Juventus Season 2015-2016

[Socrates 8524]

EMPOLI - JUVENTUS

1 - 3

Massimo Maccarone (19')

Mario Mandžukić (32')
Patrice Evra (38')
Paulo Dybala (84')

 

MATCHDAY 12
Sunday, November 8th, 2015 - 3:00 PM
Carlo Castellani Stadium, Empoli
Referee: Davide Massa

Empoli vs Juventus 2015: Final score 1-3, Bianconeri
complete another comeback win against the Azzurri

Juventus conquered Tuscany with goals from Mario Mandzukic, Patrice Evra and Paulo Dybala.

http://www.blackwhitereadallover.com/2015/11/9/9695154/empoli-juventus-2015-serie-a-round-12-final-score-recap-result

 
Nov 9, 2015
 
It wasn't entertaining, but Juventus at last achieved their second Serie A victory in a row. The Bianconeri visited Tuscany to face an extremely combative Empoli. The Azzurri hadn't lost in their last three matches prior to their meeting with the Old Lady on Sunday afternoon.

Max Allegri employed a classic 4-3-3 formation, using the trident in attack of Juan Gillermo Cuadrado, Mario Mandzukic and Álvaro Morata. Empoli coach Marco Giampaolo — who took the place of Maurizio Sarri over the summer — implemented his customary 4-3-1-2, featuring his young star Riccardo Saponara as the trequartista.

The first minutes of the game were characterized by series of errant touches from both teams. Juventus tried to open Empoli defense with individual efforts; however the Tuscan side repelled the attacks appropriately.

On the quarter-hour, Sami Khedira located Mandzukic on the edge of Empoli's box, and the Croatian brought down the ball brilliantly and assisted Paul Pogba. The Frenchman's thundering volley passed few yards over the bar.

Four minutes later, Leonardo Bonucci executed a terrible pass; Massimo Macarrone took advantage of the Italian central defender's mistake and shot efficiently into the right bottom corner beating Juve goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon. Juventus once again needed to come from behind if they wanted to get all three points.

In the 32nd minute, Juventus equalized. After a timid attack, Empoli failed to clear the danger from their own box; Khedira returned the ball to a hazardous place with a header, then Mandzukic found the back of the net with a brave slide.

Six minutes later, Cuadrado executed a curled corner that found Patrice Evra waiting in the penalty spot. The diminutive left back scored with a great header despite the diving effort of Empoli keeper Lukasz Skorupski.

Two minutes after halftime, Saponara fed Maccarone, leaving the veteran one-on-one with Buffon. The Juventus captain won the duel stealing the ball from the Empoli's attacker. After that Juventus controlled the tempo of the game, the bianconeri didn't look dangerous; nonetheless they cooled Empoli. In this regard, Max changed to a 3-5-2 formation, when he replaced Cuadrado with Giorgio Chiellini at the 68th minute.

At 84th minute, Paulo Dybala sealed the victory for Juventus. After a shot from Mandzukic smashed the right post, La Joya — who entered to the game for Morata — recovered the rebound and scored cleverly. It's fair to say that this goal shouldn't have counted because Stephan Litchtsteiner was offside and he began the play when he forced a spectacular save by Skorupski.

Juventus showed a lot of calm and experience in this one, the Carlo Castellani stadium isn't an easy place to visit and sometimes is necessary to just win.


LE PAGELLE

Buffon 6.5 He couldn't do nothing about Empoli score; yet he saved his side again, winning the one-on-one against Maccarone. The referee showed him a yellow card for a head -scratching foul just outside the penalty box.

Lichtsteiner 7 We missed you, Swiss Express. He was a constant menace in the right wing and a great presence in defense.

Barzagli 7 Solid as always. He had a nice game overall.

Bonucci 5.5 His poor passing put his side in troubles. Nevertheless, he rebounded and played a decent match after that.

Evra 7.5 Quietly the Frenchman is having another excellent season. He deserved to score long time ago. He's my man of the match.

Marchisio 7 Kept Saponara under control. A nice game by Il Principino whose presence and leadership is felt in the midfield.

Khedira 6.5 Assisted Mandzukic for the first Juve goal. He was a reference in the center of the pitch.

Pogba 6.5 A quiet effort by the Frenchman. He showcased some of his magic but he was more of a warrior in this game.

Cuadrado 6 Again, the speedy Colombian needs to make better decisions with the ball.

Mandzukic 7 A fighter in the pitch. He scored his second goal in serie A with great determination and was Juventus' reference on attack.

Morata 6.5 Failed to make an impact in the left flank. That said, he worked really hard on defense.


Subs

Chiellini 6.5 Entered for Cuadrado and helped his side to close the game. Fine cameo by Giorgio

Dybala 7.5 This kid is exceptional. As soon as he entered to the game Juventus had imagination. He scored calmly sealing the victory.

Padoin s/v Entered in the final minutes for Lichtsteiner.


Coach

Allegri 6.5 Made a great read of the game. He took a wise choice replacing Caudrado for Chiellini and switching his module.


THINGS I THINK I THINK

At last Juventus win two in a row in Serie A!
At last Juventus scored on a set piece!
Again: Cuadrado and Dybala? Cuadrado or Dybala?
Empoli have a better trequartista than Juventus?
'Padowin: The Human Victory Cigar' is back.

 

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

[Socrates 8524]

EMPOLI - JUVENTUS

1 - 3

Massimo Maccarone (19')

Mario Mandžukić (32')
Patrice Evra (38')
Paulo Dybala (84')

 

MATCHDAY 12
Sunday, November 8th, 2015 - 3:00 PM
Carlo Castellani Stadium, Empoli
Referee: Davide Massa

Ranieri: 'Allegri can't win Scudetto'

http://www.football-italia.net/75543/ranieri-allegri-cant-win-scudetto?

 
Nov 9, 2015
 
Serie A veteran Claudio Ranieri says it's unreasonable to expect Juventus Coach Max Allegri to win the Scudetto, whilst discussing Napoli, Roma and Fiorentina.

The former Juventus, Roma and Inter Coach was interviewed by Radio Anch'io Lo Sport on the current batch of Italian tacticians, and he showed immediate sympathy for the Partenopei's Maurizio Sarri.

“I'm happy for Sarri, who recently made it to great levels,” he said. “And for Paulo Sousa too, who just needs to fix a few things at the European level, where he still can't quite find the right dimension.

“It's a very balanced championship and it may be more beautiful for this reason.

“The year in which I almost won the Scudetto with Roma was particular. We played an incredible season.

“15 minutes from the end we were in first place, then Inter won in Siena and we lost the Scudetto.

“We started from zero points and we had a great run, it was something beautiful that could have happened.

“Now it's a whole other Roma. There are many excellent teams, there is no club dominating over the others.

“Juventus? They lost the whole central axis of the team except for [goalkeeper Gianluigi] Buffon. I'm convinced they'll make it back to the top, but it's not easy to start again after the summer's sales.

“You can't expect Allegri to win the Scudetto again after losing Carlos Tevez, Arturo Vidal and Andrea Pirlo. You can't demand the title every year, this season is transitional.

“Roberto Mancini? While someone like Paulo Sousa came into a system that was already tried and tested, he had to change everything from the bottom to the top, so it's logical that he still has to find the right thread.

“Winning all the time, even if only 1-0, does a lot for your morale and your self-esteem. In due time he'll start playing well too.”

The 64-year-old famously had some poisonous exchanges with Premier League rival Jose Mourinho, but draws no pleasure from the Chelsea boss's struggles.

“The things that happened between us belong to the Stone Age. I only draw enjoyment from the things that are happening to us.

