Juventus Season 2014-2015

[Socrates 8516]

JUVENTUS - REAL MADRID

2 - 1

Álvaro Morata (8')

Cristiano Ronaldo (27')

Carlos Tévez (57' - Penalty)

Semi-final - 1st leg
Tuesday, May 5th, 2015 - 08:45 P.M.
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee:‬ Martin Atkinson (England)

Madrid could not cope with
superb Juventus, says Lichtsteiner

The Switzerland international was overjoyed with his side's win
and wants to see more of the same in the second leg at the Bernabeu.

May 6, 2015
 
Stephan Lichtsteiner has voiced his delight with Juventus' 2-1 Champions League win over Real Madrid and feels the Serie A champions' superb organisation made the difference in the first leg of the semi-final tie.

Alvaro Morata gifted Juventus the lead early on before Cristiano Ronaldo equalised. However, Carlos Tevez eventually helped Massimiliano Allegri's men to a vital home win with his second-half strike.

Lichtsteiner was overjoyed with his side's performance and has called for a repeat in the second leg.

"We definitely gave them a tough time. I don’t think they’re used to playing against an organised team like us," the Switzerland international told reporters.

"We can be happy with the performance and result, we put in a fine display.

"Madrid possess top players who can make the difference if you don’t stay alert. It’s impressive how good they are, but we were excellent.

"It’s important we show more of the same in Madrid."

The return fixture at the Santiago Bernabeu will take place on May 13.

[Socrates 8516]

JUVENTUS - REAL MADRID

2 - 1

Álvaro Morata (8')

Cristiano Ronaldo (27')

Carlos Tévez (57' - Penalty)

Semi-final - 1st leg
Tuesday, May 5th, 2015 - 08:45 P.M.
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee:‬ Martin Atkinson (England)

Juventus vs. Real Madrid:

Tactical Review

May 6, 2015
 
Juventus claimed a precious 2-1 victory over Real Madrid in the UEFA Champions League semi-final first leg on Tuesday. Alvaro Morata and Carlos Tevez scored goals either side of a Cristiano Ronaldo header to give the Bianconeri the advantage.


Formations and XIs

Juventus went with a 4-4-2 diamond but surprised by including Stefano Sturaro in the lineup at the expense of Roberto Pereyra. He played on the left side with Arturo Vidal up front. Giorgio Chiellini re-entered the starting XI at the expense of Andrea Barzagli.
 

Real Madrid went 4-4-2 with Cristiano Ronaldo and Gareth Bale up front, leaving Javier Hernandez on the bench. Sergio Ramos played in central midfield again with Pepe in the defensive line alongside Raphael Varane.


1. Real Madrid Width

The key to this game for Real Madrid was retaining width. They were always going to have to push their full-backs high up to create it, as their wide men aren't touchline-hugging, chalk-on-the-boots No. 7s and No. 11s.

The problem Juve present when playing in a diamond is a near-total blockade of the middle, with the midfield four flattening into a 3-1 shape. The outside CMs spread and the No. 10 harasses the opposing deep-lying midfielder, buzzing about him and preventing ball rotation. It leaves you no choice but to force play to the wings.
 

Marcelo and Dani Carvajal need no invitation to buccaneer forward, and in particular, Carvajal's forays were effective. He was a constant out-ball on the right side and played a part in Real's equaliser.
 

The other key component to shifting the ball wide was to shift it quickly; Los Blancos passed crisply and swiftly at the Vicente Calderon in the first leg and only Jan Oblak was responsible for keeping them out. It can be a sight to behold.

Ronaldo's goal saw one-touch football start from the right, releasing James Rodriguez into the box, and the Colombian's clipped cross was headed home. Another move, which saw James hit the bar with a header, was created by switching from right to left, overlapping on the flank and crossing accurately. It works if you do it quick enough.


2. Juventus Counters

Of course, pushing on with two strikers and overlapping with your full-backs leaves you open in obvious areas. Carlo Ancelotti perhaps played Ramos at RCM to try and cover the gaps Carvajal would leave, but the stalwart had a shocking game and left huge gaps to exploit.

In the first six minutes, Juve engineered three counter-attacks of note and then scored two minutes later as they worked the ball into space quickly. Tevez and Morata, adept at finding room to play in, received early passes out (usually from Arturo Vidal), turned and ran at the defensive line.
 

It was two vs. two or two vs. three with 50 yards to exploit, and Juve's strike partnership combined superbly. Once Real were sufficiently rattled, they started to engage higher up, allowing Tevez to drift into space between the lines and breach the box, and his shot created the opening goal.

It was a complete mess from Real defensively, it must be said. For the goal, no midfielder tracked Tevez and Varane was far too late to step out and sidle up to him. Some may apportion some blame to Marcelo too, but he was kept honest and wide by Stephan Lichtsteiner on the flank.


3. Forced, Direct Play vs. Workmanlike Juve

Inside the first 20 minutes alone, Real forced direct play as if desperate to play over the top of a defensive line that didn't sit particularly high. One ball over the top caught them out and Ronaldo thrashed a hurried effort wide, but most passes were inaccurate or forced to the extent that there was never truly a chance of them finding a colleague.

That tactic, though, could be attributed to the two-man disadvantage Real were facing in midfield. A flat 4-4-2 vs. a diamond saw a clear two vs. four in the central zones, and although James and Isco played narrow, they were at a severe disadvantage.
 

Juve were dogged and determined off the ball too, making their man advantage count out of possession as well as on it. Morata and Tevez worked hard to block the passing lanes from Kroos to the full-backs, and Ramos looked so ruffled he even battered one diagonal firmly out of play under no pressure.

That left Real's midfield two with one option: try in behind. The disruption and marking in the centre as Juve's diamond flattened out was superb. As Los Blancos forced passes throughout, the home side's threat on the counter grew.

Tevez netted a penalty after a brilliant run where, again, he and Morata were two vs. two. Carvajal was suckered into a silly challenge and the Argentinian netted to reaffirm the scoreline advantage.


Bits and Bobs

Massimiliano Allegri switched to a 3-5-2 after 60 minutes, replacing Sturaro with Andrea Barzagli. It further solidified their hold in the centre and gave them an extra centre-back body in the box to deal with crosses—of which there were 29 from Real alone, per WhoScored.com.

Real kept a 4-4-2 shape throughout, with Bale moving to the right wing when Javier Hernandez replaced Isco. Same shape, same approach, and there was zero service from the Welshman.

Vidal deserves immense credit for doing three mens' shifts on the night. He was absolutely everywhere; passing out from the back, starting attacks and spearheading counters.

It's a bit late in the day, but your pro player comparison for Morata has to be (peak) Radamel Falcao. Deceptively fast, hardworking, moves into the channels superbly and scores poacher's goals.

The second leg is very likely to take a very similar shape; Real need a goal so they will attack, and Juve don't so they'll defend—as is their reflex—and attack via the pace of Tevez and Morata again. It's finely poised.

[Socrates 8516]

JUVENTUS - REAL MADRID

2 - 1

Álvaro Morata (8')

Cristiano Ronaldo (27')

Carlos Tévez (57' - Penalty)

Semi-final - 1st leg
Tuesday, May 5th, 2015 - 08:45 P.M.
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee:‬ Martin Atkinson (England)

Next stop, Berlin?

A superb display means Juventus have a 2-1 lead to defend next week against Real Madrid, as Luca Cetta writes.

May 6, 2015
 
Underdogs? Certainly. In it to make up the numbers? Not a chance. “Juve, you can do it!” screamed yesterday’s Corriere dello Sport. In a first Champions League semi-final since 2003 Juventus proved they belong. A performance Marcello Lippi’s vintage would be proud of sees the Bianconeri hold a slender advantage ahead of next week’s second leg. It was a result that made people stand up and take notice. “No limits” giornalaccio rosa dello Sport led with in response.

Roared on by an electric Juventus Stadium crowd, La Vecchia Signora started like a house on fire. She was intense and attack-minded, needing little subtlety as Real’s defence left gaping holes. When Carlos Tevez exploited one such gap who else but Alvaro Morata would be on hand to tap in the opener? He did not celebrate against his former club yet the importance of the goal was paramount.

The potential tie-changing moment came as James Rodriguez centred for Cristiano Ronaldo’s close-range header. Asked pre-match what he thought needs to be done to stop Real, Lippi’s response was Juventus had to defend well. With the wealth of talent on display in a black shirt it would require concentration and determination. With Juve stretched the visitors got a goal which will offer belief.

It took some time for the home side to get over the shock of conceding. They had, until that point, given their star-studded visitors precious little. Stefano Sturaro then made a crucial intervention to deflect James’ header on to the woodwork. The two times Real worked in and around the Juventus defence led to a goal scored and so nearly a second.

But Juve got back to business and proved why they had reached this stage. Real looked defensively vulnerable throughout and cracked early in the second half. Juve broke clear from a Merengues corner and, after Morata was tripped, Tevez had to go it alone. Go he did, winning a penalty from Dani Carvajal’s trip. It could well have been a red card. Arturo Vidal got the Turin giants to this stage by burying his spot-kick against Monaco. This time it was Tevez. The Argentinian netted his 50th goal in a Bianconeri shirt and seventh in 11 Champions League outings with an unerring finish from the spot. Advantage Juve.

