Juventus Season 2013-2014

[Socrates 8541]

JUVENTUS - MILAN

October 6, 2013 8:45 PM
Juventus Stadium — Turin
Referee: Gianluca Rocchi

'Inter, Roma & Napoli most difficult'

Oct 4, 2013

Marco Storari believes that Roma, Inter and Napoli are Juventus’ nearest challengers for the Scudetto this season.

http://markting10.nl/

The Bianconeri face Milan this weekend, but the goalkeeper doesn’t think that the Rossoneri can challenge for silverware.

“The most dangerous opponents in the League are Inter, Roma and Napoli,” he told Bwin Italia.

The shot-stopper then commented on his brief spell with Milan – where he only played 10 games – and who are the favourites for the Champions League.

http://markting10.nl/

“It was short but intense at Milan. But I remember my time there with affection.

“I think the strongest teams in the Champions League are Bayern Munich, Barcelona and Real Madrid.”

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

[Socrates 8541]

JUVENTUS - MILAN

October 6, 2013 8:45 PM
Juventus Stadium — Turin
Referee: Gianluca Rocchi

Preview: Juventus vs. AC Milan

Oct 4, 2013

Juventus will be looking to cement their place in Serie A's top three when they play host to AC Milan on Sunday.

http://markting10.nl/

Antonio Conte's side have been in good form recently, winning five of their last six league matches, including last weekend's 1-0 victory over Torino.

Milan have made an inconsistent start to the season, winning two, drawing two and losing two of their opening six fixtures. Massimiliano Allegri's side ran out winners over Sampdoria last time out thanks to a solitary goal from Valter Birsa.

Juventus come into the match off the back of a 2-2 Champions League draw against Galatasaray in midweek.

http://markting10.nl/

Milan were also held to a draw in the same competition on Tuesday by Ajax.

Conte may be tempted to make changes to his Juventus side, with Sebastian Giovinco and Claudio Marchisio pushing for starts.

Mario Balotelli will miss out for Milan due to his three-match ban, while Kaka, Stephan El Shaarawy and Giampaolo Pazzini are absent through injury.


Recent form

Juventus: WWDWWW

AC Milan: LWDLDW


Possible starting lineups

JUVENTUS: Buffon; Barzagli, Bonucci, Chiellini, Lichtsteiner; Vidal, Pogba, Marchisio, Asamoah, Giovinco; Tevez

AC MILAN: Abbiati; Zaccardo, Zapata, Mexes, Constant; Poli, De Jong, Muntari, Montolivo, Robinho; Matri


Sports Mole says: 2-0

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

[Socrates 8541]

JUVENTUS - MILAN

October 6, 2013 8:45 PM
Juventus Stadium — Turin
Referee: Gianluca Rocchi

Allegri: 'Milan-Juve critics unfair'

Oct 5, 2013

Massimiliano Allegri believes criticism of both Milan and Juventus has been “unfair” ahead of tomorrow’s clash.

http://markting10.nl/

The Rossoneri step into the Juventus Stadium on Sunday at 20.45.

“Antonio Conte is a great Coach, the most successful in Italy over the last two years,” said Allegri in his Press conference.

“Despite the criticism, Juve are the favourites for the title and played very well against Galatasaray apart from the two goals conceded due to Leonardo Bonucci errors. At times results change people’s opinions on a performance.”

http://markting10.nl/

Both sides stalled midweek, as Juventus drew 2-2 with Galatasaray and Milan scraped a 1-1 with Ajax after a very defensive first half.

“At the moment, there has been unfair criticism of both Juventus and Milan. Galatasaray had one and a half shots on target, while Ajax have historically caused problems for Milan. On Tuesday I was very happy with the performance, as we were organised and risked very little. In the second half we deserved to take the lead.

“Juve play differently to Ajax, as they are stronger physically and technically. The side is constantly improving and after the break for international duty we’ll have almost everyone available.”

Mario Balotelli continues his three-match ban for insulting the referee, while Stephan El Shaarawy, Kaka, Mattia De Sciglio, Giampaolo Pazzini, Daniele Bonera, Matias Silvestre and Valter Birsa are injured.

“The two who start in attack will be Alessandro Matri and Robinho,” revealed Allegri. “Matri is just missing a goal, as he was unlucky, but we hope tomorrow he can find the breakthrough.

“How will we lock down Andrea Pirlo and Leonardo Bonucci? We’ll let them both play, that way it’ll be more entertaining. Andrea is doing great things this season too and it’d be a shame to man-mark him.

“I am utterly sure the lads are up to the task, then the result depends on many elements. It is not a test for us, but a fascinating game between two teams who are separated by eight points.

http://markting10.nl/

“I am confident for tomorrow. Last season we were much further behind, so this will be a more balanced campaign. The teams fighting for the top three have reinforced.

It is going to be difficult, so we must play with our heads and our hearts. Fatigue is an issue, as I haven’t been able to rest some players who needed it.”

The Rossoneri continue to concede goals from set plays, particularly headers, so how can Allegri counter this trend?

“We are paying for these situations, but not just from corners or free kicks. Every ball floated into the box causes problems. We need to be more concentrated, as when we are then we rarely concede.”

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

[Socrates 8541]

JUVENTUS - MILAN

October 6, 2013 8:45 PM
Juventus Stadium — Turin
Referee: Gianluca Rocchi

Conte: 'Criticism is Juve enemy'

Oct 5, 2013

Antonio Conte believes Milan will fight for the Scudetto and blasted Juventus critics. “These murmurs trying to destabilise us are the enemy.”

http://markting10.nl/

“We can still bring enthusiasm to the fans in this third year. I am not remotely surprised that people are trying to destabilise the collective and damage the club’s environment,” said Conte in his Press conference.

“We haven’t lost yet and these murmurs are the enemy, the enemy that is hiding in every corner. All of it can cause us problems, but I am relaxed as we work hard, so there’s nothing to recriminate.”

The grumbling in the media has been growing with a series of fightbacks to earn points and on Wednesday Juve drew 2-2 with Galatasaray in the Champions League.

“We are getting our players back towards their best shape. In Serie A we are fighting against a super Roma side who have won six out of six, while we won five and drew one, so at the moment we are where we expected to be.

http://markting10.nl/

“We seem to be in this situation where if we don’t win then people say we’re worthless, but I understand that. I remember last season early on we had fortunate victories over Genoa and Siena. As you can see, last year it wasn’t an easy journey either.

“I repeat, criticism of Juventus is predictable. We are well aware that we can always improve, especially at the start of the season, but the same people panicking now are the ones who a few weeks ago said we’d be unstoppable. I’m used to it and these comments have become funny to me, like hearing a joke.

“In Europe we had more shots on goal than any other team, which is an important and positive statistic. There were a few too many individual errors, but these things can happen. I have faith in my lads.”

If Juve are being criticised, then Milan received a mauling after falling 10 points adrift of Serie A leaders Roma and drawing 1-1 with Ajax midweek.

“It is a challenge between two great teams who are targeting the Scudetto,” insisted Conte.

“If Milan had not been up against this Juventus over the last two years, they would’ve won one or even both those titles. The Rossoneri have an excellent group of players who have belief in their qualities and for three seasons have been consistently at the top of Italian football.

“This will certainly be a match between two teams who can take the Scudetto. Alessandro Matri? I hope he doesn’t start scoring in a Milan shirt against us! He’s an excellent player and a lovely guy who will go far.”

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

[Socrates 8541]

JUVENTUS - MILAN

October 6, 2013 8:45 PM
Juventus Stadium — Turin
Referee: Gianluca Rocchi

Matri eyes AC Milan return for Pirlo

The Italian admits he would love his former team-mate to return to the Rossoneri
in future, while Giorgio Chiellini has urged caution ahead of the sides' clash.

Oct 5, 2013

AC Milan striker Alessandro Matri admits he would love to see Andrea Pirlo return to the club should he choose to leave Juventus.

http://markting10.nl/

The veteran playmaker's current deal with the Serie A champions expires at the end of the season, and the club have already confirmed they will not hold talks until the early part of next year.

With speculation over his future in Turin continuing, Matri has claimed he would relish the chance to be reunited with the 34-year-old at San Siro, after he moved from Juventus during the summer.

"It would be great to see Andrea here with us," he told Tuttosport, before adding on the meeting between the sides this weekend: "I have no desire for revenge, only the desire to do well with Milan."

