Juventus Season 2014-2015

[Socrates 8516]

JUVENTUS - PALERMO

2 - 0

Arturo Vidal (32')
Fernando Llorente (64')

Sunday, October 26th, 2014 - 3:00 PM
Juventus Stadium - Turin
Referee: Gianpaolo Calvarese

Iachini: Palermo Made Too Many
Mistakes Against Juventus

Oct 26, 2014

Palermo coach Giuseppe Iachini believes that his side put up a decent fight against Juventus, despite being unable to earn anything from the game.

The Rosanero, who have won just one game so far, succumbed to yet another loss as goals from Arturo Vidal and Fernando Llorente were enough to give the Bianconeri all three points and preserve their unbeaten record at home.

“We played a good game, especially on defense,” he stated to Radio Rai after the game.

“However, it was a shame we conceded the second goal after the half-time break. All in all, we had a solid showing although we misplaced a few passes here and there.

“We definitely could have done better in the second half, but couldn’t finish off any of our chances.”

Despite the disappointing loss that still sees them near the bottom of the table, Iachini was still proud of his team’s performance against their opponents.

“It’s never easy to play Juventus, especially at home and they’re a difficult side to cause problems for.”

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

[Socrates 8516]

JUVENTUS - PALERMO

2 - 0

Arturo Vidal (32')
Fernando Llorente (64')

Sunday, October 26th, 2014 - 3:00 PM
Juventus Stadium - Turin
Referee: Gianpaolo Calvarese

Allegri: 'Llorente and Pirlo worth wait'

Oct 26, 2014

Max Allegri said the Fernando Llorente goal against Palermo proved Juventus were right to have faith and the same goes for Andrea Pirlo.

The Bianconeri secured a 2-0 victory this afternoon, putting them three points clear of Roma at the top of the Serie A table.

“Llorente wasn’t depressed at not scoring yet this season, but it’s normal that a goal is important for a striker, even if he likes to play for the team,” Allegri told Sky Sport Italia.

“This was the right game for him, both for his physical characteristics and to let Morata rest. I am happy he scored, as he repaid the faith we have in him and above all his own self-confidence.

“It was a poor first half and Palermo made it difficult for us, but we increased the tempo after the break and did better.

“Today I moved Marchisio to centre-right midfield because he provided more coverage for the attack-minded Pereyra. I wanted to rest Lichtsteiner for the whole game, but Pereyra had a hip problem.

“The decision to switch Bonucci and Ogbonna comes from the fact Angelo can struggle with the ball on his right foot.

“I think a team needs balance. Pirlo did very well in building play today and is getting back into shape, playing 60-65 minutes at a good level.”

Pirlo still looks to be a shadow of his usual self, as the six weeks out with injury at the start of the season took their toll.

“There’s no point hiding the fact that Andrea started training late and missed 40 days of training, so of course he’s going to need time,” insisted Allegri.

“When I was at Milan someone needed to be blamed and I was labelled the bad guy.”

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

[Socrates 8516]

JUVENTUS - PALERMO

2 - 0

Arturo Vidal (32')
Fernando Llorente (64')

Sunday, October 26th, 2014 - 3:00 PM
Juventus Stadium - Turin
Referee: Gianpaolo Calvarese

Marchisio Calls For More Cutthroat Juventus

Oct 26, 2014

Following Juventus’s 2-0 victory over Palermo on Sunday afternoon, Bianconeri midfielder Claudio Marchisio has insisted that his side must continue to take three points against the Serie A’s minnows.

In comparison to Scudetto rival’s Roma, Juventus have a much easier fixture list over the month of November and Marchisio is eager to see his club use this advantage to further assert themselves as title favorites.

“We play our next few games against the so-called small teams and so we want to take advantage of this time to get more points than our direct rivals,” said Marchisio to Mediaset.

“Today was a good test and it was important that we continued playing the way we did before the [international] break.

“I’m glad for [Fernando] Llorente. He really gives everything for the team, and despite some early whistles [from the fans] he got the goal he wanted.

‘There was more willingness to sacrifice than in the game against Olympiacos. We won the ball back well and had lots of shots which is how Juve should play in every match.”

The victory puts Juventus three points clear of Roma at the top of the Serie A table.

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

[Socrates 8516]

JUVENTUS - PALERMO

2 - 0

Arturo Vidal (32')
Fernando Llorente (64')

Sunday, October 26th, 2014 - 3:00 PM
Juventus Stadium - Turin
Referee: Gianpaolo Calvarese

Juventus 2 - Palermo 0: Initial
reaction and random observations

Oct 26, 2014

If you were to try and pinpoint two of the Juventus players who have struggled for the better part of the 2014-15 season to date, Arturo Vidal and Fernando Llorente would almost certainly be atop the list. They've been nowhere close to as good as they were a season ago, and their most recent appearances only support that point even further.

But when the final whistle blew against Palermo on Sunday and Juventus had secured three points yet again at Juventus Stadium, guess who found themselves on the scoresheet? Well, you can probably figure out where I'm going with this. Those goal scorers were Arturo Vidal and Fernando Llorente, one in each half to put away the newly-promoted side from Sicily with a 2-0 win.

Yep, just a couple of guys who need some positive performances got exactly that.

JuventusFC ✔ @juventusfcen
Reaction from @ClaMarchisio8: "It was important to win today and it's great that Nando's got off the mark for the season."

Was it pretty at times? Well, no, not really. For as nice as Vidal's opener from Carlos Tévez was in the 31st minute, most of the first half was pretty quiet in terms of Juventus putting a legitimate threat on the Palermo goal. And once Juventus took control in the second half, it was pretty much Palermo trying to weather the storm and not let the flood gates open.

The biggest difference between the first time Juventus wore their new blue kits and the second was the end result. And coming off two disappointing results in a matter of days, it was a positive sign to see Juve come out and do exactly what we were all expecting them to do against Palermo — take care of business and get the three points.

Something to build on. Not a huge step forward, but unlike the last few games, it wasn't a huge step back.


Random thoughts and observations

For the record, this first bullet point was written 20 minutes before kickoff, and asks one question: After the way he played midweek in the Champions League, why didn't Álvaro Morata start against Palermo? I love Fernando Llorente as much as the next person, but you have to play the hot hand ... right? I mean ... right?

For the record, this second bullet point is being written about 60 seconds after Fernando Llorente scored his first goal of the season: #vamooooossss!!

In all seriousness, though, getting his first goal of the season out of the way was exactly what Llorente needed — especially so with Morata nipping at his heels for playing time right now. One goal doesn't mean he's totally back, but it has to do wonders for his confidence. You think that goal meant a little something extra with the way he's struggled to begin the season? Yeah, I think so.

Sunday had to easily be the most amount of consistent service from the wings Llorente has gotten this season. Kwadwo Asamoah was really good on the left wing, Roberto Pereyra was solid in his first start as a wingback. Llorente had a good number of crosses to try and get his head onto. And for a striker like him, it's only a matter of time before he starts putting them on frame on a consistent basis.

With his assist on Vidal's goal, Tévez has been involved in nine (six goals, three assists) of Juventus' first 15 goals in Serie A this season. That's pretty good, right?

Claudio Marchisio's game is just so simple yet so fantastic at the same time. He was Juve's best player in the first half in my book. He was everywhere both in attack and when Palermo did venture forward into Juve's defense third. The way he's played so far this season, it's going to be tough to keep him out of the lineup more often than not. The question to ponder is: Who you gonna sit?

