Juventus Season 2015-2016

[Socrates 8524]

Sacchi: ‘Juve-Napoli balanced’

http://www.football-italia.net/79438/sacchi-%E2%80%98juve-napoli-balanced%E2%80%99?

Feb 5, 2016
 
Arrigo Sacchi says Juventus and Napoli are “two balanced teams” as he analyses the Scudetto race.

The Partenopei are two points clear at the top of Serie A, but the Turin giants are breathing down their necks, having won 13 League games in a row.

The Bianconeri have the best defence in the League, while Maurizio Sarri’s men have the best attack, and Sacchi discussed the difference with giornalaccio rosa dello Sport.

“Does the best defence win the League? In Italy that’s true,” the former Milan Coach acknowledged.

“But in Spain you become successful when you score more, so there are different ways to interpret football.

“The important thing is balance. [Carlo] Ancelotti told me that the Milan he played for - which I coached - was great because it was so balanced, everyone attacked and everyone defended.

“That’s the goal you have to aim for as a Coach.

“We conceded the least goals? Very true. But let’s ask the question: ‘why didn’t we concede goals?’

“Maybe because we had the ball and we always attacked. Our attacking style was a way of keeping our opponents away from our own area.

“Napoli and Juve? They’re two balanced teams, who attack and defend collectively. They don’t use their opponents as a reference point, they go on the front foot by scoring and pressing.

“The style is fundamental. What good is it having great actors if you don’t have a pleasing and effective plot.

“I, the director, could hire Robert De Niro, but if I make him read Giovannona Coscialunga [an Italian sex-comedy] what will be the result?

“The players and the style must go hand-in-hand.”

Sarri then gave his opinion on the two sides’ campaign so far.

“One thing has to be analysed: Napoli are conceding fewer goals than in the past. They’re minimising the risks, the defenders are rarely exposed one-on-one.

“Is that down to Sarri? No doubt, they don’t have defenders as good as Juve.

“As for Juve, at the beginning of the season they were on holiday, then they woke up and are now showing incredible strength. They’re growing tremendously.

“That growth is down to the players, the Coach [Max Allegri], and also the club and directors who have calmly and firmly given them time to recover.

“If you don’t have a good club behind you, you’re going nowhere. Without a club like Milan to support me, where would I have gone?”

 

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

[Socrates 8524]

FROSINONE - JUVENTUS

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MATCHDAY 24
Sunday, February 7nd, 2016 - 3:00 PM
Matusa Stadium, Frosinone
Referee: Davide Massa

Cuadrado: 'Concentrate on Frosinone'

http://www.football-italia.net/79452/cuadrado-concentrate-frosinone?

Feb 5, 2016
 
Juan Cuadrado dismisses talk of Juventus-Napoli - “we have to play against Frosinone and win”.

The Bianconeri are two points behind the Vesuviani at the top of Serie A, and two two meet in Turin on February 13.

“I think we’re two teams who are going very well,” Cuadrado acknowledged to Sky.

“For now they’re first and we’re second. We have to try and be calm and know that before the direct clash we have to play against Frosinone and win which is the most important thing.

“Because if we don’t win against Frosinone then it won’t be a direct clash. We know we have to go to Frosinone and get a result, then we’ll see.”

 

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

[Socrates 8524]

FROSINONE - JUVENTUS

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MATCHDAY 24
Sunday, February 7nd, 2016 - 3:00 PM
Matusa Stadium, Frosinone
Referee: Davide Massa

Juventus' wealth of talent gives
Allegri options vs. Frosinone

http://www.espnfc.co.uk/club/juventus/111/blog/post/2801751/juventus-versatility-to-be-on-display-vs-frosinone

Feb 6, 2016
 
Squad depth is of the utmost importance to teams fighting it out on multiple fronts. Juventus are considered favourites to win Serie A largely because, if they do suffer injuries as they have done recently, they have the bench players necessary to maintain good performances.

The usual argument bandied around by the critics within the peninsula is how would Napoli cope should star striker Gonzalo Higuain be forced to skip a few games due to injury. They would undoubtedly suffer, but even if he was to remain fit and healthy, playing alongside Jose Callejon and Lorenzo Insigne, the Old Lady might still pip them to the title.

Why? Well it is not only because Juve have tasted victory or because they have the experience necessary to grind out victories, but that they boast players of varied talent that allows for tactical variations. Allegri's Juventus this season is better than the team Antonio Conte guided to 12 consecutive league wins because this is a side that has a solution for practically every obstacle they may face.

While Conte's side possessed the elegance of Andrea Pirlo, the strength of Arturo Vidal and the expertise of Carlos Tevez, today's side is one made up of youngsters and new arrivals which, in theory, should have led to greater difficulties. Except it hasn't. Grinding their way to victory, this side can win by playing beautiful football, as they managed against Chievo Verona, but are not above playing, for lack of a better word, "dirty" to secure a result, as they did against Genoa.

This is perhaps why it's important to retain talents such as Juan Cuadrado. The Colombian has, to a certain extent, struggled to fully live up to his potential at Juventus. The 3-5-2 formation is not ideal when it comes to extracting the very best out of a player who requires attacking freedom to shine. As such, he's had to play second fiddle to Stephan Lichtsteiner, a tactically astute player who errs on the side of defensive caution and thus a better option against forward-thinking teams.

However, against well-organised sides who stifle the Old Lady, Cuadrado is the ideal player to deploy, as his unpredictability and change of pace can make all the difference against opponents who have a set defensive strategy. Against Genoa, a team notorious for provoking poor play, their dogmatic approach to defending could only be resolved by Cuadrado, a player who exposes the deficiencies of those tasked with halting him with his acceleration and quick movements.

Lichtsteiner is so important to coach Massimiliano Allegri because he is disciplined. He thinks about where to position himself, where to run and how to balance the tasks attached to his role. Cuadrado is almost the opposite, a player who delights only when allowed to rely on his instincts. Too many instructions and you risk dulling his shine and unpredictable manner. It is perhaps why the ex-Fiorentina star has struggled to find his feet at Juve -- a team renowned for their organisation.

However, you always need a wildcard and against Torino and again against Genoa, it was Cuadrado who secured the wins to help push Juventus along, in what can only be described as the most competitive Serie A season in years.

Allegri has a wealth of varied talent to depend on, making for an exciting Juve that has the potential to win more than we originally thought. Patrice Evra and Lichtsteiner are the safe players, the reliable stars who guarantee a certain level of performance and defensive caution. Cuadrado and Alex Sandro are the more forward thinking wing-backs, the ones who prefer the attacking side of their role.

As for the forwards, you have the combative Simone Zaza, young and foolish (the red card vs. Genoa), but who delights because of his desire. Then there is Alvaro Morata, a typical Spaniard with beautiful technique but with pace to burn, perfect on the counter-attack. Mario Mandzukic is the forward who works hard, the one who brings the best out of his teammates and who never disappoints when offered service. As for Paulo Dybala, there is little this wonderkid cannot do with all his intelligence and technique.

Varied talent allows for different strategies to ensure victories. Allegri only needs Roberto Pereyra back from injury to permit him even more tactical versatility. The Argentine has developed during his time with the Old Lady. Playing with intelligence and great technique, he proved to be one of the best players in the squad when Juve stuttered in the early part of the season.

Against Frosinone, there is a chance Pereyra will be ready to start, potentially allowing for a 4-3-1-2 formation, with the Argentine behind the front two. Leonardo Bonucci needs to rest and with a four-man backline, he can take the day off while Lichtsteiner and Evra are the preferred choices in the full-back position.

This will be the chance to see how comfortable Juventus are with changing the system. Roberto Stallone's side may not be the most challenging of teams, but they will be eager to spring a surprise as they managed the last time these two sides met. Anything but a win on Sunday will result in disappointment.

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

[Socrates 8524]

FROSINONE - JUVENTUS

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MATCHDAY 24
Sunday, February 7nd, 2016 - 3:00 PM
Matusa Stadium, Frosinone
Referee: Davide Massa

Frosinone - Juventus MATCH PREVIEW

http://www.football-italia.net/SerieA/match/preview/70055

Feb 6, 2016
 
Juventus look to continue their winning streak, while Frosinone look to start one of their own.

It wasn’t enough to keep them out of the bottom three in what looks set to be a crucial few months for Frosinone, but their 1-0 win in midweek against Bologna certainly did the Canarini no harm as they now sit five points from safety. As for Juventus, their 13-game winning streak seems to show no signs of stopping, and Max Allegri will look to this game as a means of continuing their impressive run, following a 1-0 at home to Genoa.

Roberto Stellone’s men recorded the win in midweek which gave the side second from bottom some breathing space after some unfortunate defeats in recent weeks. Namely, a somewhat unsurprising 3-1 defeat away at Roma, a 4-2 defeat away at Torino and a 5-1 defeat at home to top of the table Napoli. While the side will have no reservations about the gravity of their task on the weekend, Frosinone may have one eye on some crucial games in recent weeks against the likes of Empoli away and particularly fellow strugglers Sampdoria at home.

As for Juve, after an early season horror show, they started winning, and simply continued to win, and in a hugely competitive battle for the Scudetto, they now sit second, just two points off Napoli, whom they play next weekend. Indeed, the Bianconeri may look at this game with much emphasis to pick up a much needed three points, Allegri suggesting his players have their feet on the ground and acknowledge there are no ‘easy’ wins. Following the match at Stadio Matusa, three of the next five include Napoli, Bayern Munich and Inter.

