Juventus Season 2015-2016

[Socrates 8522]

JUVENTUS - SEVILLA

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

UEFA Champions League Preview: Juventus vs. Sevilla —
The magical mystery tour continues

Juventus once again have the chance to right the wrongs of their horrid domestic campaign on the European
stage. They got the win against Manchester City, can they do the same against Sevilla on Wednesday?

http://www.blackwhitereadallover.com/2015/9/30/9407557/juventus-sevilla-2015-uefa-champions-league-group-stage-preview-team-news-schedule

Sep 30, 2015

Here we sit, a little over a month into the season, with confused looks on our collective faces. We're wondering what, exactly, this Juventus team will be on a game-to-game basis, with the final result really anybody's guess at this point. We can say Juventus has as many wins in Europe as they do in Italy — which is something you don't want to say after six Serie A games.

In other words, this season has been weird. Really, really weird. Not funny weird where you see your team do odd things yet completely crush the competition at the same time. No, this is the definition of weird where you can't figure a damn thing out. And it continues to be weird. "Normal" does not exist in our current Juventus world — unless you consider Juve stumbling to do anything right as "normal" these days. (Which is obviously a distinct possibility these days.)

The one thing we can hang our collective hats on? Juventus actually played well in Europe the first time out.

The bad thing? We don't know how the hell they're going to play the next time they're in Europe.

So, this is the reality of what being a Juventus supporter is these days. From one game to the next, it's really a complete mystery as to what team will show up. You can say that regarding just about any team heading into any game, but this is even more of the case when we look at Juventus and the hodgepodge of results they've had this season.

L-L-D-W-W-D-L

That's Juventus' form guide in all competitions this season. Like I said, absolute hodgepodge. It's anybody's guess how Juventus will play on Wednesday night against Sevilla. There might be the one that has struggled to get anything going in Serie A. There might be the moments of brilliance like there were to get the win against Manchester City.

But, the problem is, we've seen more of the first option rather than the second option. And we don't know when it will change or when this new-look squad will click in totality.

JuventusFC ✔ @juventusfcen
.@OfficialAllegri: "The positives? We've shown three strong performances - Lazio, City, Genoa. These need to become the norm."


GOOD NEWS

One of Juventus' two wins this season has come in the Champions League. Hey, there's a good thing right there, right?


BAD NEWS

Fernando Llorente is injured and therefore hasn't made the trip to Turin with his teammates to see many of his former teammates. That means we won't get to see his smiling face at Juventus Stadium on Wednesday. I guess we should be on the lookout Twitter-wise when it comes to Llorente selfies. Vamos!


WHAT TO WATCH FOR

1. Can Paul Pogba be Paul Pogba again?

When Juventus took the field against Manchester City, Pogba was one of the best players there. I'm not just talking about the amount of pure skill in his body, but the way he played in the game. It was Pogba's one shining moment of the young season, a game where he was arguably the most important player in a Juventus jersey not named Gianluigi Buffon. He was the Pogba we envisioned him being when he took over the No. 10 jersey. He delivered a super game and a super assist to help Juve tie the game 1-1 on Mario Mandzukic's sliding volley. With so many injuries, Juventus obviously need Pogba to be the player he was in Manchester, not the one he's been for the other part of Juve's early-season schedule. That's as well know of a fact as well-known facts get.


2. How will Sami Khedira play in his first Juventus start?

Out of all the quotes from Allegri's press conference on Tuesday, Khedira being included in the match day squad and starting lineup was obviously one of the more important ones. We haven't seen Khedira in an actual Juventus match since he suffered his hamstring injury in the friendly against Marseille on the first day of August. Since then, all Khedira has been doing is try to rehab as quickly as possible to put himself in position to contribute to this team. Now he's here, so what should we expect? Well, Allegri was quick to point out two things on Tuesday. One, Khedira might not have 90 minutes worth of stamina in his legs right now. And two, that Khedira is so freakin' experienced in the Champions League it's quite valuable. How will one help the other? We'll just have to wait and see on that one, boys and girls.


3. The Paulo Dybala-Álvaro Morata partnership.

Juventus may not be playing very well right now, but this is something I am seriously looking forward to. This is the attack of Juve's future. And if you're here to tell me Morata is going to go back to Madrid next summer, save it for now. Dybala and Morata, all of 21 and 22 years of age, respectively, haven't played alongside each other much this season. But they are two of the leading forces in what Juventus' potential can be. It's not there yet, obviously, but potential is potential, and we will eat it up every single time. That's why Dybala and Morata starting alongside one another is such a big deal. There's the potential for them to do lots of things and create many goals. And if they want to create a couple of goals against Sevilla, I'm all for it. Juventus need a spark, and these are certainly a pair of strikers who are capable of doing just that in droves.


4. Who's the third midfielder Allegri will choose to start in midfield?

Short answer: I dunno.

Who I would probably choose if forced to do so: Mario Lemina.

But with Allegri naming his starting lineup sans one central midfielder, this is the predicament he has essentially put himself into. Lemina has been one of the few Juventus bright spots over the last couple of weeks. And while Allegri rightfully pointed out that Lemina has played three games in a row, it's not like he's showing the signs of being fatigued in the eyes of those of us who are thousands of miles away. Part of me thinks Allegri will side with the experience of Hernanes because that's something managers prefer to lean on during tough times. This isn't an easy decisions — especially considering the magnitude of this Sevilla matchup. At least Max wants to keep some kind of mystery with his starting lineup, I guess.


My starting XI (3-5-2):

Gianluigi Buffon; Andrea Barzagli, Leonardo Bonucci, Giorgio Chiellini; Juan Cuadrado, Mario Lemina, Sami Khedira, Paul Pogba, Patrice Evra; Álvaro Morata, Paulo Dybala

[Socrates 8522]

JUVENTUS - SEVILLA

-

 
 

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

Sami Khedira set for Juventus debut,
Stephan Lichtsteiner ruled out

http://www.espnfc.co.uk/juventus/story/2639278/sami-khedira-set-for-juventus-debut-but-lichtsteiner-out?

Sep 30, 2015

Juventus coach Massimiliano Allegri has confirmed that Sami Khedira will make his Bianconeri debut against Sevilla on Wednesday night, while Stephan Lichtsteiner will miss out due to ongoing health concerns.

The German midfielder has yet to appear for Juve in a competitive match since tearing his rectus femoris muscle in his right thigh during a preseason friendly against Marseille at the start of August. He was ruled out for two months, but is expected to return a few days earlier in a timely boost for Allegri.

"Sami Khedira's not played for a long time, but he's playing tomorrow," said the Juve coach at a news conference in Turin.

"He's often made a good debut, so let's hope he will do that again. He's ready for this game. He's a top international player.

"I don't know if he can last an hour or even more, but he's going to play."

Allegri then took the extraordinary step of revealing his team to face Sevilla in the Champions League on Wednesday night.

Tired of the questions about what system he was planning to deploy in the absence of Stephan Lichtsteiner and Martin Caceres, the latter due to disciplinary reasons, Allegri said he would "make everybody happy" by revealing the names of the players he will be sending out at the Juventus Stadium.

"I'm going to keep one to myself, if you will allow me that, but the rest are Barzagli, Chiellini, Bonucci and Evra," Allegri said, before a pause in which several reporters started to put names in his head.

"Cuadrado, Khedira, Pogba -- and where are we now, the attackers? Dybala and Morata."

Allegri did not mention Gianluigi Buffon "but he's sat here next to me and knows he's playing," while the 11th name is likely to be Roberto Pereyra, with Hernanes as the alternative.