“Never in my life have I felt a sense of revenge when witnessing the trouble of others.”

Finally Ranieri was asked about Azzurri Coach Antonio Conte.

“He's doing a fantastic job, but coaching a national team is a titanic job.

“Often the clubs don't even want to give you the players, who get to you when they're already tired.

“I'm convinced he'll do everything, but I don't know if he'll manage to win Euro 2016.”

 

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

[Socrates 8524]

EMPOLI - JUVENTUS

1 - 3

Massimo Maccarone (19')

Mario Mandžukić (32')
Patrice Evra (38')
Paulo Dybala (84')

 

MATCHDAY 12
Sunday, November 8th, 2015 - 3:00 PM
Carlo Castellani Stadium, Empoli
Referee: Davide Massa

Juventus Beat Empoli but Allegri
Must Now Find Attacking Identity

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2587294-juventus-beat-empoli-but-massimiliano-allegri-must-now-find-attacking-identity?

 
Nov 9, 2015
 
Sunday afternoon saw Juventus take on Empoli, but the Turin giants laboured to a difficult 3-1 victory after falling behind to Massimo Maccarone’s opening goal.

They did well to fight their way back into the match, taking three valuable points into the international break and climbing into seventh place in the table.

The result was all-important to the Bianconeri, particularly as—following their triumph over neighbours Torino last weekend—it marked their first back-to-back wins in Serie A this season. That is a staggering statistic for a team who lost just three times in the entire 2014/15 campaign, and arrives after, arguably, their most difficult spell to date.

Goalless draws with Borussia Monchengladbach and Inter were followed by a loss to Sassuolo, a result which saw goalkeeper Gigi Buffon speak out about the complacency he felt was affecting the side.

Indeed, speaking shortly after the latter defeat, the 37-year-old lambasted the squad in an interview with Mediaset Premium (h/t Football Italia), and demanded a significant improvement.

Buffon said:

We all played badly. The first half was simply unacceptable.

I am stunned, as I am the captain and it hurts my soul to see my team dominated like that, to see my team not realise how important this game is and what attitude to take.

There was also too much arguing with the referee. Talking about the referee all the time is what losers do and we do not stoop to that level. We wear the Juventus shirt and must do it justice.

The club would appear to share those views, entering a training retreat until the derby which would appear to pay dividends as the Bianconeri responded with a victory, then drew away to Gladbach before the win over Empoli.

Yet despite that positive upturn in results, Juventus played well below their usual standard in all three outings, something they must now look to rectify before they return to action in two weeks’ time.

Indeed, coach Massimiliano Allegri noted that he was happy with the victory over Empoli but admitted there is much more to come.

“We need to work on our game, but we’ll look at things positively. We’re now seventh in the league with plenty of catching up to do,” he told reporters at a press conference shortly after the final whistle.

Having improved somewhat defensively, Juve were boosted by the return to fitness of Claudio Marchisio and Sami Khedira, with the team yet to taste defeat whenever the latter takes to the field.

But the biggest issue facing the reigning champions is, undoubtedly, the attack, as despite scoring three times at the Stadio Carlo Castellani, the Bianconeri looked disjointed and non-threatening going forward.

Both Alvaro Morata and Mario Mandzukic continued their disappointing form, the duo netting just three league goals between them this season. Paulo Dybala looked much sharper after his second-half introduction, and it is no surprise to note that he leads the team with five Serie A goals to his name.

Adam Digby @Adz77
Juan Cuadrado vs Empoli: 29/37 passes (78.4%), 0/4 take-ons, ZERO shots! (via @StatsZone)

Juan Cuadrado was relatively poor against Empoli, with statistics in the tweet above showing he completed just 29 passes, failed all four attempted take-ons and did not register a single shot on goal.

Yet the Colombian has been Juve's best attacking threat, and Allegri now must find a way to field Dybala and Cuadrado at the same time without curbing their abilities. With Milan and Manchester City travelling to Turin when club football resumes later this month, they will be sternly tested, and the Bianconeri will need that duo to be at their best.

With their collective play having previously lacked personality, Allegri and Juventus now have two weeks to find an identity in attack.

 

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

[Socrates 8524]

Breaking Down the Reasons Why
Juventus Are Underperforming

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2587322-breaking-down-the-reasons-why-juventus-are-underperforming?

 
Nov 10, 2015
 
The 2015/16 campaign has been a difficult one for Juventus, the reigning Serie A champions clearly struggling to string positive results together and suffering from some seriously bad luck.

It is easy to look at the summer transfer campaign as the singular reason for their woes, but Andrea Pirlo, Arturo Vidal and Carlos Tevez must be forgotten, and other factors besides their departures must be addressed.

Foremost among them is the stuttering attack. Juventus have netted just 16 league goals so far this term, with six of those coming in games against Empoli and Bologna, who sit in 13th and 16th place respectively. Alvaro Morata and Mario Mandzukic have been particularly poor.

That must include leading scorer Paulo Dybala, who came off the bench against Empoli to net his sixth goal in all competitions, and the striker talked up the potential of his side shortly after that encounter.
“I am just happy when I get to give my contribution and I remain concentrated always,” the 21-year-old said in an interview with Sky Italia (h/t Football Italia). “We believe we’re the strongest side in Serie A and we want to prove it.”

Sadly, their defensive record proves that is not the case, with Massimo Maccarone’s goal the 11th conceded by the Bianconeri in just 12 games. As the tweet below shows, Juve have also made a habit of allowing opponents to score from their first shot, which they must improve on if they are to climb the table:

OptaPaolo ✔ @OptaPaolo
1 - Juventus have conceded with the 1st shot on target they faced tonight, like on 6 other occasions also in Serie A this term. Handicap.

The fact Gigi Buffon has kept just six clean sheets in 16 appearances is also difficult to comprehend, particularly as the back line has played well, only to be undone by a string of individual errors.

Andrea Barzagli lost his man to allow Frosinone to score at Juventus Stadium, Giorgio Chiellini gifted Gladbach their chance in Germany and a rare Leonardo Bonucci mistake led to Empoli’s surprise opener at the Stadio Carlo Castellani.

Furthermore, Allegri has bemoaned the number of infringements they are making, with statistics courtesy of WhoScored.com showing only three teams have committed more than Juve’s 16.5 per game.

“You win and lose games on details. We lost because of a free kick and that’s because we gave away a free kick in a position we shouldn’t have done,” Allegri told reporters after the loss to Sassuolo earlier this month, per Football Italia.

“It’s a recurring issue, as we conceded against Frosinone at the 92nd minute on a corner, here to a free kick, at Roma to a free kick,” the coach continued. That is most certainly an area they must improve, but one that should be helped by a number of players in front of the back line returning to action.

The midfield has looked much more solid since Sami Khedira and Claudio Marchisio have been selected alongside Paul Pogba, but that trio need to find some chemistry and attacking edge in order to balance the side.
Indeed, as Patrice Evra noted this past weekend, the squad must ignore the standings and focus on delivering their very best every time they step on the field. “Let’s not look at the table, the important thing is to work hard for each other and do the jersey justice,” he said per the club’s official website. “If we continue to do that then we’ll soon start to see the real Juve.”

They need to do so quickly, or they risk losing touch with the leaders and having no hope of ever catching up.

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

[Socrates 8524]

JUVENTUS - MILAN

-

 
 

MATCHDAY 13
Saturday, November 21st, 2015 - 8:45 PM
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Paolo Silvio Mazzoleni

Clash With AC Milan Of Paramount Importance

A week is a long time in football, Oscar La-Gambina asks has
the international break come at the worst possible time for Juventus?

http://forzaitalianfootball.com/2015/11/juventus-club-focus-clash-with-ac-milan-of-paramount-importance/?