Juventus were held to a 2-2 draw with Galatasaray to leave their chances of reaching the Champions League knock-out rounds in doubt, but defender Giorgio Chiellini has played down talk of the result being a "disaster".

"People often go from one extreme to another," he told reporters at a sponsor event. "We were irrepressible, then in crisis, then unstoppable again.

http://markting10.nl/

"Too often the verdict is linked to the result. If we had beaten Galatasaray 2-1 people would have spoken about a 'Super Juve', if we had drawn 1-1 it would have been 'Juve show great heart' and instead, at 2-2, it's now all about a 'Juve disaster'. I think balance is required in every case.

"We certainly need to improve and work hard, but I think our run so far has been more than decent. Now we've got an important test against Milan ahead of us and it will enable us to work out the team’s current condition.

"They’re an excellent side and the collective without Balotelli will give their all. We witnessed this two years ago when we faced them without Ibrahimovic. When these stars are missing the others often step up to the plate.

"They’ve certainly got a squad capable of challenging for the Scudetto and Champions League places. Let’s not forget they also started slowly last year. Then after Balotelli’s arrival in January they started dreaming of a revival that was only foiled by our fantastic run of form in spring."

Chiellini alo discussed the form of former team-mate Matri, insisting the striker does not get the credit he deserves for us all-round performances despite having failed to score for Milan this season.

"Unfortunately he’s still yet to get off the mark and we hope he doesn’t score his first against us, but his work goes beyond finishing and isn’t always given the credit it deserves," he added.

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

[Socrates 8541]

JUVENTUS - MILAN

October 6, 2013 8:45 PM
Juventus Stadium — Turin
Referee: Gianluca Rocchi

Juventus-AC Milan Preview:
Reigning champions face revitalised Rossoneri

Massimiliano Allegri's men are still in a precarious position in Serie A,
but are chasing a third win on the trot on Sunday.

Oct 5, 2013

Scudetto holders Juventus will look to extend their unbeaten start to this season's Serie A when they host AC Milan on Sunday.

http://markting10.nl/

Antonio Conte's men are one of four sides yet to lose in the league in 2013-14, but they face a Milan side who have been defeated just once in all competitions since their opening-day reversal against Hellas Verona.

Juventus - who sit fourth heading into gameweek seven - have won their last three league games, but followed up their derby success over Torino with a second successive draw in the Champions League on Wednesday with a 2-2 result at home to Galatasaray.

Carlos Tevez is currently Juve's joint top goalscorer with three goals in the league, though he has not hit the back of the net in the last three games.

AC Milan captain Riccardo Montolivo made his return to Massimiliano Allegri's starting XI in the 1-1 draw with Ajax on Tuesday following a muscle strain, although the likes of Stephan El Shaarawy (foot) and Kaka (thigh) remain major doubts as they trained in a group aside from the first team on Friday.

http://markting10.nl/

While Tevez is likely to feature for the Bianconeri, Milan will be without their main marksman Mario Balotelli.

The Italian, who has scored five goals in all competitions this season, was sent off in the Rossoneri's 2-1 defeat to Napoli in September and will watch from the sidelines for the final time in his three-game ban.

While Balotelli has been in impressive form this season, strike partner Alessandro Matri is yet to score for the San Siro outfit - who are placed ninth in Serie A due to struggling to win domestically this season - since joining from Juve in August.


Head to Head

Serie A ‎- Apr 21, 2013 - Juventus 1 - 0 AC Milan
Coppa Italia ‎- Jan 9, 2013 - Juventus 2 - 1 AC Milan
Serie A ‎- Nov 25, 2012 - AC Milan 1 - 0 Juventus
Coppa Italia ‎- Mar 20, 2012 - Juventus 2 - 2 AC Milan
Serie A ‎- Feb 25, 2012 - AC Milan 1 - 1 Juventus


Last Five Matches

JUVENTUS

Oct 2, 2013 - Juventus 2 - 2 Galatasaray - UCL
Sep 29, 2013 - Torino 0 - 1 Juventus 1 - Serie A
Sep 25, 2013 - Chievo 1 - 2 Juventus - Serie A
Sep 22, 2013 - Juventus 2 - 1 Hellas Verona - Serie A
Sep 17, 2013 - FC Copenhagen 1 - 1 Juventus - UCL


AC MILAN

Oct 1, 2013 - Ajax 1 - 1 AC Milan - UCL
Sep 28, 2013 - AC Milan 1 - 0 Sampdoria - Serie A
Sep 25, 2013 - Bologna 3 - 3 AC Milan - Serie A
Sep 22, 2013 - AC Milan 1 - 2 SSC Napoli - Serie A
Sep 18, 2013 - AC Milan 2 - 0 Celtic - UCL

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

[Socrates 8541]

JUVENTUS - MILAN

October 6, 2013 8:45 PM
Juventus Stadium — Turin
Referee: Gianluca Rocchi

MATCH PREVIEW

Oct 5, 2013

As Juventus aim to keep pace with the leaders, Milan are hoping to put their stuttering start to the season behind them.

http://markting10.nl/

The Bianconeri have won three straight League contests, although the latter two were contentious results. Their Derby della Mole triumph over Torino came amid a war of words between the clubs. The winner from Paul Pogba sparked it all and was courtesy of a missed offside decision.

They hoped to secure their first Champions League win on Wednesday, but in a lacklustre performance were held at home by Galatasaray. Arturo Vidal and Fabio Quagliarella looked to have staged a late comeback, only for the Turks to equalise straight after as it ended 2-2.

Simone Pepe, Martin Caceres and Rubinho remain sidelined through injury. Meanwhile, Mirko Vucinic and Stephan Lichtsteiner join the trio following the midweek European clash.

http://markting10.nl/

Last week Milan claimed just their second win of the season, edging past Sampdoria thanks to a lone second-half goal from Valter Birsa. The result ended a three-match winless run for the Rossoneri, who in typical Massimiliano Allegri fashion have opened the season slowly.

Following that Samp win, Milan stuttered in midweek, only managing a draw at Ajax in the Champions League. Mario Balotelli rescued the Rossoneri with a penalty deep into injury time, after the Dutch club had moments earlier taken the lead. Still, Allegri was pleased with the level of performance.

Balotelli serves the third match of his suspension, on top of a host of injured absentees. Daniele Bonera, Mattia De Sciglio, Matias Silvestre, Giampaolo Pazzini, Kaka, Stephan El Shaarawy and Birsa are all ruled out due to various concerns.

Vidal’s successful penalty gave the Turin club maximum points last term, their 36th home win against Milan. For their part, the Rossoneri have 21 wins, the same as the number of draws.


Keep an eye on: Alessandro Matri (Milan) – The striker makes his return to Turin following his summer move back to Milan. Matri is still without a goal since changing white for red and now would be the perfect time to appease concerns of the Rossoneri fans.


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

Last season: Juventus 1-0 Milan

Stat fact: Milan’s 7-1 thumping in 1949-50 remains the largest margin of victory in the fixture’s history.


JUVENTUS (probable): Buffon; Barzagli, Bonucci, Chiellini; Isla, Vidal, Pirlo, Marchisio, Asamoah; Tevez, Quagliarella

MILAN (probable): Abbiati; Zaccardo, Zapata, Mexes, Constant; Poli, De Jong, Muntari; Montolivo, Robinho; Matri

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

[Socrates 8541]

JUVENTUS - MILAN

October 6, 2013 8:45 PM
Juventus Stadium — Turin
Referee: Gianluca Rocchi

Key Battles That Will Shape AC Milan's Clash with Juventus

Oct 5, 2013

In one of the most anticipated matches of the weekend, Milan travel to Turin to take on Juventus in their brand new stadium.

http://markting10.nl/

The story-lines for this match center around suspensions and injuries, as some of the most technically gifted players will be out of the match.

Here are some of the key battles that will shape Milan's clash against Juventus:


Alessandro Matri vs. his old teammates:

The misfiring striker purchased from Juventus for a whopping 11m. returns to the place he called home for the past two seasons in a different jersey.

Still needing his first goal for the Rossoneri, the 29-year-old will be starting up front for coach Massimiliano Allegri's men as Mario Balotelli is serving the final banishment of his three-match suspension.

http://markting10.nl/

Matri knows the Juve back-line very well from practice and will look to exploit their weaknesses. Unfortunately, the same could be said for the likes of Giorgio Chiellini and company, who probably stifled the former Bianconeri substitute on more than one occasion in heated practice skirmishes.


