Juventus Season 2014-2015

[Socrates 8516]

JUVENTUS - SAMPDORIA

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Sunday, December 14th, 2014 - 12:30 PM
Juventus stadium, Turin
Referee: Daniele Doveri

JUVENTUS V SAMPDORIA MATCH PREVIEW

Dec 12, 2014

Juventus

One could think these are easy going times for Juventus. After all, the club just qualified for the elimination rounds of the Champions League. One would be wrong for thinking so, though. In fact Juventus have a tough run coming up. They face three games in about eight days: this game versus Sampdoria, another Serie A match against Cagliari, and then finally, the SuperCoppa versus Napoli in Qatar.

There is also an added layer of difficulty for this match: Giorgio Chiellini is suspended for this match due to yellow card accumulation. Per usual this is where Juve’s depth comes in quite handy.

With Chiellini out, look to see Angelo Ogbonna taking his place. Leonardo Bonucci will start as his partner. Gianluigi Buffon will of course be behind the two in goal. Out wide, Stephan Lichtsteiner will start at right back. On the left side, Patrice Evra and Simone Padoin are battling for the start, but Padoin is reportedly the favorite for this match.

It’s a bit more complicated in the midfield. Claudio Marchisio is back from the flu which held him out for the match versus Atletico. However, it’s not known if he will definitely start. He’s expected to take the place of one of Paul Pogba or Arturo Vidal, but again we will have to see what Allegri decides. It’s possible that Marchisio doesn’t start, but since Allegri didn’t use any subs versus Atletico, he probably wants to rest someone. Vidal is the obvious choice based on general form, but that’s just my reasoning, Max could be thinking differently. Andrea Pirlo is very likely to start, as is Roberto Pereyra.

Finally up top it is the same old story: Carlos Tevez will start, and it’s widely reported that Alvaro Morata will start too. Here a disclaimer is needed: almost every week it seems Morata is reportedly getting the start. Then, Fernando Llorente starts. This happened with Atletico, and it has happened plenty of times before. For now, let’s say Morata gets the start as Llorente played a full 90 minutes versus Atletico, but don’t be surprised if he starts versus Sampdoria as well.
 

 

Predicted Lineup

4-3-1-2 : Buffon; Lichtsteiner, Bonucci, Ogbonna, Padoin; Pirlo, Pogba, Marchisio, Pereyra; Tevez, Morata

 

Injuries

Andrea Barzagli (Heel), Luca Marrone (Thigh), Martin Caceres (Thigh), Kwadwo Asamoah and Romulo (Both undergone knee surgery)



Sampdoria

Sampdoria are the second most surprising team of the season, behind only the crosstown rival Genoa, as they are in fourth position, having already collected 25 points. They have lost only once this season (against Inter) and Sinisa Mihajlovic is certainly doing a masterful job and earning credentials to move to a top team in the near future.

Even if they have been impressive, Sampdoria haven’t won ‘the big one’ yet: they haven’t been able to defeat the big clubs, even if they performed well. They drew against Napoli, Milan and Roma and they lost against Inter. Moreover, they have been average on the road, with only two wins in seven matches (four draws, one loss), mostly against lesser opponents. In Sunday’s lunch match, they’ll have the chance to make some noise.

They’ll be without their usual starting RB Lorenzo De Silvestri and also Matias Silvestre will probably be sidelined with a calf injury: Fabrizio Cacciatore is set to replace the former Lazio fullback, while Daniele Gastaldello and Alessio Romagnoli are likely to start in the hearth of the defense. Djamel Mesbah seems to have recently leapfrogged Vasco Regini in the hierarchy at LB, but I wouldn’t be surprised if Sinisa opted for the most defensive option. There’s a little uncertainty on goal: Sergio Romero has featured in the last eight games and he has played great at times, but he also hasn’t eliminated those blunders that too often held him back. Emiliano VIviano, who was acquired in the summer, is now completely healthy.

As for the rest of the lineup, Mihajlovic has two options: 4-3-1-2 and 4-3-3. In the first case, the youngster Luca Rizzo, one of the this season’s breakout players, will flank the captain Angelo Palombo and the powerhouse Pedro Obiang in the middle, with the surging Roberto Soriano behind the two strikers. In the second solution, Manolo Gabbiadini, Stefano Okaka and Eder would compose the offensive trident, with Soriano fielded as central midfielder.

It appears that Mihajlovic is leaning towards 4-3-1-2 both because Gabbiadini might not be completely focused on the game, for some reasons I imagine you already know, and because it looks that the diamond will be the way going forward, once the Juventus co-owned striker will be ultimately sold to Napoli. Anyway, thanks to the rise of Rizzo and other valuable substitutes like Nenad Krsticic and Alfred Duncan, they don’t really skip a beat with that tactic. They are more dangerous upfront with the trident formed by three players that can naturally play as centre-forward, but 4-3-1-2 gives them a lot of stability in the middle.

Stefano Okaka has been their best performer so far, even if others have scored more. He’s a bull that constantly keeps two or three defenders busy, he’s big but mobile and he has some nice moves. Once he’ll start scoring consistently, watch out.

Sampdoria approaches the game with a lot of enthusiasm, due the recent good results and the hilarious president Massimo Ferrero. They’ll come in with a purpose as they haven’t beaten a top club yet and they want to reach the next level. In particular, Juventus will have to be extra cautious in committing fouls in dangerous areas, because Sampdoria are very good in both direct and indirect free kicks. In addition, Sampdoria are very aggressive and they have the second best defense in the League (tied with Roma and Sampdoria).


Predicted Lineup:

4-3-1-2: Romero; Cacciatore, Gastaldello, Romagnoli, Mesbah; Rizzo, Palombo, Obiang; Soriano; Okaka, Eder

 

Injuries

Lorenzo De Silvestri and Matias Silvestre
 

 

Formation
 

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

[Socrates 8516]

JUVENTUS - SAMPDORIA

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Sunday, December 14th, 2014 - 12:30 PM
Juventus stadium, Turin
Referee: Daniele Doveri

Juventus vs. Sampdoria: Issues and
Decisions That Will Shape Serie A Game

Dec 12, 2014

It has been a hugely significant week for Juventus, the Turin giants qualifying for the knockout rounds of the Champions League thanks to Tuesday’s draw with Atletico Madrid. The result sees the Bianconeri improve upon last year’s dismal showing in the competition, where Antonio Conte failed to guide them beyond the Group Stage.

Massimiliano Allegri and his players should take a huge amount of confidence from that achievement, although they clearly realise they have much sterner tasks ahead. The coach immediately demanded more from his squad, noting that “of course we need to improve,” when discussing the performance with Sky Italia (h/t Football Italia).

La Madama will have no time to rest on her laurels, with Sampdoria visiting Juventus Stadium on Sunday. The game sees Sinisa Mihajlovic’s side take on the reigning Italian champions with an impressive run of results behind them.

The Genovese club sit in fourth place in Serie A having lost just once this term, and have already taken points from games against Napoli and Roma. They also won the local derby with third-placed Genoa, a huge result and one which is indicative of their fine form throughout the first 14 games of 2014-15.

Over the following pages is a look at the key decisions and issues that will shape this encounter, with Juventus hoping to maintain their advantage at the summit of the table.


Manolo Gabbiadini to Leave on a High?

Manolo Gabbiadini has been in superb form this season, his attacking prowess a major reason for Sampdoria’s surprising climb up the table. With five goals and two assists in 11 games, the young striker has caught the interest of Serie A’s biggest clubs.

Co-owned by Juventus, who clearly have no room for him, the Bianconeri seem set to cash in on his impressive performances as Napoli appear close to signing the 23-year-old. According to this report from Gianluca Di Marzio, only a minor image rights issue has prevented the deal from already being complete.

With a move imminent, Gabbiadini will perhaps look to leave on a high, looking for a big performance against the club preparing to sell him.


Midfield Battle to Decide Result

Perhaps the major factor in this matchup will be in midfield, where Juve’s headline-grabbing trio will face off against a less-heralded but highly-impressive Sampdoria unit. While the likes of Paul Pogba, Andrea Pirlo and Arturo Vidal need little introduction, Sunday’s opponents deserve recognition for their current form.

Pedro Obiang, Roberto Soriano and Angelo Palombo do an excellent job shielding the defence and are all comfortable in possession. They will need to be at their best against that star-studded Bianconeri group, who can also call upon Claudio Marchisio and Roberto Pereyra, giving them a variety of options.


