Juventus Season 2015-2016

[Socrates 8523]

NAPOLI - JUVENTUS

. 2 - 1

Lorenzo Insigne (26')
Gonzalo Higuaín (62')

Mario Lemina (63')

MATCHDAY 6
Saturday, September 26th, 2015 - 8:45 PM
San Paolo Stadium - Naples
Referee:‬ Daniele Orsato

Buffon: Juventus need to find their identity

The Scudetto holders have already lost three Serie A matches this term, but the
Italy international believes they have what it takes to turn their form around.

http://www.goal.com/en-za/news/4563/main/2015/09/27/15781692/-?

 
Sep 27, 2015

Juventus goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon has called on Massimiliano Allegri's struggling side to "find an identity" after their terrible start to Serie A.

Allegri's men slumped to their third defeat of the season with a 2-1 loss to Napoli at the Stadio San Paolo on Saturday.

And Buffon insists that he and his team-mates must shelve any talk of securing a fifth successive Scudetto for the time-being.

"We have to put aside all talk of the Scudetto for the next few months," he told Sky Italia .

"The distance [between Juventus and the top of the league] is so great that we can't allow ourselves to get carried away by flights of fancy.

"We have to roll up our sleeves, get our hands dirty and deal with the situation. We know what we need to change to improve, and we'll be taking it now match by match.

"When we find our identity and start playing compact football we will become a really strong team."

 

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

[Socrates 8523]

JUVENTUS - SEVILLA

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Matchday 2
Wednesday, September 30th, 2015 - 08:45 P.M.
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee:‬ Jonas Eriksson (Sweden)

Emery: ‘Juventus an opportunity’

http://www.football-italia.net/73580/emery-%E2%80%98juventus-opportunity%E2%80%99?

Sep 28, 2015
 
Sevilla Coach Unai Emery says facing Juventus is ‘a great opportunity to show what we’re capable of.’

The Andalucian side have got off to a stuttering start in La Liga, like their Serie A counterparts, but Emery sees the match as a big chance to turn things around.

The two sides face off at the Juventus Stadium on Wednesday night, with kick off at 19:45 UK time.

“Playing against Juventus is a great opportunity to show the whole of Europe what we are capable of,” he said after their win over Rayo Vallecano.

“We’re facing the vice-champions of Europe, a big team, and our only objective is to give a good account of ourselves.

“It’s our duty to help Konoplyanka adapt to our football. He has excellent quality and a great shot, but he still must find his position.

“We’re trying to involve him and I'm sure that if he continues like this he’ll become an important player for us.”

[Socrates 8523]

JUVENTUS - SEVILLA

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Matchday 2
Wednesday, September 30th, 2015 - 08:45 P.M.
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee:‬ Jonas Eriksson (Sweden)

Eriksson for Juventus-Sevilla

http://www.football-italia.net/73595/eriksson-juventus-sevilla?

Sep 28, 2015

Swedish referee Jonas Eriksson will be in charge for Juventus’ Champions League clash with Sevilla.

The Bianconeri take on the Europa League winners at Juventus Stadium on Wednesday, and Eriksson will run the rule over proceedings.

The referee has been in charge of a Juve match on three previous occasions, with the Old Lady undefeated in those ties.

Eriksson ran the rule over the 1-0 win at Shakhtar Donetsk in 2012, as well as a 3-1 win over Copenhagen in 2013-14.

Most recently, the Swede oversaw last season’s 1-1 draw at Bernabeu against Real Madrid in the semi-finals of the competition, which saw Juventus progress to the final on away goals.

[Socrates 8523]

JUVENTUS - SEVILLA

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Matchday 2
Wednesday, September 30th, 2015 - 08:45 P.M.
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee:‬ Jonas Eriksson (Sweden)

Lichtsteiner returns for Juventus

http://www.football-italia.net/73602/lichtsteiner-returns-juventus?

Sep 28, 2015

Stephan Lichtsteiner has returned to Juventus training ahead of the Sevilla match on Wednesday.

The Bianconeri face the Spanish side in the Champions League this week, and it was feared the Swiss international could be absent after missing the weekend defeat to Napoli.

“Rejoining his team-mates for the full [training] session, which focused on technique and specific tactical movements to be deployed against the Spaniards, was Stephan Lichtsteiner, who has made a full recovery after suffering breathing difficulties during last Wednesday’s Serie A home meeting with Frosinone,” a statement on the Old Lady’s website confirmed.

It was also confirmed that Massimiliano Allegri and Gigi Buffon will address the media in their pre-match Press conference at 18.20 UK time tomorrow.

[Socrates 8523]

JUVENTUS - SEVILLA

-

 
 

Matchday 2
Wednesday, September 30th, 2015 - 08:45 P.M.
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee:‬ Jonas Eriksson (Sweden)

Juventus V Sevilla – Preview: Bianconeri Hope
To Continue Impressive European Form

http://forzaitalianfootball.com/2015/09/juventus-v-sevilla-preview-bianconeri-hope-to-continue-impressive-european-form/?

Sep 28, 2015

Juventus host Sevilla in the Champions League on Tuesday night, hoping to put its dismal domestic results behind them.

The Bianconeri have endured a turbulent start to the Serie A season, but managed to secure an inspired 2-1 come-from-behind win against English heavyweights Manchester City on the first matchday.

Juventus boss Massimiliano Allegri will be hoping for a similar showing from his players to maintain their unbeaten status in the competition and is desperate a win against the Andalusian outfit will reignite their Serie A campaign.

The Torino-based side are currently positioned 13th in the Scudetto race with five points.

Meanwhile, Sevilla’s performances are not too dissimilar from that of the Italians, who have also found it tough going domestically in La Liga.

However, Unai Emery’s men did manage a 3-2 triumph over Rayo Vallecano in its previous outing, as the Spaniards lie in 15th place in the league standings on five points.

This Champions League encounter at the Juventus Stadium will be the first official meeting between the pair.

For the match, Allegri will be without Croatian striker Mario Mandzukic, after he sustained a thigh injury against Genoa just over a week ago. However, the former AC Milan coach may have a few selection headaches in determining his best eleven, but Mario Lemina and Alvaro Morata should get the nod ahead of Simone Padoin and Simone Zaza respectively.

As for the Rojiblancos, coach Unai Emery will be without a host of regulars which has coincided with the team’s recent struggles in La Liga. Ever Banega, Gael Kakuta, Daniel Carrico, Beto, Sergio Escudero, Adil Rami, Nicolas Pareja will all be missing from the clash through various injuries. N’Zonzi will continue in the absence in of Banega, while Yevhen Konoplyanka remains in contention to replace Jose Reyes.

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


Expected Starting XIs

Juventus:

Buffon; Lichtsteiner, Bonucci, Chiellini, Evra; Lemina, Pogba, Hernanes, Pereyra; Dybala, Morata

 

Sevilla:

Sergio Rico; Coke, Andreolli, Kolodziejczak, Tremoulinas; N’Zonzi, Krychowiak, Iborra, Krohn-Dehli, Reyes; Gameiro

[Socrates 8523]

JUVENTUS - SEVILLA

-

 
 

Matchday 2
Wednesday, September 30th, 2015 - 08:45 P.M.
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee:‬ Jonas Eriksson (Sweden)

Trying to make something out of Juventus'
miserable start to the 2015-16 season

http://www.blackwhitereadallover.com/2015/9/29/9391035/juventus-max-allegri-serie-a-uefa-champions-league

Sep 29, 2015

It was the easy narrative to figure out. Juventus wins in Manchester to open the Champions League group stage — their first win on English soil in 20 years — and it's the jumping off point for a season that has pretty much stalled out of the gate. Hey, It was easy, and that's why I wrote about it like it was something that should happen.

