Juventus Season 2015-2016

[Socrates 8524]

JUVENTUS - BAYERN

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Round of 16 - First leg
Tuesday, February 23rd, 2016 - 08:45 P.M.
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee:‬ Martin Atkinson (England)

Chiellini and Alex Sandro out

http://www.football-italia.net/80244/chiellini-and-alex-sandro-out?

Feb 22, 2016

Giorgio Chiellini and Alex Sandro will not recover in time for Bayern Munich, as they did not train with Juventus today.

The Bianconeri had their session at the Vinovo ground, which was open to the public for the first 15 minutes.

Despite Coach Max Allegri’s comments over the last few days hinting the two defenders had a chance of getting into the squad to face Bayern, they did not train.

Chiellini and Alex Sandro are both out of action with muscular problems, missing out along with Kwadwo Asamoah.

Mario Mandzukic did take part in training and is expected to start alongside Paulo Dybala in tomorrow’s Champions League clash.

As Chiellini is unavailable, the Bianconeri will almost certainly adopt a 4-4-2 formation.

[Socrates 8524]

JUVENTUS - BAYERN

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Round of 16 - First leg
Tuesday, February 23rd, 2016 - 08:45 P.M.
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee:‬ Martin Atkinson (England)

Juventus Have No Reason To Fear Facing Bayern Munich

Three years ago when the Old Lady met the Bundesliga giants in the Champions League
quarter-final, the Bianconeri were given a bit of a lesson in football at the elite level.

http://forzaitalianfootball.com/2016/02/juventus-have-no-reason-to-fear-facing-bayern-munich/?

Feb 22, 2016

Going into the two legs Juventus were optimistic. As usual under Antonio Conte, the Bianconeri were dominating Serie A and had won their four of their last five league games, including a gleeful and morale lifting 2-1 win in the Derby d’Italia, over a miserable Inter side.

Yet, despite the Old Lady’s buoyant mood, Bayern Munich brought them crashing down to earth in a rather violent fashion. Juventus were simply outplayed by a superior team and the tie really wasn’t much of contest as FC Hollywood ran out 4-0 winners on aggregate.

Conte’s energetic, physical style which was proven and extremely successful in a domestic context, was shown-up for its lack of tactical nuance and Juventus managed a subdued and frankly inept three shots on target in the first-leg.

The return leg in Turin was much the same story and the tie was over by the 64th minute when current Bianconeri forward and powerhouse, Mario Mandzukic headed a scrappy goal past Gianluigi Buffon.

However, three years on, the Old Lady have no reason to fear Die Bayern.

Juventus are no longer the simply hardworking blue collar side they were under Conte. For all the amazing work the current Azzurri coach did at Juventus, the continual use of Alessandro Matri up-front continually stunted his side’s attacking play.

This is one the great achievements of Massimiliano Allegri. As last season’s run to the Champions League final showed, the former AC Milan coach has created a dynamic team which, going forward exudes subtlety whilst remaining rugged and austere in it’s defensive duties.

Moreover, Allegri has also learnt from the mistakes of his title-winning AC Milan side, which relied so heavily on Zlatan Ibrahimovic’s talents, and made sure that this Juventus team are more than a one-trick pony.

With the likes of Mandzukic and Alvaro Morata, the Old Lady are not afraid to use their handbags and be physical if needs must. Even the virtuoso that is Paul Pogba can be a bulldozer in the midfield battle if he wants to be.

Defensively, Juventus are the best in Serie A, arguably the most adept in Europe and although Giorgio Chiellini is a doubt for the match, rarely do the experienced heads of Andrea Barzagli, Patrice Evra, Leonardo Bonucci and Stephan Lichtsteiner let the Bianconeri down.

Furthermore, confidence is the last thing Massimiliano Allegri’s side lack right now. Though their 0-0 draw with Bologna on Friday was a minor disappointment, the 15 game winning streak that came before their visit to the Stadio Renata Dall’Ara, indicates Juventus’s self-assured state of mind.

However, what might actually be the deciding factor in the tie is Bayern Munich’s current injury status. Unlike Juventus, who believe Sami Khedira and Mandzukic will be fit for the first-leg, Die Bayern are currently without three key defenders in Jerome Boateng, Javi Martinez and Holger Badstuber.

Not only does this trio add the defensive nous Pep Guardiola needs to make his ultra-attacking system work, they set the pace of Bayern’s attacking play with their exquisite range of passing.

In the Bavarians 3-1 win over Darmstadt on Saturday, Guardiola fielded a back four of Rafinha, Serdar Tasci, Joshua Kimmich (a central midfielder) and David Alaba. Paulo Dybala will be licking his lips at the prospect of facing that defensive line.

Added to Bayern Munich’s woes is that they are still very much the favourites for this tie. Certainly, Juventus have to be wary of the likes of Robert Lewandowski, Thomas Muller and Douglas Costa, but one has to wonder whether, with all their injuries, doubt will be creeping into the Bayern Munich camp.

Moreover, for all the success Guardiola has enjoyed in Bavaria, he’s failed to bring the Champions League back to the south of Germany, and with his time with Die Bayern coming to an end, the Catalan coach will know it’s now or never for him to make a lasting impression on Bayern Munich’s history.

This isn’t to say the tie will not be tough, Juventus will have to be at their best over the two legs, but compared to when the draw for the last 16 was made, the Old Lady will no longer be trembling with fear.

[Socrates 8524]

JUVENTUS - BAYERN

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Round of 16 - First leg
Tuesday, February 23rd, 2016 - 08:45 P.M.
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee:‬ Martin Atkinson (England)

Robben: 'Juve tactics defined'

http://www.football-italia.net/80245/robben-juve-tactics-defined?

Feb 22, 2016

Arjen Robben assured Bayern Munich are prepared for the “very well-defined Juventus tactics.”

The first leg in the Round of 16 kicks off tomorrow at 20.45 CET - 19.45 GMT in Turin.

“I think last week we already proved that we can do well even without the injured players. Obviously we’d like to have everyone available for every game, but the current situation is not easy,” he said in a Press conference.

“We must try to face the difficulties and I think it’s important to maintain this character, this teamwork and use those to be stronger than the individual absences.”

It’s fair to say the Dutch international has dealt with his own fair share of injury problems too.

“I feel good and I am improving game by game. I am satisfied with my condition, but perhaps what I miss is a goal. It always takes a little bit of luck and in the last two games that’s all I was missing.

“I am not worried, the important thing is to play for the team, do my part and make sure somebody scores for Bayern.”

Robben was asked how Bayern will try to combat star striker Paulo Dybala.

“He is not the only one in good shape, so we have to stop the entire Juventus team. They have very well-defined tactics, so we can prepare well for this match.

“We know they have very talented players who can make the difference, so we must be prepared.

“It’s a very important match for Mario Mandzukic and it will be interesting for him. We are happy to see him again, as naturally he was in the squad that won the Treble.

“We’ll do everything to stop him, because he will try to move the game to Juve’s favour. We’ll keep an eye on him.”

[Socrates 8524]

JUVENTUS - BAYERN

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Round of 16 - First leg
Tuesday, February 23rd, 2016 - 08:45 P.M.
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee:‬ Martin Atkinson (England)

Juve squad for Bayern

http://www.football-italia.net/80246/juve-squad-bayern?

