Juventus Season 2014-2015

[Socrates 8516]

JUVENTUS - INTER

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Tuesday, January 6th, 2015 - 21:00 PM
Juventus stadium, Turin
Referee: Luca Banti

Juventus - Inter Preview:
Nerazzurri waiting on Podolski clearance

The Germany international has joined the San Siro side on a loan deal from Arsenal
but has yet to receive the green light to make his debut for Roberto Mancini's men.

Jan 5, 2014

Inter are waiting on whether they can select new signing Lukas Podolski for Tuesday's Derby d'Italia at Serie A leaders Juventus.

The Germany international sealed his switch to San Siro from Arsenal over the weekend but was unable to train with his new team-mates due to paperwork not being completed.

It is hoped Podolski can provide increased firepower for Roberto Mancini's team, who have a solitary league win to their name since October.

Yet there have been some encouraging signs since Mancini returned for a second spell at the helm in time for November's 1-1 draw with bitter rivals AC Milan, not least the improved form of Mateo Kovacic.

The Croatia midfielder has been rejuvenated by Mancini's deployment of him in the number 10 role and scored in both the 2-0 triumph at Chievo and 2-2 draw with Lazio as Inter closed their 2014 schedule.

"We hope to perform well against Juventus. We have to give everything because that's the only chance we have of bringing home the three points," Kovacic told a press conference.

"We're ready to face the Bianconeri, who - along with Roma - are the best side in the division. We're preparing well and want to win. We need to be more consistent and it would be great if we could start that process on Tuesday night.

"Obviously games against Juventus and AC Milan are huge but every match is important and Inter need to always try and secure three points."

Juventus' leading marksman Carlos Tevez ended four games without a goal by opening the scoring in the 3-1 win at Cagliari on December 18, before netting a brace ahead of Napoli's penalty shoot-out victory in the Italian Super Cup.

The Argentine's return to form comes ahead of a notable reunion with Mancini, who managed Tevez during three-and-a-half years in charge of Manchester City.

Despite often prolific form on the field, Tevez endured a tempestuous relationship with his boss - infamously culminating in a touchline spat during City's September 2011 Champions League defeat at Bayern Munich that preceded a six-month exile from first-team action.

Massimiliano Allegri, who has experienced comparatively serene dealings with Tevez since taking charge in Turin last July, has no major selection concerns to compound the long-term absences of Martin Caceres, Andrea Barzagli, Kwadwo Asamoah and Romulo.

Mancini must do without Japan's Yuto Nagatomo and Senegal's Ibrahima Mbaye, who are on duty at the Asian Cup and Africa Cup of Nations, respectively.

Nagatomo's absence clears the way for former Torino right-back Danilo D'Ambrosio to continue the impressive form he displayed after breaking into the Inter first team last month.


OPTA FACTS

Juventus and Inter have met 162 times so far in Serie A: the Old lady lead by 77 wins to 45.

Inter have lost more games against Juventus than against any other Serie A opponent.

The Nerazzurri have also conceded 235 goals against the Bianconeri, more than against any other Italian side.

 

LAST FIVE MATCHES

Juventus L W D D D

12/22/14 - Juventus 2 - 2 Napoli
12/18/14 - Cagliari 1 - 3 Juventus
12/14/14 - Juventus 1 - 1 Sampdoria
12/9/14 - Juventus 0 - 0 Atlético Madrid
12/5/14 - Fiorentina 0 - 0 Juventus


Internazionale L D W D L

12/30/14 - Paris Saint-Germain 1 - 0 Internazionale
12/21/14 - Internazionale 2 - 2 Lazio
12/15/14 - Chievo Verona 0 - 2 Internazionale
12/11/14 - Qarabağ Ağdam 0 - 0 Internazionale
12/7/14 - Internazionale 1 - 2 Udinese
 

 

HEAD TO HEAD

2/2/14 - Juventus 3 - 1 Internazionale
9/14/13 - Internazionale 1 - 1 Juventus
8/6/13 - Juventus 1 - 1 Internazionale
3/30/13 - Internazionale 1 - 2 Juventus
11/3/12 - Juventus 1 - 3 Internazionale

 

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

[Socrates 8516]

JUVENTUS - INTER

-

Tuesday, January 6th, 2015 - 21:00 PM
Juventus stadium, Turin
Referee: Luca Banti

Juventus favourite for Derby d'Italia
to compound Inter Milan woes

Jan 5, 2014

Once upon a time the Derby d'Italia was between two of Italy's greatest and strongest clubs. Now it's merely a match pitting superiority vs mediocrity.

Inter are not where they ought to be for a club their size and yet despite their woes, they will be determined to spring a surprise against their most hated of rivals.

The animosity between the two sides is well documented and the pinnacle of hatred was reached when one of Juve's stripped titles -- on account of the role they played in the Calciopoli scandal -- was awarded to Inter in 2006. Demoted and humiliated, the Old Lady strove to earn back her reputation as she watched Inter escape from the wreckage unscathed. Inter felt they deserved the title for their honesty, for remaining clean in the dirty and dishonest world of Italian football.

But Juventus have never quite forgiven their Milanese rivals who achieved both domestic and European glory at a time when the Old Lady could barely afford ambition. A year on from lifting the treble, the greatest feat ever managed by the Nerazzurri, the truth was finally revealed. The Italian Football Federations (FIGC) Chief investigator, Stefano Palazzi found that Inter violated the article relative to sporting fraud which ought to have led to punishments reportedly equal to or worse than what was handed down to Juve.

However, because Palazzi took some time to reach his conclusions, Inter's "Scudetto of Honesty" was not revoked due to the statute of limitations. The FIGC fell over themselves in their attempts to show remorse and their president Giancarlo Abete admitted he hoped Inter "would've foregone the statute of limitations in this case." As he quickly reminded those listening: "There is no statute of limitations on ethics."

Italy has attempted to move on from this shameful fiasco but the reason it is noted here again is to alert the reader to Inter's mismanagement of the situation -- mismanagement that trickled down the club culminating in the disaster we witness on the pitch today. They were guilty of the same errors of judgement committed by most other clubs in Italy but, after keeping their title, have since failed to construct a project worthy of producing results.

On the other side of the coin, Juventus have taken stock of their worst moment in history. They have come back stronger to win the title honestly in the last three seasons.

Yet the upcoming Derby d'Italia brings back painful memories. It is a match Juventus fans always want to win to satisfy their vengeful ways although despite Inter's lowly position in the table (11th), it won't be easy.

Roberto Mancini and Massimiliano Allegri have not crossed paths in Serie A and thus neither coach knows what to expect. Allegri only began to coach in Serie A in 2008 when he was put in charge of Cagliari, a few months after Mancini had left Inter to be replaced by Jose Mourinho.

However, they two coaches do have one thing in common: they both supported Juventus as children and both wanted to take over from Antonio Conte in the summer. Management in Turin considered both men but felt that Mancini possessed a larger than life character that worried a few. They didn't want him to change too much too quickly. So Juve opted for Allegri instead, a man they perceived to be an intelligent tactician whose ideals would be introduced gradually to preserve some of the brilliant work done by his predecessor.

Now the two will face off in what was once regarded as the best match in the Serie A calendar on Tuesday evening, but it won't be an even match as the two squads differ greatly in terms of quality. Despite this, Inter should not be underestimated.

For one thing, they possess a front-line that is capable of scoring goals and only Empoli have proved more efficient from set-pieces than the Nerazzurri. They may not always construct beautiful passages of play but they score even when playing poorly. Their main problems lie in defence as only five teams have conceded more than Mancini's men this term.

While their back-line does lack finesse, their defensive woes are because Inter struggle to act as a unit for the full 90 minutes. Mancini has done well to organise the team but certain critics opine that his constant tinkering has only exacerbated the problem, confusing an already confused squad in the search for balance.

This will work in Juve's favour whose new formation has only enhanced their attacking play. Well rested and determined to start 2015 off on the right foot, Allegri will field his strongest XI but is yet to decide as to whether to pick Alvaro Morata or Fernando Llorente to play alongside Carlos Tevez. On this occasion, Morata may prove to be the better choice as Inter struggle to cope with quick feet and fast movement.

Yet whoever is tasked to play this special game, the instructions are clear -- Inter must be defeated. After the loss to Napoli in the Supercoppa, the Bianconeri have to return to winning ways and success over an historical enemy will only taste all the sweeter.

 

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

[Socrates 8516]

JUVENTUS - INTER

-

Tuesday, January 6th, 2015 - 21:00 PM
Juventus stadium, Turin
Referee: Luca Banti

Podolski to start against Juventus?

Jan 5, 2014

Inter’s Lukas Podolski has a chance of debuting in the Derby d'Italia against Juventus, as clearance on his move from Arsenal is expected.

