Juventus Season 2015-2016

[Socrates 8523]

INTER - JUVENTUS

0 - 0

 
 
 

MATCHDAY 8
Sunday, October 18th, 2015 - 8:45 PM
Giuseppe Meazza Stadium - Milan
Referee: Paolo Valeri

Allegri explains Juve choices

http://www.football-italia.net/74517/allegri-explains-juve-choices?

 
Oct 18, 2015
 
Max Allegri explained his tactical choices against Inter and assured “Juventus will definitely challenge for the Scudetto.”

The Bianconeri picked up a 0-0 draw at San Siro in the Derby d’Italia.

“We needed the same determination in attack that Andrea Barzagli had when defending. We lack goals, a team like ours cannot score so few goals after eight rounds,” the Coach told Sky Sport Italia.

“We have to improve on the timing of runs and passes, but let’s also not forget that I’ve only had the full squad for two days. It was a decent performance in the circumstances.”

Allegri was asked about his surprise decision to start Simone Zaza rather than Paulo Dybala.

“Of those who returned from South America, only Juan Cuadrado started because his characteristics are unique.

“I thought Zaza did very well and proved he belongs at Juventus. He caused problems for the Inter defenders and worked hard for the team.

“Alvaro Morata has the qualities to play with anyone. I think Dybala will have to transform, and is already doing so, into a trequartista or support striker when against teams that are locked down. He’s getting there, but with harder work than he’s used to is less sharp when reaching the goal.

“Mario Mandzukic is strong when there are players on his sides providing service, while Zaza is better at attacking the space.”

Paul Pogba was again far from his old self in midfield, so is the Number 10 jersey weighing on him?

“Paul has some very specific characteristics, he’s a box to box midfielder. At the moment his timing is a little wrong and it’s a lot busier with a traffic jam in midfield.

“He is only 22 years old, but in order to bring quality, he needs to maintain intensity throughout the full 90 minutes.”

Juventus sit in 14th place with nine points from eight rounds, below Milan, Genoa and Palermo.

“I don’t know if we’ll win the Scudetto, but we will definitely get back into the race. That’s for certain. I don’t want us to get caught up in the anxiety of the situation now, as there’s a long way to go.

“The plan is to be challenging by the start of March and then we’ll see about a final push. Getting one point here doesn’t move the table much, but it stops Inter breaking away, we kept a clean sheet and put in a strong performance.

“Once again, we have to realise a team that scores nine goals in eight games cannot win the Scudetto, so we’ve got to improve our finishing.”

 

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

[Socrates 8523]

INTER - JUVENTUS

0 - 0

 
 
 

MATCHDAY 8
Sunday, October 18th, 2015 - 8:45 PM
Giuseppe Meazza Stadium - Milan
Referee: Paolo Valeri

Juventus 0 - Inter Milan 0: Initial
reaction and random observations

http://www.blackwhitereadallover.com/2015/10/19/9564191/juventus-inter-milan-2015-serie-a-round-8-derby-d-italia-final-score-result-initial-reaction

 
Oct 18, 2015
 
Like all good managers do, Max Allegri sought answers at halftime to try fix what went wrong in the first half and get his team a positive result. And the product of those changes saw Allegri's team flying out of the break, with the second half clearly belonging to the team in black and white stripes, not black and blue ones.

They created chances, they defended well, and for good portion of the 45 or so minutes in the second half on Sunday night, they dictated the pace of the game. It was what you want your team to do in a game they truly have the chance to win.

Except that goal they were clearly seeking in the second half never arrived. There were chances — some went well wide while others, like Sami Khedira's second-half chance just outside the six-yard box, went clanging off the upright. It was a game Juventus could have and maybe should have won, yet the end result was a scoreless draw against Inter at the San Siro.

Not exactly the worst result in the world, but not the best way to quickly erase the terrible start to the Serie A season.

That means Juventus head into this latest post-international break flurry of games in 14th place, one point behind Milan. Allegri is still saying Juventus will be in the Scudetto mix, and with more than two-thirds of the season still remaining, there's plenty of time to turn this thing around. Throw in the fact that three of Juventus' eight league games have been at Inter (third place), at Napoli (fifth place) and at Roma (second place), and it's not exactly like the schedule has helped them out at all.

HOWEVER...

As much as this can be considered a a decent result, Juve could have won it. And that's the frustrating part. If Khedira shoots the ball 12 inches to the right, we're not talking about another draw. Nope, we'd all be hyped because Juve just beat Inter and silenced the San Siro for another season.

Instead, we're sitting here with the "What if..." thoughts surging through our heads once again. I hate those kind of thoughts, man. Especially when Juve play well enough against a good team to get the win.

JuventusFC ✔ @juventusfcen
.@OfficialAllegri: "We needed to be a bit more ruthless up front, in the way that @andreabarzagli2 was at the back tonight."

I mean, watching Andrea Barzagli play the way he did against Inter, then it's a perfect statement. If Juventus had been as good up front as Barzagli was in defense, we're talking about three points going back to Turin, not this team still being stuck ranked in the teens in the Serie A standings. That's a pretty easy one to figure out.


Random thoughts and observations

In baseball they have a saying about players who get hurt and stay in or come into the game in the late innings: "The ball is going to find you right away." The same could be applied to Gigi Buffon after he tweaked his calf in the first half. And just a few moments after the initial injury, Buffon was called into action and made the best save of the day as he went flying to his left to keep Inter off the scoreboard.

Injuries can't even keep Buffon from making world-class saves. He's just a joy to watch.

Paul Pogba didn't have a great game, but this run was absolutely incredible.

This was not a foul on a player who already had a first-half yellow. Cool refereeing, man.

I would like to assume Allegri didn't start Paulo Dybala because of all the traveling he did while getting his first call-up with the Argentina national team. And if that's the case, then I can see why Max did what he did.

With that being said, Simone Zaza sure did have some decent looks on goal against Inter. He worked his tail off as you expect him to, but he probably should have finished at least one or two of those chances at the very least.

Forget the miss on the golden chance for a second. I am truly enjoying watching Sami Khedira play in a Juventus jersey. He again showed why he can be a key member to this team's success this season. And now that Marchisio is back in the fold, you would think things would start to run smoothly in the center of the park.

Oh, and as a reminder, Khedira didn't cost a dime to bring to Turin.

Watch Juventus play like this on Wednesday in the Champions League and win. That's just because this season makes absolutely no sense to me at all. I'm sure I'm not the only one still confused by it, too.


POLL

Who is your Juventus Man of the Match against Inter?

68% Andrea Barzagli (221 votes)

17% Juan Cuadrado (55 votes)

8% Sami Khedira (26 votes)

6% Gianluigi Buffon (18 votes)

1% Giorgio Chiellini (3 votes)

1% Leonardo Bonucci (2 votes)

325 votes total

 

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

[Socrates 8523]

INTER - JUVENTUS

0 - 0

 
 
 

MATCHDAY 8
Sunday, October 18th, 2015 - 8:45 PM
Giuseppe Meazza Stadium - Milan
Referee: Paolo Valeri

Max Allegri: “Juventus will definitely
challenge for the Scudetto”

The Juventus manager's post-match comments following Sunday's 0-0 draw with Inter.

http://www.blackwhitereadallover.com/2015/10/19/9565231/inter-milan-juventus-max-allegri-post-match-comments-2015-serie-a

 
Oct 19, 2015
 
Juventus drew 0-0 at Inter Milan in the latest installment of the Derby D'Italia, and minutes after the game, manager Massimiliano Allegri spoke to the press.

He started off talking about his aspirations for the season:

"I don't know if we'll win the Scudetto, but we will definitely get back into the race. That's for certain.

"I don't want us to get caught up in the anxiety of the situation now, as there's a long way to go.

"The plan is to be challenging by the start of March and then we'll see about a final push. Getting one point here doesn't move the table much, but it stops Inter breaking away, we kept a clean sheet and put in a strong performance."

Allegri called out the effort by defender Andrea Barzagli on the day, while deploring some of the standards of finishing by Juve:

"We needed the same determination in attack that Andrea Barzagli had when defending.

"We lack goals, a team like ours cannot score so few goals [nine] after eight rounds.

"We have to improve on the timing of runs and passes, but let's also not forget that I've only had the full squad for two days. It was a decent performance in the circumstances."

On his surprise choice to start the game with Simone Zaza rather than Paulo Dybala:

"Of those who returned from South America, only Juan Cuadrado started because his characteristics are unique.

"I thought Zaza did very well and proved he belongs at Juventus. He caused problems for the Inter defenders and worked hard for the team.

"Alvaro Morata has the qualities to play with anyone. I think Dybala will have to transform, and is already doing so, into a trequartista or support striker when against teams that are locked down. He's getting there, but with harder work than he's used to is less sharp when reaching the goal.

"Mario Mandzukic is strong when there are players on his sides providing service, while Zaza is better at attacking the space."

