What a group in the Champions League!

It'll be a great start for Juventus in the 2008/09 edition. The draw in Monte Carlo placed the Bianconeri in Group H, where they'll be facing Real Madrid, Russian side Zenit St. Petersburg and Bate Borisov, a team from Belarus. 

The Spanish side have won the Cup several times; the other two teams come from the former Soviet Union.

There's not a lot to add about Real, as they're one of the most famous clubs in the world. But also one of the most dangerous opponents and they've won the last League title in their country too. There have been several clashes with Juve, in recent times as well. And the last two times the Bianconeri were always the ones who qualified.

Of the two former Soviet teams, Zenit St. Petersburg are the most dangerous. Not only are they Russian national title-holders, but are also the UEFA Cup holders and indeed tomorrow night they'll be playing for the European Super Cup, always in Monte Carlo, against Manchester United. Juventus have never met Zenit before.

The same applies to Bate Borisov, a team that has qualified for the very first time to the Champions League. The Belarus champions are one of the great surprises in these qualifiers, as they managed to get through all three rounds, knocking out prestigious opponents such as Anderlecht and Levski Sofia. 

*juventus.com

Team at work after Bratislava game

With the Artmedia file settled and a place in the Champions League finally ensured, the team went back to work this afternoon in Vinovo, to start preparing Sunday night's League game at Fiorentina.

As scheduled, training was influenced by the game played just hours before. Those who went on the pitch in Bratislava took part only in the initial warm-up phase, and then went back to the changing rooms. The rest of the group had a normal session.

In the meantime, four days from the League debut, the injured players are recovering. Zebina, Marchionni and Zanetti continued their schedule and Giorgio Chiellini also made his return on the pitch. Ten days after the injury he picked up at the Berlusconi Trophy, the defender was able to run a few laps today.

Meanwhile, anticipation is growing for Champions League draw, scheduled for tomorrow afternoon in Monte Carlo.
*juventus.com

Champions League, we're back!

This time the wait is finally over for real. After two years, Juventus are back in the Champions League, the proper one, the one that counts. Juve went through the qualifiers with authority against Artmedia Bratislava, beating them over the two matches. After the 4-0 win in Turin that had almost guaranteed going through, the return in the Slovakian capital ended 1-1 and gave Amauri the joy of his first official goal at Juventus. After tomorrow's games (among them the one involving Fiorentina, Sunday's opponents in the League), it'll already be time for the draw. On Thursday, in Monte Carlo, the Bianconeri will get to know the names of their first three rivals in the group stage. 

Ranieri changed things around from the first game tonight. Having lost Chiellini, the Manager was able to employ Nedved and the Olympians and he did, playing the Czech player and Marchisio from the start. Sissoko, Del Piero and Trezeguet rested. The two men up front tonight were Amauri and Iaquinta. 

Juventus, playing in their golden shirts like they did in the first leg, pushed forward from the start, without thinking about the result of the other match. There were two Camoranesi runs in the first few minutes but then the home team scored first thanks to a wonderful Fodrek scissor kick. The goal shook the Bianconeri who increased the pressure even more. Amauri became the star of the match, first hitting a post with a header and a few minutes later (on 25 minutes) scoring with another header, fed by a perfect cross from Nedved on the left wing. It was now 1-1, and nothing else important happened before the break.

No player changes were made at the start of the second half. Juventus continued piling forward, trying to score and getting corner kick after corner kick. The first clear chance was after 60 minutes, but Nedved's right footer wasn't on target. Artmedia replied a minute later with Velicky, but with much the same outcome. In the 70th minute, Ranieri replaced Camoranesi and Nedved with Sissoko and Giovinco, and then in the 82nd, Legrottaglie with Ariaudo. Near the end Artmedia went close to scoring but Buffon put his mark on the night with a great save on Salata. It was the final chance, the match ended 1-1 and Juve officially qualified. They're now back in the Champions League and will need to wait until Thursday to know their opponents' names.


Champions League – qualifiers 3rd round second leg
Bratislava, Tehelné Pole 
Tuesday August 26th 2008 

ARTMEDIA-JUVENTUS 1-1 (1-1) 
GOALS: Fodrek 13 mins, Amauri 25 mins. 
ARTMEDIA BRATISLAVA: Kamenar; Cisovsky, Salata, Farkas, Burak; Pedro (Halenar 84 mins), Velicky; Obzera (Piroska 65 mins), Kozak, Fodrek; Pospech (Glever 80 mins). Subs not used: Hyll, Oravec, Mraz, Hasek. Manager: Weiss. 
JUVENTUS: Buffon; Grygera, Mellberg, Legrottaglie (Ariaudo 82 mins), Grygera, Molinaro; Camoranesi (Sissoko 70 mins), Marchisio, Poulsen, Nedved (Giovinco 70 mins); Amauri, Iaquinta. Subs not used: Manninger, Salihamidzic, Del Piero, Trezeguet. Manager: Ranieri. 
REFEREE: Medina Cantalejo (Spain). 
YELLOW CARDS: Camoranesi 43 mins, Marchisio 49 mins, Salata 51 mins. 

Amauri: «The Champions League is a dream worth fighting for»

It wasn't only the players who've been at Juventus in the last two years who were dreaming of getting into the Champions League, but also those that had always only ever seen the top European competition from afar, Amauri among them. And the Brazilian chose the best possible way to end the wait: scoring in Bratislava and finishing off Artmedia for good after the 4-0 win at home. 

He showed real happiness at the end of the game: «The Champions League is a dream and now we can fight for this dream. When you're at Juve, it's natural to have enthusiasm and I'm very happy with the goal, it boosts morale. We're physically and psychologically fit and we have the right attitude too. We strikers are all willing to help out and we give all we can, whether we play from the start or we come on during a match».
*juventus.com

Ranieri: «The Marchisio-Poulsen duo did well»

He'd asked his lads to play thinking it was still 0-0. But Claudio Ranieri knew that the first leg's 4-0 win was ample guarantee in terms of qualifying and it was obvious tonight in Bratislava. After the two goals in the first half, Juventus and Artmedia settled for a draw that suited everyone. 

These were the Juventus' Manager's comments after the game: «The first leg result made itself felt and that's one reason the game was played at a more sedate pace. After they scored, we showed that we didn't want to lose; we played our game and earned a draw. I'm pleased with Marchisio and Poulsen's performance in the middle of the pitch. We've qualified now, let's focus on Fiorentina». 


*juventus.com

Suspended Sissoko to miss League opener

Claudio Ranieri will have to do without Momo Sissoko for the first League game at Fiorentina. The Mali-born midfielder is the only Juventus player to be suspended; he pays for his sending off on the last day of Serie A last year, after he was booked twice during the 3-3 draw at Sampdoria.

Sissoko will thus have to sit out the game against Fiorentina, the team against whom he has scored his first (and so far only) goal in Italy.
*juventus.com

Youth Team Championship to begin against Livorno

Over a month from the Youth Team's season officially kicking off, the calendar of the games has been decided and the Italian Football have released the three groups' official schedules. 

Maddaloni's team will begin at home. They will play Livorno at the Chisola in Vinovo on Saturday October 11th. The first away game seven days later at Bologna. The third game, on October 25th, will already be a big one: the Turin derby, but also the start of a tough cycle of games which will pit the Bianconeri against all their strongest rivals one after the other: Piacenza, Sampdoria and Genoa. 

Here is the full calendar of Juventus' 13 games. 

Day 1 Juventus vs. Livorno 
Day 2 Bologna vs. Juventus 
Day 3 Juventus vs. Torino 
Day 4 Piacenza vs. Juventus 
Day 5 Juventus vs. Sampdoria 
Day 6 Juventus vs. Genoa 
Day 7 Modena vs. Juventus 
Day 8 Juventus vs. Empoli 
Day 9 Parma vs. Juventus 
Day 10 Pisa vs. Juventus 
Day 11 Juventus vs. Grosseto 
Day 12 Siena vs. Juventus 
Day 13 Juventus vs. Sassuolo
*juventus.com

Ready for Artmedia

With the summer friendlies now over, it's time for Juventus to dive back into their official matches. Matches that count, starting in the last week of August, which will have as many as two, and both away from home: Tuesday in Bratislava for the Champions League qualifiers second leg against Artmedia (the first ended 4-0) and Sunday night the first day of the League in Florence.

But Juve are taking one match at a time. After the Villar Perosa exhibition, the team worked this morning in Vinovo, their last training session before flying over to Slovakia on Monday morning.

Compared to the first leg in Turin, Chiellini (who'd scored the third goal) won't be available, but both Nedved (who was suspended) and the three lads back from the Olympics games, De Ceglie, Marchisio and Giovinco, are part of the team again. Ariaudo will be the only Youth Team lad to travel with the squad. 

To recap, Ranieri named a 22-man squad for the Bratislava trip. Here is the list in full:

1 Buffon
4 Mellberg 
7 Salihamidzic 
8 Amauri 
9 Iaquinta 
10 Del Piero 
11 Nedved 
12 Chimenti 
13 Manninger 
15 Knezevic 
16 Camoranesi 
17 Trezeguet 
18 Poulsen 
19 Marchisio 
20 Giovinco 
21 Grygera 
22 Sissoko 
27 Ekdal 
28 Molinaro 
29 De Ceglie 
33 Legrottaglie 
41 Ariaudo
*juventus.com

Ready for Artmedia

With the summer friendlies now over, it's time for Juventus to dive back into their official matches. Matches that count, starting in the last week of August, which will have as many as two, and both away from home: Tuesday in Bratislava for the Champions League qualifiers second leg against Artmedia (the first ended 4-0) and Sunday night the first day of the League in Florence.

But Juve are taking one match at a time. After the Villar Perosa exhibition, the team worked this morning in Vinovo, their last training session before flying over to Slovakia on Monday morning.

Compared to the first leg in Turin, Chiellini (who'd scored the third goal) won't be available, but both Nedved (who was suspended) and the three lads back from the Olympics games, De Ceglie, Marchisio and Giovinco, are part of the team again. Ariaudo will be the only Youth Team lad to travel with the squad. 

