Juventus Season 2014-2015

[Socrates 8514]

REAL MADRID - JUVENTUS

1 - 1

Cristiano Ronaldo (23')

Álvaro Morata (57')

Juventus win Aggregate 3-2

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

Real Madrid director refuses
to back Ancelotti

Emilio Butragueno was asked twice whether the Italian coach would still be
at the Santiago Bernabeu next season but declined to answer the question on both occasions.

May 14, 2015
 
Real Madrid director Emilio Butragueno refused to back coach Carlo Ancelotti after the club's Champions League elimination at the hands of Juventus on Wednesday.

Ancelotti admitted that he would like to stay at the Santiago Bernabeu after Madrid were held to a 1-1 draw by the Italian champions and lost 3-2 on aggregate but his future is in the balance as Los Blancos end the current campaign without a major trophy.

Asked whether he could confirm that the Italian - who led Madrid to four titles in 2014 - would be at the club next season, Butragueno told Canal+: "Today we have to be together. We all win and we all lose. The feeling of sadness is a general one.

"We congratulate Juventus for the way they played the tie. We have two league games left and now we have to concentrate on that."

Pressed again on the future of the Italian and the Madrid players, Butragueno was non-committal once more.

"Tonight we have lost and that is the important thing at the moment," he said. "We are all sad and everything else is secondary.

"We felt we had the opportunity to get to the final," the director added. "The atmosphere was sensational but it didn't work out as we had wanted.

"We deserved more. After all that effort, scoring only once leaves you cold. We haven't had luck lately but, when you give everything, there can be no reproach. The players gave everything and I would also like to thank the fans for their support."

[Socrates 8514]

REAL MADRID - JUVENTUS

1 - 1

Cristiano Ronaldo (23')

Álvaro Morata (57')

Juventus win Aggregate 3-2

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

Juventus' Superior Teamwork Beats Real
to Reach Champions League Final

May 14, 2015
 
Juventus travelled to the Spanish capital on Wednesday evening, holding the narrowest of advantages over Real Madrid. The 2-1 scoreline attained in Turin, Italy, left the Bianconeri hopeful of victory but aware that the away goal gave Carlo Ancelotti's club a vital lifeline.

His opposite number, Massimiliano Allegri, told Sky Sport Italia (h/t Football Italia) that the second leg was “the most important match of my career” in the buildup to the game.

The coach was also confident his side deserved their place in the last four of the UEFA Champions League, but he warned that they must not go simply to defend their slender lead.

“We must play with a relaxed state of mind, because we’ve got the qualities to be here and we’ve proved that already,” Allegri continued. “We have to be aware of our own strengths. We are here to play these 95 minutes to reach the final.”

With that in mind, the Bianconeri retained their usual 4-3-2-1 formation rather than opting for a more conservative three-man defence, and they were also able to call upon the fit-again Paul Pogba. Fresh from his goalscoring return against Cagliari on Saturday—analysed in detail here—the French midfielder was inserted into the starting lineup alongside Andrea Pirlo and Claudio Marchisio.

That was the only change from the first leg, but it would be the home side who seized the initiative, with Gareth Bale and Karim Benzema both creating good early chances before a Cristiano Ronaldo free-kick was deflected off the wall and on to the roof of the net.

Arturo Vidal saw an effort saved after a rare Juve attack before further chances were squandered by Real Madrid’s attacking trio of Benzema, Bale and Ronaldo.

Gianluigi Buffon was in fine form to deny each of them but was powerless to prevent a clumsy challenge on James Rodriguez from Giorgio Chiellini.

The referee pointed to the spot, much to the chagrin of the visitors, and their anger was compounded when Ronaldo dispatched the penalty with ease. Having wrested control of the tie thanks to their away goal, the reigning European champions began to dominate the game as the first 45 minutes came to an end.

Yet the second half would be testament to the superior teamwork and effort of Juventus, with Vidal and Marchisio spurning good opportunities before a Sergio Ramos foul presented Pirlo with a set piece in a good position.

His initial ball into the box was cleared, only for Pogba to pick out Alvaro Morata with a header, and the striker would make no mistake from the middle of the area. Beating Iker Casillas, the former Real Madrid star did not celebrate out of respect for his childhood club, showing the same restraint he displayed in the first leg.

From there, they saw out the game, tactically superior to the Spanish side as they worked together to secure a well-earned victory.

The result put them into the Champions League final for the first time since 2003, which represents a remarkable turnaround for a club who have since suffered relegation and successive seventh-placed finishes before their current domestic dominance.

“We have a very united squad, we are all brothers here because we’ve known each other for a few years now,” Vidal told Sky Sport Italia (h/t Football Italia) shortly after the final whistle. “What Juventus have is a great team!”

That was proved here, and director general Giuseppe Marotta was similarly very pleased with the performance. "We demonstrated great personality and showed we could dig in and suffer,” he told the club’s official website before going on to praise both the players and Allegri.

"The boss got it spot-on,” Marotta said. “He could have stayed back and defended but instead decided to keep the team high up the field. They even had a few chances to kill the game off for good. We’re back in the limelight and not just in Italy."

[Socrates 8514]

REAL MADRID - JUVENTUS

1 - 1

Cristiano Ronaldo (23')

Álvaro Morata (57')

Juventus win Aggregate 3-2

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

Old Boy Alvaro Morata Sends Juventus
Into The Champions League Final

May 14, 2015
 
Former Real Madrid striker Alvaro Morata helped Juventus get into the final of the Champions League after his goal secured a 3-2 aggregate win over holders Real Madrid.

The Italians lead the first leg 2-1 and looked like they were heading out as Cristiano Ronaldo converted a 23rd-minute penalty, which was debatable in the first place, to put Real ahead on away goals.

But the former Real Madrid academy graduate who was sold to Juve last summer came back to haunt his former side as he scored in the 57th minute to secure a 1-1 draw on the night and book Juve’s place in the final in Berlin on June 6.

It will be Juve’s first appearance in the Champions League final since 2003, where they faced a Carlo Ancelotti managed AC Milan and lost on penalties. They will now face a very dangerous looking Barcelona on June 6th in Berlin.

Real now look set to end the season without any silverware and there are doubts over Carlo Ancelotti remaining with the side next season as a trophyless season for a club of Real’s stature quite often results in the harshest results even if the side comes close to winning it.

Meanwhile goalscorer Alvaro Morata said it was a “bittersweet” feeling scoring against his former side and it was hard for him to not celebrate the goal.

“It is a bittersweet feeling,” Morata told Canal+. “Here and in Turin I came on to the pitch thinking that it was a training session (with my old team-mates) and I had to stop and focus.

“It was quite hard not to celebrate the goal. It was a weird feeling. But I would react the same again a thousand times.

“I would have liked to have scored against another team but that’s life. My feelings will be different against Barcelona. They are a great team but we are as well.”

Coach Massimiliano Allegri also heaped praise on the 22 year-old Spaniard.

“Morata is becoming a very important player, he has grown physically,” Allegri said.

“He is a young lad who grew up at Madrid with many champions by his side. He started from the bench at Juventus but has grown a lot and I think there is still room for improvement.”

[Socrates 8514]

REAL MADRID - JUVENTUS

1 - 1

Cristiano Ronaldo (23')

Álvaro Morata (57')

Juventus win Aggregate 3-2

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

Real Madrid Crash Out As Morata Fires
Juventus Into The Champions League Final

May 14, 2015
 
Juventus will face Barcelona in the Champions League Final after eliminating Real Madrid 3-2 on aggregate. Alvaro Morata, who grew up in the Merengues youth academy, scored in both legs and the 1-1 draw at the Bernabeu sealed their qualification, the first since 2003. The first leg saw a 2-1 victory for the Bianconeri, but the away goal left it in the balance. Paul Pogba and Karim Benzema returned from injury, though at least the Frenchman managed an hour and scored a goal on Saturday against Cagliari. Sergio Ramos returned to defence and Raphael Varane was picked ahead of Pepe. Juve stuck with a four-man defence and Alvaro Morata faced his former teammates. The history was on Juve’s side, as Madrid hadn’t gone through after losing the first leg in 13 years, getting eliminated seven times in a row.

The tone was set for a night of Madrid attacks just 35 seconds in when Marcelo’s deep cross picked out Bale, who headed over the bar. Benzema used a brilliant skill to turn away from Leonardo Bonucci, only to blaze over from close range, before Ronaldo’s free-kick was deflected on to the roof of the net by Arturo Vidal. Madrid were eventually rewarded in the 22nd minute when Chiellini’s clumsy challenge on James Rodriguez gave them a penalty which Ronaldo converted with ease, and there was no let up as they pushed forward again immediately after taking the lead.

A swift counter resulted in Ronaldo cutting back in the penalty area and appeared to give himself an easy shot to score, but chose to cross for Benzema and saw the ball cleared by the backtracking Vidal. When Bale launched a swift counter-attack Ronaldo fired a powerful shot into the side-netting, and Benzema then brought a fine save out of Buffon with a close-range effort before the first half ended with a booking for Rodriguez as he took an exaggerated tumble in the area.

The start of the second half was similar to the first, with Claudio Marchisio’s shot from distance going inches wide of the post. Juve had their equaliser near the hour mark when Pogba headed the ball to Morata whose clever finish found the net.

Bale could’ve regained Los Blancos’ lead soon after, but his volley went wide of the post. James Rodriguez was next to threaten Juve’s goal, but his shot from distance went inches over the bar. The Bianconeri should’ve put the game to bed with 20 minutes remaining, but Casillas pulled off an excellent save to deny Marchisio’s one-on-one. The Spanish giants missed another great chance to regain their lead, and tie the game on aggregate, but Bale’s header somehow went over the bar. Juve moved to 3-5-2 for the final 11 minutes, replacing an exhausted Andrea Pirlo. Pogba had a glorious chance to win the tie with only three minutes remaining, but his finish was saved really well by the ever-present Casillas But his efforts were in vain as Real’s final realistic hopes of winning a major trophy this season disappeared.

