Juventus post-match analisis 05-06

[snakies]

Juventus 2 - 1 Ascoli
Del Piero pen 13, 39 (J), Cariello 32 (A)
Stadio Delle Alpi

Alessandro Del Piero proved he's back with a brace, but Ascoli gave Juventus a battle in Turin.

The Bianconeri were looking to maintain their 100 per cent record, but newly promoted Ascoli were still unbeaten after facing Milan and Lecce. Fabio Capello had to reshuffle his defence with Lilian Thuram, Alessandro Birindelli and Gianluca Pessotto injured, while the visitors had to replace the suspended Vittorio Tosto. Alessandro Del Piero returned to the starting eleven, giving Zlatan Ibrahimovic a rest.

There was more bad news for Juve, as after less than two minutes Jonathan Zebina, who was making his comeback from injury, pulled up clutching the back of his knee. The unlucky Frenchman limped off and Manuele Blasi took on the right-back role, just as he had done in the Champions League midweek.

Surprisingly, the first real scoring opportunity fell to Ascoli after six minutes, as two players left a Cariello cross and Sasa Bjelanovic blazed over from seven yards with only Christian Abbiati to beat.

Although Juve dominated possession, Ascoli were creating the best chances, as Emerson needed a late challenge to block Fini and Abbiati was called into a save on ex-Torino man Quagliarella's counter-attack.

However, the referee pointed to the spot when Pavel Nedved's cross struck Cristiano's arm just inside the area. Del Piero stepped up and rolled home a weak but effective penalty to give Juventus the lead with their first real shot on goal.

Ascoli have made a name for themselves as giant-killers and proved it again when they scored the first goal that Juventus have conceded in Serie A this season. Cariello shrugged off Patrick Vieira's challenge and saw his angled drive from the edge of the box deflected off Fabio Cannavaro to draw the visitors level.

This shook Juve out of their stasis and Cudini required a goalline clearance on Mauro German Camoranesi's looping header.

It lasted just seven minutes, as Del Piero proved he is definitely back by curling in a magnificent free kick that rose and dipped past the outstretched hand of Coppola.

Del Piero's delightful first touch on Nedved's cross set up Camoranesi, only for the Argentine to balloon over the bar from a promising position.

Ibrahimovic replaced David Trezeguet at half-time, but Del Piero continued to dominate with a header that glanced wide. Ascoli weren't about to let go and Abbiati flew to block Foggia's cross-shot, while ex-Torino hero Marco Ferrante stepped back into the Stadio Delle Alpi.

Coppola did well to punch out Nedved's strike and fingertip an Ibrahimovic free kick round the post. The Czech midfielder shook the side-netting from a promising position and Ibrahimovic somehow managed to nod wide of an open goal following Coppola's error.

Juventus: Abbiati; Zebina (Blasi 3), Kovac, Cannavaro, Zambrotta; Camoranesi, Emerson, Vieira, Nedved; Del Piero, Trezeguet (Ibrahimovic 46)

Ascoli: Coppola; Comotto, Cudini, Domizzi, Del Grosso; Carriello (Foggia 52), Cristiano, Parola, Fini; Bjelanovic (Colombo 80), Quagliarella (Ferrante 52)

Ref: Tagliavento


if u think this is a good idea i would like u to sticky this thread davor

[snakies]

Udinese 0 - 1 Juventus
Vieira 37 (J)
Stadio Friuli

A Patrick Vieira head maintained Juve's 100 per cent record and sends Udinese spiraling to their second defeat on the trot.

This was set to be an intriguing encounter between two teams challenging for the top of the table, but the events of the last 24 hours turned even more attention towards the Stadio Friuli. Hitman Vincenzo Iaquinta was sensationally frozen out of the Udinese squad for refusing to sign a new contract, despite the fact that his current deal does not expire until 2007.

Juventus hoped to maintain their 100 per cent record and were still without the injured Lilian Thuram, Alessandro Birindelli and Gianluca Pessotto, while Jonathan Zebina suffered a new setback just two minutes into his comeback at the weekend. Alessandro Del Piero netted a brace against Ascoli and did enough to earn a start instead of David Trezeguet.

Morgan De Sanctis was once on Juve's books, but he had to rush off his line after 13 minutes to close down Zlatan Ibrahimovic. The Swedish international also went close with a chest and volley on Pavel Nedved's cross.

Udinese play good football and put together an excellent team move that eventually saw Jose Luis Vidigal thump a half-volley inches past the far post with his left foot.

