Juventus Season 2013-2014

[Socrates 8430]

JUVENTUS - NAPOLI

November 10, 2013 - 8:45 PM
Juventus Stadium — Turin
Referee: Gianluca Rocchi

Serie A Preview: Juventus v Napoli

Defending Serie A champions Juventus will be out to move above Napoli
into second place when the two sides meet in Turin on Sunday.

Nov 9, 2013

Antonio Conte's men are seeking their third consecutive Serie A title but, despite a superb start to the campaign, they sit just third in the table after the first 11 games.

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Napoli are above Juventus on goal difference, with both teams three points adrift of unbeaten league leaders Roma, who welcome struggling Sassuolo earlier on Sunday.

Juve have not lost a home league match against Napoli since 2009 and the hosts will likely look to top scorer Carlos Tevez to add to his tally of six league goals as they aim to extend that streak.

Attacking midfielder Arturo Vidal has also been in fine form, scoring five times in Serie A, while the recent performances of striker Fernando Llorente - a scorer in the 2-2 UEFA Champions League draw with Real Madrid in midweek - should also come as a boost to Conte.

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The Juve boss may be able to recall Montenegro international Mirko Vucinic to the squad for the first time since October 2 after a thigh injury, but Simone Pepe, Stephan Lichtsteiner and Fabio Quagliarella are unavailable with the same complaint.

Napoli are set to welcome back defender Christian Maggio following suspension, but Miguel Britos (collarbone), Camilo Zuniga and Giandomenico Mesto (both knee) miss out.

Gonzalo Higuain will look to continue his fine start to life at Napoli after scoring five league goals since his July move from Real Madrid, while attacking midfielders Jose Callejon and Marek Hamsik - who have each scored six times in Serie A this season - should be heavily involved.

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Juventus and Napoli have combined for 47 league goals so far this season, and visiting manager Rafael Benitez is anticipating an exciting game.

"I think it's going to be a fantastic game between two teams that are doing very well," Benitez said.

"Juventus are the defending champions and I believe they will have a slight advantage as they have one more day to prepare for the game than we do."

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

[Socrates 8430]

JUVENTUS - NAPOLI

November 10, 2013 - 8:45 PM
Juventus Stadium — Turin
Referee: Gianluca Rocchi

Benitez: Chiellini loss won't affect Juventus

The Spaniard believes the strength in depth at Antonio Conte's disposal will more
than make up for the loss of the defender when the sides clash on Sunday.

Nov 9, 2013

Napoli coach Rafael Benitez does not believe Giorgio Chiellini's absence will boost his side when they face Juventus on Sunday.

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Chiellini is expected to miss the clash at Juventus Stadium through injury, but Benitez feels the squad depth at Antonio Conte's disposal means the champions will not miss the Italy international.

He told reporters: "Juve have the strongest squad in the league, the absence of Chiellini doesn't change the balance.

"They have such strength in depth and Antonio Conte knows it, so they are the favourites for the Scudetto.

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"Having said that, we must play in a relaxed and confident manner, as we have faith in our own qualities.

"I expect a strong performance tomorrow, as I want to see the minds and the hearts of my players.

"Juventus are very strong, which is why we need stamina and intensity as well as the desire to do well. We will try to stop them any way they can and hurt the Bianconeri."

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Napoli bolstered their ranks in the week with the signing of free agent Anthony Reveillere, with the Frenchman set to provide cover for the injured Juan Zuniga and Giandomenico Mesto.

Although he remains some way short of match fitness, Benitez is confident the defender, who turns 34 this weekend, will prove a crucial addition to the squad at San Paolo.

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"We had a meeting and among the players available at the moment was Reveillere," he explained. "I knew the player and gave the all-clear to continue talks.

"He can give us a great deal and we have 15 days to get him back in shape. He has quality and can play on either flank."

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

[Socrates 8430]

JUVENTUS - NAPOLI

November 10, 2013 - 8:45 PM
Juventus Stadium — Turin
Referee: Gianluca Rocchi

Napoli cannot fail to win Scudetto, says Conte

The Italian coach had added further pressure on his opposite number in the dugout,
Rafa Benitez, insisting he must be successful this season with the amount invested in the squad.

Nov 9, 2013

Juventus coach Antonio Conte believes Napoli have no excuse for failing to win the Scudetto this season, ahead of their clash on Sunday.

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The pair sit level on points in second and third place in Serie A after strong starts to their respective campaigns, and both will be seeking victory in Turin to keep pace with leaders Roma.

However, Conte insists that Rafa Benitez's side are by far the strongest candidates in Italy to seize the league crown, after reinforcing with the likes of former Real Madrid players Gonzalo Higuain, Jose Callejon and Raul Albiol over the summer.

"They finished second, spent €90 million in the transfer market and I think Benitez is intelligent enough to realise that he won’t have achieved anything if Napoli don’t win the Scudetto,” the 44-year-old told reporters.

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"I’ve heard him say that Napoli are still at 75 per cent and that’s something that slightly concerns me. When they reach 100% they will be out of sight.

“Higuain cost €40m and that says all you need to know about him. We played Real Madrid [in the Champions League] and appreciated their technical level. Napoli have purchased three players from them."

The Bianconeri were in the race to snap Higuain up before opting for Manchester City's Carlos Tevez instead, and Conte revealed he harbours no regrets over that signing or Fernando Llorente.

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"Comparisons? They’re two formidable strikers," the Italian continued. "Higuain is a poacher and thrives in and around the box, while Carlos also enjoys assisting team-mates.

"I’m happy with our choices and I wouldn’t change anything. Fernando can and must improve and it’s down to him to continue with the professional approach he’s shown during this first part of the season.

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"Returning to the international fold could be an added motivation for him, along with the competition we’ve got here."

Tevez has enjoyed a prolific start to his Juventus career by scoring seven goals, while Llorente netted twice in his side's Champions League clashes against Madrid.

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

[Socrates 8430]

JUVENTUS - NAPOLI

November 10, 2013 - 8:45 PM
Juventus Stadium — Turin
Referee: Gianluca Rocchi

Juventus host Napoli in a fight for domestic dominance

Nov 9, 2013

After attempting to slay one dragon, Juventus are back to face their biggest rivals for the title on Sunday evening: Rafa Benitez's Napoli. A match worth 623 million euros, according to Tuttosport, "corresponding to the costs derived from the explosion of the reactor in Fukushima" they write. Well then, it better be a worthy spectacle.

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Arguably Serie A's two strongest sides, both Napoli and Juventus have been built to compete both in Europe and domestically. They boast experience, strength in depth and tacticians able to make the difference. More importantly, they are the two clubs making the money and spending it wisely in a bid to relaunch the name of Serie A.

While we will inevitably compare and contrast the quality within each side, this match will be seen as a chance to compare Argentine players Carlos Tevez with Napoli's Gonzalo Higuain. Both are considered leaders within their respective clubs, but with such different styles of play, it's difficult to conclude who has proved to be the better buy.

Higuain is a number 9, capable of working the channels with a phenomenal work and conversation rate. He works tirelessly for the squad, pressing centre-backs, pushing forward and troubling opposing defences. While he is the focus of the attack, he plays a key part in securing the defence. His consistent hunger at the top and the encouragement he gives to those around him help push the side forward and allow Napoli to adopt a high centre of gravity and remain compact and secure. He steals the ball in advantageous positions and then attempts to strike. With the opponent struggling to get rid of him, they in turn suffer in playing the ball out from the attack.

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Tevez is a more creative forward, one capable of a lethal finish but better able to construct exciting passages of play and assisting his teammates. His vision and individual skill has made all the difference while he has immediately grasped onto Antonio Conte's style of play and developed an understanding with those around him. At times, like against Real Madrid in Turin, he would benefit from more intelligent runs, but as Conte's consistent starter, he's rarely disappointed in the final third, partaking in practically every offensive move.

Yet this game is not only about its two target men but about arguably the two best sides in Serie A. Always an exciting and competitive fixture, Conte has stoked the fire further when he opted to issue a warning, "I hope that Benitez realises this year that if he doesn't win the Scudetto, he'll have achieved nothing."

While teams are certainly judged by the results they manage, we cannot say that Benitez has not achieved anything. Since 2004 Napoli have played with a three-man back-line and focused on similar tactics, wisely picking coaches that can continue playing a certain style of play to ensure a philosophy. Benitez's arrival marked a departure from the usual Neapolitan style of football as he looks to create a side willing to take the initiative and produce performances worthy of European trophies.

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They may still be fond of reactive tactics and counter-attacking play but the Spaniard has constructed a good quality side that can both dominate or retaliate. Better in possession and stronger defensively, the marked improvement in the quality of their game is largely down to tactical discipline and a more ruthless mentality.

The coach has also seamlessly integrated his new arrivals over the summer while the development of a certain Lorenzo Insigne is a thing of beauty. Previously selfish with the ball, too fond of dribbling and not always capable of the right decision despite his audacious skill, Benitez has turned him into a wise forward capable of quick releases, endless mobility and overwhelming movements.

This squad can attack via the wings, through intricate movements in the box or even score from long distance shots. In fact, 10 of their goals have arrived from long strikes due to the capability of a certain Marek Hamsik and Gokhan Inler who used to manage the same at Udinese as well.

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Of course, they do have their weaknesses and struggle against sides with pace and quick movements. With a slow centre-back duo, they are prone to being caught out of position. If Juventus were to increase the tempo and quicken the passes going forward, then Napoli will suffer.

