Juventus Season 2014-2015

[Socrates 8516]

JUVENTUS - HELLAS VERONA

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Wednesday, January 15th, 2015 - 21:00 PM
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Gianpaolo Calvarese

Allegri: ‘No Pirlo, Tevez tomorrow’

Jan 14, 2014

Juventus Coach Max Allegri confirms that his team will be without Andrea Pirlo and Carlos Tevez for tomorrow's game against Hellas Verona.

The Bianconeri face a Coppa Italia Last 16 encounter at home to the Butei, but will be missing some first team names.

“Pirlo and Tevez will certainly not take part in the game tomorrow,” Allegri has confirmed in his pre-game Press conference.

“I haven't even called them up, so I'll have four strikers. Tevez and Pirlo need to rest and do some training apart.

“Out of my four strikers, two will play in the first half and two in the second.

“As for Barzagli, we still don't know precisely how long his complete recovery is going to take.

“Let's say that he's making good progress and this morning he even worked with the team. We're all very happy and we hope to have him back as soon as possible.

“Tomorrow's game is a seasonal objective and we must do everything. The stadium will be full and we won't be short of incentives.

“Marrone is working, but he had influenza last weekend. Tomorrow, in the last training session, I will consider whether to play Mattiello from the first minute or just for a segment.

“Leonardo Bonucci is well rested thanks to his suspension and the holidays. Motta hasn't been called up.

“We recovered Caceres and on Sunday he had an excellent game. Having all of them available is important for the turnovers. The club is working to bring us some more great players, too.”

[Socrates 8516]

JUVENTUS - HELLAS VERONA

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Wednesday, January 15th, 2015 - 21:00 PM
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Gianpaolo Calvarese

Juventus squad for Verona

Jan 14, 2014

Juventus have left out Andrea Pirlo, Martin Caceres and Carlos Tevez for tomorrow’s Coppa Italia tie with Verona.

The Round of 16 fixture kicks off on Thursday at 21.00 CET.

Coach Max Allegri already announced in his Press conference that he’ll be resting some top stars for this one-off game.

Hellas Verona are likely to take it much more seriously, especially as even reaching the Final could be enough to earn a spot in the Europa League next season.

There should be a great atmosphere, as the Juventus Stadium is sold out for this game.

The winners will go on to face Parma or Cagliari in the quarter-finals.


Juventus squad for Verona: Buffon, Chiellini, Ogbonna, Pogba, Pepe, Marchisio, Morata, Coman, Giovinco, Llorente, Bonucci, Padoin, Vidal, Lichtsteiner, Storari, Evra, Rubinho, Pereyra, Mattiello, Romagna

[Socrates 8516]

JUVENTUS - HELLAS VERONA

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Wednesday, January 15th, 2015 - 21:00 PM
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Gianpaolo Calvarese

Toni out of Juventus-Verona

Jan 14, 2014

Luca Toni is out of Verona’s Coppa Italia trip to Juventus after coming down with flu symptoms.

The Round of 16 tie kicks off on Thursday at 21.00 CET in Turin and is a one-off elimination match.

Hitman Toni will not make the trip, as he is suffering from flu symptoms, joining the injured Juanito Gomez Taleb, Mounir Obbadi, Artur Ionita, Bosko Jankovic and Evangelos Moras.

The winners will go on to face Parma or Cagliari in the quarter-finals next month.


Verona squad for Juventus: Rafael, Benussi, Gollini; Rodriguez, Marquez, Sorensen, R Marques, Brivio, Agostini, Boni, Martic; Hallfredsson, Greco, Sala, Valoti, Campanharo, Tachtsidis, Checchin; Saviola, Nico Lopez, Christodoulopoulos, Fares, Cappelluzzo, Nenè

[Socrates 8516]

JUVENTUS - HELLAS VERONA

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Wednesday, January 15th, 2015 - 21:00 PM
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Gianpaolo Calvarese

JUVENTUS V HELLAS VERONA COPPA ITALIA PREVIEW

Jan 14, 2014

 

Juventus

After big games versus Inter and Napoli the fixture list for Juventus has calmed down somewhat. They face Hellas Verona in the Coppa Italia – and then again over the weekend in Serie A – which is an opportunity for Max Allegri to rest some of the stars and start some of the bench players. Also, he may throw in some youth players. This is something more or less unheard of at Juventus from the years 2011-2014. I’m not sure why.

As in all Coppa Italia competitions, Gianluigi Buffon will sit and Marco Storari will start. I’m hoping Storari will be motivated by the rumors of a Neto transfer to Juve (in the summer) and will have a terrific game. Either way, Storari has always been a fine deputy for Buffon.

The backline will feature some rotation as well. Right now it’s reported that Leonardo Bonucci will start alongside Angelo Ogbonna at centerback. Meanwhile, Patrice Evra will be rested and Simone Padoin will start in place of the Frenchman. It’s less clear at right back. Stephan Lichtsteiner is of course the usual start, but he should be rested. Who replaces him? Roberto Pereyra? Martin Caceres was not called up, so I can’t see how Lichtsteiner is benched. Technically, Simone Pepe is on the roster. He played right back once, like in 2010. So, I suppose that is an option.

The midfield also has some stars being rested. Andrea Pirlo wasn’t called up for the game, and Arturo Vidal is expected not to start. So, Claudio Marchisio should start in Pirlo’s regista role. That leaves Paul Pogba and perhaps the youngster Federico Mattiello in the middle two positions and finally Roberto Pereyra in the trequartista role. With Pogba and Marchisio still in there, it’s hardly a weak midfield.

Finally stalwart Carlos Tevez is also not listed on the roster and will be rested. Fernando Llorente is unlikely to start, but Alvaro Morata, Kinglsey Coman, and Sebastian Giovinco are all being considered. I expect Morata to start, and then to be partnered with one of Coman and Giovinco, hopefully Coman.
 

 

Predicted Lineup

4-3-1-2 : Storari; Lichtsteiner, Bonucci, Ogbonna, Padoin; Marchiso, Mattiello, Pereyra; Coman; Morata, Giovinco*


Injuries

Andrea Barzagli (Heel), Kwadwo Asamoah and Romulo (Both undergone knee surgery)


 

Hellas Verona

Juve will have a look at the whole Hellas Verona roster as they’ll face them twice in four days. Without Juan Manuel Iturbe and Romulo (and Jorginho too, who left in January), Hellas Verona are no longer that explosive team that plays an exciting brand of football. They added some experienced players and they rely heavily on the veteran play to salvage some points here and here. They are substantially a standard low-table team that tries to navigate through adversities without sinking. They have succeeded so far: they have 21 points, six more than the 18th team in the table, but they are a distant cousin of last season’s squad, which was a legitimate contender for an Europa League spot until the final third of the season.

The main problem is that they haven’t been able to find the change-of-pace players they needed to replace the ones who left. Nico Lopez has had a good run two month ago (four goals in six matches) but he hasn’t scored since November 29. He’s their main offensive creator, but he’s wildly inconsistent. Luca Toni needs to be fed properly to unleash his old-man tricks in the box. The former Bayern Munich and Fiorentina striker is still getting it done at 37: he has scored seven goals in 19 matches and he’s still their focal point.

They are likely to be without several players in both matches: Bosko Jankovic, Mounir Obbadi, Artur Ionita, Juanito Gomez and Vangelis Moras have been nursing injuries for a while and they probably won’t be able to return in time. Lazaros Christodoulopoulos is questionable because of a back issue, but he might be available. These absences dramatically reduces the options at disposal of the coach Andrea Mandorlini so Juventus won’t square off against two completely different lineups in the two matches.