There was tension on 27 minutes when David Di Michele tried to earn a penalty and was fiercely rebuked by Fabio Cannavaro.

Juventus eventually broke through with a fine team move and Patrick Vieira's second Serie A goal. Del Piero's cushioned header on a Manuele Blasi cross allowed the former Arsenal man to come sliding in for a splendid volley.

De Sanctis was alert to react when Ibrahimovic's long-range effort took a massive deflection, but he readjusted his position to palm it out of the top corner.

Udinese tried to take a more attacking approach in the second half with Fausto Rossini completing a trident attack. Yet it was Juve who went close with an Emerson free kick that whipped all the way across the area without getting a final touch.

Valerio Bertotto was booked for simulation after falling under pressure from Del Piero. Udinese were taking control now and Di Michele was stopped by Cannavaro at the end of a fine run before substitute Rossini drilled over the bar.

They thought they had equalised when Di Natale found a way round Christian Abbiati on the edge of the box and lobbed towards an empty net, but Robert Kovac performed a goalline clearance at the last moment.

Rossini held up the ball and Vidigal's shot was charged down for a corner kick, then from the resulting corner Abbiati was stranded and three different Udinese players failed to get the final touch.

The move continued and Abbiati proved he is still a great shot-stopper, reacting in a split second with his foot to flick Vidigal's header out of the net. It was almost a 'Scorpion' clearance in the style of Higuita.

Vieira's looping header was wide of the target on an Emerson cross, then Udinese had timid penalty appeals rejected for Barreto's connection with Cannavaro.

Udinese: De Sanctis; Bertotto, Natali, Felipe; Pinzi (Zenoni 21), Vidigal, Obodo (Rossini 46), Muntari, Candela; Di Natale, Di Michele (Barreto 78)

Juventus: Abbiati; Blasi, Kovac, Cannavaro, Zambrotta; Giannichedda, Vieira, Emerson, Nedved (Camoranesi 72); Ibrahimovic, Del Piero (Zalayeta 72)

Ref: Ayroldi

[davor_suker]

Originally Posted by snakies

Udinese 0 - 1 Juventus
Vieira 37 (J)
Stadio Friuli

A Patrick Vieira head maintained Juve's 100 per cent record and sends Udinese spiraling to their second defeat on the trot.

This was set to be an intriguing encounter between two teams challenging for the top of the table, but the events of the last 24 hours turned even more attention towards the Stadio Friuli. Hitman Vincenzo Iaquinta was sensationally frozen out of the Udinese squad for refusing to sign a new contract, despite the fact that his current deal does not expire until 2007.

Juventus hoped to maintain their 100 per cent record and were still without the injured Lilian Thuram, Alessandro Birindelli and Gianluca Pessotto, while Jonathan Zebina suffered a new setback just two minutes into his comeback at the weekend. Alessandro Del Piero netted a brace against Ascoli and did enough to earn a start instead of David Trezeguet.

Morgan De Sanctis was once on Juve's books, but he had to rush off his line after 13 minutes to close down Zlatan Ibrahimovic. The Swedish international also went close with a chest and volley on Pavel Nedved's cross.

Udinese play good football and put together an excellent team move that eventually saw Jose Luis Vidigal thump a half-volley inches past the far post with his left foot.

There was tension on 27 minutes when David Di Michele tried to earn a penalty and was fiercely rebuked by Fabio Cannavaro.

Juventus eventually broke through with a fine team move and Patrick Vieira's second Serie A goal. Del Piero's cushioned header on a Manuele Blasi cross allowed the former Arsenal man to come sliding in for a splendid volley.

De Sanctis was alert to react when Ibrahimovic's long-range effort took a massive deflection, but he readjusted his position to palm it out of the top corner.

Udinese tried to take a more attacking approach in the second half with Fausto Rossini completing a trident attack. Yet it was Juve who went close with an Emerson free kick that whipped all the way across the area without getting a final touch.

Valerio Bertotto was booked for simulation after falling under pressure from Del Piero. Udinese were taking control now and Di Michele was stopped by Cannavaro at the end of a fine run before substitute Rossini drilled over the bar.

They thought they had equalised when Di Natale found a way round Christian Abbiati on the edge of the box and lobbed towards an empty net, but Robert Kovac performed a goalline clearance at the last moment.

Rossini held up the ball and Vidigal's shot was charged down for a corner kick, then from the resulting corner Abbiati was stranded and three different Udinese players failed to get the final touch.