Juve to Once Again Face Defensive Issues

After a raft of injuries and suspensions prompted Allegri to revert to a three-man defence last week, the coach faces some more difficult decisions on Sunday. Giorgio Chiellini will miss the game after picking up his fourth yellow card of the campaign against Fiorentina, meaning yet another reshuffle in the back line.

With Martin Caceres, Kwadwo Asamoah and Romulo all absent through injury, it is likely Leonardo Bonucci will be partnered by Angelo Ogbonna in central defence. Patrice Evra and Simone Padoin will be in contention for the left-back slot, with Stephan Lichtsteiner almost certain to start on the opposite flank.


Can Juve’s Important Players Step Up?

While qualification for the next stage of the Champions League is vital to Juventus, it is notable that a number of the squad’s major players are not yet at their best. Indeed, this analysis of their European performances shows that the likes of Giorgio Chiellini, Andrea Pirlo and Arturo Vidal are among the least effective members of the team.

Sampdoria’s quality should not be underestimated, and as such, Allegri will need his stars to improve upon those displays on Sunday.

 

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

[Socrates 8516]

JUVENTUS - SAMPDORIA

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Sunday, December 14th, 2014 - 12:30 PM
Juventus stadium, Turin
Referee: Daniele Doveri

Preview: Juventus vs. Sampdoria

Dec 12, 2014

Juventus will head into their Serie A fixture with Sampdoria looking to find the back of the net for the first time in three games.

The league leaders have gone five matches without defeat on the domestic scene, but coach Massimiliano Allegri may have concerns after seeing his team fail to score against either Fiorentina or Atletico Madrid.

Allegri will be looking to Fernando Llorente and Alvaro Morata to improve their strike-rate in front of goal, with the Spanish duo having netted just four goals each all season.

Juventus go into the contest just three points clear of Roma, but Allegri's outfit have only played six games at home compared to eight by their nearest challengers.

Sampdoria travel to Turin having only lost once in 16 matches all season, but seven draws in 14 league fixtures have hindered their attempt to challenge the top two in the standings.

Sinisa Mihajlovic's team prepared for their trip to the leaders with a 3-1 victory over Hellas Verona last weekend.

An alteration in defence could see Daniele Gastaldello included in place of Matias Silvestre.

Juventus

Form in Serie A: L W W W W D
Form in all competitions: W W W W D D 

Possible starting lineup:

Buffon; Lichtsteiner, Bonucci, Chiellini, Evra, Pereyra; Pirlo, Pogba, Vidal; Tevez, Morata

 

Sampdoria

Form in Serie A: LW D D D W 
Form in all competitions: W D D D W W 

Possible starting lineup:

Romero, De Silvestri, Mesbah, Gastaldello, Romagnoli, Palombo, Rizzo, Duncan, Okaka, Eder, Gabbiadini

 

Sports Mole says: 2-1

 

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

[Socrates 8516]

JUVENTUS - SAMPDORIA

-

Sunday, December 14th, 2014 - 12:30 PM
Juventus stadium, Turin
Referee: Daniele Doveri

Challenge awaits Juventus against physical Sampdoria

Dec 12, 2014

The only representative of Italian football in the Champions League, Juventus can rest easy, at least until Monday when they discover the name of their next opponent in Europe. In the meantime, they have Sampdoria to think of and considering how far the Genoa team have come under the tutelage of coach Sinisa Mihajlovic, the match will be anything but easy.

The Blucerchiati is a special club with an impressive history. Having suffered in recent years, coach Mihajlovic arrived and set about creating a winning unit that understand the notion of sacrificing for one another. However, one cannot deny they are a club that are overachieving. The poor state of the league, combined with the collapse of the two Milanese giants has created a hole for a team who play with some consistency to exploit. Playing with abandon and virtually no pressure, Sampdoria are revelling in their underdog tag, gaining more and more confidence as the positive results continue.

While Sampdoria may have done well last season, their heinous defensive record caused huge problems for a side with ambitions. This is a particular problem the Serbian coach has been desperate to address and this term, the Blucerchiati have impressed at the back, conceding only 11 goals all season -- the second best record in Serie A behind Juventus.

Boasting a star in the making in Alessio Romagnoli, the youngster on loan from Roma is destined for success, while stalwart Daniele Gastaldello has helped provide the side with the consistency they have needed this season. Playing with intelligence and cohesion, they are not reckless with their performances, nor have they been forced to tackle and intercept incessantly despite not being a side that focus on possession. This perhaps has to do with playing an extra midfielder in their preferred 4-3-3 set-up

Further up the field, they of course have the technical Manolo Gabbiadini who will potentially join Napoli soon and the much lauded Stefano Okaka. The latter may boast potential and has indeed produced important performances for the club thus far, but there's no denying he's far from the final product. He commits far too many fouls than needed, his decision making process must be improved while question marks remain over his mentality, even if he appears keen to prove himself this season.

The scarcity of talent in the league is perhaps the reason why players such as Okaka have been so overly hyped by the media while Italy head coach Antonio Conte's struggle to find a suitable striker for his formation with the Nazionale has led him to try all avenues. Italy loves a player who combines physical strength with technique and because of that, Okaka is seen as ideal.

While both forwards have provided goals, the Blucerchiati are particularly threatening from set-pieces, having managed seven alone this season; only Empoli have proved more efficient. While Mihajlovic was renowned for his ability from free kicks, the plaudits belong to tactical wizard Emilio De Leo, the man behind the coach who works on the team's tactics and devises the strategies and methods of play.

De Leo should be an inspiration for many as this was an ordinary man with a deep love of football and tactics who fought to earn the right to make his dream a reality. Studying teams, their patterns and the movements within their chosen formations, he wrote reports, produced YouTube videos and sent all his work to the coaches within the game in hopes someone would notice them and him and understand how useful he could be.

Fausto Salsano, who worked with current Inter manager Roberto Mancini, took notice and eventually asked to collaborate with the tactician. Mentioning his name to Mihajlovic, the Serbian quickly understood how much De Leo could potentially bring to a club and hired him. In charge of studying and analysing his players and the opponent, he has allowed Mihajlovic to become more of a manager who delegates rather than waste his time with trivial matters.

Aggressive, compact and well-organised, Sampdoria are the kind of side Juventus will hate to play against as they terribly hard to overcome, while their determined and aggressive nature exhausts the opponent both physically and mentally. A side that always looks to move forward, they are masters of simple and pragmatic football, spreading play beautifully to take full advantage of the width of the pitch.

With lots of time to practice their movements, they will provide stiff competition for a Juve side that will have had little time to recover after their European exploits.

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

[Socrates 8516]

JUVENTUS - SAMPDORIA

-

Sunday, December 14th, 2014 - 12:30 PM
Juventus stadium, Turin
Referee: Daniele Doveri

MATCH PREVIEW Juventus - Sampdoria

Dec 13, 2014

Sunday morning sees the Serie A leaders Juventus host Champions League hopefuls Sampdoria.

There has always been a suspicion in Italy that lady luck follows Juventus at every turn and, with the Old Lady dropping points in a goalless draw with Fiorentina last weekend to end a run of six consecutive victories, fortune seemed to once more favour Massimiliano Allegri’s men with their nearest two competitors also dropping points.

The return from suspension of Stephan Lichtsteiner on the right-hand side will give more balance to Allegri’s side, although the suspension of Giorgio Chiellini means the Coach may well revert to a back four.

There are fears over the goalscoring prowess of the Bianconeri in recent weeks, however. Two goalless draws followed the get-out-of-jail win in the Derby della Mole, in which Juve had just four shots on target, a far cry from the seven they put past Parma a week before. Despite Carlos Tevez’s Capocannoniere-leading nine goals, finding a burden-easer alongside him has thus far proven difficult. Fernando Llorente has just four goals in 18 appearances this term, Alvaro Morata four in 15, whilst Kingsley Coman has yet to register in his six appearances. With the gap to second-placed Roma remaining three points, however, the issue isn’t an immediate one and a regular source of goals to assist the Argentine is seemingly the only one to be resolved.

Getting their forwards on target is not a problem for Sampdoria, though, Sinisa Mihajlovic’s three-pronged attack all yielding a goal in Monday night’s 3-1 victory at Hellas Verona.

Mihajlovic will be hoping the constant speculation over the future of star striker Manolo Gabbiadini doesn’t undermine the form of the Blucerchiati, although with two goals in his previous two appearances it certainly hasn’t affected the former Juve man.

