Juventus Season 2014-2015

[Socrates 8516]

JUVENTUS - HELLAS VERONA

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Sunday, January 18th, 2015 - 20:45 PM
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Massimiliano Irrati

Vidal is Juve doubt

Jan 16, 2014

Arturo Vidal is a major doubt for Juventus’ game with Verona on Sunday, as he’s still struggling with tonsilitis.

The Chilean midfielder missed last night’s 6-1 over the same opponents with Roberto Pereyra taking his place in the Bianconeri midfield.

Vidal has not taken part in today’s training session at Vinovo, making it appear unlikely that he will be able to recover in time for Sunday.

Pereyra would again be favourite to take Vidal’s place against the Butei, with Simone Padoin another option in central midfield should Claudio Marchisio take up a more advanced role.

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

[Socrates 8516]

JUVENTUS - HELLAS VERONA

-

Sunday, January 18th, 2015 - 20:45 PM
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Massimiliano Irrati

Juventus vs. Verona: Issues and
Decisions That Will Shape Serie a Game

Jan 16, 2014

The last week has been a good one for Juventus, recording two emphatic wins that have reinforced belief in the Bianconeri. A 3-1 win over Napoli extended their lead at the top of Serie A to three points, before a Coppa Italia tie allowed Massimiliano Allegri a chance to rotate his team and rest some key players.

A largely second-string XI demolished Hellas Verona—a result discussed in detail here—and the same opponent returns to Juventus Stadium this weekend. With their coach Andrea Mandorlini making a similar number of changes to his own lineup, this visit should prove to be a much more difficult matchup.

“It’ll be a completely different game, as Verona generally concede very little,” Allegri told RAI Sport shortly after the final whistle on Thursday evening (h/t Football Italia). “We have to improve, as we conceded from a corner again.”

That constant demand for perfection bodes well for the reigning champions, their coach dissatisfied even following a comprehensive 6-1 victory. Over the following pages is a look at the issues and decisions which are likely to shape the match, one Juventus will need to win to maintain their advantage in the table.


Can Hellas Improve Their Poor Defence?

As Thursday’s demolition at the hands of Juventus showed, Hellas Verona have some serious defensive issues this term. They may sit 13th in Serie A, but only four teams have conceded more times than Mandorlini’s side in 2014-15.

The Gialloblu have managed just three clean sheets—although two of those have come in away games—and they will need to be at their best on Sunday. If not, with the likes of Carlos Tevez and Fernando Llorente likely to return for the home side, it promises to be another daunting evening.


Will Luca Toni Recover in Time?

Sadly for Hellas Verona, Luca Toni was ruled out of Thursday’s cup tie with flu-like symptoms per Football Italia. They will need him to return if they are to enjoy any success here, the 37-year-old leading the side with six goals so far this term.

Without the former Juventus man, Mandorlini’s side have struggled, despite for goals from Greek striker Nico Lopez.


Is Arturo Vidal Back to His Best?

Having rested on Thursday while Claudio Marchisio and Paul Pogba played, it will be interesting to monitor Arturo Vidal’s performance on Sunday. The Chilean midfielder appears to have finally returned to full fitness, simultaneously rediscovering the form that saw him recognised as one of the best in the world at his position.

He netted the final goal against Napoli last week with an excellent finish, and the goal capped a stellar all-round performance from the 27-year-old. According to statistics from WhoScored.com, Vidal made five tackles and two interceptions at the Stadio San Paolo, earning their man of the match award in the process.

Juventus will need him to consistently achieve that level of performance if they are to reach their goals this term, and a fully-firing Vidal is difficult opponent for anyone. He may miss the game however, as he is reportedly struggling with tonsillitis and skipped Friday's training session per Football Italia.


Attacking Choices for Juventus

One bonus of Thursday’s win was seeing Sebastian Giovinco and Kingsley Coman open their accounts, while Alvaro Morata also found the back of the net. With Carlos Tevez carrying much of the scoring burden this term, having others weigh in will be vital for Juventus in the second half of the season.

It also provides Allegri with an interesting selection dilemma, as he could now opt to field a number of those who shone in the cup on Sunday. With Llorente also in need of goals however, it would be no surprise to see him restored to the lineup and look to boost his own confidence with a long-overdue goal.


Can the Bianconeri Resolve Their Defensive Problems?

As Allegri noted in his post-match interview on Sunday, Juventus still need to improve defensively. Their issues at the back were discussed at length here, with Hellas Verona the sixth opponent to score against the Bianconeri in their last seven outings.

Having begun the campaign with 12 clean sheets in their first 15 matches, they will look to return to that dominant form as quickly as possible.

 

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

[Socrates 8516]

JUVENTUS - HELLAS VERONA

-

Sunday, January 18th, 2015 - 20:45 PM
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Massimiliano Irrati

Preview: Juventus vs. Hellas Verona

Jan 16, 2014

Juventus will be hoping that they can make it two victories over Hellas Verona in three days when they clash in Serie A on Sunday.

The league leaders recorded an emphatic 6-1 triumph over their opponents in the Coppa Italia, despite manager Massimiliano Allegri making widespread changes to his side.

However, despite the one-sided nature of Thursday's match, Allegri is expected to revert back to the team that overcame Napoli last weekend as they reopened a three-point gap at the top of the standings.

One possible inclusion could see Fernando Llorente being replaced by Alvaro Morata after the younger of the two Spaniards netted his first goal in 10 games in midweek.

Like his opposite number, Verona coach Andrea Mandorlini is likely to name the side that featured in the league last week after the Gialloblu registered a 3-1 win over Parma.

Attacking responsibilities should fall on the shoulders of veteran duo Javier Saviola and Luca Toni, who will relish the opportunity to try to cause a surprise in Turin.

The visitors head into the game in 13th position, just six points above the relegation zone.

 

 

Juventus

Form in Serie A: W D D W D W 
Form in all competitions: D W D D W W 

 

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

 

Hellas Verona

Form in Serie A: L L W L D W 
Form in all competitions: L W L D W D 

 

Possible starting lineup: Benussi, Marquez, Rafael Marques, Rodriguez, Brivio, Martic, Greco, Tachtsidis, Sala, Toni, Saviola


Sports Mole says: 4-0

 

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

[Socrates 8516]

JUVENTUS - HELLAS VERONA

-

Sunday, January 18th, 2015 - 20:45 PM
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Massimiliano Irrati

Vidal & Ogbonna to miss Verona

Jan 16, 2014

Juventus midfielder Arturo Vidal and defender Angelo Ogbonna are expected to skip the match against Verona on Sunday for medical reasons.

