retired_brianrt

Ascoli and Siena were the final two games of the month, and two very winnable games. After the demolition of Parma Nick was expectant, and told his team as such before the Ascoli game. Ascoli had different ideas, and even took a shock lead after 28 minutes. After this though, Juve were much the better side, and should have had a few goals before they did equalise. Giannichedda was the man who equalised, almost gaining a nosebleed by being so high up the pitch, but he made the most of it and beat the keeper before sliding home the ball. Giannichedda nearly had a second, and he probably should have had a second, beating his man and heading against the post. Bojinov had two good chances, putting one wide and one over, and Del Piero hitting the bar with a free-kick. Neither side managed to score a second, and 1 all was how it stayed, a disappointing draw in the circumstances, especially considering the Parma game previously.

Juventus had already met Siena once this season, a hard working 2-1 victory in the qualifying rounds of the Coppa Italia, and Nick expected a similarly hard game this time around. Del Piero started on the bench, and Christian Vieri took his place. Vieri should have scored early on, putting the ball straight into the 'keeper's hands. Matteo Paro had a good chance too, putting the ball just wide from a Bojinov through ball. Bojinov himself missing a hat-trick of chances in that first half, which had been unlike him in this campaign. He did open the scoring however on 53 minutes, reacting first to the rebound from substitute Palladino's shot. Just as it looked like a win was on the cards, Siena came from nowhere to equalise on 88 minutes, earning themselves a point that they didn't deserve by any means. Juventus still could have won it at the end, Palladino missing a great chance to get all three points, but it wasn't to be, and Juve stayed in mid-table.

October 2007 Summary
(Serie A unless stated, Juventus scorers only listed)

Inter Milan 4-0 Juventus Buffon s/o (4) Zebina s/o (80)
Juventus 5-0 Parma Del Piero (7) Bojinov (30,31,73) Gabi (60)
Ascoli 1-1 Juventus Giannichedda (54)
Juventus 1-1 Siena Bojinov (53)

League Position : 12th

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Juventus were sitting comfortably in mid-table, but Nick knew that his side were capable of a lot more and a lot higher than that. With only three games this month, anything other than 3 wins would be disappointed. Nick drummed this message home to his team, and they provided a perfect start with a 3-0 hammering of Messina. Del Piero regained his place in the side, and he duly showed why with a 28th minute strike to put his side in the lead. He could have had several more goals before half time, but as he was going for another he picked up a slight knock, which led to Palladino replacing him at half time. Palladino set up the second goal, firing the ball low across the box for Bojinov to slot home on 49 minutes. Bojinov scored again on the hour mark, racing through and past the defence and firing across the 'keeper to secure all three points and give his side a well deserved win. The only low point of the match was the injury picked up by Ruben Olivera, who had been on superb form ever since returning from his loan spell, but it was still a good victory for his side. They had a very tough game next, a trip to Palermo, who were a tough, hard working side and they had given Juve a very difficult time in the Coppa Italia last season, and Nick wanted a good performance from the team. They did give this, and they took an 8th minute lead through Valeri Bojinov's strike. After the goal, the Palermo defence tried to keep Bojinov quiet, and although he didn't find the net again, he was causing trouble all the time. He had a couple of good chances, and should have scored at least one of them, but he didn't. He wasn't the only one, Del Piero, Paro, Gabi all missing chances to double the sides lead. As it was, the Palermo attack could not find the net either, despite good chances for Makinwa in particular, and Juventus held on for a well deserved ed 1-0 win.