The move continued and Abbiati proved he is still a great shot-stopper, reacting in a split second with his foot to flick Vidigal's header out of the net. It was almost a 'Scorpion' clearance in the style of Higuita.

Vieira's looping header was wide of the target on an Emerson cross, then Udinese had timid penalty appeals rejected for Barreto's connection with Cannavaro.

Udinese: De Sanctis; Bertotto, Natali, Felipe; Pinzi (Zenoni 21), Vidigal, Obodo (Rossini 46), Muntari, Candela; Di Natale, Di Michele (Barreto 78)

Juventus: Abbiati; Blasi, Kovac, Cannavaro, Zambrotta; Giannichedda, Vieira, Emerson, Nedved (Camoranesi 72); Ibrahimovic, Del Piero (Zalayeta 72)

Ref: Ayroldi

This season has been fantastic so far. We are clear of Milan, move aside Chelsea we are the best!

Now to perform in the CL, i wasnt thoroughly convinced with what i saw in Brugge.

To those who saw this game, how did Abbiati do, and did our defence seem stable? Im yet to see this game.

[snakies]

abbiati was the only problem. he made a couple of stupid mistakes and if it wasnt for our defence the game would have ended tied. kovac saved a goal with a header on the line. overall our defence was only second best to our midfield.

[snakies]

Parma 1 - 2 Juventus
Delvecchio 13 (P), Camoranesi 44 (J), Vieira 82 (J)
Stadio Tardini

Juve fought back at the Stadio Tardini with Mauro Camoranesi and Patrick Vieira to make it five wins out of five.

This used to be one of the biggest battles in Serie A, but Parma's financial difficulties have left them challenging for rather different objectives. New owner Lorenzo Sanz was in the stands to watch the Gialloblu, while Juventus aimed to maintain their 100 per cent record.

Former Parma heroes Lilian Thuram, Fabio Cannavaro and Adrian Mutu stepped into the Stadio Tardini, while Emerson, Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Alessandro Del Piero were rested. Daniele Bonera and Domenico Morfeo recovered from their fitness worries to start, while Fabio Cannavaro's little brother Paolo was left on the bench.

The first real scoring opportunity came after seven minutes, as both David Trezeguet and Mauro German Camoranesi were prevented from scoring by brave defensive interventions.

However, it was Parma who took a surprise lead at the 13th. Bernardo Corradi held up the ball for Marco Delvecchio's low volley from a tight angle that beat Christian Abbiati. It was Delvecchio's first goal for the Gialloblu and an important confidence booster for the veteran striker.

Camoranesi's looping header was just over, then Abbiati performed a brilliant one-handed save on Corradi, but the move had already been halted for a foul.

Juventus were unable to create any real chances and goalkeeper Cristiano Lupatelli was left relatively untroubled in the first half. If anything, Parma could've doubled their lead, as Abbiati palmed out a powerful Fabio Simplicio strike.

The Bianconeri are not to be outdone and eventually equalised with a goal out of nowhere, but one that Camoranesi will treasure as perhaps the best of his career. The Argentine gathered the ball from Patrick Vieira and unleashed a rocket from 20 metres that slotted into the top corner of the net.

Nonetheless, it was a poor overall performance and Fabio Capello introduced Emerson for Giuliano Giannichedda. It wasn't a good start to the second half, as Abbiati completely missed a Delvecchio cross and was fortunate that Mark Bresciano fired straight at the goalkeeper.

Fernando Couto replaced the injured Giuseppe Cardone for Parma. Juve went close to taking the lead soon after, as Zalayeta's taut cross-shot was inches away from both the far post and Trezeguet's outstretched foot.

Delvecchio also limped off with a knee problem, making way for youngster Andrea Pisanu. Abbiati still didn't look secure and performed a bizarre punching save on a Fabio Simplicio cross he probably could have caught.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic replaced the disappointing Zalayeta and moments later Juve had a great chance to score. Camoranesi intercepted a weak pass and Trezeguet saw his shot palmed round the post by Lupatelli.

Parma gradually fought back and Pisanu drilled inches wide of the near post. During the same move, Corradi fell in the area under pressure from Fabio Cannavaro and the two men argued over whether it was a push or a dive.

Ibrahimovic is yet to score in Serie A this season and made some elemental errors that earned the scorn of the Stadio Tardini crowd.

Trezeguet wasted another good chance on 74 minutes, as Pavel Nedved's shot was deflected into his path and Contini managed to charge down the Frenchman's follow-up.

Bresciano also suffered an injury, so Parma introduced Paolo Cannavaro to face his older brother.

