Juventus Season 2014-2015

[Socrates 8516]

JUVENTUS - LAZIO

.-

Saturday, April 18th, 2015 - 8:45 PM
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Nicola Rizzoli

Juventus vs. Lazio Preview: Round 31 —
And then the Eagles flew on into Turin

Apr 17, 2015

Suddenly, Juventus vs. Lazio is a top of the table clash. Max Allegri describes it as "a match that could decide the Scudetto." In terms of when Juventus officially win the title, it certainly could. But when it comes to a title-defining clash where the champion hinges on the outcome, not so much simply because of the 12-point gap between Serie A's top club and the team that currently resides in second place.

Yes, Lazio is in second place with eight games left in the season. Just like we all thought we be happening back at the beginning of the season, right?

Well, not quite.

JuventusFC ✔ @juventusfcen
.@OfficialAllegri: "Lazio are having an extraordinary season. Nobody would have predicted they'd do so well at the start of the term."

Consider myself one of those who didn't expect this club from Roma as the second-place team in Serie A when the middle of April rolled around. Yeah, it was the other Roman club. (To be fair, I didn't expect Roma to record 1,000 straight draws and see their fine first-half form go straight into the toilet.)

We expected Juventus to be where they are right now because they're the best that Serie A has to offer. But seeing Lazio in second place as the home stretch of the season quickly approaches? That's not exactly something a lot of us predicted seven months ago before the opening round kicked off.

Simply put, Lazio are the hottest team in all of Italy at the moment. Their eight-game winning streak is better than any other club in Italy's top flight, including the only team they're currently looking up at. A win over Juventus on Saturday night would give Lazio a club-record ninth consecutive win and continue their upward trend in recent months.

But something tells me, even with the second leg against Monaco looming in the distance, that Juventus won't be putting out an effort like they did the last time the Champions League quarterfinals were a few days away.

 

GOOD NEWS

There's a 12-point lead atop Serie A. Juventus is up 1-0 over Monaco in the Champions League quarterfinals. And, like Allegri said, a win would essentially get Juve into position to win the Scudetto in the next couple of weeks. Start planning the party, folks.

 

BAD NEWS

All the injury absences are long-term ones. So no Paul Pogba, no Martin Cáceres, no Kwadwo Asamoah.

Then again, we've pretty much known this for a few weeks now. Essentially, nothing new to see here.

 

WHAT TO WATCH FOR

1. Who starts, who sits?

The thing is, Juventus aren't playing a last-place team like Parma this weekend. Therefore, the vast array of squad rotation almost certainly won't happen against Lazio tomorrow night. So, let's think about it for a second. If there's no starting lineup overhaul, who actually gets rest with Monaco on the horizon? I guess that's the million dollar question right now. There will probably be a couple of changes at the very minimum because some players haven't had much time off since returning from the international break earlier this month. The squad being mostly healthy gives Allegri some options to rotate if he really wants to do some things. Either way, I'm sure it won't be a totally full-strength squad. (And it's not like Max would give us any hints at his pre-match press conference, right?)

JuventusFC ✔ @juventusfcen
.@OfficialAllegri: "#JuveLazio is an important game. Thankfully I've got a full squad to choose from, enabling me to make the best choices."

 

2. Who is Juventus' regista, Andrea Pirlo or Claudio Marchisio?

The tricky thing about having such a monumental game in the very near future is that you want your best players to be as rested as they can possibly get. Yet, at the same time, Allegri freely admits that Pirlo needs minutes to get back into form because he's just returning from a lengthy injury absence. So, do you play Pirlo against Lazio even though it's pretty much assumed he'll play on Wednesday in the second leg against Monaco? The positive of having Pirlo play will be the fact that he'll have a chance to shake off the rust while also giving Marchisio — whose ACL isn't torn last time I checked — a much-needed rest ahead of Monaco at the same time. Because Pogba is still weeks away from returning, the options for Allegri in the midfield aren't as plentiful as they could be. That means Mad Max will likely have to choose one or the other if he wants somebody to get some rest ahead of the midweek trip to France.

 

3. Keeping Felipe Anderson (somewhat) quiet.

Come this summer, a team with a lot of money in its bank account will be trying like hell to spend a good portion of cash on the 22-year-old Brazilian winger. And, it will be for good reason. It's safe to say that Anderson has been one of Serie A's best players this season. He's tied for the team lead in goals with 10, is second behind Antonio Candreva in assists with six, and has been an all-out force in the attacking third for Lazio. When the two teams met at the Olimpico back in late November, it was right before Anderson caught absolute fire and started the racking up Man of the Match honors like it's going out of style. You want one of the biggest reasons as to why Lazio are where they current are in the standings, you don't have to name too many things before you get to Felipe Anderson, that's for sure.

 

4. Avoiding another result like what happened against Parma.

The good thing about this weekend? Juventus aren't playing Parma — which can be translated to something along the lines of "Now you actually have a reason to play and not go through the motions." Even with the Champions League a few days away, the Champions League is rightfully Juve's most important thing going right now. But with that being said, playing against the hottest team in Italy, one that has shot up into second place in the standings, should be enough motivation right there to not repeat what went down against Parma last weekend. At least you would hope so. I thought it would be a piece of cake against Parma because of how downtrodden they've been this season. So much for that.


My starting XI (4-3-1-2): Buffon; Lichtsteiner, Barzagli, Chiellini, Padoin; Vidal, Pirlo, Sturaro; Pereyra; Llorente, Tévez


OFFICIAL KICKOFF TIME: 8:45 P.M. IN ITALY; 2:45 P.M. ON THE EAST COAST; 11:45 P.M. ON THE WEST COAST
 
 

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

[Socrates 8516]

JUVENTUS - LAZIO

.-

Saturday, April 18th, 2015 - 8:45 PM
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Nicola Rizzoli

MATCH PREVIEW

Apr 17, 2015

Leaders Juventus take on second placed Lazio in a real contest of the form teams in Serie A.

Were it not for last week’s shock defeat at Parma, Juventus would have been heading into this with a five-game winning streak. Lazio meanwhile have leapt over city rivals Roma into second place thanks to eight consecutive victories and another success in Turin would close the gap at the top of the table to a not-impossible nine points.

Juventus go into this weekend with the loss to Parma firmly out of their minds, after making sure they head to Monaco with a slender 1-0 first leg lead in their Champions League tie. Paul Pogba and Kwadwo Asamoah are still out of the side, so but Andrea Pirlo may well start to get some game time in his legs. Fernando Llorente replaces Alvaro Morata alongside top-scorer Carlos Tevez, after that front-two failed to make their mark against Parma.

Lazio are without Stefan de Vrij and Marco Parolo, both injured in their last fixture against Empoli. They are likely to be replaced by Dusan Basta and 20-year old native Roman Danilo Cataldi respectively.

Lazio followed up an impressive victory away to Champions League-chasing Napoli with a comprehensive 4-0 win over Empoli, and will be full of confidence heading into this clash against a Juve side perhaps not at their best.

