Juventus Season 2015-2016

[Socrates 8523]

Barzagli: 'Juve became a team'

http://www.football-italia.net/83392/barzagli-juve-became-team?

Apr 25, 2016
 
Andrea Barzagli felt Juventus “became a real team. We’re here celebrating, but with our heads towards more trophies.”

The Bianconeri mathematically secured their fifth consecutive Scudetto today, as Napoli lost 1-0 at Roma.

“I give the whole team 10 out of 10 for what they’ve done in this campaign,” Barzagli told Mediaset Premium.

“We became a real team with great solidity and players who became champions as time wore on.

“The season is not over yet, we still have the Coppa Italia Final. We’re here celebrating, but with our heads already towards lifting more trophies.”

It’s an extraordinary achievement considering they had one point from the opening three rounds and seemed done for in October.

“The Turin derby was a turning point and gave us belief. From there we made the step up in quality. At times there are moments and incidents that can decide a campaign.”

SERIE A TABLE

[Socrates 8523]

Allegri: ‘Juventus were never bad’

http://www.football-italia.net/83393/allegri-%E2%80%98juventus-were-never-bad%E2%80%99?

Apr 25, 2016
 
Coach Massimiliano Allegri says Juventus’ start wasn’t all bad - “if we looked back at everything that was said and written then we’d laugh”.

The Bianconeri took just one point from their first three Serie A games, their worst return since 1962, and were 12th on October 28 after defeat to Sassuolo.

However, the defending champions hit back in style, winning 24 of their next 25 games, and Napoli’s defeat today officially gave them the Scudetto for a fifth year in a row.

“Two minutes isn’t enough time to sum up the season,” Allegri told Sky.

“It’s amazing. We’ll still honour the League, and above all prepare for the Coppa Italia final [against Milan].

“Winning 24 out of 25 games is unique, though maybe another team will do better in the space of six years - maybe it’ll be Juventus again.

“At Christmas the goal was to be six points off the top, and in March it was to be second. I have to say we did even better than predicted.

“To have Napoli behind after the extraordinary season they’ve had… They’re close to 82 points, and usually if you get 82 points you get the Scudetto.

“The bad start? After the Roma defeat I came away from the Olimpico calm, I knew we would have a great season.

“Three or four months later, at the return game with Sassuolo we reviewed the game itself, and there was so much negativity at the time.

“We lost a strange game, and it was said that Juventus played badly. It’s normal that we were missing something, but it wasn’t as bad as everyone saw it.

“You need to be balanced in your judgement. I had 10 new players, young ones, with a group that had done great things.

“We won the Supercoppa, but there was already an unpleasant air around and maybe even inside Juventus, so I thank everyone who was behind me and helped me to rebuild, from the hierarchy to those in the club shop.

“The merit for this Scudetto goes to everyone. If we reviewed everything that was said and written back then we’d laugh.

“That’s why you need balance in football.”

Allegri has already targeted the Champions League next season, but does he regret substituting Alvaro Morata when 2-0 up at Bayern Munich this term?

“After the game I thought for a few days about what I could have done differently, but I had to let it go right away because we had big games coming up.

“I threw on [Mario] Mandzukic for his experience, but by the end we were reduced to playing the ball in a simple way and no longer had the strength to get goals.

“On the bench I was convinced that we wouldn’t concede a goal, and that was my presumption. We were unlucky this year against Bayern Munich.”

Finally, the Coach was asked about the importance of holding onto Paul Pogba and Paulo Dybala this summer.

“It’s important to confirm the whole group,” Allegri replied.

“It doesn’t make any sense to talk about the transfer market right now.”

SERIE A TABLE

[Socrates 8523]

Juventus as powerful as ever in
wrapping up fifth straight Scudetto

http://www.espnfc.co.uk/club/juventus/111/blog/post/2858770/juventus-as-powerful-as-ever-in-wrapping-up-fifth-straight-scudetto

Apr 25, 2016
 
In the end, Juventus won the title sul divano. On the sofa. Sunday's dramatic late win in Florence, where the Old Lady hadn't won in the league in four years, meant she could sit back and enjoy Monday's bank holiday games at the club's Vinovo training ground knowing that if Napoli didn't win in Rome, a fifth Scudetto in a row would be hers.

Alvaro Morata, the supersub and match winner against Fiorentina, got the cigars out. Simone Zaza lit one up. The club put the champagne on ice. Already showered after the morning's training session, another spritz was in order after Radja Nainggolan's 89th-minute goal at the Stadio Olimpico condemned Napoli to defeat.