Interesting tactical choices by Max Allegri just after the opening kickoff, switching both Vidal and Marchisio in the center of the midfield, and putting Angelo Ogbonna in the middle of the back three with Leonardo Bonucci out on the right. I don't know how much I like Bonucci being out wide in the three-man defense going forward, but obviously Allegri saw something in the way Palermo lined up that warranted a switch.

You think Beppe Marotta had a thought or two pop into his head about seeing what it would take to try and sign one of Palermo's talented youngsters? I wouldn't be surprised if he was doing a little scouting in the stands while watching his team wrap up three points. Palermo definitely has talent on its roster.

Make that 23 straight wins at Juventus Stadium. That's a record, folks.

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

[Socrates 8516]

JUVENTUS - PALERMO

2 - 0

Arturo Vidal (32')
Fernando Llorente (64')

Sunday, October 26th, 2014 - 3:00 PM
Juventus Stadium - Turin
Referee: Gianpaolo Calvarese

Allegri: Juventus Played A Poor
First Half Against Palermo

Oct 26, 2014

Juventus coach Massimiliano Allegri was critical of his side’s showing against Palermo, despite the match finishing in their favor.

Arturo Vidal and Fernando Llorente helped the Bianconeri to earn all three points after what has been a difficult week for the reigning Scudetto champions, but he was not impressed with their performance during the first half. However, the former AC Milan coach did single out the Spanish striker, who finally opened his account for some praise.

“For a striker, scoring goals is everything. I’m glad for him, he worked hard for himself and for the team,” he stated to Sky Sport Italia after the game.

“[However], as a team, we had a poor first half. We were too slow and inaccurate with our passing.”

Allegri also went on to discuss the situation regarding veteran midfielder Andrea Pirlo, who is still recovering after a long injury lay-off.

“Andrea came back from the World Cup and then was injured, causing him to miss 40 days. As a result, he needs to play more to improve his condition. [but] he [definitely] had a solid 65 minutes out there today.”

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

[Socrates 8516]

JUVENTUS - PALERMO

2 - 0

Arturo Vidal (32')
Fernando Llorente (64')

Sunday, October 26th, 2014 - 3:00 PM
Juventus Stadium - Turin
Referee: Gianpaolo Calvarese

Juventus 2-0 Palermo: Vidal
and Llorente score in comfortable win

After a midweek setback, a home win against relegation-threatened Palermo was a must.
With goals from Arturo Vidal and Fernando Llorente Juventus did just that.

Oct 26, 2014

It seems a long time since the international break, with Juventus only taking a single point from two straightforward games. The draw with Sassuolo came with caveats: it was Pirlo's first game back, the first game after an international break where Juve players were crisscrossing the globe and Sassuolo's squad holed up in training. But then came Olympiacos. The Greek champions have a good side, especially at home, but Juventus is, man for man, simply better and should be winning these games. Anyway, on to Palermo.

Last year's Serie B champion, the pink-and-black side began their top-division return shipping goals by the bucketful. Talented young Argentines Paulo Dybala and Franco Vázquez have continued the growth that began in the second tier, with "El Mudo" Vázquez even leading the Capocannoniere standings at one point. For all their good work however, Palermo began the season rooted to the foot of the table, with Beppe Iachini feeling the heat as the defense was torn through time and again. A 2-1 win at Cesena, sealed with an injury-time header by Costa Rican CB Giancarlo González, finally brought the club their first win last week.

Much of the blame for recent setbacks has gone to Juventus' attack, with Carlos Tévez cooling down and his strike-partner Fernando Llorente yet to get off his mark and even seeing his place in the team under threat. Palermo's weak defending proved the perfect remedy, as sloppy passing and poor set-piece defense gifted Juventus a 2-0 lead which they were never likely to relinquish.


MATCH SUMMARY

Juve took the kickoff in their blue second kit, but weren't able to control the game initially. Sloppy passing and an energetic Palermo prevented much of the patient passing that Allegri's Juve has been built on, and with Andrea Pirlo struggling to impose himself Palermo began the match fairly comfortably. The two sides' different interpretations of the 3-5-2 formation were very clear, with Palermo stuck in a bank of 5 with an overworked midfield barely covering the gaps, while Juventus wing-backs pushed high, took players on, and put balls into the strikers. Roberto Pereyra and Kwadwo Asamoah were very effective in this role, with the formation often resembling a 4-4-2 as the near side wing-back came upfield and the defensive line shifted across. After Bonucci and Ogbonna switched roles around the 18th minute, Andrea Pirlo began to grow into the game. Ogbonna had often found himself taking up some of Pirlo's favored positions, and with Bonucci's superior understanding of Pirlo's movements the veteran became more influential.

Palermo almost immediately abandoned any kind of attacking buildup in favor of hopeful balls into an outnumbered Dybala and Vázquez. Perhaps this was a deliberate tactic, as one of the few times the Sicilians tried to pass the ball around was their undoing. Pereyra hassled Rigoni and Feddal and won the ball with Palermo's defensive line out of position, feeding Tévez who took on the back 3 and waited for support. Arturo Vidal arrived on cue, having been switched over to the left early on, to neatly sidefoot home. Following the goal Palermo were still unable to break out of their shell, with Juventus continuing to dominate and create half-chances, often through Pereyra, Asamoah, and Tévez.

The second half started with Palermo finally trying to press high, and continuing to try and feed Dybala. But the visitors' high press was ineffective as their defensive line stayed deep, leaving the midfielders overworked and easily bypassed. Palermo began to get frustrated and Barreto became the first man booked on 51'. From a counter following the free kick Palermo finally found Dybala behind the defense, but his cross only found Bonucci for a good clearing header.

After the 55th minute, as substitutes came on and the game slowed down, Palermo lost their will to press and Juventus' midfield runners began to lose their markers. Vidal and Marchisio had chances to grab Juventus' second. In the 63rd minute a nice bit of combination play between Llorente and Tévez was barely dealt with, but from the resulting corner Juventus found the goal. Palermo have a dreadful record defending set pieces, and so it proved again with Pirlo's near-post cross finding Llorente for an excellent header into the bottom corner. The big Basque has had a rough start to the season, but with this goal his luck might be changing.

As the clock ticked down and Giovinco was brought on for Tévez, Juventus continued to create the best chances. Marchisio and Giovinco could have added to the scoreline, with the Atomic Ant repeatedly troubling the Palermo defense. There was a worrying moment late in the game as Leonardo Bonucci injured himself clearing the ball, but after treatment the defender was able to return and finish the game.

The game finished 2-0, a fair description of the difference between the sides. Juventus were never troubled by the Sicilians, who backed off early and lacked ability in possession and set-piece defense. For Juventus' part the defense continued to look solid, although the passive gameplan from Palermo let the Old Lady comfortably into her stride. Andrea Pirlo began to look himself again after Ogbonna was told to get out of his way, while Marchisio and Vidal repeatedly threatened the opposition's penalty box. There will be bigger games to come for both teams, but the result was a reassuring return to form for Massimiliano Allegri's Juventus.


LE PAGELLE

Buffon: 6. Another day in the office for Gigi Buffon, rarely called into action but always attentive. A Dybala snapshot from range could have caught out many keepers, but not San Gigi.

Ogbonna: 6. The Nigerian-Italian stopper has continued his strong start to the season and played a big role in keeping Dybala in check, although in the early part of the game he often found himself in Andrea Pirlo's way, which is never good.

