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http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/leagues/premierleague/fulham/7423391/Juventus-3-Fulham-1-match-report.html

Juventus 3 Fulham 1: match report

Read a full report of the Europa League match between Juventus and Fulham at the Stadio Olimpico on Thursday, March 11 2010.

By Jason Burt in Turin


Published: 9:59PM GMT 11 Mar 2010


Fulham have been making history with their Europa Cup forays but on Thursday night that was all but consigned to history after a torrid time in Turin.

Manager Roy Hodgson had said he was no dreamer but his defenders will be having nightmares about David Trezeguet. For the 32-year-old World Cup winner, this was one of his increasingly few 'on' evenings; a chance to show what talent he has. And a heavy price was paid.

Hodgson had also asked that his team at least took Juventus back to Craven Cottage with the tie still "alive"; that they gave themselves a fighting chance, a slugger's shot. They still do – but it's a pretty slim one. It looked like a game too far; the quarter-finals a distant prospect against such potency as the Italians undoubtedly possessed.

It was an adventure that meant so much to Fulham, to their progress and status, but they were quickly behind, quickly struggling. After the initial sparring, a cross flew in from the left and Trezeguet, 14 yards out, rose to head towards Mark Schwarzer's goal. He tipped it away.

From the corner, central defender Nicola Legrottaglie, with Brede Hangeland caught out, charged through to power another header. This time, Schwarzer had no chance as the ball bounced past him. Juventus had the lead.

It silenced the 1,800 Fulham supporters who had been shoe-horned into their sliver of a ground that was sparsely populated. It reinforced that, for the 27-time Italian champions, who have won the European Cup twice, this was not such a big deal though, also, ticket prices were prohibitive.

There are greater priorities. They are a distant fifth in Serie A, 15 points behind leaders Inter Milan, having finished runners-up last season. There was a host of big names missing – and a smattering on the bench – but there was still an experienced, expensively-assembled team with, for example, £22 million Brazilian Diego playing behind a rejuvenated Trezeguet.

Fulham's run to reach this stage of the competition started back in July, and this is their 13th match so far and their 18th cup fixture of a campaign that has also taken them to a FA Cup quarter-final replay.

They are certainly battle-hardened and began to feel their way into the contest with Damien Duff working his way down the right, cutting the ball back, only for Simon Davies to miscue. It was a good opportunity.

After all, Fulham couldn't expect rich pickings although neither could they afford to offer up chances as Jonathan Greening did in casually surrendering possession only for Trezeguet's shot to, just, clear the bar.

The warning went unheeded. Soon after and right-back Jonathan Zebina easily evaded Davies's half-hearted challenge, as he cut in-field, and struck a fierce, right-footed cross-shot from 25 yards that tore past Schwarzer. It was stunning and stunned Fulham. They were being out-played, taught a lesson. Their only hope was containment or a lucky break. They, gratefully, got the latter.

Bobby Zamora won a free-kick, Davies swung it in and the ball eventually broke to Dickson Etuhu who shot goalwards. Alex Manninger would have saved comfortably, but it took a vicious deflection off Legrottaglie's heels and trundled into the net. Moments later and they were almost level with Hangeland meeting a corner, only for Manninger to claw his header away while Zamora and Zoltan Gera had half-chances.

Back came Juventus. And again they scored with an accomplished strike. This time, after Schwarzer superbly tipped over Fabio Grosso's angled drive, the corner was met by Trezeguet only for his right-foot shot to cannon back off a post. With wonderful instinct the French striker stretched to meet the rebound, this time volleying it, left-footed, into the other corner of the goal. Right on half-time. Hodgson was furious.

Fulham were just about hanging on in there with Gera's shot blocked and another dangerous cross by Zamora, who otherwise struggled against 36-year-old Fabio Cannavaro, scrambled away before Trezeguet was withdrawn. Fulham were urged on, but it was laboured.

Juventus's most dangerous opponent was complacency with substitute Vincenzo Iaquinta blazing over when well-placed before Diego drew another fine save from Schwarzer and Legrottaglie headed narrowly wide. After the fireworks of the first half, the contest was fizzling out. For Fulham the flame is, not yet, extinguished.

http://www.skysports.com/football/match_reaction/0,19764,11065_3253315,00.html

Juve ease past Cottagers


Juve dominate to leave Cottagers with a mountain to climb



Last updated: 11th March 2010   


David Trezeguet scored the decisive goal as Juventus demonstrated their Euopean pedigree to power to a 3-1 first leg victory over Fulham in their Europa League round of 16 clash at the Stadio Olimpico.

Fulham were second best for most of the first half and found themselves 2-0 down thanks to goals from Nicola Legrottaglie and Jonathan Zebina.

A deflected goal from Dickson Etuhu gave the Cottagers an undeserved foothold in the game, but Trezeguet struck on the stroke of half-time to restore Juve's two-goal advantage.

Roy Hodgson's men tried to find another vital away goal in the second period, but the Italian side kept them at bay and will carry a significant advantage ahead of the second leg next week.

Hodgson handed Paul Konchesky his first start in almost two months in the place of cup-tied Nicky Shorey while Clint Dempsey, who picked up a serious knee injury in January, was a surprise inclusion on the substitutes' bench.

Alberto Zaccheroni made four changes to the Juventus side that beat Fiorentina last weekend, among them World Cup winners Fabio Cannavaro and Fabio Grosso.

Hodgson admitted before kick-off his side were playing one of the biggest matches in the club's history and they soon looked out of their depth against a fluent Juve side dripping with class.

The Old Lady, currently fifth in Serie A, began with a fluid passing game and Mark Schwarzer soon found his goal under attack when he reacted well to tip Trezeguet's goal-bound strike around his left hand post.

Power

The Australian was beaten seconds later though as Legrottaglie found his way through a packed penalty box to power a close range header past the keeper from the resulting corner.

The Bianconeri continued to threaten the Cottagers' box and the front three of Antonio Candreva, Diego and Trezeguet were proving to be too much of a handful for the Fulham midfield, who struggled to get possession.

Zebina made it 2-0 when he beat two Fulham players, cut in off the right and fired an 18-yard shot past Schwarzer and off the post into the net.

Fulham top scorer Bobby Zamora looked frustrated and isolated up front but he won the free-kick that put the Cottagers momentarily back in the tie.

Davies whipped a free-kick on the edge of the box after a foul on the former Spurs hitman and the ball fell to Etuhu who slotted the ball past an off-balance Alex Manninger via a deflection.

Sensing an equaliser, the travelling fans urged on Hodgson's men and Brede Hangeland and Zoltan Gera were guilty of firing close-range efforts straight at Manninger.

Schwarzer then had to pull off a fantastic one-handed save but Juve went 3-1 ahead when Trezeguet fired past the Fulham stopper on the stroke of half-time after his original shot smacked against the woodwork.

Aaron Hughes, who was captaining the side in the absence of Danny Murphy, pulled off a crucial challenge on Trezeguet inside the box at the start of the second half as Juve looked for a fourth.


Creativity

Hodgson's side lacked creativity and the Fulham boss looked for fresh impetus from Dempsey, who came on for Davies to make his first appearance since hobbling off against Blackburn in January.

A deliberate handball brought a booking for Legrottaglie and gave Fulham a free-kick from 20 yards out but Damien Duff's curling cross was expertly cut out by Cannavaro.

Former Liverpool player Mohamed Sissoko replaced the solid Christian Poulsen in midfield with 15 minutes left.

Zamora won a corner for the Cottagers with eight minutes left but Jonathan Greening's dangerous cross was cut out by substitute Vincenzo Iaquinta.

Dempsey fired Fulham's last meaningful effort wide to ensure that the first meeting between the two sides ended in a 3-1 defeat, leaving Hodgson's men with much work to do in the second leg next Thursday.


Juventus
Team Statistics
Fulham

3 Goals
1

3 1st Half Goals
1

6 Shots on Target
5

9 Shots off Target
3

0 Blocked Shots
1

4 Corners
4

16 Fouls
14

4 Offsides
9

1 Yellow Cards
1

0 Red Cards
0

79.6 Passing Success
81.5

14 Tackles
14

78.6 Tackles Success
57.1

49.8 Possession
50.2

52.2 Territorial Advantage
47.8

Juventus 3 Fulham 1


Published: Today



ROY HODGSON'S battlers are down but not out after they were beaten by Juventus.

Hodgson will have seen enough to give him hope of overturning this two-goal deficit.

Goals from Nicola Legrottaglie and Jonathan Zebin had seen the Italians set up a commanding lead.

A heavily deflected Dickson Etuhu strike offered Fulham a glimmer of hope.

And even though David Trezeguet stretched the lead, the Cottagers are still in with a sniff in London next week.

Juventus quickly hit their straps in Turin and soon eased into a slick passing game.

Antonio Candreva missed from Trezeguet's knock down before the striker himself came close.

But Fulham did slip behind seconds later as Nicola Legrottaglie thundered a header past Mark Schwarzer.

The Londoners could have levelled in the 16th minute but Simon Davies scuffed from just eight yards out.

Instead, it was Juve who grabbed the next goal.

Jonathan Zebina surged in from the right, sneaking past Davies and Etuhu before leathering past Schwarzer.

Up top, Bobby Zamora looked lonely and frustrated — but it was the striker who won the free kick that got Fulham back into the game.

Davies whipped in a setpiece after Zamora had been fouled, and the ball fell to Etuhu to convert.

Sensing an equaliser, the 1100 travelling fans roared Roy Hodgson's boys into Juve territory.

And Brede Hangeland almost did the job only for Alex Manninger to keep out his close range effort.

But seconds before the break Trezeguet popped up to make it 3-1.

Stand-in skipper Aaron Hughes pulled off a heroic tackle on Trezeguet at the start of the second half.

Hodgson's side looked impotent and the Fulham boss called on Clint Dempsey to fire up his men.

Trezeguet was given a rapturous reception by the home fans when he was replaced by Vincenzo Iaquinta.

Jonathan Greening got a late yellow card that will rule him out of the return leg.

But Fulham will still fancy themselves as an outside bet of causing an upset.



Read more: http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/sport/football/2889051/Juventus-3-Fulham-1.html#ixzz0huWIMnj1 (http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/sport/football/2889051/Juventus-3-Fulham-1.html#ixzz0huWIMnj1)

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/sport/football/premier_league/fulham/article7059114.ece


Fulham left with mountain to climb as Juventus class tells in Europa League


Russell Kempson, Turin


It has been marvellous while it has lasted, but if Fulham are to extend their eight-month Europa League adventure, they will have to defeat Juventus, one of the greats of European football, in the return leg of their round-of-16 tie at Craven Cottage on Thursday.

Not just beat them, either, but beat them good and proper after shabby first-half defending cost them a two-goal deficit in the first leg at a freezing Stadio Olimpico last night. At least Dickson Etuhu's away goal has given them room to manoeuvre.

On the face of it, playing Juventus, the 27-times Italian league winners and twice European champions, provided a massive task.

However, having defeated Shakhtar Donetsk, the holders of the Uefa Cup, the Europa League's forerunner, in the previous round, Fulham were up for — and possibly up to — the challenge.

Juventus are not the force of old, either. They languish in fifth place in Serie A, 15 points behind Inter Milan, the leaders. Also, when they bowed out of the Champions League this season, they lost 4-1 against Bayern Munich at the Stadio Olimpico in their last group A match — when a draw would have taken them through to the last 16.

Fulham were without Danny Murphy, the midfield player, who was suspended after being sent off in the 1-1 draw in Donetsk that secured their 3-2 aggregate victory over the Ukrainian side. Other absentees, because of injuries, also limited Roy Hodgson, the Fulham manager, to six substitutes.

They had begun confidently enough, stroking the ball around with pace and panache, but were undone in shoddy fashion in the ninth minute after Mark Schwarzer had been forced to dive to turn away David Trezeguet's header from a cross by Claudio Marchisio.

From the corner swung in by Diego, Nicola Legrottaglie, the Juventus centre back, rose alone to head past Schwarzer, the ball picking up pace as it skidded off the turf on its way in.

The lack of marking on Legrottaglie was inexcusable.

Fulham, though, do not lack belief and 11 minutes later, in their 46th match of the season and thirteenth in the competition, they could have drawn level after Damien Duff had driven to the byline. The Ireland winger's pull-back wrongfooted the Juventus defence but Simon Davies, when given a free shot, miskicked.

It was costly. Juventus took heart from the narrow escape and, after Trezeguet had guided a long-range missile fractionally over Schwarzer's crossbar, they increased their lead. It came from an unlikely source — Jonathan Zebina, the right back — but was a sublime example of finishing, his 25-yard shot veering away from Schwarzer and into the net via the far post.