There was an irony of sorts that it was Nainggolan. Back in August, he had tweeted: "Ooooppppsssssss!!!!" after his Roma side beat Juventus at the Olimpico. The champions had lost their opening two league games for the first time since 1912. No one had ever won the title after such an ill-fated start. On Monday, Juventus improbably reclaimed it with three games to spare. They know what it looks like: Yet another stroll to glory and, it's true, a glance at the table does reveal them to be 12 points clear.

But flick back through the cuttings of La giornalaccio rosa dello Sport and particularly their reaction to Juventus' 2-1 defeat to Sassuolo on Oct. 28 and it offers a sobering reminder, as the champagne gets poured, of just how much Juventus were up against it. "Ciao Scudetto," the pink paper declared. "No leaders, not enough goals. And [Mario] Mandzukic ... ." It was apparently all over for them. They were 12th in the table and 11 points behind Roma at the beginning of November. Comparisons were being made with Chelsea. Which title defence was worse?

Without Carlos Tevez, Andrea Pirlo and Arturo Vidal, Juventus had supposedly lost their aura. One injury after another decimated the squad. Paul Pogba seemed to be playing with the weight of the world on his shoulders. He had even taken to writing "+5" in black marker next to the No. 10 on his shirt as a psychological ploy to make him think he was back playing with his old No. 6 again. Juventus' €32 million summer signing Paulo Dybala was, to the frustration of everyone, being left on the bench.

In a season in which we have had a record-equalling 17 coaching changes in Serie A, Max Allegri could be forgiven for fearing for his job little more than six months after going so close to leading Juventus to the treble. Just a few days before the loss to Sassuolo, president Andrea Agnelli insisted that their place in the table, 14th, was "unacceptable". He argued that transition was not an adequate excuse.

The loss to Sassuolo, which was pretty much inevitable after one of Juventus' most experienced players, Giorgio Chiellini, got sent off five minutes before half-time, left them 11 points behind league leaders Roma. In hindsight, the aftermath of that game was the turning point for Juventus. Their captain, Gianluigi Buffon, faced the cameras and laid bare how wounded he felt. "It hurts my soul," he said. This was a j'accuse, the "j" in question standing for Juve. The team had to examine their conscience. Juventus deserved to be where they were and had no one else to blame other than themselves.

"Talking about the referee all the time is what losers do," he explained. "We need greater humility." Buffon was applauded by the Sky Italia studio as he handed back his earpiece. It was a Churchillian address and served to make his teammates realise the gravity of the situation and shake them to their senses. The club, meanwhile, showed its strength by not panicking. No rash decisions were made. They resisted any temptation to sack Allegri and for that reason alone Agnelli, vice-president Pavel Nedved and general manager Beppe Marotta deserve immense credit.

Allegri also gave a masterclass in the handling of a transition and crisis management. He stayed calm, never allowing himself or the team to be influenced by the sense of alarm and hysteria around them. On Monday, he released a screen grab of a series of tweets from that period. One read: "Serie A is not the final of the 100m. It's a marathon and we need patience to find the right rhythm." His approach was to never look beyond the next game and to take things one step at a time and see where Juventus were in March.

People forget just how tense those days were in Turin. A ritiro was called: The players lived at the training ground and even let the ultras in to listen to what they had to say. But from all this turmoil a historic comeback was born. It started in the very next game, the Turin derby, which was won in the 93rd minute by Juan Cuadrado sliding in at the far post and scoring with his c**o, or backside. c**o, incidentally, also means luck, and Juventus needed some.

The Old Lady then won her next 15 league games to establish a new club record. Again, it sounds like a cakewalk, but to describe it as such would be a disservice to Juventus. One of the most memorable moments of the season was seeing Allegri get so worked up on the touchline that he ripped off his overcoat and threw it to the ground as Juve switched off and almost allowed Carpi back into the game. Leonardo Bonucci scored a stoppage-time own-goal, then Lorenzo Lollo missed a gilt-edged chance to equalise.

When the first half of the season drew to a close on Jan. 10, Juventus still only had 39 points. No one had ever won the Scudetto from that position. Napoli were crowned winter champions for the first time since 1990, and if you think that title is insignificant, think again: Its past 12 winners have all gone on to win the league. Gonzalo Higuain was on course to have the most prolific season in Serie A history. He went into the top-of-the-table clash with Juventus on Feb. 13 with 25 league goals, and 10 in his previous nine appearances.

Napoli probably would have got something out of that game if it weren't for Bonucci getting his big toe to a cross before Higuain could head it in from point-blank range. Instead, just as both teams appeared to settle for a draw, Zaza came off the bench and won the game in the 88th minute. That was round 25 of a 38-round season. It was the first time Juventus were top, and once they were in pole, there was a sense that they wouldn't look back. Unlike the competition, they know what it takes to be out in front. The others can't handle the pressure.

