Juventus Season 2014-2015

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JUVENTUS - FIORENTINA

1 - 2

Mohamed Salah (11')

Fernando Llorente (24')

Mohamed Salah (56')

Coppa Italia semi-final
Thursday, March 5th, 2015 - 8:45 PM
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Paolo Valeri

Zoff: Juventus Can Stage Coppa Italia Comeback

Mar 7, 2014

Juventus legend Dino Zoff believes that the Old Lady have the ability to stage a comeback in their Coppa Italia semi-final second leg clash with Fiorentina on April 7.

The Bianconeri suffered a 2-1 loss to the Viola in Turin on Thursday, which was their first home defeat in all competitions since falling to Bayern Munich in April 2013, and the former goalkeeper admits that the visitors’ top form may have seen them earn the win even if Juve boss Massimiliano Allegri had fielded his strongest team.

Zoff spoke to ItaSportPress.it about the Coppa Italia battle between Juventus and Fiorentina and expressed his faith in the Turin side’s chances of advancing to the tournament final.

“The coach was not wrong to start alternative players in order to keep some rested for the Champions League,” said the 73-year-old.

“Juventus probably would’ve lost even with their strongest team on the field, as Fiorentina managed to play a great match.

“For the final, however, I am sure that Juventus can overturn the result during the second leg at the Stadio Franchi and advance.”

[Socrates 8516]

JUVENTUS - SASSUOLO

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Monday, March 9th, 2015 - 9:00 PM
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Sebastiano Peruzzo

Zaza: 'Juve not unbeatable'

Mar 7, 2015

Simone Zaza points out “Juventus are not unbeatable” for Sassuolo, revealing how the Bianconeri “got into my brain.”

It kicks off on Monday at 21.00 CET.

The Bianconeri were stunned midweek by a 2-1 Coppa Italia home defeat to Fiorentina, ending their unbeaten run at the Juventus Stadium after almost two years.

“There is no such thing as an unbeatable team, so we are capable of beating Juventus,” Zaza told La Presse.

“Obviously Juve need to make some mistakes too and for us to have a great performance, but we go to Turin eager to give it a go.”

Zaza was very close to joining Juventus over the January transfer window, but opted to remain with the Neroverdi.

“I really struggled during those moments. I didn’t want to know anything that was happening. I was isolated and tried to focus only on doing well for Sassuolo, but whether you want to or not, these things get into your brain.

“That week we played against Cagliari and I have to admit I wasn’t concentrated. My head wasn’t in the right place.

“When the situation calmed down, we took on Inter and it went well. It cannot be a coincidence. To do well, you need to be relaxed and focused.”

It’s all a learning curve for Zaza, who is already an Italy international under Coach Antonio Conte.

“He’s a very direct person who immediately tells you what he thinks, without beating around the bush. I don’t know Conte well, but I do think it’s a problem for him to have so little time with his players.”

How does the striker get along with his Sassuolo tactician Eusebio Di Francesco?

“He’s honest and at times too nice. He’s very precise, as in his system everything has to be the way he wants it. He really takes care of the unity of the squad and his rapport with the players.”

 

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

[Socrates 8516]

JUVENTUS - SASSUOLO

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Monday, March 9th, 2015 - 9:00 PM
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Sebastiano Peruzzo

MATCH PREVIEW

Mar 7, 2015

Max Allegri faces his past as league leaders Juventus host Sassuolo on Monday night.

The Juve tactician will have mixed emotions going into this fixture. Back in 2008 he won promotion with the Neroverdi guiding them to Serie B. Unfortunately for Allegri, his position as Milan Coach was brought to an abrupt end following an incredible 4-3 defeat at the hands of Sassuolo last season. It was a memorable day for Domenico Berardi, as he struck all four goals for the Emilians.

A stunning free kick courtesy of Capocannoniere Carlos Tevez earned his side a valuable point in the crucial top of the table clash at Roma last Monday night. The Bianconeri preserved their nine point lead at the summit and are edging closer to a fourth consecutive Scudetto.

However Allegri was far from impressed with his team’s performance in the last 20 minutes of a bruising encounter. The Coach was quick to warn his players from switching off, with some big matches looming.

Those words were not taken on board, as his side was defeated midweek in the Coppa Italia semi-final first leg against Fiorentina. This was the Old Lady’s first loss in nearly two years on home soil, ending a run of 47 matches unbeaten.

Sassuolo currently lie 12th, midway between a Europa League and relegation position. With 74 yellow and seven red cards, they have the worst disciplinary record in Serie A.

They now travel to the Juventus Stadium on the back of three defeats, where La Vecchia Signora have won a staggering 29 matches from their last 31 Serie A encounters.

Coach Eusebio Di Francesco’s squad have conceded 38 goals so far this season. Injuries and suspensions in recent weeks have forced the tactician to re-invent his entire back line. He will be relieved that defenders Sime Vrsaljko, Federico Peluso and club captain Francesco Magnanelli will be available for selection.

The spotlight will certainly be on Berardi and Simone Zaza. The duo are rumoured to be joining Juventus next season and will be keen to impress.

Andrea Pirlo will not be available for another few weeks due to injury. Judging by that majestic set piece from Tevez against Roma, the Argentine has learnt well from the maestro.


Keep an eye on: Domenico Berardi (Sassuolo) – Though not as prolific as last term, the 20-year-old has been influential nonetheless for the Neroverdi. With seven goals and six assists, he is averaging 3.4 shots per game. Discipline is still an issue, having picked up eight yellow and one red card this campaign. This is a perfect opportunity to convince the Juventus hierarchy for a move there next season.


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

Last season: Juventus 4-0 Sassuolo

Stat fact: Sassuolo have never beaten Juventus in Serie A, earning one draw from three meetings where they scored twice and conceded eight.


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

Suspended: None


Sassuolo (probable): Consigli; Vrsaljko, Peluso, Acerbi, Longhi; Brighi, Magnanelli, Missiroli; Berardi, Zaza, Sansone

Suspended: Gazzola

 

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

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Monday, March 9th, 2015 - 9:00 PM
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Sebastiano Peruzzo

Juventus-Sassuolo Preview: Padoin calls for

Bianconeri to bounce back after Coppa defeat

The Italian champions suffered a 2-1 loss to Fiorentina in Turin on Thursday
and are desperate to get back to winning ways on home soil.

Mar 8, 2015

Simone Padoin sees Juventus' meeting with Sassuolo on Monday as the perfect opportunity to recover from their Coppa Italia defeat to Fiorentina.

On Thursday, Massimiliano Allegri's men went down 2-1 at home as two goals from Mohamed Salah gave Fiorentina the advantage in the first leg of their semi-final.

It was the reigning Serie A champions' first loss at Juventus Stadium in any competition since April 2013 - a remarkable run of 47 games.

As Juve turn their attentions back to the league, Padoin is in confident mood ahead of the visit of Sassuolo.

"We need to bounce back from this defeat and I'm sure we'll do so at the first time of asking on Monday," he told the club's official website.

"We know we'll be up against a decent team and a very young one at that.

"They were the first side to bring an end to our run of six consecutive victories at the start of the season, but winning is the most important thing on Monday.