In the first one, some of the least used players will be inserted in the starting XI, like Pierluigi Gollini, Frederik Sorensen, Antonio Luna, Gustavo Campanharo, Mattia Valoti, Jacopo Sala, Javier Saviola or Nene, even though the word coming from Hellas is that they really want to pass the turn, so they could field their best lineup. However, they have been forced to use so many different formations because of injuries and inconsistent performances that they really don’t have a ‘best XI’. It will be interesting to see what Mandorlini does with Toni: the centre-forward can’t bear playing twice in four days and the coach will have to pick one. UPDATE: Toni is out with flu-like symptoms.

They have recently used 3-5-2 more than last season’s 4-3-3 due to injuries to the wingers and to the lack of quality upfront. They added a little wrinkle to their offensive strategy by acquiring Leandro Greco, who can play as advanced midfielder and support the strikers better. Mandorlini is starting to use Sala in the midfield more and he’s an interesting player. Differently from other small teams, Hellas Verona have a lot of quality in the midfield, which is now their main (only?) strength. Furthermore, they are tall, tough and physical, thanks to players like Rafa Marquez and Guillermo Rodriguez who add a lot of muscles.

On the road, they are in the middle of the pack, having won two games, drawn four times and lost thrice. Last year, when Hellas visited the Turin, Mandorlini built a bunker to avoid conceding, he might do the same again. In any case, Juventus will have to pay attention to the counter-attacking game, which, as usual, is the sole weapon of this kind of team against a top club. They have fast players (Nico Lopez clearly stands out, but also Sala, Valoti, Christodoulopoulos and Toni runs hard when he sees an opening to score) and they have the technical skills to find them in the open field. They shoot a lot from distance and it’s better not to be caught off guard. They don’t score a lot, but they are good in protecting the lead.
 

 

Predicted Lineup:

3-5-2 Rafael; Sorensen, Marquez, Rodriguez; Martic, Campanharo, Tachtsidis, Valoti, Brivio; Saviola, Nene.

 

Injuries:

Jankovic (ankle), Obbadi (thigh), Ionita (thigh), Gomez (thigh), Moras (thigh), Toni (flu).


 

Formation

[Socrates 8516]

JUVENTUS - HELLAS VERONA

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Wednesday, January 15th, 2015 - 21:00 PM
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Gianpaolo Calvarese

Mandorlini: Hellas Verona Will Play
A Rotated Team Against Juventus

Jan 14, 2014

Hellas Verona coach Andrea Mandorlini admitted that he will rotate his squad for their Coppa Italia fixture away at Juventus on January 15 in the Round of 16.

The 54-year-old revealed that striker Luca Toni will not start the game but the Brazilian goalkeeper Rafael will be back after he was replaced by Francesco Benussi in the Gialloblu’s four most recent Serie A fixtures.

“It’s a straight elimination game then we have another game against them [Juventus] in the league that will conclude the first half of the season,” said Mandorlini in his press conference.

“First we have to think about the Round of 16 game, they will make changes and so will we, I think it’s the right thing to do.”

“This will my approach to the game, for example, Luca Toni will not play from the start and we’ll leave him to rest.

“Rafael? He will return to starting in goal.

“I would like to give him back his starting place in the second game we have in Turin, then we’ll revaluate everything for the second half of the season.”

Mandorlini also spoke about how he might look to use attacking midfielder Javier Saviola against the Bianconeri.

“What he has been doing has not shocked me, I knew he was a great player when he plays in a certain way.”

“This does not affect my way of saying things, he’s a great guy, there weren’t any problems with him before and even more there are none at the moment.”

The Hellas coach also addressed transfer rumours surrounding his team following reports that the attacker Fernandinho had signed on loan from Gremio.

“Fernandinho? I don’t speak about players who aren’t here, I’ve never seen him and I’m waiting to judge him.”

“[Guillermo] Rodriguez to Bologna? They’re rumours.

“You should ask these questions to sporting director Sean Sogliano.

“He has integrated himself into Verona and done a good job.”

[Socrates 8516]

JUVENTUS - HELLAS VERONA

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Wednesday, January 15th, 2015 - 21:00 PM
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Gianpaolo Calvarese

Coppa Italia Preview: Juventus vs. Hellas Verona —
Welcome to Hell(as)

Jan 15, 2014

It's been awhile since we've had to concentrate on the third and final competition Juventus is taking part in this season.

Let me start this again...

It's not 'Copa,' it's 'Coppa!' And now that we've gotten our yearly Barry Manilow kick out of our head, we can officially go on and talk about Juventus hopping into the Coppa Italia for the first time this season. And Juve's entrance in the competition, which comes in the tournament's round of 16, comes with a unique twist.

Thursday night, Juventus will be playing Hellas Verona at Juventus Stadium in Turin.

Sunday night, Juventus will be playing ... Hellas Verona ... at Juventus Stadium in Turin.

Two games within four days of one another. That's a ton of Hellas Verona to think about for Max Allegri and his squad. Maybe that's a good thing considering how crammed the schedule is going to be over the course of the next month. Surely the second game will be easier to prepare for compared to the first one. Then you throw in the fact Juventus will be hosting Chievo next weekend, there's just too much Verona-related things to handle right now.

So let's just concentrate on what should matter the most — Thursday night against Hellas Verona in the Coppa Italia.

JuventusFC ✔ @juventusfcen
.@OfficialAllegri: "The Coppa Italia is a target of ours. We want to get through this round and go all the way."

The winner gets Parma — which beat Cagliari 2-1 on Wednesday — in the quarterfinals on Feb. 4. And we all know what happens the last time Juventus played Parma. It was such a blowout famed WWE announcer Jim Ross might as well been yelling to end the damn match once the flood gates opened up completely.

A second edition of that complete dismantling would be fun. But Juventus must get past Verona first and foremost.
 

 

WHAT TO WATCH FOR

1. How much squad rotation will there be?

Even if Max Allegri didn't say a damn thing about squad rotation in his pre-match press conference, the list of players he called up is rather indicative that there will be a good number of changes in the starting lineup. There's no Andrea Pirlo, no Carlos Tevez, no Martin Caceres with all three not being among the 21-player squad list for Thursday's game. That's not all that much of a surprise considering the first two have been playing a lot of minutes over the last few rounds of games and the latter has just returned from injury. But there's all this: It's the Coppa Italia, which is the league-wide signal to rotate your squad and show off your depth if you have any. That's just how it goes no matter how serious you are taking the competition.

JuventusFC ✔ @juventusfcen
.@OfficialAllegri: "We have a competitive squad. Having everyone available is crucial for freshening things up."

2. The strike partnership — who will it be?

This is the chance for the reserves to get their shot to play big minutes. And that's especially true for the reserve strikers, who have basically seen Tevez and Fernando Llorente play every game together this season. With no Tevez in the squad, two strikers will sit, two will be on the bench at the opening whistle. But which two? You would have to think Alvaro Morata is getting a start, so that leaves Sebastian Giovinco and Kingsley Coman. If you believe the reports that Coman is ahead of Giovinco in the pecking order, then it will be a Morata-Coman tandem that last played together in the 7-0 beatdown of Parma. I wouldn't be opposed to that combination getting a chance from the start of a game for once. (Not that my starting lineup below is really saying otherwise.)

3. How many of the regular central midfielders get the start?

With Pirlo not being included in the match day squad, that's one fewer option to for Allegri to choose from. While Juventus are not in the same kind of injury situation as, say, four or six weeks ago, it's not like Allegri is swimming in a pool of options right now. There's no Pirlo, Luca Marrone is still out (this time with the flu), and that basically leaves us with the usual three and Simone Padoin. Maybe we can throw in Federico Mattiello if Allegri doesn't use him as a fullback Thursday night. So while other positions on the field are pretty much guaranteed to see plenty of squad rotation, I'm not so convinced that

4. Can Juventus take control of the game early so they're not stressing late?

What has Juventus' problem been in recent games? It's easy — they get the lead, they just can't hold onto it. Obviously we saw a team rebound and beat Napoli on Sunday, but the get-the-lead-only-to-blow-the-lead trend is becoming a regular thing. The gulf in talent — even with squad rotation a formality — between Juventus and Hellas Verona is a big one, and that means there's no reason Juve should be having trouble advancing in the Coppa Italia. But it's about trying to avoid what they have done the first two games of 2015. It'd be nice not to stress about every single thing in the second half, that's for sure.