Having only conceded twice in their eight-match winning run, Lazio’s backline might not be as worried about their opposition’s strike force, who failed to find the net against bottom of the table Parma and only managed one goal against Monaco, as they would have been a few weeks ago. Lazio’s own front-three, however, each bagged a goal last week.

Juventus may have been looking sluggish over their last couple of games, but were on an impressive winning run themselves and remain a solid side, especially at home. On the other hand, Lazio are on the ascendency and will be looking to beat their city rivals Roma to second place, with a result here only strengthening their position and claim to the bragging rights.

It’s also an intriguing precursor to the Coppa Italia Final, which will be between these two sides in June.


Keep an eye on: Fernando Llorente (Juventus) - Having been out of the team for much of the season due to the rise of Alvaro Morata, the former Athletic Bilbao hitman has faced questions over his future and will be looking to make sure his return to the starting XI is more than temporary.


Last Season: Juventus 4-1 Lazio

Form Guide: Juventus (W W W W L) Lazio (W W W W W)

Stat Fact: Lazio are on an incredible eight-game winning run, and have only conceded two goals in that spell.


Juventus (probable): Buffon; Lichtsteiner, Bonucci, Chiellini, Padoin; Vidal, Sturaro, Marchisio; Pereyra; Llorente, Tevez

Suspended: Ogbonna


Lazio (probable): Marchetti; Basta, Cana, Mauricio, Lulic; Cataldi, Biglia, Mauri; Candreva, Klose, Felipe Anderson

Suspended: Novaretti, Cavanda
 
 

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

[Socrates 8516]

JUVENTUS - LAZIO

.-

Saturday, April 18th, 2015 - 8:45 PM
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Nicola Rizzoli

‘Lazio will play best team’

Apr 18, 2015

Stefano Pioli will pick the best team available to him against Juventus tonight, despite important absences.

Stefan De Vrij and Marco Parolo are among the players who will sit out the game through injury, with Diego Novaretti suspended.

“We’re missing important players like De Vrij, Parolo and Radu,” Pioli told journalists in his pre-match Press conference.

“But anyone who has played so far has been ready, and it will be the same tonight. I don’t make choices because people need a rest, everyone wants to play.

“I’ll play the best team I can tonight, especially seeing how good the opponent is.

“Marchetti? He’s fine, he’s trained well. It’s not decided whether he’ll play with a protective mask. He’s not afraid of anything.”

Despite being just one point above city rivals Roma, Pioli insists that his side will not play for a draw tonight.

“That’s not part of our mentality. If we were to get a draw while playing for the win, then so be it. We’ll go out not trying to get a positive result.”


Lazio squad to face Juventus: Marchetti, Berisha, Strakosha Basta, Braafheid, Cana, Ciani, Mauricio, Pereirinha, Felipe Anderson, Biglia, Candreva, Cataldi, Ederson, Ledesma, Lulic, Mauri, Onazi, Keita, Klose, Perea

 

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

[Socrates 8516]

JUVENTUS - LAZIO

.-

Saturday, April 18th, 2015 - 8:45 PM
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Nicola Rizzoli

Line-ups: Juventus-Lazio

Apr 18, 2015

It’s Carlos Tevez and Andrea Pirlo against Felipe Anderson and Miroslav Klose as leaders Juventus host second placed Lazio.

It kicks off at 20.45 CET.

Juve are runaway leaders at the top of the table, while the Aquile finally leapfrogged Roma into second last week thanks to their eighth consecutive victory.

If Lazio win tonight, it would close the gap at the top to a not-impossible nine points.

Max Allegri already realised last week that the Champions League quarter-final against Monaco is a big distraction, as they lost 1-0 to bottom of the table Parma.

That was only their second Serie A loss of the campaign, though they are still unbeaten in Turin.

Paul Pogba, Martin Caceres, Kwadwo Asamoah and Romulo are still out of action, joined by the suspended Angelo Ogbonna.

Andrea Barzagli returns from injury and Pirlo starts to get some playing time in his legs, having made his comeback after six weeks against Monaco.

Alessandro Matri gets the nod in attack alongside Tevez, resting Alvaro Morata for the trip to Monaco next Wednesday.

Other than that, it’s a pretty strong starting XI in an apparent 3-5-2 formation.

Lazio are unstoppable at the moment, winning eight on the bounce and reaching the Coppa Italia Final – where they will face Juventus in June.

Federico Marchetti is available with a protective mask after fracturing his nose in training.

Pedro Luis Cavanda and Diego Novaretti sit out bans with Stefan de Vrij, Marco Parolo, Stefan Radu, Filip Djordjevic, Abdoulay Konko and Santiago Gentiletti sidelined.

Felipe Anderson is the pacey Brazilian forward inspiring Lazio, joined by veterans Klose and Stefano Mauri, but Antonio Candreva is benched.

Lorik Cana steps into central defence to fill in for De Vrij, who could be a very big loss indeed for Coach Stefano Pioli.


Juventus: Buffon; Barzagli, Bonucci, Chiellini; Padoin, Vidal, Pirlo, Marchisio, Evra; Tevez, Matri. 

Juventus bench: Storari, Rubinho, De Ceglie, Lichtsteiner, Vitale, Sturaro, Marrone, Pereyra, Pepe, Morata, Coman, Llorente


Lazio: Marchetti; Basta, Cana, Mauricio, Braafheid; Cataldi, Biglia, Lulic; Felipe Anderson, Klose, Mauri

Lazio bench: Berisha, Strakosha, Ciani, Pereirinha, Ederson, Ledesma, Onazi, Candreva, Keita, Perea

 

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

[Socrates 8516]

JUVENTUS - LAZIO

.-

Saturday, April 18th, 2015 - 8:45 PM
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Nicola Rizzoli

Bonucci: 'Open Juve-Lazio'

Apr 18, 2015

Leonardo Bonucci expects “an open game” between Juventus and Lazio this evening and is “surprised” by their form.

“This is going to be an open game this evening,” Juve defender Bonucci told Lazio Style Channel.

“Lazio are enjoying some extraordinary form, but Juventus must always step on to the field looking for victory.”

The Aquile climbed into second place after eight consecutive victories.

“I am surprised by the Biancocelesti’s progress. The credit goes to the players and Coach. You can tell they are a united group with the wind in their sails.”

 

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

[Socrates 8516]

JUVENTUS - LAZIO

.-

Saturday, April 18th, 2015 - 8:45 PM
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Nicola Rizzoli

Felipe Anderson: 'Juve best, but...'

Apr 18, 2015

Felipe Anderson acknowledges Juventus are “the best in Italy, but Lazio have changed” after eight straight wins.

“Lazio have changed, because we have more faith in our abilities and added something more to our existing qualities,” the Brazilian told Sky Sport Italia.

“Juve are the best in Italy, but if we play well with confidence, then we can do well tonight.”

Felipe Anderson was asked about rumours he’ll receive a call-up for the Copa America.

“In football anything can happen. I am relaxed and focused only on Lazio. It’s important to take it one game at a time and tonight is very important for us.

“I want to give joy to the Lazio fans, who are splendid and give me so much affection.”