If Frosinone are to keep their heads above water and achieve Serie A survival - which in itself would be a monumental achievement for the club - then goals will be crucial. Federico Dionisi’s penalty against Bologna made him the top scorer at the club this season with seven goals. The experienced striker will be hoping defensive injuries will be the boost that all underdogs need in these types of encounters. Leonardo Bonucci is set to be rested, but Martin Caceres is out for the season with a torn achilles. It may mean a change of emphasis on Allegri’s usually favoured 3-5-2 formation.


Keep an eye on: Alvaro Morata (Juventus) — The general theme for this season has been on praise for Paulo Dyabala and scrutiny on the former Real Madrid man’s long goal drought. But Morata has found his shooting boots again, following a brace in the Coppa Italia against Inter. Indeed, Morata and the aforementioned Dyabala will need to be on form, with an injury to Mario Mandzukic and Simone Zaza picking up a red in injury time against Genoa earlier in the week.

Form guide: Frosinone (W L D L L) Juventus: (W W W W W)

Stat fact: It has been almost ten years since Juve travelled to Stadio Matusa for a competitive fixture. Last time was in May 2007, in Serie B post-Calciopoli where Juventus finished 2-0 winners.


Frosinone (probable):

Leali; Ciofani, Ajeti, Blanchard, Pavlovic; Gorl, Chisbah, Sammarco; Soddimo, Dionisi, Ciofani.

Suspended: None


Juventus (probable):

Buffon; Lichsteiner, Bonucci, Rugani, Evra; Pogba, Marchisio, Cuadrado, Alex Sandro; Morata, Dybala

Suspended: Zaza

 

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

[Socrates 8524]

FROSINONE - JUVENTUS

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MATCHDAY 24
Sunday, February 7nd, 2016 - 3:00 PM
Matusa Stadium, Frosinone
Referee: Davide Massa

Frosinone V Juventus — Preview: Old Lady
Visit Canarini Looking To Extend Winning Run

http://forzaitalianfootball.com/2016/02/frosinone-v-juventus-preview-old-lady-visit-canarini-looking-to-extend-winning-run/?

Feb 6, 2016
 
Frosinone welcome Juventus to the Stadio Matusa on Sunday evening as the away side look to extend their league winning run to 14 games.

The Canarini, meanwhile, will be looking to build upon their impressive 1-0 win over Bologna on Wednesday evening.

Federico Dionisi netted the solitary strike from the penalty spot as Roberto Stellone’s outfit halted a league winless run that dates back to November.

The newly promoted side were indebted to Bologna defender Marios Oikonomou who was dismissed midway through the second-half. Dionisi capitalised on an ill-judged tackle inside the penalty area from Luca Rossettini on Paulo Sammarco to revive his side’s chances of survival.

Juventus, in the meantime, stretched their Serie A winning streak to 13 games at home to Genoa.

Grifone central defender Sebastian De Maio provided the decisive touch on the half-hour mark when he diverted Juan Cuadrado’s effort into his own net.

The Old Lady were deprived of Mario Mandzukic for the visit of Gian Piero Gasperini’s side but the recent upturn in form from Alvaro Morata will have allayed fears among the Juventus ranks.

The Spaniard netted twice in the Bianconeri’s Coppa Italia success over Inter before adding another brace in quick succession in his side’s 4-0 triumph over Chievo last weekend.

Massimiliano Allegri’s outfit remain two points adrift of league leaders Napoli with a meeting between the two sides at the Juventus Stadium looming on the horizon.

Frosinone earned a historic point at the home of the champions in the reverse fixture between these two outfits in September. Life-long Juventini Leonardo Blanchard levelled in injury-time for the Canarini after Simone Zaza had edged the Old Lady infront.

Frosinone will be without the services of full-back Arlind Ajeti while Oliver Kragl and Massimiliano Carlini remain sidelined.

Juventus learned the extent of both Sami Khedira and Mandzukic’s injuries earlier this week and both have been ruled out of Sunday’s clash.

Giorgio Chiellini is also a doubt meaning Daniele Rugani is likely to start.


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


Expected Starting XIs

Frosinone:
Leali; Rosi, Blanchard, Russo, Pavlovic; Gori, Chibsah, Sammarco; Paganini, D.Ciofani, Dionisi.

Juventus:
Buffon; Barzagli, Bonucci, Rugani; Lichtsteiner, Sturaro, Marchisio, Pogba, Alex Sandro; Morata, Dybala.

 

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

[Socrates 8524]

FROSINONE - JUVENTUS

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MATCHDAY 24
Sunday, February 7nd, 2016 - 3:00 PM
Matusa Stadium, Frosinone
Referee: Davide Massa

FROSINONE VS JUVENTUS MATCH PREVIEW

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

Feb 6, 2016
 

Juventus

Juventus pushed its winning streak to 13 matches against Genoa: it is the longest in the history of the club and the second longest in Serie A history. It is an outstanding achievement, yet Napoli keeps getting three points, thus making it impossible to kick back and enjoy such an accomplishment. These past two weeks of distanced duelling will finally reach their zenith next Saturday night, when Bianconeri and Partenopei will square off in Turin.

The game against the Grifone was far from perfect: Juventus struggled to create clear-cut chances and at times appeared to be caught off guard by the intensity and pressing of Gian Piero Gasperini’s men. Nonetheless, the lads once again came away victorious thanks to an own goal by Sebastien De Maio after a nifty move by Juan Cuadrado, and all in all, did not suffer much in the back. At this point, a letdown would be beyond physiological and the fact that the squad won despite having an off night is a terrific piece of news.

Frosinone is not great my any means, but this will game present some lineup-related issues. Martin Caceres will miss the rest of the season because of an Achilles tear: Juventus stated that it will take him five months to heal, it could be longer than that, and it is a very tricky injury to come back from because it is not as common, therefore not as well-researched, as an ACL tear. Therefore, we wish Martin a speedy recovery and we’ll see if he will continue to wear bianconeri as his contract is up in the summer. I would not be shocked if the management signed him to an extension anyway.

The defence is particularly thin for two other reasons. Giorgio Chiellini has missed the last two games for what has been unofficially described as muscle fatigue: it would be definitely be a bummer to lose a big-time warrior like Giorgio for Napoli and more importantly for the Bayern Munich clashes, so they are definitely going to be cautious. Moreover, Leonardo Bonucci is one yellow card away from disqualification: he is certainly a very cerebral and poised defender, but there are some situations where you are just going to take one for the team, no matter how alert you are. Considering how hard it would be to replace him, I do not see the coaching staff taking any chances: the reports still indicate that 3-5-2 is the favourite, but I am sceptical.

Potentially down three centre-backs, there is no other solution than a four-man defence, with Andrea Barzagli and Daniele Rugani, who played in this system last season, in front of Gianluigi Buffon. Alex Sandro is in the same situation as Bonucci but, despite being phenomenal on that flank, I do not see Massimiliano Allegri fielding him against Napoli because the coach is probably still not sold on his defensive abilities, so he could play on Sunday. Stephan Lichsteiner will play on the right.

We are shorthanded in the midfield too: Sami Khedira picked up yet another hamstring ailment, Stefano Sturaro sat out the last game with a bruised knee, but he was on the bench so it should be nothing serious, while Kwadwo Asamoah is out with a muscular problem too. The likely solution is a diamond with Claudio Marchisio as deep-lying midfielder, Hernanes as advanced midfielder and Simone Padoin and Paul Pogba as box-to-box. If ready, Sturaro would take Padoin’s spot. Roberto Pereyra and Mario Lemina have returned to action in a friendly and will be worked back into the rotation, but it is hard to see one of them starting right away.

There is another small issue: Simone Zaza is suspended for a silly (yet not red-card worthy in my opinion) tackle. 4-3-1-2 is reportedly the plan B, but it would mean that there would be no strikers available on the bench, if not for one from the Primavera. It is not an ideal situation and I could see Allegri benching Paulo Dybala, who has been a little overworked lately, and fielding Juan Cuadrado instead, pairing up with Hernanes behind Alvaro Morata.

UPDATE: Patrice Evra has not been called up because he had a bad couple of days because of a stomach bug. Giorgio Chiellini is in the squad list, like Pereyra and Lemina. The coach stated that it is possible that Bonucci will be rested. Sturaro has recovered, he will battle with Padoin for the starting job.


Probable lineup 4-3-1-2:

Buffon; Lichsteiner, Barzagli, Rugani, Alex Sandro; Sturaro, Marchisio, Pogba; Hernanes; Dybala, Morata.


Injuries:

Mandzukic (calf), Khedira (hamstring), Asamoah (hamstring), Caceres (Achilles), Evra.

Suspended:

Zaza.


 

  Frosinone

After eight games without a win, Frosinone returned to winning ways against Bologna last week. Thanks to Sampdoria, Genoa and Palermo’s struggles, they have an outside chance to stay in Serie A: they are five points away from the 16th position and they need to close the gap quickly.

They are a poor road team, but one of the two points they collected away from Matusa came at the expenses of Juventus thanks to the goal of die-hard bianconero fan Leonardo Blanchard in the stoppage time. They are ok at home: they have the 13th best record in the League: five wins, two draws and five losses. At home and on the road, they have lost against all the top-six teams, but Juventus.

