Juventus Season 2015-2016

[Socrates 8524]

JUVENTUS - NAPOLI

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MATCHDAY 25
Saturday, February 13th, 2016 - 8:45 PM
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Daniele Orsato

Bilardo: 'Juve-Napoli like old days'

http://www.football-italia.net/79817/bilardo-juve-napoli-old-days

Feb 13, 2016
 
Ex-Argentina manager Carlos Bilardo said tonight’s Juventus-Napoli Scudetto battle “reminds of the old days” with Paulo Dybala and Gonzalo Higuain.

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

“This fight for the Scudetto reminds me of the old days, when I used to come to Italy regularly, as the majority of my Seleccion players were in Serie A,” said Bilardo, who took Argentina to second place in the 1990 World Cup, in the giornalaccio rosa dello Sport.

“From what I can see, I have to say Juve and Napoli are not in the top two because of a fluke. They thoroughly deserve to be there.

“I will watch Higuain and Dybala with pride, because they are Argentinean. They deserve the best, as they are formidable workers.

“They also present a big ‘problem’ for the current Seleccion manager, because there is an abundance of talent in attack.

“Higuain is untouchable. He had two difficult moments, things that happen for every great hitman, namely the errors in the first half against Germany in the World Cup Final and the missed penalty in the Copa America Final against Chile in 2015.

“If he had scored those two goals, he would’ve become a national hero. Napoli have given him something that so far he had been lacking – the chance to emerge as the team hero.

“He has always scored goals, but at Real Madrid there were more media-friendly characters than him.”

If Higuain has scored 24 goals in 24 Serie A games this season, then Dybala has also made a huge impact at Juventus.

“I’ve known Dybala since he trained with us in Ezeiza with the youth team. He is a shy lad, but very solid with a good family behind him.

“He played very little in Argentina and his football style is more that of Italy. We should be tracking him carefully for the Seleccion.”

 

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

[Socrates 8524]

JUVENTUS - NAPOLI

-

 
 

MATCHDAY 25
Saturday, February 13th, 2016 - 8:45 PM
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Daniele Orsato

Boban and Mauro on Juve-Napoli

http://www.football-italia.net/79824/boban-and-mauro-juve-napoli

Feb 13, 2016
 
Sky Sport Italia pundits Zvonimir Boban and Massimo Mauro gave their predictions for Juventus v Napoli.

It kicks off at 20.45 CET - 19.45 GMT.

“Napoli's wide men can hurt Juventus,” said Boban.

“Jose Callejon has finally got back to scoring consistently, then there's Lorenzo Insigne who can cause the most problems for the Bianconeri."

Former Juve midfielder Mauro looked at the reshuffled back line in the absence of Giorgio Chiellini and Martin Caceres.

“The Juve defence is an extraordinary unit, regardless of the individual quality within it. Since they rediscovered that solidity, Juventus have been winning again.

“In my view Andrea Barzagli is the living embodiment of the fact that when someone is trained by Antonio Conte, he improves. The same can be said of Leonardo Bonucci.”

 

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

[Socrates 8524]

JUVENTUS - NAPOLI

-

 
 

MATCHDAY 25
Saturday, February 13th, 2016 - 8:45 PM
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Daniele Orsato

Cannavaro: 'Napoli for the Scudetto'

http://www.football-italia.net/79825/cannavaro-napoli-scudetto?

Feb 13, 2016
 
Fabio Cannavaro believes “Napoli have a very good chance of winning the Scudetto” over Juventus.

It kicks off at 20.45 CET - 19.45 GMT.

“It is a special match,” the former defender told the Corriere dello Sport.

Cannavaro is a native Neapolitan, but played for both clubs in his career.

“I think at this time Napoli are truly very strong indeed. They are improving as time goes on, whereas Juve are losing a lot of players due to injury.

“Perhaps the Azzurri are also hungrier. Juve have the Champions League to prepare for and Napoli have to hope the Bianconeri beat Bayern Munich to stay in the competition.

“I think Napoli have a very good chance of winning the Scudetto. I say that as an observer and a bit as a fan too.”

 

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

[Socrates 8524]

JUVENTUS - NAPOLI

-

 
 

MATCHDAY 25
Saturday, February 13th, 2016 - 8:45 PM
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Daniele Orsato

Line-ups: Juventus-Napoli

http://www.football-italia.net/79827/line-ups-juventus-napoli

Feb 13, 2016
 
Juventus start Sami Khedira against Napoli’s traditional 4-3-3 formation in the ultimate Scudetto showdown.

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

There are only two points separating these sides at the top of the Serie A table, as the Partenopei have the chance to break away and Juve the opportunity to be leaders for the first time this season.

They are both on stunning form, Juventus winning 14 in a row and Napoli eight – both all-time club records – and it looks as if the title race is between these two giants.

Max Allegri is without injured Giorgio Chiellini, Mario Mandzukic, Kwadwo Asamoah, Martin Caceres and Mario Lemina.

Stefano Sturaro had been expected to start, but Khedira has made a remarkably quick recovery from a muscular injury and is thrown straight into the line-up.

It could be a risk considering Khedira’s history of muscular problems and the upcoming Champions League games with Bayern Munich.

Juan Cuadrado completes the side with Alvaro Morata and Paulo Dybala, but have Juve returned to four at the back or will Stephan Lichtsteiner be in the three with Cuadrado and Patrice Evra coming back to support them?

Napoli have a full squad to choose from, as only Alberto Grassi is missing after an injury on his first training session.

Maurizio Sarri has made it very clear what his first choice XI is and they line up in Turin this evening with Lorenzo Insigne, Jose Callejon, Marek Hamsik and Jorginho, who returns from suspension.

Napoli will be wearing their red away strips in Turin this evening.

Napoli have only seven top flight victories in Turin, 20 stalemates and 42 defeats, in which they scored 65 goals and conceded 123.

The most recent Napoli Serie A win here was 3-2 on October 31 2009, followed by a 2-2 draw in May 2011 and four consecutive defeats.


Juventus: Buffon; Lichtsteiner, Bonucci, Barzagli, Evra; Cuadrado, Khedira, Marchisio, Pogba; Morata, Dybala

Juventus bench: Neto, Rubinho, Rugani, Romagna, Alex Sandro, Padoin, Sturaro, Hernanes, Pereyra, Zaza, Favilli


Napoli: Reina; Hysaj, Albiol, Koulibaly, Ghoulam; Allan, Jorginho, Hamsik; Callejon, Higuain, Insigne

Napoli bench: Gabriel, Rafael, Strinic, Valdifiori, Maggio, Mertens, Regini, David Lopez, Chiriches, Gabbiadini, El Kaddouri, Chalobah

 

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

[Socrates 8524]

JUVENTUS - NAPOLI

-

 
 

MATCHDAY 25
Saturday, February 13th, 2016 - 8:45 PM
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Daniele Orsato

Khedira starts for Juventus against Napoli

The German midfielder has not played since January 31 but returns to the first-team
for their crucial Serie A match against Maurizio Sarri's table toppers.

http://www.goal.com/en/news/723/serie-a/2016/02/13/20319502/-?

Feb 13, 2016
 
Sami Khedira will start for Juventus in their top-of-the-table Serie A clash against Napoli on Saturday evening.

The two sides go head-to-head at Juventus Stadium in a crucial battle, with the visitors sitting two points clear of last season's champions at the top of the league.

And while German midfielder Khedira has not played since January 31 due to a muscle injury, he goes straight back into the starting XI for Saturday's match.

Stephan Lichtsteiner and Patrice Evra also return to the Juve first-team for the potential Scudetto decider, despite sitting out of their side's 2-0 win over Frosinone on Sunday.

Napoli boss Maurizio Sarri makes just one alteration to the team that lined up against Carpi last week, with Jorginho returning to midfield in place of Mirko Valdifiori.


Juventus: Buffon; Lichtsteiner, Barzagli, Bonucci, Evra; Cuadrado, Khedira, Marchisio, Pogba; Dybala, Morata.

