Juventus Season 2014-2015

[Socrates 8516]

JUVENTUS - CAGLIARI

-

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

HT 1-0: Paul Pogba fires Juventus
ahead against Cagliari

May 9, 2015
 
Juventus lead against Calgiari after Paul Pogba scored in first-half stoppage time on his return from injury.

The Bianconieri started brightly with Pogba almost getting on the scoresheet immediately after latching onto Roberto Pereyra's pass, but the French midfielder dragged his shot wide.

However, the Sicilians almost struck the first blow as they try to avoid the drop to Serie B when Diego Farias brought an early stop of stand-in keeper Marco Storari.

Juve continued to show guile in attack and almost forged an opening when the recalled Simone Padoin linked up with Kingsley Coman before the forward fired wide.

On 16 minutes, Pogba came close to breaking the deadlock when his low shot was saved by Zeljko Brkic before the Cagliari keeper stopped an effort from Romulo midway through the half.

Padoin then brought another stop out of the Serbian before Coman fired over late in the half as Juve looked to be going in at the interval on level terms.

However, Pogba gave the Champions League semi-finalists the lead in injury time after his shot from the edge of the box proved too much for Brkic.

 

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

[Socrates 8516]

JUVENTUS - CAGLIARI

1 - 1

Paul Pogba (45')

Luca Rossettini (85')

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

Juventus 1-1 Cagliari: Rossettini
scores to dampen Pogba return

The midfielder scored in his first appearance since mid-March but a late goal
from the visitors ensured the champions left with no more than a point.

May 9, 2015
 
Cagliari kept their hopes of Serie A survival alive with a late Luca Rossettini equaliser that clinched a 1-1 draw at Juventus.

The champions looked on course to claim their 25th league win of the season after Paul Pogba fired them ahead with a deflected effort, but Rossettini levelled five minutes from time to ensure the visitors a share of the points.

Juve showed their strength in depth as coach Massimiliano Allegri rested 10 players and still saw his side dominate proceedings at Juventus Stadium on Saturday.

But a spirited performance from Cagliari was rewarded and Gianluca Festa's side, who are third bottom, live to fight another day.

With the Scudetto already won, Allegri's focus was firmly on next week's Champions League semi-final second leg at Real Madrid, and only midfielder Claudio Marchisio was retained from the side that won the first leg 2-1 in midweek.

Pogba had been sidelined since March, when he injured a hamstring during the 3-0 win over Borussia Dortmund, but he showed no signs of rustiness with a commanding performance and a goal that might put him in contention for Juve's trip to the Santiago Bernabeu.

The Frenchman was influential from the outset, flashing a long-range free-kick just past the post in the opening exchanges.

Simone Pepe was at the heart of much of Juve's early play, and he combined with Pogba to tee up Alessandro Matri after 13 minutes, but the striker lost his footing and could not convert from close range.

Duje Cop looked Cagliari's most potent threat, with his fast, breaking runs towards the Juventus box, but goalkeeper Marco Storari was alive to the danger and denied the Croatian a good chance after he was put through by Albin Ekdal.

Pogba missed a great chance to open the scoring, controlling a cross with his chest and blazing his shot over the bar when he had time to pick his spot.

But, in the final seconds of the first half, Pogba announced his return to first-team action in style, making space for himself in the box and rattling a fierce shot that took a cruel deflection off Rossettini on its way past Zeljko Brkic and into the net.

But Cagliari continued to press after the break and did not allow Juventus an easy ride at any stage in the game.

Cop went close with a low shot just after half-time, and Ekdal had a penalty claim turned down as he clashed with Angelo Ogbonna when racing through on goal.

Cagliari pushed bodies forward to try and salvage something late on, and their efforts paid off when a defensive lapse allowed Rossettini to power a header that beat Storari, hit the far post, and then bounced back out for the defender to gratefully poke it back into the net.

Festa's men almost claimed all three points when Marco Sau found himself unmarked on the edge of the box, but he blazed his shot high and wide and the points were shared.

 

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

[Socrates 8516]

JUVENTUS - CAGLIARI

1 - 1

Paul Pogba (45')

Luca Rossettini (85')

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

Pogba back with a bang!

Paul Pogba made his comeback after almost two months
and scored, but Cagliari held Juventus to a 1-1 draw.

May 9, 2015
 
Max Allegri rested almost all his stars ahead of the Champions League semi-final with Real Madrid, but Pogba made his comeback 52 days after suffering a torn thigh muscle. It was also Romulo’s return after almost six months. Juve had already won the Scudetto, but the Sardinians were scrapping to stay in Serie A with Paul-Jose M’Poku and Daniele Dessena suspended.

Pogba proved within three minutes that he was truly back, turning an opponent to earn a free kick and then drilling it inches past the near post. The Frenchman seemed to be testing himself out with a series of increasingly powerful shots from distance, plus a through ball for Alessandro Matri.

Claudio Marchisio did just enough to put off Diego Farias, who turned wide from 10 yards, while Andrea Barzagli was decisive with a sliding challenge to stop Duje Cop going clear.

Simone Padoin and Romulo volleys were too central to truly test Zeljko Brkic, then Kingsley Coman’s shot flashed over the bar.

Pogba’s chest and turn was also off target, put off by Danilo Avelar on the floor with his legs in the air. Coman soared to nod a Romulo cross just past the back post.

The deadlock was eventually broken with a stroke of luck, but proved Pogba is well and truly back, as his strike from the edge of the box took a deflection off Luca Ceppitelli to surprise Brkic at the near post.

After the restart Padoin charged down a dangerous Duje Cop effort in the penalty area and Angelo Ogbonna closed down Farias. Luca Rossettini nodded a Joao Pedro free kick over from a very promising position.

Romulo was rusty at the start, but increasingly found his feet and an angled drive scraped a coat of paint off the far post.

Cagliari struggled to raise the tempo, though Marco Sau’s turn and half-volley tested Marco Storari.

With five minutes to go, the Sardinians finally made an impact. Joao Pedro’s free kick found a Rossettini header that bounced off the inside of the far post, so the defender was alert to tap in the rebound too.

Cagliari have drawn three of their last four trips to Turin, all of those with 1-1 scorelines.

The visitors could’ve won it 2-1 in stoppages when Albin Ekdal set up Sau, but he was leaning back and ballooned over from 12 yards. It was an absolutely golden opportunity.


