Juventus Season 2015-2016

[Socrates 8524]

UDINESE - JUVENTUS

0 - 4

Paulo Dybala (15')
Sami Khedira (18')
Paulo Dybala (26'-penalty)
Alex Sandro (42')

MATCHDAY 20
Sunday, January 17th, 2016 - 3:00 PM
Friuli Stadium, Udine
Referee: Gianluca Rocchi

Juventus Show off Impressive
Squad Depth in Win over Udinese

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2608767-juventus-show-off-impressive-squad-depth-in-win-over-udinese?

Jan 18, 2016
 
By comfortably despatching Udinese 4-0 on Sunday, Juventus recorded their 10th consecutive league win, retaining second place in Serie A in the process. That in itself is a remarkable turnaround for the Bianconeri, who struggled in the early weeks of 2015/16 but are once again title contenders.

Recent poor results for AS Roma, Inter and Fiorentina have seen the Turin-based club leapfrog those sides, emerging as the closest rivals for winter champions Napoli. Indeed, the men from the Stadio San Paolo are just two points ahead of Juventus, who themselves are a further two points ahead of third place.

OptaPaolo @OptaPaolo
4 - Last time Juventus scored 4+ goals in the first half in Serie A was back in November 2012, against Pescara. Caterpillar.

However, both the players and their coach insist there is much more to come from the Old Lady, as Sami Khedira explained Sky Sport Italia (via the club’s official website) shortly after the final whistle had blown on their victory over Udinese:

We are playing very well, we are in great form but we still haven’t achieved anything, we mustn’t let up. We have to make sure that we keep this run going. It’s a long season and we are only in second place at the midway point of the season.

The former Real Madrid man has been at the heart of Juve’s return to prominence, his goal on Sunday meaning he has now netted three times this term, also weighing in with two assists and becoming a vital member of the side.

Tactically intelligent and constantly organising those around him, the match with Udinese saw Khedira once again underline his importance. According to statistics on WhoScored.com, the 28-year-old ended the clash having won one aerial duel, one tackle and one clearance while completing 90.3 per cent of his 62 pass attempts.

His impact was discussed in a previous post, and when asked about Juve’s form at his post-match press conference, boss Massimiliano Allegri admitted to reporters the Germany international is one of the chief protagonists in his squad.

“I was without Marchisio and Khedira, Mandzukic had injury problems during the first two months and the rest of the players were not playing at the level they are right now,” the coach said.

“After last term’s efforts, there was always a risk of needing some time to reach peak condition for the current campaign,” Allegri continued. It seems his squad has achieved that at just the right time.

The match in Udine also saw a number of fringe players earn playing time, with Kwadwo Asamoah and Daniele Rugani starting the game while Martin Caceres replaced Giorgio Chiellini in the second half.

That depth is something their rivals appear to lack at present and could well become an important factor as the season progresses. Indeed, Allegri was even able to rest Paul Pogba here, giving the French midfielder a much-needed break before a run of important fixtures begins in the coming weeks.

Between now and the end of February, the Bianconeri face AS Roma, Lazio, Napoli and Inter, also returning to Champions League action against Bayern Munich on Feb. 23. Those games will not only present a stern test but will see just how likely Juventus are to match the glory they achieved last year.

Successfully defending both the league title and the Coppa Italia will be difficult, but with the injury problems easing and the squad returning to full health, the grand Old Lady of Italian football has many more men to choose from.

Allegri has proved capable of regularly getting such personnel decisions right and has the ability and experience to balance his choices in three competitions that will be essential to their chances of success.

 

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

[Socrates 8524]

LAZIO - JUVENTUS

-

 
 

Coppa Italia TIM - Quarter-final
Wednesday, January 20th, 2016 - 8:45 PM
Olimpico Stadium, Rome
Referee: Antonio Damato

Lazio v Juventus Preview:
2015 Coppa Italia finalists meet again

Having gone head-to-head for the Coppa Italia trophy in 2015, Lazio
and Juventus will play for a place in the semi-finals this time around.

http://www.goal.com/en/match/lazio-vs-juventus/2176654

Jan 18, 2016

Juventus beat Lazio to the Coppa Italia in the 2015 final and on Wednesday they meet at the Stadio Olimpico again, this time in the quarter-final stage.

Lazio took the lead in last May's final at their home stadium but succumbed to a 2-1 defeat after extra time with Alessandro Matri's 97th-minute strike earning what would be the first part of a domestic double in Massimiliano Allegri's maiden Juventus campaign.

The win ended Juve's 20-year wait for a 10th Coppa Italia title and made them the competition's most successful club.

Allegri's team followed that triumph by defeating Lazio 2-0 in last August's Supercoppa Italiana in Shanghai.

If that was not enough to ply Juve with confidence, they head into Wednesday's clash having extended their winning streak in Serie A to 10 games by beating Udinese 4-0 on Sunday.

Sami Khedira believes they must continue their good form as they head into a tough run of fixtures.

"We are playing very well, we are in great form but we still haven't achieved anything, we mustn't let up," he told Sky Sport Italia.

"We have to make sure that we keep this run going. We have so many important games coming up, beginning of course with Lazio and Roma [in Serie A]. We are feeling great and enjoying our football."

Lazio's last win over Juventus came in the semi-finals of the 2012-13 edition of this competition – a 2-1 victory at the Olimpico en route to the lifting the trophy.

Coach Stefano Pioli admits it will be tough for his side to replicate that triumph but harbours belief they can bring Juve's sensational run to an end.

"Wednesday will be a difficult match. Juventus come in off the back of a 10-game winning streak and are in exceptional form," he told Lazio Style.

"It will be very complicated, the Bianconeri are always a tough opponent for us. [They are] a great team, but not unbeatable."

Allegri rested Paul Pogba for the weekend's destruction of Udinese and the Frenchman could be set for a return to the starting line-up, with Kwadwo Asamoah likely to make way.

Martin Caceres is expected to take Daniele Rugani's place in defence, while the coach hopes to have Andrea Barzagli available following a muscular issue.

Lazio were boosted by the goalscoring return of Senad Lulic in the 2-2 draw with Bologna at the weekend, while Santiago Gentiletti is edging towards fitness.


LAST FIVE MATCHES

 

Lazio  D W D W W 

 
1/17/16 - Bologna 2 - 2 Lazio
1/9/16 - Fiorentina 1 - 3 Lazio
1/6/16 - Lazio 0 - 0 Carpi 
12/20/15 - Internazionale 1 - 2 Lazio
12/17/15 - Lazio 2 - 1 Udinese

 

Juventus  W W W W W 

 

1/17/16 - Udinese 0 - 4 Juventus
1/10/16 - Sampdoria 1 - 2 Juventus
1/6/16 - Juventus 3 - 0 Hellas Verona
12/20/15 - Carpi 2 - 3 Juventus 
12/16/15 - Juventus 4 - 0 Torino

 

HEAD TO HEAD

12/4/15 - Lazio 0 - 2 Juventus
8/8/15 - Juventus 2 - 0 Lazio
5/20/15 - Juventus 2 - 1 Lazio
4/18/15 - Juventus 2 - 0 Lazio
11/22/14 - Lazio 0 - 3 Juventus

[Socrates 8524]

LAZIO - JUVENTUS

-

 
 

Coppa Italia TIM - Quarter-final
Wednesday, January 20th, 2016 - 8:45 PM
Olimpico Stadium, Rome
Referee: Antonio Damato

Lazio vs. Juventus: Team News, Predicted Lineups

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2608835-lazio-vs-juventus-team-news-predicted-lineups-live-stream-tv-info?

Jan 19, 2016

Notching their 10th consecutive Serie A victory this past weekend, Juventus take a break from league action on Wednesday, taking on Lazio in a repeat of last season’s Coppa Italia final.

Indeed, travelling south to Rome’s Stadio Olimpico, the Bianconeri face the same opponent in the same stadium, but this year’s edition is a quarter-final matchup, and the winner will face either Napoli or Inter in the next round.

