Juventus Season 2014-2015

[Socrates 8516]

FOURFOURTWO

JUVENTUS - PALERMO

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Sunday, October 26th, 2014 - 3:00 PM
Juventus Stadium - Turin
Referee: Gianpaolo Calvarese

Serie A Preview: Juventus v Palermo

Juventus captain Gianluigi Buffon is expecting a response
from his side when they host Palermo in Serie A on Sunday.

Oct 24, 2014

Juve - three-time defending Italian champions - lost their second UEFA Champions League match in a row on Wednesday, going down 1-0 to Olympiacos.

The result has put Juve's spot in the competition's last 16 - something they missed out on last year - in jeopardy.

Massimiliano Allegri's side have had no such problems in Serie A this season, though, winning six of their seven matches to lead the league by one point.

Roma are snapping at their heels but a home clash against a struggling Palermo side presents an ideal chance for Juve to bounce back from their disappointment in Greece.

And that is what Buffon is after, telling the club's official website: "We're hungry to return to our pre-international break form.

"It was an important period in which we grew as a team, and I count the defeat against Atletico [Madrid] as part of that.

"We acquired something extra in terms of character.

"Getting back on track requires everyone to be on board and the desire to keep surprising."

There was one positive for Juve in Greece, with Spanish forward Alvaro Morata looking the part in his first start for the club.

And Buffon was impressed, adding: "He was one of the highlights of the evening.

"In a matter of four or five moves, he showed us that he's the type of player who can decide the game in any given second.

"He's exactly what we need - an individual blessed with the talent of unpredictability, who can put the cat amongst the pigeons."

Morata started alongside Carlos Tevez, with Fernando Llorente on the bench, and Allegri may opt for a similar approach in this contest.

The forward, who moved to Juve from Real Madrid in the last transfer window, has already scored one Serie A goal for his new club, as a substitute in a 3-0 win at Atalanta.

Juve defenders Andrea Barzagli and Martin Caceres are set to be sidelined with injury again.

Allegri's men have won an incredible 22 successive home Serie A games, and take on a Palermo side scrapping away in 16th.

Palermo, who won Serie B last term to return to the top flight, beat Cesena 2-1 last Sunday for their first triumph of the season.

Credible draws against Sampdoria, Inter and Napoli have shown that Pierpaolo Bisoli's side are no mugs, but their defence - which has conceded 15 goals in seven games - needs improvement.

And that record is sure to have Tevez licking his lips, as the Argentinian has already bagged six league goals this term.

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

[Socrates 8516]

JUVENTUS - PALERMO

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Sunday, October 26th, 2014 - 3:00 PM
Juventus Stadium - Turin
Referee: Gianpaolo Calvarese

Preview: Juventus vs. Palermo

Oct 24, 2014

Juventus will be hoping to put an end to their recent unconvincing form when they host Palermo on Sunday.

Massimiliano Allegri's side did beat Roma before the international break, but a second successive defeat in the Champions League has left the Serie A champions searching for a boost in domestic action.

Allegri, whose team still lead Serie A by a point, must decide between Alvaro Morata and Fernando Llorente for a place in attack.

After a frustrating opening two months of the season, Palmero finally recorded their first triumph of the campaign last weekend against Cesena.

It appeared as though the Rosanero would go a seventh league game without a win before Giancarlo Gonzalez struck in the final seconds to help his team out of the relegation zone.

Barring any late injury issues, coach Giuseppe Iachini is likely to keep the same team for the visit to Turin.


Recent form

Juventus: WLWDL

Palermo: DDLLW

Possible starting lineups

Juventus: Buffon; Lichtsteiner, Bonucci, Ogbonna, Chiellini; Pirlo, Vidal, Asamoah, Pogba; Tevez, Alvaro Morata

Palermo: Sorrentino; Morganella, Andelkovic, Munoz, Gonzalez, Lazaar; Rigoni, Bolzoni, Chochev; Vasquez, Dybala

Sports Mole says: 3-0

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

[Socrates 8516]

JUVENTUS - PALERMO

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Sunday, October 26th, 2014 - 3:00 PM
Juventus Stadium - Turin
Referee: Gianpaolo Calvarese

Asamoah: Juventus Must Find Rhythm Again

Oct 24, 2014

Juventus midfielder Kwadwo Asamoah has admitted that the Old Lady haven’t been in the best form as of late and hopes the Turin giants can turn their luck around against Palermo at home on Sunday.

Since returning from the most recent international break the Bianconeri have been unimpressive in both Italy and Europe, as they were only able to manage a 1-1 draw with Sassuolo on October 18 and fell 1-0 to Olympiacos in the Champions League on Wednesday, but the 25-year-old is confident that the reigning Serie A champions can improve as long as they remain competitive and change their attitude.

Asamoah spoke to JTV on Friday about the upcoming match with Palermo and what Juve need to do in order to secure better results, while also commenting on why he wears the number 22 on his shirt.

“We want to win against Palermo on Sunday in order to stay on top of the standings,” said the Ghanaian international.

“We’re aware that we can get past these recent struggles and win, but first we must change our attitude and our aggression.

“In the Champions League we’ve been going up against very strong teams. We have to be aware of our strengths and continue to grow from the first minute of every match.

“All of our opponents are formidable, but in the Serie A it’s difficult as the teams are compact in their defence.

“Anything can happen in the Serie A, but in the end everything depends on us. After the international break we have lost our rhythm a bit, so we must find it again immediately.

“My shirt number? My good luck number was 20 but it was already taken when I got here, so I chose 22 instead because I liked it a lot when I was younger.”

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

[Socrates 8516]

JUVENTUS - PALERMO

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Sunday, October 26th, 2014 - 3:00 PM
Juventus Stadium - Turin
Referee: Gianpaolo Calvarese

Barreto eyes Juve upset

Oct 24, 2014

Edgar Barreto thinks that Palermo have the tools to halt the record Juventus winning streak at home.

The Uruguayan midfielder missed out Palermo’s 2-1 win over Cesena through injury, but he is ready to slot back in the starting XI in Turin.

“We’ll face a very strong team in a wonderful stadium,” Barreto told Sky Sport Italia.

“But despite this, we’ll try to have our say, taking advantage of the spaces they will concede.”

Palermo have a surprising recent record in Turin against Juve, winning three consecutive visits from 2009 to 2011, but Barreto is aware that times are changing.

In fact, the Bianconeri have won their last 22 games played at home, a Serie A record.

“To be honest that was a different Juve side – in this case history says something, but reality suggests otherwise.

“We are aware that we’ll be facing a team angry for the defeat in Athens.

“But we’ll go there heads down and why not, we’ll try to snatch a draw in Turin.”

