Juventus Season 2015-2016

[Socrates 8523]

JUVENTUS - ATALANTA

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MATCHDAY 9
Sunday, October 25th, 2015 - 3:00 PM
Juventus Stadium - Turin
Referee: Marco Di Bello

JUVENTUS V ATALANTA SERIE A MATCH PREVIEW

http://www.juvefc.com/juventus-v-atalanta-serie-a-match-preview-and-scouting/?

 
Oct 24, 2015
 
Juventus

With this game, Juventus enter a stretch of the schedule that will be crucial for their Scudetto hopes. In the next few weeks, the Old Lady will face Atalanta, Sassuolo, Torino, Empoli, Milan and Palermo, before Lazio and Fiorentina. None of these are gimmies, bu the squad needs to sweep the next six matches to mount a believable comeback.

Juventus come off two goalless games and this is certainly disappointing considering the firepower at disposal. Massimiliano Allegri is facing intense backlash for the lack of minutes for last summer’s reinforcement campaign poster boy Paulo Dybala. While I would agree that playing him ten of fifteen minutes does not do him any favour and there is a definitely a certain reluctance to start him, the Argentian starlet is the striker who has played the most minute so far, but he is also the only one who has not been hurt or in the doghouse for a while. We have seen the same thing happen with Stephan El Shaarawy at Milan, when it took Allegri months before starting him regularly and accommodating the tactic to make him perform at his best. Dybala himself has been mostly good, but he has not exactly shined when he has featured, so he need to step up too. But I think that this is not the main problem of Juve’s attack.

The principal issue is that none of the forwards’ duo has developed any chemistry. More than ten games into the season, we do not know yet what is the best couple upfront, the go-to one in big matches. While they have all scored, no striker has gained steam and started taking over games. We have seen very few hook-ups in the final third, I can not recall any circumstance where a striker assisted the other. I think this is a big part of the reason why Juventus can not create clear-cut chances in bunches.

This game is sandwiched between two midweek matches so we will probably see some heavy rotation. On Wednesday, many players seemed to have heavy legs. Stefano Sturaro has been used as right-back in practice in the last two weeks and he could relieve Andrea Barzagli on that delicate role, where both Stephen Lichtsteiner and Martin Caceres remains out. I am not holding my breath, but it looks like Daniele Rugani will have the chance to make his Serie A day view with a black and white kit, replacing Giorgio Chiellini. The battle between Patrice Evra and Alex Sandro to start at left-back is wide open.

As for the midfield and the attack, it is just a matter of who is the most fatigued and the substitutions, which will of course influence the tactic, will be made accordingly. The latest reports indicate that Juan Cuadrado may sit this one, with Allegri opting for the diamond formation. In that case, Hernanes or Roberto Pereyra would start in the hole. I think either Claudio Marchisio or Sami Khedira could use a day off, with Mario Lemina ready to replace one of them. I think that the coach will please the crowd and start Dybala. Returning players have often be fielded in a couple of games in a row to help them regain the right condition, so Mario Mandzukic is the frontrunner to start, but Alvaro Morata has a solid shot too. Obviously, if Cuadrado is not rested, we will see the 3-5-2 used in the last few matches.

UPDATE: Allegri has said that Cuadrado will be available but will not start. However, he could maintain the same tactic with Pereyra replacing the Colombian. Padoin or Sturaro will play at RB, but Barzagli has not been ruled out.

 

Probable lineup 4-3-1-2:

Buffon; Sturaro, Bonucci, Chiellini, Evra; Khedira, Marchisio, Pogba; Pereyra, Dybala, Mandzukic.


Injuries:

Lichtsteiner (heart condition), Caceres (ankle).

Suspended:

None



Atalanta

Atalanta are doing pretty well this season and they look completely different from last year, where they have been putrid. They have always had more quality than the average low-table team, but they have not always been able to express it. This season, they seem to have made “not dropping points at home” their mission and they have pretty much succeeded so far as they have drawn only once because of a very late goal by Hellas Verona. They have beaten Frosinone, Sampdoria and Carpi at Atleti Azzurri d’Italia.

They are not as good on the road, but they are still frisky. They have lost against Inter in the stoppage time, they have defeated Empoli, drawn with Sassuolo and lost badly to Fiorentina, in game that was influenced by an early penalty with red card.

The usually defensive-minded Edy Reja is using 4-3-3, which is hands down the most suitable for the roster. After struggling defensively in the past season, they have made big investments and acquired Gabriel Paletta and Rafael Toloi, so now they have a very reliable duo of center-backs. They have been able to find a hidden gem in Marten de Roon, who has replaced brilliantly Luca Cigarini as deep-lying playmaker while the veteran was hurt and now he is holding on to his much deserved starting job. They are also grooming Alberto Grassi, a youngster who has a chance to become a complete midfielder in a couple of years.

Alejandro Gomez and Maxi Moralez are both playing as wingers and they are really their whole offense. Now that El Fraschito has become more comfortable in a wide position, there is much more spacing and room for the cuts by other players. The dualism between German Denis and Mauricio Pinilla has been drama-less and they have both performed pretty well and scored.

The only doubts about the lineup lie in the midfield. At this stage, Grassi and Kurtic are favourite to start over Cigarini and Carmona. Like in the previous years, we can expect a very physical team moving at a slow rhythm and try to make the opponent play ugly: Reja is all in all still an old-school coach. However, Gomez and Moralez are the jollys that add that little zing that spice things up and make them pretty dangerous both in the counters and attacking a set defense: they kind of act like playmakers on the flanks and they are both lightning quick. Pinilla and Denis are good complements as they are very capable of doing the dirty work, wrestling the defenders and finding the right position in the box.


Probable lineup 4-3-3:

Sportiello; Masiello, Toloi, Paletta, Drame; Grassi, De Roon, Kurtic; Moralez, Pinilla, Gomez.


Injuries:

Estigarribia (knee), Suagher.

Suspended:

None

 

Formation

 

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

[Socrates 8523]

JUVENTUS - ATALANTA

-

 
 

MATCHDAY 9
Sunday, October 25th, 2015 - 3:00 PM
Juventus Stadium - Turin
Referee: Marco Di Bello

Allegri blasts Dybala critics

http://www.football-italia.net/74754/allegri-blasts-dybala-critics?

 
Oct 24, 2015
 
Max Allegri prepares Juventus for Atalanta and hits back at a “trial by media” over Paulo Dybala.

It kicks off on Sunday at 15.00 CET - 14.00 GMT.

“Before saying anything else, I want to speak,” he started his Press conference.

“Seeing as there has been a trial by media for me and Dybala, he is the striker who has played the most so far this season.

“He is a lad with excellent qualities and will have a great future. Last season he was a leader at Palermo, but cannot have that same role at Juve yet.

“Anyone who is saying that is wrong. We cannot put this amount of responsibility on Dybala’s shoulders. I think that from my time at Milan I’ve done well getting the best out of young players.

“By behaving this way, you’re making it difficult for the player too. He will be the future and is the present of Juventus. If for one or two games the Coach decides to bench him, there’s a reason. I accept criticism, but only if I am attacked for something true. I must be respected, whether you like it or not.

“He was too expensive to not play? That’s your problem. In that case look at Kevin de Bruyne, who cost €80m and doesn’t play at Manchester City.”

Yesterday President Andrea Agnelli declared “everyone must realise 14th place is unacceptable.” Does Allegri feel the same way?

“As I’ve already said, we ought to have more points right now, regardless of the changes to the squad. Juventus should not be in this position. I didn’t think he was criticising me.

“Fortunately for the first time we all trained together this week. There are players who need a rest, like Juan Cuadrado, while Gigi Buffon will be available.

“We are only missing Stephan Lichtsteiner and Martin Caceres. There are difficult games to face, we’ve found our defensive solidity of late and now have to improve in attack.

“The first real step forward will be visible by Christmas, as we cannot think of fighting back that quickly in just a few games. The next step will be in March.”

Allegri confirmed either Stefano Sturaro or Simone Padoin will play at right-back against Atalanta, while Roberto Pereyra could step in for Cuadrado.

The Coach was also asked about comments made by director general Beppe Marotta, who admitted transfer deadline day signing Hernanes was not their first choice.

“The transfer market is closed, the players who are part of the squad were considered valid to play in this important side.