Juventus: Storari; Romulo, Barzagli, Ogbonna, Padoin; Pereyra (Vitale 75), Marchisio (Sturaro 59), Pogba (De Ceglie 63); Pepe, Matri, Coman

Cagliari: Brkic; Balzano, Rossettini, Ceppitelli (Diakite 73), Avelar; Donsah (Sau 68), Crisetig, Joao Pedro; Ekdal; Cop (Longo 77), Farias

Ref: Peruzzo

 

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

[Socrates 8516]

JUVENTUS - CAGLIARI

1 - 1

Paul Pogba (45')

Luca Rossettini (85')

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

Juventus 1-1 Cagliari: Resilient Rossoblu
Snatch Draw From Champions

May 9, 2015
 
Juventus drew 1-1 in a thrilling end to end game against Cagliari at the Juventus Stadium in Serie A on Saturday evening.

The Bianconeri looked set to tuck another home win under their belts as a late first half long range drive from Paul Pogba put Juventus in the lead, but Luca Rossettini grabbed an equalising goal at the death for his relegation threatened team.

Both sides began to trade blows as early as the the first minute, with Paul Pogba winning a free kick from 30-yards out after being brought down by Lorenzo Crisetig. Pogba struck the ball hard but Cagliari goalkeeper Zeljko Brkic happily watched the ball zip wide.

Diego Farias was the next to try, as he smartly manouvered past Romulo only for his shot to be blocked, though the Brazilian came closer just minutes later with a brilliant dribble into the Juventus box, only for his shot this time to lack any great power, leaving Marco Storari to gather with ease.

Shots began to form a pattern with each team forcing their way to the opposite goal, with Matri over-complicating a back-heel before Cagliari stole the ball with Duje Cop serving an onrushing Farias who found the ball in-front of him yet astonishingly managed to put it wide from 12 yards.

Cop and Farias were persistent in their efforts at goal though it was the home side who gradually began to take a tighter grip on the game, asserting this control in the late stages of the first half as they increased pressure on the club from Sardinia.

The hunger for the opening goal became evident as chances stacked up, first with Pogba managing to shrug his marker and hit a volley yet the ball didn’t sit down for the Frenchman and then minutes later compatriot Kingsley Coman headed a whisker wide of the post.

The breakthrough finally came on the cusp of half time as the ever active Pogba decided to take aim at goal from 20 yards out.

His shot whistled through the air and looked to be a reasonable save for Brkic until the ball caught a deflection off the thigh of Luca Ceppittelli sending the Rossoblu keeper in the wrong direction with the ball free to bounce into the net.

The goal was the midfielder’s first since matchday 26 against Sassuolo.

Cagliari flew out of the locker room in the second half in desperate need of a goal to help their attempts to stave off relegation, forcing Angelo Ogbonna to make a marvelous intervention as Farias looked ready to slot the ball past Storari.

Marco Sau was then introduced by Gianluca Festa, and the Italian almost immediately punished a sleepy Juventus defence with a smart volley.

The visitors continued their onslaught of attacks and the game looked in danger to end the same way the first half did as Cagliari were too wasteful in their attacks until Rossettini threw his side a life line with a goal in the final few minutes.

The defender leapt the highest from a free kick and hammered the ball against the post yet was fortunate enough to tap the ball in on the rebound as Storari stood glued to the ground.

The well deserved goal reflected a tough game for his side, and substitute Sau could have won the game in stoppage time only to lean back too far and blast high.

 

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

[Socrates 8516]

JUVENTUS - CAGLIARI

1 - 1

Paul Pogba (45')

Luca Rossettini (85')

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

Coman: I Am Very Happy
To Be At Juventus

May 9, 2015
 
Juventus winger Kingsley Coman has expressed his happiness to be a Juventus player, following the Bianconeri’s 1-1 draw with Cagliari on Saturday.

The newly crowned Italian champions secured their fourth successive Serie A title with a win over Sampdoria on May 2, and the youngster says that his side are now focusing on their Champions League semi-final second leg against Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium.

“I am very happy to be a part of this team which possesses a great group of players,” Coman told Sky. “I’m very happy to be here.

“Now we’re focusing on Wednesday night in order to reach the final. The coach knows what to do at the Bernabeu, and he’ll explain it to us.”

La Vecchia Signora head into the second leg with a 2-1 advantage having beaten the Spanish giants in Turin on Tuesday.

 

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

[Socrates 8516]

JUVENTUS - CAGLIARI

1 - 1

Paul Pogba (45')

Luca Rossettini (85')

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

Player Ratings: Juventus 1-1 Cagliari

May 9, 2015
 
Juventus played out to a 1-1 draw with Cagliari at the Juventus Stadium on Saturday evening in Serie A as the Bianconeri fielded a second string side ahead of their Champions League second leg match with Real Madrid on Wednesday.

The Old Lady took the lead through a Paul Pogba first half deflected effort but Cagliari captain Luca Rossettini got a late equalizer to share the points.

 

Juventus

Marco Storari – 6 – Reliable - Quiet evening for the stand-in goalkeeper and dealt well with what the Cagliari forwards threw at him. Handled crosses with confidence.

Romulo – 5.5 – Erratic - Made some incisive runs down the right and got a nice shot off after a dribble on the half hour mark. Set up Coman for a headed chance but was caught out a couple of times defensively.

Andrea Barzagli – 6 – Solid - Looked solid throughout and marshalled the Juve back line with composure.

Angelo Ogbonna – 5.5 – Grew - Well off the pace in the first half as he was caught napping on a few occasions. Gained confidence as the match wore on and made a fine interception in the second half to block what could have been a Cagliari equalizer.

Simone Padoin – 6 – Energetic - Fine game at left-back from the right-footed midfielder. Got forward at every opportunity and had a good shot saved in the first half. Made a fantastic block early in the second half that denied Cop a goal.

Roberto Pereyra – 4.5 – Invisible - Hardly involved in the game and seemed a bit lost in midfield all evening and was eventually hauled off on 75 minutes.

Claudio Marchisio – 5.5 – Controlled - Sat just in front of the back four and was kept busy defensively early on as Cagliari looked dangerous going forward but produced a solid performance before being replaced on the hour mark.

Paul Pogba – 7.5 – Class - The young Frenchman made a fine comeback after injury and looked like he’d never been away. Apart from his deflected goal he produced some moments of magic that made him stand out from the rest. Replaced on the hour to loud cheers from the home crowd.

Simone Pepe – 5 – Rusty - Never got into the game playing wide on the right and spent most of the first half chasing Farias back. Got a couple of decent crosses in but needs more game time to get his rhythm back. Got beaten at the far post for the Cagliari equalizer.

Alessandro Matri – 5 – Target-man - Played the lone front-man role and did well in holding the ball up. Tried a back heel effort which didn’t come off in the first half.

Kingsley Coman – 6 – Tricky - Linked the midfield with the attack well throughout and should really have scored late in the first half from a close range header.