It is also imperative that the Bianconeri pay extra attention to their defensive duties in the wide areas while remaining calm in their own attempts to play out from defence, regardless of how much pressure they will suffer from Higuain.

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Unfortunately, with Martin Caceres away on international duty, Stephan Lichtsteiner still absent and Giorgio Chiellini injured, Juventus will have to play a 3-5-2 formation, a tactical shape Conte insists is being played due to necessity and not desire.

Whatever the formation deployed, it's important the Bianconeri achieve a win at home as they have yet to win against a big club, whether that be Real Madrid, Fiorentina or Inter. A win against Benitez's side will ensure confidence and give Juve the three points they need to get that bit closer to rediscovering their domestic dominance.

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

[Socrates 8430]

JUVENTUS - NAPOLI

November 10, 2013 - 8:45 PM
Juventus Stadium — Turin
Referee: Gianluca Rocchi

Juventus vs. Napoli Preview:
Round 12 — Welcome to the main event

Nov 9, 2013

It may not have the same kind of pomp and circumstance as the game Juventus played earlier this week. It may not have the same kind of season-altering impact that Real Madrid coming to Turin might have had for the simple fact that it's not the Champions League group stages and Juve aren't entering with just two points in three games.

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You know what, though? Juventus-Napoli is pretty darn close.

It's Serie A's No. 2 team and...No. 2 team meeting in one heck of a matchup to head into the international break on. And if there was a team that was picked to challenge Juve's stint atop the Serie A mountain, it was Napoli and their summer full of spending the chest of millions upon millions of euros that came with selling Edinson Cavani to Paris Saint-Germain.

The result, through 11 games, has been the same amount of points (28), as both Juventus and Napoli find themselves entering Sunday's showdown in Turin looking up at the same team in the standings — Roma. Not exactly what everybody thought would happen in regards to who would be at the top of the table, but Juve and Napoli being in the top three isn't all that surprising.

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And now, barring Juve playing out their second consecutive draw, second place will belong to only one team come the end of 90 minutes at what is expected to be another loud and boisterous Juventus Stadium crowd. (I wouldn't expect anything less from them.)

Doesn't sound like a bad way to spend a Sunday night in Turin.

Well, if the result goes in favor of the guys who wear the black and white stripes, that is.

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GOOD NEWS

As disappointing as it was, there's no getting around how well Juve played against Real Madrid on Tuesday. And outside of the snooze fest at the Tardini against Parma, the way Juve has played between the first Madrid game and the return leg has to be encouraging. They received a whole lot of praise after Tuesday's 2-2 draw at Juventus Stadium, and rightfully so. Now it's time to keep the good run going.


BAD NEWS

The rumors are true. No Giorgio Chiellini, no Martin Caceres tomorrow night against Napoli. Add that to the consistent absence of Mirko Vucinic and Stephan Lichtsteiner ever since the last international break and you've got quite a few key pieces on the sidelines due to injury.

Dammit.

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WHAT TO WATCH FOR

1. Juventus' Argentinian striker vs. Napoli's Argentinian striker.

They were two of the biggest signings in Serie A this summer. Not in terms of their price tags, those were completely different. But Carlos Tevez and Gonzalo Higuain put to be the myth that big names don't want to play in Serie A anymore. And through the first three months of the season, they've lived up to the billing. Tevez has scored six goals, Higuain has scored five. That's not counting the impact each has made in the Champions League. When Juve and Napoli take the field Sunday night, the two Argentinian strikers will be under the microscope. That's pretty easy to figure out.

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2. How Angelo Ogbonna plays.

With no Chiellini, it's Ogbonna time on the left side of Juve's three-man defense. The last time he started a game, he was unintentionally trying to score a goal on Gigi Buffon just a few minutes after kickoff. He settled into the match after that, but it hasn't exactly been a seamless transition from one Turin club to the other for one of Juve's summer signings. Does all of this mean he's a bust? Of course not. Six appearances in a Juventus jersey is hardly the sample size to declare if Juve did or didn't waste a good chunk of money this summer. One thing is pretty clear: Ogbonna's getting another chance in a big game to show what he's worth. And that means no funny back passes that make Buffon panic.

3. Juventus' wingbacks vs. Napoli's fullbacks.

Looking at most predicted starting lineups, maybe it should read "Juventus' wingbacks vs. Napoli's wingbacks" for the simple fact that both Christian Maggio and Pablo Armero aren't really fullbacks. Both aren't exactly model examples of fullbacks for a four-man defense. Don't believe me, watch Maggio's highlight film from the Italian national team the last couple of years. That means Kwadwo Asamoah and Mauricio Isla — who looks set to start on the right — will be matched up against a couple of offense-first fullbacks. Sounds like a good matchup, right?

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4. The tactical battle between Antonio Conte and Rafa Benitez.

For one of the few times in Serie A this season, Juventus' manager won't be going up against a team that players some kind of variation of the 3-5-2 he helped make Italy's latest trend. Nah, Benitez is a 4-2-3-1 kind of guy, and that means Juve will be trying to breakdown a team that isn't like others in Italy. Sure, there's that whole thing about Napoli having good players inhibiting those spots on the field, but like any meeting between two very good managers, there's the battle within the battle. Then again, that tactical attle sounds like something Conte enjoys.

5. How the Real Madrid game impacts Juventus.

By the time there's kickoff at Juventus Stadium, Conte's squad would have had nearly five days away from an actual game. This time of year with the way the schedule has been set up, that's impressive. Not only was the Real Madrid game a tough one physically, it certainly was draining mentally. The biggest thing when it comes to Juventus is to see if they can raise themselves up emotionally just days after one of the biggest games of the season. Call it a hangover or whatever you want, but the game after the game might be just how — or how not — Conte's men are able to get psyched up again just days after Madrid's visit to Turin.

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

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

[Socrates 8430]

JUVENTUS - NAPOLI

November 10, 2013 - 8:45 PM
Juventus Stadium — Turin
Referee: Gianluca Rocchi

Juventus vs. Napoli PREVIEW –
Time to Send a Signal

Nov 9, 2013

After an impressive but unsatisfying home draw against Real Madrid this week, Juventus welcome another Madrid threat to the Juventus Stadium, as Rafa Benitez (a former Real Madrid player himself) brings old rivals Napoli up to Torino in a battle between 2nd and 3rd place.

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If you said before the season that Juventus and Napoli would be locked on points in early November, no one would’ve bat an eye. However, if you said the two sides would be both on 28 points tied for 2nd place, it might have provoked a few more Ancelotti-style raised eyebrows. Despite Roma only drawing one match thus far, Juventus and Napoli have kept an incredible pace to keep up with the capital club and currently only sit 3 points behind the Giallorossi.

While it’d be a much to say Roma is the team to beat for the Scudetto, they are legitimate Scudetto contenders and deservedly lead Serie A at this point. In some ways, tomorrow’s match between represents who will be tipped by the Italia media to lead the charge against Roma’s dominance. Tomorrow will decide who is the “anti-Roma.”

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JUVENTUS

Just a month ago, much of the media had already written off Juve’s season. Fiorentina’s comeback victory came in the same week as the loss in Madrid to los Blancos. With Roma steamrolling ahead in the league, some thought Juventus was too weak to keep up in the league, and too far behind in the Champion’s League to progress.

And here we sit, in early November, with both the league and Champion’s League knockout qualification still both very real possibilities. Juventus bounced back from the loss in Firenze by winning 3 Serie A games in a row. Most impressive is that the team conceded 0 goals in the process. Conte stated after that miserable week that the team must work on defense, which has been uncharacteristically sloppy this season. It looks noticeably more organized.

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The home match against Real Madrid was somewhat of a throwback, with both Ronaldo and Bale’s goals coming off defensive mistakes, but the team looked otherwise compact, motivated, and aggressive. Conte has had to deal with a few suspensions and injuries recently, but the team doesn’t look like it’s missed a step.

Conte will have to do with a fair amount of absences for the Napoli game, though Benitez has similar issues. Giorgio Chiellini will be absent due to injury, failing a late medical exam after straining his muscle in training. Martin Caceres was called up early for Uruguay’s World Cup qualification match against Jordan, and the team refused to let him travel late. Simone Pepe, Mirko Vucinic and crucially, Stephan Lichtsteiner remain sidelined from injury.

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There’s a fair amount of defensive shuffling required, though Leonardo Bonucci returns from a rest. It’s widely expected that after playing a 4-3-3 against Real Madrid and occasionally in the league this week, Conte will revert to a 3-5-2 to battle Napoli. The three man defense will likely be consisting of Bonucci, Ogbonna, and Barzagli, with Asamoah and Isla handed the reins to the wingback position.

In midfield and attack, Conte has most of his options available but is rumored to be resting Marchisio for a Vidal-Pirlo-Pogba midfield line. Up top, Tevez will likely start as Conte’s main striking fixture. Llorente seems the most likely to partner him- the Spaniard has been consistently growing into the side and could be rewarded with a starting spot after his 2nd goal against Real Madrid. Expect to see Quagliarella as a sub- forced out of his hometown club back in 2010, he may have a point to prove.

Probable Formation: (3-5-2) Buffon; Bonucci, Ogbonna, Barzagli; Isla, Vidal, Pirlo, Pogba, Asamoah; Tevez, Llorente

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NAPOLI

Juventus comes into this game with a fair amount of momentum, but Napoli arrives in Torino with even more positive results. A 3-2 away comeback victory over Marseille puts them in great position to qualify for the Champion’s League knockout stages. In the league, they have an identical recent record as Juventus- like the Bianconeri, the Azzurri’s only dropped points of late came in a loss to bitter rivals. Napoli was defeated 4 matchdays ago by Garcia’s Roma at the Stadio Olimpico.

