuraca (Att, Vicenza, P)

Darmian (Def, Torino, C)

Struna (Def, Varese, L)

Silvestre (Def, Inter, L)

Joao Pedro (Mid, Santos, P)

Succi (Att, Cesena, P)

Acquah (Mid, Parma, L)

Possible starting Xl

Viviano

Pisano - Migliaccio - Mantovani - Balzaretti

Brienza - Barreto - Donati - Ilicic

Miccoli- Hernandez

__________________________________________________________________________

Parma

Signings

Santacroce (Def, Napoli, C)*

Castellini (Def, Sampdoria, EL)

Lofqvist (Mid, Gubbio, EL)

Jadid (Mid, Grosseto, EL)

Pelle (Att, Sampdoria, EL)

Paonessa (Mid, Bologna, P)

Ninis (Att, Panathinaikos, R)

Rossi (Def, Siena, C)

Belfodil (Att, Lyon, P)

Pabon (Att, Nac. Medellin, P)

Amauri (Att, Fiorentina, R)

Parolo (Mid, Cesena, L)

Biabiany (Mid, Sampdoria, C)

Mario Rui (Def, Gubbio, P)

Guadiano (Def, Fondi, P)

Brandao (Def, Siena, C)

Pigliacelli (GK, Roma, P)

Dallaglio (Att, Fidenza, P)

Acquah (Mid, Palermo, L)

Musacci (Mid, Empoli, C)

Fideleff (Def, Napoli, L)

Mungo (Mid, Piacenza, P)

Musi (Mid, Piacanza, P)

Parolo (Mid, Cesena, L)

Rossetto (GK, Montebelluna, P)

Mazzocco (Mid, Montebelluna, P)

Traore (Def, Foggia, P)

Margaglio (Mid, Valenza, P)

Tozzi (Att, Monterotondo,P)

Departures

Giovinco (Att, Juventus, P)

Borini (Att, Roma, P)

Coppola (Mid, Siena, C)

Schiavi (Def, Spezia, L)

Paponi (Att, Bologna, P)

Feltscher (Def, Padova, L)

Rispoli (Def, Padova, L)

Ze Eduardo (Mid, Padova, L)

Nwankwo (Mid, Padova, L)

Danilo Pereira (Mid, Roda, L)

Brandao (Def, Cesena, L)

Dellafiore (Def, Siena, C)

Possible starting Xl

Mirante

Zaccardo - Paletta - Lucarelli

Biabiany - Parolo - Valdes - Galloppa - Gobbi

Ninis - Amauri

__________________________________________________________________________

Pescara

Signings

Caprari (Mid, Roma, C)*

Abbruscato (Att, Vicenza, P)

Colucci (Mid, Cesena, P)

Di Pentima (Def, Vicenza, L)

Cosic (Def, CSKA Moscow, L)

Quintero (Mid, Atletico Nacional, L)

Chiaretti (Att, Taranto, R)

Celik (Mid, Gais, P)

Departures

Ariatti (Mid, R)

Sansovini (Att, Spezia, P)

Verratti (Mid, Paris Saint-Germain, P)

Possible starting Xl

Anania

Zanon - Romagnoli - Capuano - Bocchetti

Nielsen - Quintero - Cascione

Caprari - Abbruscato - Soddimo

__________________________________________________________________________

Roma

Signings

Borini (Att, Parma, P)*

Marquinho (Mid, Fluminense, P)*

Julio Sergio (GK, Lecce, EL)

Crescenzi (Def, Bari, EL)

Bertolacci (Mid, Lecce, EL)

Guberti (Mid, Torino, EL)

Brighi (Mid, Atalanta, EL)

Pizarro (Mid, Manchester City, EL)

Borriello (Att, Juventus, EL)

Okaka (Att, Parma, EL)

Stoian (Att, Bari, P)

Florenzi (Def, Crotone, P)

Dodo (Mid, Corinthians, R)

Lucca (Mid, Internacional, P)

Bradley (Mid, Chievo, P)

Castan (Def, Corinthians, P)

Tachtsidis (Mid, Genoa, C)

Destro (Att, Genoa, L)

Departures

Cassetti (Def, R)

Cicinho (Def, Recife, R)

Barusso (Mid, R)

Antunes (Def, R)

Caprari (Mid, Pescara, C)

Viviani (Mid, Padova, L)

Curci (GK, Bologna, L)

Stoian (Def, Chievo, C)

Bertolacci (MId, Genoa, C)

Piscitella (Mid, Genoa, C)

Verre (Mid, Genoa, C)

Pigliacelli (GK, Parma, P)

Borini (Att, Liverpool, P)

Juan (Def, Internacional, R)

Possible starting Xl

Stekelenburg

Rosi - Castan - Burdisso - Jose Angel

Bradley - De Rossi - Pjanic

Lamela - Destro - Totti

__________________________________________________________________________

Sampdoria

Signings

Costa (Def, Reggina, P)*

Renan (Mid, Cluj, P)*

Eder (Att, Empoli, P)*

Cacciatore (Def, Varese, EL)

Palombo (Mid, Inter, EL)

Poli (Mid, Inter, EL)

Sammarco (Mid, Chievo, EL)

Maccarone (Att, Empoli, EL)

Piovaccari (Att, Brescia, EL)

Tissone (Mid, Udinese, P)

Lopez (Att, Catania, L)

De Silvestri (Def, Fiorentina, L)

Departures

Dessena (Mid, Cagliari, P)

Regini (Def, Empoli, L)

Biabiany (Mid, Parma, C)

Possible starting Xl

Romero

Cacciatore - Gastaldello - Rossini - Costa

Munari - Obiang - Poli

Eder - Pozzi - Juan Antonio

__________________________________________________________________________

Siena

Signings

Destro (Att, Genoa, J)*

Bolzoni (Mid, Genoa, P)*

Contini (Def, Saragozza, P)*

D'Agostino (Mid, Udinese, P)

Paolucci (Att, Vicenza, EL)

Dellafiore (Def, Parma, C)

Rubin (Def, Torino, C)

Paci (Def, Novara, P)

Farelli (GK, Siena, R)

Lamanna (GK, Genoa, C)

Verre (Mid, Genoa, L)

Departures

Codrea (Def, R)

Carobbio (Mid, R)

Brienza (Att, Palermo, P)

Troianiello (Mid, Sassuolo, P)

Sansone (Att, Sassuolo, P)

Rossettini (Def, Cagliari, P)

Garofalo (Mid, Spezia, L)

Grossi (Mid, Verona, L)

Brandao (Def, Parma, C)

Gazzi (Mid, Torino, P)

Possible starting Xl

Pegolo

Terzi - Dellafiore - Contini

Mannini - Vergassola - Bolzoni - D'Agostino - Del Grosso

Calaio - Bogdani

__________________________________________________________________________

Torino

Signings

Darmian (Def, Palermo, C)*

Basha (Mid, Atalanta, C)*

Meggiorini (Att, Genoa, P)*

Gorobsov (Mid, Timisoara, EL)