The Polish-born German international has been unable to train with the Nerazzurri yet, but the transfer is expected to be made official today, as the giornalaccio rosa dello Sport report.

It is understood that Inter and Arsenal yesterday completed the exchange of paperwork and that by lunchtime today the bureaucratic process will be complete.

Subsequently, Coach Roberto Mancini may be able to field the player against Juventus tomorrow evening, when Serie A swings back into action after the winter break.

Podolski is looking for a return to form after his disappointing recent experience in the Premier League, with Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger having now admitted that the player was ‘frustrated’ in London.

Mancini faces the question of whether to insert Podolski from the start in his 4-2-3-1, on the same line as Mateo Kovacic and Hernanes, backed up by Zdravko Kuzmanovic and Gary Medel in the midfield.

The question of who will play as main striker is still uncertain, as FCInterNews believe one between Pablo Osvaldo and Mauro Icardi will take the position, while FantaGazzetta holds that the latter will be shifted to the wing and Rodrigo Palacio will play as a striker – Podolski would then remain on the bench.

Juventus, meanwhile, are still contending with the absences of Kwadwo Asamoah and Romulo, but are expected to field their strongest XI, with the axis of Leonardo Bonucci and Giorgio Chiellini in central defence supporting Andrea Pirlo and Paul Pogba in the midfield.

Coach Max Allegri will likely field a 4-3-1-2 with Arturo Vidal as trequartista and Carlos Tevez flanked by Fernando Llorente in attack.


Probable line-ups

Juventus: Buffon; Lichtsteiner, Bonucci, Chiellini, Evra; Pogba, Pirlo, Marchisio; Vidal; Tevez, Llorente

Inter: Handanovic; Campagnaro, Ranocchia, Juan Jesus, D'Ambrosio; Kuzmanovic, Medel; Hernanes, Kovacic, Podolski; Icardi

 

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

[Socrates 8516]

JUVENTUS - INTER

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Tuesday, January 6th, 2015 - 21:00 PM
Juventus stadium, Turin
Referee: Luca Banti

Preview: Juventus vs. Inter Milan

Jan 5, 2014

Serie A returns from a winter break tomorrow evening with one of Italy's biggest club encounters - a Derby d'Italia between Juventus and Inter Milan.

While it is no surprise to see champions Juventus leading the way at the top of the standings, Inter's struggles have been worrying.

Indeed, the Nerazzurri have won just twice since October and only once following the appointment of Roberto Mancini to helm in November, which sees them down in 11th place.

However, there is reason for optimism ahead of their trip to the Juventus Stadium because they are still just six points adrift of the Champions League places.

In terms of team selection, the match is likely to come too soon for Lukas Podolski, who recently joined from Arsenal. It is anticipated that the paperwork over the German international's move will not be completed in time for him to feature.

Japanese full-back Yuto Nagatomo is on international duty and also unavailable, which is likely to see Danilo D'Ambrosio play at right-back, while Mateo Kovacic is expected to keep the number 10 role that he has flourished in during recent outings.

As for Juventus, Andrea Barzagli, Kwadwo Asamoah and Romulo are all injured, with the sidelining of Asamoah likely to mean that Patrice Evra will continue in the left-back position.

Inter last won at the Juventus Stadium in November 2012, which made them the first away side to ever win at Juve's new home ground.
 

 

Juventus

Form in Serie A: WWWDDW
Form in all competitions: WDDDWD

Possible starting lineup: Buffon; Lichtsteiner, Bonucci, Chiellini, Evra; Pirlo, Pogba, Marchisio, Vidal; Tevez, Llorente

 

 

Inter Milan

Form in Serie A: DDLLWD
Form in all competitions: LLDWDL

Possible starting lineup: Handanovic; D'Ambrosio, Ranocchia, Juan Jesus, Dodo; Guarin, Medel, Kuzmanovic; Kovacic; Icardi, Palacio
 

Sports Mole says: 2-0

 

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

[Socrates 8516]

JUVENTUS - INTER

-

Tuesday, January 6th, 2015 - 21:00 PM
Juventus stadium, Turin
Referee: Luca Banti

Lukas Podolski to be on bench for
Inter Milan vs. Juventus if deal goes through

Jan 5, 2014

Lukas Podolski may have to wait a few more days before making his Inter Milan debut with Roberto Mancini revealing his transfer from Arsenal has not yet gone through.

The Inter Milan coach is still awaiting for the paperwork to be finalised on what is likely to be a loan deal until the end of the season for the World Cup winner, who has already passed his medical in Milan.

Even if the formalities of the deal are ironed out in time for him to feature on Tuesday night when Inter travel to Juventus, Mancini says Podolski would likely be on the substitutes' bench.

"We hope Lukas can help us in the next five months, but he's not trained with us yet and even if [the transfer] does go through in time, he will only be on the bench," Mancini said at a news conference on Monday.

"Podolski has got a great career behind him and he's a player who can give us a great hand."

An Inter debut for Podolski is therefore more likely to come on Sunday evening, when the Nerazzurri host Genoa.

He may not be the only new face to appear in that game either with Mancini admitting he would love to have another new signing available for that game, above all Bayern Munich's Xherdan Shaqiri.

"Shaqiri is another option for us but we don't know what will happen in the next ten days," Mancini said. "We want to take players who can play wide and behind the forwards and Shaqiri can fill those roles.

"He's a young player and certainly he would be an attractive option for us."

 

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

[Socrates 8516]

JUVENTUS - INTER

-

Tuesday, January 6th, 2015 - 21:00 PM
Juventus stadium, Turin
Referee: Luca Banti

Allegri: Sneijder can improve Juventus

Jan 5, 2014

Juventus Coach Massimiliano Allegri admits the Old Lady are looking at Wesley Sneijder, and believes the Dutchman would improve his side.

The Galatasaray playmaker has been linked with a move to the Bianconeri in recent days, with the Turkish side seemingly opening the door for a transfer.

Speaking in his Press conference ahead of tomorrow evening’s match with Inter, Allegri discussed the former Nerazzurri playmaker.

“I’ve spoken with the club and we have some very clear ideas,” the Coach informed journalists.

“The other teams have already made their moves, but reinforcing Juventus isn't a simple task. I think you can reinforce and also complete. It's not a secret, we're looking for an offensive playmaker and a defender, so I think that's where Juventus will move over January.

“It makes no difference whether they get here in three days, in one week or on January 30. The sooner the better, of course, so they can start fitting in.

“But for the moment the most important thing, I think, is having recovered everyone from injury, and especially having come back with drive after one week of holiday, because we needed that. I don't mind January for the mercato operations, I only mind it if we're not winning. As long as we're doing that, the mercato can stay open till June for all I care.

“About Sneijder, let's see if he comes before speculating on where he'll play. For the moment he's still a player with Galatasaray.

“The objective for Juventus has to be that of improving the team. And to improve on the technical level we must get players who are, qualitatively speaking, at the same level as those we already have, or even better.

“I think this team has the possibility of improving, regardless of the characteristics of the players. Sneijder of course has some great technical qualities and he's proven that over his career.

“He'd be completing a strong midfield, which would also create competition in that department, and that's important.

“January is a strange market. We have to be realistic and see which players we can get, and some of those can’t play in the Champions League.

“That’s not to say the Champions League is a secondary goal, because it’s a primary goal.

“When we prepare to face Borussia Dortmund we’re not doing it just to play two games, but to progress, because I think this team has the ability to progress in the Champions League.

“We’re convinced of that, because we showed it in the group stage.”

The former Milan Coach then turned his attentions to tomorrow’s fixture, and warned that Inter are better than their 11th place position would suggest.

“I'm nervous about Inter because they are a good team, an excellent team, with some individual players that can decide the match and make important plays.

“Kovacic, in spite of his young age, is in my view a player with a brilliant future ahead of him. He has some extraordinary qualities, I think he's one of very few players in the world that can execute a dribble on the first touch.

“All of their players are of excellent quality – Icardi, Palacio, Guarin, Ranocchia himself.

“They fell on some hard times in terms of results, but I think the team lately has been changing, they found greater confidence in themselves and the qualities of the players will emerge.

“As for my personal memories in terms of the derbies against Inter, I started out well, I won three of them, then I lost three. So it didn't go too well.”

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

[Socrates 8516]

JUVENTUS - INTER

-

Tuesday, January 6th, 2015 - 21:00 PM
Juventus stadium, Turin
Referee: Luca Banti

Juventus vs. Inter Milan: Issues and Decisions
That Will Shape Serie A Game

Jan 5, 2014

Clashes between Juventus and Inter have always been keenly felt, with the tie dubbed “The Derby of Italy” by the great Gianni Brera. The famous journalist gave that label to their meetings back in the 1960’s when the pair were Italy’s most successful clubs.

