Juventus Season 2014-2015

[Socrates 8516]

JUVENTUS - MONACO

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Tuesday, April 14th, 2015 - 08:45 P.M.
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee:‬ Pavel Kralovec (Czech Republic)

Kralovec ref for Juventus-Monaco

Apr 12, 2015

Czech referee Pavel Kralovec will officiate the Champions League quarter-final between Juventus and Monaco.

The first leg is on Tuesday in Turin.

UEFA assigned Kralovec to this fixture along with assistants Roman Slysko, Martin Wilczek, Radek Prihoda and Michal Patak.

The fourth official will be Tomas Mokrush.

This isn’t the first time Kralovec has officiated a Juventus match, as he oversaw their 2-0 Europa League victory away to Trabzonspor in February 2014.

[Socrates 8516]

JUVENTUS - MONACO

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Tuesday, April 14th, 2015 - 08:45 P.M.
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee:‬ Pavel Kralovec (Czech Republic)

How Juventus Can Use Parma Loss
to Sharpen Resolve in Champions League

Apr 12, 2015

Juventus are first in Serie A with a goal difference of +42. Parma are at the other end of the table, with a goal difference of -30. It looked to be as straightforward a victory as the Bianconeri were ever going to have. And yet, a goal from 18-year-old Jose Mauri stole the three points and shocked Italian football.

Parma beating Juventus 1-0 at the Stadio Ennio Tardini was great for headlines, but in reality it means little else. It's only the Bianconeri's second loss all season and regardless of what happened against the Crociati, they still have a fourth consecutive Scudetto all but in the bag.

For the Crocati, the victory will be a morale boost in the middle of an annus horribilis, but it can't affect their fate. No calcio fans could begrudge their fans the respite of an unlikely triumph, but Roberto Donadoni's side will be relegated at the end of May so the three points they picked up against Juve have no real value.

If there's to be any meaningful result from the match, is that it might just refocus attention in Turin and sharpen Juve's edge before their vitally important Champions League match with Monaco.

In preparation for that match, the Serie A leaders had made numerous changes when they travelled to Parma.

Gigi Buffon, Carlos Tevez, Andrea Barzagli, Andrea Pirlo, Paul Pogba, Kwadwo Asamoah and Martin Caceres were all either injured or resting for the midweek European fixture, but Max Allegri's squad still looked the favourite with the likes of Claudio Marchisio and Arturo Vidal in midfield, as well as Fernando Llorente and Kingsley Coman up front.

Considering the fact that it was a largely second string team, it's hard to know how much the result will influence the mentality of Allegri's star players. But the heat will be on now to bounce back, so everyone at the Bianconeri will be under pressure to perform perfectly when they host Leonardo Jardim's Rouges et Blancs.

Juventus haven't gotten past the quarter-finals in Europe's biggest competition since 2003, when they finished runners-up. That's an unacceptably long time for such a storied club and the weight of expectation on everyone's shoulders is huge.

Winning in Italy has become somewhat normal, but the Bianconeri want to be more than just a regional powerhouse. They have the history, reputation and squad to compete with the continent's best but recent years have been disappointingly underwhelming.

There's been some debate about whether that was because of an inbuilt tactical inflexibility under Antonio Conte, or down to the fact that opposition they're up against in Serie A just weren't good enough to prepare Juve for the rigours of the Champions League.

Another possibility gets mentioned less often, however, and it's that they're just too comfortable. The squad is excellent and both Conte's and Allegri's tactics suit it perfectly. It could just be that the wins come too easily at home and not easily enough abroad. A lack of concentration, or perhaps of dogged determination, has let them down.

Now, after just being embarrassed by one of the sorriest sides in Serie A history, that won't be a problem. Monaco will arrive in Turin to find a Juventus that's ready to prove a point.

[Socrates 8516]

JUVENTUS - MONACO

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Tuesday, April 14th, 2015 - 08:45 P.M.
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee:‬ Pavel Kralovec (Czech Republic)

Monaco squad for Juventus

Apr 12, 2015

Monaco named their squad for the Champions League quarter-final with Juventus, including Jeremy Toulalan.

The first leg is played in Turin on Tuesday evening.

Toulalan had been a major injury doubt after hobbling off clutching his thigh during Friday’s Ligue 1 win over Caen.

However, he is included in the travelling party.


Monaco squad for Juventus: Caillard, Stekelenburg, Subasic, Abdennour, Carvalho, Echiejile, Fabinho, Kurzawa, Raggi, Wallace, Carrasco, Dirar, Kondogbia, Moutinho, Silva, Toulalan, Traore, Berbatov, Germain, Martial, Matheus

[Socrates 8516]

JUVENTUS - MONACO

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Tuesday, April 14th, 2015 - 08:45 P.M.
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee:‬ Pavel Kralovec (Czech Republic)

Chelsea on the Riviera:
Taking a look at AS Monaco

Jardim's men were considered a fantastic draw by Arsenal fans, who then watched the Red-and-Whites

run out of the first leg with three away goals and the tie almost won. Juventus cannot afford to make

the same mistake. This is the Champions League quarterfinals, you don't get here by mistake.

Apr 13, 2015

AS Monaco have been the surprise package of this year's Champions League, coming through a fairly even group and defeating Arsenal in the round of 16. The Principality club has made it this far largely on the back of a remarkably sturdy defense, conceding only once in the CL group stage and leading the defensive classification in Ligue 1 with just 23 conceded. Coach Leonardo Jardim has re-molded the club in the wake of James Rodríguez and Radamel Falcao's departures, incorporating exciting youngsters with an experienced spine.

Monaco line up in a Jose Mourinho-esque 4-2-3-1, settling in to a solid defensive 4-4-2 without the ball. Even in possession the two central midfielders — often Geoffrey Kondogbia and Jérémy Toulalan — rarely leave their defense exposed. Of the midfielders, Kondogbia is more likely to get into the box, but even that is only a couple times per match. Aymen Abdennour and Ricardo Carvalho form a veteran defensive core, with all the street-smarts and craftiness that implies.

There were some concerns over the fitness of Toulalan and the just-returning Carvalho after they were forced off with muscle problems in the match against Caen on Friday, but both were able to train on Sunday and are set to go to Turin. If they are not able to go Fabinho is likely to slot into midfield, as he did in London, while another Brazilian, Wallace, is the backup in central defense.

On the attacking front, most of Monaco's excitement comes from the youngsters. On the wings. Anthony Martial and Yannick Ferreira-Carrasco are the best known players, with the Belgian winger already breaking into the crowded ranks of his national team. The young winger has startling acceleration, and uses his stop-start ability and technique to be a real handful around the box. Martial is something of a prototype modern striker, tall and physical enough to win high balls, but with the pace and energy to roam from corner to corner, something like a French version of Álvaro Morata. A more defensive option on the right is the Moroccan Nabil Dirar, who has been brought into the team for most of the big matches this season, whether in Ligue 1 or the Champions League.

