Juventus Season 2015-2016

[Socrates 8524]

JUVENTUS - NAPOLI

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MATCHDAY 25
Saturday, February 13th, 2016 - 8:45 PM
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Daniele Orsato

Juventus v Napoli Preview: Higuain
confident he can handle pressure

The top two in Italy go head-to-head at Juventus Stadium on Saturday night
in a game that could go a long way to deciding who will claim this season's Scudetto.

http://www.goal.com/en/match/juventus-vs-napoli/2120622/preview

Feb 12, 2016

Napoli talisman Gonzalo Higuain insists he can handle the pressure ahead of the Serie A leaders' mouth-watering top-of-the-table clash with champions Juventus.

Maurizio Sarri's men visit the Scudetto holders on Saturday with a two-point lead over them at the summit as both sides enjoy a run of stunning form.

Juventus are on a club-record 14-game winning streak in Serie A and will be favourites to win the title for the fifth consecutive season should they defeat Napoli.

Napoli are on a club-record winning run of their own, having taken maximum points from their last eight league encounters.

Their results in this campaign have owed much to the goalscoring prowess of Higuain, who is averaging a goal a game in the league with 24 to his name – a huge 11 clear of Juve's Paulo Dybala, his closest challenger for the golden boot.

Higuain is just three short of his best tally in a European league, which came in 2009-10 when he scored 27 for Real Madrid.

Having played for Madrid and featured in the World Cup final for Argentina in 2014, Higuain is no stranger to pressure and he is keeping his cool ahead of the biggest game of the season.

"I am calm," Higuain told Rai. "I have been playing football for many years and I am used to the pressure.

"Obviously there is a great desire to take to the pitch though – it is like a derby game.

"We know it is down to us, we have to remain calm and not get carried away with the euphoria because it could hurt us. It is better to keep our feet on the ground."

Massimiliano Allegri's Juventus are still without Kwadwo Asamoah (thigh), Mario Mandzukic and Giorgio Chiellini (both calf) for the encounter in Turin.

Midfielder Paul Pogba is understandably keen to take maximum points from a pivotal clash, but is also determined to ensure Juve concentrate on their overall ambition.

"We will play to win against Napoli as always but the only thing that truly matters is finishing top of the pile," Pogba told Juve's website.

"We are still off the pace at the moment and that's not something we are used to. What we have to do now is keep our heads, stay focused and not lose sight of what we want to achieve."

Napoli claimed victory in the reverse fixture last September, with Higuain on target in a 2-1 success at Stadio San Paolo.

They have not completed the league double over Juve since the 2009-10 campaign and doing so for the fourth time in club history would put Napoli in a commanding position to end a 26-year wait to win the Scudetto again.


OPTA FACTS

Juventus have won each of their four Serie A matches against Napoli played at the Juventus Stadium: 11 goals scored, just one conceded in the process.

Napoli have beaten Juventus in both fixtures of a Serie A season just three times in their history: in 1957-58, 1986-87 and 2009-10.

For the first time, Napoli will face Juventus in the second half of the season being top of the table and the Bianconeri in second place.

Juventus have won each of their last 14 Serie A games, without conceding any goal in the last five.

Napoli are on an eight-game winning run, the longest in their Serie A history.

This match will see the best attack (Napoli, 53 goals scored) face the best defence (Juventus, 15 goals conceded) in Serie A 2015-16.

Moreover, Napoli have attempted the most shots (424, including blocked), while Juventus have faced the fewest (198).

Juventus have gained the most points from losing situations in Serie A this season (13), and lost the fewest after going ahead (2).


LAST FIVE MATCHES

Juventus W W W W W

2/7/16 - Frosinone 0 - 2 Juventus
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


Napoli W W W W L

2/7/16 - Napoli 1 - 0 Carpi
2/3/16 - Lazio 0 - 2 Napoli
1/31/16 - Napoli 5 - 1 Empoli
1/24/16 - Sampdoria 2 - 4 Napoli
1/19/16 - Napoli 0 - 2 Internazionale


HEAD TO HEAD

9/26/15 - Napoli 2 - 1 Juventus
5/23/15 - Juventus 3 - 1 Napoli
1/11/15 - Napoli 1 - 3 Juventus
12/22/14 - Juventus 2 - 2 Napoli
3/30/14 - Napoli 2 - 0 Juventus

 

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

[Socrates 8524]

JUVENTUS - NAPOLI

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MATCHDAY 25
Saturday, February 13th, 2016 - 8:45 PM
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Daniele Orsato

Trapattoni: Juve's Dybala as dangerous as Higuain

The Napoli striker has propelled his side to the summit of Serie A with 24 goals
in 24 games, but his fellow Argentine is also in fine form ahead of Saturday's showdown.

http://www.goal.com/en/news/723/serie-a/2016/02/12/20210492/dybala-as-dangerous-as-higuain?ICID=TP_HN_HP_RI_1_2

Feb 12, 2016

Giovanni Trapattoni believesPaulo Dybala has been just as integral to Juventus' resurgence this season as Gonzalo Higuain has to Napoli's Serie A title challenge.

The Bianconeri made a dreadful start to their bid for a fifth successive Scudetto, losing four of their opening 10 games to leave themselves languishing 12th in the table, 11 points off top spot.

Juve have completely turned around their campaign after a run of 14 consecutive league wins, however, with Dybala playing a key role in their revival.

The €32 million summer signing from Palermo initially struggled to nail down a regular place in Massimiliano Allegri's starting line-up, instead restricted to a string of substitute appearances.

However, the 22-year-old has now established himself as Juve's first-choice attacker after a run of form that has seen him become the youngest player across Europe's top five leagues to be involved in more than 20 goals this term (13 goals, eight assists).

Higuain, meanwhile, has scored a sensational 24 times in 24 games, with the former Real Madrid man on course to break Gino Rossetti's Serie A record of 36 goals during a single campaign. He has already netted against Juve this term, bagging the crucial second goal in a 2-1 win over the Old Lady at the San Paolo in September.

The former Real Madrid man is expected to be just as influential in Saturday's showdown in Turin, which pits league leaders Napoli against the second-placed Bianconeri, but Trapattoni is of the opinion that Dybala could prove just as decisive as his countryman.

"Higuain's goalscoring ratio speaks for itself, so it would be foolish not to acknowledge him as a key man in this game," the former Bianconeri boss told Goal.

"But Juve have a really promising kid in Dybala, who is developing in the right way and is currently living a very happy and serene moment in his career.

"Juventus changed a lot of things during the summer and, honestly, this resurgence hasn't surprised me.

"There were many factors at play when things were not going well but I believe that Juve managed to attain the requisite consistency thanks to Dybala's explosion."

Unsurprisingly, Trapattoni was keen to pay tribute to the two coaches, Maurizio Sarri and Allegri, for their respective sides' title challenges.

Sarri took charge of Napoli last summer having established a reputation as one of the most innovative coaches in Serie A during his time in charge of Empoli, but he endured a difficult start to the season during which he was criticised by Partenopei icon Diego Maradona.

However, the 57-year-old has now led the club to the summit of Serie A on the back of a historic eight-game winning streak.

Allegri received a hostile welcome in Turin in the summer of 2014 due to his previous ties with Juve's great rivals AC Milan, but he has also since won over Bianconeri fans after clinching a domestic double in his first season at the helm.

Trapattoni has the utmost respect for both bosses, believing that Sarri and Allegri deserve immense credit for the way in which they have gone about their work.

"They're both managing to have good results despite travelling on different paths," the ex-Republic of Ireland manager mused.

"Both have one thing in common, though: they were both welcomed with scepticism and, with time and dedication, have been able to form two competitive squads of great quality.