With such a selection, he is likely to revert to a 3-5-2 formation with an Italian trio at the back and Cuadrado and Evra as wing-backs.

"Are you happy now?" Allegri asked, showing no sign of the pressure he is under due to his side's poor start to the season, amid reports in the Italian papers that he has been given a month to turn things around.

JuventusFC ✔ @juventusfc
Bollettino medico, le condizioni di Lichtsteiner

His choices were somewhat forced with Lichtsteiner being referred for tests on his heart after recent dizzy spells. Although able to train with his teammates on Monday, Juve's medical staff were not convinced by his condition.

"Stephan Lichtsteiner will miss out on tomorrow evening's Champions League Group D fixture with Sevilla," read a statement on the Turin club's website.

"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."

Juve will be looking to move three points clear at the top of their group by beating the Spaniards, who started, like them, with a victory in their opening group game. The Bianconeri then face Borussia Monchengladbach home and away as they look to seal progression to the knockout stages -- their minimum objective, according to Allegri.

"I think Juventus' aim has always got to be to reach the knockout stage," he said. "Unlike in the past when you had only four teams you wanted to avoid at that stage, there are now eight. So the aim has got to be to reach the last eight, but as I've said the draw for the last 16 can be hard.

"First we've got to win the group and that's not easy. Winning the Champions League has got to be the dream, and Juve have always got to think of getting through the group stage."

[Socrates 8522]

JUVENTUS - SEVILLA

-

 
 

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

C.Zanetti: ‘Juventus still favourites’

http://www.football-italia.net/73669/czanetti-%E2%80%98juventus-still-favourites%E2%80%99?

Sep 30, 2015

Former Juventus and Inter midfielder Cristiano Zanetti believes the Bianconeri are still Scudetto favourites.

The 38-year-old won the Coppa Italia with the Nerazzurri in 2005, before switching to the Old Lady for the Serie B season in 2006-07.

“Juventus’ start to the season is just down to some unfortunate incidents, like the last-second goal against Frosinone,” Zanetti told TuttoJuve.

“Things like that are part of football, and they happen over the course of the campaign. The team was overhauled, and while the new buys are clearly good, they have to get used to playing in a team.

“I’m sorry for [sami] Khedira, who was injured, and in my opinion is a very important player. [Paulo] Dybala is a player with infinite potential, while [Mario] Mandzukic is well-established.

“It’s true that the team lost important players, but it’s also true that the signings were made in a targeted manner, and in the future we won’t be talking about that anymore, as these young players have quality.

“I’d also point out that Juventus have one of the best Coaches in Italy [Max Allegri] who knows how to develop cohesion between top players. He’s suffered a little because of the injuries.

“I wouldn’t worry, Juventus are always the favourites, regardless of this difficult spell which sees them 10 points off the top of the League. It’s a few games, it’s nothing.

“All you have to do is win two or three head-to-head and you’re back up there, and I say this because the League is more balanced than in recent years.”

Juve take on Sevilla in the Champions League tonight, and Zanetti believes it will be good to focus on something other than Serie A.

“The League is one thing, the Champions League is another. Juventus know that very well. The Bianconeri are a big team, and they’ll already have motivation for a European match.

“Perhaps this initial struggle in the League will be good for the Champions League.

“If I were Juventus, I’d look at myself and not at others. The important thing is for Juventus to be Juventus, if they do that I don’t foresee any problems.”

Finally, Zanetti named the best player he’s ever played with, and perhaps unsurprisingly he chose the Juventus captain.

“I played with a lot of strong teammates,” the former Italian international recalled.

“But I think the one who made the difference and always brought home the points was Gigi Buffon. At the end of the season he’ll have earned you seven or eight extra points which other goalkeepers can’t give you.”

[Socrates 8522]

JUVENTUS - SEVILLA

-

 
 

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

Quick thoughts on Juventus-Sevilla:
Why a 1-0 win simply isn't enough

No Excuses.

http://www.blackwhitereadallover.com/2015/9/30/9419817/juventus-sevilla-uefa-champions-league-serie-a

Sep 30, 2015

Let's put ourselves in the shoes of a Juventus player for a second.

The setting: The Juventus dressing room at Juventus Stadium minutes before the opening kickoff vs. Sevilla. The team around you is struggling for form, you're struggling for form. It's quiet; the weight of 118 years of excellence stitched into the jersey is weighing down on the room. You and the team, after stumbling to five disappointing results in the first six league matches feel as though the season may already be slipping away.

The one lifeline you and your teammates have is that superb victory in the Champions League on Match Day 1 against Manchester City. That match is a reminder of what this team is still very much capable of. You know it, your teammates around you know it.

You also know there is blood in the water Wednesday night.

A comparatively weak Sevilla team has limped into your stadium in abysmal domestic form. You know that a result is all that matters, but in the back of your head you know that a 1-0 win will do nothing for this team. No, tonight you and your teammates must make a statement. You must make a statement to the rest of Europe, you must make a statement to your fans, but most importantly a statement needs to be made for the psyche of the team.

If the ship is ever to right itself, tonight must be a massacre. In the immortal words of Antonio Conte, you and your teammates need to do whatever it takes to pull yourselves up and start being Juventus again.

There are no more excuses. Tactics, squad selection, injuries, youth, inexperience, it's all out the window. This match could very well determine the rest of the season. It will not be easy, but Sevilla can be had. Juve need to come to play and they need to blow Sevilla off the pitch. Just by looking up and down these two rosters, Sevilla doesn't even belong on the same pitch as Juventus. That fact needs to be asserted. A 1-0 win does nothing. A 1-0 win tells people, tells me, that Juve truly are weaker this year. For this team to get going, they need to ice this match inside 50 minutes.

What could be better for the team's confidence than an explosive victory in Europe on home soil in front of a starving fan base?

After seeing what Fiorentina did to Inter over the weekend, Juve have to believe they can get back into the race. But that starts with playing like they want to get back into the race. Juve can no longer sit back and just expect results; they must go and take them. If they can dismantle Sevilla that may just be the shot in the arm this side needs to spring back into contention in Serie A.

We say it all the time, "Fino alla fine," but we often forget to take in the meaning of the phrase, probably because it hasn't really been relevant in a while. Now though, "Fino alla fine" means something. It is what this season is going to come down to, a bitter fight.....until the end.

[Socrates 8522]

JUVENTUS - SEVILLA

-

 
 

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

Juventus backing Martin Caceres
after car crash - Gianluigi Buffon

http://www.espnfc.co.uk/juventus/story/2639636/juventus-back-martin-caceres-after-crash-says-gigi-buffon?

Sep 30, 2015

Juventus goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon says he and his teammates have rallied around Martin Caceres after his "mistake" on Monday night which cost him a place in the side to face Sevilla on Wednesday evening.

Caceres crashed his Ferrari in Turin and failed a breath test. The Uruguayan defender was fined by the police and had both his driving licence and his car confiscated. He faces a 180-day ban from driving and was dealt further punishment by his club.

"The conduct of Martin Caceres on the night of 28 September represents gross violation of his responsibilities as a Juventus player, as well as damaging the image of the club," read a statement on the Serie A club's website. "Juventus will thus take disciplinary action against the player in the form of a fine and his temporary suspension from the first team."

Buffon was more forgiving when he touched on the subject at Juve's prematch news conference on Tuesday.

"These things always happen, maybe just a little less when you are at a big club," Buffon said. "It's a mistake, but also a mistake by us as a group for this to happen on the eve of such an important game. Certainly it's a mistake.