Nigel De Jong vs. Andrea Pirlo:

There's no doubting that the most effective way to quell the brilliance of Andrea Pirlo is to stick an athletic defensive midfield on him. When Pirlo has been man-marked, he has often been taken out of games -- unable to turn and spray passes.

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

[Socrates 8541]

JUVENTUS - MILAN

October 6, 2013 8:45 PM
Juventus Stadium — Turin
Referee: Gianluca Rocchi

Juventus News – Milan Prep, Conte Tactics

Oct 5, 2013

And… there goes another great opportunity.

Anybody else tired of seeing our beloved Bianconeri “suffer” for “hard-fought” draws or narrow, underwhelming victories?

http://markting10.nl/

Tired of seeing Juve’s defense generously gift goals to weak opposition while struggling to score themselves? Tired of “celebrating” controversial goals or bailout penalties?

On Wednesday evening, Juventus wasted a second chance to make a statement in the Champions League by failing to finish off a weak Galatasaray squad. The all-too-familiar hallmarks of this recent funk were all present and accounted for: A horrific defensive error led to an unrelenting, slightly dispiriting toil to score an equalizer, only to see it come in a cheap, ultimately unsatisfying fashion unbecoming of a great club.

And to add insult to this latest of injuries, Juve’s one moment of true quality — Fabio Quagliarella’s wonderful header from Andrea Pirlo’s equally wonderful cross to make the score 2-1 — was immediately canceled out by an unforgivable lapse in concentration. Throw in the presence of Roberto Mancini on the other bench, and the pain continues.

So what now? How does Juve win at least one of back-to-back matches with Real Madrid, thus keeping their Champions League hopes alive? How do they take command of their next two Serie A fixtures against Milan and Fiorentina without living on fortune, good or bad?

We’re approaching nothing less than the next step in Antonio Conte’s (and Juve’s) evolution. Backed into a tactical corner and relatively devoid of extra resources (see below), Juve and their coach have now reached a tipping point. If they don’t cook up a new solution, they will not only fail to progress in Europe, but even struggle to maintain their domination of Serie A.

http://markting10.nl/

This season was supposed to see Juve at least attempt to reach that hallowed, international “next level.” It will take not only hard work (Conte has that covered) but some individual brilliance, too.

Sunday’s match with a hobbled, Balotelli-less Milan will be an excellent place to start moving on up.

So let’s do it. Enough suffering.


Bianconeri Prep for Milan, Injury Updates

Now let’s put things in perspective regarding this weekend.

We may have a mini-crisis on our hands, but at least we’re not Milan.

http://markting10.nl/

The Rossoneri have had a dismal start to the season, sitting in ninth place and running basically on Mario Balotelli fumes. And, as noted above, they will not have Balotelli on Sunday: He’ll serve the last of the three-game suspension meted out for his latest piece of insanity.

Unfortunately, Juve will also be missing two key players. According to Sky Sport (via Football Italia), Mirko Vucinic will sit out this weekend:

The Montenegro international limped out of the 2-2 draw with Galatasaray last night and tests are thought to have shown a left thigh strain. It is unclear at this stage how long the former Roma ace will be sidelined for.

Infinitely worse is the loss of Stephan Lichtsteiner, who “also picked up a muscle problem on Wednesday, but his condition will continue to be monitored.” He will surely sit out Milan, and as we saw on Wednesday, Mauricio Isla is no Stephan Lichtsteiner.

http://markting10.nl/

At the moment, Sky Sport is claiming that Simone Padoin might fill in for the Swiss Express. I know I’ve made light of Conte’s high esteem for Simone, but perhaps he might finally prove worthy of a Giaccherini-esque role as an unsung hero. On the other wing, Kwadwo Asamoah will start as usual.

In defense, Gigi Buffon will likely have his three stalwarts (who unfortunately have proven anything but reliable these days): Andrea Barzagli, Leonardo Bonucci and Giorgio Chiellini. In the midfield, Paul Pogba is likely to get a much-needed rest (20-year-olds get tired, too). Claudio Marchisio will take his spot alongside Andrea Pirlo and Arturo Vidal.

Though Carlos Tevez could probably use a rest for his body in general and his ankle in particular, he is likely to start alongside Fabio Quagliarella, who is close to a no-brainer due to his current form. Hopefully Fernando Llorente will get some playing time at some point, as he seems to be progressing nicely back to full fitness and really does provide tactical variety.

There is no excuse this weekend. Milan are weak even by their current standards due to the absence of Balotelli, while many of their best players are themselves recovering from assorted knocks. The best tonic for Juve’s recent woes would be a clean sheet and the kind of three-goal punishment doled out to a Serie A minnow.

And, it should go without saying:

No funny stuff, Alessandro Matri!


Rocchi Refs Milan Clash

Gianluca Rocchi of Tuscany will hold the whistle at Juventus Stadium on Sunday.

Which is good news for Juve. (I know — good news from Tuscany. Who would have thought?)

http://markting10.nl/

In Rocchi’s 22 Bianconeri matches, Juve have 16 wins, three draws and three losses — a favorable record even by their lofty standards. But more importantly, Rocchi presided over Juve’s most impressive win this season: the comprehensive 4-0 rout of Lazio in the Super Cup.

And Juve’s success under Rocchi extends specifically to recent meetings with Milan, as the official site notes:

In 2010, goals from Fabio Quagliarella and Alessandro Del Piero secured a 2-1 win at the San Siro, while two years previously, in 2008, Hasan Salihamidzic’s double and a solitary Del Piero effort claimed all three points in Turin.

So Rocchi’s assignment brings with it several benevolent signs — at a time when we need them desperately.

His linesmen will be Alessandro Giallatini and Andrea Padovan. Maurizio Liberti will be fourth official, but he’ll also act on behalf of both sides by fighting Inter trolls on Twitter.


Juve Out of Ideas?

Perhaps what is most alarming about Juve’s recent performances is the sense of utter exhaustion — in every sense of the word.

In literal terms, everyone looks very tired — no surprise there, as September and now October have seen a truly punishing schedule (not helped by Juve’s famously punishing training regimen). And tactically speaking, it seems as if everyone, even floundering sides with brand-new coaches, have figured out Conte’s tactics.

http://markting10.nl/

Worst of all, the sense of exhaustion extends to Conte’s resources. The signing of Carlos Tevez has proven to be an excellent one, but otherwise, with the occasional, match-saving exception of Quagliarella, the attack is far too often a toothless one. Whether due to injury or his usual wishy-washiness, Mirko Vucinic has nevertheless relinquished his position as Tevez’s No. 1 striking partner, and the other potential candidates have either struggled to get on the pitch, or struggled to impress once on it. Meanwhile, the ongoing injuries to Simone Pepe and the club’s failure to buy a true winger force Conte to stick with a predictable 3-5-2 until at least January.

Antonio Conte said as much after Galatasaray (via Juventus.com):

Changing something to catch the opposition by surprise is something that can be done during a game. But we’ve only got Pepe in the squad who would enable us to adopt a 4-3-3 system. Based on the players available, you look to go for the formation that can get the best out of them.

While his basic position is understandable, his comments seem to imply that he doesn’t feel it’s worth it to experiment at all. He may be nonplussed with the lack of options given him this year, but why not take a hint from the squad’s strengths? Why not fool around with things, at least in training, if the alternative is simply more of the same?

Despite their defensive-midfield origins, Paul Pogba and Arturo Vidal are two serious attacking threats. If Conte was so quick to play Marchisio out of position in an advance role, why not consider either Pogba or Vidal in the same role? Once Claudio is fully fit, could he and Pogba not make up for the loss of Vidal in the midfield — or better yet, could Claudio and Arturo not support Pogba in an advanced role? Why not experiment for a half one of these matchdays?

http://markting10.nl/

The problem might be that things actually can be worse: Instead of drawing, we could be losing.

Antonio-Conte-kicks-jvuentus-ballConte seems to know as much, which may influence his reluctance to do something potentially reckless (like a makeshift 4-3-3 featuring a converted midfielder as part of the attacking trident, or a straight 4-3-3 which might leave the midfield vulnerable). No one wants to lose, especially Conte, but maybe his reluctance to take a risk and devise a new tactical troubleshoot is actually hurting the club.

