Socrates

Has Thiago Motta found the right system for Juventus? Juventus is now on a four-game winning run, the latest of which saw them defeat Inter Milan 1-0 yesterday. ............ Juventus has turned a corner in recent weeks, now claiming four consecutive wins in all competitions. The win against Inter Milan proved pivotal, as the team displayed strength and reliability in all phases of the game. That victory is likely to have turned many doubters into believers. It seems that Juventus has overcome their previous tendency to self-destruct during matches, and it is the tactical adjustments that have brought a new sense of confidence to the Allianz Stadium. Under Thiago Motta, the team has stuck to a 4-2-3-1 formation, which has now yielded four wins in their last four matches across all competitions. The tactical setup has provided balance, and the midfield pair of Teun Koopmeiners and Weston McKennie is now delivering results. ............ After months of tinkering, Motta now seems to have found a system that works, and Juventus appears to be firing on all cylinders. ............ . Read more -> https://www.juvefc.com/has-thiago-motta-found-the-right-system-for-juventus/

Two Juventus stars expected to return for starting lineup against PSV Juventus manager Thiago Motta is expected to bring at least two of his regular starters back to the starting lineup for the decisive clash against PSV Eindhoven. The Bianconeri hosted the first leg of the Champions League play-off round at the Allianz Stadium on Tuesday night, and came away with a slim advantage after beating the Dutch champions by two goals to one. Nonetheless, they will have to seal their qualification for the Round of 16 by overcoming their opponents in the Netherlands on Wednesday. ............ The manager also had some interesting choices in the leadup to the weekend clash against Inter, omitting the likes of Kenan Yildiz and Manuel Locatelli from the starting lineup. But these two players are expected to make their way back to the starting XI in midweek, especially after earning some rest. The Turkish teenager will thus be vying for a spot on the wings, so Nicolas Gonzalez could be the main candidate to make way. The Argentine put on a shift against the Nerazzurri, but looked absolutely exhausted towards the end of the contest. As for Locatelli, he should regain his spot as a deep-lying playmaker after vacating his spot for Khephren Thuram. ............ Moreover, Andrea Cambiaso could also make his return to the starting lineup after overcoming an ankle injury. ............ . Read more -> https://www.juvefc.com/two-juventus-stars-expected-to-return-for-starting-lineup-against-psv/

Conceicao joins elusive Cristiano Ronaldo club, Kolo Muani equals 13-year record On Sunday, Juventus earned themselves a famous victory over their arch-rivals Inter thanks to Francisco Conceicao’s solitary strike. ............ Conceicao has now joined an exclusive club, becoming only the third Portuguese player to score for Juventus in the Derby d’Italia. The 22-year-old has some elite company with Cristiano Ronaldo (two goals between 2019 and 2021) and Rui Gil Barros (one goal in 1989). The Porto loanee has also found the back of the net on two league fixtures in a row at home for the first time in Europe’s Top 10 leagues. ............ Finally, Randal Kolo Muani continues to write history with his sensational start at the club. The Frenchman (who provided the assist for Conceicao) has made a direct goal contribution in each of his four Serie A contests for Juventus. The last player to do so was Kwadwo Asamoah after joining the club in the summer of 2012. . Read more -> https://www.juvefc.com/conceicao-joins-elusive-cristiano-ronaldo-club-kolo-muani-equals-13-year-record/

Juventus has to make Renato Veiga’s loan move permanent Renato Veiga is one of the key players Juventus secured during the January transfer window, and the Portugal star has been nothing short of a revelation since his arrival. The young defender had struggled to establish himself as a regular at Chelsea, which led to the decision to allow his departure to Juventus earlier this month. Upon his arrival, Veiga was immediately thrust into the Bianconeri’s first-team plans, and he has quickly adapted to his new surroundings, showing steady improvement in every game. His performance against Inter Milan, in particular, stood out as he was arguably the best centre-back on the pitch. He handled the Inter attack, which was brimming with speed, physicality, and technical ability, with impressive composure and skill. ............ With his loan spell set to end in the summer, the club must make efforts to secure him as a permanent member of their squad. Veiga’s qualities appear to be a perfect fit for Italian football, and his style of play aligns well with the tactical approach that coach Thiago Motta seeks from his centre-backs. ............ . Read more -> https://www.juvefc.com/juventus-has-to-make-renato-veigas-loan-move-permanent/

