Juventus Season 2014-2015

[Socrates 8518]

JUVENTUS - CHIEVO VERONA

-

Sunday, January 25th, 2015 - 3:00 PM
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Davide Massa

Pirlo out of Juventus-Chievo

Jan 24, 2014
 
Andrea Pirlo has not recovered from flu and therefore misses out on Juventus-Chievo.

It kicks off on Sunday at 15.00 CET.

The midfielder was the latest to have picked up the illness from teammate Gigi Buffon and missed several days of training.

Coach Max Allegri decided not to risk Pirlo and has left him to rest for this game.

Kwadwo Asamoah and Romulo are injured, but Angelo Ogbonna is included.

Andrea Barzagli makes a welcome return to the squad in order to acclimatise, though Allegri pointed out he is “still a long way” from a comeback.


Juventus squad for Chievo: Buffon, Chiellini, Caceres, Ogbonna, Pogba, Pepe, Marchisio, Morata, Tevez, Coman, Giovinco, Llorente, Barzagli, Bonucci, Padoin, Vidal, Lichtsteiner, Storari, Evra, Rubinho, Pereyra, Marrone

 

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

[Socrates 8518]

JUVENTUS - CHIEVO VERONA

-

Sunday, January 25th, 2015 - 3:00 PM
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Davide Massa

Juventus vs. Chievo Preview: Round 20
It's so nice to be home

Jan 25, 2014
 
The city of Verona has been very kind of Juventus over the last 10 days or so. Just how kind? Let's try on 10 goals in two games within four days kind of kid. That's just how well things went for Juventus on Jan. 15 and Jan. 18, respectively. The first win was fun — and then the good times seemed to only carry over into the weekend.

(Luckily we're not talking about the beginning of the college semester, so there's no need to worry about any kind of weekend hangover here.)

The only thing is, though, Juventus won't be playing Hellas Verona on Sunday afternoon in Turin. Or any time soon, really. It won't be until the final game of the season on the last day of May Nope, it will be Hellas' inner-city rivals, Chievo, that is visiting Juventus Stadium this weekend. Mark it down as the third of three straight Verona-centric games in Turin for Max Allegri's squad, which they've certainly taken advantage of thus far.

So as we officially enter the second half of the Serie A season, what does Allegri has to say?

JuventusFC ✔ @juventusfcen
.@OfficialAllegri: "Every game is important from now until the end of the season. We can't afford to put a foot wrong, many wins to go."

Let's just go ahead and consider that to be especially true against a Chievo side that is just two points out of a relegation spot entering Sunday's action.

Yes, Chievo — which Juventus 1-0 at the Bentegodi in Allegri's official debut as manager back in late August — is actually lower in the Serie A table than their city rivals. Does this mean much? Maybe, maybe not. But think about what Juventus did to the team currently 14th in Serie A for a second. It might be the same, it might be another grind-it-out kind of win like the first time Juventus played Chievo.

If Juve want to go ahead and do what they did to the other side from Verona, you won't see me complaining.

Although, barring a miracle, I think the Juventus-Hellas Verona goal differential has killed the Juventus-Chievo goal differential.

Hey, can't win them all, right?

(Well, technically Juventus has, but don't push it.)
 

 

GOOD NEWS

ANDREA BARZAGLI BACK.

...okay, he's not expected to start — or even play — against Chievo, but it's nice to see him in the matchday squad again. It's been too, too long since we've been able to say Barzagli is indeed healthy and part of the regular group.
 

 

BAD NEWS

While one Andrea returns to the call-up list, another one misses out on Chievo's annual trip to Juventus Stadium. Andrea Pirlo was one of a handful of players to have battled the flu over the last week. But unlike Gigi Buffon, Pirlo has been deemed not healthy enough to be part of the 22-player squad list for Sunday's game against Chievo.

Thank goodness for Claudio Marchisio. Always and forever.

 

WHAT TO WATCH FOR

1. Keeping the good times going.

When you're averaging over four goals a game in your last three outings, you know you're doing something right. Therefore, Juventus is doing something right in their wins Napoli and Hellas Verona. Not exactly earth shattering news, I know, but when your team is scoring a lot of goals, it needs to be pointed out. Now, Chievo's defense isn't terrible by any means, allowing 22 goals in the first 19 games of the season. That's something 12 other teams in Serie A can't say. You know, squads like Inter and Napoli, Genoa and Palermo that are all in the top half of the table. So maybe, just maybe, Juventus can do more with their 4-3-1-2 formation than they did with a 3-5-2 earlier this season. Seems like a pretty good idea to me.

JuventusFC ✔ @juventusfcen
.@OfficialAllegri: "Tomorrow won't be easy. Chievo are in good physical shape, very dangerous on the counter and have a smart coach."

2. Arturo Vidal coming off his own health issues.

Other Juventus players have been sick over the last seven to 10 days, but none of them had to visit the hospital like Vidal did. But he has been training all, and is expected to start against Chievo. Before he got sick, Vidal had put together a really good start to the 2015 portion of Juventus' schedule. How much will Vidal's stay in the hospital effect his production? Obviously that's still to be determined. But there's no denying that he's well rested after not playing in either game against Hellas Verona last week. And if he comes out like he did the last time he had a good amount of time off this season, then everything will be pretty good to go.

3. Stephan Lichtsteiner or Martin Cáceres at right back?

With no midweek match making his decision rather easy, now Mr. Allegri has to choose which player he rolls with from the start on the right side of his defense. I mean, neither player is the wrong decision, so in that sense it's a pretty nice problem to have. Lichtsteiner has been playing well for the last few months since Allegri went to a four-man defense, and there's no denying Cáceres has been absolutely great in his two games since returning from injury. As you can see below, my preference is for Cáceres to get the nod, but that's because I have a thing for high socks. A lot of the predicted starting lineups are going with Lichtsteiner, which is totally okay with me. Like I said, this is a nice problem to have — especially when you consider how packed Juventus' schedule is going to be over the next month.

4. Will Fernando Llorente reclaim his spot in the starting lineup?

I think it's safe to say Álvaro Morata made the most of his opportunity to play from the start in both games against Hellas Verona last week. He grabbed a goal in one, an assist in the other, and really just played two strong overall games. But, as we've come to know this season, it doesn't really matter what Morata does to ensure he gets consistent minutes week in and week out. Why? Because Allegri prefers Fernando Llorente, and there's nothing to tell us otherwise. In my mind, it would be more surprising to see Morata get a third straight start than to see Llorente make 16th Serie A start of the season. I don't wanna assume, but I'll just go ahead and assume.


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


OFFICIAL KICKOFF TIME: 3 P.M. IN ITALY; 9 A.M. ON THE EAST COAST; 6 A.M. ON THE WEST COAST
 
 

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

[Socrates 8518]

JUVENTUS - CHIEVO VERONA

-

Sunday, January 25th, 2015 - 3:00 PM
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Davide Massa

Line-ups: Juventus-Chievo

Jan 25, 2014
 
Juventus aim to further extend their lead at the top of the Serie A table, but host plucky Chievo.

The Bianconeri are already five points clear of Roma and this evening the Giallorossi visit on form Fiorentina.

Gigi Buffon has recovered from a bout of flu, but Andrea Pirlo is still feeling the sniffles, so he is rested for this game.

Also unavailable are Romulo and Kwadwo Asamoah, while Andrea Barzagli is on the bench for the first time in four months due to a recurring Achilles tendon problem.

Chievo have caused difficulties for big clubs this season, most famously a victory away to Napoli, so their counter-attacking style is not to be underestimated.

Last week they had threatened to beat Fiorentina, but were caught out at the 94th minute in a heart-breaking 2-1 defeat.

However, the Flying Donkeys have never won this fixture, managing just three draws from 11 visits.

Bostjan Cesar is suspended in defence, but Alberto Paloschi leads the attack with ex-Inter players Ezequiel Schelotto and Ruben Botta.

New signing Anders Christiansen is on the bench ready for his Serie A debut.


Juventus: Buffon; Caceres, Bonucci, Chiellini, Evra; Vidal, Marchisio, Pogba; Pereyra; Tevez, Morata

Juventus bench: Storari, Rubinho, Lichtsteiner, Barzagli, Ogbonna, Marrone, Padoin, Pepe, Coman, Giovinco, Llorente


Chievo: Bizzarri; Frey, Dainelli, Gamberini, Zukanovic; Birsa, Cofie, Hetemaj, Schelotto; Paloschi, Botta

Chievo bench: Bardi, Seculin, Biraghi, Radovanovic, Christiansen, Lazarevic, Bellomo, Pellissier, Meggiorini
 
 

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

[Socrates 8518]

JUVENTUS - CHIEVO VERONA

-

Sunday, January 25th, 2015 - 3:00 PM
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Davide Massa

Arturo Vidal returns for Juventus against Chievo

Jan 25, 2014
 
Arturo Vidal has returned to the Juventus side for their Serie A match against Chievo this afternoon.