Substitutes

Stefano Sturaro – 5 – Quiet - Replaced Marchisio on the hour mark but produced little.

Paulo De Ceglie – 5 – Ineffictive - Replaced Pogba on 62 minutes but showed none of the class of the man he replaced.

Mattia Vitale – N/A 


 

Cagliari

Zeljko Brkic – 5.5 – Solid - Dealt well with some long range efforts and had no chance with the Juventus goal.

Antonio Balzano – 4.5 – Shaky - Kept busy trying to deal with Padoin and Pogba attacking him down the left and didn’t offer any real threat going the other way.

Luca Rossettini – 6.5 – Hero - Defended well throughout with some fine reading of the Juventus attacks. Will go home the hero after tapping in an equalizer with five minutes left.

Luca Ceppitelli – 5.5 – Deflection - Busy evening for the former Bari centre-back but did well with Rossettini beside him. Bit unlucky with deflection for the Juve goal.

Danilo Avelar – 5.5 – Poor - Didn’t get close enough on a number of occasions to prevent crosses coming into the Cagliari box and got a silly booking for bringing down Coman.

Godfred Donsah – 5 – Faded - Started well in the game as Cagliari looked bright early on but was overpowered after by the Juventus midfield. Taken off after 68 minutes.

Lorenzo Crisetig – 5.5 – Mediocre - Played the defensive midfield role but spent the evening chasing shadows and offered nothing going forward.

Joao Pedro – 6 – Flashy - Showed some flashes of what he is capable of and worked hard to help his teammates in defence but didn’t produce anything incisive.

Albin Ekdal – 5 – Sloppy - Played a couple of nice through balls in the first half but was very slow in closing down Pogba for the Juventus goal.

Duje Cop – 5.5 – Decent - Took up some good positions up front to receive the ball and made some good runs but should have done better with a great chance early in the second half. Replaced late on by Longo.

Diego Farias – 6 – Lively - Started on the left before being switched to the right after 25 minutes which seemed a strange decision as he was causing a lot of problems for Romulo but looked lively throughout with his pace and trickery.


Substitutes

Marco Sau – 4.5 – Missed - Replaced Donsah on 68 minutes and missed a glorious chance to win the game in stoppage time after blasting over from close range.

Modibo Diakite – N/A

Samuele Longo – N/A

 

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

[Socrates 8516]

JUVENTUS - CAGLIARI

1 - 1

Paul Pogba (45')

Luca Rossettini (85')

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

Paul Pogba's Return vs. Cagliari Is
Champions League Bonus for Juventus

May 9, 2015
 
On Saturday evening, Cagliari became the first visitors to Juventus Stadium following the Bianconeri clinched their fourth consecutive Serie A title. Yet despite clinching that honour away to Sampdoria last weekend, the season is far from over for Massimiliano Allegri’s men as the Champions League semi-final and the Coppa Italia Final await.

Taking that into consideration—and with only four days between this fixture and the second leg of their clash with Real Madrid—it was no surprise to see a heavily rotated starting XI from Italian football’s grand Old Lady. The coach had promised that would be the case at his pre-match press conference, telling reporters that Marco Storari would play in goal and admitting that Carlos Tevez would be rested, per the club’s official website.

Making no fewer than 10 changes—Claudio Marchisio was the only holdover from the first leg against the Spanish giants—Allegri ensured that the Bianconeri would certainly be refreshed for the return fixture. The coach also insisted that his team would finish the domestic campaign in style, believing he had “other players in good shape who are capable of winning the game,” and they all were given a chance against the Sardinian outfit.

Most importantly, however, there was huge interest in Paul Pogba’s return to the field following his injury layoff. Allegri said the meeting with Cagliari would “be useful to see how he’s looking and what he’s like on the ball ahead of Madrid.”

Given the fact he was lining up alongside nine backup players, it was inevitable the Frenchman would become the centre of attention, despite a pre-game warning from Beppe Marotta. “We cannot expect a world-beating performance,” the club’s director general told Sky Italia (h/t Football Italia), noting that the 22-year-old had missed almost two months of action.

Yet Pogba looked sharp from the outset, beating a Cagliari defender to earn a free-kick in the third minute, which he subsequently smashed narrowly wide.

He would test visiting goalkeeper Zeljko Brkic a number of times in the first half—including a neat piece of control with his chest and a shot on the turn—before playing an excellent through ball to Alessandro Matri. Pogba would eventually break the deadlock, however, gathering the ball just inside the box, turning to strike a powerful effort that took a deflection off Luca Ceppitelli before hitting the back of the net.

The goal came just before half-time, and the player himself said he had suffered no problems with his fitness in the opening 45 minutes. "I'd been out for 52 days, so it's only natural I'm not completely 100 percent,” he said as he left the field, according to the club’s official Twitter account. “I feel good though, everything's fine."

It was his 10th goal of the campaign—one more than he managed in 2013-14—and he has also weighed in with four assists, two of which came in the Champions League. Pogba would add to neither tally in the second half, playing just 20 minutes before being replaced by Paolo De Ceglie as Allegri ensured he did not aggravate his injury or suffer fatigue.

As the graphic above—courtesy of the FourFourTwo StatsZone app shows—Pogba completed 37 of his 45 pass attempts (82 percent), made one successful take-on, recovered the ball twice and won both aerial duals that he contested.

Cagliari would equalise through Luca Rossettini with just five minutes remaining, but for Juventus, the result was a secondary consideration. None of their key men were injured, and the performance of the returning Paul Pogba will only add to the optimism running through the club as they head to the Spanish capital for their date with destiny.

 

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

[Socrates 8516]

JUVENTUS - CAGLIARI

1 - 1

Paul Pogba (45')

Luca Rossettini (85')

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

Pogba makes goalscoring return
in Juventus draw with Cagliari

May 9, 2015
 
Paul Pogba made a sparkling return to action for Juventus, scoring a goal as the Serie A champions warmed up for the return leg of their Champions League semifinal at Real Madrid with a 1-1 draw with Cagliari on Saturday.

The French midfielder returned to action after a two-month injury absence to give Juve the lead on the stroke of half-time.

Luca Rossettini denied the Bianconeri all three points with a late equaliser which keeps Cagliari's hopes alive of avoiding relegation, but it was a painless goal to concede for a Juve side who turn their focus to Wednesday's trip to Madrid.

Juve coach Massimiliano Allegri said he wanted to see Pogba in action before considering whether he will feature against Real on Wednesday, and he chose to thrust the Frenchman straight back into the lineup only two days after he picked up full training again for the first time since February 24.