Dimitar Berbatov and Bernardo Silva offer something different in attack. The young Portuguese is a talented dribbler who always looks for goal, and the veteran an inimitable combination of nonchalant flicks, impeccable control, and swirling cigarette smoke. Whoever plays around him, the key to Monaco's attack will be João Moutinho. Directing the attack, the veteran Portuguese midfielder has been underrated for years, and may see this as his final shot at Champions League glory and the recognition he deserves.

Juventus, for its part, has an even more impressive defensive record in the league, with the Italian champions conceding just 14 times in 29 matches. With two defenses so well-drilled and comfortable sitting back, the tie looks to be poised on a knife-edge, and it would be no surprise to see extra-time or away goals determine the winner.

Unlike Borussia Dortmund or Arsenal, the sides Juventus and Monaco met in the previous round, here both teams will be very attentive to space left behind as they try and avoid counter-attacking situations. The dribblers on both teams, who can take out a man and create something out of nothing, will likely be crucial for creating goal-scoring chances, and it would not surprise to see the tie come down to one mistake.

Although Monaco were something of a surprise package in the group stage, at this point they must be considered contenders. Leonardo Jardim has done a wonderful work constructing a competitive team when many had written the side off after selling their stars, and although Juventus go into the tie as heavy favorites (Bet365 has Juventus at 3/10 to qualify*, implying that 10 times out of 13 they expect the Italians to go through,) Monaco have already ruined more than their fair share of bettin slips.

[Socrates 8516]

JUVENTUS - MONACO

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Tuesday, April 14th, 2015 - 08:45 P.M.
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee:‬ Pavel Kralovec (Czech Republic)

Juventus Have Nothing To Fear From Sub-Par Monaco

Despite a shock weekend loss to Parma, there are few worries
to be had in the Bianconeri’s upcoming Champions League tie against Monaco.

Apr 13, 2015

The loss to Parma was an accident and nothing more, that is certain. Juventus are a much better team than Monaco, learning nothing new there. Juventus were fortunate to land Monaco in the quarter final draw, absolutely.

Juventus will beat Monaco and could do so with Andrea Pirlo’s left leg only.

Monaco’s progression past Arsenal in the Round of 16 seems to have many throwing several caveats in this tie regarding Juventus’ need to be careful.

The fact remains that Monaco have squeaked by in the Champions League ever since the group stages. Monaco topped their Champions League group C — it included Bayer Leverkusen, Benfica and Zenit St. Petersburg — with three wins and having scored a paltry three goals. Indeed, it makes the three goals they scored in 90 minutes against Arsenal all the more startling.

In fact, the entire context of that game must be reevaluated. Monaco came into the game not only as underdogs but with a decimated starting lineup. On the other hand, Arsenal approached the tie with an overzealous confidence Juventus are not likely to fall prey to.

This is where Massimliano Allegri makes a difference.

There is a old French proverb that says it is best to warn before one must resort to curing. The phrase describes Allegri well enough, being a coach who seldom welcomes the “favourite” tag and even when he does always stresses the necessity not to underestimate the opponent.

On top of the coach’s general attitude, Juventus have had more than enough experience/practice in taking on sides such as Monaco over the last few years.

There are two faces to Monaco’s: the Ligue 1 team and the Champions League one. The latter is a more tentative and reactive one, and the one Juventus will face come Tuesday.

Monaco won’t press Juventus high up the pitch, they will instead contain and look for counter attack opportunities. This is the kind of tactic most Serie A teams have often employed against Juventus over the last three seasons. One way or another, and more often than not, Juventus have found a way past them.

The other reality to put back into context is Monaco supposed defensive ‘solidity’. Up until Geoffrey Kondogbia’s fantastic strike, Arsenal were carving through the Monaco defence at will.

Were it not for a particularly wasteful Olivier Giroud on the night, well this feature would have never been written. Even in the second leg, Arsenal managed two goals and were only a ball’s width away from the crucial third after Theo Walcott’s shot crashed against the upright.

If any were to look for reasons for a potential Juventus hiccup against Monaco, most would point at the absence of Paul Pogba. After all, the Frenchman keen eye for long-range shot has saved Juventus on numerous times against particularly stubborn defences.

However, without worrying too much about the Monaco team that will travel to Turin, Juventus have plenty more weapons in the shape of an in-form Alvaro Morata, an irresistible Carlos Tevez, a Pirlo free kick, or even a Leonardo Bonucci goal off of a set-piece.

Whether it is by a small or large margin, Juventus will comfortably overcome Monaco and there is absolutely nothing to fear from Monaco. If history is anything to go by, back in 1997-98, Juventus had defeated Monaco 6-4 on aggregate in the Champions League semi final.

But all this to say that, in spite of the Ligue 1 side’s Round of 16 exploit, the moral of the story shall perdure: Allegri has got it covered and lighting doesn’t strike twice.

[Socrates 8516]

JUVENTUS - MONACO

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Tuesday, April 14th, 2015 - 08:45 P.M.
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee:‬ Pavel Kralovec (Czech Republic)

Tevez: ‘Juve can beat anyone’

Apr 13, 2015

Carlos Tevez praises Max Allegri for instilling calmness in Juventus’ game, as he talks up the team’s Champions League chances ahead of Monaco.

The Argentine forward believes that the Old Lady should be aiming to win the treble this year and that the team has become a stronger force since Allegri arrived last summer.

“We are a more relaxed team now thanks to the calmness of Allegri,” Tevez told La Repubblica.

“He has managed to pass on this message and the squad has understood it, but don’t make me create comparisons with Conte.

“Allegri tells us to play calmly and that sooner or later the goal will come.”

Tevez previously lifted the Champions League with Manchester United in 2008 and believes Juventus have the necessary qualities to go all the way, although he outlined differences between the two teams.

“It’s a different situation from Manchester United. Then there were incredible champions like Cristiano Ronaldo, Wayne Rooney, Ryan Giggs, Rio Ferdinand and Paul Scholes.

“I think now instead what we have is a team. We are very difficult to beat, like Atletico Madrid a year ago.

“The Dortmund match showed that we can go far but it depends on us. Juventus can beat anyone and we have demonstrated that. There aren’t any teams that are beyond our reach.

“Can we dream of the treble? It is possible. Dreaming cannot hurt.”

[Socrates 8516]

JUVENTUS - MONACO

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Tuesday, April 14th, 2015 - 08:45 P.M.
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee:‬ Pavel Kralovec (Czech Republic)

Briatore Tells Monaco They Have No Chance Against Juventus

Apr 13, 2015

Ex-Formula One boss Flavio Briatore has weighed in with his own opinion on the upcoming Champions League quarter final tie between Juventus and Monaco.

Briatore is a life-long Juventus fan but has lived in the Principality for many years now, and has no doubt as to who will triumph on Tuesday night in Turin.

“Monaco, you are out!” reads today’s Tuttosport headline, as the daily directly quotes Briatore on his thoughts about the game tomorrow.

“I have already telephoned [Massimiliano] Allegri,” the former Benetton F1 team manager went on to say. “I’ve told him he should still be careful though, as the Champions League is not just a motor way but a Grand Prix race.”