At 10.38pm on a hot night in Madrid the referee blew his whistle and Juventus’s players leapt into the sky and sprinted across the pitch, en route to Berlin. Juventus finally progressed to their eighth European Cup final.

Juventus defended for their lives, despite Real’s best efforts to try and barge down their sturdy door. There will be no Clásico final, as many had hoped. Max Allegri’s Juventus have defied all the odds and are heading to Berlin to face Barcelona. It means Barcelona forward Luis Suarez is likely to face Chiellini in the final, their first meeting since the Uruguay international was banned for biting the Italy defender at the World Cup in Brazil last summer. Italy’s Old Lady is heading for Berlin to face Barcelona, the first time Juventus have reached the Champions League final since 2003. A 1-1 draw was enough to secure a 3-2 aggregate victory that Allegri described as “extraordinary”. Not many expected Juventus to make it this far; still fewer expected them to go further.

As for Madrid, the question now will be whether Carlo Ancelotti continues; a trophyless season tends to end with a jobless manager usually. This was a superb victory for Juventus, for a club that were relegated in disgrace only nine years ago. What was so good about it was the intelligence and the nerve. We take skill and application for granted as well as the tempo and stamina that Antonio Conte brought to them. But Allegri has injected something extra, a confidence in their ability and their methods. Whether they can live with MSN is for another day but with Buffon, Evra, Chiellini and Bonucci there is always hope. Let’s not forget either that nine years ago a certain Andrea Pirlo was man of the match in the World Cup final at Berlin’s Olympic Stadium.

[Socrates 8514]

REAL MADRID - JUVENTUS

1 - 1

Cristiano Ronaldo (23')

Álvaro Morata (57')

Juventus win Aggregate 3-2

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

Back To Berlin: Buffon Now Seeks
Champions League Glory With Juventus

May 14, 2015
 
With Juve reaching their first Champions League final since 2003, Gianluigi Buffon, the sole survivor of that side, could finally be set for a first winner’s medal at the scene of the greatest triumph of his career.

“I think it’s finely balanced and I can see Real Madrid scoring but then I think Juventus have a goal in them too,” Paolo Rossi told Tuttosport ahead of their Champions League semi-final second leg. “So I am predicting a 1-1.”

The legendary Juventus and Italy forward, now turned media pundit, scored in the 57th minute of the 1982 World Cup final with a diving header at the Estadio Santiago Bernabeu, when the Azzurri defeated West Germany to claim the trophy for a third time.

And now nearly 33 years later, another outstanding opportunist wearing blue repeated the feat, as Alvaro Morata cancelled out a first-half penalty from Cristiano Ronaldo in the exact same minute to fulfill Rossi’s prediction. The goal ultimately sealed qualification, as Juventus walked into their eighth European Cup final.

The 22-year-old forward returned to haunt his former side, reminiscent of Fernando Morientes in 2004, by striking first in the 2-1 first leg in Turin last Tuesday, and then scoring the crucial goal in the 1-1 draw in Madrid.

But before and after that 57th minute half-volley, it was some determined defending and smart saves by Gianluigi Buffon that ensured Juventus’ presence at the Olympiastadion in Berlin on June 6.

Aware of the fact Real Madrid had scored in 51 consecutive matches at the Bernabeu, Buffon — like Rossi — had warned in the pre-match press conference that his side would be unable to keep a clean sheet.

He may have been unable to repeat his penalty saving heroics against Luis Figo, from the 2003 semi-final second leg win against Real Madrid, but he pulled off a succession of vital saves as Juventus were put under pressure in the first-half.

Key with his shot-stopping when Juventus last reached the final 12 years ago, the sole survivor of that side also has continued to be a commanding presence, controlling a defence that has seamlessly shifted between a back-three and four this season.

In a combination of being caught up in the emotion of the occasion and hoarse from barking orders to his side, the club captain barely had any voice left when he was interviewed pitchside after the match.

“It seemed like destiny, but it really did go the way we hoped,” Buffon told Sport Mediaset.

“I am so proud of my teammates, of all the work we’ve done and the journey we’ve made.

“You don’t get the chance to play a Champions League final often, so we can’t do it by halves. We’ve got to give our all.”

Destiny has been a key word for the Old Lady in this Champions League campaign, with the road to the final taking a route familiar to the 2006 World Cup winners Buffon, Andrea Barzagli and Andrea Pirlo.

From the Signal Iduna Park and now to the Olympiastadion, the 37-year-old will look to finally win a Champions League winner’s medal at the same stadium where he triumphed for the Azzurri against France.

Buffon can also take another omen from the fact that Juve beat Barcelona 3-2 on aggregate when they last met in the quarter-finals of the Champions League, in 2002-03.

[Socrates 8514]

REAL MADRID - JUVENTUS

1 - 1

Cristiano Ronaldo (23')

Álvaro Morata (57')

Juventus win Aggregate 3-2

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

Dreams become Real-ity: Juventus advance to
Champions League final with 1-1 draw in Madrid

May 14, 2015
 
A few weeks ago, I volunteered to write the match recap for the return leg of the Champions League semifinal against Real Madrid. So I knew I was going to be ecstatic or devastated while writing the game review.

What I didn't know is that it will take about two hours to be calm enough to sit down and type. And now that I can write, there is so little to say. Juventus are going to Berlin, ladies and gents. Juve are playing in a final by playing the tournament to our strengths — a rock-solid defense, a tireless midfield, and a clinical attack.

Juventus were not going to score three goals in Madrid, but trusted their strengths and made it through.

What a good day to be a Juventino.


MATCH RECAP

Juventus started the game strong. Sure, there was that Karim Benzema chance, but the defense did well to close him down and leave him with an impossible shot. After the first five minutes Juventus appeared to be the home side. They were attacking, passing the ball around and looking to beat a disorganized and tired Madrid side.

Obviously, things did not turn out as easy. By the 10th minute, Cristiano Ronaldo took a chance from a free-kick that Gianluigi Buffon did well to push over the bar. This was just a preamble of things to come.

Real Madrid continued to attack and Juventus looked to be confused and startled in defense. Then, 22 minutes into the match, Giorgio Chiellini unnecessarily fouled James in the 18-yard box. The ref pointed to the spot and, a minute later, Ronaldo was making it 1-0.

Juventus seemed genuinely shocked, but Madrid didn't seem too interested in scoring a second one. For the remainder of the first half, Juventus managed to hold off Los Merengues with more heart than skill and organization. It also looked like Madrid were starting to get tired from their intense thirty minutes. The halftime whistle was welcomed by both teams, and provided the perfect opportunity for Max Allegri to reorganize the troops. Everyone expected Madrid to score one goal, so at least the team had to have a plan in mind to try to score that precious away goal.

The second half appeared to start with much of the same, with Juventus sitting back and Madrid dominating possession, but this time Juventus seemed more organized. And slowly they started to make their presence felt. Until, in the 57th minute, Andrea Pirlo took a free-kick from the flank that Iker Casillas manages to parry away. The ball is sent back into the area towards Paul Pogba who was played onside by Sergio Ramos. Pogba is able to head the ball towards Álvaro Morata, who after controlling with his chest,puts it in the back of the net. The game was now in favor of the Bianconeri, but with 30 minutes to play, anything could happen.

In the 67th minute, a tired Benzema was replaced by Javier Hernandez to the relief of most Juventini. Benzema had been problematic all match (less so towards the end) and his understanding with Ronaldo certainly deflated Madrid's attack. Madrid continued to attack with a shot from James Rodriguez that left Buffon standing, a header for Bale, and a supposed foul on Hernandez. On the other side, Claudio Marchisio missed a golden chance to make it 1-2 and kill all hopes of Madrid qualifying but it wasn't to be. For the last 10 minutes, Juventus moved to a 3-5-2 with Andrea Barzagli at the back and stopped everything that came their way.


LE PAGELLE

Buffon 7.5 He had a couple good saves, but his leadership at the back was truly needed. A rock at the back.

Lichtsteiner 6.5 Covered Marcelo and Cristiano Ronaldo well enough. I am sure he was told not to venture too far forward.

Bonucci 7.0 Did well to cover Benzema, Bale, and Ronaldo throughout the match. He has very good at closing the angle in one of Madrid's counterattacks. His positioning was very good throughout.

Chiellini 6.0 He made a stupid and unnecessary mistake that could have cost us the match. His aggressiveness is welcome, but there is a time and a place, and this wasn't it. He needs to learn from this experience for the final.

Evra 7.5 Another one of Juve's experienced players. He covered for Pogba's lack of defensive commitment. He won headers against players that were taller than him and moved the ball confidently from the back. I don't know when he became such a central piece of our back four, but there it is.

Marchisio 7.0 Good all-around game. Had the chance to make it 2-1 and kill the match. I am guessing he is saving it for the final against Barcelona, right?

Pirlo 6.0 Insufficient. He lost too many balls and his passing was not that dangerous. Probably because the team was playing so far back that there was no one to really pass to. Morata's goal started from Pirlo's free kick so he gets 0.5 points for that. Moving forward the team must decide if Pirlo being a central piece of the team is the best way forward.

Pogba 6.0 Seemed more focused on scoring a goal or making a fancy move than on helping out the team. He missed some easy passes, and his defending was lackluster. Overall, he appeared to be shaken by playing such a big match. With that being said, he gets the assist for Morata's goal.

Vidal 6.5 He had some good times, but also faded during others. His game was not as good as last week but enough to stop Madrid from playing comfortably at the back and in the middle of the field.

Tevez 6.0 When Tevez doesn't show up this team suffers, and today he was nowhere to be found for the first 60 minutes of the match.