That duo go head-to-head before this latest clash with Lazio, which takes place just over a month after their last meeting, won 2-0 by the Turin giants. Yet despite their recent good form, Juve boss Massimiliano Allegri is in no mood to see his side ease up as they shift focus.

Adam Digby @Adz77
"In football, 10 is a magic number & we have 10 wins in a row! But we cannot relax as there is the Cup to defend!"

Taking to his personal Twitter account shortly after securing victory against Udinese, the coach said that he and his players “cannot relax as there is the Cup to defend!” Indeed, having lifted both the Coppa Italia and the league title in his first season with the club, Allegri will be looking for a repeat in both this time around.

For their part, the home side must look to maintain their own sharpness in a campaign that has seen them struggle somewhat.

Lazio finished 2014/15 in third place but currently sit ninth, with eight losses and just two wins in their last 11 Serie A fixtures, much to the annoyance of their coach Stefano Pioli.

“The team reacted well in terms of character, but considering our objectives for the campaign we ought to be always playing the way we did in the second half,” he told Mediaset Premium after a recent draw with Bologna (h/t Football Italia). “There are many things we need to work on.”

That starts with their attack, with only nine teams having scored fewer than their tally of 25 goals in the league and having laboured to a narrow 2-1 victory over Udinese in their latest Coppa Italia fixture.

Scoring could be a difficult proposition given the strength of the Juventus defence, while Lazio have netted just twice in their last six encounters with the Bianconeri, who struck no fewer than 12 times in those same matches.

 

Probable Formations

Lazio (4-2-3-1):

Ricardo Berisha; Dusan Basta, Mauricio, Wesley Hoedt, Stefan Radu; Danilo Cataldi, Lucas Biglia; Felipe Anderson, Sergej Milinkovic-Savic, Antonio Candreva; Filip Djordievic.

Suspended: None


Juventus (3-5-2):

Neto; Martin Caceres, Leonardo Bonucci, Giorgio Chiellini; Stephan Lichtsteiner, Stefano Sturaro, Hernanes, Paul Pogba, Alex Sandro; Alvaro Morata, Simone Zaza.

Suspended: None


Player to Watch

Arguably the man to monitor closely during this encounter is Juventus goalkeeper Neto. Almost certain to fill in for Gigi Buffon, the Brazilian has made just two appearances since joining the club in the summer.

According to Juve's official website, the former Fiorentina shot-stopper signed a four-year contract back in June, but his lack of playing time has seen his future reportedly come into question just a few months later.

OptaPaolo ✔ @OptaPaolo
7 - Neto has kept seven clean sheets in the current Serie A: fewer only than Buffon (10) and De Sanctis (9). Separation.

Turin-based newspaper TuttoSport believe his reserve status means Neto may already be looking to move on (h/t Football Italia), and whether or not that is true, he will be looking for a strong showing here.

The 26-year-old might be looking to show his qualities to potential suitors, or just restate his credentials to Mister Allegri.


Key Battle

If Lazio are to enjoy success against Juventus, they will need Antonio Candreva to be at his very best throughout the tie.

Having played for the Bianconeri earlier in his career, he now captains the Rome-based club and has established himself as an essential figure at the Stadio Olimpico.

Playing on the right flank, Candreva is at the heart of all Lazio's attacking forays, and the task of stopping him on Wednesday evening is likely to fall to the excellent Alex Sandro.

Signed in the summer, the former Porto man has settled into Italian football very quickly, already becoming a viable alternative to Patrice Evra at either left-back or left wing-back.

Sandro scored his first goal for Juventus in their last outing against Udinese, adding a well-taken strike to the three assists he had already contributed so far this term.

The outcome of his head-to-head clash with Candreva is likely to heavily influence the final score, but it is a battle the Brazilian defender is certainly capable of winning.


Odds (via Odds Portal)

Away win: 113-100

Home win: 5-2

Draw: 223-100

[Socrates 8524]

LAZIO - JUVENTUS

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Coppa Italia TIM - Quarter-final
Wednesday, January 20th, 2016 - 8:45 PM
Olimpico Stadium, Rome
Referee: Antonio Damato

Pioli: ‘Juventus not unbeatable’

http://www.football-italia.net/78593/pioli-%E2%80%98juventus-not-unbeatable%E2%80%99?

Jan 19, 2016

Lazio Coach Stefano Pioli admits Juventus are “strong” but “no-one is unbeatable”.

The Biancocelesti face the Turin giants in the Coppa Italia tomorrow, having lost in the final to Massimiliano Allegri’s men last year.

“They’re strong, no doubt about it,” Pioli acknowledged in his pre-match Press conference.

“No-one is unbeatable.

“Revenge for last year? Honestly, I don’t really look at the past, you can’t change it. I look at the future and the present.

“We’ve faced Juve several times, we know the results but every game teaches you something. We’re ready to play at the maximum, that’s the only way we have a chance of beating them.

“Allegri? He coaches a great team, but we want to win. I had hoped we could have done it last year, because we deserved it.

“I think we have the quality to do it in the future. It [the Coppa] is an objective.

“We haven’t been lucky in the draw, but these are opponents we must overcome if we want to get to the final.”

Pioli was then asked about his team for tomorrow, including the possibility of playing a trident of Felipe Anderson, Keita Balde and Antonio Candreva.

“I think everything is possible. We have diverse characteristics, we’ll choose the formula which gives us the best chance.

“Who plays isn’t important, what matters is that we stay in the game with determination and confidence for 95 minutes.

“We’re facing an opponent who is always ready to strike. It’s a one-off game, and we want to win.”

[Socrates 8524]

LAZIO - JUVENTUS

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Coppa Italia TIM - Quarter-final
Wednesday, January 20th, 2016 - 8:45 PM
Olimpico Stadium, Rome
Referee: Antonio Damato

Pogba to sit out Juventus' Coppa Italia clash with Lazio

The French midfielder will miss his side's quarter-final match
with their Serie A rivals, though Hernanes could face his former club.

http://www.goal.com/en/news/1036/coppa-italia/2016/01/19/19496942/-?

Jan 19, 2016

Juventus boss Massimiliano Allegri has hinted Paul Pogba will be rested for Wednesday's Coppa Italia clash with Lazio.

With Juve competing on three fronts this season, Allegri is likely to make several changes to refresh his starting XI, meaning Pogba is set to be left out for the quarter-final tie at the Stadio Olimpico.

The changes mean midfielder Hernanes is set to come in to face his former club while Simone Zaza will also get a chance in attack.

"Wednesday's line-up will be the best I can pick for the game," Allegri said at Tuesday's news conference. "We have many matches to play in a short space of time.

"We'll play a decent line-up in order to try and get through to the next round.

"Hernanes will replace Claudio Marchisio in theory. As for Leonardo Bonucci and Giorgio Chiellini, I will see.

"Paul Pogba has played in practically all of our games so far. Kwadwo Asamoah did well on Sunday [a 4-0 win over Udinese] and came through unscathed.

"The team has given no signs of weakness, even with many changes. On Wednesday, the best team will go out onto the pitch, also with Sunday's game against Roma in mind."

Juve have enjoyed a resurgence in Serie A in recent weeks, moving up to second place, two points behind leaders Napoli.

And with a Champions League clash with Bayern Munich looming large, it would be easy for the Bianconeri squad to lose focus, something Allegri is determined will not happen.

He added: "We're still in the running on three fronts but haven't achieved anything. We must keep working and picking up points."

Juve made their first move in the January window on Tuesday, completing the signing of Rolando Mandragora from Genoa, although he will spend the remainder of the season on loan at Pescara.

"Mandragora is a talent and the club is operating well in this respect. He will remain with Pescara for the time being," said Allegri, who also touched on rumours linking Zaza with clubs in England and Germany.

"Zaza will not be leaving the club, he's staying with us," said the former AC Milan boss.

"Our goal is to improve both in attacking and defensive phases. And we must improve."

The winner of Wednesday's tie will face either Napoli or Inter in a two-legged semi-final, while the other last-four clash sees third-tier Alessandria take on AC Milan.