Bonucci: 6.5. Asked to play as the right-sided center back for most of the game, Bonucci read the game well. An excellent defensive header in the 50th minute helped maintain the clean sheet. Injured himself late, but hopefully nothing serious.

Chiellini: 6. Always leading by example, the Juventus hardman put in a typical hard-as-nails performance on the left of the back three.

Pereyra: 6.5. A vital contribution to the first goal, Pereyra showed he can play on the wing as well. Not troubled defensively by Feddal.

Vidal: 6.5. The Chilean is back on the scoresheet, finding the net with an excellent left-footed finish. A good performance, but not quite his all-action best.

Pirlo: 6. A slow start to the game brought up memories of Sassuolo and Juventus, but the playmaker seems to be finding his feet in Alleri's team. With several pinpoint passes and the cross for Llorente's goal he made a telling impact.

Marchisio: 6. The versatile midfielder showed some of his best aspects today, repeatedly getting into scoring positions and perhaps unlucky to not grab a goal himself. Another hard-working performance from the Italian international.

Asamoah: 6. Up and down his flank, comfortable crossing or cutting inside, and always attentive in defense, the Ghanaian showed why he should start ahead of Patrice Evra.

Tévez: 7. The workhorse striker was all over the pitch today, providing a dangerous outlet whether running at or behind the Palermo defense. Assisted Vidal's goal and was constantly threatening.

Llorente: 6.5. A goal! Finally the Basque striker is off his duck for the season, heading a Pirlo corner into the net. His holdup play was as reliable as ever, and the goal could be the first of many.

Substitutes:

Lichtsteiner: 6. Filled in comfortably on the right-side, offered running and strength but not the same creative presence as Pereyra.

Pogba: 6. Brought on for Pirlo, the French midfielder played within himself and kept the game under control.

Giovinco: 6.5. Only on for 10 minutes, the Italian striker ran toyed with the Sicilian backline and repeatedly threatened Sorrentino, seeing one shot denied by the post.


Coach:

Allegri: 6.5. Under some pressure following the Olympiacos loss, Allegri responded by moving parts to get a resilient Juventus performance and a better Pirlo. Using two very attacking wing-backs and changing roles in midfield and defense kept Palermo out of the game and played a role in the comfortable win.

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

[Socrates 8516]

JUVENTUS - PALERMO

2 - 0

Arturo Vidal (32')
Fernando Llorente (64')

Sunday, October 26th, 2014 - 3:00 PM
Juventus Stadium - Turin
Referee: Gianpaolo Calvarese

Llorente Happy After Breaking
His Season Duck

Oct 26, 2014

Fernando Llorente was clearly delighted after Juventus’ 2-0 win over Palermo on Sunday and more specifically his role in the performance.

The Spanish International was beaming after scoring his first goal of the season against the Rosanero at the Juventus Stadium.

“I always had the confidence of all the coaches, I have also been suffering with back pain,” he told Sky Sport Italia.

“I was not worried, because I have always helped the team while we were winning and I was happy. Of course, it is important to score and the fact that I did today has given me great joy.

“It’s definitely good for the coach that Alvaro Morata is here, he can choose from many players. I think so far I’m doing a great job for the team but I did not score in the last games because my back pain was not good. Physically I’m fine now.

“Roma are very strong, stronger than last year, we have to give our best in every match.”

“We did not start well in the Champions League but there are two big games against Olympiacos and Malmo. If we win both games we can qualify for the next round.”

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

[Socrates 8516]

JUVENTUS - PALERMO

2 - 0

Arturo Vidal (32')
Fernando Llorente (64')

Sunday, October 26th, 2014 - 3:00 PM
Juventus Stadium - Turin
Referee: Gianpaolo Calvarese

Llorente's confidence boost but Palermo
win was too easy for Juve

Oct 26, 2014

It would be good to say that Juventus faced stiff competition in their 2-0 win over Palermo on Sunday but the truth is the Sicilians came to Turin to avoid embarrassment rather than having a go at the champions.

Showing no ambition or interest in taking hold of the ball to create their own chances, it was a one sided affair and this brings with it wider issues about the state of Serie A football and the Champions League.

Italian teams are struggling in Europe's premier competition because of the type of games they are forced to play domestically, such as the one between Juventus and Palermo on Sunday. When sides like Juventus have it so easy, they are not allowed to grow into a better team as they are simply not being challenged.

There is no need to push that extra bit both on a sporting and psychological level. Allowed to be slow and to expend as little energy as possible, Juventus were never troubled and were worthy winners.

Juventus coach Massimiliano Allegri opted to start Roberto Pereyra on the right in place of Stephan Lichtsteiner and while the Argentine could not perform the role as well as the Swiss, who bombs forward superbly to offer another dimension to the attack, he did impress. It was his determination to win the ball in the wide area that led to Juventus' first goal, passing it to Carlos Tevez who slid it to Arturo Vidal to finish.

Yet the player who made the difference in the match was Claudio Marchisio, offering Juventus that bit more going forward. Against Olympiakos in midweek, Juventus demonstrated how well they create. With Andrea Pirlo in his usual place and Marchisio allowed to deliver delicious passes forward as well as forward runs to penetrate the area, it made Juve more dangerous.

"Il Principino" was only allowed to play because Paul Pogba needed a rest yet his performance proved why he must always be a permanent fixture in the starting line-up alongside the rest of his midfield teammates.

In the second half the Old Lady played with a little more intensity, showing a tad more determination to finish off the game. The match might have bored the rest of us but at least it allowed Fernando Llorente score his first goal of the season, repaying the faith his coach has had in him. Having continuously sacrificed his own game to play an unselfish role in the team, he deserved his goal and that may be restore some confidence.

Juve's second was the eighth time Palermo have conceded from a set piece this season -- Beppe Iachini has to organise his team better and if they cannot defend effectively, they will continue to pick up unwanted defeats.

Needless to say, this was an easy win for Juventus and they have given themselves a bit of room at the top (three points, to be precise) after Roma drew to Sampdoria on Saturday night.

This may not have been the game they needed to help push their development along but it was one that allowed Vidal to silence his critics and Llorente to finally score.

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

[Socrates 8516]

JUVENTUS - PALERMO

2 - 0

Arturo Vidal (32')
Fernando Llorente (64')

Sunday, October 26th, 2014 - 3:00 PM
Juventus Stadium - Turin
Referee: Gianpaolo Calvarese

TEAM RATINGS

Oct 26, 2014

Juventus

1 Buffon - The keeper had a very quiet afternoon in the Juve net as Palermo failed to test him with a meaningful shot on target.

5 Ogbonna - The centre-back put in a strong performance to limit the effect of any runs in behind by Dybala. He was confident on the ball, too.

19 Bonucci - Made some important last-ditch challenges at the back but was never stretched too much. He looked to have picked up a knock late on but continued to play.

3 Chiellini - Regularly stepped up from the back and played penetrating vertical passes in towards the forwards which caused Palermo problems.

37 Pereyra - Showed great persistence on the right side of to win the ball back and launch the counter which led to Vidal's goal. It was his only real contribution, though.

23 ARTURO VIDAL - A very dynamic performance in midfield as he regularly made runs from deep to outnumber the Palermo defence. He netted with a composed finish in the first half.

21 Pirlo - Saw plenty of the ball but his distribution was not up to his usual standards as he played a few stray passes. He got an assist for Llorente's goal moments before being subbed.

