Juventus Season 2015-2016

[Socrates 8524]

5 Bold Predictions for Juventus in 2016

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2604518-5-bold-predictions-for-juventus-in-2016?

Jan 8, 2016
 
There is little doubt that 2015 was a good year for Juventus, with the Turin giants completing their maiden 12 months under coach Massimiliano Allegri by claiming the domestic double for the first time in two decades and reaching the Champions League final.

The Bianconeri also rallied after a difficult start to the current campaign, with new signings Paulo Dybala and Mario Mandzukic helping the club to overcome the loss of Carlos Tevez, Arturo Vidal and Andrea Pirlo.

It is difficult to imagine Italian football’s grand Old Lady being able to top those achievements in 2016, though, with Bayern Munich likely to prove a formidable opponent in the Champions League next month.

Pep Guardiola’s men are likely to prevent the club going as far in UEFA’s elite competition this time around, but what follows here is a look at five predictions for what Juventus and their players may achieve in the new year.


Alvaro Morata to Better His 2014/15 Goal Tally

If this term began poorly for Juventus, then it is difficult to argue that any player was affected as much as Alvaro Morata. The Spanish striker was one of the club’s most valuable players in 2014/15, but this season has seen him relegated to the bench after struggling to make any real impact on the field.

Indeed, the 23-year-old has scored just three goals so far in the current campaign, with the last of those coming against Bologna back in early October. The emergence of Mario Mandzukic in the past two months has been a major factor, with the Croatian supplanting Morata in coach Massimiliano Allegri’s preferred XI.

Yet—having seen him fire Juve into the Champions League final last term—there is little doubting the former Real Madrid star’s quality. It is therefore somewhat easy to predict Morata will better last season’s tally of 15 goals in all competitions this season, with a return to form expected in the coming weeks.

It is worth noting that he had struck just four times before the 2014/15 winter break, so improving his tally by two goals this time around is certainly not beyond him.


…And Remain in Turin

Perhaps the biggest issue with Morata since his arrival has been the constant talk of him returning to Real Madrid.

Upon signing the striker, Juventus revealed via their official website that the Spanish club retained a buy-back option on the player, allowing them to re-sign him in the summer of 2016 or 2017.

Set at a maximum of €30 million, the lure of Morata’s home-town club is obviously strong, but it would be no surprise to see him line up in the famous black-and-white stripes once again in 2016/17.

“Morata is our player, I can only see his future at Juventus,” club vice-president Pavel Nedved told Tuttosport earlier this year (h/t Goal.com). “He is a great player and I believe that he is still only at 60 percent of his full potential.”

“Morata represents the future of Juventus,” the retired midfielder continued, and the man himself made his own feelings on the matter clear, dismissing talk of a return to the Santiago Bernabeu during an interview with Radio Marca.

“It's true that on paper I could go back to Madrid,” Morata said when asked about a return (h/t ESPN FC), “but there are some things that are worth more than a simple clause, such as a person's happiness.”


Paulo Dybala to Top Carlos Tevez

Standing in stark contrast to Morata’s struggles, Paulo Dybala has been something of a revelation since joining Juventus back in the summer.

As discussed previously here, the Argentinian striker has become indispensable for coach Massimiliano Allegri, and the team looks much more dangerous with him on the field.

According to their official website, the Turin giants paid €32 million—with a further €8 million in potential bonuses—for Dybala, a fee he has already begun to repay. The 22-year-old has bagged 11 goals and four assists in all competitions, and he could well surpass the figures posted by Carlos Tevez in 2014/15.

The former Manchester United star weighed in with 20 league goals last term, narrowly losing out to Mauro Icardi and Luca Toni in the race to be named Serie A’s leading scorer. He also added seven assists, but as Dybala adapts to playing in a deeper role, he might achieve even greater impact than his predecessor.

“When I arrived I thought I would be playing as a centre-forward like I had done at Palermo,” Dybala told Sky Italia recently (h/t Juve’s official website). “The boss asked me instead to operate a little deeper and get involved in the play as much as possible.”

Dybala has done just that, and he will need only a small uplift in production to better Tevez’s accomplishments.


A Juventus Player Will Win Euro 2016

With the Bianconeri enjoying immense success at club level, it would be no surprise to see a number of the club’s players carry that over into the international arena.

The UEFA European Championships await this summer, and Juventus are blessed to have a number of their current squad expected to play major roles at the tournament.

The likes of Gigi Buffon, Leonardo Bonucci and Claudio Marchisio will likely be part of Antonio Conte’s Italy squad, while Sami Khedira (Germany), Stephan Lichtsteiner (Switzerland) and Alvaro Morata (Spain) should also travel with their respective countries.

With Paul Pogba and Patrice Evra regulars for host nation France, it would be good to see at least one Juventus player on the winner’s podium when Euro 2016 is over.


New World Transfer Record?

Perhaps no player is expected to deliver more than Paul Pogba this season, with the French midfielder now firmly established as one of European football’s most valuable assets after continual improvement at Juventus.

Like the rest of the side, he struggled in the first few months but has since returned to prominence, explaining in a recent interview with Turin-based newspaper La Stampa just what has changed (h/t Football Italia):

Obviously without Andrea Pirlo, Arturo Vidal and Carlos Tevez it is a different Juventus. There’s more responsibility on the other players and we have to focus more on working as a unit. The same is true for me.

Before I had Pirlo by my side and one of our opponents was always marking him. Now they put the same marker on me. I have to find the right moment to make the pass.

Pogba has made a determined effort to do just that, already weighing in with four goals and five assists in all competitions this term. Given that he managed just five assists in total during 2014/15, that is just one facet of his game that has improved, while his goal direct from a free-kick against Torino last month highlights another.

Should he decide to move on this summer, there is little doubt Juventus would look to receive a world-record sum, and Pogba’s agent Mino Raiola told Tuttosport he believes they are likely to achieve that aim.

“What are the chances of Pogba staying next season? We don’t know yet,” Raiola said recently (h/t Football Italia). “Paul will decide based on the offers on the table and what he feels inside. He was already in the same situation last summer.”

“The player has grown and with him his price tag, so I think €100 million won’t be enough.”

[Socrates 8524]

Improved attack key to Juventus'
eight-match winning streak

http://www.espnfc.co.uk/club/juventus/111/blog/post/2782641/juventus-eight-match-winning-streak-down-to-improved-attack

Jan 9, 2016
 
On a streak of eight consecutive Serie A wins, Juventus will face Sampdoria next hoping to collect yet another victory to continue their march forward and keep the pressure on league leaders Inter.

How has a team that suffered so greatly at the start of the season recovered their dominant edge so quickly and made themselves the bookmakers' favourite to collect a fifth consecutive Scudetto? The secret lies in their attacking play.

The best way to analyse the Bianconeri's season is to divide the campaign's start into two parts. In the first ten matches, Juventus conceded nine goals and scored 12. The latter was considered a paltry figure, one that desperately needed to improve considering the fragility of the defence. Immediately, critics blamed the loss of those who departed.

giornalaccio rosa dello Sport wrote a feature in which it explained Carlos Tevez, Arturo Vidal, Fernando Llorente and Andrea Pirlo had contributed 52 percent of Juve's goal, which resulted in 27 points for the Turin giants. Their absence left the team with a void, and with Massimiliano Allegri rotating his squad so often, the new arrivals, especially those upfront, struggled to produce offensive performances worthy of the Bianconeri jersey.

Since the loss to Sassuolo on Oct. 28, the Bianconeri have managed a terrific run, winning eight consecutive Serie A games and losing just once in all competitions since. Interestingly, the defence has not improved much. In those first ten matches, the Old Lady conceded on average 0.9 goals a game. But ever since their win in the Derby della Mole against Torino, Juve have only conceded 0.62 goals a game. It is certainly an improvement. But to be honest, the defence must still do better, especially when you consider how often the team concedes on account of a slip in concentration such as in the 3-2 victory against Carpi.

The reason behind Juve's success lies in their attacking play. Scoring only 1.2 goals a game on average in the first ten games of the season, the Bianconeri have managed to net 20 times over their past eight, increasing their average to 2.5 goals a game.

Unlike last season, the midfield is not contributing as directly to the tally but Juve's attackers -- including Paulo Dybala, Mario Mandzukic and Simone Zaza -- have truly stepped up to exploit the creativity within the squad and help bring home the results.

