Juventus Season 2013-2014

[Socrates 8447]

CAGLIARI 1 - 4 JUVENTUS

Mauricio Pinilla (21')

Fernando Llorente (31′)
Claudio Marchisio (73′)
Fernando Llorente (76′)
Stephan Lichtsteiner (80')

January 12, 2014 - 3:00 PM
Sant'Elia Stadium — Cagliari
Referee: Marco Guida
Attendance:‬ 6000‎

Juventus achieve 116-year first

Jan 12, 2014

"We have done something extraordinary," said coach Antonio Conte after Juventus's 4-1 victory at Cagliari Calcio gave them an 11th straight Serie A win for the first time.

http://markting10.nl/

"Records are made to be broken," said Juventus coach Antonio Conte on the eve of Sunday's trip to Cagliari Calcio. Prophetic words as the Bianconeri won their 11th game in succession in Serie A, something the Turin giants had never previously achieved in their 116-year history.

The Bianconeri had won ten in a row in 1931/32 under legendary coach Carlo Carcano, who masterminded five consecutive Italian titles from 1930 to 1935, a period known as 'il quinquennio d'oro' – the golden quinquennial – for Juventus. The club record was broken with a 4-1 win at Cagliari despite falling behind early to Mauricio Pinilla. Fernando Llorente's header restored parity in the first half, and Claudio Marchisio, Stephen Lichtsteiner and Llorente all scored between the 73rd and 80th minute to decide the game, maintaining Juve's eight-point lead over last Sunday's victims AS Roma.

"We have done something extraordinary," said Conte. "This is a unique feature in more than 100 years of club history so I thanked the players for such a gift. Now our aim is to prolong the run as much as we can."

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With such a winning mentality, victories must keep on coming, captain Gianluigi Buffon stressed. "We are proud of the record, hopefully this streak will be a long-lasting one," explained the Italy goalkeeper, who has conceded just two goals in the process. "But above all, our main target is to win a third Scudetto in a row, something that has not happened for the club in around 80 years.

"Maybe we won't manage to fully enjoy our great run right now," Buffon continued. "But I'm sure that with time we will appreciate this streak even more. We made history for a club like Juventus, which is a club like no other in Italy."

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The Bianconeri may have not achieved the same success in Europe this season after finishing third in their UEFA Champions League group but with the Juventus Stadium staging the UEFA Europa League final in May, Conte's men have still time to leave their mark beyond the Italian borders as well.

Juventus face Trabzonspor AŞ in the UEFA Europa League round of 32 on 20 and 27 February and Buffon believes his side have the potential to also do well in this competition. "We have always been able to make the difference in Italy, the results are proof of that," the 35-year-old said. "In Europe maybe something different is needed but I'm sure Conte will find the answers."

http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

[Socrates 8447]

CAGLIARI 1 - 4 JUVENTUS

Mauricio Pinilla (21')

Fernando Llorente (31′)
Claudio Marchisio (73′)
Fernando Llorente (76′)
Stephan Lichtsteiner (80')

January 12, 2014 - 3:00 PM
Sant'Elia Stadium — Cagliari
Referee: Marco Guida
Attendance:‬ 6000‎

Player Ratings

Goal was present to see a staggering second half, as two goals from Fernando Llorente
helped the Old Lady to break their stubborn home resilience.

Jan 12, 2014

CAGLIARI

Adàn - Terrible performance from the former Real Madrid man, as he parried Marchisio's effort into the back of the net, before spilling Juventus' fourth into the path of Lichtsteiner.

Luca Rossettini - Made a few key clearances in the first half, and forced Asamoah to often play the ball infield, as opposed to taking him on.

Davide Astori - A commanding performance from the defender, as he threatened from set pieces and marshalled Llorente well at times.

Francesco Pisano - Helped to keep Tevez quiet for long periods but couldn't stop Llorente from scoring twice.

Nicola Murru - Blocked a number of Lichtsteiner's crosses in the first half, but the Swiss wing-back was left unmarked for his goal and provided two assists.

Daniele Dessena - Went close with a back post header that was kept out well by Buffon, but didn't test Chiellini much throughout the game.

Daniele Conti - Battled well in the centre of midfield, putting himself around to break up Juventus' rhythm and tempo.

Albin Ekdal - Performed well in place of Nainggolan, proving to be a physical presence, as well as providing a few good upfield balls to the isolated Sau.

Andrea Cossu - Worked hard in behind the strikeforce to ensure that Juventus' midfield weren't given too much time on the ball, closing angles to force the visitors wide.

Mauricio Pinilla - Took his goal well, firing home unmarked at the back post beyond Buffon, and looked to be the Cagliari player who was most dangerous. Red carded for an argument with the referee in the late stages.

Marco Sau - Worked hard to get in behind the Juventus defence on several occasions, but Buffon was alert to the danger. When he was substituted, the hosts created nothing.

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Substitutions

Víctor Ibarbo - Didn't offer much after coming on, but was a willing runner, pressing Juventus' back four.

http://markting10.nl/

JUVENTUS

Gianluigi Buffon - Made an excellent save to deny Dessena and was alert to danger despite been unneeded for long periods, especially in the second half.

Martín Cáceres - Played a few stray passes, but was generally untested. A steady game, as he was often composed enough to bring the ball down and play out from the back.

Leonardo Bonucci - His battling attitude helped Juventus to the win, as the defender put himself around, ensuring that the likes of Sau and Pinilla saw very little service.

Giorgio Chiellini - A strong, physical performance from the central defender, as he prevented the likes of Dessena from reaching the byline.

Stephan Lichtsteiner - Provided two assists from the right flank and scored Juventus' fourth, bundling home a goalkeeping error from Adan.

Paul Pogba - A quiet game in terms of going forward, as the Frenchman failed to test Adan from range and generally just helped to keep play moving.

Andrea Pirlo - Sat deep and kept Juventus ticking over, offering nothing special but ensuring that the likes of Asamoah and Lichtsteiner saw plenty of the ball.

Arturo Vidal - Unfortunate to be caught offside after a few intelligent runs, but was always available for a one-two around the areas, which unleashed Lichtsteiner to deliver for the third.

Kwadwo Asamoah - Didn't offer much, as the majority of Juventus' chances came from Lichtsteiner on the opposite flank. Only manage to beat Rossettini on one occasion.

Carlos Tévez - Was quiet in the first half, but caused much more problems in the second. Had several good shots, but all were directed too close to the Cagliari goalkeeping. Linked up well with Llorente at times.

Fernando Llorente - Took his two goals well, the first of which was a beautifully guided header into the top right hand corner.

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Substitutions

Claudio Marchisio - Grabbed the all-important goal for the away side, rattling a long-range effort beyond the hapless Adan. Provided energy upon taking to the field too.

http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

[Socrates 8447]

CAGLIARI 1 - 4 JUVENTUS

Mauricio Pinilla (21')

Fernando Llorente (31′)
Claudio Marchisio (73′)
Fernando Llorente (76′)
Stephan Lichtsteiner (80')

January 12, 2014 - 3:00 PM
Sant'Elia Stadium — Cagliari
Referee: Marco Guida
Attendance:‬ 6000‎

Juventus can win it all, says Lichtsteiner

The defender scored on Sunday as the Bianconeri racked up
their 11th straight Serie A win and then targeted a clean sweep of honours.

Jan 12, 2014

Stephan Lichtsteiner says Juventus are capable of "winning it all" after coming from behind to beat Cagliari 4-1.

http://markting10.nl/

The Bianconeri fell behind to a Mauricio Pinilla strike in the first half of Sunday's encounter - who was later sent off in the dying stages of the game - but Fernando Llorente levelled before the break.

The Spain international struck for a second time on 76 minutes, with that strike sandwiched between further goals from Claudio Marchisio and Lichsteiner.

Victory for Juventus saw the reiging champions extend their winning streak to 11 games and advantage over second-placed Roma to five points, with the Austria international targeting a clean sweep of domestic honours.

http://markting10.nl/

He told reporters: "We need to focus on all three goals. We have quality and incredible organisation and we all believe that we can do it."

Lichtsteiner has made nine Serie A appearances so far this season, with his strike on Sunday his first of the season in the league.

http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

[Socrates 8447]

CAGLIARI 1 - 4 JUVENTUS

Mauricio Pinilla (21')

Fernando Llorente (31′)
Claudio Marchisio (73′)
Fernando Llorente (76′)
Stephan Lichtsteiner (80')

January 12, 2014 - 3:00 PM
Sant'Elia Stadium — Cagliari
Referee: Marco Guida
Attendance:‬ 6000‎

Conte: 'Extraordinary Juve'

Jan 12, 2014

Antonio Conte praised Juventus for their “extraordinary achievement” of an 11th straight win in Cagliari.

http://markting10.nl/

The Bianconeri set a new club record with 11 consecutive Serie A victories, something they had never achieved.