Empoli were sitting bottom of the league, having not won a game yet, and Nick wanted his side to secure a third win out of three in the month. Empoli were a better side than their league position suggested, but Nick sent his strongest available side out. They were attacking down the flanks, their favourite form and the one encouraged by Nick, and it reaped rewards after 24 minutes, a Mauro Camoranesi cross turned into his own net by Marco Andreolli. The lead was extended twelve minutes later, Igor Tudor rising highest to head home Camoranesi's corner. As had been the case several times in the season, Juve could have had 4,5 maybe 6 more, but they didn't manage to find the Empoli net again. Empoli played with more heart and more spirit in the second half, and even got back into the match thanks to a free kick from newly signed midfielder Cristiano Zanetti, himself a former Juventus player. The game petered out after that, although Empoli could have snatched a draw at the end, Zanetti breaking forward and firing the ball just over the bar, but Juve held on for a perfect month, 3 wins from 3 and 9 points out of 9. Nick had been delighted with his side and let them know it.

November 2007 Summary
(Serie A unless stated, Juventus scorers listed only)

Messina 0-3 Juventus Del Piero (26) Bojinov (49,60)
Palermo 0-1 Juventus Bojinov (8)
Empoli 1-2 Juventus Andreolli O.G (24) Tudor (36)

League Position : 6th

retired_barb chiasson

i just wanan say that this is a good read and has encouraged me to try out juventus myself

retired_nitro509

Congrats, mate, on a good promotion. Now let's see Serie A. But i know you will finish in the top four and gain a CL spot.

retired_brianrt

Nailer123 - Thanks for the support, and I'm pretty sure you will enjoy a game with Juventus. I have anyway

Laziofan_horia - A top 4 spot is certainly reachable, but the key will be winning home games against lower placed sides Thanks for the support though

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After a perfect month Nick wanted his side to build on that and pick up as many points as they were able to. There were several difficult games to come, namely away at Lazio and A.C Milan, and a home game against Torino, who had earned a Champions league spot the previous season. They started with a visit from Genoa, who had been promoted through the play-off places, and were reliant on the goals of Luciano Figueroa to win games. Juventus got off to a good start though, Camoranesi winning a penalty in the 6th minute which was duly converted by Valeri Bojinov. Figueroa equalised for his side though, bringing them level on 34 minutes with a nicely taken goal. It wasn't long after this though that Juve regained the lead, Camoranesi playing a one-two with Del Piero and firing home into the bottom corner. They went in at half time 2-1 in front, and Nick wanted his side to build on this. They had several good chances, Olivera, Del Piero and Bojinov the main culprits, and they were made to rue those missed chances when Figueroa equalised for a second time after 78 minutes. The game, and the goals were not finished there, as Bojinov won a penalty after 84 minutes, a penalty which was converted by Del Piero to give his side the three points. It was three points that moved Juve into the top 4, and if they were there come the end of the season Nick would be very happy.

*The second leg of the Coppa Italia saw Palermo visit Olimpico, and with Juve holding a 1-0 lead from the first leg, they just had to play their normal game and score a goal that would seal their progress. As it was, Juve couldn't find the net throughout the 90 minutes, despite having several good chances, and it was Palermo that drew level, Makinwa firing home from 6 yards to send the tie into extra time. It was in the first 6 minutes of extra time that the game was sealed, an Alessandro Del Piero brace settling the tie and sending Juve through to the Quarter-Finals of the competition

* A mistake on my part, the Palermo game in the previous month was not a league game, it was the Coppa Italia. I missed the fact yesterday when I was posting. Apologies on my part

