Arsenal-Juventus: 2-0
Mood:  don't ask
Topic: Champions League
Champions League - 28 Mar 2006 - 11:17 PM

A wet night in London was warmed –up by the atmosphere at Highbury, where both sets of fans made their voices heard as Juventus and Arsenal took to the field for the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final tie. Despite the importance of the occasion the Juve players did not seem overawed and quickly relaxed into a familiar rhythm, breaking-up the opposition attacks and causing problems with their possession of the ball and slick passing. Both Zebina and Emerson caused problems for the Arsenal backline with a series of tempting crosses, and Ibra went close with a free-kick that was deflected just wide.

However, it was an ex-bianconero that made the difference in the first half. Finding Fabregas in space, Thierry Henry fed the young Spaniard who slotted the ball to the right of Buffon from just inside the area.

After the interval, the bianconeri seemed to add a new determination to their play as they went in search of an equaliser. Within the first five minutes Ibrahimovic had used his power and strength to cause confusion in the Arsenal box but was unable to convert the chances created. Ten minutes later it was the turn of the opposition to attack. Buffon however reacted brilliantly to deny both Henry and Fabregas with a pair of phenomenal saves that employed all the reflexes and intelligence that have made him the best in the world. Indeed, several minutes later he was on hand again, denying both Hleb and Pires in quick succession.

Twenty-five minutes into the second half Fabregas was again involved, providing an incisive pass to Henry from the right-hand side who converted for Arsenal’s second goal. Juventus then pushed forward searching for a goal and went very close when Camoranesi’s chipped shot skimmed the outside of the post.

As the game drew to a close the determination of Camoranesi and Zebina led to both being cautioned for the second time, and as such both were sent off. Despite being two goals down, Juve will still feel that they have a good chance to progress; after all, the second leg is at the Delle Alpi…


ARSENAL-JUVENTUS 2-0 GOALS: 40’ Fabregas, 64’ Henry ARSENAL: Lehmann, Ebou?, Tour?, Senderos, Flamini, Pires, Fabregas, Gilberto, Reyes (38’ Van Persie), Hleb, Henry. Coach. Wenger.
Substitutes: Almunia, Diaby, Bergkamp, Song, Walcott, Djourou.
JUVENTUS: Buffon, Zebina, Thuram, Cannavaro, Zambrotta, Camoranesi, Emerson, Vieira, Mutu (72’ Chiellini), Ibrahimovic, Trezeguet (81’ Zalayeta).
Coach: Capello.
Substitutes: Abbiati, Kovac, Balzaretti, Blasi, Giannichedda.
REFEREE: Frojdfeldt (Swe)
CAUTIONED: 23’, 87’ Camoranesi, 52’ Trezeguet, 72’ Vieira, 82’,89’ Zebina SENT-OFF: 87’ Camoranesi and 89’ Zebina (for two yellow cards)

Juventus-Roma: 1-1
Mood:  irritated
Topic: Serie A 2005-2006
Serie A Tim - 25 Mar 2006 - 10:53 PM

A tense evening at the Delle Alpi saw Juventus play out a draw with Roma. After Emerson had put the home team ahead, Kharja equalised for the visitors with five minutes remaining. The draw, coupled with Milan' victory over Fiorentina, means that Juventus are 8 points clear at the top of the table with seven games remaining.

With injuries to both Totti and Montella it was left to Mancini to lead the giallorossi front-line in Turin. The Brazilian was Roma’s main source of danger and carved out a chance for himself in the seventeenth minute. Having rounded Nedved on the edge of the area he set himself to strike but his long-range attempt was well-saved by Buffon. The Juve ‘keeper was on hand again ten minutes later, smothering a shot from Dacourt after the Frenchman had evaded several challenges in a mazy run from midfield.

Juve looked most dangerous from set-plays, and a series of excellent balls from Camoranesi caused panic in the Roma defensive line with both Ibrahimovic and Nedved going close. It was of no surprise then that the deadlock was broken after another teasing cross from Camo. This time it was Emerson who met the pass and the Puma made no mistake as he rose to head the ball beyond Doneiber and put the bianconeri ahead.