The former insurance salesman has been involved in football himself, holding the position of chairman and part-owner of English Premier League side Queens Park Rangers between 2007 and 2010.

[Socrates 8516]

JUVENTUS - MONACO

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Tuesday, April 14th, 2015 - 08:45 P.M.
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee:‬ Pavel Kralovec (Czech Republic)

Juventus-Monaco Preview: Moutinho hopes
to repeat Arsenal heroics

The Portuguese playmaker admits the Italian champions are favourites
but says his side's target is the Champions League final.

Apr 13, 2015

Monaco midfielder Joao Moutinho says Juventus are favourites for their Champions League quarter-final clash on Tuesday, despite their Serie A slip-up at the weekend.

The sides meet in Turin in the first leg of their last-eight tie, with Juve heading into the fixture on the back of a shock 1-0 league defeat at the hands of beleaguered basement club Parma.

Monaco, who progressed on away goals in a 3-3 aggregate draw with Arsenal, are on an eight-match unbeaten run in Ligue 1 following a 3-0 win at Caen on Friday.

"Juventus have a great team with formidable players - a compact group who are very organised," Moutinho told TuttoSport. "We say that they are the favourites, but then Arsenal were also favourites.

"For us it will not be easy, but we will give 200 per cent in order to achieve our goal. We want to play the semi-finals.

"After the semi-finals, we want the final.

"We are young and ambitious. We will do whatever it takes to win. It is an important opportunity we must exploit.

"How? By remaining focused for 180 minutes. Every distraction is likely to be lethal against Juve."

Prior to Saturday's loss at Parma, league leaders Juve had suffered just one Serie A defeat all season, while a 5-1 aggregate win against Borussia Dortmund in the last 16 saw them safely into the quarter-finals.

Both sides are seeking a first appearance in the semi-finals in more than a decade, but Monaco's record of having never won in Italy could make them wary against a Juve side who have won all 10 of their knockout ties against French opposition.

The visitors will, though, be comforted by back-to-back victories in their last two away matches in this season's competition.

Patrice Evra will come up against his former club if selected by Juve, who have Stephan Lichtsteiner, Alvaro Morata, Roberto Pereyra and Arturo Vidal a BOOKING away from suspension.

Moutinho is one of three players walking the disciplinary tightrope for Monaco, while Jeremy Toulalan limped out of the victory at Caen.

Andrea Pirlo (calf), Martin Caceres (ankle) and Paul Pogba (thigh) - also one yellow card shy of a ban - are all set to miss out for Juve.


OPTA FACTS

Juventus and Monaco have met twice in Europe, in the Champions League 1997/98 semi-final: the Bianconeri have won at home (4-1) and lost away (2-3).

Juventus have lost only one of their last six GAMES against French opponents (W3, D2).

Juventus are unbeaten at home against French opponents: they have won 10 GAMES (D2).

Monaco have played 11 games against Italian sides; the Red and White have won only three times (D2, L6).

Monaco have scored only two goals in six away games against Italian sides.

Juventus have played the Champions League quarter-final eight times: they have progressed five and they were eliminated in the last three (vs Liverpool, Arsenal and FC Bayern München).

Monaco have won only one of their four quarter-final games in Champions League (D2, L1), but they have always progressed to the semi-finals.

Monaco have scored only seven goals in the Champions League 2014/15: five fewer than Juventus, second to last amongst teams progressed to the quarter-final.


LAST FIVE MATCHES

Juventus L W W W W

2015/04/11 Parma 1 - 0 Juventus
2015/04/07 Fiorentina 0 - 3 Juventus
2015/04/04 Juventus 2 - 0 Empoli
2015/03/22 Juventus 1 - 0 Genoa
2015/03/18 Borussia Dortmund 0 - 3 Juventus

 

Monaco W D D W L

2015/04/10 Stade Malherbe Caen 0 - 3 Monaco
2015/04/07 Monaco 0 - 0 Montpellier
2015/04/03 Monaco 1 - 1 Saint-Étienne
2015/03/22 Stade de Reims 1 - 3 Monaco FCMON
2015/03/17 Monaco 0 - 2 Arsenal

[Socrates 8516]

JUVENTUS - MONACO

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Tuesday, April 14th, 2015 - 08:45 P.M.
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee:‬ Pavel Kralovec (Czech Republic)

Thuram: Juventus are favourites

Apr 13, 2015

Former Juventus and Monaco defender Lilian Thuram believes the Bianconeri are favourites when they meet in the Champions League quarter-finals.

The two clubs face off at the Juventus Stadium on Tuesday evening and Thuram thinks the Old Lady have the upper hand.

“It’s no surprise that Juventus are in the quarter-finals,” he told Tuttosport.

“Even though they’ve had some difficulty in the Champions League in recent years, they’re still a great club.

“With the players they have, they can’t be considered a surprise. Monaco on the other hand have astonished everyone by beating Arsenal in the Last 16.”

Thuram refused to agree with Monaco President Dmitry Rybolovlev that the French side were under less pressure to succeed than Juventus.

“Every squad, including Monaco, has something to lose. At first, everyone thought that Monaco wouldn’t get through the group stage, and then that they had no hope against Arsenal.

“Instead, they’ve made it to the quarter-finals, and once you’re there you want to keep progressing. I don’t believe that they are under any less pressure than Juve.”

The Old Lady will be missing star midfielder Paul Pogba for both legs due to a hamstring injury, but the former French international believes his absence will not significantly weaken the team.

“Juventus are favourites even without Pogba, at least on paper. No player can win a match by themselves, not even Lionel Messi.

“Having said that, Pogba is fantastic. He has incredible quality and unusual maturity for a player of his age. You can see he is determined and wants to improve and raise the level of his playing.”

[Socrates 8516]

JUVENTUS - MONACO

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Tuesday, April 14th, 2015 - 08:45 P.M.
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee:‬ Pavel Kralovec (Czech Republic)

Barzagli: Juventus And Monaco Are Evenly Matched

Apr 13, 2015

Juventus defender Andrea Barzagli says that the Old Lady are not favourites for their Champions League quarter-final with Monaco.

The Bianconeri meet meet the French side in Turin on Tuesday for the tie’s first leg with many believing that the Italians are favourites against a team historically lacking in major European experience.

“Are we favourites? No. It is 50/50, but if we were drawn against some other teams it would be less than that,” the 33-year-old told La Stampa.

“These predictions are only on paper, because anything can happen on the field.

Italian international Barzagli has returned from a long-term injury to make four appearances for Massimiliano Allegri’s team in 2014/15, and he is another to see the great impact of the former AC Milan coach.

“We are more empowered than before. Antonio Conte is a great motivator, while Allegri is more about the technical management which is rubbing off on the team.

“We dream about Champions League success, but this tournament is also a matter of accident, form, and luck.”

[Socrates 8516]

JUVENTUS - MONACO

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Tuesday, April 14th, 2015 - 08:45 P.M.
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee:‬ Pavel Kralovec (Czech Republic)

Juventus v AS Monaco: Preview

Apr 13, 2015

Juventus coach Massimiliano Allegri is playing down the favourites tag that has been placed on his team ahead of Tuesday's Champions League quarter-final first leg against Monaco in Turin.