"Napoli are in a great moment. In the summer, they selected a coach equipped with excellent ideas. Tactically, the game is open to any scenario and, considering the high technical quality of those set to take to the field, everything could be decided by one attack or a single incident.

"Both teams can count on two coaches on the highest level, who know how to prepare for this game in the best possible way."

Despite the fact that Trapattoni believes victory in Turin would represent a huge psychological boost for a Napoli side that has lost its four previous visits to Juventus Stadium, he does not believe that the game should be billed as a title-decider as a Napoli win would only propel the Partenopei five points clear of their closest rivals with a further 13 rounds to play.

"There's still a long way to go and there are so many points still to play for," he pointed out. "With a good result, though, Napoli would certainly benefit from a mental perspective, as it would inevitably intensify their conviction that they can win the title.

"But it's hard to say who will win the game. Juventus are playing at home. They're used to handling the pressure and they have many great professionals within their squad who feel perfectly at ease in games such as these. But the same goes for Napoli.

"Whoever makes the fewest mistakes will win the game."

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

[Socrates 8524]

JUVENTUS - NAPOLI

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MATCHDAY 25
Saturday, February 13th, 2016 - 8:45 PM
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Daniele Orsato

'Napoli are not all about Higuain' - Allegri

The Juventus coach has stressed that his side's upcoming opponents
have much more to their game than just the Argentine's goals.

http://www.goal.com/en/news/723/serie-a/2016/02/12/20280562/allegri-napoli-more-than-higuain?ICID=TP_HN_HP_RI_0_2

Feb 12, 2016

Massimiliano Allegri has stressed that Juventus cannot afford to focus solely on Gonzalo Higuain when they take on Napoli on Saturday.

The Argentina international has already netted 24 goals in as many Serie A appearances this term, firing Napoli to the top of the table.

With second-placed Juventus preparing to host the league leaders on Saturday, Allegri is expecting a tough battle.

"Napoli are not all about Higuain," the Juventus coach said at a news conference. "Higuain's having the best season of his career, but it's not just him we'll have to look out for.

"They have the league's second-best defence and have scored more goals than any other team.

"Napoli are in great form and playing well. It will be a great game from a tactical and technical point of view. We'll need to be controlled in our approach and put in a great performance.

"Saturday's game won't decide this year's Scudetto. After tomorrow night there will still be 39 points up for grabs. We lost the first game against Napoli 2-1 due to two errors, but we had our chances to earn a draw.

"We need to get used to dealing with these kinds of games. We have a fair few of them coming up from tomorrow onwards. Winning a fifth consecutive title would see this Juventus side go down in history."

 

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

[Socrates 8524]

JUVENTUS - NAPOLI

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MATCHDAY 25
Saturday, February 13th, 2016 - 8:45 PM
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Daniele Orsato

Allegri: 'Calm about Napoli'

http://www.football-italia.net/79750/allegri-calm-about-napoli

Feb 12, 2016

Juventus Coach Max Allegri says 'serenity' will be necessary to beat Napoli and Gonzalo Higuain.

The two teams face each other tomorrow evening at 20.45 CET - 19:45 GMT in what is already being touted as Serie A's game of the year.

“To be honest I haven't prepared the game yet,” Allegri told the Press. “We're playing tomorrow, so we still have more than enough time.

“Napoli are having a great championship, they have 56 points and they're showing all of their worth. Compared to them, we're still in line with last year's performances, we just have three points less.

“Right now the first leg between us is the one that made the difference. Napoli are in a great condition and they're playing pretty well. Tactically and technically, it's certainly going to be a good game.

“But that doesn't mean it's going to be decisive, there are another 13 games, so there will be 39 points to be played for still.

“I still have today's and tomorrow's training session to decide whether to play with a three- or four-man defence.

“Of course there's more pressure now as only 14 games are left and our target is that of being ahead in the end.

“Tomorrow's game must be faced with serenity, with no anxieties about the result, conscious that we need a great performance to beat Napoli.”

Allegri then went on to discuss Gonzalo Higuain and the threat he poses from the Partenopei side.

“He's playing, I think, the best championship in his career. His average is extraordinary, if he keeps it up to the end he'll score 40 goals.

“Marking him will be difficult, but Napoli is more than Higuain, because he'll have to pass the ball to someone else, and that someone will have very high technique.

“Napoli have some great players in the front and the middle, individually but especially as a team.

“There are no advantages anymore as there are a thousand cameras per game: our teams know each other, so tomorrow what's going to matter is the psychological aspect. In fact that will be crucial until the end of the season.

“We have several games coming up, tomorrow, on Friday at Bologna, and then that friendly against Bayern Munich.”

 

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

[Socrates 8524]

JUVENTUS - NAPOLI

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MATCHDAY 25
Saturday, February 13th, 2016 - 8:45 PM
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Daniele Orsato

Allegri: 'Sarri deserves praise'

http://www.football-italia.net/79752/allegri-sarri-deserves-praise

Feb 12, 2016

Max Allegri praises the 'extraordinary' work of his rival Coach Maurizio Sarri ahead of Juventus-Napoli.

The teams go into tomorrow evening's 20.45 CET - 19:45 match each at the top of their own record of consecutive wins, the Partenopei with 8 victories and the Bianconeri with 14.

“The lads won 14 games because otherwise we'd still be there at the back chasing,” Allegri told the Press. “We really did start very poorly.

“Now we've balanced out the standings, even though we have two-three points less than we should.

“The rumours about me signing with another team abroad do not destabilise me. My future is at Juventus. This is where I am and where I'm happy, there's no truth to the rumours at all. I'd like this to be settled, really.

“Zaza is coming back from a suspension and he could take part in the match. It's either him or Morata next to Dybala.

“Khedira today will try out with the team and we'll see if he's available and in a condition to play.

“Mandzukic is out and we'll evaluate him over the week. Chiellini still hasn't recovered but he should be back next Friday against Bologna. Caceres unfortunately is done with the season, but the others are all more or less ok.”

Finally, Allegri was asked for a comment on his rival Coach Sarri.

“Sarri certainly doesn't need my compliments. He's doing extraordinary things which nobody expected, because he got grilled at first when he came to Napoli.

“Instead, he proved with his good work that he's an excellent Coach. He deserves nothing but compliments.

“The players that I'm missing in defence don't worry me. It's a shame I don't have everyone available because I'm forced to make certain choices, but there's 18 of us and I only need 11.

“Whoever takes to the pitch will play a great game. Drive and the psychological factor tomorrow will count more than technique and tactics.”

 

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

[Socrates 8524]

JUVENTUS - NAPOLI

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MATCHDAY 25
Saturday, February 13th, 2016 - 8:45 PM
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Daniele Orsato

Sarri: ‘No Napoli tension’

http://www.football-italia.net/79753/sarri-%E2%80%98no-napoli-tension%E2%80%99

Feb 12, 2016

Maurizio Sarri assures he hasn’t seen “any particular tension” in his Napoli players ahead of the Juventus game.

The Partenopei have the opportunity to take a five-point lead at the top of Serie A when they visit Turin tomorrow, but a defeat would see the Bianconeri overtake them.

“I haven’t seen any particular tension,” Sarri insisted in his pre-match Press conference.

“I’ve seen the usual intensity from the team. I think the approach to the game is normal, it’s stimulating but we have to approach it with clarity.

“It’s a normal day before a big game, there are are still three months to go until the end of the season.”

The Coach was then asked what it will take to win tomorrow’s showdown.

“A solid defence is a good place to start. Juventus have had that for years, it’s a habit, we’re trying to build certainty in defence.

“They have historic strength.

“Will Juventus switch to a back-four? I don’t think a lot about changes, even with a back-three the wing-back comes back and they defend as a four, so I don’t think it’ll change much.”

