Juventus Season 2015-2016

[Socrates 8524]

INTER - JUVENTUS

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Coppa Italia TIM - Semi-final 2nd leg
Wednesday, March 2nd, 2016 - 8:45 PM
Giuseppe Meazza Stadium, Milan
Referee: Andrea Gervasoni

Chiellini out for 10 days

http://www.football-italia.net/80644/chiellini-out-10-days?

Mar 1, 2016

Juventus defender Giorgio Chiellini is only out for 10 days, so should be fit to face Bayern Munich.

The Italian international limped off 35 minutes during his comeback from a thigh injury on Sunday night, with fears he could be set for a lengthy spell on the sidelines.

However, the Bianconeri have ruled out a tear in the muscle, confirmed “an overload of the soleus muscle in his right calf” in a statement and revealing “Chiellini is due to return to action in approximately ten days”.

Juve face the second leg of their Champions League Last 16 tie with Bayern Munich in two weeks time, meaning Chellini should be available.

Coach Massimiliano Allegri has named his squad for tomorrow’s Coppa Italia semi-final second leg with Inter, and has chosen to rest Claudio Marchisio and Mario Mandzukic.

The Old Lady hold a 3-0 lead from the first leg in Turin, so Mandzukic is rested and Marchisio will work at Vinovo after going off injured in the first leg against Bayern.


Juventus squad to face Inter

Buffon, Khedira, Zaza, Morata, Pogba, Hernanes, Alex Sandro, Barzagli, Cuadrado, Lemina, Bonucci, Padoin, Dybala, Asamoah, Rugani, Neto, Lichtsteiner, Sturaro, Rubinho, Pereyra, Favilli

[Socrates 8524]

INTER - JUVENTUS

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Coppa Italia TIM - Semi-final 2nd leg
Wednesday, March 2nd, 2016 - 8:45 PM
Giuseppe Meazza Stadium, Milan
Referee: Andrea Gervasoni

Several Juventus Stars Kept Out Of Inter Clash

http://forzaitalianfootball.com/2016/03/several-juventus-stars-kept-out-of-inter-clash/?

Mar 1, 2016

Juventus will have to do without the services of at least four key squad members when they go up against Inter in the Coppa Italia second leg, on Wednesday evening.

A plague of injuries and fatigue has ensured several of Massimiliano Allegri’s key men will be kept out of the fixture.

Giorgio Chiellini was taken off during Juve’s Serie A match against the Nerazzurri on Sunday and as a result will be kept out of action for the next ten days, whilst Claudio Marchisio will remain at the club’s training ground alongside Patrice Evra, as they both recover from a muscle problem.

Additionally, Mario Mandzukic will be rested, following his inclusion at the weekend.


The full squad to face Inter is as follows:

Goalkeepers: Gianluigi Buffon, Norberto Neto, Rubinho,

Defenders: Andrea Barzagli, Leonardo Bonucci, Daniele Rugani, Alex Sandro, Stephan Lichtsteiner,

Midfielders: Paul Pogba, Hernanes, Simone Padoin, Juan Cuadrado, Stefano Sturaro, Mario Lemina, Kwadwo Asamoah, Roberto Pereyra, Sami Khedira,

Forwards: Paulo Dybala, Simone Zaza, Alvaro Morata, Andrea Favilli.

[Socrates 8524]

INTER - JUVENTUS

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Coppa Italia TIM - Semi-final 2nd leg
Wednesday, March 2nd, 2016 - 8:45 PM
Giuseppe Meazza Stadium, Milan
Referee: Andrea Gervasoni

Moratti: ‘Inter lacked fight’

http://www.football-italia.net/80646/moratti-%E2%80%98inter-lacked-fight%E2%80%99?

Mar 1, 2016

Former Inter President Massimo Moratti believes the Nerazzurri lacked “fighting spirit” against Juventus.

Roberto Mancini’s men were defeated 2-0 at Juventus Stadium on Sunday night, and have been heavily criticised for what was seen as a meek performance.

“I don’t know if it’s that the team isn’t following Mancini, but I don’t think that’s the case,” Moratti told Calciomercato.

“It’s a period in which the players aren’t reacting as much, but it’s a period of a general depression. I’m disappointed not to have seen a fighting spirit against Juventus.

“Can Mancini revive the team? Definitely, yes. He has to be calm and find the right solutions to turn it around.”

[Socrates 8524]

INTER - JUVENTUS

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Coppa Italia TIM - Semi-final 2nd leg
Wednesday, March 2nd, 2016 - 8:45 PM
Giuseppe Meazza Stadium, Milan
Referee: Andrea Gervasoni

Juventus must not ease up - Allegri

The Turin side have recovered from a poor start and are gunning for a domestic
double, but their coach insists they must keep fighting until the bitter end.

http://www.goal.com/en/news/1036/coppa-italia/2016/03/01/20879212/-?

Mar 1, 2016

Massimiliano Allegri has warned his Juventus players that no medals are given out before May.

Juve have bounced back brilliantly from a dreadful start to their Serie A title defence to lead the way by three points from second-place Napoli, who were held to a pulsating 1-1 draw at Fiorentina on Monday.

Allegri's men are expected to earn the chance to retain their Coppa Italia crown in the end-of-season final as they take a 3-0 lead into Wednesday's second leg at Inter, whom they beat 2-0 on home turf in Serie A on Sunday.

Morale was further boosted by a comeback 2-2 draw against Bayern Munich in the first leg of their Champions League last-16 tie last week, although Allegri is keen to guard against complacency.

"We played well on Sunday against Inter, but with 11 games to go, the season is far from over," he said in a news conference.

"Last night's result in Florence clearly favoured us, but there are still 33 points to fight for and so we need to concentrate on increasing our own tally to one capable of winning the Scudetto.

"Our focus right now is on going to the San Siro and sealing a place in the Coppa Italia final, then we'll turn our attentions to Sunday's league game with Atalanta."

He added: "I read that Juventus have won the championship but if that were the case on Sunday we would have been busy celebrating.

"Instead we need to stay focused as long as the maths does not say we have won.

"Woe, to think about having success in you pocket. We must play for everything until the end."

[Socrates 8524]

INTER - JUVENTUS

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Coppa Italia TIM - Semi-final 2nd leg
Wednesday, March 2nd, 2016 - 8:45 PM
Giuseppe Meazza Stadium, Milan
Referee: Andrea Gervasoni

Jesus: “Inter need clean sheet’

http://www.football-italia.net/80651/jesus-%E2%80%9Cinter-need-clean-sheet%E2%80%99?

Mar 1, 2016

Inter defender Juan Jesus admits his side will probably need a clean sheet to overcome Juventus in the Coppa Italia.

The Nerazzurri trail 3-0 after the first leg of the semi-final in Turin, and take on the Bianconeri in Milan tomorrow night.

“Tomorrow will be a difficult game, but we’ll fight to the end,” Juan Jesus acknowledged, speaking to Inter Channel.

“Just as they scored three in the first leg, that’s what we have to do, even without [Jeison] Murillo and Miranda but we can score the same number.

“I think we have a group which can do great work. The last two games against the Bianconeri haven’t gone well for us, even if on Sunday they didn’t create much.

“I think tomorrow we’ll have to take advantage of every chance we get, we have to do everything to take Inter to the final.

“We’ll have to stay focused and not concede, because if we lose a goal it becomes all the more difficult.

“I’ve already been involved in a game against Tottenham where they won the first leg [3-0] and then we scored 4 at San Siro. Unfortunately we went out because it was 4-1…”

Sporting director Piero Ausilio was hugely critical of the team after the defeat in Turin on Sunday, and the Brazilian is out to prove him wrong.

“I’ve gone through a lot here, it’s nothing new, but the director did what he had to do. We have to prove our worth on the pitch.”

[Socrates 8524]

INTER - JUVENTUS

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Coppa Italia TIM - Semi-final 2nd leg
Wednesday, March 2nd, 2016 - 8:45 PM
Giuseppe Meazza Stadium, Milan
Referee: Andrea Gervasoni

Inter name squad for Coppa

http://www.football-italia.net/80652/inter-name-squad-coppa?

Mar 1, 2016

Roberto Mancini has named his Inter squad for tomorrow’s Coppa Italia clash with Juventus.

The Nerazzurri trail 3-0 from the first leg of the semi-final, and were defeated 2-0 by the Bianconeri in the League on Sunday.

Jeison Murillo and Miranda are suspended after the first leg in Turin, meaning that Mancini is without two of his first choice centre-backs.

