Juventus Season 2014-2015

[Socrates 8518]

JUVENTUS - MILAN

3 - 1

Carlos Tévez (14')

Luca Antonelli (28')

Leonardo Bonucci (31')
Álvaro Morata (65')

Saturday, February 7th, 2015 - 8:45 PM
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Antonio Damato

Juventus prove they're in a league
of their own with win over Milan

Feb 7, 2015
 
Three quick thoughts from Juventus' 3-1 win over AC Milan at Juventus Stadium on Saturday night.
 

 

1. Juventus in a league of their own

"I can say right now that the chances of Juve winning the Scudetto again are 70-80 percent," said former Italy manager Giovanni Trapattoni in an interview with Turin-based sports newspaper Tuttosport on Saturday. That percentage is likely to have risen to 80-90 percent after Juventus toppled Milan, and should Roma fall at Cagliari on Sunday, it could well rise to 99.9 recurring.

Juve underlined once again on Saturday night that they are in a league of their own domestically.

The Bianconeri have won the title three years in a row, and you can practically make that four. "Having the title for 80 percent doesn't mean having it in the sack," added Trapattoni, famous for his "cat in the sack" remark while in charge of the Republic of Ireland. Juve could get away with shouting "cat" on Saturday night.

"The signs are [Juventus] are going to dominate in Italy for a long time to come," Trapattoni added. "Juve are already working on upgrades for the next two years. It's an engine which is going great guns. At the same time, their rivals are miles behind.

"At this point, all [Milan manager Massimiliano] Allegri can be afraid of is unexpected stumbles, maybe due to the distraction of the Champions League, even if that's a nice distraction to have."

Paradoxically, the league could be about to become Juve's main distraction and not the Champions League. Given Saturday's comfortable win over a Milan side who, admittedly, are a shadow of the one who under the guidance of Allegri were the last champions of Italy prior to Juve's recent domination, the Old Lady can afford to take things a little easier domestically.

On Feb. 24, they host Borussia Dortmund in the last 16 of the Champions League. Between now and then, they travel to Cesena and host Atalanta; two games nobody would expect them to lose. Given a 10-point advantage over their nearest challengers in Italy, who, according to Trapattoni "are already at their limit where they are," Allegri could afford to play his youth team in those game and spend the next 23 days focusing on the biggest fixture of the season so far.

They have made no secret of their desire to improve in the Champions League. That can now become more than a desire; it can become a priority.

"I'm very optimistic about the Champions League," Trapattoni added. "Juve have an advantage over Borussia. Allegri can give the killer blow to an injured lion."

The feline reference was not casual, but it looks like as far as the Scudetto is concerned, Juve can already say "cat," because they've got it in the sack.
 

 

2. Morata makes his case to partner Tevez

Having one world-class attacker can be sufficient, but having two is clearly an advantage.

Juventus have been searching for a double act to succeed Alessandro Del Piero and David Trezeguet ever since that duo split in 2010 (even if you have to go back at least four more years to find their best years together in a Bianconeri shirt). That's almost a decade in which Juve have instead had to rely on one attacking lead with many supporting actors.

Alessandro Matri, now back in Turin on loan until the end of the season; Sebastian Giovinco, who hastened his departure for Toronto this winter; and Fabio Quagliarella, who is enjoying a second wind at Torino with nine goals this season, all failed to provide such guarantees as the second man to lead Juve's line.

Fernando Llorente needed awhile before he struck an understanding with Carlos Tevez. While the little and large combination worked for the club in Serie A last season, it did not quite deliver on the continent -- even if it was Tevez who was failing to provide in Europe and not the Basque.

In the summer, Juventus tried to rectify this by signing Alvaro Morata from Real Madrid. At 20 million euros, Morata cost more than twice as much as Tevez and is something of an investment for the future, even if Madrid secured the right to buy him back and could yet scupper those plans.

Given the way he is developing, though, Juventus would certainly rather keep hold of him going forward than be forced to cash in before he hits his peak.

Rarely has Morata let his side down this season, even if Allegri is only slowly feeding him regular playing time. His first start of the season in Serie A did not come until November, when he scored in a 2-0 win over Empoli. Days later, he grabbed two in a 7-0 humiliation of Parma, although he was a sub for that and the following two fixtures.

Morata had not found the back of the net since, until Saturday.

His selection in the starting XI by Allegri for such a big match is an indication of how far he has come in his first six months in Italy. Morata more than justified his inclusion, too, sending Tevez through to open the scoring. It was like Del Piero and Trezeguet again; each knowing exactly what the other is thinking, where he is going to go and when he wants the ball delivered.

When he tracked back to dispossess Andrea Poli deep in his own half, he earned an ovation from those who had to rub their eyes to be sure it was he and not Patrice Evra playing left-back.

His interplay not only with Tevez -- who made it look like fears he may not feature due to a cold were fabricated to have Milan second guessing Allegri's attack -- but also with the midfield looked like something years in the making, not months.

It may have been luck that Morata was in the right place at the right time to turn the ball in after Claudio Marchisio's shot came back at him off the post, but it was probably calculated positional play. His movement and vision helped get Marchisio into position to shoot, after all.

Soon after, there he was in the right position to score again after getting things moving by spreading the play to Arturo Vidal. The offside flag prevented him from celebrating that time, while a crisp close-range volley that just cleared the crossbar denied him a second brace in a Juventus shirt, and few would have begrudged him that.

Juve will now be hoping Madrid are not paying too much attention, what with the Spaniards' option to buy the striker back for 30 million euros in the summer or 38 million in 2016. The latter is when Tevez's contract expires, and the Argentinean has said he will be going back home. The prospect of losing both is something Juventus fans cannot bear to contemplate, just when it seems they have found the successors to Del Piero and Trezeguet.
 

 

3. Milan searching for the next Allegri

Just over a year ago, Massimiliano Allegri was dismissed by an AC Milan side languishing in 11th place with just 22 points from their first 19 matches. A change was deemed necessary to shake things up at the club and try to salvage a proud record of 15 consecutive years in European competition.

At the time, many questioned whether anybody could do a better job than Allegri given the resources and low morale of the players he would inherit. There was no indication that Allegri had lost the dressing room, or that the former Cagliari coach who guided the Rossoneri to the Scudetto in 2011, second place a year after and third in 2013, had lost his touch.

A good coach simply does not turn bad overnight, but a change was nevertheless decreed with Clarence Seedorf appointed. If anybody could improve on Allegri's record in 2014, it could be him.

In 19 matches under the Dutchman's guidance, Milan picked up 11 wins, two draws and six defeats, totaling 35 points with 26 goals scored and 19 conceded. The Rossoneri finished eighth under his guidance, only narrowly missing out on a place in Europe. Seedorf's mission was not accomplished. It was not a failure, either, but he lost his club's support and Filippo Inzaghi was appointed in the summer.

Inzaghi's first 22 Serie A games have brought seven wins, eight draws and seven defeats for a total of 29 points. That is six fewer than Seedorf in three games more.

It appears Milan still do not have the right man on the touchline. Inzaghi certainly looks predestined to become a great coach, given his obsessive nature, but at a club like Milan, where the demands are for trophies and European football, whether he will get the chance to learn from his mistakes and develop into the coach the Rossoneri need today rather than tomorrow remains to be seen.

He is currently being shown the patience he needs, but just a glance at the opposite bench at the Juventus Stadium tonight may have evoked some nostalgia. Sitting there was Allegri, perhaps the most suited man, apart from Carlo Ancelotti -- and he's not going to come back in a rush -- to right Milan's current wrongs. Only he is taken, and on course for a second career Scudetto. Milan let him get away.

 

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

[Socrates 8518]

JUVENTUS - MILAN

3 - 1

Carlos Tévez (14')

Luca Antonelli (28')

Leonardo Bonucci (31')
Álvaro Morata (65')

Saturday, February 7th, 2015 - 8:45 PM
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Antonio Damato

JUVENTUS 3 – 1 MILAN MATCH REPORT

Feb 7, 2015
 
Juventus cruised to a 3-1 victory at Juventus Stadium verus Max Allegri’s ex-employer A.C. Milan. Despite the scoreline, it was actually one of the more entertaining Juve games of the past few weeks. Milan started the game off bringing it to Juve who responded in turn with some counter attacks. Juventus withstood the pressure and shortly began to overpower Milan, who eventually gave up after around 75 minutes.

Milan were arguably the better side for the first ten minutes. They were certainly attacking more, but Juventus was being very patient and trying to hit Milan on the counter. This worked generally, they were able to launch counters, but the counter attacks weren’t super dangerous. In fact, Juventus got a bit sloppy around the 8th minute, and Milan looked like they might be able to pounce on a Juventus mistake.

Unfortunately for the Rossoneri, calcio is a fickle game. Moments later, Alvaro Morata launched a through ball for Carlos Tevez. Tevez outpaced Gabriel Palletta en route to also beating keeper Diego Lopez to score Juve’s first goal. There were some complaints that Tevez was offside. It is not possible to say definitively if he was, but of course the anti-Juve crowd took these and ran with it. Campionato falsato, et cetera.

Less than 10 minutes later Patric Evra almost scored off of a Andrea Pirlo free kick. Evra again nearly scored two mintues after that, with a free header in the box, but his effort went over the crossbar. Then, Milan got a corner kick of their own.

Alessio Cerci sent in a phenomenal ball and Luca Antonelli met his pass in the box. Antonelli beat Giorgio Chiellini in the air and his header also beat Gigi Buffon. Just like that the game was level and Milan had scored. There were many corners in this game, and this wouldn’t be the last goal from a corner kick. In fact, another one happened three minutes later.

Carlos Tevez headed a corner kick to Leonardo Bonucci, who was meters away from the goal. Bonucci hit the ball in the air with some sort of backheel kick or scorpion kick, and his effort beat Lopez. Bonucci was quite excited about his go ahead goal, and he even leaped over the advertising boards to get closer to the fans while he celebrated. Bonucci wasn’t careful, though, and he fell right over the board. To his credit, he got right back up, but he had still created a great blooper. (Vine courtesy of @KhaledAlNouss)

The final 15 minutes of the second half consisted of more corners and close calls, with Carlos Tevez forcing a Diego Lopez save seconds before the end of the half. Bonucci also had a dangerous chance on a corner after his goal. That was mostly it for the first half, and it ended with a 2-1 advantage to Juventus.