It was clear that Wednesday's tie with Real is all that matters to Allegri since only Claudio Marchisio was fielded again from the side which defeated the Spaniards last Tuesday, and all eyes were on Pogba.

He was part of a makeshift side, also without regular number one Gianluigi Buffon, Andrea Pirlo, Giorgio Chiellini, Carlos Tevez and Alvaro Morata, for the Italian champions.

After some good early touches, the Frenchman started to get his foot on the ball more often with the first shots soon arriving.

On the stroke of half-time, he had the Juventus Stadium crowd on their feet with a turn and shot from the edge of the area which took a deflection off Luca Ceppitelli on its way in.

With the minimum of effort, the Bianconeri had the lead against the Serie A strugglers, and it was something they wanted to hold onto without breaking a sweat either.

Cagliari had more urgency in their game, but still struggled to find a way through a defence marshalled by Andrea Barzagli.

As Juve were preparing to celebrate another victory, they conceded a free-kick wide on the left which was consequential.

Rossettini rose to meet the cross, planting his header against the inside of the far post before slotting in the rebound at the second time of asking.

Cagliari even had the chance to win it, spurned by Marco Sau with only Marco Storari to beat in the last minute, with Juve ultimately holding on for a point and turning the page immediately.

 

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

[Socrates 8516]

JUVENTUS - CAGLIARI

1 - 1

Paul Pogba (45')

Luca Rossettini (85')

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

Allegri: I Am Sorry That
Juventus Didn’t Win

May 9, 2015
 
Juventus coach Massimiliano Allegri has apologised for his side’s 1-1 draw to Cagliari on Saturday evening, though looks forward to future games.

The newly crowned Italian champions held a 1-0 lead right up until the last five minutes of the game thanks to a Paul Pogba strike, but were punished in the final minutes from a set piece as Luca Rossettini knocked in a rebound to deny Juventus from yet another home win.

“I’m sorry that we didn’t win,” Allegri told Sky Sport.

“Especially for conceding such a goal even though we defended well throughout the game.

“But the boys played well in a game that wasn’t easy. Many people played who haven’t had a game in so long, such as Pogba who hasn’t played for 50 days.

“It would have been great to win in front of our fans but it’s important that we remain unbeaten at home.”

Reflecting on the reception he encountered at the start of the game, the Italian stated:”It was a beautiful day and it’s normal to be emotional, I’m not made of iron.

“It’s important that we won this together, and today was a special day.”

Juventus now face Real Madrid in the second leg of the Champions League semi-final, and the tactician urged his side to be more clinical as they go into the game with a slender 2-1 lead.

“I will consider playing Pogba on Wednesday, I’ve already seen him train in good condition, and he’s young so returning isn’t a problem,” he started.

“We know that Madrid will play a great match and we will have to play an offensive game where we take our chances and try to get more goals.

“Without doing so it will be difficult to go through.”

 

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

[Socrates 8516]

JUVENTUS - CAGLIARI

1 - 1

Paul Pogba (45')

Luca Rossettini (85')

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

Pogba fires Real Madrid warning:
I'm fit and fine now

The Frenchman was out for over seven weeks with a hamstring injury
but made a goalscoring return on Saturday in Juventus' draw with Cagliari.

May 9, 2015
 
Paul Pogba has warned Real Madrid he is fit again and ready for Wednesday's Champions League clash after scoring in Juventus' 1-1 draw with Cagliari on Saturday.

Pogba scored the opening goal for Massimiliano Allegri in Turin, making his first appearance since limping off against Borussia Dortmund with a hamstring injury over seven weeks ago, before being substituted off in the 63rd minute for Paolo De Ceglie.

Interviewed at half-time - before Luca Rossettini headed in an equaliser five minutes from full-time against the already-crowned Serie A champions - the France midfielder was delighted to be back in action for Juve.

"I came back after 52 days on the sidelines," Pogba told Sky Sport. "I'm not at 100 per cent yet but today I'm playing at least.

"I felt a little bit of a twinge, but I'm fine now. I'm happy with how it went."

Pogba has been heavily linked with a transfer to a host of clubs this summer, with an €80 million fee having been agreed with Paris Saint-Germain and Real Madrid believed to be extremely interested in a potential move.

 

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

[Socrates 8516]

JUVENTUS - CAGLIARI

1 - 1

Paul Pogba (45')

Luca Rossettini (85')

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

Juventus 1 - Cagliari 1: Initial
reaction and random observations

May 9, 2015
 
As morning turned to afternoon in Italy, the momentum behind talk of Paul Pogba starting just two days after returning to training seriously gained a whole lot of steam. Once Max Allegri's starting lineup was announced and Pogba was one of the 11 players included by the first-year Juventus manager, all the attention turned to the 22-year-old French midfielder while he was on the field.

Every single eyeball wanted to see how Pogba played. Every single one of them.

Guess what? Just because he missed close to two months due to injury and only trained with the main group for a couple of days, it doesn't mean Pogba can't do Pogba things. That's pretty much what he did.

Pogba marked his return to Juventus' starting lineup with his team's long goal against Cagliari in Saturday's 1-1 draw at Juventus Stadium. Sure, Pogba got some help with a big deflection which threw off Cagliari goalkeeper Zeljko Brkic, but it was the biggest reminder of the simple fact that the star midfielder is ready to go and could very well play a large role against Real Madrid on Wednesday night in the second and decisive leg of the Champions League semifinals.

OptaPaolo ✔@OptaPaolo
20 - Paul Pogba has found his 20th goal in Serie A (86 appearances), his 8th in this term.

Even if Allegri fielded a full-strength squad rather than rotating the complete crap out of it, Pogba was going to be the main attraction. That is mainly because of who he is and what kind of player he has become, but also because of what the timing of his return potentially means.

Did Pogba do enough to show Allegri he is ready for a Champions League comeback? Pogba certainly had his moments where he looked quite good — and that's not even considering his new haircut. Understandably, Pogba's match fitness isn't up to where it needs to be for him to play a full 90, but he performed admirably during his 60-plus-minute return to the starting lineup.

No matter what, though, Pogba is back.

And for that, we shall rejoice.

JuventusFC ✔@juventusfcen
.@OfficialAllegri: "It’s a pity we didn’t win the game but the lads did well. It wasn’t easy, certain players hadn’t featured for a while."


Random thoughts and observations

The collective thinking on the BWRAO Twitter timeline when Cagliari scored the late equalizer: "I don't even care about it." Why? Let's be honest — the result was never really important for Juventus on Saturday. It was all about resting the important players ahead of the second leg against Real Madrid.