“It’s an extraordinary achievement, the fact in the history of Juventus – knowing the teams they had – never managed this before is amazing. The lads deserve applause, as football can go so quickly that you barely have time to enjoy these moments.

“Now we want to continue this positive streak, knowing full well there will be teams lining up to stop us,” he told Sky Sport Italia.

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Despite the 4-1 scoreline, Cagliari had a very strong start and took the lead through Mauricio Pinilla.

“Our start wasn’t that bad, but we conceded on the first opportunity and risked again on another set play. These are distractions we rarely allow ourselves. I called the team to get their minds on the job, as the mind leads the legs.

“Even in moments of difficulty, we held out well and forced Cagliari to use up their energy with a very strong opening hour. This team held Roma at the Olimpico, which shows how good they are.”

http://markting10.nl/

Claudio Marchisio replaced Andrea Pirlo in the second half and netted a scorching strike from distance. Manchester United manager David Moyes was in the stands in Cagliari, reportedly to watch both Davide Astori and Marchisio.

“Claudio is an important player for us and I must thank him for his professional attitude, he’s a real champion. He has ended up on the bench this season, but behaved like a great champion and has Juve in his heart. You can see he’s in good shape and today I needed a change of pace in midfield, which he provided.

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“Pirlo is coming off a serious injury and is training intensely, so it’s inevitable he’ll have dips in form during the game. I am fortunate enough to have Claudio and others on the bench ready to come in.

“I try to do my best as a Coach and when I make substitutions I look everyone up and down fully before choosing my players. I don’t look at the names or the faces first. I just try to pick the best available team. Sometimes I get it wrong, others I make the right choice.”

http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

[Socrates 8447]

JUVENTUS - SAMPDORIA

January 18, 2014 - 8:45 PM
Juventus Stadium — Turin
Referee: Andrea Gervasoni

Eder: Samp will battle Juve

Jan 16, 2014

Eder has promised that Sampdoria will play to win against Juventus on Saturday and that they face the League leaders with an improved mentality.

http://markting10.nl/

Samp head out to Juventus Stadium in Week 20 to face a Bianconero side that are on a club record run of 11 consecutive League wins.

Even so, their leading striker has signalled that the visitors will not be intimidated that easily.

“We know that on Saturday we will come up against a great team,” Eder has reflected in today’s edition of Tuttosport.

http://markting10.nl/

“But currently Sampdoria has a different mindset to that of the past and for this we have to say thanks to Mihajlovic.

“We are not going sit back and defend, rather we will fight to bring home three points that are fundamental to our bid for survival.

“We know that it will not be easy, but we do not feel defeated already, and we hope to continue our run, after the victory over Udinese [in Week 19].”

http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

[Socrates 8447]

JUVENTUS - SAMPDORIA

January 18, 2014 - 8:45 PM
Juventus Stadium — Turin
Referee: Andrea Gervasoni

Mihajlovic: Juve a decent test

Jan 16, 2014

Sinisa Mihajlovic has indicated Sampdoria’s resolve to push Juventus this weekend, labelling the Week 20 meeting as ‘a decent test’.

http://markting10.nl/

Samp travel out to Turin this Saturday evening to take on a Bianconeri outfit that have won a club record 11 League games in a row.

“Both Sampdoria and Juventus will look to make a game of it,” Mihajlovic has promised to reporters in his pre-game address today.

“We are preparing for this game with our mentality, to face up to our opponents, like always.

http://markting10.nl/

“It will certainly be a decent match, with both sides going for it. They approach it off the back of 11 consecutive victories and for us it will serve as a decent test to gauge exactly where we’re at.

“All of their players are worth keeping an eye on, otherwise they wouldn’t have won 11 straight games and be on course for three successive Scudetto triumphs.

“We will have to think of them as a team, with attention to their strengths and weaknesses as well as those that they have in different formations.

http://markting10.nl/

“Conte? I know him more as a player, but I can say that he has shown himself to be the best Coach in the Italian championship.”

Mihajlovic is without Nenad Krsticic and Roberto Soriano for the trip.

http://markting10.nl/

“I’ve got confidence in those who will play and there will be no change in our offensive outlook tomorrow.

“Equally, I’m not worried about the prospect of Juventus switching formation. If that happens, we’ll look to counter it ourselves.”

http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

[Socrates 8447]

JUVENTUS - SAMPDORIA

January 18, 2014 - 8:45 PM
Juventus Stadium — Turin
Referee: Andrea Gervasoni

Barzagli back for Juventus

Jan 17, 2014

Andrea Barzagli returns to the Juventus squad for Saturday’s Serie A game against Sampdoria.

http://markting10.nl/

It kicks off tomorrow at 20.45 CET.

Barzagli was suspended for last week’s 4-1 victory at Cagliari and there are no injury concerns, as even long-term absentee Simone Pepe is included.

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Juventus squad for Sampdoria: Buffon, Chiellini, Caceres, Ogbonna, Pogba, Pepe, Marchisio, Vucinic, Tevez, Giovinco, Peluso, Llorente, Barzagli, Bonucci, Padoin, Pirlo, Asamoah, Vidal, Lichtsteiner, Quagliarella, Storari, Isla, Rubinho

http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

[Socrates 8447]

JUVENTUS - SAMPDORIA

January 18, 2014 - 8:45 PM
Juventus Stadium — Turin
Referee: Andrea Gervasoni

Juventus-Sampdoria Preview: Mihajlovic's men
out to break champions' red-hot home streak

Saturday's visitors to Turin were the last team to win away to Antonio Conte's
side in Serie A last January, but the Bianconeri are on an 11-game winning streak.

Jan 17, 2014

Sampdoria, the last Italian team to win at Juventus, will bid to bring an end to the Serie A champions' remarkable home form on Saturday.

http://markting10.nl/

Juve slipped to a 2-1 home defeat to Samp in January last year, the visitors coming from behind thanks to a double from Mauro Icardi to claim the points, despite being reduced to 10 men in the first half.

Samp went on to do the double over Antonio Conte's men with a 3-2 victory at Stadio Luigi Ferraris in May, but Juve have been utterly dominant in Turin since.

Only Bayern Munich have replicated Sampdoria's feat in the past year, the Bundesliga champions winning 2-0 at Juventus as the German giants marched to a Champions League title triumph.

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And Juve, who won 1-0 at Samp back in August, are likely to be favourites to make it 12 Serie A wins in a row as Conte's side look to further cement top spot and boost hopes of a third successive title.

However, Juve - eight points clear of nearest rivals Roma - face a Samp side that head into the contest in form themselves, having lost only one of their last seven league games.

That run has seen Sinisa Mihajlovic's men move clear of the relegation zone and the visitors can jump into the top half of the table with another victory.

http://markting10.nl/

Samp striker Eder is wary of Juve, who have a fully-fit squad available for the game, but insists Mihajlovic's team are determined to cause an upset.

"We know that on Saturday we will come up against a great team," Eder told Tuttosport.

"But currently Sampdoria has a different mindset to that of the past and for this we have to say thanks to Mihajlovic.

http://markting10.nl/

"We are not going sit back and defend, rather we will fight to bring home three points that are fundamental to our bid for survival."

Samp have no injury concerns, but will be without both Roberto Soriano and Nenad Krsticic due to suspension.

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Head to Head

Serie A ‎- Aug 24, 2013 - Sampdoria 0 - 1 Juventus
Serie A ‎- May 18, 2013 - Sampdoria 3 - 2 Juventus
Serie A ‎- Jan 6, 2013 - Juventus 1 - 2 Sampdoria
Serie A ‎-‎ Jan 23, 2011 - Sampdoria 0 - 0 Juventus
Serie A ‎- Sep 12, 2010 - Juventus 3 - 3 Sampdoria

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Last Five Matches

JUVENTUS

Jan 12, 2014 - Cagliari 1 - 4 Juventus - Serie A
Jan 5, 2014 - Juventus 3 - 0 Roma - Serie A
Dec 22, 2013 - Atalanta 1 - 4 Juventus - Serie A
Dec 18, 2013 - Juventus 3 - 0 Avellino - Coppa Italia
Dec 15, 2013 - Juventus 4 - 0 Sassuolo - Serie A

http://markting10.nl/

SAMPDORIA

Jan 13, 2014 - Sampdoria 3 - 0 Udinese - Serie A
Jan 9, 2014 - Roma 1 - 0 Sampdoria - Coppa Italia
Jan 6, 2014 - SSC Napoli 2 - 0 Sampdoria - Serie A
Dec 22, 2013 - Sampdoria 1 - 1 Parma - Serie A
Dec 15, 2013 - Chievo 0 - 1 Sampdoria - Serie A

http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

[Socrates 8447]

JUVENTUS - SAMPDORIA

January 18, 2014 - 8:45 PM
Juventus Stadium — Turin
Referee: Andrea Gervasoni

Juventus-Sampdoria Betting Preview:
I Blucerchiati to make life difficult for the hosts

La Vecchia Signora have been unstoppable in Serie A recently, but Al Hain-Cole
thinks they will not find it easy when they take on Sinisa Mihajlovic's stubborn outfit.

