Great comeback by the azzurri

The blue jersey of Italy had quite a bit of black and white in it as Italy beat the USA in Pretoria in their first match of the Confederations Cup. The starting line-up fielded by Marcello Lippi in fact included 5 bianconeri: Buffon, Legrottaglie, Chiellini, Camoranesi and Iaquinta. New signing Fabio Cannavaro was on the bench as he is still recovering from an injury. In the absence of Italy’s captain the role was inherited by Buffon.

The first few minutes saw the USA closing up the midfield and hence making it difficult for the azzurri to advance and basing their initiatives on the counter-attack. On the 19th minute Legrottaglie tried a header from a corner with the ball going wide while on the 25th minute it was Buffon who performed a good save. Legrottaglie had a very good match right from the start, not only covering up well in the defence but also going close to scoring on a couple of occasions. One of these was on the 28th minute when the Juventus defender tried a good header on a ball from a Camoranesi corner. One minute later it was Chiellini who tried his luck at goal.

The USA had Clark sent-off on the 33rd minute for a foul on Gattuso. On the 40th minute however a Chiellini foul in the area saw the referee pointing to the penalty spot and Donovan scored for the USA advantage from the eleven metres. On the 42nd minute Buffon performed a great save.

In the second half the azzurri seemed to be very determined from the first minute and immediately showed their intention to turn the result round. On the 55th minute Marcello Lippi decided to shuffle his cards and brought on Montolivo and Rossi for Camoranesi and Gattuso respectively.Three minutes after coming on to the field Rossi stole a ball in the midfield, advanced and shot from outside the area scoring a beautiful goal and equalising. On the 67th minute a great shot by Iaquinta went wide and one minute later it was Toni who came on for Gilardino.

On the 71st minute De Rossi with a beautiful long distance shot netted the ball for the 2-1. The azzurri continued to dominate and apart from a good save by Buffon on the 79th minute and a few humble attempts by the Americans it was a one sided match all the way.

The last bit of action was also that of the third and last goal by the azzurri. On the 93rd minute in fact a great bit of azzurri action ending with a perfect cross by Pirlo saw Rossi shooting home for the final 3-1.

Italy with this victory are first in Group B together with Brazil who earlier today beat Egypt by 4-3 in a match decided by a Kaka penalty in the last minute. Italy will now play Egypt on Thursday 18th June at 20:30hrs.
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Ferrara: «I feel ready to embark on this adventure»

The two matches with Ciro Ferrara as Juventus coach convinced the board of directors of the skills of the former defence stalwart and hence confirmed him as the coach of the bianconeri for the next two seasons.

The job which Ciro Ferrara ha been chosen for is one of great responsibility but the Napolitan coach does not fear this but rather gains motivation out of it: «No there is not fear but the knowledge that it is great job but which carries a lot of weight. I feel ready to embark on this adventure. The risks exist but they help you grow and improve».

The board of directors took their time before deciding to confirm Ferrara as coach, however the results obtained in the matches against Siena and Lazio definitely left their mark on the choice made: «We reached our objective thanks to the players and what they did in the last two weeks but also throughout the season notwithstanding the recent difficult period. The last two matches were very important because our objective was to reach the second place. The fact that I know the environment was definitely one of the factors but I think the two matches and the two weeks of training were decisive in the decision taken by the directors».

A new coach means also new technical staff: «As a new coach I have not yet created my new staff. For sure Maddaloni, Rampulla and Sormani will be part of the staff. With regards to the trainers we will decide shortly since I do not yet have my own staff but it is an important part and we must think well about it».

Ciro Ferrara obtained great results as the person responsible for the youth sector, a factor which the new coach thinks has helped him in his new role: «Having been responsible of the youth sector helped me when it came to managing staff. With these great champions, these professionals it will be a totally different story but I think my experience in the youth sector will be very important».

Perhaps if one could name a mentor of Ferrara it would be Marcello Lippi who as from today will have to do without Ciro as his assistant at the Italian national team: «Lippi was very happy for me. We spoke about it and I would like to thank all those who gave me the opportunity to have this experience. My mind now is on Juventus and therefore I think it is not right to have one’s mind elsewhere so I said my goodbyes. Up to some time ago I did not think of being a coach but the experience with Lippi made me re-live the emotion of being on the field and the enthusiasm it brings with it. I think one does not necessarily have to be born a coach but can become one».

How did Ferrara react to the news?: «I was contacted today after training by Alessio and Jean-Claude and I received the news that I was expecting. In their place I would have behaved in the same manner, taking time to think and therefore this was a choice which was well reflected upon considering all the risks which choosing me as coach may bring. I am back on the Juve bench and therefore the bench of one of the top 6 or 7 clubs in the world. It is useless to say that when I took up the job three weeks ago I was hoping that I’d be confirmed. In these five days even though I worked with the national team I was waiting for the call. I was very happy when I learnt the news since I received the call as soon as I got back into the dressing rooms. I shared the joy with all my colleagues in the national team».