Resilience has been a key ingredient in Fulham's European excursions and, in the 36th minute, they reduced the gap and gained that much-cherished away goal in the process. Davies's free kick found its way to Dickson Etuhu and although Alex Manninger, the Juventus and former Arsenal goalkeeper, appeared to have his shot covered, it took a wicked deflection off Legrottaglie. Manninger watched the ball curl into the net.

Fulham could have equalised, Manninger having to save efforts from Brede Hangeland, Bobby Zamora and Zoltan Gera, but they went to sleep at the back again in first-half stoppage time. Schwarzer tipped over from Fabio Grosso and, from the resultant corner, Trezeguet squeezed the ball home after his initial attempt had struck a post.

Fulham needed to repair the damage swiftly and nearly did soon after the break, when Etuhu and Zamora combined to set up Gera. However, Gera's clever flick was blocked before it could even reach Manninger and neither was the goalkeeper troubled by an ambitious 40-yard attempt from Gera soon after.

Fulham seemed to have taken the sting out of Juventus's tail but still found it tough going forward, with Zamora uncharacteristically quiet. More chances will have to be created at Craven Cottage next week — and taken as well — if their interest in the Europa League is not to end.

Juventus (4-3-2-1): A Manninger — J Zebina, N Legrottaglie, F Cannavaro, F Grosso — H Salihamidzic (sub: M Camoranesi, 46min), C Poulsen (sub: M Sissoko, 76), C Marchisio — A Candreva, Diego — D Trezeguet (sub: V Iaquinta, 62). Substitutes not used: A Del Piero, Z Grygera, P De Ceglie, C Pinsoglio. Booked: Legrottaglie.

Fulham (4-2-3-1): M Schwarzer — C Baird, B Hangeland, A Hughes, P Konchesky — S Davies (sub: C Dempsey, 61), D Etuhu — D Duff, Z Gera, J Greening — R Zamora. Substitutes not used: S Kelly, E Nevland, P Zuberbühler, C Smalling, K Marsh-Brown. Booked: Greening.

Referee: F Meyer (Germany).

http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2010/mar/11/fulham-juventus-europa-league


Dickson Etuhu gives Fulham faint hope on a chastening evening in Turin   

UEFA Europa League Round of 16 1st Leg

Juventus 3 Legrottaglie 8, Zebina 25, Trezeguet 45 

Fulham 1 Etuhu 36 

Stuart James guardian.co.uk, Thursday 11 March 2010 22.16


It would be dangerous to write off a Fulham side who have already knocked out the Europa League holders but Roy Hodgson's players will need to deliver what would arguably be the greatest result in the club's history if they are to overcome Juventus at Craven Cottage on Thursday. Fulham contributed hugely to an absorbing match in Turin last night but David Trezeguet's strike just as half-time beckoned means the Premier League club have a two-goal deficit to overturn.

That task is not impossible and the crucial away goal that Dickson Etuhu grabbed earlier in the first half means Fulham are not without hope. The 1,800 supporters that travelled from England to the Stadio Olimpico might well reflect, however, that things could have looked even better for their team had they shown a more ruthless streak in front of goal. Opportunities came and went prior to the irrepressible Trezeguet's 170th goal of his Juventus career as Fulham recovered from a dismal opening.

It took only nine minutes for the Fulham defence to be breached and Hodgson had good cause to lament the concession. Having earned a reprieve seconds earlier, when Mark Schwarzer turned Trezeguet's glancing header behind, Fulham's poor marking was horribly exposed from the corner that followed. Diego delivered the set-piece with an outswinging kick that Nicola Legrottaglie headed powerfully beyond Schwarzer from eight yards as the Fulham defence stood and watched.

It was the worst possible start for Fulham and Juventus's early dominance would soon be rewarded with a second goal. Again Fulham contributed to their own downfall as Simon Davies and Etuhu allowed Jonathan Zebina to dart between them with relative ease. Thereafter, however, it was impossible to ignore the quality of the finish as the full-back arrowed a wonderful 25-yard shot from wide on the right past Schwarzer's despairing dive and into the far corner.

At that point Fulham looked like they were facing an exercise in damage limitation but nine minutes before the interval Etuhu gave them renewed hope with a deflected shot from the edge of the area that left Alex Manninger stranded after Juventus had failed to clear Davies's free‑kick. Confidence began to course through the visitors and a second Fulham goal should have arrived in a five-minute period before the break that produced three excellent chances.

Brede Hangeland's close-range header was just about clawed to safety by Manninger, Bobby Zamora punched a side-footed volley into the former Arsenal goalkeeper's midriff and Zoltan Gera drew another save from the Austrian with an angled drive. Juventus suddenly looked anxious but on the stroke of half-time the Bianconeri checked Fulham's momentum with a third goal as Trezeguet showed wonderful reactions to volley home from 10 yards after his first shot had cannoned back off the post.

Back came Fulham again, the visitors taking the game to Juventus on occasions in the second half and looking threatening on the counter-attack. Hodgson introduced Clint Dempsey as he sought to add more penetration on the left but promising positions failed to yield the second Fulham goal that would have changed the complexion of the tie. It is, however, a measure of how far Fulham have come under Hodgson that they will return to England disappointed to have suffered defeat to one of Europe's most illustrious clubs.

Juventus v Fulham - as it happened
http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2010/mar/11/juventus-fulham-live-europa-league



UEFA Europa League Round of 16 1st Leg

Juventus 3 Legrottaglie 8, Zebina 25, Trezeguet 45 

Fulham 1 Etuhu 36 

Paul Doyle guardian.co.uk, Thursday 11 March 2010 18.59 GMT



Teams:

Juventus: Manninger, Zebina, Cannavaro, Legrottaglie, Grosso, Salihamidzic, Poulsen, Marchisio, Candreva, Diego, Trezeguet.
Subs: Pinsoglio, Iaquinta, Del Piero, Camoranesi, Grygera,
Sissoko, De Ceglie.

Fulham: Schwarzer, Baird, Hangeland, Hughes, Konchesky, Duff, Davies, Etuhu, Greening, Gera, Zamora.
Subs: Zuberbuhler, Kelly, Nevland, Dempsey, Smalling, Marsh-Brown.

Referee: Florian Meyer (Germany)

1 min: To the sound of Fulham fans out-singing the muted locals, the game gets under way ...

2 mins: An open start. Juventus get lucky when Zamora is erroneously called back for offside - he would have been through on goal. The Old Lady, you'll have noticed, has some past greats in her midst: Salihamdizic, Trezeguet, Manninger .... Mind you, Fulham are fielding ex-European champions Jonathan Greening.

4 mins: It's settled into a bit of nip and tuck at the moment. "The very fact of this game puts a smile on my face<" beams Jamie Woods. "Over the years I've been to a few grounds in England but none were as collegial as Craven Cottage. It was like watching rugby or cricket, I actually struck up a decent conversation with the guy standing next to me. After visiting St James Park I never thought I'd try that again." It's a splendid day out, and no mistake., especially since they've been entrusted to one of the last true English gentleman managers.

7 mins: Schwarzer dives to his right to turn away a Trezeguet header. Corner to Juventus. "Is it just me that still finds it hard to fathom that this game is actually happening?" goshes Patrick Brody, continuing waht seems to be the theme of the evening. "I mean, I never even thought I'd say Fulham and Juventus in the same sentence. Then again, I was lucky enough to see Sheffield FC vs. Inter Milan. I guess miracles can happen." Indeed they can - permit me to refer you to this.

GOAL! Juve 1-0 Fulham (Legrottaglie 8') Fulham have generally defended set-pieces very well under Hodgson but here they were undone by a well-delivered corner by Diego. Cannavaro and Legrottaglie both attacked it powerfully, with the latter meeting it and sending a downward header into the net from 12 yards.

11 mins: Fulham are under serious pressure here. Juve are showing plenty of class as they pass and move with pace and purpose. Diego is instrumental in most of what they are doing.

13 mins: Fulham steady themselves with a string of tidy passes. And then Juve win it back and resume zipping the ball around. "Over on the FW podcast blog, a list of who supports who is currently being created," discloses Peter Corway. "At the minute, you're listed as an ABU. Mainly because nobody knows what French team you support?" I don't claim to know for sure, but I wouldn't be surprised if the people compiling that list are despicable fundamentalists.

15 mins: A chance for Fulham! Duff - whose revitalisation under Hodgson has been delightful - dashed down the right and the pulled the ball back from Davies ... who lost his composure and sliced badly from the penalty spot.

18 mins: Juve besiege the Fulham box, with Marchisio and Diego probing constantly. But that spell of pressure concluded with Candreva booming a shot over from outside the box.

21 mins: Though they're finding it difficult to secure possession, Fulham are performing reasonably well here insofar as they are closing down incessantly, preventing Juve from creating any real openings since the goal.

23 mins: Marchisio robs Greening in midfield and slips the ball through to Trezeguet, who, being something of a Jermain Defo in this (and only this) respect, shoots as soon as he gets the ball. Over the bar from 20 yards.

GOAL! Juve 2-0 Fulham (Zebina 25') A fine goal! Candreva took two defenders with him as he walzted forwar from the middle to the right, then rolled the ball back to Zebina. The defender took forward a few more strides - eliminating Davies and Etuhu on his way - and then struck a fierce diagonal shot in off the post from 25 yards. Schwarzer had no chance.

28 mins: Juve ware intent on killing this tie off tonight. Fulham are still struggling to get their foot on the ball and are being pulled all over the place.

31 mins: Duff attempts to skip by Cannavaro on the right and instigate Fulham's first attack for ages. But Cannavarao stretches out a leg and dispossesses him with elegance and efficiency. "When Hodgson first took over at Fulham, the Soccer Saturday Sky Sports crew had a field-day slagging him," claims Peter Corway. "Le Tiss famously said that it was a mistake hiring Hodgson and that he'd be sacked when Fulham got relegated. The mighty Cottagers went on that epic run, stayed in the league, are now playing European football against Juventus and Sky praise him all the time. Football is a fickle sport? Never." Not everyone was slagging Hodgson off when he arrived. Look what one wise man wrote.

34 mins: It's still all Juve. Gera has dropped into midfield to help out (and did so many minutes ago, in truth) but still the visitors are spending almost all their time and energy chasing the home team.

GOAL! Juve 2-1 Fulham (Etuhu 36') Thousands of Fulham fans in t he Stadio Olimpico go stir crazy as Fulham score from their first chance in ages, and thanks to a handy slice of luck. Davies curled in a freekick from the left that was headed down to Euthu on the edge of the area. His snapshot was going wide until it took a hefty deflection off Legrottaglie - that wrong-footed Manninger and the ball spun into the net! A welcome twist to a story whose ending had been looking grimly predictable.

38 mins: The goal has lifted Fulham and they're actually exerting pressure now. After a flowing move in which Duff was intrumental, they've won a corner ...

39 mins: That was nearly an equaliser! Hangeland rose superbly despite the vigilance of Legrottaglie but the Norwegian's strong header from Davies's corner was saved well by Manninger. And the rebound was booted clear before Gera could convert it.

41 mins: Freekick to Fulham midway inside the Juve half. Konchesky floats it in, and again it falls to Etuhu at the edge of the area. But this time there is no decisive deflection, just a punt clear. But Fulham send it back in and Zamora meets it with a well-controlled volley from 15 yards. Manninger saves comfortably, however. "While Zebina's shot was an absolute rocket, none of the ITV commentary team (and I'll let Southgate off as he's actually far too good for ITV) seemed to notice that it would have hit Hangeland dead on, yet for some reason he steps right out of the way presumably trying to intercept a cross," claims Tom Hooper. I didn't notice that either, Tom, but will pay attention if we get another replay. I agree with you, by the way, that Southgate is abn astute and articulate analyst - it's enjoyable listening to him.

44 mins: Fulham have been transformed by the goal. They're now enjoying much more of the ball and threatening Juve regularly. After more snappy interplay, Gera has just banged a shot from 16 yards into Manninger's mid-riff.

GOAL! Juve 3-1 Fulham (Trezeguet 45+3') What a sickener for Fulham! The ref had signalled two minutes injury time but after 2:42 secs - and following one brilliant save from Schwarzer - Juve hoisted over a corner and it came to Trezeguet 10 yards out. His shot crashed back out off the post, but his follow-up found the corner of the net, perhaps via a touch from Salihamidzic.

Half-time: "Feel sorry for Fulham there," blubs Peter Corway. "Two minutes added on is two minutes and nothing more." Not true, actually. The indication from the fourth official merely means a minimum of two minutes added time. Personally, I think the clock should be stopped every time the ball goes out of play, and even when the goalkeeper is strolling around with it in his arms. Ninety minutes should mean ninety minutes of play.