The Chilean missed last weekend's 4-0 win over Hellas Verona with tonsillitis, but he is back and in the starting XI.

However, the Bianconeri will have to do without Andrea Pirlo, who misses out through injury, so Claudio Marchisio takes his place.


Juventus: Buffon, Caceres, Bonucci, Chiellini, Evra, Vidal, Marchisio, Pogba, Pereyra, Tevez, Morata
Subs: Storari, Rubinho, Lichtsteiner, Barzagli, Ogbonna, Marrone, Padoin, Pepe, Coman, Giovinco, Llorente

Chievo: Bizarri, Danielli, Gamberini, Frey, Zukanovic, Cofie, Birsa, Schelotto, Hetemaj, Botta, Paloschi
Subs: Bardi, Seculin, Biraghi, Radovanovic, Christiansen, Bellomo, Lazarevic, Pellissier, Meggiorini
 
 

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

[Socrates 8518]

JUVENTUS - CHIEVO VERONA

2 - 0

Paul Pogba (60')
Stephan Lichtsteiner (73')

Sunday, January 25th, 2015 - 3:00 PM
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Davide Massa

Juventus 2-0 Chievo: Pogba scores
stunner in Bianconeri stroll

The midfielder struck a wonderful long range effort on the hour mark
as the Bianconeri extended their lead at the top of Serie A to eight points.

 
Jan 25, 2014
 
Paul Pogba scored a stunning 25-yard goal as Juventus comfortably saw off Chievo 2-0 in Turin.
Pogba's agent, Mino Raiola, this week ruled out a January move for the France midfielder, but Juve will be braced for big-money bids from Europe's elite clubs for the in-form 21-year-old at the end of the season.

The former Manchester United man produced a moment of class to fire Juve in front in the second half at Juventus Stadium and also had a hand in the second goal, when his volley was saved by Albano Bizzarri but Stephan Lichtsteiner was on hand to tuck home the rebound.

Massimiliano Allegri's league leaders have now won eight of their last 11 Serie A games and increased their lead over second-placed Roma ahead of the capital club's trip to Fiorentina later in the day.

Chievo, on the other hand, remain in the relegation zone and have now lost their last six games against the champions.

Arturo Vidal replaced Andrea Pirlo in the Juve starting line-up after the veteran midfielder was ruled out due to illness, while Andrea Barzagli was named on the substitutes bench for the first time since September after recovering from an Achilles injury.

Juve wasted no time in putting the visitors on the back foot and Bizzarri kept out Roberto Pereyra's effort at the near post after Patrice Evra had picked out the midfielder, with Giorgio Chiellini then heading the resulting corner just over the crossbar.

Chievo were struggling to live with the champions and there was a moment of controversy 20 minutes in, when Vidal went down in the penalty area under a challenge from Ervin Zukanovic but referee Davide Massa booked the Chile midfielder for diving.

Chiellini was proving to be a real threat from set-pieces and the Italy defender again rose highest to meet a corner from the right, but Bizzarri tipped his header over the bar.

Chievo were forced to make a change late in the first half after Nicolas Frey came off worse in a sickening clash of heads with compatriot Evra and was carried off following lengthy treatment.

Juve carried on where they left off after the break and Claudio Marchisio tried his luck from long range but failed to hit the target.

The home side's frustration mounted as Rolando Maran's men worked hard to keep them at bay, but Pogba produced the moment of quality that the game had been lacking to open the scoring just before the hour mark.

The France international showed quick feet to beat his man and unleashed a left-footed strike from 25 yards to beat Bizzarri at his near post.

Vidal cut a frustrated figure when he was replaced by Lichtsteiner two minutes later and the substitute doubled Juve's lead from close range, reacting quickly after Pogba's volley had been kept out by Bizzarri 17 minutes from time.

Ezequiel Schelotto almost set up a nervy finish when he stole in and struck the near post four minutes from time, but Juve never really looked in danger of surrendering their advantage as they saw out yet another victory.
 

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

[Socrates 8518]

JUVENTUS - CHIEVO VERONA

2 - 0

Paul Pogba (60')
Stephan Lichtsteiner (73')

Sunday, January 25th, 2015 - 3:00 PM
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Davide Massa

Pogboom again

It was far harder than expected, but Juventus beat
Chievo 2-0 as Paul Pogba scored one and created another.

 
Jan 25, 2014
 
The Bianconeri had the opportunity to go eight points clear at the top of the table and hosted the Flying Donkeys, who only ever earned three draws from 11 previous visits to Turin. Andrea Pirlo was out with flu, joining injured Romulo, Kwadwo Asamoah and Andrea Barzagli, while Bostjan Cesar was suspended.

Roberto Pereyra forced an early save, but Arturo Vidal was booked for simulation on a risky Ervin Zukanovic tackle.

Giorgio Chiellini nodded just over from a couple of corners, while Alvaro Morata failed to make the most of a free header and Vidal’s snapshot stung Albano Bizzarri’s gloves. From that corner, Chiellini’s looping header was fingertipped out from under the bar.

There was a very nasty clash of heads between Patrice Evra and Nicolas Frey, the Chievo defender coming off considerably worse. He had to be stretchered off and with a neck brace and was bleeding.

Claudio Marchisio blasted just wide from distance, while Vidal slipped and ballooned over the bar.

Paul Pogba has been on sparkling form recently and scored his fourth goal in as many games, skipping between yellow shirts on the edge of the box before unleashing a rocket at the near post.

The second goal was a good 90 per cent Pogba’s too. The 21-year-old French prodigy trapped a cross from the left with the inside of his right foot and hit it on the volley again with his right, forcing a great reaction save out of Bizzarri, but Stephan Lichtsteiner pounced on the rebound.

Bizzarri beat away a Marchisio effort too, but this time Lichtsteiner was offside for the tap-in. Valter Birsa forced the first real save from Gigi Buffon with a long-ranger in the final eight minutes, but moments later Ezequiel Schelotto thumped the near post in a good team move. Riccardo Meggiorini also wasted a late counter, as Juve got distracted.


Juventus: Buffon; Caceres, Bonucci, Chiellini, Evra; Vidal (Lichtsteiner 62), Marchisio, Pogba; Pereyra (Pepe 86); Tevez, Morata

Chievo: Bizzarri; Frey (Biraghi 43), Dainelli, Gamberini, Zukanovic; Birsa, Cofie, Hetemaj, Schelotto; Paloschi (Pellissier 76), Botta (Meggiorini 62)

Ref: Massa
 
 

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

[Socrates 8518]

JUVENTUS - CHIEVO VERONA

2 - 0

Paul Pogba (60')
Stephan Lichtsteiner (73')

Sunday, January 25th, 2015 - 3:00 PM
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Davide Massa

Juventus move eight points clear of Roma

 
Jan 25, 2014
 
Juventus have opened up an eight-point lead at the top of the Serie A table by claiming a 2-0 victory over Chievo this afternoon.

The Bianconeri started the game strongly and Alvaro Morata almost gave them an early lead when his low effort was parried by Albano Bizzarri at point-blank range.

Giorgio Chiellini was next to threaten for the hosts, but he planted his header over the bar after meeting Carlos Tevez's corner at the near post.

Tevez was involved again minutes later when he worked some room on the edge of the box and blasted a strike into the side-netting.

Juventus continued to dominate and Chiellini once again missed the target with a header, before Morata nodded an effort just wide of the far post.

Arturo Vidal then saw a long-range effort touched over by Bizzarri and, from the resulting corner, the keeper was forced into another save from Chiellini's header.

On the stroke of half time, Tevez fired a free kick into the wall as the first 45 minutes ended without a goal.

The second half began with Juventus still in control and Claudio Marchisio tried his luck from range with a low drive that whistled inches wide.

Juventus finally made the breakthrough on the hour mark as Paul Pogba smashed in a powerful effort from just outside the box that left Bizzarri with no chance.

Pogba was involved again for the Bianconeri's second goal, as his volley was parried by the keeper into the path of Stephan Lichtsteiner, who made no mistake to finish from close range.

Ezequiel Schelotto hit the post in the final minutes for Chievo, but it mattered little as Juventus held on to extend their lead over Roma at the top of Serie A.
 
 

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

[Socrates 8518]

JUVENTUS - CHIEVO VERONA

2 - 0

Paul Pogba (60')
Stephan Lichtsteiner (73')

Sunday, January 25th, 2015 - 3:00 PM
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Davide Massa

Paul Pogba on song as Juventus beat Chievo

 
Jan 25, 2014
 
Paul Pogba scored one goal and created another as Serie A leaders Juventus beat Chievo 2-0.