The other problem might be that he’s simply running his players ragged. This is harder to ascertain, since we’re not at training sessions (well, all but 300-400 of us), and again, this early schedule would be incredibly taxing for any squad, much less a squad trained by Conte. We could wish that maybe a striker or two could ease off on the pressing, saving some energy for things like shot accuracy, but then Conte’s overall system wouldn’t work.

http://markting10.nl/

What’s clear, even beyond mitigating circumstances such as “unusually” conceded goals, injuries and packed schedules, is that Juve are currently not a versatile squad. Perhaps a totally fit Fernando Llorente will help by establishing an aerial threat (as used to great effect on Wednesday evening), but he needs to be fit first. In the meantime, some little tweak is needed.

Despite what he tells the media, Conte’s distaste not only for losing, but for not winning, will soon force him to make a change.

We can trust him to make the right one, because we know him too well.

Even his famous stubbornness will not hold out against the prospect of further glory.


Previous Milan Encounters in Turin

If the choice of referee is a good omen for this weekend (see above), then the city and venue should provide even more good fortune for the Bianconeri.

Juventus have a solid history of Milan domination in Turin, one which most recently includes two straight wins at Juventus Stadium. From the official site:

These triumphs came courtesy of Claudio Marchisio’s late double in 2011/12 and Arturo Vidal’s perfectly placed penalty last time out in Turin.

http://markting10.nl/

Moreover, the Bianconeri’s Milanese mastery has been marked by long streaks of victories:

The record of seven consecutive wins was achieved back in the 1930s, but in more recent times Juventus have gone four games with a maximum haul of points, from 1978 to 1983 and 1999 to 2002.

The first sequence of victories began in 1978/79 with a second minute Roberto Bettega goal in a game that is now also famous for Marco Tardelli’s foul on Gianni Rivera practically direct from the kick off, surely the fastest free-kick in history.

It was again Roberto “Bobby-gol” Bettega who decided the next match-up between the two sides, a 2-1 success against the then reigning champions of Italy.

http://markting10.nl/

Milan’s subsequent demotion to the second tier meant the teams didn’t meet again until 1982, but it proved well worth the wait a hat-trick from an irrepressible Giuseppe Galderesi, affectionately known by the fans as “Nanu”, downed the visitors 3-2.

Capping off the run of four consecutive success were Michael Platini and Paolo Rossi, whose goals edged out the Rossoneri in a 2-1 victory for Giovanni Trapattoni’s men on 9 October 1983.

The next streak began in November 1999, when Zinedine Zidane’s own goal was cancelled out by Antonio Conte’s header and Darko Kovacevic followed future Milan player Filippo Inzaghi’s strike with a looping header to make it three.

The following year, the Bianconeri’s supremacy was even clearer when they ran out 3-0 winners thanks to Igor Tudor, Inzaghi and Zidane. The Frenchman’s goal was a moment of magic, a deft chip over the Milan goalkeeper pulled off at speed on the right flank.

http://markting10.nl/

Only at the turn of the millennium did Milan muster up some fierce competition in Turin. Still, Juve were triumphant in the long run:

The 2001/02 edition produced a much more evenly-contested affair. With the Bianconeri in the midst of an epic Serie A revival that would eventually see them overtake Inter on 5 May, they overcame their opponents thanks to a back-heeled own goal from Jose Chamot.

The final win in that streak was the 2-1 of 2002/03, one of the most inspiring triumphs in Marcello Lippi’s reign as Juventus boss. Marco Di Vaio put the hosts in front and Lilian Thuram doubled the advantage, with a two-goal cushion enough to render Andrea Pirlo’s penalty a mere consolation.

The signs are unmistakable: This should be the weekend that Juve snap out of their funk and reclaim their rightful place as the kings of Serie A, and by extension one of the best clubs in Europe.

All that’s left is to actually do it.

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

[Socrates 8541]

JUVENTUS - MILAN

October 6, 2013 8:45 PM
Juventus Stadium — Turin
Referee: Gianluca Rocchi

Juventus v AC Milan probable line-ups

Oct 5, 2013

Following their respective draws in the Champions League last week, Juventus and AC Milan return to Serie A duty this weekend with a clash in Turin.

http://markting10.nl/

These sides have met 78 times in Turin with Juventus having won 36 times in comparison with 21 draws while the Rossoneri have left with the win on 21 occasions.

In the last five contests there has never been a draw with the Bianconeri winning three and Milan leaving with the points twice.

Mirko Vucinic and Stephan Lichtsteiner are set to miss out with niggles while Fabio Quagliarella is in ahead of Fernando Llorente.

Robinho and Alessandro Matri start in attack and are essentially the only fit and suspension-free strikers the Rossoneri have at their disposal.

http://markting10.nl/

Juventus: Buffon, Barzagli, Chiellini, Bonucci, Isla, Pogba, Pirlo, Vidal, Asamoah, Quagliarella, Tevez.

AC Milan: Abbiati, Abate, Mexes, Zapata, Emanuelson, Poli, De Jong, Muntari, Montolivo, Matri, Robinho.

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

[Socrates 8541]

JUVENTUS - MILAN

October 6, 2013 8:45 PM
Juventus Stadium — Turin
Referee: Gianluca Rocchi

Allegri: 'Juventus are still the title favourites'

Oct 5, 2013

AC Milan coach Massimiliano Allegri has insisted that Juventus are still favourites for the Serie A title.

http://markting10.nl/

Juve have face criticism for their recent performances despite remaining unbeaten so far this season.

Allegri, whose Milan side travel to Juventus tomorrow, believes that the title favourites remain a very strong side.

"I don't think Antonio Conte's team can be regarded as being in crises following their draw with Galatasary," Allegri told reporters. "They always play a great brand of football.

"I think Juve have the same characteristics as they did both two months ago and last year, as far as I'm concerned they remain favourites for the Scudetto.

http://markting10.nl/

"We'll need to battle on the field of play and I think we'll see a great game tomorrow night."

Milan travel to the Juventus Stadium at 8.45pm on Sunday.

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

[Socrates 8541]

JUVENTUS - MILAN

October 6, 2013 8:45 PM
Juventus Stadium — Turin
Referee: Gianluca Rocchi

Juventus vs. AC Milan Preview:
Round 7 — Dancing with the Devils

Oct 5, 2013

Juventus isn't playing well. Milan isn't playing well. It doesn't take a football insider to figure out that those two sentences are, in fact, true. Each team has their own respective problems, some that can be fixed, while others weren't signed this summer and are currently sitting in Russia waiting for their contract to expire in January so they can move to Serie A.

http://markting10.nl/

I digress. Back to the topic at hand.

Juventus may be struggling, but they enter the weekend's action only two points away from the top of the table. Milan, on the other hand, are struggling and are still suck in the middle of the league table and haven't even cracked double digits in points on the season yet. Two different scenarios, each with their own unique twists and turns and will obviously continue — or end — in different kinds of ways.

What do they have in common? Well, they'll be playing tomorrow night at Juventus Stadium, for one. And when it comes to the clash of the Italian football titans, form doesn't always matter. Just look at the first time the two teams met last season — Juventus were riding high after beating Chelsea in Turin and then laid a complete egg at the San Siro.

And what do ya know, Juve are coming off a Champions League game again. But this time, they're coming off an incredibly disappointing result rather than, as The Rock would say, putting boots to asses and dominating the then-defending European champions in front of a raucous Juventus Stadium crowd.

http://markting10.nl/

So maybe this is the game that Juventus need to snap back into some kind of shape before we all head into the two-week international break. It'd be nice to talk about Juve doing something nice for the first time in a couple weeks. Lord knows it'd also be nice not to have the desire to smash my head against a wall. (Yes, the same wall I mentioned during those whacky post-Galatasaray shenanigans.)

But this isn't all about me. This is about Juventus trying to get a win against one of its biggest rivals. There, that's more like it. Juventus vs. Milan: Maybe not getting the same amount of hype as previous editions, but still important. That sounds good to me.

On with the show.


GOOD NEWS

I'll get back to you on that.


BAD NEWS

Milan will get a penalty in the 92nd minute. It won't be deserved, but they will be awarded one by the referee. Juventus players will swarm him in protest to no end. Mario Balotelli, who nobody knew actually made the trip to Turin, will come out of the stands in some kind of whacky outfit, step up to the penalty spot, and then give the lead two seconds before the final whistle is blown.

