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Good evening/morning everyone! It’s Friday, and the last match of the season is coming up ahead of us. This coming Sunday, in Rome, Juventus will take on Napoli in the final of the Coppa Italia. While the Coppa has always been a secondary objective (but maybe not for Andrea Agnelli) Juventus will certainly want to finish the season on a high note. A loss would be the team’s first, and a small black mark on an otherwise tremendous season. A win would be the unbeaten domestic double, a hell of a triumph given where we were one year ago.

Of course, as soon as the Coppa has finished, the season is officially over and that means silly season will begin in earnest. There’s already been plenty of rumors about who Juventus will or will not sign, some more realistic than others, and while at this point of the season they’re still rumors, you can bet Marotta, Paratici, Agnelli and Conte are already hard at work planning for the summer.

Dat Milos beard

• The WyScout forum is currently taking place in Milan, with agents, scouts, and managers from around the world around to discuss scouting and transfers. An official from the MLS Players Union (Lino Di Cuollo) confirmed interest in Alessandro Del Piero. As of now, however, a move to the LA Galaxy or NY Red Bulls is impossible, as both have used up their 3 “designated players” spots, a quota on high-wage players imposed by the league. The two would have to rid themselves of one of those spots to accommodate Ale, but the official notes “2-3 other teams are interested.”
• A few stories from the WyScout forum regarding Juve’s possible future strikers. Luis Suarez is unlikely to leave Liverpool, and indeed, the club are discussing the option of a renewal for the Uruguayan striker. Rumors out of Milan however suggest that another Uruguayan striker, Edison Cavani, is indeed Juve’s top striker target for the summer. That’s been heavily rumored for months, and it’s very likely in my opinion- Cavani has in recent months expressed some hints of dissatisfaction with Napoli, be it missing out on the Champion’s League, and whether or not the club would allow him to go to the Olympics this summer. As for young gun Mattia Destro, his agent has confirmed interest from Juventus and other clubs, but “his co-ownership situation between Siena and Genoa needs to be resolved first.”
• At the WyScout forum, the Udinese DS has met with Michele Pazienza’s agent. It seems very likely that Udinese will be signing Pazienza outright, after a decent loan spell at the Friulian club. Pazienza’s agent was asked about it, and confirmed that they were in negotiations but “it’s too soon to say anything.” Picked up on a free transfer from Napoli, Pazienza’s sale should generate a small profit for Juventus, like castaway fullback Reto Ziegler.
• Juventus have opened the J Museum, a home for all of the glorious history of Juventus. Marco has you set up with an incredible array of photos, videos, and text describing both the opening and contents of the museum. Check it out.
• Controversy has (attempted) to engulf Juventus again. Ex-Siena player Filippo Carobbio has accused Antonio Conte and Siena of being involved in the Calcioscommesse betting scandal. The player, who has been arrested for his involvement in betting scandal stated that Siena had made agreements with Novara and Albinoleffe. Worth noting a few things that the Gazzetta forgot to mention- Carobbio is arrested and facing serious sanctions, thus, it’s not surprising he might try and deflect the blame, claim he was “just following orders”, or finger others in exchange for a lighter sentence. [Like Andrea Masiello naming Bonucci and Pepe as co-conspirators- they were never investigated or asked to testify] Antonio Conte has not been asked to testify or ever been investigated by Palazzi, and 3 Siena teammates have already denied Carobbio’s allegations. No member of Novara’s coaching staff or players have been investigated regarding Siena-Novara. The most ridiculous aspect of it all? Supposedly Siena agreed to lose to Novara 1-0. Can you imagine Antonio Conte making an agreement to lose? [The man who named his daughter "Vittoria"]
• Siena’s goalkeeper at the time Ferdinando Coppola has also denied that Siena agreed to lose against Novara. “I don’t think in the pre-game tactical meeting that our coach told the team that there was an agreement from the match. I remember the emotion of listening to Conte who demanded the team’s best effort, because the stakes were important and we had just come off a defeat with Portogruaro. I never heard any reference from Conte or Carobbio to an agreement to change the result of the match.”

That’s it for us at STTBS for the week. We’ll keep updating you in the future on the Carobbio-Conte-Calcioscommesse story, and we’ll have all the content this weekend for the Coppa Italia final- previews, reviews, and reactions. Stay tuned.

[STTBS]: Cronaca Juve is a feature where the JuventiKnows editorial team discusses the JuveNews stories you need to read, without the “Messi signs for Juve on loan thanks to Nike” kind of nonsense. What does [STTBS] mean? You’ll have to guess that for yourself. We wouldn’t tell you even under pain of torture… (though we do take bribes)

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A new era is in the starting blocks. Juve’s newest addition to the ever-growing phenomenon that is Juventus Stadium has a name: JUVENTUS MUSEUM, the club’s official museum located on the Eastern side of the stadium (and a mere stone’s throw away from the Area12 shopping centre) has had its official unveiling earlier this week.

• Arranged over an area of 1,500 m²
• Entirely bilingual (Italian & English)
• Enhanced by the extensive use of multimedia facilities
• Features educational sections on Italian history, mapping the club’s evolution alongside the most significant events of the past century.

For the grand opening, president Andrea Agnelli brought along the Scudetto trophy, the 30th and that of the third star according any respectable Juventino fan, but still only 28th according to the Italian soccer federation & Lega Calcio. It is thus no coincidence that FIGC president Giancarlo Abete declined the invitation to the ribbon cutting, to avoid further controversy, polemic, and the assorted (extremely likely) booing.

Alongside president Agnelli, dg Beppe Marotta, councillor Pavel Nedved, president of J-Museum Paolo Garimberti, and celebrity “ex” Edgar Davids, the entire Juventus team was present, in addition to a few old glories of Juve history: Bettega, Ferrara, Cuccureddu, Morini, Tacconi, Ravanelli, Furino, Bonini, Mauro, Brio, Anastasi, Torricelli… This year’s “Trophy of Pride” (with a fierce display of the number 30) ended up in the trophy room, dubbed the “trophy temple” for the occasion, alongside all other titles the club has won.

“The Juventus Museum strikes me for all the stimuli it gives you, for all the great moments given by Juventus and the strength the team has shown throughout its history,” said Fiat and Exor chairman, John Elkann. “It’s the culmination of an incredible week: the party for the Scudetto, ending the season unbeaten, the dinner with the team yesterday at Villar Perosa, which we had promised if we won something.” Elkann said that the part which has him most excited in the museum is the Trophy Room. “Qualifying for Europe helps, as with the stadium, to build our future during a remarkable moment for the club.”

The J-Museum is a beautiful collection of antiques, vintage jerseys, memorabilia, historical images: Black & White fragments of life “embedded” in the tale of the history of Italy. “The history of our country has become intertwined with the history of what is not just Turin’s team but the team of Italy.”

There is also a sort of time machine where you live out the game from within, in close virtual contact with Juve’s ultracentennial history. You play hide and seek among vintage videos, yellowed by age, and interactive high-tech. Necessary also, a space dedicated to the Heysel tragedy, with a totem remembering the 39 victims. Their relatives have been invited to the inauguration and have received a lifetime admission to the museum.