 
Nov 10, 2015
 
I take back everything that was said last week.

It was asked whether Massimiliano Allegri should leave his post as Juventus coach following a string of relatively disappointing results overall.

Then the Bianconeri go and come from 1-0 down to win 3-1 away to Empoli after securing an important point in the Champions League against Borussia Monchengladbach in midweek.

Let’s not forget the brilliant last-minute victory in the Derby della Mole before that.

At this point, an honourable mention should go to Stephan Lichtsteiner, who has amazingly recovered from a potential career-ending illness that he contracted about a month ago.

Upon his return to the squad in the match against Monchengladbach, he scored Juventus’ only goal of the game and it’s great to see him back in action.

Focusing on the rest of the club in general, it appears that the early season slump has finally been overcome, and with 18 points and a place at seventh spot in the Serie A league table, things are looking up for the reigning champions.

It’s not like it was just an easy set of fixtures, either. The Champions League is the best of the best, while Torino have been in good form themselves so far this term.

The only downside to this good set of results is the fact that an international break is upon us.

If there were a few more league games before all squad members went their separate ways for a week, then it could be, quite plausibly, said that Juventus would be back at the summit of the table in no time.

An international break, however, runs the risk of injury to key players, such as goal-scorers Mario Mandzukic, Paulo Dybala and Juan Cuadrado.

Furthermore, the point in the season at which the break has come is one that I’m sure every fan of La Vecchia Signora is worried about.

The first game back is a huge clash at home to AC Milan who have been going through a successful run themselves; they sit sixth with two more points than Juventus.

A game with the Milanese side will be a massive test for Allegri’s squad to see whether the international break has halted their improvement somewhat.

Should the Bianconeri gain a positive result, preferably three points, out of the meeting at the Juventus Stadium then we can be pretty certain that Juve are back.

If a game similar to the loss to Sassuolo or the draw with Frosinone takes place, however, then there might be a real cause for concern.

Thankfully, the dip in form came right at the very beginning of the season, so it is a bit too early to talk of the possibility that their league title hopes have been dashed.

On the other hand, the other clubs at the top of the table have been unstoppable so far, so maybe the history-chasing side will have to give in to Fiorentina, Napoli, Inter or Roma this year.

Either way, without wanting to sound too dramatic, the clash with Milan will be a turning point in the season.

 

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

[Socrates 8524]

Areas Where Juventus Are Actually Better Than Last Season

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2587883-areas-where-juventus-are-actually-better-than-last-season?

 
Nov 12, 2015
 
Having secured the Serie A title in each of the last four seasons, Juventus are, undoubtedly, underperforming in 2015/16, with numerous problems affecting their displays to date and leaving them sat in mid-table.

Those issues were discussed in detail here, with defensive frailties, a lack of attacking identity and plain bad luck all playing a part in their poor record.

Even the schedule has played a role, with the Bianconeri having already undertaken tough away trips for games against AS Roma, Inter and Napoli in the opening 12 rounds.

Having already lost three league games—the same number of defeats suffered in the whole of last term—and recorded some desperate scoreless draws, it is easy to have a gloomy outlook on what the rest of the campaign has in store.

But while coach Massimiliano Allegri accepts they must quickly get better, he told a recent press conference he has hope they can do just that (h/t Football Italia), highlighting the need to remain calm:

Our game still has to improve, but let's see things in a positive light.

We're seventh, nobody expected this position at the beginning of the championship but we've had two victories in a row and a positive result in the Champions League.

We can't just focus on the negatives.

Going on to add that “you must not become hysterical and lose your nerve, even when the moment is difficult,” Allegri certainly makes a strong argument.

As the tweet below highlights, his team have all too often seen opponents net from their first shot on goal, and that simply cannot continue.

OptaPaolo ✔ @OptaPaolo
1 - Juventus have conceded with the 1st shot on target they faced tonight, like on 6 other occasions also in Serie A this term. Handicap.

Looking more closely, the Bianconeri have conceded 11 goals in just 12 league games, a figure made all the more remarkable when noting that they have allowed the opposition just 8.6 shots per game, according to figures from WhoScored.com.

The same source shows that is better than last season’s mark of 10.6, and it is a similar story at the other end of the field.

Juventus have scored just 16 times this season, a tally bettered by no fewer than five teams, yet WhoScored highlights the fact they lead the league with an average of 17.8 shots per game.

Again, that is a rise from their 2014/15 figure of 15.8, which was the best in Serie A and the team has improved aerially, too.

According to Squawka.com, the Bianconeri have won 58 percent of headed duels this term, a slight increase from last season’s 51 percent, while also becoming better on the ground.

The arrivals of Juan Cuadrado and Paulo Dybala have seen Juventus improve their dribbling, with WhoScored showing they recorded 10.7 successful attempts last term but now average a league-high 13 per game in 2015/16.

Remarkably, the team has overcome the loss of Andrea Pirlo to dominate possession and passing marginally more, enjoying 56.7 percent of the ball this year compared to 55.7 just 12 months ago.

When it comes to finding team-mates, the same source shows the Turin giants have done so with increased accuracy, finding one another with 86.5 percent of their pass attempts, up from 84.8 percent last term.

Clearly, no matter what these statistics indicate, Juventus are much worse than they were a year ago—for all those aforementioned reasons—something both the players and Allegri must address quickly.

Yet with a change of luck and an increase in decisiveness at both ends of the field, the grand Old Lady of Italian football should return to form, climbing the table and contending once more for the title she currently holds.

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

[Socrates 8524]

Juventus need penalty area improvement

Juventus were amongst the goals at Empoli last Sunday, but were far from convincing.
Luca Cetta says the Bianconeri must improve in both penalty areas.

http://www.football-italia.net/75666/juventus-need-penalty-area-improvement?

 
Nov 12, 2015
 
Massimo Maccarone’s strike must have brought back memories of Sassuolo. And the game against Empoli to that point followed a similar pattern: a sluggish opening punished by a goal. Juventus’ first half at Mapei Stadium was deemed ‘unacceptable’ by captain Gianluigi Buffon, as they fell to a 1-0 defeat. Where the matches differed is that last Sunday the Bianconeri managed to recover.

They scored more than two goals in a game for only the second time this term. However, the Tuscan outing highlighted deficiencies in attack, one which has not hit the heights of recent seasons.

Mario Mandzukic scored as scrappy a goal as you will see. The late third should have been ruled out for a clear offside and in any event took three bites at the cherry. It was up to Patrice Evra to show how it’s done as his precise header put the Bianconeri ahead just before half time.

In the short term there were positives for Massimiliano Allegri. His team secured a third win in four Serie A matches. They are seventh, now eight points from the Champions League. Third place is what director general Giuseppe Marotta has declared the “minimum target to reach.” So the victory was a welcome one.

But with only 16 goals in 12 matches, the Turin giants are well off the scoring pace set by Roma with 27. Paulo Dybala has been the main contributor thanks to his five strikes, including the sealer at Empoli. That’s one more than the other three strikers combined. Mandzukic’s second in Serie A saw him surpass Alvaro Morata and Simone Zaza. In the past two seasons Juve could rely on Carlos Tevez and, initially, Fernando Llorente to get on the scoresheet regularly. That has been absent this term.

Allegri has tinkered with his attacking line-up throughout the campaign. Injuries haven’t helped, with Morata and Mandzukic spending time on the sidelines. But there appears little cohesion and that’s reflected in the penalty area. It was evident last Sunday as Juve laboured in the final third.

