Juventus Season 2014-2015

[Socrates 8516]

JUVENTUS - FIORENTINA

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Wednesday, April 29th, 2015 - 8:45 PM
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Luca Banti

Juventus v Fiorentina: Preview

Apr 28, 2015

Juventus will look to get their Serie A title march going once again when they host Fiorentina on Wednesday night.

The Bianconeri are 14 points clear of Lazio at the top of the standings with six games remaining but have lost some momentum with two defeats in their last three Serie A games.

Juve have not lost at home all season and their coach, Massimiliano Allegri, wants to clinch the title as soon as possible with his side also in the Champions League semi-finals and the Coppa Italia final.

``We are focused because we need four more points to be mathematically certain,'' Allegri said to the Italian press. ``Now we must get back to winning ways to secure the three points which would leave us just one short of winning the scudetto.''

If Juve win and Lazio fail to beat bottom-side Parma in their game on Wednesday, the Bianconeri will retain the title, their first under Allegri.

However, Allegri expects a stern test.

``Tomorrow will be a very difficult game because Fiorentina always play well and are a difficult opponent,'' he said. ``Fiorentina will want to make up for their recent defeats.

``Fiorentina have had a good season and have also done very well in the Europa League, making it to the semi-finals of the competition.''

Juve, who lost 2-1 at Torino in Sunday's derby, are without defender Leonardo Bonucci, who must serve a one-match ban.

Fiorentina will have plenty of incentive to beat Juve in their own stadium.

The Viola did just that in the first leg of their Coppa Italia semi-final but then crashed to a 3-0 defeat at home and exited the competition.

Vincenzo Montella's side has not been the same since with three losses in their last five games in all competitions.

Last weekend's 3-1 home reverse to Cagliari was Fiorentina's third-straight defeat in Serie A and dropped the Florence outfit to sixth place.

Fiorentina are one point and one place adrift of Sampdoria, who are fifth and hold the last Europa League qualifying spot.

``The Europa League has taken a lot of energy from us,'' Montella said. ``The important thing is that we don't lose balance and determination.''

The Viola have struggled in front of goal, scoring just once in their last three league games.

 

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

[Socrates 8516]

JUVENTUS - FIORENTINA

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Wednesday, April 29th, 2015 - 8:45 PM
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Luca Banti

Juve must move on from Mole mishap

Juventus relinquished their hold on Turin Derby dominance,
but as Luca Cetta writes they must recover to wrap up the Scudetto.

Apr 28, 2015

9 April 1995: With Massimiliano Allegri pulling strings in midfield, Cagliari end a three game losing streak by defeating Foggia. Hundreds of kilometres to the north, Ruggerio Rizzitelli was causing a stir. His brace propelled Torino to a Derby Della Mole victory over Juventus, their second of 1994-95. The striker had also netted a double in a 3-2 win. While Juve would go on to conquer Serie A, the Granata had a claim to city bragging rights.

Twenty years later Allegri was on the bench for the Derby. In his first, Andrea Pirlo’s last-gasp winner maintained the city’s Bianconero tinge – a 17th Derby without success for the Granata. Bruno Peres’ equaliser was their first goal in 11 showdowns. But with their drought-breaking triumph, Torino fans could once again take to the streets to celebrate. Allegri became the first Juventus boss since Marcello Lippi to be left wondering what went wrong.

Given Pirlo’s free-kick handed Juve the lead, there was something to ponder. While the Maestro moved to within one of Sinisa Mihajlovic’s Serie A free-kick scoring record, it was the first time since October 2013 – versus Fiorentina – that Juve lost a game in which they had been leading. When Pirlo struck Juve took a step towards sealing the Scudetto on their rivals patch.

But if ever Giampiero Ventura’s men would end the barren run Sunday was the time. Juventus have traversed a packed schedule of late, days earlier getting the draw required in Monaco. They prepared for the Mole with Arturo Vidal, Carlos Tevez and Alvaro Morata battling the after-effects of illness. Claudio Marchisio was suspended and Patrice Evra injured. There would be further rotation. While Juve were stretched, seventh-placed Toro were brimming with confidence. Unbeaten in four matches, they were primed to exact revenge for November’s heartbreaker.

The impressive Matteo Darmian equalised on the stroke of half time, benefitting from Fabio Quagliarella’s cut-back to slot past Gianluigi Buffon. He was last beaten by Roma’s Seydou Keita – 687 minutes and eight games earlier. The pair then swapped roles to put Torino ahead after the interval. That knack of netting important goals didn’t desert the striker as he crossed the city last summer.

After 20 years it was Juve’s turn to feel aggrieved. Moments before Quagliarella struck, Pirlo missed the chance to draw level with Mihajlovic when another wicked free-kick rattled the post. Daniele Padelli was bewildered, but relieved. Alessandro Matri then twice hit the woodwork and Padelli made two important saves to maintain the advantage.

Juventus weren’t particularly outstanding. But they had enough chances to win it, as Allegri alluded to. “We didn’t deserve to lose, but then earlier this season we didn’t play as well and scored at the 91st minute, so football can be inexplicable.”

One positive for the Old Lady was Pirlo. Deadly as usual from free-kicks, he was handed space to operate in his central midfield role by Torino and took full advantage. With four appearances in a fortnight under his belt after six weeks on the sidelines, the veteran is picking up form and fitness at the right time.

And while they may not have secured a fourth successive Scudetto, Roma’s loss at Inter and Alberto Paloschi’s equaliser for Chievo against Lazio ensures it inches ever closer. The championship could even be won tomorrow night when Juventus host Fiorentina. “I said yesterday,” Allegri reminded Sky on Monday, “we didn’t drop a point, we gained two, because before the game we were two wins from the Scudetto and now we need four points.”

To celebrate tomorrow they’ll need help from elsewhere. A win, alongside Lazio failing to beat Parma, would be enough. In Germany, Bayern Munich sealed the Bundesliga title on the weekend and can now focus on their Champions League semi-final with Barcelona. Juventus will hope to do the same ahead of facing Real Madrid.

The Turin giants will be without the suspended Leonardo Bonucci, but Marchisio and Evra are available. The Viola have lost their last three Serie A matches. As they aim for a top five finish, Fiorentina will also want to approach their Europa League semi-final in form. It makes for a difficult match for the Bianconeri.

Twenty years of Turin dominance may have ended, but there’s still plenty to play for in the final weeks of the campaign. And that is what Allegri must convey to his squad.

 

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

[Socrates 8516]

JUVENTUS - FIORENTINA

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Wednesday, April 29th, 2015 - 8:45 PM
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Luca Banti

Allegri: Juventus Can Win Scudetto Against Fiorentina

Apr 28, 2015

Juventus coach Massimiliano Allegri has urged his side to play with a clear head for their home clash against rivals Fiorentina in which he believes his side can clinch the Serie A title.

La Vecchia Signora continue to stand at the head of the table throughout a dry spell which has seen the club fall to a relegation doomed Parma, and most recently 2-1 to city rivals Torino in the Derby della Mole.

“I expect to face a team that wants to redeem themselves for the previous defeats,” Allegri said, talking of his upcoming opponents.

“They [Fiorentina] are doing well in the league and extremely well in the Europa League. So therefore it will be a difficult game against such a technical side.”

Speaking of his own team’s recent form Allegri clarified that the latest blips are no major worries, and are expected.

“In football this can happen to any team,” the tactician continued. “However our two performances in these games have been different.

“Against Torino it was one of our best games in terms of chances that we created, even though we did make a few mistakes in defence.

“We also have to play in the Champions League and the Coppa Italia final in addition to Serie A. Thus we have to continue to play with the right mindset because this is what will make the difference.

“I would like us to secure the Scudetto on Wednesday. But we have to play the game thinking only about ourselves and taking the three points, not the other teams.

“However we are still reliant on Lazio’s result in order for the best outcome.”

With main defender Leonardo Bonucci suspended for the upcoming fixture Allegri may have a problem on his hands when choosing his team, though crucial figure Carlos Tevez is presumed fit to play after suffering from Flu-like symptoms that forced him to start on the bench in the derby.

“Tevez is better now,” the coach confirmed. “So I think I’ll be able to play him tomorrow, provided nothing abnormal comes to pass.

“As for the rest of the team, I haven’t actually decided yet.

“Bonucci isn’t available and I’ll have to asses the team in training tomorrow.

“I’ll look at all the players in my desposal before making my decision, there are players who have played a lot of matches so I may want to change them around. It also depends entirely on the system that we will use.

“Sometimes if everyone is available then we will play in a certain manner, and then sometimes in another depending on who we’re playing, though it’s mostly decided by who I have available to me.”