Perhaps the real surprise was before the match as Massimiliano Allegri gave a first European start to Sturaro. It worked a treat. Intervention from James aside he did not look out of place, showing the steel of a veteran. Maybe he was watching his midfield companions. Vidal gave his best performance of the season. Andrea Pirlo was a tireless worker and Claudio Marchisio a diligent all-rounder.

And what of Morata? If there was a point to prove to his former employers he rammed it home. The goal topped a hardworking shift. He said before he would “give anything to win” and took that attitude to the pitch.

Approaching the second leg there were enough signs for both sides to suggest confidence in reaching the decider. For Real it’s the away goal. They will need just one to go through and with 23 goals in 11 games this term are more than capable. Karim Benzema returning would be a boost.

Juventus could welcome back Paul Pogba in the Spanish capital. Yet with or without the mercurial Frenchman this team is capable of grabbing an away goal. Especially against a side which must score. Aside from those which did go in yesterday, the Turin side had opportunities for a third. Even after defender Andrea Barzagli was added to the mix fellow substitute Fernando Llorente had two opportunities to extend the lead.

Carlo Ancelotti’s team struggled to create openings and he bemoaned a lack of space in the final stages. Another repeat defensive display will give Juve a big chance. “I don’t think they are accustomed to playing against such an organised side as us,” Stephan Lichtsteiner commented afterwards. The Bianconeri will have to be at the top of their game once more to keep the wolves at bay.

They’ve shown they belong. Now it’s time for Juventus to finish the job and reach Berlin.

[Socrates 8516]

JUVENTUS - REAL MADRID

2 - 1

Álvaro Morata (8')

Cristiano Ronaldo (27')

Carlos Tévez (57' - Penalty)

Semi-final - 1st leg
Tuesday, May 5th, 2015 - 08:45 P.M.
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee:‬ Martin Atkinson (England)

Marchisio Hoping Pogba Will Make
The Difference Against Real Madrid

May 6, 2015
 
Despite his all action display last night in the 2-1 victory over Real Madrid, Juventus midfielder Claudio Marchisio is fully aware that the job of reaching the Champions League final is far from done and is hoping injured team mate Paul Pogba will win his race to be fit for the return leg.

The Italy international was one of the stars of the show as the Italians defeated their Spanish opponents yesterday evening, but is still wary of next Wednesday’s second leg tie at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium.

“I still have some air left in my lungs,” he told the official Juventus website. “But the whole team is in good form. It’s normal for games such as these that the motivation, the energy and desire are there.”

As Pogba passed by Marchisio, the midfielder immediately said: “And here’s someone right here, having a laugh and a joke! Let’s hope he’ll be with us next week on the field.”

Alvaro Morata and Carlos Tevez both scored either side of a Cristiano Ronaldo goal, which leaves the Bianconeri with one foot in the Champions League final doorway.

[Socrates 8516]

JUVENTUS - REAL MADRID

2 - 1

Álvaro Morata (8')

Cristiano Ronaldo (27')

Carlos Tévez (57' - Penalty)

Semi-final - 1st leg
Tuesday, May 5th, 2015 - 08:45 P.M.
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee:‬ Martin Atkinson (England)

Betting: Real Madrid still favourites for Champions
League final despite 2-1 defeat to Juventus

Max Allegri's side established a first leg lead over the reigning European champions
but the bookmakers still expect Carlo Ancelotti's side to progress to the final in Berlin.

May 6, 2015
 
There was a move for Juventus in the day before the first Champions League semi final got underway and the money proved to be correct as the Italian side rewarded their backers with a 2-1 win in Turin.

Real Madrid began the day as favourites to claim a first leg lead at around but they drifted to bigger than during the course of Tuesday while Juventus and the draw both shortened in the betting.

It was expected to be a tense, low scoring affair but goalmouth action was the order of the day in a game which was very open and in truth, could have contained several more goals had the quality of both sides' finishing been up to scratch.

An early strike from former Real Madrid player Alvaro Morata as well as a Carlos Tevez penalty sandwiched a Cristiano Ronaldo header to give Max Allegri's side a vital 2-1 advantage to take to the Bernabeu for the reverse fixture.

William Hill reported that they say nine times as many bets on Los Blancos as they did on the home side in what appears to have been a good evening for the bookmakers despite the late interest in backing the home side before kick-off.

Juventus have been cut from to to win the competition but they remain the longest price of the four remaining sides.

Real Madrid are just to qualify for the final and face either Barcelona or Bayern Munich who meet in the second semi final.

The bookmakers clearly feel that the away goal Carlo Ancelotti's side took from the first meeting could prove decisive on home soil, but their defensive performance certainly raised more questions about Madrid's ability to keep the Italians at bay in the second leg, particularly with Sergio Ramos failing to control the midfield battle in the way Luka Modric has proved so effective at in the past.

Juventus are priced at to make their advantage count and secure a place in Berlin with a favourable result from their visit to the Spanish capital.

In the outright betting it is Barcelona who lead the way at with Bayern available at while Real Madrid have been pushed out to to retain their European crown.

[Socrates 8516]

JUVENTUS - REAL MADRID

2 - 1

Álvaro Morata (8')

Cristiano Ronaldo (27')

Carlos Tévez (57' - Penalty)

Semi-final - 1st leg
Tuesday, May 5th, 2015 - 08:45 P.M.
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee:‬ Martin Atkinson (England)

Juve's win over Real Madrid blueprint
to break up Europe's ruling class

May 6, 2015
 
We've heard the warnings for years. How football has become all about the one-percenters. The combination of financial fair play, the Bosman ruling and a boom in commercial and stadium revenue that has disproportionately flowed to the big boys have created a lop-sided landscape.

The ultra-rich get richer. The rich struggle to keep up. The middle class gets hammered. And the poor? Well, they become invisible.

It's hard to deny this. The Deloitte Money League list is imperfect, but it illustrates matters fairly clearly. There are four clubs with revenues north of $545 million in the most recent version: Real Madrid, Barcelona, Bayern Munich and Manchester United. Paris Saint-Germain aren't far behind in fifth ($533 million), but that figure is artificially boosted by the $200 million Qatari sponsorship, which UEFA rightly treats as a related party transaction, so really the gap with the club in sixth, Manchester City -- who have some related party issues of their own -- is $80 million.

And that's huge. It helps explain why Barcelona (four semifinal appearances in the past five years), Real Madrid (five out of five) and Bayern (four out of five) so regularly make the final four of the Champions League. (Manchester United's record here -- one in five -- says plenty about their recent underachievement and their commercial might, to the point that they don't need the Champions League to rake in the cash.)

That's why Juventus' 2-1 win against Real Madrid on Tuesday in Turin was so important. It's not the result so much; they could easily get hammered at the Bernabeu next week and go out of the competition. It's the fact that they took on the reigning European champions with no fear and gave as good as they got over the course of 90 entertaining minutes.

We've seen teams other than the big scary trio get into the Champions League final four before. The difference is that when they took on the big boys, most did it playing like underdogs. Think of Atletico Madrid last year, or Chelsea in 2011-12. You saw it in this year's quarterfinals too: from Porto to PSG to Atletico, the big boys were faced with a safety-first mentality.

Borussia Dortmund were an exception, but that's down to Jurgen Klopp and the magical wonderland he created at the Westfalen in 2012-13. Likewise Juventus went for it, which is exactly what they did not do in the previous round against Monaco when the fear of screwing things up seemed to dominate.

Much has been made of Italian clubs' underachievement in Europe over the past decade. Truth be told, with the exception of Carlo Ancelotti's AC Milan, most took to the pitch with anxiety and doubt, looking to defend and pick their spots, rather than impose themselves.

It was partly a legacy of the past, when such tactics often did yield results in Europe, particularly for Italian clubs, who excelled at playing that way. But it was partly fear, that age-old malevolent calcio gene whereby if you dominate and lose you're an idiot, but if you park the bus, concede a single goal and fail to create a single chance, well, at least you kept it close.

But the game has moved on. Attacking football is generally rewarded. Most teams win titles and qualify for the Champions League not by being defensive, but by being proactive and attacking. That's how they're used to playing. Suddenly making the transition from taking the game to the opposition to battening down the hatches and playing on the counter is extremely difficult. Which is why few manage to do it successfully, Jose Mourinho's Chelsea being a notable exception.

Things can get fuzzy when you talk about the mental side of the game. But Juve's result, even if they crash out in Madrid, can truly provide something for the club to build on. There's a confidence and swagger that previously only existed within the confines of Serie A. You only need to go back to some of the histrionics that marred defeat to Benfica in the Europa League semifinal last year to see that.

And -- yes, this matters in the world of the one-percenters -- Juve have a platform on which to build and compete with the big boys commercially. For all its ills and recent decline, Serie A still has the second-largest TV contract in the world. Juve actually have a stadium that provides significant matchday revenue. And they have a huge global fan base that provides important sponsorship revenue.