Napoli: Reina; Hysaj, Albiol, Koulibaly, Ghoulam; Allan, Jorginho; Callejon, Hamsik, Insigne; Higuain.

 

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

[Socrates 8524]

Bayern lose Badstuber too

http://www.football-italia.net/79831/bayern-lose-badstuber-too?

Feb 13, 2016
 
Bayern Munich will be without Holger Badstuber against Juventus, as he’s ruled out for three months.

The defender sustained a fractured ankle during a training session.

It’s bad news for the Germans, who are also likely to be without Javi Martinez and Jerome Boateng.

On the other hand, Mehdi Benatia returned to training today after his injury problems.

Juve will face Bayern Munich in the Champions League Round of 16.

[Socrates 8524]

JUVENTUS - NAPOLI

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MATCHDAY 25
Saturday, February 13th, 2016 - 8:45 PM
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Daniele Orsato

Sacchi: 'Sumptuous Napoli'

http://www.football-italia.net/79832/sacchi-sumptuous-napoli

Feb 13, 2016
 
Arrigo Sacchi said “Napoli play the most beautiful football in Italy” and must keep that going against Juventus.

“It’s a big test for Napoli, as they are facing the form team on home turf, so a victory would be a huge sign of their maturity,” the legendary Coach told Mediaset Premium.

“Napoli have surprised everyone. Critics saw them fighting for fourth or fifth place, instead they are playing sumptuous football.

“Napoli have to realise that their life-raft is the style of football and they cannot let that go in such an important match.

“We can safely say that Napoli play the most beautiful football in Italy.”

 

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

[Socrates 8524]

JUVENTUS - NAPOLI

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MATCHDAY 25
Saturday, February 13th, 2016 - 8:45 PM
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Daniele Orsato

Marotta: 'Great ad for Serie A'

http://www.football-italia.net/79833/marotta-great-ad-serie?

Feb 13, 2016
 
Juventus director Beppe Marotta hopes the top of the table clash with Napoli is “a great advert for Serie A.”

“I hope above all that it is a great advert for Serie A. This game will be shown all over the world and I hope it’s entertaining,” the Bianconeri director told Mediaset Premium.

“In my view it won’t be decisive for the title other than as a test to overcome so we can get back on top of the table. The performance itself will also count for a lot and in terms of prestige a victory would do us good.”

Is the Scudetto race now purely between Juve and Napoli or could others break in?

“We saw our comeback when nobody believed that we could challenge. There are 13 rounds left and that means a lot of points are up for grabs. It’s not just an issue of nerve, but also of injuries and other factors.

“Serie A is a race done in stages, not like the Champions League. The best team wins in the end with good organisation. It’s difficult for me to say right now, but I believe there are still four or five sides who can challenge for the title.”

Marotta was also asked about reports Juve are targeting Edinson Cavani.

“He is still an excellent player who caused us all sorts of problems when he was at Napoli, but now he is at PSG and I cannot add any more, especially as we have talented players who will be the future of Juventus.”

 

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

[Socrates 8524]

JUVENTUS - NAPOLI

-

 
 

MATCHDAY 25
Saturday, February 13th, 2016 - 8:45 PM
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Daniele Orsato

HT 0-0: Napoli threaten Juventus

http://www.football-italia.net/79835/ht-napoli-threaten-juventus?

Feb 13, 2016
 
Gonzalo Higuain had the best chance of the first half, but Leo Bonucci’s acrobatic interception keeps Juventus and Napoli on level terms.

There were only two points separating second from first, as the Bianconeri were on 14 consecutive victories and the Partenopei had won their last eight. Juve adjusted to 4-4-2 after losing Giorgio Chiellini, Mario Mandzukic, Kwadwo Asamoah, Martin Caceres and Mario Lemina, but Sami Khedira recovered much quicker than expected from a muscular problem to start.

Napoli have only seven top flight victories in Turin, 20 stalemates and 42 defeats, in which they scored 65 goals and conceded 123. The most recent Napoli Serie A win here was 3-2 on October 31 2009, followed by a 2-2 draw in May 2011 and four consecutive defeats.

Juan Cuadrado fired straight at Pepe Reina, but there was a bizarre incident when Khedira collided with Leonardo Bonucci and left the defender hobbling badly.

Paul Pogba’s free kick whistled just past the far top corner, but Bonucci performed an absolutely extraordinary interception to stop Gonzalo Higuain nodding in from six yards. The Elseid Hysaj cross was whipped in from the right and he stuck out a long leg to somehow flick the ball off his diving header and avoid an own goal. On the resulting corner, Gigi Buffon parried Raul Albiol’s volley at the back post, but the defender was penalised for a shove on Andrea Barzagli.

Higuain came sliding in just unable to meet another Jose Callejon cross from the right, while Reina smothered a Claudio Marchisio shot after Cuadrado rode two tackles.


Juventus 0-0 Napoli (Half-Time)

Juventus: Buffon; Lichtsteiner, Bonucci, Barzagli, Evra; Cuadrado, Khedira, Marchisio, Pogba; Morata, Dybala

Napoli: Reina; Hysaj, Albiol, Koulibaly, Ghoulam; Allan, Jorginho, Hamsik; Callejon, Higuain, Insigne

Ref: Orsato

 

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

[Socrates 8524]

JUVENTUS - NAPOLI

1 - 0

Simone Zaza (88')
 
 

MATCHDAY 25
Saturday, February 13th, 2016 - 8:45 PM
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Daniele Orsato

Juventus 1-0 Napoli: Late Zaza
strike sends champions top

Massimiliano Allegri's men left it late to leapfrog Saturday's opponents
in the table and put themselves in pole position to claim a fifth consecutive Scudetto.

http://www.goal.com/en-gb/match/juventus-vs-napoli/2120622/report

Feb 13, 2016
 
Simone Zaza's late strike earned Juventus a dramatic 1-0 victory over Napoli in Turin that saw them go top of the table for the first time this season, extending the reigning champions' winning streak in Serie A to 15 games.

Massimiliano Allegri's men knew they would leapfrog their opponents with maximum points, but were unable to break down the Napoli defence right until Zaza netted in the 88th minute with what could be a crucial goal in the title race.

Substitute Zaza tried his luck with an opportunistic shot from outside the box and saw his attempt take a deflection off Raul Albiol to leave goalkeeper Pepe Reina unsighted.

Plenty of spectacle was expected with two of the league's most in-form attackers on the pitch in Gonzalo Higuain and Paulo Dybala, but neither managed to make the difference.

Higuain came close once before the break after a good cross from the right, only for Leonardo Bonucci to frustrate him with a sublime defensive action. Dybala, meanwhile, got arguably the best chance of the game prior to Zaza's winner, but fired his shot over the crossbar from a dangerous position.

The result means Juve also ended Napoli's eight-game winning league streak and go a point clear.

Juan Cuadrado first tested Reina after 14 minutes with an ambitious shot from a difficult angle, but the Napoli goalkeeper comfortably gathered the Colombian's attempt.

Juventus continued to dominate proceedings in the opening stages of the game and again threatened when Alvaro Morata earned a free-kick in a dangerous position, yet Paul Pogba's well-taken shot from 25 yards out went just wide.

Elseid Hysaj sent in a sublime cross for Higuain 10 minutes before the break, but Bonucci prevented the Argentine from heading home from close range with a superb interception.

Claudio Marchisio tried his luck with a powerful shot from the edge of the box shortly after, but Reina was alert and collected with ease as it remained scoreless at half-time.

Lorenzo Insigne nearly gave Napoli a dream start to the second half, dancing past three opponents before poking a shot toward goal from a narrow angle, but Gianluigi Buffon did well to deny the winger with a good save.

Dybala should have opened the scoring on the hour mark after some good work from Pogba, but the gifted attacker aimed too high from 15 yards out as the chance went begging.

Napoli always looked for Higuain in their attempts to open up the Juventus defence, but Andrea Barzagli and substitute Daniele Rugani did well to keep the prolific attacker quiet as he failed to score for the first time in seven league games.