The former Manchester United midfielder unlocked a tense battle in Turin with a well-struck opener on the hour mark before helping Stephan Lichtsteiner tuck away a second in the 74th minute.

The victory boosts Massimiliano Allegri's men eight points clear of second-placed Roma ahead of the capital club's Sunday night meeting with Fiorentina.

Chievo did remarkably well to keep Juve at bay during the first half as the reigning Italian champions threw everything they could at the visitors.

Arturo Vidal and Giorgio Chiellini both went close from good positions in the opening exchanges and just before 15 minutes, Carlos Tevez launched a right-footed drive straight down Albano Bizzarri's throat.

Italy defender Chiellini rose higher than anybody to direct another header towards the Chievo goal before the Flying Donkeys bit back, Alessandro Gamberini just missing the mark following a free-kick.

Alvaro Morata soon connected with Martin Caceres' cross to send a deflected header wide of a post.

The momentum would slip away from Juve from the 38th minute as a clash between Patrice Evra and Nicolas Frey left the Chievo defender bloodied, thus prompting a lengthy break in play.

The Bianconeri siege continued when play resumed with Claudio Marchisio trying to surprise Bizzarri and Vidal fizzing the ball past the target having been put through by Evra.

Juve finally made the breakthrough on the stroke of 60 minutes as Pogba touched the ball past Isaac Cofie with his right foot before baffling Bizzarri with a stunning finish off the laces of his left boot.

Less than 15 minutes later the French midfielder would turn provider for the hosts' second.

More dribbling magic delivered Pogba into a position to slot home comfortably but, after Bizzarri repelled his half-volley, Lichtsteiner stole in to flick home the loose ball.

Juve were now content to run down the clock with three more points seemingly sewn up yet their clean sheet was nearly spoiled as Ezequiel Schelotto beat Gianluigi Buffon - but not the post - at the death.

 

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

[Socrates 8518]

JUVENTUS - CHIEVO VERONA

2 - 0

Paul Pogba (60')
Stephan Lichtsteiner (73')

Sunday, January 25th, 2015 - 3:00 PM
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Davide Massa

Juventus 2-0 Chievo: Flying Donkeys Out Done
By Pogba Magic As Bianconeri March On

 
Jan 25, 2014
 
Juventus defeated Chievo 2-0 at the Juventus Stadium on Sunday afternoon in Serie A.

With their Scudetto rivals Roma stuttering in their attempts to wrestle the Serie A crown from Massimiliano Allegri’s side the Bianconeri juggernaut continued on their way to a fourth consecutive title with goals from Paul Pogba and Stephan Lichtsteiner seeing off a resolute Gialloblu.

A flu outbreak had hit the Juventus squad during the week, most notably robbing them of Andrea Pirlo, but despite the absence of their midfield pivot the Bianconeri were on the front foot from the start as Arturo Vidal and Giorgio Chiellini went close with headers early on.

However, before the Old Lady could take full control Chievo were quick to assert themselves on their hosts as their efforts to restrict Juventus’ passing game made the match a more even contest.

The decision to operate an aggressive pressing game did have its downside though with defenders Nicolas Frey and Ervin Zukanovic booked within the opening 25 minutes.

Restricted to shots from distance Vidal eventually stung the palms of Albano Bizzarri, but the Gialloblu custodian was nearly punished for failing to hold the ball when forced to tip a Chiellini header from the resulting corner over the crossbar.

As the first-half reached it’s conclusion the only thing making an impact were the players’ heads as Alberto Paloschi and Leonardo Bonucci survived an accidental collision.

However, Chievo captain Frey was not so lucking when clattering into Patrice Evra and left the field bloodied and barely conscious with Cristiano Biraghi his replacement.

The second period began with the Bianconeri pressing but equally as wasteful as the first, although Claudio Marchisio’s low drive from distance was forgiven far easier than when Vidal blazed over unchallenged from 10 yards.

With the visitors confidence growing with every passing minute, the constant Juventus pressure eventually paid-off through a moment of brilliance from Pogba, shifting the ball onto his left on the edge of the box and driving past Bizzarri.

It was the Frenchman who then played a vital role in the second on 73 minutes controlling a Simone Padoin cross wonderfully in mid-air before firing a volley that the goalkeeper could only parry into the path of Lichtsteiner who swept home.

That was the moment at which any hope of taking something from the match looked to have been drained from Rolando Maran’s men and the final 10 minutes were largely played out with a sense of inevitability of another three points secured for the Bianconeri.

Up next for Juventus should be an equally as taxing challenge away to Udinese next Sunday, while the Gialloblu on the other hand will be hoping they can put their brush with the champions elect behind them when they visit a resurgent Napoli.

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

[Socrates 8518]

JUVENTUS - CHIEVO VERONA

2 - 0

Paul Pogba (60')
Stephan Lichtsteiner (73')

Sunday, January 25th, 2015 - 3:00 PM
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Davide Massa

Pogba: I Must Continue To Play Well For Juventus

 
Jan 25, 2014
 
Juventus midfielder Paul Pogba wants continue his current good form for the club and the fans.

La Vecchia Signora beat Chievo on Sunday afternoon with a goal from the Frenchman putting the Italian champions ahead, which meant Pogba has now scored the opening goal in the last four matches he has been involved in for Juventus.

“The work I do is not just for me but for the team, I have to continue like this,” the 21-year-old told Sky Sport Italia.

“For everyone at the club and all the fans.

“I am fortunate enough to have the chances to score.”

Pogba also said that Juventus did well to beat the Gialloblu.

“We played a great game against a very tough team.”

The three points picked up by Massimiliano Allegri’s men means that Juventus extend their lead over Roma at the top of the Serie A table to eight points.

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

[Socrates 8518]

JUVENTUS - CHIEVO VERONA

2 - 0 

Paul Pogba (60')
Stephan Lichtsteiner (73')

Sunday, January 25th, 2015 - 3:00 PM
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Davide Massa

Player Ratings: Juventus 2-0 Chievo

 
Jan 25, 2014
 
Juventus continued their winning run with a 2-0 win over Chievo at the Juventus Stadium on Sunday afternoon.

The home side couldn’t break down a stubborn Chievo defence in the first half, but two goals from Paul Pogba and Stephan Lichsteiner in quick succession condemned the visitors to their first defeat since December.

Massimilano Allegri’s team continue to push further away from title challengers Roma, while Chievo continue to drop points in the relegation zone.

 

Juventus

Gianluigi Buffon – 6.5 – Spectator - Rarely troubled, had one sticky situation when the ball came off the post in the dying minutes. Dealt with it well enough.

Martin Caceres- 6.5 – Useful - Had the freedom to push forward and join in the attack. Made the most of his passing range and vision.

Leonardo Bonucci – 6.5 – Solid - Let very little get past him. Looked a force to be reckoned with alongside Chiellini.

Giorgio Chiellini – 6.5 – Bullish - Had an early chance from a corner but his header looped onto the roof of the net. Missed another chance from the same position shortly after. Cleared up after Evra and generally had a characteristically solid performance.

Patrice Evra – 6 – Decent - Clashed heads with Frey and gave away a few needless free kicks. Got forward with regularity and made some telling crosses, including one that Vidal managed to blaze over the bar. Replaced in the second half by Padoin.

Arturo Vidal – 6.5 – Wild - Missed an early opportunity to open the scoring with a towering header that the Chilean blazed wide. Later booked for simulation when he seemed to go down melodramatically in the box. Withdrawn in the second half much to his frustration.

Claudio Marchisio – 6.5 – Efficient - Had an early attempt in the second half that nearly beat Bizzarri from range. Picked up a needless booking in the first half. Dictated play efficiently and joined in the attack on a number of occasions.

Paul Pogba – 7.5 – Magnificent - Showcased his superb control and touch, finally opened the scoring in the second half with a stupendous strike from range. Demonstrated his wonderful range of passing, skills and flair as the pace of the game decreased.

Roberto Pereyra – 7 – Golden - Almost squeezed the ball past Bizzarri but for the Argentinian’s quick reactions. His speed and movement saw him breeze past the Chievo defenders, resulting in a few tough tackles. One of the best players on the field.

Carlos Tevez – 6.5 – Creator - Grew into the game after several wayward efforts. Attempted to create scoring chances for Morata and the midfielders. Comfortable on the ball and always a threat from set pieces.

Alvaro Morata – 6 – Quiet - Missed his first chance of the game when Tevez crossed to the Spaniard in the box, but his header went wide. Largely ineffective for much of the game, particularly in comparison to the more creative outlet of Tevez.

 

Substitutes

Stephan Lichsteiner – 7 – Poacher - Took the place of Vidal in the second half. Joined in the attack and when Pogba’s shot was parried, he was off the line quickest to thunder the ball past Bizzarri in the Chievo goal.