The Italian giants, who defeated Borussia Dortmund 5-1 on aggregate in the previous round, are aiming to go all the way in the competition.

``This quarter-final will be decided in 180 minutes just as the last 16 were,'' Allegri told the Italian press. ``Everyone sees us as favourites but football is proof that the matches must be won on the pitch.''

Juve received a wake-up call on Saturday when they fell in a major upset to Serie A bottom side Parma.

Allegri did rest several starters in Parma but their loss was just their second of the league season although it came just several days after one of their most impressive triumphs, a 3-0 win at Fiorentina that gave them a place in the Coppa Italia final.

``We hope this can give us a positive shake-up,'' Allegri said. ``We would have preferred to have prepared for this match on the back of a win but we weren't up for it.

``We deserved to lose at Parma, but losing hurts.''

The defeat to Parma is unlikely to damage their title hopes as Juve are 12 points clear of Lazio at the top of the standings.

Juve goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon, defenders Leonardo Bonucci and Andrea Barzagli as well as strikers Carlos Tevez and Alvaro Morata were all rested at the weekend but are expected to start against Monaco.

The hosts will also be bolstered by the return of midfielder Andrea Pirlo, who has recovered from a calf injury.

Juve have been European champions twice, yet they have not reached the semi-finals of the competition since the 2002-03 campaign.

They have reason to be confident as they have never lost at home to French opponents, while Monaco have never prevailed in Italy.

The Bianconeri are unbeaten at home in their last 11 European matches, taking three wins from a possible four in Turin this season.

Monaco last reached the semi-finals of the competition 11 years ago.

The Monaco-based outfit, who knocked out Arsenal in the previous round, go to Turin seeking a third-straight away victory in the competition.

Leonardo Jardim's men go into the encounter on the back of Friday's 3-0 league win at Caen which extended their unbeaten run in Ligue 1 to eight games.

Monaco are currently third in Ligue 1, four points adrift of league leaders Paris St Germain.

``Winning before the Champions League match will give the players and fans confidence,'' Jardim said on his club's official website.

Les Rouges et Blancs will be without Ivorian striker Lacina Traore, who is out injured.

Juve are without the services of injured French midfielder Paul Pogba, who will also miss the return leg on April 22.

[Socrates 8516]

JUVENTUS - MONACO

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Tuesday, April 14th, 2015 - 08:45 P.M.
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee:‬ Pavel Kralovec (Czech Republic)

Juventus V Monaco – Champions League Preview:
Old Lady Look To Go One Better

Apr 13, 2015

Juventus take on Monaco in the first-leg of the Champions League quarter-finals at the Juventus Stadium on Tuesday at 20:45 CET, and will be hoping to secure a lead to take with them for the second-leg in France.

This will be the Bianconeri’s second quarter-final in three seasons but they will be looking to reach their first semi-final since 2003 when they lost the final to AC Milan.

Massimiliano Allegri will be buoyed by the return of Carlos Tevez, Juve’s top scorer in Europe with six goals this season, who should make the game despite doubts over a muscle injury.

The Argentinean scored twice in the last round as the Old Lady won 3-0 at Borussia Dortmund, 5-1 on aggregate, and is expected to replace Kingsley Coman following Juve’s disappointing 1-0 defeat at bottom club Parma in Serie A on Saturday.

Captain Gianluigi Buffon and key defender Leonardo Bonucci should also return to take the place of Marco Storari and Angelo Ogbonna, while Andrea Pirlo could be available after a calf strain to take his place in central midfield.

Tuesday’s visitors to Turin, Monaco, will be without Tiemoue Bakayoko and Italian Andrea Raggi for the clash, with Geoffrey Kondogbia, Yannick Ferreira-Carrasco and captain Jeremy Toulalan all doubts.

Leonardo Jardim’s side are unbeaten in their last nine Ligue 1 games and are now up to third following a 3-0 victory at Caen on Friday.

Les Rouges et Blancs knocked out Arsenal in the last round on away goals and their Champions League campaign has so far been characterised by a strong defence but a struggle to score goals, having conceded just four and scored only seven in their eight European games so far this season.

Monaco are in the quarter-finals for the first time since 2004 when they finished as runners-up, and meet Juventus for the first time since 1998 when the Old Lady claimed a 6-4 aggregate victory in the semi-finals of the Champions League.

Juventus won the first-leg of that game 4-1 at home, and Allegri will certainly be looking for a repeat of that night in Turin on Tuesday to take to Monaco on 22 April.


Form Guide: Juventus (D-W-W-W-W-L), Monaco (W-W-W-D-D-W)


Expected Starting XIs

Juventus: Buffon, Lichtsteiner, Bonucci, Chiellini, Padoin, Pirlo, Vidal, Marchisio, Pereyra, Llorente, Tevez

Monaco: Subaši; Fabinho, Carvalho, Abdennour, Kurzawa; Toulalan, Kondogbia; Dirar, Moutinho, Ferreira-Carrasco; Berbatov

[Socrates 8516]

JUVENTUS - MONACO

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Tuesday, April 14th, 2015 - 08:45 P.M.
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee:‬ Pavel Kralovec (Czech Republic)

Sacchi: 'Juventus can go far'

Apr 13, 2015

Former Milan and Italy boss Arrigo Sacchi has backed Juventus to progress in the Champions League, if they continue to play as they did against Dortmund.

The Old Lady host Monaco in the first leg of their Quarter Final on Tuesday, and the outspoken Sacchi believes their Italian mentality can help them progress.

“The Bianconeri can do it - If they repeat the performance they gave against Dortmund, they can go far,” he said to Radio Onda Libera.

“Italian teams have almost always played abroad in the same way they play in Italy. But in Italy you win games through character and defending, while to win in Europe you need togetherness and an attacking mentality.”

“If Juve can do this they can challenge everyone, because in terms of game management and organisation Italian teams are generally better than foreign teams.”

[Socrates 8516]

JUVENTUS - MONACO

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Tuesday, April 14th, 2015 - 08:45 P.M.
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee:‬ Pavel Kralovec (Czech Republic)

Juventus can't be complacent vs. Monaco as treble talk increases

Apr 13, 2015

"It would be nice if they had to move the Coppa Italia final," Juventus coach Max Allegri admitted last Tuesday. You could be forgiven for thinking that when they scheduled it for June 5, the FIGC had little confidence in a representative from Serie A reaching the Champions League final, which is due to be played in Berlin the day after.

Allegri's team will definitely be at one of them after Juventus conquered their place in Rome, where they will meet Lazio, by accomplishing something they had never done before in their illustrious history: advance to the next round of Italy's domestic cup competition after losing the first leg at home.

The subsequent 3-0 WIN at Fiorentina ranked as arguably Juventus' greatest show of strength this season as a second string without the likes of Gianluigi Buffon, Paul Pogba, Andrea Pirlo and Carlos Tevez put in a performance that matched the best of the first team.