[Socrates 8524]

LAZIO - JUVENTUS

-

 
 

Coppa Italia TIM - Quarter-final
Wednesday, January 20th, 2016 - 8:45 PM
Olimpico Stadium, Rome
Referee: Antonio Damato

Juventus squad for Lazio

http://www.football-italia.net/78603/juventus-squad-lazio?

Jan 19, 2016

Juventus named their squad to face Lazio in the Coppa Italia tomorrow, missing Sami Khedira and Patrice Evra.

The quarter-final is a one-off game and kicks off at 20.45 CET - 19.45 GMT on Wednesday.

Max Allegri is without the injured Roberto Pereyra, Mario Lemina and Andrea Barzagli.

Evra and Khedira are rested for this match, while Norberto Neto should start in goal.


Juventus squad for Lazio:

Buffon, Chiellini, Caceres, Zaza, Marchisio, Morata, Pogba, Hernanes, Alex Sandro, Cuadrado, Mandzukic, Bonucci, Padoin, Dybala, Asamoah, Rugani, Neto, Lichtsteiner, Sturaro, Audero

[Socrates 8524]

LAZIO - JUVENTUS

-

 
 

Coppa Italia TIM - Quarter-final
Wednesday, January 20th, 2016 - 8:45 PM
Olimpico Stadium, Rome
Referee: Antonio Damato

Pioli: Lazio Cannot Afford To Make Mistakes Against Juventus

http://forzaitalianfootball.com/2016/01/pioli-lazio-cannot-afford-to-make-mistakes-against-juventus/?

Jan 19, 2016

Lazio coach Stefano Pioli expects a tough test for his side when they host Juventus at the Coppa Italia quarter-final stage although nobody is unbeatable.

The Biancocelesti are taking the cup seriously as it offers an alternative route to European qualification after a hitherto disappointing league campaign.

“Our goal is to play European football next season and this tournament provides another means with which to achieve this,” said Pioli to reporters.

“We want to do well in the cup even if our opponents are a tough side to beat.

“We are underdogs but no side is unbeatable. We understand that we can make very few errors because every moment in which we lose focus could be very costly.”

The Aquile coach went on to further discuss possible selections.

“Miroslav Klose’s impact has been important and you can see that,” Pioli added.

“We are improving all across the attack but I think there are still margins for further improvement.

“Felipe Anderson, Keita and Candreva could all play together. Anything is possible and we have a lot of options.”

The 50-year-old was also asked about how motivated he is by the possibility of getting revenge over Juventus after losing the 2014-15 Coppa Italia final to the Bianconeri.

“I don’t usually look to the past as I prefer the present and the future, we can’t change the games we played against Juve in recent years but we can learn a little something from each one,” Pioli went on.

“We wanted to beat them last season, we want to do it tomorrow and we are capable of doing it.”

[Socrates 8524]

LAZIO - JUVENTUS

-

 
 

Coppa Italia TIM - Quarter-final
Wednesday, January 20th, 2016 - 8:45 PM
Olimpico Stadium, Rome
Referee: Antonio Damato

Coppa: Lazio squad for Juventus

http://forzaitalianfootball.com/2016/01/pioli-lazio-cannot-afford-to-make-mistakes-against-juventus/?

Jan 19, 2016

Lazio named their squad for the Coppa Italia quarter-final with Juventus tomorrow.

It is a one-off fixture to be played at the Juventus Stadium in Turin on Wednesday evening.

Stefano Pioli’s injury list remains extensive, missing the likes of Federico Marchetti, Dusan Basta, Stefan de Vrij, Ricardo Kishna, Santiago Gentiletti and Ravel Morrison.

The Aquile could give January signing Milan Bisevac his debut in defence.

Keita Balde Diao is tipped to complete the trident attack with Antonio Candreva and Miroslav Klose, benching Felipe Anderson yet again.


Lazio squad for Juventus:

Berisha, Guerrieri, Matosevic; Biševac, Braafheid, Hoedt, Konko, Mauricio, Patric, Radu; Biglia, Candreva, Cataldi, Felipe Anderson, Lulic, Mauri, Milinkovic-Savic, Onazi, Parolo; Djordjevic, Keita, Klose, Matri

[Socrates 8524]

LAZIO - JUVENTUS

-

 
 

Coppa Italia TIM - Quarter-final
Wednesday, January 20th, 2016 - 8:45 PM
Olimpico Stadium, Rome
Referee: Antonio Damato

Lazio V Juventus – Preview:
The Coppa Italia Final Rematch

http://forzaitalianfootball.com/2016/01/lazio-v-juventus-preview-the-coppa-italia-final-rematch/?

Jan 19, 2016

Lazio host Juventus at the Stadio Olimpico in the Coppa Italia quarter finals on Wednesday night, in a rematch of last season’s final.

The Bianconeri have now won 11 consecutive games – 10 in Serie A and the Coppa Italia 4-0 thrashing of Torino – and seem currently unstoppable, having piled together 30 goals in this streak, only conceding 6.

Lazio in the meantime have won just three of their last 10 games, including the Coppa Italia fixture against Udinese, with impressive victories away to Inter and Fiorentina.

The last game between the two sides saw Juventus win 2-0 in the Olimpico thanks a goal by Paulo Dybala and a Santiago Gentiletti own goal. This season they also played each other in the Italian Supercup in August, with Juventus grasping the victory with goals by Mario Mandzukic and Dybala.
The last time they met in the Coppa Italia, though, was the final of last season’s edition, with the Bianconeri lifting the trophy thanks to an Alessandro Matri winner in extra time.

Matri now plays for the Biancocelesti, but will be on the bench on Wednesday night a Stefano Pioli will play with Filip Djordjevic as centre forward, with Miroslav Klose on the bench. New signing Milan Bisevac might start in defence, although Pioli is more likely to play his usual four. Felipe Anderson is set to start, alongside Sergej Milinkovic-Savic and Antonio Candreva, with Danilo Cataldi making a return in the middle next to captain Lucas Biglia.

Massimiliano Allegri, on the other hand, will deploy his usual 3-5-2 system but with some differences to his standard starting eleven. Norberto Neto should replace captain Gianluigi Buffon in goal, with Martin Caceres playing in centre right in defence instead of the injured Andrea Barzagli. Stefano Sturaro is set to start in midfield next to Claudio Marchisio and Paul Pogba. Juan Cuadrado is also set to start again on the right. Allegri will give playing time to Simone Zaza and Alvaro Morata up front instead of the usual Dybala and Mandzukic.


Recent form: Lazio (W-W-D-W-D) Juventus (W-W-W-W-W)


Expected Starting XIs

Lazio (4-2-3-1):
Berisha; Basta, Mauricio, Hoedt, Radu; Cataldi, Biglia; Felipe Anderson, Milinkovic-Savic, Candreva; Djordjevic.

Juventus (3-5-2):
Neto; Caceres, Bonucci, Chiellini; Cuadrado, Sturaro, Marchisio, Pogba, Evra; Zaza, Morata.

[Socrates 8524]

LAZIO - JUVENTUS

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Coppa Italia TIM - Quarter-final
Wednesday, January 20th, 2016 - 8:45 PM
Olimpico Stadium, Rome
Referee: Antonio Damato

Coppa: Inter end Napoli run

http://www.football-italia.net/78623/coppa-inter-end-napoli-run?

Jan 19, 2016

A Stevan Jovetic scorcher and Adem Ljajic gave Inter the 2-0 victory away to Napoli, setting up a Coppa Italia semi-final with Lazio or Juventus.

These sides were currently first and third in Serie A, but went head-to-head for a place in the semi-finals of the Coppa Italia against either Lazio or Juventus. When they met here in the League last month, the Partenopei won 2-1 and were saved by the woodwork in stoppages.

Samir Handanovic beat away a Dries Mertens curler and performed a one-handed save on Jose Callejon, while Geoffrey Kondogbia’s strike was charged down from the edge of the box after great work to set him up from Stevan Jovetic.

Handanovic flew to palm away a Manolo Gabbiadini volley from close range, but the ex-Sampdoria forward was caught offside anyway.