Jan 17, 2014

Juventus will be looking to extend their remarkable Serie A winning streak to 12 games when they welcome Sampdoria to Turin on Saturday.

http://markting10.nl/

Antonio Conte’s men boast a perfect league record since losing to Fiorentina back in October and are overwhelming 1/6 (1.17) favourites with bet365 to pick up maximum points once again here.

I Blucerchiati are the last team to have beaten the hosts at the Stadio Juventus, having run out 2-1 winners last season despite going down to 10 men, but are huge 16/1 (17.00) outsiders to pull off another shock this time out.

Only Real Madrid and Galatasaray have left this stadium without tasting defeat this season after each earning 2-2 draws in the Champions League, but you can get odds of 11/2 (6.50) on the visitors becoming the first Serie A side to pick up an away point since last campaign.

http://markting10.nl/

After losing his unbeaten record with narrow defeats in difficult away games at Roma and Napoli last week, Sinisa Mihajlovic returned to form by overseeing an impressive 3-0 win over Udinese on Monday.

The Serbian manager has now won three and lost just one of his seven league matches since taking charge at the Stadio Luigi Ferraris in November, guiding a team that was sitting in the relegation zone upon arrival to the comfort of mid-table.

The former Fiorentina boss will therefore be optimistic of extending his side’s impressive recent record against the champions, as August’s narrow 1-0 home defeat was their first against La Vecchia Signora in six matches, having won three and drawn two of the previous five.

http://markting10.nl/

While another victory seems unlikely considering their hosts’ irrepressible home form, a defensive record of seven goals conceded in nine games since Mihajlovic’s arrival suggests Sampdoria have enough about them to make life difficult for the hosts, just as they did for Roma and Napoli.

Considering under 2.5 goals have been scored in seven of Mihajlovic’s nine games in charge, odds of 27/20 (2.35) are not to be missed on no more than two going in when they take on a Juventus team that has not conceded at home in six Serie A fixtures.

http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

[Socrates 8447]

JUVENTUS - SAMPDORIA

January 18, 2014 - 8:45 PM
Juventus Stadium — Turin
Referee: Andrea Gervasoni

Conte: Juve cannot relax as rivals strengthen

The Bianconeri have won their last 11 games in Serie A but he is adamant
that they will have to maintain that kind of form in order to hold off Roma and Napoli.

Jan 17, 2014

Antonio Conte has warned his Juventus side against becoming complacent in the second half of the season, despite currently being eight points clear at the summit of Serie A.

http://markting10.nl/

Second-placed Roma have already strengthened their squad this month with the signing of highly-rated midfielder Radja Nainggolan from Cagliari, while third-placed Napoli are also set to spend big during the January transfer window.

Defending champions Juve are not expected to bring in any new faces, so Conte, who has masterminded a club record run of 11 straight league wins this season, including victories against Roma and Napoli, says that the Bianconeri will need to maintain their sensational in order to fend off their reinforced rivals.

"The fact that our opponents, in spite of having achieved something extraordinary, are strengthening further definitely leaves me unable to relax," he said.

http://markting10.nl/

"We have to keep up an extraordinary pace to maintain our position.

"That they are reinforcing is certainly not a positive thing. I also see the second half of the season as a busy schedule and therefore we must hold a lot of attention.

http://markting10.nl/

"Because, while I read that only we can lose the Scudetto, or that the title is already Juve's, I believe that this is said by those who have never won anything in their life.

"It is why winning is always very difficult, even when you are eight points ahead with seven weeks until the end. That has happened to me in losing and winning title races."

http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

[Socrates 8447]

JUVENTUS - SAMPDORIA

January 18, 2014 - 8:45 PM
Juventus Stadium — Turin
Referee: Andrea Gervasoni

Mancini: 'Juve my life's rivals'

Jan 18, 2014

Roberto Mancini is cheering on Sampdoria and Sinisa Mihajlovic against Juventus today. “They’ve become my life’s biggest rivals.”

http://markting10.nl/

This Serie A fixture kicks off in Turin at 19.45 GMT, click here for a match preview.

“I spent 15 years at Sampdoria, an indelible period of my life,” Mancio told La giornalaccio rosa dello Sport.

“Would I return as a Coach? It’s difficult to answer that. Essentially yes, but when I think about it I consider the pain that would follow if I should fail. I fear it would cancel out all the good work I did here in 15 years.

http://markting10.nl/

“Football can be cruel, so if I ever returned to Samp, it would be to win. The work of the Garrone family in recent years has been simply to keep the club at a certain level.”

Meanwhile, Mancini’s former teammate and assistant manager Mihajlovic is now on the Blucerchiati bench.

“He supports Sampdoria and you can tell. He puts into his work that something extra that only love can bring and the results confirm it.”

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Yet Mancini reveals he very nearly missed out on becoming a Samp icon, but has since challenged Juventus with Inter and most recently Galatasaray.

“It’s incredible how Juventus have become my life’s biggest rivals. As a child my father would take me to Turin on a Sunday with the Juventus Club Jesi bus, which took seven hours. We were such big supporters.

“Destiny picks some strange paths for us. Juve represent the strongest opponents and therefore it’s a test of your capabilities. If you face them with the concrete chance of winning – and I’ve been fortunate enough to prevail more than once – it means your own value is elevated. It comes automatically.

http://markting10.nl/

“Actually, I nearly joined Juve. They called Bologna the morning after my transfer with Samp had been finalised. If the two phone calls had arrived simultaneously, I would’ve pushed for Juve. I was such a big fan of theirs, even though I’d have been on the bench in Michel Platini’s first season.”

Galatasaray knocked the Bianconeri out of the Champions League in a game spread out over two days because of a snowstorm, but Mancini hit back angrily at those who accused them of foul play.

http://markting10.nl/

“I read that there were tractors tearing up the pitch and other sneaky tricks, but quite simply that day the field was not fit for a football match, which is what I said to the referee before the second ‘round’ started.

“Then what happened was that the weaker team – and my Galatasaray was certainly weaker – made the most of their chance to eliminate the stronger side.

“I am confident Roma will challenge to the end, but Juve will win a third consecutive Scudetto.”

http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

[Socrates 8447]

JUVENTUS - SAMPDORIA

January 18, 2014 - 8:45 PM
Juventus Stadium — Turin
Referee: Andrea Gervasoni

MATCH PREVIEW

Jan 18, 2014

Having set a new club record, Juventus are aiming to further solidify their hold on first place versus mid-table Sampdoria.

http://markting10.nl/

Juve notched up their 11th straight Serie A victory as they toppled Cagliari last Sunday. The Bianconeri had to respond to Mauricio Pinilla’s early goal and did so in style. Fernando Llorente bagged a brace, while Claudio Marchisio and Stephan Lichtsteiner were also on target. The win broke a club record which stood since 1932.

They are on track for a record-breaking season following an impressive first half of the campaign, which began with a victory over Samp. Antonio Conte called the 11 wins an ‘extraordinary achievement’ but wants to keep it going. With 52 points, Juventus are eight points better off than at this stage last season – and eight clear of Roma. At this rate they would topple the 100-point mark.

Andrea Barzagli returns from a one-match suspension and should slot straight back into the starting XI.

http://markting10.nl/

Sampdoria recorded a much-needed 3-0 victory over Udinese on Monday. Eder grabbed a brace and Daniele Gastaldello added the icing on the cake in an ill-tempered affair. It was just what the doctor ordered for Sinisa Mihajlovic’s side. They had picked up just one point from the last six on offer.

The Serbian boss praised his side’s hard work and commitment, noting performances like this will see them steer well clear of the relegation zone. They will look to match last term’s effort, in which they became just the second club to win away at Juventus. Samp ended up doing the double over the Bianconeri.

Samp are nearly at full strength, with only Roberto Soriano and Nenad Krsticic missing through suspension.

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The aforementioned win last January was the Blucerchiati’s fifth in Turin. Juventus last won in 2009-10 and have triumphed on 32 occasions from their 55 meetings.


Keep an eye on: Manolo Gabbiadini (Sampdoria) – Co-owned by Juventus, this is a chance for Gabbiadini to impress the Bianconeri up close. He has been utilised in a wider role since Mihajlovic took over and the goals have dried up, but Gabbiadini did provide two assists against Udinese.