The second half began at lower pace than the first half finished, and there weren’t nearly as many scoring opportunities in the first 15 minutes as there had been throughout the first half. However, Milan did come very close to a second goal. In the 53rd minute, Giampaolo Pazzini was fed the ball from Luca Antonelli in Juve’s box, and his fierce shot was skillfully saved by Buffon.

After little more than an hour, Paul Pogba realized he had yet to really turn on his magic machine, and he started to perform some of his famous dribbling tricks. Or illusions, rather. This led to Juve’s third and final goal in the 64th minute.

Pogba was dribbling around some Milan players, one of them poked the ball away, and Claudio Marchisio managed to get a strong effort form just outside of the 18 yard box off. It bounced off the post, and Alvaro Morata found the rebound and scored. Morata had a phenomenal game, serving as a target man ala Fernando Llorente but also constantly running and causing havoc for the opposition ala Tevez. He could develop into a perfect hybrid of the two, and he certainly seems to be a smart choice to start at striker from here on out. Morata scored three goals today, but two of them were – correctly – called offside. But that still speaks to how on point he was, and how good his finishing was today.

Morata was the man of the match, but Claudio Marchisio was a close second. He almost scored that third goal, and he was tireless in midfield, helping in all areas of play. It was a very fine showing from Il Principino. On the other hand, Giorgio Chiellini had a bit of stinker. He was at fault for Milan’s goal, and he also blatantly elbowed Pazzini in the game. He was lucky to not get in any trouble for it, aside from a foul call.

Today’s win means Juve – and Allegri – are 2-0 versus Milan this season. Since they aren’t in Coppa Italia, Juve won’t be playing them until next season, or more likely over the summer in a friendly. So, goodbye for now, Milan. Onwards to Cesena.


Statistics:

Man of the Match: Alvaro Morata

Flop of the Match: N/A

Fouls: 20

Corners: 7

Pass Accuracy: 83%

Shots on Target: 8

Total Shots: 20

Ball Possession: 53%

Formation: 4-3-1-2


 

Formation:

Lineups:

Juventus: Buffon; Padoin, Bonucci, Chiellini, Evra; Marchisio (Ogbonna 84), Pirlo, Pogba; Vidal; Tevez (Llorente 91), Morata

Milan: Diego Lopez; Zaccardo (Rami 78), Alex, Paletta, Antonelli; Poli (Bonaventura 61), Essien, Muntari; Cerci, Menez (Pazzini 37), Honda

Ref: Damato

 

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

[Socrates 8518]

JUVENTUS - MILAN

3 - 1

Carlos Tévez (14')

Luca Antonelli (28')

Leonardo Bonucci (31')
Álvaro Morata (65')

Saturday, February 7th, 2015 - 8:45 PM
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Antonio Damato

Bonucci: Juventus Reacted Well
After Antonelli Goal

Feb 7, 2015
 
Following a dominant 3-1 win over AC Milan at the Juventus stadium, Bianconeri defender Leonardo Bonucci feels his team reacted well after the Rossoneri drew level.

The Italian scored the second goal for Juventus immediately following Luca Antonelli’s equalizing header to keep the host’s strangle hold on the match.

“We are an army when we go ahead,” said Bonucci to Sky Sport Italia.

“We scored a few goals through tactics worked on [in training] and tonight we did well.

“This week we trained a lot and we did well to take advantage of the opportunities given.”

The 27-year-old continued with his thoughts on the teams reactions during setbacks of the match and on his duty of marking Giampaolo Pazzini.

“After the goal by Antonelli there was a great reaction from the team,” said Bonucci.

“This is Juve, we know how to react in times of trouble, suffer when we need to suffer, and strike back at the right time.

“Pazzini always makes himself difficult to mark when he attacks behind the defenders.”

 

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

[Socrates 8518]

JUVENTUS - MILAN

3 - 1

Carlos Tévez (14')

Luca Antonelli (28')

Leonardo Bonucci (31')
Álvaro Morata (65')

Saturday, February 7th, 2015 - 8:45 PM
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Antonio Damato

JUVENTUS 3 – 1 AC MILAN PLAYER

RATINGS – WEEK 22

Feb 7, 2015
 
Alvaro Morata and Carlos Tevez were in scintillating form as Juventus emerged 3-1 winners against AC Milan.

The Bianconeri dominated the early portion of the match and it was Tevez who put Juve ahead on 14 minutes, latching on to Morata’s through ball to slot past Lopez.

Juve threatened but it was Milan who capitalised on some poor defensive work at the back as Antonelli jumped highest to head the ball past Buffon. It wasn’t to last as moments later, Leonardo Bonucci flicked the ball into the net from a Tevez assist.

Juve pushed on in the second half, creating a series of chances before Alvaro Morata finally got his goal, tapping in after Marchisio forced a good save from Lopez.



Gianluigi Buffon 7.0 - One straight-forward save in the first half before being forced into a brilliant reaction save from Pazzini’s strike. Solid.

Simone Padoin 6.5 - Stepped in for Lichtsteiner and played a solid game. Didn’t get forward as much or as often as he could have but defensively sound.

Leonardo Bonucci 7.0 - Great at the back when defending, even better when he scored with a poachers finish to restore Juve’s lead.

Giorgio Chiellini 6.5 - Strong at the back, but rarely tested by the Milan forwards. Performed what little defending he had to do without breaking sweat

Patrice Evra 6.5 - Superb display from the Frenchman who kept Cerci quiet all night. Defended well and pinged in some great crosses as well.

Claudio Marchisio 7.0 - A monstorous midfield display. Ran tirelessly, blocked and broke up numerous Milan attacks before almost scoring a goal of his own. Exceptional.

Andrea Pirlo 6.5 - Controlled the midfield with some great passing while creating some create chances for Juve from his corners.

Paul Pogba 6.0 - A quiet performance after some great displays in recent weeks. Showed some trickery on his driblling but failed to create anything of note.

Arturo Vidal 6.5 - Started brightly, breaking up Milans attacks and trying to get his teammates forward. Quieter in the second half and a little subdued.

Carlos Tevez 7.5 - Back to his brilliant best with a big-game performance. Scored a great individual goal, just staying onside before providing the assist for Juve’s second. Perfect.

Alvaro Morata 8.0 - Arguably his best performance in a Juventus shirt. Constantly a threat, great movement to cause the Milan defence problems, tracking back to win the ball in midfield (and even in defence) – Set up Tevez for the opener before sealing the result with a tap-in.


Substitutes

Angelo Ogbonna N/A

Fernando Llorente N/A

 

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

[Socrates 8518]

JUVENTUS - MILAN

3 - 1

Carlos Tévez (14')

Luca Antonelli (28')

Leonardo Bonucci (31')
Álvaro Morata (65')

Saturday, February 7th, 2015 - 8:45 PM
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Antonio Damato

Juventus 3 - AC Milan 1: Initial reaction
and random observations

Feb 7, 2015
 
The crazy thing? This is probably going to be considered one of Milan's best showings of the season, one that has turned into the definition of a complete mess. But they gave Juventus a run for their money, giving the three-time Serie A champions a run for their money for the better part of the game.

And yet Milan still lost 3-1 to Juventus. They still looked like a mess at the back at times. It still showed why there's such a dearth of talent on the current Milan roster, especially with all the injuries Pippo Inzaghi is dealing with right now.

It also reminded us that Juventus can play some pretty good football.

The impact from Carlos Tévez was immeasurable once again. Álvaro Morata's place in the starting lineup now seems fully locked down as he put in another fine, fine outing. While the second half wasn't nearly as good as the first half, Juventus played well — something we haven't come close to saying the past few games. You compare the Juventus impact in the attacking third to that against Udinese or Parma and it was almost night and day.

That not only allowed Juventus to get the lead, but grab it back less than three minutes after Milan tied it midway through the first half. Not bad at all, right? (Well, definitely the defending on the set piece that led to Milan's equalizer...)

JuventusFC ✔ @juventusfcen
.@ClaMarchisio8: “We were able to regain our lead right away, but we struggled at the start of the second half and dropped deep.”

Claudio speaks the truth, people, so don't you dare disagree with him.

The second half wasn't great football, but Juventus didn't let Milan grab a second goal. They could have, but they didn't. And because of it, Juve is now riding high once again a week after one of their more frustrating results of the season in Udine. That's the kind of response you want to see. That's the kind of response we've come to expect from a team full of champions like Juventus.

JuventusFC ✔ @juventusfcen
.@OfficialAllegri: "It was a good performance from us tonight but there are still many areas in which we can improve."


Random thoughts and observations

Great moment from after the game: Leonardo Bonucci said he's been practicing his tripping over the advertisements goal celebration. Well played, Leo, well played.

Sulley Muntari, Milan captain. Yep, it's that bad.

Carlos Tévez wasn't 100 percent coming into the game due to a fever. If you didn't see this in the press or just didn't know it all, would you have known it by how he played? It was just Tévez being Tévez — running, tackling, everything we've come to expect from Carlitos. Outside of that stupid yellow card that will cause him to miss next weekend's trip to Cesena, it was another great game from Tévez.

I don't want to hear about Tévez's goal being offside. I've seen arguments both ways. Let's just leave it at that.

And how about the guy who played alongside Tévez on Saturday night? The win over Milan was the latest example as to why Álvaro Morata should be playing next to Tévez for the rest of the season. He got the assist on Tévez's opener, then provided the dagger in the second half with a poacher-like goal inside the box. There was the Tévez-like running and effort on the defensive end of things. He's not doing anything these days to say he shouldn't be starting week in and week out.

Another wonderful game from Claudio Marchisio. He continues to be just so incredibly consistent, and could have easily had at least one goal against Milan. That standing ovation he got as he was subbed off the field in the second half, yeah, that was fully deserved. Marchisio is having a great season, with this latest Man of the Match-worthy performance being the latest in a string of rock-solid showings.

Who had the better saves, Gigi Buffon or Diego Lopez? We can talk about all the so-so defending, but the goalkeepers were pretty darn good on both ends of the field.

Max Allegri has beaten Milan twice to begin his Juventus managerial career. Based on how he was essentially run out of town, how good do you think those six points feel?

It took Juventus until early February to allow their 10th Serie A goal of the season. I know I was somewhat concerned how the defense would play under Allegri, but, for the most part, they've pretty much continued where they left off last season. They'll still allow stupid goals like the one they gave up against Milan, but 10 goals in 22 Serie A games is still 10 goals in 22 Serie A games. That's good.

The Simone Padoin In the Starting Lineup Theory proved correct once again. The way they're going this season, I'm sure Milan wish they had a Padoin or two to bring them some good luck for the first time in weeks.

