Juventus Season 2015-2016

[Socrates 8523]

JUVENTUS - LAZIO

-

 
 

MATCHDAY 34
Wednesday, April 20th, 2016 - 8:45 PM
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Paolo Mazzoleni

Juve squad for Lazio

http://www.football-italia.net/83062/juve-squad-lazio?

Apr 19, 2016
 
Juventus named their squad for tomorrow night’s clash with Lazio, missing several key players including Alvaro Morata.

It kicks off at 20.45 CET - 19.45 UK time (18.45 GMT).

Morata sits out a ban, while Claudio Marchisio underwent anterior cruciate ligament surgery today and will be out of action for six months.

The injury list also includes Giorgio Chiellini, Martin Caceres, Roberto Pereyra and Norberto Neto.


Juventus squad for Lazio

Buffon, Khedira, Zaza, Pogba, Hernanes, Alex Sandro, Barzagli, Cuadrado, Mandzukic, Lemina, Bonucci, Padoin, Dybala, Asamoah, Rugani, Lichtsteiner, Sturaro, Evra, Rubinho, Audero.

 

SERIE A TABLE

[Socrates 8523]

JUVENTUS - LAZIO

-

 
 

MATCHDAY 34
Wednesday, April 20th, 2016 - 8:45 PM
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Paolo Mazzoleni

Juventus - Lazio MATCH PREVIEW

http://www.football-italia.net/SerieA/match/preview/70157

Apr 19, 2016
 
Simone Inaghi's Lazio have risen from the ashes of Stefano Pioli’s side, but face a relentless Juventus which can all-but confirm a fifth consecutive Scudetto by taking three points.

As much as they will like to deny it, Lazio took a leaf out of fierce rivals Roma's book by sacking their talented yet troubled coach for a strong club symbol. Although it’s still early days, Simone is seemingly stepping out of brother Fillipo's shadow off the pitch with his Lazio side producing hugely improved performances, while the latter will simply go down as another coach who failed to turn Milan around. However, Juventus are a massive test for a young tactician, with only the great Pep Guardiola managing to make Max Allegri sweat this season.

Now with seven straight wins under their belt, Juve have shrugged off challenges from Roma and Napoli for their throne despite an awful start to the season. Claudio Marchisio's season may be over, but Paulo Dybala will be welcomed back after a lengthy injury lay-off and the iconic Giorgio Chiellini could be fit for the bench. With Euro 2016 just around the corner, La Vecchia Signora will be eager to wrap the Scudetto up before distraction sets in.

Expect Lazio to line up in a steely, counter attacking 4-3-3 shape to nullify the endless waves of pressure that will be thrown at them. Federico Marchetti seems to have put his injury troubles behind him and will start in goal and will be protected by a back four of Dusan Basta, Milan Bisevac, Santiago Gentiletti and Senad Lulic. Ogenyi Onazi will play in the holding role and will look to use his speed and strength in battles with Paul Pogba. Lucas Biglia will play a free role as the exterior central midfielder and will be the creative spark, while Marco Parolo will resume his box-to-box duties. Expect Lazio to sit back and feel out Juve for the first 15 minutes before launching any attacks of their own.

Juve, meanwhile, will likely line up in the 3-5-2 formation which has been so successful against Lazio in the past. Gianluigi Buffon will make Serie A appearance number 625 in goal and will be protected by Daniele Rugani, Leonardo Bonucci and Andrea Barzagli. Stephan 'the Swiss express' Lichtsteiner will start in his usual right wing-back position with Alex Sandro taking up the reigns on the left. Sami Khedira, Mario Lemina and Paul Pogba will likely start in the center in what will be an abundance of strength and industry in midfield to break down the Laziale's counter attacks before they get a chance to start. Paulo Dybala will be welcomed back and will start alongside the frustrating Mario Mandzukic in an 'opposites attract' strike partnership. The Bianconeri will likely go all out for the first 20 minutes to get the Lazio wall to buckle before trying to simply see out the win in the second half.


Keep an eye on: Paulo Dybala (Juventus) — 'Incredybala' has been missed for the past two months or so despite Alvaro Morata's best efforts to fill the gap left by the little Argentine. With the Scudetto and a place in the Argentina squad for the Centenary Copa America tournament on the line, the former Palermo man needs little more to fire himself up.


Form Guide: Juventus (W W W W W) Lazio (W D L W W)

Last season: Juventus 2-0 Lazio

Stat Fact: Although the term is thrown around a little too often on social media, for the past decade Lazio have been the ultimate flat-track bullies. We have to go all the way back to the 2003/04 season for the Biancocelesti's last Serie A win over Juventus, a 2-0 victory at the Olimpico with Bernardo Corradi leading the line, but since have come 16 losses and 7 draws.


Juventus (Probable)

Buffon; Rugani, Bonucci, Barzagli; Lichtsteiner, Khedira, Lemina, Pogba, Sandro; Mandzukic, Dybala

Suspended: Morata


Lazio (Probable)

Marchetti; Basta, Bisevac, Gentiletti, Lulic; Onazi, Biglia, Parolo; Keita, Klose, Felipe Anderson

Suspended: None

 

SERIE A TABLE

[Socrates 8523]

JUVENTUS - LAZIO

-

 
 

MATCHDAY 34
Wednesday, April 20th, 2016 - 8:45 PM
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Paolo Mazzoleni

JUVENTUS VS LAZIO MATCH PREVIEW

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

Apr 19, 2016
 

Juventus

Thanks to the 4-0 win over Palermo and Napoli’s loss against Inter, Juventus extended their lead to nine points. With six games to go, the finish line is near and Lo Scudetto is ours to lose: The Bbianconeri only need to collect seven points out of the 18 available. Or maybe less, if a withdrawing Napoli drop more points. Considering how automatic the team has become in the easy matches, where it can score at ease and never ever concede a goal even with just a B- performance, a meltdown would be extremely surprising. It is that time of the year where you start looking ahead and try to guess what could be the title-clinching game. I would say that the May 1st home game against Carpi sounds pretty good, but it might come earlier.

It is a good thing that Juventus built such a sizeable cushion because one of its most important linchpins, Claudio Marchisio, went down with an ACL tear on Sunday. The midfielder already underwent surgery and will be sidelined for about six months. It’s a bummer for him, for Juventus and for Italy, as he will be out for the European Championship in France this summer. It will be a problem especially next season as he is set to be miss the whole pre-season and maybe up to two months. Just devastating news. Fortunately this kind of injury is very common in all major sports and so it very well researched, he should have no problems in making a full recovery without losing a step.

Mario Lemina and Hernanes will share the duties as the deep-lying midfielders and it will be a big chance for both. As you know, Juventus has to decide on Lemina’s €9.5M option to buy by April 30th and Hernanes’s future is pretty much up in the air as well. The recent rumours say that the management could ask Olympique Marseille to extend Lemina’s loan for another year to evaluate him better. Asfor Hernanes, who joined the club as a patch after missing out on Julian Draxler, I would say that he will probably be gone in the summer as Juventus will bring in a world class midfielder, which I think would have happened regardless of Marchisio’s injury. But some strong performances could help his case.

3-5-2 should be the chosen tactic, but there is a small chance that one between Andrea Barzagli and Leonardo Bonucci will be rested. However, the facts that Hernanes could be used in the midfield, Roberto Pereyra still being sidelined and Alvaro Morata’s suspension make it difficult to deploy a convincing 4-3-1-2 or a 4-3-3. 4-4-2 with Juan Cuadrado and Paul Pogba wide is a possibility, but I reckon Patrice Evra as centre-back would make more sense. Stephan Lichsteiner and Alex Sandro are expected to return to the starting lineup and Mario Mandzukic and Paulo Dybala are set to form the attacking duo.

With the difficult Fiorentina game on the road coming up, some rotation involving some Sami Khedira, Paul Pogba or the strikers is possible. However, I would not exaggerate with that, especially in the midfield where it will be hard to make up for Marchisio’s absence, because this game is not a freebie and as we saw against Palermo, you are always vulnerable if you do not have the right level of focus.


Probable lineup 3-5-2:

Buffon; Barzagli, Bonucci, Rugani; Lichsteiner, Khedira, Lemina, Pogba, Sandro; Mandzukic, Dybala.


Injuries:

Marchisio (knee), Chiellini (hamstring), Neto (calf), Pereyra (hamstring), Caceres (Achilles).

Suspensions:

Morata.


 

 Lazio

Two weeks ago, Lazio decided to fire Stefano Pioli and promote U19 coach Simone Inzaghi after a long period of uninspiring performances and suddenly they have convincingly won two games in a row, against Palermo and Empoli. The Biancolesti also have not lost in the last nine away matches, so it could be a trap game for Juventus. Despite a very disappointing season, they still have some minimal chances to catch Milan in sixth place to maybe enter Europa League.

Simone Inzaghi has not changed much compared to his predecessor: he continues to use 4-3-3 and has given a chance to Balde Keita and Ogenyi Onazi, who have performed well. But it hard to imagine that that was enough to turn things around: probably the squad had given up on Pioli and reacted well to his sacking, which is a very common thing. Moreover, they have some real quality in the roster.