 

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

[Socrates 8516]

JUVENTUS - FIORENTINA

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Wednesday, April 29th, 2015 - 8:45 PM
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Luca Banti

Juventus V Fiorentina – Preview: Viola Look
To Spring Surprise On Stuttering Leaders

Apr 28, 2015

Serie A leaders Juventus will face sixth place Fiorentina Wednesday evening in a highly anticipated match that gives both sides a little something to play for.

The Bianconeri are within grasping distance of their fourth Scudetto in a row, and can grab the title during the match provided that they win, and second place Lazio slip up against bottom of the table Parma.

The Bianconeri themselves aren’t in the best shape, and will not be able to take the match for granted as they have recently hit some disappointing form, losing twice in their past three matches.

Most notably, the Old Lady lost 2-1 away to Torino the last match day, disrupting the team’s 20-year unbeaten run against their city rivals.

On top of that, the team will have to worry about preparing itself against the European elites. The Bianconeri finally broke their Champions League disappointment this year with a display against Monaco that was just good enough to see them through to face last year’s winners Real Madrid.

Fiorentina, on the other hand, will look to spring a surprise victory at the Juventus Stadium by catching the Old Lady at a busy and tiring time.

The Viola were chasing Champions League positions earlier in April, but also seems to have been worn out by their Europa League exploits, losing three straight games to send the team to sixth place in the standings.

As a result, Vincenzo Montella and his men will be desperate to claw their way back up the eight-point gap between sixth and third, while also gaining some credit for taking down the reigning Serie A champions.

They’ve already done it once this season back in March, with a 2-1 win at the Juventus Stadium in the Coppa Italia. However, the Bianconeri surged back with a resounding 3-0 victory in the reverse fixture, and Juventus have historically won many more games against the Viola, at 21 compared to Fiorentina’s measly six wins.

The home side will be missing Paul Pogba, Martin Caceres, Kwadwo Asamoah, Romulo, and Patrice Evra to injuries, but will welcome back Claudio Marchisio to the lineup.

Fiorentina are missing a number of fringe players through injury, but most importantly are missing strikers Giuseppe Rossi and Khouma Babacar with season ending injuries.


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


Expected Starting XIs

Juventus: Buffon; Lichtsteiner, Cheillini, Barzagli, Padoin; Vidal, Pirlo, Marchisio, Pereyra; Tevez, Morata

Fiorentina: Neto; Rodriguez, Savic, Alonso, Tomovic; Badelj, Fernandez, Valero; Joaquin, Gomez, Salah

 

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

[Socrates 8516]

JUVENTUS - FIORENTINA

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Wednesday, April 29th, 2015 - 8:45 PM
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Luca Banti

Montella: ‘Confidence and courage’

Apr 28, 2015

Fiorentina Coach Vincenzo Montella calls for ‘confidence and courage’ from his side to beat Juventus tomorrow.

The Viola are coming off the back of two consecutive defeats, and lost 3-0 to the Bianconeri in their last meeting in the Coppa Italia.

“It left a bitter taste,” Montella admitted when asked about the cup tie in his pre-match Press conference.

“We were very disappointed with that game, but we know how good Juventus are. Tomorrow we’ll have courage and confidence to try and get the better of Juventus.

“I expect a very difficult match, against a team which has won the League three years in a row and is close to making it four, but we must have confidence in ourselves.

“It’s an important game, and we’ll have the right motivation. I don’t know who’ll be more angry between ourselves and them [Juventus also lost at the weekend].

“We had a bad game on Sunday [against Cagliari] and we take responsibility for that, myself included, but we have to look forward and go back to being the team we’ve been in recent years.

“We’re angry, and we’ll use that on the pitch in the next game.”

Sections of Juventus Stadium may be closed to supporters after violence in the Derby della Mole, but Montella believes that would be unfair on innocent supporters.

“These are serious incidents. We have to do something, I’ve always said that.

“I do not think, however, that’s it’s right to also bar the people who have nothing to do with what happened.”

 

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

[Socrates 8516]

JUVENTUS - FIORENTINA

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Wednesday, April 29th, 2015 - 8:45 PM
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Luca Banti

Marchisio and Tevez back for Juve

Apr 28, 2015

Juventus named their squad to face Fiorentina on Wednesday night, bringing back Claudio Marchisio and Carlos Tevez.

It kicks off at 20.45 CET tomorrow evening.

Marchisio returns after his one-match ban ruled him out of the 2-1 Derby della Mole defeat against Torino on Sunday.

Tevez was rested for that game, but he is expected to start in a game that could clinch the Scudetto.

Leonardo Bonucci is suspended, joining injured Paul Pogba, Martin Caceres, Kwadwo Asamoah and Romulo in the stands.


Juventus squad for Fiorentina: Buffon, Chiellini, Ogbonna, Pepe, Marchisio, Morata, Tevez, Coman, Llorente, Barzagli, De Ceglie, Padoin, Pirlo, Vidal, Lichtsteiner, Sturaro, Storari, Matri, Evra, Rubinho, Pereyra, Marrone

 

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

[Socrates 8516]

JUVENTUS - FIORENTINA

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Wednesday, April 29th, 2015 - 8:45 PM
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Luca Banti

MATCH PREVIEW

Apr 28, 2015

Leaders Juventus take on sixth-placed Fiorentina in this midweek encounter, which has always been a huge grudge match.

Champions in waiting Juventus head into this clash with two surprise defeats in their last three games, losing to bottom-of-the-table Parma and city rivals Torino. Between those defeats, however, came qualification to the Champions League semi-finals and a victory over second-placed Lazio – ending the Aquile’s eight-match winning run in the process. The last few weeks have been a real mixed bag as far as the Bianconeri are concerned.

Fiorentina have not fared much better over the last two months, sliding down to sixth place and out of the running for a Champions League spot. An eight-game unbeaten run was brutally halted by a 4-0 defeat to Lazio, leading into a six-match slump which saw only two wins and a draw recorded before three straight defeats – the last two both coming at home.

Juventus, despite having an unassailable 14-point lead at the top of the table, will be looking to make certain of the three points in this match.

Not only do they need a result for the fans after losing the Turin derby, but it is very likely their weekend game away to Sampdoria will see important players rested in preparation for their tie with European Champions Real Madrid. A result in this match would assuage too much negativity should a weakened side drop points at the weekend.

Fiorentina, however, will be looking to put the brakes on a slide down the table. Another defeat here and they would be in danger of falling out of the European places altogether. After all, Genoa and Torino are only two points behind them.

With both sides having a point to prove, expect an end-to-end, frantic start to the game before Juventus put their stamp on the possession percentage and Fiorentina settle into a counter-attacking game.

Keep an eye on: Andrea Pirlo (Juventus) – A trademark free-kick was not enough to save his side in the derby, but Juventus at home are a nigh-on unstoppable force when Pirlo is on his game. If the veteran is allowed to control the play, the three points won’t be leaving the Juventus Stadium.

Last Season: Juventus 1-0 Fiorentina

Form Guide: Juventus (L W L W W) Fiorentina (L L L W D)

Stat Fact: Juventus are still unbeaten at home in Serie A this season, but they did lose in the Coppa Italia semi-final to Fiorentina. The Viola emerged 2-1 winners, becoming the first team since Bayern Munich in April 2013 to conquer Turin, ending a run of 38 victories and four draws.


Juventus (probable): Buffon; Lichtsteiner, Barzagli, Chiellini, Padoin; Vidal, Pirlo, Marchisio; Pereyra; Tevez, Morata

Suspended: Bonucci


Fiorentina (probable): Neto; Tomovic, Basanta, Rodriguez, Alonso; Aquilani, Badelj, Mati Fernandez; Vargas, Gomez, Joaquin

Suspended: None

 

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

[Socrates 8516]

JUVENTUS - FIORENTINA

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Wednesday, April 29th, 2015 - 8:45 PM
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Luca Banti

JUVENTUS V FIORENTINA MATCH PREVIEW

Apr 28, 2015

 

Juventus

Claudio Marchisio looks set to make his 300th appearance for Juventus when the Bianconeri face Fiorentina tomorrow night.

Juve are edging ever closer to the Scudetto and only need 4 points to mathematically seal the title, but consecutive away losses to Parma and Torino (their first since 2010) have put the party on hold for the moment.

The Bianconeri have a string of tough fixtures as the season comes to close, starting with tomorrow’s game against Fiorentina, swiftly followed by matches against Sampdoria, Napoli and Inter, not to mention the Champions League semi-finals against Real Madrid.

Juve coach Max Allegri called for focus with the title so close and drew positives from the weekend’s loss to city-rivals Torino.

“These things can happen in football. I think the two games against Parma and against Torino on Sunday are two different games.” Allegri told reporters in the pre match conference.

“Against Torino it was a good performance, one of our better recent ones, especially given the number of chances we created.

“We had a lot of shots at goal, we hit the post three times, and in defence we made three mistakes and conceded two goals.

“We’re focused, and we must remain focused on the League, because we need four points to be mathematically certain [of winning the Scudetto], so we have to try to get them.