Juventus left the field at half time one goal up but one man down after Nedved received his second yellow card of the game, reducing the home team to ten men.

The second half proved difficult for the visitors as Juve frustrated their attempts for an equaliser. Having replaced Trezeguet with Balzaretti at the interval, Capello’s team threw men behind the ball and frequently disrupted Roma’s attacks. Taddei and Aquilani both tried their luck from distance, but again it was a well-placed set-play that made the difference. With five minutes remaining Kharja capitalised on a good delivery from Taddei and headed past the outstretched palm of Buffon.


JUVENTUS-ROMA 1-1
GOALS: 35’ Emerson, 85’ Kharja.
JUVENTUS: Buffon; Zambrotta, Thuram, Cannavaro, Chiellini (89’ Mutu); Camoranesi, Emerson, Vieira, Nedved; Del Piero (16’ Trezeguet – HT’ Balzaretti)), Ibrahimovic. COACH. Capello. SUBSTITUTES: Abbiati, Kovac, Blasi, Giannichedda, Mutu.
ROMA: Donieber; Panucci, Mexes, Kuffour (59’ Okaka)i, Dacourt (76’ Kharja), Alvarez (22’ Rosi), Aquilani, Perrotta; Taddei. COACH. Spalletti. SUBSTITUTES: Curci, Tommasi, Cufr?, Giacomini.
REFEREE: Trefoloni
CAUTIONS: 22’ Bovo, 39’ and 47’ Nedved, 54’ Kuffour, 64’ Aquilani
RED CARDS: 47’ Nedved (Second Yellow Card)
SPECTATORS: 29.621
RECEIPTS: 532.637

Livorno - Juventus 1-3
Mood:  happy
Topic: Serie A 2005-2006
Serie A Tim - 18 Mar 2006 - 11:10 PM

Before the game Fabio Capello warned his side against complacency in what could have been a difficult challenge for the bianconeri. In reality, Juventus were in charge of the game from early on and sealed a deserved victory with an injury-time winner from Alex Del Piero.

Juventus took the lead in the third minute through Trezeguet after a neat exchange involving Del Piero, Nedved and Giannichedda. One-on-one with Amelia the Frenchman made no mistake, his shot beating the advancing ‘keeper and curling just inside the right post.

Ten minutes later a rare attack by the home side found Lucarelli in space outside the area. The Livorno striker hit a powerful left-footed shot which was saved brilliantly by Buffon, diving to his right.

For the rest of the half the Juventus defence did well to prevent further attacks from Mazzone’s men. Chances were few for both teams, but Juventus were playing with far more confidence than their rivals and looked the more likely of the two sides to make a break-through.

The second half started in much the same way as the first with an early goal breaking the deadlock; although this time it was the home side who took the advantage. Collecting the ball from outside the Juve area, Pfertzel rounded several Juventus defenders before slotting his shot to the right of Buffon. Livorno celebrations were short lived however as less than two minutes later Trezeguet restored the bianconeri lead. Collecting a pass from Nedved, Trezegol rounded Vargas before striking the ball past the Livorno ‘keeper for his second goal of the evening.

As Livorno poured men forward in search of an elusive second goal, Juventus began to expose the space at the back with both Mutu and Del Piero going close. The latter was to settle the game for the bianconeri with his left-footed strike sealing the points for the visitors deep into injury time. The win maintained Juventus’ advantage at the top of the table with eight games left to play.

LIVORNO-JUVENTUS 1-3
GOALS: 3’pt e 9’st Trezeguet, 7’st Pfertzel, 49’st Del Piero
LIVORNO: Amelia, Grandoni, Vargas (14’st Bakayoko), Galante, Pfertzel (35’st Palladino), Morrone, Ruotolo, Argilli (28’st Cesar Prates), Coco, Colucci, C. Lucarelli. Coach. Mazzone. Substitutes: Acerbis, Balleri, Fanucci, Palladino, Paulinho
JUVENTUS: Buffon, Zebina (40’st Pessotto), Thuram, Cannavaro, Balzaretti, Camoranesi (14’st Mutu), Emerson, Giannichedda, Nedved, Del Piero, Trezeguet (19’st Ibrahimovic). Coach. Capello. Substitutes: Abbiati, Kovac, Blasi, Pessotto, Zalayeta.
REFEREE: Dondarini
CAUTIONED: 20’pt Vargas, 21’pt Nedved, 28’pt Lucarelli