Juan Cuadrado has proved both a blessing and curse. He has impressed since arriving from Chelsea, patrolling the right hand side either as a wing-back or, as seen against Empoli, or on the right wing. He has made key contributions – one goal and three assists – but at times Juventus have been too reliant on the Colombian.

Allegri does not have an equivalent on the left. Dybala and Morata have each spent time manning the left flank. The Argentine has shone in his 700 Serie A minutes – the most of the quintet – and if the tactician can find a way to get the best out of his South American duo at the same time Juventus will be better for it.

The lack of goals has been magnified because defensively the reigning champions have not been up to par. An area of strength over the past four seasons, Juve’s worst defensive record in their championship seasons was 24. In 152 Serie A matches they conceded just 91 goals.

This term they’ve already let in 11. More worryingly, Empoli was the seventh time the Bianconeri have fallen behind in Serie A, plus twice in Europe. The majority of those to their opponent’s first scoring opportunity. Buffon has been left stranded by uncharacteristic errors and as a result has only six clean sheets to his name. Those are not numbers accustomed with this Juventus.

The errors are putting pressure on an already stuttering forward line. “The problem is global,” Giorgio Chiellini believes, “as we concede too many goals, but also don’t score enough. We have to correct the mistakes and get things back in balance.”

And then there’s the midfield. Allegri now has his first-choice players available after persistent injury concerns for Sami Khedira and Claudio Marchisio. They’ve looked a better outfit with those two fielded. Controlling the play was a hallmark of seasons past and can help reduce the detachment between attack and the rest.

Next weekend’s match against Milan represents the start of a tricky end to 2015, which also includes meetings with Lazio and Fiorentina, plus the conclusion of the Champions League group stage. Juventus must play as a unit and improve in those key areas if they are to reach their target.

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

[Socrates 8524]

JUVENTUS - MILAN

-

 
 

MATCHDAY 13
Saturday, November 21st, 2015 - 8:45 PM
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Paolo Silvio Mazzoleni

Luiz Adriano: ‘No Milan regulars’

http://www.football-italia.net/75672/luiz-adriano-‘no-milan-regulars’?

 
Nov 12, 2015
 
Luiz Adriano says ‘there are no first-team regulars’ at Milan and that the clash with Juventus ‘is like a final’.

The Rossoneri will face the Bianconeri after the international break and Adriano says it is one of ‘the most important matches of the season’.

The Brazilian joined from Shakhtar Donetsk in the summer and also reflected on facing the Old Lady defenders in the Champions League for the Ukrainian side.

“I think I can help my teammates, as I’ve always tried to do,” he said to Milan Channel.

“Here first-team regulars don’t exist and I must be ready to help the team by scoring goals and getting points for the club.

“I played twice against Juventus in the Champions League, they have a very strong defence and their three centre-backs are valuable.

“We will find some problems, we must work at our best to achieve a win at the Stadium.

“It’s like a final as well as a derby. These are the most important matches of the season.

“I think the team that scores first will have the chance to win by controlling and managing the game.

“Mihajlovic has many strikers beyond me and Bacca like Niang and Balotelli, but playing a good match is more important than who plays.

“There aren’t any regulars, only players who fight for the same objective.”

 

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

[Socrates 8524]

Serie A title race evenly split between
Inter, Roma, Lazio, Juve and Fiorentina

http://www.espnfc.co.uk/italian-serie-a/12/blog/post/2709247/serie-a-title-race-evenly-spilt-inter-roma-lazio-juve-viola?

 
Nov 14, 2015
 
Serie A is senza Padrone. Without a boss. The lead just keeps changing hands.

Already this season three different teams have spent time alone at the top. Inter Milan did after making their best start in almost half a century. Fiorentina then beat them at San Siro to move into first place for the first time since Valentine's Day 1999. They were then lost to Roma and were overtaken by them. Back out in front and on their own 700 days after they last were, defeat to Inter then meant they slipped behind again.

Serie A's wannabe leaders are like Silvio Dante doing his Michael Corleone impression on "The Sopranos." "Just when I thought I was out, they pull me back in." It's drama at its finest.

Since the league adopted three points for a win just more than two decades ago, this is only the third time Serie A has had three different clubs trade places at the top of the table by this stage of a season. It happened in 2001-02 as Juventus, Inter and Chievo all couldn't make their mind up who wanted to be No. 1 in the opening 12 games of the campaign. Then in 2010-11 when Lazio, Inter and Chievo (again?!) took turns to stare down on everyone else from on high.

If this season climaxes as dramatically as 2001-02, when the title race went down to the final day, then we're in for a treat. If it follows the pattern of 2010-11, when all the early pace-setters faded, including the champions and treble winners, then it will be refreshing too.

Right now anyone claiming to know with any certainty who will claim the tricolor in May is brave, foolish and/or partial. Picking a winner is fraught with difficulty. The top four are separated by only a couple of points and, historically speaking, it hasn't been this tight among a quartet of teams so deep into a season since 2002-03 when Lazio were one ahead of the inseparable Inter, Juve and Milan.

No one is willing to declare themselves favourites. Roma coach Rudi Garcia won't make that mistake again. He still considers Juventus the team to beat even if no one has ever won the Scudetto after suffering defeat in four of their opening 12 games.

"He's doing the opposite of what he did last season then," Max Allegri said with a smile.

Garcia, of course, isn't alone. Even after celebrating victory over the Old Lady, Napoli coach Maurizio Sarri insisted: "Juventus remain overwhelming favourites."

For his two euros worth, Allegri claims: "I have always said Inter are the No. 1 candidate, together with us and Roma."

Roberto Mancini sees it differently again. "It's Fiorentina," he argued. "That's what the table says."

It's like a hot potato. A psychological one to shift the spotlight and the pressure away from their respective teams. Only Juventus, clearly unwilling to let it slip from their grasp and desperate to hold onto it, are openly comfortable with it. They won't give up on the Scudetto and that speaks to their winning habit, the culture at the club.

Pantomime season is upon us and, inevitably, cries of "they're behind you" are being heard. Juventus hadn't been in the top half of the table until a week ago. Now, after recording back-to-back wins for the first time in the league this season, they are seventh and "only" nine points off the top.

Ominous, isn't it? Particularly when you consider the following: Allegri is now closer to knowing his best team. The new recruits are getting more familiar with his methods and what he wants from them. They also have already gone away to Roma, Napoli and Inter. Each of them still have to go to the J Stadium.

If Juventus can get scoring with more frequency, achieve greater consistency and keep everyone healthy, especially Claudio Marchisio, then it's not beyond the realm of possibility that they will be where they want to be come March, which is to be back in serious contention.

Nine points are a lot though and if Juventus make up that ground it will be an achievement to rank with any in this cycle of success. If the others let it slip now it will be an indictment. This is the best chance they have had in a long while. And perhaps that is arguably where the greatest challenge lies for those aspiring to take Juventus' crown: can they hold their nerve?

It'll be 47 years in May since Fiorentina were last proclaimed Campione d'Italia, 26 since Napoli and Diego Maradona celebrated the club's most recent title, 16 since Roma held a parade in Circo Massimo and six since Jose Mourinho left Inter as an all-conquering force at home and abroad.

The question is: Will that sense of history bring jitters with it? And as the pressure rises how will they handle it? Will they crumble or stand tall?

