Juventus Season 2014-2015

[Socrates 8516]

 
 

JUVENTUS - NAPOLI

2 - 2

Napoli won 6 - 5 on penalties

Carlos Tévez (5')

Gonzalo Higuaín (68')

Carlos Tévez (106')

Gonzalo Higuaín (118')

Monday, December 22nd, 2014 - 18:30 PM
Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium (Al-Sadd Stadium), ad-Dōha (Doha)
Referee: Paolo Valeri

Juventus 2-2 Napoli AET (Penalties 5-6): Partenopei Win
Supercoppa Italiana After Epic Penalty Shoot Out 

Dec 22, 2014

Napoli defeated Juventus on penalties to win the Supercoppa Italiana at the Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium in Doha, Qatar on Monday evening after the match ended 2-2 following extra time.

Gonzalo Higuain twice pulled the Partenopei level after Carlos Tevez had given Juve the lead during the 120 minutes before an epic penalty shoot out ended when Rafael Cabral saved from Simone Padoin in sudden death.

The Coppa Italia holders began the match twelve points behind Serie A leaders Juventus, but had the first opening in the match with Higuain claiming for a penalty as Giorgio Chiellini awkwardly controlled the ball with his knee before it stuck his arm.

Referee Paolo Valeri dismissed the appeal as Napoli were awarded a corner, but it was the Bianconeri took the lead with their first shot of the game after a defensive mix-up between Raul Albiol and Kalidou Koulibaly.

The central defenders collided as they both looked to deal with a misplaced header back from David Lopez allowing Tevez through on goal to calmly side foot the ball through the legs of Rafael.

The Partenopei managed to recover from the early set back and almost equalised as Chiellini failed to deal with a looping cross from right back Christian Maggio. The ball fell to captain Marek Hamsik and his low shot deflected off the central defender onto the post.

Rafael then twice denied Tevez in quick succession as he first parried away a powerful shot that came from a Fernando Llorente knock down and then made a smart save down to his left side to concede a corner.

Both sides were enjoying short spells of pressure in a competitive first-half with Stephan Lichtsteiner testing Rafael again from after a one-two with Arturo Vidal and Gianluigi Buffon pushed away a curling Higuain shot.

Pirlo was caught in possession as Hamsik played a precise pass that split the Juve defence through for Jose Callejon, but he dragged his shot across goal.

Napoli continued to push forward and Higuain was desperately unlucky as he chipped the ball over Buffon from a very tight angle only for the ball to hit outside of the post.

Pirlo was withdrawn for Roberto Pereyra and the substitute was unable to prevent Jonathan de Guzman from delivering a cross for Higuain to equalise with a close-range header into the bottom-right corner.

Both sides introduced fresh legs as Dries Mertens was introduced for Hamsik and Padoin replaced Lichtsteiner, although Juve had the best opportunities in the final minutes of normal time as Vidal and Tevez dragged shots wide.

Juventus continued to pile on the pressure in the first-half of extra time and Koulibaly made a goal-line clearance to deny Vidal from converting Evra’s cutback from the byline.

Both sides made their final substitutions in the second-half of extra time with Alvaro Morata replacing Llorente and Jorginho was introduced for de Guzman.

Morata made an immediate impact as he was involved in the build up for Juventus retaking the lead.

Paul Pogba played the ball to Tevez, who showed great trickery to escape Koulibaly before firing a low shot into the bottom-left corner.

Buffon needed to be alert first denying Higuain after he managed to get in behind the Juve back four and then sliding in ahead of Callejon to clear after Leonardo Bonucci nearly made a terrible error on the edge of his own box.

However, Higuain was to equalise again with just two minutes remaining as he slid in between Padoin and Chiellini to poke home a finish that wrong footed Buffon.

The penalty shoot out started spectacularly as Buffon first denied Jorginho and Tevez hit the post before the rest were all converted before sudden death.

Mertens and Chiellini both missed on the seventh round of penalties, before Buffon saved from Callejon and Pereyra failed to hit the target.

Koulibaly scored with his penalty going in off the left-hand post and Padoin failed to cope with the pressure as Rafael dived the correct way.

Napoli’s win is only the seventh time out of the previous twenty seven Supercoppa Italiana matches that the Coppa Italia holders have defeated the Serie A champions.

The Partenopei are also the first Coppa Italia holders to win the Supercoppa Italiana since Lazio defeated Inter 2-1 in 2009.

[Socrates 8516]

 
 

JUVENTUS - NAPOLI

2 - 2

Napoli won 6 - 5 on penalties

Carlos Tévez (5')

Gonzalo Higuaín (68')

Carlos Tévez (106')

Gonzalo Higuaín (118')

Monday, December 22nd, 2014 - 18:30 PM
Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium (Al-Sadd Stadium), ad-Dōha (Doha)
Referee: Paolo Valeri

Allegri: 'Juve wasted match balls' 

Dec 22, 2014

Max Allegri felt Juventus threw away the Italian Super Cup with Napoli. “We had three match balls and got them all wrong.”

The Coach failed to win his first silverware with Juve, while the Bianconeri could not set a new record with a seventh edition of the Super Cup.

“Both teams played open football, unfortunately we conceded two minutes from the end. Then we had three match balls in the shoot-out and got them all wrong,” he told Rai Sport.

After a 2-2 draw on the field, it went to a sudden death penalty shoot-out, where even three Gigi Buffon saves were not enough to secure victory.
“We struggled in the first half, then conceded when losing the ball in midfield, so we certainly could’ve done better.

“After the equaliser we raised the tempo and that’s not easy against a technical side like Napoli. We are also a little tired at this stage of the season. We should’ve been more determined in those last two minutes of extra time.”

Allegri was asked about his decision to substitute Andrea Pirlo just moments before the equaliser.

“Andrea is great on the ball, but I needed someone who’d provide a bit more coverage. Unfortunately we conceded straight afterwards.

“The lads put in a good performance, so it’s a shame. We had this Cup two minutes from the end, but are still top of the Serie A table and through to the Champions League knockouts.”

[Socrates 8516]

 
 

JUVENTUS - NAPOLI

2 - 2

Napoli won 6 - 5 on penalties

Carlos Tévez (5')

Gonzalo Higuaín (68')

Carlos Tévez (106')

Gonzalo Higuaín (118')

Monday, December 22nd, 2014 - 18:30 PM
Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium (Al-Sadd Stadium), ad-Dōha (Doha)
Referee: Paolo Valeri

Player Ratings: Juventus 2-2 Napoli
(Penalties 5-6) 

Dec 22, 2014

Napoli won the Supercoppa Italiana at the expense of Juventus after an exciting final in Qatar which ended 2-2 after extra time before the Coppa Italia holders won 5-6 on penalties.

Carlos Tevez opened the scoring in the first half for Juve before Gonzalo Higuain equalised in the second, Tevez netted his second in extra time only for Higuain to wipe out the deficit again and take the game to penalties where Rafael Cabral was the hero after saving from Simone Padoin.

 

Juventus

Gianluigi Buffon – 7 – Excellent - Solid all through the game but really excelled himself to deny Gonzalo Higuain with a strong right hand. Good positioning to clear the danger with his feet at times when his defenders let him down. Made three good saves in the penalty shootout but his teammates couldn’t capitalise on the chances he gave them to win the cup.

Stephan Lichtsteiner – 6 – Nuisance - Feisty, combative and had the better of Faouzi Ghoulam going forwards but lacked a final ball. Less involved as time went on and was replaced by Simone Padoin with 78 minutes gone.

Leonardo Bonucci – 5.5 -Disappointing - Weak header gave Napoli a sight of goal early on but redeemed himself with a block from Hamsik’s shot. Heart in mouth moment after almost gifting Callejon a clear run on goal with eight minutes to go in extra time but he was rescued by his goalkeeper. Didn’t look as elegant on the ball as he often does.

Giorgio Chiellini - 5.5 - Clumsy - Struggled to keep Higuain under wraps and didn’t seem to have the best of understandings with his defensive partners as the Old Lady’s shape wasn’t great at the back.

Patrice Evra – 6 – Competent - Mostly solid and did what he had to do at the back to help but did little else to catch the eye.

Claudio Marchisio – 5.5 – Impactless - Struggled in the middle of the pitch to break up Napoli’s play and direct Juve’s tempo. Appeared off the pace with his first touch and distribution.

Andrea Pirlo – 5.5 – Struggled - Almost made to pay after losing the ball but was bailed out by a Jose Callejon miss. Struggled to control the game in his typical manner but did some good defensive work, taken off after 65 minutes after not displaying what he can really do.

Paul Pogba – 6 – Solid - Good defensive work, showed a desire to get back and make important headers. Excellent determination and strength to bulldoze through Gokhan Inler and assist Tevez for Juve’s second.

