Juventus Season 2013-2014

[Socrates 8450]

JUVENTUS - TRABZONSPOR

February 20, 2014 - 7:00 PM
Juventus Stadium — Turin
Referee: Aleksei Kulbakov (Belarus)

Five reasons why Juventus should care about the Europa League

Feb 19, 2014

It's been a while since Juventus played in Europe, but the defeat to Galatasaray and subsequent elimination from the Champions League are still a sore spot for this Juventino. Everything that needed to be said about how Juventus lost the qualification round during the first two group matches has been said. The one question that remains is whether Juve should treat the Europa League with the same seriousness as the Champions League or not. Is it worth tiring our best players for a second-rate competition? Bear in mind that this may mean dropping points in one of the most competitive Serie A seasons in recent memory.

http://markting10.nl/

My answer to this is a resounding YES! And here are five reasons why:


1) Money, money, money!

In terms of money, it is undeniable that this is a second-rate competition. By making it to the round of 32 in the Europa League, Juventus will receive a whooping €200,000, teams in the round of 16 receive €350,000, in the quarters €450,000, in the semis €1 million, and in the finals €5 million or €2.5 million for the winner and loser, respectively. Compare that to the Champions League which awards €3.5 million for the round of 16 alone. This does not take into account lost revenue from TV rights.

http://markting10.nl/

With that being said, match day revenue plays a crucial role. In the 2011-2012 season, Juventus stadium averaged over €1 million per match day revenue. The likes of Trabzonspor may not fill the stadium, but if Juve were to meet Napoli or Valencia in later rounds, I can imagine the stadium will be sold out.

It is not a lot of money, but this winning Juve side has been built on an "every penny counts" mentality. Don't believe me, just ask good ol' Beppe Marotta.

http://markting10.nl/

2) Our Standing in Europe

The second reason why we should care is because our club coefficient can be largely affected by what we accomplish in the Europa League. The lower our standing, the more likely we are to end up drawing teams like Real Madrid, Barcelona, or Bayern Munich. UEFA uses the last five seasons to calculate the coefficient. You can find the full coefficients here. I have selected a few teams for example sake:

Barcelona (1) 30.585 36.642 34.171 27.542 20.742 149.685
Chelsea (4) 22.585 26.671 33.050 30.285 19.871 132.464
Atlético Madrid (8) 24.585 9.642 34.171 13.542 22.742 104.685
Juventus (27) 18.085 8.314 2.271 25.883 11.066 65.621

http://markting10.nl/

Every year, the oldest points disappear and are replaced by the newest points. If you look at Barcelona, last year they only made it to the semis of the Champions League obtaining 27.542 points. That is almost 3 points less than Chelsea who were eliminated from the Champions League in the first round but won the Europa League.

For Juventus to have an easier time in the Champions League they need to overtake 8th place. As you can see from those scores, that is unlikely to happen before the 2017-18 season (when the 2011-12 season will not be counted). However, if Juventus were to win the Europa League and score approximately 30 points, our total for next year would start to become more inline with the other top-seeded teams. I don't know about you but that is where we belong.

http://markting10.nl/

3) The psychological aspect

Winning begets winning. There are two ways of looking at the Europa League: by dedicating effort to it, our best players will get tired; or, by winning in Europe our best players will be more energized. If you have been a fan of Juve for the last few years, you will now that Juventus players and the coach subscribe to the latter philosophy. Otherwise, why would Conte keep playing his starting 11 week-in and week-out? Because the players tanks are fueled by winning.

Succeeding at challenges is what this club does, if you don't like it then you can move your cheers to any other team in the world. Playing in Europe and playing in Italy will undoubtedly be a challenge, but one that can only make us stronger for it. I am convinced that for the long term success of this team, it is better to walk away with the players' heads held high, than by vowing out because this competition was not good enough.

http://markting10.nl/

4) Because of History

Almost 30 years ago Juventus fans were probably asking a similar question about where to place the team's resources. In 1984, Juventus played and won the UEFA Cup Winners Cup. It wasn't the most prestigious tournament in Europe at the time (or ever), but it was an opportunity to win in Europe. Defeating Porto in the final was the beginning of an exciting time for the Old Lady outside of Italy

The morale boost and international experience gained by winning that championship were fundamental for Juve's win the year after in the European Champions Cup (the equivalent to the Champions League of that time). Almost a year after defeating Porto, Platini scored a historic goal against Liverpool in a day that will negatively mark Juventus history because of the Heysel tragedy.

Despite that dark chapter, there is a lesson to be learned from those two historical years for Juve.

http://markting10.nl/

5) Because winning is not important, it is the only thing that matters

The cup may not be important, but at Juve, vincere non é importante, é l'unica cosa che conta.

[Socrates 8450]

JUVENTUS - TRABZONSPOR

February 20, 2014 - 7:00 PM
Juventus Stadium — Turin
Referee: Aleksei Kulbakov (Belarus)

Preview: Juventus vs. Trabzonspor

Feb 19, 2014

Juventus may be running away with the Serie A title, but they are no longer in the Champions League and begin their Europa League knockout campaign against Turkish side Trabzonspor on Thursday evening.

http://markting10.nl/

The Old Lady could only finish third behind Real Madrid and Galatasaray in their Champions League group, losing late on at a snowy Galatasaray in their final group game.

Now they are the favourites to win the Champions League's sister competition, the final for which takes place at Juve's home stadium in Turin.

Juve boss Antonio Conte will be without Giorgio Chiellini and Mirko Vucinic but should recall both Paul Pogba and Carlos Tevez to the starting lineup.

http://markting10.nl/

Trabzonspor are without manager Mustafa Akcay after he resigned with the club down in ninth in the Turkish Super Lig.

Despite their so-so league form, they finished ahead of Lazio in the group stage and are unbeaten in 12 European games, winning nine and drawing three and particularly impressing on the road where they won five out of six and conceded just once.

http://markting10.nl/

Former Chelsea duo Florent Malouda and Jose Bosingwa both play for Trabzonspor but only the former will be fit for Thursday's tie.

The winners of this tie will go on to face either Esbjerg or Fiorentina in the last 16.

http://markting10.nl/

Recent form

Juventus: WDWDLW

Trabzonspor: DLDDLW


Possible starting lineups

JUVENTUS: Buffon; Barzagli, Bonucci, Ogbonna; Lichsteiner, Vidal, Pogba, Pirlo, Asamoah; Llorente, Tevez

TRABZONSPOR: Kivrak, Bosingwa, Yumlu, Demir, Keles, Colman, Adin, Hurmaci, Zokora, Alanzinho, Paulo Henrique

http://markting10.nl/

Sports Mole says: 2-1

[Socrates 8450]

JUVENTUS - TRABZONSPOR

February 20, 2014 - 7:00 PM
Juventus Stadium — Turin
Referee: Aleksei Kulbakov (Belarus)

Trabzonspor 'ready for Juve'

Feb 19, 2014

Juventus are the favourites against Trabzonspor in the Europa League, but Coach Hami Mandirali assures “we are ready for this game.”

http://markting10.nl/

The first leg of the Round of 32 tie kicks off on Thursday at 19.00 CET.

“We’re happy to be here. It’s a very, very important game. We’re playing against a considerably strong side, but we’re well prepared. Both the players and myself are ready for this game,” he said in his Press conference.

“Juventus could be considered favourites, but we’re not just here to make up the numbers. Europe inspires something extra in players compared to how they perform in the domestic league, and I hope my men will respond.”

http://markting10.nl/

Mandirali was promoted from assistant manager to the main job after Mustafa Ackay resigned earlier this month, but was already well-known as a former Trabzonspor player.

“I have different feelings now, but I’m sure the players will put any sentimental emotions aside and do their very best on the pitch. A good result would be a success not only for us but also for Turkey as a nation.”

[Socrates 8450]

JUVENTUS - TRABZONSPOR

February 20, 2014 - 7:00 PM
Juventus Stadium — Turin
Referee: Aleksei Kulbakov (Belarus)

Europa League Preview: Juventus vs. Trabzonspor,
Leg 1 — Showtime at Juventus Stadium

Feb 19, 2014

Three months from now, there will be a Europa League game at Juventus Stadium no matter what. We've known this for awhile, so that part isn't all that much of a surprise. Come 24 hours from when this article is being published, Juventus will be playing a European game on the Juventus Stadium turf.

http://markting10.nl/

But not in the European tournament we were all hoping for when the season began.