To recap, Ranieri named a 22-man squad for the Bratislava trip. Here is the list in full:

1 Buffon
4 Mellberg 
7 Salihamidzic 
8 Amauri 
9 Iaquinta 
10 Del Piero 
11 Nedved 
12 Chimenti 
13 Manninger 
15 Knezevic 
16 Camoranesi 
17 Trezeguet 
18 Poulsen 
19 Marchisio 
20 Giovinco 
21 Grygera 
22 Sissoko 
27 Ekdal 
28 Molinaro 
29 De Ceglie 
33 Legrottaglie 
41 Ariaudo
*juventus.com

Artmedia lose again distracted by qualifier

Artmedia's negative period continues. While they wait to face Juventus on Tuesday in the second leg of the Champions League qualifiers third round (Bianconeri won the first leg 4-0), the reigning Champions of Slovakia have managed to lose another League game.

It was a defeat with heavy consequences, as they lost at home 3-2 (Kozac on penalty and Salata scored the goals) at the hands of Kosice, the team that's dominating the tournament and who got their sixth consecutive win, and are therefore still in first place on full points.

Meanwhile, Artmedia have lost three games out of the five they've played so far and, with the game against Trnava in hand, are now already 12 points behind the League leaders.
*juventus.com

Ranieri: «A lot of warmth before Europe»

Now the friendly tests are really over. The exhibition in Villar Perosa ended the summer friendly schedule. From Monday morning, when the whole squad will fly to Bratislava to close the deal in the qualifier, things for Juventus will start to get serious. 

Before facing Artmedia and Fiorentina in the space of five days, all the Bianconeri enjoyed a day basking in the love and warmth of their fans, as many as 5 thousand of whom travelled to the Val Chisone for the traditional in-house game. Which is just what everybody needed, according to Claudio Ranieri, interviewed after the match: «We really must thank all these people for how they greeted us. Our fans are important and we'll definitely need their support this season. The team always give their all on the pitch, but I'm sure that all this warmth can give us at least three or four points more in the League. I'm happy about the younger players' performances again today; they confirmed all the good stuff they showed in the European friendlies too. Pasquato? He showed that he's too superior to other players his same age, he'd waste a year if he stayed in the Youth Team, he needs to go and gain experience on loan; he has what it takes to become a top player». 

Before leaving Villar Perosa, the Manager couldn't avoid talk about Tuesday's game: a game that will be prepared with a morning training session on Sunday, the last day before travelling over to Slovakia. «We're going there to close the deal and qualify, knowing full well that we'll need to have the same determination we had in the first leg in Turin. We'll be facing a team who will really want to make a good impression in front of their own fans». 

One man who can only be happy about the younger lads' excellent performances, and not only those employed by the first team today, is Massimiliano Maddaloni. Making his debut on the bench in Villar Perosa today, and disregarding the result (the last thing to consider in games such as this), the Youth Team Manager was impressed. «I'm happy with how the lads played. Apart from the by now famous ones who have been working with Ranieri since the start of the pre-season, I liked Duravia, Giuseppe Giovinco, De Paola and Daud, but they all did their part. Seeing them play with the first team is very gratifying for me and the others who work in the Youth Academy, because at the end of the day, that really is our aim».
*juventus.com

Ranieri: «A lot of warmth before Europe»

Now the friendly tests are really over. The exhibition in Villar Perosa ended the summer friendly schedule. From Monday morning, when the whole squad will fly to Bratislava to close the deal in the qualifier, things for Juventus will start to get serious. 

Before facing Artmedia and Fiorentina in the space of five days, all the Bianconeri enjoyed a day basking in the love and warmth of their fans, as many as 5 thousand of whom travelled to the Val Chisone for the traditional in-house game. Which is just what everybody needed, according to Claudio Ranieri, interviewed after the match: «We really must thank all these people for how they greeted us. Our fans are important and we'll definitely need their support this season. The team always give their all on the pitch, but I'm sure that all this warmth can give us at least three or four points more in the League. I'm happy about the younger players' performances again today; they confirmed all the good stuff they showed in the European friendlies too. Pasquato? He showed that he's too superior to other players his same age, he'd waste a year if he stayed in the Youth Team, he needs to go and gain experience on loan; he has what it takes to become a top player». 

Before leaving Villar Perosa, the Manager couldn't avoid talk about Tuesday's game: a game that will be prepared with a morning training session on Sunday, the last day before travelling over to Slovakia. «We're going there to close the deal and qualify, knowing full well that we'll need to have the same determination we had in the first leg in Turin. We'll be facing a team who will really want to make a good impression in front of their own fans». 

One man who can only be happy about the younger lads' excellent performances, and not only those employed by the first team today, is Massimiliano Maddaloni. Making his debut on the bench in Villar Perosa today, and disregarding the result (the last thing to consider in games such as this), the Youth Team Manager was impressed. «I'm happy with how the lads played. Apart from the by now famous ones who have been working with Ranieri since the start of the pre-season, I liked Duravia, Giuseppe Giovinco, De Paola and Daud, but they all did their part. Seeing them play with the first team is very gratifying for me and the others who work in the Youth Academy, because at the end of the day, that really is our aim».
*juventus.com

Pasquato shines in Villar Perosa match

Over 5 thousand people came to the Val Chisone looking forward to Trezeguet’s and Amauri’s goals (as many of the other big stars were resting for Tuesday's game in Bratislava). But August 23rd 2008 will be remembered as “Pasquato day” at Juventus. In what could be his last game of the season for the Bianconeri (Alessio Secco and Claudio Ranieri both confirmed he will be going to a Serie B team on loan soon), the Veneto-born striker got the satisfaction of scoring six goals against his former team mates in the Youth Team. He scored three in the first half, playing up front with Trezeguet, and three in the second, playing alongside Amauri, who scored the other two goals of the game. Christian will certainly be remembering this afternoon for a very long time. 

The match in Villar Perosa ended with an eloquent 8-0 score. Even if it wasn't a tough game, Claudio Ranieri was still able to make good use of it in view of the Bratislava game. Apart from the many first team regulars missing - who in any case trained in Vinovo before travelling to the valley -, Camoranesi, Marchisio and Trezeguet all played again after injury. And they seem to have gotten over their physical problems. The other members of the first team who went on the pitch (Legrottaglie, Mellberg, Molinaro, Poulsen, Ekdal, Sissoko and Amauri), got 45 more minutes of play to improve their match fitness.

But it was set to be the youngsters' day in Villar and they sure didn't waste their chance to shine. Duravia (the only player on the pitch for the whole 90 minutes) played well on the right, Giuseppe Giovinco and Daud showed some very good things, and Rossi and Ariaudo were both flawless again. Despite losing by so much (also because several Berretti players had to be employed), Massimiliano Maddaloni had reason to be pleased too, as it looks like the Youth Team will be a force to be reckoned with in the 2008/09 season again.

JUVENTUS A-JUVENTUS B 8-0 (3-0) 
GOALS: Pasquato 5, 11, 24, 54, 70 and 85 mins, Amauri 51 and 57 mins. 
JUVENTUS A: Chimenti, Duravia, Mellberg (Legrottaglie 46 mins), De Paola (Ariaudo 46 mins), Molinaro (D’Elia 46 mins), Giuseppe Giovinco (Camoranesi 46 mins), Sissoko (Marchisio 46 mins), Ekdal (Poulsen 46 mins), Daud (Rossi 46 mins), Trezeguet (Amauri 46 mins), Pasquato. Sub not used: Piccolo. Manager: Ranieri. 
JUVENTUS B: Pinsoglio, Bamba, Alcibiade, Ferrero, Serino, Boniperti, Pirrotta, Marrone (Lazzeri 69 mins), Castiglia, Curcio, Immobile. Subs (all on in the second half): Nocchi, Crivello, Mignano, Romano, Silvestri, Gerbaudo, Toukam, Belcastro, Carta. Manager: Maddaloni. 


*juventus.com

Celebration in Villar Perosa attracts many

Before returning to Europe on Tuesday in Bratislava for the qualifier and then straight into the Champions League proper, everyone at Juventus granted themselves a day of celebration, basking in the fans' enthusiasm. And no one at all was missing at the traditional Villar Perosa exhibition match. 

John Elkann, Franzo Grande Stevens, all the Club's top brass (Giovanni Cobolli Gigli, Jean Claude Blanc, Alessio Secco, Ciro Ferrara) and the first team were all there. But most of all, 5 thousand fans travelled to the Val Chisone, the area where the Agnellis hail from, to cheer their beloved team and to take part in the celebrations. On the pitch, the first team won by 8-0 (with 6 Pasquato goals and two by Amauri), but this afternoon it wasn't about that: everyone was truly a winner today.

Several protagonists of the day spoke to Juventus Channel, starting from John Elkann, the gracious host, who was cheered by the fans, exactly like they used to cheer his grandfather, Gianni Agnelli, the Avvocato. 

John Elkann: «It’s truly a splendid day, this is Juventus' traditional celebration and it's nice to all be here together. It pleases me to see so many young players on the pitch; this is a clear sign that the Club's policy, i.e. to help them grow by giving them a chance, is the right one». 

Giovanni Cobolli Gigli: «Villar Perosa is an historic town for all Juventus. I was very happy that John Elkann chose to come and be close with us, surrounded by all these beautiful people. The game? We had fun watching it. The youngsters gave everything, but the old guard were no slouches either». 

Blanc: «Seeing all these people is an energy boost for the start of our season. The things that happened in the last two years have made people love Juventus even more. Our team is made up of 14 million people and it is for them too that we keep working, remaining humble and eager to do well. Here in Villar Perosa we've understood even more how tradition is important and how to do big things you need to build solid roots first». 

Alessio Secco: «This exhibition in Villar Perosa is as old as Juve itself, it's nice to come here in this valley that the Avvocato Agnelli loved so much. We saw a lot of interesting youngsters playing today, they've been able to win over the Manager's trust and have taken the chance given to them always behaving impeccably both on and off the pitch, perfectly in-keeping with the 'Juve style'. Some of them, including Pasquato, will go on loan to gather experience». 