Simone Padoin – 6 – Energetic - Replaced Evra to continue the hunt for more goals. Provided a fresh pair of legs for the Juventus machine.

Simone Pepe – N/A - Brought on for a late cameo appearance.


 

Chievo

Albano Bizzarri – 6.5 – Bombarded - Continued to deny Juventus until Pogba stunned the veteran keeper with a thundering effort, and conceded again when Lichsteiner blasted home when the keeper parried the ball out.

Nicolas Frey – 5.5 – Unfortunate - Booked in the first half for a cynical challenge on Vidal. Clashed heads with Evra resulting in a nasty cut, forcing him off the field in a stretcher. Was soon replaced by Biraghi.

Dario Dainelli – 6 – Slow - Blocked Pereyra’s goal-bound effort early in the match. Booked for bringing down the Argentinian later in the half. Reacted slowly to both of Juventus’ goals.

Alessandro Gamberini – 5.5 – Poor - Tried to direct an early opportunity on goal, but ended up sending his shot wide. Should have been on hand to clear Bizzarri’s parried effort for Juventus’ second goal.

Ervin Zukanovic – 5.5 – Struggled - Struggled to deal with Pereyra on the wing. Tried to push forward but found himself forced back in his own half.

Isaac Cofie – 5.5 – Lost - Ineffective and invisible for much of the game. Spent much of his time defending and struggled to combine with his teammates.

Perparim Hetemaj – 6 – Average - Put in his defensive shift admirably but failed to add anything else to the game.

Valter Birsa – 6 – Distant - Tried to make ground on the Juventus goal but was curtailed by some solid defending. Combined well with the midfielders and Paloschi. Had a shot late into the second half which Buffon gathered easily.

Ezequiel Schelotto – 6 – Inspired - Started the second half positively and began making inroads behind Evra, but was marshalled by Chiellini the rest of the way. Tried the hardest to bag a goal for the visitors and struck the post in the dying minutes.

Ruben Botta – 6 – Ineffective - The midfielder could not muster the same level of influence he has demonstrated in recent weeks. Denied much time on the ball, he was replaced by Meggiorini in the second half.

Alberto Paloschi – 6 – Isolated - Tasked with leading the Chievo attack against Juventus’ strong central defenders. His searching runs and physical style of play earned him no reward and he was soon replaced by Pellissier.
 

 

Substitutes

Cristiano Biraghi – 6 – Commendable - Came on in the place of the injured Frey and slotted seamlessly into the wall of defending Chievo players. Added some pace to the team but little else.

Riccardo Meggiorini – N/A - Replaced Botta in the second half. Isolated up front and found himself defending with the rest of the team.

Sergio Pellissier – N/A - Came on in the place of Paloschi, couldn’t help unlock the dominating Juventus defenders.

 

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

[Socrates 8518]

JUVENTUS - CHIEVO VERONA

2 - 0 

Paul Pogba (60')
Stephan Lichtsteiner (73')

Sunday, January 25th, 2015 - 3:00 PM
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Davide Massa

Allegri: Pogba Will Be The Best In The World

 
Jan 25, 2014
 
After being made to fight for a 2-0 victory over Chievo on Sunday afternoon, Juventus coach Massimiliano Allegri praised his players for the patience shown as they continued to press the Gialloblu for a vital opener and cited Paul Pogba as the deciding factor.

The French youngster produced a wonderful drive to give the Bianconeri the lead on 60 minutes, before a wonderful piece of skill created the second for Stephan Lichtsteiner and the 47-year-old claimed Pogba will become the best in the world.

“I have to congratulate my players for the patience they have shown against Chievo that have done a damn lot in the first-half to stop us,” Allegri told Radio Rai.

“They were the authors of a great performance in the first 45, then we went up a pace while they were down.

“It’ was a victory very hard-fought, it was a three points taken in a different way because recently we have been a little used to close the games pretty early. The team showed maturity and patience and I am very happy.

“Pogba is extraordinary, is growing, he is a champion because after a mediocre first-half, he pulled out a really important moment of play.

“We did not discover his qualities today, he is destined to grow and become the best in the world.”

The former AC Milan boss was then quick to deny any rift with Arturo Vidal who had shown his disappointment at being substituted insisting it was to stop the Chilean being sent-off.

“When someone comes off they are never happy but at that time Arturo had been cautioned, as had Marchisio,” explained Allegri. “I preferred to remove Vidal because he is a bit more impetuous than Claudio.

“There are still many victories to get, if we want to win the Scudetto.”

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

[Socrates 8518]

JUVENTUS - CHIEVO VERONA

2 - 0 

Paul Pogba (60')
Stephan Lichtsteiner (73')

Sunday, January 25th, 2015 - 3:00 PM
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Davide Massa

Juventus 2 - Chievo 0: Initial reaction
and random observations

 
Jan 25, 2014

And to think, Paul Pogba wasn't playing all that great for the first 60 minutes.

Yet, that's the beauty of Juventus 21-year-old French dynamo who can't be stopped by anything in sight these days. He can go from so-so to match-winner in the blink of an eye. And that's exactly what happened in Juve's 2-0 win over Chievo, with Pogba's fourth goal in as many games highlighting what was an otherwise average performance from Max Allegri's squad.

Need we say more?
 

https://v.cdn.vine.co/r/videos/702EEE75FB1171154713618898944_3d8bf7aef70.1.5.7403993713073628216.mp4?versionId=eavYT2KsMUrY9Z_uvvJ0eSIDwZ7VobA5

Seriously, that's with his left foot, people.

This is just another example of the ever-growing brilliance of Paul Pogba. Just when you think he has run out of shots and/or tricks to make you go "WOW!" while watching a game, he pulls a goal like the one above out of his back pocket and helps Juventus secure another three points. The talk following this match will be about Pogba — and rightfully so. He's in such insane form right now that he's about ready to equal his amount of goals from last season (seven) and it's still January.

That's ... yeah. Pretty damn good.

And on a night where Juventus needed a momentum of magic, Pogba was there to deliver. Because of course he was.

JuventusFC ✔ @juventusfcen
.@paulpogba: "I’m more clinical this year. I’m fortunate enough to get off a few more shots and thankfully the ball’s going in."

That's a grand total of eight goals in 23 matches in all competitions for Pogba. Who, by the way, is a midfielder. And, who, by the way, is just 21 years old.

Don't you ever change, Paul Pogba. You are wonderful just the way you are.
 

 

Random thoughts and observations

As a goalkeeper, I was always taught that one of the biggest cardinal sins was to get beat at the near post. But when somebody hits a shot with so much movement and ferocity like Pogba did, it's nearly impossible to actually make a save. Sometimes you just have swallow your pride and realize there are shots even the best keepers can't get.

Although, I gotta admit, if Pogba and Gigi Buffon have any kind of friendly competition in training, that would be pretty fun to watch. Just sit back and admire.

In the seconds after Pogba scored Sunday's opener, the announcer on the broadcast I was watching immediately went to the "Pogba's price is going even higher!" kind of reaction. I guess we should be used to this by now considering all the rumors surrounding Pogba on a weekly — or even daily — basis. But, you know, sometimes I'd like to be able to watch Pogba do Pogba things without hearing about a potential bid from Real Madrid or Man City or any other super-rich European club. This is one of the best talents we've seen at Juventus in years and all some people talk about is Pogba leaving. It's tiresome.

See what happens when Simone Padoin is brought onto the field? Not even a minute later he's delivering the cross that led to Stephan Lichtsteiner's goal. Pado-WIN at its finest.

Not the best game for either Arturo Vidal or Roberto Pereyra. I'll give Vidal a pass considering he was in the hospital a little over a week ago.

Based on what I wrote in the match preview, you could say I was rather surprised that Álvaro Morata got the start ahead of Fernando Llorente for the third straight game. And while Morata's impact wasn't close to the two starts against Hellas Verona, it was a nice sight to see from Allegri. Who knows if it will continue — there's bound to be squad rotation for the Coppa Italia midweek — but if Morata is set for a lot more regular playing time, I'm pretty intrigued to see what happens.

One player who did have a good game? Giorgio Chiellini. WhoScored had him for only one tackle against Chievo, but I could have sworn it was quite a few more than that. He had some pretty crucial shot blocks, too. Maybe he's another player starting to find his form as we enter the second half of the season.

While Juventus' defense had some brain fart-worthy moments against Chievo, Buffon was only forced into one save — an easy catch right into his stomach in the second half. With all their misfirings, it became pretty easy to see why Chievo has scored a Serie A-worst 14 goals in 20 games this season.

The clash of heads between Nicolas Frey and Patrice Evra in the first half was another reminder as to why European football needs to adapt some kind of uniform and consistent protocol for head injuries. Obviously Frey got the worst of it, but you just hope that it's nothing more than just a really bad cut on the forehead.