Arturo Vidal – 5 – Anonymous - Failed to impose his will on the game as he can and was too often wasteful with his passing and long shots. Didn’t use his physical attributes to pressure the Partenopei in the middle who were able to get on the front foot in the second half.

CARLOS TEVEZ – 8 – Outstanding - Intelligent to put pressure on Napoli defenders for the opening goal and was composed enough to finish with lots of time to think. A constant threat from outside the area, peppering Rafael with powerful efforts. Less impressive in second half like most of Juve team and hooked wide when offered the chance to win it at the end. Sparked back to life in extra time and scored a wonderful, skilful and intelligent second that looked as though it would be the decider.

Fernando Llorente – 6 – Isolated - Did little for much of the game and was sloppy on the ball but got into some clever positions that allowed his strike partner to be more effective.


Substitutes:

Roberto Pereryra- 5.5 – Standard - Did a decent enough job in midfield without really catching the eye and tested Rafael in extra time from long-range but didn’t really look like scoring.

Simone Padoin -5 – Scapegoat - Was average for the majority of his time on the pitch but slightly to blame for Higuain’s second goal after the Argentine bullied the Italian off the ball to score from close range and suffered the indignity of missing the vital penalty.

Alvaro Morata – 5 – Absent - Came on but did very little of note despite the great work from his striker partner.


 

Napoli

Rafael – 7 – Hero - Good saves from Tevez’s efforts from outside the area in the first half. Solid throughout and given the opportunity to be the hero in the penalty shootout and he took it with a wonderful save from Padoin’s effort.

Christian Maggio – 6 – Shackled - Got high up the pitch as he does but frequently over-hit his crosses and his passing was rather sloppy. Unexceptional at the back.

Raul Albiol – 5.5 – Frail - Terrible communication with his defensive partner to gift Juve the opening goal. Got better as the game went on but still struggled greatly with Tevez in front of him.

Kalidou Koulibaly – 5 – Subpar - An embarrassing attempt at a header after a mix-up with Albiol set up Tevez for his first. Didn’t look very impressive comfortable defending set pieces either. Did well to make a crucial goalline clearance in extra time and looked less exposed as the game evolved. Sold by Tevez’s movement for Juventus’s second goal.

Faouzi Ghoulam – 6 – Average - Struggled to deal with Lichtsteiner’s bursts forwards at first but was tidy enough once he adapted.

Walter Gargano – 6 – Fighter - Gave the ball away a lot early on and tried to make up for it by running around and looking feisty. Settled as time went on to put in a solid if not spectacular appearance.

David Lopez – 6 – Mediocre - Awful and weak attempt at heading the back ball to his defenders left Albiol and Koulibaly in the lurch and paved the way for the shambolic error that saw the Bianconeri open the scoring. Pulled himself together to put in a useful midfield performance.

Jonathan De Guzman – 7 – Elegant - Tidy and cultured. Showed that he can knock a ball around. Great dribbling down the flank before setting up Higuain with an excellent cross, taken off tired for the second half of extra time after giving a positive account of himself.

Marek Hamsik – 7 – Promising - Hit the post with a nice effort after 15 minutes and linked up well with his teammates but they struggled to make the most of his creativity. Faded somewhat in the second half and taken off after 78 minutes after putting in a good performance.

Jose Callejon – 6.5- Busy - Missed a great opportunity to equalise in the 53rd minute but continued to get himself in good positions that stretched the opposition out and helped the players near him.

Gonzalo Higuain – 8 – Marvellous - Encouraging link-up play but took a while to perfect his finishing. Unlucky to hit the post after chipping Buffon but the Argentine looked lethal after missing a few chances. Made no mistake with his header to make it 1-1 and notch up the goal he deserved. Great determination to fight through the Bianconeri’s defence to poke in and equalise when Juve seemed to have their hands on the trophy.


Substitutes

Dries Mertens – 6 – Acceptable - Didn’t have the impact that he often does and missed a penalty but did little wrong in ordinary play.

Gokhan Inler – 5.5 – Weak - Looked out of form when he came on and was responsible for letting Pogba through on his way to setting up Tevez for his second.

Jorginho – 6 – There - Came on a and ran around without influencing much. Set the tone for the shootout by missing the opener.

[Socrates 8516]

 
 

JUVENTUS - NAPOLI

2 - 2

Napoli won 6 - 5 on penalties

Carlos Tévez (5')

Gonzalo Higuaín (68')

Carlos Tévez (106')

Gonzalo Higuaín (118')

Monday, December 22nd, 2014 - 18:30 PM
Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium (Al-Sadd Stadium), ad-Dōha (Doha)
Referee: Paolo Valeri

Buffon: 'Second is failure for Juve' 

Dec 22, 2014

Gigi Buffon was disappointed after losing the Super Cup to Napoli on penalties. “At Juventus second place is a failure.”

The captain saved three penalties during the shoot-out, but still ended up on the losing team in Doha.

“These things can happen. Unfortunately it happened to me, to us,” the goalkeeper told Rai Sport.

“Above all we are disappointed because we had three match points to win it clearly – one in extra time and two in the shoot-out – and didn’t do it.

“Compliments to Napoli who achieved this remarkable comeback from a very difficult position.

“When we took the lead 12 minutes from the end, you think more about not running risks, especially as energy and sharpness are not optimal. Despite that, we weren’t focused enough to the end, as the goal for 2-2 is one a team that has to win cannot concede.”

This is the final match of 2014 in Italian football, so how does Buffon rate it?

“The solar year was very positive with many satisfying moments, but we concluded it with second place in a competition we cared about a great deal. Obviously, at Juventus second place is a failure.

“We would’ve been happy to win the trophy, but it can give us more determination and rage to put into the performance if we are in this situation again.”

[Socrates 8516]

 
 

JUVENTUS - NAPOLI

2 - 2

Napoli won 6 - 5 on penalties

Carlos Tévez (5')

Gonzalo Higuaín (68')

Carlos Tévez (106')

Gonzalo Higuaín (118')

Monday, December 22nd, 2014 - 18:30 PM
Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium (Al-Sadd Stadium), ad-Dōha (Doha)
Referee: Paolo Valeri

Juventus vs. Napoli: Even Superman Can't
Save Bianconeri from Super Cup Defeat 

Dec 22, 2014

Sometimes, even the best isn’t quite good enough.

In a season where Juventus have coped wonderfully despite the loss of Antonio Conte, his successor was denied silverware as Napoli won the first trophy of the campaign. The Italian Super Cup was delayed from August due to fixture congestion, and Rafael Benitez’s side will feel the wait was more than worth it.

Indeed, this penalty shootout victory for the Partenopei should prove a huge boost to their previously fragile confidence. Having failed to qualify for the Champions League—suffering a heartbreaking loss in the playoff round—Napoli have struggled in recent weeks but now go into the winter break on a high, as they also sit third in the Serie A table.

For Massimiliano Allegri and Juventus, however, losing the trophy they have won in each of the last two seasons should hardly matter. The coach has steered the team to not only enjoy a three-point lead over nearest rivals Roma, but has also guided them into the latter stages of the Champions League.

Improving on last season’s dismal showing in that competition, he has also implemented a change in formation that bodes well for the future. Discussed in detail here, Allegri’s switch to a 4-3-2-1 framework should allow for further growth away from the previous limitations of the back three.

It was undoubtedly a disappointing night for Allegri, the coach telling RAI Sport that he thought the Bianconeri “could’ve done better,” (h/t Football Italia). Yet there may have been one man left to rue the loss even more: Juventus captain Gigi Buffon.

The goalkeeper turned in a magnificent performance against Napoli, one that brought to mind the very best in a career punctuated with no shortage of incredible displays. Time and again the 36-year-old was called into service, and on each occasion he would prove he was more than equal to the task.

Marek Hamsik’s early shot struck the post and appeared to awaken the World Cup winner, Buffon on top form from that moment on. A superb save from Gonzalo Higuain as the second half began maintained Juve’s lead, before he closed down the Argentinian and saw a lobbed effort again strike the frame of his goal.

Warren Little/Getty Images
He would brilliantly deny the former Real Madrid striker in extra time before saving the Bianconeri yet again after a blunder from Leonardo Bonucci. With the score locked at 2-2 after 120 minutes, the tie would head to penalties, and Buffon would do all he could to lead his side to glory.

Having already saved a penalty this season against Atalanta, the Azzurri captain would raise his game even higher during the shootout. He tipped Napoli’s first penalty from Jorginho onto the post, but a Carlos Tevez miss would subsequently send the tie into sudden death.

Buffon would hand his side the initiative twice more, denying both Dries Mertens and Jose Callejon only to see his team-mates once again fail to deliver. Misses from Roberto Pereyra, Giorgio Chiellini—the latter capping a dire overall display—and Simone Padoin eventually lead to a defeat that the captain will find difficult to palate.