Also similar to Juventus, Napoli has issues in defense with first-choice right back Juan Zuniga sidelined due to injury and Mesto recently tearing his ACL. Britos has been out with injury lately, but has been called up for the match and probably will remain a substitute.

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In midfield and attack, Benitez has most of his choices available, and probably will go with his typical formation. Inler and Behrami are given keys to the deep-lying midfield spot, and an attacking trident of Callejon, Hamsik, and Mertens supports Gonzalo Higuain up top.

Benitez has done an excellent job at Napoli thus far, though the Napoli President deserves credit for supplying the former Liverpool manager with some excellent signings. Raul Albiol has improved the defense and relegated former captain Paolo Cannavaro to the bench. Callejon and Higuain have been terrific since arriving in Italy, and after a slow start to his Napoli career, Dutchman Mertens seems to be growing in confidence. It’s not a coincidence that Napoli has an impressive 11 players called up for international duty coming up.


Probable Formation: (4-2-3-1) Reina; Maggio, Fernandez, Albiol, Armero; Inler, Behrami; Callejon, Hamsik, Mertens; Higuain

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One of the key tactical battles this Sunday will be the matchup on the wings. Napoli’s defense suffered on the wings against Roma, and Maggio and Armero are both relatively uncomfortable in a back 4 defensive formation. Isla and Asamoah are likewise uncomfortable in a back 4, but have been freed to push forward by Conte’s switch back to the 3-5-2.

For Juventus, the attacking trident is the tactical threat. The Bianconeri have been great at closing down target men this season, but have struggled with efforts from midfield, both shots and inserting runs. This is what Napoli excels at- rather than Higuain, attacking midfielders Callejon and Hamsik are currently their team leaders in league scoring. Juve’s midfield will have to shield the defense well.

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Make no mistake about it, this game will have big morale implications for both sides. Juventus has generally dominated Napoli in Torino throughout the club’s glorious history and even in the more patchy recent history.

Forza Juve!

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

[Socrates 8430]

JUVENTUS - NAPOLI

November 10, 2013 - 8:45 PM
Juventus Stadium — Turin
Referee: Gianluca Rocchi

Juventus vs. Napoli Preview

Nov 10, 2013

Juventus and Napoli are tied with 28 points through 11 matches in Serie A. Despite their strong starts, they are still three points off the title pace being set by Roma. It makes for a very important meeting in Turin on Sunday.

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The Vecchia Signora are coming off a thrilling 2-2 draw with Real Madrid in the Champions League. It was an impressive showing by Juventus, which could have easily earned the victory if not for some strong play by Real's veteran goalkeeper, Iker Casillas.

Napoli also had a midweek Champions League fixture and did well to emerge with a 3-2 triumph over Marseille. Gonzalo Higuain scored twice to help the Partenopei move one step closer to the knockout rounds amid a close Group F race.

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Match Forecast (via Bloomberg Sports)

Juventus: 56.4 percent

Napoli: 20.7 percent

Draw: 22.9 percent


Top Storyline: Can Juventus defend home field in a crucial league clash?

Juventus hold a perfect record at home so far in league play with wins in all five matches at Juventus Stadium. They have outscored opponents 15-4 in those fixtures in contrast to a more narrow 8-6 edge in six road contests.

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The Vecchia Signora need to keep that positive home trend alive if they want to grab control of second place and keep pace with Roma. Even though it's still relatively early in the campaign, every lost point is another hurdle later on.

Juventus must be able to control the middle of the pitch. They were able to do it for extended stretches against Real Madrid but struggled to do so early in the second half, and the talented Spanish side capitalized. They can't afford a similar lapse against Napoli.

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It puts the onus on the midfield, likely led by Andrea Pirlo, Arturo Vidal and Paul Pogba. If they can establish pace and possession in the early going of both halves, Juventus should be able to keep the dangerous Napoli attack at bay.

Higuain is in good form for the Partenopei. If he's forced to retreat toward the middle of the pitch to collect passes, it will be a positive sign for Juventus. If the striker is getting most of his touches in the final third, Napoli will like their chances.

With both sides desperate to grab three points before heading into the international break, it should be a fierce battle for 90 minutes.

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Prediction

Given the importance of the match and the lackluster defensive showings in their Champions League contests, it wouldn't be a surprise to see both sides a bit conservative early. Neither side wants to give up a quick goal that would change the complexion of the match.

Things should open up in the second half as both sides push for three points. The slight edge goes to Juventus thanks to their terrific home form so far this season. Expect a strong showing in the midfield to help lead them to a narrow victory.

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Juventus 2-1 Napoli

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

[Socrates 8430]

JUVENTUS - NAPOLI

November 10, 2013 - 8:45 PM
Juventus Stadium — Turin
Referee: Gianluca Rocchi

Once upon a time in the north

Many believe Juventus-Napoli will hinge on Carlos Tevez
and Gonzalo Higuain, but Dave Taylor is not so sure.

Nov 10, 2013

The great Italian composer Ennio Morricone will enjoy his birthday this Sunday and may even watch his beloved Roma take on Sassuolo. However, most everyone else will be watching a much more influential game further north between Juventus and Napoli. Certainly one of his films, The Good the Bad and the Ugly can relate to the situation between the three top clubs, but it will take a brave person to define which is which this early in the season.

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There is also a lot of pride tied up in today’s Turin tete-a-tete, with Juve goalkeeper Gigi Buffon praising both clubs for their progress since arriving from Serie B just six seasons ago. “The prestige of the tie was lost a bit after the years of Michel Platini and Diego Maradona,” he said. “That returned with the matches in Serie B, where both teams had ended up. Now we find ourselves competing at the top and that is the result of planning.”

Certainly over the last few years the bi-seasonal clashes have been crucial pointers towards who would finish top, with Juventus winning the last three home fixtures between the two sides. On the surface the result slightly favours Juve, who have yet to drop a point at home, scoring 15 and conceding just four. Napoli meanwhile have scored 10 times in five away games, losing just the once.

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Yet overall things are as tight as a tide of Zebras squeezed into a FIAT Panda. Currently both sides are deadlocked in second and third on 28 points, with Napoli only above Juve on goal difference. With no midweek games coming up due to the international break, both Coaches will be fielding their strongest teams and with the sides pretty much equal in everything, it’s a tough call.

Both outfits are scoring just over two goals a game, with over 50% of their shots on target, and Napoli slightly ahead in the goals to shot ratio with 19% against Juve’s 15%. Their overall pass completion ratio is the same on 86%, while their pass completion rate in the final third is also identical on 75%. Where Juve do have a better ratio is in the number of crosses: 230 to Napoli’s 173 and their respective success rates of 23% to 17%. With most of the rest of the stats being equal, it will probably need an individual piece of magic to break any deadlock.

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In this case the Press believe the balance of the game revolves around the two Argentine strikers, Juve’s Carlos Tevez and Napoli’s Gonzalo Higuain. Is the duel more of a media fancy than an actuality, considering both players have strikingly different characteristics and perform different roles in their respective teams?

Napoli’s system sees Higuain as a sole striker supported by a trio of forwards with Marek Hamsik the consistent choice along with two of Jose Callejon, Lorenzo Insigne, Dries Mertens and Goran Pandev. Whoever is picked, Pipita is blessed with an array of creative types willing to supply him with the ball and who can score themselves.

http://markting10.nl/

On the other hand Juve are set up with twin strikers Tevez and one of Sebastian Giovinco, Fabio Quagliarella, Mirko Vucinic or Fernando Llorente. And it is here that Napoli perhaps has the advantage with their attacking trio offering more opportunities for themselves and Higuain to score than Tevez’s trio. Unfortunately for the number 10, his creative players Andrea Pirlo, Arturo Vidal and Paul Pogba play further away from him than Napoli’s triad, which leads to less goal scoring opportunities.

However, despite that Apache has been no slouch, playing in one more game than Higuain and scoring six with two assists compared to Pipita’s five goals and three assists.

http://markting10.nl/

Yet the player who puts them both to shame is Hamsik, who proves best value with six goals in 736 minutes, one every 122, plus an assist. Meanwhile Tevez scores one every 147 and Higuain one every 143. So let’s forget the Apache, Pipita and the media projections, as it could well be Marekiaro who makes the difference at the end of the day.

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

[Socrates 8430]

JUVENTUS - NAPOLI

November 10, 2013 - 8:45 PM
Juventus Stadium — Turin
Referee: Gianluca Rocchi

Can cup king Benitez be taken seriously
as a potential Serie A winner?

The Spaniard has started life in Naples on the right foot, but he will have
to buck his recent trend if they are to triumph in the league this term.

Nov 10, 2013

COMMENT
By Kris Voakes

When Rafa Benitez eventually calls it a day and retires from football coaching, he will have quite a trophy collection to show his grandchildren.

http://markting10.nl/

The winner of a Champions League, Europa League, European Super Cup, Club World Cup and FA Cup, he has made a habit of winner major trophies in recent years. But while the 53-year-old stands as one of the most successful coaches in the game at present, it is now nine years since he was a league winner.

Since that 2004 Primera Division win with Valencia that earned him a move to Liverpool, Benitez has been unable to replicate the two league championships he won with los Che at a time when Real Madrid and Barcelona both appeared fallible. A lot has changed in football in the years that have passed.