Stevan Jovetic is also not included in the match day squad, after picking up a soleus injury in training.


Inter squad to face Juventus

Handanovic, Carrizo, Berni, Juan Jesus, Telles, Santon, D’Ambrosio, Nagatomo, Della Giovanna, Gyamfi, Kondogbia, Medel, Gnoukouri, Brozovic, Melo, Palacio, Icardi, Biabiany, Ljajic, Eder, Perisic, Manaj

[Socrates 8524]

INTER - JUVENTUS

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Coppa Italia TIM - Semi-final 2nd leg
Wednesday, March 2nd, 2016 - 8:45 PM
Giuseppe Meazza Stadium, Milan
Referee: Andrea Gervasoni

Inconsistent Nerazzurri Are Crying Out For Creativity

http://forzaitalianfootball.com/2016/03/inter-club-focus-inconsistent-nerazzurri-are-crying-out-for-creativity/?

Mar 1, 2016

Another match, another derby, another loss. Such is life for Inter at the moment. The Nerazzurri’s deserved Serie A defeat at the hands of Juventus in the 228th installment of the Derby d’Italia was just the latest debacle in an extended run of dreadful form which has seen the Beneamata amass a mere 12 points out of a possible 30 since the turn of the new year. To put this into perspective, bottom-feeders Hellas Verona have amassed 10 points over the same stretch.

Against a steamrolling Bianconeri side it was always going to be difficult to get any sort of result while currently void of any semblance of confidence. The team has been finding new ways to lose weekly, and Sunday was no different, Danilo D’Ambrosio undoing what was a respectable first half with one ill-advised turn of the neck, on a ball that he could have easily let run for a goal kick. Much like the team did after Mauro Icardi’s penalty miss against AC Milan a month ago, Inter capitulated under adversity and forfeited the match as a contest thereafter.

If the warning signs weren’t apparent in the respective forms of the two rivals in the months leading up to the derby, they certainly showed their ugly faces when coach Roberto Mancini announced his starting XI. A switch to a rather unfamiliar 3-5-2 formation will have left some supporters scratching their heads. On the surface, Mancini’s decision seemed understandable, it was an attempt to combat Juve’s similar system, an effort to crowd the midfield and put Juventus under a bit of pressure. Makes sense, right?

Given that Inter have been criticised all season for their negative approach to matches, however, the formation change inevitably led to fears that this 3-5-2 would become a park-the-bus 5-3-2 and provide Juve the opportunity to dominate proceedings. These fears were realised from the opening minutes as Juve took the liberty of moving at will into dangerous areas, so much so that even the centre-backs were getting in on the action. For Mancini’s Nerazzurri, a potentially bold tactic became one of fear.

After an uneasy opening 15 minutes which saw Juventus create numerous chances to score, Inter did manage to adapt and slowly become a factor, though without creating very much for themselves. It seemed as if Mancini was playing for the 0-0 and given Inter’s downward spiral of late, a draw against the seemingly unbeatable league-leaders in Turin might have felt like a victory in itself.

Cue another defensive mishap minutes into the second half and the hard work was all for naught. Now that it became time for the 3-5-2 to actually become so, Inter could not effectively deploy it and created nothing until Mancini eventually switched to a conventional back-four.

Part of the problem was the fact that Inter could offer nothing creatively in the middle of the park as has been the issue throughout the majority of the season. With Marcelo Brozovic out through suspension, Mancini felt obliged to deploy a Felipe Melo, Gary Medel and Geoffrey Kondogbia combination, as unimaginative a midfield as you will find in Serie A. The last time the three were deployed together? Against Juve in the Coppa Italia semi-finals first leg where Inter were embarrassed 3-0. This last result had demonstrated the necessity of further assistance for the midfield trio but with the full-backs forced to withdraw, sufficient help was nowhere to be found.

When a team faces a glaring creative hole in the midfield, forwards need to pick up the slack. Rodrigo Palacio, despite being a fantastic servant of the team these past years, is not a creator and Icardi certainly isn’t either. Inter’s creative spark in their previous 3-1 victory over Sampdoria was Jonathan Biabiany, who incidentally did not even get on the pitch Sunday.

Adem Ljajic, who was arguably Inter’s most dangerous creative weapon in the first half of the season, has seemingly found himself in Mancini’s doghouse and wasn’t introduced until the result was already finding itself out of reach. This cannot help but bear the question: is this strong asset-management being demonstrated by Mancini? At some point, someone needs to be able to unlock a match with creativity and there aren’t many at the moment who look up to the task.

Realistically, creativity is something that Inter will struggle with for the remainder of the season, the club’s transfer strategy has prescribed as much. Mancini will have to get creative himself, beginning with Palermo on Sunday, in order to finally find a system that works consistently or Inter will face another disappointing season without glory of European football.

Oh, right, and before the Nerazzurri step back onto the field in Serie A, there’s an undermanned Coppa Italia second leg on Wednesday against Juventus that most supporters would probably not wish to endure at the moment.

[Socrates 8524]

INTER - JUVENTUS

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Coppa Italia TIM - Semi-final 2nd leg
Wednesday, March 2nd, 2016 - 8:45 PM
Giuseppe Meazza Stadium, Milan
Referee: Andrea Gervasoni

Inter lose Jovetic to injury

http://www.football-italia.net/80648/inter-lose-jovetic-injury

Mar 1, 2016

Stevan Jovetic will miss Inter’s Coppa Italia semi-final with Juventus, as he’s picked up a muscular injury.

The Nerazzurri trail 3-0 after the first leg of the tie, and take on Massimiliano Allegri’s side at San Siro tomorrow night.

However, they will be without Montenegrin forward Jovetic who “has some tightness in his left soleus muscle” according the club’s official Twitter profile.

The former Manchester City man will be reassessed on Thursday in view of Sunday’s night’s Serie A game against Palermo.

Jovetic has made 19 League appearances so far this season, managing four goals and two assists.

[Socrates 8524]

INTER - JUVENTUS

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Coppa Italia TIM - Semi-final 2nd leg
Wednesday, March 2nd, 2016 - 8:45 PM
Giuseppe Meazza Stadium, Milan
Referee: Andrea Gervasoni

Inter v Juventus Preview: Melo wants
response from outsiders Inter

Inter lost 2-0 at Juventus in Serie A on Sunday and suffered a 3-0 defeat in the first-leg
of their semi-final against the Coppa Italia holders and must improve to progress.

http://www.goal.com/en/match/internazionale-vs-juventus/2180158

Mar 1, 2016

Midfielder Felipe Melo has urged Inter to show character as they face up to the daunting task of a 3-0 deficit in Wednesday's Coppa Italia semi-final second leg against Juventus.

Inter are back at San Siro having had their hopes of an eighth Coppa crown all but dashed in January's first leg at Juventus Stadium, where they were beaten 2-0 in Serie A on Sunday by Leonardo Bonucci's second-half volley and an Alvaro Morata penalty.

That setback left Inter fifth and five points behind Roma in the battle for a top-three spot – dismal form in 2016 having put paid to their Scudetto hopes.

Coppa Italia ambitions among Roberto Mancini's squad look set to go the same way, but Melo does not believe this is the time for anybody to be feeling sorry for themselves.

"We were in [sunday's] game until the first goal, then in the end we gave them two gifts," the Brazil international told the Inter Channel.

"Now we need to get back on track immediately, we don't have time to cry about this result.

"We must work in silence to bounce back. We've got the Coppa Italia coming up against Juventus and we have to put everything into that even if it won't be easy."

Inter sporting director Piero Ausilio offered a scathing assessment of the team's efforts at the weekend, claiming they lacked "technique, determination, character and balls".

But Melo defended the commitment of Mancini's charges, who have now won only four of their past 13 competitive outings, and believes they must begin to atone for wastefulness in front of goal when they meet Juventus once again.

"We fight for every ball so I don't think you can say anything in this respect," he said.

"We have to score goals when we create chances. They hit the back of the net at the first time of asking, we didn't.

"I won't speak about individual players because I sometimes make mistakes too. Right now we have to keep quiet, work hard and allow our true qualities to come to the fore."

The outlook is considerably sunnier for Juventus, who are on course to repeat last season's Serie A and Coppa Italia double, having battled to a creditable 2-2 draw in the first leg of their Champions League last-16 tie against Bayern Munich.

"Juve are a huge club with a great history and subsequently we should be pushing to win every bit of silverware possible," Melo's compatriot Alex Sandro told his club's official website.