"We've done well to gain a nine-point lead over Roma but with 13 games to go and 39 points up for grabs, it means nothing as things stand, anything can still happen."

That lead could be cut to six points by the time Juve kick off, with Roma visiting Chievo on Sunday.

"I don't think this is a difficult time for us, we just need to step up the tempo a little and finish games off earlier," Juve striker Carlos Tevez told Sky Sport Italia.

"No matter what some people say, nine points isn't enough of an advantage over Roma to relax. We have to speed up and get the Scudetto under lock and key as soon as possible."

Although Juve's only league defeat of this season came back in late October, Allegri's side have drawn three of their last five Serie A outings, while Sassuolo have lost each of their last three games, conceding eight goals in the process.

Former Juve man Simone Zaza has eight Serie A goals in 19 appearances this season - including his effort in the 1-1 draw between the two sides in the reverse fixture back in October.

The visitors, meanwhile, will have to keep a watchful eye on Tevez, who has 21 goals in all competitions this campaign, including three in his last five outings.

Juve's major injury concern surrounds experienced midfielder Andrea Pirlo, who has not featured since the Champions League win over Borussia Dortmund after picking up a calf problem.


OPTA FACTS

The three previous meetings in Serie A between these two sides have seen two wins for Juventus and a draw.

The Bianconeri have averaged 2.7 goals scored in these three games against Sassuolo.

Juve have altenated a home win to an away draw over their last six league games.

Juventus have scored and conceded goals in each of their last four league fixtures.

Sassuolo have lost their last three games, conceding 2+ goals in all of those matches.

Sassuolo have conceded goals in each of their last seven away games, however, they’ve never lost two consecutive games on the road this term.

Juve have scored 10 goals in the opening 15 minutes of play – a league-high.

Carlos Tevez scored Juve’s 15th goal from a dead ball situation on Monday against Roma – no side has scored more from set-piece situations during this Serie A.


LAST FIVE MATCHES

Juventus L D W W D

3/5/15 Juventus 1 - 2 Fiorentina
3/2/15 Roma 1 - 1 Juventus
2/24/15 Juventus 2 - 1 Borussia Dortmund
2/20/15 Juventus 2 - 1 Atalanta
2/15/15 Cesena 2 - 2 Juventus


Sassuolo L L L D W

3/1/15 Sassuolo 0 - 3 Lazio
2/23/15 Napoli 2 - 0 Sassuolo
2/14/15 Sassuolo 1 - 3 Fiorentina
2/8/15 Sampdoria 1 - 1 Sassuolo
2/1/15 Sassuolo 3 - 1 Internazionale


HEAD TO HEAD

10/18/14 Sassuolo 1 - 1 Juventus
4/28/14 Sassuolo 1 - 3 Juventus
12/15/13 Juventus 4 - 0 Sassuolo

 

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

[Socrates 8516]

JUVENTUS - SASSUOLO

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Monday, March 9th, 2015 - 9:00 PM
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Sebastiano Peruzzo

Juventus v Sassuolo: Preview

Mar 8, 2015

Juventus coach Massimiliano Allegri is stressing the need for his players to maintain their concentration as they look to close in on a fourth straight Italian title.

The Turin giants go into Monday's home game against Sassuolo holding a nine-point advantage over Roma at the top of the standings.

Juve held Roma to a 1-1 result at the Stadio Olimpico on Monday to take a step closer to defending the Scudetto.

However, with 13 games remaining, Allegri does not want any relaxation from his players.

He told the Italian press: ``We took a step forward by taking a point at Roma.

``But there are many games left to play and the Serie A season is not over, despite what many people seem to say.

``Until the numbers say so, the Scudetto race remains open.''

Juve head into the encounter having seen their 47-match unbeaten run at home come to an end on Thursday.

Allegri's men lost 2-1 to Fiorentina in their first leg semi-final of the Coppa Italia.

``Fiorentina deserved the win,'' Allegri said. ``They played better than us.

``We lost this game but we can turn it around in the second leg (April 7).

``Now we must focus on returning to winning ways against Sassuolo.''

Sassuolo have lost their last three league games, including a 3-0 home defeat to Lazio last weekend.

Eusebio Di Francesco's side last won on February 1 and lie 12th in the standings, nine points clear of the drop zone.

Sassuolo signed veteran defender Cesare Natali as a free agent on Wednesday with the Emilia-Romagna outfit in need of strengthening their backline after losing Luca Antei to a serious knee injury last week.

With defenders Emanuele Terranova and Paolo Cannavaro out injured, as well as Marcello Gazzola suspended, Natali could make his club debut against Juve

``I am ready to play,'' Natali said. ``I was surprised to get the call from Sassuolo after not getting many offers following my departure from Bologna last summer.

``I hope I can give my contribution and help the club avoid the drop.''

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

[Socrates 8516]

JUVENTUS - SASSUOLO

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Monday, March 9th, 2015 - 9:00 PM
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Sebastiano Peruzzo

Allegri 'not worried' about Juve

Mar 8, 2015

Max Allegri insists he is “not worried” by recent Juventus form ahead of tomorrow’s game with Sassuolo.

It kicks off on Monday at 21.00 CET.

“I am not worried,” assured the Coach in a Press conference this morning. “The goals we conceded are mistakes that must be analysed, identified and avoided.

“We have to improve these things, but we’re still in mid-March and in the running for all three competitions.”

On Thursday Juve suffered a shock 2-1 home defeat to Fiorentina in the Coppa Italia semi-final, their first loss in this stadium since April 2013.

“We analysed the game with Fiorentina. I would make all my decisions again, given the chance. We had four or five chances to score and Fiorentina barely came out of their own half until the last five minutes.

“The performance is not to be written off completely. We should avoid these mistakes on set plays and counter-attacks.”

Allegri slammed the negativity around Juve’s recent performances and maintained fans ought to be “proud of this team.

“I want to point out this squad won the Scudetto three times in a row. People are taking a fourth for granted, but so few teams have achieved that. I feel the enthusiasm has been lost around us.

“It was unthinkable for us to already secure the title in February. These things take time and people should see the positives as well as the negatives.

“On Monday we have a difficult game against Sassuolo. Will there be a trial by media if we don’t win? I keep my feet on the ground.

“I know facing Sassuolo is tough, as they cost me my job at Milan last season. They have a lot of quality and those three forwards are devastating when running into space.

“We have conceded too many goals recently and must improve on those situations. However, considering the situation, our performances haven’t seemed so horrible. It’s up to me to change a few positions.”

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

[Socrates 8516]

JUVENTUS - SASSUOLO

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Monday, March 9th, 2015 - 9:00 PM
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Sebastiano Peruzzo

Cracks appear at Juventus with Allegri
urging side to maintain focus

Mar 8, 2015

Juventus coach Massimiliano Allegri continues to warn that his team's nine-point gap at the top of Serie A is not enough.

If his men drop their concentration for a moment, another defeat is a real possibility and it will invite more pressure from their title challengers.

Allegri needs his men to stay alert. Too many mistakes have been happening and while you can understand fatigue is a problem at this stage of the season, Juventus' defensive stats show how much their problems on the pitch are affecting results.

