Juventus Season 2015-2016

[Socrates 8524]

LAZIO - JUVENTUS

0 - 1

Stephan Lichtsteiner (66')

 

Coppa Italia TIM - Quarter-final
Wednesday, January 20th, 2016 - 8:45 PM
Olimpico Stadium, Rome
Referee: Antonio Damato

Juventus Coach Heaps Praise On
Forward Following Lazio Win

http://forzaitalianfootball.com/2016/01/juventus-coach-heaps-praise-on-forward-following-lazio-win/?

Jan 20, 2016
 
Juventus coach Massimiliano Allegri praised Simone Zaza after his side beat Lazio 1-0 in the Coppa Italia quarter-finals.

Stephan Lichtsteiner bagged the only goal of the game despite the Bianconeri having a host of chances to kill off the match late on.

“In the first half it was very balanced and they played at a better tempo,” Allegri told Rai Sport.

“But then we improved and did not allow Lazio any of the ball.

“We had several chances to close out the game but it wasn’t an easy game.

“Now we think of the clash at the weekend against Roma.”

Simone Zaza and Alvaro Morata both started upfront giving Paulo Dybala and Mario Mandzukic a rest.

“Zaza played well and did good things tonight,” Allegri added

“To move forward in this competition we need a full squad in a good condition.

“The semi-final against Inter will be great, hopefully as good as today.

“But now we think about Roma, then only turn our attention to Inter.”

The other Coppa Italia quarter-final between Napoli and Inter that took place yesterday saw Maurizio Sarri and Roberto Mancini have a touch-line spat that has hit all the headlines today.

“I do not, first off, judge others,” Allegri asserted.

“I can not do this as we coaches have to behave appropriately.

“The high profile games are full of tension but us coaches should stay calm.

“I will not pass comment or judgement on colleagues.

“Let us talk about football as there was a good game tonight instead.”

[Socrates 8524]

LAZIO - JUVENTUS

0 - 1

Stephan Lichtsteiner (66')

 

Coppa Italia TIM - Quarter-final
Wednesday, January 20th, 2016 - 8:45 PM
Olimpico Stadium, Rome
Referee: Antonio Damato

Juventus 1 - Lazio 0: Initial
reaction and random observations

http://www.blackwhitereadallover.com/2016/1/21/10801996/juventus-lazio-2016-coppa-italia-quarterfinals-final-score-result-initial-reaction

Jan 20, 2016
 
At this point, I would like to think that Lazio are getting quite sick of Juventus coming to the Stadio Olimpico and winning games. But as we saw Wednesday night in the quarterfinals of the Coppa Italia, what Lazio is tired doesn't always equal results for the Biancocelesti.

Thanks to a familiar face in the form of Stephan Lichtsteiner, a familiar kind of scoreline went down at the Olimpico — again. First the Supercoppa, then the regularly scheduled visit in Serie A last month and now the Coppa Italia. It involved Juventus winning, Lazio losing and in this case, the extra bonus of Juve advancing to the semifinals of the Coppa Italia.

I wasn't the only one thinking "DON'T BLAST IT OVER THE BAR! DON'T BLAST IT OVER THE BAR!" after SImone Zaza's shot clanged off the post and went rolling right up to Lichtsteiner. Instead, the former Lazio right back pretty much did the exact opposite. That was as much of a finesse as Lichtsteiner will probably ever have in his career. And while we were almost close to a 'Gol di Lichtsteiner' moment like another memorable goal that wasn't back in the day, goal line technology confirmed what we all knew.

And now Juventus get to continue to compete on three fronts just as they did a season ago.

We get to extra Derby d'Italia matchups in the semifinals, with the first leg coming in seven days. That's a quick turnaround considering how crowded the schedule already is. The good thing is, though, this team has proven it can handle three games within the span of seven or eight days because of the depth it has. Max Allegri might not want to call it rotating his squad, but he's handle things quite well over the last couple of months.

That was proven again Wednesday night.

Sure, it wasn't the prettiest game — see some of Zaza's finishing in front of goal — but Juventus did exactly what they needed to do. And that's win it. Not exactly a newfound phenomena at the Olimpico, but something that won't ever — EVER! — get to be a tiresome occurrence.

JuventusFC ✔ @juventusfcen
#Lichtsteiner: "I was very happy to score tonight's decisive goal. We should however have gone on to put the game to bed..."


Random thoughts and observations

Neto has played three games this season. He has had to make zero saves.

And we used to talk about Gigi Buffon stealing game checks because of how little he had to do...

It just brings me so much joy that it was Lichtsteiner scoring the goal that knocked Lazio out of the Coppa Italia. Based on the "reception" he got as he was subbed off for Juan Cuadrado, I'm pretty sure that the Olimpico crowd wanted anybody but Lichtsteiner to score the goal that would see Juve advance.

We like to talk about work rate a lot around here because it's a big part of the famed Juve "grinta" we love so much. At one point in the game, Allegri had a battering ram-like team out there with the likes of Lichtsteiner, Zaza, Stefano Sturaro, Mario Mandzukic, Giorgio Chiellini and so on. Those aren't just players that want to win the ball back against you. They want to run right through you in the process.

Zaza, especially, is starting to really find his niche as a part-time starter/impact kind of sub. Sure, being a striker is more than just effort. You gotta score goals, too, obviously. But how hard he works and how he is creating scoring chances whenever he plays is the important part here. Usually it's against a somewhat tired defense, but Wednesday night's effort was pretty good. He just keeps running and running and running. No wonder Allegri wants to keep him around.

Paulo Dybala almost scored on his first touch of the game. He almost scored on his third touch of the game. Within about three minutes, Dybala almost gave Juventus a 3-0 lead. What a beautiful, beautiful person he is. And a pretty good player, too.

Álvaro Morata hasn't scored a goal in nearly 1,000 minutes of game time. But he's got something to build on with how he played in the second half. I know, i know, he needs a goal. That thing is incredibly obvious even if his total of minutes played without one was half of what it is right now. He just needs something to go right for him these days, that's all.

Now that Lazio are out of the Coppa Italia, can Juve acquire Alessandro Matri for future use? Just curious.

Roma on Sunday, Inter in the first leg of the Coppa semifinals next Wednesday. The big games just keep on coming. I don't know about you, but it's good to see this team continuing to prove that the way they started the season was just a little blip on the radar and not something that would carry on for the majority of the season.


POLL

Who was your Juventus Man of the Match against Lazio?

67% Simone Zaza (172 votes)

19% Stefan Lichtsteiner (48 votes)
7% Stefano Sturaro (17 votes)
5% Leonardo Bonucci (12 votes)
3% Alex Sandro (9 votes)

258 votes total

[Socrates 8524]

LAZIO - JUVENTUS

0 - 1

Stephan Lichtsteiner (66')

 

Coppa Italia TIM - Quarter-final
Wednesday, January 20th, 2016 - 8:45 PM
Olimpico Stadium, Rome
Referee: Antonio Damato

COPPA ITALIA: STEPHAN LICHSTEINER SINKS
FORMER CLUB LAZIO TO SET UP JUVENTUS’
SEMI-FINAL DATE WITH INTER

Defending champions Juventus will take on Inter Milan for a place in the Italian Cup final after edging Lazio
1-0 in the quarter-finals Wednesday with goalline technology summoned to clarify the winning goal.

http://www.thehardtackle.com/news/2016/01/21/coppa-italia-stephan-lichsteiner-sinks-former-club-lazio-to-set-up-juventus-semi-final-date-with-inter-milan/?

Jan 21, 2016
 
On the back of 10 wins in a row in Serie A, Juventus grabbed the only goal of the night in the 66th minute at the Stadio Olimpico.

Swiss international Stephan Lichtsteiner, a former Lazio star, was in the right place at the right time to nudge the ball over the line after a fierce drive from Simone Zaza had come off the crossbar.

Lazio’s Albanian goalkeeper Etrit Berisha thought he had done enough to thwart Lichtsteiner’s close-range rebound but goalline technology showed the ball had just crossed the line.

“It will be a wonderful semi-final, you have to face the biggest clubs to reach the end, but right now we are focused on this weekend’s meeting with Roma in the league,” said Juve coach Massimiliano Allegri.


On Tuesday, Inter had defeated Napoli 2-0 in a match overshadowed by an ugly row between rival coaches Roberto Mancini and Maurizio Sarri.

Mancini blasted Napoli counterpart Sarri a “racist” and claimed his rival called him a “poof”.

Mancini and Sarri clashed on the touchline after Adem Ljajic killed off the quarter-final tie at the San Paolo stadium in Naples in injury time to add to Stevan Jovetic’s opener.

“Maurizio Sarri is a racist and men like him have no place in football,” fumed Mancini to RAI TV after the game.

“He used racist words. He started insulting me and then shouted at me, calling me a poof.”

Mancini said Sarri had used the words “F****O” and “finocchio”, both pejorative terms meaning homosexual.

Sarri brushed off the exchange as part and parcel of the game.

“I’ve seen and heard worse on a pitch,” he said. “I hope that in the cold light of day, Mancini will also change his point of view.

“In my words, there was no form of discrimination, I have nothing against homosexuals. I’ve apologised to Mancini, for me everything’s ok.”

The other semi-final will be between third-division Alessandria and AC Milan.

[Socrates 8524]

LAZIO - JUVENTUS

0 - 1

Stephan Lichtsteiner (66')

 

Coppa Italia TIM - Quarter-final
Wednesday, January 20th, 2016 - 8:45 PM
Olimpico Stadium, Rome
Referee: Antonio Damato

Lazio vs. Juventus 0-1, Bianconeri grind
out win, advance to Coppa Italia semis

Stephan Litchsteiner scored against his former team
to give Juventus their pass to the semifinals.

http://www.blackwhitereadallover.com/2016/1/21/10804454/lazio-juventus-2016-coppa-italia-quarterfinals-final-score-recap-result

Jan 21, 2016
 
Once again, the Bianconeri conquered Rome.

Juventus needed to win against Lazio to reach the semifinals of the Coppa Italia and they completed their task. It wasn't a beautiful or easy match at Stadio Olimpico. Both teams fought hard on the pitch and I firmly believe that the difference was the quality of Juventus defense, Massimiliano Allegri's interpretation of the game and Simone Zaza's force of will on the game.

Allegri made six changes to the lineup that he presented in Udine this past weekend. Neto, Martín Cáceres, Paul Pogba, Stefano Sturaro, Álvaro Morata and Simone Zaza started for Gianluigi Buffon, Daniele Rugani, Sami Khedira, Kwadwo Asamoah, Mario Mandzukic and Paulo Dybala. Again, the Livornian coach opted for a 3-5-2 foundation. Lazio manager Stefano Pioli deployed an aggressive 4-3-3 formation with the dangerous trident on attack of Antonio Candreva, Miroslav Klose and Balde Keita.

