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With the season well and truly underway Nick wanted his side to get a good start in the league, and he felt the opening game against Genoa allowed them to do that. The group stages of the Champions League had seen Nick's side drawn in a group that was not easy by any means, with English Champions Chelsea, French side Nantes and Dinamo Kiev, the Russian League runners-up, so if they got through that group then it would have been a good opening phase to the tournament. The Genoa manager thought it would be a good idea to comment to the press that he didn't think Juventus were capable of challenging the Serie A leaders for the title, and that they may challenge in a few years with some good signing and some luck. Nick wasn't going to be drawn into a war of words with the Genoa boss, so he didn't respond to the comment but just cut the clipping out and pinned it on the wall for the boys to see, and he left a message for the team to read with the cutting "Don't get riled by these comments lads, just go out there and let your feet do the talking. Show him what you can do on the pitch" he felt the message would really hit the boys and they would respond in the way they knew how to, on the pitch and using their feet. Nick expected them to respond, but he never expected to see what he saw against a good Genoa side, his team running rampant and putting 6 past the helpless Rubinho, who could do nothing about any of the goals. Nick's side were fabulous, and it was the perfect way to respond to any kind of criticism. Younes Kaboul opened the scoring on 7 minutes, rising highest above everybody to meet Olivera's cross and power home his header off the inside of the post and into the net. Provider turned goal scorer on 18 minutes, Olivera curling a 30 yard effort into the top corner of the net and having an opening day contender for goal of the season. On the half hour the game was virtually secure. debutant Gonzalo Higuain turning his marker and firing home to increase the lead to three goals. There was one more before half time, Luciano Figueroa getting his side back into the game right on half time with a lovely finish from 8 yards. Olivera was having a terrific game, and scored his second and the teams 4th on the hour, coming in at the back post to volley home Higuain's cross. Figueroa scored again for Genoa on 73 minutes to give them another glimmer of hope, but that was shattered 4 minutes later, Valeri Bojinov sliding home a 5th to seal victory. Higuain put the icing on the cake with 9 minutes left, heading home Camoranesi's cross for his second and the team's 6th to seal a remarkable away victory to open the season with, and Nick couldn't have asked for anymore form his team.

The next game on the agenda was Nick's 100th in charge of the club, and it was the first game of the Champions League group, at home against Nantes. They were a decent side but Nick felt his side had enough to overpower them and pick up three points. They dominated the game from first to last, although they could not find the killer goal in the final third to kill the game off. Bojinov, Giannichedda, Bendtner, Higuain and Olivera all missed brilliant chances to put the game beyond doubt, but nothing would find the net. Nick and his side tried everything they could think of, but the Nantes defence came away from the game with a lot of credit, as did the goalkeeper, they kept everything Juve threw at them out, and they were very close to nicking the game at the end, having a goal ruled out for a marginal offside decision, but Nick didn't celebrate his 100th game at the helm as he would have liked, he had to settle for a point to kick off the European campaign, and he rightly gave the praise to the Nantes defence and 'keeper, as they had deserved, the keeper picking up a man of the match award. Nick wanted his side to hammer home the advantage if they got it in the next game, a game that saw Lazio visit the Delle Alpi. It was another game that Nick's side dominated, and once again several chances were missed by his side, but the one vital goal came on the 57th minute, Gonzalo Higuain using his pace and power and beating three men before slotting the ball into the corner. He could have had another 5 minutes later, and Juve could have had three or four more, but the one goal was enough to secure them 6 points out of 6 to start their Serie A campaign off

