Juventus Season 2014-2015

[Socrates 8516]

GENOA - JUVENTUS

-

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

Sturaro ready for Genoa-Juve

Oct 28, 2014

Stefano Sturaro is in the Genoa squad to face Juventus – his future club – on Wednesday evening.

The Grifone must do without the injured Tomas Rincon and Ioannis Fetfatzidis.

There had been doubts over Sturaro, who will probably need a fitness test before the game at Marassi.

Italy Under-21 international Sturaro has already been bought by Juventus for next season, but left on loan at Genoa to gain more Serie A experience.

The midfielder has been out since October 6 with a knee problem and was expected to be on the sidelines for another week, but made a quicker than expected recovery.


Genoa squad for Juventus: Perin, Antonini, De Maio, Izzo, Burdisso, Pinilla, Perotti, Antonelli, Roncaglia, Marchese, Lestienne, Greco, Edenilson, Lamanna, Falque, Matri, Kucka, Mandragora, Sommariva, Sturaro, Rosi, Bertolacci, Mussis

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

Juventus cannot afford to slip up, warns Allegri

The champions moved three points clear at the top of Serie A at the weekend
but their coach says he does not expect Roma to fall away in the title race.

Oct 28, 2014

Juventus must maintain their concentration if they want to hold off the challenge of Serie A rivals Roma, according to Massimiliano Allegri.

The league leaders got back to winning ways on Sunday with a 2-0 win over Palermo, quickly putting a 1-1 draw with Sassuolo behind them.

Allegri knows Juve, who had a perfect record in the league prior to being held with Sassuolo, cannot afford to switch off as they seek to retain top spot, despite having moved three points clear of Rudi Garcia's men.

"We dropped two points against Sassuolo, and this proves that games in this league aren't easy by any stretch of the imagination," Allegri told a media conference on Tuesday.

"I can't see Roma slipping up too often so we need to be at the races in order to maintain our stride."

Juve travel to Genoa on Wednesday, with Allegri concerned that the pitch at the Stadio Comunale Luigi Ferraris could hamper his side following recent floods.

"It will be very tough," he added. "Genoa have lost just once in the last seven games.

"They play attractive football, like to attack and show decent movement up front.

"I'm concerned by the state of the pitch, given the recent flooding in the region, and this makes it harder to put in a good display from a technical point of view."

Gianluigi Buffon is set to make his 500th official appearance for Juve in the match, but Andrea Barzagli, Martin Caceres, Patrice Evra and Simone Pepe remain absent.

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

Juventus vs. Genoa Preview: Round 9

Oct 28, 2014

If you were to guess how many wins Juventus has over Genoa in the last six games, what would you say? Seeing as how dominant is Serie A they've been the last three years, it hasn't to be pretty good, right? So probably like five or six wins over Genoa, nothing less because clearly that would be crazy talk!

Well, here's the reality:

Juventus wins vs. Genoa the last three years: 3

Juventus draws vs. Genoa the last three years: 3

No losses to any team is a good thing, obviously. But it's not like having as many draws as wins against a side like Genoa is something to brag about at the end of the day. It might have been more draws than wins if not for an Andrea Pirlo free kick wonder and a Gigi Buffon penalty save in last season's visit to the Luigi Ferraris.

Here's another thing: Juventus and Genoa will meet for the first time this season on Wednesday night. Both teams are coming off wins against teams they were expected to beat — Juventus with a 2-0 win over Palermo and Genoa a 2-1 victory over Chievo. Both teams have two wins in their last three games. Both teams are going to play a three-man defense. And, as you can see, I'm grasping at straws as to where to go with this thought process, so I'll stop now.

Max Allegri knows that Genoa has played some decent football this season. That's because he told us so.

JuventusFC ✔ @juventusfcen
#Allegri: “Genoa have only lost one in seven. They’re a good team and have decent movement up front.”

I agree, Max. And, please, what ever your guys do tomorrow, don't do anything stupid. Play it like Sunday and have a nice, solid win that isn't anything close to last week's stupidity in Greece.


GOOD NEWS

A quick look at the Serie A table tells us this:

Juventus: 22 points

Roma: 19 points

That's good, isn't it? I think it is.


BAD NEWS

Injuries are stupid, but you already knew this one, I'm sure.

Even with Luca Marrone back from his lengthy injury absence, the injury list seems to be growing by the week. Patrice Evra is the latest to be added to the group of injured players after being ruled out for a month with a thigh strain. Max Allegri said Tuesday he's hoping to get Martín Cáceres back for the return fixture against Olympiacos, while Andrea Barzagli is still a long-term absentee.


WHAT TO WATCH FOR

1. Gigi Buffon and Juventus appearance No. 500.

You'd think I'd pass up the opportunity to heap praise on the man who currently rocks the captain's armband at Juventus? Nahhhh. Let's talk about San Gigi, folks.

When Buffon leads Juventus out of the tunnel tomorrow night at the Luigi Ferraris, it will be his 500th match in a Juventus (goalkeeper) jersey. It's somewhat fitting that it's against Genoa and Mattia Perin, who many people are pointing toward to be the next great Italian goalkeeper whenever Buffon decides to hang up his slick-looking Puma gloves. But let's not forget what San Gigi did the last time he was on this very field in Genoa, either. Just another reason why Buffon is Buffon. And another reason as to why he's the G.O.A.T. no matter what some people may say. May his 500th career game with Juventus be a successful one.

2. Who's in the mood for some squad rotation?

I bring up squad rotation because we're in the middle of another hectic three-plus-week period of games with no much rest in between. It's also being brought up because Max Allegri brought it up at his pre-match press conference on Tuesday.

JuventusFC ✔ @juventusfcen
#Allegri: “There might be a bit of tiredness in the ranks and I’ll have to decide my line-up after today’s training.”

I don't want to totally read into it, but I would think one area he's looking at is the center of the midfield. Paul Pogba was rested over the weekend against Palermo, which means he's as close to a lock as he can be to be back in the starting lineup Wednesday night. Does that mean Andrea Pirlo will get a rest? Or maybe Arturo Vidal? To have options in midfield — unlike in defense these days — is a nice problem for Allegri to have right now, but also means find playing time for all four of said players. I just hope Claudio Marchisio is one of the three players starting in the center of the midfield. That guy deserves to play as much as anybody else with the kind of form he's on right now.

3. Will it be Fernando Llorente or Álvaro Morata alongside Carlos Tévez?

At last we can talk about Llorente scoring s goal. It's been a long seven weeks, one filled with questions of "Will 'Nando start this weekend?" or "Can things get any worse for Llorente?" But there's another question to throw out there: Which starting striker not named Carlos Tévez will we be talking about when the final whistle sounds tomorrow night? It's a very good possibility that one of the squad rotation moves is switching Morata in for Llorente despite the fact that the latter finally broke his goal-scoring drought over the weekend. Do you go with the guy who showed well in the Champions League last week? Or do you go with the guy whose confidence is likely soaring after breaking the personal duck? Decision time for Max, that's for sure.