On yet another lackluster performance from Paul Pogba:

"Paul has some very specific characteristics, he's a box to box midfielder. At the moment his timing is a little wrong and it's a lot busier with a traffic jam in midfield.

"He is only 22 years old, but in order to bring quality, he needs to maintain intensity throughout the full 90 minutes."

 

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

[Socrates 8523]

INTER - JUVENTUS

0 - 0

 
 
 

MATCHDAY 8
Sunday, October 18th, 2015 - 8:45 PM
Giuseppe Meazza Stadium - Milan
Referee: Paolo Valeri

Juventus earn hard point in
Derby d'Italia, something to build on

http://www.espnfc.co.uk/club/juventus/111/blog/post/2670629/juventus-emerge-from-physical-derby-ditalia-with-a-point?

 
Oct 19, 2015
 
With two fierce rivals, two different ideologies and a trigger-happy referee keen on highlighting the aggression on the pitch, Serie A fans were treated to a special evening on Sunday. Inter were held to a goalless draw by an ever-improving Juventus side in the Derby d'Italia.

In an atmosphere filled with passionate hate, the Bianconeri arrived on the pitch knowing a defeat could well ruin the dream of a fifth consecutive Scudetto. With Massimiliano Allegri's first-choice midfield trio taking their place in the side, he hoped his men would take control of the game and recover the confidence that led to so much success in recent years.

On paper, Juve looked well equipped to cause trouble but Roberto Mancini had clearly taken note of the pain Fiorentina inflicted with their passing fluidity and quick feet and opted to prioritise defensive coverage. Playing a 4-4-2 shape, Inter were keen to shut down the danger Juventus can create in the wide areas to provoke frustration and force mistakes.

While the Bianconeri started strongly -- Inter looked taken aback by the occasion -- it didn't take long for the Nerazzurri to realise Juve's weaknesses and their own strengths, slowly making use of their physicality to hinder Allegri's men from establishing a playing rhythm.

With Claudio Marchisio having just returned from injury and Sami Khedira still adapting, albeit in remarkable fashion, the midfield did not perform as brilliantly as the coach and the fans would have hoped. Startled by the strength of their opponents, several of the Juve stars surrendered to panic and demonstrated recklessness when tranquillity was required.

The desire to grasp control of the game left the midfield with little opportunity to truly affect the team's attacking game. Inter's heavy pressing suffocated the trio leaving them incapable of inspiring the forward line or even adopting a rhythm. Having learned from their mistakes in the match against Fiorentina, the Nerazzurri were desperate to intercept and block everything in sight to ensure safety and with Felipe Melo putting in a dangerously aggressive performance in the middle, Juventus were often hacked down before they could even attempt an offensive move.

However, Allegri's men still managed to create goal scoring opportunities. Sadly, those chances fell to Simone Zaza, a man well versed in the art of annoying the opponent but not in ball control. So many opportunities wasted, Zaza works hard and boasts strength but is simply lacking the technique and intelligence required to make the difference in such big matches against such determined opposition. Once again Allegri's choices stirred debate. Why was Paulo Dybala, a forward Lionel Messi labelled as a great player with a bright future, benched in favour of a youngster who simply isn't as talented?

In the first half Juventus desperately needed a little more inspiration, a player with quick feet and creative thinking, not a player like Zaza who failed to demonstrate elegance and understanding of the game. However, to be fair to the former Sassuolo forward, he was not the only player who was guilty of poor decision making in the final third. Far too often, the likes of Juan Cuadrado opted to strike when a teammate was in a better position to score.

In the second half, Inter fell away as Juve started to show the real potential of this newly formed side. Cuadrado caused havoc on the right, Sami Khedira grew into the game by taking up clever positions and Paul Pogba finally begun to show off his elegant technique. The squad showed promise and is slowly improving, lacking only the efficiency required to make their technical superiority count.

Frustratingly this was a match that neither side wanted to lose meaning both teams failed to really push for a goal in the final stages of the game. While both sides excelled on certain occasions, this wasn't a match befitting of two giants of football. Sloppy passing, horrifying fouls and several instances of wasted possession, both coaches should be demanding more of their players, especially considering the sheer amount of quality on either side.

At least on a defensive level, Allegri can be proud of his men for keeping a clean sheet, especially against a strong Nerazzurri front line. With Andrea Barzagli demonstrating his immense quality to ensure solidity, he gives the team the opportunity to dedicate itself to improving the offensive side of the game.

In time the results will arrive but until then, Juventus have a Champions League match against Borussia Monchengladbach to win.

 

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

[Socrates 8523]

INTER - JUVENTUS

0 - 0

 
 
 

MATCHDAY 8
Sunday, October 18th, 2015 - 8:45 PM
Giuseppe Meazza Stadium - Milan
Referee: Paolo Valeri

Inter Milan 0-0 Juventus: Derby d'Italia
ends in a scoreless stalemate

http://www.blackwhitereadallover.com/2015/10/19/9564855/inter-milan-juventus-2015-serie-a-round-8-derby-d-italia-final-score-recap-result

 
Oct 19, 2015
 
Mediocre? Unlucky?

Roberto Mancini said it right – it was tough.

A tough game, but at the same time, a game with two different Juventus teams on either side of the break. Almost lamentable during the first 45 minutes when only the supremacy of Andrea Barzagli keeping the Old Lady out of trouble; and then more spirited, driven forward by an inexhaustible Juan Cuadrado, whose unfailing efforts down the right flank only lacked a touch of accuracy.

Unfortunately, though, his continuous presence to the forefront of the game was the effect of a flaw within the team. The trio Sami Khedira, Claudio Marchisio and Paul Pogba didn’t work. The long-awaited midfield everybody expected to move mountains after its conception in the summer was little more than a heavy anchor in certain parts of the game, lacking cohesion and switching off altogether at times. Hard to tell if it was down to the lack of time spent together on the field or just a matter of circumstance, having to put up with the aggressive style of Felipe Melo and Gary Medel.

No point going over Paolo Valeri’s mistakes. It is all part of football and so are the mistakes in front of goal. Khedira is not the kind of player who fails to put the ball into the net from that position. And part of football are tactics and strategies as well.

As the game kicked off thoughts were still battling in the head trying to decide whether or not Max Allegri was actually playing 4-3-3. Logic was really insisting with the 3-5-2 formation; but eyes were telling something else. 3-5-2? 4-3-3? Perhaps both. Regardless, Barzagli and Cuadrado functioned as if they have been playing together for a lifetime. A shame it couldn’t leave a mark on the scoreline.

Speaking of which, it was only the second 0-0 in 80 Serie A games this season, after Carpi and Napoli played out the first one. Not really what was expected from Derby d’Italia in terms of spectacle and entertainment but giving the contrasting displays of Juventus, it was probably the right result.

Second half of the table and nine points away from leaders Fiorentina, but bossing the stage in Champions League. Life as a juventino is gorgeous.


MATCH SUMMARY

The first chance of the game felt to Cuadrado inside four minutes as the Colombian was found with a good pass by Alvaro Morata but his shot at the near post was saved by Samir Handanovic who conceded a corner kick for the home side.

Three yellow cards in five minutes from referee Valeri managed to calm down the spirits a bit. Marchisio was the first to see yellow after stopping a dangerous counter attack through foul, before former Juventus midfielder Melo received his first warning. Just moments later, Khedira brought Stevan Jovetic to the ground and forced Valeri to show a third card.

Jovetic stepped up to take the resulting free-kick but his shot was never going to trouble Gianluigi Buffon. Only a few minutes passed before Simone Zaza challenged Melo for a ball with a kung-fu style kick and, most surprisingly, received a yellow card.

// writer’s note: it was a 4-3-3, though, nobody seemed to be playing wide left, with both Morata and Zaza constantly in the middle of the attack //

In the 26th minute, Giorgio Chiellini slid in brilliantly to block Jovetic’s shot inside the 6-yard-box, after Leonardo Bonucci was caught advanced outside his position.

As pressure started to mount up at Juventus’ goal, Marcelo Brozovic curled a shot out of nowhere that flew past a full-stretched Buffon and bounced off the crossbar, drawing a long simultaneous sigh from the home supporters.

Inter came close again 35 minutes in as Jovetic sent a dangerous low cross from a set-piece but no player connected with the ball. Appeals for a red card were heard from Juventus supporters as Melo’s tackle on Khedira was nowhere near the ball, but Valeri didn’t even award a free kick.

// second writer note: I might have decided on a 3-5-2 in the end //

Three minutes before the break, Barzagli made up ground in astonishing manner to stop Mauro Icardi who was poised to face Buffon from an on-to-one situation. A penalty appeal from the Argentine striker was waved off without second thoughts by the referee.

Juventus shyly approached Handanovic’s goal as Zaza was blocked inside the box and won a corner kick, but nothing came out of it and the whistle signalling the end of a bleak first half was sweet music to the ears. A lot of intensity, but very little goal action.