“Then we’ll continue to work in the best way, because as well as the Champions League, where the two semi-finals will be the most important games of the season, we have the Coppa Italia final to play.

“We have to continue to work in a certain way, with the right attitude, that’s what will make the difference.”

Patrice Evra has recovered from a hip injury while Claudio Marchisio returns from suspension but Leonardo Bonucci misses the game following his booking at the weekend.

Gigi Buffon is fit and will begin in goal while Andrea Barzagli will partner Giorgio Chiellini in defence with Evra and Stephan Lichtsteiner completing the back 4.

Andrea Pirlo scored a sublime free kick in the 2-1 defeat to Toro and he’ll likely start at the base of the midfield 3 with Marchisio and Arturo Vidal while Roberto Pereyra will play behind Carlos Tevez and Alvaro Morata up front.

 

Probable lineup

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

 

Injured Players

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

 

Suspended Players

Bonucci

 

Form

(W-L-W-D-L)


 

Fiorentina

Fiorentina are dropping the ball in Serie A. They have lost the last three matches, including two indefensible performances against Hellas Verona and Cagliari at home. It’s understandable that they are focusing on Europa League, where they reached the semifinal, but they have squandered a commanding lead over the other competitors. Genoa and Torino are just two points behind them, while they have a solitary point advantage over Inter; certainly they can’t bank on winning the trophy in order to qualify to an European cup next season. The atmosphere in Florence is apparently stormy, as the president wanted the squad to go on retreat before this road game (it’s becoming a trend), while Montella asked him not to impose it.

They need to bounce back quickly from the last three matches and the return of the Coppa Italia semifinal against Juventus, which some are pointing as the negative turning point of their final part of the season (but they still advanced against Dynamo Kiev, so I’m not sure about that). While it happens sometimes that Napoli beat the opponent like a drum at San Paolo, nobody was expecting Hellas Verona and Cagliari to come away with points from Artemio Franchi. There are some reasons: they weren’t fielding their best XI in either of those games and they are not as good defensively when Gonzalo Rodriguez doesn’t play, but that’s not enough to justify why there were so flat, in particularly on Sunday.

On Wednesday, they’ll be without Giuseppe Rossi, who’s set to miss the whole season, and Khouma Babacar, who tore a MCL in the few minutes he played against Hellas Verona. Vincenzo Montella will probably look to field the best lineup, resting his cornerstones on Sunday ahead of the key clash against Sevilla. Among the regular starters, Rodriguez, Marcos Alonso, Mati Fernandez, Joaquin and Mario Gomez have been preserved in the weekend, so they’ll probably get the nod in the midweek match, even though Alberto Gilardino looked good in the last game. David Pizarro has just returned from an injury so he’s unlikely to play twice in a row in three days, so Milan Badelj is primed to be in the heart of the midfield, even though he’s been given no rest recently. Borja Valero could be benched for Alberto Aquilani, who’s a viable option at deep-lying playmaker too, or Jasmin Kurtic. Mo Salah, Alessandro Diamanti or Juan Manuel Vargas will complete the attack.

They’ve been using 4-3-3 constantly as of late and I think they’ll insist on that as they are in a little offensive slump. They have been pretty good so far on the road, with 25 points in 16 matches (4th in the League): they have collected more points away from their stadium than at home. However, the track record means little in this bout: focus, determination and the energy level will determine the outcome.

 

Probable lineup

4-3-3: Neto; Richards, Rodriguez, Savic, Alonso; Aquilani, Badelj, Mati Fernandez; Joaquin, Gomez, Salah.

 

Injured players

Rossi (knee), Babacar (knee).

Suspended Players

None

Form

(L-D-L-W-L)

 

Formations

 

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

[Socrates 8516]

JUVENTUS - FIORENTINA

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Wednesday, April 29th, 2015 - 8:45 PM
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Luca Banti

Juventus V Fiorentina – Team News, Tactics,
Lineups And Predictions

Apr 29, 2015

Juventus have no time to dwell on a disappointing derby defeat to Torino as they host Fiorentina on Wednesday with the knowledge that a win could secure the Serie A title.Massimiliano Allegri’s men could have wrapped up a fourth consecutive Scudetto had they beaten Torino on Sunday, provided Lazio and Roma had lost to Chievo and Inter respectively. As it transpired Lazio earned a point against Chievo to ensure that scenario was not a possibility, but despite Torino’s 2-1 win – their first derby triumph since 1995 – it remains a matter of when and not if Juve win the title. Indeed, that could come as early as Wednesday’s contest at the Juventus Stadium if Juve win and Lazio fail to beat rock-bottom Parma, with a superior head-to-head record rendering Roma’s result an irrelevance. But Allegri, whose side knocked Fiorentina out of the Coppa Italia earlier this month, says Juve must be more methodical in their play if they are to defeat Vincenzo Montella’s team.

Fiorentina travel to Turin in poor domestic form, having lost their last three league matches.The latest setback came in a 3-1 reverse at home to relegation-threatened Cagliari, which led to the Stadio Artemio Franchi faithful jeering in disapproval. Montella stated his sympathy for the fans, who have seen Fiorentina seemingly blow their chances of a top-three finish and the UEFA Champions League qualification it would bring. They remain in with a chance of securing a seat at Europe’s top table next term, though, having made the Europa League semi-finals.


Team news and tactical brief

Juventus

A 33rd league title is within touching distance for Juventus and if results go their way then they will be celebrating on Wednesday evening. They need to pick up a win against Fiorentina and hope that Lazio fail to beat Parma at home. It does not seem out of the question, given that Lazio were held to a draw by Chievo at the Stadio Olimpico at the weekend, while Parma claimed a 1-0 victory over Palermo to earn their third win in five games. Even if Juventus don’t manage to win the Scuedetto this week, it is surely only a matter of time until they are crowned champions once again and with a Coppa Italia final to come and a Champions League semi-final against Real Madrid, they are still very much on for a remarkable treble.

Despite their dominant position at the top of the table, they have stuttered in the league recently and have lost two of their previous three matches, with the latest of those coming against city rivals Torino on Sunday afternoon. Massimiliano Allegri did make a number of changes to his side, with the likes of Giorgio Chiellini, Carlos Tevez and Andrea Barzagli named on the bench, but they should all return to the starting lineup to face the Viola with so much at stake. Tevez will be expected to start for Juventus, while Claudio Marchisio is available after serving a ban at the weekend. Chiellini is also likely to be restored to the defence, as Leonardo Bonucci misses out through suspension. Patrice Evra missed the Turin derby with a hip injury and if he is unable to recover in time then Simone Padoin will once again fill in down the left flank.

Probable Starting Line-up (4-3-1-2):Buffon; Lichtsteiner, Chiellini, Barzagli, Padoin; Vidal, Pirlo, Marchisio, Pereyra, Tevez, Morata

 

Fiorentina

At the beginning of the month Fiorentina were in fine form and a 2-0 victory over Sampdoria had boosted their hopes of qualifying for next season’s Champions League. However, they have lost their three previous games in the league and it has seen them drop down to sixth place and they are now eight points away from third-placed Roma. Their immediate concern now must be ensuring at least a top-six finish, as Genoa and Torino have closed to within two points of them in the table, with Inter Milan also hoping to punish them for any more mistakes.

Vincenzo Montella will be particularly disappointed at their performance at the weekend, as they suffered a 3-1 defeat against relegation-threatened Cagliari. It was their second successive home defeat, as they were beaten by Hellas Verona last Monday, despite dominating virtually the entire match. It is not all doom and gloom for Fiorentina, as they are in the semi-finals of the Europa League following their victory over Dynamo Kiev and they will now face holders Sevilla for the chance to play in next month’s final. Fiorentina are without Khouma Babacar, who picked up a knee injury last week against Verona and will not play again this season. Montella could make a number of changes to his side, with first-team regulars Gonzalo Rodriguez, Mario Gomez and Joaquin expected to return to the starting lineup.

Probable Starting Line-up (4-3-3):Neto; Richards, Rodriguez, Savic, Alonso; Badelj, Fernandez, Aquilani; Salah, Gomez, Joaquin


Key Facts

Juventus are undefeated in their last 44 home matches in Serie A.

Fiorentina have lost their last 3 matches in Serie A.

Juventus are undefeated in 28 of their last 31 matches against Fiorentina in all competitions.


Players to Watch Out For

Carlos Tevez (Juventus)

Carlos Tevez has already scored 18 times this season in Serie A and after missing out on the derby he will be fired up for this game – which is bad news for Montella and co.

Milan Badelj (Fiorentina)

Milan Badelj has impressed a lot this season and the Croatian will be looking to dictate the play sitting in front of the defence tonight.


Prediction

Juventus 2–1 Fiorentina

Juventus would have been disappointed to lose the derby against Torino at the weekend, but with the title up for grabs they will be desperate to beat Fiorentina. They are expected to welcome back a number of key players and with the visitors in poor form, they should end up claiming all the points.
 