The Bianconeri will be looking to defend their first place at the Juventus Arena this weekend, but they will have to make do without some of their starters.

The club released an official statement today, reporting on the conditions of the Chilean and the Italian.

“Today's training session was not attended by Vidal, who is afflicted with tonsillitis and high fever,” reads the statement.

“The Juventus medical staff have opted for the player to continue his recovery in hospital in order to monitor his condition and follow the most appropriate treatment for a swift return to competitive action.

“The condition of Angelo Ogbonna, who left the training session before time after twisting his left ankle, is also being monitored.”

 

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

[Socrates 8516]

JUVENTUS - HELLAS VERONA

-

Sunday, January 18th, 2015 - 20:45 PM
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Massimiliano Irrati

JUVENTUS V HELLAS VERONA MATCH PREVIEW

Jan 17, 2014

Juventus

Juventus face Hellas for the second time in a week, just 3 days after their 6-1 Coppa Italia win against the side from Verona.

Max Allegri experimented with a 4-3-3 formation in the midweek fixture, opting to rest many of his key players ahead of the weekends Serie A match. Alvaro Morata got a rare start in the starting XI alongside forgotten man Sebastian Giovinco while Federico Mattiello and Kinglsey Coman also made cameos in a one-sided affair.

Carlos Tevez and Andrea Pirlo were both left out of the squad but are expected to return along with Gigi Buffon who will return in goal. Stephan Lichtsteiner and Patrice Evra will play in their customary full-back roles while Giorgio Chiellini is likely to start next to Leonado Bonucci.

Arturo was forced to watch the match from the sidelines following a late illness but he may recover in time to start the match. If not, Roberto Pereyra could easily take his place behind the front pair of Carlos Tevez and Fernando Llorente while Claudio Marchisio and Paul Pogba will sit either side of Pirlo in the midfield three.
 
 
Predicted Lineup

4-3-1-2 : Buffon; Lichtsteiner, Bonucci, Chiellini, Evra; Pirlo, Marchiso, Pogba; Pereyra; Tevez, Llorente
 

Injuries

Andrea Barzagli (Heel), Kwadwo Asamoah and Romulo (Both undergone knee surgery), Angerlo Ogbonna (Ankle), Arturo Vidal (Recovering from Tonsillitis)



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:

4-3-3: Benussi; Martic, Marquez, Rodriguez; Agostini, Sala, Tachtsidis, Campanharo, Lopez; Toni, Greco.
 

Injuries:

Jankovic (ankle), Obbadi (thigh), Ionita (thigh), Gomez (thigh), Moras (thigh)


 

Formation

 

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

[Socrates 8516]

JUVENTUS - HELLAS VERONA

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Sunday, January 18th, 2015 - 20:45 PM
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Massimiliano Irrati

Juventus v Hellas Verona: Preview

Jan 17, 2014

Juventus coach Massimiliano Allegri expects Hellas Verona to go all out for a win when the sides meet in Turin on Sunday evening.

Hellas are eager to make amends for Thursday's 6-1 humiliation at Juve that saw them ousted from the Coppa Italia.

Allegri, whose team lead the Serie A standings by three point from Roma, has warned his players against complacency when they take on Hellas for the second time in the space of three days.

``On Sunday it will be a different game,'' Allegri told his club's official website. ``They will have great determination to avenge that loss and we will have to play even better than on Thursday.''

Allegri is hoping his side can end an excellent week on a high note.

Juve clinched their first victory at Napoli in 15 years in last weekend's 3-1 triumph at the Stadio San Paolo before setting up a meeting with Parma in the quarter-finals of the cup by demolishing Hellas.

``We should always show the same spirit we displayed against Hellas,'' Allegri said. ``We have to face every game in the best possible way.

``Against Hellas we showed great technique and good pace. ''This was important.``

More so considering that Allegri shook up his line-up and gave some players a break.

Arturo Vidal, Fernando Llorente and Carlos Tevez were all rested in midweek, but are expected to start on Sunday.

Hellas coach Andrea Mandorlini has urged his team to put Thursday's loss behind them and focus on returning to winning ways this weekend.

``Sunday's match will be a different game,'' Mandorlini said. ``Giving away six goals is painful, and to have lost in that manner is disappointing.

``But we must turn the page. We have to move on and work on the mistakes we made.''

Hellas beat Parma 3-1 last weekend in Verona to climb to 13th in the standings.

Attacking duo Jacopo Sala and Luca Toni did not feature for Hellas in midweek, but are both expected to start on Sunday.

 

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

[Socrates 8516]

JUVENTUS - HELLAS VERONA

-

Sunday, January 18th, 2015 - 20:45 PM
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Massimiliano Irrati

Juventus-Hellas Verona Preview:
Mandorlini seeking revenge for Coppa thrashing

The Bianconeri destroyed the visitors in midweek and will be looking to avoid
dropping points in Serie A for their third home tie in a row on Sunday.

Jan 17, 2014

Hellas Verona coach Andrea Mandorlini wants revenge for his side's 6-1 thrashing at the hands of Juventuswhen the two meet again in Serie A.

The Bianconeri raced into a 3-0 half-time lead in the last-16 clash, before adding three more goals in the second period as Massimiliano Allegri's men completed the rout at Juventus Stadium.

Verona's only reply came through Nene and Mandorlini is keen for his players to put in an improved performance in the repeat fixture at the home of the Turin giants.

"The challenge of Sunday night? It will be another game, another story," he said. "The defeats are always defeats. Six goals are many but there is now an opportunity to take revenge. We think about about how we deal with Juventus again, because we will have to be different.

"We have to improve in the attitude and in certain game situations, where you need to be more solid.

"I hope to improve especially in terms of mentality. I think there is a spirit of revenge, especially when you lose like that."

Away from their heavy Coppa defeat, 13th-placed Verona have showed positive signs in the league in recent weeks, with seven points from their last four outings following an eight-match winless run.

Serie A leaders Juventus, meanwhile, have dropped points in uncharacteristic manner in each of their last two league games at home.

After 25 consecutive Serie A wins at Juventus Stadium, Allegri's side have been held to 1-1 draws by both Sampdoria and Inter.

They remain unbeaten in nine league matches, but Allegri has warned that Sunday's clash is unlikely to see a repeat of Juve's dominance in the Coppa meeting.

"It'll be a completely different game as Verona generally concede very few goals," he said. "We have to improve, as we conceded from a corner again."

Influential midfielder Arturo Vidal missed Thursday's game with a bout of tonsilitis and remains doubtful for the weekend, with Roberto Pereyra expected to start again in the event of the Chilean's absence.


OPTA FACTS

Verona have won only one of their last 15 meetings against Juventus in Serie A (2-0 in April 2000).