The Bianconeri now had the upper hand and should've made it 2-1 with 10 minutes to go, but Camoranesi's looping header on a Gianluca Zambrotta cross shaved the far post with Lupatelli beaten.

Juve grabbed the goal moments later, as Patrick Vieira started and ended the move. The ex-Arsenal star gave Ibrahimovic the ball and ran to the far post to nod in his chipped cross. It was Vieira's third goal in five Serie A games.

Ibrahimovic's confidence was boosted by that assist and his fierce drive was well smothered by the goalkeeper.

Parma: Lupatelli; Bonera, Cardone (Couto 47), Contini, Pasquale; Bresciano (P Cannavaro 76), Grella, Simplicio, Delvecchio (Pisanu 59); Morfeo; Corradi

Juventus: Abbiati; Pessotto, Thuram, F Cannavaro, Zambrotta; Camoranesi, Vieira, Giannichedda (Emerson 46), Mutu (Nedved 69); Trezeguet, Zalayeta (Ibrahimovic 56)

Ref: Pieri

[snakies]

Juventus 3 - 0 Rapid Vienna
Trezeguet 27 (J), Mutu 82 (J), Ibrahimovic 85 (J)
Stadio Delle Alpi

Adrian Mutu scored his first goal in a Juve jersey and Zlatan Ibrahimovic broke his drought in a 3-0 victory over Rapid Vienna.

The Bianconeri have a 100 per cent record in Serie A after five games and were hoping to maintain that form in Europe. Patrick Vieira was suspended following his red card in the 2-1 win away to Club Brugge, so Giuliano Giannichedda made a rare start in the Bianconeri jersey. Gianluca Pessotto returned to the side and Alessandro Del Piero was left on the bench in favour of David Trezeguet and Zlatan Ibrahimovic.

As expected, Juve had an aggressive start and went close with two Ibrahimovic efforts, one a snapshot just wide and the other smothered by the goalkeeper.

After 10 minutes Emerson's strike shaved the crossbar and Trezeguet nodded Pessotto's cross off target, while Akaguenduez had a promising opportunity for Rapid Vienna.

Mauro Camoranesi scored a great goal at the weekend against Parma and almost netted here as well, but his angled drive fizzed inches wide of the upright.

The pressure finally paid off after 27 minutes. Ibrahimovic started the move and Gianluca Zambrotta's cross was sidefooted home from close range by Trezeguet for his second goal in as many Champions League ties this season.

Pavel Nedved's cross rolled along the face of goal, but Camoranesi was just unable to get the final touch.

After the break, Camoranesi held up the ball for a Trezeguet volley that was charged down by Rapid Vienna defenders.

The Austrians had their first real scoring opportunity just before the hour mark, as Christian Abbiati took two touches to get substitute Lawaree's attempt under control. The new arrival was causing Juve a few problems and fired just over the bar.

Del Piero replaced Trezeguet for the final half-hour and Emerson fired over from a promising position after a chaotic move inside the area.

Rapid were fighting back in the second half and Lawaree went close, getting on the end of Hlinka's cross and slicing wide of the target with only Abbiati to beat. The move had been started by Lilian Thuram's error and Juve were increasingly under pressure.

An Ibrahimovic counter-attack was squandered by Nedved blazing over the crossbar, but the Swede should've passed it to Del Piero earlier, as he was in a much better scoring position.

Ibrahimovic is yet to score for Juventus this season and he showed why moments later. Del Piero rolled across for the ex-Ajax man and he incredibly fired straight at the goalkeeper.

Del Piero proved he is far from a has-been with a spectacular volley on 80 minutes. It was similar to the goal he famously scored against Fiorentina in his youth, Nedved chipping up a perfect cross, but Payer performed an equally stunning save to deny him.

Moments later, Abbiati was at full stretch to tip an Ivanschitz strike off target, as Juve's situation was certainly not secure.

Substitute Adrian Mutu put the final scares behind them, his angled drive getting a touch off the 'keeper, but not enough to prevent him scoring his first goal for Juventus.

Ibrahimovic made up for his earlier errors with a third for the Bianconeri - breaking his goal drought. The Swede volleyed a Nedved cross into the ground and it bounced back over the helpless Payer. Not only was it Ibrahimovic's first of the season, it was the only goal he has ever scored for Juventus in the Champions League.