Other than Allegri, the only coach in the league with experience of winning Serie A is Mancini. Inter, a team who offer as stark a contrast to Fiorentina -- the side with whom they share the lead -- as to be a polar opposite, have been winning ugly. They have won seven games 1-0 due to a mixture of luck, goalkeeper Samir Handanovic keeping them in games, sheer bloody-mindedness and one of their outfield players being opportunistic or plucky enough in front of goal.

As Gab Marcotti argues, it matters to play well and Inter's results have been better than their performances. How long will that last? The team doesn't yet have an identity other than it grinds out results and is resilient. The greatest contribution Mancini has made is to bestow upon Inter a winning mentality.

Fiorentina offer a great counterpoint. If the impression with Inter is of evident margin for improvement, particularly in building and imposing a style of play -- this is where reports of interest in Andrea Pirlo have arisen -- the question for them instead is can they keep this high level of performance up?

Even in defeat to Napoli and Roma, the encouraging thing is Sousa's team played well. He has made this squad look deeper than it first appeared by adding value through coaching. All of a sudden Marcos Alonso, Milan Badelj and Matias Vecino look class. Nikola Kalinic has been one of the bargains of the season (at €5.5 million) and the dependable and durable goal-scorer Fiorentina have been missing. Giuseppe Rossi needn't carry this team, nor rush himself and his presence on the bench speaks to their depth.

The inheritance Sousa received from Vincenzo Montella has helped but under his management this team seems more vertical and more incisive. A championship winning coach in back-to-back years in Israel and Switzerland before taking this job, he knows what it takes to get a team over the line first. The players feel they have a point to prove too. Whistled after their elimination in the semifinals of the Europa League last season, the club came under severe criticism for its business over the summer and the team was doubted. The beauty to Inter's beast, neither are favourites in the papers though.

Runners' up in consecutive seasons Roma are most people's picks and with good reason. Their ups and downs in Champions League have distorted the perception of a team that has been anything other than mercurial in Serie A. They have so many weapons. Twelve different players have got on the scoresheet in Serie A. This is their most prolific start to a season since 1960. Edin Dzeko is beginning to fire and, in addition to doing over Juventus and Fiorentina, beating Lazio with your best player suspended (Miralem Pjanic) and your heart, your soul, your leadership (Francesco Totti, Daniele De Rossi and Alessandro Florenzi) all absent from the starting lineup was some statement of intent and depth.

Frailties in defence remain. Wojciech Szczesny is Wojciech Szczesny and Kostas Manolas lacks a solid partner at centre-back. Sunday's clean sheet was only their second of the season. There's a sense, even though they're currently third, that, among the pretenders to the throne, Roma have the most to lose because if it isn't Juventus' year it should be theirs.

Napoli are a match for them. They are every bit as explosive. This isn't anything new but Sarri has got Lorenzo Insigne and Gonzalo Higuain, the league's most valuable player, enjoying their football again and playing to an exceptional level. Crucially though he has found the balance that oddly escaped Rafa Benitez. Previous challenges were undermined by conceding 96 league goals in two years. This season Napoli have allowed only eight and have kept 10 clean sheets in all competitions.

Since discovering the winning formula for this group of players -- a 4-3-3 -- Napoli are unbeaten in 15 games with an aggregate score of 33-3. They have won 5-0 on three occasions and have put Juventus, Fiorentina, Lazio and Milan to the sword. Fans are coming back to the San Paolo in their droves. There is renewed enthusiasm.

It's quite the contrast with the distance and coolness between Roma and their own ultras at the moment. So might that 12th man make a difference? Or will it become overwhelming, all-consuming in Italy's biggest one-club town?

Each of the contenders have their flaws, their weaknesses and insecurities. It makes it all so unpredictable, so fun and helter-skelter. Be sure to hang on for the ride.

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

[Socrates 8524]

3 Biggest Positives for Juventus' 2015/16 Season so Far

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2587843-3-biggest-positives-for-juventus-201516-season-so-far?

 
Nov 14, 2015
 
It is easy to look at the early struggles of Juventus this season and assign blame, with numerous players and club officials clearly not performing at their best. With the Bianconeri currently in seventh place, the reigning Serie A champions face an increasingly difficult task if they are to defend that title.

In this previous post, those reasons were discussed at length, but the past few weeks have seen incremental improvements from the team on the field. Indeed, their most recent victory over Empoli marked Juve’s first back-to-back league wins of the 2015/16 campaign, much to coach Massimiliano Allegri’s relief.

“Just because we’re Juventus, we should never think that we’re going to win easily,” he told a press conference following that 3-1 triumph. “We need to work on our game, but we’ll look at things positively.”

What follows is just that, picking out the biggest positives for the Turin giants, highlighting the three most significant factors going in their favour despite poor results.


1. Gigi Buffon

While Juve’s defensive record has been poor thus far, there is little doubt it would be much worse were it not for Gigi Buffon. The club captain has been in incredible form, making some amazing saves to bail out the club’s struggling back line on repeated occasions over his 16 appearances.

Indeed, Allegri believes he is fortunate to be able to field one of the all-time greats, and it is difficult to argue with that sentiment given Buffon’s current form.

“It's one thing seeing him only in one game when you are his opponent, but it's another when you see him training every day,” the coach told Sky Italia (h/t ESPN). “I believe he's the best goalkeeper in history.”


2. Sami Khedira

If the Bianconeri are blessed to have a World Cup winner between the posts, then another has proven equally crucial when he steps on the field. Sami Khedira arrived this summer on a free transfer after his contract with Real Madrid expired, and his presence has been a calming one in their new-look midfield.

His maturity and leadership have filled the void left by the departures of Arturo Vidal and Andrea Pirlo, Khedira telling German newspaper Welt am Sonntag (h/t Football Italia) that “Juve are a fantastic club with a great tradition, a wonderful present and a promising future.”

The 28-year-old has already added one goal and an assist, but the biggest statistic might well be the fact Juventus have yet to lose in any of his seven appearances, notching five wins and two draws.


3. The Schedule

While the nine-point gap between Juventus and the top of the table appears quite a gulf, a quick look at their fixture list certainly provides hope that the Bianconeri can improve their record in the coming months.

The Old Lady has already travelled to play away against Inter, AS Roma and Napoli, each of the six teams above them have yet to visit Turin. Notching victories over these rivals would undoubtedly see Allegri’s side climb the table, with the coach telling reporters recently that he believes they can do just that.

“We’re now seventh in the league with plenty of catching up to do,” Allegri said at his most recent press conference. “But we enter the international break on the back of two straight league wins and a hard-fought draw away in the Champions League.”

The team return from that break to encounter both Milan and Manchester City at Juventus Stadium, and two victories there would be a huge boost to a team seeking to remain positive.

 

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

[Socrates 8524]

JUVENTUS - MILAN

-

 
 

MATCHDAY 13
Saturday, November 21st, 2015 - 8:45 PM
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Paolo Silvio Mazzoleni

Juventus-Milan is like El Clasico, says Morata

The 23-year-old is eyeing the Rossoneri's scalp in order to help his side
climb the table, and insists he is not seeking a move back to Real Madrid.

http://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/3276/serie-a/2015/11/15/17347312/-?

 
Nov 15, 2015
 
Juventus striker Alvaro Morata has compared their upcoming clash against AC Milan to Spain's El Clasico, talking up the significance of next Saturday's showdown.

The former Real Madrid striker moved to Turin in 2014, fast becoming a fan favourite at the club after helping them to a Scudetto and Coppa Italia double last season.

Juventus have struggled this season, sitting seventh and two points behind the Rossoneri in Serie A, but Morata stated a result against their rivals could be key to getting his side's fortunes this season back on track.