Two things derailed Lazio’s season: some of their stars underperformed and injuries. A ton of injuries. The most crucial one was Stefan De Vrij, who needed a major knee surgery in November and was lost for the season: they never quite found the right defensive duo as they failed to bring in someone solid both in the summer and in the January window. Basically every single member of the team has missed time with various ailments, and this will be the case on Wednesday as well, so the coach was left with little choice but to constantly change the tactic, thus not allowing the proper chemistry to develop.

They will be without Antonio Candreva, who has a sore patellar tendon, Milan Bisevac who has a bruised knee, Abdulay Konko, Stefan Radu and Ricardo Kishna who have hamstring issues, Alessandro Matri who hurt his calf and Stefano Mauri who recently underwent hand surgery.

Still, Inzaghi plans to rotate some men compared to the last two games, giving Mauricio, Sergej Milinkovic-Savic and Filip Djordjevic a chance to start. Felipe Anderson will replace Candreva on the right wing. Miroslav Klose made a quick trip to Germany to have a doctor take a look at a hand injury, but he should be in Turin tomorrow night, but he is not expected to start.

The main threat comes from the offensive flanks: Anderson and Keita are both pacey, skilled and can finish, so stopping them will have to be the first concern. They are pretty vulnerable and blunder-prone in the back, so they can be exposed with some quick plays. It is a big game for Inzaghi, who is in the mix for the next season.


Probable lineup 4-3-3:

Marchetti; Basta, Mauricio, Hoedt, Lulic; Milinkovic-Savic, Biglia, Parolo; Anderson, Djordjevic, Keita.


Injuries:

Candreva (knee), Bisevac (knee), Konko (hamstring), Radu (hamstring), Kishna (hamstring), Matri (calf), Mauri (hand).

Suspensions:

None.

 

Formation

 

SERIE A TABLE

[Socrates 8523]

JUVENTUS - LAZIO

-

 
 

MATCHDAY 34
Wednesday, April 20th, 2016 - 8:45 PM
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Paolo Mazzoleni

Juventus V Lazio – Preview: Aquile Next
Obstacle In Bianconeri Scudetto March

http://forzaitalianfootball.com/2016/04/juventus-v-lazio-preview-aquile-next-obstacle-in-bianconeri-scudetto-march/?

Apr 19, 2016
 
Juventus’ romp to the Serie A title will resume when they face Lazio at the Juventus Stadium on Wednesday night.

The Bianconeri are in imperious form having won their last seven games and not tasted defeat in 23. Massimiliano Allegri’s side swept Palermo aside 4-0 on Sunday afternoon, and are showing no signs of letting up.

Lazio have picked up a little bit of form themselves since the departure of Stefano Pioli. Simone Inzaghi has led his side to two wins, and the Biancocelesti are unbeaten in nine away games. Indeed, despite their inconsistency under Pioli, Lazio have lost just three times since these two sides met in early December.

That game ended 2-0, with a Santiago Gentiletti own goal and Paulo Dybala ensuring the points went back to Turin. Defeat has become a familiar story for Lazio in this fixture; the Roman side have not beaten Juventus since December 2003, when Stefano Fiore and Bernardo Corradi clinched the win.

That gives the Bianconeri an unbeaten run of 22 games against Lazio, and a huge advantage in the overall head-to-head. The two sides have met 143 times previously, with Juventus winning 75 to Lazio’s 32 – just eight of which have been away wins.

Allegri was rocked by the injury to Claudio Marchisio at the weekend, and he joins an injury list containing Giorgio Chiellini, Roberto Pereyra and Neto, while Alvaro Morata’s late booking against the Rosanero earned him a suspension.

Inzaghi has injury problems of his own, with a host of players unavailable. Stefan de Vrij and Stefan Radu are long term absentees, but Etrit Berisha, Edson Braafheid, Abdoulaye Konko and Stefano Mauri have recently joined them on the treatment table. Milan Bisevac is also a doubt, though he is expected to make it, and should start alongside Gentiletti on Wednesday evening.

Antonio Candreva is closing in on Lazio’s Top 20 all time top scorers; his next goal will be his 44th for the club, bringing him level in that position with Enrique Flamini. Meanwhile, despite his relatively short time with the club, Miroslav Klose has scored five times more for the Aquile than his new coach did – 60 to 55.

Wednesday night will mark Gianluigi Buffon’s 37th game against Lazio. Only against Milan has he played more often. He will be looking for a 20th clean sheet of the season, which would give him a coincidental 20 against the Aquile, his most against any opponent along with Udinese.


Form Guide

Juventus (W-W-W-W-W), Lazio (W-D-L-W-W)


Expected Starting XIs

Juventus: Buffon; Barzagli, Bonucci, Rugani; Cuadrado, Khedira, Lemina, Pogba, Evra; Mandzukic, Dybala

Lazio: Marchetti; Basta, Bisevac, Gentiletti, Lulic; Onazi, Biglia, Parolo; Candreva, Klose, Keita.

 

SERIE A TABLE

[Socrates 8523]

JUVENTUS - LAZIO

-

 
 

MATCHDAY 34
Wednesday, April 20th, 2016 - 8:45 PM
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Paolo Mazzoleni

Juventus v Lazio Preview:
Padoin out to make history

Massimiliano Allegri's men are closing in on yet another league title and welcome
a visiting side who are still hoping of finishing sixth and securing a Europa League spot.

http://www.goal.com/en/match/juventus-vs-lazio/2120713/preview

Apr 19, 2016
 
Simone Padoin is looking to make history with Juventus as the reigning champions chase their fifth consecutive Serie A title.

Massimiliano Allegri's men hold a nine-point lead over second-placed Napoli with five games to go and will be looking to take another important step towards the title when they host Lazio on Wednesday.

Padoin realises that Juventus are not there just yet, but he is confident they have what it takes to seal the Scudetto in their remaining five games.

"There's no denying that a fifth title would be an extraordinary achievement. We know that history is right there within touching distance and all we have to do now is reach out and grasp it," Padoin told Sky.

"This is an incredible club whose only desire is to win and I'm still grateful for the opportunity presented to me four years ago.

"No one would deny that we are in an excellent position at the moment but we still haven't won anything yet.

"We have to make sure that we bring home the six or seven points still required to wrap up the trophy, beginning with our two massive matches this week against Lazio and Fiorentina."

Lazio, meanwhile, are still dreaming of finishing sixth in the table to potentially clinch a Europa League berth.

They have climbed to seventh following wins over Palermo and Empoli and are trailing sixth-placed Milan by four points.

Simone Inzaghi - who replaced Stefano Pioli as the man in charge after the defeat against Roma on March 3 - is pleased with their recent resurgence, but has warned his team Wednesday's trip to Juventus will be a different test entirely.

"We put in two great performances against Palermo and Empoli, when we had some time to prepare well, but it will not be like this for the game against Juventus," Inzaghi said at a news conference.

"It is not easy to prepare for an opponent like Juventus in just two days. But we will have to give our all against a Juventus that seems invincible."

Juve have had much the better of recent meetings between the two sides, winning each of their last six matches against Lazio, conceding just one goal in the process


OPTA FACTS

Juventus are unbeaten against Lazio in Serie A since December 2003, with16 wins for the Bianconeri and six draws in the process.

Lazio have not scored more than a single goal in any Serie A clash against Juve since April 2008, failing to find the net in nine of the last 14 meetings.

Lazio have lost 75 games and conceded 256 goals versus Juve in Serie A, more than against any other side.

Juventus have picked up 67 out of 69 points available over the last 23 Serie A games: an all-time record in Serie A in a run of 23 games.

The Bianconeri have won all the last 13 home games in the league, keeping a clean sheet in each of the most recent eight.

Lazio have won both Serie A games played under Simone Inzaghi, scoring five goals and conceding none.

Juventus’ four defeats in Serie A this season have all come without Claudio Marchisio playing.

Juventus have won 25 out of 26 games this season in which they have gone ahead (D1), wasting just two points from leading situations, fewer than any other side.


LAST FIVE MATCHES

Juventus W W W W L

4/17/16 - Juventus 4 - 0 Palermo
4/9/16 - AC Milan 1 - 2 Juventus
4/2/16 - Juventus 1 - 0 Empoli
3/20/16 - Torino 1 - 4 Juventus
3/16/16 - Bayern München 4 - 2 Juventus


Lazio W W L D L

4/17/16 - Lazio 2 - 0 Empoli
4/10/16 - Palermo 0 - 3 Lazio
4/3/16 - Lazio 1 - 4 Roma
3/20/16 - AC Milan 1 - 1 Lazio
3/17/16 - Lazio 0 - 3 Sparta Praha


HEAD TO HEAD

1/20/16 - Lazio 0 - 1 Juventus
12/4/15 - Lazio 0 - 2 Juventus
8/8/15 - Juventus 2 - 0 Lazio
5/20/15 - Juventus 2 - 1 Lazio
4/18/15 - Juventus 2 - 0 Lazio

 

SERIE A TABLE

[Socrates 8523]

JUVENTUS - LAZIO

-

 
 

MATCHDAY 34
Wednesday, April 20th, 2016 - 8:45 PM
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Paolo Mazzoleni

Di Livio: ‘Juventus have character’

http://www.football-italia.net/83097/di-livio-%E2%80%98juventus-have-character%E2%80%99?

Apr 20, 2016
 
Angelo Di Livio praises Juventus’ “character” and urges Lazio to hit them on the break.