The game started with more intensity than quality, both sides tried to impose their tempo and fought hard for the possession of the ball. Then, on 12 minutes, the hosts wasted a terrific opportunity to change the course of the bout; the speed demon Ketia lost Cáceres with a furious run and found himself in front of Neto. Luckily for Juventus, the ex-Barcelona player fired his close-range shot over the bar.

Pogba responded with a pair of efforts. First, the Frenchman raised inside Lazio's penalty box and executed a header that went just over the crossbar at the 17th minute. Thirteen minutes later he tested Etrit Berisha with a long-range shot, but the Albanian keeper responded with aplomb. The rhythm of the match decrease steadily after those opportunities and the game went to halftime without a score.

Juventus began the second half like a hurricane. Just six minutes after the break Zaza flicked a brilliant pass to Morata. The Spaniard tried to beat Berisha with a low shot, but the goalkeeper showed great reflexes and performed a nice save with his left leg. Zaza got the rebound, but failed to score sending his shot to the side of the net.

At 66th minute, Juventus finally scored. Zaza controlled the ball just outside the penalty box and performed an impressive curling shot that beat Berisha, but ricocheted on the post. Stephan Litchsteiner recovered the rebound and scored coolly; Berisha scrambled, but the ball crossed the line by inches.

Lazio never threatened Juventus. In fact the Bianconeri should have had another couple of goals. Sturaro just missed a shot from the corner of the box and in the final minutes Allegri used Mandzukic and Dybala to close the game, both strikers had great opportunities, but Berisha was superb.

Juventus advances to the semifinals of the Italian Cup once again where they'll face Inter Milan in a two-legged tie.


LE PAGELLE

Neto 6 The Brazilian had a really peaceful night. It must be hard for him because he wants to show his worth.

Cáceres 6 El Pelado have some troubles with Keita on the first half. Fortunately for Juventus, he played better as the match went on.

Bonucci 7 A textbook like match for the central defender. Leo played with poise and commanded a Buffonless defense smartly.

Chellini 6.5 A very physical performance by King Kong. Lazio's strikers couldn't pass his watch; nevertheless, he must control the intensity on some of his challenges.

Lichtsteiner 6.5 The Swiss Express delivered a sweet score to the Vianconeri. He defended with composure.

Sturaro 6.5 He was a ninja on the pitch. Cleared a great amount of attacks and won a lot of balls for his side.

Marchisio 6 Il Principino won the midfield duel against Biglia, but was quiet on offense as Juventus gave the ball possession to Lazio.

Pogba 6 An uneven cameo by the Frenchman. He was very dangerous on the first half. However, he looked too anxious during some episodes of the match.

Sandro 6 A discreet night offensively for the Brazilian powerhouse. However, it's relevant to say, that he erased Candreva from the game.

Morata 5.5 Invisible during the first portion of the game. The Spaniard is a wonderful striker but his self-confidence is very low. He could have scored on the second half.

Zaza 7.5 This guy is a machine; he never stops trying. A constant nightmare for the defenders. He was unlucky when his shot crashed on the post.


Subs.

Mandzukic 6 Enter for Morata at 76th minute. Worked tirelessly as always and had an opportunity to score.

Cuadrado 6 Enter for Litchsteiner at 80th minute. Defended belligerently and had some glances on attack.

Dybala 6.5 Enter for Zaza at 90th minute. He had no impact. La Joya manufactured a couple of really dangerous plays. He only played 5 minutes!


Coach

Allegri 7.5 Lazio had 57 percent of possession in this match, yet Juventus shot six times on target and Lazio didn't even trouble Neto. Allegri was the master and commander in this battle. He taught Pioli another tactical lesson.


Things I think I think

Who's ready for il Derby d' Italia?

Paulo Dybala, you're ridiculous!

Simone Zaza is really proving his worth. Right now, Mandzukic and Dybala are the clear-cut starters, but tell that to this guy.

Finally, I want to quote a twit of our own Aaron West (aka O_Fenomeno86): "Form is temporary, class is permanent. Alvaro Morata, we believe in you"

[Socrates 8524]

LAZIO - JUVENTUS

0 - 1

Stephan Lichtsteiner (66')

 

Coppa Italia TIM - Quarter-final
Wednesday, January 20th, 2016 - 8:45 PM
Olimpico Stadium, Rome
Referee: Antonio Damato

Juventus' Fighting Spirit on Show
in Coppa Italia Victory over Lazio

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2609637-juventus-fighting-spirit-on-show-in-coppa-italia-victory-over-lazio?

Jan 21, 2016
 
Juventus boss Massimiliano Allegri was a man on a mission this week. As he prepared his squad for a trip to Rome, the coach could not have been clearer in his analysis of the looming quarter-final match against Lazio.

"Our aim is to get through to the next round because the Coppa Italia is one of the trophies we want to lift this season,” he told reporters at the traditional pre-match press conference. As the game got under way at the Stadio Olimpico, it was evident the players echoed that sentiment.

The clash—a rematch of May’s final in the same competition—quickly descended into a war of attrition: 90 tough minutes littered with emotional outbursts from both sides. Despite having lost that aforementioned showpiece event, as well as both the Supercoppa Italiana and a Serie A encounter with the Bianconeri since, Lazio were in no mood to be swept aside here.

Indeed, having been outscored six goals to one over those last three meetings, Stefano Pioli’s men were far more resolute this time around and stood toe-to-toe with the Turin giants in a game constantly interrupted by niggly fouls and complaints to the official.

Lazio’s Keita Balde Diao had the first real chance after 12 minutes, bursting past Martin Caceres on the left only to fire over from a narrow angle. Paul Pogba and Simone Zaza wasted good chances for the visitors, the latter missing arguably the best opportunity as he somehow hit the side netting with an open goal waiting.

The striker would make amends shortly after, however, his powerful effort in the 66th minute rebounding to Stephan Lichtsteiner after crashing into the post. The defender—himself a former Lazio player—would make no mistake, goal-line technology proving his shot had indeed beaten ‘keeper Etrit Berisha.

Stefano Sturaro, Zaza and Mario Mandzukic all subsequently had chances to seal the tie with a second goal, but Juventus were forced to endure a nervous last few minutes before they could secure the victory.

While the Biancocelesti may perhaps consider themselves unlucky, the game arguably proved two important things about their opponents. Firstly, the depth of talent available to Mister Allegri is superb; the coach was able to make six changes from the side that beat Udinese last weekend but insistent he was not resting anyone.

“I compliment the lads, as this was in no way an easy match,” he told RAI Sport (h/t Football Italia) shortly after the final whistle. “I don’t like the term ‘squad rotation,’ as I have a very competitive team and it is always difficult to leave players out.”

Whether that is true or not, beating such opposition despite leaving out the likes of Gigi Buffon, Sami Khedira and Paulo Dybala bodes well for the future, as does the fact they were able to grind out a result in such a hostile environment.

“It was a tough, physical game,” Leonardo Bonucci told reporters as he left the field—per the club’s official website—before going on to praise the spirit displayed by his team-mates. “Juventus play to win every game. We fight for each other and for every ball on the field and we owe to it ourselves to chase every title this season.”

Sealing a victory without playing at their best is a major bonus, especially for a team looking to defend the domestic double they won last term, and their current winning run is beginning to make a repeat look increasingly possible.

Aside from this cup win, the Bianconeri have taken all three points in their last 10 league games and will hope to continue that streak when they welcome AS Roma to Juventus Stadium on Sunday.

[Socrates 8524]

LAZIO - JUVENTUS

0 - 1

Stephan Lichtsteiner (66')

 

Coppa Italia TIM - Quarter-final
Wednesday, January 20th, 2016 - 8:45 PM
Olimpico Stadium, Rome
Referee: Antonio Damato

Lazio vs. Juventus: Winners
and Losers from Coppa Italia

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2609568-lazio-vs-juventus-winners-and-losers-from-coppa-italia?

Jan 21, 2016
 
Juventus and Lazio locked horns in the Coppa Italia on Wednesday for the third time in four years.

Last season the two came together for a thrilling final at the Stadio Olimpico, and two years before that the Biancocelesti prevented Juve from claiming a second consecutive berth in the final when a stoppage-time goal gave them a 3-2 aggregate win in the semi-final before going on to beat Roma for their sixth title.

Juve came in on the back of 10 consecutive victories in Serie A and a 4-0 obliteration of Torino in the last round. But not all of those wins were pretty. Sometimes the beautiful game can be downright dreary, and Wednesday's game certainly fell into that category.

Juve has needed some ugly goals to put together their winning streak, and Stephan Lichtsteiner's decider in this one was one of them. He casually came to tap a rebound into the net, only to see Lazio goalkeeper Etrit Berisha streak in at the last moment.

Berisha clawed the ball away, but not before referee Antonio Damato received the signal from the Olimpico's goal-line technology that the ball had crossed the line. It was the difference in a 1-0 game that set up a semi-final clash against Inter, ensuring extra iterations of the Derby d'Italia this year.

Who were the winners and losers in this drab midweek clash? Let's take a closer look to find out.


Winner: Juventus' Defense

Juve is a team built on its defense. Since the Antonio Conte era began in 2011, they have been arguably the best defensive side in Europe. That reputation had been under challenge early this term when the back line became uncharacteristically leaky, but since Massimiliano Allegri returned to the 3-5-2 formation they have returned to form.

They showed that at the Olimpico, completely stifling Miroslav Klose, Antonio Candreva and the rest of Lazio's attack.

The trio of Leonardo Bonucci, Giorgio Chiellini and Martin Caceres prevented the capital club from even recording a shot on target. They covered excellently in the box, getting in front of any cross before it could cause trouble and hardly ever letting Lazio break.

There was but one hiccup. That came in the 13th minute, when Keita Balde Diao slipped past Caceres and raced into the box only to scuff a golden chance to take the lead. From that point on Juve had Lazio in a choke hold. Once Stephan Lichtsteiner opened the scoring, Juve did what they do best—protecting a one-goal lead, something they've turned into an art form.

The return to form of Juve's defense means bad news for the rest of Italy. If their back line turns into the immovable object that kept the likes Real Madrid at bay last year, it will be hard for anyone to score.


Loser: Alvaro Morata

The long scoring drought for Alvaro Morata continues. He hasn't scored since back-to-back matches against Sevilla and Bologna at the end of September and beginning of October, and every game he plays without a goal intensifies the pressure on the young Spaniard.