Juve are no longer a pillar of strength at the back. Before the winter break, they conceded 13 goals in 23 games. In the New Year, they have already conceded 11 in just 13 matches. Woeful defending from set pieces and the struggle to prevent counter-attacks have worried those who see the team committing the same mistakes over and over again.

The question is, why? Some suggest that exhaustion has resulted in a drop in concentration and mistakes are likely to happen. The squad may boast more depth than most in Serie A but it's still not enough to rotate with ease. At this stage of the season, Juventus want their main men to be playing all their games because their back-ups, aren't always going to guarantee the same level of brilliance, as Simone Padoin demonstrated in the 2-1 defeat against Fiorentina.

Others blame Allegri for the drop in intensity that has provoked this fragility. He hasn't done enough psychologically to encourage relentless energy for the full 90 minutes in every game like Antonio Conte once preached. A coach always has his critics even if Juve have evolved under Allegri.

However, you must look at the full picture. The tactics have changed to allow for a greater emphasis on scoring goals. Evolving the tactics to show more courage up top has also meant that Juve have lost aggressive power in midfield. The 4-3-1-2 formation requires optimum concentration at the back and disciplined players who understand when to push forward and when to track back.

Last year, only three teams performed more tackles but this season it's 12. At least in terms of statistics, the Bianconeri have performed better in the number of shots they take and in possession. This has placed a lot of pressure on the back line and while the players handled the extra work well at the beginning of the campaign concentration levels can drop as limbs become weary in the final stages of the season. Mentally and physically, this side do not have enough time to fully recover after games.

Another point is Arturo Vidal. He's no longer the warrior the fans cheer on and is not even in the top 10 best tacklers in the league this season. His fall from grace is in part due to his knee problems and also down to a change in position where he is struggling further forward.

You also cannot overlook the loss of Kwadwo Asamoah, the man who holds his position well and offers wonderful defensive contributions especially when it comes to counter-attacks. His tendency to prioritise defence over attack can frustrate when the side pushes forward but his strength and tackling ability comes in handy when opponents run at pace.

Fiorentina knew how to punish the Bianconeri and unless Juventus maintain concentration for the entirety of matches, their errors will be exploited. No team likes to spring a surprise more than Sassuolo -- Juve's next opponent.

Boasting Domenico Berardi and Simone Zaza, Eusebio Di Francesco's men may have suffered in recent games, conceding eight goals in their last three but they are talented and can hurt even the grandest of clubs.

As Allegri continues to warn his players, each game requires a fight to ensure another trophy. His advice must be heeded.

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

[Socrates 8516]

JUVENTUS - SASSUOLO

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Monday, March 9th, 2015 - 9:00 PM
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Sebastiano Peruzzo

Decision Time: Sassuolo Duo’s Juventus Potential

The Neroverdi host the Bianconeri in a clash that will see their star duo take on
the mouth that used to feed them, as well as one which could impact their futures.

Mar 8, 2015

Monday’s Serie A fixtures will see Juventus welcome Sassuolo to Turin, in what ought to be a relatively straightforward encounter for the league champions.

However, there are two players of particular interest in the Neroverdi line-up: namely Domenico Berardi and Simone Zaza.

Both attackers bear a strong affiliation with their opponent, with Berardi in fact the property of Juventus. Neither side are in desperate need of a win, allowing both players the chance to show the home fans what they’re missing.

As the focal point in attack for Sassuolo, the emphasis will be on Zaza to lead from the front. A recent arrival on the international scene with the Azzurri, the 23-year-old was bought from the Bianconeri for €7.5 million and with a buy-back option set at €18 million.

His 18 goals for Sassuolo have earned him great praise and admiration, leading to his first senior call-up to the Italian national team for his countries European qualifiers. However, despite all of his progress, a return to Juventus seems unlikely for Zaza.

With the growing pressure on the Bianconeri to compete with greater consistency in Europe, the emphasis on the team’s strikers is immense.

One way the Juventus hierarchy have attempted to address this issue is by buying top class front-men. With so much at stake for the Italian champions in Europe, only players with a wealth of attacking quality such as Carlos Tevez can survive in Turin.

Sadly for Zaza, his game is largely restricted to the penalty box and doesn’t have the pace or technique to add a different dimension.

It’s for these precise reasons that Berardi has every chance of joining the Juventus squad.

Already a gifted player at 20 years of age, Berardi has dazzled in Serie A by scoring 23 goals since Sassuolo earned promotion to the top flight.

The Bianconeri were quick to snap up the teenager, and they have been richly rewarded for their diligent work on the transfer market.

Berardi has shown all the qualities to succeed in Serie A, and with Massimiliano Allegri keen on adding some healthy competition to the dressing room, the winger could find himself replacing Juventus’ departee: Sebastian Giovinco.

The Italian left for Toronto FC in February, depriving the Old Lady of one of their fastest and most agile players.

Berardi is exactly the kind of player to fill this position, and with any luck, surpass his predecessor in terms of achievement.

Berardi is still young though, and so will have to be well aware of Juventus’ ambitions in Europe and will thus need to develop fast to earn his place.

Should Juventus decide to re-sign Zaza, then they will have inherited a top finisher who they can depend on in Serie A.

Comparatively the future seems to be more promising for Berardi, who, with the proper application and exposure to the European arena, can develop into a superstar for Juventus.

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

[Socrates 8516]

JUVENTUS - SASSUOLO

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Monday, March 9th, 2015 - 9:00 PM
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Sebastiano Peruzzo

JUVENTUS V SASSUOLO MATCH PREVIEW

Mar 8, 2015

 

Juventus

Juventus will hope to return to winning ways as they welcome Max Allegri’s former side Sassuolo to Turin for round 26 of the Serie A calendar.

All told, it’s been a disappointing 7 days for the Bianconeri, starting with the frustrating draw against 10-man Roma last Monday and ending with Juve’s first home defeat in 2 years on Thursday night at the hands of rivals, Fiorentina in the Coppa Italia.

Juventus have drawn 3 of their last 5 league matches, missing out on the chance to extend their lead at the top of the table but Allegri insisted he isn’t worried by Juve’s recent form. “The goals we conceded are mistakes that must be analysed, identified and avoided.” he told reporters in his Press conference this morning.

“We analysed the game with Fiorentina. I would make all my decisions again, given the chance. We had four or five chances to score and Fiorentina barely came out of their own half until the last five minutes. The performance is not to be written off completely. We should avoid these mistakes on set plays and counter-attacks.”

Allegri went on to praise his players while slamming the negativity that has built up in recent weeks.

“I want to point out this squad won the Scudetto three times in a row. People are taking a fourth for granted, but so few teams have achieved that. I feel the enthusiasm has been lost around us.

“It was unthinkable for us to already secure the title in February. These things take time and people should see the positives as well as the negatives.

“On Monday we have a difficult game against Sassuolo. Will there be a trial by media if we don’t win? I keep my feet on the ground.”

Despite experimenting with 4-3-3 against Fiorentina and reverting to 3-5-2 against Roma, its expected Allegri will return to his tried-and-tested 4-3-1-2 against Sassuolo.

Gigi Buffon will start in goal while Stephan Lichtsteiner and Patrice Evra are likely to replace Martin Caceres and Simone Padoin in the full-back positions with Giorgio Chiellini and Leonardo Bonucci playing in the centre of defence.

