Juventus Season 2012-2013

[Socrates 8386]

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE (5th leg) - 20-11-2012 (8:45 p.m.)

................

JUVENTUS - CHELSEA

Juventus stadium - Turin

Referee: Cuneyt Çakir (Turkey)

Di Matteo vows Chelsea will attack against Juventus

The Stamford Bridge manager says his side will take the game to the Italian champions

in Turin, but insists he will only decide on who will play in Chelsea's crunch match tomorrow.

Nov 19, 2012

Chelsea manager Roberto Di Matteo has vowed that his side will attack Juventus when the two sides meet in the Champions League, but has remained silent on his team selection.

The Blues have been praised for their dogged defensive displays in Europe, a feat which saw them overcome Barcelona and Bayern Munich on the way to winning the trophy earlier in 2012.

However, the Stamford Bridge side have been in poor form domestically, taking just two points from a possible 12, but the Italian manager has insisted his side will take the game to their Turin hosts.

"It will be a difficult game, but Juventus are under pressure as well," Di Matteo told reporters on Monday.

"Our intention is to cause Juventus problems, so certainly we will attack as well as defend.

"There was frustration on Saturday [in their defeat at West Brom] and we owe ourselves a good performance. In the past the players showed they can be counted on."

The former Chelsea player revealed Ashley Cole will be available after recovering from a hamstring injury, but refused to reveal any further information on his starting XI.

"Ashley Cole is available to play," he added. "The defensive focus of the team will be very important tomorrow.

"I feel confident. I have a good team and we know we have to play a big game tomorrow. I will see how the players are in training and then I will make my final selection decisions."

The Blues currently sit second in Group E, level on points with Shakhtar Donetsk and one point ahead of the Bianconeri.

[Socrates 8386]

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE (5th leg) - 20-11-2012 (8:45 p.m.)

................

JUVENTUS - CHELSEA

Juventus stadium - Turin

Referee: Cuneyt Çakir (Turkey)

No Chelsea fear for Marchisio

Nov 19, 2012

Claudio Marchisio is confident that Juventus have the necessary experience to deal with the pressure of facing Chelsea in the Champions League.

The two teams meet in Turin on Tuesday in a tie which the Old Lady really need to win to keep their hopes of qualifying for the last 16 alive.

“Perhaps Chelsea have greater experience as far as the Champions League is concerned, given that we haven’t played in this competition for a few years,” the midfielder stated.

“However, there are many experienced international players in our squad and we’re prepared.

“We’re possibly approaching this game at the best possible moment, because we reacted well to the defeat against Inter.”

Juve need four points from their games against Chelsea and Shakhtar Donetsk to qualify from their group.

“We’ve ended up in one of the toughest sections of this year’s Champions League and will be facing the defending European champions,” the Italian added.

“They’ve invested a great deal in the summer and bolstered their squad.

“It’s impossible to single out a player to fear though, the squad is their strength and this is precisely what led them to win last season’s trophy.

“We’ve got great respect for Chelsea, but we’ll do all we can to go through.”

Juventus were only in action on Saturday night when they were held by Lazio, but Marchisio is adamant that his teammates are ready to battle.

“Tiredness won’t be an issue. Such big games help you find added energy and anyone would want to be involved in them.

“We’ve not had a lot of time to prepare, but the most important thing is to maintain the same desire displayed against Norsjaelland, Pescara and Lazio.

“Granted, we didn’t win the last game, but the attitude was spot on. We also hope to step out into a red-hot atmosphere at the stadium, because the help of our fans is crucial.”

Marchisio was also asked for an opinion on Juventus’ problems in attack given that no ‘top player’ was signed in the summer and they failed to hit the net against the Biancocelesti.

“I don’t think we have a problem in attack. Let us not forget that we are scoring more than we did last season, while we have the best attack and defence in Serie A.”

[Socrates 8386]

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE (5th leg) - 20-11-2012 (8:45 p.m.)

................

JUVENTUS - CHELSEA

Juventus stadium - Turin

Referee: Cuneyt Çakir (Turkey)

Juventus squad for Chelsea

Nov 19, 2012

Juventus have named their 25-man squad for the Champions League match with Chelsea on Tuesday.

There are no real surprises in the Bianconeri's list, as Antonio Conte has called upon a virtually full squad as the current European champions roll into town.

The game could be a decisive one if the Turin giants are to qualify from Group E. The Old Lady currently sit in third position, one point behind Roberto Di Matteo's men who have seven points.

Squad: Buffon, Storari, Rubinho; Lucio, Chiellini, Caceres, De Ceglie, Barzagli, Bonucci, Lichtsteiner, Isla; Pogba, Pepe, Marchisio, Padoin, Pirlo, Asamoah, Vidal, Giaccherini, Marrone; Vucinic, Giovinco, Bendtner, Matri, Quagliarella

[Socrates 8386]

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE (5th leg) - 20-11-2012 (8:45 p.m.)

................

JUVENTUS - CHELSEA

Juventus stadium - Turin

Referee: Cuneyt Çakir (Turkey)

Alessio demands Juventus hunger

Nov 19, 2012

Angelo Alessio has asked his Juventus side to show how desperate they are to reach the last 16 of the Champions League when they face Chelsea on Tuesday.

The Old Lady entertain the reigning champions at the Juventus Stadium in the knowledge that they need four points from their last two games against Chelsea and Shakhtar Donetsk to qualify from the group.

“We are well aware that this is an in-or-out game,” the touchline boss noted. “If it goes badly then I don’t know whether we’ll still have the chance to qualify.

“We’ll go out on to the pitch with the desire to win that distinguishes us. We have to try to take advantage of the opportunities that we create.

“We respect our opponents, but we will go into the match on a level playing field.

“These types of games prepare themselves and we are just thinking of one game at a time.

“We need to play with the same sort of determination which we showed against Pescara and Nordsjealland.”

Juventus Coach Antonio Conte has few selection issues, although Mirko Vucinic is a doubt because of illness.

“Vucinic didn’t train yesterday and we’ll see how he is today. We’ll then evaluate whether he can play tomorrow or not.

“But Sebastian Giovinco, along with Fabio Quagliarella, was the best player on the pitch against Lazio. We played well and the player put in an excellent display.”

A draw would be a good result on paper for the English club, but Alessio doubts that Roberto Di Matteo’s side will be overly cautious.

“I expect Chelsea, who have important forwards, to attack. They are not a team who sit back and hit you on the counter-attack.

“We are hoping to get help from the fans, Conte has told me that he wants a red-hot atmosphere.”

[Socrates 8386]

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE (5th leg) - 20-11-2012 (8:45 p.m.)

................

JUVENTUS - CHELSEA

Juventus stadium - Turin

Referee: Cuneyt Çakir (Turkey)

Di Matteo confident of beating Juve

Nov 19, 2012

Chelsea boss Roberto Di Matteo is confident that his side can beat Juventus when the two meet on Tuesday.

The west London club travel to Turin to face Antonio Conte's men in a crucial Champions League match, but the Italian Coach is expecting his team to come out on top.

“I feel confident we can win,” he told a Press conference. “I have a good team and we know we have to play a great game.

“It is going to be a tough test, but we know Juve will have a lot of pressure on them.

“We just want to create problems for them – attack and defend the way we know we can.”

[Socrates 8386]

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE (5th leg) - 20-11-2012 (8:45 p.m.)

................

JUVENTUS - CHELSEA

Juventus stadium - Turin

Referee: Cuneyt Çakir (Turkey)

Juventus duo praise 'extraordinary' Chelsea boss Roberto Di Matteo

Di Matteo is the first Italian to win the European Cup with a foreign club.

Nov 19, 2012

Roberto Di Matteo today received a welcome vote of confidence ahead of Chelsea's potential do-or-die Champions League game at Juventus - from the opposition.