46 mins: Because Juve tipped off in the first half, Fulham do so in the second. No controversy there.

47 mins: I've just noticed that Juve made a change during the break, introducing Camoranesi for ... someone. I'll tell you who when I've got my act together. "Does Peter Corway live in a cave?" inquires Spencer Jones. "The whole holding up minutes versus minutes played has been done to death. From the sounds of things Fulham didn't play to the whistle. Unfortunate? Yes. Accountable? Yes. It isn't over till the Old Lady sings."

49 mins: Juve's first shot of the half is a shoddy one, Diego's attempted curler from the corner of the box flying high and wide. He's no Norman Whiteside.

51 mins: Juve are back in control, Fulham having to resume chasing them hopefully.

53 mins: Gera picks out Baird on the right but the defender is miles offside. Still, at least Fulham pieced together several passes in Juve's half to get themselves moving again the right direction.

55 mins: Another multi-pass move from Juve, who are pulling Fulham all over their place. Diego, Marchisio and Candreva all played lovely roles in that, and in the end Fulham did well to concede only a corner. Legrottaglie again won it ahead of Hangeland but his header flies well over.

57 mins: Fulham are being outclassed for long spells but they're not falling apart. And when they get the ball they're showing commendable determination to play their way forward. They worked the ball nicely to Gera just now, and that should not have been the end of the move, but rashness suddenly ambushed the Hungarian and he attempted a shot from 40 yards. With predictable consequences.

59 mins: Ah. Marc Parravano has just brought it to my attention that I described some Juve approach work as a "multi-ass move". I assure you that that was a typo (I meant "multi-pass"), not an indication of some innovative and acrobatic bum tricks from the Italians.

61 mins: Here's some good news for all Fulham and USA fans: after a long injury Clint Dempsey has just re-appeared on the pitch, coming on in place of Davies.

62 mins: Juve switch: Trezeguet off, Iaquinta on. "Come on the Cottagers! An away goal, we're more than capable of pinching two against anyone when we're back by the Thames," hollers Rendel Harris. "It's just occurred to me that there must be a lot of die-hard Fulham fans watching this, so excuse my hijacking the MBM to air this request: does anyone know where one can find, on t'internet or otherwise, any footage of Fulham (Pathe news clips maybe?) playing pre-WWII? Have looked everywhere but can't find any. My grandfather, James (Jim) Tompkins played for Fulham in the years leading up to the war prior to volunteering and being killed in action just after D-Day. Any tips gratefully received!"

64 mins: Fulham try to knock the ball around a bit in the middle but Diego nicks it off them and immediately launches a counter-attack. Iaquinta commits a foul in the Fulham box, however, enabling the visitors to alleviate some pressure. "Paul, Your entry about the 'mutli-ass move' was clearly just a cheap ruse by a lonely reporter to find out how many people are in fact reading your report knowing we'd all be sad enough to write in and point out the 'mistake'," decries Andy (multi?) Cox. "Well I'm not going to fall for that one. Eh? Oh."

66 mins: Legrottaglie has been a formidable presence in the heart of Juve's defence tonight, and also in the Fulham box from corners, but he won't be at the Cottage, because he's jsut been booked for a deliberate handball as Dempsey (I think) tried to pick out Duff.

68 mins: Corner to Fulham. Duff's outswinger is headed clear by Iaquinta.

71 mins: Konchesky provides support to Duff down the left and is picked out by the Irishman. His low cross towards Zamora is put behind for a corner. This time Duff's delivery is good but Juve clear.

73 mins: Fulham are having a fair bit of the ball now but they are not being giving any time on it as Juve to continue to press relentlessly. Both teams have worked extremely hard tonight, which, of course, is the least we should expect. "'Multi-ass' is what one happens when one tries to do too many things at once," explains Ian Copestake. "'Multi-ask', however, is what women are very good at."

75 mins: Duff and Zamora exchanges smart passes in the Juve box before being crowded out.

76 mins: Juve change: Poulsen off, Momo Sissoko on.

78 mins: There was a glimmer of a chance there! If Duff had more confidence in his right foot he might have flashed the ball across goal, where Zamora was lurking, but instead he took it and turned on to his left, by which time two defenders had converged on him and cut off the crossing opportunity.

81 mins: Zamora has battled well tonight and been an effective fulcrum up front against high-class defenders. As I write that he wins a corner, which is delivered by Greening and, eventually, cleared by Juve.

83 mins: The match is petering out a little. One last hurrah from Fulham and a second away goal, and the second leg would be deliciosuly poised. Greening, however, will not be available for taht match as he's just been booked for a foul on Candreva. With Danny Murphy also suspended, Fulham's have a problem in central midfield.

86 mins: Juve throw-in in the Fulham half. "I figured your reference to 'multi-ass' was a subtle shout-out to National Father Ted Status day on Facebook," warbles David Mooney. "That's a reference to Dougal's description of the Beast of Craggy Island: 'Because of the beast. They say it's as big as four cats, and it's got a retractable leg so as it can leap up at you better and you know what Ted, it lights up at night, and it's got four ears. Two of them are for listening and the other two are kind of back-up ears, and its claws are as big as cups and for some reason it's got a tremendous fear of stamps and Mrs. Doyle was tellin' me that it's got magnets on it's tail so's if you're made out of metal it can attach itself to you, and instead of a mouth it's got four arses.'"

88 mins: Zamora tries to slip Dempsey in on the right-hand side of the box, but his pass was easily read and cut out by Zebina.

89 mins: Diego sends in a swirler from 25 yards and Schwarzer does well to push it around the post for a corner. From that Iaquinta heads wide. I wonder what Gareth Southgate thinks every time he sees Schwarzer make a save like that, given that he let him leave Boro for free?

90 mins: Duff has the ball by the right-hand corner flag. Baird provides support, then lofts it towards the far post. Legrottaglie nuts out to the left wing, where Zamora collects it and crosses to the near post. Dempsey pokes it wide. "You say 'Zamora has been 'an effective fulcrum up front against high-class defenders'," notes John T. "Are you on the Zamora-for-England bandwagon, or the slightly more appropriate Zamora's-better-than-Heskey-so-if-you're-thinking-of-taking-one-take-Zamora-but-seriously-isn't-there-anyone-else train?" I'd got for Carlton Cole, if you must know.

Full-time: Fulham will have to excel themselves in the second leg to overturn a two-goal deficit against these slicksters. And on that note, bye.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/match/3104718


Juventus v Fulham


Match facts

UEFA Europa League Round of 16 1st Leg

Thursday 11 March 2010 20.05

  Score line 
Final score  Juventus  3 – 1
(HT 3 – 1)
  Fulham 
Legrottaglie 8
Zebina 25
Trezeguet 45
  Etuhu 36

Bookings Legrottaglie 66
  Greening 84

Juventus's Percentage Fulham's Percentage
Corners 4 50%  4 50% 
Goal attempts 16 69%  7 31% 
On target 6 54%  5 46% 
Fouls 16 53%  14 47% 
Offside 4 30%  9 70% 
Juventus Alex Manninger, Fabio Cannavaro, Fabio Grosso, Jonathan Zebina, Nicola Legrottaglie, Hasan Salihamidzic (Mauro German Camoranesi, 46), Claudio Marchisio, Christian Poulsen (Mohamed Sissoko, 76), Antonio Candreva, Ribas da Cunha Diego, David Trezeguet (Vincenzo Iaquinta, 62) 
Fulham Mark Schwarzer, Paul Konchesky, Brede Hangeland, Chris Baird, Aaron Hughes, Zoltan Gera, Damien Duff, Dickson Etuhu, Jonathan Greening, Simon Davies (Clint Dempsey, 61), Bobby Zamora 
Referee Meyer, F
Venue Stadio Olimpico
Attendance 11,406

Juventus 3 Fulham 1: Cottagers cling to Dickson Etuhu's lifeline as David Trezeguet runs riot


By Laura Williamson


Last updated at 10:13 PM on 11th March 2010


Fulham's hopes of a fairytale place in the quarter-finals of the Europa League were left hanging by a thread as European heavyweights Juventus outclassed Roy Hodgson's side at the Stadio Olimpico di Turin.

The Cottagers struggled for possession in the first half and went 2-0 down thanks to goals from Nicola Legrottaglie and Jonathan Zebina.

Dickson Etuhu pulled one back but Hodgson's men always looked second best and David Trezeguet's sharp third goal emphasised the gulf in class between the two sides.

Hodgson handed Paul Konchesky his first start in almost two months in the place of cup-tied Nicky Shorey while Clint Dempsey, who picked up a serious knee injury in January, was a surprise inclusion on the substitutes' bench.

Alberto Zaccheroni made four changes to the Juventus side that beat Fiorentina last weekend, among them World Cup winners Fabio Cannavaro and Fabio Grosso.

While the game represented arguably the most important in Fulham's history, home enthusiasm for the match was not quite on the same level.

The 28,000 capacity Stadio Olimpico di Torino only contained 11,406 people with around 1,100 of them being Fulham fans.

Hodgson admitted before kick-off his side were playing one of the biggest matches in the club's history and they soon looked out of their depth against a fluent Juve side dripping with class.

The Old Lady, currently fifth in Serie A, began with a fluid passing game and Mark Schwarzer soon found his goal under attack when he reacted well to tip Trezeguet's goal-bound strike around his left hand post.

The Australian was beaten seconds later though as Legrottaglie found his way through a packed penalty box to power a close range header past the keeper from the resulting corner.

Fulham could have levelled in the 16th minute but Simon Davies miskicked from eight yards out after an impressive run from Damien Duff down the right.

The Bianconeri continued to threaten the Cottagers' box and the front three of Antonio Candreva, Diego and Trezeguet were proving to be too much of a handful for the Fulham midfield, who struggled to get possession.

Fulham top scorer Bobby Zamora looked frustrated and isolated up front but he won the free-kick that put the Cottagers momentarily back in the tie.

Davies whipped a free-kick on the edge of the box after a foul on the former Spurs hitman and the ball fell to Etuhu who slotted the ball past an off-balance Alex Manninger via a deflection.

Sensing an equaliser, the travelling fans urged on Hodgson's men and Brede Hangeland and Zoltan Gera were guilty of firing close-range efforts straight at Manninger.

Schwarzer then had to pull off a fantastic one-handed save but Juve went 3-1 ahead when Trezeguet fired past the Fulham stopper on the stroke of half-time after his original shot smacked against the woodwork.

The second half started at a slow pace and Juventus stroked the ball about the pitch with ease.

Aaron Hughes, who was captaining the side in the absence of Danny Murphy, pulled off a crucial challenge on Trezeguet inside the box at the start of the second half as Juve looked for a fourth.

Zamora chose to plough the flanks in an effort to create chances but the two dangerous crosses he produced were thwarted by Italy centre half Legrottaglie.

Hodgson's side lacked creativity and the Fulham boss looked for fresh impetus from Dempsey, who came on for Davies to make his first appearance since hobbling off against Blackburn in January.

Trezeguet was given a rapturous reception by the home fans when he was replaced by Vincenzo Iaquinta.

A deliberate handball brought a booking for Legrottaglie and gave Fulham a free-kick from 20 yards out but Duff's curling cross was expertly cut out by Cannavaro.

Former Liverpool player Mohamed Sissoko replaced the solid Christian Poulsen in midfield with 15 minutes left.

Zamora won a corner for the Cottagers with eight minutes left but Jonathan Greening's dangerous cross was cut out by Iaquinta.

The former Manchester United man's frustration was clear as he received a booking for a needless foul on Candreva in the Juve half.

Claudio Marchisio, who was a doubt with illness, jinked inside the Fulham box but his shot was blocked.

Diego almost made it four but his 25-yard stinging strike was tipped wide by Schwarzer.

Dempsey fired Fulham's last meaningful effort wide to ensure that the first meeting between the two sides ended in a 3-1 defeat, leaving Hodgson's men with much work to do in the second leg next Thursday.


Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1257318/Juventus-3-Fulham-1-Cottagers-cling-Dickson-Etuhus-lifeline-David-Trezeguet-runs-riot.html?ITO=1490#ixzz0huaCkP7d (http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-1257318/Juventus-3-Fulham-1-Cottagers-cling-Dickson-Etuhus-lifeline-David-Trezeguet-runs-riot.html?ITO=1490#ixzz0huaCkP7d)

http://football.fanhouse.co.uk/2010/03/11/juventus-3-fulham-1-trezeguet-strike-leaves-cottagers-with-moun/

Juventus 3 Fulham 1: Trezeguet Strike Leaves Cottagers with Mountain to Climb

11/3/2010 4:59 PM GMT By Jon West



Fulham will have to put in a performance to remember at Craven Cottage if their Europa League adventure is not to come to an end after they were out-classed in the first leg in Turin.