 

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

[Socrates 8524]

JUVENTUS - NAPOLI

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MATCHDAY 25
Saturday, February 13th, 2016 - 8:45 PM
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Daniele Orsato

Sarri: ‘Napoli will attack’

http://www.football-italia.net/79754/sarri-%E2%80%98napoli-will-attack%E2%80%99

Feb 12, 2016

Napoli Coach Maurizio Sarri believes “our only chance” is to go on the attack against Juventus.

The Vesuviani face the Bianconeri in Turin tomorrow night in a top-of the-table showdown which is being billed as crucial for the Scudetto race.

“We’ll play our football,” Sarri promised in his pre-match Press conference.

“Experience tells us that when we stop playing [our way] we become vulnerable, so our only chance to get something from such a tremendous stadium and an opponent like Juventus is by playing our football.

“Maybe we won’t succeed, maybe we’ll be camped in our own area for 70 minutes, but it won’t be by choice. Even if it’s for 30 seconds we’ll play our football.

“Our lads shouldn’t be tense, they should just think about the performance and then accept the result.

“We have no final objectives, there’s just tomorrow’s game. The game gives us confidence, because we’re on par with Juventus, the team that has dominated Italian football in recent years, so that’s already a source of pride.

“We’re not satisfied, but we’re mad enough to go to Turin and impose our game on them. They’re more used to playing these kind of games than we are, but we do have four or five who can help out the younger players.

“When there are two solid defences, it’s down to individuals to decide the game. They have a lot of individuals who can decide a game, but we’re not bad in that regard ourselves.”

A win would see the Partenopei go five points clear at the top of Serie A, but Sarri denied it's the biggest game of his career.

“These are questions that are put to those who come from the bottom, I don’t feel anything, I’m just thinking about the game.

“I don’t think tomorrow’s game is the most important, without the 500 preceding it I wouldn’t be here.

“You in the media determine the importance, for me Sangiovannese-Grosseto was also important to determine [serie] C2.”

Napoli fans will not be allowed to travel to Turin, and the Coach believes the decision is unfair.

“A win would be for our fans, we hold them dear and we’re disappointed that they won’t be in Turin,” Sarri lamented.

“I think it’s an injustice, collective punishment doesn’t make sense, and I thought the same when Juventus weren’t allowed to come here - I said that publicly.

“I don’t believe in these decisions, and we’ll try to bring satisfaction to our fans. But that’s all it would mean, as there will still be 13 games to go.”

 

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

[Socrates 8524]

JUVENTUS - NAPOLI

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MATCHDAY 25
Saturday, February 13th, 2016 - 8:45 PM
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Daniele Orsato

JUVENTUS VS NAPOLI MATCH PREVIEW

http://www.juvefc.com/juventus-napoli-match-preview/?

Feb 12, 2016
 

Juventus

Juventus and Napoli predictably won their respective matches last Sunday, thus arriving to Saturday’s big match with a two-point difference in favour of Gli Azzurri. The Bianconeri worked very patiently around Frosinone’s bus last week and ultimately found the deadlock-breaking goal, thanks once again to Juan Cuadrado, and put the finishing touches on the win with a late Paulo Dybala score. Obviously, we would always like to see a repeat of the Chievo performance, which was the best of the season by a wide margin, but we have to cut the team some slack when they play thrice in seven days and most importantly when they have won 14 games in a row, which still sounds ridiculous to me. With a full week to prepare, I expect them to be sprier than against Genoa and Stellone’s squad.

Unfortunately, the bad news once again comes from the infirmary: Giorgio Chiellini has suffered a calf strain and will miss about three weeks. I do not dare to doubt the evaluations of our coaching and medical staff, but Giorgio was spared in the previous two games because he had muscle fatigue and was an injury risk: he played three days later and got hurt. He could have been easily rested against Frosinone, which is not an offensive juggernaut by any stretch, so he would have had other five days to heal. Instead, he will miss the Serie A game of the season and the first leg of the Bayern Munich clash. The situation is baffling to me: it was an unnecessary risk, likewise fielding Leonardo Bonucci, who was one yellow card away from disqualification, but fortunately was not booked.

The Chiellini and Caceres injuries highlight another problem: due to the lack of playing time, the coach now does not have enough confidence in Daniele Rugani in such a big spot. Nobody can blame him for that and it would be a huge risk to put the youngster in a sink-or-swim scenario, but we would have not been at this point if the Italian defender was fielded from time to time.

Without Chiellini, it is possible that we will see a switch to a four-man defence. Anyway, considering the personnel and the coverage, even if on paper it might be a 3-5-2, it will be a masked four-man line. Stephen Lichsteiner will serve as right centre-back and will take care of Lorenzo Insigne, while Bonucci and Andrea Barzagli will guard Gonzalo Higuain. Patrice Evra will be the left wing back, but he will keep an eye on José Maria Callejon, therefore taking on heavy defensive duties.

Sami Khedira has recovered but he is not expected to start, Stefano Sturaro is set to complete the midfield with the usual starters Claudio Marchisio and Paul Pogba. Alvaro Morata and Dybala will vie for the striker’s duo. The only real doubt about the lineup is between Cuadrado and Roberto Pereyra. The choice will dictate whether there will be a fluid 3-5-2/4-3-3 or a standard diamond formation. There is an outside chance Pereyra will play in the midfield instead of Sturaro, but maybe the lineup would be a little too offensive.


Probable lineup 3-5-2

Buffon; Lichsteiner, Bonucci, Barzagli; Cuadrado, Sturaro, Marchisio, Pogba, Evra; Dybala, Morata.


Injuries:

Chiellini (calf), Mandzukic (calf), Asamoah (hamstring), Caceres (Achilles).

Suspended:

None.


 

  Napoli

Napoli have put together the best winning streak in the club’s history too, as their current run stands at eight wins in a row. Maurizio Sarri showed his versatility when, early in the season when they were struggling, he ditched his 4-3-1-2 for a 4-3-3 where the attackers could play in their natural positions, and the rest is history.

Napoli had great talent in the past years too, but in this season they have better coaching. Obviously two players stand out: Gonzalo Higuain, who has a perfect scoring average with 23 goals in 23 games in Serie A, and Lorenzo Insigne, who has already tallied ten goals and ten assists. Callejon is the perfect complement for the two because his biggest strength is playing off the ball. Marek Hamsik is having one hell of a season as well. It is not a coincidence that so many players are peaking at the same time: they are simply well-managed.

The principles of Sarri’s Empoli are still there despite the tactical switch: possession football, lots of through passes, high offside trap. They create many chances and consequently score a lot: 53 goals in 25 matches, the best in the League. They have the prettiest high pressing in the Italy: Callejon, Allan, Hamsik and Jorginho do a masterful job in stripping the opponents while they are starting the action and quickly feeding the strikers. That is why Higuain is so often in one-on-one or two-on-one situations against centre-backs, where he thrives thanks to his speed, dribbling skills and robust shooting.

The one area where they are a little vulnerable is the defence: it is good and organized, but it is not great in terms of individual talent. If put in difficult situations, both Raul Albiol and Kalidou Koulibaly can be exposed, even though they are having a solid season, especially the Senegalese centre-back, who is taking advantage of his physicality in a better way compared to when he first arrived to Italy. Elseid Hysaj and Faouzi Ghoulam are ok defensively, but they are primarily offensive-minded fullbacks. Furthermore, the fact that Pepe Reina is no longer a consistent goalie is the best-kept secret in Serie A.

Another small flaw I noticed is that they run out of juice after 60-70 minutes because they start very aggressively and they do not have much depth. Although, in the last couple of matches they have paced themselves better.