Much of their attacking brilliance is thanks to Paul Pogba's improvement in form and Stephan Lichtsteiner's return to the squad. The Swiss wing-back may not be a real attacking threat but what he does offer the squad are solutions, especially for ball carriers like Pogba. Watch any Juve game and you'll notice the Frenchman often launches diagonal balls forward towards Lichtsteiner, trusting that the former Lazio star will be there to receive and widen play.

Against Milan, Pogba to Lichtsteiner was one of the most often-tried pass combinations and if it's not the youngster looking for the wing-back, it's often Claudio Marchisio looking to pick the Swiss out. Such chemistry makes all the difference. While Pogba has often depended on his understanding with countryman Patrice Evra on the left, the option of always switching play to the right opens up the game and offers the squad choices.

Of course, one cannot mention the importance of Lichtsteiner without noting the exellence of Alex Sandro -- a player who has quickly made an impact in Turin, producing accurate and offensive performances that have greatly helped the team. Another wing-back who tactically understands where to position himself to offer the side solutions, he breathes life into the 3-5-2 formation and is vital in making it an offensive shape.

Between his movements and perfect crosses into the box, Dybala and Mandzukic -- who has recovered from a debilitating infection suffered at the start of the season -- have been given the type of service required to make the difference. Both forwards know when to drop back and how to work with the men behind them, while their blossoming relationship has turned them into the most feared striking duo in the league.

With a capable bench waiting in the wings, Allegri can always call on Juan Cuadrado or Zaza to ensure versatility and the prospect that a different set of skills can pierce through the toughest defences -- something that should keep them in good stead when Juve face Sampdoria on Sunday evening.

A team coached by Vincenzo Montella, Sampdoria is slowly starting to take shape, producing enough going forward to collect points even if their defence still needs to be strengthened. Having scored five goals in the past two games, the Bianconeri must stay alert defensively while taking their opportunities going forward to make it nine wins in a row.

Sampdoria will certainly pose a threat but if Juventus stay united and humble, their swift march forward is bound to continue.

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

[Socrates 8524]

SAMPDORIA - JUVENTUS

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MATCHDAY 19
Sunday, January 10th, 2016 - 8:45 PM
Luigi Ferraris (Marassi) Stadium, Genoa
Referee: Paolo Silvio Mazzoleni

Eder: 'Buffon, Dybala Juve's weapons'

http://www.football-italia.net/78088/eder-buffon-dybala-juves-weapons?

Jan 9, 2016

Sampdoria striker Eder looks forward to 'playing a trick' on Juventus and identifies Gianluigi Buffon and Paulo Dybala as the greatest threats.

The Blucerchiati will be counting on the Italian oriundo to lead the team in tomorrow's mission impossible against the Old Lady, at 20:45 CET - 18:45 UK time.

“I think winning the derby gave us a boost in terms of morale,” Eder told Il Corriere dello Sport. “It was an important match for us and our supporters and we'll come to the Juventus game with enthusiasm, and with the hopes of playing them a little trick.

“Juve are the team to beat because they won the last four Scudetti thanks to the mentality created by Conte and sustained by Allegri, but we'll try to interrupt their streak of eight successful games.

“Their strength lies in the solidity of their group. Buffon, Barzagli, Bonucci, Chiellini, Marchisio and the others have all played together for several years, and they're good at passing on their winning mentality to the new arrivals too.

“Who would I take away from them? As a striker I'll say Buffon, who is superb. But right now Dybala is in great shape. It's hard to mark a player like him, who has such moves and technique.”

When asked about his odds to become the season's top scorer, Eder bowed out to Napoli's Gonzalo Higuain.

“He is the real phenomenon of this championship. When I can, I always watch Napoli's games to study his movements. He's one of the strongest strikers in the world.”

 

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

[Socrates 8524]

SAMPDORIA - JUVENTUS

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MATCHDAY 19
Sunday, January 10th, 2016 - 8:45 PM
Luigi Ferraris (Marassi) Stadium, Genoa
Referee: Paolo Silvio Mazzoleni

'Rugani is Juve's future, but now...'

http://www.football-italia.net/78092/rugani-juves-future-now?

Jan 9, 2016

Coach Max Allegri says Daniele Rugani 'could play tomorrow' against Sampdoria, but defends his decision to limit his time: 'He's so young'.

The Bianconeri are climbing back up in the standings but will face a determined opponent tomorrow as they visit the Blucerchiati at 20.45 CET - 19.45 GMT.

“Sampdoria played a good derby, in fact an excellent one for a full hour, and they emerge from two good games against Palermo and Lazio,” Allegri told the Press.

“We'll come into an enthusiastic environment. They scored 27 goals, only 4 less than Juventus, who conceded 28. When they play at home they have substantial quality.

“They have Eder, Muriel, Carbonero, Soriano, and then there's Cassano, who returned to a good condition and can create play and put all of his teammates in a condition to score.

“So this game no less than all the others is going to be complicated, because we're up against a team with good technique.

“I haven't chosen who to field ahead of the defence, I'll make my decisions. But it's certainly going to be a player fit for that role, I won't get creative in that sense. It's either that, or we play with no defensive midfielder at all.”

Recently the agent of Daniele Rugani complained that Juventus didn't give him enough playing time.

“I don't know what Rugani's agent said, I can only reply that he wouldn't be doing his job if he didn't ask for him to play.

“But I'm the Coach and my own job involves knowing when Rugani has to play. He's a young kid and he'll be part of the January transfer window until the end. I think he'll be part of Juventus too, for many years.

“But I think Juve already have some important players in defence, like [Giorgio] Chiellini, [Andrea] Barzagli, [Leonardo] Bonucci, or like [Martin] Caceres, who did well after almost six months without playing time.

“Rugani did well too in the derby. I might play him tomorrow.

“As for Hernanes, as I already said, it's the whole team that wasn't doing well at first, because the results weren't coming in.

“There's no point, and it's unfair, in blaming it all on one player. Besides, Hernanes played a great game in Manchester when Juventus won in the Champions League, it was a delicate match and he proved he's got personality.

“He played quite well in the derby, especially when he shielded the defence after the injury of Khedira. And I'm sure that's his role for as long as he still plays football.”

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

[Socrates 8524]

SAMPDORIA - JUVENTUS

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MATCHDAY 19
Sunday, January 10th, 2016 - 8:45 PM
Luigi Ferraris (Marassi) Stadium, Genoa
Referee: Paolo Silvio Mazzoleni

Allegri: 'Next two games crucial'

http://www.football-italia.net/78093/allegri-next-two-games-crucial?

Jan 9, 2016

Max Allegri warned “the next two away games at Sampdoria and Udinese will mean a lot” for Juventus’ season.

The trip to Marassi kicks off on Sunday at 20.45 CET - 19.45 GMT.

“The next two fixtures are both away and are complicated, but different,” said Allegri in his Press conference.

“Tomorrow we face a Sampdoria side that has the characteristics of its individual players, while Udinese are a completely different team. After a long run to catch up to the leaders, the next two games will mean a lot.

“As I said before, our objective this season is to reach the final six rounds either on top or close to the leaders. In that final sprint we can have our say.”

Allegri confirmed Andrea Barzagli is still unavailable, while Mario Mandzukic will have a fitness test today. Claudio Marchisio is suspended with Mario Lemina and Roberto Pereyra also injured.

“In attack, seeing as Mandzukic trained separately today, the doubt is between Simone Zaza and Alvaro Morata. They are both in good shape. Despite the fact he didn’t score on Wednesday against Verona, Morata played well both attacking and defending. He will certainly get back to scoring goals.

“The papers seem to say every day that if someone doesn’t start then he’s leaving. This is Juventus and Juventus must have excellent strength in depth in all three areas. Zaza is doing well because he scored some important goals and improved a lot.”

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

[Socrates 8524]

SAMPDORIA - JUVENTUS

-

 
 

MATCHDAY 19
Sunday, January 10th, 2016 - 8:45 PM
Luigi Ferraris (Marassi) Stadium, Genoa
Referee: Paolo Silvio Mazzoleni

Sampdoria - Juventus
MATCH PREVIEW

http://www.football-italia.net/SerieA/match/preview/70008

Jan 9, 2016

Sampdoria welcome Juventus to Marassi on Sunday hoping to make it three wins in three.

The Blucerchiati are in seventh heaven at the moment, embarrassing city rivals Genoa to the tune of a 3-0 lead, which they then did their best to squander to Leonardo Pavoletti.

It is becoming increasingly apparent that Vincenzo Montella’s shaky start had a lot more to do with the damage Massimo Ferrero - and Walter Zenga - had done, as well as the time it takes to adapt to his style of play.