As in the rest of his most recent appearances, Morata has found himself in good positions but was unable to find the last touch.

He did draw several fouls and bookings and was denied the opener in the 51st minute by a good piece of goalkeeping from Etrit Berisha, but he also showed some of his biggest flaws. He went down far too easily in the box in the 34th minute, a problem that has bugged him his entire Juve career.

Worse, though, is his lack of awareness on the ball. When he gets the ball at his feet he tends to put his head down and charge. That draws fouls and cards, yes, but in the 54th minute he could have released either Paul Pogba or Simone Zaza on either side of him with a well-placed pass. Instead he dribbled into a crowd, drawing the free kick but giving up the potential for more.

The goals will come for Morata. One moment can give him confidence, and then form will return in a wave. But right now he has the look of a man wondering what more he has to do.


Winner: Simone Zaza

Zaza didn't manage to score on Wednesday, but his play was still exemplary.

With neither team doing much in attack, Zaza had his nose in almost all the big plays. He sent at least two teammates clear on goal. The first of those passes turned into the shot that Morata couldn't get past Berisha. The second came three minutes after Lichtsteiner's opener and saw Stefano Sturaro scuff his one-on-one with the Albanian well wide to the far post.

He was also the impetus of the game's lone goal. It was his shot—a screamer on the turn that nearly broke the goalpost in half—that rebounded to Lichtsteiner for what turned into a not-so-simple tap-in.

He also missed a few chances of his own, particularly in the 77th minute when he could have put the game to bed. But his movement and his distribution were excellent when it counted, and he tracked deep into his own half several times to supplement the team's defensive efforts.

Juve are doggedly hanging on to Zaza despite transfer rumors—rumors that Allegri put to bed in his prematch press conference (h/t Football Italia) by saying "Zaza won't leave, he'll stay at Juventus." If he continues to play well and Morata continues to struggle, we could see him jump the Spaniard in the pecking order before long.


Loser: Stefano Pioli

Elimination from the Coppa was bad enough for embattled Lazio manager Stefano Pioli, but now he may have to face Sunday's game against Chievo with a depleted squad.

Pioli had two players carted off on Wednesday. The first was center back Mauricio, who came off just after the hour after appearing to injure his leg when stretching for a ball. Right before the end Lucas Biglia went down after a battle for possession and had to leave the field, leaving Lazio with 10 men and seeing the cart out again where he was being treated on the sideline.

Both players are important for this team. Both have played in 14 games in Serie A and Biglia has recorded three goals and two assists. Replacing them will be difficult for a team that's already in the depths this season.

Lauded as the Next Big Thing after taking Lazio to third place and the Coppa final a year ago, Pioli is now holding on to his job by a thread. If he can't right things soon, he'll be looking for new employment come the summer.


Winner: Massimiliano Allegri

If there was one thing Max Allegri couldn't afford with a big match coming against Roma on Sunday, it was a game that went to extra time. Right behind that on the list was an injury.

He escaped Wednesday with neither.

Allegri will now have almost his entire squad at his disposal to face the Giallorossi, with only Mario Lemina, Roberto Pereyra and Andrea Barzagli missing in the trainer's room.

With a title dogfight on his hands and a game against a team that, two weeks into the reign of a new coach, is going to be far less predictable than it once was on tap, Allegri got just enough to win and avoided any negative side effects.


Loser: Miroslav Klose

In years past, a duel between Chiellini and Miroslav Klose would have been mouthwatering. Now it's just sad.

The 37-year-old striker finally won his World Cup two summers ago, but with that the last spark may have left him. It was almost like the failure of his trademark back flip celebration in Germany's World Cup game against Ghana was a sign.

Since that tournament Klose has been a shell of himself. Rather than the dangerous penalty area presence we've always seen, the big German simply can't compete with defenders the like of Chiellini and Bonucci.

On Wednesday he was completely marked out of the game, and while that's not unusual for an opponent of Juve, it is for him. When the season ends, it may be time for Klose to call time as well.

[Socrates 8524]

LAZIO - JUVENTUS

0 - 1

Stephan Lichtsteiner (66')

 

Coppa Italia TIM - Quarter-final
Wednesday, January 20th, 2016 - 8:45 PM
Olimpico Stadium, Rome
Referee: Antonio Damato

Juventus Club Focus:
Who Saw That Coming?

After securing a hard-fought victory over Lazio in the Coppa Italia, Oscar La-Gambina
analyses the Bianconeri’s chances of securing a consecutive domestic cup double.

http://forzaitalianfootball.com/2016/01/juventus-club-focus-who-saw-that-coming/?

Jan 21, 2016
 
A couple of months ago, we were discussing whether Massimiliano Allegri should be relieved of his duties at Juventus. Now, with 10 straight Serie A wins, the Bianconeri are being named as title favourites once again.

A 4-0 thrashing of Udinese was their most recent domestic triumph and it subsequently put them in second place in the league table. They are now two points off top spot and looking once again like one of the most dangerous teams on the peninsula, while a 1-0 win away at Lazio in the Coppa Italia keeps their hopes alive of a consecutive domestic double.

Along with Juve, Napoli are pushing hard to obtain a reputation as one of the most lethal teams in Serie A, purely down to their impressive goalscoring ability.

Nonetheless, scoring four without reply against the Zebrette in a refreshed Stadio Friuli is no mean feat, and there is no reason to suggest why this form cannot continue until May and consequently bring the Turin club their historic fifth-straight Scudetto.

Furthermore, young ball of talent Paulo Dybala is continuing to impress and current transfer speculation hints that the squad will remain united until the end of the campaign, with no departures looking likely.

The question is, however, will this be enough for them to actually win the title?

One thing that the Old Lady can be positive about is their current European situation, with both Juventus and Napoli featuring in alternative competitions.

Juventus will encounter Bundesliga leaders Bayern Munich in the Champions League Round of 16, although the Germans are possibly too powerful for the Italians, something which has already been mentioned in this Club Focus previously.

The Partenopei, meanwhile, are tied with Villarreal in their next stage of Europe, who have the worst goal difference in the top six in La Liga and are themselves involved in a European battle at the top of the table.

Therefore, Juventus may well depart from Europe, while Napoli go through. This will undoubtedly give the Bianconeri an increased advantage over their Neapolitan counterparts, who may face European induced injuries and will experience much less preparation time.

This potentially free schedule would be especially important after the Champions League tie in March, when Allegri’s men have a derby clash with Torino, while also coming face-to-face with Sassuolo, who were the last side to take points off them earlier in the season.

These are key fixtures in their title race and ones they should win if they want to retain the Scudetto this year.

In the future, Juventus could may well exploit Napoli’s distracted focus on the Europa League, subsequently grasping first place as a position of their own.

[Socrates 8524]

JUVENTUS - ROMA

-

 
 

MATCHDAY 21
Sunday, January 24th, 2016 - 8:45 PM
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Luca Banti

Banti to ref Juve-Roma

http://www.football-italia.net/78702/banti-ref-juve-roma?

Jan 21, 2016
 
Luca Banti will referee Sunday’s clash between Juventus and Roma as the Week 21 officials are announced.

The Giallorossi travel to Juventus Stadium to face a Bianconeri side on a 10-match winning streak in the league on Sunday evening.

Luciano Spalletti recently replaced Rudi Garcia on the Lupi bench, but got off to a disappointing start with a 1-1 home draw against rock bottom Verona.

The experienced Banti, who has refereed in Serie A since 2010 and also at European and international level, has been handed the reins for the encounter.


Week 21 referrees

Empoli-Milan: Russo

Fiorentina-Torino: Mazzoleni

Frosinone-Atalanta: Valeri

Verona-Genoa: Rocchi

Inter-Carpi: Gervasoni

Juventus-Roma: Banti

Lazio-Chievo: Calvarese

Palermo-Udinese: Tagliavento

Sampdoria-Napoli: Orsato

Sassuolo-Bologna: Cervellera

 

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

[Socrates 8524]

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MATCHDAY 21
Sunday, January 24th, 2016 - 8:45 PM
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Luca Banti

Zaza: ‘Roma one of the best’

http://www.football-italia.net/78721/zaza-%E2%80%98roma-one-best%E2%80%99?

Jan 21, 2016
 
Juventus striker Simone Zaza says Roma are “definitely one of the best teams in the League”.

The Bianconeri welcome Luciano Spalletti’s side to Turin this Sunday, looking to extend their Serie A winning run to 11 matches.

“They’re definitely one of the best teams in the League,” Zaza acknowledged in an interview with JTV.

“They’ve always been competitive, and there’s a big rivalry with Juventus, especially in recent years.

“They’ll have a grudge, because they’ve never managed to win the League over Juventus, so it’ll be a difficult game.

“However, if we play with our mentality we’ll bring home the result.”

Zaza has scored six goals in all competitions since arriving from Sassuolo this summer, and was asked which of them was his favourite.

“They’re all important, because I scored them in a Juventus shirt. The most exciting one was maybe the one in the Champions League against Sevilla, my first goal in Europe.

“But also the two goals against Torino were just beautiful. After [the 1-0 defeat to] Sassuolo it hasn’t really been a change of mentality, but in terms of hunger.

“I hadn’t really understood what it meant to play here, and a lot of the young players were like me.

“At that moment the season changed for Juventus, and now we’re a totally different team. The quality is still the same, but the approach has changed.”

 

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

[Socrates 8524]

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MATCHDAY 21
Sunday, January 24th, 2016 - 8:45 PM
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Luca Banti

Andrea Barzagli, Roberto Pereyra return to training
ahead of Juventus' showdown with Roma

http://www.blackwhitereadallover.com/2016/1/21/10810070/juventus-andrea-barzagli-roberto-pereyra-injury-training-2016-serie-a?

Jan 21, 2016
 
Maybe, just maybe, Max Allegri will soon have a full squad to choose from again. Maybe. That is, if the stupid injury bug that has bit Juventus at every turn of the long and winding road we go on for nine months out of the year continues to ease up as we roll on through the second half of the 2015-16 season.

From juventus.com's recap of Thursday's training session:

As is the norm for a training session the day after a match, Allegri's charges were split into two groups with those involved at the Stadio OIimpico undergoing a routine warm down session in the gym and the remainder of the squad focusing on ball work and movement in the final third.

Joining the latter was Andrea Barzagli, as predicted by the boss last Saturday, as the defender continues to work towards a return to action after a four-game absence through injury. Roberto Pereyra also featured in parts of today's workout, stepping up his own rehabilitation program.