A new coach brings new ideas and new schemes: «We do not necessarily have to stick to the same formation or scheme. It can change according to the new players we will sign and the ones we have. I have not yet had time to speak of the possible new signings and players being transferred away. In the next few days we will start speaking of this. I like a type of football with much movement by the players and high technical ability which can keep us at our top until the end of the season and therefore even the new signings must be made in accordance with this. The players must help each other out on the field. It is not easy but this what I would like from my team. I want a team which hungers for the ball and is cruel when it has it. I want to be Ferrara who learnt from all his former coaches all that can be positive and negative in the relationship with players. The coach must be coherent with what he says and does and I think this leads to the respect of the role. The way to attain this can be different».

One of the new signings is a player of great value and this will see the new coach having to adapt to his role as well as other new signings: «Diego is a great player who has just been signed. He is a player which must be inserted in a formation which is different from the one of recent years and therefore now I must discuss with the directors what type of players we need but I must say it would be wrong to build a team round one player. The results are achieved with the whole team and through different solutions. We might have to do without Diego in some matches and therefore must have different solutions. Objectives? I think that one should not talk before starting tow work. I don’t think one should make proclamations just to make the media happy. I will never speak in this manner. With the players I will obviously set a number of objectives».

Great availability and no demands. Asked about what he will be earning as coach Mr. Ferrara answered like the gentleman he is: «I will earn what is right. It was never a problem. Jean-Claude can confirm that there were no negotiations».
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Ciro Ferrara is the new Juventus coach

It is official: Ciro Ferrara is the new Juventus coach. The adventure of the coach on the Juventus bench continues after he led the team in the last two matches of the championship which has just ended.

Ferrara, who is a pillar at Juventus, has the faith of the board of directors and has made himself available for this new and exciting challenge: coaching the team with which as a player he won everything and to which he remained faithful having led the youth sector in the last three years. His contract as Juventus coach is two years long.

The presentation to the press of the new Juventus coach will take place at 19:30 hrs at the Juventus Center in Vinovo and will be aired live on Juventus Channel.
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Player Ratings: Juventus 2-0 Lazio

JUVENTUS
Buffon- 6.5: In all honesty he had little to deal with that was on target, but came out well for crosses.

Zebina- 6.5: Made some good forays forward, even if Foggia caused him some trouble with his dribbling.

Legrottaglie- 6.5: A solid display at the back alongide Chiellini. He deserves a spot in the Confederations Cup squad for his exploits this season.

Chiellini- 8.0: A fantastic defensive display, he was extremely tough and also superb in anticipating all of Lazio's attacks. An absolute colossus.

Salihamidzic- 5.5: Given some playing time, he failed to impress in the final match of the campaign. The former Bayern Munich man was not a factor during the course of the match.

Camoranesi- 6.0: The Italy international was active throughout proceedings and saw plenty of the ball, but often his final product was lacking, as he misplaced a number of crosses.

Zanetti- 4.0: One of the worst matches of the season for the veteran, who was replaced not long after half-time.

Marchisio- 6.5: His ingenuity was key, as his outside-of-the-foot assist set up the opener. He is developing into one of the best central midfielders in Serie A.

Nedved- 7.5: The Czech veteran did his best to score in his final match for Juventus. He came close on a number of occasions and was a threat all game long, setting up the second goal and being subbed in the closing stages to a standing ovation.

Iaquinta- 8.5: A 'Man of the Match' performance from the Azzurri man, who scored both goals and held up the ball superbly during the match. Does he ever stop running?

Del Piero- 6.0: There were a few nice tricks from Pinturrichio, but he drifted out of the game too often.

Substitutes

Amauri - 6.5, Giovinco- 6.0, Tiago- N/A

LAZIO

Carrizo- 6.0: He lost out on his one-on-one encounters with Iaquinta, but made a spectacular save from Nedved's free-kick in the closing stages.

Lichtsteiner- 7.0: The Swiss international was certainly the pick of the Lazio backline, making some key tackles to keep the scoreline down and even going on some incisive runs forward.

Siviglia- 5.5: The experienced defender struggled to deal with Juventus' attackers, particularly with the pace of Iaquinta.

Rozenhal- 6.0: A soilid but unspectacular performance from the reliableCzech.

De Silvestri- 4.0: The youngster didn't have his best game today and failed to make an impression on the match at the Stadio Olimpico in Turin.

Brocchi- 5.5: Deployed on the right of midfield, he was full of running, but was left chasing the ball far too much during the match.

Dabo- 6.0: The Frenchman could not last the whole match, but did a decent job anchoring the midfield.