Further down, the Juventus Hall of Fame, scale models of the stadiums, the 36 jerseys of players with most match appearances (from Peruzzi’s 301 to the 704 of current record-holder Alex Del Piero), the area dedicated to the Ballon d’Ors and great coaches, and the possibility to be photographed next to one’s idol (from Omar Sivori all the way to Gigi Buffon: modern-day miracles of Photoshop…)

And continuing: the touchscreen encyclopedia, an area dedicated to the fans (11 million in Italy, 38 million in Europe, 180 million worldwide), the ball of the last Scudetto (the one they used at Stadio Nereo Rocco of Trieste against Cagliari), the famous bench of Corso Re Umberto. And Calciopoli? The story is summed up eloquently on a panel titled: “From heaven to hell and back”.

The structure designed by studio Camerana & Partners (in collaboration with Studio Dedalo) and headed by Paolo Garimberti (president of RAI but more importantly, a Juventino DOC), opened its doors to the public on Thursday. Predictably several months of “sold out” await, after similar records registered by the Juventus Stadium match tickets and the Stadium Tours. “This museum brings us on par with our major European competitors,” says Agnelli proudly. Indeed, with this museum Juve have reached in all respects the standards of the big international football teams, most notably Barcelona who boast the highly visited ​Nou Camp museum: one million visitors a year at €22 per ticket.

Numbers that Juve dream of replicating.
 

Andrea AGNELLI

Emotion by Juventus standards is always directed towards ‘tomorrow’: for me the greatest joy is the one that is yet to come. But this museum is something extraordinary for Juventini and for all sport enthusiasts, because it tells the story of one of the most important football clubs in Italy. The history of this club, of this company is intertwined with the history of my family, which since 1923 has collected some thirty Scudetti. There are extraordinary memorabilia here, donated by protagonists and collectors alike. Technical objects and objects of worship, from which you can experience the evolution of football, along with a documentary entitled “Fino alla Fine” (Until the End) which covers the history of Juventus as if it were a football match.

Edgar DAVIDS

It’s true, this museum felt like taking a dip in the past for me because it recalled many memories of happy times during which we won a lot. I must say it is a great initiative for young people, so that they can learn about the history of Juventus. My other ‘squadra del cuore’, Ajax, has already had a museum for a few years now, but it’s a bit different because unlike Juve, Ajax’s musem is at the center of the city of Amsterdam. (…) I got to watch Juve’s matches this year and I must say that the great determination of the team was awesome, a real strength. In any case I think it is too soon to risk comparing this Juve with the team I was once part of.

Gigi BUFFON

Here you feel the scent of Juventus. It recognizes those who have brought Juve up and written pages of history. I am proud to be represented, honored to have my little space. I think I was part of something important with Juve and the national team, but my sporting life will go on for some years and I hope to contribute to fill these spaces with even more trophies.

Luca MARRONE

The impression can only be positive, this museum depicts the history of Juventus, is unique and makes one realize the importance of wearing this shirt. It gave me a great charge. The room with the trophies is truly special and we know we must play in order to fill it. Early Sunday we will try to win another trophy with the Coppa Italia. Napoli is a great team; they aren’t enjoying a very happy moment, but in a single match there’s a lot that can happen. We are ready. The festivities are already behind us and the coach has prepared us in the right way.

Fabrizio RAVANELLI

I felt a great emotion and great satisfaction entering this museum. I think that is truly extraordinary. It gives you goosebumps. It was done with great class, like all the things made in Juventus. My pictures and my goals are definitely what gave me the most emotion. It is normal, all personal things get you excited but honestly, everything here is truly exciting.

Ciro FERRARA

Am I still too young to belong in a museum? I’m getting there! (laughs) Jokes aside, I think the museum in such a fantastic setting is a beautiful initiative. It’s nice to meet again with old classmates and friends this evening. (…) The trophy room has a striking visual effect, I’m glad that many of those cups I have at home as replicas. It’s all very special, there are many people today but I will definitely come back to see this museum under calmer circumstances. The story of the club is represented here, it’s been an enjoyable and exciting evening. It is often said that you should not live on memories, but these are indelibly marked and inerasable; sometimes looking at these we find the strength to emerge from years of difficulty, such as this club has always demonstrated to do.

Paolo GARIMBERTI

With this museum, we want to make people understand that the history of Juventus is an integral part of football history and the country. This museum has the ability to combine tradition and therefore all objects, large objects, from jerseys to footballs, to great technology, so the chance to see wonderful video clips of times that maybe younger fans, but also those of my age, do not remember. I really enjoyed visiting it as a special preview last Sunday under calmer circumstances, and going to see for example, a team that I loved but never was able to see: that of Boniperti, Charles and Sivori. This enables someone who loves football, beyond Juventus, an extraordinary overview of the last 115 years. On the walls there are many phrases and they are very beautiful. I have not read them all, but there is one that belongs to l’Avvocato Agnelli that I agree with deeply. He said that whenever he saw the letter ‘J’ he always got excited. And whenever he saw black and white colors, even if it was Udinese’s, he felt a pang to his heart.

Sources: TuttoJuve and La Repubblica

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I know we haven’t had any TR3-REX news on here for a while (practically a month!) so for today, the 17th of May, let’s honor good ol’ Number 17.

David Trezeguet is currently tearing it up in Argentina’s second division at River Plate with 12 goals in 16 matches, including two over the weekend for a 4-2 win over Atlético Tucuman and first place (tied with Rosario Central on points).

The video below is a great tribute to Lucky 17. It includes Trezegol’s intro to River Plate and all of his goals in chronological order (set to a phat beat, of course). I especially love the goal at 4:17 where a cross to Trezeguet is headed into the crossbar… and then Trezeguet heads the rebound back in. So awesome.

I know it’s only Argentina’s second division, but it’s so great that King David is enjoying himself.

But enough about Argentina, let’s get to the news!

• With all eyes set on Rome the Training Continues in Vinovo for Coppa Italia Final.

  Juventus.com reports the team’s preparations for Sunday’s Coppa Italia final against Napoli continued this afternoon with a friendly fixture contested in Vinovo. Lega Pro side Santarcangelo were overcome 3-1 thanks to goals from Pirlo, Quagliarella and Borriello.

  Yesterday training session was Juve’s second workout of the week and included a series of shuttles/shooting practice, focus on passing as a unit, and an in-depth tactical session tailored to the specific requirements for Sunday’s game in Rome.

• Speaking to Sky Sport Claudio Marchisio reflects on this season.
  
  Regarding Serie A:

  We won because we were hungrier. We also played a very important brand of football in every game, even when we missed several goalscoring opportunities and didn’t get the result.

  We always looked to take the game to our opponents every Sunday, both home and away. Our manager also deserves credit for this; he’s instilled the right mentality required to get back to winning ways.

  On the Coppa Italia Final:

  It will certainly be a difficult test. The draw in Naples and the game we won at home were both tough encounters. The two meetings represented the two most important periods of our season. I was suspended for the first game but followed the team from the stands.

  I could see it wasn’t an easy night as we went 3-1 down. But then I saw the side’s strength, perhaps it was there that the group had even more awareness of being able to push all the way through until the end of the year.