Juventus-Milan: 0-0
Mood:  not sure
Topic: Serie A 2005-2006
Serie A - Tim Cup - 12 Mar 2006 - 10:59 PM

A freezing evening at the Delle Alpi saw Juventus host Milan in the 29th game of the domestic season. With both teams desperate for a victory, the stage was set for a tense and open encounter.


The first half saw a scarcity of chances as the teams looked to cancel one another out in the midfield. Both Trezeguet and Shevchenko tried their luck from distance in the opening moments of the game, though neither shot troubled the ‘keeper. On eleven minutes, Mutu presented Vieira with the first real opportunity. The big Frenchman jumped highest to meet the free-kick, but saw his header fall safely into the hands of Milan’s Brazilian goalie. A minute later Stam received the first caution of the match for a foul on Chiellini. The incident typified the physical approach of both sides in the first half with Chiellini and Gattuso receiving yellow cards for similar challenges.


The second half began in much the same way as the first, with both teams struggling to create clear-cut chances. Both Del Piero and Nedved went close without ever really challenging Dida, whilst at the other end Inzaghi was twice denied by the pace of Buffon. On 65 minutes a stray clearance from Kaka’s corner found Gattuso on the edge of the box whose powerful header was well saved by Buffon. The fiery Italian was involved again minutes later when he received his second yellow card of the match and was sent off. From this point Milan were forced to play deeper and frustrated Juve’s attempts at victory.
The game finished 0-0 with both sides taking a point, but there is no doubt that the bianconeri will be the happier of the teams, retaining their ten point lead at the top of the table.


JUVENTUS-MILAN 0-0
JUVENTUS: Buffon; Zebina, Thuram, Cannavaro, Chiellini; Mutu, Emerson, Vieira, Nedved; Ibrahimovic (45’ Del Piero), Trezeguet. All. Capello. A disposizione: Abbiati, Balzaretti, Camoranesi, Blasi, Giannichedda, Zalayeta
MILAN: Dida; Stam (14’ Costacurta), Nesta, Kaladze, Serginho; Gattuso, Pirlo, Seedorf (34’ Ambrosini), Kak? ; Shevchenko, Inzaghi (67’ Gilardino). All. Ancelotti. A disposizione: Kalac, Rui Costa, Vogel, Jankulovski
REFEREE: De Santis
CAUTIONS: 12’ Stam, 27’ Chiellini, 40’ e 69’ Gattuso, 20’ Nesta
SENT OFF: 69’ Gattuso (Two yellow cards)
SPECTATORS: 39.087
RECEIPTS: 1.294.782

Who is Patrick Vieira?
Mood:  flirty
Topic: PLAYERS

Patrick Vieira (born June 23, 1976 in Dakar, Senegal) is a French football midfielder, who currently plays for Juventus. He captained Arsenal and won the World Cup with France in 1998.

Born in Senegal in the Cape Verdian community, Vieira's family moved to Paris when he was aged 8; he did not return to Senegal until 2003. Vieira first played for AS Cannes, where he made his debut at the age of 17 and captained the team aged only 19. Soon after that, in the summer of 1995, he was snapped up by Italian giants AC Milan, though he mainly stayed in the reserves and only made two appearances for the first team.

In September 1996, the incoming Arsenal coach Ars?ne Wenger asked for him to be bought from AC Milan before he took up his position. Vieira's height, stamina and physical strength meant he settled in England quickly, while his composure and the quality of his passing meant he became an integral part of Wenger's stylish attacking side. While at Arsenal, he made his debut for the French national side, in 1997 against the Netherlands.