The defence in front of him was poor all night, but the man affectionately dubbed “Superman” by supporters did all he could in pursuit of victory. Having also suffered a tough defeat to Genoa on his 500th Serie A appearance in late October, it has been a difficult campaign for the veteran star.

Eighteen months on from Bayern Munich’s honorary president Franz Beckenbauer labeling him “a pensioner,” per Sky Sports, retirement appears the last thing on his mind. With Manuel Neuer championed as a potential Ballon d’Or winner as the likes of Thibaut Courtois and David de Gea garner major attention, Buffon once again served notice he is far from finished.

Thankfully, the usually excellent Juventus defence ensures he doesn’t need to reach those heights too often, but when there is a job for “Superman,” he always seems to be there.

[Socrates 8516]

 
 

JUVENTUS - NAPOLI

2 - 2

Napoli won 6 - 5 on penalties

Carlos Tévez (5')

Gonzalo Higuaín (68')

Carlos Tévez (106')

Gonzalo Higuaín (118')

Monday, December 22nd, 2014 - 18:30 PM
Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium (Al-Sadd Stadium), ad-Dōha (Doha)
Referee: Paolo Valeri

'We had it in our hands' -
Allegri laments Juventus' Supercoppa lapse 

The former Milan boss was left frustrated with his side's "naive" defending
for Napoli's second equaliser before they spurned three chances to win the shootout. 

Dec 22, 2014

Massimiliano Allegri was left frustrated by Juventus' failure to see out victory in the Supercoppa Italiana, claiming the trophy "was in our hands".

Carlos Tevez twice gave Juve the lead in Doha but Gonzalo Higuain equalised on each occasion, forcing a penalty shootout with his extra-time leveller that came just minutes after his compatriot's second goal in the 2-2 draw.

Tevez also missed from the spot after Gianluigi Buffon had saved Jorginho's opening penalty, while both Giorgio Chiellini and Roberto Pereyra fluffed their lines when they had the chance to seal victory in the shootout before Simone Padoin's crucial miss.

"It was a game between two teams who played expansively. Unfortunately, we had three match-points from the penalty spot, and we had the game in our hands until a few minutes from the end," Allegri told Rai Sport after the match.

"I'm sorry because we had the game in our hands and we lost the goal in such a naive way.

"After 1-1 we raised the tempo. Napoli have good technique and are a very good team. By the end we can blame fatigue but perhaps we need to be more ruthless in extra-time."

Despite the disappointing result, Allegri insists his side can be happy with their season to date as they enter the winter break.

"I'm sorry for the lads who played a good game," the head coach added. "We lost a trophy we had in our grasp but we're first in the league and have progressed in the Champions League, so it's okay."

Juve return to Serie A action against Inter on January 6.

[Socrates 8516]

 
 

JUVENTUS - NAPOLI

2 - 2

Napoli won 6 - 5 on penalties

Carlos Tévez (5')

Gonzalo Higuaín (68')

Carlos Tévez (106')

Gonzalo Higuaín (118')

Monday, December 22nd, 2014 - 18:30 PM
Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium (Al-Sadd Stadium), ad-Dōha (Doha)
Referee: Paolo Valeri

Juventus were outworked and outsmarted
in Super Cup loss to Napoli 

Dec 22, 2014

If a team cannot manage the win when presented with three match points then the trophy is simply not deserved. Against Napoli in the Supercoppa, Juventus choked in the important moments and threw away the opportunity to win a trophy losing 6-5 on penalty kicks after the game ended in a 2-2 draw after 120 minutes.

Talent, character or luck, are just a few of the reasons why a certain team is allowed to lift a trophy. However, in Doha for the Supercoppa final, maturity was the reason the Partenopei are celebrating their victory as it was Rafa Benitez's men who never stopped believing. Immaturity on the other hand, is why Juve will wallow, realising that had they held on to their lead for a few more minutes, they would have avoided the penalty shootout.

Juventus did not play to their potential. They were guilty of too many individual errors, inaccurate with their passing and surrendered possession too cheaply. By contrast Napoli were the more determined side, moving around relentlessly to exhaust the Bianconeri. The diagonal balls combined with their ambitious attacks down the wings should have resulted in more, but their final ball was always disappointing. They simply couldn't demonstrate the efficiency required to truly trouble Juventus.

Yet despite the below-par performance, the Bianconeri were always in control of the game. At the back, they looked comfortable fending off the attacks while they quickly realised the frailties within Napoli's back line, one that backed off and allowed them to shoot. Rather than expend the necessary energy to seal a quick win, they opted to take a back seat and watch as the Partenopei toiled in their attempts to equalise, allowing disinterest to wash over them for large stretches of the game.

Perhaps, like Massimiliano Allegri said, the squad are exhausted at this point in the season, or perhaps this is a side that, in the big moments, fails to exploit its superiority.

The Turin beast was only reawakened when Gonzalo Higuain scored the equaliser. Interestingly, only moments before, Allegri took off Andrea Pirlo and introduced Roberto Pereyra, a move that puzzled the likes of La Repubblica who wondered if it was the reason why Napoli were able to get back into the game. Pirlo may not have been at his energetic best but he was the reason why the team were in control. Pulling the strings from midfield, he was effective when delivering set-pieces and consistently looked to pick out perfect passes for the runners from midfield.

Pereyra's introduction not only led to the equaliser but he deprived the squad of an excellent penalty taker, failing to convert the one he was tasked with dispatching. Allegri was immediately criticised for the substitution in his post-match conference but to be fair to the coach, one could understand his reasoning behind it.

For one thing, Pirlo looked tired and a little slower than usual. While he may not have wanted to come off, he is the type of player who surrenders possession far too easily when not at his best. He had already given the ball away on three spirit occasions, allowing the Partenopei to construct good chances going forward and Allegri wanted more from his team going forward, thinking Pereyra would speed up Juve's play. He wanted quicker movements and thought the substitution would overwhelm the fragile Napoli back line, creating space for the likes of Carlos Tevez. Sadly the result was quite different but it seems rather unfair to criticise his decision.

Pereyra may possess talent and quick feet but his finishing is very poor and he can be a frustrating figure to watch. Essentially, confidence is the reason behind his failure to score and the fact he couldn't convert the penalty demonstrated that perfectly and potentially worsened the problem. Yet he cannot be made the scapegoat, many Juve players failed to play a good game on the night including Arturo Vidal who still can't provide the consistency required.

However, the Old Lady had one particular champion who deserved to be part of the winning team - Gianluigi Buffon. Manuel Neuer can use his feet all day but the Italian is still the greatest goalkeeper we have seen since Lev Yashin, consistently providing us with performances worthy of a symphony of compliments over the years. A phenomenon when he was younger, he still makes the difference at 36, boasting outstanding reflexes that put so many others to shame.

Against Napoli, he made up for the individual errors in defence and earned his team the right to play. When it came to penalties, it was he who made the saves that gifted Juve so many opportunities to win but sadly his teammates couldn't score the penalty they needed to lift the trophy.

Allegri has sought to calm his troops and fans by reminding them that Juve are still in the Champions League and at the top of Serie A so they should not look to complain. The Supercoppa belongs to Rafa Benitez's Napoli and they deserve congratulations.

[Socrates 8516]

 
 

JUVENTUS - NAPOLI

2 - 2

Napoli won 6 - 5 on penalties

Carlos Tévez (5')

Gonzalo Higuaín (68')

Carlos Tévez (106')

Gonzalo Higuaín (118')

Monday, December 22nd, 2014 - 18:30 PM
Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium (Al-Sadd Stadium), ad-Dōha (Doha)
Referee: Paolo Valeri

Juventus boss defends Andrea Pirlo
substitution after shootout defeat 

Dec 22, 2014

Juventus coach Massimiliano Allegri has defended his decision to substitute Andrea Pirlo in Monday's Italian Supercoppa clash, which the Italian champions eventually lost to Napoli on penalties.

Juve lost to the Coppa Italia holders 6-5 in the shootout after the match in Doha finished 2-2 after extra time, with Napoli twice coming from behind to level.

The Bianconeri had two spot-kicks to win the game, but Giorgio Chiellini and Roberto Pereyra both failed from 12 yards with veteran set-piece taker Pirlo unable to take part in the shootout which saw each side take nine shots each.

Pirlo, 35, was replaced midway through the second half and he visibly took out his frustration on a water bottle. Just a minute later, Napoli equalised for the first time in the match.

"At that point of the game, we needed somebody to provide us with a little more cover," Allegri explained to RAI television. "The first 20 minutes of the second half were our worst of the game, but just when it seemed we had put it behind us, we conceded from a ball we should not have lost.

"It happens. We just suffered a bit from tiredness, but then that's normal at this stage of the season. We've lost the Supercoppa just moments from the end, we're top of Serie A and we're through to the last 16 of the Champions League -- I think we can say it's a positive season in spite of this defeat."

