Juventus Season 2014-2015

[Socrates 8516]

JUVENTUS - BORUSSIA D.

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Tuesday, February 24th, 2015 - 08:45 P.M.
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee:‬ Antonio Mateu Lahoz (Spain)

Vidal set for Juventus return

Feb 23, 2014

Arturo Vidal could make his return for Juventus against Borussia Dortmund, while Ciro Immobile will hope to get some playing time.

The Bianconeri host the German side in the Champions League Last 16 tomorrow evening in the first leg of the tie.

After missing out on the game against Atalanta due to a groin injury, Vidal may be handed a starting shirt for this match, having joined his teammates yesterday for regular training.

The remainder of the Old Lady's midfield is likely to be comprised of the familiar names of Andrea Pirlo, Paul Pogba and Claudio Marchisio.

Coach Max Allegri will be faced with a familiar dilemma as he has to choose between Alvaro Morata and Fernando Llorente to flank Carlos Tevez. Ilsussidiario.net suggests that the former holds a slight edge thanks to his speed, which may trouble the German defence.

Dortmund Coach Jurgen Klopp is coming off three consecutive victories in the Bundesliga and is unlikely to change his habitual 4-2-3-1 system.

Ilkay Gundogan and Nuri Sahin are fundamental to the mechanisms of the midfield and can be expected to start.

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is in solid form and will almost certainly start, though Immobile is bound to be driven at the idea of playing against his former club, and may see some playing time in the second half.


Probable Juventus lineup: Buffon; Lichtsteiner, Bonucci, Chiellini, Evra; Pogba, Pirlo, Marchisio; Vidal; Tevez, Morata.

Probable Borussia Dortmund lineup: Weidenfeller; Piszczek, Subotic, Hummels, Schmelzer; Gundogan, Sahin; Kampl, Mkhitaryan, Reus; Aubameyang

[Socrates 8516]

JUVENTUS - BORUSSIA D.

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Tuesday, February 24th, 2015 - 08:45 P.M.
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee:‬ Antonio Mateu Lahoz (Spain)

Preview: Juventus vs. Borussia Dortmund

Feb 23, 2014

Juventus have been waiting 18 years to gain revenge on Borussia Dortmund.

Heading into the Champions League final between the two sides back in 1997, Juve were the big favourites to prosper, but they lost 3-1 to a Karl-Heinz Riedle-inspired Dortmund in Munich.

Tomorrow evening, they meet for the first time since that night in the opening leg of their last-16 clash, which is being played in Turin.

As far as domestic matters are concerned, the season to date could not have gone much differently for the clubs.

Juventus are well on their way to winning a fourth straight Serie A title, while Borussia Dortmund have spent the last few months dangerously flirting with the Bundesliga's relegation places.

To Dortmund's credit, their form has improved since their return to action from the winter break, with three wins being recorded on the bounce.

In terms of team selection, Jurgen Klopp, who guided BVB to the final of the competition in 2013, will be without versatile midfielder Kevin Grosskreutz because of a hamstring injury.

However, talisman Marco Reus is fully fit, while former Juve centre-forward Ciro Immobile and centre-back Mats Hummels could both return to the starting lineup.

Meanwhile, Juve head coach Massimiliano Allegri may be tempted into handing recalls to Stephan Lichtsteiner, Patrice Evra and Arturo Vidal following their omissions last time out.

In total, the Italian champions have played host to German clubs on 21 occasions, from which they have won 14 and lost on five times.

 

Juventus

Form in Champions League: W L L W W D 
Form in all competitions: W W D W D W 
 
Possible starting lineup: Buffon; Lichtsteiner, Chiellini, Bonucci, Evra; Pirlo, Marchisio, Pogba; Pereyra; Llorente, Tevez
 

 

Dortmund

Form in Champions League: W W W W L D
Form in all competitions: L D L W W W 
 
Possible starting lineup: Weidenfeller; Piszczek, Subotic, Hummels, Schmelzer; Sahin, Kagawa, Gundogan, Reus; Immobile, Aubameyang

 

 

Sports Mole says: 2-0

[Socrates 8516]

JUVENTUS - BORUSSIA D.

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Tuesday, February 24th, 2015 - 08:45 P.M.
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee:‬ Antonio Mateu Lahoz (Spain)

Allegri: 'Borussia not a Final'

Feb 23, 2014

Max Allegri warned that Juventus v Borussia Dortmund “is not a Final, so it requires patience, cool heads and technique.”

The first leg of the Round of 16 kicks off on Tuesday at the Juventus Stadium at 20.45 CET.

“It is certainly not the game of the season. It’s not a Final, it is the first leg of a Round of 16, so there are 180 minutes to go,” said the Coach in a Press conference.

“Borussia are in great form, as are we, so it will require patience, cool heads and technique. It’s an important game, but not the most decisive of the season.

“This is not a Serie A or Bundesliga tie. It is the first of two we have to face against Borussia, knowing they have great pace and technique in attack. Therefore we must try to limit their strengths and play a very intense game.

“Nobody ever said Borussia are superior to us, but their four forwards are very quick and technical. They are organised and play good football, especially in attack.

“Our objective is to reach the next round. Tomorrow we are playing at home, so the fundamental thing is not to concede, as Borussia are a side that score a lot.

“We are fully aware that we have an excellent chance of qualifying, albeit respecting a Borussia side that did great things in recent years.

“Jurgen Klopp did great things on the European stage, reconstructed Borussia from 2006 onwards and is a great Coach.”

Allegri was asked to imagine how he’d have been treated if Juve suffered Borussia’s disastrous domestic results this season.

“It’s an issue of mentality between Germany and Italy. I do think it’s an anomaly that Borussia are mid-table, so towards the end they will be close to the top. Apart from Bayern Munich, who basically have their own tournament, it’s a very tight League.”

Allegri was asked about Paul Pogba’s ‘poor’ recent form amid talk of Barcelona interest.

“I am not worried about his form because he has great physical characteristics. Of course there are going to be games he plays better and ones where he’s less impressive, you can’t play 50 matches per season all at the same level.

“He has provided assists and gone close to scoring goals, so I see no problem.”

[Socrates 8516]

JUVENTUS - BORUSSIA D.

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Tuesday, February 24th, 2015 - 08:45 P.M.
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee:‬ Antonio Mateu Lahoz (Spain)

Buffon: 'Juve curious with BVB'

Feb 23, 2014

Gigi Buffon said Juventus are “curious to measure ourselves up” against Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League.

The first leg of the Round of 16 kicks off on Tuesday at the Juventus Stadium at 20.45 CET.

“I hope this isn’t the game of the season, as that would mean there are few bigger ones in front of us! We all hope to have many more prestigious clashes,” replied the goalkeeper in a Press conference.

“Depending on age, every player experiences the eve of a game differently. The younger player will have the eagerness to prove himself on the international stage. The more experienced player is proud that despite his age he can still compete for the top levels.

“In the Juve locker room we have the desire to keep this dream going for as long as possible. We are also fully aware of the fact we are taking on a team that is very tough, that two years ago played in the Final and this season won their group with real authority.

“So even if they’re not doing that well domestically, this shows that in competitions with one-off games and a big reward up for grabs, they can get the best out of themselves.

“I am fully convinced Borussia Dortmund are one of the best sides in Europe and can beat anyone. At the same time, we are curious to see what progress we have made in this tournament.”

Buffon was furious with his Juventus teammates after they fumbled a lead for their 2-2 draw at relegation candidates Cesena.

“I got angry with myself at Cesena. With Atalanta it wasn’t our best performance, but that wasn’t the main issue. Tomorrow nobody can possibly lack commitment and focus from the first to the last minute.

“If we win or lose, we will do it without regrets, because everyone gives the best they possibly can at that moment. I doubt anyone will hold back or risk getting complacent. Our aim is to play the second leg with the possibility of qualifying.

“After a ‘sabbatical’ last year, we got back to our European journey. We are all curious and motivated to measure ourselves up against sides that have been challenging at the top of European football for a few years and Borussia Dortmund are one of them.

“I hope that compared to two years ago many of us are more confident of our capabilities. I hope we have all made steps forward in terms of football, belief and awareness. We also have a few more individuals who have joined the squad and could give us an extra hand.