Claudio Marchisio looked tired and off the pace against Fiorentina but he’s the only real option Juve have to play in place of the injured Andrea Pirlo. Arturo Vidal is gradually returning to his best and seems to have benefited from playing in the 3 man midfield rather than as a makeshift trequartista. Paul Pogba will likely sit-in on the left while Roberto Pereyra looks at his best behind a front two of Carlos Tevez and Alvaro Morata.

UPDATE : Gigi Buffon is out of the squad due to a bout of flu. Storari will start in his place in goal.


Predicted Lineup

4-3-1-2: Storari; Lichtsteiner, Bonucci, Chiellini, Evra; Vidal, Marchisio, Pogba; Pereyra; Tevez, Morata


Injured

Asamoah and Romulo (Recovering from surgery), Pirlo (ankle), Cacares (ankle)


Suspended

None


Form

(D-W-D-W-D)


 

Sassuolo

Sassuolo are slumping: they have lost the last three games in a pretty discouraging fashion, even if they were facing superior competitors (Fiorentina, Napoli and Lazio) and they have won only one match in their last five (against Inter).

There are essentially two reasons for this skid: defending has never been their forte and the defense works decently well only when composed by all four starters. Sime Vrsaljko and Federico Peluso have missed the last few matches and the captain Paolo Cannavaro picked up an injury two games ago. Therefore, they ended up with Francesco Acerbi cornering a patched defensive line, formed by either a washed up veteran (Paolo Bianco), fullbacks-turned-centre-backs (Alessandro Longhi) or midfielders-turned-fullbacks (Davide Biondini and Matteo Brighi). Not ideal when you have to deal with Mo Salah, Felipe Anderson and others quality attackers.

Luckily for them, the two starting fullbacks seems ready to make their return on Monday. With Cannavaro still sidelined, Eusebio Di Francesco could field Peluso as centre-back with Longhi on the left or Bianco in the middle of the defense. Both aren’t good options, but it’s still an improvement. The second reason for their downturn that they are in no man’s land in the table as we approach the final stretch. They are nine points clear from the relegation zone (and there are five teams between them and Cagliari) and ten points away from the 6th seed (but there are five teams between them and Sampdoria, including Inter and Milan). It’s not easy to motivate players when you are basically fighting for nothing.

There should be no changes in the rest of the lineup, the only doubt is in the midfield since Saphir Taider doesn’t look in the best possible shape after partaking to AFCON: Brighi or Biondini could take him spot. At this point, their traits are well-known: explosive counters, aggressive offside trap, quick and proactive team play and movement, several playmakers that can create a chance out of the blue, some good long-distance shooters. It’s really a provincial version of Fiorentina.

The biggest threat, of course, comes from the magic trio up front: Domenico Berardi, Simone Zaza and Nicola Sansone. However, with Zaza coming to Juventus or leaving for another big club, Sansone wanting to play in European cup next season (Bundesliga is calling…), Berardi ready to make the leap and also Di Francesco slated to jump ship, I do question how really interested and committed they are in this (meaningless) final part of the season. Of course although, as we know very well, the Juventus game always brings extra motivations.

I don’t mean to bash them, because, all things considered, this season proved that the gamble paid off: Di Francesco managed to bring team a squad that narrowly avoided relegation last season to a very comfortable position and did that by sticking to his beliefs, ditching catenaccio, playing exciting football and relying on his young and Italian guns. Even if a lot could change in the summer, the Sassuolo experiment has been a successful one and I hope that the “the good football way” will continue to trend: Empoli and Palermo have jumped onto the bandwagon and it should end well for them…


Predicted Lineup

4-3-3: Consigli; Vrsaljko, Bianco, Acerbi, Peluso; Taider, Magnanelli, Missiroli; Berardi, Zaza, Sansone


Injured

Pegolo (tibia), Terranova (knee), Antei (knee), Cannavaro (thigh)


Suspended

Gazzola


Form

(W-D-L-L-L)

 

Formation

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

[Socrates 8516]

JUVENTUS - SASSUOLO

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Monday, March 9th, 2015 - 9:00 PM
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Sebastiano Peruzzo

Caceres out of Juve-Sassuolo

Mar 8, 2015

Martin Caceres is out of tomorrow night’s Juventus-Sassuolo after spraining his ankle in training.

It kicks off on Monday at 21.00 CET.

Uruguay international Caceres has been ruled out by a sprained left ankle that will require further tests.

However, Stefano Sturaro and Kingsley Coman are both available after shaking off muscular problems.

Andrea Pirlo remains out for another couple of weeks, joined by Kwadwo Asamoah, Romulo and Luca Marrone.


Juventus squad for Sassuolo: Buffon, Chiellini, Ogbonna, Pogba, Pepe, Marchisio, Morata, Tevez, Coman, Llorente, Barzagli, De Ceglie, Bonucci, Padoin, Vidal, Lichtsteiner, Sturaro, Storari, Matri, Evra, Rubinho, Pereyra

 

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

[Socrates 8516]

JUVENTUS - SASSUOLO

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Monday, March 9th, 2015 - 9:00 PM
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Sebastiano Peruzzo

Di Francesco: Match Against Juventus
Isn’t Just A Getaway Trip

Mar 8, 2015

Ahead of Sassuolo’s match against league leaders Juventus on Monday, coach Eusebio Di Francesco has stated that his side will not be overcome by the fixture and that they will do their utmost to try obtain something from the game.

Sassuolo are currently 14th in the league table and 29 points behind the Bianconeri, but the 45-year-old tactician has declared that despite this gap, he still wants his side to give the maximum of amount of effort when they play.

“We will not start the match with a defeatist attitude,” said Di Francesco in his pre-match press conference.

“We will play the match in the right way but we will also understand that we are playing the strongest team in the championship.

“However we are certainly not going to Turin just for the trip. We will be sure to play a great match and we will not leave anything to chance.

“I will demand the absolute maximum amount of effort from my players, on both a physical and a mental level.

“I am sure that they will put in a good performance.”

 

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

[Socrates 8516]

JUVENTUS - SASSUOLO

.-

Monday, March 9th, 2015 - 9:00 PM
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Sebastiano Peruzzo

Juventus vs. Sassuolo Preview: Round 26 —
Monday Night Football at Juventus Stadium

Mar 8, 2015

No matter what time of the season we are in, having an eight-point lead over your closest competition is a good thing. We can find faults in Juventus' season thus far, but when you're up eight points, you're doing something right — for the most part. That's not to say Juve are in great form right now, because they aren't, but sitting at the top of the standings up by at least eight points is good to know.

But you know what? It can be better. A whole lot better.

Roma drew for the eighth time in its last nine games (!!!). If there was ever a chance to push the Serie A lead to double digits (again), then Monday night would be it. Roma are like the boxer that is struggling along the ropes and is one or two punches away from being knocked out. Pushing the lead to plus-11 would continue Roma's wobbling ways without question.

Why are we talking Roma so much in a preview for Monday night's game against Sassuolo?

Well, it's simple: Juventus wins in Turin Monday, that Serie A lead is pushed into double digits. Not for a couple of hours, not for a day before Roma plays, none of that. A Juve win over Sassuolo means Round 27 will start with Juventus up 11 points on Roma. ELEVEN. That's a pretty good place to be sitting with 12 games left in the 2014-15 season.