Pierre Kalulu return date revealed as major Juventus duel looms ahead Juventus defender Pierre Kalulu is edging closer to recovery, but will he be able to immediately retain his starting spot? ............ The French defender is targeting a return by the start of March. Hence, he will try to be available for the Serie A contest against Hellas Verona on March 2nd. In this case, Kalulu would miss another three Juventus fixtures: Wednesday’s decisive second leg against PSV Eindhoven in the Champions League play-off round, next weekend’s Serie A game versus Cagliari and the Coppa Italia quarter-final against Empoli on February 26th. Nevertheless, the question that poses itself is whether Motta will be looking to immediately reestablish Kalulu as a regular starter or keep him on the bench for a while in favour of the newly flourishing partnership of Gatti and Renato Veiga. ............ . Read more -> https://www.juvefc.com/pierre-kalulu-return-date-revealed-as-major-juventus-duel-looms-ahead/

Capello questions Inzaghi decisions, explains Juventus turning point vs Inter Fabio Capello is sceptical about Simone Inzaghi’s substitutions against Juventus but was impressed by the Bianconeri’s ‘hunger to win’ in the second half. Juventus beat domestic rivals Inter 1-0 in a meeting at the Allianz Stadium on Sunday and ex-Bianconeri coach Capello did enjoy the match between Bianconeri and Nerazzurri. “It was like a Champions League game” Capello said. “Truly a very beautiful game, played at a high pace, with the right dynamism, always vertical and fast. The credit goes to both teams, but personally, I also appreciated referee Mariani’s approach, as he let the game flow without stopping it every two minutes.” ............ “I believe that in the first 45 minutes, Juventus were a bit intimidated by the reigning Italian champions,” he said. ............ Inzaghi replaced Alessandro Bastoni and Federico Dimarco quite early in the second half and Capello disagreed with his decision. “Maybe, but I would have never substituted Bastoni and Dimarco. Inter created mainly on the right in the first half with Dumfries and Pavard, but their usual strength lies on the left side,” he said. “Why change that completely? On top of that, the substitutes didn’t seem to provide a real spark. They actually contributed very little.” ............ “In midfield, during the second half. After suffering Inter’s possession in the early stages, Juve’s midfield picked up the pace and gained confidence, providing more support to the attacking wingers,” said Capello. “But beyond tactics, what impressed me the most about Juve in the second half was their hunger to win. I hadn’t seen that kind of determination often this season. “If I see the spirit of the 2023-24 Scudetto in Barella, I don’t see the same grit in some other players. And that’s something that often happens in the season following a major victory.” Juventus have now reached Lazio in fourth place in Serie A, while Inter remain second two points below leaders Napoli. . Read more -> https://football-italia.net/capello-inzaghi-inter-decision-juve-turning/

Piangina Inzaghi

Motta believes Juventus were too ‘respectful’ in first half against Inter, hails returning star Juventus coach Thiago Motta was delighted with the Derby d’Italia victory over arch-rivals Inter, but admitted his team was too hasty in the first half. The Bianconeri boosted their Champions League hopes for next season with an all-important victory that saw them climb to fourth place, although they remain on par with Lazio. But perhaps the psychological effect of the result is even more significant at this crucial stage of the season, as beating the Nerazzurri has its own unique taste. ............ “A great match in a special atmosphere: a deserved victory, and one that came about thanks to a great second-half performance, which gives us confidence in our strengths,” said the 42-year-old in his post-match press conference. “The fans must enjoy the victory, we on the other hand must immediately turn our attention to mentally and physically preparing for the game against PSV because we have the objective of progressing to the round of 16.” ............ “We respected Inter for their great quality, but perhaps in the first half… we showed too much respect, so we conceded too much ground, while in the second half we returned to the field much better. “The path is the right one, and a performance of this level confirms it. Our development was especially evident in the second half, in which we created a lot, and we were effective at being compact in all phases.” ............ “Let’s continue like this, with the help of everyone, even those who didn’t play tonight: we really need everyone. “Andrea (Cambiaso) returned to action very well, not only technically, but also in his communication with his teammates.” . Read more -> https://www.juvefc.com/motta-believes-juventus-were-too-respectful-in-first-half-against-inter-hails-returning-star/

Che giocata di Kolo Muani contro l'Inter!!!!!! Fenomenale!