“I don’t know if we are stronger than Borussia or not. I just know that I am curious to see how good we can be.”

Buffon shot an ad with Borussia star Marco Reus, so was asked about his opinions.

“He’s certainly a great talent and a player who can shake things up, as he has qualities above the norm. He is coming off a pretty long injury lay-off, so I hope he’s not at 100 per cent. If he were, it would be an extra problem for us.”

[Socrates 8516]

JUVENTUS - BORUSSIA D.

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Tuesday, February 24th, 2015 - 08:45 P.M.
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee:‬ Antonio Mateu Lahoz (Spain)

CHAMPIONS LEAGUE JUVENTUS V BORUSSIA DORTMUND PREVIEW

Feb 23, 2014

Juventus

So, it’s finally here. The yardstick by which so many will undoubtably measure the Bianconeri’s success this season. Juventus v Dortmund, the last-16 of the Champions 2014/15. It’s been 71 days since the draw was made; That’s 6,134,400 seconds or 102,240 minutes or 1704 hours….not that I’ve been counting.

Naturally, a Champions League game in the 2010s for Juventus brings with it some nerves. Couple that with Borussia Dortmund’s success (both historically and currently, and especially against Juve) – and one can see why this isn’t just a game against a Bundesliga relegation dweller. In fact, though BvB are still in a low position in the Bundesliga, they have turned things around as of late.

Luckily, Max Allegri has mostly a full squad to choose from. The only injured players are the long term injured guys, Kwadwo Asamoah and Romulo. This means we will likely see the 4-3-1-2 with Allegri’s preferred starters.

Gianluigi Buffon in goal is a guarantee, as always. Stephan Lichtsteiner and Patrice Evra are our best full backs, so expect to seem them at right and left back, respectively. Leonardo Bonucci and Giorgio Chiellini are the starting centerbacks, but due to Dortmund’s pace and propensity to counter I wouldn’t be shocked if Martin Caceres gets the nod at centerback.

Andrea Pirlo will reprise his regista role, while Claudio Marchisio and Paul Pogba will start in central midfield. Arturo Vidal is expected to be healthy and ready to play for this match, so barring any negative developments he will be in the semi-trequartista role.

The only real area of mystery in this lineup is up top. And the mystery is: who will start alongside Carlos Tevez? Fernando Llorente did score vs Atalanta, but he had a poor game on the whole. Meanwhile, Alvaro Morata has seemingly replace Llorente as the preferred partner for Tevez, but this trend isn’t super concrete and there have been times where Llorente surprisingly gets the start ahead of Morata. The fact that this is a Champions League fixture, and Llorente has experience and a good record in Champions League for Juve, could push Llorente over Morata. However, based on recent form, Morata starts.

 

Predicted Lineup

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

 

Injured

Asamoah and Romulo (Recovering from surgery)

 

Suspended

None




Borussia Dortmund

 

Predicted Lineup

4-2-3-1: Weidenfeller, Piszczek, Sokratis, Hummels, Schmelzer; Bender, Gündogan; Błaszczykowski, Kagawa, Reus; Aubameyang

 

Injured

Großkreutz

 

Suspended

None


 

Formation

[Socrates 8516]

JUVENTUS - BORUSSIA D.

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Tuesday, February 24th, 2015 - 08:45 P.M.
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee:‬ Antonio Mateu Lahoz (Spain)

Klopp has rebuilt Dortmund - Allegri

The Italian was fulsome in his praise of the man who will sit in the opposite dug-out
to him on Tuesday night and described BVB's league position as "an anomaly".

Feb 23, 2014

Juventus boss Massimiliano Allegri has hailed Jurgen Klopp's achievements at Borussia Dortmund, saying he has rebuilt the club and made them a powerful force in European football.

The two sides meet in Turin in the first leg of their last-16 Champions League tie on Tuesday, but the pair have endured contrasting fortunes domestically so far this season.

Klopp has been under intense pressure after a disastrous Bundesliga campaign that saw BVB bottom of the table until recently, having won just seven of their 22 matches this season.

In contrast, Juventus appear untouchable in Serie A and are on course to win a fourth straight league title as they boast a nine-point lead ahead of second-placed Roma.

That said, Dortmund have again impressed in Europe this season after winning Group D and Allegri paid tribute to Klopp's work in recent years.

"Dortmund are a good, organised team who play good football, especially in the final third," he said at Monday's press conference. "They score a lot of goals.

"Klopp has rebuilt Dortmund and made great strides in Europe. He's a great coach. Their position in the Bundesliga is an anomaly, they'll be near the top by the end of the season."

Juve failed to make the knockout stages of the competition under Antonio Conte, but reached the last-16 at the first time of asking under Allegri after finishing second in Group A behind Atletico Madrid.

The Bianconeri conceded just three goals in their six group stage games and the former AC Milan boss believes their defensive resilience will be key to their chances of reaching the quarter-finals.

"It is an important game but not a final. We have 180 minutes to play against a team in a rich vein of form. Tomorrow's not a league game; it's the first of two legs against BVB.

"We'll need to play with plenty of intensity because their four strikers are fast and dangerous.

"We must keep a clean sheet tomorrow. I believe we have an excellent chance of getting through to the next round."

[Socrates 8516]

JUVENTUS - BORUSSIA D.

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Tuesday, February 24th, 2015 - 08:45 P.M.
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee:‬ Antonio Mateu Lahoz (Spain)

Vidal ready for Dortmund

Feb 23, 2014

Arturo Vidal is back in the Juventus squad for the Champions League clash with Borussia Dortmund.

It kicks off on Tuesday at 20.45 CET in Turin, the first leg in a Round of 16.

Vidal had missed Friday’s 2-1 win over Atalanta in Serie A with a muscular problem, but is available tomorrow.

January signings Alessandro Matri, Paolo De Ceglie and Stefano Sturaro are also called up.


Juventus squad for Borussia Dortmund: Buffon, Chiellini, Caceres, Ogbonna, Pogba, Pepe, Marchisio, Morata, Tevez, Coman, Llorente, Barzagli, De Ceglie, Bonucci, Padoin, Pirlo, Vidal, Lichtsteiner, Sturaro, Storari, Matri, Evra, Rubinho, Pereyra

[Socrates 8516]

JUVENTUS - BORUSSIA D.

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Tuesday, February 24th, 2015 - 08:45 P.M.
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee:‬ Antonio Mateu Lahoz (Spain)

Klopp aims to surprise Juve

Feb 23, 2014

Jurgen Klopp is keeping Borussia Dortmund cards close to his chest against Juventus. “You’ll find out our game plan tomorrow.”

The first leg of the Champions League Round of 16 kicks off on Tuesday at 20.45 CET.

“We had troubles at the start of the season, mainly down to the injuries we suffered at the time. Our physical shape has improved,” he said in a Press conference in Turin.

BVB had been bottom of the Bundesliga, but are now mid-table after three consecutive victories.

“We can keep improving. We still need to rediscover our consistency in the Bundesliga. We’ll soon be back at the top. We weren’t in peak physical shape. It’s not a matter of motivation, more injuries and bad luck.”

Klopp was asked whether Borussia Dortmund or Juventus were the favourites going into this clash.

“Juve’s history is important. We’re motivated to show our worth in this Round of 16 tie. Juventus possess plenty of experience and quality. We'll require a big effort to get through to the next round.”

However, the tactician was keeping his cards close to his chest.

“I know that Italian football is very tactically focused. You'll find out our game plan tomorrow.”

It’s safe to say Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang will start.

“Aubameyang is versatile and can score goals from anywhere. He’s very important and I'm happy to have him.”

[Socrates 8516]

JUVENTUS - BORUSSIA D.

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Tuesday, February 24th, 2015 - 08:45 P.M.
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee:‬ Antonio Mateu Lahoz (Spain)

Juventus v Borussia Dortmund: Preview

Feb 23, 2014

Juventus make their return to the last 16 of the Champions League on Tuesday night keen to see how far they have come in the two years since their last appearance at this stage.

2013 beaten finalists Borussia Dortmund, who shared the same fate as Juve that year in being beaten by Bayern Munich, are the guests to the Juventus Stadium for arguably the biggest game of the season for the Serie A leaders.