8 Marchisio - Performed brightly in midfield and played some clever passes. He had a couple of ambitious efforts on goal that went nowhere near the target.

22 Asamoah - Was mostly used when attacking in the second half and consistently made sure of getting back into position to stop Pisano from getting forward.

10 Tévez - The Argentine held onto the ball well and attempted to draw others into the action. His powerful, quick run saw him set up Vidal for the opener.

14 Llorente - Showed some good movement in the box to make himself a target from crosses and finally got his goal with a header in the second half.


Substitutes:

26 Lichtsteiner - Replaced Pereyra in the 53rd minute and offered more width on the right but not enough quality deliveries.

6 Pogba - Came on for Pirlo in the 65th minute but struggled to add an extra spark to the midfield.

12 Giovinco - Brought on for Tevez in the 80th minute and forced a couple of saves from Sorrentino as well as hitting the post!

Palermo

70 S. Sorrentino - The keeper did not have many saves to make and could do little to stop Vidal finding the net before half time.

6 E. Muñoz - The Argentine was needlessly sucked across by Tevez's run in the first half and Vidal exploited the space to score the opening goal.

12 G. González - Showed a great ability to read the game, thus getting into important places to sweep up at the back with important clearances and challenges.

4 S. Anđelković - Found it difficult to cope with Tevez's movement and Llorente's height when Juve came forward and his positional awareness was not great.

3 E. Pisano - Tried his hardest to push forward down the right and get some crosses into the box but lacked the quality to beat his opponent regularly.

15 F. Bolzoni - Struggled to really make a mark on the game in midfield. He played a simple passing game but was not heavily involved in the action.

27 L. Rigoni - Worked hard in the centre of the park and tried to make himself available for the ball, however, his influence on proceedings was minimal.

8 É. Barreto - Did plenty of running in midfield to ensure his defence were screened and he was also composed when in possession.

23 Z. Feddal - The Moroccan worked hard out on the left but was unable to offer much of a contribution in attacking terms. He was not tight enough to Llorente as he netted the second.

20 F. Vázquez - The Argentine was lively in the first half, when he narrowly missed the target with a header, and linked well with Dybala at points.

9 P. Dybala - The Argentine showed some impressive technique when dribbling but was largely limited to shots from range which failed to test Buffon.


Substitutes:

25 E. Maresca - Replaced Rigoni in the 74th minute and did not have time to influence things.

99 A. Belotti - Came on for Barreto in the 60th minute but failed to have a positive impact.

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

[Socrates 8516]

JUVENTUS - PALERMO

2 - 0

Arturo Vidal (32')
Fernando Llorente (64')

Sunday, October 26th, 2014 - 3:00 PM
Juventus Stadium - Turin
Referee: Gianpaolo Calvarese

Allegri: I was right to choose Llorente

The striker netted his first goal of the season to justify
his coach picking him over Alvaro Morata, who impressed in midweek.

Oct 26, 2014

Juventus coach Massimiliano Allegri felt Fernando Llorente's first goal of the season justified his faith in the striker for Sunday’s 2-0 win over Palermo.

Allegri opted to start Llorente in attack despite the availability of Alvaro Morata, who had impressed in the Champions League against Olympiacos in midweek.

And that decision was vindicated as Llorente, who scored 16 times in Serie A for the club last season, added to Arturo Vidal's first-half strike with a well-taken header.

That maintained Juve's unbeaten league start and restored their three-point lead over Roma at the Serie A summit.

"Llorente wasn't depressed at not scoring yet this season, but it's normal that a goal is important for a striker, even if he likes to play for the team," Allegri told Sky Sport Italia afterwards.

"This was the right game for him, both for his physical characteristics and to let Morata rest. I am happy he scored, as he repaid the faith we have in him and above all his own self-confidence."

Allegri added: "It was a poor first half and Palermo made it difficult for us, but we increased the tempo after the break and did better."

After a cagey opening, the hosts were settled by Vidal's 32nd-minute opener and went on to complete a 23rd consecutive home league win.

Claudio Marchisio was another player recalled for Sunday's game, having missed the Champions League defeat to the Greeks that puts Juve's qualification for the last 16 in doubt.

He told the club's official website: "It was important to win today and it's great that Nando's [Llorente] got off the mark for the season.

"It was a good win against a decent Palermo side, they caused us a few problems on the counter at times."

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

[Socrates 8516]

JUVENTUS - PALERMO

2 - 0

Arturo Vidal (32')
Fernando Llorente (64')

Sunday, October 26th, 2014 - 3:00 PM
Juventus Stadium - Turin
Referee: Gianpaolo Calvarese

Juventus vs. Palermo: Winners
and Losers from Serie A Game

Oct 26, 2014

After a run of poor performances, Juventus hosted Palermo on Sunday afternoon knowing their recent form left much room for improvement. Losses to Atletico Madrid and Olympiacos in the Champions League sandwiched Serie A encounters with Roma and Sassuolo that were little better.

Despite taking four points from those matches, the Bianconeri had struggled to impress in almost a month but knew the struggling Sicilians would provide a much less arduous test. The Rosanero had won just once in the opening seven rounds of the campaign, with Beppe Iachini’s newly promoted side struggling to adjust to life in the top flight.

Massimiliano Allegri was still without injured defenders Andrea Barzagli and Martin Caceres, forcing him to rely on some lesser-used members of his squad. They did not disappoint, helping Juve to a 2-0 victory that extends their lead atop the standings to three points and should strengthen the belief within the camp.

Over the following pages, we'll take a look at the winners and the losers from the win, looking closely at those whose impact upon the game was most keenly felt.


Winner: Fernando Llorente (Juventus)

After a barren start to 2014-15, Fernando Llorente finally netted for the first time this season, scoring the second Bianconeri strike of the day. Heading home an Andrea Pirlo corner, the Spanish striker ended a run of poor showings in front of goal, with his finishing touch returning after a prolonged absence.

The Basque star had come in for much criticism recently, with his troubles discussed last week in this column. Allegri restored him to the starting line-up and discussed Llorente’s performance with Sky Italia shortly after the final whistle, telling the outlet (h/t Football Italia):

Llorente wasn’t depressed at not scoring yet this season, but it’s normal that a goal is important for a striker, even if he likes to play for the team. This was the right game for him, both for his physical characteristics and to let Morata rest.

I am happy he scored, as he repaid the faith we have in him and above all his own self-confidence.


Winner: Roberto Pereyra (Juventus)

This summer, the signing of Roberto Pereyra was seen as underwhelming, with this column openly questioning if he was good enough to play for Juventus. Since arriving in Turin, however, the Argentinian has excelled, turning in yet another excellent display against Palermo.

Playing at wing-back in order to allow Stephan Lichtsteiner to take a well-earned break, the 23-year-old was vital in helping the Bianconeri secure victory. He stole the ball from Zouhair Feddal to spark the move which led to the home side’s opening goal, and he deserves much credit for his value to the squad.


Loser: Beppe Iachini (Palermo)

While there is no denying the positive impact Iachini has had since arriving at Palermo in September last year, winning the Serie B title and guiding the Rosanero back to the top flight, the 50-year-old is finding retaining that status a much more difficult task.

They currently sit outside the relegation zone with just six points, and only Parma have conceded more goals so far this term. With 17 goals against them already, Palermo need to improve quickly if they are to arrest their poor run of form.

“We made a few too many mistakes,” the coach told RAI Sport after the match (h/t Football Italia), and he must hope he can eradicate those errors quickly. With club President Maurizio Zamparini notoriously short on patience, Iachini could soon find his job under threat.