My starting XI (4-3-1-2): Storari; Padoin, Bonucci, Ogbonna, Mattiello; Vidal, Marchisio, Pogba; Pereyra; Coman, Morata

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

[Socrates 8516]

JUVENTUS - HELLAS VERONA

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Wednesday, January 15th, 2015 - 21:00 PM
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Gianpaolo Calvarese

Allegri Aiming For Coppa Italia Glory

Jan 15, 2014

Juventus coach Massimiliano Allegri has stated that the Bianconeri are looking to win the Coppa Italia as they prepare to battle with Hellas Verona on Thursday.

Juve will square off against the Gialloblu, with the winner set to play Parma in the quarter finals and Allegri is keen to end Juve’s 20 year wait for the Coppa Italia.

“It is one of our goals for the season, to win the cup,” Allegri told reporters at his pre-match press conference.

“We must do our best in this competition as if it was Serie A or the Champions League.

“The stadium will be full for the Verona game and that will give our players extra motivation.

“Tomorrow [Carlos] Tevez and [Andrea] Pirlo will be rested. We have four strikers available for the game and any combination of them could start.

“Looking back at the summer transfer window we did well. [Roberto] Pereyra is the player who has played most from our summer signings and done well.

“[Patrice] Evra had a difficult start but he is now settled in the team and [Alvaro] Morata has not been able to play too often but when he has, he has always made an impact.”

[Socrates 8516]

JUVENTUS - HELLAS VERONA

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Wednesday, January 15th, 2015 - 21:00 PM
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Gianpaolo Calvarese

Juventus-Verona Betting: Bianconeri to remain
on course for long-awaited Coppa Italia triumph

Massimiliano Allegri's men are seeking to end a 20-year wait for a 10th cup win,
and Al Hain-Cole expects them to keep that dream alive despite conceding against the Gialloblu.

Jan 15, 2014

Juventus will be aiming to bring their 20-year wait for a 10th Coppa Italia triumph to an end when they welcome Hellas Verona to Turin in Thursday's last-16 clash.

The Bianconeri have not lifted the trophy since 1995's two-legged victory over Parma in the final but are clear favourites with Unibet to keep their dreams of finally reaching double figures alive by coming out on top tonight.

Unlike their opponents, Andrea Mandorlini's men have already come through two rounds to reach this stage, and are available at to add the national champions to Cremonese and Perugia as cup scalps.

The hosts have drawn their last three consecutive matches on home turf and you can get odds of on them being forced into extra-time with a tied 90 minutes this evening.

Fans watching their side lift the trophy for the ninth time back in 1995 would have been horrified at the prospect of their side still being without the silver star to commemorate 10 titles 20 years on.

Massimiliano Allegri’s team have lost out in three finals since then, while also suffering the ignominy of seeing Roma draw level on nine wins after victories in both 2007 and 2008.

With this in mind, their will be no shortage of motivation for the home side as they seek to embark on the triumphant cup run that their supporters have for so long been clamouring for, and their strong home record of 25 wins and two draws in the last 27 domestic home games should give them plenty of confidence.

However, Allegri will have been slightly unnerved by his team’s uncharacteristically sloppy streak at the back in recent matches, having seen his team now go five matches without keeping a clean sheet.

Considering the Gialloblu have hit the back of the net five times in their last six matches on the road, they must be backed to breach the Juventus defence for the third consecutive encounter, with odds of too good to miss on the hosts coming out on top in a game featuring goals at both ends.

[Socrates 8516]

JUVENTUS - HELLAS VERONA

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Wednesday, January 15th, 2015 - 21:00 PM
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Gianpaolo Calvarese

Pepe could start for Juventus

Jan 15, 2014

Simone Pepe could make his first Juventus start since 2012 in tonight’s Coppa Italia clash with Verona.

The winger has struggled with injury, and has played just 38 minutes for the Bianconeri in the past three seasons, with his sole appearance this campaign being a three minute cameo in the win over Cesena in September.

However, Calciomercato reports that the former Udinese man could start for Max Allegri’s men when Verona visit Juventus Stadium in the Coppa Italia tonight.

The website believes that Allegri will experiment with a 4-3-3 system against the Butei, with Pepe and Sebastian Giovinco lining up alongside Alvaro Morata.

However, Tuttosport believes that the Coach will stick with his 4-3-1-2 formation, with Kingsley Coman partnering Alvaro Morata.

Gigi Buffon will be rested, with Marco Storari taking up his mantle as is habitually the case in the Cup.

Youth product Federico Mattiello could also be given his first start for the club, but Tuttosport indicates he is more likely to replace Stephan Lichtsteiner as a second half substitute.

Unusually for a Coppa Italia game, the match is a sellout, with 40,000 people set to be in attendance, in stark contrast with the 8,000 who took in Milan’s tie with Sassuolo.


Probable Juventus XI to play Verona: Storari; Lichtsteiner, Bonucci, Ogbonna, Padoin; Vidal, Marchisio, Pereyra; Pepe, Morata, Giovinco

[Socrates 8516]

JUVENTUS - HELLAS VERONA

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Wednesday, January 15th, 2015 - 21:00 PM
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Gianpaolo Calvarese

Line-ups: Juventus-Verona

Jan 15, 2014

Sebastian Giovinco and Alvaro Morata start tonight’s Coppa Italia Round of 16 clash between Juventus and Verona.

It kicks off at the Juventus Stadium in Turin at 21.00 CET and is a one-off elimination round.

The winners will go on to face Parma in the quarter-finals on January 28.

Andrea Pirlo, Gigi Buffon and Carlos Tevez are among those rested for Juve’s first match in the tournament this season.

Arturo Vidal is not even on the bench, as the Chile international is suffering from tonsillitis.

It could well be Giovinco’s final appearance in a Bianconeri jersey, as his contract expires in June and he will likely be sold before then to avoid losing him on a free transfer.

Young talent Alvaro Morata also features with Simone Pepe making his first start since 2012 after a series of injury problems.

Winger Pepe has played just 38 minutes for Juventus over the last three seasons.

Verona arrive with numerous absentees, as Luca Toni has been ruled out by flu symptoms.

Also missing are Juanito Gomez Taleb, Mounir Obbadi, Artur Ionita, Bosko Jankovic and Evangelos Moras.

Hellas reached this stage by beating Cremonese 3-0 and Serie B outfit Perugia 1-0.

Unusually for a Coppa Italia Round of 16 tie, this is sold out with 40,000 people set to attend this evening.


Juventus: Storari; Lichtsteiner, Bonucci, Ogbonna, Padoin; Pepe, Marchisio, Pogba; Pereyra; Morata, Giovinco

Juventus bench: Buffon, Rubinho, Chiellini, Romagna, Evra, Mattiello, Vitale, Coman, Llorente


Verona: Rafael; Sorensen, Rodriguez, R Marquez, Agostini; Campanharo, Tachtsidis, Hallfredsson; Valoti; Nico Lopez, Nene

Verona bench: Benussi, Gollini, Saviola, Greco, Christodoulopoulos, Marques, Sala, Brivio, Martic, Fares, Capelluzzo, Checchin

[Socrates 8516]

JUVENTUS - HELLAS VERONA

6 - 1

Sebastian Giovinco (6')
Roberto Pereyra (21')
Sebastian Giovinco (45'+)
Paul Pogba (53')

Nenê 57'

Álvaro Morata (Penalty -63')
Kingsley Coman (78')

Wednesday, January 15th, 2015 - 21:00 PM
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Gianpaolo Calvarese

Juventus 6-1 Hellas Verona: Coman
stunner caps Coppa thrashing

Sebastian Giovinco and Paul Pogba were also on target as the Serie A
champions routed the visitors to book a clash against Parma.