Yep, it's Europa League time, ladies and gents. The tournament that we didn't expect Juventus to be in is in fact the tournament that Juventus is currently in starting tomorrow night in Turin. Their opponent? Well, that's somebody, Trabzonspor, from the same country of the team who knocked Juve out of the Champions League — Turkey.

Not exactly how we drew it up, but that's the reality Juventus find themselves in.

http://markting10.nl/

JuventusFC ✔ @juventusfcen
#Conte: The @EuropaLeague is a goal we want to achieve with all the players we have here, I've got great belief in my squad #JuveTrabzonspor

That means we have one question: What's next?

When comparing it to the Champions League, Juve clearly don't want to be here. Even in Juve's first season of hell in 2009-10, they didn't want to be in the Europa League. But because of starting the group stages as sluggish as can be and a loss in the mud against Galatasaray, Juve are in the Europa League once again.

http://markting10.nl/

So, how are they going to play it?

Go for it. Win it all. Have the Europa League final in May be a home game, dammit.

And that quest begins tomorrow in the same stadium where it could very well end in a couple of months.

http://markting10.nl/

GOOD NEWS

Usually this would be where I'd update you on Juve's unbeaten run in Serie A. But since this isn't a domestic game, we're going to have to go in a different direction.

Let me get back to you on this one.

http://markting10.nl/

BAD NEWS

Just in case you haven't noticed or have been living under a rock the past couple of months, the European competition Juventus is playing in tomorrow isn't the Champions League. I know, breaking news.


WHAT TO WATCH FOR

1. Just how seriously Juventus take this thing.

The players and management can say all they want in the lead up to the match. That's their right and let them proceed at their own free will. But until Juventus actually take the field and don't do stupid things that see them bow out of a second European competition this season, then just how much they care about the Europa League will be an important talking point. There's no denying that this isn't the European tournament that the Juventus players and management want to be a part of. Those games took place over the past 48 hours. No reason to dwell on what could have been now, right? The past is the past and this is where Antonio Conte finds his squad right now.

http://markting10.nl/

2. Just how serious the Juventus tifosi take this thing.

One of the greatest things about Juve playing in European competition is that the Juve faithful bring the noise. We've seen the stadium packed and heard the noise in just about every single one of Juve's game since the doors opened three years ago. But this obviously isn't a Champions League tie against Real Madrid or Chelsea with a ton at stake. This is the Europa League Round of 32, something that isn't exactly glamorous or was high on fans' must-watch list entering the season back in August.

But I guess we can hang our heads on this: If they show up for a Coppa Italia game against a Serie B side that was basically a win from the opening whistle, they'll probably show up for Juventus vs. Trabzonspor. Right, guys?

http://markting10.nl/

3. What Juventus' starting lineup looks like.

You would think that if Juve are as serious about the Europa League as they say they are, the starting lineup would obviously reflect that. I don't think Conte will drastically change things up like he does for Coppa Italia games, but I've been wrong about what goes through his head before. It's one thing to do it against Avellino, it's another to do it on the European stage — regardless of it being Champions League or the other European competition. We know that Angelo Ogbonna will be in because Giorgio Chiellini is still recovering from his calf injury. And you'd like to assume that Carlos Tevez was rested over the weekend so that he could play major minutes on Thursday.

JuventusFC ✔ @juventusfcen
#Conte: I need a full squad at my disposal for the upcoming run of fixtures. We want to honour the @EuropaLeague as best we can.

Does "full squad" mean "squad rotation"? Conte mentioned those kinds of words a number of times during his pre-match press conference on Wednesday. I guess there's only one way to find out — watch the game.

http://markting10.nl/

4. What Trabzonspor is all about.

I don't say I am an expert on Trabzonspor, nor do I say I play one on television. The amount of knowledge I had about Trabzonspor before doing a bit of research could probably be held in a hand and that's about it. I'm going to assume that Mister Conte knows a wee bit more about his opposition than I do. If he doesn't, then maybe we're due for some more hair-pulling-out moments. But this is what we do know about Juventus' opposition: They're sitting mid-table in the Turkish Super Lig. They currently don't have a head coach — no, really — after Mustafa Akcay resigned on Feb. 10. Not exactly how you would like to go into a European contest, would you? Yeah, that's not very good.

JuventusFC ✔ @juventusfcen
#Conte: We're up against a team who won their group ahead of Lazio. They've got some strong players in forward areas. #JuveTrabzonspor

http://markting10.nl/

5. No messing around with any aggregate shenanigans.

The last time Juve were involved in a home-and-home series in Europe, they were getting blown out of the stadium by the machine otherwise known as Bayern Munich. The round before that, things were essentially over between Juventus and Celtic after the two teams played 90 minutes in Glasgow. Now, there's no denying that Juventus are a better team than Trabzonspor. And there's no doubting that Juventus should be able to score goals against Trabzonspor. They do that, then they should make sure that when we head over to Turkey for the second leg, there's no reason to mess around. End it in Turin, fellas. That's just a helpful suggestion.


My starting XI (3-5-2): Buffon; Caceres, Bonucci, Ogbonna; Lichtsteiner, Vidal, Pirlo, Pogba, Asamoah; Llorente, Tevez

OFFICIAL KICKOFF TIME: 7 P.M. IN ITALY; 1 P.M. ON THE EAST COAST; 10 A.M. ON THE WEST COAST

[Socrates 8450]

JUVENTUS - TRABZONSPOR

February 20, 2014 - 7:00 PM
Juventus Stadium — Turin
Referee: Aleksei Kulbakov (Belarus)

Mancini: Juventus can win the Europa League

Feb 20, 2014

Galatasaray boss Roberto Mancini believes that Juventus have a shot a winning the Europa League.

http://markting10.nl/

The 49-year-old led his club to victory over the Bianconeri in the Champions League, which saw the Serie A side eliminated from the competition and demoted to the Europa League, but remains confident that Juve can now succeed against Turkish club Trabzonspor if they earn a big victory in Turin on Thursday.

Mancini spoke to La Stampa about the Old Lady’s ability to do well in Europe and Gala’s upcoming Champions League tie with Jose Mourinho’s Chelsea on February 26.

http://markting10.nl/

“I’ve beaten Juventus in the Champions League, but with the snow it wasn’t really football,” said the tactician.

“Juventus can win the Europa League, but they must eliminate Trabzonspor in Turin, otherwise another trip to Turkey could be difficult, as Turkish teams play better at home.

[Socrates 8450]

JUVENTUS - TRABZONSPOR

February 20, 2014 - 7:00 PM
Juventus Stadium — Turin
Referee: Aleksei Kulbakov (Belarus)

Juventus News – Juve vs Europa League

Feb 20, 2014

It’s not quite the Turkish revenge we’re looking for, but it will have to do for now.

http://markting10.nl/

On Thursday (weird, right?), Juventus will inaugurate their Europa League campaign by hosting Trabzonspor, the EL opponent geographically closest to our Champions League killers (and terrible snow-removers), Galatasaray.

Juve are in good shape for this new endeavor, having mostly corrected the lapses in concentration that plagued the Hellas Verona draw with Sunday’s commanding 3-1 win over Chievo. And when faced with the lone setback (a bizarre Martin Caceres own goal, scored with his back off a poor clearance from Stephan Lichtsteiner), Juve never capitulated, keeping their poise and killing off the match with a Fernando Llorente header. Consider the course duly corrected.

To be honest, it’s very difficult to get excited for the Europa League. In theory and in practice, it’s a second-tier competition, forever in the shadow of the uber-illustrious Champions League. At best, it seems like a big hassle for small glory, and at worst, it’s another chance for key players to get injured and jeopardize the Serie A campaign. Juve themselves have traditionally treated the tournament as a secondary priority, and they’re doing so again this year, judging from Antonio Conte’s probable lineup (see below).

http://markting10.nl/

That being said, there are a few benefits to playing in the Europa League this season, for this Juve squad, under this coach:

1.It will provide valuable experience playing in different European countries and in different formations and/or styles.