Morata 8.5 To score the goal that qualifies your team to the final is an immense task. To score it at the Bernabeu against the team that formed you is an even bigger deal. To do all of this at 22 years old is a sign of big things to come. His composure up front is second to none. And every dangerous play that Juventus had came from him. He gets and extra 0.5 for being a classy guy and not celebrating the biggest goal of his career. I truly hope he makes Turin his home.


Allegri 8.0 Allegri setup a team to play to its strengths (defense and midfield). It was nerve-racking for any black and white fans but it worked.


CONCLUSION

How did Juventus go from not being able to dine in a $100 restaurant with $10 to eating at the fanciest restaurant in town?

The short answer to that is that Juventus is not a $10 team and that Allegri pitched in the rest of the cash. The team played with self-belief, conviction, and a never give-up attitude. Now we have a final to play. Juventus are by far the underdogs, but that is a tag a like. We also have a coach that has played against Barca in the past. More importantly, no matter what happens, we now know what we can do. We may not make the finals every year, we may no even make the semis every year. But if we can consistently make it to the top 8, that would be a huge step in the right direction.

[Socrates 8514]

REAL MADRID - JUVENTUS

1 - 1

Cristiano Ronaldo (23')

Álvaro Morata (57')

Juventus win Aggregate 3-2

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

United Juve Stand, Divided Real Fall

May 14, 2015
 
The initial emotion, perhaps the instinctive reaction, was one of frustration. What might have been, but what ultimately wasn't.

After all, we were so close to what many would consider the absolute pinnacle of club football: a Clasico final to decide the Champions League.

It is hard to believe such a match has never happened before, a cosmic quirk that would seem certain to be rectified at some point. It would be like if Federer and Nadal never contested a final at Wimbledon or Mayweather and Pacquiao never actually met in the ring. To miss out on such a seminal match, after it appearing to be so close, is a difficult pill to swallow.

On further reflection, however, perhaps we are wrong to be too disappointed. To rue what we missed out on is to do a disservice to Juventus, who surely warranted their place in the final—and in the process put up two fingers to the pundits (and there were a fair few of them) who said they had no chance of beating Real Madrid.

[Socrates 8514]

REAL MADRID - JUVENTUS

1 - 1

Cristiano Ronaldo (23')

Álvaro Morata (57')

Juventus win Aggregate 3-2

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

Morata leads unwavering
Juve to Berlin

Juventus have reached the Champions League Final thanks to Alvaro Morata’s
goal and their unshakable spirit, Luca Cetta writes.

May 14, 2015
 
“I chose Juventus because this is one of the most important clubs in Europe,” Alvaro Morata said upon his Turin arrival last July. “I will try to help them win more titles.”

A former Real Madrid striker who celebrated winning Europe’s top prize last May in Lisbon, he found himself cast aside by the club he had represented since his teenage years. There were multiple suitors for his signature. But Morata was steadfast in his desire to join Juventus. The Bianconeri shelled out €20m in a complicated deal.

And as they celebrated reaching the Champions League Final 10 months later, it was Morata who had his fingerprints all over the Semi-final success. He opened the scoring last week in Turin. And yesterday, with Juve needing a goal to stay in the hunt, the 22-year-old delivered.

Cristiano Ronaldo had earlier converted from the spot after Giorgio Chiellini’s clumsy foul on James Rodriguez. It put the Spaniards ahead on away goals. Massimiliano Allegri’s men had to hit back. And when Andrea Pirlo’s partially cleared free-kick was hooked back into the penalty area in the 57th minute, Real’s dream of becoming the first side in the Champions League era to retain the trophy went to dust. Paul Pogba centred for Morata to beat Iker Casillas.

After Juventus won its first post-Calciopoli Scudetto in 2012, President Andrea Agnelli remarked the club had been “from paradise to hell and back to paradise.” Perhaps captain Gianluigi Buffon best epitomises the journey. From winning the 2006 World Cup in Berlin to then playing in Serie B, nine years later he will return to the German capital. Gigi said afterwards it was destiny.

It has been 12 years since Juventus reached Europe’s showpiece match. To get there they had to show a mixture of courage and spirit, with some luck thrown in. Allegri promised his side would not simply sit back. Facing a side which last failed to score at the Bernabeu three years ago, he said it was unlikely to end scoreless. The Coach made just one change from last week’s team, Pogba returning to European action to replace Stefano Sturaro in the stifling mid-May heat.

The hosts had their chances. After a bright Juventus opening, Real took command. Gareth Bale tested Buffon from distance. After Ronaldo netted they may well have got another. The Portuguese dynamo and Karim Benzema, twice, going close. Allegri’s side looked a shell of the team which produced such a vibrant display in Turin.

But that unshakable team spirit shone through. “We were never afraid,” Patrice Evra stated. “At half-time, when 1-0 down, I told the lads it’d end like this. I knew we had to suffer, but that we’d do it.” Juventus grew in stature. Claudio Marchisio drilled just wide. Then Morata took centre stage. Like the first leg he showed restraint in his celebration. “The situation was difficult for me. I didn’t celebrate, I just did my job, I am a Juve player and didn’t deserve that [booing from the Real fans].”

That forced Real to break down the blue wall one more time. It opened the door to a frantic final half hour. Barzagli’s introduction signified Allegri’s intentions. Try as Real might – and Bale was a constant danger inside the penalty area – Juventus did not yield.

It was a victory for togetherness, for a team which plays for one another. “We have a very united squad, we are all brothers here because we’ve known each other for a few years now,” Arturo Vidal remarked. “What Juventus have is a great team.” Carlo Ancelotti, who last week admitted to never being enamoured by La Vecchia Signora, is now on the brink of being sacked thanks to that lady.

Juve’s treble dream remains alive. There are four games to play before heading to the Olympiastadion. That includes next week’s Coppa Italia Final versus Lazio where they will aim to seal a first domestic double since 1995. Then preparations will turn to Barcelona.

Like this contest they’ll go in underdogs against Barca’s fearsome attack. But after the display in Madrid, it would take a brave man to write this Juventus side off.

[Socrates 8514]

REAL MADRID - JUVENTUS

1 - 1

Cristiano Ronaldo (23')

Álvaro Morata (57')

Juventus win Aggregate 3-2

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

Allegri's tactics vs. Real Madrid
'perfection' - Carlos Tevez

May 14, 2015
 
Juventus coach Massimiliano Allegri deserves credit for the Bianconeri's march to the final of the Champions League, striker Ca

Tevez, 31, believes Wednesday night's 1-1 draw in Real Madrid, which completed a 3-2 aggregate win, was planned down to the finest of details by Allegri who is still on course for an historic Serie A, Coppa Italia and Champions League Treble this term -- his first season in charge of the Turin club.

"The coach prepared these two games to perfection," Tevez told Sky Sport Italia. "He always gives all the credit to us, but a lot of it is also his."

Allegri only took charge of Juve a month before the campaign after Antonio Conte surprisingly stepped down. He was greeted with eggs and spitting from Bianconeri fans on his first day at work, but has managed to convince them all in the space of nine months.

His Juve side have taken the step Conte's was unable to do in his three years in charge.

"The strength of this Juve side is in the team," added Tevez. "We've shown that we're ready for great things."

Barcelona await in the final in Berlin and so does their star player Lionel Messi, Tevez's Argentine compatriot.

"He's the best in the world right now," Tevez said. "He does some crazy things -- he's from another planet. But we will be in the best of shape when we face them. We deserve this final."

As for his own future, reaching the final appears to have convinced the Argentine forward to resist the temptation of returning to his home country and joining Boca Juniors this summer. "I'm staying in Turin," he said. "Definitely."

Tevez's contract expires in 2016 and he has already informed the club that he will not be signing an extension.

[Socrates 8514]

REAL MADRID - JUVENTUS

1 - 1

Cristiano Ronaldo (23')

Álvaro Morata (57')

Juventus win Aggregate 3-2

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

Lippi: ‘Juve like my Italy’

May 14, 2015
 
Marcello Lippi sees similarities between Juventus and his World Cup winning Italy side - ‘I hope the outcome is the same’.

The Bianconeri advanced to their first Champions League final since 2003 [when Lippi was on the bench] with a draw in the Bernabeu against Real Madrid last night.

The showpiece event will be held at Berlin’s Olympiastadion, the scene of the Azzurri’s 2006 triumph, and Lippi acknowledges the parallels.

“Berlin is a place which is very dear to me, as it is for many of the champions at Juventus [Andrea Pirlo, Andrea Barzagli and Gigi Buffon were in the 2006 squad],” the former Juve Coach told Tuttomercatoweb.

“I see so many similarities between my Italy and this Juventus, now I just hope the final outcome is the same.

“Juventus proved last night that they are strong, very strong. They went onto the pitch in a tough manner, with the attitude of a team which wants to go through.

“They’ve proven they are stronger than Real Madrid, but some achievements are part of the Juventus DNA.

“Juventus have mainly grown in self-belief, and they’ve done this with great performances on the European stage.

“I’m thinking about the matches with Atletico Madrid, Borussia Dortmund and the two against Real Madrid.”

Lippi, who lifted the trophy with the Old Lady in 1996, also had words of praise for Coach Massimiliano Allegri.

“Congratulations to Allegri. With the Champions League final he has completed the work which Antonio Conte began in these past few years.”

[Socrates 8514]

REAL MADRID - JUVENTUS

1 - 1

Cristiano Ronaldo (23')

Álvaro Morata (57')

Juventus win Aggregate 3-2

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

Genius Moment: Morata comes
back to haunt Real Madrid

The Spain striker, who left the Bernabeu in a €20 million deal last summer, has bagged
four goals in six Champions League knockout games to lead Juventus to the final.

May 14, 2015
 
On paper, Alvaro Morata does not stand out as having been a roaring success for Juventus given his €20 million price tag; his seven Serie A goals this season put him behind Middlesbrough flop Massimo Maccarone, among others, and less than halfway to 37-year-old Luca Toni’s total.