Ciro Ferrara: «It's a pleasure for the Youth Academy to give so many players to the first team. Juventus' mentality involves buying big stars while also giving the boys who deserve it a chance to get into the first team. We must thank Claudio Ranieri for this, as he's giving the boys the possibility to train and play next to some great players. Maddaloni? He has experience with young players and at other clubs, he has everything he needs to work well and replace a coach such as Chiarenza, who did really well here. We count on winning as much as we did with him». 


*juventus.com

Eve of Villar Perosa match

It's one game after the other: just time to get back to Turin after the trip to Naples, which yielded the Birra Moretti Trophy, and it's already time to prepare for another engagement. 

Like every summer, it's time for the traditional exhibition game in Villar Perosa. Ranieri's team travel to the Val Chisone to face Massimiliano Maddaloni's Youth Team, for their last friendly before Tuesday's Champions League return qualifier against Artmedia. 

With the Bratislava game being so near, part of the squad will need to rest as a precaution, to recover in the best possible way from their minor physical problems and be at their best for the European engagement. Some of Juve's stars will therefore only be spectators in Villar Perosa, among them Buffon, Del Piero, Nedved, Iaquinta, Zanetti, Giovinco, De Ceglie, Zebina, Marchionni, Salihamidzic, Grygera and Manninger, alongside youngster Esposito and Chiellini. 

The Bianconeri's medical staff have released details regarding a few of the above players, i.e. Nedved, Salihamidzic, Marchionni, Zanetti, Chiellini, Manninger and Grygera. 

Nedved had to leave the pitch near the end of the game against AC Milan as he was hit hard to his left calf, but should have recovered in time for Sunday morning's training session. The same for Salihamidzic, who came off due to slight pain in his left Achilles tendon. 

Marchionni and Zanetti are on the mend. Marchionni is recovering well and will undergo another ultrasound scan next week. If the results are positive, he'll be able to start training again. Zanetti also awaits a positive result from the scan he'll be undergoing on Monday.

Meanwhile, Manninger has been suffering from a pain under his left shoulder-blade after playing with Austria on Wednesday. Grygera also hurt himself playing for his national team, as he was hit hard to his knee during the game against England.

And finally, Chiellini. The defender is recovering a little more quickly than predicted and he'll already be in Turin on Monday to continue therapies for the injury he picked up at the Berlusconi Trophy. 

Claudio Ranieri can take comfort in the fact three important players like Camoranesi, Marchisio and Trezeguet are back in the team, though. This is the group of players available tomorrow: Amauri, Camoranesi, Chimenti, Ekdal, Legrottaglie, Marchisio, Mellberg, Molinaro, Poulsen, Sissoko and Trezeguet. To these a few Youth Team players will be added, so they'll be facing their team mates while wearing the first team shirt. They are: Ariaudo, Pasquato, Rossi, Nocchi, Giuseppe Giovinco, Duravia, De Paola, D’Elia and Daud. 

On the other side, Massimiliano Maddaloni will have 21 lads at his disposal, some of whom borrowed from the Berretti team. Here is the list in full: 

Goalkeepers: Pinsoglio, Piccolo
Defenders: Alcibiade, Bamba, Crivello, Ferrero, Mignano, Romano, Serino, Silvestri 
Midfielders: Boniperti, Castiglia, Gerbaudo, Lazzeri, Marrone, Pirrotta, Toukam, 
Forwards: Belcastro, Carta, Curcio, Immobile 

*juventus.com

Juventus celebrate win at the San Paolo

This time the penalties brought joy to Juventus. Ranieri's team took revenge on AC Milan after seeing the TIM Trophy slip away in late July, and redeemed themselves by winning the Birra Moretti Trophy. They beat both the Rossoneri and hosts Napoli on penalties.

A great satisfaction for the Club who win their 6th edition of the Trophy out of 11 played. A good omen in view of the official games approaching. 

JUVENTUS-AC MILAN 5-4 on pens Penalties against Napoli, penalties against AC Milan: Juventus's win at the Birra Moretti Trophy was synonymous with penalty kicks. After another 0-0 draw on the pitch, Chimenti shone as he saved on Favalli and then scored one of the kicks himself. Castiglia, Legrottaglie, Pasquato and Molinaro did the rest, making up for Amauri's mistake. Ranieri's team were playing for the Trophy against the Rossoneri. Three changes were made from the line-up in the first match. The two players recently back from the Olympics - De Ceglie and Giovinco – came off, as did Sissoko, with Molinaro, Pasquato and Tiago replacing them. The Bianconeri began at full speed and went very close to scoring in the first few minutes, when they had two incredible chances. On the first Amauri forced a miracle save out of Kalac, and then Pasquato shot high after a great build-up involving several players. Even in the second half, the ball was almost always in AC Milan's half. No goals came, but most regretfully Ranieri had to replace Nedved and Salihamidzic, who were both hit hard and had to be substituted. Duravia and Castiglia came on, but the result didn't change. It ended 0-0, and there were penalties again. Chimenti did his part saving Favalli's attempt and the Bianconeri scored five out of six, with Molinaro getting the last one and sealing the Trophy win for Juventus. 

NAPOLI-JUVENTUS 4-5 after penalties This time the penalty shootout was favourable to Juventus. The Bianconeri got the first two points at the Birra Moretti Trophy beating hosts Napoli 5-4 on penalties. Chimenti did well saving a penalty. His team mates did the rest: Esposito, Nedved, Giovinco, Salihamidzic and Amauri scored all the penalty kicks. For the opening game, Ranieri chose a Juventus side featuring Chimenti in goal; Salihamidzic, Legrottaglie, Ariaudo and De Ceglie in defence; Rossi, Sissoko, Ekdal and Nedved in midfield; and Amauri with Giovinco up front. Despite all the players missing, the team played well. Indeed in the first 22 minutes all goal-scoring chances were for Juventus. Amauri had two chances, set up by Rossi and Giovinco, and Rossi himself had two chances, especially a few seconds before the break, fed by an excellent Ekdal pass. After the short break, Rossi came off and Esposito came on. Zalayeta and Rinaudo were lively for Napoli but the first save was by Iezzo on a Giovinco right foot shot from outside the area. After 41 minutes, De Zerbi tried a free kick that went just wide outside the post on Chimenti's right side. Before the end, Giovinco made a great run and his shot was off target by inches. It ended 0-0 and so penalties beckoned. Chimenti saved the first penalty, taken by De Zerbi. Then Esposito, Nedved, Giovinco, Salihamidzic and Amauri didn't miss, so Juventus won 5-4 and earned the first two points of the night.
*juventus.com

Ranieri: «Further experience for the young players»

It might not have the same taste as the almost-certainty of qualifying for the Champions League, but winning the Birra Moretti Trophy – for the 6th time in 11 editions played – cannot fail but make the whole squad very happy as they make their way back to Turin. 

Just like a few days ago at the Berlusconi Trophy, the best things came mostly from the younger players: a good sign for Ranieri in view of the future. «With the internationals missing, it was a good chance for the younger players to get more experience. I gave them several chances to play this summer, also during the Tour of England; I think they'll remember this pre-season period for a long time. I'm only sorry for Nedved, I was about to replace him when he was hit hard. I just hope it isn't anything serious».

*juventus.com

Last game before Champions League in Villar Perosa

With the Birra Moretti Trophy now over too, Juventus' summer schedule of friendlies has practically ended. 

There is only one game left before focusing on the official engagements – the Champions League qualifier against Artmedia and the first day of the League at Fiorentina. But it has a rich tradition. 

On Saturday afternoon, all the Bianconeri gather in Villar Perosa. After not being played for years, the traditional exhibition game between the first team and Youth Team, coached by Massimiliano Maddaloni, will thrill the fans again. Kick off at 5 pm. 

Before the match, the whole squad will hold one last training session on Friday afternoon.
*juventus.com

Internationals don't shine in Wednesday friendlies

Considering the results from the two days of friendlies, the Bianconeri internationals must be coming back with a strong desire for revenge. Out of the six games where Juve players were involved, only one was a win, two were draws and three were defeats.

The match with the largest number of Bianconeri on the pitch was naturally the one in Nice, where Marcello Lippi's renewed Italy side played their first game since his return, against Austria. As many as six Juventus players involved, but only four actually played in the 2-2 draw. Both Camoranesi, and Iaquinta didn't go on the pitch. Among the Azzurri, Buffon played 90 minutes, Del Piero stayed on for over 70, and Legrottaglie played for one half, as did Manninger, who defended the Austrian goal up to the break.

The Czech Republic drew 2-2 as well, a prestigious result but with a few regrets. At Wembley, Grygera (who only appeared in the first half) and his team mates were winning 1-0 and then 2-1 against Fabio Capello's England side, who equalized twice at the end of both halves, the second time deep into injury time.

The only win was for Croatia. With Knezevic resting as scheduled, his team mates won 3-2 coming from behind, in Maribor, against home team Slovenia. 

No such luck for Mellberg, Poulsen and Sissoko. Sweden lost 3-2 at home to France. Denmark did worse, losing 3-0, but they were facing recently crowned European Champions Spain. Meanwhile, Mali had lost a tight game against Gabon on Tuesday.
*juventus.com

Youth Team Group stage opponents named

The Youth Team learned the names of the teams they will face in their Group when the official season begins. Just like last year, the 42 teams enrolled have been divided into three 14-team groups.

The Bianconeri have ended once again in Group A, a group that includes some pretty tough opponents, such as Sampdoria, who won the title last year (and also won the Italian Cup), Genoa, Torino, plus Empoli too this year. The Tuscan club are one of the four new teams in this 2008/09 edition.

Compared to last year, Brescia, Cagliari and Mantova have moved over to Group B, and Spezia haven't enrolled. Apart from Empoli, the other new teams in Group A are Grosseto, Sassuolo and Siena. Luckily there won't be any long away trips to Sardinia this year, but a lot of trips to Tuscany instead. As many as five away games in the region, considering Livorno and Pisa are also in the group.

Below is the full team list for Group A. The calendar hasn't been released yet, but the dates have already been decided. The first round will be on October 11th, and the last on May the 2nd. Play-offs and finals will then follow (click here to see all the dates in detail).