While the rise of Milan may have quashed that particular aspect, there is no doubting that a series of controversial meetings over the last two decades have infused the match up with plenty of vitriol. Add in the Calciopoli scandal, which saw the Bianconeri relegated and their rivals handed the 2006 league title, and it is no surprise to see the fixture as one of Serie A’s most eagerly awaited.

Juve defender Leonardo Bonucci—a product of the Nerazzurri youth sector—discussed the importance of the game with the club’s in-house TV channel, telling them (h/t Football Italia):

We must start again strong, and the upcoming Derby d'Italia inspires great feelings in the tifosi – but we feel it even more strongly, because we must continue the positive streak that made us the League's protagonists of the last few years.

Adding that a win was essential for the Bianconeri to “keep our distance from Roma,” it is clear Massimiliano Allegri will be hoping for three points when the sides meet at Juventus Stadium. Over the following pages is a look at the key issues and decisions that could decide the result on Tuesday evening.


How Will the Super Cup Defeat Affect Juventus?

One major factor in this match could be the impact of the Super Cup defeat on Juventus, Massimiliano Allegri losing for only the fourth time since taking charge of the club. The coach is convinced that loss to Napoli—reviewed here—will not derail their season and insists he is happy with the progress his side is making.

“Saying that everything's going smoothly would be presumptuous, but we're on the right path,” Allegri told La Stampa (h/t Football Italia) last week. “The Supercup [lost to Napoli] does not spoil five months of work, though I'm regretful about the way it went.”

Ensuring Juventus bounce back with victory over Inter would be a huge boost to their confidence, particularly with Sunday’s rematch against Napoli looming.


Will Gigi Buffon’s Incredible Form Continue?

With Juventus top of Serie A, it is no surprise to see them once again boasting the league’s best defensive record. The Bianconeri have conceded just seven times in the first 16 matches, a mark some four goals better than that of second-placed Roma.

The form of Gigi Buffon has been vital to that, statistics from Fox Soccer showing the Juve captain has kept a league-high 10 clean sheets in 15 appearances. With three further shutouts in the Champions League, the 36-year-old is clearly enjoying a fine season with the Old Lady.

Furthermore, WhoScored.com shows Buffon also boasts the highest save success rate in Europe’s top five leagues, stopping 79.8 percent of the shots he has faced. Finding a way past him will be a difficult task, although the Inter attack could be bolstered by the arrival of new signing Lukas Podolski.


Can Roberto Mancini Improve His Poor Record?

While he will look back fondly on his last meeting with the Bianconeri, Roberto Mancini’s record against Juventus is remarkably poor. Despite steering Galatasaray to the victory which ultimately eliminated the Turin giants from last season’s Champions League, the coach has won just once against them in eight meetings with Inter.

Overcoming that will be central to his side’s performance at Juventus Stadium, and the form of the Nerazzrri will hardly improve their hopes. Indeed, since the 50-year-old returned to the Stadio Giuseppe Meazza, the team have fallen to 11th place in Serie A and have won just once in his five games at the helm.

 

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

[Socrates 8516]

JUVENTUS - INTER

-

Tuesday, January 6th, 2015 - 21:00 PM
Juventus stadium, Turin
Referee: Luca Banti

Juventus v Internazionale: Preview

Jan 5, 2014

As their Derby d'Italia rivals Inter Milan make tracks for Turin, Juventus coach Massimiliano Allegri insists there will be no ``hangover'' following a disappointing festive period.

The reigning champions were guilty of relaxing their tight grip on the Serie A table in December, when back-to-back draws were only remedied by a 3-1 victory at Cagliari.

That sluggishness hurt Juve badly in Doha, the scene of Napoli's dramatic penalty shootout triumph three days before Christmas, a result that saw the Supercoppa change hands.

So, while the Bianconeri could really have done without facing Roberto Mancini's recovering Inter team in their first match of 2015, Allegri claims his men are ``raring to go''.

``The first game of the year is always a strange one,'' the former AC Milan boss told a pre-match press conference.

``The team that stays the most focused and alert will emerge victorious.

``It won't come down to physical condition or technique, it will be mindset and mindset alone.

``The lads have returned from their holidays fired up and raring to go. A few days of holiday were required after five intense months. We won't be suffering a hangover after Doha.

``I always like to win and unfortunately it didn't happen in Qatar, but we played well and the game was only settled after 15 penalties were converted during the shootout.

``It's a shame we lost, but our season so far has been almost flawless in terms of targets.

``Now we need to think positively, get back to winning ways and put in decent displays, looking to improve on the recent performances that have been less dazzling in terms of our play.''

Andrea Barzagli, Kwadwo Asamoah and Romulo are absent through injury while Inter are missing Yuto Nagatomo, who is competing for Japan at the AFC Asian Cup.

Inter have looked more self-assured since Mancini returned to the club but they head into the new year in a distant 11th place, a far cry from his first tenure.

Two wins could restore the Nerazzurri to the fringes of the European places, however, and their boss is eager to make immediate inroads during Tuesday's derby.

``It will be a difficult game because Juventus have done really well in the last few years,'' Mancini told inter.it.

``It's a classic feature of Italian football that, in these matches, the team that keeps their concentration the best can beat anybody.

``We are Inter, a great club, and every match is there for us to win.

``Getting a result from big games like this can lead to key changes, most importantly in giving the lads a boost in their self-esteem.

``I don't want to see a team going out there tomorrow thinking that this is an impossible task.

``I really don't think there is as much of a difference between Juventus and Inter as the league table has tried to indicate recently.''

 

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

[Socrates 8516]

JUVENTUS - INTER

-

Tuesday, January 6th, 2015 - 21:00 PM
Juventus stadium, Turin
Referee: Luca Banti

Juventus squad for Inter

Jan 5, 2014

Juventus have named their squad to face Inter in tomorrow night’s Derby d’Italia.

It kicks off on Tuesday at 21.00 CET.

Martin Caceres is back in the squad following a lengthy injury, but Andrea Barzagli, Kwadwo Asamoah and Romulo remain long-term absentees.

This will be the Bianconeri’s first game of 2015, following on from December’s Italian Super Cup defeat to Napoli on penalties.


Juventus squad for Inter: Buffon, Chiellini, Caceres, Ogbonna, Pogba, Pepe, Marchisio, Morata, Tevez, Coman, Giovinco, Llorente, Bonucci, Padoin, Pirlo, Vidal, Lichtsteiner, Storari, Evra, Rubinho, Pereyra, Mattiello, Marrone

 

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

[Socrates 8516]

JUVENTUS - INTER

-

Tuesday, January 6th, 2015 - 21:00 PM
Juventus stadium, Turin
Referee: Luca Banti

Inter Call Ups For Clash Against Juventus

Jan 5, 2014

Inter coach Roberto Mancini has named a 25-man squad for the Nerazzurri’s Derby d’Italia clash against Juventus on Tuesday.

New signing Lukas Podolski has been called up after officially completing his move from Arsenal on Monday, though he is expected to start from the bench.

Yuto Nagatomo is unavailable as he is set to play for Japan at the Asian Cup.


Goalkeepers: Handanovic, Carrizo, Berni

Defenders: Juan Jesus, Andreolli, Campagnaro, Vidic, Dodò, Ranocchia, D’Ambrosio, Donkor

Midfielders: Kovacic, Guarin, Kuzmanovic, Medel, Obi, Krhin, Hernanes, M’Vila

Forwards: Osvaldo, Palacio, Icardi, Podolski, Puscas, Bonazzoli

 

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

[Socrates 8516]

JUVENTUS - INTER

-

Tuesday, January 6th, 2015 - 21:00 PM
Juventus stadium, Turin
Referee: Luca Banti

Allegri: ‘No Supercup hangover’

Jan 5, 2014

Max Allegri says the result against Inter will come down entirely to having a clear head, whilst he plays down Carlos Tevez’s recent words.

Juventus will be facing a revived Nerazzurro side that will be able to count on new signing Lukas Podolski, whose move from Arsenal looks likely to be completed in time for tomorrow’s kick-off.

Nonetheless, Allegri is upbeat himself going into the match, saying that the first few days of the new year have been positive.

“The beginning of the year was good, the team returned with drive,” said the former Milan Coach in a press conference before the Derby d'Italia.

“We had a few days of holiday after these first five months that were very intense for us. Tomorrow we have the classic Derby d'Italia, against a team that has been making progress as of late.

“They have found greater self-esteem and above all else they are dangerous now. It's enough to look at the upsets with Barcelona and Real Madrid yesterday.

“The first game of the year is always difficult, it's a strange game, like the first of the League. The winner tomorrow will be the one with the higher levels of attention and concentration. It's neither a physical nor a technical matter – it's all in the head.

“As far as our injuries go, [Martin] Caceres and [Luca] Marrone are back in the group and ready to go.