Marek Hamsik tried his luck from long range as the game approached the closing stages, but his powerful shot went harmlessly over the bar.

The match seemed destined to end goalless, but Zaza had other ideas when he let fly with two minutes left.

 

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

[Socrates 8524]

JUVENTUS - NAPOLI

1 - 0

Simone Zaza (88')
 
 

MATCHDAY 25
Saturday, February 13th, 2016 - 8:45 PM
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Daniele Orsato

Zaza wins Scudetto showdown

Simone Zaza’s last-gasp deflected strike gave Juventus victory
over Napoli as the Turin giants leap to the top of the table.

http://www.football-italia.net/SerieA/match/70066

Feb 13, 2016
 
There were only two points separating second from first, as the Bianconeri were on 14 consecutive victories and the Partenopei had won their last eight. Juve adjusted to 4-4-2 after losing Giorgio Chiellini, Mario Mandzukic, Kwadwo Asamoah, Martin Caceres and Mario Lemina, but Sami Khedira recovered much quicker than expected from a muscular problem to start.

Napoli have only seven top flight victories in Turin, 20 stalemates and 42 defeats, in which they scored 65 goals and conceded 123. The most recent Napoli Serie A win here was 3-2 on October 31 2009, followed by a 2-2 draw in May 2011 and four consecutive defeats.

Juan Cuadrado fired straight at Pepe Reina, but there was a bizarre incident when Khedira collided with Leonardo Bonucci and left the defender hobbling badly.

Paul Pogba’s free kick whistled just past the far top corner, but Bonucci performed an absolutely extraordinary interception to stop Gonzalo Higuain nodding in from six yards. The Elseid Hysaj cross was whipped in from the right and he stuck out a long leg to somehow flick the ball off his diving header and avoid an own goal. On the resulting corner, Gigi Buffon parried Raul Albiol’s volley at the back post, but the defender was penalised for a shove on Andrea Barzagli.

Higuain came sliding in just unable to meet another Jose Callejon cross from the right, while Reina smothered a Claudio Marchisio shot after Cuadrado rode two tackles.

Straight after the restart Insigne dribbled between two players at the by-line and his toe-poke was denied by Buffon at the near post.

Khedira knocked back a corner at the by-line for Evra to balloon over, but that earlier knock to the knee forced Bonucci to come off. Daniele Rugani came off the bench against mentor Maurizio Sarri and the club that tried to sign him for €25m.

Pogba’s splendid first touch and control brought down a long ball and immediately set up Dybala, who should’ve done better when blasting just over from inside the box.

Marek Hamsik unleashed a screamer from distance that flashed just over the near top corner.

It had seemed to be heading for a stalemate until the penultimate minute, when substitute Simone Zaza hit a scorcher that took a slight deflection off Raul Albiol to lift it over a helpless Reina. The Bianconeri go top of the table for the first time all season with a 15th consecutive victory.

Manolo Gabbiadini scuffed a chance with his weaker right foot, but this result means Juve and Napoli are totally equal in terms of a head-to-head record.


Juventus: Buffon; Lichtsteiner, Bonucci (Rugani 52), Barzagli, Evra; Cuadrado, Khedira, Marchisio, Pogba; Morata (Zaza 58), Dybala (Alex Sandro 86)

Napoli: Reina; Hysaj, Albiol, Koulibaly, Ghoulam; Allan (Gabbiadini 90), Jorginho, Hamsik; Callejon, Higuain, Insigne (Mertens 77)

Ref: Orsato

 

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

[Socrates 8524]

JUVENTUS - NAPOLI

1 - 0

Simone Zaza (88')

MATCHDAY 25
Saturday, February 13th, 2016 - 8:45 PM
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Daniele Orsato

Juventus 1-0 Napoli: Zaza Gives
Bianconeri Scudetto Advantage

http://forzaitalianfootball.com/2016/02/juventus-1-0-napoli-zaza-gives-bianconeri-scudetto-advantage/?

Feb 13, 2016
 
Juventus beat Napoli 1-0 at the Juventus Stadium on Saturday night.

Though the first-half was played at fierce speed, it ended goalless with chances coming at a premium as both defences performed to the best of their ability.

After the interval, the game continued to be an enthralling yet tight affair as both teams struggled to break each other’s defences down, until Simone Zaza brilliantly opened the scoring in the 87th minute.

Despite the game starting at a roaring pace, it took until the 34th minute for either team to create a decent chance.

Elseid Hysaj drove forward and curled in a wonderful cross, which was poised to meet the head of Gonzalo Higuain, however Leonardo Bonucci made a superhuman intervention to stop an almost certain goal from the Argentinian forward.

From the resulting corner Raul Albiol floundered an excellent opportunity; the ball was viciously whipped into box and fell to the unmarked Spaniard who directed his effort goalwards.

Yet, the evergreen Gianluigi Buffon made an impossible save to deny the Partenopei the lead.

The Bianconeri started the second-half on top and should have scored when Claudio Marchisio crossed to back post, where Sami Khedira knocked the ball down to Patrice Evra, but the Frenchmen blasted the ball in row Z.

Paulo Dybala was next to miss an excellent chance. Paul Pogba faced up Hysaj before pulling the ball back to Dybala on the edge the penalty box, yet the usually composed Argentine curled his shot over the bar.

In 87th minute Zaza produced a moment of magic. After receiving the ball outside the penalty box he turned Kalidou Koulibaly, before smashing a shot which took a deflection to take it past Pepe Reina.

The result leaves Juventus in first place one point above their opponents Napoli in second.

 

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

[Socrates 8524]

JUVENTUS - NAPOLI

1 - 0

Simone Zaza (88')

MATCHDAY 25
Saturday, February 13th, 2016 - 8:45 PM
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Daniele Orsato

Juventus winning run continues
as they move top of Serie A

http://www.sportsmole.co.uk/football/juventus/result/result-zaza-fires-juventus-top-of-serie-a_266349.html

Feb 13, 2016
 
Defending champions Juventus have climbed to the top of the Serie A table for the first time this season courtesy of a 1-0 win over title rivals Napoli this evening.

Simone Zaza got the only goal of the game late on for the Old Lady to secure a 15th consecutive league victory from Massimiliano Allegri's men and see them leapfrog Napoli at the top of the pile.

A quiet opening 45 minutes saw little in the way of clear goalscoring chances for either side, with the best of the lot falling the way of Napoli 10 minutes before the interval.

A corner was swung into the box and found its way to Raul Albiol, who steered an effort goalwards, only for Gianluigi Buffon to make the save.

Buffon was called upon again in the very early stages of the second half when Lorenzo Insigne danced his way into the box before drilling a low effort towards the bottom corner that needed to be pushed away by the veteran keeper.

Juve's first real attacking threat didn't arrive until past the hour mark when Paulo Dybala unleashed a volley from inside the penalty area that flew narrowly over the crossbar.

Marek Hamsik then fired one just too high with 10 minutes of the match remaining, but the deadlock would finally be broken in the closing stages of the match.

It was the hosts who got the all-important goal with only two minutes of normal time remaining as Zaza collected the ball before firing a 25-yard effort past Pepe Reina in the Napoli goal.

The visitors had no time to respond in the dying embers of the game as their own eight-match winning streak in the league came to an end to see them slip to second.

 

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

[Socrates 8524]

JUVENTUS - NAPOLI

1 - 0

Simone Zaza (88')

MATCHDAY 25
Saturday, February 13th, 2016 - 8:45 PM
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Daniele Orsato

Zaza: 'It's Juve's title to lose'

http://www.football-italia.net/79838/zaza-its-juves-title-lose?

Feb 13, 2016
 
Simone Zaza feels “if Juventus continue like this, then nobody can take the Scudetto off us” after leapfrogging Napoli.

His late strike, with a deflection off Raul Albiol, proved decisive at the 88th minute in the head-to-head clash.

“We took on the Serie A leaders, now we are top of the table,” Zaza told Mediaset Premium and Sky Sport Italia.