Victory at the Juventus Stadium would move Mihajlovic’s men to within seven points of top spot and extend their unbeaten run to seven, although the win in Verona was just the second away from the Luigi Ferraris this campaign.

This is a test of both sides’ mettle and could answer whether Mihajlovic’s men are real contenders for the third and final Champions League place.
 

 

Keep an eye on: Paul Pogba (Juventus) - The one attacking bright spark in a relatively limp performance against Fiorentina, the Frenchman is quickly taking over Pirlo’s go-to-man mantle.

Form Guide: Juventus (W W W W D) Sampdoria (W D D D W)

Last season: Juventus 4-2 Sampdoria

Stat fact: Juve’s midweek Champions League stalemate with Atletico Madrid meant back-to-back droughts for the first time since January 2011 when Sampdoria and Roma successively kept Antonio Conte’s side quiet.


Juventus (probable): Buffon; Lichtsteiner, Bonucci, Ogbonna, Evra; Pogba, Pirlo, Marchisio, Vidal; Llorente, Tevez

Suspended: Chiellini


Sampdoria (probable): Romero; Cacciatore, Gastaldello, Romagnoli, Mesbah; Soriano, Palombo, Obiang; Gabbiadini, Okaka, Eder

Suspended: De Silvestri

 

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

[Socrates 8516]

JUVENTUS - SAMPDORIA

-

Sunday, December 14th, 2014 - 12:30 PM
Juventus stadium, Turin
Referee: Daniele Doveri

Juventus-Sampdoria Preview: Champions face
tough test against top-three chasers

The Bianconeri have drawn their last two games 0-0 and will hope
to avoid a hat-trick of goalless stalemates on Sunday.

Dec 13, 2014

Juventus face a tough ask in returning to winning ways in Serie A when the fourth-placed Sampdoria visit Turin on Sunday.

Successive 0-0 draws have slowed the momentum of Juve, who previously won six matches in a row - scoring 19 times in the process.

But their goalless stalemate against Atletico Madrid in the Champions League on Tuesday was crucial as it booked their place in the last 16.

Juve are the only Serie A side remaining in Europe's premier club competition and showed good character to qualify after losing two of their first three Group A matches.

They dominated an Atleti side who were happy to sit back and concede possession but lacked cutting edge - something coach Massimiliano Allegri will be keen to address.

Juve caused few problems for Atletico but can take heart from their scoring rate in Serie A home matches.

The three-time defending Serie A champions were last held goalless in a league match at home in October 2012, with the run now stretching 37 matches.

Versatile midfielder Roberto Pereyra knows the in-form Sampdoria will pose a tough challenge on Sunday, though.

"It will be tough up against Sampdoria," he told JTV.

"Then we'll see who we get in the [Champions League] draw, but we've got time on our side to prepare for whoever we're pitted against."

Juve's players are sure to be excited for Monday's Champions League draw but Allegri will insist their focus is on stopping Sinisa Mihajlovic's side.

Allegri's men have won 11 of their 14 Serie A matches this season and conceded just five goals - giving them the league's best defence.

Only Juve have shipped fewer than Sampdoria's 11, though, and they have also been beaten just once - winning six and drawing seven.

While they have been far from prolific - only two players, Manolo Gabbiadini and Eder have scored more than three goals - Sampdoria have been notoriously tough to break down.

Draws against Roma and Milan, and a 3-1 victory against Fiorentina, in recent weeks have been impressive.

Sampdoria did the double over Juventus as recently as the 2012-13 season, coming from behind on both occasions.

But Juve won both clashes last term - including a 4-2 triumph in the corresponding clash in January.


OPTA FACTS

Juventus and Sampdoria have met 128 times in Serie A – the Old Lady lead the head to head record by 64 wins to 27.
Juventus won both games last season, after the Blucerchiati had remained unbeaten for five meetings against the Bianconeri.
Samp were the last team to beat Juventus in Turin in Serie A, back in January 2013.
 

 

LAST FOUR MATCHES

Juventus D D W W

09/12/2014 - Juventus 0 - 0 Atlético Madrid
05/12/2014 - Fiorentina 0 - 0 Juventus
30/11/2014 - Juventus 2 - 1 Torino
26/11/2014 - Malmö 0 - 2 Juventus


Sampdoria W W D D

08/12/2014 - Hellas Verona 1 - 3 Sampdoria
04/12/2014 - Sampdoria 2 - 0 Brescia
01/12/2014 - Sampdoria 1 - 1 Napoli
23/11/2014 - Cesena 1 - 1 Sampdoria



HEAD TO HEAD

18/01/2014 - Juventus 4 - 2 Sampdoria
24/08/2013 - Sampdoria 0 - 1 Juventus
18/05/2013 - Sampdoria 3 - 2 Juventus
06/01/2013 - Juventus 1 - 2 Sampdoria

 

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

[Socrates 8516]

JUVENTUS - SAMPDORIA

-

Sunday, December 14th, 2014 - 12:30 PM
Juventus stadium, Turin
Referee: Daniele Doveri

Juve squad for Sampdoria

Dec 13, 2014

Juventus named their squad to face Sampdoria on Sunday, missing the suspended Giorgio Chiellini.

It kicks off at 12.30 CET.

Chiellini sits out a ban, adding to the lengthy injury list that includes Andrea Barzagli, Kwadwo Asamoah, Martin Caceres and Romulo.

Claudio Marchisio returns, as he was ruled out of Tuesday’s Champions League draw with Atletico Madrid due to a fever.


Juventus squad for Sampdoria: Buffon, Ogbonna, Pogba, Pepe, Marchisio, Morata, Tevez, Coman, Giovinco, Llorente, Bonucci, Padoin, Pirlo, Vidal, Lichtsteiner, Evra, Rubinho, Pereyra, Mattiello, Audero

 

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

[Socrates 8516]

JUVENTUS - SAMPDORIA

-

Sunday, December 14th, 2014 - 12:30 PM
Juventus stadium, Turin
Referee: Daniele Doveri

Allegri: 'Samp nothing to lose'

Dec 13, 2014

Max Allegri warned Juventus that fourth-placed Sampdoria can cause a huge upset. “They have nothing to lose.”

It kicks off on Sunday at 12.30 CET in Turin.

“Sampdoria are having a great campaign compared to last season,” said the Coach in a Press conference.

“They have excellent players and are put together by a Coach who has brought renewed enthusiasm. The early Sunday kick-offs are always a little strange, especially as Samp have nothing to lose and can their all against us.

“Samp are organised and run hard, so we cannot afford any slip-ups tomorrow.”

The Bianconeri have drawn their last two games 0-0 in all competition, held by Fiorentina and Atletico Madrid.

“I don’t think what happened in the Champions League will affect the Scudetto race. We reached a good level, the lads deserved it by playing a good group, but the difficult part comes now. We have three important games in the next 10 days before the Christmas break: two to maintain Serie A leadership and one in the Italian Super Cup.”

Roma went out of the Champions League this week and declared they would pour all their focus on to the Scudetto. Does Allegri consider that a realistic objective?

“I think Roma are always concentrated and the Europa League doesn’t feel that different to the Champions League.

“I have no reason to talk about our game with Roma, as we played it two months ago. In Serie A the team that finishes with the most points is the winner. It’s that simple.”

Giorgio Chiellini is suspended against Sampdoria, so Allegri confirmed Angelo Ogbonna will take his place.

“I have doubts in attack and midfield, though. When you train a great team, you need great players in every area. We have a lot of competition for places and it’s indispensable that everyone believes they can play.”

 

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

[Socrates 8516]

JUVENTUS - SAMPDORIA

-

Sunday, December 14th, 2014 - 12:30 PM
Juventus stadium, Turin
Referee: Daniele Doveri

Samp 'good, bad and ugly!'

Dec 13, 2014

Sinisa Mihajlovic said Sampdoria will be “the good, the bad and the ugly” when facing Juventus in a shoot-out.

“Football is wonderful because it throws up surprises and the favourites do not always win,” said the Coach in his Press conference.

“At times character and determination can do more than the talent of a champion. I hope tomorrow’s game can confirm what I’m saying, even if we are facing the strongest team in Italy.

“Juve deserve to be on top of the table and we deserve our current position too. In fact, we’re missing a few points. Samp have everything it takes to put them under pressure.

