Juventus Season 2013-2014

[Socrates 8445]

5 Reasons Juventus Failed in the Champions League This Season

Dec 19 2013

Juventus failed to qualify from the group stage of the Champions League, falling well short of the expectations before the season started.

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Signings of Carlos Tevez and Fernando Llorente were supposed to boost the one weakness of the side and help to at least give the Bianconeri the opportunity to stand a better chance of reaching the semi-finals of the competition after defeat to Bayern in the quarter-finals a year ago.

It has been a massive disappointment, especially as the group this season was vastly easier than the one that they topped last year.

So where did it all go wrong? Let's take a closer look.

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Lack of Tactical Variety

Juventus may have upgraded their attack significantly in the summer, but they failed to address something that they were accused of last season in Europe—an overreliance on the 3-5-2 system.

Antonio Conte does have tactical variety, having started his tenure at the club with the 4-4-2, which was interpreted by some as a 4-2-4.

Quite soon, though, it was clear that the 3-5-2 system best suited the players at his disposal, and it has been a huge success.

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However, given its lack of use in Europe—particularly the Champions League—it was unclear whether it could translate to the European game.

After squeezing through the group stage on top, facing a weak Celtic side and then finally being eliminated by a formidable Bayern outfit, it was still unclear how successful it had been.

Conte appears willing to experiment with a 4-3-3 formation that he used twice against Real Madrid this season, but the players required to use this system on a more regular basis are not available to him.

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Simone Pepe's injury has particularly harmed Conte's ability to switch formations more regularly, as there are a real lack of advanced wide players in the squad.

Next summer, it will be clear that wingers will be the priority in the transfer market, which will then enable Conte to chop and change his tactics dependent on the competition or opposition.

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Tevez Failure to Translate League Form to Europe

Carlos Tevez has been a success to an extent since arriving in Turin, but just as it was in his time with Manchester United and Manchester City, his form in the Champions League has been poor.

Tevez has scored 10 goals in 16 matches in Serie A, which is a great return, matching the highest scorer in either of Juve's previous two seasons in the league.

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In the Champions League, though, El Apache has failed to score in six appearances. Worryingly, that means it will be over four years before he breaks his drought, with his last goal coming in April 2009 for Manchester United against Porto.

Tevez must improve his record in this competition if he is to maintain his role as the No. 1 option in attack. If he doesn't, Juve will look to utilise Fernando Llorente in his place and switch to a 4-3-3 formation, or sign another striker in one of the next two transfer windows.

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Pirlo Injury

Andrea Pirlo did play in five of Juve's six matches, but his absence in the deciding game against Galatasaray on Matchday 6 was a massive factor in the club's relegation to the Europa League.

Pirlo started the season inconsistently, often struggling for form, but the 34-year-old looked back to his best in recent weeks—especially in the Champions League match with Real Madrid at the Juventus Stadium.

Without the maestro, it meant that the side lacked a regista to anchor the midfield and orchestrate possession, which is so fundamental to the Bianconeri's success under Antonio Conte.

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Paul Pogba was played in a deeper role in an attempt to replace the Azzurri legend, which hindered his ability to impact the match in the way he had done so successfully up to that point in the season.

Juve struggled to look after the ball on what was a dreadful pitch—a tactic which would have helped to sap the life out of the game and take them toward the draw, which would have qualified them from the group.

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Not Enough Penetration from the Wings

Part of the reason that there has been clamour for Conte to use a 4-3-3 formation is the lack of pace in the wide areas when utilising the 3-5-2 system.

Stephan Lichtsteiner does not possess express speed, but his close control and ability to carry the ball great distances does at least provide the Bianconeri with a threat from the right.

However, the Swiss international was recently injured for four-and-a-half matches after being subbed off in the home game with Galatasaray.

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Kwadwo Asamoah has some pace and power, but he is not a natural left-sided midfielder and his form has been erratic, which is also the case for Mauricio Isla ever since the Chilean returned from injury.

Simone Padoin is workmanlike, but lacks the ability to change a game, as does Paolo De Ceglie and Federico Peluso on the left side.

Both Copenhagen and Galatasaray were happy to allow Juve to dominate possession and crowd the central areas in their matches at the Juventus Stadium, forcing Juve to spread the ball to the wings, where they rarely hurt the opposition.

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Multiple Defensive Lapses in Concentration Against Gala at Home

Juventus were guilty of defensive howlers against Galatasaray, which ultimately cost them three points against the side that would eventually put them out of the Champions League.

Had they won that game, Galatasaray would not have been able to catch them in the final game of the group stages.

Leonardo Bonucci's dreadful pass allowed Didier Drogba to bear down on goal, and Gianluigi Buffon's eagerness to come off his line only exacerbated matters, allowing the Ivorian to give the Turkish side the lead.

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However, Juve were able to claw their way back and go in front—only to switch off again.

Giorgio Chiellini failed to challenge sufficiently for a header on the edge of the penalty area, and then Andrea Barzagli was caught ball-watching, which allowed Umut Bulut to ghost into the penalty area and equalise.

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This, ultimately, proved fatal to Juve's hopes of reaching the next phase of the Champions League.

The Turkish champions now face Chelsea in the last 16, a side that Juve beat comfortably last season, which makes the elimination even tougher to take.

[Socrates 8445]

ATALANTA - JUVENTUS

December 22, 2013 - 3:00 PM
Atleti azzurri d'Italia Stadium — Bergamo
Referee: Domenico Celi

Atalanta out to continue home record against Juve

Atalanta midfielder Giacomo Bonaventura is hopeful his side's
excellent home form continues against Serie A champions Juventus.

Dec 20, 2013

The two sides meet in Bergamo on Sunday with Atalanta out to spring an upset in their final game before the mid-season break.

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Despite sitting 13th in the table, Atalanta have lost just once at home this season in a run that has seen them beat Lazio and claim 1-1 draws with both Inter and Roma.

Juventus have not conceded in an eight-match winning run in Serie A, but Bonaventura is still confident of testing the league leaders.

"It won't be a walk in the park against Juventus," Bonaventura told Corriere dello Sport.

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"I expect a really difficult game as Juventus have made their opponents suffer for some time and they have dominated for years.

"We managed to hold Roma and Inter to 1-1 draws (though) and it would be a nice Christmas gift to get a result against Juve.

"We can take anyone on at home, but we will need a perfect game."

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

[Socrates 8445]

ATALANTA - JUVENTUS

December 22, 2013 - 3:00 PM
Atleti azzurri d'Italia Stadium — Bergamo
Referee: Domenico Celi

Atalanta v Juventus – Team News,
Tactics, Line-ups And Prediction

Dec 21, 2013

It’s the final round in Serie A before the league takes its annual Winter break and goes on a two week hiatus. Naturally, teams will have their intentions firmly set on finishing the calendar year on a high. For Juventus, that could see them extend their five point lead at the top of the league; while for Atalanta, a win could propel them into the top half of the table.

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It’s a special occasion for Juventus manager Antonio Conte, who returns to Bergamo and a stadium he once called home. Conte had a brief tenure with Atalanta and featured in clash-ins with the team’s ultras. Juventus’ last Serie A game saw them brush aside new-comers Sassuolo 4-0 while Atalanta grinded out a low-scoring draw against Genoa.


Team News and Tactical Brief

ATALANTA

Stefano Colantuono’s side have had their capability to win games questioned recently with their four game winless streak the subject of criticism. It took a last gasp Giuseppe De Luca effort to snatch a draw from the jaws of defeat against Genoa. Atalanta will be sweating on the fitness of fan favorite Cristian Raimondi and Mario Yepes.

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Colantuono should deploy his favored 4-4-1-1 formation. A couple of changes are expected from the side that grabbed a stalemate in Genoa. Canini and Brineza might be drafted back into the playing eleven. Diminutive play-maker Maxi Moralez will play in the hole behind German Denis.

Moralez is the link between midfield and attack but after a great season last term, he hasn’t quite been able to match those levels. One player though that is always a threat is German Denis. The former Napoli man is a man mountain with admirable aerial prowess leads the goal-scoring charts with 6 to his name.

The supplier in midfield comes in the form of Luca Cigarini; a player who was once recognized as Andrea Pirlo’s heir but never quite lived up to that billing. Cigarini, however, has put in some excellent performances this year and could certainly cause Juventus problems with his craft. The onus will fall on his shoulders to provide the goods and pull the strings from the heart of midfield.

