Juventus Season 2014-2015

[Socrates 8516]

JUVENTUS - MALMÖ FF

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Tuesday, September 16th, 2014 - 8:45 PM
Juventus Stadium - Turin
Referee:‬ Szymon Marciniak (Poland)

Bonucci: Juventus Want Champions League Success

Sep 16, 2014

Juventus defender Leonardo Bonucci is delighted with the way the team has started the season and has also identified Atletico Madrid as their biggest rival in the Champions League.

The Bianconeri begin their Group A campaign against Malmo on Tuesday evening.

“It is good to see that there are other teams doing well besides Roma and us,” Bonucci told the club’s official website.

“This is good for the Italian game and it challenges us because we have an obligation to become champions again.”

Turning his attention to Europe, Bonucci was clear about the task facing Juventus after their failure to progress from the group stage last season.

“With the Champions League, we have only one goal this season and that is to be protagonists like we are in Italy.

In a group that also include Olympiakos, the Italian international sees last season’s finalist as their greatest threat.

“Atletico gave it their all last season and we must do the same. We will leave everything, including our last drop of sweat on the pitch to fulfil our goal and it is on the field where we will decide who’s best.”

[Socrates 8516]

JUVENTUS - MALMÖ FF

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Tuesday, September 16th, 2014 - 8:45 PM
Juventus Stadium - Turin
Referee:‬ Szymon Marciniak (Poland)

Juventus V Malmö: Probable Line-Ups

Sep 16, 2014

Juventus will kick off their Champions League campaign under Massimiliano Allegri tonight as they prepare to welcome Swedish side Malmö FF to Turin.

Allegri is set to continue with the 3-5-2 system that his predecessor Antonio Conte installed. Martín Cáceres and Leonardo Bonucci will form the back three with the returning Giorgio Chiellini.

There are issues in midfield with key men Arturo Vidal and Andrea Pirlo both missing through injury. As a result Kwadwo Asamoah is set to be moved to a more central role with Patrice Evra starting at left wing back. Carlos Tevez and Fernando Llorente will likely lead the attack.

Malmö’s Norwegian coach Åge Hareide is set to put out a more conservative side than what he usually deploys in the Swedish domestic championship. Perhaps the most recognisable name in his side is former Werder Bremen striker Markus Rosenberg, who will lead the attack alongside youngster Isaac Kiese Thelin.


PROBABLE LINE UPS

Juventus (3-5-2) - Buffon; Caceres, Bonucci, Chiellini; Lichtsteiner, Asamoah, Marchisio, Pogba, Evra; Tevez, Llorente.

Malmö (5-3-2) - Olsen; Tinnerholm, Johansson, Halsti, Helander, Konate; Forsberg, Kofi Adu, Eriksson; Rosenberg, Kiese Thelin.

[Socrates 8516]

JUVENTUS - MALMÖ FF

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Tuesday, September 16th, 2014 - 8:45 PM
Juventus Stadium - Turin
Referee:‬ Szymon Marciniak (Poland)

Marotta: 'Juve under pressure'

Sep 16, 2014

Beppe Marotta said “it is only normal” for Juventus to be under pressure ahead of a Champions League tie with Malmo.

It kicks off today at 20.45 CET.

“It is only normal to be under pressure in such an important competition,” director general Marotta told Sky Sport Italia.

“Although Malmo are on paper inferior to us, they are in good form, top of their domestic League and have plenty of experience.”

Marotta was asked how Juve have changed from last term, when they crashed out in the group phase of the Champions League.

“The difference from last season and the year before is that our squad is more experienced and we completed the squad with players of more quality than in the past.

“They might not be first choices, but they are ready when called upon.”

[Socrates 8516]

JUVENTUS - MALMÖ FF

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Tuesday, September 16th, 2014 - 8:45 PM
Juventus Stadium - Turin
Referee:‬ Szymon Marciniak (Poland)

Allegri: Juventus Must Be Wary
Of Champions League Pitfalls

Sep 16, 2014

Juventus coach Massimiliano Allegri has taken to Twitter to rally the club’s supporters ahead of their Champions League opener.

The Old Lady welcome the Swedish champions Malmö FF.to the Juventus Stadium as they begin their Group A matchup.

“We want to begin the competition in an attractive manner,” Allegri proclaimed.

“In the Champions League we want to lead the way, but we must be aware of the pitfalls.”

Last season, under the stewardship of Antonio Conte, the Bianconeri were eliminated in the Group Stage of the competition.

[Socrates 8516]

JUVENTUS - MALMÖ FF

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Tuesday, September 16th, 2014 - 8:45 PM
Juventus Stadium - Turin
Referee:‬ Szymon Marciniak (Poland)

Line-ups: Juventus-Malmo

Sep 16, 2014

Juventus field Paul Pogba, Carlos Tevez and Fernando Llorente in their Champions League opener against Malmo.

It kicks off at 19.45 UK time (18.45 GMT) at the Juventus Stadium in Turin. They are in the same group as Atletico Madrid and Olympiacos.

Max Allegri made a winning start to his Serie A career on the Bianconeri bench, beating Chievo 1-0 and Udinese 2-0.

The pressure is on the club to deliver in Europe, having crashed out in the group stage last season under Antonio Conte.

Arturo Vidal, Andrea Pirlo and Andrea Barzagli are injured, while new signing Roberto Pereyra is suspended from his time at Udinese.

Giorgio Chiellini gets to make his season debut, having been ruled out by injury and a Serie A ban so far, while Martin Caceres steps in.

Claudio Marchisio takes on the Pirlo role with Patrice Evra out wide, moving Kwadwo Asamoah into a more central position, while Tevez and Llorente are again the front two.

There is pressure on Tevez, who has not scored a Champions League goal since April 2009.

Statisticians will also be concerned that Juve have not won their first match of the group phase since 2008 against Zenit, drawing their next four.

Swedes Malmo make their first ever foray into the Champions League group phase, last reaching this tournament in 1990-91, and these clubs have never previously crossed paths.

Malmo did take part in the European Cup and reached the Final in 1979, losing to Nottingham Forest.

They fought their way through the preliminary rounds, eliminating FK Ventspils, Sparta Prague and Salzburg, and are currently top of their domestic League.

Simon Thern and Ricardinho are out injured until October, but their big star is Markus Rosenberg, who scored 10 goals in his last 11 games in all competition.


Juventus: Buffon; Caceres, Bonucci, Chiellini; Lichtsteiner, Pogba, Marchisio, Asamoah, Evra; Tevez, Llorente

Juventus bench: Storari, Romulo, Ogbonna, Padoin, Coman, Giovinco, Morata


Malmo: Olsen; Tinnerholm, E Johansson, Halsti, Helander, Konate; Eriksson, Adu, Forsberg: Thelin, Rosenberg

Malmo bench: Azinovic, Hammar, Kroon, Cibicki, Nazari, Rakip, Mehmeti

[Socrates 8516]

JUVENTUS - MALMÖ FF

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Tuesday, September 16th, 2014 - 8:45 PM
Juventus Stadium - Turin
Referee:‬ Szymon Marciniak (Poland)

HT 0-0: Malmo scare Juventus

Sep 16, 2014

Gigi Buffon made the only real save of the first half, as Juventus are struggling to break down Malmo.