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

[Socrates 8516]

JUVENTUS - PALERMO

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Sunday, October 26th, 2014 - 3:00 PM
Juventus Stadium - Turin
Referee: Gianpaolo Calvarese

Evra out of Juventus-Palermo

Oct 24, 2014

Patrice Evra has been ruled out of Juventus-Palermo on Sunday afternoon due to a muscular injury.

It kicks off on Sunday at 14.00 UK time, click here for a match preview.

Evra limped off during training today suffering from a muscular problem at the back of his left thigh.

The French veteran will undergo further tests on Monday to ascertain the extent of the damage.

The Bianconeri are already without Romulo, Andrea Barzagli, Martin Caceres, Simone Pepe and the suspended Simone Padoin.

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

[Socrates 8516]

JUVENTUS - PALERMO

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Sunday, October 26th, 2014 - 3:00 PM
Juventus Stadium - Turin
Referee: Gianpaolo Calvarese

Juventus-Palermo Preview:
Buffon demands Champions League response

The Bianconeri disappointed in Europe yet again and will hope to avoid
a European hangover when they resume domestic duties this weekend.

Oct 25, 2014

Juventus captain Gianluigi Buffon is expecting a response from his side when they host Palermo in Serie A on Sunday.

The Bianconeri - three-time defending Italian champions - lost their second Champions League match in a row on Wednesday, going down 1-0 to Olympiakos.

The result has put Juve's spot in the competition's last 16 - something they missed out on last year - in jeopardy.

Massimiliano Allegri's side have had no such problems in Serie A this season, though, winning six of their seven matches to lead the league by one point.

Roma are snapping at their heels but a home clash against a struggling Palermo side presents an ideal chance for Juve to bounce back from their disappointment in Greece.

Buffon told the club's official website: "We're hungry to return to our pre-international break form.

"It was an important period in which we grew as a team, and I count the defeat against Atletico [Madrid] as part of that. We acquired something extra in terms of character.

"Getting back on track requires everyone to be on board and the desire to keep surprising."

There was one positive for Juve in Greece, with Spanish forward Alvaro Morata looking the part in his first start for the club.

And Buffon was impressed, adding: "He was one of the highlights of the evening.

"In a matter of four or five moves, he showed us that he's the type of player who can decide the game in any given second.

"He's exactly what we need - an individual blessed with the talent of unpredictability, who can put the cat amongst the pigeons."

Morata started alongside Carlos Tevez, with Fernando Llorente on the bench, and Allegri may opt for a similar approach in this contest.

The forward, who moved to Juve from Real Madrid in the last transfer window, has already scored one Serie A goal for his new club, as a substitute in a 3-0 win at Atalanta.

However, Juve defenders Andrea Barzagli and Martin Caceres are set to be sidelined with injury again.

Allegri's men have won an incredible 22 successive home Serie A games and take on a Palermo side scrapping away in 16th. The club won Serie B last term to return to the top flight and beat Cesena 2-1 last Sunday for their first triumph of the season.


LAST FIVE MATCHES

JUVENTUS L D W L W

10/22/14 - Olympiakos 1 - 0 Juventus
10/18/14 - Sassuolo 1 - 1 Juventus
10/5/14 - Juventus 3 - 2 Roma
10/1/14 - Atlético Madrid 1 - 0 Juventus
9/27/14 - Atalanta 0 - 3 Juventus


PALERMO W L L D D

10/19/14 - Palermo 2 - 1 Cesena
10/5/14 - Empoli 3 - 0 Palermo
9/29/14 - Palermo 0 - 4 Lazio
9/24/14 - Napoli 3 - 3 Palermo
9/21/14 - Palermo 1 - 1 Internazionale

HEAD TO HEAD

5/5/13 - Juventus 1 - 0 Palermo
12/9/12 - Palermo 0 - 1 Juventus
4/7/12 - Palermo 0 - 2 Juventus
11/20/11 - Juventus 3 - 0 Palermo
2/2/11 - Palermo 2 - 1 Juventus

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

[Socrates 8516]

JUVENTUS - PALERMO

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Sunday, October 26th, 2014 - 3:00 PM
Juventus Stadium - Turin
Referee: Gianpaolo Calvarese

Juventus v Palermo: Preview

Oct 25, 2014

Juventus return to Serie A action on Sunday at home to Palermo buoyed by the decision of star midfielder Paul Pogba to sign a three-year contract extension.

The 21-year-old Frenchman is now tied to Juventus until June 2019.

Pogba, who was named the young player of the tournament at the World Cup in Brazil in the summer, moved to Turin two years ago on a free transfer from Manchester United.

He has formed a solid partnership with Italian veteran Andrea Pirlo, which has contributed to Juve's back-to-back Serie A titles.

Juve captain Gianluigi Buffon was delighted with the news.

The experienced goalkeeper said: ``Pogba's renewal is an important sign. It's great news for us, for Juve fans and for Paul.''

Pogba started for Juve on Wednesday when they fell 1-0 at Olympiacos in the Champions League, a result that has left the Italians third in Group A behind Atletico Madrid and the Greek outfit.

The result stretched a frustrating spell for the Bianconeri, who dropped their first points of the Serie A season in a 1-1 draw at Sassuolo on Saturday.

Juve are one point clear of Roma at the top of the Italian standings, with the Eternal City giants playing at Sampdoria on Saturday.

Palermo gave themselves a shot of confidence last weekend when they beat Cesena 2-1 for their first league victory since gaining promotion to Italy's top flight earlier this year.

``We truly deserved this win,'' Palermo coach Giuseppe Iacchini said. ``We dominated the game and gave a much better performance than in our previous encounters.''

The Sicilians are 16th in the standings, with six points from seven games.

The visitors travel to Turin at full strength with Paraguay midfielder Edgar Barreto recovered from injury.

Juve coach Massimiliano Allegri is without the services of injured defenders Martin Caceres and Andrea Barzagli while midfielder Simone Padoin must serve a one-match ban.

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

[Socrates 8516]

JUVENTUS - PALERMO

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Sunday, October 26th, 2014 - 3:00 PM
Juventus Stadium - Turin
Referee: Gianpaolo Calvarese

Allegri: 'Juve criticism unjustified'

Oct 25, 2014

Max Allegri insists defeat to Olympiacos “cannot justify such ferocious criticism” of Juventus as they host Palermo.

“On Wednesday we had three players in the starting XI who only started training with the team 40 days late,” said the Coach in his Press conference of that 1-0 Champions League loss.

“We are trying to improve certain things, but I was without many players for 15 days due to international duty, which is positive in that it proves I have talented men at my disposal.

“I think the team was unjustly criticised. We conceded one goal in Athens on a ball we lost in midfield and attacked them a great deal. We have every chance of qualifying and can mathematically still top the group.

“We will analyse the defeat, because we did not play well and didn’t control the game properly. However, the first 45 minutes in Athens cannot justify such ferocious criticism.”

Andrea Pirlo and Arturo Vidal looked to be in poor shape during that game, as they are not match fit after long-term injuries.