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Possible Starting XI (4-4-1-1): Consigli; Scaloni, Canini, Lucchini, Brivio; Brienza, Carmona, Cigarini, Kone; Moralez; Denis

JUVENTUS

Two wins on the trot after the extremely disappointing Champions League exit is just the response Antonio Conte was looking for. His side look almost untouchable in Serie A, the domestic league where they’re viewed as the Alpha dogs.

You’d have to go all the way back to that Fiorentina game in Florence to spot the last time the Bianconeri failed to grab the three points. It’s an incredible record as they’ve kept clean sheets as well alongwith their 8 successive wins. Gigi Buffon has gone an extraordinary 730 minutes without picking the ball out of his net in the league.

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With the Winter break around the corner, expect Conte to field a full strength side. Andrea Pirlo remains the only absentee in an otherwise fully fit team. Juventus will be high on confidence and will have momentum backing them. They will be anticipated to hold the lion’s share of possession and carve openings in the final third. Creativity, of course, that has been provided in plenty by Carlos Tevez will be key to unlocking the Nerazzurri’s defense.

Tevez has 10 goals to his credit and his chemistry with Fernando Llorente is what has been grabbing the eye. Llorente’s height and strength gives Juventus a new dimension going forward, a classic target-man that could be used as a battering ram against those doors that just won’t budge.


Possible Starting XI (3-5-2): Buffon; Barzagli, Bonucci, Chiellini; Lichtsteiner, Vidal, Pogba, Marchisio, Asamoah; Tevez, Llorente

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Player To Watch Out For

Paul Pogba (Juventus)

Juventus PogbaThe Frenc h International has arguably been one of the best midfield players in Serie A this campaign showing all the talent that we knew he had. Since Pirlo succumbed to injury however, Pogba hasn’t been able to grab a game by the scruff of its neck. The ‘regista’ role hasn’t brought out the best in him but he still his overwhelming ability always makes him a threat.

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Prediction

ATALANTA 0-2 JUVENTUS

A trip to Bergamo is often sighted as one of the most tricky places a team can visit. Atalanta are a formidable opposition at home having conceded victory on just one ocassion. Yet, with the form they’re in and the ammunition they possess, the scales tilt in the Bianconeri’s favor. You’d have to be a brave man to put your money on Juventus dropping points.

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

[Socrates 8445]

ATALANTA - JUVENTUS

December 22, 2013 - 3:00 PM
Atleti azzurri d'Italia Stadium — Bergamo
Referee: Domenico Celi

Atalanta-Juventus Preview: Pirlo absent
as champions seek ninth straight win

The Bianconeri sit five points clear of Roma in second
and have not been beaten by Sunday's opponents since February 2001.

Dec 21, 2013

Juventus will look to further cement their place at the top of Serie A as they face an out-of-form Atalanta side on Sunday.

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Antonio Conte's men travel to the Stadio Atleti Azzurri d'Italia in fine form having won their past eight league games.

The Turin club now sit five points clear of Roma at the summit of the division and will head into the mid-season break as leaders, regardless of the result in Bergamo.

Juventus have an outstanding record against Atalanta, and have not tasted defeat against the Lombardy club in Serie A since February 2001, when Atalanta earned a 2-1 win.

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And Conte's side will be favourites to take all three points from this encounter with a team that has won just one of its past eight outings in the league.

That victory came against relegation-threatened Bologna but, although Stefano Colantuono's men are in the midst of a mediocre season, Atalanta can take some hope into the game having suffered only one loss in front of their home fans this term.

Inter, Napoli and AC Milan were among Atalanta's biggest scalps last season, and Colantuono will be looking for his team to produce another strong showing against one of the division's best and end their 12-year wait for a league win over Juve.

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Still Juventus present an imposing challenge, particularly with midfield stalwart Andrea Pirlo (knee) the only absentee in a near fully-fit squad, with Simone Pepe having returned to action against Avellino after more than a year on the sidelines.

Juve may hold a commanding lead over Roma as they seek their third consecutive Scudetto, but vice-captain Claudio Marchisio believes it is vital that Conte’s maintain their momentum heading into to the second half of the campaign

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"This year will end in the best possible way, with us in first place," Marchisio told JTV.

"We've now got a different rival who will try to overtake us, but we want to keep winning."

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Head to Head

Serie A ‎-‎ May 8, 2013 - Atalanta 0 - 1 Juventus
Serie A ‎- Dec 16, 2012 - Juventus 3 - 0 Atalanta
Serie A ‎-‎ May 13, 2012 - Juventus 3 - 1 Atalanta
Serie A ‎-‎ Jan 21, 2012 - Atalanta 0 - 2 Juventus
Serie A ‎- Mar 28, 2010 - Juventus 2 - 1 Atalanta

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Last Five Matches

ATALANTA

Dec 15, 2013 - Genoa 1 - 1 Atalanta - Serie A
Dec 8, 2013 - Hellas Verona 2 - 1 Atalanta - Serie A
Dec 4, 2013 - Atalanta 2 - 0 Sassuolo - Coppa Italia
Dec 1, 2013 - Atalanta 1 - 1 Roma - Serie A
Nov 24, 2013 - Sassuolo 2 - 0 Atalanta - Serie A


JUVENTUS

Dec 18, 2013 - Juventus 3 - 0 Avellino - Coppa Italia
Dec 15, 2013 - Juventus 4 - 0 Sassuolo - Serie A
Dec 11, 2013 - Galatasaray 1 - 0 Juventus - UCL
Dec 6, 2013 - Bologna 0 - 2 Juventus - Serie A
Dec 1, 2013 - Juventus 1 - 0 Udinese - Serie A

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

[Socrates 8445]

ATALANTA - JUVENTUS

December 22, 2013 - 3:00 PM
Atleti azzurri d'Italia Stadium — Bergamo
Referee: Domenico Celi

Bonaventura reveals Juve love

Dec 21, 2013

Giacomo Bonaventura will start for Atalanta tomorrow and admits he “was a Juventus fan as a child.”

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The two teams face off at the Stadio Azzurri d’Italia on Sunday at 15.00 CET.

“I was a Juventus fan as a child, when Marcello Lippi was on the bench,” the midfielder told the Corriere dello Sport.

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“We have already taken points off Inter and Roma, so it would be a great Christmas gift if we could do the same with Juventus.

“In order to achieve that aim, we need the perfect performance. I’d take Carlos Tevez off the Bianconeri, though this is a team full of champions and it won’t be easy to get a result.”

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

[Socrates 8445]

ATALANTA - JUVENTUS

December 22, 2013 - 3:00 PM
Atleti azzurri d'Italia Stadium — Bergamo
Referee: Domenico Celi

Juventus squad for Atalanta

Dec 21, 2013

Juventus named their squad for the trip to Atalanta, missing Andrea Pirlo and Mirko Vucinic.

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It kicks off in Bergamo on Sunday at 15.00 CET.

Pirlo and Vucinic are still sidelined by injury problems. Simone Pepe made his first appearance in over a year when Juve beat Avellino in the Coppa Italia on Wednesday, but he is not included in the squad here.

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

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

[Socrates 8445]

ATALANTA - JUVENTUS

December 22, 2013 - 3:00 PM
Atleti azzurri d'Italia Stadium — Bergamo
Referee: Domenico Celi

MATCH PREVIEW

Dec 21, 2013

Atalanta could end 2013 in the top half of the table, but in order to do so must halt imposing League leaders Juventus.

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The Bergamo club secured a last-gasp draw at Genoa, but their winless run extended to four matches. Andrea Bertolacci had fired the Grifoni into a 72nd minute lead, however Giuseppe De Luca popped up in the fourth minute of stoppage time to claim a share of the spoils.

Nonetheless, the point does leave the Nerazzurri five points clear of the bottom trio approaching the Christmas break. Stefano Colantuono is hoping that late goal can be a confidence boost and says his side ‘will try to make life difficult for Juventus’.

Mario Yepes and Cristian Raimondi are battling to prove their fitness after missing the trip to Genoa, while Gianpaolo Bellini is a long-term absentee. They do recover Riccardo Cazzola from suspension.

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Juventus crushed Sassuolo to make it eight wins in succession – all coming with clean sheets. Carlos Tevez sunk the newly-promoted club with a hat-trick, while Federico Peluso opened his season account. It was the tonic needed following their shock Champions League exit at the hands of Galatasaray days before.

The Bianconeri were back in action midweek, cruising to victory over Avellino in the Coppa Italia Last 16. Sebastian Giovinco starred, netting the opening goal before assisting Martin Caceres and Fabio Quagliarella. All three goals came within the opening half-hour.