2.It will provide valuable experience playing in knockout situations. Conte’s Juve have hitherto been a marathon squad, achieving the ultimate success only over long Serie A campaigns, so playing in site-specific, higher-pressure, win-now situations should come in handy in the Champions League next season. In a way, Juve’s lack of experience in this area is why they’re in the Europa League in the first place.

http://markting10.nl/

3.It has been a very contentious year for Juve’s “relationship” with Fiorentina, and if everything works out the Bianconeri can exact sweet revenge in the next round. Adding in the return Serie A fixture, Juve could have three more chances at Viola payback in only a month’s time.

4.The final is being held at Juventus Stadium—might as well win the whole thing in front of a partisan crowd.

http://markting10.nl/

And above all, these are still matches on a schedule — which means they should be won.

This may be an unexpected detour on the road to European prominence, but Juventus can still get there from here.

http://markting10.nl/

Europa Updates: Major Turnover, Chievo Defense Returns

Taking into account the two-matches-in-four-days gauntlet this week, Antonio ConteAntonio Conte is planning on significant squad rotation for Thursday’s match, the first official Europa League fixture at the new stadium (let’s not make a tradition of this, guys).

However, the Juve manager is still likely to deploy the Serie A-approved 3-5-2 formation.

UEFA_leaguelogoThe same makeshift defense used against Chievo should feature again, having acquitted itself well on Sunday (and now with 90 minutes more experience). Giorgio Chiellini has assured us of his imminent recovery, and Andrea Barzagli should be back in the fold for the Torino Derby on Sunday, but Conte will not risk either of them against Trabzonspor. Thus, Martin Caceres, Leonardo Bonucci and Angelo Ogbonna will shield Gigi Buffon for a second consecutive match.

http://markting10.nl/

On the wings, Mauricio Isla and Federico Peluso will occupy the right and left flanks, respectively, spelling Stephan Lichtsteiner and Kwadwo Asamoah. In the central midfield, Claudio Marchisio will start, fresh from an impressive performance versus Chievo, while Paul Pogba will return to the lineup, having rested that match. The last spot will be a toss-up between Andrea Pirlo and Arturo Vidal, depending on who needs rest and on Conte’s tactical considerations for Sunday’s derby.

The attack will be entirely Argentine, as Carlos Tevez, rested from a strictly cameo appearance against Chievo, will line up alongside Dani Osvaldo. Fabio Quagliarella has been left off the Europa squad, as we know, so Fernando Llorente, Mirko Vucinic and the embattled Sebastian Giovinco (see below) are options off the bench.

Juve’s overall attitude and concentration will be interesting to observe on Thursday. For all the reasons mentioned in the intro, this edition of the Europa League can provide some priceless experience for starters and role players alike. Conte himself understands this, judging from his comments on Wednesday’s press conference (he apparently does speak before Europa League matches, just not Serie A):

http://markting10.nl/

The Europa League is a prestigious tournament and winning it in our second year back in Europe would represent an extraordinary achievement. We started our journey three years ago and nobody would have imagined that this team, with these players, would have come as far as it has.

We got back in the Champions League last season and went out at the quarter-final stage, eliminated by eventual winners Bayern Munich. This year we’ve all got to accept the blame for how we fared in the group stage, but now we’ve got an opportunity each one of us needs to seize in the Europa League.”

It’s not the tournament they wanted to be playing in this month, but we can expect them to compete all the same. In case you didn’t know, Antonio Conte really, really prefers to win whenever possible.

ANDIAMO, RAGAZZI!!!

http://markting10.nl/

Know the Enemy: Trabzonspor

The official site has been tracking our latest European opponents ever since the drawing for the Round of 32, and it’s now time to highlight a few pertinent facts — and flash a few warnings Juve’s way.

We could go the usual historical route, mentioning that Trabzonspor were founded in 1967 and operate out of Trabzon, a port city on the Black Sea. We could count their domestic titles (6), which is second only to the nefarious Galatasaray in the Turkish Super-Lig.

TrabzonsporWe could even try to gauge where there attack is coming from, without really having seen the play. At the pre-match press conference, Conte hinted at strong movement forward, with a dangerous dose of creativity:


http://markting10.nl/

We’re up against an opponent who finished above Lazio in their group. They have excellent players in forward areas, along with experienced performers such as Zokora, Bosingwa and Malouda. There’s also Olcan, a very strong individual who offers them flair. We’ll need to remain alert.”

But for our intents and purposes, there are two important things to keep in mind. The first is Trab’s relatively barnstorming Europa run thus far, aided and abetted by their stellar defense:

The highlight of Mustafa Akcay’s short reign in the Trabzonspor dugout will undoubtedly be his team’s sensational run to the competition’s Round of 32, during which they went 12 games unbeaten and conceded just one goal away from home.”

http://markting10.nl/

That’s a formidable defensive record for any club. But what’s actually more disconcerting than Trabzonspor’s European prowess is the second thing to keep in mind: their recent lack of domestic success. That should call up two very bad, very Turkish memories:

In stark contrast to Trabzonspor’s strong European momentum is their form in Turkey, where they have failed to record a single win since the turn of the year.

Currently in ninth position and 17 points off league leaders Fenerbahce after 21 games, the club’s patchy domestic record led to Akcay tendering his resignation in the wake of a home reverse at the hands of Akhisar Belediyespor on Sunday 10 February.”

http://markting10.nl/

A team hits rock bottom and changes their coach right before playing Juventus. Sound familiar?

Roberto Mancini took over a reeling Galatasaray club early into this season, just in time to ruin some Bianconeri dreams by first drawing in Turin then winning on that horrible, mud-filled, waterlogged Istanbul pitch.

History is trying very hard to repeat itself. We must not let it!

[Socrates 8450]

JUVENTUS - TRABZONSPOR

February 20, 2014 - 7:00 PM
Juventus Stadium — Turin
Referee: Aleksei Kulbakov (Belarus)

Juventus vs. Trabzonspor Preview

Feb 20, 2014

Juventus will enter their last-32 Europa League match with Trabzonspor looking to keep their stellar year rolling.

http://markting10.nl/

They will host the Turkish club on Feb. 20 for the first leg of this matchup. The second leg comes on Feb. 27.

Juventus have ample reasons to be confident heading into this matchup...or any other for that matter. The Spanish club sits in first in the Serie A table with 63 points. They have lost just one league match all season and are nine points ahead of second-place Roma.

http://markting10.nl/

Meanwhile, Trabzonspor have been solid. They are in ninth place in the Super Lig table, but they've struggled mightily on the road. They have just one win in 10 matches as the away team this league year.

They now must hope to turn around those road woes, or Juventus will put this one away before it gets to the second leg.

http://markting10.nl/

Key Storyline: Will Juventus overlook Trabzonspor?

I don't mean to bash on Trabzonspor. They are a solid side. Still, if mighty Juventus play up to their capabilities, they will advance. There is no guarantee that will happen, though.

It wouldn't be a shock to see Juventus come out with a lackadaisical attitude against an inferior out-of-league opponent.

That won't be the case, however, if Juventus coach Antonio Conte has his way. PA Sport, via ESPN, passed along this quote from Conte:

http://markting10.nl/

“We cannot forget that Trabzonspor finished ahead of Lazio in the group stages of the competition.

They have very good players and they have experience. We will have to be focused from start to finish.”

I'm sure Conte won't be shy about pointing out to his team that the last time they faced a Turkish opponent, they were eliminated from the Champions League with a 1-0 defeat at Galatasaray.

http://markting10.nl/

Juventus have a hectic schedule in the coming weeks, and this team will have their gaze fixed on winning Serie A.

Might those efforts come at the expense of the Europa League?

http://markting10.nl/

Prediction: Juventus 2-0 Trabzonspor

Needless to say, I don't see the preceding factors I laid out keeping Juventus from victory. This team has solid depth and a world of confidence. They will not be turned away at home.

[Socrates 8450]

JUVENTUS - TRABZONSPOR

February 20, 2014 - 7:00 PM
Juventus Stadium — Turin
Referee: Aleksei Kulbakov (Belarus)

Antonio Conte expecting tricky Trabzonspor game

Feb 20, 2014

Juventus head coach Antonio Conte has urged his players to maintain their focus against Turkish side Trabzonspor in their first leg of the last 32 tie in the Europa League.

http://markting10.nl/

Conte said that the fact that Trabzonspor topped a group containing Lazio means that they would cause his side problems, especially as they have strong players in all areas of the pitch.