"Juventus-Milan is like a final considering our position in the table right now," the Spain international told La giornalaccio rosa dello Sport. "It is our Clasico, for the history that goes with this fixture.

“It’s a huge game where recent form perhaps counts for little, but both teams will go full throttle.

"We’re back to being Juventus, rediscovering that hunger to win and creating fear in our opponents. The objective is to get as many points as possible before Christmas and progress in the Champions League.

"We are not actually that far off the top of the table. In another league nine points [behind leaders Inter] might be a bigger hurdle to overcome, but in Serie A everyone can lose to everyone else, so I am sure we’ll get back on top."

 

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

[Socrates 8524]

JUVENTUS - MILAN

-

 
 

MATCHDAY 13
Saturday, November 21st, 2015 - 8:45 PM
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Paolo Silvio Mazzoleni

Del Piero: 'Juve in title race'

http://www.football-italia.net/75818/del-piero-juve-title-race?

 
Nov 15, 2015
 
Alessandro Del Piero is confident “Juventus can get back into the Scudetto race”.

The Bianconeri legend spoke to La Domenica Sportiva about the Turin giants, who are currently seventh in Serie A.

“This up and down rollercoaster of emotions all depends on the results. It’s true for Maurizio Sarri at Napoli, Max Allegri at Juventus and many other Coaches.

“Juve remain a very strong side, as proved by the fact they are doing decidedly well in the Champions League. They’re less effective this season in Serie A and people act as if it’s a tragic situation.

“They have the potential to get back into the Scudetto race with three or four consecutive victories. Allegri proved last season he is an excellent Coach, but players and tacticians can’t necessarily be at their peak at every moment of the campaign.”

 

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

[Socrates 8524]

JUVENTUS - MILAN

-

 
 

MATCHDAY 13
Saturday, November 21st, 2015 - 8:45 PM
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Paolo Silvio Mazzoleni

Marotta: ‘Allegri criticism excessive’

http://www.football-italia.net/75835/marotta-‘allegri-criticism-excessive’?

 
Nov 16, 2015
 
Juventus director Giuseppe Marotta says criticisms of Coach Massimiliano Allegri ‘are excessive’.

The Bianconeri boss has come under fire after a poor start to the season, with the club nine points off the Scudetto pace after 12 rounds.

However, he has been supported by the club’s director general, who also believes that the dressing room debate at the club is a ‘good thing.’

“We’re still in an open-ended phase, we know that we are going through a difficult time,” he told Tuttomercatoweb.

“Allegri has understood that very well. The criticisms against him are excessive, let’s’ not forget that he came at a difficult time, taking over an important inheritance, and won the Scudetto, the Coppa Italia and reached the Champions League final.

“It’ll be a very important match against Milan because there’s two points between us and at this moment we must target maximum points in every match that we play.

“Of course, it could be an important test in terms of the performance that our team must deliver.

“This is a difficult year, the job of the club is to support him in the best way. We are doing that and we hope to come out from these difficulties.

“The internal debate is a good thing, I don’t think only the youngsters are in the dock.

“Everyone must respond with a greater commitment. It doesn’t mean this is a divided group. Buffon’s considerations are all positive and sensible.”

 

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

[Socrates 8524]

JUVENTUS - MILAN

-

 
 

MATCHDAY 13
Saturday, November 21st, 2015 - 8:45 PM
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Paolo Silvio Mazzoleni

De Jong to miss Juventus clash with thigh injury

The Dutch midfielder, who has featured only four times in Serie A this season,
will not be available for the clash against the defending champions in Turin on Saturday.

http://www.goal.com/en/news/723/serie-a/2015/11/17/17414922/-?

 
Nov 17, 2015
 
Nigel de Jong will miss AC Milan's trip to Juventus on Saturday with a thigh injury.

Milan head to Juventus Stadium unbeaten in five Serie A games and sit two points above Massimiliano Allegri's seventh-placed side in sixth.

A club statement read: "AC Milan communicates that Nigel de Jong has picked up an injury to his left thigh and will have to undergo further tests at the start of next week."

De Jong has featured just five times for Milan in all competitions this term and recently expressed his frustration at a lack of regular first-team action.

 

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

[Socrates 8524]

JUVENTUS - MILAN

-

 
 

MATCHDAY 13
Saturday, November 21st, 2015 - 8:45 PM
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Paolo Silvio Mazzoleni

Trap: ‘Juventus-Milan wide open’

http://www.football-italia.net/75882/trap-‘juventus-milan-wide-open’?

 
Nov 17, 2015
 
Giovanni Trapattoni believes Juventus-Milan is a game which “is open to any kind of result”.

The Rossoneri travel to Turin to take on the champions this weekend, and Trap, who Coached both teams, can’t pick a winner.

“They are two teams with important technical values, who are close together in the table,” Trapattoni pointed out in an interview with TuttoJuve.

“It’s not for nothing that this is defined as a Clasico of Italian football. With all that’s going on in the world, let’s hope those fears don’t affect the players on the pitch.

“Although there are clearly differences between the two sides in regard to the players and their qualities, the match is open to any kind of result.

“Both teams show their qualities, they play a very modern and attacking game. In my opinion it will be very balanced, there will be plenty of stretched play across the 90 minutes.

“Juve have shown an inherent sense of initiative, which characterises them, while [Milan Coach Sinisa] Mihajlovic has shown that he’s not afraid of anyone.

“It will come down to the formation, the condition of the players - Juve have a few more injured - and decisive passages of play to decide the game.

“On a tactical level they know each other well, attacking football is their doctrine.

“I’m hoping for a spectacular game, because both are capable of putting on a show.”

Trapattoni also dismissed suggestions the Bianconeri are weak in defence, and believes they can get back into the Scudetto race.

“Juventus weak in defence? No, absolutely not. They’ve conceded some strange goals, but the goalkeeper [Gigi Buffon] is a guarantee.

“Juve aren’t showing any apparent fear, they have players who know what to do such as Chellini. They have a good midfield, and one of the best attacks.

“I’m convinced that they can recover, although they have a few opponents in front of them. It’s not easy to surpass them all.

“Who is the best? Fiorentina are playing good, vibrant football. The League comes alive now, but spring is the moment of truth.”

 

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

[Socrates 8524]

JUVENTUS - MILAN

-

 
 

MATCHDAY 13
Saturday, November 21st, 2015 - 8:45 PM
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Paolo Silvio Mazzoleni

Morata: ‘Juventus still hungry’

http://www.football-italia.net/75935/morata-‘juventus-still-hungry’?

 
Nov 18, 2015
 
Alvaro Morata insists Juventus are “still hungry” and targets victory over Milan on Saturday.

The Bianconeri have started the season poorly, and currently lie seventh in Serie A after 12 League games, with the Diavolo visiting Turin this weekend.

“Historically it is the biggest game in Italian football,” Morata acknowledged in an interview with JTV.

“We want to win it, to climb up the table. We haven’t started in the best way, but it’s not been easy after changing so many players.

“Now we know each other more, and we’re playing better every day. We’re still hungry for wins, and we want to return to our place, which must be at the top of the League.

“This year our rivals have improved, they’ve reinforced and the League is very difficult. There are at least four or five teams who can compete for the Scudetto.”

Morata also discussed the Old Lady’s Champions League campaign, with only a point from the games against Manchester City and Sevilla to progress to the next round.

“I immediately felt that we had the most difficult group. Sevilla won the Europa League, City are a top European team and Borussia [Monchengladbach] have played really well.

“So far we’ve done even better than last year, because at this point we weren’t so close to qualifying. Now we have two important games, and we have to win.