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A visit to Ascoli was next on the agenda, and it was another game Nick expected his side to pick up maximum points from, as Ascoli were sitting bottom of the league having not won yet this term and lost their last 4 games of the previous season, so Nick felt his team could do the business. Higuain picked up a slight strain, and with Inter the next game after Italy Nick didn't want to risk aggravating the injury any more than he had to, so Dagoberto took a starting berth alongside Valeri Bojinov, with Michel Schmoller taking Giannichedda's place in the centre of midfield. Juve started well, coming out and attacking as though they were the home side, and Younes Kaboul struck the bar from a Camoranesi corner after 12 minutes, with Dagoberto and Bojinov both missing good chances after that. It was Dagoberto who put his side in the lead though, sliding the ball home after receiving Gabi's through ball on 27 minutes. They did go in at half-time two ahead, the on-form Ruben Olivera cutting in from the lift and striking the ball home from just inside the area to double his sides lead. Ascoli seemed to wake up after this, and very nearly got themselves back into the match before the interval, Didier Digard heading against the bar in stoppage time, but as it was Nick was able to give his team talk with his side two goals clear. A third goal would kill the game off, and this is what Nick sent his side out to do, score that third killer goal. They could have had it three times before they finally did get it, Francisco Pavon volleying home after staying forward for Ruben Olivera's 61st minute corner. Once Pavon had scored that was game over, and Nick's side were able to take their foot off the gas, although they could have two or three more before the final whistle, but Nick was happy with his team as they cruised to another victory.

The most difficult test of the season was up next for Nick and his side as League Champions Inter Milan visited Stadio Delle Alpi looking to get their season up and running after a rather slow start so far, having won 1, drawn 1 and lost 1 of their first three games. Nick knew his side were playing really well but a win against the defending champions would really set the tone, and make the rest of the league sit up and take notice of what they wanted to do. Nick was struck a late blow as Valeri Bojinov picked up a virus in the days leading up to the match, which meant Nicklas Bendtner came in to partner Gonzalo Higuain up-front. The team got off to a terrific start, coming out of the traps at a great pace and taking a 10th minute lead, Mauro Camoranesi's cross to the far post turned into his own net by Walter Samuel. Chance after chance came for Juve, and Inter had their fair share too, the worst culprits for them being Ibrahimovic and Adriano, who both missed good chances. Bendtner and Higuain seemed to be a good combination, and it was these two that combined to double the advantage 4 minutes from half time, Higuain's final ball to Bendtner who lofted the ball over the onrushing Toldo to send his side in 2-0 up at the half time interval. The team just had to keep up their current style of play, and defend their lead tightly, Inter were still a dangerous attacking threat. 7 minutes into the second half was when the game was finished, Gabi curling a free-kick into the far corner to put his side three in front. Inter looked all at sea, and They were 4-0 behind before an hours play had passed, Bendtner heading home his second goal to really send a clear-cut message to the rest of Serie A. Despite not scoring anymore goals it didn't make much difference, and Inter ran out 4-0 winners, a margin not even the most die hard fan would have predicted before the game.

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After such a terrific win against Inter, Nick knew his side needed to build on that to end the month, with two away trips to Dinamo Kiev and Napoli. The team couldn't afford to be complacent after such a good result and they had to win the Kiev game after such a disappointing draw against Nantes. Bojinov was still out and Bendtner was dropped to the bench for Dagoberto to come into the team, and he justified his selection with the two goals that won the game for his team. The first was a typical Dagoberto effort, receiving the ball from a Giannichedda pass and slotting home past the helpless 'keeper on 16 minutes. He scored his and the side's second on 25 minutes, but could have easily had 1, if not 2 more before he rose to head home Ruben Olivera's corner and double his and his team's tally. Dagoberto was terrific all throughout the game, and Higuain was constantly a thorn in the side of the defence as he had been throughout his short time at Delle Alpi. Neither side could find the net in the remaining 65 minutes of football, and Juventus ran out rather comfortable winners by the 2-0 margin to put them level on points with Chelsea in the group. The Napoli game, which Nick expected to be tough, was one of the most enthralling games of recent times, both teams throwing caution to the wind and playing end to end stuff, and in the end the result was fair as neither side deserved to lose. The lead went to Napoli after 23 minutes, Christian Bucchi turning his man and striking home with the outside of his right boot past Buffon. Juventus were soon back in the match though, and 2 goals in 2 minutes from Higuain gave them the lead. The first, a 20 yard volley from a defensive header came on 31 minutes while the second was on 33, a header home from Camoranesi's cross. It looked like Nick would be giving his team talk with his team in-front but it was not to be, Bucchi equalising with the final kick of the first half. The second period was just about ten minutes old when the returning Valeri Bojinov regained the lead for his side, chipping the hapless Iezzo from 30 yards after the 'keepers poor clearance fell straight to his feet. Tjhe equaliser, and final goal of the match, came from Zlatan Ljubijankic on 84 minutes, a brilliant goal as he beat three men before placing the ball into the net. The game was thrilling for both set of supporters, and both managers had to accept a point was a fair result.