Gatti: ‘Juventus cannot be satisfied with fourth place’ Federico Gatti warns that Juventus ‘cannot be content with fourth place’ and must be more ambitious after beating Inter. The Bianconeri had fought back from 4-2 down to draw 4-4 at San Siro back in October, but went one better in Turin this evening by taking all three points from their bitter rivals. ............ “I don’t think this is our most important victory, but it must give us something extra, because we have thrown too many points away,” Gatti said. “I know the season is still long, but this result does leave a bitter taste in the mouth considering where we could’ve been.” Although they have only lost one Serie A match all season, the Old Lady also played an astonishing 13 stalemates, some of them from leading situations against less impressive opposition. ............ This was the fourth consecutive Juventus victory between Serie A and the Champions League, which puts them in joint fourth place alongside Lazio. “We are Juventus, we cannot be satisfied with fourth place. We need to go all the way in every competition,” replied Gatti. Now their focus turns to the Champions League play-off, having beaten PSV Eindhoven 2-1 in the first leg, with the decider in the Netherlands on Wednesday evening. “That is such an important match, we have got to get through to the next phase at all costs,” concluded the defender. . Read more -> https://football-italia.net/gatti-juventus-cannot-be-satisfied-with-fourth/

Juventus player ratings against Inter – One player earns top rating Juventus secured a 1-0 win against Inter this evening in a controlled manner, and here are our players’ ratings. Michele Di Gregorio – 7.5 ............ Timothy Weah – 7.0 Weah rose to the occasion, performing well both defensively and when pushing forward. Federico Gatti – 7.0 Motta values his determination to get forward, and it was evident again today. He played like a warrior and nearly scored a poacher’s goal. Renato Veiga – 8.0 With performances like this, Juventus must seriously consider signing Veiga permanently. He was the best centre-back on the pitch. Nicolo Savona – 7.0 ............ Khéphren Thuram – 7.0 He replaced Manuel Locatelli in the line-up, and Juventus benefited from his physicality and excellent ball-carrying ability. Teun Koopmeiners – 7.0 He looked far more comfortable playing deeper and delivered an assured performance in midfield. Weston McKennie – 7.5 ............ Francisco Conceição – 8.5 He never stopped running at the Inter defence and was rewarded for his efforts with the winning goal. Nicolás González – 7.0 ............ Randal Kolo Muani – 7.5 His superb dribbling created the chance for Conceição’s goal, and the Inter defenders struggled to contain him. Substitutes Andrea Cambiaso – 7.0 It was great to have him back, and Juventus improved as soon as he stepped onto the pitch. Manuel Locatelli – 6.5 ............ Kenan Yıldız – N/A . Read more -> https://www.juvefc.com/juventus-player-ratings-against-inter-milan-one-player-earns-top-rating/