“City [on Wednesday] will be a great night, as it always is when the Champions League comes to Juventus Stadium. We’ll play against one of the strongest teams in Europe and we’ll give everything to win.”

 

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

[Socrates 8524]

JUVENTUS - MILAN

-

 
 

MATCHDAY 13
Saturday, November 21st, 2015 - 8:45 PM
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Paolo Silvio Mazzoleni

Buffon and Mandzukic doubts

http://www.football-italia.net/75939/buffon-and-mandzukic-doubts?

 
Nov 18, 2015
 
Juventus confirm Gigi Buffon, Stephan Lichtsteiner and Mario Mandzukic are in doubt to face Milan on Saturday.

The Bianconeri are getting their players back from international duty, though Paulo Dybala and Martin Caceres will return from South America tomorrow.

Goalkeeper and captain Buffon went off during the 2-2 draw with Romania last night with a right thigh problem.

A statement released by the club confirmed he will undergo further tests and “his availability against Milan will be evaluated.”

The same goes for Lichtsteiner, who limped off 18 minutes into Switzerland’s game against Austria, also with a right thigh issue.

Mandzukic “will be monitored” ahead of the Milan match after spraining his left ankle during Croatia’s game with Russia last night.

Caceres picked up a right thigh problem during international duty with Uruguay and will undergo tests in South America before flying home.

 

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

[Socrates 8524]

JUVENTUS - MILAN

-

 
 

MATCHDAY 13
Saturday, November 21st, 2015 - 8:45 PM
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Paolo Silvio Mazzoleni

Buffon a doubt for Milan clash

The Old Lady goalkeeper could miss the crunch match
with Sinisa Mihajlovic's side through injury.

http://www.goal.com/en/news/723/serie-a/2015/11/18/17462762/buffon-a-doubt-for-milan-clash?ICID=TP_HN_1

 
Nov 18, 2015
 
Juventus could be without goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon for Saturday's clash with AC Milan after he picked up a thigh problem playing for Italy.

The defending Serie A champions welcome Sinisa Mihajlovic's side to Turin knowing victory will take them above their opponents and continue their recovery following a poor start to the season.

However, they could be without a host of first-team members for the clash, with Buffon heading that list after he was substituted after 69 minutes of Italy's 2-2 draw with Romania.

"Gigi Buffon complained of flexor muscle fatigue in their right thighs following matches with their respective countries," the club said. "The goalkeeper will undergo medical tests to determine his availability for Saturday’s contest against the Rossoneri."

He could be joined on the sidelines by Stephan Lichtsteiner, Martin Caceres (both thigh) and Mario Mandzukic (ankle).

A statement added: "Lichsteiner's condition will be monitored again tomorrow after receiving therapy today. Tests await Mario Mandzukic too after the forward sprained his left ankle during Croatia’s win over Russia.

"Martin Caceres was substituted during Uruguay’s 3-0 win against Chile last night after feeling pain in the flexor muscle of his right thigh and will undergo an MRI scan before returning to Italy."

 

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

[Socrates 8524]

JUVENTUS - MILAN

-

 
 

MATCHDAY 13
Saturday, November 21st, 2015 - 8:45 PM
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Paolo Silvio Mazzoleni

Four Juventus players come back from
international duty with injuries

What else did you expect? It's been that kind of season....

http://www.blackwhitereadallover.com/2015/11/18/9757720/juventus-injuries-gianluigi-buffon-stephan-lichtsteiner-mario-mandzukic-martin-caceres

 
Nov 18, 2015
 
You see, whenever there's a crucial stretch of games coming up, you want to be preparing for the return to the field, not dealing with the fact that some of your most important players will potentially be on the sidelines. Yet, in a season full of injuries upon injuries and then some more injuries thrown into the mix, this is where we're at.

Instead of laundry listing it, I'll just go ahead and pass along what Juventus' official website posted after Wednesday afternoon's training session that saw most of the team's bevy of international call-ups return to Turin.

Three days before the visit of Milan at Juventus Stadium, Massimiliano Allegri welcomed back the majority of his players to Vinovo from over a week of international duty. The only absentees this afternoon were Sami Khedira, who was granted a day of leave, and South American duo Paulo Dybala and Martin Caceres. The defender was substituted during Uruguay's 3-0 win against Chile last night after feeling pain in the flexor muscle of his right thigh and will undergo an MRI scan before returning to Italy.

Gigi Buffon and Stephan Lichtsteiner also complained of flexor muscle fatigue in their right thighs following matches with their respective countries. The goalkeeper will undergo medical tests to determine his availability for Saturday's contest against the Rossoneri. Meanwhile, the Swiss right-back's condition will be monitored again tomorrow after receiving therapy today. Tests await Mario Mandzukic too after the forward sprained his left ankle during Croatia's win over Russia.

New day, another couple of Juventus injuries to worry about. It's the same old song and dance. This 'Injury Watch 2015' stuff is getting tiresome. Oh so very tiresome.

No, not this New Day. (Although I like that New Day.) Just another day in the life of Juventus this season

We knew about Lichtsteiner needing injury evaluation after having to be subbed off early in Switzerland's game against Austria on Tuesday night. And you can say what you want about Cáceres getting injured because it seems like the guy can't go a couple of months these days without something happening that sends him back to the training room for more tests. But Buffon and Mandzukic, that's not something we expected to hear about when nearly all of those 17 internationals reconvened upon the Vinovo training fields.

As is the case with Lichtsteiner, the next couple of days will be huge for Mandzukic and Buffon. (Although Neto starting against Milan would probably squash some of those stupid rumors about him wanting to leave because he isn't playing. Like he didn't know what he was getting into, right?)

You better believe the "Buffon and Manzukic doubts for Milan!" headlines are already beginning. I won't link them, but they're there, so feel free to cruise around the internet if you so please to catch a glimpse of them.

 

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

[Socrates 8524]

JUVENTUS - MILAN

-

 
 

MATCHDAY 13
Saturday, November 21st, 2015 - 8:45 PM
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Paolo Silvio Mazzoleni

'Juventus-Milan a derby'

http://www.football-italia.net/75962/juventus-milan-derby?

 
Nov 19, 2015
 
Riccardo Montolivo believes Juventus-Milan is going to be 'like a derby', but the Rossoneri 'have no intention of playing defensively'.

The two teams clash this Saturday evening at 19:45 UK time in what is indisputably the biggest game of Week 13.

“Games like these are like the derby, they're special events that drive you,” said the midfielder, as reported by Tuttosport. “But don't tell me that it's going to be decisive because the championship is still long.

“We are far more serene and convinced than we were a few months ago. We've finally hit on a sequence of results, even though the last game against Atalanta wasn't of our best and we only managed a draw.

“We wanted to do better, but now we have a chance to kick off again and the whole group is convinced they can do that.

“The aim is to play a game like that against Lazio, which came right after our heavy 4-0 defeat at home to Napoli.

“We know we've got everything we need to make it and we're going to go to Turin with no intention of closing up shop.”

 

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

[Socrates 8524]

JUVENTUS - MILAN

-

 
 

MATCHDAY 13
Saturday, November 21st, 2015 - 8:45 PM
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Paolo Silvio Mazzoleni

Donnarumma: 'No Juve-Milan pressure'

http://www.football-italia.net/75963/donnarumma-no-juve-milan-pressure?

 
Nov 19, 2015
 
Gianluigi Donnarumma feels 'no pressure' ahead of Juventus-Milan: 'I just want to win and keep a blank sheet'.

