Killing it Pauker, brilliant!!

Belfodil to join Juventus

Ishak Belfodil, who currently has scored 13 goals in 30 appearances in the Serie A TIM is rumored to sign a deal with Juventus in the coming month. The player, impressing throughout the season currently is out injured for 3 months, after sustaining a torn ligament. However, it hasn't stop Juventus manager Pavel Nedved to get the Algerian international in his ranks.

The manager said,"Ishak (Belfodil) has definitely showed his talent throughout this season, and with Juventus acquiring the best talents available at the best available prices. Ishak (Belfodil), has definitely shown that this season, scoring 13 goals in the league." The manager continued,"We have officially reached a deal with Parma and his agents about a co-ownership deal, and he will remain at Parma for 2 years, or when any club buys the remaining 50% of the rights." After Nedved was asked if he would use the player if he got the chance, the manager answered,"Sure, if I get the chance to use him, I'd do it, but now, he isn't training with the club, and instead Parma. Plus, we wanted for him to stay at Parma for an additional 2 years, to help with his development, which of course is going well." Before ending the interview, Nedved said,"Ishak (Belfodil) is a main talent, that at the moment, would not have a place at the Juventus forward line, as the quality up there is great. Nevertheless, once we get the opportunity to play him, I'm confident he will impress in the Juve shirt."

Pavel Nedved

But, Ishak Belfodil, seems more calm about his recent co-ownership deal to Juventus, as he spoke to Sky Italia about it. He said,"Of course, Juventus are the biggest team in Italy and just to be rumored to them is an absolute honor. Thankfully, they stayed true to their word and actions, and placed a bid for me, which I personally asked the gaffer to accept the bid." The Algerian international continued,"From there on, we had some days of negotiations, but as soon as I talked to the Juve manager about my role, the ambitions, I was ready to play for Juventus, even if I didn't get my paycheck." Excitingly, the injured forward said,"To be honest, I wasn't sure if I the deal was going ahead with my recent injury, but Pavel (Nedved) didn't pay attention to that, as he told me that I had the future to become an even better player than I am." Before finishing his interview Belfodil said,"One of the major things that convinced me to sign that contract was the fact that I would stay at Parma, where at the moment, I think that I will develop more."


The deal is rumored to be £2.5 milion, and with Parma keeping the player for 2 years.

Ishak Belfodil

Belfodil is a pretty good striker, a good signing. How much did you pay for 50% of his rights? Also, smart thinking letting him develop at Parma more.

Very nice update

May: Wrapping Up The Season

Juventus starting XI (3-1-4-2) Buffon, Marrone, Chiellini, Bonucci, Pogba, Vidal, Bertolacci, Padoin, Lichsteiner, Cavani, Vucinic

Mirko Vucinic (64,68)

Subs Peluso and Asamoah

Andrea Bertolacci (9.0)

Even if we beat Valencia by a 3 goal margin, we knew that this match was going to be tough, and boy, it was hard. Diego Alves wouldn't crack, even with fantastic efforts by various players.. Losing by a goal after entering half-time, I was nervous.. Were we going out? Was our unbeaten run going out? But as always, Vucinic was there, and he cracked Diego Alves, as he scored a brace into the 64th and 68th minute. It seriously looked that we were going to win, but two quick-fire goals by Barragan and Jonas ended our unbeaten run.. Even though we passed on to the final of the Champions League, I was seriously bummed. My 50th match in charge with the Juventus team ended in a loss, and my first one as well...


Juventus starting XI (3-1-4-2) Buffon, Sakho, Marrone, Bonucci, Pirlo, Bertolacci, Pogba, Isla, Asamoah, Cavani, Immobile

Claudio Marchisio (21) and Andrea Pirlo (35) Mamadou Sakho (42)

Subs Padoin and Vidal

Leonardo Bonucci (8.4)

A Turin derby was the best way we could get our morale up after our first loss in 50 matches. Torino, who didn't have Cerci in their team, (because of an injury) we had a much better chance than we already did. Having some nice possession with Pirlo, Cavani scored a pretty nice 1v1 goal. With that, Cavani had scored another goal to add to his impressing tally and Bonucci headed another goal to end the Turin Derby and we had earned our bragging rights. The road to recovery was in operation.