But it is in European competition that Morata is making his presence felt, and with one goal at the home of the club he joined as a teenager he has repaid his transfer fee by sending Juventus to their first Champions League final since 2003.

Morata now has four goals in his last six Champions League games. No Spanish player has scored more in the competition this season. He netted one at home and one away against Borussia Dortmund, and repeated the trick to even greater importance against Real Madrid, scoring two of Juventus’ three goals over 180 minutes.

Given Karim Benzema’s recent injury, Carlo Ancelotti may regret letting Morata leave. “I barely had any kind of relationship with Ancelotti,” he said in March. “Max Allegri, for better or worse, is always looking after me.” His contribution cannot only be measured in terms of his own performances but also in what he has brought out of Carlos Tevez, who is playing the best football of his career.

At 6ft 2in, Morata is capable of holding the ball up and bringing others into play but does so with greater precision and thought than Fernando Llorente. Tevez buzzed around him and was Juventus’ most creative player again, but Morata’s extra physical presence allowed him to pounce on Paul Pogba’s knockdown and punch a hole in the Madrid defence.

Barcelona await in Berlin. They have beaten the reigning champions of England, France and Germany on their way to the final but Italy’s top club can justifiably claim to boast the best defence in the world. If they can avoid the mistakes of the clubs Barcelona have faced so far, their young star in attack could be a difference-maker once again.

[Socrates 8514]

REAL MADRID - JUVENTUS

1 - 1

Cristiano Ronaldo (23')

Álvaro Morata (57')

Juventus win Aggregate 3-2

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

Who said Serie A is dead? Allegri
and Juventus silence the critics

The coach’s appointment last summer was expected to signal the downfall of the Bianconeri
but the ex-AC Milan boss has made his and Italy’s critics eat their words.

May 14, 2015
 
By Carlo Garganese

Anyone fancy some humble pie? There is plenty to go around after Juventus sensationally booked their place in the Champions League final on Wednesday by eliminating holders Real Madrid.

No one in their wildest fantasies could have predicted such an outcome last summer when the Bianconeri were left in disarray after coach Antonio Conte suddenly resigned in the middle of July due to a disagreement over transfer policy.

In a shock move, Juventus president Andrea Agnelli and CEO Giuseppe Marotta hurriedly named Massimiliano Allegri as Conte’s successor. Only six months earlier, Allegri had been sacked as coach of AC Milan and needless to say the appointment did not go down well with fans.

Hundreds of Juventus supporters immediately staged a protest outside the club’s Vinovo training base, while Ultras demanded a meeting with Marotta as part of a campaign to overturn the decision.

“The first day with Allegri and the president in the car, we were greeted at the training ground by spitting, eggs and kicks,” Marotta revealed earlier this month.

Most Italian journalists predicted that Allegri’s arrival would signal the downfall of Juventus – that Paul Pogba and Manchester United-target Arturo Vidal were certain to leave the club and the rapidly rising Roma would overtake the Bianconeri domestically.

Some 10 months down the line, the experts and fans could not have been more wrong. Vidal and Pogba are still at the club and Juve are on course to win a historic treble. A fourth straight Scudetto was clinched with four rounds to spare – with the Old Lady a whopping 16 points clear of crisis-hit Roma. Next week, Juventus have the chance to win their first Coppa Italia since 1995 as they take on Lazio in the final, while against all odds the Bianconeri are in the Champions League final.

The work done by Allegri, Marotta and Agnelli has been remarkable. The coach has proven that the problems he encountered at Milan were largely down to an inadequate playing staff and an owner who should have sold the club years ago.

At Juventus, he has shown himself to be intelligent, tactically astute and superior to Conte. While his predecessor performed miracles in rebuilding the club and dominating Serie A, he consistently fell short on the continent. His side always played the same way with the same 3-5-2 formation – making them very predictable when faced by Europe’s elite.

He also rotated poorly – regularly fielding his full-strength side against weak Serie A opponents days before a Champions League clash – and never believed his team could challenge superpowers like Madrid, Barcelona and Bayern Munich. “You cannot go to eat at a €100 restaurant with just €10 in your pocket,” he famously said, while he also sniped in 2013 that “an Italian team won’t win the Champions League for years.”

Allegri has learned from all of Conte’s mistakes. He has made Juventus unpredictable by using a number of different formations – his favoured 4-3-1-2, the 3-5-2, 4-3-2-1, 4-3-3 and 4-4-2 – often “changing the menu” during games as Patrice Evra put it. He has also offered more freedom to key players, particularly Carlos Tevez who was sometimes restricted by Conte’s rigid system.

The coach has rested first teamers before big European matches – nine sat out Juve’s Serie A match with Cagliari last Saturday – while most importantly of all he has given Juventus belief that they can compete against anyone. Conte’s defeatist attitude is gone - Allegri has behaved like the coach of one of the world’s biggest clubs. “We go to Berlin convinced we can bring home the trophy,” he remarked on Wednesday night.

Allegri also added that Juventus’ win over Madrid was a “big night for Italian football” and there is no doubt that the success will serve as a big inspiration for the rest of the peninsula.

It has become a pastime for many fans and members of the football community to kick Serie A when it was down on its knees. But the league has shown this season that, despite its obvious problems with stadiums, Ultras and finance (Madrid’s revenue from 2013-14 was €270m more than Juventus’, according to Deloitte), from a footballing sense it is far from dead.

Juventus are in the Champions League final, while both Napoli and Fiorentina are in the Europa League semis. After Thursday’s matches, Serie A could overtake La Liga as the best performing championship in Europe this season. Italy has earned 19 coefficient points for the Uefa Ranking this term to Spain’s 19.2. The German Bundesliga and English Premier League are way back with 15.8 and 13.5 points, respectively.

After next season, it is very possible that Italy will regain four places in the Champions League at the expense of England. That is a damning indictment on the Premier League considering the astronomical wealth gap between the EPL and Serie A.

The quality of the Italian championship is regularly ridiculed, particularly in the British media, but it is now time for a reality check. The EPL had no teams progress past the last 16 in Europe, Ligue 1 only had two and the Bundesliga just two also – with Germany’s second best team Wolfsburg humiliated by a struggling Napoli outfit.

Juventus and Serie A have restored Italian pride and silenced so many critics in the process.

[Socrates 8514]

REAL MADRID - JUVENTUS

1 - 1

Cristiano Ronaldo (23')

Álvaro Morata (57')

Juventus win Aggregate 3-2

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

Iuliano: Juventus Proved They Are
A Great Side Against Real Madrid

May 14, 2015
 
Former Juventus defender Mark Iuliano feels that his old side proved that they are a great side by beating Real Madrid 3-2 on aggregate to book a place in the Champions League against Barcelona.

The current Latina coach was happy to see the Bianconeri make the final in Berlin and praised the club for their winning spirit and coach Massimiliano Allegri for his work.

“This Juve side proved that they are a great side, they’ve been coached well by a great coach [Allegri],” said Iuliano to TuttoMercatoWeb.com.

“I’m very happy that they were able to return to the Champions League final.”

Iuliano was also asked if there are any similarities between the current Juventus side and the teams he played for between 1996 and 2004.

“The desire and will to win is always part of the Bianconeri’s spirit,” said Iuliano.

“That’s what I remember best about the teams I played for.

“That spirit’s always been the club’s main weapon.”

Iuliano also offered his thoughts about the final against Barcelona.

“Nothing can be taken for granted,” said Iuliano.

“If Juventus can prepare for the game. at their highest possible levels then they will have great potential and they’ll be close to Barcelona’s level.

“In a close game anything can happen.

“We shouldn’t forget that if a team reaches the final, then there must be a reason for that.”

[Socrates 8514]

INTER - JUVENTUS

-

Saturday, May 16th, 2015 - 6:00 p.m.
Giuseppe Meazza Stadium (San Siro), Milan
Referee: Daniele Doveri

Preview: Inter vs. Juventus

May 14, 2015

Juventus will head to rivals Inter Milan on Saturday evening in high spirits after reaching the Champions League final for the first time in 12 years this week.

Juve, who wrapped up a fourth consecutive Serie A title earlier this month, reached the decider of Europe's elite club competition after coming from behind to draw 1-1 at Real Madrid on Wednesday. That saw them record a 3-2 aggregate victory and keep hopes of a historic treble alive, with the Coppa Italia final to come next weekend.


Inter

It has been a largely frustrating campaign for Inter this term, although it could end on a high note if Roberto Mancini's side continue their recent upturn in form in Serie A.

The Nerazzurri had looked set for mid-table mediocrity, but a run of seven games without defeat has moved them to within three points of Fiorentina in fifth and a Europa League spot.

Inter began a run of their next four matches coming against top-half teams by beating Lazio 2-1 last weekend, but Juventus could be a different proposition.

Some supporters were questioning the decision to bring Roberto Mancini back to San Siro for a second spell as manager back in November, but Inter's recent form suggests that the former Manchester City boss is beginning to make his mark.

Mancini has stated that he is hoping to challenge for the Scudetto next season and if they can pick up positive results in their final three games of the campaign, especially against Juve, it will provide a huge boost ahead of the next campaign.

Recent form: W D W W D W


Juventus

It has been a memorable week for Juventus supporters, with the club enjoying success in Europe and keeping their hopes of landing a historic treble alive.

Juve overcame Real Madrid 3-2 on aggregate in the semi-finals of the Champions League on Wednesday evening to set up a clash against Barcelona in the final.

Alvaro Morata scored the decisive goal to secure a 1-1 draw at Santiago Bernabeu and send the Italian champions through to their first final since 2003.

With the title wrapped up, Allegri will turn his attention to the Coppa Italia final against Lazio on Wednesday along with their Champions League showdown with Barcelona, so he could look to give fringe players the opportunity to impress during the final league games of the season.