Two quick thoughts

This is good.
This is really, really good.

So that's basically the same thing, but this is good news, so I am excited about it. It's for one main reason: In what will be one of the busiest and most important stretches of the schedule over the next six weeks, Juventus will have two of the lengthiest injury absentees back in the fold. We might not know officially when they will actually be available for Allegri to use in games, but the fact both Barzagli and Pereyra are back in training means they're getting close at the very least.

In terms of their status for this weekend's showdown with Roma, who knows. Based on how it's described, I have a hard time thinking Pereyra would be available. Barzagli, on the other hand, might be considering how Allegri has talked about the 34-year-old defender's recovery in recent weeks. The good thing is Daniele Rugani and Martin Cáceres are more than just adequate cover and have proven that over the last four games coming out of the holiday break.

 

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

[Socrates 8524]

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MATCHDAY 21
Sunday, January 24th, 2016 - 8:45 PM
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Luca Banti

HOW A RESURGENT JUVENTUS CLIMBED
BACK INTO THE SCUDETTO RACE

http://www.thehardtackle.com/blogs/2016/01/22/how-a-resurgent-juventus-climbed-back-into-the-scudetto-racehow-a-resurgent-juventus-climbed-back-into-the-scudetto-race/?

Jan 21, 2016
 
The Serie A champions have found their feet after a stuttering start to this season and with 10 wins in a row they are firmly back in the title race, sitting just two points behind leaders Napoli. Max Allegri tweeted this after the win against Udinese:

Massimiliano Allegri ✔ @OfficialAllegri
Il dieci nel calcio è il numero della magia, e dieci vittorie di fila lo sono. Ora vietato rilassarsi che c'è una Coppa da difendere!

Which means: “In football, the number 10 represents magic, which is what our winning streak feels like. Now, however, we can’t relax, we have a Cup to defend!”. Let us take stock of the situation and analyse the decisive factors which helped Juventus recover from their tough start.


Dramatic Derby della Mole win was a massive moment for Juventus

With the pressure intensifying on Massimiliano Allegri and his team after a shocking 1-0 loss at Sassuolo, Juventus needed a positive response in the Turin derby. For much of the game it seemed Torino would take atleast a point but Juan Cuadrado’s scrappy injury-time winner was a big relief for the entire squad. Forced into ritiro after the defeat against Sassuolo, Juventus were aware that anything less than three points would have increased the pressure. Paul Pobga’s glorious volley was a gentle reminder to critics that he could function even in the absence of Andrea Pirlo and Arturo Vidal. Juventus were second best for most of the match but the late winner seemed priceless as the crowd was beginning to get restless.

The aura of invincibility at the Juventus stadium was disappearing and as the groans of frustration grew louder, the Colombian on loan from Chelsea slid home the match winner. The manner of the victory fired up the players who earned a hard-fought win even though it was undeserving. The attitude and the lack of desire to win a game was publicly criticized by club captain Gianluigi Buffon after the midweek defeat. By grinding out a win deep into stoppage time the players showed they still had some fight left in them. This was definitely the turning point of the season for Juventus.


Emergence of Paulo Dybala as the chief protagonist

Dybala did not enjoy the best of starts to his career in Turin. While his quality was evident and goals arrived almost instantly, his influence was not enough to carry Juventus forward. The collective departures of Arturo Vidal, Andrea Pirlo and most importantly Carlos Tevez left a gaping hole which seemed to have a decisive impact. The Argentine was used sparingly as Max Allegri felt he needed to be eased into things. With due respect to Palermo, it was an altogether different challenge to play for the champions of Italy. Allegri came under heavy criticism for benching Dybala but as it turns out he was right.

Juve Stats ‏@juvestats1897 Jan 17
With 11 goals and 6 assists, Dybala has directly contributed 46% of Juve's goals in Serie A this season. BOMBER

Juve Stats @juvestats1897
CORRECTION: With 11 goals & 7 assists, Dybala has directly contributed 49% of Juve's goals in Serie A this season. BOMBER

A potentially tricky away trip to Udinese last Sunday was turned into a walkover as Dybala led the way with two goals and two assists. The obvious comparisons with Carlos Tevez seem a bit premature, but Dybala does share the winning attitude and consistency. Dybala himself has scored seven times and assisted five more in this 10 match winning run, establishing himself in the process as the leader of this team. The club’s improvement has been a team effort but the magnificent Dybala has been irreplaceable on the pitch, deciding the games with a string of wonderful displays and goals. He was a revelation in Serie A last year with 13 goals and 10 assists and there is no reason as to why he can’t match that tally this year too.


Sami Khedira is the driving force behind this new-look Juventus

A World Cup and Champions League winner, Sami Khedira adds organization to Juve’s midfield and the trio of Khedira, Marchisio and Pogba is quite clearly the best Allegri can field. Juventus have recovered well after their poor start but still the team feels incomplete in Khedira’s absence. The German is tactically very sound and his presence allows Pogba more freedom to venture forward and play with ease. His physical condition has been a big minus point for the past few years but when fit he is a valuable asset for Max Allegri.

PakPoSan @MazzShan
#Sami 12 - Juve are unbeaten in their 12 games (all comps) with Sami Khedira on the pitch: 10 wins, 2 draws. Basic.

He might not garner the same attention as fellow summer signing Paulo Dybala but he is equally important to his side. Juventus have not lost a single game in which Khedira has started so far this season and it is no coincidence that his return to full fitness has coincided with Juve’s positive run of results. His first six months in Turin have shown Sami Khedira is more than capable of becoming a new leader in this team and he is slowly establishing himself as the driving force behind this new-look Juventus.


Settled lineups and treatment of younger players

The return of Claudio Marchisio in Juve’s lineup restored balance and experience to a side which was struggling to find its identity. Allegri’s decision to play new players every game robbed Juventus of fluidity and cohesion, making them look like a bunch of individuals trying to win a game. While it will be unfair to blame Allegri only for the poor start, he should own the failure to establish a proper rhythm in the side as it lacked continuity. Allegri was seeking a way to overcome the injuries but the incessant tinkering did not help the players settle in their role easily. It seems he has finally decided to go with the 3-5-2 module which plays to his team’s strength and helps express them in the best way possible.

Pogba and Marchisio are comfortable in this system while the back three look a safer bet compared to the back four. The front pair of Dybala and Mandzukic has a great understanding and the only place where Allegri is frequently rotating is the fullback position. Sami Khedira has done remarkably well and in his absence Juventus have solid options like Kwado Asamoah, Lemina, Pereyra and Sturaro. Hernanes and Morata might have been below par this season but have done a reasonable job when called upon. Simone Zaza, who is the fourth choice striker, has the best conversion rate among the frontmen. Allegri’s handling of young players has been exemplary. Dybala and Rugani were slowly integrated while the likes of Lemina, Sturaro, Zaza and Morata have all been handled in the best way possible for the team.

Despite heavy criticism from the press and fans, Allegri did not feel he had to justify himself to anyone. His record of managing youngsters speak for itself: Radja Nainggolan (Cagliari), Stephan El Shaarawy (Milan) and Alvaro Morata last year. In a sport where the pressure to perform can easily burn out young talents, Allegri knows precisely the right time to introduce them. He does not get influenced by the price-tag of a particular young player and uses them only when he feels that he can make a difference. Similar to Dybala, another big summer signing Alex Sandro played second fiddle to Patrice Evra at the beginning of the season but slowly started to make decisive impacts with game deciding assists against Torino, AC Milan and Manchester City. Both Dybala and Sandro are starting to justify the €66m Juventus invested in them.

Dave Dwicarta @dwicarta
Alex Sandro's last four games:
Sassuolo 1-0 Juve
Juve 2-1 Torino (1 assist)
Juve 1-0 Milan (1 assist)
Juve 1-0 Man City (1 assist)
#crucial

 

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

[Socrates 8524]

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MATCHDAY 21
Sunday, January 24th, 2016 - 8:45 PM
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Luca Banti

Buffon: ‘Roma game crucial’

http://www.football-italia.net/78730/buffon-%E2%80%98roma-game-crucial%E2%80%99?

Jan 22, 2016
 
Juventus goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon admits Sunday’s game is “crucial” to put Roma 10 points behind.

The Bianconeri are firmly back in the Scudetto race, while the Lupi have struggled in recent weeks, and the two meet in Turin on Sunday evening.

“If we win we’ll send them 10 points behind,” Buffon noted in an interview with giornalaccio rosa dello Sport.

“It would be crucial, because we’re talking about a dangerous team, fearsome. The further away Roma are, the better for us.

“Playing against Francesco Totti? There will only be a lot of affection. Maybe there will be a bit of melancholy looking back at the years we spent together in the Italy youth teams, when we were full of dreams.

“Wonderful years.”

Buffon is also Azzurri captain, and went on to discuss the national team’s chances in Euro 2016 this summer.

“We have a team with a great style of play, strong character and there are some players who can make a big impact if taken at the right time. Verratti for example, then Pirlo.

“Do I still think Pirlo can do it? Yes, I believe it. Of course I believe it.

“The strongest Italy I played for? The one in 2002 was exceptional from a technical standpoint. In 2006 we found a unique team spirit, in terms of morale that team was unreachable.

“In recent years I’ve seen an important sense of belonging.”

The goalkeeper was not nominated for the Ballon d’Or, causing a storm in Italy, but the veteran insists he wasn’t fazed.

“I’ll answer without hypocrisy, I honestly don’t think I was screwed out of anything,” Buffon insisted.

“It might have been bad if I could compete to win it, but to come 14th or 20th…

“In fact, I got more publicity this way!”

 

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

[Socrates 8524]

JUVENTUS - ROMA

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MATCHDAY 21
Sunday, January 24th, 2016 - 8:45 PM
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Luca Banti

Juventus V Roma – Preview: Bianconeri
Look To Continue Winning Streak

http://forzaitalianfootball.com/2016/01/juventus-v-roma-preview-bianconeri-look-to-continue-winning-streak/?

Jan 22, 2016
 
Juventus host Roma at the Juventus Stadium on Sunday evening in Serie A, with the Bianconeri looking for their 11th straight league victory, as they continue their relentless charge back to the top of the standings.

The Turin giants cruised to a 4-0 victory over Udinese at the Stadio Friuli last weekend to bring their winning run into double figures in the league, and now have their sights firmly set on Inter’s record of 17 consecutive wins in the 2006-2007 season.

The Old Lady currently sit in second in the table on 42 points after gameweek 20, two points off leaders Napoli at the top. Since losing to Udinese 1-0 at the Juventus Stadium on the opening day of the season, the Bianconeri are now unbeaten in their last eight home fixtures, winning six and drawing the other two.