"Each new player that arrives here from elsewhere knows that they are a winning team and that they will fight to win every single game."

Juventus centre-back Giorgio Chiellini will undergo a scan on Tuesday having only lasted 35 minutes on his comeback from a calf problem on Sunday.

Inter will be without defender Jeison Murillo on account of his red card in the initial meeting after a Morata brace, with Paulo Dybala adding the third.

AC Milan are expected to negotiate their way past Lega Pro underdogs Alessandria on Tuesday and provide the final opposition.


LAST FIVE MATCHES

Internazionale L W L D W

2/28/16 - Juventus 2 - 0 Internazionale
2/20/16 - Internazionale 3 - 1 Sampdoria
2/14/16 - Fiorentina 2 - 1 Internazionale
2/7/16 - Hellas Verona 3 - 3 Internazionale
2/3/16 - Internazionale 1 - 0 Chievo Verona


Juventus W D D W W

2/28/16 - Juventus 2 - 0 Internazionale
2/23/16 - Juventus 2 - 2 Bayern München
2/19/16 - Bologna 0 - 0 Juventus
2/13/16 - Juventus 1 - 0 Napoli
2/7/16 - Frosinone 0 - 2 Juventus


HEAD TO HEAD

2/28/16 - Juventus 2 - 0 Internazionale
1/27/16 - Juventus 3 - 0 Internazionale
10/18/15 - Internazionale 0 - 0 Juventus
5/16/15 - Internazionale 1 - 2 Juventus
1/6/15 - Juventus 1 - 1 Internazionale

[Socrates 8524]

INTER - JUVENTUS

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Coppa Italia TIM - Semi-final 2nd leg
Wednesday, March 2nd, 2016 - 8:45 PM
Giuseppe Meazza Stadium, Milan
Referee: Andrea Gervasoni

Inter v Juventus Betting: Defensive
absentees can lead to a glut of goals

With both teams missing a number of key defensive players, Al Hain-Cole expects
plenty of entertainment in a fairly pressure-free Coppa Italia semi-final second leg.

http://www.goal.com/en/news/2994/betting/2016/03/02/20892322/-?

Mar 2, 2016

Inter are hoping to overturn a 3-0 first-leg deficit when they welcome Juventus to San Siro in Wednesday’s Coppa Italia semi-final.

After falling to a second defeat of the season against Juve by losing 2-0 in Sunday’s Serie A clash in Turin, the Nerazzurri are available at 17/10 (2.70) with Paddy Power to come out on top here.

With 13 wins and no defeats to their name in the last 16 games, Massimiliano Allegri’s men are on offer at 17/10 (2.70) to seal their place in the final courtesy of yet another victory in this one.

The sides shared a 0-0 draw when they met on this ground in October’s league clash, and you can get odds of 21/10 (3.10) on them cancelling each other out once again.

Having gone into that game languishing in 12th place, that goalless stalemate at San Siro represented something of a turning point for the Bianconeri.

With just one defeat in 19 league games since then, the champions are now back in their familiar top spot - 21 points clear of Roberto Mancini’s men, who had been second prior to the clubs' first meeting this term.

Sunday’s defeat at the Juventus Stadium means Mancini has now overseen just three league wins in the last 11 to derail all hopes of a long-awaited Scudetto, while the 3-0 first-leg loss has practically eradicated any chance of some consolation silverware.

Nevertheless, with Allegri sure to rest a number of key players for this return match as he keeps one eye on next week’s Champions League action, the hosts should be optimistic of at least gaining some revenge for the reverse fixture against a backline missing mainstays Leonardo Bonucci, Giorgio Chiellini and Patrice Evra.

However, with their own centre-back partnership of Miranda and Jeison Murillo out through suspension, even odds (2.00) look good on Inter also conceding in an open second leg against a distracted Juventus.

[Socrates 8524]

INTER - JUVENTUS

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Coppa Italia TIM - Semi-final 2nd leg
Wednesday, March 2nd, 2016 - 8:45 PM
Giuseppe Meazza Stadium, Milan
Referee: Andrea Gervasoni

Rugani given nod for Inter

http://www.football-italia.net/80677/rugani-given-nod-inter?

Mar 2, 2016

Daniele Rugani is expected to play from the start as Juventus rotate against Inter in the Coppa Italia.

The Bianconeri are 3-0 up from the first leg of the semi-final, with the second half of the tie to be played at San Siro tonight.

Coach Massimiliano Allegri has already decided to rest Claudio Marchisio and Mario Mandzukic, and further changes are expected tonight.

Rugani is likely to replace Andrea Barzagli, as the Old Lady switch to a four-man defence, with Simone Padoin given the nod at right-back.

Paul Pogba and Sami Khedira are also set to be rested, with Kwadwo Asamoah and Stefano Sturaro coming in for a 4-3-1-2 shape.

The winner of the tie will face Milan in the final on May 21.


Probable Juventus team to face Inter

Neto; Padoin, Bonucci, Rugani, Alex Sandro; Sturaro, Hernanes, Asamoah; Pereyra; Zaza, Morata

[Socrates 8524]

INTER - JUVENTUS

-

 
 

Coppa Italia TIM - Semi-final 2nd leg
Wednesday, March 2nd, 2016 - 8:45 PM
Giuseppe Meazza Stadium, Milan
Referee: Andrea Gervasoni

Coppa line-ups: Inter-Juventus

http://www.football-italia.net/80699/coppa-line-ups-inter-juventus?

Mar 2, 2016

Inter have a completely revamped defence against Juventus in the second leg of the Coppa Italia semi-final.

It kicks off at San Siro at 21.00 CET - 20.00 GMT.

The first leg ended 3-0 for the Turin giants and they are therefore the hot favourites to meet Milan in the Final.

These sides already met in Serie A on Sunday evening, Juve running out 2-0 winners in Turin thanks to Leonardo Bonucci’s volley and an Alvaro Morata penalty.

Inter have been in crisis since the start of 2016, plummeting from Serie A leaders to fifth place, and go into this match severely weakened.

Joao Miranda and Jeison Murillo are both suspended, so Danilo D’Ambrosio has to play at centre-back with Juan Jesus.

Stevan Jovetic is injured and Mauro Icardi rested, so Eder is given the centre-forward role flanked by Ivan Perisic and Adem Ljajic.

Juventus are missing Claudio Marchisio, Giorgio Chiellini and Martin Caceres, while Gigi Buffon and Mario Mandzukic are rested.

Simone Zaza takes the lead in attack with Morata in what appears to be a 4-4-2 system, but Juan Guillermo Cuadrado could be adapted for a trident.

Ex-Inter midfielder Hernanes hopes to impress against his old club and Daniele Rugani is finally given a chance to shine.


Inter: Carrizo; Santon, D’Ambrosio, Juan Jesus, Nagatomo; Brozovic, Medel, Kondogbia; Perisic, Eder, Ljajic

Inter bench: Handanovic, Berni, Palacio, Icardi, Biabiany, Telles, Gnoukouri, Della Giovanna, Melo, Gyamfi, Manaj


Juventus: Neto; Lichtsteiner, Rugani, Bonucci, Alex Sandro; Cuadrado, Sturaro, Hernanes, Asamoah; Zaza, Morata

Juventus bench: Buffon, Rubinho, Barzagli, Padoin, Lemina, Khedira, Pogba, Pereyra, Dybala, Favilli

[Socrates 8524]

INTER - JUVENTUS

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Coppa Italia TIM - Semi-final 2nd leg
Wednesday, March 2nd, 2016 - 8:45 PM
Giuseppe Meazza Stadium, Milan
Referee: Andrea Gervasoni

Marotta: 'No Allegri-Real Madrid link'

http://www.football-italia.net/80702/marotta-no-allegri-real-madrid-link?

Mar 2, 2016

Juventus director Beppe Marotta warned against complacency with Inter and said Real Madrid links with Max Allegri are “not true.”

“We must try to forget what happened in the first leg and maintain the determination seen in recent matches," the director general told Rai Sport.

“Football is a sport where the unexpected is always around the corner, so we must face this Inter side with great wariness.

“We are proud that Allegri is receiving praise, as when we chose him it was not a popular decision at the time. I’d also point out he is working with one of the best teams and clubs in circulation.”

There are reports Allegri is now an option to take over at Real Madrid next season.

“I can say it’s not true. There is a rapport of great cordiality and respect. There are no secrets between us, nor are there secrets between Real Madrid and Juventus. They have always been very fair with us.