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

Genoa 2-6 Juventus Kaboul (7) Olivera (18,60) Higuain (30,81) Bojinov (77)
Juventus 1-0 Lazio Higuain (57)
Ascoli 0-3 Juventus Dagoberto (27) Olivera (38) Pavon (61)
Juventus 4-0 Inter Milan Samuel O.G (10) Bendtner (41,59) Gabi (52)
Napoli 3-3 Juventus Higuain (31,33) Bojinov (56)

Champions League Group A
Juventus 0-0 Nantes
Champions League Group A
Dinamo Kiev 0-2 Juventus Dagoberto (16,25)

League Position : 1st

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After a great start to the season, in a September which saw 5 wins and two draws for his side, and sitting pretty at the top of the table, Nick knew that the team needed to build on that start and really push on in the next month. The opening game was against Chievo, who visited Stadio Delle Alpi having had a good start themselves, lying in third place in the table, so Nick expected his team to get a difficult test. Gonzalo Higuain wasn't fully fit, so he wasn't risked, and Nicklas Bendtner and Valeri Bojinov started up-front, and Michel Schmoller replaced Giuliano Giannichedda in the centre of midfield. From the start of the game, Schmoller gave a performance beyond his years, dominating the midfield with biting tackles and pinpoint passing, earning himself a man of the match award, which was fully deserved. He could have had a couple of goals to top off his performance too, although it was his assist that set up the only goal of the match, a cross from the right hand side on 55 minutes that Francisco Pavon headed home. Both sides had chances before that, and Juve should have been at least three in front at half time, Bendtner, Bojinov and Gabi all missing good chances in the first period, but it was Pavon's 55th minute strike that settled the game. Chievo could have had an equaliser, but the Juve defence and Gianluigi Buffon managed to keep them at bay for the remainder of the game. The team took a break from their Serie A campaign to play English Champions Chelsea in the Champions League. Chelsea were a side funded by a Russian Billionaire, and they had some real quality players, and the trip to Stamford bridge would be a very difficult game for the team. A fully fit Higuain was back for this game, and he gave his side a dream start, heading home Olivera's cross after just 3 minutes to stun the Bridge into silence. Against teams like Chelsea, you have to take your chances, and Juve had several more in that first half, the best of which fell to Valeri Bojinov, who should have scored two goals from excellent chances. As it was, Juve didn't find another goal, and Chelsea got the expected equaliser on 56 minutes, Arjen Robben cutting in from the left before firing across Buffon and low into the corner. Neither side were able to find the net again after that, and Nick was happy to settle for coming away from Stamford Bridge with a point.

Fiorentina visited the Delle Alpi next, and they were a side that did brilliantly last season to finish 4th and gain a Champions League spot, but their start to this campaign had left a lot to be desired. It turned out to be a good game, and Fiorentina came out and took an early lead, Luca Toni side footing the ball home from 6 yards after 12 minutes, but this goal seemed to really fire Juve up, and they were level 5 minutes later, Higuain volleying home from the edge of the area with his right foot to even things up. Juve were on front at half time though, Ruben Olivera popping up at the far post in the 28th minute to convert Higuain's cross-cum-shot to give his side a deserved lead. Both Higuain and Olivera had chances after that though, and they could and should have been out of sight at the interval, having hit the post and the bar in the first period. The second half really secured the win for Juve, although they didn't score any other goals, but Fiorentina were reduced to 8 men by the end of the 90 minutes. The first red card came for Adrian Mutu, who jumped for a header and swung his elbow back into Younes Kaboul's face, which the referee deemed to be deliberate contact and he had no hesitation to produce the red card. Reginaldo, a man who had been Fiorentina's creative force, was the next man to go, a second yellow card offence after tripping Higuain on 65 minutes to really put his team in at the deep end. The final nail in the coffin was on 71 minutes, captain and centre back Danielle Dainelli showing his frustration and lashing out at Juve defender Kaboul, before the referee consulted his linesman and produced his third red card of the match.