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Andrea Pirlo will be out until the new year due to a knee injury, but Mirko Vucinic and Simone Pepe are back – the latter after a year out – with Claudio Marchisio also returning having served a one-match ban.

Juventus were 1-0 winners in this fixture last season, making it 23 wins from 51 Bergamo visits. The Orobici have triumphed just seven times, the last of which was in 2000-01.

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Keep an eye on: Fernando Llorente (Juventus) – The Spaniard has enjoyed a good two-month spell and his partnership with Carlos Tevez is beginning to take off. Llorente has four Serie A goals to date and will look to end the year on a high.


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


Last season: Atalanta 0-1 Juventus


Stat fact: Juventus have won on their last six trips to Bergamo, a run stretching back to 2004-05.

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ATALANTA (probable): Consigli; Scaloni, Canini, Lucchini, Brivio; Brienza, Carmona, Cigarini, Kone; Moralez; Denis

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

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

[Socrates 8445]

ATALANTA - JUVENTUS

December 22, 2013 - 3:00 PM
Atleti azzurri d'Italia Stadium — Bergamo
Referee: Domenico Celi

Juventus vs. Atalanta Preview:
Round 17 — Christmas party in Bergamo?

Dec 21, 2013

All that stands between Juventus and a relaxing Christmas vacation is a trip to Bergamo to play Atalanta. One game. That's it. Nothing more, nothing less. The winter break is almost upon us, ladies and gentlemen.

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Sure, there's a game come Sunday afternoon in Bergamo against Atalanta, but IT'S ALMOST CHRISTMAS!!!!

Juventus look to shut the door on a month that can be described as an roller coaster both in terms of flat out emotions and success on the field in two completely different ways and competitions. The Serie A winning streak has remained intact, but the Champions League exit has certainly dominated the discussion surrounding Juve ever since that stupid, stupid trip to Istanbul.

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But even with that happening, Antonio Conte has seen his team just continue to win when it comes to domestic action. They've resembled the Juventus of Conte's previous seasons — shutout win after shutout win, three points after three points. One win after another has seen Juve shoot right past Roma and reclaim their spot as Serie A's top dogs. It's been the perfect response you wanted to see after the 4-2 shocker at the hands of Fiorentina two months ago.

I guess, when it comes to trying to win a third straight league title, that's all you can ask for.

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GOOD NEWS

A Juventus winning streak update:

Eight games, eight clean sheets. Because of this, Juve once again have the best goal differential in Serie A at plus-25.

This has been a Juventus winning streak update. Thank you.

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BAD NEWS

Andrea Pirlo will probably be hanging back in Turin and drinking wine when Juventus vs. Atalanta kicks off tomorrow afternoon. That's not exactly something I wanted to type, even though Pirlo loves him some vino during his spare time.


WHAT TO WATCH FOR

1. Juventus being able to carry their momentum into the winter break.

Why has Juventus been able to win eight straight Serie A games? Well, it's pretty simple, really. They've gone back to what's made them champions in the past under Conte — very good defense, lots of pressure on the opposition, and the goals have followed. Three points have followed in those eight consecutive wins because of it, and it's the reason why Juve are back atop the table with a five-point lead entering the final weekend of 2013.

Or, to put it simply: Just keep the train rolling, fellas.

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2. Where Kwadwo Asamoah plays.

In the past two games, ;we've seen Asamoah go back to his roots. That would be as a central midfielder, not a wingback like where Conte has utilized him since arriving from Udinese two summers ago. The question entering the final game of 2013 is a simple one when it comes to Asamoah: Where the heck is he going to play? He's done well in his return to the center of the midfield, albeit it's a small sample size. That isn't much of a surprise, though, considering it's where he made a name for himself to begin with. The thing that Conte has to consider is this: Which is better, playing Asamoah as a wingback and an out-of-form Claudio Marchisio in the center, or Asamoah in the center and somebody else on the left wing? We'll see.

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3. Who plays left wingback if Asamoah is in the center of the midfield?

It's a big 'What if' in the grand scheme of things. Say Asamoah plays as a wingback himself, then this whole thing is a moot point. But for the sake of being a total speculator, we'll talk about who might play if Asamoah does in fact play in the cetner of the midfield. The options, Federico Peluso and Paolo De Ceglie, aren't the players that Asamoah is. We've known that ever since Asamoah became the starting left wingback, so this isn't any kind of breaking news.

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4. Controlling Germán Denis.

I like to think of Denis as a pest, even though he's not the same kind of pocket-sized pest as somebody like Sebastian Giovinco. Denis is good at what he does — and for him, that means scoring goals. Since coming to Atalanta, he's scored a goal every other game. That's a pretty good tally for somebody who isn't all that heralded as much when compared to other strikers in Italy. But he is a threat, there's no doubt about it. And as the target man in Atalanta's attack, they're going to be looking to not only give him the ball as much as possible, but as many chances in front of goal as they can.

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5. If Carlos Tevez can build off his hat trick.

And by 'build,' I mean continue scoring goals. Why? Because I like when Carlos Tevez scores goals. When it comes to Serie A, Tevez has already scored as many goals as Arturo Vidal and Mirko Vucinic did to lead Juventus all of last season. DId I mention the 2013-14 campaign still has 22 games to go entering the weekend? Yeah, 10 goals for Carlitos in 16 games is quite the impressive tally for a guy who is completely new to life in Italy. Champions League struggles aside, Tevez has clearly been what Conte wanted in a striker. And there's no doubting he's delivered.

http://markting10.nl/

My starting XI (3-5-2): Buffon; Barzagli, Bonucci, Chiellini; Lichtsteiner, Vidal, Pogba, Asamoah, De Ceglie; Llorente, Tevez

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

[Socrates 8445]

ATALANTA - JUVENTUS

December 22, 2013 - 3:00 PM
Atleti azzurri d'Italia Stadium — Bergamo
Referee: Domenico Celi

Colantuono: 'Atalanta can stop Juve'

Dec 22, 2013

Stefano Colantuono concedes Juventus “are superior in every way,” but believes Atalanta can still stop them getting a ninth straight win.

http://markting10.nl/

The Stadio Azzurri d’Italia hosts this Serie A tie at 15.00 CET.

On paper there is absolutely no chance for the Bergamo club, who are without a victory in five rounds and face a Juve side who have won their last eight in a row without conceding a single goal.

“We are facing the strongest side in Serie A, but I have already told my players that in life anything is possible, so let us give it a go,” explained Coach Colantuono.

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“Juventus have the best club organisation, the best squad and the best Coach. They are superior in every way.

“I am not surprised they keep on winning, as they are doing even better than last season and only they can lose the Scudetto now. Knowing Antonio Conte, they won’t be relaxed today.

“Don’t forget people assumed we’d lose against Roma too, yet we were beating them until the final minutes. Of course the Bianconeri are superior, but we have to play well and hope for the best.

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“I also don’t agree with those who say we have nothing to lose. Every point counts and the team knows that.”

Colantuono hinted at a “change of system” to the 3-5-2 because of injury problems for Lionel Scaloni and Michele Canini.

Atalanta squad for Juventus: Baselli, Bonaventura, Brienza, Brivio, Canini, Carmona, Cazzola, Cigarini, Consigli, De Luca, Del Grosso, Denis, Gagliardini, Giorgi, Kone, Livaja, Marilungo, Migliaccio, Moralez, Polito, Raimondi, Scaloni, Sportiello, Stendardo

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

[Socrates 8445]

ATALANTA - JUVENTUS

December 22, 2013 - 3:00 PM
Atleti azzurri d'Italia Stadium — Bergamo
Referee: Domenico Celi

Line-ups: Atalanta-Juventus

Dec 22, 2013

Juventus aim for a ninth consecutive Serie A victory without conceding, but Atalanta have already held Roma and Inter.

http://markting10.nl/

The Stadio Azzurri d’Italia hosts this fixture at 15.00 CET.

The Bianconeri are soaring away at the top of the table after winning their last eight games with clean sheets.

History looks kindly upon Antonio Conte’s men, who have earned seven victories and a draw since their last defeat in Bergamo back in 2001.

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They have also won their last six meetings with Atalanta, home and away in all competition.

The conditions may well bring back memories of Istanbul, as snow and rain are expected in Bergamo.

Andrea Pirlo and Mirko Vucinic are still sidelined, as Carlos Tevez again partners Fernando Llorente in attack.

http://markting10.nl/

Atalanta are without a win in four, but it’s also worth noting they have a strong record on home turf.

