Juventus Season 2014-2015

[Socrates 8516]

BORUSSIA D. - JUVENTUS

Wednesday, March 18th, 2015 - 08:45 p.m.
Signal-Iduna-Park Westfalenstadion, Dortmund
Referee:‬ Milorad Mazic (Serbia)

Lippi: ‘Juventus need luck’

Mar 16, 2015

Marcello Lippi believes Juventus are better club than Borussia Dortmund, but warns you need luck in the Champions League.

The former Bianconeri Coach guided the side to four Champions League finals, but only won once, losing the last on penalties to Milan in 2003.

“I’m still convinced that, overall, Juve are stronger,” Lippi told La Stampa.

“But we should also be aware that this is not the Dortmund of two or three months ago.

“It takes luck to get to the end, but also a lot of other things. It’s hard to see anyone outside of Bayern, Barcelona or Real Madrid winning it this year.

“Juve have completely dominated in Italy for four years, they must try to continue their international growth, with two or three great performances to make it to the Quarter Finals.”

The World Cup winner again spoke of his desire to Coach a national team, but says he won’t return to the Azzurri.

“I’ve already said that enough is enough with club football. If a national team with a good, ambitious project comes in I’d like that.

“Not Italy, I was already wrong to go back there once.”

[Socrates 8516]

BORUSSIA D. - JUVENTUS

Wednesday, March 18th, 2015 - 08:45 p.m.
Signal-Iduna-Park Westfalenstadion, Dortmund
Referee:‬ Milorad Mazic (Serbia)

Juve’s keys for Dortmund

With their entire season on the line, Luca Cetta looks at the decisive
factors which will shape Juventus’ visit to Borussia Dortmund.

Mar 16, 2015

“I like 1-0 wins,” Massimiliano Allegri declared, “as they keep you on your toes and tactically I thought the guys did well.”

The tactician’s comments came after Juventus downed Sassuolo, grabbing maximum points thanks to Paul Pogba’s late stunner. It was the first Bianconero clean sheet since early February.

Allegri was even happier after Juve repeated the feat on Saturday, beating Palermo thanks to Alvaro Morata’s fine strike. The Coach praised the maturity of his team to inflict a first Palermo home loss since September. It also ended a barren away spell, being Juve’s first win on the road since conquering Naples in January.

Things bode well for their upcoming showdown, the return Champions League clash with Borussia Dortmund. A tie in which the Turin club is “gambling the entire season,” according to comments made by director Beppe Marotta prior to the first leg. That encounter ended 2-1, leaving both sides quietly confident of progression.

Allegri acknowledges the difficulty of the task ahead. He knows his side must be at their best to advance so that rediscovered stinginess will be pleasing. Jurgen Klopp’s side have progressed past this stage in each of the last two seasons and lost just twice at home in 14 Champions League outings.

Juventus have made three trips to Dortmund and left smiling each time. That includes the first leg of the 1993 UEFA Cup final, where the two Baggio’s – Roberto and Dino – ensured a 3-1 advantage to take back to Turin.

When they met in the semi finals of the same competition two seasons later, the Bianconeri had to score following a 2-2 draw in Italy. They did just that, the Divine Ponytail sealing progression to another final with a sumptuous free kick. Months later the action shifted to the Champions League. Juventus maintained their perfect record as Alessandro Del Piero took centre stage, scoring a famous goal in a 3-1 triumph.

A feature of each was Juve’s concession of early goals. Dortmund scored three times over 270 minutes, all inside the opening 10. Each time the visitors dusted themselves off to finish the job. That’s the spirit they must evoke on Wednesday. “We know Borussia’s qualities, but it is also a game where we need to score at least one goal, probably two. That means a lot of balance, being in the match and having a bit of luck too,” Allegri opined.

The first goal will be vital to shape how the teams approach the contest. Both have shown they can counter effectively. In the first leg Juventus were comfortable inviting pressure and restricting space for Dortmund’s attacking players. With yellow and black shirts committed but hardly threatening, Juventus exploited the open spaces. It can be a template for second leg success.

But there are few sides more dangerous when breaking and attacking gaps at pace than Borussia Dortmund. Should the Germans score first it would play into their hands and is the exact scenario Juve hope to avoid. Without Martin Caceres the defence lacks pace.

Allegri has one major selection decision, a potentially significant one. Andrea Pirlo hobbled off in the first leg and has not played since. His calf problem is healing and he wants to take the field on Wednesday. Mauro Camoranesi thinks his fellow 2006 World Cup winner is “essential”. First leg evidence suggested Juve enjoyed greater defensive comfort following the introduction of Roberto Pereyra, while seeing more of the ball and creating further opportunities. Nuri Sahin says Borussia had a plan for Pirlo and had it working until his departure. The Argentine provides energy and also fits Juve’s counter-attacking option. Pirlo’s style does not suit the nature of the contest and opponent.

The beauty of this tie is it remains as evenly poised as when first announced. It’s a match which could swing in any direction. After recent results and the first leg, Juventus will be quietly confident of advancing. They’ve never left Signal Iduna Park empty handed and channelling the spirits of victories past could see them smile again - especially if it ends 1-0.

[Socrates 8516]

BORUSSIA D. - JUVENTUS

Wednesday, March 18th, 2015 - 08:45 p.m.
Signal-Iduna-Park Westfalenstadion, Dortmund
Referee:‬ Milorad Mazic (Serbia)

Juventus' Recent Performances Show Perfect
Blueprint for Borussia Dortmund Tie

Mar 16, 2015

Currently sitting a comfortable 14 points clear at the top of the Serie A table, it seems Juventus are all but certain to secure a fourth consecutive league title at the end of the season.

There have been numerous accusations about the lack of a genuine challenger, but with five Italian teams still competing in the Europa League, it is clear that football on the peninsula is on the rise once again.

That neither the great Giovanni Trapattoni nor Marcello Lippi managed to lift more than two championships in a row speaks volumes about the quality within the current side, possessing an insatiable appetite for victories. However, what those two iconic coaches did accomplish was to exert Juve’s dominance on the continent, each lifting the European Cup during their hugely successful tenures in Turin.

When he replaced Antonio Conte in the summer, Massimiliano Allegri knew that he too would be required to advance as far as possible in the Champions League, such was the level of domestic success enjoyed by his predecessor. Indeed, it was a point the former Milan boss expressed at the initial press conference following his appointment, telling reporters that “Juventus must be among the top eight teams in Europe,” per the club’s official website.

Calling that aim “our duty,” Allegri was fully aware that progression in the elite competition was how his impact would be measured and set about making changes to the side’s playing style to help him achieve that aim. Out went the 3-5-2 that had been the foundation of Conte’s success, the three-man defence seen as ill-suited to coping with the attacking styles of Europe’s biggest clubs.