Feb 22, 2016

Juventus named their squad to face Bayern Munich, missing Giorgio Chiellini, Alex Sandro and Kwadwo Asamoah.

The first leg in the Champions League Round of 16 kicks off on Tuesday at 20.45 CET - 19.45 GMT.

As expected, Chiellini and Alex Sandro did not recover in time from muscular injuries.

Mario Mandzukic is available and could well start tomorrow alongside Paulo Dybala.

Sami Khedira is also included, as he was rested for Friday's 0-0 draw with Bologna.


Juventus squad for Bayern Munich

Buffon, Khedira, Zaza, Marchisio, Morata, Pogba, Hernanes, Barzagli, Cuadrado, Mandzukic, Bonucci, Dybala, Rugani, Neto, Lichtsteiner, Sturaro, Evra, Pereyra, Audero

[Socrates 8524]

JUVENTUS - BAYERN

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Round of 16 - First leg
Tuesday, February 23rd, 2016 - 08:45 P.M.
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee:‬ Martin Atkinson (England)

Pep Guardiola: Bayern Munich spell with
no UCL win is not a failure

http://www.espnfc.co.uk/bayern-munich/story/2812908/pep-guardiola-bayern-spell-with-no-ucl-win-not-a-failure

Feb 22, 2016

Bayern Munich coach Pep Guardiola insists he would not judge his time at the Bundesliga club as a failure if he does not win the Champions League this season.

The Catalan, who departs for Manchester City in the summer, has led Bayern to back-to-back Bundesliga titles, as well as to the DFB Pokal, the UEFA Super Cup and the FIFA Club World Cup.

The Champions League is lacking from that list and after falling at the semifinal stage in each of the past two seasons, the pressure is mounting for him to win it this term.

Guardiola does not feel that pressure, however, saying he will leave Munich in the summer having gained a great deal, even if that one major European trophy does not arrive.

"I'm not dependent on winning the Champions League," he said at a news conference in Turin ahead of Bayern's first leg with Juventus in the round of 32 on Wednesday. "Of course I want to win it, but thanks to Bayern I now speak German, my daughter speaks German, I've worked at a fantastic club and learnt a new culture.

"Now I'll move to another country simply for that reason. I will aim to win as many games as possible, but if I don't win I might be incomplete in the eyes of some people. But if you ask how my time at Bayern was then I would say it was only positive."

Bayern have an eight-point advantage at the top of the Bundesliga table and Guardiola is on course to make it a hat trick of league titles, but he admits being successful in Europe is never easy.

"We tried in these two years, but in the first semifinal we were beaten by Real Madrid in the first 45 minutes because they were stronger than us, then we were not prepared as a team for the last one," he said. "Maybe we had eight or 10 players out and then it's almost impossible to beat Barcelona.

"People sometimes forget there's not only Juve, Bayern or Barcelona -- there are many good teams with good coaches, all aiming for the same result. Some do it and some don't, but it's how you do it which matters. I'll then leave it up to the fans, club and journalists to say whatever they think."

The Catalan concedes Bayern will be up against it when they face Juve, given their recent injury problems.

"Yes we have problems, but what can we do?" he said. "We hardly have any players. We don't have any central defenders and this is the way it is.

"We'll try to play well and score a few goals, which won't be easy because they have not been conceding, but we want to take the tie back to Munich with a chance of progressing. You can rest assured that we want to try to play a good game."

Bayern captain Philipp Lahm was also setting the scene for a potential defeat in Turin, even if he rated the chances of progressing as 50-50.

"We always go out to win," he said. "Maybe you are happy with a draw in the end, but we always go out to win. Always. In the back of your mind, though, you do have to remember there are another 90 minutes.

"If you lose, you still have the chance and the time to turn it around. That is in our heads, and that is good, but we go out to win games and get the best result for the return."

[Socrates 8524]

JUVENTUS - BAYERN

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Round of 16 - First leg
Tuesday, February 23rd, 2016 - 08:45 P.M.
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee:‬ Martin Atkinson (England)

Lahm: 'It's 180 minutes'

http://www.football-italia.net/80247/lahm-its-180-minutes?

Feb 22, 2016

Philipp Lahm warned Bayern Munich and Juventus to remember “it’s a clash over 180 minutes.”

The first leg in the Champions League Round of 16 kicks off on Tuesday at 20.45 CET - 19.45 GMT.

“Obviously there are easier opponents than Juventus, as these are two teams at the top level of European football and it’s wonderful to play in this atmosphere,” noted Lahm.

“The great thing about the Champions League is getting to face tough challenges. I am happy, as are all the fans who will watch the game.

“Naturally it was clear since the draw that this would be difficult anyway, regardless of our injuries. Juve reached the Final last season, so we know what we’re going into and their negative run at the start of the season was irrelevant.

“Naturally now their positive streak in Serie A is making it more complicated for us, but the Champions League is a different competition.

“It’s a pity to have these injuries, but we can’t change anything, so we just have to deal with the situation. The Coach must try to put together the best line-up.

“It’ll be important to defend on set plays and force every Juve player to do the extra work helping out in defence.

“Let us not forget there’s another 90 minutes to play in Munich next month, so it’s not a single game. We must keep that in mind, it’s a clash over 180 minutes, so even if we lose there’s still the chance to make up for it and go through.

“We have to go out there and aim for the best result.”

Pep Guardiola announced his decision to join Manchester City next season, so could that affect Bayern’s form?

“I don’t think it’ll have a big influence on the team, as we are all concentrated on what matters right now and over the next few weeks. We’ll try to give our Coach the best possible salute.

“This was the situation with Jupp Heynckes and we won it all with him.”

[Socrates 8524]

JUVENTUS - BAYERN

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Round of 16 - First leg
Tuesday, February 23rd, 2016 - 08:45 P.M.
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee:‬ Martin Atkinson (England)

Buffon: 'It's like a semi-final'

http://www.football-italia.net/80248/buffon-its-semi-final?

Feb 22, 2016

Gigi Buffon said “it’s a Champions League semi-final level of difficulty” between Juventus and Bayern Munich.

The first leg in the Champions League Round of 16 kicks off on Tuesday at 20.45 CET - 19.45 GMT.

“I expect a very complicated game, because we respect Bayern, consider them a very strong side with no weaknesses.

“However, we too are growing and on this journey of victories over the last four or five years have found a certain solidity in Europe too.

“Compared to three years ago, we reach this encounter more aware of our own strengths and the Bayern quality too. When we met them three years ago, we thought it was perhaps a simpler task than it proved to be, as they turned out to be practically unbeatable.

“We lost 2-0 home and away, but despite people shouting at us, that wasn’t a bad result considering sides like Barcelona were beaten by three or four goals.

“Much like Juve, Bayern have been dominant on home turf, but unlike us they have always been among the two or three contenders for the trophy in Europe too.

“When things went badly, they always stopped at the semi-finals, so hardly a collapse. This means that in five or six years they have earned their place on at least the podium of Europe’s best teams.

“We realise that, but a good objective is to play the second leg with a good chance of qualifying. That in itself would be gratifying. This is the Round of 16, but the difficulty level is a semi-final.

“Just having two balanced encounters would be satisfying and confirmation of the good work we’ve done.”