The resurrection of Antonio Cassano has been such a boon to Samp, especially at a time when Luis Muriel is sputtering to a complete halt. Involved in all three goals against Genoa with his deft passing, Fantantonio is definitely back. What has yet to return is Samp’s defensive solidity, which may explain why La Doria have been linked with so many defenders in the January window.

In midfield, Fernando is now taking pin-point free kicks and being a threat up front, whilst Roberto Soriano is, like Eder, scoring goals (a brace against Genoa) and fending off suitors. We’ve seen far more of the triangles, the one-two’s and the quick passes forward that l’Aeroplanino likes.

Juventus, for their part, are four wins short of matching their 12-game streak from 2014. Paulo Dybala scored the team’s first goal from a direct set piece since Andrea Pirlo did the same… in April. The attack is so deep it is sugarcoating Alvaro Morata’s struggles in front of goal, though all this talk of Simone Zaza leading Europe with a goal every 67 minutes may be overblown, starting him could help put pressure on the Spaniard, and reward him for what has doubtless been an improvement this year. He is a fighter, that’s for sure.

The defence is likely to welcome back Martin Caceres for a second game in a row, something Daniele Rugani’s agent isn’t taking so well. Thing is, Juventus really want to sell him, and slotting him in shouldn’t do any harm.


Keep an eye on: The Juventus midfield — No Marchisio, no party? Not necessarily. What if Paul Pogba was the man to spread the ball around, and use his ball carrying to drive the team? With everyone talking about Andrea Pirlo’s absence more than Arturo Vidal’s, it may be time to ask whether Khedira could replace Vidal. More intensity from the midfield could give Pogba licence to roam. Not a top quality player by any account, Stefano Sturaro is good in central midfield, a hard worker and the dynamic kind of player who can allow the Bianconeri to dominate there… and snap at Cassano’s heels when he drops back.


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

Last season: Sampdoria 0 – 1 Juventus

Stat fact: Antonio Cassano has scored seven league goals against Juve, the rest of the current Sampdoria squad have netted only six between them against the Juventini. Paulo Dybala meets his favourite target, Sampdoria, against whom he has bagged three goals. None of his team-mates has as many.


Sampdoria (probable):
Viviano; Cassani, Moisander, Regini, Zukanovic; Barreto, Fernando, Soriano, Carbonero; Cassano, Eder

Suspended: None


Juventus (probable):
Buffon; Caceres, Bonucci, Chiellini, Lichtsteiner,Sturaro, Khedira, Pogba, Alex Sandro; Dybala, Morata

Suspended: Marchisio

 

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

[Socrates 8524]

SAMPDORIA - JUVENTUS

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MATCHDAY 19
Sunday, January 10th, 2016 - 8:45 PM
Luigi Ferraris (Marassi) Stadium, Genoa
Referee: Paolo Silvio Mazzoleni

Montella: 'Dybala just like me'

http://www.football-italia.net/78096/montella-dybala-just-me?

Jan 9, 2016

Vincenzo Montella is glad Sampdoria can’t be complacent against Juventus and admits “I see myself in Paulo Dybala.”

It kicks off on Sunday at 20.45 CET - 19.45 GMT.

“The players have to shelve enthusiasm after winning the derby, because we are facing Juventus. It requires grit, concentration and humility,” said the Coach in his Press conference.

The Blucerchiati were leading rivals Genoa 3-0 and almost threw it all away in an eventual 3-2 derby victory.

“We need to work on our psychological stamina throughout the 95 minutes. I saw a slight dip in tension, which in Italian football means you risk turning everything upside down.

“Serie A often holds some wonderful surprises and we can be one of them. In a way, Juve are the best opponents to have right now, because they don’t allow you to feel complacent. They always motivate you to give your best.

“Claudio Marchisio’s absence won’t change much. They are strong from set plays and we are not very tall, so we’ve got to find other ways of making it work for us.

“I will admit I see myself in Dybala and when I was the Coach of Catania we did try to sign him, but he was already expensive even in Serie B.”

Juventus have won their last nine Serie A games in a row to catch up to fourth place.

“I think they found consistency and their ideal shape. The new players needed to settle in and now they are improving,” continued Montella.

Antonio Cassano was inspirational on Tuesday against Genoa, so can he get back to his old self?

“Antonio is one of the few players in the history of football who enjoys an assist more than a goal. He is very generous in the penalty area and that’s saying something. He is growing in terms of consistency, is motivated and I think he can give a great deal.”

Inter confirmed Sampdoria are in talks for Andrea Ranocchia and Dodo.

“The club knows the priorities to improve the squad. I will only say that whoever comes to Samp must have enthusiasm, a big smile and determination.”

 

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

[Socrates 8524]

SAMPDORIA - JUVENTUS

-

 
 

MATCHDAY 19
Sunday, January 10th, 2016 - 8:45 PM
Luigi Ferraris (Marassi) Stadium, Genoa
Referee: Paolo Silvio Mazzoleni

Sampdoria vs. Juventus: Team News, Predicted Lineups

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2606086-sampdoria-vs-juventus-team-news-predicted-lineups-live-stream-tv-info?

Jan 9, 2016

Having won their past eight league fixtures, Juventus face Sampdoria in Genoa on Sunday evening, the reigning champions looking to keep pace with the early leaders and maintain their bid for a fifth consecutive Serie A title.

Now sitting just three points behind first place, the Bianconeri have shrugged off their poor early form and begun to steadily climb the table as Kwadwo Asamoah explained to the club’s in-house television channel.

"We didn’t make a great start but we then did very well to return to our winning ways," the midfielder said per the official Juventus website. "As a team, we have a clear goal in mind and that gives us the motivation and the desire to keep winning and to fight to the very last game of the season."

This weekend will see them meet a Sampdoria side looking for a similar resurgence, sacking coach Walter Zenga back in November and replacing him with Vincenzo Montella. The former AS Roma striker has failed to arrest their issues, however, with only four clubs—Carpi, Frosinone, Palermo and Hellas Verona—having conceded more than their tally of 28 goals.

Ahead of this next round of matches, they sit in 12th place and will be buoyed by their midweek win over city rivals Genoa. Yet even in that clash, they looked vulnerable, giving up two late goals to almost throw away what had appeared to be a routine victory, much to the dismay of Montella.

"In the memory of the fans we want this great performance and not the final 10 minutes," the coach told Mediaset Premium shortly after the final whistle (h/t Football Italia). "Genoa did not give up after going 3-0 down and we did very well to take our chances. You can’t lower the concentration levels in Serie A, as there’s always a risk.

"This will serve us well for the future," he added, and that is certainly true as they prepare to host a Juventus side that has scored 10 goals in their last three outings.

 

Probable Formations

 

Sampdoria: (4-3-3):

Emiliano Viviano; Mattia Cassani, Niklas Moisander, Ervin Zukanovic, Vasco Regini; Edgar Barreto, Fernando, Roberto Soriano; Carlos Carbonero, Antonio Cassano, Eder

Unavailable: Lorenzo De Silvestri (injured)


Juventus (3-5-2):

Gigi Buffon; Daniele Rugani, Leonardo Bonucci, Giorgio Chiellini; Stephan Lichtsteiner, Sami Khedira, Stefano Sturaro, Paul Pogba, Alex Sandro; Alvaro Morata, Paulo Dybala

Unavailable: Kwadwo Asamoah, Andrea Barzagli, Mario Lemina, Mario Mandzukic and Roberto Pereyra (all injured), Claudio Marchisio (suspended)


Player to Watch

Perhaps the most interesting storyline heading into this clash is that of Daniele Rugani, the defender having been somewhat underused so far this season. The 21-year-old played every minute of 2014/15 with Empoli but has made just one start in all competitions during 2015/16 following his summer move to Juventus.

While that may be understandable in many ways given the presence of Andrea Barzagli, Leonardo Bonucci and Giorgio Chiellini in Turin, an injury to the first name on that list seemed to mean Rugani would take his place in the starting XI this week.

JuventusFC ✔ @juventusfcen
Did you know? Rugani played every minute of the 2014/15 @SerieA_TIM term. More Daniele facts: http://juve.it/PSiRQ

Instead, however, Allegri opted to give Martin Caceres the nod, prompting a confused outburst from Rugani’s representative Davide Torchia during an interview with Radio CRC.