“That takes nothing away from the great abilities of this professional we are happy to have at our disposal and we are happy to continue this project with him, as we have barely begun.

“The issue of the contract is a formality. I say whoever wrote that knows full well how things went. I don’t want to add any more, as we cleared the air with them this morning.

“Besides, I think Zinedine Zidane is a good Coach and needs to be given time, as he hasn’t been there for long. Of course it’s not up to me, but I know the vision of the Madrid directors and if they made this choice it’s to go forward.”

Juventus drew the first leg of their Champions League clash 2-2 with Bayern Munich and visit the Allianz Arena on March 16.

“We’ll go with great determination, unfortunately aware we start with a big handicap, but we have the opportunity to turn the result around.

“We have 90 minutes to play open football and have to give it our best.

“Napoli are having a great campaign, as are Roma and Fiorentina, while I believe in Milan and Inter. There are many points still up for grabs.

“This is a season where there is no hare that breaks out in front, we are all pretty even and the unexpected is just around the corner.”

[Socrates 8524]

INTER - JUVENTUS

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Coppa Italia TIM - Semi-final 2nd leg
Wednesday, March 2nd, 2016 - 8:45 PM
Giuseppe Meazza Stadium, Milan
Referee: Andrea Gervasoni

Morata: 'Inter won't be easy'

http://www.football-italia.net/80703/morata-inter-wont-be-easy?

Mar 2, 2016

Alvaro Morata warned Juventus cannot “think it’s an easy match” in the Coppa Italia semi-final with Inter.

The first leg ended 3-0 and the decider is tonight.

“There is another Final in the balance, which makes it an important game for us,” the striker told Rai Sport.

“It’s true we have an advantage from the first leg, but we still need a great game.

“If we think that it’s an easy match, then we’ll have problems. Don’t forget we are facing Inter in their own stadium.”

Juve also played Inter in Serie A on Sunday evening and emerged 2-0 winners with Leonardo Bonucci and Morata on target.

[Socrates 8524]

INTER - JUVENTUS

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Coppa Italia TIM - Semi-final 2nd leg
Wednesday, March 2nd, 2016 - 8:45 PM
Giuseppe Meazza Stadium, Milan
Referee: Andrea Gervasoni

Stankovic: 'Honour the Inter shirt'

http://www.football-italia.net/80704/stankovic-honour-inter-shirt?

Mar 2, 2016

Inter team manager Dejan Stankovic told the players to “honour the shirt with the right spirit” against Juventus tonight.

They lost the first leg of the Coppa Italia semi-final 3-0 and host the Bianconeri this evening.

“The 3-0 first leg result is not favourable for us, but nothing is decided yet. We are emerging from a period that was not easy, but when the going gets tough, the tough get going,” Stankovic told Rai Sport.

“I have faith in the lads, tonight they will try to overturn the result. I believe and the fans have to believe too. They must honour the shirt with the right spirit.”

[Socrates 8524]

INTER - JUVENTUS

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Coppa Italia TIM - Semi-final 2nd leg
Wednesday, March 2nd, 2016 - 8:45 PM
Giuseppe Meazza Stadium, Milan
Referee: Andrea Gervasoni

HT 1-0: Inter scare Juventus

http://www.football-italia.net/80705/ht-inter-scare-juventus?

Mar 2, 2016

Inter have the 1-0 half-time lead over Juventus in the Coppa Italia semi-final and rattled the crossbar, but trail 3-1 on aggregate.

The winners will go on to face Milan in the Coppa Italia Final.

The Bianconeri had won the first leg 3-0 and also beat Inter 2-0 on Sunday in Serie A, so confidence was rock bottom in the host camp. Joao Miranda and Jeison Murillo were suspended with Stevan Jovetic injured, so Danilo D’Ambrosio had to adapt as a centre-back. Juve rested Mario Mandzukic, while Giorgio Chiellini, Claudio Marchisio and Martin Caceres were injured.

Ivan Perisic drilled wide and Adem Ljajic squirmed between three players, but was blocked off before he could get the shot away.

Inter took the lead when Norberto Neto’s poor pass to Hernanes saw Gary Medel harass him into losing possession in the final third, prodding through for Marcelo Brozovic to score from the edge of the box. Juve were angry, as Hernanes arguably shoulder-charged Hernanes off the ball.

Simone Zaza attempted an audacious overhead kick, but Juve made too many uncharacteristic errors and on a Daniele Rugani misplaced pass, Ljajic saw his curling shot bounce off the top of the bar.

Leonardo Bonucci received a yellow card for hauling back Eder in midfield and will therefore be suspended for the Final.

Ljajic drilled inches wide of the near post and flashed a dangerous free kick across the face of goal.


Inter 1-0 Juventus (Half-Time, 1-3 agg)

Scorers: Brozovic 16 (I)

Inter: Carrizo; Santon, D’Ambrosio, Juan Jesus, Nagatomo; Brozovic, Medel, Kondogbia; Perisic, Eder, Ljajic

Juventus: Neto; Lichtsteiner, Rugani, Bonucci, Alex Sandro; Cuadrado, Sturaro, Hernanes, Asamoah; Zaza, Morata

Ref: Gervasoni

[Socrates 8524]

INTER - JUVENTUS

-

 
 

Coppa Italia TIM - Semi-final 2nd leg
Wednesday, March 2nd, 2016 - 8:45 PM
Giuseppe Meazza Stadium, Milan
Referee: Andrea Gervasoni

Inter v Juventus: Penalties!

http://www.football-italia.net/80708/inter-v-juventus-penalties

Mar 2, 2016

Inter beat Juventus 3-0 to level the first leg defeat and the Coppa Italia semi-final will only be decided on penalties.

The winners will go on to face Milan in the Coppa Italia Final.

The Bianconeri had won the first leg 3-0 and also beat Inter 2-0 on Sunday in Serie A, so confidence was rock bottom in the host camp. Joao Miranda and Jeison Murillo were suspended with Stevan Jovetic injured, so Danilo D’Ambrosio had to adapt as a centre-back. Juve rested Mario Mandzukic, while Giorgio Chiellini, Claudio Marchisio and Martin Caceres were injured.

Ivan Perisic drilled wide and Adem Ljajic squirmed between three players, but was blocked off before he could get the shot away.

Inter took the lead when Norberto Neto’s poor pass to Hernanes saw Gary Medel harass him into losing possession in the final third, prodding through for Marcelo Brozovic to score from the edge of the box. Juve were angry, as Hernanes arguably shoulder-charged Hernanes off the ball.

Simone Zaza attempted an audacious overhead kick, but Juve made too many uncharacteristic errors and on a Daniele Rugani misplaced pass, Ljajic saw his curling shot bounce off the top of the bar.

Leonardo Bonucci received a yellow card for hauling back Eder in midfield and will therefore be suspended for the Final.

Ljajic drilled inches wide of the near post and flashed a dangerous free kick across the face of goal.

Geoffrey Kondogbia was visibly groggy after a collision with Stephan Lichtsteiner on the stroke of half-time and was replaced by Jonathan Biabiany.

The second half started in the ideal fashion for Inter, as Eder burst down the right and rolled across where Ivan Perisic just had to tap in at the back post. Suddenly it was 2-3 on aggregate with 40 minutes to go and Juventus began to look visibly worried.

Simone Zaza had Juve’s first genuine chance on 53 minutes, as he sprinted through the middle but went wide to go round the goalkeeper and his strike was deflected on to the upright of an open goal.

On the resulting corner Kwadwo Asamoah’s error sent Ljajic clear on the counter and his angled drive skimmed the far post.

Andrea Barzagli was introduced as Juve went to three at the back, but Inter poured forward and dominated possession in the remarkably loud atmosphere of the Stadio Meazza. D’Ambrosio nodded a free kick just over with Neto rooted to the spot and Medel’s strike was charged down, while Biabiany tested Neto from a tight angle.

Juve were pinned back and Rugani brought down Perisic as he dribbled into the box from the by-line, so the referee pointed to the spot. Brozovic converted as the ball squirmed under Neto’s elbow, making it 3-3 on aggregate.

With this extraordinary comeback, the tie would go to extra time, but it wasn’t over yet and Inter kept pushing for the victory. Perisic turned everyone inside out down the left flank and attempted an audacious right-foot curler that was just past the far top corner.

At the 90th minute Brozovic flicked on a cross from six yards, but Neto got down brilliantly to palm it round the base of the near post. There was also an ugly scuffle between Perisic and Cuadrado which saw both booked.