  The return fixture came when we were in our purple patch and represented another victory. I think they were the most important moments of an extraordinary season.

• New to Juventus Stadium: Juventus Museum! Now Juve fans can enjoy an unforgettable journey through the club’s glorious 115-year history!

  The entirely bilingual development (Italian and English) combines historical artifacts with state of the art multimedia facilities to recount the greatest football story ever told.

  Juventus Museum can be visited separately or as part of the club’s stadium tours.

  Located on the eastern side of the stadium near the Area12 shopping centre, the brand new development has come to life through the club’s desire to celebrate 115 years of history and triumphs by granting visitors unprecedented access to a wide-ranging selection of trophies and memorabilia. It also features educational sections on Italian history, mapping the club’s evolution alongside the most significant events of the past century.

  New technologies enable the museum to constantly be updated, offering a unique step into the future whilst also maintaining the more traditional aspects associated with a development of its kind.

  For more info with hours and prices, visit the specialized page on Juventus.com. And for a complete INSIDER look at all the museum features including a boatload of pictures and two very evocative videos, check out Marco’s full report here on JuventiKnows!!

  Yesterday the players took their time to browse the museum and take in the various exhibits on display. After completing the journey through Juve’s 115-year history, Gigi Buffon had this to say:

  It’s recognition for those who have brought Juve to the top and written important pages in the club’s history. I’m proud to be represented and honoured to have my own small space. I think I’ve made an important contribution to Juventus and the national team. But my sporting career will continue for a few years and I hope to add even more to fill these spaces and pack them even further with trophies.

  Luca Marrone also shared his thoughts:

  It can only be a positive impression. This museum represents Juve’s history, it’s something unique and makes you realise the importance of wearing this shirt. The trophy room is truly special and we know we’re playing to fill it even more. We’ll try and win another in Sunday’s Coppa Italia final. Napoli are a great team, they’re not going through the best of spells, but anything can happen in a one-off game. We’re ready, we’ve put the celebrations behind us and the manager has immediately prepared us in the right manner.

  I can’t wait to see it!

• “Not officially-official yet but Juventus are in talks with D.C. United for a friendly in USA..

  A formal announcement is expected later this week. Reportedly both clubs had agreed to a match as part of a proposed doubleheader with AC Milan and Chelsea at FedEx Field in Landover, Md.

  Reportedly that plan fell apart and instead Chelsea and AC Milan will play in Miami.

  Juventus are already visiting Las Vegas on August 5th. Tickets are already available and can be bought here.

• Italian Independent releases Special Scudetto Tribute Glasses.

  Juventus.com reports that Lapo Elkann’s brand Italian Independent has launched a range of exclusive sunglasses to honour the club’s Scudetto triumph.

  Both styles of glasses feature a rubber soft touch front, differing only in the colour of the temples, either zebra stripes or black and white, and the logos, black or golden-brown. The Italia Independent and Scudetto symbols are located inside one of the temples, while the Juventus badge and inscription ‘Campioni d’Italia 2012’ can be found on the other side.

  The players showed their immediate appreciation for the product by donning the glasses during the team’s victory parade.

  Click here to buy the I-I tribute to Juventus from the JuveStore.com for € 147,00.

• Already champions of Italy and now Juventus crowned champs of social media.

  ANSA, the main press agency in Italy, used BlogMeter to assess the social networking strategies implemented by clubs in Serie A and Serie B and found Juventus with the best presence on Facebook. Here is a summary of the press release:

  FOOTBALL: JUVENTUS ALSO CLAIMS TOP SPOT ON FACEBOOK

  MORE ENGAGING THAN MILAN, INTER AND ROMA

  (ANSA) – ROME, 16 MAY – Four Serie A teams dominate on Facebook: Juventus, Milan, Inter and Roma. But one side is stronger than the others: Juventus, who have repeated their on-field success on the most popular social network.

  Using Total Engagement – a tool used to measure fans’ involvement through the amount of likes, posts, comments and shares – Blogmeter has created a table, in which Juventus occupies first place. The club’s page celebrated its one-year anniversary on 27 April, with its 3.7 million fans creating nearly 2.5 million moments of activity through posts, comments and shares. An average of 46,271 likes, 8,515 shares and 2,689 comments are made per day. The video “CAMPIONI D’ITALIA!!!” was the most absorbing post over that period, reaching 168.000 views.

• Marcello Lippi appointed head coach of Chinese Super League champions Guangzhou Evergrande.

  

  Lippi replaces South Korea’s Lee Jang-soo at the big-spending Chinese club. Guangzhou Evergrande declared on their official website:

  According to the club’s strategic development needs, a considered decision has been made to appoint Mr. Marcello Lippi to serve as head coach for the Guangzhou Evergrande football club. The appointment is for two years and six months.

  Lippi:

  I have paid attention to the club and watched games in recent months, including games of the Chinese Super League and AFC Champions league.

  Now I can tell every player in the team. But I just know their numbers for the moment, I will gradually remember their names.

  I began to talk to my assistants and I successfully persuaded them to come here along with me.

  I will start my job from this afternoon on and off the pitch. I will lead this team with my extraordinary passion and most professional knowledge.

  At this moment, upon my arrival, it should be a influential event that could be the most important thing in China today.

  Congrats to Lippi on the new job! The best thing about it is how it keeps him away from any of the Serie A clubs, especially the ones in Milan.

That’s all for today’s STTBS. Check in tomorrow for Aaron’s STTBS perusal of the friday headlines, while John has both a special TeamEATS Coppa Italia Napoli Edition and Sunday’s match preview.
 

[STTBS]: Cronaca Juve is a daily feature where the JuventiKnows editorial team discusses the JuveNews stories you need to read, without the “Messi signs for Juve on loan thanks to Nike” kind of nonsense. What does [STTBS] mean? You’ll have to guess that for yourself. We wouldn’t tell you even under pain of torture… (though we do take bribes)

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With the Coppa Italia final fast approaching, our very own Adam Digby takes a look at what the game, and indeed this very competition, mean to the man charged with running the very club we all hold in such high esteem.

Shortly after taking over control of Juventus back in the autumn of 2010, new President Andrea Agnelli spoke this week of his desire to return Juve to being the model of success they previously were, but conceded that to do so would mean winning a trophy. After stating that a return to Champions League football was vital to this, he then went on to add comments that brought many forgotten memories flooding back. “We must try and win the Coppa Italia, a competition which has been missing from our trophy cabinet for a long time.” Agnelli told the assembled reporters.

To many fans of the Old Lady this was hugely disappointing. A club which became synonymous with Scudetto success and numerous Champions League Final appearances during the mid-to-late 90s now reduced to chasing minor cup competitions? Those feelings were undeniably strong, particularly among those Juventini who began supporting the club after witnessing the exploits of Roberto Baggio at either the 1990 or 1994 World Cups, but to many – and undoubtedly including the generation of fans to which the President himself belongs – it was merely a reminder of how things used to be.