Form guide: Juventus (W W W W W) Sampdoria (W W D L W)

Last season: Juventus 1-2 Sampdoria

http://markting10.nl/

Stat fact: In recent seasons the results have been split. Both sides have enjoyed a single victory in the past five encounters, in addition to three stalemates.


Juventus (probable): Buffon; Barzagli, Bonucci, Chiellini; Lichtsteiner, Vidal, Pirlo, Pogba, Asamoah; Tevez, Llorente

Sampdoria (probable): Da Costa; De Silvestri, Mustafi, Gastaldello, Costa; Palombo, Obiang; Gabbiadini, Bjarnason, Wszolek; Eder

http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

[Socrates 8447]

JUVENTUS - SAMPDORIA

January 18, 2014 - 8:45 PM
Juventus Stadium — Turin
Referee: Andrea Gervasoni

Line-ups: Juventus-Sampdoria

Jan 18, 2014

Juventus aim for a 12th consecutive Serie A victory, but welcome Sinisa Mihajlovic’s fired-up Sampdoria.

http://markting10.nl/

It kicks off in Turin at 20.45 CET.

Antonio Conte’s men have already set a club record with 11 straight wins, but aim to keep that run going as long as they can.

Andrea Barzagli returns from suspension to give the Coach a complete squad to choose from, but Conte must also consider Tuesday’s Coppa Italia quarter-final against Roma.

http://markting10.nl/

With that in mind, Andrea Pirlo and Leonardo Bonucci are rested in favour of Claudio Marchisio, who is a transfer target for Manchester United, and Angelo Ogbonna.

There are some reports Bonucci is suffering from a slight thigh problem, though it remains to be seen what that means for the Coppa Italia tie.

Carlos Tevez and Fernando Llorente again lead the way in attack. When these sides met in Week 1, Tevez was on target with his debut Serie A strike to give Juve the three points. Paolo Castellini was sent off in stoppages for a crunching tackle on Stephan Lichtsteiner.

http://markting10.nl/

Sampdoria earned a shock 2-1 victory here last season with Mauro Icardi’s brace, but he has since moved on to Inter.

Coach Mihajlovic is without the suspended Roberto Soriano and Nenad Krsticic, but are fresh from a 3-0 triumph over Udinese.

The Blucerchiati have lost only two official games since Mihajlovic replaced Delio Rossi, one in Serie A and the other the Coppa Italia.

http://markting10.nl/

Pedro Obiang returns from his ban and Eder has support from Manolo Gabbiadini.


Juventus: Buffon; Barzagli, Ogbonna, Chiellini; Lichtsteiner, Vidal, Marchisio, Pogba, Asamoah; Tevez, Llorente

Sampdoria: Da Costa; De Silvestri, Mustafi, Gastaldello, Regini; Palombo, Obiang; Gabbiadini, Bjarnason, Wszolek; Eder

http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

[Socrates 8447]

JUVENTUS - SAMPDORIA

January 18, 2014 - 8:45 PM
Juventus Stadium — Turin
Referee: Andrea Gervasoni

HT 3-1: Vidal double stuns Samp

Jan 18, 2014

Juventus are leading plucky Sampdoria 3-1 at half-time with an Arturo Vidal brace, though Andrea Barzagli scored an own goal.

http://markting10.nl/

The Bianconeri were looking for a 12th consecutive victory, having already set a new club record, but rested Andrea Pirlo and Leonardo Bonucci ahead of Tuesday’s Coppa Italia quarter-final against Roma. Sinisa Mihajlovic’s Samp were back on track with a 3-0 win over Udinese and welcomed Pedro Obiang back from his ban, though Andrea Costa was injured with Nenad Krsticic and Roberto Soriano suspended.

It was raining heavily in Turin and Kwadwo Asamoah fired straight at Junior Da Costa within 120 seconds. Paul Pogba’s delightful first touch helped set up Giorgio Chiellini just inside the box, but Fernando Llorente and then Shkodran Mustafi got in the way to charge it down.

Carlos Tevez fired wide of the near post after barging past two defenders, Pogba curled a free kick well over, but the pressure eventually paid off. It was a sensationally well-worked team effort. Pogba prodded a through ball and Arturo Vidal sprung the offside trap to flick his finish past Da Costa with the outside of the boot.

http://markting10.nl/

Moments later Sampdoria tried to fight back, but Manolo Gabbiadini’s strike curled wide and Daniele Gastaldello nodded over at the back post from a corner.

Asamoah’s snapshot was deflected out for a corner and from that set play Fernando Llorente was allowed a towering header under the bar.

The Blucerchiati were 2-0 down, but certainly not out, as from a corner Gabbiadini’s effort was charged down and it fell to Mustafi, who forced Gigi Buffon to stick out a foot and parry. However, at the other end Vidal pulled back from the by-line for Tevez, whose powerful sliding finish was kept out by a combination of Da Costa and the upright.

http://markting10.nl/

Chiellini was booked for tripping Gabbiadini and will be suspended for next week’s trip to Lazio, but the Samp striker turned the resulting free kick off target.

The Blucerchiati did not give in and were back in the match thanks to an Andrea Barzagli own goal. He came sliding in to intercept a Gabbiadini angled drive from a corner, but only succeeded in deflecting it past Buffon.

The enthusiasm didn’t last long, as Vasco Regini lightly clipped Vidal’s heel for a penalty after Claudio Marchisio won back possession. The Chilean got back up to convert with confidence, smashing his spot-kick under the bar.

http://markting10.nl/

Juventus 3-1 Sampdoria (Half-Time)

Scorers: Vidal 18, pen 41 (J), Llorente 24 (J), Barzagli og 38 (S)

Juventus: Buffon; Barzagli, Ogbonna, Chiellini; Lichtsteiner, Vidal, Marchisio, Pogba, Asamoah; Tevez, Llorente

Sampdoria: Da Costa; De Silvestri, Mustafi, Gastaldello, Regini; Palombo, Obiang; Gabbiadini, Bjarnason, Wszolek; Eder

Ref: Gervasoni

http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

[Socrates 8447]

JUVENTUS 4 - 2 SAMPDORIA

Arturo Vidal (18′)
Fernando Llorente (24′)

Andrea Barzagli (38′-OG)

Arturo Vidal (41′-PG)

Manolo Gabbiadini (70′)

Paul Pogba (78′)

January 18, 2014 - 8:45 PM
Juventus Stadium — Turin
Referee: Andrea Gervasoni
Attendance:‬ 37000‎

Bianconeri rack up 12th straight league win

Antonio Conte's side were far from their brilliant best but still managed
to emerge victorious thanks to goals from Vidal, Fernando Llorente and Paul Pogba.

Jan 18, 2014

Arturo Vidal scored twice as Juventus ran out 4-2 winners over Sampdoria and racked up their 12th straight Serie A win.

http://markting10.nl/

Sinisa Mihajlovic's men were the last side to win in the league at the Juventus Stadium last January, but they were unable to repeat the feat as Sampdoria lost for just a second time in eight league games.

After setting a new club record last time out with their 11th successive league win, Antonio Conte's side made the ideal start as Vidal netted the opening goal 18 minutes in, applying a delightful dinked finish to Paul Pogba's throughball.

It was the Chilean's third goal in his last four Serie A games and five minutes later league leaders Juve doubled their lead through Fernando Llorente.

http://markting10.nl/

The Spaniard rose highest to head home from a Carlos Tevez corner before Sampdoria were handed a lifeline thanks to Andrea Barzagli's 38th-minute own goal.

It was the first goal Juve had conceded at home in the league since October, although Vidal soon scored his second from the penalty spot after being tripped in the area by Vasco Regini.

Juventus' co-owned striker Manolo Gabbiadini pounced on Gianluigi Buffon's parry to score before Pogba's swerving long-range effort gave Angelo Da Costa no chance as Juve completed the double over the visitors.

http://markting10.nl/

Conte chose to rest Andrea Pirlo and Leonardo Bonucci, with Claudio Marchisio and Angelo Ogbonna replacing them, while Barzagli returned from suspension at the expense of Martin Caceres.

Roberto Soriano and Nenad Krsticic were both missing due to suspension for Sampdoria, although Pedro Obiang returned from a ban.

Conte's men began the brighter, winning back and retaining possession well, without creating a host of clear-cut chances.

http://markting10.nl/

Tevez had the hosts' first effort, firing narrowly over from an acute angle, before Vidal eventually broke the deadlock.

Pogba slipped the Chile international in and the midfielder registered his ninth Serie A goal of the season by flicking the ball past Da Costa.