Or something like that.


WHAT TO WATCH FOR

1. Who starts alongside Carlos Tevez?

This is becoming a regular thing, isn't it? Maybe we should look at the candidates.

Fernando Llorente: It took the big Spaniard all of about a minute to come close to getting a goal against Galatasaray on Wednesday night. That was just the beginning of another step forward in his adaptation to Italian football. He obviously isn't close to being in top form, but he's showing glimpses of the productive player we saw all those years with Athletic Bilbao. The process and acclimation was never going to be a quick one, but it's nice to see it actually begin to happen in front of our eyes.

http://markting10.nl/

Fabio Quagliarella: Mr. Champions League had what looked to be the game-winning goal until Juventus' defense forgot to, well, defend a minute after Juve took the lead. Whenever he has been on the field this season he has produced. Okay, so maybe not all the time, but a good portion of it. He's earned the chance to get more playing time and he's done it the way you like to see — taking advantage of the playing time Antonio Conte has given him thus far.

Decisions, decisions, Mr. Conte.

2. The impact of one Claudio Marchisio.

There will always be the argument about just how important Claudio Marchisio is to Juventus. And there will always the argument about why Paul Pogba should start over Marchisio. But the fact that Juventus struggled in a sans-Principino midfield against Galatasaray on Wednesday shows that maybe, just maybe, Marchisio is as important as some of us around here think he is. Pogba has played as much as anybody this season and has been the one player who hasn't been rotated out for a rest by Conte this season. Sunday night might be that game, as some are predicting. And if it is, I'm going to go out on a limb and say the left side of Juventus' midfield and defense plays a little bit better than it did on Wednesday.

3. Who will start on the right wing?

If he was healthy, Stephan Lichtsteiner would start and there would be no second guessing whatsoever. But because he had to come off at the break against Galatasaray and is looking like a doubt for tomorrow night. That means it's either Mauricio Isla coming off one of the worst games of his career as Lichtsteiner's replacement or Mr. Ordinary Simone Padoin on the right flank. Those options are...uninspiring? Maybe you've got a better way to describe it. All I know is that I wouldn't be opposed to Padoin playing from the start after the way Isla proved to be completely worthless against Galatasaray. Maybe he'll even be able to put in a couple decent crosses or two. That'd be nice for a change.

http://markting10.nl/

4. Stupid refereeing decisions.

Why? Because the Vegas odds aren't going to be a good investment when it comes to something happening. It's Italy and the refs are terrible. What a perfect time to have it magnified even that more than during Juventus-Milan match.

5. How Milan will survive without Mario Balotelli.

With all of Milan's issues this season, they could always hang their hat on Super Mario doing something — good, or bad. But as we know, there will be no Mario Balotelli because of his latest dust-up and subsequent suspension. That means our old friend Alessandro Matri, who hasn't had the best of starts to his second go-around at the San Siro, will get the start as Milan's prima punta. While I'm still a fan of Matri, it's pretty easy to say that he's no Balotelli. And with Stephan El Shaarawy also out of the lineup, who knows what Milan's attack is actually capable of at this point.

http://markting10.nl/

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

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

[Socrates 8541]

JUVENTUS - MILAN

October 6, 2013 8:45 PM
Juventus Stadium — Turin
Referee: Gianluca Rocchi

Tactical battle of wits between two old foes

Oct 5, 2013

Between them Juventus and AC Milan have won the last three Scudetti in Italy. The two coaches -- Antonio Conte and Massimiliano Allegri -- have achieved remarkable feats with small clubs outside of Serie A and the giants of the top-flight and the two squads are both capable of the remarkable and the frustrating.

http://markting10.nl/

The Rossoneri take on the Bianconeri in Turin on Sunday evening in what should be a tactical battle of wits between two old foes. Whilst the Juventus are considered the domestic heroes of Italy, Milan have always been the country's greatest representatives in Europe.

Yet they are both experiencing a delicate moment as of late. This Juve lacks that purposeful edge and unpredictability to their game and Milan have seemingly lost their identity, playing a game more focused around neutralising threats than imposing their own style of play.

With only eight points collected from six games, the Rossoneri are still trying to find their feet -- something we expect from Allegri led sides. Only when in charge of Sassuolo, in Serie C1 at the time, did the man from Livorno manage a perfect start to the campaign. The following year, when in charge of Cagliari, Allegri picked up four straight defeats.

http://markting10.nl/

In the first four games of each season, one has come to expect at least one defeat when Allegri is in charge. Points are always hard to collect initially for the tactician, who takes his time to find the right tactics and balance to win the games. So far this season, he has already tried out three different formations and suffered two defeats.

Meanwhile, Conte stays faithful to his tactics and has clear ideas from the start on how his side should be deployed. What his team lack in cohesion at the start of their seasons, they make up with determination. Pre-seasons are focused on building stamina and teaching desired patterns of play.

So what is the difference between Allegri and Conte? "Conte is more obsessed with tactics and a great motivator but Allegri has more of a relationship with his players and seeks dialogue," Alessandro Matri, the striker who has played under both men, told Gazette dello Sport.

Conte is indeed a man who loves nothing more than to light the fire under his players and bully an intense performance out of each member of his squad. He is vivacious, incredibly demanding and easily disappointed. No man in the club has a bigger personality than the Juventus coach.

http://markting10.nl/

Yet despite the undefeated tag, his squad are not quite clicking. Gianluigi Buffon is now capable of misjudging situations – a weakness he never shown before; Arturo Vidal seems inconsistent while Claudio Marchisio is sorely missed in midfield.

What was beautiful about the Old Lady was her fast runs and timely insertions from midfield. Mobility was one of the Bianconeri's greatest assets, as was the solid defence, perfectly secured by the hard-working midfield. Yet now their attack offers less variety, their methods easily predicted and neutralised and their players capable of individual errors.

Milan are surely concocting a strategy to contain the Bianconeri pressure. This season, they have relied on playing a patient and cautious game at the start of their matches up until they notice the opposition tiring. It is then, when space is more easily relinquished, that the Rossoneri impose their strength and steal vital points.

http://markting10.nl/

Maturity will be key. If Juve can remain concentrated for the full 90 minutes, plus stoppage time, they will frustrate their opponents and achieve the win.

Defensively, both sides are suffering. Whilst both Buffon and those three centre-backs have suffered moments of madness to concede some odd goals this season, Milan are frightful when asked to defend a corner. The Rossoneri have conceded six headed goals so far this season as the side struggle to portray understanding in the box. Confused as to what they are meant to do and who they are supposed to mark, this is one area Juve must exploit.

It is therefore important that Fernando Llorente plays some minutes to target the Milanese weaknesses, but according to reports, Conte will opt to start Carlos Tevez alongside Fabio Quagliarella. The latter has come in for some criticism from the fans, who argue that the team play with a man down when he's on the field. However, he is the only one to have understood how to exploit Gala's deficiencies in the Champions League – playing between the lines and operating in the large gap between the Turks' midfield and defensive lines. He was therefore the one who continuously slipped under the radar and not marked as closely, scored Juve's second goal.

http://markting10.nl/

Marchisio will also return to the side and Stephan Lichtsteiner, who suffered an injury, will be rested, allowing Simone Padoin to take his place instead of the woeful Mauricio Isla.

It will be tactical and it will be tough but let's hope the battle will also be entertaining on Sunday evening.

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

[Socrates 8541]

JUVENTUS - MILAN

October 6, 2013 8:45 PM
Juventus Stadium — Turin
Referee: Gianluca Rocchi

Milan squad for Juventus

Oct 5, 2013

Riccardo Saponara is in Milan’s squad travelling to the Juventus Stadium, though Mario Balotelli is still banned.

http://markting10.nl/

Under-21 international Saponara is fit again, but the absentee list remains extensive with Balotelli continuing his three-match ban for insulting the referee.

Missing out are Kaka, Stephan El Shaarawy, Valter Birsa, Mattia De Sciglio, Daniele Bonera, Giampaolo Pazzini, Jherson Vergara and Matias Silvestre.

Coach Massimiliano Allegri has already confirmed Robinho and Alessandro Matri will start.


