Juventus Season 2013-2014

[Socrates 8447]

UDINESE - JUVENTUS

April 14, 2014 - 8:45 PM
Friuli Stadium — Udine
Referee: Nicola Rizzoli

Udinese trust Di Natale will play on

Apr 14, 2014

Udinese director Cristiano Giaretta is “convinced Antonio Di Natale will play on next season, as he’s so motivated.”

The 36-year-old had said he was going to retire at the end of this term, but has since dropped hints he’s changed his mind.

“He has an important record ahead of him to achieve,” director of sport Giaretta told Sky Sport Italia.

“Will he remain next season? We are convinced he will play on, as he’s so motivated. In the discussions we have now, we get the feeling he wants to continue and is hungry for more success.”

Udinese host Juventus in Serie A this evening, click here for the line-ups.

“We want to improve our position in the table, as the current status isn’t gratifying. Tonight we want to do well, everyone is watching us and we are certainly not lacking in motivation.”

Simone Scuffet starts against Gigi Buffon, as the 17-year-old has been tipped to be his Italy heir.

“The lad is certainly doing well, but there’s a long road ahead of him. He needs to have patience, then we’ll make our evaluations for the future.”

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

[Socrates 8447]

UDINESE - JUVENTUS

April 14, 2014 - 8:45 PM
Friuli Stadium — Udine
Referee: Nicola Rizzoli

HT 0-2: Juve dominate in Udine

Apr 14, 2014

Sebastian Giovinco and Fernando Llorente have given Juventus a 2-0 half-time lead away to Udinese.

The Bianconeri needed a victory to restore the eight-point gap from Roma, but missed Andrea Barzagli and had Arturo Vidal only fit for the bench, while Leonardo Bonucci and Carlos Tevez were rested. The Friulani welcomed back Antonio Di Natale, though Andrea Lazzari was sidelined and Emmanuel Badu banned.

The Udinese captain curled an early free kick over the bar, while Stephan Lichtsteiner’s chipped pass was inches over the head of Fernando Llorente. Di Natale was furious with Bruno Fernandes for misplacing a pass on a very promising counter-attack.

Sebastian Giovinco got a rare start and made it count with a magnificent strike, bursting past Maurizio Domizzi and curling with his left foot around Simone Scuffet into the far top corner from just inside the right edge of the area. The Atomic Ant also bagged a brace here last season, so clearly the Stadio Friuli inspires him.

Bonucci got into a row with someone from the Udinese bench during the post-goal celebrations and was booked, meaning he’ll be suspended for next week’s game with Bologna.

Giovinco almost got a second, but Scuffet got a hand to turn the low drive round the far post. However, from that corner Scuffet denied Kwadwo Asamoah at the back stick and could do nothing on Llorente’s follow-up from a couple of yards.


Udinese 0-2 Juventus (Half-Time)

Scorers: Giovinco 16 (J), Llorente 26 (J)

Udinese: Scuffet; Heurtaux, Danilo, Domizzi; Basta, Yebda, Allan, Pereyra, Gabriel Silva; Bruno Fernandes; Di Natale

Juventus: Buffon; Caceres, Ogbonna, Chiellini; Lichtsteiner, Pogba, Pirlo, Marchisio, Asamoah; Llorente, Giovinco

Ref: Rizzoli

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

[Socrates 8447]

UDINESE - JUVENTUS

April 14, 2014 - 8:45 PM
Friuli Stadium — Udine
Referee: Nicola Rizzoli

Udinese vs. Juventus:
Live Player Ratings for Juventus

Apr 14, 2014

Juventus take a 2-0 lead back down the tunnel at the Stadio Friuli, thanks to first-half goals from Sebastian Giovinco and Fernando Llorente.

Udinese made a decent enough start in front of their home fans, but Giovinco’s sublime, curling effort left goalkeeper Simone Scuffet with no chance whatsoever, and the hosts’ defense was at sixes and sevens when Llorente converted Andrea Pirlo’s corner 10 minutes later.

Following are ratings and analysis for all the Juventus players.


Juventus Player Ratings

Buffon 8
Caceres 8
Ogbonna 8
Chiellini 9
Lichtsteiner 7
Pogba 8
Pirlo 8
Marchisio 8
Asamoah 7
Giovinco 9
Llorente 9


Half-Time analysis for Juventus

Buffon: Didn’t have a save to make during the first half.

Caceres: Di Natale tried to win a penalty off him late in the opening frame.

Ogbonna: Continuing to impress as he deputises for Barzagli

Chiellini: Has so far completed 94% of his passes out of the defense.

Lichtsteiner: Nearly picked out Llorente with a scooped effort into the goalmouth.

Pogba: moving to the right to help neutralise the active Silva.

Pirlo: Completed 93% of his passes in the first half.

Marchisio: Exceptional distribution and two tackles on the defensive side of the ball so far.

Asamoah: Dropping deep to mark Basta when required.

Giovinco: Opened the scoring with a delightful, curling effort from the edge of the box to the far corner.

Llorente: Capitalised on abysmal Udinese defending to double his side’s lead.

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

[Socrates 8447]

UDINESE 0 - 2 JUVENTUS

Sebastian Giovinco (16′)
Fernando Llorente (26′)

April 14, 2014 - 8:45 PM
Friuli Stadium — Udine
Referee: Nicola Rizzoli

Giovinco and Llorente edge
Bianconeri closer to title glory

The forward duo struck in the first half as Antonio Conte's
side took another step towards retaining their Serie A crown.

Apr 14, 2014

Juventus are within touching distance of winning Serie A after goals from Giovinco and Fernando Llorente gave them a 2-0 win over Udinese.

A run of seven straight league victories has brought Roma back into title contention and, with Udinese unbeaten at the Stadio Communale Friuli since January, the scene was set for a potential upset on Monday.

However, Antonio Conte's men put in an assured performance and with just five games remaining it appears more a question of when rather than if Juventus will claim a third consecutive league title.

Sebastian Giovinco - making just his fourth league start this season - got the ball rolling in the 16th minute and Juve led by two at the break when Fernando Llorente grabbed his 14th top-flight goal of the campaign from close range.

Juventus failed to match their first-half standards after the interval, choosing instead to slow the pace of the game, though Giovinco almost had a second when he saw a shot rebound off the post.

With Carlos Tevez only among the substitutes due to a thigh problem, Giovinco was afforded a rare starting berth and he duly delivered the opener.

The forward collected the ball on the right-hand side of the box before skipping past Maurizio Domizzi and curling past Simone Scuffet with his left foot.

Giovinco then forced Scuffet into a near-post save and Juve doubled their lead from the resulting corner after 26 minutes.

Andrea Pirlo's delivery was flicked towards the back post by Claudio Marchisio and, after a bout of pin-ball in the area, Llorente provided the simple tap-in from six yards.

Udinese enjoyed a spell of possession at the end of the half but Juve dealt with the threat well, Giorgio Chiellini making one particularly fine interception from Antonio Di Natale's pass to deny Dusan Basta a run at goal.

The second half was played at a slow tempo, as Juventus were happy to sit back and maintain possession.

Giovinco was still proving a lively threat, though, and a quick turn of pace from the 27-year-old in the 66th minute led to him breaking into the box but his cross narrowly evaded the head of Llorente.

The Italy international was again in the thick of the action for Juve's next chance, showing good feet in the box before shooting against the post.

Substitute Luis Muriel also struck the woodwork at the other end but Juve recorded their 18th clean sheet in the league this season, meaning they could seal the title before travelling to Roma on May 9.

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

[Socrates 8447]

UDINESE 0 - 2 JUVENTUS

Sebastian Giovinco (16′)
Fernando Llorente (26′)

April 14, 2014 - 8:45 PM
Friuli Stadium — Udine
Referee: Nicola Rizzoli

Juventus conquer Udinese

Sebastian Giovinco and Fernando Llorente made short work
of Udinese, as Juventus conquered the Stadio Friuli.

Apr 14, 2014

The Bianconeri needed a victory to restore the eight-point gap from Roma, but missed Andrea Barzagli and had Arturo Vidal only fit for the bench, while Leonardo Bonucci and Carlos Tevez were rested. The Friulani welcomed back Antonio Di Natale, though Andrea Lazzari was sidelined and Emmanuel Badu banned. The hosts unveiled their new 2014-15 jerseys this evening.