"But Martin enjoys our full support. If ever you need anything, Martin's always there for you and he never lets you down. He's the first person to know he's made a mistake, and he knows that the timing was wrong.

"He's very sorry, particularly towards us. These are things that happen and you get through them. Winning games is the best way to help you forget these things in a rush."

JuventusFC ✔ @juventusfcen
.@gianluigibuffon: "We've all got full belief in Martin. He's a professional and the first to know he made a mistake."

Juventus will look to do that without Caceres on Wednesday night when they host Sevilla in their second Champions League group fixture, looking to build on a 2-1 win over Manchester City in their opener.

They may then be able to count on the defender again for their weekend clash with Bologna, when they will look to win their first league game at home this season after draws with Frosinone and Chievo and a defeat on the opening day of the season to Udinese.

[Socrates 8522]

JUVENTUS - SEVILLA

-

 
 

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

Line-ups: Juventus-Sevilla

http://www.football-italia.net/73702/line-ups-juventus-sevilla?

Sep 30, 2015

Juventus start Hernanes, Sami Khedira, Juan Cuadrado and Paulo Dybala against Sevilla in the Champions League showdown.

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

Max Allegri reached the Champions League Final last term and nearly won the Treble, but there are now many calling for his head after the worst Serie A start in almost 50 years.

The injury crisis isn’t helping, as Claudio Marchisio, Mario Mandzukic, Stephan Lichtsteiner, Stefano Sturaro, Kwadwo Asamoah and ‘suspended’ Martin Caceres are all unavailable.

Allegri took the unusual step of naming his line-up in yesterday’s Press conference, albeit leaving out one name in midfield.

That was a choice between Roberto Pereyra and Hernanes, the Brazilian getting the nod.

Sevilla are in a similar position, as they won the Europa League back-to-back – including the Final two years ago here at the Juventus Stadium in Turin – but with Carlos Bacca gone are struggling to find form in La Liga.

Ciro Immobile returns to face his former club, but is only on the bench, while Fernando Llorente, Adil Rami, Ever Banega, Daniel Carriço, Escudero, Kakuta and Vitolo are out of action.

Both sides have done markedly better in Europe this season, as Juve won 2-1 away to Manchester City and Sevilla thrashed Borussia Monchengladbach 3-0.

Now they face off for the leadership of Group D and the chance to put the crisis talk behind them for a while.


Juventus: Buffon; Barzagli, Bonucci, Chiellini; Cuadrado, Hernanes, Khedira, Pogba, Evra; Dybala, Morata

Juventus bench: Neto, Rugani, Alex Sandro, Lemina, Vitale, Pereyra, Zaza


Sevilla: Sergio Rico; Coke, Andreolli, Kolodziejczak, Trémoulinas; N'Zonzi, Krychowiak; Reyes, Krohn-Dehli, Konoplyanka; Gameiro

Sevilla bench: Soria, Mariano Ferreira, Iborra, Cristoforo, Luismi, Immobile, Juan Munoz

Ref: Eriksson (SWE)

[Socrates 8522]

JUVENTUS - SEVILLA

-

 
 

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

Marotta: 'Allegri working well'

http://www.football-italia.net/73705/marotta-allegri-working-well?

Sep 30, 2015

Beppe Marotta explained the Martin Caceres suspension and backed Max Allegri, even though “Juventus were born to win.”

Their Champions League clash with Sevilla kicks off at 20.45 CET - 19.45 UK time (18.45 GMT).

“I heard talk of systems, but every system has to be placed alongside motivation,” the director of sport told Mediaset Premium.

“Tactics and technique are important, but the mental approach is equally crucial. Football is a team sport in which there are many components and you need to respect each other.”

Allegri has been criticised and some say his job is at risk if he doesn’t turn things around quickly.

“When you are faced with unpleasant statistics like the current Serie A table, obviously the Coach is going to be the first in the dock, but those who know him as we do realise he is working well.

“We must support him, at the same time knowing Juventus were born to win, so we must work even harder. In Serie A we have time to recover.

“Am I optimistic? Of course, otherwise we’d give up.”

Caceres was suspended by the club following a car crash on Monday night, his second in as many years, and reportedly failed a breath test.

“Those who make a mistake must pay the price. We made a strong decision in a difficult moment. This club must maintain a strong image, because often it is said the squad is the reflection of the club.”

[Socrates 8522]

JUVENTUS - SEVILLA

-

 
 

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

HT 1-0: Morata surprises Sevilla

http://www.football-italia.net/73708/ht-morata-surprises-sevilla?

Sep 30, 2015

Alvaro Morata has given Juventus the half-time lead over Sevilla in a crucial Champions League clash.

Claudio Marchisio, Mario Mandzukic, Stephan Lichtsteiner, Stefano Sturaro, Kwadwo Asamoah and ‘suspended’ Martin Caceres were all unavailable, but Sami Khedira made his first competitive start after picking up an injury over the summer. Like Juve, Sevilla were struggling domestically and doing well in Europe, but missed Fernando Llorente, Adil Rami, Ever Banega, Daniel Carriço, Escudero, Kakuta and Vitolo.

Hernanes blasted an early effort wide and Paulo Dybala’s curler was just past the far top corner from a Khedira lay-off. Juan Cuadrado was causing Sevilla all sorts of problems down the right, but was flagged offside when his chip was over from six yards.

Khedira chested down the ball and got to the by-line, but the pull-back was just behind Dybala and the ex-Palermo man stumbled.

Andrea Barzagli was surprisingly playing as a right-back, but it worked because he whipped in a cross for Morata to rise above two defenders and place a precise header into the far bottom corner. It was the Spaniard’s fifth consecutive Champions League goal, equalling the club record set by Alessandro Del Piero.


Juventus 1-0 Sevilla (Half-Time)

Scorers: Morata 41 (J)

Juventus: Buffon; Barzagli, Bonucci, Chiellini, Evra; Khedira, Hernanes, Pogba; Cuadrado, Morata, Dybala

Sevilla: Sergio Rico; Coke, Andreolli, Kolodziejczak, Trémoulinas; N'Zonzi, Krychowiak; Reyes, Krohn-Dehli, Konoplyanka; Gameiro

Ref: Eriksson (SWE)

[Socrates 8522]

JUVENTUS - SEVILLA

2 - 0

Álvaro Morata (41')
Simone Zaza (87')
 
 

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

Juventus 2-0 Sevilla: Morata and
Zaza net in clinical win

The Italian outfit move into top spot in Group D with a home win over their
La Liga opponents thanks to a first half header from their in-form Spanish striker.

http://www.goal.com/en/match/juventus-vs-sevilla/2146808/report

Sep 30, 2015

Alvaro Morata made it two goals in as many Champions League games this season as he scored in Juventus’ 2-0 defeat of Seviila.

The victory was deserved after an all-action Juventus performance that barely gave Sevilla a look in, and Morata's effort saw him equal Alessandro Del Piero's record of having scored in five consecutive Champions League matches for the club.

Despite managing just one win in their first six Serie A games, Juventus are now two-for-two in the competition, Morata adding a second crucial goal to the winner he hit at Manchester City two weeks earlier.

The Spaniard rose above two defenders to score with a placed header four minutes before half-time, and Simone Zaza netted a second with a solo run and finish three minutes from the end.

Sevilla might have hoped the setting of Juventus Stadium would inspire them, following their 2014 Europa League final victory at the same venue, but the Spanish outfit were given a lesson in Champions League football by their Italian opponents.