 

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

[Socrates 8516]

JUVENTUS - LAZIO

.-

Saturday, April 18th, 2015 - 8:45 PM
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Nicola Rizzoli

HT 2-0: Juve tear Lazio apart

Apr 18, 2015

Carlos Tevez and Leonardo Bonucci have given Juventus a 2-0 half-time lead over Lazio in a battle between the top two.

The Aquile had won eight on the bounce and leapt into second place, so another victory would take them within nine points of the leaders. It was also a precursor to the Coppa Italia Final on June 7.

Stefan de Vrij, Marco Parolo, Stefan Radu, Filip Djordjevic, Santiago Gentiletti and the suspended Pedro Luis Cavanda and Diego Novaretti missed out, while Federico Marchetti started despite fracturing his nose. Juve missed Paul Pogba, Kwadwo Asamoah, Romulo, Martin Caceres and banned Angelo Ogbonna.

Claudio Marchisio’s long-range strike was smothered at the base of the near post and Stefano Mauri turned a free kick over.

Juve scored with the first real chance, as Tevez sprung the offside trap on a long ball flicked on by Arturo Vidal and controlled it well to skip past Dusan Basta for a precise left-footed angled drive. This was practically the Argentine’s first touch and he was clinical.

Giorgio Chiellini’s clearance was straight at Miroslav Klose, but Leo Bonucci dived in to deflect over the bar.

Bonucci proved decisive at the other end too, running almost the full length of the pitch as the Lazio defence backed off and drilled low past Marchetti to double Juve’s lead.

Stefano Pioli’s men had conceded only two goals in their run of eight consecutive victories, but let in two in the opening half-hour in Turin. They hadn’t let in two since defeat at Cesena on February 1.

It was almost 3-0 in first half stoppages, as Patrice Evra's diving header from six yards whistled just wide of the far post.


Juventus 2-0 Lazio (Half-Time)

Scorers: Tevez 17 (J), Bonucci 28 (J)

Juventus: Buffon; Barzagli, Bonucci, Chiellini; Padoin, Vidal, Pirlo, Marchisio, Evra; Tevez, Matri. All. Allegri

Lazio: Marchetti; Basta, Cana, Mauricio, Braafheid; Cataldi, Biglia, Lulic; Felipe Anderson, Klose, Mauri

Ref: Rizzoli

 

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

[Socrates 8516]

JUVENTUS - LAZIO

2 - 0

Carlos Tévez (17')
Leonardo Bonucci (28')

Saturday, April 18th, 2015 - 8:45 PM
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Nicola Rizzoli

Juventus 2-0 Lazio: Tevez and Bonucci
take hosts closer to the title

The Argentine opened the scoring before the defender doubled the lead
in the first half to keep them well on track for the league crown.

Apr 18, 2015

Juventus made a mockery of second-placed Lazio's eight-game winning run in Serie A by beating them 2-0 in Turin to go 15 points clear at the top of the table with just seven games remaining.

Carlos Tevez was at the heart of things for the defending champions, as he moved onto 18 league goals for the season - extending his lead at the top of the scoring charts.

Tevez's latest strike comes 24 hours after his agent hinted that the Argentine will leave Turin to return to boyhood club Boca Juniors.

There is no doubt the former Manchester City striker will be missed if that is the case, but central defender Leonardo Bonucci showed Juventus have goalscoring potential throughout their squad.

Picking the ball up on the halfway line, Bonucci was allowed the space to run to the edge of the Lazio penalty area, thanks in part to an unselfish run from Tevez, before powering a low shot into the net.

Lazio, who also had Danilo Cataldi sent off late on, rarely threatened from that point on despite battling hard, summing up Juventus' cruise towards another league title.

The physical intensity of the game was clear early on, with Arturo Vidal needing attention for a hip problem and Lucas Biglia getting his head bandaged inside the first 15 minutes.

Juventus were unperturbed, however, and opened the scoring with 17 minutes played as Tevez collected Vidal's flick-on, beating Lazio's dubious offside trap in the process, and sent a powerful low strike into the far corner of the net from 15 yards out.

Lazio's own in-form striker Miroslav Klose had an outstanding chance to level midway through the half, collecting a loose ball in the area but sending his right-footed shot well over from 12 yards.

The German was made to pay for his profligacy moments later as Bonucci made an extraordinary foray forward to double the home side's advantage.

Collecting Andrea Pirlo's pass on the halfway line, Bonucci drove through the heart midfield before slamming a low strike beyond Federico Marchetti from 20 yards.

It could well have been 3-0 before the interval, too, as Patrice Evra beat Danilo Cataldi to a Simone Padoin cross from the right, but sent his low header wide of the far post.

Lazio head coach Stefano Pioli brought on midfielder Antonio Candreva at half-time for left-back Edson Braafheid but the visitors could still not get in behind a stubborn Juventus defence.

Indeed, it was Lazio defender Mauricio who had to pull off a brilliant sliding tackle to stop Alessandro Matri from going one-on-one with Marchetti after a deflected pass from Vidal.

Lazio did go close soon after as Candreva smashed a free-kick towards goal from just outside the area that deflected off Tevez and onto the bar - proving once and for all that the little striker can do no wrong.

Indeed, another late foray forward from Tevez forced Cataldi into a cynical tackle from behind that earned him a straight red card, summing up the most frustrating of nights for the visitors.

 

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

[Socrates 8516]

JUVENTUS - LAZIO

2 - 0

Carlos Tévez (17')
Leonardo Bonucci (28')

Saturday, April 18th, 2015 - 8:45 PM
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Nicola Rizzoli

Juventus end Lazio run

Carlos Tevez and Leonardo Bonucci confirmed Juventus dominance,
ending second-placed Lazio’s run of eight straight wins.

Apr 18, 2015

The Aquile had won eight on the bounce and leapt into second place, so another victory would take them within nine points of the leaders. It was also a precursor to the Coppa Italia Final on June 7.

Stefan de Vrij, Marco Parolo, Stefan Radu, Filip Djordjevic, Santiago Gentiletti and the suspended Pedro Luis Cavanda and Diego Novaretti missed out, while Federico Marchetti started despite fracturing his nose. Juve missed Paul Pogba, Kwadwo Asamoah, Romulo, Martin Caceres and banned Angelo Ogbonna.

Claudio Marchisio’s long-range strike was smothered at the base of the near post and Stefano Mauri turned a free kick over.

Juve scored with the first real chance, as Tevez sprung the offside trap on a long ball flicked on by Arturo Vidal and controlled it well to skip past Dusan Basta for a precise left-footed angled drive. This was practically the Argentine’s first touch and he was clinical.

Giorgio Chiellini’s clearance was straight at Miroslav Klose, but Leo Bonucci dived in to deflect over the bar.

Bonucci proved decisive at the other end too, running almost the full length of the pitch as the Lazio defence backed off and drilled low past Marchetti to double Juve’s lead.

Stefano Pioli’s men had conceded only two goals in their run of eight consecutive victories, but let in two in the opening half-hour in Turin. They hadn’t let in two since defeat at Cesena on February 1.