Except it hasn't happened.

Suck on that, you stupid piece of logic! Your narratives have no power here!

Outside of the comeback win over Manchester City, Juventus' season has failed to truly get going domestically. Not unless you call an uninspiring win over Genoa and a couple draws a "good" start. Sure, we're now done with six of the 38 rounds in the Serie A schedule, but only one of those games have resulted in all three points being captured by a Max Allegri-managed team. They've already matched last season's total for league losses and we still have over 80 percent of the schedule to go.

But I'm not going to sit here and continue to compare this season and last season. That's unfair to this current squad, which is obviously going through so many different issues that it doesn't even need to be in the same conversation as the team that had one of the club's best seasons ever nd played for the Champions League trophy on June 6th of this year.

Is there even the ability to put into context what is wrong with this team right now?

Or, better yet, do we even want to?

There is no single person or player we can point to and say they are responsible for Juventus playing the way they are to open the 2015-16 season. Allegri is at fault, Paul Pogba is at fault, they're all at fault in some way or another. Some more than others, but it's a group effort here, folks. They're all fighting for the same cause, all wearing the same jersey. All wanting to have the same amount of success as the guy next to them in the locker room.

Yes, even those who aren't the ones on the field.

JUVENTUS WENT WITH A LONG-TERM VISION THIS SUMMER AND THE RESULT IS THAT THIS SQUAD IS STRUGGLING IN THE SHORT TERM.

Turning over this squad in the kind of fashion that happened this summer was never going to be easy. As much as the quality of the talent that left this summer sucked, it's not like Juve's front office, led by Beppe Marotta and Fabio Paratici, replaced them with a bunch of scrubs. Juventus went with a long-term vision this summer and the result is that this squad is struggling in the short term.

As much as we want it to be the best of both worlds, that's clearly not going to happen. At least right now, anyway.

I guess envisioning it click right off the bat might have been too much for us to ask. And then you throw in all of those nagging injuries that keep popping up at every turn we come across, and you have a squad that is stuck in neutral rather than giving us early-season satisfaction. Think about all of the projected starters who have suffered an injury at some point of the preseason or the first month of the season:

Claudio Marchisio
Mario Mandzukic
Álvaro Morata
Sami Khedira
Stephan Lichtsteiner
Giorgio Chiellini

Some of those players have been injured for more time than others, like Marchisio, who we all miss very much these days. But the end result is still the same: Allegri hasn't been able to field his best of the best starting lineup at any point this season. Not once. And when you're trying to get a team to gel and find some kind of cohesion, the last thing you want to see happen is important players miss any kind of significant time.

Yet, they have. And, as if Juve needed any more problems these days, the injuries still remain.

However, that still doesn't excuse Juve from playing like they have outside of the Man City game. This squad is deep enough to be competitive against — and beat — teams that they've failed to get three points against. You know, the Chievos, the Frosinones of the world where Juve have even struggled to get a result.

I don't know. You want to be patient because this team does have more talent than any other team in Serie A. But, at the same time, you see them playing the way they are right now and it's frustrating as all can be — especially with what they were able to do in Manchester in a few weeks ago. The potential is there, they're just not tapping into it yet.

It's still early. It's still early. It's still early. It's still early. It's still early. It's still early. It's still early. It's still early. It's still early. It's still early. It's still early. It's still early. It's still early. It's still early. It's still early. It's still early.

I'll just keep telling myself this for the time being. Because it's still early. Yeah, still early.

[Socrates 8523]

JUVENTUS - SEVILLA

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Matchday 2
Wednesday, September 30th, 2015 - 08:45 P.M.
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee:‬ Jonas Eriksson (Sweden)

Llorente ‘suffering to see Juventus'

http://www.football-italia.net/73623/llorente-%E2%80%98suffering-see-juventus?

Sep 29, 2015

Sevilla striker Fernando Llorente says Juventus’ recent results ‘make me suffer’ ahead of their Champions League meeting on Wednesday.

The Bianconeri have got off to a dismal start to their Scudetto defence, picking up five points from six matches.

Llorente left the Old Lady in the summer, but could face his old club again at the midweek European clash at Juventus Stadium.

“I spent two wonderful years in Turin, a city that will always remain in my heart,” he said to giornalaccio rosa dello Sport.

“I feel like a Juventino and these results make me suffer.

“I knew it would not be easy, as losing players like Vidal, Pirlo and Tevez is crucial. It takes time to find harmony and a style of play.

“Why did I leave? I would have had less space and then the club was not sorry I left.

“I am sure, however, that Juve will be high up the table again by the springtime, although at the moment all their worst rivals are at the top (Fiorentina, Inter and Torino).

“Emery and Italy? It’s normal that they like him, he would do very well in Serie A.”

[Socrates 8523]

JUVENTUS - SEVILLA

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Matchday 2
Wednesday, September 30th, 2015 - 08:45 P.M.
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee:‬ Jonas Eriksson (Sweden)

Immobile: ‘Special match with Juve’

http://www.football-italia.net/73625/immobile-%E2%80%98special-match-juve%E2%80%99?

Sep 29, 2015

Sevilla striker Ciro Immobile says he ‘will do everything to score’ when he faces his former club Juventus on Wednesday.

The 25-year-old came through the Old Lady’s youth system but also represented city rivals Torino in the 2013-14 season, when he finished as Serie A top scorer.

Immobile joined the Spanish side from Borussia Dortmund in the summer and anticipates a ‘special match’ when the two sides face off in Champions League Group D this week

“It’s strange to return to Italy and see Juventus at the bottom half of the table,” he told Tuttosport.

“We’re working well at Sevilla, but when you change so many players you need time to gel.

“We’re back to winning ways and getting a victory in Turin would represent the turning point of the season.

“I feel great affection for Torino, but this isn’t a derby for me.

“It’s a special match because I’m Italian and I’m facing Juventus with a foreign club.

“I would celebrate scoring and will do everything in order to do that – no so much for Juve, but because I miss scoring goals.

“I haven’t scored since March in the German Cup.

“I know that my moment will come soon. I’m calm, I don’t feel discarded and I’m an integral part of the group.”

[Socrates 8523]

JUVENTUS - SEVILLA

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Matchday 2
Wednesday, September 30th, 2015 - 08:45 P.M.
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee:‬ Jonas Eriksson (Sweden)

Juventus - Sevilla Betting: Back Unai Emery's
side to be involved in another high scoring game

Both teams have failed to convince domestically but have made impressive starts in Europe
and at least three goals look likely when they meet at Juventus Stadium.

http://www.goal.com/en/news/2994/betting/2015/09/29/15806902/-?

Sep 29, 2015

Villarreal may sit top of La Liga, with St Etienne currently second in Ligue 1, but arguably the biggest story in European football so far this season has been Juventus' disastrous start to the campaign.

The side who have claimed the Scudetto for the last four seasons and reached the Champions League final back in May have won just one of their opening six Serie A matches.

Indeed, their last home game saw them draw 1-1 with Frosinone, the Serie A newcomers' first ever point in the Italian top flight. And yet despite their awful domestic form the Old Lady managed to come from behind to win 2-1 at Manchester City in match day one of the Champions League.

In similarly poor domestic form are their opponents in the second round of fixtures, with Sevilla only moving off the bottom of the La Liga table at the weekend with their first win of the season, 3-2 at home to Rayo Vallecano.

Unai Emery's men did win their opening game of the group stages though, overcoming Borussia Monchengladbach 3-0 and should be able to provide strong opposition for Juve on Wednesday.

The hosts are offered at 5/6 (1.83) by Paddy Power and despite their recent form, their record at Juventus stadium remains extraordinary. Their 1-0 defeat to Udinese on the opening day of the season was their first at home in Serie A for 47 games, while in the Champions League Bayern Munich are the only side to win in Turin in the last 11 years.