Juventus starting XI (3-1-4-2) Buffon, Sakho, Chiellini, Bonucci, Pirlo, Marchisio, Pogba, Isla, Pepe, Vucinic, Cavani

Edinson Cavani (51,69)

Subs Vidal, Jovetic and Marrone

Edinson Cavani (9.1)

After this match, we had Parma, Napoli, Roma and Manchester City, with the last two being finals. The decision was hard, but I decided to give a rest to players like Asamoah and Lichsteiner, who were having problems with the fixture list. With the match starting out promisingly, we dominated, but couldn't put it away. However, a very motivating speech let the team get up and score two goals in twenty minutes, both from Cavani, who seemed the most inspired. The match was ours and we had recorded 96 points, with potentially another six that could be added.


Juventus starting XI (3-1-4-2) Buffon, Sakho, Marrone, Chiellini, Pogba, Vidal, Marchisio, Isla, Padoin, Vucinic, Cavani

Mauricio Isla (5) Arturo Vidal (29,69) and Edinson Cavani (62)

Subs Simone Pepe

Arturo Vidal (8.8)

Without Pirlo, Bonucci, Asamoah and Lichsteiner who were all rested ahead of the two finals against Roma and Manchester City (Coppa Italia and Champions League respectively). Even though, Vidal and Marchisio played, just in case, as Parma were looking for a win to boost them up to the table for a 3rd place finish, that would see them play in the qualifying rounds in the Champions League. However, the Chilean duo would deny them, as Isla scored an early goal, thanks to his compatriot assisting. Not long after, Vidal converted yet another penalty. Cavani rounded out the game, before Battaglia scored to put the team nervous. However, after asking the team to push for a goal, where Vidal scored an absolute screamer.


Juventus starting XI (3-1-4-2) Buffon, Marrone, Chiellini, Sakho, Pogba, Vidal, Marchisio, Asamoah, Isla, Vucinic, Cavani

Edinson Cavani (27)

SubsSimone Pepe, Martin Caceres and Andrea Bertolacci

Miguel Britos (8.3)

Our last fixture was away at Napoli, and I was nervous.. Would they end our Serie A unbeaten run? The team was playing well, defending anything that came to us, and the same went with the attack. With Rosati, their second choice goalkeeper on, Cavani scored a 1v1 against him, and in the San Paolo, where he had scored some great goals, but in a Napoli shirt. Cavani, being respectful didn't celebrate. Not many more chances came in for the players, but still we had two finals to play, and two trophies to bring home.

Player of the Month

Author's Note

Both finals will be posted as live commentary, so be looking up for that!

Great month apart from Valencia, but like you say Diego Alves is a rock. There's almost no way round him. Great update too. Still at least your in 2 finals. Good luck in both of them.

Great season, can't wait to know the cup results!
I'm guessing you will manage a treble Good luck!

@Neal: Yeah, he's pretty good and it was 2.5m pounds.. That was key to the move, as Parma were desperate to keep him on their team.

@Seni: Thanks mate

@Jozef: Yeah, I was totally bummed out to lose my unbeaten run to Valencia, where as I beat teams like Barca and Man U.

@Alex: Thanks man! It would be a quadruple, if I would win both of those (Italian Super Copa, Serie A, Coppa Italia, CL)

Coppa Italia Final

Roma vs Juventus F.C. – Coppa Italia Final - 22.05.2013

With Juventus finishing off the Serie A unbeaten, they are targeting an extra two new trophies in the Champions League and in this final against Roma, who finished third in the Serie A.

With Juventus's goalscorer in this competition, Stevan Jovetic, possibly lining up today with Immobile, the Roma will have it easier without the threat of Serie A goalscorer Edinson Cavani.