Juventus saw their 15-round Serie A winning streak terminated on Friday by a 0-0 away to Bologna.

“I’ve never seen a team that wins indefinitely and that’s good, because the joy of sport is that every game starts from 0-0 and you have to find the energy to overcome obstacles. The other good thing is that the next test is always a new opportunity, and what more stimulating challenge than facing Bayern Munich?”

If Juve failed to win the Scudetto or progress in Europe, would this season be considered a failure?

“We’ve got the Coppa Italia and have already won the Super Cup, so it wouldn’t be that bad! In my view you need to evaluate everything, as if a side like Juventus were to play a balanced game with Bayern – whether we qualify or not is another matter – and fight to the end with Napoli after a six-round handicap, I don’t think it’d be a disaster.

“I’ve seen many goalkeepers over this long career and to be honest I’ve been fortunate enough to admire some very solid goalkeepers with great reliability and quality.

“Manuel Neuer is among them and is a goalkeeper who plays in a very brave manner, that is undeniable. He is a key figure. Of course when I talk about goalkeepers I think of Iker Casillas, Petr Cech, Oliver Kahn and others, so we need to evaluate many elements and not just this moment in time.”

Buffon has conceded only one goal in 2016.

“I will admit I had noticed I haven’t conceded a goal in a while… This means we have a great movement in defence, which is different to just having a great defence or goalkeeper. It helps to have individuals who are reliable and top quality, but as they say when you concede few goals it’s because the entire team is working to neutralise the opposition attacks.

“Something does certainly change whether it’s three or four at the back. When it’s four, I play more with my feet, whereas in three Leo Bonucci takes my role in that sense.”

[Socrates 8524]

JUVENTUS - BAYERN

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Round of 16 - First leg
Tuesday, February 23rd, 2016 - 08:45 P.M.
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee:‬ Martin Atkinson (England)

Allegri: 'Juve-Bayern goals galore'

http://www.football-italia.net/80249/allegri-juve-bayern-goals-galore?

Feb 22, 2016

Max Allegri expects “a game with many goals” against Bayern Munich and doubts Pep Guardiola will change for Juventus.

The first leg in the Champions League Round of 16 kicks off on Tuesday at 19.45 GMT.

“Mario Mandzukic and Sami Khedira have trained, they are in good shape and available for the game,” said the Coach in a Press conference.

“I don’t think Bayern will change their approach much, we know they love possession, so we will try to get the ball off them as much as possible.

“More than a Round of 16, this feels like a semi-final. As the first leg is at home and usually decisive, we must try to be much better than in Munich, because it will certainly be far more difficult than when we go to Germany.”

Allegri often caused problems for Guardiola when his Milan took on Barcelona in the Champions League.

“Guardiola is a great Coach and the concepts of football he had at Barcelona have been transmitted on at Bayern. Naturally there are different players, there’s no Leo Messi here, so the philosophy is the same, the players are different.

“The important thing will be Juventus defending well and above all emerging from their pressing.

“You want to know my line-up? There’s not much to invent here. We just have to play an important game that will be seen all over the world.

“It’s a Round of 16, the result is decided on the field, but we must be on the same level as Bayern technically and tactically, so it’ll be a great game and played over 180 minutes.

“Last time I said we’d happily take 0-0 at home and I got a million insults! I think tomorrow it’s unlikely to end 0-0. I expect a game tomorrow with many goals.

“When the referee blows the whistle, we’ll be on equal terms with a 50-50 chance of qualification. Bayern are one of the favourites to win the Champions League and tomorrow is an important test for us because a completely new side with many new players, and the old guard who got back to doing what they do, will be ready to play a great game.

“Win, lose or draw, I don’t know because I am not psychic, but I can tell you it’ll be a great evening.”

There have been several refereeing errors against Italian sides in Europe during the knockout rounds, but Allegri hit back at suggestions the Serie A teams are struggling.

“Roma are the only ones in difficulty, as they lost 2-0 at home to Real Madrid, but all the others are still more than in contention.

“As for the referees, I always say the Italian officials are among the best in the world. It’s only natural there are going to be some very good ones abroad too and mistakes can happen.”

[Socrates 8524]

JUVENTUS - BAYERN

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Round of 16 - First leg
Tuesday, February 23rd, 2016 - 08:45 P.M.
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee:‬ Martin Atkinson (England)

Buffon: 'Guardiola for life!'

http://www.football-italia.net/80250/buffon-guardiola-life?

Feb 22, 2016

Juventus captain Gigi Buffon joked that Bayern Munich will act “as if Pep Guardiola will be on their bench for life!”

The first leg in the Champions League Round of 16 kicks off on Tuesday at 20.45 CET - 19.45 GMT.

Has the fact Guardiola has already announced he’ll take over at Manchester City next season affected the Germans?

“If Bayern were an Italian club, I might tell you this would have a negative influence on the team and the rest of their season.

“As this situation was already seen a few years ago when Jupp Heynckes was going to leave and they literally swept us aside, let’s just pretend Guardiola will be on their bench for life!”

Juventus were in the Champions League Final last year, losing 3-1 to Barcelona, so what has changed since then?

“The players have changed and there is more energy, but less experience, as the lads who came in are younger and fresher.

“I think the Coach gave us and them the certainty we needed after a stuttering start. I think this team has great potential to build an important future. I am convinced of that.”

Among the experienced figures who have left Juve we can find Arturo Vidal, who will be back in Turin as an opponent tomorrow.

“Arturo Vidal was a key figure in our squad for four years and helped us to some great success.

“Kingsley Coman is a very polite young man and he settled in well during his time here.

“They will be opponents on the field, but clearly the moment the final whistle is blown we’ll be friends the same as always.”

[Socrates 8524]

JUVENTUS - BAYERN

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Round of 16 - First leg
Tuesday, February 23rd, 2016 - 08:45 P.M.
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee:‬ Martin Atkinson (England)

Robben: Dybala will be Juve's
dangerman against Bayern

The Argentine youngster has been in stunning form since making the move to Turin
from Palermo, while Mario Mandzukic faces a reunion with his old team-mates.

http://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/2914/champions-league/2016/02/22/20611582/-?

Feb 22, 2016

Bayern Munich star Arjen Robben has singled out Paulo Dybala as Juventus' main dangerman ahead of Tuesday's Champions League round of 16 encounter.

Dybala moved to Juventus Stadium from Palermo in the close-season and has impressed with 16 goals in 35 games across all competitions.

Bayern are among the favourites to win the Champions League but last season's finalists Juve pose a big threat to their hopes, and Netherlands international Robben warned his team-mates that Argentina forward Dybala can be a difference maker.

"We know that Dybala is a very talented player who can make the difference," Robben said at a news conference ahead of Tuesday's first leg in Turin.

"We will make sure we are well prepared for him. But he is not the only player who has been in good form. It is all about the team performance."

Bayern will face a familiar face in the form of Mario Mandzukic, with the Juve striker expected to return from a muscular problem that has sidelined him since January 27.

And Robben is looking forward to a reunion with his former Bayern team-mate.

"I think it will be a very special game for Mandzukic," he added.

"We are looking forward to meeting him again. He was part of the team that won the treble.

"He will give his all to help Juventus to a good result, but we know him well."

