Juventus Season 2015-2016

[Socrates 8524]

CARPI - JUVENTUS

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MATCHDAY 17
Sunday, December 20th, 2015 - 12:30 PM
Alberto Braglia Stadium, Modena
Referee: Piero Giacomelli

Allegri: Juventus Have A Tricky
Challenge To End The Year On A High

http://forzaitalianfootball.com/2015/12/allegri-juventus-have-a-tricky-challenge-to-end-the-year-on-a-high/?

Dec 19, 2015

Juventus coach Massimiliano Allegri has warned that it will be a tough task for the side to continue their impressive domestic form against Carpi in Serie A on Sunday.

The Bianconeri go into the game with the Serie A new boys in search of their seventh consecutive league win and will hope for a positive end to the calendar year, which Allegri believes has been one of the best in the club’s history.

“The game against Carpi is the game that ends 2015,” Allegri told reporters during his pre-match press conference.

“It has been a successful year, which will have its place in the history of Juventus.”

Focusing on the match with Carpi, the Italian tactician said the game is no different to any other in the league.

“Against Carpi we will face a difficult challenge, as we do with every team in the league,” he said.

“We come from a period of important victories.

“When you make a run of form, the path is always easier in the beginning.”

 

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

[Socrates 8524]

CARPI - JUVENTUS

-

 
 

MATCHDAY 17
Sunday, December 20th, 2015 - 12:30 PM
Alberto Braglia Stadium, Modena
Referee: Piero Giacomelli

CARPI VS JUVENTUS MATCH PREVIEW

http://www.juvefc.com/7964-2/?

Dec 19, 2015
 

Juventus

In what was one of their best performances of the season, Juventus convincingly knocked out Torino and advanced to the next stage of the Coppa Italia. Unfortunately, Juventus are in the “good” side of the bracket, so they will have go through Lazio and one between Napoli and Inter to reach the final, most likely against Milan, but you never know, Spezia, Alessandria and Carpi have already pulled off upsets.

Simone Zaza scored a brace on Wednesday and he has now tallied five goals in the season: one every 73 minutes. I am sure Juventus would be happy to keep him in January after spending €18M in the summer to buy him back from Sassuolo, but he will be certainly be a topic of conversation in the upcoming month. No matter the tactics, Zaza is clearly the last forward in the pecking order and will see playing time only occasionally. He might not be super talented and might have already reached his ceiling, but he can score and considering the paucity of good strikers, he is well positioned to be called up for Euro 2016, but he needs to play. We will see what will happen: since Alvaro Morata’s buy-back clause looms large over the plans for the attack, Juventus might want to hold on to Zaza until there is more clarity. There are many Serie A teams in need of a striker just for six months this season.

It is unclear what the management is planning in the transfer market, which will likely means that they will do nothing. There has been some chatter about Ezequiel Lavezzi, who has an expiring contract and would like to come back to Italy: he would certainly help when we use a trident and Giuseppe Marotta loves nothing more than a good player with Serie A experience on a favourable deal. However, the competition is said to be fierce.

The other, very feeble, rumours involved a possible big move in the midfield, with either Ikay Gundongan or Joao Moutinho coming in. I do not really buy those, but you can understand the reasoning: only two midfielders, Paul Pogba and Stefano Sturaro, have not missed time with injuries this season. But let’s not forget that Juventus had to leave out of UEFA list Kwadwo Asamoah and Simone Padoin in September, so the addition of another quality player would mean that they will have to make some tough business decisions on either the Ghanaian international, Hernanes or Mario Lemina.

As for the Carpi game, there are the usual doubts about the lineup: on the flanks, Sami Khedira and in the attack. It looks like Massimiliano Allegri is now systematically rotating the four wing players, which is a wise move, so in this one Juan Cuadrado and Patrice Evra should start. The coach believes that returning players can gain rhythm only by playing few games in a row, so Khedira is likely to feature from the get go, but much depends on the conditions of his hamstring. Mario Mandzukic was give the day off in Coppa Italia, Paulo Dybala played only a portion of the game but scored anyway: this should be once again the starting duo. However, even if he did not score, the one against Torino was a very encouraging performance by Morata, with a lot of movement and a couple of sweet assists.

Hernanes has recovered from his injury, while Roberto Pereyra will return in the new year. Asamoah has recovered while Lemina remains out.


Probable lineup 3-5-2:

Buffon; Barzagli, Bonucci, Chiellini; Cuadrado, Sturaro, Marchisio, Pogba, Evra; Mandzukic, Dybala.


Injuries:

Pereyra (hamstring), Lemina (knee).

Suspended:

None.


 

  Carpi

Carpi sit in 19th position, six points below the final spot that would guarantee the permanence in Serie A. After dominating last year’s Serie B, they are struggling in the top league and is easy to pinpoint why. Their style, an old school “catenaccio e contropiede” which means parking the bus and countering, has not worked in Serie A against superior attacks and organized defences. Also, their best players from last season, Jerry Mbakogu, Antonio Di Gaudio and Lorenzo Pasciuti, have not been effective.

Furthermore, they had a messy reinforcement campaign, adding a bunch of young players that have barely seen the field, let alone contributed. The sporting director Sean Sogliano quickly fired Fabrizio Castori after few poor results in a row to hire his man Giuseppe Sannino, a move that made no difference whatsoever. Now Castori is back and Sogliano has been sacked. What was a very quiet and traditional reality in Serie B last season now looks like a dysfunctional organization.

They have not won many games at home, but at least they have been scrappy and hard to score on. They have bottled up both Milan and Napoli and put up a good fight against Fiorentina and Inter. At home, they seem to have recaptured their defensive mentality, therefore it will take a lot of patience. They are not irresistible by any stretch, but you have to bring it and not go into the game thinking that it will be a cupcake.

Castori has tried different formations and most recently has installed a 4-4-1-1 integrating many of last year’s players with some veterans, which is what they should have done from the beginning. In the defence, they have moved away from Gabriel Silva, using Cristian Zaccardo and Gaetano Letizia, easily their best player this season, as right backs and Simone Romagnoli and Riccardo Gagliolo as the centre-backs. The returning Nicolas Spolli could replace one of the two.

Pasciuti and Martinho have been the wingers in the last two games, but Di Gaudio could have earned himself the starting job by scoring against Fiorentina in Coppa Italia. In the midfield, Luca Marrone and Isaac Cofie battle out to play alongside Lorenzo Lollo. Most of the doubts lie in the attack, where they can really use any of the combinations between Marco Borriello, Jerry Mbakogu, Ryder Matos and Kevin Lasagna. At this stage, Borriello-Lasagna is the likely pair. Using Matos would allow them to have more flexibility as he can play also on the flank, with Martinho sliding in the middle to form a 4-5-1.

Matte Fedele and Igor Bubnjic have torn ACLs early in the season, while Federico Gino, Gaspar Iniguez and Wallace are no longer included in their future plans and they will respectively return to Defensor, Granada and Chelsea, therefore they probably will not even be on the bench.


Probable lineup 4-4-1-1:

Belec; Zaccardo, Romagnoli, Gagliolo, Letizia; Pasciuti, Cofie, Lollo, Di Gaudio; Lasagna; Borriello.


Injuries:

Bubnjic (knee), Fedele (knee).

Suspended:

None.

 

Formation

 

Poll

Who will emerge victorious in Carpi v Juventus?

Carpi 0%
Juventus 100%
Draw 0%

Votes 14

 

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

[Socrates 8524]

CARPI - JUVENTUS

-

 
 

MATCHDAY 17
Sunday, December 20th, 2015 - 12:30 PM
Alberto Braglia Stadium, Modena
Referee: Piero Giacomelli

Castori: 'Carpi can scare Juve'

http://www.football-italia.net/77347/castori-carpi-can-scare-juve?

Dec 19, 2015

Fabrizio Castori warned Carpi “are not already beaten and will play with pride and honour” against Juventus.

It kicks off at 12.30 CET - 11.30 GMT on Sunday.

“We know that we need the perfect performance,” said the Coach in a Press conference.

It’s the first ever Serie A meeting between these clubs and Juve are on a run of six consecutive victories.

“We also know that it starts 0-0, we will play with pride and honour regardless of the differences in quality. We are not already beaten before we begin.

“Don’t forget we did well on home turf against Fiorentina and Inter. We’ll fight with every last drop of sweat. Tactically we must be smart, attacking Juve early so they don’t get the chance to be dangerous.

“Juventus have many champions, can rely on pace and technique, so it’s difficult to find a flaw in the team. All we can do is give it our all and have no regrets at the final whistle.”

Carpi are no strangers to causing upsets, as on Wednesday they won 1-0 away to Fiorentina, reaching the Coppa Italia quarter-finals.

“It’s not easy to win in Florence, as only Roma managed that in Italy this season. That victory was recognition for the hard work and dedication of the squad. Clearly we need a longer run of results to get out of the current Serie A position, but I have faith we will achieve that.”