Jan 15, 2014

A stunning strike from Kingsley Coman capped a brilliant Juventus showing as they routed Hellas Verona 6-1 in the Coppa Italia on Thursday.

After coming through a stern test in a 3-1 Serie A win at Napoli last Sunday, Juve coach Massimiliano Allegri opted to rest a number of his star players.

Arturo Vidal, Andrea Pirlo and Carlos Tevez were all left out of the squad, but their absence made little difference in a scintillating Juve display in Turin to set up a quarter-final clash with Parma.

Sebastian Giovinco opened the scoring with a sixth-minute free kick and effectively sealed Juve's route through into the next round shortly before half-time with a close-range second that followed a superb solo effort from Roberto Pereyra.

Paul Pogba then made it 4-0 eight minutes after the interval as the France midfielder netted for the second game running.

Nene pulled one back for Verona four minutes, only for Alvaro Morata's 63rd-minute spot-kick and a stunning late sixth from substitute Coman to cap off the rout just three days before the league meeting between the two at the same stadium.

Gustavo Campanharo wasted a glorious early chance for Verona in the second minute as he shot well wide from close range and the visitors were quickly punished by Giovinco.

The forward found the roof of the net with a curling free kick that Verona goalkeeper Rafael was unable to keep out despite getting a strong hand to the shot.

Juve pressed to try to put the tie beyond doubt and, after Morata had been denied by Rafael, deservedly doubled their lead through a piece of brilliance from Pereyra in the 21st minute.

Pereyra showcased his electric pace as he broke down the right before cleverly poking the ball into the bottom-left corner.

Marco Storari was finally forced into action at the other end as he tipped a Nico Lopez effort over before Juve were dealt a blow when Angelo Ogbonna limped off.

The centre-back, who had earlier been the victim of a rash challenge from Nene, was replaced by Giorgio Chiellini in the 39th minute.

Despite looking far from solid at the back, Juve were always in command and Giovinco made the game safe in first-half stoppage time.

Giovinco was presented with the simple task of slotting home Stephan Lichtsteiner's pull back from point-blank range after the Swiss - fresh from extending his contract on Tuesday - had linked up well with Pereyra.

Lopez served as Verona's only real attacking threat and forced Storari to palm his swerving effort over seven minutes after the restart.

Juve immediately went down the other end and scored, though, Pogba tucking the ball home from two yards out at the second attempt after Simone Pepe's right-wing cross had deflected off Rafael Marquez.

Marquez almost instantly atoned for his defensive error by flicking a near-post corner into the path of Nene to prod into an unguarded net.

That goal was nothing more than a footnote in a devastating Juve performance, however, with Morata making it 5-1 from 12 yards.

Mexican Marquez was at fault again as he upended Giovinco, allowing the former Real Madrid man to beat Rafael low down to his right with a coolly taken penalty.

And there was still time for Juve to add another as Coman cut in from the left and powering an unstoppable shot into the top-left corner.

[Socrates 8516]

JUVENTUS - HELLAS VERONA

6 - 1

Sebastian Giovinco (6')
Roberto Pereyra (21')
Sebastian Giovinco (45'+)
Paul Pogba (53')

Nenê 57'

Álvaro Morata (Penalty -63')
Kingsley Coman (78')

Wednesday, January 15th, 2015 - 21:00 PM
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Gianpaolo Calvarese

Coppa: Juve put six past Verona

Jan 15, 2014

Sebastian Giovinco bagged a brace as Juventus demolished Verona 6-1 to reach the Coppa Italia quarter-finals.

The Bianconeri go on to face Parma in the next round of the tournament on January 28.

Carlos Tevez, Andrea Pirlo and Gigi Buffon were among those rested, while Arturo Vidal had tonsillitis. Simone Pepe made his first start since 2012 after just 38 minutes of football in three seasons. Hellas missed Luca Toni, Juanito Gomez Taleb, Mounir Obbadi, Artur Ionita, Bosko Jankovic and Evangelos Moras.

Unusually for a tie this early in the Coppa Italia, the stadium was sold out with 40,000 fans in Turin for the game.

It took just five minutes to break the deadlock, as Giovinco’s free kick surprised Rafael at the near post and the goalkeeper got a hand to it without enough strength.

Paul Pogba threatened, Rafael parried from Alvaro Morata while Guillermo Rodriguez volleyed wide from a corner.

Juventus doubled their tally with a classy finish from Roberto Pereyra, who skipped past Rodriguez down the right with his first touch and chipped the goalkeeper with the outside of his right boot. It was the ex-Udinese man’s first goal for the Turin giants.

Nico Lopez blasted a screamer wide from distance, Pepe tested Rafael at the near post and Marco Storari flew to palm a Gustavo Campanharo effort out from under the bar.

Angelo Ogbonna went off with a left ankle problem, but Giovinco completed his brace by tapping in a Stephan Lichtsteiner assist from five yards. This was the Atomic Ant’s fifth goal in the last six Coppa Italia games for Juve.

These sides will meet again here on Sunday night in Serie A and Verona will certainly be hoping for a better scoreline. Storari pushed a Nico Lopez curler over the bar, but Paul Pogba added a fourth when a ricochet fell kindly for him.

Verona did get one back, though the Rafa Marquez header from a corner appeared to be going in anyway when Nene slid on to it from a yard.

Giovinco was aiming for a hat-trick, but brought down by Marquez for a penalty as he ran on to Pogba’s assist. Alvaro Morata stepped up to convert the spot-kick.

It could easily have been more, but nobody was ready to tap in Kingsley Coman and Pereyra assists.

Coman broke his Juventus duck with a scorching strike, finding space outside the box to smash an unstoppable finish in off the underside of the bar. It was the 18-year-old Frenchman’s first goal for the club.


Juventus 6-1 Verona

Scorers: Giovinco 5, 45 (J), Pereyra 21 (J), Pogba 52 (J), Nene 57 (V), Morata pen 63 (J), Coman 79 (J)

Juventus: Storari; Lichtsteiner (Mattiello 82), Bonucci, Ogbonna (Chiellini 39), Padoin; Pepe, Marchisio, Pogba; Pereyra; Morata, Giovinco (Coman 65)

Verona: Rafael; Sorensen, Rodriguez, R Marquez, Agostini; Campanharo, Tachtsidis (Greco 65), Hallfredsson (Martic 69); Valoti; Nico Lopez (Cappelluzzo 83), Nene

Ref: Calvarese

[Socrates 8516]

JUVENTUS - HELLAS VERONA

6 - 1

Sebastian Giovinco (6')
Roberto Pereyra (21')
Sebastian Giovinco (45'+)
Paul Pogba (53')

Nenê 57'

Álvaro Morata (Penalty -63')
Kingsley Coman (78')

Wednesday, January 15th, 2015 - 21:00 PM
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Gianpaolo Calvarese

Juventus 6-1 Hellas Verona: Giovinco
Makes Most Of Rare Start

Jan 15, 2014

Juventus did not hold back against Hellas Verona in the round of 16 of the Coppa Italia on Thursday, winning 6-1 in front of a packed Juventus Stadium.

Sebastian Giovinco opened a three-goal first half with a free-kick in the sixth minute. Roberto Pereyra then scored for the first time as a Juventus player, while Giovinco added another just before half-time.