The Bianconeri can take a step closer to a fifth-consecutive Scudetto with a win over the Aquile tonight, as they seek to re-establish their nine-point lead over Napoli, who thrashed Bologna last night.

“It will be a good match,” Di Livio predicted in an interview with Laziopress.

“Juventus have completed a remarkable comeback, they’re a team of great quality and above all character.

“For Lazio this is a key test after two wins against Empoli and Palermo, the way they approach the game will be crucial for the Biancocelesti.

“Lazio must play very prudently and take advantage of counter-attacks with fast, quality players like Felipe Anderson and Keita [balde Diao].”

Claudio Marchisio has been ruled out for six months with a cruciate ligament injury, and Di Livio spared a thought for the Italian international.

“I’m very disappointed for Claudio, he’s a great lad. Looking at the national team it’s terrible news, his absence will be felt very keenly.”

 

SERIE A TABLE

[Socrates 8523]

JUVENTUS - LAZIO

-

 
 

MATCHDAY 34
Wednesday, April 20th, 2016 - 8:45 PM
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Paolo Mazzoleni

Line-ups: Juventus-Lazio

http://www.football-italia.net/83117/line-ups-juventus-lazio?

Apr 20, 2016
 
Juventus can take another huge step towards the Scudetto, but that means breaking Simone Inzaghi’s perfect Lazio record.

It kicks off at 20.45 CET - 19.45 UK time (18.45 GMT).

The Bianconeri have won 22 of the last 23 Serie A rounds and a victory here would keep them nine points clear at the top with only four rounds remaining.

The 4-0 thrashing of Palermo was rather dampened by Claudio Marchisio being stretchered off with an anterior cruciate ligament, which rules him out for six months – and Euro 2016.

He joins the absentee list today with Giorgio Chiellini, Roberto Pereyra, Martin Caceres and Norberto Neto.

Alvaro Morata is suspended, so Mario Mandzukic partners Paulo Dybala with Hernanes stepping into midfield.

Lazio have so far won both games under new Coach Inzaghi, having sacked Stefano Pioli in the wake of a humiliating Rome Derby defeat.

That’s an impressive achievement considering the never-ending injury crisis, which today includes Antonio Candreva, Stefano Mauri, Ricardo Kishna, Alessandro Matri, Stefan Radu, Milan Bisevac and Stefan de Vrij.

Filip Djordjevic takes over centre-forward duties flanked by the pace of Felipe Anderson and Keita Balde Diao, while Sergej Milinkovic-Savic and Dusan Basta are back in action.

The Aquile have only ever won this Serie A fixture eight times in Turin, drawing 18 and losing 45.

In all competition, including last year’s Italian Super Cup and Coppa Italia Final, Lazio have managed one draw from their last 10 meetings with Juventus.

The last time the Bianconeri lost to Lazio was a 2-1 Coppa Italia semi-final in January 2013.

The Biancocelesti haven’t won a Serie A match in Turin since 2-1 in December 2002, when Stefano Fiore bagged a brace and Pavel Nedved had the only reply.


Juventus

Buffon; Barzagli, Bonucci, Rugani; Lichtsteiner, Khedira, Hernanes, Pogba, Alex Sandro; Mandzukic, Dybala

Juventus bench: Audero, Rubinho, Evra, Asamoah, Cuadrado, Lemina, Padoin, Sturaro, Zaza


Lazio

Marchetti; Patric, Gentiletti, Hoedt, Lulic; Parolo, Biglia, Onazi; Felipe Anderson, Djordjevic, Keita

Lazio bench: Berisha, Guerrieri, Braafheid, Morrison, Basta, Milinkovic-Savic, Cataldi, Mauricio, Rossi, Palombi

 

SERIE A TABLE

[Socrates 8523]

JUVENTUS - LAZIO

-

 
 

MATCHDAY 34
Wednesday, April 20th, 2016 - 8:45 PM
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Paolo Mazzoleni

HT 1-0: Juve break Lazio down

http://www.football-italia.net/83122/ht-juve-break-lazio-down

Apr 20, 2016
 
Mario Mandzukic has given Juventus the half-time lead over Lazio, despite Federico Marchetti heroics.

The Bianconeri were closing on a fifth consecutive Scudetto, winning 22 of the last 23 rounds, but missed Claudio Marchisio, Giorgio Chiellini, Roberto Pereyra, Martin Caceres, Norberto Neto and suspended Alvaro Morata. Lazio had won both games under new Coach Simone Inzaghi despite an injury crisis ruling out Antonio Candreva, Stefano Mauri, Ricardo Kishna, Alessandro Matri, Stefan Radu, Milan Bisevac and Stefan de Vrij.

Lazio had managed just one draw from their last 10 meetings with Juve in all competition, including last year’s Coppa Italia Final and Italian Super Cup clash in China. They hadn’t won a Serie A fixture in Turin since December 2002, when Stefano Fiore bagged brace.

Federico Marchetti needed two very tough early saves on Paulo Dybala from point-blank range as he met a Stephan Lichtsteiner cross, then turning a Paul Pogba snapshot round the post.

Alex Sandro’s strike shaved a coat of paint off the near top corner, but Pogba really should’ve done better when he sprung the offside trap and went one-on-one with Marchetti only to get it all horribly wrong.

Dybala showed great work by getting back to defend on Filip Djordjevic’s counter, but it was increasingly just a siege on the Lazio area with Marchetti beating away a Dybala strike.

Pogba chested down a Hernanes corner and his cross-shot was toe-poked in from close range by Mario Mandzukic to finally break the deadlock.


Juventus 1-0 Lazio (Half-Time)

Scorers: Mandzukic 39 (J)

Juventus: Buffon; Barzagli, Bonucci, Rugani; Lichtsteiner, Khedira, Hernanes, Pogba, Alex Sandro; Mandzukic, Dybala

Lazio: Marchetti; Patric, Gentiletti, Hoedt, Lulic; Parolo, Biglia, Onazi; Felipe Anderson, Djordjevic, Keita

Ref: Mazzoleni

 

SERIE A TABLE

[Socrates 8523]

JUVENTUS - LAZIO

3 - 0

Mario Mandžukić (39')
Paulo Dybala (52')
Paulo Dybala (64')

MATCHDAY 34
Wednesday, April 20th, 2016 - 8:45 PM
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Paolo Mazzoleni

Juventus 3-0 Lazio: Dybala at the double
as hosts restore nine-point lead

The Serie A leaders took another step towards retaining their title with a comfortable
victory in Turin that leaves them with a healthy lead with just four games left to play.

http://www.goal.com/en/match/juventus-vs-lazio/2120713/report

Apr 20, 2016
 
Paulo Dybala scored twice as leaders Juventusrestored their nine-point advantage over Napoli at the top of Serie A with a 3-0 victory over Lazio on Wednesday.
A tap-in from Mario Mandzukic in the 39th minute set Massimiliano Allegri's side on their way to an eighth straight league win, with this latest triumph putting them on the brink of retaining the title with just four games to go.

Lazio had Patric sent off before Dybala helped himself to a second-half double, the first of them coming from the spot after Leonardo Bonucci had been dragged down in the area at a corner.

The Argentine forward converted Sami Khedira's pass to heap further misery on a visiting side that has now lost four times to Juventus this season without scoring a goal.

Lazio were indebted to goalkeeper Federico Marchetti for keeping the score down to three, particularly during a first half that Juventus dominated.

Marchetti twice denied Dybala in the early stages, although he was fortunate to see Paul Pogba fluff his lines when presented with a glorious chance in the 20th minute.

Having broken clear of Lazio's defence, Khedira carefully rolled a pass across the area towards his unmarked team-mate. But, as he went to pull the trigger, Pogba lost his footing, resulting in a tame effort rolling towards Marchetti.

However, Lazio's luck finally ran out six minutes before the half-time interval.

Able to take a touch on his chest when dealing with a deep corner from the left, Pogba aimed a low drive towards the far corner of the goal.

His attempt may well have been going in, but Mandzukic made absolutely sure by poking the ball home from close range.

Visiting manager Simone Inzaghi may still have harboured hopes of taking something from the game at the halfway stage, yet any hopes of a Lazio comeback disappeared within five minute of the re-start.

First, Patric was shown a second yellow card for dragging down Dybala, leaving Lazio to play almost the entire second half with only 10 men.

Pogba's free-kick from the foul was well saved by Marchetti, but the resulting corner saw Santiago Gentiletti punished for hauling back Bonucci when the ball was in the air.

Dybala converted from the spot, with the forward going on to add Juventus' third in the 64th minute.

Khedira unselfishly squared the ball inside to allow his team-mate to fire home his 16th league goal in what has been an impressive debut season at the club.

 

SERIE A TABLE

[Socrates 8523]

JUVENTUS - LAZIO

3 - 0

Mario Mandžukić (39')
Paulo Dybala (52')
Paulo Dybala (64')

MATCHDAY 34
Wednesday, April 20th, 2016 - 8:45 PM
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Paolo Mazzoleni

Juventus 3-0 Lazio: Bianconeri
Pummel Woeful Biancocelesti

http://forzaitalianfootball.com/2016/04/juventus-3-0-lazio-bianconeri-pummel-woeful-biancocelesti/?

