Juventus Season 2014-2015

[Socrates 8516]

VERONA - JUVENTUS

2 - 2

Roberto Pereyra (42')

Luca Toni (48')

Fernando Llorente (57')

Juanito Gómez (90'+)

Saturday, May 30th, 2015 - 6:00 p.m.
Marcantonio Bentegodi Stadium, Verona
Referee: Marco Di Bello

Ten-man Juventus pegged
back late on

May 30, 2015
 
Juventus brought an end to their Serie A title-winning season by recording a 2-2 draw away at Hellas Verona this evening.

It was the 31-time champions of Italy that dominated proceedings almost from the off, but when Claudio Marchisio shot off target and Fernando Llorente saw his volley strike the crossbar, it appeared that their luck was out.

However, with just three minutes of the first half remaining, the Old Lady broke the deadlock.

Roberto Pereyra, who scored his first two goals for Juve against Verona back in January, was afforded space 25 yards from goal and the 24-year-old made the most of his opportunity by curling an effort past a motionless Rafael in the home goal.

Despite that setback, the hosts rallied after the restart and in the 48th minute, they were level thanks to a familiar face. A quick counter-attack found former Juve frontman Luca Toni, who beat Gianluigi Buffon with a low left-footed shot.

Verona's celebrations would be short lived, though, because nine minutes later, Llorente was on hand to convert Simone Padoin's cut back.

Yet, there was still much more drama to come, with Juve striker Carlos Tevez seeing his penalty saved by Rafael in the 88th minute, before Simone Pepe was handed a straight red card.

The home team then made the most of their numerical advantage deep into stoppage time when Juan Gomez rose highest to convert Rafael Marquez's cross, earning his side a share of the spoils in the process.

 

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

[Socrates 8516]

VERONA - JUVENTUS

2 - 2

Roberto Pereyra (42')

Luca Toni (48')

Fernando Llorente (57')

Juanito Gómez (90'+)

Saturday, May 30th, 2015 - 6:00 p.m.
Marcantonio Bentegodi Stadium, Verona
Referee: Marco Di Bello

Hellas Verona 2-2 Juventus: Gomez
And Toni Spoil Bianconeri Party

May 30, 2015
 
Juventus drew 2-2 with Hellas Verona at the Stadio Bentegodi on Saturday evening as both sides concluded the season in great fashion.

Roberto Pereyra opened the scoring with a screamer just before half-time. Luca Toni equalised three minutes into the second period before Fernando Llorente scored in the 57th but just as it seemed over Juanito Gomez equalised with the last action of the game.

Hellas had the first big chance of the game as a high pressing game led to Luca Toni finding some space inside the area but he sliced his shot wide

The Bianconeri had a chance in the 22nd minute when Carlos Tevez nodded the ball back to Claudio Marchisio who fired over on the half-volley.

Verona had a sight of goal in the 27th minute after the ball rebounded to Alessandro Agostini who fired off-target on the volley.

Toni had a chance to add to his goalscoring tally in the 32nd minute after Hallfredsson skipped past a Juve defender before squaring the ball from the left and the veteran striker made it to the ball before Gianluigi Buffon only to poke wide.

Fernando Llorente almost opened the scoring in the 33rd minute in spectacular fashion with a volley on the turn that hit the crossbar.

The Old Lady came close in the 39th minute when Roberto Pereyra squared the ball across goal from the left but none of his team-mates were there to tap-in to open goal.

Pereyra’s was not dispirited however and three minutes later was left with enough space to put the ball onto his right foot and curl one into the far corner of the net from range with Rafael left helplessly rooted to his spot as he attempted to stop the stunning strike.

Toni equalised early in the second half after Hallfredsson drove forward from inside his own half before sliding the ball to the striker who found the bottom left corner.

Juve restored their lead in the 56th minute after Llorente got onto the end of a ball that was cut back from the goal-line by Simone Padoin who did most of the work in creating the chance after he himself was set up by a great Andrea Pirlo pass.

The Mastini went through on goal in the 75th minute after Toni headed the gal onto Hallfredsson but the Icelandic international was not able to get the bouncing ball under control and Juve’s defence put the ball out for a corner.

Tevez attempted to remain in the race to be leading scorer in the 78th minute with a shot from distance but he dragged it wide.

The Scaligeri had a chance to equalise in the 83rd minute as Juanito Gomez hit one on the spin but missed the target.

Juve won a penalty in the 87th minute but Tevez’s effort was saved brilliantly by Rafael down to his left and it proved decisive as Juanito Gomez equalised with a last-minute header, after Simone Pepe was sent off for the champions.

 

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

[Socrates 8516]

VERONA - JUVENTUS

2 - 2

Roberto Pereyra (42')

Luca Toni (48')

Fernando Llorente (57')

Juanito Gómez (90'+)

Saturday, May 30th, 2015 - 6:00 p.m.
Marcantonio Bentegodi Stadium, Verona
Referee: Marco Di Bello

Allegri: 'Pogba stop showboating'

May 30, 2015
 
Max Allegri told Paul Pogba off after a 2-2 draw with Verona and prepares Juventus for the Champions League Final with Barcelona.

The Bianconeri were twice in front, but missed a penalty and saw Juanito Gomez Taleb snatch a last-gasp equaliser.

“We did good things in fits and starts, but also made a lot of mistakes and were not very concentrated,” the Coach told Sky Sport Italia.

“We didn’t control the lead very well either, while we wasted a counter-attack when 2-1 up. A draw is ok, even if to win would’ve been better.”

Pogba has struggled to rediscover his full form since returning from almost two months out with injury.

“He’s very talented, but if he lowers the concentration levels then he can make technical errors. This is part of his growth process and he should stop showboating in midfield.”

Next Saturday Juve face Barcelona in the Champions League Final in Berlin, so how will he approach them?

“It’s practically impossible to stop them being dangerous. First of all we have to not only focus on that, but on attacking, keeping a high tempo and making life difficult for them. Barcelona play in a different way to how they did under Pep Guardiola.

“They have less possession and play with a centre-forward, which they didn’t use before.

“Am I losing sleep? No, I sleep pretty soundly. It’s a game we have to prepare, there’s no need to fire up the squad for a Champions League Final.

“It is a 95-minute game, a one-off, and if that’s not enough then it’ll be over 120 minutes. More than just technical quality, we also need mental strength.

“Tomorrow we will rest, then from Monday we begin the countdown to Berlin. Nobody expected Juventus to reach the Final and this doesn’t happen often in life, so we must do our best to bring it home.”

 

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

[Socrates 8516]

VERONA - JUVENTUS

2 - 2

Roberto Pereyra (42')

Luca Toni (48')

Fernando Llorente (57')

Juanito Gómez (90'+)

Saturday, May 30th, 2015 - 6:00 p.m.
Marcantonio Bentegodi Stadium, Verona
Referee: Marco Di Bello

Player Ratings: Verona 2-2 Juventus

The 10-man Bianconeri ended their Serie A campaign with a draw
as Juanito's late header ensured the spoils were shared at the Bentegodi.

May 30, 2015
 

Hellas Verona

1 Rafael - Could do little to stop either of Juve's goals but was impressive when coming off his line and saved Tevez's late penalty.

26 J. Sala - Made some great bursting runs down the right and always looked to supply Toni.

18 V. Moras - The centre-back had a fairly comfortable game but struggled up against Llorente at points.

4 R. Márquez - Failed to close down Pereyra as he slammed in the opener, but assisted Juanito's stoppage-time equaliser.

33 A. Agostini - The left-back blazed a shot over in the first half but consistently attacked and sent in decent crosses.

19 L. Greco - Spent much of his time on the pitch chasing the ball and did little to help his team.

77 P. Tachtsidis - The Greek was not heavily involved in the action, but he did get back quickly to help his team defend.

10 E. Hallfreðsson - A very industrious and hard-working performance from the Iceland international who assisted Toni's goal.

21 J. Gómez - His dribbling when cutting inside from the left was dangerous, and he scored a late equaliser for his team.

