Juventus Season 2014-2015

[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: Player Ratings

Mar 9, 2015

League leaders Juventus extended their lead at the top of the table to 11 points after a hard-fought 1–0 victory over 14th place Sassuolo.

For 80 minutes of the match the Bianconeri were unable to break down the Neroverdi defence however Paul Pogba managed to obtain the three points for his side when he scored an exquisite half volley in the 81st minute.

 

Juventus

Marco Storari – 6 – Untroubled - A comfortable evening for the veteran goalkeeper as he was only forced into making one save. Will have been expected to keep his clean-sheet.

Stephan Lichtsteiner – 6.5 – Offensive - The Swiss defender was tireless in his attempts to help contribute towards the Juventus attack was ever-present along the right-hand side. Always there to support the players in front of him and worked hard until the final minute of the match.

Leonardo Bonucci – 6.5 – Enforcer - Along with his defensive partner, Bonucci’s strength was key in their attempts to subdue the Sassuolo attack. Never shirked a challenge and also used his offensive positional sense to help push his side forwards on every occasion.

Giorgio Chiellini – 6.5- Rock - The Italian international was his usual self at the heart of the Juventus defence and frustrated Zaza for the majority of the match. The youthful striker was always a presence but the veteran was simply too strong for him.

Patrice Evra – 6 – Faultless - Unlike Lichtsteiner the Frenchman was a lot more subdued in his attempts to bomb forwards. However despite his lack of genuine offensive ambition, he still worked hard and did not put a foot wrong defensively.

Arturo Vidal – 6 – Dominant - The Chilean midfielder’s strong tackles and intricate link up play were evident once again as his ability to play intelligent passes allowed for the home side to dominate the majority of possession.

Claudio Marchisio – 6.5 — Metronome - The 29-year-old may possess less of the star qualities that some of his team-mates have but he was just as important as his patience and intelligence helped keep the Bianconeri ticking over for the entire 90 minutes.

PAUL POGBA – 7 – Jewel - Once again the French starlet’s range of passing was mightily impressive and he dominated the midfield with considerable ease, however it will be for his impressive half-volley winner that he will be remembered. The 21-year-old came to the Vecchia Signora’s rescue in the 82nd minute with he struck a superb strike to salvage a victory for the league leaders.

Roberto Pereyra – 5.5 – Faded - Looked eager to impress in the opening stages of the first half as he surged forwards with pace, however as the game grew on the 24-year-old began to fade and he was substituted in the 63rd minute.

Alvaro Morata – 5.5 – Lacking - The Spaniard worked hard for the time he was on the field and was perhaps unfortunate to be taken off in the 63rd minute. He was tireless down the left hand side but ultimately lacked the cutting edge to break-through the Sassuolo defence.

Carlos Tevez – 6.5 – Threat - The Argentine began the match in relatively sloppy fashion as his touch was lacking its usual class, however as the game progressed he began to display more and more quality that we expect and was a threat for the Sassuolo defence throughout.


Substitutes

Fernando Llorente – 5 – Worse - Did not offer the same work-rate that Morata provided in the first half and also missed a good chance from close range in the 75th minute to help put his side ahead.

Simone Pepe – 5.5 – Assist - It was the substitute who was a key factor in Pogba’s goal as he broke forwards with pace and for once caught the away side out of position. A good decision by Massimiliano Allegri [head coach of Juventus] to bring on the winger whose pace was essential in their quest for obtain the winning goal.

Andrea Barzagli – N/A


 

Sassuolo

Andrea Consigli – 6.5 – Unlucky - The 28-year-old dealt very well with the constant Juventus attacks that came his way. When faced with dangerous long-shots he did well to palm them out of danger and was especially good at commanding his penalty area when the Bianconeri swung in threatening set-pieces. Was unlucky to lost his clean-sheet.

Sime Vrsaljko -5.5 – Decent - Had less to deal with in terms of Evra’s lack of attacking ambition but when called into action he did a good job of closing down the space and preventing the home side whipping in several dangerous crosses.

Francesco Acerbi – 5.5 – Good - The 27-year-old will be bitterly disappointed that his side were unable of to keep hold of their clean sheet as they eventually undone by a Pogba wonder-strike. He and his defensive counterparts were camped in their own penalty area for the majority of the match and overall he did a decent job in keeping out the Juventus attack.

Federico Peluso – 5.5 – Capable - Along with Acerbi, Peluso was a solid presence at the back and he also will be disappointed that they were not able to cling onto their clean-sheet.

Alessandro Longhi – 5 – Struggled - Struggled to cope with the surging runs of Lichtsteiner throughout the match and rarely managed to push forwards to help his side when they were on the counter-attack.

Matteo Brighi – 5 – Static - The 34-year-old struggled with the dynamic Juventus midfield and could not prevent his opposing midfielders from obtaining a firm grip on the match. Looked jaded towards the end of the second half and was substituted in the 80th minute.

Francesco Magnanelli – 5 – Laboured - Was simply not good enough to prevent Marchisio from pulling the strings in what was a laboured display by the 30-year-old.

Simone Missiroli -4.5 – Poor - Could not deal with the quality of Juventus midfield and made far too many errors to make a positive impact on the Sasssuolo midfield.

Domenico Berardi – 4.5 – Anonymous - Often wasteful in possession and was anonymous for the entire 90 minutes.

Simone Zaza – 6 – Learning curve - The Italian starlet had a frustrating evening at the Juventus stadium as he was marked well by the veterans at the other end of the pitch. He was given many opportunities to display his ability but he cannot be faulted as he still worked hard up until the dying minutes.

Nicola Sansone – 6.5 – Threatening - Did well to infiltrate the open gaps behind Lichtsteiner throughout the match and his pace was extremely useful for Sassuolo when they had the rare opportunities to counter-attack. A strange decision to take him off in the 72nd minute as he was perhaps the Neroverdi’s best player for the time he was on the pitch.


Substitutes

Saphir Taider – N/A

Raman Chisbah – N/A

Dejan Lazarevic- N/A

 

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 PLAYER RATINGS

Mar 9, 2015

Juventus ground out a vital 3 points against a resilient Sassuolo side, thanks to Paul Pogba’s wondergoal.

The first 45 mins failed to create any moments of note but the Bianconeri stepped things up in the second half. Allegri introduced Llorente and Simone Pepe and it was the winger who supplied the cross for Pogba’s late goal.


Marco Storari 6.0 - Did nothing wrong and was untroubled for the entire night with barely a save to make.

Stephan Lichtsteiner 6.0 - Better when he was on his feet rather than rolling around on the floor. Barely had any defending do but also lacked the final ball in the opponents half.

Leonardo Bonucci 6.5 - Played the ball brilliantly out of defence and forced a save from Consigli when he fired a superb shot from range.

Giorgio Chiellini 6.5 - Much improved on his recent shaky performances. One shaky moment aside, he was solid at the back and had a few chances to score from set-pieces.

Patrice Evra 7.0 - A superb performance – Got forward every chance he got and linked up with Pogba to good effect. Hard-working and great defensively.

Paul Pogba 7.0 - Quiet for large parts of the game with only some fine foot work to show for the night, before scoring a sublime late winner to possibly seal the scudetto.

Claudio Marchisio 6.5 - Markedly better from the midweek game against Fiorentina. Sound defensively, an energetic performance

Arturo Vidal 6.5 - Gradually improving. A hard-tackling display, had a few half-chances to put Juve ahead. Needs to be back to his best before Dortmund.

Roberto Pereyra 5.5 - A disappointing night after some promising performances in previous games. Slow in attack and made no real impact on the game.

Carlos Tevez 6.5 - A hard-working display where he troubled the Sassuolo defence again and again. Fired wide of the post on one occasion and deserved a goal for his display.

Alvaro Morata 6.0 - His finishing lacked but he gave a typically industriouus display, pulling wide to stretch the Sassuolo defence. Improving, despite not scoring.


Substitutes

Simone Pepe 6.5 - Ran and ran…and ran. Delivered some great crosses into the box after Juve switched to 4-4-2 and provided the assist for Juve’s winner.

Fernando Llorente 6.0 - The focal point of Juve’s attack after replacing Morata with 30 mins left.

Andrea Barzagli N/A - Returned to action and was met with huge applause. Great to see him back.

 

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 Star Paul Pogba Delivers
Victory over Sassuolo for Drab Bianconeri

Mar 9, 2015

The reigning Serie A champions welcomed Sassuolo to Juventus Stadium on Monday evening, the Bianconeri fully aware that their closest rivals had slipped up once again at the weekend. Chievo held AS Roma to a draw, a result that meant a win for the home side would extend their lead at the top of the table to 11 points.

Their recent results had seen their own form fluctuate wildly, however, beating Borussia Dortmund and then playing the Giallorossi to a stalemate a week ago, then capitulating to Fiorentina in the Coppa Italia. That final game was perhaps understandable, the high level of intensity over their previous two outings leading to a somewhat inevitable slump.

Yet, still, questions were asked, and Massimiliano Allegri told a pre-match press conference that he and the players “calmly sat down” to review the game against the Viola, per the club’s official website. Noting that reports had labelled the performance “a disaster,” the Juve boss spoke of the need to quickly rediscover their best form.

“We must improve, stop conceding and work on our focus, because we’re at the final straight of the season,” he continued. “We’re in good physical shape though, and we’ll need to put in a great performance on Monday night.”

As the game began, it seemed the side he sent out on the field had failed to heed that warning. Passes went astray, and the match slowly slipped into the kind of dull affair that appears destined to fade into a drab goalless draw.

Fans made their displeasure known at half-time, and after the break the effort level appeared to rise accordingly as both sides went in search of a goal. Sassuolo’s exciting trio of young attacking players caused constant problems for the Juve defence, with Domenico Berardi, Nicola Sansone and Simone Zaza each posing a threat as the game wore on.

