Sebastian Giovinco and Antonio Candreva were both on target as Parma beat struggling Catania in style to spoil Diego Simeone’s Serie A coach debut.

Having warmed up their shooting in the first half, both men finally started hitting the back of the net after the interval with Candreva tapping home a loose ball before Giovinco made the points safe with a brilliant free-kick on the hour.

Pasquale Marino came into the game with the sound of pre-match rumours claiming this could be his last stint at the helm following last week’s loss at Brescia – that noise was watered-down as enthusiasm took centre-stage.

For Catania meanwhile it was all change at the top as Diego Simeone took his first match in charge after replacing Marco Giampaolo in midweek.

And it was Simeone’s men who went on the charge early on. Adrian Ricchiuti was fouled by Blerim Dzemaili, but the cleverly-worked free-kick failed to get the better of Parma who defended well.

The early exchanges were decent at best with neither side committing too much energy going forwards. Parma responded through Cristian Zaccardo who should have scored from Giovinco’s corner, but incredibly he missed the target from close range.

Maxi Lopez recently said his game could do with a few more goals after five in 18 games to date, but he will have to refine his finishing further after firing a right-foot shot into the arms of Antonio Mirante.

However, it was Parma who enjoyed the early dominance. Hernan Crespo, Giovinco and Candreva were all presented with decent chances, but the finishing failed to lift their side off the ground.

Ricchiuti was pulling the strings for the Sicilians as he responded to calls from Simeone on the bench. His brilliant assist was made to measure for Alejandro Gomez, but the midfielder fired wide.

Still, after Parma’s positive control, it seemed as if Catania had started to take control of the game with a commanding presence, limiting the home side to long-range shooting which never really troubled Mariano Andujar.

Eventually the Gialloblu found the breakthrough with Candreva latching onto a lose ball to tap home from close range. Francesco Valiani supplied the cross for Mariano Angelo’s knock-on which seemed to have crossed the line, but Candreva made sure to claim his second goal of the season.

It wasn’t long before the home side doubled their lead. Giovinco scored a screamer of a free-kick on the hour to remind Simeone of the challenges he faces as new Catania boss.

The Ducali were brimming with confidence after their 4-1 triumph away to Juventus on Thursday. Only Marques was unavailable for the Tardini outfit. Cagliari suffered a barely deserved last-gasp home defeat to Milan and missed Andrea Lazzari from midfield.

Parma’s last win in this fixture was back in April 2007. Antonio Candreva couldn’t quite get his head to an inviting Sebastian Giovinco cross, but moments later at the other end Andrea Cossu fired off target from a promising position.

Cagliari broke the deadlock with Robert Acquafresca after 22 minutes. A poor Gabriel Paletti clearance gave him the ball in the D and he picked his spot, curling a powerful left-foot finish past Antonio Mirante. It was his first goal since September 11 2010.

Acquafresca has had a dire few years in Serie A, but doubled his tally at the Tardini. He did brilliantly to wait for the right moment, trap a long ball and whack the angled drive across the goalkeeper.

It was a remarkable turn of events, as Parma had until then only conceded four times on home turf all season. Michael Agazzi had to rush off his line to smother at the feet of Giovinco, then the goalkeeper did brilliantly to deny Cristian Zaccardo in a one-on-one.

Cagliari nearly made it 3-0 right after the restart, as Mirante flew to deny a Daniele Conti free kick.

Parma got back into it with Giovinco’s third goal in two games. It was a magnificent solo effort, as the youngster shook off three defenders on the edge of the box to curl a left-foot finish towards the far post.

Agazzi smothered at Hernan Crespo’s feet from a free kick, but Raffaele Palladino had a good penalty shout ignored when he appeared to be felled by Michele Canini.

Both sides had complaints about the referee, as there were also penalty appeals from Alessandro Matri for a shirt-tug and an Alessandro Lucarelli tackle from behind.

In the final minutes an Astori goalline clearance denied Palladino the equaliser, but Mirante stopped Alessandro Matri from adding a third to the Cagliari tally.