The challenge is to move forward intelligently. The good news is that their Champions League revenues will range from $78 million to $90 million this season, a function of their progress and the market pool, far more than any other club. That cash gives the club even more leverage over the future of Paul Pogba. It makes it easier to hang on to him if they so choose or sell him for a king's ransom if the price is high enough. Getting it right will be crucial. With Carlos Tevez, Gigi Buffon, Giorgio Chiellini, Stephan Lichtsteiner, Patrice Evra and Andrea Pirlo all the wrong side of 30, the squad will need to be freshened up. But you feel the self-belief and funds are there to do that.

This doesn't mean that the game isn't plagued by a "haves and have-nots" problem. It is, and the gap is growing. And Juventus are hardly minnows; they're the most popular club in the European Union's third-biggest economy.

What it does mean is that the trio at the very top -- Bayern, Barca, Real -- won't necessarily be up there on their own forever. Manchester United will be back at some point. Chelsea and Arsenal aren't that far away and have the means to do it.

[Socrates 8516]

JUVENTUS - REAL MADRID

2 - 1

Álvaro Morata (8')

Cristiano Ronaldo (27')

Carlos Tévez (57' - Penalty)

Semi-final - 1st leg
Tuesday, May 5th, 2015 - 08:45 P.M.
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee:‬ Martin Atkinson (England)

Don't write off Real Madrid - Marcelo

The Brazil international insists that Tuesday's defeat by Juventus does not change
anything for the reigning European champions and remains hopeful of reaching the final.

May 6, 2015
 
Real Madrid defender Marcelo has warned people not to write off his side after their 2-1 Champions League loss to Juventus on Tuesday.

Carlo Ancelotti's men were widely regarded as the favourites ahead of the first leg of the semi-final tie but their poor performance in Turin sees them in real danger of missing out on a spot in the final in Berlin.

Nevertheless, Marcelo remains optimistic ahead of the second leg and feels that Madrid still have every chance of turning around the tie.

"We weren't the best team of all time before this game, nor are we the worst after it," the Brazil international told the club's official website.

"It was a bad result because we wanted to win but it's still wide open and we'll do better in the second leg.

"Juventus are a great side; they wanted to have the ball. We didn't have the best performance but we'll have to wait for the second leg.

"Our fans always get behind us and support us. We know that the boss has confidence in our ability. We know what we're capable of doing in each match."

[Socrates 8516]

JUVENTUS - REAL MADRID

2 - 1

Álvaro Morata (8')

Cristiano Ronaldo (27')

Carlos Tévez (57' - Penalty)

Semi-final - 1st leg
Tuesday, May 5th, 2015 - 08:45 P.M.
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee:‬ Martin Atkinson (England)

Madrid must learn lessons
from Juventus defeat - Hernandez

The Mexico international is keen to move on from the defeat
in Turin on Tuesday and reach the Champions League final.

May 6, 2015
 
Javier Hernandez has called upon his Real Madrid team-mates to learn from Tuesday's Champions League semi-final first-leg loss to Juventus.

Alvaro Morata gave Massimiliano Allegri's side an early lead in Turin, only for Cristiano Ronaldo to level for the visitors going into the break, with Carlos Tevez's penalty sealing victory.

The Mexico international has no bitterness about starting the game on the bench and is hoping to do his bit to secure a place in the final.

"The feeling is negative because we lost the game, but we fought until the end and with a 1-0 in the return leg, we'll get there," he is quoted as saying by AS.

"We have to be calm and use this as a lesson because there are no small teams in this competition.

"The coach asked us for attitude and what we do in La Liga. They had a great game. We have to try to get back on track.

"I've always said you must accept the coach's selection decisions but no one is happy on the bench.

"We have to swallow this and think about Valencia, who are also fighting in La Liga."

Real Madrid entertain Valencia at the Santiago Bernabeu at 19:00 CET on Saturday.

[Socrates 8516]

JUVENTUS - REAL MADRID

2 - 1

Álvaro Morata (8')

Cristiano Ronaldo (27')

Carlos Tévez (57' - Penalty)

Semi-final - 1st leg
Tuesday, May 5th, 2015 - 08:45 P.M.
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee:‬ Martin Atkinson (England)

Carlo Ancelotti Lost The Plot In
Real Madrid’s 2-1 Defeat To Juventus

Real Madrid went down to Juventus in the first leg of the Champions League
semi-final and now need to fight hard in the return leg to make it to the final.

May 6, 2015
 
Juventus achieved the near-impossible as they managed to put up a solid display against Real Madrid on Tuesday. The Italian club won the first leg of the Champions League semi-final with a 2-1 scoreline taking them a step closer to the final. Real Madrid’s performance throughout the game was far from spectacular and The Whites deservedly lost the game.

Here are four things we learned from the semi-final encounter.


A bad day in the office for Ramos and Bale

When Carlo Ancelotti started Sergio Ramos in the midfield for the third consecutive game, you could see he was asking for trouble. The Spaniard did a great job in that position against Atletico, because Simeone’s side prefer to allow their opponents space and time on the ball. However, against Juventus, Ramos showed exactly why he is not a midfielder and the constant pressing from the Italian side was something he just could not deal with. Another player that was played out of his natural position was Gareth Bale. Bale, naturally a winger, was made to play alongside Ronaldo in a 4-4-2 and the Welshman, who was returning from an injury lay-off, could not do justice to the role. Bale failed to take a single shot and none of his crosses reached the desired target. The winger was largely invisible in one of Real’s most important games of the season.

Gary Lineker ✔@GaryLineker
Sergio Ramos couldn't pass water tonight.


Carlo Ancelotti needs a wake-up call

When your team is level at half time in the Champions League semi-final despite a below par start to the game, you should thank your stars and make amends. However, Ancelotti once again failed to realise the importance of timely substitutions. Marcelo was having a terrible day and the Brazilian did a shambolic job while defending. Yet Ancelotti did not take him off and overlooked Fabio Coentrao, who definitely offers more than Marcelo in terms of defence. That move proved costly as another one of Marcelo’s mistake led to Juventus’ second goal, which eventually cost them the game.

James and Isco were Real Madrid’s silver lining in an overall poor performance by the team. Bale was clearly the poorest man out on the field and it was understandable as he had returned from an injury and straight away made to play out of his natural position. Despite it being evident that the Welshman needed to come off, Ancelotti made the bizarre move of taking Isco off to bring on Chicharito. Isco was showing signs of brilliance throughout the game and could have helped bring Madrid back on level terms but the Spaniard was taken off with almost 30 minutes of game still to be played.


Old is gold

Andrea Pirlo and Giorgio Chiellini are definitely not the youngest or fastest footballers. Yet, the duo had the most impact in a game full of young and explosive talents. Pirlo was highly effective throughout the game and his calculated passing was accurate and classy. The bearded midfielder had a great game and rarely allowed the Real Madrid midfield to create any chances from the centre. Playing behind Pirlo, it was Chiellini who had the most impact in the game. The central defender did an excellent job and managed to keep one of the world’s best attacking players in check. The Italian was strong in aerial duels and put on a brave show against a formidable attack. Apart from the duo, who did their job at the back, upfront it was Carlos Tevez defying the odds. The former Manchester United striker combined wonderfully with his much younger partner, Alvaro Morata. The pair was responsible for both the Juventus goals and if the Italian side make it to the final, they surely will be the heroes of the tie.


The tie is very much alive

Juventus have never lost a tie in European competitions after winning the first leg with a 2-1 scoreline. However, that does not mean that the Italian club should be celebrating. In a week’s time they will have to travel to the Bernabeu to play arguably their toughest game of the season. The Bernabeu is not an easy place to win for the visitors. Having conceded an away goal, Juventus will be eliminated if they lose by a 1-0 margin. Having learned his lesson, Ancelotti will not go easy on his former team when they visit the Spanish capital. At their own fortress, Real Madrid play their best football. The second leg promises to be far more exciting and lively than the first and the tie is far from over yet.

[Socrates 8516]

JUVENTUS - REAL MADRID

2 - 1

Álvaro Morata (8')

Cristiano Ronaldo (27')

Carlos Tévez (57' - Penalty)

Semi-final - 1st leg
Tuesday, May 5th, 2015 - 08:45 P.M.
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee:‬ Martin Atkinson (England)

Schedule, Preview, Predictions
for Semi-Final Return Legs

May 6, 2015
 
Juventus and Barcelona will enter the return leg of their UEFA Champions League semi-final ties protecting leads against Real Madrid and Bayern Munich, respectively, with the Serie A and La Liga leaders hoping to capitalise on their excellent performances and qualify for the final.

Barcelona completely dominated Bayern on Wednesday and look like near certainties to make the final, while Juventus will have their work cut out for them as they travel to the Bernabeu with just the one-goal lead.

Here's the schedule for the return legs:

Tuesday, May 12 - 8:45 p.m. - Bayern Munich - Barcelona (0-3)

Wednesday, May 13 - 8:45 p.m. - Real Madrid - Juventus (1-2)


Real Madrid v Juventus

Real Madrid can't afford to sit most of their key players when they host Valencia during the weekend. Juventus should be well rested―they could use their primavera squad against Cagliari if they wanted―and boosted by the return of midfield ace Paul Pogba, per AS English:

AS English @English_AS
Paul Pogba returns to training today and hopes to play in Madrid

His return would add another body to the Bianconeri midfield that dominated Real, who clearly felt the absence of Luka Modric. With Sergio Ramos looking disastrous as a midfielder, Juventus cruised to a 2-1 win in Turin.