Allegri really managed his substitutions well Saturday. Claudio Marchisio wasn't even in the game for an hour, Pogba was taken off shortly thereafter, and Roberto Pereyra got a good run out before being replaced by Mattia Vitale late in the second half.

Better yet, no injuries. Feels good, man, feels real good.

While Pogba's return to the starting lineup was obviously the biggest news of the day, there was another comeback that is worth mentioning. It would be Romulo, who got the start for Stephan Lichtsteiner at right back. Considering he hadn't played since that infamous 7-0 win over Parma on Nov. 9, seeing him back on the field and playing 90 minutes is an accomplishment in of itself. And he played pretty well, too.

I can watch Andrea Barzagli highlight films all day. Maybe somebody can make one simply on what he did against Cagliari. That would be great simply because Barzagli is just so great.

I have said it before and I will say it again: One of the hardest jobs in this game we love is that of the backup goalkeeper. That's simply because you know you're not going to play a lot of minutes if the guy who starts ahead of you is healthy. Luckily Marco Storari has been able to stay somewhat fresh during Juventus' run in the Coppa Italia, but still, his last appearance was a month ago. He didn't look rusty at all on Saturday as he stepped in for the resting Gigi Buffon. I wouldn't be surprised if we see Storari once or twice before the season comes to a close, either.

Seeing Marchisio wearing the captain's armband brings me so much joy. There are few things like seeing a Turin-born Juventus player be captain.

Which Juventus player had the third-highest WhoScored rating against Cagliari after Pogba and Storari? It wasn't Kingsley Coman, it wasn't Marchisio. It was Simone Padoin, who played both left back and in the center of the midfield Saturday. That's just how he rolls.

As I write this sentence, Real Madrid are currently down 2-1 to Valencia in the second half and midfielder Toni Kroos has gone off injured before halftime arrived. Carlo Ancelotti has also fielded a pretty full-strength starting lineup. I guess that's what happens when you're still trying to win your leg, eh?

 

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

[Socrates 8516]

JUVENTUS - CAGLIARI

1 - 1

Paul Pogba (45')

Luca Rossettini (85')

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

Barzagli: Juventus Should Not
Fear Real Madrid

May 9, 2015
 
Juventus defender Andrea Barzagli has stated that his side should not fear Real Madrid ahead of both sides’ meeting on Wednesday night at the Santaigo Bernabeu Stadium, with the Bianconeri going into the game with a 2-1 advantage.

The newly crowned Italian champions however played a 1-1 draw against struggling Cagliari on Saturday despite going 1-0 up through Paul Pogba, and the Italian international has stated that the draw was a result of fielding players who haven’t featured in a while.

“We will hold a Scudetto feast later, now the focus is on Wednesday’s game against Real Madrid,” Barzagli told Sky. “We shouldn’t fear anything, but we know the game will be very hard.

“We will give our all in the second leg, of course injuries [such as Real Madrid’s Toni Kroos] make a difference, but we’ll have to play really well anyway.

“It would be a great achievement to reach the final as few would’ve bet on us to do it, dreams are beautiful and hopefully it becomes true. We might not have the level of players other sides have, but we’re a strong side.

“Today the game was tough as many haven’t played for a while. Pogba? He is so strong that he didn’t need to get into shape first despite being our for two months.”

 

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

[Socrates 8516]

JUVENTUS - CAGLIARI

1 - 1

Paul Pogba (45')

Luca Rossettini (85')

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

'Juve need fresh legs' - Allegri casts
doubt on Pogba facing Madrid

Despite the France international having scored in the Bianconeri's 1-1 draw with
Cagliari, his coach admits he must consider which of his players will be at their fittest.

May 9, 2015
 
Massimiliano Allegri has cast doubt on Paul Pogba being handed a starting berth against Real Madrid by insisting Juventus need fresh legs in their Champions League decider on Wednesday.

The holders were beaten 2-1 by the Serie A champions last Tuesday without the highly-talented French midfielder, who had been sidelined since March with a hamstring injury.

Juve fans will have been hopeful of seeing Pogba start at the Santiago Bernabeu after he scored on his comeback in the 1-1 draw with Cagliari on Saturday, but the Bianconeri coach is wary of fielding players who are not fully fit.

"It's a shame we didn't win and conceded a goal which we didn't defend well," Allegri told Sky Sport. "But it wasn't easy, as many of our players hadn't played recently.

"Pogba did well, though he still needs to rediscover his timing and movement. We'll evaluate whether he'll start versus Madrid. He has been working well for two days in training, he's young and has a strong physique.

"We need to score a goal there, otherwise it'll be tough. Do I have doubts over my line-up? I have more than doubts about my line-up at the Santiago Bernabeu, there's a lot I need to consider. There is the risk it'll go to extra-time, so we need fresh legs.

"I don't know what tactical choices Carlo Ancelotti will make. Real Madrid have great players and we must have an attacking approach, as we didn't make the most of numerous chances in the first leg."

Pogba lasted 63 minutes against Cagliari before Luca Rossettini equalised for the relegation-threatened visitors with just five minutes left to play.

 

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

[Socrates 8516]

JUVENTUS - CAGLIARI

1 - 1

Paul Pogba (45')

Luca Rossettini (85')

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

TEAM RATINGS

May 9, 2015
 

Juventus

30 M. Storari - Was left largely untroubled until late on when he could do little about Rossettini's fortunate equaliser.

2 Rômulo - Offered very little when going forward and began to struggle as Cagliari pushed forward after the half-time break.

15 A. Barzagli - Played out from the back well and was brilliant when defending, particularly against Cop.

5 A. Ogbonna - Arguably one of the best Juventus defenders. Partnered Barzagli extremely well in the middle of an impressive back line that kept Cop and Farias extremely quiet.

20 S. Padoin - Found plenty of joy when darting down the left flank, often linking up well with Coman and Pogba, the latter of whom he set up for his opening goal.

37 R. Pereyra - Showed a few bright signs when pushing forward but was largely anonymous in a slightly disappointing game for the Argentine.

8 C. Marchisio - Pulled the strings in the middle of the pitch, often finding Juventus’ three-pronged front line with excellent lofted passes over the top of the Cagliari defence.

6 PAUL POGBA - Looked just as good as he did two months ago. Was an integral part of every Juventus attack and marked his return with his side’s only goal at the end of the first half.

7 S. Pepe - Was full of energy from start to finish, but, like Pereyra, should have offered more in front of goal.

32 A. Matri - It was a disappointing evening for the striker, who got himself into good positions in front of goal but was unable to make any of his opportunities count.

11 K. Coman - The French youngster looked full of life in front of goal, darting past Cagliari players as if they weren’t even there. He also forced Brkic into making several good saves and was unlucky not to bag himself his first ever goal.