[Socrates 8524]

JUVENTUS - BAYERN

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Round of 16 - First leg
Tuesday, February 23rd, 2016 - 08:45 P.M.
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee:‬ Martin Atkinson (England)

Gigi Buffon: Bayern's Manuel Neuer not yet
among world's best keepers

http://www.espnfc.co.uk/uefa-champions-league/story/2812976/gigi-buffon--manuel-neuer-not-yet-among-worlds-best-keepers

Feb 22, 2016

Juventus goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon paid tribute to his Bayern Munich counterpart Manuel Neuer, but said it is premature to name him as one of the world's best.

When Juve face Bayern in the last 16 of the Champions League on Tuesday night, two of the best goalkeepers in circulation will be standing at opposite ends of the field.

Buffon, 38, is widely regarded as the best of his generation while Neuer, nine years his junior, is pioneering a new goalkeeping style which has won him many fans and much recognition.

When asked if the German No. 1 was already in the category of world-class, Buffon shrugged his shoulders.

"I've been fortunate to see some fantastic, reliable goalkeepers with plenty of quality," Buffon said at a news conference in Turin. "Of course Neuer is one of this group of goalkeepers and he's a goalkeeper who plays in a very open-minded way.

"Obviously given the way his team play, he's an important pillar who gives them a huge hand, but when I think of great keepers, the likes of [iker] Casillas, [Petr] Cech or [Oliver] Kahn and many others who I have not mentioned either come to mind.

"We must not get carried away by the moment."

That also means Buffon is not getting carried away by his own achievements, or by his current record of 654 minutes without conceding. Instead, he credited his teammates for helping him keep so many consecutive clean sheets.

"I knew it was a while since I last conceded, I admit it," he said. "But I didn't know how many games and minutes, and you're telling me it's over 600 minutes? Well this says we've got a great defence, which is not the same as saying we have a great goalkeeper.

"Of course it helps to have individual players in defence who are reliable with great quality, but when you concede few goals it's because you have a full team working to ensure that the opponents' attacks are not dangerous."

Another clean sheet on Tuesday night would be just what Juve need, according to their coach Massimiliano Allegri, who would even be happy if his own side do not find the back of the net -- not that he thinks that will happen.

"Last year I got millions of insults when I said 0-0 was a good result, but 0-0 is a great result at home," he said. "It's important we go there with two results which can get us through, because away goals count double.

"It's unlikely that it will finish 0-0 tomorrow. I can see lots of goals."

[Socrates 8524]

JUVENTUS - BAYERN

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Round of 16 - First leg
Tuesday, February 23rd, 2016 - 08:45 P.M.
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee:‬ Martin Atkinson (England)

Allegri: It’s Important That Juventus
Do Not Concede Against Bayern Munich

http://forzaitalianfootball.com/2016/02/allegri-its-important-that-juventus-do-not-concede-against-bayern-munich/?

Feb 22, 2016

Juventus coach Massimiliano Allegri has underlined the importance of remaining watertight in defence as the Bianconeri welcome Bayern Munich to the Juventus Stadium.

The Old Lady’s 15 match Serie A winning streak was halted on Friday with a goalless draw against Bologna and Allegri is conscious of the threat Pep Guardiola’s side pose on the European front.

“Much of the tie will be decided in the first leg, here in Turin,” he told reporters at his pre-match press conference ahead of Tuesday night’s clash. “It will therefore be very important to not concede goals.”

“We deserved to reach the last 16, but this fixture is more like a semi-final.”

The German outfit boast a fearsome attack and Allegri says he would be delighted if he could take a 0-0 scoreline to the Allianz Arena in the return leg.

“Last year I got millions of insults when I said 0-0 was a good result, but 0-0 is a great result at home,” he added.

“It’s important we go there with two results which can get us through, because away goals count double.”

[Socrates 8524]

JUVENTUS - BAYERN

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Round of 16 - First leg
Tuesday, February 23rd, 2016 - 08:45 P.M.
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee:‬ Martin Atkinson (England)

Juventus vs. Bayern Munich: Mario Mandzukic returns,
Giorgio Chiellini and Alex Sandro miss out

http://www.blackwhitereadallover.com/2016/2/22/11094846/juventus-bayern-munich-mandzukic-chiellini-alex-sandro-2016-champions-league-squad

Feb 22, 2016

A lot of people were anxiously awaiting the release of Juventus' match day squad for the opening leg of their Round of 16 matchup against Bayern Munich. And the reasoning behind it was simple — all those injuries. How many players would return to the squad or miss out on Tuesday night's match because of their respective injuries?

We've now got our answer, folks.

Two of Juventus' current injured players, defenders Alex Sandro and Giorgio Chiellini, won't be taking part in Bayern Munich's trip to Turin to face Juventus on Tuesday night. Of Max Allegri's 19-man squad, the only injured player that has returned from their time away from the field is striker Mario Mandzukic, who hasn't appeared in a match since Juve's 3-0 win over Inter Milan in the Coppa Italia on Jan. 27.


The full list of callups is as follows:

1 Buffon
6 Khedira
7 Zaza
8 Marchisio
9 Morata
10 Pogba
11 Hernanes
15 Barzagli
16 Cuadrado
17 Mandzukic
19 Bonucci
21 Dybala
24 Rugani
25 Neto
26 Lichtsteiner
27 Sturaro
33 Evra
37 Pereyra
38 Audero

As you'll see, the other name that wasn't part of Juve's squad that drew 0-0 against Bologna this past Friday night is midfielder Sami Khedira. But I don't think anybody is really surprised to see Khedira back in the squad considering the whole fact of him missing the Bologna match was to rest up for Bayern Munich's visit to Juventus Stadium.

And, just in case you were wondering, Allegri actually stated what a lot of people might have been thinking.

JuventusFC ✔ ‎@juventusfcen
.@OfficialAllegri: "@MarioMandzukic9 and #Khedira have trained and are in good shape. They will both start."

Cherish this tweet because Mister Allegri actually revealed something about his starting lineup for a big-time match. That's not exactly something we get very often — or at all, frankly — so I'm going to give Max a round of applause.

[Socrates 8524]

JUVENTUS - BAYERN

-

 
 

Round of 16 - First leg
Tuesday, February 23rd, 2016 - 08:45 P.M.
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee:‬ Martin Atkinson (England)

Preview: Juventus vs. Bayern Munich

http://www.sportsmole.co.uk/football/bayern-munich/champions-league/preview/preview-juventus-vs-bayern-munich_267017.html?

Feb 22, 2016

Tuesday night will play host to arguably the standout tie of the Champions League last 16 as the 2014-15 runners-up Juventus host Bayern Munich in the first leg.

The two sides are among the most in-form teams in European football right now and have reached the final of this competition 18 times between them.


Juventus

Having dominated Italian football in recent years, winning the Serie A title in each of the last four seasons, Juventus are beginning to re-establish themselves as one of the best teams in Europe too.

The Old Lady made it all the way to the final last term having already clinched a league and cup double, but they were pipped to the post by Barcelona, who were chasing a treble of their own.

There appeared to be no hangover from that defeat, at least in Europe, when Juve opened the group stage with victory over Manchester City at the Etihad, before going on to remain unbeaten throughout their opening five games of this season's campaign.