Of course, a one-goal lead is never safe, and Real have the kind of attacking firepower to ridicule any club at the Bernabeu. A 1-0 win would even do for Los Blancos, who did manage to score the all-important away goal.

Fans shouldn't feel too confident, however. Juventus badly outclassed Real on a tactical level on Tuesday, as reported by Guillem Balague for Sky Sports, and the Italians know how to defend a lead:

Sky Sports Football ✔@SkyFootball
Tactics to blame for Real Madrid #UCL loss at Juventus, not Gareth Bale

With the likes of Giorgio Chiellini, Leonardo Bonucci, Andrea Barzagli and Gianluigi Buffon, Juve's defensive area is stacked with experience. Add to that the incredible pair of lungs Arturo Vidal and Claudio Marchisio bring to the table, and Los Blancos will have very little room to operate in.

Carlos Tevez and Alvaro Morata are a deadly duo on the counter-attack―just ask Borussia Dortmund―and will have their opportunities, unless Real can open the score quickly.

Right now, this tie could go either way, but with how well Juventus have defended slim leads in this year's Champions League, you have to like their chances.


Prediction: Real Madrid 1-1 Juventus, Juventus advance.
 

 

Bayern Munich v Barcelona

Barcelona didn't just beat Bayern Munich on Wednesday, they dominated the Bundesliga champions from start to finish and booked an emphatic 3-0 win, a final score that could have been a lot worse had it not been for Manuel Neuer's heroics.

The Germany international saved his club for 77 minutes before conceding three goals, with Lionel Messi finally finding the net twice in the span of minutes.

Crazier things have happened, but if Barcelona look anything like the team that dominated at the Camp Nou, they'll qualify for the final.

The Catalans were special on Wednesday, unlike the Bavarians, who played one of their worst matches of the season. The defence looked shaky, the midfield was overrun and the attackers displayed a general lack of creativity for the full 90 minutes.

The situation looks pretty dire for Bayern, but fans still have a glimmer of hope. After all, the Bavarians lost 3-1 in Porto, playing an equally sloppy match, and they bounced back and crushed the Portuguese side 6-1 at home.

Barcelona aren't Porto, but the Catalans are still battling for the La Liga title and can't afford to rest too many key players against Real Sociedad, unlike Bayern.

Still, turning around a 3-0 deficit against arguably the most in-form attacking team in the world seems impossible.


Prediction: Bayern 2-2 Barcelona, Barcelona advance.

[Socrates 8516]

JUVENTUS - REAL MADRID

2 - 1

Álvaro Morata (8')

Cristiano Ronaldo (27')

Carlos Tévez (57' - Penalty)

Semi-final - 1st leg
Tuesday, May 5th, 2015 - 08:45 P.M.
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee:‬ Martin Atkinson (England)

Twelve Long Years: Reflections
on Juventus 2-1 Real Madrid

May 6, 2015
 
It's been 12 years since Juventus was in a European semifinal, 12 years that have seen titles stripped, a World Cup, and a season in Serie B. Years that have seen the rebirth of Juventus as a winning machine, a team that can play a match of equals against the best that the world has to offer.

For me, it was somewhat surreal, Juventus' 2-1 Champions League semifinal win against Real Madrid. Not the opponents, after all it seems like the most successful Spanish and Italian sides meet almost every year, either in the Champions League or some summer friendly. Not even the stage really, as an abstract; after all, Juventus had been here 10 times before Tuesday night. But watching Juve play for a spot in the biggest club game on Earth, I thought about how long it has been, and the struggles and triumphs that the years since 2003 have seen. Battles that have made this team, and her fans, what we are today.

Juventus is taking a 2-1 lead into the Champions League semifinal second leg, statistically in a coin flip for a spot in the Final. Historically, the first-leg winner is slightly more likely to advance, according to Spanish statistician Mister Chip by a margin of 287-280. Italian teams have been especially successful in the situation, having won 19 of 25 ties that started this way.

The bookmakers also have it as evenly balanced, with odds of around 8/11 for Madrid to qualify, putting the Old Lady at just a hair over even money.*

Once it seemed like a good Champions League run might have come sooner, after finishing second that first year back in Serie A. And then there was disappointment, years that the Champions League trophy seemed as far away as the moon, with setback after setback on the field, the bench and in the boardroom. But now Juventus is back.

Thanks to people with names like Elkann, Andrea Agnelli, Beppe Marotta, Fabio Paratici, Antonio Conte, and Max Allegri, Juventus is back to a team that can compete with anyone, anywhere. Back in a stadium that we can call our own, one that's among the best in Europe. Back in the semifinals, back to playing Real Madrid where it really counts.

This first semifinal leg saw a resilient and dangerous Juventus play Real Madrid in a balanced match that came down to a few incidents, with Madrid's injury list and some strange choices from Carlo Ancelotti playing into Juventus' hands. Sergio Ramos was brought into a midfield missing Luka Modrić, while Gareth Bale tried his luck up top alongside Cristiano Ronaldo. Both experiments were resounding failures in this match, with Ramos' move to midfield, and out of defense, especially giving hope to Juventus on the counterattack.

Arturo Vidal was at his best as a man possessed in midfield, always both supporting the strikers and the defense. Stefano Sturaro and Claudio Marchisio were quick to pressure all over the field without the ball, and run past their markers when the team had a chance to counter. It was absolutely one of Juventus' best performances of the year, despite a few long passages of Madrid possession.

Álvaro Morata and Carlos Tévez caused no end of problems for the Madrid defense, with only Pepe coming out of the game somewhat respectably. In midfield Juventus were organized, disciplined, and more intense than the men in white, but with the technique of players like James Rodríguez, Toni Kroos and company, not to mention Cristiano Ronaldo, it takes very little to concede a goal or two.

With the second leg in the Bernabéu just a week away, there is no guarantee that a repeat of this Juventus performance will be enough. Real Madrid clearly have more to give, and it will be fascinating to see how both coaches interpret their tasks. For Juventus fans it's still all to play for, and oh how wonderful it feels.

[Socrates 8516]

JUVENTUS - CAGLIARI

-

Saturday, May 9th, 2015 - 6:00 p.m.
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Sebastiano Peruzzo

Juventus call in the kids

May 7, 2015

Juventus will pack the banned Curva section with children for Saturday’s game with Cagliari.

The south stand was ordered closed for one match as punishment for violence around the Derby della Mole against Torino.

The FIGC accepted the proposal to fill the stands with 9,500 children from soccer schools in Piedmont and Valle d’Aosta.

This is a repeat of the approach used against Sassuolo in December 2013, again when fans were barred for bad behaviour.

 

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

[Socrates 8516]

JUVENTUS - CAGLIARI

-

Saturday, May 9th, 2015 - 6:00 p.m.
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Sebastiano Peruzzo

Preview: Juventus vs. Cagliari

May 7, 2015

Juventus will be looking to maintain their good run of form when they take on Cagliari Calcio in Turin on Saturday evening.

The Bianconeri wrapped up the Serie A title last weekend and may have one eye on their Champions League visit to Real Madrid, while their opponents are fighting for survival.


Juventus

It has been a great week to be a fan of Juventus, with the club enjoying success at home and in Europe, and their hopes of landing a historic treble are still firmly on track.

The club finally got their hands on a fourth straight league title last weekend, as Arturo Vidal's header gave them a 1-0 victory over Sampdoria.

There was never any doubt that Massimiliano Allegri's side would land the Scudetto and they have been on top of the Serie A table for all but the first three weeks of the season.

They have also been able to take their outstanding league form into Europe and they are now just one game away from the Champions League final, after claiming a 2-1 win over holders Real Madrid in the first leg of their semi-final clash on Tuesday evening.

Alvaro Morata gave the Bianconeri an early lead, before Cristiano Ronaldo headed in the equaliser. However, a second-half penalty from Carlos Tevez means that they have a crucial advantage going into next week's return meeting at the Bernabeu.

Due to the magnitude of that tie, Allegri is expected to rest a number of key players this weekend, so the likes of Tevez and Andrea Pirlo will probably begin on the bench. That rotation policy has been evident in recent weeks, but wholesale changes to the starting lineup have contributed to defeats at Parma and Torino.

Recent form in Serie A: W L W L W W
Recent form (all competitions): W D L W W W


Cagliari

Cagliari's hopes of staying in the top flight are hanging by a thread, but if their recent form is anything to go by, then they may just have a chance of staying up.

They looked dead and buried just a couple of weeks ago and a 3-0 defeat at home to Napoli saw them lose for the ninth time in 11 games and led to Zdenek Zeman being sacked for the second time this season.

Former Middlesbrough defender Gianluca Festa was then appointed as their manager and it has signalled a remarkable turn in fortunes. In his first game in charge, the club pulled off a shock 3-1 victory away to Europa League semi-finalists Fiorentina.

The Rossoblu were then narrowly beaten by Chievo, but they bounced back to claim a thumping 4-0 win over Parma on Monday evening to move to within six points of Atalanta, with four games of the season left to play.

Having lost both of their meetings with Atalanta this season, they cannot afford to finish level on points with the Nerazzurri due to Serie A using the head-to-head records between teams to separate them.