Apr 20, 2016
 
Juventus beat Lazio 3-0 at the Juventus Stadium on Wednesday night, to move one step closer to another Serie A title.

The Old Lady were in complete control throughout the first-half and eventually took the lead through Mario Mandzukic in the 39th minute. In the second-half, after the Biancocelesti were reduced to 10 men when Patric was sent-off, Juventus were awarded a penalty which Paulo Dybala blasted into the net to make it 2-0 in the 52nd minute. 12 minutes later Dybala claimed his second of the night.

Juventus dominated the opening stages and could have opened the scoring when Stephan Lichtsteiner drove into the penalty and his slick cut-back was diverted goalwards by Dybala, but he was denied by a superb save from Federico Marchetti.

Marchetti was once again at full stretch to deny Paul Pogba after the Frenchman produced an excellent effort on the half-volley following a cleared corner.

Pogba should have made it 1-0 when Sami Khedira broke Lazio’s lax offside trap and the pulled the ball back to Pogba, but the Frenchman’s shot was weak and straight at Marchetti.

Eventually, the Bianconeri broke the deadlock. A corner was flung in by Hernanes finding Pogba who fired the ball back across the six-yard box for Mandzukic to tap beyond Marchetti.

Three minutes into the second-half, Patric was sent-off for a silly second yellow card after cynically fouling Dybala.

In the 50th minute the Aquile had seemingly lost all sense as Santiago Gentiletti idiotically fouled Leonardo Bonucci, giving away a penalty which Dybala confidently dispatched.

Dybala soon doubled his tally for the night. Khedira drove in behind the Lazio defence and pulled the ball back to Dybala who produced a simple finish.

The result leaves Juventus in first place, whereas Lazio drop to ninth in the table.

 

SERIE A TABLE

[Socrates 8523]

JUVENTUS - LAZIO

3 - 0

Mario Mandžukić (39')
Paulo Dybala (52')
Paulo Dybala (64')

MATCHDAY 34
Wednesday, April 20th, 2016 - 8:45 PM
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Paolo Mazzoleni

Juventus 3 - 0 Lazio - Juventus march
on past 10-man Lazio

http://www.football-italia.net/SerieA/match/70157

Apr 20, 2016
 
Paulo Dybala’s brace and Mario Mandzukic ensured Juventus made short work of 10-man Lazio, as Patric was sent off.

The Bianconeri were closing on a fifth consecutive Scudetto, winning 22 of the last 23 rounds, but missed Claudio Marchisio, Giorgio Chiellini, Roberto Pereyra, Martin Caceres, Norberto Neto and suspended Alvaro Morata. Lazio had won both games under new Coach Simone Inzaghi despite an injury crisis ruling out Antonio Candreva, Stefano Mauri, Ricardo Kishna, Alessandro Matri, Stefan Radu, Milan Bisevac and Stefan de Vrij.

Lazio had managed just one draw from their last 10 meetings with Juve in all competition, including last year’s Coppa Italia Final and Italian Super Cup clash in China. They hadn’t won a Serie A fixture in Turin since December 2002, when Stefano Fiore bagged brace.

Federico Marchetti needed two very tough early saves on Paulo Dybala from point-blank range as he met a Stephan Lichtsteiner cross, then turning a Paul Pogba snapshot round the post.

Alex Sandro’s strike shaved a coat of paint off the near top corner, but Pogba really should’ve done better when he sprung the offside trap and went one-on-one with Marchetti only to get it all horribly wrong.

Dybala showed great work by getting back to defend on Filip Djordjevic’s counter, but it was increasingly just a siege on the Lazio area with Marchetti beating away a Dybala strike.

Pogba chested down a Hernanes corner and his cross-shot was toe-poked in from close range by Mario Mandzukic to finally break the deadlock.

The second half could not have started worse for Lazio. Patric received a second yellow card for a blatant shirt tug on Dybala, then Santiago Gentiletti hauled down Leonardo Bonucci on a set play and Dybala converted the penalty.

Dybala completed his brace by finishing off a Sami Khedira counter-attack while sliding in from 12 yards.

Marchetti kept the scoreline down late on with saves on Simone Zaza and Dybala.


Juventus

Buffon; Barzagli, Bonucci, Rugani; Lichtsteiner, Khedira (Sturaro 70), Hernanes, Pogba (Asamoah 82), Alex Sandro; Mandzukic, Dybala (Zaza 75)


Lazio

Marchetti; Patric, Gentiletti, Hoedt, Lulic; Parolo (Milinkovic-Savic 46), Biglia (Cataldi 77), Onazi; Felipe Anderson (Basta 53), Djordjevic, Keita


Ref: Mazzoleni

Sent off: Patric 48 (L)

 

SERIE A TABLE

[Socrates 8523]

JUVENTUS - LAZIO

3 - 0

Mario Mandžukić (39')
Paulo Dybala (52')
Paulo Dybala (64')

MATCHDAY 34
Wednesday, April 20th, 2016 - 8:45 PM
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Paolo Mazzoleni

Juventus beat Lazio with Paulo Dybala
brace, four points from Serie A title

http://www.espnfc.co.uk/italian-serie-a/match/431935/juventus-lazio/report

Apr 20, 2016
 
Paulo Dybala scored twice as Juventus thrashed 10-man Lazio 3-0 to take what should prove to be a decisive nine-point lead into the Serie A run-in.

Only a serious collapse in the last four games will open the door for Napoli to snatch the title from the reigning champions, who opened the scoring in Turin through Mario Mandzukic just before half-time.

Dybala's double -- from a penalty shortly after Lazio lost Patric to a red card, and then at the end of a Sami Khedira counter -- put Juve in a position to claim the Italian championship with four more points.

Napoli's thumping 6-0 home win over Bologna meant Juve would not be able to celebrate winning a fifth straight Scudetto on Wednesday night but they had a job to do nevertheless.

Federico Marchetti thwarted them as they tried all manner of trick shots, the Lazio goalkeeper pouncing on Dybala's sneaky effort before diving to keep Paul Pogba's half-volley out at the far post.

French dynamo Pogba tried again, unsuccessfully, from distance and Marchetti reacted quickly to Dybala's bullet header to further frustrate Juve.

The spectacular and sublime were not working so the Bianconeri went for the obvious route to goal.

Hernanes' corner beat the entire Lazio defence to find Pogba, whose angled low cross met Mandzukic's feet for a close-range finish five minutes before the break.

The dismissal of Patric for a second yellow card just after the restart turned the tide firmly in Juve's favour and in the 51st minute they won a penalty when Santiago Gentiletti fouled Leonardo Bonucci.

Dybala converted for his 15th goal of the season and Juve's mission was all but complete.

Lazio, who had enjoyed a two-game winning bounce since Simone Inzaghi replaced Stefano Pioli as head coach, began to lose focus and were 3-0 down before 65 minutes were up.

Former Real Madrid midfielder Khedira supplied the clever through ball that Dybala swept up and powered beyond a stranded Marchetti to settle the tie.

The Argentine forward would have claimed a hat trick had his left-footed rocket fooled Marchetti, and substitute Simone Zaza was unlucky not to add gloss to the scoreline in the final five minutes.

Should Juve claim three points from their trip to Fiorentina on Sunday, they will be 12 points clear.

Napoli then travel to face third-placed Roma. A defeat in the capital would hand Juve the crown.

 

SERIE A TABLE

[Socrates 8523]

JUVENTUS - LAZIO

3 - 0

Mario Mandžukić (39')
Paulo Dybala (52')
Paulo Dybala (64')

MATCHDAY 34
Wednesday, April 20th, 2016 - 8:45 PM
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Paolo Mazzoleni

Juventus 3 - Lazio 0: Initial
reaction and random observations

http://www.blackwhitereadallover.com/2016/4/20/11473888/juventus-lazio-2016-serie-a-round-34-final-score-result-initial-reaction

Apr 20, 2016
 
For the vast majority of the first half Wednesday night, it felt like the old Bob Dylan song. Juventus were knock, knock, knockin' on heaven's door, only to see Federico Marchetti become the world's greatest goalkeeper against them again. Shot after shot was being hurled toward the Lazio goal, only to see Marchetti save it or the ball go whizzing by without testing anybody.

Then, seven minutes before halftime, Mario Mandzukic put Juventus ahead.

Then, Lazio saw Patric sent off and went down to 10 men.

Then, Paulo Dybala happened, and the flood gates opened up shortly thereafter.

Once Juventus cracked the code when it came to scoring goals against Lazio, it was full steam ahead. Throw in the fact that Lazio didn't do much of anything going forward in the second half — a lot of that because they were down to 10 men about two minutes after halftime — and you have a recipe for what ended up happening for Juventus.

The first half was a bit different, of course. Lazio actually looked dangerous. The tempo was high and at times it was end-to-end stuff with both teams having chances to grab the game's first goal. But Mandzukic's goal, his nine in Serie A this season, seemed to do a couple of things beside . For one, it allowed Juventus to settle down a bit and not try to force the issue with Marchetti doing what he was doing between the sticks. And, maybe more importantly, they were able to slow Lazio's roll a little bit with a goal less than 10 minutes before halftime.

The Lazio team that was there before the goal and after the goal was on opposite ends of the equation.