``I hope that, compared to two years ago, we've got more belief that we are a great side,'' said Juve goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon at a press conference.

``I hope that, compared to two years ago, we've all improved, both in terms of our game and in our conviction.

``I don't know if we're stronger than Borussia or not, but I know that we're curious to see what we are worth.

``Everybody here wants to measure ourselves with clubs who have been at the top level in Europe for a few years, and Dortmund are one of those.''

That may not currently be reflected in the respective league tables.

While Juventus could move another step closer to a fourth straight Serie A title by beating their nearest rivals Roma and moving 12 points clear next Monday, Dortmund find themselves still only three points clear of the bottom three in the Bundesliga.

``It's an anomaly,'' said Juve coach Massimiliano Allegri. ``I think at the end of the season, they will be among the leading clubs because the league's still tight, apart from Bayern Munich who are in a league of their own.

``They are very fast and technically strong up front, they are well organised and play good football.

``This is the first of two games against them and tomorrow, playing at home, the fundamental thing is not conceding.''

For Dortmund, Tuesday gives them an opportunity to put their domestic problems to one side and focus on a competition they went so close to winning two years ago.

``It's the last 16, we've won three in a row, it's a great situation, but we know that the day after tomorrow, our relegation battle goes on,'' said Dortmund coach Jurgen Klopp.

``But tomorrow night, you're not going to see that we're in a relegation battle in the Bundesliga.''

He would not reveal what the fans inside the Juventus Stadium will see, however.

``As Pierre-Emerick (Aubameyang) said, tactics are important in Italy, but we also know a thing or two about tactics and one of those is that we don't reveal today the way we will play tomorrow,'' he added.

Aubameyang was equally secretive, but he promised that the fans are going to see ``a great game'' between the sides, who met in the 1997 final with Dortmund coming out on top against the favourites Juve.

This time, the tie appears to be too close to call. ``Both sides have a chance of going through,'' said Klopp. ``We remember 1997, but it has no relevance on this game.''

[Socrates 8516]

JUVENTUS - BORUSSIA D.

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Tuesday, February 24th, 2015 - 08:45 P.M.
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee:‬ Antonio Mateu Lahoz (Spain)

Dortmund finding domestic form
ahead of trip to Juventus

Feb 23, 2014

The most important week yet of a still young 2015 lies ahead for Borussia Dortmund. A trip to Turin to play Juventus in the Champions League on Tuesday is followed by the big Revierderby on Saturday against Schalke. Lucky for Dortmund they've picked up their form just in time, winning three games on the trot, but the big tests are on the horizon.

"The Bundesliga stands above all," manager Jurgen Klopp said after the 3-2 win in Stuttgart, which illustrates the dilemma Dortmund find themselves in ahead of Tuesday. On the one hand, the Champions League is a nice diversion from uphill battle in the domestic struggle and a great occasion for the players to exhibit themselves on Europe's biggest stage. On the other hand, it's almost an inconvenience that will only hinder endeavours to regain a stable place in the Bundesliga table.

Yet Juventus vs. Borussia Dortmund is a tie that contains history, including two finals. Juventus have the upper hand, winning four out of the seven meeting in the '90s.

Juve won the two-legged UEFA Cup final in 1993, but ultimately BVB got their redemption by winning their most prestigious trophy in 1997 against the Bianconeri: the Champions League. On Tuesday, a trophy won't but up for grabs just yet, but there is much excitement to look forward to.

After all, Dortmund go up against the side that has dominated Italy's Serie A for the past three years. But while BVB's atrocious domestic form has made cup competitions a mere accessory, Juventus have great aspirations and a lot to prove on the European stage. The Italian giants failed to get out of their group last term and they again failed to exert their superiority by coming second to Atletico Madrid.

It might be now or never for Juventus in their chase for European glory, and their fans are demanding a lasting run in this competition.

Dortmund, meanwhile, have fared well in the Champions League despite their domestic difficulties. The black and yellows don't see themselves as favourites going into the tie, but not as underdogs either. "It's a 50-50 match-up," was the refrain from Klopp, Marco Reus and CEO Hans Joachim Watzke; a self-belief that should BVB play to their potential, they can beat anyone.

No doubt, Juventus have the same self-belief, and looking at their team sheet it becomes obvious why this is. A vastly experienced defence sits ahead of Gianluigi Buffon, a tough midfield strikes the right balance of steel and finesse and a potent attack is spearheaded by Carlos Tevez and Alvaro Morata. Klopp will find it tough to contain Andrea Pirlo and Paul Pogba in midfield, but those two extraordinary footballers won't be his only concern as Juventus have a nicely spread variety of goal scorers.

The hopes on cracking Massimiliano Allegri's possession-based 4-3-2-1 is Dortmund's vibrant pressing. Juventus may be the best defence in Serie A, but they rarely go up against teams wielding such tenacious and relentless pressing as Borussia Dortmund practice. Considering BVB's pace up front and frailties at the back, this match should be exciting at both ends.

And with one eye on the derby, Klopp is sure to rotate his squad ever so slightly on Tuesday night. Mats Hummels will return to after nursing a cold, partnering up with either Neven Subotic or Sokratis Papastathopoulos, and to add the necessary steel to his defensive midfield, Sven Bender will most likely make his first appearance in 2015 next to Ilkay Gundogan. Up front Jakub Blaszczykowski is a good call to replace Kevin Kampl, who had a slight muscular issue after the Stuttgart match. Blaszczykowski's experience might also prove vital in a match against a clever and cheeky Juve side.

Yet those who were looking forward to see Ciro Immobile return to the place where it all started for him might be disappointed. Last season's top scorer in Serie A is struggling to get out of the shadow of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, who is riding a wave of good form. The Gabonese has scored four goals in his last three matches and pairs nicely with Reus.

The Dortmund coach has a plethora of options on the bench at his disposal. After all, only a collective effort will leave Dortmund with something to play for when this tie moves to the Westfalenstadion on March 18.

[Socrates 8516]

JUVENTUS - BORUSSIA D.

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Tuesday, February 24th, 2015 - 08:45 P.M.
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee:‬ Antonio Mateu Lahoz (Spain)

Buffon: I hope Reus is rusty

The goalkeeper is a big fan of the fit-again winger and offered a light-hearted
response to the prospect of facing him in Turin on Tuesday.

Feb 23, 2014

Gianluigi Buffon has joked that he hopes Marco Reus is "rusty" when Juventus face Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League.

The pair will do battle in Turin on Tuesday night in the first leg of their last-16 tie, which, on paper at least, appears to be one of the most evenly matched draws of the round.

Reus will be one of the first names on Dortmund coach Jurgen Klopp's team-sheet after seemingly putting the fitness problems that plagued him in 2014 behind him and Buffon admits that he hopes that the attacker is still not at 100 per cent.

"We're up against one of the best teams in Europe," the Juventus captain told reporters at the pre-match press conference.

"They can beat anyone and we have respect for them. We're curious to see how we measure up with BVB. We won't have any regrets, though. Regardless of how the game goes, we'll give it all we've got.

"Reus is a great talent. He's had a long injury lay-off, I hope he's a little rusty!"

Juve are well placed to win more silverware this term, after building a nine-point lead at the top of Serie A, while they are also through to the semi-finals of the Coppa Italia, where they will meet Fiorentina.

However, the Bianconeri have struggled in Europe in recent years, failing to reach the knockout stage of the Champions League in each of the past two seasons, and Buffon is thus desperate to go as far as possible this year.

"I hope it's not the game of the season because that would mean we don't have any other important ones ahead of us," the goalkeeper added.

"We want to try and keep our Champions League dream alive for as long as possible."

Juve will hope to have Arturo Vidal back after he missed the 2-1 win over Atalanta on Friday with a groin injury, while the Bianconeri could face one of their former players in Ciro Immobile.

[Socrates 8516]

JUVENTUS - BORUSSIA D.

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Tuesday, February 24th, 2015 - 08:45 P.M.
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee:‬ Antonio Mateu Lahoz (Spain)

Dortmund won't look like a relegation-threatened
side against Juventus - Klopp

The BVB boss believes his side have turned a corner and are more
than capable of reaching the quarter-finals of the Champions League.