Paul Pogba was gifted the game’s first shooting chance within 30 seconds of kick-off when played in by Morata, but the Frenchman lacked his usual composure and lofted his shot over the bar.

In a cauldron of noise, the home side started the game at a frenetic pace and Hernanes bent a shot just wide of Sergio Rico’s net with the Sevilla goalkeeper at full stretch.

The presence of Sami Khedira, making his Juventus debut, seemed to energise the home crowd and he made a good first impression when he received a pass from the marauding Juan Cuadrado and played a perfect lay-off to Paulo Dybala, who whipped a wicked, curling shot just wide from 20 yards.

Cuadrado was constantly involved, and his wing play down the right - along with that of Patrice Evra down the left - stretched Sevilla, who barely got out of their own half for much of the first period.

Juventus’ high line allowed Khedira to play in an advanced role, and he bombed into the box where he cut the ball back to Dybala, but his shot was well blocked by Marco Andreolli.

But just before half-time, Sevilla's previously steadfast defence was broken when Andrea Barzagli’s high cross found the leaping Morata, who rose above Grzegorz Krychowiak and Andreolli to place a header into the corner of the net.

There was no let-up in Juventus attacks after the break, and Dybala drew a good save from Rico when he looked to finish a brilliant, expansive passing move with a quick run and shot.

By the hour mark, the tempo had dropped, but Juventus continued to control the game, and Sevilla struggled to find Jose Antonio Reyes in attack, despite the constant energy and effort of Yevhen Konoplyanka.

A foul by Steven N'Zoni on Dybala gave Juventus a free-kick right on the edge of the box, and Dybala blasted a powerful shot that Rico could only parry away for a corner.

Dybala was denied again moments later when he slid in to meet Evra’s cross, only for Krychowiak to get there ahead of him and clear the danger.

Cuadrado stung the palms of Rico with a fierce drive from distance as Juventus used attack as an effective strategy to defend their lead, before Zaza, who came on as a substitute for Morata, broke clear and ran all of fifty yards before slotting the ball past Rico to seal a clinical victory for Juventus.

[Socrates 8522]

JUVENTUS - SEVILLA

2 - 0

Álvaro Morata (41')
Simone Zaza (87')
 
 

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

Juventus score two
to ease past Sevilla

Goals from Alvaro Morata and Simone Zaza have given Juventus
a 2-0 victory over Sevilla in their Champions League clash this evening.

http://www.sportsmole.co.uk/football/juventus/champions-league/result/result-juventus-score-two-to-ease-past-sevilla_249699.html#$nvifuo&&z+rU/me+EeWAwwqZKrvslQ$

Sep 30, 2015

Juventus started the game positively, as Paul Pogba fired a shot narrowly over the crossbar, before Morata headed over from a Pogba cross.

Sami Khedira threaded a through ball for the run of Paulo Dybala, but the Argentine narrowly missed the top corner of the net, before Juan Cuadrado sliced a shot narrowly wide.

The hosts were rewarded for their dominance on 41 minutes as Andrea Barzagli found Morata with a cross, before the former Real Madrid striker headed past Sevilla keeper Sergio Rico.

After the break Juventus continued to control proceedings as Dybala tested Rico with a low shot, before Pogba attempted a bicycle kick from a Cuadrado cross, but the French international blazed his effort over the bar.

Juventus had a penalty appeal turned down on 74 minutes, as Khedira tumbled under pressure from Sevilla defender Marco Andreolli, but the referee ignored the team's protests.

The Bianconeri wrapped up the victory on 87 minutes through substitute Zaza, who took the ball off Andreolli on the half way line, before the Italian international continued his run and placed his finish past Rico in the bottom left corner of the Sevilla goal.

[Socrates 8522]

JUVENTUS - SEVILLA

2 - 0

Álvaro Morata (41')
Simone Zaza (87')
 
 

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

Juventus 2-0 Sevilla: Bianconeri
In European Driving Seat

http://forzaitalianfootball.com/2015/09/juventus-2-0-sevilla-bianconeri-in-european-driving-seat/?

Sep 30, 2015

Juventus beat Sevilla 2-0 at the Juventus Stadium in Turin to stay at the top of UEFA Champions League Group D on Wednesday night.

Juan Cuadrado started the match on the right-hand side of the Bianconeri midfield and immediately set his sights on Sevilla’s French full-back Benoit Tremoulinas, with the Colombian international winger easily negotiating his way past the defender twice in quick succession as the hosts began the game with an attacking intent.

Massimiliano Allegri’s outfit continued to pressurise the La Liga side as first Alvaro Morata missed the target with a header before Andrea Barzagli dragged his shot wide of the upright from 25 yards.

Summer signing Sami Khedira made his debut for The Old Lady following his arrival from Real Madrid on a free transfer in June and looked assured at the base of midfield.

The breakthrough eventually came four minutes before the interval as Morata made no mistake with a header past Sergio Rico into the bottom right corner of the net following Barzagli’s pin-point cross.

Yevhen Konoplyanka finally tested Gianluigi Buffon in the Juventus goal on the stroke of half-time, the World Cup winning ‘keeper was equal to the former Inter targets routine effort.

Paulo Dybala tested Rico with a 20 yard set-piece on the hour mark after Steven N’Zonzi had fouled the Argentine forward. The lively 21-year-old came close to doubling the advantage moments later, directing Patrice Evra’s left-wing cross past the post with the aid of a deflection.

Italy international striker Ciro Immobile replaced Kevin Gamiero for Los Rojiblancos with 25 minutes remaining but failed to make a significant impact.

Cuadrado saw another goal-bound effort parried to safety before Khedira was replaced by Brazilian defender Alex Sandro after 75 minutes.

Substitute Simone Zaza sealed the result for Juventus three minutes before the end, sliding the ball under the advancing Rico to keep the Bianconeri at the top of Group D.

[Socrates 8522]

JUVENTUS - SEVILLA

2 - 0

Álvaro Morata (41')
Simone Zaza (87')
 
 

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

CL: Juventus see off Sevilla

http://www.football-italia.net/73709/cl-juventus-see-sevilla?

Sep 30, 2015

Alvaro Morata matched a Juventus record and Simone Zaza sealed a 2-0 Champions League victory over Sevilla.

Manchester City fought back (and saved a penalty) to win 2-1 away to Borussia Monchengladbach. This means Juve are top of the group on six points, Sevilla and City have three each, while the German side are on zero.

Claudio Marchisio, Mario Mandzukic, Stephan Lichtsteiner, Stefano Sturaro, Kwadwo Asamoah and ‘suspended’ Martin Caceres were all unavailable, but Sami Khedira made his first competitive start after picking up an injury over the summer. Like Juve, Sevilla were struggling domestically and doing well in Europe, but missed Fernando Llorente, Adil Rami, Ever Banega, Daniel Carriço, Escudero, Kakuta and Vitolo.

Hernanes blasted an early effort wide and Paulo Dybala’s curler was just past the far top corner from a Khedira lay-off. Juan Cuadrado was causing Sevilla all sorts of problems down the right, but was flagged offside when his chip was over from six yards.

Khedira chested down the ball and got to the by-line, but the pull-back was just behind Dybala and the ex-Palermo man stumbled.

Andrea Barzagli was surprisingly playing at times as a right-back, but it worked because he whipped in a cross for Morata to rise above two defenders and place a precise header into the far bottom corner. It was the Spaniard’s fifth consecutive Champions League goal, equalling the club record set by Alessandro Del Piero.