9 L. Toni - Was always on the hunt for the ball around the box and scored his 22nd goal of the season early in the second half.

11 B. Janković - Started brightly but quickly faded into a peripheral figure for much of the match.


Substitutes

8 M. Obbadi - Replaced Greco in the 59th minute and was far more adventurous.

27 M. Valoti - Came on for Jankovic in the 74th minute.

7 J. Saviola - Brought on for Tachtsidis in the 85th minute.


 

Juventus

1 G. Buffon - Did not have too many saves to make but was beaten at his near post by Toni and was flat-footed on Juanito's goal.

20 S. Padoin - Pushed up frequently from his right-back position and assisted Llorente for the winning goal.

19 L. Bonucci - Struggled with Toni's physicality on high balls and was often beaten too easily on the deck.

5 A. Ogbonna - Often did just about enough to stop Toni in his tracks and went about his work in an accomplished manner.

33 P. Evra - Allowed a number of crosses in from his flank as he pushed forward without effect, leaving spaces.

6 P. Pogba - Displayed a good touch but looked to still be lacking a bit of match sharpness.

21 A. Pirlo - Pulled all the strings in midfield, operating from deep and picking vertical passes to open up Verona.

8 C. Marchisio - Linked the play well and was involved in some of his team's brighter moments in the final third during the first half.

37 ROBERTO PEREYRA - The Argentine started quietly but scored a stunning goal to open the scoring shortly before half time.

10 C. Tévez - Got into some good areas in the final third but his shots were often blocked and he had a late penalty saved.

14 F. Llorente - Made a few impressive runs and rattled the crossbar shortly before half time.


Substitutes

27 S. Sturaro - Replaced Marchisio for the second half and had a competent outing.

26 S. Lichtsteiner - Brought on for Evra in the 59th minute and had an efficient game.

7 S. Pepe - Brought on for Pereyra in the 78th minute and was sent off in second-half stoppage time.

 

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

[Socrates 8516]

VERONA - JUVENTUS

2 - 2

Roberto Pereyra (42')

Luca Toni (48')

Fernando Llorente (57')

Juanito Gómez (90'+)

Saturday, May 30th, 2015 - 6:00 p.m.
Marcantonio Bentegodi Stadium, Verona
Referee: Marco Di Bello

Player Ratings:
Hellas Verona 2-2 Juventus

May 30, 2015

Hellas Verona drew 2-2 with Serie A champions Juventus at the Stadio Marc’Antonio Bentegodi on Saturday evening.

A sublime strike from Roberto Pereyra put Juve ahead, only for the evergreen Luca Toni to equalise early in the second half. A Fernando Llorente tap-in shortly looked to have won it, but Juanito Gomez headed home for Hellas to claim a share of the spoils against the Champions League finalists.

 

Hellas Verona

Rafael – 6 – Stranded - Largely untroubled in the first half, the goalkeeper could do nothing about either Juventus goal. He punched numerous crosses away to safety and can count himself unlucky to have conceded twice.

Jacopo Sala – 7 – Runner - Non-stop showing from Sala, who worked tirelessly along the right flank and linked up well with the likes of Greco and Tachtsidis. Sent in plenty of crosses, too, but most failed to find their intended target.

Vangelis Moras – 6 – Obstacle - Was reasonably quiet, but did his primary job satisfactorily and proved difficult for Juve’s forwards to pass.

Rafael Marquez – 6.5 – Committed - Fought hard throughout the contest, while bringing the ball out of defence confidently. Dealt with any aerial balls with ease.

Alessandro Agostini – 6.5 – Enthusiastic - Got forward regularly from left-back, including when he found himself free in the box only to balloon the ball over the bar. Slowed down considerably in the second half.

Leandro Greco – 6 – Steady - Kept things simple, while sending in some decent crosses.

Panagiotis Tachtsidis – 7 – Driven - Burst forward from midfield on a number of occasions in his attempts to grab or set up a goal.

Emil Hallfredsson – 7 – Stylish - Popped up everywhere and made the most of possession. Displayed great poise on the ball and it was his through-ball which allowed Toni to equalise on the first occasion.

Juanito Gomez – 7 – Nuisance - Provided a constant danger for the Juventus back-four and notched in injury-time when rising higher than everyone else to head home his side’s second equaliser. Tricky on the ball and deserved his goal.

Luca Toni – 7 – Threat - The veteran striker came close to scoring against his former club on a number of occasions, eventually shooting low and hard beyond Buffon into the bottom corner to level the scores early in the second half. Could realistically have plundered a hat-trick.

Bosko Jankovic – 6.5 – Feisty - Put in a good shift and was ready to fight for the cause. He tackled, harried and closed down throughout.


Substitutes

Mounir Obbadi – 5 – Ineffective - Did very little after coming on for Greco. One wayward pass that flew miles out of play pretty much summed up his contribution.

Mattia Valoti – 6.5 – Tidy - Showed a few neat touches and helped give Hellas the extra legs they needed to get back on level terms.


 

Juventus

Gianluigi Buffon – 6.5 – Inconsistent - Dealt effectively with several long-range efforts and helped to organise the defence in front of him. Didn’t seem to be on his toes when attempting to keep out both goals, though. Could have done better.

Simone Padoin – 6.5 – Improved - Struggled with Agostini, Juanito and Hallfredsson in the first half on Juve’s right flank, but came out markedly better in the second and set up Llorente for his goal. Switched seamlessly to the left after an hour.

Leonardo Bonucci – 5.5 – Embattled - Did some fine work in the air, but couldn’t contain Luca Toni on the deck. Toni found too much space and Bonucci was largely to blame.

Angelo Ogbonna – 6.5 – Athletic - Used his pace and power effectively to snuff out danger in the opening period. Became clumsy and panicked somewhat in the second with a series of aimless clearances.

Patrice Evra – 6 – Dependable - Solid in his defensive work, but offered little going forward. Tired badly before Lichtsteiner replaced him.

Paul Pogba – 7 – Elegant - Superb first-half showing by the Frenchman, but drifted after the break. Sublime skills on the ball and passing abilities beyond his tender years were fully evident during a fantastic first 45 minutes.

Andrea Pirlo – 6.5 – Effortless - Strode around like he owned the place, while completing another raft of passes at both long and short range.

Claudio Marchisio – 5 – Quiet - Ineffective by his standards, apart from one half-chance he flashed wide. Subbed off at half time.

Roberto Pereyra – 7.5 – Clever - Scored with a wonderful sailing effort from 20 yards that beat Rafael all ends up in order to hand Juventus the lead just before the half-time whistle. Had the beating of the Hellas Verona defence when skinning whomever dared to face him on a regular basis. Has he done enough to start against Barcelona?

Carlos Tevez – 7 – Sharp - The usual dynamic performance from the Argentine. Didn’t get on the scoresheet, but never gave up trying.

Fernando Llorente – 7 – Target - Shook the crossbar with a fine volley in the first half, before tapping in what appeared to be a winner for the Bianconeri in the second. Held the ball up impressively and thoroughly deserving of his goal.


Substitutes

Stefano Sturaro – 5 – Anonymous - Didn’t do a great deal more than Marchisio, who was the man he replaced midway through the game.

Stephan Lichtsteiner – 6.5 – Dynamo - Came on for Evra and began bombing down the right flank in trademark style.

Simone Pepe – N/A - Got a late red card, and that was about all he did.

 

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

[Socrates 8516]

VERONA - JUVENTUS

2 - 2

Roberto Pereyra (42')

Luca Toni (48')

Fernando Llorente (57')

Juanito Gómez (90'+)

Saturday, May 30th, 2015 - 6:00 p.m.
Marcantonio Bentegodi Stadium, Verona
Referee: Marco Di Bello

Allegri: Juventus Would Have To Improve
On Final Minutes Against Hellas Verona

May 30, 2015

Juventus coach Massimiliano Allegri argued that the 2-2 draw away at Hellas Verona was an example of why his side have to kill games off.

