Juventus Season 2014-2015

[Socrates 8516]

JUVENTUS - BARCELONA

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

The Brains Behind The Midfield Marvel

As Andrea Pirlo prepares for his fourth Champions League final,
Rossella Marrai attempts to explain what makes him tick.

Jun 2, 2015

Cesare Prandelli once described Andrea Pirlo as ‘a player who belongs to everyone’ and never has a truer word been spoken about the bearded genius. Whether you are a Juventus fan living the dream, a disappointed Milan fan still angry at his exit or simply an observer, Pirlo’s elegant style of play is one that leaves any football fan drooling at the sight of his simply mesmerising play.

It seems that as the years of experience start to show on his face, his feet, filled with wisdom, continue to generate that same golden wisp of magic he conjured up when he first emerged on the scene.

Over the course of the last two decades, football fans have been able to marvel at the joy Pirlo has brought to the game.

He gets out of tricky situations effortlessly, he has a vision second to none, and he has the ability to persuade and manipulate the ball to swerve and move in any direction he chooses. Pirlo doesn’t respect the ball, the ball respects him.

“Pirlo brings people together because he is football. He’s the most skilful type of player, someone who’s never done anything horribly wrong – he’s the essence of the game,” the former Italy coach went on to say.

Even though the football maestro has been ever-present in Italian football for 20 marvellous and memorable years, he still manages to surprise his closest of fans. But what goes on in the mind of the mind of the 2006 World Cup winner?

In his book ‘I Think Therefore I Play’, the Juventus man goes on to reveal some of his thought processes when faced with some of his biggest career moments.

And as one soon goes on to discover, while Pirlo’s style of play may be simple yet complicated to the naked eye, football is just a game of mind over matter and simple mathematics for him.

“I’ve understood that there is a secret: I perceive the game in a different way. It’s a question of viewpoints, of having a wide field of vision. Being able to see the bigger picture,” he wrote in his book.

“Your classic midfielder looks downfield and sees the forwards. I’ll focus instead on the space between me and them where I can work the ball through. It’s more a question of geometry than tactics.”

With two UEFA Champions League titles and the prestigious World Cup title to his name, Pirlo is no stranger to the big scene yet he barely seems phased when confronted with a career defining moment.

His calm demeanor is something that few players are able to instill in themselves, and, surprisingly, he pulls it off with poise and finesse, barely showing a glimpse of fear.

Pirlo’s secret behind treating a cup final like it was any other game, or for we mere mortals, another day in the office, is remaining distant from the emotional attachment.

“I don’t feel pressure, either. I don’t give a toss about it. I spent the afternoon of Sunday, July 9, 2006, in Berlin sleeping and playing the PlayStation. In the evening, I went out and won the World Cup.”

To this day Pirlo’s calmness remains an astounding sphere of his personality, but it is a large portion of why he plays in the style he does.

Few players interpret space the way the 36-year-old does, and only a person with a calm, confident and tactical mind would attempt the moves he makes and strike the ball the way he does.

In just four days Pirlo will be competing for his third UEFA Champions League title, and he will also return to Berlin for the first time since helping Italy win their fourth World Cup.

While this fixture against Barcelona may be a big deal to the Bianconeri and the whole squad, this is just another fixture in Pirlo’s mind; despite admitting he showed the slightest glimpse of normality in the penalty shoot-out against France in ’06.

“Caressing the ball was something I had to do,” he said about stepping up to the penalty spot in front of Fabien Barthez. “I then lifted my eyes to the heavens and asked for help because if God exists, there’s no way he’s French.”

Rest assured Massimiliano Allegri will be looking to his talisman to add the creative flare and the decisive touch when the Old Lady turns out against Luis Enrique’s Barcelona side. And while Juventus may claim bragging rights over the rest of Italy should they emerge victorious, they will nonetheless have the backing of the whole nation come kick-off on Saturday.

“Being part of a team that belongs to everyone makes me feel good and at peace with myself. It relaxes me,” Pirlo further revealed in his book. “A lot of the time, it’s better than sex: it lasts longer and if it all falls flat, it can’t just be your fault.”

This will be a game not only for the people of Turin but also for Italy as a country.

[Socrates 8516]

JUVENTUS - BARCELONA

-

 
 

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

Juve don't play great football - Busquets

The Barcelona midfielder is impressed with the Bianconeri's spirit and organisation
but feels they have not set the world alight in their Champions League run.

Jun 2, 2015

Barcelona midfielder Sergio Busquets says that Juventus have reached the Champions League final through sound organisation rather than good football.

The Bianconeri were unfancied in Europe at the start of the season and were struggling in the group stage before making it to the round of 16.

They have since overcome Borussia Dortmund, Monaco and Real Madrid, but Busquets remains less than impressed with their gameplan.

"Juventus have not reached the final by playing well or scoring a lot," he told La giornalaccio rosa dello Sport.

"But they deserve to be here, they're a compact team and very difficult to beat. Until December, they were in trouble in the group. Then over time they showed they were prepared to go all the way.

"It's always like that with Italian teams, they're competitive, they know what they want and they know how to get it.

"In a final, it's winning that counts, it's not the style of play that people remember. We know how difficult it is and it would be nice to win, which is what counts."

Busquets went on to hail coach Luis Enrique's effect on the team since taking over from Tata Martino last summer.

"Under Luis Enrique we’ve worked a lot, and we’ve improved defensively. The addition of Luis Suarez has helped us a lot, and with Ivan Rakitic and Andres Iniesta we move well and keep it tight.

"Then we have a good defence and two great goalkeepers. In general, compared to a year ago the difference is physical, we’re much better in that respect and you can see it.

"The impact of Luis Enrique has been very positive. He has very clear ideas about football and we’ve absorbed them. We’ve had more variation and it’s helped us so much with Lionel Messi being on the wing.

"He’s even more devastating when he drifts into the centre, pulls people out of position and makes combinations. Then Suarez is there as a point of reference, which is good for us."

[Socrates 8516]

JUVENTUS - BARCELONA

-

 
 

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

Buffon and Ter Stegen are the rocks
at the heart of Juventus and Barcelona

Jun 2, 2015

As Juventus goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon and Barcelona's Marc-Andre ter Stegen clasp hands in Berlin on Sunday for the traditional show of solidarity before a big game, the wonder is whether they will talk about the one piece of common ground between them, beyond the fact they're gracing a stage like the Champions League final.

They're not just at opposite ends of the pitch; they're at opposite ends of their careers, with totally opposing circumstances. It's difficult to think of a contrast between two Champions League final goalkeepers more pronounced than this one. It may yet condition this fixture between Barcelona and Juventus, especially when you consider how they've both dealt with those differences.

One is among the greatest goalkeepers of all time; the other merely a promising talent. One is a veteran at 37 and at the age when most are considered a little old for the role at a top club. The other is just 23 and considered a bit too young for that same role.

One has been a fixture between the posts for all his teams going as far back as 1996; the other can't get regular football for his current club.