The Udinese captain curled an early free kick over the bar, while Stephan Lichtsteiner’s chipped pass was inches over the head of Fernando Llorente. Di Natale was furious with Bruno Fernandes for misplacing a pass on a very promising counter-attack.

Sebastian Giovinco got a rare start and made it count with a magnificent strike, bursting past Maurizio Domizzi and curling with his left foot around Simone Scuffet into the far top corner from just inside the right edge of the area. The Atomic Ant also bagged a brace here last season, so clearly the Stadio Friuli inspires him.

Bonucci got into a row with someone from the Udinese bench during the post-goal celebrations and was booked, meaning he’ll be suspended for next week’s game with Bologna.

Giovinco almost got a second, but Scuffet got a hand to turn the low drive round the far post. However, from that corner Scuffet denied Kwadwo Asamoah at the back stick and could do nothing on Llorente’s follow-up from a couple of yards.

Di Natale fired a free kick into the wall from a promising position. Giovinco again burst past his marker after the break and crossed for Llorente, but the Spaniard just failed to make contact.

Giovinco almost bagged a second, as he left Dusan Basta for dead with quick feet only for the angled drive to thump the base of the far post. A rare Giorgio Chiellini foray into the opposition box had set up the ex-Parma man.

Lichtsteiner was booked for taking too long during a substitution and will be suspended for the next match.

Udinese finally had a chance at the 87th minute when Maurizio Domizzi pounced on a Martin Caceres error, but he forced a corner from Gigi Buffon at the near post.

In stoppages Luis Muriel thought he had scored, scuffing an angled drive across Buffon, but it bounced off the far upright and Chiellini charged down the Nico Lopez follow-up.


Udinese: Scuffet; Heurtaux, Danilo, Domizzi; Basta, Yebda (Muriel 70), Allan, Pereyra, Gabriel Silva; Bruno Fernandes; Di Natale (Nico Lopez 78)

Juventus: Buffon; Caceres, Ogbonna, Chiellini; Lichtsteiner (Isla 74), Pogba, Pirlo, Marchisio, Asamoah; Llorente (Osvaldo 85), Giovinco (Vucinic 82)

Ref: Rizzoli

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

[Socrates 8447]

UDINESE 0 - 2 JUVENTUS

Sebastian Giovinco (16′)
Fernando Llorente (26′)

April 14, 2014 - 8:45 PM
Friuli Stadium — Udine
Referee: Nicola Rizzoli

Old Lady brush aside abject Zebrette

Apr 14, 2014

Juventus beat Udinese 2-0 at the Stadio Friuli on Monday night in Serie A.

The Old Lady took an important step towards a third consecutive Scudetto as first-half goals from Sebastian Giovinco and Fernando Llorente helped overcome what was a potentially difficult test against the Zebrette and preserved their eight point advantage over Roma.

Despite an impressive home record in Udine the hosts barely put up a fight against a Juventus side resting Carlos Tevez, Arturo Vidal and Leonardo Bonucci and by allowing them to control possession from the very beginning it was not long before the Old Lady took the lead.

With a deep defensive line striker Giovinco was able to collect the ball from just inside the right of the Udinese box and easily step away from Maurizio Domizzi to curl an impressive left-footed effort around the helpless Simone Scuffet to score.

10 minutes later they doubled their lead, Giovinco forcing Scuffet to concede a corner with a low drive and, despite the quality of that stop, the goalkeeper joined his teammates in some comical defending of the resulting set-piece that eventually allowed Llorente to prod home during a brief goal mouth scramble.

Although the second goal finally seemed to spark the Zebrette into life they created little attacking effort of note and with Juventus now seemingly happy to see the result out the only other incident of note during the opening period was the booking of substitute Leonardo Bonucci that will see him miss their next match against Bologna.

Even with former Udinese man Kwadwo Asamoah admitting that he and his teammates were physically vulnerable through their Europa League efforts the second half improvement by Francesco Guidolin’s team could still not test Juventus as they strolled to victory.

The Old Lady probably should really have increased their, Giovinco showing some neat footwork yards from goal to avoid two Udinese defenders, but shooting as he lost his balance struck the post.

With this arguably their toughest test before meeting the Giallorossi at the Stadio Olimpico in Week 37 Antonio Conte’s men will now be confident of collecting enough points from their matches against Bologna, Sassuolo and Atalanta to head to Rome already as champions.

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

[Socrates 8447]

UDINESE 0 - 2 JUVENTUS

Sebastian Giovinco (16′)
Fernando Llorente (26′)

April 14, 2014 - 8:45 PM
Friuli Stadium — Udine
Referee: Nicola Rizzoli

Juventus Make Light Work of Udinese

Apr 14, 2014

Juventus took another step toward their third straight Serie A title with a comfortable 2-0 victory at Udinese on Monday evening at the Stadio Friuli.

Sebastian Giovinco put Juve ahead with a fine curled strike in the 16th minute before Fernando Llorente doubled the lead 10 minutes later. Giovinco hit the woodwork again in the second half as Juventus cruised against Udinese's toothless attack.

The win took Serie A leaders Juventus onto 87 points, eight clear of second-placed AS Roma with five matches left. The two teams are set to play each other in the capital on May 9, the penultimate weekend of the season, but Juventus will be hoping to have the Scudetto wrapped up by then.

Matteo Bonetti ✔ @TheCalcioGuy
Juventus back to +8. Any chance Roma had has now gone out the window. Congratulations on Scudetto

WhoScored.com ✔ @WhoScored
Udinese 0-2 Juventus FT: Shots(OT) 12(1) - 11(3), Possession 47% - 53%, Rating 6.5 - 7.1 http://bit.ly/1qWZe1w #UdineseJuve

If Juventus win their next three league games—home to Bologna, at Sassuolo and home to Atalanta—then Antonio Conte's side will be champions for a third straight season. Even so, Conte has said he is taking nothing for granted.

"The title race is still open. I’ve always said that," Conte told Juventus.com. "I expected the head-to-head with Roma to go down to the wire. They’re a strong adversary and will fight until the end."

In addition, Juventus remain alive in the Europa League and will travel to Portugal to face Benfica in the first leg of their semi-final on April 24. The return leg is set for May 1 in Turin.

Udinese, meanwhile, are 14th with 38 points.

Chances were scarce in the opening minutes as Udinese sat deep and looked to hit Juventus on the counter. Stephan Lichtsteiner created a dangerous moment for Juventus in the 15th minute, driving to the byline on the right before crossing to the back post, but his pass sailed inches too high for Llorente.

Moments later, the Bianconeri took the lead as Giovinco put himself on the scoresheet with a fine strike. Accepting a pass from Paul Pogba just outside the box on the right, Giovinco cut inside and curled his shot in past Simone Scuffet for a 1-0 lead.

The little Italian came close again in the 25th minute, when Scuffet tipped his shot wide of the post. Another minute later, Juventus doubled their lead as Llorente poked into the net after controlling the ball amidst traffic in the box following a corner.

Per @WhoScored, the goal was Llorente's third in his last two Serie A appearances following a run of three goals in 11 games.

WhoScored.com ✔ @WhoScored
Fernando Llorente: Has scored 3 goals in his last 2 Serie A apps after netting 3 in his previous 11 #Juve

Juventus had to defend in the 40th minute as Udinese's Antonio Di Natale tried to race onto a pass lofted over the top, but Giorgio Chiellini cleared the danger. The hosts appealed for a penalty in the 45th minute after Di Natale went to ground in the box under minimal contact from Martin Caceres, but referee Nicola Rizzoli waved play on.

With Juventus leading 2-0 at half-time, Giovinco told @JuventusFCEn: "I'm happy with my goal, it's an important moment of the season for us."

JuventusFC ✔ @juventusfcen
#Giovinco at the break: "I'm happy with my goal, it's an important moment of the season for us." #UdineseJuve

Udinese attacked more aggressively to start the second half, but still the hosts struggled to create clear chances. Di Natale won a free kick in a promising position, but his shot flew straight at the wall in the 55th minute.

As the second half progressed, Juventus became increasingly more comfortable in possession. The visitors had a half-chance in the 67th minute, but Giovinco's chipped cross from deep on the right was too high. Giovinco came close again two minutes later, shooting low off the upright after Chiellini had charged into the box with an incisive dribble.

Juventus goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon made his first and only save in the 88th minute, turning away Maurizio Domizzi's low shot at the near post. Buffon was then beaten in stoppage time, but Luis Muriel's bounced shot hit the far upright.