Carpi squad for Juventus:

Brkic, Belec; Letizia, Zaccardo, Gagliolo, Romagnoli, Spolli, Gabriel Silva; Cofie, Bianco, Lazzari, Di Gaudio, Pasciuti, Lollo, Martinho, Marrone; Matos, Borriello, Lasagna, Mbakogu

 

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

[Socrates 8524]

CARPI - JUVENTUS

-

 
 

MATCHDAY 17
Sunday, December 20th, 2015 - 12:30 PM
Alberto Braglia Stadium, Modena
Referee: Piero Giacomelli

Carpi FC V/S Juventus – Team News,
Tactics, Lineup And Prediction

http://www.thehardtackle.com/2015/carpi-fc-vs-juventus-team-news-tactics-lineups-and-prediction/?

Dec 20, 2015

Juventus are slowly but surely climbing their way up the Serie A table, after a torrid start to the season which was expected due to the fact that a number of their big names had left in the summer. However, it would still not be right to call them outright title challengers, as they are quite a few points off the pace from the top of the table.

On the other hand, Carpi are hovering just one point above the bottom, and are severely threatened by relegation. They are finding life in the top flight of Italian football really tough, and have the menacing task of welcoming Juventus to the Stadio Alberto Braglia.


Team News & Tactical Brief

Carpi FC

Manager Fabrizio Castori has been leading a revolution of sorts in Modena, ever since he was reinstated as the head coach of Carpi. The side who are playing their first Seire A season ever, will hope that they can use this momentum to haul themselves out of the relegation zone.

The Biancorossi would be high on confidence after their famous Copa Italia victory over Fiorentina, and would like to carry that momentum forward into the match against Juventus on Sunday. Since the Fiorentina match was in midweek, one could expect a degree of tiredness to creep into their players, but that would be nothing as compared to how mentally charged up they are likely to be after defeating one of the giants of Italian football.

Castori favours the simple 4-4-2, looking to flood the box with his strikers, and send in a deluge of crosses aimed at them. Frontman Marco Borriello would be the main target of these crosses, as he lines up alongside Ryder Matos. The latter can also slip into the No. 10 role when required, making their formation interchange between a 4-4-2 and a 4-4-1-1.

Borriello and Ryder though, have been their highest scorers in a team that has not seen many goals, and it is imperative that the duo be on their best form against the mighty Juve. The former AC Milan striker would certainly be looking to hurt his old foes on the counter, as his side go looking for points.

Lorenzo Lollo and Isaac Cofie would be trying to pull the strings from the middle of the park, but their main duty on Sunday afternoon would be to guard the back four.


Probable Starting XI (4-4-1-1):

 

Belec; G. Silva, Gagliolo, Romagnoli, Zaccardo; Martinho, Cofie, Lollo, Letizia; Matos; Borriello.
 

Juventus

Max Allegri has favoured the fluid 3-5-2 formation this season, as it can be very easily switched to the 5-3-2 while defending. However, against Carpi, Juventus are not expected to do much defending, which leaves little scope for them to fall back to the latter formation.

Since attack is the way to go, we can expect Patrice Evra and Juan Cuadrado to play as the two defensive wingers/attacking fullbacks. Allegri likes to build partnerships between certain sets of players, and play them together. This is especially true in the case of the fullback positions, with Cuadrado and Evra forming one combo, while Stephan Lichtsteiner and Alex Sandro form the other. The former fullback combination looks like a more attacking one, and is more likely to be used in the match against newly-promoted Carpi.

The same goes with Allegri’s options in attack. While Alvaro Morata and Simone Zaza form one combination, Mario Mandzukic and Paulo Dybala form the other one. Morata and Zaza did well in that they scored three of their four goals in the Turin Derby in midweek, but they are expected to be rested in the Carpi match, Juventus looking for maximum firepower.

The duo of Mandzukic and Dybala have been lethal this season and are the perfect combination, with the Croat being the big and strong centre-forward while Dybala runs the channels.


Probable Starting XI (3-5-2):

 

Buffon; Chiellini, Bonucci, Barzagli; Evra, Pogba, Khedira, Marchisio; Cuadrado; Dybala, Mandzukic.
 

Key Facts

Juventus have won seven of their last eight matches.

Carpi are also on a good run, winning three of their last five matches in all competitions.

Carpi have the worst defensive record so far in this season’s La Liga, leaking 30 goals.

Juventus on the other hand, have the second best defensive record in the league, conceding just 12 goals.


Player to watch out for

Paul Pogba (midfielder, Juventus)

The Frenchman has been ever so influential for Juventus in the last few seasons, and would be looking to boss the midfield yet again, against newly promoted Carpi. Also the fact that Carpi would be playing a two-man midfield, means that Pogba would have more time and space to dictate things.


Prediction

Carpi FC 0-4 Juventus

Although the Biancorossi have been on resurgent form, a rout seems to be on the cards, as Juventus just seem too strong for Carpi. With Pogba and Marchisio dictating things from the middle, and Dybala and Mandzukic latching on to chances up front, Carpi have their work cut out.
 
 

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

[Socrates 8524]

CARPI - JUVENTUS

-

 
 

MATCHDAY 17
Sunday, December 20th, 2015 - 12:30 PM
Alberto Braglia Stadium, Modena
Referee: Piero Giacomelli

Serie A Previews: Super Sunday

http://www.football-italia.net/77363/serie-previews-super-sunday?

Dec 20, 2015

Serie A says goodbye to 2015 with Carpi-Juventus, Atalanta-Napoli, Inter-Lazio and Rudi Garcia’s swansong Roma-Genoa.

Yesterday we have had a Saturday’s thrilling game, Bologna 2-3 Empoli.

The 12.30 CET - 11.30am GMT kick-off sees Juventus target a seventh consecutive victory and a genuine Scudetto push with their trip to new boys Carpi.

In the afternoon it could well be Garcia’s final match in charge of Roma, but Gian Piero Gasperini is hanging by a thread at Genoa too.

Napoli are eager to resume their title ambitions, but face Atalanta and their old friend German Denis.

Fiorentina want to get back on track against Chievo after a shock midweek Coppa Italia exit, while Sassuolo visit bottom of the table Verona.

At 18.00 CET - 17.00 GMT on Sunday Milan remain on edge and travel to Frosinone, a newly-promoted side with a surprisingly good home record.

Vincenzo Montella seeks his first Sampdoria victory against Palermo and Torino host Udinese.

Finally, at 20.45 CET - 19.45 GMT Serie A leaders Inter host troubled Lazio and aim to break further away at the top.
 
 

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

[Socrates 8524]

CARPI - JUVENTUS

-

 
 

MATCHDAY 17
Sunday, December 20th, 2015 - 12:30 PM
Alberto Braglia Stadium, Modena
Referee: Piero Giacomelli

Carpi-Juventus starting XI

http://www.football-italia.net/77374/carpi-juventus-starting-xi?

Dec 20, 2015

Juventus start Juan Cuadrado and Patrice Evra to flank their super-starters against Carpi.

It kicks off today at 12.30 CET. The Bianconeri will be disappointed to pick up anything less than a win against newly-promoted Carpi as they continue to mount a comeback for the Scudetto.

Max Allegri will propose Cuadrado and Evra on the flanks, while his defenders and his midfielders are made up of the usual starters Giorgio Chiellini, Leonardo Bonucci, Andrea Barzagli, Paul Pogba and Claudio Marchisio.

Carpi will be counting on Marco Borriello at the tip of a 4-4-1-1 to counter the Old Lady.


Carpi starting XI:
Belec, Zaccardo, Gagliolo, Romagnoli, Silva, Marrone, Letizia, Cofie, Di Gaudio, Lollo, Borriello.

Juventus starting XI:
Buffon, Barzagli, Bonucci, Chiellini, Cuadrado, Khedira, Marchisio, Pogba, Evra, Mandzukic, Dybala.

 

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

[Socrates 8524]

CARPI - JUVENTUS

-

 
 

MATCHDAY 17
Sunday, December 20th, 2015 - 12:30 PM
Alberto Braglia Stadium, Modena
Referee: Piero Giacomelli

HT 1-2: Mandzukic claws back Carpi

http://www.football-italia.net/77379/ht-mandzukic-claws-back-carpi?

Dec 20, 2015

Juventus fought back from a shock early Carpi goal to lead 2-1 at half-time thanks to a Mario Mandzukic brace.

The Bianconeri were seeking a seventh consecutive top flight victory to end 2015 on a high. They were fresh from a 4-0 Coppa Italia hammering of Torino, but Carpi also reached the quarter-finals with a 1-0 win away to Fiorentina. Roberto Pereyra, Mario Lemina, Igor Bubnjic, Matteo Fedele and Wallace missed out on this historic first ever meeting between the clubs.

Paulo Dybala blasted just over the bar, but it was Carpi who took a shock lead after 14 minutes. Veteran hitman Marco Borriello beat Leonardo Bonucci in a one-on-one situation to drill low at the near bottom corner. It was his fourth Serie A strike of the campaign and struck his former club.

