Juventus Season 2015-2016

[Socrates 8524]

EMPOLI - JUVENTUS

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MATCHDAY 12
Sunday, November 8th, 2015 - 3:00 PM
Carlo Castellani Stadium, Empoli
Referee: Davide Massa

MATCH PREVIEW

http://www.football-italia.net/SerieA/match/preview/69930

 
Nov 7, 2015
 
Empoli welcome Juventus to the Carlo Castellani hoping to make it four wins in six, not to mention avenge a controversial 1-0 loss to the Bianconeri from the 1997-1998 Serie A season, when Stefano Bianconi’s header was erroneously judged not to have crossed the line.

It will come as a surprise that after a rocky start (four defeats in six), Empoli are actually ahead of both Juventus and are outdoing themselves from last season under Maurizio Sarri. Not only do they have more points after eleven games (14 to last year’s 10), but also a better defence, conceding three less with 12.

With many questioning the choice of Marco Giampaolo and his tactical approach, Empoli have recovered from their Week 6 defeat to Frosinone by running Genoa off the park, drawing with Sampdoria and beating Palermo thanks to a Riccardo Saponara wondergoal.

Whilst Sarri’s team had scored a stunning seven set piece goals by this stage, Giampaolo’s outfit has only needed two, shining on the counter and relying on a vast array of talented midfielders.

With the likes of Piotr Zielinski, Daniele Croce, Leandro Paredes, Rade Krunic and newcomer Marcel Buchel, it appears that Maurizio Sarri isn’t just a great strategist, but also a very good teambuilder, alongside sporting director Marcello Carli.

Though striker Massimo Maccarone claims that “no moment is good to face Juventus”, this is as good a time as any, with the Old Lady doggedly defending a point in Monchengladbach and requiring a Gianluigi Buffon dressing down to galvanise the squad after the loss to Sassuolo.

Then again, Juventus have rediscovered Paul Pogba, whose lobbed pass to set up Stephan Lichtsteiner on Wednesday was as much a work of art as his belter against Torino.

Speaking of the Swiss full-back, his sudden return to action after an operation to cure his arrhythmia may well be proof that this team still has plenty of fight in it, something also evidenced by Juan Cuadrado’s last-gasp winner in the derby.


Keep an eye on: Riccardo Saponara and Piotr Zielinski (Empoli) — Empoli can count on these two troublemakers to launch their powerful counters. Always a factor in front of goal with ten strikes in their last ten Serie A games, the Tuscan side will hope to do a Sassuolo on the Bianconeri. Saponara has been on fire, and talk is he wants to stay till June (and resist Juventus’ approaches, to name just one of his suitors) to guarantee a starting berth and possibly make the plane to France.

Zielinski and Rade Krunic, on the other hand, had a heck of a game against Genoa in Saponara’s absence, bossing the midfield with aplomb and making endless runs at the Grifone’s back line.


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

Last season: Empoli 0-2 Juventus

Stat fact: Massimiliano Allegri has been banging a particular drum for weeks now - with Fabian Johnsons’ goal, the Bianconeri have conceded a stunning seven goals from their opponents’ first shot on target, six of them coming in Serie A. With Empoli a top ten side for shots on goal with 160 (Juve are actually top with 202), Buffon may be required to pull off another sunning save in the mould of those he made against Torino and Borussia Monchengladback.

Empoli, for their part, are a terrible second half team, having conceded a shocking 11 goals (73%) in the first 35 minutes after the break.


Empoli (probable):
Skorupski; Laurini, Tonelli, Costa, Mario Rui; Zielinski, Maiello, Paredes; Saponara; Pucciarelli, Maccarone

Suspended: None


Juventus (probable):
Buffon; Lichtsteiner, Barzagli, Chiellini, Alex Sandro; Sturaro, Marchisio, Pogba; Cuadrado, Mandzukic, Morata

Suspended: None

 

http://www.goal.com/en-gb/tables/serie-a/13?ICID=SP_TN_127

[Socrates 8524]

EMPOLI - JUVENTUS

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MATCHDAY 12
Sunday, November 8th, 2015 - 3:00 PM
Carlo Castellani Stadium, Empoli
Referee: Davide Massa

Giampaolo: Empoli Must Not Drop Guard

http://forzaitalianfootball.com/2015/11/giampaolo-we-must-not-drop-our-guard/?

 
Nov 7, 2015
 
Empoli coach Marco Giampaolo is insistent that his side will look to claim three points in their meeting with ‘beast that never sleeps’ Juventus on Sunday.

The Azzurri tactician was close to taking the reins with the Bianconeri in 2009, but instead forged his reputation with Brescia.

“I believe that the game is complicated,” he admitted in his pre-match press conference.

“Juve is a beast that never sleeps. I’m afraid that even a good performance won’t be enough.

“If we are content with improvement without winning, then we have already lost something, and are not developing.”

He went on to discuss how his side had prepared for the visit of the champions.

“This week was marked by a certain kind of work,” he revealed.

“We had to re-energise. We have had so much to do and we have improved, even though in Palermo we made some mistakes. We must not lower our guard and the management of the psychological aspect of the game is crucial.”

 

http://www.goal.com/en-gb/tables/serie-a/13?ICID=SP_TN_127

[Socrates 8524]

EMPOLI - JUVENTUS

-

 
 

MATCHDAY 12
Sunday, November 8th, 2015 - 3:00 PM
Carlo Castellani Stadium, Empoli
Referee: Davide Massa

Empoli vs Juventus: Pogba calls on fans for inspiration

The Old Lady are looking for their first back-to-back league wins
this season against Empoli and Paul Pogba wants the fans to inspire them.

http://www.goal.com/en/match/empoli-vs-juventus/2120486/preview

 
Nov 7, 2015
 
Paul Pogba has called on Juventus fans to inspire them to a vital Serie A victory over Empoli on Sunday.

Juan Cuadrado's late goal gave the reigning champions a much-needed three points against city rivals Torino last week, though they remain nine points adrift of leaders Fiorentina.

Pogba wants the travelling faithful to provide the same inspiration as they did in the derby on home soil as Juve look for just their fifth win of the league season prior to the international break.

"We need them as much as when we're doing badly as when we're doing well," he said to JTV.

"In the 80th or 90th minute, just hearing 'Forza Juve' gives you strength. You want to do something for them, for the team, and they help you a lot.

"It's a tough game, it's away from home. Before we go away with our national teams we want to win, we want to get closer to the top."

Empoli have enjoyed a solid recent run of form, taking seven points from three games since their 3-1 defeat to Roma on October 17.

Veteran striker Massimo Maccarone – one of only two current Empoli players to have scored against Juve – believes they represent the ideal opposition at this stage of the season, but has rejected the idea of a crisis at the club.

"Playing against Juventus now is perfect and protects us from letting our level drop, because how could you not be motivated to face the champions of Italy?" he said.

"How can you doubt a team which has won the last four titles? We're ready, even though it will be a very delicate match."

Juve have been boosted by Sami Khedira's return to training on Friday following a calf injury, while Stephan Lichtsteiner is ready to make his league comeback after his goalscoring return in the Champions League draw with Borussia Monchengladbach.

Roberto Pereyra (hamstring) and Kwadwo Asamoah (thigh) are still sidelined.

For the home side, Levan Mchedlidze (hamstring) and Daniele Croce (calf) are not fully fit, with Kastriot Dermaku and Uros Cosic the long-term absentees.

Juve have yet to win back-to-back Serie A games this season and face a team who have taken just two points from them in their last 10 encounters.

Empoli, however - who are four points better off than they were under current Napoli boss Maurizio Sarri at this stage last season - are chasing a third consecutive home win for the first time since 2007.


OPTA FACTS

Empoli have collected only two points from their last 10 Serie A games against Juventus.

Overall, the Tuscans have won only twice in 18 previous meetings against the Old Lady in Serie A, both at home.

Empoli have failed to score in each of their last four league games against the Bianconeri.

Empoli have picked up 14 points from 11 match-days, four more than those in the same period last season under Sarri.

Empoli have won three of their last five league games, and the last two at home – the last time they managed to win three home games in a row in the top-flight was in February 2007.

Juventus have conceded goals with the first shot on target they faced on six occasions so far in this Serie A campaign, including Bovo's goal in the derby against Torino last weekend.

Juventus are yet to win two games in a row in this Serie A.

Riccardo Saponara has contributed to 58% of Empoli's goals, scoring four and making three assists so far this term.