Elsewhere in the group, Olympiacos have a surprise 2-1 half-time lead over Atletico Madrid in Athens.

The Bianconeri had more pressure than ever to do well in this competition after their group stage exit last season. In a group with Atletico Madrid and Olympiacos, they hosted Swedish champions Malmo in what was on paper the easiest fixture. Andrea Pirlo, Arturo Vidal and Andrea Barzagli were injured with Roberto Pereyra suspended, so Kwadwo Asamoah went into a more central midfield role, while Giorgio Chiellini made his season debut after injury and bans. Malmoe made their Champions League group debut, but missed Simon Thern and Ricardinho.

Malmo had the first real chance after 17 minutes when Gianluigi Buffon was forced to use his foot to parry from Magnus Eriksson at the back post.

Paul Pogba was penalised for handball when chesting down in the box, though replays suggest Filip Helander also handled and perhaps made contact first. It was penalty!

Pogba nodded off target and Carlos Tevez fired straight at the goalkeeper, while Asamoah had several shots over from distance and Apache failed to keep his balance on a Stephan Lichtsteiner assist.

Fernando Llorente forced a corner with his attempt on the turn, but overall Juventus struggled to create any danger. They finally had a decent chance on 43 minutes when Lichtsteiner burst into the box on a Tevez pass and tried to roll across for Asamoah to tap in, but the Swiss Express over-hit the pass.

In the last kick of the half, Leonardo Bonucci hit a free kick into the wall and thumped the rebound into the goalkeeper's arms.


Juventus 0-0 Malmo (Half-Time)

Juventus: Buffon; Caceres, Bonucci, Chiellini; Lichtsteiner, Pogba, Marchisio, Asamoah, Evra; Tevez, Llorente

Malmo: Olsen; Tinnerholm, E Johansson, Halsti, Helander, Konate; Eriksson, Adu, Forsberg: Thelin, Rosenberg

Ref: Marciniak (POL)

[Socrates 8516]

JUVENTUS 2 - 0 MALMÖ FF

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Carlos Tévez 59'
Carlos Tévez 90'

Tuesday, September 16th, 2014 - 8:45 PM
Juventus Stadium - Turin
Referee:‬ Szymon Marciniak (Poland)

Juventus 2-0 Malmo:
Tevez at the double in Bianconeri cruise

The Argentine struck twice in the second half to edge Massimiliano Allegri's
side past a resolute Swedish outfit on Tuesday night.

Sep 16, 2014

A second half double from Carlos Tevez gave Juventus a 2-0 win over Malmo as they kicked off their Champions League campaign in polished fashion in Turin.

The 30-year-old lifted the frustration inside Juventus Stadium to end a 14-game barren run in the competition - which stretched back five years to a clash with Porto while playing for Manchester United - as Juventus went top of Group A.

His first came in the 59th minute, as he coolly fired home after a perfect backheeled pass from Kwadwo Asamoah, while the second arrived in the last minute via a curling free-kick.

Massimiliano Allegri's side controlled possession in the opening half but a lack of quality in front of goal saw group stage debutants Malmo hold them at the break.

Tevez finally proved the difference, though, and the scoreline could have been even bigger had Fernando Llorente's close-range effort not been disallowed for offside by the assistant referee.

It was a tough evening for the Swedes in Turin, and their plight may yet get even worse after a second-half injury to top scorer Markus Rosenberg.

While Arturo Vidal and Andrea Pirlo were both missing for the hosts through injury, Allegri was able to call on Giorgio Chiellini after injury and suspension, but the defender had little to do in the opening half.

Instead, all the action was at the other end as Juventus toyed with their opponents.

Paul Pogba, Llorente and Asamoah all failed to convert chances, with the latter appearing all over the pitch in an impressive display that only lacked a goal.

The Ghana star had the clearest chance of the opening period in the 19th minute when he met Stephan Lichtsteiner’s cross, but his header sailed harmlessly over the crossbar.

Tevez's first effort on target was then easily saved, before his strike partner Llorente was denied by a deflection.

The Spaniard received a pass from Pogba inside the penalty area and held off two defenders with his back to goal before spinning to shoot, but his effort struck a defender and was diverted away for a corner.

With half-time approaching, the deadlock should have been broken as Lichtsteiner was released behind the Malmo defence. He squared a low cross to the back post but his team-mates failed to anticipate it and the danger was cleared.

The second half appeared to be going the same way as the first when the defender saw two crosses well blocked, but a minute shy of the hour mark Tevez finally opened the scoring.

Having played a pass into the penalty area, the Argentine striker received a superb return ball from Asamoah before stroking it past goalkeeper Robin Olsen to end his Champions League drought.

Llorente thought he had doubled the lead a minute later when he tapped in a Lichtsteiner cross from close range, however the assistant referee's flag denied him.

Low crosses from Patrice Evra and Lichtsteiner saw Juventus go close to doubling their lead but when Pogba miscued a spectacular effort from outside the penalty area it seemed they would have to settle for a one-goal advantage.

With seven minutes remaining Olsen produced a heroic save to deny Llorente before Malmo, who had rarely been out of their own half, were caught on the counter-attack by substitute Alvaro Morata.

The youngster was felled by Filip Helander on the edge of the penalty area and from the resulting free-kick Tevez curled home his second in style to get Juve off to a winning start.

https://mtc.cdn.vine.co/r/videos/2855C461221123775916603228160_2a4b18881b0.5.1.1018081274196806893.mp4?versionId=crHc_RFeirxxNuWIlCf.hUBXjlOKpHhA

[Socrates 8516]

JUVENTUS 2 - 0 MALMÖ FF

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Carlos Tévez 59'
Carlos Tévez 90'

Tuesday, September 16th, 2014 - 8:45 PM
Juventus Stadium - Turin
Referee:‬ Szymon Marciniak (Poland)

CL: Tevez double inspires Juve

Carlos Tevez broke his Champions League drought with a brace,
giving Juventus a 2-0 Champions League win over Malmo.

Sep 16, 2014

Elsewhere in the group, Atletico Madrid suffered a shock 3-2 defeat away to Olympiacos on the night Alessio Cerci made his debut as a substitute.

The Bianconeri had more pressure than ever to do well in this competition after their group stage exit last season. In a group with Atletico Madrid and Olympiacos, they hosted Swedish champions Malmo in what was on paper the easiest fixture. Andrea Pirlo, Arturo Vidal and Andrea Barzagli were injured with Roberto Pereyra suspended, so Kwadwo Asamoah went into a more central midfield role, while Giorgio Chiellini made his season debut after injury and bans. Malmoe made their Champions League group debut, but missed Simon Thern and Ricardinho.