They are unbeaten in Bergamo in their last five and have already taken points off Inter and Roma here this season.

There are still problems for Coach Stefano Colantuono, who must do without Stefano Lucchini, Gianpaolo Bellini, Mario Yepes and Cristian Raimondi.

http://markting10.nl/

Giacomo Bonaventura, Lionel Scaloni and Michele Canini are also carrying knocks.

German Denis has never scored against Juventus and is hoping to end that taboo this afternoon.

http://markting10.nl/

ATALANTA: Consigli; Raimondi, Migliaccio, Stendardo, Del Grosso; Bonaventura, Cigarini, Carmona, Brivio; Moralez, Denis

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

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

[Socrates 8445]

ATALANTA 1 - 4 JUVENTUS

Carlos Tévez (6′)

Maximiliano Moralez (15′)

Paul Pogba (46′)
Fernando Llorente (75′)
Arturo Vidal (79′)

December 22, 2013 - 3:00 PM
Atleti azzurri d'Italia Stadium — Bergamo
Referee: Domenico Celi
Attendance:‬ 14000‎

Bianconeri win ninth straight Serie A match

Four different goalscorers fired Antonio Conte's side to yet
another victory to maintain their five-point lead at the top of Serie A.

Dec 22, 2013

Juventus romped to their ninth straight win as they brushed Atalanta aside with a 4-1 win on Sunday afternoon.

http://markting10.nl/

It was another professional performance from the Serie A leaders, who maintained their 12-year league unbeaten run against the Bergamo club to stay five points clear of Roma.
Juve opened the scoring inside the first five minutes when Carlos Tevez scored his fourth goal in his last two league games.

But Atalanta levelled shortly after when Maximiliano Moralez became the first Serie A player to score against Gianluigi Buffon in 745 minutes of football.

But any hopes an Atalanta victory were quashed in the second half, with Paul Pogba restoring their advantage just a minute after the break.

http://markting10.nl/

And the champions made sure of all three points in the last 15 minutes with goals from Fernando Llorente and Arturo Vidal as their ominous form continued.

Experienced defender Guglielmo Stendardo came into the Atalanta defence as one of three changes from their 1-1 draw with Genoa, while Claudio Marchisio and Stephan Lichtsteiner started for Juve in place of Mauricio Isla and Federico Peluso.

Juve made a bright start and took the lead after just five minutes as Tevez's low strike from the edge of the area snuck past Atalanta goalkeeper Andrea Consigli.

http://markting10.nl/

The visitors' lead was short-lived though, as Moralez levelled nine minutes later when he slotted home from close range following good work down the right from Giacomo Bonaventura.

Despite that setback, the Turin outfit continued to dictate the play, but they were prevented from retaking the lead on the half-hour mark when Consigli produced a superb stop to keep out a near-post effort from Tevez.

However, just a minute into the second half the champions were back in front thanks to Pogba's neat finish after Llorente had smartly turned Kwadwo Asamoah's left-wing cross into his path.

http://markting10.nl/

Atalanta struggled to gain a foothold in the contest and were fortunate not to fall further behind midway through the second period as Tevez's free-kick was deflected narrowly wide of the post.

The pressure from Antonio Conte's men told 15 minutes from time, when Spain striker Llorente turned smartly in the area before firing past Consigli and into the bottom corner.

The Turin giants refused to take their foot of the gas and the fourth goal came only four minutes later as Vidal tapped in Lichtsteiner's low delivery to put the gloss on a comfortable win.

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

[Socrates 8445]

ATALANTA 1 - 4 JUVENTUS

Carlos Tévez (6′)

Maximiliano Moralez (15′)

Paul Pogba (46′)
Fernando Llorente (75′)
Arturo Vidal (79′)

December 22, 2013 - 3:00 PM
Atleti azzurri d'Italia Stadium — Bergamo
Referee: Domenico Celi
Attendance:‬ 14000‎

Unstoppable Juventus!

Juventus lost their clean sheet after 744 minutes of Serie A football,
but still beat Atalanta for a ninth straight victory.

Dec 22, 2013

The Bianconeri had won their last eight Serie A games without conceding and visited an Atalanta side who hadn’t won in four. However, the Stadio Azzurri d’Italia had also not been conquered in five games, taking points off the likes of Inter and Roma here. Andrea Pirlo and Mirko Vucinic were still sidelined, while the hosts missed Mario Yepes, Cristian Raimondi, Stefano Lucchini and Gianpaolo Bellini.

http://markting10.nl/

Juve are unbeaten in this fixture since a 2-1 result in February 2001, earning seven victories and a draw, and have won their last six meetings with Atalanta, home and away.

Atalanta wore a new red Christmas-themed shirt and the snow and rain in Bergamo added to the atmosphere.

It took just six minutes for Juve to break the deadlock, as Carlos Tevez skipped away from defenders to shoot with his right foot from the edge of the box and Andrea Consigli got a hand to it, but not enough to keep the ball out of the bottom corner.

http://markting10.nl/

Atalanta equalised with Maxi Moralez, the first goal the Bianconeri had conceded in 744 minutes of Serie A football. The little Argentine gathered the pull-back and his shot went in off the inside of the upright.

Consigli intercepted a dangerous Kwadwo Asamoah cross that Fernando Llorente was about to tap in, while Paul Pogba hit the crossbar only after a push on Guglielmo Stendardo.

A Carlos Carmona screamer was just wide, then Tevez got between defenders and Consigli had to flap the ball away in the six-yard box.

http://markting10.nl/

Tevez sprung the offside trap to go clear on goal, but Consigli did just about enough to send him wide and the chance went begging.

Juventus restored their advantage straight after the restart. Llorente knocked down an Asamoah cross for Pogba, who turned in from six yards.

http://markting10.nl/

Claudio Marchisio blasted over the bar, but Llorente secured the victory when he gathered from Giorgio Chiellini and turned Migliaccio inside out to score.

Arturo Vidal added his name to the scoresheet when meeting a Stephan Lichtsteiner ball across the six-yard box.

http://markting10.nl/

ATALANTA: Consigli; Raimondi (Kone 87), Migliaccio, Stendardo, Del Grosso (Cazzola 68); Bonaventura (Livaja 68), Cigarini, Carmona, Brivio; Moralez, Denis

JUVENTUS: Buffon; Barzagli, Bonucci, Chiellini; Lichtsteiner, Vidal (Padoin 81), Pogba (Peluso 82), Marchisio, Asamoah; Tevez (Quagliarella 81), Llorente

Ref: Celi

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

[Socrates 8445]

ATALANTA 1 - 4 JUVENTUS

Carlos Tévez (6′)

Maximiliano Moralez (15′)

Paul Pogba (46′)
Fernando Llorente (75′)
Arturo Vidal (79′)

December 22, 2013 - 3:00 PM
Atleti azzurri d'Italia Stadium — Bergamo
Referee: Domenico Celi
Attendance:‬ 14000‎

Juve stay five points clear

Dec 22, 2013

Juventus maintained their five-point advantage at the top of Serie A with their ninth win in a row as they secured a 4-1 triumph at Atalanta.

http://markting10.nl/

Carlos Tevez put the Bianconeri in front in the sixth minute but Maximiliano Moralez became the first player in over seven matches to beat Gianluigi Buffon to bring Atalanta level 10 minutes later.

Paul Pogba restored Juve's lead early in the second half with Fernando Llorente and Arturo Vidal completing the win.

Juve have been going - Champions League apart - like an express train recently, winning their last eight and not conceding in their last seven, and Bergamo was not a scheduled stop.

http://markting10.nl/

It stood to reason, therefore, that Tevez put them in front with their first attack, netting his 11th goal of the season after only six minutes.

Vidal's pass took a fortunate deflection to fall for the Argentinian, who held off his marker well and shot low from the edge of the area into the bottom left-hand corner.

Their lead lasted less than 10 minutes, though, before Buffon conceded his first goal after 744 minutes.

http://markting10.nl/

Giacomo Bonaventura took the ball to the goal-line and pulled it back for Moralez, whose shot towards the far corner took a slight deflection, striking the inside of the post on its way in.

Ten minutes later, Carmona tried his luck from 35 yards, hoping somehow that Buffon could now be beaten from anywhere having finally conceded, yet he failed to hit the target.

Juve ended the half stronger with Claudio Marchisio lifting an interesting ball to the far post to Pogba, who found no takers for his header across the face of goal. Tevez then tried a lob which cleared the bar from the edge of the penalty area.

http://markting10.nl/

Less than a minute of the second half had been played when Pogba put Juve in front for the second time.