It was almost 3-0 in first half stoppages, as Patrice Evra's diving header from six yards whistled just wide of the far post.

Antonio Candreva came on after the restart, sending Senad Lulic to left-back. It seemed to work, as they notched up a series of corners with Candreva shots and crosses charged down, pinning the hosts back into their own half.

Claudio Marchisio was booked for a dreadful tackle on Lulic and will be suspended for next week’s Turin Derby. Chiellini’s handling offence blocked a Candreva throught ball right on the edge of the box, from which the midfielder unleashed a rocket of a free kick that Buffon fingertipped against the bar.

It was raining heavily and Lucas Biglia tried to take advantage, his blockbuster from 25 metres punched bizarrely by Buffon to bounce off the ground.

Alvaro Morata brilliantly turned Basta only for his pull-back to be intercepted for a corner and Buffon stopped Candreva’s swerving cross from reaching Klose.

It got even worse for Lazio, as in the final minute 20-year-old Danilo Cataldi received a straight red card for a tackle from behind as Tevez was breaking away on the counter.

Felipe Anderson almost got a consolation goal, his volley desperately parried by Buffon's feet in a one-on-one situation.

The run of eight consecutive victories came crashing to a halt, as another statistic was confirmed instead. Lazio have not won any of their last 21 Serie A meetings with Juve, home and away, managing just six draws.


Juventus: Buffon; Barzagli, Bonucci, Chiellini; Padoin, Vidal (Sturaro 84), Pirlo (Pereyra 72), Marchisio, Evra; Tevez, Matri (Morata 58)

Lazio: Marchetti; Basta, Cana, Mauricio, Braafheid (Candreva 46); Cataldi, Biglia, Lulic; Felipe Anderson, Klose (Ledesma 92), Mauri (Keita 65)

Ref: Rizzoli

Sent off: Cataldi 89 (L)

 

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

[Socrates 8516]

JUVENTUS - LAZIO

2 - 0

Carlos Tévez (17')
Leonardo Bonucci (28')

Saturday, April 18th, 2015 - 8:45 PM
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Nicola Rizzoli

Juventus 2-0 Lazio:
Bonucci Halts Aquile Ascencion

Apr 18, 2015

League leaders Juventus routinely dispatched Lazio 2-0 in Serie A at the Juventus Stadium, on Saturday night, breaking the Aquile’s eight-game winning streak.

Juventus comfortably defeated second-placed Lazio at home, after first half goals from Carlos Tevez and Leonardo Bonucci, which were enough to see off the competition as they dominated a heated game with a late sending off for youngster Danilo Cataldi.

Lazio were the side who took the initiative first as they started the match confidently, with captain Stefano Mauri bursting into the area only to be stopped by Giorgio Chiellini after only two minutes. The visitors applied further pressure, forcing Gianluigi Buffon to fluff his lines but ultimately managing to defend his goal.

Juventus then looked to get off the mark, as midfielder Claudio Marchisio tried a stinging shot from far out; though it skimmed across the grass resulting in an easy save for Federicho Marchetti.

The Biancocelesti continued to force Juventus within their own half as they maintained their high pressing, winning a free-kick from a dangerous range after French defender Patrice Evra unintentionally handled the ball; though the set piece was eventually hit too high by Mauri.

Thereon the home side took control of the game, as they began to regain ground and almost immediately after Arturo Vidal managed to flick the ball onto Carlos Tevez who latched onto the pass and steamed past Lazio’s defence, slotting a tidy finish into the far corner.

Miroslav Klose promptly looked to reply to the goal with a chance of his own, but the German veteran managed to horribly scuff his shot from close range.

Deficiency in front of goal for Lazio consequently cost them as they were once again hit on the counter to concede the second goal of the game.

Centre-back Bonucci picked up the ball from within his own half before surging forward untouched by the Aquile midfield, the previous goalscorer Tevez made a deceptive run clearing space for the 27-year-old Italian to hit a sublime shot, which he buried beneath Marchetti from the top of the box.

The Bianconeri then had a chance to finish off the game on the stroke of half-time as Padoin sent in a gorgeous cross only to be headed a whisker wide of the post by Evra.

Stefano Pioli sent his side out in the second half with the aim to start as vibrantly as they did within the first 10 minutes, adding star Antonio Candreva to the mix, which almost paid off when the Italian international came agonizingly close in hitting the bar from a close range free-kick.

The home side were happy to see off the game and as chances dried up for both sides, frustrations began to escalate, ensuing a frantic finish to the game with Cataldi receiving his marching orders for a cynical challenge on Tevez.

The 2-0 win moved the current league leaders 15 points ahead of Lazio, who temporally remain in second above Roma.

 

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

[Socrates 8516]

JUVENTUS - LAZIO

2 - 0

Carlos Tévez (17')
Leonardo Bonucci (28')

Saturday, April 18th, 2015 - 8:45 PM
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Nicola Rizzoli

JUVENTUS 2-0 LAZIO WEEK 31
PLAYER RATINGS

Apr 18, 2015

Juventus dominated Lazio to run out 2-0 winners in the battle between first and second in Serie A.

The Bianconeri began the game the brighter and it was Tevez who gave Juve the lead on 17 mins as he sprung the offside trap to latch on to Vidal’s flicked on ball and slot past Marchetti.

Juve went 2-0 up through an unlikely scorer when Leonardo Bonucci galloped the length of the pitch as the Lazio defence stood off and cooly fired past the Lazio keeper.


Gianluigi Buffon 7.0 - Barely had a save to make before being called into action to deny Candreva’s dipping free-kick. Another confident and composed performance.

Andrea Barzagli 6.5 - Solid performance yet again, kept Felipe Anderson relatively quiet the entire match. Great positioning and tackling as always

Leonardo Bonucci 7.0 - Brilliant at the back, especially with his tackling, but better still was his goal where he sprinted the length of the pitch to fire past Marchetti. Magnificent.

Giorgio Chiellini 7.0 - A towering performance at the back, heading out every cross and marking Klose out of the game although a needless handball could have cost Juventus on the night.

Simone Padoin 7.0 - Exceptional display tonight, especially with his range of crosses from the right. Strong in defence and managed to limit Keita and Anderson to a hand full of shots.

Arturo Vidal 7.5 - A hard-working display, more akin to his performances of last season. He covered every inch of the pitch, broke up numerous Lazio attacks and even managed to set up the opening goal with a deft assist.

Andrea Pirlo 6.5 - Much improved from his midweek return to action against Monaco. Provided the assist to set Bonucci on his way for Juve’s second.

Claudio Marchisio 6.5 - Not his best performance, especially the dangerous tackle that earned him a booking. Seems to play all the better when deputising for Pirlo at the base of the 3.

Patrice Evra 6.5 - Another quiet but efficient display, especially with his tackles – Perfectly timed, each and every one.

Carlos Tevez 7.0 - An industrious performance capped off by his 17th league goal of the season. Could easily have scored another – indispensable.