// Down to the 4-3-3 formation, perhaps?

Juventus came strongly into the second half but squandered another chance. Zaza did some good work to win a ball back in midfield before Morata played Cuadrado inside the box, only for the winger to see his shot deflected behind for a corner kick by Handanovic.

Jovetic forced Buffon into making a save in the 59th minute and despite his attempt being centred, the ball bounced off the ground just before the veteran goalkeeper got a palm on it and it took one more touch for Juventus’ captain to safely hold the ball.

Ten minutes later, Khedira missed the biggest chance of the game. Morata did brilliantly to protect a ball with his back at the goal and then to set up the German who was unmarked inside the area but he only managed to hit the post, drawing no reaction from Handanovic.

Juventus were more present in attack in the last part of the game but their long possession spells rarely troubled the home side defence. Inter had a couple of good chances from set-pieces just outside the box, but first Jovetic and then Perisic failed to hit the target.

Three minutes from time, Cuadrado delivered a good cross for Mario Mandzukic who was lurking at the far post but the Croatian misjudged the ball’s trajectory and his poor attempt was cleared.

Chiellini put a smile on everyone’s face a few moments later, as he tried to redirect Bonucci’s cross with an over-head kick which failed, unsurprisingly.

The final whistle came after three minutes of extra time announcing what everyone knew by the time Khedira hit the post: a biscotto.

// third writer note: not using the M word was harder than I thought it would be when it came to naming Internazionale Milano //


LE PAGELLE

Buffon: 6 - A couple of routine saves, but a quiet day at the office otherwise

Barzagli: 8 - Imperious defending throughout the game. Man of the match.

Bonucci: 6 - Miss-positioned himself at times but great in the air and an improved performance in the second half, in correspondence with the team’s

Chiellini: 6 - Better than before the international break. Four minutes away from a Derby d’Italia without a booking

Evra: 6 - Not very involved in the action but kept sharp whenever needed. Attacking contribution limited due to the presence of Mauro Icardi

Cuadrado: 7.5 - Devastating again on his right-flank, leading every single attack. A pity he was ineffective with his last pass or finishing

Khedira: 6.5 - Classy display – in the second half – but a terrible miss that had cost Juventus the three points

Marchisio: 6 - Thwarted by having to cover a lot at the back and struggled a bit in the centre of the park – expected, considering the long period spent away from the pitch

Pogba: 5.5 - Inexistent in the first half. A bit livelier in the second, but helped his team with little end product

Zaza: 5.5 - Aggressive as always. Either hesitant or too impatient at times. Wasted a good opportunity in the first half

Morata: 6.5 - Created a couple of good chances for Cuadrado and Khedira, but couldn’t get anywhere close to scoring himself


Subs

Mandzukic: 6 - Replaced Morata in the 71st minute. Missed a decent opportunity

Dybala: s/v - Came in for Zaza with just over 10 minutes left to play.


Coach

Allegri: 6 - Raised a few eyebrows with his decision of playing Zaza from the start. Was finally able to field his best midfield of three men, although it was hardly to be seen on the pitch. Managed to wake the team up during half time

 

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

[Socrates 8523]

INTER - JUVENTUS

0 - 0

 
 
 

MATCHDAY 8
Sunday, October 18th, 2015 - 8:45 PM
Giuseppe Meazza Stadium - Milan
Referee: Paolo Valeri

Juventus' Serie A Draw with Inter
Showed Overreliance on Juan Cuadrado

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2580389-juventus-serie-a-draw-with-inter-showed-overreliance-on-juan-cuadrado?

 
Oct 19, 2015
 
Juventus travelled east to Milan on Sunday evening to take on an Internazionale side that had enjoyed a surprisingly good start to 2015/16. Opening the campaign with five straight wins, Roberto Mancini’s men followed that run with a loss to Fiorentina and a draw with Sampdoria just before the recent international break.

In contrast, the visitors struggled in the early part of the season but impressed in their last two outings to emerge with victories over Sevilla and Bologna. Unfortunately for the Bianconeri, they could not add to that streak, held to a 0-0 draw that saw them end the game in 14th place and nine points away from top spot.

It was not for a lack of effort, however, with statistics, courtesy of WhoScored.com, reinforcing the idea that Juve dominated proceedings at the Stadio Giuseppe Meazza. Figures showed the reigning champions enjoyed 52.3 per cent of possession and outshot their opponents by 15 attempts to eight.

The same source provided further evidence of their superiority, La Madama winning more corners (9-4) and headers (14-9) while making a higher number of passes (482-418) and dribbles (13-8) over the course of the game.

Yet for large portions of the match, Massimiliano Allegri’s side struggled to find a way through the Inter defence, repeatedly sending the ball out to the right flank in the hope that Juan Cuadrado could create something.

WhoScored.com shows that—aside from Andrea Barzagli (84)—the live-wire Colombian enjoyed more touches (78) than any player from either side. The same source shows he also led both teams by creating five goalscoring opportunities, which were then sadly squandered by his misfiring colleagues.

Adam Digby @Adz77
Juan Cuadrado vs. Inter: 78 touches, 5 chances created, 4 shots, 3/4 take-ons, 5 fouls suffered (via @StatsZone)

That overreliance stemmed from an overall lack of dynamism in midfield despite the Bianconeri finally being able to field what looked like their first-choice trio. Claudio Marchisio made only his second Serie A appearance of the campaign, taking his place alongside Paul Pogba and Sami Khedira .

The three men meshed well yet appeared to lack some sharpness, with Pogba notably struggling in the opening 45 minutes. While he improved dramatically after the break, Allegri noted to Sky Sport Italia (h/t Football Italia) that the French youngster “needs to maintain intensity throughout the full 90 minutes."

In that same interview, the Juve boss discussed how the international break affected his preparations for the game and lamented his team’s lack of incision in attack:

We needed the same determination in attack that Andrea Barzagli had when defending. We lack goals; a team like ours cannot score so few goals after eight rounds. We have to improve on the timing of runs and passes, but let’s also not forget that I’ve only had the full squad for two days.

It was a decent performance in the circumstances.

That is undoubtedly true, with the Turin giants having scored just nine times this term, a tally lower than all but eight other teams' in Serie A. Fortunately for them, Inter are among that group with just eight goals to their name. It is no surprise the pair boast the best defences in the division, each conceding on just six occasions.

They will need to improve quickly in attack while retaining that defensive resolve, particularly as there are some important fixtures looming, starting with Wednesday’s clash with Borussia Monchengladbach in the Champions League.

“We just need to get everyone in decent shape again,” Allegri said at Saturday’s pre-match press conference. “We have a big month ahead with Champions League and Serie A fixtures on the horizon.”

Reducing their dependence on Cuadrado will be key to that. As will improving the cohesion behind him in midfield. With lots of ground to make up in the league and their hopes of an extended run in Europe, their season depends upon it.

 

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

[Socrates 8523]

INTER - JUVENTUS

0 - 0

 
 
 

MATCHDAY 8
Sunday, October 18th, 2015 - 8:45 PM
Giuseppe Meazza Stadium - Milan
Referee: Paolo Valeri

Trapattoni: Derby D’Italia Draw Favours Inter

http://forzaitalianfootball.com/2015/10/trapattoni-derby-ditalia-draw-favours-inter/?

 
Oct 19, 2015
 
Giovanni Trapattoni believes that both Inter and Juventus were afraid to risk losing as the two teams played out a goalless draw on Sunday night at the Stadio Giuseppe Meazza.

The 56-year-old however, feels that the result was unsurprising given the significance of what was at stake if either party were to lose while adding that the result favoured the Nerazzurri.

“It was understandable that the football was not pretty due to the importance of the Scudetto race tonight. None of them wanted to risk losing,” Trapattoni told Rai Sport.

“The point is certainly better to Inter.”

“I believe Juventus are favourites for the Scudetto, as it is in the club’s DNA.

“The championship is still long.”

 

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

[Socrates 8523]

INTER - JUVENTUS

0 - 0

 
 
 

MATCHDAY 8
Sunday, October 18th, 2015 - 8:45 PM
Giuseppe Meazza Stadium - Milan
Referee: Paolo Valeri

Bonucci: ‘Juventus obliged to win’

http://www.football-italia.net/74535/bonucci-%E2%80%98juventus-obliged-win%E2%80%99?

 
Oct 19, 2015
 
Leonardo Bonucci issues a rallying cry - “we’re Juventus, and we’re obliged to win.”

The Bianconeri are currently in 14th-place in Serie A, following last night’s 0-0 draw with Inter in the Derby d’Italia.

“We have to look ahead,” Bonucci told Premium Sport, reflecting on the match.

“We’re Juventus, and we’re obliged to win. That has to be in everyone’s head, from the staff to the players. We’re Juventus, and we can’t go a season without winning, Supercoppa aside.

“Last night was a stimulus, we must be there until the end. We know that Juventus are hated, and it’s not by accident, it’s because we’ve won.