Even so, the consistency Juventus have displayed when the stakes were so high and the margins for error so thin is incredible. They have won 24 of their last 25 games and taken 70 of 72 points available. Alex Sandro told Globoesporte: "When you get here, it's like they implant you with a winning chip." There have been some exceptional performances, both individual and collective, along the way.

Buffon broke a 22-year record, going 16 hours and 13 minutes without conceding. Pogba has proved himself worthy of the No. 10 shirt. Sunday's assist was his 11th of the season. Dybala has surpassed all expectations, scoring 20 goals in all competitions. From top to bottom, the club has underlined how well it is run.

Of the five Scudetti in this cycle, matching a feat Juventus last achieved in 1935, this is without doubt the most impressive. It outdoes even the undefeated season in 2011-12, and the year they broke the 100-point barrier two seasons later, because to come back from where they were in November is nothing short of incredible.

The team has proved a lot. Last year, Juventus showed they can win without Conte. This year, they showed they can do it without Pirlo, Tevez and Vidal, as well. The team has a great future. Daniele Rugani, Alex Sandro, Stefano Sturaro, Mario Lemina, Pogba, Morata, Zaza and Dybala are all '90s children.

Rather than the end of a cycle, this season has been the first of a new one. There is a lot to look forward to. The players can see that, and it's one of the reasons why the club is confident that Pogba will stay. Runners-up in the Champions League last season and unlucky to bow out to Bayern this year -- there aren't many teams stronger than Juve. Their ever-increasing financial strength also means they are in a position to resist even the most indecent proposals.

A decade after Calciopoli, who would have thought it? The Old Lady is arguably more powerful than ever.

SERIE A TABLE

[Socrates 8523]

On Gianluigi Buffon's latest magic
trick to secure a Juventus win

http://www.blackwhitereadallover.com/2016/4/26/11499132/gianluigi-buffon-juventus-fiorentina-2016-serie-a-round-35-penalty-save

Apr 26, 2016
 
Nothing that Gianluigi Buffon does should be surprising anymore simply because he's basically done everything that's humanly possible. The bar is set so high with him, we probably can't even see it up in the clouds. He's walking and living greatness, and rarely does anything actually happen to deter us from that notion. If I could just put a bunch of goat emojis in a post when talking about Buffon, it would probably be deemed appropriate.

Sunday night's 2-1 win over Fiorentina had Buffon's stamp all over it — especially where the final score ended up being. There were other aspects that played into what went down at the Franchi (like Mario Mandzukic and Álvaro Morata scoring goals), but it was Buffon, true to form, who secured the three points for Juventus with his big-time heroics. Nor was it surprising to see playing the role as hero. It's what we've become used to over his decade-plus as Juve's No. 1.

The way he did it, though, wasn't what we see from Buffon on a week-in, week-out basis.

That's the beauty of this win. That's beauty of what, at the time of the final whistle being blown on Sunday, put Juventus on the brink of doing for a record fifth straight time. And that's the beauty of having somebody like Buffon back there for Juventus. He's 38 years old and still doing what he did at 18 and 28. It's not like Nikola Kalinic's penalty was right down the middle and all Buffon had to do was wait for it to travel into his open arms. No, it involved a dive at full stretch to his left, then the wherewithal to deny Federico Bernardeschi with a kick save on the rebound.

Within about five seconds, Buffon not only kept Juventus in front, but prevented us talking about how an extremely soft penalty call caused Juventus from winning their 24th game in the last 25 league fixtures.

Think about the context of it all for minute.

It's the 89th minute. A penalty that should not have been called on Juan Cuadrado just inside the box is called anyway. It was the latest moment in a second half that was as unpredictable as unpredictable gets. Kalinic, the man who both scored Fiorentina's first goal earlier in the second half and drew the penalty, stepped to the spot as thoughts of Juventus heading back to Turin with just a point in their pockets.

Yet, right before the penalty was taken, I just had the thought of "Eh, Buffon's got it" pop into my head.

Little did I know, he actually did.

I guess we can all chalk that gut feeling I had up to pure and simple dumb luck. Penalties are one of a goalkeeper's worst enemies simply because of its design and structure. (And no, I'm not saying that just because I've seen a few penalties be scored while I was playing in goal.) The success rate vastly overrules that of the save percentage. Even Buffon, for as amazing as he is, is a mere mortal when it comes to penalties. It's the same for just about every keeper — from Rubinho to Buffon.

