Juventus Season 2015-2016

[Socrates 8524]

JUVENTUS - MANCHESTER CITY

-

 
 

Matchday 5
Wednesday, November 25th, 2015 - 08:45 P.M.
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee:‬ Felix Brych (Germany)

Allegri: 'City tactics to be decided'

http://www.football-italia.net/76201/allegri-city-tactics-be-decided?

Nov 24, 2015
 
Max Allegri is keeping Juventus tactical options open against Manchester City, but warned Paulo Dybala and Paul Pogba.

It kicks off on Wednesday at 20.45 CET - 19.45 GMT in Turin and the Bianconeri already beat City 2-1 in England.

Patrice Evra is at risk with an injury, while Allegri was asked whether the Frenchman or Alex Sandro, Mario Mandzukic or Dybala would start.

“Evra has recovered and I will make my final decisions after the last training session tomorrow morning,” smiled the Coach.

“This is an important match as it could be worth first place in the group. We must focus on winning, as it’s the only result that can guarantee qualification tomorrow. If we don’t win, we are tied to Sevilla’s result against Borussia Monchengladbach.

“We are facing Manchester City, who are one of the strongest teams in Europe.”

Pogba has often been compared to Yaya Toure, but what still separates the two players at this stage of their careers?

“There’s a 10-year difference, for a start! They are both extraordinary players, Paul has time to improve and it’s up to him to work every single day to challenge himself and not rest on his laurels, even during the game.

“I have four players available in attack, I think two will play. We could have three at the back, we could use Juan Cuadrado wide, I have not yet decided. We have the option to play with three in defence or four.

“I am not worried by a trial by media if I don’t play Dybala. I am worried about all the praise for a 21-year-old who is doing well, but needs to be given the time and space to grow calmly. At his age he cannot have all the responsibility for Juventus success on his shoulders.

“Mario Mandzukic will score his tally of goals by the end of the season. At the moment Dybala is on strong form, but a striker tends to have highs and lows during a campaign.”

Manchester City are fresh from a 4-1 drubbing at the hands of Liverpool in the Premier League, so did Allegri learn anything from that game?

“I saw a great performance and pressure from Liverpool, cutting off all service for the forwards. Manchester have a lot of quality from the midfield up, so we must naturally try to make the most of their weak spots.

“When we face sides who sit back and wait for us, we cannot leave ourselves wide open to the counter. The players must therefore learn to read the various moments of the game and the change of gear.”

The Bianconeri won the Double last term and reached the Champions League Final, so why did they struggle so badly at the start of this season?

“At this moment Juventus are better physically than before, the three consecutive Serie A wins have helped the team to grow and let’s not forget when you have 10 new players they won’t just settle in from one day to the next.

“You just have to see how Alex Sandro, Dybala, Mario Lemina and others have improved over time. During this process, we dropped some points by the wayside in Serie A.

“In the Champions League it’s all still open, we haven’t achieved anything yet, so tomorrow we need strong support from the fans.

“It’s true that the previous four years made fans accustomed to victories, as did the history of Juventus, but we have to sweat and fight for every game. Nothing is to be taken for granted.

“Therefore at certain points in the match, these lads need the support of their fans and I am sure tomorrow they’ll be there for us.”

 

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

[Socrates 8524]

JUVENTUS - MANCHESTER CITY

-

 
 

Matchday 5
Wednesday, November 25th, 2015 - 08:45 P.M.
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee:‬ Felix Brych (Germany)

Evra ready for Man City

http://www.football-italia.net/76202/evra-ready-man-city?

Nov 24, 2015
 
Patrice Evra has recovered for the Champions League clash with Manchester City, but Juventus miss Sami Khedira.

It kicks off tomorrow at 20.45 CET - 19.45 GMT at the Juventus Stadium in Turin.

Evra was in doubt with an ankle sprain, but he is included in the squad and Max Allegri confirmed in a Press conference he has recovered.

Khedira and Martin Caceres are ruled out by injury.


Juventus squad for Manchester City:

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

 

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

[Socrates 8524]

JUVENTUS - MANCHESTER CITY

-

 
 

Matchday 5
Wednesday, November 25th, 2015 - 08:45 P.M.
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee:‬ Felix Brych (Germany)

Juventus V Manchester City – Preview:
Bianconeri Battle Citizens For The Top Spot

http://forzaitalianfootball.com/2015/11/juventus-v-manchester-city-preview-bianconeri-battle-citizens-for-the-top-spot/?

Nov 24, 2015
 
Juventus host Manchester City in the Champions League at the Juventus Stadium in Turin on Wednesday night, looking to secure a place in the next round of the competition.

The Bianconeri need one point to secure a place in the round of 16, whilst Manchester City are already mathematically through. Both teams will surely aim for victory nonetheless, as they strive for first place in Group D and avoid the better sides in the next round.

The Old Lady drew 1-1 against Borussia Monchengladbach in their previous game in the group, with City winning 3-1 away in Sevilla. The Bianconeri, however, come into the game from a convincing 1-0 win over AC Milan in Serie A, whilst the Citizens were defeated by Liverpool at the Etihad Stadium by incredible 4-1 scoreline on Saturday evening.

City and Juventus played each other in the opening game of Group D, with the Bianconeri taking all three points at the Etihad, thanks to goals by Alvaro Morata and Mario Mandzukic.

Both strikers will be available for Massimiliano Allegri, but only the Spaniard is likely to start alongside Paulo Dybala, whose recent form has been phenomenal.

Allegri will not be able to count on Sami Khedira in the middle, as the German international suffered another problem to his thigh, which will keep him out for at least another week. In his place, Allegri has to pick between Stefano Sturaro and Mario Lemina, next to the confirmed duo of Claudio Marchisio and Paul Pogba.

Juventus are set to play with a more defensive 3-5-2 formation, with the only doubt being who will be deployed as left wing back, as Patrice Evra finished the game against Milan with an injury, with Alex Sandro likely to start in his place.

Meanwhile, Manuel Pellegrini has Samir Nasri ruled out for over three months due to a tendon injury. On the positive side, Sergio Aguero is back on top form after scoring on his return against Liverpool and demonstrating his full recovery after a period on the sidelines.

Manchester City also have playmaker David Silva out with the same ankle injury that has made him miss their last eight games. Jesus Navas, Raheem Sterling and Kevin De Bruyne are expected to line up behind Aguero in attack.

Pellegrini also has problems in defence, with captain Vincent Kompany and Pablo Zabaleta both unavailable, with Bacary Sagna and Martin Demichelis likely to start instead.

Both teams are likely to be in the next round of the Champions League, but whoever wins this game will have a much easier encounter when the competition restarts in February.

Form Guide: Juventus (L-W-D-W-W) Manchester City (W-W-W-D-L)


Expected Starting XI’s:

Juventus:
Buffon; Barzagli, Bonucci, Chiellini; Lichtsteiner, Lemina, Marchisio, Pogba, Alex Sandro; Morata, Dybala.

Manchester City:
Hart; Sagna, Otamendi, Demichelis, Kolarov; Fernando, Toure; Sterling, De Bruyne, Navas; Aguero.

 

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

[Socrates 8524]

JUVENTUS - MANCHESTER CITY

-

 
 

Matchday 5
Wednesday, November 25th, 2015 - 08:45 P.M.
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee:‬ Felix Brych (Germany)

Manchester City Stars In Doubt
For Champions League Clash With Juventus

http://forzaitalianfootball.com/2015/11/silva-and-kompany-in-doubt-for-champions-league-clash-with-juventus/?

Nov 24, 2015

Manchester City’s David Silva and Vincent Kompany are in serious doubt for Wednesday evening’s Champions League clash with Juventus, after both players were absent at the club’s training session on Tuesday.

Both Silva and Kompany missed Saturday evening’s 4-1 Premier League loss at the hands of Liverpool, with hopes of a return to the lineup for the Group D clash at the Juventus Stadium slowly evaporating.

The duo have struggled for fitness this season, the Spaniard in particular, having featured in just five of City’s 13 Premier League games in addition to just two Champions League fixtures.

Both teams come into Wednesday’s match separated by only one point, with the Bianconeri trailing their English counterparts, despite earning a 2-1 victory at the Etihad Stadium in Manchester during their first matchup.

A win for Manchester City would see them qualify from Group D in first position, while a victory for the Old Lady would secure qualification and place them in prime position ahead of their final group match against Sevilla at the Ramon Sanches-Pizjuan Stadium.