Then, after 83 minutes of monotony, Paul Pogba rose to the occasion. As with the world’s finest players, the midfielder delivered when his side needed him to, smashing home Simone Pepe’s pass on the half-volley.

Goalkeeper Andrea Consigli stood little hope. The player clearly recognised the significance of his goal, however, and also told Sky Italia shortly after the game that the team needs support from those in the stands (h/t Football Italia):

It was a very, very difficult match and the victory is very important for this Scudetto. The pass was for someone else, but I felt it and I went for the ball. It went well.

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.

Another who perhaps deserves credit is Pogba’s compatriot Patrice Evra, who coped well with the threat of Berardi here. The youngster had little joy against the former Manchester United full-back as he made four tackles, four interceptions and won one aerial duel, according to statistics from WhoScored.com.

In the dying minutes, Allegri also took the opportunity to give Andrea Barzagli a chance to get onto the pitch. The Italian international has been out with a heel injury since the World Cup but came on as an 87th-minute substitute for Carlos Tevez, much to the delight of everyone watching.

It was a difficult match, but it was the kind of win that helps to deliver titles, as championship-winning teams so often find a way. Yet Allegri was in no mood to celebrate after the final whistle, telling Sky Italia that the race for the Scudetto is far from over.

“There’s a long way to go, we need to be calm and balanced, there’s no rush,” he told Sky Sport Italia (h/t Football Italia). “We have a series of games coming up in Serie A, the Champions League and Coppa Italia.”

The difference between a win and a draw here could eventually prove vital for the Old Lady as she pursues a fourth consecutive Serie A crown, however, and she has Paul Pogba to thank for collecting all three points.

 

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: I don't feel like I've
sealed the Serie A title

The Frenchman's fine half-volley against Sassuolo has moved Juventus
11 points clear but the midfielder says nothing has been decided yet.

Mar 9, 2015

Paul Pogba has played down claims that he sealed Juventus' fourth successive Serie A title with his spectacular strike in Monday's 1-0 over Sassuolo.

The France international scored a sublime half-volley with just eight minutes to go in Turin to send the Bianconeri 11 points clear at the summit of the standings with 12 rounds of the season remaining.

"I don't feel like I'm the 'Scudetto man'," Pogba told Sky Sport Italia. "But we have won a difficult game. It was very important in terms of the league."

Pogba has played an integral role in Juve's march towards a fourth consecutive Scudetto, netting seven times in 22 Serie A appearances, but he insists that he should not yet be considered a key member of Massimiliano Allegri's squad.

"I don't feel like a leader, only one of many players within an extraordinary group," he added.

"I can improve. If I want to be a great player, I must do more, both on the field and in training."

Pogba celebrated his crucial matchwinner by cupping his hands around his ears, an apparent reference to the fact that not only has his recent form been criticised, but also the boos and whistles that came from certain sections of Juventus Stadium during a frustrating encounter with Sassuolo.

The midfielder admitted afterwards that he was trying to make the point that Juve need unwavering support from their fans.

"I thank all of my team-mates and the fans, because without them we will not go far," he added.

"We need them also when we're playing badly. There are always difficult moments but we need them and their support.

"Even when we're playing badly, we want to make them happy. We need them behind us. It's very important."

 

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

Player Ratings: Juventus 1-0 Sassuolo

Mar 9, 2015
 

Juventus

30 M. Storari - Making only his second Serie A start of the season in place of the ill Buffon, Storari had a few shaky moments, including in the first minute, but he generally did little wrong.

26 S. Lichtsteiner - Did not spend much time in his own half as Sassuolo rarely attacked down his flank and, while he was regularly involved in the final third, his deliveries were not particularly impressive.

19 L. Bonucci - Always looked to pass the ball out of defence and he will be admired for that, though on several occasions his distribution lacked accuracy and invited pressure on to Juve.

3 G. Chiellini - A threat in the air from set-pieces, but the Juve captain appeared nervous a few times and often looked uncomfortable with Zaza's intense pressing.

33 P. Evra - A solid display from the Frenchman. He generally defended well and also offered an attacking threat going forward, linking well with Pogba more than once.

23 A. Vidal - Not one of the Chilean's better displays. He used the ball well and engaged in some good interchanging in the final third, but he was often caught napping in possession.

8 C. Marchisio - The Italy international worked hard in the middle and even got forward to offer an extra number in the final third, though he often looked a little uncomfortable defensively.

6 Paul Pogba - Disappointing for much of the match, with his touch deserting him on a few occasions. However, like the great player he is, he popped up when it really mattered, netting a brilliant winner towards the end.

37 R. Pereyra - A somewhat unspectacular display from the Argentinian. He picked out Tevez for a good chance in the first half, but on the whole he failed to make much of an impact or have much influence.

10 C. Tévez - A typical Tevez display, as the Argentina star proved a pest to the Sassuolo defence without the ball and ran at them with it, often getting the better of Acerbi.

9 Álvaro Morata - The young Spaniard is enjoying a good debut campaign in Serie A and he had his moments on Monday, proving a willing runner and hard-working attacker, even if his finishing was not great.


Substitutes

15 A. Barzagli - A late substitute as Juve looked to shore things up, the centre-back was making his first appearance of the season following a long injury lay-off.

7 S. Pepe - Added an extra dimension to Juve after his 63rd-minute entrance for Pereyra and he ultimately claimed an assist for Pogba's winner.

14 Llorente - Replaced Morata with just under half-an-hour to go and, while he did not offer as much running as his compatriot, he was more effective as the focal point of the Juve attack.


 

Sassuolo

47 A. Consigli - By far the busier of the two goalkeepers and while he looked nervous at some crosses, he produced several fine saves to keep Sassuolo in the contest. He could do nothing about the winner, however.

11 Š. Vrsaljko - The Croatian was given plenty to think about by both Evra and Morata, but he did his job well for the most part, halting several Juve attacks.

15 F. Acerbi - Given a bit of a run-around by Tevez at times, rarely getting close to the Argentinian, but he did make several crucial blocks and interceptions in the Sassuolo area.

31 F. Peluso - Playing against his former team, the centre-back did more or less did his job well sweeping up around Acerbi and keeping a close eye on Pereyra, whom he halted more than once.

3 A. Longhi - Generally appeared to be the weak point in the Sassuolo defence, as the left-back routinely failed to deny Lichtsteiner crossing and he generally struggled.

33 M. Brighi - One of three exceptionally hard-working midfielders in the Sassuolo midfield, the former Roma man helped to nullify the threat of Pogba for long periods, proving something of a nuisance.

4 F. Magnanelli - A battling performance in the middle, the Sassuolo captain proved effective at closing down on the edge of the area in the first half, though after the break he found Juve's increased tempo a little more awkward.

7 S. Missiroli - Although deployed towards the left, he often found himself pressing from the centre and generally to good effect. Rather ineffective in possession, however.

25 D. Berardi - Although he rarely ran at Evra, the young Italian caused a few problems when he cut inside and he worked exceptionally hard without the ball before fading in the second half.

10 S. Zaza - Despite ultimately being rendered helpless by poor service, he constantly put the Juve defence under pressure and worked tirelessly.

17 N. Sansone - Impressed in flashes with his direct running and he certainly cannot be faulted for his efforts out on the left, though he will perhaps be disappointed by his final ball.


Substitutes

19 S. Taïder - Introduced for Sansone with 18 minutes to go and produced a couple of clever runs down the left flank.

6 R. Chibsah - Replaced Brighi for the final 10 minutes and did not make much of an impact.

30 D. Lazarević - A late entry in place of Missiroli, he did not have enough time to cause Juve any issues.

 

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 - Sassuolo 0: Initial reaction
and random observations

Mar 10, 2015
 
And here is Part 23,452 why Paul Pogba is the eye of every single club that can afford him in the world.

In a game that needed something to happen or else Juventus would be sent to their eighth draw of the season in 26 games, there was Pogba, Juventus' 21-year-old superstar French midfielder, to answer the call. His latest leave-your-draw-hanging kind of goal gave Juventus the 1-0 win over Sassuolo in a game that almost seemed destined for a scoreless draw as more and more minutes ticked off the clock.

Pogba. Eleven-point lead atop Serie A. Sounds like a lovely night to put one hand on the Scudetto to me.

It's just the latest piece of evidence as to why so many of us just smile at the possibility of Pogba staying around for as long as possible.Even when his game isn't at his best in recent weeks, he is able to do what he did in the 82nd minute against a Sassuolo side that was primed to steal a point at Juventus Stadium. It went from "another frustrating result for Juventus" to an ugly win with one moment of absolute brilliance.

It wasn't a surprise from who it came from. This is Pogba's world and we're just living in it. You don't have to look far to see who Juventus' most prized asset is. Or why, for that matter.

This goal is exactly why. It came at the perfect time when his team desperately needed it.

That's just beautiful. And to think Juventus still have a couple months remaining in the season. Those numbers are bound to rise outside of anything terrible going down. Those goals are bound to be in double digits, and knowing how many crazy things he can pull off to setup teammates, the same can be said for the assist numbers.

One more thing: Remember this quote from Max Allegri's pre-match press conference?

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."

Yeah, I think he'll be pretty happy with it. Although, that Pogba goal was anything but practical for an ordinary human being. Thank goodness Paul Pogba is far from ordinary.


Random thoughts and observations

God bless Paul Labile Pogba. Seriously. Bless him for being him.

Some quality man hugs going on in tribuna. Plus-11 in the table feels pretty good.

BARZA BACK. It's been a long road for Andrea Barzagli since undergoing surgery last summer. His only game time in a Juventus jersey

Winning ugly seems to be the route Juventus has taken a good amount of the time lately. Sometimes that will make you want to pull your damn hair out, but that's clearly the fashion that Monday's game was going to have to be won as it went on. I mean, it could be worse. They could be losing and look like crap.