“It’s always good when you win though.”

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

[Socrates 8523]

INTER - JUVENTUS

0 - 0

 
 
 

MATCHDAY 8
Sunday, October 18th, 2015 - 8:45 PM
Giuseppe Meazza Stadium - Milan
Referee: Paolo Valeri

Buffon a doubt for Gladbach clash

The goalkeeper is struggling and have will tests on an injury picked up against Inter
which could rule him out of the clash with the german side.

http://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/2914/champions-league/2015/10/19/16470392/-?

 
Oct 19, 2015
 
Juventus goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon has confirmed he is a doubt for the game against Borussia Monchengladbach in the Champions League on Wednesday after picking up an injury against Inter.

The Juventus veteran appeared to hurt his calf during a 0-0 Serie A draw at San Siro on Sunday and was limping throughout much of the second half of the match.

Buffon will now wait for medical checks before the fixture in Turin but is confident that understudy Neto is a more than adequate replacement.

"I managed it [the problem] for about 65 minutes, which is a good sign, but we'll see what the tests say," he said to Rai Sport.

"I don't know if I can recover but we have Neto, a very strong goalkeeper, who it's not fair to call a back-up."

Juventus coach Massimiliano Allegri said after the Inter draw that he hopes to see Paulo Dybala - who was left out of the starting XI - continue to work hard to improve his game after an inconsistent start to the season following his move from Palermo.

Buffon, however, has backed Juve's younger attacking players to establish themselves as world-class talents in the future.

"We have players with the potential to be attacking stars. They're very young, and like all young people, they're positive and have things to improve," he added.

 

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

[Socrates 8523]

INTER - JUVENTUS

0 - 0

 
 
 

MATCHDAY 8
Sunday, October 18th, 2015 - 8:45 PM
Giuseppe Meazza Stadium - Milan
Referee: Paolo Valeri

Derby d’Italia draws a blank

The Derby d’Italia ended in stalemate, while Roma and Napoli
look like they will be difficult to stop, writes Richard Hall.

http://www.football-italia.net/74538/derby-d%E2%80%99italia-draws-blank?

 
Oct 19, 2015
 
Inter and Juventus played out an entertaining 0-0 draw in the Derby d’Italia on Sunday night. The giornalaccio rosa Dello Sport described the result as one that ‘would make nobody happy’ and perhaps they were right. Both teams had chances to win the game, and enjoyed long spells where they looked in control. The point however, will do little to take the pressure off the under-performing Juventus nor will it deflect criticism away from Inter, who despite starting the season well have had questions asked of them.

The Nerazzurri had the chance to go top of Serie A but found themselves up against a resolute Juventus. The ‘Old Lady’ had been mocked by the Curva Nord who unveiled a spectacularly well-choreographed display, that referred to them missing out on the treble last year and had the message ‘Keep Dreaming’ front and central. The game was heated and Felipe Melo was perhaps fortunate to stay of the field. The best two chances fell to Marcelo Brozovic and Sami Khedira who each hit the woodwork.

Roma were one team that had no problem finding the net as they brushed Empoli aside in the 3-1 victory on Saturday night in the Stadio Olimpico. Despite the lack of atmosphere in the ground (due to the Ultras boycotting of the Curva Sud over the issue of barriers,) the Giallorossi put on an electrifying display. The highlight was Daniele De Rossi netting on his 500th appearance for the club. The team from the Eternal city have moved up into second and have scored the most goals in Serie A in doing so.

Maurizio Sarri’s Napoli are another team that are finding goals easy to come by and they continued with their charge up the table by beating first placed Fiorentina. Lorenzo Insigne and Gonzalo Higuain were the goal scorers in this 2-1 win with Insigne matching his season’s best ever tally of six goals. Fiorentina can take heart, that despite the defeat, there approach the game left them with a lot of positives, not least the fact that Nikola Kalinic was once again on the scoresheet.

The game of the weekend came in Genoa as they welcomed Chievo to the Stadio Luigi Ferraris. Alberto Paloschi kick started the game after only two minutes when he put the visitors ahead but before 20 minutes had passed the home side were in front thanks to goals from Leonardo Pavoletti and Serge Gakpe. The ‘Flying Donkeys’ brought on veteran striker Sergio Pellissier who also took to the sky himself and equalised with a flying back heel. As if this wasn’t enough the game was yet to have more drama when on the 93rd minute Panagiotis Tachtstidis won the game for the home side and the Ferraris erupted.

Atalanta are creeping up the table and are looking somewhat like their old selves. Last season was a disappointing campaign with a disappointing record at home. This season the Stadio Atleti Azzurri d'Italia looks once again like the fortress it used to be and the 3-0 destruction of Carpi was testament to that. Unbeaten at home in league and cup this season they are certainly enjoying themselves, confidence his high and this was typified by Alejandro Gomez who had the pick of the goals as he curled one in from a corner.

Elsewhere Verona remain winless after Udinese fought back late on to earn a 1-1 draw. The result leaves Hellas in the relegation zone although there injury list certainly can be cited in dispatches. Another 1-1 draw was played out in Turin as Milan’s poor form continues under Sinisa Mihajlovic. Two defeats and a draw in the last three will do nothing to alleviate the pressure on the Serbian Coach.

Franco Vazquez’s winner for Palermo released the pressure as they lost four in a row before Sunday’s early kick off. Bologna however, are already in crisis as they remain stuck at the bottom of the table with six defeats in seven games. Frosinone managed to move away from the bottom as they managed to beat Walter Zenga’s Sampdoria. The 2-0 win was one of the shocks of the day with Federico Dionisi chipped effort certainly winning goal of the game. Finally Sassuolo upset Lazio as they won 2-1 at the Mapei Stadium. Paolo Cannavaro’s dive for the penalty was perhaps farcical but the home team’s performances this season certainly warrant their lofty fifth place status.

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

[Socrates 8523]

JUVENTUS - BORUSSIA M. 

-

 
 

Matchday 3
Wednesday, October 21st, 2015 - 08:45 P.M.
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee:‬ Craig Thomson (Scotland)

Juventus V Borussia Mönchengladbach – Preview:
Leaders Bianconeri Host Winless Die Fohlen

http://forzaitalianfootball.com/2015/10/juventus-v-borussia-monchengladbach-preview-leaders-bianconeri-host-winless-die-fohlen/?

Oct 19, 2015

Juventus host Borussia Mönchengladbach on Wednesday night at the Juventus Stadium in their third Group D fixture in the Champions League.

Both teams have had contrasting form in Europe’s premier competition going into this clash. The Bianconeri are on top of their group after defeating Manchester City 2-1 and winning 2-0 against Sevilla whereas the Fohlen are on the bottom after losing 3-0 to the Rojiblancos and 2-1 to Citizens.

In their national leagues, the form of the two sides vary. Juve drew 0-0 against Inter on Sunday night and have only won two Serie A matches all season. Moenchengladbach lost their first five Bundesliga matches under Lucien Favre but they have won their last four since Andre Schubert has taken over, which includes the 5-1 away win against Eintracht Frankfurt on Saturday.

These two sides have faced each other before back in the 1975/76 edition of the old European Cup. Borussia Monchengladbach won 4-2 on aggregate in the second round against Juventus, winning 2-0 in Dusseldorf and drawing 2-2 in Turin.

Juve triumphed over German opposition last season in the Champions League when they eliminated Borussia Dortmund 5-1 on aggregate in the Round of 16. Mönchengladbach were not successful when they last faced Italian opposition, losing 5-3 on aggregate to Lazio in Round of 32 in the Europa League in 2012-13.

It was back in the 1979-80 edition of the UEFA Cup in which Borussia Monchengladbach achieved a victory against an Italian team, eliminating Inter 4-3 on aggregate in the second round. Both legs ended 1-1 but the second leg in Milan went into extra time and Die Fohlen won 3-2.

The Bianconeri will be missing Stephan Lichtsteiner, who had heart surgery recently, and Martin Caceres, who has an ankle injury. The Fohlen will be without Nico Schulz and Patrick Herrmann with knee injuries and Granit Xhaka is likely to miss out with an ankle injury despite playing on the weekend.


Form Guide: Juventus (W-D-L-W-W-D) Borussia Moenchengladbach (L-W-W-L-W-W)


Expected Starting XIs

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


Borussia Moenchengladbach:
Sommer; Korb, Christensen, Dominguez, Wendt; Traore, Nordtveit, Dahoud, Johnson; Raffael, Stindl

http://www.goal.com/en/tables/uefa-champions-league/10

[Socrates 8523]

JUVENTUS - BORUSSIA M. 

-

 
 

Matchday 3
Wednesday, October 21st, 2015 - 08:45 P.M.
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee:‬ Craig Thomson (Scotland)

Thomson for Juventus-Gladbach

http://www.football-italia.net/74553/thomson-juventus-gladbach?