Rubin (Def, Bologna, EL)

Gillet (GK, Bologna, P)

Migliorini (Def, Chieti, P)

Sansone (Att, Sassuolo, C)

Gazzi (Mid, Siena, P)

Santana (Att, Napoli, L)

Ferronetti (Def, Udinese, R)

Departures

Morello (GK, R)

Pratali (Def, R)

Zavagno (Def, R)

Gasbarroni (Att, R)

Antenucci (Att, Catania, P)

Ebagua (Att, Varese, P)

Rubin (Def, Siena, C)

Possible starting Xl

Gillet

Darmian - Glik - Ogbonna - Parisi

Sgrigna - Basha - Vives - Stefanovic

Bianchi - Meggiorini

__________________________________________________________________________

Udinese

Signings

Brkic (GK, Siena, EL)

Angella (Def, Reggina, EL)

Gabriel Silva (Def, Novara, P)

Mazzarani (Mid, Novara, EL)

Obodo (Mid, Lecce, EL)

Cuadrado (Mid, Lecce, EL)

Muriel (Att, Lecce, EL)

Beleck (Att, AEK, EL)

Forestieri (Att, Bari, EL)

Chara (Def, Empoli, P)

Heurtaux (Def, Caen, P)

Willians (Mid, Flamengo, P)

Allan (Mid, Vasco, P)

Pawlowski (GK, Lechia, P)

Faraoni (Def, Inter, C)

Villalba (Att, Huesca, P)

Departures

Ferronetti (Def, R)

Denis (Att, Atalanta, P)

D'Agostino (Mid, Siena, P)

Tissone (Mid, Sampdoria, P)

Asamoah (Mid, Juventus, C)

Isla (Mid, Juventus, C)

Doubai (Mid, Sochaux, P)

Sissoko (Mid, Brest, L)

Koprivec (GK, Perugia, C)

Torje (Att, Granada, L)

Floro Flores (Att, Granada, L)

Pasquato (Att, Bologna, L)

Candreva (Mid, Lazio, C)

Handanovic (GK, Inter, P)

Ferronetti (Def, Torino, R)

Possible starting Xl

Brkic

Benatia - Danilo - Domizzi

Basta- Pereyra - Pinzi - Willians - Armero

Di Natale - Muriel

[Socrates 7971]

Goalline officials for Super Cup

Aug 1, 2012

The Italian Super Cup match between Juventus and Napoli will have goalline officials and they could be extended to Serie A this season.

The Scudetto winners and Coppa Italia holders face off in Beijing on August 11.

“That match will have the use of six officials, including two goalline officials,” confirmed AIA (Referees’ Association) President Marcello Nicchi.

“We cannot yet say at which point we will begin that system in Serie A. We don’t want to run into surprises or find ourselves out of sync with the European guidelines.”

The use of goalline officials has been criticised after errors still occurred during Euro 2012.

[Socrates 7971]

Cavani for Italian Super Cup

Aug 2, 2012

Edinson Cavani’s Olympic adventure is already over, so Napoli will take him to Beijing for the Italian Super Cup against Juventus.

The striker was expected to miss out on the August 11 clash in China because he was in London with Uruguay.

However, the South Americans were surprisingly knocked out in the first round and so his time at London 2012 is already concluded.

It’s widely reported Cavani will fly back to Naples this evening so that he can begin training tomorrow morning.

Napoli confirm El Matador will be going with the squad to Beijing for the Italian Super Cup on August 11.

[Socrates 7971]

Juve name Super Cup squad

Aug 5, 2012

Juventus have named their 27-man squad for the Italian Super Cup against Napoli in Beijing, including Leonardo Bonucci.

The Bianconeri beat Malaga 2-0 last night in a Salerno friendly and will fly directly to China for the encounter on August 11.

Only Michele Pazienza was left behind of the 26 players in Salerno, but they have been joined by Andrea Barzagli and Mirko Vucinic.

Tellingly, Bonucci is included in the squad despite the fact he could well be suspended by the time the Super Cup clash comes around.

Bonucci was in front of the Disciplinary Commission yesterday afternoon and is fighting the betting trial charges that could see him banned for three years and six months.

Antonio Conte is also fighting a potential 15-month ban, so the Coach sat in the stands for last night’s friendly against Malaga, handing the reins to assistant Massimo Carrera.

The betting trial is expected to make a ruling on August 8-10.

Juventus squad for Italian Super Cup: Buffon, Storari, Leali, Branescu, Barzagli, Bonucci, De Ceglie, Lucio, Masi, Rugani, Lichtsteiner, Untersee, Ziegler, Asamoah, Giaccherini, Marchisio, Marrone, Padoin, Pepe, Pirlo, Pogba, Vidal, Boakye, Giovinco, Matri, Quagliarella, Vucinic.

[Socrates 7971]

Bonucci & Pepe included in Juventus squad for Supercoppa Italiana

Both players will travel with the squad to Beijing to face Napoli despite the prosecutor

in the ongoing Scommessopoli case calling for them to receive lengthy bans.

Aug 5, 2012

Juventus have announced their 27-man squad for their Supercoppa Italiana clash with Napoli in Beijing on Saturday, with both Leonardo Bonnuci and Simone Pepe both included.

Despite the prosecutor in the ongoing Scommessopoli case calling for the duo to receive lengthy bans, the Italian champions are hoping to field them against the Partenopei.

Bianconeri coach Antonio Conte has also been implicated in the match-fixing scandal, and could be barred from appearing on the touchline for 15 months for failing to report match-fixing acitvities.

The Serie A champions completed their preparations for the event with a 2-0 victory over Malaga on August 5, and will travel to China on Sunday.

Paul Pogba, who completed his long-awaited switch from Manchester United on Friday, will also travel with the squad while Michele Pazienza, who featured as a substitute against Malaga, has not been included.

Kick off on Saturday is scheduled for 14:00.

[Socrates 7971]

Napoli squad for Super Cup

Aug 5, 2012

Napoli have named their squad for the Italian Super Cup encounter with Juventus in Beijing, including Edinson Cavani.

The Coppa Italia holders take on the Scudetto winners at the Bird’s Nest stadium in Beijing on Saturday August 11, kick-off 13.00 in the UK.

The Partenopei squad will fly out tomorrow morning and hold their first training session on Tuesday afternoon.

Cavani was expected to miss out on the clash, but Uruguay were eliminated from the 2012 Olympics in the first round, so he is free to play next weekend.

Napoli squad for Italian Super Cup: De Sanctis, Rosati, Colombo, Aronica, Britos, Campagnaro, Cannavaro, Fernandez, Gamberini, Grava, Bariti, Behrami, Donadel, Dossena, Gargano, Hamsik, Inler, Maggio, Zuniga, Cavani, Insigne, Pandev, Vargas

[Socrates 7971]

Allegri concedes Juventus are favourites for Serie A title

The Rossoneri coach admits the reigning champions are the team to beat in the new season,

but is hopeful his men can spring a surprise, despite numerous high-profile departures.