“The only one I had to leave out was [Andrea] Barzagli, aside from [Kwadwo] Asamoah and Romulo, who won't be available for a bit of time. Everyone else is fine, more or less, so tomorrow I'll be able to make – I hope – the right decisions.”

Juve head into this fixture looking to make amends for their Supercup defeat to Napoli at the end of 2014 in Qatar.

“I wouldn't say there's a fallback from Doha. In football I like winning, always, but the game in Doha was resolved after 15 penalties, and after we had three match-balls.

“We played a game in which we created play and conceded a few shots too many, against a team with some excellent qualities in the attack, and which we'll meet again in seven days.

“It's a shame that we lost, but I'd say that Juventus' path, from the day I arrived on July 16, is clear in terms of its objectives. Of course to bring it full-circle we have to reach the end of it, and there are still five months to go.

“We no longer have the time to make mistakes and as we head for the end of the season, our objectives become ever closer – the Champions League, the Scudetto and the Coppa Italia.”

Allegri was asked about Carlos Tevez, who said last week that he would not renew his contract beyond the summer of 2016.

“There's still a year-and-a-half to go and often people change their minds, he might have said things in a moment of relaxation.

“Other than that I don't think there's anything strange about what he said. In Italy sometimes we do some retrospective re-branding that is of little use.

“We are professionals and one of us can comfortably entertain the idea of leaving his team, or ceasing altogether, or going back to his country.

“But I don't think there's anything strange, and I expect Tevez to remain a professional until the end.

“I think that in America professionalism is lived this way and I doubt they do as much retrospective thinking as we do in Italy.

“A professional may want to leave, and in that case he's right to do so, for his own good and that of the club.

“Football, like life, doesn't stop. Otherwise we'd still be doing things as in the age of Pele. One stops and another arrives, the Coach leaves and another arrives, the director and the President leave, but in the end what's always there is the club. Nothing strange about that.”

Tevez is currently the most prominent goalscorer among the Bianconeri, but Allegri denied that their attack was over-reliant on him.

“We notched 34 goals, if I'm not mistaken. In Doha we had a lot of chances. Tevez plays as a forward, he plays more than anybody else and given his qualities I think it's within the norm that he should be our leading scorer.

“Llorente has scored some goals, and so has [Alvaro] Morata. The midfielders scored too.

“People often say that [Arturo] Vidal is no longer the same as he was last year. Vidal already counts five goals and at this rate he may reach 10-12, and we're talking about a midfielder...

“The strikers aren’t struggling for the work I ask them to do, there are times when they're the ones who score, others when the midfielders score.

“At the end of the season the numbers are there and there's no getting away from them. Our strikers have to meet a quota of goals, the midfielders likewise, and the same for the defenders.

“Now I'd like to see some goals by the defenders on dead ball situations.”

 

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

[Socrates 8516]

JUVENTUS - INTER

-

Tuesday, January 6th, 2015 - 21:00 PM
Juventus stadium, Turin
Referee: Luca Banti

‘No Juve fear, Inter want to win’

Jan 5, 2014

Roberto Mancini says ahead of facing Juventus that he doesn't want an Inter ‘that thinks it's impossible’ to win, whilst he updates on Lukas Podolski.

The Nerazzurri head out to Turin tomorrow evening for the Derby d’Italia, in what is set to be the big opening fixture of 2015 for Serie A.

Speaking in his Press conference ahead of the game, Mancini says that he understands the challenge, but is not intimidated.

“There isn't a set way to beat Juventus, you just have to be very good,” said the former Sampdoria icon.

“Anything may happen. This is a classic. We must think that we are Inter, always Inter. We must keep our mentality.

“We prepared our game without [Lukas] Podolski, but if the international transfer papers come through, then we'll have him on the bench.”

Reports are that the forward has just signed his contract with Inter and will be available for tomorrow’s match.

“Palacio has some trouble with his ankle, but I've seen some real improvement in him.

“Victory is the highest result. There are some important games over the year that are worth more than the rest, even in terms of self-belief.

“I'd like two wingers after Podolski. He's an excellent player and he'll be able to lend us a hand. He still has a long career ahead of him, he's 29 years old.

“Shaqiri could be the ideal option. He's with Bayern Munich, an important club, and he could be right for us. He's got the right profile for the future.

“I'm not sure whether we'll go with the 4-2-3-1, but we'll see what the best solution is depending on whether we have new players.

“Hernanes is a player that can cover every role from the midfield onwards, but the important thing is his condition of form, he's not at 100 per cent now.

“The 4-3-1-2 is the best solution overall, but of course you've got to work on the details, and this isn't easy when your time is limited.”

In spite of these hurdles, Mancini stressed his sense of determination and expects no less from his own players.

“I don't want a team that thinks tomorrow's match is impossible. I want to win.

“The solidity of a team starts from the defence. If the defence is compact then the team can afford a much more offensive attitude.

“I'm hoping things can slowly improve in that direction, avoiding mistakes that stem from fear. We're working, but of course these important matches are going to help with that kind of progress.”

Mancini was asked whether there were any similarities between himself and Antonio Conte, who led a struggling Juventus to the top.

“How about the lack of money?” Mancini joked. “I don't know the details too well, but of course you can win when you've got hard work.

“The opportunities to do well will present themselves, but you need the hard work.

“Juventus have some terrific players, their best purchase in these years was [Andrea] Pirlo.

“I don't think the difference between us and them is too large, though they deserved these years of domination.

“When we start out well it means that something has been learned, but we need continuity over 90 minutes. I'll say it again, what we need is hard work.”

 

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

[Socrates 8516]

JUVENTUS - INTER

-

Tuesday, January 6th, 2015 - 21:00 PM
Juventus stadium, Turin
Referee: Luca Banti

Juventus vs. Inter Milan Preview:
Round 17 — Let the games begin ... again

Jan 5, 2014

There was a time where Juventus vs. Inter was a top-of-the-table kind of clash, one that played a huge role in who would end up winning the Scudetto at the end of the current season. We aren't exactly very far removed from those days, with many of you folks still pretty keen to the fact of what Inter's new yet also old manager did the last time he was at the helm.

But let's check on how each team has done so far this season, shall we?

Juventus, despite changing managers on the second day of preseason training, has remained atop the Serie A table, three points in front of second-place Roma. Max Allegri has steadied a ship that really could have ventured into rocky waters with everything that went on off the field in the middle of July. Instead, Juve have remained the top dog in Italy and qualified for the next round of the Champions League while going through a rather large yet completely needed change in tactics two months ago.

So basically, things are going pretty well right now. For those who see things in black and white, that is...

Inter has also changed managers, but just a few short weeks ago rather than before the season started, with our old buddy Roberto Mancini stepping in for Walter Mazzarri last month. Why'd they do that? Well let's look at the table and see why. They aren't in the top three. They're not in any of the European football spots, either. Shoot, you've gotta scroll down a little bit before you find Inter. They enter 2015 sitting in 11th place, behind clubs like Sampdoria, Genoa, Lazio, Udinese and the recently-promoted Palermo.

So basically, Inter are a mid-table team these days. Not exactly resembling the "top club" like some of their players are saying about Inter in the press this week.
Is Tuesday night's meeting a classic top-of-the-table clash? Not unless it's being played in your own personal save FIFA15, boys and girls. And even then that might not be the case. This is definitely a different kind of Inter — or maybe a return to the old kind of Inter? — compared to Mancini's first tour of duty on the San Siro's sideline. But as we know, that Inter team had a little help in winning a couple of titles without much competition at all.

But the season's first edition of the Derby d'Italia brings us the reboot of Serie A football in the new year. We've had to wait through all the other teams to play their first games of 2015, but that's just what happens when you're the league's main event on a Tuesday night. And just for an added bonus, Juventus gets to kick off the new year with Mancini's return to Juventus Stadium, which he last stepped foot into as Galatasaray's manager last season.

(We won't talk about those games against Galatasaray anymore. I promise.)

Just another Derby d'Italia where there's absolutely nothing to talk about, right? (Yeah, who am I kidding?)

JuventusFC ✔ @juventusfcen
.@OfficialAllegri: "There's no room for us to put a foot wrong in the second half of the season."


GOOD NEWS

Look at where Inter currently resides in the Serie A table. Look at who their manager currently is. Have a laugh.

Now don't you feel better?

MORE GOOD NEWS

Since there's not much to grumble about these days outside of the constant stream of Wesley Sneijder-to-Juventus transfer rumors, we're changing it up a bit entering Tuesday night's derby. Don't worry, regular service will be resumed over the weekend in all likelihood.