Goalkeeper and captain Gianluigi Buffon was also able to see the glass half-full, despite being disappointed to miss out on another trophy.

"It's been an amazing year for us with so much satisfaction, but it has ended with us finishing second in a competition we had our hearts set on," he told RAI. "Coming second for Juve is like a defeat. We've been denied a trophy we would have liked to have won, but this gives us even more anger and motivation in case we are to find ourselves in the same situation again."

For Napoli, it was sweet revenge for the Supercoppa defeat to Juve from three years ago, when their president Aurelio De Laurentiis ordered his side not to take part in the prize-giving ceremony out of protest at the refereeing decisions he felt influenced the game. In hindsight -- and after Monday's victory -- he says that was a mistake.

"This wasn't about gaining revenge for what happened in Beijing," De Laurentiis said. "I got it wrong back then. I made an anti-sporting mistake and I should have sent the team to pick up their medals. It was just a provocation from me because there was a lack of transparency in that game. I'm not accusing anybody, but that night we had a bad feeling."

The feeling was quite the opposite in Doha on Monday, however.

"I'd say this was a win for Italian football tonight," he continued. "We've had a rivalry with Juve since our recent days together in Serie B. We got lucky on penalties, but it would be nice to see this kind of effort and continuity in the league now. It was a fantastic effort, honoured by everybody."

Honoured and won by Napoli coach Rafael Benitez, who praised his side's attitude, even if it could be said it is his winning touch in cup finals which made the difference. Monday's was the 12th title of his career, but discounting the two Spanish league wins with Valencia, it was his 10th trophy won in a single game.

"In one-off matches, he doesn't let you down so that shows I was right to appoint him," De Laurentiis said. "He's a gentleman who can teach people about football. We just need patience for him to apply his methods."

[Socrates 8516]

 
 

JUVENTUS - NAPOLI

2 - 2

Napoli won 6 - 5 on penalties

Carlos Tévez (5')

Gonzalo Higuaín (68')

Carlos Tévez (106')

Gonzalo Higuaín (118')

Monday, December 22nd, 2014 - 18:30 PM
Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium (Al-Sadd Stadium), ad-Dōha (Doha)
Referee: Paolo Valeri

Ratings: Juventus 2-2 Napoli
(5-6 pens) 

Two goals from Gonzalo Higuain helped to drag the tie to penalties, cancelling out
the finishes from his compatriot Carlos Tevez, before Simone Padoin missed the crucial effort. 

Dec 22, 2014
 

Juventus

1 GIANLUIGI BUFFON -Made a few routine saves before the break and was in top form in extra time keep Higuain at bay. Excellent in the penalty shootout, too.

26 S. Lichtsteiner - Tireless down the right-hand side and broke into the penalty area with frequency. His deliveries weren't bad, either.

19 L. Bonucci - Confident on the ball, but almost made an extra-time error which allowed Callejon a chance to put the contest to bed.

3 G. Chiellini - His defensive lapses in concentration could be attributed to both of Higuain's goals.

33 P. Evra - Solid defensively, with Maggio having no change out of the Frenchman, and was brilliant when linking up with Pogba offensively.

8 C. Marchisio - Composed and tidy in possession as ever, and tracked back well to help out his defence.

21 A. Pirlo - Wasn't afraid to shoot from range or hang up good balls for Llorente to attack, but struggled to cut Napoli's lines apart.

6 P. Pogba - Did his defensive duties well in the first half and kicked on offensively as the game progressed. Linked up brilliantly with both Tevez and Evra and was heavily involved in the second goal.

23 A. Vidal - Tried his luck from around the edge of the penalty area, but was unable to test Rafael. Worked back defensively in midfield.

10 C. Tévez - Took advantage of a defensive error to give Juventus the lead and was denied on several occasions by good saves from the goalkeeper. A piece of individual inspiration gave him the space to convert his second.

14 Llorente - Held the ball up brilliantly and had a couple of half-chances himself. Unselfish in his play with Tevez.


Substitutes

37 R. Pereyra - Neat on the ball and clipped some interesting passes into the box, but skied his penalty when the cup was within Juve's grasp.

20 S. Padoin - Offered work rate and fresh legs, but little in the way of technical craft. Missed the decisive penalty.

9 Álvaro Morata - Displayed a good touch and held the ball up fairly well and converted his penalty calmly.


 

Napoli

1 Rafael - Made a couple of good first-half saves to keep Tevez at bay and ensured that the game didn't get beyond Napoli. Made some fantastic stops in the shootout.

11 C. Maggio - Competed well with Evra and Pogba throughout the second half and forayed forward in support of attacks when possible.

33 Albiol - Part of a poor defensive mix-up to gift Tevez the opener and didn't look entirely comfortable against the Argentine throughout.

26 K. Koulibaly - Made a terrible defensive error for the opening goal, but made up for his mistake with a good goal-line clearance to deny Vidal late on.

31 F. Ghoulam - A constant outlet down the left-hand side, willing to deliver crosses from the byline. Solid defensively and converted his penalty with aplomb.

77 W. Gargano - Was disciplined in his approach and battled until the very end, as well as holding his nerve in the penalty shootout.

19 David López - Sat in front of the defence and looked to set counter-attacks on their way, but wasn't impressive in terms of long-range efforts.

6 J. de Guzmán - Full of tireless running and helped to bring his side upfield throughout. Heavily involved in the build-up to Higuain's first.

17 M. Hamšík - Went close with several good efforts and struck the post in the first half, but couldn't quite carve out the final ball required.

7 José Callejón - Showed good movement and was denied a chance due to an incorrect offside flag late in the first half, but spurned two key second-half opportunities. Fired wide on the break and then put his side at risk by striking the post in the penalty shootout.

9 G. Higuaín - Fairly quiet before the break, despite holding the ball up well, but netted two opportunistic goals to restore parity on two occasions - before holding his nerve from the spot, too.


Substitutes

8 Jorginho - Didn't manage to pick out any telling defence-splitting passes and saw his penalty saved.

88 G. İnler - Sat in front of the defence and helped to shore things up as Juve looked threatening in the later periods.

14 D. Mertens - Struggled to impose himself on the game, which wasn't helped by picking up a needless yellow card.

[Socrates 8516]

 
 

JUVENTUS - NAPOLI

2 - 2

Napoli won 6 - 5 on penalties

Carlos Tévez (5')

Gonzalo Higuaín (68')

Carlos Tévez (106')

Gonzalo Higuaín (118')

Monday, December 22nd, 2014 - 18:30 PM
Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium (Al-Sadd Stadium), ad-Dōha (Doha)
Referee: Paolo Valeri

Under-par Juventus punished
as Napoli claim the Supercoppa 

The champions of Italy were at last undone domestically, and they need
to take their Supercoppa loss as a valuable lesson going forward. 

Dec 22, 2014
 
By Kris Voakes | International Football Correspondent

They took the extremely long route, but Napoli eventually claimed a much-deserved Supercoppa Italiana win on a night when Juventus' recent travails finally caught up with them.

There have been times this season when the Bianconeri have looked far less assured than in seasons past, yet still they lead Serie A by three points at the end of 2014. But on Monday in Doha, they were beaten on penalties after a below-par performance during which they twice failed to hold onto a lead.

Rafa Benitez's side would have been left kicking themselves had they lost the shootout having had most of the better possession and a large majority of the bigger goal-scoring opportunities during the 120 minutes. But their dramatic 6-5 win from the spot ensured that the best team won, even if it took them forever to clinch their first Supercoppa triumph in 24 years.

It has been the Juve way this term to do things the hard way, but to see the job through all the same.

When they were rocked by Roma at Juventus Stadium, they found a way to come back and win. When they were abysmal against Palermo, they still got through it with three points. When Torino dominated the derby, it was the Bianconeri who claimed the spoils right at the end.

But finally they got their comeuppance in Doha. Despite an early Carlos Tevez strike after errors by David Lopez, Kalidou Koulibaly and Raul Albiol had gifted the Argentine a free sight of goal, it was the Partenopei who made all the running.

Chances came and went thereafter for Benitez's troops, most notably when Jose Callejon drove across goal from a gilt-edged opening and then Gonzalo Higuain's attempted lob which came back off the post with Gianluigi Buffon stranded.

In response, the Old Lady had absolutely nothing. The centre-backs played like strangers, the full-backs were extremely tentative defensively, nobody in the midfield got going and Fernando Llorente was again quiet for long spells.

Juve were eventually beaten when Jonathan de Guzman was given all the time in the world to hit the byline and cross for Higuain to ghost between the centre-backs and head beyond Buffon.

The league champions somehow wrestled their way back into the contest, taking the lead once more early in extra time with a fantastic Tevez goal after both he and Paul Pogba had dazzled Napoli defenders on the edge of the box to make space out of nothing.