Kwadwo Asamoah's cross was touched town by Llorente, and Pogba swept it into the far corner with his left foot.

Atalanta collapsed as Juve finally gathered momentum, and a third goal was inevitable.

http://markting10.nl/

Giorgio Chiellini was allowed to advance with the ball at his feet, deep into the Atalanta half, where he passed the responsibility to Llorente, who made it look easy inside the penalty area.

Five minutes later, Vidal got his obligatory goal too, tucking the ball in at the far post from Stephan Lichtsteiner's cross to complete the rout.

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

[Socrates 8445]

ATALANTA 1 - 4 JUVENTUS

Carlos Tévez (6′)

Maximiliano Moralez (15′)

Paul Pogba (46′)
Fernando Llorente (75′)
Arturo Vidal (79′)

December 22, 2013 - 3:00 PM
Atleti azzurri d'Italia Stadium — Bergamo
Referee: Domenico Celi
Attendance:‬ 14000‎

Juventus too strong for Atalanta

Dec 22, 2013

Juventus have defeated Atalanta 4-1 at the Stadio Atleti Azzurri d'Italia in Bergamo to stay five points clear at the top of Serie A.

http://markting10.nl/

The Italian champions surged ahead with the very first meaningful chance of the game as Carlos Tevez fired home in the sixth minute.

However, Atalanta pressed forward and scored the equaliser on 15 minutes. Paul Pogba and Kwadwo Asamoah both failed to contain Giacomo Bonaventura on the right and the midfielder set up Maximiliano Moralez to slam home from close range.

Maximiliano Morales of Atalanta celebrates the equlising goal during the Serie A match between Atalanta BC and Juventus at Stadio Atleti Azzurri d'Italia on December 22, 2013

http://markting10.nl/

Tevez and Fernando Llorente had chances in quick succession in the following minutes, but both failed to keep their respective attempts on target.

Then on 20 minutes Pogba struck the Atalanta crossbar but the referee had already blown the whistle for a offside infringement.

Carlos Carmona tried to hit back for the home side, but it was Juve who had the better chances as the first half progressed, with Tevez going close on a couple of occasions.

http://markting10.nl/

Pogba redeemed himself for his part in the Atalanta goal in the first minute of the second half, as he shot home with his left foot after being released by Llorente.

The Frenchman had another good chance just minutes later, but this time he dragged his shot wide of the target.

http://markting10.nl/

Despite Atalanta's spirited performance, they failed to stop Llorente from scoring Juventus's third goal of the afternoon on 75 minutes as the Spanish striker latched onto Giorgio Chiellini's pass, turned past Giulio Migliaccio and shot home.

Arturo Vidal added the icing on the cake four minutes later, turning in Stephan Lichtsteiner's cross from just yards out.

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

[Socrates 8445]

ATALANTA 1 - 4 JUVENTUS

Carlos Tévez (6′)

Maximiliano Moralez (15′)

Paul Pogba (46′)
Fernando Llorente (75′)
Arturo Vidal (79′)

December 22, 2013 - 3:00 PM
Atleti azzurri d'Italia Stadium — Bergamo
Referee: Domenico Celi
Attendance:‬ 14000‎

Dominant second half secures
comfortable win for the Bianconeri

Dec 22, 2013

Juventus beat Atalanta 4-1 at the Stadio Atleti Azurri d’Italia on Sunday afternoon in the Serie A.

http://markting10.nl/

An early goal from Carlos Tevez sent the Bianconeri in front before Maxi Moralez equalized for La Dea to make the halftime-score 1-1. Second half strikes from Paul Pogba, Fernando Llorente and Arturo Vidal secured the win for the away side.

Juventus would find themselves in first-place in Serie A at Christmas, regardless of today’s result. They did though have the chance to move further away from third-placed Napoli, who had played out to a draw with Cagliari on Saturday. The home team, on the other hand, found themselves in mid-table before the match and were looking to increase the 4-point distance they had down to the relegation spots.

In the latest round, Tevez nicked a hat trick against Sassuolo and after just six minutes of this game, Tevez was on the spot again. The Argentine sent a flat shot into the far side of the goal in a situation where Atalanta-keeper, Andrea Consigli, didn’t look too good.

http://markting10.nl/

It did not take long, however, before home team had equalized. After 15 minutes, Giacomo Bonaventura sent a pass backwards in the penalty area to find Maxi Moralez, who put the ball past Gianluigi Buffon.

On the half hour, Juventus came close once again when Pogba headed the ball down just in front of Consigli’s goal, but Tevez could’t quite arrive to put it in the net. The Argentine would get the chance again a few minutes before half-time when he found himself alone with Consigli who, however, did well to read Tevez’ intentions and knock the ball away.

Just one minute had passed in the second half before Juventus were in front again. Llorente found Pogba in the box and the Frenchman didn’t have much trouble bagging his fifth goal of the season. It wasn’t enough for the Bianconeri who kept pressing for a third goal, while the home side had difficulty getting any offensive play going.

http://markting10.nl/

Juventus’s domination would pay off after 75 minutes when Llorente put them up 3-1. Giorgio Chiellini drove the ball forward and found the Spaniard, who cheated Giulio Migliaccio with a nice move before putting the ball past Consigli.

The away side would go 4-1 up as well when Stephan Lichtsteiner sent a ball into the small area where Vidal stood ready to put it in the net. As a sign of Juventus’s domination, Atalanta first real effort on goal in the second half didn’t come until the 84th minute when a German Denis header was saved by Buffon.

Atalanta searched for a consolation goal in the final minutes, but result remained 4-1 for Juventus at full-time.

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

[Socrates 8445]

ATALANTA 1 - 4 JUVENTUS

Carlos Tévez (6′)

Maximiliano Moralez (15′)

Paul Pogba (46′)
Fernando Llorente (75′)
Arturo Vidal (79′)

December 22, 2013 - 3:00 PM
Atleti azzurri d'Italia Stadium — Bergamo
Referee: Domenico Celi
Attendance:‬ 14000‎

Juve make it nine wins in a row,
Marchisio slots into Pirlo role

Dec 22, 2013

Conceding a goal after so many games made it exciting, at least temporarily, as it looked liked Juventus might be facing a challenge. Alas, Atalanta could barely control the superior talent of their opponents and the Bianconeri went on to score three more to finish the match 4-1. Another week and yet another victory for Antonio Conte's men, who look simply unstoppable in the league.

http://markting10.nl/

On paper, this looked to be an uneven contest between the two sides. Whilst Juventus can't stop winning, Atalanta haven't won a match since early November. They are a team that struggle to create or score and going into the match, only Genoa had attempted fewer shots on goal then the Orobici. Defensively, they work well together and limit the spaces available to the opponent, even if they tend to concede a few too many shots.

Nonetheless, coach Stefano Colantuono has created a good team ethic. His players play with determination and a certain rhythm that has seen them snatch points in big games. Their passing may not be the most accurate, but they take the chances afforded to them and honour the shirt they don.

An easy challenge on paper, it took Juventus only five minutes to demonstrate it was an easy challenge in reality too. A beautiful shot from outside the box by Carlos Tevez gave the away side an excellent start to the game -- that was until Maxi Moralez dealt the Old Lady and their remarkable clean-sheet record a blow by scoring the equaliser only 10 minutes later.

http://markting10.nl/

A Juventus fan as a child, Giacomo Bonaventura made a beautiful run in the box, evading all Bianconeri defenders in his way to deliver the ball for Maximiliano Moralez to shoot and score. The goal stunned the Old Lady, a team that had forgotten what it felt like to concede a goal in domestic fixtures and it took them some time to settle back to their dominating ways. However, the home side did well defensively, flooding their box with bodies to severely hinder Juve's intricate play in the final third.

Sadly for the home fans, 45 minutes of good play was all Atalanta could muster as Juventus well and truly dominated, controlled and exhibited their superiority in the second half. Colantuono attempted to provoke a reaction from his side by throwing on more attacking players, but it's difficult to continue to believe in a win when faced with a side that has so many options going forward. Even Arturo Vidal and Fernando Llorente, who played below their usual level, managed a goal each.