The injury list is getting shorter and shorter. Max Allegri announced at his pre-match press conference that both long-term absentees Martín Cáceres and Luca Marrone will be back in the squad for tomorrow night's match against Inter. Only three long-term injuries remain to inform the masses about — Andrea Barzagli, Kwadwo Asamoah and Romulo. It's a whole lot better than what I was putting in this second a month or two ago, I gotta admit.

JuventusFC ✔ @juventusfcen
.@OfficialAllegri: "Getting our injured players back and returning from our holidays raring to go is what matters at present."
 

 

WHAT TO WATCH FOR

1. Starting the new year on the right foot.

By all accounts, Juventus ended their 2014 calendar year with a dud against Napoli in the Supercoppa. They've been thinking about that result and subsequently hearing Napoli players brag about winning a glorified exhibition game for two weeks now. It was clearly a disappointing result, one that never should have gone to penalties according to some. But the past is the past, and Max Allegri's squad has the chance to pick up right where they left off in Serie A. And that's winning, keeping the lead over Roma — which has a tricky trip to Udinese that kicks off Tuesday's action — stable at three points at the very minimum.

2. Can Arturo Vidal find some (positive consistency?

If we were to assemble a list of Juventus' most important players in the new year, Vidal is easily in the top three, and maybe the single-most in the grand scheme of things. The first half of the 2014-15 season hasn't been kind to King Arturo, with his physical problems from the spring and summer clearly carrying over into the fall and winter months. But the holiday break has given Vidal something he hasn't had much of the last four or five months — rest. Not just a few days off, but just a full two weeks without having to play any games. We'll see if all the rest truly pays off. But there's no doubting that if Juventus wants to win a fourth straight Scudetto and do some kind of damage in the Champions League knockout stage, Vidal will have to be more like the Vidal of old.

3. Will Juventus' makeshift trequartista play like an actual trequartista?

Juventus don't have a natural trequartista to plug in behind the strikers. This is probably why Juventus are in the market for a trequartista this month. Simple is as simple does. But until somebody is actually brought in by Beppe Marotta and Co., we're left to see Allegri roll with the non-trequartistas in the hole. We've seen Vidal played there more often than not. Roberto Pereyra has gotten a few starts there, too. But for a team that has so many good midfielders, none of them really do fit what Allegri is looking for. Thus the reason why Marotta is trying to sign somebody like Wesley Sneijder — who, all things considered, is at least more of a trequartista compared to any of Juve's current midfielders.

4. Can Fernando Llorente start 2015 like he did 2014?

Here's what Llorente did in January last season: Four Serie A starts, four goals scored. You can't ask for much more than that from a striker during a four-game period. Especially coming right out of such a good amount of time away from the field during the holiday break.

I bring that up because of this: A lot like the first half of the 2014-15 season for Vidal, Llorente was far from the player we saw that scored 16 goals in his debut campaign with Juventus. He struggled for any kind of consistency, and the four goals in close to 1,000 Serie A minutes thus far. Sure, his role is different compared to last season with Antonio Conte, but Llorente is still on the field to score goals — something he hasn't done on a consistent basis since last spring. Much like what is potentially the case with Vidal, maybe the break was just a time to clear the mind as well as recharge the batteries for Llorente. That's what I hope, at least. Because I sure do like watching Llorente when he's the striker he has shown to be in the past.

5. Can Juventus keep Mateo Kovacic?

If you head over to Google News and type in 'Mateo Kovacic,' there's a good number of stories about how big-money clubs should reach deep into their pockets to sign the 20-year-old Croatian midfielder. And for good reason. The kid can play — and it's not like he's proving otherwise this season. In an otherwise bad season for Inter, Kovacic has been quite good. It doesn't really matter where Mancini fields him — in the middle of the '3' in a 4-2-3-1 or as a trequartista in a 4-3-1-2 formation — he will be a focal point and expected to not only setup goals, but try and score as well. Basically do what he's been doing every game this season to date.

JuventusFC ✔ @juventusfcen
.@OfficialAllegri: "Inter are an excellent side with players capable of settling the game by themselves."


My starting XI (4-3-1-2): Buffon; Lichtsteiner, Bonucci, Chiellini, Evra; Marchisio, Pirlo, Pogba; Vidal; Tévez, Morata

OFFICIAL KICKOFF TIME: 9 P.M. IN ITALY; 3 P.M. ON THE EAST COAST; HIGH NOON ON THE WEST COAST

 

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

[Socrates 8516]

JUVENTUS - INTER

-

Tuesday, January 6th, 2015 - 21:00 PM
Juventus stadium, Turin
Referee: Luca Banti

3 Things Juventus Should Do To Win Against Inter Milan

Jan 6, 2014

The captivating Derby della Italia, is one of the most awaited fixtures of the Italian Serie A. Although Inter Milan’s slump in recent times has somewhat reduced the magnitude of this once title deciding derby, there can be no doubt that the best of both will be showcased, when Juventus ram heads against the Nerazzuri. Form seldom does matter in derbies and both Juventus and Inter Milan, are currently victims of it. Juventus lost the Super Coppa Italia against Napoli and although the team resides at the top of the Serie A, morale could play a pivotal role. While Inter Milan’s campaign has been plagued with inconsistency. The Nerazzuri currently reel at 11th in Serie A and have appointed a new manager in Roberto Mancini, to drastically change the view of things. With AS Roma hot on their trails, Juventus would hope to shrug off their defeat against Napoli, deliver a solid performances and grab all three points. We take a look at three things that Juventus should do against Inter Milan to win.


Nullify The Threat Of Hernanes

Although Inter Milan, have a mediocre midfield when juxtaposed to Juventus’, Brazilian Hernanes has the capability to change things on his own. The Brazilian, has often been a standout performer in a mediocre midfield and has acted as creative outlet for the Nerazzuri. Hernanes, thus far has created 23 chances, more than any Inter Milan player. His ability to pierce the heart of defense with an accurate through ball, could be a major threat for Juventus. Combine that with his ability to take on players and unleash a venomous long shot and you get the prefect recipe for a midfield general. However with the trio of Paul Pogba, Arturo Vidal and Andrea Pirlo present, Hernanes’ talents could be easily subdued. Although, Juventus are expected to dominate the midfield region, the threat of Hernanes should not be take lightly and could be nullified by either Vidal or Pereyra, who is expected to power the two man strike force, marking him.


Allow Andrea Pirlo Time On The Ball

Few players have the capacity, the capability to unlock defenses and change matches by a single swipe of their foot. Juventus’s Andrea Pirlo, is perhaps the epitome of the trait aforementioned. Operating as a regista, Pirlo makes the most out of anything, if he is provided time in his area of operation. With Inter Milan likely to commit men behind the ball, Pirlo’s ability to unlock defenses could come in handy. The regista, if Juventus are to win this fixture, should be allowed time on the ball, to assess and conduct things on his own.


Constrict Evra’s movement

Perhaps the most important factor that could actually be a deciding factor for this game is Evra’s movement. The former Manchester United player has clearly lost pace and the ability to cover ground. A bombarding Evra vacates space in his wake, which is ideally covered up by Chiellini. Now, Inter are expected to operate with a two man strike force in the form of Palacio and Icardi – both are pacey candidates. With Chiellini covering up Evra’s ground and a certain Leonardo Bonucci, who lacks speed, left exposed, Juventus could land up in trouble. The gap between Bonucci and Chiellini, might be too big to cover and that space could easily be capitalized by the pacey strike force. A quick fix to this problem is to constrict Evra’s movement and let him be more contained when it comes to the defensive aspect of things.

 

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

[Socrates 8516]

JUVENTUS - INTER

-

Tuesday, January 6th, 2015 - 21:00 PM
Juventus stadium, Turin
Referee: Luca Banti

Juventus - Inter Betting: Attacking Nerazzurri
to find the net on Podolski's debut

Having added the Germany international to an already well-stocked attack,
Al Hain-Cole expects Roberto Mancini's side to cause some problems in Turin.

Jan 6, 2014

Juventus and Inter return to action after Serie A's winter break on Tuesday, when they come face-to-face in Turin in the Derby d'Italia.

Having dropped just two points in their opening seven matches in front of their own fans, the league leaders are 21/50 (1.42) favourites with 888Sport to come out on top in Turin.

With just one win to their name in the previous seven league fixtures, the Nerazzurri are 15/2 (8.50) outsiders to become the first away side to pick up maximum points at Juventus Stadium in exactly two years.

The hosts have drawn four of their last five matches in all competitions, and you can get odds of 17/5 (4.40) on them being held to another stalemate this time out.

After sealing a six-month loan move from Arsenal on Monday, Lukas Podolski is expected to start Tuesday's game on the bench.

Despite leaving the Emirates due to a lack of playing time, the Germany international faces something of a battle to work his way into team that already boasts the talents of Mauro Icardi, Rodrigo Palacio and Pablo Daniel Osvaldo.