We're here in Rome at the [b Stadio Olimpico for the Coppa Italia Final, which will see Juventus and Roma facing each other for the title.. This derby match will be held at the Stadio Olimpico, and potentially the first title that Roma manager,Gian Piero Gasperini will bring at Roma's trophy cabinet. But, Juve, who are will face Manchester City the day after tomorrow, will have to beat their opponents, with perhaps half of the first-team lining up. on two other fronts. The team led by Gian Piero Gasperini haven't taken any chances and has put up the best team available against their Italian opponents. Both line-ups are below.

Here are the lineups for both teams:

Juventus F.C. (3-1-4-2): Buffon, Caceres, Chiellini, Peluso, Pogba, Marrone, Bertolacci, Isla, Padoin, Jovetic, Immobile.

Roma (3-4-3): Stekelenburg, Marquinhos, Burdisso, Leandro Castan, Pjanic, Marquinho, Bradley, Balzaretti, Destro, Curnis, Florenzi.

Surprisingly, Juventus have a lot of their first-team players rested ahead of their final at Wembley in a few days. In the other hand, Roma have lined up youngster Curnis ahead of veteran and skipper Francesco Totti and Florenzi ahead of Osvaldo! This will definitely be controversial. This match could be closer, as Juventus are lining up a much easier team for Roma. Whether Nedved will sub in some players, is to be determined.

Commentary from Fabio Carressa

1': Roma get us underway here in the Coppa Italia final!


8' Marrone and Pogba seem to be clicking well, which is a pretty good thing, with Juventus playing them as first starters.. Wait, Bradley tackles out Bertolacci, who didn't even have the ball? This definitely should be a red card! What will the ref give?

8' Michael Bradley

10' Stekelenburg passes it to Marquinhos, who passes it to Bradley. Bradley keeps the ball until he sees Balzaretti make a run.. He passes the ball to Balzarretti who finds the hole and shoots! GOAL! Goal for Roma! Federico Balzaretti 1-0

10' Federico Balzaretti

11' Immobile and Jovetic will restart the game

17' This will be interesting from Juventus.. Jovetic loses the ball to Burdisso, but he gets it back by the left side! He whips in the cross to Immobile who hits first time! STEKELENBURG parries it away, where Marrone gets the rebounds and shoots uncomfortably with his left where Stekelenburg can't get it! GOAL! 1-1 Luca Marrone.

17' Luca Marrone

18' Roma to restart the game.

It's been a pretty good 20 minutes here at the Stadio Olimpico, where the 'second team' of Juventus seem equal to the best that Roma can offer.

21' Peluso clears the ball, where Immobile heads the ball to Marrone, who passes it to Jovetic! Jovetic makes a run, where he is tackled by the Brazilian defender Marquinhos! Penalty for Juventus! It seems that Jovetic wants to take the penalty..

22' Jovetic shoots the Stekelenburg's right, where the Dutch goalkeeper goes but can't reach it! GOAL! 2-1 Stevan Jovetic.

22' Stevan Jovetic

45: Half Time here at the Stadio Olimpico, where Gasperini's men have luckily found the back of the net! After a pretty fought first half, Juventus are taking a slender one goal lead. Will that be the winning goal?

45': Juventus start the second half.

48' Bradley plays it to Pjanic who goes on the right wing... He keeps the ball and crosses the ball and Balzaretti heads it! GOAL! 2-2 Federico Balzaretti


48' Federico Balzaretti

49' Immobile and Jovetic to restart the game for Juventus for a second time.

55' Immobile can't shoot ahead of Stekelenburg, who throws the ball to Marquinhos. Marquinhos clears the ball, where Marrone gets it. He passes it to Padoin, who cuts in, leaving Jovetic all clear! He passes it to him and Jovetic shoots! GOAL! Stevan Jovetic 3-2

55' Stevan Jovetic

56' Roma to restart the game.