It didn’t last long, as moments later Juventus got their equaliser in fairly chaotic fashion. Juan Cuadrado’s angled drive was parried at the near post, Dybala’s follow-up charged down until eventually Mario Mandzukic acrobatically hooked it back over his head to score from six yards.

Claudio Marchisio’s strike was fingertipped round the post and Giorgio Chiellini turned a free header over from the resulting corner. Sami Khedira’s strike stung Belec’s gloves and Mandzukic turned it all around by nodding in a Patrice Evra cross.


Carpi 1-2 Juventus (Half-Time)

Scorers: Borriello 14 ( C), Mandzukic 18, 41 (J)

Carpi: Belec; Zaccardo, Gagliolo, Romagnoli, Letizia; Gaston Silva, Cofie, Lollo, Marrone; Di Gaudio; Borriello

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

Ref: Giacomelli

 

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

[Socrates 8524]

CARPI - JUVENTUS

2 - 3

Marco Borriello (15')

Mario Mandžukić (18')
Mario Mandžukić (41')
Paul Pogba (50')

Leonardo Bonucci (90'-own goal)
 

MATCHDAY 17
Sunday, December 20th, 2015 - 12:30 PM
Alberto Braglia Stadium, Modena
Referee: Piero Giacomelli

Carpi 2-3 Juventus: Mandzukic
double sparks comeback

The Old Lady overwhelmed their relegation-threatened hosts, with
Super Mario and Paul Pogba helping secure a seventh straight Serie A win.

http://www.goal.com/en/match/carpi-vs-juventus/2120538/report

Dec 20, 2015

Mario Mandzukic's first-half brace helped Juventus on their way to a seventh consecutive Serie A victory, as Carpi were beaten 3-2 at the Stadio Alberto Braglia on Sunday.
The Croatian netted his eighth and ninth goals of the campaign in all competitions to turn the game around in Modena, after Marco Borriello fired the hosts in front early on.

Paul Pogba added a third after the interval, as Juve scored three goals for the third match in succession, and though Leonardo Bonucci put through his own net in stoppage time there was no way back for Carpi.

The visitors dominated the clash, with Claudio Marchisio allowed time and space to command midfield and Mandzukic and Pogba offering a regular threat up front.

But for the saves of Carpi goalkeeper Vid Belec the scoreline could have become embarrassing for the struggling home side, while Juve substitute Daniele Rugani also saw a goal disallowed for offside, as the visitors coasted to victory.

Massimiliano Allegri's men closed to within three points of Inter ahead of the league leaders' home game against Lazio later on Sunday.

Carpi never looked like securing what would have been only their third league win of the campaign and remain in the relegation places following their latest defeat.

At one stage, though, an upset appeared possible, albeit only briefly and against the run of play.

Despite barely having a touch of the ball in the opening 15 minutes, the hosts took a shock lead with the game's first shot on target just before the quarter-hour mark.

Borriello, who scored twice in 13 appearances for Juventus back in 2012/13, turned Bonucci inside out on the edge of the box before firing low past Gianluigi Buffon at the Juventus goalkeeper's near post.

The visitors responded within three minutes. Juan Cuadrado's cross from the right was turned goalwards by Sami Khedira and, though Carpi goalkeeper Belec made a terrific double save from first the German and then Paulo Dybala, Mandzukic was on hand to volley home an equaliser.

Marchisio tested Belec with a low drive from range in the 23rd minute and, from the subsequent corner, Giorgio Chiellini nodded a free header over from six yards out as the away side dominated territory and possession.

Belec was on hand to beat away Khedira's fierce effort three minutes later but Carpi were unable to reach half-time on level terms, as Mandzukic doubled his and Juve's tally for the match four minutes before the break.

Chiellini's pass found Patrice Evra down the left wing and the Frenchman crossed for Mandzukic to head past Belec from close range.

Four minutes after the restart for the second half, Pogba added a third in stunning fashion. Marchisio's excellent long, diagonal pass picked out the run of his fellow midfielder and, after bringing down the ball with a superb first touch, Pogba lifted his shot over the advancing Belec.

Rugani thought he had smashed in his first Juventus goal in the 64th minute, after he volleyed home Cuadrado's right-wing cross, but the 21-year-old's delight was cut short by an offside flag.

It took until the 75th minute for Carpi to find their second effort on target, as substitute Jerry Mbakogu shot tamely at Buffon from 20 yards.

The hosts' second goal came courtesy of a visiting defender. Bonucci stuck out his right boot in an attempt to clear Luca Marrone's cross but only succeeded in prodding the ball beyond Buffon.

It arrived too late for Carpi to salvage anything from the match, as Juve signed off on a winning note ahead of Serie A's mid-season break.

 

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

[Socrates 8524]

CARPI - JUVENTUS

2 - 3

Marco Borriello (15')

Mario Mandžukić (18')
Mario Mandžukić (41')
Paul Pogba (50')

Leonardo Bonucci (90'-own goal)
 

MATCHDAY 17
Sunday, December 20th, 2015 - 12:30 PM
Alberto Braglia Stadium, Modena
Referee: Piero Giacomelli

Juve conquer Carpi with scare

Juventus fought back from a shock early goal to conquer Carpi 3-2
with a Mario Mandzukic brace, their seventh straight Serie A win.

http://www.football-italia.net/SerieA/match/69982

Dec 20, 2015

The Bianconeri were fresh from a 4-0 Coppa Italia hammering of Torino, but Carpi also reached the quarter-finals with a 1-0 win away to Fiorentina. Roberto Pereyra, Mario Lemina, Igor Bubnjic, Matteo Fedele and Wallace missed out on this historic first ever meeting between the clubs.

Paulo Dybala blasted just over the bar, but it was Carpi who took a shock lead after 14 minutes. Veteran hitman Marco Borriello beat Leonardo Bonucci in a one-on-one situation to drill low at the near bottom corner. It was his fourth Serie A strike of the campaign and struck his former club.

It didn’t last long, as moments later Juventus got their equaliser in fairly chaotic fashion. Juan Cuadrado’s angled drive was parried at the near post, Dybala’s follow-up charged down until eventually Mario Mandzukic acrobatically hooked it back over his head to score from six yards.

Claudio Marchisio’s strike was fingertipped round the post and Giorgio Chiellini turned a free header over from the resulting corner. Sami Khedira’s strike stung Belec’s gloves and Mandzukic turned it all around by nodding in a Patrice Evra cross.

Paul Pogba extended the advantage after the restart, chesting down a Marchisio ball over the top and getting the flick in before Belec clattered into him.

Daniele Rugani was given his Serie A debut in a Juve jersey and thought he’d scored within six minutes, but the volley from a free kick was ruled offside.

Jerry Mbakogu tested Gigi Buffon and Gabriel Silva drilled wide, while nobody was there to meet a dangerous Gaetano Letizia ball across the face of goal.

Carpi did get a consolation strike in stoppages, as a seemingly harmless Luca Marrone cross was volleyed into his own net by Bonucci.

It was almost extremely costly, as moments later Gabriel Silva pulled back from the by-line for Lorenzo Lollo, who completely mis-kicked it from seven yards! Max Allegri was so angry on the touchline that he tore his coat off and threw it at the bench.


Carpi:
Belec; Zaccardo, Gagliolo, Romagnoli, Letizia; Gaston Silva, Cofie (Bianco 70), Lollo, Marrone; Di Gaudio (Lasagna 54); Borriello (Mbakogu 65)

Juventus:
Buffon; Barzagli (Rugani 57), Bonucci, Chiellini; Cuadrado (Lichtsteiner 82), Khedira, Marchisio, Pogba, Evra; Mandzukic, Dybala (Morata 68)

Ref: Giacomelli

 

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

[Socrates 8524]

CARPI - JUVENTUS

2 - 3

Marco Borriello (15')

Mario Mandžukić (18')
Mario Mandžukić (41')
Paul Pogba (50')

Leonardo Bonucci (90'-own goal)

MATCHDAY 17
Sunday, December 20th, 2015 - 12:30 PM
Alberto Braglia Stadium, Modena
Referee: Piero Giacomelli

Carpi 2-3 Juventus: Mandzukic Brace
Just Enough To Claim Victory

http://forzaitalianfootball.com/2015/12/carpi-2-3-juventus-mandzukic-brace-just-enough-to-claim-victory/?

Dec 20, 2015

Carpi ended the year with a 3-2 defeat to Juventus at the Stadio Alberto Braglia in their Sunday morning Serie A encounter.

Marco Borriello gave the Biancorossi a shock lead, but Juventus hit back with goals from Paul Pogba and a brace for Mario Mandzukic, a late surge occurred when Leonardo Bonucci turned it into his own net, but the Old Lady held on.

The hosts took a surprising lead after just a quarter of an hour. Former Juventus striker Borriello received the ball in an advanced position, ran at Leonardo Bonucci and caught Gianluigi Buffon off guard with a powerful strike.