Recent form: W W W D W D
Recent form (all competitions): L W W W D D


Team News

Inter will be without midfielder Fredy Guarin, who has been ruled out for the rest of the season after succumbing to a hamstring injury. Mancini might be tempted to shuffle his midfield around as a result, with Yuto Nagatomo in line to start.

Lukas Podolski and Xherdan Shaqiri both had to settle for a place on the bench against Lazio for the second week in a row, so they will be hoping to earn a recall to the starting XI.

Following their heroics against Real in midweek, Allegri will more than likely rest a few of his key players. This could mean that Roberto Pereyra, Alessandro Matri and Fernando Llorente are given starts.

Paul Pogba, who had been out since March 18 with a thigh problem, started against Real in midweek. The Frenchman played 89 minutes in Spain and thus may be named among the substitutes for this one.


Inter possible starting lineup:
Handanovic; D'Ambrosio, Vidic, Ranocchia, Juan; Medel, Kovacic, Shaqiri, Nagatomo; Icardi, Palacio

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


Head To Head

Juve have enjoyed the better record when the sides have met in recent seasons. Inter last beat them in November 2012, when Diego Milito's double helped them to a 3-1 success away from home.

The champions have won two of the four matches since. They earned a 1-1 draw on their last visit to San Siro and were held by the same scoreline in the reverse fixture earlier this campaign at the Juventus Stadium.


We say: Inter Milan 1-1 Juventus

Inter Milan still have something to play for, domestically at least, and they need three points to maintain their hopes of qualifying for the Europa League next season.

Juventus's focus is now on the two cup competitions that they remain in, so Allegri will not be too concerned if his side fail to win here. Given Inter's fine form of late, they should be at least capable enough of taking a point off the champions.

 

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

[Socrates 8514]

INTER - JUVENTUS

-

Saturday, May 16th, 2015 - 6:00 p.m.
Giuseppe Meazza Stadium (San Siro), Milan
Referee: Daniele Doveri

Inter - Juventus Preview: Top-six chasers
face Champions League finalists

Juventus will be full of confidence at Inter on Saturday,
but may have one eye on next week's re-scheduled Coppa Italia final.

May 15, 2015

Champions Juventus visit Inter on Saturday in high spirits after qualifying for a first Champions League final since 2003 in midweek.

Juve - who wrapped up a fourth consecutive Serie A title earlier this month - reached the decider of Europe's elite club competition after coming from behind to draw 1-1 at Real Madrid on Wednesday. That saw them record a 3-2 aggregate victory and keep hopes of a historic treble alive for Massimiliano Allegri's men.

Progression to the Champions League showpiece against Barcelona has already impacted the Italian football calendar, with the Coppa Italia final - which Juve will play Lazio in - shifted forward to next Wednesday.

The match was originally slated for June 7, one day after the Champions League finale.

Saturday's trip to Inter - just four days before the Coppa Italia final - means Juventus are likely to rotate players.

And midfield maestro Claudio Marchisio acknowledged the Inter clash was not high on their priority list when he told the club's official website: "Our number one target at the moment is the Coppa Italia.

"After that we can start thinking about the Champions League."

Marchisio added that Allegri's squad was full of belief and self-confidence after an excellent result in the Spanish capital.

"We pulled off a great win against a top team," he added.

"The belief we have in ourselves now is something we've acquired gradually, starting from the group stage [of the Champions League].

"We've improved a lot and have seen the results this season."

Juventus have stuttered slightly in the league of late, winning just three of their six matches as focus turned to winning more trophies.

That will fill Inter with confidence - particularly given Allegri's men were held to a 1-1 home draw by relegation-threatened Cagliari last time out.

Inter have finally hit form, unbeaten in seven in a run that has included four wins. That streak has been highlighted by successes against second-placed Roma and Lazio, who sit third, with Inter climbing to eighth.

As a result, European football for next season is not beyond them. Roberto Mancini's men are just three points below fifth-placed Fiorentina. And with Juventus possibly distracted by talk of a treble, Inter's late push for a Europa League berth could receive another boost at San Siro.

Inter last beat Juventus in November 2012, when Diego Milito's double helped them to a 3-1 away success. The champions have won two of the four matches since, but were held to a 1-1 home draw in January's league meeting.

It was no surprise that the scorers on that occasion were Carlos Tevez for Juve and Mauro Icardi for the visitors. Tevez leads the Serie A scoring charts with 20, with Icardi third having netted 18 league goals.


OPTA FACTS

This will be the 164th meeting between Inter and Juventus in Serie A: the Old Lady leads by 77 wins to 45.

The Nerazzurri have won only one of their last nine games against Juve in Serie A, losing five.

Inter have scored exactly one goal in each of their last four meetings with Juve in the league.

The Bianconeri are unbeaten at Inter’s ground since April 2010 (2W 2D).

Inter are now unbeaten in seven league games (4W 3D) – their longest streak since December 2013.

However, Roberto Mancini’s side have been held to a draw in four of their last five home games (1W).

Juve have lost two of their last three away games, winning the other against Sampdoria.

Inter have recorded the highest average possession figure in Serie A this season (60.4%).


LAST FIVE MATCHES

Internazionale  W D W W D

5/10/15 - Lazio 1 - 2 Internazionale
5/3/15 - Internazionale 0 - 0 Chievo Verona
4/28/15 - Udinese Calcio 1 - 2 Internazionale
4/25/15 - Internazionale 2 - 1 Roma
4/19/15 - Internazionale 0 - 0 Milan


Juventus  D D W W W

5/13/15 - Real Madrid 1 - 1 Juventus
5/9/15 - Juventus 1 - 1 Cagliari
5/5/15 - Juventus 2 - 1 Real Madrid
5/2/15 - Sampdoria 0 - 1 Juventus
4/29/15 - Juventus 3 - 2 Fiorentina


HEAD TO HEAD

1/6/15 - Juventus 1 - 1 Internazionale
2/2/14 - Juventus 3 - 1 Internazionale
9/14/13 - Internazionale 1 - 1 Juventus
8/6/13 - Juventus 1 - 1 Internazionale
3/30/13 - Internazionale 1 - 2 Juventus

 

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

[Socrates 8514]

INTER - JUVENTUS

-

Saturday, May 16th, 2015 - 6:00 p.m.
Giuseppe Meazza Stadium (San Siro), Milan
Referee: Daniele Doveri

Mancini: ‘Forget Calciopoli’

May 15, 2015

Roberto Mancini says Inter and Juventus’ rivalry can’t be about Calciopoli anymore - ‘it’s ridiculous to talk about things that are in the past’.

The Calciopoli scandal saw the Bianconeri demoted to Serie B, while the 2005/06 title was awarded to Mancini’s Inter.

Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Patrick Vieira also left Turin in favour of the Nerazzurri, and to this day Juve and their fans count 33 Scudetti, refusing to acknowledge the two revoked [the 2004/05 title was unassigned].

“I like games like this, because there’s so much more rivalry, and the stadium is full,” Mancini told Tuttosport ahead of the Derby d’Italia on Saturday.

“By the way, I think the rivalry between Juventus and Inter has to go back to just being on a sporting level.

“You have to concentrate on the 90 minutes, you can win or lose, but it’s time to give up all the other stupid stuff.

“I think everyone should do something to get out of this situation. It’s ridiculous to talk about things which are in the past.

“It can’t be done anymore.”

The Beneamata have struggled this season, while the Old Lady are going from strength-to-strength, even reaching the Champions League final on Wednesday.

“When there’s a need to rebuild, we must be patient, something which is unfortunately lacking in Italy.

“We need patience to understand that winning cycles begin and then end, and when they end it takes time to rebuild.

“It happened to Juve, who worked with great difficulties, and went through times which were not easy, and look what they’ve done in recent years, thanks to building a stadium of their own.”

With Massimiliano Allegri’s team having exerted themselves in Europe on Wednesday, and with the Coppa Italia final to come in midweek, is this a good time to face them?

“I don’t think so,” Mancini insisted.

“Juve are used to playing every three days, they know how to play these games.

“Even if they make some changes, those who go onto the pitch, as well as being fresher, will be motivated by the idea of proving that they can play in the team which has just reached the Champions League final.”

 

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

[Socrates 8514]

INTER - JUVENTUS

-

Saturday, May 16th, 2015 - 6:00 p.m.
Giuseppe Meazza Stadium (San Siro), Milan
Referee: Daniele Doveri

Allegri: ‘Focus on Inter & Coppa’

 
May 15, 2015

Juventus Coach Massimiliano Allegri warns his players not to be distracted by the upcoming Champions League final.

The Bianconeri have reached the showpiece event in Berlin, and will play Barcelona on June 6, but the tactician warns there are still domestic commitments, such as the Coppa Italia.

“It’s true that we have great enthusiasm now,” Allegri admitted in his Press conference ahead of the Inter game.

“Making the Champions League final is a great achievement, but we mustn’t lose sight of a very important goal, the Coppa Italia, which Juventus haven’t won for 20 years.

“Tomorrow we’ll go to San Siro with almost a full squad, because only [Martin] Caceres is on the treatment table, all the others are available.

“We’ll go tonight by bus after training, and maybe I’ll give those who have played more the chance to catch their breath. [Carlos] Tevez, [Andrea] Pirlo, [Gigi] Buffon, [Patrice] Evra and [Arturo] Vidal will not be making the journey to San Siro.

"I think Vidal is still at doping control in Spain, I don't think he made it home yet...

“Let’s not forget we have the Coppa Italia final on Wednesday, which is the second important objective this season.

“That said, it will be an important match tomorrow, because it always is, it’s Juventus-Inter.

“They’re playing for the Europa League, and we must go to San Siro to play a good game, from a technical point of view, and also in our intensity.

“You always have to play well at San Siro.”

 

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

[Socrates 8514]

INTER - JUVENTUS

-

Saturday, May 16th, 2015 - 6:00 p.m.
Giuseppe Meazza Stadium (San Siro), Milan
Referee: Daniele Doveri

Allegri: World-class Buffon has stayed young at heart

The Juventus coach says the 37-year-old's unrivalled enthusiasm
has been the key to the World Cup winner's longevity.