Aug 6, 2012

AC Milan boss Massimiliano Allegri has conceded that Juventus are the favourites to win the Scudetto in 2012-13, but stressed anything can happen in football.

The Turin giants started last year as one of the outsiders for the Serie A title, but finished the season as the unbeaten champions, and Allegri hopes the Rossoneri can pull off a similar surprise this time around.

"Juventus have made some good signings and they are the favourites to win the title. However, you never know how things will pan out out in football," Allegri told giornalaccio rosa dello Sport.

"Last year, everybody thought that we would dominate the league and that it would be a duel with Inter. But in the end Juventus went on to win the title without losing, so who knows..."

[Socrates 7971]

Lippi: Juve strong without Conte

Aug 7, 2012

Marcello Lippi sees Juventus as in a strong position next season both in Serie A and Europe and even if Antonio Conte is suspended.

Conte faces a potential lengthy touchline ban both domestically and in Europe should he fail to prove his innocence over alleged involvement in the betting scandal. However, his former Coach at the Bianconeri does not believe that the club’s success next season necessarily hinges on the outcome of his trial.

“Will it affect things? A little, but not much,” Lippi told the giornalaccio rosa dello Sport.

“Antonio is very involved with the games, to the point of losing his voice, but more important is the work done in the week.

“And he would still do that even if he is banned. I know Antonio as a person of true clarity and seriousness. I do not think he has done anything wrong.

“Are Juve favourites in the League? Yes, right now I do not see any team as strong as Juventus. Napoli are growing well, Inter have ended a cycle and are trying to start another.

“Milan have made some excellent sales but are without optimism and confidence. Roma is setting up a high level of training. But Juventus is still ahead.”

The World Cup-winning Coach also looked ahead to Juve’s return to European football and reflected on where they sit in comparison to others.

“What goals do Juve have in the Champions League? To have fun and be ambitious. The team is competitive, the new signings are very strong, [Gianluigi] Buffon and [Andrea] Pirlo are of great class.

“In Europe there are two teams, Barcelona and Real Madrid, who are in front of everyone. Then, there is a group of five or six teams including Juve.

“How do they reduce that gap? The key is in the belief in the work and in their quality. With the mind you can beat everyone.

“Then, the draw in the Champions League can be decisive, the encounters, at what time you meet each opponent. If Barcelona or Real Madrid are only to be met in the semi-final or final then it means that in the meantime you have a certain path to undertake and to grow up on.”

[Socrates 7971]

Mazzoleni to ref Super Cup

Aug 7, 2012

Paolo Silvio Mazzoleni has been appointed as the referee for Saturday’s Italian Super Cup match between Juventus and Napoli.

The game takes place in Beijing’s Bird’s Nest stadium and kicks off at 13.00 UK time.

Mazzoleni is chosen to officiate with Renato Faverani and Andrea Edoardo Stefani as the linesmen, while Nicola Rizzoli and Paolo Tagliavento are the ‘goalline’ officials.

This will be the first Italian professional match to use goalline officials.

The fourth official is Paolo Bergonzi.

[Socrates 7971]

Napoli caught 'spying' on Juve?

Aug 7, 2012

There are remarkable reports that Walter Mazzarri’s assistants were caught ‘spying’ on today’s Juventus training session, infuriating the Bianconeri.

Napoli and Juve face off in the Italian Super Cup on Saturday in Beijing, kick-off 13.00 UK time.

It’s claimed that Enzo Concina and Claudio Nitti were spotted in the stands of the Olympic Sport Center Stadium today.

Juve were training in the complex alongside a group of children learning judo and the members of the Napoli coaching staff tried to blend in among the parents.

It’s reported they were spotted because of the flash from their cameras and were then confronted by the Juve security team.

According to TMW and Calciomercato, the incident infuriated the Bianconeri, so director of sport Fabio Paratici even called Napoli director Riccardo Bigon to complain.

[Socrates 7971]

Mazzarri: 'Napoli are motivated'

Aug 9, 2012

Walter Mazzarri assures Napoli are “motivated to push beyond our limits” in Saturday’s Italian Super Cup with Juventus.

The game kicks off at 13.00 UK time in Beijing and is a repeat of the Coppa Italia Final in May, which saw the Partenopei emerge 2-0 winners.

“Juve have players of a very high level and added more who belong in that squad,” said Mazzarri.

“Both Juventus and Napoli are still a work in progress considering it is August, but we are motivated to push beyond our limits.”

The Bianconeri are waiting for the verdict of the betting trial, which is reportedly set to ban Coach Antonio Conte for 10 months, although Leonardo Bonucci and Simone Pepe are due to be cleared.

“At Juve there are many players who know how to draw positive energy from difficult moments,” continued the Napoli boss.

“It doesn’t matter whether Conte is there or not. If a Coach does a good job during the week, then it makes little difference if he’s not on the bench for the game itself. It happened to me a few times.”

Edinson Cavani is back in the Napoli squad after Uruguay were knocked out of the Olympics in the first round.

“He seemed to be in good shape and is eager to make up for the Olympic experience.”

[Socrates 7971]

Juve shirt numbers: 10 unassigned

Aug 9, 2012

As expected, nobody in the Juventus squad has been given Alessandro Del Piero’s old Number 10 jersey, as the squad list was announced.

There was a great deal of speculation over who would inherit the 10 left by Del Piero, who ended his 19-year spell in Turin this summer.

Nobody has been assigned the legendary 10, although it could be held back for the ‘top player’ who is yet to be signed.

Sebastian Giovinco was the prime candidate for Del Piero’s jersey, but has instead taken the more unusual 12.

Juventus shirt numbers:

1 Buffon, 2 Lucio, 3 Chiellini, 4 Caceres, 5 Masi, 6 Pogba, 7 Pepe, 8 Marchisio, 9 Vucinic, 11 De Ceglie, 12 Giovinco, 13 Leali, 15 Barzagli, 16 Ziegler, 18 Boakye, 19 Bonucci, 20 Padoin, 21 Pirlo, 22 Asamoah, 23 Vidal, 24 Giaccherini, 26 Lichtsteiner, 27 Quagliarella, 30 Storari, 32 Matri, 33 Isla, 39 Marrone

[Socrates 7971]

Supercoppa Italiana - Final - 11-8-2012 (2:00 p.m.)

-

Beijing National Stadium — Beijing

Referee: Paolo Mazzoleni‎

Juventus - Napoli Preview:

Perennial rivals lock horns in Supercoppa Italiana

The new season in Italy is finally upon us, and it is last term's Coppa Italia finalists

who will once more take centre stage, with the Scudetto holders keen to exert revenge.

Aug 10, 2012

PROBABLE LINE-UPS

JUVENTUS

Buffon

Lucio, Barzagli, Bonucci

Lichtsteiner, Vidal, Pirlo, Marchisio, De Ceglie

Vucinic, Matri

NAPOLI

De Sanctis

Campagnaro, Cannavaro, Aronica

Maggio, Hamsik, Inler, Behrami, Zuniga

Pandev, Cavani

Juventus are likely to name a full-strength XI for their trip to the National Stadium in Beijing, where they will contest the 2012-13 Supercoppa Italiana against Napoli.