Oct 19, 2015

Scottish referee Craig Thomson will be in charge for Juventus’ clash with Borussia Monchengladbach.

The Bianconeri welcome the German side to Turin on Wednesday night, looking to extend their perfect record in the competition so far.

The refereeing team will be made up of officials from Scotland, with Craig Thomson the man in the middle.

The assistant referees are David McGeachie and Stuart Stevenson, with Steven McLean and Kevin Clancy the additional assistants.

The fourth official will be Graeme Stewart, who was most recently involved in Celtic’s win over Hamilton Academical.

http://www.goal.com/en/tables/uefa-champions-league/10

[Socrates 8523]

JUVENTUS - BORUSSIA M. 

-

 
 

Matchday 3
Wednesday, October 21st, 2015 - 08:45 P.M.
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee:‬ Craig Thomson (Scotland)

Borussia Monchengladbach 'don't have
much to lose' against Juventus

http://www.espnfc.co.uk/borussia-monchengladbach/story/2671281/borussia-monchengladbach-has-not-much-to-lose-vs-juventus?

Oct 19, 2015

Borussia Monchengladbach defender Alvaro Dominguez sees no reason why his side cannot carry their Bundesliga form over into the Champions League when they travel to Juventus this week.

The Foals have turned things around domestically after losing their first five matches, with four straight wins under caretaker coach Andre Schubert.

They have yet to get their European campaign up and running, though, having lost their opening two group games against Sevilla and Manchester City.

They now face last season's beaten finalists twice -- first in Turin on Wednesday and then back in Monchengladbach -- and Dominguez is hoping they can start a similar recovery to the one they have launched in the league.

"We know that we're not exactly favourites, but we don't have much to lose either," he said on Sport1.de.

"We want to win there. Of course we've not got any points yet, but that should be motivation for us."

The 26-year-old praised Schubert for his part in transforming the Foals over the past month, saying he "has breathed fresh life, stability and a lot of motivation into us.

"He's got some good ideas and the players have faith in these ideas," he added, suggesting that Schubert should be given the job on a full-time basis.

"He's doing a great job, so why should we change when things are running so well?"

http://www.goal.com/en/tables/uefa-champions-league/10

[Socrates 8523]

JUVENTUS - BORUSSIA M. 

-

 
 

Matchday 3
Wednesday, October 21st, 2015 - 08:45 P.M.
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee:‬ Craig Thomson (Scotland)

Hitzfeld: ‘Gladbach strong opposition’

http://www.football-italia.net/74566/hitzfeld-‘gladbach-strong-opposition’?

Oct 20, 2015

Coaching legend Ottmar Hitzfeld has warned Juventus that Champions League rivals Borussia Monchengladbach are ‘strong in attack and defence.’

Hitzfeld is the most decorated Coach in German football history and guided Borussia Dortmund to their Champions League final win over the Old Lady in 1997.

He warned the Bianconeri not to underestimate the Bundesliga side, although pointed to their inability to replace stars Max Kruse and Christoph Kramer as a weakness.

“Juve lost three important elements to their balance in Pirlo, Vidal and Tevez,” Hitzfeld said to Tuttosport.

“Now they’re working towards rediscovering new ways to play. Against City the key to their success was defensive solidity.

“Against Sevilla the difference was the better technical skill of the individuals.

“Monchengladbach is a good team, also on the international level.

“At the start of this season they paid for the absences through injury of many key players such as Stranzl, Dominguez, Herrmann and Johnson and also the sale of Kruse and Kramer, who haven’t been replaced with players of the same value.

“With the arrival of Coach Andre Schubert, Borussia regained its strength, that is, the team balance during both offensive and defensive phases.

“Now they more than just good game organisation again they play an entertaining style of football. Their best players are Xhaka and Raffael.”

http://www.goal.com/en/tables/uefa-champions-league/10

[Socrates 8523]

JUVENTUS - BORUSSIA M. 

-

 
 

Matchday 3
Wednesday, October 21st, 2015 - 08:45 P.M.
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee:‬ Craig Thomson (Scotland)

Juventus vs. Borussia Monchengladbach: Team News, Preview

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2580514-juventus-vs-borussia-monchengladbach-team-news-preview-live-stream-tv-info?

Oct 20, 2015

With three of its four sides surprisingly struggling in their domestic competitions, there is little doubt that Champions League Group D has been something of a disappointment thus far.

The pool has failed to live up to the “Group of Death” moniker bestowed upon it by Daniel Taylor of the Guardian and many others. Having already beaten a drab Sevilla side, Juventus will hope to continue their form against Borussia Monchengladbach, a team who have already changed coaches this term.

Currently sitting in 10th place in the Bundesliga standings, interim boss Andre Schubert has overseen some improvement after taking over from Lucien Favre. Having been defeated in their opening five games of 2015/16, they have now won their four most recent outings in the German league.

OptaFranz ✔ @OptaFranz
3 - Andre Schubert is the first coach of @borussia_en to win the first 3 @Bundesliga_EN matches. Historical.

That good form will be seriously tested in Turin on Wednesday evening, however, with Juventus notching victories over Manchester City and Sevilla to top the standings. Still likely to be without injured duo Stephan Lichtsteiner and Martin Caceres, coach Massimiliano Allegri finally appears to have the rest of his squad available.

“We have a big month ahead with Champions League and Serie A fixtures on the horizon,” the Juve boss noted at a recent press conference, but returning to almost full health should aid the Bianconeri in what looks to be hectic schedule.

Indeed, Sunday’s 0-0 draw with Inter marked the first time the Old Lady has been able to field Sami Khedira, Claudio Marchisio and Paul Pogba together, a trio which is likely to be the club’s first-choice midfield this term.

Ahead of them, Juve have looked sharper in front of goal on European nights than they have otherwise, netting just nine times in their opening eight league matches. But the return of Alvaro Morata and Mario Mandzukic cannot fail to help improve that record, Allegri boasting a wealth of attacking options once again.



Adam Digby @Adz77
"It’s a bruise. I was basically on one leg for 65 minutes, we’ll see about playing on Wednesday" - Gigi Buffon

Gigi Buffon told RAI Sport (h/t Football Italia) that Juventus "got some important players back from injury and are slowly understanding who we are this season." But the captain himself needed treatment during the match with Inter, and in that same interview revealed he may miss the game with Borussia.

“It’s a bruise and I was basically on one leg for 65 minutes," Buffon continued. "I’m glad that I managed to finish the match. "We’ll see about playing in the Champions League on Wednesday, but if not then Neto is ready to take over.”

It would be a fine time for the Brazilian to make an appearance, and Juventus will hope to continue their positive run of form even without Buffon.


Probable Formations




Juventus (4-3-3)

Gigi Buffon; Andrea Barzagli, Leonardo Bonucci, Giorgio Chiellini, Alex Sandro, Sami Khedira, Claudio Marchisio, Paul Pogba, Juan Cuadrado; Alvaro Morata, Paulo Dybala

Unavailable: Martin Caceres, Stephan Lichtsteiner (both injured)


Borussia Monchengladbach (4-4-2):

Yann Sommer; Julian Korb, Andreas Christensen, Alvaro Dominguez, Oscar Wendt; Ibrahima Traore, Mahmoud Dahoud, Granit Xhaka, Fabian Johnson; Raffael, Lars Stindl

Unavailable: Patrick Herrmann, Martin Stranzl, Nico Schulz (all injured)


Player to Watch

There is little doubt that Alvaro Morata is the man to watch on Champions League nights in Turin. The Spanish striker proved that last season, with the Bianconeri finishing as runners-up thanks in no small part to the goals he netted in key games against some impressive opponents.

Scoring in both legs of the semi-final matchup with his former club Real Madrid, Morata would also strike against Barcelona in the final, and he has carried his streak over into the new campaign.

Goals away to Manchester City and at home vs. Sevilla have seen him equalise Alessandro Del Piero’s club record of scoring in five consecutive Champions League outings, and he will look to break that mark against Borussia Monchengladbach.

JuventusFC ✔ @juventusfcen
.@AlvaroMorata matches Alessandro Del Piero's impressive feat of finding the net in five consecutive matches.

“Obviously doing what a legend of football like Del Piero has done in the past is a reason of pride for me,” Morata told the UEFA website after the Sevilla clash. “I'm proud but I don't want to stop here. I want to keep working hard to help the team winning and to score more goals.”


Key Battle

While Morata will be looking to win the game for the Bianconeri at one end of the field, they will be relying on Andrea Barzagli to help keep out their opponents at the other.

The defender has been in superb form this term, particularly in their last three matches in a new role on the right flank. Playing behind Juan Cuadrado, the 34-year-old has turned in superb performances, even popping up with an assist to open the scoring against Sevilla.

Barzagli can expect another testing encounter against Borussia M'gladbach, a clash that will see him go head-to-head with Raffael. The Brazilian netted twice at the weekend, while he has also laid on five goals for his team-mates in what has been a difficult campaign thus far.