Juve were on the verge of finishing the 2014-15 Serie A season with a win before Juanito Gomez equalised in the last minute.

“These game has taught us that we need to see games off and bring the wins home,” said Allegri to Mediaset Premium.

“We should have performed better in the final minutes, we lost the ball twice and we should have defended better from that free-kick from which Gomez scored.

“I believe that it is possible to pick up and improve on these things, ever though we put in a positive performance.

“In view of the upcoming Champions League final against Barcelona, we need to play well and understand that we have to play a complete game to bring the trophy home.”

Allegri also spoke about Carlos Tevez’s penalty miss in the final minutes when the Argentine had the opportunity to make the score 3-1.

“Penalties are missed by those who take them,” said Allegri.

“We knew in advance that Carlos Tevez had already missed three this season.

“He’s [Tevez] had an extraordinary season, however, I have to offer my compliments to Luca Toni who has scored loads of goals and I hope he finishes the season as top scorer.”

The Juve boss was also reluctant to say whether he will play with a three-man or a four-man defence in Berlin.

“I still haven’t thought about it, we’ll see during the week, said Allegri.

“I’ve been thinking about lots of things, we haven’t had time to prepare for the game yet, we’ll start working again from Monday.”

 

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

[Socrates 8516]

VERONA - JUVENTUS

2 - 2

Roberto Pereyra (42')

Luca Toni (48')

Fernando Llorente (57')

Juanito Gómez (90'+)

Saturday, May 30th, 2015 - 6:00 p.m.
Marcantonio Bentegodi Stadium, Verona
Referee: Marco Di Bello

Llorente: Juventus Can’t Help But
Look Ahead To Barcelona Clash

May 30, 2015

Juventus striker Fernando Llorente is looking forward to the Champions League final after notching a goal against Hellas Verona on Saturday.

Llorente scored to put the Serie A champions into a 2-1 lead, but they failed to close the game out and had to settle for a solitary point after their hosts struck back through Juanito Gomez at the death.

“I think the team played well, it wasn’t easy,” said Llorente in an interview with Sky Sport Italia after the final whistle.

“We can’t help thinking about Barcelona.

“It was hot out there and the field was greasy.

“We created chances and I think we deserved to win.”

The former Athletic Bilbao forward then looked ahead to the Old Lady’s huge clash with Spanish title winners Barcelona in Berlin next weekend, while admitting that he expects some sleepless nights nearer to the big kick-off.

“We will try to work to the maximum, and we hope to reach June 6 in the best possible shape,” continued the striker.

“So far everyone has been calm and quiet – we are working well.

“The closer we get, the more we’ll feel the nerves and excitement, but that is normal. For now, we’re all sleeping well.”

 

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

[Socrates 8516]

VERONA - JUVENTUS

2 - 2

Roberto Pereyra (42')

Luca Toni (48')

Fernando Llorente (57')

Juanito Gómez (90'+)

Saturday, May 30th, 2015 - 6:00 p.m.
Marcantonio Bentegodi Stadium, Verona
Referee: Marco Di Bello

Carlos Tevez Loses out to
Luca Toni in Serie A Scoring Race

May 30, 2015

Having comfortably won the Serie A title by a wide margin, Juventus travelled to Verona on Saturday with very little to play for. With only a week before they face against Barcelona in the Champions League final, the Bianconeri were clearly approaching their last game of the domestic campaign as preparation for that clash.

Their opponents at the Stadio Marcantonio Bentegodi were a Hellas Verona side who began the weekend in 14th place in the table, their top-flight status for next season already assured and no possibility of securing a place in Europe.

With both sides somewhat indifferent to the final result, the game began in good spirits, with the visitors particularly pleased to see former team-mate Luca Toni captaining the Gialloblu. The striker—who left Juventus in 2012—was one of few men with anything left to play for, sitting at the top of the Serie A goalscoring charts.

Lining up across from Toni, Carlos Tevez was—along with Mauro Icardi of Inter—just one strike behind, and both men were clearly hoping to clinch the honour. The Bianconeri No. 10 had finished three goals behind Torino’s Ciro Immobile last term, but Massimiliano Allegri said he would be given the chance to go one better this time around.

“He wasn’t involved last Saturday and will have the opportunity to draw level with and overtake Toni in the Serie A top scorers list,” the Juventus coach told reporters on Friday, per the club’s official website. “Both would be deserved winners for their achievements this season.”

Toni, who collected the Capocannoniere crown with Fiorentina back in 2007, was also eager to lift the prize for a second time. Dario Hubner is the oldest man to accomplish the feat, with the 38-year-old Hellas striker already three years his senior and hoping to become the club’s first player to end a season as the league’s top scorer.

His coach, Andrea Mandorlini, told RAI Sport last week that he enjoyed a good relationship with the 2006 World Cup winner, saying that the Gialloblu play to create chances for the 6'4” front man (h/t Football Italia):

"Toni challenging to be Capocannoniere is a fairy tale for him, his team-mates and his coach. I’m proud to be working with such a great player and the whole team works for him."

It would be the home side who seized the initiative once the game got underway, and Toni almost netted his 22nd goal of 2014-15 after just five minutes. Gigi Buffon managed to force his early effort wide, and shortly after, the former Bayern Munich star failed once again when Emil Hallfredsson somehow kept the ball in play a few minutes later.

As the match approached half time, however, it would be Roberto Pereyra who would overshadow the scoring race, netting a stunning goal, as he curled a wonderful effort into the far top corner, leaving the goalkeeper with no chance to stop it.

Tevez would beat his man only to see his shot deflected into the side-netting, a miss he would rue shortly after the break. A swift Hellas counter-attack saw Hallfredsson pick out Toni, and the striker would make no mistake, beating Buffon at the near post to pull his side level.

He almost gave them the lead after a good cross from Jacopo Sala, only for a great piece of interplay from Andrea Pirlo and Simone Padoin to present Fernando Llorente with the simplest of chances.

The Spanish star tapped it in and would win a penalty 20 minutes later, after being pulled down by Rafael Marquez. Tevez would see his spot-kick saved by Rafael, and Juve’s afternoon went from bad to worse, as first Simone Pepe was sent off and then Juanito Gomez stole a late equaliser.

It is hard to begrudge a man like Luca Toni the top scorer crown, but Tevez will regret not taking the chance he had to close the gap. Both men could yet be overtaken by Icardi, but the Bianconeri will now turn their attention to Barcelona and Berlin.

 

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

[Socrates 8516]

VERONA - JUVENTUS

2 - 2

Roberto Pereyra (42')

Luca Toni (48')

Fernando Llorente (57')

Juanito Gómez (90'+)

Saturday, May 30th, 2015 - 6:00 p.m.
Marcantonio Bentegodi Stadium, Verona
Referee: Marco Di Bello

Toni: 'Verona future not certain'

May 30, 2015

Luca Toni celebrated his 22nd goal of the season, hopes Mauro Icardi doesn’t get a hat-trick, but won’t commit to Verona yet.

The centre-forward completed his Serie A campaign and is now top of the Capocannoniere charts ahead of Carlos Tevez and Icardi on 20.

“Tomorrow I can sit back and relax watching the games. Unless Icardi gets a hat-trick, I’ll be Capocannoniere again at the age of 38. That’s pretty satisfying,” he told Sky Sport Italia after a 2-2 draw with Juventus.

The striker turned 38 this week and is set to take the top scorer title nine years after the last.

“How old do I feel? 26. No, actually that’s a bit low. Let’s say 30. If I scored all these goals, it is thanks to the whole team. Rafael celebrated his penalty save on Carlos Tevez with me.

“It has been an extraordinary campaign for the side and not just for me. Tonight we can celebrate all together.

“If I win the Capocannoniere crown then I’ll have to reward my teammates with a gift. I’ll probably receive phone calls with suggestions!”

Verona President Maurizio Setti said his contract renewal was “a formality,” but Toni warned he might not sign it.

“I don’t know what will happen, as there are directors who are leaving the club. I have a strong rapport with the city and the fans, but we’ll have to see who is the Coach and director next season.