“If after 14 rounds only Juventus and Sampdoria have lost one game, then that has to mean something. Some fight not to lose, but those who don’t fight have already lost. I want to see 11 warriors out there tomorrow.”

Mihajlovic is famed for using quotations in his Press conferences and went to Sergio Leone’s classic spaghetti western this time.

“I saw a great film, ‘The Good, The Bad and The Ugly.’ A character there said: ‘I like big fat men like you. When they fall they make more noise!’

“Well, tomorrow at the Juventus Stadium, I’d like to hear a lot of noise. Are we the good, the bad or the ugly? All three!

“We’ve grown a lot since last season in terms of mentality and performances. Juve are unbeaten in 25 here, but we too are becoming an important team and this is the right game to measure ourselves up against the best.

“I am convinced tomorrow we’ll play a match the way we need to, a Samp-style performance. So far we haven’t won any games down to luck. We know Juve have their weak points, so we’ve got to go there and take the initiative. If that’s not enough, we tip our hats to them.”

Mihajlovic was asked about reports he was contacted for the Juventus job when Antonio Conte resigned this summer.

“In football there are often meetings and there are some who like to reveal everything, but I prefer to be more reserved. It’s a great privilege for me to be just considered by big clubs. Now Juve have a great Coach like Allegri and with his results proving he’s the right choice for them.

“I am already at a big club and want to continue this growth process with my lads.”

While Samp are in fourth place, city rivals Genoa are in third, so Marassi is becoming a centre-piece of Italian football once again.

“These two teams are having a great season and I think for all we’ve done so far it is only right to talk about the city of Genoa.”

Today there was a report in Il Giornale claiming Mihajlovic threatened to resign if Sampdoria signed Antonio Cassano from Parma.

“I said that to the President? Did I also tell him Father Christmas doesn’t exist?!”

 

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

[Socrates 8516]

JUVENTUS - SAMPDORIA

-

Sunday, December 14th, 2014 - 12:30 PM
Juventus stadium, Turin
Referee: Daniele Doveri

Samp squad for Juventus

Dec 13, 2014

Matias Silvestre, Gianluca Sansone and Lorenzo De Silvestri miss out on Sampdoria’s trip to Juventus.

It kicks off in Turin on Sunday at 12.30 CET.

De Silvestri sits out a ban, while Sansone, Silvestre, Pawel Wszolek and Alessandro De Vitis are on the treatment table.


Sampdoria squad for Juventus: Da Costa, Romero, Viviano; Cacciatore, Fornasier, Gastaldello, Mesbah, Regini, Romagnoli; Duncan, Krsticic, Marchionni, Obiang, Palombo, Rizzo, Soriano; Bergessio, Djordjevic, Eder, Fedato, Gabbiadini, Okaka

 

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

[Socrates 8516]

JUVENTUS - SAMPDORIA

-

Sunday, December 14th, 2014 - 12:30 PM
Juventus stadium, Turin
Referee: Daniele Doveri

Marotta Praises Old Club Sampdoria Ahead Of Juventus Clash

Dec 13, 2014

Juventus general director Giuseppe Marotta has praised his old club Sampdoria ahead of Sunday’s clash between the two teams in Turin.

The 57-year-old also spoke about Juventus being more than just a football club and the prospect of playing in the last 16 of the Champions League.

“My home is in Genoa and that’s where I see myself spending old age,” Marotta said in an interview with Il Secolo XIX.

“Sampdoria, along with Genoa, are absolutely the revelation of this season.

“They play so carefree and such a great freedom that they can obtain results anywhere. They can do well, because their minds are free and there are no expectations around them.

“Juventus must win, we always play to win. Today I am super-satisfied at Juventus.

“I have the esteem of Andrea Agnelli and I am happy here. At Juventus I see myself in something other than a football club.

Juventus secured their place in the Champions League’s last 16 in midweek, but Marotta knows progression will be tough, citing the general problems in Italian football as a factor.

“It’s a different tournament compared to the championship, in which all the real values eventually emerge.

“It’s a tournament in which there is more space for chance, it’s enough to mention the importance of the draw, or the weather conditions.

“Our football is in a crisis for various reasons. One of them is that people only ever talk about broadcasting rights.

“But the structural problems are a lot more serious, and they range from the lack of stadiums to the infrastructure necessary to develop our youth.

“Only a few clubs have sports centres that are at the appropriate level.”

 

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

[Socrates 8516]

JUVENTUS - SAMPDORIA

-

Sunday, December 14th, 2014 - 12:30 PM
Juventus stadium, Turin
Referee: Daniele Doveri

Juventus V Sampdoria – Preview: Old Lady

Look To Tame High-Flying Blucerchiati

Dec 13, 2014

Two of this season’s best performers go head to head at 12:30 CET on Sunday in Serie A as leaders Juventus take on fourth place Sampdoria at the Juventus Stadium.

The Blucerchiati are one of Serie A’s surprise packages this term with just one defeat all season, largely thanks to having the joint second best defensive record in the league.

The latest challenge for Sinisa Mihajlovic’s men comes in the shape of last season’s champions; the team with the best defensive and best goal scoring record in Italy this season.

Juve are three points clear of Roma at the top and have conceded just five goals all season, including only one in the last five games.

They have also been free scoring at the other end, with Carlos Tevez currently leading the scoring charts with nine of the Old Lady’s 30 Serie A goals. The Argentinean should replace Kingsley Coman in attack on Sunday after returning in Tuesday night’s Champions League match with Atletico Madrid.

The last two games though have seen Massimiliano Allegri’s side draw blanks, with a 0-0 draw at Fiorentina last Friday being followed by the 0-0 draw against Atletico.

Claudio Marchisio is set to replace Roberto Pereyra in midfield on Sunday whilst Angelo Ogbonna should play at centre-back in place of the suspended Giorgio Chiellini after Stephan Lichtsteiner returned in mid-week.

Long-term absentees Andrea Barzagli, Kwadwo Asamoah and Romulo though will again miss out, and the game comes too early for Martin Caceres who should return from a thigh injury in the next few weeks.

Both the Bianconeri and Sampdoria are unbeaten in their last five league games and their head to head record is even with two wins each and two draws in their last six meetings.

Sampdoria arrested a run of two straight draws last time out with a 3-1 win over ten-man Hellas Verona at the Stadio Marcantonio Bentegodi with a goal each from the in-form front three of Eder, Stefano Okaka and Manolo Gabbiadini.

The trio will again lead the line in Turin on Sunday with Mihajlovic boasting no injury worries ahead of the fixture, but he will have to do without the suspended Lorenzo De Silvestri at right-back.

Fabrizio Cacciatore is set to deputise, with Roberto Soriano and Pedro Obiang in line to replace Alfred Duncan and Luca Rizzo in midfield.


Expected Starting XIs

Juventus: Buffon, Lichtsteiner, Bonucci, Ogbonna, Evra, Pogba, Pirlo, Marchisio, Vidal, Llorente, Tevez

Sampdoria: Romero, Cacciatore, Silvestre, Romagnoli, Mesbah, Soriano, Palombo, Obiang, Gabbiadini, Okaka, Eder

 

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

[Socrates 8516]

JUVENTUS - SAMPDORIA

-

Sunday, December 14th, 2014 - 12:30 PM
Juventus stadium, Turin
Referee: Daniele Doveri

Juventus vs. Sampdoria Preview: Round 15 —
Enjoying a Sunday matinee with Doria

Dec 13, 2014

A quick look at the top four in the Serie A standings is half predictable, half "What the hell is going on here, people?" Juventus being atop the table isn't really a surprise to anybody who has any kind of calcio knowledge. Neither is Roma being just a couple of points behind the three-time defending Serie A champions. But that's when the predictability ends.

In third? Genoa.

In fourth? Sampdoria.

Just like we drew it up! Or maybe not. Yeah, definitely not.

That means Sampdoria's annual visit to Juventus Stadium has suddenly become a top of the table clash. Wait, what? No, you damn right, man. And with Roma playing high-flying Genoa, the Serie A weekend has become just that much more interesting. So you could say it's Serie A's No. 1 and No. 2 teams vs. the city of Genoa. Oh, what fun there could be!

But our rooting interest involves the league's first- and fourth-place teams converging on the Juventus Stadium field for one of the last games before the holiday break arrives. And what a merry Christmas it would be if, say, Juventus went into the time of year where wear rip open boxes of presents winter champions once more.

JuventusFC ✔ @juventusfcen
.@OfficialAllegri: "We can't let our guard down just because we've qualified for the UCL last 16."