Parma: Mirante; Zaccardo, Paletta, Lucarelli, Gobbi (Modesto 67); Morrone, Dzemaili (Palladino 46), Candreva; Valiani (Calvo 81), Crespo, Giovinco

Cagliari: Agazzi; Pisano (Perico 72), Canini, Astori, Agostini; Biondini, Conti, Nainggolan; Cossu (Laner 90); Nenè, Acquafresca (Matri 62)

Ref: Candussio

Newly-promoted Brescia made their return to Serie A after five years and could count on new faces like Eder, who was top scorer in Serie B last season, and ex-West Ham star Alessandro Diamanti. Mareco and the suspended Hetemaj were unavailable for this opener. Parma will be without Italy defender Daniele Galloppa until January following knee ligament surgery, but Sebastian Giovinco makes his debut behind Valeri Bojinov.

Davide Possanzini had the first real chance for Brescia, as he got behind Massimo Paci to prod a low Vass cross into the grateful arms of Antonio Mirante from six yards.

It was Parma who broke the deadlock, though. Marques and Giovinco combined to set up the third prong of their trident attack, Bojinov. Former Juventus starlet Hiovinco’s divine chipped pass went over the defence and sent the Bulgarian through for a cool finish.

A couple of Giovinco low drives tested Matteo Sereni at the near post, while the away goalkeeper also denied Zaccardo and a Giovinco free kick, but Brescia’s new signing Diamanti struggled to make an impact.

In first half stoppages Andrea Caracciolo had penalty appeals for a tussle with Massimo Paci as he tried to get his head to a Diamanti free kick.

Parma doubled their lead on the stroke of half-time. A free kick was knocked down for Stefano Morrone to sweep in relatively unmarked from five yards after the ball had bobbled past several players.

Brescia nearly scored a spectacular goal two minutes after the restart. Zambelli got down the right and crossed for Caracciolo’s flying backheel flick, but Mirante was at full stretch to fingertip it off the line.

Parma should’ve had a third when Bojinov went on the counter to force Sereni into a save with his trailing leg, but then Marques somehow fired wide of an empty net from seven yards!

‘Atomic Ant’ Giovinco was on fine form and his curling free kick thumped the crossbar on the hour mark.

Brescia continued to have their chances, such as a Possanzini angled drive and Eder header from a free kick, both skimming the woodwork.

Valiani went on the counter-attack and forced a tricky save out of Sereni at the near post.

Parma: Mirante; Zaccardo, Paci, Lucarelli, Antonelli; Valiani, Morrone, Gobbi (Pisano 81); Giovinco (Coppola 86), Bojinov (Paloschi 67), Marques

Brescia: Sereni; Zambelli, Zoboli, Martinez, Dallamano; Kone, Budel (Cordova 55), Vass; Diamanti (Diamanti 61); Possanzini, Caracciolo (Feczesin 80)

Ref: Damato

On the 8th minute, there is a ball into the Juve area. Caceres manages to anticpate the French striker. Four minutes later, there is a corner for Juve: ball dangerously into the area but the defence manages to clear in some way or another.

The 17th minute sees a ball into the Juve area but Melo clears into out. One minute later, there is a good Juve initiative by Diego and Sissoko but the Mali player slips as he is about to score.

On the 22nd minute, there is a free-kick for Juve: ball into the area, Chiellini with a magnificent elevation over Diarra heads the ball off the ground but it goes slightly high. Seconds later there is a great recovery by Chiellini.

It is the 24th minute when there is another corner for Bordeaux: ball cleared by the Juve defence. The French side is awarded another corner one minute laterafter a dangerous deviation in the area: ball into the Juve area but Buffon waves it away before a good clearance by Caceres.

On the 29th minute, a good Sissoko long ball finds Del Piero who passes to Diego who with a good shot sees the keeper saving. Good play by Juve. Two minutes later there is a corner for Bordeaux: the Juve defence clears.

The 35th minute sees a good run by Caceres who crosses to Del Piero but the ball is a bit too long. Three minutes later, Buffon performs a miracle on Chamakh before the ball is cleared by the defence. From the rebound it is a super Chiellini who clears into corner.

Juve continue to defend from the continuous Bordeaux attacks and on the 44th minute there is a free-kick for Bordeaux from outside the area following a foul by Melo: ball goes wide. The first half ends in a deadlock.

The second half sees Juve trying to react but Bordeaux are a hard nut to crack. On the 1st minute Amauri enters the area but he is stopped for off-side. One minute later, there was a great clearance by Chiellini and seconds later, an Amauri cross from the right is intercepted by the defence.

On the 5th minute, there is a free-kick for Bordeaux following dangerous play by Legrottaglie: the Juve comes out well clearing the danger. Three minutes later another free-kick for Bordeaux marks the turning point of the match: ball into the area and Fernando heads home for the opener: 1-0.