“We have confidence for the Scudetto. It was a difficult match against a very strong side. I’m satisfied with our performance.

“Now we are the leaders, so it depends exclusively on us. I hope it’ll be a decisive goal for the tournament. The important thing is that it depends exclusively on us now.

“I was lucky with the goal and my teammates did so well struggling for the entire game to fight for every ball. I’ll remember this moment for a very long time.

“We knew Napoli could hurt us on the counter, so tried to limit their opportunities. It was hard work, but the objective as always for Juve was to win and we did it.

“Personally I am happy with what I’ve done this season, save for the red card in Genoa, but if we continue like this then nobody can take the Scudetto off us.

“As I’ve always said, my aim is to be at Euro 2016 and I hope to convince the Italy Coach to call me.”

 

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

[Socrates 8524]

JUVENTUS - NAPOLI

1 - 0

Simone Zaza (88')

MATCHDAY 25
Saturday, February 13th, 2016 - 8:45 PM
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Daniele Orsato

Simone Zaza scores late winner as
Juve edge ahead of Napoli in title race

http://www.espnfc.co.uk/italian-serie-a/match/432024/juventus-napoli/report

Feb 13, 2016
 
Simone Zaza's last-gasp goal fired Juventus to the top of the Serie A table at Napoli's expense.

The Azzurri arrived in Turin hoping to extend their two-point lead in the Scudetto race but the league's top scorer Gonzalo Higuain and his teammates failed to breach the reigning champions' defence.

Massimiliano Allegri's men toiled in their own pursuit of a goal until the 88th minute, when substitute Zaza earned a 15th straight win -- 1-0 on the night -- while ending Napoli's long run as leaders.

The southerners, who had won eight consecutive games before Saturday's encounter, must now hope Juve slip up at some point across the last 13 matches of the season.

Allegri took a calculated risk by playing three at the back while Napoli boss Maurizio Sarri fielded a formation familiar to fans who had witnessed an eight-game winning streak on the road to Turin.

Juve's ambitious approach meant they enjoyed the best of the early running with Juan Cuadrado testing Jose Reina's reflexes and Paul Pogba fizzing a free-kick just over the visitors' crossbar.

When Napoli did decide to turn up following the half-hour mark the game really sparked into life and there might well have been several goals scored before the break.

Leonardo Bonucci made a fantastic interception as Elseid Hysaj's cross sailed towards the onrushing Higuain and Gianluigi Buffon was soon repelling Raul Albiol's header at close quarters.

After Higuain came up just short on a searing pass into the box from Jose Callejon it was time for Juve to react.

Cuadrado accepted the challenge and skipped past three defenders before touching inside for Claudio Marchisio, who could only flick the ball into Reina's gloves.

The former Liverpool goalkeeper then controlled Pogba's long-range effort to call time on the first half.

Napoli almost opened the scoring in the moments following the restart. Lorenzo Insigne's movement caused chaos in the Bianconeri box but Buffon was ready to pounce when he finally pulled the trigger.

Patrice Evra fancied becoming Juve's unlikely hero and got into a good position to turn Sami Khedira's pass home at the far post -- instead, he blasted well over.

The Bianconeri came much closer shortly after the hour with Pogba setting up Paulo Dybala for a fierce shot on the turn that shaved paint off the bar.

Napoli kept their cool under increasing pressure, however, and their dominance in midfield allowed Marek Hamsik to unleash a swerving shot that whipped over Buffon's head and out.

As time ticked away it looked as if the title rivals might have managed to cancel each other out.

To Napoli's dismay, that was not to be the case.

With two minutes left, substitute Zaza, on for Alvaro Morata midway through the second half, propelled Juve to the top of the table with a stunning left-footed finish that Reina could not reach.

 

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

[Socrates 8524]

JUVENTUS - NAPOLI

1 - 0

Simone Zaza (88')
 
 

MATCHDAY 25
Saturday, February 13th, 2016 - 8:45 PM
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Daniele Orsato

RATINGS Juventus 1-0 Napoli

http://www.goal.com/en/match/juventus-vs-napoli/2120622/ratings

Feb 13, 2016
 

Juventus

1 G. Buffon - Hardly had a meaningful save to make after he parried an Albiol header in the first half.

26 S. Lichtsteiner - Solid defending but not much to offer in the way of attacking support.

19 L. Bonucci - A vital touch took a cross off the head of Higuain, but he didn't last long in the second half after an earlier collision with Khedira.

15 A. Barzagli - Repelled everything Napoli threw his way, and seemed to grow in stature to compensate for Bonucci's departure.

33 P. Evra - Did a good job to lock down the left flank, and picked his moments to support the attack intelligently.

16 J. Cuadrado - His dribbling forced Napoli to cough up a number of free-kicks, and he was also an asset protecting the full-back.

6 S. Khedira - Matched Napoli stride for stride in the midfield, and was a key cog in the central battle.

8 C. Marchisio - A few long-range tries were disappointing, but he made up for it with relentless effort and teamwork in the centre of the park.

10 P. Pogba - Often snatched at his chances from long range, and found it tough to evade the attention of Allan.

9 Álvaro Morata - Isolated from the rest of play far too often in this game, and was hauled off in the second half.

21 P. Dybala - Began to look a little more poised on the ball in the second half, but lashed a great chance over from inside the area.


Substitutes

24 D. Rugani - Slotted in seamlessly for the injured Bonucci in defence.

7 S. Zaza - Hammered a 20-yarder on goal that took a slight deflection but still ended up winning the points, and the Serie A lead for his side.

12 Alex Sandro - Not enough time to make his mark.


 

Napoli

25 Pepe Reina - Might have done better with Zaza's winner, but there was, admittedly, a slight deflection to consider.

2 E. Hysaj - Along with the rest of the back four, he put together an accomplished showing.

33 Albiol - Didn't do much wrong out on the field, reading the game well.

26 K. Koulibaly - Showed a lot of energy on and off the ball, running the Juve attackers out of dangerous areas.

31 F. Ghoulam - Had a little trouble out wide initially, but recovered to finish the game well.

5 Allan - Broke up a number of attacks with his tackling, and helped solidify the midfield.

8 Jorginho - His passing wasn't up to scratch, but he did not neglect his defensive duties for a second.

17 M. Hamšík - Did not offer enough in an attacking sense as he struggled to break down the opposition.

7 José Callejón - Hoisted in a pair of great crosses, but otherwise, he wasn't much of a factor out wide.

9 G. Higuaín - Made a few threatening runs, but overall, he was denied space and was well marked.

24 L. Insigne - Ran down a few dead ends and generally did not trouble Juventus enough down his side.


Substitutes

14 D. Mertens - Offered little threat in attacking midfield.

23 M. Gabbiadini - Smashed a desperate attempt well over the bar late on.

 

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

[Socrates 8524]

JUVENTUS - NAPOLI

1 - 0

Simone Zaza (88')

MATCHDAY 25
Saturday, February 13th, 2016 - 8:45 PM
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Daniele Orsato

Player Ratings: Juventus 1-0 Napoli

http://forzaitalianfootball.com/2016/02/player-ratings-juventus-1-0-napoli/?

Feb 13, 2016

Juventus defeated Napoli 1-0 at the Juventus Stadium in their Saturday evening Serie A fixture.

The Bianconeri huffed and puffed and yet couldn’t beat a resilient Azzurri defence in the first half, but had greater luck in the second half when Simone Zaza finally beat Pepe Reina in the second half.

 

Juventus

Gianluigi Buffon – 6.5 – Unfazed - Called on to make a heroic save to deny Raul Albiol, even if the Spaniard was offside. Tested early in the second half when Lorenzo Insigne shot from a tight angle.

Stefan Lichtsteiner – 6.5 – Conservative - An abrasive display from the Swiss international, putting in a shift on the wing but didn’t involve himself as much in attack; paying closer attention to his defensive duties. Had no complaints over his role marking Lorenzo Insigne.