Roberto Mancini will need to exploit this wealth of attacking options if his side are to find a way past the meanest defence in the division, although the champions' failure to keep a clean sheet in their previous three fixtures does offer some encouragement.

In fact, the real problems for Mancini lie at the other end of the pitch, where his defence have conceded nine goals in the five league matches since he returned to the club.

Nevertheless, considering they have also hit the back of the net nine times in that period, odds of 26/25 (2.04) appear generous on both Inter and Juventus getting on the scoresheet for the sixth consecutive encounter between the sides.

 

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

[Socrates 8516]

JUVENTUS - INTER

-

Tuesday, January 6th, 2015 - 21:00 PM
Juventus stadium, Turin
Referee: Luca Banti

Tevez: 'Not a battle with Mancini'

Jan 6, 2014

Carlos Tevez said tonight’s Derby d’Italia is “a classic between Juventus and Inter, not me and Roberto Mancini.”

This is an intriguing opportunity for the ex-Manchester City duo to face off again after their love-hate relationship in England.

“This is a game we want to win, a classic between Juventus and Inter, not me and Mancini,” Tevez told Sport Mediaset.

“It’s difficult to get back on track after the winter break, so it will be tough tonight purely in terms of fitness levels.

“Juve must play the football we know and not think about Roma’s results.”

It was pointed out to Tevez that he has never scored against Inter.

“Ask me again after the game...”

 

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

[Socrates 8516]

JUVENTUS - INTER

-

Tuesday, January 6th, 2015 - 21:00 PM
Juventus stadium, Turin
Referee: Luca Banti

Line-ups: Juventus-Inter

Jan 6, 2014

Lukas Podolski is on the Inter bench, as Hernanes, Mateo Kovacic and Mauro Icardi face Juventus in the Derby d’Italia.

It kicks off at 21.00 CET.

Juve need at least a point to stay clear of Roma following a controversial 1-0 victory away to Udinese earlier today.

They also require a confidence booster, having ended 2014 with an Italian Super Cup defeat to Napoli on penalties in Doha.

Martin Caceres is back from a long-term injury to sit on the bench, but Andrea Barzagli, Kwadwo Asamoah and Romulo remain sidelined.

Fernando Llorente is picked alongside Capocannoniere Carlos Tevez, while Andrea Pirlo, Arturo Vidal and Paul Pogba share the midfield.

Inter finally completed Podolski’s transfer from Arsenal on Monday afternoon, but he is only on the bench despite Rodrigo Palacio coming down with flu symptoms this morning.

Mauro Icardi has a history of scoring goals against Juventus, so will be one to watch along with Croatia international Mateo Kovacic and Hernanes in supporting roles.

Yuto Nagatomo is away on Asian Cup duties with Japan.


Juventus: Buffon; Lichtsteiner, Bonucci, Chiellini, Evra; Marchisio, Pirlo, Pogba; Vidal; Tevez, Llorente

Juventus bench: Storari, Rubinho, Caceres, Ogbonna, Pepe, Morata, Coman, Giovinco, Padoin, Pereyra, Mattiello, Marrone


Inter: Handanovic; Campagnaro, Ranocchia, Juan Jesus, D'Ambrosio; Guarin, Medel, Kuzmanovic; Kovacic, Hernanes; Icardi

Inter bench: Carrizo, Andreolli, Osvaldo, Podolski, Vidic, Obi, Dodò, Puscas, Krhin, Donkor, M'Vila, Bonazzoli

 

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

[Socrates 8516]

JUVENTUS - INTER

-

Tuesday, January 6th, 2015 - 21:00 PM
Juventus stadium, Turin
Referee: Luca Banti

HT 1-0: Juve lead intense Derby d'Italia

Jan 6, 2014

Carlos Tevez has given Juventus the half-time lead over Inter in a pulsating Derby d’Italia, but Samir Handanovic kept the scoreline down.

Lukas Podolski was only on the bench after completing his move from Arsenal 24 hours earlier, while Yuto Nagatomo was on international duty and Rodrigo Palacio ruled out by flu. Juve needed a win to maintain their three-point lead over Roma and a morale-booster following defeat on penalties to Napoli in the Italian Super Cup on December 22.

The hosts had a blistering start, as first Fernando Llorente blasted across the face of goal, then Carlos Tevez broke the deadlock five minutes in.

Arturo Vidal deserves much of the credit, as he set himself up with a fantastic first touch off the inside of his heel and got into space to roll across for Tevez. It confirmed Apache’s remarkable form, having scored twice in the Italian Super Cup.

Danilo D’Ambrosio got in a decisive block on Vidal from a corner, then tried to set up Mauro Icardi only to see his cross intercepted by Leonardo Bonucci.

Vidal unleashed a strike from distance that bounced right in front of Samir Handanovic, so he beat it away with his wrist. The goalkeeper also had to be alert on Andrea Pirlo’s free kick, which threatened to curl directly in.

It was a very intense and high-tempo first half with Handanovic smothering a Llorente curler, then Paul Pogba skipped between three players with delightful 'elastico' footwork and the goalkeeper again came tearing off his line to parry with his chest.

Giorgio Chiellini was furious after an elbow from Juan Jesus, which if seen could’ve been a penalty, and Handanovic intercepted another dangerous Tevez move.


Juventus 1-0 Inter (Half-Time)

Scorers: Tevez 5 (J)

Juventus: Buffon; Lichtsteiner, Bonucci, Chiellini, Evra; Marchisio, Pirlo, Pogba; Vidal; Tevez, Llorente

Inter: Handanovic; Campagnaro, Ranocchia, Juan Jesus, D'Ambrosio; Guarin, Medel, Kuzmanovic; Kovacic, Hernanes; Icardi

Ref: Banti

 

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

[Socrates 8516]

JUVENTUS - INTER

1 - 1

Carlos Tévez (5')

Mauro Icardi (64')

Tuesday, January 6th, 2015 - 21:00 PM
Juventus stadium, Turin
Referee: Luca Banti

Juventus 1-1 Inter: Icardi snatches
draw and boosts Roma title bid

The striker struck just past the hour mark to cancel out Carlos Tevez's fifth minute
opener and inadvertently help out their Serie A rivals at the top of the division.

Jan 6, 2014

Mauro Icardi's 64th minute strike saw Inter draw 1-1 with Juventus in Turin on Tuesday night and boost Roma's title bid in the process.

Carlos Tevez opened the scoring after just five minutes but Icardi struck shortly after the hour mark to seal a point, with the away side holding on following Mateo Kovacic's late red card.

The result means second-placed Roma are now just a single point behind leaders Juventus, with both sides having played 17 games.
Juve showed no signs of their recent blip in the early stages, putting Inter under pressure right from the start and they almost went ahead in the second minute, with Fernando Llorente slicing just wide from 14 yards.

Inter failed to heed that warning, though, and Juve duly broke the deadlock just three minutes later.

Vidal flicked the ball past his Chile team-mate Gary Medel with an exquisite first touch inside the area, before sliding an inviting pass into the goalmouth for Tevez to steer home.

The goal appeared to spark Inter into life as the visitors started to dictate proceedings, though the champions never looked particularly worried at the back and remained a serious threat on the break.

And, unsurprisingly, Juve's next opportunity came at the end of a swift counterattack, as Samir Handanovic was forced to push a Vidal drive around the post.

Handanovic was at the centre of things again nine minutes before the break, blocking a Pogba effort from close range after the Frenchman delightfully slalomed between Juan Jesus and Andrea Ranocchia.

Mancini looked to give Inter extra attacking impetus by introducing Podolski for his debut eight minutes into the second half, though the German struggled to make an impact from the left.

Juve continued to look threatening on the break and they were unlucky not to get a penalty in the 58th minute as Juan clumsily tripped Llorente.

Inter capitalised on that let-off, though, with Icardi beating Gianluigi Buffon from a tight angle after beating Giorgio Chiellini to Fredy Guarin's through ball.

The Argentina striker then agonisingly missed the target from point-blank range following Podolski's cross with nine minutes to go.

However, Kovacic's late red card for a crude challenge on Stephan Lichtsteiner effectively ended their chances of victory, with Patrice Evra seeing a deflected shot saved by Handanovic as the game ended 1-1.

 

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

[Socrates 8516]

JUVENTUS - INTER

1 - 1

Carlos Tévez (5')

Mauro Icardi (64')

Tuesday, January 6th, 2015 - 21:00 PM
Juventus stadium, Turin
Referee: Luca Banti

Icardi stalls Juve in Derby d'Italia

Jan 6, 2014

Mauro Icardi wiped out a Carlos Tevez goal in the high-intensity Derby d’Italia as 10-man Inter held Juventus 1-1.

That means Roma are now only one point adrift of the Serie A leaders.