Alessandro Matri 6.0 - Started brightly but quickly faded as the game wore on as he struggled to make any kind of meaningful impression on the game


Substitutes

Alvaro Morata N/A

Stefano Sturaro N/A

Roberto Pereyra N/A

 

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

[Socrates 8516]

JUVENTUS - LAZIO

2 - 0

Carlos Tévez (17')
Leonardo Bonucci (28')

Saturday, April 18th, 2015 - 8:45 PM
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Nicola Rizzoli

Vidal: 'Perfect Juve with Lazio'

Apr 18, 2015

Arturo Vidal said Juventus were “perfect” to beat Lazio 2-0 and fired up for the Champions League in Monaco.

“Juve were perfect against a very strong side. Now we are closer to the Scudetto. I think with three wins in a row we’ll be champions this season,” the Chilean told Sky Sport Italia.

This result put the Bianconeri 15 points clear of second-placed Lazio, who had won eight on the bounce going in.

Juve visit Monaco on Wednesday and have a 1-0 first leg lead to protect.

“I feel good, I’m 100 per cent fit and hope to end the season in the right way. Now we’ve got the Champions League quarter-final and are 100 per cent up for it.

“After that we can focus on the Serie A games and the Coppa Italia Final with Lazio in June.”

 

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

[Socrates 8516]

JUVENTUS - LAZIO

2 - 0

Carlos Tévez (17')
Leonardo Bonucci (28')

Saturday, April 18th, 2015 - 8:45 PM
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Nicola Rizzoli

Juventus defeat second-placed Lazio to
move 15 points clear atop Serie A

Apr 18, 2015

Juventus moved ever closer to clinching a fourth straight Serie A title by beating nearest challengers Lazio 2-0 in Turin.

First-half goals from Carlos Tevez -- his 26th of the season in all competitions -- and centre-back Leonardo Bonucci pushed Juve 15 points clear of second place with only seven games remaining.

Lazio did mount a late rally at the Juventus Stadium but the dismissal of midfielder Danilo Cataldi for a heavy tackle on Tevez ended their challenge.

The result brought Lazio's run of six consecutive victories to an end and the Biancocelesti could be dragged back into third place should their city rivals Roma beat Atalanta in the capital on Sunday.

After some mutual excursions into enemy territory, Juve began to get a grip on proceedings and went close with a Claudio Marchisio drive in the 13th minute.

Only four minutes later Tevez caught Lazio cold with a stunning opening goal.

Freed up in a dangerous area by Arturo Vidal, the Argentinian took one touch to break into the area before beating Federico Marchetti with a left-footed finish.

Gianluigi Buffon had to drop low to deny Felipe Anderson a quick equaliser, with Lazio taking heart from the missed opportunity and going even closer in the 25th minute.

Giorgio Chiellini did just enough to put Miroslav Klose off as the German looked to scoop the ball past Buffon from close range.

Juve would capitalise on the Romans' disappointment by doubling their lead before the half-hour mark.

Bonucci found himself on the end of a swift counter-attack and the centre-back smashed home his fourth goal of the season in the form of a daisy-cutter that Marchetti could do nothing about.

He was back in the heart of Juve's defence to close down Anderson before watching Lucas Biglia make a mess of an easy pass to Dusan Basta in a shooting position.

Then, two minutes into stoppage time, Patrice Evra rose to meet Vidal's cross into the Lazio box only to miss the target by a matter of inches.

Lazio looked lively when play resumed with Antonio Candreva winning a corner thanks to a heavy deflection off Chiellini.

The Juve defender soon gave a free-kick away in a dangerous area and Buffon had to fling his gloves up to push Candreva's attempt over the bar.

Lazio were buoyed by their near misses and Biglia troubled Buffon with a low attempt before Chiellini was forced to put Basta's strike out for a corner.

The jig was finally up for the southerners when, one minute from full-time, Cataldi launched himself into Tevez's legs from behind to earn a straight red card.

 

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

[Socrates 8516]

JUVENTUS - LAZIO

2 - 0

Carlos Tévez (17')
Leonardo Bonucci (28')

Saturday, April 18th, 2015 - 8:45 PM
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Nicola Rizzoli

Bonucci: 'I saw a gap'

Apr 18, 2015

Leonardo Bonucci explained his extraordinary goal as Juventus swept Lazio aside 2-0. “I saw the gap.”

The centre-back surged forward from his own half, picked up Andrea Pirlo’s pass in midfield and ran forward to score.

“When I got the ball off Andrea and saw the movements of the strikers, I thought of going through the middle,” the defender told Sky Sport Italia.

“I saw the gap was opening up and so I tried to angle my finish right into the corner.”

The Bianconeri are now 15 points clear of second placed Lazio, so is the title wrapped up?

“As long as we’re not mathematically champions of Italy, we have to keep pushing. It was fundamental to win this game and I think we saw an excellent performance on a psychological level, as we fought for every ball.

“My celebration is always the same for my friends – one of them is Laziale too!”

 

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

[Socrates 8516]

JUVENTUS - LAZIO

2 - 0

Carlos Tévez (17')
Leonardo Bonucci (28')

Saturday, April 18th, 2015 - 8:45 PM
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Nicola Rizzoli

JUVENTUS 2-0 LAZIO

MATCH REPORT

Apr 18, 2015


Statistics
 
Man of the Match: Leonardo Bonucci

Flop of the Match: N/A

Fouls: 12

Corners: 2

Pass Accuracy: 78%

Shots on Target: 4

Total Shots: 8

Ball Possession: 41%

Formation: 3-5-2


Lineups

Juventus: Buffon; Barzagli, Bonucci, Chiellini; Padoin, Vidal (Sturaro 84), Pirlo (Pereyra 72), Marchisio, Evra; Tevez, Matri (Morata 58)

Lazio: Marchetti; Basta, Cana, Mauricio, Braafheid (Candreva 46); Cataldi, Biglia, Lulic; Felipe Anderson, Klose (Ledesma 92), Mauri (Keita 65)

Ref: Rizzoli

Sent off: Cataldi 89 (L)

 

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

[Socrates 8516]

JUVENTUS - LAZIO

2 - 0

Carlos Tévez (17')
Leonardo Bonucci (28')

Saturday, April 18th, 2015 - 8:45 PM
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Nicola Rizzoli

Player Ratings: Juventus 2-0 Lazio

Apr 18, 2015

Juventus eased to a 2-0 win against Lazio in their top-of-the-table clash at the Juventus Stadium, on Saturday night in Serie A.

Early strikes from Carlos Tevez and Leonadro Bonucci put the Bianconeri in a commanding position that they never looked like ceding, as Danilo Cataldi saw red late on for a lunge on Tevez.

 

Juventus

Gianluigi Buffon – 6.5 – Spectator - A virtual spectator for nearly an hour, did well to tip Candreva’s powerful free-kick over. Spared Chiellini’s blushes at the end by denying , after the defender’s mistake.

Andrea Barzagli – 6.5 – Efficient - Another efficient performance from the centre-back and played his part in the back-three with aplomb.

Leonardo Bonucci – 7.5 – Rampant - Scored with a glorious solo effort, firing home from the edge of the area after his rampaging run from the halfway line. Strong in defence, he never looked like being beaten.