Yet Juve became kamikaze once more. Higuain was allowed a sight of goal only to be denied by a superb Buffon save, then Buffon and Leonardo Bonucci combined to give Callejon a half-chance before the keeper eventually scrambled clear.

And just when it appeared they had got away with it, Higuain pounced once more in the 118th minute as Allegri's side failed to clear a rudimentary ball into the box.

Juventus' night was summed up best from the penalty spot. Three times Buffon produced magnificent saves, only for team-mates to immediately hand back the initiative. Then when Koulibaly eventually put Napoli 6-5 up, Simone Padoin was denied by a superb stop by Rafael Cabral.

Perhaps the biggest guilty party, though, was Patrice Evra. The experienced Frenchman sat and watched while the likes of Giorgio Chiellini and Roberto Pereyra sent in abysmal efforts from 12 yards to scupper Juve's hopes of finishing off the job.

All in all, it was a very bad night at the office.

Allegri claimed in the build-up to the game that his side could not put a foot wrong against Napoli if they hoped to become the fifth straight league champions to add the Supercoppa to their cabinet. He was spot on.

Cracks have begun to appear in Juve's performances of late, but the results have just about held up. When they finally came unstuck, it cost them a trophy. And it's not like Napoli hadn't let them back in more than once.

The message needs to be absorbed, and quick. Juventus will not keep getting away with under-par performances forever.

[Socrates 8516]

JUVENTUS - INTER

-

Tuesday, January 6th, 2015 - 21:00 PM
Juventus stadium, Turin
Referee: Luca Banti

Inter provide serious threat to Juventus - Lippi

The Nerazzurri performed poorly during the first half of the season but the former
Italy coach expects Roberto Mancini's men to cause the league leaders problems on January 6.

Dec 30, 2014

Inter could derail Juventus’ Scudetto push when the two sides meet upon Serie A’s resumption, according to Marcello Lippi.

The 2006 World Cup-winning boss, who coached both clubs, says that the return of Roberto Mancini has added a new dimension to the Nerazzurri, who travel to Turin on January 6.

Indeed, Lippi firmly believes that even though Inter sit 11th in the table, the San Siro side could well upset the Italian champions.

“It will be a great match, a wonderful proposition," the 66-year-old told Tuttosport.

“Mancini has already begun to turn around Inter. His team is growing, and while they are still alternating between good and bad moments, they have more enthusiasm and new motivation.

“They showed in the second half of their last match against Lazio that they have fighting qualities.”

Lippi added that Inter have more to fight for in the Derby d'Italia than simply the chance to claim a win over the league leaders, arguing that Mancini's men can still challenge for a Champions League berth.

“The clash with Juventus will be very important in terms of the standings for both sides,” he continued.

“But it is also key for the Nerazzurri’s psychological state in particular, because Inter can still make a run for third place in the championship.

“Like Napoli, Milan and Fiorentina, they will see that the spot is very much open.”

Despite their lowly position, Inter lie only six points behind third-placed Lazio.

 

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

[Socrates 8516]

JUVENTUS - INTER

-

Tuesday, January 6th, 2015 - 21:00 PM
Juventus stadium, Turin
Referee: Luca Banti

Kovacic: Inter Working Hard Ahead Of Juventus Match

Dec 30, 2014

Inter midfielder Mateo Kovacic has revealed that the Biscione have started working hard since their return from the holiday break as they prepare to begin their 2015 Serie A run against Juventus on January 6.

The Nerazzurri will have to be at their best against a tough Bianconeri side in Turin, but will first be playing their final match of 2014 in a friendly against Paris Saint-Germain on Tuesday, which the 20-year-old admits will be a fun challenge for the San Siro outfit.

Kovacic spoke to Inter Channel on Monday about the friendly with PSG and the upcoming clash with Juventus, while also commenting on how he spent his holiday and his hopes for 2015.

“Today we are a bit tired as we’ve only recently returned, but tomorrow we will play a great game for fun,” said the Croatian international.

“My holiday? I ate with my family in Croatia. The days passed a bit too quickly, but we are all happy to be back.

“Everyone has been doing their job and working hard since our return, as we have to stay in shape for the big game against Juventus once the league starts back up.

“PSG? We must be careful tomorrow. They’re currently playing to win the Champions League and they’re strong, so we must be careful, but we’ll have fun.

“Will 2015 be the year of Kovacic? We can only hope so.”

 

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

[Socrates 8516]

JUVENTUS - INTER

-

Tuesday, January 6th, 2015 - 21:00 PM
Juventus stadium, Turin
Referee: Luca Banti

The Diverging Destinies of Juventus and Internazionale

Dec 30, 2014

The 26th of July, 2006 is a day that will forever live in infamy in Italian football. It was the day on which, after all had been said and done in terms of various appeal processes, the punishments for the Calciopoli match-fixing scandal were handed down.

Five teams were implicated, none more so than reigning Serie A champions Juventus, who were stripped of their two most recent titles and relegated to the second tier for the first time in their 109-year history.

As well as the anticipated mass exodus of players not interested in playing in Serie B, the Old Lady also had the unenviable task of trying to overcome a deduction of nine points. At the beginning of the 2006/07 season, there was no guarantee that they would be returning to the top flight.

Meanwhile, in Serie A, a new power was already on the rise. Internazionale—who, prior to the scandal, hadn’t won the title since 1989—were awarded Juve’s abdicated title, and with their main championship rivals AC Milan faced with a points deduction of their own, little stood in their way. They eventually collected five consecutive scudetti, bolstered by the fact that they were now the undisputed powerhouse of Italian football and could attract top-tier players.

This status was cemented in 2010, when Jose Mourinho led the club to an unprecedented continental treble that included the Champions League, which Inter had last won in 1965.

Juventus had emerged from Serie B after one season, having held on to key players like Gianluigi Buffon, Alessandro Del Piero, Pavel Nedved and Giorgio Chiellini. They then briefly threatened to pick up where they had left off, but an aging squad and high turnover of managers saw them finish seventh in both 2009/10 and 2010/11.

Few would have expected the 2011/12 season to represent such a dramatic changing of the guard. Juventus returned to the summit, while Inter slumped to sixth, having never been higher than fifth all season.

Two hallmarks of Inter's halcyon period were managerial stability and financial clout. Between 2004 and 2010, the club had just two coaches—Mourinho and Roberto Mancini before him. This cohesion was critical given the amount of money that club owner Massimo Moratti was making available for transfers. Since 2010 and their last title win, the club has had seven head coaches.

Moratti, now no longer the club’s owner, invested around €1.2 billion into the club over his 18 years in charge, much of which was post-2006, with signings such as Samuel Eto’o, Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Wesley Sneijder. However, as shown in Deloitte’s figures for the 2010/11 season, Inter’s overall revenue was just €211.4 million—Real Madrid raked in €479.5 million by comparison. This disparity was critical to the crumbling of Inter’s empire.

In an ironic twist, Inter actually may have suffered due to Juventus’s disappearance from Europe’s top table. Serie A’s popularity had been on the wane since its late '90s heyday, but Juve’s relegation undoubtedly signalled the death knell of the league’s golden period.

With attention turning to Spain as the new rival to the Premier League, Inter were forced to wage an unwinnable battle for international revenue streams. The fact that their income has been rapidly eclipsed by the top Bundesliga and La Liga sides meant that Moratti’s spending simply became unsustainable.

As Inter faltered, Juventus returned in style. Under Antonio Conte, the club went the entirety of the 2011/12 season undefeated, and have won the scudetto every season since. Their triumphs have of course been predicated by their status as Italy’s largest club, as well as their financial prowess, but there has been additional factors.

Like Inter, much of Juve's success is owed to the fact that Conte remained in charge for several seasons, moulding the squad to match his system.

Unlike Inter, however, Juventus decided to rebuild with a focus on pragmatism rather than the star-laden approach that created the long-term financial issues which Inter now face. The likes of Arturo Vidal, Kwadwo Asamoah, and Stephan Lichtsteiner may not have had the same cachet as Ibrahimovic—who left Bianconeri after their relegation—but they've arguably had a bigger impact in the long run.

Their new stadium is a perfect example of this forward-facing approach, and is one which the rest of Italy must look to follow if the country is to return to its pre-Calciopoli status. For Inter, the return of Mancini and the hopefully stable ownership Erick Thohir sets them up well to follow Juve’s example, but to what degree they will remains to be seen.

 

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

[Socrates 8516]

JUVENTUS - INTER

-

Tuesday, January 6th, 2015 - 21:00 PM
Juventus stadium, Turin
Referee: Luca Banti

Lippi backs Juventus for title

Dec 30, 2014

Former Juventus Coach Marcello Lippi believes the Bianconeri will pip Roma to this season’s Scudetto.

Juventus hold a three point lead over Rudi Garcia’s men at the top of the table, and the World Cup winning Coach believes Max Allegri’s side will press home their advantage in the second half of the season.