JuventusFC ✔ @juventusfcen
.@OfficialAllegri: "I'd also be happy to win the Sassuolo game by a 1-0 scoreline. In life you need to be practical."

Well, that's one way to look at it, Max. I guess the way Juve's defense has been playing lately, getting a shutout against a team with dangerous attackers isn't the worst thing in the world.


GOOD NEWS

Did I mention Roma are doing the whole drawing against weaker opponents thing again?


BAD NEWS

A quick look at who isn't part of the traveling squad due to injury:

Andrea Pirlo
Kwadwo Asamoah
Martin Cáceres
Luca Marrone
In short, injuries are stupid. We should ban them from existence.


WHAT TO WATCH FOR

1. Domenico Berardi because of course.

Pavel Nedved recently said Berardi is one of Juventus' future cornerstone players. While there's always going to be some skepticism about how Juve handles young players out on loan/co-ownership, what Nedved said about Berardi has every indication of complete serious simply based on who it came from. Berardi is having another fine season in his second Serie A campaign. He's got seven goals, he's recorded six assists, he continues to dazzle even when he's not scoring goals. Can he be better? Of course he can. Is he ready for Juventus? Some say yes, some say he needs a bit more time before he truly is able to arrive at a club with so much hope attached to his back. And what better way to make another good impression than to put in a big-time performance against the club everybody expects you to be at sooner rather than later?

2. Simone Zaza because of course.

Considering all of those rumors about Zaza coming to Turin in the winter transfer window didn't come to any kind of fruition, the other striker of Juventus' eye is still waring a Sassuolo jersey. Zaza has had an up-and-down season despite earning his first cap with the Italian national team late in 2014. He has scored eight goals total, but just one in his last six games. (Maybe he's just practicing for a future with Juventus since that goal came in Sassuolo's 3-1 win over Inter last month.) Some look at Zaza as the better player to come to Juventus right now simply because he's more of a developed player at 23 years old. But it's clear that Juventus have ideas about brining him in next season. Much like Berardi, what better way to show you're ready than to do things — again — against Juventus?

JuventusFC ✔ @juventusfcen
Neroverdi duo Zaza & Berardi have struck 15 league goals between them, the same total as Tevez

3. Juventus' defense because they have looked terrible lately.

I don't really know where to begin simply because there's been so many things going wrong at the back lately. We all know about Juventus' inability to defend set pieces this season and how it has been exposed in even in recent weeks. But just the amount of overall mistakes and blunders has you thinking about where the defense of previous years has gone. It certainly doesn't help that Giorgio Chiellini has struggled to find any kind of consistent form (in a good way) this season. But as a collective unit, this current Juventus defense is in need of a gut check. Maybe that loss to Fiorentina midweek in the Coppa Italia will be the cure of all their current ills.

JuventusFC ✔ @juventusfcen
.@OfficialAllegri: "We must be a lot more alert with corner kicks in our favour, denying the opposition the chance to break on the counter."

4. Roberto Pereyra because he's playing behind the strikers.

No Pirlo means Arturo Vidal gets to be an actual midfielder again and Pereyra steps in to play behind Álvaro Morata and Carlos Tévez. Simple is as simple does, really. Pereyra has been a lot like Juventus lately form wise. Sometimes he's on and making a big impact, other times he's just kinda there but not playing all too well. With Pirlo out for at least a couple more weeks, Pereyra's importance is even that much more because of who he's replacing in the starting lineup. When he's right, Pereyra's energy on the field can replicate that of Vidal. But finding consistency will be key for the young Argentine — as it has been all season.


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


OFFICIAL KICKOFF TIME: 9 P.M. IN ITALY; 4 P.M. ON THE EAST COAST; 1 P.M. ON THE WEST COAST

 

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

[Socrates 8516]

JUVENTUS - SASSUOLO

.-

Monday, March 9th, 2015 - 9:00 PM
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Sebastiano Peruzzo

Allegri demands further Juventus improvement

The 47-year-old has urged his men to step up their game versus Sassuolo
and feels they did not put in a bad performance in their loss to Fiorentina.

Mar 9, 2015

Massimiliano Allegri has stressed that Juventus must improve if they are to win a fourth consecutive Serie A title this term as they prepare to take on Sassuolo on Monday.

The reigning Italian champions currently hold an eight-point lead over second-placed Roma having played a game less.

However, Allegri is adamant that they can still develop even further as a team as they look to go 11 points clear with a win.

"We must improve, stop conceding and work on our focus, because we’re at the final straight of the season," Allegri said at a press conference.

"We’re in good physical shape though, and we’ll need to put in a great performance on Monday night. Sassuolo are never an easy team to face and dangerous in open space, with three front men whose talents few teams can boast.

"This team has won three consecutive league titles and it seems as if people think it’s just naturally going to happen again this season. I think a bit of enthusiasm has been lost, winning four league titles isn’t straightforward and few teams throughout history have managed to do so.

"Everyone should be proud of what these lads are doing. The league still isn’t over and calm is required. We must keep working, take the positive aspects on board and limit the negative ones."

Allegri then went on to discuss his side's 2-1 Coppa Italia defeat at the hands of Fiorentina in midweek and feels the Turin side were not as bad as some made it out to be.

"We’ve calmly sat down and analysed the Fiorentina match, because it seemed as if the game was a disaster. Instead, if you take away the seven minutes of madness at the start of the second half, when we afforded them two shots and then conceded from our own mistake, we had four or five important opportunities of our own and Fiorentina barely got out of their half.

"We must avoid the situations in which we allowed them to counter, but I wouldn’t change any of the decisions I made. Fiorentina will be favourites for the return leg, but we’re capable of overturning the scoreline."

 

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

[Socrates 8516]

JUVENTUS - SASSUOLO

.-

Monday, March 9th, 2015 - 9:00 PM
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Sebastiano Peruzzo

Buffon out of Juve-Sassuolo

Mar 9, 2015

Gigi Buffon is out of tonight’s match against Sassuolo after the Juventus goalkeeper came down with flu symptoms.

It kicks off at 21.00 CET in Turin.

The shot-stopper has already left the training retreat ahead of the game at the Juventus Stadium.

This means Marco Storari will take the gloves, having already played in the 2-1 Coppa Italia home defeat to Fiorentina last week.

Martin Caceres is out for 10 weeks after undergoing surgery on a fractured ankle.

 

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

[Socrates 8516]

JUVENTUS - SASSUOLO

.-

Monday, March 9th, 2015 - 9:00 PM
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Sebastiano Peruzzo

Line-ups: Juventus-Sassuolo

Mar 9, 2015

Juventus have the chance to go 11 points clear tonight, but have to reshuffle against unpredictable Sassuolo.

It kicks off at 21.00 CET.

As Roma were held 0-0 by Chievo on Sunday, a win would put Juve 11 points clear at the top of the table.

However, Gigi Buffon, Martin Caceres and Andrea Pirlo are unavailable, the goalkeeper coming down with flu symptoms this afternoon.

Fiorentina came away with a 2-1 Coppa Italia semi-final win here on Thursday evening, becoming the first side to conquer the Juventus Stadium since Bayern Munich in April 2013.