 

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

[Socrates 8524]

JUVENTUS - MANCHESTER CITY

-

 
 

Matchday 5
Wednesday, November 25th, 2015 - 08:45 P.M.
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee:‬ Felix Brych (Germany)

Pellegrini: 'City back to normal'

http://www.football-italia.net/76205/pellegrini-city-back-normal?

Nov 24, 2015

Manuel Pellegrini insists Manchester City will “get back to normal” against Juventus after a 4-1 defeat to Liverpool.

It kicks off on Wednesday at 19.45 GMT in Turin and the Bianconeri already beat City 2-1 in England.

“I think it’s very important to qualify for the third time in the row. We qualified the last two years and were very unlucky to have the same draw with Barcelona,” said the manager in a Press conference.

“It is not just important to avoid Barcelona or another important team, but as it’s an important test for us to win in a big stadium here in Turin and win the group.

“We finished a very bad game on Saturday and it was all over Sunday morning. It’s a different competition and we were very unlucky losing the first game in our stadium, so I hope tomorrow we’ll return to our normal performance.

“It was a strange game that we played, but that’s in the past and it is more important to think about the future. I think all managers want to find the weakest point of the other teams, but I don’t think you can take Saturday’s game as a normal performance.

“We already played Juventus, they won a close game and I didn’t think we deserved to lose. Now we must try to at least not lose tomorrow and qualify for the next stage. We know all of them and the way they play.

“Juventus have a very strong side, that’s why they won four straight titles and reached last year’s Champions League Final.”

Bacary Sagna said he wasn’t ready to play against Liverpool following the attacks in Paris.

“That was a difficult week for a lot of different players. Maybe also you can add he played two games in the same week and didn’t recover for an important game against Liverpool. At that moment I asked him and he was able to play.”

“It’s a difficult situation, as we have so many players injured like Zabaleta, Kompany, Mangala, Silva and Bony. We need to play in Europe the same way we did against Sevilla. Before reaching the quarter-final, we have to win in the Round of 16. Just because we win the group doesn’t mean we have an easier draw.

“We have more experience than in other years, but for me the most important thing in every game is the individual performance.

“Without doubt this is a better team with Sergio Aguero, so to reach an important stage of any competition of course we need Sergio and it’s better for us.”

 

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

[Socrates 8524]

JUVENTUS - MANCHESTER CITY

-

 
 

Matchday 5
Wednesday, November 25th, 2015 - 08:45 P.M.
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee:‬ Felix Brych (Germany)

Pellegrini: Silva & Bony could face Southampton

The Manchester City boss will have to deal with a long injury list when his side take
on Juventus, with Eliaquim Mangala, Vincent Kompany and Samir Nasri among those out.

http://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/2914/champions-league/2015/11/25/17679982/-?

Nov 25, 2015

David Silva and Wilfried Bony will sit out Manchester City's Champions League match away to Juventus on Wednesday but could return for the visit of Southampton in the Premier League, according to manager Manuel Pellegrini.

Silva and Bony are currently sidelined with respective ankle and hamstring injuries and Eliaquim Mangala, Vincent Kompany, Samir Nasri and Pablo Zabaleta will also miss the clash in Turin.

City have the chance to seal top spot in Group D with a victory over last season's finalists and are looking to bounce back from their surprise 4-1 defeat to Liverpool on Saturday.

"We have a difficult situation with too many injured," Pellegrini told reporters. "In defence, we have Zabaleta, Kompany and Mangala injured. In midfield, Nasri and Silva, while in attack, Bony is out.

"I hope that David could be involved in the game at the weekend. I'm not 100 per cent sure but he has improved a lot in the last two days – I also hope Bony will be fit.

"It will be difficult for Vincent and Mangala to be ready for then and Samir is out for four or five months."

Sergio Aguero came back from his latest injury setback to score a superb individual goal against Liverpool and Pellegrini hopes the Argentina star's persistent fitness woes are behind him.

"Without doubt this team with Sergio is a better team, so of course if he can play all the games it is better for us," he said.

"We play so many games with an important amount of injuries at this stage of the season. We must manage the minutes of all of the players in the squad, not just Sergio."

 

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

[Socrates 8524]

JUVENTUS - MANCHESTER CITY

-

 
 

Matchday 5
Wednesday, November 25th, 2015 - 08:45 P.M.
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee:‬ Felix Brych (Germany)

Juventus must learn from Liverpool's
win if they are to defeat Man City

http://www.espnfc.co.uk/club/juventus/111/blog/post/2726886/juventus-must-learn-from-liverpool-win-over-man-city?

Nov 25, 2015

As Juventus continue to revive their chances of making an impact on Serie A, Wednesday night presents them with a chance to qualify for the next stage of the Champions League if they manage a win against Manchester City. Having already beaten the English side 2-1 in the first leg, Juve are now looking to top the group by defeating Manuel Pellegrini's men again but it won't be easy.

When Juventus travelled to Manchester, most assumed the Old Lady would fail. Not only had she lost frequently in the league but she was void of experience and the fluidity that came to define her in previous years. However, discount the Italians at your own peril for they are never more dangerous than when thought to be weak and fragile.

While Massimiliano Allegri has been tinkering and changing too much in the league games to establish a rhythm, he ensured he played his best men in their best shape for the European challenges they faced picking up maximum points in their first two games.

Concocting the perfect potion required to attack the weaknesses of the opponent while simultaneously extracting the very best out of his own men, Allegri has converted his side into genuine European contenders.

The difference between Allegri's teams and Antonio Conte's Juve is tactical versatility and psychological strength. This is a side that, as Claudio Marchisio said in the pre-match conference, feels at ease when playing in Europe. Aware of their own strength and happy to take on the continent's strongest teams, they realise that if they all sacrifice and work in unison, they will progress just like Atletico Madrid and Borussia Dortmund proved before them.

However, as soon as the Italians are labelled as favourites, they falter in much the same way they did against Borussia Monchengladbach and against Monaco last season. In the seemingly 'easy' matches, Allegri won't necessarily pick his best men for the challenge and that subconsciously affects his side. Perhaps without meaning to, the players will let their foot off the gas and stop fighting with as much determination as they do in the big matches.

It must be said that without their work ethic, Juve can be quite ordinary. While many will disagree with the description, it must be said that without their work ethic, Juve are not necessarily a team fit to defeat the biggest European champions. They must therefore run relentlessly against Man City and while they will be asked to dominate the game, as they are playing at home, they must be careful to close down the spaces when out of possession to ensure Pellegrini's men cannot impose their pace to score from a counter-attack.

Liverpool demonstrated that when pressure is applied, City break down and as Allegri himself stated, this will be a game about limiting the options available to the opponent. This is a match in which the Bianconeri must overwhelm, press the players and ensure that as soon as the ball is won, then the talents within the side must show their worth. This is an opportunity for Alvaro Morata to demonstrate his pace, Paul Pogba and Claudio Marchisio to show off their passing and for Paulo Dybala and Juan Cuadrado to operate between the lines, busying the defenders.

The Citizens' creative players must not be given enough time to dictate or initiate. Pellegrini's men have been accused of indiscipline and if Juventus want to win the tough challenges then they must remain faithful to the strategy and ensure they work together to neutralise the opponent.

Allegri's secret weapon is the side's tactical versatility. Against Milan over the weekend, the shape deployed by Sinisa Mihajlovic effectively impeded the Bianconeri from attacking ferociously. Upon realising the impotence of the side, the Juve coach changed formations in the second half to release his wing-backs and allow Pogba to push and that subsequently led to a Juve goal and all three points.

Manchester City's defence is not the best -- especially considering the absences -- while Sergio Aguero is yet to look comfortable despite still managing to score. Beaten and embarrassed over the weekend, there's every reason to believe that on Wednesday night in Juventus' stadium, Pellegrini's men will set out with the ambition to destroy and prove that while they may falter, they will not fall. It's up to the Old Lady to prove why she boasts great history in this competition and why she still has a future.

