Posted by Nacha
Posted on 6:24 PM
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90°+4All over here at the Stadio Friuli - Udinese have won 2-1 thanks to goals from Quagliarella and Di Natale. Juventus fall six points behind leaders Inter, and their Scudetto hopes now hang in the balance. Thanks for joining us - see you again soon! 90°+2Pepe slams a free kick into the wall for Udinese 90°Four minutes of injury time signalled by the fourth official 89°Great chance for Asamoah to kill the game, but he overuns the ball, and Buffon clears the danger. 88°Udinese putting the balls into the channels and looking to run down the clock, and its working at the moment 86°Juventus have not created a single opportunity since they scored to halve the deficit. It looks as if Udinese will hold on. Substitution 85°SubstitutionFabio QuagliarellaAntonio Floro Flores 84°Time is running out for Juventus here. They look toothless in attack. With Inter 2-0 up, they are set to fall six points behind the leaders. Substitution 83°SubstitutionMohamed lamine SissokoChristian Poulsen 82°A final change for Juventus. Poulsen comes on for Sissoko, who has had a shocking game. Substitution 81°SubstitutionCarvalho de Oliveira AmauriDavid Trezeguet Substitution 81°SubstitutionAntonio Di NataleSimone Pepe 80°Two changes here. Pepe on for Di Natale for Udinese, Trezeguet makes his return for Juve, replacing Amauri. 78°David Trezeguet is warming up, and is ready to come on Penalty Goal 77°Penalty GoalVincenzo Iaquinta Yellow Card 76°Yellow CardGiovanni Pasquale 76°Perhaps it is not game over. Iaquinta drags Juve back into the game from the penalty spot after Pasquale had fouled Grygera in the box. Goal 74°GoalAntonio Di Natale 73°GOOOOOAAAAL! Brilliant goal from Di Natale, and its game over for Juventus here. Di Natale cuts in from the left, and curls home a stunning shot into the top corner. 71°All too comfortable for Udinese here. There is no way Juve are getting back into this one, and if anything you can see the home side hitting Juve on the counter. 69°It is clear to a blind man that Juventus need to make a change here if they are going to get anything from this match, but Ranieri seems happy for things to continue 66°Amauri goes on a solo run, but he is shepherded away by the outstanding Asamoah 64°Juventus are controlling possession now, but the tempo is far too slow to trouble Udinese 62°Amauri turns smartly on the edge of the box, but shoots straight at Handanovic. 60°Juve are trying hard, but its just not happening for them at the moment. Udinese are holding them very comfortably. 57°Juventus players are surrounding the referee after yet another decision goes against them. 56°Sissoko lets fly from 30 yards, but it is possibly the worst shot you will ever see in your life. 54°Quagliarella drops to the floor clutching his face, under pressure from Legrottaglie, but the referee turns away. Replays show that there was nothing in that tussle. Yellow Card 53°Yellow CardPavel Nedved 52°Juventus getting really frustrated here. Nedved is booked for simulation just outside the area. 50°Chance for Juve. Iaquinta rises above Coda, but heads over the bar. 49°Yet another chance for Udinese. Quagliarella this time squanders a great opportunity from five yards. 48°OOOOOOH! Fantastic chance for Udinese. Di Natale all alone at the back post but he screws his half volley wide. Bad miss! 46°Welcome back to the Stadio Friuli. One change at half time. Iaquinta replaces the disappointing Marchionni. Substitution 46°SubstitutionMarco MarchionniVincenzo Iaquinta 45°+2OOOOH - Isla gets in behind Molinaro and shoots from a tight angle, but it is straight at Buffon. 45°No added time played at all by the referee, and that is all for the first half action. Udinese deservedly lead 1-0 through Quagliarella's goal. Join us in 15 minutes for the second half. 42°OOOOOOOOOOH - what a chance for Udinese. Isla put clean through on goal by D'Agostino, but Buffon comes to the rescue with a great save. 40°Giovinco throws a fit near the corner flag after being taken out down the left, but the referee gives nothing 38°Almost a chance for Marchionni inside the area, but the ball gets stuck in his feet, and the chance goes 35°Marchionni tries his luck from long range, but he fires well over the bar 33°Juve just showing a few signs of improvement here. They are having more possession 31°Udinese camped in Juventus' half. Sissoko's passing has been simply dreadful so far. 29°Inler is running the show in midfield, and he lashes the ball wide from 25 yards 27°Di Natale continues to cause havoc though, and he cuts in from the left and hits a deflected effort wide. 25°Fine chance for Juve. Giovinco passes to Amauri, but the Brazilian drags his shot wide from 20 yards. 22°Udinese are completely dominating. They are threatening a second goal here. Goal 20°GoalFabio Quagliarella 19°GOOOOOOOOOOOOOAAAL! Udinese are ahead, and it is fully deserved. Di Natale keeps the ball in down the left, squares to Quagliarella, who turns Legrottaglie and fires past Buffon. 17°Udinese are really up for this game. Juventus will have to up their work-rate 15°Juve have their first attempt of the game, as Giovinco lashes the ball over from 25 yards 13°OOOOOOOOOOOOOOH! Great chance for Udinese! Buffon punches away a flick-on from a corner, and is lucky when the ball rebounds off Zapata to a Juve defender. Yellow Card 11°Yellow CardNicola Legrottaglie 10°Udinese launch a lightning fast counter-attack, and Legrottaglie hacks down Quagliarella. Yellow card for the Juve man 8°Di Natale runs at Grygera in a dangerous one-on-one situation, but the Czech defender gets a toe to the ball 6°It's all Udinese in these early stages. Juventus have barely got hold of the ball. Di Natale is looking really sharp, but he over-hits a cross 4°Udinese have started well here. They are passing the ball around beautifully. 2°Quagliarella chases a long ball over the top, but he is offside. 1°And we are off. Udinese attacking from right to left.