The Spaniard has racked up trophies at Liverpool, Inter and Chelsea since leaving Spain, and it was his reputation as a winner that led to Aurelio De Laurentiis appointing him as Walter Mazzarri’s successor in the summer. The Napoli president’s project has been successful so far, but what it is lacking is consistent silverware. Benitez was seen as the perfect man to bring in the medals.

http://markting10.nl/

However, having won the Coppa Italia in 2012, Napoli’s next target has to be the league title. And in Benitez they have a coach who has fallen short regularly in recent years.

His first season with Liverpool will always be remembered for the marvellous feat of Champions League glory, stolen from the grasps of despair following a now famous six-minute period that stunned AC Milan. However, in finishing 37 points behind champions Chelsea in fifth place that term, they were only late entrants into the following season's Champions League, after the English governing body found a loophole in Uefa’s rules that initially had Everton competing at Liverpool’s expense.

One year later, a third-placed finish was enough to win the Reds direct entry to the competition despite losing their continental crown after a knockout loss to Benfica. Meanwhile, a dramatic FA Cup final win boosted Benitez’s reputation further.

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In 2006-07, the Spaniard was again lauded for his qualities in Europe, leading Liverpool to another Champions League final alongside a second successive bronze medal in the Premier League. But by the time they’d finished fourth in 2007-08, the club’s owners were rightly wondering when a title challenge might finally come. On average, Liverpool had finished 20 points off the pace over the first four years of the Spaniard’s rule.

It was in 2009 that Benitez came closest to emulating those triumphs in La Liga, but after holding a significant advantage at one stage, Liverpool fell four points short of Manchester United despite beating the eventual champions home and away. They had fallen down thanks to their propensity to draw winnable games, particularly in the closing stages of the campaign. They lost only twice all season but fell three wins short of United’s tally.

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A seventh-placed finish in 2010 - 23 points off title contention - saw Benitez part ways with the club, but his switch to Inter would not be a long-term arrangement despite a Club World Cup win, while Chelsea had long since fallen away from league contention by the time Benitez was surprisingly asked to replace Roberto Di Matteo last season.

His success in the Europa League was considered a credible feat, but it still wasn’t a test of Benitez’s ability to take a team successfully through the cut and thrust of a title race. Ten seasons on from his last league title, and a full five since the last time he even had a tilt, the Spaniard has something to prove.

http://markting10.nl/

On Sunday, his Napoli side face a Juventus team who continue to display a sheen of superiority in the peninsula but have proved in their European form that they have rough edges to be exploited. Benitez is a man who has shown himself to have the skills to take advantage of just such weaknesses in the past, but has fallen short of seeing the job through over 38 rounds over the past decade.

The trip to Juventus Stadium is his first huge Serie A evening with the Partenopei, but a win will mean nothing if he doesn’t lift the Scudetto aloft come May. Napoli fans would quite like what Liverpool, Inter and Chelsea got with Benitez in charge, but what they really want is to replicate Valencia.

http://markting10.nl/

TEVEZ & HIGUAIN GO HEAD-TO-HEAD

Had things worked out differently, Gonzalo Higuain might have been lining up for Juventus on Sunday night rather than Napoli.

In a summer of many sagas, the Bianconeri eventually plumped for Carlos Tevez as their second forward signing following Fernando Llorente. Most observers of a Juve persuasion will tell you they are more than happy with how things turned out, with Tevez having started life in Turin very well.

http://markting10.nl/

Speak to Neapolitans, though, and they'll tell you that Higuain's form has allowed them to quickly forget about the loss of former talisman Edinson Cavani. His eight goals this term have ensured that Napoli are in a good position in the Champions League and also well in the Serie A shake-up.

But, by the season's end, one is likely to be picked over the other as being one of the signings of the summer. Sunday night may give us the first clue as to which will be considered the better deal come May.

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

[Socrates 8430]

JUVENTUS - NAPOLI

November 10, 2013 - 8:45 PM
Juventus Stadium — Turin
Referee: Gianluca Rocchi

Line-ups: Juventus-Napoli

Nov 10, 2013

It’s the huge Scudetto showdown, as Juventus welcome Napoli with Carlos Tevez taking on Gonzalo Higuain.

http://markting10.nl/

The game kicks off at 20.45 CET.

Roma’s surprise 1-1 draw with Sassuolo today means the winner of this clash will close to within one point of the leaders.

Juventus are on home turf and fresh from a midweek 2-2 Champions League result with Real Madrid.

http://markting10.nl/

Giorgio Chiellini, Martin Caceres, Mirko Vucinic, Stephan Lichtsteiner and Simone Pepe are out of action, so Tevez partners Fernando Llorente.

Angelo Ogbonna receives a rare start in defence, having struggled to impress so far this season.

Napoli are coming off a hard-fought 3-2 Champions League victory over Olympique Marseille.

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Giandomenico Mesto and Juan Camilo Zuniga are still out of action, while new buy Anthony Reveillere is not yet in the squad.

Pipita Higuain leads the way in Turin supported by Jose Maria Callejon, Marek Hamsik and Lorenzo Insigne.


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

Juventus bench: Storari, Rubinho, De Ceglie, Peluso, Motta, Padoin, Marchisio, Giovinco, Quagliarella

http://markting10.nl/

NAPOLI: Reina; Maggio, Fernandez, Albiol, Armero; Inler, Behrami; Callejon, Hamsik, Insigne; Higuain

Napoli bench: Rafael, Colombo, Cannavaro, Uvini, Britos, Dzemaili, Radosevic, Pandev, Zapata, Mertens

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

[Socrates 8430]

JUVENTUS - NAPOLI

November 10, 2013 - 8:45 PM
Juventus Stadium — Turin
Referee: Gianluca Rocchi

Marotta: 'Verbal sparring was benevolent'

Nov 10, 2013

Juventus general manager Beppe Marotta assured Antonio Conte and Rafa Benitez’s verbal sparring was “benevolent.”

http://markting10.nl/

This evening Juventus and Napoli go head-to-head, but in his Press conference Conte said Benitez would have ‘failed’ if he didn’t win the Scudetto this season.

“These statements were part of the media game, but were very well-intentioned,” Marotta told Sky Sport Italia.

“Juventus have the duty to target the best in every competition they enter. Of course there are opponents to deal with, but these are our targets.”

http://markting10.nl/

Paul Pogba has become a key figure in the Bianconeri midfield despite arriving on a free transfer from Manchester United.

“We have signed Pogba on a free transfer and Andrea Pirlo before that. A club has to keep an eye on every situation, be ready to step in and also have a little bit of luck, not to mention a Coach who can make the most of these players.”

There have been reports this week that Juve director Fabio Paratici is the prime target to replace Adriano Galliani at Milan next season.

http://markting10.nl/

“We are proud that one of our directors is linked with a very prestigious club. However, Juventus have reference points and a solid group of directors in me, Paratici, Pavel Nedved and President Andrea Agnelli. This team is very united and strong, so I see no siren song from elsewhere.”

Juventus could face punishment, as before kick-off there have already been anti-Neapolitan chants in the stands. These are treated as ‘territorial discrimination’ and penalised using the same rules to combat racism.

http://markting10.nl/

“We are worried and I think all of football is for the things that keep happening, such as today with Nocerina. This gives a negative image to our football and it’s a great shame.

“I’d love for the fans to only cheer on their own teams and not aim abuse at others. It is something we should all together try to deal with.”

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

[Socrates 8430]

JUVENTUS - NAPOLI

November 10, 2013 - 8:45 PM
Juventus Stadium — Turin
Referee: Gianluca Rocchi

HT 1-0: Llorente stuns Napoli

Nov 10, 2013

Fernando Llorente scored within 120 seconds – albeit marginally offside – as Juventus lead Napoli at half-time.

http://markting10.nl/

Roma’s draw earlier today meant whoever won this Scudetto showdown would go within a point of the leaders. Giorgio Chiellini, Martin Caceres, Mirko Vucinic, Stephan Lichtsteiner and Simone Pepe were out for the hosts, so Angelo Ogbonna received a rare start. Carlos Tevez faced his fellow countryman Gonzalo Higuain with Lorenzo Insigne picked ahead of Dries Mertens. Giandomenico Mesto and Juan Camilo Zuniga are long-term absentees.

In the opening minute Pepe Reina clawed away a Paul Pogba effort, but from that corner Carlos Tevez hit a backheel flick that Fernando Llorente tapped in from six yards. However, replays show the Spaniard was marginally offside, as his foot and knee were over.

http://markting10.nl/

Reina needed a spectacular reaction save to deny Leonardo Bonucci’s header from point-blank range after Pogba had knocked it down.

The first Napoli chance didn’t arrive until the 22nd minute, when Insigne tested Gigi Buffon at the near post. Moments later Higuain turned Ogbonna to fire just wide, while Reina only beat away a fierce Tevez snapshot from distance.

http://markting10.nl/

Kwadwo Asamoah only hit the side-netting with his left-foot half-volley, while Insigne twisted and turned between defenders in the box and his finish flashed across the face of goal.