“Andrea needs to find his tempo and move the ball the way he knows how. He is a unique player in that role and the team needs him,” continued Allegri.

“The important thing is to win tomorrow. I won’t rotate the squad based on a plan, but rather evaluate each player and make my decisions one game at a time.

“Palermo have become more solid as the season went on. They have Paulo Dybala in attack and we can beat them by playing good football.”

Not only was that Juve’s second consecutive Champions League defeat, but their Serie A record also ground to a halt with last week’s 1-1 draw at bottom of the table Sassuolo.

“In Serie A we’ve won six games and drawn one. It’s nice trying to win all the time, but considering the circumstances few expected us to be top of the table already with Roma such tough antagonists.

“Are Juve starting to miss Antonio Conte? That’s been an issue since I first arrived. Conte had three extraordinary years, but he is the past now. He is in history, but we have to look forward.

“We are first and have to improve, as we concede too many and score too few considering we have eight or 10 chances per game.”

Finally, Paul Pogba signed a contract extension with Juventus until 2019.

“I think the club invested well in this 21-year-old player. He has to improve a lot, as he is lacking that last step to become extraordinary. He has a great future and can stay here for a long time.”

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

[Socrates 8516]

JUVENTUS - PALERMO

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Sunday, October 26th, 2014 - 3:00 PM
Juventus Stadium - Turin
Referee: Gianpaolo Calvarese

MATCH PREVIEW

Oct 25, 2014

Juventus host Palermo in Turin on Sunday afternoon in Week 8 looking to get back to winning ways.

The hosts’ 100 per cent record after six rounds ended as Sassuolo’s gallant display denied the Bianconeri a seventh victory in a row last weekend. The result, coupled with Roma’s 3-0 win over Chievo, means the gap between the two title rivals is down to just one point.

Juventus remain strong domestically, despite the Sassuolo setback, but continue to struggle on the continent, after a second defeat in three Champions League games on Wednesday. They will look to put recent negative displays to one side as they entertain Palermo in Serie A.

Once again the Bianconeri will look to Carlos Tevez for inspiration. The Argentine has been in imperious form with six goals in seven League games and will be aiming to extend his hot streak on Sunday.

Romulo and Andrea Barzagli remain the only absentees for Juventus, although the former may return to the bench.

With the second worst defence in the Division, Palermo could be forgiven for approaching this game with a hint of trepidation. Especially given the hosts will be desperate to atone for their first dropped points of the season. Nevertheless the Sicilians will be buoyed by picking up their first win of the season last time out against Cesena.

The Rosanero have struggled since returning to Serie A, with six points, which has the club hovering above the relegation zone.

However the form of attackers Franco Vazquez, Paulo Dybala and Italian U-21 starlet Andrea Belotti has been particularly encouraging, with the former netting three goals and the latter two having struck twice. Palermo will need all the firepower if they are to penetrate a Bianconeri backline with five clean sheets in seven League outings.

The visitors have won three of the last five against Juventus in Turin. However those victories came at Juventus’ old Stadio Olimpico, Turin from 2008-10.

Juventus will be keen to pick up maximum points, especially with Scudetto rivals Roma breathing down their neck. This will doubtless be a difficult encounter for Palermo.

Keep an eye on: Andrea Belotti (Palermo) – The 20-year-old is carving out quite a name for himself after his exploits at U-21 level. The striker’s goals have been a pivotal part of the Azzurrini’s qualification for the U-21 Euro 2015 Championships. With eight in 12 caps, not to mention a marvellous brace at the San Paolo against Napoli in Serie A this season, his star is on the rise.

Form Guide: Juventus (W W W W D) - Palermo (D D L L W)

Last season: Not played

Stat fact: The last time Juventus failed to win a Serie A game directly after a Champions League fixture was in February 2013, a run spanning 11 matches.

Juventus (probable): Buffon; Ogbonna, Bonucci, Chiellini; Lichtsteiner, Vidal, Marchisio, Pogba, Asamoah; Tevez, Morata

Suspended: Padoin

Palermo (probable): Sorrentino; Munoz, Gonzalez, Andelkovic, Pisano; Bolzoni, Rigoni, Barreto; Feddal, Vazquez, Dybala

Suspended: None

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

[Socrates 8516]

JUVENTUS - PALERMO

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Sunday, October 26th, 2014 - 3:00 PM
Juventus Stadium - Turin
Referee: Gianpaolo Calvarese

Allegri Demands More From Juventus

Oct 25, 2014

Massimiliano Allegri has insisted that although he has been pleased with his Juventus side’s performances to date, he recognises there is still improvements that could be made.

The Bianconeri will face Palermo this Sunday looking to extend their lead at the top of the table, and will be hoping to bounce back from a defeat at Olimpiacos in midweek.

“We are first, but we need to improve the goal-scoring side,” admitted the former AC Milan coach in his pre-match press conference on Saturday, “we have suffered in the last four games.

“The team creates eight to 10 chances a game,” he went on to claim, ” but we need to improve the implementation phase; we also need to improve our ball management.”

He refused to be drawn on his preference of strikers for the match against the Rosanero, but commented on Fernando Llorente’s form.

“Until last Saturday Llorente has played well,” he noted. “he need a goal, and when it comes, all will be different.”

Although the Rosanero have had a poor start to the season, Allegri will not underestimate Giuseppe Iachini’s side.

“Palermo have become a lot more solid,” he stated. “With Paulo Dybala up front, we will have to be careful and to play football; in the match against Sassuolo there were few minutes of actual play.”

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

[Socrates 8516]

JUVENTUS - PALERMO

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Sunday, October 26th, 2014 - 3:00 PM
Juventus Stadium - Turin
Referee: Gianpaolo Calvarese

Iachini: 'Juve were unlucky'

Oct 25, 2014

Palermo boss Beppe Iachini warns recent Juventus setbacks do not reflect performances and “we can’t get anything wrong.”

“We know Juve well, as they have basically had the same squad for the last three and a half years, so there are clear ideas on what to do,” said Iachini in his Press conference.

“Massimiliano Allegri has brought in ideas that can help improve them further.”

The Bianconeri have been stuttering recently, suffering two consecutive Champions League defeats to Atletico Madrid and Olympiacos, while their Serie A perfect record was ended by a 1-1 draw at Sassuolo.

“Juventus were unlucky in recent games, as when they didn’t win then the opposition goalkeeper was always Man of the Match.

“We must play based on intensity and focus, as we can’t get anything wrong. If we think of going to Turin to play passively, then it’ll be a huge mistake.

“We are going there to play football and take the game to Juve.”

Palermo did notch up a remarkable three consecutive victories in Turin between 2009 and 2011.