Those kinds of statistics make for ominous reading for Sevilla, who are priced at 16/5 (5.20) with the Andalusians considerably weaker on the road than at home. In La Liga last season they lost seven times away from home, with the Spanish side also losing their first away game of the current campaign at newly promoted Las Palmas.

There should be plenty of money for the hosts then and rightly so, but instead bolder punters should take the price of evens (2.00) for over 2.5 goals.

Both teams have been scoring but conceding regularly too, and while Juve have historically been strong at home, Sevilla will be set up to counter attack extremely effectively. This bet has already paid out five times in competitive games involving Sevilla so far this season, and a repeat in Turin looks likely.

[Socrates 8523]

JUVENTUS - SEVILLA

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Matchday 2
Wednesday, September 30th, 2015 - 08:45 P.M.
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee:‬ Jonas Eriksson (Sweden)

Juventus vs. Sevilla: Team News, Predicted Lineups

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2572977-juventus-vs-sevilla-team-news-predicted-lineups-live-stream-tv-info?

Sep 29, 2015

As domestic matters are put aside and continental action returns this season, Juventus host Sevilla in a meeting that would have looked very different had it taken place just a few months ago. Indeed, this fixture would have been a mouth-watering proposition back then, pitting the Europa League winners against the Champions League runners-up.

Fast-forward to today, however, and a very different picture emerges, with both clubs underperforming. Juventus lost to Napoli this past weekend, their third defeat of an already difficult campaign.

That total already equals their mark for the whole of 2014/15 and leaves them sitting in 15th place, with just five points from their opening six Serie A matches. It is a disappointing return for a team who have won the league title for four consecutive seasons.

"We’re on a poor run but we mustn’t dwell on it," coach Massimiliano Allegri told Sky Italia shortly after the Napoli game (h/t the Juventus club website). "The important thing for us now is to get back to work and start winning football matches.”

That aim will be boosted by the return of Sami Khedira, the Germany international returning to training this week per the club’s official website. That would add some much-needed reinforcements to a struggling midfield, perhaps providing the spark so sorely missing in recent weeks for the Bianconeri.

Yet, their poor league form did not affect their first European outing, running out 2-1 winners away to Manchester City, a result that saw them join Sevilla at the top of Group D. The Spanish side also shrugged off domestic woes to enjoy a comfortable victory over Borussia Monchengladbach two weeks ago.

OptaJose @OptaJose
2 - Just in four previous La Liga seasons did Sevilla had 2 points or fewer at this point (the last time, 2013/14). Stress

This past weekend saw Unai Emery’s men get their first La Liga win of 2015/16, enjoying a 3-2 victory over Rayo Vallecano that pleased the coach as he looked ahead to Wednesday’s trip to Juventus Stadium.

“Playing against Juventus is a great opportunity to show the whole of Europe what we are capable of,” Emery told reporters after the game, per Football Italia. “We’re facing the vice-champions of Europe, a big team, and our only objective is to give a good account of ourselves."



Probable Formations
 



Juventus (4-3-1-2):

Gigi Buffon; Stephan Lichtsteiner, Leonardo Bonucci, Giorgio Chiellini, Patrice Evra, Mario Lemina, Hernanes, Paul Pogba; Juan Cuadrado; Alvaro Morata, Roberto Pereyra

Unavailable: Mario Mandzukic, Claudio Marchisio (all injured)


Sevilla (4-2-3-1):

Sergio Rico; Coke, Marco Andreolli, Timothee Kolodziejczak, Benoit Tremoulinas; Grzegorz Krychowiak, Steven N’Zonzi; Jose Antonio Reyes, Vicente Iborra, Yevhen Konoplyanka; Kevin Gameiro

Unavailable: Beto, Daniel Carrico, Adil Rami, Nicolas Pareja, Ever Banega (all injured)



Player to Watch

Given the way Juventus have struggled to repeat last season’s fine form, it is somewhat of a relief that Fernando Llorente has been ruled out of this clash. One of the many players who left the club this past summer, the prospect of seeing him battle against Giorgio Chiellini for 90 minutes would have been an intriguing one.

However, the Spanish striker's injury likely creates space for Ciro Immobile to play in attack for Sevilla. The 25-year-old grew up in the Juventus youth sector, joining the Bianconeri back in 2008 and eventually making his first-team debut three years later.

He would not stick around for long, sent on a series of loans before becoming Serie B top scorer with Pescara during the 2011/12 campaign. Immobile since repeated that feat in the top flight with Torino, netting 20 goals in 2013/14 and paving the way for a big-money move to Borussia Dortmund that never panned out.

Now with Sevilla, he may feel he has a point to prove when taking on his boyhood club here, and he is almost certainly the man to watch.



Key Battle

While many eyes will be on that return, perhaps this game will be decided in a midfield clash between two players at very different points in their respective careers.

At the heart of Sevilla’s midfield is former Blackburn Rovers and Stoke City man Steven N'Zonzi, landing in Andalusia back in July. He was sent off on his Sevilla debut, but has since become an important part of the team, netting two goals in four matches thus far for the La Liga side.

Putting in a some excellent displays in the absence of Ever Banega, N'Zonzi is instrumental to the team, just as Paul Pogba hopes to be for Juventus. So far this term his only solid performances were his two-goal display against Genoa and the Manchester City win.

During the latter, he clearly enjoyed being matched up against Yaya Toure, and whoever comes out on top between N'Zonzi and Pogba could well be the man to lead his side to victory.



Odds (via Odds Shark)

Away win: 173-50

Home win: 50-59

Draw: 239-100

[Socrates 8523]

JUVENTUS - SEVILLA

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Matchday 2
Wednesday, September 30th, 2015 - 08:45 P.M.
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee:‬ Jonas Eriksson (Sweden)

Official: Lichtsteiner to miss Sevilla

http://www.football-italia.net/73645/official-lichtsteiner-miss-sevilla?

Sep 29, 2015

Juventus have officially confirmed that Stephan Lichtsteiner will not be fit to face Sevilla.

The Bianconeri face the Spanish side in the Champions League tomorrow night, but will have to do it without their first-choice right-back.

“Stephan Lichtsteiner will miss out on tomorrow evening’s Champions League Group D fixture with Sevilla,” the Old Lady confirmed in a statement.

“Despite returning to the group and training regularly yesterday, the Swiss defender will now be sent to undergo further tests and specialist cardiology consultancy on the advice of the Juventus medical team.

“These will aim to fully ascertain the symptoms that caused him to depart last Wednesday’s Serie A fixture with Frosinone at half-time.”

The Swiss international was substituted with breathing difficulties against the Canarini, and has not featured since.

It’s a blow for Juve, as another right-back option, Martin Caceres, is suspended from first-team duty after crashing his Ferrari in Turin last night.

[Socrates 8523]

JUVENTUS - SEVILLA

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Matchday 2
Wednesday, September 30th, 2015 - 08:45 P.M.
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee:‬ Jonas Eriksson (Sweden)

Fernando Llorente fears a Juventus
backlash in Champions League encounter

http://www.espnfc.co.uk/uefa-champions-league/match/434244/juventus-sevilla-fc/preview?

Sep 29, 2015

Sevilla forward Fernando Llorente fears a Juventus backlash in the Champions League on Wednesday night.

Llorente misses the game against his former club due to injury, but has delivered a warning to his team-mates that the Bianconeri's current league form only makes them even more dangerous at Juventus Stadium.

Juve are currently 15th in Serie A, with only five points from their first six games of the season.

They did, however, beat Manchester City 2-1 in their opening Champions League fixture and Llorente, who played the final five minutes of last June's ill-fated final for Juve, is expecting them to show their true colours on Wednesday.