Bologna
Empoli
Genoa
Grosseto
Juventus
Livorno
Modena
Parma
Piacenza
Pisa
Sassuolo
Sampdoria
Siena
Torino
*juventus.com

Ranieri to give room to young players

«We don't want revenge, but we’re not worried we'll sink either. We'll go there to play eager to do well, like we always do. We must get practice and I'm happy to play tournaments such as this: they're useful in bringing the team up to match fitness».
Ranieri is preparing to face the second-from-last friendly commitment of the summer, the Birra Moretti Trophy, with several important players missing. But this is no reason for the games in Naples to be less than useful in terms of providing feedback: «I'll be employing those that have played less so far and I'll also be able to see Giovinco and De Ceglie play. Pasquato, Esposito and Rossi, all the young lads that are doing well, will have another chance to shine too. Playing and not just training with the First Team is excellent experience for them. At San Siro we saw how they livened things up and they were excellent ambassadors of Juventus' Youth Academy». 

Juventus' Manager has always had an excellent relationship with younger players, and, despite what some people think, he has given plenty of them their debut: « You're telling me I don't give youngsters their debut? - A journalist's question took the Manager by surprise - Well, that's rich. What about Zola? I gave him his debut in the post-Maradona era. And John Terry? At Chelsea I put him on when he was twenty and I had the two central defenders who were European and World champions then. And that's not counting all the others! You can say anything you want about me, but not that I don't give young players their top flight debut».

And speaking of youngsters, there is great anticipation surrounding Giovinco: «He can play in the role he had under Casiraghi in the Olympic team or like he did under Cagni at Empoli. He can play in midfield in a 4-4-2 formation or play as an attacking midfielder, or as a wide striker... He's still developing as a player. He could be playing up front with Amauri tomorrow, or maybe Pasquato will play. We'll see.»


*juventus.com

21-man squad named for the San Paolo games

Ranieri has named a 21-man squad for the Moretti Trophy. The Manager will continue his policy to favour the younger players in Naples, with as many as eight Youth Team players in the squad. Castiglia, De Paola, Duravia and Pinsoglio will be present at the San Paolo alongside usual suspects Ariaudo, Esposito, Pasquato and Rossi, who have been with the First Team for the whole pre-season period. Players missing include Sissoko, Legrottaglie, Grygera, Manninger, and all the other internationals that will be coming back to base to resume training in Vinovo tomorrow afternoon; Trezeguet and Zebina will also be missing the trip to Naples, as they continue their therapies to recover from the annoying problems to their tendons (the kneecap and Achilles tendon respectively). 

Here is the squad list in full:


7 Salihamidzic
8 Amauri
11 Nedved
12 Chimenti
13 Manninger
20 Giovinco
21 Grygera
22 Sissoko
24 De Paola
27 Ekdal
28 Molinaro
29 De Ceglie
30 Tiago
33 Legrottaglie
34 Pasquato
35 Esposito
36 Castiglia
37 Duravia
40 Rossi
41 Ariaudo
42 Pinsoglio
*juventus.com

Molinaro: «We'll redeem ourselves at the Moretti»

It's young player time: at the Birra Moretti Trophy, scheduled tomorrow in Naples, due to injuries and international commitments, Ranieri will be giving space to a lot of the youngsters who have been getting themselves noticed for their personality and skills lately. There'll still be plenty of more experienced players facing hosts Napoli and AC Milan, though, including Nedved, Amauri and Molinaro. And it's always a special and exciting occasion for the defender when he plays at the San Paolo, even in a friendly tournament such as this: «It's always a pleasure for a Campania native like me to play in Naples. Even if these are not official matches, facing prestigious teams in this context is an added motivating factor to do well. Besides, we really want to redeem ourselves after the defeat we suffered at the Berlusconi Trophy. A lot of my team mates will be missing, that's true, but we'll still try to win by being very determined»

*juventus.com

Juve resume training in Vinovo with Sant’Albano present

As scheduled, this afternoon the team resumed training in Vinovo after a day and a half of rest. Without the 11 internationals and Chiellini, injured, but with all three players back from the Olympic Games: De Ceglie, Marchisio and Giovinco. 

Training resumed in front of a special guest. Indeed IFIL Managing Director and Juventus Board Member Carlo Sant’Albano, who watched the session with Director of Sport Alessio Secco. 

Other Youth Team lads joined in the training, apart from those who have been with the squad since the Pinzolo summer camp, and all together they started preparing next Thursday night's engagement: the Birra Moretti Trophy, to be played with Napoli and AC Milan. The traditional summer tournament will be introduced by Claudio Ranieri in a press conference on the eve of the event, on Wednesday, at noon.

Meanwhile there's news regarding injured players, the first of which comes directly from Coverciano. Dr. Agricola was informed by Italy's team doctor Castellacci and Marcello Lippi himself that Mauro German Camoranesi will not be employed in Wednesday's international friendly against Austria as a precaution. Iaquinta however got the all clear as he has recovered perfectly and is available to play if Italy’s Manager chooses to use him.

The other news regards Jonathan Zebina. In the last few days the French defender has been suffering a pain to his Achilles tendon, so it was decided to rest him for a few days and make him undergo the correct therapy. After the Champions League qualifier return game next Tuesday his condition will be evaluated to establish if he can resume training at that point.

*juventus.com

De Ceglie and Giovinco: «We're fired up»

On the day when they should have been fighting for an Olympic medal in Beijing, Paolo De Ceglie and Sebastian Giovinco have officially begun their adventure at Juventus for the 2008/09 season. 

With the adventure in China over before time – and not without regrets – due to the defeat in the quarter finals suffered at the hands of Belgium (who were defeated comprehensively by Nigeria today, who will be playing the Final against Argentina), the two boys joined up with their team mate Claudio Marchisio and with the rest of the group today.

It was really the first day of work for Paolo and Sebastian, and they showed how eager they are to do well and quickly forget how their adventure with the National Olympic team ended.

«First of all I have to say we're all really sorry for how it went – De Ceglie confessed when interviewed by Juventus Channel -, we would've wanted to go all the way. Now I jump back into things here at Juve and I'm really eager and enthusiastic. I was able to follow the team from China and I watched the wide and well-deserved win my team mates got against Artmedia». 

The same concepts were reinforced by Giovinco speaking with the Juve-themed TV station’s journalist. «It didn't go as we wanted it to at the Olympics and it's a real shame. I'll try and make up for it here. I know it'll be a long and very tough season, but I'm really fired up now and I'll try and gain some space for myself in this team made up of huge stars».
*juventus.com

The Bianconeri's international engagements

As many as 11 Juventus players have been called up by their national teams for Tuesday and Wednesday‘s international friendlies.

The eleven players are divided in six teams as follows: Buffon, Legrottaglie, Camoranesi, Del Piero and Iaquinta representing Italy, Sissoko is with Mali, Grygera with the Czech Republic, Mellberg with Sweden, Manninger with Austria, Poulsen with Denmark and Knezevic with Croatia (the latter recovering from injury so he won't actually be playing). 

The first team to play will be Mali. Sissoko's side will already be playing today against another African team, Gabon. The match will take place in Paris. 

The game with the largest number of Juve players involved will definitely be the one between Italy and Austria, scheduled for Wednesday night in Nice. This will be the Azzurri’s first match since Marcello Lippi's return as Manager. Not all the five Bianconeri are sure of a place in the starting eleven, considering that Iaquinta and Camoranesi have been working separately in the first two days of the training camp in Coverciano. The last man to join Juventus, goalkeeper Alex Manninger, will be in the Austrian side.

The other Wednesday friendlies are all high-calibre and promise to be spectacular. Indeed Mellberg's Sweden face France in Gothenburg, Poulsen's Denmark are up against new European champions Spain in Copenhagen, and Grygera's Czech Republic will be visiting England at Wembley. Finally Croatia, with Knezevic watching from the sidelines as his team mates play against Slovenia in Maribor.
*juventus.com

Chiellini: «I took a big weight off my chest»

The night has passed and so have Giorgio Chiellini’s fears. The day after the injury picked up at the Berlusconi Trophy, the defender underwent ultrasound scans and was also visited by his father Fabio, an orthopaedic doctor. The outcome was very reassuring. The diagnosis is of 1st or 2nd degree sprain in one of the muscles in his left knee.

His recovery time should be approximately 45-60 days. He'll need to rest completely for about ten days, and after the Champions League qualifiers' second leg he'll return to Turin to continue his therapy.

He suffered a similar injury in early 2008 (but it was his right knee that time) and it took him one month to get back on the pitch.

Giorgio's first comments were typical of someone who was relieved after fearing the worst: «Fortunately the ligament is ok – he confessed coming out of the Fornaca Clinic in Turin – so any risk of more serious damage has been exorcized, which would have meant missing most of the season. I already had less pain this morning, but I was still a bit tense until I got the results. They definitely took a big weight off my chest. Now I'll concentrate on resting for a few days and then I'll start working to get back on the pitch, but without rushing. I just want to thank all my team mates, my friends and the fans who have been expressing their sympathy to me since last night».

*juventus.com

Cepet sembuh chie/.....

10 leave for National team games

After getting past the latest engagement, i.e. the Luigi Berlusconi Trophy, the team will now continue their march towards the next games on their schedule. The most important ones will come in the last week of August, with the return qualifier in Bratislava (on the 26th) and the first day of the League in Florence (Sunday the 31st, at night). Before those, though, the schedule offers the Birra Moretti Trophy (on Thursday 21st) and the Villar Perosa exhibition match (on Saturday the 23rd). 

Claudio Ranieri gave the whole Monday off to all the players after the match against the Rossoneri. Training will resume on Tuesday, in late afternoon. But the squad will be a lot smaller because of international commitments. As many as 10 Juve players have been called up by their National teams. Marcello Lippi called up five for Italy – Buffon, Del Piero, Camoranesi, Iaquinta and Legrottaglie, who has taken the injured Chiellini's place -; the others are Grygera (called up by the Czech Republic), Mellberg (Sweden), Poulsen (Denmark), Manninger (Austria) and Knezevic (Croatia). 

Regarding Camoranesi and Iaquinta, who both missed Sunday night's game due to injury, their condition will be evaluated by the Azzurri's medical staff, who'll decide whether the two will be staying with the Italian squad or not.