 

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

[Socrates 8516]

JUVENTUS - FIORENTINA

.-

Wednesday, April 29th, 2015 - 8:45 PM
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Luca Banti

How Juventus Can Become Champions Of Italy

Apr 29, 2015

Serie A league leaders Juventus host Fiorentina this evening and could be crowned Champions of Italy should results go their way.

Lazio and Roma, currently sitting in second and third place, have an outside chance of still achieving the inconceivable or more likely, delaying the inevitable.

So, should the Bianconeri take all three points against Vincenzo Montella’s men later tonight, the home side will still have to sweat on scores elsewhere which will determine whether or not they can crack open the Prosecco.

Juventus will win the league if:


– they win tonight and Lazio fail to beat Parma.

In this instance, the Roma result against Sassuolo will have no affect as the Giallorossi are already 15 points behind and with five games left, their record in head-to-head matches with Juve would hand the title to the Turin team


– they draw with Fiorentina, Lazio lose to the Ducali and Roma fail to defeat the Neroverdi.

This would again leave Juventus with a 15 point lead over their rivals with five games remaining but with the Bianconeri head-to-head results against both ensuring they take the crown.
 
 

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

[Socrates 8516]

JUVENTUS - FIORENTINA

.-

Wednesday, April 29th, 2015 - 8:45 PM
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Luca Banti

Juventus - Fiorentina Preview: Champions seek
derby reaction with title in sight

The Serie A title remains in touching distance for the Bianconeri,
but they must rebound from their derby defeat against the Viola.

Apr 29, 2015

Juventus have no time to dwell on a disappointing derby defeat to Torino as they host Fiorentina on Wednesday in the knowledge that a win could secure the Serie A title.

Massimiliano Allegri's men could have wrapped up a fourth consecutive Scudetto had they beaten Torino on Sunday, provided Lazio and Roma had lost to Chievo and Inter respectively.

As it transpired Lazio earned a point against Chievo to ensure that scenario was not a possibility, but despite Torino's 2-1 win - their first derby triumph since 1995 - it remains a matter of when and not if Juve win the title.

Indeed, that could come as early as Wednesday's contest at the Juventus Stadium if Juve win and Lazio fail to beat rock-bottom Parma, with a superior head-to-head record rendering Roma's result an irrelevance.

But Allegri, whose side knocked Fiorentina out of the Coppa Italia earlier this month, says Juve must be more methodical in their play if they are to defeat Vincenzo Montella's team.

"There are certain phases in the game in which you also need to wait and be patient, leaving those who find themselves a goal behind to dictate the play," he said.

"Ending the first half in front against Torino would have been important."

Fiorentina travel to the champions in poor domestic form, having lost their last three league matches.

The latest setback came in a 3-1 reverse at home to relegation-threatened Cagliari, which led to the Stadio Artemio Franchi faithful jeering in disapproval.

Montella stated his sympathy for the fans, who have seen Fiorentina seemingly blow their chances of a top-three finish and the Champions League qualification it would bring.

They remain in with a chance of securing a seat at Europe's top table next term, though, having made the Europa League semi-finals.

However, Montella questioned whether his side could cope with the demands of a hectic schedule.

"When you play every three days you use up a lot of energy, and not everybody is able to reset their batteries and start again," he said.

"Perhaps we're not capable of doing that constantly. The side put the effort in but we deserved to lose [against Cagliari].

"The race for the European places is now getting a lot tighter and we'll fight to the end to qualify."


OPTA FACTS

Juventus are the team that have won the most games (69) and scored the most goals (244) against Fiorentina in Serie A.

The Bianconeri have lost only one of their last 13 league meetings against Fiorentina, keeping a clean sheet in five of the last six.

The Tuscans have won only six times away to Juventus in Serie A – the last came in March 2008.

The Old Lady have found the net in each of their last 28 home meetings against Fiorentina in the league.

Juventus have lost two of their last three league games, as many as they had in their previous 59 Serie A fixtures.

The Bianconeri have won each of their last eight league games at the Juventus Stadium, conceding just two goals in the process.

Fiorentina have lost three Serie A games in a row for the first time since February 2012.

Fiorentina have scored 12 goals via their defenders – a joint league-high this season, along with Torino.


LAST FIVE MATCHES

Juventus L D W W L

4/26/15 - Torino 2 - 1 Juventus
4/22/15 - Monaco 0 - 0 Juventus
4/18/15 - Juventus 2 - 0 Lazio
4/14/15 - Juventus 1 - 0 Monaco
4/11/15 - Parma 1 - 0 Juventus


Fiorentina L W L D L

4/26/15 - Fiorentina 1 - 3 Cagliari
4/23/15 - Fiorentina 2 - 0 Dynamo Kyiv
4/20/15 - Fiorentina 0 - 1 Hellas Verona
4/16/15 - Dynamo Kyiv 1 - 1 Fiorentina
4/12/15 - Napoli 3 - 0 Fiorentina


HEAD TO HEAD

4/7/15 - Fiorentina 0 - 3 Juventus
3/5/15 - Juventus 1 - 2 Fiorentina
12/5/14 - Fiorentina 0 - 0 Juventus
3/20/14 - Fiorentina 0 - 1 Juventus
3/13/14 - Juventus 1 - 1 Fiorentina
 
 

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

[Socrates 8516]

JUVENTUS - FIORENTINA

.-

Wednesday, April 29th, 2015 - 8:45 PM
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Luca Banti

Llorente to replace Morata?

Apr 29, 2015

Fernando Llorente looks set to replace Alvaro Morata in the Juventus starting line-up when Fiorentina visit tonight.

Tonight’s match will not be affected by an expected closure of the Curva Sud following violence in the Derby della Mole, and the Bianconeri could wrap up the Scudetto.

A win for the Old Lady coupled with any points dropped by Lazio would see the Turin giants secure a fourth consecutive Scudetto and Massimiliano Allegri looks set to name a strong side.

Alvaro Morata has drawn criticism for his performance in the defeat to Torino on Sunday, and looks set to be replaced by compatriot Fernando Llorente.

Top-scorer Carlos Tevez is also likely to return action from the start, having come off the bench at the weekend.

Roberto Pereyra will play just behind the front two in a 4-3-1-2 shape, with Andrea Pirlo, Claudio Marchisio and Arturo Vidal operating in midfield.

Stephan Lichtsteiner will retain his place in defence, but Andrea Barzagli, Giorgio Chiellini and Patrice Evra are ready to come in.

Gianluigi Buffon will make his 420th Serie A appearance for the Bianconeri against Vincenzo Montella’s men.


Probable Juventus team to face Fiorentina: Buffon; Lichtsteiner, Barzagli, Chiellini, Evra; Marchisio, Pirlo, Vidal; Pereyra; Tevez, Llorente.
 
 

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

[Socrates 8516]

JUVENTUS - FIORENTINA

.-

Wednesday, April 29th, 2015 - 8:45 PM
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Luca Banti

Line-ups: Juventus-Fiorentina

Apr 29, 2015

Juventus could win the Scudetto tonight, but host a Fiorentina side that already conquered Turin last month.

The Bianconeri can start the title party tonight with a victory and if Lazio fail to beat Parma in Rome.

However, the Viola are the only side to have won at the Juventus Stadium since Bayern Munich in April 2013, emerging with a 2-1 Coppa Italia semi-final victory here last month.

Mohamed Salah was the star of the show that night and starts again with Mario Gomez and Joaquin.

Coach Vincenzo Montella has to do without Khouma Babacar and Giuseppe Rossi, while David Pizarro is still carrying an injury.

Fiorentina need a boost, as they are coming off three consecutive Serie A defeats after reaching the Europa League semi-finals.

Juventus were also beaten at the weekend, losing a fiery Derby della Mole to Torino, but have the chance to celebrate the Scudetto with a month to spare.

Claudio Marchisio returns from suspension, but Leonardo Bonucci sits out a ban with injured Paul Pogba, Martin Caceres, Kwadwo Asamoah and Romulo.

Carlos Tevez was rested against Toro, but is back leading the way and chasing the Capocannoniere crown alongisde Fernando Llorente.

Arturo Vidal is rested in favour of Stefano Sturaro.


Juventus: Buffon; Lichtsteiner, Barzagli, Chiellini, Evra; Marchisio, Pirlo, Sturaro; Pereyra; Tevez, Llorente

Juventus bench: Storari, Audero, Ogbonna, De Ceglie, Marrone, Padoin, Pepe, Vidal, Coman, Matri, Morata


Fiorentina: Neto; Savic, Gonzalo Rodriguez, Basanta, Alonso; Badelj, Aquilani, Mati Fernandez; Joaquin, Salah, Gomez
 
 

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

[Socrates 8516]

JUVENTUS - FIORENTINA

.-

Wednesday, April 29th, 2015 - 8:45 PM
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Luca Banti

Tevez: 'Waiting all year for this'

Apr 29, 2015

Carlos Tevez assured Juventus “have been waiting all year” for tonight’s potential title match with Fiorentina.