They have only an injured player: Alberto Grassi, who tore a meniscus in the first practice after joining from Atalanta. They do not have any suspensions because the players that were at risk, Hysaj, Allan and Jorginho, deliberately picked up yellow cards and alternatively missed the last two games.

In the first match, Napoli beat Juventus 2-1 at San Paolo in what was one of the early low points of the start of the season for Bianconeri. Juventus were missing Barzagli, Lichsteiner, Khedira, Marchisio and Mandzukic in that match and were really a shell of what they are today.


Probable lineup 4-3-3

Reina; Hysaj, Albiol, Koulibaly, Ghoulam; Allan, Jorginho, Hamsik; Callejon, Higuain, Insigne.


Injuries:

Grassi (knee).

Suspended:

None.

 

Formation

 

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

[Socrates 8524]

JUVENTUS - NAPOLI

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MATCHDAY 25
Saturday, February 13th, 2016 - 8:45 PM
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Daniele Orsato

Juventus v Napoli: Preview

http://www.espnfc.co.uk/italian-serie-a/match/432024/juventus-napoli/preview

Feb 12, 2016
 
Shackling Gonzalo Higuain can only ever be the first step towards neutralising Serie A leaders Napoli in Turin, according to Juventus boss Massimiliano Allegri.

Saturday night sees reigning champions Juve play host to free-scoring Napoli with a view to overhauling the southerners' two-point lead and finally replacing them at the top of the table.

The Bianconeri have risen to second place on the back of an historic 14-game winning streak, but Napoli are similarly irrepressible having notched their eighth straight victory last week.

Furthermore, the Azzurri boast the league's top scorer Higuain among their forward options, the Argentina international having notched 24 times. Juve's leading marksman, Paulo Dybala, has notched only 13 times.

But Allegri will not allow his players to waste all their energy trying to contain Higuain when Napoli have proved to be more than capable of spreading the goals around the team.

He told a pre-match press conference: "Napoli are not just Higuain. They have the second best defence in the division, and the best attack.

"Higuain is having the best season of his life. It will be difficult to mark him but there are plenty of other dangerous players to worry about.

"Napoli are enjoying a great campaign, they've got 56 points. We had less than that at this point last year. It should be a great game but the result will not decide anything."

Allegri must decide if he will pair Simone Zaza, back following suspension, or Alvaro Morata with Dybala up front, while Sami Khedira has returned from a thigh injury and could start in midfield.

There is better news for Napoli with fringe midfielder Alberto Grassi the only player ruled out.

Head coach Maurizio Sarri is expected to stick with his preferred attacking trident of Lorenzo Insigne, Higuain and Jose Callejon in his mission to open a five-point gap on Juve.

Former Real Madrid striker Higuain, brought to the Stadio San Paolo by Rafael Benitez three years ago, has flourished under the Spaniard's successor.

Ahead of the trip to Turin he told La giornalaccio rosa dello Sport: "Sarri is like a father figure to me.

"He focuses on highlighting my weaknesses. When we first met, he told me right away what he thought of me - both the good and the bad. After that I've been able to learn better from my mistakes.

"Sarri has given me all this confidence. I appreciate his honesty and he knows good football."

Napoli established their Scudetto credentials with a 2-1 home victory over Juve in September but they have traditionally found points harder to come by in Turin.

The Bianconeri have won this fixture four times in a row, scoring at least three times in three of those encounters, while Napoli have notched just one league goal at the Juventus Stadium since it opened in 2011.

They last triumphed in the northern city in October 2009, with Marek Hamsik - still a focal point of the Napoli midfield - scoring the winner in a 3-2 victory.

 

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

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MATCHDAY 25
Saturday, February 13th, 2016 - 8:45 PM
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Daniele Orsato

Alex Sandro: ‘Motivated to beat Napoli’

http://www.football-italia.net/79762/alex-sandro-%E2%80%98motivated-beat-napoli%E2%80%99?

Feb 12, 2016
 
Alex Sandro admits the chance to leapfrog Napoli provides “motivation” for Juventus this Saturday.

The Bianconeri are two points behind Maurizio Sarri’s men, but can go top of Serie A with a win in Turin tomorrow evening. Click here for a match preview.



“One thing I’ve learned at Juventus is that you have to prepare for every match the same way,” Alex Sandro told Tuttosport.

“Frosinone, Napoli, Bayern Munich… it makes no difference. The mentality at Juve is simple: a straight line that leads to victory.

“If we win we can go above Napoli, and that’s extra motivation.

“Bayern Munich? They’re a strong team, but any team can be beaten, especially if you’re Juventus. They have a squad of champions, and we do too.

“I’ve encountered the strongest players in my career here at Juventus. We’ll play to win.”

The Brazilian full-back then discussed some of his teammates, singling out his left-back rival Patrice Evra for particular praise.

“I’ve always admired Evra the footballer, because he was always at the top. I got to know the person here, and he’s exceptional.

“We’ve become friends, he’s a motivator for the whole dressing room. He helped me understand what the Coach wants from a full-back.

“Paulo Dybala? I think he can be compared to Neymar. Paulo has the same style of shooting and he can become like Neymar.

“He still needs to grow, but he’s impressive. He has a good head on his shoulders and the mentality of a champion.”

 

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

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MATCHDAY 25
Saturday, February 13th, 2016 - 8:45 PM
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Daniele Orsato

Capello: ‘Napoli struggle in big games’

http://www.football-italia.net/79764/capello-%E2%80%98napoli-struggle-big-games%E2%80%99?

Feb 12, 2016
 
Fabio Capello warns Napoli “haven’t expressed themselves in the same way” in big games, ahead of their trip to Juventus.

The Partenopei can open up a five-point lead at the top of Serie A with a win tomorrow night, but will fall behind the Bianconeri if they’re defeated.

“It’s a game Juventus could suffer in too,” former Juve Coach Capello acknowledged, speaking to Sky.

“But we have to be careful because they have character, their leaders transmit that to everyone.

“Napoli, when they’ve had important games, haven’t expressed themselves in the same way consistently.

“It’ll be interesting to see if Napoli - who are fighting for the Scudetto, even though there are so many games to go - will be able to keep their focus up throughout the game.”

 

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

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MATCHDAY 25
Saturday, February 13th, 2016 - 8:45 PM
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Daniele Orsato

Napoli fans rally at airport

http://www.football-italia.net/79765/napoli-fans-rally-airport?

Feb 12, 2016
 
Over 1,000 Napoli fans gathered at the airport to see the team off for tomorrow’s match with Juventus.

It kicks off in Turin on Saturday at 20.45 CET - 19.45 GMT.

Due to security fears, tickets are not sold to people who live in the Naples area, although there are still expected to be numerous fans cheering on the Partenopei inside the Juventus Stadium.

Those who couldn’t make the trip went to the Capodichino airport to wave the players off with an ultras rally, including songs, banners and fireworks.

“We want this victory,” was a regular chant, while the banner read: ‘A piece of history… We believe!’

 

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

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MATCHDAY 25
Saturday, February 13th, 2016 - 8:45 PM
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Daniele Orsato

Napoli squad for Juventus

http://www.football-italia.net/79766/napoli-squad-juventus?

Feb 12, 2016
 
The Napoli squad for tomorrow night’s Scudetto showdown with Juventus has been released.

It kicks off in Turin on Saturday at 20.45 CET - 19.45 GMT.

Jorginho returns from suspension, as he sat out their 1-0 victory over Carpi.

The only absentee is injured Alberto Grassi, who sustained a knee problem in his first training session following the transfer from Atalanta.