In its place came a more orthodox back four, although the coach was loathe to label it as a 4-3-1-2 formation when asked by La giornalaccio rosa dello Sport back in August. “Often I say 4-3 and then we’ll see,” Allegri said (h/t Football Italia), adding that clearer definition “depends on the characteristics of the players.”

He first switched to a four-man defence in November, earning wins over Parma and Olympiacos after a minor slump, going on an excellent run of results that saw Juventus secure a place in the knockout stage in the Champions League—an achievement that had eluded Conte in 2013-14.

Indeed, the former coach's only success in the competition came in the season before that, reaching the quarter-final after a kind last-16 draw paired his side with Scottish champions Celtic. There would be no such luck for Allegri this time around, however, as he was handed a nostalgic tie against Borussia Dortmund, a club who regularly clashed with the Bianconeri back in the 1990s.

Jurgen Klopp’s side reached the final of the competition in 2013 but have endured a tumultuous year, finding themselves in the relegation places when the Bundesliga took its winter break. The first leg of the clash went well for the Italian giants however, emerging 2-1 winners as they won a tough encounter at Juventus Stadium.

They travel to Germany for the return clash on Wednesday looking to protect that narrow advantage, and their recent form shows just how they can achieve the result they need to progress. Clashes with Roma, Sassuolo and Palermo have not been particularly pleasing on the eye, but in each the Turin-based club has achieved the result they required.

A draw with the Giallorossi saw them maintain their cushion atop the Serie A standings, nullifying the threat of their nearest rivals at Rome’s Stadio Olimpico, itself no comfortable place to visit. The other two games mentioned saw Allegri rotate his side heavily yet still emerge victorious, winning each by a 1-0 scoreline.

While they may not be the most illustrious of opponents, the two clubs possess a wealth of attacking talent, boasting the likes of Paulo Dybala, Franco Vasquez, Domenico Berardi and Simone Zaza. Indeed, that quartet boast 34 league goals—plus some 23 assists—between them this term, but in truth never came close to scoring against Juventus.

Proving herself capable of winning ugly, a repeat of those performances at the Westfalenstadion on Wednesday would suit the Old Lady perfectly. It is the ideal blueprint, and it would also improve Massimiliano Allegri’s standing with the club’s supporters as the coach continues to emerge as a winner in his own right.

[Socrates 8516]

BORUSSIA D. - JUVENTUS

Wednesday, March 18th, 2015 - 08:45 p.m.
Signal-Iduna-Park Westfalenstadion, Dortmund
Referee:‬ Milorad Mazic (Serbia)

Mazic assigned to Juventus game

Mar 16, 2015

Serbian referee Milorad Mazic will be the man in charge of Juventus’ crucial Champions League tie on Wednesday.

The Bianconeri face Borussia Dortmund at Westfalenstadion in the second leg of their Champions League Last 16 tie, trying to hold onto a 2-1 win in Turin.

UEFA has announced the officials for the tie, with Mazic heading-up an all-Serbian team of officials.

The Old Lady will not have happy memories of the 41-year-old, who was in charge as they lost 1-0 to Olimpiacos in October.

Mazic will be supported in Germany by assistant referees Milovan Ristic and Dalibor Djurdjevic, goal-line officials Danilo Grujic and Dejan Filipovic and fourth official Dejan Petrovic.

[Socrates 8516]

BORUSSIA D. - JUVENTUS

Wednesday, March 18th, 2015 - 08:45 p.m.
Signal-Iduna-Park Westfalenstadion, Dortmund
Referee:‬ Milorad Mazic (Serbia)

Pirlo likely to miss Dortmund

Mar 16, 2015

Andrea Pirlo looks likely to miss Juventus’ Champions League Last 16 second leg with Borussia Dortmund.

It had been hoped that the playmaker would be fit for the game in Germany, having gone off injured during the first match in Turin.

However, Pirlo has not trained with the rest of his teammates at Vinovo today, according to TuttoJuve.

The giornalaccio rosa dello Sport is also pessimistic about the Italian international’s propects, as it appears that the former Milan man has not recovered fully from a thigh injury.

Pirlo is not the only headache facing Bianconero Coach Max Allegri, as he must decide between a 3-5-2 and a 4-3-1-2 system.

It’s believed that the former Milan Coach is currently leaning toward the added defensive solidity offered by a back three, but much will depend on the fitness of Andrea Barzagli.

Barzagli has only just returned from a lengthy lay-off with an achilles injury, making his first start this season in the win over Palermo on Saturday evening.

The Old Lady require only a draw to progress to the Quarter Finals of the Champions League, having emerged with a 2-1 win in the first leg.

[Socrates 8516]

BORUSSIA D. - JUVENTUS

Wednesday, March 18th, 2015 - 08:45 p.m.
Signal-Iduna-Park Westfalenstadion, Dortmund
Referee:‬ Milorad Mazic (Serbia)

Agnelli: ‘Dortmund not decisive’

Mar 16, 2015

President Andrea Agnelli insists Wednesday’s clash with Borussia Dortmund will not define Juventus’ season.

The Bianconeri will travel to Germany looking to hold on to a 2-1 advantage and qualify for the Quarter Finals of the competition, but the patron has played down the importance of the game.

“You can’t define a season by one game,” Agnelli told reporters at a Press to launch Italy v England at Juventus Stadium.

“If in Spring you’re competitive on all fronts then you’re doing well.”

The President also welcomed the return of Antonio Conte, who returns in his role as Italy CT after leaving the Old Lady this summer.

“It’s always nice to have Antonio Conte at the Stadium, hopefully he’ll always come back as CT, not as an opponent.”

[Socrates 8516]

BORUSSIA D. - JUVENTUS

Wednesday, March 18th, 2015 - 08:45 p.m.
Signal-Iduna-Park Westfalenstadion, Dortmund
Referee:‬ Milorad Mazic (Serbia)

Allegri 'seriously considering' using a 3-5-2
formation against Borussia Dortmund

Mar 16, 2015

I don't like to assume one way or another when it comes to certain Juventus things, but I will assume here: There will be pitchforks and torches at the ready after reading that headline. Don't shoot the messenger, people!

Yet, there is 3-5-2 things to discuss here. (Apologies in advance.)

According to a certain well-known pink sports newspaper in Italy, Juventus manager Max Allegri is "seriously considering" starting his team's decisive Champions League tie against Borussia Dortmund on Wednesday night with a 3-5-2 formation. The desire to keep things the way they were in terms of tactics this past Saturday against Palermo, at least according to the giornalaccio rosa, is basically down to one thing and one thing only.