 

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

[Socrates 8524]

JUVENTUS - MANCHESTER CITY

-

 
 

Matchday 5
Wednesday, November 25th, 2015 - 08:45 P.M.
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee:‬ Felix Brych (Germany)

Juventus V Manchester City — Team News,
Tactics, Lineups And Predictions

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

Nov 25, 2015

Juventus host Manchester City in the penultimate game of Group D knowing that a win will secure qualification for the last 16 of the Champions League. City on the other hand will be looking to bounce back from a crushing 4-1 defeat at home to Liverpool. A win over the Italian champions will not only ensure top spot in this tough group but it will also raise the spirits after an embarassing home display last Saturday. Juventus defeated Manchester City in the first game of the group stage campaign but City have recovered strongly after that to book their place in the knockout stages with three succesive wins.


Team news and tactical brief

Juventus

Manchester City travel to the Juventus stadium with the Italian side facing some sort of an injury crisis. Patrice Evra who came off in the first half against AC Milan on Saturday evening wont play while Sami Khedira, Martin Caceres and Hernanes are not even included in the squad. Hernanes, who is suspended for the next two Champions League games anyway due to his sending off in Germany, is struggling with an adductor muscle problem and is out for the next three weeks, while Martin Caceres is carrying a thigh strain.With Claudio Marchisio spending a long period on the sidelines earlier this season, blame has been directed at Allegri for overworking his players in training.

Max Allegri knows a win for them will see Juventus join City in qualifying for the last 16 and put them in pole position to finish as Group D winners. Allegri will be encouraged by the performance of Alex Sandro in Saturday’s win, with the left-back putting in arguably his best display since his €26 million summer arrival from Porto, providing the assist for Paulo Dybala’s decisive goal. He is likely to start on Wednesday with Evra being injured, when Juve need a win to be sure of their passage to the last 16 of the Champions League, although a draw or even a defeat would still be enough if Sevilla fail to defeat Borussia Monchengladbach.

Probable Starting Lineup (4-3-3):
Buffon; Lichtsteiner, Bonucci, Chiellini, Sandro; Marchisio, Pogba, Sturaro; Cuadrado, Dybala, Morata

 

Manchester City

Manchester City have rarely had their strongest team out this season with niggling injuries keeping out key players like David Silva, Sergio Aguero and Vincent Kompany. Despite Saturday’s 4-1 humbling at home to Liverpool, Manuel Pellegrini will have something to be happy about as his side approaches the busy period of December. Manchester City must show character if they are to bounce back immediately and Pellegrini will be hoping for a win at Turin to ensure top spot in their Champions League group. City are the only English team so far to have qualified for the knockout stages this year and they will be happy to welcome back their talisman Sergio Aguero for this game. City can make life slightly easier for them with a win tomorrow as that will take them to an uncatchable 12 points with the final game against Borussia Mönchengladbach rendered meaningless.

Pellegrini was defiant after Saturday’s defeat claiming that he would pick the same starting XI if he had the chance again. He will be doing just that as stalwarts David Silva and Vincent Kompany are absent due to injuries along with Wilfred Bony. The loss of Kompany was felt on Saturday as the defence lacked leadership and cohesion. Sergio Aguero looked fully up to speed after his return from injury against Liverpool and he will be the man leading the line against Juventus. With Silva, Nasri and Bony all sidelined and Kelechi Iheanacho ineligible for Champions League games, Aguero will be crucial for City.

Probable Starting Line-up (4-2-3-1):
Hart; Sagna, Demichelis, Otamendi, Kolarov; Delph, Toure; Sterling, De Bruyne, Navas; Aguero


Key Facts

Of the five previous encounters, City have beaten Juve only once, with Brian Kidd scoring the only goal during the first-leg of their UEFA Cup First Round tie at Maine Road in 1976.

Juventus are undefeated in 13 of their last 14 matches in the Champions League.

Juventus are unbeaten in 15 home matches in the Champions League.


Players to Watch Out For

Paulo Dybala (Juventus)

Fresh from helping Juventus earn a piece of history against AC Milan, Paulo Dybala will be looking to score his first goal in the Champions league. The ex-Palermo star certainly has the quality to become a consistent protagonist for Juventus. Adding more goals in big games like the one on Saturday is the next step for the 22-year-old.


Joe Hart (Manchester City)

Joe Hart won his 50th cap for England in Turin earlier this year and he was the captain in last week’s 2-0 defeat against Spain. Comparisons with Gianluigi Buffon might be premature at this stage but there is little doubt that the Englishman can become a dominant figure for both his club and country. He is arguably the best goalkeeper in England at this moment and made some stunning saves to deny further embarassment for City against Liverpool on Saturday.


Prediction

Juventus 1–1 Manchester City

Manuel Pellegrini will be looking for a response from his side after the thrashing at the weekend. Juventus are still looking to get a momentum after an indifferent start to their season but are unbeaten in Europe so far. A draw would not hurt City, who have already qualified and with Juventus only needing a point , it would not be a surprise if the game finishes level.


Blast From the Past

A second-half equaliser from Jô cancelled out Niccolò Giannetti’s effort on his first start for Juventus as Manchester City FC finished top of Group A in the 2011 Europa League.
 

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

[Socrates 8524]

JUVENTUS - MANCHESTER CITY

-

 
 

Matchday 5
Wednesday, November 25th, 2015 - 08:45 P.M.
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee:‬ Felix Brych (Germany)

Juventus vs. Manchester City: Team News, Predicted Lineups

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2592744-juventus-vs-manchester-city-team-news-predicted-lineups-live-stream-tv-info?

Nov 25, 2015

After the humiliation they suffered at the hands of Liverpool on Saturday, Manchester City will be desperate to make an immediate return to winning ways when they visit Juventus on Wednesday.

City need a win to guarantee top spot in Group D, with Juventus knowing victory for them would see the Turin club join Manuel Pellegrini’s side in the last 16.

If the Blues manage a draw, that will be enough to ensure they go into the final game against Borussia Monchengladbach at home needing three points to finish first.

The manner of the defeat against Liverpool will have worried Pellegrini, but his players now have a chance to quickly turn things around. A win would see them emulate their 2013/14 achievement of winning all three away group games.

Massimiliano Allegri’s side are in excellent form having lost just once in their last 10 matches. They sit sixth in Serie A, nine points off the top of the table after beating AC Milan 1-0 at the weekend.


Predicted Formations

Juventus

Juventus are without former Manchester United left-back Patrice Evra, while Sami Khedira and Hernanes are also out.

Predicted XI (4-3-3):
Buffon; Lichtsteiner, Bonucci, Chiellini, Sandro; Sturaro, Marchisio, Pogba; Cuadrado, Dybala, Morata.

JuventusFC ✔ @juventusfcen
.@OfficialAllegri focuses on three points and progress to the @ChampionsLeague last 16


Manchester City

Eliaquim Mangala, Pablo Zabaleta and Vincent Kompany are all out for the trip to Turin, leaving Pellegrini short on defensive numbers. David Silva remains unavailable with an ankle injury, and Wilfried Bony’s hamstring problem is yet to clear up. With Kelechi Iheanacho left out of their Champions League squad, it leaves Pellegrini with just Sergio Aguero as a recognised striker.

Predicted XI (4-3-3):
Hart; Zabaleta, Otamendi, Demichelis, Kolarov; Fernando, Fernandinho, Toure; De Bruyne, Sterling, Aguero.

Manchester City FC ✔ @MCFC
PELLEGRINI: "We need to play in Europe the same way as we did against Sevilla. We didn't allow them chances and we had a lot of chances."

Manchester City FC ✔ @MCFC
PELLEGRINI: “I hope that @21lva could be involved in the game at the weekend. I'm not 100% sure but he's improved in the last two days."


Players To Watch

Juventus: Paul Pogba

He’s been somewhat inconsistent this season, but Paul Pogba remains one of the world’s elite players.

There’s little the France international can’t do. He’s strong, quick, full of running, intelligent and gifted in possession. Is there another young player in the game with quite such a comprehensive mix of attributes?

The 22-year-old can produce moments of brilliance and often appears to be doing the job of two men.

Anyone who saw his assist at the Etihad Stadium on Matchday 1 will be aware of his ability to conjure something special in the blink of an eye. City will need to minimise his impact if they want to leave Turin with a positive result.

JuventusFC ✔ @juventusfcen
.@OfficialAllegri: "The difference between @paulpogba and @YayaToure? About 10 years..."


Manchester City: Fernandinho

City’s player of the season so far has been Fernandinho.