65' Marrone, who seems to pulling the strings here passes it to Padoin, who crosses the ball in for Jovetic's head! Stekelenburg touches the ball, but can't help to let it in to his goal. Stevan Jovetic 4-2!

65' Stevan Jovetic

Stevan Jovetic, who has scored a hat-trick today celebrates with his manager..

66' Roma to restart the game, for the fourth time..

68' Seems that Paul Pogba will be subbed out, with Pirlo coming on.

68' Andrea Pirlo

72' Buffon to take the kick after Curnis' offside.. He clears the ball, where Immobile heads it and puts it down for Marrone, where he is fouled by the American holding midfielder. The ref is taking out the second yellow card! Roma are with 10 men!


72' Michael Bradley

75' It seems that Nedved will rest Chiellini ahead of City's clash in a few days.. Bonucci to come on and play for the final 15 minutes.

75' Leonardo Bonucci

89' Pirlo orchestrating the midfield, who are taking the chances with a 10 man Roma. He passes it to Padoin, who passes the ball to Immobile, Immobile shoots! STEKELENBURG! He parries the ball away, but once again Immobile shoots! GOAL! Ciro Immobile 5-2

89' Ciro Immobile

One minute added by the officials.

90(+1)' The ref ends the game! Juventus once again are the Coppa Italia winners!

FT: Final time here at the Stadio Olimpico where the locals, pegged Juve two goals, by Balzaretti, who was the only player from Roma to take a positive from. However, the Man of The Match goes to Stevan Jovetic, who scored a hat-trick and helped the team all around! Fantastic by the Juventus team, that will have the opportunity to add a fourth trophy this season when they play Manchester City at Wembley. Forza Juve!

Roma 2-5 Juventus F.C. – Coppa Italia Final - 22.05.2013

Great win mate, well done!

You conceded two against Roma

Well done though

After Juventus beat Inter's previous record in points, we will analyze every team in the league, from winners, over-performers, under-performers and those who were relegated.

For all the information on your team this season, use the following guide below

A.C. Milan

Manager: Massimiliano Allegri/Carlo Ancelotti
Final position: 10th
Predicted position 3rd
Key Player: Stephan El Shaarawy was a player that performed for a team that failed to sparkle throughout the season.
Failures: Even with Mario Balotelli, who scored 9 goals in Serie A, the Milan team failed to live up to expectations and won't be playing in any European competition next season.

A.C.F. Fiorentina

Manager:Vincenzo Montella
Final position: 9th
Predicted position 7th
Key Players: After selling their main man, Stevan Jovetic to Juventus, the team slowly fell off the table. It could've gotten worse without their main man Alberto Aquilani, who assisted and scored goals throughout the seasons.
Failures: After Guissepe Rossi went back to his native Italy, many Fiorentina fans were happy with the signing, until, it didn't pay back. Only scoring 3 goals in 12 appearances, the former Villareal and Manchester United player will be hoping to recapture his form next season.

Atalanta

Manager: Stefano Colantuono
Final position: 12th
Predicted position 18th
Key Player: With on-loan midfielder, Luca Cigarini returned to Atalanta for a third time in his career, this was his best, as he scored 5 goals, assisted 6 and took 5 MoTM awards home. He basically was the player that took Atalanta from the bottom of the table and made them rise.
Surprises: Guillermo Stendardo, German Denis and Giacomo Bonaventura were the surprises of Atalanta's mid-table finish. If these three players and Cigarini decide to stay, and Colantuono decides to add some players, you can see Atalanta in the top-half of the table.

Bologna

Manager: Luigi Del Neri
Final position: 20th
Predicted position 16th
Key Player: If someone is to be pointed as there best player, its Tiberio Guarente, who is on loan from Sevilla. They will probably miss him next season, as they prepare life in the Serie B
Failures: Perhaps their star man last season, Alessandro Diamanti, will be looking to leave and have one last shot at the Serie A. Inter and Napoli are on the eye of the creative midfielder, even if he didn't perform well last term.