It means that Cagliari must pick up at least seven points from their remaining games, but even that may not keep them in the top flight. Few would expect them to earn a result at Juventus, but with home games against Palermo and Udinese to come and a clash with fellow strugglers Cesena, they still have a fighting chance.

Recent form: L L L W L W


Team News

Juventus are expected to make a number of changes to their side ahead of the trip to the Bernabeu.

It means that Roberto Pereyra, Alessandro Matri and Simone Padoin could all be handed starts.

Meanwhile, Cagliari will have to make do without Daniele Dessena and Paul-Jose M'Poku, who are both serving one-match bans.

However, Duje Cop should keep his place in the attack, after scoring three goals in his last three games.


Juventus possible starting lineup:
Buffon, Padoin, Bonucci, Chiellini, De Ceglie, Vidal, Marchisio, Sturaro, Pereyra, Matri, Llorente


Cagliari possible starting lineup:
Brkic, Pisano, Ceppitelli, Diakite, Avelar, Ekdal, Crisetig, Donsah, Cossu, Cop, Farias


Head To Head

Juventus made light work of Cagliari when these teams met earlier this season, as they cruised to a 3-1 victory in Sardinia.

The Bianconeri have not tasted defeat in their previous 11 games against the Rossoblu, with nine of those meetings ending in victories.

There is usually plenty of excitement whenever these teams play each other and there have been 19 goals in their last five clashes.


We say: Juventus 2-0 Cagliari

Juventus will be heavy favourites to beat Cagliari and it should be a party atmosphere in Turin after last week's title victory. They may not be at full strength, with such a huge game against Real Madrid looming, but we think that Allegri's side should have enough quality to claim the points.

 

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

[Socrates 8516]

JUVENTUS - CAGLIARI

-

Saturday, May 9th, 2015 - 6:00 p.m.
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Sebastiano Peruzzo

Juventus - Cagliari Preview: Festa hopes for a shock
amidst Champions League distractions

The hosts wrapped up the Serie A title last weekend and are expected
to rest players with next week's clash with Real Madrid in mind.

May 8, 2015

Relegation-threatened Cagliari could benefit from Juventus' attention lying elsewhere when the two sides meet in Turin on Saturday.

The 18th-placed visitors gave their unlikely hopes of Serie A survival a boost with a thumping 4-0 win over rock-bottom Parma on Monday that saw them close within six points of safety.

Just four matches remain in the season but Cagliari have Atalanta, who sit 17th, in their sights, and will hope Juve - crowned Serie A champions for a fourth season in a row last week - rest and rotate their squad.

Juve's focus will be firmly on the second leg of their Champions League semi-final on Wednesday. Massimiliano Allegri's men secured a well-earned 2-1 home win over Real Madrid in the opener earlier this week.

And new Cagliari coach Gianluca Festa hopes their win over Parma has given his squad the belief they need to avoid the drop.

"The boys have become aware of their capabilities," Festa told the club's official website.

"Parma was a good performance, a new step…to feed hope. Surely we will continue to play with that desire and commitment until the end."

After a winless run of 11 matches, which included nine defeats, Cagliari have won two of their last three, with a tremendous 3-1 success at Fiorentina last month raising spirits.

A party-like atmosphere is expected at Juventus as they play their first league match at home since retaining their Scudetto, secured through a 1-0 win at Sampdoria.

Juve's home end will be made up of 9,500 school children, though, after the stand was shut as punishment for clashes with Torino fans in April. The stand has been re-opened Italian Football Federation accepted Juve's proposal to put school kids in the 'Curva' instead.

If he starts, Serie A top-scorer Carlos Tevez could continue his superb run of form. Tevez, who won and scored a second-half penalty against Real Madrid, has scored five times in his last six league games.

More likely is Alvaro Morata - who opened the scoring against ex-club Real - partnering Spanish compatriot Fernando Llorente, though. Llorente was scratchy off the bench on Tuesday and missed two good chances in the latter stages. Allegri will want him sharp if he is needed in Madrid next week.


OPTA FACTS

This will be the 70th meeting between these two sides in Serie A: Juventus lead by 33 wins to 11 (25 draws).

Cagliari have won none of their last 10 Serie A matches against Juventus (D2 L8), conceding 2-5 goals per game in the process.

Juventus have scored in 10 of their last 21 league clashes against Cagliari.

Juventus have lost just twice in 34 home meetings in Serie A against Cagliari: 19 wins for the Bianconeri, 13 draws.

Prior to their 4-0 win over Parma, Cagliari had conceded goals in each of their previous 18 Serie A fixtures.

Cagliari have won two of their three league games under Gianluca Festa: seven goals scored, two conceded.

Juventus boast the second-best defence across the top five European leagues this season with 19 goals conceded, while Cagliari have the third-worst (63 goals shipped).

Juventus have scored 10 goals goals in the opening 15 minutes of play (only Palermo, 12, have done better so far). In contrast, Cagliari have conceded the most goals in the same period, 13.


LAST FIVE MATCHES

Juventus W W W L D

2015/05/05 - Juventus 2 - 1 Real Madrid
2015/05/02 - Sampdoria 0 - 1 Juventus
2015/04/29 - Juventus 3 - 2 Fiorentina
2015/04/26 - Torino 2 - 1 Juventus
2015/04/22 - Monaco 0 - 0 Juventus


Cagliari  W L W L L

2015/05/04 - Cagliari 4 - 0 Parma
2015/04/29 - Chievo Verona 1 - 0 Cagliari
2015/04/26 - Fiorentina 1 - 3 Cagliari
2015/04/19 - Cagliari 0 - 3 Napoli
2015/04/11 - Genoa 2 - 0 Cagliari


HEAD TO HEAD

2014/12/18 - Cagliari 1 - 3 Juventus
2014/05/18 - Juventus 3 - 0 Cagliari
2014/01/12 - Cagliari 1 - 4 Juventus
2013/05/11 - Juventus 1 - 1 Cagliari
2012/12/21 - Cagliari 1 - 3 Juventus

 

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

[Socrates 8516]

JUVENTUS - CAGLIARI

-

Saturday, May 9th, 2015 - 6:00 p.m.
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Sebastiano Peruzzo

Pogba to return to action against Cagliari

The Frenchman is ready to make his comeback after six weeks
on the sidelines and will likely play a part against Real Madrid next week.

May 8, 2015

Juventus coach Massimiliano Allegri has revealed that Paul Pogba is likely to get playing time in Saturday's Serie A encounter with Cagliari in order to get him ready for the second leg of the Champions League semi-final tie with Real Madrid.

The France international has been out of action ever since picking up a hamstring injury in the round-of-16 win over Borussia Dortmund back in March, but recently resumed regular training.

He was not included in the squad to face Madrid for Tuesday's encounter, which Juventus won 2-1, but is now ready to make his comeback this weekend.

"Pogba trained well with the ball on Thursday. He could play on Saturday, either starting or coming off the bench," Allegri said at a press conference.

"I'll change things up against Cagliari. It was an energy sapping game versus Madrid, so we'll give others the chance to play."

"Marco Storari will start instead of Gianluigi Buffon, while Carlos Tevez will be rested, too."

Allegri went on to stress that Juventus have every chance of reaching the Champions League final should luck be on their side, although he feels their European campaign can already be considered a success.

"We'll need to put in a great performance in Madrid, an even better one than we showed on Tuesday. If we do well and have an element of luck on our side, we can make the final. But Madrid are an extraordinary team.

"Nobody would have imagined we'd be 95 minutes away from Berlin. Or at least we hope it's 95...

"It's important for us to reach the semi-final in a season where the aim was to get through the group stages."

 

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

[Socrates 8516]

JUVENTUS - CAGLIARI

-

Saturday, May 9th, 2015 - 6:00 p.m.
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Sebastiano Peruzzo

Juventus V Cagliari – Preview: Rossoblu Continue
Battle For Survival Against Serie A Champions

May 8, 2015

Cagliari will be ready to continue their fight for salvation against 2014/15 Serie A champions Juventus at the Juventus Stadium in Turin on Saturday.

The Bianconeri have already clinched the Scudetto for the current campaign following their 1-0 win over Sampdoria on May 2 and have now turned their main focus towards their Champions League run, having secured a 2-1 victory against Real Madrid in their first leg semi-final clash in Turin on Tuesday, which will certainly provide a boost ahead of their meeting with the Rossoblu. Juve’s last Serie A loss at home came against Sampdoria in January 2013, proving that Cagliari will indeed have their work cut out for them.

The Isolani will also be entering Saturday’s match in high spirits following their impressive 4-0 triumph over Parma on Monday, which has put them on 27 points, and leaves them six points away from possibly catching up with 17th place Atalanta and attaining safety. Cagliari haven’t been at their best on the road this season, winning only three away games since the start of the campaign and losing four out of their last five, though their most recent road victory came in an impressive 3-1 result over Fiorentina on April 26.

Juve have the clear advantage over Cagliari when it comes securing a win in recent seasons as they have won nine out of their last 11 meetings with the Rossoblu, including the previous clash between the two teams back in December which ended in a 3-1 win for the Old Lady. The Sardi have gone a long while without earning all three points against Juventus, with their last win coming in a 2-0 result at home back in November 2009.