"It's going to be really difficult," he told La giornalaccio rosa dello Sport. "This is a great Juve side who are going to want to tear the world to shreds.

"I'm afraid we might be the ones to pay for the difficulties they have had recently.

"I know they only drew their last game against Frosinone, but that was just a slip-up."

Sevilla started their Champions League campaign with a 3-0 win over Borussia Monchengladbach and they are aware of how big a step towards the knockout stages they can take with a win in Turin.

"We've started well and we really want to gain respect in Europe," added the 30-year-old. "That is something you can only earn by playing games like these, in stadiums like this one."

Llorente is not the only former Bianconeri player to pay his ex-club a visit on Wednesday night with Ciro Immobile returning to Juventus Stadium for the second year running, having played against them in a Dortmund shirt last season.

Immobile told Tuttosport that he if does score against the Italians he "would go crazy, not just because it's Juve but because it's been too long since I last scored".

He added: "I've not scored since March, in the German Cup. Getting back into the limelight in the Champions League would be the ultimate."

Giorgio Chiellini and Leonardo Bonucci are likely to be the defenders he will have to beat, but not Martin Caceres.

The Uruguayan has been suspended by the Serie A club after being involved in a road accident in the early hours of Tuesday morning.

Caceres crashed his Ferrari in the centre of Turin while reportedly under the influence of alcohol and Juve confirmed on Tuesday that "disciplinary proceedings including a fine and temporary suspension from first-team duty" had been applied for "damaging the image of our club".

Coach Massimiliano Allegri will therefore have to reorganise his defence and possibly play with a back four, rather than a back three.

The Juve coach may be able to count on Sami Khedira, however, who trained on Tuesday and could make his competitive debut for the club he joined from Real Madrid in the summer.

[Socrates 8523]

JUVENTUS - SEVILLA

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Matchday 2
Wednesday, September 30th, 2015 - 08:45 P.M.
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee:‬ Jonas Eriksson (Sweden)

Emery: 'Memorable Sevilla in Turin'

http://www.football-italia.net/73652/emery-memorable-sevilla-turin?

Sep 29, 2015

Unai Emery wants Sevilla to experience another “unique moment” at the Juventus Stadium in the Champions League.

It kicks off on Wednesday at 20.45 CET.

Sevilla became the first side to qualify via the Europa League, having won the trophy twice in a row, including one Final in this very stadium.

“We are here in the Champions League. After a unique moment in the Europa League Final here in Turin, we find ourselves back here in Europe’s most prestigious competition,” said the Coach in a Press conference.

“We want to enjoy this moment too. It’s an appointment that motivates us and we want to give it the best we’ve got.”

Much like Juventus, Sevilla have struggled domestically so far this season and have injury concerns. They have a big game coming up in La Liga against Barcelona too.

“If Llorente and Vitolo are not here, it’s because they were not in any condition to play. If they were, then they’d have made the journey.

“We experience the season moment by moment, one game at a time. The only thought right now is tomorrow’s game with the best XI at my disposal.

“Statistics and the experience I’ve got tell me that in these circumstances things can happen. Juve showed they could beat Manchester City, perhaps in the Premier League side’s best moment in their own stadium.

“It is a squad with great players. Circumstances mean they haven’t got the results they probably should’ve had in Serie A.

“All I can say is that this is a huge side in terms of individuals, as a collective and with its history.

“Football goes on, we’ve done a lot since the Europa League Final. We will forever remember it, but hopefully this match will also be memorable and we want to grab this opportunity with both hands so it can make the fans and city proud.

“I have full faith in my lads. We’re all pulling in the same direction and towards the same objective. I see growth and improvement.

“We are seeking solutions and they can only be found through daily work in training.”

Ciro Immobile could potentially start against his former club, hinted Emery.

“We had Carlos Bacca in previous years, now we do not, so we have to make the most of the characteristics of the players at our disposal.

“I want to use my best XI. If Immobile is ready, then he could certainly play. It will also depend on how many minutes he has in his legs.

“We must create momentum from the individuals to the team. It’s a process and, for example, Immobile is settling in, but also has the advantage of knowing how Juventus play.

“All the players in my squad can aspire to start and I watch them in training, but their experience is also important.

“I am convinced Sergio Rico has grown a lot recently and will fight for his future in goal game by game, eventually perhaps becoming the best goalkeeper in the world.”

[Socrates 8523]

JUVENTUS - SEVILLA

-

 
 

Matchday 2
Wednesday, September 30th, 2015 - 08:45 P.M.
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee:‬ Jonas Eriksson (Sweden)

Krychowiak: 'Sevilla ready for Juve'

http://www.football-italia.net/73653/krychowiak-sevilla-ready-juve?

Sep 29, 2015

Gregorz Krychowiak insists Sevilla “have more confidence and are 100 per cent ready” to face Juventus in the Champions League.

Like the Bianconeri, Sevilla have struggled so far this season domestically and aim to make up for it in the Champions League.

“We won the last game with Rayo Vallecano, so have more confidence in ourselves. We’ve come here to play our best game,” said the midfielder in a Press conference.

“The team has changed a great deal, some important players left, so it’ll take a little time to become a real team again.

“The season didn’t start very well, but we are working very hard to get back to the level we were at before and win once more.

“We are 100 per cent ready for Juve. All the players in the squad are ready and we worked very hard to reach the Champions League, so we’ll certainly try to bring home results.

“Juventus are a great team with incredible players. I think they too will be ready for a great game.”

[Socrates 8523]

JUVENTUS - SEVILLA

-

 
 

Matchday 2
Wednesday, September 30th, 2015 - 08:45 P.M.
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee:‬ Jonas Eriksson (Sweden)

CACERES EXCLUDED, LICHTSTEINER TO MISS SEVILLA

http://www.juvefc.com/caceres-excluded-lichtsteiner-to-miss-sevilla/?

Sep 29, 2015

Juventus have been dealt a double blow ahead of their Champions League match against Sevilla with Martin Caceres and Stephan Lichtsteiner both set to miss the match.

Caceres has officially been suspended excluded from the squad following a drink-driving incident last night. The Urugyuan defender had his driving license revoked after crashing his Ferrari in Turin last night and being over the legal limit for alcoghol.

“The behaviour of Martin Caceres on the night of 28 and 29 September is a serious violation of the commitments undertaken at Juventus, as well as damaging to the image of our club,” Read a statement on Juve’s official website.

“Juventus have therefore taken disciplinary action against the player, in the form of a fine and temporary exclusion from competitive first team activities.”

The Bianconeri also confirmed that Stephan Lichtsteiner is set to miss the match due to ongoing breathing difficulties.

“Stephan Lichtsteiner will miss out on tomorrow evening’s Champions League Group D fixture with Sevilla,” the Old Lady confirmed in a statement.

“Despite returning to the group and training regularly yesterday, the Swiss defender will now be sent to undergo further tests and specialist cardiology consultancy on the advice of the Juventus medical team.

“These will aim to fully ascertain the symptoms that caused him to depart last Wednesday’s Serie A fixture with Frosinone at half-time.”

With both Caceres and Lichtsteiner out and Simone Padoin not in the Champions League squad list, it’s possible that Allegri will deploy a 3-5-2 formation, similar to the one outlined by Mediaset in the image below.

Stefano Sturaro is another late injury concern and has not been included in the squad.

[Socrates 8523]

JUVENTUS - SEVILLA

-

 
 

Matchday 2
Wednesday, September 30th, 2015 - 08:45 P.M.
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee:‬ Jonas Eriksson (Sweden)

Sturaro out, Khedira in

http://www.football-italia.net/73654/sturaro-out-khedira?