The Bianconeri didn’t have to wait long to level the score, Mandzukic, after a flurry of attempts on goal, flicked the ball over his head in the box and blasted it on the volley past Vid Belec.

Sami Khedira had a speculative shot from distance, which Belec dealt with well considering the spin on the ball. The champions took the lead just before half time, Mandzukic met the cross from Patrice Evra in full flight, his header too powerful for Belec to stop.

In the second half the pressure continued to mount on Carpi, Dybala coming close to sneaking it in the near post at the restart.

The pressure told shortly after, a long ball over the top by Andrea Barzagli found Paul Pogba on the run, who controlled the pass and scooped it past the onrushing Belec.

Substitute defender Daniele Rugani thought he’d bagged his first for the club, but the referee pulled play back for an offside decision.

Carpi got one back when Leonardo Bonucci turned it into his own net, and almost threw away the three points, but Lorenzo Lollo miscued his strike in front of goal.

The result takes Juve to second before the late fixtures while Carpi remain 19th.

 

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

[Socrates 8524]

CARPI - JUVENTUS

2 - 3

Marco Borriello (15')

Mario Mandžukić (18')
Mario Mandžukić (41')
Paul Pogba (50')

Leonardo Bonucci (90'-own goal)

MATCHDAY 17
Sunday, December 20th, 2015 - 12:30 PM
Alberto Braglia Stadium, Modena
Referee: Piero Giacomelli

Carpi 2-3 Juventus: Player ratings

Mandzukic scores a brace and give a big contribution to claim a diffult victory.

http://www.goal.com/en/match/carpi-vs-juventus/2120538/report

Dec 20, 2015
 

Carpi

27 V. Belec - Was unlucky to concede the first goal after initially doing well to save Khedira’s close-range effort but arguably should have done better with Mandzukic’s second and Juventus' third.

5 C. Zaccardo - Too often looked off the pace when trying to deal with Pogba and Evra, both of whom gave him plenty of problems down the right when he was trying to cover for Letizia.

6 R. Gagliolo - Was involved in a fierce battle with Mandzukic in which he resorted to cynical challenges to deal with the Croatian, who too often got the better of him.

21 S. Romagnoli - Had a difficult first half in which he was put under an incredible amount of pressure but improved as the game wore on.

3 G. Letizia - Struggled defensively against Evra, who often got the better of him, and got himself into good forward positions only to fail to make them count with poor crosses.

34 Gabriel Silva - Had a really difficult time in trying to deal with Cuadrado, who too often beat the Brazilian wing-back with his pace and trickery, and was also beaten far too easily by Mandzukic for Juventus’ second goal of the game, but looked far better going forward, particularly in the second half.

4 I. Cofie - Largely found it difficult in the middle of the pitch, where he was too often beaten by Pogba and was sloppy with his challenges.

20 L. Lollo - Had a few bright moments when pushing forward but was often forced to sit deep inside his own half of the pitch and really should have done better with his late opportunity to score a last-minute equaliser.

39 L. Marrone - Had a tough time trying to protect his back four, and despite his best efforts he still presented the Juventus forward line with too much space for them to exploit.

11 A. Di Gaudio - Had a bright start to the game but quickly faded and was forced to sit incredibly deep due to Juventus’ dominance of the game.

12 M. Borriello - Started the afternoon in fantastic fashion after beating both Bonucci and Buffon to fire Carpi into the lead but was bullied out of the game from then onwards due to strong defending from Juventus.


Substitutes

15 K. Lasagna - Came on for Di Gaudio and offered more of an attacking threat in his half-an-hour on the pitch.

99 J. Mbakogu - Made a big impact after replacing Borriello, using his strength to great effect to hassle the Juventus defence and create good chances on goal.

8 R. Bianco - Replaced Cofie and looked bright going forward, although his influence waned as time wore on.


 

Juventus

1 G. Buffon - Should have done better with Borriello’s strike for Carpi’s first goal of the game but redeemed himself with a solid performance from then onwards, despite being taken by surprise by Bonucci's last-minute own-goal.

15 A. Barzagli - Put in a strong performance as part of a largely solid Juventus back line but was unfortunately forced off in the second half after picking up a slight injury.

19 L. Bonucci - Was beaten far too easily by Borriello for the opening goal of the afternoon before clumsily poking the ball into the back of his own net late on.

3 G. Chiellini - Arguably Juventus’ best defender. Never looked like he was going to be beaten defensively and was impressive with the ball at his feet.

16 J. Cuadrado - Always looked bright down the right wing, where he put Silva under pressure from start to finish and played an important role in his side’s first goal with a dangerous low cross.

6 S. Khedira - Worked incredibly hard in the middle of the pitch, where he often dropped deep to find the ball before charging forward and playing an important role in front of goal.

8 C. Marchisio - Arguably one of Juventus’ most impressive players. Pulled the strings in the middle of the pitch and constantly picked out his side’s forward line with several excellent passes, which was evident when he set up Pogba for his side's third goal.

10 P. Pogba - Always looked bright on the ball and was an important part in almost every Juventus attacking move. Wrapped up a great performance with a wonderful strike for his side’s third goal.

33 P. Evra - Spent the vast majority of the game camped inside the Carpi half of the pitch, where he continually troubled Letizia, which was evident in the build-up to Mandzukic’s second goal, which was made possible thanks to an excellent chipped cross from the Frenchman.

17 M. Mandžukić - Marked an impressive performance with two wonderfully-taken goals. Pounced on Khedira’s saved effort to volley in his first before rising high to beat Belec with a bullet header for his second.

21 P. Dybala - It was a solid yet unspectacular display from the Argentine, who was one of Juventus’ quietest attacking players, despite his best efforts.


Substitutes

24 D. Rugani - Impressed in his half-an-hour on the pitch, putting in a solid defensive display before firing in a goal that was unfortunately ruled out for offside.

9 Álvaro Morata - Had a few bright moments in his 20 minutes on the pitch, particularly when holding the ball up late on.

26 S. Lichtsteiner - Featured late on but failed to make much of an impact in his short time on the pitch.

 

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

[Socrates 8524]

CARPI - JUVENTUS

2 - 3

Marco Borriello (15')

Mario Mandžukić (18')
Mario Mandžukić (41')
Paul Pogba (50')

Leonardo Bonucci (90'-own goal)

MATCHDAY 17
Sunday, December 20th, 2015 - 12:30 PM
Alberto Braglia Stadium, Modena
Referee: Piero Giacomelli

Juventus fight back to beat Carpi for
seventh straight Serie A victory

http://www.sportsmole.co.uk/football/juventus/result/result-seven-wins-in-a-row-for-juve_262521.html

Dec 20, 2015
 
Juventus have recorded their seventh Serie A win in a row by fighting back from an early goal down to beat Carpi 3-2 at the Stadio Alberto Braglia.

Struggling Carpi took the lead inside a quarter of an hour through Marco Borriello, who worked a yard of space in the area before firing low past Gianluigi Buffon at the near post.

Their lead lasted only three minutes as Mario Mandzukic equalised with an instinctive volleyed finish after reacting to a loose ball in the area.

The Croatian striker then put Juve in front with his fourth league goal in four games, heading home Patrice Evra's cross from the left four minutes before the interval.

It was three for Juve shortly after half time as Paul Pogba got in on the act with a low finish after being found with a ball over the top.

That made it comfortable for Juve, but their was a tense finish for the champions after Leonardo Bonucci's calamitous own goal in the 92nd minute.

Carpi immediately won the ball back and had a golden chance to salvage an unlikely draw, but Lorenzo Lollo failed to make a decent connection from eight yards.

Three points sees Juve climb up to second, but they will drop back to fourth if Fiorentina and Napoli win later today.

 

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

[Socrates 8524]

CARPI - JUVENTUS

2 - 3

Marco Borriello (15')

Mario Mandžukić (18')
Mario Mandžukić (41')
Paul Pogba (50')

Leonardo Bonucci (90'-own goal)

MATCHDAY 17
Sunday, December 20th, 2015 - 12:30 PM
Alberto Braglia Stadium, Modena
Referee: Piero Giacomelli

Mario Mandzukic brace sees Juventus
continue Serie A revival with Carpi win

http://www.espnfc.co.uk/italian-serie-a/match/432103/carpi-juventus/report

Dec 20, 2015
 
Juventus maintained their charge up the Serie A table with a 3-2 victory at Carpi.

The champions, who started the season sluggishly, have now won seven games in succession as goals from Mario Mandzukic (two) and Paul Pogba won it at the Stadio Alberto Braglia.

The visitors trailed to a goal from former loan player Marco Borriello, but hit back to lead by half-time thanks to Mandzukic's double.

Pogba found the target after the break, before Leonardo Bonucci's injury-time own goal set up a tense finish.

Carpi absorbed plenty of early pressure but broke away to take the lead with their first purposeful move in the 15th minute when Borriello -- on loan with the Bianconeri in 2012 -- beat Juve goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon at his near post.