LAST FIVE MATCHES

Empoli  W D W L W

11/2/15 - Palermo 0 - 1 Empoli
10/29/15 - Sampdoria 1 - 1 Empoli
10/24/15 - Empoli 2 - 0 Genoa
10/17/15 - Roma 3 - 1 Empoli
10/4/15 - Empoli 1 - 0 Sassuolo


Juventus  D W L W D   

11/3/15 - Borussia Mönchengladbach 1 - 1 Juventus
10/31/15 - Juventus 2 - 1 Torino
10/28/15 - Sassuolo 1 - 0 Juventus
10/25/15 - Juventus 2 - 0 Atalanta
10/21/15 - Juventus 0 - 0 Borussia Mönchengladbach


HEAD TO HEAD

4/4/15 - Juventus 2 - 0 Empoli
11/1/14 - Empoli 0 - 2 Juventus
3/19/08 - Empoli 0 - 0 Juventus
1/15/08 - Juventus 5 - 3 Empoli
12/6/07 - Empoli 2 - 1 Juventus

 

http://www.goal.com/en-gb/tables/serie-a/13?ICID=SP_TN_127

[Socrates 8524]

Return Of The Seven Sisters? Why This Could Be
The Most Exciting Serie A Title Race In Years

http://www.thehardtackle.com/2015/return-of-the-seven-sisters-why-this-could-be-the-most-exciting-serie-a-title-race-in-years/?

 
Nov 8, 2015
 
Unpredictable; that’s how the title race in Serie A is shaping up this season on the basis of the first 11 games so far. Serie A’s heyday is long consigned to the past, but it was a glorious thing while it lasted. From the mid-80s to the mid-90s, it was the greatest league in Europe. Over the summer many sides had strengthened with the hope of challenging for the European spots. But with defending champions Juventus going through a transitional phase, the battle for the top spot will be fierce this year. THT looks at the early going in what should be a fascinating and enthralling season in Serie A.


Made in Sud: Sarri’s Napoli are worthy contenders for the title

Not since the days of Diego Maradona has the team from Naples enjoyed league success. The spring of 1990 was Napoli’s last title triumph which rounded off an extraordinary 10 year period which included both domestic and continental success. Napoli boss Maurizio Sarri has downplayed his team’s chances of winning the Scudetto but their early season form suggest otherwise. Napoli have already got the better of their title rivals Juventus, Fiorentina while mauling Milan and Lazio in the process. It has been over 20 years since Napoli last owned the status of league champions but there has been a talk of challenging for the crown in recent years. Walter Mazzarri led Napoli to a second place finish in 2012-13 while also ending the club’s 22-year wait for silverware with the Coppa Italia triumph over Juventus in 2012. The appointment of Rafa Benitez was a coup for Napoli and the Spaniard was expected to take Napoli to the next level. Despite another Coppa Italia and a Supercoppa Italiana, Benitez failed to mount any serious challenge against holders Juventus and eventually left after failing to qualify for the Champions League last season.

A summer of uncertainty prevailed as Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis tried in vain to appoint Jurgen Klopp and Unai Emery as the head coach but ultimately had to settle for the inexperienced Maurizio Sarri. Napoli’s slow start added to the pressure and club legend Diego Maradona claimed that Sarri would ensure Napoli get relegated this season. While the cult hero of Naples is entitled to his opinion about his beloved club, Sarri is proving him wrong and that too in some style. Having left a stuttering start behind them, the Partenopei are currently on a 10-match unbeaten run and are two points behind the leaders in fourth position. A lifelong Napoli supporter, Sarri claimed he would have done this job for free. He started with his favored 4-3-1-2 formation but slowly realized that 4-3-3 module was the best for Napoli. The trident of Insigne-Higuain-Callejon is playing with swagger; the Argentine in particular has been simply majestic leading the team from the front. He has already scored 8 goals and has taken up a dynamic role this season supporting the play along with the wingers. The defence which was Napoli’s Achilles heel under Benitez has already kept six clean sheets this season. Sarri has been a breath of fresh air for his boyhood club and with no team running away with the league after 11 games, Napoli have real hope of a first Scudetto in 26 years.


Can eternal chokers Roma finally win the Scudetto?

No team outside Turin or Milan has won the Scudetto since 2001 when Roma led by the trio of Batistuta-Totti-Montella won the title on a dramatic final day. Roma’s quest to regain the throne has fallen short ever since with eight second place finishes in the last 14 seasons. This could be the best chance for Roma now with defending champions Juventus in doldrums while the chasing pack are fighting to ascend what appears to be a vacant throne. Two seasons back they had amassed record points which would have given them the Scudetto in most years but fell short only because of an extraordinary performance by Antonio Conte’s Juventus. Roma’s recent pedigree, team chemistry and talent make them the most likely heir to Juve’s throne. Manager Rudi Garcia was bullish about his team’s chances last year and that overconfidence backfired badly on his team.

This time around he has kept expectations to a minimum regarding the Scudetto till now. Roma does not have an icon player carrying the team alone but they do have high caliber professionals who have collectively generated 25 goals so far this season. The defence has been a cause for major concern and needs to be resolved fast if they are expecting to challenge for the title. Mohammed Salah has started the season on a positive note while Miralem Pjanić has been their best player so far. New signings in defence Antonio Rudiger and Lucas Digne are settling in their new roles while the failed transfer of Ivory Coast winger Gervinho seems like one of the best deals in the summer for Roma. Rudi Garcia must address the issues in defence to be considered as realistic title contenders and once they are done there is little doubt that this team has the potential to lift the Scudetto for the first time in 14 years.


Fashion capital has reasons to smile

The city of Milan certainly has reasons to be optimistic after the positive start to the season by the Milanese clubs. Years of struggle has seen both the sides out of European competitions for the first time in their history this season. However with Inter in second position and Milan fifth, things have started to look a bit better this year. Inter have earned the reputation of being a defensive juggernaut while Milan after some initial hiccups have probably found the right answers after switching to a 4-3-3 system. The Nerazzurri have won seven of their 11 matches with a 1-0 scoreline while they have conceded the fewest number of goals in Serie A. Apart from the horrible first half display against Fiorentina, Inter have looked solid as a team although the lack of goals is a concern for manager Roberto Mancini. Big summer signing Geoffrey Kondogbia has failed to make any impact so far while club captain Mauro Icardi was dropped from the starting eleven ahead of the big game against AS Roma which suggests that there are some issues still unanswered in Appiano Gentile. The impenetrable backline of Miranda and Jeison Murillo has been one of the biggest stories in Italy this season and it is certainly hard to argue with Inter’s position at the top of the table. Things will get interesting once the strikers begin to find the back of the net.

On the other side of the city, Milan are certainly on the rise after a bright start to their campaign and are currently five points behind the league leaders. A summer of heavy spending was always going to create pressure on new manager Sinisa Mihajlovic and the start of the season was a bit shaky for the Rossoneri. However three straight wins plus a first clean sheet of the season has raised the spirits in the group. Mihajlovic has finally found the 4-3-3 formation to settle with and his players are slowly beginning to understand their roles better. The form of Alessio Cerci has been one of the highlights for Milan this season. Giacomo Bonaventura has earned rave reviews for his displays so far while there is little doubt that Carlos Bacca has been an instrumental figure for the club accounting for 43% of the goals scored by Milan so far. Milan still have some pressing issues to sort out in defence although their 16-year old goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma looks like a safe bet for the future. While none of the above reasons suggest that Milan will run away with the Scudetto this season, it has been a welcome sight for the fans after several seasons of disappointment.


Sousa’s surprise package Fiorentina are certainly not gatecrashers in the title race

There were big concerns in the summer for Fiorentina fans when Vincenzo Montella was surprisingly removed from his position as the head coach. Mohamed Salah, Norbeto Neto and Joaquin also left the team in controversial circumstances and the appointment of former Juventus star Paulo Sousa did not particularly impress the hardcore fans. But Sousa has managed to match and has actually surpassed the Italian in the opening months of the season. Montella’s elegant style has now been replaced with an attractive but more aggressive and attacking side. This side is beautiful but ruthless too. Sousa’s side press high up the pitch in order to retain possession and this approach led to their empathic 4-1 away win against their rivals Inter earlier this season. Sousa has already used 23 players this term with 21 of them getting a start which shows they have the strength in depth to compete till the end.

They are the second highest scorers in the division behind Roma and have rightfully earned their place at the top of the table. The big question for Fiorentina is to overcome their psychological disadvantage and have the required belief that they can actually win the Scudetto, their first since 1969. They have a tendency of choking in big games like the Europa league semis last year and also the Coppa Italia final against Napoli in 2014. Worryingly they have lost to both Roma and Napoli who are their direct competitors for the Scudetto. Sousa has the redress the balance and make sure they are not just pretenders to the throne. The table suggests they have 8 wins from 11 games. They have a strong side and should definitely be viewed as a bona fide Scudetto candidate.