Grades

Juventus Player Ratings

Gianluigi Buffon 8
Martin Caceres 9
Angelo Ogbonna 9
Giorgio Chiellini 9
Stephan Lichtsteiner 7
Paul Pogba 8
Andrea Pirlo 8
Claudio Marchisio 7
Kwadwo Asamoah 8
Sebastian Giovinco 9
Fernando Llorente 9

Substitutes

Mauricio Isla (for Lichtsteiner, 75') 7
Mirko Vucinic (for Giovinco, 82') 7
Pablo Daniel Osvaldo (for Llorente, 85') 5


Post-Match Reaction

Goalscorer Fernando Llorente called Juventus' win "decisive" and "important." Speaking to @JuventusFCEn, Llorente said:

JuventusFC ✔ @juventusfcen
.@llorentefer19 on #UdineseJuve: "It was a decisive game and an important one for us to win. We’re happy and the games keep ticking down."

Manager Antonio Conte said Juventus were wary of the threat posed by Udinese, who had collected 13 points from their last five home matches in the league. Speaking to @JuventusFCEn, Conte said:

JuventusFC ✔ @juventusfcen
#Conte: “This is a place where we could have dropped points. Udinese are in great physical shape and wanted to pull off a result tonight.”

JuventusFC ✔ @juventusfcen
#Conte: "We did well tonight, it wasn't a simple game by any means. We approached it with the right attitude and focus." #UdineseJuve


Up Next

Juventus host Bologna in the league on Saturday. Udinese host Napoli the same day.

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

[Socrates 8447]

UDINESE 0 - 2 JUVENTUS

Sebastian Giovinco (16′)
Fernando Llorente (26′)

April 14, 2014 - 8:45 PM
Friuli Stadium — Udine
Referee: Nicola Rizzoli

Initial reaction and random observations

Apr 14, 2014

This hasn't been the easiest of seasons for Sebastian Giovinco. And it hasn't been just because he's dealt with some injuries along the way, either. Consistent playing time has been few and far between for Juve's No. 12 compared to last season when he started 23 Serie A games — some of that having to do with his injury troubles, some of it having to do with Carlos Tévez being an absolute beast.

But with Tévez getting a much-deserved rest on Monday night, Giovinco was given a chance to show what he is capable of when he's at his best. He teamed with Fernando Llorente, coming together to form Juventus' version of the odd couple. And in the first half, they delivered the goods against Udinese — big time.

First-half goals from the little man and the big man were the difference as Juve easily disposed of Udinese at the Stadio Friuli. What might have been looked as a tricky away trip against a team that has given Antonio Conte's squad trouble in the past

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zDsPpWtaEU8

That's just a thing of beauty right there. Luckily Vine just keeps replaying and replaying and replaying so you don't even have to move a finger to watch it over and over again. Not bad for your first goal since October. More of that, please.

And for a guy like Giovinco who has had to face his fair share of setbacks and had to deal with a diminished role compared to a season ago, you know that goal had to feel pretty good. He'd been showing glimpses off the bench in recent weeks and with Conte giving Giovinco a starting spot tonight, Super Seba made his manager's decision to role with the odd couple the right one.

JuventusFC ✔ @juventusfcen
#Conte: “This is a place where we could have dropped points. Udinese are in great physical shape and wanted to pull off a result tonight.”

Just a few more points and it will be party time again. Time to finish strong, fellas.


Random thoughts and observations

• Y'all see how Antonio Conte celebrated Llorente's goal with his fellow coaches and players? He knows what's just a few points away.

• Is Fernando Llorente officially back to being the Fernando Llorente we saw in the middle of the season? Three goals in two league games would pretty much tell you he is. Like I said in the match preview, if Llorente is getting on a goal-scoring hot streak again, it's coming at a pretty good time.

• You know who was very good against Udinese but probably won't be talked about as much as Giovinco and Llorente because he didn't score a goal? His name is Kwadwo Asamoah. I like that guy.

• Not exactly the Simone Scuffet-Gianluigi Buffon battle we might have been hoping for, huh? All Buffon had to do was make one save — a pretty good one from close range in the 87th minute when the game was far from being over. And on Scuffet's end, Juve didn't pepper him, but he got some practice picking the ball out of the back of the net.

• Angelo Ogbonna wasn't spectacular against Udinese, but I'd say it was a pretty solid return to the starting lineup for him. Juve didn't come close to building the attack through Ogbonna as they do with Leonardo Bonucci, but there wasn't really a point in the game where you can turn to and say that he screwed up big time.

• Leonardo Bonucci got carded in the first half and will miss Saturday's game against Bologna. Key piece of information here: Bonucci didn't even play against Udinese.

• This is a Giorgio Chiellini appreciation bullet point. Combine how Asamoah played with Chiellini being his usual awesome self and Juve's left side of the defense/midfield bossed Udinese. Let's just not talk about Chiellini and his occasional runs forward. That's not really as effective as his defending.

WhoScored.com ✔ @WhoScored
Giorgio Chiellini: MotM vs Udinese, Rating 8.2, Tackles 3, Clearances 7, Interceptions 1, Key Passes 1 @juventusfc

• Stephan Lichtsteiner left the field after he found out he was being subbed out screaming at the referee. If that's not one of the most Lichtsteiner things there is, I don't know what is.

• An eight-point lead with five games to play? Yeah, I like the sound of that. I hope Juventus have contacted their party planners. The Scudetto No. 32 celebration is coming to a city near you shortly.

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

[Socrates 8447]

UDINESE 0 - 2 JUVENTUS

Sebastian Giovinco (16′)
Fernando Llorente (26′)

April 14, 2014 - 8:45 PM
Friuli Stadium — Udine
Referee: Nicola Rizzoli

Juventus beat Udinese 2-0 to restore their
eight-point lead at the Serie A summit

Juventus responded to Roma's victory over Atalanta by overcoming Udinese 2-0
to restore their eight-point lead at the Serie A summit on Monday evening.

Apr 14, 2014

Sebastian Giovinco put the visitors on their way in the 16th minute before Fernando Llorente doubled their lead 10 minutes later to seal the win.

Giovinco was unlucky not to add a third in the 68th minute when his strike rebounded off the post.

Udinese, who failed to test Juventus goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon until the 88th minute, saw substiute Luis Muriel's attempt deep in stoppage time denied by the woodwork.

With the rest of results already known, the stakes were clear for Juve, who had seen their advantage at the top cut to five points heading into the encounter.

The Turin giants showed no signs of tiredness after beating Lyon 2-1 at home on Thursday to reach the Europa League semi-finals.

Juve coach Antonio Conte left the team's top scorer Carlos Tevez on the bench, fielding Giovinco and Llorente up front.

Udinese captain Antonio Di Natale returned to play having missed his team's last two games with a knee injury.

Di Natale had the first opportunity of the game in the fifth minute but his powerful free-kick went over the bar.

Juve went ahead shortly after when Paul Pogba found Giovinco in the box and his left-footed shot towards the far post beat Udinese goalkeeper Simone Scuffet.

Giovinco came close to scoring his second in the 25th minute but saw his 15-yard effort kept out by Scuffet.

Juve made it 2-0 seconds later when Udinese failed to clear a corner and Llorente was there to smash the ball home from close range.

Before half-time, the home fans demanded a penalty when Di Natale went down in the area under pressure from Martin Caceres but the referee waved play on.

Udinese's struggles continued after the re-start and it was Juve that continued to push forward.

In the 49th minute, Giovinco sent a 25-yard effort just wide of the post.

Giovinco almost added his second after the hour mark when he got past his marker and his well-struck effort hit the woodwork with Scuffet beaten.

Juve slowed down the pace and it was Udinese that went forward in the final minutes.

Buffon made his first save of the night to clear Maurizio Domizzi's shot from the edge of the area.

Shortly after, Buffon saw Muriel's hard drive hit the far post with the keeper already beaten.

Juve's players celebrated after the final whistle as they fulfilled their duty to keep Roma at arm's length with five games to go in the Serie A season.

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

[Socrates 8447]

UDINESE 0 - 2 JUVENTUS

Sebastian Giovinco (16′)
Fernando Llorente (26′)

April 14, 2014 - 8:45 PM
Friuli Stadium — Udine
Referee: Nicola Rizzoli

Udinese vs. Juventus:
6 Things We Learned

Apr 14, 2014

There was a moment when the game seemed to stop.