Palermo squad for Juventus: Fulignati, Sorrentino, Ujkani; Andelkovic, Daprelà, Emerson, Feddal, Gonzalez, Lazaar, Morganella, Munoz, Pisano, Terzi, Vitiello; Barreto, Bolzoni, Chochev, Maresca, Ngoyi, Quaison, Rigoni, Vazquez; Belotti, Dybala, Makienok, Joao Silva

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

[Socrates 8516]

JUVENTUS - PALERMO

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Sunday, October 26th, 2014 - 3:00 PM
Juventus Stadium - Turin
Referee: Gianpaolo Calvarese

Juventus squad for Palermo

Oct 25, 2014

Juventus named their squad to take on Palermo tomorrow afternoon, including Romulo.

The Bianconeri are fresh from a 1-0 Champions League defeat to Olympiacos and were held 1-1 by bottom of the table Sassuolo last week.

Romulo returns to the squad, but still absent are Andrea Barzagli, Martin Caceres, Patrice Evra, Simone Pepe and the suspended Simone Padoin.


Juventus squad for Palermo: Buffon, Romulo, Chiellini, Ogbonna, Pogba, Marchisio, Morata, Tevez, Coman, Giovinco, Llorente, Bonucci, Pirlo, Asamoah, Vidal, Lichtsteiner, Storari, Rubinho, Pereyra, Mattiello

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

[Socrates 8516]

JUVENTUS - PALERMO

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Sunday, October 26th, 2014 - 3:00 PM
Juventus Stadium - Turin
Referee: Gianpaolo Calvarese

Iachini: Palermo Must Not Let
Juventus Take Control Of The Game

Oct 25, 2014

Palermo boss Giuseppe Iachini is adamant that his team must not let Juventus take control of the game in the meeting between the two sides on Sunday.

The Rosanero will be facing off with the Serie A leaders in Turin and the 50-year-old expects the hosts to have a great advantage at home despite their disappointing results in their past two games against Sassuolo and Olympiacos, though he admits that his squad have been improving in their defence as of late and feels they could have their way in the match with some luck.

Iachini spoke during his pre-match press conference on Saturday about what Palermo will need to do in order to have a positive game with Juventus and commented on which players he may use, while also praising Juve for their strong qualities on the pitch.

“Juve are Juve, they’ve had two good games against Olympiacos and Sassuolo where they held most of the possession,” said the tactician.

“They created so many chances and had attacking opportunities, but were unable to fully deliver in the end. In the second half against Sassuolo, Andrea Consigli made seven or eight important saves that were decisive for the result.

“Juventus have dominated this league for three and a half years. Their fans in their home stadium will be a 12th man, it will have an impact on their structure.

“There will be a lot of personality and organisation being displayed in Turin, it will be the perfect game.

“We must not play a passive game, we will have to go and play our game as we would against anyone else, head on. We must create opportunities and not stand there and let Juventus impose their game on us.

“Juve inch forward, they have great physicality, technique and tenacity.

“Stephan Lichtsteiner is their most dangerous man, he attacks and has incredible strength. He’s an important player, he isn’t talked about as much but is an important man and the most dangerous on that team.

“Carlos Tevez is also a formidable player, he’s extraordinary. Juve have so many other players like this, we will have to move well defensively in order to close down every space.

“Where will I use Zouhair Feddal? I’ll see before the game. He has the qualities to play either centrally or externally. At Siena he played on the outside, so he can be useful.

“In the past few games we have shown improvements in defence, you must have personality and we have to play our game, plus we need a little luck at this time, as there hasn’t been much for us.

“In defence we must be fully focused and attentive to every little detail while remaining careful, because one mistake can result in an opportunity for the opponent to score.

“I have recommended that the team not play a passive game, as it would be respectful to Juventus.

“Eros Pisano will be useful and will be monitored, there is a lot of physical work in his role and we will make sure he will be available to be useful to us. I’m not too worried about physical problems.

“We must exploit the spaces from behind, we will need to be unpredictable and find the right times to strike, we should even be good in the dead-ball situations, in particular it’s thinned out.

“Ivaylo Chochev? He played from the inside often in Bulgaria. I’ve personally seen what he can do, he’s fit. I’m surprised that he doesn’t have more goals with the Bulgaria Under-21 team.

“I don’t think I can play him in front of defence at this time due to his measured pace, as he may be fatigued. However, he’ll earn the role of director on the pitch over time.

“In the match itself there can be multiple games, it’s important to work with everyone available in the squad as I have been doing these days. We must always keep an intense pace in order to keep Juve at bay, especially in the second half.

“Francesco Della Rocca is improving, today he played with the Primavera, we are getting him into a condition where he can play with us and be useful again.

“Against Juve I have not yet decided if I will use Paulo Dybala and Franco Vazquez or Dybala, Vazquez and Andrea Belotti.”

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

[Socrates 8516]

JUVENTUS - PALERMO

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Sunday, October 26th, 2014 - 3:00 PM
Juventus Stadium - Turin
Referee: Gianpaolo Calvarese

Zamparini warns Juventus

Oct 26, 2014

President Maurizio Zamparini warns Palermo “have a great record against Juventus” and puts a price-tag on Paulo Dybala.

It kicks off in Turin at 15.00 CET.

“We have a great record against Juventus in Turin and I won’t forget Mchedlidze’s goal,” smiled the patron in Tuttosport.

From 2009 to 2011, the Sicilians won three consecutive visits to the Juve camp.

“However, I am also aware of the difficulties around this game. Juventus will be furious at recent poor results and want to take it out on us.”

Zamparini is famous for chopping and changing his Coaches, but has surprisingly stood by Beppe Iachini – even though he already fired director of sport Ceravolo.

“Ceravolo paid for him, as I consider him more of an observer than a director. I trust Iachini can start an important era with us. I talk to him every day and give my advice. I’d like to see Vazquez behind two strikers.

“I couldn’t be a Coach, but I’ve been working in football for 30 years and do understand something about it.

“I think the best Presidents on a tactical level are me, Cellino, Lotito, Pozzo and Spinelli. Agnelli is a businessman and I don’t think he deals with these issues.

“I worked with Beppe Marotta at Venezia. We are tied by fraternal friendship, but I found him a little bit more arrogant recently. That’s the fault of working within a powerhouse like Juve.”

Zamparini praised his current crop of Palermo players and made a prediction for the future.

“Belotti is my Tevez, while Dybala reminds me of Montella. I will only see Dybala for more than the €42m I pocketed for Pastore. I was very fond of Pastore and it was a shame to sell him. He was close to Juventus before PSG and I heard that he could’ve come back to Italy with the Bianconeri when the Parisian Coach obtusely refused to play him.”

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

[Socrates 8516]

JUVENTUS - PALERMO

-

Sunday, October 26th, 2014 - 3:00 PM
Juventus Stadium - Turin
Referee: Gianpaolo Calvarese

Ghana midfielder Kwadwo Asamoah tipped
to start ahead of Evra in Juventus' Serie A clash

Oct 26, 2014

Juventus manager Max Allegri is expected to keep faith in Ghana midfielder Kwadwo Asamoah and start him ahead of Patrice Evra as they face Palermo in the Serie A on Sunday afternoon.