If we go back to the immediate aftermath of the tragedy and (many would argue tainted) triumph that befell the club at Heysel Stadium in 1985, many of that team of champions retired or left the club, ending one of the most successful cycles in club history. Giovanni Trapattoni, architect of that golden age quit just one year later and the Bianconeri fell into mediocrity under Rino Marchesi who led the club to one of the worst seasons in her storied history. In order to arrest the slide and begin another chapter of glory, then-President Giampiero Boniperti brought back another playing legend, former goalkeeper Dino Zoff to coach the club.

The team was overhauled yet despite the many changes, the World Cup-winning captain’s leadership saw the side climb to a far more respectable 4th place. While being three places below where many demand the Old Lady to always sit, it must be remembered that this was achieved in a league dominated by the wealth and power a certain Silvio Berlusconi delivered to AC Milan, not to mention the magical genius of Diego Maradona’s Napoli. With those two clubs dominating the league as well as transferring their superiority onto the European stage, the leap from 12th to 4th was still a vast improvement.

However, it was to be in the CUP competitions where Zoff’s improving team would first enjoy a small taste of success. Victories in the early rounds over Cagliari, Taranto, Pescara and Sampdoria earned la Vecchia Signora a place in the final of the COPPA ITALIA with the first leg in Turin on February 28, 1990. A 0-0 stalemate against the mighty Rossoneri gave real hope and belief to Juve who, until that date, had not been able to cope with the variety of weapons at the disposal of Arrigo Sacchi. Yet that confidence, as fragile as it already was, would be put on hold as the insane scheduling of the cup meant they would be forced to wait almost two whole months before the return match took place at San Siro.

Taking il Diavolo on in their own home was the most daunting experience of that period in Calcio history, as this Milan was perhaps the greatest club side of the modern era. Drilled to perfection by the obsessive Sacchi, the famous Red & Black shirts were worn with such great distinction by iconic names such as Franco Baresi, Ruud Gullit, Frank Rijkaard and Marco Van Basten. Juve entered the Second Leg as the heaviest of underdogs against a team in the midst of winning back-to-back European Cups in emphatic, all-conquering fashion (it speaks to their quality that even now, some 22 years later, no side has managed to match their remarkable achievement).

It is credit to Zoff’s preparation that the Juventus players took the field without fear and, after just 17 minutes, Roberto Galia sprang footballs most effective offside trap to hit a shot that slipped behind Milan keeper Giovanni Galli. Below the Curva occupied by his own fans, a somewhat muted celebration took place, one laced with heavy concern about the reaction of such formidable opponents.

Yet as time ticked away, Juve fans dared to dream as their team controlled the match. Five long, trophy-less seasons – an absolute eternity for those accustomed to seeing the Old Lady forever on top of the Serie A scene – had brought a nervous tension not dissimilar to that felt over the past two seasons. Slowly growing in confidence, Rui Barros became a constant thorn in the side of Milan, Sergeij Alejnikov and Giancarlo Marocchi began to dominate their more famous opponents in midfield. Pasquale Bruno and Dario Bonetti were insurmountable in defence throughout both legs as, despite Milan possessing the bigger names, the collective effort of the Juventus side combined to protect goalkeeper Stefano Tacconi who was excellent each and every time he was called upon.

Eventually, after oh-so-long a wait, the final whistle was blown and the Bianconeri rushed to embrace coach Zoff before parading the Cup in front of their fans, the stadium emptying of Milanisti in seemingly record time. Juventus, buoyed by finally getting their hands on some silverware, would go on to beat Fiorentina in the UEFA Cup Final just weeks later. Those wins instilled the spirit back into a club that had, over five most difficult seasons, lost its very essence and the similarities between then and now stir echoes in many of us old enough to remember that fateful day.

It was that first trophy, the Coppa Italia – aptly won on April 25, Italian Liberation Day – that freed the club from its recent past and gave birth to a new era. It was one led first by a returning Trapattoni before Marcello Lippi arrived from Napoli and, with a steady stream of world-class talent arriving thanks to the work of Luciano Moggi, the club would never look back, going on to enjoy yet another period of dominance that would last almost unchecked for the next 16 years.

Overseeing it all was Umberto Agnelli, and it seems that name is always there whenever Juventus are in their best cycles. That day in 1990 he sat in the stands with his brother and various other family members but, judging by his words of two years ago, perhaps its greatest impact was on the memories of the 14 year-old son sitting proudly alongside him.

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Recorded a day before Alessandro Del Piero raised the Serie A trophy to the Turin sky, Marco, Aaron, Mike and Lars got together to discuss what an amazing season it has been: a team aiming for an unbeaten double with the best defense in Europe, just after two years of utter mediocrity.

The podcast is a bit of looking back and looking forward: we start out with a few fun stories, how we each individually celebrated Juve’s first Serie A title since 2006. The boys discuss how their expectations for Juventus evolved, from the hopeful beginnings in the summer, to the drawing doldrums of winter, and finally, the renaissance in the Spring. The team reveals “that moment” when we truly believed the team would win the Scudetto, such as the 5-0 mauling of Fiorentina and a few other surprise suggestions…

The crew also cover the phenomenal work done by Antonio Conte and the importance of Andrea Pirlo, moving onto a few discussions for next year: what formation could be ideal, and how we can survive with the added weight of the UEFA Champions League campaign and our MVP inevitably having to skip a few matches…

★ ★ ★

Thanks as always, and enjoy the show, which opens with three wonderful minutes of unadulterated Claudio Zuliani, as he accompanies us through to the final whistle of the Cagliari match. 1… 2… 3… STELLA!!

Aaron, Adam, John, Lars, Marco, and Mike

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Juventus welcomed Atalanta in a festive mood Sunday. The Bianconeri had sealed their 30th Scudetto on their away trip to Trieste, and the Orobici had nothing to play for after an impressive return to Serie A. Atalanta coach Stefano Colantuono stated that stopping Juve’s undefeated record was “not an obsession” and sure enough, the Nerazzurri would play much like the “Pilgrims” from Parma did in the first match of the season where Juve’s technical superiority showed through. But Sunday was about much more than just an unbeaten record, and the mood a little less festive because of it. Sunday was about the last home game and homage to the greatest player that ever donned the Juventus shirt and armband, the one true figure to be universally loved by all Juventini worldwide, our leader, our idol, our captain. Sunday was about ALESSANDRO DEL PIERO.
 

MATCH ANALYSIS      (by Aaron Giambattista & Lars Aabjerg Pedersen)

Neither team started the match with their strongest sides. Though Atalanta’s choices were forced by suspensions and injuries, Juventus opted to give starting nods to Giaccherini, Marrone, Padoin, Estigarribia, and Storari, all those basically who had participated to squad rotation through the year but had not featured as ‘sure starters’ yet.

Atalanta picked things up brightly enough through Udinese outcast Germán Denis, who had a decent header on goal saved well by Storari. Juventus got back in the game however, with a few corners and a shot from a very motivated Marco Borriello: the Juve forward battled hard for every ball in the box, and was a key figure in breaking the match open in the 10th minute. Setting up Luca Marrone with a lovely backheel pass, Marco watched as the Turin-bred-and-born midfielder slammed the ball with a fierce shot into the near post. 1-0 Juventus.