The fixture list has been kind, however, with their matches in November and December looking much easier than those they have already played. Chievo, Udinese, Parma and Sassuolo visit Sicily in that time, and Palermo should see their form improve as a result.

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

[Socrates 8516]

JUVENTUS - PALERMO

2 - 0

Arturo Vidal (32')
Fernando Llorente (64')

Sunday, October 26th, 2014 - 3:00 PM
Juventus Stadium - Turin
Referee: Gianpaolo Calvarese

Llorente delighted to end goal drought

The Spaniard has endured a poor start to the campaign and was
understandably elated to score his first goal in nine games on Sunday.

Oct 27, 2014

Juventus striker Fernando Llorente has voiced his delight with his goal in the reigning Serie A champions' 2-0 win over Palermo on Sunday.

The Spanish attacker had gone nine official games without finding the net in 2014-15, but scored his side's second goal as they bagged the full three points against the Sicilians at the weekend.

"It’s a very important victory and I’m very happy with my contribution to the result," Llorente told reporters.

"It’s a special day for me because it’s my first goal of the season and I couldn’t wait to bag it. It’ll definitely help me going forward to keep aiding the team.

"It’s not easy scoring from corners because the defenders are jostling you. I was waiting for a delivery like that to come my way and get off the mark for the campaign."

The former Athletic Bilbao man then went on to praise Juventus' overall performance against Palermo.

"We went out there knowing what we had to do: be aggressive from the off. We did it very well and had many opportunities to score in the first-half.

"It was a good performance from everyone involved and we need to continue in the same vein."

Juventus remain atop of the Serie A table following this weekend's results, holding a three-point lead over second-placed Roma.

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

[Socrates 8516]

GENOA - JUVENTUS

-

Wednesday, October 29th, 2014 - 8:45 PM
Luigi Ferraris Stadium, Genoa
Referee: Paolo Silvio Mazzoleni

Preview: Genoa vs. Juventus

Oct 27, 2014

Genoa will attempt to record their first Serie A win over Juventus since 2009 when they welcome the Italian champions to Genova on Wednesday.

In total, these two sides have met 94 times in the league, with Juventus winning 56 of those matches and losing just 18 times in the process.

In more recent history, Juventus have won six of the last 10 matches against Genoa, remaining unbeaten in the process.

The home side will enter the match full of confidence, however, after taking seven points from their last three league games, with Saturday's 2-1 win over Chievo moving them into ninth position in the table.

Juventus might have lost their last two matches in the Champions League, but they have won seven of their eight league games this season, with a total of 22 points leaving them top of the table, three points clear of second-place Roma.

The champions, who have scored 16 times in their eight games and conceded just three, will enter the match, meanwhile, off the back of a 2-0 win over Palermo on Sunday.

The home side have no fresh injury concerns from their clash with Chievo last time out, but on-loan AC Milan forward Alessandro Matri is pushing for a start after a goal and assist at the weekend.

Mauricio Pinilla should continue as the lone striker, while Diego Perotti will operate in a wide position, leaving Iago Falque on the bench once again.

Juventus, meanwhile, will be without the services of French defender Patrice Evra, who is expected to miss the next month of the season with a thigh problem.

As a result, Kwadwo Asamoah is expected to start at left wing-back, while Paul Pogba and Stephan Lichtsteiner are also expected to return to the XI after starting on the bench against Palermo.


Recent form

Genoa: D L W D W

Juventus: L W D L W

Possible starting lineups

Genoa: Perin; Burdisso, Roncaglia, De Maio; Edenilson, Bertolacci, Kucka, Antonelli; Matri, Pinilla, Perotti

Juventus: Buffon; Chiellini, Bonucci, Ogbonna; Asamoah, Pogba, Vidal, Marchisio, Lichtsteiner; Tevez, Llorente

Sports Mole says: 1-2

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

[Socrates 8516]

GENOA - JUVENTUS

-

Wednesday, October 29th, 2014 - 8:45 PM
Luigi Ferraris Stadium, Genoa
Referee: Paolo Silvio Mazzoleni

Genoa V Juventus – Preview: Grifone

Attempt To End Bianconeri Dominance

Oct 28, 2014

Juventus will travel to the Stadio Luigi Ferraris on Wednesday night where the Bianconeri will put their unbeaten record on the line against Genoa.

Massimiliano Allegri’s men are coming off a 2-0 home domination of Palermo which saw Fernando Llorente get his first Serie A goal of the season.

Meanwhile, Genoa are undefeated in six of their last seven matches, including Sunday’s late win thanks to Mauricio Pinilla. Genoa currently sit mid-table with 12 points, and the team have shown an acute ability to get late goals. All three wins this season have come with the winning goal after the 85th minute.

Sunday’s 2-1 come from behind win over Chievo came courtesy of Gian Piero Gasperini’s decision to pair Alessandro Matri and Pinilla together after the team went a goal down in the first half. Against Juventus, Gasperini will most likely start with one striker, something that he has done throughout the season. This has been one reason the team have found goals hard to come by.

Juventus continue to roll in Serie A as the distance between themselves and second place Roma is now three points. The champions are averaging two goals a game, but Genoa have been adequate at the back despite showing a few cracks. The Grifone’s defence, led by Luca Antonelli and Sebastien De Maio have given up a mere eight goals in eight games. A far cry from years past.

In 2006, these two rivals met in Serie B, following Juventus’ relegation due to Calciopoli, for the first time since the mid-90s. At the end of that season both teams were promoted to Serie A. Since that first meeting in 2006-07, Juventus have won ten of the teams’ 16 meetings. In that time, Genoa have tallied a solitary win, which came in April 2009. The Bianconeri have dominated the last two meetings winning 2-0 and 1-0, respectively.

One factor that could impact upon how both teams play will be the pitch at the Marassi. Due to the massive flooding in the Genoa area over the last few weeks, the pitch and the stadium have been affected.

The playing surface has cut up very easily in the last two games played at the stadium (Genoa v Empoli; Sampdoria v Roma). The surface has caused problems with shooting, passing and footing, and should continue to cause havoc on Wednesday night as both teams try to continue their unbeaten runs.


Expected Starting XIs

Genoa: Perin, Antonelli, De Maio, Burdisso, Edenilson, Bertolacci, Kucka, Greco, Falque, Perotti, Matri

Juventus: Buffon, Ogbonna, Bonucci, Chiellini, Lichtsteiner, Vidal, Marchisio, Pogba, Asamoah, Tevez, Llorente

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

[Socrates 8516]

GENOA - JUVENTUS

-

Wednesday, October 29th, 2014 - 8:45 PM
Luigi Ferraris Stadium, Genoa
Referee: Paolo Silvio Mazzoleni

Buffon Set For 500th Juventus Appearance

Oct 28, 2014

Gianluigi Buffon is set to make his 500th Juventus appearance against Genoa on Wednesday evening.

That number brings him closer to surpassing club legends Giuseppe Furino and Gaetano Scirea, who have 528 and 552 appearances, respectively.

Indeed, according to Tuttosport, the Italian No.1 has no intention of hanging up his gloves just yet, and fully intends to stay with Juventus until at least 2018.

It is thought he wants to break the all-time appearance record of 705 set by his former teammate Alessandro Del Piero.