Accused in the past of having a "short bench," never had trust in the team's depth been so high, nor could the timing for that conviction to develop have been any better. The players were different but the mentality was the same and so was the result. Juventus triumphed 3-0 on the road in another delicate eliminator just like they did in Dortmund in the second leg of the Champions League round of 16 last month.

After the win in Florence, Giorgio Chiellini talked about how Juventus have matured. "Think about it," he said, "A couple of years ago, aside from the old guard -- Buffon and Pirlo -- there were very few players on this team who could boast international experience and who had a number of big 'in or out' matches behind them. That increased after our [2012-13] participation in the Champions League and the next one when we also played in the Europa League. Even though it left a bitter taste in our mouths, we needed it to get more experience.

"With a defeat in the first leg to come back from and a hostile and intense atmosphere to play in, maybe two years ago we would have managed the GAME in Florence completely differently," Chiellini continued. "The same goes for both legs against Dortmund as well. We walked out on the pitch at the Westfalenstadion calm, self-assured and convinced that we'd have our say. It was exactly the same at the Franchi."

For the first time, there's even talk of a treble in the media, although you won't hear it voiced from the coach or the players. While granting the fans have every right to dream, Chiellini has insisted: "We have to live in the present." Most Juventini, however, are either cautious or superstitious. You won't catch them pronouncing the word triplet. It has been left to the papers instead.

On Thursday, La giornalaccio rosa dello Sport drew parallels with Inter in 2010, the only Italian team among the seven in European history to have done the treble of domestic league and cup, as well as Europe's biggest prize.

The comparisons with Inter's triumphant run under Jose Mourinho are striking: Finish second to a Spanish team in the group stages (Inter: Barcelona/Juve: Atletico Madrid). Knock out a beaten finalist from two years ago in the round of 16 (Chelsea/Borussia Dortmund). Draw the "least hard" opponent in the quarterfinals (CSKA Moscow/Monaco). Have a genuinely great but underappreciated Argentine striker to make the difference when it matters (Diego Milito/Carlos Tevez).

Within all this, there is a humble recognition of Juventus' past in the European Cup -- they have reached seven finals and won only two of them, in 1985 and 1996 -- and an acknowledgment of the fact they are outsiders to collect their third WIN this season.

Progress to the final four shouldn't be taken for granted, either. Others have played the house against Monaco and lost -- Arsenal -- and while it's difficult to imagine Allegri getting the first leg at home as tactically wrong as Arsene Wenger did, their opponents are in form and have one of the most promising players in football in 19-year-old Anthony Martial (six goals in his past seven appearances). "If they're in the quarterfinals like us they can't be bad," Alvaro Morata told Tuttosport. "And they knocked out Arsenal. There are no easy games at this stage."

The best-case scenario for Juventus' hopes of conquering the European Cup is to not get shocked themselves and for there to be a surprise elsewhere, with one of Porto, Paris Saint-Germain or Atletico Madrid going through. Each would be tough foes but slightly less formidable than facing a Bayern Munich, Barcelona or Real Madrid in the semifinals.

To be the best, however, Juve understand that they have to beat the best, just like Mourinho's Inter did by overcoming Pep Guardiola's Barça five years ago. And while the three favourites happen to turn over more than double, the example has to be that of Dortmund in 2013 and Atletico in 2014, both of whom reached the Champions League final.

One of the reasons Antonio Conte resigned last summer was because, in his words, "You can't sit in a restaurant where it's €100 a head with only €10 in your pocket to spend." Allegri's counter to that has been more reflective of the actual state of play: "Maybe we can't eat the most expensive dishes on the menu, but we can sit comfortably in an expensive restaurant."

Juventus have to back themselves. Statistically in domestic terms, they have nothing to envy other members of Europe's elite. Only Barcelona have more points while only Bayern have conceded fewer goals and kept more clean sheets.

Juventus' attack is the best in Serie A, 17-goal Tevez is on target to conquer the Capocannoniere and in the best form. Meanwhile, each day Morata looks more like Fernando Morientes, a player who got Monaco to the final in 2004. In Europe, Tevez and Morata have scored eight goals between them this season.

In all competitions, no fewer than 15 different players have scored for Juventus this season and no team in Europe has found the net more times from outside the box. Their defence has let in only 15 goals and Buffon has faced only 65 shots, the lowest on the continent, in 36 GAMES. And then there's this mind-blowing stat: Juventus have been behind in the league for just 61 minutes.

However, Saturday saw a reminder against complacency as Parma beated the Italian champions with a 1-0. "Perhaps there is too much celebrating going on," said a hoarse Allegri. "But not on our part."

Juventus had just suffered only their second defeat of the campaign in Serie A. They were beaten by a group of players who haven't been paid all season and who are 57 points beneath them.

Parma, €218M in debt and declared bankrupt last month, had only been able to reopen their stadium, and turn the electricity and hot water back on through the charity of others. "I believe in fairytales," coach Roberto Donadoni confessed. "I have a 16-month-old daughter and I watch them with her on TV. I hope one day to tell her about this one."

The title of the story? "La Signora snobs Parma," proffered Il Corriere della Sera. La Stampa surmised that the head of The Old Lady was elsewhere: "Champions League in mind."

Buffon, Morata, Patrice Evra and Leonardo Bonucci didn't play. Tevez was absent, as was Pirlo, who will be on the bench against Monaco. Pogba, still injured, won't be. Allegri refused to blame the result on those who were not there. Unlike in Florence, the second team hadn't been first class.

Perhaps Conte, who described every defeat in terms of dying a little inside, wouldn't have rotated as much. Losing pains Allegri, too -- this was one of the final pieces in completing the Scudetto puzzle -- but by contrast he seems more willing to accept a defeat in Serie A if it means his principal difference-makers are fresh for the latter stages of the Champions League. He's willing to compromise a little and why not? With a 13-point lead at home, Allegri had the margin for error to keep his powder dry for the continent.

"Let's hope that this defeat serves as a lesson to us," he said. Otherwise Juventus might get schooled again. Mourinho has always maintained that the Champions League comes down to fine details so here is one. Parma scored with their only shot on target at the Tardini. Monaco, as they showed at the Emirates, can be just as ruthless.

[Socrates 8516]

JUVENTUS - MONACO

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Tuesday, April 14th, 2015 - 08:45 P.M.
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee:‬ Pavel Kralovec (Czech Republic)

Raggi: ‘Face Juventus like Arsenal’

Apr 13, 2015

Monaco defender Andrea Raggi has urged his side to adopt the same approach as against Arsenal to beat Juventus tomorrow night.

The Ligue 1 side shocked the Gunners at Emirates Stadium in the Last 16, running out 3-1 winners.

Although they lost the second leg 2-0, the three goals scored in London allowed them to progress, and the Italian wants a repeat tomorrow.

“We can play like we did against Arsenal,” Raggi insisted in the pre-match Press conference.

“We played with calmness and concentration and that’s what allowed us to overcome the challenge posed by Arsenal.