One is returning to the stadium where he enjoyed his greatest moment in winning the 2006 World Cup, while the other is playing on first truly high-profile stage of his career.

In reaching Berlin's Olympic Stadium, however, both have had big moments.

Buffon managed one of this Champions League season's most significant saves in Juventus' home quarterfinal first leg against Monaco, somehow preventing Ferreira Carrasco from what seemed a certain away goal at a tight point in the tie.

Ter Stegen then managed a series of similar stops in Barca's semifinal second leg against Bayern Munich, preventing a comfortable situation from becoming a bit more severe.

Those displays are not the true parallel between the goalkeepers, even if a deep difference underscores that too.

What is most remarkable is how both have maintained that level, despite situations that tend to mitigate against that kind of performance. Buffon is at the age when the majority of players enter rapid decline, while Ter Stegen doesn't get the regular football that has traditionally been viewed as essential for a goalkeeper.

The magnificence of Buffon's career was most emphasised by the contrasts of the semifinal against Real Madrid. For the majority of the past 15 years, he and Iker Casillas have been considered the world's best two goalkeepers. They have been at the very to, and maintained top form for longer than even the likes of Petr Cech.

Only Buffon has stayed there, though. While the younger Casillas seemed to lose his edge almost immediately after winning the 2010 World Cup, that hasn't been the case with the Italian. His drive and sharpness have never died, and this has arguably been one of his finest-ever seasons.

It's certainly difficult to think of a single moment when he has made the kind of error that has become so characteristic with Casillas. By contrast, you only see the ferocious concentration on Buffon's face. He just remains utterly dependable and assured.

It is all the more remarkable given the distractions he has had to dismiss. He decided to stay with Juventus when they were relegated in 2006 after the Calciopoli scandal, which came just weeks after his win with Italy in the World Cup, meaning he is also going from Berlin to Serie B to Berlin again.

Throughout it all, the focus has never faded. He has only become more determined, and it has made him a defining leader. Buffon is never satisfied, always setting an ever-higher standard. That was most evident this season when he severely admonished his teammates for the 2-2 draw with lowly Cesena.

Of course, that edge has been enhanced this season because Buffon is in sight of the one major trophy his career is missing: the Champions League. That sense of completeness would be apt because he has also become the complete goalkeeper. Buffon is not one of those No. 1s only willing to react and respond, as Casillas has arguably become. He spots danger before it happens and takes command of his area. His role goes beyond just keeping the ball out.

That could be all the more important given the pummelling Juventus are likely to suffer at the feet of that stellar Barcelona attack.

In that event, Ter Stegen is almost certain to be the quieter goalkeeper, and one who will have to react to danger out of long spells of idleness, but then he's well used to that.

The German has yet to play in a league game for Barcelona since signing from Borussia Monchengladbach in the summer, but he is their designated cup goalkeeper. To rotate the him and Claudio Bravo in that way runs contrary to the customary way goalkeepers maintain their sharpness, and Ter Stegen admitted recently that it is difficult "not playing with a weekly rhythm."

You wouldn't have guessed it from his fine recent performances, although that may also be because the nature of the modern goalkeeper is changing from the old traditions that even Buffon is used to. Those around Barca say their goalkeepers are now more involved in general team training and not apart from the group in the way they used to be. That maintains a different type of sharpness and mental freshness.

"It's not easy when you're not in the rhythm but I'm playing in the Champions League so I don't lose it," Ter Stegen said recently. "I'm happy with the situation."

The oddity is that it's also a situation that is far from alien to the Champions League final. Many of the most famous goalkeeping performances have come from those who were not regulars. Casillas came off the bench for Real in 2002 against Bayer Leverkusen to produce a heroic display, and Bodo Illgner reclaimed his place in goal for the Spanish side shortly before they beat Juventus in 1998.

Perhaps the most famous is Nigel Spink, who had barely played for Aston Villa in his five years there before the 1982 final against Bayern Munich, but came on after eight minutes for the injured Jimmy Rimmer and proceeded to give one of the greatest goalkeeping performances the competition had ever seen.

"If we were playing until today we would not score any goal," Bayern's Paul Breitner recently told ESPN FC.

Buffon may need to be against the likes of Lionel Messi, while Ter Stegen may have to replicate the Villa keeper in another way.

It could be the difference.

[Socrates 8516]

JUVENTUS - BARCELONA

-

 
 

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

Messi: ‘Juventus are very strong’

Jun 2, 2015

Lionel Messi says Juventus are ‘very strong’ as he prepares to meet them in the Champions League final with Barcelona.

Both sides are playing for a treble in Saturday’s match, and the Argentinian has helped his side to La Liga, the Copa Del Rey and this final with 58 goals and 23 assists in 50 games this season.

“It's a Champions League final,” said Messi, speaking to UEFA’s official website.

“We have to go through a lot to make it to the final because we know it is not easy to become champions again.

“Our dream is to win it all. We know that we will face a very tricky opponent – they are very strong, Juventus are a big team.

“It is a final and anything can happen, but we will prepare and approach it as we have approached finals before.”

One of the biggest dangers for the Bianconeri will be the ‘MSN’ trident - Messi, Luis Suarez and Neymar - and the four-time Ballon d’Or winner says a friendship off the pitch helps them to be effective on it.

“We get along with each other really well, not only on the field but also off it. I think that if you get along well off the pitch, this makes things easier on the pitch.”

[Socrates 8516]

JUVENTUS - BARCELONA

-

 
 

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

Llorente: ‘Messi is an alien’

Jun 2, 2015

Juventus striker Fernando Llorente describes Lionel Messi as ‘an alien’, but still believes Barcelona can be beaten.

The Old Lady face the Catalan side in the Champions League final in Berlin this Saturday, and much of the focus has been on Barça’s ‘MSN’ strike force - Messi, Luis Suarez and Neymar.

“We know it will be very difficult, because we’re facing the strongest team at the moment,” Llorente admitted, speaking to Sky.

“They have magnificent players who can make the difference, but above all the three forwards, Messi, Neymar and Suarez who really are having an incredible season.

“I think Messi is an alien, who is defining an era of football.”

However, the former Athletic Club man does not believe that the Blaugrana are unbeatable.

“I think we need to have fun and prepare as well as possible this week. We want to play our game and try to win.

“I’ve seen them suffer when teams sit in against them, but you can’t play the whole game that way, because eventually they’ll score a goal.

“I think there will be a lot of times where we’ll have to do that, because there’s no other option, and we must do it in the best way, defending as a team, without losing focus for a moment.

“Against those players, if you make a mistake, they will hurt you. So we have to have the utmost concentration, and do well when we have the ball.

“There will be times when it’s very important to keep hold of it. They’re a very strong team on the ball, and to take it away from them will definitely be difficult.”