Asamoah had the nod to start ahead of the former Manchester United star during Juventus’ Uefa Champions League loss against Greek side Olympiakos.

Out wide Max also has limited choices due to injury. Both the previously mentioned Romulo and now Patrice Evra are not fit. Evra recently came down with a muscle issue that will be further examined on Monday, so he will miss the Palermo match. That means we will see Stephan Lichtsteiner and Kwadwo Asamoah starting, the same pair who started versus Olympiakos.


Predicted Lineup 3-5-2 : Buffon; Ogbonna, Bonucci, Chiellini; Lichtsteiner, Vidal, Marchisio, Pogba, Asamoah; Morata, Tevez

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

[Socrates 8516]

JUVENTUS - PALERMO

-

Sunday, October 26th, 2014 - 3:00 PM
Juventus Stadium - Turin
Referee: Gianpaolo Calvarese

Juventus v Palermo statistics

Oct 26, 2014

JUVENTUS 1ST

Juventus have won 100%, drawn 0% and lost 0% of their last 20 home games.

In their last 20 home games against teams positioned in the bottom half of the table, Juventus have won 16, drawn 1 and lost 1 of these matches.

In their last 20 home games against teams positioned below them in the table, Juventus have won 20, drawn 0 and lost 0 of these matches.

JUVENTUS HOME

Juventus have scored 1 goal or less in 5 of their last 20 home games, going on to win 5, draw 0 and lose 0 of these matches.

Juventus have conceded 1 goal or less in 17 of their last 20 home games, going on to win 17, draw 0 and lose 0 of these matches.

In their last 20 home matches, Juventus have scored 2.5 goals per game and conceded 0.5 goals per game on average.

* In their last 20 home games, 20 of the 49 goals scored by Juventus have come from forwards, 20 from midfielders and 8 from defenders.

In their last 20 home games, 3 of the 9 goals conceded by Juventus have come from forwards, 2 from midfielders and 2 from defenders.

In their last 20 home games, 59% of the 49 goals scored by Juventus have come in open play, whilst 39% have come from set-pieces.

* Juventus have conceded in 30% of their last 20 home games.

Juventus have scored in 100% of their last 20 home games.

Juventus have conceded in 6 of their last 20 home games, going on to win 6, draw 0 and lose 0 of these matches.

* Juventus last kept a clean sheet at home 2 games ago.

The last 20 Juventus home matches have produced an average of 2.90 goals per game.

Juventus have scored 1 goal or less in 25% of their last 20 home games.

* Juventus have scored first in 95% of their last 20 home games.

In their last 20 home games, Juventus have scored the first goal 19 times and conceded the first goal 1 time.

Juventus have conceded the first goal in 5% of their last 20 home games.

PALERMO 16TH

Palermo have won 5%, drawn 40% and lost 55% of their last 20 away games.

In their last 20 away games against teams positioned in the top half of the table, Palermo have won 0, drawn 6 and lost 11 of these matches.

In their last 20 away games against teams positioned above them in the table, Palermo have won 1, drawn 8 and lost 11 of these matches.

PALERMO AWAY

Palermo have scored 1 goal or less in 18 of their last 20 away games, going on to win 0, draw 7 and lose 11 of these matches.

Palermo have conceded 1 goal or less in 12 of their last 20 away games, going on to win 1, draw 7 and lose 4 of these matches.

In their last 20 away matches, Palermo have scored 0.7 goals per game and conceded 1.6 goals per game on average.

* In their last 20 away games, 0 of the 9 goals scored by Palermo have come from forwards, 8 from midfielders and 1 from defenders.

In their last 20 away games, 18 of the 30 goals conceded by Palermo have come from forwards, 7 from midfielders and 3 from defenders.

In their last 20 away games, 93% of the 14 goals scored by Palermo have come in open play, whilst 7% have come from set-pieces.

* Palermo have conceded in 90% of their last 20 away games.

Palermo have scored in 50% of their last 20 away games.

Palermo have conceded in 18 of their last 20 away games, going on to win 1, draw 6 and lose 11 of these matches.

* Palermo last kept a clean sheet away from home 9 games ago.

The last 20 Palermo away matches have produced an average of 2.30 goals per game.

Palermo have scored 1 goal or less in 90% of their last 20 away games.

* Palermo have scored first in 35% of their last 20 away games.

In their last 20 away games, Palermo have scored the first goal 6 times and conceded the first goal 12 times.

Palermo have conceded the first goal in 55% of their last 20 away games.

KICKOFF PREDICTIONS

JUVENTUS TO WIN 78%
DRAW 15%
PALERMO TO WIN 7%

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

[Socrates 8516]

JUVENTUS - PALERMO

-

Sunday, October 26th, 2014 - 3:00 PM
Juventus Stadium - Turin
Referee: Gianpaolo Calvarese

Pereyra: 'Juve criticism excessive'

Oct 26, 2014

Roberto Pereyra starts in Juventus-Palermo and insists Champions League criticism was “excessive.”

“It will certainly be a difficult game and we must try to win,” Pereyra told Sky Sport Italia.

He steps into the team for Stephan Lichtsteiner, while Paul Pogba is also rested.

“We are coming off a Champions League defeat and need the victory today. It’s true we lost to Olympiacos on Wednesday and we have to turn the situation around.
“The criticism was excessive after the Olympiacos game, but then again it’s normal because people expect Juve to win every time.”

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

[Socrates 8516]

JUVENTUS - PALERMO

-

Sunday, October 26th, 2014 - 3:00 PM
Juventus Stadium - Turin
Referee: Gianpaolo Calvarese

Line-ups: Juventus-Palermo

Oct 26, 2014

Juventus need to get back on track against Palermo, who have a surprisingly good record in Turin.

The pressure is growing on Max Allegri after two consecutive Champions League defeats to Atletico Madrid and Olympiacos, plus a 1-1 Serie A draw at Sassuolo.

Roma’s 0-0 result at Sampdoria last night put them joint top on 19 points, so a victory would allow Juve to open up a three-point lead.

Romulo is back in the squad, albeit not ready to start, while Andrea Barzagli, Martin Caceres, Patrice Evra and the suspended Simone Padoin miss out.

Despite an impressive performance in Athens on Wednesday, Alvaro Morata is sent back to the bench in favour of Fernando Llorente, who is yet to score this season.

Andrea Pirlo and Arturo Vidal both start in midfield, even though they seemed decidedly out of shape against Olympiacos.

Roberto Pereyra steps in for the rested Stephan Lichtsteiner and Paul Pogba.

Palermo are climbing the table following their first win of the season, a last-gasp 2-1 victory over Cesena, but have conceded a whopping 15 goals in seven games.