Napoli squad for Juventus:

Reina, Gabriel, Rafael, Hysaj, Maggio, Strinic, Ghoulam, Albiol, Regini, Koulibaly, Chiriches, Allan, David Lopez, Chalobah, Jorginho, Valdifiori, Hamsik, El Kaddouri, Callejon, Mertens, Insigne, Gabbiadini, Higuain

 

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

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MATCHDAY 25
Saturday, February 13th, 2016 - 8:45 PM
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Daniele Orsato

Khedira ready for Juve-Napoli

http://www.football-italia.net/79768/khedira-ready-juve-napoli?

Feb 12, 2016
 
Sami Khedira is in the Juventus squad to face Napoli in tomorrow night’s top of the table clash.

It kicks off in Turin on Saturday at 20.45 CET - 19.45 GMT.

Giorgio Chiellini, Mario Mandzukic, Martin Caceres, Mario Lemina and Kwadwo Asamoah are unavailable.

Khedira was not expected to make it in time, even with late night training sessions to get himself ready after a muscular injury, but is included in the side.


Juventus squad for Napoli:

Buffon, Khedira, Zaza, Marchisio, Morata, Pogba, Hernanes, Alex Sandro, Barzagli, Cuadrado, Bonucci, Padoin, Dybala, Rugani, Neto, Lichtsteiner, Sturaro, Evra, Rubinho, Pereyra, Favilli, Romagna

 

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

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MATCHDAY 25
Saturday, February 13th, 2016 - 8:45 PM
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Daniele Orsato

JUVENTUS VS NAPOLI: A BATTLE BETWEEN ARGENTINE
FORWARDS PAOLO DYBALA & GONZALO HIGUAIN

With a mouthwatering clash at the top of the Serie A table scheduled for this weekend, the race
for the Italian top flight title is wide open, as Juventus and Napoli prepare to face off against each other.

http://www.thehardtackle.com/blogs/2016/02/13/juventus-vs-ssc-napoli-a-battle-of-two-argentine-forwards-paolo-dybala-gonzalo-higuain/?

Feb 12, 2016
 
Both the teams have been in good form this season, and would be looking to get a win out of this game, in order to get a headway in the league. A win for Napoli would entail the Partenopei getting a massive five-point lead at the top of the table. Meanwhile, a win for Juventus would ensure that the Bianconeri get into the lead in Serie A for the first time this season.


The Managers

Can Massimiliano Allegri avoid the distractions of Chelsea FC rumours?

There have been a lot of speculation about Allegri’s future at Juventus, with the 48-year-old being heavily linked with a move to Chelsea in the summer. However, this is one game where all those thoughts have to be set aside, as Juventus most certainly need to win against Napoli, to break into the Serie A top spot.

Even if they cannot get a win, the Bianconeri must ensure that Napoli does not run away with a victory at the Juventus Stadium in Turin. Allegri would be looking towards Paul Pogba and Paulo Dybala to give his side the edge in the match, while the likes of Leonardo Bonucci and Andrea Barzagli have to be careful at the other end to stop Napoli forward Gonzalo Higuain.


Maurizio Sarri playing down the importance of Juve clash

The 57-year-old has done brilliantly this season to take Napoli to the top of the Serie A, and actually sustain their position there. For them, it is just a matter of staying ahead of the rest of the pack right now, and possibly extending their lead at the top of the table.

A win would give them a five point advantage over their closest rivals and opponents in this match Juventus, but the Partenopei may even settle for a draw, as neither third placed Fiorentina, nor fourth placed Inter Milan are anywhere close to challenging for the title right now.

Sarri would obviously be looking to his star striker Gonzalo Higuain to give him the goals against a strong Juventus side that has shown the necessary resilience to climb back to the top four positions, after a poor start to the current season. It would be interesting to see Sarri’s approach in this match.


Key Battles

Paulo Dybala vs. Raul Albiol

As Argentinian strikers take charge this season in the Serie A, Juventus have had an absolute revelation up front, in the form of Paulo Dybala so far. Dybala is currently the second highest scorer in the Serie A this season with 13 goals to his name.

To add to that, the 22-year-old has also made eight assists, making a brilliant forward partnership with Mario Mandzukic.

On the other hand, Napoli have been the second best defensive side in the Serie A this season, conceding just 19 goals in 24 matches. At the heart of this defensive success has been centre-back Raul Albiol. The Spaniard has been instrumental at the head of the defence for Sarri’s men, and would be looking to keep Dybala in check in this match.


Paul Pogba vs. Marek Hamsik

This is set to be a really interesting battle between two great creators in the middle of the park. Both Pogba and Hamsik are the playmakers in chief for Juventus and Napoli respectively, and both teams would be looking to play their forwards through on goal.

Statistically, the players are almost on par with each other, as Pogba has five assists and five goals, while Hamsik has six assists and five goals to his name in Serie A this season. Apart from creating chances, both Pogba and Hamsik would also be trying to keep the other in check, so as to help their own side get the three points.


Leonardo Bonucci vs. Gonzalo Higuain

Yet another Argentinian striker has been running amock in Serie A this season, and he has been the destroyer in chief for most of the defences in the league so far. Higuain has scored a whopping 24 goals in as many Serie A appearances this season. Higuain has not been so active on the assists front (two), but he has more than made up for that with his goals.

Trying to stop this Argentine goal machine is Leonardo Bonucci, who will have to spearhead the Juventus defence in the absence of Georgio Chiellini due to a torn muscle. Bonucci would be tasked with stopping Higuain along with defensive partner Barzagli, and it should be an interesting battle in front of Gianluigi Buffon’s goal.


Blast from the past

SSC Napoli 1-0 Juventus (1985)

We go all the way back to November 1985, when another great Argentinian was calling all the shots (and scoring from them) at the Neapolitan club. Back then, it was Diego Maradona, who was dribbling his way around all the pitches in Italy, and striking terror in the hearts of the defenders. In a tightly fought contest, an individual piece of brilliance by Diego Maradona ended up being the difference between Napoli and Juventus.

Maradona was seemingly brought down inside the box, by the Juve defenders, but Napoli were only awarded an indirect froo kick from a really tight angle. However, Maradona made short work of it, and scored a wonderful goal. Here’s a video of the delightful goal.
 

 

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

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MATCHDAY 25
Saturday, February 13th, 2016 - 8:45 PM
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Daniele Orsato

JUVENTUS FC VS SSC NAPOLI TEAM NEWS:
THE OLD LADY HIT BY GIORGIO CHIELLINI INJURY BLOW

Italian champions Juventus FC take on league leaders SSC Napoli in a mouth
watering top of the table clash at the Juventus stadium on Saturday night.

http://www.thehardtackle.com/news/2016/02/13/juventus-fc-vs-ssc-napoli-team-news-the-old-lady-hit-by-giorgio-chiellini-injury-blow/?

Feb 12, 2016
 
Napoli are currently at the top of the Serie A table with 56 points after 24 matches, and challengers Juventus are 2 points behind on 54. A win for the Neapolitans will take them 5 points clear of Massimiliano Allegri’s Juventus and make them clear favourites for the Scudetto come the end of the season. Juventus however, are currently on a record 14 match winning run and will be very hard to beat in front of their own fans.


Giorgio Chiellini ruled out of Napoli clash

Veteran centre-back Giorgio Chiellini will not feature against Napoli on Saturday after tearing his right leg muscles last weekend. The Italian international, who came off injured after 77 minutes against Frosinone last sunday will be out of action for the next 3 weeks. Allegri is likely to resort to 4 at the back in the absence of Chiellini with Andrea Barzagli filling in at center back.

“I don’t know if we’ll play with three or four at the back tomorrow,” said Allegri (as reported by the club’s official website). “I’ll have a good think about it in the two training sessions that remain. Regardless, the numbers make little difference because we’ve always defended as a four anyway.