“It’s difficult to forget a game like the derby,” Tevez told Sky Sport Italia after the 2-1 defeat to their rivals Torino.

“However, now we have an important match and we have to win in order to find the right confidence.

“This is a crucial game and we have to do everything possible to win it. Are we distracted by Real Madrid? No, we have been waiting all year for this night.

“Lazio may well not win against Parma, so if we beat Fiorentina then we will be champions of Italy tonight.”

Juve will win the Scudetto if they beat Fiorentina and Lazio fail to get all three points against Parma.

A draw would also be enough if Lazio lose and Roma fail to win away to Sassuolo.
 
 

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

[Socrates 8516]

JUVENTUS - FIORENTINA

.-

Wednesday, April 29th, 2015 - 8:45 PM
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Luca Banti

HT 2-1: Tevez turns Viola around

Apr 29, 2015

Carlos Tevez and Fernando Llorente overturned a Fiorentina penalty as Juventus lead 2-1 at the break.

Both sides were coming off surprise defeats at the weekend, as the Viola had lost three on the bounce in Serie A, while the Bianconeri fell 2-1 to rivals Torino. Claudio Marchisio returned from suspension, but Leonardo Bonucci was banned with Paul Pogba, Martin Caceres, Kwadwo Asamoah and Romulo. Khouma Babacar and Giuseppe Rossi were out for the season.

Fiorentina are the only side to have conquered the Juventus Stadium since Bayern Munich in April 2013, winning 2-1 here in the Coppa Italia semi-final last month. However, their most recent League victory here was 3-2 in March 2008.

Mohamed Salah and Fernando Llorente had early scoring opportunities beaten away, while Mati Fernandez turned wide from distance.

Andrea Pirlo tripped Joaquin just inside the area for a penalty. Fiorentina had previously missed all four of their Serie A spot-kicks this season, but Gonzalo Rodriguez converted high into the far top corner.

Moments later Juve wanted a straight red for Norberto Neto as he went outside the box to tackle Sturaro, but it was only a yellow because they were well wide of the target and it couldn’t be considered a scoring opportunity. Nonetheless, from that Pirlo free kick near the corner flag, Llorente nodded in the equaliser.

It was almost 2-1 a minute after that, as Neto performed a desperate save on Patrice Evra’s header on a Pirlo corner. As the move continued, Juve had penalty appeals for a handling offence, but Evra did hit it with an overhead kick from point-blank range.

Stephan Lichtsteiner charged down a Mati Fernandez effort, but Juventus turned the game around with the last kick of the half. Evra chipped a pass over the defence for Carlos Tevez, whose looping header from 10 yards sailed into the far top corner.


Juventus 2-1 Fiorentina (Half-Time)

Scorers: Gonzalo Rodriguez pen 33 (F), Llorente 36 (J), Tevez 44 (J)

Juventus: Buffon; Lichtsteiner, Barzagli, Chiellini, Evra; Marchisio, Pirlo, Sturaro; Pereyra; Tevez, Llorente

Fiorentina: Neto; Savic, Gonzalo Rodriguez, Basanta, Alonso; Badelj, Aquilani, Mati Fernandez; Joaquin, Salah, Gomez

Ref: Banti
 
 

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

[Socrates 8516]

JUVENTUS - FIORENTINA

3 - 2

Gonzalo Rodríguez (33'-Pen.)

Fernando Llorente (36')
Carlos Tévez (45'+)
Carlos Tevez (70')

Josip Iličič (90')

Wednesday, April 29th, 2015 - 8:45 PM
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Luca Banti

Juventus 3-2 Fiorentina: Terrific Tevez
puts Bianconeri on the verge of Serie A title

The Argentine attacker put the Old Lady ahead after Fernando Llorente had cancelled
out Gonzalo Rodriguez's opener and then struck again after the latter missed a penalty.

Apr 29, 2015

Juventus need only a point to win the Serie A title after Carlos Tevez scored twice in a 3-2 home victory over faltering Fiorentina on Wednesday.

Juve suffered a shock derby defeat to Torino on Sunday and looked set to slip up again when Gonzalo Rodriguez put Fiorentina in front from the penalty spot in the first half.

The Turin giants came storming back, though, with Fernando Llorente ending his goal drought by scoring for the first time since he found the back of the net against the same opponents at the start of last month.

Tevez then took centre stage, heading the champions in front on the stroke of half-time and then taking his tally for the season to 28 in all competitions - and 20 in Serie A - after Rodriguez had missed a second spot-kick.

Josep Ilicic pulled a late goal back with a fine free-kick, but Massimiliano Allegri's men saw out the victory and only need a draw at Sampdoria on Saturday to secure a fourth consecutive Scudetto as they still lead second-placed Lazio by 14 points with five games remaining

Fiorentina have now lost their last four matches in the league and have dropped to seventh in the table, so many yet need to win the UEFA Europa League to seal a place in Europe.

Leading scorer Tevez was back in the starting line-up and Claudio Marchisio made his 300th appearance for Juve as Allegri made six changes following the derby defeat.

Vincenzo Montella also made six changes, with Mario Gomez leading the line for Fiorentina.

Juve made an unconvincing start, but Llorente produced a moment of quality which had been lacking when he turned Rodriguez sharply in the penalty area before going to ground, only for referee Luca Banti to wave play on.

To make matters worse for the leaders it was Rodriguez who put the visitors in front from the penalty spot 33 minutes in, after Andrea Pirlo had hung out a leg and upended Joaquin just inside the penalty area.

Gianluigi Buffon guessed the right way, but was unable to keep out the Fiorentina captain's clinical spot-kick diving to his left after referee Banti had words with a disgruntled Allegri on the touchline.

Juve were level just three minutes later, though, and in somewhat controversial circumstances as Neto was adjudged to have upended Stefano Sturaro outside the penalty area, despite there appearing to be no contact.

Pirlo made amends for giving away the penalty by swinging in the resulting free-kick for Llorente to head home and Tevez then put Juve in front on the stroke of half-time when he rose unmarked to head home Patrice Evra's pinpoint cross.

Gomez claimed Evra held him back when he headed wide early in the second half as Fiorentina attempted to produced a fightback of their own.

A rousing comeback looked on when Giorgio Chiellini upended the tricky Joaquin after 66 minutes, but Rodriguez lacked composure on this occasion as he blasted the resulting penalty wide.

The defender was made to pay for that miss only two minutes later, when Tevez raced clear and took a touch before firing a shot into the far corner of the net.

Ilicic came off the bench to curl home a free-kick in impressive fashion after 90 minutes, but the damage to Fiorentina had already been done.
 
 

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

[Socrates 8516]

JUVENTUS - FIORENTINA

3 - 2

Gonzalo Rodríguez (33'-Pen.)

Fernando Llorente (36')
Carlos Tévez (45'+)
Carlos Tevez (70')

Josip Iličič (90')

Wednesday, April 29th, 2015 - 8:45 PM
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Luca Banti

Juventus 3-2 Fiorentina: Tevez
Completes Old Lady Turnaround

Apr 29, 2015

Juventus defeated Fiorentina 3-2 at the Juventus Stadium on Wednesday evening in Serie A.

Gonzalo Rodriguez gave the visitors the lead with a penalty before Fernando Llorente and Carlos Tevez scored as the Bianconeri come from behind before the break.

Tevez added a third after Rodriguez missed another spot kick in the second half before Josip Ilicic scored a late consolation from a free kick.

Juventus are the most prolific side in the opening 45 minutes of games so far this Serie A season, but it was the visitors that started brighter pressing the ball high up the pitch as well as being comfortable in possession.

Gianluigi Buffon was untested though, as Juve recorded the first shot on target in the match after 20 minutes when Llorente rolled Rodriguez and forced Neto into a comfortable save.

Fiorentina did take the lead from the penalty spot after Andrea Pirlo tripped Joaquin just inside the box sticking out his left leg when the wingback stepped outside him from a short corner.

The Tuscan side was the only team in the top five European leagues to have failed to convert any of the previous four penalties awarded to them this season, but Rodriguez beat Buffon with a powerful right-footed strike high into the corner.

Their lead only lasted for two minutes and 28 seconds as Fiorentina goalkeeper Neto was shown a yellow card after rushing outside his box to challenge Stefano Sturaro.

Pirlo curled the resultant free-kick from near the corner flag on the left side into the centre of the box for Llorente to score with a header into the bottom corner.

Patrice Evra then forced Neto to claw away a bullet header from close range after a Pirlo corner before turning provider, as Juventus turned the game around with a goal in the final action of the first-half.