Plus-10 in the table. What a beautiful thing.

 

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

[Socrates 8518]

JUVENTUS - MILAN

3 - 1

Carlos Tévez (14')

Luca Antonelli (28')

Leonardo Bonucci (31')
Álvaro Morata (65')

Saturday, February 7th, 2015 - 8:45 PM
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Antonio Damato

Allegri: Juventus have to sharpen up

The Bianconeri boss was irritated by some of his side's sloppy play despite the 3-1 win
over AC Milan, who he believes have the players to get back into Europe.

Feb 7, 2015
 
Juventus head coach Massimiliano Allegri was less than impressed with his side's concentration levels despite their comfortable 3-1 win over AC Milan.

Goals from Carlos Tevez, Leonardo Bonucci and Alvaro Morata sealed maximum points for Allegri against his former club to move them 10 points clear at the top of the table.

Juve's impressive start to the game saw them score in the first 15 minutes of a match for the 10th time this season, while they are now unbeaten in their last 13 league games.

Allegri, however, was frustrated by the way his side failed to capitalise more frequently on the counterattack and at the way they surrendered chances to Milan from set-pieces.

"Unfortunately we gave away too many chances, especially at set-plays, because we weren’t concentrated enough,” he told Sky Sport Italia.

"There was a great Gigi Buffon save from Giampaolo Pazzini, but of the goals we have conceded this season, a large number of them have been from balls we have given away.

"We also need to be sharper when going clear on the counter, as we don’t always make the right choices in those situations.

"Milan are a good side and played well. We could have been more in control and, while we were dangerous in attacking corners, we were less focused when defending them. Sometimes the situations where you feel most confident can lead to you relaxing and we have to avoid that.

"I was pleased to score from a corner. This was only our third from a set-play and with Pirlo’s prowess from dead ball situations and the strong players in the air we have got, we really ought to be scoring more."

The defeat was another blow to Milan's hopes of returning to European football in 2015-16 but Allegri is confident his former club are moving in the right direction.

He continued: "I think this Milan have some excellent players and above all they improved during the January transfer market. Let’s not forget how many players are out injured. It's a tough moment, but with balance, they can get back into the race for Europe.

"Juve-Milan is never easy and these were three important points. It only takes a minute to turn the psychological strength around and if we had drawn a second consecutive match it would’ve allowed Roma to close on us.”

 

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

[Socrates 8518]

JUVENTUS - MILAN

3 - 1

Carlos Tévez (14')

Luca Antonelli (28')

Leonardo Bonucci (31')
Álvaro Morata (65')

Saturday, February 7th, 2015 - 8:45 PM
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Antonio Damato

Juventus Secure Convincing 3-1 Win
Over Toothless AC Milan

Feb 8, 2015
 
Juventus cruised to a 3-1 win at the Juventus stadium against Max Allegri’s ex-employer AC Milan. Despite the scoreline, it was an entertaining game and the Rossoneri showed they have the potential to put up a fighting challenge against the champions. Milan had played at the Juventus Stadium on three occasions and lost all three times. Moreover, the Rossoneri had not won a game on the road in their last six attempts. Juventus, on the other hand, were looking to extend their lead at the top of the table to 10 points before Roma take on Cagliari the following day. Milan had a terrible month in January as they were hit hard with injuries and a run of bad form. Before their win against bottom side Parma, they had not won a game in five in all competitions. For Juventus it was quite the opposite as they used the past month to solidify their position at the top of the league. There was a big gap between the giants going into this game, as Juve hoped to extend their seven-point lead at the top of the table and the Rossoneri wanted to build on last week’s win over Parma, their first Serie A success of 2015. With Stephan Lichtsteiner suspended and Martin Caceres injured, Simone Padoin started at right back. Carlos Tevez was not expected to start as he was struggling with a fever prior to the game but the Argentine recovered just in time for the kick-off. Giacomo Bonaventura had a shoulder problem, while Mattia Destro and Philippe Mexes were suspended. Injury absentees included Stephan El Shaarawy, Nigel de Jong, Riccardo Montolivo, Ignazio Abate, Mattia De Sciglio, Cristian Zapata, Daniele Bonera and Hachim Mastour, so Gabriel Paletta and Luca Antonelli got their debuts for Milan. Cristian Zaccardo was rewarded for the good form he showed against Parma and got the nod ahead of French defender Adil Rami at right back. Up front, both Alessio Cerci and Keisuke Honda started alongside Jeremy Menez.

The game kicked off with Juventus on the front foot trying to take an early lead and it was Alvaro Morata who fired a first warning shot to Milan that was nicely saved by Diego Lopez. A few minutes later, Carlos Tevez slid through an onrushing Arturo Vidal who used the momentum of the pass to cut past Luca Antonelli but fired a left footed shot high and wide. Inzaghi’s side grew into the match and enjoyed a decent spell of possession. However, this was short lived as the Bianconeri opened the scoring. After a poor clearance from Alex fell to Morata, the young Spaniard filtered a ball over the top of Milan’s defense and into the path of Tevez. The Argentine received the pass ahead of Milan defender Gabriel Paletta quite easily and expertly slotted the ball home past a helpless Diego Lopez. Sulley Muntari acrobatically cleared when Patrice Evra knocked an Andrea Pirlo free kick back into the middle, then the Frenchman nodded over from another Pirlo set play. However, Milan equalised with their debutant Luca Antonelli, who got a glancing header from a corner. He had already beaten Juve this season with Genoa and it was a special moment for the man who grew up in the Rossoneri youth academy only to return years later. The action, however, did not end there as now it was Juventus’ turn to attack. In the 31st minute, Leonardo Bonucci played a long ball into the path of Tevez who sent in a cross intended for Morata that Alex cleared to his teammate Muntari. The former Ghanaian international misjudged the amount of time he had on the ball and turned it over dangerously to Claudio Marchisio whose low and hard shot into the bottom left corner was wonderfully saved by Diego Lopez. While he may have stopped Juventus from going ahead in this instance, there was nothing the former Real Madrid man could have done to stop what was coming. From the corner Pirlo sent in, Lopez punched it clear. However, his punch wasn’t strong enough and Tevez headed it back into danger. Bonucci was the first to react to his teammate’s header and guided it into the back of the net to give Juventus the lead. The half would come to a close on this note.

After the break, Inzaghi’s side came out with a point to prove and were the better side in the opening minutes of the half. In the 54th minute, the Rossoneri got an incredible chance to equalize the affairs when Marchisio turned the ball over in his own half. Former Genoa defender Luca Antonelli pounced on his mistake and sent Giampaolo Pazzini through on goal with just Buffon to beat. The Milan striker failed to capitalize on this chance and fired a shot that was brilliantly saved with a strong right hand. Over the next few minutes, both teams exchanged chances but nothing of note occurred. Allegri decided that it was best that his side sat back and counter attacked with speed. In the 65th minute, Paul Pogba dribbled by Michel Essien with relative ease and played the ball to Tevez. The Argentinean forward then found Marchisio in a dangerous position at the top of the box. Marchisio fired yet another low shot that hit the post. With Diego Lopez down and out, the rebound off the post fell kindly to Morata who slotted home and into the empty net. Morata had the ball in the back of the net again, but was offside on Simone Padoin’s scuffed finish. Diego Lopez stuck out a foot to deny Marchisio from point-blank range. The Bianconeri almost added to Milan’s misery on a few more occasions but Diego Lopez ensured that the score would remain respectable. The game would end there with Juventus extending their lead at the top of the table to ten points with Roma yet to play. For Milan, it’s another case of one step forward, two steps back. For the umpteenth time this season, they fail to follow up a win with another.


Talking Points (via Opta)

Juventus have found the net in each of the last 42 Serie A home games, 100 goals in total

AC Milan have lost five consecutive Serie A games against Juventus for the first time since 1984

Álvaro Morata has both scored and assisted for the first time in a single Serie A or La Liga game

AC Milan have conceded 9 goals from a corner in this Serie A, fewer only than Cesena (10)

Luca Antonelli has scored four goals in this Serie A, his personal record in a single season

Juventus’ goals scored in the opening 15 minutes of play (record in this Serie A), 5 of which scored by Carlos Tévez


Key Players

Claudio Marchisio (Juventus)

This game highlighted the importance of Marchisio’s presence in the side. Against Milan, he nearly found the back of the net on two occasions but saw both his efforts eventually lead to his teammate’s goals. On the night, the Juventus youth product completed 42 of his 54 passes and was all over the field.
Marchisio, while he was decisive in the attacking third, certainly lent a huge hand in defense tonight. This aspect of his game was sorely missed last week against Udinese when he was serving a suspension. At times last week, the Juventus back line looked exposed and out of depth. His return to the lineup coincided with solid defensive play.


Alvaro Morata (Juventus)

Labelled a flop earlier in the season, the Spanish striker silenced all his critics with his performance against Milan. The former Real Madrid man picked up an assist on the opening goal of the game and scored the crucial third goal to close the game mid-way through the second half.

In addition to his offensive production, the 22 year old tracked back in defense unselfishly on more than one occasion. The player racked up 3 clearances on top of one interception. With performances likes these, the young forward will soon become a fan favorite at the Juventus Stadium.


Luca Antonelli (AC Milan)

Dream debut for the ex-Genoa full back. Plenty of industry on the left and his headed equaliser from a corner was imperious. Has he solved the long-standing Milan left back issue in his first 90 minutes? He overlapped to good effect in the second half and should have registered an assist after his wonderful through ball found Pazzini one-on-one with Buffon. A very positive display from the Italian international.

The loss heaped further pressure on Rossoneri tactician Filippo Inzaghi who continues to struggle in his first season as a top flight coach.
 

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_3JcxSTRzuE

 

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

[Socrates 8518]

JUVENTUS - MILAN

3 - 1

Carlos Tévez (14')

Luca Antonelli (28')

Leonardo Bonucci (31')
Álvaro Morata (65')

Saturday, February 7th, 2015 - 8:45 PM
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Antonio Damato

Juventus 3-1 Milan: Bianconeri register
dominant win in derby

Leonardo Bonucci's quick response voided Luca Antonelli's equalizer, as goals
from Carlos Tévez and Álvaro Morata secured Juventus' comfortable win over AC Milan.

Feb 8, 2015
 
Ten-point gap. This is what the victory over Milan established at the top of the Serie A table. It is the biggest margin in the top leagues in Europe a first-placed club has at the actual moment. Of course, at the time of writing, Roma are yet to play their away game in Cagliari, but considering their recent form and the need for points the island-based club has, there is a fair chance the gap will not be reduced considerably, if at all.