May 15, 2015

Juventus coach Massimiliano Allegri says Gianluigi Buffon proved he is still a world class goalkeeper with his performance against Real Madrid on Wednesday.

Buffon made a number of fine stops, including a spectacular saves to deny Gareth Bale and Cristiano Ronaldo, as the Italian champions earned a 1-1 draw that saw them through to the Champions League final.

Allegri says the 37-year-old’s enthusiasm has been key to his continued success.

"Buffon has an extraordinary game in Madrid from a technical standpoint,” the Bianconeri boss told a press conference on Friday.

“Buffon is world class. He's been in the business for a while now and still has the enthusiasm of a youngster.”

Juve, who have already secured their fourth consecutive Serie A title, return to league action on Saturday against Inter, when Allegri says he will rest a number of first-team regulars.

"Caceres is the only player on the treatment table at present. I will have the chance to rest a few players,” he said.

"I will have the opportunity to hand game time to those who have played less, like Kwadwo Asamoah for example.

"I didn't call up Vidal, Tevez, Pirlo, Buffon or Evra. They will all stay at home."

The Old Lady are heading for a Coppa Italia final meeting with Lazio on Wednesday, and Allegri says pacing themselves will be critical to their chances of securing a famous treble.

“The Coppa Italia final is our second target of the season, so we'll need to prepare as best we can,” he said.

“Rest is just as important as work at this stage. We need to be clear headed when going into the Champions League final.

"We've reached this position on merit, thanks to gradual and consistent improvement as the season's gone on."

 

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

[Socrates 8514]

INTER - JUVENTUS

-

Saturday, May 16th, 2015 - 6:00 p.m.
Giuseppe Meazza Stadium (San Siro), Milan
Referee: Daniele Doveri

Internazionale v Juventus: Preview

May 15, 2015

Inter Milan coach Roberto Mancini expects a very difficult game against Juventus in Saturday's derby d'Italia despite the Serie A champions resting their top players at the San Siro.

Juve coach Massimiliano Allegri has left captain Gianluigi Buffon, defender Patrice Evra, midfielders Arturo Vidal and Andrea Pirlo as well as Serie A's top scorer Carlos Tevez in Turin.

All five players started in Wednesday's 1-1 draw at Real Madrid, a result that allowed Juve to progress 3-2 on aggregate to their first Champions League final in 12 years.

The Turin giants, who clinched the Scudetto last month, will take on Barcelona in a title decider in Berlin on June 6.

``The game against Juventus will not be easy because they are riding a wave of enthusiasm,'' Mancini said to the Italian press on Friday. ``Even the bench players will give their all to prove their value.

``Juve has deserved the Scudetto and I congratulate them for reaching the Champions League final.

``Whoever play for Juve tomorrow will be rested and I expect a tough game.''

Inter, who won the European final in 2010, have endured a difficult 2014-15 campaign but are hoping to finish in the top six to qualify for the Europa League.

The Nerrazzurri have won three of their last four league games, including a 2-1 triumph at Lazio in the last round, and have conceded just three goals in their last six matches.

Inter are eighth in the standings, two points adrift of sixth-place Sampdoria.

``We will try to give our all in our final three games in order to achieve that aim,'' Mancini said.

Juve are keen to warm up for next week's Coppa Italia final against Lazio with a victory at Inter.

``We are Juve and we need to maintain our motivation high,'' Allegri said. ``This game is always fascinating.

``Inter need to win to maintain their push for Europa League football and we want to keep up our good condition for the Coppa Italia and the Champions League finals.''

Marco Storari will replace Buffon in goal.

Inter will have to overcome the absence of midfielder Hernanes, who is suspended.

Hernanes' two goals earned Inter victory over Lazio last weekend.

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

[Socrates 8514]

INTER - JUVENTUS

-

Saturday, May 16th, 2015 - 6:00 p.m.
Giuseppe Meazza Stadium (San Siro), Milan
Referee: Daniele Doveri

Inter without Guarin, Hernanes

May 15, 2015

Fredy Guarin and Hernanes are Inter’s only high-profile absentees from their squad to face Juventus in Saturday’s Derby d’Italia.

Brazil international Hernanes is suspended while Guarin misses out through injury, which could hand Xherdan Shaqiri an opportunity to start the match.

Champions League finalists Juventus have already wrapped up the Scudetto, but Inter are still targeting Europa League qualification.

Kick-off from San Siro will be at 18:00 CET on Saturday.

In January, the two sides fought out a 1-1 draw at the Juventus Stadium after goals from Carlos Tevez and Mauro Icardi.


Inter squad for Juventus:

Handanovic, Carrizo, Berni, Juan Jesus, Andreolli, Vidic, Santon, Ranocchia, Felipe, D'Ambrosio, Nagatomo, Dimarco, Kovacic, Kuzmanovic, Medel, Obi, Gnoukouri, Brozovic, Palacio, Icardi, Podolski, Puscas, Shaqiri, Bonazzoli

 

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

[Socrates 8514]

INTER - JUVENTUS

-

Saturday, May 16th, 2015 - 6:00 p.m.
Giuseppe Meazza Stadium (San Siro), Milan
Referee: Daniele Doveri

Triumphant Juventus must keep their winning feeling

May 15, 2015

Probably one of the first things that Juventus thought to do when they reached the final of the Champions League was to laugh at the many memes that had viewed them as the weakest link left in the semifinals. Everyone had wanted the chance to beat the Old Lady, for despite her history and her achievements in recent years, she was still perceived as feeble and a side lacking in genuine quality to manage real European giants with bigger brands and deeper pockets.

Where they once boasted the greatest stars of the world, Juventus, at least on paper, had little to brag about in Europe. They possessed Carlos Tevez with diva-like behaviour and a preference of golf over football. They bought Alvaro Morata who was forever ignored by Carlo Ancelotti at Real Madrid. There was Leonardo Bonucci, who many pointed out was inferior to former teammate Andrea Ranocchia. Andrea Pirlo, discarded by Milan, Patrice Evra, laughed at for being too old and Paul Pogba: Sir Alex Ferguson's greatest regret. They were all unwanted, unloved, ignored -- a scrap heap of talent, of well-executed transactions that with a little love and a lot of devotion grew into a majestic flower.

Their gardener? The great Massimiliano Allegri, a man greeted at the club by having an egg thrown at him. Sacked by Milan and ridiculed by Italy, Allegri is simply another brilliant addition to a side that allowed alleged mediocrity to thrive into absolute excellence. Taking a team that preferred tenacity to technique, Allegri built upon their winning mentality and determined ways and gave them a soul, an identity and courage of conviction. Most importantly, he gave them genuine belief and the ability to dream again. For once, they were not only good enough to forge ahead past teams within a declining league, but a side that could and has taken on the biggest and best Europe has to offer and defeated them with breathtaking organisation and tactical versatility.

Asked about their chance of actually winning the trophy, Allegri was defiant: "We are in good physical shape, they have a stratospheric front three but we go to Berlin convinced we can bring home the trophy." The key word used was "convinced". No fear, no doubts no statements that reveal a secret inferiority complex. People can talk of star studded players, of wonderful individuals but Juventus have a team, a squad spirit and a family-like atmosphere that has won the hearts of the neutral. More importantly, they have recovered their confidence in Europe and know they have something special. One need only watch their celebrations in the away dressing room at the Estadio Santiago Bernabeu to appreciate the camaraderie for even the kit men believe in this unit.

That certainly doesn't mean they will win; much like they have been for much of their European journey, Juventus are the underdogs in the final. Barcelona are not just another giant, but a squad that has evolved to beautiful levels. They no longer talk of winning the "right way", just of winning. They boast remarkable ability to possess the ball but they're also more direct. They use the full width of the pitch but still operate majestically in tight space. Coached by a man who believes stamina and fitness are of the utmost importance, this Blaugrana side, unlike in other seasons, don't tire so easily and boast physicality as well as technical excellence.

However, before the Old Lady can think of attempting to fulfil her European ambitions, she has to focus on the rest of her league matches and prepare for the upcoming Coppa Italia final against Lazio. The first match she will undertake is on Saturday and it's not any old game: it's Inter and the Derby d'Italia.

The game has lost much of its appeal largely due to the Nerazzurri's poor position in the table in recent years. This isn't a side that can offer much competition and beating them will not be a priority as the Bianconeri have little else to prove. Yet, for the fans, it's still a question of pride.

While the likes of Pirlo and Tevez will enjoy a rest, Claudio Marchisio will start, as will the man who scored the goals to take Juve through to the Champions League final, Morata. Allegri believes in maintaining a winning momentum; he doesn't want his squad to lose their competitive edge even if much of the fringe players will be given a chance to shine.

Another victory will simply be the icing on a cake of what has been a beautiful season for the Old Lady.

 

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

[Socrates 8514]

INTER - JUVENTUS

-

Saturday, May 16th, 2015 - 6:00 p.m.
Giuseppe Meazza Stadium (San Siro), Milan
Referee: Daniele Doveri

MATCH PREVIEW

May 15, 2015

Inter take on Juventus at San Siro, with the former looking to continue their Europa League push.

Another Derby d’Italia descends upon us and this time in highly effervescent circumstances. Inter have finally found some consistency and are in the middle of a very late push for a European spot finish, while Juventus, buoyed by their midweek European heroics will be eager to remind the Serie A’s only treble winners that their record might well be broken this season.

Roberto Mancini’s side are one of the most in-form teams in Serie A, so expect the Nerazzurri to play a formation that is largely unchanged from that which beat Lazio at the Olimpico last weekend.

The suspension of Brazilian trequartista Hernanes will mean that winter signing Xherdan Shaqiri will probably be given the nod, something of a rarity as of late. The Swiss international will know that this will be an unmissable opportunity to return to Mancini’s good books and so can be expected to put in a hard working performance. The in-form Matteo Kovacic will probably start ahead of Freddy Guarin who’s looked a bit out of sorts in the last two matches.