Substitutes

17 P. De Ceglie - Came on for Pogba shortly after the hour mark and put in a strong performance at both ends of the field.

27 S. Sturaro - Featured for 30 minutes after taking the place of Marchisio but failed to find as much joy as the 29-year-old.

24 M. Vitale - Replaced Pereyra late on and fared a lot better than the Argentine in his short time on the pitch.


 

Cagliari

44 Ž. Brkić - The Serbian was kept extremely busy by Juventus’ determined front line, and was unlucky not to pick up a clean sheet after putting in an impressive performance.

21 A. Balzano - Had a difficult task attempting to deal with Padoin but improved as the game wore on and ended up putting in a strong performance.

15 L. Rossettini - Put in a very strong performance in the middle of the Cagliari defence, dealing with Matri extremely well, and rose high late on to head in his side’s equalising goal.

32 L. Ceppitelli - Struggled on several occasions but, like the majority of his fellow defenders, began to look more comfortable as the game wore on.

8 Danilo Avelar - Looked better in attack than he did in defence, where he struggled to deal with Romulo, who often got the better of him when darting forward.

30 G. Donsah - Like Pedro on the other side, the Ghanaian looked bright when pushing forward but was unable to see as much of the ball as he would have liked due to Juventus’ dominance.

4 L. Crisetig - Was largely impressive as he protected the Cagliari back four but was sometimes sloppy in possession.

10 João Pedro Galvão - The Brazilian was one of Cagliari’s most impressive players, often kick-starting his side’s best attacking moves and using his pace to great effect.

20 A. Ekdal - Supported the attacking duo of Cop and Farias well with several good passes but was unable to get on the ball as much as he would have liked.

90 D. Čop - Looked extremely bright on the rare occasions that he was able to get on the ball in the Juventus penalty area and was unable to not to bag himself a goal.

17 Diego Farias - The Brazilian looked full of energy in front of goal and never stopped trying, resulting in several bright moments when he linked up well with Cop and, later, Sau.


Substitutes

37 M. Diakité - Replaced Ceppitelli with quarter-of-an-hour left to play and put in a strong performance as Cagliari pushed hard for an equaliser.

9 S. Longo - Offered Cagliari far more going forward after coming on in the 77th minute and was constantly impressive in front of goal.

25 M. Sau - Came on and injected pace and urgency into Cagliari’s determined attack, but blasted his best chance of the game over the crossbar from close range.

 

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

[Socrates 8516]

JUVENTUS - CAGLIARI

1 - 1

Paul Pogba (45')

Luca Rossettini (85')

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

JUVENTUS 1-1 CAGLIARI MATCH REPORT

May 9, 2015
 
Paul Pogba scored on his comeback after 50 days out through but Juventus were held to a 1-1 draw against Cagliari.

The Bianconeri fielded a second-string team as Max Allegri opted to rest many of his first team players in favour of an experimental 4-3-3 line-up. Pogba returned to the starting XI for the first time since Juve’s 2-1 victory against Borussia Dortmund back in February while on-loan midfielder Romulo made just his third appearance in Juve colours following a lengthy spell on the side-lines.

Juve started the first half the brighter of the two sides with Pogba turning his opponent and winning a free kick which he fired just inches wide of the near post. Pogba continued to test Zeljko Brkic from range with a series of long-range efforts before playing through Alessandro Matri who wasted his effort.

Cagliari weren’t without chances of their own as Claudio Marchisio had to perform a vital tackle on Diego Farias who fired wide, while Andrea Barzagli was on hand to deny Duje Cop on the counter. Simone Padoin and Romulo both had volleys of their own but both were directly at Brkic before Kingsley Coman fired his shot over the bar.

Juve eventually took the lead, albeit in fortuitous circumstances, when Pogba fired an effort from the edge of the box and the resulting shot deflected off Luca Ceppitelli to beat Brkic at the near post.

Padoin and Angelo Ogbonna were both called into action to deny Cop and Farias before Luca Rossettini put his header over the bar. Romulo improved as the game went on and his effort clipped the far post while Marco Sau;s half-volley bought a save from Marco Storari.

Juve looked to be cruising to victory but Cagliari scored a surprise equaliser. Joao Pedro’s free-kick was met by Rossettini who headed the ball inside of the far post and then turned in the rebound.


Statistics

Man of the Match: Paul Pogba

Flop of the Match: N/A

Fouls: 21

Corners: 1

Pass Accuracy: 84%

Shots on Target: 7

Total Shots: 12

Ball Possession: 48%

Formation: 4-3-1-2


Lineups

Juventus: Storari; Romulo, Barzagli, Ogbonna, Padoin; Pereyra (Vitale 75), Marchisio (Sturaro 59), Pogba (De Ceglie 63); Pepe, Matri, Coman

Cagliari: Brkic; Balzano, Rossettini, Ceppitelli (Diakite 73), Avelar; Donsah (Sau 68), Crisetig, Joao Pedro; Ekdal; Cop (Longo 77), Farias

Ref: Peruzzo

 

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

[Socrates 8516]

REAL MADRID - JUVENTUS

-

Semi-final - 2nd leg
Wednesday, May 13th, 2015 - 08:45 P.M.
Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, Madrid
Referee:‬ Jonas Eriksson (Sweden)

Madrid injury crisis grows as Kroos
is forced off against Valencia

The German midfielder was substituted for Asier Illarramendi midway through
the first half, making him a doubt for the Champions League decider against Juventus.

May 9, 2015

Real Madrid's midfield crisis continued as Toni Kroos was forced off with a back injury against Valencia on Saturday, making him a major doubt to face Juventus in their Champions League semi-final decider.

The Germany international has been a constant figure in the Blancos' first team, starting all but two of their Liga matches since joining from Bayern Munich last summer, but only lasted 25 minutes against los Che before landing awkwardly in a challenge and being replaced by Asier Illarramendi.

Carlo Ancelotti could now potentially be without him for Madrid's crucial European clash with Juve on Wednesday in which they trail 2-1 after the first leg in Turin.

Ancelotti has already been forced to play Sergio Ramos in an unorthodox midfield role due to Luka Modric's injury - though he reverted to a 4-3-3 to push the Spaniard back into defence against Valencia - and Kroos' absence is likely to exacerbate the reigning European champions' woes.

Shortly after Kroos was withdrawn from the action at the Santiago Bernabeu, Javi Fuego added to Paco Alcacer's opener to leave Madrid's La Liga hopes hanging in the balance.

Barcelona's 2-0 victory over Real Sociedad earlier in the day left Madrid needing a victory to ensure they do not fall five points behind in the title race with just two games remaining, but they were only able to match Valencia's two goals and now look certain to lose out to Luis Enrique's men.