The home side won 3-1, with all the goals coming in the first 45 minutes. Nicola Legrottaglie headed the Italians into an early lead which was soon doubled by fellow defender Jonathan Zebina.
Roy Hodgson's side was gifted a potentially tie-saving away goal when a shot by Dickson Etuhu, which was going wide, was deflected in off Legrottaglie.

But David Trezeguet made it 3-1 in the 45th minute after his initial effort had hit a post.

REACTION:
Hodgson insisted his side was not out of the tie yet but admitted the Trezeguet goal had made their task extremely difficult.

He said: "I thought Juventus were very effective, scoring two goals from corner kicks but the real disappointment from our point of view was that having got back into the game at 2-1 and seemingly not being particularly troubled we gave away a very foolish goal in extra time in the first half.

"That meant it was an uphill battle. The players did extremely well in the second half.

"We needed a second goal and we needed not to concede another, so it was a good performance in the second half, when I thought we had clearly the better of the game. We had some quite interesting chances.

"We are not out of the tie as yet but at 2-1 we might have been half congratulating ourselves because we gave a reasonable performance in terms of our possession and our play. I have to congratulate Juventus on their effectiveness, not least of all their two goals from corner kicks."

Hodgson admitted he had been frustrated by an improved second half performance not resulting in anything tangible. He said: "It frustrates you but you know it's going to be difficult because Juventus have got good players in their team so even when you get behind them they are always recovering.

"Our biggest moments of danger were from crosses where the ball was fizzing across the six-yard box. On two occasions (Fabio) Cannavaro made wonderful interceptions. Had the ball got past him we would have scored.

"Certainly we did enough in the game, particularly in the second half, to show we are not out of the tie and we weren't disgraced in any way."

HOW IT HAPPENED:
With five World Cup winners in the home side it was perhaps no surprise that Juventus made by far the more impressive start and Fulham ended up holding out for just eight minutes. The surprising thing however was that a set-piece turned out to be their undoing as Legrottaglie charged in to meet a corner as a host of red shirts stood and watched. The second was avoidable too as Zebina, the right-back, got past Simon Davies and Etuhu far too easily before launching a fine 25-yarder. Fulham had offered little in return apart from a Davies mis-kick in front of goal before a slice of luck came their way. Etuhu's shot was going wide before it took a hefty deflection off Legrottaglie to beat Alex Manninger, the former Arsenal goalkeeper. Juve's response was to restore their two-goal cushion in first-half stoppage time through Trezeguet, who saw his first effort rebound straight back to him off an upright. Fulham had their moments after the break but the Italians remained comfortable and the more likely to add to the score-line.

WHAT IT MEANS:
That Fulham are probably out of the Europa League and that Juventus might well go on to win it. But with an away goal that could all change in London, provided, of course, Hodgson's men put in a performance of a lifetime in front of their own fans. They will have to be much tighter at the back if that is to happen and with Danny Murphy still suspended and Jonathan Greening now ineligible they are short in midfield. The return of Clint Dempsey, on for the last half hour for the first time since suffering a bad knee injury in January, could be the answer to that problem however.

QUOTABLE
"The bitter pill to swallow and the one we are going to be carrying with us this week was that third goal, which I thought was very unnecessary."
- Hodgson laments those few seconds of ill-discipline in first-half stoppage time.:

JUVENTUS 3 (Legrottaglie 9, Zebina 25, Trezeguet 45) FULHAM 1 (Etuhu 36)

PLAYER MARKING:
Juventus (4-3-3): Manninger 7; Zebina 8, Cannavaro 9, Legrottaglie 7, Grosso 7; Salihamidzic 7 (Camoranesi 46, 6), Poulsen 7 Sissoko 76, 6), Marchisio 7; Candreva 7, Diego 7, Trezeguet 8 (Iaquinta 63, 6).
Subs (not used): Pinsoglio, Del Piero, Grygera, De Ceglie.

Fulham (4-4-1-1): Schwarzer 9; Baird 6, Hangeland 7, Hughes 7, Konchesky 7; Duff 7, Etuhu 7, Greening 6, Davies 6 (Dempsey 61, 6); Gera 6; Zamora 6.
Subs (not used): Zuberbuhler, Kelly, Nevland, Smalling, Marsh-Brown.

ATTENDANCE: 11,406

NEXT UP:
- Fulham v Manchester United (Away) Premier League 14/03, 1330 GMT

MAN OF THE MATCH:
Mark Schwarzer (Fulham): The big Aussie was on top of his game throughout - and had to be as he wasn't always afforded the protection from his defenders he would have wanted.

http://www.goal.com/en/news/166/europa-league/2010/03/11/1828712/juventus-3-1-fulham-clinical-juve-take-charge-of-europa


Juventus 3-1 Fulham: Clinical Bianconeri Take Charge Of Europa League Tie


Juve earn a healthy lead to take to Craven Cottage next week.


By Kris Voakes


Mar 11, 2010 9:54:00 PM


A clinical first half display from Juventus saw them grab a vital 3-1 victory over Fulham in their Europa League last 16 first leg match at the Stadio Olimpico in Turin.

Goals from Nicola Legrottaglie, Jonathan Zebina and David Trezeguet saw off the Cottagers, whose away goal from Dickson Etuhu will give them a glimmer of hope ahead of next Thursday's second leg.

Juve started with David Trezeguet as their lone striker, with club captain Alessandro Del Piero left on the bench, whilst Fulham had an attack consisting of Bobby Zamora and the slightly withdrawn Zoltan Gera.

After an even start, with Diego and Zamora each spawning early attempts, it was Juventus who grabbed a ninth minute lead. Diego's right wing corner was a good one, and Nicola Legrottaglie met it with a bullet header from 10 yards which caught Mark Schwarzer and his defence cold.

Fulham responded by attempting to hold onto possession more, feeding Damien Duff down the right whenever possible. From one such move, the former Newcastle man crossed low for Simon Davies 12 yards from goal, but the Welshman completely miscued and ended up laid flat on the turf as Juve were allowed to clear.
The Bianconeri were soon attacking themselves, and a slowly built move led to a sight on goal for Antonio Candreva, but the youngster couldn't keep his shot down.

The home side were starting to look more confident on the ball and they duly doubled their lead on 25 minutes. Candreva ran hard at Paul Konchesky before laying the ball back to Jonathan Zebina. With seemingly nothing on, Zebina beat Davies and shrugged off Etuhu before drilling an excellent right-foot shot across Schwarzer from just outside the box.

By now Juve were having all sorts of fun, and Fabio Grosso should have done better from a good crossing position, with Trezeguet and Candreva waiting, after great work by Diego had seen him pass two men before finding the Italy full-back.

Claudio Marchisio could then have put Grosso in down the left, but overhit his pass from the channel. And in the 36th minute, Fulham got themselves right back into the tie.

Simon Davies' free-kick from the left wasn't cleared, and the ball ricocheted to Dickson Etuhu, whose swinging shot cannoned off Legrottaglie and beyond the wrong-footed Alex Manninger to secure a priceless away goal for the Cottagers.

And it was so nearly 2-2 four minutes later, Brede Hangeland heading a right wing corner towards goal, forcing Manninger to make a smart stop with Aaron Hughes in close proximity. Grosso was able to hook clear and keep Juventus ahead.

This gave Fulham even more reason to believe, and Manninger suddenly became more than just a spectator as the Italians were made to work to retain their lead before the interval.

But, amazingly, Juventus managed to extend their lead on the stroke of half-time. Grosso had a clean left-foot strike tipped over by Schwarzer after Fulham had been caught cold on the break. From the resulting corner David Trezeguet hit the post with his first effort, but the rebound fell kindly for the Frenchman and he steered a shot across Schwarzer at the second attempt.

Despite having a two-goal advantage at the break, it was the Old Lady who made a change ahead of the second half, with Mauro Camoranesi replacing Hasan Salihamidzic on the right of midfield.

Fulham started the second half cagily, perhaps troubled by the thought that the concession of a fourth goal may well have ended the tie as a contest. The additional threat of Camoranesi on the right was also giving the Londoners reason to think.

Legrottaglie could well have repeated his first half trick when another headed chance came his way from a right wing corner, but this time he was much less clinical, sending his effort well over Schwarzer's bar.

Roy Hodgson made his first change on the hour mark, introducing the more attacking Clint Dempsey for Simon Davies. The return of Dempsey after serious injury will have brought a smile to the face of USA coach Bob Bradley as well as all concerned at Fulham, given that he will likely be an important member of the Americans' World Cup squad this summer. Juve then gave a run-out to Vincenzo Iaquinta, another South Africa hopeful returning from injury, for his first European appearance since October as a replacement for Trezeguet.

The away side forced their best chance of the half on 62 minutes. Hughes' free-kick was headed across goal by Zoltan Gera, but it flew just behind Bobby Zamora as he tried to wriggle free of his marker at the far post.

Juventus kept trying to force further attacks, clearly wanting to kill the tie off, but this always gave hope to Fulham on the counter. It was from a breakaway that the Whites could have pulled one back on 75 minutes. Zamora got free down the right before feeding Duff. When he was held up by Fabio Cannavaro, the Irishman chipped a ball in for Zamora, whose touch to Chris Baird seemed to have made a chance for the full-back, but he'd strayed offside.

The game continued to be played at a decent pace as both sides had good reason to seek another goal ahead of the second leg at Craven Cottage. Diego and Iaquinta both came close to grabbing a fourth for Juve in the dying moments. First the Brazilian had a sizzling shot from 20 yards parried by Schwarzer, then the Italian's header sailed just wide from the resulting corner as Fulham held onto their slim hopes of progression to the quarter-finals.

http://www.bettingzone.co.uk/football/betting/story_get.cgi?STORY_NAME=betting/10/03/11/manual_222555.html

JUVE NEW EUROPA LEAGUE FAVOURITES

Juventus are the new across-the-board Europa League favourites after their 3-1 victory over Fulham on Thursday.

The Cottagers struggled for possession in the first half at the Stadio Olimpico and went 2-0 down thanks to goals from Nicola Legrottaglie and Jonathan Zebina.

Dickson Etuhu pulled one back but Roy Hodgson's men always looked second best and David Trezeguet's sharp third goal emphasised the gulf in class between the two sides.

The layers reacted by making Juve their favourites to go on and lift the trophy - and they're a best price of 11/2 from 7/1 before the night's action. Fulham are out at 66s.

Liverpool had begun the day as the tournament favourites but they've drifted from 11/2 to as big as 7/1 after slipping to a 1-0 defeat at Lille (20s).

Hamburg are also 7s after a 3-1 win against Anderlecht, with Valencia and Marseille also available at single-figure prices after draws with Werder Bremen and Benfica respectively.

http://www.manutd.com/default.sps?pagegid=%7BB4CEE8FA%2D9A47%2D47BC%2DB069%2D3F7A2F35DB70%7D&newsid=6646749

Match Pack: FulhamUnited are looking for three points - and some revenge - against Roy Hodgson's men...

Form guide: The Reds are buoyed by the 4-0 hammering of Milan and the ousting of Chelsea from top spot with last weekend's 1-0 win over Wolves. United have now posted four straight wins since the slip-up at Everton, including victory in the Carling Cup final, and Sir Alex will want to keep this momentum going as the Reds hurl headlong into the run-in. A home win would also avenge December's 3-0 defeat at Craven Cottage. Fulham's 3-1 Europa League loss to Juventus on Thursday ended their nine-match unbeaten run; their last two domestic games ended 0-0 - against Spurs (FA Cup) and at Sunderland.

Ins and outs: United are without Michael Owen due to a hamstring injury and Anderson with an anterior cruciate ligament problem. Wes Brown will be missing due to a fractured metatarsal sustained during United's win at Wolves, while John O'Shea is missing with a thigh strain. Fulham are still without the injured Andy Johnson (knee), and are awaiting late fitness tests on Kagisho Dikgacoi (ankle) plus Clint Dempsey and John Pantsil (both knee).

Star men: Bobby Zamora has come good this season after a slow start. His thunderous strike against Shakhtar Donetsk helped to knock out the UEFA Cup holders, and he now has a decent tally of 15 goals in all competitions this season - including one in the 3-0 league win over United in December. Brede Hangeland is a big reason why Fulham have become difficult to beat - the giant centre-back is also an attacking threat at setpieces.

http://uk.soccerway.com/news/2010/March/11/juve-in-europa-league-boxseat-liverpool-crash-at-lille/

Juve in Europa League boxseat, Liverpool crash at Lille

11 March 2010


Juventus assumed command of their Europa League last-16 tie against Fulham with a 3-1 first-leg win on Thursday, after beleaguered English giants Liverpool were beaten at Lille.