"We will be facing a team that was in the group stage with Lazio and they closed that stage as leaders of their group," Four Four Two quotes Conte as saying.

"We know they have excellent players in attack, they have expert players, and I'm referring to players such as Didier Zokora and Jose Bosingwa.

http://markting10.nl/

"They definitely have a lot of talented players, they have ingenious players such as Olcan Adin. We will need to be very careful and think at a game at a time and make sure we take things seriously."

Juventus come into the Europa League having been knocked out of the Champions League.

[Socrates 8450]

JUVENTUS - TRABZONSPOR

February 20, 2014 - 7:00 PM
Juventus Stadium — Turin
Referee: Aleksei Kulbakov (Belarus)

Juventus - Trabzonspor Betting Preview:
Back Conte's men to lay down a marker in the Europa League

Antonio Conte's men were underwhelming in the Champions League,
but expect them to bounce back with a prolific performance in Turin.

Feb 20, 2014

Having crashed out of the Champions League in the first round, Juventus begin life in the ignominy of the Europa League with a home tie against Trabzonspor on Thursday.

http://markting10.nl/

Defeat to Galatasaray put paid to La Vecchia Signora’s Champions League dreams, but they are 1/5 (1.20) favourites with Paddy Power to gain retribution with a victory against more Turkish opposition.

Unbeaten in 12 in this season’s competition, the visitors are available at 14/1 (15.00) to secure a shock away win at the Juventus Stadium.

Antonio Conte’s men drew all six group games during their last Europa League campaign back in 2010 and you can get odds of 5/1 (6.00) on them making it a remarkable seven stalemates in a row tonight.

http://markting10.nl/

While the hosts’ reaction to Champions League elimination was to embark on a nine-match unbeaten run in the league that stretched their lead at the top of Serie A, their opponents have suffered something of a collapse since clinching first place in their Europa League group back in December.

A run of just one win in nine saw coach Mustafa Resit Akcay hand in his resignation, with assistant Hami Mandirali overseeing a 2-2 draw at Karabukspor in his first game as caretaker manager on Saturday.

http://markting10.nl/

That was the seventh time in 10 away league games the Black Sea Storm have conceded two goals or more so far this campaign, a worrying statistic considering their opponents have struck 20 times in their last six fixtures on home soil.

In fact, with 46 goals to their name in 16 home games in all competitions this season, Juventus are averaging almost exactly three a match in front of their own fans, meaning odds of 10/11 (1.91) seem like excellent value on them striking at least three times against a Trabzonspor team in disarray this evening.

[Socrates 8450]

JUVENTUS - TRABZONSPOR

February 20, 2014 - 7:00 PM
Juventus Stadium — Turin
Referee: Aleksei Kulbakov (Belarus)

Juventus v Trabzonspor: Probable line-ups

Feb 20, 2014

Juventus are playing against Trabzonspor in the Europa League and coach Antonio Conte faces problems in the backline as Giorgio Chiellini and Andrea Barzagli are both injured.

http://markting10.nl/

The Bianconeri host the Turkish side in Juventus Stadium and the tactician is likely to use Martin Caceres and Angelo Ogbonna while the return of Paul Pogba in the starting line up is almost certain.

It is reported that Conte will rest the Spanish forward Fernando Llorente and give a start to Pablo Osvaldo, alongside Carlos Tevez.

http://markting10.nl/

JUVENTUS (3-5-2): Buffon, Caceres, Bonucci, Ogbonna, Isla, Pogba, Pirlo, Marchisio, Peluso, Tevez, Osvaldo.

TRABZONSPOR (4-2-3-1): Kivrak; Bosingwa Yumlu, Demir, Keles, Zokora, Colman; Erdogan, Mierzejewski, Adin; Henrique.

[Socrates 8450]

JUVENTUS - TRABZONSPOR

February 20, 2014 - 7:00 PM
Juventus Stadium — Turin
Referee: Aleksei Kulbakov (Belarus)

‘Juve or Napoli for Europa League’

Feb 20, 2014

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has cited Juventus and Napoli as the teams to beat in the Europa League knockout stages.

http://markting10.nl/

The French tactician believes that teams dropping into the competition via the Champions League are always amongst the favourites and that he sees an Italian team winning the trophy on home soil.

“Every year we talk about teams who have dropped out of the Champions League automatically becoming favourites for the Europa League,” Wenger told Eurosport.

http://markting10.nl/

“I think that is the case again with Juventus, who I don’t think will have any problems with Trabzonspor.

“The same is true of Napoli. The Azzurri will be favourites against Swansea and in the competition as a whole.”

[Socrates 8450]

JUVENTUS - TRABZONSPOR

February 20, 2014 - 7:00 PM
Juventus Stadium — Turin
Referee: Aleksei Kulbakov (Belarus)

Line-ups: Juventus-Trabzonspor

Feb 20, 2014

Juventus go with Carlos Tevez and Daniel Osvaldo in the first leg of their Europa League tie with Trabzonspor.

http://markting10.nl/

It kicks off in Turin at 19.00 CET and is the first leg in the Round of 32.

Juve enter the competition via third place in their Champions League group and are particularly eager to go all the way, as the Final is at the Juventus Stadium in May.

Antonio Conte takes this tie seriously, keeping in Gigi Buffon and Andrea Pirlo, but is forced to do without the injured Giorgio Chiellini, Andrea Barzagli and Mirko Vucinic.

http://markting10.nl/

The defence therefore has to be reshuffled with Martin Caceres and Angelo Ogbonna stepping in.

Osvaldo gets his first start in a Juve jersey, partnering Tevez, while Fernando Llorente is rested.

There are changes on the wings with Mauricio Isla and Federico Peluso taking over from Kwadwo Asamoah and Stephan Lichtsteiner.

http://markting10.nl/

As it is a working day in the city and an early kick-off, the game is not expected to sell out.

Trabzonspor have not lost any of their European matches this season, winning nine and drawing three. Their record away from home is a remarkable five victories and one draw, conceding only once.

They will be hoping to add to the Turkish trouble for Juventus, as Conte’s men were knocked out of the Champions League by Galatasaray this term.

http://markting10.nl/

Their Coach is Hami Mandirali, who was promoted from assistant manager after Mustafa Akcay was fired.

Souleymane Bamba and Florent Malouda are both injured.

http://markting10.nl/

JUVENTUS: Buffon; Caceres, Ogbonna, Bonucci; Isla, Pogba, Pirlo, Marchisio, Peluso; Tevez, Osvaldo

Juventus bench: Storari, Lichtsteiner, Padoin, Asamoah, Vidal, Giovinco, Llorente


TRABZONSPOR: Onur Kivrak; Mustafa Yumlu, Aykut Demir, Bosingwa, Kadir Keles, Zokora, Bourceanu, Colman, Ozer Hurmaci, Olcan Adin, Emre Gural

Trabzonspor bench: Zeki Ayvaz, Yusuf Erdogan, Zeki Yavru, Caner Osmanpasa, Mierzejewski, Paulo Henrique, Janko

[Socrates 8450]

JUVENTUS 2 - 0 TRABZONSPOR

Pablo Daniel Osvaldo (16′)
Paul Pogba (90+4′)

February 20, 2014 - 7:00 PM
Juventus Stadium — Turin
Referee: Aleksei Kulbakov (Belarus)

Osvaldo & Pogba give Bianconeri
crucial first-leg advantage

The on-loan Southampton attacker netted just 16 minutes into the game in Turin,
while the France international fired home in the dying seconds to leave the visitors devastated.

Feb 20, 2014

Pablo Daniel Osvaldo scored his first goal for Juventus as the Italian champions recorded a hard-fought but potentially decisive 2-0 win over Trabzonspor in the first leg of their Europa League round-of-32 tie on Thursday evening.

http://markting10.nl/

The on-loan Southampton struck just 16 minutes into the first-leg clash in Turin, coolly slotting home after the ball had fallen nicely for him.

Olcan Adin controversially had a goal disallowed midway through the second half and Juventus took full advantage, with Paul Pogba firing home in injury time to leave the visitors crestfallen.

The home side made a bright opening and orchestrated the first opportunity after five minutes when Mauricio Isla picked out Carlos Tevez on the edge of the box but the Argentine scooped well over the crossbar.

http://markting10.nl/

Despite that miss, Tevez played a part in the opening goal as his pass to the wing ricocheted kindly into the path of Osvaldo, who kept his cool to open his Juventus account by slotting under Onur Kivrak.