The tie was all level and went to extra time. Neto flew to palm a Perisic looping header out from under the bar, but Zaza almost scored an extraordinary goal when he robbed D’Ambrosio, anticipated Juan Jesus with a flick and the angled drive flashes inches past the far post.

Zaza also hit the side-netting and Paul Pogba’s volley from a corner was not far wide of the far stick. Zaza was booked for a reckless challenge on D’Ambrosio and Eder hobbled off with cramp. Deep into stoppages Carrizo performed a desperate save on Morata's header, just keeping it from going over the line.

This semi-final will have to be decided on a penalty shoot-out. One gets the feeling whatever happens, it will be a pivotal moment in Inter's campaign.


Inter 3-0 Juventus (aet, 3-3 agg)

Scorers: Brozovic 16, pen 82 (I), Perisic 49 (I)

Inter: Carrizo; Santon, D’Ambrosio, Juan Jesus, Nagatomo; Brozovic, Medel, Kondogbia (Biabiany 46); Perisic, Eder (Manaj 113), Ljajic (Palacio 74)

Juventus: Neto; Lichtsteiner (Barzagli 55), Rugani, Bonucci, Alex Sandro; Cuadrado, Sturaro, Hernanes (Lemina 70), Asamoah (Pogba 85); Zaza, Morata

Ref: Gervasoni

[Socrates 8524]

INTER - JUVENTUS

3 - 0

Aggregate 3 - 3
Juventus lead 5 - 3 on penalties

Marcelo Brozović (16')
Ivan Perišić (49')
Marcelo Brozović (82'-penalty)

Coppa Italia TIM - Semi-final 2nd leg
Wednesday, March 2nd, 2016 - 8:45 PM
Giuseppe Meazza Stadium, Milan
Referee: Andrea Gervasoni

Inter 3-0 Juventus (agg 3-3, pens 5-3): Allegri's
men reach final despite Nerazzurri comeback

The home side managed to come from 3-0 down to draw level with the Italian champions to send
the tie into penalties but a miss from Rodrigo Palacio helped the visitors progress.

http://www.goal.com/en/match/internazionale-vs-juventus/2180158/report

Mar 2, 2016

Juventus booked a meeting with AC Milan in the final of the Coppa Italia on Wednesday, but they had to do it the hard way as they were forced to endure a penalty shoot-out by Inter.

A double from Marcelo Brozovic and one from Ivan Perisic secured a 3-0 victory for Inter on the night at the San Siro, and hauled them level in the tie after they had been overwhelmed by the same scoreline in the first leg.

At one stage they looked on the verge of an amazing comeback as they looked to book a May date with their city rivals, but Juve progressed after 120 minutes of high drama, emerging triumphant on spot-kicks.

Having won the first leg 3-0, Juventus boss Massimiliano Allegri opted not start several of his big names for the return encounter, including Paul Pogba, Paulo Dybala, Mario Mandzukic and Gianluigi Buffon, while Claudio Marchisio was left in Turin due to injury.

But that gamble was very close to backfiring, as Inter captalised upon a defensive error to grab an early lead through Brozovic before Perisic added a breakaway goal four minutes into the second half.

Brozovic then claimed his second with a late penalty to force the game into extra-time, with Inter almost remarkably snatching a winner right at the end of 90 minutes with strong late chances.

Despite an additional 30 minutes, the two sides could not be separated and in the shoot-out, Juventus won 5-3 after Rodrigo Palacio had hit the crossbar with Inter's second kick.

It was left to Leonardo Bonucci to score the winning penalty, with the defender now set to miss the final through suspension after being shown a yellow card earlier in the game.

The eventual victory extended the visitors' unbeaten run in all competitions to 17 games.

Inter dominated the opening exchanges, penning Juve back inside their own half, and they deservedly took the lead after 16 minutes.

Former Inter man Hernanes failed to deal with a sloppy pass out from goalkeeper Neto, allowing Gary Medel to bundle him off the ball and tee up Brozovic, who fired home from just inside the box.

Having gained a way back into the tie, Inter continued to press forward and they went agonisingly close to doubling their lead on the night when Adem Ljajic cut in from the left and thundered a right-footed effort against the crossbar.

Juventus did improve steadily as the first half wore on, but they were still unable to trouble Juan Pablo Carrizo in the home goal before the break.

They almost found themselves undone for a second time on the stroke of half-time when Eder's mazy dribble created a chance for Ljajic, whose strike flashed just wide of Neto's right-hand post.

Inter were not to be denied four minutes into the second half, however, as the impressive Eder got away down the right and drove in a low cross for Perisic to slide the ball home at the far post.

Juventus responded by creating their first clear-cut chance of the night, as Simone Zaza was denied by the post after being cleverly played in by Alvaro Morata.

Having survived that scare, Roberto Mancini's men swiftly regained the initiative and again went close, this time through Yuto Nagatomo and a thumping header from Danilo D'Ambrosio, who climbed highest to meet a Ljajic cross.

With the home fans roaring them on, Inter continued to press for the equaliser in the tie, and it duly arrived with eight minutes left of normal time.

Perisic was tripped by Daniele Rugani in the box and Brozovic slammed the resulting penalty underneath Neto's dive and into the bottom corner.

Then, in a frantic finale to the 90 minutes, the overworked Neto was forced to produce a fine save to prevent Perisic's effort from creeping in at the near post and the Inter frontman was then fortunate to escape being sent off following an altercation with Juan Cuadrado.

Inter continued to press in the first half of extra time, with Perisic's header forcing another smart block from Neto, while a rare attacking foray from Juventus ended with Zaza's low shot almost finding the far corner of Carrizo's net.

The drama continued right to the last minute of extra time, when Carizzo was forced to deny Morata twice in quick succession.

That was followed by Palacio's heartbreak from the spot, before Bonucci had the decisive say, as Inter just failed to pull off what would surely have been one of the competition's most memorable comebacks.

[Socrates 8524]

INTER - JUVENTUS

3 - 0

Aggregate 3 - 3
Juventus lead 5 - 3 on penalties

Marcelo Brozović (16')
Ivan Perišić (49')
Marcelo Brozović (82'-penalty)

Coppa Italia TIM - Semi-final 2nd leg
Wednesday, March 2nd, 2016 - 8:45 PM
Giuseppe Meazza Stadium, Milan
Referee: Andrea Gervasoni

Inter 3-0 Juventus (3-5 After Penalty Shootout):
Nerazzurri Heroics All In Vain

http://forzaitalianfootball.com/2016/03/inter-3-0-juventus-3-5-after-penalty-shootout-nerazzurri-heroics-all-in-vain/?

Mar 2, 2016

Inter won 3-0 in normal time in the Coppa Italia semi-final on Wednesday night at the Stadio Giuseppe Meazza to make the tie 3-3 on aggregate before losing 5-3 on penalties.

The hosts took the lead in the first half through Marcelo Brozovic before Ivan Persic made it two in the second. Brozovic sent the match to extra time with a late penalty. Rodrigo Palacio was the only Inter player to miss in the shootout before Leonardo Bonucci netted the decisive spot-kick.

Inter took an early lead in the 17th minute as former Nerazzurri player Hernanes was dispossessed by Gary Medel who played in Brozovic who did well to stop, turn and place the ball into the bottom-right corner from the edge of the area.

Juve lost the ball again in the 23rd minute and Adem Ljajic cut in from the left before hitting the crossbar with a shot from a narrow angle which went out for a goal kick.

The home side continued to press as they sought to reduce the deficit to one but Ljajic and Brozovic were both unable to find the net just before the break after some good Nerazzurri pressure and the sides went into half-time with Inter 1-0 up.

Ivan Perisic made it 2-0 with a tap-in in the 48th minute after Eder did very well down the right flank before squaring the ball into the middle for a simple finish to make the tie interesting.

The Bianconeri looked shocked by the goal and struggled to get out of their half as Inter pushed hard although Simone Zaza had a chance to steal a goal on the counterattack in the 53rd minute only for Ljajic to fire narrowly wide just a minute later.

The hosts threatened from a free kick in the 72nd minute but Danilo D’Ambrosio narrowly missed the target.

Inter completed the remarkable comeback with 10 minutes to go as Perisic won a penalty which was converted by Brozovic even though Neto got a hand to it.

Perisic had a chance to win it in normal time in the 89th minute but Neto made an important save down at his left post and the Croatian was later booked for a scuffle with Juan Cuadrado just before the full-time whistle.

Perisic went close again in the fourth minute of extra time but Neto was there again to push his header over.