Sassuolo were oh so close to getting a point at Juventus Stadium. So very close. Too bad for them that Paul Pogba happened. Luckily for us who wear black and white jerseys with his name on the back, Paul Pogba happened and saved us — and potentially some household belongings — from destruction.

There are just some mid- or bottom-table teams that give Juventus problems every season. Let's consider Sassuolo one of those this season. A 1-1 draw to Sassuolo, a hard-fought 1-0 win at Juventus Stadium on Monday. This is Juventus vs. Sassuolo in the 2014-15 season.

Sixteen total shots, only four put on frame. That's the Juventus I know and love.

Gotta be honest, being 11 points up feels pretty good, man. Also good to see Juventus take advantage of a slip up from Roma, too.

 

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

Moment of Pogba brilliance puts Roma's
Serie A hopes on the brink

Mar 10, 2015
 
For a moment, you thought it was never going to happen.

The fans were booing. Andrea Agnelli was clutching his head as he sat bent down watching. And Massimiliano Allegri was screaming. What is it with Sassuolo, and why does Allegri struggle to overcome this wonderfully constructed side?

After the break, the fans cheered on the team and the tempo was raised and yet Juve couldn't pierce through. Only a moment of magic was going to conclude the game, an individual piece of brilliance. And it finally arrived on the 81st minute. Paul Pogba struck an audacious volley to stretch the lead at the top of Serie A to 11 points after Juventus' eventual 1-0 victory.

Dear Roma, it looks to be all but over.

Eusebio Di Francesco has created a Sassuolo side that simply won't accept their status as a lowly minnow. A teeny tiny club in a city that has a population of 41,000, more or less the same as the capacity of Juve's stadium, they boast heart and infinite determination. Possessing quality in various areas of the pitch, especially in the front line, it's a squad that rarely tires, playing an aggressive style of football that frustrates the opponent as they nip and press for every ball to launch an attack.

Juventus, deployed in their usual 4-3-1-2 formation, were close to abysmal in the first half. Barring Carlos Tevez, the squad appeared static, playing their game at an usually-slow pace. They may never have been the fastest squad in the league but there was simply no energy from a side that faced an opponent hungry to irritate.

With Sassuolo offering no space between the lines, it was a game made for Fernando Llorente, a player who understands how to push defenders back and create space for his partners alongside him to work. With Alvaro Morata roaming all over the pitch in hopes of uncovering some space, he made himself somewhat easy to defend against.

The Neroverdi were too organised, too quick to shut down space and no Bianconero was doing enough to pull players out of position or create space for others. Moreover the midfielders held back, rarely pushing forward to make timely insertions in advanced positions, thus there were few options in the box for Juventus when the odd pass or cross did come in that required conversion.

However, while Allegri may not possess Antonio Conte's grit, he can instead rely on what makes him a worthy Juve coach -- his tactical substitutions. His men were already feeding off the reaction of the fans who were desperately cheering the players on -- after jeering them initially -- but now they realised they had begun to create some interesting chances and they wanted to see more.

Something had to change, and Allegri threw on Llorente and Simone Pepe, changing the side's formation to a 4-4-2 to stretch the opponent. Immediately the latter made the difference as he attempted to make the most of Llorente's aerial ability. With accurate crosses now coming in and the tempo raised, there was hope the Bianconeri would find the winner.

There was genuine belief among the home squad while Di Francesco's men began to tire as they attempted to adjust themselves. Concentration levels were bound to drop and finally, against an opponent that was well organised and heavily determined, individual quality made the difference.

Despite the competition, despite the beauty of certain well-assembled squads such as Napoli and Roma, Juve have that bit more that allows them to resolve these kinds of matches. It takes only one mistake for them to profit and make their superiority count through individual brilliance.

Who provided the assist? Why it was Pepe (chapeau Allegri!), while Pogba's goal ought to relieve the block the player has been experiencing in recent games. Placing too much pressure on himself to make the difference, the Frenchman can surrender to frustration at times and confidence is an issue. That wonderful goal is bound to stand him in good stead, especially considering the Borussia Dortmund game is coming up and his contribution ought to prove valuable if he's feeling confident.

Monday's essential victory has now stretched the lead at the top and yet Allegri refuses to celebrate at this stage of the campaign, fearful his side will drop their intensity. One cannot help but be pleased for him considering Conte's tongue-in-cheek comments. The former Juve coach coyly suggested that had Allegri's Juve possessed the same grit as his, they would be ahead of Roma by 20 points.

Allegri will always have his critics, but this is a team that is still fighting on all fronts and is 11 points clear at the top. One cannot be too critical of him. Conte is and will always be a legend that fans will always be grateful to for having revived their sunken Old Lady. However, there are times his ego has hurt the side he proclaims to love more than anything.

That included the time he chose to refer to Fabio Capello's titles as revoked, belittling his achievements and making a mockery of Juve's attempts to insist they won their 32 titles 'on the pitch.' And now, at a time when the club is enjoying success, despite the hardships, he needs to stand firm and applaud them.

With Conte, there's no smoke without fire and while his remarks were meant to be humorous, it's clear he truly believes what he said.

Regardless of the swipes, Conte will always be Conte, but tonight Juve celebrate, not only because they achieved a victory, but because they now sit comfortably -- regardless of what Allegri may say -- in front of the Serie A pack.

 

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: Paul Pogba at
the rescue as Juve extend Serie A lead

Paul Pogba scored with another beautiful long strike to help Juventus overcome a stubborn
Sassuolo defence and extend their lead at the top of Serie A table to 11 (ELEVEN!!!) points.

Mar 10, 2015
 
"Siamo noi, siamo noi! I campioni dell'Italia siamo noi..."

No, this time it wasn’t just in my head. Juventus’ tifosi at the stadium chanted this even from the first half with, presuming, Roma’s latest draw against Chievo — yes, Chievo! — still fresh in their minds. And they are right, aren’t they? Eleven points between the two clubs at the top of the table with 12 fixtures left and Roma playing another queen of draws at home next time out, namely Sampdoria. Sounds good. Jump on the bandwagon then!

Siamo noi, siamo noi! I campioni dell'Italia siamo noi!

It was more difficult than expected to get the three points against Eusebio Di Francesco’s side, though, even bearing in mind the result from the first leg when the two teams drew 1-1. Paul Pogba was the man who scored the goal in that match and he was at the post again to save the day for Juventus on Monday. All hail the new king, Paul! If it wasn’t for that ridiculous haircut of his ... seriously, somebody should tell him.

Addressing the new king matter, it is certainly distressing seeing Arturo Vidal playing football nowadays. Great work to start the action that lead to the goal, yes, but he has been far away from the normal self for too long and with Andrea Pirlo still out, things are not working brilliantly in midfield for Juventus.

Claudio Marchisio has his moments of foolishness; Roberto Pereyra is still doing all the little tricks and flicks with very little effect, while Pogba, despite his goal, has also been off form recently. Pretty much like the whole team — not registering any negative results, but still just off the ideal, steady course. And although it wasn’t actually heart-warming hearing Antonio Conte preaching how his Juventus would be 20 points clear now, there might be a tiny little bit of truth in there somewhere. No doubt many juventini would just kindly ask him to mind his own business, if it would not be too much to ask of him.

Marco Storari made his second Serie A appearance of the season as captain Gianluigi Buffon missed the game because of the flu, while Martin Caceres underwent a surgery to his ankle that probably, and most unfortunately, rules him out for the season. Buffon should be fit to face Dortmund next week — as the Palermo game is now really the last thing any juventino cares about — but Pirlo’s situation is still in doubt.

Regardless, Max Allegri has a few choices to make for Palermo, keeping in mind Pogba is suspended for the game. Give as many players as possible a good weekend’s rest or keep them on duty roster? Having just mentioned the former Juventus manager, he used to unnecessarily field the best XI when more important games were around the corner. It might be a good chance for Allegri to interrupt the trend.


MATCH SUMMARY

Right in the very first minute, there was an almost terrible blunt from Storari who had a moment of incertitude with the ball at his feet and Simone Zaza took full advantage of it.

It was a first half of little action, however, as too many poor touches and misplaced passes undermined Juventus’ chances of creating something dangerous for Andrea Consigli’s goal, while Sassuolo were more than pleased to defend the 0-0 and try to hit on the counter.

Pereyra and Carlos Tévez played a short corner-kick in the 11th minute and then found Marchisio unmarked in the box but the Italian midfielder skyed his volley.

Tévez had the first decent opportunity for Juventus in the 21st minute when he received a ball from Alvaro Morata right at the edge of the box and after beating his man with the first touch, sent a powerful left-footed shot at the near post but the ball went over the goal.

It was the same Argentine striker had the first shot on target from distance in the 33rd minute but it was aimed straight at Consigli who parried the ball away easily.

A few moments later, Leonardo Bonucci played a horrendous pass inside his own half and it was intercepted by Simone Missiroli who found Zaza with his first touch. The attacker was in a great position and Tévez was forced to bring him down in order to deal with the danger, receiving a yellow card in the process.

Nicola Sansone took the resulting free-kick from 25 yards out but it was an easy save for Storari — it turned out later it was also the only save the veteran goalkeeper had to make all game.

There was a last half decent chance for the hosts just before the half time as Tévez cut inside from the left and found Vidal in a central position but the Chilean’s shot was blocked and went behind for a corner-kick. Nothing resulted from the set piece and referee Sebastiano Peruzzo blew the half time whistle.

Second half started pretty much in the same fashion the first one ended, with Juventus applying pressure close to the opposite box with few results.

Pogba missed the first good opportunity in the 52nd minute when his low shot from just outside the area was tipped wide by Consigli.