That match in 2000 was also the only match of the last 15 meetings in which Juve didn’t score against Verona.

The Old Lady have never lost at home against Verona in Serie A (W21 D4).

Juventus have the best defence in Serie A this season (only nine goals conceded).

Verona have kept only two clean sheets in their 25 previous visits to Juventus.

Juve have scored 22 goals over the las 10 match-days of Serie A; a joint-most alongside Palermo.

Verona have recouped 10 points from trailing situations this season; a league high.

Juventus have taken the lead in 15 of the 18 games played so far this term; more than any other side.

 

LAST FIVE MATCHES

Juventus W W D L W

2015/01/15 - Juventus 6 - 1 Hellas Verona
2015/01/11 - Napoli 1 - 3 Juventus
2015/01/06 - Juventus 1 - 1 Internazionale
2014/12/22 - Juventus 2 - 2 Napoli
2014/12/18 - Cagliari 1 - 3 Juventus


Hellas Verona L W D L W

2015/01/15 - Juventus 6 - 1 Hellas Verona
2015/01/11 - Hellas Verona 3 - 1 Parma
2015/01/06 - Empoli 0 - 0 Hellas Verona
2014/12/21 - Hellas Verona 0 - 1 Chievo Verona
2014/12/14 - Udinese 1 - 2 Hellas Verona


HEAD TO HEAD

2015/01/15 - Juventus 6 - 1 Hellas Verona
2014/02/09 - Hellas Verona 2 - 2 Juventus
2013/09/22 - Juventus 2 - 1 Hellas Verona
2007/04/27 - Hellas Verona 0 - 1 Juventus
2006/12/09 - Juventus 1 - 0 Hellas Verona

 

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

[Socrates 8516]

JUVENTUS - HELLAS VERONA

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Sunday, January 18th, 2015 - 20:45 PM
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Massimiliano Irrati

Allegri: 'Different Juve-Verona'

Jan 17, 2014

Max Allegri warned Juventus must forget the Coppa Italia drubbing of Verona, reassured Arturo Vidal, but blasted Juan Jesus.

The Coach held a Press conference ahead of the game which kicks off on Sunday at 20.45.

Curiously, the Serie A clash comes just three days after Juve hammered Verona 6-1 in the Coppa Italia.

“Don’t kid yourselves that Verona will play the same way. They’ll be much more careful and won’t allow us many chances,” said Allegri.

“We cannot think this is going to be an easy game, especially considering how important it is in the overall big picture.

“In the second half of the season we must make as few mistakes as possible, because there’s less and less time to make up lost ground.

“We are three points in front of Roma, but it’s not enough. From now to the end, if we’re going to win the Scudetto, then we need a lot of victories. We also have to hope Roma drop points at Palermo, but whatever happens I remain convinced the title will be decided in the final rounds.”

Arturo Vidal missed that Coppa game due to tonsillitis and his temperature shot up to such a degree that he was hospitalised.

“Today he’s coming out of hospital, is feeling much better and perhaps could even train. It’s unlikely he’ll be available tomorrow, but he wants to make himself available, even if he’s on antibiotics.”

Allegri also commented on Inter defender Juan Jesus, who called Giorgio Chiellini “unsporting” for requesting a ban when he was elbowed in the face.

“Chiellini is not an unsporting player,” slammed Allegri. “In that game Juan Jesus was actually very fortunate the referee didn’t spot his elbow, otherwise it would’ve been a red card and a penalty.

“Really, he’d have done better to keep quiet.”

 

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

[Socrates 8516]

JUVENTUS - HELLAS VERONA

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Sunday, January 18th, 2015 - 20:45 PM
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Massimiliano Irrati

MATCH PREVIEW

Jan 17, 2014

For the second time inside four days, Juventus will face off against Hellas Verona, and again in Turin.

Andrea Mandorlini’s men will still be smarting after the 6-1 humiliation they suffered in Coppa Italia action midweek, but the Coach is keen on putting that behind them as they prepare to take on the reigning Scudetto champions.

“Sunday will be another game [entirely]…but we have to quickly forget this bad result. We were too timid and made way too many mistakes,” he analysed in his post-match Press conference.

Veteran striker Luca Toni was a notable absentee for the Gialloblu due to flu-like symptoms but the powerful attacker will be likely to be deployed from the start on Sunday, which will certainly be encouraging to supporters. However, a mini injury crisis has robbed them of key players such as Mounir Obbadi, Artur Ionita, and Bosko Jankovic, all of whom were unable to feature in the Coppa Italia and, in the case of Obbadi and Jankovic, are not a certainty to even make the bench.

Meanwhile, whilst Massimiliano Allegri opted to rest some of his key players, he will likely field his strongest line-up for the re-match on Sunday, especially with Roma continuing to nip at their heels in the Scudetto race. Arturo Vidal, who missed out due to illness, is expected to re-claim his spot in the starting XI and veterans Andrea Pirlo and Gianluigi Buffon will also return to the fold.

Although they have yet to lose in 2015, the visitors will be contending with a side that not only has the strongest attack but also the toughest defence to crack. With the exception of a draw with Lazio, Mandorlini’s side have endured a miserable time against the top-ranked sides this season and will really need to put in a titanic effort if they wish to depart Turin with something from this match.

Keep an eye on: Luca Toni (Hellas Verona) - The experienced striker is expected to shake off an attack of the flu to lead the line against one of his former clubs. Last season saw him net 21 goals in all competitions and thus far he has six in the League. He will certainly be keen on scoring against a side where he failed to make much of an impact during his spell in Turin.

 

Form guide: Juventus (D D W D W) Hellas Verona (L W L D W)

Last season: Juventus 2-1 Hellas Verona

Stat fact: If their 6-1 drubbing was not bad enough, Verona fans will not be feeling so optimistic to hear that Juventus have never lost at home in Serie A action against their opponents, with an overwhelming 21 wins and just four draws.


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

Suspended: None

Hellas Verona (probable): Benussi; Martic, Marquez, Rodriguez, Agostini; Sala, Tachtsidis, Campanharo; Nico Lopez, Toni, Greco

Suspended: None

 

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

[Socrates 8516]

JUVENTUS - HELLAS VERONA

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Sunday, January 18th, 2015 - 20:45 PM
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Massimiliano Irrati

Mandorlini: Hellas Verona Must Bounce
Back From Coppa Italia Defeat

Jan 17, 2014

Hellas Verona coach Andrea Mandorlini has stated that his side must react to the 6-1 Coppa Italia loss to Juventus on Thursday.

The Gialloblu are set to face the Bianconeri in Serie A on Sunday night, and the former Inter man believes that Verona will be a different side to the one that lost 6-1.