“Juve and Roma have shown that they have no rivals in the League,” Lippi explained to Tuttosport.

“They’ve made it a two-horse race in a very short time. The Giallorossi will fight with all their strength to get their hands on the Scudetto, but Juve restart in January as favourites.

“Being the favourite doesn’t mean the Bianconeri will definitely win the title, but they have a better chance, for two reasons.

“Roma were initially brilliant, and had a fast start. But they’ve seemed in decline for a few games, they’ve had problems.

“Juggling the League and the Champions League has taken its toll. Roma will continue to use energy for the Europa League.

“Also, certain situations such as the incredible [7-1] defeat to Bayern Munich and the elimination from the Champions League will have their effect, it’s inevitable.

“In Garcia’s favour however, the gap is not large, and they have a second game at home to Juve to come, and the Christmas break usually clears everything and you can start again with a clean slate.

“But my view is that the League will resume with Juve able to maintain their supremacy.

“The second reason? I’m thinking about the Supercoppa. Juve were certainly not at their best, and it started in the best possible way for the Bianconeri, with an instant goal from [Carlos] Tevez.

“The path seemed smooth. It’s not like Juve to allow an equaliser twice, and I think the main cause was fatigue.

“Juve had the Supercoppa on a plate, but they weren’t in great shape in the last few weeks of December.

“Higuain’s quality and Napoli’s desire levelled the game up, and the penalties are a lottery. These kind of things are a one-off, I can understand some bad feelings at the time, but when they return Juventus will show their supremacy.

“They were built to win, as always and they have a great squad, the best in Italy. They have unrivalled experience and are stronger than a year ago.

“Now they’ll be hungrier. The Supercoppa will not have a negative effect, it will only be positive.

“The Bianconeri will be back with even more anger, desire and determination after the disappointment in Doha.

“I know them well, Buffon and his teammates, and they’ll have twice as much ferocity now.

“Juve finished the year top, and with Champions League qualification secured. Twice they took the lead in the Supercoppa, and had one hand on the trophy.

“Losing a trophy on penalties hurts, but it doesn’t indicate a problem.”

 

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

[Socrates 8516]

JUVENTUS - INTER

-

Tuesday, January 6th, 2015 - 21:00 PM
Juventus stadium, Turin
Referee: Luca Banti

Juventus are beatable - Hernanes

The 29-year-old feels the Nerazzurri can start the year with a positive
result against the Bianconeri and mount a challenge for third place.

Jan 2, 2014

Hernanes says Juventus are "beatable" and is confident Inter can begin 2015 by shocking the Serie A champions on Tuesday.

The Bianconeri are top of Italian top flight, but were stunned by Napoli in the Italian Super Cup as they lost 6-5 on penalties after the game ended 2-2 in their final match before the winter break.

Inter are well off the pace in 11th spot in Serie A but Hernanes, who recently returned from an injury lay-off, is confident of starting the New Year with a victory over Massimiliano Allegri's men.

"We must start well, then we'll see what happens. I do not do predictions, but I feel it will go well for us," Hernanes said to La giornalaccio rosa.

"We will have to be aggressive, but also ordered and polished. Inter are close to a turning point.

"You can talk about different statistics of the latest games, including possession, but we have to be more consistent in a single match - often carelessness costs us dearly.

"Yes [Juve are beatable], it showed against Genoa. But it remains very tough as they have since found additional confidence and security by reaching the next round of the Champions League.

"When I was at Sao Paulo we closed a gap of 11 points in the second round of fixtures and won the title. We must always believe. If we correct the details on which we are working, we will arrive at the top."

 

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

[Socrates 8516]

JUVENTUS - INTER

-

Tuesday, January 6th, 2015 - 21:00 PM
Juventus stadium, Turin
Referee: Luca Banti

BONUCCI: DERBY D’ITALIA ‘INSPIRES GREAT FEELINGS’

Jan 2, 2014

Leonardo Bonucci says Juventus are approaching the Derby D’Italia ‘full of motivation’ and believes the match ‘inspires great feelings.’

Speaking to JTV ahead of the game, Bonucci discussed the importance of the game against Inter Milan as well as the upcoming Champions League matches in February and March.

“I’m in a good condition, though of course these last couple of days have been intense as we charge our batteries to end the season as protagonists, like always,” said the defender.

“We’re coming into the game the way we have to, full of motivation.We closed the year with a defeat [against Napoli in the Supercoppa Italiana] and when you’re playing for Juventus it’s never good to lose a trophy.

“We must start again strong, and the upcoming Derby d’Italia inspires great feelings in the tifosi – but we feel it even more strongly, because we must continue the positive streak that made us the League’s protagonists of the last few years. And of course we must keep our distance with Roma.”

Juventus have been drawn against Borussia Dortmund in the last 16 of the Champions League with the first match to be played in Turin.

“Borussia are a great team, we mustn’t be fooled by their current standing in the League.

“In any case we’re aware of having grown over the last few months as a team, even at a European level, especially in the concentration and the handling of the games.

“This two-legged match against Borussia will tell us the level that Juventus have reached. What’s certain is that we’ll play two great matches and we’ll focus on the target of qualifying to the next turn.

“In the championship, if you take away the path that we’re following in parallel with Roma, we have a balanced situation in the middle of the standings.

“This means that every game could be hiding dangers. We’ll have to be careful never to lower our guards and always closing the games, because as the match against Sampdoria proved, any missed opportunity results in points dropped along the road and this must not happen. Every game has to be finished with three points in the bag.”

 

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

[Socrates 8516]

JUVENTUS - INTER

-

Tuesday, January 6th, 2015 - 21:00 PM
Juventus stadium, Turin
Referee: Luca Banti

Podolski: 'I am a Juve fan'

Jan 2, 2014

Lukas Podolski’s adventure starts with a hitch, as an old interview reveals him praising Juventus at Inter’s expense.

The striker flew in last night and underwent his medical this morning before visiting the Appiano Gentile training ground.

He is due to complete the loan transfer from Arsenal with option to buy at the end of the season.

However, the German international is being bitten by past comments he made to La giornalaccio rosa dello Sport in 2007, soon after the Calciopoli scandal that saw Juve demoted.

“In Italy I support Juve. As a kid I was so enthusiastic about Zidane and Del Piero,” said Podolski at the time.

“Now they are in Serie B – and that’s why Inter are winning the Scudetto. I am a real fan of Italian football and love Juve. Ah well, Inter deserve it...”

The comments are particularly ill-timed considering Podolski could well make his Inter debut against Juventus on Tuesday night.

 

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

[Socrates 8516]

JUVENTUS - INTER

-

Tuesday, January 6th, 2015 - 21:00 PM
Juventus stadium, Turin
Referee: Luca Banti

JUVENTUS V INTER –
SITTING DOWN WITH THE ENEMY

In this edition of Sitting Down with the Enemy, we sit down with Siavoush Fallahi, a Swedish sports journalist who is also

one of the creators of SempreInter.com, which is part of the Football Collective network of team sites

along with JuveFC.com. Sia spoke to us about the upcoming derby d’Italia.

Jan 3, 2014

Q: Roberto Mancini hasn’t immediately righted the ship at Inter, with only two wins in seven games. However, Mancini has had the upper hand versus Juventus, at least in recent outings. While last year he bested Antonio Conte in a tactical fight, he now has to compete with Max Allegri. Do you predict Mancini will be able to nullify Juve’s tactics once again?

A: I would say the situation is completely different due to various reasons. First of all when Mancini got results against Conte that was in Europe where Juve don’t have the same superior mentality as in Europe and second of all the game away against Galatasaray was very special. I mean the snow and the field made tactical preparations nearly impossible to distinguish and it was clear that an individual performance would decide the game. I think that Mancini, taking over from Mazzarri is building something mentally wise at Inter and therefore, seeing as Juventus has a far superior team Inter needs to focus on taking this game on with the right mentality. All players need to give 120% sticking to the gameplan and limit their mistakes. So more than thinking about nullifying Juve’s tactics, Inter needs to think about themselves and their game. This is the only way to build something important for the future and there’s no better game starting to do so than against the best team in the championship.


Q: Which of the Inter attack most excites you for this match, and why?

A: It’s really hard not to say Mauro Icardi seeing how he has done against Juve in his previous games. The three goals with Sampdoria and that one goal at the San Siro gives him four goals in three games against Juventus in all competitions. I was at the Meazza when Icardi scored against Juve and I actually took a five row stage dive when the goal was scored. Juve has had many “Inter killers” through out the years but Inter hasn’t really had many. Those who immediately come into mind are Julio Cruz and also surprisingly Muntari and Balotelli. In Icardi Inter has a Juve killer that they need to take care of and I’m mostly excited about seeing how Icardi will do at the Juventus Stadium.