"This decision left me rather perplexed, seeing as the lad did so well in the Coppa Italia," the agent said (h/t Football Italia). "In any case, I hope the club will keep its word, seeing as it claims Rugani is the first choice after that trio."

It will be intriguing to see if Rugani does win a place in the side against Sampdoria, with the future of this seriously talented young player appearing to hang in the balance now the transfer window has reopened.


Key Battle

If Rugani is looking to capitalise following his move to one of Serie A’s biggest clubs, then there is little doubt that Sampdoria’s Roberto Soriano may soon be doing the same. The 24-year-old midfielder is now seen as ready to take the next step, but his current club insist they will not sell him cheaply.

"Soriano? Give me the money and I’ll show you the camel," president Massimo Ferrero told Radio 24 (h/t Football Italia) after the player had been linked to a raft of clubs. "He has a release clause [€15 million] which must be paid."

OptaPaolo ✔ @OptaPaolo
5 - Roberto Soriano has already scored 5 goals in the current Serie A, equalling his personal best in the top flight (2013/14). Derby.

Having seen the former Bayern Munich man net twice in the midweek win over cross-town rivals Genoa, the Bianconeri will need to keep a close eye on him, a task that may well fall to Stefano Sturaro.

The youngster is expected to step into the Juventus starting XI as Claudio Marchisio is suspended, and his ability to negate the threat of Soriano could well prove crucial once this match is underway.


Odds (via Odds Shark)

Away win: 100-167

Home win: 21-4

Draw: 11-4

 

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

[Socrates 8524]

SAMPDORIA - JUVENTUS

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MATCHDAY 19
Sunday, January 10th, 2016 - 8:45 PM
Luigi Ferraris (Marassi) Stadium, Genoa
Referee: Paolo Silvio Mazzoleni

Allegri: Juventus Must Respect Sampdoria

http://forzaitalianfootball.com/2016/01/allegri-juventus-must-respect-sampdoria/?

Jan 9, 2016

Juventus coach Massimiliano Allegri has warned his players against complacency ahead of their clash against Sampdoria at the Stadio Luigi Ferraris on Sunday evening.

The 48-year-old outlined the Blucerchiati’s attacking prowess as their main threat and was impressed with their midweek victory over local rivals Genoa.

“Sampdoria played a beautiful game in the derby and they have scored 27 goals this season, only four less than ourselves,” Allegri told reporters during his pre-match press conference.

“Montella has players like Eder, Soriano and Cassano. These are great players to watch, and they score goals with ease so we have to be very careful.”

Allegri also praised the impact of Sampdoria coach Vincenzo Montella despite a troubled start following his arrival in Genoa during November.

“I think Vincenzo is proving to be a very good coach. He will coach a great team one day.”

 

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

[Socrates 8524]

SAMPDORIA - JUVENTUS

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MATCHDAY 19
Sunday, January 10th, 2016 - 8:45 PM
Luigi Ferraris (Marassi) Stadium, Genoa
Referee: Paolo Silvio Mazzoleni

Sampdoria V Juventus — Preview:
Soaring Montella Hopes To Derail Juventus

http://forzaitalianfootball.com/2016/01/sampdoria-v-juventus-preview-soaring-montella-hopes-to-derail-juventus/?

Jan 9, 2016

Sampdoria host Juventus in Serie A on Sunday evening as they look to continue their new found form and pick up their third successive win.

The home side, who sit in 13th place in the league table, haven’t lost since December 20 and will fancy their chances should they manage to lock down the vistors’ attack.

Spirits are high in the Blucerchiati camp after a thrilling 3-2 derby victory in midweek against city rivals Genoa and as such, the players are looking continue their momentum and get a third win on the trot for the first time this season.

Vincenzo Montella has slowly but surely revolutionised his Samp side and in particular Antonio Cassano, who put in a stellar performance against Genoa and will now be looking to extend his form, stopping Juventus in their tracks.

Massimiliano Allegri’s side are unbeaten in their past eight league games, with the Bianconeri having grown once more into one of Serie A’s most formidable opponents, a stark contrast to their bumpy start to the season.

Their free-running attack is yet to be shut down, with an incredible nine goals amassed over their past three matches, giving the home side a serious cause for concern.

History would also suggest that Samp should be worried going into this fixture, with Juventus victorious in three out of their past five meetings. In fact, the last time Samp managed to defeat the reigning champions was in the 2012/13 season, with goals from Eder and Lorenzo De Silvestri helping to turn things around before Mauro Icardi slotted home for an eventual 3-2 win.

However, De Silvestri won’t be around to add to the scoresheet this time, as he remains sidelined through an injury, the hosts’ only major concern. Juventus, meanwhile, will have to do without several key players, Kwadwo Asamoah, Andrea Barzagli, Mario Lemina, Mario Mandzukic and Roberto Pereyra, who are all out injured. Instrumental midfielder Claudio Marchisio will also be forced to sit this match out after picking up a suspension.


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


Expected starting XI’s

Sampdoria:
Viviano; Cassani, Moisander, Zukanovic, Regini; Barreto, Ivan, Soriano; Carbonero, Cassano, Eder

Juventus:
Buffon; Rugani, Bonucci, Chiellini; Lichtsteiner, Khedira, Sturaro, Pogba, Sandro; Morata, Dybala

 

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

[Socrates 8524]

SAMPDORIA - JUVENTUS

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MATCHDAY 19
Sunday, January 10th, 2016 - 8:45 PM
Luigi Ferraris (Marassi) Stadium, Genoa
Referee: Paolo Silvio Mazzoleni

SAMPDORIA VS JUVENTUS MATCH PREVIEW

http://www.juvefc.com/sampdoria-vs-juventus-match-preview-and-scouting/?

Jan 9, 2016
 

Juventus

Juventus hope to keep the eight-game winning streak alive as they face Sampdoria on Sunday night. Against Hellas Verona, it was yet another dominating performance from bianconeri: at this point, they are pretty much automatic against weak opponents. The squad took some time to jell, but they have an impressive array of weapons at disposal and it shows; furthermore, they are playing with confidence. They responded well after the break, which was not a sure thing, and to the unnecessarily risky game against Carpi.

The biggest challenge for this game is replacing Claudio Marchisio who is suspended. There are three options and two involve using Sami Khedira as deep-lying playmaker. I think that the German international has not been himself since the last injury, he has yet to re-gain the right rhythm and the football shape. He has played only few minutes in this role this season, but I have no doubt he has the experience to hold down the fort. Stefano Sturaro or Kwadwo Asamoah would overtake the box-to-box role. The other solution is Hernanes as pivot: it is not his natural position and the experiment has had atrocious results in the past, especially in the Napoli game, but sometimes coaches like to move one pawn rather than two. Anyway, I think the Sturaro-Khedira-Pogba midfield is the most likely, but we have to remember that Allegri has fielded Asamoah every time he was available.

It looks like Andrea Barzagli will be sidelined for a while to nurse his calf injury. Massimiliamo Allegri chose Martin Caceres to replace him on Wednesday, relegating Daniele Rugani to the bench once again. The explanations looked weak to me, so either Caceres is on display for potential buyers, or the underlying fact is that the coach probably does not trust the youngster yet. That is strange, since Rugani is not a rookie and has already a full season as a starter at Empoli under his belt, where he also played quite well. The duel repeats itself for this one and Rugani’s agent is starting to ask questions too, we will see how this will play out.

Mario Mandzukic has a chance to be available, but he is very unlikely to start. Alvaro Morata is in a scoring slump, but he is playing hard and he is playing with his teammates, he is not trying to shoot his way out of this funk in a stubborn and selfish way. Even if he is not finding the bottom of the net, he is not hurting the team. Anyway, I wonder if Simone Zaza has earned himself the starting job against the team Juventus first bought him from thanks to his stellar goal per minute ratio.

It will be interesting to see whether Allegri will continue to rotate the wing backs as Stephen Lichsteiner and Alex Sandro are playing very well. Mario Lemina and Roberto Pereyra should be unavailable once again.


Probable lineup 3-5-2:

Buffon; Caceres, Bonucci, Chiellini; Lichsteiner, Sturaro, Khedira, Pogba, Sandro; Morata, Dybala.


Injuries:

Barzagli (calf), Pereyra (hamstring), Lemina (knee).

Suspended:

Marchisio.


 

 Sampdoria

Vincenzo Montella had a horrendous start of his Sampdoria stint, but they have started to get results, seven points in the last three games, and he is putting his imprint on the team. He has always been a coach that preferred quality over quantity and this often led him to field a number of midfielders at the same time. It has been no different in his blucerchiato time.