Andrea Barzagli is back and being completely awesome already.
Also of importance when it comes to this formation development: The health status of midfielder Andrea Pirlo won't be a determining factor for Allegri. It's pretty much built more on the fact that Barzagli is healthy once again more than Pirlo's health status being completely up in the air right now. Don't worry, this probably won't cause some kind of crazy war of Andreas or anything like that.

How Barzagli — who has been one of the most consistent defenders in Europe ever since he returned to Italy for the transfer fee resembling a $5 footlong at Subway — would fit into Allegri's plans once he eventually returned was always something that hung out in the back of my head. I mean, if Barzagli is actually going to be consistently fit for the rest of the season, why not take advantage of having him around once more? He's too good, as he's already proven against Palermo over the weekend in his first start since late last season, to not play more often than not.

Apparently that's the way Allegri is thinking as well.

The good part in all of this even if it means more 3-5-2?

The Juventus defense won't be so totally dependent on the still-out-of-form Giorgio Chiellini, whose poor run this season is still one of the world's greatest mysteries. And having one more defender on the field — especially one of Barzagli's class and effectiveness — is never a bad thing when you're trying to protect a 2-1 lead on aggregate. At least in theory, that is.

So, with all of this being said, I'll just go out on a limb and mention this: Max Allegri will be asked about his team's tactics even more than usual at his pre-match press conference on Tuesday. That's almost a given with this latest tactical development surrounding No doubt about it. Let's see how Allegri maneuvers around the questions this time.

[Socrates 8516]

BORUSSIA D. - JUVENTUS

Wednesday, March 18th, 2015 - 08:45 p.m.
Signal-Iduna-Park Westfalenstadion, Dortmund
Referee:‬ Milorad Mazic (Serbia)

Confirmed: Pirlo misses Dortmund

Mar 16, 2015

Juventus have confirmed that Andrea Pirlo will not be fit for Wednesday’s crucial Champions League second leg.

The Bianconeri travel to Borussia Dortmund holding a 2-1 lead from the home leg, and so need only a draw to progress.

However, following reports this morning, the Bianconeri have now confirmed that Pirlo will not be available to face Klopp’s side, after going off injured in the first leg.

“Today Andrea Pirlo underwent some medical examinations,” the club confirmed on its official website.

“The ultrasound check showed good progression in the healing of the injury, but not enough for him to be available for the trip to Dortmund.

“The midfielder will therefore continue on his personalised rehabilitation programme.”

Stefano Sturaro and Paolo De Ceglie will also face time on the sidelines, after picking up injuries in the win over Palermo on Saturday.

De Ceglie has a sprained ankle, while Sturaro is suffering after a blow to the knee. Both will be out for around two weeks.

The Old Lady also confirmed that captain Gianluigi Buffon will join Coach Massimiliano Allegri in a Press conference at Westfalenstadion tomorrow evening.

[Socrates 8516]

BORUSSIA D. - JUVENTUS

Wednesday, March 18th, 2015 - 08:45 p.m.
Signal-Iduna-Park Westfalenstadion, Dortmund
Referee:‬ Milorad Mazic (Serbia)

Preview: Borussia Dortmund vs. Juventus

Mar 16, 2015

Borussia Dortmund welcome Juventus to the Westfalenstadion on Wednesday knowing that a 1-0 victory over Massimiliano Allegri's men would be enough to see them through to the quarter-final stages of the Champions League.

Juve hold a slight advantage in the two-legged encounter following a slender 2-1 victory at home to Jurgen Klopp and his charges back in late February.

The Italian side know that any form of draw would give them safe passage, with an away goal making it a little more difficult for the North Rhine-Westphalian club.

Dortmund have enjoyed an important resurgence in 2015 and have managed to lift themselves from probable relegation to a safely-placed position in the middle of the German top flight.

The Germans have slightly faltered on the domestic front in their last two Bundesliga games, with Dortmund drawing blanks in two scoreless draws against Hamburger SV and FC Koln respectively.

Juventus are currently cruising at the summit of the Serie A standings, with a monumental 14-point gap separating the Old Lady and second-placed Roma.

The Italian outfit find themselves in fairly good form, having won their last two Serie A matches by one goal against Palermo and Sassuolo, but they were also recently knocked out of the Coppa Italia by Fiorentina.

Dortmund may not be too put off by the task in hand come Wednesday, given that Juve have only managed to notch wins by a one-goal margin over the course of their last six matches.

What could appeal to Klopp even more is the fact that Allegri's men have conceded at least one goal in four of those last six fixtures, meaning that if Dortmund can defend well enough then progression will be no impossible task. Die Borussen have also kept four clean sheets in six matches across all competitions.

Dortmund are expected to be missing both Kevin Grosskreutz and Lukasz Piszczek through injury, potentially leaving Oliver Kirch and Sokratis Papastathopoulos to battle it out for a place in the right full-back position.

Nuri Sahin was also missing for the German club at the weekend and he could miss out again on Wednesday. Ciro Immobile could start up top instead of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, with Henrikh Mkhitaryan, Shinji Kagawa and Kevin Kampl providing options in midfield.

As for Juventus, Paul Pogba's league suspension at the weekend means that he should be in good shape for the clash, while both Arturo Vidal and Alvaro Morata got some form of a rest against Palermo.

Allegri may decide not to rush Andrea Pirlo back from his calf knock, especially given Roberto Pereyra's performance in the first leg in Turin.


Borussia Dortmund

Form in Champions League: W W W L D L
Form in all competitions: W L W W D D 
 
 

Possible starting lineup
 
Weidenfeller

 

Kirch, Subotic, Hummels, Schmelzer

 

Kehl, Gundogan

 

Reus, Kagawa, Mkhitaryan

 

Immobile

 
 

Juventus

Form in Champions League: L L W W D W 
Form in all competitions: W W D L W W 
 
 

Possible starting lineup 
 
Buffon

 

Bonucci, Chiellini, Lichtsteiner, Evra

 

Marchisio, Pereyra, Pgoba

 

Vidal

 

Morata, Tevez

 


Sports Mole says: 1-2

[Socrates 8516]

BORUSSIA D. - JUVENTUS

Wednesday, March 18th, 2015 - 08:45 p.m.
Signal-Iduna-Park Westfalenstadion, Dortmund
Referee:‬ Milorad Mazic (Serbia)

Champions League worth €9m for Juve

Mar 16, 2015

Qualification for the Quarter Finals of the Champions League would earn Juventus an extra €9m, it has been calculated.

The Bianconeri travel to Germany this week to face Borussia Dortmund, holding a 2-1 lead from the first leg of the tie.