Malmo had the first real chance after 17 minutes when Gianluigi Buffon was forced to use his foot to parry from Magnus Eriksson at the back post.

Paul Pogba was penalised for handball when chesting down in the box, though replays suggest Filip Helander also handled and perhaps made contact first.

Pogba nodded off target and Carlos Tevez fired straight at the goalkeeper, while Asamoah had several shots over from distance and Apache failed to keep his balance on a Stephan Lichtsteiner assist.

Fernando Llorente forced a corner with his attempt on the turn, but overall Juventus struggled to create any danger. They finally had a decent chance on 43 minutes when Lichtsteiner burst into the box on a Tevez pass and tried to roll across for Asamoah to tap in, but the Swiss Express over-hit the pass.

After the restart Lichtsteiner was in a similar position and this time his pass was intercepted by a defender when he should’ve chipped it over for Llorente. Asamoah again tried from distance, this time on target but easily dealt with.

The deadlock was finally broken for Juventus and for Tevez, who had not scored in the Champions League since April 7 2009 for Manchester United. He ran on to an Asamoah back-heel flick and drilled low into the far bottom corner. Apache had not found the net in this competition for 1,988 days, a grand total of 1,003 minutes of football.

Moments later Juve thought they’d gone 2-0 up when Lichtsteiner rolled across for Llorente to tap in, but the Swiss international was flagged offside by a matter of centimentres.

A diving Lichtsteiner header bounced off the ground and over the bar from Patrice Evra’s cross, then another Evra ball flashed low across the six-yard box with Llorente and Pogba unable to get the final touch.

Llorente had a sensational double chance, but his header was brilliantly flapped away by Robin Olsen and he tried a Jeremy Menez-style back-heel flick on the rebound, but again the goalkeeper reacted quickly to palm it off the line.

The Bianconeri did make it 2-0 eventually, as Tevez curled a free kick into the far top corner.


Juventus 2-0 Malmo

Scorers: Tevez 59, 90 (J)

Juventus: Buffon; Caceres, Bonucci, Chiellini; Lichtsteiner (Romulo 91), Pogba, Marchisio, Asamoah, Evra; Tevez (Giovinco 91), Llorente (Morata 86)

Malmo: Olsen; Tinnerholm, E Johansson, Halsti, Helander, Konate; Eriksson (Rakip 81), Adu, Forsberg: Thelin (Kroon 73), Rosenberg (Mehmeti 54)

Ref: Marciniak (POL)

[Socrates 8516]

JUVENTUS 2 - 0 MALMÖ FF

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Carlos Tévez 59'
Carlos Tévez 90'

Tuesday, September 16th, 2014 - 8:45 PM
Juventus Stadium - Turin
Referee:‬ Szymon Marciniak (Poland)

Juventus 2-0 Malmo FF:
Tevez Double Downs Swedish Champions

Sep 16, 2014

Carlos Tevez bagged his first Champions League goals since 2009 as Juventus got their campaign off and running with a 2-0 victory over Swedish champions Malmo at the Juventus Stadium on Tuesday evening.

The Italian champions were frustrated in the first-half and failed to break the Swedish side down but a superb double from the Argentine striker after half-time ensured their blushes were spared and collected a precious three points.

Juventus started slowly and seriously lacked a cutting edge in the first-half, only managing a series of speculative long-range shots all of which flew high over the crossbar. They appeared to be missing the creative spark of Arturo Vidal and looked lacklustre with the ball in attacking positions and were unable to break down the Swedish champions who stood firm, despite playing in their first ever Champions League match.

Patrice Evra and Stephan Lichsteiner enjoyed plenty of space down both flanks but failed to find Fernando Llorente with a number of attempted crosses as fans grew increasingly unsettled at the Juventus Stadium.

Juventus were nearly embarrassed after 20 minutes after Magnus Eriksson’s close-range drive was denied by Gianluigi Buffon. Markus Rosenberg found the midfielder with a deep cross to the far post but the veteran keeper was there to keep the match 0-0.

Juventus’ best chance in the opening period fell to Lichsteiner after he was played through by Carlos Tevez but opted to try and find Asamoah instead of shoot and the ball trickled wide for a goal-kick. Bearing down on goal, Lichsteiner never looked comfortable with shooting and the opportunity was wasted.

The Swiss wing-back was then played in by Pogba in the second-half and again tried to square the ball, only for Malmo keeper Robin Olsen to intercept. Allegri suddenly exploded with anger on the touchline as his team continued to waste goalscoring opportunities.

However, Allegri’s exasperation was stopped for the time-being just before the hour mark when Tevez combined beautifully with Asamoah before slotting the ball accurately into the bottom corner to five the Turin giants the lead. Tevez drove towards the net, laying it off before receiving a wonderfully crafted back-heel from the Ghanian and striker made no mistake in finding the net for the first time in the Champions League in five years.

Juventus then had the ball in the net again, two minutes later, through Llorente but Lichsteiner was adjudged to be marginally offside as he squared it to the Spaniard. However, after finally finding the breakthrough, Juventus appeared to have a spring in their step as they searched for a second to kill the game off.

Lichsteiner had another opportunity to, to double the scoring, but after doing well to latch onto Evra’s deflected cross he could only head down into the ground and over the bar.

The Serie A champions continued to press for a second and nearly found it after Evra’s cross came within inches of reaching both Llorente and the late arriving Pogba. It was a tantalising delivery from the Frenchman but his compatriot was unable to get on the end of it and wrap up the game.

Llorente then failed to convert a golden opportunity from close range after Lichsteiner’s chipped cross, only finding the glove of Olsen and he did not manage to find Tevez with the follow-up as the keeper scrambled clear.

But after substitute Alvaro Morata was brought down just outside the penalty area, Tevez added another in the 90th minute with a fantastic free-kick, curled into the top-corner to round-off the win for the home side.

[Socrates 8516]

JUVENTUS 2 - 0 MALMÖ FF

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Carlos Tévez 59'
Carlos Tévez 90'

Tuesday, September 16th, 2014 - 8:45 PM
Juventus Stadium - Turin
Referee:‬ Szymon Marciniak (Poland)

Carlos Tevez's double inspires Juventus
to victory over Malmo

Sep 16, 2014

Juventus forward Carlos Tevez ended his Champions League goal drought with both goals in the 2-0 defeat of Malmo.

The Italian champions had struggled to make an impact until Tevez ended a 14-match wait for a Champions League goal with his eye-catching strike just before the hour mark in this Group A opener.

Tevez then made sure of the victory in the 89th minute, curling home a fantastic free-kick from just outside the penalty area.

Malmo had frustrated Massimiliano Allegri's men in the first 45 minutes - but the result did not look in doubt once Tevez had opened the scoring.