They try to be feisty, but they have an atrocious defence and not that much talent overall. They have already conceded 48 goals, by far the worst in Serie A. Furthermore, on Sunday they will be without half of their starting defence: Arlind Ajeti and Daniel Pavlovic suffered muscular injuries in the midweek game. Roberto Crivello will play on the left, with either Adriano Russo or Matteo Ciofani in the middle. Modibo Diakite left them in the final days of the window and joined Sampdoria. Nicola Leali has so far retained his starting job despite the arrival of Francesco Bardi, but he has been poor, so we could see a switch sooner rather than later.

Roberto Stellone used 4-4-2 a ton before switching to 4-3-3 to provide more protection to its defence. It should be a pure three-man midfield because their combo box-to-box/left winger Olivier Kragl is nursing a knee injury. The trio should be composed by Raman Chibsah, Paolo Sammarco and Mirko Gori, which is their best combination.

The statements coming from Frosinone have been pretty combative and it is rather surprising because Stellone has often punted games against top teams in order to rest his key men for easier bouts. There is no indication that will happen this weekend, maybe because they believe they can get another good result after the one they got at the Juve Stadium, or maybe because of Stellone’s history with Napoli.

The very polished striker Daniel Ciofani will spearhead the attack and any combination between Aleksandar Tonev, Federico Dionisi, Danilo Soddimo and Luca Paganini could be the good one. They play with width and cross a lot, both with wingers and fullbacks, because Ciofani is an old school centre-forward.


Probable lineup 4-3-3:

Leali; Rosi, Russo, Blanchard, Crivello; Chibsah, Sammarco, Gori; Tonev, D.Ciofani, Dionisi.


Injuries:

Ajeti (hamstring), Pavlovic (hamstring), Kragl (knee).

Suspended:

None.

 

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

[Socrates 8524]

FROSINONE - JUVENTUS

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MATCHDAY 24
Sunday, February 7nd, 2016 - 3:00 PM
Matusa Stadium, Frosinone
Referee: Davide Massa

Frosinone vs. Juventus: Team News, Predicted Lineups

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2613761-frosinone-vs-juventus-team-news-predicted-lineups-live-stream-tv-info?

Feb 6, 2016
 
Boasting a club record 13-game win streak, Juventus venture south this weekend, taking on Frosinone in much better shape than when the two met earlier in the season. That previous fixture came in September, with the Bianconeri languishing in the bottom half of the table and struggling for results.

Indeed, their opponents—who were still celebrating their first-ever promotion to Serie A—piled on the misery, netting a late equaliser and taking home a valuable point. It continued Juve’s poor start to the season, but the Canarini are now the ones who look to be in very real trouble.

OptaPaolo ✔ @OptaPaolo
13 - Juventus have won 13 league games in a row, a record for Bianconeri in a single Serie A season. Battleship.

Currently occupying 19th place in the standings, they ended a run of eight games without a win as they notched a narrow midweek victory over Bologna. It was an impressive result for a side that coach Roberto Stellone recently admitted to Mediaset Premium (h/t Forza Italian Football) was "going through a tough period" and "lacking in morale."

Yet Juventus themselves are feeling extremely positive, and it has been a group effort as boss Massimiliano Allegri has been able to rest and rotate his squad in order to remain competitive in three different competitions.

"Since we’ve embarked on this run, everyone is doing their part to help keep it going," defender Andrea Barzagli told JTV, per the club’s official website. "You can see that from each single victory we’ve attained. We need to make sure we continue in this way."

They will certainly look to do so as they take on Frosinone, keeping the pressure on league leaders Napoli as the 2015/16 Serie A title battle looks almost certain to go the full distance.

 

Probable Formations

Frosinone: (4-3-3):

Nicola Leali; Matteo Ciofani, Leonardo Blanchard, Adriano Russo, Roberto Crivello; Mirko Gori, Raman Chibsah, Paolo Sammarco; Aleksandar Tonev, Daniel Ciofani, Federico Dionisi

Unavailable: Arlind Ajeti, Daniel Pavlovic (both injured)


Juventus (3-5-2):

Gigi Buffon; Daniele Rugani, Leonardo Bonucci, Andrea Barzagli; Stephan Lichtsteiner, Simone Padoin, Hernanes, Paul Pogba, Alex Sandro; Alvaro Morata, Paulo Dybala

Unavailable: Sami Khedira, Mario Mandzukic, Kwadwo Asamoah, Martin Caceres and Rubinho (all injured)


Player to Watch

Juventus will certainly want to avoid a repeat of their last meeting with Frosinone and as a result are likely to pay extremely close attention to Leonardo Blanchard. The defender was the man whose goal secured the club’s first-ever point in the top flight, heading home a late equaliser in Turin.

That he grew up a fan of the Bianconeri made the moment even sweeter for the 27-year-old, as he explained shortly afterwards to this writer in an interview with the Independent: "It was hugely emotional," he said, going on to add that "scoring against my favourite team is a great honour."

Blanchard also netted a spectacular goal against Genoa and is a solid performer in defence, meaning his display could well prove crucial for the relegation-threatened minnows here, just as he has been since joining the club back in 2012.

At the time, Frosinone were in the third tier of Italian football, but the player believes their rise has also benefited him greatly along the way, particularly working with coach Stellone. "In terms of professional growth, these last three years with him have been the most important in my life," he continued in that aforementioned interview, and Sunday will be yet another test for him.


Key Battle

If Blanchard is to enjoy success, he will need to perform to the highest possible standard against the Juventus attack, but the home side will be buoyed by the lack of options available to Signor Allegri.

Indeed, with Mario Mandzukic still sidelined through injury and Simone Zaza suspended, the coach’s only option is to once again pair Alvaro Morata and Paolo Dybala. Stopping them will be no easy task for the Frosinone defence, however, the duo having been in incredible form over the past few weeks.

Dybala was named Juve’s player of the month for January after weighing in with five goals and five assists across his seven appearances for the Bianconeri covered by the award.

His Spanish team-mate has suddenly rounded into form, too, netting four goals in a week to end a scoring drought that stretched back to an October 4 outing against Bologna. The two men will hope to score early and kill off Frosinone’s hopes, in turn allowing them to get some much-needed rest before next week’s meeting with Napoli.


Odds (via Odds Shark)

Away win: 20-69

Home win: 423-50

Draw: 467-100

 

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

[Socrates 8524]

FROSINONE - JUVENTUS

-

 
 

MATCHDAY 24
Sunday, February 7nd, 2016 - 3:00 PM
Matusa Stadium, Frosinone
Referee: Davide Massa

Juventus squad for Frosinone

http://www.football-italia.net/79490/juventus-squad-frosinone?

Feb 6, 2016
 
Juventus named their squad to face Frosinone on Sunday afternoon, missing several players.

It kicks off on Sunday at 15.00 CET - 14.00 GMT.

Simone Zaza sits out a ban following his red card against Genoa on Wednesday night.

Mario Mandzukic, Patrice Evra, Sami Khedira, Kwadwo Asamoah and Martin Caceres are unavailable.

Giorgio Chiellini returns to the side after he was rested due to a muscular problem midweek.


Juventus squad for Frosinone:

Buffon, Chiellini, Marchisio, Morata, Pogba, Hernanes, Alex Sandro, Barzagli, Cuadrado, Lemina, Bonucci, Padoin, Dybala, Rugani, Neto, Lichtsteiner, Sturaro, Rubinho, Pereyra, Favilli

 

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

[Socrates 8524]

Relentless Leverkusen show Juve
how to blunt Pep's Bayern

The remarkable pressing game utilised by Roger Schmidt's men kept the Bundesliga champions
at bay and Massimiliano Allegri can take some tips ahead of their Champions League tie.

http://www.goal.com/en/news/1716/champions-league/2016/02/06/20075082/-?

Feb 6, 2016
 
Following the confirmation of Pep Guardiola’s departure from Bayern Munich at the end of the season, the talk around the Allianz Arena has consistently been about waving goodbye to the iconic coach with the European and domestic treble that has so far eluded him in Germany.

Having replaced Jupp Heynckes after a Champions League, Bundesliga and DFB-Pokal triumph, the pressure has been on Guardiola to further enhance the Bavarian side’s dominance in Europe.

However, Guardiola’s men have been criticised in each of his two full seasons in charge for losing their intensity after wrapping up the league title early, leading to their downfall in the Champions League at the semi-final stages.

Last season’s finalists and Bayern’s last-16 opponents in this season’s competition, Juventus, would love nothing more than to crush the dreams of the next Manchester City boss by ending his hopes of becoming a true icon in Bavaria. To that end, Saturday’s 0-0 draw with Bayer Leverkusen should have given the Italian champions a few helpful tips on how to deal with the mammoth challenge that awaits them.

The Champions League last-16 encounter comes at the perfect time for the Bianconeri based on their own incredible run of 13 wins in a row but watching the likes of Arjen Robben, Robert Lewandowski, Arturo Vidal and Douglas Costa being so easily nullified by Roger Schmidt’s relentless Leverkusen must have increased their confidence.

The dropping of points itself against a side who were 21 points behind them at kick-off is not the main issue. The lack of structure to their attack and their crumbling under the swarming of their hosts was quite incredible.