Defender Giorgio Chiellini had the ball around 40 yards out, and no one moved. So he pushed forward and ran right into the box, right by everyone.

Juventus were already leading 2-0 at Udinese, and they would eventually win by the same score, but at that moment the home side looked like spectators, a team that no longer wanted to play at all this season.

They were like that most of the game. Udinese put a grand total of one shot on net. Gianluigi Buffon had to make the first and only save in the 87th minute. Antonio Di Natale grew more and more frustrated when he didn’t get the calls and his teammates failed to make the pass.

On the other side was a coach who never stopped yelling, who seemed to work harder on the sideline than any of his opponents on the field. Antonio Conte willed his team from the first minute, and Juventus scored early.

It was Sebastian Givonico who scored the winner, but it was Fernando Llorente who continues to fool us all. The 29-year-old Spaniard has 14 goals in Serie A this season and is the Juventino scoring down this last stretch:

WhoScored.com ✔ @WhoScored
Fernando Llorente: Has scored 3 goals in his last 2 Serie A apps after netting 3 in his previous 11 #Juve

Juventus won for the 28th time, an all-time high for the club in Serie A. To reach 100 points, they need 13 of the 15 available over the next five games. Meanwhile, Gianluigi Buffon quietly made his 483rd appearance, good for fourth in the club’s history. All the records are going down.

Here are six things we learned from their latest victory.


Antonio Conte Keeps Up the Tempo

When Llorente scored the second goal, Conte celebrated like they had won the title (they likely have). He jumped into the arms of his assistant, and the players on the bench congratulated each other, all of them on their feet.

Conte told reporters before the match that Juventus had won nothing yet, but they could still win the Scudetto in April. They’re getting ever closer.

Even into stoppage time, Conte did not sit down. He was moving around and pointing and giving instructions. You hear him after the match, and his voice is gone. Here was another game his team dominated, and yet he was never happy.

And once more: His players still respond. The intensity is all the same. All the yelling seems to work—even in this, the 48th game they played this year.


Finally: A Goal for Sebastian Giovinco

He last scored in Serie A in October against AC Milan, but since then Giovinco hasn't received all that much time to score again. He made his fourth league start on Monday, and with a curling strike he opened the scoring and ran to the away supporters, blowing them a kiss.

Many of the fans at Juventus Stadium have booed and whistled the 27-year-old striker this season. He has not enjoyed the greatest relationship with the fans, but his manager always believed in him.

“There aren’t enough people who praise Giovinco, who in my view has incredible quality,” Conte told reporters after the first match against Lyon. “He needs to believe in himself even more and realise he can make the difference at a big club like Juventus.”

Sometimes he is a bit grouchy, and on several clear and correct calls against him, he retaliated and argued with the referee.

He looks much better when he cuts by and fools defenders. He is still a bit too short to take on a cross—even though Paul Pogba supplied a few good ones.

But Giovinco did well in relief of Carlos Tevez, who has already played in 41 matches this term.


Fernando Llorente Back Scoring

Llorente went seven straight games in all competitions without scoring until earlier this month. Not many noticed—Juventus still won the majority of those games, even by a single goal. But the goals he’s scoring now are big and timely, just like the striker himself.

He came to Juventus as a free signing after spending a season marginalized at Bilbao. On Monday, he scrapped in the box for his 14th goal in Serie A. Tevez has just four goals more.

If Tevez spearheads the attack, Llorente reinforces it. He is Tevez's right-hand man but also a big reason why Juventus still maintain an eight-point lead over Roma in the standings.

He can play with almost anyone on the squad. He is a great partner in attack, and his second goal seemed to mean more to Conte than the first.


Udinese Lacking Any Inspiration

They really only came to life in the final few minutes, when Maurizio Domizzi finally forced a save out of Buffon, and Luis Muriel hit the post, but that was it. Udinese did not give Juventus much trouble.

Understandably, they are a young squad. Two teenagers started for them against Juventus. Bruno Fernandes frustrated Di Natale, and for large parts of the game the two just could not work together. The team hardly put together a meaningful set of passes.

Allan was the only one who put in any real effort. He tussled for the ball and reinforced the defence. He himself is just 23, as is Roberto Pereyra, a player Juventus admire, according to journalist Gianluca Di Marzio.

But Udinese have to keep these young players. Too often they sell them away.


Coach Francesco Guidolin Has Run His Course

Francesco Guidolin has managed this club for four seasons. Some of his decisions are strange. He kept Muriel, perhaps his most explosive player, on the bench. It was no coincidence that they played better once he came on.

This team does not look like it can give much more. Even so, Guidolin was satisfied with this performance.

“I liked my team. They played well, faced Juventus with courage, made a few mistakes, but you have to give credit to the stronger side,” he told Sky Sport Italia (h/t Football Italia). “I saw my team run for 90 minutes and try to the end, hitting the woodwork at the death.”

Those words were rather optimistic. It was a gutless performance, and Udinese did nothing until the end of the game to threaten the score.

He can’t take this team much further. Guidolin has lifted them to the Champions League, and they have played in the Europa League. They failed miserably in both competitions.

He told Sky Sport Italia (h/t Gianluca Di Marzio) after the match that he will discuss his future by the end of the season. He can’t take this club much further.


Simone Scuffet Still Has Time to Learn

Across the field was the goalkeeper the media believe Simone Scuffet can become.

Gianluigi Buffon is 36 and still playing for Italy, and he must have a few more years left to play. Scuffet is the 17-year-old phenomenon, another Italian goalkeeper whose name ends with a consonant.

But the gap in experience and quality is about as large as the gap in age.

He made a great leaping save on Giovinco almost immediately after the Italian scored the opener, but then scuffed a clearance and conceded the second goal. He lacks the strength on his feet. But there is still so much time to learn. Next season is the real test.

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

[Socrates 8447]

UDINESE 0 - 2 JUVENTUS

Sebastian Giovinco (16′)
Fernando Llorente (26′)

April 14, 2014 - 8:45 PM
Friuli Stadium — Udine
Referee: Nicola Rizzoli

Player Ratings

First half goals from Sebastian Giovinco and Fernando Llorente helped Antonio Conte's
men extend their lead at the the Serie A summit to eight points with five games remaining.

Apr 14, 2014

UDINESE

Simone Scuffet - Had no chance at stopping the Giovinco shot, but could have done better in the build-up to Llorente's goal.

Thomas Heurtaux - One of the few bright spots for Udinese. Did well to track Giovinco on some promising runs.

Danilo - Struggled to cope with the size and physicality of Llorente. Caught out of position at times under intense pressure from Juventus.

Maurizio Domizzi - Beaten far too easily by Giovinco for the opening goal. Defensive susceptibility was exposed on a number of occasions by the small forward.

Dušan Basta - Got forward well on occasions but really lacked a final ball. Spent more time trying to track back and defend.

Hassan Yebda - Hardly saw much of the ball. Concentrated more on his defensive duties, allowing Pereyra to play in a bit more of an advanced role.

Allan - Got stuck with the likes of Pirlo and Pogba in midfield, always coming out second best.

Roberto Pereyra - Turned the ball over a number of times in midfield, aiding in Juventus' dominance in possession.

Gabriel Silva - Failed to stamp his authority on the match. Overshadowed by Lichsteiner along the left and hardly saw any of the ball.

Bruno Fernandes - Blasted by Di Natale for waiting too long to play the striker in on a promising counter attack.

Antonio Di Natale - Very poor performance from the 36-year-old in his return. Very wasteful in attack, and often selfish.


Substitutions

Muriel - Hit the post with a glorious chance in added time. More effective in 20 minutes than Di Natale was in the previous 70.

N. López - Came on late, but looked to cause a few problems for Juventus.

JUVENTUS

Gianluigi Buffon - Never tested by a toothless Udinese attack who failed to muster a single shot on target.

Martín Cáceres - Wasn't challenged by Udinese and spent much of the match as a spectator.

Angelo Ogbonna - Never shied away from a challenge. His aggressive style of play caused a number of problems for Di Natale.

Giorgio Chiellini - A typically committed performance from the centre-back. Was always in the right position, making life much easier for himself and his partners in defence.

Stephan Lichtsteiner - Made his presence felt along the right, linking up well with Pogba on a number of occasions. Subbed off in the 75th minute.

Paul Pogba - Appeared to be all over the place for Juventus. Set up Llorente's goal and provided a number of teasing balls forward for Lichtsteiner and Giovinco.