Q: Mateo Kovacic was in excellent form before the winter break. How can Juventus stop him, and if not, is he enough to change the outcome of the match for Inter?

A: A lot of Inter’s offensive play is handled by Kovacic and when he has one of those nights he can do whatever he want. Though there’s a danger with him as well. Against Lazio he dropped the ball in dangerous positions many times but seeing as Lazio were defending with 10 men on their half, Lazio failed to punish Inter. This will not be the case against Juve since Juve won’t play with the catenaccio against Inter. This will both give Kovacic more space to operate on but it will also be more crucial if he drops the ball. Juve needs to stop Kovacic collectively and with the likes of Marchisio and Vidal on the midfield, they have everything to do so. But, one most always remember just as you guys know with Pirlo. Even though you take these players out 92 minutes of the game they will need one second of brilliance to win it in the 93rd.


Q: Which Juventus player will be the biggest danger for Inter?

A: Juve have many threats. Tevez against Ranocchia won’t be fun to watch but in these games I always tend to fear Vidal and Marchisio a lot. Vidal is a player who enjoys the biggest matches(even though he has had a slow start this season) and Marchisio always scores against Inter.


Q: What do you make of Inter’s switch to a back three as part of Mancini’s tactics? Has Mancini made any other notable changes from Mazzari’s tactics?

A: With Mazzarri’s three man defense some of the defensive flaws of our defenders were better covered. Though now with this formation and with Mancini Inter is creating something that we can rely on and improve in the future as well. Inter is very much more entertaining to watch and we actually play good football at times. Against Lazio we were dominating the whole game and in the second half we mixed posession with the right intensity and created loads of chances. I’ve always thought that this is the best way to play football and I can also see us counter attacking quickly now, something that never happened under Mazzarri’s time. Mancini’s football is a better way to go both in the longer perspective and in the shorter perspective and also the team seems to be playing with some emotions now. They have enthusiasm and show rage when we let goals in.


Q: What is the key for Inter to get a positive result from this match?

A: Score on the chances we get. Concentrate 100% all the time. Don’t be afraid.

 

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

[Socrates 8516]

JUVENTUS - INTER

-

Tuesday, January 6th, 2015 - 21:00 PM
Juventus stadium, Turin
Referee: Luca Banti

Mancini knows how to beat Juventus - Milito

The striker scored twice in the shock 3-1 win in Turin two seasons ago
and he has backed the new head coach to record a similar result on Tuesday.

Jan 4, 2014

Former Inter striker Diego Milito believes Roberto Mancini is the right man to record a win when they visit Serie A leaders Juventus on Tuesday.

Milito inspired a second-half fightback in Turin in November 2012, scoring twice to ensure a 3-1 win for the Nerazzurri which ended the home side's 49-game unbeaten streak in the division.

Mancini - who replaced Walter Mazzarri as head coach in the autumn - masterminded a 3-2 win away to Juventus in the Coppa Italia quarter-finals in 2008, and Milito is confident he is the right man to spring another surprise this week.

"Every game is different. It was right to have that [attacking] attitude that night, it surprised Juventus," he told Tuttosport of the 2012 win. "It's a great memory as we collected three points at a stadium where no one had won.

"The Inter dugout has an experienced coach in Mancini who is sure to interpret the game well. Inter have already won in Turin against Juventus with him."

Milito also remains confident that Inter can enjoy Europa League success and reach the top three this season - though he admits it is a two-horse title race.

"I hope so - they're able to get there," he said of Inter's top-three chances. "When you wear the Nerazzurri shirt you have to try to achieve every goal, including winning the Europa League.

"The Bianconeri remain the strongest, although Roma will fight for the Scudetto until the end."

Lukas Podolski is set to join the club on a loan deal from Arsenal and Milito feels they have secured a good signing.

"He's a good player and I hope he'll do well at Inter," the Argentine added.

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

[Socrates 8516]

JUVENTUS - INTER

-

Tuesday, January 6th, 2015 - 21:00 PM
Juventus stadium, Turin
Referee: Luca Banti

Juventus V Inter – Preview:
Nerazzurri In Search For A Belated Christmas Gift

Jan 4, 2014

Juventus are set to host Inter in Serie A in the 215th Derby d’Italia at the Juventus Stadium on Tuesday.

In spite of being a derby played between two of the most successful clubs in Italy, both teams enter the game on the opposite sides of the spectrum. The Bianconeri have achieved 11 points from their past five games with three wins and two draws, whilst the Nerazzurri have registered only one win and two draws in their past five encounters.

This form perfectly reflects each side’s place in the Serie A table. Juve are currently top of the table with 39 points, while Inter find themselves in a lowly 11th place, 18 points behind their rivals.

Last season’s games saw Juventus grab a 3-1 win at the Juventus Stadium courtesy of goals from Stephan Lichtsteiner, Giorgio Chiellini, and Arturo Vidal – with Vidal himself scoring a late equaliser to salvage a draw for his side earlier on in the season at the Stadio Giuseppe Meazza.

The past five games between both sides have seen a clear Turinese advantage with La Vecchia Signora winning thrice, one draw, and a lone win for Inter which was back in 2012/2013; a victory that ended the Bianconeri’s 49-game unbeaten run.

The overall head-to-head encounters also indicate a Juve advantage, with the Bianconeri achieving 94 wins compared to Inter’s 67, whilst also scoring more goals than their rivals, with 305 goals in 214 games.

Juventus coach Massimiliano Allegri will miss the services of Martin Caceres, Andrea Barzagli, Kwadwo Asamoah, Romulo, and Luca Marrone all due to long-term injuries.

Roberto Mancini on the other hand will miss Yuto Nagatomo and Ibrahima Mbaye who are both on international duty for Japan and Senegal in the Asian Cup of Nations and the African Cup of Nations, respectively.


Expected Starting XIs

Juventus: Buffon; Lichsteiner, Bonucci, Chiellini, Evra; Pirlo, Marchisio, Vidal; Pereyra; Tevez, Llorente.

Inter: Handanovic; D’Ambrosio, Ranocchia, Juan Jesus, Dodo; Medel, Guarin, Kuzmanovic; Kovacic; Palacio, Icardi.

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

[Socrates 8516]

JUVENTUS - INTER

-

Tuesday, January 6th, 2015 - 21:00 PM
Juventus stadium, Turin
Referee: Luca Banti

Preview: Juventus-Inter

There’ll be no time for festive hangovers for Juventus and Inter as their first game
back is one of the biggest matchups in Italian football – the Derby d’Italia.

Jan 4, 2014

The Bianconeri will be hoping for much the same in the New Year, having suffered just one Serie A defeat and remaining unbeaten on home soil. However, with their loss in the Italian Super Cup on penalties to Napoli still fresh in the mind, Max Allegri will be hoping his side can return to winning ways with the visit of the Nerazzurri on Tuesday night.

Having gone five games without a goal, current Capocannoniere leader Carlos Tevez’s strike against Cagliari, and subsequent brace in the Super Cup, was a welcome relief for a side struggling to find a fellow regular scorer. Indeed, Tevez’s total of 10 league goals is double that of the Old Lady’s next top scorer, midfielder Arturo Vidal, whilst other striking options Fernando Llorente, Alvaro Morata, Kingsley Coman and Sebastian Giovinco can’t match that tally combined. However, only the three sides in the relegation zone, plus Palermo and Hellas Verona have conceded more goals than Inter in 2014-15, so perhaps this is the kick-start they need.

The visitors, meanwhile, have endured their worst start to a season since the turn of the Millennium but, having fought back from two goals down to earn a late point last time out against Lazio and with owner Erik Thohir seemingly willing to back Coach Roberto Mancini in the January transfer window, there is a cautious air of optimism in the blue and black half of San Siro. That will be boosted further if Lukas Podolski’s international transfer comes through in time to let him make his debut.

With Japanese full-back Yuto Nagatomo away on international duty for the Asia Cup and the indifferent form of Dodo, an opportunity for Italian defender Danilo D’Ambrosio has arisen. The attack-minded former Torino man has started just four games in Serie A this term, but has firmly locked his place in the side in recent weeks, even providing an assist for Rodrigo Palacio’s equaliser against the Aquile.

Inter have won just twice since the end of October and once since Mancini’s arrival in November, so will be hoping Palacio’s first goal of the season and the revelation of Mateo Kovacic in the Number 10 role can upset the odds in Turin.

The last time Inter were victorious at the home of the Old Lady (in November 2012) Juve had gone the entire 2011-12 campaign unbeaten at home and a total of 32 matches without defeat at the Juventus Stadium. It was their first defeat in their new home. Juve are currently unbeaten at home this season, a run since the end of 2012 now totalling 37 matches. Can lightning strike twice?

Keep an eye on: Mateo Kovacic (Inter) - The Croat is revelling in his new Number 10 role under Mancini and has scored two goals in as many Serie A games, including a spectacular volley.