“We must react, because we have another game against Juventus,” he said. “It is highly unlikely that we’ll perform in a way worse than we did on Thursday.

“We made so many mistakes on Thursday, I’m expecting a completely different Verona.

“Juventus also know that the game is going to differ, hopefully it is going to be a different story this time.

Hellas Verona currently sit in 13th in the Serie A table with 21 points.

 

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

[Socrates 8516]

JUVENTUS - HELLAS VERONA

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Sunday, January 18th, 2015 - 20:45 PM
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Massimiliano Irrati

Allegri: Verona won't be pushovers again

The coach has demanded his players return to winning ways at home in Serie A,
having drawn the last two matches in Turin, but says Arturo Vidal's unlikely to be ready.

Jan 17, 2014

Juventus boss Massimiliano Allegri has warned his team not to underestimate Hellas Verona on Sunday, despite having thrashed them in midweek.
Italian champions Juve demolished Alberto Mandorlini's side 6-1 in the Coppa Italia on Thursday, but coach Allegri expects a totally different game this weekend.

"Don't kid yourselves that Verona will play the same way - they'll be much more careful and won't allow us many chances," Allegri said at his pre-match media briefing on Saturday.

"We cannot think this is going to be an easy game, especially considering how important it is in the overall big picture.

"In the second half of the season we must make as few mistakes as possible, because there's less and less time to make up lost ground.

"We are three points in front of Roma, but it's not enough. From now to the end, if we're going to win the Scudetto, then we need a lot of victories.

"We also have to hope Roma drop points at Palermo, but whatever happens I remain convinced the title will be decided in the final rounds."

Allegri made eight changes for the midweek win and intends to bring back his regular first-teamers for the league match, but Arturo Vidal (fever) and Angelo Ogbonna (ankle) are doubts.

The ex-AC Milan boss added: "We'll bring back a few players who didn't play on Thursday. I've got options on the bench as well.

"Vidal's a lot better. He'll be discharged from hospital today and perhaps we'll see him out training.

"It’s unlikely he'll be available tomorrow, but he wants to make himself available, even if he's on antibiotics. We'll sit down with the doctors and medical staff and discuss his condition today.

"Ogbonna's ankle was badly twisted, we'll see today if he'll be fit."

 

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

[Socrates 8516]

JUVENTUS - HELLAS VERONA

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Sunday, January 18th, 2015 - 20:45 PM
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Massimiliano Irrati

Toni returns for Juve-Verona

Jan 17, 2014

Luca Toni is back in the Verona squad for their trip to Juventus after a 6-1 Coppa Italia mauling.

The sides meet again on Sunday at 20.45 CET.

They already faced off in the Coppa Italia on Thursday, when Juve emerged 6-1 winners.

Toni missed that tie due to flu symptoms, but he returns to lead the attack.

Still out of action are Juanito Gomez Taleb, Mounir Obbadi, Artur Ionita, Bosko Jankovic and Evangelos Moras.


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

 

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

[Socrates 8516]

JUVENTUS - HELLAS VERONA

-

Sunday, January 18th, 2015 - 20:45 PM
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Massimiliano Irrati

Vidal and Ogbonna miss Verona

Jan 17, 2014

Arturo Vidal and Angelo Ogbonna are out of action as Juventus host Hellas Verona tomorrow.

It kicks off on Sunday at 20.45 CET.

These sides also faced off in the Coppa Italia Round of 16 on Thursday evening, Juve emerging 6-1 winners.

Vidal missed that game as he was suffering from tonsillitis, a condition that worsened with a fever that saw him kept in hospital.

The Chilean is back in training and on antibiotics, but not risked.

Ogbonna sprained his ankle during the same match and is also left out with injured Andrea Barzagli, Romulo and Kwadwo Asamoah.


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

 

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

[Socrates 8516]

JUVENTUS - HELLAS VERONA

-

Sunday, January 18th, 2015 - 20:45 PM
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Massimiliano Irrati

Roma miss chance to catch Juventus with draw at Palermo

Jan 17, 2014

Roma missed the chance to draw level with Serie A leaders Juventus after being held to a 1-1 draw at Palermo.

Paulo Dybala bolstered his growing reputation as a clinical goalscorer by firing the Rosanero ahead inside two minutes and Roma struggled to react until Mattia Destro levelled shortly after half-time.

Francesco Totti was unleashed from the bench with 10 minutes remaining but he could not follow up last weekend's derby brace against Lazio with another vital goal.

The point guides Rudi Garcia's men to within two of Juve, who will hope to respond by pulling five clear with a home victory over mid-table Hellas Verona on Sunday evening.

 

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

[Socrates 8516]

JUVENTUS - HELLAS VERONA

-

Sunday, January 18th, 2015 - 20:45 PM
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Massimiliano Irrati

Juventus vs. Hellas Verona Preview:
Round 19 — Hitting the halfway point

Jan 17, 2014

As I sat here wondering how to open a preview for a Juventus game that is being played against a Hellas Verona side they just crushed like they were the Incredible Hulk a couple of days ago, I couldn't help but think back to an old Saturday Night Live sketch from my youth. It's probably because of the way Juve played Thursday night and the pleasant mood it put me in.

(Because wins are cool, you know.)

So I ask you all a simple question like the great Chris Farley would, with an obvious bianconero twist: Hey, remember that time Juventus played Hellas Verona in the Coppa Italia and scored six goals without much resistance at all? That was awesome.

And here's a follow-up question: Do you know who Juventus is playing Sunday night? ... Hellas Verona again?!

The official midway point of the season is only 90 minutes away. And yes, Sunday night's game is against the same team Juventus played in the middle of the week during the round of 16 of the Coppa Italia and proceeded to beat to a pulp. That means just a mere three days after absolutely crushing Hellas Verona 6-1 in the Coppa Italia, Juventus get try to make it 2 for 2 in this current Verona-centric 11-day period in January.

This is the uniqueness of the schedule these days.

But playing the same team twice in four days' time in two different competitions? This is pretty new to me, and I'm sure I'm not the only one who has this line of thinking. Although, it's not like Juve are hosting Roma in Turin one day and then hopping on a train to head to Rome a day or two later for another crucial showdown. This is the cream of the crop in Italy going up against a team that is just a few points out of a full-on relegation zone avoidance battle.

JuventusFC ✔ @juventusfcen
.@OfficialAllegri: "Tomorrow will be different, we'd be crazy to think otherwise. We need to show the same approach as we did on Thursday."

It's a different competition, for sure. Different outcome? Well, that's still to be determined.