[Socrates 8516]

JUVENTUS - BARCELONA

-

 
 

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

Ivan Rakitic warns against Barcelona complacency

Jun 2, 2015

Ivan Rakitic has warned his Barcelona teammates against complacency ahead of their Champions League final showdown against Juventus.

The Spanish champions will meet the Italian champions in Berlin on Saturday night to determine who is Europe's top club.

Barca are the favourites to lift the trophy for a fifth time, but Rakitic believes that Juve will provide tough opposition.

"We want to be the best we can on this special day," the Croatian international is quoted as saying by BBC Sport. "We don't want to change anything in our preparation and we want to enjoy it.

"We have to play wonderfully because we face an extremely talented team. Juventus have worked hard for what they have achieved.

"If you believe you are favourites, it is dangerous. We cannot control what people feel. We can only control our sensations as a group. It is very easy to say Barca are the favourites."

Rakitic has scored seven goals in 50 appearances for Barcelona so far this season.

[Socrates 8516]

JUVENTUS - BARCELONA

-

 
 

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

Ter Stegen: ‘Buffon a legend’

Jun 2, 2015

Barcelona goalkeeper Marc-Andre Ter Stegen describes his Juventus opposite number Gigi Buffon as ‘a legend’.

The 23-year-old will line-up against the Italian international in Saturday’s Champions League final, and reveals his respect for the veteran.

“He’s a great goalkeeper, a legend,” Ter Stegen replied, when questioned about Buffon at Barça’s media day.

“Everyone in the world knows him, and he’s had a great season. I was surprised how tight Juventus were in defence against Real Madrid.

“Gigi is a fantastic goalkeeper, and he’s at the peak of his career.”

Ter Stegen has been handed the gloves for the Copa Del Rey and Champions League this season, with Claudio Bravo on La Liga duties, but the former insists any victory would be down to the team.

“For me, it’s important to play in this final. I’m very happy to have played in this competition, and I intend to win it.

“It is not, however, a personal desire, but a team one.

“Do I dream of winning the Champions League with one of my saves? That’s not important, the important thing is to win.”

[Socrates 8516]

JUVENTUS - BARCELONA

-

 
 

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

Xavi: Champions League final my dream ending

The veteran midfielder will end his illustrious time at Camp Nou at the season's
end and is hoping to bow out in a grand manner on Saturday.

Jun 2, 2015

Xavi is determined to end his Barcelona career on a high when his side take on Juventus in Saturday's Champions League final.

The former Spain midfielder will leave the club he has represented throughout his career at the season's end for Qatari side Al Sadd.

Having already won the double this term, Xavi has one last shot at silverware in Berlin and says he could not have hoped for a better way to bow out.

"The minutes I play will be extraordinary ones," he told reporters.

"It's a Champions League final and my last game for the club. It's the ultimate dream. The important thing is to help the team.

"It is not the end of an era. I go, but this generation will continue with the squad we have. Barca will remain competitive.

"This team doesn't get tired of winning. We are obliged to win as Barcelona, we are a winning team. We like to win, to take control. We've had a fantastic generation in recent years.

"It's a final and they're all making us favourites but Juventus won't be easy. It'll be a tough final. We are training well this week and we'll see how they'll play.

"This season is very good but could be excellent, it's the same for Juventus. We've both arrived in good form but we want to make history."

Xavi also voiced his hope that coach Luis Enrique will continue at the club after a successful first season at Camp Nou.

"I don't know if Luis Enrique will continue. I hope that he'll stay because he's shown what he can do. He's been a very good leader of the team.

"The first season at Barcelona isn't easy."

[Socrates 8516]

JUVENTUS - BARCELONA

-

 
 

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

Pique: ‘Tevez hard to stop’

Jun 2, 2015

Barcelona defender Gerard Pique describes Juventus as ‘very strong’ and admits Carlos Tevez is ‘hard to stop’.

The Spanish international played alongside Tevez at Manchester United, and will renew acquaintances on Saturday in the Champions League final.

“We’re convinced we can win the treble, but we’re keeping our feet on the ground,” Pique told Mundo Deportivo.

“We know that Juventus are a difficult opponent to deal with, everyone is making us favourites, but we know it will be difficult on the pitch.

“The Bianconeri play with great intensity, and there are situations we cannot control or predict. We have to be focused.

“Juve will play on the break with Tevez and [Alvaro] Morata, we know them, and against Real [Madrid] they showed they’re up to it.

“In terms of both quality and quantity they’re very strong.”

Pique was then asked to expand on his thoughts about the Juventus front two.

“I don’t care that Alvaro is from Real Madrid on an ex-Madridista, it won’t be an extra motivation. Winning the Champions League is already enough motivation to give your all.

“As for Tevez, I got on very well with him in Manchester, because our English wasn’t great, the same with [Patrice] Evra.

“Carlitos has lots of talent, character and he’s winner. He’ll be hard to stop.”

[Socrates 8516]

JUVENTUS - BARCELONA

-

 
 

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

Lichtsteiner: ‘Barcelona are favourites’

Jun 2, 2015

Juventus full-back Stephan Lichtsteiner admits Barcelona are favourites ahead of the Champions League final.

The Old Lady are in their first final in this competition since 2003, and are aiming to win it for the first time since 1996.

“I personally think Barcelona are favourites,” Lichtsteiner told Sky.

“They have a squad which has already won a couple of Champions League titles, a squad which plays to win the Champions League every year.

“I think Barcelona are certainly favourites, but we’ll play anyway.

“It’s a final, and we want to win so there’s pressure for both teams. I think both are good, we say the end of the game they played the other day [the Copa Del Rey final].

“We’re in great shape, and they’re also playing really well.”

The Swiss international also admitted that Barça’s ‘MSN’ front three of Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez and Neymar represents a significant threat.

“Of course, but Barcelona don’t just have strong forwards, they’re midfielders and defenders are good, and it’s a team which can rightly be called the best in the world, so we’ll need the utmost concentration.

“But we’re a good team too, and we can hurt them and make this a great game.”

[Socrates 8516]

JUVENTUS - BARCELONA

-

 
 

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

Iniesta confident of fitness for Champions League final

Jun 2, 2015

Barcelona midfielder Andres Iniesta said he is confident of being fit to face Juventus in Saturday's Champions League final against Juventus, despite missing training again on Tuesday.

Iniesta was substituted early in the second half of Saturday's 3-1 Copa del Rey final win over Athletic Bilbao, and immediately applied ice to a calf muscle as he watched the remainder of the game from the bench, although the issue did not stop him playing a full part in the team's celebrations after the final whistle.

The 31-year-old did not take part in Tuesday's open training session at Barca's Ciutat Esportiva Joan Gamper, but told reporters afterward that the issue was not serious, and he had not even considered the possibility of missing out on Saturday's clash with Juventus in Berlin.

"I had some discomfort and nothing else," Iniesta said. "Not playing on Saturday has not passed through my head at all. I hope to be ready to play and help team to win the Champions League, which we all want, to end a very special season."