Leonardo Bonucci – 6 – Unfortunate - Involved in a collision with Sami Khedira that saw him floored briefly, made a crucial interception to deny Gonzalo Higuain scoring a tap in. Picked up a knock in the second half and had to leave the field, with Daniele Rugani replacing him.

Andrea Barzagli – 6.5 – Rock - Covered the injured Giorgio Chiellini admirably, kept Gonzalo Higuain quiet and limited any Napoli possession in their own half. Marshaled the young Rugani when he entered the field, sharing the burden of thwarting the Napoli strikers.

Patrice Evra – 6 – Competent - Struggled initially with the speed and trickery of Jose Callejon, but seemed to settle. Had a shot in the box in the second half but sent it skyward.

Juan Cuadrado – 6 – Wiley - Engaged in an early tussle with Kalidou Koulibaly, moved more centrally when attacks broke down to good effect. Faded as the game advanced and struggled with the stamina of Faouzi Ghoulam.

Sami Khedira – 6 – Average - The surprise inclusion performed well in breaking up play, tried to create passages of attack with balls over the top. A decent showing for the German on his return to the starting-eleven, but could have had more of an impact in the attacking phases.

Claudio Marchisio – 6 – Reserved - Thought he may have wrong-footed Pepe Reina in the Napoli goal, but the Spaniard dived on his deflected effort. Picked up a booking late on.

Paul Pogba – 6.5 – Enigmatic - Came close with a curling effort from a free kick, only narrowly missing. Picked out Dybala brilliantly but the Argentine sent his shot over the bar. Booked for a late challenge on Jose Callejon.

Alvaro Morata – 5.5 – Disinterested - Saw precious little of the ball and appeared wasteful in the brief periods he had the ball. Replaced in the second-half by Zaza.

Paulo Dybala – 5.5 – Wasteful - Not one of the mercurial displays that have dominated the Argentinian’s season, had his first clear sight of goal in the second half but couldn’t direct his finish on target. Withdrawn to allow Alex Sandro a late cameo appearance.


Substitutes

Daniele Rugani – 6 – Undeterred - Replaced the stricken Bonucci in the second half, stayed close to Gonzalo Higuain and was mindful of his movement.

Simone Zaza – 7 – Hero - Took the place of Morata up front, brought an enthusiasm and physicality to the game. Came to the rescue for the Old Lady when his shot from distance deflected off Raul Albiol and beyond Pepe Reina.

Alex Sandro – N/A - Late cameo for the Brazilian in the place of Dybala. Credited with the assist for Zaza when he won the ball in the midfield.


 

Napoli

Pepe Reina – 6 – Shocked - Made a smart save to deny Marchisio after the midfielder had his shot deflected, but was blown away by the strike from Zaza in the second half; the ball taking a slight deflection on it’s way.

Elseid Hysaj – 6 – Dangerous - Thought he’d created the first goal for the visitors, but saw Bonucci toe his cross away from Higuain.

Raul Albiol – 6 – Wary - Thought he may have put his side in front, but saw his effort saved from the corner; the official then flagging for offside. Created some distance between himself and the Juventus strikers, allowing time to anticipate their movements. Unfortunate to have the ball deflect off him when Simone Zaza opened the score.

Kalidou Koulibaly – 6.5 – Brash - Had a great early surge into the Juventus half, but ran out of steam in the penalty area. Kept both Alvaro Morata and Paulo Dybala away from the penalty area for prolonged periods of the game. Booked for a late challenge on Juan Cuadrado.

Faouzi Ghoulam – 6.5 – Prepared - The Algerian had been prepped for a one-on-one dual for Juan Cuadrado and seemed to benefit, keeping the Colombian reasonably quiet and forcing him to go central.

Allan – 6.5 – Enforcer - Carried his side with important challenges and clever passing, had a few shots but saw them closed down by the Juventus defenders. Brought off for Manolo Gabbiadini when they went a goal down.

Jorginho – 6.5 – Playmaker - Moved the ball around efficiently, trying to break down the defenders with balls over the top. Always ready to recycle possession and restart the attack instantly.

Marek Hamsik – 6.5 – Spirited - Dropped deep to receive the ball and launch an attack with a precise pass, didn’t have the impact he was hoping to make. Tried time and time again to drive his side forward. Had a strike from distance that had Buffon beaten, but it sailed over.

Jose Callejon – 6 – Tricky - Quick and agile on the wing, giving Patrice Evra a few problems, picked up a booking for striking Evra as the two both ran for the ball.

Gonzalo Higuain – 5.5 – Isolated - Had two efforts pass him by in the first half, firstly when Bonucci poked away the cross from Hysaj and then couldn’t stretch himself to meet the ball from Callejon. A frustrating game for the league’s top scorer.

Lorenzo Insigne – 5.5 – Ineffective - Early opportunity in the second half, shooting from a tight angle but Gianluigi Buffon beat it away. Tried desperately to pick out his strike partner Higuain, but the Juventus defenders anticipated his passes. Made way for Mertens in the second half.


Substitutes

Dries Mertens – 6 – Rusty - Replaced Insigne with 15 minutes to go, didn’t really get going and added little more than the Italian managed during his time on the pitch.

Manolo Gabbiadini – N/A - Brought on having gone a goal down.

 

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

[Socrates 8524]

JUVENTUS - NAPOLI

1 - 0

Simone Zaza (88')

MATCHDAY 25
Saturday, February 13th, 2016 - 8:45 PM
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Daniele Orsato

Allegri: 'Very tactical match'

http://www.football-italia.net/79839/allegri-very-tactical-match?

Feb 13, 2016

Max Allegri hailed Juventus for their “patience” to beat Napoli at the end of “a very tactical match” and become leaders.

The 1-0 result was decided at the 88th minute by a sudden Simone Zaza snapshot.

“It was a very tactical match,” the Bianconeri boss told Sky Sport Italia.

“We have this objective in our sights. It’ll be very difficult, as there are 13 games to go and Napoli again proved themselves to be a very good side both individually and as a unit.

“It was a balanced encounter and only a moment could change it. I compliment the lads for their performance and their patience.

“We needed this attitude and tempo, because the likes of Higuain, Callejon, Insigne, Allan and Hamsik can cause huge problems if they run into space. The lads did really well to block off the spaces between the lines.

“Apart from that chance in the first half stopped by Leonardo Bonucci’s intervention, we allowed Napoli very little.

“We had to go back to playing four at the back tonight and it’s a good sign, as it means we can play with this system and have guarantees.

“It was a sort of lopsided 4-4-2, as we don’t have a winger on the left and used Paul Pogba there.”

Juventus have notched up 15 consecutive victories, a new club record and just two off the all-time Serie A best of 17 set by Inter.

Allegri’s decisions proved decisive, as Zaza came off the bench to score.

“At that time I made the tactical change so we had Alex Sandro going one-on-one against the Napoli full-back. I knew only an incident could shake up the balance of the match and Zaza provided it.

“It was a tactical game and Napoli used up a lot of energy, as Insigne and Callejon were practically wingers and therefore had to run 50 metres on every counter to reach the goal.

“We could’ve done a little better in possession, but we played with great authority.”

It’s a remarkable situation considering Juventus had their worst ever Serie A start to a season.

“Nothing happens by chance. We started with seven or eight new players, had some injuries and other unfavourable situations, but once we found our shape and organisation we improved both as individuals and a unit.

“The so-called oldies went back to leading the way and everything went well. I always tell the players we can’t have just one system and that situations change during a game, so we must we quick to read those situations and adjust.

“Daniele Rugani did very well coming off the bench in a difficult situation. Andrea Barzagli had an extraordinary match, as did Bonucci until he got that knock.

“We do need more patience and to improve in possession, as especially in the Champions League with Bayern Munich we will need a lot of patience and hard work.”