However, the visitors were level three minutes later when Mandzukic neatly controlled a loose ball and fired in on the turn, after Sami Khedira had seen a shot saved by goalkeeper Vid Belec.

Claudio Marchisio, Giorgio Chiellini and Sami Khedira went close, before Mandzukic doubled the lead in the 41st minute, rising highest to head home Patrice Evra's cross from six yards.

It was 3-1 in the 50th minute when Marchisio's long ball over the top picked out the run of Pogba, who chested the ball down before beating Belec.

Substitute Daniele Rugani had an effort ruled out for offside in the 63rd minute, before Carpi rallied.

The strugglers pulled a goal back in stroppage-time when Bonucci turned on-loan Juve midfielder Luco Marrone's cross into his own net.

And the hosts would have snatched an unlikely and undeserved point seconds later had Lorenzo Lollo showed more composure in front of goal, but Juve held on.

 

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

[Socrates 8524]

CARPI - JUVENTUS

2 - 3

Marco Borriello (15')

Mario Mandžukić (18')
Mario Mandžukić (41')
Paul Pogba (50')

Leonardo Bonucci (90'-own goal)

MATCHDAY 17
Sunday, December 20th, 2015 - 12:30 PM
Alberto Braglia Stadium, Modena
Referee: Piero Giacomelli

Allegri: 'Never again, Juve!'

http://www.football-italia.net/77387/allegri-never-again-juve?

Dec 20, 2015
 
Max Allegri warns the Juventus scare at Carpi “must never happen again” after his enraged reaction.

The Bianconeri fought back from an early Marco Borriello goal to lead 3-1, but conceded a late goal and were very nearly pegged back 3-3 deep into stoppages.

“It was important to win and continue the positive streak,” Allegri told Mediaset Premium.

“In today’s football games are never finished, the lads did really well until five minutes from the end. We have to mature, as in football an opponent who is struggling must be annihilated, instead we allowed them back into it.

“We needed this as a shake-up so we can start 2016 on the right foot. Looking at the statistics I can say Juve had seven consecutive victories and made up ground on Napoli, Roma and Fiorentina.

“Inter are still running away, which means they are doing really well. We’re making our journey and started late, which is why it is important to win.”

Allegri was enraged at that late Carpi chance and threw his coat on the bench before kicking a bottle away.

“Thankfully I kicked it with my left foot, so that never does much damage,” he laughed.

 

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

[Socrates 8524]

CARPI - JUVENTUS

2 - 3

Marco Borriello (15')

Mario Mandžukić (18')
Mario Mandžukić (41')
Paul Pogba (50')

Leonardo Bonucci (90'-own goal)

MATCHDAY 17
Sunday, December 20th, 2015 - 12:30 PM
Alberto Braglia Stadium, Modena
Referee: Piero Giacomelli

Pogba: It’s Important To
Beat Teams Like Carpi

http://forzaitalianfootball.com/2015/12/pogba-its-important-to-beat-teams-like-carpi/?

Dec 20, 2015
 
Juventus midfielder Paul Pogba was happy with the three points after his side beat Carpi 3-2 at the Stadio Alberto Braglia.

The French midfielder scored to make it 3-1 before the Bianconeri almost threw the game away at the death following a Leonardo Bonucci own goal before Lorenzo Lollo fluffed a glorious chance to equalise.

“I scored an important goal and we won which was the aim,” said Pogba to Mediaset Premium post-match.

“Allegri wasn’t happy at the end, we know that such games are difficult.

“It’s hard when you make a mistake and the fans are there to jump on it and push the other side on but in the end we won and that’s what matters.”

The France international was also asked if he had anything he’d like to say to fellow title challenges Inter.

“No, we are only worrying about ourselves, we’re thinking about doing well out there on the pitch and we’re not looking at what the others do,” added Pogba.

“We have to concentrate when we play and then the results will take care of themselves.”

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

[Socrates 8524]

CARPI - JUVENTUS

2 - 3

Marco Borriello (15')

Mario Mandžukić (18')
Mario Mandžukić (41')
Paul Pogba (50')

Leonardo Bonucci (90'-own goal)

MATCHDAY 17
Sunday, December 20th, 2015 - 12:30 PM
Alberto Braglia Stadium, Modena
Referee: Piero Giacomelli

Pogba: 'Juve made mistakes'

http://www.football-italia.net/77388/pogba-juve-made-mistakes?

Dec 20, 2015
 
Paul Pogba concedes Juventus “made life difficult for ourselves” in the tense 3-2 victory over Carpi.

They went behind to an early Marco Borriello goal, went 3-1 up, but gave away an own goal in stoppages and were very nearly pegged back for 3-3.

“We are all very happy for the fundamental and deserved victory, even if we made life difficult for ourselves at the end,” Pogba told Sky Sport Italia.

“That must absolutely not happen again. Now we have a break for Christmas, but when we get back on the field we must do it with humility and the awareness we’ve done nothing yet. It is still a very long journey.

“Who do I dedicate the goal to? Myself, as I am aware that I can give more to help the team win another Scudetto.”

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

[Socrates 8524]

CARPI - JUVENTUS

2 - 3

Marco Borriello (15')

Mario Mandžukić (18')
Mario Mandžukić (41')
Paul Pogba (50')

Leonardo Bonucci (90'-own goal)

MATCHDAY 17
Sunday, December 20th, 2015 - 12:30 PM
Alberto Braglia Stadium, Modena
Referee: Piero Giacomelli

Carpi vs. Juventus: Winners
and Losers from Serie A

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2600910-carpi-vs-juventus-winners-and-losers-from-serie-a?

Dec 20, 2015
 
Given the Sunday lunchtime kickoff, Juventus knew their final outing of 2015 offered a chance to put pressure on the sides above them in the Serie A table. The early start allowed the Bianconeri to add to their points tally before the other matches began, and they would do just that, notching a 3-2 win.

The result marked the club’s seventh consecutive league victory, a streak that has seen them return to contention and shrug off a dire start to the campaign. Massimiliano Allegri stressed the importance of the clash at his pre-match press conference:

It’s a must-win game for us. We approach it on the back of a run of important successes, but let’s not forget that we’ve dropped plenty of points against so-called "smaller" sides. We mustn’t put a foot wrong tomorrow.

The game before the Christmas break is a potential banana skin, along with the opening fixture of the season and the first match back in January. We do however possess a team full of responsible players and I’m certain we’ll approach the encounter in the correct fashion.

Indeed, there was reason for that caution after already seeing the side fail to beat the likes of Udinese, Chievo, Frosinone and Sassuolo this term. After a nervy opening that saw them fall behind, Allegri’s players would rally to ensure they left the Stadio Alberto Braglia with all three points and a testing win.

What follows is a look at some individual performances from this encounter focusing on the best and worst displays from this last game of the calendar year for both sides.


Winner: Marco Borriello (Carpi)

Knowing his side would see very few chances in this encounter, Marco Borriello made the most of his 15th-minute opening. Some sloppy passing in midfield allowed the striker to burst forward, and he made no mistake in slotting past visiting goalkeeper Gigi Buffon to find the bottom corner.


Loser: Leonardo Bonucci (Juventus)

Leonardo Bonucci has been in excellent form this year, but he allowed Borriello far too much time and space for that opening goal, standing off the former Juve striker rather than simply pressuring him out wide.

It was an uncharacteristic mistake, and Bonucci is fortunate that his team-mates quickly rallied to overcome that setback, particularly after he netted an inexplicable own goal right at the end of the game.


Winner: Mario Mandzukic (Juventus)

With Carpi in the lead, Juventus stepped up the pace. After both Juan Cuadrado then Paulo Dybala failed to hit the target, Mario Mandzukic followed up their efforts to get the Bianconeri back level.

Sami Khedira, Claudio Marchisio and Giorgio Chiellini all had chances to put Juve in front, but it would again be Mandzukic who delivered. The Croatian rose to meet Patrice Evra’s cross, and his powerful header left Carpi goalkeeper Vid Belec with no chance of preventing his side from falling behind.


Loser: The Serie A Top 3

The last thing the likes of Inter, Napoli and Fiorentina would have wanted to see was a return to form for Juventus, and watching them take care of Carpi before their matches began this weekend only put additional pressure on them.

Indeed, despite his Inter side sitting atop the standings, coach Roberto Mancini still included the Bianconeri among the favourites for the title (h/t Football Italia). Seeing them record yet another win will only add to that belief.


Winner: Massimiliano Allegri (Juventus)

With his counterpart at Inter beginning to feel the stress of a title battle, Juve boss Massimiliano Allegri can enjoy the winter break knowing many of his decisions have begun to pay off. His slow introduction of the likes of Daniele Rugani, Alex Sandro and Paulo Dybala is now bearing fruit, with all three now in good form.

In addition, Allegri’s choices in attack have proven smart, with Simone Zaza netting twice in midweek and Mandzukic doing the same on Sunday.