Guardiola was lucky to see his side come up against a team who had it all defensively but struggled to threaten going forward.

That the two teams had been able to muster just one attempt each at half time - an Omer Toprak header from a corner and a poor shot from distance from Robben - said enough. Bayern simply could not find a way into the final third. The introduction of Thomas Muller in the second half gave them a source of attacking potency, the forward blazing over the bar and then wide in quick succession, but Leverkusen’s defensive shape and suffocation of ball-carriers did enough to keep them from finding space in key areas.

As Leverkusen eased off in the final quarter of the game, it allowed Bayern much more freedom around their opponents’ box but they were presented with a new challenge in trying to get through some close marking of a side who knew exactly how to keep them away from dangerous spaces.

Lewandowski and Muller both showed how they can hardly be completely taken out of a game with some near misses but poor performances from Vidal and Xabi Alonso – who was sent off late in the game – show how far from perfect this team is.

Javier Hernandez and Hakan Calhanoglu were able to work their way into the box and threaten, though, and, with the likes of Paulo Dybala and Paul Pogba offering a greater level of firepower, Juventus will feel that they can improve on the lessons that Schmidt’s charges have taught them.

[Socrates 8524]

FROSINONE - JUVENTUS

-

 
 

MATCHDAY 24
Sunday, February 7nd, 2016 - 3:00 PM
Matusa Stadium, Frosinone
Referee: Davide Massa

Napoli 'fittest' team in Serie A

http://www.football-italia.net/79481/napoli-fittest-team-serie

Feb 6, 2016
 
Juventus have had more injuries than any other club this season, but Napoli had the least with only four, calculated La giornalaccio rosa dello Sport.

The Bianconeri fans will not be surprised by this statistic, as Mario Mandzukic and Sami Khedira have just been ruled out for three weeks, while the campaign is already over for Martin Caceres.

Juve have dealt with 33 different injuries this season, surpassing even troubled Lazio on 32.

There’s a big drop-off from there, down to 26 for Bologna, 25 Torino and 23 for bottom of the table Verona.

The intriguing statistic is that Serie A leaders Napoli are bottom of the pile with only four injuries all season.

It’s worth noting that one of them is Alberto Grassi, who arrived from Atalanta and suffered a knee ligament injury in his first training session.

Manolo Gabbiadini also sustained his injury while on international duty, so only Dries Mertens and Vlad Chiriches were ruled out playing for Napoli.

There are reasons behind this remarkable record, including DNA tests for all players – including the youth team – to prevent issues, postural studies and a specific nutritional programme.

While Juventus have had the most injuries, Lazio are the worst hit with 22 different players suffering from problems compared to 17 at Juve and Milan, 16 at Roma and Verona.


Serie A injuries this season

Juventus 33, Lazio 32, Bologna 26, Torino 25, Verona 23, Genoa and Milan 22, Chievo 18, Roma 17, Atalanta and Udinese 16, Carpi and Sampdoria 14, Empoli and Inter 13, Frosinone 12, Fiorentina 10, Sassuolo 9, Palermo 7, Napoli 4.

 

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

[Socrates 8524]

FROSINONE - JUVENTUS

-

 
 

MATCHDAY 24
Sunday, February 7nd, 2016 - 3:00 PM
Matusa Stadium, Frosinone
Referee: Davide Massa

Allegri: 'Focus on Frosinone'

http://www.football-italia.net/79491/allegri-focus-frosinone

Feb 6, 2016
 
Max Allegri warned Juventus to focus on Frosinone and not get distracted by the Scudetto showdown with Napoli.

It kicks off on Sunday at 15.00 CET - 14.00 GMT.

Next Saturday they face Serie A leaders Napoli, so will the likes of Leonardo Bonucci and Alex Sandro be rested to avoid picking up a ban?

“No, I won’t take that into account,” insisted the Coach in his Press conference. “The only doubt is regarding Bonucci.

“Tomorrow is a game where three points are just as important as in any other fixture and let’s not forget last time out Frosinone held us to a draw at home. They’ve done very well, above all on set plays.”

There are also injury concerns, as Mario Mandzukic, Sami Khedira, Patrice Evra and Kwadwo Asamoah are out, while the season is already over for Martin Caceres. Simone Zaza is suspended.

“We wish Martin all the best. He’s a big loss for us, both as a person and a player. Do I regret out January transfer strategy? No, because I couldn’t have known about Caceres. In any case, I have Daniele Rugani and Simone Padoin. I could even return to four at the back.

“In attack I have no choice, so Paulo Dybala and Alvaro Morata will start tomorrow. Stefano Sturaro has fully recovered, Asamoah will be back in a week, as will Khedira. It’s unlikely Mandzukic will recover in time for Napoli.”

Most questions were aimed towards the next test with Napoli and not Frosinone, something that irritated Allegri.

“After our 4-0 win at Chievo, there was a lot of euphoria outside the locker room. The game against Genoa brought us with our feet back on the ground.

“Let’s not forget last season we had a spell with many 1-0 victories. There are moments in a season when you play very well, others when you win so-called ugly. Those victories will increase your chances of winning the Scudetto.”

There are yet more reports that Allegri has been offered €10m per season to take over at Chelsea next term.

“My future? Everything has its time. I am happy here today, I have a contract with Juventus and I intend to remain here for the future of the side.”

 

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

[Socrates 8524]

Bayern Munich Defense Impresses, Attack Flops
with Juventus Clash on the Horizon

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2614466-bayern-munich-defense-impresses-attack-flops-with-juventus-clash-on-the-horizon?

Feb 7, 2016
 
On a typical day, Bayern Munich can steamroll their opponents in the Bundesliga. Man for man, they're miles ahead of any team the likes of Augsburg, Hoffenheim, Darmstadt and Hannover can field. So it is in the few games when the talent gap is somewhat narrower that Bayern's true form can be assessed.

On Saturday, Bayern played against a Bayer Leverkusen team that were vastly inferior to their opponents yet still a very strong team: Overall, Roger Schmidt's side had talent to offer in every part of the pitch, and the former Red Bull Salzburg manager had enough tactical nous to bring the best out of his team.

This was a Werkself side that had pushed Bayern to penalties in the DFB-Pokal a year before and done the same with Atletico Madrid in the UEFA Champions League round of 16 in 2015.

If there was ever going to be a form check for Bayern ahead of their Champions League run-in with Juventus on February 23, it was playing Leverkusen at the BayArena.

On balance, Bayern and Leverkusen both deserved their 0-0 draw: No more, no less. It was an evenly played game. The Bavarians were held to a modest nine shots; it was more than their hosts managed but a season low that was forced by Schmidt's high-pressing system.

DW Sports ✔ @dw_sports
PEP speaking to Sky - "We struggled in the 1st half to put three or four passes together. If you can't do that, it's impossible to play...

On the one hand, Bayern's attacking performance was rather disappointing. There were too few chances created, and the tactics just weren't right from the outset.

Pep Guardiola started Douglas Costa in the central position behind Robert Lewandowski, which didn't work very well. After the game, the trainer justified his decision (per Deutsche Welle): "We knew that [Christoph] Kramer and [Kevin] Kampl would push forward. So that's why we played Costa in the middle."

Guardiola had the right idea in that both of Leverkusen's holding midfielders were not strictly anchors and were the type to get forward. His mistake was using Costa in a role that diminished the value of his pace and exposed the Brazilian for his limited abilities as a number 10.

Costa creates chances not so much due to his brilliant passing skill and creativity (think Mesut Ozil), but due to his clever dribbling and blistering pace.

After an hour, Thomas Muller was brought on to play as a supporting striker, and Costa was moved out wide. The result was two good chances for the substitute within minutes of his introduction to the game, and Roberto Hilbert had a nightmare trying to contain Costa for the rest of the encounter.

Bayern could well have won Saturday's match, and it wouldn't have been entirely different from many other instances this season in which they struggled initially but eventually got their goal and went on to win. But it didn't happen, which is cause for concern for a club that are so thin on defensive options at the moment.

Jonathan Harding @JonBloggs66
Müller's movement alone is why he should always start. Nine times out of ten he scores both of those and the contest is over.

On the other hand, Bayern's defense was surprisingly firm given that the center-back pairing included 20-year-old midfielder Joshua Kimmich, starting in just his second match as a defender.

Leverkusen had few chances, which is impressive on Bayern's part—especially given the form Javier Hernandez was enjoying entering the game. Actually, the hosts only took six shots all game, and it's not as though they didn't ever get a touch on the ball.

Kimmich and Holger Badstuber were impressive in the center, while Philipp Lahm and David Alaba were superb on the wings. The only caveat was Kimmich's height and positioning let him down with an early headed chance for Omer Toprak that could have left the Bavarians against the ropes.

The way the Leverkusen match panned out for Bayern has somewhat surprising implications on what to expect against Juventus. Given the Bundesliga leaders' options in attack and defense, it would be expected that an attempt to outgun their opponents is probably their best bet. If they try that, the Leverkusen result will be greatly disconcerting: They lacked incisiveness to create many chances and the sharpness to finish those they did manage to carve out.

Juventus have a better defense than Leverkusen's and a much more tactically disciplined model. It's hard to imagine the Italians being caught out and having to defend one-on-one the way Leverkusen did.