Forming a midfield partnership with compatriot Emmanuel Petit, Vieira won the Premiership and FA Cup Double in 1998, his first full season at the club. That summer, he was called up to France's 1998 World Cup squad. Vieira came on as a substitute for Youri Djorkaeff in the final against Brazil, and set up Petit for France's third goal in a 3-0 win.

Vieira's time at Arsenal was beset by disciplinary problems - in 2000-01 he was sent off twice in two consecutive matches, though after returning he didn't accrue a card for 28 matches. In all he has been sent off eleven times in his career (nine for Arsenal, once for Juventus and once for France).

Vieira would go on to win Euro 2000 with France, as well as a second Double with Arsenal in 2002. After Tony Adams's retirement in 2002, Vieira (already vice-captain) became club captain, since which his temper and associated disciplinary problems cooled somewhat. Though he missed Arsenal's 2003 FA Cup final win with injury, Vieira lifted the trophy jointly with captain for the day David Seaman.

In 2003-04 at Arsenal, he captained the side on a historic unbeaten season in the Premier League, and in the 2005 FA Cup Final he scored the winning kick in a penalty shoot-out after a 0-0 draw with Manchester United. In total, Vieira played 407 times for Arsenal and scored 33 times. For France, Vieira has appeared 83 times, scoring four goals as of December 2005.

Vieira's starring performances for Arsenal earned the attention of several major clubs abroad. In the 2003 and 2004 offseasons, he was strongly linked with a move to Spanish superpower Real Madrid. The Spanish side reportedly offered Arsenal ?23 million for him, which Arsenal had agreed to, but after much deliberation Vieira decided to stay at the club where he made his name. However, a year later Vieira was finally tempted away from Highbury. Arsenal accepted a bid of ?20m (?13.7m) from Italian giants Juventus on July 14, 2005, and Vieira agreed a five-year contract with the Serie A side the following day. In his autobiography, he cited the main reason for his leaving Arsenal as the board's 'neutral' position over the Juventus bid.

With Vieira, Juventus coach Fabio Capello hopes to improve a midfield around consisting of Brazilian Emerson and Czech Pavel Nedved. He started his new season with Juventus in a remarkable fashion, scoring goals and helping Juventus to its record best start with consecutive victories. Meanwhile without him, his old club, Arsenal, begins to falter in the Premier League, looking to end its 1-2 domination in the league table.

Vieira: "I had a feeling that this might happen"
Mood:  lyrical
Topic: General
Champions League - 10 Mar 2006 - 3:55 PM

The draw for the Champions league quarter-finals has been made. In Paris this afternoon Juventus were drawn against Arsenal. The first leg will be played away from home at Highbury on 28th March, whilst the return leg, at the Delle Alpi, will be played on 5th April. Arsenal – currently fifth in the Premier League – will present a similar challenge to the one Juventus faced against Werder Bremen. Strong both technically and on the counter-attack, they play at a high-tempo preferring to keep the ball on the ground and pass through the opposition than resorting to long-balls. Their star striker, Thierry Henry, will be familiar to Juventus fans from his brief sojourn at the club before his transfer to the Gunners in 1999. The ex-bianconero helped to secure Arsenal’s qualification to the quarter-finals having scored the decisive goal against Real Madrid at the Bernabeu. Aside from Henry, Arsenal boast the talents of Reyes, Ljunberg and Fabregas, who have been at the forefront of an unbeaten European campaign that has seen them concede only two goals so far.

Domestically, Arsenal have been one of the dominant forces in English football for the last ten years. Since the arrival of their manager Arsene Wenger in 1996, they have won the FA Cup three times and the Premiership four times. When they last won the title in 2003/2004, they played the entire season undefeated, earning them the title ‘The Invincibles’. The draw will also present an interesting challenge to Patrick Vieira. The bianconeri midfielder left the Gunners this summer, having spent nine years there. For many, Arsenal have been in a period of transition since his departure, seeking to fill the defensive-midfield role that he dominated whilst at the club. Speaking after the draw, Vieira said: “At times fate can surprise you, in fact I had a feeling this might happen. Obviously it will be a very personal challenge for me, particularly to go back to Highbury as the opposition, but putting my emotions to one side, I can only think about the fact that we have to win.”

