Diego: «The capability of sacrificing ourselves is our strength»

I am happy with the two goals and the victory. We played a great match». Diego Ribas da Cunha is gleaming: two fantastic goals, a constant presence in the game and a fundamental victory. After the assist for Iaquinta in the match against Chievo, at the Rome Olimpico the Brazilian was the absolute protagonist of the match. His approach with the Italian championship could not be better: «It is thanks to the Juventus environment, to Ferrara, to my team mates, to the affection of the fans. It is thanks to all this that I managed to fit in well. The strength of Juve is this: the capability of players of great class to adapt to a scheme and to sacrifice themselves if necessary».

Ferrara: «We played with great personality»

He took over in the last two matches of last season and won all four matches. He changed the formation and the players fit perfectly. Ciro Ferrara brought a new mentality to Juventus and the results followed just like today’s against Roma.

«It was a nice victory especially for the three points and the show of strength which is always important here in Rome. We wanted to understand what our potential was and I think we did so here. Tonight I must be happy and satisfied even though there are certain things which we must work on. We played with great personality and this is something really important. Those who played did really well».

The coach chose to field Marchisio instead of Camoranesi from the start: «Our intention was to win the match and since I knew that Camoranesi had certain problems with his knee and gave him half an hour of play».

The condition surely improved and yet a bit of anger about the goal was inevitable: «We must be angry when things don’t work out and in moments of difficulty. I got angry today when it came to the goal because we knew how they would have taken the free-kick immediately. The boys were angry too. In comparison to last week I think our condition improved quite a bit and we must improve it further. I am a bit worried about the break because I will only be able to work with a few players and will have only two days to work on the match against Lazio».

Finally the coach sent his best wishes to Pavel Nedved on his birthday: «Hey happy birthday Pavel! You’re getting old too!»

The Brazilian connection! Juve tame the wolf! Roma- Juventus 1-3

It is immediately a great match with a bit of tacticism in the beginning but great rivalry and determination and will to win throughout. Ferrara chose to field a 4-3-2-1 formation with Diego to act as ball feeder to strikers Iaquinta and Amauri.

On the 1st minute Felipe Melo with the help of Buffon clears a rather tricky ball in the area. Two minutes later, A Diego shot from outside the area is deviated into corner. The 4th minute sees a A Marchisio cross go straight into the arms of the keeper. On the 5th minute there is a corner for Roma but the ball goes very wide. Three minutes later Roma benefit of another corner after a run and shot by Mexes with deviation. The Juve defence brings the ball out. One minute later, there is a ball into the Juve area but Chiellini heads away.

On the 10th minute there is a good cross by Iaquinta into the area but Amauri does not manage to head the ball. One minute later Cassetti shoots from way out but the weak shot does not create any problems for Buffon. On the 20th minute, Diego puts a ball into the Roma area but De Rossi heads away.

It is the 21st minute when Iaquinta recieves a ball in the area but the ball is shot into corner by the defence. From the flag the ball is put into the area but the defence clears. One minute later there is a free-kick for Juve: Diego puts the ball into the area, Tiago heads greatly but the keeper performs a miracle putting the ball into corner.

The Brazilian champion scores his first goal in the Serie A three minutes later. Diego wins a ball in midfield, goes past two defenders, enters the area and puts the ball behind the keeper for the opener (1-0). Three minutes later, there is a corner for Juve: ball reaches Iaquinta but is put one again into corner. Tiago back on the field shoots but the defence clears.

The 32nd minute sees a free-kick for Roma: Pizzarro puts the ball very wide for a goal-kick. Three minutes later De Rossi takes Juventus by surprise and shoots from a distance equalizing before the bianconeri have time to settle down for the free-kick (1-1).

Juve react and on the 37th minute benefit of a free-kick. Diego puts the ball into the area but Riise clears. One minute later another Diego free-kick followed by an Amauri header is saved by the keeper. On the 40th minute there is a free-kick for Roma: ball into the area but Melo puts into corner. Three minutes later it is Juve who go close to scoring again: Amauri hits the post after a good exchange in attack.

The 45th minute sees Diego with a great cross into the area for Amauri but the keeper manages to punch away. In the only minute of stoppage time two Juve defenders slip and Totti is alone in front of Buffon who performs a miracle just before the half-time whistle.

The second half continues where the first left off. On the 3rd minute there is a free-kick for Roma: ball into the area cleared well by Iaquinta. One minute later, Melo tries a shot from 25 metres but the ball is cleared. On the 5th minute, the ballis put into the area towards Amauri but Julio Sergio saves. Seconds later, Diego enters the area and passes to Iaquinta but Mexes manages to anticipate.

On the 9th minute Amauri receives the ball in the area and shoots but Julio Cesar denies him the goal. From the corner, the ball reaches Amauri who heads high. On the 12th minute Iaquinta with a great run enters the area, is disturbed by Burdisso who puts the shot into corner in what was a golden opportunity. One minute later there is a free-kick for Juve: Diego puts the ball into the area, the defence clears partially but the referee stops the action because Cassetti is on the floor. Two minutes later, A Iaquinta header goes inches high.