Archie Rhind-Tutt @archiert1
Would be surprised if Juventus don't beat Bayern in the Champions League given the way Bayern are playing.

At the same time, the Leverkusen clash proved that things might not be all that bad for Bayern at the back. A few days ago, the prospect of Kimmich and Badstuber facing off against Paulo Dybala and Alvaro Morata was troubling at the least, if not downright terrifying. Yet now, after another clean sheet, it may not be so disconcerting. If Bayern can keep the ball and close down space in midfield, their defense may have enough quality to keep Juve's chances to a minimum.

There are still two-and-a-half weeks until the Juventus clash, which is plenty of time for Bayern to sort out their attack and for their defense to get more practice working together. Injuries have hurt their defense, but Guardiola and company have time on their side.

If they pull themselves together, they have every reason to be seen as favorites to advance.

[Socrates 8524]

FROSINONE - JUVENTUS

-

 
 

MATCHDAY 24
Sunday, February 7nd, 2016 - 3:00 PM
Matusa Stadium, Frosinone
Referee: Davide Massa

Stellone: 'Juve superior to Napoli'

http://www.football-italia.net/79491/allegri-focus-frosinone

Feb 7, 2016
 
Frosinone host Juventus today and Coach Roberto Stellone feels they are “superior” to current Serie A leaders Napoli.

It kicks off at 15.00 CET - 14.00 GMT.

“It’s a wonderful game to play and in all honesty I’d love to be on the pitch myself,” said Stellone in a Press conference.

“Juventus are a very strong side, but we know that it can be done. At home we’ve only really struggled once, against a Napoli side that was at the top of its game.

“To challenge Juve we need to work hard and never let our heads drop. We must also be ruthless in the chances we do create.

“We’ll use the 4-3-3 system that has been working so well for us lately. It’s all well and good saying we have to close down the spaces, but Juve have the quality to find more spaces anyway. We just have to make their possession sterile.”

Juventus and Napoli go head-to-head for the Scudetto next Saturday, so this is their last chance to stay within two points of the leaders.

“In my view at this moment Juve are superior to Napoli and are one of the best sides in the world. We have to repeat the attitude we had against Roma and remember we are capable of anything. We stayed in the game in Turin and at the end snatched an equaliser.”

Frosinone are without Oliver Kragl and Arlen Ajeti, but Daniel Pavlovic is available.


Frosinone squad for Juventus:

Bardi, Leali, Zappino; Blanchard, M Ciofani, Crivello, Pavlovic, Pryyma, Rosi, Russo; Chibsah, Frara, Gori, Gucher, Sammarco; Carlini, D Ciofani, Dionisi, Longo, Paganini, Soddimo, Tonev

 

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

[Socrates 8524]

FROSINONE - JUVENTUS

-

 
 

MATCHDAY 24
Sunday, February 7nd, 2016 - 3:00 PM
Matusa Stadium, Frosinone
Referee: Davide Massa

Frosinone v Juventus Preview:
Cuadrado not thinking of Napoli test

Title-chasing Juve travel to Stadio Matusa this weekend before their
potentially decisive meeting with Serie A leaders Napoli in midweek.

http://www.goal.com/en/match/frosinone-vs-juventus/2120611/preview

Feb 7, 2016
 
Juan Cuadrado says next week's top-of-the-table clash against Napoli will mean much less if Juventus fail to beat struggling Frosinone at the Stadio Comunale Matusa on Sunday.

Second-placed Juve trail Maurizio Sarri's Serie A leaders by two points going into the weekend's action after Cuadrado helped the champions to a 1-0 success at home to Genoa, setting a new club record for consecutive league wins in a single season of 13.

Victories for Juve and Napoli - who face Carpi on Sunday - would set their meeting at the Juventus Stadium up nicely in the context of the title race.

But Massimiliano Allegri's men were held at home 1-1 by Frosinone in September as the visitors claimed their first Serie A point in Turin.

And with Sami Khedira (thigh) and Mario Mandzukic (hip) doubtful, Cuadrado says all focus needs to be on the trip south this weekend.

"Undoubtedly our meeting with Napoli will be huge and possibly decisive for the title race, but it will lose most of its value if we don't beat Frosinone," the Colombian said in an interview with Sky and Mediaset.

"These are exactly the kind of games that can trip you up. For that reason, we'll need to approach it with the same desire and will to win that we have shown in the last two months or so.

"Both we and Napoli are in excellent form, but the fact is that they are still ahead of us. It's up to us to catch them and we will only do that by remaining calm and by concentrating on our own results. We only have eyes for Frosinone at the moment."

Juve's visit offers another stern test for Roberto Stellone's men, who sit in 19th place, five points off safety.

Federico Dionisi's late penalty ensured the points against 10-man Bologna in midweek and former Torino and Napoli striker Stellone is eager to make a dent in Juve's title hopes.

"I am a former Torino and Napoli player and I would love to do a favour to my former team in the title race and of course bring joy to the supporters of Frosinone," he told Sky Sport Italia.

"It certainly will not be easy, because Juventus are the form team of the championship.

"They have not won their last 13 games in Serie A by chance but we have great confidence, the most recent win has restored confidence and enthusiasm here."


OPTA FACTS

The only previous meeting between these two sides was the 1-1 of the reverse fixture – that was the first point taken by Frosinone in their Serie A history.

Juventus are on a run of 13 consecutive wins in this competition – a record for the Old Lady in a single Serie A campaign.

The Bianconeri have won their last seven away games, scoring at least two goals per game (21 in total).

Juve have conceded only one goal since the start of 2016 – at least three fewer than any other side.

Frosinone got back to winning ways last Wednesday against Bologna, ending a negative run of eight games without success.

Frosinone haven’t conceded in their last two games at the Matusa – they’ve never kept three clean sheets in a row at home in Serie A.

Juventus have the best defence in this competition (15 goals conceded), Frosinone have the worst (48).

Frosinone have recorded the worst passing accuracy in this Serie A (only 70%).


LAST FIVE MATCHES

Frosinone  W L D L L

2/3/16 - Frosinone 1 - 0 Bologna
1/30/16 - Roma 3 - 1 Frosinone
1/23/16 - Frosinone 0 - 0 Atalanta
1/16/16 - Torino 4 - 2 Frosinone
1/10/16 - Frosinone 1 - 5 Napoli

Juventus W W W W W

2/3/16 - Juventus 1 - 0 Genoa
1/31/16 - Chievo Verona 0 - 4 Juventus
1/27/16 - Juventus 3 - 0 Internazionale
1/24/16 - Juventus 1 - 0 Roma
1/20/16 - Lazio 0 - 1 Juventus


HEAD TO HEAD

9/23/15 - Juventus 1 - 1 Frosinone
5/1/07 - Frosinone 0 - 2 Juventus
10/28/06 - Juventus 1 - 0 Frosinone

 

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

[Socrates 8524]

FROSINONE - JUVENTUS

-

 
 

MATCHDAY 24
Sunday, February 7nd, 2016 - 3:00 PM
Matusa Stadium, Frosinone
Referee: Davide Massa

Line-ups: Frosinone-Juventus

http://www.football-italia.net/79533/line-ups-frosinone-juventus

Feb 7, 2016
 
Juventus aim for a 14th consecutive Serie A victory, but have injury problems as they visit a Frosinone side back in business.

It kicks off at 15.00 CET - 14.00 GMT.

The Bianconeri are still only two points off leaders Napoli and need to keep up the pace ahead of Saturday’s Scudetto showdown.

Max Allegri has some issues to deal with, as Simone Zaza sits out a ban with Mario Mandzukic, Sami Khedira, Patrice Evra, Kwadwo Asamoah and Martin Caceres injured.

It means Paulo Dybala and Alvaro Morata are the only real choices for the front two, while Giorgio Chiellini and Leo Bonucci start despite reports at least one would be rested.

Juan Guillermo Cuadrado comes in for Stephan Lichtsteiner on the right.

Frosinone are missing Arlen Ajeti and Oliver Kragl, but Daniel Pavlovic is back in the squad.

On Wednesday they ended their run of two points from eight rounds by beating Bologna 1-0 and that boosted their confidence no end.

Federico Dionisi is their top scorer with seven goals, but crucially six of them were netted on home turf.

This isn’t actually Juve’s first trip to the Matusa, as they played here in Serie B, winning 2-0 in May 2007 post-Calciopoli.

Frosinone are tricky customers, as they earned a last-gasp 1-1 draw in Turin earlier this season.


Frosinone:
Leali; Rosi, Russo, Blanchard, Crivello; Gori, Chibsah, Sammarco; Tonev, D Ciofani, Dionisi

Juventus:
Buffon; Barzagli, Bonucci, Chiellini; Cuadrado, Sturaro, Marchisio, Pogba, Alex Sandro; Morata, Dybala

 

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

[Socrates 8524]

FROSINONE - JUVENTUS

0 - 2

Juan Cuadrado (73')
P. Dybala (91')

 

MATCHDAY 24
Sunday, February 7nd, 2016 - 3:00 PM
Matusa Stadium, Frosinone
Referee: Davide Massa

Frosinone 0-2 Juventus: Cuadrado & Dybala
seal three points for Bianconeri

The Bianconeri duo both struck late in the game to keep up
Massimiliano Allegri's fine run of consecutive victories.

http://www.goal.com/en-gb/match/frosinone-vs-juventus/2120611/report

Feb 7, 2016
 
Juventus extended their winning streak in Serie A to 14 games with a hard-fought 2-0 victory at Frosinone that keeps them within two points of leaders Napoli.
Massimiliano Allegri's side were frustrated for much of the afternoon at Stadio Comunale Matusa before Juan Cuadrado and Paulo Dybala secured all three points with late goals.