However, a loss to Sevilla on the final matchday saw them surrender top spot to City, and they have subsequently been handed one of the trickiest ties that they could have got having made it through to the knockout stages in consecutive seasons for the first time in a decade.

In truth, their group-stage record will not exactly fill Bayern with fear. They managed just six goals on their way to the knockout phase, which was not only the lowest tally of any team to reach the last 16, but also the lowest tally in Group D itself.

Fortunately for Massimiliano Allegri's side, they boast one of the meanest defensive records in Europe over the past few months and go into Tuesday's match on a run of nine consecutive clean sheets. Making it 10 in a row, and preventing Bayern from getting an away goal, could be crucial to their chances of reaching the quarter-finals.

Things didn't start too well for Juve this season in terms of domestic action, with just one win from their first six Serie A games leaving the champions languishing in the bottom half of the table.

However, they have been in phenomenal form since the end of October, stringing together a club-record 15-match winning streak in the league to race up the table and eventually overhaul Napoli at the top, where they now have a one-point gap and look to be on course for a fifth consecutive title.

The long winning streak, which also stood at 13 games in all competitions, came to an end on Friday night, though, as Juventus were held to a goalless draw by Bologna in a game that saw Paul Pogba miss the most presentable chances.

At home, though, their run goes on. They have won their last 11 games at the Juventus Stadium, conceding just two goals in that time and none since December 13, while their unbeaten home record in all competitions currently stands at 16.

In Europe they have only lost two of their last 45 home games going back to the start of the 2004-05 season, although both of those defeats did come at the hands of Bayern, who are the only foreign side to have ever won at the Juventus Stadium.


Recent form: WWDDWL
Recent form (all competitions): WWWWWD


Bayern Munich

There can be many parallels drawn between Juventus and Bayern Munich, both this season and in recent campaigns.

Both have dominated domestically, with Bayern having won the Bundesliga title in each of the last three seasons and looking good for a fourth with an eight-point lead at the top of the table.

Both come into this match in formidable form too. Bayern, like Juventus, have not been beaten in any competition since early December and the two sides have an identical record of nine wins and one draw from their last 10 outings.

The key difference, however, comes in the success of Bayern on the European stage. While Juventus have not won Europe's highest club honour since 1996, Bayern were able to complete the treble in 2013 and have reached at least the semi-finals in five of the last six seasons.

The accolade of being the best club in Europe is not one that has been bestowed upon the club under the tenure of Pep Guardiola so far, though, and the Spaniard may view his time at the Allianz Arena as incomplete if he is unable to rectify that this season.

With a move to Manchester City at the end of the current campaign, time is running out for Guardiola to take Bayern to the heights of his predecessor Jupp Heynckes, who left the club having steered them to an unprecedented treble.

It is, of course, no mean feat to win the Champions League, and Guardiola is looking to join a select group of just two other managers - Bob Paisley and his Bayern successor Carlo Ancelotti - in winning the competition three times.

However, such are the standards that he has set during his relatively short managerial career so far that failure to lift Europe's biggest prize having taken over with the club as the best team on the continent would be seen as something of a black mark on his impeccable record.

He certainly has the players to emulate Heynckes and leave at the top, though, with Robert Lewandowski and Thomas Muller having combined to score 56 goals between them this season, including 12 in the Champions League - twice as many as Juventus' entire squad have managed.

Lewandowski alone beats the Old Lady's tally of Champions League goals this season and has 30 in all since making his debut in the competition in 2011-12 - a tally only Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi can beat in the same timeframe. So far this season, the Poland international has 40 goals in 37 appearances for club and country.

Bayern have, however, failed to win any of their last five away games in the knockout stages of this competition and will need to become the first visiting side to score a Champions League goal at the Juventus Stadium this season if that record is going to change.


Recent form: WWLWWW
Recent form (all competitions): WWDWWW


Team News

Striker Mario Mandzukic scored 39 goals in 74 appearances during a two-year stint with Bayern, including one in the 2013 Champions League final, but he is unlikely to be fit in time to face his former club having been sidelined for almost a month with a thigh injury.

Giorgio Chiellini is expected to be another high-profile absentee for the hosts due to a calf problem, while Alex Sandro (thigh) is also likely to miss out.

Bayern, meanwhile, gave a welcome return to winger Franck Ribery at the weekend following a long-term thigh injury, although Guardiola may be cautious of throwing the Frenchman straight into the starting XI for such a big game.

Mario Gotze was also in the squad for the come-from-behind victory over Darmstadt, but he too is lacking match practice having not played since early October.

Both are expected to be involved at some stage of the encounter, but Bayern will be without Jerome Boateng (groin), Javi Martinez (knee) and Holger Badstuber (ankle) for the match.

Arturo Vidal and Kingsley Coman return to Turin having left Juve for Bayern last summer, with the former having made 157 appearances and won four Serie A titles with the Bianconeri.


Juventus possible starting lineup:
Buffon; Lichtsteiner, Bonucci, Barzagli, Evra; Cuadrado, Khedira, Marchisio, Pogba; Dybala, Morata


Bayern possible starting lineup:
Neuer; Lahm, Kimmich, Alaba, Bernat; Robben, Vidal, Thiago, Costa; Muller; Lewandowski


Head To Head

These two sides have only met once before in the knockout stages of the Champions League, with Bayern winning 2-0 in both legs of the 2012-13 quarter-final on their way to lifting the trophy.

Bayern have won the last three and are unbeaten in the last four meetings between the two teams in this competition, with Juve's most recent victory coming in November 2005 when David Trezeguet notched a brace in a 2-1 win.

Juventus have won 14 of their previous 22 home matches against German opposition (D3 L5), while Bayern have won seven, drawn three and lost nine of their 19 games in Italy (W4 D1 L5 in knockout ties).


We say: Juventus 2-1 Bayern Munich

This is a mouth-watering clash between two giants of European football, both of whom are in magnificent form. Bayern's away record in the Champions League is surprisingly poor under Guardiola, but they have the quality to breach the stern Juve defence and clinch an away goal. We're picking the hosts to win on the night, but Bayern to very much stay in the tie ahead of next month's second leg in Munich.

[Socrates 8524]

JUVENTUS - BAYERN

-

 
 

Round of 16 - First leg
Tuesday, February 23rd, 2016 - 08:45 P.M.
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee:‬ Martin Atkinson (England)

Juventus shouldn't be underestimated
vs. Bayern Munich in Champions Lge

http://www.espnfc.co.uk/club/juventus/111/blog/post/2813156/juventus-should-not-be-underestimated-against-bayern-munich

Feb 22, 2016

Finishing second in their Champions League qualifying group was always going to present Juventus with problems.

If there were two teams every club wanted to avoid, they were Bayern Munich and Barcelona, and sadly the Bianconeri were handed a stern test when they were drawn against the Bundelsiga champs. But daunting as the opponent may seem, is it really impossible to beat Pep Guardiola's team?

What the Catalan tactician has created in Bavaria is a side full of beauty because of its many intricacies. Akin to a beautiful watch with complicated movements, Guardiola's Bayern side move and occupy spaces in elaborate fashion, not in the straightforward way Barcelona managed before them. Fluid, intelligent and well-balanced, each player understands what space he must occupy in order to facilitate the attacking movements of a side boasting some of the very best players in the world.