Sassuolo are capable of causing upsets and already held Juve to a draw earlier this season, with strikers Simone Zaza and Domenico Berardi in an all-attack 4-3-3 system.

Sassuolo have Alessandro Gazzola suspended, while Luca Antei, Paolo Cannavaro, Gianluca Pegolo and Emanuele Terranova are on the treatment table.


Juventus: Storari, Lichtsteiner, Bonucci, Chiellini, Evra, Vidal, Marchisio, Pogba, Pereyra, Tevez, Morata

Juventus bench: Rubinho, Audero, Barzagli, Ogbonna, De Ceglie, Padoin, Sturaro, Pepe, Llorente, Matri


Sassuolo: Consigli; Vrsaljko, Acerbi, Peluso, Longhi; Brighi, Magnanelli, Missiroli; Berardi, Zaza, Sansone

Sassuolo bench: Pomini, Polito; Bianco, Natali, Fontanesi, Biondini, Chibsah, Taider, Donis, Floro Flores, Lazarevic, Floccari

 

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

[Socrates 8516]

JUVENTUS - SASSUOLO

.-

Monday, March 9th, 2015 - 9:00 PM
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Sebastiano Peruzzo

HT 0-0: Sassuolo smother Juve

Mar 9, 2015

Juventus have made little impact on Sassuolo in the first half, as it’s still goalless in Turin.

The Bianconeri had the chance to go 11 points clear at the top of the table, but were fresh from a shock 2-1 Coppa Italia semi-final defeat to Fiorentina, their first home competitive loss since Bayern Munich in April 2013. Gigi Buffon, Andrea Pirlo, Martin Caceres, Kwadwo Asamoah and Romulo missed out, while the Neroverdi had Alessandro Gazzola suspended, Luca Antei, Paolo Cannavaro, Gianluca Pegolo and Emanuele Terranova sidelined. Sime Vrsaljko returned after a month out.

This fixture had only been played once, ending 4-0, but Sassuolo did hold Juve to a draw earlier this season.

Claudio Marchisio and Carlos Tevez turned over the bar, as did Giorgio Chiellini from a corner. Tevez forced Andrea Consigli to beat away a sudden snapshot from distance.

A poor Leonardo Bonucci back-pass was intercepted, so Tevez took one for the team with a bookable offence to stop Simone Zaza going on goal. Nicola Sansone curled the resulting free kick into Marco Storari’s arms.

Alvaro Morata drilled across the face of goal at the end of a solo run down the left, while Arturo Vidal’s effort was deflected for a corner.


Juventus 0-0 Sassuolo (Half-Time)

Juventus: Storari; Lichtsteiner, Bonucci, Chiellini, Evra; Vidal, Marchisio, Pogba; Pereyra; Tevez, Morata

Sassuolo: Consigli; Vrsaljko, Acerbi, Peluso, Longhi; Brighi, Magnanelli, Missiroli; Berardi, Zaza, Sansone

Ref: Peruzzo

 

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

[Socrates 8516]

JUVENTUS - SASSUOLO

1 - 0

Paul Pogba (82')

Monday, March 9th, 2015 - 9:00 PM
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Sebastiano Peruzzo

Juventus 1-0 Sassuolo: Pogba piledriver
propels champions 11 points clear

The Bianconeri looked set to be held to a draw in Turin but their France international
made the breakthrough with just eight minutes to go with a stunning half-volley.

Mar 9, 2015

Paul Pogba lashed home a superb 82nd-minute half-volley as Juventus made an instant return to winning ways on home soil with a 1-0 victory over Sassuolo that sent the Serie A champions 11 points clear at the top of the table.

A combination of a couple of fine Andrea Consigli saves and some wayward finishing looked set to frustrate Massimiliano Allegri's men on Monday until Pogba made the decisive breakthrough eight minutes from time.

Simone Pepe surged forward and passed for Pogba to take the ball in his stride and unleash a fine strike from the edge of the penalty area that gave Consigli no chance as it nestled in the bottom corner.

Pogba's seventh league goal of the season – having opened his Serie A account for 2014-15 in the 1-1 draw at Sassuolo back in October – enabled Juve to bounce back from Thursday's Coppa Italia defeat at the hands of Fiorentina, the club's first home loss since April 2013.

Sassuolo started without fear and looked particularly dangerous on the break, although they were given a 13th-minute scare when a short-corner routine allowed Claudio Marchisio a sight of goal from just inside the penalty area and his angled drive skewed off target.

Neat footwork from Alvaro Morata on the left wing saw him steal a yard on his marker and his deflected centre fell kindly for Roberto Pereyra to find Carlos Tevez, who created space with his first touch and hit a rising effort that sailed over.

Domenico Berardi, co-owned by the two clubs, ballooned over at the opposite end before Juve continued to crank up the intensity as the match approached the half-hour mark - Giorgio Chiellini timing his jump to perfection to meet a Tevez corner but failing to keep his thumping header down.

Tevez was next to try his luck again, forcing Consigli to punch away a rasping drive, before crudely hacking down Simone Zaza to a concede a free-kick 25 yards out that Nicola Sansone curled straight into the arms of the grateful Marco Storari, deputising for the ill Gianluigi Buffon.

Morata cut in from the left and fired across goal two minutes before half-time and the hosts picked up where they left off after the restart.

Consigli had to be at full stretch to tip Pogba's powerful low strike around the post after Patrice Evra's cross was only cleared as far as the midfielder just outside the box.

Stephan Lichtsteiner's cross just prior to the hour mark was cleverly chested by Morata to Tevez, but the striker's shot was always curling just away from goal.

Leonardo Bonucci's dipping volley from fully 35 yards forced Consigli to scramble it behind and Fernando Llorente spun and shot wide from close range as Juve's pressure continued to mount before Pogba strode forward to settle it late on.

 

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

[Socrates 8516]

JUVENTUS - SASSUOLO

1 - 0

Paul Pogba (82')

Monday, March 9th, 2015 - 9:00 PM
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Sebastiano Peruzzo

Juventus 1-0 Sassuolo: Late Show
Spares Bianconeri Blushes

Mar 9, 2015

Juventus narrowly overcame Sassuolo 1-0 in Serie A at the Juventus Stadium on Monday evening.

The only goal arrived late on from the relatively quiet Paul Pogba in order to take the Old Lady one step closer to yet another Scudetto.

It proved to be a tale of frustration for league leaders Juventus in the opening period against impressively determined opponents.

Bianconeri goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon was a late withdrawal due to flu, but it was stand-in Marco Storari who was almost caught cold when attempting to dribble past Sassuolo striker Simone Zaza in his own area.

Having got away with that early scare, the hosts found themselves closed down rapidly by the well-drilled visitors at every turn.

Both Claudio Marchisio and Arturo Vidal fired well over the bar, while Carlos Tevez displayed a clever touch inside the box before sending his effort just too high, as Juventus struggled to breakdown the Neroverdi’s stubborn resistance.

Tevez also saw his corner from the left headed over by Giorgio Chiellini when the big defender really should have done better.

The Argentine forward certainly seemed the man most likely to unlock the door for the reigning champions, with a swerving shot calling Andrea Consigli into action.