Mertens over-hit a return pass that would’ve sent Gabbiadini clear on goal and Handanovic smothered a scuffed Gabbiadini free kick.

Mertens, Callejon and Jovetic attempted from distance, but both teams remained uninspired and Gary Medel’s difficult volley was just over the bar.

Gonzalo Higuain was thrown on for the final 19 minutes, but it was Inter who broke the deadlock. Marek Hamsik gave the ball away to spark a counter and Jovetic curled a ferocious right-foot finish into the top corner.

Adem Ljajic hit the side-netting and Higuain nodded wide, while Handanovic had to use his legs to parry a Mertens snapshot and flap it away under pressure from Pipita.

Mertens went down in the box under a slight Joao Miranda challenge, but was booked for simulation and it proved his second yellow card.

As Napoli were pouring forward seeking an equaliser, Ljajic struck on the counter, firing past on-rushing Reina into an empty net. It was a tense finale, as Roberto Mancini was sent off for a scuffle with the Napoli bench.

Handanovic still had time to perform a stunning fingertip save on Higuain’s curler out from under the bar.


Napoli 0-2 Inter

Scorers: Jovetic 74 (I), Ljajic 92 (I)

Napoli: Reina; Hysaj, Chiriches, Koulibaly, Strinic; Allan (Hamsik 59), Valdifiori, David Lopez (Jorginho 66); Callejon, Gabbiadini (Higuain 72), Mertens

Inter: Handanovic; Nagatomo, Miranda, Juan Jesus, Telles; Medel (Melo 87), Kondogbia; Biabiany, Ljajic, Perisic (Palacio 73); Jovetic

Ref: Valeri

Sent off: Mertens 88 (N)

[Socrates 8524]

LAZIO - JUVENTUS

-

 
 

Coppa Italia TIM - Quarter-final
Wednesday, January 20th, 2016 - 8:45 PM
Olimpico Stadium, Rome
Referee: Antonio Damato

LAZIO VS JUVENTUS COPPA ITALIA PREVIEW

http://www.juvefc.com/lazio-vs-juventus-scouting-and-match-preview/?

Jan 20, 2016
 

Juventus

Juventus comes off arguably its best performance of the season in the Udinese game, where it sealed the deal in about half an hour. The simplicity of the match for bianconeri sparked one of the silliest narrative/complaint from fans of the other teams: Juventus gets points too easily with small teams, there must be something behind that.

There is definitely something behind that: Juventus are in excellent form, they have a winning formula and a winning mentality, they have built a distinct identity since the permanent move to 3-5-2, they have pretty much a consistent XI and they have so many weapons. Probably only Napoli share most of these traits and this is why they are the most credible Scudetto threat. But Juventus is much more deep, so that could give us an edge in the title race.

The Coppa Italia match presents some obvious difficulties: it is played on the road against an opponent that has usually been pretty good at home; it is hard to “get up” for matches where there is not too much on the line (Juventus won its 10th Coppa Italia last year ending a lengthy drought); the lineup could feature many bench players. The drop-off in quality should not be dramatic, but the chemistry might not be there.

Massimiliano Allegri said that he will field the best XI available, keeping an eye on the weekend match, the much anticipated Juventus-Roma. In other terms, many starters will rest and it will be a good chance to see what the others can do and how much they can contribute going forward.

Neto will get one of the few chances to start in a season where, thank goodness, Gianluigi Buffon has been injury free. Andrea Barzagli is not ready but he will be soon, while the statuses of Roberto Pereyra and Mario Lemina are more cloudy. One between Leonardo Bonucci and Giorgio Chiellini will rest and you could make a case for both. Bonucci basically plays every minute in every season and Daniele Rugani can easily replace him in the middle of the defence: some thinks that Rugani can even become a mistake-free version of Bonucci in a couple of years, anyway, more realistically, the youngster is destined to take the spot of the aging Barzagli at RCB. Considering his injury history, it is more likely that Chiellini will sit this one to avoid overusing him now that the schedule will get busier. Therefore the defensive line should be composed by Rugani, Bonucci and Martin Caceres, like in the final part of Udinese Juventus.

Juan Cuadrado would probably deserve some playing time, but his usual partner in crime on the other flank Patrice Evra has not been called up, we will see whether Allegri will turn to Alex Sandro, Simone Padoin or Kwadwo Asamoah. In order not to make the lineup too offensive, Stephen Lictsteiner could get the nod on the right, even though I would still go with Cuadrado-Sandro. The majority of the doubts lie in the midfielder: the coach said that Claudio Marchisio excludes Hernanes, which is not necessarily true because Claudio can play box-to-box too, so only one of the two will start. Sami Khedira has not been called up, so Stefano Sturaro will replace him. Paul Pogba was rested in the weekend and he should return in the lineup, even though I would not be opposed to a part-time use of him. The alternative would be Asamoah, who, however, has had a bunch of physical problems last year and it would be wise not to stress his body.

Alvaro Morata and Simone Zaza are the frontrunners to start in the attack, but I would not be surprised to see Mario Mandzukic out there, putting some minutes under his belt after a short absence because of a calf issue.


Probable lineup 3-5-2:

Neto; Rugani, Bonucci, Caceres; Cuadrado, Sturaro, Hernanes, Pogba, Sandro; Morata, Zaza.


Injuries:

Barzagli (calf), Pereyra (hamstring), Lemina (knee), Evra, Khedira.

Suspended:

None.


 

 Lazio

I am sure Stefano Pioli would like to field some bench players too, but they are so banged up that they do not have much of a choice. Moreover, because of their fall swoon, Lazio face an uphill battle to gain a Europa League spot, therefore Coppa Italia is a very real target for them.

They have been using 4-3-3 as of late. They will be without Federico Marchetti, Dusan Basta and Santiago Gentiletti because of hamstring injuries, Ricardo Kishna due to a recent knee procedure, Stefan De Vrij who underwent a big knee surgery in late 2015 and will likely miss the whole season and Ravel Morrison because of a nagging back ailment. They have recently recovered Senad Lulic who broke a couple of fingers in a weight room accident.

The return of the versatile Bosnian gives them some flexibility: they could switch to 3-4-3 with him as LWB and Stefan Radu as LCB. This will probably be an option as the game progresses rather than from the get-go. Considering the possibility of tactical change, Radu is likely to start at LB with Lulic coming off the bench. Lulic can play as central midfielder too.

Milan Bisevac could make his debut: even if he does not feature in this one, in the long run, the former Olympique Lyonnais defender will be a starter because Mauricio and Gentiletti are average at best and at least he adds some experience. Lucas Biglia and Sergej Milinkovic-Savic should start, with either Marco Parolo, Danilo Cataldi or Lulic completing the midfield.

Felipe Anderson has fallen behind Antonio Candreva and Balde Keita in the pecking order because of performance reasons, he could start in this one, but right now the other two wingers are the favourites. The battle to start at centre-forward between Alessandro Matri and Miroslav Klose is wide open, with Senad Djordjevic a little behind because he is the starter in the League games.

Lazio is an enigmatic team: in the last five games, they have drawn against Carpi and Sampdoria at home and Bologna on the road (where they were lucky to escape with a point after going down two-nil) and have defeated Inter and Fiorentina at San Siro and Artemio Franchi. Go figure. They do not strike me as a “big game” team, but they do have two pacey wingers who can take defenders on and make a lot of damage in the open field, so maybe that is why they have fared better against top teams that attack and might leave room for one-on-ones in the back rather than against small teams that sit back.


Probable lineup 4-3-3:

Berisha; Konko, Bisevac, Hoedt, Radu; Milinkovic-Savic, Biglia, Cataldi; Candreva, Klose, Keita.


Injuries:

Marchetti (hamstring), Gentiletti (hamstring), Basta (hamstring), Kishna (knee), De Vrij (knee).

Suspended:

None.