Llorente got in front of Raul Albiol for a diving header that Reina did well to save, but Insigne unleashed a sudden screamer that dipped on to the roof of the net. Buffon’s facial expression suggested he was not expecting that.

http://markting10.nl/

Juventus 1-0 Napoli (Half-Time)

Scorers: Llorente 2 (J)

Juventus: Buffon; Barzagli, Bonucci, Ogbonna; Isla, Vidal, Pirlo, Pogba, Asamoah; Tevez, Llorente

Napoli: Reina; Maggio, Fernandez, Albiol, Armero; Inler, Behrami; Callejon, Hamsik, Insigne; Higuain

Ref: Rocchi

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

[Socrates 8430]

JUVENTUS 3 - 0 NAPOLI

Fernando Llorente (2′)
Andrea Pirlo (74′)
Paul Pogba (80′)

November 10, 2013 - 8:45 PM
Juventus Stadium — Turin
Referee: Gianluca Rocchi
Attendance:‬ 38000‎

Bianconeri narrow gap on Roma

Fernando Llorente opened the scoring for the hosts before Andrea Pirlo produced
a wonderful free kick to double the hosts advantage; Paul Pogba sealed the points emphatically.

Nov 10, 2013

Juventus climbed above Napoli and to within one point of Serie A leaders Roma with a 3-0 victory over Rafa Benitez's men on Sunday.

http://markting10.nl/

Fernando Llorente's second-minute strike set the hosts on their way to a sixth consecutive home win, with Andrea Pirlo's sublime free-kick and a stunning Paul Pogba volley wrapping up the points after the break.

Angelo Ogbonna's late sending off took some shine off Juve's fourth league win on the bounce, but the defending champions now have the summit in their sights after securing second place outright.

For the visitors, the result ended their five-match winning run in all competitions as they failed to capitalise on Roma's draw with Sassuolo.

http://markting10.nl/

Juventus made two changes from the midweek draw against Real Madrid in the Champions League, while Napoli made three after beating Marseille in the same competition.

Both teams had won their three previous games but it was Antonio Conte's men who made the decisive start.

Pogba's bouncing shot was tipped behind by Pepe Reina and from the short corner, Arturo Vidal's shot was flicked on to Llorente by Carlos Tevez and the Spaniard made no mistake from close range after only two minutes.

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It would have been two but for a tremendous save by Reina. Pirlo's deep cross was headed across by Pogba towards Leonardo Bonucci six yards out but his point-blank header was somehow saved by the goalkeeper and Napoli scrambled clear.

More than 20 minutes passed before Napoli registered a shot on target but Lorenzo Insigne's effort on the turn was easy for Gianluigi Buffon.

Insigne almost provided an equaliser after 32 minutes when he found space in the area but his left-foot drive whistled past the post, while Reina had to be alert to thwart Llorente's near-post header.

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The back and forth contest almost swung in favour of Benitez’s team just before the break and again it was Insigne who provided the danger with a dipping long-range strike that landed on the roof of the net.

The early exchanges of the second half were dominated by Napoli and the impressive Insigne once again provided the main threat. His curling free-kick after 50 minutes had to be tipped wide by Buffon.

Napoli had only failed to score once in the league all season and Marek Hamsik went close after 63 minutes but lashed into the side netting from inside the area.

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Pirlo added the second with typical finesse, the midfielder's inch-perfect free-kick flying into the top corner from 25 yards.

And the impressive Pogba got on the scoresheet after 80 minutes with a spectacular 30-yard volley.

Ogbonna's obstruction of Dries Mertens saw him dismissed for a second booking with seven minutes left, but Juventus were home and dry by then.

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

[Socrates 8430]

JUVENTUS 3 - 0 NAPOLI

Fernando Llorente (2′)
Andrea Pirlo (74′)
Paul Pogba (80′)

November 10, 2013 - 8:45 PM
Juventus Stadium — Turin
Referee: Gianluca Rocchi
Attendance:‬ 38000‎

Juve scorchers crush Napoli

Juventus swept Napoli aside 3-0 thanks to Fernando Llorente, Andrea Pirlo
and a spectacular Paul Pogba volley, moving within a point of Roma.

Nov 10, 2013

Roma’s draw against Sassuolo earlier today meant whoever won this Scudetto showdown would close to just one point from the leaders. Giorgio Chiellini, Martin Caceres, Mirko Vucinic, Stephan Lichtsteiner and Simone Pepe were out for the hosts, so Angelo Ogbonna received a rare start. Carlos Tevez faced his fellow countryman Gonzalo Higuain with Lorenzo Insigne picked ahead of Dries Mertens. Giandomenico Mesto and Juan Camilo Zuniga are long-term absentees.

http://markting10.nl/

In the opening minute Pepe Reina clawed away a Paul Pogba effort, but from that corner Carlos Tevez hit a backheel flick that Fernando Llorente tapped in from six yards. However, replays show the Spaniard was marginally offside, as his foot and knee were over.

Reina needed a spectacular reaction save to deny Leonardo Bonucci’s header from point-blank range after Pogba had knocked it down.

The first Napoli chance didn’t arrive until the 22nd minute, when Insigne tested Gigi Buffon at the near post. Moments later Higuain turned Ogbonna to fire just wide, while Reina only beat away a fierce Tevez snapshot from distance.

http://markting10.nl/

Kwadwo Asamoah only hit the side-netting with his left-foot half-volley, while Insigne twisted and turned between defenders in the box and his finish flashed across the face of goal.

Llorente got in front of Raul Albiol for a diving header that Reina did well to save, but Insigne unleashed a sudden screamer that dipped on to the roof of the net. Buffon’s facial expression suggested he was not expecting that.

After the restart, Buffon flew to fingertip an Insigne free kick round the near post and Reina smothered a Tevez header. Reina spilled an Arturo Vidal effort from distance and the Tevez follow-up was straight at him.

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Marek Hamsik’s first touch let him down in the box after great work from Jose Callejon. Moments later a Pablo Armero cross was knocked on by Ogbonna and Hamsik only blasted it on to the side-netting.

Vidal also wasted a golden opportunity, as he combined with Tevez only to side-foot inches wide from six yards.

Juventus doubled their lead with a trademark Andrea Pirlo free kick, as it lifted over the wall and dipped suddenly just under the bar, where Reina could not reach. It was his third of the Serie A season, all of them free kicks.

http://markting10.nl/

Napoli weren’t out of it yet, as Buffon needed a one-handed reaction save to keep out Insigne at the near post from six yards.

However, moments later Pogba put the game to bed with a scorching strike! He flicked up the ball on his ankle and watched it fall for a spectacular right-foot volley from 23 metres. It was clocked at 101km/h (63mph) and went in off the inside of the upright.

Juventus ended the game with 10 men, as Ogbonna received his second yellow card for stopping a Dries Mertens counter-attack. Buffon kept the clean sheet intact with saves on Mertens, Federico Fernandez and Higuain late on.

http://markting10.nl/

JUVENTUS: Buffon; Barzagli, Bonucci, Ogbonna; Isla, Vidal (Marchisio 86), Pirlo, Pogba, Asamoah; Tevez (Peluso 83), Llorente (Quagliarella 89)

NAPOLI: Reina; Maggio, Fernandez, Albiol, Armero; Inler (Zapata 79), Behrami; Callejon (Mertens 71), Hamsik, Insigne; Higuain

Ref: Rocchi

Sent off: Ogbonna 82 (J)

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

[Socrates 8430]

JUVENTUS 3 - 0 NAPOLI

Fernando Llorente (2′)
Andrea Pirlo (74′)
Paul Pogba (80′)

November 10, 2013 - 8:45 PM
Juventus Stadium — Turin
Referee: Gianluca Rocchi
Attendance:‬ 38000‎

Pogba golazo rounds off convincing win

Nov 10, 2013

Juventus beat Napoli 3-0 at the Juventus Stadium on Sunday evening in Serie A to close the gap to leaders Roma to just a point.

http://markting10.nl/

Fernando Llorente gave Antonio Conte’s side the lead after just a minute which was doubled by an Andrea Pirlo free-kick in the second-half. Paul Pogba’s stunning volley completed a convincing victory for Juventus before Angelo Ogbonna was sent-off late on.

Juventus started with a high intensity and went close with just 45 seconds on the clock, Pogba denied by a fully-stretched Pepe Reina.

From the resulting corner the hosts took the lead. Mauricio Isla’s shot was deflected into the path of Llorente, via Carlos Tevez, who tapped home the opening goal from close range. Replays showed the Spanish striker was just offside.

http://markting10.nl/

Leonardo Bonucci should have doubled Juventus’ lead inside the first 10 minutes, but his close range header was brilliantly parried by the former Liverpool keeper.

Napoli failed to test the Juve goal until the 20 minute mark. First Lorenzo Insigne fired straight at Gigi Buffon from close range and then Gonzalo Higuain turned Ogbonna inside the box but couldn’t curl his effort on target.

Insigne continued to threaten for the away side. A quick change of direction fooled Andrea Barzagli inside the 18 yard area but his shot curled wide, and then the Italian U21 international skimmed the roof of the net from range with Buffon beaten. Just before a Llorente header was superbly blocked by Reina at his near post.

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Rafa Benitez’s side started with a greater tempo after the restart and were awarded a free-kick just outside the box. Buffon was forced into a save from Insigne as a result.

Pressure continued to build inside the Juventus half and shortly after the hour mark Pablo Armero’s cross fell to an unmarked Marek Hamsik at the back post but he could only direct his half-volley into the side netting. Two minutes later Arturo Vidal hit the side netting too from a similar to position that Hamsik found himself in.

With around 15 minutes remaining the Bianconeri made it 2-0. Gokhan Inler gave away a foul 25-yards from goal for grappling with Tevez and Pirlo punished the Swiss midfielder with a wonderfully struck free-kick that rifled into the roof of Reina’s net.

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Insigne had a glorious chance to bring Napoli right back into contention but his powerful shot was acrobatically saved by the strong wrist of Buffon.