Giorgio Chiellini – 6.5 – Combative - Was fortunate Klose failed to capitalise on his poor first-half clearance. Used his physical presence in a combative manner to stifle the visitors.

Simone Padoin – 6.5 – Dependable - Fulfilled his duties in denying Lazio any width and was a key part in containing the dangerous Anderson.

Arturo Vidal – 6.5 – Belligerent - Played in Tevez with his header from midfield and was typically belligerent in his own style of play at the heart of midfield.

Andrea Pirlo – 6.5 – Recovering - The veteran pass master started his first Serie A game in two months, not at his best but still managed to assist Bonucci’s goal.

Claudio Marchisio – 6.5 – Standard - Another standard performance from the Italy international acting as the perfect foil to Pirlo and Vidal despite a lack of possession.

Patrice Evra – 6.5 – Comfortable - Had a good chance to add a third for the Bianconeri, was comfortable at both ends of the pitch.

Carlos Tevez – 7 – Clinical - Scored following his first few touches after latching onto Vidal’s header in midfield, his left-footed finish was unerring.

Alessandro Matri – 6 – Ineffective - His first league start since returning to the club on loan, generally failed to make an impact and was ineffective.


Substitutes

Alvaro Morata – 6 – Came on for the ineffective Matri, asked questions of Cana but never looked like scoring.

Roberto Pereyra – 5.5 - Failed to make a telling contribution in his twenty minute foray.

Stefano Sturaro – N/A

 

Lazio

Federico Marchetti – 6 – Helpless - Had no help from his defence in either of the goals, and was not tested for the rest of the game aside from the two strikes.

Dusan Basta – 6 – Improved - Couldn’t catch Tevez in the build-up to his goal. Improved with the arrival of Candreva, linking well with the substitute going forward.

Lorik Cana – 5.5 – Culpable - Equally at fault with Mauricio in allowing Bonucci to score, booked for a cynical foul on Morata and struggled to handle the pace and trickery of the Bianconeri forwards.

Mauricio – 5.5 – Liable - Caught out for Bonucci’s strike, leaving him open while tracking the run of Tevez. Redeemed himself slightly with a perfect last ditch tackle on Matri.

Edson Braafheid – 6 – Quiet - Had little to do, did manage to push forward but couldn’t provide enough of a cutting edge.

Danilo Cataldi – 6 – Blunt - The 20-year-old readily struck wild long range efforts early on, controlled possession well before his late lunge on Tevez earned him a harsh sending off.

Lucas Biglia – 6 – Bruised - The Argentine endured a bruising encounter and came off second best following an early collision with Chiellini. Completed more passes than anyone else on the pitch with 80 successful passes.

Senad Lulic – 6 – Frustrating - Endured a frustrating game, booked for hauling down Tevez on the edge of the area.

Felipe Anderson – 6.5 – Hounded - Massimilliano Allegri clearly identified the Brazilian as the danger man and as a result he was often hounded by several Bianconeri players. Denied by Buffon at the death, after capitalising on Chiellini’s error.

Miroslav Klose – 6 – Stifled - Spurned his side’s best chance following Chiellini’s poor clearance and was not afforded another opportunity by the stringent Juventus defence.

Stefano Mauri – 5.5 – Disappointing - Wasted a free-kick from a promising position and was poor in general and disappointed as captain.


Substitutes

Antonio Candreva – 6.5 – Impetus - Replaced Braafheid at the interval to provide fresh impetus, offered much needed width

Keita Balde Diao – x - The youngster had 25 minutes to impress and failed to do so.

Cristian Ledesma – N/A

 

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

[Socrates 8516]

JUVENTUS - LAZIO

2 - 0

Carlos Tévez (17')
Leonardo Bonucci (28')

Saturday, April 18th, 2015 - 8:45 PM
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Nicola Rizzoli

Allegri: 'Juve showed maturity'

Apr 18, 2015

Max Allegri said Juventus showed “maturity” to beat Lazio and are close to a Scudetto party, but he’s unsure of Monaco tactics.

The Bianconeri extended their lead at the top to 15 points by sweeping second-placed Lazio aside 2-0.

“I am happy with what the lads did, but not just tonight, throughout the campaign,” the Coach told Sky Sport Italia.

“It was an important game and we showed maturity against a Lazio side that had been playing the best football in Italy until now.

“They were also more physically fit, as they have played far fewer games than us. This is when a team needs its maturity to control the tempo and make the most of its scoring opportunities.

“Tonight it wasn’t just important to beat Lazio because they were second. Lazio are having an extraordinary campaign, as they conceded only two goals during their eight consecutive victories and had let in just 12 since they faced us last time.

“Obviously every time Lazio or Roma draw, the Scudetto finish line is reduced. I think we need two or three wins to seal it now.”

Carlos Tevez was on target again, though this week his likely move to Boca Juniors in 2016 was again in the news.

“It’s natural to feel nostalgic for home, friends and family. We all do, let alone him being on the other side of the world. Tevez is proving in the best way how focused he is on Juventus.”

Allegri moved back to a 3-5-2 for this game, but will he use this or the 4-3-1-2 against Monaco?

“I haven’t decided which system to use yet. We’ll start thinking about it tomorrow. I think when the team defends the right way – whether with three at the back or four – it becomes easier to defend and also to attack.

“We were a little hasty at times today and I think we need to do better in technical terms against Monaco. I don’t see it being much different to the first leg.

“We have players like Arturo Vidal and Roberto Pereyra who can play with certain characteristics between the lines. Paul Pogba is out, the midfielders are playing almost every game and I choose based on the match at hand.

“I used this system because I had players on the bench who’d allow me to transform the tactics if needs be.

“The more they play, the more they find that match tempo. I tried to rest Andrea Pirlo for the last 20 minutes, as he’s a key player above all on corners and free kicks.

“Vidal has improved a great deal, as he defends while running and not chasing now. I think that’s the biggest change.”

 

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

[Socrates 8516]

JUVENTUS - LAZIO

2 - 0

Carlos Tévez (17')
Leonardo Bonucci (28')

Saturday, April 18th, 2015 - 8:45 PM
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Nicola Rizzoli

Pioli: 'When you play Juve...'

Apr 18, 2015

Stefano Pioli felt Lazio didn’t make any more mistakes than usual, “but those weren’t against Juventus!”

The Aquile saw their eight-round running streak crash to a halt in Turin, where they conceded two goals during that period and fell 2-0 to Juve.

“We were in good shape and tried to take the initiative, which we did in parts. Mistakes can happen. It’s not as if in the other eight games we didn’t make mistakes – they just weren’t against Juventus!

“They were absolutely clinical, scoring on our only two errors. We were caught on the counter, which shows how we were trying to attack Juventus,” the Coach told Sky Sport Italia.

“Miroslav Klose had a great chance, we hit the bar and forced Gigi Buffon into some fine saves, while we had more possession.

“We moved the ball well until the final third, had many shots on goal and I think few teams have done that at the Juventus Stadium.

“We weren’t lucky, we made mistakes on the goals and they took advantage, like the great team they are.