retired_brianrt

A trip to Lazio was next, with them having underachieved so far this season, sitting in 8th place, although their form had picked up recently. They started like a house on fire, and took a 9th minute lead through Goran Pandev, who broke through and fired across Buffon and into the bottom corner. Pandev was injured 10 minutes later, which turned out to be a blessing in disguise for Nick's team, as he was the most potent attacking threat while he was on the pitch. They did get back into the match in the 34th minute, Valeri Bojinov picking up the loose ball and ramming it home past the stranded 'keeper. It was all square going into the interval, but it wasn't long after the half time break that Juve took the lead, Bojinov scoring his second of the game aswell as his teams, Kaboul's clearance dropping at Bojinov's feet and he did the rest, slotting home underneath the goalkeeper. Lazio seemed downhearted after that, and a third wasn't long in coming, 6 minutes later, Del Piero curling a left-footed free-kick home form 20 yards to give his side a two goal lead and secure the three points for them. Both teams had chances to score more goals before full time, but neither team could find the back of the net and 3-1 was how it stayed. It was two good wins so far in the league this month, and another team who had been promoted with Juve were the next opponents, Napoli the visitors to Olimpico. They had been doing well so far this season, sitting in a comfortable 12th place, and they had obviously come for a point in this game. Juve could not break down the stubborn resistance of the Napoli defence, and Napoli were not providing the threat up-front that they were capable of, although they didn't seem to be prepared to commit forward. After half-time, Nick's side were a lot more ruthless, coming out and really going for it, and they got what they deserved after an hour, Valeri Bojinov racing onto the clearance out of defence and chipping the ball over the oncoming Iezzo. There were no more goals in the match, and a 1-0 win was more than good enough for Nick, and it took his side temporarily to 2nd place in the table, although other teams had to play the next day.

Torino were the next visitors to Olimpico, and they had been the surprise package of the last season, finishing 3rd and securing a Champions League spot. They were sitting in 4th this season, and had been a good outfit so far. They were resolute in defence and strong going forward, although much like Juventus, sometimes struggled to find the back of the net. Del Piero picked up a slight knock in training, which meant Palladino came in to the team. Palladino did his job, giving Juve the lead after 12 minutes, volleying home from Ruben Olivera's cross. Palladino also had two other good chances that half, and he should have put the game to bed. Bojinov, Matteo Paro and Gabi had chances to settle the match too. As it was, Torino were the team who scored next, a lapse in the Juve defence allowing them to nip in behind the last man and slot the ball underneath Gianluigi Buffon. Juve still could have won the tie after that, missing two good chances in the final 5 minutes, and having to settle for a 1-1 draw. An away trip to the San Siro was up next, and last time Nick and his side visited the San Siro they were beaten 4-0. That was against Inter, and this time they were meeting Champions Milan. It was a game in which Nick had to admit they were totally outclassed in, Milan dominating from whistle to whistle, and showing Nick just how far his team would have to come to be at Milan's quality. Fernando Torres opened the scoring on 34 minutes, hitting the ball from 25 yards right into the top corner of Buffon's net. It was Pirlo that scored the second 4 minutes after half-time, curling home a free-kick from 25 yards to double his side's lead. Torres wrapped up the game after 76 minutes, beating the Juve defence after Pirlo's through ball and sliding the ball home under Buffon. Nick knew his side had been totally outclassed, and he didn't have a go at his team, just told them that they should be aiming for that standard.

December 2007 Summary
(Serie A unless stated, Juventus scorers listed only)

Juventus 3-2 Genoa Bojinov (pen. 6) Camoranesi (42) Del Piero (pen. 84)
Lazio 1-3 Juventus Bojinov (34,48) Del Piero (54)
Juventus 1-0 Napoli Bojinov (60)
Juventus 1-1 Torino Palladino (12)
A.C Milan 3-0 Juventus

Coppa Italia 1st Round 2nd Leg
Juventus 2-1 Palermo Del Piero (92,96)