Sitting beside Iniesta at the official UEFA media event was Xavi Hernandez, who replaced his long-time teammate against Athletic last weekend, and who would be in line to start against Juve if required.

Asked by a reporter if it was strange to be preparing for a final thinking you would be unlikely to start the game, a question which brought a smile to the face of both Xavi and Iniesta, the 35-year-old responded that he was just looking forward to playing whatever role required as the team looked to add the CL trophy to the already secured La Liga and Copa prizes.

"Any minutes I play will be extraordinary, and even more in a Champions League final," Xavi said. "This is a dream end of my career as a Barcelona player, I could not even have dreamed this. We have won the double, but treble is still there to do. We want to end the year with another trophy."

Iniesta added that the Barca team would see winning just the second treble in the club's history as a fitting way for Xavi to end his 17th season as a blaugrana first teamer.

"There is no doubt that this day would be perfect," he said. "Anyway it is spectacular season for a unique player like him to say goodbye in the best way. The image of him lifting the Champions League trophy would be perfect for him, for Barca and for all his teammates. All motivations of this type, in a game where you do not need more motivation, are welcome."

Speaking soon afterwards, Barca coach Luis Enrique was uninterested in a question as to whether victory on Saturday would be a blow back against those who criticised him earlier during his first season in charge.

"I do not live in a world of extremisms," Luis Enrique said. "I am the same now as at the start of the season. I just do my work and enjoy it. We will do the same routine with the players, many of them have been in this situation before. We have had a very good Champions League, although we have lost a few games, we have come through against the champions of England, France, Germany, now we play against the Italian champions. Finals always have a very important psychological aspect, but we are convinced we will play good game, that we will be intense, that we will be as motivated as Juve."

Luis Enrique did smile when reminded that he himself had faced Juventus in a key CL game, 2003's quarter-final second leg at the Camp Nou, when the then Barca midfielder was through on goal but shot wide when still Juve goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon sprung from his line to narrow the angle.

'I do not have a great memory, but that day I have remembered many times," he said. "I had a very clear chance to score, for sure it would have sent us through. But I missed it. So I remember that move. Buffon is still a great keeper, enormous level.'

[Socrates 8516]

JUVENTUS - BARCELONA

-

 
 

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

How can Juventus try and shut
down Barcelona's right wing?

The key to Juventus winning the Champions League final lies in Barcelona's right, and Juve's left.

Jun 2, 2015

When Juventus take on Barcelona in the Champions League final on Saturday, you can expect a terrific battle of wits as the Catalan offensive firepower gets aligned against the Bianconeri defensive mettle. There will be multiple sub-plots all over the pitch, but it's the clash between Juve's left and Barca's right that we break down here.


Team Formations

Should Massimiliano Allegri choose to go with four in the back, then it will be Giorgio Chiellini on the left side of the center backs, and Patrice Evra out at left back. If it's a three-man backline, then it'll still be Chiellini in the back with Evra at wingback. In front of them will most likely be Paul Pogba on the left side of midfield and then Carlos Tevez shading to the left up front.

For the Spaniards, the formation is pretty constant at 4-3-3. It'll be Brazilian Dani Alves at right back, Ivan Rakitic on the right side of midfield and Lionel Messi at the right of their attacking trident. The players are very dynamic so it's no surprise to find, say Messi, in the middle, which is what makes Barca difficult to defend against.


Barcelona Breakdown

Alves is very attack minded and constantly bombs forward on runs. He has excellent vision and a good shot, too, and while he has lost some speed, he remains one of the better right backs in the business today. A study done recently by CIES Football Observatory has him ranked as the best fullback in the top five European leagues. There is a range of diverse criteria taken into consideration for this, with chance creation, take-on ability, ball distribution, recovery and rigor all looked at. Alves fits the role required by a right back in the Barca system perfectly. One of his major weaknesses though lies in his slowness to track back when he loses possession and Barca often 'cheat' to their right when he goes forward to compensate.

That should be one of the chinks in Luis Enrique's armor that Allegri must look to exploit. Juve have reverted to holding strong at the back and breaking forward at pace when playing against sides that enjoy the bigger share of ball possession. In Berlin, there will be opportunities to play the long pass beyond the Catalan back line which is growing long in the tooth and doesn't possess great speed either.

Rakitic has been one of the unsung heroes of the Spaniards' campaign. The Croat has been instrumental in Messi's stellar season. His piercing runs out right have made room for Messi time and again, and his tireless pressuring of the ball carrier has both helped out Alves and created opportunities up front.

He does have some shortcomings, though. Rakitic can be bypassed by the quick ball from the middle into space on the wings. His tendency to over-commit to zealous tackles might see him the target of strategic gamesmanship.

As for Messi, there is nothing left to be said about his abilities. Apart from scoring a boatload of goals this season, he has scored them at critical points of games, too. The way he took the semifinal against Bayern Munich by the scruff of the neck and blew the game wide open and then proceeded to ensure their finals berth is the stuff of legend.

Divine he might be, but he is also prone to the same Achilles heel that his fellow superstar Cristiano Ronaldo suffers from. When starved of the ball and quickly shut down when he does see it, he tends to fade out of the game for periods at a time. But it is that ability too to snap out of the reverie with the speed of a striking cobra that makes them both so lethal. Keeping Messi disinterested might involve over-committing resources on him, with the resident danger that the other two members of the forward trio Neymar and Luis Suarez can pounce to take advantage.


Juventus Structure

A 4-3-1-2 formation actually looks the best option to neutralize Barca. The four across the back will ensure that there's one extra man to deal with the threat of their forward three. The critical part here though is the three-man Juve midfield. Andrea Pirlo has not been at his best since his return from injury, especially losing the ball more often in dangerous places. His general vision of the game has not been of the sparkling variety fans have gotten used to, but surely Allegri could not drop Pirlo the Legend in a Champions League final? Or could he?

Pogba is one of the youngest shining jewels in the world, but he too has been off since his recent return from injury. When in form, though, Pogba is also capable of the sublime like the superstars. In his last few competitive appearances, the Frenchman has struggled defensively, letting opposing players by him too easily and getting caught out of position too. Juve clinching the title early has helped with easing him back into the pace of the game. So will he start ahead of his fellow Frenchman Uncle Pat?

Stefano Sturaro had an exemplary game in his Champions League debut against holders Real Madrid. Would it be feasible that instead, Allegri begins the game with Sturaro's boundless energy and fearless pursuit to tire and demoralize Barca, and then hit them in the last half hour with Pogba coming off the bench?

Similarly, Claudio Marchisio has been excellent lately when commanding the team from the defensive midfield (regista) position. While not at his best on the right side of midfield, he was deployed there against Real and did decently enough. Does he start there? But again, can Allegri really drop Pirlo in this game? Could Marchisio start instead of Pogba on the left with strict instructions to shadow Messi? Would that then leave Juve bereft of attack on the left and allow Barcelona to camp in the Bianconeri half?