Interestingly, Conte opted to play Claudio Marchisio in the regista role, sitting deep and picking out passes. Many journalists, fans and even this blog have wondered who out of Juve's midfielders would be the best placed to take on that role in Andrea Pirlo's absence. Today, questions were answered.

http://markting10.nl/

Once again Paul Pogba showed how important he can be to the side when played further forward. This is a man who delights in his ability to keep possession and dribble forward, turn and shoot. Moreover, his athletic stature allows him to get the better of defenders and reach the ball first to score, much like he did with Juve's second goal of the game. Played deep, Conte risks sacrificing the youngster's greatest qualities. Played further forward and the Frenchman excels in raising the team's level of attacking play.

Meanwhile, Vidal with his consistent determination to win back possession high up the pitch, coupled with his non-stop scoring, means he should always be allowed to push forward. Playing him deeper means losing his defensive capabilities in that final third as well as the most prolific goalscorer under Conte's tutelage.

Marchisio in that 'Pirlo' role just might be the perfect solution. The attributes of his teammates aside, Il Principino is one of the most tactically intelligent players within the Juve ranks and his ability to interpret different roles further demonstrates his importance to the side. Whether played out wide on the left, right, deep or just behind the striker, Marchisio can and does make it work to the best of his ability. Evidently this is not his best position and yet the Bianconero did well to break up play, keep his passing tidy and look forward.

http://markting10.nl/

Unfortunately, this season he has struggled to find the back of the net despite his ability to expose and occupy gaps in the final third. Moreover, there seems to be a reluctance to pass him the ball when he does position himself well in the box. Thus playing him deeper not only makes the most of his tactical intelligence but also allows his more effective teammates the opportunity to express themselves in an attacking sense.

Nine consecutive wins for the Old Lady and only one goal conceded. Regardless of what happens against Roma at the start of the new year, it's obvious Juve are Italy's best team and that is not simply based on results, but on the quality of their play. Few boast that kind of fluidity and the ability to maintain consistency, even when the squad is rotated.

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

[Socrates 8445]

ATALANTA 1 - 4 JUVENTUS

Carlos Tévez (6′)

Maximiliano Moralez (15′)

Paul Pogba (46′)
Fernando Llorente (75′)
Arturo Vidal (79′)

December 22, 2013 - 3:00 PM
Atleti azzurri d'Italia Stadium — Bergamo
Referee: Domenico Celi
Attendance:‬ 14000‎

Initial reaction and random observations

Dec 22, 2013

In a relatively interesting development, Juventus manager Antonio Conte rolled out of the dressing room sporting his favorite hat to protect himself from the elements. Turns out, Conte's hat turned into a makeshift rally cap for his team coming out of the halftime break.

http://markting10.nl/

Second-half goals from Paul Pogba, Fernando Llorente and Arturo Vidal sent Juventus into the winter break in style with a 4-1 thumping of Atalanta on Sunday in Bergamo. Four goals in back-to-back league games. Not a bad way to close out 2013, guys. And with the the win, Juve were able to keep their plus-5 advantage atop the Serie A table.

Pretty good Sunday, I'd say.

JuventusFC ✔ @juventusfcen
Llorente: It was a really tough game because Atalanta are a strong side, especially at home.

http://markting10.nl/

The lone blemish in what was an otherwise productive day: Maxi Moralez's 15th-minute goal put an end to Juve's long shutout streak, keeping Gigi Buffon from making even more history in his legendary career.

But something tells me that Buffon will take the three points as a consolation gift a few days before Christmas. And after that goal, especially in the second half, Juve's defense put the clamp down on a Atalanta attack that was looking quite solid in the first 45 minutes on Sunday.

OptaPaolo @OptaPaolo
745 - Gianluigi Buffon has conceded a goal in the league after being unbeaten for 745 mins - he's now 6th in the all-time Serie A. Moralez.

http://markting10.nl/

Rinse and repeat. Nine straight wins in a row for Conte's squad and now it's all eyes focused solely on the game coming out of the holiday break. Methinks the first game of 2014 is a rather important one. Feel free to agree.


Random thoughts and observations

• The Carlos Tevez goal tally is now at 11 on the season after he recorded the opening goal on Sunday. If he was around last season, he'd officially finish as Juve's leading scorer. But since he obviously wasn't, we can only point out that Tevez has now scored one more goal than both of Juve's top scorers — Vidal and Mirko Vucinic — did a year ago. And there's still over half the season to go. Stay hot, Carlitos.

http://markting10.nl/

• After a couple of relatively quiet games, Llorente was back to doing Llorente things. An assist on Pogba's eventual game-winner and then a wonderfully taken strike from inside the penalty area to put the game away at 3-1. He will almost always be involved in the build up play because that's what he does. But this was a game, even with some of the frustrations that came in the final third, that Llorente's contributions made a huge difference.

• Giorgio Chiellini might very well be the most awkward player ever when he comes out of the defense and tries to contribute to the attack. And yet, despite all of that, he got an assist on Llorente's goal. This game is a funny thing sometimes — and so is watching Chiellini charge up the field when he tries to channel his inner left winger.

• Claudio Marchisio slotted into the Andrea Pirlo-like regista role after Pogba began the game there. That marks the second time in less than a week that Il Principino has been deployed as the holding midfielder in the center of the park. As somebody once said to me, "Your thoughts?"

http://markting10.nl/

• For all the good that came with Juventus scoring four goals, it wasn't exactly like they were firing at will for good portions of the match. There were a good number of shoulda-coulda-woulda moments, most notably Tevez's 1-on-1 with Atalanta keeper Andrea Consigli that somehow ended with no shot on goal. Juventus definitely should have finished with more than 16 total shots against Atalanta. But then again, when you score four goals and every shot on goal hits the back of the net, I guess it's okay to forgive them a little bit.

• You see Stephan Lichtsteiner's cross on Vidal's goal? Juve need to do that more often. Dangerous.

http://markting10.nl/

• You see Marchisio screaming at the top of his lungs at Pogba after Atalanta's goal? That was awesome.

• Let the Roma talk officially begin. Jan. 5 — and the chance for 10 straight Serie A wins — can't get here soon enough

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

[Socrates 8445]

ATALANTA 1 - 4 JUVENTUS

Carlos Tévez (6′)

Maximiliano Moralez (15′)

Paul Pogba (46′)
Fernando Llorente (75′)
Arturo Vidal (79′)

December 22, 2013 - 3:00 PM
Atleti azzurri d'Italia Stadium — Bergamo
Referee: Domenico Celi
Attendance:‬ 14000‎

Player Ratings

Goal took in the action in Bergamo, where the Bianconeri romped to a ninth
straight win in comprehensive fashion to enter the winter break in supreme form.

Dec 22, 2013

ATALANTA

Andrea Consigli - Though he saved well from Tevez, he could have done better for at least one of Juve's goals.

Cristian Raimondi - Defended energetically, and had a few positive moments when he looked to overlap down the right hand side.

Giulio Migliaccio - Tried his hardest to keep up with Tevez and for many spells during the game, he stifled the Argentine. However, the occasional slip ups were noticeable.

Guglielmo Stendardo - Tracked many of the runs forward from the likes of Llorente, but in the end he could not stop the Juve machine.

Cristiano Del Grosso - Did a decent job defensively, but never got forward in a convincing manner.

Giacomo Bonaventura - Looked threatening from out wide in the early exchanges and put in a great cross for Moralez to score.

Luca Cigarini - Responsible for most of the positive moments in attack for the home side after their goal, making a few dangerous runs from deep. However, it was not a consistent threat.

Carlos Carmona - Pulled off a number of tackles as he managed to keep the likes of Vidal at bay for long stretches. However, fatigue began to catch up with him in the latter stages.

Davide Brivio - Like many of his team-mates he started well, but could not sustain it for long. Nothing more than average out wide.

Maximiliano Moralez - Pounced to score an early equaliser for the home side, but he could not build on that positivity, and ended the game on the periphery.

Germán Denis - Starved for service, Atalanta's main man was hardly a factor throughout the game, but he still worked very hard to chase down lost causes and put pressure on the centre-backs.

http://markting10.nl/

Substitutions

Riccardo Cazzola - Did not make any impact on the game in his relatively short cameo.

Marko Livaja - Could not supply or receive any good service, and as a result was stymied.

http://markting10.nl/

JUVENTUS

Gianluigi Buffon - Could not help Moralez's goal and handled his other routine tasks well.

Andrea Barzagli - Like the rest of the defensive trio, he went about his business with minimal fuss.

Leonardo Bonucci - Never looked like being beaten, as he took care of whatever came his way.

Giorgio Chiellini - Blocked his fair share of shots and looked assured repelling the occasional bursts of pressure from the opposition.