Andrea Pirlo - Another classy performance from the Italian. Passing was neat and tidy. Set up a number of chances, including the cross that eventually led to the second goal.

Claudio Marchisio - Instrumental in defending the two-goal lead in the second half as his crisp passing orchestrated an overwhelming amount of possession.

Kwadwo Asamoah - Failed to stamp his authority on the match. Juventus had plenty of success through the middle rather than out wide.

SEBASTIAN GIOVINCO - Caused Udinese a number of problems with his pace and well-timed runs. Opened the scoring with a beautiful strike early in the first half.

Fernando Llorente - Right place at the right time to score his goal, and put the game out of reach. Provided a good target up top for Juventus in a very central role.


Substitutions

Mauricio Isla - On for Lichtsteiner to help see out the victory.

Mirko Vučinić - Came on late to wind down the clock.

Pablo Daniel Osvaldo - A horrible first touch broke up a breakaway opportunity, the only time he saw the ball after coming on late.

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

[Socrates 8447]

UDINESE 0 - 2 JUVENTUS

Sebastian Giovinco (16′)
Fernando Llorente (26′)

April 14, 2014 - 8:45 PM
Friuli Stadium — Udine
Referee: Nicola Rizzoli

Giovinco relieved to end goal drought

The forward scored his first goal since October to edge
his side closer to retaining their Serie A title.

Apr 14, 2014

Sebastian Giovinco revealed his relief at ending his seven-month goal drought after Juventus beat Udinese 2-0 on Monday.

The forward struck the opening goal of the game with Fernando Llorente scoring the second to maintain the Bianconeri's eight-point lead over second-placed Roma.

Giovinco's last goal came in the 3-2 win over AC Milan on October 6, with the 27-year-old admitting he was glad to get back to goalscoring ways.

He said: "It's been a while since I last scored. Goals are important for strikers and I'm happy it came on a night like this.

"It's an important victory but not a decisive one. The Scudetto isn't in the bag."

Juve face Roma in their penultimate game of the season but could have the Serie A title sewn up before that clash, with coach Antonio Conte urging his side to continue their league charge.

"We did well, there's no room for error at this stage of the season. Our players always give 110% in every game.

"We need to pull out all the stops on Saturday (Bologna). I'm expecting a packed out Juventus Stadium to urge us on to victory.

"We know Roma won't be giving in behind us and it's important for us to do the same."

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

[Socrates 8447]

UDINESE 0 - 2 JUVENTUS

Sebastian Giovinco (16′)
Fernando Llorente (26′)

April 14, 2014 - 8:45 PM
Friuli Stadium — Udine
Referee: Nicola Rizzoli

Llorente: 'Time running out'

Apr 14, 2014

Fernando Llorente admits Juventus are closing on a third consecutive title. “Each time there are fewer games remaining.”

The Spaniard was on target in tonight’s 2-0 victory away to Udinese, which maintained the eight-point lead from Roma at the top of the Serie A table.

“It was a difficult match, but it was too important that we win,” he told Sky Sport Italia.

“We are very, very happy, as each time there are fewer games remaining and the distance remains the same at the top.”

There are still 15 points up for grabs this season, including a head-to-head with Roma at the Stadio Olimpico, but they have an eight-point buffer.

“It has been a long season, so of course we’re tired, but we have time to recover for Saturday.”

This was Llorente’s 14th goal of the Serie A season.

“Whether it’s with my head or my foot, it’s still a goal! It makes no difference to me.”

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

[Socrates 8447]

UDINESE 0 - 2 JUVENTUS

Sebastian Giovinco (16′)
Fernando Llorente (26′)

April 14, 2014 - 8:45 PM
Friuli Stadium — Udine
Referee: Nicola Rizzoli

Guidolin: 'Credit to Juventus'

Apr 14, 2014

Francesco Guidolin felt Udinese did all they could against Juventus, but “you have to give credit to the stronger side.”

Ahead of this 2-0 home defeat, Udinese had notched up four wins and a draw in their last five Stadio Friuli outings.

“I liked my team. They played well, faced Juventus with courage, made a few mistakes, but you have to give credit to the stronger side,” the Coach told Sky Sport Italia.

“Perhaps we could’ve done a little more in terms of aggression, but I saw my team run for 90 minutes and try to the end, hitting the woodwork at the death.

“Unfortunately, when you concede the first goal against Juventus it becomes extremely difficult, as they keep possession and can also hit you on the counter.

“I am moderately satisfied with our performance this evening. I thought we started fairly well and didn’t want to go behind, but that goal put the game in Juve’s hands. Let’s not forget we were facing the best team in Serie A.

“We tried to attack Martin Caceres or Giorgio Chiellini when they pushed forward, but Juve have this perfect mechanism by now that sees other figures slot in to cover the gaps.”

Juventus have an eight-point lead over Roma in the Serie A standings, but Guidolin admires both teams.

“In my view Roma are still a great side with a very impressive campaign. They have a different style of football, different systems, but both very strong in their own ways. There isn’t a big gap between them.”

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

[Socrates 8447]

UDINESE 0 - 2 JUVENTUS

Sebastian Giovinco (16′)
Fernando Llorente (26′)

April 14, 2014 - 8:45 PM
Friuli Stadium — Udine
Referee: Nicola Rizzoli

Conte: 'Benitez advice? No thanks'

Apr 14, 2014

Antonio Conte believes the Scudetto race is still open, but rejected Rafa Benitez’s offer to help Juventus.

The Bianconeri made short work of Udinese this evening, winning 2-0 with Sebastian Giovinco and Fernando Llorente goals.

With five rounds to go, Juve have already amassed 87 points – as many as throughout all of last season.

“This was a dangerous game and we could not afford to drop points. Even in a difficult situation, we gave it our all,” Conte told Sky Sport Italia.

“The season remains open and we did well to face this match with the right determination, approach and concentration.”

Juve dominated despite resting Leonardo Bonucci, Arturo Vidal and top scorer Carlos Tevez.

“Carlos needed a break, as he continued to suffer this thigh problem and it was not good for him or us, as he risked a long lay-off. We will monitor his condition for the next game and the same goes for Arturo’s knee injury. He’d happily play with one leg, but you need two to play football.

“My choices were somewhat forced upon me today. Bonucci played eight consecutive games, so it was time he had a breather. Now we hope to have Andrea Barzagli back too.”

Juventus host relegation battlers Bologna on Easter Saturday, but Bonucci and Stephan Lichtsteiner will be banned.

“We were unlucky tonight, as Bonucci was booked on the bench and Lichtsteiner when he was coming off the field.

“We have to keep going, we know the campaign is not over and that Roma won’t give up, so neither will we.”

Sebastian Giovinco was often jeered by fans, but scored a sensational goal to break the deadlock this evening.

“All my players had a great game tonight, which wasn’t easy. I knew Giovinco was in good form, he is a player who I already said in the past must realise he can make the difference at a side like Juventus too.

“I am pleased with this performance, as some considered him to be like a child for me, but I had no favouritism for him. I defend all my players, as I did in the past with Mirko Vucinic,” insisted Conte.

“They give me 110 per cent and as long as they do that I will defend them against anyone and everyone, even our own fans. The players give their all and I will always protect them.”
Conte refused to suggest Juve had their hands on the Scudetto and reiterated no game will be snubbed, even with the Europa League semi-final approaching.

“When playing against Udinese, you know they let you have possession because they can immediately hit you on the break at the slightest error. It’s their tactical approach.

“We studied them and prepared for this match, as there’s no time left for a slip-up. We cannot afford to take any game lightly and every game must prove itself on the field, otherwise Barcelona would be in the Champions League semi-final right now.

“The most important game is on Saturday against Bologna. The lads know that, they know Roma won’t let go. Roma had a step forward at the weekend and we had a step forward today. I expect to see a packed Juventus Stadium pushing us on to victory.”

This week Benitez publicly offered to advise Conte on how to beat Benfica, as his Chelsea saw them off in the Europa League Final last season. However, the response was less than encouraging.

“As Napoli went out against Porto, I’d prefer to avoid asking his advice on Portuguese sides! Maybe I have a little more faith in my own collaborators.”