Juve took an early lead in Turin when centre-back Nicola Legrottaglie headed home from a ninth-minute corner before right-back Jonathan Zebina extended their advantage with a thunderous 25-yard effort.

Dickson Etuhu's deflected shot reduced the arrears but former France international David Trezeguet restored the home side's two-goal cushion by volleying home in first-half injury time after his shot came back off the post.

Valencia were held to a 1-1 draw at home to last season's runners-up Werder Bremen, who took a 24th-minute lead via a Torsten Frings penalty.

The hosts had Argentine midfielder Ever Banega dismissed in the second half for violent conduct but they drew level almost immediately through Juan Mata, who slotted home after Spain team-mate David Silva's shot was blocked.

A last-minute Hatem Ben Arfa header earned Marseille an impressive 1-1 draw at free-scoring Portuguese league leaders Benfica, while Panathiniakos, who eliminated Serie A heavyweights Roma in the last round, were beaten 3-1 at home by Standard Liege.

Lille followed compatriots Lyon's example, after Claude Puel's side stunned Real Madrid in the Champions League on Wednesday, by consigning Liverpool to a 1-0 defeat at the Stadium Lille-Metropole.

Liverpool, a disappointing sixth in the Premier League after losing 1-0 to Wigan on Monday, were short of fluency on an uneven playing surface and sank to defeat when Eden Hazard's 84th-minute free-kick drifted straight in from wide on the left-hand flank.

The Belgian youngster had been a constant torment with his purposeful running and his goal, albeit fortuitous, puts his side in the driving seat prior to the return match at Anfield on March 18.

"I have confidence we can beat anyone on a good day at Anfield," said Liverpool coach Rafael Benitez.

"I would be worried if the players hadn't worked as hard as they have. The fans will play a part, they will push and will be behind the team."

Benitez's Lille counterpart Rudi Garcia said his team still had work to do.

"Everyone thought we were out when the draw was made. Now, although nothing has been decided, it's a good result for us," he said.

"We have to score over there. The first leg should give us confidence and show us that we're capable of competing with such a big team."

Elsewhere, a delightful curling finish from Bosnian playmaker Zvjezdan Misimovic in the 67th minute earned Wolfsburg a 1-1 draw at Rubin Kazan in the battle of the reigning league champions from Germany and Russia.

Ruud van Nistelrooy scored his first home goal for new club Hamburg as they defeated Anderlecht 3-1, with Jonathan Legear's superb free-kick on the stroke of half-time earning the visitors an away goal.

Sporting Lisbon secured a 0-0 draw at Atletico Madrid despite the 31st-minute dismissal of defender Leandro Grimi for two bookable offences and a straight red card for Tonel in the final minute.

http://www.sportinglife.com/football/overseas/italy/news/story_get.cgi?STORY_NAME=soccer/10/03/11/SOCCER_Fulham_Quotes.html&TEAMHD=italy

THIRD GOAL A BITTER PILL FOR HODGSON


Fulham manager Roy Hodgson admits Juventus' third goal is a "bitter pill to swallow" after the Italian side took what could prove to be a decisive lead in their Europa League last-16 clash.

The Cottagers went 2-0 down within half an hour as goals from Nicola Legrottaglie and Jonathan Zebina put the Italians in control.

Dickson Etuhu pulled one back but Hodgson's men always looked second best and David Trezeguet's goal deep in first-half stoppage-time emphasised the gulf in class between the two sides.

Hodgson insists his team remain very much in the tie despite the 3-1 defeat, with the second leg in London still to come, but he acknowledges that the third goal has left them with a mountain to climb.

"I thought they were very effective, not least from scoring two goals from corners," he told ITV4.

"The real disappointment from our point of view is that having got back into the game at 2-1 and seemingly not being particularly troubled we gave away a very foolish goal.

"That meant it's an uphill battle but I thought the players did extremely well in the second half because at 3-1 it's dangerous.

"We needed a second goal but we needed not to concede another so it was a good performance in the second half.

But we're not out of the tie yet and at 2-1 we might have even been congratulating ourselves because we gave a decent performance here today."

Hodgson added: "But certainly we did enough in the game to show we're not out of the tie and we certainly weren't disgraced in any way here today.

"The bitter pill to swallow and the bitter pill we're going to be carrying for the next week is that third goal, which I thought was very unnecessary.

"We had possession of the ball in their half and there was one minute left to play and I think we should have come in at 2-1 and would have been quite happy."

http://www.skysports.com/story/0,19528,11681_6016384,00.html


Hodgson - We can turn it round


Cottagers boss upbeat despite heavy defeat against Juve


Last updated: 11th March 2010   


Fulham manager Roy Hodgson was disappointed by his side's lacklustre defending that gave Juventus a 3-1 win, but insists they can fight back to reach the next stage of the Europa League.

The Cottagers went 2-0 down within 30 minutes thanks to goals from defenders Nicola Legrottaglie and Jonathan Zebina before Dickson Etuhu pulled one back.

However, the visitors always looked second best and Hodgson's charges seemed to switch off when David Trezeguet restored Juve's two-goal cushion with a sharp third to emphasise the gulf in class between the two sides.

Hodgson insists his team can still reach the quarter-finals, but knows that Trezeguet's opportunistic strike has left them with a mountain to climb.

"I thought they were very effective, not least from scoring two goals from corners," said Hodgson.

"The real disappointment from our point of view is that having got back into the game at 2-1 and seemingly not being particularly troubled we gave away a very foolish goal.

"That meant it's an uphill battle but I thought the players did extremely well in the second half because at 3-1 it's dangerous.

"We needed a second goal but we needed not to concede another so it was a good performance in the second half.

"But we're not out of the tie yet and at 2-1 we might have even been congratulating ourselves because we gave a decent performance here."

No disgrace
Hodgson added: "But certainly we did enough in the game to show we're not out of the tie and we certainly weren't disgraced in any way here.

"The bitter pill to swallow and the bitter pill we're going to be carrying for the next week is that third goal, which I thought was very unnecessary.

"We had possession of the ball in their half and there was one minute left to play and I think we should have come in at 2-1 and would have been quite happy."

http://www.goal.com/en/news/166/europa-league/2010/03/11/1828904/alberto-zaccheroni-warns-juventus-that-europa-league-tie

Europa League Tie With Fulham Is Not Over Yet


The coach wanted another goal to put the tie to bed...


By Rick D'Andrea



Mar 11, 2010 10:24:00 PM


Juventus coach Alberto Zaccheroni was pleased that the Bianconeri were able to claim a 3-1 victory over Fulham in their Europa League round of 16 first leg clash, but the boss wanted to kill the tie off.

Zaccheroni believes that the side will need to be at their best during the return leg on March 18, as the tie is still up for grabs thanks largely to Dickson Etuhu's away goal.

"The squad did well, but I hoped that we would have had a better result on the scoreboard than what we obtained," the boss stated to Corriere Dello Sport post-match. "This means that we will have to be at our best for the return leg.

"What I did like about the team tonight is the way we closed down the space, and remained compact. We defended together, and attacked together.

"There has been little time to have gotten this into the minds of the players, but they have all been willing and available," added Zaccheroni.

http://fulhampatsfan.blogspot.com/2010/03/fulham-lose-3-1-at-juventus.html

Fulham lose 3 - 1 at Juventus

I stated going into the match that I hoped for an away goal in this Europa League matchup at the Stadio Olimpico in Turin. I guess I was hoping the score was a little closer. Fulham lost to Juventus 3 - 1. The funny thing the score doesn't indicate the effort and play Fulham gave in the second half. Overall, Juventus were the better team in this match. Fulham still have a chance next week at Craven Cottage. It is going to be hard, but this team has surprised me many times this season. I wouldn't count Fulham out just yet.

The first 30 minutes were dominated by Juventus. In this time they scored 2 goals. First, In the 8th minute a Diego corner kick was headed in by Nicola Legrottaglie that got by Mark Schwarzer. In the 25th minute, off of a great run came a tremendous right footed shot by Jonathan Zebina, that just got in the corner of the net. After the first 30 minutes Fulham were down 2- 0.

Shortly afterwards Fulham started to show some life and started to control the ball more. In the 36th minute, a direct free kick was taken by Simon Davies. The ball fell to Dickson Etuhu who richocheted a shot off of a Juventus defender that went past Manninger. The game was now 2 - 1 and Fulham had an important away goal.

Fulham almost tied the match in the 40th minute. Simon Davies had a corner kick that was headed by Brede Hangeland in the box and saved by Manninger again. This was Fulham's best chance to tie the match.

It looked like the match would end at the half 2-1 with Juventus ahead. The game went into stoppage time and Juventus were pushing forward. After a corner kick, a shot by David Trezeguet hit the the post but bounced right back to him. His second shot got by Mark Schwarzer and Juventus were ahead 3 - 1 to the end the first half.

The second half I thought Fulham controlled a good amount of the play and pushed forward. Unfortunately, many times in the second half Bobby Zamora was offsides. There was though a good cross by Zamora that went to Zoltan Gera. He headed the ball out of bounds.

I have to say the best news of the second half was the return of Clint Dempsey in the 60th minute. He came in and replaced Simon Davies. The last best chance of the night came from Juventus. in the 89th minute a shot by Diego was tipped over the net by Mark Schwarzer. The game ended 3 - 1 with Juventus winning the match.

Even though Fulham were outplayed tonight I thought they gave great effort. I think they showed especially in the second half that the club deserved to be in this matchup. It will be tough in the second leg. Regardless of the outcome it has been an great time watching Fulham play in the Europa League. I never would have imagined this happening 2 years ago.

Posted by Fulham-Pats Fan at 5:26 PM

http://www.goal.com/en/news/166/europa-league/2010/03/11/1828952/juventus-forward-david-trezeguet-pleased-with-goal-against

Juventus Forward David Trezeguet Pleased With Goal Against Fulham


The Frenchman would like to win the Europa League, but is taking it one match at a time...


By Rick D'Andrea


Mar 11, 2010 11:01:00 PM

Juventus hitman David Trezeguet was pleased that his side defeated Fulham 3-1 in the first leg of their Europa League round of 16 clash.

But there is some doubt over whether the Frenchman got the final touch on the goal awarded to him.

"[Hasan] Salihamidzic claims that he touched it last, but I did not see it. If he says this, then I have faith in him. As it stands, this goal I will keep to myself," the 32-year-old affirmed to Tuttosport. "The important thing is that the team won.

"This is a big step forward for the side. My last goal in Europe was against Bayern Munich on that fateful night, and am pleased to have scored again.

"We are going through a better period as a team, as the victory against Fiorentina gave us a lift.

"There is still a long way to go in the Europa League, but we are working towards going as far as we can. The quality of players are there, and Juventus are a side accustomed to winning," concluded Trezeguet

Everything To Play For


Thursday 11th March 2010


Fulham FC News

Mark Schwarzer expressed his disappointment at Thursday night's defeat at the Stadio Olimpico di Torino but spoke of his belief that Fulham can still cause an upset at the Cottage next week.

"We find ourselves very disappointed with how we conceded the goals. We got ourselves back in the game at 2-1 and from our standards the third goal was a very sloppy goal.

"We uncharacteristically conceded three goals and we're very disappointed. They had a different game plan in the second half and wanted to hit us on the counter attack as they were happy with the 3-1 score.

"We'll watch the videos, analyse it and make sure it doesn't happen in the second game. I've been in this situation before and I don't think the game is over yet. I think we'll cause them a few more problems at the Cottage than we did tonight.

"The Cottage is a very tight ground and we won't give them as much room as they had tonight – it will be a very different game."

Fulham head back to SW6 on Friday afternoon ahead of Sunday's Barclays Premier League clash at Old Trafford and Schwarzer is now focused on making the most out of two massive fixtures over the next seven days.

"It's a great position to be in and there are a lot of clubs that would love to be in the situation we're in and we'll try to take advantage of it. We'll focus on Sunday's game now and see what we can do at Old Trafford."


Read more: http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2010/March/SchwarzerJuveReaction.aspx#ixzz0hvtVB5Zk (http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2010/March/SchwarzerJuveReaction.aspx#ixzz0hvtVB5Zk)

Cottage Will Be Key

Thursday 11th March 2010


Fulham FC News

Fulham return to the Cottage next Thursday with the task of pulling back a two goal deficit against Juventus and Aaron Hughes believes the home support could play a telling role in the tie.

"We know what we have to do at the Cottage next week and we'll have a right go at it. We're obviously disappointed, especially with the way we conceded the third goal.