“I think Mario Mandzukic has had a good scoring record in important games against Manchester City and Lazio in the Super Cup.

“The midfield has only been playing together for two matches, so we need more time to gel.”


Juventus squad for Atalanta:

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

 

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

[Socrates 8523]

JUVENTUS - ATALANTA

-

 
 

MATCHDAY 9
Sunday, October 25th, 2015 - 3:00 PM
Juventus Stadium - Turin
Referee: Marco Di Bello

Reja: 'Atalanta ready for Juve'

http://www.football-italia.net/74760/reja-atalanta-ready-juve?

 
Oct 24, 2015
 
Edy Reja assured Atalanta “are ready and have what it takes to trouble even a side like Juventus.”

“We know that the Bianconeri’s position in the table does not reflect reality,” said the Coach in his Press conference.

“They have the players to get back into the race for the Scudetto. Naturally, we hope they won’t start that comeback until after our game.

“We are in good form and go to Turin intending to continue that trend. We’ll need to keep our guard up at all times and play with great intensity for the full 90 minutes.

“We won’t change our attacking mentality, which has given us such great results so far this season. I could change a few individuals, seeing as there’s a midweek round and three matches in seven days.

“Atalanta are ready and we have what it takes to trouble even a side like Juventus.”

 

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

[Socrates 8523]

JUVENTUS - ATALANTA

-

 
 

MATCHDAY 9
Sunday, October 25th, 2015 - 3:00 PM
Juventus Stadium - Turin
Referee: Marco Di Bello

Juventus vs. Atalanta Preview: Round 9 —
Welcome to Atalanta where the playas play

http://www.blackwhitereadallover.com/2015/10/24/9566359/juventus-atalanta-2015-serie-a-round-9-preview-team-news-schedule

 
Oct 24, 2015
 
The million-dollar question: Will Juventus ever score a goal again this season?

Okay, so maybe it's not as bleak as that, but after two consecutive scoreless and vastly frustrating draws, it's not exactly like Juventus' offensive output of late is inspiring as much confidence as Simone Padoin starting regularly in the center of the midfield would (and did). Or maybe how

The latest stop on the Magic Mystery Tour sees Atalanta — another one of those "There's no way in hell they should be ahead of Juventus in the league standings but they are" teams — roll into Juventus Stadium for what wasn't supposed to be a mid-table clash when we saw the Serie A schedule released a few months ago. But, you know what? It is. This is another chance for Juventus to not be in 14th place come the start of next weekend. Instead,

The unfortunate thing in this season is that logic can't be applied.

Which brings us back to this whole "unable to score goals on a consistent basis" thing.

In their 12 games in all competitions this season, Juventus have scored more than one goal all of six times. You might think that it's not a big deal, but when you only have nine goals total in eight Serie A games, it's pretty noticeable. Juventus averaging one goal per league isn't something we've seen lately. (And maybe that's because we're all spoiled jerks who just want everything handed to us because we're cool.) We've been so used to this team not just creating scoring chances but putting away a solid percentage of them that when they don't do such things, it's rather noticeable.

In regard to the scoring woes as of late, this is what midfielder Claudio Marchisio had to say after Juventus' scoreless draw with Borussia Monchengladbach on Wednesday:

"We've been creating plenty since the start of the season and now have gained greater consistency at the back. All we're missing is that clarity of mind when picking out the final pass. All of us, not just the strikers, are misfiring in the final third. That's what we need to work on.

"Starting the season on a losing note didn't help the group. It hasn't been easy for the new arrivals, knowing they've joined a team that always wins. We need to try and overcome this moment, because there's a lot of quality in this squad."

(Source: juventus.com)

In those six sentences above, there is nothing but the truth coming from one of Juventus' trustworthy players. Marchisio speaks the truth, and he also is extremely reasonable. This team has talent — plenty of it, actually.

All there is to do now is actually use it to their benefit, not frustrate the living hell out of us all.

They get a couple goals, I think it will be more of the latter than the former. But that's just me being the eternal optimist. Stupid optimism always messing with my mind.

JuventusFC ✔ @juventusfcen
.@OfficialAllegri: "What the president said was right. Juventus can't allow themselves to be in 14th position, regardless of the changes."


GOOD NEWS

I dunno.


BAD NEWS

Check the Serie A standings, then get back to me. You'll understand if you don't already.


WHAT TO WATCH FOR

1. Will Mister Allegri do some squad rotation?

The short answer: Yeah, he will.

Throw out Juventus' current league standing out the window for a second here. This is the game after a Champions League game and the third game in the matter of eight days. If that doesn't scream some sort of squad rotation, I don't really know what does. But the catch is that Juventus are struggling right now, and the crowd calling for Allegri to stop tinkering with things will undoubtedly grow as the disappointing results continue to pile up. But Allegri made it known at his pre-match press conference on Saturday afternoon that there will be some squad rotation. And, to be perfectly honest, that's the right move. Some players clearly need a game off — be it because of physical tiredness or mental fatigue. And some reserves who haven't played much the last month or so need so game time. Sounds like a pretty good situation to do some squad rotating to me...

JuventusFC ✔ @juventusfcen
.@OfficialAllegri: "I have 22 high quality players and 50 games ahead of us. It's perfectly understandable for me to vary my selection."

2. Does Daniele Rugani get his first Juventus start?

Again, one of the beneficiaries of Allegri's anticipated could be Juventus' young defensive starlet. We haven't seen much of Mr. Rugani this season, with his only appearance in a Juventus jersey being a late-game cameo against Sevilla last month. That's it. Through eight Serie A games this season, Rugani has yet to log one minute of game time. Now, regardless of how highly we and Allegri rate Rugani, we knew it would be pretty tough to get consistent game time with the likes of Andrea Barzagli, Leonardo Bonucci and Giorgio Chiellini playing in front of him. But in a game that screams out for some kind of squad rotation, it's an opportunity for Allegri to get Rugani on the field for the first time in a league match this season. The kid's gotta play at some point, right? (And I'm not talking about two or three minutes here and there, either.)

JuventusFC ✔ @juventusfcen
.@OfficialAllegri: "@DanieleRugani? I'll need to consider that. He'll definitely put in a good display when his time comes."

3. Who starts up front?

Squad rotation, schmod schrotation. Juventus need to score goals, and they need to find a strike partnership the will consistently do exactly that. The cries out for Paulo Dybala won't end until he starts 15 games in a row (and probably do well in most of them based on how he's played this season). Álvaro Morata could be the one who rests knowing that Allegri will rotate the squad a bit. Some in Italy are thinking it will be Mario Mandzukic, others are thinking it will be Simone Zaza who steps into the starting lineup for Juve's No. 9. The odd thing in that is Morata has been the only striker we could pretty much pencil into our predicted XI because he's so important to the Juventus lineup. Other than that, it's just a guessing game at this point. So whether it's actually going to be Dybala-Mandzukic, Dybala-Zaza or something completely different, we're basically waiting to find out what will actually happen.

4. Can Juventus actually win back-to-back games in Serie A?

Ha! This season continues to be an absolute impossible one to figure out. And until Juventus finds some kind of consistency, it will only remain that way. We know this much, though: Juventus need consistent victories if they want to have any chance of quickly moving up the table before the winter months in Italy arrive. Can it happen? Sure, but not many things about this team have screamed out that they can be consistent right now. This team can create all the chances or record all the shots it wants to, but until they actually do score goals on a consistent basis, those figures don't really matter at all. Coaches always say that they want to test the goalkeeper. Well, if Juve do anything like what they did against Gladbach midweek, testing the keeper is the last thing they will be doing even though their shot count is in the 20s. And that, on top of just about everything else, is going to need to change — fast.


My starting XI (4-3-1-2):

Gianluigi Buffon; Simone Padoin, Daniele Rugani, Leonardo Bonucci, Alex Sandro; Roberto Pereyra, Claudio Marchisio, Mario Lemina; Hernanes; Álvaro Morata, Paulo Dybala

 

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

[Socrates 8523]

JUVENTUS - ATALANTA

-

 
 

MATCHDAY 9
Sunday, October 25th, 2015 - 3:00 PM
Juventus Stadium - Turin
Referee: Marco Di Bello

Line-ups: Juventus-Atalanta

http://www.football-italia.net/74795/line-ups-juventus-atalanta?