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

[Socrates 8447]

UDINESE 0 - 2 JUVENTUS

Sebastian Giovinco (16′)
Fernando Llorente (26′)

April 14, 2014 - 8:45 PM
Friuli Stadium — Udine
Referee: Nicola Rizzoli

Conte ‘sorry’ for Benitez row

Apr 15, 2014

Juventus Coach Antonio Conte says he is sorry about the way his exchange of words with Rafa Benitez has been reported in the media.

The Napoli boss last week publicly offered to give the Old Lady tactician advice on how to beat Benfica, given that he did so with Chelsea last season.

Conte initially refused but now believes Benitez’s words were twisted by the media in order to give them a negative slant.

“I am sorry that Benitez’s words were reported in a bad way by the media,” Conte said to Rai Sport.

“I’m sorry because it seems to me like Benitez was being serious with what he said, in the sense that he was offering a helping hand.

“Let’s says that some newspapers didn’t report it in the right way.

“I think Benitez was being genuine, so it’s up to me now whether I call him or not.

“Looking at his words now, on his part it looks like it was a serious and genuine offer.

“Reading about it before however it didn’t seem that way, so I’m sorry.

“I know very well that it’s more important to report about a Benitez row with Conte than about an offer by Benitez to Conte.”

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

[Socrates 8447]

UDINESE 0 - 2 JUVENTUS

Sebastian Giovinco (16′)
Fernando Llorente (26′)

April 14, 2014 - 8:45 PM
Friuli Stadium — Udine
Referee: Nicola Rizzoli

Juve win easy to restore eight-point advantage

Apr 15, 2014

Juventus manager Antonio Conte puffed out his chest and declared that the whole of Italy were against his side. Their success had made Juventus the most hated team in the peninsula and it was just how they liked it. Being the most hated means opponents play the match of their lives when the Bianconeri are in town making each game that bit harder. However, in Udinese, a 2-0 victory was achieved with ease to restore the eight-point gap over second-placed Roma.

It must truly be frustrating to watch the Old Lady in action if you're not a fan. Even more frustrating to watch when the opposition clearly lack the talent required to halt the speeding train that continues to dominate domestically. A Bianconeri side without the energy of Arturo Vidal, the delicate skill of Carlos Tevez and the imperious form of Leonardo Bonucci triumphed with ease against a team many still feel are capable of an upset.

Except Udinese head coach Francesco Guidolin's side are no longer what they were. While Guidolin attempted to praise his players who ran and believed in a late goal until the final moment of the game, they simply lacked quality. Unable to keep possession, easily pickpocket in midfield and woeful in the final third, not only was their defence easily overcome but their attack lacked the necessary rhythm to facilitate penetration.

There is a reason why Antonio Di Natale spent much of the game complaining, looked aggrieved and is contemplating retirement. While the striker is hardly a spring chicken, football isn't as much fun when the players around you rob you of your enthusiasm. Udinese are all about their counter-attacking game, they prey on mistakes and exploit every situation with their pace and strength. However, while the determination is still evident in their style of play, the lack of real quality makes it difficult to effectively execute the game plan. It's rather hard to find the elusive goal when most runs forward result in a squandered opportunity, either because Di Natale's teammates simply kept the ball for too long or made the wrong decision in the final third.

Distraught and agitated, the forward even made a point of not making the run forward at one stage to demonstrate his anger at a previous incident in which he was left alone at the top with no teammate to play off. While the no.10 once boasted teammates such as Alexis Sanchez, Gokhan Inler and Mauricio Isla, at this moment in time he is playing alongside players still developing and unable to match his present quality.

It was all the more frustrating when the opponent boasted such cohesion in their style of play. Every gap well covered, every pass clearly directed, Juventus are a well-oiled machine, bursting with talent in every area of the pitch and on Monday night they demonstrated just how much they enjoyed playing their opponents. First to every ball, quick to intercept and committing numbers forward to overcrowd the opponent's box, it was simply too difficult to restrain a side so eager to collect their third consecutive title.

Conte opted to start Sebastian Giovinco who, on the back of his recent performances, deserved his place in the starting line-up. Truly magnificent in recent outings, the player has demonstrated exemplary tactical understanding, quick feet and rapid thinking. The only thing he was missing was the goal -- a much-needed, desperately-coveted goal. On Monday night it finally arrived: a perfect left-footed curl to beat the admirable Simone Scuffet.

There is something about Giovinco that has caught the eye of late. While he always appeared to have suffered with the weight of a Juventus shirt, he is starting to show great character while raising the level of play of those around him. Capable of drawing defenders away, of speeding up movements in the final third and of losing his marker, his influence is no longer sporadic but rather systematic.

Whether it be against Trabzonspor, Lyon or Udinese, he has yet to shy away from his responsibilities, clearly demonstrating his worth and ability to cope with the pressure despite the unimpressed reactions of the fans that he has now begun to win over.

Conte's profound belief in the player and consistent praise has served a purpose and one hopes he will continue to play more minutes in order to thrive. He may never truly live up to the expectations of a demanding set of fans, but in his present condition, he's a brilliant player to have on the bench.

As for the rest, Claudio Marchisio deserves a symphony of compliments while Fernando Llorente continues to delight with his scoring ability, scoring the second to secure the victory. Five more games and it's all over. Roma may be strong but in Serie A, Juventus have what it takes to break records. One only hopes, they will soon dominate Europe in the way they have dominated domestically under their passionate coach.

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

[Socrates 8447]

UDINESE 0 - 2 JUVENTUS

Sebastian Giovinco (16′)
Fernando Llorente (26′)

April 14, 2014 - 8:45 PM
Friuli Stadium — Udine
Referee: Nicola Rizzoli

Udinese win decisive in
Scudetto race, says Llorente

The Spaniard was delighted to restore his side's eight-point lead at the top
of Serie A after scoring the second goal in the 2-0 victory at Stadio Friuli.

Apr 15, 2014

Juventus striker Fernando Llorente has hailed his side's 2-0 win over Udinese on Monday as "decisive" in the Serie A title race.

The Bianconeri triumphed thanks to first-half goals from Sebastian Giovinco and the Spanish striker to go eight-points clear at the top of the table.

And the former Athletic Bilbao man feels that victory at Stadio Friuli could prove pivotal come the end of the season as they look to hold off the challenge from Roma.

"It was a decisive game, it was so important for us to win and we're happy," he told the club's official website.

"We're getting through the games and the distance between us and Roma is remaining the same, so that's great as far as we're concerned."

Juve are still fighting on two fronts this season as they look to seal a third straight Scudetto and win the Europa League, but Llorente - who missed the majority of last season due to his protracted move from Athletic - insists that fatigue will not be a factor.

"We've played so many games that that's normal. Now we've got time to recuperate before Saturday, so it's no problem."

Juve's next Serie A game is at home against Bologna on Saturday, with kick-off scheduled at 18:30CET.

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

[Socrates 8447]

UDINESE 0 - 2 JUVENTUS

Sebastian Giovinco (16′)
Fernando Llorente (26′)

April 14, 2014 - 8:45 PM
Friuli Stadium — Udine
Referee: Nicola Rizzoli

Juventus have won nothing yet, warns Caceres

The Bianconeri defender insists that his side must not allow their standards
to slip and believes rotation is vital as they challenge for Serie A and Europa League glory.

Apr 15, 2014

Juventus defender Martin Caceres has insisted that his side have not yet achieved anything this season and must continue to fight to secure trophies.

The Bianconeri are on the verge of wrapping up a third straight Serie A title following Monday's win over Udinese and and have a Europa League semi-final tie with Benfica on the horizon.

Caceres, however, is adamant the players must not rest on their laurels at a crucial stage of the campaign.

"There are still five games remaining, we're getting closer but still haven't won anything," he told the club's official website.

Head coach Antonio Conte elected to shuffle his starting XI for the 2-0 win over Udinese and Caceres believes his decision is fully justified as Juve continue to fight on two fronts.

"It's right for us to rotate at this current time. Today, Giovinco and Ogbonna got the call and both put in great performances. We haven't got 11 fixed starters, everyone is required," the Uruguayan added.

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

[Socrates 8447]

UDINESE 0 - 2 JUVENTUS

Sebastian Giovinco (16′)
Fernando Llorente (26′)

April 14, 2014 - 8:45 PM
Friuli Stadium — Udine
Referee: Nicola Rizzoli

Gabriel Silva: "Juventus are
the strongest team of the season"

The player gives credit to Juventus for their win and for being the leader of the ranking.