Milan squad for Juventus: Abbiati, Amelia, Gabriel, Abate, Constant, Mexes, Zaccardo, Zapata, Emanuelson, De Jong, Montolivo, Muntari, Nocerino, Poli, Saponara, Matri, Niang, Robinho

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

[Socrates 8541]

JUVENTUS - MILAN

October 6, 2013 8:45 PM
Juventus Stadium — Turin
Referee: Gianluca Rocchi

Juventus duo miss Milan

Oct 5, 2013

Mirko Vucinic and Stephan Lichtsteiner have not recovered in time to play Juventus-Milan tomorrow night.

http://markting10.nl/

Vucinic and Lichtsteiner both hobbled off during the first half of Wednesday’s 2-2 Champions League draw with Galatasaray.

Neither player is fit for tomorrow night, joining Martin Caceres and Simone Pepe on the sidelines.


Juventus squad for Milan: Buffon, Chiellini, Ogbonna, Pogba, Marchisio, Tevez, De Ceglie, Giovinco, Peluso, Llorente, Barzagli, Motta, Bonucci, Padoin, Pirlo, Asamoah, Vidal, Quagliarella, Storari, Isla, Rubinho

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

[Socrates 8541]

JUVENTUS - MILAN

October 6, 2013 8:45 PM
Juventus Stadium — Turin
Referee: Gianluca Rocchi

Allegri bemoans 'unfair' Milan criticism

The Rossoneri coach believes that, despite the sub-standard start to the season,
the club can turn around their fortunes at Juventus on Sunday.

Oct 5, 2013

Massimilano Allegri believes that recent criticism of AC Milan and Juventus has been "unfair" ahead of Sunday's clash in Turin.

http://markting10.nl/

The Rossoneri have struggled in Serie A in 2013-14 and sit eighth in the division heading into gameweek seven - eight points behind Antonio Conte's men - while the Bianconeri have been criticised for drawing their opening two Champions League ties to Copenhagen and Galatasaray.

Allegri, 46, has no doubt that his players can perform when up against the Scudetto winners and revealed, in Mario Balotelli's suspension-induced absence, that Robinho and ex-Juve striker Alessandro Matri will start up front.

"I am utterly sure the lads are up to the task, then the result depends on many elements," Allegri told reporters on Saturday. "It is not a test for us, but a fascinating game between two teams who are separated by eight points.

http://markting10.nl/

"At the moment, there has been unfair criticism of both Juventus and Milan.

"The two who start in attack will be Alessandro Matri and Robinho. Matri is just missing a goal, as he was unlucky, but we hope tomorrow he can find the breakthrough."

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

[Socrates 8541]

JUVENTUS - MILAN

October 6, 2013 8:45 PM
Juventus Stadium — Turin
Referee: Gianluca Rocchi

Juventus criticism predictable - Conte

The Bianconeri boss is unsurprised by the fact that just a couple of weeks after being
labelled 'unstoppable' by the Italian press, his side's quality is now being questioned.

Oct 5, 2013

Antonio Conte has bemoaned the fickle nature of Juventus' critics ahead of Sunday's Serie A showdown with AC Milan.

http://markting10.nl/

The Bianconeri currently lie in third place on 16 points, just two adrift of league leaders AS Roma.

Yet whilst Conte’s men remain unbeaten this season, the media have taken aim at Juventus’ poor performances in the Champions League, with the Turin outfit having drawn their first two games in Group B, against Copenhagen and Galatasaray.

"We seem to be in this situation where if we don’t win then people say we’re worthless, but I understand that," Conte told reporters on Sunday.

"We are well aware that we can always improve, especially at the start of the season, but the same people panicking now are the ones who a few weeks ago said we’d be unstoppable."

http://markting10.nl/

The Bianconeri boss also insisted that he is more than happy with the club’s continental displays.

"In Europe, we have had more shots on goal than any other team, which is an important and positive statistic," he reasoned.

"There were a few too many individual errors, but these things can happen. I have faith in my lads.”

Although Milan are currently ninth in Serie A this season, Conte believes that Massimiliano Allegri's men can still challenge for the league title.

"This will certainly be a match between two teams who can take the Scudetto," he argued.

"The Rossoneri have an excellent group of players who have belief in their qualities and for three seasons have been consistently at the top of Italian football."

Juve's eagerly-awaited meeting with Milan in Turin is scheduled to kick off at 20:45CET.

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

[Socrates 8541]

JUVENTUS - MILAN

October 6, 2013 8:45 PM
Juventus Stadium — Turin
Referee: Gianluca Rocchi

Juventus vs. Milan PREVIEW –
Who Has More To Prove?

Oct 5, 2013

To varying degrees both Juventus and Milan were expected to be two of the main protagonists for the Scudetto this season, and to varying degrees both had not gotten off to the starts they had hoped to. Yes with 6 games in the books, Juve are still in steady shape. They will need a win to remain within a game of first place Roma, who have been the surprise thus far of the season. Milan, meanwhile have stuttered quite a bit, and sit precariously in 10th place with a mere 8 of 24 points captured.

http://markting10.nl/

And just like that, Juventus welcome their old nemeses Milan to the Juventus Stadium for another crucial match. This will be the fifth Serie A match-up between bosses Antonio Conte and Massimiliano Allegri since the former took the wheel for the Old Lady two seasons ago. Unlike their first meeting back in 2011, also during the first week of October and also at the Juventus Stadium, Allegri will be looking to right his ship rather than defend his title.


Juventus

Despite the skeptical tone of the preceding paragraphs, the Bianconeri still very much have their destiny in their own hands. The issue is that they are fortunate that this is the case, and are coming off a very difficult, downright disheartening couple of weeks. Yes, since a difficult draw against Inter at the San Siro, Juventus have won their next three league games. Each one, however, was against an inferior opponent, and not without any controversy or difficulty.

Amid reports of being unsettled, Spanish international striker Fernando Llorente made his debut against Hellas Verona a fortnight ago in style, but was unable to keep up that form in the way of goals despite some positive yet somewhat sporadic performances. Juventus would go onto earn a come-from-behind 2-1 victory against Hellas at home, before traveling to Verona and fortuitously earning another come-from-behinder, then winning a narrow 1-0 battle away to Torino — all of this with mere days in between. As evidenced from the results, the team’s form has left much to be desired. In particular, the rate of goals being leaked has been troubling and called a potential lack of concentration in defense into question. Perhaps more disappointing for tifosi, the team’s Champions League bugaboo continued in the form of a second consecutive (and potentially fatal) slow start in the competition.

http://markting10.nl/

Making matters worse than the disappointing midweek draw against Galatasaray is the fact that Mirko Vucinic and Stephan Lichtsteiner were lost in the process. They join Martin Caceres and Simone “hey, remember me?” Pepe on the unavailable list. While a match with a big stage such as versus Milan might be the perfect setting to hand Llorente another start, particularly considering the defensive struggles of i rossoneri, it appears that Fabio Quagliarella will get the nod having earned it with a positive midweek performance. Replacing Lichtsteiner will be a bigger question mark, however. Mauricio Isla has been the top second-choice to the Swiss Express, and has performed well thus far despite a difficult 2012-13 which almost saw him sold over the past Summer. However in light of his midweek Champions League performance, in which he was arguably the reason for Juventus dropping two crucial points, giornalaccio rosa suggests it will be Simone “Oh God, you can’t be serious” Padoin instead.

Probable Formation: (3-5-2) Buffon; Chiellini, Bonucci, Barzagli; Asamoah, Marchisio, Pirlo, Vidal, Isla; Quagliarella, Tevez

http://markting10.nl/

MILAN

Milan, meanwhile, have had an even more difficult time than Juventus. Mirroring last year’s poor start practically to a T, they earned a full three points for just the second time in Serie A last weekend versus Sampdoria, followed by a drab draw with Ajax midweek in their own Champions League campaign — a draw which would be salvaged by Mario Balotelli. Many of Milan’s advocates during pre-season were quick to comfort themselves in the fact that since the arrival of Balotelli last winter Milan surged, and were looking forward to a full season from the undoubtedly talented striker. However for this week at least Balotelli remains suspended since apparently the FIGC frowns upon threatening to commit murder on a referee to his face (aka an obvious anti-Milan conspiracy). Which means that an old friend will be leading the attack against Juventus.