Juve star Claudio Marchisio and assistant manager Angelo Alessio both hailed the job done by their fellow Italian at Stamford Bridge, the latter confident Di Matteo would not be sacked if the European champions failed to reach the knockout stages.

And that was exactly the outcome Marchisio and Alessio were seeking as they plotted the win over Chelsea tomorrow night that would put their own side on the brink of qualifying at the holders' expense.

Despite Di Matteo securing the Blues' first-ever Champions League title in May, there is no telling how owner Roman Abramovich would respond to them becoming the first holders to crash out before Christmas.

But Alessio, performing the duties of Juve manager Antonio Conte during the remainder of the latter's ban over the 'Calcioscommesse' match-fixing scandal, said of Di Matteo: "He did something extraordinary last season and he is showing it again this year.

"We're pleased when an Italian coach does so well in England. We are pleased with what he has done and what he is doing.

"I don't think he is actually going to lose his job if they don't qualify."

Di Matteo came from nowhere to become the first Italian to win the European Cup with a foreign club after being promoted to caretaker manager at Chelsea.

His appointment as permanent boss was greeted with scepticism amid suggestions securing Pep Guardiola was Abramovich's long-term aim and two Barclays Premier League points from 12 have not helped the incumbent's cause.

But Juve midfielder Marchisio added: "He arrived in mid-season in place of the previous coach.

"For this reason, he was probably under pressure but, nonetheless, he has been able to reach great things, so I am extremely happy and satisfied with his results."

Marchisio and Alessio had no intention of easing the pressure on Di Matteo, whose side are one point clear of Juve with two Group E games remaining.

Marchisio said: "Qualification is at stake.

"We know it's very important - our biggest game of the year - and we want to go through."

Alessio said: "We know, without beating about the bush, that it's all or nothing and we want to go through."

He added: "If we are not so good, we will play the Europa League, but we know we have achieved something good already and we have faith in the fans - Antonio has told me he wants to see the stadium rocking."

Di Matteo has hinted he may abandon the cavalier style demanded by Abramovich tomorrow night in order to steady the ship.

But Alessio said: "We don't expect a game from a Chelsea side who will not come to attack us.

"They have great attackers and I cannot see them playing any other way."

That cost Chelsea in the reverse fixture in September as they blew a 2-0 lead to draw 2-2.

Marchisio and Alessio repeatedly insisted Juve had no fear of the European champions and shrugged off their own side's inconsistent form in front of goal ahead of a game they must win.

The Italian champions and league leaders have been linked with the man who fired Chelsea to Champions League glory.

Marchisio said of a potential move for Didier Drogba: "Drogba is certainly a great player.

"But we have great strikers, so actually we don't need him.

"I trust all my team-mates."

Juve are sweating over the availability of one of their strikers after Mirko Vucinic missed training yesterday due to flu.

However, he did train this afternoon after Alessio said he would be assessed ahead of tomorrow's game.

Provisional Chelsea squad: Cech, Ivanovic, Azpilicueta, Luiz, Cahill, Cole, Bertrand, Mikel, Romeu, Ramires, Mata, Oscar, Hazard, Moses, Marin, Piazon, Torres, Sturridge, Turnbull.

[Socrates 8386]

EXAMINER.COM

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE (5th leg) - 20-11-2012 (8:45 p.m.)

................

JUVENTUS - CHELSEA

Juventus stadium - Turin

Referee: Cuneyt Çakir (Turkey)

Juventus vs. Chelsea: Key Battles

and Prediction for Champions League Clash

Nov 19, 2012

The UEFA Champions League group stages have been competitive across the board this year. Maybe the most competitive group has been Group E, which contains defending champion Chelsea, Italian champion Juventus, and surprise Ukrainian champion Shakhtar Donetsk. Tied at the top of the group with seven points is Chelsea and Donetsk, while Juventus is close behind with six. Danish side Nordsjaelland is way behind with one point, but will have a say in which teams advance with two matches left to play.

On Tuesday, Chelsea will visit Juventus Stadium in a crucial match for two squads looking to move on to the knockout phase. With just two matches remaining in group stage play, Chelsea has the easier road of the two teams as they will host Nordsjaelland in the final match, while Juventus must travel to Ukraine to face Donetsk. This makes Tuesday’s match a must win for Juventus, while Chelsea would love a result to take some pressure off.

If Chelsea and Donetsk were to win on Tuesday, they would both advance and Juventus would be out of the running. However, if the Italian giants can get a result, or better yet, a win, it would make things very interesting heading into the final match day.

Let’s take a look at some key battles for Tuesday’s clash:

Fernando Torres vs. Giorgio Chiellini

Fernando Torres struggled in Chelsea’s loss to West Bromwich at the weekend, but the Spanish striker should be fresh for Tuesday after being substituted early in the match. The bad news for Torres is that he will be facing one of the strongest defenses in the world, and one of the best individual defenders in the world in Giorgio Chiellini.

Chiellini, with his aerial ability, strength, and toughness, is a bad matchup for Torres, who struggled against similar style players for West Bromwich. Chiellini is intelligent in his play; fouling at the right times and providing cover for his other defenders. Torres has the talent, but will have to be on top of game in order to find space against such an experienced and clever defender. The winner of this battle could play a huge role in the match.

Oscar vs. Arturo Vidal

The last time these two clubs met was at Stamford Bridge and it marked Oscar’s first Champions League start for Chelsea. The young Brazilian marked his debut with two spectacular goals to give the home side an early 2-0 lead over visiting Juventus. However, Juventus eventually came back to draw the match partly thanks to a brilliant goal by Chilean midfielder Arturo Vidal. Vidal was a thorn in the tail of Chelsea in the last meeting, and should be the same threat on Tuesday.

These two young, playmaking South Americans were the stars in the first meeting and should play a huge role in the second meeting in a key midfield battle.

Petr Cech vs. Gianluigi Buffon

Although both keepers allowed two goals in the first meeting, it could have been much worse. Each played a significant role in their teams earning a point, and to be fair, the goals that were scored had nothing to do with them.

Considered two of the top goalkeepers in the world, Buffon and Cech will be crucial to their respective team’s success. These two net minders have great shot stopping and aerial ability as well as legendary instinct. Their presence alone deters opposing players from even attempting some shots and alters others. They have both been champions at the highest level and their experience is unmatched. The goalkeeper battle may be the most important in deciding the outcome of the match.

Prediction

Great players. Great teams. Great histories. Juventus will be too strong and hungry at home.

Juventus 3-1 Chelsea

[Socrates 8386]

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE (5th leg) - 20-11-2012 (8:45 p.m.)

................

JUVENTUS - CHELSEA

Juventus stadium - Turin

Referee: Cuneyt Çakir (Turkey)

Juventus vs. Chelsea: Date, Time and Preview

Nov 19, 2012

UEFA Champions League action continues on Tuesday, as the first phase of the 2012-13 tournament inches nearer to its conclusion. Among the day’s most intriguing matchups is a Group E duel between host Juventus and defending champion Chelsea.

The contest should provide some clarity at the top of the crowded Group E standings.

Chelsea, with a record of 2-1-1 and seven points, is tied for the group lead with Shakhtar Donetsk of the Ukrainian Premier League. Juventus, at 1-3-0, is just one point behind.

Currently ranking third in the English Premier League, Chelsea travels to Turin fresh off a loss to West Bromwich Albion on Saturday. Juventus, despite a scoreless draw in their most recent contest against Lazio, currently leads the Italian Serie A.

Juventus and Chelsea played to a 2-2 draw in their first Champions League meeting of the season back on September 19.

Tuesday’s rematch is sure to be even more riveting.

Where: Juventus Stadium, Turin, Italy

When: Tuesday, November 20, 20:45 p.m.