 
Oct 25, 2015
 
Juventus make changes as they host high-flying Atalanta and look for only their second Serie A home win of the season.

It kicks off at 15.00 CET - 14.00 GMT.

The pressure is still on Max Allegri after disappointing stalemates with Inter and Borussia Monchengladbach.

He was criticised for not starting Paulo Dybala, but the Argentine leads the attack today with Mario Mandzukic and Roberto Pereyra.

Juan Cuadrado and Andrea Barzagli are among those rested, while Stephan Lichtsteiner and Martin Caceres are the only injury absentees.

Simone Padoin is given the nod as a makeshift right-back.

Atalanta are doing remarkably well this season in eighth place and are fresh from a 3-0 demolition job on Carpi.

Marcelo Estigarribia misses out, but Mauricio Pinilla completes the trident attack with Maxi Moralez and D’Alessandro.

The Orobici haven’t won in Turin since a 1-0 result sealed by Claudio Caniggia back in October 1989, losing nine of their last 10 visits.

Home and away, Juventus have won all their last 10 meetings with the Bergamo club.

Surprisingly, whatever happens this afternoon, Atalanta will still be at least two points clear of Juve in the table.


Juventus: Buffon; Padoin, Bonucci, Chiellini, Evra; Khedira, Marchisio, Pogba; Pereyra; Mandzukic, Dybala

Atalanta: Sportiello; Bellini, Toloi, Paletta, Dramé; Grassi, Kurtic, De Roon; Maxi Moralez, Pinilla, D'Alessandro

 

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

[Socrates 8523]

JUVENTUS - ATALANTA

-

 
 

MATCHDAY 9
Sunday, October 25th, 2015 - 3:00 PM
Juventus Stadium - Turin
Referee: Marco Di Bello

Marotta: '14th doesn't suit Juve'

http://www.football-italia.net/74798/marotta-14th-doesnt-suit-juve?

 
Oct 25, 2015
 
Juventus director Beppe Marotta said 14th place “does not reflect our value” and backed Max Allegri.

Today they host Atalanta: “This position in the table does not reflect our value. This is an important game for the three points, but I can say it’s still a long campaign and there’s time to recover,” Marotta told Mediaset Premium.

“As Allegri said, it’s right to wait until the end of December. The squad is very competitive, but we are also forced to deal with some injuries. Fortunately we’ve got everyone back except Stephan Lichtsteiner and Martin Caceres now.”

Marotta was asked about Allegri’s decision to drop Paulo Dybala in recent outings, though he starts today.

“Until now the strike force was never completely available, so Allegri’s choices were often dictated by their fitness levels.

“There are many games to be played this season, so it’s down to our Coach to evaluate how best to use our strikers.”

 

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

[Socrates 8523]

JUVENTUS - ATALANTA

-

 
 

MATCHDAY 9
Sunday, October 25th, 2015 - 3:00 PM
Juventus Stadium - Turin
Referee: Marco Di Bello

Half-Time 1-0: Paulo Dybala fires
Juventus ahead against Atalanta

http://www.sportsmole.co.uk/football/juventus/half-time-report/half-time-report-paulo-dybala-fires-juventus-ahead_254131.html?

 
Oct 25, 2015
 
Juventus are on course to win their second home match of the Serie A season after taking a 1-0 half-time lead over Atalanta this afternoon.

The Bianconeri made a dominant start to the match and Leonardo Bonucci headed straight at Marco Sportiello, before the keeper denied Mario Mandzukic's close-range effort.

Sportiello was called into action again minutes later to keep out Paulo Dybala's low strike.

Juventus finally made their pressure count in the 28th minute as Dybala fired a swerving effort from outside the box into the roof of the net.

Dybala almost grabbed his second goal of the match on the stroke of half time, but his close-range attempt was stopped by the keeper, as Juventus took their lead into the break.

 

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

[Socrates 8523]

JUVENTUS - ATALANTA

2 - 0

Paulo Dybala (28')
Mario Mandžukić (49')
 
 

MATCHDAY 9
Sunday, October 25th, 2015 - 3:00 PM
Juventus Stadium - Turin
Referee: Marco Di Bello

Juventus 2-0 Atalanta:
Dybala shines in routine win

The striker scored his fourth goal, and assisted another, in five league starts
as the champions made easy work of Edy Reja's side, though Paul Pogba missed a late penalty.

http://www.goal.com/en-gb/match/juventus-vs-atalanta/2120460/report

 
Oct 25, 2015
 
Paulo Dybala helped Juventus rediscover their goalscoring form with a goal and an assist in Sunday's 2-0 win over Atalanta as Paul Pogba saw a late penalty saved.

Following consecutive goalless draws with Inter and Borussia Monchengladbach, the Serie A champions were back on target at the Juventus Stadium with Dybala making a strong case to retain his starting spot up front in an impressive display.

Juve coach Massimiliano Allegri has received criticism for failing to use the 21-year-old enough this season but was rewarded for giving him a start 28 minutes in when Dybala produced a delightful strike from the edge of the area.

Atalanta had lost just once in seven league matches prior to their trip to Turin but the result was all-but sealed when Mario Mandzukic registered his first Serie A goal courtesy of clever build-up play from Pogba and Dybala.

The champions' task was made easier by the dismissal of Rafael Toloi late on, before Dybala earned a penalty subsequently spurned by Pogba 11 minutes from time.

Dybala had further chances in the final stages as Juve marked defensive stalwart Giorgio Chiellini's 300th league outing with a routine win.

Allegri brought in Roberto Pereyra and Dybala alongside Mandzukic and saw Juve start brightly.

Leonardo Bonucci glanced Dybala's free-kick at goal - Marco Sportiello equal to it - before the Atalanta goalkeeper kept Mandzukic's close-range effort out following a deep corner.

The visitors were without Marcelo Estigarribia and Emanuele Suagher due to injury but grew back into the game prior to the half-hour mark with Chiellini's intervention cutting out Boukary Drame's cross.

However, Dybala's stunning strike gave Juve a deserved lead 17 minutes before the break as the Argentine registered his fourth league goal of the season.

The former Palermo man sustained a knock soon after and was briefly forced off for treatment, and Pereyra was withdrawn with an injury shortly before half-time.

Sportiello's fine save from a Dybala shot was the last action of the first period but the Atalanta stopper was picking the ball out of his net early in the second when Dybala turned provider for Mandzukic.

A delightful backheel from Pogba saw Dybala square for Mandzukic to finish from close range, opening his league account in the process, having moved from Bayern Munich in the close-season.

While Edoardo Reja's Atalanta remained comfortable in possession they struggled to threaten as Juve grew in confidence, Dybala flashing a free-kick wide before being denied a second soon after by a smart Sportiello save.

Having been booked for a foul, Toloi was dismissed for a similar offence 17 minutes from time as Pogba's frustrating campaign continued when his penalty was saved by Sportiello after a foul on Dybala.

 

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

[Socrates 8523]

JUVENTUS - ATALANTA

2 - 0

Paulo Dybala (28')
Mario Mandžukić (49')
 
 

MATCHDAY 9
Sunday, October 25th, 2015 - 3:00 PM
Juventus Stadium - Turin
Referee: Marco Di Bello

Juventus 2-0 Atalanta

Paulo Dybala and Mario Mandzukic got Juventus back on track
against Atalanta, but Paul Pogba’s penalty was saved.

http://www.football-italia.net/SerieA/match/69904

 
Oct 25, 2015
 
Paulo Dybala and Mario Mandzukic got Juventus back on track against Atalanta, but Paul Pogba’s penalty was saved.

The pressure was growing on the Bianconeri after disappointing stalemates with Inter and Borussia Monchengladbach. They made changes, resting Juan Cuadrado and Andrea Barzagli, to welcome an Atalanta side that was surprisingly five points clear of the reigning champions. The Orobici had lost nine of their previous 10 visits to Turin since a 1-0 result in October 1989.

In the opening minutes Marco Sportiello blocked a glancing Giorgio Chiellini header, then Mario Mandzukic only scuffed a corner at the back post. The Croatian’s first touch also let him down on a Paul Pogba through ball and Paulo Dybala blasted straight at the goalkeeper.

After this early pressure, Atalanta emerged and Chiellini’s sliding tackle was decisive to stop Boukary Drame’s low cross getting tapped in.