Bring us the head of the Juventino who is not satisfied by the situation!

With the sluggish way Milan have been playing their football this season, this derby was probably expected by many to be a one-sided affair, dominated by the home side throughout. Close, but not quite — at least for the first part. It was more than enjoyable to see Milan’s players actually believing in their chance, playing with a high line at times, pressing Juventus and even scoring a goal. Foolish mortals ... received a lesson — another one this season — of football from the side that marches towards a fourth consecutive title. Yeah! Don’t be afraid to say it. There may still be half a season to go, but come on; things cannot possibly go that wrong.

The best thing to take out from this victory is Alvaro Morata — Man of the Match. It has been a while since a striker lost a ball near the opposite penalty area and then tracked back the whole length of the pitch in order to recover it and even succeed in doing so. Assisting Carlos Tévez at the first goal, scoring the goal that ensured the win and playing with a tremendous dedication throughout the game. His recent form is more than encouraging for the team, even more considering Fernando Llorente’s slump. But fear not, fellow Juventini, goals should become a certainty from now on and the re-addition of that man Alessandro Matri offers real value to this statement.

After the scintillating first half, when the home players proved great character to respond to the equalizer and retake the lead within minutes, a more pragmatic and calculated Juventus showed up — sitting back, allowing Milan to have possession at times, saving energy, all while still giving the impression of total control. Max Allegri must have delivered the perfect speech at the break and it was great to see him improving since that game at Stadio Friuli, when Andrea Stramaccioni had the upper hand. Allegri dealt quite easily with Pippo Inzaghi’s ambitious approach to the game.

And at full time, for the most part of a quarter of a second, this writer felt bad for Pippo. How could you not, you soulless brute?


MATCH SUMMARY

Juventus started on the front foot, as expected and the first attempt of the match came from Morata in the second minute, who tried to place his shot at the far post from outside of the box, but Diego Lopez had no problems in making the save.

Tévez opened the scoring for Juventus in the 14th minute. After a long throw from Simone Padoin, the Argentine was played in by Morata and went clear through on goal from the half-way line. A late challenge from Gabriel Paletta couldn’t stop Tévez’s run as he drilled his shot past Diego Lopez.

Gianluigi Buffon needed the intervention of the medical team in the 19th minute, after he was hit in the head with the knee by Luca Antonelli, as the veteran gaolkeeper parried away a low cross.

Padoin did a good job to win a free kick in the 21st minute on the right side of Juventus’ attack. Andrea Pirlo swung the ball in at the far post and Patrice Evra almost deflected it on goal with an acrobatic kick, but the ball was eventually cleared away by Sulley Muntari.

Five minutes later, Pirlo found Evra with another free-kick from an identical position, this time in the centre of the box, but the Frenchman’s header went over the goal.

Antonelli equalised for Milan in the 28th minute, on his first reappearance for Milan after nine year since his debut. Tévez and Paul Pogba failed to clear a ball from Juventus’ box as it went behind for a corner kick. Cerci delivered a great cross and Antonelli leaped over Arturo Vidal to head the ball into the back of the net, past a helpless Buffon.

Moments later, Morata put Juventus in front again but the goal was disallowed for an offside. It didn’t last long until the hosts took the lead though.

In the 31st minute, Claudio Marchisio found a bit of space at the edge of the box and placed a shot near the post but Diego Lopez pulled a fabulous save to deny what would have been a certain goal. From the resulting corner kick, Bonucci restored Juventus’ lead. The ball was poorly punched away by Diego Lopez and Tévez headed it back in, only for Bonucci to deflect it from close range.

Pirlo delivered another good cross from a corner kick in the 41st minute, finding Bonucci again in the box but his header was deflected by Michael Essien’s hand and was held by Diego Lopez. Referee Antonio Damato decided against awarding a penalty.

Diego Lopez was a very busy man throughout the first half and he had to make another save to deny Tévez’s long shot during injury time. It was the last action of the first match as Damato sent the teams to the locker rooms.

Milan had the first chance in the second half when Giampaolo Pazzini, who replaced Jeremey Menez in the first half, managed to get a shot in despite being closely marked by Bonucci, but Buffon dived to his left to make the save.

In the 50th minute, Vidal won a free-kick outside Milan’s area, a perfect central position for Pirlo. The bearded master stepped up to take it but the ball gained too much height and went over the goal.

Buffon made a fabulous save to deny Pazzini again, in the 54th minute. Marchisio lost a ball in his own half, allowing Milan a quick counter and Pazzini received a pass inside the box but his shot was brilliantly saved, as Buffon stretched out his right arm to clear the ball away.

In the 65th minute, Pogba showed some great skills to beat two men but his through ball for Vidal was blocked and it bounced to Tévez who played it for Marchisio. The midfielder struck the post with a low shot from outside the box and the rebound came straight to Morata who only had to carry out a simple formality to put the ball into the net, scoring Juventus’ third goal of the game.

Milan’s little efforts were cut short after receiving that goal and Juventus had little problems defending the lead. Morata had another good chance to score in the 74th minute. Pirlo played a short corner, finding Marchisio in the box, who lifted it for the Spaniard, but his volley didn’t find the target.

With eight minutes to go, Padoin was played in by Tévez and tried to cut the ball back in the box but it was cleared away by Milan’s defence. Pirlo retook possession at the edge of the box and tried to take shot but it was blocked again. The ball bounced to Marchisio on the right who was one on one with Diego Lopez, but his shot from a tight angle was saved by the goalkeeper.

There was no late response from Milan and the home players controlled the game in the last minutes, before referee Damato blew the final whistle.


PLAYER RATINGS

Buffon: 7 Made a terrific save to deny Pazzini in the second half and was very comfortable coming out at crosses. Had nothing to do to prevent the goal

Padoin: 6.5 Started at right back due to absences of Caceres and Lichtsteiner and acquitted himself of the job decently. Cool at the back and even brought something in attack

Bonucci: 7 Very steady at the back and scored the winning goal shortly after the equalizer, paving an easy way to victory

Chiellini: 6 Played a horrible ball back to Buffon in the first half and was sloppy at times but didn’t have too much defending to do either

Evra: 6.5 Good defending to keep Cerci under control and was also often involved in the build-up play

Marchisio: 7.5 Tireless performance from il Principino, who marauded back and forward throughout the game. Unlucky not to score on a couple of occasions

Pirlo: 6.5 A quieter evening for the veteran, but his deliveries from corners and free-kick were unusually good

Pogba: 6.5 Looked a bit too relaxed at times, losing possession easily but was a strong presence in midfield for both attacking and defending

Vidal: 6.5 Was very energetic and involved in attacking, appearing to be on the right way again, but was at fault for the goal conceded

Tévez: 7.5 Scored a goal and assisted another. Another great display from the Argentine who was also booked, causing him to be suspended for the next game

Morata: 7.5 Stole the show with his industrious performance, running his socks off and as his partner, assisted and scored a goal to secure victory

Subs

Ogbonna: N/A Replaced Marchisio with five minutes from time

Llorente: N/A Late substitution to give Tévez a standing ovation

 

Coach

Allegri: 7.5 Went again with his best four central midfielders at the same time from the start and it paid off, as Juventus dominated the midfield with ease. Good to see he made sure his players have the right reaction to the poor display from the Udinese game

 

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

[Socrates 8518]

JUVENTUS - MILAN

3 - 1

Carlos Tévez (14')

Luca Antonelli (28')

Leonardo Bonucci (31')
Álvaro Morata (65')

Saturday, February 7th, 2015 - 8:45 PM
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Antonio Damato

Allegri: Morata not guaranteed a start

The Spanish striker impressed in Juventus' 3-1 win over Milan, but the Juventus coach
refused to say whether he has permanently won his place from Fernando Llorente.

Feb 8, 2015

Juventus coach Massimiliano Allegri says he can't guarantee Alvaro Morato a place in his starting XI.

The Spanish striker was on the scoresheet as the Serie A champions downed Milan 3-1 at Juventus Stadium on Saturday.

It was the fourth time in the past six games that Morata was handed a start, as Allegri continues to decide on who is the best partner for regular starter Carlos Tevez.

But, while giving credit to the blossoming partnership between Tevez and Morata, Allegri was keen to highlight the strength in depth of his striking options.

Asked whether Morata had done enough to cement a starting place, he said: "Well, I have got five strikers at my disposal and they are all quality strikers and that’s important.

"It's normal that the more the players play together the more they know each other, so Morata and Tevez are playing more and more together and it's normal that they can only improve."

Allegri also stated that sought-after midfielder Paul Pogba will continue to improve after falling below his usual level for the league leaders against Filippo Inzaghi's men.

"Pogba is young and he is a fantastic guy who still has space for improvement," he added.

"It's normal that he must grow up especially because he needs to understand the moments when he can do certain things and there are other moments when he can't."

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

[Socrates 8518]

JUVENTUS - MILAN

3 - 1

Carlos Tévez (14')

Luca Antonelli (28')

Leonardo Bonucci (31')
Álvaro Morata (65')

Saturday, February 7th, 2015 - 8:45 PM
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Antonio Damato

Juventus ease past Milan as
Serie A becomes a procession

Feb 8, 2015

Juventus did not have to be at their best to beat Milan 3-1 on Saturday night, but while the Rossoneri showed courage and determination, few can halt a Juve side that is predatory by nature and efficient in front of goal.

This was a different Milan than expected. Rather than focusing on defence they pressed high up the pitch to put Juventus under pressure. They were courageous and benefited from the arrival of Giampaolo Pazzini, a player who annoyed the Juve defence by consistently playing off the shoulder.

And yet no matter how much Milan attempt to shine, they are still not at the level required to beat a team like Juventus. Nonetheless, the fact the visitors were able to play on par with their opponents for long stretches of the game despite the 21-point difference in the table between the two should make Juve coach Massimiliano Allegri worry.

Juventus won despite the poor performance of their midfield and momentary lapses in concentration at the back. Paul Pogba wasn't his usual best and while his strength on the ball is laudable, his decision-making was below par on the night. Andrea Pirlo's set pieces were not intimidating as usual while Arturo Vidal was hit and miss, again. He was often caught out of position even if he managed to commit some required tackles.

It is remarkable how much the side crumble against a well-executed pressing game. The Bianconeri struggled to play the ball out from the back and they falter when pressed. If a disorganised Milan can exploit this weakness, how much pressure will Borussia Dortmund place on Juve's shoulders in the Champions League last 16?