Martin Cáceres with a potentially goal-saving tackle in the second half after Juventus had gone up 2-0. The guy just works his tail off even when the game is basically over and done with.

Have I mentioned that Paul Pogba is fun to watch?

Plus-8 — for now, at least. Could be worse, I guess. Yet it's so pretty at the same time.

 

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

[Socrates 8518]

JUVENTUS - CHIEVO VERONA

2 - 0 

Paul Pogba (60')
Stephan Lichtsteiner (73')

Sunday, January 25th, 2015 - 3:00 PM
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Davide Massa

Pogba? Everyone has a price - Allegri

The midfielder has attracted the interest of Real Madrid and enhanced
his reputation further on Sunday with another stunning goal against Chievo.

 
Jan 25, 2014

Juventus coach Massimiliano Allegri admitted that "everyone has a price" after Paul Pogba inspired the Bianconeri to a 2-0 win over Chievo with yet another incredible goal.

The France midfielder, 21, scored a superb 25-yard effort on the hour mark and had a hand in the second when his shot was parried, allowing Stephan Lichtsteiner to convert the rebound.

Pogba has been strongly linked with a move to Real Madrid, with Zinedine Zidane admitting he wouldn't be surprised to see him move to the club and Juve CEO Giuseppe Marotta saying the club were realistic over the player's long-term future in Turin.

Allegri has now added his thoughts and did little to convince Juve fans their star man would stay at the club for the forseeable future.

He told Sky Italia: “I think Pogba scored an extraordinary goal and the second goal was an equally extraordinary assist.

"Everything in life has a price, unfortunately. I don’t think it is a problem we need to consider right now. It is difficult to replace world class players, but it can be done, as football goes on.
“Having said that, Pogba is only 21 years old, has a good 10-15 years ahead of him and more importantly has the qualities to do much better than he is now.

“To win games you need great players, otherwise there wouldn’t be players that clubs pay €100m for. As with every profession, there are levels."

Another cause for concern is Arturo Vidal, who displayed his frustration upon being substituted late on, though Allegri insists his decison was the right one.

The coach said: "I substituted Vidal because he was on a yellow card and he can get a bit too generous, so goes overboard sometimes and risks a second booking. Marchisio is more level-headed, so I left him on."

Juventus are now eight points clear at the top of Serie A, with second-placed Roma facing Fiorentina on Sunday evening in their game in hand.

 

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

[Socrates 8518]

JUVENTUS - CHIEVO VERONA

2 - 0 

Paul Pogba (60')
Stephan Lichtsteiner (73')

Sunday, January 25th, 2015 - 3:00 PM
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Davide Massa

JUVENTUS V CHIEVO
PLAYER RATINGS – WEEK 20

 
Jan 25, 2014

Juventus dominated Chievo and ran out 2-0 winners thanks to goals from Paul Pogba and Stephan Lichtsteiner.

Chievo were resolute in the first half, and did a good a job of keeping Juve’s chances to a minimum. A spirited second half display from the Bianconeri finally paid off as Paul Pogba scored a sublime goal from range before setting up Stephan Lichtsteiner for Juve’s second.


Gianluigi Buffon 6.0 - Untroubled and untested for almost the entire game. Had one simple save to make but was a spectator for 90% of the match.

Martin Caceres 6.5 - Dynamic and forceful. Bombed down the right and whipped crosses at every opportunity.

Leonardo Bonucci 6.5 - A solid performance, despite making one wayward clearance which almost let Chievo in.

Giorgio Chiellini 6.5 - Could have had a hat trick to his name with 3 headed efforts – two went wide, one saved. Solid in the heart of the defence, covered for Evra on occasion and solid overall.

Patrice Evra 6.0 - Made some great overlapping runs with Pogba, early on. Gave away a stupid free-kick but was turned in a decent performance overall.

Claudio Marchisio 7.0 - Had a straight forward first half before coming into his own in the second. Pinged crosses around the pitch, completed 90% of his passes and had 3 shots of his own.

Arturo Vidal 6.0 - Started off well by breaking up Chievo play and trying to get Juve moving forward. Took a daft dive in the box and was booked as a result. Had a chance to open the scoring early on and another late on. Subbed, and frustrated.

PAUL POGBA 8.0 – Another game, another man of the match performance. Scored for his fourth successive game, once again from distance. Tackled, harried and pushed the team forward. Almost scored a sublime second. Getting better with each game in 2015.

Roberto Pereyra 7.0 - One of his best performances in a Juve shirt. Had a shot saved by Bizzarri and kept creating chances for his teammates with his clever runs and passing. Brilliant.

Carlos Tevez 6.5 - Fired at least two shots wide of Bizzarri’s far post, a constant threat to the Chievo defence. Had chances from his free-kicks and tried his best to create chances for Morata.

Alvaro Morata 6.5 - Underrated tonight – Tracked back every time Juve lost the ball in the Chievo half, tried to bring his teammates into play when he could and should have done better with his chance early on.


Substitutes

Stephan Lichtsteiner 6.5 - Came on for Vidal and made an almost immediate impact. Squeezed home Pogba’s parried shot to put Juve firmly in control.

Simone Padoin N/A

Simone Pepe N/A

 

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

[Socrates 8518]

JUVENTUS - CHIEVO VERONA

2 - 0 

Paul Pogba (60')
Stephan Lichtsteiner (73')

Sunday, January 25th, 2015 - 3:00 PM
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Davide Massa

Juventus star Pogba: I have
improved my finishing

The in-form Frenchman believes he is more clinical in front of goal
this season after he was on target again in a 2-0 victory over Chievo.

 
Jan 25, 2014

Paul Pogba is determined to continue his purple patch after inspiring Juventus to a 2-0 victory over struggling Chievo on Sunday.

The France midfielder scored his fourth goal in as many games with a wonderful left-footed drive from long range on the hour mark.

Pogba then had a hand in his side's second goal, as he showed great technique to control a cross and unleash a first-time volley that was saved by Albano Bizzarri, with Stephan Lichtsteiner tucking home the rebound.

"I need to keep on working and doing what I'm doing for the fans and the club," Pogba, who has been heavily linked recently with a future transfer to Real Madrid, told Sky Sport at full time.

"I'm more clinical this year. I'm fortunate enough to get off a few more shots and thankfully the ball is going in."

Juve endured a frustrating first half as Chievo battled to keep them at bay and Pogba gave credit to the Verona outfit, who are in the relegation zone following Cagliari's win over Sassuolo on Saturday.

He said: "Chievo defended very well but perhaps tailed off a bit after the first goal. It wasn't an easy game for us."

Victory for the champions extended their lead at the top of the table to eight points ahead of Roma's trip to Fiorentina later in the day.

 

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

[Socrates 8518]

JUVENTUS - CHIEVO VERONA

2 - 0 

Paul Pogba (60')
Stephan Lichtsteiner (73')

Sunday, January 25th, 2015 - 3:00 PM
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Davide Massa

Paul Pogba the difference for Juventus
in win over Chievo Verona

 
Jan 25, 2014

Another win on Sunday, a 2-0 triumph over Chievo Verona, means that Juventus are now eight points ahead of second-place Roma, at least for a few hours before the Giallorossi take on Fiorentina later on Sunday. Gifted with individuals who can change the course of the game in an instant, the Bianconeri earned their fourth consecutive victory, forcing the Flying Donkeys to accept their inferior quality.

Chievo Verona, thanks to their training techniques, played in an organised fashion with great intensity in a bid to halt their opponent. Manager Rolando Maran insisted in his prematch interview that his side would not play with fear despite the quality of the opponent, and the tactician stayed true to his word, deploying an attack-minded side that hoped to exploit Juve's narrow play. Each player was taught to sacrifice and make the most of the risks Juve take.

Defensively, they played as a unit, pressing ferociously and determined to defend in tight lines while remaining alert to the danger. As such, a nonchalant Juventus struggled to penetrate for close to an hour.

Alvaro Morata, in a rare start, was chosen to play alongside Carlos Tevez instead of Fernando Llorente, and the former Real Madrid man played the kind of game that provided explanations for Massimiliano Allegri's usual choices upfront. Morata may be more mobile, more determined and better technically, but he cannot provide the side with what Llorente can to ensure that Tevez plays his best possible game. Morata failed to do enough to occupy the centre backs and allow his teammates to exploit the spaces. His hold-up play isn't the best, and his insistence on dropping deep to pick up the ball forced the Argentine to either drop even deeper or adopt a higher position on the field than he would like to ensure his teammates always had options. As a result, Tevez could barely make an impact on the match, struggling to even intimidate the opponent.

In short, Morata and Tevez get in each other's way. While the young Spaniard is getting better at playing for the team rather than satisfying his own personal ambitions (still not there yet), his type of game doesn't suit Tevez's as well as one might have hoped, thus making it clear why the former Athletic Bilbao man is often preferred.