But it was on this night, one that, combined with what we saw happen on Monday clinched a fifth consecutive Scudetto, that Buffon became the runaway choice for Man of the Match in a five-second span. That's just how important his double save truly was.

So many times we've seen Buffon make one save in a game and have it be something that kept Juventus in front. Well, on Sunday, he made six saves, the most he's had in a Serie A game this season. And it's nothing against the other four, but it's pretty easy to figure out which two we will remember two weeks, two months, even two years from now.

Buffon went all-out Buffon against Fiorentina, and we wouldn't have wanted to have it any other way.

SERIE A TABLE

[Socrates 8523]

Lippi: ‘Hard to bridge gap to Juventus’

http://www.football-italia.net/83438/lippi-%E2%80%98hard-bridge-gap-juventus%E2%80%99?

Apr 26, 2016
 
Marcello Lippi believes “it will be difficult to bridge the gap” between Juventus and the rest of Serie A.

The Bianconeri have won the Scudetto for the fifth season in a row, despite a start which saw them take just one win from their first six League games.

“No-one can dispute that Juventus deserved this Scudetto,” Lippi told Radio Kiss Kiss Napoli.

“It’s almost like Juve told the others ‘we’ll give you a little head start, see if you can finish ahead of us’, but no-one succeeded.

“I think their rivals missed a great opportunity, I find it hard to believe that Juventus will drop so many points in the opening rounds in the coming years.

“What’s happening to Napoli now is what happened to Juve at the start. The team has definitely played less well after the loss to Juventus, [Coach Maurizio] Sarri and the club will know why.

“It will be hard to bridge the gap, I can see the Bianconeri dominating in the coming years as the strongest team.

“That said, you have to wonder where Roma would be if the Giallorossi Coach [Luciano Spalletti] had come in earlier.

“The current table reflects the values of the teams, Napoli deserve direct entry to the Champions League.”

Lippi has had two spells as Italy CT, but won’t be returning to the post when Antonio Conte steps down after Euro 2016.

“I won’t return to Conte’s post. They were right to make Conte’s move to Chelsea official, if they hadn’t it would have followed him.

“The team will be competitive and they can compete with the other historic national teams.”

SERIE A TABLE

[Socrates 8523]

JUVENTUS - CARPI

 

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MATCHDAY 36
Sunday, May 1st, 2016 - 12:30 PM
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Massimiliano Irrati

Lasagna: 'Bring on Juve!'

http://www.football-italia.net/83404/lasagna-bring-juve?

Apr 26, 2016
 
Kevin Lasagna warned Carpi are gunning for title-winners Juventus after breaking clear of the drop zone. “Our destiny is in our hands.”

The striker came off the bench to net a dramatic late volley in their 1-0 victory over Empoli this evening.

“I am happy for me and for the team,” Lasagna told Mediaset Premium.

“These are three golden points. Now we will try to snatch some more important points off Juventus in Turin.

“Our destiny is in our hands and we’ll do everything to stay in Serie A.”

Carpi will make the trip to Juve without suspended Lorenzo Lollo and Raffaele Bianco.

 

SERIE A TABLE

[Socrates 8523]

Former Players Congratulate
Juventus On Latest Championship

http://forzaitalianfootball.com/2016/04/former-players-congratulate-juventus-on-latest-championship/?

Apr 26, 2016
 
Following Juventus’ historic fifth consecutive Scudetto, several past Bianconeri heroes offered their congratulations to their former team, including Alessandro Del Piero and New York City FC star Andrea Pirlo.

Alessandro Del Piero, who scored a remarkable 290 goals for Juventus during a prolific 19 seasons, took to twitter and tweeted, “This is history. This is you. This is Juve. Congratulations guys!!!”

Alessandro Del Piero ✔ ‎@delpieroale
Questa è storia. Questi siete voi. Questa è la Juve. Complimenti ragazzi!!! #JuveX5 #ADP10 #HI5TORY @juventusfc

Former striker Mirko Vucinic, who helped the Old Lady win three Serie A titles tweeted, “Great, guys!” along with five emoji Italian flags to mark the occasion.

Mirko Vucinic ✔ ‎@MirkoVucinic
GRANDI RAGAZZIII!!

Simone Pepe, who joined Juventus in 2010 and remained with the club until just last season also congratulated his former teammates for making history, along with a large photo of the Italian Scudetto superimposed with a 34, representing Juventus’ total league championships, including the two stripped as a result of the Calciopoli scandal.

Simone Pepe ✔ ‎@pepigno7
Daje de manita Questa è storia bravi ragazzi

And finally, Andrea Pirlo, who is now playing in the United States after helping the Bianconeri win their previous four Scudetti also joined in, posting on his personal facebook and twitter page: “Congratulations to all! Players, company, staff and fans!”