League Position : 4th

retired_brianrt

Despite the Milan result, December had been a good month, with 4 wins in their 6 games, and Nick wanted his side to build on that. There were 5 league games in January, and if Nick and his side could pick up at least 10 points then it would keep them on track for a European spot. Palermo, who Juve had already met twice this season, in the two legs of the Coppa Italia, and Nick felt his side could pick up three points to start the month off in style. The game at the Olimpico proved to be one for the die-hard fan, and although it wasn't the greatest match of the season, Nick didn't mind, as his side came away with a 2-0 win. The goals came from Bojinov, who ran through the defence and rounded the keeper on 12 minutes, and Gabi, who curled in a shot from the edge of the area 5 minutes from half time. In the game, they could have had more chances, Bojinov and Palladino the worst culprits. missing two guilt edged chances each. Palermo didn't really cause Juve much trouble, having two chances in the entire game, and Nick was delighted that his side were able to pick up a very good three points and move themselves up to third place. The Coppa Italia Quarter-Final was next up, Sampdoria the visitors to Olimpico, and once again Juve started the better of the two sides, creating the best chances of the first half, Vieri and Palladino missing the best of them, although Saha and Bazzani missed two good chances for Sampdoria. Bazzani made up for that, putting his side in the lead 7 minutes after half-time by beating the offside trap and slotting underneath Marcelo Grohe to send his team into a lead. Neither side could find the net after this, and Sampdoria took the 1-0 lead into the second leg of the tie, leaving Juve with a serious mountain to climb. An away trip to Udinese was next up, and it was another dire and hard fought game. Both sides cancelled each other out, and a goal was not forth coming until the 72nd minute, Andrea Gasbarroni scoring a total fluke, a cross from the left wing beating everybody and dropping over the keeper's head into the far corner, giving his side a 1-0 lead that wasn't really deserving, as both sides had been cancelling each other out, neither one playing their usual free-flowing football. No more goals came in the match, and Juventus held on for a 1-0 win which kept them in the top three of the table, and really started to make the league sit-up and take notice of the Old Lady.

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The second leg of the Sampdoria game was another game that Juve started well in, but once again, Sampdoria seemed to hold that voodoo sign over them. Sampdoria had sealed their progress through by half time, holding a 2-0 lead on the night and that resulted in a 3-0 aggregate lead. Bazzani and Bonnazoli the goalscorers, scoring in the 6th and 34th minutes respectively. Bazzani had curled a free-kick in from the edge of the box, and it was his corner on 34 minutes that found Bonazzoli's head and secured a 2-0 lead at half-time. Juventus did get straight back into the match after half time, Vieri heading home the left wing cross from Kevin Larsen to give his side a glimmer of hope. They didn't ever get more than this hope though, as Sampdoria took hold of the game by the scruff of the neck and stopped Juve getting any free-flowing attacks going, and they didn't find the back of the net again, meaning that Sampdoria advanced into the Semi-Finals and Juve had to concentrate on the Serie A campaign. The next game in that campaign saw Chievo visit Olimpico, and Chievo had not had a great season, sitting mid-table in the league, after having an indifferent start to the season. They did take the lead though, after 23 minutes, the striker racing through and slotting underneath Buffon. Juventus took the game in their hands after this, and it wasn't too long before they equalised, Gabi heading home from a Del Piero corner and bringing his team level on 37 minutes. They stayed level through till half time, although both sides had chances, with Juventus having the best of them, Bojinov missing three one-on-one opportunities before the interval. In the second half it was much of the same, Juve missing chance after chance, and then in the 74th minute the second goal finally came, Valeri Bojinov firing the ball home from the edge of the box to put his side in front. Despite the fact that Juve still missed chances in the remainder of the match it didn't matter, they held on for the win and took themselves to second in the table, due to the fact both Milan and Fiorentina had dropped points. Nick was delighted with his team, and he felt that they were really making the other sides sit up and take notice of them.

Two away trips finished the month off, against two of the bottom three sides, Atalanta and Livorno. The day before the Atalanta match, in training, Bojinov picked up an injury, falling awkwardly and breaking his ribs, meaning he would be out for up to 2 months. This was a blow for Nick, as Bojinov had been hugely in-form, scoring at better than a goal a game and having over 20 goals for the season. Dagoberto was good enough to step into his place, and Nick had no problem putting him in to the team. The Atalanta game was a game that Nick expected his side to win, and after 15 minutes they were already 2-0 ahead. Del Piero opened the scoring after 5 minutes, receiving Camoranesi's pass and shooting across the 'keeper into the far corner of the net. Bojinov's replacement Dagoberto scored the second, racing through the defence and slotting underneath the Atalanta 'keeper for a 2-0 lead after 12 minutes. During the match, Juve had numerous chances to score more goals, Dagoberto and Del Piero both missing chances, Gabi, Paro and Giannichedda all missing guilt edged chances. As it was, it didn't make any difference to the game, Juventus running out 2-0 winners to secure their 11th win of the season and maintain their 2nd place in the table. Nick wanted his side to make it 5 league wins out of 5 against Livorno, and they duly delivered, once again running out 2-0 winners, and the goals came from the same scorers as the Atalanta game, Dagoberto and Del Piero securing the win. Dagoberto's goal came in the 7th minute, rounding the keeper and sliding the ball home. It was in the 32nd minute that the game was settled, Del Piero curling a free-kick home from the edge of the box to secure the three points. They did have other chances but nobody else managed to find the back of the net, and Juventus won the match 2-0