Juventus coach, Max Allegri, will know the importance of balancing the understandable euphoria within his squad with focus on the match, rotating his squad ahead of their upcoming Coppa Italia final clash against Lazio while ensuring that his side’s competitive edge doesn’t dull due to over-rotation.

Midfield magician Andrea Pirlo will probably be rested with Argentine Roberto Pereyra slotting in as trequartista in his absence, while Angelo Ogbonna or Simone Padoin may be given a start instead of Patrice Evra to rest the veteran Frenchman.

This fixture has become somewhat of an acrimonious affair in the last few years, so we can expect a tightly contested match, however, with Inter having much more to lose and prove in this game, will the home side finally show the league what they’re made of or will the Bianconeri steamroller just be too powerful to stop?


Keep an eye on: Mauro Icardi (Inter) – The highly rated Argentinean youngster will come up against his capocannoniere rival and compatriot Carlos Tevez in this match, and the Inter striker will definitely be hoping to add to his season’s goal tally. With Icardi having scored in 5 of his 6 matches against Juve, the former Sampdoria man will look to add to that record.


Form Guide: Inter (D W W D W) Juventus (W W W D D)

Last season: Inter 1-1 Juventus

Stat fact: In these two teams’ last nine encounters Inter have only managed to beat Juventus just once.


Inter (probable): Handanovic; Jesus, Vidic, Ranocchia, Santon; Brozovic, Medel,Kovacic; Shaqiri; Palacio, Icardi

Suspended: Hernanes


Juve (probable): Storari; Romulo, Barzagli, Ogbonna, Padoin; Pogba, Marchisio, Sturaro; Pereyra; Matri, Llorente

Suspended: None

 

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

[Socrates 8514]

INTER - JUVENTUS

-

Saturday, May 16th, 2015 - 6:00 p.m.
Giuseppe Meazza Stadium (San Siro), Milan
Referee: Daniele Doveri

Juventus vs. Inter Milan Preview: Round 36 —
Hello, old (mid-table) friends

May 16, 2015

Ah, Juventus vs. Inter Milan. Just your average top-of-the-table vs. mid-table meeting, right? Well, based on how the Serie A standings currently look, that's exactly what it is. On one end you have the four-time defending champions and newly-minted Champions League finalists, while in the other you have a team struggling to even make the Europa League.

Hey, that's just reality. And it's also Derby d'Italia time. Those are fun!

Juventus and Inter playing in the 36th of 38 Serie A fixtures might have meant something big in previous years. There might have been one team playing for the Scudetto. Heck, maybe even both going up against one another for it. That's the kind of things those who cover Italy's top flight drool over — the story is there right in front of you even before the game starts and all you have to do is fill in the details.

This game isn't like those games. At least I don't think it is. I'm sure I'm not alone in that line of thinking.

The last time Juventus saw Inter was in the first game of 2015, Roberto Mancini had just taken over after being re-hired as manager following the firing of Walter Mazzarri. Inter were sitting in 11th back then, struggling to do much of anything on a consistent basis other than playing crap football for a decent amount of time.

Since then, Inter has moved ... to eighth place! While they haven't lost in their last seven games (four wins, three draws), Inter is still on the outside looking in on a Europa League spot. I'm pretty sure that's not what the Inter hierarchy envisioned when they brought Mancini back to town to try and right the ship.

Oh, what a different kind of situation than the team they're about to play tomorrow night.

Juventus has successfully clinched the Scudetto with plenty of room to spare. They've advanced to the Champions League final with Wednesday night's 1-1 against Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabéu. And just to top it all of, Juve have the chance to win the Coppa Italia on Wednesday night when they face Lazio. The chance to get a treble is now a distinct possibility. Maybe we dismissed it a few weeks ago for a variety of reasons, but with the dispatching of Real Madrid, it's a reality now.

What a beautiful, beautiful reality to have at the end of a fantastic season.

So if you're thinking these are two different teams having two completely different seasons, you're probably right. Or, completely right. Whichever one you want to go with works fine.


GOOD NEWS

KWADWO ASAMOAH BACK.


BAD NEWS

If you were hoping to see Gianluigi Buffon, Carlos Tévez, Andrea Pirlo, Arturo Vidal and Patrice Evra all play against Inter, then the link above will probably sadden you. All five players haven't been called up for the trip to the San Siro after Max Allegri has decided to give them the weekend off and let them rest back home in Turin.


WHAT TO WATCH FOR

1. Who will get some rest ahead of the Coppa Italia final?

When was the last time Allegri has come out and essentially said he's going to rotate the hell out of the squad in back-to-back weeks? And when was the last time we've seen Juventus rotate the squad like crazy entering a derby matchup and in the game before a Coppa Italia fixture? Ah, these times are changing. (I know it's the Coppa Italia final, but just stay with me here.) Much like it was against Cagliari last weekend, you'll probably be able to count on one hand how many players who started against Real Madrid getting a starting spot against Inter. That's a lot to do with what game Juve just played and the one a few days away, but also the fact that outside of Martin Cáceres, Allegri pretty much has everybody to choose from this weekend. Obviously, some are being rested back at home, but I'm not going to be shocked if the starting lineup against Inter comes quite close to resembling the one from the 1-1 draw against Cagliari.

JuventusFC ✔@juventusfcen
.@OfficialAllegri: "Tomorrow I'll have the opportunity to hand game time to those who have played less, @Asabob20 for example."


2. Will Max Allegri turn to a trident like last weekend?

One of those tweaks that Allegri used with so much squad rotation was changing the look of his team in the final third. Instead of going with a 4-3-1-2 formation, Mad Max went with a 4-3-3 and Simone Pepe-Alessandro Matri-Kingsley Coman trident in attack. Allegri could choose to stick with the same three players, or go with Álvaro Morata up front considering he's suspended for the Coppa Italia final. If that means giving Coman some much-needed playing, then I guess I won't be objecting to it. Seeing Coman and Morata playing together would also be a nice opportunity for Max considering how little they've been on the field at the same time this season. No matter who does end up starting, the odds seem to be favoring a 4-3-3 like the one used against Cagliari. Just another chance for Allegri to show off his tactical flexibility, I suppose.


3. Mauro Icardi vs. Juventus' defense.

Carlos Tévez may be atop the Serie A scoring chart, but there's been one of his countryman nipping at his heels all season long. Icardi currently ranks third in Serie A — behind Tévez and Numero Uno Luca Toni — with 18 goals on the campaign. Guess who scored Inter's goal in January's 1-1 draw at Juventus Stadium? Yeah, that would be Icardi. He's undoubtedly been one of Inter's more consistent players in a season where the team has struggled to really do anything consistent until the last few weeks. And if Inter want to break Juventus down no matter who is starting in defense, the Nerazzurri will certainly need Icardi to be a pest just like he was the first time the two teams played.


4. How bad is Juventus' Champions League hangover?

Considering how many crucial players Allegri has left behind to rest in Turin, from the simple fatigue perspective, Juve should be relatively fresh. He's obviously planning for not just the Coppa Italia final, but down the road as well. So, in a sense, Allegri is trying to avoid any kind of lag in his team due to physical tiredness to his most important players by not even having them there. (Not that it's a bad thing. I think we can all agree that having the chance to rest some of his key players like Vidal and Carlitos at this stage of the season is a massive advantage to have.) Still, there's always the chance of Juve struggling just a few days out from such an exciting yet taxing effort in Europe because that's just a natural thing to have happen.

My starting XI (4-3-3): Storari; Romulo, Barzagli, Bonucci, Padoin; Pereyra, Marchisio, Sturaro; Pepe, Morata, Coman

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

 

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

[Socrates 8514]

INTER - JUVENTUS

-

Saturday, May 16th, 2015 - 6:00 p.m.
Giuseppe Meazza Stadium (San Siro), Milan
Referee: Daniele Doveri

Inter Milan Vs Juventus – Team News,
Tactics, Lineups And Predictions

May 16, 2015

Inter Milan and Juventus are set to renew hostile proceedings on Saturday night as the Derby d’Italia takes the stage at the Stadio Giuseppe Meazza in Milan. The Nerazzurri enter the match with everything to play for as they continue their late push for a place in the Europa League, while the Bianconeri can be pardoned if they fail to show the same fire as their rivals having already clinched their fourth straight Scudetto after their recent 1-0 victory over Sampdoria. Regardless of the standings, pride and bragging rights are always at stake when these two battle and it should be no different come Saturday.

Juventus enter the match in great spirits after clinching a deserved place in the Champions League final thanks to a 3-2 aggregate victory over Real Madrid, dispatching the defending champions en-route to their first final in 12 years. That result could prove beneficial to the Nerazzurri as recent reports suggest Juve coach Massimiliano Allegri may opt for a squad turnover as the Bianconeri will have to prepare for the Coppa Italia final which has been moved forward to May 20.


Team news and tactics

Inter

It has been a largely frustrating campaign for Inter this term, although it could end on a high note if Roberto Mancini’s side continue their recent upturn in form in Serie A. The Nerazzurri had looked set for mid-table mediocrity, but a run of seven games without defeat has moved them to within three points of Fiorentina in fifth and a Europa League spot. Inter began a run of their next four matches coming against top-half teams by beating Lazio 2-1 last weekend, but Juventus could be a different proposition. Some supporters were questioning the decision to bring Roberto Mancini back to San Siro for a second spell as manager back in November, but Inter’s recent form suggests that the former Manchester City boss is beginning to make his mark.