Juventus 1 - Inter 0: Initial reaction and random observations As Juventus walked off the Allianz Stadium field at halftime Sunday night, you very much had the feeling that they were a lucky, lucky group to not be trailing in the Derby d’Italia. Inter Milan had very much put Juve’s defense under plenty of pressure, and it’s not like the Bianconeri were showing truly capable of completely handling all of it. ............ Juventus went from a stretched and turnover-prone unit to one that very much looked like it was working in tandem with one another. That, in turn, allowed Juventus to be much more dangerous going forward, with the 74th-minute game-winner from Francisco Conceição the ultimate payoff for the improvements made after the break. Randal Kolo Muani, somebody who has scored plenty of goals during his short time at Juventus, turned out to be the one doing the setting up, as his spinning assist set up Conceição to do the rest and give their team the 1-0 lead that ultimately proved to be the final score on the night. In a meeting of two teams that combined for eight goals at the San Siro back in late-October, it was one goal that made the difference in the return fixture back in Turin. ............ Juve went from getting outshot 13-7 in the first half to more than doubling up the shot total that Inter recorded despite not having the possession advantage. It was a stark contract from one half to the next in terms of how Juventus played at the back. The introduction of Andrea Cambiaso for Nicolo Savona certainly helped. Another strong performance from Renato Veiga definitely helped as well. But maybe more than anything was the simple fact that Juve weren’t gift-wrapping scoring chances and counterattacks to their opposition. Instead, there was just much more of a fluidity to Juve’s game after the break. ............ That defensive improvement resulted in Inter recording just four shots and none on target in the second half. After Inter racking up the xG in the first half, after the break they had a second-half total of just 0.26. It was, frankly, one of the bigger changes for the better we’ve seen from a Juve team coming out of the half under Thiago Motta’s watch. That allowed Juve to get one of their biggest wins of the season when they very much needed it. ............ With this win over Inter and Saturday’s result in the Italian capital between Napoli and Lazio, Juve are now up into fourth place and will stay there for more than a few hours. ............ RANDOM THOUGHTS AND OBSERVATIONS Considering all of the chances Inter had in the first half, I still have no idea how Juve went into the halftime break without allowing a goal. That may end up being something I think about a lot in the coming days. Something I will also be thinking about a lot about over the next few days: How in the hell did Kolo Muani keep the ball on his feet as he spun around and worked in such a tight window while being surrounded by multiple Inter players. It was just a brilliant piece of individual skill and something I feel like a certain other No. 9 wouldn’t have been able to do in the same kind of situation. As much as that finish from Conceição was a damn good one, the goal doesn’t happen if not for all of that work by Kolo Muani before he passed the ball. Simply brilliant. ............ Renato Veiga can also stay. We haven’t gotten the same quotes from Giuntoli regarding Veiga as we have when it comes to Kolo Muani, but he’s also found a home at Juventus after being “relegated” to the Conference League and random appearances as a left back during his first five months at Chelsea. And let’s be honest, it’s not like Chelsea don’t have about 50 other center backs on their books that can’t make fill a roster spot. ............ Speaking of Gatti, that man is stepping the hell up in recent games with Pierre Kalulu out injured. As good as he was to begin the 2024-25 season, he is probably playing even better now. Plus, as he showed against PSV Eindhoven midweek, this man loves the chance to make runs forward. And dammit, if they aren’t something that makes you chuckle just because he’s so aggressive with all of it, too. Nicolo Savona is a nice young man and I hope he can build a nice career at Juventus, but I fear after this night he’s going to be seeing Denzel Dumfries in his nightmares because holy smokes was one guy absolutely cooking the other. ............ The Tim Weah fullback experience continues to improve. I guess I’m here for it now. Weston McKennie led everybody with five key passes. That sure is a nice little development. Every single minute after Conceição scored was an absolute frenzy within Allianz Stadium. It hasn’t been like that a lot this season, but it sure was a return to better days of hearing the stadium like that during the final stretch of a big win over a big rival. Here’s to more of those. ............ Pretty good week with an important win in the Champions League and then a big win against Inter in the Derby d’Italia. I don’t know about you guys, but I’ll take that every time. ............ Read more -> https://www.blackwhitereadallover.com/2025/2/16/24366865/juventus-inter-milan-derby-d-italia-2025-serie-a-matchday-25-final-score-result-initial-reaction