Sep 29, 2015

Juventus lose Stefano Sturaro and welcome back Sami Khedira in the Champions League against Sevilla.

It kicks off on Wednesday at 20.45 CET.

The Bianconeri were already without Mario Mandzukic, Claudio Marchisio, Kwadwo Asamoah and Stephan Lichtsteiner.

Martin Caceres is suspended by the club after crashing his Ferrari in town.

Sturaro was a late addition to the injury list, but Khedira returns after more than a month out with muscular problems.


Juventus squad for Sevilla:

Buffon, Chiellini, Khedira, Zaza, Morata, Pogba, Hernanes, Alex Sandro, Barzagli, Cuadrado, Lemina, Bonucci, Dybala, Rugani, Neto, Evra, Pereyra, Audero, Vitale

[Socrates 8523]

JUVENTUS - SEVILLA

-

 
 

Matchday 2
Wednesday, September 30th, 2015 - 08:45 P.M.
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee:‬ Jonas Eriksson (Sweden)

Buffon: 'Juve must prove ourselves'

http://www.football-italia.net/73657/buffon-juve-must-prove-ourselves?

Sep 29, 2015

Gigi Buffon said Juventus are under constant pressure to “prove” they are strong, hosting Sevilla in the Champions League.

It kicks off tomorrow at 20.45 CET, 19.45 UK time (18.45 GMT).

“When you are fortunate enough to be in a team as strong as ours, there is only one problem: you have to prove it every time,” noted the captain in a Press conference.

“We must try to put in a fiery performance. It requires a balanced Juve with emotional intensity throughout the entire 90 minutes.”

The Bianconeri are having a dismal start to their Serie A season, yet won 2-1 away to Manchester City in Europe.

“We have the opportunity to ‘book’ the leadership of this group. A victory can often cancel out what has gone wrong in the past.

“We must be aware that we are living in the moment, without losing the desire to think big. If we are sharp and with specific emotional characteristics, we can fight it out with anyone.

“We must try, confronting each other, to give a sense of consistency to our results.”

Sevilla famously won the Europa League at the Juventus Stadium, when the Turin giants faltered at the semi-final stage.

“If we didn’t play against Sevilla in the Final two years ago it’s because someone else, at the time, deserved it more than we did.”

Martin Caceres is out of the squad as punishment after he crashed his Ferrari in Turin last night, reportedly testing above the legal alcohol limit.

“A lad like Martin has the total faith of the squad. He is a professional and he is also the first to realise he made a big mistake.”

[Socrates 8523]

JUVENTUS - SEVILLA

-

 
 

Matchday 2
Wednesday, September 30th, 2015 - 08:45 P.M.
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee:‬ Jonas Eriksson (Sweden)

Juventus aiming high against
Sevilla, says Massimiliano Allegri

http://www.espnfc.co.uk/uefa-champions-league/story/2637296/juventus-aiming-high-against-sevilla-says-allegri?

Sep 29, 2015

Juventus coach Massimiliano Allegri says his side can take a major step towards qualifying for the knockout stages of the Champions League out of the so-called group of death with a win over Sevilla at the Juventus Stadium on Wednesday.

After beating Manchester City 2-1 away from home in their opening group game, last year's beaten finalists can move three points clear at the top of the pool with a victory which Allegri is counting on, also to launch his side's season.

"Winning the Champions League is a dream," he said. "I think Juventus' aim has always got to be to reach the knockout stage, and that's not easy. The Champions League has got to be a dream, and Juve have always got to be aiming at reaching the last 16.

"At the moment, we've got to focus only on what we've got to do on the field. If you spend your time thinking of what you could have done, you don't get anywhere."

His captain Gianluigi Buffon is also hoping to read some more positive headlines on Thursday morning after seeing mainly negative words expended on his side's season to date.

"We really do have a chance tomorrow to put ourselves in serious contention to win the group, and as we all know, a win can very often cancel the recent past in an instant so we really need to deliver a good performance and get these three points, for more than a thousand reasons," he said.

"Undoubtedly when you have a side which is worth as much as ours is, we could and we should have done better, and we are the first to recognise this. But I think that once we've identified the problem, there's no point crying over spilt milk. It's happened now so we just need to realise that we've got to live the present, without losing the ability to think of the future."

Both sides have made equally disappointing starts to their domestic campaigns with Juve 15th in Serie A with only give points, while Sevilla are 16th in Spain with the same record from their first six matches.

Wednesday night therefore represents an opportunity for them both to forget their domestic woes and build on winning starts in Europe, with Sevilla downing Borussia Monchengladbach 3-0 in their opening fixture.

"Let's say that the statistics and my experience tell me that these bad moments of form happen, but Juve showed against City that they are capable of winning," said Sevilla coach Unai Emery. "They have a fantastic team, full of great players and maybe their league season is not a fair reflection of what this team deserves.

"All I can say is that they really are a great team, in terms of individuals and their history. Football's full of ups and downs. I have faith in the work we are doing. Our fans want to see that we're giving it our best and that's the way we want to continue. We are Sevilla; we are proud and this is one of our values."

For Sevilla, Wednesday night also represents a return to the scene of their 2014 Europa League triumph.

"After a unique experience the last time we were here in Turin, for a huge game, we're now back again for the Champions League, the best competition in the world for many clubs," said Emery.

"But football moves on and a lot has happened this last game here. We will remember that night forever, but we've got a new challenge we want to grasp it and take it forward for as long as we can, for the club and for our fans.

"We want to enjoy this as much as we can. It's a game of the highest calibre which gives us a lot of motivation and we're going to give it our best."

[Socrates 8523]

JUVENTUS - SEVILLA

-

 
 

Matchday 2
Wednesday, September 30th, 2015 - 08:45 P.M.
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee:‬ Jonas Eriksson (Sweden)

JUVENTUS V SEVILLA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE MATCH PREVIEW

http://www.juvefc.com/juventus-v-sevilla-champions-league-match-preview/?

Sep 29, 2015
 

Juventus

Once again, Juventus are looking to the Champions League for success after a discouraging Serie A result. This time, Juventus largely faltered in a 2-1 loss away versus Napoli. The usual reactions and overreactions occurred from fans, press, ex-players, and the like after that result, but Allegri and the players went right back to work to prepare for the fixture versus Sevilla.

Stephan Lichtsteiner was expected to return from injury but Juventus have confirmed that he’ll be missing out the game against Sevilla due to ongoing tests for breathing problems. Martin Caceres has been dropped from the squad after crasshing his Ferrari and testing over the drink-drive limit. With Simone Padoin not in the Champions League squad, the return to a 3-5-2 looks likely with Gigi Buffon, Leonardo Bonucci, Giorgio Chiellini, and Andrea Barzagli starting in defence. Patrice Evra will start at left wing-back with Juan Cuadrado playing on the right.

In the midfield, Max Allegri has confirmed that Sami Khedira will start with Paul Pogba and one of either Roberto Pereyra or Mario Lemina alongside in a 3-man midfield. Lemina has been a bright spot for Juve this season, while Pogba has left a lot to be desired with his recent performances.

The attacking duo sounds more exciting than the midfield on paper: Alvaro Morata and Paulo Dybala are confirmed to start up front which sounds like the right choice. Morata scored the winning goal versus Man City, so he’ll be expected to come up big again.


Probable lineup 3-5-2:

Buffon; Barzagli, Bonucci, Chiellini; Cuadrado, Khedira, Lemina, Pogba, Evra; Morata, Dybala


Injuries:

Marchisio (thigh), Lichtsteiner (breathing difficulties), Mario Mandzukic (thigh)


Suspended:

Caceres (dropped from the squad)



 

  Sevilla

Sevilla, like Juventus, have had more success in their one Champions League outing than they really have had in the domestic league. Sevilla won their game this weekend versus Rayo Vallecano, 3-2, but that was actually their first La Liga win of the season. Prior that win, they had lost two straight to Celta Vigo and Las Palmas.