4. Keeping an eye on Stefano Sturaro.

When Juventus signed Sturaro for €5 million this summer, the majority of folks said, "Huh?" Sturaro was acquired from Genoa on a permanent basis and loaned right back to them the second the ink dried on his new contract. Even though Juve he just shelled out a decent amount of money for him, we didn't know Sturaro all the well at the time. But now that we're aware that Sturaro actually exists, we know who he is now and we know that he's actually a fairly solid player at the tender age of 21. And while his status for tomorrow night's match is still up in the air after Genoa's 2-1 win over Chievo last weekend, you know he's going to want to try and impress his parent club. Who wouldn't? Simone Zaza certainly likes playing against Juventus...

5. Revenge of the Ale Matri.

In 30 Serie A games with Milan and Fiorentina last season, Matri scored five goals. In seven games (four starts) with Genoa this season, Matri has scored four goals. I'd say it's a pretty good improvement, even if the sample size is still relatively small this year. He's expected to start in the center of Genoa's three-man attack tomorrow night, which means there's the age-old question being brought up once more. Yep, "What kind effect is the Ex Effect going to have?" In two starts against Juventus last season, Matri didn't do much of anything. That could be a sign of how bad Matri was last season, or maybe that's what going to continue to happen as the months and years go by. But we also know that things get a little funny when former Juve players face old teammates.


My starting XI (3-5-2): Buffon; Ogbonna, Bonucci, Chiellini; Lichtsteiner, Vidal, Marchisio, Pogba, Asamoah; Tévez, Morata

OFFICIAL KICKOFF TIME: 8:45 P.M. IN ITALY; 3:45 P.M. ON THE EAST COAST; 12:45 P.M. ON THE WEST COAST

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

Matri: I Want To Score
For Genoa Against Juventus

Oct 29, 2014

Alessandro Matri has admitted he wants to score infront of the Genoa fans to give them a taste of victory over Juventus.

The 30-year-old striker has bagged four goals this season, in seven matches, but all four have come away from the Stadio Luigi Ferraris.

“I really want to score in front of our fans, to thank them for their great affection,” Matri told La giornalaccio rosa dello Sport.

“Some are not happy and this weighs heavy, because the strength of Genoa is the supporters, it is a weapon on their side. Against Juventus it will be crucial.”

Matri has already been on the winning side against Juventus, namely in 2009 with his Cagliari side, then coached by Massimilano Allegri.

“I was nice to play in these games,” he added. “To win was fantastic.

“it was the perfect match. Cagliari won 3-2 with my goal being the winner. You have to take advantage of these occasions, because they don’t happen very often.”

Allegri replaced Matri’s former Juventus coach Antonio Conte on the Bianconeri bench, and the striker believes they made a good choice.

“Conte has proven himself to be the best, and then they replaced him with someone better,” he enthused.

“Allegri is different from Conte and [Genoa coach Gian Piero] Gasperini. They have different characteristics.

“In Gasperini’s case, he asks his attackers to mark people a lot.”

Looking at his career at Juventus, and after, Matri is rather melancholic.

“Looking back at the first title with Juventus, the names of Matri or [Fabio] Quagliarella were not noticed,” he added. “It was a victory for the group. I was the top scorer with 10 goals.

“I sacrifice myself, I do everything for the team. I run, sometimes to the wrong place, but I’ve always been like that since I was a kid, and I will not change.”

Looking ahead to Genoa’s match with Juventus on Wednesday night, the player is optimistic about getting a good result.

“We [Genoa] know we can change out fortunes,” he continued. “Gaining a positive result could change our season.

“Beating Juventus at the Marassi would trigger something unique with the public as well.”

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

Juventus to rest Pirlo

Oct 29, 2014

Andrea Pirlo will be rested for Juventus’ visit to the Marassi, although it will remain a strong Bianconeri to face Genoa.

The Bianconeri travel to face Genoa on the back of a poor run of results which has seen Massimiliano Allegri’s side pick up just one win in the past four games.

Despite this, the Old Lady is sitting pretty at the top of Serie A, and with a crucial Champions League tie with Olympiacos to be negotiated next midweek, the giornalaccio rosa dello Sport, Corriere dello Sport and Tuttomercatoweb are all in agreement that Pirlo will be given an opportunity to rest tonight.

Paul Pogba is set to make his return to the starting XI after being benched during the win over Palermo, so Claudio Marchisio will take up Pirlo’s role in the centre of the midfield three. Arturo Vidal will complete the trio.

Roberto Pereyra looks likely to lose his place to Stephan Lichtsteiner at right-wing-back according to the giornalaccio rosa, and Corriere dello Sport believes that Carlos Tevez and Fernando Llorente will continue their partnership up front.

Goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon will make his 500th appearance for the Turin giants, while injuries to Andrea Barzagli and Martin Caceres mean that the back three will once again be comprised of Leonardo Bonucci, Giorgio Chiellini and Angelo Ogbonna.


Probable Juventus starting XI to face Genoa: Buffon; Ogbonna, Bonucci, Chiellini; Lichtsteiner, Vidal, Marchisio, Pogba, Asamoah; Llorente, Tevez

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

Bertolacci: Genoa Can Beat Juventus

Oct 29, 2014

Genoa midfielder Andrea Bertolacci believes that Genoa can beat Italian champions Juventus.

In last season’s corresponding fixture Genoa were beaten by Juve 1-0 thanks to a last minute Andrea Pirlo freekick, but Bertolacci thinks they can go one better on Wednesday evening.

“We will need luck on our side but we can beat Juve.” Bertolacci told Tuttomercatoweb

“Last season Buffon saved a penalty and there was a moment of magic by Pirlo late on that denied us.

“Compared to last season we are a better team, certainly in terms of attack.

“To close the technical gap between the two teams we have to have more appetite than them and play as a team.

“We are preparing mentally and physically, in the knowledge that we will have to face the Italian champions.

“Even though Juve lost Conte this season they still have a great coach in Allegri and I do not think they are any weaker.”

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: Coaching At Juventus
Helped Me Shape My Genoa Team

Oct 29, 2014

Genoa tactician Gian Piero Gasperini is grateful for his experiences running youth team at Juventus, which he says have helped him mould his side.

The coach has fond memories of his time with the Bianconeri during the 1970s and is convinced this is the secret of his own success.

“Incredible training facilities and an impressive work ethic is Juve’s real strength,” explained Gasperini in an interview with Tuttosport.

“Thanks to this [experience], I have been able to rebuild Genoa.”

The Grifone coach also brushed off issues he has had with some sections of the Genoa faithful.

“On Wednesday I’m certain I will see all the things that I like about this club, including the fans. They have never insisted on winning, just that we give a great performance as we did last year.”