After the restart, a long Juve passing move was finished by Dybala’s angled drive, beaten away at the near post by Sergio Rico’s legs.

The goalkeeper also parried a Dybala free kick that pierced the defensive wall, then the ex-Palermo striker was closed down at the last second when meeting a Patrice Evra cross.

Ciro Immobile was jeered loudly by the crowd due to his past at rivals Torino. Juan Cuadrado’s snapshot stung Rico’s gloves, then the Colombian was denied by a crucial Benoit Tremoulinas block on Dybala’s chested assist.

Juventus locked down the victory late on with two of their new players combining. Dybala fought between two Sevilla defenders to win back possession and poked the pass through to send Simone Zaza running. The ex-Sassuolo striker sprinted with fresh legs from midfield and kept his cool to slide the finish past Rico.


Juventus 2-0 Sevilla

Scorers: Morata 41 (J), Zaza 87 (J)

Juventus: Buffon; Barzagli, Bonucci, Chiellini, Evra; Khedira (Alex Sandro 76), Hernanes, Pogba; Cuadrado, Morata (Zaza 80), Dybala (Rugani 88)

Sevilla: Sergio Rico; Coke, Andreolli, Kolodziejczak, Trémoulinas; N'Zonzi (Iborra 66), Krychowiak; Reyes (Munoz 79), Krohn-Dehli, Konoplyanka; Gameiro (Immobile 66)

Ref: Eriksson (SWE)

[Socrates 8522]

JUVENTUS - SEVILLA

2 - 0

Álvaro Morata (41')
Simone Zaza (87')
 

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

Juventus overwhelm Sevilla to stay
perfect in Champions League

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

Sep 30, 2015

Juventus may be struggling in Serie A but it is a different story in the Champions League with the Italian giants clinching the second win in as many games on Wednesday with a home triumph over Sevilla.

Spanish forward Alvaro Morata put the Italians ahead in the 41st minute and his replacement Simone Zaza sealed the victory with a second goal three minutes from time.

Morata, who had scored the winner in a 2-1 triumph at Manchester City in the Italian club's opening Group D game, celebrated his fifth Champions League goal in as many games at the Juventus stadium.

Juve, without six players through injury and suspension, including forward Mario Mandzukic, were the better team on the night against an out-of-form Sevilla side that tested Juventus goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon only once.

The Andalusian outfit, last season's Europa League winners, won 3-0 over Borussia Monchengladbach in their opener but in Spain's La Liga they have just a single win from six games.

Sevilla almost went behind in the opening minute when Morata fed Paul Pogba in the box but the Frenchman struck the ball over the bar.

In the ninth minute, Hernanes found space just outside the area and drilled a right-footed shot that went wide of the far post.

Paulo Dybala also went close in the 17th minute when he drilled a left-footed attempt from the edge of the box just over the bar.

Sevilla had their only shot on goal in the 34th minute. Jose Antonio Reyes' free kick had power but lacked precision and was saved by Buffon.

Juve finally scored before the interval after Andrea Barzagli's cross from the right found Morata in the box and the Spaniard headed the ball down and into the far corner of the goal to beat Sevilla goalkeeper Sergio Rico.

Juve picked up where they left off after the restart and in the 51st minute Rico was forced to clear Dybala's left-footed shot from 15 yards.

Dybala then warmed the hands of Rico with a powerful free-kick which the keeper punched away just after the hour.

Rico remained involved and kept out Juan Cuadrado's long-range attempt in the 74th minute.

Juve coach Massimiliano Allegri brought in Zaza in place of Morata with 10 minutes remaining and the move proved a success.

A fast counter-attack saw Dybala play Zaza through on goal and the Italian forward surged towards the Sevilla area before hitting a right-footed shot past a helpless Rico to wrap up the win.

Wednesday's outcome will be a big boost in confidence for a Juve side that sits 15th in the Serie A standings with just one victory and three defeats in their opening six league matches.

[Socrates 8522]

JUVENTUS - SEVILLA

2 - 0

Álvaro Morata (41')
Simone Zaza (87')

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

Dybala: 'I saw Zaza...'

http://www.football-italia.net/73711/dybala-i-saw-zaza?

Sep 30, 2015

Paulo Dybala explained his assist for Simone Zaza against Sevilla and wants to “take Juventus to the top.”

Alvaro Morata scored in the first half, while the 2-0 victory was sealed late on by Zaza.

“When I saw Zaza was running forward on his own, I hoped for the goal, as I knew with a second goal we would’ve been close to the win,” Dybala told Mediaset Premium.

“We put in a great performance and deserved to win the game.”

It was perhaps the ex-Palermo man’s best showing so far in a Bianconeri jersey.

“I have to work a great deal, because this is a team that has been accustomed to winning for quite some time. We work to play games like this. We want to take Juventus to the top and I want to continue putting in great performances.”

[Socrates 8522]

JUVENTUS - SEVILLA

2 - 0

Álvaro Morata (41')
Simone Zaza (87')

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

Morata: 'Happy for the victory'

http://www.football-italia.net/73712/morata-happy-victory?

Sep 30, 2015

Alvaro Morata was happy for his Juventus Champions League record, but “above all for the victory” over Sevilla.

The striker matched Alessandro Del Piero’s record of scoring in five consecutive Champions League games for the Bianconeri.

“I am happy to have scored a goal, but above all for the victory of the team,” Morata told Mediaset Premium.

“I haven’t been playing alongside Paulo Dybala for long, but we have an excellent rapport and spend a lot of time together off the field too with family and friends.

“Today we tried a couple of moves, we have to continue working and in the end we’ll find the right spaces.”

[Socrates 8522]

JUVENTUS - SEVILLA

2 - 0

Álvaro Morata (41')
Simone Zaza (87')

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

Max Allegri satisfied with team's
performance against Sevilla

Manager's post-match comments.

http://www.blackwhitereadallover.com/2015/9/30/9428353/allegri-satisfied-with-todays-performance-juventus-sevilla

Sep 30, 2015

Inserting Sami Khedira into the lineup and Hernanes finally playing a solid game worked wonders today for Massimiliano Allegri. Juventus maintained their 100% record in the Champions League with a 2-0 win at home against Sevilla to stay top of Group D.

Mad Max spoke to JTV after the game -

"The lads put in a good performance, tacticallly, technically and defensively. We had a very young attack with little international experience.

"Hernanes had a good game after all the criticism of his performance at Napoli, which was too bad to be real. I am satisfied.

"Sevilla are a very solid team and dangerous in attack, but when the lads are open to working hard and sacrificing themselves for the team, we can do well.

"Against Napoli we got it wrong technically, making many errors to allow lots of counter-attacks. Even then, towards the end we were still in the running for an equaliser.

"If you keep the ball it is easier to play, attack and defend. We still have to improve this aspect, but it is getting better."

In an interview with Sky Sport, he said -

"Even in the league we have done well but we could not win, now we think to Sunday.

Tonight the guys did a great match, they handled the ball well without getting caught by the result. When we are united it comes out in these games. Tonight we had a fit young team, but we can still grow.

Defense? Tonight we were perfect, allowing little. Especially in the second half. I was sure we would win, I have always been clear. But now we put away Sevilla and we think to Bologna. "

Regarding some of the criticism he has received, Allegri went on to say -

"The criticism that we received? I have no pebble to take off. I am convinced of what I do and it seems to have gotten several good results. Maybe you do not like or do not understand some of my jokes. But I am from Livorno, I can not do nothing."