Yet for all their offensive inadequacies, the Bianconeri still produced 29 shots on goal but failed to make their superior technique count. It must also be noted that Albano Bizzarri played an excellent game in goal to keep his Chievo side in the game. Playing without intensity and seemingly uninspired in the final third, the fear was that the Bianconeri wouldn't find the breakthrough needed to win and keep the pressure on Roma for the title.

However, Paul Pogba's individual quality made the difference. A player with all the potential in the world, he has been criticized for his finishing and Allegri insists he's capable of demonstrating more. The problem with the young Frenchman is that for all his ability on the ball, he usually plays as if he's shackled, holding himself back at times when a little confidence would almost guarantee tremendous displays. Juventus fans know his ability to score from distance, his control on the ball and his vision on the field, yet at times this season he has disappeared for long stretches of matches while his finishing has been abysmal to say the least. It is almost as if he doesn't believe in his strengths, too fearful of making mistakes. This leads to him over-complicating matters when his technique requires nothing but simplicity.

Confidence is of the utmost importance to this player. Against the Flying Donkeys, he played one of his best games and ought to have grabbed a brace largely because recent performances have allowed him to believe in his ability and the courage to express his strengths, scoring a sublime goal and producing a stunning assist. The fans could finally enjoy what could one day be the world's best player and they were treated to a show, watching his controlled first touch and special footwork.

If Pogba truly wants to develop, then he must stop holding himself back and permit himself to play with freedom, even if mistakes are made along the way. Perfection cannot be achieved without tasting failure or set-backs.

His goal and subsequent assist robbed Chievo of their desire to play to their maximum potential, yet they still managed to create some chances at the end thanks to Juve's tendency to surrender to complacency, sleeping at the moments that require defensive attention. Yet the Flying Donkeys' poor finishing and bizarre decision-making tell their own story, demonstrating why they are Serie A's worst side when it comes to scoring goals.

For all their tactical changes and determination to match Juve's energy, Maran's men were once again forced to accept their deficiencies when facing a superior side blessed with skill. Allegri reverted to a 3-5-2 formation after the game to help his manage the lead and his men grabbed all three points to stay on course for another Scudetto.

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

[Socrates 8518]

JUVENTUS - CHIEVO VERONA

2 - 0 

Paul Pogba (60')
Stephan Lichtsteiner (73')

Sunday, January 25th, 2015 - 3:00 PM
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Davide Massa

Player Ratings: Juventus 2-0 Chievo

 
Jan 25, 2014
 

Juventus

1 G. Buffon - Barely tested, though he did have to come off his line to collect through-balls several times. Distribution was not always at his best.

4 M. Cáceres - Struggled at right-back despite the lack of attacking intent from the away side. Did put a couple of quality crosses into the box at the other end.

19 L. Bonucci - Struggled at times with the movement of Paloschi as he looked to get in behind.

3 G. Chiellini - Strong at both ends of the pitch as he made numerous interceptions in his own half while he twice went close with headers from corners.

33 P. Evra - Excellent in forward areas as he got into the final third and sent in some testing crosses. Strong enough in defence though he was rarely tested.

23 A. Vidal - Booked for simulation in the first half and fired off-target twice when well placed. Replaced with half an hour to play, much to his disappointment.

8 C. Marchisio - Looked to find the more creative players in space around the final third but couldn't find an incisive pass. Twice went close in the second period.

6 Paul Pogba - Saw plenty of the ball and distributed the ball well in the final third. Superb strike eventually broke the deadlock before his fine control and volley helped set up the second for Lichtsteiner.

37 R. Pereyra - Direct running caused the Chievo defence problems, though he struggled to provide an end product. Denied by a fine Bizzarri save early on.

10 C. Tévez - Is still yet to score against Chievo though was not for the lack of trying this time around. Looked to create opportunities for himself, but saw his shots blocked or fly off-target.

9 Álvaro Morata - Not his best showing for the Italian giants as he was wasteful in possession inside the final third. Sent a header wide when well placed during the first half.


Substitutes

26 S. Lichtsteiner - Replaced Vidal and managed to get himself on the scoresheet with a poacher's finish after Pogba's volley was saved.


 

Chievo

1 A. Bizzarri - Made three excellent saves in the first half - the best of which kept Chiellini's looping header out. Had no chance with either goal and made good stops from Pogba and Marchisio after the break.

21 N. Frey - Struggled with the overlapping runs of Evra before being booked midway through the first half. Forced off with a nasty head injury shortly before the break.

3 D. Dainelli - Slotted back into the defence and kept his position well, though he did pick up a booking for silly trip on Vidal.

5 A. Gamberini - Was strong at the heart of the visitors' defence as he stuck with Tevez whenever the striker looked to advance into the area. Missed a good chance at 0-0.

87 E. Zukanović - Sent a couple of decent crosses into the box from the left-hand side early on, but did not look quite as comfortable at centre-back after switching positions due to Frey's injury.

23 V. Birsa - Did his best to get foward and support the front two, though he saw little of the ball in forward areas.

14 I. Cofie - Tried to get close to Pogba but was unable to really stop the France international from dictating play in midfield.

56 P. Hetemaj - Kept the visitors ticking over in midfield when they won possession, but his passing was more metronomical than eye-catching.

24 E. Schelotto - Carried the ball well in midfield and looked to drive Chievo forward at every opportunity. Hit the post late on after being deployed at right wing-back in the second period.

43 A. Paloschi - Caused Chiellini and Bonucci some problems with his movement, but the service into him was poor and he never really got a decent sight of goal.

19 R. Botta - Looked to link with Paloschi in the final third but was not a goal threat himself.


Substitutes

34 C. Biraghi - Struggled in defence after replacing the stricken Frey towards the end of the first half.

69 R. Meggiorini - Fired wide late on but otherwise struggled to get involved after replacing Botta in the second half.

 

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

[Socrates 8518]

JUVENTUS - CHIEVO VERONA

2 - 0 

Paul Pogba (60')
Stephan Lichtsteiner (73')

Sunday, January 25th, 2015 - 3:00 PM
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Davide Massa

Maran: 'Pogba changed game'

 
Jan 25, 2014
 
Rolando Maran concedes “the game changed with that great move from Paul Pogba” as Chievo lost to Juventus.

The Flying Donkeys had held out very well in Turin, but Pogba scored one and created another for the 2-0 result.

“Sometimes you can lose to Juventus and be happy with receiving compliments for the performance,” shrugged Maran on Radio Rai.

“It’s a shame, as the game changed with that great move from Pogba. Until that moment, Juve had created few genuine scoring opportunities.

“Against the big clubs you need to make the most of your chances and any favourable situations. We’ll try to take the positives from this game.

“It’s a long road towards safety and many matches to go. We must continue along our path and try to put together consistent performances.”

Nicolas Frey was stretchered off after a nasty clash of heads with Patrice Evra.

“It’s just a scratch,” assured Maran, but the defender is being kept in hospital for observation anyway.

 

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

[Socrates 8518]

JUVENTUS - CHIEVO VERONA

2 - 0 

Paul Pogba (60')
Stephan Lichtsteiner (73')

Sunday, January 25th, 2015 - 3:00 PM
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Davide Massa

Frey released from hospital

 
Jan 25, 2014
 
Chievo defender Nicolas Frey has been released from hospital after suffering a head injury against Juventus.

The centre-back was stretchered off during today’s 2-0 defeat in Turin, coming off much worse from a clash of heads with Patrice Evra.

Seen bleeding from a deep cut to his forehead, Frey was taken to a local hospital for tests and observation.

Chievo released a statement this evening confirming he had been released from the hospital and will continue to have further check-ups with the club medical staff over the next few days.

Chievo thanked the emergency services and Juventus medic Fabrizio Tencone, who assisted Frey from the moment of impact.

He is the younger brother of ex-Fiorentina and Parma goalkeeper Sebastien Frey, who posted a picture of his sibling’s nasty head wound.

“Despite the trauma, my brother is out of the hospital with a nice scar!”

 

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

[Socrates 8518]

JUVENTUS - CHIEVO VERONA

2 - 0 

Paul Pogba (60')
Stephan Lichtsteiner (73')

Sunday, January 25th, 2015 - 3:00 PM
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Davide Massa

Juventus 2-0 Chievo: Paul Pogba
works his magic again

Paul Pogba produced another terrific display in his side's win
against Chievo, scoring with a beautiful long shot and creating the second goal.

 
Jan 25, 2014
 
After two games against Verona-based opposition in which Juventus played the closest to perfection football you could get, scoring 10 goals in the process, there came the third meeting with a team from Romeo and Juliet’s city. And it was no surprise the Bianconeri had a much harder time trying to break down this defence. Chievo used to have that reputation of a disciplined team, of a team whose Serie A life would hinge on every single point they would gain away from their home stadium, Marcantonio Bentegodi.