Should Massimiliano Allegri’s men progress on Wednesday, Tuttosport has worked out how much of an increase in revenue that would represent, arriving at a figure of €9m.

All clubs which reach the last eight receive a bonus from UEFA of €3.9m, while Juventus will also earn €2.2m from television money for any Quarter Final tie.

In addition, reaching that stage of the competition would virtually guarantee another sell-out at Juventus Stadium for the home leg, which brought in €2.8m for the first leg with Dortmund.

[Socrates 8516]

BORUSSIA D. - JUVENTUS

Wednesday, March 18th, 2015 - 08:45 p.m.
Signal-Iduna-Park Westfalenstadion, Dortmund
Referee:‬ Milorad Mazic (Serbia)

BORUSSIA DORTMUND – JUVENTUS
CHAMPIONS LEAGUE PREVIEW

Mar 16, 2015

 

Juventus

The 2-1 Juventus victory in the first leg was a great step forward for this Juve squad. There was however one big fat exception to the success of that day – Borussia Dortmund’s goal. Marco Reus, one of the best players in the world, was given free reign over Juve’s half after Giorgio Chiellini slipped, and a player like Reus isn’t going to blow a chance like that. The away goal, in some ways not indicative of the general performance of Dortmund’s attack, keeps this tie very close going into the second leg.

Juve have been scraping out 1-0 wins in recent games, largely due to moment of individual skill or ingenuity. Still, they have generally stepped up to the European level ever since that win versus Olympiakos in the fall. Given the stakes of this game, and the fact that Dortmund can go through with a 1-0 win, we may not see an out and out attacking Juventus in this game. Perhaps the counter-attacking Juve we saw in recent weeks – even against smaller Italian sides – was a Juventus preparing for this match.

Given that possible tactical decision, and a few fitness questions, we’re not really sure what formation Max Allegri will choose tomorrow. It’s between 4-3-1-2 and 3-5-2 of course, but I think this is mostly a superficial decision and the team will play in a similar style regardless of formation. Andrea Pirlo’s absence would seem to point towards a 3-5-2 since there is one fewer midfielder, but that is a bit of a simple distinction to make. Of course, having said all of that, the disclaimer is that nobody can accurately predict what goes on in the mind of Allegri, so maybe he will go with a 4-3-1-2 and have Pereyra start.

In either case, Gianluigi Buffon will start in goal while Leonardo Bonucci and Giorgio Chiellini start at centerback. Andrea Barzagli will start if there is a 3-5-2, he is the one who would lose his spot if Pirlo were to start. It is arguably the hardest choice of two Andreas that has ever been made, both are very good players.

Out wide the starters will surely be Patrice Evra and Stephan Lichtsteiner on their respective sides. Lichtsteiner had a fine performance last time versus Dortmund, while Evra is one of the most experience Champions League player on the squad.

Now comes the midfield, always a tricky area due to the glut of skilled players there. Arturo Vidal and Paul Pogba are locks to start, Claudio Marchisio is probably the most likely after those two. Pogba of course was suspended versus Palermo, so he will be well rested, in addition to already being Paul Pogba. Then of course, there’s Roberto Pereyra and maybe even Kingsley Coman, both of whom could appear in the starting line up or as substitutes, depending on the choice of formation. Coman of course is not likely to start in midfield, but some reports have mentioned him as possibly seeing time there if Juve run out of manpower there.

Finally, things are a bit more simple up top. Carlos Tevez and Alvaro Morata should be the starters. The duo were phenomenal versus Dortmund last time, and Morata scored a beautiful goal versus Palermo that proved to be the game winner. So this is one source of hope for Juventus fans in what should be a very close encounter.

I think Juventus can pull out a victory over the two legs, even if they only draw in this second leg. However, it will be a tough game against a tough side, and it will be very hard fought and close. This will not be a pleasant 90 minutes for Juventini, or for Dortmund fans. But that is the Champions League for you.


Probable Lineup

3-5-2: Buffon; Barzagli, Bonucci, Chiellini; Lichtsteiner, Vidal, Marchisio, Pogba, Evra; Tevez, Morata


Injured

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


Suspended

None


Champions League Form

(L-W-W-D-W)


 

  Borussia Dortmund

Probable Lineup

4-2-3-1: Weidendeller; Kirch, Subotic, Hummels, Schmelzer; Sahin, Gundogan; Mkhitaryan, Kagawa, Reus; Aubameyang.


Injured players

Kevin Großkreutz


Suspended

None


Champions League Form

(W-W-L-D-L)


 

Formation

[Socrates 8516]

BORUSSIA D. - JUVENTUS

Wednesday, March 18th, 2015 - 08:45 p.m.
Signal-Iduna-Park Westfalenstadion, Dortmund
Referee:‬ Milorad Mazic (Serbia)

Beating Borussia Dortmund fundamental
for ambitious Juventus

Mar 16, 2015

For the prestige of Calcio, for the financial rewards and for the development of the team, Juventus must do enough against Borussia Dortmund on Wednesday evening to ensure they qualify for the quarterfinals of the Champions League.

Domestic success means little to a side that continues to collect points with ease and with no true challenger piling on the pressure. For the side to grow on a commercial level and make the type of money that will guarantee better squads and a better brand, Juventus need European success. And this season, they have a chance to move forward in the competition.

This is the worst Borussia Dortmund side we've seen in recent years. Void of any attacking ideas that don't include space and fast counter-attacks, Koln should have finished them off and grabbed success on Saturday. However, what they did do, is help the Bianconeri prepare for the test, giving Massimiliano Allegri ideas as to how to set up his team to ensure a clean sheet.

One thing Allegri tested in the first leg, and Koln's Peter Stoger proved again over the weekend, is that BVB do not like possession and have yet to show their ability to create chances from open play when space is restricted. Too often they look bereft of ideas as to how to overcome stern defences, and become obsessed with funnelling all their chances through the middle.

"We tried to close the middle and we knew BVB would try to play through it anyway," Stoger explained in his post-match comments. Dortmund's lack of width and insistence on repeating their mistakes is the reason they're suffering this season. Opponents are forcing them to evolve tactically and unless they stop resisting, their struggles will continue.

A draw is all Juventus need and thus can afford to go to Westfalenstadion and play as the away side. At the end of the first leg, the two sides shared possession equally. But until the final third of the match, the Bianconeri forced Die Schwarzgelben to have the ball and create. Pushing forward in numbers in hopes of pressing Juve's centre-backs and provoking mistakes, BVB left space and gaps at the back for the Old Lady to exploit via a quick counter-attack. Much like they did this weekend against Koln. Using the skills of Carlos Tevez and the pace of Alvaro Morata, Juve had the weapons necessary to score twice.