"Our away goal might yet prove crucial if we can get a couple of goals at the Cottage and keep a clean sheet. It's going to be tough - but it's not impossible.

"We're disappointed with the way we conceded the goals but like I say, there's plenty of football to play.
"I thought the fans were fantastic and they gave us a lot of support. They've [the fans] been like that throughout our European campaign and we've been to some far away places.

"It's fantastic and it's unfortunate we couldn't give them something to take home with them tonight. We'll see what we can do next week and I think the atmosphere will play a big part next week."


Read more: http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2010/March/hughesjuvereaction.aspx#ixzz0hvtq1NTI (http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2010/March/hughesjuvereaction.aspx#ixzz0hvtq1NTI)

Juventus 3 - 1 Fulham

The first leg of the last 16 of the UEFA Europa League kicked-off in the Stadio Olimpico di Torino on Thursday night when Fulham challenged Italian giants Juventus for a place in the Quarter Finals.

Fulham got the game underway in their red and black away strip and Roy Hodgson's Team settled into their game quickly and appeared more than comfortable against their Italian counterparts during the early stages.

However after 8 minutes of play Juventus took an early lead. The goal game courtesy of Diego's corner, after Schwarzer was forced to tip Trezeguet's goal-bound header wide of goal. From the set piece Legrottaglie steamed into the area and powered his header into the far corner of the net from 8 yards.

Despite the early setback Fulham were not unnerved and after 15 minutes produced a great opportunity for Simon Davies to pull the game level. The Welsh international drifted away from his marker in the area to meet Zamora's cross from the right by-line but failed to produce a final flourish.

After 25 minutes Juventus' lead was doubled when Jonathan Zebina scored with a thunderous drive from 25 yards. The right back collected the ball 40 yards from goal down the right channel before skipping past two Fulham players and unleashing an unstoppable drive past Schwarzer into the far corner of the net.

After a dispiriting start to the game and with the Whites facing an uphill struggle, Dickson Etuhu sent Fulham's 1,500 strong supporters wild when he struck home from 18 yards after 36 minutes. The Nigerian international's shot came courtesy of Davies' free kick from the left flank. After the ball ricocheted off a host of players Etuhu stepped up to smash a heavily deflected drive in the corner of the net.

Juventus' comfortable lead was not only halved but Hodgson's Team had claimed an all-important away goal, which could yet prove decisive over the two legs. The home side appeared rattled following Etuhu's goal and before half-time Fulham almost pulled level on three occasions.

First Gera almost nudged the ball past Manninger on the goal line from Duff's corner before the Juve keeper was forced to save twice from Zamora and Gera before the break.

Fulham were in the ascendancy with Zamora giving the home side's central defensive pairing a torrid time. However against the run of play Fulham were dealt a crushing blow right on half time when Trezeguet scored to earn Juventus a 3-1 lead.

Schwarzer had pulled off a stunning save to deny Grosso moments before Trezeguet's strike. The resulting corner fell to the former French international striker, who blasted the ball into the far corner of the net. In truth, Fulham could have been level, instead they faced a two-goal deficit at the half time.

After Juventus had kicked-off the second period of play it took Fulham just five minutes to fashion a superb piece of play which almost rewarded Hodgson's side with a second away goal. Bobby Zamora beat Juve's offside trap and raced onto a long ball down the right flank. The striker then drilled a low centre into Gera who flicked the ball goalwards with his back to goal. Only a crucial intervention denied Gera a stunning goal.

Ten minutes later Zamora was at it again, leaving the home side's defence in his wake down the right flank. Zamora's second break of the half was perhaps the better opportunity but the striker's cross to Gera, racing into the area, was once again intercepted on the six-yard line.

Fulham were certainly finding the space behind Juve's defence, particularly down the right hand side, and a second goal was not only deserved but would have changed the entire complexion of the contest.

Roy Hodgson and Alberto Zaccheroni made attacking changes on the hour mark. For Fulham there was a welcome return to action for Clint Dempsey, who replaced Simon Davies. For Juventus, goalscorer and captain Trezeguet made way for Vincenzo Iaquita, who took his position at the head of the home side's attacking trio.

Fulham were pushing a higher line as the game wore on and Zamora continued to open Juventus up down the home side's left flank. With Dempsey and Gera doubling up in the centre Fulham's offered by far the greater attacking threat, yet a second crucial away goal eluded them.

Fulham continued to push forward during the final ten minutes of the game with their dominance offering great encouragement. Juventus, who had produced no notable attempts on goal during the second half, offered a late threat when Diego fired a 30 yard shot which forced Schwarzer to tip the ball over the cross bar for a corner. It was the last of the action and Juventus ran out 3-1 winners at the end of the first leg.

Fulham will return to the Cottage next Thursday facing a major task but will be offered great encouragement from their performance at the Stadio Olimpico di Torino. The scoreline in no way reflected the balance of play and Hodgson's side can count themselves desperately unfortunate to be two goals behind returning to SW6. 

Roy' Hodgson's Reaction:

"We did enough in the game to show we are not out of it. We certainly weren't disgraced. The only bitter pill for us to swallow is that their third goal just before half-time was completely unnecessary. We should have come in at 2-1 and with that scoreline for the second leg we would have been a lot happier.

"Getting back to just 2-1 down, I thought we were reasonably placed. It was in our hands then. But to concede again, and in added-on time in the first half, really killed us. It was a bad goal to concede.

"It will be an exciting game [at the Cottage] and I'm sure our public will enjoy it. To score two goals and not concede any is a difficult task but I've certainly seen stranger things happen in my time in football.

"We have had a lot of games and maybe there was an element of fatigue tonight. Perhaps we weren't as sprightly as we have been in some of our games. This will certainly be a testing time for our durability but we're not out of this competition yet. It's not impossible."



Read more: http://www.fulhamfc.com/MatchAndTeam/MatchCentre/Matches/0910/EuropaLeague/JuventusAway.aspx#ixzz0hvu9w2ow (http://www.fulhamfc.com/MatchAndTeam/MatchCentre/Matches/0910/EuropaLeague/JuventusAway.aspx#ixzz0hvu9w2ow)

http://www.goal.com/en/news/166/europa-league/2010/03/11/1828984/juventus-ace-antonio-candreva-disappointed-fulham-scored


Juventus Ace Antonio Candreva Disappointed Fulham Scored Away Goal


The midfielder saw his side concede a goal with the opposition's only real shot on target...


By Rick D'Andrea


Mar 11, 2010 11:44:00 PM

Juventus attacking midfielder Antonio Candreva may be happy that his side were able to defeat Fulham 3-1 in the Europa League first leg clash, but is disappointed that the Bianconeri conceded a goal during the English side's only real attacking opportunity.

The 23-year-old also knows that the Cottagers will be a different proposition during the return leg.

"I hope that he we can continue winning and playing like this," the Italian international stated to Tuttosport. " I am saddened that we conceded a goal in their only real attacking opportunity.

"They are a tough side, and we will need to be attentive in England during the second leg.

"The coach has trusted me enough to play me during this fixture, and it reinforces the hard work that I am doing here," he concluded.

http://www.dailyexpress.co.uk/posts/view/162687/Fulham-brought-low-by-the-Old-Lady-s-charms/

FULHAM BROUGHT LOW BY THE OLD LADY'S CHARMS 


Friday March 12,2010

By Tony Paskin 


JUVENTUS 3 FULHAM 1


FULHAM'S Euro adventure went downhill fast in a city overlooked by The Alps. The white stuff may have kept away yesterday following heavy snowfall in Turin, but the black and white didn't. 

Juventus jolted Roy Hodgson's men with three first-half goals and the west Londoners have a mountain to climb on Thursday in the return-leg if they are to reach the last eight of the Europa Cup.

Hodgson admitted as much after the match. "To score two goals at home and not concede is going to be difficult," he said. "We weren't favourites and we are even less so now. But I have seen stranger things happen in football."

Juventus, the Old Lady of Italian football, scored through Nicolas Legrottaglie, Jonathan Zebina and David Trezeguet with Dickson Etuhu scoring an away goal.

Hodgson said the Trezeguet strike was the big blow. "What killed this game was the third goal in the 46th minute. It is a bad one to concede. "Our major regret is that at 2-1 it looked possible to get a good result then we let that one in during stoppage-time.

"It is a testing time for the durability of the squad but to come to Juventus and have as much control as we did is commendable.

"In the second half we had more shots on goal than they did but the final ball was just not there. But we are not out of it."

Fulham are still competing on three fronts – the Europa League, Premier League and FA Cup – and this match signalled the beginning of a daunting five matches in 13 days and a 46th game of an already-busy

http://www.dailystar.co.uk/football/view/126040/Fulham-left-stunned-by-Juventus/

FULHAM LEFT STUNNED BY JUVENTUS


12th March 2010

By David Woods

Juventus 3 Fulham 1

Fulham's European adventure took a tumble in Turin last night as Juve jolted them with three first-half goals.

Roy Hodgson's men arrived in Italy having conceded a trio of goals in only one match this season, away to Stoke in January.

However, they found the team nicknamed the 'Old Lady' still has plenty of zest as they went into the break having conceded strikes to Nicolas Legrottaglie, Jonathan Zebina and David Trezeguet.

A deflected Dickson Etuhu goal at 2-0 down brought some respite to the Cottagers, who are competing on three fronts – the Europa League, Premier League and FA Cup.

This match signalled the beginning of a daunting five matches in 13 days for the west Londoners.

Following their return from northern Italy, Hodgson's men travel to Old Trafford to face leaders Manchester United on Sunday. Then it is the last-16 return leg with Juve, Manchester City at home in the league and a trip to Spurs in the Cup.

No wonder Hodgson was talking about making history with the team from the Thames.

Juve were the first to threaten when Trezeguet's header was pushed for a corner by Mark Schwarzer.

From the resulting corner from Diego in the ninth minute, ­Legrottaglie was able to jump high and win a powerful header, with the ball bouncing into the ground and ­flashing past Schwarzer and into the roof of the net.

Simon Davies had a great chance to hit back in the 18th minute after good work down the Fulham right saw Damien Duff pull an excellent ball back into his path.

But from about 12 yards out Davies swung with his right and missed the ball, with it bouncing away off his standing leg. Not surprisingly, the Welshman banged the ground in frustration. With work going on to rebuild their Stadio Del Alpi, this match was staged at the Stadio Olimpico, with only around 10,000 home fans bothering to turn up.

Juve almost claimed a second when Jonathan Greening was all too easily dispossessed by Claudio Marchiso and Trezeguet smashed a long-range shot just over.

However, his effort paled in comparison to the Italians' second goal in the 25th minute.

Zebina breezed past Davies and then made perfect connection with an angled shot from 25 yards which arrowed in off the far post.

This second goal left Hodgson stroking his chin on the touchline, perhaps wondering if his tired team might be about to take an embarrassing beating from the 'Old Lady'.

He was lifted, though, in the 36th minute when Fulham scored in the most fortunate of circumstances.

Davies' average free-kick into the box was only half-cleared and Etuhu was able to hit a hopeful shot towards goal. It was going straight towards former Arsenal keeper Alex Manninger until it struck Legrottaglie and went spinning to the keeper's left and just inside the post.

It was the Nigerian's second goal in 35 appearances for the club, with his other also coming in the Europa League against FK Vetra.

Fulham almost levelled when Brede Hangeland won a header from a Davies corner which Manninger could only parry, with the ball being frantically cleared.

But Juve remained dangerous and in first-half stoppage-time Schwarzer pulled off a stunning flying save to keep out Fabio Grosso's blistering left-foot drive.

Unfortunately, the corner led to a remarkable third goal for the hosts.

When the ball reached Trezeguet standing beyond the far post, the Frenchman hammered a shot against the upright, but he somehow managed to adjust and volley home the rebound into the opposite corner.

http://www.juventus.com/site/eng/NEWS_newschampionsleague_792CAACB8F2F44A5955448B12E2D97AD.asp

Manninger: «We scored three great goals but Fulham is a well organized team»

A couple of good saves and a cleansheet which was only missed due to an unlucky deviation. Alexander Manninger has reason to be satisfied after the first leg against Fulham.

«It was a dirty goal. On such occasions, the ball stays there then somebody deviates and unfortunately this time it went in. However we reacted and scored a third. In London it will be a true battle. The defence played a great game tonight because we did not give our opponents space. We scored three great goals but Fulham is a well organized team with good qualities and they will definitely try to pay as back in London».

Asked what he thought of Zebina who scored a great goal, Manninger answered: «I did expect a great Zebina because I have seen him in training and lately he seems to be in great shape».