Dybala broke the deadlock with a left-foot scorcher from distance that flew under the bar. Sportiello was wrong-footed, either by a deflection off Gabriel Paletta or the defender blocking his view.

Just as Juve’s injury crisis was abating, Roberto Pereyra pulled up clutching his hamstring and had to be replaced, Pogba moving into the trequartista role.

Dybala came close to a second on the stroke of half-time, but sliding in at the back post couldn’t keep a Pogba cross on target.

With the last kick of the first half, Dybala’s first-time shot was somehow denied by Sportiello instinctively sticking out a foot.

Gianpaolo Bellini had to come off after an accidental Kwadwo Asamoah knee to the head. Juve doubled their advantage as Dybala ran on to a Pogba back-heel flick down the left and rolled across for Mandzukic to prod in from six yards, sneaking between centre-backs. It was his first Serie A goal, the third of the campaign.

Mandzukic had timid penalty appeals for a Drame’ shirt tug and Pinilla’s sudden snapshot flashed across the face of goal.

Pogba’s inspired pass sent Dybala clear, but Sportiello performed a one-handed save one-on-one with the Argentine.

Rafael Toloi received his second yellow card and reduced Atalanta to 10 men in Turin.

Gabriel Paletta’s sliding tackle on Dybala was an inevitable penalty, but Pogba saw his spot-kick saved by specialist Sportiello. It was the fourth time this goalkeeper had parried a top flight penalty.


Juventus:

Buffon; Padoin, Bonucci, Chiellini, Evra; Khedira (Sturaro 89), Marchisio, Pogba; Pereyra (Asamoah 37); Mandzukic (Morata 77), Dybala

Atalanta:

Sportiello; Bellini (Masiello 46), Toloi, Paletta, Dramé; Grassi, Kurtic, De Roon (Migliaccio 73); Maxi Moralez (Gomez 52), Pinilla, D'Alessandro

Ref: Di Bello

Sent off: Toloi 74 (A)

Saved penalty: Pogba 79 (J)

 

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

[Socrates 8523]

JUVENTUS - ATALANTA

2 - 0

Paulo Dybala (28')
Mario Mandžukić (49')
 
 

MATCHDAY 9
Sunday, October 25th, 2015 - 3:00 PM
Juventus Stadium - Turin
Referee: Marco Di Bello

Juventus 2-0 Atalanta: Dybala Guides
Bianconeri Past 10-Man Orobici

http://forzaitalianfootball.com/2015/10/juventus-2-0-atalanta-dybala-guides-bianconeri-past-10-man-orobici/?

 
Oct 25, 2015
 
Juventus defeated Atalanta 2-0 at the Juventus Stadium on Sunday afternoon, claiming just their third Serie A win so far this season.

Paulo Dybala put the Old Lady ahead before Mario Mandzukic swiftly got their second in the second half. The game was made worse for the visitors when Rafael Toloi was sent off, although Paul Pogba failed to convert a penalty soon afterwards.

Juventus dominated possession in the early moments of the match and it was inevitable that they would grab a goal, with Paulo Dybala doing just that before the half-hour mark with a fantastic strike from outside the box curving at the right time to make for a near impossible task for Marco Sportiello to clear it in the away goal.

Their lead was almost doubled on the stroke of half-time when some excellent teamwork ended with Dybala drilling an effort towards goal but Sportiello was in the right place at the right time to deny what would have been a brilliant strike.

The second half began in much the same way as the first with the only difference being, with less than five minutes gone, Mario Mandzukic grabbing the Bianconeri’s second when he tapped in a Dybala cross.

La Dea’s afternoon only got worse with Brazilian international Rafael Toloi being shown a second yellow card for an unnecessary foul with 15 minutes to go to make the final stages of the match even more difficult for 10-men Atalanta.

It looked to be all but won for Juventus when Gabriel Paletta tripped up Dybala in the box but Sportiello’s afternoon took a turn for the better as he saved Paul Pogba’s effort.

The victory for Massimiliano Allegri’s men takes them up to 12th in the league table, while Atalanta are in ninth.

 

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

[Socrates 8523]

JUVENTUS - ATALANTA

2 - 0

Paulo Dybala (28')
Mario Mandžukić (49')
 
 

MATCHDAY 9
Sunday, October 25th, 2015 - 3:00 PM
Juventus Stadium - Turin
Referee: Marco Di Bello

Paul Pogba Curiously Writes '+5' onto His
Number 10 Shirt Before Atalanta Game

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2582507-paul-pogba-curiously-writes-5-onto-his-number-10-shirt-before-atalanta-game?

 
Oct 25, 2015
 
Juventus are looking to record a Serie A win against Atalanta on Sunday, but there is something a little off about midfielder Paul Pogba.

The Frenchman took to the field wearing his No. 10 jersey, but had strangely drawn "+5" in marker to the right of the number.


L'Actu Foot @ActuFoot_
Paul Pogba avec un "+5" sur son maillot, comme pour conjurer le mauvais sort ? (1+0+5 = 6)

Pogba has yet to explain exactly why he had done this, (because, well, he is playing) but one working theory put forward on Twitter is that together the three numbers (1, 0 and 5) add up to six—his previous squad number.

KICKTV ✔ @KICKTV
When the kit man won't let you be number 15. (via @TheCalcioGuy )

Iansen @Iansenlol
@KICKTV @TheCalcioGuy 1+0+5 = 6. His old jersey number.

We're open to new theories though, so fire them at us. Paper shortage for a quiet math genius? Falling out with Juventus' kit man?

 

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

[Socrates 8523]

JUVENTUS - ATALANTA

2 - 0

Paulo Dybala (28')
Mario Mandžukić (49')
 
 

MATCHDAY 9
Sunday, October 25th, 2015 - 3:00 PM
Juventus Stadium - Turin
Referee: Marco Di Bello

Juventus ease past Atalanta

http://www.sportsmole.co.uk/football/juventus/result/result-juventus-ease-past-atalanta-bc_254150.html

 
Oct 25, 2015
 
Paulo Dybala produced a man-of-the-match performance for Juventus as the Italian champions eased to a 2-0 victory over Atalanta BC in their Serie A meeting this afternoon.

The home side made a dominant start to the match and Leonardo Bonucci headed straight at Marco Sportiello, before the keeper denied Mario Mandzukic's close-range effort.

Sportiello was soon called into action again minutes later to keep out Dybala's low strike.

Juventus finally made their pressure count in the 28th minute as Dybala fired a swerving effort from outside the box into the roof of the net.

The Argentine almost grabbed his second goal of the match on the stroke of half time, but his close-range attempt was stopped by the keeper.

However, Juventus did manage to double their lead four minutes into the second half as Mandzukic arrived inside the six-yard box to guide home Dybala's low cross.

Atalanta were providing little threat to Gianluigi Buffon's goal, but Mauricio Pinilla almost found the net with a fierce drive from range that sailed inches wide of the far post.

Dybala soon came close to giving Juventus a three-goal lead when he curled a free kick inches wide, before the Argentine was denied by a one-handed save from Sportiello.

Any hopes that the visitors had of producing an unlikely comeback were dealt a major blow in the 73rd minute as Rafael Toloi was dismissed for picking up his second yellow card of the match.

Juventus were then given the chance to score a third goal after Dybala was brought down inside the box by Gabriel Paletta, but Paul Pogba saw the resulting penalty saved by Sportiello.

However, the failed spot kick mattered little as the Old Lady comfortably held on to take the three points and continue their rise up the table following a shaky start to the season.

 

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

[Socrates 8523]

JUVENTUS - ATALANTA

2 - 0

Paulo Dybala (28')
Mario Mandžukić (49')
 
 

MATCHDAY 9
Sunday, October 25th, 2015 - 3:00 PM
Juventus Stadium - Turin
Referee: Marco Di Bello

RATINGS: Dybala shines for Juventus

http://www.goal.com/en/match/juventus-vs-atalanta/2120460/ratings

 
Oct 25, 2015
 

Juventus

1 G. Buffon - The veteran goalkeeper had very little to do due to his side’s dominance and picked up a well-deserved clean sheet as a result.

20 S. Padoin - Put in a strong shift defensively, particularly in the second half, and looked a threat every time he pushed forward.

19 L. Bonucci - Didn’t put a foot wrong in the middle of a Juventus defence that continually impressed and looked great with the ball at his feet.