Sadly the Bianconeri will be without Andrea Pirlo. And while his removal from the match proved to be a blessing in disguise in the first leg, it would have been better if he was fit for the second leg, to at least offer an alternative game plan. Nonetheless, Claudio Marchisio has proved to be a hit in this role, while his dynamic style of play and understanding of tactics ensures defensive solidity as well as offensive beauty.

The question is, upon which formation will Allegri rely on Wednesday? Early indications in training show that the coach is undecided between a 3-5-2 formation and the now-familiar 4-3-1-2 shape. With Andrea Barzagli back in the squad, it is thought his presence would offer defensive security in a 3-5-2 formation, especially through the middle, and thus allow the side to sit and defend before counter-attacking with strength. The strategy is perhaps the right plan as Juventus don't need to be proactive and Allegri's main concern is that Germans don't score. Clean sheets win you trophies and he's keen to play it safe away from home.

The question is, is Barzagli really ready to be depended upon? If he commits one mistake and Juventus concede a goal, then the 3-5-2 isn't the best shape to encourage attacking fluidity.

By contrast, the 4-3-1-2 has revived the Old Lady from an attacking point of view, allowing for dynamism and numerous points of creation. Deployed in this formation, BVB will have to live with the fear that their defensive line will struggle to contain Juve's attacking power, making an early goal is a very real possibility. Positioned in this more courageous shape, and an away goal is virtually scored even if on a defensive level, there may be problems.

Why not combine the two? Allegri has shown how to alter the formations midway through the match, while his tactical substitutions have proven to be excellent. He can always start with the 4-3-1-2 shape, attempt to get the away goal when energy is still high, then revert to the 3-5-2 towards the end to manage the result and close out the match.

Only he will know what is best. And the hope is that Juventus take advantage of their position and the weaknesses of their opponent to secure qualification. There are no more challenges to be found in the domestic league, it's time to conquer Europe or at least build experience.

[Socrates 8516]

BORUSSIA D. - JUVENTUS

Wednesday, March 18th, 2015 - 08:45 p.m.
Signal-Iduna-Park Westfalenstadion, Dortmund
Referee:‬ Milorad Mazic (Serbia)

Borussia Dortmund - Juventus Preview:
Klopp looks for dramatic finish to last-16 tie

The BVB boss feels an exciting end to the game will mean his side
have a good chance of going through against the Italian champions.

Mar 17, 2015

Borussia Dortmund coach Jurgen Klopp says he would welcome a dramatic conclusion to his side's Champions League last-16 clash with Juventus.

The Bundesliga side fell to a 2-1 defeat in Turin three weeks ago, with Carlos Tevez and Alvaro Morata scoring either side of an 18th-minute Marco Reus effort.

The result leaves Dortmund needing to beat Juve on Wednesday, but the German side have suffered defeat in their last three home meetings with the Serie A giants.

"I don't know if it needs to be exciting until the end, but if it gets dramatic, that means we are still in the race at that point – and that would be positive," Klopp told uefa.com .

Until that first-leg clash with Juve, the Champions League had been a rare source of positivity for Dortmund, who spent the first half of their domestic campaign battling at the bottom end of the table, but Klopp insists he never questioned his side's playing style.

"Well, it's okay to ask questions [of yourself], but not to put our system into question," he added. "It's not as dogmatic as it may seem: the players are not told to give the ball to the opposition so we have a chance to win it back – that's just nonsense.

"Even in the first part of the season there were a few good games, and we gained some confidence in the Champions League by winning matches.

"So we are not like a rabbit in the headlights, just standing there, shivering, unable to perform."

Meetings between Dortmund and Juve have been relatively rare, but the last one before the first leg of this tie proved memorable for the former, as Karl-Heinz Riedle scored twice and Lars Ricken was on target in a 3-1 triumph against Juve in the 1996-97 Champions League final.

Dortmund's name has not been engraved on the trophy since then, with their Wembley defeat to Bayern two years ago the closest they have come.

Juve's wait has been longer - the Italians were the holders when Dortmund won it - and Massimiliano Allegri will be without the services of the influential Andrea Pirlo after the midfielder failed a fitness test on Monday.

Martin Caceres is also sidelined having undergone ankle surgery last week, while Dortmund are unlikely to risk Kevin Grosskreutz (hamstring) and Nuri Sahin (groin).


OPTA FACTS

After having won their first four Champions League games this season, Borussia Dortmund are now winless in their last three (D1 L2).

The last time Juventus faced Borussia Dortmund in Germany was in the 1997 Champions League final at Munich’s Olympiastadion. The Turin side lost 3-1.

Dortmund have never kept a clean sheet against Juventus in their eight competitive encounters.

Borussia Dortmund have won 11 of their last 14 Champions League games at home (D1 L2).

Dortmund have only failed to score once in their last 19 Champions League outings at the Westfalenstadion, it was in November 2013 against Arsenal (0-1).

Dortmund’s Champions League record against Italian sides is perfectly balanced: five wins and five defeats.

14 of Dortmund’s 15 Champions League goals this season have been scored from open play.

Juventus have lost five of their last seven away games in the Champions League (W1 D1).


LAST FIVE MATCHES

Borussia Dortmund D D W W L

3/14/15 Borussia Dortmund 0 - 0 Köln
3/7/15 Hamburger 0 - 0 Borussia Dortmund
3/3/15 Dynamo Dresden 0 - 2 Borussia Dortmund
2/28/15 Borussia Dortmund 3 - 0 Schalke
2/24/15 Juventus 2 - 1 Borussia Dortmund


Juventus W W L D W

3/14/15 Palermo 0 - 1 Juventus
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


HEAD TO HEAD

2/24/15 Juventus 2 - 1 Borussia Dortmund

[Socrates 8516]

BORUSSIA D. - JUVENTUS

Wednesday, March 18th, 2015 - 08:45 p.m.
Signal-Iduna-Park Westfalenstadion, Dortmund
Referee:‬ Milorad Mazic (Serbia)

Borussia Dortmund V Juventus — Preview:
The Bianconeri’s Date With Destiny

Mar 17, 2015

Juventus travel to Germany at the Signal Iduna Park on Wednesday night, with the hopes of sealing their Champions League quarter-final berth against Borussia Dortmund.

Juventus won the first leg 2–1, leaving the match evenly poised. Indeed, Marco Reus’ away goal is sure to keep the Bianconeri extra vigilant in Wednesday’s clash.

Juventus will face an important midweek Champions League test; after ruling the roost in Serie A the Bianconeri must now prove their worth in Europe. Often pilloried for their nervousness and unconvincing performances over the last few seasons, Juventus now have a chance to silence their critics should they qualify against Dortmund.