The pressure was mounting as Juventus appeared to have increased the pace a bit and the next chance felt five minutes later to Tévez who sliced a volley just inches away from the far post, following a deflected cross from Stephan Lichtsteiner.

Morata found some space inside the box in the 62nd minute but his shot missed the target. That was his latest action of the game as he was replaced a minute later by Fernando Llorente, while Simone Pepe replaced Pereyra.

Allegri changed to a 4-3-3 with that double substitution, theoretically moving Tévez wide, but the Argentine kept roaming around asking for the ball whenever he had the chance.

Juventus started to flood Sassuolo’s box with crosses after these changes — mainly because of Pepe and probably the general lack of ideas — but 20 more minutes passed before the agony ended.

Pogba eventually found the breakthrough for Juventus in the 82nd minute after a very quick build-up involving Vidal and Pepe. The Chilean won the ball inside his half and passed it to Pepe who found space down the middle of the pitch. The winger seemed to be aiming the ball for Tévez on the left side of the pitch but Pogba took it with the outside of his boot at about 20 yards out and with the next touch sent a great volley close to the post that gave Consigli no chance.

Juventus managed to keep Sassuolo away from their own box rather comfortably in the final minutes and after Zaza was booked for his third handball of the game, referee Peruzzo put an end to the match.


PLAYER RATINGS

Storari: 6.5 One steady save from the veteran who was idle for most of the time

Lichtsteiner: 5.5 A lot of balls went astray from the Swiss defender who seems to be ineffective out of his usual wing-back role

Bonucci: 6 Kept Zaza quiet relatively easy and was involved in quite a few build-up actions for Juventus. Decent attempt with the shot from very far out

Chiellini: 6 Started the game a bit shaky but regained his composure as it went on. Couple of decent chances to score following corner kicks but he didn’t direct his headers properly

Evra: 6 Good runs down the left flank but his crosses were poor. The same average performance from the Frenchman he displayed all season

Vidal: 5.5 Good work to launch the counter for the goal, but had the same alarmingly quiet game

Marchisio: 6 More steady than his latest performance against Fiorentina, but despite being a solid presence in midfield, il Principino didn’t do too much to help the attacks

Pogba: 7 Saved the match for Juventus doing exactly what a top player does when his game is poor overall — steps up on one occasions and delivers the killer punch

Pereyra: 5.5 Dire performance from the Argentine, whose poor passing and positioning were once more weakening the attacking moves

Tévez: 6.5 Was the only spark in attack for Juventus for most of the time, always on the move asking for balls but his efforts were not rewarded with a goal.

Morata: 5.5 Rather frustrating night for the Spaniard who was constantly drifting left and right in an attempt to find more space as Sassuolo’s defence was crammed in the middle.


Subs

Pepe: 6 Delivered quite a few crosses after he replaced Pereyra in the 63rd minute and also provided the assist – although probably by mistake

Llorente: 5.5 Replaced Morata but was rarely seen on the pitch. Had one half decent chance but his effort was too weak

Barzagli: HE’S BACK!


Coach

Allegri: 5.5 Despite making a double substitution with half an hour left to play, little things changed afterwards and the team still seemed impotent to find a breakthrough. Was saved by Pogba’s late strike but Allegri needs to give the players a bit of jolt ahead of Dortmund

 

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 Fans Empty Curva In Protest

Mar 10, 2015
 
Juventus fans emptied part of the Curva during their 1-0 win over Sassuolo in protest against action of the police.

Paul Pogba got a late winner in the match, and during the second half the Bianconeri fans sitting behind the goal emptied half the Curva Sud.

It is thought the protest by one of the ultra groups was due to the grievances against the treatment of fellow fans by the police.

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

[Socrates 8516]

PALERMO - JUVENTUS

.-

Saturday, March 14th, 2015 - 6:00 PM
Renzo Barbera Stadium, Palermo
Referee: Marco Guida

Preview: Palermo vs. Juventus

Mar 12, 2015

Twenty-six points separate Palermo and Serie A leaders Juventus, but the hosts have not lost a league game on home turf since September.

Giuseppe Lachini's side currently reside 11th in the table on 35 points and they have struggled for consistency in the last few weeks.

Palermo have won three and lost three in their last 10 Serie A matches, but draws have dominated their results of late, with two coming against Empoli and Cesena in their last outings.

The team's home form will be tested on Saturday when they welcome a Juventus side to Stadio Renzo Barbera that have suffered just one league defeat in the entire season.

The 1-0 loss came away to Genoa back in October, and while they have managed to secure seven victories on the road, their visits away from Turin have resulted in five draws.

Juventus have the incentive of potentially stretching their gap to second-placed Roma to 14 points, but they will have one eye on next week's Champions League last-16 second leg against Borussia Dortmund, over whom they have a 2-1 advantage from the first leg.

The visitors will be without Paul Pogba for this weekend's encounter as he serves a suspension, while Andrea Pirlo is also expected to remain on the sidelines with a calf problem.

Paulo Dybala, who has scored 12 top-flight goals this season, is likely to lead the line for Palermo, with Robin Quaison and Franco Vazquez providing attacking support.


Palermo

Form in Serie A: W L W L D D 

Possible starting lineup: Sorrentino; Vitiello, Andjelkovic, Terzi, Daprela; Rigoni, Jajalo, Barreto; Quaison, Vazquez; Dybala


Juventus

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

Possible starting lineup: Storari; Lichtsteiner, Bonucci, Chiellini, Evra; Vidal, Marchisio, Pepe; Pereyra; Tevez, Morata
 

Sports Mole says: 1-2

 

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

[Socrates 8516]

PALERMO - JUVENTUS

.-

Saturday, March 14th, 2015 - 6:00 PM
Renzo Barbera Stadium, Palermo
Referee: Marco Guida

Palermo - Juventus Preview:
Pepe wary of indomitable hosts

The home side have an excellent record in Sicily this season
but the reigning champions will test their resolve on Saturday.

Mar 13, 2015

Palermo 's superb run of form at home is cause for concern for Juventus as Serie A's leaders head to Sicily.

Giuseppe Iachini's side are unbeaten in their last 10 clashes at Stadio Renzo Barbera, a run highlighted by a 3-1 success against Napoli last month.

So Juve, already 11 points clear of the second-placed Roma as they hunt a fourth successive title, will not be taking anything for granted on Saturday.

A rare defeat - in the first leg of their Coppa Italia semi-final to Fiorentina last week - may have been the wake-up call Massimiliano Allegri's side required.

They responded with a 1-0 success against Sassuolo but it was hard-fought - Paul Pogba not scoring the winner until the 82nd minute.

Pogba is suspended for this clash and Simone Pepe - who assisted the Frenchman for his goal - is expecting a tough battle.

"We need to keep our focus," Pepe told Sky Sport Italia.

"Palermo have gone a long time without losing a home game and we must try to stretch our advantage over Roma."

Pepe, who has battled a string of injuries over the past two-and-a-half years, said he is back to full fitness and is eyeing an increased run in the first team.

"I've been training for eight months and feel good," he added.

"My legs are getting back to what they were before and I'm ready, as all the others are, to make my contribution."

Juve have drawn their last three away matches in Serie A. In addition to Pogba's absence, they could be without Andrea Pirlo (calf) again.

They will also be mindful of their last-16 Champions League tie, which concludes next week. Juventus go to Borussia Dortmund leading 2-1.

Palermo's excellent home form sees them 10th in the table but have failed to win since upsetting Rafael Benitez's side.

Consecutive 0-0 draws against Empoli and Cesena will have them hungry for goals and Argentina striker Paulo Dybala may be the man to provide them.

Dybala has scored 12 Serie A goals this season, leaving him fifth in the scoring charts, just three strikes adrift of Inter's Mauro Icardi and Juve's Carlos Tevez.

Juventus have won their last five matches against Palermo, not conceding in the process.

Palermo's last success was in February 2011 in a season where they did the double over the Italian giants.

Arturo Vidal and Fernando Llorente scored the goals in Juve's 2-0 Serie A win earlier this season.


OPTA FACTS

Juventus have won 30 of the 51 Serie A meetings against Palermo, leading 10 wins to the Rosanero (11 draws).

Juve have won the last five Serie A clashes with Palermo, keeping a clean sheet in each of these games.

The last draw between these two sides in the league dates back to September 2004; since then there have been seven wins for the Sicilians and nine for the Bianconeri.

The last eight Serie A meetings played at Palermo since 2005 have seen four wins apiece.

Palermo are winless in three league games: a defeat followed by two goalless draws.

The last time that the Sicilians failed to score in three matches in a row within a single Serie A season was back in December 2011.

Palermo are unbeaten at home in 10 league matches, seven wins and three draws.

Only Juventus (16) and Lazio (12) have picked up more points at home than Palermo (11) since the beginning of 2015.


LAST FIVE MATCHES

Palermo  D D L W L

3/8/15 - Cesena 0 - 0 Palermo
3/1/15 - Palermo 0 - 0 Empoli
2/22/15 - Lazio 2 - 1 Palermo
2/14/15 - Palermo 3 - 1 Napoli
2/8/15 - Internazionale 3 - 0 Palermo


Juventus  W L D W W

3/9/15 - Juventus 1 - 0 Sassuolo
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


HEAD TO HEAD

10/26/14 - Juventus 2 - 0 Palermo
5/5/13 - Juventus 1 - 0 Palermo
12/9/12 - Palermo 0 - 1 Juventus
4/7/12 - Palermo 0 - 2 Juventus
11/20/11 - Juventus 3 - 0 Palermo

 

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

[Socrates 8516]

PALERMO - JUVENTUS

.-

Saturday, March 14th, 2015 - 6:00 PM
Renzo Barbera Stadium, Palermo
Referee: Marco Guida

Palermo V Juventus – Preview: Rosanero

Look To Press A Distracted Leader

Mar 13, 2015

Palermo host Juventus at the Stadio Renzo Barbera in Serie A on Saturday, hoping to exact revenge for their away defeat to the Bianconeri earlier this season and take advantage of a looming distraction on the horizon for the Bianconeri.