 

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

[Socrates 8524]

CARPI - JUVENTUS

2 - 3

Marco Borriello (15')

Mario Mandžukić (18')
Mario Mandžukić (41')
Paul Pogba (50')

Leonardo Bonucci (90'-own goal)

MATCHDAY 17
Sunday, December 20th, 2015 - 12:30 PM
Alberto Braglia Stadium, Modena
Referee: Piero Giacomelli

CARPI 2-3 JUVENTUS
SERIE A PLAYER RATINGS

Mario Mandzukic scored a superb brace but Carpi could easily
have snatched a draw in the closing minutes.

http://www.juvefc.com/carpi-2-3-juventus-serie-player-ratings/?

Dec 20, 2015
 
Juve conceded an early goal courtesy of an error from Juan Cuadrado and some poor defensive work from Leonardo Bonucci. A Mandzukic brace was followed by a Pogba belter before late drama saw Carpi grab a second and then almost draw level in the dying moments.


Gigi Buffon 6.0 - Not the best game for the Juve defence as a whole. Left stranded for Boriello’s goal, Buffon might have narrowed the angle but thats easy to say in hindsight. Stood no chance on Bonucci’s own goal but he was solid for the bulk of the game.

Andrea Barzagli 6.0 - A strong enough display, not troubled too often but it’s worrying that he wa subbed off with a slight injury.

Leonardo Bonucci 5.0 - Where to begin ? Beaten all too easily by Borriello for the opening goal and calamitously putting the ball into his own net. Looked off the pace at times and perhaps the break will do him good.

Giorgio Chiellini 6.5 - Juve’s best defender today but that’s not saying much when you consider the scoreline. Strong and never beaten, made some telling runs out from the defence and glanced a header over the bar.

Juan Cuadrado 6.0 - Played his part in Juve’s goal and in Carpi’s where his error led to the opener. So often he seems to provide a moment of brilliance but no end product. A promising start to the season has made way for a serie of lacklustre, one-dimensional displays, despite all his obvious attacking prowess.

Sami Khedira 6.0 - Looked a little troubled and his play was laborious at times where he struggled to keep up with the pace of the game. Provided an assist and improved as the game went on but he still doesn’t look 100% fit. Another player who might be better served with a 2-week break.

Claudio Marchisio 6.5 - A superb performance from I Principino. Crowded out early in the game by Carpi’s midfield, he still found room to operate in, completing 96 out of 103 passed today in a congested game. A perfect assist for Pogba’s goal and a constant link to Juve’s forward line with his range of passes. Brilliant

Paul Pogba 7.0 - Turned things up a notch after Juve went behind, provided a peach of a through ball for Evra, a thorn in the side of the Carpi midfield, regularly pushing forward into the final third. A deserved goal and some great touches throughout the 90 minutes. Pogba at his best.

Patrice Evra 6.5 - Gave Letezia no respite, pushed into the Carpi third of the pitch and camped out there for most of the game. Supplied a gorgeous chipped cross for Mandzukic to net his second. A great display.

Mario Mandzukic 8.0 - Here is a striker that is finding a rhythm and pace all of his own. A totally different figure from the striker that frustrated in the early part of the season. At his absolute lethal best, bullying defenders, pushing, pulling and scrapping for every ball. His first goal was a moment of beauty, the second, a deft header that gave Juve breathing room. He’s provided a goal or an assist in 7 out of 8 of the last games and his understanding with Dybala is improving with each week. Man of the match.

Paulo Dybala 6.0 - A below par performance but thats only to be expected. Had a few half chances and forced a save from Belec on more than one occasion but he faded out of the game and was replaced by Morata.


Substitutes

Daniel Rugani 6.0 - A great moment to see the young defender make his Serie A debut for Juve. He already looks more confident for having played midweek and he could have scored his first Juve goal but for being marginally offside. A solid display from the youngster.

Stephan Lichtsteiner N/A

Alvaro Morata N/A

 

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

[Socrates 8524]

CARPI - JUVENTUS

2 - 3

Marco Borriello (15')

Mario Mandžukić (18')
Mario Mandžukić (41')
Paul Pogba (50')

Leonardo Bonucci (90'-own goal)

MATCHDAY 17
Sunday, December 20th, 2015 - 12:30 PM
Alberto Braglia Stadium, Modena
Referee: Piero Giacomelli

Juventus arrogance makes win over
Carpi closer than it needed to be

http://www.espnfc.co.uk/club/juventus/111/blog/post/2765269/juventus-arrogance-makes-win-over-carpi-closer-than-need-be

Dec 20, 2015
 
Another win and another three points for Juventus as they defeated Carpi 3-2 in the first ever match between these two sides in Serie A. A game that further demonstrated the gulf of talent between the Bianconeri and their inferior rivals, we also bore witness to the positive and negative aspects of the Juve psychology.

Carpi are a determined little team, and what they lack in talent they more than make up for with physicality and determination. Not a team that actively applies pressure to win back possession, they allowed Juve to control the game. Yet for all the Bianconeri's beauty on the ball, they were once again punished by an ex-player as Marco Borriello opened the scoring.

It is remarkable how well the Old Lady reacts when an opponent hurts her pride. Unhappy to be a goal down, the Bianconeri switched gears and played a monstrously more determined game to manage the equaliser.

With Claudio Marchisio pulling the strings, Paul Pogba producing the elegance and Mario Mandzukic fighting up top, it didn't take long for Juve to get their second, the Croatian exploiting his strengths to score a powerful header. With Juventus scoring their third early in the second half, dominating the match in every which way possible, concentration was dropped.

It was then we witnessed the negative aspect of the Juve mentality, the arrogance displayed after their superiority had been imposed. Losing focus and disrespecting their opponents, Leonardo Bonucci scored an own goal to make it two for Carpi and Juve were lucky not to concede a third.

Proud but not yet mature, is it any wonder Massimiliano Allegri was screaming and wailing on the sidelines, demonstrating his unhappiness with his players' nonchalance? A better team may well have punished them but for the moment, Juve's winning streak continues.


Player ratings

Gianluigi Buffon, 6 -- He perhaps could have done more on the first goal but, on occasion, he was not well shielded by his defence.

Andrea Barzagli, 7 -- Confident and intelligent, his passing game is a delight to watch.

Leonardo Bonucci, 5 -- Not the best of days for the centre-back. He not only lost out to Borriello to concede Juve's first goal, but surrendered to panic and scored an own goal to make it two for Carpi.

Giorgio Chiellini, 7 -- Strong and sturdy, he closed down his opponents powerfully, offering is teammates a certain level of security.

Juan Cuadrado, 7 -- A better performance from the Colombian, who is still guilty of poor decisions but a hard worker, displaying great intensity and desire to create goal-scoring chances.

Sami Khedira, 6 -- Not yet at the level we expect from the German, but once again a player who understands how to occupy space and how to intelligently facilitate movements -- even grabbing an assist. Great ideas, his execution is poorer than usual but he still managed to offer balance.

Claudio Marchisio, 7 -- It must be said, he was hardly halted, offered all the time and space in the world to operate and he knew how to take advantage, delivering delicious passes and controlling the match. Wonderful vision, he grabbed an assist too.

Paul Pogba, 8 -- Elegant and confident, he brought beauty to the attacking phase to the game even if he surrendered to frustration on certain occasions. Creating opportunities and scoring goals, he even recovered more balls than any other Juve player. The gem of the Juve midfield.

Patrice Evra, 7 -- Wonderful at overlapping and combining well with the likes of Pogba, he provided the assist and brought his experience to the game.

Mario Mandzukic, 9 -- One of the best matches he has played in a Juve shirt, the forward is relentless. Whether he is holding up the ball, exploiting his predatory nature or tracking back to defend, no one shows greater determination than the Croatian, who is the very definition of a team player. A magnificent performance, he scored the brace to ensure another Bianconeri win.

Paulo Dybala, 7 -- Not his best match, Dybala may always be the man to watch but Carpi weren't the ideal opponent for him to play.


Substitutes

Daniele Rugani, 7 -- A great replacement to have on the bench, Rugani is the elegant centre-back Juve need, but he still has much to learn. Made the one mistake and suffered under pressure but his potential is enormous.

Alvaro Morata, 6 -- Struggling to recapture his form, he fell foul to Carpi's physicality and made little impact.

Stephan Lichtsteiner, NR -- Only offered a few minutes on the pitch.

 

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

[Socrates 8524]

CARPI - JUVENTUS

2 - 3

Marco Borriello (15')

Mario Mandžukić (18')
Mario Mandžukić (41')
Paul Pogba (50')

Leonardo Bonucci (90'-own goal)

MATCHDAY 17
Sunday, December 20th, 2015 - 12:30 PM
Alberto Braglia Stadium, Modena
Referee: Piero Giacomelli

Allegri: Juventus must learn their lesson

The Serie A champions won 3-2 at Carpi on Sunday but the coach was still
left feeling frustrated by his side's complacency towards the end of the match.

http://www.goal.com/en/news/723/serie-a/2015/12/20/18558772/-?