The visitors enjoyed the better of a quiet first half with Stefano Sturaro, Dybala and Alvaro Morata wasting openings.

Daniel Ciofani blazed Frosinone's only chance of the first half over as the hosts frustrated the in-form champions, and that pattern continued after the restart with nine outfield players often sitting behind the ball to frustrate Juve.

But eventually Juve were rewarded for their patience 17 minutes from time, when Cuadrado ghosted in at the back post to fire low past Nicola Leali.

Dybala then made sure of the points in injury time with a clinical finish from Morata's pass as Juve kept pace with Napoli, who beat Carpi 1-0 at Stadio San Paolo, ahead of next Saturday's clash of the top two in Turin.

Juve delivered an early warning after five minutes as Sturaro went agonisingly close to converting Alex Sandro's left-wing cross, the midfielder given the freedom of the penalty area after a flowing move led by Cuadrado and Paul Pogba.

Frosinone were not fazed by that scare, though, and should have taken the lead after 13 minutes as Ciofani fired just over from Leonardo Blanchard's pinpoint pass.

Chances were at a premium after the lively start, but the visitors finished the half strongly with Sturaro, Dybala and Morata all going close.

Shortly after the half hour, a loose ball dropped to Sturaro 20 yards from goal, but his low shot was well parried by Leali before Dybala blasted the rebound over from six yards.

Morata - who had been relatively anonymous in the opening 45 minutes - then wasted a glorious opening just before the break after bustling his way through, Leali on hand to make a crucial save.

Juve started the second half with renewed vigour and saw Cuadrado test Leali with a 25-yard drive, before Pogba and Claudio Marchisio both snatched at chances just before the hour, the former mistiming his leap to meet Cuadrado's dangerous delivery.

Dybala and Pogba were again wasteful as Juve's pressure appeared unlikely to produce the goal they needed, but a break from Alex Sandro with 17 minutes left proved decisive.

Having been released by Pogba, the Brazilian full-back drilled a low cross to the back post where Cuadrado was on hand to break the deadlock.

And Dybala's well-taken 13th Serie A goal of the season then completed Juve's record-breaking victory, with the champions surpassing their previous best of 13 successive league wins.

 

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

[Socrates 8524]

FROSINONE - JUVENTUS

0 - 2

Juan Cuadrado (73')
P. Dybala (91')

 

MATCHDAY 24
Sunday, February 7nd, 2016 - 3:00 PM
Matusa Stadium, Frosinone
Referee: Davide Massa

Napoli and Juve scrape by

It was surprisingly hard work for Juventus, but they made it
14 straight wins with Juan Cuadrado and Paulo Dybala in Frosinone.

http://www.football-italia.net/SerieA/match/70055

Feb 7, 2016
 
The Bianconeri were looking for a 14th consecutive top flight victory ahead of next week’s Scudetto showdown with Napoli, but missed Mario Mandzukic, Sami Khedira, Patrice Evra, Kwadwo Asamoah, Martin Caceres and suspended Simone Zaza. Frosinone ended their run of two points from eight rounds with a midweek victory over Bologna, though Arlen Ajeti and Oliver Kragl were unavailable.

This was Juve’s second visit to the Matusa, as they won here 2-0 in May 2007, when the club had to start again from Serie B post-Calciopoli.

Stefano Sturaro wasted a golden early opportunity, failing to make contact with the sharp cross at the back post when totally unmarked.

Frosinone also went close, as a Leonardo Blanchard ball chipped pass found Daniel Ciofani between two centre-backs for a very difficult volley just over the bar.

Nicola Leali – on loan from Juventus – got down to beat away a Sturaro snapshot and rushed off his line to smother from Alvaro Morata on the stroke of half-time.

Juan Cuadrado tested Leali from distance and Paul Pogba’s left-foot strike was deflected wide of the near post, while Paulo Dybala had an attempt charged down in the box.

Pogba somehow turned wide from a Dybala free kick, but his blushes were saved by an incorrect offside flag.

Juve wanted a penalty on 67 minutes, but replays suggest Dybala’s cut-back hit Blanchard on the face.

Dybala was unlucky to see his sudden turn smack the upright, but moments later Juventus did find the breakthrough.

Alex Sandro pulled a ball all the way back across the face of goal for Juan Guillermo Cuadrado to turn in unmarked at the back post.

Bad news for Juve, as Giorgio Chiellini limped off with a calf injury. The Bianconeri did put the result beyond doubt in stoppages when Morata burst through the middle, but generously rolled across to the right for Dybala’s left-foot curler into the far top corner.


Frosinone: Leali; Rosi, Russo, Blanchard, Crivello; Gori (Soddimo 81), Chibsah (Frara 72), Sammarco; Tonev, D Ciofani (Longo 86), Dionisi

Juventus: Buffon; Barzagli, Bonucci, Chiellini (Rugani 77); Cuadrado, Sturaro (Pereyra 66), Marchisio, Pogba, Alex Sandro; Morata (Favilli 93), Dybala

Ref: Massa

 

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

[Socrates 8524]

FROSINONE - JUVENTUS

0 - 2

Juan Cuadrado (73')
P. Dybala (91')

 

MATCHDAY 24
Sunday, February 7nd, 2016 - 3:00 PM
Matusa Stadium, Frosinone
Referee: Davide Massa

Frosinone 0-2 Juventus: Bianconeri Leave
It Late Against The Canarini

http://forzaitalianfootball.com/2016/02/frosinone-0-2-juventus-bianconeri-leave-it-late-against-the-canarini/?

Feb 7, 2016
 
Juventus defeated Frosinone 2-0 at the Stadio Matusa on Sunday afternoon in Serie A, as they fight to regain top spot in Italy.

Second-half goals from Juan Cuadrado and Paulo Dybala saw the Bianconeri overcome the Canarini, despite a spirited display from the hosts.

The Gialloazzurri surrendered possession to the reigning champions for the majority of the match, however, the Bianconeri still struggled to cause Roberto Stellone’s men too much trouble early on.

It was a robust performance from Frosinone at times, highlighted by Aleandro Rosi needlessly blasting a loose ball into Alvaro Morata as he lay on the ground and intensifying the physical contest.

That approach limited Juventus to just two clear chances during the first-half, a low drive from Stefano Sturaro and close-range effort from Morata, both which Nicola Leali saved comfortably.

Not wanting a repeat of the first, the Old Lady began the second period seemingly intent on clinching all three points, but continued to be frustrated.

The Canarini rode their luck at times, though, as Juventus had a strong penalty appeal waved away and Dybala struck a post.

However, on 73 minutes full-back Alex Sandro sent a low ball across the box that Cuadrado stroked home to break their resistance.

As the match entered injury-time, the visitors broke on a tired defence and when Morata played a perfectly weighted ball to Dybala who curled expertly around Leali.

Next up for Juventus will be an equally tough test, with leaders Napoli heading to Turin next Saturday for a clash that could help decide the destination of the Scudetto.

Earlier that day Frosinone, deep in a relegation battle, will be trying to put this defeat behind them when they head to Empoli for an equally important challenge.

 

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

[Socrates 8524]

FROSINONE - JUVENTUS

0 - 2

Juan Cuadrado (73')
P. Dybala (91')

 

MATCHDAY 24
Sunday, February 7nd, 2016 - 3:00 PM
Matusa Stadium, Frosinone
Referee: Davide Massa

RATINGS: Frosinone 0-2 Juventus

Late goals from Juan Cuadrado and Paulo Dybala wrapped up a hard-fought three points
for the away side, despite extensive and impressive resistance from the underdogs.

http://www.goal.com/en/match/frosinone-vs-juventus/2120611/ratings

Feb 7, 2016
 

Frosinone

33 N. Leali - Made a number of smart saves and had little chance with either of the Juve goals.

28 A. Rosi - Did throw himself into a couple of risky challenges, but intervened well at the back post to deny Pogba in the second half.

4 A. Russo - Quite strong in the air and kept Morata pretty quiet for the majority of the opening hour. Tired late on.

6 L. Blanchard - Potentially could have given away a penalty for handling in the area, but escaped. Struggled to stick tight to Dybala.

3 R. Crivello - Perhaps fortunate to escape a second booking late on, but the left-back was combative throughout. Struggled against Cuadrado.

5 M. Gori - Threw himself into a couple of courageous blocks, but was only really helpful in terms of his presence forcing Juve wide.

22 R. Chibsah - Offered energy to support a few quick counter-attacks, but couldn't quite manage to display the cutting edge his side needed.

21 P. Sammarco - Offered work rate and some tough tackling in midfield, but was unable to get as tight to his man after a booking.

19 A. Tonev - Used his pace to threaten with movement, but wasn't given the service to cause any problems in behind enemy lines.

9 D. Ciofani - Fired a close-range volley over the bar and had some first-half half chances, but was anonymous after the break.

18 F. Dionisi - Broke to the byline with a couple of driving runs, but was generally quite quiet and disappointing throughout.