Trapattoni is correct; Juventus are ‘a dragon with seven heads’

Juventus were the overwhelming favorites before the start of the season with some even suggesting that Max Allegri might prioritize the Champions League ahead of the Serie A, such was the gulf in quality between them and the challenging teams. However after 11 matches those same voices feel that the title is out of reach for the defending champions and they might even struggle to qualify for the Champions League next season too. While it is still very early in the season to arrive at such conclusions, one thing cannot be denied that Juventus are no longer the favorites to clinch a fifth straight Scudetto. The start of the season saw them suffer a shock defeat at home in the very first game against Udinese and Allegri’s men have lost three more games which include their direct title challengers Roma and Napoli. Juventus are currently nine points behind the leaders in 12th position and although the gap can be reduced yet the on-field displays have done little to give confidence to the fans. The title is slowly but surely moving out of their reach. The senior members of the team like Buffon and Evra have categorically dismissed any talk of the Scudetto and the history books do not make a good reading for the Old Lady. Over the past nine years, no team has won the league title from a position lower than third after round six. Several factors can be attributed for this slow start ranging from the loss of influential names to injuries, strange decisions from the coach but one thing that cannot be justified is the attitude of the players on the pitch. The frontline has little or no chemistry, Paul Pogba has looked a shadow of his former self this year while sloppy mistakes in defence have led to goals. It will be a very difficult task for the Bianconeri to get back into the title race even if they recover from a poor start.

The troubles that they have faced this season began in summer when they lost the players who had contributed 114 of the 210 goals scored in the last two years. The new players were always going to need time to settle but Juventus should not panic just yet. Losing their director Andrea Pirlo has forced Juventus to make changes in their approach which has subsequently led to some difficult moments on the pitch as can be witnessed by the large number of turnovers this season. The lack of ideas in the middle of the park is quite evident plus the injuries to Claudio Marchisio and summer signing Sami Khedira have not helped either. Juventus still have lots to do before getting back in contention but it would be a mistake to count them out. The early season struggle was somewhat expected (not of this magnitude) but no other team has threatened to run away with league so far. If the Bianconeri can put together a run of positive results then the nine point gap will evaporate soon. Only one defeat in October suggests maybe they have weathered the storm for now. Juventus will not give up the fight so soon.

It is no longer a one-horse race in Serie A. The past four years were a relatively easy ride for Juventus, but they face more than one obstacle as they look for their fifth consecutive title. Serie A is wide-open and set for a classic title race.

 

http://www.goal.com/en-gb/tables/serie-a/13?ICID=SP_TN_127

[Socrates 8524]

EMPOLI - JUVENTUS

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MATCHDAY 12
Sunday, November 8th, 2015 - 3:00 PM
Carlo Castellani Stadium, Empoli
Referee: Davide Massa

Giampaolo: 'Juve are a beast'

http://www.football-italia.net/75482/giampaolo-juve-are-beast?

 
Nov 8, 2015
 
Empoli Coach Marco Giampaolo warned today’s opponents Juventus are “like a beast that never sleeps.”

“We cannot let our concentration levels drop at any moment,” said the tactician in a Press conference.

“I consider this to be a very complicated test, as Juve are like a beast that never sleeps. I fear that even an excellent performance won’t necessarily be enough to deny them, so we have to add more on top.

“We are in the right form and condition to achieve a result, though. Juventus are not like other sides and even the slightest error is considered unforgivable by the media. I still believe they can come back into the title race.

“There are three points up for grabs, but also the chance for us to gain consistency. If we consider ourselves happy with a good performance and no points, that means we’ve lost something and it won’t help the maturation process.

“I still have a couple of choices to make for the line-up, a lot will depend on how we intend to start and end the match. The characteristics of my players can guide the outcome of the game.”

Riccardo Saponara is guaranteed to start and there are consistent reports he could be moving to Juventus in January.

“Saponara can go to a big club and Empoli can represent the chance to make that final step up. It can propel him on to the international stage and he has the quality to succeed there.”

This week there were also reports that Giampaolo had been considered for the Juventus job six years ago.

“Was I close to Juve in 2009? It’s been seven years, I don’t even remember any more. When you don’t reach an agreement it’s because one or both parties said no. My career certainly didn’t change because of that near miss.”

 

http://www.goal.com/en-gb/tables/serie-a/13?ICID=SP_TN_127

[Socrates 8524]

EMPOLI - JUVENTUS

-

 
 

MATCHDAY 12
Sunday, November 8th, 2015 - 3:00 PM
Carlo Castellani Stadium, Empoli
Referee: Davide Massa

Line-ups: Empoli-Juventus

http://www.football-italia.net/75493/line-ups-empoli-juventus?

 
Nov 8, 2015
 
Juventus look to Juan Cuadrado, Mario Mandzukic and Alvaro Morata against Riccardo Saponara’s Empoli.

The Bianconeri have revived their fortunes with a last-gasp Derby della Mole win over Torino, but were pegged back midweek in the Champions League by Borussia Monchengladbach.

Hernanes saw red in that game and is dropped, as Sami Khedira returns from injury to form the first-choice midfield with Paul Pogba and Claudio Marchisio.

Stephan Lichtsteiner made an amazing comeback a month after heart surgery by scoring in Germany on Tuesday and starts here again.

Roberto Pereyra and Kwadwo Asamoah are the only remaining injury absentees for Max Allegri.

Despite some poor performances, Mandzukic is picked ahead of Paulo Dybala.

Empoli have a strong home record and can count on the form of trequartista Saponara, who Juventus (and Liverpool) are targeting for next season.

Daniele Croce, Uros Cosic and Levan Mchedlidze are unavailable, but veteran Massimo Maccarone and Italy Under-21 international Manuel Pucciarelli form the unlikely partnership.

Juventus are unbeaten at the Stadio Castellani since April 1999, winning five out of nine trips with 13 goals scored.


Empoli: Skorupski; Laurini, Tonelli, Costa, Mario Rui; Zielinski, Maiello, Paredes; Saponara; Maccarone, Pucciarelli

Juventus: Buffon; Lichtsteiner, Barzagli, Bonucci, Evra; Khedira, Marchisio, Pogba; Cuadrado, Mandzukic, Morata

 

http://www.goal.com/en-gb/tables/serie-a/13?ICID=SP_TN_127

[Socrates 8524]

EMPOLI - JUVENTUS

-

 
 

MATCHDAY 12
Sunday, November 8th, 2015 - 3:00 PM
Carlo Castellani Stadium, Empoli
Referee: Davide Massa

Empoli V Juventus – Preview: Azzurri Look
To Compound Bianconeri Struggles

http://forzaitalianfootball.com/2015/11/empoli-v-juventus-preview-azzurri-look-to-compound-bianconeri-struggles/?

 
Nov 8, 2015
 
Empoli will be trying to leapfrog Juventus in the Serie A standings when the Azzurri host the Bianconeri Sunday afternoon at the Stadio Carlo Castellani.

Juventus currently sit in 10th, with a single point separating them from their humble opponents.

Marco Giampaolo has seen his team enter into in a good run of form, with three victories in their last five games. Juventus can boast an similar record during this period, but Juve’s loftier expectations for this season mean that there is less to get excited over in Turin. Juventus currently find themselves nine points behind league leaders Fiorentina and Inter. Empoli on the other hand will be content to find themselves five points off the relegation zone.

Massimiliano Allegri’s men are undefeated in their past three Serie A fixtures. This is not usually something to write home about but given Juve’s struggles this season, this is a run of form that can be used to build off of. Astonishingly, Juve are looking for consecutive victories for just the first time this season. The Bianconeri’s play seems to be improving and have slowly been climbing back up the table.

Riccardo Saponara is Empoli’s leading scorer with four goals. Paulo Dybala is Juventus top poacher with the same tally.

The Old Lady have historically dominated this fixture with 10 wins, three draws and just a single losses in 14 matches. Supporters can also take heart in Juventus’ goalscoring form against Empoli, scoring at least two goals in eight of their last 10 matches in all competitions.

Levan Mchedlidze and Daniele Croce are missing through injury for the home side. Kastriot Dermaku and Uros Cosic the long-term absentees. Roberto Pereyra and Kwadwo Asamoah are out of action for the visitors. Sami Khedira returned to training following a calf injury but is listed as doubtful.