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

[Socrates 8516]

GENOA - JUVENTUS

-

Wednesday, October 29th, 2014 - 8:45 PM
Luigi Ferraris Stadium, Genoa
Referee: Paolo Silvio Mazzoleni

Genoa-Juventus Preview: Allegri

ready to rotate after Palermo win

The Italian champions will play their fourth game in 12 days on Wednesday
and their coach admits some of the players are beginning to feel the strain.

Oct 28, 2014

Massimiliano Allegri has hinted he may rotate his squad for Juventus' midweek trip to Genoa.

The Serie A champions and leaders visit the Stadio Comunale Luigi Ferraris on Wednesday for what will be their fourth game in 12 days.

Juve bounced back from their disappointing Champions League defeat at Olympiakos with a routine, if laboured, 2-0 home victory over Palermo on Sunday.

The loss in Greece came after a surprise 1-1 draw against struggling Sassuolo, and coach Allegri feels his players are understandably showing some signs of fatigue after a blistering start to the season.

Juve - unbeaten in Serie A since March - won their first six games of the campaign in all competitions without conceding a goal, but have emerged victorious from just two of their last five outings - a relative slump that has included back-to-back Champions League defeats.

Speaking after the Palermo game, Allegri indicated that he sees Wednesday's match as an opportunity to rest some first-team regulars.

"Keep in mind that players like [Leonardo] Bonucci, [Giorgio] Chiellini and [Angelo] Ogbonna might have already played 12 or 13 games so far [this season], the same with Carlos Tevez," commented the former AC Milan boss.

"It's normal if someone is tired - therefore, wise rotation comes in handy.

"At the end of the day, and during the league, the most important thing is to win games even when you don't play well.

"You have to realise, we have played very well for two months, making huge efforts and running out of energy."

Referring specifically to top-scorer Tevez, who was substituted with 10 minutes left against Palermo after laying on Arturo Vidal's opener, Allegri added: "As usual, [he] didn't spare any energy. He was decisive when we took the lead.

"He's already played many games this season - that is why [sebastian] Giovinco replaced him and did very well. Besides I have [Alvaro] Morata and that young kid [Kingsley] Coman, who is ready and raring to play.

"Thus, should I decide to make changes next Wednesday, I have excellent alternatives."

Allegri - who will be without Patrice Evra after the full-back sustained a hamstring injury last week - will not be taking Genoa lightly, though, as Gian Piero Gasperini's side have lost just one of their last seven Serie A fixtures.

They came from behind to win 2-1 at lowly Chievo on Sunday, with former Juve striker Alessandro Matri scoring the equaliser at the Stadio Marc'Antonio Bentegodi.

Predictably, though, recent history in this fixture is against Genoa, as they have not beaten Juve since April 2009 - a run that stretches back 10 games.


OPTA FACTS

*Genoa and Juventus have met 94 times in Serie A, with 56 wins for the Bianconeri and 18 for the Rossoblu.

*Juventus are the side with the most wins (56) and the most goals scored (196) against Genoa in Serie A.

*Genoa’s last win against Juventus dates back to April 2009: there have been six wins for the Bianconeri and four draws in their last 10 clashes.


LAST FIVE MATCHES

Genoa W D W L D

2014/10/26 - Chievo 1 - 2 Genoa
2014/10/20 - Genoa 1 - 1 Empoli
2014/10/05 - Parma 1 - 2 Genoa
2014/09/28 - Genoa 0 - 1 Sampdoria
2014/09/24 - Verona 2 - 2 Genoa


Juventus W L D W L

2014/10/26 - Juventus 2 - 0 Palermo
2014/10/22 - Olympiakos 1 - 0 Juventus
2014/10/18 - Sassuolo 1 - 1 Juventus
2014/10/05 - Juventus 3 - 2 Roma
2014/10/01 - Atlético Madrid 1 - 0 Juventus


HEAD TO HEAD

2014/03/16 - Genoa 0 - 1 Juventus
2013/10/27 - Juventus 2 - 0 Genoa
2013/01/26 - Juventus 1 - 1 Genoa
2012/09/16 - Genoa 1 - 3 Juventus
2012/03/11 - Genoa 0 - 0 Juventus

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

[Socrates 8516]

GENOA - JUVENTUS

-

Wednesday, October 29th, 2014 - 8:45 PM
Luigi Ferraris Stadium, Genoa
Referee: Paolo Silvio Mazzoleni

Genoa v Juventus: Preview

Oct 28, 2014

Juventus are eager to secure the victory at Genoa that would suitably commemorate the achievements of veteran Gianluigi Buffon on his 500th appearance for the Turin club.

Buffon, now 36, supported Genoa as a boy but has since won five Serie A titles with the Bianconeri - two more were revoked due to the Calciopoli scandal - since he joined from Parma in 2001.

And Juve coach Massimiliano Allegri, in his first year at the helm in Turin, is enjoying working with one of Italy's all-time great players.

``He's always decisive and that's the difference between world-class players and normal ones,'' Allegri said. ``He deals with one shot on his goal throughout an entire game, and then he is decisive.

``That's the difference between Buffon and other goalkeepers.''

Buffon kept yet another a clean sheet in Sunday's 2-0 victory over Palermo.

Goals from Arturo Vidal and Fernando Llorente allowed Juve to re-establish their three-point lead at the top of the standings after second-placed Roma were held to a goalless draw by Sampdoria.

``It was an important win because we were able to extend our advantage over Roma,'' Allegri added.

``Now we must continue down this path and try to give our all in Genoa.''

The Grifone will be hoping to replicate the performance that saw them hold Juve to a 1-1 draw in Turin earlier this year.

Genoa go into the encounter at the Stadio Luigi Ferraris on the back of a 2-1 triumph at Chievo that saw them climb to ninth place.

The outcome was their third win of the season and extended their unbeaten run to a third game.

``I hope the victory against Chievo will give us a boost in confidence and make us more efficient when we're playing at home,'' said Genoa coach Gian Piero Gasperini.

``Our fans will demand the players show courage against Juve and I hope we deliver.''

The visitors will be without the injured Patrice Evra, the French left-back who sustained a muscle problem against Palermo that is expected to keep him sidelined for a month.

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

[Socrates 8516]

GENOA - JUVENTUS

-

Wednesday, October 29th, 2014 - 8:45 PM
Luigi Ferraris Stadium, Genoa
Referee: Paolo Silvio Mazzoleni

Gasperini: Genoa will try to win

Oct 28, 2014

Genoa Coach Gian Piero Gasperini is demanding his players go out to win when they face Juventus at the Marassi on Wednesday.

Gasperini’s side ran the Bianconeri very close last season, falling to a last-minute Andrea Pirlo strike, and the Grifone Coach believes his men can cause them problems again.

“Genoa have a duty to try and win,” Gasperini told La Repubblica.

“Last year against the Juventus which got 102 points, we had them on the verge of defeat.

“Twenty minutes from the end Buffon saved a penalty, then in the 90th minute Pirlo pops up with a free-kick.

“We must defend as a team, without ever being passive, just like when we won 3-2 [against Juventus in 2009], with Thiago Motta and Palladino.

“Although it was Ranieri’s Juve and not Conte’s, winning was a source of great satisfaction.”

The Genoa boss also spoke of the weapons at Max Allegri’s disposal, and the differences between the former Milan Coach’s Juve side and Antonio Conte’s all-conquering team.

“If Pirlo doesn’t play, Marchisio will be in midfield, and in attack Allegri is spoiled for choice.

“At the back even with Evra, Caceres and Barzagli injured they’re still the same.