Posted by Nacha
Posted on 12:09 AM
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90°+3 Saccani blows his whistle to end the match as Juve run out as 1-0 winners and move level with Inter on the top of the Serie A table for the time being. 90°+2 OH!!!! Jovetic hits a ferocious half volley that Buffon parries away!!!! 90° The fourth official indicates that there will be three minutes of extra time. 88° Marchionni has acres of space up the left hand side but his intended pass for Giovinco is cut out by Gamberini. Yellow Card 88°Yellow CardSebastian Giovinco Substitution 88°SubstitutionCristiano ZanettiChristian Poulsen 86° Fiorentina push men forward desperately looking for the equaliser but Bonazzoli gives up a silly free kick for a push on Grygera. 84° OH!!!!!! Giovinco is off to the races and Frey comes off his line to make another great save!!!! 82°Pasqual does well to sneak his cross in and Grygera is forced to concede the corner kick. Montolivo's ensuing delivery is met by Kroldrup who sends his header wide of the mark. 80°OH!!!!! Gilardino and Jovetic play a one-two and Buffon is forced off his line to break up the play!! Fiorentina are running out of time if they harbour any hopes of taking anything out of this match. 78°Zauri and Nedved continue their personal duel and the Czech midfielder wins the free kick. Substitution 77°SubstitutionAlessandro Del PieroSebastian Giovinco 76°Play is halted as Nedved receives some attention from the medical staff after a hefty challenge by Zauri. 74°OH!!!!!!! Pasqual takes the ball down and sends in a low cross that Gilardino redirects but his shot is saved by Buffon who makes a wonderful kick save!!! 72°OH!!!!!!!! Marchionni cuts the ball back to Del Piero but his shot from six yards out sails over the crossbar!! He should have hit the net from there!! Substitution 72°SubstitutionMario Alberto SantanaEmiliano Bonazzoli 70°Felipe Melo's long ball finds Gilardino but he can't direct his cross past Grygera. Montolivo finds Santana all alone on the right hand side but his cross is snapped up by Buffon. 68°Del Piero finds Amauri inside of the Fiorentina penalty area but his weak shot fails to trouble Frey. Melo is shown a yellow card for his treatment of Zanetti while he was laying on the ground. Yellow Card 67°Yellow CardFelipe Melo de Carvalho Yellow Card 66°Yellow CardCristiano Zanetti 66°Jovetic takes on two defenders and sends in a cross that Gilardino meets but it's all for naught as the flag is up for offside. 64°OH!!!!!! Marchionni lays the ball back to Grygera who unleashes a wicked blast that Frey tips over the crossbar!!!! That was a real chance!!! 62°Ranieri may be forced to make his first substitution of the match as his team have been second best so far this half. 60°Juventus look to take the air out of the match by playing some possession football. 58°OH!!!! Felipe Melo finds Pasqual all alone on the left hand side and his shot is punched away by Buffon and the rebound is just out of Jovetic's reach!!!! 56°OH!!!! Jovetic finds Santana who hits a first time ball into the penalty area that Gilardino meets but his acrobatic bicycle kick sails over the crossbar! 54°It's all Fiorentina right now as they whip the ball around the pitch looking for that final pass that will pry the Juventus defence open. 52°Santana keeps the ball in play and slips it back to Zauri but once again Mellberg is there to save the day for the Bianconeri. 50°Kuzmanovic plays a delicate chip over the top of the Juventus defence looking for Gilardino but Mellberg makes an important challenge. 48°Zanetti dials up a long distance effort that sails high and wide of the target. Amauri tries to pick out Marchionni but Frey scampers off his line to make the clearance. 46°Saccani gets the second half underway with Juventus holding a slim, 1-0 lead over the visitors. Prandelli makes his first substitution of the match bringing on Kuzmanovic for the disappointing Gobbi. Substitution 46°SubstitutionMassimo GobbiZdravko Kuzmanovic 45°+2Saccani blows his whistle to end the first half festivities as Juventus take a slim, one goal lead thanks to Marchisio's smooth finish in the 21st minute. Fiorentina though they had grabbed the equaliser in the 33rd minute but Gilardino's goal was controversially waved off for offside. 45°Amauri finds Del Piero and he lays the ball off for Zanetti who takes his eye of the ball and it jumps over his foot. OH!!!!! Great double save by Frey as he robs Marchionni twice from point blank range!!! 43°Santana finds Pasqual on the left hand side and his cross intended for Gilardino is headed out by Legrottaglie. 41°Montolivo hoists a cross into the penalty area that Buffon claims quite easily. Del Piero is caught offside as he tries to sneak behind the Fiorentina defence. 39°Juventus win their first corner of the match and Del Piero's delivery is cleared out by Gilardino of all people. 