Like the Mister said, though, Juventus showing the same approach as three days prior will be crucial simply because look how well it worked last time. The likelihood of a second straight 6-1 might as well be as small as Sebastian Giovinco suddenly becoming 6-foot tall, but that's beside the point. Juventus have responded well to their disappointing 1-1 draw to Inter at the beginning of the month, grinding out three points at the San Paolo and then dismantling Hellas Verona in the Coppa Italia.

So while we probably won't see another six-goal beatdown, we can at least hope Juventus plays well again, right?

Either way, remember that time Juventus won 6-1 in the Coppa Italia? Yeah, that was awesome.
 

 

GOOD NEWS

You guys saw what happened the last time Juventus played Hellas Verona. I know I basically asked that already, but it's never not fun to mention a 6-1 win.

Also, positive injury news! Even though he isn't among the 21 players called up, well-known midfielder Arturo Vidal is 'a lot better' in his recovery from tonsillitis, according to Max Allegri at Saturday's pre-match press conference. Martin Cáceres, who left last weekend's win over Napoli with a shoulder injury, is back and ready to go, proving that while he plays with reckless abandon he is nearly indestructible.

Late add: Thanks, Palermo.
 

 

BAD NEWS

No Vidal, who is out of the hospital and trained with the team on Saturday, tomorrow night. That's bad news simply because he's been playing so well to begin the new year.
 

 

WHAT TO WATCH FOR

1. Can Juventus put anything close to the kind of game together like they did in the Coppa Italia?

Juventus were great on Thursday night. That's not just because they won 6-1, either. It was a truly wonderful game to watch for a wide variety of reasons — Simone Pepe's comeback, Sebastian Giovinco's brace, Paul Pogba's shear awesomeness and continued destruction of opposing defender's ankles, Kingsley Coman's first Juve goal all up there. It was a game to remember without any kind of argument to the contrary.

Yet, the question that is on the tip of a lot of tongues is: What will Juventus do for an encore? The starters — outside of Vidal and his sickness — who didn't feature on Thursday are almost certainly be back in Allegri's lineup. That means the likes of Gigi Buffon, Giorgio Chiellini, Andrea Pirlo, Carlos Tévez and (probably) Fernando Llorente replace the second-stringers who played on Thursday night. Expecting another six-goal outing is just crazy talk, but the hope is to keep the train rolling right along and pick up three points against a side Juve has already shown they can dominate.

2. Paul Pogba's continued brilliance.

I said it after the win Thursday, but it needs to be repeated: Pogba is playing his best football of the season right now, and is just simply on fire these days. He is not just providing wonderful individual instances of his insane skills, but his total game just seems to be taken up a level in recent weeks compared to a couple of months ago. Pogba is taking games over and showing a tendency to take over the game at times. While the rumors and jokes about his future transfer fee going up a couple million euros every time he has a huge game will dominate our life this month, Pogba is truly becoming a force on this team. Not like a seriously talented youngster who has potential. He's becoming a true leader. At the age of 21. That's just crazy to think about.

3. Roberto Pereyra's impact playing behind the strikers.

With no Vidal in the squad, Pereyra is the logical choice to take over at trequartsta against Hellas Verona. Like basically the entire team, Pereyra is coming off a really nice game in the Coppa Italia Thursday night — one that included his first career Juventus goal, a very sweet finish as that. But a lot like Vidal pre-2015, his performances behind the strikers has been a mixed bag of results. Maybe playing against a team that he helped destroy days prior will do a bunch for his confidence entering Sunday's game. I hope that's the case. Why? It's simple: Pereyra plays well, he'll help create goals. And with those chances, Carlos Tévez and Co. will have the chance to do awesome things. And I like the Juventus attack doing awesome things.

4. Martin Cáceres or Stephan Lichtsteiner at right back?

Cáceres is healthy again, and as he showed last weekend against Napoli, he can be a pretty solid fullback despite not playing there (in a Juventus jersey) for quite some time. His shoulder injury that forced him out of the Napoli win won't be keeping him out at all, Allegri said at his pre-match press conference. That means Allegri has a decision to make. Does he give Lichtsteiner his second straight start against Hellas Verona? Or does he give Cáceres his second straight Serie A start? This one isn't easy, mainly because both players are playing quite well these days. Maybe Allegri has some kind of rotation thing that he envisions going on to keep both content and relatively fresh. We'll see. This is as much of a complete flip of the coin as any spot on the field right now.

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

...okay, fine. I'll snap out of fantasy world.

My REALISTIC starting XI (4-3-1-2): Buffon; Cáceres, Bonucci, Chiellini, Evra; Marchisio, Pirlo, Pogba; Pereyra; Tévez, Llorente


OFFICIAL KICKOFF TIME: 8:45 P.M. IN ITALY; 2:45 P.M. ON THE EAST COAST; 11:45 A.M. ON THE WEST COAST

 

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

[Socrates 8516]

JUVENTUS - HELLAS VERONA

-

Sunday, January 18th, 2015 - 20:45 PM
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Massimiliano Irrati

Mandorlini: 'Different Juve-Verona'

Jan 18, 2014

Andrea Mandorlini insists Verona “must react with a different performance” after their 6-1 defeat to Juventus.

The teams met here in the Coppa Italia on Thursday and play again in Serie A tonight at 20.45 CET.

“How do we react to that defeat? We must react with a different performance, as this is a completely different game,” said the Coach.

“I don’t think it’ll be tough to do better than losing 6-1.... We made so many mistakes, lacked concentration and allowed Juve opportunities they tend to thrive in.

“As Buffon said, it’ll be a different Verona and there will be different players too. Luca Toni trained and is available after suffering from flu.

“Against the big clubs you need to make as few mistakes as possible, because world class players won’t let you get away with them. Juve’s only genuinely great goal was by Kingsley Coman, as Verona gave them a helping hand in the other five.

“I am sure we’ll do better than on Thursday. I am proud of the mentality I instilled in this squad over five years and I trust it’ll be back at the fore.”

 

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

[Socrates 8516]

JUVENTUS - HELLAS VERONA

-

Sunday, January 18th, 2015 - 20:45 PM
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Massimiliano Irrati

Line-ups: Juventus-Verona

Jan 18, 2014

Juventus give Alvaro Morata a rare start alongside Carlos Tevez, but Verona are hoping to avoid another 6-1 drubbing.

It kicks off at 20.45 CET.

The Bianconeri have the opportunity to go five points clear at the top of the table after Roma were held to two consecutive draws by Lazio and Palermo.

They are missing Arturo Vidal, who spent time in hospital this week suffering from tonsillitis, while Andrea Barzagli, Angelo Ogbonna, Kwadwo Asamoah and Romulo are also sidelined.