Retribution will be difficult for coach Giuseppe Iachini’s men, as Juventus not only sit atop the standings with a commanding 11 point cushion, they have also amassed the most road points, scored the second most away goals and no squad has conceded fewer goals both at Juventus Stadium and in their travels than the Old Lady.

The Rosanero’s return to the top flight started dismally as it wasn’t until the seventh match before the Sicilians tasted victory. However, Iachini has benefited from president Maurizio Zamparini’s new-found patience and turned Palermo’s fortunes around with eight wins and eight draws in their last 20 matches.

Juventus, on the other hand, have continued their dominance and are well on their way to a fourth straight title but with a tricky Champions League Round-of-16 return leg away to Borussia Dortmund next week, one could forgive Massimiliano Allegri’s squad from looking past Palermo as European success has been the lone failing of the mighty Turin giants recent run of dominance.

Allegri is widely expected to rest leading scorer Carlos Tevez and Alvaro Morata in order to give Kingsley Coman only his third start of the season. Stefano Sturaro will deputize for one of Juve’s talismanic midfielders as Paul Pogba is suspended and Andrea Pirlo is still suffering from a calf injury.

While Paulo Dybala has garnered most of the attention and is central to Palermo’s attack, which is tied with Roma for sixth most goals in Serie A, Franco Vazquez and Enzo Maresca may hold the keys to unlock a stingy Juventus backbone.

Vazquez has enjoyed a breakout season both scoring and distributing for the Rosanero with an impressive seven goals and nine assists which are tops in Serie A. Meanwhile, the veteran Enzo Maresca is fully fit from a recent injury which kept the former Sampdoria man out of action for seven weeks.

The Rosanero are unlikely to be intimidated as despite conceding at least one goal in over 75% of their home matches, the Aquile have the fourth best home record in Serie A and have lost only a single match at the Stadio Barbera. Additionally, a win could catapult the side as high as seventh place and knocking on a European slot for next season.


Form guide: Palermo (D-D-L-W-L-W) Juventus (W-D-W-D-W-D)


Expected Starting XIs

Palermo: Sorrentino, Vitiello, Terzi, Andelkovic, Daprela, Rigoni, Maresca, Barreto, Quaison, Vazquez, Dybala

Juventus: Buffon, Padoin, Barzagli, Chiellini, De Ceglie, Vidal, Marchisio, Sturaro, Pereyra, Llorente, Coman

 

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

[Socrates 8516]

PALERMO - JUVENTUS

.-

Saturday, March 14th, 2015 - 6:00 PM
Renzo Barbera Stadium, Palermo
Referee: Marco Guida

Allegri: ‘Crucial week for Juventus'

Mar 13, 2015

Massimiliano Allegri admits his Juventus side are facing a ‘crucial week’ in their season as they prepare to face Palermo and Borussia Dortmund.

The Bianconeri are 11 points clear at the top of Serie A, and will face the German giants in the Champions League Last 16 second leg on Wednesday, holding a 2-1 lead from the first game.

“I believe that this week, starting from tomorrow, is a week which is, if not decisive, then almost decisive,” Allegri declared in his press conference ahead of the Palermo game.

“For the League, which is not yet won, though everyone seems to think it is, and for the Champions League, because it’s a game which will decide whether we’re in or out.

“We have to take things one game at a time. Tomorrow I think we’ll have a difficult game at Palermo, because they’re in a healthy position in the table and therefore can play quite a carefree game.

“There will also be a full stadium, and playing Juventus will provide a huge stimulus for them, I think.

“Above all, they’re a team that has shown themselves to be at home in this League, they’ve taken 26 points at home so it will not be an easy game.

“After that, the day after tomorrow, we’ll think about Dortmund, then Genoa, then we’ll take two or three days off.

“But, I repeat, this is a crucial week for the League and the Champions League.”

With a healthy lead at the top of the table, will the former Milan Coach field his best XI against the Rosanero, with Dortmund looming?

“First of all, I don’t like to talk about better or worse, because I think the Juventus squad is full of top players.

“It’s normal that there are players who have played a lot, because this year Juventus have been without [Kwadwo] Asamoah, [Martin] Caceres - Caceres because he’s played 10 games or less - [Andrea] Barzagli, Romulo and [Andrea] Pirlo, who unfortunately we have lost for the third time with this injury.

“Andrea is a player who is very important for us, not just technically in terms of shape, but especially on set pieces he’s fundamental.

“It’s come at a time though, when fortunately Pepe is doing well, he’s a player who can offer us solutions.

“He did well on Monday when he came on for half an hour. He doesn’t have 90 minutes in him, but to have him available to offer different attacking solutions during the game I think is very important.

“Matri is also finding his peak fitness.”

 

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

[Socrates 8516]

PALERMO - JUVENTUS

.-

Saturday, March 14th, 2015 - 6:00 PM
Renzo Barbera Stadium, Palermo
Referee: Marco Guida

‘Don’t talk about fatigue’

Mar 13, 2015

Juventus cannot complain about tiredness ahead of Borussia Dortmund, according to their Coach Massimiliano Allegri.

The Bianconeri beat Sassuolo on Monday night, will face Palermo tomorrow and then finish off with the Champions league clash in Germany on Wednesday.

Despite what some may perceive as a heavy workload, Allegri insists he will not force excessive rotation to save legs for the game at Westfalenstadion.

“We must be prepared tomorrow,” Allegri told assembled media ahead of the Palermo game.

“Especially because they play the game with great intensity. We played on Monday, it’s been five days so I absolutely don’t want to hear about tiredness.

“I don’t want to hear about Dortmund, because if a team can’t play every four or five days it means that we’ve trained badly, or don’t have the fitness to play in a great team.

“[Claudio] Marchisio is fine physically, his data is excellent, as is the whole team’s.

“He’s should realise - since he’s a lad who gives everything - that it’s better to manage games, and sometimes do less running when there is no need to [run hard].”

The Old Lady’s current preferred strike partnership is Alvaro Morata and Carlos Tevez, but the Coach dismisses suggestions they could both be rested in favour of Fernando Llorente and Alessandro Matri.

“I don’t think Llorente and Matri are likely to play together. They could play a bit of the game together, depending on how the game goes, but they’re unlikely to start together, because of their characteristics.

“In football you can’t just throw players in who have the same characteristics.”

 

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

[Socrates 8516]

PALERMO - JUVENTUS

.-

Saturday, March 14th, 2015 - 6:00 PM
Renzo Barbera Stadium, Palermo
Referee: Marco Guida

‘Sturaro, Barzagli could face Palermo’

Mar 13, 2015

Stefano Sturaro and Andrea Barzagli could start for Juventus when they face Palermo tomorrow, hints Coach Max Allegri.

Barzagli has been struggling with injury all season, making his first appearance this term in the win over Sassuolo on Monday, albeit from the bench.

Sturaro, meanwhile, was recalled from a loan spell at Genoa in January, but is yet to feature for the Bianconeri.

“Tomorrow could be the game for Barzagli,” Allegri revealed in his pre-match Press conference.

“Just the fact that he’s come back, and has been able to savour the pitch, the stadium and the emotions of the game is important, so hopefully tomorrow will be the game.

“Barzagli is definitely better, so tomorrow he could face Palermo.

“That said, virtually nothing is decided until I see training today. The important thing is that they’re all in good condition, because Palermo certainly won’t be an easy game.

“In midfield I have four players: Sturaro, Marchisio, Vidal and Pereyra. I don’t have many.

“As for Pirlo, we’re monitoring him day-by-day, and we hope we’ll have him available for Dortmund, because he’d be important to have back.

“Sturaro can fill Marchisio’s role in front of the defence, or can play where Pogba does. He definitely has different characteristics, but he’s a lad who has integrated well, is training well and could be ready to play tomorrow.

“If a Juventus player cannot play a game in any one of Serie A, the Champions League or the Coppa Italia, then he cannot remain a Juventus player.

“All the players I have, are capable of playing any game. Then I make choices, one plays or the other plays, but all of them can help us with their qualities.”

Allegri was then asked whether the glut of goals in this week’s Champions League second legs made him nervous ahead of Juve’s, given a 0-0 draw would send the Old Lady through.

“Scared? Why would I have to be scared?” the former Milan Coach responded.

“What, because of all those goals? If our game against Dortmund has a lot of goals, maybe it will be 3-2, or with some number of goals that would see us reach the Quarter Finals.

“All games are not the same. It’s normal for there to be more goals in Europe, because the level is higher technically, and I think to reach the Last 8, with two big teams like Juventus and Borussia, we must be very good.

“But like I’ve said, we’ll think about that after the Palermo game.”

Finally, Allegri defended midfielders Arturo Vidal and Paul Pogba, who have been criticised for their form in some quarters.

“I’ve been saying the same things for almost a year, I must be getting boring.

“Vidal should not play with anxiety, you can’t play football with anxiety.

“In football you have to play as calmly as possible, be focused and think about what you have to do, while trying to make as few mistakes as possible, because that gives you more chance of winning a game.

“Also, Vidal is better physically at the moment, as has been shown in his recent matches. The problem is that Vidal is only judged by goals, when he’s a midfielder, who up until now has six or seven goals and could get into double figures.

“He should be evaluated for his performances, as should Pogba. With Pogba it’s as if when he doesn’t score he doesn’t play well.

“Pogba’s two best matches this year have been Lazio in Rome, and at gome to Dortmund, because he played well technically and tactically.

“For a midfielder you can score goals or not, but I think Pogba already has seven goals and Vidal has six, so the numbers are on their side.”