“Perhaps the new people who come in will want to lower the age of the strike force. There are many things to resolve first.”

It was a friendly encounter with his former teammate – and fellow 2006 World Cup winner – Gigi Buffon.

“I’ve known Gigi for many years and now he’s going to Berlin, a stadium that brought good luck to Italy. It would be very important for an Italian side to win the Champions League.

“They are facing a very strong Barcelona side, but in a one-off match anything can happen. If Juve win, then perhaps Gigi could be a serious candidate for the Ballon d’Or.”

 

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

[Socrates 8516]

VERONA - JUVENTUS

2 - 2

Roberto Pereyra (42')

Luca Toni (48')

Fernando Llorente (57')

Juanito Gómez (90'+)

Saturday, May 30th, 2015 - 6:00 p.m.
Marcantonio Bentegodi Stadium, Verona
Referee: Marco Di Bello

Juventus 2-2 Hellas Verona: Bianconeri finish
Serie A season with their minds in Berlin

May 30, 2015

Juventus went into this match with one major objective and two relatively minor ones. The most important thing was to avoid injuries at all costs while keeping match sharpness. Of lesser importance was Carlos Tevez's capocanoniere record and Pirlo's free-kick record.

In the end, no player was injured, Tevez and Pirlo didn't get their records, and Juventus suffered a meaningless 2-2 draw. All of this in a game that clearly showed the Bianconeri minds were already in Berlin.


MATCH SUMMARY

Juventus started the match strong, creating a few chances and making their physical presence felt. With that being said, Verona did not want to be the sacrificial lambs and were determined to put up a fight. A few minutes into the game, one of Verona's attacks resulted in an Angelo Ogbonna hand that was not whistled. After that it was Juventus controlling possession but doing little with it. This was until around the 30 minute mark when Fernando Llorente's volley was denied by the woodwork. Llorente continued to have chances as he was a few seconds behind from scoring on an open net from a Tevez assist.

After all of this pressure, the goal really came out of nowhere. Roberto Pereyra must have been watching Alessandro Del Piero's replays because he curled it just like Il Capitano. The Argentine moved into the edge of the box and put the ball in the top right corner. Seeing the young 24-year-old get into the score sheet more regular will make a case for Max Allegri to bench Andrea Pirlo more regularly in the future. No, I don't mean the Champions League final but next season, but I digress.

Everything was looking up at that point, Juventus could now focus on giving Tevez his chance to be the league's top scorer. Unfortunately, "young" Luca Toni did not get that memo and scored the equalizer shortly after the second-half began. It was a potent strike on Gigi Buffon's near post from cross-range. This goal would make it almost impossible for Tevez to catch-up with Toni. This could be a great reason for Tevez to stick around for another year (maybe not).

Juventus will take the lead back a few minutes later courtesy of a beauty from Pirlo. The Italian put the ball over the top of the defense into an unmarked-four-scudetto-winner Simone Padoin, who will calmly setup Fernando Llorente to score the Old Lady's second of the night.

At that point, you can tell that Juventus didn't want to run or risk injuries anymore and the game lost most of its momentum. Verona tried with everything they had but it was Juventus who would come closest to scoring. A Verona player clearly pushed Llorente in the area and conceded a corner. Tevez stepped up in hopes of reducing the goal gap with Toni but could not put the ball past the keeper. Rafael celebrated that save like he scored a match-winning goal himself. Although I wasn't too impressed with the save, it was nice to see how tightly knit that team is around Toni. Other clubs like Roma, Inter, and even Real Madrid should learn from the comradery in Verona's squad.

At the end of the match, Simone Pepe, who came on as a substitute, committed a harsh foul and was shown a straight red. From the resulting free-kick Juanito will make it all level and 2-2. It is unfortunate that Pepe's last game (I am assuming his contract won't be renewed) will finish in such a way. It is also unfortunate that Juventus couldn't win and keep a clean sheet. But if I look at the other alternative: Marchisio, Vidal, Bonucci, or Tevez suffering a serious injury and Juventus winning 10-0, I take the draw any day.


LE PAGELLE

Who says Beppe Marotta is the only one who can hand bonuses, I also can hand end-of-season pagelle bonuses with the points that we didn't give away during the year. So here we go:


Buffon 6 + 4 bonus. Could have done a little bit more today but his defense was not willing to give him a hand. Plus-4 for organizing the best defense in Italy and one of the best in the world.

Evra 6.5 + 2 bonus. Solid in defense and had no blame in the scoreline. If anything he was a threat up front. Plus-2 for his major improvement as the season went on.

Bonucci 5.5 + 4 bonus. 5.5 for falling sleep on defense today. With that being said, all of this happened after playing some solid 45 minutes at the beginning of the match. Plus-3 for becoming, in my opinion, the most consistent defender in our squad. Plus-1 extra for scoring in so many decisive matches.

Ogbonna 5.5 + 0 bonus. Same as Bonucci, played well on the first half and went to sleep on the second half. The only difference is that Bonucci is a starter next week whereas Ogbonna may not even make the bench. No bonus for you for your casual jogs in big matches. Shape up or move on.

Padoin 7 + 2 bonus. You ask him to cover Lichtsteiner's spot he does it. You ask him to cover Evra's spot, he does it. You ask him to setup Llorente's goal, he does it. Most importantly, plus-2 because we asked him to help us troll Roma and Totti? He does it.

Pogba 6.5 + 2 bonus. Fancy but not a game changer. It is almost as though all this fame is getting to him. He needs to focus to continue to grow. Again, I don't blame him much because he will be playing the biggest game of his match in a couple of days. Plus-2 for some wonderful goals this season.

Pirlo 7.0 + 2 bonus. What a pass today to setup the second goal. He also had other great plays that unfortunately didn't amount to much. Plus-2 for the free kicks and the Torino goal.

Marchisio 7.0 + 3 bonus. Seven for being Marchisio. Plus-3 for giving Juventus a genuine alternative in the regista role.

Pereyra 7.0 + 2 bonus. Dat goal! Oscar would be great, but with Pereyra and Coman we can make do. Plus- for improving his finishing.

Llorente 7.0 + 1 bonus. Is it just me or has Llorente been consistently improving towards the end of the season? I am glad he finished the season with a goal. Plus-1 for being such a dressing room presence and helping nurture Morata's talent. A class act.

Tevez 6.0 + 4 bonus. Today was not his day, fair enough, but it wasn't all bad, if you forget about the penalty you will realize that he was involved and contributed to the team. During the first-half he looked remarkably selfless. +3 for carrying the team on his back. Plus-1 for the Parma goal.


Allegri 6.0 + 2 bonus. The job of motivating his players for this game must have been hard. Whatever he told them in the dressing room worked for the first half, but the team was uncharacteristically distracted in the second half. +2 for shutting me up and giving us all a great Serie A season.


Conclusion

I don't really have much else to add. Juventus drew a game which they should have won, but walk away without injuries. As long as Luca Toni wins the capocannoniere title, I am all good.

 

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

[Socrates 8516]

VERONA - JUVENTUS

2 - 2

Roberto Pereyra (42')

Luca Toni (48')

Fernando Llorente (57')

Juanito Gómez (90'+)

Saturday, May 30th, 2015 - 6:00 p.m.
Marcantonio Bentegodi Stadium, Verona
Referee: Marco Di Bello

Juventus understandably distracted
in Hellas Verona draw with Barca next

May 30, 2015

Mistakes were made, the concentration wasn't there and the rhythm was off, but Juventus still managed a 2-2 draw against Hellas Verona, a side that simply refused to be defeated by the Old Lady yet again this year.

Deployed in a 4-3-3 formation, Andrea Mandorlini's men seemed determined to attack, attempting to exploit the fact the Bianconeri were not too interested in another league triumph. With Luca Toni chasing the capocannoniere title, the team played for him to ensure he would grab the necessary goals to outdo his competition and become Serie A's top scorer despite being 38 years of age. A Mauro Icardi brace on Sunday left Toni in a tie for the prestigious award.