[ASG]

i live in us so all they show is one game, so i didnt see juve rapid game but i saw the goals good game i think this year juve is very strong

[davor_suker]

Originally Posted by ASG

i live in us so all they show is one game, so i didnt see juve rapid game but i saw the goals good game i think this year juve is very strong

Hey mate welcome to the forums, hope you stick around.

I unfortunately havent caught the game yet either.

[snakies]

we played a good game. everyone played quite well. the only problem was mr. ball-hogger ibrahimovic, but we can forgive him since he scored

[ASG]

i agree snakies i think if zlatan starts to pass the ball more he could be one of the best player in europe.

[snakies]

Juventus 2 - 0 Inter
Trezeguet 22 (J), Nedved 34 (J)
Stadio Delle Alpi

Juve maintain their 100 per cent record with a 2-0 victory over Inter thanks to David Trezeguet and Pavel Nedved, though there were three injuries. The Bianconeri now go five points clear at the top of the table.

The Nerazzurri went for a decade without even scoring here from open play, but had won their last two Serie A trips to the Delle Alpi - plus August's controversial Italian Super Cup victory. Juan Sebastian Veron scored the winner in that tie, but was ruled out with flu symptoms, opening the door for David Pizarro to take the midfield reins.

Juventus had so far won all seven of their official matches this term between Serie A and the Champions League, but if Inter were to win then they would catch the Bianconeri at the top of the table.

Unfortunately, the weather was not kind to the teams or spectators, as a thunderstorm poured rain down on Turin for several hours before the match and the temperature dropped at the Stadio Delle Alpi. Alessandro Del Piero failed to start his first Derby d'Italia since 1994, while Gigi Buffon, Alessandro Birindelli, Cristiano Zanetti and Javier Zanetti were long-term injuries.

Pavel Nedved curled a free kick just wide of the near post after three minutes, but it was a tense game and many early passes went astray. Adriano had penalty appeals when he tried to dribble through three Juve defenders, but Gianluca Zambrotta's nudge was not considered to be worthy of a spot-kick.

Christian Abbiati caught a dipping Luis Figo free kick, then Zlatan Ibrahimovic rolled across the face of goal where Patrick Vieira was a little too late to tap in.

Esteban Cambiasso brought down Mauro Camoranesi on the edge of the box and Ibrahimovic's fierce resulting free kick was only parried into the path of David Trezeguet's close-range header to give Juventus the lead.

There was panic in the Bianconeri are soon after when Manuele Blasi accidentally passed straight to Dejan Stankovic, but he was able to squeeze him out wide.

Ibrahimovic just failed to turn in a Trezeguet cut-back, but earlier in the move Nedved had been elbowed in the ribs by Cambiasso in an incident not witnessed by the referee.

Vieira was booked for tripping Pizarro just outside the box and Abbiati punched away the resulting Figo free kick. At the other end, Julio Cesar rushed off his line to kick the ball away from Ibrahimovic, who had pushed his way in front of his marker.

Walter Samuel brought down Ibrahimovic and another free kick proved decisive. This time Nedved curled in a brilliant set-piece that dipped over the wall and in at the near post.

Inter fought back as Adriano and Obafemi Martins exchanged passes until Abbiati pushed the ball off the Nigerian's foot. The goalkeeper picked up a knock to his face during the brave intervention, but he was able to continue.

Materazzi was fortunate to escape with only a yellow card after a shocking challenge on Ibrahimovic that seemed to sprain his ankle. It wasn't the first incident between these two players, as the Inter defender caused an injury to the Swede during a pre-season friendly.

There was chaos on a corner kick soon after, as Julio Cesar punched away Vieira's header and the defenders eventually managed to clear. At the other end, Abbiati was again brave to close down Martins and the goalkeeper also saved a Materazzi header from a corner kick.

Ibrahimovic did not recover from that Materazzi challenge and made way for Del Piero. Nedved could've bagged a second, but mistimed his volley on a deflected Vieira cross.

Inter fought back after the restart and a Martins glancing header was just past the sliding Materazzi at the far post. Juve were forced into their second substitution of the night when Thuram's muscular problem flared up again and he was replaced by Robert Kovac.

Adriano's header was deflected wide by Fabio Cannavaro's back and the Brazilian drilled a free kick over the bar.

Fabio Capello was very unlucky, as all three of his substitutions were forced by injuries. Trezeguet limped off clutching the back of his left thigh and made way for Marcelo Zalayeta.

Roberto Mancini opted for a brave switch, introducing Alvaro Recoba for Figo for an ambitious trident attack in the final half-hour. There were more penalty appeals for a Zambrotta challenge on Martins, but Abbiati flew to palm a trademark Recoba free kick out of the top corner.