Though the away side rarely threatened, they did force Tevez into a last-ditch challenge when pouncing on a loose ball by the shaky Leonardo Bonucci in Juve’s own half.

However, the resultant free-kick by Nicola Sansone went straight into the grateful arms of Storari.

There was more of the same in the second half, with Paul Pogba hitting an 18-yarder a whisker past the post and Tevez screwing his half-volley wide from a tight angle.

Sassuolo were sticking diligently to their task, but some visiting players appeared to be tiring around the hour mark.

Massimiliano Allegri saw that as a prime opportunity to introduce fresh legs in the shape of Fernando Llorente and Simone Pepe, as the Juventus coach looked to further stretch the plucky Emilian outfit.

Bonucci strode forward with purpose and looped an effort towards goal, but it was inches off-target. Imposing substitute Llorente then spun on Tevez’s cross, but couldn’t quite get the purchase required on his low strike.

Finally, with eight minutes remaining, Juventus broke the deadlock.

The relief was palpable when Pogba took a pass from sub Pepe beautifully in his stride before powering home from just outside the area.

It was a vital goal from the French midfielder which strengthened the Bianconeri’s grip on top spot in Serie A with an 11-point lead.

 

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

[Socrates 8516]

JUVENTUS - SASSUOLO

1 - 0

Paul Pogba (82')

Monday, March 9th, 2015 - 9:00 PM
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Sebastiano Peruzzo

Pogba puts Juve 11 points clear

Juventus left it late, but Paul Pogba’s strike beat Sassuolo 1-0
and put them 11 points clear at the top of the table.

Mar 9, 2015

The Bianconeri had the chance to increase the gap from Roma to 11 points, but were fresh from a shock 2-1 Coppa Italia semi-final defeat to Fiorentina, their first home competitive loss since Bayern Munich in April 2013. Gigi Buffon, Andrea Pirlo, Martin Caceres, Kwadwo Asamoah and Romulo missed out, while the Neroverdi had Alessandro Gazzola suspended, Luca Antei, Paolo Cannavaro, Gianluca Pegolo and Emanuele Terranova sidelined. Sime Vrsaljko returned after a month out.

This fixture had only been played once, ending 4-0, but Sassuolo did hold Juve to a draw earlier this season.

Claudio Marchisio and Carlos Tevez turned over the bar, as did Giorgio Chiellini from a corner. Tevez forced Andrea Consigli to beat away a sudden snapshot from distance.

A poor Leonardo Bonucci back-pass was intercepted, so Tevez took one for the team with a bookable offence to stop Simone Zaza going on goal. Nicola Sansone curled the resulting free kick into Marco Storari’s arms.

Alvaro Morata drilled across the face of goal at the end of a solo run down the left, while Arturo Vidal’s effort was deflected for a corner, but Juventus fans jeered at the half-time whistle.

Paul Pogba had been very quiet until his snapshot was fingertipped round the base of the near post by Consigli.

Tevez hit a half-volley that bent inches past the far stick and Morata blasted over. Consigli scrambled across to palm away a Leonardo Bonucci half-volley from almost 30 metres that threatened to bring the stadium down.

Fernando Llorente spun on the spot, but hit a weak finish at the goalkeeper. Pogba was booked for a high foot and will be suspended against Palermo.

Just as Juve seemed to be running out of ideas, they broke through with seven minutes to go. Simone Pepe went on the counter and set up Pogba, who saw the bounce and smashed a half-volley from just outside the box. The Pepe pass was probably aiming for Tevez down the left flank, but the Frenchman intercepted it.

Max Allegri also gave Andrea Barzagli his season debut after that recurring Achilles heel problem.

It's a fourth consecutive defeat for Sassuolo, but far from a vintage performance from the Bianconeri, who were made to work very hard indeed for these points.


Juventus: Storari; Lichtsteiner, Bonucci, Chiellini, Evra; Vidal, Marchisio, Pogba; Pereyra (Pepe 63); Tevez (Barzagli 87), Morata (Llorente 63)

Sassuolo: Consigli; Vrsaljko, Acerbi, Peluso, Longhi; Brighi (Chibsah 79), Magnanelli, Missiroli (Lazarevic 84); Berardi, Zaza, Sansone (Taider 72)

Ref: Peruzzo

 

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

[Socrates 8516]

JUVENTUS - SASSUOLO

1 - 0

Paul Pogba (82')

Monday, March 9th, 2015 - 9:00 PM
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Sebastiano Peruzzo

Pogba: 'Juve need the fans'

Mar 9, 2015

Paul Pogba told off Juventus fans for jeering their 1-0 win over Sassuolo, which was “very important for the Scudetto.”

The Frenchman found the net at the 83rd minute in a hard-fought match that put Juve 11 points clear at the top of the table.

“Am I the Scudetto winner? No, the team won the game. It was a very, very difficult match and the victory is very important for this Scudetto,” Pogba told Sky Sport Italia.

“The pass was for someone else, but I felt it and I went for the ball. It went well.”

There were loud jeers from the stands at half-time, as supporters were frustrated after Thursday’s 2-1 Coppa Italia defeat to Fiorentina.

“I thank the whole team and the fans. It’s tough for them too, but we need them throughout the season. I want to tell the supporters we need you, especially if we are playing badly, because we all win together.”

The 21-year-old was asked whether he was becoming a leader in the Juventus locker room.

“I can always do more and if I want to become a great player it means always giving more on the field and in training.

“Am I a leader? No, I am a player in the team. Even if I am young, I will say something to my teammate if it’s needed.”

 

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

[Socrates 8516]

JUVENTUS - SASSUOLO

1 - 0

Paul Pogba (82')

Monday, March 9th, 2015 - 9:00 PM
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Sebastiano Peruzzo

Paul Pogba fires Juventus past Sassuolo

Mar 9, 2015

Paul Pogba struck a late winner as Juventus claimed a 1-0 victory over Sassuolo to move 11 points clear at the top of the Serie A table.

The Bianconeri took control of the match from the start, but their only attempt on goal in the early stages was a wayward strike from Claudio Marchisio.

Carlos Tevez was next to threaten for the hosts with a powerful shot from just inside the box that flew narrowly over the bar.

Sassuolo barely posed a threat, but Nicola Sansone forced Marco Storari into a save from his dangerous free kick.

In the final minute of the half Arturo Vidal saw an effort from the edge of the box deflect wide, as the visitors held on to go into the break level with the champions.

Juventus kept up the pressure in the second half and Pogba drilled in a low shot from the edge of the box that was touched behind by Andrea Consigli.

Tevez flashed a half-volley wide of the far post and Alvaro Morata lashed over the bar, as the hosts became increasingly frustrated.

It seemed as if Juventus would be forced to settle for a point, but with eight minutes remaining Pogba collected Simone Pepe's pass and took a touch before crashing a strike into the bottom corner.

Sassuolo pushed for a response in the closing stages, but they were unable to break through their opponents' defence, as Juventus saw out the game to further enhance their title-winning prospects.

 

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

[Socrates 8516]

JUVENTUS - SASSUOLO

1 - 0

Paul Pogba (82')

Monday, March 9th, 2015 - 9:00 PM
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Sebastiano Peruzzo

Paul Pogba sends Juventus 11 points
clear with Sassuolo win

Mar 9, 2015

Juventus opened up an 11-point lead at the top of Serie A with 12 games to go thanks to a 1-0 win over Sassuolo on Monday night.