Paul Pogba, Alvaro Morata and substitute Kingsley Coman continued the rout in the second half. But Juventus could not preserve the shutout, with Verona striker Nene putting a foot on the end of a header from defender Rafa Marquez.

Marco Storari, relieving Gianluigi Buffon in goal, could not get a fourth clean sheet in five starts.

Storari was one of eight changes coach Massimiliano Allegri made to the lineup that beat Napoli at the weekend.

But it was Giovinco who benefitted the most from a rare start. Giovinco scored for the first time since April, adding some value to a player whose name is out on the market. Reports in Italy and North America have linked the 27-year-old to Fiorentina, Monaco and MLS club Toronto FC over the past two weeks.

Juventus did not tone it down after the break, as Pogba juggled his way past defenders to extend the lead in the 53rd minute. Morata converted from the spot 11 minutes later.

The best was saved for last. With 11 minutes remaining, the 18-year-old Coman blasted a rocket from 20 yards out, making his first competitive goal in European football a memorable one.

[Socrates 8516]

JUVENTUS - HELLAS VERONA

6 - 1

Sebastian Giovinco (6')
Roberto Pereyra (21')
Sebastian Giovinco (45'+)
Paul Pogba (53')

Nenê 57'

Álvaro Morata (Penalty -63')
Kingsley Coman (78')

Wednesday, January 15th, 2015 - 21:00 PM
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Gianpaolo Calvarese

Coppa Italia: Juventus hit six past
Verona to progress to quarterfinals

Jan 15, 2014

Sebastian Giovinco struck twice as Serie A leaders Juventus crushed Verona 6-1 to reach the quarterfinals of the Coppa Italia.

Roberto Pereyra, Paul Pogba, Alvaro Morata and Kingsley Coman also got on the scoresheet as the hosts made light of eight changes at the Juventus Stadium.

Verona, who face a difficult league clash against the same opponents on Sunday, claimed a second-half consolation through Nene.

Giovinco opened the scoring after just five minutes as he smashed home a free-kick from 25 yards and narrowly missed with another soon after.

Pereyra did double the lead with a deft finish after 21 minutes -- his first goal for the club -- before Giovinco tapped in his second on the stroke of half-time.

Pogba extended the lead further eight minutes into the second period after some nifty footwork in the box before Nene produced a reply before the hour.

Morata converted from the penalty spot after Giovinco was fouled and teenage substitute Coman wrapped up the scoring with a spectacular sixth, crashing in a shot off the bar, five minutes from time.

[Socrates 8516]

JUVENTUS - HELLAS VERONA

6 - 1

Sebastian Giovinco (6')
Roberto Pereyra (21')
Sebastian Giovinco (45'+)
Paul Pogba (53')

Nenê 57'

Álvaro Morata (Penalty -63')
Kingsley Coman (78')

Wednesday, January 15th, 2015 - 21:00 PM
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Gianpaolo Calvarese

JUVENTUS 6-1 HELLAS VERONA
COPPA ITALIA MATCH REVIEW

Jan 15, 2014

Despite not having won the competition since the 1994-95 season, today Max Allegri made it clear that he means business in this tournament. Juventus and Roma not only battle for the Scudetto this season, but also the glorious Silver Star. Both clubs having won the competition a record 9 times, we could be in for a two horse race in both domestic competitions between Italy’s best two sides.

Juventus started the match holding the majority of possession before Sebastian Giovinco was brought down right at the edge of the area. Moments after the foul, Giovinco dusted himself off, stepped up with determination, hit the ball over the wall and past Rafael to break the deadlock and give Juventus an early 1-0 lead.

With a firm Juventus defense consisting of a very confident Ogbonna and Bonucci, Padoin and Lichtsteiner holding down the flanks, The Old Lady did not come close to conceding in the first half. In front of the back-four and Marco Storari was an extremely dominant midfield three of Paul Pogba, who was incredible on attack and helping connect the defense with Captain Claudio Marchisio and the returning Simone Pepe.

The dancing Paul Pogba was especially world class today, embarrassing the Verona defense and midfield and connecting very well with a Sebastian Giovinco and Alvaro Morata booming with pace and electricity.

After controlling the majority of the opening 20 minutes despite a few less-than-threatening attacks from Nene and Nico Lopez of Verona, Juventus managed to double their lead through a wonderful goal from Roberto Pereyra. The Argentinean midfielder made a great run into the area, receiving a pass from Lichtsteiner, nutmegging Rodriguez and blasting the ball past Rafael’s far post to give Juve a 2-0 lead in the 21st minute.

The Gobbi weren’t done there yet, however, and continued with their steam-rolling attack. It was the atom-ant who shined yet again in front of the home fans—many of which doubting him throughout the past couple seasons—and found his second goal of the match through a stunning assist from Lichtsteiner again. Just minutes before his second goal, Giovinco nearly had an assist to his name after crossing the ball that rolled past the goal with nobody there to tap it in.

Juventus finished the half with a comfortable 3-0 lead. Paul Pogba, Roberto Pereyra, Stephan Lichtsteiner and Sebastian Giovinco stood out amongst the others, however.

The Bianconeri came out of the gates with the same desire as they started with, something they have lacked a number of times throughout the 14/15 campaign. Verona had their first concrete chance of the game in an effort that forced a beautiful save from Marco Storari, giving Juventus a reality check. While it was a quick slap-in-the-face for Juve, they only used it to further fuel a fire that had been burning for the previous 51 minutes. At the opposite end of the pitch, Morata and Paul Pogba faced Rafael in a two-on-one opportunity that was put past the Brazilian goalkeeper by the young French midfielder to give Juventus a 4-0 lead after 52 minutes.

Five minutes passed after the “New Zidane” gave Juve a 4-0 lead and Hellas Verona earned them a corner. As per usual, despite not being at fault, Marco Storari simply could not get the clean sheet and Nene buried the well-taken corner to cut Juve’s lead to 3.

Verona’s efforts did not last long, however, and the very dynamic Sebastian Giovinco made another darting run into the Verona box, beating one defender and getting fouled inside the area by the second, forcing a penalty. Morata, who missed a couple easy chances during the match managed to score the penalty despite Rafael guessing the correct side and restored The Bianconeri’s four-goal-lead.

Another 20 minutes of Juventus dominance before something absolutely magical happened. The only thing that could have made the match even more perfect after Giovinco restored confidence with a double; Pogba continued to prove he is world class, etc. The French wonder-kid, Kingsley Coman who Juventus swiped from PSG over the summer came on late in the match and scored an absolute rocket in the 79th minute leaving Rafael hopeless conceding the 6th goal in an absolutely unreal fashion.

Today Juventus showed the rest of Italy that they not only have the greatest depth in the nation, but also that they genuinely mean business in the Coppa Italia. An emphatic win for The Bianconeri over Hellas Verona and Allegri’s men go into the weekend booming with confidence.

[Socrates 8516]

JUVENTUS - HELLAS VERONA

6 - 1

Sebastian Giovinco (6')
Roberto Pereyra (21')
Sebastian Giovinco (45'+)
Paul Pogba (53')

Nenê 57'

Álvaro Morata (Penalty -63')
Kingsley Coman (78')

Wednesday, January 15th, 2015 - 21:00 PM
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Gianpaolo Calvarese

Allegri: 'Juve can afford Pogba'

Jan 15, 2014

Max Allegri praised Sebastian Giovinco and assured “Juventus can afford to keep Paul Pogba” after a 6-1 mauling of Verona.

The Coach spoke to Rai Sport following tonight’s Coppa Italia Round of 16 triumph in Turin, which saw Giovinco bag a brace.

“We didn’t play with a second-choice team. We are Juventus and it’s only right that we put in a performance like this,” said Allegri.

“I am counting on these players and even if certain choices force me to leave someone out, games like this make it easy for me to pick them.”