Ledesma- 6.5: He looked like the key to unlocking Juventus in the first-half, spraying around some accurate passes, but his creativity diminished in the second-half.

Foggia- 7.0: His side's best player offensively, able to get inside the box and create a few problems for Buffon and the Bianconeri back-line.

Kozak- 6.0: The youngster tried his best and although seemed a little nervous at times, he never gave up and hit the post late on.

Del Nero- 4.5: He was given a chance to show he deserves a regular place in the line-up, but failed spectacularly as he barely saw the ball and wasted it otherwise.

Substitutes

Mendicino - 6.0, Meghni- 6.0, Tuia- N/A
*goal.com

Of victory, the second place…and a living legend!

It was a match rich in emotion which saw Pavel Nedved descend on the field for the last time wearing the black and white jersey. Ferrara’s men continue from where they left off a week ago in Siena registering another convincing victory and the second clean sheet in as many matches with the former defence stalwart as coach.

The Ferrara factor seems to have left its mark really deeply on Juventus who descend on the pitch for the last match of the season very determined and well-placed. From the very start of the match the bianconeri seem to be fired from a cannon.

On the 1st minute there is a great move by Del Piero who after a run passes to Iaquinta in the Lazio area but the pass is a bit too long. One minute later a good run by Pavel Nedved on the flank sees the ball go over the line for a goal kick. The brilliant start, however, soon pays off and on the 3rd minute Marchisio puts a great through-ball towards Iaquinta who enters the area and puts the ball under the keeper and into the net for the opener (1-0).

On the 4th minute there is a corner for Juve: ball into the area, Legrottaglie tries to head but the defence clears. The ball reaches Iaquinta who crosses into the area with the ball put into corner by the defence. From the second corner Chiellini heads high. Two minutes later it is time for a demonstration of great play by Iaquinta and Del Piero in the area but the defence clears in some way.

The 8th minute sees Del Nero who crosses into the Juve area with Buffon saving easily but the flag was up. Two minutes later there is a free-kick for Juve from a long distance: Del Piero takes it but the ball goes wide. On the 12th minute there is a good cross into the area with the ball reaching Del Piero but the Juventus forward is blocked.

On the 13th minute a Del Piero goal disallowed for an inexistent off-side. One minute later Lazio have the best chance in the first half with Kozac who misses a sitter right in front of Buffon with the defence taken by surprise, shooting high. The quarter of an hour mark sees a good run by Zebina who crosses into the area but the cross is too strong and Del Piero does not manage to stop the ball.

The 16th minute sees a great run and pass towards Del Piero by Nedved but the defence manages to clear into corner. From the flag Nedved puts the ball into the area, the keeper punches away, Marchisio shoots but the ball goes high. On the 23rd minute great play by Juve with Brazzo who finally passes to Marchisio who with a powerful shot from outside the area sees the ball go inches wide. One minute later Foggia enters the Juve area and shoots but Buffon is well placed and saves well.

The 33rd witness is an example of Juventus’ great team and passing put into practice with ball finally ending in a corner. Nedved showed extreme class. Eight minutes later a long ball by Nedved towards Del Piero is slightly too long. The 42nd minute sees Foggia who enters the Juve area and shoots but Buffon is well-placed and saves easily.

On the 43rd minute there is a free-kick for Lazio: Ledesma puts the ball straight into the wall. From the rebound the ball reaches Kozac in the area but the striker is off-side. The last bit of action of the first half comes on the second of the two minutes of stoppage time given by the referee: Nedved crosses into the area towards Iaquinta who stops and crosses to Del Piero who with a spectacular overhead kick sees the ball go inches wide.
In the first few minutes of the second half Lazio try to get back into the game but Juventus are concentrated. On the 2nd minute there is a great clearance by Legrottaglie who anticipates Del Nero in an inviting position. One minute later there is a great pass by Del Piero towards Chiellini who misses the ball by inches for what could have been a great goal opportunity.

On the 8th minute Camoranesi is fouled after a good run. From the free-kick the ball reaches Nedved who from a lateral position shoots extremely well with the ball going inches high. One minute later great play by Zebina who crosses low into the area but the defence puts the ball into corner. On the 10th minute Amauri comes on for Zanetti.

The 11th minute sees Ledesma shooting wide from outside the area. Three minutes later there is a great pass by Nedved towards Iaquinta who enters the area and puts the ball beyond the keeper for his second of the game (2-0). The Czech Fury might not have scored but his pass is sure worth a great goal.

Juventus continue to play great football and on the 15th minute Nedved shoots wide but from a very long distance. One minute later there is a great attempt by Del Piero but the keeper is careful. On the 17th minute Brocchi shoots wide from a good position and four minutes later Nedved shoots from outside the area but the keeper manages to grab hold.