Camoranesi comes on for an injured Marchisio on the 17th minute. Four minutes later, a great header in the area by Amauri is saved by the Roma keeper. On the 23rd minute Diego shows all his phenomenal talent. The Brazilian receives from Iaquinta, goes round Mexes and shoots beyond the keeper for the 2-1! Simply magical!

On the 25th minute Diego dribbles past the defence who finally intercept the pass. Two minutes later Menez makes Juve hearts miss a beat finally putting a dangerous ball wide. On the 29th minute Legrottaglie on for De Ceglie. Cheillini moves to a full-back position. One minute later there is a corner for Juve: Tiago receives the ball and sees his shot headed into corner.

The 32nd minute sees Tiago who receives from Iaquinta but his shot is not powerful enough. One minute later, Totti hits the post after a Cannavaro deviation. From the flag a De Rossi attempt is waved away by Buffon and then another attempt goes very high. A Roma free-kick goes straight into the arms o Buffon.

On the 36th minute, A Chiellini conclusion goes wide after some really good action by Diego, Amauri, Iaquinta and the defender. Two minutes later, a powerful Diego shot from outside the area is saved by the keeper.

The 39th minute sees Poulsen come on for Diego. The Brazilian ace is applauded as he exits the stadium. Two minutes later, Amauri stopped for a foul in attack after some really good work. Menez tries a shot but the ball goes wide on the 42nd minute. The 44th minute sees a free-kick for Roma after a dubious foul of Amauri on Pizarro: Pizarro takes it but Chiellini clears.

On the 46th minute a A Poulsen shot goes high but two minutes later Felipe Melo wins a ball in midfield, advances, shoots and scores a great goal dfixing the final result on 3-1!
Juventus played a great game against a difficult team in a tricky stadium, once again responding to Ferrara’s instructions and bringing home a very important 3 points.

Serie A 2009/10 2nd Match Day
Rome, Stadio Olimpico
Sunday 30th August, 2009

ROMA – JUVENTUS: 1-3

Scorers: Diego (25th), De Rossi (36th), Diego (68th), Felipe Melo (93rd)

ROMA: J. Sergio; Cassetti, Burdisso, Mexes, Riise (Vucinic 71st); De Rossi, Pizzarro; Taddei (Tonetto 46th), Perrotta (Cerci 80th); Menez, Totti. Reserves: Artur, Juan, Motta, Gubetti, Tonetto, Cerci, Vucinic. Coach: Spalletti.

JUVENTUS: Buffon; Grygera, Cannavaro, Chiellini, De Ceglie (Legrottaglie 74th);Tiago, Felipe Melo, Marchisio (Camoranesi 62nd); Diego (Poulsen 84th), Iaquinta, Amauri. Reserves: Manninger, Legrottaglie, Molinaro, Camoranesi, Poulsen, Del Piero, Trezeguet. Coach: Ferrara.

REFEREE: Rocchi

Yellow Cards: Tiago (15th), De Rossi (19th), Taddei (34th), Diego (36th), Perrotta (36th), Marchisio (44th), Grygera (80th),

Felipe Melo and Diego available. 21 depart for Roma match

As foreseen Felipe Melo and Diego have recovered from their respective muscular problems and are available for the away match in Rome which will also see the particpation of Sebastian Giovinco who is now back with the group. Hasan Salihamidzic will not make it after failing to recover from the blow to the ankle suffered against Chievo. In all 21 players have been called-up for the match against Roma:

Below is the complete list:

1 Buffon
2 Caceres
3 Chiellini
4 Felipe Melo
5 Cannavaro
8 Marchisio
9 Iaquinta
10 Del Piero
11 Amauri
12 Chimenti
13 Manninger
16 Camoranesi
17 Trezeguet
18 Poulsen
19 Molinaro
20 Giovinco
21 Grygera
28 Diego
29 De Ceglie
30 Tiago
33 Legrottaglie

Champions League: Juventus drawn in Group A

If anyone had hoped for a soft start in this year’s Champions League, he will surely be disappointed as the bianconeri were drawn in Group A together with Bayern Munich, Bordeaux and Maccabi Haifa.

It is hard to judge the difficulty of a group but one thing is certain: Group A (the one of Juventus is definitely not an easy one). The bianconeri avoided the 4 English teams in the first pot and also FC Barcelona, but none the less the top seeds in their group are definitely not an easy team: Bayern Munich will be a tough bone to chew as will also be French champions Bordeaux and Israeli side Maccabi Haifa (the only team to already have taken part in the tournament from amongst the fourth seeds).