Genoa face Juventus at the Stadio Luigi Ferraris on Wednesday evening, having lost just once in their last five matches.

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

Line-ups: Genoa-Juventus

Oct 29, 2014

Juventus mark a Gigi Buffon milestone and Gian Piero Gasperini surprises in a tricky trip to Genoa.

Last season this game was decided by a last-gasp Andrea Pirlo free kick to break hearts at Marassi, but the veteran midfielder is rested with Claudio Marchisio taking on his deep-lying playmaker position.

Juve are three points clear at the top of the table, but confidence is still shaky after two consecutive Champions League defeats and a 1-1 draw at Sassuolo in their last Serie A away game.

Andrea Barzagli, Patrice Evra, Martin Caceres and Simone Pepe are out of action.

Buffon will be wearing a special captain’s armband to mark his 500th appearance in a Juventus jersey and does so against the club he supported as a child.

Genoa miss Ioannis Fetfatzidis and Tomas Rincon, but fought back on Sunday for a 2-1 victory away to 10-man Chievo.

Alessandro Matri was on target, but is surprisingly benched in favour of Mauricio Pinilla against his former club and the Coach he worked with at both Cagliari and Milan.

It was Massimiliano Allegri who tempted Matri away from Turin to join Milan, though the striker has been on a series of disappointing loan spells ever since.

Stefano Sturaro failed a fitness test, a disappointment as Juventus bought him in July and immediately handed the midfielder back to Genoa on loan.

A huge shock from Gasperini is picking 17-year-old Rolando Mandragora from the start in his Serie A debut.

The pitch at the Stadio Luigi Ferraris is still in very poor condition after recent flash floods in the city that killed one man near the stadium and left many homeless.


Genoa: Perin; Marchese, De Maio, Burdisso, Rosi, Mandragora, Greco, Antonelli, Bertolacci, Pinilla, Perotti

Genoa bench: Kucka, Mussis, Lestienne, Antonini, Sommariva, Falque, Matri, Lamanna, Edenilson, Roncaglia, Izzo



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

Juventus bench: Storari, Rubinho, Romulo, Marrone, Padoin, Pirlo, Mattiello, Pereyra, Morata, Coman, Giovinco

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

Team News: Juventus make two changes

Oct 29, 2014

Juventus manager Massimo Allegri has made two changes to his side for this evening's Serie A match against Genoa.

Paul Pogba and Stephan Lichtsteiner both return to the starting lineup after featuring from the bench in Sunday's 2-0 win against Palermo.

Meanwhile, Mauricio Pinilla leads the Genoa attack after scoring the winner for his side in their 2-1 win against Chievo at the weekend.

Diego Perotti will join him up front, but on-loan AC Milan striker Alessandro Matri drops to the bench.


Genoa: Perin, De Maio, Burdisso, Marchese, Antonelli, Greco, Mandragora, Rosi, Bertolacci, Pinilla, Perotti

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

Genoa start 17-year-old Mandragora

Oct 29, 2014

Gian Piero Gasperini pulled a huge surprise on Juventus, starting 17-year-old Rolando Mandragora on his Serie A debut.

The match kicks off tonight at 19.45 GMT, click here for the line-ups.

Nobody expected Mandragora to be in the starting XI at Marassi for this huge game, but Gasperini has taken a gamble on the young Italian.

Born in Scampia, the most impoverished and notorious quarter of Naples, he only turned 17 on June 29 and is therefore the youngest player to feature in Serie A this season.

He is a midfielder in the Thiago Motta vein, so Gasperini hopes to bring back some of that magic from his previous Genoa side.

Rolly comes from a football family, as his father is the technical director of the Naples football school owned by Paolo and Fabio Cannavaro.

Despite that, he was turned down in trials with Juventus, Roma, Palermo and Atalanta at the age of 13.

Genoa promoted him to the senior squad over the summer and he is being thrown straight in at the deep end against the Serie A leaders.

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

HT 0-0: Woodwork denies Juve

Oct 29, 2014

Genoa are frustrating Juventus at half-time, holding out thanks to Mattia Perin and the woodwork.

The Bianconeri were seeking a boost on their travels after a 1-1 at Sassuolo and two consecutive Champions League defeats. Gigi Buffon wore a special armband to mark his 500th official game in a Juventus jersey, but Andrea Barzagli, Patrice Evra, Martin Caceres and Simone Pepe were injured. Genoa missed Tomas Rincon and Ioannis Fetfatzidis, but made some very surprising decisions. Mauricio Pinilla was preferred to Alessandro Matri and 17-year-old Rolando Mandragora got his Serie A debut.

The pitch at Marassi was still in dire condition after recent floods in the city that left one man dead and many homeless.

Mattia Perin got down for a crucial one-handed save on Carlos Tevez after Leandro Greco accidentally sparked a Paul Pogba counter-attack. Juve dominated possession, but struggled to break through.

Fernando Llorente clipped the outside of the near post after spinning on the spot.


Genoa 0-0 Juventus (Half-Time)

Genoa: Perin; Marchese, De Maio, Burdisso; Rosi, Mandragora, Greco, Antonelli, Bertolacci; Pinilla, Perotti

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

Ref: Mazzoleni

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

[Socrates 8516]

GENOA - JUVENTUS

1 - 0

L. Antonini 90'+

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

Genoa 1-0 Juventus: Champions'
unbeaten start comes to an end

Luca Antonini scored in the dying minutes to give the home side
the victory and ensure the visitors' winning run came to an end.

Oct 29, 2014

Genoa shocked Juventus 1-0 to hand the champions their first league loss since March and sour Gianluigi Buffon's 500th Serie A appearance.
Luca Antonini bundled the winner home from six yards in the 94th minute and, with just 20 seconds of stoppage time remaining, there was no way back for Massimiliano Allegri's men.

Genoa substitute Alessandro Matri - formerly of Juve - drew the attention of two defenders and cut-back to the unmarked Antonini, who saw his unconvincing effort hit the back of the net despite the best efforts of the desperate visitors.

It was a cruel way for Buffon's milestone match to end as a tired Juve lost just their second league match of 2014.

Juve were twice denied by the woodwork on Wednesday, with Fernando Llorente firing into the base of the left post midway through the first half.

Defender Angelo Ogbonna lifted over Genoa goalkeeper Mattia Perin in the 70th minute, but saw his effort hit the post after the hosts were caught napping at the back.

And those close-calls came back to haunt Juve - playing their fourth match in 12 days - as Antonini netted a dramatic winner.

Juventus remain top of the league, but second-placed Roma beat Cesena to join them on 22 points.

Buffon wore a special captain's armband that simply read '500' for a Juventus side which brought Paul Pogba and Stephan Lichtsteiner back to the starting line up, while Matri started on the bench for the hosts - despite scoring in their 2-1 win at Chievo on Sunday.