The 11th minute sees a great shot by Melo from outside the area going inches high over the bar. Two minutes later a great Diego shot is saved by Carasso. It is the 16th minute when there is yet another free-kick for Bordeaux: ball cleared by Caceres after a series of faulty tackles. One minute later, a Wendel shot goes high.

On the 19th minute, Del Piero puts a perfect ball into the area but Diego and Amauri did not manage to deviate into the net. Two minutes later, there is a free-kick for Juve: Diego’s ball is blocked by the defence.

The 22nd minute sees Immobile coming on for Del Piero. Seconds later, a Diego shot is blocked by the defence. It is the 26th minute when there is a corner for Bordeaux: ball cleared by the defence but from the rebound a Plasil shot goes wide.

One minute later, there is a ball into the Juve area but a Molinas shot goes wide. On the 31st minute Giovinco comes on for Amauri. The atomic ant immediately has an impact on the match and Juve play their best football of the match.

On the 32nd minute there is a corner for Juve: ball deviated once again into corner. From the second flag-kick the ball goes directly into the hands of the keeper. Six minutes later, there is a free-kick for Juve following a foul on Giovinco: Diego’s shot goes well high over the bar.

The 40th minute sees another free-kick for the French side: Buffon saves punching the ball into corner. From the flag the ball is put into the area but Sissoko frees from danger. On the 43rd minute Marchisio comes on for Sissoko. In the last of the 90 minutes Caceres saves well on a Bordeaux initiative. It is the 94th minute when Chamakh heads home from a corner for the 2-0.

The match ends with Juve suffereing their first defeat of the season in the Champions League. The bianconeri remain second in the table with 8 points but only one point ahead of Bayern Munich against whom they will be playing the last match of the groups stage in Turin. A draw will be enough to assure Ferrara’s team of qualification.

Champions League, Group A – 5th match day
Bordeaux, Chaban-Delmas Stadium
Wednesday 25th November, 2009

BORDEAUX – JUVENTUS: 2-0

Goals: Fernando (53rd), Chamakh (92nd)

BORDEAUX: Carrasso (Rame 56th), Chalme’, Planus, Ciani, Tremoulinas, Diarra, Fernando, Gouffran (Traore 76th), Plasil, Wendel; Chamakh. Reserves: Rame, Cavenaghi, Bellion, Placente, Sertic, Traore, Sane. Coach: Blanc.

JUVENTUS: Buffon; Caceres, Cannavaro, Legrottaglie, Grosso; Felipe Melo, Sissoko (Marchisio 87th), Camoranesi, Diego, Del Piero (Immobile 67th), Amauri (Giovinco 76th). Reserves: Manninger, Grygera, Cannavaro, Marchisio, Poulsen, Giovinco, Immobile.
Coach: Ferrara.

Referee: Edoardo Itturalde Gonzalez

Yellow Cards: Camoranesi (33rd), Felipe Melo (45th), Legrottaglie (51st), Caceres (59th), Fernando (54th), Traore (89th),

Juventus welcomed Udinese at the Stadio Olimpico hoping to get back within five points of runaway leaders Inter.

The home side started strongly and after just a minute Diego made a good run on the right and fired a cross-shot that hit the outside of the net.

The Brazilian playmaker threatened again in the 5th minute, when he fired a shot from distance that was parried by goalkeeper Samir Handanovic, and as the ball came back down Cristian Zapata did well to clear the ball away from Amauri.

Seven minutes later Mauro Camoranesi sent in a dangerous cross toward the far post which found Sebastian Giovinco, whose left-footed shot was well-saved by Handanovic.

After that there was a long quiet period in the match, as both sides struggled to create chances. At the half hour mark, there was a chance for Camoranesi as he was in a good position to shoot following a corner kick, but his shot was blocked.

Eight minutes later the Italian international found Amauri in the area after a good team move, but the striker couldn’t beat Handanovic with his volleyed shot.

A minute before half time, Udinese saw a goal chalked off for offside as Gaetano D’Agostino’s shot from the edge of the area was turned in by Mauricio Isla, who was judged to be beyond the last Juventus defender when D’Agostino struck his shot.

During the break neither coach opted to make a change.

Five minutes in, Juve finally broke the deadlock, as Christian Poulsen sent the ball forward for Jose Caceres, who played it back into the area to Fabio Grosso, and the Italian international full back had no problems beating Handanovic.