Cagliari

Manager: Ivo Pulga
Final position: 4th
Predicted position 11th
Key Player: Davide Astori, who was wanted by Juventus all throughout the summer was the main man in Cagliari's search for a spot in the European competition. Winning 6 MoTM awards, he will be wanted by top clubs in the summer after such great performances
Surprises: Perhaps summer signing, Matias Caruzzo, who joined from Boca for now a bargain fee of £2.6 million, and playing in 37 Serie A matches.

Catania

Manager: Rolando Maran
Final position: 8th
Predicted position 13th
Key Player: Age-ing defender, Nicolas Spolli for a second season on a row, was a rock at the back of Catania. Not only that, but scoring some set-piece goals, which is important
Surprises: Pablo Barrientos was the player that lead the front-line and probably why they ended on top like teams such as A.C. Milan and Fiorentina.

Chievo Verona

Manager: Eugenio Corini
Final position: 6th
Predicted position 15th
Improvements: Perhaps the reason why they didn't concede was Slovenian defender Bostjan Cesar. The defender was beaten by only the bests, and is rumored to be interested in joining the Premier League.
Surprises: Paul Papp with Bostjan Cesar is one of the best partner-ships of the Italian top league. Even so, Paul Papp played as a defending midfielder if they needed him to do so. Deservedly in the Europa League

Genoa C.F.C.

Manager: Davide Ballardini
Final position: 11th
Predicted position 10th
Key Player: Juraj Kucka, who is now out injured was their man that could get the counter-attack on and off against them. Definitely a player that can see himself at a team like Arsenal or Chelsea.
Surprise: The summer signing, Yttegard Jensen, was perhaps the bargain of the season, as his partnership with Kucka was lethal and precise.

Inter

Manager: Andrea Stramaccioni/Diego Simeone
Final position: 2nd
Predicted position 2nd
Improvements: Andrea Ranocchia was their star man this season, stopping any opposition that faced him. Even winners, Juventus, were having a hard time coping with the Inter defender.
Surprises: Perhaps Diego Milito, who scored over 20 goals this season, after recovering from a nasty injury and despite his age, can show that he can do the best.

Juventus F.C.

Manager: Pavel Nedved
Final position: 1st
Predicted position 1st
Key Players: Juventus' three man defense was introduced by former manager Antonio Conte, but perfected by Pavel Nedved. But, Bonucci was the man to take more advantage of it, and was a player that if Nedved could play him, he would.
Surprises: After joining in the January transfer window, Stevan Jovetic scored 20 goals in 22 appearances for the Juventus shirt, an astonishing landmark.

Lazio

Manager: Vladimir Petkovic/Guissepe Sanino
Final position: 15th
Predicted position 8th
Key Players: The Rome based club had a player stand out this season and it was Modibo Diakite, who helped his team get out of the relegation places after the appointment of Guissepe Sanino
Failures Perhaps the player that made Lazio lose so many matches Federico Marchetti, who made a lot of mistakes throughout the season. Whether Sanino will keep him or sell him will be determined in the summer.

Napoli

Manager: Walter Mazzari
Final position: 7th
Predicted position 5th
Key Players: Marek Hamsik led the team to a 7th spot, as his former team-mate Edinson Cavani departed for Juventus. Scoring 10 goals and assisting 8 in the league could see him being appointed club captain, and demote Paolo Cannavaro to vice-captain, who had an average season.
Failures: Morgan De Sanctis probably was the worst player for Napoli this season, as his years got to him. During Napoli's key and final match against Juventus at home, Mazzari got sick of his mistakes and demoted him to the substitutes bench.

Palermo

Manager: N/A
Final position: 13th
Predicted position 9th
Improvements: On loan player, Alejandro Faurlin had his best season as a professional player, assisting and scoring goals. With that type of performances, Q.P.R. will want the player right away, as Palermo do not have a permanent clause in his loan contract.
Failures: Uruguayan striker Abel Hernandez had a below-average season at Palermo, scoring 13 goals in 50 appearances. He failed to produce what is expected of him, but is still rumored to change clubs in July.