Several changes are in the pipeline from the 2-0 friendly success over Malaga, with Luca Marrone, Simone Padoin, Kwadwo Asamoah and Sebastian Giovinco ready to be dropped in favour of Andrea Barzagli, Leonardo Bonucci, Paolo De Ceglie and Mirko Vucinic.

And despite being implicated in the Scommessopoli match-fixing scandal, Simone Pepe and Leonardo Bonucci are both eligible to feature in the China showpiece. The pair originally seemed destined to miss out, but their names have since been cleared.

However, Antonio Conte's 10-month ban from football, along with assistant Angelo Alessio, the departure of first-team coach Cristian Stellini, means it is presently uncertain as to who will take charge of the side in Asia.

Meanwhile for Napoli, numerous alterations are also to be expected. The side may have eased to a 2-0 win over Bordeaux in their last pre-season outing, but coach Walter Mazzarri will be in no mood to experiment come the weekend.

Consequently, Federico Fernandez, Walter Gargano, Blerim Dzemaili, Andrea Dossena and Eduardo Vargas should all be replaced by Paolo Cannavaro, Gokhan Inler, Marek Hamsik, Juan Zuniga and Edinson Cavani, the latter of whom returns from an unsuccessful Olympics campaign.

DID YOU KNOW?

• Juventus went the entire 2011-12 Serie A campaign unbeaten, before eventually lifting the title.

• Despite being one of the more successful sides to have won the fixture, the Old Lady last lifted the trophy in 2003.

• However, their recent record over the Partenopei is poor, with only two victories in their last eight.

• Napoli hold the upper hand over these two teams, having won their last meeting 2-0 in last season's Coppa Italia final.

• Marek Hamsik has scored five goals against Juventus; more than against any other club.

• Their only appearance in the Supercoppa was in 1990 - a resounding 5-1 success over Juventus.

• Both sides have enjoyed unbeaten pre-season campaigns, with Juve winning two of their three matches and Napoli maintaining a 100 per cent record.

• This will be the second time Beijing plays host to the Supercoppa, with at least two out of the next three curtain raisers to be played at the National Stadium.

Head to Head

Coppa Italia ‎- May 20, 2012 - Juventus 0 - SSC Napoli 2

Serie A - Apr 1, 2012 - Juventus 3 - SSC Napoli 0

Serie A ‎- Nov 29, 2011 - SSC Napoli 3 - Juventus 3

Serie A ‎- May 22, 2011 - Juventus 2 - SSC Napoli 2

Serie A ‎- Jan 9, 2011 - SSC Napoli 3 - Juventus 0

Last Five Matches

Juventus

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

Aug 1, 2012 - Juventus 1 - Benfica 1 - FR

Jul 28, 2012 - Hertha BSC 0 - Juventus 2 - FR

May 20, 2012 - Juventus 0 - SSC Napoli 2 - Coppa Italia

May 13, 2012 - Juventus 3 - Atalanta 1 - Serie A

SSC Napoli

Aug 1, 2012 - SSC Napoli 2 - Bordeaux 0 - FR

Jul 29, 2012 - SSC Napoli 2 - Bayer 04 Leverkusen 1 - FR

Jul 20, 2012 - SSC Napoli 3 - FC Bayern München 2 - FR

May 20, 2012 - Juventus 0 - SSC Napoli 2 - Coppa Italia

May 13, 2012 - SSC Napoli 2 - Siena 1 - Serie A

Players to Watch

ALESSANDRO MATRI

The striker heads into 2012-13 with a productive pre-season under his belt, and his two goals against Champions League hopefuls Malaga should have been enough to land the Italian a starting berth against Napoli. The onus will be on Matri to fire his side to more successes, but with his future currently uncertain, his performance on Saturday could decide whether or not he stays in Turin or departs this summer.

EDISON CAVANI

Unlike his striking rival, the Uruguayan endured a disappointing London 2012 campaign, where he failed to score in three group matches for his country, but it is a different story with his club side. Cavani has been linked with Juventus on frequent occasions, and a commanding showing in his rightful place up top alongside Goran Pandev will only further enhance his already-impressive reputation.

Prediction

The fall-out of the Scommessopoli scandal will take its toll on Juventus one way or another, having been denied the services of Antonio Conte for the entire season, but champions do not simply back down in the face of adversity. And while Napoli will be hungry as ever to start the new season with a win in Beijing, the Old Lady will be desperate to prove that life goes on after the 43-year-old Lecce native.

Editor's Prediction

Juventus 2 - 1 Napoli

[Socrates 7971]

Supercoppa Italiana - Final - 11-8-2012 (2:00 p.m.)

-

Beijing National Stadium - Beijing

Referee: Paolo Mazzoleni

Zoff: 'Super Cup wide open'

Aug 11, 2012

Juventus will “try to win for their Coach” but Napoli will be just as highly motivated in today's Super Cup, according to Dino Zoff.

The showpiece event, pitting the winners of last season’s Serie A and Coppa Italia titles against one another, kicks off at 12.00 GMT this afternoon at Beijing's Birds Nest Stadium.

Juve Coach Antonio Conte will be absent, from the touchline at least, having yesterday been hit with a 10-month ban - pending appeal - for failing to report the potential fixing of matches during his time in charge of Siena.

Technical director for youth development Massimo Carrera will deputise for Conte in China, and for the ban’s duration.

Even so, legendary 'keeper Zoff, who played for both teams and spent two years coaching Juventus, sees very little between the competitors.

“The Super Cup will be wide open. I see two teams in good shape and that are already proven,” the former Italy CT told Tuttomercatoweb.

“The teams know each other, are organised and have done well in pre-season. It will be a lively match, open to every result.

“We need to understand the impact Conte's disqualification will have,” Zoff continued.

“In particular whether he will be able to follow the game from his position. Clearly Carrera acts on Conte's indications, but mostly you have to understand the reaction of a team that will try and win for their Coach.”

However Zoff doesn't believe Napoli, whose last and only Super Cup triumph came with a 5-1 win over Juve shortly after he was sacked as Bianconeri boss in 1990, will be any less fired up.

“The motivation of both teams will be very high. For Napoli it is a trophy which has taken on even more importance, one they want to bring home after so many years without it.”

[Socrates 7971]

Supercoppa Italiana - Final - 11-8-2012 (2:00 p.m.)

-

Beijing National Stadium - Beijing

Referee: Paolo Mazzoleni

SuperCoppa line-ups

Aug 11, 2012

Alessandro Matri and Sebastian Giovinco take on Edinson Cavani and Goran Pandev as the Juventus-Napoli Super Cup kicks off in Beijing this afternoon.

The Italian Super Cup traditionally starts the campaign and in recent years has often been hosted in the Bird’s Nest Stadium in China.