Mancio increased the attacking flair further with Julio Ricardo Cruz for Pizarro, effectively fielding four strikers simultaneously, and the former Bologna man drilled wide within minutes of entering the fray.

Juve were now pinned back into their own half and Abbiati was at full stretch to fingertip a low Martins drive round the upright. From the resulting corner kick, he smothered a Cruz header.

Del Piero's ambitious free kick was off target and Materazzi, who risked a red card with a foul on Vieira, was replaced by Ze Maria.

Abbiati was nearly beaten by his teammate, as Kovac almost scored an own goal with a wayward backpass. Cruz also drilled over in the final minute of stoppages.

Juventus: Abbiati; Blasi, Thuram (Kovac 50), Cannavaro, Zambrotta; Camoranesi, Emerson, Vieira, Nedved; Ibrahimovic (Del Piero 44), Trezeguet (Zalayeta 60)

Inter: Julio Cesar; Cordoba, Materazzi (Ze Maria 82), Samuel, Favalli; Figo (Recoba 63), Cambiasso, Pizarro (Cruz 71), Stankovic; Adriano, Martins

Ref: Paparesta

[snakies]

Juventus 1 - 0 Messina
Del Piero 23 (J)
Stadio Delle Alpi

A splendid Alessandro Del Piero individual effort ensured Juventus beat Messina for their seventh consecutive Serie A victory.

The Bianconeri were without the injured Patrick Vieira, while Lilian Thuram and Zlatan Ibrahimovic played despite fitness problems. Del Piero was Man of the Match in Italy's 2-1 win over Moldova midweek and was given a rare start for Juve along with Adrian Mutu, who took a wide midfield role. Messina welcomed back Marco Zanchi after his doping suspension was quashed.

The home end was left empty for the opening 20 minutes, as Juve supporters were protesting against the new security measures implemented in Italian stadiums.

An Ibrahimovic header on Pavel Nedved's free kick fell into the path of Emerson, but a handling offence ruled out the opportunity to score. Ibrahmovic then set up Del Piero and goalkeeper Marco Storari was tested by the Swede's low cross-shot.

Del Piero broke away from Zoro's challenge and his shot towards the near post was deflected on to the side-netting.

The captain's Italian experience certainly boosted him, as he scored a fantastic individual goal to break the deadlock. Del Piero robbed Zoro in midfield, dribbled round a second Messina player and placed a cool finish into the far corner of the net with the inside of his right foot.

Gaetano D'Agostino and Domenico Giampa' combined several times before Massimo Donati's curling attempt was comfortably dealt with by Christian Abbiati.

Messina fought back, as Thuram was booked for bringing down Coppola and Zoro followed up a free kick by drilling over from the edge of the box.

After the break, Riccardo Zampagna was halted in a one-on-one situation with Abbiati for a debatable offside decision as he ran on to D'Agostino's through ball. At the other end, Nedved's snapshot was pushed round the post by Storari.

Ibrahimovic saw Storari off his line and attempted an ambitious strike from over 30 metres, but Messina were increasing the pressure at the Stadio Delle Alpi. Seeing the situation, Fabio Capello strengthened the midfield with the introduction of Mauro Camoranesi for Mutu.

Storari was kept on his toes moments later, parrying Nedved's long-range effort and then keeping out Ibrahimovic's follow-up with his knees before Del Piero's third attempt went out for a corner.

Messina also made a substitution, throwing on the more attacking Arturo Di Napoli for D'Agostino, but Juve's new arrival - Camoranesi - forced Storari to fly in order to palm away a screaming shot from distance.

Ibrahimovic dribbled past his marker moments later and the busy goalkeeper kept out his low finish with an outstretched foot.

Abbiati looked slightly insecure when Di Napoli's cross-shot at the near post was pushed away off his chest and he blocked another effort from the substitute. Giorgio Chiellini received his official Juventus debut when replacing Nedved, while Messina threw on two more attacking players.

Storari continued to frustrate Juve with another fine save on Camoranesi's cheeky volley with the outside of his foot.

David Trezeguet replaced goalscorer Del Piero and within a couple of minutes he had beaten the Messina 'keeper - but not the woodwork. His volley thumped the base of the far upright with Storari left helpless.

However, Messina had a fantastic chance to draw level in the final minutes. Abbiati showed quick reflexes to palm away a point-blank Muslimovic header deflected off Thuram and Di Napoli was somehow unable to get a solid touch on the loose ball from less than six yards.