Pogba then put the match to bed in emphatic fashion. The young French midfielder flicked up the ball on the edge of the Napoli box unintentionally before unleashing a beautifully struck volley that rattled in off the post.

Ten minutes before the end Ogbonna was dismissed for two bookable offences. The first was for blocking Reina as the Spanish keeper was trying to launch a quick counter attack and the second was for a pull-back on Dries Mertens.

http://markting10.nl/

Insigne was again denied by Buffon in stoppage time.

Juventus, with this victory, have now closed the gap to league leaders Roma to just a point while simultaneously moving three points clear of third-placed Napoli.

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

[Socrates 8430]

JUVENTUS 3 - 0 NAPOLI

Fernando Llorente (2′)
Andrea Pirlo (74′)
Paul Pogba (80′)

November 10, 2013 - 8:45 PM
Juventus Stadium — Turin
Referee: Gianluca Rocchi
Attendance:‬ 38000‎

Initial reaction and random observations

Nov 10, 2013

You always wonder how Juventus are going to do the game after they play in the Champions League. it's only natural. It's not like they've been absolutely fantastic in the next game following a European contest in the last two years under Antonio Conte's leadership.

http://markting10.nl/

There's just one thing...

You're telling me this is basically the same team that absolutely imploded against Fiorentina less than a month ago? Well, in terms of players it is. In terms of how those players — and the team as a whole — is performing, it's night and day.

Conte has his team hitting its stride. There's no way around it. It may be coming a little later than his two previous years as manager, but the overall picture is looking bright. And even that much when you consider how much of a disaster mode it was in the few hours following the 4-2 loss in Florence.

http://markting10.nl/

And thanks to goals from Fernando Llorente, Andrea Pirlo and Paul Pogba's absolutely stunning volley, Juve are going into the international break feeling pretty darn good about how things are going. They are producing offensively, they are defending well, and they're really starting to resemble the team that won the last two Serie A titles.

It's not complete, but they're getting close.

JuventusFC ✔ @juventusfcen
Conte: My lads were extraordinary, they put in a great performance and emerged victorious in every aspect of the game. #JuveNapoli

http://markting10.nl/

Random thoughts and observations

•This is yet another reminder that Paul Pogba is still just 20 years old.

•This is your reminder that the three goal scorers for Juventus cost around €1 million total. That's, like, 100 Gareth Bales, you guys. Throw in Andrea Barzagli — another one of Juve's best players against Napoli — into the mix, and you've got the bargain basement special package coming up absolutely golden in one of the biggest games of the season to date.

•You know what was almost as good as watching two beautiful goals from Juventus? Watching Gianluigi Buffon making a handful of really, really good saves to keep the clean sheet intact. My personal favorite was the one-handed save on Lorenzo Insigne. That was a classic Buffon reaction save. He's still got it.

http://markting10.nl/

•And you know what was almost as good as Buffon's saves? His reaction to Pogba's goal.

Caption contest — go!

•This whole post could be nothing but pictures and gifs and I'd be perfectly okay with it. And if it wasn't for Pogba's volleying brilliance, then Pirlo's free kick would be plastered all of this post. What a thing of beauty.

•With the match's opening strike, Llorente has now scored three goals in his last six games. It's not out of this world good, but all things considered when it comes to Llorente, it's a good product. And considering Llorente said earlier in the week that he's "only at 60 percent," then it's going to be even that much better when he feels he hits full strength.

I guess Mirko Vucinic getting hurt did have one big benefit.

http://markting10.nl/

•And when there's talk about Llorente, there's usually talk about Carlos Tevez not far behind.

While he didn't a goal himself, he got the assists on Llorente's opener and was the main reason why Pirlo got a free kick where he did. He continues to be the embodiment of the kind of striker Conte absolutely loves to have on his roster. Sometimes you wish there was a camera solely on Tevez just to see how hard he works and how much he runs during a match.

•Maybe lost amongst the spectacular goals from Pirlo and Pogba is the incredibly solid game that Mauricio Isla had against Napoli. He's gotten a lot of stick around these parts when he doesn't do well at all, but he deserves some credit today. It's not like he's had a ton of good games in a Juve jersey, but Sunday's win was definitely one of the better games he's had since coming to Turin.

http://markting10.nl/

•With the win, Juve are now all alone in second and one point behind Roma following the weekend's results. Not a bad way to go into the international break.

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

[Socrates 8430]

JUVENTUS 3 - 0 NAPOLI

Fernando Llorente (2′)
Andrea Pirlo (74′)
Paul Pogba (80′)

November 10, 2013 - 8:45 PM
Juventus Stadium — Turin
Referee: Gianluca Rocchi
Attendance:‬ 38000‎

Juventus cruise past Napoli

Nov 10, 2013

Champions Juventus made their biggest statement of the season so far as they crushed fellow title chasers Napoli 3-0 in Turin.

http://markting10.nl/

After leaders Roma were held to a 1-1 draw by Sassuolo earlier on Sunday, Juve ominously moved to within a point of the capital club following goals from Fernando Llorente, Andrea Pirlo and Paul Pogba.

Only the late dismissal of Angelo Ogbonna soured an otherwise memorable day for Antonio Conte's side, who have now won eight of their past nine league games.

Napoli goalkeeper Pepe Reina was busy throughout and he had already kept out a Pogba strike before Llorente opened the scoring with just two minutes played.

http://markting10.nl/

The Spain striker scrambled the ball home, with the aid of a deflection, from close range for his second in as many games after netting in the midweek 2-2 Champions League draw with Real Madrid.

Reina was forced into more action shortly after to deny Mauricio Isla and Leonardo Bonucci.

Napoli had been on the back foot for the first 20 minutes before Lorenzo Insigne drew a low save from Gianluigi Buffon.

http://markting10.nl/

Gonzalo Higuain then skimmed the crossbar after bringing the ball down on his chest.

Chances were shared at both ends but Reina was forced to make the better saves, again showing his agility to prevent Llorente grabbing a second just before half-time.

When the second half began Napoli made a couple of early raids, Insigne shooting narrowly over before seeing Buffon get down to a free-kick that was on target, before Reina was at the heart of matters again.

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The on-loan goalkeeper blocked from Arturo Vidal with Carlos Tevez unable to steer the rebound on target.

Juve finally did go 2-0 up on 74 minutes through their veteran Italy midfielder Pirlo.

The 34-year-old left Reina with no chance as he arrowed a free-kick into the top corner.

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Pogba then put the seal on the contest with 10 minutes left, firing in from the edge of the area, although Ogbonna saw red three minutes later.

The defender brought down Dries Mertens and as the last man had to go, although the game was already decided by then.

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

[Socrates 8430]

JUVENTUS 3 - 0 NAPOLI

Fernando Llorente (2′)
Andrea Pirlo (74′)
Paul Pogba (80′)

November 10, 2013 - 8:45 PM
Juventus Stadium — Turin
Referee: Gianluca Rocchi
Attendance:‬ 38000‎

Roma, you have been warned

Nov 10, 2013

“If you even dream of beating me, you'd better wake up and apologize,” said the great Muhammad Ali. Dreams are for everyone but victory is for the elite. Juve’s Sunday night demolition of Napoli, their great challengers for the title, not only demonstrated their collective superiority but the individual brilliance that exists within the side. 3-0 to Juventus -- Roma you have been warned.

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In hindsight, the great tactician Rafa Benitez approached the game in the wrong manner. He opted to not press with such eager determination but allow Juve to come at them while they sat, absorbed the pressure and then attempted to counter-attack using the pace and skill of their forwards.

Had the home side not scored immediately (74 seconds), the tactic might have worked but since Juventus were already ahead so quickly, it seemed Rafa had gotten it all wrong.

Affording the Bianconeri that kind of time on the ball only allows them to construct an endless amount of opportunities. Already 1-0 up after just over a minute, Juventus put Napoli under pressure from the outset when the opportunistic Fernando Llorente tapped in from close range.

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Replays suggest the Spaniard was marginally offside, but that goal was the blessing Juventus needed to exert their strength and play with the kind of intensity that strikes fear in the opponent.

Playing in Napoli’s half, the home side exhibited the quality of their collective as they thrilled from their combination play and passed accurately and quickly. Juve ought to have added to their goal tally to make the most of the Partenopei’s passive approach, but Pepe Reina made some excellent saves to deny the Bianconeri.

There is something to be said about the performances of certain players in the big matches. Angelo Ogbonna, who has not yet proved the quality he demonstrated while at Torino, and Mauricio Isla, who has largely disappointed since his arrival at Juve, both performed admirably on the night against Napoli even if Ogbonna, a defender, was sent off late.

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The centre-back dealt well with the threat of Gonzalo Higuain well and approached the game in monstrous fashion, proving effective with his clearances. As for Isla, his combination play, his improved passing and the threat he posed going forward, all ensured a better performance from the wing-back on the night. Once upon a time, Juve manager Antonio Conte was caught screaming at the Chilean for not staying out wide against Milan last season. But Sunday, he stayed in position, connected beautifully with the likes of Arturo Vidal and proved eager in his approach.

Good but not yet excellent, there is still certain aspects of his game that must be improved, that includes the ability to get past his defender to provide a more genuine attacking threat. Far too often, Pablo Armero was able to stop his former teammate.

The second half was an altogether different match. Napoli came out with a different plan and were intent on pressing high and taking control to pin back the Old Lady, and it was working. Their aggression stunned the Bianconeri and Juventus were forced into errors.