10 leave but three return to base: De Ceglie, Giovinco and Marchisio. Having exited early from the Beijing Olympic Games with the Italian team, the lads will be at Claudio Ranieri's disposal at last on Tuesday.

*juventus.com

Four teams could face Juventus in Italian Cup

In anticipation of the different Leagues kicking off, the first TIM Italian Cup games are currently underway. Two rounds of the national trophy have already been played and soon it'll be time for the top Serie A teams to enter the competition. 

Juventus are looking on and, as one of the seeded teams, will only get into the action in November in the fifth round. Meanwhile the Bianconeri will follow the games from which the name of their opponents will come out. They will be facing one of the following teams: Catania, Parma, Chievo or Padova. 

Already next weekend two of these will be knocked out, as the third round games are scheduled to take place. Catania and Parma will face in one game (the team from the Emilia region have just gone through the second round by winning in extra time against Portogruaro). The other match is going to be a Veneto derby between Chievo and Padova. The latter, Del Piero's former team, are one of the surprises of the season so far as they've already taken care of two teams: Pontedera and a stronger side such as Piacenza. 

The winners of these two games (the round is played over a single match) will face in the 4th round over two matches; the games are scheduled to be played on September 18th and October the 2nd.
*juventus.com

Everything you need to know about the Birra Moretti Trophy

After the TIM Trophy and the Luigi Berlusconi Trophy, Juventus are getting ready to compete in their third traditional summer engagement. On Thursday August 21st, at the San Paolo Stadium in Naples, the 12th edition of the Birra Moretti Trophy will take place.

After three years in a row with the same line-ups, one of the teams taking part has changed. AC Milan take the place of their city rivals Inter and will play the tournament alongside Juventus (who have played 10 out of 11 editions, only missing it in 1999) and hosts Napoli.

The Bianconeri have often done well in this event. They've won as many as five editions and have come in second place four times out of the 10 editions they've taken part in.

The calendar of the 2008 edition has already been released. Like last year, it'll be up to Juventus and Napoli to open the tournament, playing the first match at 8.30 pm. The second game will pit AC Milan against the losers of the first and then they’ll face the winners in the last game. The games will last 45 minutes and in case of a draw, penalties will be taken (traditional ones 11 metres from the goal line). The whole tournament will be shown live on Italian TV channel Canale 5. 

To recap, here is the winners list of the first 11 editions

1997 Juventus 
1998 Udinese 
1999 Parma 
2000 Juventus 
2001 Inter Milan
2002 Inter Milan 
2003 Juventus 
2004 Juventus 
2005 Napoli 
2006 Juventus 
2007 Inter Milan 

*juventus.com

Berlusconi Trophy jinxed

Four days after the poker of goals that sunk Artmedia Bratislava and practically opened the doors of the major European tournament, Juventus had an unlucky night at the Mezza. In the 18th edition of the Luigi Berlusconi Trophy, they lost against the Rossoneri (4-1), but worst of all one of the team's stalwarts – Giorgio Chiellini – had to be taken out on a stretcher due

The defeat was too heavy and undeserved. The Rossoneri converted every chance they had; they scored twice in the first half with Jankulovski and Ambrosini and two more times in the second half, with Inzaghi and again Ambrosini. In between the last two goals, Pasquato scored for Juve. 

With the score at 0-0, Amauri had a goal disallowed. Legrottaglie hit the post near the end of the first half and there was a penalty appeal from Ekdal. Juve will be playing again already on Thursday, against AC Milan again, and Napoli, at the Birra Moretti Trophy. For this second pre-season game against AC Milan, Ranieri had to do without some important players who'd done so well only four days ago against Artmedia: Camoranesi, Trezeguet and Iaquinta. 

At the last minute, it was also decided to give Buffon a rest. So the team started with: Chimenti in goal, Grygera, Mellberg, Chiellini and Molinaro in defence, Tiago, Sissoko, Poulsen and Nedved in midfield, and Del Piero and Iaquinta up front. Despite having expended a lot of energy (both physically and mentally) in the qualifier, the Bianconeri started off strongly. There was immediately a Grygera run, set up by Del Piero, and also an Amauri goal, incorrectly disallowed for a non-existent offside. Then Ranieri's team had 15 nightmare minutes between the 20th and the 35th minute. AC Milan scored twice with Jankulovski and Ambrosini, but even worse, Chiellini suffered an injury and had to leave the pitch on a stretcher with a sprained knee; how serious the injury is will be established in the next few hours. 

Legrottaglie came on and almost scored again like on Wednesday, but his header hit the post this time. Before the break, former Juve keeper Abbiati saved on a great effort by Del Piero. There were immediately line-up changes in the second half. Manninger replaced Chimenti and Ekdal Nedved among the Bianconeri. 

Dida and Inzaghi came on for AC Milan. And Superpippo confirmed his state of grace in this event, first making it 3-0 after 52 minutes and immediately after forcing a save out of Manninger. As time went by, Ranieri gave space to the younger players. Del Piero, Tiago and Sissoko came off, Rossi, Esposito and Pasquato replacing them. The Veneto-born striker was particularly on the ball and after 70 minutes got the satisfaction of scoring in this ground, beating Dida with a lovely left-footer on the near post. 

The goal galvanized Juventus and they would have had the chance to make it 3-2, but Rizzoli didn't give a clear penalty for a Bonera foul on Ekdal, unjustly booking the Swede for simulating. Pasquato again had a chance in the 75h, but a desperate clearance by Oddo saved the hosts. AC Milan ironically scored instead, with Ambrosini again, on the counter-attack. It ended with a 4-1 score that is far too harsh on Juve from what we saw on the pitch tonight. 

But the four goals that really count are those scored Wednesday against Artmedia. 
Juventus already have the chance to take revenge against AC Milan on Thursday at the Birra Moretti Trophy. 

Luigi Berlusconi Trophy 
Milan, Meazza Stadium  
Sunday August 17th 2008 

AC MILAN-JUVENTUS 4-1 (2-0) 
GOALS: Jankulovski 21 mins, Ambrosini 25 and 79 mins, Inzaghi 52 mins, Pasquato 70 mins. 
AC MILAN: Abbiati (Dida 46 mins); Zambrotta (Oddo 64 mins), Bonera (Darmian 85 mins), Favalli, Jankulovski (Antonini 81 mins); Gattuso (Brocchi 64 mins), Flamini, Pirlo, Ambrosini (Cardacio 84 mins); Seedorf (Viudez 64 mins); Paloschi (Inzaghi 46 mins). Manager: Ancelotti.
JUVENTUS: Chimenti (Manninger 46 mins); Grygera, Mellberg, Chiellini (Legrottaglie 36 mins), Molinaro; Tiago (Esposito 62 mins), Sissoko (Rossi 62 mins), Poulsen, Nedved (Ekdal 46 mins); Amauri, Del Piero (Pasquato 62 mins). Sub not used: Salihamidzic. 
REFEREE: Rizzoli from Bologna. 

YELLOW CARDS: Amauri 67 mins, Ekdal 72 mins.

*juventus.com

Milcuk kampret...makan korban lg dah...

One foot in the Champions League

Return match on August 26th in Slovakia to manage this win. 13 days will still be needed to have 100% certainty of taking part in the next Champions League, but Juventus have at least one foot in the top European competition now. In the first leg of the third qualifying round, the Bianconeri had no mercy of Artmedia Bratislava and demolished them with an eloquent 4-0 drubbing. 

Three goals were already scored in the first half thanks to Camoranesi, Del Piero and Chiellini, and then Legrottaglie made it four at the end of the match. The four-goal difference clearly showed the difference in quality between the two teams tonight at the Olimpico. Ranieri considered this return to top-level European football as a reward for the stars of last season, so 10 of the old guard started tonight. 

Only new boy Poulsen had a place on the team due to Zanetti's injury. As for the rest of the team, Buffon was in goal (playing his 500th game as a professional), Grygera, Legrottaglie, Chiellini and Molinaro in defence, Camoranesi, Sissoko and Salihamidzic alongside the Dane in midfield and up front, the most tried and tested of partnerships: Del Piero and Trezeguet. 

As soon as Vassaras signalled play to begin, it was clear how important getting back into the Champions League is for the Bianconeri. Juventus (dressed in gold) dominated from the start. The first goal came pretty soon: after 7 minutes, Grygera's run opened up the Slovakian defence, and there was a rebound which put Camoranesi in a great position to quickly convert with a precise shot. The Czech player was again under the spotlight after 15 minutes, but unfortunately it was because he suffered an injury to his neck in a clash with Urbanek and had to leave the pitch. Ranieri replaced him with Iaquinta, making the team even more of an attacking one, and the results were soon evident. 

After 26 minutes, Captain Del Piero tapped into all his years of European experience and came up with a right footer that screamed into the top corner, leaving no chance to keeper Kamenar. And it wasn't all. After 43 minutes, Camoranesi put in a great cross from a free kick and Giorgio Chiellini beat everyone to head in, starting to celebrate his 24th birthday a few hours early. The first half ended with the score at 3-0. Second half. Weiss replaced Piroska with Obzera but things didn't change much. Juve still dominated and there were chances for Poulsen (miracle save by Karemar) and Del Piero (who shot high). Artmedia reacted, but Buffon left them no chance. Glever also came on for Halenar. 

After 73 minutes, there was a standing ovation when Ranieri took off Del Piero, with the whole crowd at the Olimpico cheering him, and put on Amauri. Iaquinta kept trying to score and was awarded a free kick, but his shot hit the wall. The Brazilian, Trezeguet and Iaquinta really wanted to get a goal and tried in several ways, but the fourth was eventually scored by Legrottaglie, whose header came in the 90th minute. 

The 4-0 looks set to guarantee Juve going through and returning to the top European tournament. 