3 G. Chiellini - Was as solid as a rock when called upon to act against an Atalanta front line that struggled to find much joy.

33 P. Evra - Spent the vast majority of the game camped inside the Atalanta half of the pitch, where he was a constant attacking threat.

6 S. Khedira - Put in a decent performance in the heart of the Juventus midfield to keep things ticking over nicely.

8 C. Marchisio - Sat back and dictated the pace of the game with his well-placed passes and good vision.

10P. Pogba - Played an important role in both goals and was largely impressive but really should have tucked away his penalty.

37 R. Pereyra - Looked incredibly bright during his short time on the pitch but had to make way in the first half after picking up a nasty-looking injury.

17 M. Mandžukić - Struggled in the first half but got off to the best possible start in the second period when he finally scored his first Serie A goal.

21 P. Dybala - Another splendid performance from the in-form Argentine. Was involved in every Juventus attacking move and marked his great display with another goal.


Substitutes

22 K. Asamoah - Replaced the injured Pereyra and continued the Argentine's good work for the remainder of the game.

9 Álvaro Morata - Looked bright after replacing Mandzukic but was unable to make it count.

27 S. Sturaro - Featured late on but failed to make an impact in his short time on the pitch.


 

Atalanta

57 M. Sportiello - Easily Atalanta’s man of the match. If it wasn’t for several great saves from the goalkeeper, his side easily could have lost by three or four more goals.

6 G. Bellini - Really struggled in the first half before being substituted during the half-time break after receiving a nasty knock to the head.

3 Rafael Tolói - Continually struggled as he tried to deal with Dybala before being shown a red card for the second of two poorly-timed challenges.

29 G. Paletta - Had his back against the wall for the vast majority of the game and completed a bad day with a clumsy challenge on Dybala that resulted in a late penalty.

93 B. Dramé - One of Atalanta’s better defenders. Looked strong inside his own half of the pitch and was one of their best attacking threats at the other end.

88 A. Grassi - Enjoyed a few moments of brightness but on the whole it was a difficult and underwhelming afternoon for the Italian.

27 J. Kurtič - Arguably Atalanta’s best midfielder. Put in a determined defensive shift before looking bright going forward, particularly in the second half.

15 M. de Roon - Could find little joy at the base of the Atalanta midfield, where he constantly failed to deal with Dybala and Pogba.

11 M. Moralez - Looked bright down the left wing but was replaced by Gomez shortly into the second half.

51 M. Pinilla - It was a difficult afternoon for the striker, who was largely anonymous and barely managed a sniff on goal.

7 M. D'Alessandro - Enjoyed a few positive patches but on the whole found it difficult to find much joy against a strong Juventus defence.


Substitutes

5 A. Masiello - Replaced the injured Bellini and put in a much better performance, helping to shore up an Atalanta defence that struggled during the first half.

10 A. Gómez - Initially looked bright after taking the place of Moralez but started to fade quickly after an impressive opening 10 minutes.

8 G. Migliaccio - Featured for the final quarter-of-an-hour but could find little joy as a result of Juventus' dominance of the ball.

 

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

[Socrates 8523]

JUVENTUS - ATALANTA

2 - 0

Paulo Dybala (28')
Mario Mandžukić (49')
 
 

MATCHDAY 9
Sunday, October 25th, 2015 - 3:00 PM
Juventus Stadium - Turin
Referee: Marco Di Bello

Paulo Dybala on target as Juventus
defeat Atalanta in Serie A

http://www.espnfc.co.uk/italian-serie-a/match/432179/juventus-atalanta/report?

 
Oct 25, 2015
 
Paulo Dybala inspired Juventus to beat 10-man Atalanta 2-0 in Turin on Sunday for their third Serie A win.

The Argentina forward put the hosts on their way in the 28th minute before setting up Mario Manduzkic for Juve's second of the afternoon after the re-start.

Atalanta, who failed to test Juve goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon throughout the encounter, had defender Rafael Toloi sent off for a second yellow card in the 74th minute.

Four minutes later, Dybala earned a penalty but Paul Pogba's spot-kick was saved by Atalanta goalkeeper Marco Sportiello.

The victory has lifted the defending Italian champions to 11th in the standings while Atalanta have dropped to ninth.

A goalless draw at home to Borussia Monchengladbach on Wednesday had halted Juve's perfect run in the Champions League.

Juve, who had held Inter Milan to a 0-0 result in the previous round, enjoyed a strong start.

Sportiello was forced to make two saves early on to deny close-range attempts from Leonardo Bonucci and Mandzukic.

Juve broke the deadlock shortly after when Dybala found space just outside the area and drilled a left-footed shot from 25 yards that beat Sportiello.

Sportiello was beaten for a second time after 49 minutes when Dybala's perfect pass found Mandzukic and he tapped home from close range.

The visitors suffered a further setback when Toloi was handed his marching orders after a late challenge on Mandzukic.

With 12 minutes remaining, the referee pointed to the spot after Gabriel Paletta fouled Dybala in the box.

Sportiello guessed correctly and kept out Pogba's right-footed shot towards the far post.

 

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

[Socrates 8523]

JUVENTUS - ATALANTA

2 - 0

Paulo Dybala (28')
Mario Mandžukić (49')
 
 

MATCHDAY 9
Sunday, October 25th, 2015 - 3:00 PM
Juventus Stadium - Turin
Referee: Marco Di Bello

JUVENTUS 2-0 ATALANTA
SERIE A PLAYER RATINGS

Juventus ran out worthy 2-0 winners against Atalanta but who was
the man of the match ? Read our ratings and find out…

http://www.juvefc.com/juventus-2-0-atalanta-serie-a-player-ratings/?

 
Oct 25, 2015
 
The Bianconeri dominated from the off and it wasn’t long before Paulo Dybala had them in the lead with a sublime opening goal. It was to the be the Argentine’s game as he continued to impress, firing in a perfect cross for Mario Mandzukic to convert from close-range.


Gigi Buffon 6.0 - Rarely troubled by the Atalanta front 3 and had very little to do all game. Bossed his box very well and kept his defence in order. A quiet game for the captain.

Simone Padoin 5.5 - Not at his best when put under pressure which worked out well because most of Juve’s attack was focussed down the left. Performed better after Juve had gone ahead but not a natural right-back

Leonardo Bonucci 7.0 - Juve’s best defender yet again. Defensively sound, cutting out crosses, intercepted well, bought the ball out of defence again and again and had a great moment when he nutmegged an Atalanta defender. Superb.

Giorgio Chiellini 6.0 - Contained Pinilla very well and reduced Atalanta to just a handfull of half chances. Solid display

Patrice Evra 6.5 - Spent most of the game working brilliantly in tandem with Pogba. Sound defensively and spent most of the match in the Atalanta half where he continued to be threat all game.

Sami Khedira 6.0 - Did all the simple things very well, kept Juve ticking over, had some good chances of his own to score. A solid display

Claudio Marchisio 7.0 - Dictated the game from midfield with a fine display, worked well with Khedira alongside him and you can see the two are developing a good understanding of one another.

Paul Pogba 7.5 - Almost back to his very best – Played a defence splitting pass in the early minutes of the game that set the tone for his performance. Galloped up and down the pitch and seemed to only get better as the game went on. A shame he missed the penalty, but otherwise it was more like the Pogba of past seasons.

Roberto Pereyra N/A - Injured early on and subbed off for Asamoah

Mario Mandzukic 6.5 - A player who thrives on service, finally scored his first Serie A goal thanks to a great assist from Dybala.

PAULO DYBALA 9.0 - Where do you start ? Scored a gorgeous goal before setting up Mandzukic then won the penalty late on. A near-perfect display from the youngster who showed just what he can do when he starts matches.


Substitutes

Kwadwo Asamoah 6.0 - A quiet return for the midfielder but thats only to be expected given the time he’s spent away from the team.

Stefano Sturaro N/A - Came on for Padoin and sat in at right-back.

Alvaro Morata N/A - A brief cameo role with the game already won.

 

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

[Socrates 8523]

JUVENTUS - ATALANTA

2 - 0

Paulo Dybala (28')
Mario Mandžukić (49')
 
 

MATCHDAY 9
Sunday, October 25th, 2015 - 3:00 PM
Juventus Stadium - Turin
Referee: Marco Di Bello

Allegri: 'Dybala must grow'

http://www.football-italia.net/74805/allegri-dybala-must-grow?