Paulo Dybala has been linked with a move to Juventus on and off, while Franco Vazquez and Italy Under-21 starlet Andrea Belotti are also impressive in attack.

Costa Rica international Giancarlo ‘Pipo’ Gonzalez scored on his Serie A debut last week and is a danger in the air.

Palermo held Napoli to a spectacular 3-3 draw this season and have a remarkably good record in Turin, winning three consecutive visits between 2009 and 2011.

They lost the last two attempts, but there hasn’t been a stalemate in this fixture for almost a decade.


Juventus: 1 Buffon; 5 Ogbonna, 19 Bonucci, 3 Chiellini; 37 Pereyra, 23 Vidal, 21 Pirlo, 8 Marchisio, 22 Asamoah; 14 Llorente, 10 Tevez

Juventus bench: 30 Storari, 34 Rubinho, 2 Romulo, 6 Pogba, 9 Morata, 11 Coman, 12 Giovnco, 26 Lichtsteiner, 38 Mattiello



Palermo: 70 Sorrentino; 6 Munoz, 12 Gonzalez, 4 Andelkovic; 3 Pisano, 15 Bolzoni, 27 Rigoni, 8 Barreto, 23 Feddal; 20 Vazquez, 9 Dybala

Palermo bench: 1 Ujkani, 2 Vitiello, 7 Lazaar, 10 Joao Silva, 11 Makienok, 18 Chochev, 19 Terzi, 21 Quaison, 25 Maresca, 33 Daprelà, 89 Morganella, 99 Belotti

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

[Socrates 8516]

JUVENTUS - PALERMO

-

Sunday, October 26th, 2014 - 3:00 PM
Juventus Stadium - Turin
Referee: Gianpaolo Calvarese

HT 1-0: Vidal revives Juventus

Oct 26, 2014

Arturo Vidal has given Juventus the half-time lead over Palermo thanks to a Carlos Tevez assist.

The Bianconeri were in dire need of a boost after two consecutive Champions League defeats and a 1-1 draw at bottom of the table Sassuolo. Romulo returned to the squad, though Andrea Barzagli, Martin Caceres, Patrice Evra and the suspended Simone Padoin missed out. The Sicilians won three consecutive visits to Turin between 2009 and 2011, but lost their last two and hadn’t played a draw here for almost a decade.

Claudio Marchisio volleyed over and Fernando Llorente’s header was plucked out of the air, while Franco Vazquez saw his strike deflected just over the bar for Palermo. From that corner, Vazquez’s diving header again skimmed the woodwork.

Juve had 72 per cent possession in the opening half-hour, but without making any real impact. They broke through with a counter-attack, as Carlos Tevez sprinted forward and drew defenders to him, spreading the play down the left for Arturo Vidal’s angled drive. It was Pereyra who sparked that move by robbing Feddal.


Juventus 1-0 Palermo (Half-Time)

Scorers: Vidal 32 (J)

Juventus: Buffon; Ogbonna, Bonucci, Chiellini; Pereyra, Vidal, Pirlo, Marchisio, Asamoah; Llorente, Tevez

Palermo: Sorrentino; Munoz, Gonzalez, Andelkovic; Pisano, Bolzoni, Rigoni, Barreto, Feddal; Vazquez, Dybala

Ref: Calvarese

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

[Socrates 8516]

JUVENTUS - PALERMO

2 - 0

Arturo Vidal (32')
Fernando Llorente (64')

Sunday, October 26th, 2014 - 3:00 PM
Juventus Stadium - Turin
Referee: Gianpaolo Calvarese

Juventus 2-0 Palermo: Vidal & Llorente
fire hosts back to winning ways

A goal in each half helped the Serie A champions get over their draw to Sassuolo
last weekend and the midweek defeat to Olympiakos in the Champions League.

Oct 26, 2014

Juventus responded to their European disappointment by beating Palermo 2-0 to restore their lead at the top of Serie A.

Massimiliano Allegri's side suffered a second successive Champions League defeat against Olympiakos in midweek, and Roma drew level with them at the summit of the Italian top flight with a draw at Sampdoria on Saturday.

But goals in each half from Arturo Vidal and Fernando Llorente gave Juve a comfortable home win on Sunday - a victory that puts them three points clear of Rudi Garcia's men.

The champions appeared cagey early on, but were settled by Vidal's deserved 32nd-minute opener, before Llorente sealed a 23rd straight Serie A home win with his first goal of the season shortly after the hour.

Palermo, by contrast, remian in the bottom three with just one win from their eight matches since returning to the top flight.

Allegri made three changes to the Juve side beaten in Athens on Wednesday and, after a cautious opening to the game, it was one of those introduced - Claudio Marchisio - who registered the first meaningful attempt.

The midfielder went close with two volleys at goal in as many minutes, the second dipping just too late after the ball fell nicely for him 15 yards out.

Juve looked more comfortable thereafter, and with the home crowd behind them, started asking questions of the visitors.

Vidal floated in between the lines and almost created the opener in the 17th minute as he picked out Llorente from the left, but the Spaniard headed straight at Stefano Sorrentino.

Juve were dominating possession, but they were reminded of Palermo's threat on the counter when Paulo Dybala and Franco Vazquez combined for the latter to force Gianluigi Buffon into action just before the half-hour mark.

That scare sparked increased focus from Juve and they took the lead on 32 minutes after a break of their own.

Carlos Tevez led the charge, travelling forward with the ball at pace before timing his pass perfectly for the overlapping Vidal to slot coolly beyond Sorrentino with his left foot.

The tension that had inhibited the hosts' play disappeared after the opener. Vidal should have doubled the lead 11 minutes after half-time when Zouhair Feddal mindlessly teed him up six yards from goal, but the Chilean blazed over the bar.

Tevez continued to cause Palermo problems and Sinisa Andelkovic almost turned the striker's dangerous cross into his own net on 64 minutes.

There was no doubt from the resulting corner, however.

Llorente rose highest in the box to meet Andrea Pirlo's out-swinging cross and direct low out of Sorrentino's reach.

Juve substitute Sebastian Giovinco almost got in on the act late on, as first his powerful shot from a tight angle was well saved by Sorrentino's feet before the 27-year-old hit the post from 18 yards.

But the hosts' easy victory had long been secured, as they went some way to getting over their continental heartache.

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

[Socrates 8516]

JUVENTUS - PALERMO

2 - 0

Arturo Vidal (32')
Fernando Llorente (64')

Sunday, October 26th, 2014 - 3:00 PM
Juventus Stadium - Turin
Referee: Gianpaolo Calvarese

Juventus 2-0 Palermo: Llorente Finally Off
The Mark As Bianconeri Get Back On Track

Oct 26, 2014

Juventus powered past Palermo 2-0 at the Juventus Stadium on Sunday in Serie A.

Arturo Vidal and Fernando Llorente’s goals were enough to get the reigning Scudetto champions back on track and extend their lead over Roma to three points.