Lukas Podolski was only on the bench after completing his move from Arsenal 24 hours earlier, while Yuto Nagatomo was on international duty and Rodrigo Palacio ruled out by flu. Juve needed a win to maintain their three-point lead over Roma and a morale-booster following defeat on penalties to Napoli in the Italian Super Cup on December 22.

The hosts had a blistering start, as first Fernando Llorente blasted across the face of goal, then Carlos Tevez broke the deadlock five minutes in.

Arturo Vidal deserves much of the credit, as he set himself up with a fantastic first touch off the inside of his heel and got into space to roll across for Tevez. It confirmed Apache’s remarkable form, having scored twice in the Italian Super Cup.

Danilo D’Ambrosio got in a decisive block on Vidal from a corner, then tried to set up Mauro Icardi only to see his cross intercepted by Leonardo Bonucci.

Vidal unleashed a strike from distance that bounced right in front of Samir Handanovic, so he beat it away with his wrist. The goalkeeper also had to be alert on Andrea Pirlo’s free kick, which threatened to curl directly in.

It was a very intense and high-tempo first half with Handanovic smothering a Llorente curler, then Paul Pogba skipped between three players with delightful ‘elastico’ footwork and the goalkeeper again came tearing off his line to parry with his chest.

Giorgio Chiellini was furious after an elbow from Juan Jesus, which if seen could’ve been a penalty, and Handanovic intercepted another dangerous Tevez move.

Podolski made his debut in the second half, but it was Mauro Icardi who equalised by running on to a Fredy Guarin through ball and placing a snooker shot across the on-rushing Gigi Buffon. It was Inter’s first attempt on target and Icardi’s fifth goal in four games against Juventus.

Pirlo’s free kick almost caught Handanovic out, but he changed direction mid-air for a spectacular save. Alvaro Morata was booked for simulation, though replays show Hugo Campagnaro did clip him on the trailing ankle just outside the box.

It was now wide open and Patrice Evra’s acrobatic interception stopped Icardi going clear on goal. Pogba’s header whistled wide of the upright from a corner and he forced several bookings, so Juan Jesus and Andrea Ranocchia will be suspended against Genoa.

Inter had a glorious opportunity to take the lead when Leonardo Bonucci lost possession, but Podolski rolled across to Icardi who came sliding in and turned wide from six yards.

The Bianconeri seemed shaken and lost the ball several times in a few minutes, so Buffon flew to palm an Icardi snapshot out of the near top corner.

The tension got to both teams. Icardi failed to make the most of a Chiellini error and fired off target rather than set up the unmarked Daniel Osvaldo, who had just come off the bench. Osvaldo – an ex-Juventus player – was so furious that he tried to physically attack his teammate and was prevented from doing so by Guarin. Osvaldo then turned on Roberto Mancini and clearly insulted his Coach.

Moments later Kovacic received a red card for sliding studs-up on Lichtsteiner’s shin. Juventus laid siege, but in a disorganised fashion, and Buffon needed a Manuel Neuer-style sprint into midfield to clear from Podolski. With the last kick of the game Pogba and Evra tried to squeeze in a shot, but Handanovic flapped the ball away at a tricky angle.


Juventus: Buffon; Lichtsteiner, Bonucci, Chiellini, Evra; Marchisio, Pirlo, Pogba; Vidal (Pereyra 77); Tevez, Llorente (Morata 63)

Inter: Handanovic; Campagnaro, Ranocchia, Juan Jesus, D’Ambrosio; Guarin, Medel, Kuzmanovic (Podolski 54); Kovacic, Hernanes (Osvaldo 85); Icardi (M’Vila 89)

Ref: Banti

Sent off: Kovacic 86 (I)

 

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

[Socrates 8516]

JUVENTUS - INTER

1 - 1

Carlos Tévez (5')

Mauro Icardi (64')

Tuesday, January 6th, 2015 - 21:00 PM
Juventus stadium, Turin
Referee: Luca Banti

Juventus 1-1 Inter: Nerazzurri Claim Point In Turin

Jan 6, 2014

Juventus drew 1-1 with rivals Inter in an exciting Serie A clash at the Juventus Stadium.

A goal from Carlos Tevez put the home side into the lead, but Mauro Icardi pulled matters level in the second half to ensure a share of the spoils in the Derby d’Italia.

A frenetic first half began with an early shot by the hosts’ Claudio Marchisio, which flew just wide of the left-hand post.

Three minutes later, another Juventus attack led to an early opening goal when Chilean Arturo Vidal put the ball under his spell with a cheeky flick beyond his man, before crossing to fellow South American Carlos Tevez for an easy tap-in.

Juventus continued piling on relentless pressure, resulting in a blocked effort from the dangerous Vidal.

Inter finally got hold of possession for a solid ten-minute period at that point, but failed to trouble Gianluigi Buffon.

Several crosses were comfortably cleared by the Bianconeri back-line, while Mateo Kovacic should have done much better with a through-ball towards Mauro Icardi which was cut out to the Argentine’s exasperation.

The home side began hitting Inter on the counter at every opportunity, with Vidal denied twice by Inter goalkeeper Samir Handanovic, who was let down by sloppy defending on both occasions.

Serie A leaders Juventus were back in full control of proceedings by that stage and could have doubled their lead through a wonderful piece of skill by Paul Pogba bamboozling two defenders, but not the visiting ‘keeper.

Roberto Mancini introduced Lukas Podolski for his Inter debut in place of Zdravko Kuzmanovic on 54 minutes after a scrappy opening to the second period.

Out of nowhere, Inter striker Mauro Icardi was on hand to shock reigning champions Juventus with an equaliser just after the hour when beating Leonardo Bonucci for pace to slot home under Buffon from the right angle of the six-yard box.

Handanovic was forced into a full-length save to his right from a Andrea Pirlo free-kick, as Juve attempted to regain their grip on the match with 20 minutes remaining.

The Nerazzurri were looking increasingly confident, with Juventus becoming jittery at the back.

However, Pogba might have done better when putting a header just wide of the upright on 77 minutes.

Visitors Inter kept on coming and were so close to grabbing a crucial advantage in the last ten minutes when Podolski burst down the left to send in a low cross for Icardi at the back post, who slid in but poked the ball agonisingly wide.

Young star Icardi then stung Buffon’s hands seconds later with a rasping drive which the vastly experienced stopper parried over.

With five minutes left on the clock, Icardi ballooned a shot over the crossbar much to fiery sub Dani Osvaldo’s dismay.

In the next move, Inter’s challenge for victory fell apart when Mateo Kovacic was sent off for a studs-up tackle.

They will, however, be happy to take away a hard-earned point from Turin.

 

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

[Socrates 8516]

JUVENTUS - INTER

1 - 1

Carlos Tévez (5')

Mauro Icardi (64')

Tuesday, January 6th, 2015 - 21:00 PM
Juventus stadium, Turin
Referee: Luca Banti

Icardi strikes to hand Inter point against Juventus

Jan 6, 2014

Mauro Icardi earned Inter Milan a point from Tuesday night's Derby d'Italia but the 1-1 draw leaves Juventus vulnerable to predators in the Serie A title race.

The Bianconeri had earlier watched Roma draw level with them at the top of the table following a victory at Udinese and set about making amends through Carlos Tevez and his early goal in Turin.

But Inter grew into the game after the break and might even have built on Icardi's equaliser had Mateo Kovacic's dismissal not upset their rhythm in what were frantic final exchanges.

The point gave the Bianconeri control of first place for the time being but rivals Roma show no signs of easing off in their quest to win a first Scudetto since 2001.

Juve dominated the first half from the off and went close to opening the scoring after only two minutes, Tevez feeding Claudio Marchisio only for the midfielder to blast just wide.

The Argentinian took matters into his own hands three minutes later by sweeping up Arturo Vidal's clever backheel before tapping home with ease from a few yards out.

Still Juve pushed forward and Vidal was only denied from close range by the quick thinking of Danilo D'Ambrosio.

The Chilean was at the heart of every Bianconeri attack and, just before the half-hour mark, tested Samir Handanovic with a fierce drive from fully 25 metres out.

Inter could do nothing but retreat as their opponents poured forward but Juve could not add a second goal before the break, Paul Pogba coming closest to notching at the end of a fine jinking run.

There was little to talk about in the second half until Roberto Mancini introduced his new loan signing from Arsenal, the German striker Lukas Podolski, as a substitute for Zdravko Kuzmanovic.

His attempted one-two with D'Ambrosio drew a few cheers from the visiting fans but it was Icardi who had them on their feet in the 64th minute.

The former Sampdoria striker continued his torment of the Bianconeri as he latched on to Fredy Guarin's through-ball before firing his fifth goal past Juve in four games.

Only moments later Handanovic preserved the newly-forged parity with a stunning diving save on Andrea Pirlo's dipping free-kick.