And oh, they were disciplined. How they wanted that point so courteously given by the 0-0 draw. Being forced to say Giorgio Chiellini was the most dangerous man in the first half sums up the game pretty well. For exactly the first 60 minutes of the game, Chievo didn’t even look like doing too much to defend their dearest 0-0 result. Juventus’ attacks were once again slow and predictable, with a bit more pace coming from the fullbacks Patrice Evra and Martin Caceres. And this state of equilibrium, so perfectly balanced by one side’s sheer determination to win a point and other’s impotence to capitalise its dominance, was suddenly broke when the lighting struck.

There was no storm other than that man Paul Pogba, again, scoring his fourth goal in the last four appearances for the club, of which three were absolute belters. Doing nought to 60 in a fraction of a second, getting past opponents like there wasn’t anybody there and then delivering a thunderous shot somewhere near the post, unreachable for the goalkeeper, seems to have become house speciality for the Frenchman – world class speciality. It was a treat to watch him working his magic again, saving the day for Juventus, who were still quite far from producing anything dangerous at Chievo’s goal.

Max Allegri made just one change to the XI that started against Verona last weekend, with Arturo Vidal replacing Andrea Pirlo who was out with flu. And why would he change anything? The team worked well, excluding the first hour of Chievo game, and there is a Coppa Italia fixture on Jan. 28 when Juventus travel to Parma, that would give Allegri a good enough reason to refresh the first XI. The likes of Kingsley Coman, Fernando Llorente and the Simone duo would get more minutes than today for sure.

All in all, Allegri is doing his job with decency and a certain – and also welcomed – amount of discretion. It is true that seeing pictures of Antonio Conte back at Vinovo, chatting, shaking hands with the players while proudly giving them a tap on the back, has the potential of making even the most stony-hearted of Juventini sigh – you can’t help it, really. But at the time of writing, Juventus are eight points ahead of Roma, who are yet to play their tricky away game in Florence. Looking at the table, the situation is a most convenient one halfway through the season and we all like that, don’t we?


MATCH SUMMARY

Roberto Pereyra had the first decent chance of the game six minutes in when he arrived at the near post to meet a low cross from Evra but goalkeeper Albano Bizzarri managed to get a foot in and send the ball behind for a corner kick. Carlos Tévez took the corner and Chiellini guided his header over the crossbar from six yards.

Juventus had a penalty appeal waved away by referee Davide Massa, as Vidal went down after a challenge from Alessandro Gamberini and saw the yellow card for diving.

Chievo barely threatened Buffon’s goal in the first half, with Gamberini being the closest to what can barely be classified as a chance, but the defender totally botched his shot.

Despite dominating possession, the Bianconeri only created another good goalscoring opportunity in the 25th minute, when Caceres delivered a great cross but Alvaro Morata missed his header from close range and the ball went well wide of the far post.

Vidal tested Bizzarri in the 28th minute with a long shot but the goalkeeper dived to his left post to parry it away for a corner kick. Chiellini was again at the receiving end of Tévez’s corner and forced Bizzarri into another good save.

Evra collided with fellow Frenchman Nicolas Frey in an aerial duel in the 38th minute which resulted in a horrible head injury for the Chievo defender who had to be replaced by Cristiano Biraghi. He was carried off on a stretcher in the applause of the crowds.

Dario Dainelli was booked in the third minute of injury time for a late challenge on Pereyra just outside Chievo’s box, being the fourth player to receive a yellow card for the visitors after Frey, Ezequiel Schelotto and Ervin Zukanovic. Tévez wasted the free kick after trying to send the ball beneath the wall and it was cleared away easily.

The beginning of second half saw Claudio Marchisio trying his luck from distance with no result, and Evra delivering a good low cross in the 50th minute for Vidal, but the Chilean was a step ahead of the ball and sent his left-footed shot well over the crossbar.

Pogba was again the man who put Juventus upfront with another fantastic strike from distance in the 60th minute. The Frenchman demonstrated some sublime skills to get past Isaac Cofie at the edge of the box and then sent a left-footed piledriver at the near post that gave Bizzarri no chance.

Allegri decided to change to 3-5-2 two minutes after taking the lead and Stephan Lichtsteiner replaced Vidal who looked quite unhappy for being substituted. It was an inspired substitution from Allegri, as the Swiss was to double Juventus’ advantage in the 73rd minute.

Padoin’s first action of the game resulted in a perfect cross for Pogba who produced a fantastic first touch to put the ball down, but his shot was aimed straight at Bizzarri. The goalkeeper only managed to palm it away at the Swiss right-back’s foot who coolly put the ball in the back of the net.

Marchisio had a glorious chance to score the third goal for Juventus in the 76th minute after dribbling his way inside Chievo’s box but his powerful shot was blocked by Bizzarri. The rebound found Lichtsteiner again but the Swiss was in an offside position.

Schelotto missed his side’s best chance of the game in the 87th minute. Bonucci couldn’t deal with a long ball played for Sergio Pellissier and it got to Schelotto’s foot who hit a first-time shot from not more than six yards that hit the near post, as Buffon was well beaten.

Chievo broke free on a counter once more in the second minute of injury time but Caceres managed to block a through ball attempt from Riccardo Meggiorini. The ball bounced back to the Italian whose shot from distance went wide of Buffon’s goal. It was the last notable action of the match and referee Davide Massa blew the final whistle.


PLAYER RATINGS

Buffon: 6.5 A quiet day at the office for the captain, who was barely called into action for a few crosses. His first save came into 83rd minute.

Caceres: 6.5 Great performance from the Uruguayan who was very involved in attacking actions while at right back. Despite having a few problems with Schelotto, he was steady at the back as well.

Bonucci: 5.5 Nothing out of the ordinary for the centre back, who was rarely involved in defensive actions. No trademark long balls from him either

Chiellini: 6 Was a threat from corners in the first half, getting a few headers in and also played a few decent direct passes for Morata and Tévez. Caught out of position late in the game for a couple of times.

Evra: 6 Delivered quite few decent crosses but his teammates couldn’t make the most of them. Wasn’t called into action too often defensively and was replaced by Padoin with 20 minutes to go.

Vidal: 6.5 Probably the most influential midfielder beside Pogba, the Chilean was unlucky not to get his name on the score sheet. Was booked for a foolish dive in the first half

Marchisio: 6 Was barely seen in the first half, but had a decent second part of the game when he came close to scoring. Stupidly booked for protests

Pogba: 7.5 Another simply brilliant performance from the Frenchman who single-handedly won the game for Juventus. Produced a moment of magic to open the scoring and did the most for the second goal as well.

Pereyra: 6.5 His movement was good throughout the game and also contributed defensively, but he couldn’t influence the attacking moves as much as he would’ve wanted.

Tevez: 6 Quiet game for the Argentine goalscoarer, whose first decent attempt came late in the second half.

Morata: 6 The Spaniard tried a lot and found himself just inches away from getting his goal in the first half after Caceres’ cross. He looked somehow frustrated for the most part of the game when his game wasn’t what he wanted

 

Subs

Lichtsteiner: 6.5 Replaced Vidal in the 62nd minute as Allegri decided to change formation and found himself in the perfect position to score the second goal.

Padoin: 6.5 Came in for Evra and made an immediate impact by providing Pogba with a great cross at the second goal. Very active on the left for the 20 minutes he played

Pepe: N/A Replaced Pereyra late in the game.

 

Coach

Allegri: 6 He definitely has Pogba to thank for paving the way to victory with his solo effort. Up until then, it was the same old story of Juventus trying hard but not managing to open up stubborn defences. Changing to 3-5-2 was a good decision for it was easier to defend the lead and also gave Lichtsteiner the chance to score his goal.

 

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

[Socrates 8518]

JUVENTUS - CHIEVO VERONA

2 - 0 

Paul Pogba (60')
Stephan Lichtsteiner (73')

Sunday, January 25th, 2015 - 3:00 PM
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Davide Massa

Pogba saved Juventus, says Lichtsteiner

The Switzerland international has highlighted the young midfielder's
importance to the team in the wake of Sunday's victory.

 
Jan 26, 2014
 
Juventus defender Stephan Lichtsteiner has hailed Paul Pogba's role in the reigning Serie A champions' 2-0 win over Chievo on Sunday.

Massimiliano Allegri's men struggled to find an opening against Chievo until Pogba opened the scoring with a fine strike from outside of the area after a moment of individual brilliance, while the Frenchman also had a hand in Lichtsteiner's goal that effectively put the match to bed.

The Switzerland international has admitted that Juventus endured a tough game, however had nothing but praise for Pogba after his match-winning performance.