The Giallorossi, meanwhile, under new coach Luciano Spalletti, could only manage a 1-1 draw against bottom of the table Hellas Verona at the Stadio Olimpico last Sunday.

I Lupi lie fifth in the standings on 35 points after 20 matches, nine points off leaders Napoli, and five points off third-place Inter in the last Champions League spot. The Roman giants have drawn their past four away games in Serie A, including a 0-0 draw with leaders Napoli at the Stadio San Paolo in mid-December.

The two sides have already met this campaign with Roma running out 2-1 victors in Rome in gameweek two, thanks to goals from Miralem Pjanic and Edin Dzeko.

Last season, the Bianconeri defeated the Romans 3-2 at the Juventus Stadium in what was one of the games of the season.

In recent history, the Old Lady have won seven and drawn two of the last ten encounters in Serie A between the sides in Turin, with Roma last registering an away victory six years ago on Saturday, in a 2-1 win thanks to a John Arne Riise strike in stoppage time.

In team news, the Bianconeri are expected to recall strikers Mario Mandzukic and top-scorer on 11 goals Paulo Dybala to their starting line-up after they were rested in their 1-0 victory over Lazio in the Coppa Italia in midweek.

Roma, meanwhile, have doubts over defender Maicon and striker Gervinho through injury, while captain Francesco Totti is expected to return to the Giallorossi bench following a long spell on the sidelines with injury.


Form Guide: Juventus (W-W-W-W-W) Roma (D-W-D-D-D)


Expected Starting XIs:

Juventus:
Buffon; Rugani, Bonucci, Chiellini; Lichtsteiner, Khedira, Marchisio, Pogba, Alex Sandro; Mandzukic, Dybala.

Roma:
Szczesny, Torosidis, Manolas, Rudiger, Digne; Pjanic, De Rossi, Nainggolan; Florenzi, Dzeko, Salah.

 

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

[Socrates 8524]

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MATCHDAY 21
Sunday, January 24th, 2016 - 8:45 PM
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Luca Banti

Juventus' winning ways the only key
to continued revenue growth

http://www.espnfc.co.uk/italian-serie-a/12/blog/post/2791850/juventus-winning-ways-only-key-to-continued-revenue-growth

Jan 22, 2016
 
Scoring a vital goal to secure a win against Lazio in the Coppa Italia quarterfinal, Juventus are through to the semifinals of the competition and perhaps the strongest looking side in it. A team that has rediscovered the art of winning and sacrificing, the match against the Biancocelesti may have been laden with needless fouls, but the Bianconeri showed heart, determination and a great level of play to achieve victory despite the stop start nature of the game.

With their Coppa Italia hopes alive and well and only two points off the top of the Serie A table, Juventus look set for another exciting season, even if it all started so badly.

Unfortunately for the Bianconeri, they must continue to perform at such high levels both domestically and internationally if they are to continue competing with the best European Football has to offer.

Deloitte recently published the latest Football Money League report and the Old Lady finds herself in 10th place, the first Italian side to have broken through the €300 million revenue barrier. The Bianconeri owe much of the 16 percent growth in revenue in comparison to last year to their performances in the Champions League. In reaching the final, Juventus earned €89.1m from UEFA, the largest sum ever paid out to a club.

While the club must be immensely proud of the remarkable figures and wonderful sporting achievements, there are still certain aspects Juventus must work on if they want to maintain their position in Europe. For one thing, it's rather worrying that 61 percent of the club's total revenue is dependent on what they earn through broadcasting. In fact only Real Madrid and Barcelona make more than the Italians in that aspect (both sides earn approximately €200m more than the Italians). The very best clubs in Europe know that no club should ever depend on one revenue generating steam. Other avenues must be explored and exploited to ensure long term health.

Match day revenue has also steadily grown especially as there were more Champions League matches to attend, but on a commercial level, Juve still has so much more to learn. In comparison to the year before, the Turin giants' commercial revenue fell by €9.4m. While Deloitte forecast that J-Village will almost certainly bring in more money for the Italian giants when it opens at the end of 2017, this is still a team that makes on average, €24m less in commercial revenue than Milan (a team that finished in 10th position last season) and a staggering €224m less than top European earner PSG.

This is a side that has to exploit the fame their sporting achievements have brought them and negotiate better deals in order to better compete with other footballing giants or they risk collapsing in much the same way Inter did -- a team that somewhat failed to enhance their global brand and increase commercial revenue after winning the treble in 2010.

At least the Old Lady's social media presence is steadily growing, winning more admirers by the day. The more Facebook likes, Instagram and Twitter followers the club collect, the more the brand will grow and that will eventually turn into more money for the club. Sadly for Juve, they have been pitted against Bayern Munich in the Champions League and a possible early exit form the competition will almost certainly result in a significant drop in revenue, making it harder for the club to compete with the other European footballing giants next season.

One hopes for continued victories and stellar performances from a side that has achieved so much since Andrea Agnelli took over the reins and winning another Scudetto is the primary objective. In order to fulfil that dream, the team must collect a win against bitter rivals Roma on Sunday evening to maintain their winning momentum.

With Rudi Garcia out of the picture, one imagines new coach Luciano Spalletti will attempt to remotivate a side that has suffered a psychological collapse as of late. While it's too early for the Giallorossi to effectively translate their new coach's tactical ideas on the pitch, they will still present Juventus with a stern challenge. On a technical level, not much separates the two sides.

Roma not only boast players with great technique but they possess a wonderfully balanced squad and a coach who might just understand how to outsmart the tactically brilliant Massimiliano Allegri. The problem for the Giallorossi is, no matter how great the strategy is going forward, this is still a squad that seems to tire out rather quickly and one that is yet to find a solution to their defensive woes.

According to latest reports, both Andrea Barzagli and Sami Khedira should be available for the match while it appears both Paulo Dybala and Mario Mandzukic will start up front for the Old Lady. Can Juve achieve yet another victory?

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

[Socrates 8524]

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MATCHDAY 21
Sunday, January 24th, 2016 - 8:45 PM
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Luca Banti

Nainggolan: Juventus Are Built To Win

http://forzaitalianfootball.com/2016/01/nainggolan-juventus-are-built-to-win/?

Jan 23, 2016
 
Roma midfielder Radja Nainggolan says Juventus are a side that are built to win and has admitted they will have to drop below their normal performance levels if the Giallorossi are to triumph on Sunday evening.

Luciano Spalletti’s outfit travel to the Juventus Stadium looking to halt the Bianconeri’s ten-game winning streak in Serie A.

“They are used to winning,” the midfielder told Sky Sport Italia ahead of this weekend’s meeting.

“In recent years they have triumphed and they are now back on track.

“They are a team built to win, but maybe we are not as we used to be.”

The Belgian conceded that, although Roma are capable of outplaying the champions, they will require a dip in levels from Massimiliano Allegri’s side.

“It will be an important game and we must prepare as well to stand a chance,” added Nainggolan.

“It does not depend only on us, however, Juve will have to help us by doing something wrong.”

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

[Socrates 8524]

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MATCHDAY 21
Sunday, January 24th, 2016 - 8:45 PM
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Luca Banti

Juventus - Roma MATCH PREVIEW

http://www.football-italia.net/SerieA/match/preview/70027

Jan 23, 2016
 
Juventus are looking to extend their ten-match winning run when they welcome Luciano Spalletti's Roma to Juventus Stadium.

It has been a truly wonderful run of results that has seen the Bianconeri change their fortunes, with Massimiliano Allegri guiding the Turin club to a Coppa Italia semi-final on Wednesday.

Simone Zaza, who was given a vote of confidence by Allegri amidst transfer rumours, discussed Sunday's evening clash. "Roma are definitely one of the best teams in the league," stated Zaza to JTV.

"The Giallorossi have a grudge with us, because in recent years of our rivalry they have never won the title over Juventus."

The Italian, however, will probably have to wait in the wings behind the on form Paulo Dybala and Mario Mandzukic. Andrea Barzagli will be evaluated prior to Sunday in regards to a return to the pitch.

Juventus' visitors come in the shape of the Giallorossi, a side still getting to grips with their new - and also former - Coach Luciano Spalletti. The tactician was able to see what areas of the squad needed to be fixed and fine tuned following a disappointing draw to bottom of the table Verona.

Miralem Pjanic was one to feel the force of the new man on the touchline, being moved back to a more defensive "regista" role. "We're expecting a tricky match against an opponent full of confidence and is the middle of a great comeback," Pjanic said. "It is not by chance they have won four successive titles."

Spalletti has a pretty full squad to pick from, but both Maicon and Gervinho remain a doubt.

Even with the odds stacked against them, Roma will be hoping to dent their rivals’ Scudetto ambitions when they visit Juventus Stadium, even if it wouldn't have a huge effect on their own title challenge.


Keep an eye on: Paulo Dybala (Juventus) – Who else but the Argentinian? The 22-year-old is on hot form as of late, scoring seven goals in his last nine games. It also looks as though they've found their new set-piece man, with Dybala stating "He [Pirlo] must have left some magic in the number 21 shirt."


Form Guide: Juventus (W W W W W) Roma (D D D W D)

Last season: Juventus 3-2 Roma

Stat fact: Expect a feisty affair, with seven red cards issued in the past five matches.


Juventus (probable):
Buffon; Rugani, Bonucci, Chiellini; Lichtsteiner, Marchisio, Khedira, Pogba, Alex Sandro; Dybala, Mandzukic

Suspended: None


Roma (probable):
Sczzesny; Torosidis, Manolas, Rudiger; Florenzi, Pjanic, De Rossi, Digne; Salah, Nainggolan; Dzeko

Suspended: None

 

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

[Socrates 8524]

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MATCHDAY 21
Sunday, January 24th, 2016 - 8:45 PM
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Luca Banti

Juve to kill off wounded Roma

The Juventus juggernaut is ready to add another victim, according to
Luca Cetta, as Roma’s poor form will be under the microscope in Turin.

http://www.football-italia.net/78784/juve-kill-wounded-roma?

Jan 23, 2016
 
What a difference a season makes. When Roma last visited the Juventus Stadium they did so in a buoyant mood after a fine start to the campaign. It proved an evening both unforgettable and infamous in equal measure, a match which sparked furious debate and a certain violin gesture. Out of that ill-tempered October 2014 affair spawned Rudi Garcia’s misguided Press conference declaring Scudetto intentions. He was confident of becoming the first man since Fabio Capello to bring the championship back to the capital. That dream never materialised.