 

Formation

[Socrates 8524]

LAZIO - JUVENTUS

-

 
 

Coppa Italia TIM - Quarter-final
Wednesday, January 20th, 2016 - 8:45 PM
Olimpico Stadium, Rome
Referee: Antonio Damato

Betting Preview: Lazio v Juventus

Having seen off the Biancocelesti to lift a record 10th Coppa Italia trophy last season,
Al Hain-Cole is backing Allegri's men to come out on top yet again in Wednesday's rematch.

http://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/2995/betting/2016/01/20/19518282/-?

Jan 20, 2016
 
Last season’s runners-up Lazio will be out for revenge when they welcome holders Juventus to the Stadio Olimpico in Wednesday’s Coppa Italia clash.

Having lost out 2-1 after extra-time in the final back in May, Stefano Pioli’s men are available at 5/2 (3.50) with NetBet to gain vengeance with a victory in front of their own fans.

However, coming into this tie on the back of an 11-game winning streak in domestic competitions, the Bianconeri are 6/5 (2.20) favourites to make it through to the semi-finals by coming out on top in the capital.

With extra-time required after a deadlocked 90 minutes last time out, you can get odds of 21/10 (3.10) on the sides remaining all square after normal time once again.

Despite taking the lead within five minutes of kick-off during last season’s final, the Biancocelesti were unable to stop their opponents from securing their 10th Coppa Italia triumph – moving clear as the competition’s most successful club in the process.

While the fans will be hoping to see their team banish the memory of that defeat in their own back yard, recent history suggests that it is difficult to see this encounter going particularly differently.

In fact, that final was just the second time in seven meetings between the sides that the Romans were available to avoid defeat within regulation time, and they have already twice come away empty-handed from encounters since then.

Having won seven and lost one of the last nine fixtures against Lazio, Allegri’s in-form outfit are in excellent shape to maintain their dominance over a team that has only scored three times in those nine games.

With confidence high thanks to their lengthy winning streak, those 6/5 (2.20) odds are not to be ignored on Juventus emerging victorious once again against a Lazio team with just five wins to their name in the last 15 fixtures.

[Socrates 8524]

LAZIO - JUVENTUS

-

 
 

Coppa Italia TIM - Quarter-final
Wednesday, January 20th, 2016 - 8:45 PM
Olimpico Stadium, Rome
Referee: Antonio Damato

Allegri "The best team tonight"

http://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/2995/betting/2016/01/20/19518282/-?

Jan 20, 2016
 
Allegri said he was likely to freshen up his team for the cup clash in view of Sunday's Serie A match against Roma.

"I've got great faith in my side and will send out the best team in view of keeping the intensity high," he said.

"Paul Pogba has played every game since the start of the season, so I don't see what the problem is if he misses one. Asamoah did an excellent job as his replacement and he is fully available.

"If Hernanes plays, Marchisio doesn't. As for the defence, I'll have another look after training. I wouldn't say I'm rotating as such -- I have a very balanced squad."

[Socrates 8524]

LAZIO - JUVENTUS

-

 
 

Coppa Italia TIM - Quarter-final
Wednesday, January 20th, 2016 - 8:45 PM
Olimpico Stadium, Rome
Referee: Antonio Damato

Juventus go with Zaza-Morata?

http://www.football-italia.net/78659/juventus-go-zaza-morata?

Jan 20, 2016
 
Juventus are expected to field a front-two of Alvaro Morata and Simone Zaza against Lazio in tonight’s Coppa Italia Quarter-Final.

Tonight’s match sees a repeat of last year’s final, which the Bianconeri won 2-1 thanks to an extra-time goal from Alessandro Matri.

Both SportMediaset and Tuttosport expect Coach Massimiliano Allegri to stick with a 3-5-2 formation, with Zaza and Morata leading the line.

The tactician has already confirmed that Paul Pogba is likely be rested, so Hernanes, Stefano Sturaro and Claudio Marchisio should occupy the central midfield.

With Patrice Evra not included in the squad, Tuttosport expects Kwadwo Asamoah at left wing-back, while Mediaset believes Alex Sandro will be given the nod.

On the other flank, Stephan Lichtsteiner will be rested in favour of Juan Cuadrado or Simone Padoin, with Neto replacing Gigi Buffon in goal.

For Lazio, Miroslav Klose is expected to lead the line in favour of Matri, with Keita Balde Diao in on the flank rather than Felipe Anderson.


Probable formations:

Lazio: Berisha; Konko, Mauricio, Bisevac, Radu; Milinkovic-Savic, Biglia, Lulic; Candreva, Klose, Keita

Juventus: Neto; Rugani, Bonucci, Caceres; Padoin, Hernanes, Marchisio, Sturaro, Asamoah; Zaza, Morata

[Socrates 8524]

LAZIO - JUVENTUS

-

 
 

Coppa Italia TIM - Quarter-final
Wednesday, January 20th, 2016 - 8:45 PM
Olimpico Stadium, Rome
Referee: Antonio Damato

Line-ups: Lazio-Juventus

http://www.football-italia.net/78670/line-ups-lazio-juventus?

Jan 20, 2016
 
Last year’s Finalists face off again in the quarter-final, as Lazio and Juventus go head-to-head in Rome.

It kicks off at 20.45 CET - 19.45 GMT and will be decided tonight after 90 minutes, extra time or penalties.

The winner goes through to face Inter in the semi-finals, while the other semi is between Milan and Lega Pro fairy-tale side Alessandria.

Juventus won when these teams last clashed in the 2015 Coppa Italia Final and again in the Italian Super Cup in Shanghai.

The Bianconeri have won their last 10 Serie A games and it remains to be seen if they can maintain that stunning form in the Coppa as well.

Sami Khedira, Andrea Barzagli, Patrice Evra, Roberto Pereyra and Mario Lemina are unavailable, while the likes of Paulo Dybala, Mario Mandzukic and Gigi Buffon are rested.

It gives Simone Zaza and Alvaro Morata the chance to shine, but Hernanes, Daniele Rugani and Simone Padoin do not get expected starts, as Max Allegri keeps squad rotation to a minimum.

Lazio have a huge injury list to contend with, including Federico Marchetti, Ricardo Kishna, Santiago Gentiletti, Stefan de Vrij, Dusan Basta and Ravel Morrison.

The Aquile give new defender Milan Bisevac his debut in defence, with Keita Balde Diao and Miroslav Klose completing the attack.


Lazio: Berisha; Konko, Biśevac, Mauricio, Radu; Milinkovic-Savic, Biglia, Lulic; Candreva, Klose, Keita

Lazio bench: Guerrieri, Matosevic, Hoedt, Braafheid, Patric, Parolo, Onazi, Cataldi, Felipe Anderson, Mauri, Matri, Djordjevic


Juventus: Neto; Caceres, Bonucci, Chiellini; Lichtsteiner, Sturaro, Marchisio, Pogba, Alex Sandro; Zaza, Morata

Juventus bench: Buffon, Audero, Rugani, Padoin, Hernanes, Asamoah, Cuadrado, Mandzukic, Dybala

[Socrates 8524]

LAZIO - JUVENTUS

-

 
 

Coppa Italia TIM - Quarter-final
Wednesday, January 20th, 2016 - 8:45 PM
Olimpico Stadium, Rome
Referee: Antonio Damato

HT 0-0: Lazio keep Juve quiet

http://www.football-italia.net/78676/ht-lazio-keep-juve-quiet?

Jan 20, 2016
 
It’s still goalless at the break between Lazio and Juventus, as Paul Pogba and Keita Balde Diao had the best chances.

The winners will go on to face Inter in the Coppa Italia semi-final, but this was a replay of last year’s Final and the Italian Super Cup, both won by Juve. The Aquile were missing Federico Marchetti, Ricardo Kishna, Santiago Gentiletti, Stefan de Vrij, Dusan Basta and Ravel Morrison, but gave Milan Bisevac his debut in defence. The Bianconeri had Andrea Barzagli, Sami Khedira, Roberto Pereyra, Patrice Evra and Mario Lemina unavailable, but kept squad rotation to a minimum.

Keita Balde Diao had the first real chance after 12 minutes, bursting down the left only to fire just over from a tight angle.