Juve continued to attack and spurned two opportunities to extend the lead shortly before the half-hour mark. First, Tevez slipped in Isla, who cut inside and saw his close-range effort saved by Kivrak, before the Bianconeri No.10 curled wide inside the box when perhaps he should have hit the target.

Tevez was proving a constant menace to the visitors' defence, though he was unable to test Kivrak fully after neat footwork on the edge of the area.

http://markting10.nl/

The chances continued to pile up for Juventus after the break, with Pogba dragging wide from 20 yards and Osvaldo curling an effort from the left that Kivrak easily dealt with.

Tevez had another tame effort saved on the hour mark, but he remains without a goal in continental competition since April 2009.

http://markting10.nl/

Trabzonspor thought they had levelled on 70 minutes. Substitute Henrique forced Gianluigi Buffon into a save and Adin turned in Erdogan's assist, only to see his celebrations curtailed when it was adjudged the ball had crossed the line for a corner.

Pogba clipped the post in the closing stages before curling home Tevez's centre in stoppage time to add gloss to the scoreline.

[Socrates 8450]

JUVENTUS 2 - 0 TRABZONSPOR

Pablo Daniel Osvaldo (16′)
Paul Pogba (90+4′)

February 20, 2014 - 7:00 PM
Juventus Stadium — Turin
Referee: Aleksei Kulbakov (Belarus)

Juve squeeze past Trabzonspor

Daniel Osvaldo and Paul Pogba secured a 2-0 victory,
but Juventus ran big risks against Trabzonspor.

Feb 20, 2014

The Bianconeri were knocked out of the Champions League by Turkish side Galatasaray and began their Europa League campaign against Trabzonspor. Daniel Osvaldo was given his first Juve start, but Giorgio Chiellini, Andrea Barzagli and Mirko Vucinic were injured. Souleymane Bamba and Florent Malouda missed out for the visitors.

http://markting10.nl/

Carlos Tevez blasted an early attempt over the bar, but Osvaldo marked his first start with his debut goal. He pounced on a lucky ricochet off Aykut Demir and kept his cool to place an angled drive across the goalkeeper.

The former Southampton striker was just unable to get on the end of a Mauricio Isla assist, while Emre Gural aimed a weak effort straight at Gigi Buffon.

Isla went on a mazy run down the right only to shoot at the on-rushing goalkeeper, while Tevez curled inches wide of the far post.

http://markting10.nl/

Tevez had another shot saved by the Trabzonspor goalkeeper before half-time, having done well to shake off a defender, then Federico Peluso finished off a counter-attack by drilling wide.

Osvaldo almost completed his brace straight after the restart, but was denied by the goalkeeper on a Tevez assist. Isla needed acrobatic defending to stop Olcan Adin getting a clean volley on a Turkish counter-attack and Buffon was irritated with his teammates when Paulo Henrique dispossessed Leonardo Bonucci to get a shot on target.

Trabzonspor thought they had equalised on 71 minutes with a classic counter-attack, but play had already been halted because when the pull-back found Olcan Adin, it had already crossed the by-line for a corner. It was a huge risk for the Bianconeri.

http://markting10.nl/

Kivrak only parried an Andrea Pirlo free kick, but just about managed to scramble it back under control before anyone could pounce.

Buffon was alert to smother an Olcan Adin free kick that burst through the wall, then a well-worked move involving Bonucci and Sebastian Giovinco fell apart when Tevez’s shot was charged down in the area.

Pirlo also had an effort blocked by a defensive body when set up by a Tevez backheel flick.

http://markting10.nl/

It was remarkably open in the final minutes with chances for both sides. Arturo Vidal gave the ball away and was glad Colman drilled wide.

At the 90th Fernando Llorente managed to roll back for Paul Pogba, whose shot bounced on to the upright with the goalkeeper stranded.

http://markting10.nl/

However, Trabzonspor had a double opportunity in stoppages. First a dangerous counter-attack was desperately scrambled clear, then Buffon flew to palm away an Olcan Adin effort.

Juve did eventually add a second to their tally, as Tevez rolled back across the face of goal for Pogba’s powerful finish from the edge of the box.

http://markting10.nl/

Juventus 2-0 Trabzonspor

Scorers: Osvaldo 16 (J), Pogba 94 (J)

Juventus: Buffon; Caceres, Ogbonna, Bonucci; Isla (Vidal 66), Pogba, Pirlo, Marchisio (Giovinco 76), Peluso; Tevez, Osvaldo (Llorente 66)

Trabzonspor: Onur Kivrak; Mustafa Yumlu, Aykut Demir, Bosingwa, Kadir Keles, Zokora, Bourceanu (Erdogan 66), Colman, Ozer Hurmaci (Mierzejewski 81), Olcan Adin, Emre Gural (Paulo Henrique 56)

Ref: Kulbakov (BLR)

[Socrates 8450]

JUVENTUS 2 - 0 TRABZONSPOR

Pablo Daniel Osvaldo (16′)
Paul Pogba (90+4′)

February 20, 2014 - 7:00 PM
Juventus Stadium — Turin
Referee: Aleksei Kulbakov (Belarus)

Late Pogba goal puts Bianconeri
in commanding position

Feb 20, 2014

Juventus will take a two goal advantage to Turkey as they triumphed 2-0 against Trabzonspor at the Juventus Stadium in the first leg of their round of 32 Europa League tie.

http://markting10.nl/

It was the first competitive meeting between these two sides and a first half goal from Dani Osvaldo was added to late on by Paul Pogba ensuring the three time winners of the UEFA Cup remain firm favourites to progress.

The first real chance of the game arrived after just five minutes with Carlos Tevez blasting his first time effort from 12-yards well over the bar after he was picked out by Mauricio Isla.

However it was the January acquisition who landed the first punch for the home side as Tevez’s pass fortuitously ricocheted off a Trabzonspor defender into the path of Osvaldo who calmly slid the ball past a helpless goalkeeper to give Juventus the lead after 16 minutes.

http://markting10.nl/

Approaching the half-hour mark the Turkish side had their first meaningful attempt on goal with Emre Gulan pivoting on the edge of the box and firing his effort straight down the throat of Gianluigi Buffon. At the other end Isla perhaps could have done better after his close range effort was smothered by Onur Kivrak.

Moments later Tevez was inches away from doubling the lead but his measured effort narrowly curled wide of the right hand post.

It was a frustrating first half for the Argentinian forward and after dropping a shoulder to lose his marker inside the area his left footed drive forced the Turkish shot stopper into an unorthodox save.

http://markting10.nl/

Despite having the lead Conte’s men were uncharacteristically sloppy in the first half as misplaced passes plagued the home side, with Angelo Ogbonna in particular being a prime culprit.

After the interval the chances continued to fall Juve’s way as Claudio Marchisio’s curled attempt towards the top corner forced Kivrak into a smart save.

The three time UEFA Cup winners profligacy always threatened to prove costly as the side from the Black Sea coast grew in confidence with substitute Paulo Henrique’s snap shot testing Buffon at his near post but the Italian’s handling was steadfast.

http://markting10.nl/

The Bianconeri tactician was unwilling to settle for a slender first leg advantage and with 25-minutes remaining Arturo Vidal and Fernando Llorente replaced Isla and Osvaldo to reinvigorate the attack.

The games real bone of contention then followed after the Super Lig side thought they had earned themselves a priceless away goal. Olcan Adin diverted an Erdogan pullback into an empty net following a swift counter attack.

However the goal was chalked off as the assistant referee decided the ball had previously crossed the byline and a corner was awarded. The goals was called off but replays suggest the ball did not completely cross the line.

http://markting10.nl/

The game then entered into a frantic and open final ten minutes as both sides fashioned presentable openings but could not quite find a decisive finish.

Pogba’s deflected shot then struck the outside of the post in the dying embers however he was not to be denied for long after his classy finish from just outside the area found the top corner in the 94th minute to give Juventus what could prove to be a vital second goal in this tie.

It was not a complete performance by the Serie A leaders however they are now in pole position to progress to the round of 16 where they could potentially meet domestic rivals Fiorentina.