Andrea Pirlo ✔ ‎@Pirlo_official
Complimenti a tutti!!! Giocatori, Società, staff e tifosi!!!

SERIE A TABLE

[Socrates 8523]

Zidane: 'Forza Juve!'

http://www.football-italia.net/83459/zidane-forza-juve?

Apr 26, 2016
 
Zinedine Zidane had a message for Juventus, but remained cagey on Alvaro Morata’s Real Madrid future.

The Coach spoke to Italian TV Mediaset Premium after the 0-0 Champions League semi-final first leg draw with Manchester City.

“I am happy for Juve’s Scudetto and they are still in my heart. Always forza Juve!”

The Merengues have a buy-back option on Juve striker Morata, so will they activate it this summer?
“We’ll see,” was his response.

Real Madrid were held to a 0-0 draw by Manchester City, but the real shock was that Cristiano Ronaldo failed a fitness test and wasn’t even on the bench.

“He was unable to play. He felt something in yesterday’s training session. The important thing is that he recovers for the second leg and we will evaluate his condition day by day.

“It’s obvious that his absence influenced the game, but those who did play performed well. We are all doing a good job in the defensive movements and are giving our all.”

SERIE A TABLE

[Socrates 8523]

Zoff: ‘Juventus were exceptional’

http://www.football-italia.net/83538/zoff-‘juventus-were-exceptional’?

Apr 28, 2016
 
Dino Zoff discusses “exceptional” Juventus, and insists Lazio will be stronger next season.

The Bianconeri wrapped up a fifth Scudetto in a row this week, and their legendary former goalkeeper was impressed by their run of 24 wins in 25 games.

“Juventus? They’ve done something exceptional,” Zoff said on Radiosei.

“From the players to the club, through the Coach and everyone involved. The League this season was certainly unusual, in my day results like that didn’t occur.

“Napoli, Roma and Inter put together long winning runs, but not like Juventus.”

 

SERIE A TABLE

[Socrates 8523]

Juventus complete their remarkable turnaround
in Serie A, so what's next?

http://www.espnfc.co.uk/italian-serie-a/12/blog/post/2861235/juventus-complete-their-remarkable-turnaround-seem-set-for-future-success

Apr 29, 2016

They blew it; they knew they did. Pitted against a Barcelona side dubbed the greatest in history, Juventus had their chances to win and lift the Champions League trophy but couldn't. That plane ride home from Berlin after the 2015 final provoked a thousand emotions and a time for introspection.

One player aboard that very plane sat observing. Surrounded by disconsolate champions, he was trying to make sense of what happened, attempting to familiarise himself with the behaviour of those within a big club. Claudio Marchisio walked up to him, held out his hand and introduced himself. "Prepare well, we have to win everything next year." Wide-eyed and intrigued, Paulo Dybala swallowed and nodded. He quickly realised where he was: a club where not even a painful defeat could demoralise a squad so desperate for total glory.

Welcome to Juventus son, the home of never-ending desire.

Starting the season in horrendous fashion, the club quickly recognised the errors they'd made over the summer. The personal lives of the Directors were plastered all over the tabloids. The departures of three stars (Carlos Tevez, Andrea Pirlo and Arturo Vidal) not only unhinged the side tactically but stripped the dressing room of leaders, while Massimiliano Allegri struggled to find the right style of play to suit all his new arrivals, many of whom (like Dybala) needed time to prepare for the ongoing battle for greatness.

To make matters worse, the side missed Marchisio in those starting few weeks, possessed a star in Paul Pogba who struggled with the weight of the No. 10 jersey and an attacking line-up that seemed inexperienced and impotent.

You can have the world's greatest players but if a club is not well-run, it will suffer; players will sense the chaos and surrender to indifference. The difference with Juventus and every other side in Italy is that while mistakes were made, they were acknowledged and accepted and the men in charge went back to doing what they do best, running this extraordinary club perfectly.

It meant producing a united front. The directors stayed close to the team while the leaders made their voices heard both on and off the pitch. The newcomers had to learn what it meant to play in the fabled Bianconeri colours. Players who arrive at the club are not simply asked to perform; they are taught to be better players, think like winners and fulfil their true potential. At Juventus, footballers are there to receive an education and much like Dybala, and many who came before him, they develop into stars.

Deployed closer to goal at Palermo, Dybala and his nimble body could rely on intelligence and technique to score. At Juventus, Allegri and his staff recognised the depth of his talent and agreed that the player needed to get into shape to play the role made for his unique skills, one that beautifully links the midfield and the attack. Focusing on improving his endurance and strength, Juve wanted a forward who could suffer, cope with the work load and who produce the intensity required to lead them to victories.