Pellegrini’s decision to leave him out of Saturday’s game with Liverpool was a strange one. The midfielder had travelled to South America during the international break, but he’d played just 13 minutes of football. The decision backfired as City looked bereft of energy and enthusiasm in the middle of the pitch.

In City’s last Champions League game, away at Sevilla on Matchday 4, Fernandinho gave a world-class display—a performance of dynamism, stamina and skill. The Spanish club couldn’t handle him, and he was rightly in receipt of widespread praise after the game.

With City desperate for something to cheer after their drubbing at the hands of Liverpool, Fernandinho is their main man and perhaps the key to any success.


Key Battle

Giorgio Chiellini vs. Sergio Aguero

Given he has just returned from a seven-match hiatus due to a grade-two hamstring tear, Pellegrini would ideally have rested Aguero for this match. A cold night game in Turin from which City don’t necessarily need three points would surely have been the ideal opportunity to save him for more comfortable surroundings.

Yet with Bony injured and Iheanacho unavailable, Aguero is likely to start. His 66-minute display against Liverpool will have helped him edge towards full match sharpness, and his superb goal—although in vain—will have done his confidence some good.

Giorgio Chiellini is the man tasked with his keeping him quiet. The 31-year-old is an excellent defender with plenty of experience, but his lack of pace, which has been exposed at times already this season, will be a concern against Aguero.

The Argentinian is explosive, and with City showing against Sevilla they can counter-attack at pace, it will be an area of concern for Allegri.


Odds (Via Odds Shark)

Juventus: +135

City: +192

Draw: +242

 

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

[Socrates 8524]

JUVENTUS - MANCHESTER CITY

-

 
 

Matchday 5
Wednesday, November 25th, 2015 - 08:45 P.M.
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee:‬ Felix Brych (Germany)

How Manchester City could line up against Juventus

A number of first team regulars have been ruled out of Wednesday's
Champions League clash in Turin, meaning Manuel Pellegrini must shuffle his pack.

http://www.goal.com/en/news/1716/champions-league/2015/11/25/17687402/-?

Nov 25, 2015

For the second time this season, Manchester City head into a Champions League away game needing to bounce back from a 4-1 thrashing.

In September, City responded to defeat at Tottenham by seeing off Borussia Monchengladbach with a last-minute penalty. This time, top spot in Group D is up for grabs as they meet Juventus, with Saturday's humbling at the hands of Liverpool still fresh in the memory.

Manuel Pellegrini's starting XI will be under the spotlight. The manager was criticised at the weekend for leaving Nicolas Otamendi and Fernandinho on the bench against the Reds.

Pellegrini changed things up at half-time, but by then it was too late and he only caused more problems for himself after the match when he claimed he would pick exactly the same team if he had the chance to do so again.

Had he pointed out that both Otamendi and Fernandinho had travelled to South America and back for international duty during the week he would have been understood. Instead, he adopted a defensive stance and attracted more scorn from many City fans.

"We will pick the right team for Juventus, a team to try and get a result," he said after the Liverpool game. "We have a tough game against Southampton the following Saturday and the recovery period will not be ideal, but when we go to Juventus we will be thinking only about making progress in Europe and not about the Premier League."

But he will have to do so with an injury-ravaged squad: "We have a difficult situation because we have too many players injured," he added on Tuesday. "In defence we have injured: Pablo Zabaleta, Vincent Kompany and Mangala; in midfield we have injured Samir Nasri and David Silva and attacking we have Wilfried Bony."

The match will be an interesting challenge for City. In their last Champions League game they dispatched Sevilla 3-1 and produced the kind of display that suggested they could at last make real progress in the competition.

After that match captain Vincent Kompany pointed to the "British" style of football his side had adopted in Spain and Pellegrini emphasised the need to replicate that standard of performance.
"I think that [to progress further] first of all we need to play in Europe in the same way we did in Sevilla.

"I don’t think the word exactly is a formula, I think we played very well, we played as a consistent team, we didn’t allow Sevilla to have many chances on our goal, but more than that I think we played the same we as we did so many times in the Premier League: we had good possession, we didn’t lose easy balls, we had good chances to score."

But they were brought down to earth with a bang on Saturday, leaving many to wonder what exactly this season holds for City.

A win in Turin would secure top spot in their group, meaning they could rest key players against Gladbach in their final game and, in theory, secure an easier draw in the last-16.

Another ongoing problem for Pellegrini is the fitness of Sergio Aguero. The Chilean says the striker is not fit enough to play 90 minutes, or to play two games in a week. Aguero was taken off after 66 minutes on Saturday, but with Bony still out injured and Kelechi Iheanacho not registered, the Argentine may have to start.

Fernandinho is likely to be restored to the midfield alongside Fernando, and Toure - who was subbed at half-time against Liverpool - will play in the No.10 role. That could mean Kevin De Bruyne returns to a wide role, with either Sterling on the left, or Jesus Navas on the right. The Belgian could, however, find himself on the bench as he did in southern Spain.

Bacary Sagna said he was not physically prepared to play on Saturday - something Pellegrini disputes - but he may well have to start again given Zabaleta's ongoing injury problems. Argentine pair Nicolas Otamendi and Martin Demichelis are the only two fit centre-backs and Aleksandar Kolarov is the favourite to start at left-back given Gael Clichy has not played all season.

Considering City's injuries, and Pellegrini's need to get things right in the face of so much criticism, the Juventus game is a delicate challenge.

 

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

[Socrates 8524]

JUVENTUS - MANCHESTER CITY

-

 
 

Matchday 5
Wednesday, November 25th, 2015 - 08:45 P.M.
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee:‬ Felix Brych (Germany)

Sergio Aguero is Man City's Messi
or Ronaldo - Juventus' Gianluigi Buffon

http://www.espnfc.co.uk/uefa-champions-league/story/2727109/sergio-aguero-like-messi-or-ronaldo-for-city-buffon?

Nov 25, 2015

Juventus goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon says Sergio Aguero is Manchester City's version of Lionel Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo.

Buffon feels that Aguero, who is set to lead the City attack in the Champions League group game at Juve on Wednesday, has the ability to determine high-pressure European games.

The 27-year-old made a scoring return to Manuel Pellegrini's team in the 4-1 loss against Liverpool on Saturday after missing seven matches with a hamstring injury.

Pellegrini has bracketed Aguero alongside Barcelona's record scorer Messi and reigning World Player of the Year Ronaldo before and, while City have never reached the last eight of the competition before, Buffon feels he has the talent to take his team forward.

Buffon was quoted in the Daily Mirror as saying: "When you get to the knockout stages, the best teams look to their standout player for a moment of brilliance.

"So many times we have seen Messi do it for Barcelona or Ronaldo do it for Real Madrid. Aguero can be that player for Manchester City.

"One player cannot win you the Champions League, but special players win you games, and winning games wins you competitions. Sergio Aguero is that special player for them."

Juventus beat City 2-1 at the Etihad Stadium in September, but Pellegrini's team have already ensured qualification and will win the group if they triumph in Italy.

 

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

[Socrates 8524]

JUVENTUS - MANCHESTER CITY

-

 
 

Matchday 5
Wednesday, November 25th, 2015 - 08:45 P.M.
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee:‬ Felix Brych (Germany)

Juventus v Manchester City Goalscorer Preview:
Aguero can add to his impressive European goals tally

After finding the net on his return from injury at the weekend, Al Hain-Cole is backing
the Argentina international to continue his prolific Champions League form in Turin.

http://www.goal.com/en/news/2994/betting/2015/11/25/17679302/-?

Nov 25, 2015

Having provided the only bright spot in an otherwise shambolic 4-1 defeat at Liverpool by finding the net on his long-awaited return from injury, Sergio Aguero will be expected to lead from the front once again when Manchester City travel to the Juventus Stadium on Wednesday.

That goal was the Argentine’s eighth in just five appearances for Manuel Pellegrini’s side, and he is their favourite with William Hill to open the scoring in Turin. The same firm offer an enhanced on the City man scoring in an away victory, avenging their matchday one defeat in the process.

With 15 goals to his name in his last 21 games in this competition, odds of certainly appear generous on the star striker scoring anytime in this one.

After grabbing his first Champions League goal in the 3-1 win at Sevilla last time out, Raheem Sterling can be backed at to make it two in a row here.

Arguably his team’s best player in the absence of Aguero over the past few weeks, Kevin De Bruyne is also on offer at to add to the six goals he has scored since a £55 million summer move from Wolfsburg.