Presumably Arturo Vidal gets the nod at trequartista with Carlos Tevez and Alvaro Morata up front. The attacking pair provides the first line of defence for Juve as they pressure deep to try to cause turnovers. Keeping Sergio Busquets from getting the ball is a key battle. If Busquets is smothered, it will increase pressure on Andres Iniesta and Messi to drop even deeper to collect the ball, which will give Juventus' defence more breathing room as they setup the barricades.

The next step is to then to keep the Barca players from forming their famous triangles that enable them to distribute the ball far and wide out of midfield. Allegri already has experience in doing this when he led his AC Milan side to a 2-0 win over Barcelona in 2013. The key then was defensive discipline across the board, and a similar effort will be needed to beat the Catalan side this time too.


Strategic Set Pieces

Another element that must be talked about — set pieces. Historically, Barca have not been a big side and especially during the Cesc Fabregas and 'False Nine' era, they always preferred to play the ball out from corners and free-kicks rather than play the long ball in. On defense, despite a couple of hulking center backs, there was always an opening for opponents to take advantage. All that has changed though under Enrique, and especially assistant coach Juan Carlos Unzué. they have been able to turn this disadvantage to an asset, with about 15 percent of their goals in the league this term coming from set-pieces. Defensively this has been effective, too, with only two set-piece goals conceded in the league.

Unzué is a former Barca goalkeeper, and he has implemented a whole catalogue of choreographed routines for the players to go through at dead-ball situations. On his command, and it is his command as Enrique cedes the touchline to Unzué at set-pieces, the players go into various movement patterns which often results in even smaller players like Jordi Alba coming free to score important goals. Similarly, on defence he has instituted a mixed-marking system that starts with Suarez attacking the near post and Gerard Piqué with license to roam and freedom to follow the ball where needed.

All is not lost for Juve, however. The same defensive discipline that was spoken about before will be required when man marking at setpieces, while some trickery and execution from Juventus' free kicks will be needed to nullify their defence. On dead-ball situations that have required Pirlo to swing the ball into the box, we have seen Juve try a few variants with either curling the ball deeper past everyone, for a Juve player to head back across the box and create a chance (Morata's goal at the Bernabeu), or even hitting the ball short of the mass of players and have someone like Evra run back at the ball to flick it over the backline.

When Barcelona has the set-piece, the big center backs usually lumber forward leaving Alba and Busquets as the main backline. If Juventus can quickly clear the ball and then set Tevez and Morata running diagonally to the corners, they can create overloads that could result in opportunities. This is the text-book way of attacking Barca, and it hasn't changed over the years, no matter who is running Camp Nou.

In closing, it must be reiterated that teams do not need to park the bus to beat Barcelona. Letting Barca have all the ball in midfield puts a lot of pressure on teams to keep 10 men behind it. Instead, pressing them higher up the pitch yet retaining the discipline to quickly fall back into a compact structure that cuts out the passing lanes has been shown to work wonders. The final nails in the killing off of the Catalan side then are using counterattacks and set pieces intelligently to score the goals required to bolster the defensive performance required. The game will probably be won or lost by how Juventus' left side performs against Barcelona's right, so watch out for all the little battles that will form there once the whistle blows on Saturday.

[Socrates 8516]

JUVENTUS - BARCELONA

-

 
 

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

Thuram: I Want Juventus And Buffon
To Lift The Champions League

Jun 2, 2015

World Cup winner Lilian Thuram has praised the Juventus squad ahead of the Champions League final.

La Vecchia Signora play Barcelona in Berlin on June 6 in the conclusion of Europe’s top club competition, and Thuram, who played for the Italian champions between 2001 and 2006, has not ruled out a victory for Juventus despite them being slight underdogs.

“In sport, the strongest team in the world, with the best player in the world, can be beaten,” the 43-year-old told La Repubblica.

The Frenchman then insisted his former teammate Gianluigi Buffon helped him improve his own career and that he hopes Juve win the title.

“I would love Buffon lift the trophy, it would be magnificent for the history of the sport,” the Frenchman said.

“After the Real Madrid match I told him that his skill made my career.”

He then moved on to also praise midfielder Paul Pogba.

“He is, without doubt, a phenomenon.”

[Socrates 8516]

JUVENTUS - BARCELONA

-

 
 

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

Neymar: Juventus Will Be Barcelona’s
Most Difficult Game This Season

Jun 2, 2015

Barcelona forward Neymar has said the match against Juventus will the Catalan club’s most difficult game this season.

The Spanish giants face La Vecchia Signora in the final of the Champions League final on June 6, with the Italian champions in their first final of Europe’s top club competition since 2003, and Neymar said that they will be a tough team to beat.

“We know that Juventus are a great team who haven’t reached the final in a while,” the 23-year-old told Sky Sport Italia.

“It will be a tough game, we will give the best we’ve got.

“The game will be the most difficult game of our season,” the Brazilian international added.

Neymar also said that he is looking forward to coming face to face with Juve goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon.

“I am a big fan of Buffon and I respect him a lot, and I hope on Saturday I can get a hug!”

[Socrates 8516]

JUVENTUS - BARCELONA

-

 
 

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

Zaccheroni: 'Juve psychological strength'

Jun 2, 2015

Alberto Zaccheroni believes Juventus are “psychologically in much better shape” than Barcelona in the Champions League Final.

The showdown is on Saturday night in Berlin and one of the two sides will complete the Treble, having already won their League and domestic Cup trophies.

“Juve have a 40 to 50 per cent chance of doing it,” ex-Japan manager Zaccheroni told Sky Sport Italia.

“On a psychological level the Bianconeri are in much better shape, because they go into this as outsiders and nobody expected this.

“Playing against Barcelona always gives extra energy to opponents. If Barça were to lose, it would be treated as a failure. They feel obliged to win and reach the Final with a lot of pressure and tension.

“The way to stop Barcelona is to take away their supply lines. It’s no longer the tiki-taka team, as Luis Enrique added a bit of an Italian mentality to his football culture.

“Max Allegri has a solid squad that is in great shape. He needs to focus on the midfield, which is one of the strongest in the world.

“Allegri’s Juve is better at adapting to various situations than Antonio Conte.”

This is the Bianconeri’s first Champions League Final since 2003.

“Juventus always showed themselves to be the most organised Italian team over the long-term,” continued Zac.

“When I was there five years ago, the squad was the result of a preceding era. There were many players towards the end of their career and we never had fewer than 13 missing at a time.

“The club set out a great business plan that will allow them to work for many years with the future in their favour.”

[Socrates 8516]

JUVENTUS - BARCELONA

-

 
 

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

Lionel Messi Is Barcelona's Player Juventus
Must Stop in Champions League Final

Jun 3, 2015

Lionel Messi is back to his best and in the form of his life for Barcelona.

If we thought his performance against Bayern Munich in the semi-final of the Champions League was special, he somehow managed to top that against Athletic Bilbao in the final of the Copa del Rey.