Has Giovinco scored his last goals for Juve, considering he’ll be out of contract at the end of the season?

“His quality is certainly not a novelty. He hasn’t had much playing time because I have five strikers competing for two places. Over the course of a campaign, the players who need to be ready when called can become fundamental.

“Giovinco has never been on the market. There’s a lot of chatter, but I don’t think he wants to leave.”

Juventus will face Verona again on Sunday evening in Serie A, but Allegri warned against expecting a new 6-1 scoreline.

“It’ll be a completely different game, as Verona generally concede very little. We have to improve, as we conceded from a corner again.”

Pogba was also on target and this week agent Mino Raiola suggested Juventus couldn’t afford to resist €100m offers.

“Juventus can afford Pogba because he already plays for Juventus,” replied Allegri. “It’s only normal that all of Europe wants him, as he’s only 21 years old and immensely talented.

“We need some reinforcements to complete this squad, having lost Asamoah and Romulo for three months. If we don’t find replacements up to their standard, then it’s only right to let our youngsters develop and play.”

[Socrates 8516]

JUVENTUS - HELLAS VERONA

6 - 1

Sebastian Giovinco (6')
Roberto Pereyra (21')
Sebastian Giovinco (45'+)
Paul Pogba (53')

Nenê 57'

Álvaro Morata (Penalty -63')
Kingsley Coman (78')

Wednesday, January 15th, 2015 - 21:00 PM
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Gianpaolo Calvarese

Hellas Verona Boss Eyeing
Instant Juventus Revenge

Jan 15, 2014

Hellas Verona coach Andrea Mandorlini was quick to try and pick his side up after their resounding 6-1 thrashing away at Juventus in the Coppa Italia on Thursday night.

The sides meet again on Sunday night in league action and Mandorlini is hoping for a much better display than the one offered by a somewhat understrength Gialloblu outfit.

“I don’t think the team played badly but we made far too many mistakes,” the Verona tactician said to the assembled media. “Sometimes, these evenings happen in football and now we have a bit of time to prepare for Sunday.

“It is normal that questions will be asked after conceding six goals. We were too soft and certain players need to show a different attitude. Every game brings a different story and we hope for better in the rematch on Sunday.

“We must learn from the mistakes made in this game. When they force you to do certain things, you must be smarter in dealing with them.”

[Socrates 8516]

JUVENTUS - HELLAS VERONA

6 - 1

Sebastian Giovinco (6')
Roberto Pereyra (21')
Sebastian Giovinco (45'+)
Paul Pogba (53')

Nenê 57'

Álvaro Morata (Penalty -63')
Kingsley Coman (78')

Wednesday, January 15th, 2015 - 21:00 PM
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Gianpaolo Calvarese

Juventus 6 - Hellas Verona 1:
Initial reaction and random observations

Jan 15, 2014

There would be no blowing of a 1-0 lead. There wasn't even a slight risk of losing the lead once Juventus got the game's opening goal, to be completely honest. It was the exact opposite Thursday night at Juventus Stadium. Just your average 6-1 beatdown of Hellas Verona is what happened, putting any doubt of a second-half meltdown waaaaaay out of question even before halftime arrived.

That's just what happens when Juve just don't dominate their opponent over the course of 90 minutes. That's what happens when they blow them out of the entire stadium.

Even with all the expected changes that came with the Coppa Italia curtain-raiser for Juventus, they were good — damn good. This wasn't a game where Juve scratched and clawed their way to a win over a provincial side like they have in the past. This was Juventus, with half of the starting lineup consisting of reserves, playing some darn good football and getting plenty of scoring opportunities — and putting them away — along the way.

JuventusFC ✔ @juventusfcen
.@OfficialAllegri: "An excellent performance tonight. We played with plenty of pace, running often towards the opposition goal."

Juventus did exactly what they were supposed to do in their first game of the 2014-15 Coppa Italia. Maybe not in the manner that the 6-1 final score says, but in a game where there were plenty of changes and players coming in who hadn't played much lately, they just got the job done. You can't ask for much more than that.

I mean, what more can we say? Juventus played well and pretty much let us enjoy a game rather than having us gnaw off all of our fingernails. I think I know which game I preferred to have happen going into tonight.

(And that happened.)


Random thoughts and observations

Paul Pogba is on fire right now. It's not just the silky moves he's busting out on opposing defenders what seems like every couple of minutes, it's pretty much everything he's doing on the field right now. He's just so scary-good at the age of 21 and becoming a true leader on this team. It's fun to watch — even from afar.

I've always felt like Sebastian Giovinco can be a useful piece with the way the Juventus roster is constructed. Certainly not week in and week out or as a focal point of the attack, but he can play a some kind role within this squad. Maybe it's convenient to say this after he scores a couple of goals, but it's good to see him take full advantage of his first start in over two months.

Kingsley Coman's first Juventus goal was ... beautiful. (insert crying emoji here)

Same goes for the reactions after Coman's goal. Look at how much they love it.

This isn't breaking news by any means: I would love to see Coman get more playing time going forward the next few weeks and/or months. Look, Juventus' schedule is about to get busy as hell at the end of the month and Allegri should be rotating the squad accordingly. There will be chances for Coman to play coming up, and it should happen. How can you not keep him on the bench for an extended period of time right now?

Oh, and here's a friendly reminder: Kingsley Coman is 18 years old and Juventus didn't have to pay anything for him.

Also pretty: Roberto Pereyra's goal. Because there isn't enough to celebrate already, right?

SIMONE PEPE BACK. Seriously, good for him. This hasn't been an easy two and a half years for him. He might not be anywhere close to the same role he had back under Gigi Del Neri, but he's always been a great teammate and never complained once again what's going on. So welcome back, Simone. And good on the tifo for giving him so much love as well.

Seems fitting that Verona's lone goal came on terrible marking from Juventus, doesn't it? All the wonderful things that happened Thursday night ... and then there was that piece of defending.

Claudio Marchisio was the captain's armband Thursday night, which is as natural a fit as anything that happened against Hellas Verona.

Marco Storari made two wonderful saves before the Juventus defense cost him a clean sheet. There's your goalkeeper appreciation bullet point, folks.

Nice little tactical shift by Max Allegri to go with a variation of a 4-3-3 to accommodate Pepe in the starting lineup. I wouldn't be opposed to seeing that kind of formation mixed in going forward as a variation to his favorite 4-3-1-2 setup. There's just something about this team when they have threats on the wings other than fullbacks.

Juventus plays in the quarterfinals of the Coppa Italia. The same Parma they dropped seven goals on back in November. The same Parma team that is still sitting at the bottom of the Serie A table. Get your popcorn ready.

Guess who Juventus plays this weekend? Yeah, Hellas Verona. Let's hope Juventus A can continue what Juventus B did midweek.

That was fun. I like games when Juventus score lots of goals and wins games.

[Socrates 8516]

JUVENTUS - HELLAS VERONA

6 - 1

Sebastian Giovinco (6')
Roberto Pereyra (21')
Sebastian Giovinco (45'+)
Paul Pogba (53')

Nenê 57'

Álvaro Morata (Penalty -63')
Kingsley Coman (78')

Wednesday, January 15th, 2015 - 21:00 PM
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Gianpaolo Calvarese

TEAM RATINGS

Jan 15, 2014
 

Juventus

30 M. Storari - Not tested often, but faced a few quality chances which he managed to turn aside. Proved himself yet again as a fine deputy to Buffon.

26 S. Lichtsteiner - Provided a lovely assist for Giovinco's second goal of the night, sending a fine ball across the box after working a clever one-two with Pereyra.

19 L. Bonucci - Orchestrated the back line well and played an important role with his side in possession.

5 A. Ogbonna - Forced off due to an injury in the first half, bringing an end to his night earlier than he would have liked.