Champions League qualifiers third round, first leg Turin, Olimpico Stadium Wednesday August 13th 2008 JUVENTUS-ARTMEDIA 4-0 (3-0) GOALS: Camoranesi 7 mins, Del Piero 26 mins, Chiellini 39 mins, Legrottaglie 90 mins. JUVENTUS: Buffon; Grygera (Iaquinta 16 mins), Legrottaglie, Chiellini, Molinaro; Camoranesi, Sissoko, Poulsen, Salihamidzic; Del Piero (Amauri 73 mins), Trezeguet. Subs not used: Chimenti, Zebina, Mellberg, Ekdal, Pasquato. Manager: Ranieri. ARTMEDIA BRATISLAVA: Kamenar; Velicky, Cisovsky, Salata, Urbanek; Piroska (Obzera 46 mins), Kozak, Fodrek, Pedro; Pospech (Oravec 82 mins), Halenar (Glever 68 mins). Subs not used: Hyll, Szabo, Mraz, Hasek. Manager: Weiss. REFEREE: Vassaras (Greece). YELLOW CARDS: Obzera 58 mins, Chiellini 85 mins. MATCH FACTS: attendance 23,102, takings € 422,355.00. 

*juventus.com

Ranieri: «A good performance, we'll be even fitter in the return game»

He hasn't changed his mind even after seeing his lads crush Artmedia 4-0. 

Claudio Ranieri remains convinced that a place in the Champions League is to be earned over two games. 

Juventus' Manager was in any case satisfied about his team's performance and confident in view of the second leg. These were his remarks when interviewed by Juventus Channel after the game: «There's a return match too, we'll have to stay very concentrated there, keeping in mind that this team won 5-0 against Celtic two years ago, but we're obviously in a good position to go through and in two weeks' time we'll be even fitter. We always managed the game tonight; on the whole it was a good performance. Three strikers? I chose Iaquinta because I'd noticed their left-back wasn't coming forward much». 

*juventus.com

Del Piero: «Let’s already focus on the return game»

Juventus had been waiting two years for this moment and on their return to Europe they showed how eager they were to make up for lost time, leaving no chance to Artmedia, who were never able to keep up with the Bianconeri. 

Tonight the Bianconeri were indeed absolutely focused on the task at hand, just like their skipper Del Piero, who played an excellent game and also scored a fantastic goal. «We played a good game, we weren't lacking in almost anything – Alex commented after the match -, we created several chances and didn’t’ risk much at the back. We're satisfied, but we mustn't think too much about tonight’s result, we must keep going. We need to focus immediately on the return game. Four goals can be enough to go through, but only if we play the return match with the same intensity and determination». 

*juventus.com

Two days of rest then Berlusconi Trophy on Sunday

After the win against Artmedia Bratislava, Claudio Ranieri has granted two well-deserved days of rest to the whole squad. 

The Bianconeri will have both Thursday 14th and Friday 15th off.

Training will resume Saturday morning, on the eve of the Berlusconi Trophy game against AC Milan, scheduled for Sunday at the Meazza.
*juventus.com

Olympics: Belgium book Italy date

Wednesday 13 August, 2008

Pierluigi Casiraghi’s Italy side will take on Belgium in the Olympic quarter-finals on Saturday.

The Azzurri fought out an ugly 0-0 draw with Cameroon earlier today to ensure that they ran out winners of Group D with seven points.

The result guaranteed that Italy wouldn’t have to face Brazil in the last eight, but Casiraghi’s side had to wait to find out who would come second in Group C.

While Brazil maintained their 100 per cent record by easing past hosts China 3-0, the crucial game was contested by Belgium and New Zealand in Shanghai.

Belgium, who were reduced to nine men in their 1-0 defeat against Brazil, beat New Zealand 1-0 courtesy of a goal from midfielder Faris Haroun and set up a date with the Italians on Saturday.

The New Zealanders' hopes of a comeback were severly dented by the dismissal of striker Daniel Ellensohn on the stroke of half-time.

Meanwhile, Napoli ace Ezequiel Lavezzi was on target for Argentina in their 2-0 win over Serbia and the Group A winners will now meet Holland.

Olympic quarter-finals draw:

Italy v Belgium
Nigeria v Ivory Coast
Brazil v Cameroon
Argentina v Holland 

*chn4

Cameroon 0-0 Italy

Missed pen: Chedjou 15 (C)
Sent Off: Mandjeck 32 (C)

Cameroon: Tignyemb; Bebey, Nkolou, Bikey, Ghomsi; Mandjeck, Song, Mbia, Chedjou (Song'o 68); Bekamenga (Olle 76), Ngal (Bebbe 56)

Italy: Viviano; De Silvestri, Coda, Bocchetti, De Ceglie; Dessena (Cigarini 60), Nocerino, Montolivo; Rossi, Giovinco (Candreva 88), Acquafresca (Abate 71)

*chn4

A win in Claudio's honour

The Olympic national team are continuing their unstoppable march in the football tournament at Beijing 2008. After defeating Honduras 3-0 in the first game, they did the same today against South Korea. Another 3-0 win, with goals by Rossi and Rocchi in the first half, and Montolivo near the end. The only Juventus player on the pitch today was Giovinco, who showed his class as usual and stayed on for 75 minutes. De Ceglie however stayed out.

As did Claudio Marchisio: the midfielder will wait until tomorrow to gauge how serious the injury to his right calf is and see if he can continue his Olympic adventure.

In any case the adventure will continue at full mast for the Azzurri. After two games, Italy are first with six points (with six goals for and none against), in front of Cameroon with four points, their next opponents in the final Group D game scheduled for Wednesday.

*juventus.com

Sunday of work in Vinovo, Marchionni and Zanetti having muscle problems

No rest for the Bianconeri as they prepare Wednesday night's game against Artmedia Bratislava. On Sunday too, Claudio Ranieri summoned the team for a morning training session in Vinovo. 

Meanwhile, as the injured players are returning one by one to the squad - after Iaquinta, Molinaro and Grygera, today it was Jonathan Zebina's turn – Marco Marchionni and Cristiano Zanetti had to miss training today as they're having muscle problems; tomorrow, Monday August 11th, the entity of these problems will be determined. Camoranesi also didn't train with the others as a precaution; he only worked in the gym. Three days from the debut in the Champions League qualifiers, Knezevic is still unavailable and working hard to recover from the injury he picked up seven days ago in London against Hamburg.

*juventus.com

Sissoko renews contract until 2013

Momo Sissoko is definitely living a brilliant week: on Wednesday night at Old Trafford he was one of the stars of the great match the Bianconeri played against Manchester United, and today he renewed his Juventus contract, extending it by one year. Momo has indeed signed until June 30th 2013. This is a clear sigh that the Club have faith in his extraordinary abilities and good news for all the Bianconeri fans who in just over six months, seeing how authoritatively he’s become a leader in midfield, have elected him one of their favourite players.

*juventus.com

Serie A to start with a Sunday night game in Florence

Juventus' 2008/09 season will begin under the floodlights again. The big match against Fiorentina has been selected as Day 1's Sunday night game and will be played on Sunday 31st of August at the Artemio Franchi Stadium in Florence at 8.30 pm. 

The Bianconeri and the Viola will face each other just a few days after the second leg of their Champions League qualifiers. Juventus are playing in Bratislava on Tuesday 26th, Fiorentina the next day – Wednesday 27th – in Prague against Slavia. 

Apart from the Fiorentina-Juventus game, the Football League have also decided the two matches to be played on Saturday the 30th. It'll be Udinese and Palermo opening the League season at 6 pm, while the night game at 8.30 pm is going to be Sampdoria vs. Inter Milan.
*juventus.com

Giovinco Delighted With Olympic Strike

Juventus and Italy sensation Sebastian Giovinco is delighted with his performance in Italy’s 3-0 win over Honduras. The attacking prodigy inspired his side to victory with a contender for goal of the tournament.

The former Empoli man got the ball rolling for Pierluigi Casiraghi’s men four minutes before half time with a stunning strike- a twenty five yard screamer which rattled the goal. 

Italy went on to win 3-0 thanks to goals from Giuseppe Rossi and Robert Acquafresca who both bagged a penalty each. 

However, the star of the show was Giovinco and he is proud of his special Olympic moment. 

“Scoring in the Olympics doesn’t happen everyday especially a goal like the one I scored,” Giovinco told Il Corriere Dello Sport. 

“I was supposed to learn how to shoot and I have worked hard in that department. 

“All that was missing was my shooting and my objective is to get better. 

“It was really hot out there this evening and it’s always difficult when it’s like that.” 

La Nazionale top group D following their win and they will now be preparing to clash with Korea on Sunday. 

Salvatore Landolina  

Honduras 0-3 Italy

Scorers: Giovinco 41, Rossi pen 44, Acquafresca pen 52
Missed pen: Pavon 81 (H)

Honduras: Hernandez; Molina, Caballero, Arzu; Norales, Padilla (Alvarez 46), Thomas, Rodas (Sanchez 66), Claros; Martinez, Pavon

Italy: Viviano; De Silvestri, Bocchetti (Coda 72), Criscito, De Ceglie; Cigarini, Montolivo, Nocerino; Giovinco (Marchisio 78), Rossi (Abate 59), Acquafresca


FORZA Azzurrini

A day of rest after hard work in England

Indeed after a week's hard work in England – a lot of training and three games against Arsenal, Hamburg and Manchester United – the team are enjoying some rest. Claudio Ranieri has given the day off to everyone.

A day and a half, in fact, as the team will resume training on Friday afternoon in Vinovo. Only then the Bianconeri will start concentrating full time on the first game against Artmedia Bratislava, scheduled for Wednesday August 13th at the Olimpico in Turin. 

On Friday the Manager should have the full squad at his disposal, as Molinaro and Knezevic, who returned home early after picking up injuries against Hamburg, and Nedved, who missed the Manchester game, should all be fit to train again. It'll be the first training session in Vinovo for new signing Manninger, who only joined the team a few days ago.

*juventus.com

Giovinco shines in Olympics opener

Before the official opening ceremony tomorrow, the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games already have a star: Sebastian Giovinco. The talented Juve player shone in Italy's 3-0 drubbing of Honduras in the opening game. 

It was indeed Giovinco who put the game against the Central Americans on the right track by opening the score with a great long range left footer in the top corner. Casiraghi's team then scored two penalties, converted by Giuseppe Rossi and Acquafresca. Near the end, Italy’s opponents had a penalty awarded to them too, but the ball was kicked high.