Those same odds are also available on Yaya Toure opening his Champions League account for the season, although his return of just two goals in the last 17 fixtures does not inspire much confidence.

At the other end of the pitch, the man dubbed the ‘New Aguero’ will be looking to outstage his more celebrated compatriot.

The Bianconeri’s top scorer with seven goals to his name, Paulo Dybala is priced at to score his first Champions League goal after hitting the winner in Sunday’s 1-0 win over Milan.

In contrast, Mario Mandzukic has scored 19 goals in this competition during a distinguished career for Dinamo Zagreb, Bayern Munich and Atletico Madrid, and is available at to make it 20 in this clash. In another enhanced market, the 29-year-old is a shot in William Hill's wincast market.

Scorer of the winner in the reverse fixture between the sides at the Etihad, Alvaro Morata’s fine record of five goals in the last seven Champions League games makes him a strong anytime option at , while Paul Pogba offers an attractive longer shot at but it is the on Aguero that looks the best bet in the goalscorer markets for this game.

 

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

[Socrates 8524]

JUVENTUS - MANCHESTER CITY

-

 
 

Matchday 5
Wednesday, November 25th, 2015 - 08:45 P.M.
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee:‬ Felix Brych (Germany)

Juventus’ Patrice Evra Fit For Midweek Clash,
But Manchester City To Miss 6 Key Players

http://www.thehardtackle.com/2015/juventus-patrice-evra-fit-for-midweek-clash-but-manchester-city-to-miss-6-key-players/?

Nov 25, 2015

After a memorable win over AC Milan in the weekend, the Juventus fans have more good news to cheer them up, as reports from Italy claim that left fullback Patrice Evra has recovered from an ankle sprain and is available for the crunch six-pointer against Manchester City on Wednesday.

The Frenchman had hobbled off the pitch with a sprained ankle in the match against Milan on Saturday night. However, he was seen training with the first team on Monday afternoon according to Football Italia.

The good news was later confirmed by coach Massimiliano Allegri in the pre-match press conference, he said that Evra had recovered sufficiently from the ankle sprain, and would be available for the match against City.

Defender Martin Caceres also trained with the first team on Monday, but Allegri confirmed that the Uruguayan will not feature in the match. Joining Caceres on Juve’s injury list is holding midfielder Sami Khedira, who has also been ruled out.

The German midfielder is set to be replaced by Stefano Sturaro in the middle of the park, while Alvaro Morata is also set to join the Bianconeri attack, joining Argentinian Paulo Dybala. This would mean that Allegri could implement the diamond formation, which will close all the gaps in the middle of the park. However, this may leave Juve a bit stretched on the flanks.


Manchester City to miss six key players

The biggest worry for Manuel Pellegrini for this match is the safety of Sergio Aguero, who has just made a comeback from a hamstring injury. Second choice striker Wilfried Bony has been ruled out due to his own hamstring problems, while 19-year-old Kelechi Iheanacho is not registered for the club’s Champions League roster.

This reccurence of Aguero’s injury has put City boss Pellegrini in a rather sticky situation and he may have to play wing man Raheen Sterling up front.

“We have a difficult situation,” Pellegrini was quoted as saying by BBC. “It’s a test to win in a difficult stadium against a strong team.”

 

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

[Socrates 8524]

JUVENTUS - MANCHESTER CITY

-

 
 

Matchday 5
Wednesday, November 25th, 2015 - 08:45 P.M.
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee:‬ Felix Brych (Germany)

Juventus Vs Manchester City: Can The Old
Lady Do A Job On The Leaderless Citizens?

http://www.thehardtackle.com/2015/juventus-vs-manchester-city-can-the-old-lady-do-a-job-on-the-leaderless-citizens/?

Nov 25, 2015

As we prepare for the biggest encounter in the UEFA Champions League this midweek, we have two teams that seem to be on the opposite spectrums of form and morale at the moment in Juventus and Manchester City.

While Manchester City have started their season brilliantly, and are in the chase for the Premier League title, Juventus seem to be quite far from that in Italy.

The Bianconeri’s poor start to the season has seen them fall off the pace in the challenge for the title that they are defending. However, Girlfriend of Italy seems to be gradually finding back her form, as she climbs her way up the Seria A table.

However, one point where both these teams would differ from one another is that they are coming into this match on the back of quite contrasting results in their respective domestic leagues.

Manchester City have just suffered a humiliating 4-1 loss at home to Liverpool FC, who have not been on such great form anyway. This loss has dented their title challenge a bit, as they have slipped to the third place from the top of the table.

On the other hand Juventus, who have not been in particularly great form themselves, managing just two wins in their last five matches before the weekend, would be on a high after they beat rivals AC Milan on Saturday.


Allegri slowly piecing the black-and-white puzzle together

Antonio Conte had built Juventus into a great team once again after the Old Lady’s fall from grace, and had even brought the Scudetto back to Turin, going on to win it three years in a row.

When Massimiliano Allegri took over from Conte, he proved his credentials by furthering Juve’s glorious run to the Champions League, taking them to the finals. At the start of the 2015/16 season however, all that good work seems to have been undone, after the likes of Carlos Tevez, Arturo Vidal and Andrea Pirlo moved out.

With a bunch of new signings, Allegri has found the going tough, and the Old Lady has had a limping start to the season. However, this is not a sprint race, and Juventus slowly seem to be finding their feet once again, with the likes of Argentine forward Paolo Dybala stepping up to the plate, with six goals from eight matches.

The performances of star midfielder Paul Pogba were also a cause for concern at the start of the season, but the Frenchman seems to have rediscovered his form, as Juventus begins to look like a real European force once again.

It takes time to get a number of players to gel together, and Allegri seems to have understood that, showing patience as his newly assembled side gets accustomed to playing alongside each other.


Leadership issues at hand for Pellegrini

Manchester City, on the other hand, have played some beautiful football this season, and find themselves in the middle of a difficult four-way fight for the Premier League title. The 4-1 humiliation at the hands of Liverpool FC might be considered as a bit of a blip in an otherwise superb season (so far), but the players are unlikely to forget such a hammering any time soon.

However, their main issue seems to be the lack of a proper leader on the pitch. Club captain Vincent Kompany has been a pillar at the heart of their defence, leading his team from the back, a position that allows him to see the entire game in front of him.

However, the Belgian has been out of action due to a calf injury, and though there have been reports that he is getting back to fitness, it seems unlikely that Pellegrini would risk Kompany.

Of course, the Chilean has a big enough squad at his disposal to replace Kompany — Otamendi, Mangala and Demichelis his other centre-back options — but none of them have yet formed the leadership qualities to lead the team out of trouble when the going gets tough, as it did against Liverpool FC.

However, with marksman Sergio Aguero back from a long injury layoff, opponents always have to be on their guard, as was evident from the solitary City goal against an otherwise perfect Liverpool FC.

This clash of giants from Italy and England can certainly prove to be a spicy affair, especially with Juventus having already beaten Manchester City at the Etihad. However, it remains to be seen whether the Killer Lady can be the femme fatale on the leaderless Citizens on a cold night in Turin.

 

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

[Socrates 8524]

JUVENTUS - MANCHESTER CITY

-

 
 

Matchday 5
Wednesday, November 25th, 2015 - 08:45 P.M.
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee:‬ Felix Brych (Germany)

Focus On Champions League Not A
Problem Following AC Milan Test

Juventus have recently turned the corner in Serie A, but is Massimiliano Allegri
targeting European success at the expense of a fifth consecutive successive Scudetto?

http://forzaitalianfootball.com/2015/11/juventus-club-focus-focus-on-champions-league-not-a-problem-following-ac-milan-test/?

Nov 25, 2015

Two weeks ago we spoke of the fixture between Juventus and AC Milan, analysing its importance and how it would be a potential turning point in the season.

Skip past the international break and this clash took place at the Juventus Stadium on Saturday night.

It ended 1-0 to the Bianconceri, meaning they sit one point above the Rossoneri in the Serie A league table after 13 games.

This time last year, the Old Lady had been top of the pile for nine weeks.

Compared to previous seasons, then, it hasn’t been the best start to the campaign, although there is a reason for that.

Cast your minds back seven or eight weeks to these Club Focus entries which mentioned that Massimiliano Allegri was perhaps focusing on the Champions League over Serie A.