 

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

[Socrates 8516]

PALERMO - JUVENTUS

.-

Saturday, March 14th, 2015 - 6:00 PM
Renzo Barbera Stadium, Palermo
Referee: Marco Guida

Palermo v Juventus: Preview

Mar 13, 2015

Juventus coach Massimiliano Allegri knows his side must put all thoughts of next week's crunch Champions League last 16 clash at Borussia Dortmund aside when they take on Palermo on Saturday.

The Turin giants are 11 points clear of Roma at the top of Serie A and travel to Germany to face Dortmund on Tuesday after their game in Sicily needing to defend a 2-1 lead from the opening leg to reach the last eight of the competition.

``We begin a crucial stage of the season,'' Allegri told the Italian media.

``We haven't won the scudetto yet and Tuesday's game in Germany is a do-or-die affair. But we are taking it one game at a time.

``We expect a difficult game at Palermo. Palermo have done well this season and have taken 26 points at home.

``We need to be ready because they will come out very determined.''

Juve must overcome the absence of pivotal midfielders Andrea Pirlo and Paul Pogba, with the former out injured and the latter suspended.

Pogba, whose goal handed Juve a 1-0 triumph over Sassuolo last time out, must serve a one-match ban this weekend.

Juve welcome back captain Gianluigi Buffon, who has recovered from the flu and will take his place between the posts.

Allegri is set to rest Serie A's leading scorer Carlos Tevez as well as Spanish forward Alvaro Morata, with Fernando Llorente expected to lead the Bianconeri's attack.

Palermo lost 2-0 at Juve earlier this season and expect a stern test against the Italian defending champions.

Juve have lost just once this season and have won 18 of their 26 Serie A games.

``Juve already have one hand on the scudetto because an 11-point advantage is a lot,'' Palermo goalkeeper Stefano Sorrentino said.

``But they will nevertheless not give anything away from here until the end of the season.

``A draw would be a good result for us.''

The islanders, who gained promotion to Italy's top flight last summer, are riding a 10-match unbeaten home run.

Giuseppe Iachini's men are two wins away from being able to plan for another season in Serie A.

Palermo have drawn their last two league games and have not conceded a goal in the process.

Last weekend's goalless result at Cesena left Palermo 11th in the standings. The hosts are without injured defenders Giancarlo Gonzalez and Michael Morganella.

 

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

[Socrates 8516]

PALERMO - JUVENTUS

.-

Saturday, March 14th, 2015 - 6:00 PM
Renzo Barbera Stadium, Palermo
Referee: Marco Guida

Iachini: ‘No weak Juventus’

Mar 13, 2015

Palermo Coach Beppe Iachini warns that even with rotation, Juventus will field a top-level side in Sicily tomorrow.

The Bianconeri are likely to rest some of their star names at Renzo Barbera tomorrow, with an 11-point lead in Serie A and Borussia Dortmund looming in the Champions League on Wednesday.

“Juve are Juve, they always compete in all their competitions, with a big squad too,” Iachini said in his pre-match Press conference.

“If one player goes out, another comes in. They all go out onto the pitch to win, and it’ll be a difficult challenge for us to go out there and play.

“We’ll try to give the best game we can, we’ll have to play it perfectly.

“I repeat, every Juventus player is a first-teamer, they’ve won three consecutive Scudetti, to mention one player over another is limiting.

“Juve have a squad which has won a lot in recent years, we’ll play our game and try to achieve a good result.”

The stadium will be sold-out for the visit of the Bianconeri, with many Sicilians turning out to cheer for the visitors, but Iachini insists he doesn’t resent what could be seen as a lack of support.

“There’s respect for Juve. I don’t care about the people who cheer for Juve, there’s no problem.”

Finally, the Coach discussed Paulo Dybala and Franco Vazquez, who have both been linked with a move to Turin.

“For now they’re at Palermo, and they’ve improved significantly this season,” Iachini said when asked about the possibility.

“If they move to a big team, they’ll have an effect. We’re not worrying about losing them, we have to finish the season in the best possible way.

“We won’t make the mistake of putting the cart before the horse, and we’ll just think about the moment.”

 

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

[Socrates 8516]

PALERMO - JUVENTUS

.-

Saturday, March 14th, 2015 - 6:00 PM
Renzo Barbera Stadium, Palermo
Referee: Marco Guida

Pirlo, Coman rested for Palermo-Juve

Mar 13, 2015

Juventus have released the list of call-ups to face Palermo, and will be resting midfielder Andrea Pirlo and forward Kingsley Coman.

The Bianconeri travel to Sicily tomorrow for their last domestic game ahead of the Champions League decider against Borussia Dortmund.

The call-ups confirm that Pirlo will be rested, in hopes that he may recover in time to play the German team, while Coman is also battling a shin contusion and won't be with the team.

Paul Pogba is suspended for the game, leaving the Bianconeri with some holes to fill in the midfield.


Juventus squad for Palermo: Buffon, Chiellini, Ogbonna, Pepe, Marchisio, Morata, Tevez, 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]

PALERMO - JUVENTUS

.-

Saturday, March 14th, 2015 - 6:00 PM
Renzo Barbera Stadium, Palermo
Referee: Marco Guida

Juventus vs. Palermo Preview:
Round 27 — Pretty in pink?

Mar 13, 2015

The lead at the top of the Serie A table is comfortable and completely manageable. And it just so happens that the fixture list is telling us there's one incredibly important match a few days from now, while the one directly in front of Juventus is a little more manageable thanks to the double-digit margin there currently is in the league itself.

If you were to compare the importance of Juventus' visit to Sicily and Palermo on Saturday, and Tuesday's Juventus vs. Borussia Dortmund game, I'm pretty sure even the most casual of fans can figure out which one has the greater priority and importance.

So, once again, we sit here just like we did a few weeks ago. This is the official calm before the storm. Champions League football and a trip to Germany is just a few days away. Everything that comes along with the flight to Dortmund is just a short 24-hour wait after Juve's chartered flight touches down.

JuventusFC ✔ @juventusfcen
.@OfficialAllegri: "It will pretty much be a decisive week for our Scudetto and #UCL ambitions."

That is about as straightforward and honest of a quote as you will ever get from Max Allegri during a pre-match press conference. He knows the importance of the next couple of fixtures before another international break arrives, and so we do we — even if one definitely outweighs the other thanks to the big Serie A lead.

I just have a couple of requests for Juventus-Palermo. Here they are, in short order:

Nobody gets hurt.
Nobody gets hurt.
Nobody gets hurt.
Nobody gets hurt.
Juventus wins and further extends the Serie A lead.
Sounds like a pretty good plan, doesn't it? Yeah, I think so, too.

So if somebody asks, we can just say Juventus vs. Palermo is the chance for both teams to play one another, maybe have it be in a good looking kind of game, and not have it result in anybody actually getting injured or a Juventus loss. Most importantly, no injuries to those who line up in black and white or blue jerseys, please. That's what I'm asking for.

Simple enough. Oh-so-very-sim...nah, not really easy. But it's a legit idea, that's for sure.

 

GOOD NEWS

If Juventus beats Palermo on Saturday, they'll have a 13-point atop the Serie A table lead after Roma's eventual draw against Sampdoria two days later. Wait, you mean Roma are allowed to do something other than pick up draws? Okay, so maybe I should re-think this one.

 

BAD NEWS

After his latest and greatest wondergoal, you'd want to see more of Paul Pogba being awesome, right? Well, you'll have to wait until Juve roll into Germany next week to see Pogba and his latest hairstyle step onto the field. The young Frenchman, who turns 22 years old on Saturday, will miss the trip to Sicily due to suspension after picking up a yellow card against Sassuolo earlier in the week.

Just don't celebrate too much, Paul. There's something pretty important going down on Tuesday night.

 

WHAT TO WATCH FOR

1. How many players will be rested ahead of the second leg against Borussia Dortmund?

In a way, this feels like a Coppa Italia game. We know there will be squad rotation. It's a foregone conclusion at this point as we sit less than 24 hours away from kickoff. The only thing is that we don't know how many players will actually be rested with Borussia Dortmund on the horizon. There is speculation that Juve's defense may look completely different compared to who played against Sassuolo on Monday night. That could mean a long-awaited return to the starting lineup for Andrea Barzagli, who made his official comeback in the Sassuolo win. The same may as well said about Juve's starting strikers, which might have been a better bet to happen if Kingsley Coman was healthy and able to make the trip to Sicily. It will be interesting to see what really happens, though. If some of this talk ends up being true, this might be the one of the most turned over squad from one game to the next we've seen since Allegri has taken over as manager.

2. Is this the game Stefano Sturaro makes his Juventus debut?

Amongst those rumored to be in line for a start Saturday night is the young Juve midfielder who was recalled from Genoa in the winter transfer window. Since then, the only visual evidence of Sturaro being a Juventus player are those occasional pictures of him from the team's training sessions. Sturaro hasn't appeared in an official game since his final one with Genoa, a 1-1 draw against Fiorentina, on the final day of January. Since then, he's been a safety option and nothing more. But with the injury to Andrea Pirlo and the suspension to Pogba, the odds of Sturaro finally getting off the bench and logging serious minutes in a game are as good as ever. The other midfield absentees likely mean Claudio Marchisio and Arturo Vidal or Roberto Pereyra will play alongside the 22-year-old Sturaro — possibly in a 3-5-2 formation, too! — so it's not like the rumored turnover in other areas of the starting lineup will be applicable to the center of the park as well.