The 33-year-old fullback picked out Tevez with an excellent pass over the Viola defence and the Argentine scored for his fourth successive Serie A match at the Juventus Stadium with a looping header.

Fiorentina began the second half with plenty of possession as they looked to regain a foothold in this game, and were denied a second penalty as Mario Gomez was had his shirt pulled by Evra before receiving a push from the French defender.

However, Joaquin was awarded a second penalty by referee Luca Banti on the advice of his assistants after being tripped by Giorgio Chiellini when he darted outside the Bianconeri defender.

Rodriguez took the spot kick again only to blaze his attempt well wide to the right side as Buffon dived the correct way.

The Fiorentina captain was punished only minutes later when Tevez beat his attempted offside trap to run onto a Claudio Marchisio through pass before burying his shot across Neto and into the bottom corner.

Fiorentina substitute Ilicic scored a late consolation with a left-footed curling free kick beyond the reach of Buffon and into the top corner.

Fiorentina have now lost each of their last four league matches for the first time since February 2005, whereas Juventus are now undefeated in their last 45 home matches in Serie A.
 
 

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

[Socrates 8516]

JUVENTUS - FIORENTINA

3 - 2

Gonzalo Rodríguez (33'-Pen.)

Fernando Llorente (36')
Carlos Tévez (45'+)
Carlos Tevez (70')

Josip Iličič (90')

Wednesday, April 29th, 2015 - 8:45 PM
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Luca Banti

Juventus edge Fiorentina but
made to wait for Serie A title

Apr 29, 2015

Juventus recovered to beat fierce rivals Fiorentina 3-2 in Turin but they will have to wait a little longer to claim the Serie A title thanks to results elsewhere.

Gonzalo Rodriguez's early penalty looked like spoiling Juve's party -- a celebration only possible if Lazio failed to beat Parma, which they would manage with four unanswered goals -- but Fernando Llorente and Carlos Tevez turned the game on its head before half-time.

After the break Tevez doubled up, reaching 20 league goals for the season, yet La Viola provided a late scare thanks to Josip Ilicic's superb free-kick after Rodriguez had missed a second penalty.

With five games remaining, Massimiliano Allegri's Bianconeri lead Lazio by 14 points ahead of Saturday's trip to Sampdoria.

Juve knew Lazio could deny them the title on Wednesday night but they were also aware that anything but a home win would leave them waiting even longer.

They looked the brighter side in the opening exchanges with Llorente forcing a fine save from Neto in the 19th minute, yet they would not open the scoring.

After an exchange of counter-attacks Andrea Pirlo brought Spanish winger Joaquin down in the Juve box and Rodriguez gladly stepped up to convert the penalty before celebrating in front of a baying Bianconeri crowd.

His hubris would come back to haunt him only three minutes later, though.

Pirlo quickly atoned for his defensive mistake by swinging in the short free-kick that Llorente connected with to head home a timely equaliser.

Juve looked to catch their opponents in a disappointed fug and turned the screw before half-time with Patrice Evra heading straight at Neto before Tevez managed to secure the first-half turnaround.

There were shades of Robin van Persie's bizarre diving header from the World Cup as the Argentinian raced to meet Evra's ball forward before bouncing it high off his scalp and into the back of the net.

Fiorentina gave nothing more away in the first third of the second half and even sniffed for a leveller on occasions.

They thought they had been given the perfect opportunity to produce one in the 66th minute when Giorgio Chiellini felled Joaquin in the area.

This time, however, Rodriguez made a mess of his spot-kick, sending the ball wide and inspiring much backslapping from Juve's players.

Tevez sensed blood in the water and quickly doubled his side's advantage with a fine strike in the 70th minute. Put through by Claudio Marchisio, the former Manchester City man stormed into Neto's box before picking his spot just inside the far post.

With time running out it looked like Juve had done enough to rubber-stamp the three points that put them on the brink of a fourth straight title, but Fiorentina fancied reminding them that there would be no festivities just yet.

Substitute Ilicic aped set-piece master Pirlo with a searing free-kick that Gianluigi Buffon could only wave a fist at.

 

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

[Socrates 8516]

JUVENTUS - FIORENTINA

3 - 2

Gonzalo Rodríguez (33'-Pen.)

Fernando Llorente (36')
Carlos Tévez (45'+)
Carlos Tevez (70')

Josip Iličič (90')

Wednesday, April 29th, 2015 - 8:45 PM
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Luca Banti

Tevez takes down Fiorentina

Carlos Tevez bagged a brace and Fiorentina missed yet another
penalty, but Juventus saw their Scudetto party postponed again.

Apr 29, 2015

Carlos Tevez bagged a brace and Fiorentina missed yet another penalty, but Juventus saw their Scudetto party postponed again.

Despite the 3-2 victory in Turin, the Bianconeri cannot celebrate the title yet because Lazio hammered Parma. They need just one point to start the party.

Both sides were coming off surprise defeats at the weekend, as the Viola had lost three on the bounce in Serie A, while the Bianconeri fell 2-1 to rivals Torino. Claudio Marchisio returned from suspension, but Leonardo Bonucci was banned with Paul Pogba, Martin Caceres, Kwadwo Asamoah and Romulo. Khouma Babacar and Giuseppe Rossi were out for the season.

Fiorentina are the only side to have conquered the Juventus Stadium since Bayern Munich in April 2013, winning 2-1 here in the Coppa Italia semi-final last month. However, their most recent League victory here was 3-2 in March 2008.

Mohamed Salah and Fernando Llorente had early scoring opportunities beaten away, while Mati Fernandez turned wide from distance.

Andrea Pirlo tripped Joaquin just inside the area for a penalty. Fiorentina had previously missed all four of their Serie A spot-kicks this season, but Gonzalo Rodriguez converted high into the far top corner.

Moments later Juve wanted a straight red for Norberto Neto as he went outside the box to tackle Sturaro, but it was only a yellow because they were well wide of the target and it couldn’t be considered a scoring opportunity. Nonetheless, from that Pirlo free kick near the corner flag, Llorente nodded in the equaliser.

It was almost 2-1 a minute after that, as Neto performed a desperate save on Patrice Evra’s header on a Pirlo corner. As the move continued, Juve had penalty appeals for a handling offence, but Evra did hit it with an overhead kick from point-blank range.

Stephan Lichtsteiner charged down a Mati Fernandez effort, but Juventus turned the game around with the last kick of the half. Evra chipped a pass over the defence for Carlos Tevez, whose looping header from 10 yards sailed into the far top corner.

A Mario Gomez header went wide and a Stefan Savic clearance almost turned into a shot on goal, forcing Gigi Buffon to back-pedal.

Joaquin was tripped for another penalty, this time by Giorgio Chiellini. Gonzalo Rodriguez stepped up again, but blasted wide of the goal. Incredibly, Fiorentina had now missed five out of six penalties in Serie A this season.

They paid a heavy price for that error, as Tevez ran on to a great long ball over the top from Marchisio to sprint past Stefan Savic and bury the finish one-on-one with Neto.

Fiorentina did get one back eventually with a splendid Josip Ilicic free kick curled into the near top corner.


Juventus: Buffon; Lichtsteiner, Barzagli, Chiellini, Evra; Marchisio, Pirlo (Vidal 56), Sturaro (Padoin 77); Pereyra (Ogbonna 70); Tevez, Llorente

Fiorentina: Neto; Savic, Gonzalo Rodriguez, Basanta, Alonso; Badelj, Aquilani, Mati Fernandez (Borja Valero 76); Joaquin, Salah, Gomez (Gilardino 70)

Ref: Banti

Missed penalty: Gonzalo Rodriguez 67 (F)
 
 

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

[Socrates 8516]

JUVENTUS - FIORENTINA

3 - 2

Gonzalo Rodríguez (33'-Pen.)

Fernando Llorente (36')
Carlos Tévez (45'+)
Carlos Tevez (70')

Josip Iličič (90')

Wednesday, April 29th, 2015 - 8:45 PM
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Luca Banti

Player Ratings: Juventus 3-2 Fiorentina

Apr 29, 2015

Juventus defeated Fiorentina 3-2 at home on Wednesday evening in Serie A and now only need a point from their remaining five matches to be crowned champions of Italy.

A brace by Carlos Tevez and a header from Fernando Llorente were enough to see off a disjointed Viola side who struck first through a Gonzalo Rodriguez penalty and then in the final minutes of the tie with a great free kick from Josip Ilicic.

 

Juventus

Gianluigi Buffon – 5.5– Unsure - No chance with the penalty but should have done much better with the Josip Ilicic free kick. Fortunately, most of Fiorentina’s other efforts were off-target which made things much simpler for the veteran keeper.

Stephan Lichtsteiner – 5.5 – Subdued - Uncharacteristically poor crossing from the Swiss full back and never really attacked the right flank in his normal swashbuckling style, perhaps due to playing in a back four. Looks more threatening when used as a wing-back in a five man midfield.