However, while their complex system is bound to overcome the vast number of opponents they face, many of whom opt for basic, clean tactics in the Bundesliga, the Champions League is a tournament that offers a variety of tactical obstacles that may not be as easy to defeat. We have already seen how the Germans suffered against Porto and Arsenal, especially when the team plays away from home. In fact, in their last seven away matches, they have lost four.

For all their attacking beauty and tactical intricacy, the 2013 Champions League winners are still a team with too many defensive woes that become increasingly more apparent away from the Allianz Arena. It's been widely reported that the reason Juventus vs. Bayern Munich is a more even test now than it was when the draw took place is because the Bavarians are now dealing with several injuries at the back. However, even if they weren't, this is a team set up to attack, and when forced to defend, they struggle against those forwards who run at them with pace, players willing to take them on.

A side with impeccable possession stats, without the ball, they suffer both tactically and psychologically. Psychologically because, unlike other teams in more competitive leagues, they rarely concede the first goal and are made to stage a comeback, though they managed to do so against Darmstadt at the weekend.

Bayern's system can cause problems in that the players may suffer to rearrange themselves defensively when their opponent wins back possession. It's for this reason the counter-attack is a reasonable strategy to adopt by the Italians as long as it remains an option and not the only strategy going forward. Guardiola has already predicted the Italians will defend in numbers before unleashing their forwards quickly, and thus would have prepared for it. As such, it's crucial Massimiliano Allegri keeps his opponent guessing, perhaps switching formations and using the substitutes bench to his advantage.

In games such as these, Alvaro Morata's quality becomes imperative largely because he relishes the big challenges, scoring in the matches that almost seem impossible to resolve. More than that, he is a huge threat on the counter, boasting decent pace, ball control and athleticism that will most definitely terrify a Bayern back line that could be forced to play without a recognised centre-back.

In the match against Darmstadt, Serdar Tasci proved he is nothing more than a fourth-option player considering how capable he is of losing focus and conceding ground. As for Mehdi Benatia, he has only just recovered from injury. The absences will make it that much easier for the likes for Paulo Dybala and his forward companions to pull the defence apart and create space for themselves, especially if the midfielder tasked with aiding the defence is Xabi Alonso, who has struggled to play a clean game when overwhelmed.

Allegri is the kind of coach who strongly believes in the power of his substitutions. And while it often works out for him, the hope is the team he chooses to start do not concede many to render those possible substitutions irrelevant. It's likely he might choose to start Mario Mandzukic for two reasons: The first being that the Croatian holds up play well to allow the talent of Dybala and Paul Pogba to shine. But the other, and perhaps more important, is that the forward will be desperate to prove to Bayern and Guardiola that his departure was a loss to the side. A player capable of frustrating centre-backs, one hopes his injury will not have hindered his ability in attack.

Perhaps not yet capable of playing a full 90 minutes, it's likely Mandzukic will be substituted, and who better to come on in his place than Morata, who can then use his energy and power to punish a more tired Bayern in the latter stage of the match.

This is a German giant accustomed to winning and enjoys being in control. Juve's best chance of rattling their superior, and more experienced, opponent is by providing the Bundesliga club with an uncomfortable and unpredictable environment, and Allegri is the perfect coach for the challenge. Juve may not win, but they should certainly not be underestimated and as long as they believe they are good enough, they have a great opportunity to demonstrate their own perfection.

[Socrates 8524]

JUVENTUS - BAYERN

-

 
 

Round of 16 - First leg
Tuesday, February 23rd, 2016 - 08:45 P.M.
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee:‬ Martin Atkinson (England)

Bayern Munich's Arjen Robben wary of
Paulo Dybala threat ahead of clash

http://www.espnfc.co.uk/uefa-champions-league/story/2813201/arjen-robben-of-bayern-munich-wary-of-paulo-dybala-threat

Feb 23, 2016

Arjen Robben has promised Bayern Munich will pay special attention to Juventus star forward Paulo Dybala in Tuesday's Champions League round of 16 clash between the two clubs.

Dybala has been a revelation since joining Juventus from Palermo last summer, and was a fundamental figure in the Bianconeri's recent 15-match win streak in Serie A, scoring a number of game-winning goals during the run.

Though the 22-year-old Argentine has yet to score in the Champions League this campaign, Robben told a Monday news conference that the German champs will be wary of the threat the Juve No. 21 poses to their advancement hopes.

"We know that Dybala is a very talented player who can make the difference," Robben said ahead of Bayern's first leg in Turin.

"We will make sure we are well prepared for him. But he is not the only player who has been in good form. It is all about the team performance."

Juventus striker Mario Mandzukic will face his former team on Tuesday, two years after being allowed to leave the Bavarian club for Atletico Madrid in the summer of 2014.

Robben says he's eager to reunite with his former teammate.

"I think it will be a very special game for Mandzukic," Robben said.

"We are looking forward to meeting him again. He was part of the team that won the Treble.

"He will give his all to help Juventus to a good result, but we know him well."

[Socrates 8524]

JUVENTUS - BAYERN

-

 
 

Round of 16 - First leg
Tuesday, February 23rd, 2016 - 08:45 P.M.
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee:‬ Martin Atkinson (England)

WHY JUVENTUS SHOULD NO LONGER BE
CONSIDERED UNDERDOGS AGAINST BAYERN

http://www.juvefc.com/juve-no-longer-underdogs/?

Feb 23, 2016

On the 9th of December, Juventus travelled to Seville knowing that a solitary point would be enough for them to claim top spot in Group D, and the relative safety of Pot One for the Champions League Round of Sixteen draw.

However, a bland performance from the Bianconeri and a goal from ex-Juve striker Fernando Llorente meant that Juventus were consigned to Pot Two; their troubles compounded when they drew Bayern just days later.

Then, Juventus were fifth in Serie A, and despite two scintillating wins over Manchester City in the Champions League group stage, had underperformed in key games to start the season. This included losses to Roma, Napoli, Udinese, and Sassuolo in the first two months of the season.

On the day of the draw, fans of the Old Lady could have been forgiven for giving their side very little chance of progression. From that day forward though, Juventus have won every single match – bar a 0-0 draw away at Bologna on Friday night – they have been confronted with.

This adds up to thirteen matches, including wins against Napoli, Roma, Inter, Fiorentina, and Lazio. Furthermore, Juventus have conceded just four goals in that span of thirteen games, while legendary goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon has kept clean sheets in all of his last nine games in all competitions.

Juventus’ defence has been truly extraordinary. While in recent times Giorgio Chiellini has struggled for fitness, Martin Caceres and Daniele Rugani have been worth replacements until the former injured himself earlier this month. Leonardo Bonucci has been fabulous too – his interception to prevent Gonzalo Higuain from giving Napoli the lead in last week’s Serie A clash will go down in Bianconeri folklore.

Ultimately though, the plaudits must be given to the evergreen Andrea Barzagli: the calmest head on the peninsula. Now at 34, the Italian international is still keeping pace with the world’s best attackers. Marking Higuain out of the Napoli clash last weekend was just the latest example of his class, exemplified by his incredible ability to anticipate play and position himself accordingly, meaning he rarely loses out on duels with attackers.