Feb 23, 2014

Borussia Dortmund won't look anything like a relegation-threatened side when they travel to Italy to face Juventus on Tuesday, according to the Germany club's coach, Jurgen Klopp.

BVB arrive Italy on the back of three successive Bundesliga wins, but a terrible start to the campaign means last season's runners-up are well off the pace in 12th place.

They will need to be on top of their game in Turin as they face Juve in the first leg of their last-16 Champions League tie, with the Bianconeri nine points clear at the top of Serie A.

Klopp, however, is convinced of the quality within his side and is expecting them to rise to the occasion, just as they did in winning Group D to reach the knockout stages of the competition as a seeded side.

"We had many problems in the first part of the season," the former Mainz coach said at the pre-match press conference. "But we knew that we could play much, much better if we get time to work on it. And now that has happened.

"You will not think on Tuesday that we are fighting against relegation.

"Juventus have a very experienced team, which brings much quality on the pitch. I think it will be tough for both teams and both have a chance to get through."

The most famous meeting between the sides came back in 1997 when Dortmund beat Juventus 3-1 in the Champions League final, courtesy of two goals from Karl-Heinz Riedle and a Lars Ricken strike.

However, when asked about one of the club's greatest nights, Klopp said it would have little significance for his current squad.

"No, we haven't talked about it yet," he added. "The evening back then was a very important moment in the history of the club. But I don't think that may players would be even more motivated if we show something from then.

"Today Juventus are not as far away from us as they were in 1997. Anyway it does not mean that we'll have an easy way through."

[Socrates 8516]

JUVENTUS - BORUSSIA D.

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Tuesday, February 24th, 2015 - 08:45 P.M.
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee:‬ Antonio Mateu Lahoz (Spain)

UEFA Champions League Preview:
Juventus vs. Borussia Dortmund, Leg 1

Feb 23, 2014

By now, we've figured out that Borussia Dortmund isn't having a good season in the Bundesliga. While they've gotten themselves out of the relegation zone and into the middle of the pack in recent weeks, there still aren't all those glistening and wonderful thoughts and feelings when it comes to how Dortmund — which just picked up its third straight league win on Friday night — are playing this season.

A team that was in the Champions League final just two years ago has fallen so fast in its own domestic competition.

But what we've come to discover about this Dortmund team is pretty remarkable, really. While they have struggled beyond belief — Klopp's and everybody else's — for a large part of the Bundesliga season, their form in Europe has almost been the complete opposite. In their six group stage games, Dortmund won the first four of them. Outside of their 2-0 loss to Arsenal in late November, Klopp's men allowed all of two goals in this season's group stage.

That's not exactly how a team that is currently sitting mid-table in their respective league would be expected to play in Europe. I mean, the team sitting in 10th in Serie A entering this past weekend's set of games isn't doing much of anything in the Champions League this season, people.

(This is where we take a moment to point and laugh at Inter. Why? Because it's never not appropriate.)

There's no reason to think Euro Dortmund won't show up at Juventus Stadium with its Bundesliga form suddenly looking brighter these past few weeks. Juventus, on the other hand, has not been anything close to impressive over the same period of time. And we all know how "interesting" Juve's European form has been this season. There was the unwritten rule of starting the group stage slow, then a loss in Spain, and finally the mad scramble to qualify for the knockout stages. It's become the regular deal at this point — something we may never truly figure out as to why it happens.

The No. 1 goal, as both manager Max Allegri and his players have said in recent days, is to keep Dortmund off the scoreboard in the first leg so they can head to Germany with a straightforward way of making it to the quarterfinals. With BVB possessing so much attacking depth, doing that will be the biggest challenge Juventus has over the court of the 90 minutes Tuesday night.

Can the Juventus defense, which has been far from stellar in recent games, rise to the occasion? I really don't know, but I'm pretty sure Allegri isn't changing his tone as we are less than 24 hours away from kickoff in Turin.

JuventusFC ✔ @juventusfcen
.@OfficialAllegri: "We must keep a clean sheet tomorrow. I believe we have an excellent chance of getting through to the next round."

Then it's been decided! Now all that's left is to actually do it. What could possibly go wrong...

 

GOOD NEWS

The first leg is at Juventus Stadium. You don't need to remind me about the last time Juventus went to Germany for the first leg of a Champions League encounter. That wasn't very fun.

 

BAD NEWS

If it isn't obvious, it should be. Dortmund are starting to hit their stride right as they come to Juventus Stadium. No more last-place club here. Have they had a disappointing domestic season? Sure, but now they're actually starting to resemble the team that has been playing well in Europe this season.


WHAT TO WATCH FOR

1. How Juventus handles Dortmund's lightning-quick counterattack.

I'll be completely honest, thinking of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang with even the slightest bit of open field in front of him scares the living daylight out of me. He is the living, breathing and all too real definition of the danger Dortmund has when it comes to speed to burn up top — and he's not the only one, too. Marco Reus is easily one of the best wingers in the game today and is capable of taking over a game without much hesitation. Dortmund switching back to a 4-2-3-1 has enabled them to get their mojo going once more, as well as playing a formation that truly fits their strengths. Dortmund has so much speed that they can go from defense to attacking third in a flash. It won't solely be on Juventus' defense to slow down the counter, either. It will be based on Juve's midfield and defense trying to be as cohesive unit to try and slow down an opposing team that is sooooo quick.

JuventusFC ✔ @juventusfcen
.@gianluigibuffon: "We're up against one of the best teams in Europe. They can beat anyone and we have respect for them."


2. The health status and effectiveness of Arturo Vidal.

You have to think that if Vidal is anywhere close to full strength, Allegri is going to give him a starting nod. While I don't necessarily like it, it's almost certain in my mind that he will be playing behind the strikers, too — a whole different matter that we've brought up a number of times already. Vidal returned to training with the main group on Sunday and is part of the 24-man squad that was called up by Allegri for tomorrow night's first leg. So, now what? Well, it's pretty simple. Vidal's season has been marred by disappointing game after disappointing game. It won't take too many fingers to count how many games where Vidal has looked like the Vidal of old. And there's no denying that if Juve want to advance past Dortmund, Vidal will have to resemble his former self. That's an easy thing to say, but as we've seen this season, not exactly something that happens a lot of the time.


3. The overall contributions from Andrea Pirlo.

As much as I think a midfield three of Vidal-Marchisio-Pogba would work best of all against Dortmund, I don't see a situation where Allegri doesn't pick Pirlo — especially after how he played on Friday night against Atalanta. That means Pirlo will be the hub of the offense like he almost always is. And that also means it will dictate pretty much how Juventus will approach the game tactically. You might think that is a good thing because it's Pirlo and he's still capable of putting in a wonderful performance. You might think that's a bad idea knowing how Dortmund play and the likely defensive responsibilities that will come along with things Tuesday. Either way, Pirlo will have to be a two-contributor come tomorrow night. Maybe that same Pirlo that had the second-most amount of tackles Friday night will show his head once again. It will have lovely hair either way, you know.


4. The impact of Álvaro Morata.

I would like to think that Fernando Llorente getting the starting nod against Atalanta was to give Mr. Morata a rest with the Champions League on the horizon. As much as I wanted to see Morata play, I can definitely support Allegri's decision if it means the young Spaniard is rested and raring to go come kickoff Tuesday night. Morata has been very, very good these last few weeks since he because a regular starter. Can he keep it going against a Dortmund defense that has been relatively solid in European play this season? That's why we're going to be watching. If Morata plays anywhere close to what he has done in the new year, then the scoring chances for both himself and Tévez will open up. And so on and so on and so on. As much as we want to talk about Juventus keep Dortmund off the scoreboard in the first leg, they're going to need to find the back of the BVB net to put things even more in their favor.


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


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

[Socrates 8516]

JUVENTUS - BORUSSIA D.

-

Tuesday, February 24th, 2015 - 08:45 P.M.
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee:‬ Antonio Mateu Lahoz (Spain)

Juventus must find a way to cope with Dortmund's pressure

Feb 23, 2014

The greatest aspect of top-level European competition is the opportunity to witness contrasting footballing styles face one another; pleasingly, despite the globalisation of football and the increased movement of players and coaches across borders, obvious differences remain between Europe's best leagues.