Substitutes

7 A. Frara - Introduced as fresh legs in midfield, but didn't change anything.

12 S. Longo - Thrown up top late on, but didn't get any service at all.


 

Juventus

1 G. Buffon - Was a spectator for the majority of the game, with the veteran goalkeeper able to keep a very simple clean sheet.

15 A. Barzagli - The ex-Palermo defender was on hand aerially on a few occasions, but was generally asked few questions.

19 L. Bonucci - Confident on the ball and cut out a few Frosinone breaks that looked potentially dangerous.

3 G. Chiellini - Taken off late on as a means of resting him, but enjoyed a very comfortable, half-pace performance.

16 Juan Cuadrado - The Colombia international fired home a late finish to open the scoring, pulling wide throughout the match to offer width.

27 S. Sturaro - The Italian midfielder wasn't afraid to shoot, forcing Leali into several testing first-half saves.

8 C. Marchisio - Calm in possession and kept the tempo of the game ticking over. Ensured that Juve were constantly probing from flank to flank.

10 P. Pogba - Saw a few close-range efforts denied well by late interceptions and sliding tackles, in a frustrating afternoon for the Frenchman.

12 Alex Sandro - Cut a lovely cross to the back post for Cuadrado's opening goal, with the Brazilian constantly offering width.

9 Álvaro Morata - Went on a few bustling, driving runs from deep, but couldn't seem to find his shooting boots. Slid a neat assist into Dybala late on.

21 P. Dybala - Curled home a lovely finish to wrap up the points in stoppage time, after threatening relentlessly throughout the second half.


Substitutes

37 R. Pereyra - Saw a couple of shots flash wide, but created little.

24 D. Rugani - Introduced for Chiellini late on, but had nothing to do.

39 A. Favilli - Introduced for the dying embers of the game up top.

 

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

[Socrates 8524]

FROSINONE - JUVENTUS

0 - 2

Juan Cuadrado (73')
P. Dybala (91')

 

MATCHDAY 24
Sunday, February 7nd, 2016 - 3:00 PM
Matusa Stadium, Frosinone
Referee: Davide Massa

Juventus Coach Annoyed
Despite Frosinone Win

http://forzaitalianfootball.com/2016/02/juventus-coach-annoyed-despite-frosinone-win/?

Feb 7, 2016
 
Juventus coach Massimiliano Allegri has asked for his team to calm down a bit and be smarter when playing despite winning 2-0 against Frosinone.

Juan Cuadrado and Paulo Dybala got the goals for the Bianconeri in the second half as they only just scraped past a tough Frosinone side, and Allegri says his team need to work on their understanding of each other.

“We had two opportunities at the beginning and then we ran into some difficulty,” Allegri told Premium Sport after the match.

“We were too hasty we had to be more coherent and knowledgeable against a Frosinone team who defended well.”

The next Serie A game for the Bianconeri is a top-of-the-table clash with Napoli next weekend, and there are currently just two points between the two sides, however Allegri doesn’t believe the game will be a big turning point in the season.

“We now have a week to prepare for the match against Napoli, but there is still a long way to go even after that game,” Allegri added.

“It will be a great match, but it will not be decisive.”

Napoli won 1-0 at home to Carpi on Sunday meaning they sit on top of the Serie A table, while Juventus are eight points clear in second as the title race turns into a two horse race.

 

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

[Socrates 8524]

FROSINONE - JUVENTUS

0 - 2

Juan Cuadrado (73')
P. Dybala (91')

 

MATCHDAY 24
Sunday, February 7nd, 2016 - 3:00 PM
Matusa Stadium, Frosinone
Referee: Davide Massa

Juan Cuadrado and Paulo Dybala on
target in Juventus win at Frosinone

http://www.espnfc.co.uk/italian-serie-a/match/432034/frosinone-juventus/report

Feb 7, 2016
 
Juventus kept in touch with Serie A leaders Napoli ahead of next weekend's Scudetto showdown in Turin by beating Frosinone 2-0 at the Stadio Matusa.

Second-half goals from Juan Cuadrado and Paulo Dybala saw the Bianconeri ensure Napoli remain only two points clear before visiting them on Saturday.

Juve dominated the first half but failed to score, with Stefano Sturaro blasting wide inside five minutes and returning after the half-hour mark to trouble Nicola Leali with a swerving attempt from the edge of the box.

On the stroke of half-time, Leali got the better of Alvaro Morata in a one-on-one and Juve's players appeared frustrated at the break.

The Bianconeri continued to struggle when play resumed and the near misses kept on coming. Paul Pogba was marginally offside when Leali's goal was at his mercy and substitute Roberto Pereyra soon blasted well wide.

But Juve kept turning the screw and their persistence paid off 17 minutes from time as Cuadrado made the breakthrough.

The on-loan Chelsea winger, who had just watched the tricky Dybala hit a post, collected Alex Sandro's short pass and fired the ball over Leali's shoulder to find the inside of the far post.

Cuadrado might have grabbed another goal to rubber-stamp the victory in the 84th minute, but he dragged his shot wide and had to leave that job to Dybala.

In stoppage time, the former Palermo forward brought up his 13th goal of the season with his left boot to confirm Juve's 14th consecutive victory.

 

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

[Socrates 8524]

FROSINONE - JUVENTUS

0 - 2

Juan Cuadrado (73')
P. Dybala (91')

 

MATCHDAY 24
Sunday, February 7nd, 2016 - 3:00 PM
Matusa Stadium, Frosinone
Referee: Davide Massa

Allegri: 'Napoli won't decide title'

http://www.football-italia.net/79544/allegri-napoli-wont-decide-title?

Feb 7, 2016
 
Juventus Coach Max Allegri warns the clash with Napoli “certainly won’t decide the Scudetto, but we’ll be ready for it.”

The Bianconeri notched up a 14th consecutive Serie A victory with their 2-0 away to Frosinone today and remain two points off the leaders.

“It’ll be a fine game, it certainly won’t decide the Scudetto, but we’ll be ready for it. We have important players that Napoli need to worry about too,” Allegri told Mediaset Premium.

“I can only compliment Maurizio Sarri, because he’s having a great campaign. It had been many years since Napoli were top of the table like this.

“The lads did well today, but could’ve done better. When you play certain games you know sooner or later a goal will arrive, so rushing just gives the opposition an advantage.

“We had two great chances at the start, then struggled because Frosinone defended well. We should’ve been sharper and calmer in creating scoring opportunities.

“When you have many young players in the side, there are going to be mistakes. Frosinone only lost badly on home turf to Napoli, so it was not a match to be taken for granted.”

Giorgio Chiellini hobbled off with a calf injury and must be a big doubt to face Napoli on Saturday.

“Unfortunately he has a recurring problem with his calf. We have Andrea Barzagli, Daniele Rugani or even Stephan Lichtsteiner who can play at centre-back.”

 

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

[Socrates 8524]

FROSINONE - JUVENTUS

0 - 2

Juan Cuadrado (73')
P. Dybala (91')

 

MATCHDAY 24
Sunday, February 7nd, 2016 - 3:00 PM
Matusa Stadium, Frosinone
Referee: Davide Massa

Juventus and leaders Napoli both
win in Serie A ahead of crunch clash

http://www.espnfc.co.uk/italian-serie-a/story/2802812/juventus-and-leaders-napoli-both-win-in-serie-a

Feb 7, 2016
 
Juventus kept in touch with Serie A leaders Napoli ahead of next weekend's Scudetto showdown in Turin by beating Frosinone 2-0 at the Stadio Matusa.

Second-half goals from Juan Cuadrado and Paulo Dybala saw the Bianconeri ensure Napoli remain only two points clear before visiting them on Saturday.

Napoli squeezed past 10-man Carpi thanks only to a Gonzalo Higuain penalty at the Stadio San Paolo as the match ended 1-0.

It proved to be a difficult match against 18th-placed Carpi in Naples and Maurizio Sarri's league leaders could have been usurped by Juve had Higuain not converted a 69th-minute spot kick.

Inter Milan came from two goals down to secure a point in a thrilling 3-3 draw against Hellas Verona.

Bottom-of-the-table Verona, who claimed only their first victory of the Serie A season against Atalanta on Wednesday, were behind after eight minutes when Jeison Murillo opened the scoring for Inter.

But the hosts were back on level terms moments later when Filip Helander scored from a corner before Eros Pisano stunned Roberto Mancini's side when he headed home Luca Marrone's free-kick with 16 minutes gone.

Verona led at the interval and then scored a surprising third when Artur Ionita netted from a corner.

Inter were facing an uphill challenge to take anything from the game, but gave themselves hope when Mauro Icardi converted Ivan Perisic's cross shortly after the hour mark.

Perisic then scored his side's equalising goal with 12 minutes left after good work from Rodrigo Palacio.

Udinese checked AC Milan's rise up the table by holding the Rossoneri to a 1-1 draw at San Siro.

Former Rossoneri defender Pablo Armero made life difficult for Sinisa Mihajlovic's men, who had been pursuing a third straight win, with his first-half opener and Milan struggled to respond.

M'Baye Niang did fire an equaliser shortly after half-time but the hosts had missed an opportunity to close the gap on the nearest Champions League place to just four points.

Atalanta and Empoli shared the spoils from a disappointing goalless draw at the Stadio Atleti Azzurri d'Italia.