Zaza almost scored Juve’s first of the night but dragged his shot just wide after winning the ball from D’Ambrosio.

Paul Pogba had a sight of goal in the 106th minute but hooked his volley wide.

Alvaro Morata almost won it in the final minute of extra-time but Juan Pablo Carizzo made an excellent double save.

All of the players other than Rodrigo Palacio scored in the shootout as the Argentine forward struck the underside of the bar and it wasn’t initially clear if the ball crossed the line.

Eventually, Bonucci made no mistake to send Juve to the final.

Juventus will face AC Milan in the final of the Coppa Italia.

[Socrates 8524]

INTER - JUVENTUS

3 - 0

Aggregate 3 - 3
Juventus lead 5 - 3 on penalties

Marcelo Brozović (16')
Ivan Perišić (49')
Marcelo Brozović (82'-penalty)

Coppa Italia TIM - Semi-final 2nd leg
Wednesday, March 2nd, 2016 - 8:45 PM
Giuseppe Meazza Stadium, Milan
Referee: Andrea Gervasoni

Coppa: Juve penalties
break Inter hearts

Inter beat Juventus 3-0 to level the first leg defeat, but went out
on penalties, so the Bianconeri face Milan in the Coppa Italia Final.

http://www.football-italia.net/80709/coppa-juve-penalties-break-inter-hearts?

Mar 2, 2016

The Bianconeri had won the first leg 3-0 and also beat Inter 2-0 on Sunday in Serie A, so confidence was rock bottom in the host camp. Joao Miranda and Jeison Murillo were suspended with Stevan Jovetic injured, so Danilo D’Ambrosio had to adapt as a centre-back. Juve rested Mario Mandzukic, while Giorgio Chiellini, Claudio Marchisio and Martin Caceres were injured.

Ivan Perisic drilled wide and Adem Ljajic squirmed between three players, but was blocked off before he could get the shot away.

Inter took the lead when Norberto Neto’s poor pass to Hernanes saw Gary Medel harass him into losing possession in the final third, prodding through for Marcelo Brozovic to score from the edge of the box. Juve were angry, as Hernanes arguably shoulder-charged Hernanes off the ball.

Simone Zaza attempted an audacious overhead kick, but Juve made too many uncharacteristic errors and on a Daniele Rugani misplaced pass, Ljajic saw his curling shot bounce off the top of the bar.

Leonardo Bonucci received a yellow card for hauling back Eder in midfield and will therefore be suspended for the Final.

Ljajic drilled inches wide of the near post and flashed a dangerous free kick across the face of goal.

Geoffrey Kondogbia was visibly groggy after a collision with Stephan Lichtsteiner on the stroke of half-time and was replaced by Jonathan Biabiany.

The second half started in the ideal fashion for Inter, as Eder burst down the right and rolled across where Ivan Perisic just had to tap in at the back post. Suddenly it was 2-3 on aggregate with 40 minutes to go and Juventus began to look visibly worried.

Simone Zaza had Juve’s first genuine chance on 53 minutes, as he sprinted through the middle but went wide to go round the goalkeeper and his strike was deflected on to the upright of an open goal.

On the resulting corner Kwadwo Asamoah’s error sent Ljajic clear on the counter and his angled drive skimmed the far post.

Andrea Barzagli was introduced as Juve went to three at the back, but Inter poured forward and dominated possession in the remarkably loud atmosphere of the Stadio Meazza. D’Ambrosio nodded a free kick just over with Neto rooted to the spot and Medel’s strike was charged down, while Biabiany tested Neto from a tight angle.

Juve were pinned back and Rugani brought down Perisic as he dribbled into the box from the by-line, so the referee pointed to the spot. Brozovic converted as the ball squirmed under Neto’s elbow, making it 3-3 on aggregate.

With this extraordinary comeback, the tie would go to extra time, but it wasn’t over yet and Inter kept pushing for the victory. Perisic turned everyone inside out down the left flank and attempted an audacious right-foot curler that was just past the far top corner.

At the 90th minute Brozovic flicked on a cross from six yards, but Neto got down brilliantly to palm it round the base of the near post. There was also an ugly scuffle between Perisic and Cuadrado which saw both booked.

The tie was all level and went to extra time. Neto flew to palm a Perisic looping header out from under the bar, but Zaza almost scored an extraordinary goal when he robbed D’Ambrosio, anticipated Juan Jesus with a flick and the angled drive flashes inches past the far post. In the final seconds of extra time, Juan Pablo Carrizo performed a desperate save to stop Morata’s header crossing the line.

Zaza also hit the side-netting and Paul Pogba’s volley from a corner was not far wide of the far stick. Zaza was booked for a reckless challenge on D’Ambrosio and Eder hobbled off with cramp.

It went to penalties and Rodrigo Palacio’s effort hit the crossbar and bounced back out, so Bonucci converted the decisive kick.


Penalties

 

Barzagli (J, scored), Brozovic (I, scored), Zaza (J, scored), Palacio (I, bar), Morata (J, scored), Manaj (I, scored), Pogba (J, scored), Nagatomo (I, scored), Bonucci (J, scored)


Inter 3-0 Juventus (aet, 3-3 agg, 3-5 on pens)

Scorers: Brozovic 16, pen 82 (I), Perisic 49 (I)

Inter:

Carrizo; Santon, D’Ambrosio, Juan Jesus, Nagatomo; Brozovic, Medel, Kondogbia (Biabiany 46); Perisic, Eder (Manaj 113), Ljajic (Palacio 74)

Juventus:

Neto; Lichtsteiner (Barzagli 55), Rugani, Bonucci, Alex Sandro; Cuadrado, Sturaro, Hernanes (Lemina 70), Asamoah (Pogba 85); Zaza, Morata

Ref: Gervasoni

[Socrates 8524]

INTER - JUVENTUS

3 - 0

Aggregate 3 - 3
Juventus lead 5 - 3 on penalties

Marcelo Brozović (16')
Ivan Perišić (49')
Marcelo Brozović (82'-penalty)

Coppa Italia TIM - Semi-final 2nd leg
Wednesday, March 2nd, 2016 - 8:45 PM
Giuseppe Meazza Stadium, Milan
Referee: Andrea Gervasoni

Bonucci: 'Worst Juve performance'

http://www.football-italia.net/80710/bonucci-worst-juve-performance?

Mar 2, 2016

Leonardo Bonucci admits “that was the worst performance since I’ve been at Juventus” after losing 3-0 to Inter.

The Bianconeri won the first leg 3-0, but were crushed by the same scoreline at San Siro.

The Coppa Italia semi-final was therefore decided on a penalty shoot-out and Bonucci converted the last kick.

“I’m not going to lie, that was the worst performance we’ve had since I’ve been at Juventus,” he told Rai Sport.

“We got the approach wrong, we got everything wrong and made it easier for Inter.

“We made life difficult for ourselves. We did well and were fortunate to take it to penalties, which at that stage are a lottery.”

The defender picked up a yellow card and will be suspended for the Final against Milan in May.

Bonucci had a special captain’s armband on this evening.

“It was for PierMario Morosini, as soon sadly it’ll be the anniversary of his death and I wanted to wear it tonight.”

[Socrates 8524]

INTER - JUVENTUS

3 - 0

Aggregate 3 - 3
Juventus lead 5 - 3 on penalties

Marcelo Brozović (16')
Ivan Perišić (49')
Marcelo Brozović (82'-penalty)

Coppa Italia TIM - Semi-final 2nd leg
Wednesday, March 2nd, 2016 - 8:45 PM
Giuseppe Meazza Stadium, Milan
Referee: Andrea Gervasoni

RATINGS: Perisic key
despite Inter's loss

The hosts did the impossible, turning a three-goal aggregate scoreline around on home soil
in the Coppa Italia, but the Old Lady kept their composure to progress on penalties.

http://www.goal.com/en/match/internazionale-vs-juventus/2180158/ratings

Mar 2, 2016
 

Internazionale

30 J. Carrizo - Made a very important double save late in extra-time, but wasn't working regularly.

21 D. Santon - Kept Asamoah quiet, with Sandro having little luck on the overlap. Guided in some good deliveries from out wide.

33 D. D'Ambrosio - Filled in at centre-back, but struggled against the movement and physical strength of Zaza at times.

5 Juan Jesus - Made a couple of good tackles and led by example in the Nerazzurri back four.

55 Y. Nagatomo - The Japan international was solid in the tackle and tenacious against the bright Cuadrado. Wasn't afraid to get forward and shoot.