The Quarter-Finals!
Mood:  happy
Topic: Champions League
Champions League - 07 Mar 2006 - 11:44 PM

A fantastic start by Capello’s men was typified as early as the second minute when Nedved fed Trezeguet a fantastic ball only for the Frenchman’s shot to be parried behind. From the resulting corner, Cannavaro’s header looped over the bar. It wasn’t long before the tempo of the game began to slow down as both teams cancelled one-another out desperately searching for the opening goal. However, in the thirteenth minute Werder found the opening they had been looking for as Schulz fed Micoud who, advancing from the left, coolly slotted the ball passed Buffon (1-0). Juventus now had to score twice to secure their qualification. They began almost at once as Nedved rose to meet Camoranesi’s corner only to see his headed drift agonisingly wide (15’). In the 26th minute the Germans came close to an own goal but the ball rolled just passed the post. From Camoranesi’s corner Ibrahimovic connected well but Weise reacted brilliantly to deny the Swede. In the 40th minute Zambrotta hit a fantastic cross which Trezeguet tried to head but which drifted wide. In the 44th minute the Germans attacked again with Buffon denying Klasnic and forcing the ball behind for a corner. In the 45th minute Weise was once again called into action, denying first Nedved and then Emerson.

Juventus began the second-half with purpose and tested the excellent Weise within the first minute. First Nedved and then Trezeguet had their shots blocked brilliantly by the German ‘keeper. In the 8th minute Ibrahimovic saw his left footed effort sail over the bar. An unrelenting Capello then sent on Mutu and Del Piero in place of Camoranesi and Ibrahimovic as the team sought an equaliser. In the seventeenth minute Nedved went close, but was again denied by the Werder goalkeeper before being flagged for offside. Four minutes later however, Pavel found space to thread a delightful through ball to Trezeguet who, one-on-one with the keeper, slotted home to equalise for the home team (1-1).
Both teams went close in the final twenty minutes but it was Juventus who were to seize their chance. In the 88th minute Emerson capitalised on a fumble by the German ‘keeper and smashed the ball into the back of the net to the delight of the home crowd. The goal secured a 2-1 victory for the bianconeri and secured their place in the quarter-fianls.

JUVENTUS-WERDER BREMEN 2-1

GOALS: 13’ pt Micoud, 21’ st Trezeguet, 43’ st Emerson

JUVENTUS: Buffon; Zebina, Thuram, Cannavaro, Zambrotta (26’ st Balzaretti); Camoranesi (12’ st Mutu), Emerson, Vieira, Nedved; Ibrahimovic (12’st Del Piero), Trezeguet.
A disposizione: Abbiati, Chiellini, Blasi, Giannichedda.
All. Capello

WERDER BREMEN: Weise; Owomoyela, Fahrenhorst, Naldo, Schulz; Frings, Baumann (28’ st Pasanen), Borowski; Micoud; Klasnic (37’ st Valdez), Klose.
A disposizione: Vander, Vranjes, Andreasen, Jensen, Van Damme.
All. Schaaf


REFEREE: Poll (ENG).

YELLOW CARDS: 37’ pt Micoud, 15’ st Nedved, 27’ st Baumann, 49’ st Del Piero

SPECTATORS : 40.226
GATE RECEIPTS: 1.103.989 Euro

Rapid Wien vs Juventus 1-3
Mood:  happy
Topic: Champions League
Champions League - 07 Dec 2005 - 10:45 PM

Juventus win at Wien, Bayern earn a draw at Bruges and Capello’s side is first-ranked in Champions League in his group with 15 points. The win is signed by Ibrahimovic and Del Piero, who, with tonight’s two goals, achieves 182 goals scored with the Bianconeri jersey.