 

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

[Socrates 8524]

JUVENTUS - NAPOLI

1 - 0

Simone Zaza (88')
 
 

MATCHDAY 25
Saturday, February 13th, 2016 - 8:45 PM
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Daniele Orsato

Old Lady luck: Zaza and Juve strike
a massive blow in Serie A title race

Max Allegri's side made it 15 wins in a row with a fortuitous late strike to help see off Napoli
and propelled the champions to the top of the table for the first time this season.

http://www.goal.com/en/news/723/serie-a/2016/02/13/20324972/-?

Feb 13, 2016
 
If picking up victories when not playing particularly well is the hallmark of champions, Juventus showed why they have won the last four Serie A titles on Saturday evening.

This was not quite a standalone play-off to decide the destination of this year’s Scudetto, but the Bianconeri’s clash with Napoli on Saturday evening was always going to be a pivotal moment in the championship race.

For much of the encounter, it seemed as if Mauricio Sarri’s league leaders would leave Turin with the point they needed to stay on top of the pile as the business end of the campaign approaches.

Max Allegri’s charges simply do not know when they are beaten, however. A 15th consecutive league triumph was secured by Simone Zaza’s late strike, a goal that could prove to be one of the most important to have ever been scored at the Juventus Stadium.

On the balance of play, they probably did not deserve it.

On spirit, character and resilience, though, it is difficult to deny this Juventus side anything.

While such feats are precisely what fans of Italian football have come to expect from the champions, this was far from a foregone conclusion. Things could certainly have been different had Napoli had more of a cutting edge to their positive all-round play.

The visitors certainly began the game the brighter of the two teams, midfield trio Allan, Jorginho and Marek Hamsik helping Napoli to dominate possession in the early stages.

Jose Callejon and Lorenzo Insigne showed flashes of quality out on the flanks, while Gonzalo Higuain – scorer of 24 goals in his previous 24 Serie A appearances – looked typically dangerous with his movement in behind.

Unsurprisingly, the game’s first clear-cut chance fell to the Argentina international, even if he was unable to get a touch on the ball.

Elseid Hysaj, the marauding right-back who is enjoying an excellent campaign, whipped in a dangerous cross towards Higuain, who was just beaten to the ball by the outstretched toe of Leonardo Bonucci.

It was a goal-saving intervention from the Juventus centre-back, who had lost the Napoli No.9 in the build-up but recovered his position just in time.

Gianluigi Buffon may not have had a save to make in the first period, but the hosts did not really threaten at the other end either.

An injury to Giorgio Chiellini had forced Allegri to switch from a 3-5-2 to 4-4-2 formation for the biggest game of Juve’s season, and the effects of the change on his players were clear.

Paul Pogba was isolated and often ineffective out on the left, while full-backs Patrice Evra and Stephan Lichtsteiner were forced to play more conservative roles than usual.

Sami Khedira struggled to exert his authority in the middle of the park, and Napoli seemed the more likely to grab a winning goal as the clock ticked away.

Allegri has developed a reputation as one of the best tacticians and in-game managers around, however, and it was his decision to replace Alvaro Morata with Simone Zaza that ultimately swung the match in Juventus’ favour.

Zaza provided more urgency and aggression at the top of the pitch, with his pressing and running lifting both his team-mates and the home crowd.

Even more importantly, it was he who produced the decisive moment of quality in the 87th minute, collecting Evra’s pass, turning Kalidou Koulibaly and rifling a left-footed effort into the top corner of the net. The shot may have been aided by a slight deflection, but Juventus supporters celebrating their side’s return to the top of the table will not care a jot.

Allegri’s men have turned in better performances this term and will do so again in the coming months.

The bottom line is that Juventus found a way to win at a crucial moment in their season.

It is the hallmark of champions.

 

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

[Socrates 8524]

JUVENTUS - NAPOLI

1 - 0

Simone Zaza (88')

MATCHDAY 25
Saturday, February 13th, 2016 - 8:45 PM
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Daniele Orsato

Insigne: 'Napoli showed character'

http://www.football-italia.net/79840/insigne-napoli-showed-character?

Feb 13, 2016

Lorenzo Insigne is sure “Napoli did not lack character, as we imposed our style” on Juventus in Turin, despite the defeat.

Simone Zaza’s last-gasp goal gave Juve the 1-0 victory and allowed them to leapfrog the Partenopei at the top of the table.

“We did not lack character, as we came here in a stadium packed with Juventus fans on their own turf and played our football, imposing our style on the game,” he told Sky Sport Italia.

“We did well here and only lacked a goal. Because of Juve’s approach, I had to sacrifice myself in defence, as I couldn’t leave Faouzi Ghoulam alone against two.

“We need to stay calm, because they are only one point above and we have to focus on ourselves. We’ll see where we are at the end.

“I am sure the fans are feeling bad, as losing to Juve and losing the leadership is painful. I ask them to stand by us the way they always have done.

“We have to keep our feet on the ground and work hard, as there’s a long way to go.”

 

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

[Socrates 8524]

JUVENTUS - NAPOLI

1 - 0

Simone Zaza (88')

MATCHDAY 25
Saturday, February 13th, 2016 - 8:45 PM
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Daniele Orsato

Juventus 1 - Napoli 0: Initial
reaction and random observations

Super-sub Simone Zaza struck again. It's a beautiful thing.

http://www.blackwhitereadallover.com/2016/2/13/10986812/juventus-napoli-2016-serie-a-round-25-final-score-result-initial-reaction

Feb 13, 2016

If Mario Mandzukic is healthy and in the starting lineup, who knows if Simone Zaza even sees the field on Saturday night against Napoli. But because of the current injury situation that faces manager Max Allegri, if he were to turn to a striker off the bench, then it was going to be Zaza and Zaza only.

And, boy oh boy, did he take advantage of the chance to play.

Just when it looked like Juventus-Napoli might be headed toward a scoreless draw as Allegri subbed off Paulo Dybala, Zaza had the answer to break the deadlock between the top two clubs Serie A has to offer. The 24-year-old Italian dropped a left-footed hammer on Napoli's defense, rocketing a shot into the side netting at the far post on 87 minutes and giving Juventus the late 1-0 lead that it looked like they might not ever get.

That Álvaro Morata for Zaza swap Allegri pulled early in the second half certainly did the trick, didn't it?

We don't have to say that Juve will only be in first place for a couple of hours before Napoli play again. None of that. For the first time all season, Juventus are more than just temporary leaders as we await a Napoli result. Nope. Juventus, thanks to their 15th (!!!!) consecutive victory, the team setting the pace in Serie A.

Eleven points back in October, Serie A leaders on the second Saturday in February. No matter what you think and how much patience we preached, that's truly remarkable.

Squawka Football ✔ @Squawka
Juventus' last 15 games in Serie A:

WWWWWWWWWWWWWWW

Goals: 35
Conceded: 6
Clean sheets: 10

Top of the league!


Squawka Football ✔ @Squawka
Juventus league position on 28th October: 12th - 10 games, 12 points.

Juventus league position on 13th February: 1st - 25 games, 57 points.

It's a beautiful thing, man. It's a truly beautiful thing.

One winning streak ends, another one keeps going. It wasn't necessarily pretty at times. Napoli were arguably the better team on the night. But Juventus did something a lot of teams haven't done against Napoli — shut them out. The best attack Serie A has to offer was silenced for the first time since their scoreless draw against Roma back in the middle of December. Good thing Juve has the best defense in the league. Sure does come in handy, doesn't it?

This thing isn't over by any means. As Allegri pointed out during his pre-match press conference, there's still 39 points to be had after Saturday's game. But, man, it feels pretty good to looking down on everybody rather looking up at one single club like has been the case for the past couple of weeks.

Like Allegri said around this time last season, there's just something about 1-0 wins...


Random thoughts and observations

Give Andrea Barzagli his contract extension right now. Seriously, give him one before he's walking out of Juventus Stadium as he calls it a night. He was fantastic not only marking Gonzalo Higuain, but directing the Juventus defense after Leonardo Bonucci had to be subbed out in the second half due to injury.

Whether you call him 'Wallzagli,' 'Roccia,' whatever, he lived up to it Saturday night. The Man of the Match vote starts at Barzagli's name — and it ends there, too.