Prior to the game, it had been a difficult past week for the Bianconeri. First they were held to a surprise draw with Sassuolo that saw them drop their first points this season, and then stumbled to a second straight loss in the Champions League as they took on Greek outfit Olympiacos.

Meanwhile, the Rosanero continued to struggle in their first season back in Serie A, with just one win from their first seven games seeing them already floundering near the bottom of the table. As a result, the hosts were pipped as the clear favorites to pull off a positive result, given the fact that they had won their last four meetings with the visitors–all without conceding a single goal.

Although the game started off relatively slowly, it was not surprising to see Juventus enjoying the lion’s share of possession as Palermo were content to sit back and absorb as much pressure as possible.

Two goal-scoring opportunities fell their way through Claudio Marchisio but the midfielder sliced his first effort horribly wide and the second was blasted over the bar. Nonetheless, Stefano Sorrentino had to be on his toes as Massimiliano Allegri’s men continued to threaten, notably making a smart stop to deny Llorente’s headed attempt.

Yet, despite being pegged back for lengthy spells, the Rosanero still tried to make a couple of attempts, with Franco Vasquez making two efforts in rapid succession but nothing came to fruition nor troubled Gianluigi Buffon.

And then, just minutes later, Juventus finally made their dominance count as on a breakaway run, Carlos Tevez set up Vidal who coolly finished off the move to put Allegri’s troops ahead shortly after the half-hour mark.

Shortly after the half-time break, Allegri opted to make his first change of the game, bringing off Roberto Pereyra in lieu of Stephan Lichtsteiner. The Swiss international then immediately got involved, feeding Kwadwo Asamoah but the Ghanaian’s attempt was thwarted by a Palermo defender.

Juventus seemed really keen on pushing for a second and after Marchisio sliced yet another effort, Andrea Pirlo’s corner kick was met by Llorente, who finally got the goal he was seeking through a well-placed header. Prior to the goal, Giuseppe Iachini had made his own modification, swapping Edgar Barreto for Andrea Belotti.

Pirlo, who is still recovering after his long injury lay-off made way for Paul Pogba immediately after his assist as his coach decided to give the veteran midfielder a rest. Iachini reacted 10 minutes later by exchanging Luca Rigoni for Vincenzo Maresca, followed by both coaches making their third and final changes as Tevez departed for Sebastian Giovinco and Franco Vazquez for Robin Quaison.

The remaining period saw the hosts continue to threaten while the visitors appeared resigned to their fate as they went into damage control mode, and the match concluded with the Bianconeri recording yet another clean sheet.

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

[Socrates 8516]

JUVENTUS - PALERMO

2 - 0

Arturo Vidal (32')
Fernando Llorente (64')

Sunday, October 26th, 2014 - 3:00 PM
Juventus Stadium - Turin
Referee: Gianpaolo Calvarese

Juventus 2 - 0 Palermo
MATCH REPORT

Fernando Llorente broke his goal drought as Juventus got back on track by beating Palermo 2-0.

Oct 26, 2014

The Bianconeri were in dire need of a boost after two consecutive Champions League defeats and a 1-1 draw at bottom of the table Sassuolo. Romulo returned to the squad, though Andrea Barzagli, Martin Caceres, Patrice Evra and the suspended Simone Padoin missed out. The Sicilians won three consecutive visits to Turin between 2009 and 2011, but lost their last two and hadn’t played a draw here for almost a decade.

Claudio Marchisio volleyed over and Fernando Llorente’s header was plucked out of the air, while Franco Vazquez saw his strike deflected just over the bar for Palermo. From that corner, Vazquez’s diving header again skimmed the woodwork.

Juve had 72 per cent possession in the opening half-hour, but without making any real impact. They broke through with a counter-attack, as Carlos Tevez sprinted forward and drew defenders to him, spreading the play down the left for Arturo Vidal’s angled drive. It was Pereyra who sparked that move by robbing Feddal.

Paulo Dybala and Edgar Barreto had attempts after the restart, but Vidal and Marchisio finishing left something to be desired.

Fernando Llorente finally celebrated his first goal of the season, getting his head to an Andrea Pirlo corner.

It could’ve been 3-0, but Marchisio had one shot parried and turned the follow-up off target. Dybala tried to surprise Gigi Buffon from midfield, but the goalkeeper was alert.

Leonardo Bonucci tested the goalkeeper and went down awkwardly on his ankle, but was able to play on after several minutes of treatment. Sebastian Giovinco came off the bench and his strike thumped the upright, not for the first time this season.


Juventus: Buffon; Ogbonna, Bonucci, Chiellini; Pereyra (Lichtsteiner 52), Vidal, Pirlo (Pogba 65), Marchisio, Asamoah; Llorente, Tevez (Giovinco 79)

Palermo: Sorrentino; Munoz, Gonzalez, Andelkovic; Pisano, Bolzoni, Rigoni (Maresca 74), Barreto (Belotti 59), Feddal; Vazquez (Quaison 80), Dybala

Ref: Calvarese

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

[Socrates 8516]

JUVENTUS - PALERMO

2 - 0

Arturo Vidal (32')
Fernando Llorente (64')

Sunday, October 26th, 2014 - 3:00 PM
Juventus Stadium - Turin
Referee: Gianpaolo Calvarese

Juventus ease past Palermo

Juventus have extended their lead at the top of Serie A to three
points by claiming a 2-0 victory over Palermo this afternoon.

Oct 26, 2014

The hosts dominated the early exchanges and Claudio Marchisio lashed a fierce volley over the bar, before missing the target again moments later with an effort from just inside the box.

Fernando Llorente was the next to threaten for the Old Lady, but he was unable to get enough power on his header to beat Stefano Sorrentino.

On the half-hour mark, the visitors almost took a surprise lead when Franco Vazquez met a corner and directed his header just over the bar.

Juventus made them pay for that missed chance by taking the lead two minutes later as Carlos Tevez slipped Arturo Vidal into the box and the Chilean midfielder kept his cool to slot a low effort into the far corner.

The hosts continued to control the match and scored their second in the 64th minute when Llorente rose to meet Andrea Pirlo's corner and head into the bottom corner.

Sebastian Giovinco was close to grabbing a third for Juventus, but saw his low effort blocked by the keeper.

Giovinco had another chance to score in the last minute when his strike from range crashed against the post, but Juventus still eased to their seventh league win of the season.

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

[Socrates 8516]

JUVENTUS - PALERMO

2 - 0

Arturo Vidal (32')
Fernando Llorente (64')

Sunday, October 26th, 2014 - 3:00 PM
Juventus Stadium - Turin
Referee: Gianpaolo Calvarese

Player Ratings
Juventus 2-0 Palermo

Oct 26, 2014

Juventus easily saw off Palermo 2-0 at Juventus Stadium on Sunday afternoon in Serie A.