Form Guide: Empoli (W-D-W-L-W) Juventus (W-L-W-D-W)


Expected Starting XIs

Empoli: Skorupski; Laurini, Tonelli, Costa, Mario Rui; Zielinski, Maiello, Paredes; Saponara; Pucciarelli, Maccarone

Juventus: Buffon; Lichtsteiner, Barzagli, Chiellini, Alex Sandro; Sturaro, Marchisio, Pogba; Cuadrado, Mandzukic, Morata

 

http://www.goal.com/en-gb/tables/serie-a/13?ICID=SP_TN_127

[Socrates 8524]

EMPOLI - JUVENTUS

-

 
 

MATCHDAY 12
Sunday, November 8th, 2015 - 3:00 PM
Carlo Castellani Stadium, Empoli
Referee: Davide Massa

Half-Time 1-2: Juventus
fight back to lead Empoli

http://www.sportsmole.co.uk/football/juventus/half-time-report/half-time-report-juventus-fight-back-to-lead-empoli_256549.html?

 
Nov 8, 2015
 
Juventus have come from behind to take a 2-1 lead into the break in their Serie A clash against Empoli this afternoon.

Mario Mandzukic came close to giving the visitors the lead when he arrived to meet Juan Cuadrado's cross at the back post, but he could only turn the ball wide of the target.

Within minutes Empoli took the lead as Massimo Maccarone collected the ball just outside the box, and was allowed space to turn before drilling a low strike past Gianluigi Buffon and into the bottom corner.

However, Juventus were not behind for long, as the hosts failed to deal with Sami Khedira's ball into the box, allowing Mandzukic to slide in and finish from close range.

It got even better for the Old Lady six minutes later when Patrice Evra rose to meet Cuadrado's corner, before powering in a header to give his side the lead.

 

http://www.goal.com/en-gb/tables/serie-a/13?ICID=SP_TN_127

[Socrates 8524]

EMPOLI - JUVENTUS

1 - 3

Massimo Maccarone (19')

Mario Mandžukić (32')
Patrice Evra (38')
Paulo Dybala (84')

 
 

MATCHDAY 12
Sunday, November 8th, 2015 - 3:00 PM
Carlo Castellani Stadium, Empoli
Referee: Davide Massa

Empoli 1-3 Juventus: Dybala
seals comeback win

The Italian champions fell behind but recovered to take all
three points with Mario Mandzukic and Patrice Evra also on target.

http://www.goal.com/en-gb/match/empoli-vs-juventus/2120486/report

 
Nov 8, 2015
 
Defender Patrice Evra netted a rare goal to help Juventus come from behind to defeat Empoli 3-1 as the reigning Serie A champions claimed a first win in five away games in all competitions.

Juve were forced to dig deep when Massimo Maccarone looked dangerous for the hosts right from the start and gifted his side a surprise lead halfway through the first half.

Mario Mandzukic restored parity at the half-hour mark, though, before Evra headed home his first goal since last December.

Paulo Dybala punished wasteful Empoli with Juve's third six minutes from time as Massimiliano Allegri's men secured back-to-back league victories for the first time this season, although they still trail leaders Inter by nine points.

The Turin side first threatened after 15 minutes when Paul Pogba tried his luck with an ambitious volley from outside the area that was too high.

Mandzukic should have opened the scoring barely 60 seconds later after a perfect cross from Juan Cuadrado, yet the former Bayern Munich forward failed to properly connect and tapped his shot just wide from close range.

Empoli proved to be more clinical in front of goal and broke the deadlock after 19 minutes. Riccardo Saponara intercepted Leonardo Bonucci's poor pass from the back and Maccarone collected the loose ball on the edge of the area before beating Gianluigi Buffon with a low shot.

Saponara will feel he could have done better when he evaded a number of opposition players, but his shot from 20 yards lacked the power and precision to worry Buffon.

Juventus restored parity just after the half-hour mark following some unconvincing Empoli defending. Sami Khedira won a header to set up Mandzukic and the striker slid the ball past goalkeeper Lukasz Skorupski.

Evra then gifted the reigning champions the lead after 38 minutes. Cuadrado curled in a corner from the right and the former Manchester United defender beat his marker to the ball before heading home.

Maccarone came close to netting an equaliser on the stroke of half-time following some fine work from Saponara, but his shot from the right-hand side of the area went inches wide at the far post.

The veteran striker had a great chance to make it 2-2 shortly after the break following a superb free-kick from Leandro Paredes, yet Maccarone aimed wide from just five yards out.

Juventus were again fortunate not to concede a second goal at the hour mark. Maccarone sent in a dangerous free-kick from the edge of the box and Mandzukic nearly beat his own goalkeeper with his attempted clearance.

Allegri's side looked dangerous again with 20 minutes left, but Pogba blasted his shot over after cutting inside from the left.

A third Juve goal did arrive late on. Mandzukic hit the upright after Skorupski had kept out Stephan Lichtsteiner's initial attempt, but Dybala was alert to tap home the rebound.

 

http://www.goal.com/en-gb/tables/serie-a/13?ICID=SP_TN_127

[Socrates 8524]

EMPOLI - JUVENTUS

1 - 3

Massimo Maccarone (19')

Mario Mandžukić (32')
Patrice Evra (38')
Paulo Dybala (84')

 

MATCHDAY 12
Sunday, November 8th, 2015 - 3:00 PM
Carlo Castellani Stadium, Empoli
Referee: Davide Massa

Juve continue comeback

Juventus fought back from an early goal
to conquer Empoli 3-1 with a rare Patrice Evra goal.

http://www.football-italia.net/SerieA/match/69930

 
Nov 8, 2015
 
The Bianconeri were fresh from a last-gasp Derby della Mole victory, but were pegged back in the Champions League by Borussia Monchengladbach midweek. Stephan Lichtsteiner made his comeback in that game a month after heart surgery and scored, while Sami Khedira returns here, leaving only Roberto Pereyra and Kwadwo Asamoah injured. Empoli missed Daniele Croce, Uros Cosic and Levan Mchedlidze.

Juventus were unbeaten at the Stadio Castellani since April 1999, winning five out of nine trips with 13 goals scored.

Juan Cuadrado whipped a ball across the six-yard box and Mario Mandzukic came sliding in, just unable to steer it on target at the back post.

However, Empoli took the lead with their first shot on target. Leonardo Bonucci gave the ball away in the final third and Massimo Maccarone’s snooker shot beat Gigi Buffon right in the corner.

The Bianconeri got their equaliser, as Cuadrado knocked it down for Mandzukic to come sliding in and at first the Croatian didn’t get enough on the ball, but found another few centimetres of stretch to prod it over the line at the second attempt.

Juventus turned it around completely within six minutes, as a corner found Patrice Evra for a splendid looping header that bounced right in front of Lukasz Skorupski.

After the restart Buffon did just about enough to stop Maccarone getting on the end of a Riccardo Saponara through ball, then Saponara’s back-heel flick from a free kick was deflected over the bar.

Juve were under pressure and moved to a 3-5-2 system, but they eventually got a third goal in controversial circumstances.

Stephan Lichtsteiner was clearly offside when he ran on to a ball over the top, set up Mandzukic to hit the inside of the far post and Paulo Dybala scored with the rebound.


Empoli:

Skorupski; Laurini, Tonelli, Costa, Mario Rui; Zielinski, Maiello (Diousse’ 58), Paredes (Krunic 67); Saponara; Maccarone, Pucciarelli

Juventus:

Buffon; Lichtsteiner, Barzagli, Bonucci, Evra; Khedira, Marchisio, Pogba; Cuadrado (Chiellini 68), Mandzukic, Morata (Dybala 68)

Ref: Massa

 

http://www.goal.com/en-gb/tables/serie-a/13?ICID=SP_TN_127

[Socrates 8524]

EMPOLI - JUVENTUS

1 - 3

Massimo Maccarone (19')

Mario Mandžukić (32')
Patrice Evra (38')
Paulo Dybala (84')

 

MATCHDAY 12
Sunday, November 8th, 2015 - 3:00 PM
Carlo Castellani Stadium, Empoli
Referee: Davide Massa

Empoli 1-3 Juventus: Old Lady Fight
Back To Defeat Azzurri

http://forzaitalianfootball.com/2015/11/empoli-1-3-juventus-old-lady-fight-back-to-defeat-azzurri/?

 
Nov 8, 2015
 
Juventus defeated Empoli 3-1 at the Stadio Carlo Castellani in Serie A on Sunday afternoon.

Massimo Maccarone put the home side ahead just 19 minutes into the game, however, the defiant Bianconeri clawed back two goals through Mario Mandzukic and Patrice Evra before Paulo Dybala wrapped up all three points.

Empoli started the game strongly as they boasted the majority of possession, happily passing the ball around a seemingly timid Juventus midfield, who were given little room to breathe by Riccardo Saponara.