“For now there are very few differences between Conte’s Juve and Allegri’s.

“Allegri came in cautiously and is now shaping the team in his own image.

“For that matter, even Conte changed his way of playing. His first Juve was frantic and aggressive, whereas last season’s was quieter and less fierce in pressing in order to save energy.”

Gasperini has been rather active in the Press, also giving an interview to Turin-based newspaper Tuttosport, where the Coach talked about his formative years at Juventus.

“Ten years of my youth and as many as a Coach at Juventus were the most important part of my personal growth, an irreplaceable experience.”

Gasperini will not, however, be misty eyed when he takes on the Bianconeri, calling on the Genoa fans to loudly back his side.

“I think tomorrow will be a demonstration of everything I like about Genoa, and that includes the fans.

“The fans won’t be asking us to go out there and win comfortably, they’d take a repeat of last year’s performance, as would I.”

This comes after Gasperini’s words of criticism aimed at a section of the Grifone support for whistling the team following their last home match against Empoli.

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

[Socrates 8516]

GENOA - JUVENTUS

-

Wednesday, October 29th, 2014 - 8:45 PM
Luigi Ferraris Stadium, Genoa
Referee: Paolo Silvio Mazzoleni

Allegri considers Tevez rest

Oct 28, 2014

Carlos Tevez could be rested for Juventus’ trip to the Marassi on Wednesday, Coach Massimiliano Allegri has revealed.

The Argentinean has been in inspirational form for the Bianconeri this term, with eight goals in 11 games across all competitions.

However, with the Old Lady competing in both Serie A and the Champions League, Tevez could be afforded the opportunity to recharge his batteries in the midweek the trip to Genoa.

“Tevez had a good game on Sunday, I’ll evaluate him today,” Allegri told his pre-match Press conference.

“I’ll have to see. If somebody is a bit tired, there are others who will be more than ready to play this game.

“Because everyone else is fit I have lot of choice in both the forward line and midfield, although in defence I have a little less.”

Juventus have a number of options to replace Tevez should he be rested, with Fernando Llorente, Alvaro Morata, Kingsley Coman and Sebastian Giovinco all fit and ready to play if needed.

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

[Socrates 8516]

GENOA - JUVENTUS

-

Wednesday, October 29th, 2014 - 8:45 PM
Luigi Ferraris Stadium, Genoa
Referee: Paolo Silvio Mazzoleni

Allegri defends Juventus form

Oct 28, 2014

Massimiliano Allegri has responded to criticism of his Juventus side ahead of their trip to the Marassi to take on Genoa on Wednesday night.

The Old Lady have been struggling in October, losing in the Champions League to Atletico Madrid and Olympiacos, as well as drawing at Sassuolo before labouring to a 2-0 home victory over Palermo on Sunday.

Former Juventus Coach Marcello Lippi believes that the team has seen a drop in intensity since the departure of Antonio Conte, and this point was raised with the current tactician today.

“I think Lippi did say that,” Allegri admitted in response to assembled journalists.

“But I think he also said something else - that a team reflects the will and character of its Coach.

“The lads played with huge intensity for two months, also playing excellent football. There might be a period of poor performances, but League titles aren’t won by playing well, or rather not by playing well in every game.

“There will be times when you don’t play as well.

“For us, ‘not playing well’ is having seven or eight shots on goal in a game, so in the end it’s not really that bad.

“It’s true that we have to play better than we did in the first half against Palermo, in a technical sense.

“To do this everyone has to be better at using the ball, and above all we have to make less mistakes which is what happened against Palermo and what happened in Greece [the 1-0 defeat to Olympiacos].

“Strangely we actually played better in Greece, even though everyone slaughtered us, because as always and quite rightly the result affects the assessment of the performance.”

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

[Socrates 8516]

GENOA - JUVENTUS

-

Wednesday, October 29th, 2014 - 8:45 PM
Luigi Ferraris Stadium, Genoa
Referee: Paolo Silvio Mazzoleni

Allegri: Genoa are dangerous

Oct 28, 2014

Juventus will face a tough game when they travel to face Genoa on Wednesday, Coach Massimiliano Allegri has warned.

The Bianconeri sit top of Serie A, three points clear of Roma, but Allegri admits he is wary of their midweek trip, seeing danger in the attacking play of the hosts and in the poor state of the Marassi pitch.

“Genoa are a team which has lost only once in the last seven games, that was the derby [with Sampdoria],” Allegri warned in his Press conference ahead of the game.

“They’re a team which plays very good football. They have good attacking movement, and they attack at home, playing a totally different style of football to the way they play away from home.

“The thing that worries me most of all - given what happened to the city of Genoa, the flood that took place - is that the pitch isn’t in good condition, and this means it will be more difficult to play well from a technical point of view, but we’ll do our best.

“As for the team, today is the last training session before the game, and I’ll decide after that what is the best team for tomorrow’s game.”

The former Milan Coach also dismissed suggestions that after four games in the last 11 days he would seek to rotate heavily in the matches against Genoa and Empoli, given their lower positions in the table.

“Teams lower in the table? Everyone is below us in the table,” Allegri noted with a smile.

“Genoa are a good team, a very good team. We dropped two points at Sassuolo, so that proves that these games are by no means easy.

“I don’t think Roma will drop many points over the course of the season, so we have to be good at doing the same.

“Tomorrow is a tough game for us, and important for the Scudetto.

“With regard to rotation, I think in the last three games Marchisio has been out of the team twice, and in the last game against Palermo, Pogba sat out.

“In previous games Vidal has been out, so in terms of midfielders I’ve rotated them all slightly.

“In attack, Morata played in Greece [against Olympiacos], while Giovinco has played one game and some little cameos, but everyone will get a chance.

“Just look at the numbers - recently in midfield and up-front everyone has played a little bit.

“I can’t do any more rotation or I’d be a man down!”

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

[Socrates 8516]

GENOA - JUVENTUS

-

Wednesday, October 29th, 2014 - 8:45 PM
Luigi Ferraris Stadium, Genoa
Referee: Paolo Silvio Mazzoleni

Genoa vs. Juventus: Key Issues and

Decisions That Will Shape Serie A Game

Oct 28, 2014

With a 2-0 win over Palermo under their belts, Juventus travel to Genoa on Wednesday evening, hoping to continue the steady improvement shown against the Rosanero. That match—reviewed here—marked the first win in three games for the Italian champions, a relief after their recent run of poor form.

Thanks to Sampdoria holding Roma to a draw over the weekend however, the Bianconeri were able to extend their lead atop the Serie A standings to three points. Massimiliano Allegri and his players will hope to maintain that cushion during the midweek round, but may also look to rest a number of key men.

Genoa themselves have enjoyed an excellent start to 2014-15, currently sitting in ninth place and having lost just twice in their opening eight games. Coach Gian Piero Gasperini is getting the best from his side, once again deploying his favoured 3-4-3 formation to great effect.

Over the following pages is a look at the key issues and decisions that could affect the outcome at the Stadio Luigi Ferraris, with the two coaches looking to secure three crucial points.


Juventus Mindset Ahead of Crucial Clashes

While coaches and players continually boast they approach a season one game at a time, it is clear that some fixtures take greater priority than others. With the need to plan for difficult spells in the season, the ability to rest and rotate a large squad is now an essential skill for any coach.