The first of his two goals was jaw-droppingly good. If Juventus had already decided on a plan of how to stop La Pulga, they may want to rethink it after another masterclass.

The final will be remembered for years because of that goal, however it's worth reflecting on what else Messi brought to the table.

Barcelona should've been in front well before the opener after Neymar had expertly volleyed home one of the Argentine's trademark cross-field passes.

His wanderlust during the opening exchanges meant that Athletic's initial game plan needed to be abandoned. And that is the danger for Juve.

Massimiliano Allegri will surely want to play a normal Italian game of shutting up shop at the back and striking when play allows. He knows that man for man the Bianconeri cannot stand toe-to-toe with Barca and expect to come out on top.

But how his side deal with Messi is their biggest headache.

Patrice Evra will be wary. Whenever Messi moved to his side of the pitch in the 2011 Champions League Final against Manchester United he was well beaten.

The temptation would be for Allegri to ensure Paul Pogba provides defensive cover down that side, but that would severely dent Pogba's attacking instincts and ability to get forward and support the front players.

Giorgio Chiellini can't contemplate covering either for he then leaves Luis Suarez in a one-on-one situation with Leonardo Bonucci, and frankly there is only one winner in that situation.

Arturo Vidal's energy is required further up the pitch in support of both front men, so it's highly unlikely that Allegri will countenance a change of roles with Andrea Pirlo either.

Luis Garcia ✔@LuchoGarcia14
Juventus have done a brilliant season so far but... Does anyone see Barcelona without the Trebble playing like this?

Messi's movement and ability to drop inside in the midfield areas will open up the channels for Dani Alves down the right and Ivan Rakitic in the hybrid role that he has made his own with the Catalans this season.

Juve might fancy their chances of stopping the Argentine if they can force him to work more centrally, given that the pitch is likely to be much more congested there.

Allowing Messi space was Athletic's biggest downfall and Juve must close down those gaps quickly. Even if Messi isn't decisive, he is incisive and to paraphrase beIN Sports' Ray Hudson during live commentary of a match earlier this season, "the feet continue to dance."

Live Ray Hudson @liverayhudson
Messi's assist: "The feet continue to dance. He's got eyes in back of his head the size of bowling balls, Messi."

Neymar and Luis Suarez provide enough of a goal threat themselves to have the Italians concerned but it is old swivel hips himself that provides the key to the lock. Barcelona would be an entirely different proposition without Messi's genius.

The question that Allegri really needs to pose to himself is can his team really rely on defence for the full 90 minutes against this quality of opposition? Damned if he does, damned if he doesn't.

Marco Messina @Marcocalcio22
Allegri on playing Barcelona: "You can't think about defending (the whole match) in a game like this. We'll come out with intensity"

And Barca have already shown this season that they have finally learned how to play against teams that "park the bus" for want of a better phrase.

Although he already has three winners medals, Messi has only been involved in a Champions League Final twice. On both occasions in 2009 and 2011 he scored and Barcelona emerged victorious.

We'll see if the Old Lady of Italian football can stop this young man from making it an enviable hat-trick...

[Socrates 8516]

JUVENTUS - BARCELONA

-

 
 

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

Barca are like Pavarotti - Capello

The veteran coach is full of admiration for the Catalans' style of play
but feels that they must be wary against Juventus in the Champions League final.

Jun 3, 2015

Former Juventus boss Fabio Capello says that attending a Barcelona game at Camp Nou is like watching Luciano Pavarotti sing.

The Catalans have been in supreme form since the turn of the year, winning the domestic double and making progress to the Champions League final against Juventus on Saturday.

And the 68-year-old loves watching Luis Enrique's side in full flow, comparing them to the legendary opera singer, but feels that they will have their work cut out to break down the Bianconeri.

"If you buy a ticket to Camp Nou, you're going to see something different, like going to see Luciano Pavarotti sing," he told Onda Cero.

"The Champions League is 50-50 between both teams. The chances are that Juventus will defend very well, even if they're missing an important player in Andrea Barzagli.

"They're not easy to stop so it'll be a very balanced game. Technically, Barca are better, they are stronger and know how to play better but they must be wary of Juventus' counterattacks."

Capello went on to praise Lionel Messi's season, saying that he is in the best form of his life.

"He's a sensitive boy, very serious and has had money and family problems. Now that's quieter because the problems are almost fixed and we're seeing the best Messi," said the coach.

Capello, who had two spells as Real Madrid boss, also voiced his opinion that Rafa Benitez, who was confirmed as the club's new coach on Wednesday, may fail to prove himself an adequate replacement for Carlo Ancelotti at the Bernabeu.

He continued: "The Real Madrid shirt weighs a lot for the coach too. I don't know if Benitez can be a guaranteed substitute for Ancelotti. The problem is that clubs sometimes don't understand the value of the coach."

[Socrates 8516]

JUVENTUS - BARCELONA

-

 
 

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

Rafael Marquez: Messi & Pogba could
decide the Champions League final

The former Barcelona defender believes the two stars have the capacity
to make the difference in a game that will be packed with world-class talent.

Jun 3, 2015

I love Barcelona, I love watching them and I am looking forward to a special occasion on Saturday night when one of my best friends, Xavi, says farewell, when the amazing Leo Messi aims to show us more of his magic, and when Juventus will do all they can to stop them.

Barcelona are strong favourites but it will be very tough for them. When I compare the two teams I see Messi as a reference point but also Paul Pogba. I see Juventus as a very strong defensive unit but an improvement in Barcelona’s defending too – starting with the forwards – and I see Andrea Pirlo as a big threat from free kicks. Italian football is very strong tactically. It will be close.

The contrast between the sides starts with the goalkeepers. In the final we have one team who are supposed to be there and a surprise arrival who have earned their place. It is the same with the goalkeepers - but the other way around, as Barcelona have the ‘surprise’ man.

On the one hand you have Gianluigi Buffon, who has so much experience – a World Cup winner, plenty of titles, captain of his team. And on the other side we have Marc-Andre Ter Stegen, a young goalkeeper in his first year in this great team.

Ter Stegen played a decisive role in the semi-final against Bayern Munich, when he made several good saves at a time when a goal would have really lifted Bayern. He has saved Barcelona from a lot of danger, and gives plenty of confidence to the defensive line. He will be one of the important players in this final.

In front of Ter Stegen, Barca have a very strong, solid pair in central defence in Gerard Pique and Javier Mascherano. I like Mascherano better as a midfielder but there’s no doubt he has done well in central defence despite his height and the fact he is not a physically strong player. He uses his intelligence well and has been one of Barca’s most important players in recent seasons.

Luis Enrique has made Barca a more compact team; in some respects he has shrunk the pitch. It starts with the forward line. We see Neymar, who returns to defend from the left side, we see Messi also tightened on all sides of the pitch, we see Luis Suarez working hard too – this is a collective example to the rest of the team.