Bonucci was very good as well while he was in there, but it's hard not to mention Daniele Rugani for coming in on the spot and picking up right where Leo left off. I mean, that's a huge and tough spot to come into knowing both the situation and the opposition. But the kid delivered. He put forward close to a mistake-free 40 minutes on the field.

One of the first people to run over to Zaza after the final whistle sounded? Álvaro Morata. No matter how he plays, no matter who he's competing for playing time with, you know he's going to support his teammates. What a guy.

Again, Gigi Buffon had to make one save. It was a really, really good — and important — one.

Juan Cuadrado was probably one of Juve's best players in the first half. The second half was a completely different story. He definitely petered out as the game went on and didn't add much of anything going forward come the second half.

How do you shut down the hottest goal scorer in Europe these days? Just go ahead and watch what Juventus did to Higuain on Saturday. He had all of two shots against Juve. TWO SHOTS. That's it.

Lorenzo Insigne, for as talented as he is, was a complete no-show. Not exactly a good night to have an off game with so much on the line.

Most important of all: Juventus enters the next round of Serie A fixtures in first place. It's been a while, but it sounds pretty good to me. Has a nice ring to it.


POLL

Who was your Juventus Man of the Match against Napoli?

65% Andrea Barzagli (344 votes)

21% Simone Zaza (113 votes)

5% Claudio Marchisio (28 votes)
5% Leonardo Bonucci (25 votes)
2% Paul Pogba (10 votes)
1% Patrice Evra (6 votes)

526 votes total

 

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

[Socrates 8524]

JUVENTUS - NAPOLI

1 - 0

Simone Zaza (88')

MATCHDAY 25
Saturday, February 13th, 2016 - 8:45 PM
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Daniele Orsato

Sarri: 'Napoli matched Juve'

http://www.football-italia.net/79841/sarri-napoli-matched-juve?

Feb 13, 2016

Maurizio Sarri felt Napoli “played on a par with Juventus and lost to an unlucky incident” in the Scudetto head-to-head.

Simone Zaza came off the bench to score at the 88th minute, his shot taking a deflection off Raul Albiol to loop over Pepe Reina.

“The game was blocked by a tactical balance between the two sides and it was decided by an unlucky incident right at the end,” the Coach told Mediaset Premium and Sky Sport Italia.

“It’s a pity to lose in these circumstances after an even match. I don’t think there will be big repercussions on the side, but even an undeserved defeat can cause problems psychologically.

“We showed good character, though we could’ve been more sprightly in attack, but the hard work we did to deny Juventus chances inevitably slowed our usual attacking verve.

“We still created two or three chances and it looked as if the match was going to a draw. Juve’s substitution a few minutes before the goal even moved them to 4-5-1 and made it look as if they were happy with a point.

“I think the fact we played on a par with Juventus on their own turf, one of the best teams in Europe let alone Italy, shows Napoli have improved.

“I saw the performance of a strong side. I would’ve been happier to lose on a counter because we were trying to win at all costs rather than on a deflected shot.

“I think we allowed Zaza too much space and should’ve closed him down so the shot came from further away. It seemed like an innocuous shot for Reina until the deflection. Unfortunately these things happen and they can be decisive for a match too.

“We had some uncertainty right to the end, as we didn’t know if Juventus were going to play three at the back or four.

“We didn’t have the pace that we had in other games, but let’s not forget Juve’s defensive strength has been evident for four or five years now and they concede one every three matches, so it was never going to be easy to break them down.”

Juventus are now one point clear at the top of the table, so will Napoli stay in the Scudetto race?

“It’s not our duty to fight to the end with Juve, as they are clearly on another level. The fact remains it is a positive response from the side, as few teams can come to the Juventus Stadium and do this well.

“It can happen to win or lose on an incident, but we played on level terms and must focus our attention on that. What matters to me is that the team reacts immediately, as on Thursday we have Villarreal in the Europa League and then Milan next Monday.

“What I want to see is that the team takes the positives from this night and doesn’t get downhearted by an unlucky deflection in the last minute. If we are to become a big team, we have to absorb and get over a negative incident.”

 

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

[Socrates 8524]

JUVENTUS - NAPOLI

1 - 0

Simone Zaza (88')

MATCHDAY 25
Saturday, February 13th, 2016 - 8:45 PM
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Daniele Orsato

Zaza swings Serie A title pendulum
in Juventus' favour in Napoli win

http://www.espnfc.co.uk/italian-serie-a/12/blog/post/2805901/simone-zaza-swings-serie-a-title-pendulum-in-juventus-favour

Feb 13, 2016

Three quick thoughts on Juventus' late 1-0 win over Napoli in Serie A in Turin on Saturday.


1. Zaza swings title pendulum in Juve's favour

It was a meeting of Serie A's best attack and the league's best defence, and the second best attack against the second best defence. Essentially, it was about the two sides setting the agenda in Italian football.

Free-scoring Napoli, with Gonzalo Higuain on course to shatter numerous goal-scoring records in Serie A this season with 24 goals in 25 games, were up against Juventus' mean defence, which had shipped just 15 goals. What happens, then, when these two extremes collide? True to traditions of the Italian game, it was the defence that came out on top.

Already gritting his teeth after an earlier clash of knees with teammate Sami Khedira, Leonardo Bonucci exemplified his heart with an intervention that showed how the fine Italian art of defending is still prospering. With Higuain bowing to meet Elseid Hysaj's cross ready to put the Azzurri in front, Bonucci stretched every sinew of his right foot to get his big toe to the ball and divert it, decisively, beyond the Argentinean's reach.

Alongside Bonucci, Andrea Barzagli turned back the clock once again to help silence the league's most prolific scorer. These are the foundations, together with the injured Giorgio Chiellini, upon which Juve have built their recent success. On such foundations, a fifth straight Scudetto is now looking more a likelihood than just a possibility for the Old Lady.

When you can manage to keep things so tight at the back, only one goal up front will suffice, and that was precisely how Juve climbed to the top of the table on Saturday for the first time this season. Simone Zaza's deflected effort just two minutes from time exalted the work of those further back who had done all the hard work for him to swing the title pendulum in Juve's favour.


2. Title fight doesn't live up to hype

It has been many years, if not decades, since a Serie A fixture has been hyped as much as this one. During its 1980s and '90s heyday, Calcio was one of the biggest weekend attractions worldwide, with the biggest names in football exclusively on show in Italy. With the likes of Diego Maradona, Gabriel Batistuta and Roberto Baggio, it is easy to see how Italian football became so entrancing.

One particular fixture stood out 30 years ago as one that would get the tongues wagging. The nation would stand still on two occasions each year; when Juventus, representing the north, would meet Napoli, defending the honour of the south.

Saturday was the first time in almost three decades that this game meant so much. With Napoli two points ahead of Juve at the top of the standings, the prospect of the Azzurri winning their first title since 1990 was alive, and everybody wanted to see if Maurizio Sarri's men were the real thing.

Ultimately, with the stakes so high, the game failed to live up to its billing. Perhaps it was the fear of losing that prevented the Neapolitans from showing the free-flowing football that has characterised their climb up the standings; did they get stage fright?

Juve, more compelled to win given their two-point deficit in the table, had to gamble more and it was this that saw them come away with a valuable victory, even if it was far from vintage stuff from Massimiliano Allegri's men. Aside from their defence, which excelled again, Claudio Marchisio could not take the game by the scruff of its neck and Paul Pogba appeared, at times, numbed by his common affliction of simply wanting to do too much and be too extravagant. Paulo Dybala and Alvaro Morata choked up front and only Zaza redeemed Juve with the winner.

Just down the road from Turin, the annual Sanremo music festival was Saturday's other major public attraction in Italy. The crowning moment of the five-day festival was not expected to draw its usual 12-million viewing figures with RAI International pushing the programme back to give Juve-Napoli its primetime slot.

Schedule planners will, with hindsight, be left wondering if that was a wise decision after all, with certainly several million Napoli fans perhaps wishing they had had more to sing about on Saturday.