Despite this it was the visitors who would have the first real chance of the game, as Jaun Cuadrado found himself on a break before flashing the ball across goal for Mario Mandzukic, only for the Croatian striker to flail and miss-hit the ball from four yards out.

As punishment for the early miss Empoli hit back and took the lead with a smooth goal. Saponara picked up the ball in midfield after a failed clearance from Leonardo Bonucci, and fed the ball to compatriot Massimo Maccarone who beat his man and hammered the ball into the net from 20-yards-out.

It took Juventus a further 20 minutes to find a goal of there own, with Mario Mandzukic sliding in to level the score and atone for his earlier miss.

The reigning champions then began to take a stronger grip on the game and not before long they found a second goal. Defender Patrice Evra lept the highest to reach Cuadrado’s 40th minute corner, sending a powerful header past Lukasz Skorupski.

Mandzukic could have added a third for Juventus after the break if it were not for a piece of fantastic defending from Lorenzo Tonelli, who came to the Azzurri’s rescue with a well timed sliding tackle.

Gianluigi Buffon then put his side’s lead at risk just a matter of minutes later as he came off his line to foul Manuel Pucciarelli, though the Italian veteran avoided a near own goal by Mandzukic from the resulting free kick as the ball bounced over the bar.

In spite of the host’s relentless attacks Juventus were to score again, this time through substitute Paulo Dybala who finished off a rebound to give his side their first back to back wins of the season.

 

http://www.goal.com/en-gb/tables/serie-a/13?ICID=SP_TN_127

[Socrates 8524]

EMPOLI - JUVENTUS

1 - 3

Massimo Maccarone (19')

Mario Mandžukić (32')
Patrice Evra (38')
Paulo Dybala (84')

 

MATCHDAY 12
Sunday, November 8th, 2015 - 3:00 PM
Carlo Castellani Stadium, Empoli
Referee: Davide Massa

Juventus too good
for spirited Empoli

http://www.sportsmole.co.uk/football/juventus/result/result-juventus-too-good-for-spirited-empoli_256563.html

 
Nov 8, 2015
 
Juventus have come from behind to claim a 3-1 victory over Empoli in their Serie A match at the Stadio Carlo Castellani this afternoon.

Mario Mandzukic came close to giving the visitors the lead when he arrived to meet Juan Cuadrado's cross at the back post, but he could only turn the ball wide of the target.

Within minutes Empoli took the lead as Massimo Maccarone collected the ball just outside the box, and was allowed space to turn before drilling a low strike past Gianluigi Buffon and into the bottom corner.

However, Juventus were not behind for long, as the hosts failed to deal with Sami Khedira's ball into the box, allowing Mandzukic to slide in and finish from close range.

It got even better for the Old Lady six minutes later when Patrice Evra rose to meet Cuadrado's corner, before powering in a header to give his side the lead.

Empoli came out strongly at the beginning of the second half, and Riccardo Saponara saw an effort denied by Buffon, before Maccarone headed wide from a free kick.

Despite their best efforts, the hosts were unable to find an equaliser, and their opponents made sure of the points with a third goal in the closing stages, as Paulo Dybala slotted in from close range, after Stephan Lichtsteiner and Mandzukic had been denied.

http://www.goal.com/en-gb/tables/serie-a/13?ICID=SP_TN_127

[Socrates 8524]

EMPOLI - JUVENTUS

1 - 3

Massimo Maccarone (19')

Mario Mandžukić (32')
Patrice Evra (38')
Paulo Dybala (84')

 

MATCHDAY 12
Sunday, November 8th, 2015 - 3:00 PM
Carlo Castellani Stadium, Empoli
Referee: Davide Massa

Dybala: 'Juve believe
we're the best'

http://www.football-italia.net/75502/dybala-juve-believe-were-best?

 
Nov 8, 2015
 
Paulo Dybala noted Juventus “believe we’re the strongest side in Serie A and we want to prove it.”

The Bianconeri registered two consecutive victories for the first time in the League this season, beating Empoli 3-1 at the Stadio Castellani.

“We wanted the win and we’re therefore happy,” Dybala told Sky Sport Italia.

“After conceding the early goal we reacted well and the victory was deserved. There are many players who are doing well, so I was not remotely upset at starting from the bench.

“I am just happy when I get to give my contribution and I remain concentrated always. Unfortunately in this sport only 11 players can start.

“We believe we’re the strongest side in Serie A and we want to prove it. The next game against Milan is the perfect fixture to continue this good moment.”

http://www.goal.com/en-gb/tables/serie-a/13?ICID=SP_TN_127

[Socrates 8524]

EMPOLI - JUVENTUS

1 - 3

Massimo Maccarone (19')

Mario Mandžukić (32')
Patrice Evra (38')
Paulo Dybala (84')

 

MATCHDAY 12
Sunday, November 8th, 2015 - 3:00 PM
Carlo Castellani Stadium, Empoli
Referee: Davide Massa

Juventus battle back
to win at Empoli

http://www.espnfc.co.uk/italian-serie-a/match/432156/empoli-juventus/report?

 
Nov 8, 2015
 
Juventus came from behind to beat Empoli 3-1 on Sunday and record their first win on the road since Sept. 20.

Massimo Maccarone put Empoli ahead in the 19th minute but Mario Mandzukic equalised in the 32nd minute.

Patrice Evra then gave the visitors the lead six minutes later with his first goal of the season before substitute Paulo Dybala all but assured Juve victory with his team's third six minutes from time.

The win was the fifth of the campaign for the defending Serie A champions and lifted them to seventh place. They are nine points adrift of league leaders Inter Milan.

Despite a good start, Juventus conceded a goal with Empoli's first shot of the game.

Riccardo Saponara fed Maccarone just outside the area and he hit a diagonal strike past Juve goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon.

It marked the seventh time this season in the league that an opponent scored with their first attempt against Juve.

The visitors pulled level shortly after when Sami Khedira headed a cross into the path of Mandzukic and the Croatian beat Empoli goalkeeper Lukasz Skorupski with a right-footed shot from the heart of the area.

Juve went ahead before the interval as Evra got past his marker and headed Juan Cuadrado's cross past Skorupski.

Empoli almost equalised early in the second half but Saponara's right-footed shot was saved by Buffon.

In the 84th minute, Mandzukic's attempt rattled the left post, but Dybala was first to the rebound and he blasted the ball into the back of the net as Juve ended Empoli's three-match unbeaten run.

http://www.goal.com/en-gb/tables/serie-a/13?ICID=SP_TN_127

[Socrates 8524]

EMPOLI - JUVENTUS

1 - 3

Massimo Maccarone (19')

Mario Mandžukić (32')
Patrice Evra (38')
Paulo Dybala (84')

 

MATCHDAY 12
Sunday, November 8th, 2015 - 3:00 PM
Carlo Castellani Stadium, Empoli
Referee: Davide Massa

Allegri: 'Juventus,
let's think positive'

http://www.football-italia.net/75504/allegri-juventus-lets-think-positive?

 
Nov 8, 2015
 
Max Allegri says people can't watch 'only the negative' side of the Juventus campaign, and stresses the positives after the 3-1 victory against Empoli.

The Bianconeri convincingly defeated the Azzurri in spite of going down by 1-0, in a match that continues building Allegri's confidence.

“The approach to the game was good,” he said after the match. “We lost a ball when coming out of our own half and we were left in a difficult two-against-three situation, that's why we took a goal.

“Our game still has to improve, but let's see things in a positive light.

“We're seventh, nobody expected this position at the beginning of the championship but we've had two victories in a row and a positive result in the Champions League. We can't just focus on the negatives.

“Mandzukic? He did well, he put himself in the team's service. But the whole team did well, like Marchisio, who is coming back. Khedira played even though he wasn't in top condition.

“As always in football, you must not become hysterical and lose your nerve, even when the moment is difficult. Tonight the lads did well because they stayed calm after taking a goal.”

Allegri was then asked if he thought that Captain Gianluigi Buffon's harsh words to the team after the 1-0 defeat to Sassuolo had helped them get back on track.

“Yes, these are the moments when thoughts are turned into words. It's normal that Buffon, who has such a sense of responsibility towards himself and the others, should speak in a certain way.

“But after that we have to take to the pitch and avoid taking victory for granted just because we're Juventus. We must all keep our feet on the ground and win with humility.

“Football is strange, Inter won seven games by 1-0 and we keep taking a goal as soon as somebody shoots.