The home side continued to attack after that, and in the 64th minute after a nice one-two on the left between substitute Alessandro Del Piero and Diego, the Brazilian sent in a cross that was parried by Handanovic, and on the rebound Mohamed Sissoko fired a shot that went just over the bar.

A minute later Udinese had their first real chance, with a shot by Antonio Floro Flores from the edge of the area that was parried away by Buffon with his foot.

In the 77th minute, Handanovic had to come up with a great save to prevent an own goal by Dusan Basta, as a Del Piero corner kick accidentally landed on the defender’s head and nearly put Juve 2-0 up.

Five minutes later, the Juventus captain claimed a penalty as he controlled a pass by Fabio Cannavaro and appeared to be brought down by Basta, but the referee waved play on.

In injury time there were a couple more dangerous incidents. In the 93rd minute Zapata forced Buffon into a good save with a low left-footed shot, and a minute later Bernardo Corradi seemed to be brought down by Giorgio Chiellini, but the referee didn’t give a penalty.

In the end the home side held on to their slim lead and earned a priceless victory that allows them to move within five points of leaders Inter. Currently they are second with 27 points, while Udinese are 14th with 15 points.

On the 1st minute, however, Giovinco puts pressure on Garics in the area but the defender manages to defend the ball in some manner. One minute later, the ball is put into the Juve area, the defence heads away a first time. Tiribocchi’s shot from the re-bound goes well wide.

The 3rd minute sees a good cross by Caceres into the area with Trezeguet being anticipated. One minute later, Grosso tries a cross into the area but the ball goes wide and out. On the 5th minute there is a ball into the area by Ceravolo but Cannavaro defends well.

It is the 6th minute when a good Caceres cross into the area is cleared by the defence. Two minutes later, there is nice snappy passing by Juventus but the final cross by Giovinco goes wide. On the 9th minute a Camoranesi shot from outside the area forces the keeper to save into corner. From the flag the ball is cleared from the area by the defence but it is put in again and the action is stopped for a foul in attack by Chiellini.

On the 12th minute there is a free-kick for Atalanta: Doni’s shot is cleared into corner by Chiellini: the ball is put into the area but Poulsen heads away. Three minutes later, a Tiribocchi incursion sees the ball go slightly wide. Free-kick for Juve after a foul on Giovinco who is about to enter the area following great footwork on the 16th minute: Diego puts the ball high over the bar.

The 18th minute sees a free-kick from the right for Atalanta: ball put directly beyond the line by Ceravolo. One minute later there is a corner for Juve: ball into the area by Diego is cleared a first time by the defence and a Giovinco shot from re-bound goes high over the bar.

It is the 23rd minute when Ceravolo tries a ball towards goal but Buffon saves easily. Three minutes later, Buffon performs a good sure-footed save on Ceravolo who entered the area.

On the 28th minute, Caceres puts a great ball into the area for Trezeguet who heads home but sees the goal disallowed for offside. Two minutes later, Poulsen clears a ball into corner. The defence liberates the area. On the 33rd minute there is a cross into the Juve area by Garics and Doni’s shot goes wide.

The turning point comes on the 36th minute: beautifully constructed ball into the area by Grosso with Camoranesi who heads home for the opener: 1-0.

Atalanta have hardly time to kcik-off when one minute after the first goal there is a second ball towards Camoranesi by Grosso and second goal by the Italo-Argentine with a shot from the centre of the area: 2-0.

Juve insist on the 39th minute but this time the defence manages to free the area just in time. Four minutes later there is a free-kick for Juve: Diego puts the ball in but it is cleared by the defence. On the 44th minute there is a corner for Juve after a Chiellini shot is deviated and one minute later Buffon saves well on a powerful Ceravolo shot.

In the only minute of stoppage time for the first half Diego is stopped for off-side as he runs towards the area and seconds later. The teams exit the field with Juve leading 0-2.

The second half is indeed a very exciting one with Juve finally having the upper hand after a good reaction by Conte’s men. On the 2nd minute, Poulsen frees the Juve area following an Atalanta initiative and one minute later there is a beautiful touch by Diego into the area and Chiellini’s half-volley is not impacted well.

On the 5th minute, Valdes enters the area following a through ball catches Juve defence cold and puts the ball beyond Buffon and into the net for 2-1. One minute later there is a free-kick for Juve: Diego puts the ball into the area, Cannavaro heads home but the goal is disallowed for off-side.