Odds (via Odds Shark)

Away win: 727-100

Home win: 100-233

Draw: 317-100

http://www.goal.com/en/tables/uefa-champions-league/10

[Socrates 8523]

JUVENTUS - BORUSSIA M. 

-

 
 

Matchday 3
Wednesday, October 21st, 2015 - 08:45 P.M.
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee:‬ Craig Thomson (Scotland)

Juventus' Champions League momentum
to be tested by Gladbach

http://www.espnfc.co.uk/club/juventus/111/blog/post/2672380/juventus-champions-league-momentum-to-be-tested-by-gladbach?

Oct 20, 2015

Pained by the contradictory nature of this year's Juventus, fans cannot quite understand why the Old Lady has thrilled in Europe and disappointed at home. While the Bianconeri toiled and laboured to earn a draw against the likes of Frosinone, a quick demonstration of technique and beautiful efficiency earned maximum points in England against Manuel Pellegrini's Manchester City.

The bizarre Old Lady has two faces, and if she is to disappoint in the league, then success in Europe must be achieved, for the champions of Italy are obliged to always target a trophy. Yet while Sevilla was comprehensively defeated on account of Juve's superior technical quality, the only feasible way to bring down a buoyant Borussia Monchengladbach is by showing as much desire and intensity as the Germans have managed in their recent outings.

Lucien Favre, a tactician of the highest quality, revived the Foals and reintroduced the club to a winning mentality by virtue of well-planned tactics and the remarkable execution of footballing ideals. In four years, they went from battling relegation to qualifying for the Champions League under the vibrant Swiss tactician, who masterminded their return to successful ways by playing a delectable game that revolved around swift transitional play.

A club with a modest wage bill, approximately £28m, and virtually no net spending since his arrival, Favre was the coach who extracted every last drop of desire and technique from his men, turning individual weaknesses into collective strengths. Sadly, his versatile and well-oiled machine broke down this season and the club collected a string of defeats that impacted the players' confidence. Favre departed, insisting he had little left in his belly to turn the tide, paving the way for Andre Schubert.

With little time to make an impact, the club's former U-23 coach worked on the psychology of his players, helping them recover the confidence before simplifying the tactics to manage success. Speeding up their approach, he has asked his players to play a more direct game in which swift pace is prioritised when possession is regained. It has led to four wins out of four in the Bundesliga.

Defined by their capabilities on the ball, compact ways and balanced game, Monchengladbach like to overwhelm their opponents with pace and aggression. At least on an energetic level, Juventus will have a lot to contend with. On top of that, it's not the best time for Juve to be hosting the Germans. The Bianconeri have just played an intense and physically straining match against heated rivals Inter on Sunday evening and after failing to grab maximum points yet again, the squad is a little mentally, if not physically, fatigued.

While they will most likely fail to match their Champions League opponents' aggressive desire to outrun teams, Juve boast enough technical beauty within the side to provide a stern challenge for Schubert's men. As seen in the match against Sevilla and in Manchester before that, the Old Lady possesses genuine quality and European confidence; underestimate her potential at your own peril.

With Sami Khedira playing with continuity and Claudio Marchisio recovered, the duo alongside Paul Pogba will be looked upon to provide defensive cover as well as offensive inspiration. Much like the Nerazzurri, the Germans will look to press the Bianconeri, limiting their time on the ball. Juventus' midfield trio must work well together, releasing the ball quickly and intelligently and taking up the right positions to provide a lending hand to facilitate offensive movements.

Simone Zaza is unlikely to start and so manager Massimiliano Allegri might just opt for Paulo Dybala. With the Argentine's creative thinking and intelligent movement, he will invariably help to inspire a side that are liable to abandon certain ideals when overwhelmed by aggression and pace. However, the creation of goal-scoring chances has rarely been a problem for a side that has accumulated countless trophies these past few years; instead, it has been the conversion of those opportunities into goals that has troubled Juve.

Dybala's ingenuity is a sight to be behold but he must also prove he has the cynicism required to play at a top club. That means he needs to adopt a cool demeanour and work on his accuracy to convert the chances created. Alvaro Morata alongside him has already shown that when it comes to the big games, he can be relied upon, and it seems he will once again be tasked with leading the line in this difficult Champions League clash.

Likely to be deployed in a 3-5-2 formation, Allegri may even try Alex Sandro on the left to ensure pace in the wide areas, while Juan Cuadrado will hope to inject his own overwhelming style of play on the opposite flank.

Another win at home and Juventus will have all but qualified to the next stage of the competition, yet it's the supposedly "easy" matches that have often caused the most problems. A mature game played by players willing to sacrifice themselves will, at the very least, ensure a solid performance from the men in black and white to maintain European momentum.

http://www.goal.com/en/tables/uefa-champions-league/10

[Socrates 8523]

JUVENTUS - BORUSSIA M. 

-

 
 

Matchday 3
Wednesday, October 21st, 2015 - 08:45 P.M.
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee:‬ Craig Thomson (Scotland)

Schubert: 'No Juve fear'

http://www.football-italia.net/74586/schubert-no-juve-fear?

Oct 20, 2015

Borussia Monchengladbach Coach Andre Schubert assures they “do not fear” Juventus in the Champions League.

It kicks off in Turin on Wednesday at 20.45 CET - 19.45 UK time - 18.45 GMT.

“Are we afraid of playing here? Fear does not exist in football,” insisted the man who took over after Lucien Favre abruptly resigned last month.

“It will be a great challenge against a great team. We are in the same competition, so we’ll fight it out, plus we’ve got some important players back from injury.

“Juve haven’t started their domestic season well either. My lads did so much to get the opportunity to play in the Champions League, so we aim to enjoy it.”

Monchengladbach have won their last four Bundesliga games under Schubert and were leading Manchester City only to capitulate 2-1 to a stoppage-time penalty.

“If you play against Manchester City, it’s only natural to run into some difficulties. These are well-organised sides, but Juve play in a very different way to City. It will be a new game.

“There are big clubs in this group and we happily accept the challenge. We’ve been working in a concentrated manner and play very aggressively. We press high and get the ball back quickly, which is fundamental in football.

“We’re trying to gain confidence game after game. The situation is better than at the start of the season and tomorrow we’ll gain experience too.”

http://www.goal.com/en/tables/uefa-champions-league/10

[Socrates 8523]

JUVENTUS - BORUSSIA M. 

-

 
 

Matchday 3
Wednesday, October 21st, 2015 - 08:45 P.M.
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee:‬ Craig Thomson (Scotland)

Khedira: 'Juve overcame hurdles'

http://www.football-italia.net/74589/khedira-juve-overcame-hurdles?

Oct 20, 2015

Sami Khedira thinks Juventus “have overcome the initial hurdles” as they host Borussia Monchengladbach in the Champions League.

It kicks off in Turin on Wednesday at 20.45 CET - 19.45 UK time - 18.45 GMT.

“I don’t know why we’ve been struggling in Serie A, but we’ve been doing very well in the Champions League with some great performances and hope to keep that going tomorrow,” said the German midfielder in his Press conference.

“We’ll try to concentrate and play a great game. As for the rest, we’ll have to analyse each match individually.”

The 0-0 draw with Inter on Sunday was the first time Juve have been able to use the first choice midfield of Khedira, Claudio Marchisio and Paul Pogba.

“We were organised and dominated the game, especially in the second half. We should’ve made more of our chances, but the team is getting better and better the more we play together.

“We had some injuries, so over the next few weeks hope to find our rhythm. I think if we all stay fit, we can achieve great things.

“I don’t think my return from injury had anything to do with the upturn in form, as the whole team needed to be recalibrated over the summer.

“It was difficult for the Coach too, but we’ve overcome those initial hurdles and had the chance to change system too. We can only improve and become more confident every week.

“I don’t have any more physical problems now, I feel in good shape and we’ve got great staff at the club. I feel happy in general with the team and the city. I feel at home.

“It was very easy to integrate and I really like the city of Turin. I can say that I already feel very much at home.”

Borussia Monchengladbach had a disastrous start to the campaign and their Coach resigned, but since Andre Schubert took over there have been four consecutive Bundesliga victories.
“It is always special to face a German club, but at the end of the day it’s still only three points and the chance to progress in the Champions League.

“We have respect for Borussia, as we do for all opponents. I think they have a very strong squad and suffered from injuries recently. I don’t know if the improvements depend on the Coach, but they have shown a lot of quality going forward and are very quick.

“We are playing on home turf, we know our strengths and must remain concentrated. I am confident for tomorrow’s performance.”

Khedira was asked if he had any advice for teammate Paul Pogba.

“Paul is a fantastic player and anyone would love to have his talent. He’s very young, so if I had any advice it would be to keep his head on his shoulders, to stay exactly the way he is, remain concentrated and not create more things to worry about.