The match continued on an even pace: both teams committed a fair amount of fouls and neither had any particularly decent efforts on goal. Simone Padoin was rather involved in the match, battling hard and winning the ball back several times against his former teammates. The midfielder could have gone for goal after breaking clear inside the Atalanta box, but attempted to cut a pass in the middle to Alessandro Del Piero, allowing the ball to be intercepted and cleared. It seemed obvious that everyone on the pitch was trying make ADP score but in truth, they should not have worried. Il Capitano would take matters into his own hands and get his reward soon after.

In the 28th minute, after receiving the ball on the edge of the penalty area, looking up, and perfectly placing his shot in the left-bottom corner out of the goalkeeper’s reach, Alessandro Del Piero scored yet another wonderful goal for Juventus. Soon surrounded by his teammates (including Storari!) for an extremely emotional celebration, ADP had effectively ended all remaining concerns as to whether Juventus would retain her unbeaten status over the 2011-12 season.

That goal – Del Piero’s 289th in 704 matches – cemented what was already felt by millions of Juventini worldwide, namely that this game, however important for the record books an undefeated season is, was all about one thing: giving our Pinturicchio the perfect send-off in his last home game for the Bianconeri. As the RAI commentator rightly noted, when Il Capitano was subbed off to receive a breathtakingly heartfelt standing ovation from the entire Juventus Stadium, “the football match was nothing but a detail”.

Even so, the result did matter enough for the team to play through the massive distraction of the crowd, as all eyes were on Alex doing a lap of honour around the stadium, saluting what felt like every single fan in the stands in a show of monumental mutual affection. Even though Atalanta got one back through a Lichtsteiner own goal – one that, for a while, seemed to ensure that the Swiss would have scored both the first and the last goal of the season at our new home – Juve laid the match to rest in the end with a penalty goal from… Andrea Barzagli!

That it was the big, quiet Andrea who was spurred on to execute the penalty by the crowd and Juve players on the field was a very nice touch, as Barzagli has been perhaps the most unsung of our heroes on this remarkable journey. The most consistent Bianconero over the last 18 months by some margin, the centre-back became the 20th goal scorer for the Old Lady this season, emphasizing once again how much of a team effort this sensational, invincible campaign has been.

LE PAGELLE      (by Aaron Giambattista)

Storari 6 – Very assured coming off his line, made a few decent saves throughout the match before being beaten by one of his own players. Still a tremendous keeper to have on the bench.
 

 
Lichtsteiner 6 – Surged forward in the first half keeping Atalanta’s defense stretched, but slowed in the second. Provided decent passing and a good cross or two. Unfortunate to score the own goal, but in the grand scheme of things it didn’t matter.

Bonucci 7.5 – Superb defending again from Leo, who arguably has been Juve’s best center-back in the last month or so. Tackled well, intercepted the ball, and provided several excellent long passes to open Atalanta up. Ready to play his part at Euro 2012.

Chiellini 6.5 – Didn’t glue to Denis like he has in past games, but still won his fair amount of balls and cleared the danger when necessary. Unfortunately got himself injured in the last few minutes, a muscle strain which will keep him out of the Coppa Italia final.

(88′) Barzagli 6.5 – Came on for the injured Chiellini with a few minutes to go. The 6.5 rating is for scoring a perfectly-placed penalty, and making it a total of 20 Bianconeri who scored goals this season! The very definition of teamwork.

Estigarribia 6 – Had his hands full with Schelotto for much of the match, and that resulted in a fairly defensive performance. I’m not a big fan of Marcelo, but if Juventus can negotiate the price down from €5m to about €3-4m then he might be worth it. He’s a competent reserve who has not yet fully displayed his abilities, and has already spent a year under Conte’s system.

(66′) Quagliarella 6 – Eta Beta‘s movement is excellent, but he’s playing a different role than he did under Delneri. Had a few decent efforts but nothing concrete.

Marrone 7 – Excellent match from young Luca. Showed his defensive abilities as well as his offensive, drilling a screamer into the near post to open his Juve scoring account. After having spent last year at Siena under Conte, it is clear il Mister appreciates him and for good reason. With a lot of untapped potential, remains to be seen where Marrone will play next season.

Pirlo 6.5 – Didn’t pass as much as in previous matches, nor cut open Atalanta over & over. But still, a great display from Il Maestro that just further confirms his status as one of the best midfielders in Europe. A true Campione d’Italia.

Padoin 6 – Like Marrone, a good midfield display. His defense and passing were excellent, and did not look out of his league. A good reserve to have in the team, but perhaps he’s not entirely necessary.

Giaccherini 6.5 – Not as incisive on his flank as Alex Del Piero, but that’s simply a reflection of their different natural roles. Executed a lot of cutting passes though and provided ADP with the assist. Deservedly called up to Prandelli’s Azzurri squad.

Del Piero 10 – There have been many things said about Alex in these last few days. I’d simply like to sum them up with one brief comment: it has been an honor and a joy to watch il Capitano all these years. As a stadium banner recited, we are “adding the most beautiful star onto our chests, but losing the greatest one of them all on the pitch. Grazie Alex.”

(57′) Pepe 6 – Sent on for Ale’s standing ovation. Running as usual but not much extra.

Borriello 7 – Is this the real Borriello? Battled hard up front and more or less produced two assists: a lovely backheel for Marrone and earned the penalty that put Barzagli on the scoresheet. Looking like he had a point to prove (and indeed he does), Marco is still desperately hoping to be signed in full by Juventus.
 

 
Conte 9.5 – Before the Atalanta game, Juventus was one step away from many historic achievements: being the only unbeaten team in the 38-game season format, the 2nd team in Calcio history to go unbeaten & win the title, and clinch the best defensive record in a single season ever. All that was missing was Sunday’s victory, and Conte delivered it. All hail il Mister. We’d have given you full marks Antonio, but sorry: there can truly only be ONE #10 for this match.

PLAY-BY-PLAY      (by Marco Pantanella)