The obvious example from this week's set of Champions League fixtures is the clash between Borussia Dortmund and Juventus in Turin on Tuesday night. Whereas some of the second round ties are frustratingly familiar -- Manchester City vs. Barcelona, PSG vs. Chelsea, Schalke vs. Real Madrid -- these two sides haven't met since the European Cup final of 1997. The clash of styles should be fascinating.

While Dortmund have been based around heavy, energetic pressing and rapid transitions in recent years, Juventus are much more accustomed to a slow, more languid style of play. Juve themselves play at a higher tempo than the majority of Serie A sides, but Italy is nevertheless still home to a much slower style of play than in Germany, Spain or England.

There are many benefits to this: It means deep-lying playmakers like Andrea Pirlo, David Pizarro and Riccardo Montolivo have time to shine, while attackers like Francesco Totti and Antonio Di Natale can play well into their late 30s, because the game isn't so physically demanding and they can essentially play in bursts. "The pauses allow a player to display his technique," Gianluca Vialli once said.

The downside, however, is that when Italian sides face top-quality opposition in European competition, they often struggle with the pace of the game, which has been a major reason Serie A has dropped to only the fourth-best league in Europe according to UEFA's coefficients.

The most recent example of this problem was on Thursday night at White Hart Lane, where Fiorentina drew 1-1 with Tottenham. Vincenzo Montella's side were happy with that result, although the first half hour featured a Spurs onslaught. Mauricio Pochettino, a coach known primarily for the intense pressing style he's implemented at both Southampton and now Tottenham, told his team to play at a high tempo, close down in advanced positions, and make life uncomfortable for Fiorentina. Once they'd weathered the storm, the Italian side were fine. In truth, however, they could have been 3-0 down and out of the tie.

After the game, Montella responded to questions about these struggles in great detail, and it was fascinating to hear him discuss the issue in relation to Italy as a whole, rather than simply speaking about the contest between two sides.

"In the first 30 minutes we suffered because of the high-tempo, physical game, but we expected that and maybe [Tottenham] paid the price later," he said. "In Italy we play a more tactical game, the tempo is slow -- we [italians] train at a high tempo, then don't play at high tempo on matchday. Really, we should be doing the opposite!"

Juventus, meanwhile, encountered this problem on their previous trip to Germany. When playing Bayern Munich two years ago, they were unable to cope with the whirlwind start to the game -- they were behind within a minute thanks to David Alaba's long-range strike, and spent the first half almost unable to get out of their own third. Bayern were simply so much more tenacious, more mobile and more energetic -- and the worrying thing, of course, is that Dortmund display that style to an even greater extent. Whatever their problems in the Bundesliga, Dortmund's Champions League performances this season have been consistent, and their demolition of Arsenal in the group stage shows how their tempo can completely unnerve opponents.

In particular, Dortmund will attempt to pressure Pirlo. The Italian has become accustomed to being marked closely in Italy, but often this is simply one opponent, with the rest of the side sitting deeper. It's rare for Pirlo to face such concerted pressure from an entire team, and there's a danger he'll be surprised by Dortmund's energy.

Pirlo certainly makes no secret of his irritatation when facing this style of play. In his autobiography, he memorably describes the attentions of Malta's Andre Schembri as "utterly exhausting ... I didn't enjoy it. Back in the day, coaches would have their best guy mark the opposition number 10 ... but things have changed, now it's guys in my position who have the toughest guy on the other team snapping at our heels.

"All I'm after is a few square metres," Pirlo says.

Dortmund will desperately attempt to deny him such space, and attack quickly. Dortmund boss Jurgen Klopp once described his team's pressing as "the best playmaker around."

Against Bayern in 2013, Juventus seemed genuinely shocked by the intensity of the Bayern press. But this time around against Dortmund, they'll expect a strong physical test. They must plan accordingly, and show they can cope in such high-tempo contests.

A major solution is to not entirely rely on Pirlo. Dortmund will probably press in midfield rather than high up the pitch, which means Juventus should have opportunities to distribute the ball from defence. There, Allegri has two players who can start attacks: Giorgio Chiellini can move forward, albeit slightly clumsily, in possession, while Leonardo Bonucci is often capable of being Juve's vice-Pirlo, hitting huge accurate diagonal balls to the flanks from an even deeper position.

Bypassing the midfield zone might be Juve's best bet. When Pep Guardiola faced Dortmund for the first time, he used Javi Martinez in a shadow striker position because he realised Bayern were completely unable to play through midfield against Dortmund, and decided using a tall player upfront as a target for long balls was an appropriate solution. Fernando Llorente, an orthodox striker, will play that role more naturally for Juve.

However, perhaps Juve might also be capable of taking on Dortmund at their own game. The most fascinating aspect of Juve since Pirlo joined in 2011 is that the midfield is essentially flipped: Pirlo is the pure creator but plays at the base of the midfield trio, while Arturo Vidal and Paul Pogba are far superior in terms of defensive effort, physical power and stamina. Few midfielders in world football are more dynamic than these two -- and therefore, rather than worrying about living with the pressing, Juventus might be able to turn it around on Dortmund.

That would represent something of a breakthrough for Italian football. Back in the mid-1990s, when Serie A clubs dominated Europe, teams from other countries were forced play at a more relaxed tempo as Italian clubs dictated the play. But the tables have now flipped: Serie A is playing catch-up, and to compete with the best German, Spanish and English clubs, they must be capable of playing high-tempo football too.

[Socrates 8516]

JUVENTUS - BORUSSIA D.

-

Tuesday, February 24th, 2015 - 08:45 P.M.
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee:‬ Antonio Mateu Lahoz (Spain)

Allegri: Dortmund Are Not Superior To Juventus

Feb 23, 2014

Massimiliano Allegri has tried to play down the importance of Tuesday evening’s Champions League clash against Borussia Dortmund while insisting that he does not envy his opposite number Jurgen Klopp.

The current fortunes of the Italian and German giants going into the first leg of their last 16 meeting in Europe’s premier club competition couldn’t be more different with the Bianconeri surging towards a fourth consecutive Scudetto while Dortmund are unexpectedly embroiled in an relegation fight. However, Allegri is keen to avoid any complacency.

“No one could ever say that they are a superior team to us,” the 47-year-old told a press conference on Monday.

“They have great speed and technique in their front four and they play good offensive football. Our goal playing at home is not to concede any goals although it will be difficult. Dortmund have already shown their quality when playing away in this competition.

“This is not the most important game of the season as the outcome will be decided over both legs. It is not a final. Even after tomorrow there is still another game to play. It is however an important match against an in-form team and it will require patience, balance and technique.

“I do not envy [Jurgen] Klopp. If anything he should be the one in envy of us given our league ranking. It’s a question of mentality. It is an anomaly that Borussia are so low in the standings, but in the end I think it will be a close contest between our teams.”

[Socrates 8516]

JUVENTUS - BORUSSIA D.

-

Tuesday, February 24th, 2015 - 08:45 P.M.
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee:‬ Antonio Mateu Lahoz (Spain)

Aubameyang: Pirlo is an idol

The BVB striker came through the youth team ranks at San Siro
and got to know the former AC Milan playmaker during his time.

Feb 23, 2014

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang says it will be an honour to go up against Andrea Pirlo when Borussia Dortmund play Juventus in Turin on Tuesday, admitting that midfielder is an idol of his.

The Gabon international is a product of the Rossoneri's youth academy but while he was on the Serie A side's books for four years in total, he never made an appearance for the senior side, spending most of his stay out on loan.

However, Aubameyang still has fond memories of his time at San Siro, thanks in no small part to Pirlo.

"I got to know Pirlo at Milan and he is certainly an idol," the 25-year-old striker told reporters on the eve of Dortmund's Champions League last-16 first-leg clash with Juve.

"So, it is an honour to me to face players like Andrea and [Juventus captain] Gianluigi Buffon."

Dortmund currently sit 12th in the Bundesliga but have arrived in Turin with confidence restored after a run of three successive domestic victories.

However, Aubameyang says Jurgen Klopp's men are well aware that beating the Bianconeri will a very different story, with Juve currently nine points clear at the summit of Serie A.