37°Gilardino slips the ball through Legrottaglie's legs looking for Jovetic but Buffon scampers off his line and beats him to the ball. 35°OH!!!!!! Juventus win a free kick and Nedved stands over the ball but his laserbeam whizzes past the post!!!! 33°OH!!!!!!!!! Jovetic finds Zauri whose cross is met by Santana and he sends his bullet header crashing off of the crossbar and the rebound falls to Montolivo whose drive is spilled by Buffon and Gilardino taps the ball into the net but the referee has his flag up for offside!!!! It looked as if Marchionni kept Gilardino onside but the linesman did not see it that way!! 31°OUCH!!!! Montolivo catches De Ceglie very late and is shown a yellow card for his troubles. Yellow Card 30°Yellow CardRiccardo Montolivo 29°Felipe Melo finds Zauri and he lays the ball off for Montolivo but his poor cross is caught easily by Buffon who looks sharp tonight. 27°OUCH!!!! Jovetic is taken down quite heavily by Grygera who is shown the first yellow card of the match. Yellow Card 26°Yellow CardZdenek Grygera 25°OH!!!!!!! Gilardino takes down Felipe Melo's pass and tries to dance around Buffon who fists the ball away!!!! 23°OH!!!!!! Juventus smell blood as they swarm around the Fiorentina penalty area and Del Piero spots Nedved whose tantalising cross is just out of Marchionni's reach!! 21°GOAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAL!!! Del Piero slips the ball to Marchisio who slots the ball past Frey and into the bottom corner!!!!!!! Juventus take an early lead! Goal 20°GoalClaudio Marchisio 19°Sloppy play by both teams as they take turns giving the ball away in the midfield. 17°Fiorentina win a free kick deep in Juventus territory but Santana's inswinging delivery is headed out by De Ceglie. 15°Amauri runs at the Fiorentina defence and unleashes a drive that sails high over the crossbar. 13°OH!!!!! Santana steals the ball and finds Jovetic who dances around Mellberg and is taken down in the box but Saccani waves away his penalty protests!!! An early talking point as Jovetic looked like he was pulled down!! 11°OH!!!!!! Marchionni pokes the ball to Del Piero and his audacious chip almost finds the back of the net!!!!!! Juventus fire an early warning shot!! 9°Marchionni beats two defenders, cuts inside and unleashes a drive that goes well wide of the target. 7°Amauri tries to nutmeg Pasqual but the Fiorentina defender stops him dead in his tracks. Amuari wins his side a free kick and Marchionni's ensuing delivery is headed away by Zauri. 5°Buffon is forced into making his first save in three months as he catches Gilardino's weak header. Zauri sends a delicious cross into the penalty area that Grygera does well to cut out. 3°It is a sold out affair as you would expect for a rivalry of this magnitude and the fans are in full voice giving the match an electric atmosphere. 1°Massimiliano Saccani gets the match underway with Ranieri starting Amauri and Del Piero upfront while Prandelli counters with young Jovetic and Gilardino. No Chiellini, Camoranesi, Sissoko or Molinaro for the home side while Mutu and Vargas are missing for the visitors. 90°+3Saccani blows his whistle to end the match as Juve run out as 1-0 winners and move level with Inter on the top of the Serie A table for the time being. 90°+2OH!!!! Jovetic hits a ferocious half volley that Buffon parries away!!!! 90°The fourth official indicates that there will be three minutes of extra time. 88°Marchionni has acres of space up the left hand side but his intended pass for Giovinco is cut out by Gamberini. Yellow Card 88°Yellow CardSebastian Giovinco Substitution 88°SubstitutionCristiano ZanettiChristian Poulsen 86°Fiorentina push men forward desperately looking for the equaliser but Bonazzoli gives up a silly free kick for a push on Grygera. 84°OH!!!!!! Giovinco is off to the races and Frey comes off his line to make another great save!!!! 82°Pasqual does well to sneak his cross in and Grygera is forced to concede the corner kick. Montolivo's ensuing delivery is met by Kroldrup who sends his header wide of the mark. 80°OH!!!!! Gilardino and Jovetic play a one-two and Buffon is forced off his line to break up the play!! Fiorentina are running out of time if they harbour any hopes of taking anything out of this match. 78°Zauri and Nedved continue their personal duel and the Czech midfielder wins the free kick. Substitution 77°SubstitutionAlessandro Del PieroSebastian Giovinco 76°Play is halted as Nedved receives some attention from the medical staff after a hefty challenge by Zauri. 74°OH!!!!!!! Pasqual takes the ball down and sends in a low cross that Gilardino redirects but his shot is saved by Buffon who makes a wonderful kick save!!! 72°OH!!!!!!!! Marchionni cuts the ball back to Del Piero but his shot from six yards out sails over the crossbar!! He should have hit the net from there!! Substitution 72°SubstitutionMario Alberto SantanaEmiliano Bonazzoli 70°Felipe Melo's long ball finds Gilardino but he can't direct his cross past Grygera. Montolivo finds Santana all alone on the right hand side but his cross is snapped up by Buffon. 