It is a battle between the winners of the Coppa Italia and the Scudetto, but in this case also a replay of the Coppa Italia Final that saw Napoli emerge 2-0 winners back in May.

Juventus are without the injured Giorgio Chiellini, Mauricio Isla and Martin Caceres, but Leonardo Bonucci and Simone Pepe are available after they were cleared in the betting trial.

Coach Antonio Conte did not fare so well and starts his 10-month ban, though it only applies to sitting on the bench or the locker room on match days. Massimo Carrera takes his place on the touchline.

Many thought it would be a race between Giovinco and Matri to partner Mirko Vucinic, but instead both of those players start and the Macedonian is on the bench, most likely as he is still not 100 per cent fit.

Napoli must do without the suspended Blerim Dzemaili, while Lorenzo Insigne is carrying an ankle problem.

Walter Mazzarri’s new-look 3-5-1-1 formation has Marek Hamsik in a deeper role behind Cavani and Pandev.

It is Cavani’s first appearance for the club since his Olympic adventure was cut short by Uruguay’s first round exit.

Miguel Angel Britos and Juan Camilo Zuniga get the nod ahead of Salvatore Aronica and Andrea Dossena.

This will be the first competitive Italian match to use goal-line referees.

Juventus: Buffon; Barzagli, Bonucci, Lucio; Lichtsteiner, Vidal, Pirlo, Marchisio, Asamoah; Matri, Giovinco

Juventus bench: Storari, Marrone, De Ceglie, Padoin, Giaccherini, Vucinic, Quagliarella

Napoli: De Sanctis; Campagnaro, Cannavaro, Britos; Maggio, Behrami, Inler, Hamsik, Zuniga; Pandev, Cavani

Napoli bench: Rosati, Aronica, Fernandez, Dossena, Gargano, Insigne,Vargas

[Socrates 7971]

Supercoppa Italiana - Final - 11-8-2012 (2:00 p.m.)

4 - 2

Edison Cavani (27′)

Kwadwo Asamoah (37')

Goran Pandev (41′)

Arturo Vidal (penalty - 74')

Christian Maggio (o.g. - 97')

Mirko Vučinić (101')

Beijing National Stadium - Beijing

Referee: Paolo Mazzoleni

Bianconeri see off nine-man Partenopei in extra time

Walter Mazzarri's men gave away the lead on two occasions and then imploded in the closing

stages of normal time, enabling the Turin side to secure their fifth Supercoppa title.

Aug 11, 2012

Juventus came from behind twice to defeat a nine-man Napoli 4-2 after extra-time in a truly exhilarating encounter at a drenched Bird's Nest stadium in China.

Edinson Cavani handed the side from Naples the lead after 27 minutes but his strike was cancelled out by Kwadwo Asamoah 10 minutes later. Goran Pandev pounced on a defensive error to regain Napoli's advantage before half time but a penalty from Arturo Vidal tied the score at 2-2 in the 76th minute.

The Azzurri self-destructed towards the end of normal time as Pandev, their coach Walter Mazzarri, and Camilo Zuniga were all sent from the field of play. Juve then took full advantage of their additional men in the extra time that followed as a Cristian Maggio own goal was followed by a winner from Mirko Vucinic.

Due to Antonio Conte's 10-month suspension banning him from the touchline, his assistant Massimo Carrera took charge of the Bianconeri for the game. They assumed control inside the opening 15 minutes but for all of Stephan Lichtsteiner's continual forays down the right flank, the creation of a clear-cut opportunity remained elusive.

Juve's inability to test Morgan De Sanctis ended up costing them dearly in the 27th minute when a high defensive line allowed Cavani to stream through on goal. He attempted to round Buffon and although the keeper got a hand to the ball and forced him wide, the Uruguayan remained composed and stabbed his effort home.

Napoli failed to capitalise on a poor throw-in from Asamoah as Buffon held Pandev's volley from inside the area but the Ghanaian more than atoned for that lapse in the 37th minute. A long ball from left to right by Vidal was lashed into the bottom corner with a perfectly executed 18-yard volley from Asamoah.

However, the scores were not tied for long as the Azzurri regained their advantage four minutes before the break. Leonardo Bonucci's clearance rebounded off of Pandev's chest and put him in on goal from the left wing. The defender's efforts to chase him down were in vain as the forward produced a delicate finish, dinking the ball over Buffon and into the net.

Vucinic replaced Alessandro Matri for the Turin outfit at half time and his introduction certainly galvanised his side. After three minutes he rattled the bar and he then saw his goal-bound effort, after rounding De Sanctis, blocked by Paolo Cannavaro before the hour mark.

Andrea Pirlo had a long-range free kick saved between the Montengrin's two efforts but the Bianconeri's improved attacking display eventually paid dividends with 16 minutes left on the clock. Vucinic was dragged down in the area by substitute Federico Fernandez and Vidal converted the penalty, sending the keeper the wrong way.

The game became increasingly ill-tempered and Pandev and Zuniga were shown utterly stupid red cards, the former for dissent and the latter for two clumsy challenges, in the closing stages, while coach Mazzarri was also sent from the touchline. With the score level at the final whistle the game went to extra time and Napoli were thus forced to contest it with nine men.

The reigning Serie A champions made their two-man advantage count with a pair of goals in the first half of the additional 30 minutes. Maggio diverted a Juve free kick from the right into his own goal after De Sanctis failed to clear and Vucinic added the finishing touch to a delightful flick from Claudio Marchisio to put the game well beyond the Partenopei.

The final whistle was greeted by scenes of jubilation among the Bianconeri players who lifted the fifth Supercoppa Italiana in the club's history in what was a game that truly had everything and served as a fantastic curtain-raiser for the 2012-13 domestic Italian season which begins in two weeks.

[Socrates 7971]

Supercoppa Italiana - Final - 11-8-2012 (2:00 p.m.)

4 - 2

Edison Cavani (27′)

Kwadwo Asamoah (37')

Goran Pandev (41′)

Arturo Vidal (penalty - 74')

Christian Maggio (o.g. - 97')

Mirko Vučinić (101')

Beijing National Stadium - Beijing

Referee: Paolo Mazzoleni

Super Cup: Juve beat nine-man Napoli

Aug 11, 2012

Juventus fought back twice for a 2-2 draw, but when Napoli had two men controversially sent off, the Bianconeri won the Italian Super Cup 4-2 in extra time.

The SuperCoppa opens the campaign and is between the holders of the Coppa Italia and the Scudetto at the rainy Bird’s Nest stadium in Beijing. This is also a replay of the Coppa Final in May that saw the Partenopei emerge 2-0 winners, their first piece of silverware since 1990.

Antonio Conte was replaced on the bench by Massimo Carrera due to a 10-month ban in the betting trial that was announced yesterday. Leonardo Bonucci and Simone Pepe were cleared. With Giorgio Chiellini, Mauricio Isla and Martin Caceres injured, Alessandro Matri and Sebastian Giovinco were the surprise starters.