Today Dybala is arguably a €100 million player, like his best friend and Serie A's top assist maker, Pogba. Each player in Juve develops, each player's value rises and each member of the squad is prepared for the endless fight for trophies.

Unity, personality and hard work ultimately allowed the Old Lady to change her season around and commit to the task at hand, winning every match if not by playing beautifully then by being the most dedicated. For a side that had picked up only 12 points from their opening 10 fixtures, scoring only 11 goals (14 less than Roma), it was difficult to remain optimistic. Yet one should never doubt the ability of a well-run and well-managed club, one that invests in success and is in a perpetual state of planning.
 
From the bottom, they saw their way to the top and Juventus never looked back, collecting 73 points from their next 25 matches. They dribbled their way to perfection and blocked the most threatening of opponents and relied on one another and their extraordinary sacrificial nature to reach their objective. Boasting unity as well as the players whose individual brilliance can resolve certain matches, Juve's versatility, squad depth and mental fortitude ensured another title.

Their one failure? The Champions League. Yet they acknowledge that, especially as the teams that have made it to the semifinals of the competition this year are not unbeatable. In fact, the Bianconeri already defeated Manchester City twice in the group stage and knocked Real Madrid out of the tournament last season.

Next year, Europe will be where they focus all their energies and if, like Allegri asked, the club directors can confirm the squad and once again bring in the players who can be moulded into future stars, glory will be theirs. Congratulations to the Serie A Champions. Let's hope for another three league wins.

 

SERIE A TABLE

[Socrates 8523]

JUVENTUS - CARPI

 

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MATCHDAY 36
Sunday, May 1st, 2016 - 12:30 PM
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Massimiliano Irrati

Serie A Previews: Still so much at stake

http://www.football-italia.net/83599/serie-previews-still-so-much-stake?

Apr 30, 2016
 
There’s still plenty to play for in Serie A, starting today with Udinese-Torino and Chievo-Fiorentina, then Carpi visit champions Juventus, Lazio v Inter, Milan-Frosinone, Genoa-Roma and Napoli-Atalanta.

The action begins today with Udinese still seeking Serie A security against unpredictable Torino at 18.00 CET - 17.00 UK time (16.00 GMT).

This evening Fiorentina desperately need to get back on track, but face a tricky trip to on-form Chievo at 20.45 CET - 19.45 UK time (18.45 GMT).

On Sunday the early game sees a party at the Juventus Stadium, but Carpi are fully intent on spoiling it, as they need points to stay clear of the relegation zone.

At 15.00 CET - 14.00 UK time (13.00 GMT), Milan are in dire straits and host a Frosinone outfit absolutely desperate for a result to escape the bottom two.

Palermo also push to avoid relegation against Sampdoria, while Sassuolo welcome already-doomed Verona in their bid to snatch a Europa League spot off Milan.

Empoli take on Bologna, then at 19.45 UK time (18.45 GMT) on Sunday it’s Lazio against Inter, traditionally a fiery affair that sees European places up for grabs.

The round concludes on Monday with Roma visiting Genoa at 19.00 CET - 18.00 UK time (17.00 GMT) and Napoli hosting Atalanta at 21.00 CET - 20.00 UK (19.00 GMT) as the race for that automatic Champions League spot goes into overdrive.

 

SERIE A TABLE

[Socrates 8523]

JUVENTUS - CARPI

 

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MATCHDAY 36
Sunday, May 1st, 2016 - 12:30 PM
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Massimiliano Irrati

Juventus - Carpi MATCH PREVIEW

http://www.football-italia.net/SerieA/match/preview/70172

Apr 30, 2016
 
Juventus will hope to keep the good times rolling as they welcome top-flight debutants Carpi to Juventus Stadium for the first time on Sunday afternoon.

Thanks in part to Roma’s defeat of Napoli, La Vecchia Signora are now champions of Italy for the fifth-consecutive season. It has been nothing short of an amazing campaign for Massimiliano Allegri’s men, who lost their opening match at home for the first time in the club’s history and took until Week Four to finally pick up their first victory.

At one point, many had written off the reigning champions. Certainly, they are all eating a hearty helping of crow now. Since their loss to Sassuolo on October 28th, Juventus powered past cross-town rivals Torino – and have not looked back since. Save for a scoreless draw against Bologna, the Bianconeri have won 24 out of their past 25 League matches.

In addition, having recorded a shut-out against Lazio in their last match in Turin, Juventus now have made it nine consecutive home games without conceding a goal – a new club record – and can certainly extend this against minnows Carpi this weekend.