“He’s a great player, he has quality and it’s an honour for me to play alongside him.”

http://www.goal.com/en/tables/uefa-champions-league/10

[Socrates 8523]

JUVENTUS - BORUSSIA M. 

-

 
 

Matchday 3
Wednesday, October 21st, 2015 - 08:45 P.M.
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee:‬ Craig Thomson (Scotland)

Allegri: 'Only decisive if...'

http://www.football-italia.net/74590/allegri-only-decisive-if?

Oct 20, 2015

Max Allegri said Borussia Monchengladbach “will only be decisive if Juventus win” and confirms Gigi Buffon will start.

It kicks off in Turin on Wednesday at 20.45 CET - 19.45 UK time - 18.45 GMT and the Bianconeri are looking for a third straight Champions League victory.

“I can tell you Andrea Barzagli, Giorgio Chiellini and Leonardo Bonucci will play. So that way you can start saying we’ll play with three, four or five at the back,” he smiled in a Press conference.

“I’ll be generous and give you a fourth: Buffon.”

The goalkeeper had been in doubt after picking up a calf problem during Sunday’s 0-0 draw with Inter at San Siro.

Mario Mandzukic made his comeback in the second half, but it remains to be seen if he’ll start with the Germans.

“Let’s say Mandzukic is better, he’s fine. He might not have 90 minutes in his legs, but he’s fine. As for the attack, we expect a lot from him and unfortunately he hasn’t been able to play as much because of that injury.

“Alvaro Morata has improved a lot since last season. Simone Zaza is in good shape and proved it on Sunday against Inter.

“Paulo Dybala is a player with extraordinary quality, but he needs to be left alone to grow in peace, just as Morata was last year. We can’t ask for too much from Dybala, as he’s only 22 and needs time to settle.”

Borussia Monchengladbach have so far lost both Champions League games, whereas Juve could get a third consecutive victory.

“Tomorrow’s game is decisive if we win. If not, then it won’t be decisive. The good thing is that there’s a head-to-head between Manchester City and Sevilla, so a victory would see us break further away from one side, or even both.

“It still wouldn’t be over, as there are another three games after that, so qualification would still be in the balance.

“Tomorrow will be a completely different game to the one with Sevilla, much more complicated, as they’re on a positive run of domestic results and are solid again after a difficult start.

“We have to play as if this was a one-off knockout match. We must play knowing we have everything it takes to bring home the result and try to avoid complications.

“Borussia haven’t changed their tactics very much with the new Coach, but their team spirit and mentality is different. There’s always a shake-up when the Coach quits and the team has found itself again.”

http://www.goal.com/en/tables/uefa-champions-league/10

[Socrates 8523]

JUVENTUS - BORUSSIA M. 

-

 
 

Matchday 3
Wednesday, October 21st, 2015 - 08:45 P.M.
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee:‬ Craig Thomson (Scotland)

Juve squad for Gladbach

http://www.football-italia.net/74592/juve-squad-gladbach?

Oct 20, 2015

Juventus named their squad for the Champions League clash with Borussia Monchengladbach.

It kicks off on Wednesday at 20.45 CET - 19.45 UK time - 18.45 GMT.

Gigi Buffon has recovered from a bruised calf on Sunday against Inter, while Mario Mandzukic is also included after making his comeback at San Siro.

Stephan Lichtsteiner, Kwadwo Asamoah and Martin Caceres are on the treatment table.


Juventus squad for Borussia Monchengladbach:

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

http://www.goal.com/en/tables/uefa-champions-league/10

[Socrates 8523]

JUVENTUS - BORUSSIA M. 

-

 
 

Matchday 3
Wednesday, October 21st, 2015 - 08:45 P.M.
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee:‬ Craig Thomson (Scotland)

Schubert: Gladbach not scared of Juventus

The Bundesliga side's manager insist they are not fazed by the prospect
of taking on the Italian giants, who made last season's Champions League final.

http://www.goal.com/en/news/725/bundesliga/2015/10/20/16513682/-?

Oct 20, 2015

Borussia Monchengladbach are not scared of taking on Juventus in the Champions League on Wednesday, says coach Andre Schubert.

The German side suffered defeats to Sevilla and Manchester City in their opening two Group D fixtures.

They face last season's runners-up and pool leaders Juve in their next outing, but the coach insists his players are not afraid of the task at hand.

"There's no room for fear in football, but this is a challenge against a huge side that made the final last season," Schubert said on Tuesday.

"We're all looking forward to it and we're certainly not scared.

"We know that in this group we've got some of Europe's top teams – but we're happy to face them."

The 44-year-old is hoping an assured defensive showing will boost their chances against the Italian giants.

"We are defending a lot better and more economically than in our first games of the season," Schubert added.

"There's no secret other than hard work. We've got to press far up the field and also be organised in defence - these are the technical things we've worked on.

"Then there were psychological things – to remind the lads of their strengths and get the players their confidence back.

"We go into this game with a lot of excitement, courage and self-confidence."

http://www.goal.com/en/tables/uefa-champions-league/10

[Socrates 8523]

JUVENTUS - BORUSSIA M. 

-

 
 

Matchday 3
Wednesday, October 21st, 2015 - 08:45 P.M.
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee:‬ Craig Thomson (Scotland)

Max Allegri confirms Gigi Buffon will start in goal
for Juventus vs. Borussia Monchengladbach

http://www.blackwhitereadallover.com/2015/10/20/9576961/gianluigi-buffon-injury-juventus-borussia-monchengladbach-2015-champions-league?

Oct 20, 2015

By the sheer look of it, Gianluigi Buffon starting in goal for Juventus in a Champions League match isn't a big deal at all. It's what is to be expected. He's Buffon, dammit, and there's no reason for him not to play in an important game unless there are some unforeseen circumstances that are out of our control.

But when we saw Buffon limping around for the vast majority of Sunday's scoreless draw, and hearing the legendary goalkeeper speak about his status made it seem somewhat unsure if he would actually be available for Juventus' Champions League fixture against Borussia Monchengladbach just a few days later.

Juve manager Max Allegri quelled those fears about a Buffon-less lineup, confirming at his pre-match press conference on Tuesday that the club's captain and starting goalkeeper will indeed take part in the German's visit to Turin the next night.

JuventusFC ✔ @juventusfcen
.@OfficialAllegri: "@andreabarzagli2, @bonucci_leo19 and @chiellini will all play tomorrow, as will @gianluigibuffon."

This is a thing because of what happened against Inter Milan at the San Siro. Buffon was clearly in pain after suffering an unknown calf injury early in the first half. Judging by the save he made just a few minutes after the injury happened to keep the game scoreless, even a somewhat injured Buffon is better than a lot of other keepers.

But this is the information we were provided regarding Buffon's injury by the Juventus press office after the Derby d'Italia:

After suffering a knock in the first half which forced him to play through the pain barrier, Buffon says he is unsure if he will be fit for Wednesday night's Champions League clash with Borussia Monchengladbach at Juventus Stadium.

But the custodian is perfectly calm about the situation, stating that the Bianconeri's goal will remain in safe hands in the event of summer signing Neto getting the nod.

"It's a heavy bruise and I played with a limp for 65 minutes, but that's a good sign. If I make the Champions League game, great, if not we have an excellent second goalkeeper in Neto."

I guess we can now file this under the "great" category, then. Sorry, Neto, but I guess your first Champions League start in a Juventus jersey will have to wait. When Buffon's healthy, Buffon plays. It's a pretty easy thing to figure out.

http://www.goal.com/en/tables/uefa-champions-league/10

[Socrates 8523]

JUVENTUS - BORUSSIA M. 

-

 
 

Matchday 3
Wednesday, October 21st, 2015 - 08:45 P.M.
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee:‬ Craig Thomson (Scotland)

Juventus v Borussia Monchengladbach: Preview

http://www.espnfc.co.uk/uefa-champions-league/match/434225/juventus-borussia-monchengladbach/preview?

Oct 20, 2015

Borussia Monchengladbach will be hoping it will be a case of third time lucky when they travel to Juventus on Wednesday night, still seeking their first Champions League success since 1978.

The Foals have lost their first two games back in Europe's elite club competition, but they head to Turin to face last season's beaten finalists in a different shape and much improved frame of mind to their last two group encounters.

Under the caretaker stewardship of Andre Schubert, the Bundesliga side are on a run of four straight wins and they now hope to carry this resurgent form on to the European stage.

``Our recent successes have cleared our minds a lot compared to the trip to Seville, for example,'' said defender Tony Jantschke prior to their departure for Italy.

``We've got a lot of self-confidence and I hope we'll show this tomorrow.''

Gladbach were beaten 3-0 by Sevilla on their Champions League return before going down 2-1 at home to Manchester City, meaning they can ill-afford another defeat against the unbeaten group leaders if they want to stand a chance of progressing.

Wednesday's match could well be their most difficult yet, however.