Juve’s defence supports the whole team and the players are veterans. The goalkeeper and the back line have so much experience. Giorgio Chiellini and Leonardo Bonucci are the base of Italy’s national team, too, and if Andrea Barzagli is injured for the final they can cope, no problem.

Having said that, it’s impossible to describe how difficult it can be to mark Messi, as Jerome Boateng discovered in the semi-final. When you are going backwards and you have Messi running at you, changing direction at any time… I can tell you I wouldn’t know how to stop him. A foul outside the area, maybe.

Juve have experience in midfield, too, with Andrea Pirlo, the man who gives the team their balance. He can be very dangerous if he has a free kick near the area, he's lethal from that range.

Barça have been preparing for life after Xavi, who deserves all the tributes and could, I believe, have played another season at Barca. Ivan Rakitic is the future, a good young player and an important part of the team.

Paul Pogba has been a sensation for Juve and it’s no surprise that all the big teams want him. He is a player who can make the difference, like Messi. He is physically strong as we saw in the semi-final at Real Madrid, 89 minutes up and down the pitch, defending and attacking. Pure quality, and for me he has been their most impressive player.

Barcelona have the strongest three-man attack in football. If one of them does not have his day, you still have to be careful with the other two. They were looking for a No.9 and Suarez has been a success. It reminds me of when Samuel Eto'o went to Barcelona; they are very similar.

We should applaud Messi because he made the decision to change how he played, to run back to defend and help the team when necessary, as well as all his attacking. The arrival of Suarez and Neymar has helped him, and he has taken on more responsibility in the team.

He has matured. He's captain of the Argentina national team, he's about to become a father for the second time. You can see, too, that he is taking care of himself to keep his physical shape, preventing injuries. He is careful about what he eats. All this shows that he has arrived at a certain point of maturity.

Juve also have three strong forwards. Carlos Tevez is in great shape, and he gives depth to the attack. He’s always dangerous and has had a good season.

So have the two from Spain. Fernando Llorente can be a key man and Alvara Morata has many qualities, as we saw in the semi-final. Maybe the way he left Real Madrid was not the best – they could have given him more of a chance. Leaving like that gives a player extra motivation against his former team, as he showed in the semi-final.

Juventus are dangerous, for sure. They are a complete team, with top-quality forwards, experience and the added confidence of having beaten Real Madrid. Both teams are going for the treble and both clearly deserve to be here. It will be a close game.

[Socrates 8516]

JUVENTUS - BARCELONA

-

 
 

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

Enhanced Champions League prices:
7/1 on Barcelona or 25/1 on Juventus

Luis Enrique's men are the odds on favourites to secure another European title
but Paddy Power are offering new players a choice of huge odds with a money back guarantee.

Jun 3, 2015

Two of Europe's best teams go head-to-head in Berlin on Saturday and the bookmakers certainly feel that Barcelona hold a significant advantage over their Italian opposition.

Having picked up both the Spanish league title and the Copa Del Rey in the last few weeks, Luis Enrique's men are just 8/13 (1.62) to secure victory in normal time and 1/3 (1.33) to lift the trophy.

Barcelona will undoubtedly be a tough task for Juventus but the Italian champions have also notched up another domestic honour in the form of the Coppa Italia, meaning they too are chasing a treble and could well outperform their lengthy odds.

Paddy Power go 9/4 (3.25) that Max Allegri's men claim a surprise victory in Berlin and 9/2 (5.50) that they do so in normal time.

Anyone opening a new online Paddy Power account ahead of the showpiece final can claim a huge enhanced price on either side, with 7/1 (8.0) available on Barcelona and an eye-watering 25/1 (26.0) about a Juventus win.

Allegri's side have been underestimated by the bookmakers throughout the tournament but their route to the final has consisted of victories over Real Madrid, Monaco and Borussia Dortmund and while they are rightly the underdogs against the best team in Europe, if not the world, 25/1 on them winning a one-off clash is sure to hold of the attention of value hunters.

Likewise, the 7/1 (8.0) on offer about the Catalan giants is likely to prove popular, especially with Paddy Power's offer to refund losing wagers on these enhanced prices if your bet loses.

To claim one of these enhanced prices, simply open an account through a link on this page, place a bet on your chosen team at the current price shown on site and if they win, the winnings will be topped up to the value of the bigger odds.

[Socrates 8516]

JUVENTUS - BARCELONA

-

 
 

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

The only way to stop Messi is to foul
him and pray, says Materazzi

The Italian feels there is no legal way to keep the Argentine quiet and says
Gianluigi Buffon does not need a Champions League medal to go down as a great.

Jun 3, 2015

Former Italy defender Marco Materazzi has told Juventus that the only way to stop Lionel Messi in Saturday's Champions League final against Barcelona is to foul him.

The Argentine forward has been in supreme form since the turn of the year and scored a spectacular goal in the 3-1 Copa del Rey win over Athletic Bilbao on Saturday.

And Materazzi, now coach of Indian Super League side Chennaiyin FC, has come up with a novel way to prevent him from being devestating in the upcoming match in Berlin.

"In my opinion, you should pray and then commit a foul to stop him!" he told Goal.

"Messi makes the difference more than any other player. If Juventus are able to limit his actions then they have every chance.

"In any case, we are speaking about a final, a one-off game, so anything can happen."

Juve skipper Gianluigi Buffon has never won the European Cup but Materazzi feels that he does not need to add the trophy to his CV.

The World Cup winner added: "Buffon will forever remain one of the biggest names and all of his awards speak for themselves."

[Socrates 8516]

JUVENTUS - BARCELONA

-

 
 

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

Injury scare for Chiellini

Jun 3, 2015

Giorgio Chiellini pulled out of Juventus training today, with the defender suffering muscular discomfort.

It is not yet known whether the injury is likely to mean the defender misses the Champions League final with Barcelona, or if the Italian only stopped as a precaution.

"Chiellini was forced to leave the field with a sore left calf," the Bianconeri confirmed in a statement.

"His condition will be evaluated tomorrow."

Meanwhile, Andrea Barzagli looks likely to be fit enough to make the squad for the match in Berlin.

The 34-year-old went off at half-time in the win over Napoli, and was later revealed to be suffering from a thigh injury.

However, Barzagli completed the entire session with his teammates today.

[Socrates 8516]

JUVENTUS - BARCELONA

-

 
 

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

Will he be fit to face Barcelona? Juve face
anxious wait after Chiellini injury

The experienced defender's fitness has been cast into doubt after
the Italian club revealed he pulled up during Wednesday's training session.

Jun 3, 2015

Juventus' defence is facing a Champions League final crisis after Giorgio Chiellini was sidelined in training on Wednesday, casting his fitness in doubt ahead of Saturday's clash with Barcelona.

The centre-back, 30, has played every minute of the Bianconeri's current European campaign, which has seen them eliminate Real Madrid, Monaco and Borussia Dortmund en route to Berlin.