After tinkering for a while also because of some injuries, the coach has chosen a very fluid 4-3-2-1 with Antonio Cassano as false-nine. Eder, a natural yet undersized first striker, serves as CAM/left winger, always ready to cut to the inside and challenge the offside trap, and Carlos Carbonero, or really any other of their offensive players, occupies the final position in the untraditional trident, wandering around the pitch trying to pick the right spot and play off the other two forwards.

Luis Muriel has been ok since joining Sampdoria, his potential is well-known, but he is injury prone and sometimes he does not have the right attitude. Montella has been reluctant to start him, there might be something cooking in the transfer market, but I think that the Eder-Cassano-Muriel attack could be the ultimate weapon to get Sampdoria over the hump.

They do not struck me as a very physical team, even though they have Fernando and Edgar Barreto in the midfield, and they are not one of those low-table sides that only sits back and counter. They have several technical players like Roberto Soriano, who is enjoying his best season yet, Cassano, who comes off his lone good match since his return but is a game-changer in the rare occasions he is in the mood, Eder, Muriel, Fernando, Joaquin Correa, Ricky Alvarez and so on.

Of course, the downside is that they have not a particularly great defence. They have conceded 28 goals so far and also in the Derby della Lanterna, where after a dominant first half they almost allowed Genoa to come back and tie the game, you could see that there are some lingering issues from the lengthy crisis that hit them in October and November. There are some structural problems in their defence phase and the talent is not that impressive too, that is why they are looking for one more centre-back.

As for the defensive line, they have tried several different combinations, the starters in this one should be Mattia Cassani, Niklas Moisander, Ervin Zukanovic and Vasco Regini. Lorenzo De Silvestri is definitely out with an hamstring strain and Matias Silvestre, even though he has a chance to be available, has not returned yet from a muscular ailment suffered in December.

The only other real doubt involves Carbonero, who has skipped a practice this week and could be replaced by either Correa or Alvarez. It remains to be seen whether Cassano is ready to play two games in four days, anyway the drop-off would not be consistent, as Muriel would take his spot in the starting XI. We should keep an eye on Soriano, who could be a surprise exclusion because some teams, Napoli and Valencia, are reportedly pushing hard to get him: he would be spared if the negotiations really heated up in the next two days. David Ivan would take his place.


Probable lineup 4-3-2-1:

Viviano; Cassani, Moisander, Zukanovic, Regini; Barreto, Fernando, Soriano; Carbonero, Eder, Cassano.


Injuries:

De Silvestri (hamstring).

Suspended:

None.

 

Formation

 

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

[Socrates 8524]

SAMPDORIA - JUVENTUS

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MATCHDAY 19
Sunday, January 10th, 2016 - 8:45 PM
Luigi Ferraris (Marassi) Stadium, Genoa
Referee: Paolo Silvio Mazzoleni

Inter or Juventus will win the Scudetto, says Sacchi

The former coaching legend, who lifted two league titles with Milan, believes that
this year's race will come down to the two fierce rivals by the end of the campaign.

http://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/3276/serie-a/2016/01/09/19147152/-?

Jan 9, 2016
 
Inter and Juventus will outlast their Scudetto rivals and compete to win Serie A this season, according to Arrigo Sacchi.

The Italian top flight is intriguingly poised after 18 matches, with just three points separating Inter, Fiorentina, Napoli and holders Juve.

Sacchi won Serie A and two European Cups with AC Milan as well as leading Italy to the World Cup final.

The 69-year-old, who has been impressed by the work of Inter coach Roberto Mancini and his Juve counterpart Massimiliano Allegri, feels the two clubs have the power to pull away during the second half of the campaign.

"Inter and Juve have the best chances and history suggests that," he told La giornalaccio rosa dello Sport.

"They have almost won 50 titles, while Fiorentina and Napoli are at four. They have spent the most and in the long run that matters.

"Juve have two advantages in that they have a unique history and great management. Antonio Conte did some great work and Massimiliano Allegri is continuing it.

"He made tough decisions and was embraced by a tough environment that treated him like an invader," he added, referring to the scepticism of many Juve supporters at the appointment of former Milan coach Allegri in 2014.

"Although they are not playing as well as Napoli or Fiorentina, they have real quality in the group. They are a scary side.

"I must give credit to Mancini because he knows how to handle a group and because he has grown tactically. He loves beautiful football, I know that, and he knows that is achieved by playing well.

"For example against Empoli they were dominated even though it should have been the other way around. I am certain that he will work on that in order to improve their quality. Mancio knows what he is doing."

Both sides are in action on Sunday as Inter host Sassuolo, while Juventus are away to Sampdoria.

 

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

[Socrates 8524]

SAMPDORIA - JUVENTUS

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MATCHDAY 19
Sunday, January 10th, 2016 - 8:45 PM
Luigi Ferraris (Marassi) Stadium, Genoa
Referee: Paolo Silvio Mazzoleni

Sampdoria v Juventus preview: Asamoah
determined to extend winning streak

The midfielder is out to make it nine Serie A wins in succession
when the title-holders travel to Stadio Luigi Ferraris on Sunday.

http://www.goal.com/en/match/sampdoria-vs-juventus/2120564/preview

Jan 9, 2016
 
Kwadwo Asamoah is determined to help in-form champions Juventus extend their winning streak in Serie A to nine games when they travel to Sampdoria on Sunday.

The reigning Italian champions struggled to find their best form in the opening stages of the season, but have found their way back up the table following eight consecutive victories after a 1-0 loss at Sassuolo in October.

Their resurgence has seen Massimiliano Allegri's men climb to fourth place in Serie A, trailing leaders Inter by just three points.

Fiorentina and Napoli are two points ahead in second and third respectively, but Asamoah claims the squad are focusing on maximising their own performances.

"We are not paying attention to the other teams around us," Asamoah told the official Juventus website. "The most important thing is that we have a successful season ourselves.

"Sunday's game against Sampdoria will be a tough one, especially given their win in the Genoa derby during the week, but we will go there focused and intent on playing at our very best.

"We didn't make a great start but we then did very well to return to our winning ways. As a team, we have a clear goal in mind and that gives us the motivation and the desire to keep winning and to fight to the very last game of the season.

"We know it won't be easy but it's up to all of us to support each other, including those who arrived in the close season. At the beginning, the new guys had a bit of trouble but now the way they have settled into the squad is there for all to see."

Paulo Dybala has been one of the main reasons for Juventus' return to form in recent months, with the Argentine forward scoring five goals and setting up two in his last seven league appearances.

The Turin side have won their past four league games on the road, meaning victory at the Stadio Luigi Ferraris would see them win five consecutive away games in one Serie A campaign for the first time since January 2014.

Sampdoria, meanwhile, will be hoping to build on their recent good form on Sunday and spring a surprise against the champions.

They might have taken just one point from their last four Serie A games against the Scudetto holders, but their victories over Palermo and Genoa either side of the mid-season breaks give them reason for optimism ahead of this weekend's encounter.

Much will depend on the form of striker Eder if Samp are to get a good result, with the attacker having scored an impressive 11 games in 16 league appearances so far this campaign.

Vincenzo Montella's men have climbed to 13th spot in the table with 23 points from 18 games following their last two wins, eight points clear of Frosinone in the drop zone.


Key Opta facts:

- Juventus have won their last eight league games, their longest run in a single Serie A campaign since January 2014 (when they won 12 in a row).

- Antonio Cassano has scored seven goals in Serie A against Juve, the rest of the current Sampdoria squad have netted only six overall against the Old Lady.

- Dybala has bagged three goals in Serie A against Samp, no current Juve player has scored more goals against the Blucerchiati in the top flight.

- Montella's side have scored five goals in their last two games, as many as they had netted in total over their previous seven fixtures.

- Juventus have won their last two away games against Sampdoria 1-0 after failing to emerge victorious on the previous five attempts.

- Samp have won back-to-back games for the first time in this Serie A season following the victory over Genoa.


OPTA FACTS

Sampdoria have taken just one point from their last four Serie A games against Juventus.

The Bianconeri have won 1-0 their last two games at Sampdoria's ground - previously, the Blucerchiati had remained unbeaten for five games against the Old Lady at the Marassi (W2 D3).

Samp have now won back-to-back games for the first time in this Serie A season.

Vincenzo Montella's side have scored five goals in their last two games, as many as they had netted in total over their previous seven fixtures.