•	Here we are!! The last official match of the season at Juventus Stadium!! And the moment to officially celebrate a hugely deserved 30th Scudetto, as the Serie A trophy will be presented to capitan Del Piero at the end of the match.
•	Very emotional game for ADP as well, in his last appearance at Juventus Stadium. :’( No, I refuse to accept that it’s true. :’((((
•	Beautiful choreography by the Juventus stadium crowd: the central part of the arena is spelling the word “JUVE” in black & white, alongside a green, white, yellow “Scudetto” tricolore! The curva is unrolling a huge Juventus logo with the 3 stars!
•	The teams are coming out of the tunnel. Juventus are playing in pink. All Juve players are carrying their respective children in their arms!! Boys in Black & White, girls in pink. What an awesome sight!
•	Many expected Conte to just make a few tweaks for this game, but there has been a MASSIVE squad rotation in effect: Storari, Estigarribia, Marrone, Padoin, Borriello, Del Piero, Giaccherini are all starting. Ample space is dedicated to those with less playing time during the year, with most of the usual starters all on the bench, with the exception of Gigi Buffon. Gigi is present of course, but the official backup goalie for this match is Alexander Manninger… some playing time in sight for him perhaps too?
•	Juventus will take the field in a 4-3-3 formation, which makes a return after many many days spent using the 3-5-2.
1′	Referee Gabriele Gava officiates. And we’re off!!
2′	First central run by ADP trying to find space, but he’s brought down. No foul says the ref.
3′	DENIS! First chance goes to Atalanta, who puts Storari to work with an angled close-range effort the Juve keeper is forced to punch into CK. Nothing comes out of it.
5′	Pirlo-pass-for-Lichtsteiner™, cleared away into corner by Peluso.
6′	Off the corner, low pass for ADP but he scoffs it!! Counter-attack by Atalanta but Schelotto can’t adjust his cross.
8′	BORRIELLO!! Diagonal run by the ex-Genoa striker, who follows a great through ball by ADP, takes aim and misses the frame of the goal by only a few yards!!
10′	GOAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAL JUVEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!! Luca MARRONE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
10′	The Goal: Muscular penetration on the left-handside of the Atalanta box by Borriello who, after a play with Giaccherini, backheels it for Marrone who unleashes a ripper inside the left post!! 1-0 Juventus!!
11′	This goal by Marrone brings the total of Juventus goalscorers this season to 19 players!!!
11′	Now Borriello steals the ball from Lucchini, but commits a foul. He was clear inside the area, one-on-one with Frezzolini.
14′	Bonaventura is fouled outside the Juve box. Carmona executes the 25-yard FK but sends it over.
16′	PADOIN!! Steals the ball outside the Atalanta box, and penetrates inside with the opportunity to shoot!! But he chooses to try and find ADP instead, and the ball is intercepted and cleared!! Big chance Juventus!
19′	PADOIN again! Space for the former Atalanta man, who practically finds a red carpet extended for him just outside the Frezzolini’s box. He rifles a shot in but it’s blocked.
20′	Counter Atalanta. Moralez crosses it for Bonaventura, who gets rid of Padoin but commits a foul. FK Juve.
21′	Big roar at Juventus Stadium, as the giant jumbotron just displayed Novara has taken the lead vs. AC Milan at San Siro.
22′	Good central run by Giaccherini. He slides it for Borriello inside the box. His shot is blocked by a defender.
24′	Giaccherini & Borriello combine again. This time Frezzolini rushes out to clutch the ball before Marco can get to it.
28′	GOAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAL JUVEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!! Alessandro DEL PIEROOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
28′	The Goal: It just HAD to happen. A goal by Alessandro Del Piero in today’s game!!! Counter-attack Juve. ADP leads it, Borriello cuts across diagonally, Del Piero holds on to the ball and slides it to Giaccherini inside on the left. Giac gives it back to ADP just outside the box, and il Capitano curls it inside the left post with a clinical shot. 2-0 Juventus!!
29′	Very emotional celebration for ADP. He’s surrounded by the entire team on the field, including Storari.
30′	DENIS!! Wreaks havoc inside the Juve box, escapes Chiellini, but then skies his left-footed effort from excellent position!!
33′	A penetrating run by Cazzola inside the Juventus box is stopped with an energic shoulder-barge by Bonucci. Clean, efficient, and powerful. Great defending by Leo.
34′	BORRIELLO! Muscular defending of the ball by Marco inside the Atalanta box. He gets rid of Lucchini (commits a foul perphaps) but then sends his effort over the bar!!
39′	Not much happening in these last 5 minutes, which we can take as an opportunity to state there isn’t much at stake here for Atalanta, who have already mathematically clinched safety from relegation. For them, it’s just about bragging rights against the newly-crowned Campioni d’Italia.
44′	PADOIN!! After a series of bounces outside the Atalanta box, the ball lands to Padoin who rifles it in! Frezzolini gets down to parry and is eventually saved by his defense, as the spilled ball is cleared into safety.
45′	Off at the other end, a superlative Bonucci stops Moralez’s dribbling attempt dead in its tracks.
46′	Half-time. In the first 45 of the last 90 minutes of their Serie A season, the Bianconeri are leading by 2-0 against Atalanta.

46′	We’re back. No changes for either team.
47′	BORRIELLO! Muscular defense of the ball again to find some space inside the box. Tries to put power into his shot by falling down, but it’s well-held by the Atalanta keeper.
50′	Lichtsteiner tries to find space on the right. His cross is blocked into corner. Nothing comes out of it.
51′	Substitution Atalanta: Minotti & Gabbiadini come on for Schelotto & Moralez.
56′	Danger Atalanta! Ball filters inside the box for Denis, whose shot finds the opposition of Chiellini into slide-tackle. Then Bonucci clears the danger.
57′	Substitution Juve: It’s the moment of Alessandro Del Piero.. Simone Pepe is ready to come on.
58′	The entire stadium is on its feet! Del Piero moves to the center circle and waves to the chanting crowd. He bows. He embraces each and everyone of his teammates one by one. Even the Atalanta players participate in the farewell of perhaps the greatest Juventus player that ever donned the shirt. :’((((
59′	Emotional embrace on the sideline with Gigi Buffon, then with each of the substitutes on the Juventus bench. ADP’s moment continues: the entire stadium sings the chorus of “C’E’ SOLO UN CAPITANO”.
61′	No one is interested in following the game anymore. All eyes are towards Del Piero!! The Juventus Stadium applause, which started a few minutes ago when the substitution was announced, has still not subsided. ADP stands up on his bench seat and waves back to the crowd, sending them kisses.
62′	SOTTO LA CURVA!! The fans are calling Del Piero under the stands! After waving to them “after the match”, ADP gets up from the bench and obliges his adoring fans.
64′	Under the Curva Sud, one by one, ADP picks up all the Juve scarves that are thrown to him. What an incredible moment at Juventus Stadium here today.
65′	BONAVENTURA!! Slamming shot by the Atalanta midfielder, deflected by a fingertip save onto the post by Storari!! Almost stealing ADP’s thunder!!
66′	Substitution Juve: Quagliarella comes on for Estigarribia.
69′	Del Piero continues his farewell tour. He now proceeds to the Curva Nord.
71′	DEL PIERO GRAZIE DI TUTTO are chanting the fans. ‘Del Piero, thank you for everything’, as ADP completes his stadium tour. If he could, he would hug each and every one of these 40,000 fans one by one. :’)))))))))
73′	ADP is back onto the Juventus bench in the stands.
75′	QUAGLIARELLA! Curling effort from the corner of the box. Smothered by a deflection, and well-held by Frezzolini who goes down to save.
79′	ADP, who until then had seemed in great control of his emotion, now showing clear signs of being very misty-eyed. :’)))))
82′	Substitution Atalanta: Cigarini comes on for Cazzola.
83′	Goal Atalanta. Lichtsteiner own goal.
83′	The Goal: Cross-shot from the right wing by Atalanta. Lichtsteiner tries to anticipate Gabbiadini, and sends the ball into his own net. 2-1
86′	Chiellini slips!! Bonaventura is through on goal but is eventually stopped by Bonucci in conjunction with Lichtsteiner, who clear the danger before it threatens Storari.
87′	Chiellini is still down. It seems that he pulled a muscle in the previous play.
88′	Substitution Juve: Barzagli comes on for Chiellini, who seems very much in pain but at least walks off the field under no assistance. Giorgio’s almost in tears though.
89′	This is all also very unlucky for Alex Manninger, who was getting ready to come on for Storari. Manninger is the only player in Juve’s roster to not have featured a single minute this season.
90′	PENALTY-KICK Juventus!! Borriello is held down inside the area by Lucchini, and the ball then bounces off an Atalanta player’s hand. Unsure what foul the referee called here, but it’s PK all the same.
90′	AMAZING! The entire Juventus Stadium roaring for Barzagli to take the penalty-kick!! Looks like the designated takers will happily let Andrea do the honours…
91′	GOAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAL JUVEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!! Andrea Barzagli!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
91′	The Goal: The only player from Juve’s usual ‘Starting 11′ who had not scored this year, Andrea Barzagli transforms the spot-shot with power! 3-1 Juventus!!
91′	With Barzagli, Juventus now count 20 players who have gotten on the scoresheet this year!! La forza del gruppo!!!!!!
92′	ALL OVER AT JUVENTUS STADIUM. JUVENTUS BEAT ATALANTA 3-1 AND END THE SEASON UNDEFEATED!! HISTORY IS MADE!