Roma finished a mammoth 17 points adrift of Juve and this season failed to build on another excellent start, which brought the Frenchman’s reign to an end. Luciano Spalletti is now entrusted to take the fight to the Old Lady.

A downtrodden Giallorossi go to Turin in this weekend’s big match to face a Juventus side brimming with confidence. The contrast could not be starker. Massimiliano Allegri’s team have won 12 of the last 14 matches in all competition since that season-changing Turin Derby victory on Halloween. The Derby della Capitale a week later marked Roma’s zenith. They’ve won just one of the past 11 matches.

And Roma’s Juventus Stadium record only furthers the home team’s status as favourites. The aforementioned 2014-15 showdown – which ended 3-2 in Juve’s favour – is the closest the capital club have come to winning. Five defeats in five visits and outscored 17 goals to three. It’s a poor return. A 4-0 rout in 2012 is amongst the heaviest inflicted at the venue. The Bianconeri machine, gunning for an 11th successive Serie A triumph, is ready to pick off the wounded Lupi.

As Spalletti’s second debut last Sunday ended with Stadio Olimpico jeers against Verona, Juventus were busy dismantling Udinese at their newly renovated Dacia Arena. The Old Lady was also in action midweek, offering a disciplined performance in Rome to eliminate Lazio from the Coppa Italia as Stephan Lichtsteiner grabbed the only goal against his former club.

Particularly helpful for Allegri were positive performances from a number of players who stepped in and showed Juve can make changes and maintain their high levels. The boss has a strong group in reserve, with Neto, Daniele Rugani, Martin Caceres, Stefano Sturaro, Kwadwo Asamoah, Simone Zaza and Alvaro Morata all making contributions since returning from the Christmas break. The latter has been busy without ending his scoring drought, although Allegri is confident he can get back to scoring ways.

It’s a fairly settled Juventus XI, but having that depth and players pushing for a place can only assist the tactician, as well as serve to be disconcerting to the rest of the Scudetto hopefuls. “To go forward in three competitions we need the entire squad to be in good physical and psychological shape,” Allegri said after Wednesday’s win.

Yet as he reminded, it’s still only January and so the Turin club cannot rest on their laurels.“We must keep our feet on the ground and be aware we’ve achieved nothing yet.” Meeting Inter in the Coppa Semi-finals adds to a demanding schedule. Before the end of February the Bianconeri face Roma and Napoli in Serie A, Inter in both domestic competitions and Bayern Munich in the Champions League.

Gianluigi Buffon sees tomorrow as a ‘crucial’ game, “because we’re talking about a dangerous team. The further away Roma are, the better for us.” Grabbing maximum points could well and truly knock the Giallorossi out of Scudetto contention and leave only four horses in the race.

Napoli are just two points up the road ahead of their tricky away clash at Sampdoria. Juve will know their situation as they take to the field on Sunday evening, whether there’s a gap to close or lead to claim. In doing so, a relentless Juventus can add to Roma’s misery.

 

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

[Socrates 8524]

JUVENTUS - ROMA

-

 
 

MATCHDAY 21
Sunday, January 24th, 2016 - 8:45 PM
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Luca Banti

Juventus v AS Roma: Preview

http://www.espnfc.co.uk/italian-serie-a/match/432066/juventus-as-roma/preview

Jan 23, 2016
 
Juventus striker Simone Zaza is fearful of Roma's ``venomous fangs'' ahead of Sunday night's Serie A showdown in Turin.

The snake idiom can interpreted two ways in Italian - it could mean Roma carry a poisonous grudge having twice finished as runners-up to Juventus in the last two seasons.

The fangs could also refer to the Giallorossi strike force which has scored 37 goals only to see sloppy defending compromise any real hope the capital club had of making another grab at the Scudetto.

Juventus have won 10 games on the spin to reach second, while Roma tread water in fifth, but former Sassuolo frontman Zaza is well aware of the threat carried by the Eternal City side.

He told Tuttosport: ``Roma are definitely one of the best teams in the league. They've always fought hard against us and have had a great rivalry with Juventus, especially recently.

``They will have venomous fangs because they've not managed to beat Juve to the title, so it will be a difficult game. If we can play at our very best, though, we'll get the result we want.''

Veteran goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon shared Zaza's concerns, telling giornalaccio rosa.it: ``The Giallorossi are a dangerous and fearsome team.

``The further we are away from them in the table, the better off we are. If we can put them away and pull 10 points clear of them, that would be ideal.''

Following Rudi Garcia's sacking, Luciano Spalletti has returned to the Stadio Olimpico after a seven-year absence.

He could only secure a 1-1 home draw against rock-bottom Hellas Verona on his second debut, though. A tactical shake-up is clearly needed ahead of the trip to Juventus Stadium.

Edin Dzeko - scorer of only three league goals following his move from Manchester City - should start alone up front, with the inconsistent Gervinho dropping into a support role or missing out altogether.

Spalletti is also tempted to move playmaker Miralem Pjanic into a deep-lying midfield role while using tough tackler Radja Nainggolan in a more advanced position following his goal against Verona.

It remains to be seen what role - if any - club captain Francesco Totti will play in the new Spalletti era.

 

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

[Socrates 8524]

JUVENTUS - ROMA

-

 
 

MATCHDAY 21
Sunday, January 24th, 2016 - 8:45 PM
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Luca Banti

JUVENTUS VS ROMA MATCH PREVIEW

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

Jan 23, 2016
 

Juventus

Juventus’ ten-game winning streak will be put to test on Sunday night against what was once believed its main duellist for Scudetto: Roma. Juventus hold a seven-point lead over giallorossi while Napoli is two points above bianconeri. We are entering a crucial stretch of schedule: by the end of March, Juventus will host Roma, Inter and Napoli. We will definitely see some energy management in the least complicated matches.

Juventus come off a very good win in Coppa against Lazio: the results was a mere 1-0, but we had plenty of chances that were denied by outstanding saves by Etrit Berisha. More importantly biancocelesti barely posed any threat to Neto’s goal. A commanding performance, where Simone Zaza in particular shined with his movement and tenacity. Overall, everybody played pretty well.

As for the Sunday big game, there are not many doubts about the lineup. Andrea Barzagli has resumed practicing fully with the rest of the group and he is slated to start as right centre-back. If there is the smallest of hiccups in the next day or so, as I do not see the coach trusting Daniele Rugani in this situation, Martin Caceres would replace him in the lineup, even though he is in the midst of very intense transfer market rumours and he could end up leaving to join Roma itself. As we all know by this point, the Uruguayan defender has an expiring contract and an extension is unlikely, so he is set to depart anyway. The management would like to keep him and not make any move in January and we have not been linked to any centre-back besides the usual Andrea Ranocchia, but late in the window receiving actual money rather than losing him for nothing at the end of the season could be tempting.

Patrice Evra and Sami Khedira did not make the trip to Rome but it was just to rest and they will be out there on Sunday. Evra is favourite to start over Alex Sandro on the left, but I doubt we will see Juan Cuadrado on the right: after that period early in the season where either him or Paulo Dybala were used as super sub, the Colombian winger has now assumed that role on a permanent basis. It suits him because he can be disruptive, but I would like to see him start more often because he was excellent in the first part of the season. He is really the one who suffered the most with the switch back to 3-5-2: I am not sure if he is worth €22M, the rumoured redemption fee, if utilized once every three games.

Massimilano Allegri will go with the best attack available and that is composed by Dybala and Mario Mandzukic. Roberto Pereyra is almost back from his injury after an absence longer than anticipated: he might be called up. Going forward, we will see if his return could lead to some tactical chance, he is definitely an exciting change-of-pace option off the bench.


Probable lineup 3-5-2:

Buffon; Barzagli, Bonucci, Chiellini; Lichsteiner, Khedira, Marchisio, Pogba, Evra; Dybala, Mandzukic.


Injuries:

Lemina (knee), Pereyra (hamstring).

Suspended:

None.


 

  AS Roma

The issues of this year’s Roma are well-documented and they led to the firing of the (initially) beloved coach Rudi Garcia. The defence is only so-so and they have not found the right partner for Kostas Manolas; Edin Dzeko has not fit properly, he rarely scores and misses easy chances; some players, notably Daniele De Rossi, Leandro Castan (very understandably), Maicon and Gervinho have declined and two leaders like Seydou Keita and Francesco Totti have missed a large part of the season due to injuries. Most importantly they have psychologically frail: they are not able to come back if they go down in the score.

It is now up to Luciano Spalletti to solve these deep problems. The veteran coach is off to a poor start as they drew against the moribund Hellas Verona. Spalletti is a 4-2-3-1 lover and the peak version of Roma, with Rodrigo Tadderi and Amantino Mancini dancing on the wings, Francesco Totti dishing assists and scoring like crazy and Simone Perrotta impersonating the prince of dirty work and sneaky cuts was really pleasant to watch. It was prime time football, a critically acclaimed team.

The coach has made some experiments in his first match back at Olimpico to fit the squad in that tactic. Miralem Pjanic was moved in front of the defence: he is not a stranger to that position and he could thrive there and be more involved in the build-up of the play; since he is not really a slasher, he might not be the most adequate to be the advanced midfielder in this system and he certainly has the vision to distribute the ball in the right way. Radja Nainggolan was used in the “Perrotta” role: he scored, so the move had immediate results, but I do not like the long-term outlook should he be placed there constantly; when he first joined from Cagliari, Nainggolan had no offensive game other than a robust shoot: he can learn but he does not strike me as a player that can become a big time attacking option.

It is plausible that Spalletti was trying to make do with what he had at disposal and maybe once they complete the signing of a left winger, who will likely be Stephan El Shaarawy, Diego Perotti or both, Alessandro Florenzi will slide to the AM position and be awesome.

Since things were not going so well with 4-2-3-1, Spalletti switch to 3-5-2, the scheme he used in Udine, with Nainggolan still taking on offensive duties, so almost a 3-4-2-1. This should be the case on Sunday night as it would help them match better with Juventus’ formation.

There is only one doubt in terms of personnel: Daniele De Rossi was tried as centre-back, like with Italy few years ago. If it worked in practice, he could be deployed there, with Seydou Keita taking his spot in the midfield. If it did not, Vasilis Torosidis would play theere, because Castan is not ready to play and will probably be loaned to team where there is less pressure to perform at a high level. Antonio Rudiger will complete the defence: he is a trick or treat kind of player, you never know in advance whether he will have a good game or if he will give it away due to numerous blunders. He was held out of one practice because of a sore knee during the week, he should be ready to go also because they would really be out of alternatives without him.