Massimiliano Allegri will have most of the Bianconeri players available to him but will still be missing Martin Caceres and Kwadwo Asamoah due to injury, with Romulo and Paul Pogba set to undergo evaluations for their own respective injuries.

There are currently no Juventus players serving a suspension though Paolo De Ceglie, Arturo Vidal, Roberto Pereyra, Giorgio Chiellini, Stefano Sturaro and Stephan Lichtsteiner all sit on the verge of picking up a one-match ban due to an accumulation of yellow cards.

Cagliari boss Gianluca Festa will also have almost his entire squad at his disposal with no serious injuries currently troubling his roster, though Paul-Jose M’Poku and Daniele Dessena will be out serving suspensions.

Marco Sau, Luca Ceppitelli, Alejandro Gonzalez and Diego Farias all just sit one yellow card offence away from landing suspensions of their own and will have to be cautious with their actions against the Turin giants.


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


Expected Starting XIs

Juventus

Storari; Padoin, Barzagli, Ogbonna, De Ceglie; Sturaro, Marrone, Pogba; Pepe, Matri, Coman.

Cagliari

Brkic; Avelar, Diakite, Ceppitelli, F. Pisano; Donsah, Crisetig, Ekdal; Cossu; Farias, Cop.

 

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

[Socrates 8516]

JUVENTUS - CAGLIARI

-

Saturday, May 9th, 2015 - 6:00 p.m.
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Sebastiano Peruzzo

Juventus v Cagliari: Preview

May 8, 2015

Juventus midfielder Paul Pogba will return to play in Saturday's home game against Cagliari after missing almost two months of action with a hamstring injury.

Pogba has not featured since getting hurt on March 18 but Juve coach Massimiliano Allegri is hoping to have the Frenchman in top condition for next week's Champions League semi-final showdown with Real Madrid.

``Pogba trained well on Thursday and the results are good,'' Allegri said to the Italian media. ``He could start in Saturday's game.

``It's important to give him minutes in order to have him ready for Wednesday's match in Madrid.''

Juve beat holders Real 2-1 in Tuesday's first leg in Turin, just four days after beating Sampdoria 1-0 to clinch their fourth straight Serie A title and their first under Allegri.

``We've had two beautiful nights in front of our home fans,'' Allegri said.

``The win at Real allowed us to celebrate the Scudetto but now we want to reach the final and we are 90 minutes away from doing so.

``We know we will have to play an even better game in Madrid.''

Allegri, whose side have not reached a European final since the 2002-03 campaign, will rest his top players aside from Pogba in view of next week's crunch game at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium.

``I will make changes to the line-up because we've had two very challenging weeks,'' Allegri said. ``But I have a good roster and we will go out for victory on Saturday.''

Juve are unbeaten at home this season in Serie A while Cagliari are battling to stay in Italy's top flight.

The Sardinian outfit are 18th in the standings, six points adrift of Atalanta, who hold the last position of safety with four games remaining.

Sunday's 4-0 triumph over bottom side Parma was Cagliari's third win in their last four games.

``We are just taking it one game at a time and trying to give our all in every match,'' coach Gianluca Festa said.

``Our current position forces us to take maximum points from our remaining games regardless of the value of our rivals. We will try against Juve.''

The visitors will be without midfielder Daniele Dessena and striker Paul-Jose M'Poku, who are both suspended.

 

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

[Socrates 8516]

JUVENTUS - CAGLIARI

-

Saturday, May 9th, 2015 - 6:00 p.m.
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Sebastiano Peruzzo

Juventus vs. Cagliari: Team News

May 8, 2015

This weekend could prove a strange one for Juventus, with a number of issues combining to lend a surreal air to their Serie A fixture with Cagliari. Foremost among the issues is, of course, the fact that the Bianconeri clinched the league title last week against Sampdoria, rendering this fixture a dead rubber from their perspective.

Secondly—and perhaps even more significantly—it comes sandwiched between the two legs of the Champions League semi-final against Real Madrid. As discussed in this previous column, Italian football’s grand Old Lady holds the slenderest of margins thanks to Tuesday’s 2-1 victory in Turin.

The final noteworthy issue will come in the stands, with the Curva Sud closed for two matches following crowd problems at last month’s Turin derby. According to their official website, Juventus will instead allow 9,500 youngsters to fill those seats, taking part in an educational programme provided by the club.

Amid these strange circumstances, Massimiliano Allegri is likely to heavily rotate the starting XI, looking to rest his stars ahead of Wednesday’s trip to the Spanish capital. As such, it will be a very different looking Bianconeri side who take to the field against Cagliari, only adding to the odd air surrounding this match.


Predicted Lineups

Juventus: (4-3-2-1):

Storari; Padoin, Barzagli, Ogbonna, De Ceglie; Pereyra, Marchisio, Sturaro; Pepe, Coman; Matri

Cagliari: (4-3-1-2):

Brkic; Pisano, Ceppitelli, Diakite, Avelar; Ekdal, Crisetig, Donsah; Cossu; Cop, Farias


Player to Watch

Given Allegri is almost certain to field a largely reserve lineup, it is perhaps one of Juve’s lesser-known talents who will come to the fore on Saturday. Roberto Pereyra could well be that man. Overlooked in favour of Stefano Sturaro against Real Madrid, the Argentinian could well take to the field with a point to prove.

On the surface, the coach’s decision to go with the more defensive option was the right one, but Pereyra has proven this season that he can be vital in the biggest matches. His ability on the ball provides an attacking weapon no other player at the club possesses, making him deadly on the counter-attack.

That could well be essential at the Estadio Bernabeu, where the reigning European champions need a goal, which in turn means the Bianconeri must score themselves. Look for Pereyra to make his case for a start in that match by shining in this one.


Key Battle

Given the gulf in quality between these two sides, visiting goalkeeper Zeljko Brkic can expect a torrid evening at Juventus Stadium. Only rock-bottom club Parma (66) have conceded more goals than Cagliari, and this fixture pits them against the league’s best attack with Juventus netting on 64 occasions.

The Serbian will no doubt be relieved that Carlos Tevez, Alvaro Morata and Fernando Llorente are unlikely to start, but the players the Bianconeri do field in attack are likely to be hungry for goals. Kingsley Coman and Alessandro Matri are expected to get the nod, with both seeking to show they deserve to feature more regularly.

Neither man has scored a Serie A goal for the Turin giants this term, but both have made telling contributions elsewhere. Matri tallied seven goals and five assists for Genoa before returning to Juve in January and struck as the Bianconeri overcame Fiorentina in the Coppa Italia semi-final.

Coman has also netted in the same competition but would love to open his league account as the club celebrate their title win in front of a home crowd.


Odds (via Odds Shark)

Away win: 151/20

Home win: 50/143

Draw: 199/50

 

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

[Socrates 8516]

JUVENTUS - CAGLIARI

-

Saturday, May 9th, 2015 - 6:00 p.m.
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Sebastiano Peruzzo

Juventus Curva re-opened

May 8, 2015

The closure of Juventus’ Curva Sud has been suspended, so they will have a full complement of fans against Cagliari.

The stand was closed after violence in the Derby della Mole, and the club had intended to give free tickets to Torinese schoolchildren to fill the stand.

However, pending further investigation, the stand has been re-opened for tomorrow's game.

“Juventus Stadium’s Curva Sud will remain open as normal to all supporters for this Saturday’s Serie A clash with Cagliari,” the club announced in a statement.

“The FIGC have this afternoon released a statement saying the sporting body’s initial decision which had ordered the stand’s closure has been suspended until 22 May 2015, pending an additional investigation.

“In light of this recent development, the ‘Gioca con me… tifa con me’ initiative, which would have welcomed children from Piedmont and Valle d’Aosta’s soccer schools for Saturday’s encounter, has been cancelled.”

 

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

[Socrates 8516]

JUVENTUS - CAGLIARI

-

Saturday, May 9th, 2015 - 6:00 p.m.
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Sebastiano Peruzzo

Pogba returns for Juventus

May 8, 2015

Paul Pogba returns for Juventus, as Massimiliano Allegri names a 26-man squad for the visit of Cagliari.

The French midfielder had been out of action with a hamstring injury since the second leg of the Bianconeri’s Champions League Last 16 clash with Borussia Dortmund.

However, the 22-year-old returned to training yesterday, and could feature against the Isolani after being named in the squad.

Allegri is expected to make sweeping changes for the tie, with the Coach having already declared Gianluigi Buffon and Carlos Tevez will be rested ahead of the Real Madrid game on Wednesday.

The Old Lady face Los Merengues at the Bernabeu for a place in the Champions League final, with a 2-1 win from the first leg to protect.


Juventus squad to face Cagliari:
Buffon, Romulo, Chiellini, Ogbonna, Pogba, Pepe, Marchisio, Morata, Tevez, Coman, Llorente, Barzagli, De Ceglie, Bonucci, Padoin, Pirlo, Vidal, Vitale, Lichtsteiner, Sturaro, Storari, Matri, Evra, Rubinho, Pereyra, Marrone.