Juventus have now won their last eight league games - their longest run in a single Serie A campaign since January 2014 (when they won 12 in a row).

Juventus have won their last four games on the road - the last time they won five consecutive away games in a Serie A campaign was in January 2014.

Antonio Cassano has scored seven goals in Serie A against Juve, the rest of the current Sampdoria squad have netted only six overall against the Old Lady.

Paulo Dybala has bagged three goals in Serie A against Samp (against no other side he has netted more so far); no current Juve player has scored more goals against the Blucerchiati in the top-flight.


LAST FIVE MATCHES

Sampdoria W W L D L

1/5/16 - Genoa 2 - 3 Sampdoria
12/20/15 - Sampdoria 2 - 0 Palermo
12/17/15 - Sampdoria 0 - 2 AC Milan
12/14/15 - Lazio 1 - 1 Sampdoria
12/6/15 - Sampdoria 1 - 3 Sassuolo


Juventus W W W W L

1/6/16 - Juventus 3 - 0 Hellas Verona
12/20/15 - Carpi 2 - 3 Juventus
12/16/15 - Juventus 4 - 0 Torino
12/13/15 - Juventus 3 - 1 Fiorentina
12/8/15 - Sevilla 1 - 0 Juventus


HEAD TO HEAD

5/2/15 - Sampdoria 0 - 1 Juventus
12/14/14 - Juventus 1 - 1 Sampdoria
1/18/14 - Juventus 4 - 2 Sampdoria
8/24/13 - Sampdoria 0 - 1 Juventus
5/18/13 - Sampdoria 3 - 2 Juventus

 

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

[Socrates 8524]

SAMPDORIA - JUVENTUS

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MATCHDAY 19
Sunday, January 10th, 2016 - 8:45 PM
Luigi Ferraris (Marassi) Stadium, Genoa
Referee: Paolo Silvio Mazzoleni

Mandzukic out of Samp-Juve

http://www.football-italia.net/78114/mandzukic-out-samp-juve?

Jan 9, 2016
 
Mario Mandzukic and Claudio Marchisio miss the Juventus trip to Sampdoria on Sunday night.

It kicks off at 20.45 CET - 19.45 GMT.

Hitman Mandzukic is suffering from injury problems and trained separately today, so will not be risked at Marassi.

Also sidelined are Mario Lemina, Roberto Pereyra and Andrea Barzagli.

Marchisio sits out a one-match ban, so Hernanes is likely to start in midfield with either Alvaro Morata or Simone Zaza partnering Paulo Dybala upfront.


Juventus squad for Sampdoria:

Buffon, Chiellini, Caceres, Khedira, Zaza, Morata, Pogba, Hernanes, Alex Sandro, Cuadrado, Bonucci, Padoin, Dybala, Asamoah, Rugani, Neto, Lichtsteiner, Sturaro, Evra, Audero, Vitale

 

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

[Socrates 8524]

SAMPDORIA - JUVENTUS

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MATCHDAY 19
Sunday, January 10th, 2016 - 8:45 PM
Luigi Ferraris (Marassi) Stadium, Genoa
Referee: Paolo Silvio Mazzoleni

Alvarez can't face Juventus

http://www.football-italia.net/78130/alvarez-cant-face-juventus?

Jan 9, 2016
 
Sampdoria still do not have international clearance for Ricky Alvarez to play against Juventus.

It kicks off on Sunday at 20.45 CET - 19.45 GMT.

The Blucerchiati signed Alvarez over the winter break, but have still not received international clearance due to his legal battle between Inter and Sunderland.

Samp also miss Matias Silvestre and Lorenzo De Silvestri, who are ruled out by injury.


Sampdoria squad for Juventus:

Brignoli, Puggioni, Viviano; Cassani, Coda, Moisander, Pereira, Regini, Zukanovic; Barreto, Carbonero, Correa, Fernando, Ivan, Krsticic, Christodoulopoulos, Palombo, Soriano; Cassano, Eder, Muriel, Rodriguez

 

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

[Socrates 8524]

SAMPDORIA - JUVENTUS

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MATCHDAY 19
Sunday, January 10th, 2016 - 8:45 PM
Luigi Ferraris (Marassi) Stadium, Genoa
Referee: Paolo Silvio Mazzoleni

Allegri: Mandzukic could be fit for Sampdoria clash

The Croatia international has been struggling with a calf injury, but could
be fit for Sunday's game as Juve target a ninth consecutive league win.

http://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/3276/serie-a/2016/01/09/19159192/-?

Jan 9, 2016
 
Juventus coach Massimiliano Allegri expects Mario Mandzukic to be fit to face Sampdoria on Sunday, while Andrea Barzagli will miss the trip to the Stadio Luigi Ferraris due to a muscle injury.

The Croatia international missed the 3-0 win over Verona due to a calf problem, but is back in contention for the weekend's meeting.

"Mandzukic has a good chance of making the squad," Allegri said at a news conference.

"But I still need to decide who to play up front. Alvaro Morata did well last week and will be back scoring soon.

"Andrea Barzagli won't be back in time, while Mario Lemina is in Barcelona for another medical examination. In 10 days he might be able to return to training.

"I hope to have Roberto Pereyra back as soon as possible. He's a player who can change games.

"I'm very happy to have Martin Caceres back. He deserved to play on Wednesday and his return equates to a top signing for us."

Juventus will be looking to make it nine Serie A wins in a row against Samp, but Allegri has warned Samp will not be pushovers.

"Sampdoria played very well in the derby last week. We know that they will be in high spirits," he added.

"Sampdoria have plenty of quality, especially going forwards with the likes of Eder, Luis Muriel, Antonio Cassano and Roberto Soriano.

"Vincenzo Montella is a young coach who has already done very well in his career. He clearly has a bright future."

 

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

[Socrates 8524]

SAMPDORIA - JUVENTUS

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MATCHDAY 19
Sunday, January 10th, 2016 - 8:45 PM
Luigi Ferraris (Marassi) Stadium, Genoa
Referee: Paolo Silvio Mazzoleni

Serie A Previews: Winter Champion

http://www.football-italia.net/78141/serie-previews-winter-champion?

Jan 10, 2016
 
The Winter Champion is decided today as Inter welcome Sassuolo, Napoli take on Frosinone and Juventus visit Sampdoria.

You’ll also find full reports from Saturday’s games, Fiorentina 1-3 Lazio, Roma 1-1 Milan and Carpi 2-1 Udinese.

This marks the midway point of the season and that means whoever is top of the table tonight will be the Winter Champion.

Leaders Inter get us started off at 12.30 CET - 11.30 GMT by welcoming Domenico Berardi’s high-flying Sassuolo and a victory will guarantee the mid-season crown.

Napoli target the top in the afternoon with a trip to Frosinone, Torino desperately try to turn things around against Empoli and Verona seek their first win of the season with Palermo.

There’s also Atalanta-Genoa and Bologna-Chievo.

The round concludes at 20.45 CET - 19.45 GMT with Juventus seeking a ninth consecutive Serie A victory away to Antonio Cassano’s Sampdoria, who have won two on the bounce under Vincenzo Montella.

 

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

[Socrates 8524]

SAMPDORIA - JUVENTUS

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MATCHDAY 19
Sunday, January 10th, 2016 - 8:45 PM
Luigi Ferraris (Marassi) Stadium, Genoa
Referee: Paolo Silvio Mazzoleni

'We'll beat Juve, but Inter...'

http://www.football-italia.net/78155/well-beat-juve-inter?

Jan 10, 2016
 
Sampdoria President Massimo Ferrero expects a victory against Juventus, wants to trade with Inter and praises Antonio Cassano.

The Blucerchiati will take the role of big-game hunters tonight as they host the Bianconeri at 20.45 CET - 19:45 UK time, but their recent victory in the derby gives them reason to be optimistic.

“Beating Genoa was a real joy, even though the last few minutes were tense,” Ferrero admitted to Tuttosport. “But in the end I was happy, especially for our supporters because they deserve supremacy in the city.

“And now on with Juventus. I'd like to win this one too. Besides, I'm convinced that if my boys stop fearing the big teams and understand that matches are all played 11 versus 11, we can go far.

“The distance between teams in the table is short, just look at how quickly Juventus climbed back up after their bad start to the season.”

Sampdoria are at the centre of substantial transfer speculations involving players like Roberto Soriano and oriundo striker Eder, and inevitably Ferrero touched on that subject too.

“I met [Lazio President Claudio] Lotito and [Napoli President Aurelio] De Laurentiis. We even took the same plane. We had a good time, but we didn't discuss the market.