Form Guide: Juventus (W W D D W) Inter (D L L W D)

Last season: Juventus 3-1 Inter

Stat fact: Inter have conceded six goals in the opening quarter of their league games so far this season, a total only beaten by Cagliari (nine). Conversely, eight of Juve’s goals have come in the opening 20 minutes. Expect early fireworks.
 
 
Juventus (probable): Buffon; Lichtsteiner, Bonucci, Chiellini, Evra; Marchisio, Pirlo, Pogba; Vidal; Tevez, Llorente

Suspended:None

Inter (probable): Handanovic; D’Ambrosio, Ranocchia, Juan Jesus, Campagnaro; Hernanes, Medel, Kuzmanovic; Kovacic; Icardi, Palacio

Suspended: None

 

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

[Socrates 8516]

JUVENTUS - INTER

-

Tuesday, January 6th, 2015 - 21:00 PM
Juventus stadium, Turin
Referee: Luca Banti

Banti referee for Juve-Inter

Jan 4, 2014

Luca Banti will officiate Tuesday night’s often controversial Derby d’Italia between Juventus and Inter.


The following referees have been assigned to the games, which will be played on Monday and Tuesday to start 2015 in calcio.

Chievo-Torino (Abisso)

Empoli-Verona (Giacomelli)

Genoa-Atalanta (Irrati)

Juventus-Inter (Banti)

Lazio-Sampdoria (Calvarese)

Milan-Sassuolo (Di Bello)

Palermo-Cagliari (Doveri)

Parma-Fiorentina (Damato)

Udinese-Roma (Guida)

 

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

[Socrates 8516]

JUVENTUS - INTER

-

Tuesday, January 6th, 2015 - 21:00 PM
Juventus stadium, Turin
Referee: Luca Banti

Podolski still can't train with Inter

Jan 4, 2014

Lukas Podolski’s chances of making his Inter debut against Juventus are dwindling, as Arsenal still haven’t provided paperwork.

The striker has been in Milan since Friday evening, passed his medical on Saturday and was present at the Appiano Gentile training ground this weekend.

However, for the second day running, Podolski has been unable to actually train with his new teammates, sent to work separately in the gym.

This is because the international transfer has not yet come through from Arsenal.

It is not clear what is causing the hold-up, but Inter fans are becoming increasingly frustrated.

Roberto Mancini had hoped to give Podolski his debut in the Derby d’Italia against Juventus.

It kicks off on Tuesday at 21.00 CET.

 

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

[Socrates 8516]

JUVENTUS - INTER

-

Tuesday, January 6th, 2015 - 21:00 PM
Juventus stadium, Turin
Referee: Luca Banti

JUVENTUS V INTER MILAN MATCH PREVIEW

Jan 4, 2014

 

Juventus

After a disappointing loss to Napoli in the SuperCoppa and a long winter break, Juventus and Serie A return. 2015 starts off in strong fashion for the Old Lady, with a derby d’Italia matchup versus rivals Internazionale. Inter have had mixed results since hiring Roberto Mancini but look to make a strong statement with their new coach versus a team he has fare relatively well against recently.

Luckily Juve’s starters are fully rested. Gianluigi Buffon, who had been starting but not at 100% health before the break, is recharged and will start in goal. Leonardo Bonucci and Giorgio Chiellini make up the preferred centerback pairing and Stephan Lichtsteiner will start at right back while Patrice Evera starts at left back. Of course, with Kwadwo Asamoah out injured, Evra is a lock to start against quality opponents.

Andrea Pirlo will start in midfield along with the rest of the usual suspects: Paul Pogba, Claudio Marchisio, and Arturo Vidal. Vidal is likely to play in the more advanced midfield role on the pitch, the “1” in 4-3-1-2 as he has in recent games. Luca Marrone is still out, so Roberto Pereyra and Simone Padoin are the options for substitutions.

Finally, Carlos Tevez is once again expected to start. Tevez starting is one of life’s guarantees, like death and taxes and calcio fans complaining about referee’s decisions. Fernando Llorente is expected to partner him, which means Alvaro Morata is expected to come on for Llorente at the 70th minute.
 
 
Predicted Lineup

4-3-1-2 : Buffon; Lichtsteiner, Bonucci, Chiellini, Evra; Pirlo, Pogba, Marchisio, Vidal; Tevez, Llorente
 

Injuries

Andrea Barzagli (Heel), Kwadwo Asamoah and Romulo (Both undergone knee surgery.

Luca Marrone (Thigh) and Martin Caceres (Thigh) are returning to match fitness.


 

 Inter

It’s tough to have a feel for the Mancini II’s Inter and the coach himself probably hasn’t figured out what the best lineup for the current squad is yet. In seven games, they have won against Chievo Verona and Dnipro, drawn against Milan, Qarabag and Lazio and lost against Roma and Udinese. He has fielded seven different XIs.

The main problem for Mancini is that he wants to play with two wingers, but he hasn’t any in the roster. Therefore, he often tried far-fetched lineups with either Mateo Kovacic, Fredy Guarin, Mauro Icardi, Rodrigo Palacio and Dodo on the flanks. None of this experiments has worked: the management is trying to give him two offensive wingers (the purchase of Lukas Podolski should be announced before the match) so he can build a passable 4-2-3-1, with 4-3-3 being the fallback option.

For this match, 4-3-1-2 remains by far the most logical formation: Kovacic is blossoming (four goals, two assists) and he’s at his best behind two strikers, rather than in a four or three-man midfield; Zdravko Kuzmanovic has unexpectedly revived his career after his putrid eleven months under Walter Mazzarri; in a position slightly more distant from the goal, Guarin doesn’t threaten the spectators’ health with a hundred shots in the stands per game and Gary Medel is actually an above average barrier in front of the defense. Icardi-Palacio is a natural and well-combined pair. Hernanes and Yann M’Vila could be two alternatives, but the Frenchman hasn’t played that much and the midfield would be weakened with Hernanes in for Kuzmanovic. Inter have played their best football with this tactic and I expect Mancini to be clever, even if his beliefs would prefer other schemes.

The defense is a problem: they have conceded many comical goals where the defenders made ridiculous blunders or looked by statues, with the opponents gliding past them at ease. Yuto Nagatomo is unavailable due to AFC Asian Cup, Jonathan is questionable (and probably fallen out of favor, like Nemanja Vidic at this point): the defensive line should be composed by Danilo D’Ambrosio, Andrea Ranocchia, Juan Jesus and Dodo. Certainly not the stoutest defense in the world. Hugo Campagnaro could be an (uninspiring) alternative as RB.

The players tend to be a little rusty in the first game after the winter break, but this time off was certainly helpful for Mancini. Since he was appointed, Inter hadn’t really showed something remotely close to an organized team play, maybe he was able to implement some of his principles in the last week of practices. Juventus will have to focus mainly on the singles’ play, like Kovacic’s ability with the ball, Icardi’s incisiveness in the box and Palacio’s craftiness, even though he hasn’t been himself since suffering an ankle injury in the World Cup. Pablo Daniel Osvaldo isn’t likely to start, but he’s been very sharp so far in this season and he has been arguably their best performer, besides Samir Handanovic.

Inter have massively underachieved in a season where the race for the final UCL sport is wide open due to Napoli’s early struggles. They are desperately looking for that game, that performance that can turn their season around, allowing them to make a strong push towards the noblest areas of the table (they are currently in a baffling 11th position). Will it be the match against Juventus?
 
 
Predicted Lineup

4-3-1-2 : Handanovic; D’Ambrosio, Ranocchia, Juan Jesus, Dodo; Guarin, Medel, Kuzmanovic; Kovacic; Icardi, Palacio.
 

Injuries

Jonathan


 

Formation
 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AfPzEQ8qQiA#t=11

 

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

[Socrates 8516]

JUVENTUS - INTER

-

Tuesday, January 6th, 2015 - 21:00 PM
Juventus stadium, Turin
Referee: Luca Banti

Pogba: Juventus Must Begin 2015
With A Victory Over Inter

Jan 4, 2014

Juventus midfielder Paul Pogba is adamant the Bianconeri must begin 2015 with a victory as they get ready to square off against rivals Inter on Tuesday.

The Old Lady host the Nerazzurri in the Derby d’Italia, and the French starlet believes his side must get off to a great start for the new year as they look to ward off title challengers Roma.

“We need to start the new year with a victory, that’s the most important thing,” Pogba told Sky Sport Italia.

“Last year we defeated Roma at the restart and we are looking to repeat ourselves.

“The match against Inter is like a derby, a very difficult and important match, but we absolutely want to win it.”

Juventus ended the first half of the Serie A season with a 3-1 win away to Cagliari, while Inter came back from 2-0 down to draw 2-2 at home to Lazio. 

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