3. How Palermo approaches the game.

Palermo are comfortably sitting in 10th place through 26 games, a pretty good spot to be in for a team that was storming through Serie B this time last season. This game is at the Renzo Barbera in Sicily rather than in the craziness that is Juventus Stadium. Does it make a difference in how Palermo actually look at it? We've seen teams lower in the table come right at Juventus no matter what the situation was in the last couple of months. And there's no doubting Palermo has the attacking talent to give Juve's consistent inconsistent defense some issues if they choose to not sit back and defense the entire game. Or maybe they'll just do the typical kind of hit-Juventus-on-the-counter-attack kind of trick. That seems to be working pretty well lately for opposing teams.

JuventusFC ✔ @juventusfcen
.@OfficialAllegri: "#PalermoJuve is a difficult one for us. They're in a comfortable position and will run out in front of a full house."

4. Containing Palermo striker Paulo Dybala.

And here we have the No. 1 problem for Juventus' defense. I don't think it's even close. Dybala has been one of Serie A's biggest and brightest youngsters this season, with 12 league goals this season ranking fifth only behind some of his talented countrymen from Argentina. He has five goals in nine Serie A games since the calendar flipped over to 2015. The only thing better than Dybala in the new year is the fact that he's being surrounded with nothing but a ton of transfer speculation as the always-crazy Maurizio Zamparini is almost certain to cash in on the 21-year-old striker this summer. Let's just hope Dybala doesn't have the chance to score from a dead ball situation. We all know how great Juventus has been defending those the last couple of weeks.


My starting XI (3-5-2): Buffon; Barzagli, Bonucci, Ogbonna; Lichtsteiner, Pereyra, Marchisio, Sturaro, Evra; Tévez, Llorente

OFFICIAL KICKOFF TIME: 6 P.M. IN ITALY; 1 P.M. ON THE EAST COAST; 10 A.M. ON THE WEST COAST

 

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

[Socrates 8516]

PALERMO - JUVENTUS

.-

Saturday, March 14th, 2015 - 6:00 PM
Renzo Barbera Stadium, Palermo
Referee: Marco Guida

PALERMO V JUVENTUS MATCH PREVIEW

Mar 13, 2015
 

Juventus

Rotation will be the order of the day when Juventus travel to the Renzo Barbera to face a Palermo side that are undefeated in their last 10 home matches.

The Bianconeri ground out a hard-fought victory against a surprisingly stubborn Sassuolo side with Paul Pogba’s wonderful strike making the difference, late on. It was another less than convincing performance, lacking in ideas and creativity, despite much of the regular first team making the starting XI. It was suggested some of the players were fatigued from playing so many games in such a short space of time but Allegri was quick to dispel this idea.

“We must be prepared tomorrow,” Allegri told the media ahead of the Palermo game.

“Especially because they play the game with great intensity. We played on Monday, it’s been five days so I absolutely don’t want to hear about tiredness. I don’t want to hear about Dortmund, because if a team can’t play every four or five days it means that we’ve trained badly, or don’t have the fitness to play in a great team.”

Juve may be sitting 11 points clear at the top of the table but the title race is far from over, especially given the fixture list for the coming weeks, beginning with tomorrows visit to Palermo, swiftly followed by the Champions league tie against Dortmund.

JuventusFC ✔ @juventusfcen
.@OfficialAllegri: "It will pretty much be a decisive week for our Scudetto and #UCL ambitions."

Long-term absentees Kwadwo Asamoah and Romulo are still a few weeks from returning to training, while Andrea Pirlo is hoping to recover from an ankle injury in time for the midweek game in Germany. Martin Caceres’ season may be over as he underwent ankle surgery last week and isn’t expected to return to action for at least ten weeks. Kingsley Coman has a shin contusion and doesn’t make the squad while Paul Pogba is suspended leaving Allegri will limited options in midfield.

“In midfield I have four players: Sturaro, [Claudio] Marchisio, [Arturo] Vidal and [Roberto] Pereyra. I don’t have many.” Allegri told reporters earlier today.

The lack of options in the centre of pitch could mean Juve revert to the tried and tested 3-5-2 in an effort to control the game while containing Palermo’s attack-duo of Paulo Dybala and Franco Vazquez. Alternately, given Palermo’s strong home record this season (they’ve lost just once, 4-0 to Lazio), attack might be the best form of defence in the shape of a 4-3-1-2 formation.

Gigi Buffon should return in goal after recovering from flu, while Andrea Barzagli could make his first start of the season alongside Angelo Ogbonna and Leonardo Bonucci. Allegri dropped some hints as to his starting XI which include a possible start for Stefano Sturaro, with Arturo Vidal and Claudio Marchisio making up the 3-man central midfield. Stephan Lichtsteiner and Patrice Evra will be vital against Dortmund so we may see Simone Padoin and Paolo De Ceglie playing in the full-back positions.

Roberto Pereyra has been hit-and-miss in recent games but he’s the only option to play behind the strikers which will likely be Carlos Tevez and Fernando Llorente.
 

 

Predicted Lineup

4-3-1-2: Buffon; Padoin, Barzagli, Ogbonna, De Ceglie; Vidal, Marchisio, Sturaro; Pereyra; Tevez, Llorente

 

Injured

Asamoah and Romulo (Recovering from surgery), Pirlo (ankle), Caceres (ankle), Coman (Doubtful)

 

Suspended

Pogba

 

Form

(W-D-W-D-W)
 

Palermo

 

Palermo are in mixed form: they have won one of the last five matches (an impressive dismantling of Napoli) and they have lost to Lazio and Inter and drawn against Empoli and Cesena. They are in the middle of the pack: they are just few points away from officially avoiding relegation, but they are nothing more than outsiders in the race for a Europa League spot. They are not in a very stimulating position of the table, but I’m sure that the demanding president Maurizio Zamparini will find a way to keep them focused.

At home, they are as good as anybody: they have collected 26 points in 13 matches and they have been defeated only by Lazio back in September. In this season, Paulo Dybala and Franco Vazquez have blossomed into top players. The Argentinian striker has scored twelve goals and assisted his teammates seven times, while the advanced midfielder has tallied seven goals and nine assists. They are easily the best one-two punch in the League and their combination of dribbling skills, pace, technique and long-race shootings poses a serious threat to any defense. Moreover, they can also beef up the attack by bringing Andrea Belotti off the bench when they need to score and he has grown into a late goal specialist.

While they are scintillating up front, their defending has often held them back. They have conceded 39 goals: their goal different is -1 and this speaks volume about their defensive woes. Only four teams have conceded more goals than they have and three of them are likely to get relegated. Losing Ezequiel Munoz in January, failing to replace him (Danilo Ortiz has yet to make his debut) certainly didn’t help. Due to various injuries and suspensions, Giuseppe Iachini has recently ditched 3-5-2 because they literally weren’t able to field three valuable centre-backs and opted for 4-3-2-1 with the electric Robin Quaison pairing with Vazquez behind Dybala. It appears that he’ll confirm this scheme: Roberto Vitiello is battling with Andrea Rispoli for the starting RB position (the latter is more offensive) and the returning Achraaf Lazaar is seeking to retake his spot over Fabio Daprelà on the other flank. Claudio Terzi and Sinisa Andelkovic are set to partner up in the middle. Should Iachini use his old tactic, Vitiello would play in the back three and Quaison would be benched.

Enzo Maresca has been primed to return to the starting XI for a couple of weeks after a serious ankle injury: if he’s not ready yet, Mato Jajalo will replace him as deep-lying playmaker/pivot in front of the defense. The Croatian midfielder isn’t as good as a distributor as the former Juventus, but he’s still a solid player. The (departing) captain Egdar Barreto and the sneaky cutter Luca Rigoni are slated to complete the midfield.

Juventus will have to be prepared for Palermo’s strong flank game, even though they don’t have a physical presence in the box when Belotti isn’t on the pitch, and to their counter-attacks: Dybala and Vazquez are devastating when they operate in the open field and the others have learned to feed off from them. On the other hand, their defense isn’t very trustworthy and will suffer if put under pressure.

 

Probable Lineup

4-3-2-1: Sorrentino; Vitiello, Terzi, Andelkovic, Daprelà; Rigoni, Maresca, Barreto; Vazquez, Quaison; Dybala.

 

Injured players:

Gonzalez (knee), Morganella (knee).

 

Suspended

None

 

Form

(D-D-L-W-L)

 

Formation

 

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

[Socrates 8516]

PALERMO - JUVENTUS

.-

Saturday, March 14th, 2015 - 6:00 PM
Renzo Barbera Stadium, Palermo
Referee: Marco Guida

MATCH PREVIEW

Mar 13, 2015

Juventus face a tricky trip to Palermo and could rest several key players with one eye on the Champions League tie with Borussia Dortmund.

After a win against Sassuolo put Juve 11 points clear of second placed Roma, Max Allegri will be able to rest his best players for this week 27 clash, though even with a full squad at his disposal, Paulo Dybala’s Palermo have proven to a tough nut to crack for Serie A’s elite and a win could see them rise as high as seventh in a packed mid-table.

Meanwhile Juve seemed sluggish against an inspired Sassuolo side on Monday, and were again reliant on the individual brilliance of Paul Pogba to seal all three points. The French international is suspended, while it is likely Stefano Sturaro and Kingsley Coman will get a chance as the Binconeri’s midfield stars are rested.

Although European qualification seems to be out of Palermo’s reach, Dybala and Vazquez will likely leave this summer and they will be looking to go out with a bang. With 38 goals scored so far this season, the Rosanero are the highest scorers in the lower half of the table and carry a genuine threat going forward. However, with 39 conceded, defensive stability is not their strong point and could cave against Carlos Tevez and Alvaro Morata.

Marco Storari and Angelo Ogbonna could start in the place of Gigi Buffon and Giorgio Chiellini ahead of the trip to Signal Iduna Park, while Martin Caceres remains out injured. With Palermo’s backline lacking in height, Fernando Llorente could be given one last chance, though it seems Morata has cemented his place as first choice alongside Tevez.