Milan boss Filippo Inzaghi had clearly studied his opponents. The problem is, despite all their determination and clear understanding of the tactics, they still possess a centre-back partnership that reacts too slowly, hence the terrible decision to play such a high line, and a midfield that has no imagination. Playing Michael Essien and Sulley Muntari was bizarre to say the least. While the former struggled to understand the game and his role in it, the latter was a catastrophe.

Nonetheless, the Old Lady can be happy they at least played at a good. Their talent prevailed as did their mental fortitude that saw them continue to fight despite the loss of fluency and Milan's equaliser. Meanwhile the performances of a certain few men, such as Alvaro Morata, Carlos Tevez, Claudio Marchisio and the growing Patrice Evra made the difference.

Morata has begun to exploit the opportunities offered to lead the line. In a big match against a prestigious opponent, he played with intelligence and for the good of the team as opposed to highlighting his individual talent. Running back to track opponents, his movement made it difficult to mark him while his desire to provide rather than score made the difference. Alert and hungry, he was on hand to score the third to round up a wonderful performance.

If he continues to perform like this, Allegri will no longer favour Fernando Llorente. In fact, Morata proved so effective on the night that in the morning, rumours in the newspapers suggested that Llorente is heading for the exit door.

A mature performance against a weak side allowed Juventus to earn the required three points and momentarily stretch the gap at the top of the table.

If they continue to play with fight and intelligence, they can easily win a league that is struggling to provide them with the competition necessary. The question is whether they have enough to beat better sides in Europe.

 

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

[Socrates 8518]

JUVENTUS - MILAN

3 - 1

Carlos Tévez (14')

Luca Antonelli (28')

Leonardo Bonucci (31')
Álvaro Morata (65')

Saturday, February 7th, 2015 - 8:45 PM
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Antonio Damato

Juve on 'farcical' Milan protest

Feb 8, 2015

Juventus slammed Milan over the “farcical” Carlos Tevez replay controversy, suggesting they are “trying to mask the result.”

The Rossoneri protested via the official website and Twitter account as well as CEO Adriano Galliani because of the opening Tevez goal in last night’s 3-1 result.

Milan accused Juve of manipulating the video replays and camera angles to make Tevez look onside, also hinting that the other Serie A games directed by Sky Sport Italia and Mediaset Premium were not “independent” enough.

Juventus replied with a lengthy statement on their official website mocking the fact Galliani is a registered quantity surveyor.

“Mr Adriano Galliani, Vice-President and CEO of AC Milan and Vice-President of the Lega Serie A, has recently returned to his old passions: television and geometry.

“However, Galliani appears to ignore the laws of the State, regularly approved unanimously by the Lega and above all the ‘pitch.’

“Basically Galliani is throwing bait to the media for a specious and farcical controversy so he can clumsily mask to the eyes of the Milanisti the very clear result on the field in last night’s game. Three to One.”

The statement went over the various rules and regulations, eventually pointing out the ‘line’ drawn in post-production by television companies had nothing to do with the original footage provided by Juventus.

“Galliani has for decades been acting principally in football and television. He seems to ignore that every evolution – tactical and regulatory – has been passed right under his nose, if not even decided by him.”

Meanwhile, Sky Sport Italia and Mediaset Premium also took several minutes in today's broadcasts to point out the camera angles are all decided pre-season by the Lega Serie A and reiterated their impartiality.

 

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

[Socrates 8518]

JUVENTUS - MILAN

3 - 1

Carlos Tévez (14')

Luca Antonelli (28')

Leonardo Bonucci (31')
Álvaro Morata (65')

Saturday, February 7th, 2015 - 8:45 PM
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Antonio Damato

Sacchi: No Controversy,
AC Milan Deserved To Lose

Feb 9, 2015

Arrigo Sacchi has come out after the war of words between AC Milan and Juventus, stating that there exists no controversy around the Carlos Tevez goal and that the Rossoneri deserved to lose.

Since AC Milan’s 3–1 loss to Juventus on Saturday, the club have come out in contestation of Tevez’s goal — which they deemed to have been offside — as well as Adriano Galliani hinted at a conspiracy of Serie A broadcasters Sky Sport Italia to deceive viewers over the offside.

The former AC Milan coach has quashed all of AC Milan and Adriano Galliani’s claims however, saying that Juventus won the contest fair and square.

“I am a friend of Galliani and Berlusconi but this in no way affects my judgement,” Sacchi said in an interview to Tele Radio Stereo.

“Milan’s defeat against Juventus was deserved, as the Bianconeri were the better team.

“If Milan had shown more merit, then maybe I could understand their exasperation over the offside controversy.”

 

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

[Socrates 8518]

JUVENTUS - MILAN

3 - 1

Carlos Tévez (14')

Luca Antonelli (28')

Leonardo Bonucci (31')
Álvaro Morata (65')

Saturday, February 7th, 2015 - 8:45 PM
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Antonio Damato

Buriani Blasts Galliani Over
“Unacceptable” AC Milan Defeat

Feb 10, 2015

Former AC Milan player Ruben Buriani has criticised Adriano Galliani’s recent comments, regarding the Rossoneri’s 3-1 loss to Juventus, calling the defeat “unacceptable.”

Adriano Galliani, after bringing the controversy of Carlos Tevez’s supposed offside goal to the fore and attacking Sky Sport Italia of a pro-Juventus conspiracy, has recently come out congratulating AC Milan on their performance.

Buriani expressed his staunch disagreement with Galliani’s assessment and bemoaned the lack of quality and exigence AC Milan now boast of.

“This Milan makes me sick,” Buriani said in an interview to Tutto Mercato Web.

“Galliani’s defence is neither convincing nor is it correct.

“It is strange that in Milan we say things like these; Milan is Milan and it is excessive for him [Galliani] to have claimed they did well.

“I understand the difficulties of the team but in my day on the winner got to speak, not the opponent below them.

“Unfortunately today I look at the Serie A standings and I don’t even see Milan; where are they? I want to be constructive but it makes me very sad to see that.”

 

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

[Socrates 8518]

CESENA - JUVENTUS

.-

Sunday, February 15th, 2015 - 8:45 PM
Dino Manuzzi Stadium, Cesena
Referee: Carmine Russo

Cesena V Juventus – Preview:
Old Lady Out To Extend Lead

Feb 7, 2015
 
Juventus will look to extend their seven-point lead at the top of the Serie A table when they travel to the Stadio Dino Manuzzi to play relegation-threatened Cesena on Sunday evening.

The champions are unbeaten in Serie A against Cesena since 1987 and dominated when the two sides met at the Juventus Stadium in September as Arturo Vidal scored two goals and Stephan Lichtsteiner added another in a 3-0 win.

The Cavallucci Marini became the first side to be mathematically relegated to Serie B during the 2011-12 season with four matches remaining on the Old Lady’s last league trip to the foot of the Apennine Mountains on April 25 2012.

On-loan forward Marco Borriello came off the bench to score his first Serie A goal of the season with just 10 minutes remaining in a 1-0 win as Juve went on to secure a first Scudetto under Antonio Conte.

Juventus are now on course to secure a fourth consecutive Serie A title under new coach Massimiliano Allegri with the Bianconeri boasting the best defensive record in the top five European leagues away from home so far this season with just four goals conceded.

In contrast, Cesena have managed only one clean sheet all season and suffered their 13th Serie A defeat last Sunday at Empoli after winning successive Serie A matches for the first time this campaign against Parma and Lazio.

Former Torino, Lazio, Bologna and Inter midfielder Gaby Mudingayi could make his debut for the Romagnoli after terminating his contract at Elche by mutual consent.

Nico Pulzetti is expected to miss out through a left thigh strain and Francesco Renzetti is a doubt having suffered a right ankle sprain in an afternoon training session on Wednesday.

Guido Marilungo, Luca Valzania and Andrea Tabanelli also remain injured, but Davide Succi has returned to training.

Alessandro Matri will have to wait to make his second Juventus debut as he is still recovering from a calf injury, although Andrea Barzagli could make his first appearance of the season from the bench after a long-term achilles injury.

Top scorer Carlos Tevez is suspended after reaching the yellow card limit against AC Milan, however Stephan Lichtsteiner returns after observing a one-match ban.

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


Expected Starting XIs

Cesena: Leali; Perico, Capelli, Krajnc, Magnusson; Giorgi, De Feudis, Ze Eduardo; Brienza; Djuric, Defrel.

Juventus: Buffon; Lichtsteiner, Bonucci, Chiellini, Evra; Marchisio, Pirlo, Pogba; Vidal; Llorente, Morata.

 

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

[Socrates 8518]

CESENA - JUVENTUS

.-

Sunday, February 15th, 2015 - 8:45 PM
Dino Manuzzi Stadium, Cesena
Referee: Carmine Russo

Preview: Cesena vs. Juventus

Feb 13, 2015
 
Should Roma claim all three points against Parma, Juventus will be under pressure to extend their lead at the top of the Serie A table as they face Cesena in the later kickoff on Sunday.

Massimiliano Allegri's side have a seven-point lead over Roma and it would be a shock if Juve didn't claim maximum points against Cesena as they sit second from bottom in the standings on just 15 points from 22 games.

The league leaders have suffered just one defeat - a 1-0 loss to Genoa back in October - in the top flight all season so far, and just five draws in a campaign otherwise full of victories.

Juve have found the back of the net 47 times at this stage and have kept 13 clean sheets, which is in stark contrast to Cesena, who have had 43 goals shipped past them and just one clean sheet to their name.

History is against this weekend's home side too as Juventus have not been beaten by Cesena in Serie A since 1987, their latest triumph coming in the first half of the season in the form of a 3-0 scoreline.

Cesena started off their season back in the top flight in positive fashion with a 1-0 win over Parma, but it took them five months to gain another triumph.

Domenico di Carlo was appointed as the club's new manager on December 8 last year and under his leadership the team have grabbed two wins and three defeats in the league.

With regards to this weekend's lineups, Paul Pogba has been impressive yet again for Juventus having scored eight goals so far, and despite continuing to attract interest from elsewhere, the former Manchester United midfielder is likely to start at the weekend.

Arturo Vidal is also expected to be given the nod, while Fernando Llorente and Alvaro Morata could form an attacking partnership up front.

Milan Djuric and Gregoire Defrel are likely to start the game for the home side.