The man has a point, ya know.

Juventus have two games left before the annual holiday break. And while this is a relatively surprising top four clash between Juve and Samp, it's a very good team who have been in the top half of the table all season long coming to Turin for a lunchtime kickoff. So grab a sandwich and a cup of coffee and watch Juve try and lock up the title of winter champion.

Sounds like a nice thing to brag about during your company Christmas party again, huh.


GOOD NEWS

Juventus has qualified for the Round of 16 in the Champions League. They're at the top of the Serie A table through the first three months of the season. And they haven't lost a game in all competitions since they messed the bed against Genoa in October. Sounds like a good run of form to me, guys and gals.

Another piece of good news: Claudio Marchisio, who missed the midweek Champions League clash with Atlético Madrid with the flu, gave himself a clean bill of health earlier in the week. That means he should be ready to play. Good times, good times.


BAD NEWS

While the injury list is shrinking, there are still the usual suspects out injured. That means no Andrea Barzagli, Martín Cáceres, Kwadwo Asamoah and Romulo. Gee, if I didn't know any better, I'd say I've typed out those names before...

JuventusFC ✔ @juventusfcen
.@OfficialAllegri: "On the injury front, Caceres not back yet plus @marcostorari30 needs a couple of days rest for a back problem."

(And a selfish piece of bad news: Scroll down to the bottom of the preview and see what time kickoff is at for those of us who leave on the West Coast. This is one of those times where living in California isn't very enjoyable.)
 

 

WHAT TO WATCH FOR

1. Does Manolo Gabbiadini actually play?

By now, Gabbiadini — who is co-owned by Juventus and Sampdoria — being in negotiations over a potential transfer to Napoli this January isn't a secret to anybody. Things continue to progress as we make our way toward the opening of the latest transfer window next month. So, the question above stands. Does Gabbiadini actually play even though he's relatively close to a move to Napoli? Or, with Sampdoria playing so well this season, does Siniša Mihajlović roll out one of his best players not matter what is currently going on with Gabbiadini's potential move away from the club? It didn't stop the Samp manager from doing so in his team's last game, and the 23-year-old striker then went out to score a goal and set up another. If that's any hint as to where Mihajlović's thinking is, then I guess Juve's defense will have prepare for Manolo.

2. Can Juventus close the 2014 portion of their schedule with a bang?

There's still one more game to go after this one before the holiday and new year break arrives. But for all intents and purposes, a game against an opponent in the top four has a little more priority than one that's currently sitting in the relegation zone like where the next round's challenger, Cagliari, currently resides. Based on the pure location of both Juventus and Sampdoria, this game is a big one. It doesn't have the Scudetto-laced storylines as Juventus-Roma, but it's still a meeting of Serie A's two most in-form clubs. That should be enough motivation right there for Juventus to do exactly what they've been doing the last six weeks — not lose.

3. #AlvaroMorataWatch2014

Ever since I wrote that Álvaro Morata should — and deserves to — get the chance to start on a regular basis, the young Spanish striker has played as many minutes on the field as any of us have. That's a big fat zero, with all of that playing time going to the other Spaniard on the Juventus roster. Is that a bad thing? Well, yes and no. Max Allegri is loyal to Fernando Llorente, and that's perfectly understandable. But Llorente has been struggling all season long in a different kind of role compared to his last season when he was one of the better strikers in Serie A. When will the landscape shift and give Morata at least one start? To be honest, I have absolutely no idea at this point. But as time goes by and Llorente continues to either a) not score goals or b) not contribute to goals being scored, then the clamoring for Morata to get playing time will only continue to grow.

4. Will the real Arturo Vidal please stand the heck up?

In the grand scheme of things, the number of times King Arturo was linked with a move to Manchester United far outnumber the number of vintage Vidal performance we've seen. Even though he's played in 16 of Juventus' 20 games in all competitions this season, there have been few times where Vidal has truly looked like Vidal, let alone put really good performances on back-to-back appearances. This is the Vidal we've seen this season, one that is inconsistent at best and doesn't resemble the one of years past. As much as it could be natural, it's too convenient to not consider Vidal's pre-World Cup injuries at least playing some kind of role in what is going on now. There's one thing for certain, though: Out of all the Juventus players that need some rest over the holiday break, Vidal is probably close to the top of that list.

5. The Angelo Ogbonna-Leonardo Bonucci partnership in the center of the Juventus defense.

Giorgio Chiellini needed a rest just by the sheer volume of games he's been playing lately. And now that he's missing tomorrow afternoon's game against Sampdoria thanks to his yellow card in the scoreless draw with Fiorentina, it's Ogbonna's time to step into the center of defense. This will be the first time Ogbonna has played alongside Bonucci since Allegri switched to a four-man backline, meaning this will be one of the few occasions the former Torino defender will get to be in the middle of a Juventus defense. Before then during Allegri's tenure as manager, we've mostly seen Ogbonna on the left or right of a 3-5-2 — which is not all to surprising considering Bonucci has been the main in the center of Juve's three-man defense when utilized. But now Ogbonna, who has been in extremely good form this season, will get the chance to partner with Bonucci against a Sampdoria side that is averaging a little over a goal per game so far this season.


My starting XI (4-3-2-1): Buffon; Lichtsteiner, Bonucci, Ogbonna, Evra; Vidal, Marchisio, Pogba; Tévez, Pereyra; Morata

OFFICIAL KICKOFF TIME: 12:30 P.M. IN ITALY; 6:30 A.M. ON THE EAST COAST; 3:30 A.M. ON THE WEST COAST

 

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

[Socrates 8516]

JUVENTUS - SAMPDORIA

-

Sunday, December 14th, 2014 - 12:30 PM
Juventus stadium, Turin
Referee: Daniele Doveri

Eder: 'Samp not scared of Juve'

Dec 14, 2014

Eder assures Sampdoria “will go to win, not clam up in defence and wait for Juventus” and has a message for “idol” Carlos Tevez.

On paper this might seem a mismatch, but Samp are in fourth place ahead of giants like Napoli, Milan, Inter and Fiorentina.

“We are perfectly ready for this,” striker Eder told Tuttosport. “We prepared for the game well and have no fear.

“We will go to win, not clam up in defence and wait for Juventus. That is our philosophy, even knowing that they are the strongest team in Italy who have dominated Serie A for years.

“We played Roma, who have a lot of possession, but the Bianconeri are more clinical. We have an ambitious target and we don’t want to fail it.

“Tevez is extraordinary, a world class forward and has always been my idol since he played for Corinthians. It was 2005, I had just arrived in Italy with Empoli, but I already admired him. He is decisive even when he doesn’t score and that is his greatest strength.

“Do I have a message for him? Yes. Carlitos, please, go easy on us...”

Eder has scored four Serie A goals and provided two assists this season, while he also netted a hat-trick in the Coppa Italia.

“The club has made it very clear I will not leave and I’m very happy about that. If some players do leave then it’ll be a shame, as we are creating something important here. The club is ambitious, so if someone does go then they’ll be suitably replaced.”

Samp are flying high in fourth, but their city rivals Genoa are doing even better in third position.

“I think this rivalry is good for the city, a sort of rebirth after so much suffering due to the floods. I think this is a very European city and we’ll do everything to ensure Samp get there too.”

 

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

[Socrates 8516]

JUVENTUS - SAMPDORIA

-

Sunday, December 14th, 2014 - 12:30 PM
Juventus stadium, Turin
Referee: Daniele Doveri

Line-ups: Juventus-Sampdoria

Dec 14, 2014

Leaders Juventus host fourth-placed Sampdoria in the early game, a fixture that traditionally has plenty of goals.

It kicks off at 12.30 CET.

Both these sides have suffered only one defeat in Serie A all season, so this is an extremely tough test for the Old Lady.

Samp have been one of the surprise packages this term and were sitting pretty in fourth place going into this weekend, ahead of Napoli, Milan, Fiorentina and Inter.

However, Juve’s problems with the Blucerchiati stretch back to January 6 2013, as that 2-1 result was the last time the hosts lost at the Juventus Stadium.

That was followed by 32 wins and two draws with 82 goals scored and 15 conceded.

The last five meetings between these sides have been spectacular with 23 goals overall, an average of 4.6 per match, including last season’s 4-2 thriller.

Having said that, Juventus have drawn their last two games 0-0 against Fiorentina and Atletico Madrid.