Game winner Alvaro Morata also spoke to the media after he matched club legend Alessandro Del Piero's record of scoring in five consecutive Champions League games for the Bianconeri -

"I am happy to have scored a goal, but above all for the victory of the team.

"I haven't been playing alongside Paulo Dybala for long, but we have an excellent rapport and spend a lot of time together off the field too with family and friends.

"Today we tried a couple of moves, we have to continue working and in the end we'll find the right spaces."

[Socrates 8522]

JUVENTUS - SEVILLA

2 - 0

Álvaro Morata (41')
Simone Zaza (87')

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

Cuadrado: 'Happy at Juventus'

http://www.football-italia.net/73715/cuadrado-happy-juventus?

Sep 30, 2015

Juan Guillermo Cuadrado enjoyed his first victory at the Juventus Stadium and is “happy” in Turin.

The Bianconeri beat Sevilla 2-0 in the Champions League, maintaining their perfect record in the tournament.

“It was important to win and we are all happy for this performance. We played very well as a team and must continue like this,” the Colombian told JTV.

“We have to enjoy the next few hours, as from tomorrow our focus goes back to Serie A.

“It is certainly wonderful to win at the Juventus Stadium, as this was our first home victory of the season. We played very well against a great side like Sevilla, so I am happy.”

Cuadrado seems a completely different player to the one who struggled over the last six months at Chelsea.

“I was so happy from the moment I arrived and my teammates gave me a warm welcome. I have always been at the disposal of the Coach and the team.”

[Socrates 8522]

JUVENTUS - SEVILLA

2 - 0

Álvaro Morata (41')
Simone Zaza (87')

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

Allegri: 'If Cuadrado passes...'

http://www.football-italia.net/73716/allegri-if-cuadrado-passes?

Sep 30, 2015

Massimiliano Allegri noted Juventus are “learning to play at the top level” and believes Juan Cuadrado “can become unstoppable.”

The Bianconeri maintained their 100 per cent Champions League record with a 2-0 victory over Sevilla

“The lads put in a good game, but still need to read the various moments of the match,” Allegri told Mediaset Premium.

“After an intense opening 30 minutes, we should’ve controlled the tempo better, but instead got stretched out and created space for Sevilla in midfield.

“In the second half the team did better at reading the game, slowing the tempo and then accelerating at the right moment.

“This is the first step for a team that is still learning how to play at the top level.”

Allegri had been bitterly criticised following Juve’s worst Serie A start in almost 50 years, but his European record is remarkable.

“I believe in what I do. In my five years between Milan and Juve, thanks to the players at my disposal, I have achieved some decent results. If people like me is not my problem.”

Amid an injury crisis, the Coach fielded a skewed 3-5-2 with Andrea Barzagli occasionally turning into a right-back.

“Regardless of systems, it is the willingness of the players to put themselves at the disposal of the team that makes the difference. Growth also comes through bad performances, as it’s how the young players learn.”

Cuadrado was impressive in attack, although Allegri had some advice.

“He has pace and great technique when taking men on. Tonight he played better compared to his performances against Chievo and Udinese.

“He is starting to realise when to pass the ball. If he learns the timing and when to set up his teammates, he can become simply unstoppable.”

[Socrates 8522]

JUVENTUS - SEVILLA

2 - 0

Álvaro Morata (41')
Simone Zaza (87')

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

Zaza: Juventus’ Scudetto
Hopes Still Alive

http://forzaitalianfootball.com/2015/09/zaza-juventus-scudetto-hopes-still-alive/?

Sep 30, 2015

Juventus forward Simone Zaza says the club can still win the title after the Old Lady took control of their Champions League group with a 2-0 win over Sevilla on Wednesday.

The Bianconeri sit a staggering ten points off leaders Fiorentina after just six league games, but Zaza, who scored the Italian giants’ second against the La Liga side, says their performances in Europe underline their credentials when it comes to challenging for the title.

“I’d only came on as a substitute and wanted to make the most of the opportunity,” Zaza told Mediaset following the match at the Juventus stadium.

“My goal only happened as a result of Morata and Dybala tiring the opposition defenders throughout the game.

“It was my first Champions League game and the atmosphere ahead of it was not positive.

“On Sunday we have another important match, the league is not over as we’ve lost points but they are points we can recover.”

Juventus entertain Bologna on Sunday as they try to claw themselves back into the title race.

[Socrates 8522]

JUVENTUS - SEVILLA

2 - 0

Álvaro Morata (41')
Simone Zaza (87')

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

Juventus 2 - Sevilla 0: Initial
reaction and random observations

http://www.blackwhitereadallover.com/2015/9/30/9427509/juventus-sevilla-2015-uefa-champions-league-group-stage-result-final-score-initial-reaction

Sep 30, 2015

Juventus might still be struggling in Serie A to open the season, but they've got this Champions League thing figured out. And when you've got a striker like Álvaro Morata who continues to deliver on the European stage, things look a little brighter than they do when Juve faces non-Italian competition this season.

Hey, it could be worse. RIGHT, GUYS?

Morata's goal was ultimately the difference maker once again in Europe, Simone Zaza got the icing on the cake with the clock winding down and Juventus became the only club with six points out of two games in Group D with their 2-0 win over Sevilla on Wednesday in Turin. It was, for as much as Juve have struggled domestically, the second straight signature win in the Champions League.

JuventusFC ✔ @juventusfcen
Tonight sees @AlvaroMorata equal @delpieroale's record of scoring in five consecutive @ChampionsLeague games.

When you're doing things that Del Piero used to do in a Juventus jersey, you know you're doing something right.

That's the kind of tonic Juve needed. And, just like we said after the Manchester City game, that's the kind of performance we hope Juve can build off of going forward into the weekend and onward.

And it's easy to see why.

Juventus not only had the edge in possession, but they dictated a game that they desperately needed to get a positive result in. Juve had the most amount of chances, and it wasn't even close when the final whistle blew. In case you don't believe me, well, then here's the evidence right in front of you:

Juventus: 20
Sevilla: 1

That's the kind of dominance we've come to get used to with this team in previous seasons. And as much as I don't want to compare this season's team to last season, it's a pretty easy recipe to follow. You defend well, you take advantage of a couple of your best scoring chances and a win is very much in the cards.

That's exactly what happened.

Sometimes the scoreline isn't indicative of how the game went. This isn't one of those cases. It was Juventus playing arguably it's best game of the season to date. You may say, "Well, they don't have a lot of good ones to boast about!" and that's true. But this was as complete of a performance as we've seen from Max Allegri's squad this season. Allegri got the tactics right on the money, the players went out and executed it to perfection, they shut Sevilla down and got the three points.

#EuroJuve is alive and well. That's something good to talk about.

JuventusFC ✔ @juventusfcen
.@OfficialAllegri: "Delighted with the lads tonight. They showed desire to hunt for a second even after we had taken the lead."

Top of the group, man. Feels good, feels real good.


Random thoughts and observations

I know Sevilla had players out, but I'm surprised by how little they offered going forward. Gigi Buffon had to make one save, and it was easily one of the easiest saves he's had to make this season. That's it.

Even at 1-0 things looked pretty much on lock from a Juventus point of view. Maybe that's because Juve were defending as well as they have all season long. Funny how having a super defense just seems to put so many other things at ease. Andrea Barzagli, Leonardo Bonucci and Giorgio Chiellini were all great against Sevilla. That's been the backbone of Juventus in the past, and it still is.