77 M. Brozović - Guided home a neat finish for the opening goal, before thumping home an excellent penalty to tie things up on aggregate.

17 G. Medel - Won the ball back vitally for the first goal and personified the fight and desire that helped Inter come back onto level terms.

7 G. Kondogbia - Forced off at half-time due to injury, but was dangerous in the first half. Went on a number of good driving runs.

44 I. Perišić - Fired home Inter's second of the game and was a menace down the left throughout. Whipped in dangerous balls and won the penalty.

23 Eder - Put Perisic's goal on a plate with a wonderful assist and put in plenty of running too.

22 A. Ljajić - A danger around the penalty area throughout, with the Serbia international hitting the woodwork and causing constant problems.


Substitutes

11 J. Biabiany - His pace and running down the right-hand side ensured that Sandro wasn't given a quiet evening.

8 R. Palacio - Caused some problems with a couple of teasing crosses into the box late on.

97 R. Manaj - Converted his penalty, but did little in open play.


 

Juventus

25 Neto - Made a few smart saves in normal time, but his kicking and distribution wasn't the most confident.

26 S. Lichtsteiner - The Switzerland international made one good headed intervention, but did struggle in a more narrow and defensive role.

24 D. Rugani - Gave away a cheap penalty, but the young defender was strong enough in the air and hooked away a lot of good clearances.

19 L. Bonucci - Struggled against the movement and pace of Eder at times, but the Juve centre-back netted the vital penalty.

12 Alex Sandro - Broke down the left sparingly, with Ljajic and Eder having some luck when getting in behind the former Porto defender.

16 J. Cuadrado - Did threaten sporadically on the break, but was mostly held up and forced inside by Nagatomo.

27 S. Sturaro - Picked up an early yellow card, which meant that the midfielder couldn't be as tenacious late on as he was at the start.

11 Hernanes - Struggled to battle and work hard in the middle of the park, with the ex-Inter midfielder having an evening to forget.

22 K. Asamoah - Neat on the ball and gave plenty of cover to Sandro, but didn't offer a great deal in the opposition half of the field.

7 Simone Zaza - Struck the woodwork in normal time and used his movement well to race in behind enemy lines on a few key occasions.

9 Álvaro Morata - Fired a couple of extra-time efforts straight at Carrizo, with the Spaniard not creating much for himself or others.


Substitutes

15 A. Barzagli - Struggled to adjust to the pace of the game a little bit.

18 M. Lemina - Picked up a booking for a cynical tackle, but was forward thinking with his passing.

10 P. Pogba - Confident and inspired some more fight out of his teammates. Linked up well with Zaza.

[Socrates 8524]

INTER - JUVENTUS

3 - 0

Aggregate 3 - 3
Juventus lead 5 - 3 on penalties

Marcelo Brozović (16')
Ivan Perišić (49')
Marcelo Brozović (82'-penalty)

Coppa Italia TIM - Semi-final 2nd leg
Wednesday, March 2nd, 2016 - 8:45 PM
Giuseppe Meazza Stadium, Milan
Referee: Andrea Gervasoni

Inter 3-0 Juventus (3-5 Pens,
3-3 Agg.): Player Ratings

http://forzaitalianfootball.com/2016/03/inter-3-0-juventus-3-5-pens-3-3-agg-player-ratings/?

Mar 2, 2016

Juventus beat Inter 5-3 on penalties to reach the Coppa Italia fnal, having lost 3-0 on Wednesday evening to level the tie 3-3 on aggregate.

Goals from Marcelo Brozovic and Ivan Perisic completed a brilliant comeback from the Nerazzurri, but Rodrigo Palacio’s penalty miss made sure it was the visitors who would go through.

 

Inter

Juan Carrizo – 6 – Solid - Had very little to do considering Juventus didn’t have a shot until the 54th minute of the game. Did, however, make two incredible saves from Alvaro Morata in the 120th minute.

Davide Santon – 6 – Composed - The 4-3-3 allowed Santon to advance up the field, making himself available for passes from the midfield. Delivered a fair number of crosses but failed to find its intended target.

Danilo D’Ambrosio – 6.5 – Assured - Didn’t have much to do at the back, with his biggest threat a counter attack. Sometimes drifted a little onto the sidelines but held his line well most of the time including thwarting Morata.

Juan Jesus 6 – Reliable - The captain led his defence well but was a little too aggressive in the tackle, picking up a first-half yellow card for his troubles.

Yuto Nagatomo – 6 – Energetic - Helped progress attacks from the defence onward with his advanced runs, keeping the pressure firmly on Juventus. Scored his penalty.

Marcelo Brozovic – 8 – Lethal - Took his goal very well with a quick turn and finish to get the scoring going and then had the iron nerve to grab the all important third from the spot to make it 3-0. Also scored in the shootout.

Gary Medel – 6.5 – Bulldog - Applied the assist for the first goal when harassing Hernanes and was the rock at the centre of the Inter midfield. Stopped the Juventus counters that went through the middle.

Geoffrey Kondogbia – 6 – Mixed - Played out a tidy game although wasn’t that influential. Flung himself at a few headers in the box but was best when tidying up in midfield.

Ivan Perisic – 7.5 – Powerful - Was of more use in the box rather than out of it, especially when he nearly doubled Inter’s lead with a flicked header close to the interval. He did get the goal he deserved when side-footing in from all of six-yards and won the penalty that made it 3-0.

Eder – 6.5 – Nuisance - The former Sampdoria striker was a complete nuisance for the visitors to deal with. Made a mazy dribble before selflessly giving to Adem Ljajic who put wide but then did gain an assist early in the second-half. Withdrawn following a good showing in extra-time.

Adem Ljajic – 7 – Runner - Drove forward extremely well, reminiscent of his time at Fiorentina and was very unlucky to only hit the crossbar with a first-half attempt. Taken off with 15 minutes to go for a well deserved rest.


Substitutes:

Jonathan Biabiany – 6.5 – Useful - Brought on at the interval to keep their attacking intent going but proved to be not as influential as expected until the final 15 odd minutes. Used his pace very effectively to nip around the defence and get crosses into the box.

Rodrigo Palacio – 6 – Unfortunate - Replaced Ljajic who had run himself into the ground with 15 minutes on the clock in a bid to grab the vital third goal. Missed his penalty.

Rey Manaj – N/A - Scored his penalty.


 

Juventus

Neto – 5.5 – Shaky - Was probably the most at fault for the games’ opening goal when rolling out to Hernanes who was surrounded by three Inter players. Should have come out to claim the low cross from Eder in the early stages of the second-half and save the penalty but did deny Perisic late on.

Stephan Lichtsteiner – 5.5 – Unimpressive - Was caught napping for Inter’s second goal allowing Perisic to steal in at the back post.

Daniele Rugani – 5 – Clumsy - Another who felt the strain of the attack minded Inter, meaning the Italian was forced into a couple of errors and was saved by the woodwork on one occasion. Hacked down Perisic for Inter’s penalty.

Leonardo Bonucci – 6.5 – Leader - Always the leader, Bonucci was key in getting Juventus through the tough first-half. His long-range passing from the defence allowed the team to regroup and begin an attack although a costly yellow meaning he misses the final.

Alex Sandro – 6 – Grower - Had probably the quietest game of the Juventus back four, although allowed Eder past him too easily before the striker assisted Perisic. Was miles better in the additional 30 minutes with a good amount of tackles.

Juan Cuadrado – 6 – Wayward - A good outlet for the Bianconeri in the first-half considering they were under the cosh for the majority of it but didn’t feature much in the second period.

Stefano Sturaro 5.5 – Bypassed - Appeared rather bypassed in the midfield area, contributing with a yellow card and nothing more.

Hernanes – 5 – Poor - Was caught on the ball to gift Inter a deserved opener and was a statue for the first-half. Was finally removed from the pitch with 20 minutes left.

Kwadwo Asamoah – 5.5 – Quiet - The Ghanaian had a quiet game, and his frustration showed when he hacked down Eder by the corner flag. Was taken off late on for Paul Pogba.

Simone Zaza – 6.5 – Aggressive - Was quite agitated upfront, attempted to win niggling free-kicks and complained to the referee a good deal. Did spank the post at 2-0 which could have killed the comeback and was probably Juventus’ best player tonight in attempting to bag a goal. Scored his penalty.