At the time, Juventus had picked up two wins and a draw in their group and, ahead of their fifth game on Wednesday night, the theory that the Italian tactician could be prioritising the European club competition has resurfaced.

Blame Giorgio Chiellini for that.

“I think [the match against Manchester City] will be a great game, and hopefully we will secure our qualification,” the Italian international told Sky Sport Italia.

On first glance, those comments seem to be the normal positivity ahead of a big fixture, but it’s what he said at another time in the interview that raises questions.

“As the club stated earlier, our current goal is third place,” the 31-year-old said, discussing Juventus’ targets for the season.

If one of their leaders is focusing on the Champions League over domestic success, then it’s likely this feeling has washed over the rest of the squad.

However, there are positives that fans of La Vecchia Signora can draw from this partly disappointing statement.

AC Milan are no easy team to defeat, especially given their recent form, so a victory, albeit with a margin of just one goal, is not at all disastrous.

Yes, it was only one goal, but this was a field of 11 players whose minds were thinking about the huge clash against Manchester City just three days later against a Sinisa Mihajlovic field of 11 players who had no distractions.

Thanks to Paulo Dybala’s strike midway through the second half, Allegri’s men picked up the three points and now sit just seven points off their desired third place in the table, and more importantly just nine points off the top spot.

Furthermore, Milan’s previous five matches gave them no reason to be overlooked; a run of two draws and three wins, including a huge victory away to Lazio, was very impressive.

It also upstages the preceding five games of Juventus in the league; a string of three wins, one draw and one loss, including the shocker at Sassuolo.

Three points against the Diavolo on Saturday, then, was not a bad result at all, and should be looked at with hope that, despite the concentration on Europe, Juventus have overcome their early season slump and a run of excellent form awaits.

 

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

[Socrates 8524]

JUVENTUS - MANCHESTER CITY

-

 
 

Matchday 5
Wednesday, November 25th, 2015 - 08:45 P.M.
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee:‬ Felix Brych (Germany)

Juve drop Morata and Cuadrado?

http://www.football-italia.net/76257/juve-drop-morata-and-cuadrado?

Nov 25, 2015

Juventus are expected to field a 3-5-2 system against Manchester City tonight, but Alvaro Morata and Juan Cuadrado could be dropped.

The Champions League showdown kicks off at 19.45 GMT and the temperature in Turin this evening is predicted to be close to freezing.

According to Mediaset Premium, Max Allegri has opted for the 3-5-2 tactic in this crucial game for qualification.

There are still doubts, but the latest reports suggest Paulo Dybala and Mario Mandzukic will be the front two, therefore shelving Morata.

It would be a remarkable decision, as Morata is Juve’s top scorer in the Champions League and netted in the 2-1 victory in Manchester.

As for the other doubt, Stephan Lichtsteiner seems to be the favourite ahead of Cuadrado on the right, while Alex Sandro replaces not 100 per cent fit Patrice Evra on the left.

Considering injuries and suspensions ruling out Sami Khedira, Hernanes, Roberto Pereyra, Martin Caceres and Kwadwo Asamoah, the other starters are pretty much guaranteed.


Juventus (probable):
Buffon; Barzagli, Bonucci, Chiellini; Lichtsteiner, Sturaro, Marchisio, Pogba, Alex Sandro; Mandzukic, Dybala

 

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

[Socrates 8524]

JUVENTUS - MANCHESTER CITY

-

 
 

Matchday 5
Wednesday, November 25th, 2015 - 08:45 P.M.
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee:‬ Felix Brych (Germany)

Line-ups: Juventus-Man City

http://www.football-italia.net/76261/line-ups-juventus-man-city?

Nov 25, 2015

Juventus start Paulo Dybala, Mario Mandzukic and Paul Pogba against Manchester City’s Sergio Aguero and Kevin De Bruyne.

It kicks off in Turin at 20.45 CET - 19.45 GMT.

City have already qualified for the Last 16 of the Champions League and the Bianconeri will join them with a positive result this evening.

It’s also a head-to-head for top spot in the group, which would in theory lead to an easier draw for the knockouts.

Max Allegri must do without Sami Khedira, Martin Caceres, Roberto Pereyra, Hernanes and Kwadwo Asamoah.

Patrice Evra has recovered from an ankle sprain in the 1-0 win over Milan, but Alex Sandro is preferred on the left of a 3-5-2 system.

The Coach makes some very surprising decisions, dropping Juan Cuadrado and Champions League top scorer Alvaro Morata to the bench.

Instead, Stephan Lichtsteiner takes the right flank and Mandzukic partners Dybala.

Stefano Sturaro fills the gaps with Claudio Marchisio and Paul Pogba in midfield.

Manchester City are fresh from a 4-1 Premier League hammering from Liverpool and will be eager to prove a point.

There are big injury problems ruling out Vincent Kompany, Samir Nasri, Pablo Zabaleta, David Silva, Wilfried Bony and Eliaquim Mangala.

Aguero is back after his six-week lay-off and was already on target this weekend.

He is supported by Kevin De Bruyne, Yaya Toure and Jesus Navas.


Juventus

Buffon; Barzagli, Bonucci, Chiellini; Lichtsteiner, Sturaro, Marchisio, Pogba, Alex Sandro; Mandzukic, Dybala

Juventus bench: Neto, Rugani, Evra, Lemina, Cuadrado, Zaza, Morata


Manchester City

Hart; Sagna, Demichelis, Otamendi, Clichy; Fernando, Fernandinho; Navas, Toure, De Bruyne; Aguero

Manchester City bench: Caballero, Maffeo, Adarabioyo, Kolarov, Delph, Celina, Sterling

 

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

[Socrates 8524]

JUVENTUS - MANCHESTER CITY

-

 
 

Matchday 5
Wednesday, November 25th, 2015 - 08:45 P.M.
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee:‬ Felix Brych (Germany)

Pellegrini: 'City statement'

http://www.football-italia.net/76264/pellegrini-city-statement?

Nov 25, 2015

Manuel Pellegrini said winning away to Juventus and topping the group “would be a big statement” for Manchester City.

The Bianconeri are playing 3-5-2 in Turin this evening after a 2-1 victory in Manchester.

"We didn't have many options. The only change we made is that Gael Clichy needs to play and it will be a good game for him tonight,” the City manager told BT Sport.

“We also have games to play on Wednesday, Saturday and Tuesday. I think we picked the right team for this important game, as we want to be top of the group.

"We had to make some changes because Juventus play in a different way to Sevilla, they have three centre-backs.

"We hope the team performance will be similar to how we played in Sevilla.

"A big statement would be qualifying top with a round to spare. It's important, as I think it is one step higher than in previous seasons for us to finish top of the group.

"It is important to avoid big clubs in the draw for the Round of 16, but also it would be a new achievement and we could finish higher in the Champions League this year."

Pellegrini also spoke to Mediaset Premium in Italy and told them Sergio Aguero “will theoretically play an hour again.”

 

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

[Socrates 8524]

JUVENTUS - MANCHESTER CITY

-

 
 

Matchday 5
Wednesday, November 25th, 2015 - 08:45 P.M.
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee:‬ Felix Brych (Germany)

HT 1-0: Mandzukic
silences Man City

http://www.football-italia.net/76267/ht-mandzukic-silences-man-city?

Nov 25, 2015

Mario Mandzukic has given Juventus the half-time lead over Manchester City, but Gigi Buffon was decisive on Sergio Aguero.

The Citizens had already qualified, but this was a head-to-head for top of the group with only one point separating them. The Bianconeri won 2-1 in Manchester, but missed Sami Khedira, Hernanes, Roberto Pereyra, Martin Caceres and Kwadwo Asamoah. Surprisingly, Max Allegri opted for a 3-5-2, dropping Alvaro Morata and Juan Cuadrado.

City were without Vincent Kompany, Samir Nasri, Pablo Zabaleta, David Silva, Wilfried Bony and Eliaquim Mangala.

Fernandinho drilled wide from a corner, then blasted an excellent opportunity over the bar from 12 yards, but it was Juventus who took the lead.

Paul Pogba had sent through some smart passes for Paulo Dybala and again started this move, spreading wide to the left for Alex Sandro’s cross and a Mario Mandzukic cushioned volley with the inside of his right boot. Otamendi wanted a free kick, but was simply not as strong as Mandzukic and was shrugged off.