Paul Pogba nodded over and Simone Zaza aimed a weak effort, but Etrit Berisha flew to beat away a Pogba strike. Alvaro Morata went down far too easily under a Bisevac challenge and the referee waved away timid penalty appeals.


Lazio 0-0 Juventus (Half-Time)

Lazio: Berisha; Konko, Biśevac, Mauricio, Radu; Milinkovic-Savic, Biglia, Lulic; Candreva, Klose, Keita

Juventus: Neto; Caceres, Bonucci, Chiellini; Lichtsteiner, Sturaro, Marchisio, Pogba, Alex Sandro; Zaza, Morata

Ref: Damato

[Socrates 8524]

LAZIO - JUVENTUS

0 - 1

Stephan Lichtsteiner (66')

 

Coppa Italia TIM - Quarter-final
Wednesday, January 20th, 2016 - 8:45 PM
Olimpico Stadium, Rome
Referee: Antonio Damato

Lazio 0-1 Juventus: Lichtsteiner
keeps Coppa defence on track

Max Allegri's side will return to the semi-finals of the competition they won
last season after recording their seventh win in a row thanks to the full-back's goal.

http://www.goal.com/en-gb/match/lazio-vs-juventus/2176654/report

Jan 20, 2016
 
Stephan Lichtsteiner's second-half goal put Juventus through to the Coppa Italia semi-finals at the expense of Lazio.

Lichtsteiner's strike against his former club sealed an 11th-straight win in domestic competitions for the holders, who overcame Lazio in last season's Coppa final to seal a domestic double.

Balde Keita missed a terrific early chance for Lazio, shooting over the crossbar from close range, and Simone Zaza should have put Juventus in front shortly after the break but found the side netting after Alvaro Morata had forced a save from Etrit Berisha.

Juventus took the lead on 65 minutes when Zaza's shot came back off the post and Lichtsteiner pounced despite Berisha's best efforts to prevent the ball from crossing the line.

Inter await Juve in a blockbuster semi-final after they defeated Napoli on Tuesday.

Massimiliano Allegri rested Paulo Dybala, Mario Mandzukic and Gianluigi Buffon, while Stefano Pioli handed a debut in defence to new signing Milan Bisevac.

Juve wing-back Lichtsteiner had the game's first effort on six minutes, but his long range strike was straight at Berisha.

The hosts should have been ahead after 12 minutes. Senad Lulic's pass freed Keita down the left but after advancing on goal he shot over from just eight yards.

Paul Pogba then crashed a header over the bar before Berisha denied Zaza at his near post.

Juve, flawless since their Champions League defeat to Sevilla, were pressing hard for the breakthrough and Berisha dived low to his left to keep out a fierce drive from Pogba on the half-hour mark.

Allegri's men then wasted a glorious chance to open the scoring on 51 minutes.

Zaza and Morata combined beautifully and when Berisha saved from the Spaniard, Zaza should have converted the rebound but somehow hit the side netting from four yards.

But Juve eventually did take the lead on 65 minutes. Zaza's curling effort beat Berisha but rebounded off the post to Lichtsteiner, whose low shot crept over the line despite the goalkeeper's last-ditch attempt to deny him.

Juve should have sealed their last-four place when Stefano Sturaro raced clear, but the midfielder dragged his shot wide.

Lazio struggled to create clear openings against a resilient Juve defence and the Serie A champions closed out a comfortable victory.

[Socrates 8524]

LAZIO - JUVENTUS

0 - 1

Stephan Lichtsteiner (66')

 

Coppa Italia TIM - Quarter-final
Wednesday, January 20th, 2016 - 8:45 PM
Olimpico Stadium, Rome
Referee: Antonio Damato

Coppa: Lichtsteiner conquers Lazio

Stephan Lichtsteiner got the winner against his former club, as Juventus
conquered Lazio and will face Inter in the Coppa Italia semi-final.

http://www.football-italia.net/78679/coppa-lichtsteiner-conquers-lazio?

Jan 20, 2016
 
This was a replay of last year’s Final and the Italian Super Cup, both won by Juve. The Aquile were missing Federico Marchetti, Ricardo Kishna, Santiago Gentiletti, Stefan de Vrij, Dusan Basta and Ravel Morrison, but gave Milan Bisevac his debut in defence. The Bianconeri had Andrea Barzagli, Sami Khedira, Roberto Pereyra, Patrice Evra and Mario Lemina unavailable, but kept squad rotation to a minimum.

Keita Balde Diao had the first real chance after 12 minutes, bursting down the left only to fire just over from a tight angle.

Paul Pogba nodded over and Simone Zaza aimed a weak effort, but Etrit Berisha flew to beat away a Pogba strike. Alvaro Morata went down far too easily under a Bisevac challenge and the referee waved away timid penalty appeals.

Juve missed a sitter after the restart, as first Berisha parried from Morata one-on-one using his legs, then on the rebound Zaza hit the side-netting of an open goal.

Pogba also nodded over the bar after Berisha mistimed his run on a free kick. Mauricio was stretchered off with a back injury.

Juventus found the breakthrough with an ex-Lazio player, as Zaza’s attempt thumped the upright and Stephan Lichtsteiner turned in the rebound. At first Berisha thought he had been able to save it, but the ball had already just about crossed the line.

Stefano Sturaro pulled wide on the counter and Zaza went round Berisha, but narrowed the angle too much and turned off target.

The game ended on an even more sour note for the hosts, as Lucas Biglia was stretchered off in the final minute with an ankle injury and left them down to 10 men.

Juve tried to add to their tally, as Paulo Dybala tested Berisha with his first touch and Mario Mandzukic also forced a save when clear on goal. Lazio went down to nine in stoppages, as Sergej Milinkovic-Savic accidentally blocked a clearance from point-blank range with his nose, and Dybala drilled inches wide.


Lazio 0-1 Juventus

Scorers: Lichtsteiner 66 (J)

Lazio: Berisha; Konko (Felipe Anderson 73), Biśevac, Mauricio (Hoedt 62), Radu; Milinkovic-Savic, Biglia, Lulic; Candreva, Klose (Matri 82), Keita

Juventus: Neto; Caceres, Bonucci, Chiellini; Lichtsteiner (Cuadrado 79), Sturaro, Marchisio, Pogba, Alex Sandro; Zaza (Dybala 90), Morata (Mandzukic 75)

Ref: Damato

[Socrates 8524]

LAZIO - JUVENTUS

0 - 1

Stephan Lichtsteiner (66')

 

Coppa Italia TIM - Quarter-final
Wednesday, January 20th, 2016 - 8:45 PM
Olimpico Stadium, Rome
Referee: Antonio Damato

Lazio 0-1 Juventus: Lichtsteiner Sends Bianconeri
Through To Coppa Italia Semi-Finals

http://forzaitalianfootball.com/2016/01/lazio-0-1-juventus-lichtsteiner-sends-bianconeri-through-to-coppa-italia-semi-finals/?

Jan 20, 2016
 
Juventus defeated Lazio 1-0 at the Stadio Olimpico on Wednesday evening in the Coppa Italia quarter-finals, setting up a final four clash with Inter.

Stephan Lichtsteiner scored the game’s only goal with the aid of goal-line technology.

The first attempt came after just four minutes when Lichtsteiner found space for a shot, curling into the arms of a grateful Etrit Berisha.

Just prior to the quarter-hour mark the home side finally conjured up a good chance. Keita Balde Diao was played in via a lobbed through-ball but elected to hammer a shot into the side netting instead of squaring to an open Antonio Candreva at the far post.

In the 25th minute Juventus finally found themselves back behind the Lazio defence only for Simone Zaza to fail to force Berisha into action.

The final moment of note came when Alvaro Morata burst into the box and appeared to have been pulled down but the referee rightly waved away the protests from the Spaniard.

It looked as though Zaza would bag the game’s opening goal, Morata forcing Berisha into a low save leaving the striker with the goal at his mercy, however he took the striker while off balance, resulting in a poor miss.