Meanwhile, in Bavaria, Bayern Munich’s defence continues to be crippled by injury problems. Jerome Boateng, Holger Badstuber, and Javi Martinez will all definitely miss both legs of the Champions League tie, while Mehdi Benatia is only just returning from injury, and Serdar Tasci is still recovering from a concussion sustained in his first training session at Bayern.

Both players have not played since early December, meaning Bayern manager Pep Guardiola may have to rely on the partnership of David Alaba and Joshua Kimmich that he successfully deployed in a 3-1 victory over Augsburg on the weekend.

Clearly though, Juventus’ attackers will prove to be far more of a threat. Paulo Dybala has been in imperious form since the turn of the year, but at the same time, has not been overly relied upon. This is because of the impact Simone Zaza and Alvaro Morata have had in recent weeks, proving that waiting in the wings, Juventus have plenty of attacking spark to push for a result.

Most importantly for the Old Lady though, is that ex-Bayern striker Mario Mandzukic is expected to return for the first leg on Tuesday night.

Paired with Dybala, the Croatian has proved to be an inspired acquisition for Juventus. While scoring important goals, Mandzukic also opens up the forward half for the Bianconeri drawing defenders because of his reputation, his powerful presence on the field, and his formidable goal-scoring record. It therefore comes as no surprise that his Argentine team-mate has scored most of his goals while paired with the 29-year-old.

Alaba and Kimmich, both shorter than six-foot, will have plenty of work to do dealing with the gritty and muscular 6’1” Croatian. According to Squawka statistics, Mandzukic has won 60% of headed duels he has competed in so far in the Champions League this season; a scary number for teams facing him with proper central defenders, let alone part-timers.

Both teams however, will field full-strength midfields in what looms as the most intriguing aspect of the tie. This is largely shaped by the return of Arturo Vidal to the Juventus Stadium after four trophy-laden years with the Italian side.

Three years on from when Bayern dismantled Juventus 4-0 on aggregate, there is little doubt that this fixture will be far more hotly contested; with the potential to produce a winner that two and a half months ago, not many people expected.

[Socrates 8524]

JUVENTUS - BAYERN

-

 
 

Round of 16 - First leg
Tuesday, February 23rd, 2016 - 08:45 P.M.
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee:‬ Martin Atkinson (England)

Juventus are risking burning Dybala out, fears Laudrup

The Argentina international forward has been in sensational form since his summer move
from Palermo but the former Juve great believes too much pressure is being placed on him.

http://www.goal.com/en/news/723/serie-a/2016/02/23/20627912/-?

Feb 23, 2016

Michael Laudrup fears Juventus are placing too much responsibility on the shoulders of Paulo Dybala ahead of Tuesday’s Champions League clash against Bayern Munich.

The Argentina international, a summer signing from Palermo, has been in sensational form recently with his goals propelling the Old Lady to the summit of Serie A.

But former Juve star Laudrup believes the club risk burning the 22-year-old out as they continue to rely on his performances in an attempt to progress in Europe’s premier club competition.

“It is very difficult to say,” Laudrup replied when asked by Goal if Dybala is currently one of the best players in the world. “I think we live in a moment where there is too much pressure on young players. We need to be calmer, let them grow and evolve at their own pace.

“I’m obviously aware that there is little time to be calm at the biggest clubs because there is so much expectation but we need to give players time.

“There is a serious danger of burning them out and that’s a risk for Dybala at the moment.”

Laudrup, a former Serie A winner with Juve, believes his old side’s match with Bayern Munich is almost too tight to call but fears the goals of Robert Lewandowski and the tactical mind of Pep Guardiola will prove decisive.

“It is one of the biggest draws at this stage of the competition,” he added. “Juventus were one of the finalists last season and won two titles in Italy.

“It is about 55-60 per cent in Bayern’s favour. They have Lewandowski, who is a goal machine. The main ingredient though is Guardiola. Everyone knows he is leaving, but everyone wants to win. I have no doubt the Champions League is the priority for Bayern and for Guardiola.”

[Socrates 8524]

JUVENTUS - BAYERN

-

 
 

Round of 16 - First leg
Tuesday, February 23rd, 2016 - 08:45 P.M.
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee:‬ Martin Atkinson (England)

Guardiola: ‘Pogba has shown value’

http://www.football-italia.net/80273/guardiola-%E2%80%98pogba-has-shown-value%E2%80%99?

Feb 23, 2016

Bayern Munich Coach Pep Guardiola says Paul Pogba has ‘shown his value’ at Juventus, but coaching him ‘depends on the club, not me’.

The French midfielder last week suggested he’d like to work with Guardiola in the future, fuelling speculation of a move to Manchester City.

“Now he’s a Juventus player, he’s very strong and very young,” Guardiola told Premium Sport.

“He’s shown his value, but I know he’s happy at Juve and I wish him a long career.

“Would I like to coach him? It doesn’t depend on me, but on the club.”

[Socrates 8524]

JUVENTUS - BAYERN

-

 
 

Round of 16 - First leg
Tuesday, February 23rd, 2016 - 08:45 P.M.
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee:‬ Martin Atkinson (England)

Trap: ‘History favours Juve’

http://www.football-italia.net/80277/trap-%E2%80%98history-favours-juve%E2%80%99?

Feb 23, 2016

Giovanni Trapattoni says ‘Bayern would win a boxing match’ but thinks history favours Juventus ahead of tonight’s Champions League clash.

Trap coached both clubs during his career and gave his thoughts ahead of tonight’s last 16 first leg at Juventus Stadium.

“When you come to knockout matches, it’s inevitable that you’ll face strong team,” he said to TuttoJuve.

“They are two teams with great tradition, great personality and players who are used to continually dealing with pressure and able to decide games.

“I don’t know what condition Bayern will arrive in this evening. Typically at this time of year my teams started to have a dip in their condition because they showed signs of fatigue due to all those matches played close together.

“In terms of the result, they are all players who don’t tremble before a big event. Whether it’s in Turin or Munich.

“I think Khedira could be the right solution, because we’re talking about an international player who has great technical ability and it’s important that he’s available for the match.

“History teaches that we’ve beaten them. If it was a boxing match they would win on points, but since here we count goals, we’ve always got one over on them.

“If we manage to get a positive result this evening, Juve will then have a 51 per cent chance.”

[Socrates 8524]

JUVENTUS - BAYERN

-

 
 

Round of 16 - First leg
Tuesday, February 23rd, 2016 - 08:45 P.M.
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee:‬ Martin Atkinson (England)

Juventus - Bayern Munich Goalscorer Betting:
Lewandowski to continue his prolific form in Europe

Leading the line for the best attack in the Champions League, Al Hain-Cole is backing
the Poland international to prove the key to unlocking the competition's meanest defence.

http://www.goal.com/en/news/723/serie-a/2016/02/23/20627912/-?

Feb 23, 2016

Champions League joint top scorers Bayern Munich will need to be at their most deadly in front of goal on Tuesday, as they take on a Juventus team that has conceded a miserly three goals in the competition so far.

Having scored seven of his side’s 19 goals in the group stages, Robert Lewandowski is the 4/1 (5.00) favourite with Betway to open the scoring in Turin, and available at 13/10 (2.30) to strike anytime.

Considering the Polish striker has nine goals to his name in his last six appearances, those 13/10 (2.30) anytime odds could well prove a wise investment in what looks like being a tight match.