Pogba headed wide from a corner but it was Inter who missed a much better chance as Icardi's fizzing shot was clawed away by Gianluigi Buffon.

Despite their enthusiasm, however, Inter's hopes of completing the comeback were dealt a heavy blow when Kovacic earned a red card for his heavy challenge on Stephan Lichtsteiner.

 

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

[Socrates 8516]

JUVENTUS - INTER

1 - 1

Carlos Tévez (5')

Mauro Icardi (64')

Tuesday, January 6th, 2015 - 21:00 PM
Juventus stadium, Turin
Referee: Luca Banti

Allegri: 'Juve lost heads'

Jan 6, 2014

Max Allegri admits Juventus “lost our heads” in the second half and risked defeat to Inter, but is not worried by Roma.

Carlos Tevez had opened the scoring within five minutes, but Mauro Icardi got the equaliser in a 1-1 Derby d’Italia.

“We knew the game would be difficult, but for 45 minutes it was one of our best performances of the season. We couldn’t keep that intensity up for the full 90,” the Coach told Sky Sport Italia.

“Even before the goal we had lost a bit of organisation and were making too many technical mistakes, so that is something we need to work on.

“After that we lost our heads for a moment, conceding two chances we should not have allowed our opponents, and even ran a risk 10 seconds from the end. It was mad to allow a counter like that with 10 against 11.

“In the first half it was one-way traffic. Inter deserve credit for fighting back and it’s a shame we didn’t start the year with a victory, but the performance was excellent in the first half and sufficient in the second.

“In my view we were too static in the second half, whereas in the first the midfielders were always moving and not allowing Inter any reference points, so they could never catch us.”

This draw means that Juve’s lead at the top of the Serie A table has been cut to just one point.

Juventus have now drawn five of their last six games in all competition, as the Italian Super Cup defeat to Napoli was on penalties.

“Roma have been one point behind us many times already. We’re still top of the table and there are many points still up for grabs.

“This was the kind of game you risk losing too, so we are pleased to be in our position and fully aware Roma will be an antagonist to the end.”

Juventus confirmed that Wesley Sneijder is a transfer target, though not at Galatasaray’s current demands.

“In order to improve this squad we need great players and Sneijder is one of them. He is a Galatasaray player and perhaps we have a chance for someone else, but the important thing is to have a midfielder with certain characteristics.

“At the moment we only have five for four roles, so it’s not ideal for them to play all the time. I have great midfielders and wouldn’t change them for any other team in the world, so to improve the squad there are very few who could really make a difference.

“When we start playing a game every three days and the Champions League returns, we will need more options.”

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

[Socrates 8516]

JUVENTUS - INTER

1 - 1

Carlos Tévez (5')

Mauro Icardi (64')

Tuesday, January 6th, 2015 - 21:00 PM
Juventus stadium, Turin
Referee: Luca Banti

Buffon: 'Juve arrogant and fearful'

Jan 6, 2014

Gigi Buffon said Juventus suffer from a combination of “arrogance and fear at the first sign of difficulty.”

The goalkeeper spoke to Sky Sport Italia after a 1-1 draw with Inter, their fourth stalemate in the last five games in all competition.

“In my view the same thing happened in other games, which is that we go from great confidence/arrogance of being the best team with excellent potential to seeming fearful at the first sign of difficulty.

“It happened against Sampdoria, Torino and Napoli. We need to mature definitively if we want to take an important place in the Champions League as well as Serie A.

“It isn’t a worry as such, but it is something we need to analyse and pick apart. There are moments during the game when Juventus are absolutely dominant and create a huge number of scoring opportunities, but must remember that if it’s 1-0 then we need to keep our eyes open.

“Every team that we face have some very talented individuals who can cause us problems at any moment.”

Nonetheless, the captain defended Coach Max Allegri against those who would want Antonio Conte’s style back.

“At this moment the results aren’t good, but before these five games we had another 15 or 16 in which Juve showed very entertaining and effective football. We are still top of the table and in the Champions League Round of 16.

“We might seem less solid on the one hand, but we also propose other more consistent attacking moves.”

Buffon tried to rush off his line to close down Mauro Icardi on the equaliser, but the striker flicked a snooker shot past him.

“I saw this long ball and thought I could get there in time to block. If I had stayed in the goal he would’ve gone for power rather than accuracy and it would’ve been tougher for him.”

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

[Socrates 8516]

JUVENTUS - INTER

1 - 1

Carlos Tévez (5')

Mauro Icardi (64')

Tuesday, January 6th, 2015 - 21:00 PM
Juventus stadium, Turin
Referee: Luca Banti

Juventus 1 - Inter Milan 1: Initial
reaction and random observations

Unfortunately for Juventus, this wasn't written after the first half of play. You don't
play a full 90 minutes — or anything close to it — and you will be put on blast.

Jan 6, 2014

You see Juventus simply dominate in the first half and figure they'll only continue to do so going forward. Why? Because it's logic, and that's the way a lot of us use to put our thoughts together. Then, the second half arrives. And with it, Juve not only looks like a shell of their first-half selves, but sees a lead absolutely disappear and risk throwing away a victory.

That happened exactly the way we feared it would go for Juventus against arch-rivals Inter Milan on Tuesday night. What started so brightly for Juventus ended with a thoroughly frustrating 1-1 draw in the Derby d'Italia. That's just what happens when your second-half play resembles a dumpster fire.

James Horncastle @JamesHorncastle
3 games in a row, Juventus have been in control, dominated long stages, not put the game beyond doubt and been pegged back

History is starting to repeat itself, boys and girls. Over and over again. And not in a good way, either. It's not just the past three games where Juve have either drawn or lost like in the Supercoppa. This is a common thread for this entire season and beyond. You can't just pinpoint one event where things went wrong. It's starting to become a long list.

Is it the manager's mentality once his team gets the lead?

Is it the players' mentality and approach to the game once they get the lead?

Is it the opposition adjusting at halftime and Juventus unable to counter the initial changes?

Is it all of the above in some kind of sick and twisted mixture that results in absolute frustration?

Let's ask noted goalkeeper and Juventus goalkeeper Gigi Buffon we he thinks.

"In my view the same thing happened in other games, which is that we go from great confidence/arrogance of being the best team with excellent potential to seeming fearful at the first sign of difficulty.

"It happened against Sampdoria, Torino and Napoli. We need to mature definitively if we want to take an important place in the Champions League as well as Serie A.

"It isn't a worry as such, but it is something we need to analyse and pick apart. There are moments during the game when Juventus are absolutely dominant and create a huge number of scoring opportunities, but must remember that if it's 1-0 then we need to keep our eyes open."

(Source: Football Italia)

That's brutal honesty, folks. And for good reason.

Juventus were so good in the first half it looked like they were going to cruise to an easy win and remain three points ahead of Roma. There was just one huge problem in the opening 45 minutes — they couldn't add a second goal to extend their lead further. There were chances. Oh, man, there were plenty of them. But the totally ineffective-in-front-of-goal Juventus we've seen so many times the last few years reared its ugly head again.

Because of it, no second goal, no manageable lead, no three points at the final whistle.

I'll just continue to shake my head at this team until they fix this. Let's just hope they actually do.


Random thoughts and observations

Seriously, how the hell did Juventus score one goal against Inter in the first half? That defense was just a total mess in the first half. Outside of Samir Handanovic, they were just all over the damn place with no kind of organization whatsoever.

What I totally spaced on putting in the match preview: If there is one person on this current Inter roster to score a goal against Juventus that will devastate us all, who other than Mauro Icardi to do it?

Post-game rumors of Inter potentially signing Xherdan Shaqiri by the end of the weekend has really improved my mood greatly. Thanks a lot, guys.

I feel safe in saying that Tuesday night's first half was some of the best of Arturo Vidal we've seen all season. The assist to Carlos Tévez was beautiful, his contributions were plentiful, and he was just all over the field like the Vidal of old. It was great to see once again, let's just hope it continues rather being something we only see every couple of weeks.

Lenoardo Bonucci's second-half game film should be burned and destroyed. Or maybe it should be kept around to show people how not to play as a defender. He got absolutely toasted by Mauro Icardi on Inter's goal and then had a couple of huge mistakes that could have cost Juventus the lead.

Like the entire team in general, Bonucci's first half was great. The second half was just so forgettable.

Paul Pogba putting Inter defenders on skates. Oh boy.

Eleven goals in 16 Serie A games for Carlos Tévez. What a wonderful player. Cherish him.

Buffon had one save, in the 83rd minute, and it was absolutely brilliant. Rinse and repeat. Class is class.

It doesn't matter how Borussia Dortmund is playing in the Bundesliga these days. If that Juventus from the second half shows up in the Champions League next month, then it's going to be a pretty salty reaction. Even more than the one to this game is.

 

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