The Swedish side created the first chance of the game in the 18th minute when Markus Rosenberg's cross was headed goalwards by Magnus Eriksson - but Juventus goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon did well to block the effort.

After Kwadwo Asamoah had headed over, Tevez tried his luck for the home side with a curling effort which Malmo keeper Robin Olsen easily claimed.

Just before the half-hour mark Asamoah fired over from distance, then Fernando Llorente saw a 34th-minute effort deflected wide by Pa Konate - but the Italian champions were struggling to create clear chances.

The home fans were hoping for an improvement from their side after the break and they showed more urgency in the early stages of the second half.

Llorente failed to find the power required to beat Olsen with a header, then Erik Johansson cleared after Stephan Lichtsteiner had threatened to unlock the visiting defence with an incisive ball.

However, Juventus got the breakthrough they were seeking in the 59th minute - and it was a well worked goal.

Tevez advanced and played a tidy one-two with Asamoah before advancing and beating Olsen with a low shot into the far corner of the net. It was his first goal in the competition since 2009, when he was playing for Manchester United.

Patrice Evra came close to doubling the lead four minutes later, looping a shot over from a corner, before Lichtsteiner headed over.

Malmo threatened briefly 18 minutes from time with an Eriksson header which Buffon comfortably claimed.

However, the home side finished strongly and after an Evra centre had just eluded Llorente and Paul Pogba, Llorente also went close to a second goal.

It finally arrived in the closing stages when Johansson was penalised for fouling Morata - and the Argentinian converted the free-kick in style and end any lingering fears among the home support at the Juventus Stadium.

[Socrates 8516]

JUVENTUS 2 - 0 MALMÖ FF

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Carlos Tévez 59'
Carlos Tévez 90'

Tuesday, September 16th, 2014 - 8:45 PM
Juventus Stadium - Turin
Referee:‬ Szymon Marciniak (Poland)

Tevez: Juventus Have Learnt
Lesson From Last Year

Sep 16, 2014

Carlos Tevez has insisted Juventus will not repeated the same mistakes as last year after firing the Italian champions to a 2-0 win over Swedish side Malmo FF in the Champions League.

Tevez, who had not scored in the competition since his time as a Manchester United player, struck a magnificent second-half double to ensure the Bianconeri got off and running in their bid to reach the last-16.

Speaking to Sky Sport Italia after the game, Tevez said, “I missed scoring goals in the Champions League but that was not the problem.

“Juventus is the most important thing but I must improve with regards to goal-scoring,” the Argentine striker said.

Tevez then admitted that, although Juventus find themselves in a difficult group including La Liga Champions Atletico Madrid, they have learnt their lesson from failing to get past the group phase last year.

“The group is difficult but we have learnt our lesson from last year,” he said.

Juventus’ next Champions League match is away to Atletico Madrid on October 1.

[Socrates 8516]

JUVENTUS 2 - 0 MALMÖ FF

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Carlos Tévez 59'
Carlos Tévez 90'

Tuesday, September 16th, 2014 - 8:45 PM
Juventus Stadium - Turin
Referee:‬ Szymon Marciniak (Poland)

Tevez and Juventus end their hoodoos
but European problems persist

The striker was back in goalscoring form in the Champions League on Tuesday,
but it was a far from convincing performance which opened Juve's campaign.

Sep 16, 2014

COMMENT
By Kris Voakes | International Football Correspondent

If you’d offered Carlos Tevez a couple of goals and Juventus a victory before they stepped onto the pitch to face Malmo on Tuesday evening, then both parties would have gladly taken it.

Both player and club achieved their aim on the opening night of Champions League Group A action for 2014-15 at Juventus Stadium, with the striker ending a five-and-a-half year drought in the competition with both goals in a 2-0 win. But it was a long, excruciating time in coming, and the Bianconeri’s European ailments will not be quickly fixed with further such performances.

After back-to-back disappointments on the continent (and without a win on the first European matchday of a season since 2008) despite their continued dominance of Italy, something needs to change about their play in Europe now that Massimiliano Allegri has succeeded Antonio Conte as coach.

For an hour, though, they appeared to have actually got worse.

Everything about them was rigid. The passes were square, the movement too calculated. Nothing seemed to come off the cuff, nobody appeared willing to drive the side on. With no Arturo Vidal in midfield, everything suddenly seemed to be down to Paul Pogba in terms of skill, creativity of mind and in final product.

On more than one occasion, Stephan Lichtsteiner was to be found cutting back for nobody in particular after forging a decent shooting position for himself. Nobody really wanted to take the game by the scruff of the neck and lead Juve forward from midfield. Everyone in black and white looked like Champions League first-timers rather than domestic champions and the beacons of Italian hope.

But if anyone was going to break the deadlock, it was Tevez. Even as Juve struggled for ideas, it was he who dropped off and looked for space in between the lines. He was the one trying to drag holes into the disciplined five-man defence of the visitors. There were even occasions when he was dropping into his own half to get things going.

When he eventually bagged his first goal in 16 hours of Champions League football, it was a delightful piece of play that few others on the pitch seemed likely to pull off. Driving at the Malmo defence, he exchanged passes with Kwadwo Asamoah before side-footing superbly into the far corner.

It was met as much with a sigh of relief as it was a roar of jubilation, and it was easy to see why.

Thereafter, the shackles came off slightly and there was more of a flow to their play. Yet still they couldn’t add further goals to their tally until Tevez curled home a last-minute free-kick.

Allegri will be lifted by his first win in Europe since a 3-0 victory at Celtic with Milan last November, but it would be deluded to suggest this performance represents any kind of platform from which to build a Champions League challenge.

The shape was wrong, the approach was wrong, and for over an hour the attitude was wrong. Atletico Madrid may also have started their campaign sketchily, but this display will hardly have last season’s finalists trembling ahead of their clash at the Vicente Calderon in two weeks’ time.

[Socrates 8516]

JUVENTUS 2 - 0 MALMÖ FF

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Carlos Tévez 59'
Carlos Tévez 90'

Tuesday, September 16th, 2014 - 8:45 PM
Juventus Stadium - Turin
Referee:‬ Szymon Marciniak (Poland)

Players ratings

Sep 16, 2014

JUVENTUS

1 G. Buffon - Only called into action once and he was right on the money, blocking Eriksson from close range.

4 M. Cáceres - Energetic to close down the ball quickly and popped up occasionally in the attacking third when Juve were in need of a further outlet.

19 L. Bonucci - Everything that entered the Juventus box was handled with authority by the Italy international.

3 G. Chiellini - Composed on the left side of the back three, only slipping up once when he was slow to cut out Rosenberg.

26 S. Lichtsteiner - Played virtually as a wide-forward, such was his eagerness to drive into the box to cause problems. Would have registered more than one assist had he and his team-mates been on the same wavelength.

6 P. Pogba - Malmo were no match for his long legs and even longer stride, but his end product was surprisingly rushed at times.