True to his word, Massimiliano Allegri did not rotate the squad fully and played many of his starters to ensure they are match fit and raring to go on Saturday evening when they play Barcelona in the Champions League final. Yet despite the talent on show and the desire to maintain a competitive edge, numerous little mistakes were made to allow Verona a chance to play a great game and grab a point at home.

Two particular players disappointed, which raises a few concerns going forward. Neither Carlos Tevez nor Paul Pogba exhibited their talent and were guilty of making silly errors and losing concentration when Allegri needed them to prove themselves on the pitch. The coach proceeded to criticise the young Frenchman in his post-match comments asking him to stop showboating while several critics labelled his performance arrogant.

Pogba is indeed a magnificent talent, but he has begun to stagnate in his development and his difficulties in recovering his form after the injury suffered are only exacerbating the problem. The problem with the midfielder is his mind -- his emotions dictate his every performance. At times he is guilty of belittling the opponent, as he did on Saturday afternoon. On other occasions, his desire to make an impact results in him overthinking every move when he should learn to trust his instincts more.

This was hardly the performance Allegri wanted from the man, especially considering the coach is deciding on who to play against Barcelona. By contrast, Roberto Pereyra ahead of him played a magnificent game and scored a goal that will be remembered for its beauty. A playmaker that consistently looked to get forward, he wasn't offered as much help as he would have liked yet still put his team in the lead just before half time.

Once a player that could barely finish, the midfielder has since honed his skills and produced some wonderful goals in the latter stage of the season. More importantly, his decision-making skills have improved while he has learnt how to make the most out of his special talents, offering the attack a new dimension. It remains to be seen whether he will be starting in the final but he certainly played a match that will force Allegri to consider his options.

Juventus had the chance to make it 3-1 but Tevez, who played an uncharacteristically selfish game (perhaps in his attempts to overtake Toni in the goalscoring charts), missed his penalty. Verona instead equalised a minute later to snatch a celebrated point at home.

It's difficult to be too critical of the Bianconeri considering the fact they had nothing to play for and have their minds firmly focused on next Saturday. The concentration levels were not where they needed to be, yet from a physical point of view, the squad was both energetic and dynamic. They are not quite yet exhausted and seem just as fit as ever.

Considering the manner in which Barcelona won the Copa del Rey on the same night, Juventus will need all their might to stop a Catalan side in fine form, one that perfectly combines physical tenacity with technical beauty. The chances of a win are slim but an Italian side can never be underestimated.

 

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

[Socrates 8516]

JUVENTUS - BARCELONA

-

 

FINAL
Saturday, June 6th, 2015 - 08:45 P.M.
Olympiastadion, Berlin
Referee:‬ Cüneyt Çakir (Turkey)

Eden Hazard backing Juventus to beat
Barcelona in Champions League

May 30, 2015

Chelsea forward Eden Hazard says he will be rooting for Juventus legends of the game in the Champions League final, and hopes he will get his hands on the trophy himself soon.

Gianluigi Buffon has what might prove, at the age of 37, to be his last chance of getting his hands on the Champions League trophy, while Andrea Pirlo could touch the prize for the third time after winning it twice with AC Milan.

"For champions like them, it would really be the cherry on top," Hazard told La giornalaccio rosa dello Sport. "They have had extraordinary careers, above all winning the World Cup with Italy in 2006.

"I don't know when they will retire, but it would be fantastic if two players like Buffon and Pirlo could succeed in triumphing together in the Champions League.

"They are the champions of everybody who loves football."

Barcelona may be the favourites, but over 90 or 120 minutes, Hazard feels the Bianconeri have a chance to crown their season and complete a treble.

"Juve have already won the Double with the scudetto and the Coppa Italia, and these successes have given [Max] Allegri's team more self-belief," Hazard said. "In a final, it comes down to details and the Italians have always been capable of springing surprises."

[Socrates 8516]

JUVENTUS - BARCELONA

-

 

FINAL
Saturday, June 6th, 2015 - 08:45 P.M.
Olympiastadion, Berlin
Referee:‬ Cüneyt Çakir (Turkey)

Nedved: Barcelona big favourites

May 30, 2015

Juventus director Pavel Nedved believes Barcelona are big favourites in next Saturday’s Champions League final, but that his side stand a chance.

Nedved was part of the last Bianconeri team to reach a Champions League final in 2003 and explained that he fears Barcelona’s talented attacking trio of Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez and Neymar.

“I am superstitious, so I have to say that Barcelona are big favourites,” he said to Isport Blesk.

“The favourites tag often gives teams more pressure and I think we have a good chance.

“Anyone who has that front three in their team begins every match 2-0 up…They have so much talent that it’s hard to know how to stop them.

“They are unpredictable and can do anything, but the match is open.

“Barcelona have a great attack but we defend well and not only that, we want to create problems for their backline.

“What we mustn’t do is be passive and hand Barca the initiative. They are used to playing in that situation. We must be careful, otherwise it won’t end well.

The former Czech Republic international reflected on the differing emotions as a player and director and also the changes the Bianconeri have experienced in recent years.

“To be honest, there are maybe more emotions now. As a director you feel the value of the club more.

“When I was a player I knew what to do and the emotions were on the pitch mainly. Now I feel responsible for the whole club.

“Winning the Champions League would be very significant for me. We didn’t expect to get this far, but we deserve it.

“Juventus have changed a lot in the course of the last five years, first of all we’ve returned to the summit of Italian football.

“I’d say that in Italy we dominate, while in Europe it’s not so simple. This season we’ve gone far in the Champions League, but there are still three or four teams stronger than us. We still have work to do.”

[Socrates 8516]

JUVENTUS - BARCELONA

-

 

FINAL
Saturday, June 6th, 2015 - 08:45 P.M.
Olympiastadion, Berlin
Referee:‬ Cüneyt Çakir (Turkey)

Why Juventus Should Play with a
Back 4 in Champions League Final

May 30, 2015

After a 13-year absence, victory over Real Madrid saw Juventus at last return to the Champions League final. The story of that semi-final triumph was undoubtedly the two goals scored by Alvaro Morata, the 22-year-old netting in both legs against the club he left only last summer.

Yet beneath the young Spanish striker’s headline-grabbing performances, another major factor was undoubtedly at play. Massimiliano Allegri has had an incredible impact since being appointed by the Bianconeri, his decision-making proving especially crucial throughout the Old Lady’s surprising run in Europe’s elite competition.

As they prepare to face Barcelona on June 6, it could well be that the choices made by the man in the dugout prove to be crucial. Chief among them is something else that was on display in that clash with Real Madrid earlier this month, leading to a tactical question that could be central to events at Berlin’s Olympiastadion.

In the first leg against the reigning holders at Juventus Stadium, a 57th-minute strike by Carlos Tevez handed the home side a crucial but fragile 2-1 lead. Just seven minutes later, Allegri sent on Andrea Barzagli, simultaneously switching the side into a hugely familiar 3-5-2 formation for the remainder of the match.

It was a reversal of the shift made earlier in the campaign, the coach moving to a back four after three seasons in which the three-man defence had been the preferred framework of his predecessor Antonio Conte. Barzagli had missed a huge portion of the season injured, but since his return in early March, he had provided Juventus with a formidable tactical weapon.

The 34-year-old has now made 16 appearances, with the team winning on all but three of those outings. They also kept no fewer than nine clean sheets in those games, the former Palermo and Wolfsburg defender once again providing guaranteed solidity every time he takes to the field.

His performances—and those of the team with him in it—have led to speculation that the Bianconeri may line up that way against Barcelona. The 3-5-2 is seen as an antidote to the potent attacking talents of Neymar, Luis Suarez and the incomparable Lionel Messi, but the choice to use it may not be that simple.

The alternative is what Allegri dubbed “4-3-and then we’ll see” in an interview with La giornalaccio rosa dello Sport (h/t Football Italia) earlier in the campaign. Within that formation, Juventus have been in devastating goalscoring form themselves, providing far greater support to the newly formed partnership between Tevez and Morata.