•	I just spotted a “300″-themed banner in the stands featuring Antonio Conte & his players as Spartans. The text reads “QUESTA E’ LA JUVEEEEE” (THIS. IS. JUVEEEEE). I absolutely MUST have it!!
•	The stage for the awards ceremony is now being built on the pitch of Juventus Stadium, where Juve will be presented with the official Serie A “trophy”.
•	Andrea AGNELLI takes the microphone for a pre-ceremony speech.
•	Agnelli: “It was an exceptional year, we started here on September 8, discussing Juve’s habit of winning. We haven’t lost that habit. We’ve won, we’ve found it again and we are champions. And the first thank you I owe to you, the fans. You remained close to us over the last two very difficult years, for that a very heartfealt thanks. Thank you also to all my colleagues… Starting with Antonio. Thanks to Pavel, Beppe, Nino… Thanks to all the Juventus staff. Thanks to John and Lapo. And a big thanks must be given to Alessandro Del Piero, because he has been and always will be our Capitano. And to Gigi, who wore the armband on the field so many times this year. Thanks to my family for the time I have taken away from them. And thanks to the millions of fans. And now to Rome! Fino alla fine…“       … * the Juventus Stadium crowd completes Agnelli’s words * …FORZA JUVENTUS!
•	As the family members of all Juve players start to gather near the red carpet, the jumbotron is showing ADP’s lap of honor again. Sigh. :’((((((((((
•	All the player’s children are wearing mini-Juve shirts with their dads’ shirt # So cute!
•	Here we are! The Serie A trophy has been brought out. Shouldn’t be long now.
•	20 children walk out the tunnel and take their place on the red carpet. They each wear shirts of different colors: all the teams of this year’s Serie A are represented.
•	The player countdown begins!! In order of their shirt #s!!
•	#1 – Gianluigi BUFFON!!
•	#3 – Giorgio CHIELLINI!! Visibly limping and trying to hide his pain. Poor Giorgio. The only sour note of today’s celebrations.
•	#4 – Martín CÁCERES!! He’s wearing the Uruguay flag wrapped around his waist!
•	#7 – Simone PEPE!! He jogs out! (I guess we’re skipping Fabio Grosso today LOL)
•	#8 – Claudio MARCHISIO!! Also jogs out.
•	#11 – Paolo DE CEGLIE!!
•	#13 – Alexander MANNINGER!! Very good backup of the backup. Shame he didn’t get to play today.
•	#14 – Mirko VUCINIC!!
•	#15 – Andrea BARZAGLI!!
•	#17 – Eljero ELIA!! He’s sporting a rather long face. Can’t really be blamed…
•	#18 – Fabio QUAGLIARELLA!!
•	#19 – Leonardo BONUCCI!!
•	#20 – Simone PADOIN!!
•	…big roar awaiting for this one…. #21 – Andrea PIRLO!! And he actually seems to want to shortcut straight to the podium, before being told he has to walk the way on the red carpet! LOL Oh Andrea…
•	#22 – Arturo VIDAL!! Wearing a Chile flag around his neck.
•	#23 – Marco BORRIELLO!!
•	#24 – Emanuele GIACCHERINI!!
•	#26 – Stephan LICHTSTEINER!!
•	#27 – Milos KRASIC!! Along with Elia, another sad part of this blissful Juventus year. Meelosh seems to be happier than his Dutch counterpart at least…
•	#28 – Marcelo ESTIGARRIBIA!! With a Paraguay flag around his neck.
•	#30 – Marco STORARI!!
•	#32 – Alessandro MATRI!!
•	#34 – Luca MARRONE!!
•	Now the Juventus coaching staff: Angelo ALESSIO (assistant coach), Cristian STELLINI (field assistant), Massimo CARRERA (field assistant), Paolo BERTELLI (fitness coach), Claudio FILIPPI (goalkeeping coach), Roberto SASSI (‘Juventus Lab’ manager)…
•	…and of course, the man without whom all of this would not have been possible… Antonio CONTE!!
•	Saving the best for last, IL CAPITANO, the one and only… #10 – Alessandro DEL PIERO!!
•	Enormous roar of the stadium as the crowd shouts the DEL PIERO name in place of the stadium speaker. ADP stops to kiss his wife Sonia on the sideline before proceeding to pick up his medal.

•	And now, the moment we have all been waiting for…
•	ALZA LA COPPA CAPITANO!! Del Piero lifts the Cup high to the Turin sky, and the celebrations can truly begin!!!
•	A rain of confetti pours over the stage. The chords of the Juventus hymn STORIA DI UN GRANDE AMORE start blasting through the stadium speakers! The team assembles for the official “Serie A TIM, JUVENTUS Campioni d’Italia 2011-12″ photograph.
•	As the time for champagne comes, a giant bottle is left in the hands of Mirko Vucinic (that’s it, he’s the official alkie of the group ) who proceeds to douse everyone with bubbly bliss
•	The players and the crowd now all singing together… ♫ JUVEEEE ♫ STORIA DI UN GRANDE AMORE ♫ BIANCO CHE ABBRACCIA IL NERO ♫ UN CORO CHE SI ALZA DAVVERO… ♫
•	The players scatter around the field with their respective families & kids. CLIC! Time for individual photoshoots with the Cup.
•	Massive escort detail around Alessandro Del Piero, carrying his kids around to the curvas with Sonia’s help. According to the Mediaset Premium reporter, he finally burst into tears but they were tears of joy!

ANALYSIS WRAP-UP      (by Lars Aabjerg Pedersen)

Even the most homogenous of teams need leaders, captains, symbols. Today we bade a tearful farewell to the greatest Bandiera, the greatest flag-bearer I have ever born witness to, possibly even the greatest one to ever have graced the game. Not only in terms of his record-breaking career on the field, where players of other clubs may rival him (although they are few), but for his ever-correct demeanour, ever-present dedication, and ever-crucial contributions to the history of Juventus.

Seeing Del Piero raise the Serie A trophy towards the Turin sky, fulfilling his promise as a true cavalier to not only stay with his Lady, but to guide her back to the glory of old as he bows out himself, is a sight that will forever be imprinted on the very soul of every juventino fortunate enough to have witnessed it.