It was almost 2-0, as Pogba’s ball flashed across the face of goal and Gael Clichy’s error ran a huge risk at the back post. Stephan Lichtsteiner knocked down a Claudio Marchisio pass for Mandzukic and his volley forced a sensational one-handed save out of Joe Hart.

Yaya Toure’s strike was not far off target, while Lichtsteiner only hit the side-netting after a strong run. City kept plenty of possession as the first half wore on, but did not test Gigi Buffon at all until the 44th minute.

A terrible Marchisio back-pass was intercepted and Buffon rushed off his line to shepherd Sergio Aguero wide for a corner in a one-on-one situation.

There's good news from Germany too, as Sevilla are 1-0 down to Borussia Monchengladbach. With that result, Juve would qualify regardless.


Juventus 1-0 Man City (Half-Time)

Scorers: Mandzukic 18 (J)

Juventus: Buffon; Barzagli, Bonucci, Chiellini; Lichtsteiner, Sturaro, Marchisio, Pogba, Alex Sandro; Mandzukic, Dybala

Manchester City: Hart; Sagna, Demichelis, Otamendi, Clichy; Fernando, Fernandinho; Navas, Toure, De Bruyne; Aguero

Ref: Brych (GER)

 

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

[Socrates 8524]

JUVENTUS - MANCHESTER CITY

1 - 0

Mario Mandžukić (18')

Matchday 5
Wednesday, November 25th, 2015 - 08:45 P.M.
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee:‬ Felix Brych (Germany)

Juventus 1-0 Manchester City:
Mandzukic sends Italians top

The Croatia striker converted Alex Sandro's cross in the first half to send Max
Allegri's team back into first place in Group D, with both teams through to the next round.

http://www.goal.com/en-gb/match/juventus-vs-manchester-city/2146813/report

Nov 25, 2015

Mario Mandzukic's first-half goal secured a 1-0 victory for Juventus over Manchester City and sent the Italians through to the knockout stage and back into first place in Group D.

Mandzukic got Juve's first goal when they came from behind to secure a 2-1 win in Manchester on matchday one and the Croatia striker's 18th-minute strike was enough to seal the points this time around.

Having made sure of their own last-16 berth with a superb 3-1 win at Sevilla in their previous game, City manager Manuel Pellegrini urged his team to grab top spot with victory in Turin.

On the back of their humiliating 4-1 loss to Liverpool on Saturday, the Premier League side turned in a much-improved showing but lacked a cutting edge to lend Juve the advantage in the battle for a seeded place in the knockout draw.

Juve only need a point from their final match at Sevilla to finish first ahead of City, who have been dumped out by Barcelona in the past two seasons as second-place qualifiers and will now fear a similar fate against a European heavyweight.

Substitute Raheem Sterling passed up a glorious chance to equalise in the closing stages before a miserable night for Pellegrini was compounded by an apparent groin injury to Joe Hart.

City had little to show for patient build-up play during the opening stages until Kevin De Bruyne's cross from the left broke for Fernandinho, a goalscorer against Sevilla, who blazed wastefully over on this occasion.

It was a miss the visitors would regret almost instantly as Paul Pogba orchestrated a Juventus break, skipping past De Bruyne to feed Alex Sandro before the wing-back's measured delivery was slotted home on the volley by Mandzukic.

A stunning reaction save by Hart prevented Mandzukic from adding a second on the end of Stephan Lichtsteiner's 28th-minute knockdown.

A woeful backpass from Claudio Marchisio almost let City striker Sergio Aguero in for an equaliser ahead of the interval but veteran goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon stood firm.

Another wonderful Sandro cross was impressively cleared by Nicolas Otamendi with Mandzukic lurking early in the second half before City came agonisingly close to an equaliser.

Fernando guided De Bruyne's left-wing corner towards the bottom corner, where Buffon touched his header onto the base of the post and gathered with Yaya Toure lurking.

Once again, City were at their most vulnerable having almost scored - Alvaro Morata, on for a limping Mandzukic, broke free of the away defence and his lofted attempt over Hart was turned on to the post by Stefano Sturaro.

Aguero, largely starved of service, had a 67th-minute volley deflected wide before making way for Sterling and Pellegrini's new attacking spearhead endured a moment to forget 10 minutes from time.

The England forward looked set to keep City in control of the race for top spot but he scuffed a left-footed shot wide from De Bruyne's low cross with the goal gaping.

 

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

[Socrates 8524]

JUVENTUS - MANCHESTER CITY

1 - 0

Mario Mandžukić (18')

Matchday 5
Wednesday, November 25th, 2015 - 08:45 P.M.
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee:‬ Felix Brych (Germany)

CL: Mandzukic sinks Man City

Mario Mandzukic’s early volley proved enough for Juventus
to beat Manchester City 1-0 and reach the Champions League Last 16.

http://www.football-italia.net/76269/cl-mandzukic-sinks-man-city

Nov 25, 2015

Sevilla lost 4-2 at Borussia Monchengladbach, so the Italians would’ve qualified anyway, but now it’s all about the leadership.

The Citizens had already qualified, but this was a head-to-head for top of the group with only one point separating them. The Bianconeri won 2-1 in Manchester, but missed Sami Khedira, Hernanes, Roberto Pereyra, Martin Caceres and Kwadwo Asamoah. Surprisingly, Max Allegri opted for a 3-5-2, dropping Alvaro Morata and Juan Cuadrado. City were without Vincent Kompany, Samir Nasri, Pablo Zabaleta, David Silva, Wilfried Bony and Eliaquim Mangala.

Fernandinho drilled wide from a corner, then blasted an excellent opportunity over the bar from 12 yards, but it was Juventus who took the lead.

Paul Pogba had sent through some smart passes for Paulo Dybala and again started this move, spreading wide to the left for Alex Sandro’s cross and a Mario Mandzukic cushioned volley with the inside of his right boot. Otamendi wanted a free kick, but was simply not as strong as Mandzukic and was shrugged off.

It was almost 2-0, as Pogba’s ball flashed across the face of goal and Gael Clichy’s error ran a huge risk at the back post. Stephan Lichtsteiner knocked down a Claudio Marchisio pass for Mandzukic and his volley forced a sensational one-handed save out of Joe Hart.

Yaya Toure’s strike was not far off target, while Lichtsteiner only hit the side-netting after a strong run. City kept plenty of possession as the first half wore on, but did not test Gigi Buffon at all until the 44th minute.

A terrible Marchisio back-pass was intercepted and Buffon rushed off his line to shepherd Sergio Aguero wide for a corner in a one-on-one situation.

There was a huge risk on a corner, but Buffon parried Fernando’s header off the line, then between the upright and goalkeeper Yaya Toure could’ve toe-poke it over.

Moments later Alvaro Morata came on and practically with his first touch placed a lob over Hart, but Stefano Sturaro sliding in knocked it on to the far post from point-blank range.

Both teams almost scored in the space of a couple of minutes. First Morata burst away from Otamendi and Martin Demichelis, but Hart stuck out a hand to deny him one-on-one.

Moments later Raheem Sterling got on the end of a De Bruyne low cross from six yards, but Andrea Barzagli used himself as a shield to prevent a certain goal.

Hart had an injury and had to be replaced in the final stages. Juan Cuadrado came off the bench and almost scored with his first touch, one effort charged down and the follow-up blasted wide.


Juventus 1-0 Man City

Scorers: Mandzukic 18 (J)

Juventus: Buffon; Barzagli, Bonucci, Chiellini; Lichtsteiner, Sturaro, Marchisio, Pogba, Alex Sandro (Evra 78); Mandzukic (Morata 55), Dybala (Cuadrado 81)

Manchester City: Hart (Caballero 81); Sagna, Demichelis, Otamendi, Clichy; Fernando, Fernandinho (Delph 60); Navas, Toure, De Bruyne; Aguero (Sterling 69)

Ref: Brych (GER)

 

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

[Socrates 8524]

JUVENTUS - MANCHESTER CITY

1 - 0

Mario Mandžukić (18')

Matchday 5
Wednesday, November 25th, 2015 - 08:45 P.M.
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee:‬ Felix Brych (Germany)

Juventus 1-0 Manchester City: Bianconeri Qualify
For Champions League Knockout Stage

http://forzaitalianfootball.com/2015/11/juventus-1-0-manchester-city-bianconeri-qualify-for-champions-league-knockout-stage/?