Probable Formation: (4-3-1-2) Abbiati; Constant, Mexes, Zapata, Zaccardo; Muntari, DeJong, Poli; Montolivo; Matri, Robinho

http://markting10.nl/

While one positive from Torino was the fact that a clean sheet was at least accomplished again, the defensive perfection would last just a matter of days. Already reeling from the Curse of Lars which began with Nordsjælland last Fall, and continued at FC Copenhagen, on Wednesday Juventus nearly took a positive result out of Turkish giants and Roberto Mancini. Having to once again play from behind due to a defensive error, Juventus went onto take a late 2-1 lead thanks to a penalty win and late goal from Quagliarella. The euphoria and hopes that the team was getting its Champions League back on track with a badly-needed three points against a tough opponent at home would last mere seconds however, as the defensive lapses would continue.

This match is thus crucial for Juve, who will hope to simultaneously get their Champions League campaign back on track, while trying to keep within striking distance of Roma — two large feats considering their next UCL match is at Madrid, as well as the scintillating form of Roma.

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

[Socrates 8541]

JUVENTUS - MILAN

October 6, 2013 8:45 PM
Juventus Stadium — Turin
Referee: Gianluca Rocchi

Juventus-AC Milan Betting Preview:
Expect attacking absentees to ensure a game of few goals

Massimiliano Allegri takes his inconsistent side to Turin without a number
of his first-choice strikeforce, and Al Hain-Cole expects this to make for a low-scoring clash.

Oct 6, 2013

Juventus will be looking to bounce back from their late Champions League disappointment against Galatasaray when they welcome AC Milan to Turin in Sunday’s high-profile Serie A clash.

http://markting10.nl/

The Italian champions dropped two points for the second time in two European games after conceding a late equaliser to Roberto Mancini’s outfit on Wednesday, but are 4/7 (1.57) favourites with Paddy Power to put that behind them with a sixth league victory in seven this season.

The Rossoneri had a late goal of their own to thank for their 1-1 draw away to Ajax on Tuesday, but with no wins in five competitive away matches this season, they are underdogs at 5/1 (6.00) to collect a first victory at the Juventus Stadium since it opened in 2011.

Massimiliano Allegri's men have drawn four of those five away games and are available at 29/10 (3.90) to earn themselves a share of the spoils in this game.

http://markting10.nl/

Allegri had Mario Balotelli to thank once again for his side's point in Amsterdam, as the mercurial striker won a debatable last-minute penalty before despatching it himself with trademark aplomb.

That rescue act only served to underline how badly the former Manchester City man will be missed in Turin, as he serves the last of a three-match domestic ban incurred for insulting a referee in characteristically-truculent style following the defeat to Napoli.

The coach's selection headache is made even more profound by the absence through injury of fellow attackers Kaka, Valter Birsa and Stephan El Shaarawy, making the job of breaking down a solid home defence even more daunting.

http://markting10.nl/

Although some question marks hang over La Vecchia Signora’s defending recently, they have still conceded just seven in their last 15 Serie A games on home soil, and recent history between these sides suggests goals will be few and far between on Sunday.

A bet on under 2.5 goals would have paid out in six of the last eight competitive encounters between the sides and offers unmissable value at 11/10 (2.10) considering Milan's attacking absentees, particularly as Juventus have only once scored more than two goals in their last 18 league games.

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

[Socrates 8541]

JUVENTUS - MILAN

October 6, 2013 8:45 PM
Juventus Stadium — Turin
Referee: Gianluca Rocchi

Montolivo: 'Being Milan captain...'

Oct 6, 2013

Riccardo Montolivo admits being Milan captain brings “great responsibility” and trusts Alessandro Matri will score against Juventus.

http://markting10.nl/

“Matri promised us a goal since the first day he arrived here,” Montolivo told Sport Mediaset.

“We have great faith in him, as he has always scored goals in his career, so why shouldn’t he continue at Milan?

“Being captain of Milan is an important role that brings great responsibility. It was a decision made by the locker room and the club to give the armband to me.”

http://markting10.nl/

Mario Balotelli is suspended due to his three-match ban for insulting the referee.

“Opponents often go over the top with him, but he too needs to be smart and not fall into the trap of provocation,” noted Montolivo.

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

[Socrates 8541]

JUVENTUS - MILAN

October 6, 2013 8:45 PM
Juventus Stadium — Turin
Referee: Gianluca Rocchi

Juventus v AC Milan: What is all the fuss about?

Oct 6, 2013

A massive game in the Italian calendar, history has seen some titanic meetings between Juventus and AC Milan. However, in last seasons Serie A encounters, both games were decided on a single penalty: Robinho giving the Diavolo the early season win and Arturo Vidal returning the favour later in the campaign. Though a victory for Juventus seems on the cards, it remains a very unpredictable fixture.

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Both sides are universally recognised for their achievements. Juventus are the nations most successful club with 29 Serie A titles, while Milan sit proudly with their seven Champions League trophies. Teams with very different appetites. In the 2003 Champions League final, AC Milan were the eventual victors over Juventus in a nail-biting penalty shootout.

For the Rossoneri it’s always been about the European trophy, but Juventus have always looked to deliver the Scudetto for their fans each season. After a slumped period where the Old Lady appeared to have lost their killer edge, they have returned to dominate Serie A once again; with the third star for the Juventus badge with in touching distance. With this in mind, you would expect the Turin giants to have the greater desire to bulldoze through their opposition and assert their authority over their rivals.

Looking back at the Champions League final, the squads at each teams’ disposal look very different. Veterans Gianluigi Buffon and Christian Abbiati are the only players remaining from the squad that ventured to Old Trafford ten years ago. For Juventus, they could argue they have a far stronger squad than they had in 2003, with their recent league form providing the necessary evidence.

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Modern day Juventus uses three defenders at the back rather than the more contemporary four that both teams opted for during the final. Lilian Thuram and Edgar Davids were difficult players to replace, but many Juventini will see Giorgio Chiellini and Arturo Vidal as excellent players capable of bettering those their predecessors.

For the Rossoneri, the team that lifted the prestigious trophy that night will be one they will desperately want back. Unlike their opponents, Milan’s squad appears bereft of quality and is a far cry from the dominant side that lit up Manchester that evening. Even if the current squad was fully-fit it couldn’t hold a candle compared to a team boasting the likes of Alessandro Nesta, Andrea Pirlo and Andriy Shevchenko.

Mario Balotelli, who was on hand to give his side a draw in their Champions League away match to Ajax through a late penalty, will be absent through suspension. The 23-year old will be a big miss with Stephan El Shaarawy also a notable absentee through injury. Milan’s attacking options are limited to Alessandro Matri, who recently joined the club from Juventus for €11 million, Robinho and M’baye Niang. It would be fair to say the Milan attack has been blunted, but it remains to be seen whether the visitors will be looking to attack their opponents.

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AC Milan coach Massimiliano Allegri looks on during the match against Juventus in their Italian Serie A soccer match at Juventus stadium in TurinLooking at this from the perspective of the coaches, both will want the win, but Massimiliano Allegri would likely settle for a point at the Juventus Stadium. The Livorno man was content with the draw against Ajax and even went as far as saying his team played better than the Amsterdam club.

Some journalists believe Allegri was conserving his teams energy for this fixture, but even this uneventful fixture could not help to disguise Milan’s glaring issues in the final third. The simple fact is Milan did not fashion goal scoring opportunities.

The individual efforts of Balotelli cannot justify their attack because everything was so reliant on the former Manchester City striker creating something on his own. For most fans, the fragility of their defense is the main cause for concern, but unless they can threaten opponents in even the most basic of attacking moves, then the results will continue to turn sour.

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Juventus continue to dominate in the league, but like Milan, they have the coveted task of juggling European competitions with their domestic games. The Old Lady have been known to struggle, and their performance against Galatasaray supports this theory, whether the crowded fixture list has an effect will be known come Sunday night.

Milan head into this fixture with a weakened squad. Balotelli’s second booking against Napoli means they will be without seven players including Giampaolo Pazzini, El Shaarawy, Mattia De Sciglio and the club’s last signing, Kaka. Juventus on the other hand are missing just Martin Caceres, Simone Pepe and third-choice goalkeeper Rubinho, while Mirko Vucinic and Stephan Lichtsteiner will be examined following their substitutions against Galatasaray.

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Antonio Conte will be looking to continue the unbeaten run, but the Bianconeri have only faced quality opposition in the form of Inter so far this season, who managed a draw at the San Siro, so Juventus have yet to be truly tested so far. Milan have had yet another torrid start to the season, winning only twice in six Serie A games; with Napoli asserting their dominance early on this season with a 2-1 at the Stadio Giuseppe Meazza.