[Socrates 8450]

JUVENTUS 2 - 0 TRABZONSPOR

Pablo Daniel Osvaldo (16′)
Paul Pogba (90+4′)

February 20, 2014 - 7:00 PM
Juventus Stadium — Turin
Referee: Aleksei Kulbakov (Belarus)

Initial reaction and random observations

Feb 20, 2014

Based on simply looking at the final scoreline, you'd think that Juventus dominated the match and pretty much cruised to victory, right? "A two-goal lead without giving up any away goals heading back to Turkey? Juve must have taken care of business, man!" Don't be afraid to admit it. That's what you might be thinking because of that deceiving little scoreline.

http://markting10.nl/

There was just one little problem, though.

{i]Michael Cox @Zonal_Marking
Juve are making heavy weather of a simple home leg. They're the best team in the comp by miles&final is at home, shouldn't be messing about.[/i]

Thank the heavens for Paul Pogba and Carlos Tevez.

http://markting10.nl/

Tevez's fantastic assist on Pogba's goal ended what was a nervy final 20 minutes for Juventus. Killing off the tie early? Bah, who needs that when you can give each the faithful around the world watching a couple of heart palpitations before the final whistle is blown. And if not for a couple of clutch Gigi Buffon saves and a few last-ditch clearances, then who knows what would have taken place in the dying stages of the second half.

But what could have been was awfully clear to the eye: Juventus were walking on thin ice — something between going to Turkey with a slim lead and a full-blown mess if Trabzonspor had gotten a late equalizer.

I guess the good thing is we're talking about a 2-0 win rather than another late equalizer that makes us all want to bash our head against the wall. So, yeah, in that respect there is a positive in all of this.

http://markting10.nl/

Random thoughts and observations

• I'd say it was a pretty productive first start in a Juventus jersey for Dani Osvaldo. He's shown some pretty good rapport with Tevez already, and that was even more of the case against Trabzonspor. He got himself the game's first goal and was easily one of Juve's best players on the field. Not bad, Dani.

JuventusFC ✔ @juventusfcen
#Osvaldo: It was a good evening, above all for the result but also because I got on the scoresheet, which I'm obviously delighted about.

• The assist on Pogba's goal just exemplifies the beauty of Tevez's overall game. Much like in the Champions League group stages, he couldn't buy a goal to save his life. But at the same time, he was one of Juve's best players. Just watch the pass to Pogba and you'll know why — the angle is crazy, with Carlitos essentially dishing it back to the French midfielder without even looking back over his shoulder. That's class, folks. Top-shelf class.

http://markting10.nl/

• Angelo Ogbonna was really, really good against Chievo over the weekend. In the first half against Trabzonspor? Not so much. Rumor has it Angelo owes Leonardo Bonucci dinner for cleaning up his mess. Hard to believe with the way his game started that he finished with a game-high seven tackles and a nice and shiny 8.0 on the WhoScored rating system.

• Federico Peluso was put on this earth to make sure your heart rate stays as high as possible for the entire time he's on the field. It's pretty amazing he made it 95 minutes without getting a yellow card.

• The switch to the 4-3-3 in the second half after Sebastian Giovinco replaced Claudio Marchisio might have created some facepalm-worthy play in Juventus' defensive half of the field, but it brought a bit of a spark to the offense. Giovinco was pretty lively down the left flank in his 20 minutes of action. Hopefully this wasn't just a one-time thing, either. Giovinco does have a place in this team — especially in a 4-3-3.

http://markting10.nl/

JuventusFC ✔ @juventusfcen
#Conte: We wanted another goal and introduced a third striker. We did well in the end, hitting the post before grabbing our second.

• Has anybody checked the weather forecast for next Thursday night in Turkey yet? Just curious.

• Just a suggestion: None of this second-half nonsense against Torino on Sunday. I don't really feel like watching Alessio Cerci or Ciro Immobile celebrating any goals at Juventus Stadium.

[Socrates 8450]

JUVENTUS 2 - 0 TRABZONSPOR

Pablo Daniel Osvaldo (16′)
Paul Pogba (90+4′)

February 20, 2014 - 7:00 PM
Juventus Stadium — Turin
Referee: Aleksei Kulbakov (Belarus)

Juventus 2-0 Trabzonspor:
6 Things We Learned

Feb 20, 2014

Juventus safely negotiated the first leg of their Europa League tie with Trabzonspor with a 2-0 victory that was far from comfortable.

http://markting10.nl/

The Bianconeri took an early lead through Dani Osvaldo and then seized a crucial second goal through Paul Pogba in stoppage time to give themselves some breathing room before they travel to Turkey next week.

There were some frights along the way though, as the Turkish side nearly equalised late in the game, only for it to be ruled out when the ball had marginally been out of play before the ball hit the back of the net.

Here are six things we learned.

http://markting10.nl/

Osvaldo Will Be Pushing for a Start Very Soon

Dani Osvaldo scored his debut goal for Juventus on Thursday, and he could not have been more delighted.

The Azzurri international calmly slotted home an easy chance that materialised after Trabzonspor attempted to clear the ball and it bounced off Aykut Demir, falling kindly into the path of the 28-year-old.

Osvaldo has more dimensions to his game collectively than Carlos Tevez and Fernando Llorente.

http://markting10.nl/

Osvaldo can win aerial duels comparatively to Llorente, while having more guile and ability on the ball than the Spaniard.

Tevez has the industry and work rate to maintain the flow and momentum of moves, but Osvaldo also demonstrated he can achieve that same outcome with his excellent hold-up play and core strength to hold off and manoeuvre defenders out of the way.

http://markting10.nl/

Osvaldo showed a calmer side to his finishing with the goal, picking his spot to find the back of the net, but he is, of course, capable of unleashing a powerful strike on goal with his sensational ball-striking.

If Osvaldo takes his chances whenever Conte selects him, by scoring goals, he will eventually displace one of Tevez or Llorente.

http://markting10.nl/

Conte Can Go All out for Both Serie A Games Either Side of 2nd Leg

Antonio Conte will not be over the moon at winning 2-0 on Thursday, but it was adequate enough for him to fully concentrate on the Serie A games either side of the second leg.

While he would never admit as much, Conte will probably feel secure with their position in this tie.

By leading 2-0 and not conceding an away goal, the Bianconeri are almost certainly through to the next round.

http://markting10.nl/

It is just as well, as there are two massive matches over the next week or so.

The derby with Torino is this weekend, while a trip to fierce rivals Milan the following weekend, after the second leg, presents another stern test.

It may not seem like Juve have much to worry about in the league, but with Roma potentially closing the current nine-point gap to six points if they can negotiate Parma, their game in hand, they will still feel that they are in with a shout.

http://markting10.nl/

The sides meet later in the season at the Olimpico, which the Giallorossi will be confident of winning, having already done so in the Coppa Italia.

Therefore, Roma may have felt that these two matches would present stumbling blocks for the champions.

Now that Conte can effectively concentrate on these domestic clashes, they are fully capable of keeping fresh for both and securing maximum points.

http://markting10.nl/

Tevez Shines, but Lack of Goals in Europe Will Niggle

Carlos Tevez put in a superb performance against Trabzonspor, typically demonstrating his selfless work rate and relentless pressing to help force errors out of the opposition in order for his team to benefit.

El Apache was brilliant in forcing the Turkish side to be dispossessed, eventually setting up Pogba on the edge of the area to double Juve's lead moving into the second leg.

Tevez failed to score for the seventh occasion in European competitions this season, though, which will aggravate the Argentine.

http://markting10.nl/

It may become a concern if this streak continues any longer, particularly now that Juve are facing weaker opposition in the Europa League.

So, while Juve have tough games versus Torino and Milan bookending the second leg, Conte will be keen to play Carlitos again in Turkey to get this monkey off his back.

http://markting10.nl/

Ogbonna Finally Settling into the Back Line

Angelo Ogbonna put in a composed performance against Trabzonspor that will bring confidence moving forward for the Italian.

The 25-year-old was terrific in helping the Old Lady to prevent an away goal on the night, even though the hosts had a scare in the second half.

http://markting10.nl/

Ogbonna made more tackles than any other player on the pitch with seven, also making the most clearances for the Bianconeri on the night, with six.

Moreover, nobody made more interceptions (three) than Ogbonna for the Serie A champions, proving what a complete defender the former Torino star is.