“In Milan I spoke with Inter about Ranocchia, Dodo and Santon. What's certain, as Montella already said, is that we only want to sign players with real drive.

“I'm not selling anyone. Eder just had a gigantic offer from China and they were going to give us a lot of money too.

“As far as I'm concerned the players are like my children and they can all stay. Fernando also enjoys a lot of attention.

“But the request to leave must come from the players themselves, when and if they receive a really good offer.

“It bothers me that Sampdoria is seen as a second-rate club. If Eder were sold by a big team he'd cost €30m, while we're offered small change. So I'll just keep him.

“Ciro Immobile? Players like that are always an investment, we'll see.”

Finally, the President discussed Antonio Cassano, who joined the Doria after his unfortunate adventure at Parma.

“It was my own choice and that of the club. I trusted my instinct and I signed him. And I was right, as he proved to be a great signing.

“He has the same personality as I do and I appreciate his tenacity. He lost 10kg, he's motivated and I haven't seen any 'cassanate' yet. Otherwise he'll hear from me!

“He knows he was wrong to get into an argument with the great, late President Riccardo Garrone. He won't repeat the same mistake because he's reborn at Sampdoria.”

 

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

[Socrates 8524]

SAMPDORIA - JUVENTUS

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MATCHDAY 19
Sunday, January 10th, 2016 - 8:45 PM
Luigi Ferraris (Marassi) Stadium, Genoa
Referee: Paolo Silvio Mazzoleni

Sarri: Juventus Not Napoli
Are Favourites For Scudetto

http://forzaitalianfootball.com/2016/01/sarri-juventus-not-napoli-are-favourites-for-scudetto/?

Jan 10, 2016
 
Napoli coach Maurizio Sarri still believes Juventus are title favourites this season despite the Partenopei’s big win over Frosinone.

They won 5-1 at the Stadio Matusa thanks to a brace from Gonzalo Higuain and goals from Manolo Gabbiadini, Raul Albiol and Marek Hamsik, making them winter champions, but Sarri still thinks the Bianconeri are the best team in Serie A.

“Juventus have something more, they have won four titles in the past four years,” he told Mediaset Premium after the game.

“I still believes that Juventus not Napoli are favourites for the Scudetto.”

Discussing the big victory against Frosinone and the impressive scoreline Sarri claimed his team found problems during the 90 minutes.

“It was a game in which there were various difficulties, it was a test of maturity,” he said.

“I was unhappy with conceding a goal after playing so well for most of the game.”

Thanks to their win, Napoli sit top of the Serie A table by two points meaning they claim the title of winter champions after 19 games this term.

 

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

[Socrates 8524]

SAMPDORIA - JUVENTUS

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MATCHDAY 19
Sunday, January 10th, 2016 - 8:45 PM
Luigi Ferraris (Marassi) Stadium, Genoa
Referee: Paolo Silvio Mazzoleni

Line-ups: Sampdoria-Juventus

http://www.football-italia.net/78177/line-ups-sampdoria-juventus?

Jan 10, 2016
 
Juventus can join Inter in second place with a ninth consecutive victory, but face on-form Sampdoria and Antonio Cassano.

It kicks off at Marassi at 20.45 CET - 19.45 GMT.

Napoli are the Winter Champions following a 5-1 win at Frosinone, taking advantage of shock home defeats for Inter and Fiorentina.

That means with a win Juve would go into joint second place with Inter, just two points off the top spot.

It’d be a remarkable achievement considering the disastrous start to the season and represent a ninth consecutive Serie A victory.

However, Samp have also won two on the bounce and are fresh from the Derby della Lanterna success on Tuesday night.

Cassano was inspirational with a series of assists and he again starts with Eder and Carlos Carbonero, so Luis Muriel is benched.

Lorenzo De Silvestri and Matias Silvestre are out injured, but Coach Vincenzo Montella sticks by the men who won the Derby della Lanterna.

Ricky Alvarez signed this week, but is not available because the international transfer hasn't come through.

Juventus need to make changes too, as Claudio Marchisio sits out a ban with Andrea Barzagli, Mario Mandzukic, Mario Lemina and Roberto Pereyra injured.

Hernanes therefore gets a rare start in midfield, while Alvaro Morata gets the nod ahead of Simone Zaza to partner Paulo Dybala.

Daniele Rugani is finally given his first Serie A start for Juve, sending Martin Caceres to the bench.


Sampdoria:

Viviano; Cassani, Moisander, Zukanovic, Regini; Soriano, Fernando, Barreto; Carbonero, Cassano, Eder

Sampdoria bench: Puggioni, Pedro Pereira, Krsticic, Coda, Rodriguez, Puggioni, Muriel, Correa, Palombo, Christodoulopoulos, Ivan, Brignoli


Juventus:

Buffon; Rugani, Bonucci, Chiellini; Lichtsteiner, Khedira, Hernanes, Pogba, Evra; Morata, Dybala

Juventus bench: Neto, Audero, Caceres, Alex Sandro, Padoin, Sturaro, Asamoah, Vitale, Cuadrado, Zaza

 

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

[Socrates 8524]

SAMPDORIA - JUVENTUS

-

 
 

MATCHDAY 19
Sunday, January 10th, 2016 - 8:45 PM
Luigi Ferraris (Marassi) Stadium, Genoa
Referee: Paolo Silvio Mazzoleni

Marotta: 'No big January buys'

http://www.football-italia.net/78178/marotta-no-big-january-buys?

Jan 10, 2016
 
Juventus director Beppe Marotta warned of “unpredictable” Sampdoria and told fans not to expect big January buys.

“We are evaluating the development of the market, but I doubt there will be any big buys in January for the Serie A clubs,” he told Mediaset Premium.

“We will not buy players just for the sake of it, as we already have a very competitive squad. We will simply evaluate any possible opportunities that arise.

“The joy of football is how unpredictable it is and we face a Samp side that has shaken off the fear it had before the derby. They will play with more confidence and joy now, which of course makes them dangerous opponents.”

With Claudio Marchisio suspended, Hernanes is chosen in a deeper role and Max Allegri confirmed the Brazilian is no longer considered a trequartista.

“I believe the profile of the modern player is eclectic,” added Marotta. “Evidently the Coach must evaluate the resources available and adapt the individuals to the collective. I think today is the best available formation.”

There is also still confusion over what will happen to Alvaro Morata considering the various buy-back clauses between Juve and Real Madrid.

“We have a good rapport with Real Madrid, he is our player and we are not talking about this situation now. We’re in the running for three tournaments and want to focus on those.”

This is a return to Marassi for Marotta, who was a director at Sampdoria before moving to Juventus.

“It was a very special time for me and I still have an emotional bond with Samp, but I am very happy at Juventus.”

 

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

[Socrates 8524]

SAMPDORIA - JUVENTUS

-

 
 

MATCHDAY 19
Sunday, January 10th, 2016 - 8:45 PM
Luigi Ferraris (Marassi) Stadium, Genoa
Referee: Paolo Silvio Mazzoleni

HT 0-1: Pogba puts Juve in front

http://www.football-italia.net/78180/ht-pogba-puts-juve-front?

Jan 10, 2016
 
Paul Pogba’s inventive left-foot volley has given Juventus the half-time lead away to Sampdoria.

The Bianconeri had the chance to catch Inter in second place, two points off leaders Napoli, at the midway stage of the season. It was an extraordinary feat considering they lost the opening three rounds, but Claudio Marchisio was suspended with Andrea Barzagli, Mario Mandzukic, Mario Lemina and Roberto Pereyra injured, so Hernanes and Daniele Rugani got rare starts. Samp had won two on the bounce and missed Lorenzo De Silvestri and Matias Silvestre.

Hernanes forced the first save with a snapshot from distance and moments later Juventus took the lead. Paul Pogba chested down the ball with his back to goal under pressure from Mattia Cassani inside the box, turned and steered a surprise left-foot volley into the far bottom corner. It was slightly scuffed, but that only made it more difficult to stop.

Samp fought back and Patrice Evra risked an own goal with his shinned clearance, but Emiliano Viviano beat away a Paulo Dybala free kick.

Roberto Soriano went off after a knock to the head left him feeling dizzy and Fernando burst through the middle, forcing Leonardo Bonucci into a bookable offence, but the Brazilian’s free kick hit the wall.