8 C. Marchisio - Didn't have to do a lot to control the midfield, but could have offered more to break down the defensive ranks.

22 K. Asamoah - His shooting was terrible, with a series of shots ballooned off target. Redeemed himself with a cute layoff to set up the opener.

33 P. Evra - Did not have much to occupy his time defensively and whipped in a few dangerous crosses. A good option.

10 CARLOS TÉVEZ - A frustrating first half was forgotten in an instant when he slotted home the opener, before burying an excellent free kick to wrap up the points.

14 F. Llorente - Always a danger in the box, but wasn't quite at his bludgeoning best like he was against Udinese over the weekend.

MALMÖ FF

25 R. Olsen - Couldn't be blamed for either goal and showcased his reflexes on occasion to keep out the opposition.

3 A. Tinnerholm - A solid first half was negated by a second half strewn with errors.

21 E. Johansson - Strong in the air and the best of Malmo's defenders in the second half.

6 M. Halsti - Was the best defender in the first half, but he was caught in two minds during the build up to the opener.

4 F. Helander - His careless barge into the back of Morata gave away the free kick that Tevez converted for the final nail in Malmo's coffin.

32 P. Konate - His positioning was reprehensible, as Lichtsteiner got in behind him time and time again.

7 M. Eriksson - Had the best Malmo chance of the game with a finish at the far post that was blocked.

8 E. Adu - A non-factor in this game. Offered nothing on, or indeed off the ball.

33 E. Forsberg - He at least tried to thwart the opposition combinations in midfield and was occasionally successful.

24 I. Thelin - Mostly used as a deterrent to keep the opposition centre backs from crossing the halfway line during Juve's best spells. A thankless task.

9 M. Rosenberg - He escaped down the right to set up Eriksson's chance, but an early fall saw him struggle and eventually succumb to injury.

[Socrates 8516]

JUVENTUS 2 - 0 MALMÖ FF

-

Carlos Tévez 59'
Carlos Tévez 90'

Tuesday, September 16th, 2014 - 8:45 PM
Juventus Stadium - Turin
Referee:‬ Szymon Marciniak (Poland)

Tevez: 'I didn't miss Euro goals'

Sep 16, 2014

Carlos Tevez insists he “truly did not miss” Champions League goals after ending his five-year drought.

Before tonight’s brace for Juventus against Malmo, he had not scored in this competition since April 7 2009, going 1,003 minutes of football without a goal.

“I truly did not miss it,” insisted Tevez on Sky Sport Italia.

“It is an honour to play with this jersey and we play every game as if it were our last.”

The Bianconeri had a lot of problems breaking the Swedes down and waited until the hour mark to find a goal.

“I am getting into deeper positions, but that is also a problem as I cannot reach the goal. I need to improve on that.”

Juventus now top the group with Olympiacos, who earned a shock 3-2 victory over Atletico Madrid.

“We knew it would be a difficult group. Some journalists like to think it’s easy, but we know from last year that nothing is easy.”

Tevez also explained his rather bizarre celebration.

"My daughter asked me to do that dance in the Udinese game, but I forgot and when I got home she wouldn't talk to me."

[Socrates 8516]

JUVENTUS 2 - 0 MALMÖ FF

-

Carlos Tévez 59'
Carlos Tévez 90'

Tuesday, September 16th, 2014 - 8:45 PM
Juventus Stadium - Turin
Referee:‬ Szymon Marciniak (Poland)

Allegri: 'Juve can do better'

Sep 16, 2014

Massimiliano Allegri complained Juventus were “too disorganised and wasted chances” in their 2-0 win over Malmo.

“There’s nothing simple in the Champions League,” he told Sky Sport Italia.

“We knew Malmo were physical and would close up well, so we had to focus on technique and move the ball quickly, but in my view tonight we were too disorganised and wasted several chances.

“In the second half we were better in control of the ball and got this victory, which could’ve been bigger in its scoreline.”

Atletico Madrid suffered a shock 3-2 defeat away to Olympiacos.

“This will be a complicated group, especially after Atletico Madrid lost, so we will need a lot of points to go through.”

Carlos Tevez bagged a brace, but appeared to be playing in a slightly deeper role.

“I asked Carlos to play more between the lines so Llorente would stretch their defence a bit more. We found more space with Lichtsteiner, but at times went too narrow, though we improved that in the second half.

“We need to improve on controlling the ball, as we cannot risk losing a game like this with a counter-attack.”

Juventus had not won their opening Champions League game since 2008, picking up four consecutive stalemates.

“European games are completely different to in Serie A. You saw Liverpool struggled to beat Ludogorets. These are more physical matches and, though we did well to not allow Malmo any chances apart from that early one, we needed to stay calm and not get hasty in the desire to score a goal.

“I think these lads are doing fairly well, but have the qualities to do a lot better,” continued Allegri.

He made no substitutions until the final 10 minutes and did not rotate the squad from Saturday’s Serie A win over Udinese.

“We played few important games pre-season, so at this stage the players are in good shape. The new entries are settling in well and having players who give you guarantees, even when changing four or five from one game to the next, is important.

“As time goes on the mental and physical strain will have an effect, so we will need everyone to maintain the intensity.”

[Socrates 8516]

JUVENTUS 2 - 0 MALMÖ FF

-

Carlos Tévez 59'
Carlos Tévez 90'

Tuesday, September 16th, 2014 - 8:45 PM
Juventus Stadium - Turin
Referee:‬ Szymon Marciniak (Poland)

Match Analysis

Sep 16, 2014

Juventus claimed a 2-0 win over Malmo in their opening Champions League Group A match.

Carlos Tevez gave the Italians the lead in the 59th minute when he slotted home after latching onto Kwadwo Asamoah's flick.

With a minute left to play the striker made the points safe, as he fired in a powerful free kick.

Here, Sports Mole takes a closer look at the events that unfolded in Turin.


Match Statistics:

Juventus:

Shots 21
On Target 7
Possession 71%
Corners 7
Fouls 9

Malmo:

Shots 4
On Target 1
Possession 29%
Corners 5
Fouls 15


Was the result fair?

There can be no denying that Juventus fully deserved to claim the three points this evening. They were on top from the start and completely dominated the possession. Malmo deserve credit for frustrating their opponents for almost an hour, but the class of Massimo Allegri's men finally paid off with two goals of the highest quality from Tevez.


Juventus's performance

From the kick off the Bianconeri took charge and looked to get their Champions League campaign off to a winning start. They were forced to shoot from range in the first half against a stubborn Malmo backline, with visiting keeper Robin Olsen not seriously troubled. However, they stepped up the pressure after the break and finally made the breakthrough before going on to see out the match with relative ease. They will face much tougher tests in this year's tournament, but it was an important start after last season's group stage failure.