Die Roten’s second top scorer with 24 goals in all competitions this campaign, Thomas Muller is priced at 6/4 (2.50) to add to his own tally of five for the season in this competition.

Despite scoring just once since hitting the net against Arsenal back in November, Arjen Robben at 9/4 (3.25) is sure to provide a threat for Pep Guardiola’s side, as will Brazilian maverick Douglas Costa 100/30 (4.33).

At the other end of the pitch, Mario Mandzukic will be looking to come back to haunt a side he won two Bundesliga titles with between 2012 and 2014, with odds of 7/4 (2.75) available on him adding to his two Champions League goals for the season.

Still attempting to translate his strong domestic form to the European stage, Bianconeri top scorer Paulo Dybala is also priced at 7/4 (2.75) to open his account in this competition, having struck 13 goals in 20 Serie A starts.

In contrast, Alvaro Morata seems to reserve his best performances for the Champions League, meaning odds of 3/1 (4.00) represent a tempting longer shot on him adding to his recent record of seven goals in the last 13 appearances.

Finally, Paul Pogba can be backed at 3/1 (4.00) to bolster his ever-rising reputation by getting on the scoresheet from midfield for Massimiliano Allegri’s outfit.

[Socrates 8524]

JUVENTUS - BAYERN

-

 
 

Round of 16 - First leg
Tuesday, February 23rd, 2016 - 08:45 P.M.
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee:‬ Martin Atkinson (England)

Del Piero: ‘Juventus can progress’

http://www.football-italia.net/80288/del-piero-%E2%80%98juventus-can-progress%E2%80%99?

Feb 23, 2016

Alessandro Del Piero believes his old side Juventus can progress against Bayern Munich in the Champions League.

The Bianconeri take on the German side in the first leg of their Last 16 encounter in Turin tonight, and the club legend believes they can reach the Quarter-Finals.

“For me, I think it will be difficult for Juve in this match, but they will not lose,” Del Piero told giornalaccio rosa World.

“Bayern are a very strong team, and will cause some problems. I think Juve will do enough this week, then they will draw in Germany and go through.”

Del Piero scored 290 goals in 705 appearances for the Old Lady, winning eight Scudetti - two of which were revoked - and lifting the Champions League in 1996.

[Socrates 8524]

JUVENTUS - BAYERN

-

 
 

Round of 16 - First leg
Tuesday, February 23rd, 2016 - 08:45 P.M.
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee:‬ Martin Atkinson (England)

Vidal: 'My life for victory'

http://www.football-italia.net/80296/vidal-my-life-victory?

Feb 23, 2016

Bayern Munich midfielder Arturo Vidal would “give my life to reach the quarter-finals” against Juventus.

The first leg in the Champions League Round of 16 kicks off tonight at 20.45 CET - 19.45 GMT.

“Will it be a hellish atmosphere for us in Turin? We are ready,” the Chile international was quoted as telling Münchner Merkur.

“I was very happy in Italy, but now I’d give my life to reach the quarter-finals.”

Vidal spent four years at Juventus, winning four consecutive Serie A titles.

He was in the Bianconeri squad that reached the Champions League Final last year.

[Socrates 8524]

JUVENTUS - BAYERN

-

 
 

Round of 16 - First leg
Tuesday, February 23rd, 2016 - 08:45 P.M.
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee:‬ Martin Atkinson (England)

Coman: 'I learned from Juve'

http://www.football-italia.net/80299/coman-i-learned-juve?

Feb 23, 2016

Kingsley Coman has no regrets after leaving Juventus for Bayern Munich and is “confident we can get a positive result in Turin.”

The first leg in the Champions League Round of 16 kicks off at 20.45 CET - 19.45 GMT.

“I learned a great deal at Juventus, especially on a tactical level,” the young forward told the Bundesliga website.

“Aside from that, I also got the chance to train alongside world stars like Carlos Tevez, Paul Pogba and Gigi Buffon, but now I am happy to be at Bayern Munich.

“The attacking style of the squad is much more suited to me and I feel more at ease. I think I can make more of my potential here.”

Coman joined on a two-year loan with option to buy, while Juve also have a counter-option.

He returns to the Juventus Stadium tonight as an opponent, albeit most likely from the bench.

“We must remain solid. Joshua Kimmich and David Alaba have done great work in defence recently. We must help them as much as possible, but I am confident we can get a positive result in Turin.

“I think Juve’s defence is their greatest strength, but they also have a lot of potential in attack and midfield, because Pogba, Sami Khedira and Juan Cuadrado are unpredictable.”

[Socrates 8524]

JUVENTUS - BAYERN

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Round of 16 - First leg
Tuesday, February 23rd, 2016 - 08:45 P.M.
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee:‬ Martin Atkinson (England)

Line-ups: Juventus-Bayern Munich

http://www.football-italia.net/80300/line-ups-juventus-bayern-munich?

Feb 23, 2016

Juventus have to do without Giorgio Chiellini, but Sami Khedira and Mario Mandzukic return against a reshuffled Bayern Munich.

The Champions League Round of 16 kicks off at 20.45 CET - 19.45 GMT.

Last season Max Allegri’s men reached the Final, beaten 3-1 by Barcelona, and want to prove their European credentials are solid.

Chiellini, Alex Sandro, Kwadwo Asamoah and Martin Caceres are all out injured, but Khedira and Mandzukic return after muscular problems.

Paulo Dybala partners ex-Bayern Munich hitman Mandzukic in attack with Juan Guillermo Cuadrado wide in a 4-4-2 formation.

Paul Pogba is in more of a left-leaning position in midfield.

Bayern have stuttered a little lately due to their injury crisis, which has been particularly heavy on the defence.

Javier Martinez, Jerome Boateng and Holger Badstuber are all out of action.

Serdar Tasci made his debut at the weekend and struggled, so Joshua Kimmich is given the nod at centre-back with David Alaba.

Arturo Vidal faces his former teammates, returning to Turin for the first time since his transfer over the summer, so Xabi Alonso is dropped.

Arjen Robben’s creativity is always a danger with Thomas Muller and Robert Lewandowski ready to score at any moment.

Bayern have an excellent record against Juventus, winning four meetings, drawing one and losing three.

The most recent Old Lady triumph was 2-1 at home in November 2005, David Trezeguet bagging both goals in the group stage.

However, Munich are the last side to beat Juve in a European home fixture, 2-0 back in the 2013 quarter-final, followed by 10 wins and six draws.

The Bianconeri have kept nine consecutive clean sheets in all competition, conceding only one goal so far in 2016.

The Germans reached at least the semi-final of the Champions League in each of the last four campaigns, winning in 2013.


Juventus:

Buffon; Lichtsteiner, Barzagli, Bonucci, Evra; Cuadrado, Khedira, Marchisio, Pogba; Dybala, Mandzukic

Juventus bench: Neto, Rugani, Sturaro, Pereyra, Hernanes, Zaza, Morata


Bayern Munich:

Neuer; Lahm, Kimmich, Alaba, Bernat; Vidal; Robben, Thiago Alcantara, Müller, Costa; Lewandowski

Bayern Munich bench: Ulreich, Benatia, Ribery, Rafinha, Alonso, Götze, Coman