Sampdoria 0-1 Juventus (Half-Time)

Scorers: Pogba 17 (J)

Sampdoria: Viviano; Cassani, Moisander, Zukanovic, Regini; Soriano (Ivan 36), Fernando, Barreto; Carbonero, Eder; Cassano

Juventus: Buffon; Rugani, Bonucci, Chiellini; Lichtsteiner, Khedira, Hernanes, Pogba, Evra; Morata, Dybala

Ref: Mazzoleni

 

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

[Socrates 8524]

SAMPDORIA - JUVENTUS

-

 
 

MATCHDAY 19
Sunday, January 10th, 2016 - 8:45 PM
Luigi Ferraris (Marassi) Stadium, Genoa
Referee: Paolo Silvio Mazzoleni

Sami Khedira scores off lovely
Dybala assist to make it 2-0 over Sampdoria

http://www.blackwhitereadallover.com/2016/1/10/10746152/khedira-goal-dybala-assist-juventus-sampdoria-serie-a-2016-watch-video

Jan 10, 2016
 
Juventus were able to build a 1-0 lead over Sampdoria early in the first half thanks to a well-taken goal by Paul Pogba. But it was their second goal that not only doubled the Juve, but took things up a few notches when it came to style points.

It was the incredibly in-form striker Paulo Dybala who picked the pass, and it was midfielder Sami Khedira with the finish — using the outside of his right foot, no less — to put Juventus up 2-0 over Sampdoria early in the second half. That pass, that finish, that goal in general. Man, it was just a beautiful goal in every kind of way.

You see, this Paulo Dybala guy is good. Juventus should keep ahold of him for a little while longer. I think he's going to turn into something even better. But that's just one man's opinion. Oh, and if you want to know another interesting fact, Khedira didn't cost Juventus a dime this summer when he was signed from Real Madrid.

Just another goal that saw two 2015 summer signings team up to put Juventus well on its way to claiming its ninth straight Serie A win. Just another reason why Juve will have possibly pulled even with Inter on points by the time the final whistle blows.

 

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

[Socrates 8524]

SAMPDORIA - JUVENTUS

1 - 2

Paul Pogba (17')
Sami Khedira (46')

Antonio Cassano (64')
 

MATCHDAY 19
Sunday, January 10th, 2016 - 8:45 PM
Luigi Ferraris (Marassi) Stadium, Genoa
Referee: Paolo Silvio Mazzoleni

Sampdoria 1-2 Juventus: Champions
hold on for another win

Goals from Pogba and Khedira helped Allegri's men past a potentially tricky
fixture on the road, and they now stand second behind winter champions Napoli.

http://www.goal.com/en-gb/match/sampdoria-vs-juventus/2120564/report

Jan 10, 2016
 
Juventus have extended their winning streak in Serie A to nine games as Paul Pogba and Sami Khedira helped the Scudetto holders to a 2-1 win over Sampdoria at the Stadio Luigi Ferraris on Sunday.

France international Pogba opened the scoring in sublime fashion in the 17th minute with his fourth league goal of the season, before former Real Madrid midfielder Khedira made it two after the break with a calm finish.

Paulo Dybala and Alvaro Morata both came close to adding a third, but failed to put the match to bed. Antonio Cassano pulled one back for Samp in the 64th minute but Vincenzo Montella's team were unable to force an equaliser.

The hosts finished the match with 10 men after Niklas Moisander was sent off for a dangerous tackle on Simone Zaza in injury time.

Massimiliano Allegri's side have gone second in the table following this weekend's results, level on points with third-placed Inter and trailing leaders Napoli by just two points.

Juve got the first chance of the match after 15 minutes of play when Hernanes tried his luck from 20 yards out, but the Brazilian midfielder's left-footed shot went straight at goalkeeper Emiliano Viviano.

The Scudetto holders did go a goal up two minutes later, though, when Pogba volleyed home from inside the area. The France international did well to control Leonardo Bonucci's long ball with his chest, shrugged off Mattia Cassani and unleashed an effort that lacked power but was accurate enough to beat Viviano.

Sampdoria failed to create any chances of note in the opening 45 minutes, with Fernando's free-kick from the edge of the area five minutes before the break arguably their best opportunity, but the Brazilian midfielder failed to beat the wall.

Carlos Carbonero unleashed a powerful shot from 20 yards out in the dying moments of the first half, but his shot went harmlessly wide as Gianluigi Buffon remained untested.

The visitors doubled their lead shortly after the break via Khedira. Dybala reached the Germany international with a clever throughball and Khedira took a touch before poking the ball past Viviano with the outside of his right boot.

Sampdoria looked dangerous at the hour mark after Cassano set up Eder inside the area, but the club's leading goalscorer failed to get his attempt on target.

Dybala came close to adding his name to the score sheet in the 62nd minute after a fine pass from Pogba, but the Argentine forward was denied by Viviano.

Morata should have put the match to bed shortly after following a superb cross from the right, but he somehow headed wide from just yards out.

Juventus were immediately made to pay for Morata's profligacy as Cassano netted to make it 2-1 barely 60 seconds later. The experienced attacker collected a pass from Carbonero inside the area and beat Buffon with a good finish.

Montella's side pushed hard for an equaliser after Cassano's strike and threatened via Fernando, but they were unable to really test Buffon in the remainder of the game as Juventus emerged victorious.

 

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

[Socrates 8524]

SAMPDORIA - JUVENTUS

1 - 2

Paul Pogba (17')
Sami Khedira (46')

Antonio Cassano (64')

MATCHDAY 19
Sunday, January 10th, 2016 - 8:45 PM
Luigi Ferraris (Marassi) Stadium, Genoa
Referee: Paolo Silvio Mazzoleni

Juve's ninth symphony sinks Samp

Juventus notched up a ninth straight Serie A win to sink Sampdoria 2-1 and catch Inter in second place.

http://www.football-italia.net/78182/juves-ninth-symphony-sinks-samp?

Jan 10, 2016
 
It is an extraordinary feat considering they had one point from the opening three rounds, but Claudio Marchisio was suspended with Andrea Barzagli, Mario Mandzukic, Mario Lemina and Roberto Pereyra injured, so Hernanes and Daniele Rugani got rare starts. Samp had won two on the bounce and missed Lorenzo De Silvestri and Matias Silvestre.

Hernanes forced the first save with a snapshot from distance and moments later Juventus took the lead. Paul Pogba chested down the ball with his back to goal under pressure from Mattia Cassani inside the box, turned and steered a surprise left-foot volley into the far bottom corner. It was slightly scuffed, but that only made it more difficult to stop.

Samp fought back and Patrice Evra risked an own goal with his shinned clearance, but Emiliano Viviano beat away a Paulo Dybala free kick.

Roberto Soriano went off after a knock to the head left him feeling dizzy and Fernando burst through the middle, forcing Leonardo Bonucci into a bookable offence, but the Brazilian’s free kick hit the wall.

Within seconds of the restart it was 2-0, as Sami Khedira controlled a smart Dybala through ball and rolled it into the far bottom corner with the outside of his right boot.

Eder almost got Samp back into it, his header skimming the woodwork, while Viviano got down for a one-handed save on Dybala’s strike and Alvaro Morata turned a diving free header inches past the far post.

Sampdoria did pull one back with Cassano, who completed a give and go with Carlos Carbonero, sliding in to anticipate everyone to prod it past Gigi Buffon. This was FantAntonio’s eighth career goal against Juventus, ending a seven-meeting drought.

Moments later it was nearly 2-2, as Fernando was allowed too much time and space to drill just wide with Buffon stranded. It was game on and Samp introduced striker Luis Muriel.

Pogba hit the side-netting when rushing his finish, Ervin Zukanovic nodded a free kick over and Buffon plucked a cross off the head of Alejandro Rodriguez.

In stoppages Moisander was shown a straight red card for his scything tackle on Simone Zaza, going nowhere near the ball, sparking a row between Cassano and Stefano Sturaro on the bench.

With the last kick of the game, a looping header was aiming for the far top corner until Giorgio Chiellini nodded it practically off the line.


Sampdoria: Viviano; Cassani, Moisander, Zukanovic, Regini; Soriano (Ivan 36), Fernando, Barreto (Muriel 73); Carbonero, Eder (Rodriguez 85); Cassano

Juventus: Buffon; Rugani, Bonucci, Chiellini; Lichtsteiner (Cuadrado 65), Khedira, Hernanes, Pogba, Evra; Morata (Zaza 77), Dybala (Padoin 88)

Ref: Mazzoleni

Sent off: Moisander 93 (S)

 

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