Nov 25, 2015

Juventus beat Manchester City 1-0 at the Juventus Stadium on Wednesday night in the Champions League, securing them a knockout round place.

Mario Mandzukic grabbed the game’s only goal early on with a first-time finish in the six-yard box.

The visitors started the better of the two teams and it was Fernandinho who had the first chance of the match. The Brazilian ran onto a half-cleared ball from a corner before steering a shot just wide of Gianluigi Buffon’s post.

It was the same man again who would let another chance go begging. Just after the quarter-hour mark Kevin De Bruyne cross fell to Fernandinho before blasting over.

Despite City’s early dominance Juventus took the lead just a moment later. Paul Pogba made a superb counter-attacking run before releasing Alex Sandro. The full-back delivered an inch perfect cross for Mandzukic to tap home.

The Croatian was inches away from a second before the half hour when the striker’s volley was well saved low down by Joe Hart.

On the stroke of half-time Claudio Marchisio’s shocking back-pass let in Sergio Aguero but Buffon was quick off his line to thwart the Argentinian.

The second-half started as the first one ended with both sides going at each other from the whistle. Fernando directed a header to the bottom corner only for Buffon to push the effort onto post before substitute Alvaro Morata chipped the ball over Hart that was also met by the woodwork.

The game started to slowly ease of its earlier pace until the final ten minutes. Substitute Raheem Sterling had a wonderful chance thwarted when De Bruyne burst down the wing before crossing low into the box, only for Andrea Barzagli to block Sterling’s effort.

The result saw Juventus claim top spot in Group D going into the final matchday.

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

[Socrates 8524]

JUVENTUS - MANCHESTER CITY

1 - 0

Mario Mandžukić (18')

Matchday 5
Wednesday, November 25th, 2015 - 08:45 P.M.
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee:‬ Felix Brych (Germany)

Juventus beat Manchester City to
qualify from Champions League group

http://www.espnfc.co.uk/uefa-champions-league/match/434193/juventus-manchester-city/report?

Nov 25, 2015

Mario Mandzukic scored the only goal as Juventus leapfrogged Manchester City in Champions League Group D with a 1-0 win in Turin.

The Croatia international struck after 18 minutes at the Juventus Stadium as the home side not only secured their place in the last 16, but put themselves in pole position to claim top spot.

The Italians were good value for their victory with reported City target Paul Pogba in outstanding form, but the injury-hit visitors had a host of chances in an entertaining contest.

Substitute Raheem Sterling had one of the best of them as he shot wide late on, while Fernando had a header turned onto the post and Fernandinho blasted over when well placed.

City again looked vulnerable in defence without captain Vincent Kompany, and are still missing the craft of David Silva while Sergio Aguero is not fully match-fit. They will also be concerned to have lost Joe Hart to injury late on.

City had shown signs of promise from early on as Fernandinho drove wide after Kevin De Bruyne's dangerous low ball was poorly dealt with by the Juve defence.

Fernandinho had an even better chance as he raced onto a loose ball in the box after Yaya Toure had tangled with Giorgio Cheillini, but he blasted over from 10 yards.

Although City looked composed in possession, Juventus were even stronger and certainly more clinical in the final third.

Pogba could not be contained and a brilliant backheel to release Mandzukic caught City completely unaware, but the visitors were rescued by an offside flag.

There was no escape after 18 minutes as Alex Sandro, also impressive on the flank, curled in a hanging cross and Mandzukic shook off the attention of Nicolas Otamendi to to volley past Hart. City felt Otamendi was fouled but referee Felix Brych judged Mandzukic's challenge to be fair.

Mandzukic was denied a second by a brilliant one-handed save from Hart as he met Paulo Dybala's nod-down with a firm shot.

Toure tried to match Pogba's dynamism and clipped a shot over before charging forward to fire wide.

But Juve continued to carry a greater threat, and it needed a combination of Gael Clichy and Hart to force Dybala out wide to shoot into the side-netting.

City were almost gifted an equaliser on the stroke of half-time as Aguero seized on a Claudio Marchisio backpass, but veteran goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon was alert to the danger.

Buffon saved Juve again at a corner early in the second half as he palmed a Fernando header onto the post and grabbed the loose ball at the feet of Toure.

Juve responded with a slick attack and substitute Alvaro Morata broke clear to lob the advancing Hart -- the ball appeared to be bouncing narrowly wide when Dybala slid in and clipped the post.

City could breathe again as Morata ran through the defence only to be denied by the outstretched boot of Hart, but that appeared to come at a cost for the England goalkeeper as he left the field holding the top of his leg to be replaced by Willy Caballero.

Another of City's substitutes, Sterling, spurned a fine opportunity as he slid in to meet a cross and failed to make a clean connection, missing the target.

City fought to the end and Toure went close with a long-range drive, but it was not their night as Juve took control of the group.

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

[Socrates 8524]

JUVENTUS - MANCHESTER CITY

1 - 0

Mario Mandžukić (18')

Matchday 5
Wednesday, November 25th, 2015 - 08:45 P.M.
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee:‬ Felix Brych (Germany)

Juventus qualify with win over Manchester City

http://www.sportsmole.co.uk/football/man-city/champions-league/result/result-juventus-qualify-with-win-over-man-city_259187.html

Nov 25, 2015

Juventus have moved to the top of Group D and qualified for the knockout phase of the Champions League with a game to spare following a 1-0 win over Manchester City in Turin this evening.

Manuel Pellegrini's side began brightly and Fernandinho went close with a fierce low drive in the fifth minute after Juventus could only clear a corner straight to the Brazilian midfielder.

Mario Mandzukic and Paulo Dybala then sent efforts wide of the target, but the Juventus strikers were offside on both occasions.

Man City's best chance of the first half fell to Fernandinho, who reacted quickly after Giorgio Chiellini's challenge on Yaya Toure broke inside the area in the 16th minute, but the the midfielder blazed the ball high over the bar from 15 yards.

Two minutes later, the hosts took the lead as Mandzukic shrugged off a weak challenge from Nicolas Otamendi to volley home Alex Santos's left-wing cross.

The Croatian striker almost doubled his tally in the 28th minute with a swivelling half-volley, but Joe Hart dived low to his left to keep out his effort.

Toure then saw his 30-yard strike curl inches wide of the far post with Gianluigi Buffon stranded and the Ivorian had another opportunity a few moments later, but he scuffed a weak effort wide.

Hart made a crucial save shortly before half time as he flung himself at the feet of Stephan Lichsteiner, who had raided forward from right wing-back.

Then it was the turn of Buffon to perform heroics, as he rushed from his goal to deny Sergio Aguero, who couldn't take advantage of a one-on-one chance after being presented the ball by Claudio Marchisio's blind backpass.

City came close to levelling in the 53rd minute when Buffon pushed Fernando's header onto the post before gathering the loose ball under pressure from Toure.

Juventus struck the post themselves a few moments later as Alvaro Morata chipped Hart with his first touch of the ball after coming on as a substitute, but Stefano Sturaro could only strike the post from two yards out.

Chiellini flung himself infront of Aguero's goalbound volley in the 67th minute as the game became more and more stretched with full time approaching.

Hart made a last-ditch save to stop Morata from doubling Juventus's lead before Raheem Sterling skewed his attempt wide from six yards out at the other end.

There was more worrying news for Man City in the latter stages as Hart limped off with an injury and they were unable to trouble Buffon in the final few minutes as Juventus jumped ahead of them at the top of the group.

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

[Socrates 8524]

JUVENTUS - MANCHESTER CITY

1 - 0

Mario Mandžukić (18')

Matchday 5
Wednesday, November 25th, 2015 - 08:45 P.M.
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee:‬ Felix Brych (Germany)

Marchisio: 'Champions matters most'

http://www.football-italia.net/76270/marchisio-champions-matters-most?

Nov 25, 2015

Claudio Marchisio warned the Champions League “is the competition that matters most in the world” to Juventus.

They qualified for the Last 16 after a 1-0 win over Manchester City and now a draw in Sevilla will be enough to secure top spot.

“It wasn’t remotely simple. We could’ve finished it off with another goal, but they could’ve hurt us at any moment,” Marchisio told Mediaset Premium.

“We are continuing on the right path, we allow few chances and remain sharp to the 90th minute.

“Europe has to be Juve’s home and everyone must believe in that. Those who joined the club must understand this is the competition that matters most in the world.”

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