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Paul Pogba was caught napping on certain occasions and the overwhelming movements of Lorenzo Insigne -- one of the few who forced his way through confidently -- troubled the Bianconeri.

Finally, the crowd was treated to a real game and the competition between the rivals was more keenly felt. Juventus were forced to sit deeper to cope with the insurmountable pressure. Being pressed so effectively by Benitez’s side hindered them from constructing their own attacking passages. Yet for all their aggression, the Partenopei struggled to create clear-cut chances as they rarely attacked the space or tested the fragility of Juve’s defence.

In cases such as this, when both teams are so good at neutralising the opponent, they cancel each other out and the result is determined either by an error or a moment of individual quality. Sunday, the Old Lady managed a positive second-half result largely due to a sensational Andrea Pirlo free-kick, an even better Pogba volley and the superhuman performances of one Gianluigi Buffon.

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The goalkeeper in many ways has been a victim of his own success. Too often, we remember Gigi as a man only capable of the extraordinary. When mistakes are made, critics, including this blog have been harsh in their assessment. It’s difficult to expect a mortal performance from a man deemed to be much more than that.

Sunday, Buffon recovered that ability to stun with magnificent saves and a majestic performance. Alert and ready whenever called upon, his display proved necessary not only in ensuring a clean sheet but in boosting the confidence of the players who could attack freely aware of his ability to stop the unstoppable at the back.

A quick note on Pirlo: what a goal, what a performance what a sensational director of play.

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If the home fans were not entertained by what they were seeing on the pitch then they will have certainly enjoyed Conte’s reaction from the bench as the tactician gestured, screamed and hyperventilated on the sidelines to ensure maximum concentration from his boys.

The three points now bring Juve within a point of table-topping Roma. A win against one of the biggest challengers to the title not only demonstrated the clear superiority of the Bianconeri, but proves that when she wants to be, the Old Lady is still the finest team in Serie A.

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

[Socrates 8430]

JUVENTUS 3 - 0 NAPOLI

Fernando Llorente (2′)
Andrea Pirlo (74′)
Paul Pogba (80′)

November 10, 2013 - 8:45 PM
Juventus Stadium — Turin
Referee: Gianluca Rocchi
Attendance:‬ 38000‎

Player Ratings

Goals from Fernando Llorente, Andrea Pirlo and Paul Pogba ensure the Bianconeri maintain
their perfect home league record and leapfrog the Partenopei to close the gap on Roma.

Nov 10, 2013

JUVENTUS

Gianluigi Buffon - The Azzurri No.1 ensured his side emerged with a clean sheet as he produced several fine stops to deny Napoli.

Andrea Barzagli - He rarely put a foot wrong in the Juventus defence and allowed Higuain very little time on the ball as well as making a number of important tackles and interceptions.

Leonardo Bonucci - The centre-back produced some wonderful Pirlo-esque passes to stretch the Napoli defence and was denied a goal by a fantastic reflex save from Reina.

Angelo Ogbonna - Produced a fine defensive display to contain Higuain but was dismissed late on for a second bookable offence.

Mauricio Isla - Combined excellently with Vidal and looked threatening when coming forward down the right, delivering a number of testing crosses into the box.

Paul Pogba - Showed just why is he is one of the greatest talents in Europe by firing an unstoppable shot past Reina to wrap up the points.

Andrea Pirlo- A simply magnificent performance: He pulled the strings effortlessly in midfield and scored with a sublime trademark free kick.

Arturo Vidal - The Chilean epitomised his side's spirit with a tireless box-to-box performance. Broke up play effectively and provided the assist for Pogba's stunner.

Kwadwo Asamoah - The Ghanaian wideman missed a good opportunity in the first half although he proved solid in defence, rarely leaving his wing exposed.

Carlos Tévez - The Argentine striker continues to impress in the Bianconeri jersey and although he did not get on the scoresheet, he was a constant thorn in the Partenopei defence with his intelligent movement and abillity to find a team-mate in tight situations.

Fernando Llorente - After rescuing a point with a late header against Real Madrid in midweek, the Spanish striker got on the scoresheet again when he reacted well to poke the ball home at the back post.

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Substitutions

Federico Peluso - When Ogbonna was sent off, he came on to help add stability to the defence and ensure the clean sheet.

Claudio Marchisio - Came on with minutes to spare as Vidal picked up a slight knock. Did not have enough time to make an impact.

Fabio Quagliarella - The former Napoli striker enjoyed a few minutes late on but with his side down to 10 men, he could not demonstrate his attacking capabilities.

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SSC NAPOLI

Pepe Reina - Kept his side in the contest by making two wonderful saves to deny Bonucci and Llorente in the first half but was helpless to prevent any of the goals.

Christian Maggio - The right-back struggled to get forward to aid the attack although did a good job to restrict Asamoah's impact.

Federico Fernández - He produced some brave headers to deny the Juventus attack although lost the run of Llorente for the opening goal.

Raúl Albiol - The centre-back struggled to deal with Llorente's physical presence and was caught out on several occasions.

Pablo Armero - The Colombian got into some promising advanced positions down the left and was involved in the majority of his side's attacks.

Marek Hamsik - The captain showed glimpses of his quality with some clever through balls but did not influence the game as much as he would have liked and missed a good chance to level the scores.

Valon Behrami - Helped keep things tidy in the midfield and offered good protection to the defence.

Gökhan Inler - Battled bravely in the heart of midfield and was burdened with the task of stifling Tevez when the Argentine dropped deep, which he did to good effect.

José Callejón - A rather anonymous performance from the former Real Madrid attacker who struggled to get on the ball and show his quality.

Gonzalo Higuaín - Aside from one good opening he fashioned for himself in the first half, Higuain was given little space by the Juventus defence and was well marshaled throughout.

Lorenzo Insigne - He was Napoli's brightest spark and caused Barzagli problems when cutting in from the left. The future looks bright for the Italy international who forced his international colleague Buffon into several smart saves.

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Substitutions

Dries Mertens - Came on to replace Callejon and although he was responsible for Ogbonna's dismissal and gave Napoli a more direct attacking threat, he could not break down the Juventus defence.

Duván Zapata - The striker was introduced late on but had little time or service to make his mark.

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

[Socrates 8430]

JUVENTUS 3 - 0 NAPOLI

Fernando Llorente (2′)
Andrea Pirlo (74′)
Paul Pogba (80′)

November 10, 2013 - 8:45 PM
Juventus Stadium — Turin
Referee: Gianluca Rocchi
Attendance:‬ 38000‎

Pirlo and Pogba show Napoli and Serie A
that Juventus are still the team to beat

The Partenopei arrived in Turin with high hopes of announcing themselves as legitimate
Scudetto contenders but they were put firmly in their place by the reigning champions.

Nov 10, 2013

COMMENT
By Mark Doyle

Juventus coach Antonio Conte suggested on Friday that his Napoli counterpart Rafael Benitez would not be satisfied if his side finished as runners-up in Serie A this season. On the evidence of Sunday night’s meeting between the two sides, second place is the best the Spaniard can hope for - because the Bianconeri clearly remain the No.1 side in Italy.

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Napoli had arrived in Turin with high hopes of announcing themselves as legitimate title contenders. They will leave with their confidence shattered, after being swept aside by a resurgent Juventus, who move to within a point of increasingly nervy table-toppers Roma.

After back-to-back titles, there had been talk that Conte’s troops had lost some of their hunger. It was also suggested that their European struggles had knocked their self-belief.

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BRILLIANT BIANCONERI

FROM OUR LIVE COMMENTARY

2' goal LLORENTE PUTS JUVENTUS IN THE LEAD! It's a dream start for the Bianconeri as Llorente reacts quickest at the back post to poke the ball home. There were suspicions of offside but the goal stands.

74' goal WHAT A STRIKE FROM PIRLO! The dead-ball specialist produces a moment of magic as he curls the ball over the wall and beyond the despairing dive of Reina into the top corner.

80' goal WHAT A GOAL FROM POGBA! The France midfielder is renowned for some brilliant strikes and this is another to add to the collection. His first touch from Vidal's pass sets up kindly and he sends a blistering shot towards goal which cannons off the inside of the post and beyond Reina.

http://markting10.nl/

However, there was no evidence of any mental fragility against the side many people believe best equipped to end their domestic dominance. Indeed, they seemed to savour the significance of the occasion, tearing into the Partenopei right from the first whistle.

Paul Pogba called Pepe Reina into action inside the opening 60 seconds. From the aftermath of the resulting corner, Juve took the lead, Fernando Llorente stabbing the ball home from close range after Mauricio Isla’s low strike had been deflected into his path by Carlos Tevez. It was an especially fortuitous strike, given that the Spaniard had been standing in an offside position. To be precise, there were 21 centimetres in it, according to Sky Sport Italia. They say that such high-profile games are decided by such small measures and so it proved, because Juve never looked back from that moment on.

They bossed Napoli during the opening 45 minutes, taking full advantage of the Partenopei’s strange tactic of standing off the Bianconeri back three, and while the visitors could count themselves unfortunate to have fallen behind in such circumstances, there was no denying that there were lucky to have reached the interval still just one goal in arrears.

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Credit to Napoli - and Benitez for a presumably stirring half-time team-talk - they played with greater adventure and determination in the early stages of the second half, pressing Juventus back inside their own half. But, of the 11 Napoli players that took to the field, only Lorenzo Insigne and Reina could lay claim to having performed at their best.