Parma

Manager: Roberto Donadoni
Final position: 5th
Predicted position 12th
Key Player: Gabriel Paletta was the main man for Parma as he kept his defense tight and could see him as vice-captain next season. Thanks to him, the club earned their 5th place Europa League spot.
Surprise: Ishak Belfodil, who is co-owned by Juventus and Parma, scored 13 goals in 30 appearances, before getting injured. He connected very well with veteran striker Amauri and fired his team to the Europa League.

Pescara

Manager: Cristian Stellini
Final position: 19th
Predicted position 19th
Key Players: Marco Capuano was the only man to stand out with Perin. With Capuano wanted to leave the club before the season ends, he could very well join Juventus, who are rumored to be wanting to sign him.
Surprise: Perhaps Mattia Perin was the reason with Capuano that they didn't finish rock-bottom and secured that 1-1 draw away at the champions, Juventus.

A.S. Roma

Manager: Gian Piero Gasperini
Final position: 3rd
Predicted position 4th
Key Players: Vice-captain, Daniele de Rossi had his best season after so many long years of inconsistency, as he played an important role to the Coppa Italia Final and his club's Champions League qualification.
Surprise: Erik Lamela, who joined from River a year ago, impressed. Assisting 12 times and scoring 5 this season in the league, he was an important asset to Gasperini, who couldn't help but lose to Juventus in the Coppa Italia Final.

Sampdoria

Sampdoria

Manager: Delio Rossi
Final position: 17th
Predicted position 14th
Key Player: Andrea Poli, who was close to join Juventus in the winter transfer window. Even though he saved his club from relegation, he will have a number of top European sides wanting him.
Failure: Argentinian goalkeeper, Sergio Romero, had a below-average season, conceding 55 times in 37 appearances. If he can improve his form, his team should be improving as well

Siena

Manager: Guissepe Iachini
Final position: 18th
Predicted position 20th
Key Player: Carlos Matheu, loaned from Atalanta was Siena's best player, as he kept his side in numerous games against big and smaller sides.
Failures: Alessandro Rosina, who joined from Zenit, was the biggest disappointment in Siena, as he was expected to be their key man for their survival in the league. As he failed the team, the team were relegated back into the Serie B.

Torino

Manager: Pasquale Marino
Final position: 16th
Predicted position 17th
Key Player: Angelo Ogbonna was the real reason why Torino is even in the Serie A. Scoring, defending and stopping potential counter-attacks is among another things that Ogbonna has done to save Torino's Serie A category.
Surprise: Rolando Bianchi's heroic efforts throughout the season leveled Gillet's atrocious mistakes. He scored 21 goals in 37 appearances, which few other players have done this season.

Udinese

Manager: Francesco Guidolin
Final position: 14th
Predicted position 6th
Key Player: Mehdi Benatia was the main man this season, as he kept his side many times throughout the season. Currently unhappy at Udinese, the Morrocan defender wants to leave.
Failures: Antonio di Natale, who had scored double digits for over 3-5 seasons in a row was the biggest disappointment, as he neither assisted or scored as many goals that Udinese fan would want.

I'm being serious here, that is one of the best and most well written updates I've ever seen here. Great analysis of each team
I really love Paul Papp's name, hehehehe...Paul Papp, Paul Papp, Papp Papp Papp Paul Paul Papp

@Justice: Thanks, but if you carefully read the update, you could see that I had my subs on.

@Lucas: Thanks mate, I was kinda nervous after the 2-2, but Jovetic saved our ass and finished as the Coppa Italia's top scorer, even though he just played 3 times with us

@Rablador: Paul Papp, Paul Papp. Lol :P.. Thanks man, means a lot, especially coming out of you.

@Aaron: Thanks man, it did take a long time

Well done pauker! I can see you put a lot of time and effort into this update! Good season, and hopefully one to follow!!



P.s. I'm keeping a close eye on this comment...