``They're a really good team,'' Jantschke said on his club's website. ``They've not lost at home in what seems like an eternity.

``But we've got to pick up points somewhere if we want to maintain a chance of going through.''

The injured trio of Martin Stranzl, Patrick Herrmann and Nico Schulz have all been left behind, with a squad of 21 players making the trip to Turin.

After winning their opening two games, the Bianconeri could all but wrap up a place in the last 16 with another win at the Juventus Stadium, where they last lost in a European game to another German side - Bayern Munich - three seasons ago.

There was relief for the Serie A side on Tuesday when goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon, who picked up a knock at the weekend, was able to train.

Mario Mandzukic, who scored for Bayern in that April 2013 clash at the Juventus Stadium, is set to lead the attack having made his comeback from injury in Sunday's 0-0 draw at Inter Milan.

http://www.goal.com/en/tables/uefa-champions-league/10

[Socrates 8523]

JUVENTUS - BORUSSIA M. 

-

 
 

Matchday 3
Wednesday, October 21st, 2015 - 08:45 P.M.
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee:‬ Craig Thomson (Scotland)

UEFA Champions League Preview:
Juventus vs. Borussia Monchengladbach

http://www.blackwhitereadallover.com/2015/10/21/9573005/uefa-2015-champions-league-preview-juventus-vs-borussia-monchengladbach

Oct 21, 2015

The good thing is that even with Juventus struggling domestically, we can still say that Max Allegri's squad is at least on the top of one table to begin the season. That may come as a surprise to some who just look at the Serie A table and have to scroll down pass the 10th-place spot to actually find where Juventus currently sits.

But when Juventus take the field on Wednesday night in Turin, they will be the only team in Champions League Group D to have won both of their group stage games. The other three teams have either split the two matchups or lost both of them entirely. While other groups may be starting to look like a complete mess after two or three games, there is starting to be a clear and distinct order developing in Juve's group.

Juventus vs. Borussia Monchengladach is indeed a top-of-the-table vs. bottom-of-the-table situation. And, for all intents and purposes, if Juventus do win on Wednesday night, they will be sitting pretty atop the group with nine points — exactly what you want after three Champions League group stage games and two of the next three away from home.

That sounds like a pretty good spot to be in, doesn't it?

Easier said than done, sure, but as we have come to know about this version of Juventus, they certainly look the part when playing against European competition. That might not always be the case in Serie A — although Sunday's derby draw was a step in the right direction — but it's been true in the Champions League. They got the job done on the road at Manchester City. They dispatched of Sevilla rather easily, and now we look for them to get three more points at home against the only club in the group yet to win a game.

In terms of games where Juventus are the favored team, I'd say this is one where that's exactly the case.

And when it comes to Juventus management and players knowing how important this third of six group stage games is, they won't shy away from addressing said subject.

JuventusFC ✔ @juventusfcen
.@OfficialAllegri: "Tomorrow's game is decisive if we win. It will be completely different from our match with @SevillaFC"

Very true, Max, very true. If Juventus go 3 for 3 to start the Champions League group stage, I don't know what I'll do. Well, other than celebrate it.


GOOD NEWS

Let's just go ahead and take a look at Group D after the first two rounds of the Champions League group stage, shall we? Yes, we shall...

That looks cool. I can appreciate that after two rounds. And if Juventus win Wednesday night, it will look even better. I'm sure I'm not the only one thinking that.


BAD NEWS

Because Juventus are actually doing well in the Champions League, there isn't too much to be angry about. Unless you miss Stephan Lichtsteiner bombing up and down Juve's right wing, that is. So I guess that is some bad news. So please hurry back, Stephan, we miss you and your crazy Swiss on-field antics.


WHAT TO WATCH FOR

1. How Juventus does on short rest.

It's pretty safe to say that Sunday's Derby d'Italia was a pretty physical one. And that's even before you take into consideration that there were a combined 37 fouls and seven yellow cards shown in the scoreless draw Sunday. The turnaround between Inter on Sunday and Gladbach on Wednesday isn't ideal. Basically Juve have had two training sessions and that's it. Throw in the fact that there's expected to be very little change in Allegri's starting lineup, and many of those players who logged a full 90-minute match two days ago will be back out on the field 72 hours after the fact. Knowing the schedule is busy this time of year is pretty much a given. But how Juve actually deal with it, especially with a relatively unchanged starting lineup from one game to the next, still remains to be seen.

2. Who starts up front?

Álvaro Morata is available. Paulo Dybala is available. Mario Mandzukic is available. Simone Zaza is available. All four Juventus strikers are available. We haven't been able to say that a whole lot this season, mainly because injuries are stupid and it will forever be that way. You would think Morata is a lock to start because he has turned into Juventus' version of Mr. Champions League, scoring goals in Europe at a rate we haven't seen from a Juve striker all that often before. But who starts alongside the young Spaniard is a complete guess at this point. Many want Dybala to get some European game time from the opening kickoff, and I'm not the only one in that group. But if Allegri feels like a striker with Mandzukic's characteristics is the right direction to go in, I wouldn't be surprised, either.

With that being said, there's also this...

JuventusFC ✔ @juventusfcen
.@OfficialAllegri: "@MarioMandzukic9 is in good shape but doesn't yet have 90 minutes in him."

Does that mean Mandzukic for 50-60 minutes and Allegri will unleash Dybala on a tiring Monchengladbach defense for the remaining minutes in the second half? It's not like Allegri hasn't done it before. We'll find out tomorrow.

3. Can Paul Pogba be a European giant again?

Pogba's form this season has been as hit-and-miss as anybody on the Juventus thus far. But when it has come to his performances in the Champions League, they've actually been pretty good. Is it the fact that he know it's the big stage and therefore shines when the lights are at their brightest? Hell, I dunno. I'm not going to try and get into the head of a 21-year-old footballer. But, at the same time, you wonder what has caused Pogba — a player Allegri has said he demands a lot out of these days — to be so good in Europe and pretty much meh in domestic play. But now that Juventus' starting midfield is complete again, one would think if Pogba were start putting consistent performances together, it would be because he's not shouldering as much as the responsibility as he was before Sami Khedira and Claudio Marchisio returned from their respective injuries. But that's just applying some kind of logic to a situation where we don't truly know what's going on. What I do know, though, is that if Pogba wnats to be a complete badass against Gladbach tomorrow night, I would be totally okay with it.

4. Will Gladbach show any signs of life in Europe?

In two Champions League games, Gladbach have scored one goal and given up five. So when it comes to their current European prospects, it's not looking too good. But the thing they're hanging their hat on is the fact that they've won four straight Bundesliga games and enter with as much positive vibes in their camp as they've had all season. Can the domestic success of late translate to the Champions League? Who knows. It's almost a reverse-Juventus kind of deal. We want Juve to play like they have in the Champions League when they face a Serie A opponent, while Gladbach are trying to turn a good run in the Bundesliga into more European success. It's an interesting situation that each team find themselves in. And when it comes to Wednesday night's game, I'm hoping Champions League Gladbach shows up instead of Recent Bundesliga Gladbach. But that's just me.

JuventusFC ✔ @juventusfcen
.@OfficialAllegri: "Things have picked up for @borussia_en under their new boss. Their approach is different."


My starting XI (3-5-2):

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

http://www.goal.com/en/tables/uefa-champions-league/10

[Socrates 8523]

JUVENTUS - BORUSSIA M. 

-

 
 

Matchday 3
Wednesday, October 21st, 2015 - 08:45 P.M.
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee:‬ Craig Thomson (Scotland)

Morata, Buffon seek Del Piero records

http://www.football-italia.net/74613/morata-buffon-seek-del-piero-records?

Oct 21, 2015

Gigi Buffon and Alvaro Morata can both break Juventus records set by Alessandro Del Piero against Borussia Monchengladbach tonight.

The Bianconeri take on Borussia Monchengladbach in the Champions League this evening, looking to secure their third win in a row in this competition.

Striker Alvaro Morata has scored in his last five European games for the club, equalling a record set by Del Piero 20 years ago.

Pinturicchio netted against Borussia Dortmund and Rangers in both matches against those sides in the 1995/96 Champions League group stages, as well as in one of the ties with Steaua Bucharest.

Morata has now scored in both legs against Real Madrid in the semi-finals last season, the final against Barcelona and also against Manchester City and Sevilla this term.

With a goal tonight, the Spaniard will break the legendary striker’s Champions League record for the Old Lady.

At the other end of the pitch, goalkeeper Gigi Buffon is closing in on another record.

While Del Piero is comfortably in the lead on games played for the club [705 to third-place Buffon’s 535], the goalkeeper only has to play 73 minutes tonight to become the man who has spent most time representing the Bianconeri on the pitch.

Del Piero - a forward and thus more likely to be substituted or start from the bench - played 48,867 minutes for the Bianconeri in official matches, while Buffon is currently on 48,794.

http://www.goal.com/en/tables/uefa-champions-league/10