With 3-5-2, Alessandro Florenzi and Lucas Digne would be the wing backs, with a tiny chance of Florenzi sliding to the middle (with Torosidis on the flank), if Keita, who has just returned from a calf injury, can not start. They will be without Maicon and Gervinho because of bruised knees (and transfer market rumours), Kevin Strootman who is completing his recovery after a heavy knee procedure and Salih Uçan who has a turf toe.


Probable lineup 3-5-2:

Szczesny; Manolas, De Rossi, Rudiger; Florenzi, Keita, Pjanic, Nainggolan, Digne; Salah, Dzeko.


Injuries:

Gervinho (knee), Maicon (knee), Strootman (knee), Uçan (toe).

Suspended:

None.

 

Formation

 

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

[Socrates 8524]

JUVENTUS - ROMA

-

 
 

MATCHDAY 21
Sunday, January 24th, 2016 - 8:45 PM
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Luca Banti

Juventus v Roma Preview: Salah bullish
for trip to face champions

The visitors can claim a second Serie A win over the reigning champions
this season despite their dismal recent form, according to the winger.

http://www.goal.com/en/match/juventus-vs-roma/2120583/preview

Jan 23, 2016
 
Winger Mohamed Salah has confidently predicted Roma will kick-start Luciano Spalletti's second spell in charge of the club with a victory over Serie A champions Juventus.

Roma have finished runners-up to Juve in each of the past two seasons, but have fallen considerably short of those levels this time around, leading to Rudi Garcia's dismissal as head coach.

Spalletti oversaw a 1-1 draw against winless basement boys Verona on his return – a result that was received frostily at the Stadio Olimpico.

But Salah, who impressed when Roma beat Juve 2-1 back in August, believes a Serie A double can be secured over a side who have won 12 of their previous 13 matches in all competitions.

"I think we're going to win 2-1," the Egypt international told La Stampa.

"They are really strong, but then again so are we. We have the obligation to aim high.

"It will be a full-throttle contest with both teams gunning for the three points. I don't see this game ending in a draw."

Salah shone on a visit to Juventus Stadium with Fiorentina last season, netting a decisive brace in a 2-1 Coppa Italia semi-final first-leg triumph – although Massimiliano Allegri's men won the return 3-0 as they marched towards a memorable treble.

"That was a great occasion and a magical evening," Salah said. "As for Sunday we just need that spark to get back to winning ways and setting our targets high.

"There's a long way to go and we're not out of anything yet."

Roma's recent struggles – the 2-0 win at home to Genoa on December 20 is their only victory in all competitions since beating city rivals Lazio by the same scoreline on November 8 – are in stark contrast to Juve's recovery from a dreadful start to their title defence.

One win from the opening six fixtures in the league this term left them well off the pace, but, thanks to 10 consecutive league triumphs they now lie two points shy of leaders Napoli in second.

Veteran goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon does not expect Juve to run away with a fifth straight Scudetto on the back of this run and believes they are in for a tough encounter on Sunday.

"The league is finely balanced and the leaders are changing almost every Sunday," he told giornalaccio rosa dello Sport.

"Nevertheless, there's a long way to go and the games are open. If we win, Roma will be 10 points [behind Juve] which will be fundamental.

"The Giallorossi are a dangerous team that we should be afraid of. The further away Roma are in the league, the better for us."


OPTA FACTS

Juventus have won their last four home league games against Roma, always scoring at least one goal.

Bianconeri have scored in each of their last 12 home meetings versus the Giallorossi (26 in total).

In these 12 games played in Torino, Roma have won once (2-1 in January 2010): eight wins for Bianconeri and three draws.

Juve have now enjoyed 10 consecutive wins in Serie A: their best run in a single season since January 2014.

Roma haven’t lost in their last six games in Serie A, but they have drawn five times in this period (only one win against Genoa).

The Giallorossi haven’t won an away match since October in Serie A (2-1 in Firenze) and they have conceded at least one goal in seven of their last eight league games away from the Olimpico Stadium.

Only Inter (13) have conceded fewer goals than Juventus (15) in this Serie A.

Roma have conceded only two goals in the first 30 minutes of Serie A games this season, a league-low.


LAST FIVE MATCHES

Juventus W W W W W

1/20/16 - Lazio 0 - 1 Juventus
1/17/16 - Udinese 0 - 4 Juventus
1/10/16 - Sampdoria 1 - 2 Juventus
1/6/16 - Juventus 3 - 0 Hellas Verona
12/20/15 - Carpi 2 - 3 Juventus


Roma D D D W L

1/17/16 - Roma 1 - 1 Hellas Verona
1/9/16 - Roma 1 - 1 Milan
1/6/16 - Chievo Verona 3 - 3 Roma
12/20/15 - Roma 2 - 0 Genoa
12/16/15 - Roma 0 - 0 Spezia


HEAD TO HEAD

8/30/15 - Roma 2 - 1 Juventus
3/2/15 - Roma 1 - 1 Juventus
10/5/14 - Juventus 3 - 2 Roma
5/11/14 - Roma 0 - 1 Juventus
1/21/14 - Roma 1 - 0 Juventus

 

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

[Socrates 8524]

JUVENTUS - ROMA

-

 
 

MATCHDAY 21
Sunday, January 24th, 2016 - 8:45 PM
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Luca Banti

Allegri: 'Roma Scudetto contenders'

http://www.football-italia.net/78790/allegri-roma-scudetto-contenders?

Jan 23, 2016
 
Juventus boss Max Allegri shrugged off Chelsea links and insisted Roma “are still Scudetto contenders.”

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

The Coach was asked about reports in today’s edition of The Sun newspaper that he’s first choice to take over at Chelsea next season.

“My thoughts at this moment are on Serie A, the Coppa Italia and the Champions League. I am tied to Juventus until 2017 and, as I’ve already said many times, I am happy here. So that’s that.

“Just as there’s a game of transfer speculation around players, we get the same with Coaches. It’s normal, I am proud to be the Coach of a big club like Juventus,” he shrugged in a Press conference.

“Roma are still Scudetto contenders because they have quality players, there will certainly be a reaction after changing Coach and this game is still Juve-Roma, so that means a difficult and important game.

“They have the squad capable of putting together a positive streak of results. I don’t believe any of the top five are ruled out of the title race.

“Don’t forget when we were 10-12 points off the leaders, we were in a different psychological state to right now, but in football it’s quick for things to turn around.

“Therefore we have to focus not on what we’ve done, but what we still need to do. We want to reach the Final of the Coppa Italia for the second time in a row and face a very tough Champions League test with Bayern Munich.

“We’ve had a few wins, but have achieved nothing yet other than to reach March in all three competitions. There is a long way to go and we can only hope Napoli lose a bit of momentum, as they’re having a great campaign.

“Tomorrow the most important thing is for it to be a wonderful game of football, both on and off the pitch.

“We have to consider Roberto Pereyra and Mario Lemina as January signings, because we’ve barely had them so far this season. Andrea Barzagli has recovered and is available.

“I decided to leave Sami Khedira to train all week, as it would’ve been pointless taking him to Rome and not playing against Lazio. I preferred to have Patrice Evra fresh and rested, as Alex Sandro did well against Udinese.

“Before anyone asks, there is no doubt that Martin Caceres will be staying here.”

On Wednesday Juventus will host Inter in the first leg of the Coppa Italia semi-final.

“Over the next two months we have the most important games of the season – Bayern twice, Inter twice, Napoli and tomorrow Roma. We’ll end that run with the derby on March 20 and then it’s the final strait.

“From now to May 16 we have to focus on getting a certain number of victories, otherwise there’s no chance. The important thing is for everyone to be fresh psychologically and physically.

“The level of the squad at this moment allows me to rotate players and keep the quality high.”

Allegri was asked whether he’ll make some tactical changes based on Luciano Spalletti’s potential move to a three-man defence.

“More than based on Roma, my choices are on the form of my players and the upcoming games. As against Lazio on Wednesday, the strongest team will start. I have players who can come off the bench and change a match in the last 30 minutes too.

“Juan Cuadrado did very well so far and has improved in tactical, physical and technical terms. Of course we have to make choices and right now he has characteristics that can be very useful coming off the bench, as does Pereyra. Cuadrado could start tomorrow, the important thing is that he gives his contribution.”

 

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

[Socrates 8524]

JUVENTUS - ROMA

-

 
 

MATCHDAY 21
Sunday, January 24th, 2016 - 8:45 PM
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Luca Banti

Juventus vs. AS Roma: Team News, Predicted Lineups

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2609731-juventus-vsas-roma-team-news-predicted-lineups-live-stream-tv-info?

Jan 23, 2016
 
AS Roma venture north on Sunday, visiting Juventus Stadium and hoping to turn around their poor recent form. The Giallorossi appointed Luciano Spalletti as their new coach last week yet were unable to win at home against Hellas Verona in his first game in charge, held to a 1-1 draw by Serie A’s rock-bottom club.

That means the side has now recorded just one victory in their last 11 outings, a run that includes a Coppa Italia exit at the hands of Serie B side Spezia and a slump that ultimately cost former boss Rudi Garcia his job—the Frenchman paying the price for his team’s struggles.

Having quit the same role back in 2009, Spalletti will hope to quickly arrest that slide, but faces a daunting task against the reigning Italian champions. AS Roma have lost in each of their last five visits to Turin—outscored by a 17-goal-to-three margin in the process—but will be buoyed by the knowledge they beat the Bianconeri the last time they met.

Yet the visitors will be fully aware of how much Juventus have improved since that August 30 clash, winning each of their last 10 Serie A matches while also reaching the cup semi-finals with a victory over Lazio in midweek.

That fixture saw coach Massimiliano Allegri able to make six changes to his side, hinting at the incredible depth of talent at his disposal, a matter that was discussed in further detail in this previous post.

Taking time to praise his “very competitive squad” at the traditional postmatch press conference, Allegri is of course expected to field a full-strength XI against the Giallorossi and is aware the test awaiting the Old Lady next time out.

“Now we turn our focus to Sunday and Roma, which will be a very tough match,” the Juve boss continued. “There remain 18 fixtures in the league, and the top five sides are still all challenging for title honours. We’re in great form at present, but we have to keep going.”

They will certainly be looking to do just that in what has proved to be an entertaining and hard-fought matchup in recent years, as two of the division’s best teams go head-to-head once again.