Chelsea: Who will provide scoring for the defending champions?

Ahead of Tuesday’s battle with Juventus, Chelsea manager Roberto Di Matteo has given reason to believe that he will bench Fernando Torres in favor of Daniel Sturridge at striker.

The move would seek to stimulate the team’s offense, which has sputtered of late.

Whoever is given the starting role will be of utmost importance to Chelsea in the match, as sufficient scoring will be necessary to accommodate a defense that will play without the injured John Terry.

The pair of goals Chelsea scored in the first half against Juventus in September was not enough, as they allowed the Italian club to battle back and salvage a draw.

The defending champions must keep the pressure on the home team from start to finish on Tuesday in order to secure a lead and then preserve it.

Juventus: Can they rise to the occasion and give themselves a chance to advance?

Juventus have remained in contention in Group E by not losing a single match to this point in the first phase. However, they’ve only managed to secure a single victory as three of their four Champions League matches have resulted in draws.

It seems as though Juventus are able to play to their competition in any given match but have difficulty elevating their play to the next level. That will need to change on Tuesday if they hope to advance in this year’s tournament.

A victory is all but necessary for them to move on.

Acting manager Angelo Alessio, who is filling in for suspended head coach Antonio Conte, has called the game a must-win. In press conferences, coaches and players alike have asked Tuesday’s crowd to provide them with a “red-hot atmosphere” in their home stadium.

The home team certainly realizes the importance of the match, and the energy is sure to be electric as both squads are desperate for a win.

Time will tell which one is able to rise to the occasion.

Prediction

A raucous crowd will give the Italian club the edge, and a back-and-forth match will eventually fall the way of the home team.

Juventus 3-2 Chelsea

[Socrates 8386]

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE (5th leg) - 20-11-2012 (8:45 p.m.)

................

JUVENTUS - CHELSEA

Juventus stadium - Turin

Referee: Cuneyt Çakir (Turkey)

3 Ways Juventus Can Beat Chelsea in Turin

Nov 19, 2012

Things are heating up in the UEFA Champions League as we get down to the business end of the group stage. And whilst teams right across the competition are locked on similar points with "must-win" matches ahead of them, no clash is perhaps more decisive than Juventus vs Chelsea in Group E.

It is a battle of European heavyweights. The reigning European Champions are up against the reigning Italian champions, and if their clash on matchday 1 is anything to go by, this reverse fixture could go down as one of the greats in Champions League history.

After a dramatic last-gasp win against Shakthar Donetsk, Chelsea come into this match looking to secure their position in the knockout phase of the competition. However, they will attempt to do so at the expense of a resolute Bianconeri side who have never lost at the new Juventus stadium in the Champions League.

With just one point separating both sides and the Bianconeri currently sitting out of contention for the next round, here's what Angelo Alessio's side can do to take down Chelsea.

Drop Deep in the Midfield to Close Down Mata, Oscar and Hazard

Juventus characteristically play with a five-pronged midfield, with Pirlo, Vidal and Marchisio controlling the centre of the park. Despite this, it is often Pirlo who drops deep whilst his counterparts push forward. However, as was the case in their away leg at Stamford Bridge and as was the case against Shakhtar Donetsk, the Bianconeri fell vulnerable in this area between the defence and midfield.

Chelsea will most likely present Fernando Torres upfront, with Mata, Hazard and Oscar playing in behind the Spaniard. For Juventus—who play with a back three—this could prove vulnerable. As such, the need to stress the importance of having Marchisio and Vidal drop alongside Pirlo more often is paramount.

Considering that Oscar netted twice against Juventus first time around, the gauntlet has been thrown down. Close him and them (Mata and Hazard) down, or face the prospect of leaking goals.

Prevent Long Shots at All Costs

Following on from the need to drop deep in the midfield is the need for Angelo Alessio's side to close down shots from outside the box. Why? Well, the reality is that 75 percent of all of Juventus' goals conceded in this year's competition have come from outside the area, not to mention Oscar's delicate double in the fixture at Stamford Bridge.

For the most part, it will be about closing down Chelsea's magic three, but it would be naive of the Bianconeri to leave it at that. Chelsea are unique in the sense that they have the likes of David Luiz and Branislav Ivanovic in defence who are able to test keepers from long range. It will be left to Juve's wing-backs to to ensure Buffon is safeguarded from such shots.

Start Quagliarella

Rewind back two seasons, and Fabio Quagliarella was touted as Juventus' "go-to" man. However, a season-ending injury against Chievo sidelined the Italian International for almost a year, and it is fair to say that since then, he has never really been able to recapture the form that made him one of the most feared strikers in Italy.

This season, Quagliarella has set out to make a point, and following an equaliser against Chelsea in the first leg and a hat trick against Pescara, he has certainly made a claim for a starting spot in Alessio's side.

Against Chelsea, Quagliarella came off the bench to earn Juventus a point away to the Blues. He also had all Chelsea supporter's hearts in their mouths as his "turn-and-shoot" effort scraped over the bar in the dying minutes of the match.

Alongside Sebastian Giovinco's creativity, Quagliarella might just give us a glimpse of his best form against Roberto Di Matteo's side.

[Socrates 8386]

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE (5th leg) - 20-11-2012 (8:45 p.m.)

................

JUVENTUS - CHELSEA

Juventus stadium - Turin

Referee: Cuneyt Çakir (Turkey)

Chelsea's Ashley Cole available for Juventus clash

Nov 19, 2012

Chelsea head coach Roberto Di Matteo has revealed that Ashley Cole will be in the squad to take on Juventus in the Champions League tomorrow night.

The full-back has been out of action for most of November because of a hamstring injury.

However, he was deemed fit enough for a place on the bench during Saturday's 2-1 loss to West Bromwich Albion and is now expected to start against the Italian champions.

"Ashley Cole is available to play. The defensive focus of the team will be very important tomorrow," Di Matteo told reporters.

Cole's inclusion is likely to mean that Ryan Bertrand will dropped down to the bench.

[Socrates 8386]

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE (5th leg) - 20-11-2012 (8:45 p.m.)

................

JUVENTUS - CHELSEA

Juventus stadium - Turin

Referee: Cuneyt Çakir (Turkey)

Di Matteo coy on Chelsea future talk

Nov 19, 2012

Roberto Di Matteo claims his focus is on Chelsea's crunch Champions League clash with Juventus and not his own future.

Chelsea's season has faltered in recent weeks and they face Juve in Turin on Tuesday on the back of a defeat to West Brom - their fourth game on the spin without a win in the Premier League.

There are reports of unrest in the Blues camp, defender David Luiz confirmed there were angry exchanges in the dressing room on Saturday, and it has been claimed that Di Matteo's position is under threat.

When asked if he had held talks about his future with club officials, Di Matteo said: "We do not disclose these kinds of things so I won't talk about that. I am not thinking about that.

"I am preparing the team for tomorrow and I have got some important decision to make."

Chelsea top Group E in the Champions League, but they are level on points with Shakhtar Donetsk and only a point clear of Juventus. Di Matteo is aware of the challenge, but is confident his side will get the result they need.

"We are positive," he said. "We had a very good game against Juventus at home. It is going to be difficult for sure but they are under pressure as well and it is going to be an interesting game.

"We are confident we can have a good game."

[Socrates 8386]

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE (5th leg) - 20-11-2012 (8:45 p.m.)

................

JUVENTUS - CHELSEA

Juventus stadium - Turin

Referee: Cuneyt Çakir (Turkey)

Juventus-Chelsea Preview: The (Must-Win?) Situation Room

Nov 19, 2012

I won't beat around the bush. I won't some kind of slick lede that makes you either laugh or facepalm — or both. This game is too important to kid around and prove that I'm still, in some way, a five-year-old trapped in a writer's body.