It got better for Juve shortly after, when Llorente headed his fourth goal in as many games - and it could have been three before the half-hour mark had Tevez's fierce drive not struck the post.

http://markting10.nl/

Sampdoria were given hope when Barzagli got a touch on Gabbiadini's cross and diverted it past Buffon seven minutes before the break, but the two-goal cushion was soon restored when Vidal converted his penalty.

After a goal-packed first half, the second period began at a much slower pace, but the visitors threatened an upset when Gabbiadini tapped home 20 minutes from time.

The 22-year-old almost levelled soon after when his stunning long-range effort hit the crossbar, but Pogba's sixth Serie A goal of the season ensured Juve maintained their 100 per cent record at home in the league.

http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

[Socrates 8447]

JUVENTUS 4 - 2 SAMPDORIA

Arturo Vidal (18′)
Fernando Llorente (24′)

Andrea Barzagli (38′-OG)

Arturo Vidal (41′-PG)

Manolo Gabbiadini (70′)

Paul Pogba (78′)

January 18, 2014 - 8:45 PM
Juventus Stadium — Turin
Referee: Andrea Gervasoni
Attendance:‬ 37000‎

Samp test Juve in six-goal thriller

Juventus were forced to work very hard for a 12th consecutive victory,
as Arturo Vidal’s brace and a Paul Pogba curler beat Sampdoria 4-2.

Jan 18, 2014

Juventus were forced to work very hard for a 12th consecutive victory, as Arturo Vidal’s brace and a Paul Pogba curler beat Sampdoria 4-2.

http://markting10.nl/

The Bianconeri rested Andrea Pirlo and Leonardo Bonucci ahead of Tuesday’s Coppa Italia quarter-final against Roma. Sinisa Mihajlovic’s Samp were back on track with a 3-0 win over Udinese and welcomed Pedro Obiang back from his ban, though Nenad Krsticic and Roberto Soriano were suspended.

It was raining heavily in Turin and Kwadwo Asamoah fired straight at Junior Da Costa within 120 seconds. Paul Pogba’s delightful first touch helped set up Giorgio Chiellini just inside the box, but Fernando Llorente and then Shkodran Mustafi got in the way to charge it down.

Carlos Tevez fired wide of the near post after barging past two defenders, Pogba curled a free kick well over, but the pressure eventually paid off. It was a sensationally well-worked team effort. Pogba prodded a through ball and Arturo Vidal sprung the offside trap to flick his finish past Da Costa with the outside of the boot.

http://markting10.nl/

Moments later Sampdoria tried to fight back, but Manolo Gabbiadini’s strike curled wide and Daniele Gastaldello nodded over at the back post from a corner.

Asamoah’s snapshot was deflected out for a corner and from that set play Fernando Llorente was allowed a towering header under the bar.

The Blucerchiati were 2-0 down, but certainly not out, as from a corner Gabbiadini’s effort was charged down and it fell to Mustafi, who forced Gigi Buffon to stick out a foot and parry. However, at the other end Vidal pulled back from the by-line for Tevez, whose powerful sliding finish was kept out by a combination of Da Costa and the upright.

http://markting10.nl/

Chiellini was booked for tripping Gabbiadini and will be suspended for next week’s trip to Lazio, but the Samp striker turned the resulting free kick off target.

The Blucerchiati did not give in and were back in the match thanks to an Andrea Barzagli own goal. He came sliding in to intercept a Gabbiadini angled drive from a corner, but only succeeded in deflecting it past Buffon.

The enthusiasm didn’t last long, as Vasco Regini lightly clipped Vidal’s heel for a penalty after Claudio Marchisio won back possession. The Chilean got back up to convert with confidence, smashing his spot-kick under the bar.

http://markting10.nl/

After the restart Sampdoria introduced Renan and Buffon had to smother a powerful Gabbiadini free kick. They came extremely close to a second goal on the hour mark, as Lorenzo De Silvestri’s free header into the ground took a deflection off Buffon’s knee from six yards to prevent a certain goal.

Moments later Llorente had the chance to finish Sampdoria off, but on the counter-attack from a long Vidal ball he drilled wide with only Da Costa to beat.

Mihajlovic’s men would not give up and got it back to 3-2. Buffon performed another excellent reaction save on Regini’s header from a corner, but could do nothing on Gabbiadini’s follow-up from point-blank range. The visitors had threatened repeatedly from these set plays and eventually made them count to turn up the pressure in Turin.

http://markting10.nl/

Pogba blasted a rocket wide and Da Costa smothered Asamoah’s effort, but Gabbiadini came incredibly close to 3-3 on 73 minutes when his screamer from distance dipped over Buffon to smack against the crossbar.

However, Pogba put the points beyond reach with a magnificent solo strike from 20 metres, curling with his right foot into the far top corner to leave Da Costa with no chance.

The 20-year-old French midfielder almost completed his brace with an angled drive that skimmed the back post from Fabio Quagliarella’s assist.

http://markting10.nl/

Juventus: Buffon; Barzagli, Ogbonna, Chiellini; Lichtsteiner, Vidal, Marchisio, Pogba, Asamoah (Peluso 80); Tevez (Giovinco 86), Llorente (Quagliarella 86)

Sampdoria: Da Costa; De Silvestri, Mustafi (Costa 52), Gastaldello, Regini; Palombo, Obiang; Gabbiadini, Bjarnason (Renan 46), Wszolek (Sansone 70); Eder

Ref: Gervasoni

http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

[Socrates 8447]

JUVENTUS 4 - 2 SAMPDORIA

Arturo Vidal (18′)
Fernando Llorente (24′)

Andrea Barzagli (38′-OG)

Arturo Vidal (41′-PG)

Manolo Gabbiadini (70′)

Paul Pogba (78′)

January 18, 2014 - 8:45 PM
Juventus Stadium — Turin
Referee: Andrea Gervasoni
Attendance:‬ 37000‎

Pogba leads Bianconeri to record
12th consecutive victory

Jan 18, 2014

Juventus successfully powered past Sampdoria on Saturday evening at the Juventus Stadium in Serie A.

http://markting10.nl/

A brace from Arturo Vidal and Fernando Llorente put the Bianconeri ahead inside the first 45 minutes, before Manolo Gabbiadini pulled one back for Sampdoria and Paul Pogba sealed victory late in the second half for the hosts.

Seeing their lead at the top of the table cut to five points following Roma’s 3-0 victory over Livorno, Antonio Conte’s men were keen to ratchet up yet another victory and re-establish their comfortable eight-point lead. The coach opted to rest both midfield maestro Andrea Pirlo and defender Leonardo Bonucci, with Claudio Marchisio and Angelo Ogbonna filling in for the duo.

Not surprisingly, the match started off with the hosts dominating proceedings, with Sampdoria unable to get out of their own half in the minutes. Indeed, it seemed that the Blucerchiati were content to sit back and absorb as much pressure as possible with the intent to hopefully strike back on the counter-attack.

http://markting10.nl/

Given the hosts’ dominance, it was not surprising when finally the deadlock was broken in the 18th minute, after Vidal linked up excellently with Pogba to fire in his first of the game.

Gabbiadini was particularly lively for the visitors, having two attempts on goal after Vidal had opened the scoring, but nothing came to fruition.

Llorente doubled their lead just six minutes later with a thumping header off a corner and suddenly Sampdoria found themselves two down in the span of 25 minutes. However, the second goal appeared to spark them into life, with Gianluigi Buffon being called into action to make a quick double save to keep out efforts by Gabbiadini and Shkodran Mustafi.

http://markting10.nl/

The young striker continued to cause all sorts of problems for the Bianconeri’s back-line, with Andrea Barzagli gifting the visitors a goal when he was unable to deal with his cross and turned it into the back of his own net in the 38th minute.

But, shortly after, Vidal netted his second after he was judged by the referee to have been fouled in the box by Vasco Regini and converted the resulting penalty to restore his side’s two-goal advantage heading into the half-time break.

Sampdoria attempted to spark a revival after the restart, with most of their attacks naturally moving through the lively Gabbiadini. A temporary lapse in concentration from Stephan Lichtsteiner nearly gifted the visitors a goal but the attempted header was deflected off Buffon’s foot for a corner-kick.

http://markting10.nl/

Llorente had an opportunity to make it 4-2 after being fed by Pogba only to see his tame header saved by Da Costa.

Gabbiadini’s efforts finally paid off in the 70th minute when he successfully fired home the rebound after Buffon had kept his team’s initial effort out. The 22-year-old nearly grabbed his second and the game’s equaliser just a few minutes later with a fantastic left-footed strike from distance that was only kept out by the crossbar.

http://markting10.nl/

The Bianconeri immediately threw themselves into searching for yet another goal to restore their comfortable cushion, and they eventually got it through Pogba’s brilliant blast in the 78th minute that left Da Costa unable to do anything about it.