Many would expect, particularly with their lack of attacking options, that Milan will approach the game from a defensive mindset, while Juventus will begin what could become a merciless tirade of attacks over the ninety minutes. The emphasis is firmly on the hosts to take the three points, but there is always the chance of Milan causing an upset.

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

[Socrates 8541]

JUVENTUS - MILAN

October 6, 2013 8:45 PM
Juventus Stadium — Turin
Referee: Gianluca Rocchi

Statistics

Oct 6, 2013

JUVENTUS 3RD

Juventus have won 75%, drawn 15% and lost 10% of their last 20 home games.

Juventus have kept a clean sheet in 55% of their last 20 home games.

Juventus have failed to score in 5% of their last 20 home games.

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Juventus have scored exactly 1 goal in 7 of their last 20 home games, going on to win 3, draw 2 and lose 2 of these matches.

Juventus have scored exactly 1 goal in 35% of their last 20 home games.

Juventus have scored 1 goal or less in 8 of their last 20 home games, going on to win 3, draw 3 and lose 2 of these matches.

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Juventus have scored first in 85% of their last 20 home games.

In their last 20 home games, 53% of the 40 goals scored by Juventus have come from forwards, 43% from midfielders and 5% from defenders.

In their last 20 home games, 73% of the 11 goals conceded by Juventus have come from forwards, 18% from midfielders and 9% from defenders.

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MILAN 9TH

Milan have won 35%, drawn 45% and lost 20% of their last 20 away games.

Milan have kept a clean sheet in 25% of their last 20 away games.

Milan have failed to score in 10% of their last 20 away games.

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Milan have scored exactly 1 goal in 6 of their last 20 away games, going on to win 2, draw 3 and lose 1 of these matches.

Milan have scored exactly 1 goal in 30% of their last 20 away games.

Milan have scored 1 goal or less in 8 of their last 20 away games, going on to win 2, draw 4 and lose 2 of these matches.

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Milan have scored first in 45% of their last 20 away games.

In their last 20 away games, 61% of the 36 goals scored by Milan have come from forwards, 33% from midfielders and 6% from defenders.

In their last 20 away games, 40% of the 25 goals conceded by Milan have come from forwards, 48% from midfielders and 12% from defenders.

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

[Socrates 8541]

JUVENTUS - MILAN

October 6, 2013 8:45 PM
Juventus Stadium — Turin
Referee: Gianluca Rocchi

Juventus vs. AC Milan Preview

Oct 6, 2013

Reigning Italian champions Juventus will play host to European powerhouse AC Milan on Sunday in Turin in a match that could propel the winner to new heights in Serie A this season.

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Although Juve will be at a significant advantage playing at home and without fear of Mario Balotelli suiting up for the opposition, there's no question that the short-handed visitors will be game considering they're in dire need of a positive result this weekend.

Early-season losses to Hellas Verona and Napoli paired with draws with Torino and Bologna have Massimiliano Allegri's side desperate for answers.

Will they find them against Juve, or will Milan's woes continue?

With the stage set for a pivotal Seria A showdown, here is everything you need to know.

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Odds*:

Juventus: 51.4 percent

AC Milan: 23.6 percent

Draw: 24.9 percent

*Odds according to Bloomberg Sports


Top Storyline: No Balotelli, No Problem for Milan?

Milan have managed to stay afloat without dominating striker Mario Balotelli in the lineup in their past two Serie A matches, drawing against Bologna on the road and beating Sampdoria at home.

But Balotelli's three-match suspension means that Allegri won't have his mercurial star on Sunday against the defending Serie A champions. That could be a serious problem for Milan considering that Balotelli scored the club's only goal in its most recent match against Ajax in the Champions League earlier this week.

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Balotelli is also Milan's leading goal scorer in 2013-14, netting three goals in four Seria A appearances.

Attacking talents like Robinho and Andrea Poli have stepped up in Balotelli's absence recently, but goals will be extremely difficult to come by against Juventus, who have conceded just four in six matches and only two at home this season.

With Balotelli out the mix, Allegri will need to find scoring from somewhere else or risk coming away empty-handed.


Prediction

Though Milan are a dangerous team, it's never smart to pick against Juventus in Turin. The reigning champions won 14 of 19 Serie A matches at home last year (only Napoli won as many) and are 2-0-0 at Juventus Stadium to begin this season.

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With one of the world's top keepers in Gianluigi Buffon protecting the goal and a stout defense in front to assist him, you've got to love Juve's chances of winning their fourth straight Serie A match this weekend.

The two clubs traded 1-0 victories at home a season ago. Don't expect the scoreline to look all that different on Sunday night.

Juventus 2 - 1 AC Milan

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

[Socrates 8541]

JUVENTUS - MILAN

October 6, 2013 8:45 PM
Juventus Stadium — Turin
Referee: Gianluca Rocchi

Juventus vs. AC Milan:
Predictions for Top Stars in Action

Oct 6, 2013

AC Milan travels to Juventus on Sunday. Both teams have injury problems and will rely on big performances from their top stars.

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Milan hope to end the home side's unbeaten start to this year's Serie A campaign. There is currently an eight-point gap between the two clubs, which makes this fixture vital.

Below are three players who must step up in order to ensure victory for their respective sides. Each could be the spark that ignites the team. But not all will be able to summon the will.


Carlos Tevez (Juventus)

Carlos Tevez is Juve's top scorer this year with three goals, but he has failed to find the target in his last three matches. That stat doesn't matter as much as it would with other players because Tevez's contributions elsewhere make up for it.

The Argentinian has remarkable stamina and can often be seen falling back into midfield to help with the link-up play and give his teammates some assistance in developing an attacking move.

Carlos Tevez thought Serie A would be easy, now thinks it's the most difficult http://yhoo.it/16Kv7X2

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A good display from Tevez is essential if Juventus are to emerge victorious. He has shown no signs of disappointing during his short reign at the club.

Expect him to deliver in front of a home crowd and help widen the gap between the two sides.

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Riccardo Montolivo

Returning from injury in the 1-1 draw with Ajax, much will be demanded of Milan captain Riccardo Montolivo as he is welcomed back to Serie A action.

Montolivo is a key cog in the Milan machine. Without Mario Balotelli to rescue the side, it could fall upon the midfielder's shoulders as captain and creative engine.

Milan have conceded too many goals this season, and have been particularly poor from set pieces. If that continues, even a stellar captain's performance won't be enough to salvage a result from this fixture.

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Andrea Pirlo

As his career moves into its final stages, Andrea Pirlo has drifted back in the midfield to occupy a very Italian regista position at Juventus. Operating just in front of the back four, Pirlo still has the vision and skill to direct the attack and play a vital role in the Juve midfield.

It will likely fall to Nigel De Jong to try to reduce the impact of Pirlo on the game. Having coached him at Milan, Massimiliano Allegri will have some ideas about how to contain him.

Allegri: "We won't man-mark Pirlo tomorrow." #JuveMilan

Man-marking him seems the obvious answer, staying close and denying him room to pick apart the Milan defence. Pirlo has been absent in big games before, and was notably upstaged by Montolivo last year.

De Jong has perhaps the most important job on the field. If he can get the better of Pirlo, the game will be Milan's for the taking. Unfortunately, all it takes is one moment for Pirlo to split a couple of defenders with a pinpoint pass.

Expect the Italian master to take his opportunities.

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

[Socrates 8541]

JUVENTUS - MILAN

October 6, 2013 8:45 PM
Juventus Stadium — Turin
Referee: Gianluca Rocchi

Juventus vs. AC Milan:
Serie A Live Score, Highlights, Recap

Oct 6, 2013

Sunday evening sees undoubtedly the biggest game of the Serie A weekend, as Juventus take on AC Milan in Turin.

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Both sides came through midweek Champions League engagements with draws to show for their efforts, continuing somewhat lukewarm starts to their respective European campaigns.

At domestic level, however, reigning champions Juventus have continued to show their class—winning five of their opening six and drawing the other.

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A win will lift them back within two points of early pacesetters AS Roma, who won comfortably at Inter Milan on Saturday.

AC Milan will not make that easy for them, though—knowing that victory will elevate them from a midtable logjam up to the top six, helping them move on after an underwhelming start to the season. A defeat may only increase the pressure on Massimiliano Allegri.

The game kicks off at 8:45 p.m. CST (2:45 p.m. ET).

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