Verona already played at the Juventus Stadium on Thursday and were demolished 6-1 in that Coppa Italia Round of 16 tie.

Obviously they’ll be hoping for a different outcome and bring back Luca Toni, who missed that game with flu symptoms.

Still out of action are Artur Ionita, Mounir Obbadi, Vangelis Moras, Bosko Jankovic and Juanito Gomez Taleb.

Hellas have never won here in Serie A, managing just one Coppa Italia victory in 1962-63 along with five draws and 27 defeats in all competition.


Juventus: Buffon; Caceres, Bonucci, Chiellini, Evra; Marchisio, Pirlo, Pogba; Pereyra; Tevez, Morata

Juventus bench: Storari, Rubinho, Lichtsteiner, Mattiello, Pepe, Padoin, Vitale, Coman, Giovinco, Llorente


Verona: Rafael; Martic, Marques, Marquez, Rodriguez; Brivio, Sala, Tachtsidis, Christodoulopoulos; Greco; Toni

Verona bench: Benussi, Gollini, Sorensen, Saviola, Hallfredsson, Nico Lopez, Valoti, Campanharo, Agostini, Fares, Nenè

 

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

[Socrates 8516]

JUVENTUS - HELLAS VERONA

-

Sunday, January 18th, 2015 - 20:45 PM
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Massimiliano Irrati

Lichtsteiner: 'Juve can go clear'

Jan 18, 2014

Stephan Lichtsteiner assures Juventus won’t underestimate Verona tonight. “It’d be important to go five points clear.”

A victory tonight would expand the Bianconeri’s lead at the top of the table, as Roma have been held to two consecutive stalemates by Lazio and Palermo.

“Could we underestimate Verona? We are more mature compared to other years, so I am not concerned,” Lichtsteiner told Sky Sport Italia.

Juventus already crushed Verona 6-1 in the Coppa Italia on Thursday evening, though both teams have changed a great deal.

“We put in a great performance on Thursday, but this is a different game and we start from 0-0.

“It would be important to go five points clear. Roma are a strong side, so if we can create more of a buffer then that’s better for us.”

 

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

[Socrates 8516]

JUVENTUS - HELLAS VERONA

-

Sunday, January 18th, 2015 - 20:45 PM
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Massimiliano Irrati

HT 2-0: Juve maul Verona again

Jan 18, 2014

Paul Pogba and Carlos Tevez gave Juventus a 2-0 lead over Verona within the opening seven minutes.

These sides met just 72 hours previously in the Coppa Italia, Juve emerging 6-1 winners in Turin. Both teams rotated for that Round of 16 tie, but Arturo Vidal was out with tonsillitis, joining Andrea Barzagli, Angelo Ogbonna, Kwadwo Asamoah and Romulo on the treatment table. Verona welcomed back Luca Toni, but Artur Ionita, Mounir Obbadi, Vangelis Moras, Bosko Jankovic and Juanito Gomez Taleb missed out.

Verona had never won here in Serie A, managing just four draws and 21 defeats. It took just 160 seconds to break the deadlock, as Paul Pogba unleashed a screamer from distance that bounced just in front of Rafael.

It was like Thursday all over again, as Pogba’s dummy allowed a deflected Alvaro Morata cross through and Carlos Tevez smashed in the first time finish from 12 yards.

Rafael palmed an Andrea Pirlo free kick out from under the bar, while Panagiotis Tachtsidis failed to make the most of a Toni cross-shot to the back post.

Pirlo tried to put his free kick under the wall, but Martin Caceres turned the ricochet inches wide. Rafael then flew to palm a Pogba curler out from the far top corner.


Juventus 2-0 Verona (Half-Time)

Scorers: Pogba 3 (J), Tevez 7 (J)


Juventus: Buffon; Caceres, Bonucci, Chiellini, Evra; Marchisio, Pirlo, Pogba; Pereyra; Tevez, Morata

Verona: Rafael; Martic, Marques, Marquez, Rodriguez; Brivio, Sala, Tachtsidis, Christodoulopoulos; Greco; Toni

Ref: Irrati

 

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

[Socrates 8516]

JUVENTUS - HELLAS VERONA

4 - 0

Paul Pogba (3')
Carlos Tévez (7')
Roberto Pereyra (66')
Carlos Tévez (74')

Sunday, January 18th, 2015 - 20:45 PM
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Massimiliano Irrati

Juventus 4-0 Verona: Tevez scores twice
as champions go five points clear

Paul Pogba bagged another brilliant strike from distance while Roberto Pereyra also
found the net as the Bianconeri took their tally to 10 in two games against the visitors.

Jan 18, 2014

Carlos Tevez scored twice as Juventus recorded another resounding win over Verona to go five points clear at the top of Serie A.

Massimiliano Allegri's men obliterated the same opposition 6-1 in the Coppa Italia on Thursday and Juve were utterly dominant once again, making the most of Roma's 1-1 draw at Palermo on Saturday to extend their lead at the summit.

Paul Pogba got the hosts off to a fine start with an excellent long-range drive after just three minutes and Tevez swiftly doubled their advantage, leaving Verona with a huge task on their hands.

Juve had drawn each of their last two home games in Serie A, but the defending champions never looked in danger of making it three in a row as Andrea Pirlo, Martin Caceres and Alvaro Morata all went close.

But it was midfielder Roberto Pereyra, starting in place of the ill Arturo Vidal, who eventually put Juve 3-0 up, confidently dispatching with 24 minutes to go before Tevez doubled his tally eight minutes later.

Verona coach Andrea Mandorlini had urged his team to claim vengeance for the midweek thrashing, but it appeared to be another case of damage limitation after slipping 2-0 down after just seven minutes.

Pogba broke the deadlock in the third minute, finding the bottom-right corner with an unstoppable strike from 30 yards.

Fresh from scoring against Verona for the second time in four days, Pogba was then involved in Juve's second goal four minutes later, but on this occasion the France international allowed Caceres' low cross to run, with Tevez on hand to steer home emphatically.

Things almost got even worse for the visitors in the 12th minute, although goalkeeper Rafael was able to tip a Pirlo free kick around the post.

Juve were in absolute control and again went close nine minutes before half-time, as Caceres dragged an effort agonisingly wide after Pirlo saw a free-kick blocked.

The second half continued in a similar vein and Morata tried his luck with 50 minutes on the clock, narrowly missing the bottom-left corner from 30 yards.

Juve looked destined to finally add a third on the counterattack a few minutes later, but Morata hammered a cross at the unmarked Tevez, giving the Argentinian little chance of bringing it under control.