The result, their 12th consecutive victory, sees Juventus restore their eight point advantage at the top of the league table.

http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

[Socrates 8447]

JUVENTUS 4 - 2 SAMPDORIA

Arturo Vidal (18′)
Fernando Llorente (24′)

Andrea Barzagli (38′-OG)

Arturo Vidal (41′-PG)

Manolo Gabbiadini (70′)

Paul Pogba (78′)

January 18, 2014 - 8:45 PM
Juventus Stadium — Turin
Referee: Andrea Gervasoni
Attendance:‬ 37000‎

Initial reaction and random observations

Jan 18, 2014

The machine known as Juventus hasn't been slowed down just yet in a post-Fiorentina meltdown world. But it wasn't for Sampdoria's best efforts.

http://markting10.nl/

What seemed so easy for the first 45 minutes turned out to be one hell of a stressful final 45-plus minutes. Juventus' 4-2 over Sampdoria was beautiful, then stressful, then beautiful again, and then another side order of stress-related heartburn.

You know what they say about having a two-goal lead, right? Well...

Sampdoria came to attack — and attack they did. Almost to the point where they recorded just as many shots as the much-heralded Juve attack. Juventus' defense had its fair share of problems with Manolo Gabbiadini and Co., but luckily Juve were able to make the initial 2-0 lead stand the rest of the game. It certain;y wasn't as easy as the first half made it seem like it may be, that's for sure.

http://markting10.nl/

End result, though: Another deserved victory for Juventus, extending the club-record winning streak to 12. Maybe it was all because of Antonio Conte's hat, I don't know. We might have to investigate that one.

Chris @Juventini_1897
Juventus Serie A form this season:

WWDWWWWLWWWWWWWWWWWW

Just an FYI: That's kinda pretty. Okay, a lotta pretty. Keep doing what you're doing, Juve. I like your style.

http://markting10.nl/

Random thoughts and observations

• The new-look M-V-P midfield was exactly what the letters usually represent. Arturo Vidal was fantastic, Paul Pogba wasn't too shabby, either, and Claudio Marchisio was rock solid in his new role as a regista. You want to look at one of the biggest reasons why Juventus was so good in the first half, look at those three guys. Why? Because they were three of the best players on the field, that's why.

• It's hard to choose a Man of the Match between Pogba and Vidal. Each one of their goals were just pure class, and Pogba's assist to Vidal for the opener was an absolute thing of beauty. One of them just got a contract extension, and the other should get one in the very near future. Give them all the money. They are worth every freaking penny.

• If this was Claudio Marchisio's audition to play as a regista in the future, I'd say it went pretty damn well. Playing as more of a deep-lying midfielder suits his style of play quite well. He's able to do the usual dirty work, clean up the messes and then just filter it out to Vidal and the rest of the attack. It's almost like the simpler Marchisio's role is, the better he is. That looked to be the case against Sampdoria. I'm just going to go out on a limb and say this wasn't the last time we see Principino as a regista this season.

http://markting10.nl/

• Another guy who looked like he was auditioning for the future: Manolo Gabbiadini. I'm not hesitating when declaring that the 22-year-old striker was Samp's best player against Juve. Watching him go up against Giorgio Chiellini was one probably the best 1-on-1 battles all night. A lot of the talk about Juve's co-owned strikers this season has been regarding Domenico Berardi — and rightfully so — but Gabbiadini is having a very good season as well. And if he saw his rocket from outside the box hit the back of the net instead of the crossbar, it could have been an even more stressful night for Juventus.

• Should I mention Fernando Llorente in every preview? Two straight mentions, two straight games with at least a goal scored. And while it was a classic Llorente kind of goal again — POWER HEADER BOOM — his build-up play was really a big difference maker against Sampdoria. You can just see how much of a difference it when he's so involved in the game. Do I need to mention how much he cost to sign?

• It's pouring down rain from start to finish, but that didn't stop Gigi Buffon from rocking his customary short sleeves. And don't blame the two goals allowed on him. The saves he made today were some of the best we've seen him make all season and allowed Juve to get all three points. I'm still trying to figure out how he got that one at point-blank range. I guess he's doing pretty okay for being 35 years old.

http://markting10.nl/

• Juventus scored all six goals on Saturday night.

• One Juventus player who deserved a goal but didn't get one? Carlos Tevez. Seems like I've said that a decent number of times this season already, and the guy is second in Serie A with 11 goals. Another fantastic showing from Carlitos regardless of not getting on the scoresheet.

http://markting10.nl/

• Juventus winning streak update: 12 games, 34 goals scored, 4 goals allowed.

This has been a Juventus winning streak update.

http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

[Socrates 8447]

JUVENTUS 4 - 2 SAMPDORIA

Arturo Vidal (18′)
Fernando Llorente (24′)

Andrea Barzagli (38′-OG)

Arturo Vidal (41′-PG)

Manolo Gabbiadini (70′)

Paul Pogba (78′)

January 18, 2014 - 8:45 PM
Juventus Stadium — Turin
Referee: Andrea Gervasoni
Attendance:‬ 37000‎

Juventus vs. Sampdoria: 6 Things We Learned

Jan 18, 2014

Following last week’s win over Cagliari, Juventus hosted another of Serie A’s tough-to-beat smaller sides. Sampdoria came into this match in mixed form, going undefeated in their last six matches of 2013 but enduring a difficult start to 2014.

http://markting10.nl/

A loss to Napoli was followed by a Coppa Italia exit at the hands of Roma before Sinisa Mihajlovic got back on track with a victory over Udinese last week. That ill-tempered encounter ended with three red cards and 12 yellows, as the team showed the battling qualities that their coach embodied as a player.

But what did we learn from Juventus' 4-2 win over Sampdoria? Read on!


Sinisa Mihajlovic Changed Too Late, but Sampdoria Will Be OK

The coach has been praised for turning around the Genoa side’s dismal form since his arrival, but his naivety was exposed here. He stuck to his 4-2-3-1 formation until half-time, despite Juve’s three-man midfield overrunning Angelo Palombo and Pedro Obiang.

http://markting10.nl/

He is the right man to lead Sampdoria and is undoubtedly the reason for their march up the table. The 44-year-old recognised the problem and changed as the second half got under way, but by then, it was too late.

Mihajlovic will be thankful that he doesn’t have to face the champions every week.

http://markting10.nl/

Arturo Vidal Is in Unstoppable Form This Season

The Chilean midfielder scored twice, including from a penalty that he earned himself. As usual he dispatched the spot-kick with consummate ease, stroking it past visiting goalkeeper Angelo da Costa.

It was a perfectly timed strike too, sucking any sign of life from Sampdoria as they hoped to rally following Andrea Barzagli’s own goal.

Vidal was not going to be denied. He put on yet another stellar display as he took his tally to 10 league goals for the season, matching his count from 2012-13 with 18 matches still to play.

Also contributing an assist, three tackles and an interception, the 26-year-old showed just why he is so valuable to the Bianconeri.

http://markting10.nl/

Gianluigi Buffon Is Aging Better Than Franz Beckenbauer Thought

After seeing his Bayern Munich side ease past La Madama in last season’s Champions League, the former Germany coach Franz Beckenbauer compared Gianluigi Buffon to a pensioner.

Since then, however, the Juve captain has been in imperious form, keeping countless opponents at bay. He was at it again here, with a first-half stop from Shkodran Mustafi that was among the best saves of the season thus far. He then followed it up with a stop from Eder that defied belief.

He may be 35 years old, but there are few, if any, better goalkeepers in the game today.

http://markting10.nl/

Claudio Marchisio Is Still Vital for Antonio Conte

The Turin-born midfielder has been strongly linked to Manchester United in recent weeks, per Ben Jefferson of The Express, particularly following David Moyes’ fishing expedition in Cagliari last week.

With Paul Pogba preferred over him, he has spent longer than normal on the bench but proved here that he can play a variety of roles.

Stepping into Andrea Pirlo’s spot in the centre of Juve’s midfield, the No. 8 helped dictate the tempo of this game while also snuffing out any attacks the Sampdoria managed to muster.

http://markting10.nl/

Juventus Have a Squad Beyond Compare

Antonio Conte opted to leave out both Andrea Pirlo and Leonardo Bonucci for Juventus, but the team still ground out another victory.

Marchisio showed himself a more than able deputy, while Angelo Ogbonna did the same at the heart of the defence, stepping up to show why the club was so keen to bring him across from city rivals Torino this summer.

We can expect even more rotation against Roma in the Coppa Italia quarterfinal this week as Conte rests a few more players. No club in Serie A can compare with the depth the Bianconeri possess.

http://markting10.nl/

The Future Isn’t Just Bright, It’s Black and White

Already well on their way to a third consecutive title, the Turin giants have also spent the past few seasons collecting some talent for the future.