 

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

[Socrates 8516]

JUVENTUS - CAGLIARI

-

Saturday, May 9th, 2015 - 6:00 p.m.
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Sebastiano Peruzzo

Festa: ‘Juve won’t be distracted’

May 8, 2015

Cagliari Coach Gianluca Festa warns Juventus will not be distracted by the Champions League when they meet tomorrow.

The Isolani travel to Turin to take on the Italian champions, who have a crucial semi-final second leg against Real Madrid on Wednesday.

Some have suggested that this could serve as an opportunity for Cagliari to pick up points in their battle to beat the drop, but Festa dismisses such talk.

“Will they be distracted? The Bianconeri go out to win every time,” the Coach said in his pre-match Press conference.

“It will be nice to play at a stadium like Juventus’. We’re facing the champions of Italy, that’s an incredible motivation even before you consider what’s at stake.

“We’re playing the best team in Italy, and one which is also doing well in Europe. This game will tell us how strong we are.

“They’re a very strong, team, but we’re going to Turin to win.”

Bianconeri Coach Massimiliano Allegri is a former Cagliari boss, and Festa spoke briefly about his opposite number.

“He’s a clever Coach. He was greeted with skepticism when he arrived in Turin, but now he’s showing his skills.”

Festa has also named his squad for the match, which gets underway at 5pm GMT tomorrow.


Cagliari squad for Juventus:
Brkic, Colombi, Cragno, Avelar, Balzano, Capuano, Ceppitelli, Diakité, Murru, Pisano, Rossettini, Barella, Conti, Cossu, Crisetig, Donsah, Ekdal, Joao Pedro, Cop, Farias, Longo, Sau

 

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

[Socrates 8516]

JUVENTUS - CAGLIARI

-

Saturday, May 9th, 2015 - 6:00 p.m.
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Sebastiano Peruzzo

Juventus vs. Cagliari Preview: Round 35 —
Squad rotation on the bus goes round and round...

May 8, 2015

For pretty much the entire existence of this website and long before that, the match preview writer's preferred starting lineup has been one of the last things you've read in each match preview. The template has rarely changed, if at all in the past couple of years. Much like when it comes to your favorite footballers, I think consistency is pretty dang important.

Today, however, we will change things up because the situation clearly calls for it. That reason will be pretty easy to figure out after the starting XI is announced. At least my starting lineup, that is.

My starting XI (4-3-3): Storari; Padoin, Barzagli, Ogbonna, De Ceglie; Pereyra, Marchisio, Sturaro; Pepe, Matri, Coman

It's nice to shake everything up every once in a while, right? Let me count how many of those 11 players above actually started against Real Madrid this past Tuesday ... That would be all of two — Marchisio and Sturaro. Squad rotation, believe in it!

Think about this: Juventus clinched the club's 33rd Scudetto last weekend with a 1-0 win over Sampdoria, so there's nothing more to play for in the league other than some pride. On top of that, Juventus has the second leg of their Champions League semifinal to be played in the middle of next week. Juventus doesn't need to win in Madrid Wednesday night, but they sure as hell know the defending European champions will be coming at them full force trying to flip the 2-1 aggregate scoreline.

Hmmm, I wonder which one has a higher priority right now...

Cagliari's visit to Juventus Stadium will be a party-like atmosphere because of what Juventus did in the Champions League a few days ago. And because of the game against Cagliari being sandwiched in between the two Champions League fixtures, the squad rotation is going to go down at incredibly noticeable levels. That's what happens when you wrap up the league before the big-time European games come your way.

JuventusFC ✔@juventusfcen
.@OfficialAllegri: "I'll change things up tomorrow. It was an energy sapping game on Tuesday, so we'll give others the chance to play."

I'll just take "we'll give others the chance to play" as a way to say "squad rotation is coming, fellas!" So while every person in the stands is celebrating the recently-won Scudetto, they can also celebrate Simone Padoin and Simone Pepe being on the field at the same time. See? Win-win situation for everybody involved.


GOOD NEWS

POGBA BACK.


BAD NEWS

You see what round of Serie A games it is? There's only three more rounds after this one. Then we're going to be stuck with transfer rumors for two or three months. That ... doesn't sound very exciting.


WHAT TO WATCH FOR

1. Does Paul Pogba get some minutes?

Max Allegri has called up everybody who is healthy for tomorrow evening's game against Cagliari. As stated above in two wonderful words, Pogba is one of those 26 players who have been called up. He's back training with the squad as of Thursday, and will obviously be a person to keep track of no matter how many minutes he plays on Saturday. The question is, does he actually play?

JuventusFC ✔@juventusfcen
.@OfficialAllegri: "@paulpogba trained well yesterday with the ball. He could play tomorrow, either starting or coming off the bench."

Man of Mystery Max is up to his old tricks again. So much for the "Ancelotti will play a back four? Well so will we!" type of line we saw before the first leg against Real Madrid. But if Allegri feels like Pogba is ready for some minutes against Cagliari after just a couple of training sessions, then so be it. I think Allegri is the best judge of how a player feels compared to somebody like me who is thousands of miles away from Turin. Not many folks are thinking Pogba will start, but a cameo appearance in the second half seems like a logical step if Allegri feels Pogba is able to play. And if Pogba goes out there and looks like the Pogba of old, that will definitely send off a bunch of alarms in the general vicinity of Madrid. So they've got that going for them, which is nice.


2. Alessandro Matri or Fernando Llorente?

Allegri has already announced that Carlos Tévez will be rested on Saturday, and I think it's safe to assume that the same will go for the other striker who scored against Real Madrid on Tuesday, Álvaro Morata. That means there's the three other strikers on the Juventus roster will be in contention for playing time. Some Italian outlets are suggesting Allegri will go with a 4-3-3 formation against Cagliari, therefore with a true target man will work well with two wingers hopefully sending in some crosses. Who do you pick, Matri or Llorente? The giornalaccio rosa dello Sport says it will be Matri starting against his former club. He seems to play pretty well against Cagliari, I must say. But Allegri could choose to go with Llorente for the simple fact of keeping him fresh just in case he wants the big Spaniard to be an option off the bench against Real Madrid. Either way, I feel pretty safe in saying we won't be seeing Morata and Tévez starting against Cagliari on Saturday night.


3. Does Kingsley Coman get some serious minutes?

And here you have another benefactor of both the expected squad rotation and formation shift to accommodate it. The last time Coman played significant minutes — and I'm talking more than a late-second-half appearance — was just about a month ago in Juventus' 1-0 loss at Parma. Other than that, it's been sporadic appearances off the bench for the 18-year-old Frenchman. We're still awaiting Coman's first Serie A goal. And that one assist he has recorded this season seems like so long ago, too. I would love to see Coman go out and just straight ball simply because he's capable of it. But who knows how much the rust will be there because he just hasn't played many minutes at all over the last couple of months. (Or the entire season, to be honest.) I'm sure I'm not the only one who is looking forward to see Coman play on one of the wings in a 4-3-3 and then accelerating to get past a Cagliari defender. The kid is pretty quick, you know.


4. Which Cagliari actually shows up.

With four games left to be played, Cagliari finds itself six points behind 17th-place Atalanta and the final spot that's outside of the relegation zone. They've been through quite a roller coaster this season, debating the age-old dilemma "To Zeman, or not to Zeman, that is the question." After two different trips to Zemanlandia this season, they decided that all-offense, no-defense was the wrong way to go about things. Can they make up those necessary points in such a small number of games? The odds aren't pretty. They'll likely need some help from other teams as well. But Cagliari are likely to come to Turin with some wind in their sails after battering Parma 4-0 last weekend. And considering Juventus is probably going to turn over the vast majority of its starting lineup, they'll probably think there's a chance to crash the Juventus Stadium Scudetto party.

My starting XI (4-3-3): Oh, we already did this. Nothing to see here!

OFFICIAL KICKOFF TIME: 6 P.M. IN ITALY; HIGH NOON ON THE EAST COAST; 9 A.M. ON THE WEST COAST

 

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

[Socrates 8516]

JUVENTUS - CAGLIARI

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Saturday, May 9th, 2015 - 6:00 p.m.
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Sebastiano Peruzzo

JUVENTUS V CAGLIARI MATCH PREVIEW

May 8, 2015
 

Juventus

How to keep interesting a game with nothing on the line, few days the most important match in years? It’s virtually impossible, but a solution is benchwarmers galore! In the pre-game presser, Massimiliano Allegri has ruled out Gianluigi Buffon and Carlos Tevez, who will be rested ahead of the return of the Champions League semifinal. Probably we won’t see Stephen Lichtsteiner, Giorgio Chiellini, Patrice Evra and Andrea Pirlo either, with Angelo Ogbonna, Simone Padoin and Paolo De Ceglie slated to start.

Despite the depleted lineup, there’s still some items to keep an eye on. It will be interesting to see whom the coach will field in the defense and in the midfield, as it could be a lead to what he intends to do at Santiago Bernabeu. Fielding Andrea Barzagli, and not the younger Leonardo Bonucci, would probably indicate that he’s planning to use 3-5-2 against Real Madrid. As he can’t put together a midfield full of reserves, unless he turns to Luca Marrone, Luca Vitale or other youngsters (but that’s unlikely), two or three between Claudio Marchisio, Arturo Vidal, Stefano Sturaro and Roberto Pereyra will have to start and then there’ll probably be a handover.