“I’ll need to check on Khedira, while Zaza and Morata are both in contention to partner Dybala. As far as injuries are concerned, we’re unfortunately without Caceres for the rest of the season. Chiellini and Mandzukic will continue to be monitored and Asamoah’s on the road to recovery.

“Pereyra? He still hasn’t got 90 minutes in his legs but remains an important player for us. I was pleased with how he performed in Frosinone.”

JuventusFC ✔ @juventusfcen
.@OfficialAllegri: "@MarioMandzukic9 and @chiellini will both miss out on #JuveNapoli."


Sarri and Napoli blessed with a clean bill of health

Maurizio Sarri’s Napoli, on the other hand, have no major injury concerns ahead of their clash with the Bianconeri on Saturday. The Neapolitans are expected to line up in their usual 4-3-3 formation with Lorenzo Insigne and Jose Maria Callejon flanking the red hot Gonzalo Higuain up front. Allan, Jorginho and club captain Marek Hamsik will form the midfield three while Hysaj, Koulibaly, Ghoulam and Raul Albiol will line up in defence for the Naples club.

 

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

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MATCHDAY 25
Saturday, February 13th, 2016 - 8:45 PM
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Daniele Orsato

Damiani: Pogba or Higuain to settle
Juventus v Napoli clash

The ex-winger tipped a massive clash as part of a trio of ex-Bianconeri and Partenopei
players to weigh in on Saturday's potentially decisive Scudetto clash.

http://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/3276/serie-a/2016/02/12/20290812/-?

Feb 12, 2016
 
Oscar Damiani believes star men Paul Pogba and Gonzalo Higuain possess the quality to decide this weekend's crunch clash between his former clubs Juventus and Napoli.

Napoli lead the way in Serie A, sitting two points ahead of reigning champions Juventus at the summit with the holders recovering from a bad start to their title defence to lead the chasing pack in second place thanks to a club-record run of 14 consecutive league wins.

France international midfielder Pogba has been an influential performer during that sequence and will look to extend the streak at Juventus Stadium, although Argentina striker Higuain will have other ideas after scoring 24 goals in 24 matches to storm to the top of the Serie A scoring charts.

And Damiani, who was part of the Juventus side that won Serie A in 1974/75, predicts what is set to be a mammoth clash will be decided by either of the league's two standout players.

"This match will be decided by one single moment of talent," he told Omnisport.

"Despite having different characteristics, Juventus and Napoli are on the same level. Not to mention anyone in particular, but Higuain on one side and Pogba on the other could be decisive.

"Pogba has already been instrumental in the past against Napoli, and Higuain is the top scorer and a great champion. It will be a great game, there will be lots of goals and the fans will be happy."

Massimo Mauro, who ended a four-year stint at Juventus to join Napoli in 1989, believes Higuain is the key ingredient that offsets the defensive frailties shown on occasions by Maurizio Sarri's men.

"If Napoli were to win the league, it would be the first time a team that didn't boast the best defence would have won the title," Mauro added. "But Napoli have Higuain, an impressive striker who has been scoring one goal every match on average.

"That's something that has never happened in Serie A. It could happen that Napoli - even without the best defence but with a brilliant Higuain could win the title. There will be balance until the end, until the last two weeks."

Nevertheless, Jose Altafini – a Juventus team-mate of Damiani's following an acclaimed spell with Napoli – thinks the title-winning know-how of Massimiliano Allegri's squad could be enough to get them over the line.

"Juventus have a lot of experience. They know what it means to always play for the highest stakes," the former striker concluded. "They won four league titles in a row and reached a Champions League final last season.

"They are calmer than Napoli. The cooler team will win."

 

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

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MATCHDAY 25
Saturday, February 13th, 2016 - 8:45 PM
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Daniele Orsato

Del Piero: 'Napoli can beat Juve'

http://www.football-italia.net/79792/del-piero-napoli-can-beat-juve

Feb 13, 2016
 
Alessandro Del Piero believes “Napoli can beat Juventus” in tonight’s Scudetto showdown in Turin.

It kicks off at 20.45 CET - 19.45 GMT.

Only two points separate the reigning champions from the current leaders, as Juve are coming off 14 consecutive Serie A victories and the Partenopei won eight in a row – both club records.

“Napoli have found their own unique identity in defence under Maurizio Sarri,” ex-Juventus legend Del Piero told Sky Sport Italia.

“They have a solidity that allows them to be sharper in attack, with Gonzalo Higuain scoring in pretty much every game, ably supported by Marek Hamsik.

“I hope this match can be the confirmation yet again of how many stellar players are in these two teams.”

Napoli hadn’t been in this position since 1989, but the Bianconeri won the last four consecutive Scudetti.

“It is important for Napoli not to focus on the idea they are playing the decisive match against Juventus, because otherwise an emotional component can creep in and that can affect some players, especially away from home.

“If they are able to play with the same light-hearted approach they usually take, then Napoli really do have an excellent chance of winning in Turin.

“After four consecutive titles, Juve allowed themselves the luxury of dropping points at the start. Now they have recovered lost ground with a magnificent record run.

“The squad changed a lot in recent months. As well as the players who left, they changed their style of football and had to adjust to new arrivals.

“Losing Andrea Pirlo, Arturo Vidal and Carlos Tevez was a blow at the start, but new equally valid talents have arrived in their place.

“A lot of the credit must go to Max Allegri, as he brought a different sense of calm and confidence to the side. The players give a great deal, but at Juventus it’s all about being a unit.”

 

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

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MATCHDAY 25
Saturday, February 13th, 2016 - 8:45 PM
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Daniele Orsato

Ulivieri's Juve-Napoli tactics lesson

http://www.football-italia.net/79795/ulivieris-juve-napoli-tactics-lesson

Feb 13, 2016
 
President of the Coaches’ Association Renzo Ulivieri makes his tactical predictions for tonight’s Juventus-Napoli clash.

It kicks off at 20.45 CET - 19.45 GMT and sees the top two go head-to-head.

“It’s easy to predict Napoli’s approach because they use the same old system and line-up,” wrote Ulivieri on Calciomercato.com.

“They might change something in the application of it, but these would be tiny details. If, for example, Juventus were to play with two strikers plus a trequartista right behind them, the Napoli defence would probably play tighter than usual to defend with four against their three.

“The Partenopei back four has improved so much since Maurizio Sarri took over and works primarily on defending the spaces rather than marking a man in a zone. Therefore if there are adjustments, they’ll just be a few metres.

“The development of the Azzurri’s attacking moves will also be the usual: trying to recover the ball as high as possible to spark rapid attacks.

“Napoli’s philosophy is to play in the opposition half. It was the same philosophy Sarri used at Empoli last year.”

While Sarri has a full squad to choose from, Max Allegri is missing Giorgio Chiellini, Mario Mandzukic, Kwadwo Asamoah, Mario Lemina, Martin Caceres and it’s likely Sami Khedira won’t be fit to start either.

“Juve have injury problems and the choice of system will probably be conditioned by the resources Allegri has at his disposal,” continued Ulivieri.

“Presumably, because he is painted into a corner, I think he’ll play with two central defenders rather than adapt a full-back into that role. This means four at the back, three in midfield with a deep point, a trequartista and two strikers.

“That is the system that Allegri identifies most with. So it’d be Napoli’s 4-3-3 against Juve’s 4-3-1-2.

“It’ll be interesting to see what work the Juventus trequartista does. If he deals with Jorginho, then he’ll force Juventus to go on Napoli’s full-backs with Paul Pogba on the left and Claudio Marchisio moving forward.

“If, as Allegri often does, the two forwards open up and the trequartista goes to work against the two Napoli centre-backs, it’ll be a different movement.