 
Oct 25, 2015
 
Max Allegri is pleased about Juventus winning 2-0 against Atalanta, but says 'Paulo Dybala must grow physically, he still can't take contrasts'.

The Bianconeri got back on the right track against La Dea, but it appears the Argentine's goal was not sufficient to fully convince the Coach.

“The lads played a good game,” Allegri told Mediaset. “We took no goals, we showed some good football at times and had some good chances to score.

“I'm quite satisfied, even though we shouldn't have lost so many balls and we should have saved our energy towards the end, when they were reduced to ten men.

“Missing a penalty is not a problem,” he said, in reference to Paul Pogba's missed opportunity. “The only ones who don't miss penalties are those who don't take them.

“Pogba is developing, but he can still improve.

“I believe in what I'm doing. As for handling youth, you can say anything about me, that I get my formations wrong or whatever, but not that I can't handle young players.

“I liked Dybala's position, and Pereyra's too. Dybala will have to play between the lines.

“With all due respect for [President Maurizio] Zamparini, but the lad only just came from Palermo and we can't give him too many responsibilities.

“He must develop physically and improve. He's only 21 years old and the balls he plays here are not like those in Palermo.

“He used to play one or two balls per minute, here he gets one or two every 15 seconds. He must improve in terms of character too.

“He still has trouble with physical contrasts. But he's good at passing, he has a great shot and he can find his space.

“Nobody criticises his quality, he always played. The fact he played changes nothing, but my mind was made up after the game against Manchester [City].

“In the championship there are highs and lows. If he can develop technically, tactically and physically, he'll become a champion.

“As for the defence, if we work as a group then we can cause our adversaries trouble and not take goals.”

 

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

[Socrates 8523]

JUVENTUS - ATALANTA

2 - 0

Paulo Dybala (28')
Mario Mandžukić (49')
 
 

MATCHDAY 9
Sunday, October 25th, 2015 - 3:00 PM
Juventus Stadium - Turin
Referee: Marco Di Bello

Juventus 2 - Atalanta 0: Initial
reaction and random observations

http://www.blackwhitereadallover.com/2015/10/25/9610548/juventus-atalanta-2015-serie-a-round-9-final-score-result-initial-reaction

 
Oct 25, 2015
 
And then, on Oct. 25, 2015, Paulo Dybala completely took control of the Juventus attack.

Maybe we will mark this day down in history and remember it fondly. Or maybe we will just think to ourselves, "See? This is why Dybala should have the Juventus attack built around him, Max!" Or maybe it's just going to be a game that we point to as the official start of Dybala's record-setting career in a Juventus jersey. Who knows, really.

Whatever it is, I'm sure we'll be watching this wonderfully taken goal, the first in Juventus' 2-0 win over Atalanta on Sunday afternoon at Juventus Stadium, plenty of times in the future. Why? Because it's Dybala doing awesome things, and because it's just a beautiful, beautiful thing to witness.

Seriously, look at that movement on the ball. Atalanta goalkeeper Marco Sportiello is a pretty good goalkeeper and even he had no chance whatsoever. Pretty much every goalkeeper in the world would have struggled with that shot. It had just an insane amount of unnatural movement on it.

I feel safe in saying this: When Juventus shelled out all that money for Dybala over the summer, this was the kind of performance they envisioned would not just happen every so often, but be a regular occurrence. Dybala had one goal and assisted on Mario Mandzukic's first Serie A goal. And based on the chances he had, Dybala could have easily had two or three more goals if not for a Sportiello super save right before halftime and a second-half free kick whizzing just past the right upright.

But for an attack that clearly needed a spark, Dybala provided exactly that. And it paid dividends throughout the team as well. The build-up play on some of the scoring chances was some of the best we've seen all season. It certainly helped that it seemed as though Dybala was involved in everything. With the way he played, that wasn't a bad thing.

So, Dybala to start against Sassuolo midweek? I sure as hell hope so. He certainly earned it.


Random thoughts and observations

We've talked a lot about Juventus' offensive woes as of late, and rightfully so. But what's flown under the radar a little bit is the fact that Juve's defense is playing as well as it has all season long. Leonardo Bonucci was fantastic again, Giorgi Chiellini has seemed to right the ship after his struggles the last 18 months or so. There was a reason why Gigi Buffon didn't have to do a damn thing outside of catching a couple of easy crosses. It's because of what the players in front of him are doing right now.

What's that saying about 2-0 being the most dangerous lead to have in the game? Once Juventus went up 2-0 it seemed as though Atalanta lost total interest.

Complete side note even though it's got a Juventus-related twist to it: Domenico Berardi scored against Milan today. That might as well write this into Italian law at this point. Whenever Berardi plays against Milan, Berardi scores against Milan. Book it.

Marco Sportiello is a goalkeeper I would totally be okay with playing for Juventus down the road. He's become one of the best in Serie A with what he's done over the last season and change. Oh, and he's just 23 years old, so there's still plenty of room for him to grow.

In the post-game thread after the Borussia Monchengladbach draw, I said Paul Pogba needed a game or two off. Well, I guess I was wrong. Sans penalty miss, this was easily one of Pogba's best games of the season. You could see the confidence growing as the game went on. There were a few tricks and flicks, but they were helping Juventus this time around, not hindering the team. That's huge.

Claudio Marchisio is good. Sami Khedira is good. Juventus' midfield trio is starting to take shape. And that, as you probably can guess, is also good.

Speaking of midfielders, seeing Kwadwo Asamoah get some serious playing time — even though it was as a result of Roberto Pereyra having to come off injured in the first half — is maybe one of the best things to come of out the Atalanta win. How does a midfield of Khedira-Marchisio-Asamoah with Pogba playing further up the field sound to you? I'll tell you this, I'm definitely not opposed to it, especially if Pogba starts to find some kind of consistent form.

I missed games like this one. I really did. There was never a doubt that Juventus would really be in serious trouble. I'll take a couple more orders of that before the season is over, please.

Juventus up to 12th win the win. (Never thought I'd be typing that in late-October, by the way.) Two crucial games back to back against Sassuolo and Torino within the next seven days.


POLL

Who was your Juventus Man of the Match against Atalanta?

92% Paulo Dybala (336 votes)
5% Paul Pogba (18 votes)
3% Claudio Marchisio (10 votes)
1% Leonardo Bonucci (2 votes)
0% Patrice Evra (1 vote)
0% Giorgio Chiellini (0 votes)

367 votes total

 

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

[Socrates 8523]

JUVENTUS - ATALANTA

2 - 0

Paulo Dybala (28')
Mario Mandžukić (49')
 

MATCHDAY 9
Sunday, October 25th, 2015 - 3:00 PM
Juventus Stadium - Turin
Referee: Marco Di Bello

JUVENTUS 2-0 ATALANTA
SERIE A MATCH REPORT

Mario Mandzukic scored his debut Serie A goal but Paulo Dybala
was the man of the match as Juve ran out 2-0 winners against Atalanta.

http://www.juvefc.com/juventus-2-0-atalanta-serie-a-match-report/?

 
Oct 25, 2015
 

5 Positives

1. Paulo Dybala – What a performance. At the heart of every Juve attack, drifting from the left to the right, tracking back to defend, scoring a pornagraphic opening goal, providing the kind of assist Madzukic thrives on, winning a penalty… the list goes on and on. It’s great to see people talking about him for all the right reasons.

2. Paul Pogba – Almost bacl to his very best – Galloped around the pitch like a thoroughbred, played some superb, intricate passes in the first half, dominated the midfield in the second. The missed penalty aside, he seems to be coming into his own again and playing very well as part of…..

3. KMP or PMK or MPK or….you get my drift – …the three man midfield of Khedira, Marchisio and Pogba ! It works, and it works damn well. The more often they play together, the better they perform as unit and individually. Funny that ? Allegri persisting with the same players actually makes the team better. Who would have though ?

4. Mandzukic scores ! – Give Mario Mandzukic a dodgy cross, and he may fap at it and fall on his arse. Give him the kind of delivery he needs, and he’ll finish all day. Great to see him score his debut Serie A goal.

5. Allegri’s tactics – I’ll be the first to admit that i wasn’t a huge fan of us changing formation yet again after starting to get to grips with a 4-3-3 that normally involves Juan Cuadrado. That said, Allegri got it perfect today, keeping the same midfield, resting key players and letting Dybala roam freely in attack. Bravo Max !