After a slow start, Juve - controlling possession - finally turned the screw in the 22nd minute, as Carlos Tevez cut inside and forced a good save from Perin when he tried to fire into the bottom-right corner.

Llorente was next to go close, but shot into the woodwork after showing good control to shield an opponent.

Tevez and Pogba saw efforts from distance go wide as half-time approached and the off-target efforts continued after the break, with Lichtsteiner and Leonardo Bonucci the next culprits.

Buffon made his first save of the night in the 64th minute, tipping a swerving Giovanni Marchese effort over the bar, while at the other end, substitute Alvaro Morata played in Tevez - only for him to smash over from 20 yards.

Ogbonna then had his near miss after he reacted quickest to a header back into the box, only to see his effort come back off the post.

Morata forced a tidy stop from Perin from an acute angle in the 84th minute, and the goalkeeper went one better as the final whistle approached, reacting quickly to excellently tip another effort from the Spaniard over.

And Perin's saves proved crucial as his side stormed forward in the dying minutes, with Matri squaring it to Antonini who was able to knock it home for his first league goal of the season and give Genoa a famous win.

Juve's first league defeat of the season coupled with Roma's 2-0 win over Cesena on the same night sees the two teams level on points at the top of the Italian top flight.

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

[Socrates 8516]

GENOA - JUVENTUS

1 - 0

L. Antonini 90'+

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

Juventus crash in Genoa

Juventus suffered their first defeat of the season,
falling at the death to Genoa despite dominating the match.

Oct 29, 2014

The Bianconeri were seeking a boost on their travels after a 1-1 at Sassuolo and two consecutive Champions League defeats. Gigi Buffon wore a special armband to mark his 500th official game in a Juventus jersey, but Andrea Barzagli, Patrice Evra, Martin Caceres and Simone Pepe were injured. Genoa missed Tomas Rincon and Ioannis Fetfatzidis, but made some very surprising decisions. Mauricio Pinilla was preferred to Alessandro Matri and 17-year-old Rolando Mandragora got his Serie A debut.

The pitch at Marassi was still in dire condition after recent floods in the city that left one man dead and many homeless.

Mattia Perin got down for a crucial one-handed save on Carlos Tevez after Leandro Greco accidentally sparked a Paul Pogba counter-attack. Juve dominated possession, but struggled to break through.

Fernando Llorente clipped the outside of the near post after spinning on the spot, while after the restart Leonardo Bonucci’s header skimmed the woodwork.

Genoa came out of their shell as the game wore on and Buffon had to palm a strange Giovanni Marchese lob out from under the bar.

However, Angelo Ogbonna sprung the offside trap and incredibly toe-poked it on to the woodwork from 10 yards.

Alvaro Morata came off the bench and made an immediate impact, twice forcing Perin into spectacular saves – one at the near post and a brilliant one-handed stop at the top corner.

Just as Genoa seemed content to hold on for dear life, they snatched victory at the death. It was a counter-attack and the Alessandro Matri cross went past Buffon, allowing Luca Antonini to bundle over the line from point-blank range!


Genoa: Perin; Marchese, De Maio, Burdisso; Rosi (Antonini 81), Mandragora (Kucka 69), Greco, Antonelli, Bertolacci; Pinilla (Matri 87), Perotti

Juventus: Buffon; Ogbonna, Bonucci, Chiellini; Lichtsteiner, Vidal (Pereyra 80), Marchisio, Pogba, Asamoah; Tevez, Llorente (Morata 65)

Ref: Mazzoleni

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

[Socrates 8516]

GENOA - JUVENTUS

1 - 0

L. Antonini 90'+

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

Genoa 1-0 Juventus: Antonini Ends Old
Lady’s Unbeaten Run At The Death

Oct 29, 2014

Genoa beat Juventus 1-0 at the Stadio Luigi Ferraris on Wednesday evening in Serie A action.

Juventus were looking to continue their unbeaten start to the season at the summit of the league table, while Genoa were looking to consolidate their position in the top half of the table after an optimistic start to the season.

However, it was Genoa who took all three points in the last minute of stoppage time as Alessandro Matri cut back for Luca Antonini to easily finish into the back of an empty net.

Both sides looked positive in the early exchanges of possession although both sides struggled to command a presence in the final third.

Juventus’ Stephan Lichtsteiner had the first attempt of goal with a his shot taking a dangerous deflection, resulting in the ball dipping towards Mattia Perin’s goal, although the shot dipped too late to test the young ‘keeper.

Andrea Bertolacci got forward well from midfield for the home side and turned under pressure from the Juventus defence and nearly found the foot of Mauricio Pinilla but with the Chilean stretching to make contact, the ball drifted out of play.

As the first half progressed the home side gained momentum and held spells of dominance, however against the run of play, Paul Pogba found Carlos Tevez free on the left flank and Argentinian stuck the palms of Perin with a curling effort from the edge of the box before ball was cleared to safety at the expence of a corner.

Kwadwo Asamoah found Fernando Llorente in the middle of the Genoa box and the Spainiard showed great strength to turn Nicolas Burdisso, coming close after hitting the outside of the post with a low drive.

Diego Perotti gathered the ball on the right flank for the Griffone and crossed to find Bertolacci free on the edge of the box but could not make a clean contract with the ball as the ball was scuffed towards goal.

Pogba looked lively in the centre of midfield and ran past debutant Rolando Mandragora, shooting from range as his shot sailed high and wide as the Old Lady gained momentum in the final 15 minutes of the first half.

Leonardo Bonucci had an opportunity from a free kick in a promising area but his effort was poor and was deflected out for a corner which was easily cleared by the Genoa defence as Juventus continued to lack the cutting edge in front of goal.

The defender should have hit the target again early in the first half with a free header following a corner but headed wide when the ball should have nestled into the top corner.

Genoa continued to frustrate Juventus as the Bianconeri struggled to break down the Rossoblu defence, with the home side nearly finding the net if Perotti could have made contact with a Luca Antonelli cross.

Gianluigi Buffon, who was making his 500th league appearance for the Bianconeri, remained untested until the 63rd minute with a long range effort being easily tipped over by the 36-year-old veteran.

Juventus moved up a gear and hit the bar when the ball fell to Angelo Ogbonna, breaking the offside trap following a corner, but lifted the ball over Perin and onto the bar before the 21-year-old goalkeeper pounced on the loose ball.

Genoa dropped deeper as the Old Lady fought to take the lead and Perin again came to the rescue, saving an effort from Alvaro Morata who shot from a tight angle.

Perin saved superbly again just moments later with a reflex save from Morata, tipping the ball over the bar from a powerful shot.

Genoa dramatically won the game with the last kick of the match when Matri managed to cut back to find Antonini free in the box, finishing comfortably into the empty net.

The result sees Juventus’ unbeaten record come to an end as Roma move level at the top.