"We have racked up three consecutive wins, and that's good for us," the attacker added.

"But we know that it will be a tough game in Turin, because Juventus are the best team in Italy at the moment. They can beat any opponent."

[Socrates 8516]

JUVENTUS - BORUSSIA D.

-

Tuesday, February 24th, 2015 - 08:45 P.M.
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee:‬ Antonio Mateu Lahoz (Spain)

‘Juve have Pirlo and Pogba, but...’

Feb 23, 2014

Borussia Dortmund defender Sokratis Papastathopoulos admits Juventus are the ‘strongest in Italy’, but sees their Champions League odds as ’50-50’.

The German team face a challenging first leg as they travel to the Juventus Stadium for tomorrow's Champions League Last 16.

Even so, the Bundesliga side’s Greek defender with previous Serie A experience expects his team not to be intimidated.

“Our Coach Jurgen Klopp gives us all faith,” Papastathopoulos has said in an interview with La giornalaccio rosa dello Sport.

“Our team was built around his directions and we always try to impose our own game.

“That's exactly what we're planning on doing in Turin, even though Juventus are the strongest Italian team and they have some top players like [Andrea] Pirlo and [Paul] Pogba.

“I crossed paths with [Carlos] Tevez with Greece, but I never played against him.

“As for [his fellow striker Alvaro] Morata, I faced him last year against Real Madrid. Both of them are very strong.”

The 26-year-old was also asked about the German team's odds heading into this midweek.

“50-50 for us to earn a draw. We're back on track and we can do it.

“I remember Pirlo. I know him from his last year in Milan.

“One of the best of the decade in his role.

“He's also a great man. I remember that in Milanello he was always happy to help everyone.”

[Socrates 8516]

JUVENTUS - BORUSSIA D.

-

Tuesday, February 24th, 2015 - 08:45 P.M.
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee:‬ Antonio Mateu Lahoz (Spain)

Vidal: Dortmund's shocking season
could work against Juventus

The Chilean midfielder thinks the threat of Jurgen Klopp's men is even greater
because of their struggles in the Bundesliga over the past few months.

Feb 24, 2014

Arturo Vidal fears that Borussia Dortmund's shocking season so far could work against Juventus in Tuesday's Champions League last-16 first leg.

Dortmund travel to Turin having endured an appalling first half of 2014-15 in the Bundesliga, with three successive wins having only recently lifted Jurgen Klopp's side off the bottom of the table.

Vidal does not think the threat of the 2012-13 Champions League finalists has been dulled, though, and highlighted the speed and technical ability that he thinks Dortmund still possess in abundance.

"Dortmund's league woes make them even more dangerous, because they will be focusing their efforts on the Champions League," the Chilean midfielder told Kicker.

"They'll want to show that their Bundesliga place doesn't represent their enormous quality and is merely a deceptive snapshot. It will be a tough one for us.

"The strength of Klopp's team isn't individual players, but the unity of the team, the pressing game they play out, their superior technique on the ball and the crazy pace they show."

Serie A's standing on the continent has been in stark decline in recent years, with former Inter chief Massimo Moratti the latest to suggest Italian football is a long way behind the best in Europe.

Vidal, however, does not agree.

"In Italy, defence - and, more specifically, the tactical preparation of the teams - is much more important than in Germany," the former Bayer Leverkusen man added.

"In Serie A even small teams are hard to beat; in this sense it is the hardest league in Europe."

Vidal also said Juve boast one of the top three midfields in the world in himself, Paul Pogba and Claudio Marchisio, though he admitted it would be great to add Marco Reus to their options in attack.

"Juve's midfield is definitely in the top three out there, but now we have to prove it on the field in the Champions League," he added. "This year we have a duty to do better.

"If I could sign any Dortmund player it would be Reus. He's a really great footballer. But he just signed a renewal with Dortmund..."

The Serie A champions host BVB in Turin this week before returning to Signal Iduna Park on March 18 for the second leg.

[Socrates 8516]

JUVENTUS - BORUSSIA D.

-

Tuesday, February 24th, 2015 - 08:45 P.M.
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee:‬ Antonio Mateu Lahoz (Spain)

Juventus vs. Borussia Dortmund:
Team News, Predicted Lineups

Feb 24, 2014

This week is undoubtedly the biggest of the season so far for Juventus, facing stiff competition in the Champions League and then squaring off against their closest domestic rivals. Before travelling to the Stadio Olimpico to battle AS Roma, the Bianconeri welcome a resurgent Borussia Dortmund to Turin.

Having slumped to the foot of the Bundesliga before the winter break, Jurgen Klopp’s side have now won each of their last three outings and climbed into a slightly more respectable 12th place. In those games their attack looks to be in devastating form, outscoring opponents by 10 goals to four.

While the reigning Italian champions will hope to exploit their defensive weaknesses, Dortmund will enter the match with renewed confidence, having already displayed much more impressive form in Europe this term. Massimiliano Allegri is well aware of the importance of this tie, telling Sky Italia on Friday (h/t Football Italia):

We are in very good shape. Borussia are back on track and on Tuesday it’s the first of two games, so we have to play with balance and I am absolutely not worried by this match.

I think they are going to be two great games and I expect qualification to be decided only in the final minutes of the second leg.

It is arguably the most difficult tie to pick a winner from, with the two sides both capable of securing passage to the quarter-finals. The visitors certainly possess a far greater pedigree in Europe over the past few seasons, but the Bianconeri can lean on a vastly improved approach under Allegri.

The coach has installed a system which is far better suited to Champions League football compared to the previous 3-5-2 framework, and supporters of Italy’s grand Old Lady will be hoping that is enough to help them emerge from this tough matchup.


Form Lines

Last five domestic results:

Juventus 2-0 Chievo

Udinese 0-0 Juventus

Juventus 3-1 Milan

Cesena 2-2 Juventus

Juventus 2-1 Atalanta



Bayer Leverkusen 0-0 Borussia Dortmund

Borussia Dortmund 0-1 Augsburg

Freiburg 0-3 Borussia Dortmund

Borussia Dortmund 4-2 Mainz 05

VfB Stuttgart 2-3 Borussia Dortmund


 

Predicted Line-ups

Player to Watch

Perhaps no player is more central to this tie than Andrea Pirlo, with the midfielder arguably the one man who could decide the result either way. His match-winning performance on Friday—discussed at length here—was excellent, but those games have been all too infrequent this term.

Indeed, in their previous Serie A outing, Pirlo was responsible for handing the initiative to Cesena, losing the ball in midfield and allowing the relegation-threatened minnows to take a surprise lead. That game ended in a draw, but committing such an error against Borussia Dortmund is likely to be far more costly.

More than ever, the immediate future of Juventus may be decided by which Pirlo is on show over the two legs. If the 35-year-old can handle the constant pressing of the ball from this difficult opponent, he may write another chapter in the story of his truly great career.



Key Battle

While Pirlo’s influence could be the deciding factor, the key battle in this encounter could well be between his team-mate Arturo Vidal and Dortmund’s Marco Reus. The two will clash in midfield, and the Chilean must get the better of his direct opponent if the Bianconeri are to overcome Jurgen Klopp’s men.

Like Vidal, many were surprised that Reus remained with his current club this past summer, with German newspaper Bild (h/t Yahoo Sport) reporting this week that he refused to take phone calls from potential suitors, including Manchester United.

He has netted two goals and added one assist in the Champions League this term, also netting in each of his side’s last three domestic victories. In contrast, Vidal missed Friday’s clash with Atalanta and also failed to net a penalty which could have sealed a win against Cesena a week earlier.


Odds (via OddsShark)

Home win: 11/10

Away win: 12/5

Draw: 12/5

[Socrates 8516]

JUVENTUS - BORUSSIA D.

-

Tuesday, February 24th, 2015 - 08:45 P.M.
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee:‬ Antonio Mateu Lahoz (Spain)

Klopp: Borussia Dortmund Determined
To Show Worth Against Juventus

Feb 24, 2014

Borussia Dortmund coach Jurgen Klopp is looking for his side to show its worth against Juventus in the Champions League Round of 16 on Tuesday.