The 16-year-old already made history as the youngest goalkeeper in Serie A, and on the day that celebrates the 20th anniversary of Gianluigi Buffon's debut in the championship, he reflects on the upcoming clash.

“I don't feel any pressure,” he told La giornalaccio rosa dello Sport. “Of course, San Siro is majestic and you may feel it there a little bit.

“At the Stadium there will be a great atmosphere, but I'm not worried.

“I'm very pleased by the comparisons with Buffon, but I don't think about the future. I just want to train and improve one day at a time.

“My congratulations to Buffon for his splendid career. I hope to swap shirts with him on Saturday evening. Playing against Gigi gives me an extra incentive, but mainly I just want to win the match, possibly without taking goals.

“My objective? Now I just want to keep my spot as a starter, one Sunday at a time. I have two great champions ahead of me here, Diego Lopez and Christian Abbiati.”

Donnarumma found himself in a controversy recently over some posts he wrote on Facebook three years ago which contained offensive comments about Inter and current Azzurri Coach Antonio Conte.

“It's stuff you do when you're 13, I didn't even remember them. I apologise, I didn't want to offend anyone.

“My model? Manuel Neuer, everybody looks to him. It's impossible not to admire him.

“My best save? The one against Grossi with Atalanta: I saved it with my foot while I was jumping the other way. The best of all saves, I saw that last year: Diego Lopez on a shot by Marchisio. It was incredible.

“As for my contract, I don't think about it. I'm not even old enough to buy a car. Berlusconi paid me compliments for what I'm doing.”

 

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

[Socrates 8524]

JUVENTUS - MILAN

-

 
 

MATCHDAY 13
Saturday, November 21st, 2015 - 8:45 PM
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Paolo Silvio Mazzoleni

Vieri: 'Juve's weak, but younger'

http://www.football-italia.net/75967/vieri-juves-weak-younger?

 
Nov 19, 2015
 
Christian Vieri describes in detail Juventus' apparent decline, while asserting the importance of their game against Milan.

The starting striker of two Italy World Cups chimed in with his opinion about the Old Lady, who will be facing the Rossoneri in the big match-up of Week 13.

“It won't be definitive of course, but it'll be highly important,” he told La giornalaccio rosa dello Sport of Juventus-Milan. “The other big teams are keeping a really high pace, and losing more grounds would be dangerous for anyone aiming for a Champions League spot.

“Juve's slow start is only partially surprising. After so many trophies and the Champions League final some sense of appeasement is understandable, even if it's just subconscious.

“But the squad is being massively renewed and rejuvenated, which was a wise and timely choice.

“They picked up important young players but also experienced and reliable ones like [Mario] Mandzukic and [sami] Khedira. There's everything you need to stay at the top, nationally and internationally.

“It just requires patience. The new players must be given the appropriate time, as the impact with such an important environment is never easy.”

The former striker also discussed the Bianconeri's sales of Andrea Pirlo, Arturo Vidal and Carlos Tevez.

“They were three stellar players, fundamental for their technique and their personality.

“I think what had the greatest effect was Pirlo's farewell. He could recycle even the most abject garbage, turning terrible balls into superb passes that made everyone play better.

“In brief, with Andrea the ball went around clean and fast from the moment play began. Now Juventus have a bit more trouble emerging from the back.

“They need to metabolise a new philosophy, but it's a matter of time and soon Juventus will be biting the heels of those currently at the top.”

 

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

[Socrates 8524]

JUVENTUS - MILAN

-

 
 

MATCHDAY 13
Saturday, November 21st, 2015 - 8:45 PM
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Paolo Silvio Mazzoleni

Gianluigi Donnarumma excited to face
Buffon as AC Milan head to Juventus

http://www.espnfc.co.uk/italian-serie-a/story/2718056/gianluigi-donnarumma-excited-to-face-gianluigi-buffon?

 
Nov 19, 2015
 
Young AC Milan goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma said facing Juventus legend Gianluigi Buffon will give him "even more motivation" this weekend.

Donnarumma, 16, is set to continue as Milan's first-choice keeper against the reigning Serie A champions on Saturday, having been handed his senior debut just a month ago in a 2-1 win over Sassuolo.

He was told he was going to start just 24 hours prior to that fixture, which became the realisation of his lifetime ambition.

"It was an incredibly strong emotion," Donnarumma told La giornalaccio rosa dello Sport. "I didn't quite realise before that I was actually going to play. I usually keep all of my emotions inside, but it was difficult that day.

"After training, I called my parents immediately and they left Castellammare [di Stabia, near Naples] immediately to come and watch me. It is what I've always wanted to do, become a goalkeeper. Nothing else.

"As a child, I would always ask if I could go in goal. Of course I also hope to win some major trophies, but I've already realised my dream."

Milan have yet to lose a game with Donnarumma between their posts and they will be hoping that record will continue this weekend when they visit Juventus.

The match will pit the goalkeeper with the least experience in Serie A against the one with the most, Buffon.

"First of all, I want to pay my compliments to him for his splendid career," Donnarumma said on the day Buffon marks two full decades as a professional. "I hope I can swap shirts with him on Saturday night.

"Playing against Gigi gives me even more motivation, but above all I want to win the match. Maybe even without conceding."

That wish is shared by Milan teammate Philippe Mexes, who told Il Corriere dello Sport that he is in "the best form" of his career right now.

Milan, meanwhile, are currently in their best form of the season and the French defender says for this reason, Saturday's trip to the Juventus Stadium is crucial.

"It has to be the game that marks the turning point for us, for good," the 33-year-old said. "It's an important stage of the season and certainly it's an important game, particularly for us."

Milan go into the game with a two-point advantage over their hosts after 12 games of the season.

 

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

[Socrates 8524]

JUVENTUS - MILAN

-

 
 

MATCHDAY 13
Saturday, November 21st, 2015 - 8:45 PM
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Paolo Silvio Mazzoleni

Mazzoleni officiates Juve-Milan

http://www.football-italia.net/75968/mazzoleni-officiates-juve-milan?

 
Nov 19, 2015
 
Paolo Mazzoleni is given the delicate task of officiating Juventus-Milan, the big clash of Week 13.

The Federation of Italian Football released the names of the referees for Week 13 of Serie A.

The rest of the week is comparatively lacking in terms of big teams clashing, with the second biggest game being Lazio-Palermo, left to Domenico Celi.

This is the list of the referees designated for this weekend's games.


Atalanta – Torino: Angelo Cervellera

Bologna - Roma: Gianluca Rocchi

Carpi – Chievo: Fabio Maresca

Fiorentina - Empoli: Luca Banti

Genoa - Sassuolo: Nicola Rizzoli

H. Verona - Napoli: Antonio Damato

Inter - Frosinone: Marco Guida

Juventus – Milan: Paolo Mazzoleni

Lazio - Palermo: Domenico Celi

Udinese – Sampdoria: Marco Di Bello

 

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

[Socrates 8524]

JUVENTUS - MILAN

-

 
 

MATCHDAY 13
Saturday, November 21st, 2015 - 8:45 PM
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Paolo Silvio Mazzoleni

Buffon fit to face Milan?

http://www.football-italia.net/75974/buffon-fit-face-milan?

 
Nov 19, 2015
 
Juventus goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon will reportedly be fit to face Milan on Saturday.

The ‘keeper went off injured during Italy’s 2-2 draw with Romania, suffering from a thigh problem, leaving him in doubt for the visit of the Rossoneri.

However, Sky is now reporting that Buffon has been passed fit, and will be available for the match at Juventus Stadium.

Today marks 20 years since the shot-stopper made his Serie A debut, for Parma against Milan in 1995.

 

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