It has also allowed the likes of Paul Pogba, Arturo Vidal and Roberto Pereyra much more freedom, making the Bianconeri increasingly dangerous going forward. That stands in some contrast with the way the team can look when deployed to protect the three-man defence, often looking particularly stale if opponents can keep wing-backs Stephan Lichtsteiner and Patrice Evra occupied.

A back four ensures that other weapons are available higher up the pitch, and it is vital that Juventus do not simply sit deep and allow Luis Enrique’s team to attack them while dominating and dictating the tempo.

Club director Pavel Nedved stressed that the team are acutely aware of that, telling Isport Blesk (h/t Football Italia): "Barcelona have a great attack but we defend well and not only that, we want to create problems for their back line. What we mustn’t do is be passive and hand Barca the initiative. They are used to playing in that situation. We must be careful, otherwise it won’t end well."

Allegri’s decision may also have been made much more simple earlier this week, after the club announced that Barzagli was suffering with a thigh injury. With his availability for the final now in doubt, Angelo Ogbonna perhaps offers an alternative, but handing him a starting berth in such a huge tie would clearly be a massive gamble.

Yet the coach has shown throughout 2014-15 that he is not averse to making bold choices, as he proved in fielding Stefano Sturaro against Real Madrid. The 22-year-old had only made six previous starts since arriving in January, but he repaid the faith of Allegri by turning in an assuredly mature performance.

The three-man defence—particularly in the event that Barzagli recovers in time—offers greater security, but the Bianconeri may once again opt to begin their first final since 2003 with a more traditional back four. It provides an intriguing question that will hang over the buildup to this huge encounter of two of the continent’s most prestigious clubs, and one that could yet decide the destination of the Champions League trophy.

[Socrates 8516]

JUVENTUS - BARCELONA

-

 

FINAL
Saturday, June 6th, 2015 - 08:45 P.M.
Olympiastadion, Berlin
Referee:‬ Cüneyt Çakir (Turkey)

Lionel Messi: Juventus test won't be easy,
but Barcelona are ready

May 30, 2015

Barcelona talisman Lionel Messi admits that "anything can happen" in next weekend's Champions League final, while Juventus attacker Carlos Tevez has hailed the Blaugrana's attacking trident as the "best in the world."

Barca are big favourites going into the final in Berlin, having already eliminated the champions of England, France and Germany on their way to the showpiece event.

Juve have reached this stage of Europe's top competition for the first time since 2003, but impressed especially when dispatching last year's champions Real Madrid at the semifinal stage.

The two Argentines were interviewed ahead of the game by Premium Sport, giving quotes picked up Mundo Deportivo.

"We know it will not be easy," Messi said. "But we have the chance to be champions again and that is what the club and everyone is hoping for."

The Barcelona striker also praised his countryman, while saying anything could happen in the game, despite his side being favourites due to their last two Champions League final triumphs in 2009 and 2011.

"Tevez is a great player and Juventus are a difficult opponent, physically strong," he added. "It is a final and anything can happen. But we are ready as we were in the previous ones."

Tevez -- who has been recalled to the Albiceleste squad to play alongside national captain Messi in the summer's upcoming Copa America in Chile -- revealed he would not be thinking about the personal head-to-head battle in Berlin.

"Messi and I will think more about the game than meeting face-to-face," he said. "We are teammates with Argentina and we both want to win the Champions League."

Tevez was fulsome in his praise of Barca's all-South American front three of Messi, Luis Suarez and Neymar, who have already contributed a total of 117 goals this term between them.

"Barca is the strongest team in the world, and they have the three best forwards on the planet," he added. "So we must work a lot and play a perfect game."

[Socrates 8516]

JUVENTUS - BARCELONA

-

 

FINAL
Saturday, June 6th, 2015 - 08:45 P.M.
Olympiastadion, Berlin
Referee:‬ Cüneyt Çakir (Turkey)

When is the Champions League final?

We've got all the key details ahead of the biggest game in European club football next weekend.

May 30, 2015

Barcelona and Juventus will battle it out in the Champions League final in Berlin on June 6, with kick-off scheduled for 20:45 CET.

The game will take place at the iconic Olympiastadion and will see nearly 75,000 supporters cram into the venue to see who will be crowned the best team in Europe.

Real Madrid won the trophy last season but the Bianconeri overcame the Spanish club in the semi-finals, while Barca saw off Bayern Munich to seal their place in the showpiece.

Taking charge of the game will be Turkish referee Cuneyt Cakir. The 38-year-old has officiated 70 Uefa matches, including four Champions League and three Europa League games this season.

He will be assisted by fellow Turks Bahattin Duran and Tarik Ongun, while the fourth official will be Jonas Eriksson from Sweden. Two additional assistant referees have also been appointed in Turkish pair Huseyin Gocek and Baris Simsek.

[Socrates 8516]

JUVENTUS - BARCELONA

-

 

FINAL
Saturday, June 6th, 2015 - 08:45 P.M.
Olympiastadion, Berlin
Referee:‬ Cüneyt Çakir (Turkey)

Barcelona do the Double

May 30, 2015

Barcelona beat Athletic Bilbao 3-1 in the Copa del Rey, so they or Juventus will win a Treble in the Champions League.

Whatever the outcome in Berlin next Saturday, one of the two clubs will enjoy a Triplete – securing all three major trophies in a single season.

Juve have the Scudetto and Coppa Italia sewn up, while Luis Enrique’s Blaugrana now grip the Liga title and Copa del Rey.

Tonight’s Final was one-way traffic, as Leo Messi bagged a brace in the 3-1 triumph, including a stunning slalom past four players to net at the near post.

Barcelona also set a new Spanish record of 120 goals in a single season, while they became the first club since 1954 to win every game in the Copa del Rey.

[Socrates 8516]

JUVENTUS - BARCELONA

-

 

FINAL
Saturday, June 6th, 2015 - 08:45 P.M.
Olympiastadion, Berlin
Referee:‬ Cüneyt Çakir (Turkey)

Enrique: 'Perfect Barca-Juve timing'

May 31, 2015

Luis Enrique believes the Champions League Final against Juventus arrives at “the perfect time” for Barcelona.

The Blaugrana won La Liga with a round to spare and last night beat Athletic Bilbao 3-1 for the Copa del Rey.

That means either Barça or Juve will achieve the Treble in Berlin next Saturday.

“We had a great performance against an excellent Athletic side,” the former Roma Coach told reporters.

“We’re in good shape and it’s the perfect time to reach a challenge like the Champions League Final.

“Now we will enjoy this Double, but from Sunday will immediately put our heads towards Berlin.

“We’ll see if we can beat Juventus too, though it will certainly be a tough match.”

There were some reports of injury concerns around Andres Iniesta after he was substituted due to a muscular problem during the game.

He had ice placed on his calf after coming off, but seemed to be moving without pain during the trophy ceremony.

[Socrates 8516]

JUVENTUS - BARCELONA

-

 

FINAL
Saturday, June 6th, 2015 - 08:45 P.M.
Olympiastadion, Berlin
Referee:‬ Cüneyt Çakir (Turkey)

Pique: Champions League win would be perfection

The Barcelona defender was elated after his side won the Copa del Rey
and hopes they can complete the treble with European glory.

May 31, 2015

Gerard Pique says that Barcelona can reach "perfection" if they complete their treble win by beating Juventus in the Champions League final.

The Catalan side defeated Athletic Bilbao 3-1 in the Copa del Rey on Saturday to add to the Liga title they previously claimed.

Luis Enrique's men take on Juve in the European final on June 6, as they seek to win their first Champions League title since 2011.

Pique says the campaign has been excellent thus far, but the side can make it perfect next Saturday.

"After the league and the cup, if we win the Champions League, it'd be reaching perfection. It's already a great season, but the Champions League would make it brilliant," he told reporters after the game.