Dedicata all'Inter

Juventus Player Ratings vs Inter: Vibrant Conceicao Settles Derby d’Italia Juventus (4-1-4-1) Michele Di Gregorio – 7.5 The custodian was certainly made to work for his clean sheet, pulling off several exceptional saves, particularly on Mehdi Taremi in the first half and Denzel Dumfries in the second period. Timothy Weah – 6.5 ............ Federico Gatti – 7 Another brilliant showing at the back from the Italy international who made a string of vital interventions at the back and almost made the difference on the opposite end of the pitch. Renato Veiga – 6.5 The January signing had some nervy moments against Lautaro Martinez who managed to escape him on a few occasions, but it was an impressive display as he managed to rise to the occasion despite his limited Serie A experience. Nicolo Savona – 5.5 The young full-back was arguably the weakest link for Juventus as he had a torrid time against Denzel Dumfries. But to his credit, he’s having to play out of position since he’s originally a right-back. Khephren Thuram – 6 The Frenchman worked tirelessly in the middle of the park, but at times lacked the quality touch. Nevertheless, he prevailed in the battle of brothers under the eyeful watch of his father Lilian. Francisco Conceicao – 7.5 An electric display from the Porto loanee who never seems to run out of steam. He was a menacing presence on the right wing for the Nerazzurri, and kept his composure to score a goal he’ll cherish for the rest of his days. Weston McKennie – 6.5 ............ Teun Koopmeiners – 6 An improved display from the Dutchman who connected well with his teammates. He could have doubled the Old Lady’s lead, but his compatriot Dumfries denied him with a goal-line clearance. Nicolas Gonzalez – 7 ............ Randal Kolo Muani – 7 Although his scoring streak has come to an end, the French striker was decisive once more, as his brilliant piece of skill set up the winner for Conceicao. He had a tough start to the contest since Francesco Acerbi represented a culture shock, but he gradually imposed his will as his opponent began to physically fade. Substitutes Andrea Cambiaso – 6.5 ............ Manuel Locatelli – 6 ............ . Read more -> https://cultofcalcio.com/juventus-player-ratings-vs-inter-vibrant-conceicao-settles-derby-ditalia/

Thiago Motta: ‘Juventus deserved win in second half, but struggle at home’ Thiago Motta admits Juventus had a ‘different energy’ in the second half and through that deserved to beat Inter, but hints at the frosty rapport with fans. ‘We seem to struggle at home.’ ............ Despite the fact Inter had a full week to prepare for this match, it was Juve who seemed sharper after the break and stepped up the intensity level. “We certainly had a different energy in the second half. The first was difficult against a very strong opponent, but I felt we showed them too much respect, allowed them too much time on the ball,” Thiago Motta said. “We know they have a lot of quality and like to move around, but if you don’t press them, then you will end up struggling. That is something we did much better in the second half.” ............ “Khephren played very well, but he had cramp and we had planned a change too because the midfield was a tough role today and we knew Manuel Locatelli could keep the level up with fresh legs, use the ball well and create goal-scoring opportunities.” ............ “Victories naturally help our self-esteem. We did not deserve to win in the first half, as Inter were superior, so you won’t get far on luck alone. We deserved it in the second half. I have seen us struggle many times playing at home and we did it again in the first half tonight, whereas we seem to have more freedom in the away fixtures,” added Thiago Motta. “In the second half, we pressed high, played good football, earned the win and this boosts our confidence.” ............ “I think the lads above all deserve the support of their fans, because you can see how hard they work every day, giving their all on the field for the good of the team and the good of Juventus.” This result takes Juventus up to joint fourth place alongside Lazio on 46 points, now only five behind Atalanta and eight adrift of Inter in second. . Read more -> https://football-italia.net/thiago-motta-juventus-deserved-win-second-half/

Khephren Thuram jokes Lilian ‘more anxious’ than him or Marcus Khephren Thuram reveals playing against his brother Marcus in Juventus vs. Inter was ‘like in the garden at home,’ but jokes their father Lilian was ‘more anxious than we were.’ Juve won the Derby d’Italia in Turin thanks to a Francisco Conceicao angled drive set up by Randal Kolo Muani’s delightful turn, as the hosts came out fighting after the break following a strong Inter start. This was the fourth consecutive win in all competition for the Bianconeri, who have now climbed up to joint fourth place in Serie A alongside Lazio. “We are happy to have got the victory this evening, as we were against a great Inter side and it gives us confidence going forward,” Thuram said. ............ “I had more defensive duties this evening, but we are a team and have to know who we are up against. I had to drop a little deeper tonight to balance the more attacking players.” ............ For a few minutes in that second half, Khephren Thuram was up against brother Marcus, who came off the bench for Inter. What did that feel like? “It was wonderful, like playing in the garden at home. It is a dream for me to play against him,” grinned Khephren. ............ Their father Lilian was in the stands of the Allianz Juventus Stadium and did not sit down once, as he stood up the entire time watching his two sons face off against each other. “He was more anxious than we were, I think!” . Read more -> https://football-italia.net/khephren-thuram-jokes-lilian-more-anxious/