Stephan Lichtsteiner returns from suspension, but Giorgio Chiellini now sits out a ban with the injured Marco Storari, Kwadwo Asamoah, Martin Caceres, Andrea Barzagli, Luca Marrone and Romulo.

Angelo Ogbonna therefore steps into the back four, with Alvaro Morata given a rare start in attack alongside Carlos Tevez.

Andrea Pirlo is rested, as Claudio Marchisio returns after missing Atletico Madrid with flu symptoms.

Sampdoria have Lorenzo De Silvestri suspended, Matias Silvestre, Gianluca Sansone and Pawel Wszolek sidelined.

On the verge of a move to Napoli, Manolo Gabbiadini is again dropped to the bench in favour of Nenad Krsticic in a trequartista role behind Stefano Okaka and Eder. That means Roberto Soriano is also benched, as he's suffering from a fever.

Coach Sinisa Mihajlovic said in his Press conference that Samp would be ‘The Good, The Bad and The Ugly’ in this match. He quoted a character in that spaghetti western classic stating he preferred to knock down the ‘big’ opponents, as they make more noise when they fall.


Juventus: Buffon; Lichtsteiner, Bonucci, Ogbonna, Evra; Vidal, Marchisio, Pogba; Pereyra; Tevez, Morata

Juventus bench: Rubinho, Audero, Pepe, Padoin, Pirlo, Mattiello, Coman, Giovinco, Llorente


Sampdoria: Romero; Cacciatore, Gastaldello, Romagnoli, Regini; Rizzo, Palombo, Obiang; Krsticic; Okaka, Eder

Sampdoria bench: Da Costa, Mesbah, Duncan, Fedato, Gabbiadini, Soriano, Djordjevic, Marchionni, Fornasier

 

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

[Socrates 8516]

JUVENTUS - SAMPDORIA

-

Sunday, December 14th, 2014 - 12:30 PM
Juventus stadium, Turin
Referee: Daniele Doveri

Palombo: Everything Has Changed Since Last Win In Juventus

Dec 14, 2014

Sampdoria’s Angelo Palombo has admitted that he has good memories of when they beat Juventus at Juventus Stadium in January 2013 but he admits that now everything is different to that day.

The Blucerchiati on that occasion became the last team to beat the Bianconeri at home, courtesy of a brace from Mauro Icardi, however Juventus are currently on a 25 match winning streak at home in Serie A.

“I think only a little of our last victory in Turin,” he said at a pre-match press conference on Saturday.

“Everything has changed [since that game]. It is a good memory but I’d rather have new ones at the end of the game [today].”

The 33-year-old has made well over 300 appearances for Sampdoria after joining from Fiorentina in 2002 and went on to make 22 international appearances for the Azzurri over a five year period.

 

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

[Socrates 8516]

JUVENTUS - SAMPDORIA

-

Sunday, December 14th, 2014 - 12:30 PM
Juventus stadium, Turin
Referee: Daniele Doveri

HT 1-0: Juventus in front against Sampdoria

Dec 14, 2014

A goal from Patrice Evra has given Juventus a half-time lead over Sampdoria in this afternoon's Serie A clash in Turin.

The hosts made the breakthrough on 12 minutes when Evra headed in his first goal for the club from a corner.

Juve continued to dominate as Sampdoria were forced further back, and they nearly doubled their advantage 10 minutes later through Claudio Marchisio, but his effort from the edge of the box was kept out by goalkeeper Sergio Romero.

Paul Pogba smashed an effort over the crossbar midway through the half, while Carlos Tevez was denied by Romero with 39 minutes played.

Sampdoria carved out a rare chance in the final stages of the half, though Stefano Okak could only fire wide from 18 yards after the home side had failed to clear their lines.

 

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

[Socrates 8516]

JUVENTUS - SAMPDORIA

1 - 1

Patrice Evra (12')

Manolo Gabbiadini (51')

Sunday, December 14th, 2014 - 12:30 PM
Juventus stadium, Turin
Referee: Daniele Doveri

Juventus 1-1 Sampdoria: Gabbiadini strikes
to seal a point against champions

Patrice Evra had put the Serie A leaders in front in the first half but their former
striker arrowed a fine shot into the corner six minutes after the break.

Dec 14, 2014

Juventus were denied by a former player on Sunday as Manolo Gabbiadini scored a fine equaliser to ensure a 1-1 draw for Sampdoria in Turin.

Patrice Evra looked to have ensured the Turin club's extraordinary run of 25 home league wins in a row would continue with his first Juventus goal early on.

But following a switch to 4-3-3, Sampdoria improved after the break and half-time substitute Gabbiadini scored a fine equaliser just six minutes into the second half.

The striker provided a scoring touch against his old club to halt an incredible winning sequence, which also opens the door for Roma to close the gap on the champions.

Massimiliano Allegri had seen his side's momentum falter of late.

A six-match winning run was ended by a goalless draw at Fiorentina in their previous league outing before another stalemate against Atletico Madrid on Tuesday secured their place in the last 16 of the Champions League.

Sinisa Mihajlovic's men meanwhile have forced their way into the fight for a spot in next season's Champions League, and are now unbeaten in six league matches.

The champions started without the suspended Giorgio Chiellini, while Andrea Pirlo was rested following his midweek exertions.

But neither was missed as the hosts were on the front foot from the first whistle with Mihajlovic's men almost immediately pegged back to their 18-yard line.

The tone was set early as a string of dangerous crosses were sent into the Samp box in the first six minutes, Alvaro Morata heading one just wide from six yards.

And any remaining fears of a third straight goalless draw were soon alleviated.

Pirlo's replacement, Claudio Marchisio whipped in an inviting 12th-minute corner, which Evra rose highest to meet with his head and claim his first Juve goal.

It was no less than the league leaders deserved, and with Sampdoria offering little by way of an attacking threat, the hosts eased off slightly and lost some of the pace that had characterised their early play.

The visitors committed more men forward as half-time approached, winning two late corners, but a lack of cutting edge prevented them from truly threatening Gianluigi Buffon's goal.

That improved finish to the first period had given Samp an injection of belief and they equalised soon after the break.

Left-back Vasco Regini started a swift break forward after his goalkeeper Sergio Romero added to his growing collection of saves with a diving stop to deny Roberto Pereyra.

The ball was soon at the feet of Gabbiadini on the right-hand side of the box and the forward cut in to curl a left-footed effort into the far corner.

Juve piled on the pressure in search of a winner, introducing Fernando Llorente to spearhead a more direct approach.

But Romero stood firm and Allegri even had Buffon to thank as he denied another fierce Gabbiadini effort at the other end which almost condemned his side to a first Serie A defeat at Juventus Stadium since January 2013 - when Samp were their opponents.

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

[Socrates 8516]

JUVENTUS - SAMPDORIA

1 - 1

Patrice Evra (12')

Manolo Gabbiadini (51')

Sunday, December 14th, 2014 - 12:30 PM
Juventus stadium, Turin
Referee: Daniele Doveri

Gabbiadini pegs back Juventus

Juventus dominated the first half, but Manolo Gabbiadini’s gem
gave Sampdoria a 1-1 draw in Turin, ending a 25-game home winning streak.

Dec 14, 2014

The leaders hosted fourth-placed Samp and both teams had just one defeat all season. The Blucerchiati were the last Serie A side to win in the Stadium back in January 2013, followed by 32 wins and two draws. Stephan Lichtsteiner returned from suspension, but Giorgio Chiellini was banned with the injured Marco Storari, Kwadwo Asamoah, Martin Caceres, Andrea Barzagli, Luca Marrone and Romulo. Lorenzo De Silvestri was suspended with Matias Silvestre, Gianluca Sansone and Pawel Wszolek unavailable, but Manolo Gabbiadini was benched ahead of an imminent transfer to Napoli and Roberto Soriano suffering from fever.

Carlos Tevez had the first shot turned round the base of the near post after three minutes, then Sergio Romero’s gloves were stung by Alvaro Morata in a very aggressive Juve start.

The pressure paid off, as a Claudio Marchisio corner was whipped in and found the head of Patrice Evra. He was allowed a completely free header from six yards, as nobody expected him to get his debut Serie A goal. It was also noted that Marchisio placed the ball outside the quadrant, something Andrea Pirlo had also done against Atletico Madrid, so it seems to be a new Juve tactic.

Marchisio’s strike was fingertipped out from under the bar, as it was one-way traffic in Turin. Sinisa Mihajlovic moved his men to 4-3-3 after 20 minutes of total domination. Paul Pogba chested down a very long Leonardo Bonucci ball over the top and fired off target under pressure.