"We got ready for the Copa del Rey final as if it were against Real Madrid or Atletico. They pressured us for the ball hard at the beginning, but we made good use of the spaces."

Neymar courted controversy with some Athletic players due to a perceived lack of respect towards the end of the game, but Pique insisted it was not significant.

"It's no big deal. Maybe Neymar shouldn't have been showboating so much and perhaps the Athletic players were already a bit wound up because they were losing."

[Socrates 8516]

JUVENTUS - BARCELONA

-

 

FINAL
Saturday, June 6th, 2015 - 08:45 P.M.
Olympiastadion, Berlin
Referee:‬ Cüneyt Çakir (Turkey)

Jordi Alba wary of Juventus

May 31, 2015

Barcelona defender Jordi Alba has commented on the quality of Juventus's attack ahead of the Champions League final.

Barca and Juve will meet in the final of the European Cup on June 6, and the Spanish champions will enter as the favourites.

Alba, however, has warned his team of the dangers posed by Juve, who have two Spanish forwards in their ranks.

"Juventus are defensively one of the best teams in the world. They have Fernando Llorente, Morata and Carlos Tevez, all of whom are very dangerous and understand each other well," Alba told reporters.

"They're very hard to beat. Tevez and Morata are two players who complement each other very well, yet are very different from one other. Tevez is quicker and more skilful, while Morata holds the ball up well and has a great shot."

The showpiece event will take place in Berlin.

[Socrates 8516]

JUVENTUS - BARCELONA

-

 

FINAL
Saturday, June 6th, 2015 - 08:45 P.M.
Olympiastadion, Berlin
Referee:‬ Cüneyt Çakir (Turkey)

Enrique: 'Juve-Barcelona battle'

May 31, 2015

Luis Enrique believes the Champions League Final between Barcelona and Juventus will have “two teams fighting for the ball.”

The former Roma boss spoke to uefa.com ahead of next Saturday’s showdown in Berlin, where one of the two clubs will complete the Treble.

“Three seasons ago I was lucky enough to be the Roma manager. So for the last two years I have been following Italian football. At home I watch lots of Roma games and Juve games, as a fan ... I follow Italian football.

“I watched Juventus in recent years with Antonio Conte. They were a very hardworking team who I think played good football.

“Maybe they were unlucky in Europe, but they had the ability to go a lot further in the Champions League. They are the Italian team who have been playing at the highest level in recent years

“So get ready for a final between two teams fighting for the ball. Juventus are able to shut down and play their own way without being punished. They can maintain possession. They are capable of counterattacking.

“I think they are a very well-rounded team. And I think you can see what the manager brings to the table.”

[Socrates 8516]

JUVENTUS - BARCELONA

-

 

FINAL
Saturday, June 6th, 2015 - 08:45 P.M.
Olympiastadion, Berlin
Referee:‬ Cüneyt Çakir (Turkey)

Massimiliano Allegri & Luis Enrique:
Field marshals for the Battle of Berlin

The two teams that have arguably played the best football this season meet on the ground of sweet memories
for Italians Bianconeri: Juventus and Barcelona face each other in the Champions' League final.

Jun 1, 2015

Just a day into the summer preparations for the new 2014-15 season, Juventus were finding themselves in a delicate and unexpected position. For the numerous family of tifosi Bianconeri, the news that emerged came as a devastating cyclone. After three years and as many consecutive Scudetti won, manager Antonio Conte announced his resignation.

"When you are at a club as prestigious as Juventus, which boasts such an illustrious winning tradition, there is an obligation to win and that can be tougher than elsewhere," said Conte in his official statement for the club’s YouTube channel.

Few were those who believed at that particular moment that in less than a year, Juventus will have already sealed another Scudetto, fought their way to the Coppa Italia final and, most impressively, made it all the way to their first Champions League final in 12 years.

That small minority disappeared altogether the day after.

Less than 24 hours after the initial announcement, such a performance became inconceivable when Mssimiliano Allegri — sacked by AC Milan in January of that year — was named as Conte’s replacement. Yet Allegri took Conte’s "obligation to win" literally and guided his new team towards the unthinkable — the Champions League trophy just 90 minutes away and Barcelona the partner for Old Lady’s last dance.

Pragmatic, tactically disciplined and relying on the force of the group, Juventus finished second behind Atletico Madrid in their group, before seeing off Borussia Dortmund, AS Monaco and defending champions Real Madrid on their way to the final.

Allegri slowly managed to implement his preferred 4-3-1-2 formation but the capacity to switch back to 3-5-2 whenever the circumstances were demanding it was perhaps the key of this already successful season. A highly experienced, rock-solid defence boasting the likes of Andrea Barzagli, Giorgio Chiellini, Leonardo Bonucci, Patrice Evra and Stephan Lichtsteiner, led from between the posts by World Cup winner and club captain Gianluigi Buffon, contained opposite attacking threats admirably throughout the season.

Its ultimate challenge, however, is waiting in the final.

Barcelona’s formidable front trio Neymar, Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez has torn apart every defence it came across, the three superstars scoring an astonishing 113 goals between them so far.

But to achieve such feats, Barcelona had to pass through some darker times.

Blaugrana were still searching for the best replacement for Pep Guardiola when the miserable condition of Tito Vilanova, that eventually led to his mournful passing away in 2014, and the fruitless year under Gerardo "Tata" Martinez left them close to disarray.

It was Luis Enrique who managed to steady the ship in the end, as his appointment last summer turned out to be a most shrewd one. After a first part of the season with problems of all sort, Barcelona slowly started to run on all cylinders coming January this season.

And when the phrase "all cylinders" is mentioned, I daresay just three are meant — and indeed, needed.

Messi, Suarez and Neymar are playing some fantastic kind of football, one which recently seems to be governed by the Unus pro omnibus, omnes pro uno motto.

One for all, all for one. Surely Alexandre Dumas never thought his philosophy could be at one point applied in football. Perhaps the fact the sport as we know it now was not yet played at that particular time counted towards that as well.

Yet, because of Enrique, it is working and the almost effortlessly way Barcelona overcame Manchester City, Paris Saint-Germain and Guardiola’s Bayern Munchen on their way to the final proves just that. The title in Spain has been secured and Athletic Club de Bilbao were handily beaten in the final of the Copa del Rey. A situation much similar with the one of Juventus, with both clubs aiming for the most prestigious treble there is.

Barcelona may be the favourites, but la Vecchia Signora has the maturity and, at the same time, the vivacity to give the Spanish giants a good run for their money, through the exquisite midfield of Andrea Pirlo, Paul Pogba, Arturo Vidal and Claudio Marchisio. Strikers Alvaro Morata and Carlos Tevez have also managed to develop a prolific relationship, one that is responsible with the goals, completing the industrious profile of Allegri’s team.

Berlin — the host city of the Champions League final — is also a place close to the hearts of Buffon, Pirlo and Barzagli for that was the venue where the three of them won the World Cup with Italy in 2006.

"Mind you, we mustn’t go there [to Berlin] as tourists," said Buffon after Juventus booked their place in the final.

And they surely won’t.

The best attack in the world will be facing the best defence in one epic final in Berlin.

Surely, Max Allegri and Juventus’ players would very much want and, indeed, deserve all that.

[Socrates 8516]

JUVENTUS - BARCELONA

-

 

FINAL
Saturday, June 6th, 2015 - 08:45 P.M.
Olympiastadion, Berlin
Referee:‬ Cüneyt Çakir (Turkey)

Nedved: Juventus Must Not Sit Back Against Barcelona

Jun 1, 2015

Pavel Nedved has advised Juventus not to sit back and defend in the Champions League final against Barcelona at the Olympiastadion in Berlin on June 6.

The former Bianconeri midfielder, turned director, also acknowledged the immense talent that will come from Barcelona’s attacking trio of Neymar, Lionel Messi, and Luis Suarez, but still believes that the match still hangs in the balance.

“They have so much talent, it’s hard to think about how to stop them,” Nedved said to Isport Blesk.