Neither side could trouble the scoreboard in rainy Bergamo, with both clubs left frustrated in their quests to secure overdue wins.

Atalanta edged the first half, with Alejandro Gomez blasting over the bar and Mauricio Pinilla shooting wide from a one-on-one with Lukazs Skorupski.

Empoli hit a post through Riccardo Saponara when play resumed, but Atalanta soon picked up their assault and were unlucky to miss the mark when Alessandro Diamanti intercepted a poor backpass from Mario Rui and let fly.

Ten-man Palermo held out for a point from a frenetic 2-2 draw at Sassuolo, while Valter Birsa fired Chievo to a 2-1 victory at Torino.

 

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

[Socrates 8524]

FROSINONE - JUVENTUS

0 - 2

Juan Cuadrado (73')
P. Dybala (91')

 

MATCHDAY 24
Sunday, February 7nd, 2016 - 3:00 PM
Matusa Stadium, Frosinone
Referee: Davide Massa

Max Allegri: Juventus will
be ready for Napoli

Juventus manager Allegri's comments after the 2-0 win at Frosinone.

http://www.blackwhitereadallover.com/2016/2/7/10930652/max-allegri-juventus-will-be-ready-for-napoli-frosinone-2-0

Feb 7, 2016
 
Juventus continued their historic winning streak, finally breaking Frosinone down late in the game to win 2-0 and extend their run of wins to fourteen. The Bianconeri missed plenty of chances as they found the home side's keeper Nicola Leali in fine form as he repelled Juve time and again. However, with just under twenty minutes to go, Juan Cuadrado finally broke the Canarini's resistance. Paulo Dybala added the icing on the cake in time added on to settle the game.

Meanwhile, Napoli won 1-0 against the ten men of Carpi through a Gonzalo Higuain penalty to maintain their two-point lead over Juve. The top two teams play each other at the Juventus Stadium next week. Here's what manager Massimiliano Allegri had to say about that game -

"It'll be a fine game, it certainly won't decide the Scudetto, but we'll be ready for it. We have important players that Napoli need to worry about too.

"I can only compliment Maurizio Sarri, because he's having a great campaign. It had been many years since Napoli were top of the table like this."

Allegri also commented on the win against Frosinone -

"The lads did well today, but could've done better. When you play certain games you know sooner or later a goal will arrive, so rushing just gives the opposition an advantage.
"We had two great chances at the start, then struggled because Frosinone defended well. We should've been sharper and calmer in creating scoring opportunities.

"When you have many young players in the side, there are going to be mistakes. Frosinone only lost badly on home turf to Napoli, so it was not a match to be taken for granted."

Veteran defender Giorgio Chiellini left the game with a calf injury -

"Unfortunately he has a recurring problem with his calf. We have Andrea Barzagli, Daniele Rugani or even Stephan Lichtsteiner who can play at centre-back.We lost Caceres and today Chiellini but we have to be more careful. It won't be easy for him to recover for the Napoli game but I hope to have him.""

Allegri spoke about the width that Alex Sandro gives the team, after his cross allowed Cuadrado to score the opener -

"He has different characteristics to Patrice Evra, who gives us balance in the defensive phase. Alex Sandro supports our game in the final third. He also played right back at Porto. He's a quality player with potential."

 

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

[Socrates 8524]

FROSINONE - JUVENTUS

0 - 2

Juan Cuadrado (73')
P. Dybala (91')

 

MATCHDAY 24
Sunday, February 7nd, 2016 - 3:00 PM
Matusa Stadium, Frosinone
Referee: Davide Massa

Frosinone vs. Juventus:
Winners and Losers from Serie A

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2614641-frosinone-vs-juventus-winners-and-losers-from-serie-a?

Feb 7, 2016
 
Juventus rolled into the Stadio Comunale Matusa for their game against Frosinone on the back of a team-record 13 straight victories in Serie A.

Playing simultaneously with Napoli, who began the day two points ahead of them in first, it was assumed that an easy win for Juve would help set up a massive top-of-the-table clash at the Juventus Stadium on Saturday for first place.

The win came, but it was a lot harder than anticipated. Frosinone denied Juve any room to operate, and it took 73 minutes for the Bianconeri to finally break the deadlock when Juan Cuadrado fired home a low Alex Sandro cross.

Paulo Dybala did what Juve couldn't do against Frosinone in September and sealed the win with a second goal late on after a smart assist from Alvaro Morata, but he and his teammates had to work considerably harder for their 2-0 victory than expected against the 19th-placed Canarini.

As attention now turns to Napoli, let's take a closer look at this match and determine winners and losers of this Serie A clash.


Winner: Nicola Leali

There has been some debate between Juventus fans as to whether or not Nicola Leali is the right man to replace Gianluigi Buffon when the legendary goalkeeper hangs up his gloves.

Purchased after he broke out with Brescia in 2012, Leali has been out on loan in the four years since. His first two years as Juve property he was farmed out to Serie B sides, and he made his Serie A debut with Cesena last year.

He's shown consistent improvement over that time. Last year, he showed his parent club his quality early on, making eight saves in defeat as the Seahorses lost 3-0 at the Juventus Stadium.

On Sunday, he again showed Juve that he has the quality to be Buffon's heir. He made a pair of crucial first-half saves to keep Juve out of the scoreboard before the break. A smart parry off a cannon shot from Stefano Sturaro came first, then he cleaned up after a defensive error by winning a one-on-one with Morata just before the whistle.

He also controlled his area well, claiming several good crosses and never letting Juve's attackers find good angles.

Obviously the busier keeper of the two, Leali could do nothing about either goal and kept his team in this game. He might have been the man of the match. The Bianconeri brass needs to keep him in mind as Buffon nears his self-appointed retirement date in 2018.


Loser: Paul Pogba

Ever since Claudio Marchisio and Sami Khedira returned to the Juve lineup, Paul Pogba has improved dramatically.

Guilty of trying to do too much when leadership of the midfield was thrust upon him due to injury, Pogba has been his usual magical self over the last few months. On Sunday, though, he seemed very much out of sorts.

With Frosinone playing a hardscrabble game meant to deny Juve any space on the ball, the Frenchman's usual flair was stifled. He misplayed simple passes and tried to dribble through walls of yellow shirts. When Dybala found him with a wonderful free-kick delivery in the 66th minute, he side-footed the ball well wide. Whatever he tried, nothing worked.

With a crunch first-versus-second matchup against Napoli looming on Saturday, this wasn't the best day for Pogba to regress. Juve will have to hope he picks back up in six days' time. They need their difference-maker against Napoli.


Winner: Alex Sandro

Given the flurry of transfer activity involving Juventus this summer, the purchase of Alex Sandro has gone somewhat under the radar.

That's not something you'd expect given the fact that the player cost them €26 million. But with the arrival of Dybala and the departure of players like Arturo Vidal, Carlos Tevez and Andrea Pirlo, Sandro hasn't been as touted as you would think he would be. Given the fact that Patrice Evra has maintained last year's form and forced a time-share on the left, he also hasn't gotten as much exposure as someone who cost that much would normally command.

But with Evra dinged up, Sandro is the only guy to go to on the left, and he again delivered with the game on the line.

With 73 minutes on the clock and the game deadlocked, Sandro drove hard down the left wing and fired in a fantastic cross, which Cuadrado cleaned up on the far post for the game's first goal.

Defensively sound and a dynamic attacking presence going forward, Sandro is getting more and more credit, and deservedly so. Napoli's back line will have to be aware of where he is at all times next week.


Loser: Massimiliano Allegri

It may be harsh to put Massimiliano Allegri in this category after a win, but this game was more labored than it should have been, and the manager may need to contemplate a change before the Napoli game.

Allegri has never shown himself to be totally well-versed in the 3-5-2 formation that Antonio Conte made famous in Turin. He has used it off and on since his hiring last July, but it was mostly a marriage of convenience. After such an abrupt coaching change so close to the season, it made sense to use what his players knew.

But Conte based his version of the 3-5-2 on precise movement and well-rehearsed routines. Allegri's more free-wheeling philosophy doesn't fit it as well, and the Bianconeri have struggled going forward at times when using it under their new manager.

This was one of those times. Juve looked devoid of creativity for long stretches of this game. They tried to dribble through walls and hoof long balls over the top rather than really develop their play. It wasn't until late, when they had finally broken through and had more space to drive through on the counter, that genuine chances started coming in bunches.

The 3-5-2 has served Juve well during their 14-game winning streak, but coming up on a game that could literally decide the destination of the Scudetto, Allegri, who now has the pieces to run the kind of 4-3-1-2 system he prefers, should consider a change.

Getting as predictable in attack as Juve did Sunday could be death against a well-coached Napoli side, and Allegri needs to take steps to ensure that that doesn't happen. A change of shape would better fit his coaching style and could well be a better match against a bigger team that will look to play football themselves rather than park the bus.


Winner: Roberto Pereyra

Simply getting back on the field is a major victory for Roberto Pereyra, who has been out since October with a hamstring strain.

He didn't do much of particular note on the field on Sunday, but having him back gives Allegri a major option to add dynamism to his attack and perhaps even the ability to switch back to his favored 4-3-1-2 formation with Pereyra playing in the hole.

The 25-year-old's return is a welcome sight to a team that is suffering a minor depth crisis.

 

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