A big audience has gathered at the Ernst Happel stadium for the last match of phase one between Rapid Wien and Juventus. The home team has already missed qualifications for the next round but local supporters don’t want to miss the game with Juventus who, after qualifying for round two, are now competing to lead Group A. The match is much struggled, both defences are careful and at the start few are the scoring occasions. The first, after 8 minutes, is on Capello’s side: Ibrahimovic makes a good opening for Vieira, anticipated by the goalkeeper. Then it’s Ivanschitz who engages Abbiati in a couple of occasions. The first after 26 minutes with a free kick saved by the Bianconero goalkeeper who pushes the ball over the crossbar. The second occurs on 33’ minutes with a header cleared by Abbiati with a two-time save. On 35’ minutes, Juventus take the lead thanks to a fantastic free kick by Del Piero from a 30-metre range (1-0). The Bianconeri are firmly in control of the game and on 41’ minutes Ibrahimovic give Juventus the second goal: a great personal action of the Swede who slips past two opponents and beats Payer with a perfect and powerful left-footed shot (2-0). The 3-0 arrive on 45’ minutes and the scorer is again Del Piero who deflects on goal Ibrahimovic’s shot from the edge of the box. And it’s Alex’s 182th goal with the Juventus jersey.

The second half starts with Zalayeta replacing Ibrahimovic. Rapid Wien make no substitution and they try to get dangerous after 5 minutes into the second half with Ivanschitz, whose shot is saved by Abbiati. They reduce their gap on 7’ minutes with Kincl who, served by Hlinka, scores with a right-footed shot (1-3). The home side gets dangerous again in a couple of occasions but Abbiati is ready to counter. On 15’ minutes, Juventus attack: Chiellini crosses for Zalayeta but his header is saved by Payer. The game continues to be struggled in the midfield but thrills lack. In the final minutes, Juventus try to increase their spoils with Del Piero but his turn on the shot from the edge of the penalty area ends high over the crossbar. Rapid react with Ivanschitz but his finish ends out of the goalline. It ends 3-1 for the Bianconeri who will now be waiting for the last sixteen tie draw that will take place on December 16th .

RAPID WIEN vs JUVENTUS

GOALS: 35’fh and 45’fh Del Piero, 41’fh Ibrahimovic, 7’sh Kincl

RAPID WIEN: Payer; Dober, Hiden, Valachovic, Katzer; Korsos (35’sh Martinez), Hlinka, Ivanschitz, Hofman; Kincl, Akangunduz (40’sh Kienast). Coach: Hickerseberger. Substitutions: Hedl, Labant, Garics, Dollinger, Beibl
JUVENTUS: Abbiati; Balzaretti, Kovac, Thuram, Chiellini; Camoranesi (33’sh Giannichedda), Blasi, Vieira, Mutu (16’sh Pessotto); Del Piero, Ibrahimovic (1’sh Zalayeta). Coach: Capello
Substitutions: Chimenti, Zambrotta, Cannavaro, Trezeguet.
REFEREE: Jaroslav J?ra (CZE)
YELLOW CARDS: 28’fh Thuram, 18’sh Camoranesi

Fiorentina vs Juventus 1-2
Mood:  happy
Topic: Serie A 2005-2006
Serie A - 04 Dec 2005 - 6:00 PM

Fiorentina and Juventus are back face to face on the pitch of the Artemio Franchi stadium only two days after the Coppa Italia fixture. However, the line-up’s are quite different compared to Thursday night: Toni and Fiore among the Viola, while Capello chooses the partnership Ibrahimovic-Trezeguet in attack. And it’s the very Frenchman in the first half and Camoranesi in the closing minutes of the second half who give Juve the away win, which allow the Bianconeri to stretch their lead to 8 points clear second-ranked Milan.