Massimiliano Allegri will have to do so without Andrea Pirlo however, who was ruled out by the injury he had sustained in the first leg. To compensate for his absence and with the return of Andrea Barzagli, the Juventus coach would be setting up with a 3-5-2 when he travels to Germany.

The hero of the first leg, Alvaro Morata will feature from the start and Claudio Marchisio will deputise for the injured Pirlo.

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, who had his issues in front of goal on the weekend as Dortmund drew 0–0 with Koln, will lead the attack in favor of ex-Torino man Ciro Immobile. The off-form Henrikh Mkhitaryan is also expected to drop to the bench. Surprisingly it will be Kevin Kampl to take his place, even ahead of Japanese international Shinji Kagawa.

All eyes will be on Dortmund’s star man Reus of course, with the German having already won the initial round of his personal battle against Gianluigi Buffon.


Form Guide: Borussia Dortmund (W-W-W-W-D-D) Juventus (W-D-W-D-W-W)


Expected Starting XIs

Juventus (3-5-2): Buffon; Barzagli, Bonucci, Chiellini; Lichtsteiner, Vidal, Marchisio, Pogba, Evra; Tevez, Morata.

Borussia Dortmund (4-2-3-1): Weidenfeller; Kirch, Subotic, Hummels, Schmelzer; Sahin, Gundogan; Blaszczykowski, Kampl, Reus; Aubameyang.

[Socrates 8516]

BORUSSIA D. - JUVENTUS

Wednesday, March 18th, 2015 - 08:45 p.m.
Signal-Iduna-Park Westfalenstadion, Dortmund
Referee:‬ Milorad Mazic (Serbia)

Klopp: Signal Iduna Park Will
Bring Goosebumps To Juventus

Mar 17, 2015

As the heated Champions League second leg match between Borussia Dortmund and Juventus nears, Dortmund coach Jurgen Klopp feels that Signal Iduna Park’s atmosphere will highly favour his team’s efforts.

The Bianconeri are up 2-1 on aggregate against the Schwarzgelben thanks to goals from Carlos Tevez and Alvaro Morata in the first encounter at the Juventus Stadium, and the goal from Marco Reus has kept the German side’s hopes alive.

“I do not know if it will be an exciting match to the very end,” said Klopp to the press.

“But if we create tension, it will mean that we will still be in the running.”

The 47-year-old continued by expressing the great moments that the club has experienced at home in recent years of European competition.

“Our stadium is a special place that offers special moments,” he said.

“It’s really the greatest thing in this club, and each time I go there I feel the goosebumps.”

The two sides met in the 1997 final in Munich where Dortmund eventually came out 3-1 victors.

[Socrates 8516]

BORUSSIA D. - JUVENTUS

Wednesday, March 18th, 2015 - 08:45 p.m.
Signal-Iduna-Park Westfalenstadion, Dortmund
Referee:‬ Milorad Mazic (Serbia)

Buffon is Juventus' weakest link, says Kohler

The former defender feels the 37-year-old has become a liability
and expects BVB to book their ticket for the last eight.

Mar 17, 2015

Jurgen Kohler has singled out Gianluigi Buffon as Juventus' weak link ahead of their Champions League encounter with Borussia Dortmund.

The Bundesliga outfit were beaten 2-1 in the first leg of the round-of-16 tie, but Kohler feels the Serie A champions are vulnerable at the back and expects BVB to turn things around.

"I am confident BVB will qualify for the quarter-finals. Juventus might be top of the Serie A table but they have a number of weaknesses," Kohler - who played for both Juventus and Dortmund during his career - told Bild.

"Buffon once was an extraordinary goalkeeper, but he is no longer the shot stopper he once was. He has been making quite a few mistakes lately. Juventus are vulnerable in defence.

"The result of the first leg is a very dangerous one for Juventus. Dortmund are always capable of punishing them if they sit too deep. Players like Marco Reus and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang can score a goal from out of nowhere.

"My prediction? I think Dortmund will go 3-0 up and eventually win the match 3-1."

Juventus will be without Andrea Pirlo in Wednesday's return at the Signal Iduna Park after he failed to recover in time from a calf injury, while Nuri Sahin is unavailable for BVB.

[Socrates 8516]

BORUSSIA D. - JUVENTUS

Wednesday, March 18th, 2015 - 08:45 p.m.
Signal-Iduna-Park Westfalenstadion, Dortmund
Referee:‬ Milorad Mazic (Serbia)

Something Between Superman And Batman:
Juventus’ Buffon V Borussia Dortmund

Buffon has produced some superhuman performances at Signal Iduna Park during his near 20-year career.
Now the legendary goalkeeper will look to repeat these heroics again on Wednesday night.

Mar 17, 2015

Since famously keeping a clean sheet against an all-conquering AC Milan on his professional debut for Parma on November 19, 1995, Italy and Juventus captain Gianluigi Buffon has come to be considered among the greatest goalkeepers ever to have graced the game.

After succeeding Luca Bucci as the No.1 at the Stadio Ennio Tardini, Greg Burke in Parma: Notes from a Year in Serie A charts the rise of Buffon during the 1997-98 season and how he started to become known as ‘Superman.’

Burke recalls that the then 20-year-old would wear a Superman t-shirt underneath his jersey, which a woman from Naples had sent him not as a good-luck charm, but simply because he claimed to like the colours.

However, he also acquired his moniker for his performances on the pitch with a spectacular penalty save against Ronaldo on March 8, 1998, as Parma knocked Inter out of second place in Serie A highlighted as the pivotal moment.

But Buffon was also earning such superhuman superlatives earlier in the season, including an outstanding individual performance for the Ducali against Dortmund in a Champions League group match at the Westfalenstadion on November 5 1997.

Die Schwarzgelben had upset Juventus to win the tournament the previous season and were coached by Nevio Scala, who had taken Parma to Serie A from Serie B and then guided them to the Cup Winners’ Cup and UEFA Cup in the middle of the 1990s.

Former Juventus players Andreas Moeller and Paulo Sousa controlled the match that ended in a 2–0 win for the German side, however the score could have ended in a bigger margin had it not been for Parma’s young goalkeeper penalty heroics.

Buffon saved a first-half penalty from Swiss striker Stephane Chapuisat and also got his hands to Moeller’s later spot-kick, but was unable to stop the Germany international from scoring on the rebound.

In Italy there is a deep-rooted culture of giving numerical ‘marks,’ which originated from the school system and has since been universalised by journalists awarding marks out of 10 for individual players, coaches and referees after every match.