“It wasn’t easy to keep playing after going 2-0 down, but we continued and kept our heads held high.

“We were missing key players like Stefan de Vrij and Stefan Radu, so some of our choices were forced upon us. Those two or three errors ultimately proved decisive during an otherwise very good performance.

“We wanted to spread the play and find spaces between the lines. We did create dangerous opportunities and in the one-against-one we didn’t have as many advantages as in other recent games.”

 

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

[Socrates 8516]

JUVENTUS - LAZIO

2 - 0

Carlos Tévez (17')
Leonardo Bonucci (28')

Saturday, April 18th, 2015 - 8:45 PM
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Nicola Rizzoli

Bonucci: Juventus Have Not
Won Serie A Yet

Apr 18, 2015

Following their 2-0 win over Lazio on Saturday night, Juventus defender Leonardo Bonucci stated that his side have not won Serie A just yet despite sitting 15 points clear at the top.

The Italian international scored his side’s second goal in the encounter when he finished off his run with a strike from just outside the box, and Bonucci went on to explain how he was able to score the goal.

“When I received the ball from Andrea [Pirlo] I saw the movements of the two strikers and I just thought to go through the middle,” he told Sky. “Then I saw the space open up and finished the ball in the bottom corner.

“As long as we haven’t mathematically won it yet, then we have to keep on going. Tonight we saw a great Juventus side, especially from a mentality point of view.

“My usual goal celebration is for my friends, one of them is actually a Laziale.”

 

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

[Socrates 8516]

JUVENTUS - LAZIO

2 - 0

Carlos Tévez (17')
Leonardo Bonucci (28')

Saturday, April 18th, 2015 - 8:45 PM
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Nicola Rizzoli

Allegri: Juventus Can Be Champions
In Two To Three Games

Apr 18, 2015

Juventus coach Massimiliano Allegri is thrilled with his team’s current string of form but believes that despite a 2-0 victory over rivals Lazio, the Scudetto is far from won.

Goals from Carlos Tevez and Leonardo Bonucci saw Juventus dispose of Lazio 2-0 in Serie A on Saturday night, with the win moving them 15 points clear at the top of the table and closer to a fourth consecutive title; though Allegri doesn’t want to celebrate yet.

“It was important to beat Lazio, we played with maturity against as side that plays the best football in Italy, and it means that it’s easier for us to finish first,” Allegri told Sky Sport Italia

“But until we are mathematically champions of Italy we have to give our best in every game.

“I think if we can win the next two or three games then we will be the champions.”

The 47-year-old Italian still believes his team has time to grow, and congratulated the players who have stepped up in order to replace injured team-mates as well as moving forward to focus on the Champions League.

“Players like Arturo Vidal and Roberto Pereyra are playing every game now. Vidal has improved a lot as he has started to defend well instead of just chasing players.

“I am happy with the result. Today we played a little hasty and I think we need to do improve for when we play Monaco.”

 

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

[Socrates 8516]

JUVENTUS - LAZIO

2 - 0

Carlos Tévez (17')
Leonardo Bonucci (28')

Saturday, April 18th, 2015 - 8:45 PM
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Nicola Rizzoli

Leonardo Bonucci Edges Juventus to Verge
of Serie a Title in Win over Lazio

Apr 18, 2015

Having overtaken neighbours AS Roma by moving into second place last weekend, Lazio travelled to Turin on Saturday evening hoping to continue their surge up the Serie A table.

Juventus Stadium has not been particularly welcoming to visiting teams this term, the hosts registering 13 wins and just two draws in their 15 previous home games this term.

But faced with the only team to have scored more goals than the Bianconeri this term, Massimiliano Allegri told reporters at his pre-match press conference on Friday that the side from Italy’s capital would represent a tough challenge to La Madama.

“Tomorrow is a match that could decide the Scudetto,” the coach said, per Juve’s official website. “Lazio are having an extraordinary season. They come into the game on the back off eight straight victories and have conceded the same as we have in the second half of the season.”

The turnaround was due in no small part to Biancoceleste boss Stefano Pioli, his arrival last summer completely transforming a side who had finished ninth in 2013-14. His impact made it impossible for Allegri to rest too many players despite facing a Champions League quarter-final second leg against AS Monaco on Wednesday.

The coach named a very strong lineup, opting to bench only Alvaro Morata, Roberto Pereyra and Stephan Lichtsteiner from the XI that beat the Ligue 1 side 1-0 last week. Andrea Barzagli, Simone Padoin and Alessandro Matri came in to replace that trio, the Bianconeri switching to a 3-5-2 formation in order to curtail the attacking threat of Lazio.

Daniella Matar @DaniellaMatar
Lazio had only conceded 2 in its run of 8 successive wins, now conceded 2 in 29 mins at Juventus

After an opening 15 minutes in which very little action took place, Carlos Tevez opened the scoring as he broke free to net his 26th goal of the campaign. The visitors immediately went in search of an equaliser but found the Juventus defence—and Leonardo Bonucci in particular—almost impossible to overcome.

The Italian international came to the rescue to make a superb block on Miroslav Klose, deflecting the ball for a corner when it seemed certain the striker would pull his side level. Bonucci was not done there, however, breaking forward to net an impressive strike amid some terrible defending from the Rome-based side, cementing the 2-0 final scoreline.

It was his fourth goal of the current campaign, with each strike coming in very important games for the Bianconeri—previously finding the back of the net in wins against Roma, Milan and Fiorentina. It represents his highest tally since joining the club back in 2010, when the Old Lady paid €15.5 million to bring him to the club from Genoa.

Bonucci has arguably been Juve’s finest defender this term, the one regular in what has been a constantly rotating cast at the back as Allegri has been forced to contend with a raft of injuries to the likes of Kwadwo Asamoah, Martin Caceres, Romulo and Barzagli.

According to statistics from WhoScored.com, Bonucci has recorded averages of 1.2 tackles, two interceptions and 4.6 clearances per league game, showing just how important he has been to the Bianconeri. He also continues to impress on the ball, making an average of 61.8 passes per game and completing 86.1 percent of those attempts.

JuventusFC ✔ @juventusfcen
.@bonucci_leo19: "A great Juventus performance. We kept it tight and put our bodies on the line, then pounced when in space."

Given the extra responsibility of leading the defence in the absence of so many others, he has blossomed into one of the best and deserves to be recognised as being among the finest in Europe at his position, with very few playing better in 2014-15.

Winning major trophies with Juventus can only enhance his standing on the continent, and the 27-year-old believes nothing is beyond the current side. “It doesn’t cost anything to dream,” the defender told Sky (h/t Football Italia) when asked about the possibility of the club winning a treble.

With Leonardo Bonucci in this kind of form, they can do just that.

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

[Socrates 8516]

JUVENTUS - LAZIO

2 - 0

Carlos Tévez (17')
Leonardo Bonucci (28')

Saturday, April 18th, 2015 - 8:45 PM
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Nicola Rizzoli

Player Ratings: Juventus 2-0 Lazio

The Bianconeri took a huge step towards a fourth-straight Scudetto with goals from

Carlos Tevez and Leonardo Bonucci sending them 15 points clear at the Serie A summit.