An image we have the chance to witness one last time on Sunday, in the Coppa Italia final against Napoli in Rome.

After that, la Vecchia Signora will embark on her journey into a bright, new future, and we will follow her. But not without glancing back at her most beautiful of gentlemen, who gave his all for this club, and who will now join the likes of Boniperti and Scirea in becoming hers and our Captains of Eternity.

Grazie, grande Ale Del Piero! We long to welcome you back, sooner rather than later!

And now you must excuse me, Juventini – amid all the celebrations, I think I got a Star in my eye…

Post-Match INTERVIEWS (click to expand)

• { Marco STORARI }
• { Luca MARRONE }
• { Antonio CONTE }
• { Alessandro DEL PIERO }

.

	JUVENTUS-ATALANTA 3-1
GOALSCORERS: 10′ Marrone (J), 28′ Del Piero (J), 83′ Lichtsteiner o.g. (A), 91′ Barzagli (J)
JUVENTUS (4-3-3): Storari – Lichtsteiner, Bonucci, Chiellini (89′ Barzagli), Estigarribia (66′ Quagliarella) – Padoin, Pirlo, Marrone – Giaccherini, Borriello, Del Piero (57′ Pepe). COACH: Conte. (UNUSED SUBSTITUTES: Manninger, Marchisio, Vucinic, Matri).
ATALANTA (4-4-1-1): Frezzolini – Bellini, Lucchini, Manfredini, Peluso – E.Schelotto (52′ Minotti), Carmona, Cazzola (82′ Cigarini), Bonaventura – Moralez (52′ Gabbiadini) – Denis. COACH: Colantuono. (UNUSED SUBSTITUTES: Polito, Ferri, Raimondi, Tiribocchi).

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The Shoutbox – By Fans, For Fans is your all-week open Juve-debate, no restrictions, no boundaries. Share what you want, say what you want, and face the diverse music of the global choir of Juventini! We want to hear your thoughts on all things Black & White! The idea behind The Shoutbox is that YOU direct the conversation. So bring it on!
 

One Last Thing To Take Care Of…

 
 
How excited are you for Sunday’s Coppa Italia match?

1. How important is the 2012 Coppa Italia final to you as a fan?
2. How important is Coppa Italia final to Antonio Conte?
3. How do you rate Napoli after this season? How great a threat will they be on Sunday?
4. Who would you rather see at Juve next season: Marek HAMSIK, Edinson CAVANI, or Ezequiel LAVEZZI?
5. When Inter Milan hand over their Coppa Italia badges, do they wash them first? Or do the new winners wash it off themselves? Does Inter dirt come off easily?.. Wait, is Moratti calling my phone right now?

Share your thoughts on Coppa Italia (or any other topic you want to address) in the comments below.

Rant about the bizarre insane bat-shit-crazy Azzurri call-ups, or rave about Borriello’s brand-spanking new 10-year-contract deal (WHAT DO YOU MEAN THAT WAS JUST A DREAM?!)

We want to hear you, so *Hulk Hogan hand-to-ear*:
 
 

★ RAISE YOUR VOICE! ★

NEW to The Shoutbox? Wanna learn all about it? Check out the first post of the series for a full description.

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This season has been a very good one for fans of Turin’s Old Lady: the turnaround from the previous two campaigns is there for all to see, along with the multitude of #30 signs proudly displayed not just by fans but by the own club as well. But what awaits at Juventus Stadium this Sunday isn’t merely a match against Atalanta, it is a date with destiny. As if an encounter with a team which sacked Antonio Conte (the one failure of his fledgling coaching career) was not motivation enough, the Bianconeri can become the first team to ever negotiate a 38-game season undefeated.

From the very tone of Conte’s press conference on Saturday lunchtime, the richly-deserved Scudetto triumph has been filed away in a drawer even before the winner’s medal is placed around Juve’s necks. The coach is firmly focused on the next obstacle, the next challenge and the hurdles ahead, rather than those already in the rear-view mirror.

While the game – and both pre and post game entertainment – will undoubtedly be a celebration of the 30th league title, the opportunity to become only the third Serie A team to emerge unbeaten throughout an entire season is firmly within the grasp of the newly crowned Champions.

Adding the Coppa Italia by beating Napoli in Rome next weekend would be the cherry on top, but first come an Atalanta side whose season ended sometime ago, once they had amassed enough points to preserve their Serie A status. That task was made more difficult by the six-point penalty following the uncovering of the CalcioScommesse betting ring, which not only eliminated iconic captain Cristiano Doni out of the picture but threatens to be far more decisive in the current Serie B campaign than the league table ever will be.

Atalanta

Known in Italy as the ‘Queen of the Provinces’, the northern club would – in normal circumstances – provide a stern test for Juve but, with the season effectively over, this game is difficult to get a genuine perspective on. A match with the Bianconeri is often enough to draw the best from teams visiting Turin but coach Stefano Colantuono may find it hard to drum up that enthusiasm in what will undoubtedly be a carnival atmosphere, as the trophy presentation at full time draws ever nearer.

A meaningless end of season run around feeling will permeate both camps and it would be no surprise to see numerous changes in both line-ups, particularly the away side who are not only missing Matteo Brighi, Guido Marilungo, Daniele Capelli, Andrea Consigli through injury but also have doubts over the fitness of Simone Tiribocchi and Carlos Carmona. With defender Guglielmo Stendardo suspended, it will be an uphill battle for a side who have historically struggled in Turin.

Only four times have maximum points been taken back to Bergamo and Juve can claim to have won 32 of the last 50 home games against the same opponents with the last loss coming over twenty years ago when Emiliano Mondonico coached the visitors to a 1-0 triumph. Conte’s men will have to guard against Germán Denis who has been in superb form as well as being wary of being caught on the break by one of Serie A’s most impressive counter-attacking sides.

Juventus

Antonio Conte, speaking at his Saturday press conference, made sure to stress the importance of the next game as he has each and every time this season. After taking time to praise his backroom staff, the coach went on to emphasize not letting one’s guard down one last time in 2011-12. He told reporters:

Against Atalanta our objective is to maintain our unbeaten record to the end of the season, as that really would be something extraordinary. I told the lads that if we were to do that, in future people can only match us, but nobody can ever surpass us.

Conte also told those gathered that, much like the wonderful opening ceremony against Notts County, Alessandro Del Piero would be in the starting eleven for perhaps one last time. Seeing the clubs all-time leading scorer and appearance-maker lead the team out, wearing the captain’s armband passed on to him from the man now sitting on the Bianconeri bench, will be an emotional moment for all those in attendance and the millions watching on television across the globe.

It is unsure who of Mirko Vucinic or Alessandro Matri will partner ADP in attack but, without a goal since February, Matri has much to prove if he is to convince Conte he is deserving of a starting berth for next week’s Cup Final. Further back Arturo Vidal will be absent through suspension while Paolo De Ceglie’s injury will see him also miss out. Stephan Lichtsteiner should recover but is only expected to take a place on the bench as Marco Storari should get a rare start in place of Gigi Buffon in goal as history beckons.

In Conte we trust!