Samp had their first chance of the game on 37 minutes from a corner, as Fabrizio Cacciatore’s shot was deflected into the path of Daniele Gastaldello, forcing Gigi Buffon into a save.

There was a curious moment when Stefano Okaka was tying his laces as the pass came to him. He swung his leg to fire both the ball and his boot off target.

Mihajlovic threw on Gabbiadini for the second half, though Roberto Pereyra immediately fired just over the bar and had another curler beaten away by Romero.

Sampdoria had barely threatened, but equalised with their first genuine shot on target. It was substitute Gabbiadini who completed a counter by curling in from the edge of the box with his trademark left-foot finish into the far bottom corner.

Nobody was ready to tap in Okaka’s pass across the face of goal, while Bonucci was booked for stopping an Eder counter and will be suspended against Cagliari. Okaka was given a yellow card and increasingly tense, so Mihajlovic replaced him with ex-Catania striker Gonzalo Bergessio.

Arturo Vidal’s looping header landed on the roof of the net, while Angelo Palombo’s brave sliding tackle stopped Pogba pulling the trigger from 14 yards.

Gabbiadini almost completed his brace with a deflected left-foot curler towards the far top corner, but Buffon showed he’s still got it by flying for a one-handed save.

Vidal should’ve been sent off in the final minute after he lost possession and then went through the back of Alfred Duncan, but the referee opted against a second booking.

It ended 1-1 and Juventus were held to their third stalemate in a row between Serie A and Champions League.

 

Juventus: Buffon; Lichtsteiner, Bonucci, Ogbonna, Evra; Vidal, Marchisio, Pogba; Pereyra (Coman 78); Tevez (Giovinco 87), Morata (Llorente 71)

 

Sampdoria: Romero; Cacciatore, Gastaldello, Romagnoli, Regini; Rizzo, Palombo, Obiang (Duncan 83); Krsticic (Gabbiadini 46); Okaka (Bergessio 73), Eder

 

Ref: Doveri

 

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

[Socrates 8516]

JUVENTUS - SAMPDORIA

1 - 1

Patrice Evra (12')

Manolo Gabbiadini (51')

Sunday, December 14th, 2014 - 12:30 PM
Juventus stadium, Turin
Referee: Daniele Doveri

Juventus held by Sampdoria

Dec 14, 2014

Juventus have dropped points for the second successive game in Serie A with a 1-1 draw at home to Sampdoria.

The champions made the breakthrough on 12 minutes when Patrice Evra headed in his first goal for the club from a corner.

Juve continued to dominate as Sampdoria were forced further back, and they nearly doubled their advantage 10 minutes later through Claudio Marchisio, but his effort from the edge of the box was kept out by goalkeeper Sergio Romero.

Paul Pogba smashed an effort over the crossbar midway through the opening half, while Carlos Tevez was denied by Romero with 39 minutes played.

Sampdoria carved out a rare chance in the final stages of the half, though Stefano Okaka could only fire wide from 18 yards after the home side had failed to clear their lines.

A tentative second half came to life on 51 minutes when Manolo Gabbiadini equalised for the visitors with a curled effort from the edge of the penalty area following a swift counter-attack.

Chances were few and far between after that as Juve struggled to break their opponents down, though Sampdoria almost snatched the points with two minutes left when Gabbiadini had his long-range drive pushed away by Gianluigi Buffon.

 

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

[Socrates 8516]

JUVENTUS - SAMPDORIA

1 - 1

Patrice Evra (12')

Manolo Gabbiadini (51')

Sunday, December 14th, 2014 - 12:30 PM
Juventus stadium, Turin
Referee: Daniele Doveri

Juventus 1-1 Sampdoria: Bianconeri
Held By Gabbiadini Stunner

Dec 14, 2014

Juventus were left frustrated after failing to snap a two-game winless streak, drawing to highflyers Sampdoria 1-1 at the Juventus Stadium on Sunday afternoon.

The hosts opened the scoring through an unlikely source, courtesy of Patrice Evra’s forceful header, but Manolo Gabbiadini equalised to share the spoils, in what was a highly riveting affair.

Juventus began to dictate proceedings from the outset, dominating possession but struggled to create any genuine chances after 10 minutes.

However, Juventus forward Alvaro Morata almost found the opening after his header was put wide from Roberto Pereyra’s pin point cross.

But the home side did not have to wait long to take the lead with defender Patrice Evra scoring his headed effort into the bottom corner, from a Claudio Marchisio corner on 11 minutes.

The Bianconeri continued to probe the Sampdoria goal and were inches away from doubling their advantage as Claudio Marchisio’s long-range shot was met with a fine finger-tip save by goalkeeper Sergio Romero.

Swashbuckling midfielder Paul Pogba should have found the back-of-the-net, midway through the first-half though squandered his opportunity – blasting his attempt over the cross-bar from six yards.

Chances were few and far between after Pogba’s effort despite both sides exploiting each other’s defensive fragilities, but were unable to capitalise on the situation as Gianluigi Buffon and Sergio Romero were quick off their lines to sweep any danger.

After the interval, the Bianconeri started the brighter once as Pereyra flashed his emphatic attempt just over the bar, while moments later Romero was again at full stretch denying Carlos Tevez’s shot.

However, from the ensuing save the Blucerchiati went on a swift counter-attack to draw level with the three-time reigning Serie A champions.

Inspired substitute, Manolo Gabbiadini expertly dispatched his stunning strike, curling his effort from the edge of the area to restore parity in the 51st minute and register his fifth goal of the season.

The match ebbed and flowed during the second-half as Sampdoria displayed resoluteness in defence and appeared to play on the counter-attack, with Juventus controlling possession.

Juventus centre-back Leonardo Bonucci received a caution for committing a professional foul on Sampdoria’s Eder as the away side were too hot to handle at times on the break.

Arturo Vidal had a header comfortably saved by Romero, as the hosts could not break the deadlock.

Not long after, goal-scorer Gabbiadini’s fabulous shot brought the best out of Buffon who replied by parrying the attempt out for a corner and ensure Juventus stayed level.

Juventus pushed everyone forward to find a winner but those endeavours proved fruitless as it finished 1-1.

 

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

[Socrates 8516]

JUVENTUS - SAMPDORIA

1 - 1

Patrice Evra (12')

Manolo Gabbiadini (51')

Sunday, December 14th, 2014 - 12:30 PM
Juventus stadium, Turin
Referee: Daniele Doveri

Juventus' home run halted by
Sampdoria's Manolo Gabbiadini

Dec 14, 2014

Manolo Gabbiadini came off the bench to score a second-half equaliser as Sampdoria ended Juventus' perfect home run in Serie A with a 1-1 draw on Sunday.

Patrice Evra put the hosts ahead with his first goal for Juve in the 12th minute but the Bianconeri were unable to extend their lead despite having chances to do so and were made to pay.

Gabbiadini struck the equaliser six minutes into the second half to earn Samp a deserved point in Turin.

The outcome sees Juve extend their advantage at the top of Serie A to four points over Roma, who face Genoa later on Sunday, while Samp, who are unbeaten since October 29, have climbed to fifth place.

Juve went into the encounter having won all six of their homes games at the Juventus stadium.

Juve coach Massimiliano Allegri made three changes to the side that held Atletico Madrid to a goalless draw in midweek, a result that saw Juve progress to the Champions League knockout round.

Angelo Ogbonna replaced suspended Giorgio Chiellini in defence while Allegri opted to rest veteran Andrea Pirlo with Claudio Marchisio taking his place in midfield.

Alvaro Morata was chosen ahead of compatriot Fernando Llorente to partner Carlos Tevez in attack.

The hosts enjoyed the majority of the early possession and sent a warning in the fourth minute.

Roberto Pereyra spotted Tevez in the box and his diagonal shot forced Sampdoria goalkeeper Sergio Romero to dive to his right to clear.

Romero had no chance shortly after when Evra got behind Claudio Marchisio's cross from a corner kick and headed the ball past the Argentinian and into the back of the net.

Juve should have doubled their lead in the 21st minute but Romero produced a great save to turn a 20-yard effort around the post from Marchisio at full stretch.

The home side continued to press forward and before the half-hour mark, Paul Pogba's 15-yard shot went over the bar.

Samp finally began to apply pressure of their own and created the first chance two minutes before the interval.