It allowed Juve to not just take the lead, but put a foot down in the second half. Because of it, the lead atop Serie A is back to plus-9 with now five games to go. Only four more points before No. 34 is officially in the hands of Juventus.

This team is so much. It has so much potential. And it's games like this one, no matter if the opponent has 11 men or 10 men on the field at any given time, that continues to remind you of that. Good times, good times.

 

Random thoughts and observations

Since he's now forced to sit out for the next six months or so, Claudio Marchisio has become one of us. Not just a fan of his favorite team, but also one who livetweets about it during games. Just like us, Claudio is a Paulo Dybala fanboy. Not that it should surprise anybody.

Dybala and Paul Pogba are just a couple of DBZ nerds.

So am I going to pat myself on the back for mentioning in the match prewview that Dybala has been struggling with his goal-scoring form in his last handful of appearances and then Paulo subsequently going out and grabbing a brace? Of course I am. You're welcome — again.

That makes 16 Serie A goals this season for La Joya. He trails only one player when it comes to the league leaderboard, and that's Gonzalo Higuain. I'm pretty sure that Dybala won't be getting any stupid red cards in the next few games, too.

Oh, and one last Dybala tidbit: His second goal against Lazio was the first time he's scored a goal with his right foot in Serie A. It wasn't a bad finish, either, so bravo on that, Paulo.

Think about all the really good saves Marchetti made and then

Allegri, as expected, played Stephan Lichtsteiner against Lazio. So does that mean he will play Juan Cuadrado against Fiorentina over the weekend? Max might be trying to hit the Ex Effect jackpot right now.

Alex Sandro against Lazio: Four tackles, three interceptions, seven crosses sent in.

God, he's so much fun to watch. And when you talk about players that have so much potential, I think it's pretty clear that Sandro is in that group of future building blocks.

Gigi Buffon had one save to make, then he pretty much took the entire second half off against Lazio. He's got another clean sheet at home to his name. It's almost so many in a row that it's hard to keep track of at this point. (It's nine straight in case you're curious.)

Sami Khedira is good, and I like when he's healthy and playing well. He's such a stalwart in the midfield for this team.

Did Hernanes pull a Marchisio and have a quiet but effective game? I can't seem to make up my mind on this one right now.

Plus-9 is cool. I'll leave you with that.


POLL

Who was your Juventus Man of the Match against Lazio?

78% Paulo Dybala (199 votes)

6% Paul Pogba (15 votes)
5% Daniele Rugani (13 votes)
5% Sami Khedira (12 votes)
4% Alex Sandro (9 votes)
3% Mario Mandzukic (7 votes)

255 votes total

 

SERIE A TABLE

[Socrates 8523]

JUVENTUS - LAZIO

3 - 0

Mario Mandžukić (39')
Paulo Dybala (52')
Paulo Dybala (64')

MATCHDAY 34
Wednesday, April 20th, 2016 - 8:45 PM
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Paolo Mazzoleni

Allegri: 'Keep Juventus intact'

http://www.football-italia.net/83128/allegri-keep-juventus-intact?

Apr 20, 2016
 
Max Allegri praised Juventus for winning “a risky fixture” against Lazio and urged the club to “confirm this squad for the Champions League.”

The Bianconeri swept Lazio aside 3-0 with a Paulo Dybala brace and Mario Mandzukic tap-in, while Patric saw red at the dawn of the second half.

“This was a risky fixture, but the lads took the right approach,” he told Mediaset Premium.

“We have to take the squad to a level where they don’t need the Coach to motivate them every time. We could’ve struggled a lot less towards the end, as there were a few unnecessary flicks and back-heels, but maybe I am asking too much.

“Dybala is a fine player and very intelligent. He enjoys himself playing in almost a trequartista role, connecting the forwards to the midfield. He has very clear ideas on what he wants to do.”

Considering the fifth consecutive Scudetto could be secured on Monday – if Juventus beat Fiorentina and Napoli lose at Roma – the attention now moves to next season.

“We must confirm this squad, because it’s a young group and we want to do well in the Champions League. Our exit this time was rather hard to swallow.

“We made an impressive comeback in Serie A to win after that bad start, but we can still do even better.”

 

SERIE A TABLE

[Socrates 8523]

JUVENTUS - LAZIO

3 - 0

Mario Mandžukić (39')
Paulo Dybala (52')
Paulo Dybala (64')

MATCHDAY 34
Wednesday, April 20th, 2016 - 8:45 PM
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Paolo Mazzoleni

Juventus vs. Lazio: Winners
and Losers from Serie a

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2634420-juventus-vs-lazio-winners-and-losers-from-serie-a?

Apr 20, 2016
 
After Napoli emphatically showed the world that they haven't given up on fighting for the Scudetto, Juventus stepped onto the field at the Juventus Stadium on Wednesday knowing that only a win would restore their nine-point lead at the top of the table.

Their opponents were Lazio, who have endured a miserable season the year after finishing third in the league and who hadn't beaten Juventus in 22 tries dating back to December 2003.

Juve duly made it 23, walking out of their palatial home ground with a 3-0 win almost as convincing as Napoli's 6-0 demolition of Bologna 24 hours before.

The Biancocelesti held their own for almost the entire first half before the four-time defending champions broke them yet again. A close-range tap-in by Mario Mandzukic in the 39th minute opened the scoring after Lazio goalkeeper Federico Marchetti made four excellent saves to keep the game scoreless.

It still had the makings of a contest when full-back Patric was sent off for a second bookable offense three minutes after the restart. Sixteen minutes later Paulo Dybala had put the game out of reach, netting a penalty and finishing off an excellent counterattack to record his first goals since coming back from a calf injury over the weekend.

Who were the winners and losers as Juve moved ever closer to a fifth consecutive title? Read on to find out.


Winner: Paulo Dybala

How long would it take Dybala to get back to being his old self after missing three weeks due to injury? About 120 minutes.

That was how long it took for him to score after his return over the weekend, slamming home from the spot past Federico Marchetti. Twelve minutes later he finished a dazzling counterattack with a strong finish from a Sami Khedira assist.

They were his 15th and 16th goals of the season, giving him sole possession of second place on the Serie A scoring chart behind the obscene form of Napoli's Gonzalo Higuain.

It was surprising it took him that long to find the net. Marchetti pulled off a pair of stunning saves in the first half to deny the Argentinian, first on a point-blank cannon shot in the ninth minute and then off a rare header in the 22nd.

Substituted after 75 minutes as he regains physical fitness, Dybala is once again in form, and his impact will be felt over the next week as Juve look to lock up the Scudetto.


Loser: Patric

Getting a red card will put you on the loser list every time, and Patric is no exception.

Going down to 10 men at the Juventus Stadium is never a good thing, especially when a team is already behind. That's what happened only three minutes into the second half, after the Spanish full-back received his second booking.

He can't argue with either call. He slammed into Mario Mandzukic on the sideline four minutes before halftime, leaving the Croatian on the ground for several minutes nursing the impact. The second caution was just as obvious when he grabbed the arm of a streaking Dybala and yanked him back.

Lazio never recovered, giving up a pair of goals within 15 minutes of Patric's dismissal.


Winner: Mario Mandzukic

With Alvaro Morata suspended due to yellow card accumulation, Mandzukic was a real trooper on Wednesday, playing a full 90 minutes for the second time in four days.

The Croatia international had an excellent match. He pressed high up the field, made some sneaky passes and opened the scoring with a well-taken tap-in six minutes before the break.

He showed some surprising footwork in this game, nutmegging a defender along the sideline late in the first half before getting wiped out by Patric and then did the same in the buildup to Dybala's second, putting Khedira in position to square it to his strike partner.

Between Mandzukic, Dybala and Morata, all of Juve's strikers are in top form going into the season's final weeks, making the prospect of a second straight double all the more likely.


Loser: Felipe Anderson

For someone who has constantly been connected to big-money moves over the last two seasons, Felipe Anderson has a nasty habit of coming up completely dry in big games.

The Brazilian was an absolute non-factor at the Juventus Stadium. According to WhoScored.com, he registered only 37 touches in his 52 minutes on the field and didn't even take a shot.

Pulled off shortly after Patric's red card as Simone Inzaghi shuffled his lineup to cover, Anderson has rarely shown a tendency toward playing well in big moments, and his underwhelming season has been a microcosm of Lazio's hugely disappointing year.


Winner: Federico Marchetti

Lazio has lost by this kind of margin against Juventus a few times over the last couple seasons, and Marchetti generally hasn't acquitted himself well. Not only that, those games have tended to break him mentally for a few weeks after.

This time, though, the former Italy international was the best thing about his team.

Apart from the aforementioned sparkling saves against Dybala, he also beat Paul Pogba in a one-on-one situation—although the Frenchman really should have done better—and flew to save the midfielder's 14th-minute free kick. He even guessed right on Dybala's penalty but was beaten by both pace and placement. A neat denial of Simone Zaza in the closing stages kept the scoreline from moving into the embarrassing.

Marchetti's performance kept his team in the game for a lot longer than they would have been otherwise. Without him, Juve would've been up 3-0 within 25 minutes. For once, he can walk out of the Juventus Stadium with his head held high.