La pagella (the report card) from the Dortmund test in the leading newspapers the following morning was damning, with plenty of mediocre fives and sixes awarded to the majority of Parma players.

However, La giornalaccio rosa dello Sport and Rome daily La Repubblica both gave Buffon an impressive eight, a very rare mark only given for producing decisive moments in important games.

“Somebody who stops two penalty shots at Dortmund can do absolutely anything,” La giornalaccio rosa dello Sport gushed.

“The next Michael Jordan, or something between Superman and Batman. He [buffon] has only got to choose. Parma hopes he continues to be a footballer.”

Buffon would continue his career in Turin moving to Juventus for a then world record fee for a goalkeeper of €45 million in 2001, and has since continued to pull off miracle stops, deny certain goals and win valuable points for Juventus.

He has, of course, also come to the rescue of Italy on countless occasions, including the 2006 World Cup semi-final against Germany at the Signal Iduna Park when the Azzurri became the first side to defeat the hosts in Dortmund.

Before Fabio Grosso and Alessandro Del Piero became national heroes with last-gasp goals in extra time, Buffon had raced out of his goal faster than a speeding bullet to deny Miroslav Klose and later stop Lukas Podolski with a brilliant one-handed save.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BlovKMAtzx4

Buffon was almost unbeatable behind the best defence in the competition, conceding a record low of just two goals, but it was his leadership that came to the forefront with his booming voice commanding a constantly changing back-four throughout the tournament.

This combination of communication and reactions will be essential again amidst the noise and spectacle provided by the Sudtribune when ‘Superman’ returns to the Ruhr for the Champions League Round of 16 second leg against Dortmund on Wednesday.

Dortmund may have been held to consecutive scoreless draws in their last two Bundesliga matches, but Buffon will still need to be ready to come to the rescue with the tie delicately poised at 2–1 after the first leg.

[Socrates 8516]

BORUSSIA D. - JUVENTUS

Wednesday, March 18th, 2015 - 08:45 p.m.
Signal-Iduna-Park Westfalenstadion, Dortmund
Referee:‬ Milorad Mazic (Serbia)

Juventus have proved they can cope without Pirlo

The loss of their key playmaker is a blow for the Bianconeri,
but they have regularly proven they can play without him.

Mar 17, 2015

By Kris Voakes | International Football Correspondent

That wonderful free-kick against Olympiakos, the equally stunning set-piece at Empoli, the long-range drive against Atalanta and the unforgettable late winner in the Turin derby… There are plenty of reasons to believe Andrea Pirlo is still at the very top of his game.

As such, it will have come as a devastating blow to many Juventus fans to hear that the metronomic playmaker has been ruled out of Wednesday’s crucial Champions League round of 16 second-leg clash at Borussia Dortmund.

But there are good omens to be taken into account with Pirlo’s absences this season not having rocked the Bianconeri nearly as much as one might have thought. In fact, they have recorded a greater win percentage in the 16 games he has missed this term than in the 22 matches in which he has featured.

They are also scoring two goals per game without Pirlo compared to 1.86 with him, and have conceded just 0.44 goals on average when the Italy international has been sidelined against 0.77 with him in the side.

His experience will of course be missed in the pressure-cooker atmosphere of Signal Iduna Park, but such statistics suggest that Juve could just as easily thrive from the increased mobility of Claudio Marchisio in the midfield pivot role.

One thing that should be noted from the facts and figures is that Pirlo has only played a part in one Juventus defeat all season. While he turned in his poorest performance in many a year in the Bianconeri’s ignominious loss at Olympiakos in the Champions League, that 1-0 result in Greece stands out as the sole reverse in the 35-year-old’s 22 appearances this term.

Juve’s other three defeats, against Atletico Madrid, Genoa and Fiorentina in the Champions League, Serie A and the Coppa Italia respectively, have numbered among the 16 matches in which they did not have Pirlo to call upon. That’s one loss in every 5.33 matches, making defeat four times more likely in the midfielder’s absence.

One thing that is for certain is that Juventus will face one of their biggest tests in recent years in Dortmund on Wednesday. And while they would have much preferred to be defending their 2-1 first-leg lead with Pirlo in tow, their 11 wins without him this season represent reasons to believe in a Bianconeri success.

[Socrates 8516]

BORUSSIA D. - JUVENTUS

Wednesday, March 18th, 2015 - 08:45 p.m.
Signal-Iduna-Park Westfalenstadion, Dortmund
Referee:‬ Milorad Mazic (Serbia)

Pogba fit for Dortmund

Mar 17, 2015

Paul Pogba has trained with Juventus this afternoon, easing fears that he could miss tomorrow’s Dortmund tie.

The Bianconeri will face Jurgen Klopp’s men without the services of Andrea Pirlo, and it had been feared that Pogba too could miss the Champions League Last 16 tie after ending training early yesterday.

The French midfielder was suffering from a slight muscular discomfort, but has trained with the rest of his teammates at Vinovo this morning, and will fly to Germany with the squad later, reports ANSA.

The team will fly to Dortmund from Turin’s Caselle airport at 15.30 this afternoon, before Gianluigi Buffon and Massimiliano Allegri face the media this evening.

The Old Lady hold a 2-1 advantage from the first leg, and will progress to the Quarter Finals with a draw tomorrow night.

[Socrates 8516]

BORUSSIA D. - JUVENTUS

Wednesday, March 18th, 2015 - 08:45 p.m.
Signal-Iduna-Park Westfalenstadion, Dortmund
Referee:‬ Milorad Mazic (Serbia)

Juventus name squad for Dortmund

Mar 17, 2015

Massimiliano Allegri has named his Juventus squad to take on Borussia Dortmund tomorrow, with Paul Pogba included.

Pogba had been a doubt for the game, but the Frenchman trained with his teammates earlier today and has been included in the 21-man squad.

Kingsley Coman is also named in the party after after missing Saturday’s trip to Palermo, but Andrea Pirlo is not sufficiently recovered from a thigh injury to travel.

With speculation that Allegri will field a 3-5-2 system for tomorrow’s Champions League Last 16 clash, Andrea Barzagli makes the journey after completing his first 90 minutes of the season in Sicily.


Juventus squad for Borussia Dortmund: Buffon, Chiellini, Ogbonna, Pogba, Pepe, Marchisio, Morata, Tevez, Coman, Llorente, Barzagli, Bonucci, Padoin, Vidal, Vitale, Lichtsteiner, Storari, Matri, Evra, Rubinho, Pereyra.

[Socrates 8516]

BORUSSIA D. - JUVENTUS

Wednesday, March 18th, 2015 - 08:45 p.m.
Signal-Iduna-Park Westfalenstadion, Dortmund
Referee:‬ Milorad Mazic (Serbia)

No Barzagli for Dortmund

Mar 17, 2015

Juventus will reportedly start with a back four in tomorrow’s Champions League match with Borussia Dortmund.