It was all easy for the Azzurri. And Juventus' contingent are integral in the team, not only current players like Paolo De Ceglie (90 minutes played in this opener) and Claudio Marchisio (who came on to replace the other Juve player Giovinco today, but is ready to do his part in upcoming games), but also the Manager, Casiraghi, a former Juve star, and the many young lads who've grown up at the Club: Mimmo Criscito, Antonio Nocerino and Tommaso Rocchi (the squad's only over-23 player). 

While the other Group D game between South Korea and Cameroon kicks into action, the Azzurri will start thinking about their next engagement, Sunday August 10th's one against the Asian team. The last group stage match will be against the Africans on Wednesday the 13th. The group winners qualify straight for the semi-finals, ready to challenge for a place on the podium.

*juventus,com

Juve shine in Manchester celebration

The most eagerly awaited news came almost before setting foot on the pitch: Artmedia couldn't waste their chance to make history and quickly got rid of Tampere. With all doubts gone, Juventus went on to show everyone that they can be contenders in Europe this year.

Again against Manchester United, under a heavy rainfall, Ranieri's team held their own, and earned a 0-0 draw; perhaps they would’ve even deserved to win as they had more chances to score. 

After the two games played within hours of each other at the super-modern Emirates Stadium, Juventus visited another temple of English football: Manchester's Old Trafford. Ranieri faced the reigning European and English champions with this line up: Buffon in goal, Grygera at right back, Legrottaglie and Mellberg central defenders and Chiellini on the left, in place of Molinaro, injured. In midfield, Camoranesi, Sissoko, Poulsen and Salihamidzic, the latter replacing Nedved, who wasn't fully fit; up front, Del Piero with Iaquinta. 

The Bianconeri had a cautious start, as the Red Devils were pushed on by their enthusiastic fans. With Cristiano Ronaldo and Rooney missing, it was up to Tevez and Fletcher to create the first two chances, but there were no risks for Buffon. Ranieri's team grew with each passing minute. Mellberg and Legrottaglie starting leaving less and less space to the English forwards, Sissoko and Poulsen dominated proceedings in midfield, and Camoranesi and Del Piero injected a bit of creativity up front.

Between the 20th and the 25th minute, Juventus had as many as three chances, with Del Piero, Iaquinta and the Captain again, but every time former Juve keeper Van der Sar was well protected by his team mates, especially the experienced Ferdinard. Before the break, Camoranesi went close with a header from a corner kick situation.

At the beginning of the second half, Ranieri put on Amauri for Iaquinta and after 60 minutes of play Marchionni replaced Camoranesi, who had just created havoc in United's penalty area again. After 65 minutes Juve quickly went on the counter-attack, ending it with a Sissoko right-footer, well saved by Van der Sar on his near post. Two minutes later, Marchionni shot with his left foot but the Dutch keeper saved again. 

Midway through the second half, Trezeguet came on for Del Piero, who was applauded by the whole Old Trafford crowd as he walked off. Seconds later, an excited Fausto Rossi got his chance to play, taking Salihamidzic's place. Ten minutes from the end, one of the stars of the match, Sissoko, was replaced by Ekdal. In the 85th minute Amauri tried a header but the ball went high. Then in the last minute Poulsen came off, replaced by Tiago. But the score itself didn't change: 0-0 and the celebration came to an end. 

Juventus have another important game under their belts now and also finished their tour, which has showed a lot of their potential. Ranieri has had the chance to take plenty of notes in England and now there’s one thing he knows for sure: the name of the team Juve will face in the third round qualifier. And in seven days everyone will see Artmedia Bratislava’s true strength. It won't be a friendly this time and the result will be the most vital thing of all.
*juventus.com

All easy for Artmedia, in Turin on August 13th

No surprises in Bratislava: after already setting one foot in the third round in the away game thanks to a wide 3-1 win in Finland, Artmedia closed the deal with Tampere tonight, winning the return game by 4-2 and earning the chance to play the two third round Champions League qualifiers against Juventus. 

The match was practically over at the half-time break, as after 45 minutes Artmedia were 3-0 up thanks to a Kozak penalty kick and goals by Pospech and Halenar. In the second half the Fins played for pride and found a goal with James after 65 minutes. Piroska then scored the fourth goal, but one minute later Hjelm made it 4-2, which was the final score of the game.

The Slovakian champions are now expected in Turin in exactly one week's time, on Wednesday August 13th, for the first leg match. The return will be played in Bratislava on Tuesday the 26th.
*juventus.com

Almiron officially joins Fiorentina on loan

Claudio Ranieri's squad is getting leaner. As from today, Sergio Almiron isn't part of the first team squad any more; his contract has been officially conveyed to the Football League. 

The Argentinean midfielder has gone to Fiorentina on loan, with Juventus keeping the option to buy back half of the ownership rights. The player has already reached his new team and was introduced to the press yesterday. 

Almiron was purchased from Empoli last summer and played half of the 2007/08 season at Juventus (with 11 appearances and one goal) before joining French team AS Monaco on loan. Back in Turin, he recently spent the whole Pinzolo training camp with the squad and also took part in the friendly against Mezzocorona.
*juventus.com

Juve impress United

Alessandro Del Piero shone as Juventus gave Manchester United a real tussle at Old Trafford, drawing 0-0 with the European champions.

The Bianconeri continued their tour in preparation for the Champions League preliminary round - who it has now been confirmed will be Artmedia Bratislava after a 7-3 aggregate win over Tampere United. 

Their last visit here five years ago ended in the Final defeat to Milan on penalties but, just like that day, Pavel Nedved was unavailable. The injured Czech's role was taken by Hasan Salihamidzic, moving Giorgio Chiellini to left-back.

Among those watching from the stands was England - and former Juve - manager Fabio Capello.

Mauro Camoranesi's shot was deflected over by Wes Brown from Del Piero's counter, while at the other end Darren Fletcher fired over after springing the offside trap. Camoranesi was fortunate to get away with it when he accidentally handed the ball to Carlos Tevez, then a good Rio Ferdinand tackle finally halted the Argentine-Italian inside the box.

Del Piero really should have scored on 20 minutes with a fantastic opportunity. Camoranesi went on another mazy run and rolled across for the unmarked captain from eight yards, but he hesitated to get the ball on to his stronger foot and allowed the United defenders to fling themselves in his path.

Pinturicchio was on fine form and some fancy footwork shook off Ferdinand, while Vincenzo Iaquinta couldn't quite turn his marker when gathering a long ball. Del Piero also rode a Nemanja Vidic tackle that could easily have been a penalty.

Amauri replaced Iaquinta at half-time, while United introduced Darron Gibson and Rafael Da Silva. Del Piero curled a free kick over the bar, but the hosts had their best chance of the game so far five minutes into the second half when a Paul Scholes header into the ground whistled past the near post.

Marco Marchionni came on for a tired Camoranesi and Edwin Van Der Sar smothered a Marchionni effort and Momo Sissoko counter-attack, the former Liverpool midfielder jeered at every touch. 

David Trezeguet took over from Del Piero for the final 20 minutes, forging a partnership with Amauri, while teenager Fausto Rossi replaced Salihamidzic. Buffon comfortably held a Gibson strike and Amauri's looping header went over. 

It ended goalless at Old Trafford, but was an entertaining enough encounter with many positive aspects for Coach Claudio Ranieri.

Manchester United: Van der Sar, Brown (Rafael 46), Vidic (Evans 78), Ferdinand, Evra; Giggs, Fletcher (Gibson 46), Scholes, O'Shea (Possebon 71), Martin (Silvestre 47); Tevez (Campbell 69)
Juventus: Buffon; Grygera, Legrottaglie, Mellberg, Chiellini; Camoranesi (Marchionni 60), Poulsen (Tiago 89), Sissoko (Ekdal 82), Salihamidzic (Rossi 74); Iaquinta (Amauri 46), Del Piero (Trezeguet 71)

channel4

Ranieri: «More than a friendly against United»

After almost a week, the English tour is nearing its conclusion. The team carried out their last training session in the London area this morning – on the pitch at the Grove Country Estate Hotel – and tomorrow, Wednesday August 6th, they'll be travelling on to Manchester, where in the evening (at 8 pm local time, 9 pm in Italy) they'll be facing Manchester United in one of the most intriguing friendlies of their summer schedule.

In fact, it's more than a friendly, as Claudio Ranieri himself pointed out at today's press conference: «These matches are too evocative to be considered friendlies. It'll definitely be another good test for us. Things have been going well so far, I'm getting a good vibe. We're well on our way to being match-fit and the lads are digesting their workload very well».

After the two tough tests against Arsenal and Hamburg, here's another chance to take another step forward just one week from the qualifiers' first leg. At the same time as Bratislava Artmedia and Tampere will face each other challenging for a place against Juventus, the team will get another taste of Europe at Old Trafford: «I won't be announcing my starting eleven beforehand, but I'll definitely be playing those who played less and who need it the most, such as the Italian internationals and Poulsen. My intention is to give a good pace to the match, without too many changes. The 4-3-3 formation? I would've liked to try that, but to do so I would've preferred to have everybody available, especially Molinaro and Zanetti. Cristiano is feeling better, but we don't want to risk him».

Finally, he mentioned Sunday's game against Hamburg one more time. «I accept the result at face value. We made mistakes, things that wouldn't have happened in a League game. In any case there were also some positives».

juventus.com

Good news for Molinaro and Knezevic

As scheduled, this afternoon Cristian Molinaro and Dario Knezevic left the training camp near London and returned to Turin to undergo in-depth tests after the injuries they suffered on Sunday in the match against Hamburg. 

The two defenders underwent scans carried out by Dr. Faletti and were then visited by Prof. Quaglia. The tests established that there is no damage to the Croatian's left knee, and that the contusion suffered by the Campania-born wide defender has had no consequences.

The two players will rest for 3-4 days undergoing physiotherapy for their contusions. They both should be available again on Friday, when the team will resume training back in Vinovo after the end of the English tour.
*juventus.com

Nedved: «Our preparation continues, shame about Knezevic and Molinaro's injuries»

«It was all going fine up until yesterday, then the defeat against Hamburg, but most of all Knezevic and Molinaro's injuries, spoiled things a bit. It's a real shame, because it prevents the Manager from trying out different solutions at this stage». Pavel Nedved didn't play in the second Emirates Cup game, but suffered on the bench for the two injuries occurred to his team mates. 