 

SERIE A TABLE

[Socrates 8523]

JUVENTUS - LAZIO

3 - 0

Mario Mandžukić (39')
Paulo Dybala (52')
Paulo Dybala (64')

MATCHDAY 34
Wednesday, April 20th, 2016 - 8:45 PM
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Paolo Mazzoleni

RATINGS: Dybala the star for Juve

The striker scored twice as the hosts moved to within four points of a fifth straight
Scudetto, while Mario Mandzukic was also on target in the 3-0 win over Lazio in Serie A.

http://www.goal.com/en/match/juventus-vs-lazio/2120713/ratings

Apr 20, 2016
 

Juventus

1 G. Buffon - Was rarely troubled throughout the night, but looked assured otherwise.

15 A. Barzagli - No real heroics from him, but he did not put a foot wrong all night.

19 L. Bonucci - Enjoyed a solid performance at both ends. He was fouled for the awarding of the penalty.

24 D. Rugani - Made a good early interception to prevent Keita from getting a clear sight on goal.

26 S. Lichtsteiner - Provided a brilliant threat down the right flank, constantly causing havoc for Lazio on that side.

6 S. Khedira - Enjoyed an impressive performance in the heart of midfield, providing the assist for Dybala's second goal.

11 Hernanes - Without being overly involved, he kept things ticking over in midfield for his side.

10 P. Pogba - Produced a perfect assist for the opening goal by drilling the ball across the six-yard area for Mandzukic to finish.

12 Alex Sandro - Provided some inviting crosses for his team-mates to attack and went close to scoring with a powerful first-half effort.

17 M. Mandžukić - Was in the right place at the right time for his goal and was a constant threat in attack.

21 Paulo Dybala - Scored two goals and always looked dangerous, as he made another fantastic contribution for his side in their title quest.


Substitutes

27 S. Sturaro - Came on in place of Khedira for the final 20 minutes and was booked.

7 S. Zaza - Saw a good shot well saved after replacing Dybala in the 75th minute.

22 K. Asamoah - Replaced Pogba with eight minutes remaining.


 

Lazio

22 F. Marchetti - Produced a brilliant performance between the sticks that prevented the scoreline from being worse.

4 Patric - Left his side with a mountain to climb when he was sent off for two silly bookings after the break.

18 S. Gentiletti - Struggled to cope with Juve's constant attacking threat, although he made an important interception to prevent Zaza from getting in behind.

2 W. Hoedt - Was fortunate to escape without a card following a rash challenge on Mandzukic in the second half.

19 S. Lulić - Endured a tough night against the threat of Lichtsteiner down his side.

16 M. Parolo - Was unable to make a telling impact on the contest and was replaced at half-time.

20 L. Biglia - The captain was Lazio's best player on the night, driving his side on during their early dominance.

23 O. Onazi - Despite being overrun in midfield, he did not do too badly against the likes of Pogba and Khedira.

10 Felipe Anderson - Looked lively down the right wing before being replaced early in the second half.

9 F. Đorđević - Cut a fairly isolated figure during a night when his side were much more active at the other end of the field.

14 B. Keita - Tried his luck on a couple of occasions, but was nowhere near troubling Buffon on a disappointing night for him.


Substitutes

21 S. Milinković-Savić - Came in on place of Parolo at half-time.

8 D. Basta - Replaced Anderson on 53 minutes and did not do too badly.

32 D. Cataldi - Introduced for the final 13 minutes at the expense of Biglia.

 

SERIE A TABLE

[Socrates 8523]

JUVENTUS - LAZIO

3 - 0

Mario Mandžukić (39')
Paulo Dybala (52')
Paulo Dybala (64')

MATCHDAY 34
Wednesday, April 20th, 2016 - 8:45 PM
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Paolo Mazzoleni

Allegri happy after Juventus
restore nine-point cushion

Paulo Dybala was on target twice as his club close in on a fifth straight Italian title,
nine points ahead of nearest rivals Napoli with just four games left to play.

http://www.goal.com/en/news/723/serie-a/2016/04/20/22623652/allegri-we-passed-a-tricky-test?ICID=TP_HN_HP_RI_1_2

Apr 20, 2016
 
Massimiliano Allegri praised Juventus for coming through a "tricky fixture" after they eased to a 3-0 home win over 10-man Lazio on Wednesday.

Mario Mandzukic opened the scoring in the 39th minute before Paulo Dybala grabbed a second-half double for the Serie A leaders.

The result sees Allegri's side regain their nine-point cushion over nearest rivals Napoli with just four games remaining in the domestic season.

"Tonight I thought the boys put in a very good display, especially to not concede," Allegri told Juventus' website.

"They did well to control what was potentially a tricky fixture. Of course, we might have laboured less in attack and in possession at times, but it's my job to keep raising the players' games.

"This group came together this season and has improved game by game, so it's now important to conclude the campaign in the best possible fashion and then to think to the future."

But, despite Juventus' comfortable cushion in the standings, Allegri insists his players cannot afford to take anything for granted in their bid to win a fifth-straight Italian title.

"Napoli can still potentially win every game, so we need four points to make the title mathematically certain," he added.

"Three of these points we'll be after on Sunday in Florence, and it won't be a straightforward task for us."

Mandzukic tapped home from close range to break the deadlock before half-time, with Lazio then seeing midfielder Patric pick up a second yellow card early in the second period for bringing down Dybala.

Dybala scored from the penalty spot after Leonardo Bonucci had been pulled back at a corner, with the forward's second goal coming courtesy of Sami Khedira's square pass.

"It was a perfect night. I missed a fairly straightforward chance in the first half, but things improved in the second," Dybala told the club's official website.

"This is a brilliant moment for me and the team. Hopefully we can get the job done in Florence now."

 

SERIE A TABLE

[Socrates 8523]

JUVENTUS - LAZIO

3 - 0

Mario Mandžukić (39')
Paulo Dybala (52')
Paulo Dybala (64')

MATCHDAY 34
Wednesday, April 20th, 2016 - 8:45 PM
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Paolo Mazzoleni

Inzaghi: 'Lazio lost concentration'

http://www.football-italia.net/83131/inzaghi-lazio-lost-concentration

Apr 20, 2016
 
Simone Inzaghi believes Lazio “could’ve been more concentrated” in a 3-0 defeat to Juventus, his first on the bench.

The Coach had won both games in charge since replacing Stefano Pioli, but had no reply for the runaway Serie A leaders.

“In some moments we should’ve had more determination and grit, because we knew the moves Juventus were going to try and could’ve been more concentrated,” he told Sky Sport Italia.

“The penalty was a 50-50 decision, you can give it or not, but we would’ve lost anyway. We managed to keep possession in the first half, but after Patric’s naïve red card and the penalty, there was no way back.

“Felipe Anderson is working well during the week and had his chance this evening. We were missing a lot of important players.

“There are four rounds to go and we want to use that time to improve.”

 

SERIE A TABLE

[Socrates 8523]

JUVENTUS - LAZIO

3 - 0

Mario Mandžukić (39')
Paulo Dybala (52')
Paulo Dybala (64')

MATCHDAY 34
Wednesday, April 20th, 2016 - 8:45 PM
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Paolo Mazzoleni

Serie A round-up: Paulo Dybala hits
double as Juventus march on

http://www.skysports.com/football/news/11854/10251819/paulo-dybala-double-takes-juventus-a-step-closer-to-title-with-win-over-lazio?

Apr 21, 2016
 
Paulo Dybala scored twice as Juventus thrashed 10-man Lazio 3-0 to take what could prove to be a decisive nine-point lead into the Serie A run-in.

Only a serious collapse in the last four games will open the door for Napoli to snatch the title from the reigning champions, who opened the scoring in Turin through Mario Mandzukic just before half-time.

Dybala's double - from a penalty shortly after Lazio lost Patric to a red card, and then at the end of a Sami Khedira pass - put Juve in a position to rubber-stamp the Italian championship with four more points.

Meanwhile in the capital, Francesco Totti emphatically staked his claim for a new contract with a brace from the bench that boosted Roma to a dramatic 3-2 victory over Torino.

The 39-year-old striker has struggled for game time at the Stadio Olimpico this term but a haul of three goals from his last two games could convince the Giallorossi to give him one more year.

Andrea Belotti's penalty and Josef Martinez's late goal gave Torino hope they could triumph in the Eternal City, yet Totti's double and Kostas Manolas' header earned Roma all three points.

Sebastian De Maio dealt a heavy blow to Inter Milan's hopes of reaching the Champions League places by firing Genoa to a 1-0 victory at the Stadio Luigi Ferraris.

Roberto Mancini's men failed to make the most of a flurry of chances in the first half and were second-best after the break, with centre-back De Maio wounding them at the death.

The result also ensures Genoa will play another season in the top flight - a fifth win from seven games banished memories of a woeful start.

In the battle to avoid the drop, nine-man Frosinone suffered a major setback at Chievo.

Daniel Ciofani gave the promoted side the lead but red cards for Arlind Ajeti and Raman Chibsah made it easy for Antonio Floro Flores, Nicola Rigoni and Gennaro Sardo to bolster Sergio Pellissier's brace in a comprehensive 5-1 win for the hosts.

Promoted Frosinone are one point and one place beyond Palermo following the Sicilians' 2-2 draw with Atalanta.

Franco Vazquez and Atalanta's Marco Borriello exchanged first-half penalties before Gabriel Paletta gave the visitors the lead at La Favorita.