Napoli had Edinson Cavani back with Goran Pandev after the short-lived Olympics experience, though Miguel Angel Britos and Juan Camilo Zuniga were chosen ahead of Salvatore Aronica and Andrea Dossena. Blerim Dzemaili sat out a ban. This was also the first Italian competitive match with goal-line referees.

Nobody was ready to tap in a dangerous Giovinco ball across the face of goal. From the resulting corner, Matri was furious as he demanded a penalty for a nudge from behind, but the referee rightly waved play on.

Giovinco’s cross took a deflection and looped over Morgan De Sanctis, but fortunately for the Napoli goalkeeper it was off target. Kwadwo Asamoah’s great work dummied two defenders down the left and his strike was in-between the far top corner and Stephan Lichtsteiner’s header.

It was Napoli who took the lead with a classic counter-attack. Cavani was sent totally clear on goal from inside his own half by Goran Pandev and Gigi Buffon performed a miracle to fingertip the ball off his feet, but the Uruguayan stayed up and regained his composure to fire into the empty net as the goalkeeper tried to scramble back. It was Lucio who was slow in the original move.

Pandev’s volley was into Buffon’s arms, but a free kick came to Marek Hamsik and Buffon needed a fingertip save to turn his angled drive across the face of goal.

Just as Napoli were putting on the pressure, Juventus equalised with Asamoah’s first goal in a Bianconeri jersey. It was a screamer of a left-foot volley from the edge of the box and Morgan De Sanctis got a hand to it at the near post, but couldn’t stop the powerful finish squirming in off the wet turf.

Paolo Cannavaro also hit a fierce half-volley from distance that Buffon smothered on the ground.

Juve had barely finished celebrating when Napoli restored their lead. Pandev pounced on an uncertain Bonucci and bravely risked a potential kick in the face to surge into the box and delicately chip Buffon. It was the Macedonian’s seventh career goal against the Old Lady.

In first half stoppages Napoli ran a big risk, as a deflected cross looped up and De Sanctis flapped it on to the crossbar.

Mirko Vucinic replaced Matri for the second half, but Cavani hit a half-volley that stung Buffon’s palms. The move continued and Vucinic cracked a shot against the underside of the crossbar with the aid of a De Sanctis fingertip from a tight angle.

Cannavaro was booked for a very late sliding tackle to hack down Giovinco, as was Valon Behrami after he clattered into Claudio Marchisio. Andrea Pirlo’s curling free kick from distance dipped towards the far top corner, but De Sanctis flew to palm it away.

Cavani had a great chance to extend the advantage on the counter-attack, but rolled across the face of goal rather than cut back to the unmarked Hamsik, skimming the upright.

Moments later Vucinic hooked a long ball forward and waltzed round De Sanctis, but Cannavaro got back in time for a decisive goalline clearance!

Cavani pounced when Bonucci was distracted, the half-volley hitting the side-netting in another mistake from the Italian international defender. Cavani helped out in defence, but got himself booked for a late tackle from behind on Pirlo and the midfielder curled over.

The referee pointed to the spot when Vucinic fell under a Federico Fernandez challenge, though it’s not entirely clear if the Napoli man got the ball first. Vidal stepped up and powerfully converted by sending De Sanctis the wrong way for the equaliser.

Walter Gargano’s shot was deflected on to the side-netting, but there was a blatant push on Behrami in the middle of the box. Vucinic burst past Fernandez and set up Giovinco, forcing De Sanctis to come screaming out of the penalty area to clear at his feet.

In a dramatic twist, Pandev was shown a straight red card for something he said to the linesman. The striker was flabbergasted and didn’t seem to realise what had happened, claiming he only said ‘that wasn’t offside.’ Lorenzo Insigne was about to come on at the time, but this change had to be shelved.

Vidal rolled across for Vucinic, but a crucial Britos interception stopped him tapping in.

In stoppages Napoli went down to nine men, as Zuniga received a second yellow card for a mistimed clash with Giovinco. Coach Walter Mazzarri was also sent off for dissent, as the Italian Super Cup went to extra time with 11 against 9.

Juventus took the lead for the first time, as Pirlo curled a free kick that Maggio accidentally nodded into his own net as De Sanctis completely mistimed his intervention.

There was no way back for nine-man Napoli, as moments later Vucinic added a fourth. The credit goes to Marchisio, who with one motion volleyed a cushioned assist from a long ball for Vucinic to tap into an empty net.

The Partenopei were limping and two men down, but would not give up with Cavani, Maggio and Britos trying to hit on the counter-attack.

Juventus 4-2 Napoli (aet)

Scorers: Cavani 28 (N), Asamoah 37 (J), Pandev 41 (N), Vidal pen 73 (J), Maggio og 97 (J), Vucinic 101 (J)

Juventus: Buffon; Barzagli, Bonucci, Lucio; Lichtsteiner (Padoin 89), Vidal, Pirlo, Marchisio, Asamoah; Matri (Vucinic 46), Giovinco

Napoli: De Sanctis; Campagnaro, Cannavaro (Fernandez 62), Britos; Maggio, Behrami, Inler (Dossena 106), Hamsik (Gargano 68), Zuniga; Pandev, Cavani

Ref: Mazzoleni

Sent off: Pandev 85 (N), Zuniga 93 (N), Mazzarri 93 (Coach N)

[Socrates 7971]

Supercoppa Italiana - Final - 11-8-2012 (2:00 p.m.)

4 - 2

Edison Cavani (27′)

Kwadwo Asamoah (37')

Goran Pandev (41′)

Arturo Vidal (penalty - 74')

Christian Maggio (o.g. - 97')

Mirko Vučinić (101')

Beijing National Stadium - Beijing

Referee: Paolo Mazzoleni

Player Ratings

The Bianconeri won a fifth Supercoppa crown after the dismissals of Goran Pandev,

Camilo Zuniga and Walter Mazzari left the Coppa Italia winners short-handed.

Aug 11, 2012

Juventus

Gianluigi Buffon 3.0 - Pulled off a great save from Cavani’s first effort but could do nothing about the follow up, and was similarly not at fault for the second.

Leonardo Bonucci 2.5 - His error led to Napoli’s second goal just when Juve had got a foothold in the game, and then he handed a great chance to Cavani.

Lucio 2.5 - Looked uncomfortable for long spells of the game, especially thanks to Cavani’s pace, and was at fault for the first goal when trying to play the Uruguayan offside in the opponents’ half.

Andrea Barzagli 3.5 - Looked a little ill at ease playing more to the left that usual in the absence of Chiellini, but coped reasonably well compared to his defensive team-mates.

Stephan Lichtsteiner 2.5 - Got down the right an awful lot before being replaced by Simone Padoin after setting yellow for getting involved in an argument.

Claudio Marchisio 3.5 - Provided a superb touch for Vucinic to wrap up the victory having been a great influence from the left of the midfield three.

Andrea Pirlo 3.0 - Didn’t quite dominate the midfield in the same way as he often did last season, but he was still instrumental and tested De Sanctis from a free kick.