Cesena

Form in Serie A: L L L W W L 

Possible starting lineup: Leali; Perico, Capelli, Krajnc, Magnusson; Giorgi, De Feudis, Ze Eduardo; Brienza; Djuric, Defrel


Juventus

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

Possible starting lineup: Buffon; Lichtsteiner, Bonucci, Chiellini, Evra; Marchisio, Pirlo, Pogba; Vidal; Llorente, Morata
 

Sports Mole says: 0-3

 

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

[Socrates 8518]

CESENA - JUVENTUS

.-

Sunday, February 15th, 2015 - 8:45 PM
Dino Manuzzi Stadium, Cesena
Referee: Carmine Russo

CESENA V JUVENTUS MATCH PREVIEW

Feb 13, 2015
 

Juventus

Last week Juventus beat Milan for the second time this season. Now they face Cesena, a step down from Milan – though those words mean much less now than they did five years ago – and the first of their remaining two Serie A games before the first Champions League fixture versus Borussia Dortmund. Stephan Lichtsteiner’s suspension is over, but Carlos Tevez is suspended for this game due to yellow card accumulation. Tevez is Juve’s best striker so his loss will hurt.

Gianluigi Buffon will start in goal. With Lichtsteiner back we are likely to see the 4-3-1-2. Allegri has his preferred starters and there is no midweek game, so expect to see Leonardo Bonucci and Giorgio Chiellini in the middle of the backline with Patrice Evra at left back. Paolo De Ceglie gave an interview to JTV, so Juventus is acknowledging his existence, perhaps he could be on the bench.

The preferred midfield is Andrea Pirlo at regista, Claudio Marchisio and Paul Pogba in the middle, and Arturo Vidal as a sort of attacking midfielder. Gazetta dello Sport are predicting Pirlo on the bench and Roberto Pereyra starting. If this were to happen, most likely Marchisio would play in Pirlo’s role, and Pereyra would play alongside Paul Pogba in central midfield. However, Pirlo is healthy so it’s quite likely he could start.

Finally up top with Carlos Tevez out, Allegri will obviously go with a duo of Alvaro Morata and Fernando Llorente. Llorente has been rather mediocre lately, but Morata has been getting better as the season has gone on. It will be interesting to see how they play together.
 

 

Predicted Lineup

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

 

Injuries

Kwadwo Asamoah and Romulo (Both undergone knee surgery)
 

 

Suspended

Carlos Tevez


 

Cesena

As it stands, Cesena is the second “favourite” for the relegation as they occupy the penultimate position of the table with 15 points, four clear from Cagliari and six from Chievo Verona. The battle to avoid relegation is heating up and Cesena need to close the gap in the next few match days to at least stand a chance in the final decisive games. They are desperate for points, but I’m not sure they have enough quality to compete with Cagliari, Chievo Verona, Atalanta, Empoli and Hellas Verona, which look either more organized or more well-equipped.

Domenico Di Carlo took over in December at the expense of Giampaolo Bisoli and he has so far collected two wins, one draw and four losses in seven matches. An average of one point per match that is probably not good enough, they need to turn it up a notch. He has tried different lineups and he has found some relative success with a 4-3-1-2 that allows having the two best playmakers on the team, Gregoire Defrel and Franco Brienza, and a reference point for the long balls from the defense, Milan Djuric, on the pitch at the same time.

While they have been somehow watchable on offense, the defense has been a nightmare: they have conceded 43 goals so far, bottom of the League. They have trouble defending in the set pieces, they allow too many shots (15 per game) and they don’t have an adequate offside trap. Di Carlo has tried multiple combinations of the many centre-backs he has a disposal: the talented Luka Krajnc seems to have clinched a starting spot, we’ll see whether he’ll partner up with either Daniele Capelli, Stefano Lucchini or Massimo Volta. Gabriele Perico has started the most recent games at RB, but it’s always possible that the coach will opt for a more defensive option, like shifting Capelli at right-back. The left-back Francesco Renzetti has been one of their best performer so far, but he’s questionable due to a sore ankle: Hordur Magnusson would probably replace him if he was unable to go.

They do have a large roster, but they just lack quality. In the injury-plagued midfield, the most likely trio is Luigi Giorgi-Giuseppe De Feudis-Zè Eduardo (or the disappointing Carlos Carbonero): hard-working players for sure, but not very good passers/creators. They added Gaby Mudingayi, who’ll bring some veteran leadership and muscles. Their only concrete hope for salvation is Defrel: a very athletic second-striker who has amazing tricks in his bag and can single-handedly take over a game. Guarding him closely must be the primary task for Juventus’ defenders. Djuric has proven to be a handful for the opponents from the physical standpoint, but he has scored only a goal so far.

They have won only three games in this season, but, rather surprisingly, two of their victories came in the last three games. The home win against Lazio two weeks ago is a legit exclamation point. They are trying to gain some momentum ahead of the final sprint. In the first match between the two teams, Juventus easily toppled Cesena: 3-0.
 

 

Predicted Lineup

4-3-1-2: Leali; Perico, Capelli, Krajnc, Magnusson; Giorgi, De Feudis, Ze Eduardo; Brienza; Defrel, Djuric.

Injuries

Marilungo (thigh), Cascione (knee), Pulzetti (thigh), Tabanelli (foot), Cazzola (calf), Valzania (thigh).


 

Formation

 

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

[Socrates 8518]

CESENA - JUVENTUS

.-

Sunday, February 15th, 2015 - 8:45 PM
Dino Manuzzi Stadium, Cesena
Referee: Carmine Russo

Ogbonna: Tevez ban won't cause Juventus problems

The Argentine striker is suspended for the trip to the Dino Manuzzi
but the defender is adamant that the Scudetto holders can cope without him.

Feb 13, 2015
 
Angelo Ogbonna insists the absence of star striker Carlos Tevez will not cause Juventus "any problems" in Sunday's Serie A clash with Cesena.

Tevez is the Italian league's top scorer this season, having netted 14 times in 21 games, but the Argentine attacker will miss the trip to the Stadio Dino Manuzzi through suspension.

However, Ogbonna is unperturbed, claiming that Juve - currently enjoying a seven-point lead over Roma at the Serie A summit - have sufficient strength in depth to cope with the unavailability of their talisman.

"I don’t think the loss of Tevez will cause us any problems," the Italy international told Sky Sport Italia.

"We’ve experienced many absences this year and plenty of alternatives have been capable of coming in and replacing the so-called regular starters without any difficulties.

“But we need to be focused. The fact that Roma could win [at home to Parma] in the afternoon doesn’t put us under pressure but our aim is to get the three points in Cesena."

Ogbonna also revealed that he is ready to make his return to action, after picking up an injury in Juve's Coppa Italia win over Verona on January 15.

“I’m in good shape," the versatile defender added. "I’ve recovered from my ankle problem."

 

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

[Socrates 8518]

CESENA - JUVENTUS

.-

Sunday, February 15th, 2015 - 8:45 PM
Dino Manuzzi Stadium, Cesena
Referee: Carmine Russo

Juventus eager to test Llorente,
Morata pairing against Cesena

Feb 14, 2015
 
Juventus are preparing for their match against Cesena on Sunday evening, but all anyone cares to discuss is Alvaro Morata. The young Spaniard has developed steadily since the start of the new year, understanding the sacrifice necessary to be a vital cog in Massimiliano Allegri's system.

While he appeared desperate and individualistic at the start of his Bianconeri adventure, relentlessly looking to strike on goal rather than facilitate the movements in the final third, he has since understood his role in the team and what he must do to play within it.

Fernando Llorente is not the greatest of strikers nor does he train better than the young Morata, but he was consistently chosen to start because he sacrificed himself for the sake of Carlos Tevez and the midfielders who make timely insertions. The Argentine was happy with the arrangement, satisfied with the freedom to roam and thus scored 13 goals and assisted four in this particular partnership. Played alongside Morata, a player who moved incessantly and lacked tactical understanding, Tevez suffered.

In the last few months, things have shifted and Morata has grown into his role. He has taken the much-criticised "desperate" side of his character and turned it into a positive quality, using his determination to provide better performances. Sacrificing himself for the squad and the tactics that best help his teammates, the Argentine playing alongside him no longer suffers. In fact their chemistry has developed. And while Tevez needs 121.5 minutes alongside Llorente to score, he needs 126.7 alongside Morata -- a figure that has improved since the turn of the year and will continue to do so as their understanding develops.

The 4-0 win over Hellas Verona, the 2-0 victory over Chievo Verona and the 3-1 smashing of Milan all had Morata starting alongside Tevez, demonstrating how much more faith Allegri has in the pairing. Sadly, against Cesena, the Apache will not be available due to suspension. As such, it's time to see how well the two Spaniards work alongside one another.

In total, the two strikers have played 21 minutes together. And while their partnership produced the necessary goal to defeat Parma in the Coppa Italia to qualify to the next round, it's difficult to not be apprehensive as to how such a tandem can work considering the lack of creativity.

Against Cesena, Allegri is eager to find out how the two forwards will fare alongside each another, since neither is a true poacher and both have different styles, even if the opponent is not of the highest calibre. After all, it was only in November when newspapers insisted that, as part of Allegri's plan to tactically evolve the side, he would opt to play all three of his forwards -- Tevez, Llorente and Morata -- from the start against Parma on Nov. 9.

Was that even possible? Away to Atletico Madrid, the trio played together for a total of seven minutes, largely because Allegri was getting desperate toward the end of the game and took risks in hopes his side would find an equaliser. This wasn't the start of another tactical revolution but a quick decision made to grab a point in an important European game. And it didn't work. Not that they had sufficient time to demonstrate an understanding, either.

As such, it was thought that this was a matter that would be closely studied by the tactician. Yet contrary to reports, the coach was not interested in fielding such an attacking trident. Against Parma, Allegri instead relied on Roberto Pereyra in the trequartista role behind Tevez and Llorente.

However he may be open to experimentation and it remains to be seen if the Cesena game is the first step toward understanding whether playing all three forwards is a viable solution in certain games. Tevez can fit anywhere and anyhow, especially as this season he has complete understanding of the tactics and the personnel he plays alongside. The real question is how well Morata and Llorente perform alongside each another for the entirety of the match -- that is if reports are to be believed and they will in fact be deployed together.

Against the Seahorses, Juventus are not planning on taking the game lightly. In fact their training suggests they are determined to grab three points, meticulously going through the movements ahead of the match. Domenico Di Carlo is trying hard to change the mentality within the club. And the players do have spurts in which they run relentlessly and attempt to show off their athletic ability, but they lack quality. And defensively they lack the concentration required to halt opponents. Only Parma have conceded more this season.