68°Del Piero finds Amauri inside of the Fiorentina penalty area but his weak shot fails to trouble Frey. Melo is shown a yellow card for his treatment of Zanetti while he was laying on the ground. Yellow Card 67°Yellow CardFelipe Melo de Carvalho Yellow Card 66°Yellow CardCristiano Zanetti 66°Jovetic takes on two defenders and sends in a cross that Gilardino meets but it's all for naught as the flag is up for offside. 64°OH!!!!!! Marchionni lays the ball back to Grygera who unleashes a wicked blast that Frey tips over the crossbar!!!! That was a real chance!!! 62°Ranieri may be forced to make his first substitution of the match as his team have been second best so far this half. 60°Juventus look to take the air out of the match by playing some possession football. 58°OH!!!! Felipe Melo finds Pasqual all alone on the left hand side and his shot is punched away by Buffon and the rebound is just out of Jovetic's reach!!!! 56°OH!!!! Jovetic finds Santana who hits a first time ball into the penalty area that Gilardino meets but his acrobatic bicycle kick sails over the crossbar! 54°It's all Fiorentina right now as they whip the ball around the pitch looking for that final pass that will pry the Juventus defence open. 52°Santana keeps the ball in play and slips it back to Zauri but once again Mellberg is there to save the day for the Bianconeri. 50°Kuzmanovic plays a delicate chip over the top of the Juventus defence looking for Gilardino but Mellberg makes an important challenge. 48°Zanetti dials up a long distance effort that sails high and wide of the target. Amauri tries to pick out Marchionni but Frey scampers off his line to make the clearance. 46°Saccani gets the second half underway with Juventus holding a slim, 1-0 lead over the visitors. Prandelli makes his first substitution of the match bringing on Kuzmanovic for the disappointing Gobbi. Substitution 46°SubstitutionMassimo GobbiZdravko Kuzmanovic 45°+2Saccani blows his whistle to end the first half festivities as Juventus take a slim, one goal lead thanks to Marchisio's smooth finish in the 21st minute. Fiorentina though they had grabbed the equaliser in the 33rd minute but Gilardino's goal was controversially waved off for offside. 45°Amauri finds Del Piero and he lays the ball off for Zanetti who takes his eye of the ball and it jumps over his foot. OH!!!!! Great double save by Frey as he robs Marchionni twice from point blank range!!! 43°Santana finds Pasqual on the left hand side and his cross intended for Gilardino is headed out by Legrottaglie. 41°Montolivo hoists a cross into the penalty area that Buffon claims quite easily. Del Piero is caught offside as he tries to sneak behind the Fiorentina defence. 39°Juventus win their first corner of the match and Del Piero's delivery is cleared out by Gilardino of all people. 37°Gilardino slips the ball through Legrottaglie's legs looking for Jovetic but Buffon scampers off his line and beats him to the ball. 35°OH!!!!!! Juventus win a free kick and Nedved stands over the ball but his laserbeam whizzes past the post!!!! 33°OH!!!!!!!!! Jovetic finds Zauri whose cross is met by Santana and he sends his bullet header crashing off of the crossbar and the rebound falls to Montolivo whose drive is spilled by Buffon and Gilardino taps the ball into the net but the referee has his flag up for offside!!!! It looked as if Marchionni kept Gilardino onside but the linesman did not see it that way!! 31°OUCH!!!! Montolivo catches De Ceglie very late and is shown a yellow card for his troubles. Yellow Card 30°Yellow CardRiccardo Montolivo 29°Felipe Melo finds Zauri and he lays the ball off for Montolivo but his poor cross is caught easily by Buffon who looks sharp tonight. 27°OUCH!!!! Jovetic is taken down quite heavily by Grygera who is shown the first yellow card of the match. Yellow Card 26°Yellow CardZdenek Grygera 25°OH!!!!!!! Gilardino takes down Felipe Melo's pass and tries to dance around Buffon who fists the ball away!!!! 23°OH!!!!!! Juventus smell blood as they swarm around the Fiorentina penalty area and Del Piero spots Nedved whose tantalising cross is just out of Marchionni's reach!! 21°GOAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAL!!! Del Piero slips the ball to Marchisio who slots the ball past Frey and into the bottom corner!!!!!!! Juventus take an early lead! Goal 20°GoalClaudio Marchisio 19°Sloppy play by both teams as they take turns giving the ball away in the midfield. 17°Fiorentina win a free kick deep in Juventus territory but Santana's inswinging delivery is headed out by De Ceglie. 