Apr 18, 2015
 

Juventus

1 G. Buffon - The Italy international tipped a deflected Candreva free kick onto the crossbar and dealt with everything that came his way.

15 A. Barzagli - Returned to the centre of defence and had an efficient game to help keep Klose quiet.

19 L. Bonucci - Passed out from the back well and went on a marauding run to net his side's second of the night.

3 G. Chiellini - Put in a strong performance in the centre of defence, getting in amongst it and putting his body on the line.

20 S. Padoin - Operated on the right flank and put a few good crosses into the box in a positive display.

23 A. Vidal - Assisted the opening goal with a flick-on for Tevez and worked extremely hard in the middle.

21 A. Pirlo - Pulled the strings in midfield with his quality distribution helping to create openings.

8 C. Marchisio - Forced Marchetti into an early save and closed the opposition quickly to force them into errors.

33 P. Evra - Worked extremely hard on the left, tracking back and tackling well while narrowly missing out on a goal in the first half.

10 C. Tévez - Scored with his first opportunity of the night and his run opened up space for Bonucci to move into for the second.

32 A. Matri - Was afforded a rare start in attack but failed to make an impact before being withdrawn.


Substitutes

9 Álvaro Morata - Came on for Matri in the 58th minute and was very direct in his dribbling.

37 R. Pereyra - Brought on for Pirlo in the 72nd minute and slotted in well.

27 S. Sturaro - Replaced Vidal in the 84th minute.


 

Lazio

22 F. Marchetti - Did not get down to either of Tevez or Bonucci's efforts quick enough.

8 D. Basta - The right-back was unable to stop Tevez racing in for the opener but was a positive outlet.

27 L. Cana - The Albanian struggled up against Tevez's pace and escaped with one yellow card despite numerous sloppy tackles.

33 Mauricio - Played Tevez onside for the opening goal and was indecisive when choosing whether to approach or retreat.

5 E. Braafheid - Drafted in at left-back and looked slightly sluggish before being replaced at half time.

32 D. Cataldi - Peppered the goal with shots and put in some strong tackles in midfield, but undid his good work with a late red card.

20 L. Biglia - Took an early knock but played on and helped his team control possession for prolonged periods.

19 S. Lulić - Worked hard in the middle in the first half and performed astutely at left-back after the interval.

7 Felipe Anderson - The Brazilian was marked extremely closely but kept going and tried to spark things off for his team.

11 M. Klose - Blazed a good chance over the top in the first half but did not receive much service.

6 S. Mauri - Failed to influence the game in behind Klose as he had a lacklustre evening.


Substitutes

87 A. Candreva - Brought on for Braafheid for the second half and instantly made his side more threatening, hitting the bar from a free kick.

14 B. Keita - Came on for Mauri in the 66th minute but only got a couple of chances to stretch his legs.

24 C. Ledesma - Replaced Klose in the 92nd minute.

 

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

[Socrates 8516]

JUVENTUS - LAZIO

2 - 0

Carlos Tévez (17')
Leonardo Bonucci (28')

Saturday, April 18th, 2015 - 8:45 PM
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Nicola Rizzoli

Juventus have been extraordinary - Allegri

The coach is elated to see his side edge closer towards a fourth consecutive
league title, while they continue to impress in the Champions League.

Apr 19, 2015
 
Massimiliano Allegri says his Juventus team have been "extraordinary" this season and is elated with the performances they are putting in during Serie A and Champions League matches.

A 2-0 win over Lazio on Saturday saw the Bianconeri edge closer to a fourth consecutive league title as they opened up a 15 point lead over the second-placed side. However, that lead could be cut to 13 points if Roma beat Atalanta on Sunday.

With Juve already in the Coppa Italia final and taking a 1-0 lead into Wednesday's Champions League quarter-final second-leg with Monaco, Allegri is pleased with how their treble pursuit is going.

"I'm happy not only for tonight but for the whole year," he told reporters. "On Wednesday, with a great performance, we will be through to the semi-finals of the Champions League, we are having a great league campaign and we are in the Coppa Italia final.

"We can only praise the boys, they have shown great maturity. Lazio play great football, are physically strong and has played less games, but we're having an extraordinary championship.

"We took our chances, I am very happy. By winning, we have lowered their chance in the league and we get a bit closer to the title. Now we have to win two or three games to become champions of Italy."

Carlos Tevez opened the scoring on Saturday to further enhance his reputation as the team's key man, but the Argentine is rumoured to be looking to return to Argentina to end his career with Boca Juniors.

However, Allegri says he understands the 31-year-old's desire to return to his homeland.

"Homesickness is normal," he added. "I feel it sometimes when I am away from Livorno, let alone being on the other side of the world like he is.

"But now we are only thinking about Serie A, Champions League and Coppa Italia, and Tevez is doing it in the best way.

"I preferred to take Andrea Pirlo off with 20 minutes to go to keep him in better condition for the next games.

"We must improve because on Wednesday we must play better on the technical side."

 

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

[Socrates 8516]

JUVENTUS - LAZIO

2 - 0

Carlos Tévez (17')
Leonardo Bonucci (28')

Saturday, April 18th, 2015 - 8:45 PM
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Nicola Rizzoli

Cana: Lazio Made Too Many
Mistakes Against Juventus

Apr 19, 2015
 
Lazio defender Lorik Cana reflected on his team’s 2-0 loss away to Juventus on Saturday night, pointing out the decisive mistakes which forced defeat upon them.

The Aquile’s defensive errors allowed Carlos Tevez and Leonardo Bonucci to pounce and stop Lazio in their tracks, coming off an eight-game winning streak.

Cana conceded that they had no one but themselves to blame after the loss, and aims to return to previous ways after such a lacking performance .

“We came here to play with the same mentality, but playing against Juventus isn’t easy,” he said to Sky Sport Italia.

“They scored from their only two chances in the game, and it was too difficult to get back into the game.

“Our errors cost us dearly, and it was down to our inability to communicate.”

 

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

[Socrates 8516]

JUVENTUS - LAZIO

2 - 0

Carlos Tévez (17')
Leonardo Bonucci (28')

Saturday, April 18th, 2015 - 8:45 PM
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Nicola Rizzoli

Tevez: All My Thoughts
Are Focused On Juventus

Apr 19, 2015
 
Juventus striker Carlos Tevez insists that he is only focused on playing for the Bianconeri and has dismissed transfer speculation linking him with a move back to first club Boca Juniors for now.

The Argentina international sought to set the record straight after scoring his 18th Serie A strike of the season in a 2-0 win against Lazio at the Juventus Stadium on Saturday evening.

“I’m happy, it was a great performance by a strong team,” Tevez said to Sky Sport Italia after the match.

“We’ll need an equally top display against Monaco. I said after the Champions League draw that it won’t be an easy one for us.

“All my thoughts are focused on Juventus, there’s too much talk around. I want to enjoy this extraordinary moment here.

“People saying I’m going isn’t right: when I decide to leave, the supporters will be the first to know.”

 

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