January 2008 Summary
(Serie A unless stated, Juventus scorers listed only)

Juventus 2-0 Palermo Bojinov (12) Gabi (40)
Udinese 0-1 Juventus Gasbarroni (72)
Juventus 2-1 Chievo Gabi (37) Bojinov (74)
Atalanta 0-2 Juventus Del Piero (5) Dagoberto (12)
Livorno 0-2 Juventus Dagoberto (7) Del Piero (33)

Coppa Italia Quarter Final 1st Leg
Juventus 0-1 Sampdoria
Coppa Italia Quarter Final 2nd Leg
Sampdoria 2-1 Juventus Vieri (48)

League Position : 2nd

retired_brianrt

Serie A League Table, January 2008

<pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre"> PL W D L GD PTS 1. Inter Milan 19 15 2 2 +40 472. JUVENTUS 20 12 5 3 +15 413. Fiorentina 20 11 5 4 +18 384. A.C Milan 19 10 7 2 +18 375. Torino 19 9 7 3 +10 346. Lazio 20 9 5 6 +7 32</pre>

The league table was looking good, and Nick was delighted that his side had really taken advantage of their home games, winning the ones they really should have done. Nick had also secured the transfer of two new signings, Jelle van Damme signed for £550k from Anderlecht and loan signing Gabi agreeing a permanent transfer from Atletico for £4.2 million pounds, a fee that Nick was more than happy to pay for a player of obvious quality, and somebody who could really create from the middle of the park. Nick's side had won all 5 of their league games in January, and he wanted them to continue that terrific form into February. Sampdoria, who were a side that had already met Juve three times, winning all three times, and Nick wanted his side to win the home game and maintain their second place status. Once again though, Sampdoria took the game to Juve, taking the lead after 23 minutes through Emiliano Bonazzoli, who beat the defence an rounded the keeper to put his side in front. Juve scored three times in the second half to put the game beyond doubt though, the goals coming from Ruben Olivera, Dagoberto and Igor Tudor. Olivera's goal was a super finish, as he received the ball from Del Piero and cut across the defender before hitting it hard and low into the goal. It was only a minute later that Juve took the lead, Olivera turning provider this time and slotting the ball through for Dagoberto to race onto and fire home past the 'keeper. Tudor sealed the points on 69 minutes, rising above everybody to head home from Camoranesi's corner. It was a good three points and a 6th league win in succession, and coupled with Inter's defeat it took Juve to within three points of the leaders.

An away trip to Roma beckoned next for Nick and his side, and having beaten them on the opening day of the season Nick felt his side could triumph again. It would be a different proposition away from home though, particularly with Roma's excellent recent record, but the team started superbly well, taking the lead after just 37 seconds, Del Piero receiving Dagoberto's pass and slamming the ball into the top corner from just inside the area. Roma were soon back on level terms, Totti's original shot parried by Buffon and Taddei putting the rebound in to level things up after 12 minutes. It was Roma who took the initiative after this, and they got their deserved second goal on 34 minutes, the man who had a hand in the first one, Totti, turning goalscorer this time and ramming the ball home for 6 yards. Right on half-time however the match turned on its head again, Del Piero scoring his and his side's second of the game to send them in all square at the break. The goals were not finished though, and although it was only one more that came in a rather disappointing second half, and it was the home side that got the goal, Taddei and Totti combing before Kaboul turned Taddei's cross into his own net, a bad way to lose a game. Even more frustrating was the fact that with Inter's second defeat on the trot, they could have gone level on points with the leaders, instead dropping to third place on goal difference.