Alvaro Morata – 5.5 – Struggled - Unlucky to have to play out a game as a lone figure for the majority of it. Didn’t have anything to go off, and when he did receive the ball was quickly dispossessed. Was nowhere to be seen in the second-half and had his only two shots in the 120th minute. Scored his penalty.


Substitutes:

Andrea Barzagli – 6 – Rock - Was rightly brought on for Stephan Lichtstiener in order to shore up the defence. Did add a bit more stability but the lack of pace from Andrea meant counter attacks from Inter were regularly used. Scored his penalty.

Mario Lemina – 5.5 – Disappointing - Came on for Hernanes with 20 minutes remaining and you wouldn’t even know he had. Did very little apart from a sliced shot in the first-half of extra time.

Paul Pogba 6 – Classy - Was forced into the action with five minutes to go following the unexpected goalscoring of Inter. Tried to get Juventus going during extra time but instead got a yellow card. Did hit a wonderful first-time volley that nearly got the goal to take them through late on. Scored his penalty.

[Socrates 8524]

INTER - JUVENTUS

3 - 0

Aggregate 3 - 3
Juventus lead 5 - 3 on penalties

Marcelo Brozović (16')
Ivan Perišić (49')
Marcelo Brozović (82'-penalty)

Coppa Italia TIM - Semi-final 2nd leg
Wednesday, March 2nd, 2016 - 8:45 PM
Giuseppe Meazza Stadium, Milan
Referee: Andrea Gervasoni

Mancini: 'Inter gain self-belief'

http://www.football-italia.net/80711/mancini-inter-gain-self-belief?

Mar 2, 2016

Roberto Mancini hopes Inter’s extraordinary Coppa Italia tie with Juventus can “give us self-belief.”

The Nerazzurri dominated for 100 minutes and won 3-0 to even out the first leg result, but capitulated on penalties.

“It was a wonderful game, I compliment all the lads for the way they interpreted it throughout. I am above all sad for them, as they deserved to go to the Final,” the Coach told Rai Sport.

“Inter were top of the Serie A table for 18 rounds and everyone criticised us anyway. We lost some games and everyone criticised us. We just have to keep working and ignore all that.”

It is a remarkable turnaround considering on Sunday Juve beat Inter 2-0 in Serie A.

“Sunday’s match was totally in the balance and changed by an error, unfortunately. It totally changed the game, as we’d had the best chance of the first half and they had one long-range shot with Hernanes.

“It was a very balanced encounter and we absolutely did not deserve to lose. We too are disappointed at dropping points, but hopefully this performance can give us the self-belief and momentum to capture third place.

“I expect the team to recover from this very disappointing defeat on penalties and to realise they have quality if they remain as concentrated as they were tonight.

“We are a team trying to build something and that means going through moments of difficulty. That is football, nobody knows why.

“We work to do our best, sometimes things go well, sometimes they don’t. We did well for six months, over the last couple things haven’t gone as well, now we hope to pick up the pace.

“I think luck plays a big part and we tend to concede goals at the 93rd minute. Now there are 12 rounds, I think after tonight we can do well and hope to continue on from this performance against Palermo.

“Sunday will be an important match and we have to focus on that, then Bologna. Every game is to be played and done with the intensity we saw tonight. If we win those two, we’ll see about getting back into the race for third.”

Inter were without suspended Jeison Murillo and Joao Miranda tonight, but Danilo D’Ambrosio was a revelation in a new centre-back role.

“We’ve been working for a while with D’Ambrosio and he did well in central defence, as did Juan Jesus. They’ve both played there before, so it wasn’t an emergency situation. Eder is a great player, he’s a bit unlucky at the moment, but deserved a goal tonight.”

Geoffrey Kondogbia was taken to hospital at half-time after a head injury.

“Kondogbia had tests, it’s nothing serious.”

[Socrates 8524]

INTER - JUVENTUS

3 - 0

Aggregate 3 - 3
Juventus lead 5 - 3 on penalties

Marcelo Brozović (16')
Ivan Perišić (49')
Marcelo Brozović (82'-penalty)

Coppa Italia TIM - Semi-final 2nd leg
Wednesday, March 2nd, 2016 - 8:45 PM
Giuseppe Meazza Stadium, Milan
Referee: Andrea Gervasoni

Juventus 1 (4) - Inter Milan 3 (3):
Initial reaction and random observations

http://www.blackwhitereadallover.com/2016/3/3/11147828/juventus-inter-milan-2016-coppa-italia-semifinals-leg-2-final-score-result-initial-reaction

Mar 3, 2016

With the way their last two games against Inter have gone and knowing they had a 3-0 aggregate lead in their back pocket, it's understandable that Juventus maybe didn't view this game with the usual bite and fervor as previous ones. Maybe take a little bit of the foot off the gas, know there's room for error, be a little more conservative than usual, that type of stuff we may not normally see from Max Allegri and Juventus.

By the time the full 90 minutes were gone, the same could be said for Juventus' aggregate lead.

One Inter goal. Then another one. Then another one. Inter knew they were coming into Wednesday's second leg playing with house money and nothing to lose, and they definitely showed it. The only situation that would have been more of a complete disaster was Inter finding a fourth in regular time and sending Juventus packing just when we thought they were going to see out this second leg and head off to face the red and black side of Milan in the Coppa Italia final in May.

If you thought Inter-Juventus was going to go to penalties, well, then you should probably go to your local corner store and buy yourself a lottery ticket or two.

The good thing in all of this? Juventus' 90 minutes of crap didn't totally come back to bite them. Juve went 5 for 5 from the penalty spot and saw Rodrigo Palacio clang one off the crossbar to salvage the win on the aggregate scoreline and advance to their second consecutive Coppa Italia final.

Just like we all thought would happen, right?

Ha, riiiiiight.

Let's not mess around or beat around the bush here: This was an awful Juventus performance. They had absolutely no business to even risk going to extra time, let alone see things decided by penalties. Allowing Inter to score one goal wasn't the problem, it was the fact that Juve completely let them back into the tie and had no kind of response at all. I mean, it wasn't even until the 53rd minute that Juve are had some semblance of an attack that caused problems for Inter's defense.

It was one of those games, for sure. And one of those games I really hope is just a simple by product of having such a huge aggregate lead more than anything else. Let's not forget Juve's got another aggregate scoreline to try and win in a couple of weeks. And I feel pretty safe in saying the team they'll be playing that day is a whole lot better than the one they faced at the San Siro on Wednesday night.

But hey, I guess Juve saw Inter rally all the way back only to eliminate them from the Coppa Italia on penalties. Just when they thought they were back, we pulled the okie-doke and ruined what would have been one of Juventus' worst losses in a pretty good while.

Never in doubt, right? (Don't answer that.)


Random thoughts and obserations

To quote a friend of mine by the name of Jorid (you might know him): When it's Derby d'Italia day, but you're facing scrubs, so you sitting at home just chilling...

See you soon, Claudio. Miss you.

On the docket for training on Thursday: Work on your distribution, Neto. Foul or no foul on Hernanes, that pass should have never been made with Gary Medel breathing down his neck.

Juventus had no shots in the first half. Rumor has it Juventus actually had two strikers on the field during that time, too.

It's the 95th minute and Neto makes a good save on Ivan Perisic. You're probably thinking to yourself, "But why is Perisic even on the field after choke slamming Juan Cuadrado a couple of minutes earlier?" Don't worry because just about everybody was thinking the same exact thing.

It's hard to think of a Juventus player who played more than okay kind of game.

Yep, same.

Daniele Rugani will catch heat for causing the penalty that resulted in Inter going up 3-0 and tying the score on aggregate. And, hey, it was the right call from a referee who was an absolute hot mess then entire game start to finish. But even with Rugani's extraordinary talent, there's going to be mistakes. It's not like he's been playing a ton lately, so his sharpness won't be there like it would if he were a regular starter like he was at Empoli.

It's a shame Leonardo Bonucci will be missing the Coppa Italia final due to the yellow card he picked up against Inter. Who's got money on Giorgio Chiellini trying to play but having to be subbed off in the first half because he's injured. (Too soon?)

Can we be done with the 4-4-2? It's not working. It really isn't. Juventus hasn't looked close to the same team when it uses a 4-4-2 compared to the 3-5-2. Obviously the 2-2 draw against Bayern and Wednesday's mess at the San Siro are the two glaring examples, but it's just not truly suited for the players that Juve has. Please, Max, do what needs to be done.

That's all I need to say about that. Honestly, there's not much to say about that. You watched, I watched, we all watched. Juve's in the Coppa Italia final, and that's what matters.