Arturo Vidal 4.0 - His magnificent crossfield ball picked out Asamoah for Juventus’ first goal of the game, then he grabbed the second from the spot, and he was once more the hardest working of Juve’s midfielders.

Kwadwo Asamoah 3.5 - Was one of Juve’s star players from the opening whistle, and delivered a magnificent strike to put his new side level from outside the area.

Sebastian Giovinco 3.0 - Started very well, keeping Napoli’s defence guessing for long spells with his movement. Faded a little in the second period.

Alessandro Matri 1.5 - Substituted at half time having had done little to make an impact on the proceedings.

• Substitutions

Simone Padoin 2.5 - Replaced Lichtsteiner and helped Juve keep the ball off Napoli’s nine men for long spells.

Emanuele Giaccherini N/A - Late sub for Giovinco.

Mirko Vučinić 4.5 - Made all the difference after coming on as substitute, occupying the Napoli back line in a way which Matri had found impossible, and got the final goal as a reward.

SSC Napoli

Morgan De Sanctis 2.0 - Suspect on the first goal as Asamoah’s fierce shot skidded off the wet surface and beat him at the near post, then he came and missed a free kick as Juve went ahead through Maggio’s own goal.

Hugo Armando Campagnaro 2.5 - Kept Matri quiet throughout the first half, but struggled once Vucinic entered the fray at half time.

Miguel Angel Britos 2.5 - Looked to be a more than adequate replacement for Aronica at first, but struggled more as the game went on.

Paolo Cannavaro 2.5 - Made one fantastic clearance after De Sanctis had been beaten all ends up, and made a couple of excellent tackles, but he was booked and then replaced by Fernandez.

Christian Maggio 1.5 - Was unfortunate to score an own goal as the 10 men fell behind for the first time, but that came after he’d allowed Asamoah time and space to volley home the first goal, and he looked short of fitness for long spells.

Gökhan Inler 3.0 - Patrolled the midfield well, with some neat first-time passes helping to put Napoli in good positions, feeding Pandev and Cavani almost at will while their side still had 11 men.

Marek Hamsik 3.0 - Had the superiority ahead of the midfield battle at times in the first half, helping to keep Pirlo quiet, but he couldn’t keep up that side of his game, and he was later replaced.

Valon Behrami 3.0 - Worked hard from start to finish, proving to be one of Napoli’s more reliable players on the day. The Azzurri may have found one of the forces they’ve missed at times previously.

Juan Camilo Zúñiga 2.0 - Saw red for a second bookable offence to leave his side with nine men having made a useful contribution before then.

Edison Cavani 4.0 - Kept his head to slot Napoli ahead after Buffon had stretched out to deny him a tap-in, and remained the Azzurri’s main threat throughout.

Goran Pandev 3.0 - Lifted a superb effort over the advancing Buffon after robbing Bonucci to put Napoli back in front, but was later sent off for foul and abusive language.

• Substitutions

Andrea Dossena N/A - Late introduction.

Federico Fernández 1.5 - Came on for Cannavaro, but couldn’t match the club captain’s workrate, fouling Vucinic to hand Juventus a penalty which helped change the game.

Walter Gargano 2.0 - Replaced Hamsik and became something of a second attacker at times after his side was reduced to nine men, breaking from midfield to support the isolated Cavani.

[Socrates 7971]

Supercoppa Italiana - Final - 11-8-2012 (2:00 p.m.)

4 - 2

Edison Cavani (27′)

Kwadwo Asamoah (37')

Goran Pandev (41′)

Arturo Vidal (penalty - 74')

Christian Maggio (o.g. - 97')

Mirko Vučinić (101')

Beijing National Stadium - Beijing

Referee: Paolo Mazzoleni

Marchisio: Napoli deserved dismissals

Juventus may have secured their first silverware of the season, but that didn't stop

the Bianconeri midfielder from delivering a damning verdict on the Partenopei's indiscipline.

Aug 11, 2012

Juventus midfielder Claudio Marchisio has criticised the rough-house tactics employed by Napoli, during the Bianconeri's Italian Super Cup triumph on Saturday.

Napoli duo Goran Pandev and Juan Zuniga both saw red in the second period, as they fell to a 4-2 extra-time defeat, prompting Walter Mazzari's men to boycott the trophy ceremony and decline receipt of their runners-up medals.

"They were marking us man-for-man in midfield, trying to get as many of themselves behind the ball," lambasted the 26-year-old to the Bianconeri's official website.

"I don't understand their protests post-match. If the referee had shown several more yellow cards for their challenges in the first half, there might not have been those sending-offs following the break at all."

The Italy international nevertheless reserved praise for his team-mates, who battled back from falling a goal behind twice in the match, to exact revenge on Napoli, who defeated them in the Coppa Italia final last season.

"We had to work hard for it but it was a good way to open preparations for the new campaign ahead. We had to dig deep to come from behind twice, but it was nice to finally settle the score."

The Old Lady will begin their defence of the Serie A title against Parma on August 26th.

[Socrates 7971]

Supercoppa Italiana - Final - 11-8-2012 (2:00 p.m.)

4 - 2

Edison Cavani (27′)

Kwadwo Asamoah (37')

Goran Pandev (41′)

Arturo Vidal (penalty - 74')

Christian Maggio (o.g. - 97')

Mirko Vučinić (101')

Beijing National Stadium - Beijing

Referee: Paolo Mazzoleni

Juventus dedicate Supercoppa Italiana win to banned Conte

Management and players of the Bianconeri rallied around the 42-year-old boss,

after picking up their first silverware of the season.

Aug 11, 2012

Juventus senior management and players were quick to dedicate their 4-2 Supercoppa Italiana victory over Napoli, to banned coach Antonio Conte.

The win comes during a turbulent period for the club, with head coach Conte embroiled in a legal battle to overturn a 10-month ban, for his part in the match-fixing scandal engulfing Serie A.

The 42-year-old was forced to watch the game in Beijing from the stands and in the aftermath of of the win, Juventus' director general Giuseppe Marotta reserved special mention for the banned boss.

"This is a victory by Conte, for Conte," Marotta declared to the club's official website.

"The only thing we were interested in today was the win, which was an impeccable victory that was prepared for throughout the week by Conte.

Midfielder Kwadwo Asamoah was also quick to pay tribute to his manager, while hailing the strength of character of the side to come from behind twice, before securing the win.

"It was a tough game against a strong Napoli side, but we never gave up even after going behind in the first half.

"We managed to level and then came good in extra-time. That's the team spirit we have here; the coach deserves to have this win dedicated to him more than any other."

Caretaker manager Massimo Carrera, who is expected to lead the team from the dugout until Conte's ban expires, remarked on the performances of his defenders, after seeing blunders from Lucio and Leonardo Bonucci lead up to Napoli's two goals.

"I don't believe our defenders played badly," the 48-year-old told Goal.com exclusively. "I don't think the club will buy anymore defenders this summer, especially in light of Chiellini's eventual return from injury.