Juventus will play the first match of the group stage in mid-September. In the mean time below are the Groups as drawn tonight in Monaco:

Group A
Bayern Munich (Germany)
JUVENTUS
Girondins Bordeaux (France)
Maccabi Haifa (Israel)

Good news for Sissoko

Juventus today had a morning training session with the bianconeri taking part in a mini-match on the full field at high intensity. Zebina and Salihamidzic remained in the gym where Brazzo began a programme of functional athletic preparation with the possibility of him being available for the next championship match.

Ferrara fielded Martin Caceres as right fullback and the Uruguay national was a protagonist of a good performance even scoring a goal thanks to a powerful shot from outside the area ending in the corner of the net.

Felipe Melo and Diego worked separately with professor Gaudino. The former, due to a slight muscle strain to his left thigh while the latter due to a general muscle strain. Up to now both should be available for the match on Sunday afternoon.

Good news with regards to Momo Sissoko:

Following a consultation with Dott. Frenet and the instrumental tests (x-ray and scintograph) the healing of the inflammation is progressing well. In the next 15 days Momo will see the physiotherapy treatment being intensified just like the programme for the maintenance of the general muscular toning. After this Sissoko will get back to running and next will take part in specific training at the Juventus Center in Vinovo.

juventus.com

Giorgio Chiellini: Partnership With Fabio Cannavaro At Juventus Must Still Improve

Juventus defender Giorgio Chiellini has explained how he is hoping to improve the partnership he has with Fabio Cannavaro and step it up to the same level he has enjoyed with Nicola Legrottaglie.

This is the first season in which Chiellini has played with Cannavaro, so the young defender is also hoping to learn a lot from the Italian national team’s captain.

"Now Legrottaglie and I play with eyes closed together as I'm used to playing with him," affirmed the former Fiorentina player to calcioblog.it.

"The understanding is very important for a central duo. Cannavaro had played so much with [Lilian] Thuram that he created an exceptional understanding, but we still need to improve.

"Playing together in the national team improves our automatism. Right now there's a lot of talk about Chiellini and Cannavaro, but I'm sure that Legrottaglie will play many games."

The 25-year-old defender has been at Juventus since 2005, and since then has played a total of f 107 league games and scored 10 goals for the club.

Goal.com

Juventus Sign Rafinha From Schalke 04

Juventus have signed Brazilian right back Rafinha from Schalke 04 for €8 million, according to Sportmediaset.

There is no official confirmation from either of the two clubs, but it is expected to arrive shortly.

Juventus have had a high profile summer in the transfer market, already signing Felipe Melo, Diego, Fabio Cannavaro, and Martin Caceres on loan, and had stated a couple of weeks ago that they would be bringing in no further players.

However, the full back positions looked far from secure in the latter part of pre-season, and now Juventus have moved to strengthen their right back area by purchasing Rafinha, a fast and attacking wingback who has been likened to Selecao legend Cafu.

Rafinha fell out with Schalke last summer after he insisted on competing in the Olympics. Without permission the Brazilian international travelled to China and incurred a €700,000 fine.

The full back has been linked with a host of top clubs this summer, including Milan, Barcelona and Chelsea, but it is Juventus it seems who have secured his signature.

Sportmediaset also claims that Rafinha will not be the last arrival in Turin before the end of the transfer window. Lyon’s Fabio Grosso will also be joining to fill the left back position, and this deal could be closed within a number of hours.

Goal.com

Juventus Striker Amauri Hopes For Goal Against Roma

Juventus striker Amauri was active in the club's 1-0 win over Chievo on Sunday, but did not get on the scoresheet and has made that his priority in round two, when his side travel to Rome to face the Giallorossi.

"The goal for me is to score against Roma," he said when asked about hitting the post against Chievo.

"Diego? With him we can all play really well, myself, [Alessandro] Del Piero, and [Vincenzo] Iaquinta."

Amauri scored 13 goals in all competitions during his first season at Juventus and is looking to improve on that number in the 2009-10 campaign.

The player is also expected to receive his Italian passport very soon and has stated his desire to feature for the Azzurri. The 29-year-old is expected to start the match against Roma next weekend, even if Del Piero is slated to return from injury.

Goal.com

Juventus Nearing Deal For Lyon's Fabio Grosso As Rafinha Chase Stops

Juventus have abandoned their chase of Schalke's Rafinha and have focused their efforts on landing Fabio Grosso from Olympique Lyonnais.

According to Il Corriere Dello Sport, the Bianconeri are trying to reconcile requirements with budgetary constraints, leading them to give up on €12 million-rated Rafinha.

Coach Ciro Ferrara is working on adding strength to his defence, and Grosso has, once again, popped up on his shortlist. The Italian has been linked with Juve on numerous occasions.

The report suggests La Vecchia Signora cannot stretch to meet Schalke's asking price, and thus Rafinha no longer seems like an option.

Grosso, on the other hand, costs less. Lyon want around €2m, but the Italian side want to bargain and get that price down. However, the French are in no mood to comply.

It is said Juve will try to meet with Lyon's directors at next week's Champions League draw in Monaco in order to discuss Grosso further.
Goal.com