Nope, not gonna do it.

There are two, maybe three, possibilities for tomorrow's game against Chelsea — one that will play a huge part whether Antonio Conte will be managing in the Champions League or the Europa League when the calendar flips to 2013.

1. Win, get three points, move into second place and be in the driver's seat.

2. Draw or lose, get one or no points, then have to go to northeast to Ukraine having to rely on some not-so-favorable situations and conditions.

Yeah, that doesn't sound fun. I don't want to head to Donetsk needing a win to qualify for the knockout stages. I don't think anybody does. That kind of fixture is difficult as is, let alone with a 'win or be eliminated' kind of stipulation attached to it. I'd rather avoid that jazz — and I'm certain my line of thinking is shared by the majority of folks out there.

So, win tomorrow, Juventus. That's my one suggestion.

How do you like that for insight? /takes a bow

AVANTI!

LE CHIAVI

The last time these two teams met at the Bridge, Chelsea were hot like fire. A really, really hot fire that was doing some serious damage. They were storming through the early stage of the EPL schedule, taking no prisoners with a new-look attack as many a pundits jumped on the bandwagon of the defending European champions. But, as our SBN brethren over at We Ain't Got No History have pointed out, that fine form has turned, well, sour. For us as Juventini, we can take it as a good thing, I guess. Chelsea's most recent loss — 2-1 to the EPL's biggest surprise team thus far, West Brom — dropped the Blues down to third place domestically behind the Manchester brothers.

And all of this is happening while Chelsea's captain, John Terry, can only watch from the luxury boxes as he recovers from injury. I guess that could go in the section below, but meh. Serves the same kind of purpose, right?

GOOD NEWS

The biggest piece of good news, for me at least, is two-fold.

1. Andrea Pirlo is rested after sitting out the scoreless draw against Lazio on Saturday. We've seen what a fresh Pirlo can do in the past, and especially with this season being so incredibly busy, any kind of complete day off could pay wonders.

2. Arturo Vidal is back to being Arturo Vidal. He was crucial the last time these two teams met in London a few months ago. Even playing on one leg, his impact was immense. Now, with his few weeks of bad form behind him, Vidal's presence will again be looked up to be a huge boost in the midfield. Then again, why wouldn't it be regardless of who the opponent is? Exactly.

BAD NEWS

Chelsea are basically in the same spot as Juventus when it comes to the group standings, which means they're going to be busting their ass to get a positive result. And, since there's just a slim one-point difference right now, nothing is certain — and that means Juve are going to get all they can handle. It's not like Chelsea weren't going to try or anything like that. This is obviously going to be a difficult game. But it just makes it that much more the case and it that much more difficult of a game.

WHAT TO WATCH FOR

1. Juventus Stadium. This is the kind of game that makes a home field advantage so important. Juventini took over Stamford Bridge in September and look what happened. With the tifosi out-singing a stadium full of Chelsea supporters, they were there to will on the squad after falling down 2-0. Will it be the same kind of atmosphere in the return leg? It freaking better be. An incredibly important match in Turin is what makes Juventus Stadium so special. If the sold-out crowd is rockin' — which is should be — then life for Chelsea will be that much tougher.

2. Containing Chelsea's firepower. Regardless of what kind of form they are in as an overall team, Chelsea's front line — sans Fernando Torres — still scares me. There are playmakers there that can seriously take over a game and run wild on a defense. I thought that Juventus' defense did a pretty good job as a whole keeping things under control when the two teams played in London. And we know that if Juve want three points and leapfrog Chelsea in the Group E table, it's gonna have to be that way again.

3. Will Big Game Mirko show up? My gut tells me Vucinic will be one of the two starting strikers tomorrow night if he gets over this freaking flu that saw him miss out on the Lazio draw. If he doesn't play (or start), then I've just wasted a bunch of time writing this section of the preview. But if he does, then this is exactly the kind of game where Mirko's reputation has been built on — big game, big kind of impact. If he comes off the bench, then it better be the same kind of deal. Whichever roll he plays, all I want is Good Mirko. No Bad Mirko, please.

4. The Sebastian Giovinco Watch. It's really something that will never go away — especially when Juventus don't win games they should like what happened on Saturday. For me, other than his shooting and a couple of misplaced passes, I thought Giovinco had a solid game. Sure, I'm not as harsh of a critic as some people who want to send him back to play with kids his own size, but he's one of the better options Juve have right now. And with that, there not only needs to be patience, but a sense of belief that he can deliver the goods. He's certainly shown it before. Maybe not on a European stage, but he definitely has in Italy.

5. Crossing the line. Or, for this matter, crossing the goddamn ball to your teammates properly. Want to know how many accurate crosses Juventus' two wingbacks, Kwadwo Asamoah and Mauricio Isla, had against Lazio? Two — out of 17 attempted. That's...not very good. Just a minor suggestion: IMPROVE ON IT.

My starting XI (3-5-2): Buffon; Barzagli, Bonucci, Chiellini; Isla, Vidal, Pirlo, Marchisio, Asamoah; Vucinic, Giovinco

[Socrates 8386]

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE (5th leg) - 20-11-2012 (8:45 p.m.)

................

JUVENTUS - CHELSEA

Juventus stadium - Turin

Referee: Cuneyt Çakir (Turkey)

Cahill keen for Chelsea to put West Brom

defeat behind them by beating Juventus

The Blues defender says that the players are aware that losing is unacceptable

and will be prepared to get a result against the Italian champions in Turin on Tuesday.

Nov 19, 2012

Chelsea defender Gary Cahill has stressed the importance of putting his side's poor domestic form behind them by beating Juventus in Turin on Tuesday.

The Blues are on an underwhelming run in the Premier League, losing to West Brom on Saturday as they warmed up to face the Italian champions.

"Losing games isn't acceptable here and people are upset when we do. Sometimes things need to be said," the former Bolton man told reporters.

"Being a part of a club like Chelsea, you're expected to perform and expected to go out and get results.

"When you lose games it does knock confidence but we have strong characters and it's important not to dwell on it too much.

"All the lads are aware of what we have to do tomorrow and hopefully we'll be well prepared to go and do it."

Cahill also move to defend team-mate David Luiz, who has come under fire recently after some unconvincing displays in the Blues' back line.

"David Luiz is so comfortable on the ball and has great ability - you don't captain Brazil if you're not a top footballer," the centre-back declared.

[Socrates 8386]

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE (5th leg) - 20-11-2012 (8:45 p.m.)

................

JUVENTUS - CHELSEA

Juventus stadium - Turin

Referee: Cuneyt Çakir (Turkey)

Arturo Vidal: Why His Role Is so Important to Andrea Pirlo and Juventus

Nov 19, 2012

On Tuesday, Juventus will kick off their most important game of the season so far: at home against Chelsea, with a ticket for the next round of the UEFA Champions League at stake.

Analysts will talk about the form of Claudio Marchisio, Andrea Pirlo's influence in midfield and the ability of the strikers to put away chances for the Bianconeri as the keys to this game. But no player will be counted on more than Arturo Vidal.

Vidal has had a fairly quiet season, only making headlines when he stated his allegiance to the club and when he scored at Stanford Bridge. But don't be fooled by the lack of media attention: Vidal is one of the main reasons Juve are currently four points clear of Inter in the Italian league. And it's not just because he's scoring.

With five goals in the Serie A and two more in the Champions League, Vidal presents a major scoring threat for a team that lacks a clinical forward. He always seems to be in the right spot at the right time and never hesitates in front of goal. He doesn't just score goals; he scores when the team needs it the most.

The game against Chelsea was a perfect example: Juventus had just gone down 2-0, and Vidal seemed to be walking around hurt. But as soon as he got the ball, he didn't hesitate. He turned around, scored the goal that put his team back in the game and limped back to his side of the field.