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

[Socrates 8516]

GENOA - JUVENTUS

1 - 0

L. Antonini 90'+

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

Luca Antonini's late winner
helps Genoa upset Juventus

Oct 29, 2014

Luca Antonini scored deep into stoppage-time as Genoa spoiled Gianluigi Buffon's 500th appearance for Juventus with a 1-0 win at the Stadio Luigi Ferraris.

The 36-year-old goalkeeper was wearing a special armband to commemorate the milestone but was largely untroubled until Antonini bundled home at the death to hand the home side a dramatic victory and end Juve's unbeaten start to the Serie A season.

Angelo Ogbonna hit the post for Juve in the second half and substitute Alvaro Morata had two good late chances but the champions never hit full stride and were punished as Roma's win against Cesena saw their advantage at the summit disappear.

Juventus had most of the early possession and had the first real chance as a corner was cleared but only as far as Stephan Lichsteiner whose shot from distance took a deflection off Giovanni Marchese and dipped just over the bar.

Genoa were proving to be more than mere spectators, though, and had a chance of their own moments later when Andrea Bertolacci provided a diagonal ball into the box which a stretching Mauricio Pinilla just failed to get a foot to.

Juve were beginning to find their feet and Carlos Tevez tested Mattia Perin as he cut in from the left and unleashed a curling shot which the goalkeeper saw behind.

Moments later it was Fernando Llorente worrying the home side when he gathered the ball with his back to goal but did well to turn and beat his man and get a shot away which hit the outside of the post.

Paul Pogba, this week nominated for the Ballon d'Or, then unleashed a shot from all of 25 yards but it flew high and wide as the teams went into the break level.

The visitors continued to have more of the ball in the early stages of the second half but Genoa did well to stifle them and they were limited to two Leonardo Bonucci headers from corners that missed the target.

Buffon had had little to do on his big night but was alert to tip over a long-range half-volley before Juve found another gear.

First Tevez did well to wriggle free of his marker and fire a shot over before substitute Morata was brilliantly challenged by 17-year-old debutant Rolando Mandragora when he was about to pull the trigger from 12 yards.

And moments later they had the best chance of the lot as a dinked ball over the top found Ogbonna who was just onside but the centre-half saw his hook over Perin come back off the post.

Both sides looked to be struggling for inspiration as the game entered its final moments but with seven minutes remaining Morata burst down the left and brought a smart save out of Perin from a tight angle.

Morata had an even better chance two minutes from time as a Tevez backheel found him eight yards out but Perin made the save of the night to help set up a stunning finish.

Bertolacci's ball forward was gathered by Alessandro Matri and he squared for Antonini who bundled the ball over the line to send the home crowd into raptures.

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

[Socrates 8516]

GENOA - JUVENTUS

1 - 0

L. Antonini 90'+

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

Allegri: 'Juve should've held on'

Oct 29, 2014

Max Allegri told off Juventus for their last-gasp defeat to Genoa, which put Roma on a par with the Serie A leaders.

“We played on a simply awful pitch. You cannot play football on that field. Secondly, the only thing my team got was in the final 20 seconds,” he told Sky Sport Italia after the 1-0 result at Marassi.

“I have said before that Scudetti are also earned with draws. We fought hard and tried everything to win, but we can’t concede right at the death. To win the title you don’t need 108 points, but just one more than the team in second place.

“Do everything to win, but if you hit the woodwork, see some great saves and are 30 seconds from the end, try not to lose.

“We leave here with regrets, as we were six against two on that counter and conceded a goal. That has to make us think and improve in terms of maturity.”

Juve have a poor away record recently, drawing 1-1 at Sassuolo, losing at Genoa and defeated 1-0 in both Champions League games outside Turin.

“I am not worried, despite the statistics. Against Sassuolo we did everything possible and a draw can happen, tonight we did everything and conceded right at the end.

“We had a good advantage of three points, especially as we have the head-to-head in our favour, so we should’ve controlled that advantage better.

“Just as it was an important point against Sassuolo, we should’ve picked up an important point here. When Genoa had the ball, we should’ve focused on defending, not trying to create another chance to go forward. I hope this can serve as a lesson for the future, as it’s practically impossible to win every game, so every point counts.”

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

[Socrates 8516]

GENOA - JUVENTUS

1 - 0

L. Antonini 90'+

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

Genoa 1 - Juventus 0: Initial
reaction and random observations

Oct 29, 2014

There's no really take time relax and take in a long introduction, so I'll just describe Juventus' game against Genoa in one handy two-second long video.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zs7PmoHpNhA

And, for the record, this video was placed in this here post before Juventus allowed Genoa to score virtually out of nothing in the 93 minute and steal all three points. But now that we know that Genoa handed Juventus their first loss of the season with a last-gasp goal — offsides, by the way — the above video seems a little more appropriate.

Are these kind of nights going to happen to every club sooner or later? Yeah, probably, no matter how much we dislike it. For some clubs, like those who will be battling relegation each and every season, it's much more of a regular occurrence than top-of-the-table teams like Juventus. But Juventus had been seemingly asking for it with how poorly they played against Genoa all night. Juve were bad, really bad.

In short: Juventus shouldn't have lost, but with the way they played, they deserved to. And guess what? They did lose. They way they've been playing lately, they deserved to lose. You can only play with fire for so long and not get torched by it. That's what happened to Juventus Wednesday night, and I'm probably the only one who isn't all that surprised.

JuventusFC ✔ @juventusfcen
#Allegri: "You can't concede in the last 30 seconds. We need to take heed of tonight's result and learn from it."

I agree, Max. Now go out and prove your words have meaning.


Random thoughts and observations

I'll just go ahead and say what I did on the BWRAO Twitter account right after the game: Maybe Juventus shouldn't play like absolute dog (crap) so that these kind of things aren't even possible. Just an idea.

This is the fourth straight game coming out of the international break where Juve haven't looked very good at all. Let's just go ahead and say it: They need something to try and get the good vibes going again. Maybe it's a shift in tactics and formation — OMG 3-5-2 vs. 4-3-3 debate returns! — or maybe it's just a swift kick in the ass, I don't know. But something needs to change because the current formula has the most talented team in Serie A playing well under its potential. Like not even close to it.

If Álvaro Morata isn't one of Juventus' starting strikers this weekend — and for the immediate future after the visit to Empoli, too — then there's going to be some hell to pay. Take a gander at the way Juventus' attack looked before Morata came on and after Fernando Llorente was subbed off for his fellow Spaniard.

I am not ashamed to admit it: Consider me a Mattia Perin fanboy. That save on Morata in the second half was simply superb. The guy is definitely the future of Italian goalkeeping, but he's not too bad in the present, either.

Did anybody see Arturo Vidal do anything today? I mean, he was in the starting lineup, but I didn't see him doing much of anything at all out there.