They did, however, defeat Borussia Monchengladbach 3-0 in the first group stage matchday. Granted two goals were from penalties, this was still a big victory. They’re also coming back to Turin for the first time since the 2014 Europa League final – this was the one that Juventus could have been in, had we not lost to Benfica – where they beat Benfica on penalty kicks.

Finally, Sevilla have two ex-Juve players on their roster – Ciro Immobile and Fernando Llorente. Neither have been very good this year, though Llorente has scored one goal. Ex-Milan Adil Rami is also on their side, so we may see a third familiar face *

* Update – Llorente hasn’t made included in the squad to face Juventus due to an injury, Rami is also a doubt.


Probable lineup 4-2-3-1:

Rico, Coke, Andreolli, Kolodziejczak, Trémoulinas; Krychowiak, N’Zonzi; Reyes, Iborra, Krohn-Dehli; Gameiro


Injuries:

Beto, Adil Rami, Daniel Carrico, Nico Pareja, Ever Banega, Gael Kakuta, Sergio Escudero, Sebastián Cristóforo


Suspended:

None


 

Formation

[Socrates 8523]

JUVENTUS - SEVILLA

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Matchday 2
Wednesday, September 30th, 2015 - 08:45 P.M.
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee:‬ Jonas Eriksson (Sweden)

Juventus will take time to find Serie A
winning form after poor start to season

http://www.espnfc.co.uk/blog/tactics-and-analysis/67/post/2637267/juventus-struggles-will-challenge-max-allegri?

Sep 29, 2015

Even if you haven't watched a single Juventus game this season, you can probably guess why they're currently struggling.

The departure of Andrea Pirlo robbed Juventus of their heartbeat. He was their metronomic, deep-lying playmaker whose arrival in 2011 coincided with the move to a new stadium, the appointment of Antonio Conte as coach and the start of a new winning cycle -- and four straight Scudetti.

The departure of Arturo Vidal robbed Juventus of arguably the world's best all-rounder footballer. The Chilean recorded sensational goal-scoring figures but was also a prolific tackler, crucial in helping press high up the pitch. Then there was the departure of Carlos Tevez, which robbed Juventus of their best creator and their most prolific goal scorer at the same time. He was the man who turned Juve from an incomplete team into a complete team when joining in 2013.

It was difficult for Juventus to experience this sudden, enforced revolution when their coach was Max Allegri. Hugely successful in his first season, Allegri was nevertheless regarded -- maybe slightly harshly -- as someone who maintained a winning side rather than built a winning side as he'd done at Milan. After these early season struggles, that reputation persists.

Juve recruited well in the summer, adding players who have great experience in top-level competitions as well as players who will develop and become outstanding in the future. Nevertheless, few could have expected their start to the current campaign would be this difficult. While it's still early days and this side will almost certainly launch a title challenge, Juventus have just five points after six games of the Serie A season.

Considering a large part of Juve's game plan over the past four seasons was about dominating the centre of the pitch and commanding possession, the departure of Pirlo, Vidal and Tevez is an enormous blow. Because it has ripped out the spine of a very strong side, Allegri basically needs to completely reconstruct the team and ensure he provides the qualities that trio offered, rather than replacing them as individuals. So far, it hasn't gone well.

Starting with the positives, Paulo Dybala has looked lively and has the potential to eventually become that Tevez figure. Clever with his movement, blessed with a burst of pace and happy to link with others rather than always going for goal directly, he can't be blamed for the malaise.

Injuries have also played a part. Sami Khedira hasn't played a single minute for Juventus, and it will be interesting to see how Allegri uses him when he does return. He could offer some of Vidal's qualities, being a naturally energetic and mobile shutter, even if a more defensive version. However, his fitness issues mean that a more defensive role might make sense; he could anchor the midfield.

On that note, the injury suffered by Claudio Marchisio has arguably been even more problematic. Although briefly pushed out of the side by Paul Pogba's rise, Marchisio reinvented himself in a deeper role during Pirlo's injury absence last season. This was perfect when Pirlo decided to leave -- they were promoting from within and depending upon a player who understood the culture of the club. But Marchisio has managed only 45 minutes of action in 2015-16.

When both return, Allegri will be forced to make a big decision about how to use these two. Marchisio is the obvious Pirlo replacement but there's an argument that Pirlo is such a unique player, you shouldn't try to replace him. Instead, Khedira might be better anchoring the midfield, with Marchisio shuttling forward from a more natural position higher up the pitch.

Their absence has made the role of Hernanes more important but he's been extremely underwhelming since his summer arrival. The Brazilian was often outstanding with Lazio (less so in a dysfunctional Inter side) but is widely recognised as a hugely talented, selfless distributor capable of playing the ball expertly with both feet. On paper he can play various midfield roles well although in reality, it means managers often don't know what to do with him.

Hernanes isn't really a No. 10. He doesn't like receiving the ball with his back to goal or even on the half-turn, instead wanting to come deep, orchestrate play and hit passes to players who can make things happen. It's difficult to find a comparable footballer because he doesn't fit into a template, and that's difficult for a side trying to replace specific individuals. He's not a deep-lying playmaker either, maybe more of a No. 8 than a 6 or a 10.

It's a genuine dilemma because Juve's creativity has usually come from deep (Pirlo) or from high (Tevez), and the players on the outside of the diamond or midfield trio have been about energy to offset the traditional defensive qualities that Pirlo lacked. In truth, Hernanes doesn't yet feel like a Juve player. The likes of Roberto Pereyra, Mario Lemina and Stefano Sturaro, who have also been involved in various roles this season, are the type of hard-working players who will suit the club better despite not being as talented.

Then there's Pogba, Juve's new No. 10 but one simply unaccustomed to being the main man. Even when Pogba was performing at a level comparable to any midfielder in Europe, it still felt like a bonus. Pirlo was the architect, Vidal the terrier, Tevez the creator. Pogba was providing a bit of everything but with no primary responsibility for one thing. Now it feels like he has primary responsibility for everything, and that seems too much.

Allegri has also used a variety of formations (4-3-1-2, 4-3-3, 3-2-5) in an attempt to find the right balance, and he did something similar last season when Juve were on fire. Nevertheless, it's the difference between a side comfortable in various systems and a side not comfortable in any.

Ultimately, Juventus don't need to panic. There's plenty of time to make up lost ground in the league but even when Marchisio and Khedira return, it's still difficult to know whether Allegri will know his best side. Expect plenty of trial and error over the next couple of months because this is a complex equation that will take time to solve.

[Socrates 8523]

JUVENTUS - SEVILLA

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Matchday 2
Wednesday, September 30th, 2015 - 08:45 P.M.
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee:‬ Jonas Eriksson (Sweden)

Juventus V Sevilla — Team News,
Tactics, Lineups And Predictions

http://www.thehardtackle.com/2015/juventus-v-sevilla-team-news-tactics-lineups-and-predictions/?

Sep 29, 2015

In perhaps the ‘Group of Death’ in this season’s competition, match day two features two sides who emerged victorious from the opening week. The team getting a positive result here will be in a very strong position to avoid a disappointing finish in this tough group. Juventus are struggling in the league with only 5 points in their first 6 games. Last weekend they lost against Napoli and if things don’t improve fast they will find it really difficult to climb up the table to get into the Champions League for the next season. They opened their group stage in the Champions League this year with an impressive 2-1 away win against Manchester City. They were one goal down at the City of Manchester Stadium after an own goal from Chiellini. However, Mario Mandzukic and Alvaro Morata turned things around giving the Italians all 3 vital points.