Not the most difficult of games, this is Allegri's chance to experiment tactically while the Old Lady must continue to build momentum if they hope of having their say against Borussia Dortmund.

 

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

[Socrates 8518]

CESENA - JUVENTUS

.-

Sunday, February 15th, 2015 - 8:45 PM
Dino Manuzzi Stadium, Cesena
Referee: Carmine Russo

Cesena v Juventus Preview: Serie A leaders
look to extend unbeaten run

The Bianconeri will be confident of maintaining their fine form against
a side that have managed just three league wins so far this season.

Feb 14, 2015
 
Angelo Ogbonna says Juventus will not let their focus slip this weekend as they travel to Cesena looking to extend their 13-game unbeaten run in Serie A.

Massimiliano Allegri's side head to the Stadio Dino Manuzzi seven points clear of Roma at the top of the table as they chase a fourth straight title.

Juve are heavy favourites to rack up a 17th league win of the season, too, as 19th-placed Cesena have tasted victory in just three of their 22 top-flight fixtures this term.

Allegri will be without Serie A's top scorer Carlos Tevez this weekend as the Argentinian serves a suspension, but defender Ogbonna - who could return after an ankle problem - believes Juve have the strength in depth to cope without their leading marksman.

"I do not think that the absence of Tevez will create problems," Ogbonna told Sky Sport Italia.

"This year there have been many absences and there were many alternatives that can take the place of the alleged owners.

"We have to be focused. The fact that Roma can win in the afternoon is not a pressure. Our goal is to make three points in Cesena."

Cesena were boosted by the signing of free agent Gaby Mudingayi on Thursday, and have won two of their last three in Serie A - including a surprise 2-1 victory over Lazio on February 1.

However, coach Domenico Di Carlo was unhappy with his team's attitude in their 2-0 defeat at Empoli last time out, and is under no illusion as to the size of their task on Sunday.

"Our next game with Juventus is difficult," he said. "But Cesena have to go for every point in order to secure safety."

Juve beat Cesena 3-0 in the reverse fixture earlier this season, with Arturo Vidal scoring twice at Juventus Stadium in September.


OPTA FACTS

Juventus are unbeaten in Serie A against Cesena since November 1987 – since then the Old Lady have won six times, with as many draws.

Juve have had the better in their last three meetings against Cesena, without conceding a single goal.

Cesena have managed only one clean sheet so far in Serie A at home against Juventus.

Cesena have conceded goals in each of their last 21 league games – their only clean sheet came in the opening round against Parma.

Cesena won their last home game (vs Lazio) after they had lost the previous four.

Juve have conceded only four goals away from home – a record amongst the top-European leagues.

Max Allegri’s side are unbeaten in their last 13 games (W9 D4).

Cesena have conceded 13 goals in the last 15 minutes of play – a negative record in this competition.


LAST FIVE MATCHES

Cesena L W W L L

2015/02/08 - Empoli 2 - 0 Cesena
2015/02/01 - Cesena 2 - 1 Lazio
2015/01/25 - Parma 1 - 2 Cesena
2015/01/18 - Cesena 2 - 3 Torino
2015/01/11 - Cagliari 2 - 1 Cesena


Juventus  W D W W W

2015/02/07 - Juventus 3 - 1 Milan
2015/02/01 - Udinese 0 - 0 Juventus
2015/01/28 - Parma 0 - 1 Juventus
2015/01/25 - Juventus 2 - 0 Chievo
2015/01/18 - Juventus 4 - 0 Hellas Verona


HEAD TO HEAD

2014/09/24 - Juventus 3 - 0 Cesena
2014/07/30 - Cesena 0 - 0 Juventus
2012/04/25 - Cesena 0 - 1 Juventus
2011/12/04 - Juventus 2 - 0 Cesena
2011/03/12 - Cesena 2 - 2 Juventus

 

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

[Socrates 8518]

CESENA - JUVENTUS

.-

Sunday, February 15th, 2015 - 8:45 PM
Dino Manuzzi Stadium, Cesena
Referee: Carmine Russo

Cesena V Juventus – Team News,
Tactics, Lineups And Predictions

Feb 14, 2015
 
After gaining promotion via the play-offs last season, Cesena are finding life tough in the top flight. With the exception of Parma, the Seahorses have the worst stats of any side in Serie A, and currently lie second from bottom. Following back-to-back wins, Cesena came crashing back down to earth last week after a defeat at Empoli. With both teams at the wrong end of the table, it was seen as a crucial six-pointer in the battle for relegation. The thought of facing the Juventus juggernaut is therefore daunting to say the least. However coach Domenico Di Carlo will be breathing a sigh of relief that Carlos Tevez is suspended for this encounter. The Argentine has been inspirational with 14 goals and 7 assists, and is currently the Capocannoniere.

The contrast in form could not be greater with Juventus. The Bianconeri are seven points clear at the summit, boast the best attack and defence, and are on course for a fourth consecutive Scudetto.Credit must be given to coach Max Allegri. Taking over Antonio Conte’s record-breaking side was never going to be an easy task. Allegri though, has given Juve tactical flexibility and slowly tweaked the side in his own style, winning fans over.


Team news and tactical brief
 

Cesena

Cesena have managed only one clean sheet all season and suffered their 13th Serie A defeat last Sunday at Empoli after winning successive Serie A matches for the first time this campaign against Parma and Lazio. Former Torino, Lazio, Bologna and Inter midfielder Gaby Mudingayi could make his debut for the Romagnoli after terminating his contract at Elche by mutual consent. Nico Pulzetti is expected to miss out through a left thigh strain and Francesco Renzetti is a doubt having suffered a right ankle sprain in an afternoon training session on Wednesday. Guido Marilungo, Luca Valzania and Andrea Tabanelli also remain injured, but Davide Succi has returned to training.

Promising custodian Nicola Leali will have his hands full. The 21-year-old, on loan from the visitors, will face the most prolific team in the league. With only one clean sheet kept, and 43 goals conceded, it’s going to be a busy evening for the young keeper. On a positive note Cesena have been boosted by the capture of veteran midfielder Gaby Mudingayi. The Belgian has signed from La Liga outfit Elche, and brings plenty of Serie A experience after spending 10 years on the peninsula.


Probable Starting Line-up (4-3-1-2): Leali; Perico, Capelli, Krajnc, Renzetti; Giorgi, De Feudis, Ze Eduardo; Brienza; Djuric, Defrel

 

Juventus

Juventus will look to extend their seven-point lead at the top of the Serie A table when they travel to the Stadio Dino Manuzzi to play relegation-threatened Cesena on Sunday evening. The champions are unbeaten in Serie A against Cesena since 1987 and dominated when the two sides met at the Juventus Stadium in September as Arturo Vidal scored two goals and Stephan Lichtsteiner added another in a 3-0 win.Alessandro Matri will have to wait to make his second Juventus debut as he is still recovering from a calf injury, although Andrea Barzagli could make his first appearance of the season from the bench after a long-term achilles injury.

Top scorer Carlos Tevez is suspended after reaching the yellow card limit against AC Milan, however Stephan Lichtsteiner returns after observing a one-match ban. Long- term absentee Andrea Barzagli has returned to the squad after finally recovering from an Achilles injury. His availability will only strengthen an already formidable rearguard. With 13 clean sheets and only 10 goals conceded, the Old Lady have one of the strongest defences in Europe. Stephan Lichtsteiner also returns from suspension after sitting out last week’s 3-1 win over Milan.


Probable Starting Line-up (4-3-1-2): Buffon; Lichtsteiner, Bonucci, Chiellini, Evra; Marchisio, Pirlo, Pogba; Vidal; Llorente, Morata


Key Facts

Juventus have kept a clean sheet in their last 4 matches against Cesena in all competitions

Juventus are undefeated in their last 9 matches against Cesena in all competitions

Juventus have conceded only four goals away from home – a record amongst the top-European leagues.


Players to Watch Out For

Grégoire Defrel (Cesena)

The Frenchman is a skilful, left-footed striker who can also play on the wing. He has spent all of his career so far in Italy, having started with Parma in 2011. He only played one game before being loaned to Foggia before moving to Cesena. Defrel has already notched up five goals in 16 games and registered two assists to his name. He will look to make an impact against the champions on Sunday.


Alvaro Morata (Juventus)

Now established as preferred partner to Tevez, the pressure will be on the young Spaniard to deliver, especially in the absence of L’Apache who has contributed 30 per cent of Juve’s goals this season.


Prediction

Cesena 0–2 Juventus

Cesena beat Parma and Lazio, thus surprisingly leaving the Crociati bottom of the table and themselves showing a glimpse of life in the relegation battle. But then the three points dropped against Empoli last time out round could prove costly. Juventus won without fuss in what used to be an Italian football classic against AC Milan in the last round of fixtures, and they are preparing for the final straight with a comfortable advantage over their opponents. Any result different from Juventus winning here would be both a disappointment for the visitors and a huge surprise. Cesena have been battling the prediction of being doomed to go down in recent games, but this challenge will be too hard for them.


Blast From the Past

On-loan forward Marco Borriello came off the bench to score his first Serie A goal of the season with just 10 minutes remaining in a 1-0 win as Juve went on to secure a first Scudetto under Antonio Conte.
 

 

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

[Socrates 8518]

CESENA - JUVENTUS

.-

Sunday, February 15th, 2015 - 8:45 PM
Dino Manuzzi Stadium, Cesena
Referee: Carmine Russo

Cesena vs. Juventus: Team News, Predicted Line-Ups

Feb 14, 2015
 
Juventus travel to Cesena on Sunday, the league leaders hoping to continue their rich run of form against a side caught up in the battle to retain their Serie A status.

The Turin side are no strangers to the Stadio Dino Manuzzi, the atmospheric venue actually home to the Bianconeri for their successful run in the Intertoto Cup back in 1999.

European commitments will likely be at the forefront of their thinking once again this weekend, with Masimilliano Allegri likely to rest a number of his stars with an eye on the vital clash with Borussia Dortmund.

That encounter looms large on the horizon, but his side will also want to claim three more points as their march to a fourth consecutive league title continues apace.

The Juventus boss will be without leading scorer Carlos Tevez, the Argentinian picking up a booking against Milan which sees him suspended for this encounter. Injuries to Martin Caceres and Kwadwo Asamoah further limit Allegri’s options, but his squad still contains more than enough depth to comfortably overcome Cesena.

On the opposite bench, Mimmo Di Carlo has concerns of his own, with regulars Guido Marilungo, Emmanuel Cascione and Francesco Renzetti all absent through injury.