20 S. Padoin - Worked hard along the left and contributed sporadically in attack. Proved hard to beat at the back, making a few important last-ditch clearances.

7 S. Pepe - Showed great pace along the right and was often the beneficiary of Marchisio and Pereyra's intricate ball movement. Had a few chances to get on the scoresheet but could not get the better of Rafael.

8 C. Marchisio - Was hardly flashy, but put in a hard, under-the-radar shift in midfield. Offered a number of important outlet passes which helped Juventus transition into attack.

6 P. Pogba - Found himself in the right spot at the right time to score the fourth goal, but was a constant threat in possession. Gave the fans plenty to cheer about with his flashy dribbling, beating defenders at will.

37 R. Pereyra - A brilliant take and finish to double his side's lead. Linked up very well with Lichtsteiner in the build up to the third goal, as well. Asked plenty of questions of the Verona defence with his passing.

12 S. Giovinco - The most prolific member of attack for Juventus. Won and scored from a free kick after just six minutes, before bagging himself a double at the stroke of half-time. He also won the penalty.

9 Álvaro Morata - Only managed to score from the spot, and despite some good movement off the ball, he was not clinical enough in the final third. Needed to be a bit more decisive with the ball at his feet.


Substitutes

3 G. Chiellini - Came on to replace the injured Ogbonna, and did not miss a beat defensively, though had little to do.

11 K. Coman - Made his presence felt straight after coming on and scored the goal of the night with a stunning strike from 30 yards out - his first competitive goal with the Bianconeri.


 

Hellas Verona

1 Rafael - Hung out to dry time and time again. Made some good saves, but will certainly be furious with the play of his back four.

5 F. Sørensen - The Juventus loanee had a nightmarish time trying to keep out Pogba and then Coman, with the two Frenchman running rampant along the flank.

2 G. Rodríguez - Far from convincing at the back, doing very little to keep out Giovinco, who was able to get in behind the defence time and time again.

4 R. Márquez - The best of the bunch at the back, though that is hardly saying much. Made a few important tackles and was unlucky to concede a penalty in the second half after making very little contact with Giovinco. His header off a corner kick resulted in the lone goal for the Gialloblu.

33 A. Agostini - Struggled to deal with the overlapping runs of Lichtsteiner and was offered little defensive support.

30 Gustavo Campanharo - Looked lost in midfield, failing to make life difficult for Marchisio and Pereyra in possession. Needed to do a better job of containing the runs of Lichtsteiner.

77 P. Tachtsidis - Was influential in possession, pushing the ball forward well, but needed to do a better job to win it back. Subbed off with just under 30 minutes left.

10 E. Hallfreðsson - His late challenge on Giovinco directly resulted in the first goal and he was nearly made to pay for a similar tackle just a few minutes later. Offered good support in attack, but often needed a better final ball.

27 M. Valoti - Did not create much from the trequartista role, and was often an afterthought in attack.

17 N. López - Showed great improvisation and individual skill to create chances for himself out of nothing. Saw a stunning strike from 25 yards out denied by the fingertips of Storari.

99 Nenê - Right place at the right time to turn in Marquez's header at the far post. Did not pose much of a threat from open play.


Substitutes

71 I. Martic - Did not see enough of the ball to have an impact in his 20 minutes on the pitch.

19 L. Greco - Came on with 25 minutes to play, though could do little to stop the Juventus dominance.

[Socrates 8516]

JUVENTUS - HELLAS VERONA

6 - 1

Sebastian Giovinco (6')
Roberto Pereyra (21')
Sebastian Giovinco (45'+)
Paul Pogba (53')

Nenê 57'

Álvaro Morata (Penalty -63')
Kingsley Coman (78')

Wednesday, January 15th, 2015 - 21:00 PM
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Gianpaolo Calvarese

Genius Giovinco paves way for
Juventus romp over Verona

Jan 16, 2014

In a country where it is almost considered rude to score more than five, Juventus thrashed Hellas Verona 6-1 at home showcasing the fascinating array of talent they have going forward.

A chance to show off their benchwarmers, manager Massimiliano Allegri relied on a trident attack, playing a 4-3-3 formation that hasn't been tested for some time. It proved to be a stupendous idea, especially as Verona have previously struggled against sides that attack in numbers and play with wild abandon -- as this blog accurately noted in the preview.

Allegri left caution behind and instructed his team to enjoy the game and attack with courage to overwhelm the opponent. With Juve playing three men upfront and midfielders all vying to exploit the space made available by the hungry men ahead of them, Andrea Mandorlini's men simply could not compete, despite playing many of their usual starters. The quality and technique of the Bianconeri proved too powerful and even players such as Roberto Pereyra and Sebastian Giovinco, who rarely finish their opportunities.

An evening of excellent finishing, it took the Old Lady only six minutes to score her first from a free kick before she continued to pile on to leave Verona unsure of how to manage the many waves of attack. Weak in one-on-ones and intimidated when the time came to make a tackle, Juventus must show less fear on Sunday when they take on the Bianconeri again -- in a league game this time.

Juventus have Giovinco to thank for the victory, for the player deserves a symphony of compliments for his performance. This blog has long admired the talented player whose intelligence on the ball makes for excellent viewing. While he possess his flaws, namely that he's physically weaker than need be and far from the greatest finisher, there's few who understand how to improve the quality of an attack as well as he does.

In fact, when the pint-sized attacker was deployed against Cesena, this blog dedicated most of the post-match write-up to admiring the technique of the player and his appreciation of space. "Master of creativity, tactically aware and boasting the sort of football mind that belongs at the highest level, Giovinco could well have been the fulcrum of this Juve side."

Sadly, he has struggled with the weight of the shirt and a certain few have lost faith in him. This is a league that admires physicality and finishing and on that front, Giovinco usually disappoints. But not Thursday night. Not only did he overwhelm a Verona side that struggle against technique, but he grabbed a brace that may hopefully buy him more minutes in the future. Or at least until his contract expires. Mobile and hungry, he was simply unplayable on the night, making a marked difference to a Juve side that looked rather static on occasion against Napoli.

It was almost a little disappointing when he was subbed off, but in his place arrived Frenchman Kingsley Coman, a forward who ought to be playing much more this season. Alvaro Morata is usually the man called upon if Fernando Llorente doesn't start, but perhaps it's time to look Coman's way more often. The young Spaniard Morata possesses talent and pace, but psychologically he's struggling, losing his composure at the times the team require it the most. He has produced certain stunning moments of play such as his run to the by-line, demonstrating control and strength, but his displays always appear a tad desperate.

By contrast, Coman rarely looks rattled and seems to have ice cold veins. Boasting composure and remarkable technique, he often makes the right decisions, despite his young age and inexperience. If allowed more playing time, he could well develop into a phenomenon, much like his compatriot, Paul Pogba. However, it's important he be shown more faith and afforded more minutes on the pitch, even if it comes in place of Llorente or Morata, so that he may rid himself of certain bad habits and learn the beauty of simplicity.

Pereyra is another who deserves a mention. This blog has never quite believed in the player's quality but he did manage a wonderful goal on the night and against weaker opposition, he can let his technique do the talking. But he's yet to prove, at least on a consistent basis, that he deserves to wear the Bianconeri colours and especially in place of Giovinco -- a Juve youth product.

Speaking of youth, Federico Mattiello was given a few minutes to enjoy on the pitch and showing courage and desire, he didn't hesitate in ordering his teammates around, showing them where to pass so that he may latch on and make an impression. If the two youngest among them can play with such confidence and ability, then the future looks bright for the Bianconeri.