“In that case, one of the Juve midfielders will move up on Jorginho and Marchisio will go to occupy the zone left empty.

“We have to expect a performance of great athletic consistency from the Italian, who will have to work extra hard to protect his centre-backs.

“I think Juve will alternate short attacks, when recovering the ball in the opposition half, with longer moves from the back. In recent months Juventus have learned to approach the goal with a series of many passes. It’s great to see, if you like that sort of thing.”

Having made his tactical predictions, what result does Ulivieri expect in Turin tonight?

“Too often an incident can change everything in these games. Napoli could happily do with a draw, but despite that I am sure they’ll take the game to Juve and play in the opposition half.

“With the Bianconeri defending deeper, they’ll hope to open up spaces behind Napoli. That, of course, is assuming Juve do play with 4-3-1-2. Otherwise it’s all an enigma!”

 

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

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MATCHDAY 25
Saturday, February 13th, 2016 - 8:45 PM
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Daniele Orsato

Juve-Napoli a new Italian Clasico

Despite all attempts to downplay this event, Cronan Yu feels
we've been building up to Juventus v Napoli for years.

http://www.football-italia.net/79796/juve-napoli-new-italian-clasico?

Feb 13, 2016
 
Dino Zoff claims Juventus vs Napoli is not decisive and is not more significant than a normal Scudetto match. If anything, for once, the legendary goalkeeper is downplaying something.

The fixture itself has always been a guarantee for goals and entertainment. For a while, it was also a guarantee of points too, for Juventus anyway. Of the last 10 fixtures in Serie A, the Bianconeri have won five, Napoli have claimed just the two with three draws shared between them.

But amidst all the attempts to undersell the fixture - Marcello Lippi also guilty of this - as just another match in the race towards the league title, stands a quote which has teed up the occasion perfectly.

“We’re mad enough to go to Turin and impose our game on them,” Maurizio Sarri said of his team’s fifth visit to the Juventus Stadium. It’s a telling quote, one which, for an outsider, generates suspense and hype. If anything, it also sums up Napoli’s currently predicament rather poetically.

As Italy’s economy slumped, excitement within Serie A seemed to follow that same downward spiral. No less did the Partenopei who, under Rafael Benitez in 2014 had finished in third only to drop another two places when the dust settled on the 2014-15 season.

The madness of Sarri’s methods, though, has all of a sudden generated hype, not just amongst the bourgeoisie of Naples, but amongst the furthest reaches of the globe. Spanish newspaper El Mundo Deportivo likened it to the great El Clasico, while New York City's Mayor, Bill de Blasio, was also seen tweeting about it while waving a Napoli scarf.

But then again, it’s easy to generate hype about a Napoli side who were flagging under the austere reign of the now jobless Benitez. A win in Turin would open a five-point lead at the top of the table, making them outright favourites to claim their first Scudetto since 1990, a feat almost unthinkable just six months ago.

Napoli, though, have been building towards this. Over the past five years, bar Juventus, the Partenopei have claimed more points than any other team. They are also the only Italian side to have bagged silverware against the Bianconeri, winning the Super Cup back in 2014.

Under Benitez, the side’s strong attack and leaky defence meant that a sustained title challenge was practically impossible. Now, the Azzurri play in a compact 4-3-3 formation which is tailored towards the strengths of the individuals.

What has been impressive, though, is the way in which the winter champions have found a complete balance amongst their roster. Napoli have only conceded 19 goals this season and scored 53 – eight more than Allegri’s men. 24 of those have been scored by Gonzalo Higuain, who even by his own lofty standards has enjoyed a remarkable season and is 11 goals ahead of a certain Paulo Dybala.

Around Higuain are Lorenzo Insigne, Jose Callejon and Marek Hamsik, all of whom have upped the ante under the former Empoli coach. They’re not on the same foothold as Barcelona’s “MSN” – not by any means – but against a side who have only conceded 15 goals this season, they’ll need to be at their very best.

“I’m enjoying myself more,” Insigne says when asked about his resurgence. Meanwhile, Hamsik credits his good form to the fact that he now spends less time with his back facing the opposition goal.

Then there’s the fact that Sarri, although not one who often minces his words, has endeared himself to the club’s philosophy and the fans with his hard-working and down-to-earth qualities, hardly surprising given that he was once also a humble working class banker who took on amateur coaching in his spare time.

But let’s not forget about Juventus, who started off in uncharacteristically sluggish fashion and were 11 points off the pace during October. A win would see them leapfrog their opponents with a slim one point advantage, a fact that Gigi Buffon admits is ‘unthinkable’ after the club made their worst start to a league campaign in 103 years following the departures of Andrea Pirlo, Arturo Vidal and Carlos Tevez.

Meanwhile, the club are on a 14-match winning streak and have kept five consecutive clean sheets. Napoli have also embarked on their own record run and have won their last eight. As it stands, at least one of those will end tonight.

“I imagine this game as a historical film, like Gladiator,” said President Aurelio De Laurentiis earlier this week. “Ridley Scott would be perfect to direct it!”

Whatever the case, drama will ensue. Above all, though, as Buffon put it, one thing will be on the players’ minds: “Above all, it's important not to lose.”

 

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

[Socrates 8524]

JUVENTUS - NAPOLI

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MATCHDAY 25
Saturday, February 13th, 2016 - 8:45 PM
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Daniele Orsato

Juventus-Napoli predicted line-ups

http://www.football-italia.net/79797/juventus-napoli-predicted-line-ups

Feb 13, 2016
 
There are few doubts on Napoli’s starting XI, but how will Juventus approach tonight’s top of the table tussle?

It kicks off at 20.45 CET - 19.45 GMT in Turin.

Maurizio Sarri has a full squad to choose from, missing only Alberto Grassi who is yet to make his debut for the club following a January transfer from Atalanta.

Dries Mertens will have to watch from the bench, as the Partenopei are expected to pick their first choice XI for the game of games.

There’s no such luxury for Max Allegri, who has to do without injured Giorgio Chiellini, Mario Mandzukic, Kwadwo Asamoah, Martin Caceres and Mario Lemina.

Sami Khedira is in the squad, but unlikely to be risked from the start so soon after a muscular injury, so Stefano Sturaro is tipped to take over in midfield.

Juan Guillermo Cuadrado could well feature wide right if it’s a 4-4-2 formation, as suggested by La giornalaccio rosa dello Sport, with Stephan Lichtsteiner and Patrice Evra as full-backs.

Alvaro Morata is tipped to partner Paulo Dybala, although one mustn’t rule out Simone Zaza.

Tuttosport also expects a 4-4-2 from Allegri, but with Khedira in the starting XI.

There is also the option to use a 4-3-1-2 with Roberto Pereyra playing in the hole behind the two strikers.

Although suggested by Allegri in interviews, a three-man defence seems improbable without Chiellini or Caceres, as the Coach has little faith in Napoli transfer target Daniele Rugani.


Predicted line-ups

Juventus (4-4-2)
Buffon; Lichtsteiner, Barzagli, Bonucci, Evra; Cuadrado, Sturaro (Khedira), Marchisio, Pogba; Morata, Dybala


Napoli (4-3-3)
Reina; Hysaj, Albiol, Koulibaly, Ghoulam; Allan, Jorginho, Hamsik; Callejon, Higuain, Insigne

 

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

[Socrates 8524]

JUVENTUS - NAPOLI

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MATCHDAY 25
Saturday, February 13th, 2016 - 8:45 PM
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Daniele Orsato

NAPOLI WON’T BUCKLE UNDER PRESSURE
IN JUVENTUS GAME, SAYS GONZALO HIGUAIN

Gonzalo Higuain says Napoli have no intention of buckling under pressure as they continue their
quest for a first Scudetto in 26 years with a hotly-anticipated visit to champions Juventus on Saturday.

http://www.thehardtackle.com/news/2016/02/13/napoli-wont-buckle-under-pressure-in-juventus-game-says-gonzalo-higuain/?