Zaza would play his part in the opener though after the hour, striking a shot against the post that fell to the former Lazio man in the shape of Lichtsteiner. The Swiss full-back managed to steer attempt on goal that Berisha clawed away but the goal was correctly awarded.

The Bianconeri should have doubled their lead moments later via Stefano Sturaro yet he rushed his chance and dragged the shot wide.

Paulo Dybala and Mario Mandzukic both had late chances to add a second, but Berisha stood strong to concede just one despite his side’s exit from the Italian cup.

[Socrates 8524]

LAZIO - JUVENTUS

0 - 1

Stephan Lichtsteiner (66')

 

Coppa Italia TIM - Quarter-final
Wednesday, January 20th, 2016 - 8:45 PM
Olimpico Stadium, Rome
Referee: Antonio Damato

Juventus through to Coppa Italia semi-finals

http://www.sportsmole.co.uk/football/lazio/coppa-italia/result/result-juventus-through-to-coppa-italia-semi-finals_264676.html

Jan 20, 2016
 
Juventus are through to the semi-finals of the Coppa Italia after Stephan Lichtsteiner found the only goal in a one-sided encounter with Lazio in Rome.

The home side had the first meaningful chance of the contest on 13 minutes when Sergej Milinkovic-Savic played a through-ball to Balde Keita, who made a good run to get inside Juve keeper Neto, only to fluff his lines at the crucial moment and send the ball over the crossbar.

Just minutes later Paul Pogba had the chance to break the deadlock for the hosts when he collected from Claudio Marchisio's free kick, but his header went over.

There was controversy on 23 minutes when Miroslav Klose played through to Antonio Candreva as he approached the box down the right, although he was wrongly flagged down for offside.

Pogba again came close when he collected from Simone Zaza and shot first time, but Etrit Berisha between the Lazio sticks was equal to his effort.

The visitors were left to rue an opportunity lost early in the second half when Zaza played through on the left to Alvaro Morata, who showed good pace before sending an effort into the hands of Berisha. Zaza was well-placed for the follow-up but could only send it into the side-netting.

Goal-line technology was required as the ball finally went into the net on 66 minutes amid a goalmouth scramble. Zaza's initial effort cannoned off the left post and fell to Lichtsteiner, who sent his follow-up an inch over the line before being palmed out.

Juve were in the ascendancy and had multiple chances to put the game to bed in the dying moments, with Zaza and Dybala combining to good effect, but could not find their way past an alert Berisha.

Massimiliano Allegri's men will now go on to face Inter Milan in the semi-finals next week.

[Socrates 8524]

LAZIO - JUVENTUS

0 - 1

Stephan Lichtsteiner (66')

 

Coppa Italia TIM - Quarter-final
Wednesday, January 20th, 2016 - 8:45 PM
Olimpico Stadium, Rome
Referee: Antonio Damato

Juventus beat Lazio with Lichtsteiner
goal, advance to Coppa Italia semis

http://www.espnfc.co.uk/italian-coppa-italia/match/439459/lazio-juventus/report

Jan 20, 2016
 
Stephan Lichtsteiner set up a Coppa Italia semifinal clash with Inter Milan as defending champions Juventus edged out Lazio 1-0 in Rome.

Defender Lichtsteiner came back to haunt his former club, striking the winner just past the hour as Juventus triumphed in a repeat of last year's final.

Simone Zaza fired against the post before Lichtsteiner turned in the rebound, with the solitary goal proving enough for victory.

Paul Pogba headed over early on, before Zaza failed to connect properly when well-positioned.

Alvaro Morata fluffed a one-on-one for Juventus after the break, only for Zaza to hit the side-netting from the rebound with the goal at his mercy.

Pogba wasted a second header as Juventus turned the screw, but just when the visitors were starting to sweat on the missed chances Lichtsteiner delivered.

The former Lazio defender's strike then allowed Juventus to ease home, with Inter lying in wait in the last four.

[Socrates 8524]

LAZIO - JUVENTUS

0 - 1

Stephan Lichtsteiner (66')

 

Coppa Italia TIM - Quarter-final
Wednesday, January 20th, 2016 - 8:45 PM
Olimpico Stadium, Rome
Referee: Antonio Damato

Player Ratings: Lazio 0-1 Juventus

Goal took in the action at the Olimpico, where a rematch of the 2015 final ended
in the same outcome, as the Bianconeri overcame the capital club by a one-goal margin.

http://www.goal.com/en/match/lazio-vs-juventus/2176654/ratings

Jan 20, 2016
 

Lazio

99 E. Berisha - Were it not for a collection of athletic saves from their goalkeeper, the scoreline would have been worse for Lazio.

29 A. Konko - Once or twice Juve freed runners down his side but he made up for it with some solid defending.

13 M. Biševac - Made a few important challenges and covered for his more lackadaisical teammates.

33 Mauricio - Was having a solid game until he overextended himself and succumbed to an injury.

26 Ş. Radu - Did a decent job defensively but offered little in the other half of the field.

21 S. Milinković-Savić - The youngster won his fair share of crucial headers and broke up sequences of Juventus possession.

20 L. Biglia - One or two telling passes but otherwise unable to stamp his influence on proceedings.

19 S. Lulić - Rather hit or miss in possession, failing to orchestrate many openings or prevent Juventus from doing the same.

87 A. Candreva - Hardly registered as an attacking threat, with his wing play curtailed by a lack of possession.

11 M. Klose - The striker was marked out of the game by Bonucci and the rest of the Juve backline.

14 B. Keita - Missed a great chance to open the scoring from close range but at least tried to make things happen.


Substitutes

2 W. Hoedt - Uninspiring in defence in his short spell on the field.

10 Felipe Anderson - Didn't offer the attacking threat off the bench that his coach might have hoped for.

17 A. Matri - A late cameo.


 

Juventus

25 Neto - Barely had a thing to do all game.

4 M. Cáceres - Barely let a single thing past him in what was a strong showing.

19 L. Bonucci - Did his job in a typically accomplished manner, snuffing out the threat of Klose.

3 G. Chiellini - A little late with a few of his challenges, one of which led to a yellow card.

26 Stephan Lichtsteiner - Came up with the winning goal by racing forward to lash in a rebound that just about crossed the line.

27 Stefano Sturaro - Cleaned up loose ends very effectively in the middle of the park and was efficient when distributing the ball.

8 C. Marchisio - A disciplined showing from the midfielder, who helped to protect the defence when needed but wasn't quite as effective in attack.

10 P. Pogba - Got on the end of a few chances but crashed a pair of headers over the bar and saw a long-range shot saved by Berisha.

12 Alex Sandro - Overlapped effectively once or twice and did not abandon his defensive responsibilities.

7 Simone Zaza - His play in attack was the most enterprising thing about Juventus's approach. It was his excellent shot that set the events of Lichtsteiner's goal in motion.

9 Álvaro Morata - His movement was effective but he went down rather bizarrely when put through on goal for one chance.


Substitutes

17 M. Mandžukić - Saw one great chance thwarted by Berisha.

16 J. Cuadrado - Effective in keeping the ball penned high up the right flank in the closing stages.

21 Paulo Dybala - Creative and elusive as ever off the bench.

[Socrates 8524]

LAZIO - JUVENTUS

0 - 1

Stephan Lichtsteiner (66')

 

Coppa Italia TIM - Quarter-final
Wednesday, January 20th, 2016 - 8:45 PM
Olimpico Stadium, Rome
Referee: Antonio Damato

Bonucci: 'Juve spit blood'

http://www.football-italia.net/78681/bonucci-juve-spit-blood?

Jan 20, 2016
 
Leonardo Bonucci said Juventus “must spit blood every time” after their 1-0 Coppa Italia win over Lazio, as they’ll face Inter in the semi-finals.

Stephan Lichtsteiner scored the decisive goal at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome this evening.

“We faced a good Lazio, but we put our character on to the pitch and played our game. It could’ve ended with a bigger scoreline, but the important thing was to win,” Bonucci told Rai Sport.

“Juventus have to win always, we must spit blood every time we step on to the pitch. In order to push to the end in all three tournaments, we need everyone to contribute.