The goal wasn't just a fine display of Vidal's skills, but a testament to what the Chilean international brings to this team. He's a fierce competitor that will put his team and the result of the game ahead of his own health if he has to.

But Vidal's defensive prowess is what separates him from other great midfielders. He's masterful at attacking the ball handler before the latter has a chance to take full control of the ball and look around him.

He plays with a relentless energy and looks like a human vacuum cleaner on the pitch. His average of 5.3 tackles per game in the Champions League is the second best mark amongst all players.

Vidal will play with the same energy from the very first minute of the game until the last, and he'll be a nightmare to opposing midfielders every time they touch the ball.

Most importantly, he's the Bianconeri's best defender against the counter. And this is why he's so important to the team, and will make the difference against Chelsea.

Juve's back three (Andrea Barzagli, Giorgio Chiellini and Leonardo Bonucci) make up one of the best defensive lines in all of football, but they are not the fastest players. They play hard-nosed football and will use their physical stature and positioning to defend against opposing players, but they can be susceptible to fast counter attacks and will sometimes struggles against nimble players.

The same applies to Pirlo. The midfield maestro is at his best with the ball at his feet, orchestrating the attack of his team. He plays smart defense and will use his body and experience to steal the ball away. But the Ballon d'Or-nominee was never particularly fast, and the years have taken their toll.

Pirlo will lose possession two or three times per game in a crucial position: in his own half with the rest of the team moving forward. It's a side-effect of the way he plays, and Juve have learned to live with it because they have a young, energetic midfielder with the ability to react fast and take over Pirlo's position in front of the defense playing right next to him.

That player is Vidal.

Pirlo doesn't make many mistakes, but when he does, Vidal is there to clean them up. His presence takes some pressure of the shoulders of Pirlo, as Vidal has bailed him out on numerous occasions. Pirlo trusts Vidal to be there when his old legs can't make the transition from offense to defense that fast, and he's never let the regista down.

Not only does he cover for Pirlo, he also gives him a passing outlet when the players on the wing are occupied. Add Claudio Marchisio (that other Duracell Bunny in midfield) to the mix and you end up with one of the most dynamic midfield triangles in all of football.

Against Chelsea and their dynamic trio of Eden Hazard, Juan Mata and Oscar, his tackling skills and energy in midfield will be sorely needed. All three are quick, nimble players that present matchup problems for Juve's static back line and will make life hard on Andrea Pirlo as soon as he has possession of the ball.

With the team's strike force lack of consistency and Claudio Marchisio struggling with form, fans will be looking for Vidal to work his magic and provide Juventus with goals. But it's his defensive prowess that will ultimately decide whether the Bianconeri will still be playing in the Champions League in 2013.

He'll be called upon to do what he does best: disrupt anything the current European champions try on Juve's half of the field and assist Pirlo in orchestrating the Bianconeri's offense.

And even though he might not make the news for that, it's far more important to this team than scoring the occasional goal.

Not that anyone would mind if he also did that on Tuesday. And with his remarkable skill set, it wouldn't even come as a surprise.

[Socrates 8386]

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE (5th leg) - 20-11-2012 (8:45 p.m.)

................

JUVENTUS - CHELSEA

Juventus stadium - Turin

Referee: Cuneyt Çakir (Turkey)

Juventus vs. Chelsea: Preview and Prediction

Nov 19, 2012

Chelsea travel to Turin knowing that they cannot afford to lose to Juventus.

Roberto Di Matteo has rotated the squad in recent weeks, with an eye on this crucial Champions League match. Tuesday's result will be critical as to whether those changes—to a Blues side that was in sensational form at the time—will have been worth it.

Resting Oscar, Ramires and Juan Mata, as well as not risking Ashley Cole against West Bromwich Albion cost them three points and deepened the hole Chelsea have dug themselves in recent weeks.

Juventus have no such worries, despite a frustrating 0-0 draw against an extremely negative Lazio at the weekend. A four point cushion has allowed the Bianconeri to relax somewhat and certainly go for the jugular against Chelsea, even if it would be detrimental to Sunday's match against Milan.

Both sides fully expect Shakhtar to defeat Group E's whipping boys, Nordsjaelland, which would move the Ukrainians onto 10 points. Chelsea currently have seven points, while the Old Lady are a point back.

Defeat for Di Matteo's men would put the group out of their control, due to an inferior head-to-head against both Shakhtar and Juve. In fact, a half-arranged draw between the sides in the final match would put Chelsea out, no matter what the Blues manage to do at home to the Danish champions.

Juventus team news

The Bianconeri enter the game with an almost perfect bill of health, with Antonio Conte naming a 25-man squad. This included Mirko Vucinic, who having only returned from injury last week, picked up a bout of flu.

If the Montenegrin cannot pull through, Sebastian Giovinco and Fabio Quagliarella will likely line up in attack.

The only other contention for Conte would be the right-midfield spot. While Mauricio Isla has been superb since returning from a serious knee injury—starting the last three matches—Stephan Lichtsteiner could return to the starting lineup.

Probable lineup: Gianluigi Buffon; Leonardo Bonucci, Andrea Barzagli, Giorgio Chiellini; Stephan Lichtsteiner, Claudio Marchisio, Andrea Pirlo, Arturo Vidal, Kwadwo Asamoah;Sebastian Giovinco, Fabio Quagliarella.

Chelsea team news

John Terry and Frank Lampard remain the only absentees through injury; although Cole should return, it's not a guarantee.

The main dilemma for Di Matteo is whether to continue with Azpilicueta at right-back, or to move Ivanovic back into this role to give the defence more strength and power.

I would imagine that the Serbian will move out to full-back due to the powerful threat of the Ghanaian Asamoah, who would probably overwhelm the Blues' Spanish full-back.

The other concern is whether to field a more defensive winger, such as Ryan Bertrand, which would mean leaving out one of the magical trio, probably Oscar, due to Mata's influence and Hazard's greater reputation.

Fernando Torres continues to struggle and should probably be left out of the starting lineup, but Daniel Sturridge is also frustrating, so I feel Di Matteo will begrudgingly maintain El Niño in his 11.

Probable lineup: Petr Cech, Cesar Azpilicueta, Gary Cahill, Branislav Ivanovic, Ashley Cole; Ramires, Mikel Jon Obi; Eden Hazard, Juan Mata, Ryan Bertrand; Fernando Torres

Prediction

With Juventus knowing that they have to win, I think it is a psychological advantage in their favor. When you combine the home advantage and a quite formidable midfield, the Bianconeri will control this match and edge it by two goals to one.

[Socrates 8386]

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE (5th leg) - 20-11-2012 (8:45 p.m.)

................

JUVENTUS - CHELSEA

Juventus stadium - Turin

Referee: Cuneyt Çakir (Turkey)

Chelsea players encouraged to show passion ahead of crucial Juventus tie

Roberto Di Matteo has welcomed his players’ passion

as Chelsea prepare for their crucial trip to Juventus.

Nov 19, 2012

Defeat would leave the Blues on the brink of becoming the first Champions League holders to miss out on a place in the knockout stages.

And the Blues go into tomorrow’s game on the back of Saturday’s 2-1 defeat at West Brom, which heralded the first visible cracks in their dressing room, with players said to have argued loudly and Di Matteo also reportedly furious with their performance.

However, the Italian ‘absolutely’ welcomed the frank exchange, saying: ‘It’s important that we communicate with each other and the players express themselves. I have always encouraged that.’

Crucially, there is no obvious sign of Di Matteo having lost the confidence of his players in the way that cost predecessor Andre Villas-Boas his job. The Italian added: ‘They need to have belief in themselves and that’s the most important aspect.

‘We believe we have a good group, a good team, and are pulling together.’