The suspension of Brazilian trequartista Hernanes will mean that winter signing Xherdan Shaqiri will probably be given the nod, something of a rarity as of late. The Swiss international will know that this will be an unmissable opportunity to return to Mancini’s good books and so can be expected to put in a hard working performance. The in-form Matteo Kovacic will probably start ahead of Freddy Guarin who’s looked a bit out of sorts in the last two matches. Lukas Podolski and Xherdan Shaqiri both had to settle for a place on the bench against Lazio for the second week in a row, so they will be hoping to earn a recall to the starting XI.

Probable Starting Line-up (4-3-1-2):

Handanovic; D’Ambrosio, Ranocchia, Vidic, Juan Jesus; Brozovic, Medel, Kovacic; Shaqiri; Palacio, Icardi

 

Juventus

It has been a memorable week for Juventus supporters, with the club enjoying success in Europe and keeping their hopes of landing a historic treble alive. Juve overcame Real Madrid 3-2 on aggregate in the semi-finals of the Champions League on Wednesday evening to set up a clash against Barcelona in the final. Allegri has a full strength squad to choose from, with long term absentees Kwadwo Asamoah and Martin Caceres the only players unavailable. With Wednesday’s Coppa Italia final looming large as the Bianconeri push for their own Treble, the likes of Alessandro Matri, Romulo and Angelo Ogbonna are set to feature ahead of starters Carlos Tevez, Stephan Lichtsteiner and Leonardo Bonucci in what is expected to be an ample squad turnover.

With the title wrapped up, Allegri will turn his attention to the Coppa Italia final against Lazio on Wednesday along with their Champions League showdown with Barcelona, so he could look to give fringe players the opportunity to impress during the final league games of the season. Following their heroics against Real in midweek, Allegri will more than likely rest a few of his key players. This could mean that Roberto Pereyra, Alessandro Matri and Fernando Llorente are given starts. Paul Pogba, who had been out since March 18 with a thigh problem, started against Real in midweek. The Frenchman played 89 minutes in Spain and thus may be named among the substitutes for this one.

Probable Starting Line-up (4-3-3):

Storari; Romulo, Barzagli, Ogbonna, Padoin; Sturaro, Marchisio, Pereyra; Pepe, Morata, Coman


Key Facts

This will be the 164th meeting between Inter and Juventus in Serie A: the Old Lady leads by 77 wins to 45.

The Nerazzurri have won only one of their last nine games against Juve in Serie A, losing five.

Inter have scored exactly one goal in each of their last four meetings with Juve in the league.


Players to Watch Out For

Mauro Icardi (Inter Milan)

The highly rated Argentinean youngster will come up against his capocannoniere rival and compatriot Carlos Tevez in this match, and the Inter striker will definitely be hoping to add to his season’s goal tally. With Icardi having scored in 5 of his 6 matches against Juve, the former Sampdoria man will look to add to that record.

Alvaro Morata (Juventus)

Alvaro Morata scored the decisive goal to secure a 1-1 draw at Santiago Bernabeu and send the Italian champions through to their first final since 2003. He will be looking to get on the scoresheet again tonight.


Prediction

Inter Milan 3–1 Juventus

Inter overcame Lazio in a very controversial encounter on Sunday, but in doing so they extended their current unbeaten streak this season to 7 games. Juventus are champions of Italy, have just gained a place in the Champions League final and will contest the Coppa Italia final four days after travelling to the San Siro. It is not in Juventus’ nature to settle down and make do with what they have achieved so far, so the fans would love to halt their old rivals Inter in their chase for a European spot. However, this is as good a time as any for the Bianconeri to gain some rest and avoid taking useless risks, which means they are unlikely to line up with their strongest XI. Their resistance to Inter’s good form will be based on pride and from the substitutes bench that will play at the San Siro, but the Nerazzurri look very well-equipped to secure a top-6 finish.


Blast From the Past

Juventus earned a 1-1 draw on their last visit to San Siro in 2013 with Icardi and Vidal getting the goals.
 

 

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

[Socrates 8514]

INTER - JUVENTUS

-

Saturday, May 16th, 2015 - 6:00 p.m.
Giuseppe Meazza Stadium (San Siro), Milan
Referee: Daniele Doveri

INTER V JUVENTUS MATCH PREVIEW

May 16, 2015
 

Juventus

What more can we ask to this Serie A campaign? Very little, now that there’s only pride on the line for Bianconeri. Inter-Juventus is usually a fascinating fixture, but the circumstances obviously move it to the background. However, after losing the Derby against Torino, there’ll probably be more desire to do well, even if the squad will be distracted by the recent accomplishment and the looming Coppa Italia final. It’s a good time to catch the squad off guard, but as Massimiliano Allegri said: “We are Juventus and there are always motivations” and “It’s still Inter-Juventus.”

As the match is sandwiched between two demanding clashes, we’ll see once again a lineup filled with second-stringers, but with some exceptions. Alvaro Morata and Claudio Marchisio are suspended for the Wednesday game, so they are likely to feature in this one. Gianluigi Buffon, Carlos Tevez, Andrea Pirlo, Giorgio Chiellini, Patrice Evra and Arturo Vidal have not been called up. On the other hand, Kwadwo Asamoah is fit and ready to return, but probably not from the get-go. Since Inter are way better than Cagliari and the main objective is to avoid an unwelcomed gaffe against a long-time rival, Allegri intends to field some starters like Leonardo Bonucci and Stephen Lichsteiner and maybe even Paul Pogba, even though it would be his third straight game in a week, after a fifty day absense because of a muscular injury.

Valuable reserves like Stefano Sturaro and Roberto Pereyra deserve to take the stage at San Siro. Despite his precious contribution throughout the season, the Argentinian midfield was disregarded in the biggest matches of the season, so we can expect a little chip on his shoulder (and probably a better performance than in the Cagliari game). If Pogba was spared, Romulo could have another chance to prove his value, but in the midfield this time, and, of course, this is a classic Simone Padoin game.

There’s more incertitude upfront. The crisp Morata will spearhead the attack, with Alessandro Matri or Fernando Llorente on his side. There’s a chance the coach opts for 4-3-3, which is the official tactic of Juve 2, with Simone Pepe and Kingsley Coman as the offensive wingers, but as it stands now 4-3-1-2 looks more likely.

In the first match between the two teams in January, Juventus didn’t manage to win at home and the final result was 1-1. Juventus have recently stumbled on the road, grabbing only two victories in the last five matches as they lost against Torino and Parma and drawn against Roma, but they maintain the best record in the League away from home.

The last performance from the reserves wasn’t particularly inspiring, besides the usual command in the back by Andrea Barzagli and some flashes from Romulo. If he made an appearance, Coman would be once again in the spotlight: during the week, there have been rumblings suggesting that the management could even consider an outright sale if a good offer arrived. I’m skeptical, but maybe selling him with a buy-back clause is on the table. As we know, with Paulo Dybala reportedly already signed, the competition in Juventus’ attack will be fierce and exciting next season and Coman could be considered still too raw.


Probable lineup

4-3-1-2: Storari; Lichtsteiner, Barzagli, Bonucci, Padoin; Romulo, Marchisio, Sturaro; Pereyra; Matri, Morata.
 

Injured players

Caceres (ankle).
 

Form

(W-W-W-D-D)


 

Inter

Inter are right in the running for a Europa League spot as they are three points behind Fiorentina and two points behind Sampdoria. Moreover, Genoa are struggling to get an UEFA license and Torino have dropped out of the race with the recent back-to-back losses, so in theory they are the lone competitors. They need every point they can obtain.

It’s not easy to get an handle on this Inter side. They deservedly beat Roma, then they unconvincingly defeated Udinese (down to nine men for a big chunk of the game), they laid an egg against Chievo Verona at home (0-0) and in the last game they played pretty well against Lazio, even though they were helped by two red cards. The overall record since the return of Roberto Mancini is nine wins, nine draws and six losses.

The complexion of the midfield will be different from the last matches because Fredy Guarin suffered a thigh injury and Hernanes, who has really been their driving force as of late, is suspended. The most logical replacements are Marcelo Brozovic and Xherdan Shaqiri, who, after a good start, have been left out of the starting XI in the recent games. Zdravko Kuzmanovic and Assane Gnoukouri are the alternatives if Mancini opts for a more muscular midfield, moving Mateo Kovacic behind the striker and leaving the former Bayern Munich attacker on the bench.

The main threat comes from the notorious Juve killer Mauro Icardi, who has scored five times in the last four matches against the Old Lady. He’ll partner the imperishable Rodrigo Palacio. Lukas Podolski has been able to provide unexpected contribution from the bench in the last games too: he could be an option, even from the start, in case the coach wants a different scheme.

Mancini has consistently fielded a back four composed by Danilo D’Ambrosio, Andrea Ranocchia, Nemanja Vidic and Juan Jesus. It doesn’t have the same offensive punch as an usual defense with two traditional fullbacks, but it is a little more physical and reliable, even though all members are pretty prone to occasional blunders, at least because they have one more big body to protecting Samir Handanovic.

They like to keep ball in the opponents’ half until they manage to find the right opening for a timely through ball or a lob behind the defense. This was clear in the last match, where they managed to find a cutting Palacio multiple times. Their flank game isn’t very strong, further impoverished by the presence of Juan Jesus, so they usually operate in the center, an area that will be very clogged. They play aggressively, taking advantage of their physicality, in particular in the set pieces.

They have all the tools to be a strong side, but sometimes they seem psychologically vulnerable, passive and sloppy: they make easy mistakes and the let the opponents have the upper hand for a too much time. They have (relatively) struggled at home, where there’s an increased pressure from the fans and the opponents sit back more: the record six wins, seven draws and four draws, which is mediocre.

Probable lineup

4-3-1-2: Handanovic; D’Ambrosio, Ranocchia, Vidic, Juan Jesus; Brozovic, Medel, Kovacic; Shaqiri; Icardi, Palacio.
 

Injured players

Guarin (thigh), Campagnaro (calf), Dodo (knee), Jonathan (knee).
 

Suspended players

Hernanes.
 

Form

(D-W-W-D-W)

 

Formation

 

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