retired_brianrt

4th place side Fiorentina were the next visitors to Olimpico, and Nick knew of the dangers that they posed, particularly with Luca Toni up-front. He put his strongest available team out, and told them that he wanted them to do it for the fans. In the first half both teams were attacking, playing free flowing and stylish football, but neither one could find the net in the first 45 minutes. The best chances fell to Del Piero and Dagoberto for Juve and Toni for Fiorentina, although the sides went in goalless at the interval. It wasn't long after half time though that the first goal of the game was scored, Dagoberto beating his marker to the ball and lofting the ball over the keeper just two minutes into the half, which was a goal that would turn out to be the winner. Both sides still created chances, Dagoberto could have completed his hat-trick, and Luca Toni could have had a brace, but in the 69th minute the game changed, Giuliano Giannichedda being sent off for a second bookable offence, which meant Nick had to change his formation. It was 11 minutes later that another red card was produced, this one for Luca Toni, who was frustrated and aimed a kick at Younes Kaboul. The referee spotted it, and produced the red card, reducing both teams to ten men at the final whistle. Juventus managed to hold on to claim the 1-0 win, and move back into 2nd, although Milan were due to play the next day, so they could be back down to third, but they had to keep up their home record, but with a tough home game against Inter up next, Nick knew it was vital his team did as well in that as they could.

The Inter game would turn out to be the best performance from Nick's side, due to the circumstances, and he was delighted that they were able to produce such a good performance. Inter took the lead though, in the 28th minute, a defensive mistake from Igor Tudor allowed Zlatan Ibrahimovic to square the ball across the box for Patrick Vieira to finish it off. Before that, Juve had been the better side, creating several good chances and hitting the post, so the Inter goal could be classed as being against the run of play. After the Inter goal, Juve were still the better side, and should have at least gone in at half time on level terms, maybe even ahead, but as it happened they were unable to find the equaliser. The second half was a different story, 5 minutes in Dagoberto picking the ball up 25 yards out, turning his marker Maicon and curling the ball home from just inside the area. Juve were pressing constantly after this, and it was a defensive mistake from the Inter keeper, his kick landing at the feet of Matteo Paro who hit it straight back over his head, and from 50 yards putting his side 2-1 in front. Despite Inter's pressure, and their attacking prowess up front, Nick's side held on for a 2-1 win and a hell of a result, taking them level on points with the leaders they ahd just defeated. Another home game was to finish the month off, and this saw the visit of Ascoli, who were sitting down in 14th place. This was a game that Nick expected his team to win with ease, especially after such a good performance against Inter. As it was, it was one of those strange occurrences that tend to happen in football, Ascoli pulling off an amazing 1-0 win, even though they had 3 shots on goal. The goal came on 7 minutes, Sharbel Touma using his biggest asset, his pace, and beating the defence before hitting the ball across Buffon. Juventus dominated from this point on, having an amazing 26 shots on goal, but the Ascoli keeper had the best game of his life, keeping everything that was thrown at him out of his goal. Del Piero, Dagoberto, Paro and Olivera all missing good chances to put their team level, and Ascoli came away with an unlikely 1-0 win, which saw Juve down to third place in the league, still a good position for a newly promoted side, and Nick couldn't fault his side too much.

February 2008 Summary
(Serie A unless stated, Juventus scorers listed only)

Juventus 3-1 Sampdoria Olivera (56) Dagoberto (57) Tudor (69)
Roma 3-2 Juventus Del Piero (1,45)
Juventus 1-0 Fiorentina Dagoberto (47) Giannichedda s/o (69)
Juventus 2-1 Inter Milan Dagoberto (50) Paro (71)
Juventus 0-1 Ascoli

League Position : 3rd