It is the 8th minute when Buffon saves well after a good Valdes cross into the area. One minute later Juve have a third goal disallowed as Poulsen heads home. Seconds later, however, Melo fires one from outside the area and this time it is 3-1.

On the 11th minute there is a free-kick for Atalanta: good ball into the Juve area but nobody manages to hit it and it goes wide. Two minutes later, Buffon manages to grab the ball after Tiribocchi does not hit the ball well in the area.

It is the quarter of an hour of the second half when a good low ball into the area by Grosso is blocked by a defender. Three minutes later, a Guarente shot from outside the area goes wide. On the 20th minute, a Giovinco cross is too wide to worry the Atalanta defence.

The 21st minute sees a Diego shot from outside the area goes high over the bar and seconds later the Brazilian is stopped as he is about to enter the area while a Poulsen shot is blocked.

The ghosts of the match against Napoli appear on the 25th minute as there is a ball into the Juve area towards Ceravolo who turns well and puts the ball into the net for the 2-3. Seconds after, a dangerous shot by Valdes goes curling just wide of the corner.
Two minutes later, De Ceglie comes on for Giovinco.

On the half hour mark, a Grosso cross is too high. One minute later, Camoranesi bands a ball through into the area for Trezeguet but the flag is up. On the 35th minute Trezeguet does not manage to shoot as a ball is put towards him in the area. Seconds later, there is a free-kick for Juve: Diego puts it in towards Trezeguet but a defender manages to clear.

It is the 36th minute when Buffon cradles the ball anticipating Tiribocchi. Three minutes later, there is a beautiful touch by Diego to beat Consigli for the 4th time after receiving from Camoranesi: 2-4.

Two minutes pass and on the 41st minute, Chiellini puts a low ball into the area and Trezeguet fires home for the 5-2 and the goal which puts him alongside Sivori for the number of goals scored. Trezegol lives up to his nick-name.

Immobile makes his debut as he comes on for Diego on the 43rd minute and he immediately shows his great talent with a couple of beautiful touches. On the 44th minute, Camoranesi puts it in for Immobile whose shot is deviated into corner. From the flag Immobile’s header goes wide. Great play by the Primavera striker.

The referee whistles three times for the end of the match right on the 90th. Juve beat Atalanta in Bergamo by 2-5 in a show of determination and great attacking play.

Serie A 2009/10 12th Match Day
Bergamo, Stadio Atleti Azzurri D’Italia
Saturday 7th November, 2009

ATALANTA – JUVENTUS: 2-5

Scorers: Camoranesi (36th), Camoranesi (37th), Valdes (50th), Felipe Melo (55th), Ceravolo (71st), Diego (85th), Trezeguet (87th).

ATALANTA: Consigli; Garics, Talamonti, Peluso, Bellini; Ceravolo, Paodin, Guarente, Valdes; Doni, Tiribocchi. Reserves: Coppola, Pellegrino, Bianco, Radovanovic, Madonna, Caserta, Tiboni. Coach: Conte.

JUVENTUS: Buffon; Caceres, Cannavaro, Chiellini, Grosso; Poulsen, Felipe Melo; Camoranesi, Diego, Giovinco (Giovinco 72nd); Trezeguet. Reserves: Manninger, Legrottaglie, Grygera, Molinaro, De Ceglie, Tiago, Immobile. Coach: Ferrara.

REFEREE: Morganti from Ascoli Piceno.

Yellow Cards: Padoin (16th), Grosso (18th), Doni (43rd), Guarente (51st), Poulsen (57th), Cannavaro (76th), Bellini (79th), Trezeguet (87th)

Juventus threw away a two-goal lead as Napoli won an enthralling contest in Turin. David Trezeguet and Sebastian Giovinco had given the hosts control of the match, but Marek Hamsik scored either side of Jesus Datolo’s strike to give the Partenopei the points. Amauri was sent off late on for the hosts.

Ciro Ferrara retained the 4-2-3-1 formation that worked wonders last time out, although Christian Poulsen replaced Mohamed Sissoko as one of the holding midfielders. Trezeguet also took Amauri’s place as the lone striker. German Denis started ahead of Fabio Quagliarella for the visitors, who also started Paolo Cannavaro, brother of Juventus’ Fabio, in defence.