Stephan Lichtsteiner - Relatively timid in the first half, but began to showcase himself as more of an attacking outlet in the second period.

Paul Pogba - Powerful as usual in the middle and got forward at just the right moment to slot Juve into a second half lead that they would never relinquish.

Claudio Marchisio - Never quite found the time and space to get involved in attack in his usual manner. His runs were often checked and he did not attempt much more than safety first passes.

Arturo Vidal - Was having a fairly quiet game by his standards up until the last 10 minutes, when he was in the right place at the right time to stab home a fourth goal.

Kwadwo Asamoah - Successful in many of the overlapping runs that he attempted, and did not shirk from his defensive responsibilities for one second, making some key interceptions.

Carlos Tévez - Opened the scoring with an opportunistic finish and occasionally provided some great link up play with Llorente around the box.

Fernando Llorente - Muscled in an assist for Pogba's goal, before getting on the scoresheet himself with a deft move and finish to put Juve out of reach.

http://markting10.nl/

Substitutions

Simone Padoin - Came on with the game already on ice.

Fabio Quagliarella - One or two nice touches in his short cameo appearance.

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

[Socrates 8445]

ATALANTA 1 - 4 JUVENTUS

Carlos Tévez (6′)

Maximiliano Moralez (15′)

Paul Pogba (46′)
Fernando Llorente (75′)
Arturo Vidal (79′)

December 22, 2013 - 3:00 PM
Atleti azzurri d'Italia Stadium — Bergamo
Referee: Domenico Celi
Attendance:‬ 14000‎

Colantuono: Juventus were too strong

Dec 22, 2013

Atalanta coach Stefano Colantuono thinks that Juventus were too strong to handle for his team in today’s match, where they suffered a 4-1 defeat at home.

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An even first half saw both teams score, Carlos Tevez and Maxi Moralez the goalscorers, but in the second half the Bianconeri dominated play and scored three times to bag the win. The second half goals were scored by Paul Pogba, Fernando Llorente and Arturo Vidal.

“Conte’s Juventus is a team that is too strong,” Colantuono said to Rai Sport after the match.

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“We were able to keep up with them in the first half, succeeding in balancing the score following Tevez’ opener, but in the second half – after Pogba’s goal – we saw the full strength of the Italian champions.

“Juventus is a team that people know well. They have a certain system of playing, are strong and are used to winning.”

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

[Socrates 8445]

ATALANTA 1 - 4 JUVENTUS

Carlos Tévez (6′)

Maximiliano Moralez (15′)

Paul Pogba (46′)
Fernando Llorente (75′)
Arturo Vidal (79′)

December 22, 2013 - 3:00 PM
Atleti azzurri d'Italia Stadium — Bergamo
Referee: Domenico Celi
Attendance:‬ 14000‎

Serie A Wrap: Juve finish 2013 five points clear

Juventus and Roma took full advantage of Napoli's failure to win
on Saturday by putting four past their respective opponents on Sunday.

Dec 23, 2013

Serie A leaders Juve were the far superior side as they brushed aside Atalanta 4-1 to maintain their five-point lead over second-placed Roma.

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The men from Turin broke the deadlock after just six minutes when Carlos Tevez scored his fourth goal in his last two league games. Atalanta soon levelled through Maximiliano Moralez, who became the first Serie A player to score against Gianluigi Buffon in 745 minutes of football.

But Juventus stepped up a gear after the interval, with Paul Pogba, Fernando Llorente and Arturo Vidal all finding the back of the net.

Roma, meanwhile, stretched their unbeaten league run to 19 with a 4-0 thumping of basement club Catania.

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Mehdi Benatia set the ball rolling in the 18th minute before - like Juve - Roma found their stride in the second half.

Mattia Destro and Gervinho added their names to the scoresheet either side of a second Benatia strike to make sure of three points that see Rudi Garcia's men go five clear of Napoli.

At San Siro, Rodrigo Palacio scored a dramatic late winner to seal maximum points for Inter in a derby encounter that heaps further pressure on city rivals Milan.

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The Argentine's cheeky flicked finish four minutes from time was swiftly followed by a red card for Sulley Muntari after an altercation with Zdravko Kuzmanovic on another miserable night for Milan coach Massimiliano Allegri.

Defeat leaves them 27 points off leaders Roma and just five point clear of the relegation zone, while Inter leapfrog Verona into fifth.

Fiorentina closed the gap on third place to just three points with a 1-0 victory over Sassuolo, while Verona kept pace with the chasing pack in a convincing 4-1 win against Lazio, who have just one triumph from their last eight league fixtures.

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With the goals flying in all over Italy, Torino made it five games unbeaten as they thrashed lowly Chievo 4-1 and Sampdoria held Parma to a 1-1 draw.

At the other end of the table, Alessandro Diamanti scored the only goal as Bologna hauled themselves out of the relegation zone with a 1-0 win against Genoa.

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

[Socrates 8445]

A Half-Term Report on Juventus

Dec 24, 2013

Juventus enter the halfway point of the season in a mixed mood.

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The Bianconeri will ultimately be devastated to know that there will be no Champions League football in the second half of the season.

With disappointing results in Copenhagen and at home to Galatasaray, the damage had been done before travelling to Istanbul for a Matchday 6 decider.

The season thus far will be remembered most by the shambles that took place at the Turk Telekom Arena.

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The adverse weather conditions may have provided a screen for Antonio Conte to hide behind, but he must ultimately take the flak, considering the lack of diversity in the side's tactics in this season's competition—despite dabbling with a 4-3-3 in matches against Real Madrid.

Too often did Conte fail to adjust to what he was witnessing on the pitch, and although the pressure can only mount so far after back-to-back scudetti, there is evidently work to be done to appease Juventini in what will surely not become an improved season upon the last one.

In terms of the signings made this summer, a lot was put on the two strikers Carlos Tevez and Fernando Llorente, with the Spaniard probably edging the Argentine out to be deemed the best acquisition, simply down to the goals he has scored in the big matches.

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El Apache has performed well in Serie A, but came up very small in Europe, which has ultimately defined the opening half of the season.

Perhaps a failure to address other positions will eventually be deemed as the reason that this season was not a complete success.

All is not lost, though, with Paul Pogba emerging as the best young footballer in Europe, the 20-year-old Frenchman picking up Tuttosport's coveted Golden Boy award after displacing Claudio Marchisio from the starting line-up.

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It is tough to argue against Pogba as the most improved player in the squad, although Arturo Vidal maintains his excellence in arguably becoming Europe's most complete midfielder.

Disappointments have not been glaring from the playing staff, but Mauricio Isla's failure to capitalise upon Stephan Lichtsteiner's injury and continuing to struggle for form is certainly one of them.

Kwadwo Asamoah has frustrated on the opposite flank, but considering it is not his preferred position, it is tough to be too critical of the Ghanaian.

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In terms of best performance of the season, it must be the 3-0 thrashing of Juve's closest challenger for the scudetto this season, Napoli, who were dispatched with ease at the Juventus Stadium.

Andrea Pirlo's wonderful free-kick was stupendously trumped by a masterpiece from Pogba, who struck the goal of the season thus far.

Worst performance of the season to this point must be the away fixture against Fiorentina, whereby the Old Lady crumbled in the space of 15 minutes, conceding four goals in their only league defeat of the season.

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One of the most innovative ideas of the season came from Juventus, who should be commended for allowing up to 12,000 children to enter the stadium during matches against Udinese—initially for poor behaviour from their fans in the Napoli match—and subsequently against Sassuolo.

Earlier kick-off times were arranged and free tickets to kids in the region were released in one of the brightest and most generous ideas by a football club in Serie A this season.

It is a season that still contains the potential to develop into a successful one, but the failure in Europe will likely tarnish it no matter what.

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A significant lead in the league will probably be enough to deliver a third successive title, but without the addition of a Coppa Italia title or the Europa League—which will have the final played at their own stadium in May—Juve's season will probably only be deemed a minor success.

Conte has much work to do to convince the fans and the board that he has developed the side further this season, and no matter the lack of competition in the league, he will need to demonstrate this in the second half of the campaign to avoid increased pressure and criticism.

[Socrates 8445]

Serie A Team of the Season so far:
Rossi, Tevez & Buffon in, as Milan fail to feature

The very best in the Italian league have been brought together for our top XI
of the campaign to this point, with some familiar names among them.

Dec 25, 2013

The first 17 rounds of Serie A action in 2013-14 have provided some magnificent thrills and spills, and the Goal Team of the Season so far includes the players responsible for some of the most consistently brilliant passages of play.