Statistics

Man of the Match: Paulo Dybala

Flop of the Match: Simone Padoin

Corners: 5

Pass Accuracy: 91%

Shots on Target: 10

Total Shots: 19

Ball Possession: 70%

Formation: 4-3-1-2

 

Formation

 
Lineups

Juventus: Buffon; Padoin, Bonucci, Chiellini, Evra; Khedira (Sturaro 89), Marchisio, Pogba; Pereyra (Asamoah 37); Mandzukic (Morata 77), Dybala

Atalanta: Sportiello; Bellini (Masiello 46), Toloi, Paletta, Dramé; Grassi, Kurtic, De Roon (Migliaccio 73); Maxi Moralez (Gomez 52), Pinilla, D’Alessandro

Ref: Di Bello

Sent off: Toloi 74 (A)

Saved penalty: Pogba 79 (J)



Who was your man of the match against Atalanta

Dybala 69 votes 87%

Pogba 4 votes 5%

Marchisio 2 votes 3%

Padoin 2 votes 3%

Buffon 1 vote 1%

Khedira 1 vote 1%

Bonucci 0%
Chiellini 0%
Evra 0%
Pereyra 0%
Mandzukic 0%

Votes 79

 

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

[Socrates 8523]

JUVENTUS - ATALANTA

2 - 0

Paulo Dybala (28')
Mario Mandžukić (49')
 

MATCHDAY 9
Sunday, October 25th, 2015 - 3:00 PM
Juventus Stadium - Turin
Referee: Marco Di Bello

Reja: Atalanta Were
Too Fearful Of Juventus

http://forzaitalianfootball.com/2015/10/reja-atalanta-were-too-fearful-of-juventus/?

 
Oct 25, 2015
 
Atalanta coach Edoardo Reja believes his side were unlucky during their Serie A defeat to Juventus.

La Dea lost 2-0 to the reigning Italian champions on Sunday afternoon although they played some better football towards the end of the match, but coach Reja thinks his side were partly unlucky due the quality Juventus had during the game.

“Ironically, we played our best after they scored,” the 70-year-old told Rai after the match.

“We were unlucky to come up against Juventus who played very well in the first half.”

The Italian tactician then pointed out that they also made some mistakes in the game, showing his disappointment with how much of the ball their opponents saw.

“We recovered, we tried to attack them more, we created two opportunities with Pinilla and Maxi Moralez but overall we had too much fear against them,” he said.

“We have too much space to our opponents.”

Atalanta’s loss puts them in ninth place in the league table ahead of their next fixture at home to Lazio on Wednesday night.

 

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

[Socrates 8523]

JUVENTUS - ATALANTA

2 - 0

Paulo Dybala (28')
Mario Mandžukić (49')
 

MATCHDAY 9
Sunday, October 25th, 2015 - 3:00 PM
Juventus Stadium - Turin
Referee: Marco Di Bello

Dybala: 'Juve are strong, I'm not'

http://www.football-italia.net/74807/dybala-juve-are-strong-im-not?

 
Oct 25, 2015
 
Paulo Dybala is self-critical in spite of scoring in the 2-0 win over Atalanta: 'It's the only way I'll ever improve'.

The Argentine is trying his utmost to fill in the giant shoes left by Carlos Tevez, and it seems things are beginning to turn his way as he was decisive in beating La Dea.

“I'm only half-satisfied, I was able to score a goal but I also missed a lot,” he told Mediaset after the game.

“I am self-critical because this is the only way I will improve.

“Today I went into the pitch linking up play, which isn't easy for me because I used to be a poacher and I had greater freedom. Besides, Vazquez used to help me a lot.

“Pressure? No, I don't read all the things that are written in the papers and the team does a good job of shielding me.

“Juventus are among the competitors for the Scudetto.”

 

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

[Socrates 8523]

JUVENTUS - ATALANTA

2 - 0

Paulo Dybala (28')
Mario Mandžukić (49')
 

MATCHDAY 9
Sunday, October 25th, 2015 - 3:00 PM
Juventus Stadium - Turin
Referee: Marco Di Bello

Player Ratings: Juventus 2-0 Atalanta

http://forzaitalianfootball.com/2015/10/player-ratings-juventus-v-atalanta/?

 
Oct 25, 2015
 
Juventus topped Atalanta 2-0 at home Sunday afternoon in Serie A, with Paulo Dybala staring for the home side.

Though la Dea mostly managed a resolute defence, they were unable to stop the machinations of Bianconeri striker Paulo Dybala, who scored the first goal and set up the second.

 

Juventus

Gianluigi Buffon – 6 – Spectator - The Italian international goalkeeper didn’t have much of anything to do as Atalanta’s counter-attack was unable to break through Juventus’ defence to get any shots on goal.

Simone Padoin – 6 – Liability - Juventus’ jack-of-all-trades was the weak link in the Bianconeri’s overall impressive defence. Though Atalanta rarely launched attacks into Juventus’ half, they managed to find plenty of space behind Padoin when they did.

Leonardo Bonucci – 7.5 – Stalwart - In those relatively rare moments when la Dea did attack, they were often blunted before the ball could get past Bonucci. The Italian managed four successful tackles and six interceptions over the 90 minutes.

Giorgio Chiellini – 7 – Leader - The Juventus veteran was not as involved as his partner at centre-back, but did well to organize Juventus’ defence as they contained Atalanta’s attempt at breaks.

Patrice Evra – 7 – Ageless - The French full-back’s age was not evident in his performance Sunday. He performed well in defence and frequently involved himself in Juventus’ attack, managing four passes or crosses that resulted in a shot.

Sami Khedira – 6.5 – Superfluous - The ex-Real Madrid man didn’t play poorly per se. Rather, it was more that he didn’t have much to do. Atalanta sat deep and didn’t succeed in much build-up play from Khedira’s position in midfield. Juventus might have been better off fielding a more attack-minded player instead.

Claudio Marchisio – 7.5 – Metronome - This was a tribute act to Andrea Pirlo. Marchisio played the role of distributor for much of the game, managing 134 passes at a 92% accuracy rate. That kind of thankless play proves vital in games such as this where Juventus are compelled to recycle the ball through midfield as they make successive attempts on goal.

Paul Pogba – 7 – Uneven - When Pereyra went down, it was Pogba who stepped up to serve as that link between the midfield and attack. He synced especially well with Dybala, but when he stepped up to take the penalty the young striker earned, Pogba disappointed. His overly elaborate stutter-step in the lead up to his kick did nothing to fool the Atalanta keeper.

Roberto Pereyra – 6 – Cut Short - The Argentine link-up man was subbed off in the 41st minute and thus wasn’t on the pitch long enough to actually make his mark. Prior to leaving the game, though, he struggled to get both Paolo Dybala and Mario Mandzukic into the game

Mario Mandzukic – 7 – Sentry - Clearly asked to keep his back to goal and hold up play for Dybala to play around him, Mandzukic performed this limited role without a tremendous amount of flair. He scored Juventus’ second goal, though even that was mostly made by Dybala’s cross.

Paulo Dybala – 8.5 – Star - The young Argentine grabbed this game by the horns and didn’t let go. From his excellent strike to score the opening goal to his superb cross for Juventus’ second and finally to the penalty he earned that Pogba failed to convert, this was Dybala’s game. It was the first hint that the considerable amount Juventus paid for him in the summer might just pay off.


Substitutes

Kwadwo Asamoah – 6.5 – Decent - His surprise inclusion in the 41st minute after Pereyra’s injury didn’t seem to faze Asamoah all that much. He played competently in his mashup role as central midfielder and wide attacker.

Alvaro Morata – N/A

Stefano Sturaro – N/A


 

Atalanta

Marco Sportiello – 8 – Wall - Even the best barricades have a few cracks. The Atalanta keeper might have conceded twice, but they were both exceptional bits of skill and few keepers could have done much more. Juventus managed eight other shots on goal besides those two, and Sportiello saved them all capably. If Atalanta could leave this match with a small amount of pride, it was only because of Sportiello.

Gianpaolo Bellini – 5 – Exposed - Juventus managed some of their best chances from the left hand side of their attack thanks in no small part to Bellini’s generally terrible positioning. An Evra cross should have been converted but for a spectacular save from Sportiello in the first half.