"People tend to scrutinise the mistakes of defenders, but in the end, it is something that can hardly be avoided. Only those sitting on the bench are immune to such errors."

[Socrates 7971]

Supercoppa Italiana - Final - 11-8-2012 (2:00 p.m.)

4 - 2

Edison Cavani (27′)

Kwadwo Asamoah (37')

Goran Pandev (41′)

Arturo Vidal (penalty - 74')

Christian Maggio (o.g. - 97')

Mirko Vučinić (101')

Beijing National Stadium - Beijing

Referee: Paolo Mazzoleni

Carrera: 'Dedicated to Conte'

Aug 11, 2012

Stand-in Massimo Carrera dedicated the Italian Super Cup victory to banned Juventus boss Antonio Conte.

“I must thank the lads, who played a great game and we are happy,” he said of the 4-2 extra time win in Beijing.

Carrera is on the bench, potentially for the next 10 months, after Conte was suspended in the betting trial.

“Naturally our first thought goes to the Coach. We showed that we are united, all working in the same direction and know what we want.

“Did Conte communicate with me? No, it all went cleanly and as planned.”

Napoli were furious, as they finished the 90 minutes with only nine men on the field.

“I saw Napoli chasing us down, trying to systematically foul and obstruct play when in front,” replied Carrera.

The Bianconeri are still looking for a ‘top player’ to reinforce their attack.

“Juve need these characteristics, motivation, grit and concentration, then any more players are down to the club.”

[Socrates 7971]

Supercoppa Italiana - Final - 11-8-2012 (2:00 p.m.)

4 - 2

Edison Cavani (27′)

Kwadwo Asamoah (37')

Goran Pandev (41′)

Arturo Vidal (penalty - 74')

Christian Maggio (o.g. - 97')

Mirko Vučinić (101')

Beijing National Stadium - Beijing

Referee: Paolo Mazzoleni

Marotta: 'Win for and by Conte'

Aug 11, 2012

Juventus director general Beppe Marotta said the Italian Super Cup was “a victory by and for Antonio Conte.”

The Coach was in the stands in Beijing for the 4-2 win over Napoli due to a 10-month ban in the betting trial, replaced on the bench by Massimo Carrera.

“This is Conte’s victory, as he prepared in recent weeks an impeccable performance, while it was also a victory for Conte, as the players wanted to give him this success,” said Marotta.

Tempers ran high at the Bird’s Nest Stadium, as Goran Pandev and Juan Camilo Zuniga were sent off, prompting Napoli to boycott the presentation ceremony.

“I only know President Aurelio De Laurentiis said he wouldn’t participate,” shrugged Marotta.

“I think it was a valid victory. The match was refereed by six officials, so there couldn’t be more eyes on the field. My only doubt is with the penalty, but other than that the decisions seemed perfectly fair.

“Don’t forget we didn’t complain in the Coppa Italia Final when there was an incident on Claudio Marchisio.”

Marotta had pledged to bring a ‘top player’ to Turin for the Champions League squad.

“The definition ‘top player’ is vague. For example, how would we describe Kwadwo Asamoah, who scored a great goal today?

“Or Andrea Pirlo, Mirko Vucinic and Sebastian Giovinco? We are looking at the market, but this squad deservedly won the Scudetto and the Super Cup.”

[Socrates 7971]

Supercoppa Italiana - Final - 11-8-2012 (2:00 p.m.)

4 - 2

Edison Cavani (27′)

Kwadwo Asamoah (37')

Goran Pandev (41′)

Arturo Vidal (penalty - 74')

Christian Maggio (o.g. - 97')

Mirko Vučinić (101')

Beijing National Stadium - Beijing

Referee: Paolo Mazzoleni

Barzagli: 'Dedicated to trial trio'

Aug 11, 2012

Andrea Barzagli said the Juventus Super Cup win was for Antonio Conte, Simone Pepe and Leonardo Bonucci.

“We dedicate it to the Coach, to Simone and to Leo. We had some tricky months, but it was great to lift the trophy today,” he said of the 4-2 victory over Napoli.

Conte received a 10-month ban in the betting trial on Friday and was therefore in the stands in Beijing, while Bonucci and Pepe were cleared.

Napoli were so angry at the refereeing decisions, including two red cards, that they refused to come out for the presentation ceremony.

“I leave the controversy aside. It was a tough and hard-fought match, Napoli played their game and so did we,” continued Barzagli.

“It was an entertaining battle and thankfully we won at the end of it.”

[Socrates 7971]

Supercoppa Italiana - Final - 11-8-2012 (2:00 p.m.)

4 - 2

Edison Cavani (27′)

Kwadwo Asamoah (37')

Goran Pandev (41′)

Arturo Vidal (penalty - 74')

Christian Maggio (o.g. - 97')

Mirko Vučinić (101')

Beijing National Stadium - Beijing

Referee: Paolo Mazzoleni

Asamoah hails 'Juve team spirit'

Aug 11, 2012

Kwadwo Asamoah scored a sensational volley and praised the “team spirit” as Juventus beat Napoli in Beijing.

The former Udinese midfielder netted in the 4-2 Italian Super Cup victory in extra time and was named Man of the Match.

“We played a very difficult game, as Napoli are a side to be respected and not a ‘normal’ team.

“We didn’t give up in the first half when trailing 2-1, fought back and then scored twice in extra time.

“This showed the team spirit. The first day I arrived at this side, the Coach said everyone helps each other and we cannot give up.”

Antonio Conte was in the stands due to a 10-month ban in the betting trial, replaced by Massimo Carrera on the bench.

[Socrates 7971]

Supercoppa Italiana - Final - 11-8-2012 (2:00 p.m.)

4 - 2

Edison Cavani (27′)

Kwadwo Asamoah (37')

Goran Pandev (41′)

Arturo Vidal (penalty - 74')

Christian Maggio (o.g. - 97')

Mirko Vučinić (101')

Beijing National Stadium - Beijing

Referee: Paolo Mazzoleni

Marchisio slams Napoli boycott

Aug 11, 2012

Claudio Marchisio criticised Napoli for refusing to attend the Italian Super Cup trophy ceremony. “We stayed on the pitch when we lost.”

The Partenopei boycotted the presentation after they lost 4-2 in extra time, so only Juventus went to receive their medals and lift the silverware.

“Everyone is free to do what they want, but just as Italy stayed to watch Spain receive their reward after the Euro 2012 Final and Juventus watched Napoli lift the Coppa Italia, it would’ve been fair for Napoli to stay on the field too,” said Marchisio.

“Their protests? If there had been a few more bookings in the first half to penalise nasty tackles, then perhaps we wouldn’t have seen the red cards after the break.”

It was a replay of the Coppa Italia Final on May 20, which saw Walter Mazzarri’s men emerge 2-0 winners.

“This was a good ‘revenge’ for that game. It was a tough victory that allowed us to start the season well.

“Once again today we showed character by coming back twice from a goal down. We conceded while we were attacking.

“It was difficult, as they marked us in midfield, defended with eight men and went on rapid counter-attacks.”