Along the same lines as the team as a whole, we didn't have much of any kind of idea what to expect from Sami Khedira in his Juventus debut. And much like the team as a whole after the 2-0 win over Sevilla, we can firmly say that Khedira's Juventus debut was a resounding success. He proved to be exactly what the Juventus midfield needed. He brought smarts and calmness to the center of the park.

Juan Cuadrado was quite good once again. This isn't your Chelsea version of Cuadrado, folks. I'm perfectly happy to keep reminding people of that.

Make that the second straight Champions League game where Paul Pogba was really, really good. For how talented he is and how many tricks he has, it's amazing how good he can be when he simplifies things on the field. With Khedira now back and Claudio Marchisio returning soon after the international break is over, this is the best possible thing to happen to Pogba this season. You get Pogba and Khedira playing like they did against Sevilla and add Marchisio into the fold, I love the sound of that.

Ciro Immobile was the Juve fans' punching bag the second he stepped onto the field. Knowing what he's said about the club he was a primavera star at, that's not necessarily the worst thing in the world. You say stupid stuff, you gotta expect some kind of reminder about it. And that's exactly what happened.

Paulo Dybala's work on the ball on Zaza's goal was impressive for the simple reason that he shed two defenders in the 86th minute of a game where he ran his tail off, but also the fact that he had the strength to do so. We know that Dybala has the talent to become a truly special player, and the more he shows us, the more he will grow into this team. I can't wait to see the kid's development in bianconero.

Notice who was Juventus' highest-ranked player when it came to ground covered in that link above? Hernanes. Didn't expect that, did you? The one mystery in Allegri's pre-match press conference lineup announcement certainly came through with a very good game in the middle of Pogba and Hernanes.


POLL

Who was your Juventus Man of the Match against Sevilla?

28% Paulo Dybala (134 votes)
28% Andrea Barzagli (133 votes)
16% Álvaro Morata (77 votes)
16% Sami Khedira (76 votes)
5% Late addition: Juan Cuadrado (26 votes)
3% Hernanes (16 votes)
2% Leonardo Bonucci (8 votes)
2% Paul Pogba (8 votes)

478 votes total

[Socrates 8522]

JUVENTUS - SEVILLA

2 - 0

Álvaro Morata (41')
Simone Zaza (87')

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

Allegri: I always believed in Juventus

The coach revealed he was always confident in his troops against the Europa League
holders, and praised the team's solid rearguard as the basis for their victory.

http://www.goal.com/en/news/1716/champions-league/2015/09/30/15889082/-?

Sep 30, 2015

Juventus coach Massimiliano Allegri says he has ignored the criticism levelled at him in recent weeks and praised his side's defence following their 2-0 victory over Sevilla on Wednesday.

The Italian champions beat their Spanish opponents thanks to goals from Alvaro Morata and Simone Zaza to go top of Group D on maximum points despite a troubled start to their domestic season.

However, it was the rearguard's display that Allegri singled out for special praise, with the 48-year-old stating he always had confidence in himself and his team.

"I have no stone in my shoe," he told reporters after the match. "I believe in what I do; why should I worry?
"Tonight was the first step of a team that has to play at great levels. I was very happy with these guys, who want to grow and manage the game.

"Over the past five years at Juventus and AC Milan I got good results, thanks to the players. The lads put in a good performance tactically, technically and defensively.

"Sevilla are a very solid team and dangerous in attack, but when the lads are open to working hard and sacrificing themselves for the team, we can do well.

"If you keep the ball it is easier to play, attack and defend. We still have to improve this aspect, but it is getting better."

Goalscorer Morata also revealed his delight at scoring yet again in the Champions League this season, and talked up his emerging partnership with summer arrival Paulo Dybala.

"I am happy to have scored a goal, but above all for the victory of the team," the Spaniard told reporters.
"I haven’t been playing alongside Dybala for long, but we have an excellent rapport and spend a lot of time together off the field too.

[Socrates 8522]

JUVENTUS - SEVILLA

2 - 0

Álvaro Morata (41')
Simone Zaza (87')

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

TEAM RATINGS

http://www.goal.com/en/match/juventus-vs-sevilla/2146808/ratings

Sep 30, 2015
 

Juventus

1 G. Buffon - Forced into a couple of routine saves, but for the most part the experienced goalkeeper was untroubled.

15 A. Barzagli - Certainly had his hands full at the back, particularly when facing Tremoulinas, but he made several good blocks and provided the cross for Morata's goal. A good display.

19 L. Bonucci - A fine performance in the heart of defence. Cleared countless crosses, won a host of aerial duels and even played a couple of incisive passes in the final third.

3 G. Chiellini - Solid as ever. Like his partner Bonucci, the Italy international dealt easily with Gameiro in the area and made light work of most of Sevilla's deliveries.

33 P. Evra - A constant threat down the left, the Frenchman had the beating of Coke all night and delivered a number of very useful crosses.

6 S. Khedira - Given a delayed Juve debut after a thigh injury, but the German looked sharp, throwing his weight around in midfield and also providing an attacking threat a few times.

11 Hernanes - Caught the eye with a couple of lovely touches in midfield, though he was generally on the periphery of proceedings.

10 P. Pogba - Not at his absolute best, but the France star was excellent with his expansive distribution and he tracked back to make number of important tackles.

16 J. Cuadrado - A mixed bag from the Colombian. A real livewire on the ball and when running with it, but his crosses rarely met their mark.

9 Álvaro Morata - The Spaniard continued his great run in the Champions League, scoring with a well-placed header just before the break in an otherwise unspectacular performance.

21 P. Dybala - Full of effort and running, his final pass could have been better, but on the whole he was a real nuisance and he played a key role in Juve's second.


Substitutes

12 Alex Sandro - Replaced Khedira for the final 15 minutes and his only notable contribution was to be clattered by Coke.

7 S. Zaza - Given the last 10 minutes in place of Morata and wrapped things up with a cool finish late on.

24 D. Rugani - N/A


 

Sevilla

1 Sergio Rico - Continues to look a fine prospect and the 22-year-old was as assuring as ever, regularly coming out to make commanding punches and claims. Not given a chance for the goals.

23 Coke - Probably the weak point in Sevilla's defence. The right-back struggled with Evra's ventures forward and was beaten down the outside more than once.

17 M. Andreolli - It was all going so well for the centre-back on his return to Italy, but a lapse in concentration just before the break allowed Morata to head home. Otherwise he put in a good shift.

5 T. Kolodziejczak - A decent display from the Frenchman. Used his pace well and was rarely beaten in the air or on the deck, but a tame tackle late on played a big part in Zaza's clincher.

2 B. Trémoulinas - Found Cuadrado a tricky customer but was by no means out of his depth. Got forward well and provided an effective outlet, even if his crossing could have been better.

15 S. N'Zonzi - Worked hard in midfield and helped to crowd things out in the centre for long periods, but he made several rash tackles and amazingly stayed out of the referee's book.

4 G. Krychowiak - Battled away in typical fashion in midfield and surged forward to good effect a few times, but he was a little clumsy with a few passes in his own half.

10 José Antonio Reyes - One of Sevilla's better players in attack, the 32-year-old produced some lively touches and held the ball up well, but he perhaps could have looked for that killer pass more often.

7 M. Krohn-Dehli - The experienced Dane looked a threat when on the ball, but he spent more time having to track Cuadrado and he never really got near the Colombian.

22 Y. Konoplyanka - Rewarded for his winning goal at the weekend with a first start for the club, though his crossing was somewhat wayward and he did fade away badly in the final 15 minutes.