Malmo's performance

The Swedish champions may not have seen too much of the ball and only managed four shots on goal, but they can be proud of their performance against one of European football's heavyweights. The end result could have been very different had Magnus Eriksson scored in the first half, but his strike was saved at point-blank range by Gianluigi Buffon. They did show some threat on the counter-attack, but it was always going to be a tough night for them in Turin.


Sports Mole's man of the match

Carlos Tevez: Tevez had not scored a goal in the Champions League for over five years, but he ended that barren run this evening with two great strikes this evening. His first goal was courtesy of a fine exchange of passes with Asamoah, while his second of the night was a wonderful free kick into the top corner. The Argentine is a crucial part of this Juventus side and has the ability to ensure they go far in this year's competition.


Biggest gaffe

The points could have been secured far earlier for Juventus had their players been more reliable in front of goal. To get only seven shots on target from 21 in total is not good enough for a side of their quality and better teams would have punished them. Fernando Llorente was the main culprit and he saw the keeper make a double save in the second half, when he really should have scored.


Referee's performance

There can be no complaints from either side about the performance of Szymon Marciniak. The Polish referee allowed the game to flow, with suited the home side. He handed out three yellow cards, all of which were for bookable offences.


What next?

Juventus: The Bianconeri are back in league action on Saturday when they face AC Milan at the San Siro.

Malmo: Malmo will be looking to extend their lead at the top of the Allsvenskan when they play Helsingborg on Sunday.

[Socrates 8516]

JUVENTUS 2 - 0 MALMÖ FF

-

Carlos Tévez 59'
Carlos Tévez 90'

Tuesday, September 16th, 2014 - 8:45 PM
Juventus Stadium - Turin
Referee:‬ Szymon Marciniak (Poland)

Juventus vs. Malmo: Score, Grades
and Post-Match Reaction

Sep 16, 2014

Carlos Tevez broke his five-year Champions League goal drought and added a second for good measure, as Juventus overcame a strong Malmo squad on Tuesday, recording a 2-0 win at the Juventus Arena.

Juventus' first half resembled last year's Champions League debacle in many ways, as the hosts failed to break down a resilient Malmo defence. Patrice Evra was lively but ineffective on the left wing, and Kwadwo Asamoah looked rusty in a more central role.

Asamoah and Tevez had a handful of small chances early, but the best chance was for the Swedish visitors, as a high cross fell to Magnus Eriksson. Gianluigi Buffon rushed off his line and made an excellent save with his right foot, saving his defenders from embarrassment.

Those defenders did an excellent job, however, as both Martin Caceres and Giorgio Chiellini easily handled the Malmo attackers.

Stephan Lichtsteiner should have scored just before half-time, as he came one-on-one with Robin Olsen. The Swiss full-back inexplicably tried to pass the ball to Asamoah instead of finish himself, and the ball harmlessly trickled over the back line.

The Bianconeri tried to push the pace early in the second half, but chances remained hard to come by. Malmo's in-from striker Markus Rosenberg was forced to leave the pitch in the 53rd minute, and the visitors dug back even further without him.

Tevez hadn't scored in the Champions League in five years, but he finally broke that streak on the hour mark. The Argentine fired a hard ball into the box and followed the pass, pouncing on Asamoah's delightful back-heel and finishing neatly in the bottom corner.

The Bianconeri now pressed for a second, and Lichtsteiner came close when he nearly connected with a cross from Evra. Paul Pogba tried another shot from distance, but Olsen produced a fine save to push it over the bar.

Pogba came close to doubling the lead with 15 minutes left to play, as he just couldn't poke home a sharp cross from Evra. Fernando Llorente really should have scored in the 80th minute, but the Spaniard again found Olsen on his path.

It was Tevez who would give the hosts the two-goal cushion with a perfect free-kick from the edge of the box, curling it past Olsen, who appeared to have taken position too far to one side of his wall.

The Guardian's Paulo Bandini wasn't surprised:

Paolo Bandini @Paolo_Bandini
Tevez with his second for Juve. Inevitable 'wait five years for one...' bus analogy!

Malmo had pressed for an equaliser up until that point, but Tevez's second took the sting out of the match as both teams were happy to just pass the ball around until the final whistle.


Grades

Kwadwo Asamoah: B+

The Ghanaian played almost exclusively as a left winger under Antonio Conte, but he's a central midfielder by trade and he showed it on Tuesday.

Filling in for Andrea Pirlo and Arturo Vidal, Asamoah was active from the opening whistle. He took perhaps one or two shots on goal too many, but his distribution was solid and he kept pushing his team-mates forward. His back-heel for Tevez was a moment of brilliance, and his performance on the night was deserving of more minutes.


Giorgio Chiellini: A

The big Italian played his first minutes of the season against Malmo, but his performance on the night showed no such thing. Secure, aggressive and dominant, he remains one of the best defenders in all of football.


Markus Rosenberg: B

It's telling Juventus scored just minutes after Rosenberg left the pitch. The Swedish forward was phenomenal tracking back and pressing the midfielders, and his threat kept the Juventus backs from contributing too much in the attacking third.

The 31-year-old has been in sensational form so far, and he will be Malmo's best chance at poaching points in the 2014-15 Champions League.


Post-Match Reaction

One would imagine Tevez would have been ecstatic with finally breaking his Champions League goal drought, but the striker told Sky Sport Italia (h/t to Football-Italia), he "did not miss it":

I truly did not miss it.

It is an honour to play with this jersey and we play every game as if it were our last.

I am getting into deeper positions, but that is also a problem as I cannot reach the goal. I need to improve on that. We knew it would be a difficult group. Some journalists like to think it’s easy, but we know from last year that nothing is easy.

Juventus struggled for most of the night, but Massimiliano's squad came through when it needed to most. Olympiacos' surprise win over Atletico Madrid means the Bianconeri are suddenly in the driver's seat in Group A, and a solid result in the Spanish capital in October would all but guarantee a ticket to the next round of this year's Champions League.

[Socrates 8516]

JUVENTUS 2 - 0 MALMÖ FF

-

Carlos Tévez 59'
Carlos Tévez 90'

Tuesday, September 16th, 2014 - 8:45 PM
Juventus Stadium - Turin
Referee:‬ Szymon Marciniak (Poland)

Juventus 2 - Malmö 0:
Initial reaction and random observations

Sep 16, 2014

And now we can stop talking about Carlos Tévez's Champions League goal drought.

It's been five years since Juventus' No. 10 last scored a goal in Europe's biggest club competition. Since then, a whole bunch of words have been thrown onto newspaper sports pages, internet posts and television scripts about just how little Tévez has scored since he found the back of the net against Porto in 2009. It has been a go-to for the British match announcers who watched him in the Premier League every time Juventus played in Europe. "Hey, did ya hear about Tévez's goal drought?" Annoying, so very annoying.