“It’ll be a wonderful challenge to take on Inter in the semi-finals, but right now we have to focus on Serie A. Napoli are two points away and will cause us real problems, but we are there and want to fight to the end.”

[Socrates 8524]

LAZIO - JUVENTUS

0 - 1

Stephan Lichtsteiner (66')

 

Coppa Italia TIM - Quarter-final
Wednesday, January 20th, 2016 - 8:45 PM
Olimpico Stadium, Rome
Referee: Antonio Damato

Allegri: 'Juve don't rotate squad'

http://www.football-italia.net/78682/allegri-juve-dont-rotate-squad?

Jan 20, 2016
 
Max Allegri complimented Lazio for their Coppa Italia performance and insisted Juventus “did not rotate the squad.”

Stephan Lichtsteiner scored the only goal in the quarter-final at the Stadio Olimpico and set up a semi-final encounter with Inter.

“I have to compliment Lazio, as the first half was very balanced and they kept a high tempo,” the Coach told Rai Sport.

“Juventus lifted the tempo after the break, played a solid game and allowed not a single genuine shot on target, then we had several chances to finish it off.

“I compliment the lads, as this was in no way an easy match. I don’t like the term ‘squad rotation,’ as I have a very competitive team and it is always difficult to leave players out.

“Simone Zaza did well, Alvaro Morata improved in the second half and Martin Caceres worked very hard, which is important because we need him. To go forward in three competitions we need the entire squad to be in good physical and psychological shape.

“We must keep our feet on the ground and be aware we’ve achieved nothing yet.”

The semi-final is the only stage of the tournament to be played over two legs, though the dates of these fixtures are still to be decided.

“It will be a wonderful semi-final, you have to face the biggest clubs to reach the end, but right now we are focused on this weekend’s meeting with Roma.”

Allegri was asked about the incident from last night’s Coppa Italia match, which saw Inter boss Roberto Mancini accuse Napoli Coach Maurizio Sarri of using homophobic slurs in a touchline row.

“I daren’t judge what others do, especially as I say you need to find yourself in certain situations. I will say we managers ought to set an example with our behaviour, as we are the leaders of this team and even under moments of pressure and tension we should try to maintain our calm. It’s not easy, but we should calm the situation and not stir up further tension.”

[Socrates 8524]

LAZIO - JUVENTUS

0 - 1

Stephan Lichtsteiner (66')

 

Coppa Italia TIM - Quarter-final
Wednesday, January 20th, 2016 - 8:45 PM
Olimpico Stadium, Rome
Referee: Antonio Damato

Player Ratings: Lazio 0-1 Juventus

http://forzaitalianfootball.com/2016/01/player-ratings-lazio-0-1-juventus-2/?

Jan 20, 2016
 
Lazio were condemned to a 1-0 defeat to Juventus in the quarter-finals of the Coppa Italia at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome.

A single goal from former Lazio full-back Stefan Lichtsteiner was enough for the reigning champions to progress to the semi-finals where they will play Inter.

 

Lazio

Etrit Berisha – 6 – Shaky - Tested early on by Stefan Lichsteiner, but altogether comfortable for the Albanian. Did exceptionally well to prevent Alvaro Morata in the second half, but breathed a huge sigh of relief when Simone Zaza missed the follow up. Caught by surprise when Zaza’s shot cannoned off the post and into the path of Lichsteiner who made no mistake in the box.

Abdoulay Konko – 6 – Decent - Wasn’t able to get forward as regularly as he would have liked, booked in the second half for a foul on Alvaro Morata. Made way for Anderson shortly after.

Milan Bisevac – 6 – Rough - Looked suspect early on with some strong challenges, including one on Alvaro Morata in the penalty box.

Mauricio – 6.5- Unfortunate - Strong and uncompromising with his challenges and looked confident in his defensive duties, suffered an injury in the second half and was replaced by Hoedt.

Stefan Radu – 6.5 – Resolute - Looked a threat when he was able to cross the ball into the box or simply up the field.

Sergej Milinkovic-Savic – 7 – Dogged - Kept the midfield ticking over, moving the ball around and breaking up play when required. Covered a lot of ground and suffered a lot, overcoming a potential concussion when Stefano Sturaro blasted the ball into his face.

Lucas Biglia – 7 – Playmaker - Frequently found avenues to unlock the Juventus defence, but needed more from his attackers. Survived a late injury scare much to the relief of the fans.

Senad Lulic – 6 – Engine - Booked in the first half for bringing down Giorgio Chiellini unfairly, let down at times by his passing but put in a shift.

Antonio Candreva – 5.5 – Frustrated - Buoyed by his recent form, looked to have Alex Sandro on the ropes for periods of the game. Couldn’t fashion anything from the little possession he had.

Miroslav Klose – 5 – Isolated - Struggled to get any real service, cut a frustrated figured at times. Replaced by Matri in the dying minutes.

Balde Keita – 6 – Enigmatic - Missed a golden opportunity early in the game when he had space in front of goal, but sent his shot over the bar when he could have passed to Klose.


Substitutes

Wesley Hoedt – 6 (63 mins) – Good - Replaced the stricken Mauricio, slotting into the defence and looked as comfortable as the man he’d replaced.

Felipe Anderson – 6 (72 mins) – Ineffective - Brought on to find an equaliser for the hosts.

Alessandro Matri – N/A (82 mins)



 

Juventus

Neto – 7 – Faultless - Made no mistakes in the first half, nor indeed in the second. Had one or two aerial duels with Klose but came away the better of the two.

Martin Caceres – 6 – Fresh - The Uruguayan looked to make the most of his rare opportunity on the pitch, rarely looking troubled and appreciated the support of his fellow defenders.

Leonardo Bonucci – 7 – Positive - Tough and assured in his duties at the back, combined well with Chiellini as ever. Always looked to play the ball out the back.

Giorgio Chiellini – 6 – Clumsy - Yellow carded for bringing down Balde Keita when it looked like the winger had got past him. Had a great chance to give his side the lead but sent his header wide from a corner.

Stephan Lichtsteiner – 8 – Hero - Had the first attempt for the Bianconeri, but his effort from range could only sting the gloves of Etrit Berisha. Gave his side a surprise lead when he pounced on the rebound from Zaza. Made way for Cuadrado shortly after.

Stefano Sturaro – 6 – Average - All rough and tumble in the midfield, breaking up play and generally causing the Lazio players a problem. Missed a chance to put Juventus two ahead, miscuing his shot and sending it wide of the target.

Claudio Marchisio – 7 – Puppeteer - Pulled the strings for the visiting side, moving the ball around efficiently and finding the right pass through to the attackers.

Paul Pogba – 6 – Quiet - Rose highest to meet a free kick with his head, but couldn’t direct his effort on target. Handed another opportunity shortly after, but this time Ertit Berisha parried his curling short back into play. Not one of his best games in the black and white jersey.

Alex Sandro – 7 – Workhorse - Seemed to struggle with the speed and trickery of Antonio Candreva in the early passages of play. Covered a lot of ground and always looked a danger on the ball with his crossing ability.

Simone Zaza – 6 – Wayward - Got goal-side when the Lazio defenders switched off, but couldn’t get enough contact on the ball to trouble Etrit Berisha. Missed the chance of the game when he picked up the loose ball, but inexplicably sent his strike into the side netting with the goal gaping. Grateful to see Lichtsteiner put the visitors in front when his shot rebounded off the post. Yellow carded for taking too long to replace Dybala.

Alvaro Morata – 5 – Passenger - Bundled over in the penalty area rather easily in the first half by Milan Bisevac, the referee uninterested in his penalty appeals. Had a better chance in the second half, but could only hit Etrit Berisha with his shot. Replaced by Mandzukic late on.


Substitutes

Mario Mandzukic – 6 (76 mins) – Rusty - Came on with fifteen minutes to go for Morata. Had his shot saved in added on time by Berisha.

Juan Cuadrado (80 mins) – N/A

Paulo Dybala (90 mins) – N/A