Keep an eye on: Franco Vazquez (Palermo) – With Paulo Dybala taking most of the headlines for Palermo this season, Vazquez has been somewhat unfairly overlooked for his contributions to their successful return season to the top flight. Vazquez is likely to become an Italian international soon, and with rumours of interest from Juventus, Inter and Paris Saint-Germain, he will be looking to put himself in the shop window. What better way to make yourself known than to take down the Italian champions?


Form Guide: Palermo – DDLWL * Juventus – WDWDW

Last season: Palermo 0-1 Juventus

Stat Fact: Palermo and Juventus have never drawn against each other in Serie A history. In 16 meetings Juve have won nine while Palermo have impressively taken the spoils seven times.


Palermo (Probable): Sorrentino; Vitiello, Terzi, Andelkovic, Daprela; Rugani, Maresca, Barreto; Quaison, Vazquez; Dybala

Suspended: None


Juventus (Probable): Buffon; Padoin, Barzagli, Chiellini, De Ceglie; Vidal, Marchisio, Sturaro; Pereyra, Coman; Llorente

Suspended: Pogba

 

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

[Socrates 8516]

PALERMO - JUVENTUS

.-

Saturday, March 14th, 2015 - 6:00 PM
Renzo Barbera Stadium, Palermo
Referee: Marco Guida

Allegri: It's a decisive week for Juventus

With fixtures against Palermo in Serie A and Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League,
the coach insists his side must be at their best in the coming days.

Mar 14, 2015

Massimiliano Allegri has warned his Juventus side that they must be at their best as they prepare for a "decisive" week.

The Serie A champions take on Palermo on Saturday as they look to maintain their 11-point gap at the top of the table.

Just a few days later, they will travel to Germany to defend a 2-1 lead from the first-leg of their Champions League round of 16 tie with Borussia Dortmund and Allegri is confident his side will put in strong performances in both games.

"We begin a week that’s more or less decisive as far as the league’s concerned, which still hasn’t been won, and the Champions League, where we’ve got a knockout game," he told reporters.

"But for now we’ll just stay focused on Palermo.

"I think we’ll have a difficult game because they’re in a healthy position in the table and can play quite a carefree game.

“There will also be a full stadium and playing Juventus will provide a huge boost for them, I think.

"Crucially, they have shown themselves to be strong at home, they’ve taken 26 points at home, so it will not be an easy game."

The 47-year-old was also asked about Palermo's Paulo Dybala, who has been heavily linked with a move to Juve this year.

"I think Dybala can get even better and eventually play for a great team," he remarked.

Allegri then turned his attention to the European clash at the Signal Iduna Park.

"In Europe it is normal that there will be more goals because the game is more technical.

"On Wednesday we will have to be very good.

"Can Juve get into the top five in Europe in the future? It must be the goal and ambition."

 

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

[Socrates 8516]

PALERMO - JUVENTUS

.-

Saturday, March 14th, 2015 - 6:00 PM
Renzo Barbera Stadium, Palermo
Referee: Marco Guida

Palermo vs. Juventus: Team News

Mar 14, 2015

Juventus travel south this weekend, heading to Sicily for a tricky encounter with last year’s Serie B winners Palermo. The Rosanero have impressed since their promotion this summer, currently sitting in 10th place and enjoying their return to the top flight under Beppe Iachini.

The coach has seemingly transformed the usually tumultuous club into a much calmer atmosphere, and his team have benefitted directly from that. Only three teams—Juventus, Roma and Lazio—boast better home records this season than Palermo, who have lost just once at the Renzo Barbera this term.

That defeat came way back in September, and last month the Sicilian side recorded an impressive win over Napoli which should set alarm bells ringing for the Bianconeri. Aside from their Coppa Italia loss to Fiorentina last week, Massimiliano Allegri’s men have not been in the best of form lately, although they have still managed to get the results they needed.

Narrow wins over Borussia Dortmund and Sassuolo sandwiched a well-earned draw with AS Roma that could prove fatal to the title aspirations of the Giallorossi, with the Turin giants now 11 points clear at the top of the Serie A standings.

They will hope to extend that lead against Palermo, knowing that their nearest rivals face a tough clash with Sampdoria on Monday evening. A win over the Rosonero could see the Old Lady take an unassailable lead, although there is likely to be some rotation as Allegri will certainly have one eye on next week’s vital Champions League fixture.


Form Lines

Last five domestic results:

Inter 3-0 Palermo ... Juventus 3-1 Milan
Palermo 3-1 Napoli ...  Cesena 2-2 Juventus
Lazio 2-1 Palermo ...  Juventus 2-1 Atalanta
Palermo 0-0 Empoli ... AS Roma 1-1 Juventus
Cesena 0-0 Palermo ...  Juventus 1-0 Sassuolo

 

Predicted Line-ups



Palermo (4-3-2-1): Sorrentino; Vitiello, Terzi, Andelkovic, Daprela; Rigoni, Maresca, Barreto; Quaison, Vasquez; Dybala

Key Battle

There is little doubt that Paulo Dybala is the danger man for Palermo, as the Argentinian starlet is taking Serie A by storm in 2014-15. Recording 12 goals and seven assists in his first 25 appearances of the campaign, it is little wonder he is currently one of the hottest names in the transfer market.

His form was discussed in detail here, and this week club president Maurizio Zamparini told Radio Anch’io that “Dybala is the Messi of the future,” (h/t Football Italia) and placed a €40 million valuation on the 21-year-old.

The task of stopping him will likely fall to Giorgio Chiellini, and the Juventus defender has hardly shown his best recently. Uncharacteristic mistakes have begun to blight his performances, and the Bianconeri will need him to improve quickly if they are to keep Dybala in check.


Player to Watch

If Dybala is the deadly finisher, he owes much of his impressive form to the rapport he has built with countryman Franco Vasquez. The pair have shown an eerie understanding on the pitch, and any club looking at Dybala’s prowess would perhaps do well to sign his team-mate at the same time.

The 26-year-old has enjoyed a stellar campaign in his own right, netting seven goals while contributing a league-high nine assists. Thanks to his intelligent positioning between the lines—allied with smart off-ball running—he is incredibly difficult to mark and Juventus will have to watch him closely throughout this encounter.

The Bianconeri enjoyed a 2-0 victory when the two sides met in Turin earlier in the season, and they did so with a well-executed game plan that stymied the opportunities for Palermo’s vibrant attack. They will need a repeat performance of that if they are to once again collect three points on Saturday.


Odds (via Odds Shark)

Home win: 4/1

Away win: 100/137

Draw: 5/2

 

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

[Socrates 8516]

PALERMO - JUVENTUS

.-

Saturday, March 14th, 2015 - 6:00 PM
Renzo Barbera Stadium, Palermo
Referee: Marco Guida

Zamparini: '€40m offer for Dybala'

Mar 14, 2015

Maurizio Zamparini claims there is “already a €40m offer in my hand” for Palermo's Paulo Dybala, but is it Juventus or Manchester United?

The Argentine sensation is only 21 years old, but scored 12 Serie A goals in 25 games this season, along with eight assists.

“Has Dybala already been picked up by Juve? Absolutely not,” President Zamparini told Radio Due.

“I already have a €40m offer in my hand, but if someone else gets into the race then we’ll see what happens.

“Were Manchester United behind this offer? I won’t tell you the name of the club, not even if you torture me!”

As well as Juve and Manchester United, Roma are thought to be interested in striker Dybala.

“Anything can happen in football. The Giallorossi have good financial capabilities and it’s possible Walter Sabatini could take him away. We’ll see.”

Zamparini confirmed he’ll be in the stands at the Stadio Barbera for today’s game with Juventus, which kicks off at 17.00 GMT, but the notoriously superstitious patron won’t be watching.

“I am accompanying some Russian associates who are big football fans. After that I might stay on my own in a little room or go to pray to Santa Rosalia...”

 

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

[Socrates 8516]

PALERMO - JUVENTUS

.-

Saturday, March 14th, 2015 - 6:00 PM
Renzo Barbera Stadium, Palermo
Referee: Marco Guida

Line-ups: Palermo-Juventus

Mar 14, 2015

Juventus make several changes for the tricky trip to Palermo, where they face Paulo Dybala and Franco Vazquez.

It kicks off at 18.00 CET.

The Bianconeri are 11 points clear at the top of the table, but this is far from an easy task for Max Allegri’s men.

Paul Pogba is suspended with Andrea Pirlo, Martin Caceres, Kwadwo Asamoah and Romulo sidelined.

The Coach also rests Patrice Evra, Arturo Vidal and Alvaro Morata.

It means Stefano Sturaro gets his first start since arriving from Genoa in January.

Above all, Andrea Barzagli receives his first start of the season, having recovered from repeated Achilles tendon problems.

Palermo rely on their star forwards Dybala and Vazquez, while Andrea Rispoli fills in for the injured Michel Morganella and Giancarlo Gonzalez.

These sides have not shared the spoils, home or away, since a 1-1 draw in Turin in September 2004.

The last stalemate here was 1-1 in February 1969, followed by four home wins and six for the visitors.

Palermo have just one home Serie A defeat all season, 4-0 to Lazio in September, winning seven and drawing five.


Palermo: Sorrentino; Vitiello, Terzi, Andelkovic; Rispoli, Rigoni, Maresca, Barreto, Daprelà; Vazquez, Dybala

Palermo bench: Ujkani, Milanovic, Joao Silva, Emerson, Della Rocca, Bolzoni, Chochev, Quaison, Ortiz, Jajalo, Bentivegna, Belotti


Juventus: Buffon; Barzagli, Bonucci, Chiellini; Lichtsteiner, Sturaro, Marchisio, Pereyra, De Ceglie; Tevez, Llorente

Juventus bench: Storari, Rubinho, Ogbonna, Pepe, Morata, Padoin, Vidal, Matri, Evra

 

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