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A trip to Roma was the next game for Nick and his side, and it would likely be another difficult game for them. Giannichedda came back into the team after a little absence, and he showed why he was still a very valuable asset to have around the dressing room, as well as on the pitch with a superb display. He stopped the creativity of Roma flowing freely, marking Totti out of the game so much that he was taken off after 56 minutes. The scoring was opened on 16 minutes, the very much in-form Ruben Olivera scoring a wonderful goal, beating four men and curling home from just shy of 30 yards, a fabulous strike from a man who had really come into his own so far in the campaign. He was magnificent down that left wing, running at defenders, using trickery, pace and skill to beat the full back, and when he did he was whipping brilliant crosses in to his strikers. He could have had two more himself, aswell as Bojinov and Higuain having headers saved from Olivera crosses. The second goal for Juve came on 56 minutes, Giannichedda breaking free of his man and sliding the ball home underneath the keeper. Roma did get back into it in the 77th minute, substitute Stefano Okaka heading home a Mancini cross to give his team hope, but that is all it was, as Juve held on for the win and another three points. Another away trip followed up the Roma game, against newly promoted Reggina, who were sitting just above the relegation places, and Nick felt his side could gain three more points against them. Reggina had very different ideas, and came out with the intent of winning the match, taking a shock lead after 21 minutes, Missiroli beating the Juve defence and firing low and hard past Buffon. Missiroli scored a second goal, but he got it in the wrong net unfortunately him and his team, his outstretched leg turning home Camoranesi's cross on 37 minutes. Both sides went for the win after this, although they needed the points for different reasons, and neither side was able to find the breakthrough, both settling for a 1-1 draw and a point apiece.

Two games remained in the month, with Chelsea visiting the Delle Alpi and Juve having a trip to Lecce, their game in hand which was postponed earlier in the month. After earning a point at Stamford Bridge, and gibing a very good account of themselves, Nick felt his side were capable of getting another positive result, maybe even a win against the English side. The game started much the same as it did at the Bridge, both sides creating chances and going for the win, but in the first 45 minutes neither side managed to find the breakthrough. Juve definitely had the better chances, Bojinov and Bendtner both having good attempts to beat Petr Cech, but the opening goal came from the home side, Shevchenko beating the defence and shooting high into the roof of the net for the only goal of the match. Both teams went for goals after that, Juve looking for the equaliser and Chelsea looking for the second goal to kill the game off. They didn't need it in the end, as Juve were unable to find the equaliser and Chelsea held on for the 1-0 win. The trip to Lecce would prove to be a very entertaining game for the neutrals, and for the sets of supporters from both teams. Higuain was back in place of Bendtner, and Schmoller took Giannichedda's place in central midfield, but once again it was Ruben Olivera who was the star man, scoring two and making two more for a man of the match performance. His opener came on 2 minutes, a free-kick from the edge of the area curled past the keeper and over the wall. Lecce did equalise on 21 minutes however, although Olivera put his team back ahead 7 minutes later, utilising his pace and firing home for his and his teams second of the game. It was 2-1 at half time, and the third Juve goal came on 68 minutes, Gabi diving to head home Olivera's whipped cross to all but seal the game. Lecce got back into the match again 4 minutes later, Adailton scooping the ball over the oncoming Buffon, but Juve settled the match on 81 minutes, Olivera's left wing cross finding the head of Higuain who powered it home to keep his side top of the table. It had been another good performance for his side, and Nick was delighted with his teams performance.