Dortmund travel to the Juventus Stadium for the first leg having won three successive matches in the Bundesliga after occupying the relegation places earlier this season.

“We had troubles at the start of the season, mainly down to the injuries we suffered at the time,” the 47-year-old tactician said during his pre-match press conference.

“We can keep improving. We still need to rediscover our consistency in the Bundesliga. We will soon be back at the top.

“I know that Italian football is very tactically focused. We will see how the game goes and we will adapt.

“The history of Juve is important. We are motivated to show our worth and it is time for us to pull out our claws.

“Juventus possess plenty of experience and quality. We’ll require a big effort to get through to the next round.”

[Socrates 8516]

JUVENTUS - BORUSSIA D.

-

Tuesday, February 24th, 2015 - 08:45 P.M.
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee:‬ Antonio Mateu Lahoz (Spain)

Remembering the rich, crazy history
of Borussia Dortmund versus Juventus

Feb 24, 2014

The 1997 Champions League final was about 25 minutes old when I felt a tug on my sleeve. I looked down and noticed a steward trying to get my attention. "Excuse me, sir," he said. "Will you be standing on your seat for the entire game?"

I looked around. In this part of Munich's Olympic Stadium, the north curve, by and large everybody was standing on the plastic seats. One of the few exceptions was the elderly couple directly to my left. They were sitting down and, consequently, couldn't see anything except the backs of the people in front of them.

"I have never sat during a game," I replied, "and I'm certainly not going to start now." The steward smiled. "That's good," he said. "I was asking because we have a ticketing problem. These gentlemen don't have seats."

He pointed toward two men standing in the aisle a few steps away from us. They wore scarves half black-and-yellow, for Borussia Dortmund, and half black-and-white, for Juventus. A few variants of such scarves, commemorating the final between these clubs, had been on sale around the ground all day long. The two men also carried plastic bags.

"Would you mind," the steward continued, "if we put them in front of you, between the seat and the railing? You're quite tall, and you're standing on the seat, so you can still see everything." I told him that was fine, and he waved the two men over. After they had assumed their positions in front of me, one of them turned around and looked up.

"Grazie," he said.

It might seem strange today that a steward would put two Italians right in the middle of the German fan stand for such a huge game. But back in 1997, I wasn't surprised in the least.

All day, supporters from Turin and Dortmund had mingled in downtown Munich peacefully and even amicably. Sometimes it was hard to tell the two sets of fans apart. Many Germans wore Juve paraphernalia; many Italians sported Borussia gear. The reason was simple: the two clubs had met each other so often in the preceding years that the final felt a bit like a semi-annual family reunion.

In the four years between May 1993 and May 1997, Dortmund met a team like Fortuna Düsseldorf, traditional Bundesliga rivals, just four times. And Juventus contested only two matches during this period against a side like Bologna, their long-time Serie A opponents. But Borussia and Juventus played each other seven times over the same span.

To make this sudden but intense spurt of clashes even stranger, the two clubs had never met before May 1993, and almost 18 years would pass until they'd meet again after May 1997. Finally, the good-natured rivalry was football's version of the Doppelgänger motif: by the time the two teams contested the 1997 Champions League final, Dortmund's squad included no fewer than five men who had once played for Juventus.

The story of the epic clashes between Dortmund and Juventus began with the two-legged UEFA Cup final in 1993, which, to be honest, wasn't very epic. Not for long. Michael Rummenigge, younger brother of Karl-Heinz, put Dortmund ahead after less than two minutes of the first leg with an elegant first-time shot.

That was as good as it got for the Germans. Yes, Dortmund were hit hard by injuries, but this was the Juve of Roberto and Dino Baggio, Fabrizio Ravanelli and Gianluca Vialli -- plus their Germans, Kohler and Andreas Moller. "We played Juventus at the wrong time," Dortmund's coach Ottmar Hitzfeld later said, "but we would have struggled even with a complete team."

The two Baggios (who are unrelated) scored three goals in Dortmund, as Juve came from behind to win the away leg 3-1. This put the trophy out of Borussia's reach, especially when Vialli set up another Dino Baggio goal with a cheeky back-heeler after only five minutes of the second leg. Juve eventually won 3-0 at home and lifted the 1993 UEFA Cup by a commanding aggregate score of 6-1.

Two years later, though, the tie was no longer so one-sided. In fact, the games in April 1995 were nail-bitingly close. Dortmund had signed two players from Juventus, defender Julio Cesar and Moller. Both would be on target as Borussia were drawn against the Bianconeri in the UEFA Cup again -- this time in the semifinals.

However, the first man to put his name on the scoreboard in this meeting was Dortmund's Stefan Reuter. In the first leg, in Turin, sweeper Matthias Sammer released his teammate on the right wing with a tremendous pass, and Reuter found the target from a tight angle.

Amazingly, he too had once been a Juventus player.

A terrific match eventually finished 2-2 because Kohler scored one of his rare goals for Juve two minutes from time. What annoyed the Germans, though, wasn't the late equaliser but the referee. He booked no fewer than six Dortmund players; Moller, Sammer and Karl-Heinz Riedle would miss the second leg on account of his card-happy ways.

In Dortmund, the goals kept coming at an astonishing rate. After half an hour, Juventus were 2-1 up, which made it 4-3 on aggregate after a mere 120 minutes of football. But there were to be no more comebacks. A depleted Borussia side, also missing the injured strikers Flemming Povlsen and Stéphane Chapuisat, finally succumbed to the Divine Ponytail's brilliance. ("Baggio beat brave Borussia," read an alliterative-minded Kicker magazine headline).

In the second half, a Lars Ricken goal was disallowed for a foul on Ciro Ferrara in the buildup, while Paolo Sousa hit the post for Juve with a strike from almost 25 yards. Then it was over. The Italians had prevailed again.

Following the postmatch press conference, a local journalist told Juventus coach Marcello Lippi: "Next time you'll lose." He was echoing a statement made by Dortmund's business manager Michael Meier, who had said, "In life, you always meet twice. But in football, you meet three times." Lippi listened to the reporter's challenge. Then he smiled and said nothing.

Next time came quickly. A few weeks after the UEFA Cup games, both clubs won their domestic leagues. During the off-season, Dortmund signed their fourth former Juve player: Kohler. Almost inevitably, these seemingly siamese-twin teams were then drawn into the same Champions League group.

The next round of their bout opened with a bang. In Dortmund, Möller scored in the first minute with a left-footed shot Angelo Peruzzi should have saved. But then it was 1993 all over again, as Juventus hit back to win 3-1. This time, Dortmund's nemesis was Alessandro Del Piero, who scored with a marvelous, swerving shot and set up the other two goals.

The return match was 10 weeks later. "The pressure's off," Lippi said, "because we're already through to the quarterfinals and have secured first place in the group." Consequently, the coach made numerous changes to his starting XI.

Dortmund's situation, meanwhile, was markedly different. They were only one point ahead of Steaua Bucharest, which meant they needed to return home from Italy with something. At first, it looked as if there would be no changes to their dramatic script. Dortmund's goalkeeper, Stefan Klos, was often called into action in Turin, saving from Vialli and miraculously parrying a close-range Michele Padovano header.

Padovano then hit the post before Michael Zorc opened the scoring at the other end against the run of play. In the second half, Ricken made it 2-0 with a nice volley. Del Piero did score his customary goal against Dortmund, but it came deep into stoppage time, with only seconds left on the clock.

"This is incredible, simply sensational," Borussia's Steffen Freund said after the final whistle. At the sixth try, Dortmund had finally broken the spell. The relief among players and supporters was so palpable it felt as if a curse had been lifted. But of course, doubts remained. Would the Germans be able to repeat this feat in a match in which more than just pride was at stake for Juventus -- for instance, the biggest European trophy?

And so, back to the 1997 Champions League final. It was about 25 minutes old when the two Italian fans assumed their positions in front of me and opened their plastic bags. They were filled to the brim with Juventus stuff: scarves in all shapes and sizes, replica shirts, little and large pennants.

Slowly and meticulously, they began building a Juve shrine right in the middle of the Dortmund fan stand. They put their shirts across the railing in front of them, then placed scarves across those shirts, then tied pennants to the metal bars.