The Czech player, with all his experience, knows how important it is to have the whole squad available at this stage, especially when there is a delicate engagement to prepare such as the Champions League qualifier. Luckily the draw avoided a match-up between Juventus and harder opponents: «It went well, because we won't have to play against Atletico Madrid or Galatasaray. I'm also happy we avoided my team, Sparta Praha. It still won't be easy, but Artmedia are beatable». Before the qualifier, there's another prestigious engagement, the friendly against Manchester United at Old Trafford: «Playing there will be very exciting, especially for me, as I had to watch the Champions League final against AC Milan from the stands there five years ago. This could be the last chance for me to play at Old Trafford, but I hope we can go back there further on in the season…».
*juventus.com

Manninger joins Juventus

As of today, Juventus have added another keeper to their squad: Alexander Manninger. The Austrian was purchased in full from Udinese and has signed a four-year contract. 
Manninger immediately reached London this morning (thanks to Udinese granting him permission to do so before the contract was finalized), where he trained with his new team mates and worked with goalkeeping coach Giorgio Pellizzaro. His first words as a Juventus player were full of enthusiasm: «I'm very happy to be at Juve and this is not just something hackneyed to say, I really mean it. Football matters here. I have played a lot in smaller teams, but years ago I played for Arsenal and I’ve always wanted to play for a big team again». 

The fact he'll have a legend in front of him such as Gigi Buffon doesn't bother him, in fact it motivates him: «We all know how good Gigi is and his role inside this team. It's true only one keeper can play at a time, but it's also true that in today's football a squad needs at least twenty-five players and one keeper isn't enough, indeed there are 3 of us at Juve. I'm ready to lend a hand if needed».

Manninger is an experienced goalkeeper (born in 1977), who has played all around Europe. He started out in his own country, Austria: BNZ Salzburg, the team he grew up in, then Vorwarts Steyr, Austria Salzburg and Grazer, where he blossomed. Arsenal were keeping an eye on him and were impressed enough to sign him up thanks also to his performances in the UEFA Cup that year. He stayed four seasons in London (from 1997 to 2001), where he was David Seaman's reserve, but he managed to make around forty appearances. 

In 2001 he began his Italian period, when he was signed up by Fiorentina. After a short spell at Espanyol Barcelona, he came back to Italy again, first at Bologna and then Torino.

In 2004 he joined the club where he would leave his mark the most: Siena. Apart from a short spell back at Austria Salzburg (managed by Giovanni Trapattoni at the time), he stayed at Siena until this summer, when he was purchased by Udinese. Manninger has been in the Austrian national team for several years. He was also in the squad at the recent European Championships.
*juventus.com

Ranieri: «Shame about the injuries»

Disregarding the exaggerated result, the game against Hamburg had given some positive notes to Claudio Ranieri, especially due to the forwards' performances, playing with three up front for the first time. But Knezevic and Molinaro's injuries have ruined the Manager's plans.

«I'm sorry for Dario and Cristian – Juventus’ Manager commented -, I hope they don't need to stay out too long. Today's game? I changed the line-up completely and the ones who played were tired at the end, as were those who played yesterday, and that's a sign that we're training well. We faced a fitter team again, but we didn't do badly, we could've got a draw. I noted many positive things as well as a few negative ones, apart from the injuries. We were less tight today when Hamburg put us on the spot».
*juventus.com

Friendly: Hamburg hit Juve

Juventus saw two players stretchered off and a goal disallowed in their 3-0 Emirates Cup defeat to Hamburg in the Emirates Cup.

Claudio Ranieri changed the entire starting XI that had beaten Arsenal 1-0 yesterday, testing the new front pairing of Amauri and Alessandro Del Piero. Hamburg had lost 2-1 to Real Madrid in stoppages, but made relatively few adjustments.

The Germans dominated the first half and Antonio Chimenti seemed less than reliable, confirming Juve’s intention to buy another goalkeeper this summer. He struggled with Jarolim and Trochowski efforts before he hesitated, allowing Paulo Guerrero to sweep home Boateng’s ball over the top.

Zidan and Jarolim wasted more chances before the break and Ranieri made changes with Zdenek Grygera, Cristian Molinaro, Marco Marchionni and Giorgio Chiellini coming off the bench. Only one of those substitutions was forced, as Dario Knezevic was stretchered off.

Salihamidzic’s dismal first touch let him down when sent clear on goal by Alessandro Del Piero and moments later Hamburg threatened a second as Olic skimmed the woodwork. As in the Arsenal game, Juve stepped up the pace in the second half and finally tested Rost with a fierce Amauri header that was palmed away by the goalkeeper.

Vincenzo Iaquinta nearly scored with his first touch, as he sprung the offside trap and Rost came tearing out to block, Amauri’s follow-up cleared off the line. Iaquinta then set up a chance that Marchionni saw saved by Rost’s fingertips.

Camoranesi did hit the back of the net on 79 minutes, but it was incorrectly disallowed for an offside position, as the World Cup winner was level.

Chiellini managed the curious achievement of taking his own teammate out of the game, as his sliding tackle brought down both Molinaro and Zidan, forcing the Juve man off on a stretcher. 

Chimenti made up for his earlier error by parrying Aogo’s strike, but could do little on Olic's stoppage-time counter-attack. Moments later Del Piero incredibly gave the ball away from the kick-off and allowed Olic a second, smashed under the bar.

Juventus 0-3 Hamburg
Scorers: Guerrero 19 (H), Olic 92, 93 (H)
Juventus: Chimenti; Zebina (Grygera 46), Legrottaglie, Knezevic (Chiellini 56), Salihamidzic; Camoranesi, Poulsen (Iaquinta 71), Ekdal (Marchionni 52), Rossi (Molinaro 46) (Tiago 87) Del Piero, Amauri
Hamburg: Rost; Boateng, Reinhardt, Benjamin, Atouba; Jarolim (Ben-Hatira 70), De Jong (Putsilo 46), Trochowski; Olic, Guerrero (Aogo 65), Zidan (Torun 87)
*channel4

Friendly: Trez shoots down Gunners

Juventus have beaten hosts Arsenal in the Emirates Cup thanks to a controversial David Trezeguet strike.

The Frenchman hit the back of the net twice, both times offside, but the second was allowed to stand.

Claudio Ranieri fielded the unusual front pairing of Vincenzo Iaquinta and Trezeguet against the hosts in the Emirates Cup this afternoon. He split the squad into two, so the others will feature against Hamburg on Sunday.

Aaron Ramsey tested Gigi Buffon with a shimmying run and low shot on 28 minutes and the Bianconeri struggled to create chances. They hit the back of the net on 35 minutes with a Trezeguet glancing header, though he was flagged offside on Pavel Nedved's cross-shot.

It was only a warning, as moments later Trezeguet got his goal in not entirely dissimilar circumstances. The Frenchman was again offside as he stretched to prod Iaquinta's free kick into the far corner, but this time the goal was allowed to stand.

Philippe Senderos needed a well-timed tackle to stop Marco Marchionni's counter in the box, as the goal seemed to shake Juve out of their lethargy.

The Gunners threw on former Milan transfer target Emmanuel Adebayor along with Abou Diaby and William Gallas. Arsenal improved and Hoyte's cross was inches past the head of Emmanuel Eboue.

Juventus made their first change on the hour mark with Hasan Salihamidzic replacing Nedved. Buffon comfortably plucked an Adebayor header out of the air.

Amauri and Mauro Camoranesi stepped on to change the front two, while Christian Poulsen and talented young Swede Ekdal transformed the midfield.

Salihamidzic's sudden snapshot brought a save out of Fabianski and Camoranesi's lob landed on the roof of the net, but Adebayor fired over from Bendtner's assist.

The 17-year-old midfielder Fausto Rossi has been appearing regularly in pre-season friendlies and replaced Sissoko late on. Salihamidzic should've done better when he got his head to a Camoranesi free kick, but Juventus still emerged with the 1-0 victory.

Real Madrid beat Hamburg 2-1 in the other match thanks to Ruud Van Nistelrooy and Parrejo replying to Zidan. Due to the way the tournament is structured, Real have five points - three for the win and one for each goal scored.

Juventus are back on the field at 13.30 on Sunday to take on Hamburg. Ranieri's men currently have four points.

Arsenal 0-1 Juventus
Scorers: Trezeguet 37 (J)
Arsenal: Fabianski; Senderos (Gallas 46), Hoyte (Sagna 59), Djorou, Eboue (Walcott 59), Denilson, Gibbs, Ramsey (Diaby 46), Wilshere (Nasri 59), Vela (Adebayor 46), Bendtner
Juventus: Buffon; Grygera, Mellberg, Chiellini, Molinaro; Marchionni (Ekdal 78), Sissoko (Rossi 82), Tiago (Poulsen 78), Nedved (Salihamidzic 61); Iaquinta (Camoranesi 69), Trezeguet (Amauri 69)
Ref: Walton
*channel4

Juventus on English soil

Juventus have arrived in London: the Bianconeri landed around 12.30 pm (1.30 pm in Italy) at Luton airport and then reached Hertfordshire, a county north of the capital, where they'll be staying for the week. The team will carry out their first training session on English soil already this afternoon. The training pitch is conveniently located inside the magnificent resort housing the squad. Ranieri's men will train tomorrow as well, to prepare the Emirates Cup game against Arsenal, scheduled for Saturday at London’s Emirates Stadium.

*juventus.com

Italian Cup calendar released

The Italian Football League has released the 2008/09 Italian Cup calendar schedule. Juventus will enter the competition only in the fourth round; the first leg games are scheduled for November 12th, whereas the return leg games will be played either on the 3rd, the 10th or the 17th of December. 
Juventus could be facing Napoli in the quarter finals, and probably either AC Milan or Fiorentina in the semi-finals, as they're all seeded on the same end of the draw. The Serie A teams that the Bianconeri could be playing against in the fourth round, meanwhile, are Chievo and Catania; both teams would however need to go through the third round first. 

*juventus.com