“I think tomorrow will be a difficult game for us, but Monaco are ready to face Juve and I think we’ll play a great match.

“To play in the Quarter Finals of the Champions League offers great satisfaction, doubly so against an Italian team.

“I’m happy to play here, in my country. As I’ve said before, I don’ have any desire for ‘revenge’ against Italy, not at all.

“It’s definitely a pleasure to meet Juventus in the Quarter Finals which I think is an important milestone.

“Tomorrow Monaco will play to win this game, and to put in a great performance.

“This is not a gift, Monaco being in the Quarter Finals is something we’ve earned. Tomorrow we go to play on level footing with Juve, without fear, because Monaco aren’t here by chance or luck.

“We deserved it, and I think Monaco deserve the utmost respect. We’re here because we fully deserve to be here.”

[Socrates 8516]

JUVENTUS - MONACO

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Tuesday, April 14th, 2015 - 08:45 P.M.
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee:‬ Pavel Kralovec (Czech Republic)

Jardim: ‘Monaco not underdogs’

Apr 13, 2015

Monaco Coach Leonardo Jardim denies his team are underdogs for their Champions League meeting with Juventus.

The Ligue 1 side are the lowest-ranked side in the draw by UEFA coefficient, but the boss insists that while the Bianconeri are favourites, his side are not rank outsiders.

“We’re in the Quarter Finals on merit,” Jardim reminded journalists in his pre-match Press conference.

“We finished our group in first place, we’re here after playing against Arsenal so we deserve the respect of not being seen as an underdog.

“That said, it will be more difficult, because this year Juventus are stronger than Arsenal. Simply put, that’s because Juventus are in the Champions League Quarter Finals and Arsenal aren’t.

“Juventus are favourites, because of their quality team and their experience. All the Juventus players have great CVs, they’re all over 23.

“But while you can say they’re favourites for tomorrow’s game, we’ll play our usual game, respecting our opponent and trying to do our talking on the pitch.”

[Socrates 8516]

JUVENTUS - MONACO

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Tuesday, April 14th, 2015 - 08:45 P.M.
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee:‬ Pavel Kralovec (Czech Republic)

Jardim: Juventus are stronger than Arsenal

The Portuguese believes that the Italian champions will pose his side
more of a challenge than the Gunners, whom they eliminated in the previous round.

Apr 13, 2015

Monaco boss Leonardo Jardim believes his side will need to step up another level if they are to beat Juventus in the Champions League quarter-final.

The Ligue 1 side shocked Arsenal at the last-16 stage but the Portuguese believes the Italian champions represent even sterner opponents.

“For me, Juventus are a better side than Arsenal because they have made it to the quarter-finals,” he told the media.

“Juventus will be favourites because of their qualities and their experience. We have to respect them but at the same time play our own game with the belief that we can rise to this great challenge.

“We’re here because we deserve to be – we finished first in our group. We are collective and organised; all my players know what to do in every situation.”

With Paul Pogba out, there will be an added focus on Carlos Tevez to carry the Italian side, but Jardim believes his side cannot focus solely on the Argentine.

“Tevez is the top scorer in Serie A, but Juventus are not only Tevez,” he added.

Meanwhile, Jardim can call upon his own in-form attacker in the shape of teenager Anthony Martial.

“He’s improved a lot this season but there is still room for progress,” the ex-Braga boss said of the attacker, who has scored six times in his last six Ligue 1 outings.

Martial is still seeking his first Champions League goal and is expected to be preferred to Dimitar Berbatov in the starting XI at Juventus Stadium.

[Socrates 8516]

JUVENTUS - MONACO

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Tuesday, April 14th, 2015 - 08:45 P.M.
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee:‬ Pavel Kralovec (Czech Republic)

Chiellini: ‘Respect for Monaco’

Apr 13, 2015

Giorgio Chiellini insists Juventus have ‘great respect’ for Monaco, who have ‘the best defence in the French League’.

The centre-back was speaking at the pre-match Press conference ahead of tomorrow’s Champions League Quarter Final first leg, and admits there’s a lot to admire about Leonardo Jardim’s side.

“Monaco are definitely a team where there’s a mix of youngsters and players with international experience,” Chiellini pointed out.

“They’re a team which has found a great awareness and continuity, and they’re showing that in the French League [Ligue 1] where they have the best defence and are doing well, and especially in the Champions League where they’ve surprised everyone.

“There is great respect on our part, we know the difficulties which we’ll face tomorrow and we’re ready.

“We’re under no illusions, and are not influenced by the excitement which perhaps is coming from outside, from those who underestimate Monaco.

“We’re not thinking like that, and we’re absolutely not making that mistake.”

The Bianconeri were defeated by bottom side Parma on Saturday, but Chiellini insists that setback will have no bearing on tomorrow’s game.

“We’d have preferred to win, but it will not in the slightest affect the game tomorrow.

“Unfortunately when you play so many games so close together, especially when you get positive results, there shouldn’t be, but sometimes there’s a bit of a ‘mental decline’.

“We had it last year at a similar stage, and unfortunately it happened on Saturday.

“However, this week is too important for us to let Saturday have the slightest influence on what happens.”

[Socrates 8516]

JUVENTUS - MONACO

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Tuesday, April 14th, 2015 - 08:45 P.M.
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee:‬ Pavel Kralovec (Czech Republic)

Allegri: ‘More difficult than Dortmund’

Apr 13, 2015

Juventus Coach Massimiliano Allegri believes the Champions League tie with Monaco will be ‘much more complicated’ than Dortmund.

The Bianconeri defeated Borussia Dortmund 5-1 on aggregate in the Last 16, and were handed what most observers would say is a favourable Quarter Final tie.

However, the tactician has warned that this tie will be even more difficult than the two GAMES against Jurgen Klopp’s men.

“Monaco deserved to make the Quarter Finals,” Allegri told reports in his pre-match Press conference.

“This is a team which eliminated Benfica and Zenit [st Petersburg] in the group, conceding just one goal in six matches.

“Including the knockout stages they’ve only conceded four goals and have scored seven, they have attributes.

“I think I’m right in saying they have the best defence in France, conceding just 22 goals. These numbers don’t happen by luck.

“They’re a very organised team, with a very good, astute Coach [Leonardo Jardim] and we’ll have to play two good matches to go through.

“Qualification won’t be decided in 90 minutes, it will be the same as Borussia Dortmund.

“We’ll have to have a lot of patience tomorrow night, we’ll have to play well and be aware that it’s unlikely - very unlikely - that the issue of qualification will be settled in Turin.

“We’d all like that, but I think it will be very difficult. We must be very careful.

“As for being favourites, you could make us favourites but I think in a Quarter Final one team can be a little more favoured than the other.

“It will be very difficult for us to get to the Semi-Finals is we don’t play with the same intensity and technique as against Dortmund.

“I believe these two matches will be much more complicated.”

[Socrates 8516]

JUVENTUS - MONACO

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Tuesday, April 14th, 2015 - 08:45 P.M.
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee:‬ Pavel Kralovec (Czech Republic)

Allegri has selection headaches

Apr 13, 2015

Juventus Coach Massimiliano Allegri admits he’s not sure if Andrea Pirlo and Andrea Barzagli can play tomorrow.