Juventus: Abbiati; Pessotto, Thuram, Cannavaro, Zambrotta; Nedved (Chiellini 74), Giannichedda, Emerson, Mutu (Camoranesi 57); Del Piero (Trezeguet 82), Ibrahimovic

Messina: Storari; Zoro (Sculli 73), Rezaei, Zanchi, Aronica; Cristante, Coppola, Donati, Giampà; D’Agostino (Di Napoli 63); Zampagna (Muslimovic 63)

Ref: Bergonzi

[snakies]

Bayern 2 - 1 Juventus
Deisler 32 (B), Demichelis 39 (B), Ibrahimovic 90 (J)
Allianz Arena, Munich

Juve's perfect record came to an abrupt end in Munich, as a Christian Abbiati howler helped Bayern to a 2-1 victory.

Something had to give in this match, as the joint Group A leaders aimed to protect their 100 per cent records in the competition so far. The Bianconeri were without the injured Patrick Vieira and Jonathan Zebina, but despite his fine form, Alessandro Del Piero was benched in favour of David Trezeguet and Zlatan Ibrahimovic.

Manuele Blasi took his new right-back role, while Giuliano Giannichedda stepped in for Vieira alongside Emerson. Bayern boss Felix Magath scored the goal for Hamburg in their shock 1-0 European Cup Final win over Juventus in 1983, but last season the Bianconeri emerged from Munich with a 1-0 victory thanks to Del Piero.

Bayern had the first opportunity in the third minute with a Santa Cruz header off target, then moments later Roy Makaay's half-volley across the face of goal was just wide of the top corner.

Christian Abbiati had his gloves stung by a fierce Michael Ballack free kick from the edge of the box and Sebastian Deisler was offside when he latched on to the loose ball.

After a very shaky initial 10 minutes, Juve slowly started to push forward and put together a fine team move. Trezeguet held up Mauro German Camoranesi's cross and Pavel Nedved blazed wide.

Lilian Thuram was booked for clattering into Santa Cruz as the ball was flicked over his head and the resulting free kick caused chaos in the Juve area. Abbiati got down to push Makaay's effort off the line, then managed to take it away from De Michelis and Zambrotta dived in to clear from Ze Roberto.

Bayern made a substitution after just 30 minutes, introducing young talent Bastian Schweinsteiger for Bixente Lizarazu.

The Germans finally broke through, but Abbiati was left red-faced by an appalling intervention. Deisler's cross-shot from the right-hand edge of the box went in off Abbiati's knee, as the goalkeeper completely misjudged the flight of the ball.

Juve fought back, but a timid Camoranesi header was comfortably held by Oliver Kahn in his first touch of the ball after 33 minutes. The Argentine-born midfielder caused more problems moments later when Martin Demichelis slid in for a crucial clearance as his cross almost reached Trezeguet in the centre.

However, the Bianconeri defence was at fault for Bayern's second as well, as they were static and allowed Demichelis a free header on a Deisler corner kick from six yards. Trezeguet and Camoranesi were supposed to be marking the midfielder, but lost their man.

Camoranesi was Juve's liveliest player and his snapshot skimmed the crossbar, but Bayern were deserving of their lead and Abbiati blocked an acrobatic Ballack effort. Trezeguet was halted for a debatable offside flag on the stroke of half-time.

Fabio Capello made two half-time changes, introducing Del Piero for Camoranesi on the right flank and Giorgio Chiellini for Blasi as full-back. It didn't make an immediate difference, as Makaay found a way past Fabio Cannavaro's challenge to bring a tricky save out of Abbiati.

Ibrahimovic had his first real attempt on 52 minutes, but the shot was well over the bar. Del Piero earned a free kick on the edge of the area and his set-piece was punched away by Kahn on the line.

Makaay volleyed Deisler's cross just past the far post, although he was offside when the assist came in. Trezeguet hit the side-netting, but Bayern continued to have the best chances with a Santa Cruz header.

In fact, substitute Chiellini's wayward clearance almost resulted in an own goal and Abbiati had to backpass furiously to clear. Adrian Mutu was Capello's final gamble, relieving a quiet Trezeguet, but the Romanian played upfront and left Del Piero in his wide role.

Abbiati scrambled on to a Schweinsteiger angled drive that had been set up by a delicate Santa Cruz assist, as Bayern did not seem to be under pressure from the Bianconeri.

Schweinsteiger performed an important defensive intervention to stop Nedved's cross reaching Emerson at the back post. From the resulting corner, Cannavaro's header went towards Ibrahimovic, who didn't have time to turn around.