However, the Scudetto and Coppa Italia holders are now in limbo over whether Chiellini will be fit to feature against the Liga and Copa del Rey champions due to calf problem picked up with just three days to go until the showdown.

"Chiellini was forced to leave the field with a sore left calf on Wednesday," Juventus confirmed on their official website. "His condition will be evaluated on Thursday."

Massimiliano Allegri has, at least, been given some good news as Chiellini's defensive team-mate Andrea Barzagli completed a full training session having recovered from a muscular problem.

Barzagli missed the final game of the Serie A season against Hellas Verona – a 2-2 draw away from home – after being forced off against Napoli with a thigh injury.

[Socrates 8516]

JUVENTUS - BARCELONA

-

 
 

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

Tardelli: ‘Juventus never give up’

Jun 3, 2015

Marco Tardelli praises his old side Juventus who ‘never give up’ but says ‘maybe they need holy water’ to stop Barcelona.

The former midfielder spent 10 seasons in Turin with the Bianconeri, and spoke to British newspapers the Guardian and the Daily Mail about today’s side.

“I like their determination,” Tardelli explained.

“They don't give up. You could see the way they fought until the end to win the Coppa Italia.

“The club has gone back to the days of being a Juventus club with another Agnelli as president, Andrea, the son of Umberto.

“It is going back to the glory days. There's still a way before they have the presence on an international level like Barcelona, Real Madrid or Bayern Munich.

“They're not the ultimate dream team yet. But it's starting to get back to that.

“How would I stop Messi? I would do what I did against Maradona [i.e kick him]. But now you can't play like that. So I don't know.

“Juventus has a good defence. Barcelona has a great attack.

“It's one match. It is a possibility. Jose Mourinho found a way to stop Barcelona [with Inter in 2010] but that was a different Barcelona. Now it is a different team.

“Now it is like champagne. I'm not sure there is a way to stop Barcelona at the moment. Maybe they need holy water.”

Tardelli was a part of the Juve side which won the club’s first European Cup in 1985, though it was tainted by the events at Heysel Stadium in which 39 fans were killed.

“You feel it all the time. You carry it with you, it never leaves you. You don’t just remember it every 10 years or 20 years.

“It is with you and, sometimes, you think about it. It is part of you. The final in Brussels was a defeat for everybody on all levels.

“I don’t count it as a winners’ medal in any way.

“We managed to get one father and his son of about 12 years old into the tunnel, near to the dressing rooms.

“The boy was crying and he was really scared. The police had briefly opened the gates in Sector Z of the stadium before closing them and the father and son had managed to come across the pitch and reach the tunnel.

“The father was clearly in shock but he was determined to save his son. He was shouting for help.

“I was standing there with a couple of other players and there was a policeman or somebody at the entrance. I urged him to let them in.

“It was the natural thing to do. I was a father, too. My daughter would have been eight at the time.

“The stadium should not have hosted such an event, as it was not up to par, and it was a mistake on behalf of the Belgian police to put the hooligans so close to the Italians in Sector Z.

“It was also a mistake from Uefa not to call the match off. I remember going out from the dressing room to speak to the supporters on the curva.

“The police didn’t give them a chance to run away across the pitch. They should have opened the gates. They kept the Italians in the wolf’s den.

“We scored our winning goal from a penalty and it was outside the area.

“The Liverpool players could have kicked up a fuss but they didn’t. They were just in shock.”

[Socrates 8516]

JUVENTUS - BARCELONA

-

 
 

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

Pogba: Messi Is The Best In The World

Jun 3, 2015

Paul Pogba insists Juventus have nothing to lose against Barcelona in the Champions League final, though admitted Lionel Messi is the best player in the world.

The two sides meet at the Olympiastadion in Berlin on Saturday, with both looking to complete treble seasons of the domestic cup, league and Champions League.

“Messi is Messi,” Pogba began. “Nowadays he is without doubt the best player in the world.

“Barcelona are a great team and we [Juventus] know it, but we are in the final and have nothing to lose.

“I don’t know if I will one day play alongside Messi, I like their style of play, but I would really like to see them lose on Saturday.”

[Socrates 8516]

JUVENTUS - BARCELONA

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

Statistical breakdown of Champions League final

Jun 3, 2015

The UEFA Champions League final is Saturday at the Olympiastadion in Berlin, with both Barcelona and Juventus looking to complete the final piece of a treble for the season. Here is a statistical look at the match, complete with the Soccer Power Index (SPI) projection:

Juventus finished first in Serie A for the fourth consecutive season, clinching the title with room to spare. Juve then defeated Lazio in the Coppa Italia final on May 20. Barcelona won La Liga for the fifth time in the last seven years, and defeated Athletic Bilbao in the Copa del Rey final this past Saturday. Barcelona, the highest-rated team in Europe according to ESPN's Soccer Power Index, is a 74 percent favorite to win the match per SPI.

This matchup pits SPI's top two defensively rated teams in Europe. Barcelona allowed 21 goals in league play and Juventus allowed 24, the second- and third-fewest in the five major European leagues (England, Spain, Italy, Germany and France) this season. Only Bayern Munich allowed fewer overall and on a per-match basis. Both teams have allowed less than one goal per match in this season's Champions League.

Juventus will have to contend with Barcelona's offense, the highest rated in Europe according to SPI. Barcelona scored 110 goals in 38 La Liga games this season. Only Real Madrid scored more in the five top European leagues, and no other team was within 25 goals.

Juventus has scored 103 goals in all competitions so far this season. Lionel Messi, Neymar and Luis Suarez alone have combined for 120 goals in all competitions this season.

Barcelona gets goals in all kinds of ways. One way it stood out above the rest was using through balls, particularly from Messi. Barcelona scored 11 goals on through balls in league play this season, most in La Liga and tied for the most in Europe's top five leagues.

Messi has 10 assists overall with through balls and six in league play, two more than any other player in the five top European leagues. He attempted 94 through balls in league play, 41 more than anyone else. The most likely target will be Neymar, who was on the receiving end of 22 attempted through balls from Messi, resulting in six goals.

Juventus, meanwhile, has had success with crosses this season, completing 25.6 percent overall and 27 percent into the attacking penalty area, the ninth-best percentage in the five major European leagues. Juventus created 113 chances from crosses this season, second-most in Serie A and one more than Barcelona did in league play.

Juventus may struggle with crosses against Barcelona, which allowed opponents to create 56 chances from crosses, fewest in La Liga and only allowed one goal from a cross in league play, fewest in the five biggest European leagues this season.

If Juventus can't get the ball into the box, it can always try shooting from distance. Juventus scored 23 goals from outside the attacking penalty area in league play this year, five more than any other team in the five major European leagues and nine more than any other team in Serie A.

Once again, this may not work against Barcelona, which allowed three goals on shots from outside the attacking penalty area, tied for fewest in the top five leagues in Europe. A big reason behind this: Barcelona only allowed 26 shots on goal from outside the box in 38 league games this season, also the fewest.