9 K. Gameiro - A lively presence in attack and he was full of running, but the Frenchman's distribution was not up to scratch on more than one occasion and he was regularly crowded out by the Juve defence.


Substitutes

8 Iborra - Took the replace of N'Zonzi with 24 minutes to go but made next to no impact whatsoever.

11 C. Immobile - On for Gameiro in the 65th minute to a chorus of jeers, the Italy international showed nothing to suggest he will be back in the national team anytime soon.

30 Juan Muñoz - The Spain Under-19 international produced a couple of fancy flicks and got in Bonucci's face. Not a huge contribution, but more than Immobile.

[Socrates 8522]

JUVENTUS - SEVILLA

2 - 0

Álvaro Morata (41')
Simone Zaza (87')

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

JUVENTUS 2-0 SEVILLA PLAYER
RATINGS CHAMPIONS LEAGUE

Juventus are top of their group following a scintillating 2-0 win over Sevilla in the Champions League.

http://www.goal.com/en/match/juventus-vs-sevilla/2146808/ratings

Sep 30, 2015
 
The Bianconeri started the stronger side from the kick off and their dominance eventually paid off when Andrea Barzagli floated a perfect cross for Alvaro Morata to head home. Sevilla tried to exert some control over the game but were hit on the counter when Paulo Dybala played a superb ball for Simone Zaza who bought the result beyond doubt.


Gigi Buffon 6.5 - Barely had anything to do tonight. Plucked a few stray crosses out of the air and was strong on Sevilla corners. A spectator.

Andrea Barzagli 7.5 - Could very easily be man of the match with a mature display at right-back, rather than centre-back. Bossed the right flank with ease, made grea runs into the Sevilla box and provided the perfect ball for Juve to open the scoring with. Exceptional.

Leonardo Bonucci 7.5 - A brilliant performance from Juve’s best defender on the night. Intercepted numerous Sevilla crosses and played some sublime crosses to get the attack moving.

Giorgio Chiellini 7.0 - A towering defensive display, kept Gameiro quiet for large spells of the game and protected the box for the entire 90 minutes with relative ease.

Patrice Evra 6.5 - Another CL game, another performance that showed exactly why he’s so important to the team. Defensively sound, he got forward whenever he could and played some great crosses into the box.

Sami Khedira 7.0 - What a difference it made to have him in the heart of the midfield. While he looked a little rusty at times, his experience showed. Hard-tackling with an eye for getting forward, his presence gave the midfield a more confident look to it.

Hernanes 6.5 - A much improved showing after a poor display at the weekend. Looked more at home tonight, regularly pushed forward and had a number of shots on goal. Drifted out of the game in the second half.

Paul Pogba 6.0 - Not back to his best but much better than in recent weeks. No flashy touches, just simple passing and intelligent runs off the ball. Improved

Juan Cuadrado 7.0 - The majority of Juve’s attacks were focussed down the right, largely thanks to his dribbling. Beat his man again and again but his delivery lacked at times. A fine game, nonetheless.

Alvaro Morata 6.5 - A good display with nothing to note until he headed home Juve’s opening goal to take his tally to 5 goals in 5 consecutive Champions League games.

Paulo Dybala 6.5 - A great display from the youngster. Nice delivery on all his set-pieces, forcing a save from the keeper more than once. Set up the goal for Zaza to secure the win. Promising


Substitutes

Alex Sandro N/A

Simone Zaza 6.5 - Looked a little off the pace but that was short-lived as he barged past the Sevilla defence to cooly finish past Rico.

Daniele Rugani N/A

[Socrates 8522]

JUVENTUS - SEVILLA

2 - 0

Álvaro Morata (41')
Simone Zaza (87')

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

JUVENTUS 2-0 SEVILLA
CHAMPIONS LEAGUE MATCH REPORT

http://www.goal.com/en/match/juventus-vs-sevilla/2146808/ratings

Sep 30, 2015
 

5 Positives

1. Sami Khedira returns – What a difference it makes to have an experienced midfielder back in the starting XI. He was a little rusty at times, but he pushed forward when he could to put pressure on the Sevilla back line and he tackled hard in the centre of the pitch to win the ball back. A great return to action

2. Andrea Barzagli as right-back – 34 years old and he still has the ability to surprise. A brilliant performance at right-back, great overlapping runs and a good understanding with Cuadrado that allowed them to exploit the right-flank. Provided the assist for the opening goal. Excellent

3. Bonucci, Bonucci, Bonucci – Defensively dominant but it was his distribution that really caught the eye. Played some sublime crosses that offered another dimension to the Juve attack.

4. Tactics – Allegri got things perfect tonight. The formation changed when Juve were in and out of possession, switching from a 4-3-3 to an occasional 3-5-2 when needed. Bravo Mister !

5. Simone Zazazazaza ! – I know many don’t rate the guy, and it’s alright not to like him, but he does what he does with ease. Bullied the defence to score Juve’s second and seal the result. A battering ram of a striker for those nights when you can’t pick the lock.


Statistics

Man of the Match: Andrea Barzagli

Flop of the Match: N/A

Corners: 3

Pass Accuracy: 90%

Shots on Target: 6

Total Shots: 20

Ball Possession: 54%

Formation: 4-3-3

 

Formation

Lineups:

Juventus: Buffon; Barzagli, Bonucci, Chiellini, Evra; Khedira (Alex Sandro 76), Hernanes, Pogba; Cuadrado, Morata (Zaza 80), Dybala (Rugani 88)

Sevilla: Sergio Rico; Coke, Andreolli, Kolodziejczak, Trémoulinas; N’Zonzi (Iborra 66), Krychowiak; Reyes (Munoz 79), Krohn-Dehli, Konoplyanka; Gameiro (Immobile 66)

Ref: Eriksson


Poll

Who was your man of the match against Sevilla

Barzagli 31%
Khedira 19%
Cuadrado 17%
Dybala 16%
Morata 9%
Bonucci 3%
Hernanes 3%
Pogba 2%
Evra 1%
Buffon 0%
Chiellini 0%

Votes 107

[Socrates 8522]

JUVENTUS - SEVILLA

2 - 0

Álvaro Morata (41')
Simone Zaza (87')

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

Unai Emery after Juventus defeat:
Sevilla beaten by a great team

The Basque coach hopes the return of key players from injury in the coming weeks
will improve his side's fortunes after they were easily beaten in Turin on Wednesday.

http://www.goal.com/en/news/1716/champions-league/2015/10/01/15893022/-?

Oct 1, 2015
 
Unai Emery admitted his Sevilla side are on a learning curve after they lost 2-0 to Juventus in their second Champions League Group D fixture.

Having beaten Borussia Monchengladbach 3-0 to get their European campaign off to a flying start, Sevilla were brought back down to earth with a bump as they registered just one shot against a Juventus side that dominated from start to finish.

Like Juve, Sevilla have started their domestic league season in poor form, and Emery called for patience as his new players settle in and others recover from injury.

"Things went fairly well," he said. "We didn't have many scoring opportunities, granted, but there were improvements, and those obviously were not enough against a great side like Juventus.

"When it was 0-0, we were at least holding out against Juve, but the moment we came under pressure, this great side obviously took advantage."

Emery's side has been ravaged by injuries early in the campaign and nine players missed the trip to Juventus, but the coach remains confident fortunes will improve as the campaign progresses.

"We have won one and lost one," he said. "There are another four games in this group and we will aim to play them as well as we can. With new players it takes more time for them to settle, especially with some of them injured.

"I am optimistic and am working towards improvement.”