Some appear to have been pulling their weight more than others, with speculation rife Di Matteo has finally lost patience with Fernando Torres after hauling him off at the weekend.

Afterwards, the Chelsea boss admitted he would consider dropping the Spain striker but he said: ‘I’m not going to disclose my ideas about tomorrow. I’ll make the final decisions tonight.’

Di Matteo also hinted after the Hawthorns defeat he was prepared to abandon the swashbuckling style which has won the Blues so many plaudits this season in order to secure a much-needed result – an approach that paid off spectacularly last term.

Most of all, Di Matteo needs his players to react positively to Saturday’s dressing-down. ‘There was obviously frustration at the result on Saturday,’ he added. ‘It’s normal when things don’t go your way.

‘We owe ourselves a good performance. We’ve proved many times before that, when it counts, our players can be counted for. Everyone is fully committed.’

[Socrates 8386]

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE (5th leg) - 20-11-2012 (8:45 p.m.)

................

JUVENTUS - CHELSEA

Juventus stadium - Turin

Referee: Cuneyt Çakir (Turkey)

Sturridge or Torres... Cahill or Luiz...

Who should start for Chelsea against Juventus?

Goal.com debates the selection dilemmas facing Roberto Di Matteo on Tuesday night

as the Blues head to Turin for the crucial Champions League clash.

Nov 20, 2012

Chelsea have overcome their fair share of hurdles in the Champions League over the last 12 months and Roberto Di Matteo's side's latest obstacle is likely to have a major say on whether they will have the chance to defend their crown beyond Christmas.

The Blues are second in Group E going into the penultimate round of fixtures but with Tuesday's opponents Juventus hot on their heels, a defeat for either side in Turin could deliver a fatal blow to their hopes of reaching the last 16 and beyond.

With that in mind the pressure is certainly on Di Matteo to find a winning formula, or at least avoid a losing one, and Goal.com's team of experts have put themselves in the manager's shoes and offered up what they consider the team to do the job in Italy...

'START STURRIDGE OVER FRAIL TORRES'

Wayne Veysey | Goal.com UK Chief Correspondent

Chelsea's strengths are the drive of Ramires and the creativity of the holy trinity of Juan Mata, Oscar and Eden Hazard (three of whom were rested from the starting X1 for the 2-1 defeat at West Brom).

CECH - IVANOVIC - CAHILL - LUIZ - COLE - MIKEL - RAMIRES - MATA - OSCAR - HAZARD - STURRIDGE

Their weaknesses are clear for all to see, in the centre of their John Terry-less defence and the absence of a reliable centre-forward who sends shudders through the opposition every time he bears down on goal.

Didier Drogba was that man, and Fernando Torres is plainly not. Nor, does it seem, he ever will be again, certainly at a consistent level in elite competition.

Chelsea will benefit from Juventus' need for a victory, and Roberto Di Matteo's refreshed team should create plenty of opportunities. I would start with Daniel Sturridge up top rather than the frail Torres, whose reasonable goal return this season masks a mediocre all-round output. Sturridge is an erratic finisher but he does not suffer from Torres' lack of self belief.

At the back, I believe the experience of Branislav Ivanovic and Ashley Cole is needed to deal with the threat from Juventus' wing-backs. Gary Cahill's defending does not match his velvet touch in the opposition box, but he should start alongside David Luiz, whose perm always seems to bounce with far more effervescence in Europe than it does in the Premier League.

'MATA & HAZARD MUST DO THEIR DEFENSIVE WORK'

Peter Staunton | Goal.com International football writer

Chelsea's deficiencies at the centre of defence have been well exploited by opponents on the domestic scene as well as in Europe and without captain John Terry, the European champions always appear to be a team likely to concede goals.

CECH - AZPILICUETA - IVANOVIC - LUIZ - COLE - MIKEL - RAMIRES - HAZARD - MATA - OSCAR - TORRES

Their most commanding and able central defender in the absence of Terry is Branislav Ivanovic who usually plays on the right. However, Cesar Azpilicueta is a natural fit for the right-back berth which allows Ivanovic to push inside in place of Gary Cahill, who was given the run around by Shane Long at the weekend.

Azpilicueta has a good instinct for supplementing the attack when required and could help to make life uncomfortable for Kwadwo Asamoah by doubling up with Juan Mata or Eden Hazard. Defensive work must be done by those two as their wan contributions in that regard against Shakhtar Donestsk meant Chelsea were overrun in wide areas.

Asamoah and Maurico Isla, or Stephane Lichtsteiner, need no second invitation to maraud downfield and, in a game that Juventus need to win, they will carry the attacking impetus for the hosts.

'TORRES OUT, MOSES IN'

Stephen Darwin | Goal.com UK Assistant Editor

If there's one game Chelsea could do with having their captain colossus on the pitch, it's this one. The absence of John Terry at the Juventus Stadium leaves a gaping hole in the Blues' back four that David Luiz and Gary Cahill seem incapable of sufficiently papering over.

CECH - AZPILICUETA - IVANOVIC - CAHILL - COLE - MIKEL - RAMIRES - MATA - OSCAR - HAZARD - MOSES

The Brazilian's horror show against West Brom should see him dropped, with Branislav Ivanovic an able replacement to slot in alongside Cahill, allowing Cesar Azpilicueta to continue at right-back.

Frank Lampard is another who, had he been fit, would have been pushing for a start but in Ramires and John Obi Mikel, Roberto Di Matteo has two reliable anchors, proving the reins are sufficiently applied to the marauding former Benfica star, in particular.

The attacking triumvirate of Juan Mata, Oscar and Eden Hazard picks itself so the major question mark is over Fernando Torres and whether Di Matteo keeps the faith. With one fortuitous, to say the least, goal in seven, the £50 million man is experiencing an all too familiar slump in form and a Torres lacking in confidence is no use to Chelsea.

This is where Victor Moses comes in. The 21-year-old has shown, in the smattering of chances he's had in a Chelsea shirt thus far, that he has an eye for goal and giving the former Wigan man the nod would even offer Di Matteo the flexibility to utilise a false-nine system.

With Moses able to drop back when Juve are in possession, Chelsea will have a better chance of winning the midfield battle, with the likes of Hazard and Mata capable of interchanging with the Nigeria international to keep the hosts' back four guessing.

'CHELSEA HAVE TO SELECT PACY FULL-BACKS'

Carlo Garganese | Goal.com International Deputy Editor

CECH - AZPILICUETA - IVANOVIC - LUIZ - COLE - MIKEL - RAMIRES - MATA - OSCAR - HAZARD - TORRES

Although they showed signs of tiredness during the month of October, Juventus are usually an extremely fit team who press ferociously and attack with great speed and quick movements off the ball.

At Stamford Bridge, due to the tight pitch Juventus weren't able to stretch Chelsea as much as they potentially will on Tuesday night. Therefore, it is important Chelsea select two pacy full backs who can keep up with the attacking raids of wing-backs Asamoah and Isla or Lichtsteiner. David Luiz is also a better choice to Cahill for this reason.

The five midfielders pick themselves as Frank Lampard is not fully fit, Oriol Romeu is not good enough, while Moses perhaps lacks the experience to start such a game - which is also a reason why Fernando Torres must be employed as the lone striker, despite not being in the best of shape.

[Socrates 8386]

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE (5th leg) - 20-11-2012 (8:45 p.m.)

................

JUVENTUS - CHELSEA

Juventus stadium - Turin

Referee: Cuneyt Çakir (Turkey)

Chelsea game is all or nothing for Juventus, says Alessio

Antonio Conte's replacement has underlined the importance of the match,

and has stressed that the Bianconeri are aiming for victory.

Nov 20, 2012

Juventus assistant coach Angelo Alessio has insisted the Serie A champions cannot afford to drop points in Tuesday's Champions League match at home against Chelsea if they are to survive the group stages.