The hosts started the way they left off against Sampdoria, and Giovinco could have opened the scoring in the first minute but he shot just wide after being played through on goal by Mauro Camoranesi.

While Juventus had the better of the early play, Denis had a golden opportunity to put Napoli in front in the seventh minute. After Ezequiel Lavezzi fired a low ball across the face of the goal, Christian Maggio centred the ball back into the six-yard box but Denis was caught between using his head and his foot, and in the end used neither as the ball flashed past him.

Denis had another opportunity in the 18th minute as he collected another pass from the energetic Lavezzi, but as he was turning he slipped in the penalty area to gift possession back to the hosts. Gianluigi Buffon was called into action minutes later as he did incredibly well to touch over a long-range shot from Salvatore Aronica. From the resulting corner, Matteo Contini’s header floated just wide of the post as Lavezzi tried to connect.

Napoli were in the ascendancy, and had clearly planned a routine from corners. In the 23rd minute, Marek Hamsik’s delivery found Denis, but the Argentine failed to get a good connection on his header.

Juventus were also creating opportunities as Felipe Melo shot just wide following good work by Diego. The game had to be stopped in the 27th minute as Camoranesi went down clutching his head, with blood pouring from a wound. Replays showed that Contini had led with his elbow as the two clashed, but neither the referee nor his assistants had picked up on the challenge.

The winger had to be substituted, with Tiago coming on in his place. It didn’t stop the Bianconeri attacks, and they caught out the Partenopei defence in the 35th minute. As Zdenek Grygera whipped in a cross from the right hand side, David Trezeguet ran in front of his marker to power a header past Morgan De Sanctis.

Contini was belatedly booked as he needlessly went in from behind on Diego in first half injury time, but Fabio Grosso’s shot from the free kick was ballooned over the bar.

Giovinco was nearly played through on goal in the opening minutes of the second half, but Hugo Campagnaro made a superb sliding tackle to avert the danger.

Vesuviani coach Walter Mazzarri was scratching his head on the touchline as his side continued to struggle to break through the Juventus defence, and some shambolic defending led to the hosts’ second goal.

In the 54th minute, Trezeguet’s cross from the left wing looked harmless enough, but Contini inexplicably headed the ball straight to Sebastian Giovinco, who tucked the ball home with ease.

Mazzarri was called into making a change in order to reverse the tide, and brought on Jesus Datolo for Campagnaro. It paid instant dividends, as Datolo sprinted down the left wing and crossed low into the box for Marek Hamsik to finish from close range.

Juventus rallied, and had the ball in the net moments later but Felipe Melo was correctly flagged offside. Trezeguet was then played through on goal, but the Frenchman couldn’t get a shot away before De Sanctis pounced on the ball.

Despite the defensive frailties, Napoli were playing some fluid and incisive football in attack. Amazingly, they found an equaliser in the 64th minute, as Jesus Datolo poked the ball home from close range after Buffon had saved Denis’ initial header.

Napoli were going for the three points, and Mazzarri looked to achieve that by bringing on Fabio Quagliarella for the disappointing Denis with 20 minutes remaining. The hosts, on the other hand, suddenly looked nervous and needed someone to grab hold of the game.

Ferrara changed his side’s system once again as he brought on Amauri for Poulsen in the 77th minute, but it couldn’t stop Napoli from scoring a third a few minutes later. It came from a Juventus corner, with Lavezzi running the length of the pitch to play in Datolo. The substitute sent a cross into the box that could only pick out Tiago, but a weak clearance found an onrushing Hamsik, who struck the ball high into the net to send the visiting fans into raptures.

The home crowd started to voice their discontent as the players’ anxiety became increasingly apparent. The hosts were given five minutes of injury time to find an equaliser, but shot themselves in the foot as Amauri was sent off in the 93rd minute. As De Sanctis looked to collect the ball on the floor, Amauri’s swinging boot caught the ‘keeper in the face, earning him a straight red card. It was the final meaningful act of an action-packed match, but Ferrara will be wondering how his side didn’t collect at least a point.

Amauri (2), Giorgio Chiellini, Mauro Camoranesi and substitute David Trezeguet scored the goals as Juventus produced their best performance of the season to leapfrog Sampdoria, for whom Giampaolo Pazzini grabbed a consolation, into second place.