3. Juventus demonstrate title mettle

With 15 Serie A wins in a row, Juventus are now in pole position to become the first club to win five straight Serie A titles for the second time in their history. Zaza's late strike lifted the Bianconeri to the top of the pile for the first time this season, and after being as many as four wins off the summit earlier this season, their steep rise is looking ominous.

They passed the acid test of their revival on Saturday, overtaking the only side who, with eight wins in a row up to this fixture, had looked capable of wrestling the title away from Turin this season.

More than just being top of the table, though, Juve also have momentum on their side. The last time they lost was October. Since then, they have conceded just six in their past 15 games, and preventing the league's most prolific side from scoring is about as big a statement as they come.

Even before Saturday's clash, it was evident that these would be the two sides to contest the title. With just one point between them and a further 10 down to third place, that still holds true.

Napoli will need to recover quickly from their disappointment, however, particularly bearing in mind how big a draw would have been to them, and how painful it instead was to have that snatched away from them so late on.

The Azzurri would not just have gotten a point for a draw at the Juventus Stadium, they would technically have gained two. Thanks to their 2-1 win over the Bianconeri at home earlier this season, a draw would have seen them with a superior head-to-head record, and an advantage in the event of ending the season on the same number of points.

That advantage has now gone and Juve, with the experience of the past four years, are in the familiar position of leading the way into the final decisive months of the season. Europe should not get in their way either. Juventus face Bayern Munich in the Champions League round of 16, but Napoli potentially have to fit even more fixtures into the next few months, if they can get through their last-32 Europa League tie with Villarreal.

It is once again advantage Juve in the race for the Serie A title, thanks to Zaza's late strike.

 

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

[Socrates 8524]

JUVENTUS - NAPOLI

1 - 0

Simone Zaza (88')

MATCHDAY 25
Saturday, February 13th, 2016 - 8:45 PM
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Daniele Orsato

Allegri: Napoli win important for
table toppers Juventus

The coach feels his side showed that they are capable of winning a fifth
straight Serie A title as they leapfrogged their rivals to the top of the table.

http://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/3276/serie-a/2016/02/13/20326472/-?

Feb 13, 2016

Massimiliano Allegri has stressed Juventus have won nothing yet after beating Napoli 1-0 to go top of the Serie A table, but feels Saturday's victory was an important one psychologically.

A single Simone Zaza strike in the closing stages of the game was enough for the reigning champions to clinch a vital three points in Turin and leapfrog the Partenopei into first place.

And although Allegri has warned his players that they cannot afford to get carried away, he feels their 15th consecutive league victory shows they deserve to be at the top of the table.

"It was a very tactical game between two teams that deserve to be at the top of the table," Allegri said at a media conference.

"Napoli put in a great performance, but we hardly gave away any chances. We got a good chance with Paulo Dybala and eventually got the goal. We coped well with Napoli's pace.

"It wasn't easy to win. It's important to have gone top of the table, but there are still 13 games to go.

"We sit top of the table because we have won 15 games in a row. The players deserve all the credit for it. It was a big test for us.

"We had to show that we are capable of winning the league and the lads did very well. There are still a lot of games to go, but this is an important win psychologically.

"We knew they could hurt us if we gave them too much space, but we gave very little away. The team has grown a lot. The players never stopped believing in our title chances.

"Our belief has really grown and the younger players have made steps forward."

Juventus hold a one-point lead over Napoli following Saturday's victory and resume Serie A action on Friday when they travel to Bologna.

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

[Socrates 8524]

JUVENTUS - NAPOLI

1 - 0

Simone Zaza (88')

MATCHDAY 25
Saturday, February 13th, 2016 - 8:45 PM
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Daniele Orsato

Bonucci and Zaza push Juventus past
Napoli, to summit of Serie A table

http://www.espnfc.co.uk/club/juventus/111/blog/post/2807149/bonucci-and-zaza-push-juventus-past-napoli-to-top-of-serie-a

Feb 13, 2016

Scoring their 15th win in a row, Juventus defeated Napoli 1-0 in the match of the season to take top spot in Serie A for the first time this season. Hardly their best performance but never a side to give up, the Bianconeri found a way to pierce through the league leaders like champions always do, despite the injuries and change in formation.

Many had hoped for an entertaining match from this top-of-the-table clash, but while Italians love tactics, to many others this was a chess match that bore no resemblance to the fast-paced football that enthralls onlookers.

Both sides played with great organisation, careful not to cede anything to their opponents. One moment of beauty was going to break the deadlock, but just as both sides accepted a draw, Simone Zaza scored a sensational left-footed goal two minutes from full-time to send the Juventus Stadium into delirium.

A wonderful interception form Leonardo Bonucci and a spectacular save from Gianluigi Buffon -- players who give everything they have for the sake of their team -- are the reasons why the the Old Lady finds herself in first place with a great chance of winning yet another Scudetto.

This is a team that simply knows how to win. Despite creating rather predictable patterns of play, Massimiliano Allegri can always count on the varied skill sets if his squad, who have the mentality and skill to force a win.

Napoli were perhaps too concentrated on blocking the likes of Juan Cuadrado and eventually tired themselves out, frustrated by Juve's ability to close down the spaces between the lines. However, while they struggled to score the necessary goal, they are by no means out of the title race.


Player ratings

Gianluigi Buffon, 7 -- A sublime instinctive save demonstrated why Buffon is considered one of the best goalkeepers of all time. A leader on the pitch, he is always ready to rescue the side.

Stephan Lichtsteiner, 6 -- Cautious and composed, the Swiss played a mature performance while still making the necessary tactical runs forward.

Andrea Barzagli, 8 -- His intellect knows no bounds, Barzagli read the game beautifully, conceding little to a determined Gonzalo Higuain, who was suitably shackled. Experienced and intelligent, he consistently knew how to lead a line that is suffering from key absences.

Leonardo Bonucci, 8 -- Without his intervention, Napoli would have scored the opening goal. Brilliant, despite sustaining an injury that shook him. Sadly substituted off, but a magnificent performance from an impeccable centre-back.

Patrice Evra, 7 -- Reliable when defending, always on hand to collect possession and keep the ball moving, managing to deliver the assist for the winning goal.

Juan Cuadrado, 6 -- Napoli often doubled up on him, trying to reduce the usual impact he makes on games. Always looks dangerous, but while his instincts can make the difference in plenty of matches, against well-organised teams, he can surrender to confusion and poor judgement.

Sami Khedira, 5 -- He always knows where to position himself to ensure Juventus stay organised but failed to truly impact the game in either attack or defence.

Claudio Marchisio, 6 -- Frustrating when he opts to shoot from distance, much better at simply maintaining possession and finding another route to goal. More inaccurate than usual, he still delivered some rather delicious penetrative passes forward that weren't properly exploited by those ahead of him.

Paul Pogba, 6 -- When he sets off running, overcoming all those before him, he's mesmeric. But his final ball was poor on Saturday, guilty of selecting the wrong option on several occasions. Struggled in Juve's lopsided shape.

Alvaro Morata, 6 -- His brace against Inter and then Chievo was meant to have revived the player, but while he is still as determined as ever, making runs forward and trying to hold up play, he's lacking that edge that used to make the difference. Subbed off early in the second half.

Paulo Dybala, 6 -- He was forced to drop deep on several occasions to collect possession and tried to weave his way through a well-organised defence. A little slower than usual, he had the perfect opportunity to open the scoring but missed.


Substitutes

Daniele Rugani, 6 -- Some great interventions and rather composed under pressure, Rugani was suitably aided by the veterans who stood with him, surrendering nothing to Napoli's attacking force.

Simone Zaza, 8 -- Zaza once again makes this blogger eat her words. A delicious left foot and a combative character, he never gave up on the win and eventually finished with aplomb to take Juve to the top of the table. One of the few players who rarely feels the weight of pressure, he has really developed rather beautifully.

Alex Sandro, NR -- The player pushed forward as he always does. Not enough time to make an impact like he often does.

 

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