15°Amauri runs at the Fiorentina defence and unleashes a drive that sails high over the crossbar. 13°OH!!!!! Santana steals the ball and finds Jovetic who dances around Mellberg and is taken down in the box but Saccani waves away his penalty protests!!! An early talking point as Jovetic looked like he was pulled down!! 11°OH!!!!!! Marchionni pokes the ball to Del Piero and his audacious chip almost finds the back of the net!!!!!! Juventus fire an early warning shot!! 9°Marchionni beats two defenders, cuts inside and unleashes a drive that goes well wide of the target. 7°Amauri tries to nutmeg Pasqual but the Fiorentina defender stops him dead in his tracks. Amuari wins his side a free kick and Marchionni's ensuing delivery is headed away by Zauri. 5°Buffon is forced into making his first save in three months as he catches Gilardino's weak header. Zauri sends a delicious cross into the penalty area that Grygera does well to cut out. 3°It is a sold out affair as you would expect for a rivalry of this magnitude and the fans are in full voice giving the match an electric atmosphere. 1°Massimiliano Saccani gets the match underway with Ranieri starting Amauri and Del Piero upfront while Prandelli counters with young Jovetic and Gilardino. No Chiellini, Camoranesi, Sissoko or Molinaro for the home side while Mutu and Vargas are missing for the visitors. Goal.com’
Posted by Nacha
Posted on 6:07 PM
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In what was a very difficult match away to Lazio, Juventus play well and manage to obtain one point thanks to an equalizer by Mellberg, reducing their margin from the Serie A leaders to three points. Lorenzo Ariaudo makes his debut in the Serie A.
The first forty-five minutes were rather tactical nonetheless however producing two goals: one for each side. On the 4th minute Molinaro wins a good ball and passes to Nedved but the ball is too long.
Most of the action is taking place in the midfield with the two teams seeming to be in a study phase, however in the 8th minute Lazio attack and enter the area but the Juventus defence manages to defend well. Three minutes later there is a dangerous cross into the Juventus area but Molinaro manages to head the ball to corner. In the action that follows Legrottaglie clears a dangerous ball in the area.
The first quarter of an hour sees Lazio taking most of the initiative but in the 13th minute Juventus are awarded a free-kick. The ball reaches Amauri in the area but the Lazio defence manages to clear. Two minutes later Zarate enters dangerously into the Juventus area but the defence manages to clear with some difficulty. On the 19th minute Ledesma tries his luck from a rather long distance but the shot is rather slow and central and Manninger has no difficulty in cradling the ball.
On the 22nd minute Del Piero puts a good ball into the area but Nedved is not fast enough and the ball goes beyond the line. One minute later Legrottaglie clears a very dangerous ball in the Juventus area.
The home team is dictating its game and in the 24th the biancocelesti are awarded a free-kick. Ledesma takes the kick and puts the ball behind Manninger making the score 1-0. Juventus are still trying to digest the goal conceded when barely a minute later Lazio go close to scoring their second goal but Manninger manages to save.
The bianconeri have shown their determination before and begin to react. On the 26th minute there is a free-kick for Juventus from a rather long distance. Alex Del Piero puts the ball into the area but the Lazio defence clears. Three minutes later however Juventus win a corner. The ball enters the area and Mellberg heads home to equalize. This is the first goal of the Swedish defender in the Serie A since his arrival at the beginning of the season.
The minutes which follow see a number of actions in mid-field but on the 35th minute Nedved enters the area and is fouled but does not fall. This could have been a penalty. One minute later there is a good cross into the Lazio area: Marchionni enters but the ball goes high.
In the 39th minute Marchionni puts a dangerous ball into the area with the Lazio defence resorting to a corner. The rest of the half does not see much happening and the referee sends the teams to rest after two minutes of stoppage time.
The second half is a totally different story with both teams fighting hard for possession and trying to have their say. Juventus however, take most of the initiative. On the 4th minute Sissoko with a great run, enters the Lazio area and shoots with the goalkeeper saving with some difficulty. One minute later Marchionni shoots at goal from outside the area but the goalkeeper cradles the ball.
Juventus are piling up the pressure and on the 8th minute Amauri is grounded inside the area but the referee says to play on. Seconds later it is once again Amauri who heads high following a good cross into the area.