Sevilla, similarly, have played 6 games in La Liga and have only 5 points on the board. Last weekend’s 3-2 win over Rayo Vallecano was Sevilla’s first in the league this season, following defeats against Atletico Madrid, Celta Vigo and Las Palmas in their opening five fixtures. They really needed the win as they will now play Juventus in the Champions League and Barcelona in La Liga. Struggle in La Liga doesn’t mean the same in the European Cups. The Europa League winners started their Champions League campaign in good style beating Borussia Mönchengladbach 3-0. Gameiro, Banega and Konoplyanka scored in that game and will hope to continue doing the same in Turin.


Team news and tactical brief

Juventus

For the match, Allegri will be without Croatian striker Mario Mandzukic, after he sustained a thigh injury against Genoa just over a week ago. However, the under-pressure coach may have a few selection headaches in determining his best eleven. Mario Lemina and Alvaro Morata should get the nod ahead of Simone Padoin and Simone Zaza respectively. There is good news for Juventus, as not only Lichtsteiner, but also Sami Khedira has finally returned to first team training; but it is uncertain whether he will be fit enough to play against the reining Europa League champions.

The Bianconeri have endured a turbulent start to the Serie A season, but managed to secure an inspired 2-1 come-from-behind win against English heavyweights Manchester City on the first matchday. Allegri will be hoping for a similar showing from his players to maintain their unbeaten status in the competition and is desperate for a win against the Andalusian outfit which will reignite their Serie A campaign.


Probable Starting Lineup (3-5-2)

Buffon; Barzagli, Bonucci, Chiellini; Cuadrado, Lemina, Pogba, Pereyra, Sandro; Dybala, Morata

 

Sevilla
The first club to qualify for the Champions League as Europa League winners, Wednesday night’s opponents Sevilla boast an impressive European pedigree, a talented manager and a squad with extensive big-game experience. Following the summer departures of Carlos Bacca and Aleix Vidal as well as Geoffrey Kondogbia, Ivan Rakitic and Federico Fazio in previous seasons, Emery’s squad building skills have been put to the test once more.
If his side’s 3-0 triumph over Borussia Monchengladbach on Matchday 1 and August’s epic 5-4 defeat to Barcelona in the UEFA Super Cup are anything to go by though, the coming campaign promises to be just as entertaining as the last, for the Sevilla faithful. In a busy close-season of transfer activity, Yevhen Konoplyanka, Ciro Immobile, Gael Kakuta and Fernando Llorente have joined the club’s attacking ranks and when in form, boast of the versatility and pace to threaten any defence. Further back, defenders Adil Rami, Marco Andreolli and midfielders Grzegorz Krychowiak and Steven N’Nonzi will provide the solidity and muscle to allow adventurous wing-backs Benoit Tremoulinas and Andujar Coke to roam forward. Gaël Kakuta and Sergio Escudero (muscle injuries) are doubtful for the trip to Turin; Éver Banega (knee), Fernando Llorente , Daniel Carriço (hamstring) and Rami (adductor) are out.


Probable Starting Line-up (4-2-3-1):

Rico; Coke, Andreolli, Kolodziejczak, Tremoulinas; Krychowiak, N’Zonzi; Reyes, Iborra, Konoplyanka; Gameiro


Key Facts

Juventus are on a 13-match unbeaten home run in the UEFA competition, dating back to a 2-0 loss to FC Bayern München in April 2013. Their record in Turin in last term’s UEFA Champions League was W5 D1 L0.

Their overall home record against Liga opposition is W13 D7 L2.

In winning their fourth UEFA Europa League/UEFA Cup in May, Sevilla surpassed Juventus’ three titles and became the club with most triumphs in the competition outright.


Players to Watch Out For

Alvaro Morata (Juventus)

Arriving from Real Madrid at a cost of €20 million, Morata went on to play in 45 games last season, contributing 15 goals and five assists as he became the ideal foil for Carlos Tevez and the midfielders behind them. His Champions League performances caught the eye, netting in both legs of the semi-final clash with his former club and again in the final against Barcelona. Morata scored in 4 consecutive CL games for Juve, if he scores tomorrow against Sevilla, he will equal Del Piero’s record.

Grzegorz Krychowiak (Sevilla)

The Polish international, who reportedly attracted the interest of Manchester United, Manchester City and Chelsea this summer, is a typical midfield destroyer, who likes to break up play in front of his own defence. He does the vast majority of his work in central and defensive areas, very rarely straying up the pitch. He has only been at Sevilla for a single season – after making his name in French football – but played a key role as they finished only two points off third place in La Liga last term and also won the Europa League. Krychowiak is the main ball-winner in Unai Emery’s Sevilla team, with his 82 tackles being the third highest tally of any player in the Spanish top flight last season, winning the ball at an impressive 77 per cent success rate.


Prediction

Juventus 2–2 Sevilla

With both managers, Emery and Massimiliano Allegri, committed to attacking and expansive football and both sides keen to add to their impressive opening day wins in the competition, Sevilla are sure to contribute to an exciting Wednesday night of action at Juventus Stadium.


Blast From the Past

This Champions League encounter at the Juventus Stadium will be the first official meeting between the pair. They met in a friendly previously where Juventus survived a late Sevilla fightback in the 2009 Peace Cup.
 

[Socrates 8523]

JUVENTUS - SEVILLA

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Matchday 2
Wednesday, September 30th, 2015 - 08:45 P.M.
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee:‬ Jonas Eriksson (Sweden)

Buffon: Sevilla win can right Juventus wrongs

The veteran shot-stopper believes a win for the Bianconeri can inject fresh impetus
to their season, but predicts a tough fight in the Champions League tussle.

http://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/2914/champions-league/2015/09/29/15847662/-?

Sep 29, 2015

Gianluigi Buffon has faith that Juventus can bounce back from domestic disappointment with a win against Sevilla in Wednesday's Champions League clash.

The Italian champions have struggled in Serie A thus far this term, winning only one of their first six games, but they did start their Champions League campaign with an impressive 2-1 away victory over Manchester City.

And Bianconeri captain Buffon hopes a similar result in front of their own fans versus the Europa League holders can bring fresh optimism to the club amidst their difficult moment.

"We have the opportunity to secure the leadership of this group," he told reporters ahead of the match. "A victory can often cancel out what has gone wrong in the past.

"We must be aware that we are living in the moment, without losing the desire to think big. If we are sharp and with specific emotional characteristics, we can fight it out with anyone.

"We must try, confronting each other, to give a sense of consistency to our results."

Nevertheless, Buffon expects Sevilla to provide his side with a stern test after winning their Group D opener against Borussia Monchengladbach.

"Like us, they aren't firing on all cylinders in the league, but they got a good win in their first Champions League game," the goalkeeper continued.

"It's a tough game for us. Sevilla's recent European history tells us just that."

[Socrates 8523]

JUVENTUS - SEVILLA

-

 
 

Matchday 2
Wednesday, September 30th, 2015 - 08:45 P.M.
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee:‬ Jonas Eriksson (Sweden)

Emery wary of 'top team'
Juventus despite poor form

The Serie A side have struggled so far this term but the Sevilla coach
believes they will prove a stern test in Wednesday's Champions League clash.

http://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/2914/champions-league/2015/09/29/15847742/-?

Sep 29, 2015

Unai Emery has warned Sevilla not to underestimate Juventus when they meet in Wednesday's Champions League match and expects them to put in a similar performance to that which they produced against Manchester City.

The Serie A champions have struggled to find form domestically so far this season and were beaten 2-1 by Napoli at the weekend to leave them 10 points behind league leaders Fiorentina.