The Bianconeri currently sit third in Group E with six points from four games, trailing their opponents by one point, and Alessio realises only a win will do if they have any chance of making it to the round of 16.

"We know, without beating about the bush, that it's all or nothing and we want to go through. We will take to the field with our customary determination and will to win," Alessio said at a press conference.

"They are the European champions, have strengthened with three or four good players, so they need to be respected as a team.

"At the same time, we know how strong we are and we will be playing them on an equal footing.

"If we do well, we can go through, if we are not so good, we will play in the Europa League, but we know we have achieved something already."

[Socrates 8386]

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE (5th leg) - 20-11-2012 (8:45 p.m.)

................

JUVENTUS - CHELSEA

Juventus stadium - Turin

Referee: Cuneyt Çakir (Turkey)

Di Matteo not fearing the sack ahead of crucial Juventus clash

The Blues need to win in Turin to stand a chance of progressing to the knockout phase

of the Champions League, and the Italian says his focus is on the club rather than himself.

Nov 20, 2012

Roberto Di Matteo has dismissed talk of growing pressure on his position on Chelsea, instead focusing on Tuesday’s crucial Champions League group game against Juventus.

A defeat to their Italian opponents will leave the holders on the brink of an early exit from the competition.

But Di Matteo has refuted claims that a run of just two wins in seven games – which has seen the club concede their four-point lead at the top of the Premier League – has led to fears over his future.

“I am not thinking about my own position," Di Matteo told reporters. "I’m just preparing for a big challenge and making some important decisions.

“I’m not going to disclose any conversations with the owner and at the moment we are all thinking positively.

“There was obvious frustration with the result at West Brom at the weekend and now we owe ourselves a good performance.

"But we’ve proven many times before that, when it really counts, our players can be counted upon and everyone is fully committed for this game.

Chelsea traditionally slump during the autumn months, with a record of losing three of six and three of seven games during November 2011 and 2010 respectively.

But Di Matteo points to similar pressure to succeed on Serie A champions Juventus, adding that the unity of the Chelsea squad will see his side through.

He added: “We all know the importance of this match and my intention is to create as many problems as possible for Juventus, who know they must win to stay in the competition and are under a lot of pressure.

“We are all in this together and I believe we have a good group who can get a positive result.”

[Socrates 8386]

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE (5th leg) - 20-11-2012 (8:45 p.m.)

................

JUVENTUS - CHELSEA

Juventus stadium - Turin

Referee: Cuneyt Çakir (Turkey)

Capello on Juve, Calciopoli and tactics

Nov 20, 2012

Fabio Capello has discussed Juventus, Calciopoli and Italian football’s current fascination with three-man defences.

Speaking in an interview on the Undici TV show, the Russia boss was questioned on a variety of subjects – including Juve’s Champions League tie against Chelsea this evening.

“They have to play with intelligence because Chelsea’s three attacking midfielders are very dangerous,” he said. “I think it’s the kind of game where you have to play in a strict tactical way.”

Coach Antonio Conte has clear ideas about who are his best players in defence and midfield, but he continues to alternate his forwards.

“Mirko Vucinic is a player who can make the difference, he’s the best attacker that Juventus have,” Capello added.

“Sebastian Giovinco? He was part of the Primavera squad when I was at Juventus. He’s a very interesting player, a youngster who needs time.

“He has great qualities, as well as the physical characteristics of Gianfranco Zola.”

Capello left Juve in the summer of 2006 after the club were demoted to Serie B and stripped of two Scudetti for their part in Calciopoli.

“I still have those two medals. We were the best side by some way and the only regret is that we didn’t do more in the Champions League. We had a team of quality, without which you don’t get results.”

Turning to present day Serie A, Capello is adamant that the Old Lady will retain their title – but he’s not a fan of their 3-5-2 system.

“There isn’t a race. Juventus will win. In the past there was Cragnotti’s Lazio, Tanzi’s Parma, as well as Milan and Inter. Today, in Italy, Juve can do what they want.

“The three-man defence is the worst thing about football today. We’ve gone back 20 years. In reality, it is a five-man defence.”

[Socrates 8386]

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE (5th leg) - 20-11-2012 (8:45 p.m.)

................

JUVENTUS - CHELSEA

Juventus stadium - Turin

Referee: Cuneyt Çakir (Turkey)

Juve danger for RDM

Chelsea need a result in Turin if they are to keep their Champions League fate in their own hands.

Adam Bate wonders whether Di Matteo has the answers when the European champions take on Juventus.

Nov 20, 2012

The European champions are in a precarious position as they try to become the first team in the UEFA Champions League era to successfully defend the trophy. Chelsea travel to Juventus on Tuesday evening in the knowledge that a defeat could leave them all but eliminated from the competition at the group stage.

If the Blues lose in Turin then they could find themselves adrift in third place in Group E. Shakhtar Donetsk would be out of reach, assuming they were to win at Nordsjaelland on Tuesday. While Juventus would need only a point in their final game in Ukraine to leave Chelsea helpless no matter what the score in their final home game against the Danish strugglers at Stamford Bridge.

Those searching for encouragement from the fact that the Bianconeri's 49-game unbeaten run came to an end against Inter earlier this month could be in for disappointment. The response from Juventus has been emphatic. Nordsjaelland were beaten 4-0 before Pescara were on the receiving end of a 6-1 thrashing. Lazio fared better in a goalless draw at the weekend but even that scoreline bettered the disappointing defeat Chelsea suffered at West Brom. The indications are that Juve have redoubled their efforts.

Anger

"We saw last year's Juve with that same hunger for the victory, to work and to sacrifice ourselves," said Leonardo Bonucci after the Nordsjaelland win. "It was lacking against Inter, but we showed that if we step up the tempo and the intensity then we can fight it out with anyone. Our anger at the defeat to Inter had to be transformed into positive energy and determination to prove ourselves."

Assistant boss Angelo Alessio also spoke of the team's anger at the loss of their unbeaten run and, tellingly, revealed the focus was already on Chelsea. "Of course we absolutely have to beat Chelsea at home in the next game and earn our place in the next round," said Alessio. "We wanted great intensity and the lads had the right anger and determination for this type of performance. We brought back that pressing on the ball in every area of the field and the style of football we needed."

So what can Roberto Di Matteo learn from Inter's triumph in Turin? For starters, the Nerazzurri coach Andrea Stramaccioni refused to name his team until the last moment. "It was not theatre but rather the best way of stopping Juve dominating for the whole 90 minutes," he told Sky Sport Italia. "We could have lost, of course, but that's just the way I chose to approach it. I knew full well I'd play 3-4-3. I thought Juventus would have an advantage by knowing our tactics beforehand, so why should I make it easier for them?"

It seems unlikely that Di Matteo will seek to ask Juventus any dramatic new tactical questions. While Oscar will again be asked to stick close to Andrea Pirlo when out of possession, the Chelsea boss can be expected to line up the team in their trusted 4-2-3-1 formation. That was of limited success in the home tie in London as Fernando Torres found himself outnumbered at the back and unable to find space in the channels, while Chelsea's full-backs failed to make the most of the space in front of them.

Di Matteo has had huge success so far by empowering his players, utilising minimal squad rotation and adopting a relatively passive approach - he has seen first-hand that pushing for change at Stamford Bridge can be a hazardous business. "I wouldn't expect radical changes," he said at the start of the season. "I don't think there'll be a big overhaul of how we approach the games, new players will be integrated into the team and we will try and get the best out of them. I don't see any reason to change."

Contrast

In contrast, change has been a feature of this Juventus team, despite the fact that only the Milan team of the early '90s and Arsenal's invincibles can match their unbeaten sequence in a major European league. "Where Milan and Arsenal had tried-and-tested tactical formations, Juventus experimented with various systems before settling on the 3-5-2," explained Gabriele Marcotti in the Wall Street Journal.