Lazio react and in the 10th minute Zarate fires a powerful shot from outside the area with the ball going wide. Four minutes later there is a free-kick for Juventus taken by Marchionni. The ball is put into the area with Mellberg trying to repeat his feat but the ball goes wide. In the 18th minute there is a dangerous movement by Rocchi in the Juve area but the defence manages to clear.
The match is much more interesting now with both teams playing much better football then in the first half. On the 20th minute Zanetti tries a shot from outside the area. The ball is deviated and ends up in a corner. From the corner the ball is headed wide by Legrottaglie. Three minutes later Nedved puts a good ball through for Del Piero but the captain is anticipated.
The 25th minute sees the first substitution for Juventus with Marchisio coming on for Zanetti. Three minutes later Amauri is stopped just outside the area by an obstruction but the referee does not order a foul. Seconds later the freshest man on the pitch, Marchisio, tries a shot from some distance but the ball goes high.
The 30th minute sees Zarate in a dangerous run with Molinaro managing to win some time before the Lazio player luckily slips. Two minutes later its Manninger who saves a dangerous ball.
On the 35th minute Giovinco comes on for Del Piero and two minutes later it is the atomic ant who on the run passes to Marchionni who puts the ball into the area for Amauri who in turn sees his header being deviated by a defender. On the 40th minute Juventus have perhaps the best chance to go ahead: Legrottaglie hits the post after a great shot at goal from outside the area.
On the 42nd minute De Silvestri puts a dangerous ball into the area but Mellberg clears. Two minutes later there is a free-kick for Juventus taken by Giovinco. The ball is in the area but the Lazio defence puts the ball into corner. The last chance of the match is for Lazio with Rocchi missing a golden opportunity.
Serie A 2008/09 19th Day Rome, Stadio Olimpico Sunday 18th January 2009
Posted by Nacha
Posted on 10:32 PM
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Claudio Ranieri declared he wants to win the Coppa Italia and this is a step closer after the bianconeri managed to beat Walter Zenga’s Catania by 3-0 at the Stadio Olimpico.
Juventus are determined to do all in their power to win their tenth Coppa Italia and this is evident both from the starting line-up and the attitude taken as from kick-off. In the first minute in fact, Juventus make their first shot at goal with Giovinco who received a pass from Del Piero, enteringthe area to see the goalkeeper save easily.
Three minutes later Ranieri’s men have a reason to celebrate: Marchionni taps in a first attempt by Del Piero for the match opener: 1-0. On the 7th minute Buffon saves well following a powerful shot by Martinez, showing that notwithstanding the 101 days since his last official appearance the skills which made him the best goalkeeper in the world are still there.
In the 8th minute there are two good chances for Juventus with Amauri first and Sissoko after. The Juventus midfield and attack are playing a magnificent match. Four minutes later Grygera puts the ball into corner after an attempt by Plasmati. Buffon waves the ball away and then Legrottaglie saves on Ledesma.
On the 12th minute Marchionni attempts a second goal after entering the area and dribbling round a defender but the ball goes straight into the hands of the keeper. If anybody still had any doubt about the skills of this player the midfielder has been proving himself over and over again, today included. Two minutes after. Marchionni dishes out a great cross into the area. The defence clears a first time with the second attempt ending in the hands of the keeper.
The 20th minute sees a great exchange of passes between Amauri and Giovinco with the latter shooting wide. Three minutes later great run by Marchionni who passes to the captain who in turn stops the ball but finds a Catania defender ready to clear. On the 25th minute it is Amauri who sees a good shot being saved by the Catania goalkeeper.
Juventus continue to create chances and on the 26th minute Zanetti, who is having a great match, crosses into the area but the Catania defence clears. Three minutes later Sissoko controls a ball leaving it to Amauri but the shot by the Brazilian striker is too weak. One minute later a corner for Juventus sees Legrottaglie heading the ball with Bizzarri saving.
Catania try to react and on the 33rd minute Buffon manages in some way to wave the ball away with Sissoko taking the ball out of the area after a corner for the guests. Three minutes later, however, Giovinco enters the area, passes to Amauri who sees his shot being saved by Bizzarri. Del Piero from the re-bound sees the ball going inches wide. On the 39th minute Del Piero enters the area, dribbling his way in and then shoots with his left foot hitting the post with the goalkeeper beaten.
On the 42nd minute Amauri tries a shot at goal after good midfield work by Del Piero but Bizzarri saves with some difficulty. One minute later Giovinco runs on the left, crossing into the area but the cross is long and the Catania defence clears. The referee sends the teams to dressing rooms after two minutes of stoppage time. If in the first half the only fault of Juventus was that of wasting too many goal opportunities the story changed quite a bit in the second half. Ranieri’s men in fact put Bizzarri’s area under siege right from the start.
In the second minute Zanetti launches Marchionni who is halted by the flag in what is a dubious off-side position. One minute later Giovinco puts a dangerous ball into the area for Del Piero who is forced to pass back with Sissoko shooting wide. On the 4th minute Amauri attempts a shot at goal but the result is weak and the goalkeeper has no difficulty in saving and one minute later the Brazilian stops a great ball in the area passing to Del Piero who shoots slightly wide.