 

Probable Formations

Juventus (3-5-2):

Gigi Buffon; Daniele Rugani, Leonardo Bonucci, Giorgio Chiellini; Stephan Lichtsteiner, Sami Khedira, Claudio Marchisio, Paul Pogba, Alex Sandro; Mario Mandzukic, Paulo Dybala

Unavailable: Andrea Barzagli, Mario Lemina, Rubinho and Roberto Pereyra (all injured)


AS Roma: (4-2-3-1):

Wojciech Szczęsny; Vasilis Torosidis, Kostas Manolas, Antonio Rudiger, Lucas Digne; Miralem Pjanic, Daniele De Rossi; Mohamed Salah, Radja Nainggolan, Alessandro Florenzi; Edin Dzeko

Unavailable: Ezequiel Ponce, Salih Ucan, Seydou Keita, Maicon, Gervinho (all injured)


Key Battle

While AS Roma laboured in that aforementioned draw with Hellas Verona, there were some positive signs for last year’s Serie A runners up, with perhaps the midfield performance of Radja Nainggolan chief among them.

The Belgium international scored the only goal for the Giallorossi, taking his tally for the campaign, and he appeared to enjoy being deployed in a more advanced role than he was previously used to.

That is likely to see him go toe-to-toe with Juventus’ key man Claudio Marchisio, a player whose influence upon the team has grown exponentially in recent seasons, particularly now that he is one of the senior figures.

“For me, there are no compromises. I play every game to win,” he told the club’s official website as he celebrated his 30th birthday.

And 2015/16 has seen Marchisio do just that. In his 14 appearances in all competitions this term, Juventus have lost just once, and he will hope to maintain that fine record against Nainggolan and Roma.


Player to Watch

If that midfield battle will be key, then perhaps the other man to keep a close eye on in this encounter is Mario Mandzukic. The striker has become a central part of Juve’s success in recent months, establishing himself as the first-choice partner for Paulo Dybala.

While the Argentinian has shot to prominence, his team-mate’s last five starts have seen him contribute five goals and an assist. Mandzukic has surpassed Alvaro Morata and Simone Zaza for that place in the starting XI, but the form of the latter is likely to see his place come under increased pressure.

That should spark a positive reaction from the Croatian star, whose hold-up play, defensive effort and tireless off-the-ball running add an extra dimension to Allegri’s side whenever he takes to the field.

If Juventus are to enjoy success against AS Roma, they will need Mandzukic at his sharpest to fully test a Giallorossi defence that will undoubtedly be paying more attention to Dybala.


Odds (via Odds Shark)

Away win: 4-1

Home win: 100-143

Draw: 13-5

 

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

[Socrates 8524]

JUVENTUS - ROMA

-

 
 

MATCHDAY 21
Sunday, January 24th, 2016 - 8:45 PM
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Luca Banti

Spalletti: 'Roma learn from Juve'

http://www.football-italia.net/78794/spalletti-roma-learn-juve?

Jan 23, 2016
 
Luciano Spalletti said it’s “possible” Roma will play three at the back and must learn from the Juventus comeback mentality.

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

“As I said in my presentation Press conference, in today’s European total football, a team has to be prepared to change attitude during a game,” noted the Coach.

“There are some movements that come almost naturally to players, but what causes issues is the move from a four-man defence to three or five. Juve taught everyone that it’s important to have options.

“Over the week we worked on tactics and of course we have to take the characteristics of players into account.

“I see the same mentality as before, the lads are eager to work and play. While the debut against Verona was more of a frenetic reaction, an emotional one, now we go more into methodology, objectives and specific ideas of football.”

Juventus have won 10 Serie A games on the bounce, so is the result a foregone conclusion?

“Juve have done very well this season. As for us, if we have the idea of being able to win, we can probably achieve it. If we go out there with the idea of failure, then we will certainly fail.

“We have the quality and potential, our intention is to take the initiative and play the game against a Juve side going through an excellent period of form. They proved themselves to be a great club and not just a great team, as it takes more than players to overturn a situation like the one they had at the start of the campaign without all those figures around the team.

“Juve transferred the winning mentality and honour of wearing the club colours to the new players. It’s something we need to do as well at every level and we’re working on it. I see more responsibility and character of someone who is in our locker room and takes the Roma jersey around the world.”

Spalletti used three at the back in the final stages of the 1-1 draw with Verona and could not deny he was experimenting with it again this week.

“I’ve tested the three-man defence in training, we know people are watching us at all times! It’s fair to say I worked on it, but that’s because Roma already know how to play with four and therefore we had to work on the three more.

“Lucas Digne and Alessandro Florenzi are players you can move 10 metres further up if there are three at the back, not creating gaps behind them when they run forward.

“Antonio Rudiger is a very physical and rather irreverent player who sometimes needs to be held back, but he’s strong in the air and of great use when the intensity of the game rises.

“If we are going to mirror Juventus, we need to be beautiful in the mirror. We have to find our style of football and know how to develop it. So yes, it is possible we’ll start with a three-man defence tomorrow.

“I try to find balance in the team. We didn’t achieve that against Verona and did precisely what we weren’t supposed to, which was to allow these end-to-end moves and a very shaky boat.

“Against a side with less quality than us, we allowed them the opportunity to score a goal and get the result.

“Radja Nainggolan is capable of recovering balls and pushing forward, of being aggressive towards his opponent and creating the space over vast territories. He should therefore be allowed the freedom to roam a little, but then he is an all-round midfielder and that is what we ask of him.”

Juventus captain Gigi Buffon said this was their big chance to knock Roma out of the Scudetto race once and for all.

“Buffon was intelligent to say that and we see it the same way. This is our great opportunity to get back into the race.”

Edin Dzeko has struggled badly and become an object of abuse from the Giallorossi fans.

“Dzeko has everything it takes to be our Number 9. He just needs to wait for the moment, that spark, that goal that gives him confidence. It’s tough above all at Roma to help a player feel confidence when he doesn’t do his job or deliver results.

“At Roma the fans and media are starving for results and have no patience. He is a great player and I can find no fault with him. He’s pretty fast considering his size, he’s good in the air and has technique. We need to wait.”

 

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

[Socrates 8524]

JUVENTUS - ROMA

-

 
 

MATCHDAY 21
Sunday, January 24th, 2016 - 8:45 PM
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Luca Banti

Roma face Juventus with Spalletti
and Dzeko seeking change in fortunes

http://www.espnfc.co.uk/club/as-roma/104/blog/post/2792037/roma-face-juventus-with-spalletti-and-dzeko-must-improve

Jan 23, 2016
 
When Edin Dzeko headed home what turned out to be the winning goal in Roma's 2-1 win over Juventus back in August, it seemed a symbolic victory.

Shorn of stars like Andrea Pirlo and Carlos Tevez that summer, Juve were supposed to be in a transitional period, with Massimiliano Allegri tasked with rebuilding as key figures from Antonio Conte's all-conquering side left for pastures new.

Roma, meanwhile, were supposed to be the team that took their place and Dzeko the player to fire them to glory. In the aftermath of that win, midfielder Radja Nainggolan taunted Juve on Twitter.

To say it's not quite turned out quite like that would be the understatement of 2016 so far. On Sunday, Roma travel to Turin looking to salvage a title challenge that has been flat lining since November, hoping that new boss Luciano Spalletti, back for his second spell, can arrest a slump that did for predecessor Rudi Garcia. Juventus, meanwhile, are on a 10-match winning streak which has pulled Massimiliano Allegri's side back from the dead to within two points of Serie A leaders Napoli.

When Juventus kicked off the Turin derby at the end of October, they were languishing in mid-table following a humiliating 1-0 defeat at Sassuolo. They were also 11 points behind top of the league Roma, who were waiting to take on fellow title challengers Inter Milan at the San Siro that same evening. Juve snatched a last-gasp win over their local rivals and Roma slipped to a 1-0 defeat in Milan, handing Roberto Mancini's side the top spot just a week after taking it from Fiorentina.

Roma have not been back there since and in the meantime, Juventus have made up 18 points on them, helped by a deeply unconvincing unbeaten run that has seen Roma draw five of their last six, with the only win in that time coming against struggling Genoa just before Christmas.

If that run is broken with a defeat on Sunday, Roma will be 10 points behind Juventus and with Napoli at lowly Sampdoria on Sunday afternoon, a potential 12 away from the summit. Not only will they have to kiss the title goodbye, automatic Champions League qualification will be just as far off.

"If we win we'll be 10 points away from them," said an ever-diplomatic Gianluigi Buffon in an interview with the giornalaccio rosa Dello Sport on Friday. "That would be crucial, because we're talking about a dangerous, fearsome team. The further we are from Roma, the better it is for us."

As if the task of turning around Roma's form at the red-hot reigning champions wasn't big enough for Spalletti, he will also have to cast off a personal Juve hoodoo. The Italian has never won a league game away at Juventus, losing seven of those eight matches, and in his first spell at Roma he never beat them at home either.

The numbers are against him wherever he looks. Juventus have banged in 26 goals and conceded just six in their charge up the table, while in that time Roma have scored 12 and let in 11.

Spalletti tried out a range of formations and tactics in the 1-1 draw at home to rock-bottom Verona last week and it seems he has settled on a back three for the tricky trip north, with Daniele De Rossi dropping back into a sweeper position alongside Kostas Manolas and Antonio Rudiger behind a four-man midfield.

William Vainqueur will get his second league start in that midfield, which will feature Lucas Digne in the same attacking role he had against Verona. Meanwhile, struggling striker Dzeko will lead the line with Mohamed Salah and Nainggolan in support, either as part of a front three or with the Belgian in behind Salah and Dzeko.

Spalletti will be hoping that the new line-up will help Dzeko find the scoring form that has deserted him since moving the Italian capital last summer. The Bosnian's only league goal from open play was that powerful header against Juve, and his display last week against Verona -- in particular the skied header from just six yards out in injury time -- was emblematic what has been up to now a deeply disappointing Serie A sojourn.

On the positive side, it was the first time in weeks that Dzeko found himself in front of goal with chances to miss -- a distinct improvement on most of the other shot-shy performances that characterised the first half of the season.

If he can rediscover his finishing, then maybe, just maybe, Roma have a sliver of a chance in Turin.

 

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

[Socrates 8524]

JUVENTUS - ROMA

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MATCHDAY 21
Sunday, January 24th, 2016 - 8:45 PM
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Luca Banti

Barzagli back for Juve-Roma

http://www.football-italia.net/78800/barzagli-back-juve-roma?

Jan 23, 2016
 
Juventus named their squad to face Roma tomorrow evening, as Andrea Barzagli returns.

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

Centre-back Barzagli is back from injury, while Sami Khedira and Patrice Evra were rested for the Coppa Italia quarter-final win over Lazio.

The only absentees now are Mario Lemina and Roberto Pereyra.


Juventus squad for Roma:

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

 

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