It was third against second in Turin, as both sides looked to chase leaders Inter. The Bianconeri ended a run of four winless league matches at the weekend, but came into this game with serious injury problems as Tiago, Alessandro Del Piero, Claudio Marchisio, Hasan Salihamidizic, Jonathan Zebina, Martin Caceres and Vincenzo Iaquinta were out. Fabio Grosso, Fabio Cannavaro, Momo Sissoko and Sebastian Giovinco returned in a 4-2-3-1.

Samp were in confident mood having thrashed Bologna 4-1 on Saturday, and could temporarily go top by winning again. The Blucerchiati made two changes as Daniele Gastaldello came in for Marco Rossi at the back, while Angelo Palombo suffered a muscular problem and was replaced by Fernando Tissone. The best strikeforce in Italy at the moment, Antonio Cassano and Giampaolo Pazzini, led the attack.

Juventus created the first opening of the game on 10 minutes as Luca Castelazzi saved well from Grosso before Diego fired over from the rebound via a deflection. From the following corner Castellazzi flew low to his right to make a brilliant stop from Giorgio Chiellini’s header.

The home side were doing most of the running, but Samp fired a couple of warning signs through Marius Stankevicius and Reto Ziegler.

The deadlock was broken in Juventus’ favour on 25 minutes in scrappy circumstances. A corner from the left was not cleared properly by the Samp defence, and Amauri was on hand to lash home the loose ball.

Giovinco tested Castellazzi with a long shot, and Amauri headed wide before Samp made a tactical switch on 36 minutes as Claudio Bellucci replaced Luciano Zauri and the visitors moved to a 4-3-1-2.

A second Juventus goal was on the cards, though, and it arrived on 42 minutes. Chiellini charged forward from defence, laid the ball off to Amauri on the left, and then tapped home at the back post from the Brazilian-born striker’s centre.

Stankevicius fizzed an effort wide before the half time whistle, but it had been Juve’s best half of football this season so far.

Juventus almost made it three straight after the interval, but Castellazzi saved brilliantly to prevent a Stefano Lucchini own goal.

Marco Padalino replaced the disappointing Tissone as Samp threw on their second substitute of the evening.

On 49 minutes it was indeed 3-0. Diego slipped through Giovinco, who cut back expertly to Mauro Camoranesi to sidefoot home.

Giovinco was on fire down the left, and could have made it four a few minutes later as he raced past Stankevicius before shooting into the sidenetting. Grosso also hit a 30-yard piledriver inches past the top corner.

A fourth goal was coming, and it arrived on 61 minutes as Amauri bulleted home a header into the far corner from Camoranesi’s cross.

It had been a miserable night for Samp, but they at least grabbed a consolation three minutes later. Bellucci crossed from the left and Pazzini nodded into the top corner from six yards.

Juventus gave a run-out to David Trezeguet and Paolo De Ceglie, who came on for Amauri and Felipe Melo.

Trezeguet should have scored on 71 minutes as Giovinco put the ball on a plate for him at the back post, but the Frenchman fluffed his shot.

Substitute Trezeguet did find the back of the net three minutes from time as he headed past Castellazzi from Grosso’s deep cross.

With this win Juventus swap places with Sampdoria and move up from third to second, one point behind Inter who play tomorrow against Palermo.

Wednesday 21st October 2009
JUVENTUS – MACCABI HAIFA: 1-0 Goals: Chiellini (47th). JUVENTUS: Buffon; Zebina (Caceres 34th), Cannavaro, Chiellini, Grosso; Felipe Melo (Poulsen 61st), Sissoko; Camoranesi, Diego, Giovinco; Trezeguet (Amauri 80th). Reserves: Manninger, Caceres, Legrottaglie, De Ceglie, Poulsen, Amauri, Iaquinta. Coach: Ferrara. MACCABI HAIFA: Davidovitch; Meshumar, Teixeira, Keinan, Masilela (Zaguri 45th); Osman, Boccoli, Culma, Refaelov (Dutra 56th); Dvalishvili, Arbeitman (Ghadir 45th). Reserves: Edri, Harazi, Maymon, Strahman, Dutra, Ghadir, Zaguri. Coach: Levi. Referee: O. Benquerenca Yellow Cards: Culma (10th), Texeira (31st), Osman (39th), Zaguri (48th), Boccoli (89th), Red Card: Dutra (68th)

On the 5th minute came the first real dangerous opportunity for Livorno as Buffon saves well on a dangerous Lucarelli shot. Two minutes later Camoranesi with a great shot sees the ball going inches wide after receiving from Giovinco. Juventus must only wait for another minute, however before rejoicing. On the 8th minute Camoranesi crosses into the area and Iaquinta heads perfectly into the back of the net! 1-0.