Juventus were clearly struggling and Allegri made one sub (Morata) through the first 75 minutes of Wednesday night's loss. It's not like I've got any offers to manage in Serie A or anything, but one could surmise by watching Juventus' performance against Genoa that they need some kind of spark. And that's more than just bringing on Morata in the second half. Much, much more.

Maybe it's just me, but as that game went on, it cried out for Andrea Pirlo. Juventus were struggling in midfield and the only change was to bring on Roberto Pereyra with less than 10 minutes to go. Don't know about that one, Max.

What a way for Gigi Buffon to ring in his 500th Juventua appearance. He barely does anything all game and then sees his defense absolutely lose its mind and concede a goal with less than a minute remaining. I think Buffon's face as he shook hands with players after the game said it all.

Juventus is still atop the Serie A table. Hey, that's some good news in case you thought this post was just hundreds of words put together into setences courtesy of a venting writer.

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

[Socrates 8516]

GENOA - JUVENTUS

1 - 0

L. Antonini 90'+

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

Juve's Overconfidence Backfires vs. Genoa

Oct 29, 2014

Juventus travelled to Genoa on Wednesday evening, the Italian champions knowing they had opened up a three-point lead over the rest of Serie A. Their 2-0 win over Palermo on Sunday stretched the gap to nearest rivals AS Roma, but the Bianconeri were aware they were facing a difficult opponent.

The Grifone began the day in ninth place, losing just twice so far in 2014-15 and unbeaten in their three previous fixtures. Massimiliano Allegri was prepared for a tough encounter, noting in his pre-match press conference that “Genoa are a team which has lost only once in the last seven games,” per the club’s official website.

The coach went on to add that they “play attractive football, like to attack and show decent movement up front” under former Juve youth team boss Gian Piero Gasperini. With Alessandro Matri telling La giornalaccio rosa dello Sport the Genoa fans would be “a weapon on our side,” (h/t Football Italia), the Bianconeri faced a difficult test.

Eventually that would prove to be the case, the home side netting an injury time winner, leaving the Turin giants hugely disappointed to have failed to meet that challenge. Over the following pages in a look at the winners and losers from the match, focusing on the performances of some key individuals.


Winner: Gigi Buffon (Juventus)

The storyline in the build-up to the game was undoubtedly the fact it represented Gigi Buffon’s 500th appearance for Juventus, becoming only the fourth player in history to surpass that milestone. The club captain moved to Turin back in 2001, his £32.6 million transfer fee still a record sum for a goalkeeper.

He enjoyed a relatively quiet match, Genoa rarely getting forward and mustering only three shots on target during the 90 minutes. The result may not have gone his way, but Buffon should still be proud of his incredible achievement.


Winner: Mattia Perin (Genoa)

If Buffon deserves credit for his remarkable career, his opposite number draws praise for his performance on the night. Mattia Perin made a string of saves to deny Juventus, turning in an excellent display in front of the Italy legend.

While Gasperini was reluctant to compare the two goalkeepers, he did praise Perin at his pre-match press conference. The Genoa coach told reporters (h/t Football Italia) that the 21-year-old was “a real protagonist in Serie A.”


Winner: Rolando Mandragora (Genoa)

While their was a familiar air to the Juventus line-up, Gasperini sprung a major surprise by opting to start Rolando Mandragora in midfield for Genoa. In making his debut against the reigning champions, the 17-year-old became the youngest player to feature in Serie A this term.

He did well too, WhoScored showing he made four tackles and one interception, and won two aerial duels. Certainly a player to watch as the season unfolds, he looks like a promising prospect in midfield.


Loser: Massimiliano Allegri (Juventus)

Had Perin not been in such great form, Juventus would surely have emerged from this encounter with all three points. Sadly for them he was, and the blame for this defeat is likely to fall upon the shoulders of Massimiliano Allegri.

The Juventus boss has continued to persevere with the 3-5-2 formation so beloved by Antonio Conte, but within that framework the team appears to lack a cutting edge. He switched to a 4-2-3-1 against Palermo and instantly saw a much more potent looking attack, yet retreated for the familiar shape here once again.

The change away from the back three seems essential, and the 47-year-old can expect to be heavily criticised in the coming days.

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

[Socrates 8516]

GENOA - JUVENTUS

1 - 0

L. Antonini 90'+

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

Player Ratings

Genoa 1-0 Juventus

Oct 29, 2014

Genoa defeated Juventus 1-0 at the Stadio Luigi Ferraris thanks to a goal in the third minute of stoppage time by Luca Antonini.

Juventus had several opportunities to take the lead throughout the game, but were continually stymied by poor shooting and Genoa goalkeeper Mattia Perin.

Second half substitute Antonini made sure all three points went to the home side as he tapped in a pass from Alessandro Matri; though replays showed Antonini may have been offside.

Did we get our ratings right? Let us know in the comments below.

Genoa

Mattia Perin – 8 – Brilliant - Great save from a Carlos Tevez strike in first half. Outstanding when called upon. Denied Morata to keep Genoa’s hopes alive.

Giovanni Marchese – 6 – Challenger - Put in some strong challenges. Had a strong cross that Juve only just dealt with in the second half as he got into the attack.

Nicolas Burdisso – 6 – Stopper - Took Llorente out of the game and played a solid 90 minutes.

Sebastien De Maio – 6 – Clever - Made good defensive decisions but was helped by poor Juventus finishing.

Aleandro Rosi – 6 – Silencer - Silenced Asamoah for most of the night. Did little in the attack, but defended well.

Luca Antonelli – 6 – Defended - Passing is not his strong suit and he had a poor night in this area. Made up for it by slowing down Juventus’ attack.

Rolando Mandragora - 6.5 – The future - The 17-year-old had a solid debut. Didn’t do much to stand out above the rest of the Genoa team, however he looks like he will be a valuable player in the future.

Leonardo Greco – 6.5 – Link - A solid game from the ex-Roma man as he played a valuable role in Genoa’s central midfield.

Andrea Bertolacci – 6.5 – Dangerous - Has improved his performances in recent weeks. A good night from the play-maker.

Diego Perotti – 4.5 – Anonymous - Did absolutely nothing on the night. Never got a cross in, never challenged a defender. Last ten minutes of the game were his best.

Mauricio Pinilla – 5.5 – Alone - Limited service on the night. Lost the ball too easily when he did get it, but had little support against Juve’s back three.


Substitutes

Juraj Kucka – 5 – Dull - Despite his experience, wasn’t much of an upgrade to Mandragora.

Luca Antonini – 8 – Genoa hero - Unexpectedly got the game winner in a short cameo appearance.

Alessandro Matri – 6 - Came on later than expected. Set up Antonini for the winner.

Juventus

Gianluigi Buffon – 5.5 – Ill-timed - Had little to do in his 500th appearance, but when he did he conceded.

Angelo Ogbonna – 6.5 – Ball winner - Won the aerial battles against Pinilla all night.