Paul Pogba scored the only goal of the game eight minutes from time to break Sassuolo's resistance and move Juve closer to their fourth successive Serie A title.

It was a one-sided game, although Sassuolo's defence was rarely really tested by a Bianconeri side, who seemed to be stuck only in first gear, even though they still had enough to record their 18th win of the season.

With one eye already turning towards next week's Champions League last-16 second leg at Borussia Dortmund, thanks to the fact that Roma were held to another draw on Sunday, Juve just appeared to be going through the motions at the Juventus Stadium.

Sassuolo did not want to take any risks, though, aware of how dangerous Juve can be if they are given an inch.

The first half was therefore a tactical affair with few chances at either end.

The hosts raised their rhythm slightly at the start of the second half, albeit remaining below their usual standards.

Pogba had a shot in the 52nd minute with Andrea Consigli at full stretch touching it wide at the base of his left-hand post.

A similar effort from Carlos Tevez was always curling away from Consigli's far post five minutes later as the home team started to do a little bit more with their possession in the final third.

Coach Massimiliano Allegri changed the team's approach by sending Fernando Llorente on for Alvaro Morata, and the Basque forward nearly justified his entrance with his first attempt on goal.

It seemed like it was going to take something special to decide it and Pogba provided it with his seventh goal of the season, smashed past Consigli on the volley after juggling the ball into the penalty area.

There was a greater cheer from the Juve fans when Andrea Barzagli made his first appearance of the season after injury, and then the third cheer came at the final whistle with Juve that little bit closer to another Scudetto.

 

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

[Socrates 8516]

JUVENTUS - SASSUOLO

1 - 0

Paul Pogba (82')

Monday, March 9th, 2015 - 9:00 PM
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Sebastiano Peruzzo

Di Francesco: 'Experience was key'

Mar 9, 2015

Eusebio Di Francesco felt Sassuolo had a great game against Juventus, but “experience” proved the difference.

The Neroverdi fell to a fourth consecutive defeat, but were only beaten 1-0 by a late Paul Pogba half-volley.

“I thought we did very well in the first half, especially on a tactical level, as we pressed them high and didn’t make the most of some promising counter-attacks,” he told Sky Sport Italia.

“I am very happy with the team’s attitude, especially in the first hour, but I knew we could start to feel fatigue in the last half-hour.

“Federico Peluso was in a new position, we had worked on it this week and he gave me an important response.

“We won back possession several times and didn’t pick the right pass, but that’s an issue of maturity for my team, who are still young. We certainly could’ve done better on the goal, as we lost the ball in naive fashion.”

Simone Zaza was shouted at from the touchline and had to be hauled away from the referee after the final whistle.

“I get angry with Zaza when he wastes time stopping to argue or talk. I want him to focus on his football and not get distracted by these things.”

 

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

[Socrates 8516]

JUVENTUS - SASSUOLO

1 - 0

Paul Pogba (82')

Monday, March 9th, 2015 - 9:00 PM
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Sebastiano Peruzzo

Allegri: 'Scudetto is not won'

Mar 9, 2015

Max Allegri said Juventus have “absolutely not” won the Scudetto after beating Sassuolo and replied to Antonio Conte.

The Bianconeri moved 11 points clear of Roma, but only squeezed past Sassuolo with a late Paul Pogba goal.

“Sassuolo worked hard and pressed us in the first half, but we were also too determined to go through the middle,” Allegri told Sky Sport Italia.

“As time went on, we moved the ball around quicker and played with greater intensity. I like 1-0 wins, as they keep you on your toes and tactically I thought the lads did well.”

At a certain stage Allegri introduced Simone Pepe and moved to a 4-4-2 system.

“I was trying to open up the play, especially with Pepe who is excellent on crosses for Fernando Llorente. On the other side, Pogba could give more width with Carlos Tevez and then move into the box.

“The lads did pretty well, though in some circumstances we were too hasty and the midfielders wandered around, leaving few reference points for our defenders.

“Alvaro Morata is good at being a centre-forward, but today went a bit too wide and was hardly ever in the box tonight. He did good things, but outside the penalty area.”

Has the Coach ever thought about placing Pogba behind the strikers rather that Arturo Vidal or Roberto Pereyra?

“I think he’d struggle there, but I could be wrong. He has these long legs and needs a bit of space to get running, so there’s a lot of traffic in that area.

“For example, with no space between the lines, Pereyra struggled in that position this evening.”

Allegri denied suggestions Juventus are struggling for fitness levels and sharpness at this stage of the season.

“From the statistics, the team always ends the game improving in the last 15 minutes. Many players have been used a lot, unfortunately injuries forced me to use the same defenders early in the season and now the same midfielders.

“Pepe has been fully recovered, so he is another important alternative we’ve got, especially when we need to spread the play.

“We’ve lost Martin Caceres, but Andrea Barzagli returned tonight. We’ll get there, a bit at a time.”

Italy Coach Antonio Conte joked with reporters today that if Juve had his ‘grit’ then “they’d be 20 points clear” at the top rather than 11.

Some took this to be egotistical from the former Bianconeri boss, others pointed out his jokey tone. Allegri seemed unimpressed.

“I want to talk about the Juventus of this year and I don’t like comparisons. For all the players and fans, the important thing is to achieve our objectives.

“Even if we got the bad result against Fiorentina, which was a decent performance despite everyone leaping on us to criticise, we did have the chances to equalise.”

With an 11-point lead over Roma, is the Scudetto now under lock and key?

“Absolutely not. There’s a long way to go, we need to be calm and balanced, there’s no rush. We have a series of games coming up in Serie A, the Champions League and Coppa Italia.

“The Scudetto is the primary objective, the Champions League is a dream and in the Coppa Italia we’ll see if we can be good enough to turn it around.”

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

[Socrates 8516]

JUVENTUS - SASSUOLO

1 - 0

Paul Pogba (82')

Monday, March 9th, 2015 - 9:00 PM
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Sebastiano Peruzzo

Marchisio: Juventus Didn’t Allow
Sassuolo Any Chances

Mar 9, 2015

Juventus midfielder Claudio Marchisio has insisted that his side did not allow Sassuolo any chances in the Bianconeri’s 1-0 win over the Neroverdi on Monday.

Paul Pogba’s goal late into the second half decided matters for La Vecchia Signora, thus putting them 11 points clear of Roma at the top of Serie A.

“They played really well,” he told Sky Sport. “However, we didn’t allow them any chances despite their strong offensive unit.

“Such games are never easy, it was difficult to find any space because they played with five defenders. Eventually we got the goal and now we have an 11 point lead at the top of the table.

“As the gameweeks progress, points become more and more valuable. We mustn’t give opponents any breathing space.

Marchisio then went on to state that Juve are not thinking about the UEFA Champions League Round of 16 second leg tie against Borussia Dortmund just yet.

“We take it game by game,” he started. “We’ve just suffered a loss in the Coppa Italia [against Fiorentina], tonight was an important game, and we’ll think about Dortmund when the time comes.”

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