Feb 13, 2016
 
In a Serie A weekend that could also be decisive for Fiorentina and Inter Milan, who face off in Florence on Sunday, Napoli travel to Turin looking for their second victory over the Old Lady this season.

It would see Maurizio Sarri’s league leaders stretch their advantage over Massimiliano Allegri’s men to five points, and send the southern city of Naples into an even bigger frenzy as the dream of a first league title since the heady days of Diego Maradona draws closer to reality.

After Saturday’s clash Napoli will have 13 games to show they are worthy of succeeding Allegri’s four-time defending champions.

Higuain, who is looking to emulate his legendary compatriot Maradona, said Napoli’s ability not to panic will be just as crucial as his goals.

“Everything depends on us, we have to keep calm and keep our feet on the ground,” Higuain told the Tg1 programme.

“My intention is to keep on scoring. For me, obviously, but above all to help the club as we keep fighting for this important objective.”

With 24 goals in as many league games, it is no wonder Higuain admits he is “having the best season of my career”.

He has already surpassed the 22-goal tally that earned Mauro Icardi and Luca Toni a share of last season’s ‘Capocannoniere’ (top scorer) award and has Gunnar Nordahl’s 1950 record of 35 goals in a single, 20-team season firmly in his sights.

Failure to reach both or one of those goals, however, would quickly fade into insignificance if Higuain emulated Maradona, who inspired Napoli to an historic first title in 1987 and their second in 1990.

“It would be magnificent if I could emulate him and bring the title to this city. I know that, for the people of Naples, he was more than just a football talent,” said Higuain.

“For me, just getting close to what he achieved at Napoli fills me with pride.”

A second-half winner by Higuain helped Napoli to a 2-1 victory at the San Paolo last September, but Juve were struggling for form and confidence following several key personnel changes last summer.


Winning run

Allegri’s men have since strung 14 consecutive wins together to maintain their bid for a record-equalling fifth consecutive league title, although they have the added pressure of the Champions League to contend with.

Although Napoli, who have won eight in a row, boast the most potent attack (53 goals), Juve ‘keeper Gianluigi Buffon believes the league’s stingiest defence (15 conceded) can thwart them.

“Both teams will be out to win, but for us it is also important not to lose,” said Buffon.

“Napoli have the best attack and Higuain is a real danger but 90 percent of the time the team with the best defence wins in Italy.”

Sami Khedira is in the Juventus squad after suffering a muscle injury while Napoli’s Jorginho returns from suspension.

Sarri said Napoli will stick to the basics in the game.

“We’ll visit Juventus with a view to playing our own football and showing the pride of our people,” Sarri said.

“We’ll prepare the game the way that we always do. We’ll isolate ourselves from everything that surrounds us, even though our supporters are a great deal of help.”

A stalemate in Turin would be embraced by Fiorentina and Inter, who are now respectively 10 and 11 points off the pace.

Stunned 4-1 at the San Siro earlier this season when Nikola Kalinic hit a hat-trick for La Viola, Inter can ill afford to lose ground in their bid to secure Champions League football next season.

Brazilan Joao Miranda returns from suspension in timely fashion and is set to play alongside Jeison Murillo in a centre-back partnership that, over 15 games together, has proven Inter’s tightest.

AC Milan, meanwhile, will be hoping for a draw in Florence ahead of hosting Genoa at the San Siro on Sunday when influential midfielder Giacomo Bonaventura could make his return from injury.

On Friday, Roma claimed a fourth successive win to move into third spot with a 3-1 triumph at relegation-haunted Carpi.

But they needed two late goals to secure the three points with Edin Dzeko and Mohamed Salah hitting the target in the 84th and 85th minutes.

 

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

[Socrates 8524]

JUVENTUS - NAPOLI

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MATCHDAY 25
Saturday, February 13th, 2016 - 8:45 PM
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Daniele Orsato

Ghoulam crams for Cuadrado test

http://www.football-italia.net/79807/ghoulam-crams-cuadrado-test?

Feb 13, 2016
 
Napoli reportedly gave Faouzi Ghoulam specific training lectures on how to stop Juventus winger Juan Cuadrado.

The top two face off this evening at 20.45 CET - 19.45 GMT.

Colombia international Cuadrado is widely expected to start in Juve’s 4-4-2 formation on the right flank.

He’d be up against Partenopei left-back Ghoulam and the Algerian was being put through his paces this week.

La giornalaccio rosa dello Sport claims Coach Maurizio Sarri and assistant Simone Bonomi worked one-on-one with Ghoulam over the last few days to specifically prepare him for the Cuadrado threat.

He had to memorise precise movements to cut off the ex-Fiorentina and Chelsea star before he can build up a head of steam.

 

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

[Socrates 8524]

JUVENTUS - NAPOLI

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MATCHDAY 25
Saturday, February 13th, 2016 - 8:45 PM
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Daniele Orsato

Reina: Napoli’s Clash Against Juventus
Will Not Decide Serie A Title

http://forzaitalianfootball.com/2016/02/reina-napolis-clash-against-juventus-will-not-decide-serie-a-title/?

Feb 13, 2016
 
Napoli goalkeeper, Pepe Reina, has dismissed claims that their forthcoming fixture against Juventus on Saturday will decide who wins the Serie A title.

The 33-year-old has insisted that there are still lots of crucial matches remaining this season, and that domestic defeat against the Bianconeri would not necessarily mean that they lose out in the race for the Scudetto.

“Do not say that this is one of the most important games,” said Reina to Tg5. “This is not true.

“There are still 13 fixtures remaining and they are all of equal value. We can even lose in Turin and then win the title in May.

“All of the games are decisive and if we do end up losing this match but winning the league then we will be satisfied.”

In addition, Reina has also claimed that there is a great atmosphere within the squad and that a win in Turin would indeed make a bold statement to the rest of the championship.

“We have a good environment here and we our success gives us great happiness,” he added. “If we manage to win at Juventus stadium then it will be a very strong message.”

 

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

[Socrates 8524]

JUVENTUS - NAPOLI

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MATCHDAY 25
Saturday, February 13th, 2016 - 8:45 PM
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Daniele Orsato

Khedira to start Juve-Napoli?

http://www.football-italia.net/79812/khedira-start-juve-napoli?

Feb 13, 2016
 
Sami Khedira was tested in the starting XI against Napoli in today’s Juventus training session.

It kicks off in Turin at 20.45 CET - 19.45 GMT.

The German international midfielder had been expected to miss this game completely due to a muscular injury.

He recovered quicker than expected, aided by night-time training sessions, and was included in the squad.

Sky Sport Italia now report Khedira was used in the practice starting XI this morning, as Max Allegri wanted a final test.

It would be a surprise to see him in the line-up considering his injury concerns and the fact a Champions League clash with Bayern Munich is coming up later this month.

Stefano Sturaro is the favourite to feature instead, as Mario Lemina, Mario Mandzukic, Kwadwo Asamoah, Martin Caceres and Giorgio Chiellini miss out.

The system could be 4-4-2 or 4-3-3, depending on which position Juan Guillermo Cuadrado takes.


Juventus (probable):
Buffon; Lichtsteiner, Bonucci, Barzagli, Evra; Khedira, Marchisio, Pogba; Cuadrado, Morata, Dybala

Napoli (probable):
Reina; Hysaj, Albiol, Koulibaly, Ghoulam; Allan, Jorginho, Hamsik; Callejon, Higuain, Insigne

 

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