While this was going on, Dortmund's new signing, Paolo Sousa -- their fifth ex-Juve player -- set up Jorg Heinrich on the left wing. Heinrich won a corner directly in front of our stand. Moller took it. Peruzzi cleared it. Paul Lambert crossed. Riedle scored.

In an instant, the two Italian supporters were wiped off their feet by ecstatic German fans, their whole lovingly prepared Juventus display soon scattered by surging, falling bodies. As soon as the celebrations died down, we picked the pair up and said we were sorry. Some people even helped them retrieve the shirts, scarves and pennants that had been dispersed across the steps below.

They took it in stride. With admirable defiance, they started rebuilding their Juve shrine. They spread the shirts across the railings again and gently put scarves across them. While they were doing this, Chapuisat won another corner. Moller took it. Riedle headed home from 10 yards.

I briefly saw the two Italians go down again, carrying the shirts and the scarves with them as they fell, then I lost my own footing and found myself a good 5 yards from where I had originally been, such was the force of the swaying mass of people. When all was calm again, relatively speaking, people helped the Italians pick up their gear once more. This time the two silently put everything back into their plastic bags. Then they took one last look at the pitch and left without a word.

I never saw them again.

[Socrates 8516]

JUVENTUS - BORUSSIA D.

-

Tuesday, February 24th, 2015 - 08:45 P.M.
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee:‬ Antonio Mateu Lahoz (Spain)

Andreas Moller and Lars Ricken: Impossible
to call Juventus vs Dortmund

The former BVB duo, who combined to score the famous final goal in the 1997
triumph, believe Tuesday's clash between the two sides could go either way.

Feb 24, 2014

By Stefan Doring

Former Borussia Dortmund midfielders Lars Ricken and Andreas Moller believe that the Bundesliga side's Champions League last-16 clash against Juventus on Tuesday is impossible to call.

The encounter in Turin has evoked memories of the Champions League final between the teams from 1997 which ended in a shock 3-1 victory for Dortmund.

It was Ricken who grabbed the headlines that night, emerging from the bench on 70 minutes and scoring BVB's third goal just 16 seconds later with a stunning long-range lob.

"I always like to remember that final," the former Germany international told Goal. "For me to decide the match with my goal was special and incredibly nice."

It was Germany legend Andreas Moller - also a former Juventus player - who assisted Ricken's goal and he considers that moment as one of the highlights of his career.

"That was the most important pass of my life – of all my career as a football player," Moller told Goal.

"Ricken only had to shoot. Juve pressured us hard and were close to equalising. That pass and that goal were very important to our victory.

"The European title is the highest you can reach as a footballer in Europe. That title carried me over many, many years. It influences your life as a player and maybe it is the best thing you can experience."

While both sides will be confident heading into Tuesday’s game, they find themselves in contrasting domestic situations. The Italians are nine points clear at the top of Serie A, but their German counterparts are having a miserable campaign and currently languish in 12th in the Bundesliga.

Nevertheless, both Ricken and Moller are eagerly awaiting the reunion between the two teams.

"It is nice to play Juventus. I expect a match between two equally-matched teams," Ricken said. "Of course we have many memories of matches against them and most of them are nice.

"In the middle of the 1990s we played Juve several times. What has been Arsenal recently was the Italians back then.

"We fought hard and thank God we won the most important game. This match has a tradition and it is something we are all looking forward to.

"Like in the 90s Juve have a very experienced, smart team with some young talents. We can't just mention Paul Pogba and Andrea Pirlo.

"I'm happy to watch Pirlo live in a stadium again as you don't know how long he will keep playing. He is an outstanding football player - one who is worth the ticket money alone."

Moller is unsure which side to count as the favourites to progress, with BVB’s recent upturn in form after three straight victories making it a very unpredictable clash.

"The situation is more comfortable for Juve, as they're the leaders in Italy. They are a settled group and only the coach is new. So they know each other well. They want to reach the top of Europe again and regain their international reputation.

"Dortmund's circumstances are different as they are fighting against relegation in the Bundesliga. But they seem to have turned it around in the last few matches. It is a match where you can't name a favorite."

[Socrates 8516]

JUVENTUS - BORUSSIA D.

-

Tuesday, February 24th, 2015 - 08:45 P.M.
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee:‬ Antonio Mateu Lahoz (Spain)

Morata given nod for Dortmund?

Feb 24, 2014

Alvaro Morata looks set to start up front for Juventus against Borussia Dortmund tonight, in favour of Fernando Llorente.

Carlos Tevez is a certainty to start the Champions League Last 16 tie, and is habitually partnered by Llorente in a “little and large” strike pairing.

However, today’s newspapers are all running the line that Alvaro Morata will be preferred to the former Athletic Club man.

Tuttosport states that Juventus Coach Massimiliano Allegri will look to use the striker’s pace to cause problems for the Dortmund defence, with Llorente taking a place on the bench.

[Socrates 8516]

JUVENTUS - BORUSSIA D.

-

Tuesday, February 24th, 2015 - 08:45 P.M.
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee:‬ Antonio Mateu Lahoz (Spain)

Lippi: Reus a danger but Juventus
still favourites against Dortmund

The ex-Juve and Italy coach has talked up the threat posed by BVB's ace
attacker but is nonetheless backing the Serie A leaders to triumph in Turin.

Feb 24, 2014

By Romeo Agresti

Marcello Lippi has warned Juventus that they cannot afford to switch off for a split-second around Borussia Dortmund forward Marco Reus, but the former Bianconeri boss still feels that his old team have what it takes to win their Champions League last-16 tie wth the Bundesliga outfit.

Lippi, who is now director of football at Chinese club Guangzhou Evergrande, believes Juve could not be in better shape going into Tuesday's first-leg clash in Turin but is nonetheless advising caution.

"Mentally, Juventus are in the best condition ever," the 66-year-old told Goal. "They have a nine-point advantage over Roma and we can say that they have no competitors in Serie A.

"But I'm sure we’ll see a careful, concentrated, motivated team. Juventus have what it takes to beat Borussia Dortmund – the stadium, the players, the atmosphere.

"Football can always confound predictions, but in my opinion Juventus are favourites. Of course, they must treat BVB with respect and prudence."

Some bookmakers have Dortmund as favourites for the tie, even though last season's Bundesliga runners-up found themselves in a relegation battle for the first half of their current domestic campaign.

They have since turned a corner with three wins in a row, but Lippi does not feel their league form reflected their true ability, and pointed to Reus as a player capable of producing something out of nothing at any moment.

"Despite their recent poor form, BVB have regained shape and enthusiasm. They're definitely back to their usual level. Juventus must be careful of their very fast counter-attacks," Lippi added.

"They have some good individuals, like Marco Reus who is a very gifted player, able to strike at any time. Juventus should be careful defensively, accurate in possession and play with great pace."

Lippi won the Champions League with Juventus in 1996 and claimed the World Cup with Italy 10 years later. He has also triumphed in Asia’s premier club competition, winning the AFC Champions League with Guangzhou in 2013.

While something of an expert on titles – 18 at club level and one with the national team – Lippi claimed there was no "recipe" for success, but a series of factors that combine to foster the perfect team.

"First of all you need strong players, as they make the difference on the pitch. Then, you need many other things, but in my opinion it makes no sense to talk about a 'recipe'.

"The Champions League is a special tournament, but your performance may be influenced by your shape, injuries, suspensions and some luck of course.

"Those are the factors that can lead to a UCL triumph. And, of course, you need a mentally and technically strong group first."

[Socrates 8516]

JUVENTUS - BORUSSIA D.

-

Tuesday, February 24th, 2015 - 08:45 P.M.
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee:‬ Antonio Mateu Lahoz (Spain)

Immobile: ‘Beat Juventus for Torino’

Feb 24, 2014

Borussia Dortmund striker Ciro Immobile says he wants to beat Juventus for Torino and the people of Naples.

Born in Torre Annunziata, a suburb of Naples, Immobile played five times for Juventus, but later starred for city rivals Torino.

“My friends in Turin, and also the Neapolitans have asked me to beat Juventus.” Corriere dello Sport reports Immobile as saying.

Immobile is unlikely to start in tonight's Champions League Last 16 first leg, but may feature from the bench against his former club.