Comfortably 12 points clear of Napoli with just three rounds to go, La Vecchia Signora could certainly afford to kick back and relax a bit. However, given their disappointing start, they will obviously want to finish this season on a high note, and that means winning their final trio of matches.

Meanwhile, Carpi have had their trials and tribulations, as was expected for a team making their first-ever appearance in the upper echelon of Italian football. Nonetheless, and seemingly against all odds, safety is within the grasp of Fabrizio Castori’s side. And just like Sassuolo did during their own debut campaign, they too are hoping to narrowly avoid the drop.

The Biancorossi presently sit in 17th place, but with 35 points, can certainly be easily sucked back down into the relegation spots, especially with Palermo close behind and three games left to play.


Keep an eye on: Mario Mandzukic (Juventus) — The tall Croatian has not had the easiest debut season with the Bianconeri, but nonetheless has managed to score a pretty respectable ten Serie A goals for the Turin giants. Having netted Juve’s opener in three out of their past four league games, don’t be surprised to see him add more to his tally this weekend.


Form guide: Juventus (W W W W W) Carpi (W D W L L)

Last season: Not played

Stat fact: Juventus are the first Italian side to have lost four out of the 10 opening games of a season – and still managed to win the Scudetto at the end of the campaign.


Juventus (probable)

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

Suspended: None


Carpi (probable)

Belec; Letizia, Poli, Romagnoli, Gagliolo; Pasciuti, Crimi, Cofie, Di Gaudio; Martinho; Mbakogu

Suspended: Lollo, Bianco

 

SERIE A TABLE

[Socrates 8523]

JUVENTUS - CARPI

 

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MATCHDAY 36
Sunday, May 1st, 2016 - 12:30 PM
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Massimiliano Irrati

Juventus vs. Carpi: Team News, Preview

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2636308-juventus-vs-capri-team-news-preview-live-stream-tv-info?

Apr 30, 2016
 
Thanks to AS Roma’s win over Napoli on Monday, Juventus host Carpi on Sunday knowing they have already clinched the Serie A title. As such, their next outing should be one of celebration for the Bianconeri, but their opponents will be in no mood to watch a procession in Turin, Italy.

Indeed, Carpi head into this latest round of fixtures just three points ahead of the relegation places, aware Palermo and Frosinone will be hoping to see them lose to Juventus in order to make the battle for survival even closer.

Yet after beating Empoli last Sunday, the Biancorossi are in good spirits and—speaking to Sky Sports Italia (h/t Football Italia) shortly after the final whistle—coach Fabrizio Castori is confident they can remain in the top flight:

The three-point advantage has to be maintained. We must go to Turin against Juve, but Palermo have some difficult fixtures too and these three points can compensate for our calendar.

We’ve picked up seven points over the last eight days, the team is in good shape and we can have a go against anyone.

That desire should see them test the resolve of the newly crowned champions, who themselves will be eager to maintain their own excellent form ahead of the Coppa Italia final later this month. A victory there against AC Milan would make Juventus the only Italian team in history to complete back-to-back league and cup doubles.

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.

Indeed, as they left the field following Sunday evening’s impressive victory over Fiorentina, coach Massimiliano Allegri told reporters he expects his players to maintain their focus over the final weeks of the campaign.

“We can’t afford to let our intensity drop at all,” the Juve boss said at his post-match press conference. “We’ve got a crucial cup final on the horizon and we want to be in the best possible shape for that.”

Despite Giorgio Chiellini, Martin Caceres and Claudio Marchisio all injured for the clash with Carpi, the Bianconeri should be at full strength here and will undoubtedly prove to be a difficult challenge for the relegation-threatened visitors.

 

Probable Formations

Juventus (3-5-2)

Gigi Buffon; Andrea Barzagli, Leonardo Bonucci, Daniele Rugani; Juan Cuadrado, Sami Khedira, Mario Lemina, Paul Pogba, Patrice Evra; Mario Mandzukic, Paulo Dybala

Unavailable: Neto, Giorgio Chiellini, Martin Caceres and Claudio Marchisio (all injured)


Carpi: (4-4-1-1)

Vid Belec; Gaetano Letizia, Fabrizio Poli, Simone Romagnoli, Riccardo Gagliolo; Lorenzo Pasciuti, Marco Crimi, Isaac Cofie, Antonio Di Gaudio; Raphael Martinho; Jerry Mbakogu

Unavailable: Eddy Gnahore, Zeljko Brkic (both injured), Lorenzo Lollo, Raffaele Bianco (both suspended)


Key Battle

While Kevin Lasagna’s impact from the bench is likely to be Carpi’s most dangerous weapon, midfielder Lorenzo Pasciuti has been in excellent form over recent weeks. The 26-year-old has weighed in with two goals and an assist in his last three appearances, making crucial contributions in wins over Genoa and Carpi.