Player Ratings: Juventus 1-0 Inter – Conceiçao and Veiga shine, Lautaro nightmare ............ Juventus Di Gregorio 6.5 – Confident with the ball at his feet. Super save on Dumfries, although Thuram had committed a foul in the build-up. Weah 6.5 – ............ Gatti 7 – Rock solid at the back and made some dangerous forward runs in the second half. Renato Veiga 7.5 – Superb performance from the Chelsea loanee. Tough to beat Physically and composed on the ball (88% passing accuracy). Savona 5 – Struggled against Dumfries in the first half. He was less under pressure after the break, but his substitution was inevitable (59′ Cambiaso 7) Koopmeiners 6 – He was supposed to be the Juventus playmaker but was too slow on the ball. Way better in the second half when he played in a more advanced position and came close to scoring the second. K Thuram 6.5 – A tough first half for the Frenchman, but his physicality emerged in the second half when he inspired Juventus’ attacking manoeuvres. (77′ Locatelli 6). Conceiçao 8 – Scored a beautiful goal that gave him a massive boost as he continued to sprint, attack and defend until he was subbed off. (81′ Yildiz N/A). McKennie 6.5 – ............ Nico Gonzalez 6 – ............ Kolo Muani 7 – He had the best chance in the first half, but his shot on target was deflected and resulted in a corner for the Bianconeri. Contributed to Conceiçao’s opener with a fantastic roulette in the build-up. Coach: Motta 7 – Juventus’ first-half performance was frankly disappointing as Inter had more than a chance to take the lead, but substitutions made a difference for the Old Lady this time. ............ . Read more -> https://football-italia.net/juventus-1-0-inter-ratings-conceicao-lautaro/

Juventus defeat Inter Milan to make it four wins in a row Juventus stunned Inter Milan with a 1-0 victory to move back into the top four this evening, thanks to a Francisco Conceição goal. Juventus were aiming for a fourth consecutive win, but Inter Milan began determined to disrupt their momentum. ............ Juventus began the second half with far more intent than they had shown in the first, applying pressure on Inter and holding possession more effectively. That persistence was rewarded when Kolo Muani provided a superb assist for Conceição, who slotted in the opener. Three minutes later, Juventus were inches away from doubling their lead, but Dumfries produced a vital goal-line clearance to deny Teun Koopmeiners. Inter Milan pushed hard to find an equaliser, but Juventus defended resolutely and were not afraid to create further chances. ............ Ultimately, the Bianconeri did not need another goal, seeing out the match to secure a vital victory and extend their winning run. . Read more -> https://www.juvefc.com/juventus-defeat-inter-milan-to-make-it-four-wins-in-a-row/

Serie A | Juventus 1-0 Inter: Conceicao decides fiery Derby d’Italia Francisco Conceicao’s goal from a Randal Kolo Muani assist allowed Juventus to win the Derby d’Italia, stop Inter becoming the new leaders and puts the Old Lady in joint fourth place. The Nerazzurri had the opportunity to leapfrog Napoli and take top spot, while a win would put the Bianconeri level with Lazio in fourth place. ............ When these sides met back in October, the Bianconeri fought back from 4-2 down to draw a 4-4 thriller at San Siro. ............ Andrea Cambiaso made his return after several weeks out and Marcus Thuram was also introduced for Inter, playing with painkillers after an ankle injury. ............ Kolo Muani gathered a loose ball on the edge of the area, spun round to extricate himself from a crowd of defenders and when blocked off, it landed at the feet of Conceicao to sweep into the far bottom corner with the inside of the left boot from 12 yards, through Benjamin Pavard’s legs. It was so nearly 2-0 moments later, as the Koopmeiners angled drive had beaten Sommer only to be cleared off the line by Dumfries. ............ . Read more -> https://football-italia.net/serie-a-juventus-1-0-inter-conceicao-decides/

Alla faccia di Piangina Inzaghi, Isterico Barella e gli altri nerazzurri che pretendono gli aiuti arbitrali. Un de profundis a Moratti, Bonolis, La Russa e, mi voglio rovinare, il provocatore Materazzi.