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Notable by their absence are Milan, who have had a poor first half of the campiagn, and Verona, whose run to the top six has not quite been enough for any individual recognition. Instead though, there are four players supplied by league-leading Juventus and two each from unbeaten Roma and flair-driven Fiorentina.

There have been stages during 2013 when Gianluigi Buffon's continued reign as the peninsula's number one goalkeeper has been questioned, but his response has been to end the calendar year with a magnificent run of clean sheets. Before conceding to Atalanta's Maxi Moralez at the weekend, Buffon had not been beaten for 744 minutes since Juve's only loss away to Fiorentina.

He is protected in the back four by a familiar face in Juve's nine-match unbeaten run in the shape of Giorgio Chiellini, while a Roma side which boasts the best defence in Europe is represented by Mehdi Benatia and Leandro Castan, both of whom were key to the Giallorossi winning 10 successive games from the start of the season and conceding only one goal in the process.

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Torino's run into the top seven has been bolstered by the form of Alessio Cerci, who has netted nine goals and been the star man on several occasions during the Granata's campaign so far. Juventus have again been dominant across midfield in opening up a five-point lead, with Paul Pogba continuing his meteoric rise by scoring five times and having a hand in three more in out-performing even Arturo Vidal in the Bianconeri engine room.

Esteban Cambiasso, meanwhile, has been an ever-present in the centre for Inter, taking to the responsibility of captaincy with relish and bagging himself four goals into the bargain. The final spot across the middle goes to the outstanding Borja Valero, who has fast become a cult hero at the Artemio Franchi with his artistic displays. His five league goals and six assists have also helped to endear him to Serie A fanatics.

Carlos Tevez takes one of the spots up front having proved to be the goal-scoring solution for Juve. Having scored 11 goals in 17 appearances, the Argentine has already superceded the tallies of Arturo Vidal and Mirko Vucinic, who were joint-top scorers for the champions last term. Another man netting regularly is Napoli's Gonzalo Higuain, who has grabbed nine goals to date in leading the Partenopei to third place. Giuseppe Rossi has usurped both men though, sailing to the top of the Capocannoniere charts with 14 goals in 17 games, with that memorable hat-trick for Fiorentina against Juventus providing the pinnacle of his season thus far.

[Socrates 8445]

Juventus: The story so far…almost all too easy

Dec 24, 2013

On the whole 2013 has been a good year for Juventus. The club won a Scudetto, reached the quarter-finals of the Champions League in their first campaign there since 2009, and made a number of smart moves during the summer mercato.

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The only negative events were two eliminations – the first from the 2013-2014 Champions League, and then Juve getting eliminated from the 2013 Coppa Italia by Lazio, in February. Aside from that, it’s been smooth-sailing for Juve, who easily rolled to their second consecutive Scudetto last season and are only facing slightly more resistance this season for their third.

That said, let’s get this started.

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Tactical Shifts

While the polarizing 3-5-2 of Antonio Conte has remained as the mainstay formation for Juventus, a few tactical changes have occurred. For starters, over the spring Conte flirted with a 3-5-1-1, but it seemed to only nullify Claudio Marchisio without really helping the rest of the side, so that was dropped.

Then the arrival of Fernando Llorente provided Juventus (and Andrea Pirlo) with an old fashioned target man – but one who can do more than just hold up the ball. Additionally, Carlos Tevez has played as an embodiment of a “Conte striker” hustling all over the field and hassling opposing defenders when they have possession. Still, the main shift was the change to a 4-5-1 (but in practice a 4-3-3 of sorts) for the matches against Real Madrid. I must say the change was a successful one, as Juventus played Real Madrid very tightly and were arguably the better side in both matches.

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Star Performer: Arturo Vidal

This is a very tough “award” to pick, as so many players on Juventus have had a stellar year. Still, I will go with Arturo Vidal, for the fact that he has excelled in both Serie A and the Champions League (his toughest opponent for the honor, Carlos Tevez, did not have the Champions League campaign that Vidal had) throughout 2013, while then capping the year off with a hat trick against FC Copenhagen and a new contract. While said contract gave Vidal a raise, he is still behind Tevez in terms of highest paid Vidal - JuventusJuve players, and the deal was a really good one for Juve. Regardless of the contract, Vidal merits this honor on his play alone.

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Worst Performer: Mauricio Isla

There are not many good candidates for this job, Juventus have done too well. But of the handful of players who have perhaps been less than perfect for Juventus, I will have to go with one who has continued to struggle while coming back from an injury.

This man is Mauricio Isla. Isla has had some good performances in 2013, but he almost always follows up these promising games with a stinker. Isla hasn’t necessarily been the worst, but he has been the most frustrating.

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Transfer of the Season: Fernando Llorente

This one is easy – while Juventus only purchased a handful of players this summer they were important players. So, who is it? It’s Fernando Llorente. Yes, Tevez has more goals, but Llorente scores when he needs to, and he outscored Tevez in the Champions League. Plus, Tevez has been a starter all season for Juve, while Llorente has five fewer starts in total, and some of these starts came in the beginning of the season when Llorente was still not totally in sync with the rest of the Juventus squad.

He scored two goals against Real Madrid (one in each match) and the game winner against Udinese, and I still don’t think we’ve seen him at his best. Tevez may have more goals, but Llorente cost 12 million euros less, and already has more Champions League goals than Tevez has scored since 2009 (his last goal in the Champions League was with Manchester United.)

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Milestone Moment

Sadly, the milestone moment is not a happy one. The milestone moment for 2013 was the loss in Turkey, the one that eliminated the club from the Champions League. After a promising return in the 2012-2013 campaign, Juventus fell totally short of the mark in the fall of 2013.

The initial draws against Copenhagen and Galatasaray were unacceptable results, and the club left itself with too much ground to make up in the final four matches. This loss will haunt Juventus until they can make it right next season (assuming they qualify, which is a safe assumption.) It’s a less of a milestone and more of a mile marker, and the marker reads “not yet in Europe’s elite.”

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What Needs to Happen in 2014?

2014 should be an exciting year for Juventus, if only for the novelty of the Europa League (I am tryGalatasaray v Juventusing to console myself) and the chance for Conte to further experiment with his tactics as he grows as a manager. I am not expecting many, if any, transfers in the first month of 2014, but the summer is a different story.

La Stampa has reported that Juventus and PSG have agreed on terms for Jeremy Menez, and having him arrive in January would allow Conte to experiment with wider formations in preparation for next year’s Champions League. But more on that in the next club focus.

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For now, the club needs to win the Scudetto, they need to win the Coppa Italia, and they really need to go far in the Europa League.

Unless at least two of these three (if not all) happen, then this season will be a disappointment for Juventus and her fans.

[Socrates 8445]

Aronica: Napoli don’t have winning mentality like Juventus

Dec 27, 2013

Palermo defender Salvatore Aronica believes that Napoli lack the winning mentality that Juventus have, which lessens their chances at winning a Scudetto.

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The third place Partenopei are currently 10 points behind league leaders Juventus on the Serie A table and the 35-year-old admits that they may be unable to catch up by the end of the season.

Aronica spoke to Radio Kiss Kiss about the Azzurri’s setbacks this season and revealed which team he thinks will win the Scudetto at the end of the campaign.

“Napoli have had some setbacks against smaller teams, which could possibly be a psychological situation,” said the former Napoli man, who played at the club from 2008-13.

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“However, they still played a good first half of the season, the balance is positive. At Napoli, they miss the winning mentality that Juventus have.

“Benitez wants to bring this mentality to Naples, but it’s going to take some work.

“Scudetto? I think the gap is unbridgeable. Juventus will win again this year.”

[Socrates 8445]

JUVENTUS - ROMA

January 5, 2014 - 8:45 PM
Juventus Stadium — Turin
Referee: Nicola Rizzoli

Webb to officiate Juve-Roma?

Dec 29, 2013

Newspaper Il Tempo is calling for English referee Howard Webb to officiate the Juventus-Roma Scudetto showdown.

http://markting10.nl/

The top two teams in Serie A are separated by five points and go head-to-head in Turin on January 5.

This fixture has a history of controversy, including another title decider in 1981 that saw Maurizio Turone’s goal for Roma famously disallowed for an incorrect offside call.

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Now newspaper Il Tempo is suggesting the Italian Federation guarantee fair treatment by bringing in a foreign referee for this game.

Their preferred option would be 42-year-old Englishman Webb, who recently officiated Juventus-Real Madrid in the Champions League.

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