Manolo Gabbiadini scored, created the own goal and struck a remarkable shot off the bar in an excellent display here, and the 22-year-old is co-owned by Juventus.

The same can be said of Domenico Berardi—who scored the four goals that led Milan to sack Massimiliano Allegri—and a number of other young players around the peninsula, which is a frightening prospect for Juventus' opponents.

http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

[Socrates 8447]

JUVENTUS 4 - 2 SAMPDORIA

Arturo Vidal (18′)
Fernando Llorente (24′)

Andrea Barzagli (38′-OG)

Arturo Vidal (41′-PG)

Manolo Gabbiadini (70′)

Paul Pogba (78′)

January 18, 2014 - 8:45 PM
Juventus Stadium — Turin
Referee: Andrea Gervasoni
Attendance:‬ 37000‎

Juve overcome Sampdoria
to make it 12 wins in a row

Jan 18, 2014

There's something really special about this Juve side and it's not only because they have now managed 12 consecutive victories in a row; it's more than that. Even teams like Sampdoria who truly attempt to challenge the Bianconeri are being overcome. The team spirit combined with the psychological strength of the side is making the difference. A 4-2 victory against Sampdoria wasn't easy, but it was certainly merited.

http://markting10.nl/

Unlike other opponents, Sinisa Mihajlovic's side came to Turin and attacked. They were not willing to just try to halt Juve's game but also impose their own style of football, making for a thoroughly entertaining match in the Juventus Stadium.

Deployed in a 4-2-3-1 formation, as was expected, Mihajlovic had asked his men to apply heavy pressure to stop the Bianconeri from playing out from the back with ease. The forward players had to step up their game and work harder off the ball and they impressed as they pressured the centre-backs, praying for an error.

However, Juventus worked with ease as they bypassed the danger and relied on their superior technical strength. Their transitional game thrilled as they pushed the Blucerchiati back, creating excellent goal-scoring opportunities. Perhaps nothing was more beautiful to watch than the creation of their first goal.

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After only 18 minutes, Paul Pogba ran with the ball at his feet, cut in, as he likes to do, and delivered a deft pass to the onrushing Arturo Vidal for a perfect finish. Whilst the pass was immense, the true ambition of the side was revealed when we saw three players running forward in hopes of converting before the Chilean managed to do so.

Fernando Llorente made it 2-0 for the home side with a perfect striker's header. However, what was most impressive was how Sampdoria reacted. Rather than losing confidence and accepting their fate as the beaten side, they raised their intensity and fought back with wonderful movements of their own.

Manolo Gabbiadini was especially good in creating danger, testing the goalkeeper and making the right runs to not only draw out fouls in dangerous areas but also to provoke individual errors. He took advantage of any mistake made and pushed his side forward, almost forcefully at times.

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Always capable of snatching something from a set piece, Sampdoria made the most of a corner with Gabbiadini pushing the ball into a dangerous area, forcing an own goal from Andrea Barzagli.

For a moment there, it looked dangerous, but it didn't take long before the Blucerchiati committed their own defensive error and allowed Juventus the chance to score their third from the penalty spot, with Vidal again the man tasked with converting.

In the second half, Sampdoria showed ambition whilst the Old Lady looked less interested. Whilst Juventus were full of energy and determination in the first half, they committed their usual frustrating errors after halftime, allowing imprecision to dominate their game.

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Antonio Conte, in his post-match comments, was especially critical of Pogba, the man who delivered that perfect assist and scored a goal of his own. Whilst individual quality allows him to make the difference even when he's not even trying, Conte needs the youngster to always look and be determined. At times, the Frenchman's passes were inaccurate, too rushed whilst his decisions were not the best when it came to the good of the team.

Nonetheless, we are talking about an exceptional talent when even a less than determined performance produces a positive result. Could Juve ever let him go? Better him than Vidal, who continues to demonstrate just how perfect he is for Conte's tactics and how much he embodies the spirit of the club. Fighting, pushing, pressing and scoring, there really is hardly anything that the Chilean cannot do, even if his casual approach in the second half, which included losing possession easily, proved frustrating to watch on this occasion.

Mihajlovic attempted to benefit from the dip in the early part of the second half by changing to a 4-3-3 formation and then overloading the side with attacking players. Gabbiadini continued to make the difference for the away side, looking for gaps in defence, hitting the crossbar and managing the second Sampdoria goal through his predatory nature.

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His goal was the second time the Bianconeri failed to deal with a corner properly.

For once, the win didn't look all that easy. There were nerves as Sampdoria showed no fear and gave all they had to punish Juve. Thankfully for Conte, Pogba appeared to score the fourth goal to secure all three points and make for a more relaxed ending to the spectacle.

This isn't just Juve's 12th victory in a row, but the fifth in which this Bianconeri side has managed to score at least three goals in a match. The attack was once the weakness of this beautifully assembled side but now with great finishers in the squad, the many chances consistently created are being cleverly converted. Can anyone stop this side? Perhaps if Juve conceded another corner ...

http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

[Socrates 8447]

JUVENTUS 4 - 2 SAMPDORIA

Arturo Vidal (18′)
Fernando Llorente (24′)

Andrea Barzagli (38′-OG)

Arturo Vidal (41′-PG)

Manolo Gabbiadini (70′)

Paul Pogba (78′)

January 18, 2014 - 8:45 PM
Juventus Stadium — Turin
Referee: Andrea Gervasoni
Attendance:‬ 37000‎

Player Ratings

Goal was on hand to see Juventus stretch their winning Serie A run to 12 matches,
courtesy of imperious performances from midfield pair Arturo Vidal and Paul Pogba.

Jan 18, 2014

JUVENTUS

Gianluigi Buffon - A solid performance from the veteran goalkeeper, who could do nothing about either of Sampdoria's goals, and made several great reflex saves.

Andrea Barzagli - A steady performance from the central defender, despite Sampdoria failing to threaten too often down the left hand side, due to Regini being unable to push on.

Angelo Ogbonna - A composed performance from the former Torino man, who stroked the ball around comfortably, despite Eder being a handful.

Giorgio Chiellini - Efficient in the first half and imperious in the second, as the Italy international kept Gabbiadini quiet after the break.

Stephan Lichtsteiner - A hard working performance, as the Swiss fulfilled his defensive responsibilities throughout, but his attacking input wasn't as brilliant.

Paul Pogba - A fantastic performance from the young Frenchman, who looked composed on the ball, readily able to beat his man and capped it all with a stunner from 30 yards.

Claudio Marchisio - An efficient performance in place of Pirlo, as Marchisio played several great balls to set Juventus on the attacking foot. Hard working and battled well.

Arturo Vidal - His runs from midfield kept Sampdoria constantly alert. He scored Juve's first with a deft flick, before winning and converting a penalty. An imperious performance from the Chilean.

Kwadwo Asamoah - Threatened at times when cutting inside from the left flank, and offered width. Energetic and lively performance.

Carlos Tévez - Linked up well with Llorente and was unfortunate to strike the post in the first half. Drove at the Sampdoria defence well, but couldn't find a goal.

Fernando Llorente - Held up the ball well, and scored a fine header, giving Da Costa no chance with a thumping effort into the top corner.

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Substitutions

Federico Peluso - Created good openings down the left hand side on two occasions.

Fabio Quagliarella - Made one delightful cross-field ball within seconds of coming on, which allowed Peluso to tee up Pogba.

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SAMPDORIA

Angelo Da Costa - Made several decent reflex stops and had little chance with any of Juventus' goals.

Shkodran Mustafi - A sloppy performance from the defender, as his lack of mobility allowed Juve to get in behind the Sampdoria back line regularly.

Daniele Gastaldello - Threatened regularly from corners and was denied on one occasion by an excellent save by Buffon.

Vasco Regini - Covered well from left-back in the first half, but struggled a little more when he was forced to play centre-back.

Pedro Obiang - Linked defence and attack excellently, often picking up the loose ball before finding the likes of Eder and Gabbiadini with an incisive pass.

Angelo Palombo - Worked hard throughout and battled in the centre of midfield, despite it being difficult to keep tabs on the free-roaming duo of Pogba and Vidal.

Paweł Wszołek - Threatened going forward on several occasions in the second half and forced a good save out of Buffon.

Birkir Bjarnason - Offered very little and was rightly substituted at half-time, after a very ineffectual performance.

Lorenzo De Silvestri - Struggled against Asamoah, as the Ghana international cut inside often, but did cover in behind Mustafi quite well at times.

Manolo Gabbiadini - An outstanding performance by the 22-year-old, who scored once and rattled Buffon's crossbar with another technically brilliant strike. Sampdoria's main threat.

Eder - Offered little in the first half, but was more of a handful in the second, with his pace and dribbling ability allowing for him to get in behind on occasions.