Juventus start off on the right foot: after merely 23 seconds, Nedved puts the ball in for Trezeguet who gets anticipated in the corner before being able to shoot on goal. After 3 minutes, Emerson volleys the ball from outside the area but his shot is saved by Frey. After 6 minutes, Fiorentina get dangerous when Toni deflects Pasqual’s cross with a header but the ball hits the crossbar; one minute later, Juventus take the advantage: Emerson serves deep for Ibrahimovic who sprints on the edge of offside and gets into the penalty box without being obstacled. The Swede may shoot on goal but, with altruism, he prefers serving for Trezeguet into the midfield and it’s a child’s play for the Frenchman to score (0-1). Fiorentina’s reaction arrive on 15’ minutes when Toni sets himself free on the edge of the box and tries a ground right-footed shot which goes out of the goalline. On 18’ minutes, Juventus get close to the second goal: great cross from Camoranesi to Ibrahimovic who, like for the scoring occasion, passes to Trezeguet but this time David’s finish flies high over the crossbar. Later on, it’s the very Ibrahimovic who hits the ball with a header and then drives a left-footed finish but in the first case Frey clears in the second the Swede’s aim fails. Juventus are in control of the game, nevertheless Fiorentina manage to take the draw thanks to the darting of Toni: on 40’ minutes, Pasqual puts it in from the left flank and the Viola midfielder successfully deflects the ball in behind Abbiati’s back (1-1). In the closing minutes of the half time, Brocchi crosses a tricky right-footed drive from the edge of the penalty box but Abbiati clears. On the last second of the half time, Juventus get very near to taking the lead: Camoranesi runs along the right flank and serves for Ibrahimovic, whose shot on the turn is hit back by Frey’s great response.

The second half starts with no substitution made on both sides. After 4 minutes, Pazzini gets in the box from the left and kicks a ground shot but Abbiati saves, while two minutes later Ibrahimovic arrives near the goalline and puts the ball in but it gets to Trezeguet but he’s too far behind and the action vanishes. On 7’ minutes, Camoranesi turns up: Mauro controls Nedved’s fine drive and tries a left-footed shot from the edge of the penalty area but it ends out. On 13’ minutes Fiorentina attack with a cross pass between Toni and Pazzini, countered by Abbiati, while on 20’ minutes Ibrahimovic follows Nedved’s assist but his shot gets high over the crossbar. Three minutes later, Cannavaro deflects Camoranesi’s cross from the flag but Frey is ready to clear. Nedved tries again with a right-footed from the distance but it ends too high. On 28’, a beautiful action on Juventus side with Nedved serving for Zambrotta who crosses to Trezeguet, unfortunately the latter’s header cannot be reached by Ibrahimovic. On 30’ minutes, Fiorentina get very close to their second goal: Pazzini launches Toni who overcomes Abbiati while he’s coming out but the Viola’s finish just hits the post. On 34’ minutes, Ibrahimovic’s personal initiative leaves an opponent sitting down on the ground but, instead of attempting directly on goal, the Swede goes for another dribbling and he ends up being closed into the corner. On 40’ minutes, Chiellini crosses from the left but Vieira’s header gets high over the crossbar but it’s only a matter of minutes before reaching the target: on 43’ minutes, Ibrahimovic lifts a ball high in the air which is grabbed by Trezeguet who can serve it for Camoranesi. Mauro controls on the edge of the box, gets inside and beats Frey (1-2).

FIORENTINA vs JUVENTUS 1-2

GOALS: 7’ f.h. Trezeguet, 40’ f.h. Pazzini, 43’ s.h. Camoranesi

FIORENTINA: Frey; Ujfalusi, Gamberini, Di Loreto, Donadel; Pasqual , Pazienza, Brocchi (42’ s.h. Pancaro), Jorghensen (19’ f.h. Pazzini), Fiore (17’ s.h. Maggio); Toni.
Substitutes: Cejas, Dainelli, Montolivo, Bojinov.
Coach: Prandelli


JUVENTUS:Abbiati; Zambrotta, Thuram, Cannavaro, Chiellini; Camoranesi, Emerson (50’ s.h. Kovac), Vieira, Nedved, Ibrahimovic, Trezeguet (44’ Mutu)
Substitutes: Buffon, Kovac, Balzaretti, Blasi, Giannichedda, Del Piero.
Coach: Capello

REFEREE: Messina

YELLOW CARDS: 13’ s.h. Vieira, 28’ s.h. Ibrahimovic, 45’ s.h. Maggio, 48’ s.h. Camoranesi

ATTENDANCE: 43.537
PROCEEDS: 903.000 Euro

Italian Cup: Fiorentina vs Juventus 2-2
Mood:  celebratory
Topic: Italian Cup 2005-2006
Coppa Italia - 01 Dec 2005 - 11:30 PM

In the first-leg match of Coppa Italia last sixteen tie, Juventus earn a 2-2 draw at the Franchi stadium. The first half ends with Fiorentina in advantage thanks to Bojinov’s goal. After the interval, the match is suspended for 25 minutes. Back on the pitch, Pazzini doubles the advantage, then Capello’s side get in control of the match and achieves the draw with goals by Pessotto and Mutu.