Madrid's task of overturning their first-leg deficit to Juve has already been made more difficult following the return to action of Paul Pogba, who scored in an hour-long cameo in the Serie A champions' draw with Cagliari earlier on Saturday.

[Socrates 8516]

REAL MADRID - JUVENTUS

-

Semi-final - 2nd leg
Wednesday, May 13th, 2015 - 08:45 P.M.
Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, Madrid
Referee:‬ Jonas Eriksson (Sweden)

Real Madrid held by Valencia

May 9, 2015

Real Madrid scraped a 2-2 draw with Valencia, losing Toni Kroos to injury and missing a penalty, as they prepared for Juventus.

The second leg of the Champions League semi-final is on Wednesday night at the Bernabeu.

Juve won the first game 2-1 in Turin and have the advantage going into Spain, especially as they rested almost their entire first choice XI in today’s 1-1 with Cagliari.

Carlo Ancelotti had no such luxury, facing Valencia in a crucial game for their Liga hopes.

It started badly, going 2-0 down and seeing Cristiano Ronaldo’s penalty saved.

Madrid also lost midfielder Kroos to a muscular problem and he has to be a serious doubt now to take on Juventus.

The Merengues managed to get the tie back on track late on, as Pepe and an Isco screamer secured the 2-2 draw.

[Socrates 8516]

REAL MADRID - JUVENTUS

-

Semi-final - 2nd leg
Wednesday, May 13th, 2015 - 08:45 P.M.
Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, Madrid
Referee:‬ Jonas Eriksson (Sweden)

Pepe demands Juventus response

May 10, 2015

Pepe has urged his Real Madrid teammates to bounce back from Saturday's costly draw with Valencia and focus on knocking Juventus out of the Champions League next week.

Los Blancos' La Liga bid suffered potentially irreversible damage in the 2-2 draw at the Bernabeu - a setback that leaves them four points behind Barcelona with two games to play this season.

Carlo Ancelotti's side welcome Juve to Madrid on Wednesday hoping to overhaul a 2-1 first-leg deficit en route to booking their place in the final.

Pepe and Isco netted last night as the hosts cancelled out Los Che's two-goal lead, and the Portuguese defender is confident of beating the Italian giants if they can reproduce their second-half display.

"We didn't start the match well, but we had ​​a great second half," he told reporters afterwards.

"If we play well against Juve, we'll beat them. La Liga is difficult now, but we must sweat for the jersey."

Paco Alcacer and Javi Fuego had fired the visitors into a 2-0 half-time lead on Saturday, with Cristiano Ronaldo missing a penalty moments before the break.

[Socrates 8516]

REAL MADRID - JUVENTUS

-

Semi-final - 2nd leg
Wednesday, May 13th, 2015 - 08:45 P.M.
Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, Madrid
Referee:‬ Jonas Eriksson (Sweden)

Barzagli: 'Juve dreams come true'

May 10, 2015

Andrea Barzagli urged Juventus to ignore Toni Kroos and Real Madrid injury news. “Our dreams can come true.”

The first leg ended 2-1 in Turin and the decider of the Champions League semi-final is on Wednesday night.

“We are very concentrated for the game and aware of its importance. The idea is to play for the win at the Bernabeu,” insisted Barzagli.

The Merengues will be even more determined to succeed after a 2-2 draw with Valencia last night severely dented their Liga hopes.

Kroos also limped off early on and will undergo tests today.

“We all know Real Madrid will throw everything into it anyway, as it’s a Champions League semi-final.

“We’ll see if Kroos is able to play or not, but the most important thing is that we need a great performance to qualify.”

Paul Pogba made his comeback after 52 days, scoring in the 1-1 draw with Cagliari.

“I saw him in the same shape as he usually is. He’s such a young lad with such physical strength that he doesn’t need much time to find his feet after two months out. It was an important test of his fitness, then the Coach will decide.

“It would be fantastic to reach the Champions League Final, especially as so few even expected Juventus to reach the final four. We are there and we hope our dreams can come true.

“Juve proved that we belong up there with Barcelona, Real Madrid and Bayern Munich. We might not have as many superstar players as them, but the team has its merits and we deserve to be there.”

[Socrates 8516]

REAL MADRID - JUVENTUS

-

Semi-final - 2nd leg
Wednesday, May 13th, 2015 - 08:45 P.M.
Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, Madrid
Referee:‬ Jonas Eriksson (Sweden)

Toni Kroos tells fans not to worry after injury

May 10, 2015

Toni Kroos has played down fears that he could miss Real Madrid's Champions League semifinal second leg against Juventus at the Bernabeu on Wednesday after suffering an injury in Saturday's 2-2 draw with Valencia.

Germany international Kroos was substituted after 25 minutes, leaving the pitch appearing to hold his thigh, and was replaced by Asier Illarramendi.

But he wrote: "Thank you for your kind messages! I've just been through the examination. Don't worry. Let's focus on Wednesday!"

Real -- whose home stalemate with Valencia means Barcelona need one win from their two remaining games to secure the Primera Division title -- are 2-1 down to Juventus after the first leg in Turin.

The Champions League holders could replace Kroos with Asier Illarramendi or Lucas Silva against the Serie A winners should he be unable to play.

[Socrates 8516]

REAL MADRID - JUVENTUS

-

Semi-final - 2nd leg
Wednesday, May 13th, 2015 - 08:45 P.M.
Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, Madrid
Referee:‬ Jonas Eriksson (Sweden)

Kroos passed fit for Juventus clash

The midfielder picked up a back injury in the 2-2 draw with Valencia
on Saturday but has been given the all clear after a medical examination on Sunday.

May 10, 2015

Real Madrid midfielder Toni Kroos has been passed fit to face Juventus on Wednesday following an injury scare.

The midfielder was substituted 25 minutes into the first half of the Blancos' 2-2 draw with Valencia on Saturday with a back problem, sparking fears he would join Luka Modric on the Santiago Bernabeu sidelines.

Kroos' absence would have given Carlo Ancelotti a major midfield headache ahead of the second leg of his side's Champions League semi-final, but Goal understands a medical examination on Sunday cleared the Germany international to feature against the Scudetto holders.

The 25-year-old tried to extinguish lingering injury concerns by thanking fans for encouraging comments and telling his Twitter followers "don't worry, let's focus on Wednesday" after his check-up.

It will be all the more important for Madrid that Kroos is fit after the reigning European champions blew their chance of catching Barcelona in the Liga title race by dropping points at home to Valencia.