Andrea Barzagli – 6.5 – Leader - Blocked everything that was anywhere near him with perfect timing for much of the evening. One of the best defensive displays from the centre back since recovering from injury.

Giorgio Chiellini – 6 –Classic - Kept Mario Gomez quiet all night but difficult to tell whether that’s much of an achievement anymore. Usual blend of well-timed challenges, high elbows, fouls and shirt tugs – the typical Italian defensive display.

Patrice Evra – 6.5 – Impressive - Suffered the dribbling and pace of both Joaquin and Mohamed Salah but was much more effective going forward, almost scoring with a header and then sending in the cross for Tevez to score his first goal. A decent evening’s work for the Frenchman.

Claudio Marchisio – 6.5 – Composed - Very quiet game for the Italian international who sat deep and just played short and easy passes for much of the 90 minutes. Did as much as was necessary which wasn’t too much given the poor Fiorentina midfield though his lofted assist for Tevez’s second goal was sublime.

Andrea Pirlo – 6 – Acceptable - Gave away silly penalty which resulted in early opener for the away side but atoned for his error by sending in a perfect free kick for Llorente’s headed equaliser. Subbed early in second half, presumably to save the ageing legs for the impending Champions League tie next week.

Stefano Sturaro – 6 – Strength - Added steel to the midfield which was vital given Fiorentina’s incredible motivation to press high up the pitch early in the first half. Settling well since his move from Genoa in January and is becoming a key part of the Juve squad.

Roberto Pereyra – 6.5 – Energy - Quiet but effective, the ex-Udinese man was given a free role and played expertly popping up all over the field giving his team mates plenty of passing options. Softens the blow every time Arturo Vidal is omitted from the starting line-up.

Carlos Tevez – 7.5– Devastating - Was non-existent for 45 minutes of the first half but one defensive slip allowed the Argentine to score in injury time. Bagged a fantastic second to round off another perfect striker display. You just can’t discount him even when it appears he’s on a bad day – a quite wonderful centre forward.

Fernando Llorente – 7 – Handful - Great headed goal and played the perfect target man role, allowing Tevez to flourish around him. Had an inspired game though helped, to an extent, by the lack of sharpness from the Fiorentina defence.


Substitutes

Arturo Vidal (56 mins) – 6

Angelo Ogbonna (71 mins) – 6

Simone Padoin (77 mins) – N/A


 

Fiorentina

Neto – 6 – Unfortunate - Miracle save from a Patrice Evra header and was harshly adjudged to have fouled Sturaro which resulted in the Juventus equaliser. Conceded three goals which is never a good thing for a custodian but was hardly at fault.

Stefan Savic – 5 – Lost - Left Llorente who scored the equalising goal from the Pirlo free kick and looked shaky all evening. A lack of concentration seemed to hamper the ex-Manchester City defender for some reason.

Gonzalo Rodriguez – 5.5 – Failed - Silenced the home fans with a tremendous spot kick but failed to marshal the back-line properly which allowed Juventus plenty of scoring opportunities throughout the game. Made a complete dog’s dinner of the second penalty which would have made the score 2-2 and put his side back in with a shout of a point.

Jose Basanta – 5.5 – Distant - Completely misread the cross that allowed Tevez to score in first half stoppages and alongside Rodriguez and Savic made up a very perforated Viola rear guard. Defensively, Montella needs much more organisation from his three central defenders.

Marcos Alonso – 6 – Effort - Probably the best of a bad bunch in the midfield for the Viola, plenty of movement and box-to-box running from the Spaniard. Ultimately not enough to compete with his Bianconeri counterparts.

Milan Badelj – 5.5– Average - Chased many a black and white shadow, working hard to try and stop primarily the incursions of Roberto Pereyra with mixed success. A tough match for the Croatian who suffered along with his team mates.

Alberto Aquilani– 5 – Ineffective - Embarrassing that the former Roma player is allowed to wear a shirt bearing the number ten. Brings little in terms of quality to the Viola play given he is afforded some freedom as part of five-man midfield.

Matias Fernandez – 5 – Tired - Usually a star in the central areas for his side, Fernandez just failed to get going in any fashion and struggled to win the key battles in the middle of the park. Looked very jaded.

Joaquin – 6 – Danger - Won both the Viola penalties and was a constant threat on both flanks. Did what was expected of him as a winger, just a shame the rest of his team failed around him.

Mohamed Salah – 6.5 – Sharp - Incredible pace and dribbling and the only real danger Juve had to deal with all night. Shooting was poor but was the only player that truly stood out in purple.

Mario Gomez – 5– Imposter - Got little change from Barzagli and Chiellini which is surprising given the German is quite a unit. He’s just not that great a striker and surely Fiorentina will be looking for a more consistent performer next season because coach Vincenzo Montella is not getting his money’s worth with this chap.


Substitutes

Alberto Gilardino (72 mins) – 5

Borja Valero (76 mins) – 5

Josip Ilicic (81 mins) – 6.5
 
 

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

[Socrates 8516]

JUVENTUS - FIORENTINA

3 - 2

Gonzalo Rodríguez (33'-Pen.)

Fernando Llorente (36')
Carlos Tévez (45'+)
Carlos Tevez (70')

Josip Iličič (90')

Wednesday, April 29th, 2015 - 8:45 PM
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Luca Banti

JUVENTUS 3-2 FIORENTINA SERIE A
WEEK 33 PLAYER RATINGS

Apr 29, 2015

Carlos Tevez bagged a brace and Fernando Llorente was back on the scoresheet to take Juve a point away from another scudetto.

Juve went behind after Andrea Pirlo tripped Joaquin to earn Fiorentina a penalty but the Bianconeri were on level terms within minutes when Pirlo lofted a free kick into the box for Llorente to head home.

Carlos Tevez put Juventus ahead right on half time when he nodded home Patrice Evra’s perfectly weighted cross before sealing the game late on with a fine solo effort from Marchisio’s through ball.


Gianluigi Buffon 6.0 - Didn’t have a single save to make from open play and he guessed the right way for both of Fiorentina penalties. Unable to get close to Ilicic’s great free kick.

Stephan Lichtsteiner 6.0 - Looked really out of sorts for much of the game and he nearly gifted Fiorentina a clear goal scoring opportunity through a poorly taken free kick.

Andrea Barzagli 6.5 - Another strong performance with some great tackles and interceptions. Kept Mario Gomez quiet for the entire game.

Giorgio Chiellini 6.0 - Made a careless tackle that earned Fiorentina a penalty. That aside, his tackling was great and he managed to mark Salah out of the game for large spells.

Patrice Evra 7.0 - Superb performance throughout. Tackles, harried and pushed forward every chance he got. A beautiful cross provided the assist for Tevez’ first goal.

Claudio Marchisio 7.0 - Exceptional in midfield and in his 300th Juventus appearance. Had a scoring chance of his own charged down before providing a deft through ball for Tevez to seal the result.

Andrea Pirlo 6.0 - Gave away a blantant penalty but redeemed himself moments later by delivering a perfect weighted free kick for Llorente to head home.

Stefano Sturaro 7.0 - His best game in a Juve shirt so far, combative and hard working, made countless tackles to deny Fiorentina and looked a little like a young Gattuso.

Roberto Pereyra 6.0 - Much improved from his disappointing showing against Torino. Lively in the final third while creating chances for his teammates.

Carlos Tevez 8.0 - Utterly brilliant. Scored two perfect goals to put Juve ahead, the first a header, the second a superb solo effort.

Fernando Llorente 6.5 - Scored a great header to bring Juve back into the game. Held up play well, made some great runs and looked more like the Nando of old.


Substitutes

Simone Padoin N/A

Arturo Vidal N/A

Angelo Ogbonna N/A
 
 

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

[Socrates 8516]

JUVENTUS - FIORENTINA

3 - 2

Gonzalo Rodríguez (33'-Pen.)

Fernando Llorente (36')
Carlos Tévez (45'+)
Carlos Tevez (70')

Josip Iličič (90')

Wednesday, April 29th, 2015 - 8:45 PM
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Luca Banti

Tevez's title - Juventus Scudetto
stroll is all thanks to goal machine

The Argentine striker struck twice more in the Bianconeri's 3-2 victory
over Fiorentina which leaves them just a point away from another league triumph.

Apr 29, 2015

By Kris Voakes | International Football Correspondent

When Juventus inevitably clinch of a fourth straight Scudetto, they would have every right to hand Carlos Tevez the trophy and let him do a lap of honour by himself.

While the Argentine has not entirely been a one-man team this term, his ability to put his hand up and lead his men forward at key times has been the difference between the Bianconeri and the rest. He was at it again on Wednesday.