“Our third goal was on offside? They told me that, yes. It happens. On the whole I think the refereeing was good.”

http://www.goal.com/en-gb/tables/serie-a/13?ICID=SP_TN_127

[Socrates 8524]

EMPOLI - JUVENTUS

1 - 3

Massimo Maccarone (19')

Mario Mandžukić (32')
Patrice Evra (38')
Paulo Dybala (84')

 

MATCHDAY 12
Sunday, November 8th, 2015 - 3:00 PM
Carlo Castellani Stadium, Empoli
Referee: Davide Massa

TEAM RATINGS

Mandzukic, Evra and Dybala on target and the best on the pitch.

http://www.goal.com/en/match/empoli-vs-juventus/2120486/ratings?ICID=MP_MS_6

 
Nov 8, 2015
 

Empoli

28 L. Skorupski - Really should have done better with Mandzukic’s goal, which he failed to close down quickly enough, but pulled off several good saves from then onwards to keep his side in the game until late on.

2 V. Laurini - Was involved in a difficult battle with Evra but put in a good shift against the impressive left-back.

26 L. Tonelli - Arguably the most impressive Empoli defender. Was involved in a fascinating battle with Mandzukic and did his best to frustrate the big Croatian.

15 A. Costa - Was part of an impressive central defensive duo that put in a good shift against Mandzukic and were unlucky not to be on the winning side.

21 Mário Rui - Had a difficult task trying to deal with Lichtsteiner, who was often left in far too much space by the under-pressure Portuguese left-back.

17 P. Zielinski - Started well but quickly faded as he struggled to find much joy when on the ball and looked poor defensively.

13 R. Maiello - Really struggled in front of the Empoli back four, where he was constantly put under pressure and looked off the pace defensively.

32 L. Paredes - Struggled defensively at times but was far better going forward, particularly in the second half.

5 R. Saponara - Looked bright in his number 10 role, where he often found himself in the thick of the action when Empoli broke forward quickly.

7 M. Maccarone - Easily Empoli’s best player. The veteran striker fired his side into the lead with an excellent 20-yard shot and proved to be a thorn in the side of the Juventus defenders from then onwards.

20 M. Pucciarelli - It was a difficult afternoon for the striker, who failed to find much joy in front of goal and, as a result, was largely anonymous.


Substitutes

14 A. El Hadji - Replaced Maiello with half-an-hour left to play and put in a good shift, protecting his back four well as Empoli tried to push further forward.

33 R. Krunić - Came on for Paredes and looked bright on a few occasions but largely found it difficult against a strong Juventus team.

77 M. Büchel - Featured for the final few minutes but didn't make much of an impact.

 

Juventus

1 G. Buffon - Could do little about Maccarone’s thumping strike that put Empoli into the lead but had a moment of madness when he brought down Pucciarelli with a clumsy challenge just outside of his penalty area.

26 S. Lichtsteiner - Looked bright down the right wing, where he battled hard against Rui and often linked up well with Cuadrado.

15 A. Barzagli - Really should have done better to close down Maccarone in the build-up to the veteran’s goal but looked solid from then onwards.

19 L. Bonucci - The centre-back was solid but let himself down with a poor attempted clearance that allowed Maccarone to fire Empoli into the lead.

33 P. Evra - Was a constant figure down the left wing and headed in Juventus’ second goal with an absolutely excellent header that left Skorupski with no chance.

6 S. Khedira - Put in a solid display in midfield and marked his return from injury with the assist for Mandzukic’s opener.

8 C. Marchisio - Looked solid at the base of the Juventus midfield. Protected his back four and did well to hassle the Empoli forwards when they looked to break away on quick counter-attacks.

10 P. Pogba - It was a relatively quiet game for the Frenchman, who put in a solid display in the centre of the pitch but failed to dazzle.

16 J. Cuadrado - One of Juventus’ better players when pushing forward. Used his pace and skill to good effect and set up Evra’s goal with a sublime corner.

17 M. Mandžukić - Showed good determination in the final third of the pitch and fought well against two strong centre-backs, resulting in him poking in his second league goal of the campaign.

9 Álvaro Morata - The Spaniard offered glimpses of good skill during his time on the pitch but largely struggled to make much of an impact and was hauled off with 20 minutes to go.


Substitutes

3 G. Chiellini - Came on for Cuadrado as Juventus changed their shape to deal with Empoli and the move worked a treat.

21 P. Dybala - Replaced the largely ineffectual Morata and made a great impact by firing in what would prove to be his side's final goal of the afternoon.

20 S. Padoin - Featured for the final few moments but failed to make much of an impact in his short time on the pitch.

 

http://www.goal.com/en-gb/tables/serie-a/13?ICID=SP_TN_127

[Socrates 8524]

EMPOLI - JUVENTUS

1 - 3

Massimo Maccarone (19')

Mario Mandžukić (32')
Patrice Evra (38')
Paulo Dybala (84')

 

MATCHDAY 12
Sunday, November 8th, 2015 - 3:00 PM
Carlo Castellani Stadium, Empoli
Referee: Davide Massa

Giampaolo: 'Juve a great team'

http://www.football-italia.net/75513/giampaolo-juve-great-team

 
Nov 8, 2015
 
Empoli Coach Marco Giampaolo admits the superiority of his rivals: 'Juventus played as a great team, without doing great things'.

The Azzurri caressed the illusion of victory after taking the Bianconeri down by a goal, but the comeback ended 3-1 for the visitors.

“We made a gift of the first goal, it was a technical injury,” he said after the game. “The second came from a dead ball and the third, as far as I've been told, was offside.

“We tried making our own game. Juventus were better because they have more experience, they knew how to handle the moments of the game.

“They were able to interpret the game as a great team, without doing great things.

“We met a great team with enough personality to play at the back too. We tried to press in that zone but they weren't intimidated and sometimes they were able to undo our offence.

“Of course you can never be happy about a loss, especially after a result like this, which can only leave us feeling embittered.

“Nonetheless, we tried doing what we could. Perhaps we could have done more, but Juve knew how to play in the nitty-gritty, handling things with experience.

“Obviously we could have picked up a positive result if we'd been able to defend our goal, but we're emerging from a string of games that haven't been positive.

“Today we made a few mistakes too many.”

 

http://www.goal.com/en-gb/tables/serie-a/13?ICID=SP_TN_127

[Socrates 8524]

EMPOLI - JUVENTUS

1 - 3

Massimo Maccarone (19')

Mario Mandžukić (32')
Patrice Evra (38')
Paulo Dybala (84')

 

MATCHDAY 12
Sunday, November 8th, 2015 - 3:00 PM
Carlo Castellani Stadium, Empoli
Referee: Davide Massa

Evra expects Juventus'
revival to continue

Goals from Mandzukic, the French full-back and Dybala sent the Italian champions
surging back after an uncomfortable start as they recorded their first back-to-back wins.

http://www.goal.com/en/news/723/serie-a/2015/11/08/17114132/evra-expects-juve-revival-to-go-on?ICID=TP_HN_HP_RI_1_2

 
Nov 8, 2015
 
Patrice Evra is confident Juventus will soon be back to their usual best following a 3-1 away win over Empoli on Sunday.

The reigning Serie A champions fell 1-0 behind in the 19th minute of the match at the Stadio Carlo Castellani, but goals from Mario Mandzukic, Evra and Paulo Dybala turned things around for the visitors.

Juve, who have now collected 18 points from 12 games, are slowly working their way up the table and Evra is pleased with the team's progress.

"Let's not look at the table, the important thing is to work hard for each other and do the jersey justice. If we continue to do that then we'll soon start to see the real Juve," the Frenchman told reporters.

"We had to win and produce a professional performance and now we need to make sure we continue in the same vein and with the same good spirit in the games to come.

"Getting back to the top of the table and closing the gap on our rivals is all about focusing on each game as it comes.

"Our next match against Milan [on November 21] will show if we're really back to form."

 

http://www.goal.com/en-gb/tables/serie-a/13?ICID=SP_TN_127

[Socrates 8524]

EMPOLI - JUVENTUS

1 - 3

Massimo Maccarone (19')

Mario Mandžukić (32')
Patrice Evra (38')
Paulo Dybala (84')

 

MATCHDAY 12
Sunday, November 8th, 2015 - 3:00 PM
Carlo Castellani Stadium, Empoli
Referee: Davide Massa

Allegri hails Buffon as best goalkeeper
ever after win over Empoli

The veteran shot-stopper is closing in on his 38th birthday but put in another sterling
performance to help Juve take three points on the road, attracting praise from his coach.

http://www.goal.com/en/news/723/serie-a/2015/11/08/17113192/allegri-buffon-best-of-all-time?ICID=TP_HN_HP_RI_0_2

 
Nov 8, 2015
 
Massimiliano Allegri voiced his admiration of Gianluigi Buffon in the wake of Juventus' 3-1 Serie A win over Empoli on Sunday.