It was 3-0 in the 66th minute when Pereyra, who also netted against Verona on Thursday, raced on to an incisive Giorgio Chiellini pass and coolly stroked into the roof of the net.

Tevez then scored his second of the game and 13th Serie A goal of the season with 16 minutes to go, charging past a couple of defenders before beating Rafael from an acute angle, wrapping up an easy win for the champions.

 

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

[Socrates 8516]

JUVENTUS - HELLAS VERONA

4 - 0

Paul Pogba (3')
Carlos Tévez (7')
Roberto Pereyra (66')
Carlos Tévez (74')

Sunday, January 18th, 2015 - 20:45 PM
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Massimiliano Irrati

Four-star Juve go five clear

Carlos Tevez bagged a brace as Juventus crushed Verona 4-0
and extended a five-point lead over Roma at the top.

Jan 18, 2014

These sides met just 72 hours previously in the Coppa Italia, Juve emerging 6-1 winners in Turin. Both teams rotated for that Round of 16 tie, but Arturo Vidal was out with tonsillitis, joining Andrea Barzagli, Angelo Ogbonna, Kwadwo Asamoah and Romulo on the treatment table. Verona welcomed back Luca Toni, but Artur Ionita, Mounir Obbadi, Vangelis Moras, Bosko Jankovic and Juanito Gomez Taleb missed out.

Verona had never won here in Serie A, managing just four draws and 21 defeats. It took just 160 seconds to break the deadlock, as Paul Pogba unleashed a screamer from distance that bounced just in front of Rafael.

It was like Thursday all over again, as Pogba’s dummy allowed a deflected Alvaro Morata cross through and Carlos Tevez smashed in the first time finish from 12 yards.

Rafael palmed an Andrea Pirlo free kick out from under the bar, while Panagiotis Tachtsidis failed to make the most of a Toni cross-shot to the back post.

Pirlo tried to put his free kick under the wall, but Martin Caceres turned the ricochet inches wide. Rafael then flew to palm a Pogba curler out from the far top corner.

It should’ve been 3-0 after the restart on the counter, but Claudio Marchisio drilled wide and Morata’s assist was over-hit so Tevez could only nod off target.

Giorgio Chiellini threaded through for Roberto Pereyra down the left, who side-footed the ball into the far top corner with power and accuracy. He had also scored in the Coppa on Thursday and this was his first Serie A goal in a Juventus jersey.

Marchisio picked the right pass for Tevez, who nutmegged the goalkeeper at the near post for his second of the game.

Sebastian Giovinco came off the bench and with his first touch forced a save from distance.


JUVENTUS: Buffon; Caceres, Bonucci, Chiellini, Evra; Marchisio (Padoin 77), Pirlo, Pogba; Pereyra (Pepe 75); Tevez (Giovinco 83), Morata

VERONA: Rafael; Martic, Marques, Marquez, Rodriguez; Brivio, Sala (Saviola 62), Tachtsidis (Hallfredsson 75), Christodoulopoulos (Valoti 86); Greco; Toni

Ref: Irrati

 

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

[Socrates 8516]

JUVENTUS - HELLAS VERONA

4 - 0

Paul Pogba (3')
Carlos Tévez (7')
Roberto Pereyra (66')
Carlos Tévez (74')

Sunday, January 18th, 2015 - 20:45 PM
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Massimiliano Irrati

Juventus beat Hellas Verona to
extend lead at the top of Serie A

Jan 18, 2014

Goals from Paul Pogba, Carlos Tevez and Roberto Pereyra earned Juventus a 4-0 victory over Hellas Verona in Serie A this evening.

The win at the Juventus Stadium ensured that Massimiliano Allegri and his side now hold a five-point gap at the top of the table over second-placed Roma.

The home side opened the scoring after only three minutes when France international Pogba bulleted in an effort from distance, which flew into the bottom-right corner past a helpless Rafael.

The Old Lady were able to further extend their advantage just four minutes later, this time as Tevez finished coolly with his right into the bottom corner.

The home side looked in imperious form and it took some good work from Rafael to deny Andrea Pirlo from range, before Martin Caceres also headed straight at the keeper.

Verona might have pulled one back just before the end of the half, only for veteran frontman Luca Toni to fire wide despite having found himself with some space inside the area.

Giorgio Chiellini was the architect for Juve's third, the defender slipping a delightful through-ball into the path of Pereyra, who made no mistake with an adroit finish past Rafael in the 66th minute.

Allegri's men continued to push forward despite the game already being sealed, leaving Tevez to bag a brace in the 74th minute when he collected from Claudio Marchisio to covert regardless of the difficult angle.

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

[Socrates 8516]

JUVENTUS - HELLAS VERONA

4 - 0

Paul Pogba (3')
Carlos Tévez (7')
Roberto Pereyra (66')
Carlos Tévez (74')

Sunday, January 18th, 2015 - 20:45 PM
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Massimiliano Irrati

Juventus 4-0 Hellas Verona: Old Lady
Continue Demolition Of Mastini

Jan 18, 2014

Juventus followed their massive 6-1 Coppa Italia victory on Thursday with another commanding win against Hellas Verona in Sunday night’s Serie A match at the Juventus Stadium that finished 4-0.

A double from Carlos Tevez was complimented by a Paul Pogba long-ranger and another from Roberto Pereyra as the Old Lady confirmed themselves as Serie A’s Winter Champions.

The home side were merciless in attack in the opening minutes of the match, and were celebrating their first goal in just three minutes when Pogba smacked in a venomous shot from outside the area that dipped out of reach for the sprawling Rafael.

Only a few minutes later the Old Lady would be dancing together once again after Carlos Tevez pounced on a loose ball inside the 18-yard-box and found the back of the net.

As the home side kept their strangle hold, the Gialloblu began resorting to rough tackles that gifted Juventus a free kick near the 12-minute mark. The subsequent kick was dangerously swerved in by Andrea Pirlo, but Rafael did well to parry away the danger.

The Sao Paulo native was on his toes yet again following another clumsy foul by his side, and confidently grabbed a header from Martin Caceres who met Pirlo’s excellent cross on the set piece.

Hellas Verona struggled to generate in the attack but were able to answer the two goal deficit when Luca Toni won possession in midfield and eventually found enough space to fire a shot that rolled wide of Gianluigi Buffon’s net.

Just after the half hour, the visitors were guilty of conceding yet another free kick in Pirlo territory, from which the Italian opted to shoot under the wall but had his effort blocked. Martin Caceres was quick to strike the rebound through the crowd of legs but it went just wide of the far post.

The Bianconeri went into the break with over 60 percent of the possession and five shots on target following a brilliant first half display.