With time running out, Aljaz Struna salvaged a point for Palermo, who held out despite losing Roberto Vitiello to a late red card.

Basement boys Hellas Verona are staring at relegation after veteran forward Massimo Maccarone scored the only goal of a 1-0 Empoli victory at the Stadio Carlo Castellani.

Elsewhere, former Arsenal loanee Emiliano Viviano starred in the Sampdoria goal as the struggling Genoan club ground out a goalless draw at Sassuolo.

 

SERIE A TABLE

[Socrates 8523]

JUVENTUS - LAZIO

3 - 0

Mario Mandžukić (39')
Paulo Dybala (52')
Paulo Dybala (64')

MATCHDAY 34
Wednesday, April 20th, 2016 - 8:45 PM
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Paolo Mazzoleni

Allegri: Juventus can still do even better

Manager's comments after the 3-0 win today over Lazio.

http://www.blackwhitereadallover.com/2016/4/21/11475422/allegri-juventus-can-still-do-even-better-lazio

Apr 21, 2016
 
Juventus find themselves within reach of their fifth consecutive Scudetto. A win over Fiorentina and a Napoli loss at Roma on Monday will hand the Bianconeri a championship that seemed remotely impossible in late October. However, 70 points in 24 games will bring even Lazarus back from the dead.

The home side were dominant today as they swatted aside a poor Lazio side 3-0, barely breaking a sweat in the process.

Manager Max Allegri has finally shed all pretenses that there is still a title race, conceding that Juve are close to the finish. He commended Juve for negotiating what could have been a tricky fixture with relative ease -

"Today was a potentially high-risk game, the boys have, however, played very well.

"This team are always motivated and we showed how well prepared we were with our performance."

He lauded 'La Joya' Paulo Dybala in particular -

"Dybala is a fine player and very intelligent. He enjoys himself playing in almost a trequartista role, connecting the forwards to the midfield. He has very clear ideas on what he wants to do."

Is that statement indirectly telling the fans that it is unlikely that Beppe Marotta will go out and purchase a trequartista this summer? We'll see.

Sticking with the transfer market theme, Allegri commented that he would like to start looking forward to next season -

"We must confirm this squad, because it's a young group and we want to do well in the Champions League. Our exit this time was rather hard to swallow.

"We made an impressive comeback in Serie A to win after that bad start, but we can still do even better."

 

SERIE A TABLE

[Socrates 8523]

JUVENTUS - LAZIO

3 - 0

Mario Mandžukić (39')
Paulo Dybala (52')
Paulo Dybala (64')

MATCHDAY 34
Wednesday, April 20th, 2016 - 8:45 PM
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Paolo Mazzoleni

Paulo Dybala brace puts Lazio to
the sword in Juventus win

http://www.espnfc.co.uk/club/juventus/111/blog/post/2855289/paulo-dybala-brace-puts-lazio-to-the-sword-in-juventus-win

Apr 21, 2016
 
Yet another win.

Juventus defeated a reinvigorated Lazio side 3-0 on Wednesday to assert their dominance and maintain their nine-point lead over Napoli in second place in Serie A. It was a better performance from Massimiliano Allegri's men, as they were relentless in their efforts to score and dominate a game against a side that quickly realised its inferiority.

Lazio have always been a difficult team to beat and under Simone Inzaghi, their new coach, the side had managed two wins out of two and were playing with more intensity. Nonetheless, they failed to provide a proper challenge on the night. Forced to rely on their defensive strength, they did well to shut down Juve and attempted to take their opportunities on the counter attack but ultimately failed to truly threaten.

A side that possesses little experience for the challenge at hand, their immaturity cost them the points. Not only were they a man down early in the second half, but they conceded a silly penalty soon after to gift Juventus an easy goal. The substitutions made thereafter were done in an effort to minimise the damage, as both the coach and the players gave up on the hope of scoring a goal.

Juventus by contrast, played with beautiful synchronicity and desire, the space available on the wings allowed them to attack from all angles, overwhelming a Biancocelesti side that had to be rescued frequently by their attentive goalkeeper.

Having played in rather nonchalant fashion in recent games, it was comforting to see the Bianconeri play a more dynamic game, demonstrating their superiority and securing the points that have all-but-won them their fifth consecutive title.


Player ratings

Gianluigi Buffon, 6 -- Not called upon, Buffon was allowed to relax and watch the match.

Andrea Barzagli, 7 -- Always in control, the defender read the game perfectly to ensure security at the back.

Leonardo Bonucci, 7 -- Barely required to defend due to Lazio's impotence but he did win the penalty that Paulo Dybala converted. A leader with perfect long range passes, he always attempts to contribute in all areas of the pitch.

Daniele Rugani, 6 -- Good decision making from the youngster who remained disciplined and concentrated throughout.

Stephan Lichtsteiner, 8 -- An exceptional performance from the wing-back who breathes life into the 3-5-2 formation. Making the right runs forward, he offered the midfielders options on the ball, always making himself available to a long pass or a cross field ball. His crosses accurate and his decisions close to perfect, he was a valuable presence on the team.

Sami Khedira, 8 -- Understands the opponent's weaknesses so well, he timed his run perfectly to deliver a delicious assist for Dybala's second goal of the night. Intelligence and perfect positioning on the night.

Hernanes, 6 -- Struggled initially as he attempted to integrate himself but his shots from distance were on target and delightful to watch.

Paul Pogba, 7 -- The player displayed his indisputable quality as he created goal-scoring opportunities and came close to scoring. Well defended against, he fought hard to deliver the assist for Mandzukic's goal.

Alex Sandro, 8 -- Enjoyed himself on the left where he was allowed plenty of space to push up and deliver penetrative passes forward. Impeccable defensively.

Paulo Dybala, 9 -- When Lazio counterattacked on the 23rd minute, it was the Argentine who tracked back and blocked the shot demonstrating how hard he works for the team. Offensively, he was excellent on the night, scoring the penalty and another goal with clean efficiency. Technical, intelligent and mesmeric, his turn, first touch and dribble nearly got him his hat trick but his shot from distance was saved. What a talent.

Mario Mandzukic, 7 -- Worked hard for the team, trying to make the right runs and positioning himself well. He scored the opening goal but in truth he offered very little else.


Substitutes

Stefano Sturaro, 6 -- Frustratingly earned a yellow card soon after he came on but the player is all heart, always fighting for the unit.

Simone Zaza, N/A -- Never gives up on any opportunity going forward, the player strives for goals but wasn't able to overcome Marchetti.

Kwadwo Asamoah, N/A -- Barely offered an opportunity to make an impact

 

SERIE A TABLE

[Socrates 8523]

JUVENTUS - LAZIO

3 - 0

Mario Mandžukić (39')
Paulo Dybala (52')
Paulo Dybala (64')

MATCHDAY 34
Wednesday, April 20th, 2016 - 8:45 PM
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Paolo Mazzoleni

Juventus vs. Lazio 3-0, Juve just
four points from the Scudetto

http://www.blackwhitereadallover.com/2016/4/21/11475788/juventus-lazio-2016-serie-a-round-34-final-score-recap-result

Apr 21, 2016

Juventus were able to put the terrible news that Claudio Marchisio could miss up to six months (after undergoing anterior cruciate ligament surgery) behind them, and soundly thrashed Lazio 3-0 at the Juventus Stadium. Paulo Dybala created both Juve goals in the reverse fixture in the nation's capital in December, and he was in irresistible form again as the Biancocelesti had no answer to his pace and trickery.

Manager Massimiliano Allegri stuck with his tried-and-tested 3-5-2 formation. The backline of Daniele Rugani, Leonardo Bonucci and Andrea Barzagli were barely tested all evening and fully deserved the clean sheet as did captain Gianluigi Buffon. In all honesty, one would be hard-pressed to remember the legend making a single save worth mentioning.

Alex Sandro lined up on the left, while Stefan Lichtsteiner was at his usual post on the right. In the middle was Hernanes, with Paul Pogba to his left and Sami Khedira on his right. The aforementioned Dybala played slightly behind Mario Mandzukic up top.

Allegri had his team perfectly prepared to play, as they came out blazing, testing Lazio goalie Federico Marchetti multiple times in the first half an hour. Dybala and Pogba in particular looked energetic and hungry, with the rest of the side happy to feed the two and watch them do their thing.

Juve didn't necessarily dominate possession, but every time they had the ball they drove upfield with purpose and the Roman side knew they were in for a long night. It was ironic then that the inevitable goal came from a setpiece. A deep corner from Hernanes found Pogba, whose low cross across the six yard box was met by Mandzukic for the opener minutes before halftime.

The second half was more of the same, with the tireless running by Lichtsteiner and Sandro keying a solid offensive performance. Biancocelesti defender Patric had been chasing shadows all day long, and after repeatedly kicking and grabbing at a breaking Dybala, the ref had had enough and sent him off with his second yellow card of the game.

Lazio seemed to go into a tailspin after that, with Bonucci being tugged to the ground from another corner. The referee did not hesitate to point to the spot, and Dybala duly dispatched home for a 2-0 scoreline. Twelve minutes later, Mandzukic found a streaking Khedira, who centered the ball for Dybala's emphatic finish. That was the game all done and dusted.