The news of the days is Buffon’s comeback after the three-month stop due to the shoulder surgery. The other news in the line-up is Balzaretti, positioned in the midfield on Blasi’s right, with the latter being proposed again as wing defender. In the first few minutes of the game, Bojinov turns up but his finishes are wide of target. Juventus get dangerous on 7’ minutes with Balzaretti who drives on the right flanks, the ball gets to Del Piero in the midfield but he’s anticipated by Ujfalusi. On 15’ minutes, Del Piero tries a left-footed from the edge of the penalty area but it ends beyond the goal line. One minute later, Zalayeta heads the ball, following Mutu’s free kick, but Frey saves. On 21’ minutes, it’s Fiorentina’s turn to attack with Jorghensen who serves Pazzini from the left but the striker’s deflection drives the ball out. Capello’s side gets dangerous after about thirty minutes into the first half time: Del Piero’s free kick is deflected by a defender, Zalayeta grabs the ball and drives a powerful shot who hits the crossbar. To follow, Mutu’s free kick is countered by Frey. Fiorentina finally breaks the tie: on 38’ minutes, Maggio drives down on the right flank, serves Ujfalusi, the ball gets to Bojinov who beats Buffon with a right-footed shot (1-0). Bojinov is dangerous again on 42’ minutes when his drive singes the crossbar. In the final minutes, Vieira’s powerful right-footed kick from the distance ends high over the bar.

After the interval, the game re-starts for only two minutes, then the referee has to suspend it for the fumes of the tear-gas used by police outside of the stadium to quell some trouble between the two sides’ supporters. After about 25 minutes, the second half can start again and Fiorentina take the double advantage after 5 minutes with Pazzini (2-0). Juventus do not give up and hit back. On 8’ minutes, Capello’s side reduces the gap thanks to a fantastic goal scored by Pessotto who beats Frey with an unstoppable right-footed shot from the edge of the penalty area (2-1). The Bianconeri coach makes three substitutions at the same time: the goalscorer, Giannichedda and Zalayeta make way for Emerson, Nedved and Ibrahimovic. And it’s the latter who, after 16 minutes, served by Nedved, tries the shot but the ball gets out. On 20’ minutes, Mutu’s free kick is intercepted by Del Piero, Ibrahimovic deflects it into goal but the referee nullifies it for offside of the forwards. Four minutes later, there it comes the draw: Mutu drives a cross shot from the left, the ball follows a strange trajectory that misleads Frey, it hits the post and gets in (2-2). Fiorentina, who are no longer dangerous after the second goal, attempt on goal with Bojinov, Buffon saves. Juventus continue to build up the game until the end but the result doesn’t change. The second leg match is scheduled on January, 11th in Turin.

FIORENTINA vs JUVENTUS 2-2

GOALS: 38’fh Bojinov, 5’sh Pazzini, 8’sh Pessotto, 24’sh Mutu

FIORENTINA: Frey; Maggio, Gamberini, Di Loreto, Ujfalusi, Pancaro; Jorghensen (1’sh Pasqual), Pazienza, Montolivo; Bojinov (44’sh Bochu), Pazzini (22’sh Vryzas). Coach: Prandelli . Substitutes: Cejas, Brivio, Guoigou, Toni
JUVENTUS:Buffon; Blasi, Kovac, Thuram, Pessotto (9’sh Emerson); Balzaretti, Giannichedda (9’sh Nedved), Vieira, Mutu; Del Piero, Zalayeta (9’sh Ibrahimovic).
Coach: Capello. Substitutes: Chimenti, Cannavaro, Chiellini, Camoranesi.
REFEREE: Palanca

YELLOW CARDS: 18’sh Ujfalusi