By complete contrast, Juventus had star performers all over the field. Goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon dealt with everything that Insigne threw at him, while Leonardo Bonucci did an excellent job keeping Gonzalo Higuain quiet. Arturo Vidal never stopped snapping at heels in midfield, while Llorente and Tevez, in particular, held the ball up wonderfully well.

However, it was Andrea Pirlo and Pogba who stood out. The latter has been criticised for some sub-standard performances this season, but after a stellar showing against Real Madrid in midweek, the veteran playmaker was back at his peerless best against Napoli, capping a wonderful display with the most expertly-executed free kick.

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It felt as if there would be no topping that, but Pogba achieved the seemingly impossible with 10 minutes remaining. The 20-year-old France international audaciously teed a ball from Tevez up for himself and then unleashed the kind of searing strike that is fast becoming his trademark.

The final scoreline was harsh on Napoli but that was of no concern to Juventus. This was a job very well done as far as the Bianconeri were concerned. Three goals, three points and one serious statement of intent: Napoli and Roma are merely pretenders to the throne - and Juventus have no intention of abdicating any time soon.

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

[Socrates 8430]

JUVENTUS 3 - 0 NAPOLI

Fernando Llorente (2′)
Andrea Pirlo (74′)
Paul Pogba (80′)

November 10, 2013 - 8:45 PM
Juventus Stadium — Turin
Referee: Gianluca Rocchi
Attendance:‬ 38000‎

Pirlo: Juventus sent a message to Serie A rivals

The midfield maestro was delighted with his goal but even happier with
the result as the Bianconeri moved to within one point of table-toppers Roma.

Nov 10, 2013

Andrea Pirlo believes his side's 3-0 victory over Napoli is a statement of intent as Juventus cut the gap at the top of Serie A to one point.

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The 34-year-old produced another stunning free kick to add to his collection from over the years as Juventus Stadium revelled in one of the Bianconeri's best performances of the season so far.

Pirlo believes the display will have title rivals Roma looking over their shoulders.

"I was fortunate with my goal, but I'm happier with the victory," the midfielder told Sky Sport Italia after the game.

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"We tried to send a signal to those in front of us, to let them know we're going to have a great season."

Fernando Llorente opened the scoring and after Pirlo's effort Paul Pogba put the seal on a comprehensive victory with a thunderous volley.

The veteran Italian says despite a few early hiccups his side are on the right track to challenge for the Scudetto once again.

http://markting10.nl/

"The two defeats to Fiorentina and Real Madrid helped us to grow. Now we have rediscovered ourselves and must continue along this path," Pirlo said.

"The Giallorossi [Roma] and Napoli will be in the title fight to the end. We just have to focus on ourselves."

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

[Socrates 8430]

JUVENTUS 3 - 0 NAPOLI

Fernando Llorente (2′)
Andrea Pirlo (74′)
Paul Pogba (80′)

November 10, 2013 - 8:45 PM
Juventus Stadium — Turin
Referee: Gianluca Rocchi
Attendance: 38000‎

Pogba: I got lucky with volley

The Juventus star has confessed his latest wonder-strike in a Bianconeri
shirt was more than a little fortunate after his initial miscontrol.

Nov 10, 2013

Paul Pogba says his wonder-goal against Napoli almost never came to fruition as his first touch was actually a mistake.

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The Juventus midfielder applied the gloss to his side’s 3-0 victory when he cracked an unstoppable 25-yard volley past Pepe Reina late in the second half.

But the Frenchman conceded the touch to set himself up was a complete fluke.

“I actually got the first touch wrong, but it went in afterwards!” Pogba told Sky Sport Italia.

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“It could’ve ended up in the stands, but all the players told me to shoot because I’m good from distance, so I gave it a go.

“If the ball lands in among the fans, then that’s fine, but I will keep trying and see where it ends up.”

The midfielder has formed a habit of scoring memorable goals for the Bianconeri and the latest addition to his scrapbook provoked memories of his first goal in a Juve jersey, also a stunning strike against Napoli.

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“I am very happy to have scored against Napoli again, as it reminded me of my first goal in Serie A," he continued.

“I don’t know whether Napoli are the strongest team we’ve met so far. Obviously playing at home is different, but Napoli are very strong and it is always difficult to play against teams like that.

“It’s a good result for us and we have to focus on what we do first of all, then what the other teams do.”

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

[Socrates 8430]

JUVENTUS 3 - 0 NAPOLI

Fernando Llorente (2′)
Andrea Pirlo (74′)
Paul Pogba (80′)

November 10, 2013 - 8:45 PM
Juventus Stadium — Turin
Referee: Gianluca Rocchi
Attendance:‬ 38000‎

Llorente: 'Form not a coincidence'

Nov 10, 2013

Juventus hitman Fernando Llorente explains his form is “no coincidence, but came from hard work.”

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The Spaniard took a long time to make an impact in Turin, but has now been scoring regularly and netted in today’s 3-0 win over Napoli.

“I always try to help the team with my movements,” he told Sky Sport Italia.

“My improvement is no coincidence, but came from hard work. I get on very well with Carlos Tevez and I am happy to be at the club.

http://markting10.nl/

“Roma drew earlier and we knew that we had a great opportunity to close on them. A win, especially against Napoli, was very important, even if there’s a long road yet to the Scudetto.”

Juve are now in second place, one point adrift of the leaders.

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

[Socrates 8430]

JUVENTUS 3 - 0 NAPOLI

Fernando Llorente (2′)
Andrea Pirlo (74′)
Paul Pogba (80′)

November 10, 2013 - 8:45 PM
Juventus Stadium — Turin
Referee: Gianluca Rocchi
Attendance:‬ 38000‎

Conte: 'Juve won on every level'

Nov 10, 2013

Antonio Conte said “only a blind man couldn’t see” the Juventus superiority against Napoli this evening.

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“Napoli are a very, very strong side who can still improve,” he told Sky Sport Italia after the 3-0 victory.

“Rafa Benitez said they are at 75 per cent, so they can still achieve a great deal and I’m convinced they’ll fight for the Scudetto to the end.

“Last season they finished second and over the summer invested heavily on the transfer market. It was a great Juventus performance.”

http://markting10.nl/

Conte was bullish in the post-match interview and slammed the media for asking about the opening goal, as Fernando Llorente was marginally offside – measured using replays at just 23cm.

“The linesman needed a magnifying glass to see that, as he was 23cm offside. I find it sad that after a game we played so well for 90 minutes and won 3-0, the first thing I’m asked is about a marginal offside call. It is reductive to the performance of the team and I am truly disappointed.

“You expect the start to be compliments for a fine performance or any other question about tactics, players and situations. I say that after 90 seconds we could’ve been 2-0 up, as Pepe Reina needed a great save even before the goal and he was Man of the Match.

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“Juventus have a strong squad, as do Napoli. We have organisation and players who give their best within that organisation. We won on every level tonight and the lads were extraordinary to do what I asked for. Only a blind man couldn’t see what was so obvious this evening.

“This is our third year as protagonists, yet we always hear talk about referees or wait for the tiniest opportunity to say Juventus are sated or not as good as they were – but we’re still here. It’s not easy to stay near the top of a League that has improved exponentially.

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“A Coach has to be a fine psychologist and think the way players think. I said it would be tough for us this year, as the others have everything to gain and we have it all to lose. That’s why I said whoever doesn’t win has failed.

“Everyone praises the other teams, but Juventus are always up there. It’s tough – for us and for everyone else.”

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

[Socrates 8430]

JUVENTUS 3 - 0 NAPOLI

Fernando Llorente (2′)
Andrea Pirlo (74′)
Paul Pogba (80′)

November 10, 2013 - 8:45 PM
Juventus Stadium — Turin
Referee: Gianluca Rocchi
Attendance:‬ 38000‎

Benitez: 'Early goal changed everything'

Nov 10, 2013

Rafa Benitez admitted Napoli’s plan was wrecked when Juventus scored after two minutes. “It changed everything.”

http://markting10.nl/

Fernando Llorente opened the scoring just 120 seconds into the game before Andrea Pirlo and Paul Pogba rounded out the 3-0 result.

“We were in the locker room analysing the game with the players and the staff. It was a match that needed to be analysed and we covered it in depth,” Benitez told Sky Sport Italia after taking over an hour to speak to the media.

“Obviously starting against a strong side like Juve and going 1-0 down after two minutes changes everything. The team was struggling for 20 minutes, then we got back into it, but those two goals showed the quality at Juventus.

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“It’s no consolation, because we lost, but everyone knows we are at 75 per cent and any intelligent person knows Juventus are still very strong.

“It wouldn’t be easy for anyone in this situation with such an early goal, but we fought back and had our chances.

“We needed more possession and to be more dangerous, but above all to show the character and quality we knew we had.”

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Benitez was asked about his decision not to man-mark or ‘cage’ Pirlo in the Juventus midfield.

“We know Pirlo has quality, but we can’t play an entire game just for one player. We knew it could be difficult, but we know that in future we can play as we did in the second half.”

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Marek Hamsik had a disappointing performance and has been known to struggle in big games.

“I know he is a great player, but football has 11 players in a team, not just one who has to make the difference every time. The team played better after the break and so did Hamsik.”

http://markting10.nl/

Benitez and Antonio Conte engaged in some verbal sparring in the lead-up to this match.

“We each have our own way of doing things. I worked in three different countries with different mentalities and believe this is the way to win, whereas he has his view of winning. It’s fine.

“Napoli are growing, as a team and a club, whereas Juventus have been winning for years, so it’s only natural they are considered favourites.”

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