The assault on the Catania goal continues and on the 6th Marchionni sees the ball go slightly high over the bar after a good attempt at goal. Two minutes later Juventus are denied a penalty after a foul on Sissoko in the Catania area. In the 12th minute Zanetti passes to Marchionni who puts a great ball into the area, Amauri heads the ball with the goal inches wide.
One minute later Giovinco takes an attempt at a great goal but the ball goes wide. Ledesma is shown a yellow card after committing a foul on Giovinco. The free-kick istaken by the Atomic Ant with the Catania defence clearing. On the 17th minute Giovinco passes to Marchionni who enters the area dangerously with the Catania goalkeeper making him miss the opportunity to make his toll 2.
Giovinco is playing well and will soon be awarded for this. On the 22nd minute Giovinco excahnges the ball with Del Piero who returns the favour with the Atomic Ant beating Bizzarri to make the score 2-0!
Catania are clearly disheartened and one minute after the second goal Del Piero heads the ball seeing the sphere hit the bar after a great cross by Amauri. There is no time to breathe for Zenga’s team however because a mere 60 seconds later Del Piero makes it 3-0 with a great touch of class after receiving the ball in the area from Marchionni.
On the 26th minute Esposito comes on for Giovinco who leaves the field amidst the deserved applauses of the public. Three minutes later Sissoko sees the ball go inches wide after a powerful shot at goal. The Mali midfielder leaves the field one minute later being replaced by Poulsen.
In the 34th minute Amauri sees the ball being saved by Bizzarri and three minutes later Juventus are awarded a free-kick after a foul on Esposito. Del Piero tries his luck but the ball is cleared by the defence. On the 39th minute Esposito shoots high over the bar after some good movement. Four minutes later the last attempt on goal by the bianconeri comes from Poulsen who attempts a shot from outside the area but sees the ball go wide.
The 3-0 victory of Juventus confirms the great moment of form of Ranieri’s men who will now meet Napoli in the quarter-final to be played on the 4th of February.
TIM Cup 2008/09 - Last 16 Turin, Olympic Stadium Wednesday 14th January 2009
JUVENTUS – CATANIA 3-0
Scorers : Marchionni (4th), Giovinco (69th), Del Piero (71st)
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# 90 +4Russo blows his whistle to end the match as Juventus take all three points with a slim 1-0 victory over a stubborn Siena side. The title race is alive and kicking as Juve cut Inter's lead at the top of the table to just four points. 90 +2Kharja takes Amauri down and concedes the free kick as Juventus are in no hurry to take it. 90 Kharja finds Ghezzal who in turn lays the ball of for Jarolim but his errand pass is cleared out by Molinaro. Time is running out for Siena to take something out of this match. 88 Siena push men forward desperately looking for the equaliser as Frick unleashes a drive that Manninger saves. 86 Siena are enjoying their best spell of the match and Ranieri wisely makes his last substitution of the match to calm things down. # Substitution 86 SubstitutionLorenzo Del PreteCamilo Zu'n~iga # Substitution 85 SubstitutionClaudio MarchisioChristian Poulsen 84 OH!!!!!!! Ghezzal runs at the Juventus defence and unleashes a low drive that forces Manninger to push around the post!!!! OH!!!! The ensuing free kick falls to Frick whose close range shot is blocked by Grygera!!! That block probably saved a goal!!!! 82 Kharja receives the ball on the edge of the penalty area but his cross intended for Frick is too close to Manninger who makes an easy catch. 80 Zanetti does well to win a free kick near the corner flag while surrounded by two Siena defenders. Del Piero stands over the ball and whips in his delivery straight to Jarolim who clears the danger. 78 Del Grosso tries a defence splitting pass looking for Packer but Mellberg is there to save the day once again. # Substitution 78 SubstitutionMarco MarchionniPaolo De Ceglie 76 Siena win a corner as they search for an equaliser. Kharja's delivery is scooped up by Manninger and the chance is wasted. 74 OH!!!!!! Amauri sends Del Piero clear through on goal but he scuffs his shot wide!!!!! Will that miss come back to haunt the home side 72 Siena win a free kick in Juventus' side of the half but Kharja's delivery is cleared out by Mellberg who is having a solid match this afternoon. # Substitution 71 SubstitutionPaul Costantin CodreaDouglas Ricardo Packer 70 Play is halted as Molinaro is down injured after falling awkwardly while going up for a header. He looks like he will be able to continue. 68 Kharja runs at the Juventus defence and slips a pass into Frick's path but the flag is up for offside. 66 Ranieri makes his first change of the match bringing on Zanetti for Sissoko. Nedved is caught offside as Juventus look for the goal that will put this match to bed. 64 Codrea sends in a delicate chip over the Juventus defence but Manninger scampers off his line to beat Frick to the ball. # Substitution 64 SubstitutionMohamed lamine SissokoCristiano Zanetti 62 OH!!! Kharja sends in a lovely ball for Frick but Mellberg makes a wonderful sliding challenge!!! 