The veteran goalkeeper, who turns 38 in January, was called into action a number of times after the break as Empoli chased an equaliser at 2-1 down and Allegri was quick to acknowledge Buffon's role in Juve's victory.

"I'm lucky enough to coach Buffon. He's the best goalkeeper of all time," said Allegri after watching his side collect back-to-back league wins for the first time this season.

"It was a difficult game. We once again conceded from their first shot on goal, then showed a decent reaction. We reacted well to falling behind, keeping our cool and looking to get back into the encounter.

"There are times when things don't go your way. All we can do is keep working and trying to climb the league.

"We'll take the three points, focus on the positives and enjoy a decent international break."

Juventus, who sealed victory over Empoli courtesy of goals from Patrice Evra, Mario Mandzukic and Paulo Dybala, have collected 18 points from 12 games and are trailing leaders Inter by nine points following this weekend's results.

http://www.goal.com/en-gb/tables/serie-a/13?ICID=SP_TN_127

[Socrates 8524]

EMPOLI - JUVENTUS

1 - 3

Massimo Maccarone (19')

Mario Mandžukić (32')
Patrice Evra (38')
Paulo Dybala (84')

 

MATCHDAY 12
Sunday, November 8th, 2015 - 3:00 PM
Carlo Castellani Stadium, Empoli
Referee: Davide Massa

Paulo Dybala: 'Juventus deserved
win at Empoli'

http://www.sportsmole.co.uk/football/juventus/news/dybala-juventus-deserved-win-at-empoli_256582.html

 
Nov 8, 2015
 
Juventus forward Paulo Dybala has said that his team deserved to claim the points in their 3-1 win over Empoli this afternoon.

Massimo Maccarone had given the Azzurri an early lead, but goals from Mario Mandzukic and Patrice Evra turned the game in favour of Massimiliano Allegri's side.

Dybala then came off the bench to wrap up the victory in the closing stages to help Juventus continue their resurgence after a poor start to the season.

"We wanted the win and we're therefore happy," Dybala told Sky Sport Italia. "After conceding the early goal we reacted well and the victory was deserved. There are many players who are doing well, so I was not remotely upset at starting from the bench.

"I am just happy when I get to give my contribution and I remain concentrated always. Unfortunately in this sport only 11 players can start.

"We believe we're the strongest side in Serie A and we want to prove it. The next game against Milan is the perfect fixture to continue this good moment."

Juventus are currently in seventh place in the Serie A table.

http://www.goal.com/en-gb/tables/serie-a/13?ICID=SP_TN_127

[Socrates 8524]

EMPOLI - JUVENTUS

1 - 3

Massimo Maccarone (19')

Mario Mandžukić (32')
Patrice Evra (38')
Paulo Dybala (84')

 

MATCHDAY 12
Sunday, November 8th, 2015 - 3:00 PM
Carlo Castellani Stadium, Empoli
Referee: Davide Massa

Allegri: Juventus Win Against
Empoli Was Vital

http://forzaitalianfootball.com/2015/11/allegri-juventus-win-against-empoli-was-vital/?

 
Nov 8, 2015
 
Massimiliano Allegri believes Juventus’ 3-1 win away at Empoli is a vital step forward in their bid to make up ground in Serie A.

The Bianconeri came back from 1-0 down against the Tuscan side to earn their first back to back wins of the season, a victory which according to Allegri was hard fought.

“We had a good win against a strong Empoli side to whom I offer my congratulations,” Allegri told Sport Mediaset after the game.

“We went behind due to our own carelessness, though we reacted well afterwards.

“We suffered a lot despite winning. But this is normal.

“I can’t explain why we continue to concede so early on though.

“This year we have conceded several times with our opponent’s first shot on goal.

“I guess this is just football, it’s a difficult thing to explain such as why Inter have won 1-0 seven times this season.

The Juventus coach then went onto focus on several player’s performances before speaking of how his side should improve.

“Mandzukic responded well today and so did Claudio Marchisio,” Allegri continued.

“The whole team had a good game today, especially as they weren’t held to a draw.

“However, the season is still long and we have not done anything yet.

“To improve we should be more relaxed and see things in a positive way.

“In some situations we have played a bit rough, but I’m fine with this because it is teaches the guys that there are no easy games.”

http://www.goal.com/en-gb/tables/serie-a/13?ICID=SP_TN_127

[Socrates 8524]

EMPOLI - JUVENTUS

1 - 3

Massimo Maccarone (19')

Mario Mandžukić (32')
Patrice Evra (38')
Paulo Dybala (84')

 

MATCHDAY 12
Sunday, November 8th, 2015 - 3:00 PM
Carlo Castellani Stadium, Empoli
Referee: Davide Massa

Giampaolo: Empoli Gave
Everything Against Juventus

http://forzaitalianfootball.com/2015/11/giampaolo-empoli-gave-everything-against-juventus/?

 
Nov 8, 2015
 
Empoli coach Marco Giampaolo thinks his side gave an excellent performance against reigning champions Juventus despite losing 3-1.

The Azzurri took the lead thanks to a long-range drive from Massimo Maccarone, though they were unable to hold the visitors back who eventually proved too strong a force for Giampaolo’s team to handle.

“The team gave an excellent performance, though we could have played even better,” Giampaolo told reporters after the game.

“On the occasions where we conceded it was always our fault, as we conceded possession too easily.”

Giampaolo then went onto praise Juventus but believes there were positives to take from the game.

“Juve were of course good in managing the game,” Giampaolo continued.

“They are a very experienced and professional team.

“There is always regret whenever you lose, but I think Empoli can do even better than they did today.

“Now we need to forget about this game and grow, taking away only the positives.”

http://www.goal.com/en-gb/tables/serie-a/13?ICID=SP_TN_127

[Socrates 8524]

EMPOLI - JUVENTUS

1 - 3

Massimo Maccarone (19')

Mario Mandžukić (32')
Patrice Evra (38')
Paulo Dybala (84')

 

MATCHDAY 12
Sunday, November 8th, 2015 - 3:00 PM
Carlo Castellani Stadium, Empoli
Referee: Davide Massa

Mandzukic magic: Is Juventus' stuttering
start now firmly behind them?

The striker has failed to spark since his summer move but was the catalyst
for Massimiliano Allegri's men as they came from behind to beat Empoli on Sunday.

http://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/3276/serie-a/2015/11/08/17113512/-?

 
Nov 8, 2015
 
It may have taken until November, but Juventus’s victory over Empoli continued their recent resurgence and, perhaps ominously for the rest of Serie A, marked the first time this season the champions have won back-to-back league games.

While Max Allegri’s men remain nine points behind leaders Inter going into the international break, a first win in five away games and, perhaps more crucially a goal for Mario Mandzukic, will have Roberto Mancini’s men looking warily behind them.

The Croatia international got off to a fine start after his summer move from Atletico Madrid, scoring in the 2-0 Suppercoppa win over Lazio in Shanghai back in August as Juve began life after Carlos Tevez in promising fashion.

However, Mandzukic then had to wait over a month for his next goal, coming in the 2-1 Champions League win over Manchester City while in Serie A the champions stuttered.

An indifferent start saw defeats to Udinese, Roma, Sassuolo and Napoli and damaging draws with Chievo and Frosinone – while Mandzukic’s first league goal did not arrive until the end of October.

The Croatia international has undoubtedly struggled since joining Juve from Atleti, a succession of minor injuries having robbed him of the chance to gain a consistent spot in the side.

Indeed, when he has played, Mandzukic has often looked an ill fit for the Italian champions and far from the player who claimed a Champions League and two Bundesliga titles during his time with Bayern.

Yet against Empoli, picked from the start alongside Alvaro Morata, he was the catalyst for Allegri’s men as they came from a goal behind to seal all three points.

Despite missing an early chance, Mandzukic was in the right place to slide home the equaliser after Massimo Maccarone’s opener for just his second league goal of the season.

The 29-year-old was a handful for Lorenzo Tonelli all afternoon and also played a part in Paulo Dybala’s third goal, the substitute netting from close range after Manduzkic’s shot had hit the woodwork after beating Lukasz Skorupski.

Mandzukic was at the heart of Juventus’s attacking play, having five of their 11 shots, four of which were on target and in stark contrast to Morata who failed to have a single shot and was substituted after 68 minutes.

Allegri's side will certainly need Mandzukic to recapture his best form and maintain his fitness if they are to successfully defend their title.

Their top scorer this season is Dybala with five goals, Mandzukic and Pogba are next with two goals apiece - last season Tevez finished the season with 20 while Morata and Pogba both chipped in with eight and Vidal and Llorente with seven each.