Apr 15, 2014

Gabriel Silva analysed the match played at the Friuli stadium starting with giving credit to Juventus for their win against Udinese's underperformance: "I think Juventus are too strong, they showed everybody their value and the reason why they are on top of the table. Nevertheless, we need to do better, when we face these kinds of teams we need to give our all, use all our strength. We didn't do so today, and we paid for it".

The Brazilian player also talked about the key actions of the match: "Giovinco did very well on the occasion of the first goal, a great action indeed. The second goal was avoidable, we made a mistake after the corner kick and they made the most of it. They are strong, we performed well but we could have done better. There is no time to moan though, we need to focus on Napoli".

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

[Socrates 8447]

JUVENTUS - BOLOGNA

April 19, 2014 - 6:30 PM
Juventus Stadium — Turin
Referee: Piero Giacomelli

How Juventus Will Line Up Against Bologna

Apr 17, 2014

Juventus face Bologna this weekend with one eye potentially on a mouth-watering Europa League semi-final tie against Benfica next week.

Most presume that the Bianconeri will prioritise their game against the soon-to-be Portuguese champions, but Antonio Conte has his eyes set on creating history in Serie A.

The record for the highest points total, breaching the 100-point barrier and earning a record number of consecutive home wins in the league all get the juices flowing.

So it is actually tricky to envisage what team Conte will look to put out against Bologna, who are fighting off relegation and will be keen to spring a surprise.

Here is how Juve should line up.


Goalkeeper and Defence

Gianluigi Buffon will be the easiest pick for Antonio Conte, with the Azzurri stopper enjoying something of a renaissance between the sticks.

Helping to protect the 36-year-old's goal will be Giorgio Chiellini, Angelo Ogbonna and Martin Caceres.

This is quite straightforward for Conte, as Leonardo Bonucci is suspended and Andrea Barzagli has yet to gain enough sharpness to start a game after resuming training this week.

The Azzurri international is expected to take his place on the bench after being out for over a month with a calf injury.


Wing-Backs

Stephan Lichtsteiner is suspended, which hands another opportunity for Mauricio Isla to start.

The Chilean is enjoying his best moment in black and white and is expected to start his 16th game of the season.

Lichtsteiner is not enjoying his best run of form, so Isla should feel that another good outing will give Conte food for thought about whether he can permanently take the Swiss international's place.

Kwadwo Asamoah should line up on the opposite flank, as Conte will not want to rotate too much with the league still holding a significant amount of importance, despite the probability stacked in their favour in the race for the Scudetto.


Central Midfielders

Arturo Vidal is the main concern for Conte, as the Chilean missed the last game with a slight knee injury.

The former Bayer Leverkusen star took his place on the bench but failed to come on as a substitute.

Conte will probably not risk the Chile international, which will mean an unchanged trio through the middle.

Andrea Pirlo, fresh off a media storm due to the new English translation of his autobiography, will be joined by Paul Pogba and Claudio Marchisio.


Strikers

Carlos Tevez should come back into the starting line-up for Juventus against Bologna, as he aims to beat off competition from Ciro Immobile and compatriot Gonzalo Higuain for the capocannoniere title.

El Apache was rested for the Udinese game but will likely come back in here, replacing Sebastian Giovinco, despite the Atomic Ant's fine solo goal in Udine.

The former Parma star came off with a slight knock, so Carlitos will resume his partnership with Fernando Llorente.

The Spaniard also scored on Monday and will match up with the Argentine for the first time since Livorno, with Conte rotating his strike force for the last couple of games.

Dani Osvaldo, Mirko Vucinic and Fabio Quagliarella will have to continue to wait for their chance, which will surely come soon—if not here, then possibly during one of the matches against Benfica or the Sassuolo fixture in between.

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

[Socrates 8447]

JUVENTUS - BOLOGNA

April 19, 2014 - 6:30 PM
Juventus Stadium — Turin
Referee: Piero Giacomelli

Juventus-Bologna Preview: Relegation-threatened
Rossoblu out to upset league leaders

The visitors have triumphed just twice on the road all season and are
going up against a Bianconeri side who have not dropped a single point in Turin.

Apr 18, 2014

Bologna will have to overcome a poor away record in order to dent Juventus' Serie A title bid and simultaneously boost their survival hopes.

The Rossoblu - who sit 17th on 28 points, just three above the relegation zone - have only won twice away from the Renato Dall'Ara this season.

Those away-day woes look unlikely to change at the Juventus Stadium on Saturday, with Antonio Conte's side having won all 16 of their league fixtures on home turf this term.

Indeed, Juve have lost just twice in Serie A all campaign and - after passing a potentially tricky encounter 2-0 at Udinese on Monday - they could move to within two victories of collecting a third consecutive league title.

Juve are eight points clear at the top with five games remaining, and Conte will be keen for his charges to wrap up the title before visiting second-placed Roma on May 9.

One potential distraction could be Thursday's Europa League semi-final first-leg tie at Benfica, with the final set to be held at the Juventus Stadium.

However, goalkeeper and captain Gianluigi Buffon is confident of challenging on both fronts.

Speaking to Sky Sport Italia, he said: "Our objectives? We want the Scudetto and the Europa League, to return to being among the best in Europe.

"The Europa League is not a requirement but it is definitely a goal that could be within our reach, or is within our reach."

Centre-back Leonardo Bonucci and wing-back Stephan Lichtsteiner are both suspended for Juve, while Conte must decide whether to return top scorer Carlos Tevez (thigh) and midfielder Arturo Vidal (knee) to the starting line-up, after the duo were only deemed fit enough for the bench at Udinese.

In contrast to Juve's title ambitions, Bologna have hit a lean patch at the wrong time and will be desperate to complete one of the biggest upsets of the season.

Davide Ballardini's side have picked up just seven points from the last 30 available to them, dragging them into the dogfight at the bottom.

The visitors' problems have largely been in attack this season, only bottom side Catania have registered fewer than Bologna's paltry league return of 27 goals this term.


Head to Head

Serie A ‎-‎ Dec 6, 2013 - Bologna 0 - 2 Juventus
Serie A -‎ Mar 16, 2013 - Bologna 0 - 2 Juventus
Serie A ‎- Oct 31, 2012 - Juventus 2 - 1 Bologna
Serie A ‎- Mar 7, 2012 - Bologna 1 - 1 Juventus
Coppa Italia ‎- Dec 8, 2011 - Juventus 2 - 1 Bologna


Last Five Matches

JUVENTUS

Apr 14, 2014 - Udinese 0 - 2 Juventus - Serie A
Apr 10, 2014 - Juventus 2 - 1 Olympique Lyonnais - EL
Apr 7, 2014 - Juventus 2 - 0 Livorno - Serie A
Apr 3, 2014 - Olympique Lyonnais 0 - 1 Juventus - EL
Mar 30, 2014 - SSC Napoli 2 - 0 Juventus - Serie A


BOLOGNA

Apr 13, 2014 - Bologna 1 - 1 Parma - Serie A
Apr 5, 2014 - FC Internazionale 2 - 2 Bologna - Serie A
Mar 29, 2014 - Bologna 0 - 2 Atalanta - Serie A
Mar 26, 2014 - Chievo 3 - 0 Bologna - Serie A
Mar 23, 2014 - Bologna 1 - 0 Cagliari - Serie A

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

[Socrates 8447]

JUVENTUS - BOLOGNA

April 19, 2014 - 6:30 PM
Juventus Stadium — Turin
Referee: Piero Giacomelli

Conte: Nothing is easy

Apr 18, 2014

Antonio Conte has reiterated that ‘nothing is easy’ for Juventus ahead of facing Bologna, as he updates on Carlos Tevez, Arturo Vidal and Andrea Barzagli.

The Turin outfit can move a step closer towards a third consecutive Scudetto tomorrow evening when they host the Felsinei, in what is seen as an easier fixture than chasing Roma face later, away to Fiorentina.

However, for Juve’s tactician, it would be a mistake to assume where the results may fall.

“Nothing is easy, it may be easy at the 90th, 95th minute, when the game is won and then you can believe it is easy,” Conte responded to reporters at Friday’s Press conference.

“I think that tomorrow against Bologna it will be a very difficult undertaking.

“Precisely for this reason I wish and hope that tomorrow the stadium’s atmosphere will be very heated, because Juve’s fans should feel the importance of the moment, the importance of this game, because, I repeat, to win against Bologna we can definitely say would not be decisive, but would be crucial.