Back came Juventus. And again they scored with an accomplished strike. This time, after Schwarzer superbly tipped over Fabio Grosso's angled drive, the corner was met by Trezeguet only for his right-foot shot to cannon back off a post. With wonderful instinct the French striker stretched to meet the rebound, this time volleying it, left-footed, into the other corner of the goal. Right on half-time. Hodgson was furious.

"Volleyed it left footed ?" Was this berk at the game. That's about as accurate as the offside decision against Bobatov when he was a good yard on ...

http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/european/zebina-and-juventus-too-strong-for-fulham-1920247.html

Zebina and Juventus too strong for Fulham

Juventus 3 Fulham 1

By Glenn Moore at Stadio Olimpico


Friday, 12 March 2010


Fulham's European adventure may have outlasted those of Real Madrid and Milan but the prospects of Roy Hodgson's side extending their campaign into April look slim after running into a Juventus team that lived up to the legend.


The suspended Danny Murphy was badly missed as Diego dictated play in this Europa Cup round of 16 first leg. High-class finishing, admittedly aided and abetted by poor Fulham defending, brought Juventus first-half goals for Nicola Legrottaglie, Jonathan Zebina and David Trezeguet. Nevertheless, Dickson Etuhu's deflected away goal offers Fulham hope for the return at Craven Cottage on Thursday.

"We're not out of it yet," said Hodgson. "We showed for a large part of the game we are more than capable of matching them. We had more situations around the box but they have quality players who took their chances."

While Craven Cottage will be packed to the rafters (it still has rafters) next week, the Stadio Olimpico was not even half-full, less than 10,000 Juventus fans, plus 1,500 from London, braving the night's bitter chill. It was something of a blessing that Juve are playing here while the 80,000-seat Stadio delle Alpi is being renovated.

If the tie had not have captured the imagination of Juventus fans their players did not lack desire. The Serie A side dominated the opening minutes with Fulham struggling to retain possession. It took Juventus just eight minutes to make their superiority count. Trezeguet won a corner with a glancing header which Mark Schwarzer did well to turn away. Diego delivered the set-piece and Legrottaglie rose unchallenged to head powerfully home.

Fulham, paradoxically, now settled and should have levelled. Damien Duff, released down the right by Zoltan Gera, pulled the ball back to Simon Davies in space 14 yards from goal. The Welshman, alas, miskicked.

It was a costly error as Juve soon doubled their lead with a stunning goal from Jonathan Zebina. Picking up a loose ball 10 yards inside the Fulham half he strolled past weak challenges from Davies and Etuhu before unleashing a drive which flew in off the far post.

Fulham needed a break. After 36 minutes they got one. A long free-kick fell to Etuhu whose shot took a huge deflection off Legrottaglie and rolled in. The goal changed the match as Fulham created a series of chances, Brede Hangeland going closest to an equaliser with a header Fabio Grosso cleared off the line.

As the interval approached Fulham conceded another bad goal. Chris Baird's misjudgement enabled Diego to set up Grosso who brought a superb save from Schwarzer. The subsequent corner found its way to Trezeguet who shot against the post then, with great dexterity, hit the rebound inside the far post past Duff who should have been guarding it.

Juventus were happy to sit on their lead in the second half and, with Fabio Cannavaro looking back to his best, kept Fulham at bay without much alarm. Not that either manager said the tie was over.

"To score two goals and not concede is going to be very difficult, but I've seen stranger things happen," said Hodgson.

"I am quite satisfied, but I had hoped for more as Fulham are at their best at home," said Zaccheroni.

Juventus (4-3-2-1): Manninger; Zebina, Legrottaglie, Cannavaro, Grosso; Salihamidzic (Camoranesi, h-t), Poulsen (Sissoko, 76), Marchisio; Candreva, Diego; Trezeguet (Iaquinta, 72). Substitutes not used: Del Piero, Grygera, De Ceglie, Pinsoglio (gk).

Fulham (4-4-1-1): Schwarzer; Baird, Hughes, Hangeland, Konchesky; Duff, Etuhu, Greening, Davies (Dempsey, 60); Gera; Zamora. Substitutes not used: Kelly, Nevland, Smalling, Zuberbühler (gk), Marsh-Brown.

Referee: F Meyer (Germany).

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/leagues/premierleague/manutd/7420694/Manchester-United-v-Fulham-match-preview.html

Manchester United v Fulham: match preview

Read a full preview of the Premier League match between Manchester United and Fulham at Old Trafford on Sunday March 14 2010, kick-off 13.30 GMT.

By John Ley

Published: 6:00AM GMT 12 Mar 2010


Manchester United v Fulham
Old Trafford
Kick-off: 13.30 GMT.
TV: Live Sky & Highlights, BBC2 Match of the Day 2.

Fulham are attempting to win at Old Trafford for the first time since 2003 and, following the 3-0 win at Craven Cottage in December that would complete their first ever double over United – at the 31st attempt. Fulham arrive on the back of a five-game unbeaten run in the Premier League.

United could lose their place at the top of the Premier League by the time they entertain Fulham but, since they lost 3-0 at Craven Cottage, they have lost once in 11 League games. Fulham ares till without Clint Dempsey, Andrew Johnson, John Pantsil and Kagisho Dikgacoi but Paul Konchesky could feature.

United are without Wes Brown, with a broken foot. Michael Owen, Anderson and John O'Shea are also missing. Wayne Rooney returned against AC Milan on Wednesday and scored twice in a 4-0 win.

Team details (probable)

United (4-4-2): Van der Sar; Neville, Vidic, Ferdinand, Evra; Valencia, Gibson, Scholes, Park; Berbatov, Rooney.|
Fulham (4-4-2): Schwarzer; Baird, Hughes, Hangeland, Shorey; Duff, Greening, Etuhu, Davies; Gera, Zamora.
Referee: Michael Jones. Matches: 12. R1. Y41.

This season: Fulham 3 United 0.

Last season: United 3 Fulham 0, Fulham 2 United 0.

Stat of the game: Fulham are the only team yet to concede a penalty in the Premier League this season.

Betting tip: Go for Rooney to score a hat-trick at 12-1

 
I NOSE WE CAN DO IT ... Roy Hodgson


Juventus 3 Fulham 1


Roy won't give up on his dream


From ANDREW DILLON in Turin

Published: Today

ROY HODGSON reckons Fulham can produce the biggest victory in their history and keep the Europa League dream alive.

Boss Hodgson said: "We weren't favourites to win before this game and we're even less fancied now. But I have seen stranger things happen in football than us turn this tie around.

"I'm sure our players will be doing their best.

"It's not impossible, we're not out of it yet."

Hodgson admits a marathon season, which began on July 30, is taking its toll.

A deflected 36th-minute effort from Dickson Etuhu was the club's consolation - and an away goal - as they battle to reach the quarter-finals.

But the Londoners were left cursing after French striker Trezeguet, 32, made it 3-1 with the last kick of the first half.

Fulham face Manchester United at Old Trafford on Sunday before the daunting second leg with the Italian giants.

Hodgson said: "We have played a lot of games and this is going to be a test of our durability.

"There is an element of fatigue. But what killed us was the third goal in first-half injury-time.

"Our major regret is that at 2-1 we had the possibility of getting a result in our hands.

"At 2-1 we would have been happy with the result. But to come to Juventus and have as much control as we did is commendable."

Fulham were boosted by the surprise appearance of Clint Dempsey.

The American striker, who picked up a serious knee injury in January, played 30 minutes as a substitute.



Read more: http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/sport/football/2889564/Roy-wont-give-up-on-his-dream.html#ixzz0hwQGbINg (http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/sport/football/2889564/Roy-wont-give-up-on-his-dream.html#ixzz0hwQGbINg)

http://www.manutd.com/default.sps?pagegid=%7BB4CEE8FA%2D9A47%2D47BC%2DB069%2D3F7A2F35DB70%7D&newsid=6646749


United are looking for three points - and some revenge - against Roy Hodgson's men...

Form guide: The Reds are buoyed by the 4-0 hammering of Milan and the ousting of Chelsea from top spot with last weekend's 1-0 win over Wolves. United have now posted four straight wins since the slip-up at Everton, including victory in the Carling Cup final, and Sir Alex will want to keep this momentum going as the Reds hurl headlong into the run-in. A home win would also avenge December's 3-0 defeat at Craven Cottage. Fulham's 3-1 Europa League loss to Juventus on Thursday ended their nine-match unbeaten run; their last two domestic games ended 0-0 - against Spurs (FA Cup) and at Sunderland.

Ins and outs: United are without Michael Owen due to a hamstring injury and Anderson with an anterior cruciate ligament problem. Wes Brown will be missing due to a fractured metatarsal sustained during United's win at Wolves, while John O'Shea is missing with a thigh strain. Fulham are still without the injured Andy Johnson (knee), and are awaiting late fitness tests on Kagisho Dikgacoi (ankle) plus Clint Dempsey and John Pantsil (both knee).

Star men: Bobby Zamora has come good this season after a slow start. His thunderous strike against Shakhtar Donetsk helped to knock out the UEFA Cup holders, and he now has a decent tally of 15 goals in all competitions this season - including one in the 3-0 league win over United in December. Brede Hangeland is a big reason why Fulham have become difficult to beat - the giant centre-back is also an attacking threat at setpieces.

http://www.goal.com/en/news/166/europa-league/2010/03/11/1828965/nicola-legrottaglie-believes-italy-can-be-proud-of-juventus


Nicola Legrottaglie Believes Italy Can Be Proud Of Juventus


The defender wants to win the Europa League...


By Rick D'Andrea


Mar 11, 2010 11:22:00 PM

Juventus defender Nicola Legrottaglie has admitted that he would like to win the Europa League, after the Bianconeri defeated Fulham 3-1 in the first leg of their round of 16 tie.

For the 33-year-old, Italian football can be proud of the Bianconeri because of how well they are doing in Europe.

"We have a great chance to bring home the trophy," the Italian international revealed to Tuttosport. "Italian football can be proud of our side in Europe, and how well we want to do.

"If we are able to win the Europa League, it would be a massive triumph. After winning the Serie B, and finishing in third and second place respectively in the league, arriving at the top of Europe would be fantastic. We need to believe in this until the end.

"The team's aim now is to do well in London, as we are confident. It is not easy playing matches every three days, but we are gaining important players, and this is helping our cause," he concluded.

http://www.mirrorfootball.co.uk/news/Juventus-3-1-Fulham-Daily-Mirror-match-report-article352379.html

Juventus 3-1 Fulham: Daily Mirror match report

Published 00:00 11/03/10


By Neil McLeman


ROY HODGSON admitted Fulham paid the price for poor defending last night as they suffered their heaviest ever defeat in European football.

Juventus restored some pride to the Italian game with three goals in a crazy first half against an unusually sloppy rearguard.

Dickson Etutu's deflected away goal gave Fulham hope of reaching the last eight in the return leg at Craven Cottage on Thursday. But although the result wasn't a thrashing as convincing as Manchester United's destruction of Milan the previous night, this was not the kind of history Roy Hodgson had asked his side to make in their biggest game on foreign soil. Conceding two goals from corners is just not Fulham's style. In the end, they did well to only trail by two goals.

"We defended poorly tonight," admitted the former Inter Milan boss. "There was an element of fatigue about us because we have played a lot of games. The players are disappointed.

"We haven't made that many mistakes. Those we did make, we were made to pay for. The goal in the 46th minute, after we had got back into the game, killed the game. It was a bad time to concede. Going in at half-time 2-1 down, the game was still in our hands."

The Italian giants may be down in fifth place in Serie A and struggling to qualify for the Champions League again after getting knocked out in the group stages this season. But even without some of their biggest names last night, the Old Lady of Turin still had too much class.

Fulham, who played like this was there 46th match of a long season, had never lost by more than one goal in European competition. Fulham's unbeaten European record at Craven Cottage will now come under serious threat. But first they visit Manchester United on Sunday.

Last night a shadow Juventus side - Alessandro Del Piero spent the game on the bench despite a raft of injuries and suspensions - proved too much for Fulham.

Hodgson's side conceded only one goal in the whole of February. Last night they were two down after only 25 minutes. After only eight minutes, Nicolas Legrottaglie rose too easily to head home Diego's corner from seven yards.

The Italians doubled their lead a minute later when Jonathan Zebina brushed past half-hearted challenges from Etuhu and Simon Davies before smashing home a shot off the far post from the corner of the box for a stunning goal.

But this crazy first half briefly changed course after 36 minutes with Dickson Etutu's freak goal. Davies' 36th-minute free-kick was half cleared to the Nigeria midfielder on the edge of the Juve box and his low shot took a double deflection - the last off Legrottaglie - and past the wrong-footed Alex Manninger.