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Substitutions

Andrea Costa - Worked hard to give Eder support down the left hand side, delivering several good crosses from the flank to force the likes of Chiellini into action.

http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

[Socrates 8447]

JUVENTUS 4 - 2 SAMPDORIA

Arturo Vidal (18′)
Fernando Llorente (24′)

Andrea Barzagli (38′-OG)

Arturo Vidal (41′-PG)

Manolo Gabbiadini (70′)

Paul Pogba (78′)

January 18, 2014 - 8:45 PM
Juventus Stadium — Turin
Referee: Andrea Gervasoni
Attendance:‬ 37000‎

Vidal: 'Samp impressed me'

Jan 18, 2014

Arturo Vidal has already matched his personal best of 10 Serie A goals, but admits he was impressed by Sampdoria.

http://markting10.nl/

The Chilean midfielder bagged a brace in tonight’s 4-2 victory over Samp and contributed to a 12th consecutive Juventus victory.

This means he has netted 10 goals in 20 Serie A rounds – an average of one every other game.

“I haven’t set any specific target for my goals. I just want to carry on like this to the end. I don’t have any bonus tied to the goals in my contract, I just do it for the team!” he told Sky Sport Italia.

http://markting10.nl/

“Last time I gave the penalty to Mirko Vucinic, but this time it was for me and thankfully I scored a goal.

“Sampdoria came here to play their football and I think they are a really good side who can go far this season.”

http://markting10.nl/

Roma crushed Livorno 3-0 today and Napoli are also eager to keep the pressure on the Serie A leaders.

“This is a difficult League. Roma and Napoli have great players, but we must continue like this to the end in order to earn a third consecutive Scudetto.”

http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

[Socrates 8447]

JUVENTUS 4 - 2 SAMPDORIA

Arturo Vidal (18′)
Fernando Llorente (24′)

Andrea Barzagli (38′-OG)

Arturo Vidal (41′-PG)

Manolo Gabbiadini (70′)

Paul Pogba (78′)

January 18, 2014 - 8:45 PM
Juventus Stadium — Turin
Referee: Andrea Gervasoni
Attendance:‬ 37000‎

Mihajlovic: 'Samp played in Turin'

Jan 18, 2014

Sinisa Mihajlovic admits Juventus deserved the victory, but was pleased his Sampdoria “did not come here to defend.”

http://markting10.nl/

The Blucerchiati were beaten 4-2 in Turin and made the Serie A leaders work hard for a 12th consecutive win.

“We have to tip our hats to Juventus, as when they raised the tempo they were superior, there’s no doubt about it. I was pleased the lads never let their heads drop and continued to play good football, which isn’t easy,” the Coach told Sky Sport Italia.

“This is a young team that came to the Juventus Stadium and scored two goals, forced several Gigi Buffon saves and hit the bar. That is not to be sniffed at.

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“We deserved to lose the game, but my players did their absolute best tonight and we caused them problems.”

Sampdoria nearly made it 3-3 when Manolo Gabbiadini’s screamer thumped the crossbar.

“It wouldn’t have been fair to equalise, but on 3-2 we did hit the bar and if that had gone in for 3-3 then we’d have to see how it ended. The difference is made with great players like Paul Pogba, who scored a fantastic goal.

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“We did not come here to defend ourselves and that is the most important thing. We need to improve in terms of character and experience, learn to play with someone pressing them and be more determined when there are scoring opportunities.

“This performance showed the lads they are on the right track, as if we can keep playing like this and improve on those issues, we can achieve safety from relegation.”

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Mihajlovic was famous for his extraordinary free kicks and is impressed with the ballistic expertise of Gabbiadini.

“In some situations he shoots even better than me. I usually only did well from set plays, but he can shoot with movement too.”

http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

[Socrates 8447]

JUVENTUS 4 - 2 SAMPDORIA

Arturo Vidal (18′)
Fernando Llorente (24′)

Andrea Barzagli (38′-OG)

Arturo Vidal (41′-PG)

Manolo Gabbiadini (70′)

Paul Pogba (78′)

January 18, 2014 - 8:45 PM
Juventus Stadium — Turin
Referee: Andrea Gervasoni
Attendance:‬ 37000‎

Conte: 'Pogba can do better!'

Jan 18, 2014

Antonio Conte praised Sampdoria for coming to attack Juventus, but was very critical of Paul Pogba’s performance.

http://markting10.nl/

The Bianconeri improved their club record with a 12th consecutive Serie A victory, but the Blucerchiati made them work for the 4-2 result.

“I think we did well to prepare this game the right way, otherwise it would’ve been really tough to beat this Sampdoria tonight,” the Coach told Sky Sport Italia.

“It’s a shame, as we have to work on the fact most of their chances – and those scored by Cagliari last week – came from corners. We cannot dominate games and always have this anxiety from set plays.

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“This problem has only really emerged recently with Cagliari and Samp. The Blucerchiati caused us a great deal of trouble from corners tonight and they deserve compliments for that.

“We created numerous scoring opportunities, got four goals again to show we are a team who like to play, to attack and that means leaving some spaces at the back.”

Conte was shown footage of his absolutely furious reaction on the touchline when Arturo Vidal lost the ball with some fancy footwork in midfield.

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“I try to keep the utmost concentration in my players to the 90th minute and tonight we saw it was hard to kill the game off. In my view, that’s what has made the difference over the last two and a half years. We did well to hold Samp off and break away when we had the chance.”

Pogba scored a sensational strike this evening, his sixth of the Serie A season, but Conte was far from happy with his 20-year-old starlet.

“Tonight Pogba could’ve done a lot better. I’m not joking! I’ve certainly seen better performances from Paul. At times the goal fogs the vision of the whole game, but I get angry as people forget everything around it.”

http://markting10.nl/

The Bianconeri have struggled more in the last two rounds, but Conte believes that’s better for them and the fans.

“Sampdoria had seven men up for set plays and that made us nervous. As for the rest of the game, we did well to cause them a lot of problems too with our style of football.

“I am happy that we are facing teams who play the game rather than those who come here and sit with 10 men behind the ball. I hope this tendency will grow, as when two teams play to beat each other there’s more spectacle. It’s also inevitable that lowers our possession statistics, but I prefer that and I’m sure the people in the stadium do too. This match was well worth the price of the ticket.

http://markting10.nl/

“I compliment Sinisa Mihajlovic, but I knew we’d be in real trouble if we didn’t prepare for this game in the best way possible.”

Conte also hit back at Rafa Benitez after the Napoli Coach accused him of only saying the title race wasn’t over in order to give papers something to write.

“I have lost titles when eight points clear with seven rounds to go and I’ve also won them with comebacks, so I know it’s never over until it’s over. It’s better to be cautious rather than be left with egg on your face!”

http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

[Socrates 8447]

JUVENTUS 4 - 2 SAMPDORIA

Arturo Vidal (18′)
Fernando Llorente (24′)

Andrea Barzagli (38′-OG)

Arturo Vidal (41′-PG)

Manolo Gabbiadini (70′)

Paul Pogba (78′)

January 18, 2014 - 8:45 PM
Juventus Stadium — Turin
Referee: Andrea Gervasoni
Attendance:‬ 37000‎

Vidal targets prolific season for Juventus

The Chilean is keen to score more goals and thinks his side will win
Serie A with performances like the one in Saturday's win over Sampdoria.

Jan 19, 2014

Arturo Vidal is keen to continue his rich vein of goalscoring form after his double helped Juventus beat Sampdoria 4-2 on Saturday.

http://markting10.nl/

The Chilean is Serie A's top-scoring midfielder and netted his ninth and 10th league goal of the season as Juve maintained their 100 per cent record at home.

But despite already equalling his personal tally of last season at the midway stage of the campaign, Vidal insists what counts above everything is helping the team win.

"I work every day to keep developing and am happy to have found the target tonight," the prolific midfielder stated. "I haven't set any specific target for my goals. I just want to carry on like this to the end.

http://markting10.nl/

"I don't have any bonus tied to goals in my contract, I just do it for the team. Last time I gave the penalty to [Mirko] Vucinic, but this time it was for me and thankfully I scored."

Sampdoria were the last side to earn a league win in Turin, but further goals from Fernando Llorente and Paul Pogba ended any hopes of a repeat scenario.

Despite suffering a nervy period in the second half when Manolo Gabbiadini made it 3-2, Vidal feels his team-mates showed they were worth the win as Juve continue towards defending their crown.

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"Serie A is a difficult league. Roma and Napoli have great players, but we must continue like this to the end in order to earn a third consecutive Scudetto," the 26-year-old continued.

"Sampdoria came here to play their football and I think they are a really good side who can go far this season."

http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111