Stefano Okaka drilled a right-footed effort from outside the area that had power but lacked precision.

Samp coach Sinisa Mihajlovic made his first substitution after the restart, with Gabbiadini replacing Nenad Krsticic.

Gabbiadini put Samp back on level terms five minutes after entering the pitch.

Eder set up Gabbiadini just outside the area and he fired a low left-footed shot past Juve goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon and into the corner of the net.

In the 71st minute, Allegri brought in Llorente in place of Morata as Juve went in search of the winner.

Romero was then called on to make two saves to deny Vidal and Llorente's close-range headers from Marchisio's crosses.

With five minutes remaining, Buffon kept his side on level terms with an excellent save, turning aside a left-footed effort from Gabbiadini, in what was the last chance of the game.

 

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

[Socrates 8516]

JUVENTUS - SAMPDORIA

1 - 1

Patrice Evra (12')

Manolo Gabbiadini (51')

Sunday, December 14th, 2014 - 12:30 PM
Juventus stadium, Turin
Referee: Daniele Doveri

Allegri: 'Juve lost intensity'

Dec 14, 2014

Max Allegri said Juventus “can’t play 90 minutes the way we did the first 55” after a 1-1 draw with Sampdoria.

“I think there should’ve been more stoppages, especially with substitutions and time-wasting. We have to accept it,” the Coach told Sky Sport Italia.

“It was a shame we didn’t win, as we dominated the first half with so many chances. We struggled more after the break, Buffon made a great save and we were unable to bring home the victory after doing everything we could.

“You can’t play 90 minutes the way we did the first 55. We created so many opportunities, didn’t allow Sampdoria anything and should’ve made more of our chances.

“Samp are very dangerous on the counter-attack and we conceded on that situation. It’s a pity. The team gave its all and was coming off several games played at a high intensity.

“We remain top of the table and that is what counts.”

Allegri was asked why he introduced Kingsley Coman and Sebastian Giovinco rather than Andrea Pirlo.

“At that moment I preferred an extra striker and maintain solidity, as Samp were still alive on the counter. Coman is rapid and physical, so could cause them problems.

“There were six against four on the goal, so we could’ve comfortably defended against that. It’s a shame.”

Genoa, Sampdoria and Lazio are currently tussling for third place, so who does Allegri tip?

“In terms of quality, Napoli are a little above the rest, but Lazio, Sampdoria, Genoa, Milan and Fiorentina are all capable of getting back into it. I think the battle for third will be tough right to the end.”

 

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

[Socrates 8516]

JUVENTUS - SAMPDORIA

1 - 1

Patrice Evra (12')

Manolo Gabbiadini (51')

Sunday, December 14th, 2014 - 12:30 PM
Juventus stadium, Turin
Referee: Daniele Doveri

Gabbiadini: Sampdoria Played
Well Against Juventus

Dec 14, 2014

Sampdoria striker Manolo Gabbiadini was happy with his side’s point away to Juventus.

Sampdoria drew 1-1 at the Juventus Stadium on Sunday afternoon, with Italian forward Gabbiadini scoring the equaliser for the Blucerchiati.

“We did well, we were able to stop a great team,” Gabbiadini told Mediaset Premium.

The 23-year-old started the game from the bench with suggestions this was due to an impending transfer away from Samp.

“I don’t know, you should ask the coach,” he said when asked about the decision.

Gabbiadini has scored 12 goals in 42 Serie A appearances since signing for Sampdoria in July 2013 for €5.5 million, while Juventus retain a 50 percent ownership of the player.

 

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

[Socrates 8516]

JUVENTUS - SAMPDORIA

1 - 1

Patrice Evra (12')

Manolo Gabbiadini (51')

Sunday, December 14th, 2014 - 12:30 PM
Juventus stadium, Turin
Referee: Daniele Doveri

Player Ratings: Juventus 1-1 Sampdoria

Dec 14, 2014

Juventus drew 1-1 with Sampdoria on Sunday afternoon at the Juventus Stadium in Round 15 of Serie A.

It was a game in which the Bianconeri dominated possession but the Doria defence was very hard to penetrate. Juventus left-back Patrice Evra opened the scoring with a header but Manolo Gabbiadini came on at half-time and rescued a point for the Doriani.

Did we get our player ratings right? Have your say below.

 

Juventus

 

Gianluigi Buffon – 7 – Aware - He performed well as a sweeper keeper, particularly in the first half. Denied Gabbiadini a winner for Samp near the end of the game.

Stephan Lichtsteiner – 6 – Tolerable - The back-pass he made early in the game was almost punished otherwise he was able to push forward most of the time.

Leonardo Bonucci – 5.5 – Suspect - He needed Buffon to cover for him on a few occasions and he had trouble controlling Eder.

Angelo Ogbonna – 6 – Decent - He had to man-mark Okaka throughout the game. He made it tough for the Samp centre-forward but he didn’t shut him down completely.

Patrice Evra – 6 – Mixed - Opened the scoring after 12 minutes and he did well offensively but he gave enough space for Gabbiadini to score the equaliser.

Arturo Vidal – 5.5 – Ineffective - Received a yellow card for a foul on Palombo but he nearly could have made it 2-1 to Juve with a header.

Claudio Marchisio – 6 – Director - He assisted Evra’s goal with the corner from the left. Marchisio is no Pirlo but he helped Juve maintain possession.

Paul Pogba – 7.5 – Electric - The French international was the man who ran the show in midfield and gave Sampdoria some real headaches. He squandered a chance to make it 2-0 in the first half.

Roberto Pereyra – 5.5 – Faded - He started off well but faded. Could have made it 2-0 early in the second half.

Alvaro Morata – 5.5 – Restricted - He hit the post in the first half; otherwise he struggled to wriggle away from the Doria defence.

Carlos Tevez – 6.5 – Energetic - He nearly scored in the opening minutes of the game and he always worked hard in the Juve attack.

 

Substitutes

Fernando Llorente – 4.5 - He replaced his compatriot Morata after 72 minutes but he hardly touch the ball.

Kingsley Coman – N/A - He replaced Pereyra after 78 minutes and he was quiet as well.

Sebastian Giovinco – N/A - Came on for Tevez on 88 minutes and made a few passes in a short timeframe.

 

 

Sampdoria

 

Sergio Romero – 7.5 – Barrier - The Argentine goalkeeper was a thorn in Juve’s side and he made about six important saves.

Fabrizio Cacciatore – 6.5 – Improved - He was beaten defensively at times but he improved as the game went on and he contributed offensively.

Alessio Romagnoli – 5.5 – Inexperienced - He failed to mark Evra for the goal and he received a yellow card for a foul on Morata. Despite being one of this season’s revelations, he needed his older teammates to help him.

Daniele Gastaldello – 7 – Pillar - Played a captain’s game. Whether it was in the air or on the ground, the Juve attack found the Doria centre-back a very hard man to beat.

Vasco Regini – 6 – Atoned - Like Romagnoli, he didn’t man-mark Evra well for the Juve goal, but he made an excellent run from defence to play a part in Gabbiadini’s goal.

Luca Rizzo – 5.5 – So-so - He was getting destroyed defensively but he was decent offensively. The former Modena midfielder might be better suited to being an attacking midfielder than a box-to-box player.

Angelo Palombo – 6.5 – Solid - Didn’t do much offensively at first but he eventually contributed well to the defensive and offensively in the second half. He made an excellent tackle on Pogba with less than 15 minutes remaining.

Pedro Obiang – 6 – Adequate - He had to cover for Rizzo in the first half and worked more in defence than in offense.

Nenad Krsticic – 5 – Minimal - He made a few passes but he barely made an impact in the game and Gabbiadini replaced him at half-time.

Stefano Okaka – 6 – Presence - He struggled to get space during the game but he made sure that Ogbonna did not have an easy time in Juve’s defence.

Eder – 6.5 – Effective - The Brazilian striker made the most of the possession he had. He nearly scored early in the first half but he managed to set-up Gabbiadini’s goal.

Substitutes

Manolo Gabbiadini – 6.5 - Replaced Krsticic at half-time and equalised with an excellent left-foot strike. The Doriani were better offensively when he was on the field and he also came close to winning the game for Doria.

Gonzalo Bergessio – 5.5 - He replaced Okaka after 73 minutes and made one decent solo run.

Alfred Duncan – N/A - Replaced Obiang after 83 minutes and suffered an injury after a cynical foul by Vidal.

 

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