60 Giampaolo makes the first change of the match bringing on Frick for the disappointing Calaio. # Substitution 59 SubstitutionEmanuele Calaio`Mario Frick 58 Siena play some possession football much to the chagrin of the Juventus faithful. 56 OH!!!!!! Grygera pushes forward and sends in a delicious cross that Amauri meets but he sends his header wide of the mark!!! That was a real chance!!! 54 Nedved takes the ball down and sends in a looping cross to the back post and Del Piero manages to keep the ball in play but he can't manage to get a shot off. 52 Sissoko runs at the Siena defence but trips over the ball inside of the penalty area and the attack fizzles out. 50 Juventus win a free kick in a very promising position. Del Piero stands over the ball but sends his curling delivery high over the crossbar. 48 Molinaro and Nedved try to pull of a one-two but to no avail as Juventus come out attacking to start the second half. 46 Russo gets the second half underway with Juventus holding a one goal lead over the visitors who are not out of it just yet. 45 +1Russo blows his whistle to end the first half with Juventus taking a well deserved 1-0 lead into the interval thanks to a wonderfully taken free kick by Del Piero. # Yellow Card 45 +1Yellow CardZdenek Grygera 43 Mellberg sends a long pass forward looking for Amauri but Portanova does a good job of beating him to the ball. 41 Ghezzal tries to sneak behind the Juventus defence but the linesman's flag is up for offside. 39 Play is halted as Kharja is down injured but it looks as if he should be able to continue which is good news for Siena supporters as he has been one of the best players on the pitch this afternoon. 37 Del Piero finds Nedved on the right hand side and the Czech warhorse wins his side a corner kick. Marchionni's delivery is poor and comes to nothing. 35 The crowd break into full song and rightfully so as that was a wonderful free kick by Del Piero. Amauri finds Del Piero in full stride but he can't push the ball past Del Grosso. 33 Jarolim takes Nedved down in a very dangerous position and it's Del Piero time!! The Juve faithful hold their breath as their captain stands over the ball..... GOAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAL!!! Del Piero does it again as he curls his shot around the Siena wall and into the back of the net!!!!!! # Goal 33 GoalAlessandro Del Piero 31 Sissoko does well to find Del Piero who unleashes a drive that Manitta saves pretty comfortably. Ghezzal sprints down the left hand side and sends in a cross that Manninger gobbles up. 29 Nedved tries to thread a pass into the path of Amauri but Portanova makes a vital intervention. Still no breakthrough in Turin so far this afternoon. 27 Del Grosso finds Ghezzal who is hacked down and wins his side a free kick. Codrea stands over the ball and unleashes a drive that takes a deflection off the Juventus wall and falls to Calaio whose weak shot fails to trouble Manninger. 25 OH!!! Del Grosso's cross finds Kharja who takes the ball down, spins and unleashes a low shot that whizzes past the post!!! 23 OH!!! Legrottaglie gives the ball away very cheaply and Kharja unleashes a drive that Mellberg blocks!!!! 21 Molinaro takes on Portanova and tries to get his cross into the penalty area but his attempt is blocked by the Siena defender. 19 Juve have the visitors pinned back in their own half as Del Piero wins his side a free kick. Marchionni's delivery is met by Amauri but Portanova does enough to throw the big man off balance. 17 OH!!!!! Siena hit Juventus on the counterattack and the ball is cut back to Calaio whose shot seems to hit Legrottaglie's hand but Russo waves away the penalty protests!!!! # Yellow Card 16 Yellow CardPaul Costantin Codrea 15 Juventus win a free kick deep inside of Siena's side of the half but Marchionni's ensuing delivery is gobbled up by Manitta who makes a good catch in traffic. 13 Del Piero chests the ball down beautifully and tries to pick out Nedved but his pass is over-hit and Del Grosso clears the danger. 11 Juventus are starting to stamp their authority on the match as Nedved finds Del Piero on the edge of the area but his first touch is poor and the chance goes begging. 9 Nedved takes the ball down and lobs a cross into the area that falls to Marchionni but his shot from 15 yards sails over the crossbar. 7 Molinaro pushes forward and sends a cross into the penalty area that is too close to Manitta who makes a comfortable catch. 5 OH!!!!!! Kharja pounces on a loose ball and unleashes a low shot that trickles past the far post!!! He really should have hit the net from there!! 3 Marchionni sprints down the left flank and tries to pick out Amauri but his pass is over-hit and runs out of play. The crowd are in full voice knowing that a victory today will cut Inter's lead to a very manageable four points. 1 Carmine Russo gets the match underway with Ranieri starting Del Piero and Amauri upfront while Giampaolo counters with Ghezzal and Calaio. Chiellini and Buffon will both miss out for Juventus this afternoon. Goal.com
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