With his versatility to fill in at left-back, and bring some balance to the defence when playing out of the back due to being left-footed, Ogbonna will begin to feature more heavily from next season after a solid season bedding in at the elite level.

http://markting10.nl/

Isla Edges Peluso to Be the Wide Player Worthy of Being Given Extra Minutes

Mauricio Isla outplayed his team-mate Federico Peluso as the most effective wide player for Juve on Thursday.

Juve require more purpose and quality on the flanks than Peluso is capable of providing.

While Isla has been frustrated throughout his Juve career, he has given Conte some food for thought with a tidy performance.

http://markting10.nl/

The Chilean was able to make two key passes and complete a dribble when contributing in an attacking sense, but he was also more productive in the way he looked after the ball and helped maintain the flow to Juve's moves.

Peluso was sloppy and was guilty of turning the ball over on four occasions, with Isla not turning the ball over at all.

Isla may yet find it tough to displace Stephan Lichtsteiner, but performances like this will confirm to Conte that he should have confidence in rotating the Swiss international for him as the season draws to a close.

http://markting10.nl/

Conte Must Drop the Capello Feud

Antonio Conte will be pleased that Juve picked up a decent result in the Europa League, as had they not, he could have been accused of damaging his side's chances by the ongoing feud he is involved in with former Juve manager Fabio Capello.

The two managers have thrown verbals back and forth throughout the last week or so and it has become a distraction as legendary Juve figures waded in to the debate as to which manager's side was better.

Conte attempted to draw a line under the debate stating to journalists after the game (via Football Italia), "it's better to concentrate on football."

http://markting10.nl/

He is wise to say as much, especially while Juve are yet to suffer any detrimental effect from the Bianconeri heavyweights' argument.

Moving forward, Conte must have thicker skin and do the talking on the pitch through his team.

[Socrates 8450]

JUVENTUS 2 - 0 TRABZONSPOR

Pablo Daniel Osvaldo (16′)
Paul Pogba (90+4′)

February 20, 2014 - 7:00 PM
Juventus Stadium — Turin
Referee: Aleksei Kulbakov (Belarus)

Player Ratings

Pablo Osvaldo's first goal for the club and Paul Pogba's late strike
put the Italian champions in firm control of their Europa League round of 32 tie.

Feb 20, 2014

JUVENTUS

Gianluigi Buffon - The Juventus No.1 was a spectator in the first half but showed his class in the second with a string of smart saves to preserve his clean sheet.

Martín Cáceres - Enjoyed a solid first half. However, the Uruguayan struggled when Henrique was introduced and the majority of opposition attacks were focused down his side.

Leonardo Bonucci - Produced a crucial challenge to deny Trabzonspor from scoring an away goal late on but did not look totally at ease alongside Caceres and Ogbonna.

Angelo Ogbonna - He marshalled the threat of Emre Gural with ease but was sloppy in possession and suffered lapses in concentration.

Mauricio Isla - The Chilean impressed on a rare start down the right and showed neat footwork and incision to threaten the Trabzonspor defence.

Claudio Marchisio - An unspectacular yet assured performance from Marchisio, who kept possession well in the midfield.

Andrea Pirlo - Not his finest game in a Bianconeri jersey as was not as clinical as usual in his passing. However, style had a major influence on proceedings.

Paul Pogba - The midfield prodigy had a quiet first half but demonstrated his talent in the second with some accurate passing, quick footwork and strong breaking up of the play. Scored the crucial second goal with a precise finish.

Federico Peluso - The former Atalanta wing-back got into some promising positions down the left but was often wasteful with his end product.

Carlos Tévez - The Argentine has not scored in his previous 22 European games and although he looked sharp with his movement, he was disappointing with his finishing. However, was a real livewire and provided the assist for Pogba's goal.

Pablo Daniel Osvaldo - Marked his first Juventus start with a goal and looked impressive in his hold-up play, linking up well with Tevez.

http://markting10.nl/

Substitutions

Arturo Vidal - Added fresh legs to the Juventus midfield but his sloppy error nearly gifted Trabzonspor an equaliser.

Fernando Llorente - Failed to make the desired impact from the bench and was well contained by the opposition defence.

Sebastian Giovinco - Was determined to win back the support of the Juventus fans and he helped to stretch the Trabzonspor defence with his pace and tenacity.

http://markting10.nl/

Trabzonspor AŞ

Onur Kıvrak - Showed good command of his area and was alert on several occasions to deny the Juventus forwards.

José Bosingwa - The former Chelsea right-back produced a decent defensive display and was rarely exposed. However, offered little going forward.

Aykut Demir - He was unfortunate to see Tevez's pass ricochet off his face and into Osvaldo's path for the first goal. Aside from that, he made a number of timely challenges and interceptions.

Mustafa Yumlu - Produced a number of crucial blocks to deny Juventus in the closing stages, although found it difficult to cope with Tevez's movement.

Kadir Keleş - He struggled to deal with Isla in the opening stages but improved as the game wore on and offered a good attacking outlet.

Didier Zokora - The Ivorian was one of the finest performers on the pitch and used his experience and tactical nous to stifle the Juventus midfield.

Gustavo Colman - The Argentine looked tidy in possession and was a willing box-to-box runner despite his regular failure to hit the target.

Olcan Adın - Had little joy creating chances for his fellow team-mates, although can consider himself unfortunate to have a goal ruled out for offside.

Alexandru Bourceanu - The Romanian, recently signed from Steaua Bucharest, still looks to be finding his feet in the side and looked off the pace in the first half.

Özer Hurmacı - Caused the Juventus defence problems with his movement in the second half and was a direct threat to Buffon's goal. But there was zero end product.

Emre Güral - Failed to add to his double at the weekend as he looked lethargic and struggled to get beyond the Juventus defence.

http://markting10.nl/

Substitutions

Adrian Mierzejewski - The Poland international added fresh legs to the Trabzonspor attack and created a number of good openings for his teammates.

Paulo Henrique - The Europa League's top goalscorer this season made a brilliant impact from the bench and caused the Juventus defence problems with his movement and eye for goal.

Yusuf Erdoğan - The 21-year-old ran his socks off after coming off the bench and helped to press Juventus high up the pitch.

[Socrates 8450]

JUVENTUS 2 - 0 TRABZONSPOR

Pablo Daniel Osvaldo (16′)
Paul Pogba (90+4′)

February 20, 2014 - 7:00 PM
Juventus Stadium — Turin
Referee: Aleksei Kulbakov (Belarus)

'Tevez phenomenal to play alongside' - Osvaldo

The on-loan Southampton striker has set his sights on a spot
at the World Cup after opening his Bianconeri account.

Feb 20, 2014

Pablo Daniel Osvaldo has poured praise on fellow Juventus striker Carlos Tevez after they teamed up well in a 2-0 win over Trabzonspor 2-0 in the Europa League on Thursday evening.

http://markting10.nl/

The Southampton loanee scored the opener in his first start for Antonio Conte's side after 16 minutes, with Paul Pogba adding another in stoppage time to ensure the Italians will go to Turkey in the second leg of the last-32 tie with the upper hand.

Osvaldo lauded his Argentine strike-partner following the Bianconeri's win and says he hopes that he can continue to impress in Turin in order to secure a place in Italy's World Cup squad.

"Tevez makes it so easy to play alongside him," the 28-year-old told Sky Sport Italia. "He's a phenomenon and any player would find it simpler playing with him.

http://markting10.nl/

"I do not like to sit still and wait for the ball and, conveniently, the coach has asked me to move about continuously.

"Honestly, I feel very comfortable with both Tevez and the rest of the team. I'm happy, right away I adapted pretty well here.

http://markting10.nl/

"I plan to work hard to go to the World Cup, I will give my all. It doesn't just depend on me, but I hope I can do it."

Thursday's strike was Osvaldo's fourth of the season having scored only three times in his five months in the Premier League with Southampton.

[Socrates 8450]

JUVENTUS 2 - 0 TRABZONSPOR

Pablo Daniel Osvaldo (16′)
Paul Pogba (90+4′)

February 20, 2014 - 7:00 PM
Juventus Stadium — Turin
Referee: Aleksei Kulbakov (Belarus)

Conte: Juve could have scored several goals

The Bianconeri took a massive step towards the last 16 of the Europa League
thanks to Pablo Osvaldo and Paul Pogba, much to the delight of their coach.