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

Juventus 1-0 Chievo Pavon (55)
Juventus 2-1 Fiorentina Higuain (17) Olivera (28)
Roma 1-2 Juventus Olivera (16) Giannichedda (54)
Reggina 1-1 Juventus Missiroli O.G (37)
Lecce 2-4 Juventus Olivera (2,28) Gabi (68) Higuain (81)

Champions League Group A
Chelsea 1-1 Juventus Higuain (3)
Champions League Group A
Juventus 0-1 Chelsea

League Position : 1st

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November opened with Siena visiting Stadio Delle Alpi, and Nick wanted his side to continue their recent good form with another victory. Siena hadn't been on the greatest run of form, although they had caused Nick and his side problems in the past. Bojinov and Daniel Sturridge started as the front two, a combination that was yet to be tried out, and Nick was confident that they could continue their recent good performances. The opening goal came on the 5th minute, Valeri Bojinov racing through the defence to slide the ball underneath the 'keeper and put his team in the lead. Bojinov doubled the lead on 16 minutes, heading home a Ruben Olivera cross to put his team completely in the driving seat. There were no more goals until right on half time, Bojinov completing his hat-trick with a left footed shot that he curled round the keeper and nestle it in the bottom corner. That was the game well and truly over, but Juve hadn't finished, they had more tricks up their sleeve. They did score a 4th just after the hour, Gabi's free kick deflecting off the wall and wrong footing the keeper to put a real gloss on the scoreline. It wasn't finished there either, Daniel Sturridge really finishing the game off by finishing off Bojinov's low pass to give his side a fifth. There were no more goals, and Siena had to admit they were totally and utterly outclassed, Juventus' sheer quality shining through. The Coppa Italia provided a break from their league campaign, and Serie B leaders Catania were the opposition, which would provide a difficult test for Nick and his side. They were on an unbeaten run of 8 games and Nick felt his team would need to be at their best to overcome then over the test of Catania. Nick decided to rest a few of his major players, with Higuain, Bojinov, Buffon and several others rested to allow several younger players the chance to play. Daniel Sturridge started the game and he was a constant threat, using his pace as the weapon. The only thing he, or any of his team mates did wrong was not finding the back of the net. No matter what they tried they could not break the Serie B side's defence down, and Catania came away from Delle Alpi with a 0-0 draw that they will be delighted with.

There was a two week break before the next game for Nick and his side, and it gave him the opportunity to scour the transfer market for some players, preferably a right sided defender, as Nick felt Felice Piccolo was not really up to the standard that he expected. It had helped that the board had strengthened the financial position so much that they gave Nick an extra £9.5 million to spend, meaning he had over £10 million in the kitty. He had sent his scouts out to look for potential players, and he had also started to look himself. It took a week, but finally Nick found a really good prospect for the right back position, a 20 year old Frenchman from Marseille, Garry Bocaly, who looked to be an excellent prospect. After making contact with Marseille, and agreeing a fee of £9 million pounds (£8.25 upfront, £750k after 30 appearances) he invited Bocaly to Italy, treating him to a dinner and showing him round the ground. After discussing terms over dinner, and Garry seemingly impressed by the surroundings, they agreed a contract, which would see Bocaly join up with the squad at the start of the January transfer window, a signing Nick was delighted to have captured. The squad seemed pleased with the acquisition too, and Nick was happy with this as he didn't want tension in the ranks. Torino visited the Delle Alpi, a game which Bocaly stayed to watch his future team-mates in, so Nick wanted his side to put on a good performance. They did do, and 2 goals in the space of three minutes settled the game, giving the three points to Juve. The first came on 13 minutes, the very much in-form Ruben Olivera running to the by-line before jinking inside the defence and hitting the ball with the outside of his left foot past the 'keeper. The second goal came from Gonzalo Higuain on 16 minutes, as he took down Camoranesi's floated ball and struck it home on the half volley. There were no more goals for either side, and Nick was happy with his side's performance to stay top of the table.