Arturo Vidal fired the Bianconeri into a first half lead before Fernando Llorente’s first goal of the season wrapped up the points for the league leaders.

Juventus

Gianluigi Buffon – 6 - Bystander - Rarely troubled for long periods of the game, had one moment of panic when he fumbled a cross but the visitors could not take advantage of the situation.

Angelo Ogbonna – 6 - Observer - Had a very quiet game, had next to no involvement other than passing the ball about to his fellow defenders. Did not have to make a single tackle.

Leonardo Bonucci – 6.5 - Solid - Did well to block Dybala’s effort in the first half and repeated the feat shortly after the interval. Another solid performance at the heart of the Bianconeri defence.

Giorgio Chiellini – 7 - Exemplary - The best defender on the pitch. Completed more tackles than any of his fellow players and was a calm presence throughout. Also had more touches of the ball than anyone else.

Roberto Pereyra – 6 - Endeavouring - Won the ball in the build up to the opening goal and his pace caused the Palermo back line several worries but lacked any real finesse. Substituted after just 53 minutes.

Arturo Vidal – 7.5 – Star - Kept his cool to score the opener with a calm finish and often at the heart of what was good for the home side. Linked up well with Asamoah out on the left. Was a driving force at both ends of the pitch.

Andrea Pirlo – 7 - Reliable - Always involved at the heart of the midfield, showed his importance to the side with yet another goal assist as his corner allowed Llorente to head home with his last kick of the game. Replaced by Pogba after 65 minutes.

Claudio Marchisio – 6.5 - Sturdy - Another reliable performance from the Italy international. Only downside was the lack of quality in his finishing, had five efforts on goal and failed to test Sorrentino.

Kwadwo Asamoah – 6.5 - Enterprising - Regularly posed a threat down the left flank, but struggled to find the right ball. Worked well throughout and had the better of Pisano more often than not.

Fernando Llorente – 6.5 - Relieved - Opened his goal tally for the season, heading past Sorrentino from Pirlo’s corner. Aside from the goal had little real effect on the outcome. He will be relieved to have finally scored.

Carlos Tevez – 6 - Workman - Played his part in assisting Vidal’s goal and was unselfish throughout. Had just one effort at goal but always created space for his team mates.


Substitutes

Stephen Lichtsteiner – 5 - Pedestrian - Replaced Pereyra early in the second half and hardly had any impact in the game whatsoever.

Paul Pogba – 5.5 - Ineffectual - On for Pirlo, he was unable to exert any real influence on the game as the game was already won before he appeared.

Sebastian Giovinco – 6 – Exciting - Came on as a late substitute for Tevez and managed to test Sorrentino with an effort from an acute angle before smashing a long range drive against the post.

Palermo

Stefano Sorrentino – 5 - Unsure - Not at any real fault for either goal but looked shaky at times. In the end he made three saves, however the game was already lost by then.

Ezequiel Munoz – 6 - Strong - The pick of the visitor’s defence, winning all of his aerial duels.

Giancarlo Gonzalez – 5.5 - Unconvincing - Less assured than Munoz in the air and distributed the ball poorly at times.

Sinisa Andelkovic – 5.5 - Weak - The weakest link of the back three, passed the ball more accurately than his defensive partners but really struggled against the physical presence of Llorente.

Eros Pisano – 5 - Struggled - Constantly struggled in dealing with Asamoah and Vidal linking up on his flank. His passing was atrocious and yet still somehow played the full 90 minutes.

Francesco Bolzoni – 6 - Solid - At the heart of the Palermo midfield, did relatively well when compared to his team mates, it was always going to be an uphill task against Juventus.

Luca Rigoni - 6 - Bright - Brightest Palermo player on the pitch. Distributed the ball well and was relatively solid in the tackle. Substituted for Maresca after 74 minutes.

Edgar Barreto – 5 - Wayward - Booked for a heavy tackle on Pereyra and was fairly wayward in his passing before he was replaced on the hour mark by Belotti.

Zouhair Feddal – 5 - Invisible - Completely anonymous throughout, at times it was easy to forget he was even on the pitch for the full 90 minutes. Struggled to cope with the pace of Pereyra.

Franco Vazquez – 6 - Unconvincing - Had a couple of efforts at goal, came closest for the visitors as his header hit the roof of the net. Looked to be his side’s biggest threat.

Paulo Dybala – 5.5 - Starved - Starved of opportunities, managed to screw a tame long range effort wide of the Juventus goal. Had to resort to ambitious efforts that hardly tested Buffon.


Substitutes

Andrea Belotti – 5 - Anonymous - Had half an hour to impress and made next to no impact on the game.

Enzo Maresca – 5 - Popular - The former Juve man was well received but barely influenced the game on his arrival.

Robin Quaison - N/A - Only had ten minutes and played no part of note.

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

[Socrates 8516]

JUVENTUS - PALERMO

2 - 0

Arturo Vidal (32')
Fernando Llorente (64')

Sunday, October 26th, 2014 - 3:00 PM
Juventus Stadium - Turin
Referee: Gianpaolo Calvarese

Juventus 2-0 Palermo

Oct 26, 2014

Arturo Vidal and Fernando Llorente scored as Serie A leaders Juventus brushed off Palermo with predictable comfort.

Chasing a fourth successive Scudetto, Juventus remain unbeaten through eight games, of which they have won seven.

Yet this 2-0 victory was a key result, with Carlos Tevez teeing up Vidal for the 32nd-minute opener and Llorente heading the second in the second half.

A 1-0 defeat at Olympiacos in the Champions League on Wednesday has left Juventus third in Group A, behind Atletico Madrid and the Greek outfit.

Juventus also dropped their first points of the Serie A season in a 1-1 draw at Sassuolo last weekend.

Had lowly Palermo taken anything from their trip to Turin, it would have still been a major surprise, but a hint of vulnerability in the Juventus ranks would have given them hope.

Juventus rested Paul Pogba, fresh from handing the midfielder a long-term contract, and threatened an early lead when Llorente saw a header deflected away for a corner.

The home side's supremacy was rewarded by the opening goal.

Tevez took up possession 45 yards from goal, towards the right, and took a direct route to the heart of the Palermo defence. With a challenge about to come in on the edge of the penalty area, the Argentinian wisely laid a pass off to Vidal, charging in off the far flank, and he sent a low left-footed strike into the bottom right corner.

Stefano Sorrentino had kept Juventus at bay until then but Vidal's finish was too good.

The Palermo goalkeeper was beaten for a second time after 64 minutes when Andrea Pirlo's corner from the right found Llorente eight yards out and shy of the near post, and his downward header across goal took one bounce before nestling in the far corner.

Tevez, Pogba - on for Pirlo - and Llorente each threatened to add a third Juventus goal, before Sebastian Giovinco rattled the Palermo goal frame in the closing stages.

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