The club trail Juventus 2-1 following the first leg of their Champions League tie last week, in what is their only remaining hope of winning silverware this season.

[Socrates 8516]

REAL MADRID - JUVENTUS

-

Semi-final - 2nd leg
Wednesday, May 13th, 2015 - 08:45 P.M.
Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, Madrid
Referee:‬ Jonas Eriksson (Sweden)

Allegri: Juventus need near-perfection to beat Real Madrid

The Bianconeri coach feels that Wednesday's match at the Santiago Bernabeu is the biggest
in which his side have been involved in 12 years but says that they can progress.

May 10, 2015

Juventus need to produce an "almost-perfect" performance to progress past Real Madrid and reach a first Champions League final in 12 years, according to coach Massimiliano Allegri.

The Serie A champions head to the Spanish capital on Wednesday leading 2-1 from the first leg of their semi-final.

A 2-2 home draw with Valencia on Saturday looks to have ended Madrid's title challenge in La Liga, as leaders Barcelona stretched their lead to four points with two games remaining, giving extra significance to their clash with Juve.

Allegri is confident that his side can put in a great performance against Carlo Ancelotti's men and make a shock appearance in the final in Berlin.

"We have to focus and treat it as it's the most important game of the year," he told the press.

"We have to try to secure qualification in Madrid - that won't be easy, for sure, but it could also take us to an unexpected final.

"Juventus are having a good spell from a physical point of view.

"The club hasn't played a game of this importance for 12 years but I believe we now have the experience and confidence to play well at this level.

"On Wednesday we will need to deliver a performance that is almost perfect. I won't say perfect because that is impossible in football but, for sure, we'll need our best performance to go through."

[Socrates 8516]

REAL MADRID - JUVENTUS

-

Semi-final - 2nd leg
Wednesday, May 13th, 2015 - 08:45 P.M.
Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, Madrid
Referee:‬ Jonas Eriksson (Sweden)

Lichtsteiner: More to Madrid than Ronaldo

The Switzerland international has warned his team-mates that paying too much
attention to the 30-year-old could cost them a spot in the Champions League final.

May 11, 2015

Juventus defender Stephan Lichsteiner says he has more to worry about ahead of Wednesday's Champions League game than just Cristiano Ronaldo.

The Bianconeri hold a 2-1 lead from the first leg of their semi-final, with strikes from Alvaro Morata and Carlos Tevez giving the Serie A champions the win.

However, Ronaldo netted a potentially crucial away goal and the Switzerland international, who has the unenviable task of facing the 30-year-old at the Bernabeu, feels a number of Madrid players pose a threat.

"The game will come down to small details," he told Juve's official television channel.

"We have a team. Two years ago, we were eliminated in the quarter-finals against Bayern Munich and they won the Champions League.

"It's all about the minor details - winning a little and losing a little. We have improved with every game.

"Real Madrid are very strong, not just Ronaldo. We have to prepare well but we have to believe we can do it.

"We had a great match in the first leg, but the return leg is still to come and it'll be very difficult. We have to play well, but we are prepared."

[Socrates 8516]

REAL MADRID - JUVENTUS

-

Semi-final - 2nd leg
Wednesday, May 13th, 2015 - 08:45 P.M.
Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, Madrid
Referee:‬ Jonas Eriksson (Sweden)

Lippi: ‘I see myself in Allegri’

May 11, 2015

Former Juventus and Italy Coach Marcello Lippi believes he has a lot in common with current Bianconeri boss Massimiliano Allegri.

Speaking to Radio Rai, Lippi explained their similarities and why he has been impressed by what Allegri has achieved in his first season on the Old Lady bench.

“I see myself in Allegri,” the 2006 World Cup-winner has commented.

“We both got a job at a big team at about the same age and we both won the Scudetto at the first attempt.

“We are united by certain concreteness, we both paid our dues. He soaked up everything he could on the tactical level and put it in his teams.

“I really like the wisdom with which he has approached this season. He hasn’t taken anything out of the team, he’s just added something to it.”

Juventus travel to Madrid for the second leg of their Champions League semi-final with Real Madrid on Wednesday and Lippi is confident they will progress.

“They have many international players. Gigi Buffon, Andrea Pirlo, Andrea Barzagli, Claudio Marchisio, Leonardo Bonucci and Giorgio Chiellini - these players have international experience.

“In front of 90,000 people there will certainly be difficult moments, but the Juventus players have the characteristics to deal with this kind of match. Real will be unbalanced and Juventus can exploit these spaces.”

Lippi was asked what advice should be given to the players before such a crucial match.

“Enjoy yourselves. You do not say anything.

“Before a final and after so many victories, the attitude of the players has changed to such an extent that the strength of conviction has changed completely.

“The conviction of Juve is distinctly different than earlier in the season.”

[Socrates 8516]

REAL MADRID - JUVENTUS

-

Semi-final - 2nd leg
Wednesday, May 13th, 2015 - 08:45 P.M.
Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, Madrid
Referee:‬ Jonas Eriksson (Sweden)

Carvajal: Madrid can't go mad against Juventus

The right-back has emphasised the importance of a patient approach
against the Bianconeri as his side bid to reach the Champions League final.

May 11, 2015

Real Madrid defender Dani Carvajal has warned his team-mates that a gung-ho approach against Juventus will get them nowhere.

The Bianconeri lead the European champions 2-1 from the first leg of their Champions League semi-final thanks to strikes from Alvaro Morata and Carlos Tevez, but Cristiano Ronaldo's away goal could prove crucial.

The former Bayer Leverkusen right-back feels his side should adopt a patient approach and look to slowly break down Massimiliano Allegri's men rather than attack en masse.

"We must keep a cool head, be patient and not go crazy," he is quoted as saying by Marca.

"We know what a game of football lasts 90 minutes. We have to make them pay a high price for suffering without possession.

"We have to learn from the game in Turin. They created danger for us. If we stay calm, have patience and move them, the game will fall to us.

"We cannot make mistakes on easy passes in simple situations. That gives them life."

Morata began his career at Real Madrid before moving to Juventus last summer and, though Carvajal is happy to see him playing well, he is not looking forward to facing his old colleague.

"To find a friend in the semi-finals of the Champions League is great but playing against him is a disadvantage because he's a great player and a big danger."

Madrid are expected to be boosted by the return of star forward Karim Benzema and Carvajal feels his comeback could shift the tie in his side's favour.

"Karim brings us a lot of things. I hope he can get to the game on Wednesday and do his bit, which is always important."

Carvajal also called upon the Santiago Bernabeu faithful to get behind the team to give them extra motivation to reach the Berlin showpiece.

"We will feel the breath of the fans; they'll be our 12th man."