“As for what the others [Roma] do, I always tell my boys, we try to win ours, because we are in an optimal situation, where we cannot look at others and must think only to our result.

“We have to be very careful because Davide Ballardini has drawn here the last two years, with both Cagliari and Genoa, so we must pay great attention, not take anything for granted, we know this very well.”

Conte was asked if he would risk bringing back Carlos Tevez, Arturo Vidal and Andrea Barzagli against Bologna, or preserve them for the following midweek’s Europa League semi-final first leg against Benfica.

“I think they are different situations, in the sense that Carlos and Arturo have some issues and they were rested in the match against Udinese, they are recovering and we are trying to get them up to the best possible condition, because I would like them to feel good, to be able to give 110 per cent as they always do.

“Barzagli is no longer injured. Barzagli has been away for more than a month, he is available. It is inevitable that now he has to return to the field, find the rhythm of the game, and then I do not know if tomorrow he will start or appear during the game.

“Yet, Barzagli is able and called up, so these are two different situations.”

The 44-year-old, who also spoke on his future, was asked if Sebastian Giovinco’s performance for the Bianconeri away at Udinese last week is a turning point after recent scrutiny from supporters.

“Surely the match against Udinese was a tough game, tricky, and the fact that in the game he has done something decisive, certainly that should give him confidence, it must empower him.

“But I repeat, for me, Giovinco is a player who has amazing qualities. If convinced, he can become decisive even in a squad like Juventus’, both in starting a game but also in entering a game, as happened against Lyon.”

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

[Socrates 8447]

JUVENTUS - BOLOGNA

April 19, 2014 - 6:30 PM
Juventus Stadium — Turin
Referee: Piero Giacomelli

‘Bologna motivated against Juve’

Apr 18, 2014

Davide Ballardini says that whilst Juventus’ greatest strength is motivation, Bologna have enough of it too to try and make things tricky tomorrow night.

The Felsinei travel out to Turin in Week 34 still looking to secure their League status, as they currently sit 17th, just three points above the dropzone.

For their tactician, facing the League leaders may be daunting, but it won’t see his side shrink into their shell.

“It is a very exciting game against the best team, for me the game will be challenging,” Ballardini has told reporters today.

“They are a great team, I hope it is a good match and that we are able to play a really good game.

“We have many reasons to be motivated, but so do they, this is their greatest strength - I expect an atmosphere at their ground.

“We know we have to play a careful game in defence, but we cannot go to Turin thinking only about doing one thing well.

“We will also have to play with the ball and put them under pressure. We will try tomorrow night to show our best side, not to take any calculations and to have belief.”

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

[Socrates 8447]

JUVENTUS - BOLOGNA

April 19, 2014 - 6:30 PM
Juventus Stadium — Turin
Referee: Piero Giacomelli

Juventus vs. Bologna Preview:
Round 34 — One hand on the trophy

Apr 18, 2014

We've reached the point in the season where we can count the number of games remaining on one hand and one hand only. Thirty-three games have gone and gone, now we're left with only five remaining before we're left to go off to transfer rumor land. With that, Juventus' grasp on a third straight Scudetto is just that much tighter.

And after their win over Udinese on Monday, Juventus restored order — and their eight-point lead — atop the Serie A table. Eight points with five games to play. Not too shabby, fellas.

Talented Juventus central defender and avid high-sock wearer who goes by the name of Martin Cáceres had this to say after the win at the Friuli four days ago.

JuventusFC ✔ @juventusfcen
#Caceres: "There are still five games remaining, we're getting closer but still haven't won anything."

The guy has a point, you know. Do Juventus have a hand on their third straight Scudetto? Absolutely. Being up eight points with five games to go is a rather large hill to try and overcome if you're somebody who wears a Roma jersey every weekend. And when you compare the two schedules, it's pretty easy to figure out that Juventus have the edge when it comes to that category, too.

Basically what I'm trying to say is that Juventus are close to a third straight title. Really, really close. Just a few more positive results, a few more wins, and a third straight Scudetto and all the celebrations that come along with it will be Juventus' once again.

Bologna's trip to Juventus Stadium is looked at as the next step towards the officially locking up a third straight title. And that's not just because Juve are the best team in Italy and Bologna are, well, not even close to being in the top half of the league table. To be specific, Juventus are currently on 87 points and still have the possibility of finishing in triple digits. Bologna is sitting as close to the relegation zone as possible without actually being there — three points ahead of Livorno with five games to play.

Yeah, that's two completely different circumstances.

You know Conte and his players want to wrap this thing up as soon as possible. There's no reason to disagree with that. I'd say celebrating the chance to play for the Europa League title in front of your hometown crowd and celebrating a third straight Scudetto within the same week is rather fun.

JuventusFC ✔ @juventusfcen
#Conte: "Starting with tomorrow's #JuveBologna, we need to keep moving towards our goals: third consecutive Scudetto and @EuropaLeague."

Make it happen, gents.

GOOD NEWS

As much as some Juve players are saying lately that they aren't tired, having an extra day to rest at this time of year has got to be nice for the guys who have been playing week-in, week-out the past two months.

BAD NEWS

Leonardo Bonucci is suspended because of yellow cards. Other than that, there's not a whole lot of bad news to report about Juventus right now. The squad is playing better, mostly everybody is healthy and Juve are in the Europa League semifinals. Not really tons of things to complain about right now. Well, minus the Simone Padoin Fan Club being upset about somebody's lack of playing time this season...


WHAT TO WATCH FOR

1. The health status of both Carlos Tévez and Arturo Vidal.

This is what Antonio Conte had to say about Juventus' two best players following the win against Udinese.

JuventusFC ✔ @juventusfcen
#Conte: "Tevez hasn’t been able to fully shake off his adductor problem, while Vidal is still feeling the effects of a sore knee."

With a healthy lead atop Serie A, I have one piece of advice for Conte — rest these two men as much as they need to be rested. That's especially true when you take into account that Juventus have two relatively important European games coming up in the next 10 days. Most of the lineup-projecting outlets have both Vidal and Tévez starting from the bench against Bologna tomorrow night. And to be honest with you all, that's completely okay with me. If they aren't 100 percent healthy, then don't even risk them. A re-aggravation of either injury and a season could possibly be ended. That wouldn't be very good at all.

2. Will anybody without injury concerns get some rest ahead of the trip to Benfica?

Having five days before tomorrow night's match and five days after might mean Conte will go with as strong of a lineup as he might if Roma were nipping at Juve's heels down the stretch of the season. As was the case against Udinese, Conte will likely have just about everybody available to him to call up for Bologna's visit to Juventus Stadium. Other than Tévez and Vidal being held out, the same lineup-predicting folks think it will be the usual suspects against Bologna that have been out there the last couple of games. If we see a Mauricio Isla in for Stephan Lichtsteiner, I wouldn't be all that surprised, though. Conte won't drastically overhaul things because he rarely does that. But a few changes here and there wouldn't come as a surprise.

3. Can Fernando Llorente keep the good times going?

Two games, three goals. Fernando Llorente is as close to being "back" as he's been in quite a number of weeks. All three of his goals have come in different kinds of ways, which could be a sign that Llorente truly is getting back on form. If that's the case, then Mr. Rey León picked a good time to find his goal-scoring boots once again. We saw what Llorente added to the team when he was contributing both in the build-up and finding back of the net back in the middle of the season when he scored most of his 14 Serie A goals.

4. How Angelo Ogbonna handles the center of the three-man defense again.

For some reason, Leonardo Bonucci succeeded in getting a yellow card against Udinese this past Monday even though he didn't even step onto the field. That probably takes talent. Or maybe it's just a little bit of facepalm-worthy behavior. I'll get back to you on that. Either way, because Bonucci got the yellow, he's suspended for tomorrow's game against Bologna and Ogbonna will find himself at the center of Juve's defense yet again. Before he got the nod at the Friuli, it had been a month since Ogbonna's last start — Juventus' 1-1 draw against Fiorentina in the Europa League Round of 16. Ogbonna was pretty solid in his return to the lineup on Monday. Let's just hope he can keep that going.

My starting XI (3-5-2): Buffon; Cáceres, Ogbonna, Chiellini; Isla, Pogba, Pirlo, Marchisio, Asamoah; Llorente, Giovinco

OFFICIAL KICKOFF TIME: 6:30 P.M. IN ITALY; 12:30 P.M. ON THE EAST COAST; 9:30 A.M. ON THE WEST COAST

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