On the 10th minute, Grosso puts a ball into the area but the keeper saves well and seconds later it is Buffon who hands the ball into corner following a dangerous Livorno attack. One minute later, Giovinco with a series of dribbles enters the area but loses the ball at the last moment.

The 14th minute sees Camoranesi who crosses into the area for Trezeguet who is anticipated by the keeper. Five minutes later there is a free-kick for Juve: Camoranesi puts the ball into area but Trezeguet’s shot goes high. On the 24th minute a good cross into the area is cleared by the defence.

One minute later, Candreva makes Juventus fans miss a heart beat as he shoots slightly wide with Buffon beaten. On the 26th minute a Trezeguet first-timer goes wide after a good Juve initiative.

It is the 27th minute when there is a free-kick for Livorno: headed away by the Juve defence. Three minutes later, precisely on the half hour, Juventus score a second. Marchisio enters the area and lobs the ball over the keeper and into the net after receiving from Camoranesi making the score 2-0.

On the 32nd minute a Raimondi header goes high over the post. And two minutes later Buffon performs a miracle on Lucarelli kicking a ball which was destined to the net. From the corner the ball once again reaches the Lucarelli forward who shoots with Buffon performing another great save.

The 38th minute sees a Iaquinta header go high over the bar. Two minutes later, there is a corner for Livorno: Buffon is higher then everyone else and grabs safely.

The referee awards 2 minutes of stoppage time. On the 46th minute there is a free-kick for Juve: Giovinco puts the ball into the area shoots perfectly with the keeper lucky to cradle the ball. The half ends with 2-0 for Livorno.

The second half sees Juventus creating a number of good chances but controlling the match while defending the result. On the 2nd minute a ball is put into the area with Iaquinta who is fouled while trying to head but the referee signals to play on. One minute later, a Marchisio shot is deviated into corner.

On the 7th minute, Buffon performs a spectacular save on a Filippini lob destined to goal. Five minutes later, Iaquinta hits the bar with the flag up for off-side. On the 14th minute De Ceglie comes on for Giovinco.

On the quarter of an hour mark, there is a free-kick for Juve from 35 metres: Camoranesi puts a ball into the area towards Trezeguet who does nit manage to head well. Two minutes later, a Trezeguet first timer with a scissor shot hits the post!

The 19th minute sees a free-kick for Livorno: Buffon saves on the re-bound after Juve had stopped for an out ball. Four minutes later, a Iaquinta shot is put into out. On the 27th minute it is time for a debut: Marrone comes on for an excellent Camoranesi who exits applauded by the public. It is the half hour when the young Juve midfielder wins Juve a free-kick after a great initiative: Grosso’s shot goes inches high.

On the 31st minute, Trezeguet is unlucky as his attempt in the area goes high over the bar. Four minutes later, the Frenchman is replaced by Amauri. On the 41st minute, Iaquinta heads after receiving in the area but the ball is saved by the keeper. Two minutes later Buffon performs another super-save this time on Candreva.

After four minutes of stoppage time, the final whistle blows with Juventus taking home their fourth consecutive win (the 6th for Ferrara) and another clean sheet for Buffon.

Serie A 2009/10 – 4th match day
Turin, Olympic Stadium
Saturday 19th September, 2009

JUVENTUS-LIVORNO : 2-0

Goals: Iaquinta (8th), Camoranesi (20th),

JUVENTUS: Buffon; Grygera, Legrottaglie, Chiellini, Grosso; Camoranesi (Marrone 72nd), Poulsen, Marchisio; Giovinco (De Ceglie 60th); Iaquinta, Trezeguet (Amauri 80th). Reserves: Manninger, Zebina, Ariaudo, Molinaro, De Ceglie, Marrone, Amauri. Coach: Ferrara.

LIVORNO: De Lucia; Raimondi, Diniz, Miglionico, Pieri; Pulzetti, Mozart, Moro; Candreva; Tavano (Cellerino 69th), Lucarelli (Danilevicius 63rd). Reserves: Benussi, Knezevic, Danilevicius, Vitale, Filippini, Marchini, Cellerino. Coach: Russo.

REFEREE: Pierpaoli from Florence

Yellow Cards: Moro (45th)