A lethargic, disjointed-looking Juve managed to beat Fiorentina 3-2 at Juventus Stadium to leave themselves one point short of another much-deserved Serie A title. And it was largely thanks to Tevez once more that they collected all three points despite being well short of their best.

The Viola led from a first-half Gonzalo Rodriguez penalty only for Fernando Llorente to immediately equalise from a harshly-awarded free-kick wide on the left. Heading for half-time, though, Vincenzo Montella’s side remained more than in the game. But far from Massimiliano Allegri having to come up with a rousing speech at the interval, it was Tevez who was to do all the motivating himself.

First, he flicked a wonderful header past Neto on the stroke of half-time from Patrice Evra’s cross. Then, following Rodriguez’s failure from a second spot-kick attempt, the Apache charged up the other end of the field to meet Claudio Marchisio’s pass with a cool finish.

His second goal of the night was his 20th in Serie A this term and his 28th in all competitions. Few men in the history of Juventus have scored more in a single season. And it was no surprise that he was the man to stand up and be counted.

Simply put, Tevez has delivered when it has mattered this season. He has hit the first goal in 15 Juventus games over the course of the campaign, and has also stepped up his scoring pace in the second half of the season with 16 strikes in his last 19 starts.

When Roma were falling away, the 31-year-old was busy ensuring that the same thing wouldn’t happen to the reigning champions. Barring a miracle Juventus will be celebrating another title on Saturday, and it is almost entirely down to Tevez that they will be doing so in round 34 of a 38-game season.

Juventus would probably be the best team in Italy regardless of Tevez’s presence, but the sheer dominance of the Serie A table comes down to the rest of the country’s inability to deal with the stand-out player in the domestic championship.

Not since Zlatan Ibrahimovic led Inter to the Scudetto in 2008-09 has one man had such a massive effect on matters at the top end of the league. When the 2014-15 season is revisited in years to come, don’t be surprised if Juve’s latest success is remembered as ‘Tevez’s title’.
 

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

[Socrates 8516]

JUVENTUS - FIORENTINA

3 - 2

Gonzalo Rodríguez (33'-Pen.)

Fernando Llorente (36')
Carlos Tévez (45'+)
Carlos Tevez (70')

Josip Iličič (90')

Wednesday, April 29th, 2015 - 8:45 PM
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Luca Banti

Allegri: 'Scudetto bar a miracle'

Apr 29, 2015

Max Allegri said it “would take a reverse miracle” for Juventus to lose the Scudetto after beating Fiorentina 3-2.

The Bianconeri now need only one point to secure the title, as their party was postponed tonight by Lazio beating Parma 4-0.

“At this point it would take a reverse miracle for us to lose this Scudetto,” the Coach told Sky Sport Italia.

“We have to be wary, as we’ve lost out last two away games, but the lads deserve compliments for an extraordinary campaign.

“We have a 14-point lead, we need one more and hope to get it on Saturday so we can best prepare for the Champions League.

“This victory allows us to face the remaining Serie A games with a more relaxed state of mind. When you’re nearly there, this anxiety comes in.

“When you are 14 points in front, it is natural to have some dips in concentration. There are also many players who haven’t been available this season for long periods, so the others had to carry on throughout and not rest as much as I’d have liked.

“I thought it would be a good season, as these players are great both on the field and off. I found players like Simone Padoin, Stefano Sturaro, Kingsley Coman and Simone Pepe who proved decisive when coming off the bench. During the course of a campaign, these are the players who become crucial.

“Football is strange, as if we had conceded the Fiorentina penalty for 2-2, the game could’ve ended differently and put more pressure on us for the weekend.

“I hope Fiorentina and Napoli can reach the Europa League Final.”

Juventus can now start to focus on the Champions League semi-final against Real Madrid.

“Real Madrid are tough to play against and I doubt they’ll be defensive! Neither will we, as if you defend with six men then you’re not going to win.

“Paul Pogba is training, will have another test tomorrow and if all goes well he could be available for the second leg.”
 
 

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

[Socrates 8516]

JUVENTUS - FIORENTINA

3 - 2

Gonzalo Rodríguez (33'-Pen.)

Fernando Llorente (36')
Carlos Tévez (45'+)
Carlos Tevez (70')

Josip Iličič (90')

Wednesday, April 29th, 2015 - 8:45 PM
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Luca Banti

Tevez is dragging Juventus to the title - Buffon

The goalkeeper says Juventus will be "forever grateful" to the striker
for his performances this season after his double in the victory over Fiorentina.

Apr 29, 2015

Gianluigi Buffon has thanked Carlos Tevez for "dragging" Juventus to Serie A glory following their 3-2 win over Fiorentina on Wednesday.

The Argentine scored twice against Vincenzo Montella's side to take his tally to 26 in all competitions this season and move Juve to within one point of defending their Scudetto crown.

And Buffon says the whole team is indebted to Tevez for his performances throughout the campaign, telling Mediaset Premium: "Tevez? He's fantastic, from the start of the season he's helped us win games. He's dragging us to the title. We'll be forever grateful.

"We're happy. Tonight was a game with many hidden pitfalls. We were at a disadvantage, it wasn't easy to recover.

"With patience and tenacity we've overcome a team who gave everything.

"We can be proud of this year, we've made fantastic progress."

A point from Saturday's trip to Sampdoria would be enough to secure Juve's fourth consecutive title.
 

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

[Socrates 8516]

JUVENTUS - FIORENTINA

3 - 2

Gonzalo Rodríguez (33'-Pen.)

Fernando Llorente (36')
Carlos Tévez (45'+)
Carlos Tevez (70')

Josip Iličič (90')

Wednesday, April 29th, 2015 - 8:45 PM
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Luca Banti

Juventus Beat Fiorentina Despite Yet
Another Error from Giorgio Chiellini

Apr 29, 2015

As they prepared to host Fiorentina on Wednesday evening, Juventus knew that each stage of a remarkable treble was slowly coming within touching distance. A Champions League semi-final with Real Madrid looms large on the horizon, with the Coppa Italia final against Lazio to follow later next month.

First came Serie A, however, with the Bianconeri fully aware that they needed just four points to clinch the 2014-15 crown, which would see them add to the hat-trick of titles they had secured in the three previous campaigns. They would eventually take three of those here courtesy of a 3-2 victory, but not without problems, as the Viola and Vincenzo Montella once again proved a difficult opponent for even the very best side.

Massimiliano Allegri had demanded that his players concentrated on the task at hand in his pre-match press conference, discussing the need for patience and urging the squad not to look to the games that lie ahead.

“We have to take things one game at a time, we can’t play them all at once,” the coach told reporters, per the club’s official website.

“We’re not playing Real Madrid tomorrow or the following day, we meet them on 5 May. We therefore have to prepare for tomorrow night’s match as best we can because it’s definitely harder to work on the back of a loss.”

Yet rather than seeking to put the memory of Sunday’s derby defeat at the hands of Torino behind them, it certainly appeared as though the Bianconeri had other things on their minds, and a lazy tackle from Andrea Pirlo saw Fiorentina earn a penalty with just over 30 minutes played.

Gonzalo Rodriguez would make no mistake from the spot, but Fernando Llorente would equalise just a few minutes later, and Juventus were not done yet. Picking out Carlos Tevez with an excellent cross, Patrice Evra looked on as his former Manchester United team-mate gave La Madama the advantage just before half time.

The goal had something of an air of inevitability about it, the Argentinian’s superb header taking his tally for the season to 27 in all competitions. Yet sadly for the Turin giants, another all too frequent event soon followed, with Giorgio Chiellini conceding a second penalty after he impeded Viola winger Joaquin in the box.

Just a week after the Italian international was fortunate not to be shown a red card for his blatant handball against AS Monaco, this was the latest in a string of errors that have littered Chiellini’s play this term. He was arguably Juve’s poorest player in the first half of the season, a matter discussed at length in this previous column.

With Chiellini continually error-prone, it is perhaps not too far-fetched to suggest Allegri should consider sitting the 30-year-old for a period, particularly now that Andrea Barzagli has fully recovered from his own injury problems. That—allied to the excellent displays of Leonardo Bonucci—offers the coach a distinct alternative should he indeed opt to take Chiellini out of the fray for a few matches.

It would be a bold move to drop the vice-captain, but if Allegri goes with a four-man defence against Real Madrid, a Bonucci-Barzagli pairing would see his two most in-form players take the field. It would remove the opportunities for yet another costly mistake from Chiellini, while there is little doubt the duo could play well together.

Tevez and Josip Ilicic would exchange goals to complete the 3-2 final score, the Bianconeri taking a giant step toward a championship they will likely claim away to Sampdoria this Saturday. There were a number of positives in the match: Llorente’s return to goalscoring form, the play of Claudio Marchisio and the continued brilliance of Carlos Tevez to name just three.

But there was also plenty of food for thought ahead of that clash with the reigning European champions, and it will be interesting to see what decisions are made along the way.
 
 

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