“We have to defend well and not only that, we want to create problems for their rearguard. What we must not do is be passive, to leave Barcelona the absolute initiative.”

The Czech recounted his glorious moments with Juventus in European competition, adding his hopes that the club will find victory after a 12 year absence from the Champions League final.

“The 2003 final was the match marked the high point of my career,” said Nedved.

“Winning the Champions League would be very meaningful to me. We did not expect to be here, but we deserve it.”

[Socrates 8516]

JUVENTUS - BARCELONA

-

 
 

FINAL
Saturday, June 6th, 2015 - 08:45 P.M.
Olympiastadion, Berlin
Referee:‬ Cüneyt Çakir (Turkey)

Juventus-Barcelona: Marco van Basten's
Champions League verdict

Ahead of Saturday's Champions League final between Barcelona and Juventus, we spoke to Marco van Basten,
Nissan's ambassador for their UEFA Champions League Final activity in Berlin, to get his take on the game.

Jun 1, 2015

The three-time Ballon d’Or winner was part of the AC Milan team that won the European Cup back-to-back in 1989 and 1990, a feat no team has repeated since.

Van Basten shared his views on why Juventus are the exception in Italian football, how Barcelona can be stopped and why he’s surprised that Luis Suarez is now flourishing at the Nou Camp…


Suarez surprise

Van Basten was head coach at Ajax for part of Suarez’s three-and-a-half year stay at the club and remembers the Uruguayan forward’s extraordinary desire to succeed.

“He’s very emotional,” Van Basten told Sky Sports. “He’s a real winner too. He wants to make goals, he wants to play and he wants to attack. He has developed himself in a very good way so he’s a big striker in world football at the moment.

“I knew that he was a winner and that he was a very good player, always creating chances, threatening the goal and causing problems for the opponent. He made a good impression at Liverpool but he’s getting stronger and stronger.”

Even so, Van Basten did not envisage Suarez fitting in quite as effectively as he has at Barcelona given the team’s unique style of play.

“I was expecting him to be a really good player but I didn’t think of him playing for a team like Barcelona,” added Van Basten. “I felt he’d be more suited to a team like Juventus or Inter because the football in Italy is a bit different to the football they play at Barcelona.

“Barca play a really clever type of football, close together with everybody at a high level technically. I think he is more of an opportunistic forward who should just go forward and see what happens. He does that in a marvellous way but it’s not the way he plays at Barcelona.”


That man Messi…

Van Basten played with Johan Cruyff at Ajax, faced Diego Maradona during his Napoli pomp and coached his country against Lionel Messi at a World Cup. It puts him in a unique position to rate the Barcelona man. “I think he’s a truly great player. He’s on the level with Pele, Cruyff and Maradona.

“I think Maradona was more of a fighter. Maradona was strong and mean. He could be a really difficult person as he tried everything to win. Messi is just a fantastic player. I think he’s a little bit quieter than Maradona was but they both have unbelievable skills.”


So can Barcelona be stopped?

With Suarez adding another dimension to an already talented Barcelona side, the debate continues regarding how best to stop the Spanish champions. Bayern Munich coach Pep Guardiola tried it his own way with a high line and man-for-man pressing against his old team in the semi-final only to lose 5-3 on aggregate and Van Basten has some sympathy for those tactics.

“I think that Pep Guardiola had bad luck because he was not able to use his best line-up,” said Van Basten. “He was not able to field Arjen Robben, Franck Ribery or David Alaba. They were not fit against Barcelona. That’s a pity because I really wanted to see a good game between these two teams. But it wasn’t like that.

“If you want to make Barcelona have a difficult evening then you have to defend really well. You have to make sure you don’t give a lot of space to Lionel Messi or Andres Iniesta and also make sure they don’t get any time. So you should be very compact and close to each other, remaining alert while they have the ball. On the other hand, you also have to go on the attack too.”

So does he feel the Italian champions have a chance? “I don’t think Juventus are as good as Barcelona but they are also able to attack as they have shown in winning the double in Italy. They can create as well.

“The good thing for Juventus is that they are a team that understands and reads the flow of the game. So if they feel they need to defend they have the discipline to defend, but if they have the possibility to attack they will go forward. That’s what gives them the chance to beat Barca.”


What’s happened to Italian football?

It’s been a difficult time for Serie A but Van Basten believes the team from Turin are a unique case. “Juventus are an exception. They have had a new start since they came back from Serie B. They are organised and they have their own stadium. If you compare that to Milan, Inter, Roma or any of the other clubs, they all still have big problems. In that case, Juventus is an example for all Italian clubs.”

So does it sadden the former Milan hero to see his old side – the seven-time European champions no less - struggling in mid-table? “Sad is a big word. I have a lot of sympathy for Milan but if you look what’s happened in the past 10 years they have gone down so much. When I was playing you had 85,000 every week in the San Siro. Now you have maybe 30,000. The level of the players is just poor.

“It’s also a matter of money. It’s a pity that 20 years ago Italy had everything. All the money, all the players and all the attention was in Italy. But there have been so many different stories with corruption, referees and money that everything went out of their hands. Now it’s difficult to come back, but Italy is still a great football country. You can see how important it still is for every Italian.”


Can anyone replicate Milan?

One thing that Milan fans can still boast is that, a quarter of a century on, they remain the last team to lift the European Cup in back-to-back seasons and Van Basten thinks a repeat in the near future is far from inevitable. “We were the last team to do it and it’s not easy,” he said.

“Winning the Champions League is the most important cup you can win as a player in club football and to do it twice you need to be the best for two years in a row. You can’t afford a bad game because that’ll be the end of the road.

“I think that football is also a little bit more predictable than it was 20 years ago. If you look at the last eight of the Champions League, it will include the likes of Real Madrid, Barcelona, Bayern Munich and Juventus so you probably have to play against one of these big clubs.

“I think 20 years ago it was not like that. You maybe had three or four good teams but with a little bit of luck you could reach the semi-finals a little bit easier. That’s an important point in understanding why it’s a little bit more difficult to win it two years in a row.”


So who does he want to win?

Van Basten concluded: “If Barcelona are allowed to play their game – that means nice football in an attacking way – with nice moments from Messi and Iniesta then I hope Barcelona win. But I lived for 10 years in Italy so I am half Italian. I hope that for the Italian people, Juve win the Champions League. That would be good for Italian football. But mainly I hope the best team wins the cup.”

[Socrates 8516]

JUVENTUS - BARCELONA

-

 
 

FINAL
Saturday, June 6th, 2015 - 08:45 P.M.
Olympiastadion, Berlin
Referee:‬ Cüneyt Çakir (Turkey)

Andres Iniesta Injury: Updates on
Barcelona Midfielder's Calf and Return

Jun 1, 2015

Barcelona midfielder Andres Iniesta is a doubt for the Blaugrana's Champions League final showdown with Juventus after suffering a calf injury during the side's Copa del Rey final win over Athletic Bilbao on May 30.


Iniesta to Undergo Tests

Monday, June 1

AS reports the extent of Iniesta's problem will be determined after he undergoes tests on Monday.

He played 55 minutes during Barca's 3-1 win over Bilbao before being replaced by Xavi. The classy midfielder was "given an icepack for a knock on his right calf," per AS, but boss Luis Enrique remains hopeful he will be fit for the tie against Juve on Saturday.

"I hope it's not serious and that he can play in Berlin," said Enrique, who provided a hint of encouragement: "I saw him jumping during the cup celebrations," per AS.

Iniesta appeared sprightly enough when receiving the Copa del Rey trophy in a video tweeted by Barca.

The 31-year-old has made 39 appearances across all competitions for the Catalan club this season, per WhoScored.com. Although he isn't as creative as he used to be, Iniesta remains a leader both on and off the pitch.

With Xavi leaving at the end of the season, his experience will become even more valuable to the side. Iniesta has won the Champions League three times, scored the 2010 World Cup winner for Spain and remains a big-game player for Barca.

As such, Enrique will hope his midfield maestro can shrug off his problem in time for the trip to Berlin.