Dybala had one more chance to claim his hattrick, but Marchetti saved his shot, and then kept out Simone Zaza late in the game to maintain some respectability to the scoreline.


Pagelle

Buffon 7.0 - Really had nothing to do all day. Lazio mustered seven shots, and only one was on target.

Barzagli 7.0 - On days like this, makes it difficult to rank the players when they aren't challenged.

Bonucci 7.0 - Didn't put a foot wrong all game long. Wasn't under any undue pressure really.

Rugani 7.0 - The kid continues to develop his composure game by game.

Lichtsteiner 7.5 - A good day at the office for the Swiss Express, kept Lazio on their heels for long periods.

Khedira 6.5 - Seems to fade in and out of games. Imagine what a 90-minute Khedira could do?

Hernanes 6.5 - Did just enough to not get in trouble, without being necessarily inspiring either.

Pogba 8.0 - The early season Pogba seems far gone now - this version wants to dominate play, and he did.

Sandro 7.5 - A livewire up and down the left flank. Unfortunate to have not scored with a zinger.

Paulo Dybala 9.0 - La Joya was simply sublime on the night. What a treasure Juve have purchased.

Mandzukic 7.5 - Did his usual quota of heavy lifting, and kept threatening the Lazio backline.


Sturaro 5.5 - Replaced Khedira and seemed to find trouble constantly. Is he trying too hard?

Zaza 6.5 - His poaching instincts are very valuable. Juve should make every attempt to keep him.


Allegri 7.5 - Prepared the team well, they came ready to play and ground Lazio into the dirt.


Things I Think I Think

- I think this streak of 70 points out of 72 available is unparalleled in Italian football. Then again, with no foreseeable challenge from the other clubs, who's to say Juve don't do this all over again next season.

- Signing Alex Sandro has been like hitting the jackpot for what was previously a problematic position. Similar signings for the RB/RWB and a backup midfielder to replace Hernanes/Sturaro are also required over the summer.

- While Allegri not signing his extension is not making me nervous per se, I will definitely rest easier once the pen has been put to paper and the ink dried on his new contract.

- With Allegri already talking about looking forward to next season, I am really curious if he has a trump card up his sleeve for the Champions League. A different formation, or different strategy, something like that.

- I am superstitious enough to not really celebrate winning the title quite yet, but I will raise a toast to how far we have come since those dark days of last autumn when it looked like we were destined for mid-table mediocrity.
 
 

SERIE A TABLE

[Socrates 8523]

JUVENTUS - LAZIO

3 - 0

Mario Mandžukić (39')
Paulo Dybala (52')
Paulo Dybala (64')

MATCHDAY 34
Wednesday, April 20th, 2016 - 8:45 PM
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Paolo Mazzoleni

Paulo Dybala and Paul Pogba Key to Win
over Lazio and the Future of Juventus

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2634552-paulo-dybala-and-paul-pogba-key-to-win-over-lazio-and-the-future-of-juventus?

Apr 21, 2016

A comfortable 3-0 win over Lazio on Wednesday evening brought Juventus to the brink of another Serie A title, as the Bianconeri are now a mere four points away from clinching what would be a remarkable fifth consecutive Scudetto.

Having promised so much in the early part of 2015/16, challenges from AS Roma, Napoli and Inter Milan each crumbled, leaving the rest of Italian football's top flight already looking ahead to next season.

Yet having been eliminated from the UEFA Champions League by Bayern Munich last month, the same is true for Juventus. Much to the dismay of their domestic rivals, the Turin-based side are hoping the future brings an even greater level of success, as coach Massimiliano Allegri explained shortly after their latest victory.

OptaPaola provided an impressive Juventus stats:

OptaPaolo ✔ ‎@OptaPaolo
67 - Juventus have gained 67 points out of a possible 69 in their last 23 games, a Serie A record in a run of 23 matches. Tremendous.

“We made an impressive comeback in Serie A to win after that bad start, but we can still do even better,” the former Milan boss told Mediaset Premium (h/t Football Italia), also taking time to publicly ask the club to keep his current group of players together next term.

“We must confirm this squad, because it’s a young group and we want to do well in the Champions League,” Allegri said in that aforementioned interview. “Our exit this time was rather hard to swallow.”

Chief among those the 48-year-old will hope to see remain in the Old Lady's famous black and white stripes are Paul Pogba and Paulo Dybala. Both have enjoyed excellent campaigns, and the duo were fundamental to the win against a Lazio side who never really threatened to turn this match into a genuine contest.

Their goalkeeper Federico Marchetti had already denied the Juve pair on a number of occasions in an open first half, but a 39th-minute corner would finally break his resistance. Pogba chested down a good ball from Hernanes at the far post, in turn firing it back across goal for Mario Mandzukic to prod home.

Breaking the deadlock, it marked the France international's 10th assist of the season—equalling the league-high mark Lorenzo Insigne (Napoli), Miralem Pjanic (AS Roma) and Riccardo Saponara (Empoli) share—and continued his own remarkable recent form.

Indeed, in his last six outings, Pogba has recorded four goals and five assists in all competitions, but there was no question Wednesday night belonged to Dybala, as his powerful running, tenacity and skill constantly tormented Lazio.

Adam Digby ‎@Adz77
Paulo Dybala v Lazio: 2 goals, 6 on-target shots, 30/34 passes (88.2%) 4/6 take-ons, 1 int, 1 block (via @StatsZone)

The FourFourTwo StatsZone graphic in the tweet above highlights the scale of his impact in a match where he was simply irrepressible. Netting twice—one a penalty, one a right-footed strike from Sami Khedira’s neat pass—all six of his shots were on target while he also connected with 30 of his 34 passes, marking an impressive 88.2 per cent success rate.

Creating one chance for a team-mate, his superb dribbling skills saw him complete four of the six take-ons he attempted, while his one interception and one block fail to accurately represent the defensive effort Dybala displayed here.

The Argentina native called it “a perfect night” in his post-match interview with Sky Italia (h/t Juventus' website), while his coach was only too happy to praise the striker as he spoke to Mediaset Premium.

“Dybala is a fine player and very intelligent,” Allegri said (h/t Football Italia). “He enjoys himself playing in almost a trequartista role, connecting the forwards to the midfield. He has very clear ideas on what he wants to do.”

The Juve boss will hope what the 22-year-old and his 23-year-old team-mate Pogba truly want is to remain at Juventus. With them playing prominent roles, La Madama can continue her domestic dominance and finally begin to enjoy tangible—and long overdue—success on the European stage.
 
 

SERIE A TABLE

[Socrates 8523]

JUVENTUS - LAZIO

3 - 0

Mario Mandžukić (39')
Paulo Dybala (52')
Paulo Dybala (64')

MATCHDAY 34
Wednesday, April 20th, 2016 - 8:45 PM
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Paolo Mazzoleni

Zoff: ‘Napoli played well but…’

http://www.football-italia.net/83162/zoff-%E2%80%98napoli-played-well-but%E2%80%A6%E2%80%99?

Apr 21, 2016

Dino Zoff praises Napoli but “for Juventus to succeed in a comeback like that means our League has some deficiencies”.

The Bianconeri are nine points clear at the top of Serie A, having not lost since October after a poor start to the season.

“This will be a very important season for Napoli’s future,” Zoff, who played for both teams, said on Radio Kiss Kiss Napoli.

“The Azzurri have played very well and got some great results. However, for Juventus to succeed in a comeback like that means our League has some deficiencies.

“Juventus have the will to win, the quality of the team and the seriousness of the club. Those are all components of those who know how to win.”

Zoff was then asked about Francesco Totti’s situation at Roma, as it appears Er Pupone won’t be offered a new contract.

“He did very well for me with the national team. He’s someone who can do anything, he’s great. He’s a legend, he should be at Roma.”

Finally, the former Italy CT was asked about the Azzurri’s chances at Euro 2016 this summer.

“I expect a good Euros,” Zoff predicted.


“We qualified well, and credit has to go to Conte. The squad is a bit limited, with the number of foreigners in our League.”
 
 

SERIE A TABLE

[Socrates 8523]

JUVENTUS - LAZIO

3 - 0

Mario Mandžukić (39')
Paulo Dybala (52')
Paulo Dybala (64')

MATCHDAY 34
Wednesday, April 20th, 2016 - 8:45 PM
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Paolo Mazzoleni

Dybala Thankful Of Unique Juventus Experience

http://forzaitalianfootball.com/2016/04/dybala-thankful-of-unique-juventus-experience/?

Apr 21, 2016

Following Juventus‘ emphatic 3-0 victory over Lazio in Serie A on Wednesday, goalscoring starlet, Paulo Dybala has stressed that it was a special performance from the Bianconeri.

Having sealed the win with two well-taken second half goals, the 22-year-old has since admitted that he is thoroughly enjoying his football with the Old Lady, and is adamant that they can seal the Scudetto when they play Fiorentina this Sunday.

“Yes it was a perfect evening,” said Dybala to PremiumSport. “In the first half I messed up a few times in front of goal, but in the second period I was a lot better.

“I am current living a unique moment in my life and we already know that we can secure the Scudetto against Fiorentina.”

Juventus are currently leading the Serie A standings by a total of nine points with only four matches remaining, and their fifth consecutive Scudetto is seemingly imminent.
 
 

SERIE A TABLE