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The Champions League was a competition that Nick really wanted to do well in, as it would really show the rest of Europe that he and his side meant business. The penultimate game of the group stage, an away trip to France to play Nantes, was a must-win game for Nick's team if they were to progress to the knockout stages. Ruben Olivera picked up a knock in the days leading up to the game which meant Kevin Larsen took his place on the left wing, and Buffon, Higuain and Dagoberto regained their places in the squad. Nantes were a good side at home, and had a very good record, so Nick expected a tough game for his team. They started well, Dagoberto and Giannichedda missing good chances, and Larsen really cementing his presence on the left hand side, whipping crosses in whenever he could, and running at defenders, as all good wingers should. It was Larsen who put Juve in the lead, this time it was left back Wayne Bridge whipping the cross in and Larsen fired it into the corner from 8 yards out. That was ten minutes from half time, and before the interval Dagoberto could have doubled the lead, missing a glorious chance to seal the match. It wasn't until the 65th minute of the match that Juve did seal the game, Dagoberto heading home from Mauro Camoranesi's cross to secure the win for his team. They could have had more goals though, maybe could have ended up winning by 4 or 5 goals, but the 2-0 scoreline was how it stayed, and Nick knew his side just needed a win to qualify. After the Nantes game, Nick had to prepare his side for a trip to Sampdoria, a team that seemed to turn on the style whenever they played Nick's side, and Nick warned his side of their dangers going forward. As it was, Juve were the better team and got off to the better start, taking the lead through Gonzalo Higuain on 17 minutes, as he volleyed home Camoranesi's cross. They should have had the game settled, and missing the good chances would come back to haunt them, Sampdoria grabbing an equaliser on the hour mark, Soloman Kalou beating the defence and slotting underneath Buffon to get his team back into the game. Hero turned villain on 71 minutes, as Kalou was sent off for a second bookable offence but Juve could not take advantage of the man advantage and Sampdoria came away with a point that they would be happy with in the circumstances.

The second leg of the Coppa Italia 1st Round saw Nick take his side to Catania, and once again he adopted his policy of resting regular first team players and playing a few younger players in the games. This was the game that really cemented Daniel Sturridge's quality as a first team player, as he was superb all game, just as he was in the first game against Catania, but his finishing was much better in this game, as he scored both of the goals that sealed his sides progression to the Quarter Finals. The first came after 9 minutes, Sturridge using his pace to beat his man and loft the ball over the on-rushing keeper to give his side the lead. There were no more goals in the remainder of that half, although chances came for both sides, Catania having good chances to equalise, but the game was settled just after half time, 6 minutes into the second half, when Sturridge scored his and his side's second goal, curling the ball home from 20 yards to put his side into the next round. They did still have chances in the match, and could have scored a few more, but the two goal win was more than enough to send them into the Quarter Finals. The final game of the month saw A.C Milan visit Delle Alpi, for a game that would really show the rest of the league how serious Juve were about a title chase. It was a very open game, with both sides going for goals, the best chances falling to Dagoberto and Bojinov for Juve, and Torres and Suazo and for Milan. This continued throughout the match, both sides knowing that a win was vital, even at this relatively early stage of the season, and the goal that settled the match came in the third minute of stoppage time at the end of the match. Milan were on the attack, and it was a Dagoberto clearance that went straight over everybody, landing at the feet of Valeri Bojinov who duly slotted the ball home underneath Dida to give his side a three points that the fans, and their manager were delighted with.

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

Juventus 5-0 Siena Bojinov (5,16,45) Gabi (61) Sturridge (77)
Juventus 2-0 Torino Olivera (13) Higuain (16)
Sampdoria 1-1 Juventus Higuain (17)
Juventus 1-0 A.C Milan Bojinov (90)

Champions League Group A
Nantes 0-2 Juventus Larsen (38) Dagoberto (65)

Coppa Italia 1st Round 1st Leg
Juventus 0-0 Catania
Coppa Italia 1st Round 2nd Leg
Catania 0-2 Juventus Sturridge (9,51)

League Position : 1st

retired_jlina21

Great story so far. I love Juve and I'm really happy to see you get such fantastic results. Good luck for bringing the title where it belongs and keep on the good work mate.

retired_brianrt

Baroud - Thanks for the support, and I'm glad you like the story. Hopefully you're right and I can bring the title home - who knows what the future holds
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December saw the final group game of the Champions League for Nick and his side, Dinamo Kiev visiting the Delle Alpi with both sides needing the win to qualify, a position that they were in because of Kiev's shock win against Chelsea the previous game. It was a game that required the strongest possible line-up for Nick and his side, and he was hurt by Bojinov picking up a virus before the match, meaning Bendtner stepped into the starting lineup in his place. This proved to be a good decision on Nick's part, as Bendtner opened the scoring on 9 minutes, converting the cross from Ruben Olivera on the left wing. The second came on 20 minutes, the right winger Mauro Camoranesi popping up at the far post to head home the ball for a 2-0 lead for his side. They were superb in the remainder of the half, and ended up sealing the game in a 3 minute flurry at the end of the half, Gonzalo Higuain scoring twice in those two minutes to send his side 4-0 up at the break and secure the win, and their qualification from the group. The second half produced no more goals, as Juve took their foot off the pedal, but Nick was more than happy with the 4 goal win to send his side through and set up a knockout round match, and hopefully their progression to a good finish in the competition.