There had been speculation that Andrea Barzagli’s return to action would see Coach Massimiliano Allegri opt for a 3-5-2 at Westfalenstadion, as the Bianconeri aim for the Quarter Finals.

However, Sky reports that after today’s training session at Vinovo, Allegri has decided to stick with his 4-3-1-2 shape, with Barzagli starting on the bench.

Giorgio Chiellini and Leonardo Bonucci are likely to partner each other in defence, with Patrice Evra and Stephan Lichtsteiner on either side.

At the other end of the pitch, Fernando Llorente is expected to be left out in favour of Alvaro Morata, with the latter supported by Carlos Tevez.

Andrea Pirlo has lost his battle to be fit for the match, so Roberto Pereyra will join Arturo Vidal, Claudio Marchisio and Paul Pogba in midfield.

Probable Juventus line-up to face Borussia Dortmund

Buffon

Lichtsteiner, Bonucci, Chiellini, Evra

Pereyra, Marchisio, Pogba

Vidal

Tevez, Morata

[Socrates 8516]

BORUSSIA D. - JUVENTUS

Wednesday, March 18th, 2015 - 08:45 p.m.
Signal-Iduna-Park Westfalenstadion, Dortmund
Referee:‬ Milorad Mazic (Serbia)

Allegri: ‘We have to score’

Mar 17, 2015

Coach Massimiliano Allegri says Juventus have to score in Dortmund as 'it's unlikely to end 0-0'.

The Bianconeri hold a 2-1 lead from the first leg of the Champions League Last 16 tie, so a goalless game would see them advance, but the former Milan tactician says that’s unlikely.

“We start with a 2-1 advantage from the first leg,” Allegri reminded journalists in his pre-match Press conference.

“We know how difficult the game will be, but so do Borussia. We must do everything right, from every point of view. I hope it’ll be a good game.

“It’s unlikely to end 0-0, so we need two goals to go through.

“In the first leg we didn’t allow them a shot on goal, and Borussia scored because [Giorgio] Chiellini slipped, while we had several chances to score.

“We have to know what Borussia’s qualities are, they have great pace and pressing, we’ll have to make very few mistakes tomorrow and hit them where they have weaknesses.”

[Socrates 8516]

BORUSSIA D. - JUVENTUS

Wednesday, March 18th, 2015 - 08:45 p.m.
Signal-Iduna-Park Westfalenstadion, Dortmund
Referee:‬ Milorad Mazic (Serbia)

Buffon: ‘Pleasure to face Dortmund’

Mar 17, 2015

Gianluigi Buffon describes playing at Westfalenstadion as ‘a pleasure’ and says it can inspire Juventus.

The Bianconeri are in Germany to contest the second leg of their Champions League Last 16 tie with Borussia Dortmund, and the club captain says he’s looking forward to playing in one of Europe’s most passionate stadiums.

“It’s always a pleasure, it’s never a trivial game when you play here,” Buffon told reporters in the pre-match Press conference.

“To play in a such a temple of football where you’ve been a protagonist with other teammates at club and international level is always exciting.

“The passion of their support is undeniable, but their are different ways to play a game.

“If the fans at this stadium start to get nervous at 90 minutes or 120 minutes, that’s something that the home team will feel, but also something that can inspire a team which comes to play here, especially if you have already experienced certain situations and have a little experience.”

[Socrates 8516]

BORUSSIA D. - JUVENTUS

Wednesday, March 18th, 2015 - 08:45 p.m.
Signal-Iduna-Park Westfalenstadion, Dortmund
Referee:‬ Milorad Mazic (Serbia)

Hummels: ‘Wary of counter-attacks'

Mar 17, 2015

Mats Hummels admits Borussia Dortmund will be wary of Juventus' counter-attacks when the two meet tomorrow.

The Champions League Last 16 tie is finely poised at 2-1 in the Bianconeri’s favour, and Hummels says he and his teammates must be wary of being hit on the break.

“We can’t play this as if it were a League game,” Hummels said in the pre-match Press conference.

“That would be the wrong approach, we can’t focus too much on attack. 1-0 could be enough, we’ll try to avoid counter-attacks.

“We’ll try to impose our own game.

“First of all we have to make the most of our chances, we didn't create much [in the first leg], so when we get into the last third we have to shoot at the goal.

“We have a lot of attacking players, so we’ll definitely have more chances.

“Juventus proved in the first leg that they have the ability to get their attacking players into good positions.

“Carlos Tevez and Morata, are a dangerous pair, the latter has improved since he was at Real Madrid.

“They also have quality in midfield, I’ve watched 25 videos of Pogba shooting!

“We know what their strengths are, but we’ll try to limit them as best we can.”

[Socrates 8516]

BORUSSIA D. - JUVENTUS

Wednesday, March 18th, 2015 - 08:45 p.m.
Signal-Iduna-Park Westfalenstadion, Dortmund
Referee:‬ Milorad Mazic (Serbia)

Allegri: Juventus must score at Dortmund

The coach insists his side cannot afford to play for a draw at Signal Iduna
Park as they look to secure a place in the Champions League last eight.

Mar 17, 2015

Massimiliano Allegri insists Juventus cannot play for a draw when they take on Borussia Dortmund in Wednesday's Champions League last-16 second leg.

The Italian side have a 2-1 lead from their first-leg win in Turin and travel to Germany to take on Jurgen Klopp's men to conclude the tie.

And Allegri maintains his side cannot set out to merely contain their rivals and is hoping to get another win to send them through to the quarter finals.

"We have a 2-1 advantage from the first leg and are aware of the difficulties posed by the game, as are Dortmund," he told reporters. "It will be a great game and I honestly can't see it ending 0-0.

"I think we'll need to score at least once to go through. In the first leg we didn't allow them a shot on goal, Dortmund only scored from our mistake. They have plenty of pace in their squad and we must put in a good technical performance and strike their weak areas.

"I still have some doubts over tomorrow's team and need to decide whether we play three or four at the back."

The Turin side are top of Serie A and are still in the fight for the Coppa Italia as well as the European competition and Allegri feels his side are in a strong position as they look to secure a treble.

"We're now in the final straight. We want to get through to the next round and we have the league to wrap up. There's also the Coppa Italia, where we'll be aiming to overturn the first leg defeat when we play Fiorentina.

"Claudio Marchisio is enjoying a great season and is one of the best midfielders in Europe. Andrea Barzagli's in great shape. He played very well in Palermo and I'm happy to welcome back a player we have missed."