While far tougher tests than Empoli await, not least the visit of AC Milan after the international break, the signs are positive - Juve have now suffered just one defeat in their last nine while Mandzukic has two goals in his last four.

http://www.goal.com/en-gb/tables/serie-a/13?ICID=SP_TN_127

[Socrates 8524]

EMPOLI - JUVENTUS

1 - 3

Massimo Maccarone (19')

Mario Mandžukić (32')
Patrice Evra (38')
Paulo Dybala (84')

 

MATCHDAY 12
Sunday, November 8th, 2015 - 3:00 PM
Carlo Castellani Stadium, Empoli
Referee: Davide Massa

Empoli vs. Juventus: Winners
and Losers from Serie A Game

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2587260-empoli-vs-juventus-winners-and-losers-from-serie-a-game?

 
Nov 8, 2015
 
After taking three points thanks to a late goal against derby rivals Torino, Juventus travelled to Empoli on Sunday wanting another win before the international break. They would emerge with a 3-1 victory, with the result temporarily bumping them into seventh place ahead of the evening fixtures.

The Bianconeri have suffered some disappointing results against Serie A’s minnows, and they were wary of repeating the mistakes seen against Sassuolo and Frosinone, with coach Massimilano Allegri demanding concentration from his players.

“We’re still yet to win back-to-back Serie A games, and it’s crucial we start doing so,” the Juve boss told reporters at his pre-match press conference. “We also need to return to winning ways on the road.”

He added that Empoli’s Stadio Carlo Castellani is “never an easy venue to get a result from,” and so it would prove as the home side took the lead through Massimo Maccarone. The Turin giants would quickly turn the game around, however, with goals from Mario Mandzukic, Patrice Evra and Paulo Dybala.

What follows is a look at the winners and losers from this encounter, highlighting the best and worst performances from both teams in what proved to be a difficult game on a hot afternoon in the Tuscan sunshine.


Winner: Massimo Maccarone, Empoli

While his team may have ended up with nothing to show for their performance, Massimo Maccarone deserves credit for handing Empoli the lead. Before there were even 20 minutes on the clock, the 36-year-old striker found the net with a low shot after Leonardo Bonucci gave the ball away cheaply.

It gave the home side hope of ending a losing run against the Bianconeri that stretches back to 1999, but in the end, it was not to be.


Loser: Leonardo Bonucci, Juventus

Leonardo Bonucci has been one of Juve’s most consistent performers over recent seasons, but he was certainly at fault for Massimo Maccarone’s opening goal. The striker did well to capitalise on the error, but the Italian defender—usually so assured in possession—should never have allowed him the chance.


Winner: Patrice Evra, Juventus

As Juventus turned around the result before half-time, they had Patrice Evra to thank for the goal that put them in front. From Juan Cuadrado’s corner, the Frenchman timed his jump perfectly to nod beyond Empoli goalkeeper Lukasz Skorupski, but after the game, he was already looking ahead.

Evra spoke with reporters shortly after the final whistle:

We had to win and produce a professional performance this afternoon and now we need to make sure we continue in the same vein and with the same good spirit in the games to come. ... Getting back to the top of the table and closing the gap on our rivals is all about focusing on each game as it comes. Our next match against Milan will show if we’re really back to form.


Loser: Mario Rui, Empoli

As the game wore on, there was little doubt that Juventus were targeting Mario Rui as the weak link in the Empoli defence. Stephan Lichtsteiner and Juan Cuadrado repeatedly ran at the Portuguese full-back, who had little protection from his midfielders and was inexplicably left exposed throughout.


Winner: Paulo Dybala, Juventus

Over the course of the game, the feeling Juventus needed Paulo Dybala on the field continued to grow. Both Mario Mandzukic and Alvaro Morata were out of sorts, offering very little cutting edge. It was no surprise when coach Massimiliano Allegri opted to make a change during the second half.

Dybala provided a different dimension from his team-mates, running at the Empoli defence. He was eventually rewarded with a goal for his efforts, telling Sky Italia he was happy to play his part.

“There are many players who are doing well, so I was not remotely upset at starting from the bench,” he said (h/t Football Italia). “I am just happy when I get to give my contribution, and I remain concentrated always. Unfortunately, in this sport, only 11 players can start.”

 

http://www.goal.com/en-gb/tables/serie-a/13?ICID=SP_TN_127

[Socrates 8524]

EMPOLI - JUVENTUS

1 - 3

Massimo Maccarone (19')

Mario Mandžukić (32')
Patrice Evra (38')
Paulo Dybala (84')

 

MATCHDAY 12
Sunday, November 8th, 2015 - 3:00 PM
Carlo Castellani Stadium, Empoli
Referee: Davide Massa

Juventus show signs of their old
selves with win over plucky Empoli

http://www.espnfc.co.uk/club/juventus/111/blog/post/2705936/juventus-showing-signs-of-revival-against-empoli?

 
Nov 9, 2015
 
Juventus defeated Empoli 3-1 away from home on Sunday, to complete back-to-back Serie A wins for the first time this season. Deployed in a 4-3-3 formation, the Serie A champions' victory demonstrated their growing confidence amid a troubled start to the season.

Empoli started the match well by executing a style of play that has proven to trouble the Bianconeri. Perhaps inspired by Borussia Monchengladbach, the German side holding Juve to a 1-1 draw in the Champions League in the lead up to Sunday's match, Marco Giampaolo's men pressed Massimiliano Allegri's men consistently and effectively.

Visibly hindered in their efforts to establish a rhythm, Juventus were not only provoked into making several defensive errors but were almost incapable of imposing themselves in attack.

With Riccardo Saponara demonstrating elegance on the ball and Massimo Maccarone determined to prove that Gianluigi Buffon is only human, the Old Lady once again conceded from the first shot on target their opponents managed, for the seventh time since August.

It is truly a bizarre day when both Leonardo Bonucci and Andrea Barzagli err to concede a goal. Much has been made of the new arrivals' failure to make the required impact, but the veterans have also been guilty of errors. After all, it was Giorgio Chiellini's mistake at the back that allowed Monchengladbach to score their goal in the Champions League match on Tuesday evening and against Empoli, it was his teammates in defence who were guilty of the mistakes that led to the opening goal.

The fact Juventus have conceded so often from the opponents' first shot on target is worrying to say the least. While on this occasion, the team showed character to turn the situation around and score the necessary goals to earn maximum points, such mistakes cannot occur so frequently if the club hopes to cover lost ground in Serie A.

Much of the change of fortunes in this particular game was down to the fact that when the first choice midfield trio -- Paul Pogba, Claudio Marchisio and Sami Khedira -- play, Juventus do not lose. It is remarkable how much the Frenchman's game has improved since his teammates returned from injury. With their experience, intelligence and leadership skills, they have allowed the youngster to unburden himself and play more freely, thus managing more consistent displays.

Marchisio and Khedira's subtle yet effective performances make all the difference for the Old Lady. Both were excellent at intercepting passes and regaining possession for the side while the latter provided the assist for Mario Mandzukic to score the equalising goal.

The Croatian has thus far disappointed for Juve, managing only 0.27 goals a game as opposed to the 0.55 he managed in for Bayern Munich. While the player is tasked with converting the many chances Juventus create, it was his stamina and relentless attitude that convinced the club to invest in the forward in the first place, qualities that he has failed to display on a consistent basis in Turin.

Squandering a great chance for a goal in the early stages against the Azzurri, there was a feeling Mandzukic was set to have another frustrating afternoon in front of goal. However, he grew into the game and while he did manage a scrappy goal to equalise, what was most impressive was how he occupied Empoli's defenders, forcing them to focus their attention on him to leave his teammates with more of a chance to make an impact. Such sacrifices are essential to Mandzukic's game and helped steer the team to victory. If he can continue like this, Allegri is bound to rely on him more frequently.

Frequently overwhelmed in the first half, the Bianconeri improved after the break, showing off their experience and intelligence to shut down a plucky Empoli side. While the Tuscans were still capable of interesting movements on the ball, Allegri was able to switch to a 3-5-2 formation to offer his men greater balance to secure the result. Such tactical stability was largely the reason Juventus managed such a successful season last year, and it seems they are starting to rediscover that strength again.

It must be said, Giampaolo's team hardly make for the toughest of opponents, but the Bianconeri must win the "easy" challenges if they are to recover their confidence and by playing his best men, Allegri is allowing the team to rediscover their fluidity.

At least for a little while longer, the fans can continue to believe in the comeback of this sleeping giant.

 

http://www.goal.com/en-gb/tables/serie-a/13?ICID=SP_TN_127