Paul Pogba is set to return on the pitch for a tune-up before the big game. As Allegri admitted, he could even start. In such an evenly matched tie like the Galacticos one, which could be decided by a single goal, having a world-class weapon like the French international, who can score out of the blue, is an important advantage. Let’s hope that there are no hiccups in his recovery. Romulo, who has already been called up recently after recovery from sports hernia surgery, could make an appearance too. The final part of the season is crucial for the future of the versatile midfielder: Juventus have a €8M option to buy, which is not extremely high, and we know that the potential is there, but considering his injury history and his age (27), is redeeming him worth the risk?

It seems that the backup trident will start: Simone Pepe, Alessandro Matri and Kingsley Coman. After a convincing debut, the French teenager hasn’t found consistent playing time and this has slowed down his growth: he needs to show his skills and prove that he can be a useful member of next year’s squad, because the road back after a loan to another team, an option that has been heavily rumoured, can be often tortuous. The contract of Pepe is up in June and it’s absolutely not a given that Juventus will extend it. Matri’s loan will expire at the end of the season and he’ll return at Milan. They are all highly motivated.

Juventus are undefeated at home and certainly would like to keep the record untarnished. The sports judge has decided to suspend the two-game ban of the Curva Sud, so the fans of that sector will be allowed to attend the game.


Probable lineup

4-3-3: Storari; Padoin, Barzagli, Ogbonna, De Ceglie; Pereyra, Marchisio, Pogba; Pepe, Matri, Coman.


Injured players

Asamoah (knee), Caceres (ankle)


Suspended Players

None


Form

(D-L-W-W-W)



 

Cagliari

On the other hand, Cagliari have a lot to play for. They are six points behind Atalanta with four games to go, they need to win out and it might not be enough to avoid relegation. On the road, they have won three games so far, including a battering of Fiorentina two weeks ago, drawn five times and lost nine times. They have won twice in three matches since appointing the club icon Gianluca Festa, but they also suffered a costly loss against Chievo Verona.

Festa uses a simple 4-3-1-2, which has been the Cagliari’s go-to scheme since the Davide Ballardini era, and has put the veteran Daniele Conti aside (the captain was criticized in Sardinia for being too close to the ultras). Because of suspensions, he’ll be without two essential pieces: the stout midfielder Daniele Dessena and the twitchy attacker Paul-Josè Mpoku. Godfred Donsah is primed to bring the muscles in the midfield, while either the sharpshooter Joao Pedro or the veteran Andrea Cossu will play in the hole. Albin Ekdal has recently be fielded as deep-lying midfielder, but with the obliged shakeup of the midfield, Lorenzo Crisetig has a chance to regain that role, with the former Juventus slotted on the left. A 4-3-3 with Marco Sau in the attack can’t be excluded, at that point Joao Pedro would probably play in the midfield with Crisetig on the bench.

In every combination, the defense remains Cagliari’s biggest weakness. They have conceded 63 goals, 31 on the road in 17 matches: it’s worse than a Swiss cheese. But it’s also unsurprising considering the little talent they have back there. Players like Antonio Balzano and Luca Ceppitelli would be lucky to find a starting job at Carpi or in any other top Serie B team, Luca Rossettini is lost without a leader on his side and while Danilo Avelar has a fascinating left foot, he’s a defensive liability. Who knows what happened to Nicola Murru, who was once a bright prospect, but has rarely played this season (the hardcore fans have accused him of partying too much in a recent heated confrontation at their training facility).

The main trait that could create problems to Juventus is their dynamism: Diego Farias is lightning-quick, Avelar and Balzano (or Francesco Pisano) have high motor and Donsah and Joao Pedro are very explosive.

They have hammered Parma in the last game, but that’s not a big feat. In January, they have added a bunch of foreigners: while some of them have turned out to be interesting players (Mpoku and the striker Duje Cop), teams fighting to avoid the drop have no time to let a Serie A stranger acclimate. Add that to bad goalkeeping, a poor defense, a subpar season by Sau, Conti and Andrea Cossu and the Zdenek Zeman gamble and you get why, despite a change of ownership, Cagliari will most likely be facing Salernitana, Teramo and Virtus Lanciano next season.


Probable lineup

4-3-1-2: Brkic; Balzano, Rossettini, Ceppitelli, Avelar; Donsah, Crisetig, Ekdal; Joao Pedro; Cop, Farias.


Injured players

Alejandro Gonzalez (ankle).


Suspended players

Dessena, Mpoku.


Form

(L-L-W-L-W)

 

Formation

 

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

[Socrates 8516]

JUVENTUS - CAGLIARI

-

Saturday, May 9th, 2015 - 6:00 p.m.
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Sebastiano Peruzzo

MATCH PREVIEW

May 9, 2015
 
Cagliari travel to face champions Juventus on Saturday in much greater need of three vital Serie A points.

The Old Lady confirmed a fourth consecutive Scudetto last weekend with a narrow triumph at Sampdoria and await a huge Champions League semi-final, second leg next week, in which they’ll attempt to defend a 2-1 lead at the home of giants Real Madrid.

Massimiliano Allegri’s men lost twice in domestic action against bottom club Parma and local rivals Torino within their last five League outings, as they briefly stuttered during the final stretch towards clinching the title, and it should offer additional belief to the struggling Isolani that a similar thing could happen again.

It’s highly probable Juve will field a much-changed line-up from that which defeated Real, with talisman Andrea Pirlo among those expected to be rested. Sought-after Paul Pogba is close to a return following almost two months on the sidelines, but may not be risked. Meanwhile, injured Martin Caceres will miss the remainder of this season.

Visitors Cagliari had failed to keep a clean sheet for 18 Serie A games in a row before their 4-0 victory over relegated Parma on Monday, which suggests rookie Coach Gianluca Festa is beginning to have a positive effect on his team’s organisational issues.

Indeed, the former Inter defender has won two of his three fixtures after taking over the reins from Zdenek Zeman and will hope to find the Bianconeri focusing all of their energies on European matters when they clash.

The Rossoblu are unable to call upon midfielder Daniele Dessena and forward Paul-Jose M'poku, who found the net in the thrashing of Parma, through one-match suspensions.

A surprise win in Turin could drag the Sardinians to within three points of 17th-placed Atalanta amid the desperate battle for top-flight survival.


Keep an eye on: Kingsley Coman (Juventus) – The young Frenchman could be handed a start here, with regulars Carlos Tevez and Alvaro Morata likely to be rested. Signed from Paris Saint-Germain in the summer, the 18-year-old has impressed in several cameo appearances, including a goal against Parma in November. Can he do it from the start on Saturday?


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

Last season: Juventus 3-0 Cagliari

Stat fact: Cagliari have failed to overcome Juventus in any of their last 10 League meetings, losing eight of them.


Juventus (probable): Buffon; Padoin, Bonucci, Ogbonna, De Ceglie; Pereyra, Marchisio, Sturaro; Pepe, Matri, Coman

Suspended: None


Cagliari (probable): Brkic; Pisano, Ceppitelli, Diakite, Avelar; Ekdal, Crisetig, Donsah; Cossu; Cop, Farias

Suspended: Dessena, M'poku

 

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

[Socrates 8516]

JUVENTUS - CAGLIARI

-

Saturday, May 9th, 2015 - 6:00 p.m.
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Sebastiano Peruzzo

Line-ups: Juventus-Cagliari

May 9, 2015
 
Juventus give Paul Pogba his first game in six weeks, as they prepare for Real Madrid by hosting desperate Cagliari.

It kicks off at 18.00 CET.

The Bianconeri have already secured the Scudetto and are fresh from beating Real Madrid 2-1 in the Champions League semi-final.

The second leg is at the Bernabeu on Wednesday and it’s Pogba’s chance to prove his fitness after six weeks on the sidelines.

Max Allegri also takes the opportunity to rest several top stars, including Carlos Tevez, Alvaro Morata, Giorgio Chiellini, Leonardo Bonucci and Arturo Vidal.

Kwadwo Asamoah and Martin Caceres are the only injury absentees, as Romulo makes his comeback from a lengthy lay-off, last featuring in November's 7-0 demolition of Parma.

Cagliari are on the brink, but showed in recent weeks they are ready to fight to the end for Serie A safety under new Coach Gianluca Festa.

Paul-Jose M’Poku and Daniele Dessena sit out bans, but Andrea Cossu and Nicola Murru return.

The Sardinians hammered Fiorentina at the Artemio Franchi and on Monday crushed Parma 4-0.


Juventus: Storari; Romulo, Barzagli, Ogbonna, Padoin, Pereyra, Marchisio, Pogba, Pepe, Matri, Coman

Juventus bench: Buffon, Rubinho, Lichtsteiner, Bonucci, Chiellini, De Ceglie, Evra, Marrone, Sturaro, Vitale, Llorente, Morata


Cagliari: Brkic; Balzano, Rossettini, Ceppitelli, Avelar; Donsah, Crisetig, Joao Pedro; Ekdal; Cop, Farias

Cagliari bench: Colombi, Barella, Murru, Cossu, Sau, Capuano, Pisano, Conti, Diakite, Longo, Cragno

 

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