The Bianconeri are taking on Monaco in the first leg of their Champions League Quarter Final, and both players are recovering from muscular injuries.

“Pirlo and Barzagli are in good condition,” Allegri began when asked about the players in his pre-match Press conference.

“They’ve recovered fully, as have [Carlos] Tevez and [Gianluigi] Buffon.

“Andrea is 40 or 45 days without a game, while Barzagli has been out for the last four days with a muscle strain, so I’ll have to decided whether to play both of them, one of them, or neither of them.

“I can’t decide until tomorrow morning, I’ll decide what to do in the last training session.

“If Barzagli plays, we’ll play three [at the back]. If Pirlo plays it’ll be four [in midfield]. Since they’re both called Andrea I might not play both!

“As I said before, it’ll be difficult for both of them to play together.

“As for the possibility of [Paul] Pogba playing the return match, there’s virtually no chance.

“Fortunately I have players in midfield who can replace him, ok they don’t have the same characteristics but they can play in midfield just as well.

“Arturo Vidal? He’s going through a good period, because he’s found top condition after a long journey.

“When he came back from the World Cup, he was not in good condition, his knee hurt, it was difficult to stretch, all the things that I’ve been saying all year.

“Now he’s in good shape and it shows on the pitch. I’m very happy and I think he can only improve between now and the end of the season.”

Some pundits have suggested that, with two stingy defences, tomorrow night’s game could be boring, but Allegri does not share that assessment.

“Boring? No. Well, I hope so, if by boring you mean we don’t concede any goals…

“Not conceding a goal at home is very important, that’s what I said in the previous round. Some have accused me of playing for 0-0, but I just want to go through.

“We know that we can’t face Monaco in the same way we dealt with Borussia Dortmund, they’re two different teams and therefore must be approached in a different way.

“It’s more complicated, because when you play against a team which doesn’t concede many goals the games are always more complicated.

“It means you maybe get the urge to throw more players forward, then you leave space which we mustn’t do.

“Borussia had entirely different characteristics, they were a team which was stronger in attack than in defence and the numbers prove it, while Monaco are the opposite.

“When you play these games you have to have patience and humility to face a side which is defensively very strong, so we have to play a smart game from every point of view.

“I don’t know if the game will be boring. Football is unpredictable, because there could be a goal after two minutes and then the game becomes spectacular.

“We just have to focus on our goal, which is the Semi-Finals.”

[Socrates 8516]

JUVENTUS - MONACO

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Tuesday, April 14th, 2015 - 08:45 P.M.
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee:‬ Pavel Kralovec (Czech Republic)

Allegri: ‘Tevez indispensable’

Apr 13, 2015

Striker Carlos Tevez is ‘indispensable’ for Juventus, admits Coach Massimiliano Allegri.

The Argentinian striker was identified by Monaco’s Andrea Raggi as the Bianconeri’s danger-man ahead of their Champions League meeting, and the former Milan Coach agrees.

“Tevez is like all great champions, indispensable for the great teams,” Allegri raved in his pre-match Press conference.

“Tevez is having an extraordinary season, and he must continue that, because we haven’t reached any goals and still have two months to go.

“The last game will be [the Coppa Italia final] on June 7 so we have to work and try to achieve our objectives.

“At the moment the goal is to do well against Monaco, then we’ll get back to League business.”

The tactician also singled out Patrice Evra for praise, with the former Manchester United man having impressed in recent weeks after a shaky start.

“Patrice is having a good year, and I’m very satisfied, especially in the latter part of the season, because in the first few months he had a bit of an adjustment period.

“He’s a major player with a great personality. He was playing outside of Italy for many years, in a completely different style of football.

“But he’s a smart lad, and he immediately understood the realities of the Italian League, and right now he’d doing well.”

[Socrates 8516]

JUVENTUS - MONACO

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Tuesday, April 14th, 2015 - 08:45 P.M.
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee:‬ Pavel Kralovec (Czech Republic)

Pirlo in Juventus squad

Apr 13, 2015

Andrea Pirlo has been named in Juventus’ Champions League squad for the Monaco match tomorrow.

The Old Lady welcome Ligue 1 side Monaco to Turin for the first leg of their Quarter Final, and both Andrea Pirlo and Andrea Barzagli have been named in the 23.

The former has been absent since going off injured in the first leg of the Last 16 tie with Borussia Dortmund, but could return tomorrow.

Gianluigi Buffon and Carlos Tevez also return to the squad after being rested at the weekend, but Paul Pogba will miss both legs of the tie.


Juventus squad to face Monaco: Buffon, Chiellini, Ogbonna, Pepe, Marchisio, Morata, Tevez, Coman, Llorente, Barzagli, De Ceglie, Bonucci, Padoin, Pirlo, Vidal, Lichtsteiner, Sturaro, Storari, Matri, Evra, Rubinho, Pereyra, Marrone.

[Socrates 8516]

JUVENTUS - MONACO

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Tuesday, April 14th, 2015 - 08:45 P.M.
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee:‬ Pavel Kralovec (Czech Republic)

Allegri rules Pogba out of Champions League quarter-final

The Bianconeri boss has challenged top scorer Carlos Tevez to continue
his form - especially given the France midfielder is not ready to face Monaco.

Apr 13, 2015

Juventus look set to be without Paul Pogba for both legs of their Champions League quarter-final against Monaco, coach Massimiliano Allegri has confirmed.

The France star was ruled out for up to seven weeks last month due to a hamstring injury, although there had been talk that he could be ready for the second leg with Monaco on April 22.

However, ahead of Tuesday's first leg in Turin, Allegri explained he was likely to have to do without Pogba for both games and has challenged Carlos Tevez to continue his fine form and inspire the team.

"It's pretty much impossible that Paul Pogba will be fit for the second leg," he said.

"Andrea Barzagli and Andrea Pirlo are in good shape, as are Carlos Tevez and Gianluigi Buffon, who are both fully recovered from their injuries.

"Tevez is having an extraordinary year. He must maintain his rich vein of form right until the last game.

"It's unlikely we'll see Pirlo and Barzagli in the same side tomorrow. It will either be one or the other."

Juve swept Borussia Dortmund aside in the last 16 and will be favourites to progress against Monaco, despite Leonardo Jardim's resolute defence.

"Without the same intensity and mentality we had in Dortmund, it will be difficult," Allegri added.

"Monaco conceded once in six group games. This doesn't come about by chance, they're organised and have a top coach. We need to be on our guard because there's little room for error with just two games. What's important is that we don't concede and pass through to the next round.

"It's a completely different prospect to last-16 tie against Dortmund. It's more complicated when you face a team who don't concede many goals. Monaco give you little room in which to work with, patience is required."

[Socrates 8516]

JUVENTUS - MONACO

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Tuesday, April 14th, 2015 - 08:45 P.M.
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee:‬ Pavel Kralovec (Czech Republic)

Pirlo is going to play for Juventus?