Dec 20, 2015
 
Massimiliano Allegri has urged Juventus to be wary of complacency after watching his side almost blow a two-goal lead in stoppage time during their 3-2 victory at Carpi.

Marco Borriello's early opener had earned a surprise lead for the struggling hosts, but Allegri's team rallied and appeared to be cruising to an easy win when Mario Mandzukic's double and Paul Pogba's second-half effort put them in control.

However, Leonardo Bonucci put the ball in his own net in the first minute of added time to give Carpi a vague sense of hope before Lorenzo Lollo spurned a golden chance to level the match with 90 seconds remaining.

Allergi was visibly furious on the touchline towards the end of the clash and afterwards he said: "We did well up until five minutes from the end. We need to let this be a lesson for us.

"It was important to win. The result strengthens our league position.

"Inter are having a fine campaign. We need to keep ticking along and making up ground," he said of the leaders, who are three points ahead of Juve prior to a match at home to Lazio later on Sunday.

Pogba, who scored his second goal in as many matches following a strike in the mid-week Coppa Italia victory over local rivals Torino, said: "My goal was important for the two-goal cushion. We won and that's what we came here to do.

"We're not looking at the others. We'll focus solely on ourselves."

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

[Socrates 8524]

CARPI - JUVENTUS

2 - 3

Marco Borriello (15')

Mario Mandžukić (18')
Mario Mandžukić (41')
Paul Pogba (50')

Leonardo Bonucci (90'-own goal)

MATCHDAY 17
Sunday, December 20th, 2015 - 12:30 PM
Alberto Braglia Stadium, Modena
Referee: Piero Giacomelli

CARPI 2-3 JUVENTUS
SERIE A MATCH REPORT

Juventus end the year on a high, making it seven league
wins a row following a nervy 3-2 victory over Carpi.

http://www.juvefc.com/carpi-2-3-juventus-serie-player-ratings/?

Dec 20, 2015
 

Positives

Mandzukic – Goals, goals goals. He’s now contributed a goal or an assist in 7 out of his last 8 games. The partnership with Dybala is really paying dividends as the two of them are responsible for something like 70% of Juve’s goals this season. Worrying, if one of them were to get injured, impressive when you consider that many questioned the purchase of Mandzukic as early as September.

Marchisio – Another game where he’s been the dominant Juve player in midfielder but you wouldn’t think of it when you look at his stats. He provided his first assist of the season today and it was something quite special at that, but his real contribution has been to take a more ‘withdrawn’ less glamorous role, and do it with a certain understated genius.

Another game for Daniele Rugani – Two games and two appearances in a row for the young defender. It’s all too easy to get carried away about a 21-year-old centre back but when you consider what he achieved last season at Empoli, you can understand the enthusiam and desire for him to play. A shame his goal didn’t stand today as that would have made a week to remember.

Seven wins in a row – A first for Allegri and the last time Juve managed it was May 2014. The closing 5 minutes aside, that’s certainly cause for optimism as Juve have made huge strides up the table to rest in 4th.


Statistics

Man of the Match: Mario Mandzukic

Flop of the Match: Leonardo Bonucci

Corners: 3

Pass Accuracy: 85%

Shots on Target: 6

Total Shots: 10

Ball Possession: 66%

Formation: 3-5-2


Lineups

Carpi: Belec; Zaccardo, Gagliolo, Romagnoli, Letizia; Gaston Silva, Cofie (Bianco 70), Lollo, Marrone; Di Gaudio (Lasagna 54); Borriello (Mbakogu 65)

Juventus: Buffon; Barzagli (Rugani 57), Bonucci, Chiellini; Cuadrado (Lichtsteiner 82), Khedira, Marchisio, Pogba, Evra; Mandzukic, Dybala (Morata 68)

Ref: Giacomelli


Poll

Who was your man of the match in Carpi v Juventus ?

Mandzukic 69%
Marchisio 12%
Pogba 12%
Dybala 5%
Cuadrado 2%
Buffon 0%
Barzagli 0%
Bonucci 0%
Chiellini 0%
Evra 0%
Khedira 0%

Votes 42

 

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

[Socrates 8524]

CARPI - JUVENTUS

2 - 3

Marco Borriello (15')

Mario Mandžukić (18')
Mario Mandžukić (41')
Paul Pogba (50')

Leonardo Bonucci (90'-own goal)

MATCHDAY 17
Sunday, December 20th, 2015 - 12:30 PM
Alberto Braglia Stadium, Modena
Referee: Piero Giacomelli

Allegri says late Juventus mistakes
must never happen again

Manager's post-match comments.

http://www.blackwhitereadallover.com/2015/12/20/10629478/allegri-says-late-juventus-mistakes-must-never-happen-again-carpi

Dec 20, 2015

The Bianconeri are now three points behind Inter in second place, though the remainder of the top four all play later today. The Christmas break is upon us next, and Juve have rebounded nicely with seven wins in a row after a pretty horrendous start to the season.

On the late scare faced by Juventus, and what the result means -

"It was important to win today on a difficult field against an in-form side. The ball wasn't moving that quickly and the players did well up until the last five minutes where we made a mess of things.

"We used past experiences like the one against Frosinone to see this one through which was a very similar game to the one today where we conceded a late equalizer.

"We didn't start the game well as we were a bit all over the place. After Boriello's goal the team did good."

On what was planned for the Christmas break -

"The team is feeling good at the moment. We have to keep working hard to reach the 16th of May in the best condition possible.

"It won't take much to recharge our batteries but Carpi's miss at the end of the game serves as a reminder."

On the seven game streak and getting three points again -

"It was important to jump into second place. In modern football, games are never closed. We have to grow and start 2016 off on the right foot.

"Looking at the numbers, I could say that Juve won seven games in a row gaining points on Napoli, Roma and Fiorentina but not Inter, who are still going strong.

"We have to look at ourselves considering we're coming from behind and that why it was important to win today. It was important to win today considering the amount of points we have dropped against smaller sides. We had to go into 2016 with a win to continue our streak.

"I'll be watching Lazio-Inter later also because we have Lazio in the quarter-finals of the Coppa Italia."

On his antics at the end of the game, where he threw his coat away and kicked a water bottle -

"Thankfully I kicked it with my left foot, so that never does much damage."

 

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

[Socrates 8524]

CARPI - JUVENTUS

2 - 3

Marco Borriello (15')

Mario Mandžukić (18')
Mario Mandžukić (41')
Paul Pogba (50')

Leonardo Bonucci (90'-own goal)

MATCHDAY 17
Sunday, December 20th, 2015 - 12:30 PM
Alberto Braglia Stadium, Modena
Referee: Piero Giacomelli

Inter Milan stunned by Lazio; Juve extend
winning run, Roma end slump

http://www.espnfc.co.uk/italian-serie-a/story/2764963/mario-mandzukic-extends-juventus-winning-run-inter-lose

Dec 20, 2015

Inter Milan lead Serie A heading into the Christmas break, but a 2-1 defeat to Lazio means their advantage is slight.

Antonio Candreva opened the scoring to ensure Inter would fight an uphill battle and Mauro Icardi's second-half leveller was rendered redundant when Candreva stuck away his own saved penalty with three minutes remaining.

Felipe Melo conceded that spot-kick and later saw red for a moment of madness, with Lazio midfielder Sergej Milinkovic-Savic following him down the tunnel in stoppage time.

Troubled Lazio can head into the festive period with cause to be cheerful, having claimed a first league win in eight attempts, while Inter can begin to look at the transfer window and consider how they might strengthen their title bid.


Mario Mandzukic scored twice as Juventus survived a late scare in a 3-2 win at Carpi to extend their winning run to seven games.

Strugglers Carpi took a surprise lead at the Stadio Alberto Braglia after 15 minutes through Marco Borriello, but Mandzukic quickly levelled for Juve three minutes later.

The Croatia striker put Massimiliano Allegri's side ahead 41 minutes in, with Paul Pogba netting five minutes after the restart to put the Bianconeri in firm control of the game.

Leonardo Bonucci then put through his own net in injury time to set up a tense finale, but Serie A champions Juve held on for a seventh consecutive league win to climb to second in the table -- at least until Fiorentina (third) and Napoli (fourth) play their games in hand later on Sunday.


Roma ended their winless streak with a 2-0 victory over Genoa to relieve some of the pressure on coach Rudi Garcia.

Alessandro Florenzi opened the scoring just before half-time and the whole Roma team ran over to hug Garcia.

Edin Dzeko was sent off 16 minutes before the end but teenager Sadiq Umar sealed the match late on to end a seven-match winless streak that included Wednesday's Italian Cup exit against Spezia.


Fiorentina sit just behind leaders Inter Milan heading into the winter break after beating Chievo 2-0.

Paulo Sousa's men were briefly dislodged from second place by resurgent Juventus but they wasted no time forcing their way back into title contention with goals from Nikola Kalinic and Josip Ilicic.

The margin of victory might have been greater had Chievo goalkeeper Albano Bizzarri not pulled off a succession of fine stops to ensure his Gialloblu colleagues were not roundly trounced at the Stadio Artemio Franchi.