However, last season's beaten Champions League finalists recorded an impressive 2-1 win away to Manchester City on matchday one of the group stage and Emery is prepared to face a similar standard in Turin.

"We are happy to be here to play against the runners-up of the world's best competition," said the Sevilla coach. "We want to compete and enjoy it. It's a big challenge for us.

"I expect the Juventus that won against Manchester City. They are a top team but there are circumstances which have led to their bad results in Serie A."

Fernando Llorente misses out on a clash with his former club due to injury, as does winger Vitolo, but Emery insists he is not simply attempting to preserve his better players for the league clash with Barcelona on October 3.

"Vitolo and Llorente didn't travel because they can't play," he explained. "We're only thinking of this Champions League match, not on our next clash against Barcelona.

"We are focused 100 per cent on this competition now and I will use my best 11."

Midfielder Grzegorz Krychowiak admits Juve boast a strong squad but he has stressed the Europa League holders will not simply play for a point.

"I won't be satisfied with a draw, I always play to win," he said. "Both teams began the season in a bad way but Juventus are a top team with amazing players.

"We trust in our standards and we want to enjoy this match. Last year, we worked hard to play in the Champions League and now we are 100 per cent ready for this type of match."

[Socrates 8523]

JUVENTUS - SEVILLA

-

 
 

Matchday 2
Wednesday, September 30th, 2015 - 08:45 P.M.
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee:‬ Jonas Eriksson (Sweden)

Sami Khedira will make his Juventus
debut against Sevilla on Wednesday

http://www.blackwhitereadallover.com/2015/9/29/9419207/sami-khedira-will-make-his-juventus-debut-against-sevilla-on-wednesday

Sep 29, 2015

Following the news that Sami Khedira retuned to training on Sunday, the natural question floating around in your head would have probably been "So when is he going to come back to the field?" or something along those lines. Just 48 hours later, we got the answer to the question we probably continued to ask ourselves.

Juventus manager Max Allegri announced at his pre-match press conference that Khedira isn't just included in the match day squad, but will start on Wednesday against Sevilla in the Champions League. Who knows how much of it has to do with Juve looking for any kind of spark, but that's what went down as Allegri and Gigi Buffon answered questions from the press on Tuesday evening. Here are the exact words that Allegri had to say at his pre-match press conference:

"Khedira will start the game. He's got international experience and even if he may not be able to last the entire 90, he's ready and raring to go. He'll be joined by Buffon, Bonucci, Barzagli, Chiellini, Cuadrado, Pogba, Evra, Morata and Dybala. The last player I'll keep to myself for the time being."

(Source: juventus.com)

This is big for more than one reason.

The first one is obvious, and that's the fact that Allegri has not only included Khedira in the match day squad, but come out and right away that he's starting. Like Max said, Khedira might not be able to play 90 minutes right now, but there's a pretty good indication that he has enough match fitness to play from the start.

The second one is Allegri essentially through out 10 out of 11 players in his starting lineups. You got the 3-5-2 formation basically laid out, with Barzagli, Bonucci and Chiellini all included. We get the Dybala-Morata partnership, so that's cool. The one battle that's left is for the final starting spot in the center of the midfield. Will Allegri stick with the hot hand and play Mario Lemina? Or is it a starting spot for Hernanes or Roberto Pereyra?

As much as Max thought he made it easy on us this time, there's still one starting spot to worry about. He's always a man of mystery when it comes to his starting lineup, so even tough he's guaranteed the vast majority of who's playing Wednesday, he's still got one more piece of uncertainty hanging around. So as much as Allegri is going to let us off the hook when it comes to predicting the starting XI, we still get to argue about one thing. Good for us, right?

[Socrates 8523]

JUVENTUS - SEVILLA

-

 
 

Matchday 2
Wednesday, September 30th, 2015 - 08:45 P.M.
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee:‬ Jonas Eriksson (Sweden)

Juventus need cohesive performance
against struggling Sevilla

http://www.espnfc.co.uk/club/juventus/111/blog/post/2638863/juventus-seeking-cohesion-vs-sevilla-in-champions-league?

Sep 30, 2015

Group D in the Champions League was thought to be the group of death. Not only did it boast a team from each of Europe's top four leagues, but tacticians who understood the game and what their players needed in order to ensure success. Or so we thought.

On Wednesday night, Juventus, European runners-up, host Europa League winners, Sevilla, and what was meant to be a scintillating game. Now, it is nothing more than a match between two sides suffering with the pressure of expectations. The Andalusian side, who demonstrated confidence and unity last season, drew praise from the continent for their ability to rotate with ease while maintaining success. With Carlos Bacca scoring the goals and players such as Ever Banega providing the creativity, the Spaniards were applauded for their ability to always scout and nurture talent, while manager Unai Emery was credited for his tactical wisdom and great understanding of the game.

With so many players having departed, Los Rojiblancos now look like a broken side that is not only struggling to score goals, despite a heavy number of shots on goal, but they have conceded with such ease that several are questioning the previously unquestionable talents of Director of Football, Monchi and coach Emery.

The fourth-best team in La Liga when it comes to taking shots on goal, Sevilla have only scored five goals in six games, demonstrating the ineffectiveness of the forward line. So far neither Ciro Immobile nor Fernando Llorente, two former Juventus players, have lived up to their perceived expectations. Only three sides have scored less. To make matters worse, the fragility of their defence has meant that the side have shipped 10 goals. Again, only three sides have managed worse.

Both Emery and Massimiliano Allegri's side possess similar problems. Both squads are attempting to deal with the departures of great players, while attempting to embed the different talents of their new arrivals. Both sides are suffering to find a playing identity due to the attempts to cope with the high number of injuries, and both teams are now playing with nerves when confidence was once quoted as the reason behind their brilliant success.

While few truly believe that last year's Europa League winners are better off without their impressive coach, many in Italy are now starting to feel that Allegri is responsible for the fall of the great Old Lady. Bizarre choices in personnel, a cautious attitude when courage is required and the failure to build consistency in a squad struggling for fluidity are the reasons why Juventus are struggling.

Of course, when it comes to Europe, the Bianconeri have already managed a win to take the pressure off, thanks to playing a Manchester City side where European inconsistency is the only consistent thing about the Premier League side. Barring the tactical masterstroke of the coach in that particular game, Allegri has since disappointed many.

The Juve tactician worked wonders with a squad he inherited, one full of confidence and a clear identity. While no one can negate his ability to perfect a playing style that led to so much success, few believe in the coach's ability to build a successful team from scratch -- one with new players requiring that winning mentality. Overcoming this challenge will be this tactician's real test.

He has indeed been dealt a setback with the many injuries, but forcing a team struggling to understand the Juve game, playing up to eight different formations across all competitions, is only exacerbating the problem. Not only does the squad require consistency but certain players require continuity in order to improve and learn how to play as a unit. Right now, Juventus simply look like a collection of individuals attempting to win the game on their own.

Against Napoli, Allegri failed to deploy a side that specifically targeted the weaknesses of the opponent, while simultaneously using the strengths of his own players. Failing to create real attacking danger, it's important the coach rectifies this issue when the team host the Andalusians in the Champions League.

For one thing, it's vital for the Old Lady to maintain possession and play with confidence. Emery's men struggle without the ball, and it seems that they easily surrender to their nerves when frustrated. While the Spaniards are accustomed to playing every three days, Emery conceded that he doesn't have the players required to compete at all levels, explaining that with the Europa League, the team could win despite playing at a lower level. The Champions League requires exceptional performances and that has taken its toll on the side.

This is the time for Juve to take advantage of a side in difficulty, one that isn't accustomed to such pressures and has managed only one win in the league thus far. While Allegri's men possess similar statistics, this is a chance to prove that superior talent will prevail, as will the experience of playing at such high levels throughout the year.