Apr 13, 2015

It’s reported Andrea Pirlo will start for Juventus against Monaco, despite almost two months on the sidelines.

Bianconeri Coach Massimiliano Allegri hinted in his Press conference earlier today that he was unsure whether or not to play the Italian international in the crucial Champions League match.

However, according to Sky, the playmaker will be handed a starting shirt for the Quarter Final first leg tomorrow, despite not featuring since the first leg of the previous round with Borussia Dortmund.

There are doubts over the fitness of Andrea Barzagli, meaning Allegri is likely to deploy a back four, with Pirlo playing in the midfield.

Carlos Tevez and Alvaro Morata look certain to lead the line, with Roberto Pereyra playing just in behind.

Arturo Vidal and Claudio Marchisio will join Pirlo in the engine room, with Stephan Lichtsteinter, Leonardo Bonucci, Giorgio Chiellini and Patrice Evra in the backline.

Gianluigi Buffon returns to the squad after missing the defeat to Parma at the weekend, and is certain to start between the posts, barring unexpected injuries.


Probable Juventus team to face Monaco: Buffon; Lichtsteiner, Bonucci, Chiellini, Evra; Marchisio, Pirlo, Vidal; Pereyra; Morata, Tevez.

[Socrates 8516]

JUVENTUS - MONACO

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Tuesday, April 14th, 2015 - 08:45 P.M.
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee:‬ Pavel Kralovec (Czech Republic)

JUVENTUS V AS MONACO CHAMPIONS LEAGUE MATCH PREVIEW

Apr 13, 2015
 

Juventus

After nearly a month, Champions League action returns. Juventus, fresh off their upset loss versus Parma, host A.S. Monaco for the first leg of their quarter final match up. Juventus have most of the side available, though the usual suspects are injured, and Paul Pogba is still out for a few more weeks. Andrea Pirlo and Andrea Barzagli, however, as well as Carlos Tevez, are all available.

Max Allegri is expected to go with a 4-2-3-1. Gianluigi Buffon, who missed the Parma match, will start in goal. Stephan Lichtsteiner and Patrice Evra will start on the flanks, and Leonardo Bonucci and Giorgio Chiellini will start as the centerback pairing.

With Pirlo available and Pogba out, Allegri will probably start Pirlo at the regista slot, while Arturo Vidal and Claudio Marchisio start in central midfield. It will be interesting to see how Juve’s attack shapes out with the more experience but less agile Pirlo playing regista, and not Marchisio. In my opinion, Marchisio’s speed in that position is a bit more useful in Champions League, but then the Pogba injury forces Allegri’s hand anyway. Roberto Pereyra should start in the trequartista role.

Finally, Allegri’s starting strikers have picked themselves with their Champions League performances: Carlos Tevez and Alvaro Morata. The duo are quite deadly together, both in possession and perhaps even more so in a counter attack. Monaco like to sit back and counter, so it’s not hard to imagine in some Juve “counter-counter” attacks led by these two.


Probable lineup:

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

Injured Players:

Asamoah and Romulo (Recovering from surgery), Caceres, Pogba

 

Suspended Players:

None

 

Form

(W-W-W-W-L)


 

AS Monaco

I have to admit I was a bit worried when @DTenenbaum approached me and asked me to write a bit on Monaco. Last time I gave my views on Monaco it ended up with Arsenal getting knocked out. But to be fair, it wasn’t entirely my fault, I gave Monaco the credit they deserved and football is a game of luck most of the time.

Juventus should—and will—enter the first leg of this tie much more prepared and less arrogant than Arsenal did. Allegri will have had his men prepared for the game and the players to look out for. And while Allegri would have taken a lot out of what Monaco did to Arsenal, there is a lot more to them than what we saw over 180 minutes. What? You thought Monaco was all about defending? You’re sorely mistaken my friend.

Monaco have evolved a lot from the group stages. The tight defense is still going strong but they’ve started to score more goals both in league and CL. With that being said, their biggest strength still lies in defense. With everyone fit they are a tough team to break down and are a resolute defensive unit. Before their game against Arsenal, Monaco had only conceded 1 goal in the group stages.

Monaco play 4-2-3-1, but usually revert to a 4-1-4-1 formation in bigger games or when away from home. Defensively, they are very strong, with centre-back Aymen Abdennour the star man at the back. At full-back, Monaco are very strong. Layvin Kurzawa and Fabinho are superb attacking options, both technically and athletically. They are both excellent crossers of the ball and neither will stop running all game. Players like Evra and Lichtsteiner will have their work cut out for them and will have to be wary of the threat Monaco pose down the wings. Both players will have to be on their games defensively.

In midfield, Monaco have Joao Moutinho and Geoffrey Kondogbia; our Pirlo and Pogba. Kondogbia is their star player. He’s often been compared to Paul Pogba but they are two different players. Kondogbia actually has a defined role – he breaks up play and works box-to-box – while Pogba still struggles to have a defined role for both club and country. Both are strong, good on the ball and not afraid to stick the boot in when needed.

*Excuse me while I dream of Pogba and Kondogbia in midfield for France in the Euros next summer*

Toulalan being unfit is huge, as it means Monaco will have to play 4-2-3-1 with Moutinho and Kondogbia sitting deeper, instead of 4-1-4-1 with Toulalan as the DM and the other two further up the pitch. Silva will most likely play the number 10 role if Toulalan is benched, he’s a good attacking option but his mind isn’t always on defending.

Upfront Monaco have Berbatov, he’s no Carlos Tevez or Álvaro Morata but he’s a player that will keep Juve’s defense on their toes. They’ll also have Anthony Martial out on the wings. He’s raw, quick and gets caught offside far too often, but his ability on the ball is superb. He also does his fair share of defending. He’s often been compared to the former Juventus player, Thierry Henry but he has a long way to go before he reaches his idols stature.

This is the thing with Monaco, they are a very frustrating team to break down and Juventus will have to be very patient. They defend like warriors, something Juventus fans are familiar watching their own team defend. Their attacking play relies heavily on individuals performing more than collectively like Juve. They have problems breaking down teams and creating chances but when they do create chances you can bet on the likes of Carrasco, Berbatov and Martial to be there to put them away.

Juventus will have to look out for Monaco’s three main attacking players: Carrasco, Martial and Silva. They are in excellent form. Full of pace, energy, skill and trickery, all three combine to create a real handful for any team that struggles with pace.

It’ll be very tough for Monaco. Arguably there is more of an expectation on them to get a result in the away leg than the home leg. But there is something special about Monaco this season in Europe. They won’t be afraid to give a real fight but Juventus are the favourites and must show the respect Monaco deserve and beat them.


Probable lineup:

4-2-3-1: Subasic; Raggi, Abdennour, Wallace/Carvalho, Kurzawa; Kondogbia, Toulalan; Silva, Moutinho, Ferreira-Carrasco; Martial.

 

Injured players:

Lacina Traoré, Tiemoué Bakayoko

 

Suspended players:

None

 

Form

(L-W-D-D-W)

 

Formation