Tévez may have put an end to the drought in Europe when he scored last season against Benfica in the Europa League, but there was still the Champions League to deal with. On Tuesday night, Tévez ended that five-year drought with a pair of lovely goals to lead Juventus over Malmö in the Champions League opener. Not only two lovely goals, but two incredibly different goals that helped Juve overcome a frustrating night in front of goal to say the least.

Just don't remind him that he hadn't scored in the Champions League for five years. He's had enough of that.

JuventusFC ✔ @juventusfcen
.@carlitos3210: "I wasn't concerned about my #UCL drought. I play for a team and with this one I always play as if it were my last game."

That guy, I really like that guy.

Tévez's Champions League goal drought coming to an end will be the obvious lede, and understandably so. It's not like Juventus' play against Malmö was something to write home about. They struggled in front of goal — and the final third as a whole — outside of Tévez's two appearances on the scoresheet. It wasn't the kind of throttling some thought Juventus might give the minnows of Group A. Instead, it took Max Allegri's squad nearly an hour on the game clock to find the back of the net.

But on a night where were pushing their frustration levels to their usual max in the Champions League, it was Tévez who came up big when his team needed it. That'll kill a few narratives. Back to the drawing board, folks.

"And now it's the time on Sprockets when we dance!"


Random thoughts and observations

It took Juventus four games to get to the three-point mark in the Champions League group stage last season. The performance was meh, but three points are three points.

Stephan Lichtsteiner just attempted three more cross while I wrote this sentence.

With that being said, Lichtsteiner was easily one of Juventus' best players on the night. He touched the ball 109 — ONE HUNDRED AND NINE — times, attempted 12 cross, and was just an overall pain in the ass before he was replaced by Romulo late in the second half. One of the few things he did wrong? Not shooting the ball when he was in on goal. Other than that, the Swiss Express was pretty darn good.

Gigi Buffon had to make one save against Malmö. And boy oh boy was it a good one.

I wrote down this exact question on my notepad late in the first half: "Is Kwadwo Asamoah trying to do his best Paul Pogba imitation right now?" So many shots from long distance — all of which went flying over the crossbar. That assist on Tévez's opener, though, that was a thing of beauty. A great run into the box to start it, too.

Another question I wrote down as the game went on: Should Martín Cáceres be a starter no matter who is available to Allegri for selection? He's in fantastic form right now, there's no doubt about that. He didn't have a tone to do with Malmö seemingly sitting every player they brought to Italy behind the ball, but he was rock solid when called into action.

Álvaro Morata played all of about five minutes and had his hand in a goal, drawing the foul that led to Tévez fantastic free kick from just outside the box. It's gonna be pretty interesting to see what he can do when he's at 100 percent match fitness and getting a start or two consecutively.

Question for everybody to debate in the comments: Is Atlético Madrid losing 3-2 in Greece a good or a bad thing for Juventus going forward?

Three games, three clean sheets in all competitions. I can get used to that. I'm sure Buffon would say the same thing.

[Socrates 8516]

JUVENTUS 2 - 0 MALMÖ FF

-

Carlos Tévez 59'
Carlos Tévez 90'

Tuesday, September 16th, 2014 - 8:45 PM
Juventus Stadium - Turin
Referee:‬ Szymon Marciniak (Poland)

Vialli: Juventus Need To Improve

Sep 17, 2014

Former Juventus forward Gianluca Vialli has commented on the Bianconeri’s opening day victory in the Champions League.

In Massimiliano Allegri’s first European fixture at the helm of the Old Lady the Turin side beat Swedish champions Malmö 2-0.

“It was an enjoyable game which Juventus deservedly won,” The pundit told Sky Sport Italia.

“Even though the opponent was modest, in the Champions League there are never easy victories.”

However, the retired Italian international then went on to advise his old side against taking too much satisfaction from the result.

“They need to improve because up until ten minutes from the end the game was still in the balance and could have ended in a tie.

“Atletico Madrid losing is not good news as Olympiacos now have three points in the group.”

Vialli captained the Juventus side which beat Ajax to win the 1996 Champions League Final.

[Socrates 8516]

JUVENTUS 2 - 0 MALMÖ FF

-

Carlos Tévez 59'
Carlos Tévez 90'

Tuesday, September 16th, 2014 - 8:45 PM
Juventus Stadium - Turin
Referee:‬ Szymon Marciniak (Poland)

Tevez: Juventus have learnt our lesson

The striker is convinced the Bianconeri will not tumble out of
the Champions League at the first hurdle for the second season running.

Sep 17, 2014

Carlos Tevez has insisted that Juventus have learnt their Champions League lesson after easing past Malmo with a 2-0 win on Tuesday.

The Bianconeri struggled in Europe last season but with new coach Massimiliano Allegri having replaced Antonio Conte in the hotseat, they started their campaign on the continent in comfortable fashion thanks to a double from the former Manchester City forward.

The Argentine, who had not scored in the Champions League since 2008-09, dismissed suggestions he had become weighed down by his European drought, preferring instead to focus on the goals of the team as a whole.

"My lack of Champions League goals wasn't a problem really," he told Sky Sport. "The most important thing for me is the victory.

"It will be a difficult group, we learned the lesson of last year. I'll try to improve my level of goalscoring during the season.

"I am getting into deeper positions, but that is also a problem as I cannot reach the goal. I need to improve on that."
Juventus' two-goal win in Turin sent them top of Group A on goal difference ahead of Olympiakos, who pulled off a surprise by beating last season's finalists Atletico Madrid on Tuesday.

“We knew it would be a difficult group. Some journalists like to think it’s easy, but we know from last year that nothing is easy," Tevez added, referring to Juve's group stage exit behind Real Madrid and Galatasaray in 2013-14.

[Socrates 8516]

JUVENTUS 2 - 0 MALMÖ FF

-

Carlos Tévez 59'
Carlos Tévez 90'

Tuesday, September 16th, 2014 - 8:45 PM
Juventus Stadium - Turin
Referee:‬ Szymon Marciniak (Poland)

Tevez vital for Juventus, says Allegri

The 47-year-old has called on his side to improve their organisation
after the Argentine salvaged maximum points against Malmo.

Sep 17, 2014

Massimiliano Allegri was delighted with the efforts of Carlos Tevez as the Argentine inspired Juventus to a 2-0 Champions League win over Malmo on Tuesday.

The forward netted twice at the Juventus Stadium to help his side to the full three points - his first goals in Europe's top tournament since 2009 - and Allegri was quick to highlight his importance to the team following his fine display.

"Tevez is an important player, important to the whole team. Fortunately he plays for Juventus. But aside from Tevez, we played well in the second half," Allegri said at a press conference.

Allegri went on to admit that the Serie A champions still have room for improvement, though.

"We were a bit disorganised in the first half and we need to improve on this. Champions League games can be more physical so you've also got to have the patience to wait for your chance without conceding. We were a bit hasty at times, but that can happen in your first Champions League game of the season.