Allegri will know a win against Genoa is vital, but will also be fully aware that next week sees Olympiacos travel to Turin for a vital Champions League clash. Needing three points against the Greek side to remain competitive in Group A, the Juve boss may well opt to make a number of changes to his starting XI.

Chief among those needing a break could well be Carlos Tevez, the striker having started all but one of his side’s games this term. The Argentinean star has been central to the attacking play of the Bianconeri, already registering eight goals and three assists in 2014-15.

The struggles of Juve’s other strikers was discussed at length here, and their ability to win without Tevez could prove crucial to their hopes of success and silverware.


Containing the in-Form Alessandro Matri

While Tevez has clearly made a major contribution to Juventus, a former Bianconeri striker is currently doing the same for Genoa. Alessandro Matri was sold by the Turin giants in the summer of 2013 having won two league titles with the club, now finding himself with the Grifone after an unsuccessful return to Milan.

He has netted four goals and added two assists in seven appearances for his newest side, who have only scored a combined total of nine times in 2014-15. That highlights just how important he has been to Genoa, and his former team-mates must find a way to contain the 30-year-old.

With Andrea Barzagli and Martin Caceres missing due to injury, the Juventus defence has maintained an impressive record, and will hope to add to their notable tally of clean sheets.


Improving Midfield to Continue Improving

Easily identifiable as a major strength for Juventus, it is impossible to overlook the fact the Bianconeri midfield has not been at its best this term. Both Arturo Vidal and Andrea Pirlo have seemingly yet to shake off the rust caused by extended injury layoffs, each man struggling to play to their maximum potential

Vidal returned to the scoresheet against Palermo, netting for the first time since his double against Cesena back in September. Pirlo meanwhile has been even more out-of-sorts, his performance in the loss to Olympiacos notably poor as discussed here.

Stats site WhoScored.com shows the Italian international has completed just 82.3 per cent of his pass attempts this term, his lowest mark since joining the club. He and Juventus will hope he can return to form quickly, so essential is his incisive play at the heart of midfield.

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

[Socrates 8516]

GENOA - JUVENTUS

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Wednesday, October 29th, 2014 - 8:45 PM
Luigi Ferraris Stadium, Genoa
Referee: Paolo Silvio Mazzoleni

Juventus squad for Genoa

Oct 28, 2014

Juventus named a 22-man squad for the trip to Genoa on Wednesday evening.

It kicks off tomorrow at 20.45 CET.

Gigi Buffon is set to make his 500th official appearance in a Juventus jersey and does so against the club he supported as a child.

Andrea Barzagli, Martin Caceres, Patrice Evra and Simone Pepe are still on the treatment table.


Juventus squad for Genoa: Buffon, Romulo, Chiellini, Ogbonna, Pogba, Marchisio, Morata, Tevez, Coman, Giovinco, Llorente, Bonucci, Padoin, Pirlo, Asamoah, Vidal, Lichtsteiner, Storari, Rubinho, Pereyra, Mattiello, Marrone

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

[Socrates 8516]

GENOA - JUVENTUS

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Wednesday, October 29th, 2014 - 8:45 PM
Luigi Ferraris Stadium, Genoa
Referee: Paolo Silvio Mazzoleni

MATCH PREVIEW

Oct 28, 2014

Genoa need something to get their season truly going, and nothing like a good result when they host Juventus on Wednesday could do that better.

The Rossoblu are comfortably in mid-table and lie only three points behind Serie A’s European qualification berths. However, Coach Gian Piero Gasperini complained of ‘too much negativity’ after his men’s draw with Empoli, even if it didn’t affect his players in coming from behind to defeat Chievo in Week 8.

Facing Juventus, a team they haven’t beaten since April 2009, next should be a daunting task, but Genoa will be boosted by the form of ex-Bianconeri hitman Alessandro Matri. The 30-year-old’s four goals and two assists since moving to Stadio Luigi Ferraris is not to be scoffed at, while his record of netting four times in his last five appearances against his old employers makes him a major threat this Wednesday.

Gasperini has warned his men they need to improve their defending from set plays after watching them fail to register a clean sheet in their last five matches though. Indeed, Juventus hold fond memories of their latest trip to the Marassi, when a Gianluigi Buffon penalty save and Andrea Pirlo’s free-kick secured the three points widely acknowledged to be the final stepping stone to their third consecutive Scudetto win.

The Turin outfit are likely to rest Pirlo this time after the regista’s indifferent start to the season, but Massimiliano Allegri will still urge his men to bring win number 15 out of their last 16 League games back with them.

With club top scorer Carlos Tevez remaining as crucial as ever, and Arturo Vidal and Fernando Llorente both getting back on the scoresheet in Sunday’s victory over Palermo, the Old Lady will be aiming to build their lead at the summit of Serie A.

Keep an eye on: Arturo Vidal (Juventus) - A driving force in every one of Juve’s titles, Arturo Vidal started this season slowly. But there are signs he is getting back into stride following his performance against Palermo. Massimiliano Allegri needs the Chilean to perform to his usual heights if he is to replicate Antonio Conte’s success at the club.

Form guide: Genoa (D L W D W) Juventus (W W W D W)

Last season: Genoa 0-1 Juventus

Stat fact: Genoa have not scored more than one goal in their last eight home games.

Genoa (probable): Perin; Antonini, Burdisso, Marchese; Edenilson, Bertolacci, Greco, Antonelli; Perotti, Matri, Kucka

Suspended: None

Juventus (probable): Buffon; Ogbonna, Bonucci, Chiellini; Lichtsteiner, Vidal, Marchisio, Pogba, Asamoah; Tevez, Llorente

Suspended: None

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

[Socrates 8516]

GENOA - JUVENTUS

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Wednesday, October 29th, 2014 - 8:45 PM
Luigi Ferraris Stadium, Genoa
Referee: Paolo Silvio Mazzoleni

Gasperini: 'Perin could follow Buffon'

Oct 28, 2014

Genoa Coach Gian Piero Gasperini refused to make comparisons between Mattia Perin and Gigi Buffon ahead of their Juventus clash.

It will be a special occasion for Buffon, who marks his 500th appearance in a Bianconeri jersey, so Gasperini was asked if Perin was the ‘new Buffon.’

“I don’t want to make comparisons. Perin is a very strong player and I don’t know if he will go on to match Buffon,” Gasp said at a Press conference.

“I am happy that Buffon is making his 500th appearance against Genoa. I am also happy that after initial difficulties Perin is now a real protagonist in Serie A.

“It’s stimulating for anyone to play against Juve, Roma or Milan, as these are special games. They are opportunities that, if they go well, can become turning points for confidence.

“There will be the atmosphere of a big game at Marassi and we can take the initiative. We can adjust the system, as we must have the capacity to play differently and shake things up. It would be great to win this.”

Stefano Sturaro needs a fitness test, while Massimiliano Allegri has already confirmed Andrea Pirlo won’t start.

“Juventus can get a result with or without Pirlo, as it is never one player who makes a team win or lose. There will be someone else to take his place.

“Last season we attacked Juve from the start, then the performance got stronger as time went on, but we just lost. We’ll have to see what happens. We are ready in terms of mentality and doing better physically than last year.

“I really didn’t expect us to be doing so well in the table. I am so satisfied that when someone says Genoa play negatively, I can’t help but smile.”

Gasperini was asked about refereeing errors, having complained about controversial decisions in games against Sampdoria and Empoli.

“It is a very difficult job, being a referee. There are errors that you accept and some that you accept a bit less. We kept clean sheets regularly, then conceded several irregular goals.”

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