Makaay's strike from the edge of the box skimmed the crossbar after another fine team move, then Abbiati used his instincts to spread his body and block another Makaay attempt from close range.

Kahn was finally forced into a difficult save on 86 minutes, as he flew to palm Emerson's rising shot from a corner kick out of the top corner.

The Group stages could be decided on goal difference, which is why Ibrahimovic's last-gasp goal could be very important indeed. A Del Piero corner kick was swept home by the Swede at the far post.

Juventus nearly snatched a shock equaliser in stoppages, but Kahn managed to beat Nedved's free kick into an area without Bianconeri players.

Bayern Munich: Kahn; Sagnol, Lucio, Ismael, Lizarazu (Schweinsteiger 30); Deisler, Demichelis, Ballack; Ze Roberto; Makaay, Santa Cruz (Scholl 88)

Juventus: Abbiati; Blasi (Chiellini 46), Thuram, Cannavaro, Zambrotta; Camoranesi (Del Piero 46), Emerson, Giannichedda, Nedved; Ibrahimovic, Trezeguet (Mutu 66)

Ref: Vassaras (Gre)

[snakies]

Lecce 0 - 3 Juventus
Ibrahimovic 9 (J), Mutu 81 (J), Zalayeta 93 (J)
Stadio Via Del Mare

Juventus have made history with their eighth consecutive Serie A win, but lost Christian Abbiati to injury.

The Bianconeri may have lost their unbeaten record in the Champions League midweek at Bayern Munich, but they were still on track to equal the best ever start to a Serie A season, when Giovanni Trapattoni's side won their first eight games on the way to the 1985-86 Scudetto.

Gianluigi Buffon, Lilian Thuram, Jonathan Zebina and Patrick Vieira did not make the trip, while Mauro Camoranesi pulled out during the pre-match warm-up, so Fabio Capello fielded a very attacking midfield with Adrian Mutu and Pavel Nedved on the flanks. Lecce's Italian international Marco Cassetti did start despite a slight injury.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic was expected to be rested for this game, but he broke the deadlock after just nine minutes with a precise angled right-foot drive that nutmegged Lorenzo Stovini.

Alessandro Del Piero's free kick was charged down, but Christian Abbiati almost gifted Lecce with an equaliser. Fortunately for the 'keeper, Cristian Ledesma somehow managed to miss an open goal.

Vincenzo Sicignano only parried Adrian Mutu's effort into the path of Ibrahimovic, who fired the follow-up over the bar.

Just before the break, Sicignano punched away a curling Del Piero set-piece.

Marcelo Zalayeta replaced Ibrahimovic at half-time and within two minutes his header on a Giorgio Chiellini cross had gone just over the bar.

Del Piero nodded Gianluca Zambrotta's cross too high to trouble Sicignano, then the Lecce goalkeeper punched out Emerson's free kick.

Zalayeta had a great opportunity to make it 2-0, but Sicignano spread his body to charge down from close range, then the Uruguayan's header was off target.

Pavel Nedved forced a save out Sicignano and Marco Cassetti almost snatched an equaliser with a missile from distance.

Juve are already without the injured Buffon due to a shoulder injury and lost Abbiati as well, bringing on Antonio Chimenti. Zalayeta's header skimmed the goal with the 'keeper already beaten.

Adrian Mutu ensured the eighth straight win was safe late on, as his right-foot effort took a decisive deflection off Pecorari and left Sicignano stranded.

Nonetheless, Lecce went very close to getting one back, as Chimenti only parried Cassetti's effort into the path of Abruzzese, who wasted a golden opportunity. Former Lecce goalkeeper Chimenti was also called into a desperate save on Cozzolino, while Mutu was kept out by Sicignano.

Zalayeta sealed up the 3-0 scoreline in stoppages with a classic counter-attack at the near post.

Lecce: Sicignano; Cassetti, Pecorari, Stovini, Abruzzese; Marianini (Valdes 75), Ledesma; Konan, Del Vecchio, Camorani (Cozzolino 36); Vucinic

Juventus: Abbiati (Chimenti 80); Chiellini, Kovac, Cannavaro, Zambrotta; Nedved, Emerson, Giannichedda, Mutu; Del Piero (Camoranesi 78), Ibrahimovic (Zalayeta 46)

Ref: Racalbuto

[davor_suker]

Great stuff....Abiatti is shit but this keeper crisis is worrying. Come back Gigi!