"This team has got what it takes. I still think we've got to improve a lot, though. We need to improve the way we retain possession."

[Socrates 8516]

JUVENTUS 2 - 0 MALMÖ FF

-

Carlos Tévez 59'
Carlos Tévez 90'

Tuesday, September 16th, 2014 - 8:45 PM
Juventus Stadium - Turin
Referee:‬ Szymon Marciniak (Poland)

Chiellini: 'Aggressive' Malmo
made life hard for Juventus

The Italy international was delighted with his side's victory but acknowledged
that the Italian champions were made to work for the full three points.

Sep 17, 2014

Juventus defender Giorgio Chiellini has admitted that Malmo caused the Serie A giants plenty of problems in their 2-0 Champions League win on Tuesday.

A Carlos Tevez double helped the Italian champions to a vital home win in their Group A opener, but Chiellini has acknowledged it was by no means a stroll in the park for Juventus.

"It was not an easy game. After last season's experience we know there are no games are easy in this competition. It was important to start with a win," Chiellini told uefa.com .

"It was difficult to find space against Malmo's defence, they were aggressive and well organised.

"They tired in the second half and we managed to score through Tevez and create more opportunities, especially with Lichtsteiner on the right.

"We are all happy for Carlos's goals after his long wait."

Juventus resume Serie A action away against AC Milan on Saturday.

[Socrates 8516]

JUVENTUS 2 - 0 MALMÖ FF

-

Carlos Tévez 59'
Carlos Tévez 90'

Tuesday, September 16th, 2014 - 8:45 PM
Juventus Stadium - Turin
Referee:‬ Szymon Marciniak (Poland)

Atletico loss doesn't change anything
for Juventus, insists Lichtsteiner

The Switzerland defender insists the Bianconeri still have some tough
games coming up and cannot be considered clear favourites to win the group.

Sep 17, 2014

Juventus defender Stephan Lichtsteiner has insisted that Atletico Madrid's Champions League defeat at the hands of Olympiakos on Tuesday does not change anything for the Serie A champions.

The Turin side got their European campaign off to a solid start by beating Malmo 2-0 at Juventus stadium, but Group A rivals and last season's finalists Atletico Madrid stumbled to a surprising 3-2 defeat at Olympiakos.

Nevertheless, Switzerland international Lichtsteiner has dismissed any notion that Atletico's defeat put Juve in pole position for top spot, highlighting their upcoming visits to Piraeus as well as the Vicente Calderon.

"Olympiakos' victory doesn't change anything on paper for us," the right-back told reporters.

"There are tough games ahead for the team, especially the ones in Spain and Greece where the atmosphere will be red-hot.

"Let's play the matches and then we'll see."

Carlos Tevez's double secured the win for Juve, with the Argentine now having found the net three times in as many appearances this season.

[Socrates 8516]

JUVENTUS 2 - 0 MALMÖ FF

-

Carlos Tévez 59'
Carlos Tévez 90'

Tuesday, September 16th, 2014 - 8:45 PM
Juventus Stadium - Turin
Referee:‬ Szymon Marciniak (Poland)

Olsen: 'Malmo still pleased'

Sep 17, 2014

Malmo goalkeeper Robin Olsen still felt “pleased with the match as a whole” despite a 2-0 defeat to Juventus.

This was the Swedish club’s first foray into the Champions League group phase.

“It was a lot of fun,” the shot-stopper told UEFA.com.

“A fine experience, but we could have held the score down to just 1–0. I still think we can be pleased with the match as a whole.

“It will feel better the next days.”

Malmo are bottom of the group, as Atletico Madrid lost 3-2 to Olympiacos.

[Socrates 8516]

MILAN - JUVENTUS

-

Saturday, September 20th, 2014 8:45 PM
Giuseppe Meazza (San Siro) Stadium - Milan
Referee:‬ Nicola Rizzoli

From Malmo to Milan

After dispatching with Malmo and facing Milan on the horizon, Luca Persico
believes Max Allegri is ready for his first real test at Juventus.

Sep 17, 2014

Following the disappointment of last season’s Champions League campaign, starting with a win against Allsvenskan holders Malmo was a necessity for Juventus yesterday evening.

Having laboured against Danish sides Copenhagen and Nordsjælland in recent years, the Bianconeri could be forgiven for being overly anxious when faced with another Scandinavian opponent.

In the first half, that uncertainty was all too evident. Juventus played with too much caution and were rushed in possession. Eager to strike early, they were trying to force openings, rather than work them, and were limited to crossing and misguided long range shooting. Indeed, had it not been for an excellent Gianluigi Buffon save, they may have even trailed at the interval.

With the potential for another frustrating Champions League night brewing, Juventus emerged after the break with renewed vigour. Massimiliano Allegri, as he noted in his post-match interview, pushed the back-line higher and forced Malmo back. By playing with greater patience and freedom, his side grasped control of the contest and gave the kind of performance that is expected of Juventus in Europe.

With Malmo pressed deep into their own half, a goal seemed inevitable and duly arrived on 59 minutes through a wonderful link-up between Kwadwo Asamoah and Carlos Tevez. The latter, who is thriving in the free role afforded to him by Allegri, emerged for arguably the first time in Europe as the protagonist the Old Lady signed last June.

His first season in Italy was impressive, scoring 19 goals in Serie A, but his run of five years without a Champions League goal that stretched back to his time in Manchester meant he wasn't quite the complete package for Juventus last term.

Tevez, however, thoroughly dismissed that notion last night, with his second goal - a wonderful free-kick - capping off a 2-0 victory that could have been more emphatic and included a first clean sheet in the Champions League in eight matches.

Olympiacos’ surprise win over Atletico Madrid perhaps complicates the group, but for Juventus three points and the growing influence of Tevez offers assurance for the games to come.

Allegri may not have been the most popular choice, but his decision to retain the 3-5-2 shape has made the transition from Antonio Conte’s reign almost seamless, while his desire to give Tevez the opportunity to dictate has made Juventus less structured.

That tweak showed it’s value most prominently last night, but was also evident in the wins over Chievo and Udinese and will likely be key when he faces his former employees Milan on Saturday.

The Rossoneri, like Juventus, have started the season impressively, though while the latter have been ruthlessly professional - they are yet to concede a goal - Filippo Inzaghi’s side are seemingly embracing a Zemanlandia approach.

With eight goals scored and five conceded in two matches, Super Pippo’s mandate is clear. His desire to attack and use elements of world champions Germany’s approach has created an exciting and unpredictable side.

For both he and Allegri, their respective differing styles will receive a first true examination. A solid and well drilled Juventus would be expected to overcome Milan’s exuberant approach, but whether it plays out like that will define Allegri’s start.

The 47-year-old will be eager to prove his worth at San Siro after a disappointing end to his four year reign with the Diavolo, and with Tevez at his influential best, plus the likely return of Arturo Vidal, he will be confident of halting Inzaghi’s early season momentum.

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