On the 25th minute Kozak heads slightly wide in what was a good goal opportunity. Giovinco comes on for an excellent Iaquinta. Four minutes later wonderful play by Del Piero who sees the ball finally being cleared into corner by the Lazio defence.

A player who certainly had a great match is Jonathan Zebina who on the 31st minute put a great ball towards Del Piero who passed to Nedved who was anticipated at the last moment. On the 35th minute Amauri puts a ball down for Nedved who with a great shot from outside the area sees the ball go inches wide. One minute later a Camoranesi attempt goes high over the bar.

Seconds later a Brocchi attempt is deviated into corner by Chiellini. On the 37th minute Juve benefit from a free-kick from the left after a foul on Giovinco which seemed to be inside the area: Del Piero leaves it to Nedved who is denied the goal by the keeper.

It is the 38th minute when Tiago comes on for Nedved who leaves the field for the last time hugged by all his team mates and with a standing ovation by all the stadium. It is hard to hold back the tears seeing a living Juventus legend leaving the field in black and white for the last time.

On the 39th minute there is a free-kick for Lazio: Ledesma shoots straight into the wall. One minute later Kozac hits the post in a rather awkward bit of action in the Juve area. Seconds later there is a free-kick for Juve: Del Piero from a great distance sees Carrizo saving.

No stoppage time is given by the referee and Juventus end the season in a good and well-deserved second place.

Serie A 2008/09 38th Match Day
Turin, Stadio Olimpico
Sunday 31st May, 2009

JUVENTUS – LAZIO : 2-0

Scorers: Iaquinta (3rd), Iaquinta (59th).

JUVENTUS: Buffon; Zebina, Legrottaglie, Chiellini, Salihamidzic; Camoranesi, Zanetti (Amauri 54th), Marchisio, Nedved (Tiago 83rd); Del Piero, Iaquinta (Giovinco 71st). Reserves: Manninger, Mellberg, Tiago, Marchionni, Giovinco, Trezeguet, Amauri. Coach: Ferrara.

LAZIO: Carrizo; Lichtsteiner, Siviglia (Tuia 77th), Rozenhal, De Silvestri; Brocchi, Dabo (Meghni 62nd), Ledesma, Foggia; Del Nero (Mendicino 51st), Kozac. Reserves: Muslera, Kolarov, Tuia, Diakite, Meghni, Perpetuini, Mendicino. Coach: Rossi.

REFEREE: Peruzzo from Schio.

Yellow Cards: Lichtsteiner (78th), Ledesma (82nd)


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Nedved’s goodbye: «As from today I quit running!»

After the run around the stadium and the emotional ovation received from all the Olimpico, Pavel Nedved spoke of his feelings on his 327th and final match in black and white: «It was a very difficult day but at the same time a beautiful one. I felt the affection of all the supporters and my mates which came as proof of the great things we did together in these years. I did not expect such a feast. I am really happy to have played for a team with these supporters. Today I quit running. I will leave my number 11 jersey to Amauri. I am happy about this because I know he really wanted it. As from tomorrow I can dedicate myself to my family who waited for me for all these years».
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terima kasih pavel....

Ferrara: «We wanted the second place and we managed to achieve this»

Full marks for Ciro Ferrara who managed to obtain 2 victories in 2 matches made even more precious by 2 clean sheets and 5 goals scored. The Neapolitan coach certainly left his mark on the end of the season.

«We managed to win six important points. We wanted the second place and we managed to achieve this. I must thank the players who really worked hard in the last 15 days. They accepted me and my methods and worked really well. I am happy to know that the supporters appreciated my work. I felt really emotional sitting on the bench. It was not easy for me but the players made themselves available and helped me out a lot. The experience in the youth sector also helped me a lot even at this level things are very different even due to the different issues. I understand those players who wanted to play but could not amke it. I thanked every one of them personally. The day after tomorrow I will join the national team for the Confederations Cup my mobile will however be on for any news with regards to the Juve bench».

The team showed great play and determination: «What I liked most about today’s Juve is the will to bring the victory home. In the second half we suffered a bit more but the players were determined. We could have done better when it came to finishing but having said this I am happy with how the team played».

On a day of such mixed emotions it is inevitable to comment on Pavel Nedved’s farewell: «It is always strange seeing a player who left a mark on the history of Juventus retire. I am glad that the supporters gave him the well deserved farewell. I am sorry that such a champion who is an example to youngsters decided to stop as I m also sad about Maldini’s farewell».


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Camoranesi: «Today we came second but we soon we will win the scudetto»

Mauro German Camoranesi on Juventus Channel: «The second place was the only objective possible and we had to reach it. We managed to do so but I can’t say I am completely satisfied. Our only real objective is the Scudetto which we will try to win as soon as possible. Pavel’s farewell made me emotional. He was an important player, one of those champions who helped this team win a lot in these last few years».


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