"We knew that we would be in for a very tough game, but then Pogba popped up and took care of things," Lichtsteiner told reporters.

Juventus went seven points clear of Roma following their win and the Stadio Olimpico side's draw versus Fiorentina, but Lichtsteiner is not getting carried away.

"Our seven-point advantage for the time being doesn’t mean a thing," the full-back, 31, added. "We want to keep pushing forward - in Serie A and the Coppa Italia."

The 31-year-old recently signed a new deal with Juventus until June 2017 and he is desperate for more silverware in the years to come.

"What convinced me to stay? The desire to win at Juventus. I’ve got a great deal of belief in this group."

 

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

[Socrates 8518]

JUVENTUS - CHIEVO VERONA

2 - 0 

Paul Pogba (60')
Stephan Lichtsteiner (73')

Sunday, January 25th, 2015 - 3:00 PM
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Davide Massa

Boban: ‘Scudetto impossible for Roma’

 
Jan 26, 2014
 
Former Milan midfielder Zvonomir Boban believes the title race is over, saying it’s ‘almost impossible’ for Roma to win the Scudetto.

The Giallorossi slipped to seven points behind Juventus this weekend, after the Bianconeri defeated Chievo in Turin, while Roma struggled to a draw at Fiorentina.

“You have to say, it’s almost impossible for Roma to win the Scudetto,” Boban told Sky.

“It would be a miracle, seeing the way things are going. Juve seem stronger, and crucially, more focused.

“Their motivation? Antonio Conte, in the sense that everyone wants to show it wasn’t just Conte who took Juventus to the top.

“The players, the club and the new Coach have overcome many obstacles, for this they must also thank Conte.

“I think it’s unlikely that Juve will let up. I didn’t think they’d pull away so quickly, I though the title fight would last longer.”

 

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

[Socrates 8518]

PARMA - JUVENTUS

.-

Wednesday, January 28th, 2015 - 8:45 PM
Ennio Tardini Stadium, Parma
Referee: Sebastiano Peruzzo

PARMA V JUVENTUS COPPA ITALIA PREVIEW

Jan 27, 2014

 

Juventus

Juventus will be aiming to heap more misery on Parma while moving a step closer to winning their first Coppa Italia in 20 years.

The Gialloblù are having a season to forget having managed just 4 wins in all competitions, sitting at the foot of the table following another defeat, this time at the hands of fellow relegation-battlers Cesena.

To add to their woes, Antonio Cassano has officially rescinded his contract, having taken legal action against the club for six months of unpaid wages. An especially bitter blow when you consider ‘Fantantonio’ was responsible for almost a third of the goals scored by the club this season.

Meanwhile, Juve will be hoping to lift the trophy for the first time in almost 2 decades, their last Coppa Italia trophy coming way back in the 1994-95 season when, coincidentally, they faced Parma in a 2-legged final which saw Juve run out 3-0 winners over both legs.

The Bianconeri have won their last 4 matches in a row scoring 15 goals along the way while conceding just 2. Rotation will be the order of the day for Max Allegri, especially as Juve will be playing 3 times in the space of a week.

Marco Storari should begin in goal in place of Gigi Buffon while Stephan Lichtsteiner will hopefully start at right-back, given Martin Caceres played last weekend in the 2-0 win against Chievo.

Angelo Ogbonna has been out of action for the last 2 games since injuring his ankle in the 4-0 victory over Hellas Verona but he was in the squad against Chievo and may start alongside Leonardo Bonucci.

Patrice Evra may be rested with Simone Padoin taking his place at left-back while Andrea Pirlo should have recovered from flu to return to the starting XI.

Paul Pogba and Arturo Vidal should start alongside Pirlo in midfield with Kingsley Coman possibly playing behind the strikers or perhaps even partnering one of either Carlos Tevez or Fernando Llorente.


Predicted Lineup

4-3-1-2 : Storari; Lichtsteiner, Bonucci, Ogbonna, Padoin; Pirlo, Vidal, Pogba, Coman, Tevez, Llorente


Injuries

Kwadwo Asamoah and Romulo (Both undergone knee surgery), Angelo Ogbonna (Ankle), Andrea Pirlo (Flu – Recovered), Luca Marrone.


 

Parma

Despite the change of ownership that was supposed to bring some serenity and some financial stability at Parma, the situation of Ducali remains tumultuous. The star of the team Antonio Cassano has just terminated the contract because the wages haven’t been paid in months. The other players have met with some representatives of the Player’s Association to study the next moves: a mini-mutiny that could lead to other departures. It’s pretty simple: if footballers don’t get paid, they don’t play well. We’ve seen this multiple times, especially in the lower divisions.

To make things worse, despite the impressive signings of Cristian Rodriguez from Atletico Madrid, Silvestre Varela from Porto and Antonio Nocerino from Milan, they have lost against Cesena, one of the few teams within their grasp and they remain dead last in the table and reaching Chievo, Cagliari, Empoli and Atlanta, who are actively battling to avoid the drop, is a mirage. The fans have vehemently confronted the team after the disheartening defeat, but they seem resigned to relegation.

When you collect only nine points in twenty matches, it means that pretty much nothing has worked. The problems started when the former president Tommaso Ghirardi pulled the stunt of “abandoning” his position after they were deprived of the Europa League spot over tax issues, leaving the CEO Pietro Leonardi with no cash in the summer window. Roberto Donadoni is not the main responsible, but he’s on the hot seat and shares some of the blame: his low-key, docile character is probably not suitable for war-time. The squad plays with no sense of urgency.

In Serie A, Parma have won two matches at home, drawing once and losing eight times. But Coppa Italia is a different animal and everything comes down to this: how much they care about it? I guess very little, considering their desperate situation. They face Milan, another troubled team, on the road on Sunday night and they might even think that they could get some points out of that fixture and thus rest the starters.

Predicting the lineup is a bit of a guessing game, but they probably don’t have the depth to use 4-3-3 with the reserves, so Donadoni is likely opt for 3-5-2. Some of the benchwarmers are slated to get the nod in this one: Fabiano Santacroce, Felipe, Pedro Mendes, McDonald Mariga, Lucas Souza, Nicola Pozzi and maybe some youngsters will have a chance to get playing time too. We’ll see if he’ll give the newcomers few minutes to mesh with the others.

They have the worst defense in the league and the return of the rusty Gabriel Paletta hasn’t boosted it: they have conceded 43 goals in 20 matches, more than two per game. They struggle almightily to score too: Cassano was the team’s best with five goals, Paolo De Ceglie (!) is the second best with three. Until they don’t find a good striker, they ain’t going anywhere. The memory of the last encounter between the two teams is still fresh: Juventus hammered Parma: it ended 7-0.


Predicted Lineup

4-4-2: Iacobucci; Santacroce, Felipe, Mendes; Rispoli, Mariga, Galloppa, Souza, De Ceglie; Palladino, Pozzi.


Injuries

Biabiany (heart), Coda (knee), Ghezzal (fibula), Jorquera (foot), Lila (calf). Belfodil and Acquah are partaking to AFCON 2015.


 

Formation

[Socrates 8518]

PARMA - JUVENTUS

.-

Wednesday, January 28th, 2015 - 8:45 PM
Ennio Tardini Stadium, Parma
Referee: Sebastiano Peruzzo

Allegri: ‘Semi-finals obligatory’

Jan 27, 2014

Juventus Coach Massimiliano Allegri says reaching the semi-finals of the Coppa Italia is ‘an obligation’ for his side.

The Bianconeri have not won the Coppa Italia since 1994, and the tactician warns his players he expects them to make the last four when they play Parma tomorrow night.

“Tomorrow’s game is a quarter final, we have an obligation and a duty to try and make the semi-finals,” Allegri told reports in his pre-match Press conference.

“I believe it’s 20 years since Juventus won the Coppa Italia, so this should be one of our main goals with the League and the Champions League.

“We mustn’t think that we’ll go to Parma [bottom of Serie A] tomorrow and find an easy game, because it’s an important game for them too, to try and make it into a semi-final.

“It will be difficult, very difficult, so we must not underestimate the commitment that will be needed tomorrow night.

“We must approach it with the right attitude, knowing that it won’t be an easy game, partly because in recent games - although they didn’t get results - Parma have played well.

“Let’s not forget, they’ve beaten Inter and Fiorentina in the League.”

The Old Lady reached this stage after crushing Verona 6-1 at Juventus Stadium in a 4-3-3 system, and Allegri says that is once again an option for tomorrow.

“It could be an option, but I’ll have to assess the condition of the players after training today.

“I have the whole squad available, the only one who I don’t think will make it is [Carlos] Tevez, because he needs to do some specific, personal training since he’s been training a little less due to an inflammation on his knee.

“Everyone else is at my disposal.”