Gonzalo Higuain's brace helped Napoli to a 3-1 win over Atalanta and back up to third.

The Argentina striker now leads the scoring charts with 16 goals and Marek Hamsik's penalty ensured Maurizio Sarri's side took all three points at the Stadio Atleti Azzurri d'Italia.

Jorginho's sending off gave hope to the hosts, whose goal came from Alejandro Gomez, but it could have been worse had Hamsik netted a second spot-kick after Gabriel Paletta was shown red late on.


Hellas Verona were again thwarted in their quest for a first win of the season as Sassuolo claimed a 1-1 draw.

The Serie A basement boys have only eight points from eight draws and looked like losing for the 10th time when Sergio Floccari fired high-flying Sassuolo ahead in the 34th minute of play at the Stadio Marc'Antonio Bentegodi.

Veteran striker Luca Toni pegged the Neroverde back five minutes later as he turned Pawel Wszolek's through-ball beyond Andrea Consigli, but Luigi Delneri's men could not find a second goal and sit eight points from safety.


Moving on to the late games, underachieving AC Milan ended the year on a high by edging out plucky Frosinone 4-2 at the Stadio Matusa.

The Rossoneri have spent most of 2015 in the Serie A wilderness, but will enjoy Christmas in sixth place thanks to goals from Ignazio Abate, Carlos Bacca, Alex and Giacomo Bonaventura.

Although Daniel Ciofani put Sinisa Mihajlovic's men on the back foot with an early opener, with Federico Dionisi setting some nerves jangling with his late goal, Frosinone could not avoid defeat and remain in the relegation zone.


Sampdoria pulled away from the relegation zone with an overdue 2-0 victory over Palermo.

Vincenzo Montella had presided over three defeats and a draw since replacing Walter Zenga, but goals from Roberto Soriano and David Ivan snapped the winless run and boosted Samp six points clear of the bottom three.


Elsewhere, Stipe Perica's first-half goal was enough to steer 10-man Udinese to a nervy 1-0 victory at Torino.

 

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

[Socrates 8524]

CARPI - JUVENTUS

2 - 3

Marco Borriello (15')

Mario Mandžukić (18')
Mario Mandžukić (41')
Paul Pogba (50')

Leonardo Bonucci (90'-own goal)

MATCHDAY 17
Sunday, December 20th, 2015 - 12:30 PM
Alberto Braglia Stadium, Modena
Referee: Piero Giacomelli

Carpi vs. Juventus 2015: Final score
2-3, Bianconeri survive a cardiac finale

Mandzukic scored twice against the Biancorossi and Juventus
completed their seventh consecutive triumph in Serie A.

http://www.blackwhitereadallover.com/2015/12/21/10630870/carpi-vs-juventus-2015-final-score-2-3-the-bianconeri-survived-a

Dec 21, 2015

Juventus didn't have pleasant memories from their last trip to Emilia-Romanga, as they were beaten by Sassuolo 1-0 at Mapei Stadium. On Sunday morning, the Bianconeri visited Carpi, who have won only one of their last nine Serie A matches; nevertheless, the Biancorossi just achieved a shocking away victory versus Fiorentina in the Coppa Italia.

Juventus repeated the same 3-5-2 starting lineup that triumphed against Fiorentina in their last Serie A game; Max Allegri, utilized once again the partnership of Mario Mandzukic and Paulo Dybala on attack, leaving Simone Zaza and Álvaro Morata in the bench. On the other side, Fabrizio Castori deployed a 4-4-1-1 formation with the former Juventus player Marco Borriello as his only striker.

The match started as expected. Juventus had the possession of the ball while Carpi patiently waited to counterattack. Surprisingly, it was Carpi who took the lead after the first quarter-hour; Marco Borriello recovered a lost ball at midfield and run towards Juventus penalty box, after that he shattered Leonardo Bonucci and beat Buffon with a shot to the near post. However, Mario Mandzukic exorcised the Sassuolo ghost quickly. Just three minutes after Borriello's goal, Juan Guillermo Cuadrado sent a low cross that found Sami Khedira, Carpi goalkeeper Vid Belec superbly saved the German's shot, but Mandzukic took advantage of the rebound and performed a fast volley that sent the ball to the back of the net.

After the equalizer Juventus came to life. Vid Belec had to showcase his skills to save a pair of long-range efforts by Sami Khedira and Claudio Marchisio. Four minutes before halftime Patrice Evra sprinted near the touchline and crafted a beautiful cross; Mario Mandzukic raised, bullied Gabriel Silva and executed a devastating header that put Juventus in advantage.

When the complementary half begun, it looked like Juventus was in full control of the game. Just five minutes after the match restarted, Claudio Marchisio made a long Pirlo-like pass that situated Paul Pogba one-on-one with Belec, the Frenchman poked the ball to fulfill a clever score. Few minutes latter, Carpi dodge a killer dagger when a score by Daniele Rugani -who entered in the 2nd half for Andrea Barzagli- was denied because he was offside.

Carpi tried to comeback with a series of unorganized attacks but Juventus easily handled their threats; however, the injury time brought an exciting finale. At the 92nd minute, Luca Marrone curled a manageable cross from the right flank, Leonardo Bonucci tried to clear the danger, but instead his gawky effort ended in the back of Gianluigi Buffon's goal. One minute later, Carpi almost tie the match; Jerry Uche Mbakogu propelled an aggressive run towards the baseline and assisted Lorenzo Lollo who was alone in the penalty spot, fortunately for the bianconeri the midfielder's shot was abysmal.

Juventus played well and achieved their seven Serie A victory in a row; Nonetheless they can't afford to drop points in this kind of games. Let's hope that this scare serves as reminder to them.


LE PAGELLE

Buffon 6 Maybe he could save Borriello's shot and Bonucci left him without a chance in the second goal. He had another solid performance.

Barzagli 6 Good game by Barza, who had to leave early with an injury.

Bonucci 3 Terrible and shaky presentation by Leo. He was trashed by Borriello (yes! Marco Borriello) and scored an own goal.

Chiellini 6 Looked comfortable for most part of the match. Helped his side offensively.

Cuadrado 6.5 Showcased his skills on attack and defended with composure. The Colombian is showing his worth lately.

Khedira 6.5 Worked really hard. He was all over the pitch and could easily score in a couple of occasions.

Marchisio 6.5 He's mastering his position as the bianconeri regista. His assist to Pogba was beautiful.

Pogba 7 A really smart game by the Frenchman. He showed why he's a natural playmaker. He scored with great personality.

Evra 6.5

Dybala 6 "La Joya" was quiet on this one. He tried tirelessly to open Carpi's defense.

Mandzukic 8.5 Remarkable game by the Croatian Hitman. Both of his finishes were imposing.


Subs

Rugani 6.5 Enter for Barzagli at the 57th minute. It was a nice cameo by the Tuscan youngster. He enjoyed his first Serie A playing time and delivered an adequate performance.

Morata 6 Enter for Dybala at the 69th minute. The Spaniard held the ball properly but failed to make an impact.

Lichtsteiner s/v Enter for Cuadrado at the 83rd minute.


Coach

Allegri 6.5

It appears that he found his starting eleven. Mandzukic is enjoying a sweet winter thanks to him. It's important for Juventus to learn the Frosinone's lesson once and for all.


Things I Think I Think

You know good things just happened when a Colombian and a Frenchman dance together.

We almost remembered this game as "How the Bonucci stole Allegri's Christmas"

Juventus need to stop the Ex Effect ASAP! Kingsley Coman and Arturo Vidal are coming.

This was the final match of a wonderful 2015, thanks for reading this recap my fellow juventini and I wish you a great 2016!
Fino alla Fine!

 

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

[Socrates 8524]

CARPI - JUVENTUS

2 - 3

Marco Borriello (15')

Mario Mandžukić (18')
Mario Mandžukić (41')
Paul Pogba (50')

Leonardo Bonucci (90'-own goal)

MATCHDAY 17
Sunday, December 20th, 2015 - 12:30 PM
Alberto Braglia Stadium, Modena
Referee: Piero Giacomelli

Marotta: ‘Inter team to beat’

http://www.football-italia.net/77421/marotta-%E2%80%98inter-team-beat%E2%80%99?

Dec 21, 2015

Juventus director Giuseppe Marotta says Inter are ‘the team to beat’ despite ‘paying no attention to aesthetics’.

The Nerazzurri were crowned winter champions despite last night’s 2-1 home defeat to Lazio, and Juve are now only three points behind them.

The Bianconeri director general believes they are setting the pace for the others to follow and praises their defensive ability.

"The most dangerous team? Inter have great quality, they’re an experienced team with a very good Coach, who has assembled players perhaps not of great quality but of great competitive spirit,” Marotta told Radio Rai.

“They are a cynical team that is deservedly top, a team that pays no attention to aesthetics but to the substance.

“With few goals they’ve managed to be at the top, because they have the best defence. Ultimately Inter are the team to beat. "
 

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