Rafael Toloi – 4.5 – Punished - Even without the second yellow card that saw him removed prematurely from the game, Toloi would not have rated especially high. Neither he nor his centre-back partner Paletta could contain the Juventus attack.

Gabriel Paletta – 5 – Lacing - Along with Toloi, Paletta was largely responsible for Juventus’ 19 total shots, including nine by Dybala alone. Leaving that kind of space for the likes of Dybala will always get you punished.

Boukary Drame – 5.5 – Enthusiastic - Cannot be left out of the poor reckoning for Atalanta’s defence, but Drame did manage to contribute to Atalanta’s counter when he could.

Marten De Roon – 5.5 – Anonymous - Along with the rest of Atalanta’s midfield, De Roon was mostly ineffective. He successfully completed a mere 25 passes and three tackles, an especially embarrassing set of figures considering the Dutchman was supposed to be the pivot in Atalanta’s counter-attack.

Jasmin Kurtic – 5.5 – Pressured - Once again, as a whole, Juventus’ midfield successfully nullified Atalanta’s attempts to do just about anything through the middle. Kurtic tried to be the creative impetus but more often than not failed.

Alberto Grassi – 5 – Isolated - There was at least one or two moments when Grassi’s runs from midfield in Atalanta’s counter looked like a threat, but those moments came far too rarely.

Maximiliano Moralez – 6 – Blunted - Atalanta’s counter was always going to rely on their attacking trio up front, and Moralez proved to be a threat on a couple occasions. Unfortunately Juventus’ defence cut off his attempts to be a creative force high up the pitch.

Mauricio Pinilla – 6.5 – Inaccurate - Atalanta’s Chilean striker did manage to find enough space to take three shots in the game, though none of them were on target.

Marco D’Alessandro – 6 – Curious - A strange inclusion in Atalanta’s starting XI considering Alejandro Gomez was healthy enough for the bench. He did little to convince anyone he should get the nod above Gomez again in the future.


Substitutes

Andrea Masiello – 5.5 – Poor - Subbed on for the woeful Atalanta right-back at halftime, he did little better than the man he replaced. Dybala’s cross for Juventus’ second came from the area Masiello should have been patrolling.

Alejandro Gomez – 5.5 – Late - Though he made some promising runs in Atalanta’s attack, it all came too late to have any impact whatsoever on his side’s chances.

Giulio Migliaccio – N/A

 

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

[Socrates 8523]

JUVENTUS - ATALANTA

2 - 0

Paulo Dybala (28')
Mario Mandžukić (49')
 

MATCHDAY 9
Sunday, October 25th, 2015 - 3:00 PM
Juventus Stadium - Turin
Referee: Marco Di Bello

The incredible stats that show why
Juventus MUST unleash Dybala

The 21-year-old has been used sparingly by Massimiliano Allegri thus far this season
but delivered a top-class display against Atalanta to prove he cannot be left on the bench.

http://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/7118/opta/2015/10/25/16669052/-?

 
Oct 25, 2015

Massimiliano Allegri listened to the fans and handed Paulo Dybala start on Sunday - and the 21-year-old Argentine forward didn't disappoint as he grabbed a goal and an assist in Juventus's 2-0 win over Atalanta.

So why has Dybala been bit-part at Juve thus far this term? One look at the stats below and SURELY the former Palermo star shouldn't see another minute on the bench...!

 

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

[Socrates 8523]

JUVENTUS - ATALANTA

2 - 0

Paulo Dybala (28')
Mario Mandžukić (49')
 

MATCHDAY 9
Sunday, October 25th, 2015 - 3:00 PM
Juventus Stadium - Turin
Referee: Marco Di Bello

Khedira Praises Fans
Following Atalanta Victory

http://forzaitalianfootball.com/2015/10/juventus-midfielder-praises-fans-following-atalanta-victory/?

 
Oct 25, 2015

Juventus midfielder Sami Khedira was delighted with his side’s victory over Atalanta.

The Bianconeri won 2-0 against La Dea on Sunday afternoon in Serie A giving them their third victory this season which Khedira says is important.

“This victory today was important,” the German international posted on his Facebook Page.

The 28-year-old then praised the fans of La Vecchia Signora for their support.

“The support from our fans is unbelievable, world class no doubt,” he said.

“Taking time for pictures and autographs with the fans feels great.

“Playing for this team feels like belonging to one big and special family.

“Fino alla fine, Forza Juventus!”

Massimiliano Allegri’s men sit in 12th place in the Serie A table following the victory, while Atalanta are ninth.

Juventus’ next match is a trip to Sassuolo on Wednesday night.
 

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

[Socrates 8523]

JUVENTUS - ATALANTA

2 - 0

Paulo Dybala (28')
Mario Mandžukić (49')
 

MATCHDAY 9
Sunday, October 25th, 2015 - 3:00 PM
Juventus Stadium - Turin
Referee: Marco Di Bello

Pereyra Thanks Fans After Picking
Up Injury Against Atalanta

http://forzaitalianfootball.com/2015/10/juventus-winger-thanks-fans-after-picking-up-injury-against-atalanta/?

 
Oct 25, 2015

Juventus winger Roberto Pereyra has thanked fans for their support following his injury.

The Argentine international picked up a knock in his side’s 2-0 victory over Atalanta on Sunday afternoon but he has insisted he is already focused on a return to the team.

“I am happy about the result, we go on #ForzaJuve,” the 24-year-old posted on his Facebook page.

“It’s a shame about the injury but as of tomorrow morning I will work hard for a return to the team as soon as possible.

“Thank you for all the messages of support.”

The latest news on his injury suggests that Pereyra will be sidelined for at least a month.

The Bianconeri’s victory means they now sit 12th in the Serie A table ahead of their trip to Sassuolo on Wednesday night, while Atalanta are in ninth.
 

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

[Socrates 8523]

JUVENTUS - ATALANTA

2 - 0

Paulo Dybala (28')
Mario Mandžukić (49')
 

MATCHDAY 9
Sunday, October 25th, 2015 - 3:00 PM
Juventus Stadium - Turin
Referee: Marco Di Bello

Max Allegri says Paulo Dybala must
grow after win over Atalanta

The manager's comments after Juventus' 2-0 win on Sunday.

http://www.blackwhitereadallover.com/2015/10/26/9612296/allegri-says-dybala-must-grow-after-win-over-atalanta-juventus

 
Oct 25, 2015

Juventus manager Massimiliano Allegri feels that striker Paulo Dybala still has some growing to do, especially to physically assert himself. Dybala had the game-opening goal as Juve won 2-0 at home against Atalanta on Sunday.

"Paulo Dybala must grow physically, he still can't take contrasts.

"The lads played a good game. We took no goals, we showed some good football at times and had some good chances to score.

"I'm quite satisfied, even though we shouldn't have lost so many balls and we should have saved our energy towards the end, when they were reduced to ten men."

Allegri had been criticized earlier this week for his apparent mismanagement of the young Argentinian striker. Juventus fans and Palermo president (where Juventus signed Dybala from) Maurizio Zamparini alike have mentioned that Allegri is not playing Dybala enough. The manager's response was pretty emphatic -

"I believe in what I'm doing. As for handling youth, you can say anything about me, that I get my formations wrong or whatever, but not that I can't handle young players.

"I liked Dybala's position, and Pereyra's too. Dybala will have to play between the lines.

"With all due respect for [President Maurizio] Zamparini, but the lad only just came from Palermo and we can't give him too many responsibilities.

"He must develop physically and improve. He's only 21 years old and the balls he plays here are not like those in Palermo.

"He used to play one or two balls per minute, here he gets one or two every 15 seconds. He must improve in terms of character too.

"He still has trouble with physical contrasts. But he's good at passing, he has a great shot and he can find his space.

"Nobody criticizes his quality, he always played. The fact he played changes nothing, but my mind was made up after the game against Manchester [City].

"In the championship there are highs and lows. If he can develop technically, tactically and physically, he'll become a champion.

"As for the defence, if we work as a group then we can cause our adversaries trouble and not take goals."

Paul Pogba missed a penalty, too, but Allegri wasn't too worried about it.

"Missing a penalty is not a problem. The only ones who don't miss penalties are those who don't take them.

"Pogba is developing, but he can still improve."
 

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