Feb 20, 2014

Juventus boss Antonio Conte believes his team could have scored several more goals in Thursday's 2-0 victory over Trabzonspor.

http://markting10.nl/

On-loan striker Pablo Daniel Osvaldo opened the scoring early in the first half but it took until the 94th minute for the Scudetto holders to grab a second, through midfielder Paul Pogba.

The win means they hold the upper hand going into the return leg of the last-32 tie in Turkey, but Conte was concerned with how stretched his team looked in the second half and says fitness concerns caused him to rotate his line-up.

"A 2-0 win is certainly a good result going into the second leg," the Juve trainer told Mediaset Premium.

http://markting10.nl/

"We had several scoring opportunities, but either we weren't accurate enough or their goalkeeper did well. Trabzonspor had finished ahead of Lazio in the group phase, so they weren't to be underestimated.

"We did well, but there is still another game to play. We got too stretched out in the second half when pushing hard for another goal, risking conceding by fielding three strikers.

http://markting10.nl/

"I looked at the fixture list and, in the most optimistic reading, we’d play 16 games in 52 days. That would destroy players if I always used the same ones.

"We have to involve the entire squad and try to help those who haven’t played as much get their match fitness. I don’t know any other way of going forward."

[Socrates 8450]

JUVENTUS 2 - 0 TRABZONSPOR

Pablo Daniel Osvaldo (16′)
Paul Pogba (90+4′)

February 20, 2014 - 7:00 PM
Juventus Stadium — Turin
Referee: Aleksei Kulbakov (Belarus)

Conte: 'A good result'

Feb 20, 2014

Antonio Conte explained his squad rotation and noted beating Trabzonspor 2-0 was “a good result” in the Europa League.

http://markting10.nl/

Daniel Osvaldo and Paul Pogba got the goals in the first leg victory in Turin.

“The 2-0 is certainly a good result going into the second leg,” the Coach told Sport Mediaset.

“We had several scoring opportunities, but either we were imprecise or their goalkeeper did well. Trabzonspor had finished ahead of Lazio in the group phase, so were not to be underestimated.

http://markting10.nl/

“We did well, but there is still another game to play. We got too stretched out in the second half when pushing hard for another goal, risking something at the back by fielding three strikers.

“I needed a response and I got it on the field, because if we want to carry on in two competitions then we need everyone,” continued Conte.

“I looked at the fixture list and, in the most optimistic reading, we’d play 16 games in 52 days. That would destroy players if I always used the same ones. We have to involve the entire squad and try to help those who haven’t played as much get their match fitness.

http://markting10.nl/

“I don’t know any other way of going forward.”

Among his changes tonight, Conte introduced Mauricio Isla and Federico Peluso on the wings.

“We had to make more of the right flank, but in the second half I preferred to introduce another striker to risk something.”

http://markting10.nl/

Sebastian Giovinco was given a warm welcome as a substitute just days after Conte raged at the crowd for jeering him.

“I had no doubts on how he would be greeted. The Juventus fans love their players. He did well on the field today, helping his teammates. All Juventus players must be supported by the fans.”

[Socrates 8450]

JUVENTUS 2 - 0 TRABZONSPOR

Pablo Daniel Osvaldo (16′)
Paul Pogba (90+4′)

February 20, 2014 - 7:00 PM
Juventus Stadium — Turin
Referee: Aleksei Kulbakov (Belarus)

Marchisio: Tevez is vital for Juventus

The Italy international has nothing but praise for the former Manchester City striker,
claiming that the Argentine leads from the front with his "never-say-die spirit".

Feb 21, 2014

Claudio Marchisio has underlined the importance of Carlos Tevez for Juventus in the wake of their 2-0 Europa League win over Trabzonspor on Thursday evening.

http://markting10.nl/

The Argentine attacker was involved in both of the Serie A champions' goals as they cruised to victory in the first leg of their round-of-32 tie with the Turkish outfit, and Marchisio was quick to stress that Tevez is an example to follow for his team-mates.

"Carlos didn’t let up even for a second and he won the ball back to lay [the second goal] on a plate for Paul Pogba," Marchisio was quoted as saying on the official Juventus website.

"As well as being a very talented player, he’s important to the team because he leads from the front with his constant never-say-die spirit."

http://markting10.nl/

Marchisio then went on to admit that Juventus struggled toward the end of the game in Turin but that he was delighted with the resilience shown by Antonio Conte's men.

"At one point we were hoping the final whistle would blow as quick as possible because it was becoming a bit nervy," the Italy international confessed.

http://markting10.nl/

"But instead we went on to score the second goal in those five minutes of added time. It’s given us a bit more breathing space for the away leg."

The return is scheduled to take place on February 27.

[Socrates 8450]

JUVENTUS - TORINO

February 23, 2014 - 6:30 PM
Juventus Stadium — Turin
Referee: Nicola Rizzoli

Marchisio: No easy derby

Feb 21, 2014

Claudio Marchisio has reflected that Juventus will face a strong Torino this weekend, to affirm his belief that ‘there are no easy derbies’.

http://markting10.nl/

Il Toro visit the Bianconeri for the Derby della Mole in continued good form, sat seventh in the League.

Whilst Juve are sitting several points ahead of the chasing pack at the top of the table, this weekend’s test will not be simple, according to their No 8.

“Honestly, it is a different derby, they are a team that has a Coach who has given them an identity to their play, they have strengthened and it shows in the League,” Marchisio has told Mediaset in anticipation.

http://markting10.nl/

“This is a derby that won’t be easy, and even if the others were easier, there has never been an easy derby.

“Toro have been improving from year to year. It is going to be a tough and difficult match.”

Marchisio was talking after Juve’s 2-0 home leg win over Trabzonspor in the Europa League.

http://markting10.nl/

“The result gives us confidence even if we now face a heated atmosphere in the return leg. During the second half there was a slight physical decline, we have to play with our head. In the end we extended the lead, due to the amount of stoppage time. In the end that second goal arrived and has given us some tranquillity.

“Now there will be more games, we will need everyone, everyone who is called into action will make their own contribution in the coming games.

“Those who play less? There could be a little tension to begin with, when you play less. The guys have confidence. We always try to give our best, then the performance may be good or bad.”

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

[Socrates 8450]

JUVENTUS - TORINO

February 23, 2014 - 6:30 PM
Juventus Stadium — Turin
Referee: Nicola Rizzoli

‘Juve are strong, but so are we’

Feb 21, 2014

Emiliano Moretti says that Torino hold Juventus in respect, but do not fear them ahead of this weekend’s derby.

http://markting10.nl/

Il Toro travel out to the Juventus Stadium for Week 25’s clash on the Sunday evening in continued good form, but still the underdogs to the Bianconero League leaders.

“We know that the task will not be simple, they are strong, both in their individuals and as a collective,” Moratti has conceded to Tuttosport on the fixture ahead.

“But so are we, from July until now, we have been prepared to fight for the team. We will leave the field without regrets, as has been the way throughout the year.

http://markting10.nl/

“Even against Bologna [when Torino lost 2-1], for example, we give it our all. Then, of course, some games go a certain way.

“We are not worried, we must give the best of ourselves. Then, after the game, we will do the sums.

“Conte? He is a hammer, and shows very well the difference between good players and champions - the latter are the first to arrive in the field and the last to leave.”

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

[Socrates 8450]

JUVENTUS - TORINO

February 23, 2014 - 6:30 PM
Juventus Stadium — Turin
Referee: Nicola Rizzoli

Glik: Juve have all the pressure

Feb 21, 2014

Torino defender Kamil Glik claims that all the pressure is on Juventus ahead of the Derby della Mole this weekend.

http://markting10.nl/

The Bianconeri host Il Toro in the Turin derby on Sunday, but the Poland international has insisted that it is the Old Lady who are expected to claim the three points, not his men.

“We’ve had a normal week,” he told reporters. “We’ve been working tactically and mentally on doing well on Sunday.

“We’re trying to think as little as possible about it being a derby because there is no pressure on us for this game.

http://markting10.nl/

“We’re going through a good moment, but the best way to prepare is to treat it as any other game.

“We have to stay focused because we don’t want the adrenaline of the derby to get the better of us.”

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