European football writer James Horncastle concurs. "Players have adapted to the conditions in which they have found themselves, moving from 4-2-4 and 4-4-1-1 to 3-5-2 and 4-3-3, all the while maintaining the same philosophy of play-it-out from the back, keep the ball, create and protect the best defence in Italy," wrote Horncastle in assessing last season's title triumph.

Di Matteo is already one of that small group of coaches to have guided a team to a European Cup success. So it seems perverse to talk of him still having tactical tests to pass. But despite his glorious triumph, the Italian remains relatively inexperienced and he may have to now come up with a new plan if he is to safely negotiate Group E. With Chelsea's future in the competition so uncertain and his own position reportedly under threat, it will be intriguing to see what, if anything, the 41-year-old coach can come up with.

[Socrates 8386]

CHAMPIONSLEAGUE.CA

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE (5th leg) - 20-11-2012 (8:45 p.m.)

................

JUVENTUS - CHELSEA

Juventus stadium - Turin

Referee: Cuneyt Çakir (Turkey)

Buffon and Bonucci back Juventus to beat Chelsea

Nov 20, 2012

Juventus entertain Chelsea in a do-or-die Champions League clash with the current champions in a match that will almost certainly decide the Serie A champions’ fate in the European competition.

A two-goal haul for Brazilian Oscar salvaged a point for Chelsea at Stamford Bridge in matchweek 2, while Juventus are hoping of a big win at home to Chelsea.

“Until now we have showed that we deserve the opponent’s respect and that we will play at the same level,” Gianluigi Buffon said of the Chelsea match.

“Chelsea’s players deserve respect, they are the Champions League winners and in the last 10 years they have left a mark in world football’s elite.

“When the draw was made, we knew our group was balanced. Three teams are going for two places and it will be so until the 95th minute of the game.

“I have faith in this group, in the coach and in the quality of our strikers.” Juventus managed just four shots on target in their 0-0 draw at home to Lazio on the weekend.

Juventus centre-back also weighed in on the big match.

“what I would say to myself and the team is not to go into the game creating putting pressure on ourselves. Juventus are champions of Italy and we will play in our fantastic stadium. The favourites, it seems to me, are Juve.”

Chelsea are just one point ahead of Juventus in the standings. Can they beat the Champions of Europe?

[Socrates 8386]

CHAMPIONSLEAGUE.CA

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE (5th leg) - 20-11-2012 (8:45 p.m.)

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JUVENTUS - CHELSEA

Juventus stadium - Turin

Referee: Cuneyt Çakir (Turkey)

Juventus vs. Chelsea preview – Champions League

Nov 20, 2012

Juventus host Chelsea on Tuesday night in a crucial Group E match. The winner would have a very good chance of progressing to the first knockout round, but both teams have their respective struggles heading into the game.

Chelsea are the defending European champions and started their Premier League on a flyer. They were bagging goals for fun, lighting up the league with their technical, speedy advanced midfield three, and were finally playing the attractive football that owner Roman Abramovich has been preaching for. The last few weeks have gone south, however. They’ve failed to win their last four league games and falling from first to third in the table. There’s tons of controversy surrounding the out-of-form Fernando Torres, manager Roberto Di Matteo has even suggested that the tactics be more conservative so they stop conceding. With the likes of John Terry and Frank Lampard injured and Juventus scoring in buckets, it might be a long day for the Champions League holders.

Since their 49 game undefeated streak ended, Juventus has gone undefeated in their last three in all competitions. The real eye opener is their goal output of 10 in three games (six coming from their strikers). The doubters surrounding the club returned on the weekend, though. Juve drew Lazio 0-0 at home, a game they dominated from start to finish. They recorded 21 shots and had 59% possession, but could only muster four attempts on target. Lazio absorbed the pressure, and held on to shutout the Bianconeri for only the seventh time under Antonio Conte. The Old Lady’s only worry will once again be the attack.

Roberto Di Matteo rested some key players on Saturday at West Bromwich Albion, so expect those names to make the team sheet. Eden Hazard, Oscar, Juan Mata, and Fernando Torres will be the front four most likely with John Obi Mikel and Ramires in behind. Ashley Cole made the trip to Turin, so he might get the nod at left back. Chelsea will need to make sure they get numbers forward when they get forward as Torres is ineffective going against Juventus’ back three. One on three will be too much for him to handle, so the middle men will need to carry some of the weight. They’ll also need to make sure Andrea Pirlo is covered well and that Arturo Vidal is closed down along with Claudio Marchisio, who lit up Nordsjaelland two weeks ago.

Juventus’ one injury doubt is Mirko Vucinic. He has been battling the flu and missed the Lazio match, but he made the squad list for Tuesday. If he’s fit enough, Antonio Conte will start him and Fabio Quagliarella up front. Kwadwo Asamoah will occupy his usual left wingback role. The midfield three of Claudio Marchisio, Andrea Pirlo, and Arturo Vidal will be in their usual positions and Mauricio Isla will be at right wingback. Other than that, everything remains the same for Juve. They’ll most likely be playing against a more reserved Chelsea side as they’ve given hints that they’ll be playing more “catenaccio” that won them the Champions League last season. The Bianconeri must be lethal in front of goal because if the Blues do use those tactics, they’ll have plenty of chances. It’s up to the front men to finish.

[Socrates 8386]

CHAMPIONSLEAGUE.CA

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE (5th leg) - 20-11-2012 (8:45 p.m.)

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JUVENTUS - CHELSEA

Juventus stadium - Turin

Referee: Cuneyt Çakir (Turkey)

Di Matteo: Chelsea may revert to defensive style

in Champions League clash with Juventus

Nov 20, 2012

Roberto Di Matteo has ventured to suggest that Chelsea may return to the style that brought such impressive success in the latter stages of last season.

The Champions League winners have been remarkably loose in defence with Gary Cahill and David Luiz struggling to protect veteran ‘keeper Petr Cech. Read what Di Matteo had to say.

‘We have been playing a little bit different this season and we might have to go a little bit back to win games, to make sure we don’t concede and still have good combinations to score goals.

‘Maybe it is the time when we might have to change in terms of our selection and the way we play, looking at the set-up of the team and sacrifice a little bit the attacking options to go a bit more defensive.

‘We had a lot of joy with the way we have been playing and long-term that is the way we want to go but we need a couple of positive result to get our confidence high again and then move on.

‘We have two massive games [Juventus and Manchester City] but we have players with a lot of experience and we have been in this position before.’

[Socrates 8386]

UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE (5th leg) - 20-11-2012 (8:45 p.m.)

................

JUVENTUS - CHELSEA

Juventus stadium - Turin

Referee: Cuneyt Çakir (Turkey)

Angelo Alessio expects attacking Chelsea

Nov 20, 2012

Juventus assistant coach Angelo Alessio believes that Chelsea will put out an attacking team against them on Tuesday.

The Italian champions will host Roberto Di Matteo's team in the Champions League Group E.

"We don't expect Chelsea to not come out and attack us – they are not a side who sit back and wait to hit you on the counter-attack," he said.

"They have great attackers and I cannot see them playing any other way."

However, Alessio is confident that Juventus will defeat the reigning European champions in Turin.

"We know, without beating about the bush, that it's all or nothing and we want to go through," he said. "We will take to the field with our customary determination and will to win.

"Of course, we could take our chances better. We know how good their goalkeeper (Petr Cech) is, but we have to create lots of chances.

"They are the European champions, have strengthened with three or four good players, so they need to be respected as a team. At the same time, we know how strong we are and we will be playing them on an equal footing."

Juventus are currently third in Group E with six points from four matches, a point behind second-placed Chelsea.