With only three wins all season, Cesena face a mammoth task against the reigning champions, who will expect nothing less than victory here.


Form Lines

Last five Serie A results:

Cagliari 2-1 Cesena

Cesena 2-3 Torino

Parma 1-2 Cesena

Cesena 2-1 Lazio

Empoli 2-0 Cesena



Napoli 1-3 Juventus

Juventus 4-0 Hellas Verona

Juventus 2-0 Chievo

Udinese 0-0 Juventus

Juventus 3-1 Milan



Predicted Formations

Cesena (4-3-1-2): Leali; Perico, Capelli, Lucchini, Magnusson; Giorgi, De Feudis, Ze Eduaro; Brienza; Djuric, Defrel
 

Player to Watch

For Cesena, Nicola Leali is arguably the man to watch, and the goalkeeper is likely to be kept busy on Sunday evening. Only rock-bottom side Parma (47) have conceded more goals this season than the 43 scored past the Seahorses, and the Juventus-owned shot-stopper has managed just one clean sheet this term.

He remains a talented prospect however, and the 21-year-old was one of the players this columnist expects to move to Turin this summer. Leali will be pitted against Serie A’s most prolific attack, Juve’s tally of 47 a surprising six goals better than any other side in the division.

Central to that has been the form of Alvaro Morata, the young Spaniard recently displacing compatriot Fernando Llorente from the regular starting XI. His form has certainly been worthy of that place, and he will look to improve upon his total of five goals against Cesena.


Key Battle

With both sides fielding narrow formations, the key battle could well come at full-back, with the ability of Hordur Magnusson expected to be a major factor in this encounter. Lining up directly against Stephan Lichtsteiner, the young Icelandic defender can expect a torrid evening against his former club.

According to statistics from WhoScored.com, Magnusson has averaged an impressive 1.9 tackles, 2.1 interceptions and 5.6 interceptions per game, but few players in Serie A possess the energy and drive of Lichtsteiner.

The Swiss international is a superb defender, but he is also a vital part of the Juventus attack and only Tevez (7) can better his tally of four assists this term. His understanding with Llorente has won numerous matches for the Bianconeri, and Cesena will face a tough task to prevent them doing the same here.

 

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

[Socrates 8518]

CESENA - JUVENTUS

.-

Sunday, February 15th, 2015 - 8:45 PM
Dino Manuzzi Stadium, Cesena
Referee: Carmine Russo

Cesena v Juventus: Preview

Feb 14, 2015
 
Spanish striker Alvaro Morata will take centre stage for Juventus on Sunday when the Serie A leaders play at Cesena.

Carlos Tevez, the league's top scorer, is suspended this weekend.

His absence puts the burden on the 22-year-old Morata to find the back of net but that is a challenge he is embracing.

Morata has found the back of the net in two of Juve's last three Serie A games, including last weekend's 3-1 triumph over AC Milan.

``I'm really happy to score,'' Morata told the Italian press. ``It's always good when you hand good performances.

``But I have to think about the future and I know I still have a lot of room for improvement.

``I'm working hard to score as many goals as possible.''

Since joining Juve from Real Madrid last summer, Morata has struck five goals and set up three more in 17 Serie A appearances.

The Spain international is expected to partner compatriot Fernando Llorente up front as Juve look to clinch their 17th win of the season at the Dino Manuzzi stadium.

Massimiliano Allegri's Juve have lost just once all season and are seven points clear of Roma at the top of the standings.

``If we always win then there's no need for us to look behind us to see what the other teams are doing,'' Morata said.

Cesena are fighting to avoid the drop this season and lie 19th in the standings, six points adrift of safety.

The Emilia-Romagna outfit beat Parma and Lazio in recent weeks before falling 2-0 at Empoli lat time out.

Domenico Di Carlo's side strengthened their midfield with the signing of Belgian player Gaby Mudingayi this week.

The 33-year-old has joined the Emilia-Romagna club on a free transfer until the end of the season.

The former Lazio player is expected to make his Cesena debut on Sunday.

 

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

[Socrates 8518]

CESENA - JUVENTUS

.-

Sunday, February 15th, 2015 - 8:45 PM
Dino Manuzzi Stadium, Cesena
Referee: Carmine Russo

De Ceglie: 'Juve still so driven'

Feb 14, 2015
 
Paolo De Ceglie says Juventus are “driven” towards victory, and discussed his return to the club.

The 28-year-old is back with the Bianconeri after spending the first half of the season on loan with Parma.

In an interview with JTV, he said the team has not lost focus.

“I see a team that is driven and motivated, the same way they were when I left,” said De Ceglie.

“As for the championship as a whole, we certainly have to keep going the way we are to bring this Scudetto home.

“There are other teams that are doing well, so we must build our victory one brick at a time.

“We must avoid relaxing because we've learnt in the last few years that all games are tough when you want to win the Scudetto.

“The game in Cesena is therefore as important as the one last Sunday against Milan.”

De Ceglie also discussed the experience of returning to his home club after loan spells.

“Is it like a home-coming? Certainly, I know everyone. The environment and club here are the best for me.

“I've got a good rapport with the Coach, because he's the same as when I last worked with him, but with even greater enthusiasm.

“Besides, wearing the Bianconeri colours is always exciting, especially after some time has passed.”

Finally, De Ceglie was asked about his former club Parma, who are currently caught in a financial crisis and ownership turmoil.

“I'm sorry for how things are going there. I hope they can fix the club, because the city deserves to have an important team.”

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

[Socrates 8518]

CESENA - JUVENTUS

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Sunday, February 15th, 2015 - 8:45 PM
Dino Manuzzi Stadium, Cesena
Referee: Carmine Russo

Allegri: 'No Juve rotation'

Feb 14, 2015
 
Max Allegri assures there will be “no squad rotation” when Juventus visit Cesena, though his mind drifts to Borussia Dortmund.

It kicks off on Sunday at 20.45 CET.

“There will not be squad rotation tomorrow, as we’ll use the best possible line-up to face Cesena,” insisted the Coach in his Press conference.

“Then there are Atalanta and Borussia. It is our duty to take Juventus forward in the Champions League.”

The Bianconeri are seven points clear at the top of the Serie A table, so could be forgiven for feeling a little comfortable even with Carlos Tevez suspended.

“I have been reading all week that Fernando Llorente will partner Alvaro Morata. Kingsley Coman is in good shape too, but the truth is I haven’t yet decided who will start. Morata can play alongside Llorente, Coman or Tevez. If Llorente is there, we have to speed up the tempo.

“We have to get it into our heads that every weekend there’s one less round to go, so we have to make fewer and fewer mistakes,” continued Allegri.

“We could go into the head-to-head with Roma only four points in front of them. We also have to be wary in Cesena, as on a synthetic pitch the ball moves quickly.”

On the other hand, Champions League opponents Borussia Dortmund have rediscovered their form, last night notching up a second consecutive victory.

“Borussia have some excellent individuals and it’s strange to see them at the bottom of the Bundesliga. When we play against them, the Germans will have their best squad available, as will we. We’ve got the opportunity to qualify and put in two great performances.

“Our objective was to still be in the running for every competition in March. We’re in Europe, top of Serie A and in the Coppa Italia semi-final. However, we must improve our style of football a great deal and are working on that.”

Andrea Barzagli has not played all season due to a recurring Achilles tendon problem, but Allegri was asked whether the defender would be available against Borussia Dortmund.

“It’s tough to think that far ahead, as I still haven’t decided on tomorrow’s line-up. Barzagli had a good test, is back on the pitch and I am very happy. He’s an important ‘buy’ for the final weeks of the season.”

Allegri had a message for his hometown club Livorno, who are currently in Serie B.

“Today the club turns 100 years old and I wish them all the best, including promotion at the end of this season.”

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

[Socrates 8518]

CESENA - JUVENTUS

.-

Sunday, February 15th, 2015 - 8:45 PM
Dino Manuzzi Stadium, Cesena
Referee: Carmine Russo

MATCH PREVIEW

Feb 14, 2015
 
A sell out crowd will see relegation-battling Cesena host leaders Juventus at Stadio Dino Manuzzi Sunday evening.

After gaining promotion via the play-offs last season, Cesena are finding life tough in the top flight. With the exception of Parma, the Seahorses have the worst stats of any side in Serie A, and currently lie second from bottom.

Following back-to-back wins, the Romagnoli came crashing back down to earth last week after a defeat at Empoli. With both teams at the wrong end of the table, it was seen as a crucial six-pointer in the battle for relegation.

The thought of facing the Juventus juggernaut is therefore daunting to say the least. However coach Domenico Di Carlo will be breathing a sigh of relief that Carlos Tevez is suspended for this encounter. The Argentine has been inspirational with 14 goals and 7 assists, and is currently the Capocannoniere.

Nonetheless promising custodian Nicola Leali will have his hands full. The 21-year-old, on loan from the visitors, will face the most prolific team in the league. With only one clean sheet kept, and 43 goals conceded, it’s going to be a busy evening for the young ‘keeper.

On a positive note Cesena have been boosted by the capture of veteran midfielder Gaby Mudingayi. The Belgian has signed from La Liga outfit Elche, and brings plenty of Serie A experience after spending 10 years on the peninsula.

The contrast in form could not be greater with Juventus. The Bianconeri are seven points clear at the summit, boast the best attack and defence, and are on course for a fourth consecutive Scudetto.

Long- term absentee Andrea Barzagli has returned to the squad after finally recovering from an Achilles injury. His availability will only strengthen an already formidable rearguard. With 13 clean sheets and only 10 goals conceded, the Old Lady have one of the strongest defences in Europe. Stephan Lichtsteiner also returns from suspension after sitting out last week’s 3-1 win over Milan.

Credit must be given to coach Max Allegri. Taking over Antonio Conte’s record-breaking side was never going to be an easy task. Allegri though, has given Juve tactical flexibility and slowly tweaked the side in his own style, winning fans over.


Keep an eye on: Alvaro Morata (Juventus) – Now established as preferred partner to Tevez, the pressure will be on the young Spaniard to deliver, especially in the absence of L’Apache who has contributed 30 per cent of Juve’s goals this season.


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

Last season: Not played

Stat fact: The last time Cesena tasted victory over Juve was in the 1987-88 season.


Cesena (probable): Leali; Perico, Capelli, Lucchini, Magnusson; Giorgi, De Feudis, Ze Eduardo; Brienza; Djuric, Defrel
 

Suspended: None


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

Suspended: Tevez

 

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