Leonardo Bonucci – 6 – Solid - Defended well, but missed several headed chances on Juventus corners.

Giorgio Chiellini – 6 – Rock - Made a few powerful runs into the attacking third of Genoa. Defended solidly, but was goaded into some silly fouls.

Stephan Lichtsteiner – 5.5 – Tired - Not as rampant up the wing as he typically is. Still pushed the Genoa wing-backs into their defensive third.

Arturo Vidal – 5 – Quiet - Caught on the ball a few times, looked slow and lethargic. Not a typical Vidal night.

Claudio Marchisio – 6 – Smooth - Won some important fouls, ran the Juventus midfield.

Paul Pogba – 6.5 – Cool - Good when on the ball, but didn’t get forward enough.

Kwadwo Asamoah – 6 – Runner - Ran his socks off on the left wing. Continually took Aleandro Rosi out of the Genoa attack.

Fernando Llorente – 5- Poor - Faded in and out of the game. Never made a real impact. Heavy touch all night.

Carlos Tevez – 7 – Industrious - Typical Tevez night. Didn’t get a lot of service, but saw more of the ball when paired with Morata rather than Llorente.


Substitutes

Alvaro Morata – 6.5 – Improvement - A better performance than Llorente’s. Made Juventus exponentially better in attack.

Roberto Pereyra – 5 – Average - Failed to impact the game as a substitute.

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

[Socrates 8516]

GENOA - JUVENTUS

1 - 0

L. Antonini 90'+

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

Allegri: We played on an unfit pitch

The Bianconeri boss lashed out at the playing surface and his troops for getting caught
on the break in the dying seconds as they lost for the first time in Serie A this season.

Oct 29, 2014

Massimiliano Allegri blasted the Luigi Ferraris pitch and his side's refusal to settle for a draw after Juventus suffered a shock 1-0 loss at Genoa on Wednesday night.

The Bianconeri bossed the game in Liguria but suffered a first Serie A defeat of the season by conceding an injury-time goal to Luca Antonini.

Allegri was furious that his side had been caught on the break in the dying seconds, particularly as he would have been more than happy with a point from a game staged on a poor playing surface.

"We played on an unfit pitch," the former AC Milan boss told reporters. "One cannot play like this.

"But we can only regret the last 30 seconds. To win the championship, you also need to draw games. One point can be difference between first and second.

"We fought on level terms with Genoa but now this result must act as a lesson for us.

"Tonight, between the posts, the crossbar and Mattia Perin's saves, we could have gone away with a 0-0 draw lamenting the fact that we didn't win.

"Therefore, to have lost leaves a bitter taste in the mouth. But tonight we must grow in terms of our maturity level.

"But there are still a lot of games to go. We've not ruined anything. A draw would have been important, as it was at Sassuolo.

"We thought only of going for the winning goal but in football it's also important to know how to defend.

"That kind of risk should not be there, particularly 30 seconds from the end.

"But we must take the positives. It wasn't a knockout game and we're not out of anything."

Juve's defeat at Genoa allowed Roma to draw level on points with the Old Lady at the summit of the Serie A standings thanks to a 2-0 win over Cesena at the Stadio Olimpico.

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

[Socrates 8516]

GENOA - JUVENTUS

1 - 0

L. Antonini 90'+

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

TEAM RATINGS

Oct 29, 2014

Genoa

1 M. Perin - Made a number of fantastic saves in the second half to keep his side in the game.

15 G. Marchese - Solid defensively and made a couple of important interventions on the edge of the box.

4 S. De Maio - Stayed tight to Llorente for the duration and marshalled his defensive line well.

8 N. Burdisso - Threw himself into every aerial battle and was part of a resilient back three.

87 A. Rosi - Hard-working and combative performance from the wing-back, who ensured that Asamoah had little effect.

38 R. Mandragora - Put in plenty of work rate in the centre of the park, before the youngster had to be substituted due to fatigue. A tireless performance.

19 L. Greco - Picked up a yellow card for a cynical tackle, but covered space well and frustrated the visiting midfield.

13 L. Antonelli - Provided a few good crosses from the left-hand side and stayed resolute defensively.

91 A. Bertolacci - Always a willing runner and outlet to take the pressure off his back three and tested Buffon with a couple of improvised efforts.

9 M. Pinilla - Spurned a great chance at the back post in the first half, but his physical presence made him a real nuisance.

10 D. Perotti - Put in plenty of running to press the Juventus' back three and disrupt their rhythm.


Substitutes

3 L. Antonini - Bundled home the winner deep in stoppage time to give Genoa a memorable three points.

33 J. Kucka - Offered fresh legs in a tiring midfield which remained disciplined and combative until the end.

32 A. Matri - Laid across a good knock-down which allowed Antonini to net the winner.

Juventus

1 G. Buffon - Didn't have a great deal to do, other than claim easy headers and pick the ball out of his net.

5 A. Ogbonna - Struck the top of the left upright in the second half, which should have resulted in Juve taking the lead.

19 L. Bonucci - A constant threat aerially in the opposition box and missed a handful of good chances.

3 G. Chiellini - Strong in the air and went on some gallivanting runs from defence as the Bianconeri became frustrated.

26 S. Lichtsteiner - Worked hard to give Juve width down the right-hand side, but the Swiss couldn't provide a good final ball.

23 A. Vidal - Had a couple of half chances in the early stages, but faded slightly in terms of arriving late on the edge of the box.

8 C. Marchisio - Offered additional intensity in midfield in place of Pirlo, but lacked the refined edge to carve Genoa apart.

6 Paul Pogba - Looked the most likely to make something happen, showing some lovely touches of skill in the second half too.

22 K. Asamoah - Tried to offer an outlet down the left-hand side, but was frustrated by Rosi for long periods.

10 C. Tévez - Went on plenty of driving runs, but his shooting was either poor or charged down well.

14 Llorente - Held the ball up well in the first half and then flashed a near post effort narrowly past the front post.


Substitutes

37 R. Pereyra - Linked up well in midfield on a couple of occasions.

9 Álvaro Morata - Went on a few excellent runs, but was denied by the unbeatable Perin.

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

[Socrates 8516]

GENOA - JUVENTUS

1 - 0

L. Antonini 90'+

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

Gasperini explains Juve surprise

Oct 29, 2014

Gian Piero Gasperini couldn’t help but be “satisfied” after Genoa beat Juventus with a 17-year-old in the starting XI.

The 1-0 result was snatched in stoppages by Luca Antonini, ending the Bianconeri’s unbeaten Serie A record.

“We are happy with the 1-0, as everything went well tonight,” said the Coach in his Press conference.

“We must take it one game at a time and not get too ahead of ourselves, but I will admit I’m satisfied with this victory. We go forward heads down.

“I dedicate this win to all the Genoa fans, as tonight we were able to give them something to celebrate. We cannot always win, but I saw people with smiles on their faces.”