[Socrates 8516]

JUVENTUS - HELLAS VERONA

6 - 1

Sebastian Giovinco (6')
Roberto Pereyra (21')
Sebastian Giovinco (45'+)
Paul Pogba (53')

Nenê 57'

Álvaro Morata (Penalty -63')
Kingsley Coman (78')

Wednesday, January 15th, 2015 - 21:00 PM
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Gianpaolo Calvarese

Coman: Victory More
Important Than My Goal

Jan 16, 2014

Juventus midfielder Kingsley Coman has claimed that his side’s win over Hellas Verona was more important than his goal.

The Frenchman scored the final goal in Juve’s 6-1 defeat of Verona at the Juventus stadium in the Coppa Italia, but Coman thinks the Bianconeri will be in for a different game against the same opposition on Sunday in Serie A.

“The most important thing is that the team won rather than me scoring.” Coman told Rai.

“Winning is never easy especially against a good side like Verona.

“In a few days we will play against Verona again, however it will be a different game and another huge challenge for us.”

The victory against Verona means that Juventus will take on Parma in the quarter finals of the Coppa Italia.

[Socrates 8516]

JUVENTUS - HELLAS VERONA

6 - 1

Sebastian Giovinco (6')
Roberto Pereyra (21')
Sebastian Giovinco (45'+)
Paul Pogba (53')

Nenê 57'

Álvaro Morata (Penalty -63')
Kingsley Coman (78')

Wednesday, January 15th, 2015 - 21:00 PM
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Gianpaolo Calvarese

Giovinco not for sale, insists Allegri

The Juventus coach is keen to hold on to the attacker after watching him score twice in the thrashing of Verona.

Jan 16, 2014

Juventus coach Massimiliano Allegri insists the Italian champions have no intention of selling Sebastian Giovinco any time soon in the wake of his sublime performance in the 6-1 Coppa Italia win over Verona.

The 27-year-old has been struggling to secure regular first-team action this term and a number of reports claimed Juventus were ready to cash in on the Italy international, with his contract due to expire at the end of the season.

However, Giovinco featured from the start in Thursday's encounter and netted twice to help Juventus to an impressive win.

"Giovinco has never been up for sale," Allegri was quoted as saying on the official Juventus website.

"There's always plenty of talk, but he's never expressed a desire to leave.

"We have good players to develop. If we don't find anyone capable of improving the squad we'll blood the youngsters we have."

Allegri, who is adamant he did not field a reserve side against Verona, was delighted with Juve's performance on Thursday but acknowledged there is still room for improvement.

"We didn't name a second-string side. The only players who have featured less, [simone] Pepe and Giovinco, performed well and I'm delighted for them," he added.

"We'll need everyone to make a contribution over the course of the season.

"Moreover we mustn't concede in the way we did from a corner, the second in a row after Napoli. It's an aspect we need to work on."

[Socrates 8516]

JUVENTUS - HELLAS VERONA

6 - 1

Sebastian Giovinco (6')
Roberto Pereyra (21')
Sebastian Giovinco (45'+)
Paul Pogba (53')

Nenê 57'

Álvaro Morata (Penalty -63')
Kingsley Coman (78')

Wednesday, January 15th, 2015 - 21:00 PM
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Gianpaolo Calvarese

Storari: ‘Coppa matters to Juventus’

Jan 16, 2014

Juventus goalkeeper Marco Storari insists the Bianconeri are not taking the Coppa Italia lightly, as he discusses last night’s game.

The 38-year-old usually has to be content with a bench role in Turin, but stepped in for Gianluigi Buffon in last night’s 6-1 Cup win over Verona.

“We started strongly and put in a fine performance,” Storari said of the match on the club’s official website.

“It was important to go through, the Coppa Italia is a competition that matters to us.

“We want to go all the way in every tournament because that’s what this team has been assembled to do.”

The former Milan ‘keeper also discussed Simone Pepe, who last night returned from injury to make his first Juventus start since May 2012.

“I was really happy for him, as were all my teammates, because he’s both a great friend and fine player who has only been kept out of the action through injury over the past two years.”

[Socrates 8516]

JUVENTUS - HELLAS VERONA

6 - 1

Sebastian Giovinco (6')
Roberto Pereyra (21')
Sebastian Giovinco (45'+)
Paul Pogba (53')

Nenê 57'

Álvaro Morata (Penalty -63')
Kingsley Coman (78')

Wednesday, January 15th, 2015 - 21:00 PM
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Gianpaolo Calvarese

Mandorlini: 'Sunday will be different'

Jan 16, 2014

Andrea Mandorlini hopes “it will be a very different game” against Juventus on Sunday after Verona lost 6-1 in the Coppa Italia.

By a curious twist of the fixture list, this match will be repeated in Turin on Sunday evening in Serie A.

“Anything can happen in a one-off encounter,” said Hellas Coach Mandorlini on Rai Sport.

“We started off well, then just collapsed and it was virtually over with 3-0 at half-time. We were too soft in many duels against a quality side. We made too many mistakes and these are the consequences.

“It will be a very different game on Sunday and we’ll try to learn from tonight’s errors. I hope and am indeed certain that it’ll be a whole other story at the weekend.

“This was an ugly defeat, but we must turn over a new leaf straight away, think of Sunday’s game and what must be a strong second half to the season in order to achieve safety.”

[Socrates 8516]

JUVENTUS - HELLAS VERONA

6 - 1

Sebastian Giovinco (6')
Roberto Pereyra (21')
Sebastian Giovinco (45'+)
Paul Pogba (53')

Nenê 57'

Álvaro Morata (Penalty -63')
Kingsley Coman (78')

Wednesday, January 15th, 2015 - 21:00 PM
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Gianpaolo Calvarese

Simone Pepe: Last time I played,
there were still VHS cassettes

Jan 16, 2014

Simone Pepe has joked that video cassettes were still in widespread use the last time he played for Juventus as he celebrated an emotional comeback on Thursday.

Pepe, 31, made his first start for the Bianconeri since May 2012 as they booked their place in the quarterfinals of the Coppa Italia thanks to a convincing 6-1 win over Hellas Verona, the side they meet again in the league at the weekend.

Pepe, capped 23 times by Italy, had suffered with a series of injuries and failed comeback attempts and told RAI after the game: "The last time I played, there were still video cassettes.

"I dedicate this to my wife, who has given me two children in these two-and-a-half years. Yes, two -- since I couldn't play football, I kept myself busy with other things.

"And I dedicate it to my parents, who suffer more than I do. I want to be Pepe again and this has taken me a step forwards. I've been training normally now for five months and the coach has told me recently that he thinks I'm looking good, well here I am."

Massimiliano Allegri named a makeshift XI for the game, leaving Andrea Pirlo, Carlos Tevez and Arturo Vidal at home, while Gianluigi Buffon, Fernando Llorente and Giorgio Chiellini were on the bench.

Even so, Pepe hopes to be given more chances to prove himself between now and the end of the season.

"My contract's up for renewal in the summer and I'd like to continue with Juventus, where I believe there could be room for me," Pepe said. "I would play in goal just to play -- I'm a bit small, but I could do it. Joking aside, I could play either full-back or wide, wherever the coach needs me.

"When you play in a side as strong as this one, even those players who have been out for a long time can return in style. It's important for me to feel like a footballer again. I've had two-and-a-half years of hell, but now I'm looking to the future."

Pepe was joined in the Juve starting XI by another unfamiliar face as Sebastian Giovinco making a rare appearance, and Allegri said he was impressed with his performance.

"I'm delighted because when these lads play so well, it makes things difficult for me," Allegri said, "but that means if I have to make changes, either at the start of the game or during it, it means I can do so without worrying about the side losing any quality.

"Giovinco is a Juventus player and we never put him on the transfer list and I don't think he's thinking about this either.

"He gave me the perfect answer tonight. Even if he's not played much, we are going to need him right to the end."