After being a spectator for the first third of the match, the former Arsenal keeper then made saves from Brede Hangeland, Bobby Zamora and Zoltan Gera before the break. None were as good as the one-handed stop Schwarzer made at the other end to keep out a Grosso thunderbolt.

But Fulham were caught out again from the corner. Trezeguet first crashed a volley against the post and reacted instantly to prod home the rebound home for his 170th goal in the black-and-white shirt.

Clint Dempsey made his first appearance since January for the disappointing Davies after an hour but the American not enliven an anti-climactic second period.

Schwarzer another fine save from Diego after 90 minutes to keep the tie alive. Jonathan Greening will be banned fro the second leg along with captain Jonathan Greening after picking up a second yellow card.

Hodgson said: "To score two goals and keep a clean sheet is going to be difficult. We weren't favourites before this game. We are even less so now. It is not impossible. I have seen stranger things happen in football."

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/europe/8558323.stm



Juventus   3 - 1   Fulham

By Chris Bevan 


Three first-half goals saw Juventus take command of their Europa League last-16 tie with Fulham, but Dickson Etuhu's goal gave the Cottagers hope.

Nicola Legrottaglie nodded the Italian side ahead from Diego's ninth-minute corner and Jonathan Zebina made it 2-0 with a fierce 25-yard strike.

Etuhu replied with a shot that took a huge deflection off Legrottaglie.

But David Trezeguet gave Juve breathing space for the second leg, reacting quickly after he had hit the post.

Fulham have rightly won plaudits, and caused plenty of surprises, during their progress in Europe this season but the defensive organisation that has been a hallmark of their displays was absent in the early stages at the Stadio Olimpico di Torino.

Cottagers boss Roy Hodgson, who has had time at Italian sides Inter Milan and Udinese during a rich and successful managerial career, will have been disappointed with the manner in which Juve took the lead after just nine minutes.

After Trezeguet's clever flicked header was pushed around the post by Mark Schwarzer, Diego's corner was met by the leaping Legrottaglie, who rose unmarked to send a powerful header bouncing into the roof of the Fulham net.

Fulham did improve after going behind, but they rarely looked like levelling and a Simon Davies miscue from a smart Damien Duff pull-back was their only sight of goal in the opening half-hour.

Juve continued to look menacing, however, and their second goal on 25 minutes showed the quality in their ranks even if there were more question marks over the visitors' defending.

After good work by Antonio Candreva, who held the ball up on the edge of the area, Zebina rode Davies' weak challenge and slammed an unstoppable shot that flew past Schwarzer and went in off the far post.

At that stage, things looked grim for Fulham but they were soon back in the tie thanks to a huge slice of luck.

Davies lofted a free-kick into the box which fell for Etuhu, and the Nigerian midfielder swivelled to fire in a shot that took a massive deflection off Legrottaglie before rolling into the opposite corner.

Suddenly the Cottagers were rampant and they went close to levelling soon after, when Alex Manninger clawed away a Brede Hangeland header, then threatened again with shots from Zoltan Gera and Bobby Zamora.

Given Fulham's impressive home record in Europe this season - they are unbeaten and have won five out of six matches - you fancied their chances of overturning a 2-1 scoreline at Craven Cottage.

So Hodgson will have been especially disappointed to see them concede again, from another corner, in first-half injury time after Schwarzer had done brilliantly to turn away Fabio Grosso's shot.

More poor marking allowed Trezeguet time first to fire a shot against the post, and then to smash the rebound back into the opposite corner.

That was the last action of a thrilling first half but the second period contained nothing like as much excitement.

Juventus appeared happy with their lead while Fulham, with an away goal in the bag, also seemed happy to shut up shop.

Diego's swerving low shot caused Schwarzer problems before the end and Vincenzo Iaquinta should have found the target with a late header for Juve, but that was as close as the game got to another goal.

It leaves Fulham with a huge, but not insurmountable task in west London next week - but their defending will have to improve markedly if their European adventure is to continue into the quarter-finals.



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Fulham boss Roy Hodgson:
"We did enough in the game to show we are not out of it. We certainly weren't disgraced.

"The only bitter pill for us to swallow is that their third goal just before half-time was completely unnecessary.

"We should have come in at 2-1 and with that scoreline for the second leg we would have been a lot happier."

Juventus manager Alberto Zaccheroni:
"I'm quite satisfied with the result tonight but to be honest, I hoped to get something more out of the game, I think we could have scored more.

"It's not a good thing to concede an away goal at home and it will be difficult in the second leg because Fulham usually give their best at home so we have to watch out and be very careful."

http://hammyend.com/?p=5916

Clinical Juve in control

by Dan on March 12, 2010

Strange old game in Turin tonight. Fulham played well in parts and looked much better as the second half went on, presumably after being given a bit of a rollicking by Roy Hodgson at half time, but you've got to wonder whether three dismally soft goals have given the London too much to do in the second leg at the Cottage next week. The much more cohesive display from the Premier League side after the break hinted at just how they might hit on some success against Juve down by the Thames but you sense that the Italian side's third goal, scored by David Trezeguet in the third minute of stoppage time at the end of the first half, might just prove decisive.

Hodgson's team selection suggested his mind was purely on getting something against la Vecchia Signoria. Paul Konchesky returned to the starting line-up at left back, making his first start for Fulham since a foot injury at Blackburn curtailed his season, but other than that this was the same side that had prolonged their unbeaten run in the FA Cup against Spurs on Saturday night. Perhaps the most intriguing inclusion was that of Clint Dempsey. sporting an almost Romanesque beard as Rich pointed out the other day, on the bench.

Objective number one for Hodgson would have been trying to blunt the Biachanneri's cutting edge. Tasked with stopping the dangerous Diego was the midfied pairing of Greening and Etuhu. I don't think Fulham were half as bad as the usual doom and gloom merchants suggest. Bobby Zamora looked to be clean through as early as the second minute but was stopped in his tracks by a contentious offside call.

That's not to say Juve didn't hit their straps early with Diego to the fore. Trezeguet was in the mood too – beating Hangeland to a left-wing cross and appearing to have found the far corner with a glancing header, only for Schwarzer to make a great save. The reprieve last barely seconds. Diego's invited corner was headed in by Nicola Legrottaglie, whose downward header skipped up off the wet surface and above the desperate attempt of Konchesky to keep it out.

Hodgson's side looked a little nervous, perhaps understandably so, but a nice bit of keepball settled the nerves. In the blink of an eye, a strong run from Damien Duff took him to the byline and his low cross surprised an off-balance Simon Davies, who missed his kick.

Punishment for that miss was coming soon, but not before Marchisio robbed Jon Greening and wasted a glorious chance to run at a retreating red line by shooting from 20 yards. Perhaps he should have passed the ball to Jonathan Zebina instead, because I'm not sure the full-back will ever hit a shot as sweet as the one that flew in via the past from 25 yards as long as he lives. Candreva did brilliantly to create the space for Zebina but Davies and Etuhu will probably be reminded of the need to close people down around the edge of the box given their rather shambolic attempts to do so.

Then out of nothing Fulham had an away goal. The reason I get frustrated with Etuhu is he can do things going forward and this was an example. Sure, his hopeful shot from a half-cleared free-kick was going wide and took a hell of a deflection off Legrottaglie to wrongfoot Alex Manninger.

Getting to half-time at 2-1 was crucial, but the goal galvanised Fulham. They could so easily have been level moments later. Hangeland met a corner with a thumping header and Manninger saved, but two things were evident. First, how close did Zoltan Gera get to diverting it past the ex-Arsenal custodian and, second, how did the fifth/87th official miss the most blase bit of shirt-tugging on the Norwegian as he went up for the header?

You could forgive a toddler for tugging on the jumper of someone as they demand attention, but not a central defender. Indeed, the sneaky Cannavaro, full of shirt tugs, sneaky kicks and smiles with the referee, fought a running battle with Bobby that's worthy of further exploration.

Fulham weren't finished there either. Zamora did brilliantly to volley a cross first time towards goal but it was at a comfortable height for Manninger. Getting to 2-1 at half-time was now crucial. You thought they might have managed it when Schwarzer made a splendid save from a Grosso strike, what with two minutes being added on for stoppages but the referee decided to allow the corner to be taken. It was another scrappy set piece goal that will have irritated Hodgson with Trezeguet, able to take two shots at goal under no real pressure, the second of them squirming into the far corner.

Fulham were much improved in the second half, commendably keeping both their shape and their discipline as Juve probed for the fourth goal that would have killed off the tie. Diego's low strike almost surprised Schwarzer and Vincenzo Iaquinta really should have buried a free header. But Fulham had chances too, most notably in the last quarter, when Clint Dempsey made an encouraging return. Legrottaglia will miss the second leg for cynically handling the ball as Gera looked to free Duff down the right and that will leave the Bianconeri hoping that Chielini recovers from a thigh strain that reportedly isn't as bad as first thought.

Plenty of pride again at a battling Fulham performance and our band of travelling fans that made themselves heard in a ridiculously deserted stadium throughout. As much as we would have loved another away goal, this one isn't over yet.

JUVENTUS (4-3-2-1): Manninger; Zebina, Grosso, Legrottaglie, Cannavaro; Poulsen (Sissoko 76), Salihamidzic (Camoranesi 45), Marchisio; Candreva, Diego; Trezeguet (Iaquinta 63). Subs (not used): Pinsoglio, Gygera, De Ceglie, Del Piero.

BOOKED: Legrottaglie.

GOALS: Legrottaglie (9), Zebina (25), Trezeguet (45+3).

FULHAM (4-4-1-1): Schwarzer; Baird, Konchesky, Hangeland, Hughes; Etuhu, Greening, Duff, Davies (Dempsey 61); Gera; Zamora. Subs (not used): Zuberbuhler, Smalling, Kelly, Marsh-Brown, Nevland.

REFEREE: Florian Meyer (Germany).

ATTENDANCE: 11,406.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/sport/football/leagues/premierleague/chelsea/7422799/Carlo-Ancelotti-keeps-Joe-Cole-guessing-at-Chelsea-with-Liverpool-waiting-in-wings.html

Germans root for England?

First Fiorentina's exit to Bayern Munich; then AC Milan's heavy defeat to Manchester United. It's not been a good week for Italian football and as Serie A stumbles, the Bundesliga is reviving.

It means that Germany – based on those confounded coefficients (Uefa country rankings) – is set to prise that fourth Champions League qualification place away from Italy, for the 2011-12 season, which would represent a significant change.

Only Juventus, who faced Fulham on Thursday night, and Inter Milan, at Chelsea next Tuesday, are left in European competition for the Italians. It means that, for two ties only perhaps, the whole of Germany, which has five clubs remaining, will be rooting for the English.

http://hammyend.com/?p=5915


Just about still standing

by lydia on March 11, 2010

Not exactly the result we would have wanted tonight but never the less, we are still in the tie.

We have to accept that Juventus are a top side and we couldn't really go and get a wonderful victory away from home. What was dissappointing was the manner in which the 3 goals where conceded two from set pieces and one very preventable shot from outside the box which eventually left our reliable keeper with no chance.

At 2-0 within 25 minutes I'll admit that I was slightly worried but we managed to reply through a very scrappy and rather fortunate goal from a player who has had his critics lately. The ball in from Davies was poor however Etuhu managed to get a shot away that looked to be going well wide until it hit a defender and barely rolled into the net. There was jubilation in my living room at that because, 2-1 away from home was a very healthy scoreline!

I don't really want to talk much about the 3rd goal. It was a bit of a disaster in the box and the less said about it, the better. The second half was much better from Fulham and we had a few chances to nick another away goal.

On a brighter note we have that all important away goal and we play much better at the Cottage.

http://www.tribalfootball.com/fulham-skipper-hughes-we-will-attack-juventus-london-697671

Fulham skipper Hughes: We will attack Juventus in London


12.03.10 | tribalfootball.com


Fulham stand-in skipper Aaron Hughes says they'll go at Juventus full throttle next week.

The Fulham players insist they're well in their Europa League tie despite last night's 3-1 first-leg defeat at Juventus.

Hughes told fulhamfc.com: "We know what we have to do at the Cottage next week and we'll have a right go at it. We're obviously disappointed, especially with the way we conceded the third goal.

"Our away goal might yet prove crucial if we can get a couple of goals at the Cottage and keep a clean sheet. It's going to be tough - but it's not impossible.

"We're disappointed with the way we conceded the goals but like I say, there's plenty of football to play.

"I thought the fans were fantastic and they gave us a lot of support. They've [the fans] been like that throughout our European campaign and we've been to some far away places.

"It's fantastic and it's unfortunate we couldn't give them something to take home with them tonight. We'll see what we can do next week and I think the atmosphere will play a big part next week."