Gasp pulled a big surprise on Juve before kick-off, giving 17-year-old midfielder Rolando Mandragora his Serie A debut.

“I really liked Mandragora’s performance and I never give an opportunity that isn’t deserved. Genoa have always known over the years how to introduce talented young players on to the main stage.

“Considering the absences and the fact Sturaro failed his fitness test, he had the right characteristics to play tonight. I already had been thinking about giving him his debut and all the elements fell into place this evening.

“He is only 17, but already has an important professional mentality. I needed a player with these characteristics and he handled such a big game with aplomb.”

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

[Socrates 8516]

GENOA - JUVENTUS

1 - 0

L. Antonini 90'+

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

Allegri under pressure for first time

The Bianconeri's indifferent recent form came to a head with a late defeat at Genoa,
giving their coach his biggest test since replacing Antonio Conte in the summer.

Oct 30, 2014

The virtues of Luca Antonini were always a well-worn subject during his five years as an AC Milan player.

The full-back was as versatile and willing a player as supporters could wish to see, but for many Milanisti he just didn’t have the quality necessary to be a regular in the red and black shirt.

Of his 111 appearances for Milan, 68 came during the three-year spell he served under Massimiliano Allegri, but it was also the current Juve boss who called time on the Rossoneri youth product’s 14-year career with the club.

On Wednesday night he came back to haunt his former boss, netting the 94th-minute winner for Genoa which ended Allegri’s unbeaten league record as coach of Juventus. And, while the Grifone might have ridden their luck at times, few would begrudge them the three points for their belligerent approach.

While Juventus predictably had most of the ball, Genoa had a greater idea of what to do with it when they had it. Of Juve's 16 shots, only 25 per cent found the target. The home side, in contrast, worked Gianluigi Buffon from three of their four efforts.

A team boasting four former Roma players did their old club a huge favour by expunging the gap at the top of the table with a 1-0 win while the Giallorossi were simultaneously beating Cesena 2-0 at the Stadio Olimpico.

But more than that, they got about Juve. They riled the champions and found a way to knock the all-conquering Bianconeri midfield out of their stride, even in spite of Gian Piero Gasperini’s bold decision to throw 17-year-old debutant Rolano Mandragora in for a true baptism of fire.

The pitch was not conducive to great flowing football, but then that is not necessarily Juve’s bag anyway. True, they have great ability on the ball. But it is more by their overpowering of opponents than their passing style that they have become the undisputed kings of Italy once more in recent years.

While the uneven surface did Allegri’s men no favours, they hardly helped themselves either. Just as they’d looked unconvincing before finally seeing off Palermo at the weekend, neither did they look likely to hit their straps at the Marassi.

Across the middle, Arturo Vidal was off the pace while Claudio Marchisio turned in one of his all-too-regular no-shows. Even Paul Pogba, making his 99th appearance for Juventus, failed to make much of an impact.

And again, Fernando Llorente offered next to nothing in attack. He may well have grabbed his first goal of the season on Sunday, but his general play again lacked any real verve. And while he did strike the outside of the post in the first half, he was unsurprisingly hooked just after the hour mark.

Defender Angelo Ogbonna also hit the frame of the goal when the ball found its way to him from a half-cleared corner. Alvaro Morata twice brought good saves out of Mattia Perin before Antonini scrambled in the last-gasp decider as Juve failed to score for only the second time in 60 league fixtures.

While the Serie A season is only now approaching its quarter-point, it is fair to say that Juventus look as shaky as at any time in the last two seasons. They have netted just three goals in four games and have dropped five points in three league fixtures. Even taking away statistics, the Bianconeri look a somewhat weakened prospect this time around.

“I am not worried, despite the statistics," Allegri insisted to Sky Sport after the game.

"Against Sassuolo we did everything possible and a draw can happen, tonight we did everything and conceded right at the end.

“We had a good advantage of three points over Roma, especially as we have the head-to-head in our favour, so we should’ve controlled that advantage better.

“I hope this can serve as a lesson for the future, as it’s practically impossible to win every game, so every point counts.”

Allegri was always going to hit a roadblock at some point, and it is now that his side has suffered defeat that we will discover what he really has to offer to Juventus. The coming weeks will be a key spell of his early reign at Vinovo. And, with Roma now level pegging at the top of the table, the Bianconeri’s Serie A crown could begin to slip if he doesn’t get it right.

"I can't see Roma slipping up too often so we need to be at the races in order to maintain our stride," Allegri warned earlier this week. And after missing their step against Genoa, it is now up to him to get them back on track.

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

[Socrates 8516]

GENOA - JUVENTUS

1 - 0

L. Antonini 90'+

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

Bonucci: Defeat won't decide title

The Italy international says there is no reason to panic
after Juventus lost their first league game of the season.

Oct 30, 2014

Leonardo Bonucci has urged calm in the wake of Juventus' shock 1-0 Serie A loss at the hands of Genoa on Wednesday evening.

The Turin side appeared to be in control for the majority of the game, but Luca Antonini's late strike meant they left the Stadio Luigi Ferraris empty handed - their first defeat of the Serie A season.

"The league isn’t won or lost now all of a sudden," Bonucci told the official Juventus website.

"But we should have maintained our lead over Roma. Now we’re back level with them and need to turn this match into a positive that will help us to show greater maturity.

"We put in an excellent display in spite of the difficult playing surface and opponents who didn’t give us an inch for 93 and a half minutes. Then, perhaps, we allowed our guard to slip a little as we went all out for the winner. That’s football for you."

Juventus will be looking to return to winning ways on Saturday, when they travel to Empoli.

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

[Socrates 8516]

GENOA - JUVENTUS

1 - 0

L. Antonini 90'+

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

Ogbonna: 'Juve unshakeable'

Oct 30, 2014

Angelo Ogbonna trusts Juventus are “unshakeable” despite seeing their Serie A unbeaten record ended by Genoa.

Last night the Bianconeri lost 1-0 at Marassi and that allowed Roma to catch them at the top of the table on 22 points.

“We are mentally solid and unshakeable,” Ogbonna told Jtv. “We are only in Week 9, as last season we had 22 points and Roma were five in front of us.

“It is only normal that there are big expectations around us, but we are relaxed, knowing we must be concentrated on the finish line.

“We slipped up yesterday, but we immediately have a game against Empoli to make up for it. We will find the same difficulties we had at Genoa, because smaller teams clam up against us and it’s difficult to find spaces.

“We must therefore be wary of counter-attacks and become more clinical.”

The Empoli tie is brought forward to Saturday so that Juventus can prepare for their Champions League clash with Olympiacos in Turin.

“We have a good chance of qualifying and must give our all, but the help of the fans will be fundamental and on Tuesday I really hope they can be our 12th Man.”

Juve lost 1-0 in Athens and are three points adrift of Olympiacos and Atletico Madrid in their Champions League group.

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