At the return whistle the home side were buoyed by their passionate fans to create many more scoring chances, with Alvaro Morata, Claudio Marchisio, and Carlos Tevez all getting good sniffs at goal but were unable to hit the target.

Lazaros Christodoulopoulos had been shut down for a majority of the match but looked likely to put his team on the scoreboard in the 60th minute, but the Greek let his finesse shot roll straight to Buffon much to the agony of Andrea Mandorlini on the sideline.

The moment proved to be costly as Juventus netted their third goal after Giorgio Chiellini joined the attack and sent Roberto Pereyra into the box to convert. Carlos Tevez supplied a second nail into the coffin for the Gialloblu with a superb turn inside the area after picking up Marchisio’s pass and scoring between Rafael’s legs with 15-minutes remaining.

With the brace, the Argentine now leads the league with 13 goals in his 17 appearances. The match could prove to be vital to the Scudetto race, as Juventus are now five points ahead of second place Roma, who fought back for a draw away to Palermo on Saturday.

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

[Socrates 8516]

JUVENTUS - HELLAS VERONA

4 - 0

Paul Pogba (3')
Carlos Tévez (7')
Roberto Pereyra (66')
Carlos Tévez (74')

Sunday, January 18th, 2015 - 20:45 PM
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Massimiliano Irrati

Carlos Tevez double takes Juventus
five points clear atop Serie A table

Jan 18, 2014

Carlos Tevez scored twice as Juventus moved five points clear at the top of Serie A with a 4-0 win over Hellas Verona.

Goals from Paul Pogba and Tevez inside the first 10 minutes put Juve in total control, though they had to wait until the second half for Roberto Pereyra to add the third before Tevez completed the job.

With second-placed Roma held by Palermo on Saturday, the result gave Massimiliano Allegri's side a comfortable advantage at the summit.

The opener came in only the third minute as Alvaro Morata laid the ball back and Pogba finished low from 25 yards, with the ball taking an awkward bounce in front of goalkeeper Rafael.

Pogba then dummied Morata's deflected cross for Tevez to calmly sweep in from 16 yards and give the Old Lady a 2-0 lead with only seven minutes on the clock.

Andrea Pirlo went close to a third when a languid free-kick was hurriedly tipped over by Rafael.

Luca Toni dragged a shot across the face of goal at the other end, with a sliding Ivan Martic just unable to keep the ball in play and the chance alive.

Rafael Marques did well to clear behind after Guillermo Rodriguez's error allowed Claudio Marchisio in along the byline. Patrice Evra headed Pirlo's corner over.

Martin Caceres dragged a shot wide on the turn after the wall blocked Pirlo's free-kick, and Pogba's curler was beaten away by Rafael as Juve somehow reached halftime without adding to their lead.

They remained on the front foot early in the second period but Pirlo and Morata were off target from range and Tevez headed wide when well-placed.

Lazaros Christodoulopoulos forced the first save from home keeper Gianluigi Buffon with a low right-footed drive but Juve soon had their third.

Defender Giorgio Chiellini was the unlikely provider with a perfectly weighted through-ball which Pereyra ran on to and stroked past Rafael.

Juve were not finished, and eight minutes later, Marchisio slid a neat pass into Tevez who turned, set himself and side-footed through the legs of Rafael at the near post.

Substitutes Sebastian Giovinco and Simone Pepe were both denied and Chiellini shot wide, while Emil Hallfredsson fired over as Verona remained scoreless.

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

[Socrates 8516]

JUVENTUS - HELLAS VERONA

4 - 0

Paul Pogba (3')
Carlos Tévez (7')
Roberto Pereyra (66')
Carlos Tévez (74')

Sunday, January 18th, 2015 - 20:45 PM
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Massimiliano Irrati

JUVENTUS 4 – 0 HELLAS VERONA

MATCH REVIEW

Jan 18, 2014

Everything is going as planned. Days after a 6-1 throttling of Verona in the Coppa Italia, Juventus again beat Verona. This time the home team won 4-0. As unfortunate as it was for Verona to have to play two straight games in Juventus Stadium, Juve took advantage of it and scored 10 games in two matches. Even better, today Juve took the lead very early and were able to cruise throughout the rest of the match.

Literally two minutes into the game Paul Pogba scored with a traditional “Pogboom” blast from outside of Verona’s 18 yard box. Five minutes later, Carlos Tevez scored a goal, which was assisted by Pogba. Pogba did a nice little move where he spun and passed to Tevez with his first touch, Tevez of course finished the chance.

To put this into perspective, the game hadn’t even begun airing in the United States. The game was delayed ten minutes for a Barcelona game, and in that ten minutes the game was decided. Thank the Old Lady for internet streams, I suppose. Regardless, it was a perfect start for Juventus.

From there Juventus were completely in control. There weren’t really any dangerous Verona chances either. At the 17th minute, a poor Andrea Pirlo pass did end up at sparking a Verona counter, but nothing came of it. Luca Toni’s finish ending up skating just past Gigi Buffon and the goal, wide right.

Two Juve players seemed to be constantly threatening to score today but ultimately came up short: Claudio Marchisio and Alvaro Morata. Both players had fine games, but neither scored despite having a decent of opportunities to do so. Morata did very well playing as a target man, but at certain times he seemed more willing to pass to Tevez than to take a shot.

For example, in the 57th minute he made a fantastic run into Verona’s 18 yard box, heading towards the goal at a dangerous diagonal angle. It seemed natural for him to try and finish the chance, but he forced a strong cross to Tevez. Tevez headed the ball, but it was an awkward cross and the header went wide. Morata was phenomenal today at everything but finishing, which was rather odd as he’s not known for being a poor finisher, or afraid to shoot.

Minutes later Roberto Pereyra scored Juve’s third goal. This was notable because it was both Pereyra’s first Serie A goal of the season and it was assisted by a BEAUTIFUL through ball from Giorgio Chiellini. I usually complain about Chiellini’s attacking efforts, but it seems he has been taking passing lessons from Andrea Pirlo.

Nine minutes later and Carlos Tevez scored another goal to finish up Juve’s scoring. Though nobody told that to Sebastian Giovinco, who came on for Tevez a bit later. Giovinco took a shot with his first touch of the game and forced a save from quite a distance. That was all though. The future Toronto FC man wasn’t able to repeat his heroics from the Coppa game versus Verona.

It was a fine result against a mediocre Serie A side. Still, you win the Scudetto against the provinciale, and now Juventus are five points ahead of Roma. Roma drew Palermo yesterday, and it looks like Juventus could be ready to widen that gap through the month of February. The two sides meet at the beginning of March, in what will likely be the last chance for the Scudetto race to remain close.

 

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