<pre class="ip-ubbcode-code-pre"> PL W D L GD PTS1. Chelsea 6 3 2 1 +3 112. JUVENTUS 6 3 2 1 +7 11------------3. Dinamo Kiev 6 2 1 3 -4 7 4. Nantes 6 1 1 4 -4 4</pre>

An away trip to Parma was next up for Juve, another game that could be difficult for Nick and his side. The good note was that Bojinov returned for the game, and he marked this return with two goals to set his team on the way to another victory. He opened the scoring on 8 minutes, rising highest to head home Olivera's corner and put his team in the lead. Parma equalised on 17 minutes, a rare defensive mistake from Bridge allowing the striker to nip in and beat Buffon. Bojinov put his side back in front on 34 minutes, playing a lovely one-two with Gabi and placing the ball home with the inside of his right foot. 4 minutes after that, Kaboul scored the third goal, hitting a shot from 25 yards that took a wicked deflection and found its way into the bottom left hand corner to increase the lead to two goals. Right on half time, Parma scored a second to get back into it again, but the goal made no difference as Juve hung on for the 3-2 win, which kept them top of the league, and if they could be in that position going into the new year then Nick would be a very happy man.

retired_brianrt

A home game against Messina was the next port of call for Nick's side, and if he was honest then Nick expected three points from the game. Messina came to the Stadio Delle Alpi and seemed determined to de-rail the Juventus title charge. It all started well for Nick and his side, Daniel Sturridge utilising his pace and giving his side a 12th minute lead after beating the defence and slotting underneath the Messina keeper. This seemed to really fire up Messina, and they came out all guns blazing after this, equalising on 24 minutes, their striker heading home from a free-kick. It was level at half time, and Juve seemed to be underestimating the visitors, which was a bad mistake, as Messina took the lead on 66 minutes, the Juve defence all out of sorts and Messina taking advantage of that. Juve were seconds away from their first League defeat of the season, it was a 92nd minute goal from Bojinov that rescued a point with a header from Camoranesi's cross, saving his teams skin and keeping them top of the league. The performance was not brilliant, and Nick let his team know as much, saying he wanted a much better performance and result against Mantova in their next game. Nick's message obviously didn't hit home, as the team gave another shocking performance, losing against the bottom team in the league (a team without a win too) 2-1, even after taking the lead in the 17th minute through Gabi. Mantova scored their two goals in the 34th and 88th minute, condemning Juve to their first League defeat of the season. Nick was furious with his team, especially with the big top of the table clash against Udinese next up in the league. Udinese had shocked everybody, and were sat 2nd in the table, 3 points behind Juve, and nobody had expected that they would be there, but manager Marcello Lippi had got them playing some attractive football and they were really working as a team. The game started well for Juve, in the first 45 minutes finding themselves 2-0 up thanks to goals from Gabi and Gonzalo Higuain goals. Juve tried extremely hard to find the third and decisive goal, and Udinese got themselves back into the match on 76 minutes, Gyan Asamoah slotting home to give his team some hope in the match. Neither side managed to find the net after that, and Juve held on for a terrific 2-1 win which kept them top of the league and three points clear at the top.

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

Parma 2-3 Juventus Bojinov (8,34) Kaboul (35)
Juventus 2-2 Messina Sturridge (12) Bojinov (90)
Mantova 2-1 Juventus Gabi (17)
Juventus 2-1 Udinese Gabi (34) Higuain (37)

Champions League Group A
Juventus 4-0 Dinamo Kiev Bendtner (9) Camoranesi (20) Higuain (42,45)

League Position : 1st
Champions League Group A : Qualified in 2nd place