Playing on the right flank, Pasciuti also works hard defensively, with statistics courtesy of WhoScored.com showing he has averaged 1.1 tackles and 1.6 interceptions per game over his 19 league appearances this term.

Lining up against him at Juventus Stadium will be Patrice Evra, the France international expected to again be given the starting role ahead of Alex Sandro. The former Manchester United defender has enjoyed another excellent campaign, but he is out of contract in June and revealed this week he has yet to decide what to do next

“I’ve had two special years with Juve, we’ll meet at the end of the season and then I’ll say yes or no,” Evra told La giornalaccio rosa dello Sport (h/t Football Italia). “I must be honest with myself and with Juve. There aren’t any problems, it’s a decision that I must make alone.”


Player to Watch

While the battle between Evra and Pasciuti will undoubtedly be intriguing, perhaps the player to watch most-closely will be Simone Zaza. The striker is not expected to be in the starting XI but will hope to be sent on as a substitute by Juyentus as he looks to cement his place in Italy’s squad for UEFA Euro 2016.

Since joining the Bianconeri from Sassuolo last summer, Zaza has found his opportunities limited somewhat in Turin and has made just four league starts in 2015/16, with a further 12 appearances from the bench.

OptaPaolo ✔ ‎@OptaPaolo
63 - Zaza has the best mins/goal ratio (1 goal every 63 mins) among the top-5 european leagues players with 3+ goals this season. Strength.

That has led to speculation about his future as Italian newspaper Tuttosport (h/t Football Italia) believes Chelsea, AS Roma and AC Milan are interested in signing the 24-year-old.

Should he receive an opportunity on Sunday, Zaza would undoubtedly enjoy adding to his tally of four Serie A goals and ensure he has the attention of Azzurri boss Antonio Conte before he makes his own move to Stamford Bridge ahead of next season.


Odds (via Odds Shark)

Away win: 18-1

Home win: 25-139

Draw: 6-1

 

SERIE A TABLE

[Socrates 8523]

JUVENTUS - CARPI

 

-

 
 

MATCHDAY 36
Sunday, May 1st, 2016 - 12:30 PM
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Massimiliano Irrati

Juventus v Carpi Preview: Pogba
already eyeing further titles

The Italian champions play their first match since securing the Serie A title,
and their French midfielder has his eyes set on more success for both club and country.

http://www.goal.com/en/match/juventus-vs-carpi/2120728/preview

Apr 30, 2016
 
Paul Pogba has declared that four Serie A titles are not enough to satisfy him as champions Juventus prepare to host Carpi on Saturday in their first match since clinching this season's Scudetto.

Juve defeated Fiorentina 2-1 in a thrilling encounter last Sunday, before sealing their fifth consecutive title when closest rivals Napoli lost to Roma the following day.

Massimiliano Allegri's men have now won five straight titles, four of which have come since Pogba's move to Turin from Manchester United in 2012.

But in-demand Pogba is not finished yet when it comes to his title tally and reiterated his commitment to Juve as he prepares for a crucial period of games. The Frenchman will take part in the Coppa Italia final against AC Milan on May 21 before representing hosts France at Euro 2016.

"I have only won four Scudetti, they are not enough for me," the 23-year-old said to La Repubblica.

"As for my future, I want to beat Carpi, then I want the Coppa Italia and then Euro 2016 in France.

"After that, I have a contract with Juventus. I can't just get up one morning and take a plane to England. Ask the people who work in the transfer department.

"I know that money comes and goes. I would be lying if I said it makes no difference not having it, but I see it as a consequence of hard work. The stronger you are, the more you make. Cristiano Ronaldo deserves the pay he gets, it's not like he steals it."

Juve will be eager to continue their sensational run of Serie A form that has seen them win 24 and drawn one of their last 25.

After a slow start, Pogba has enjoyed an impressive individual top-flight campaign, scoring eight and tallying a league-leading 11 assists in 33 appearances, but he is desperate to improve further.

The France midfielder added: "I would like to surpass Frank Lampard. I want to be the midfielder who can do everything and at the highest levels. Shooting, dribbling, scoring, defending. I want to be like Lampard, but better.

"You can always do better. Michael Jordan admitted he made a lot of mistakes, didn't he? What matters is to go beyond.

"I have always been like this, people called me crazy, but I want to make history and become the strongest midfielder ever.

"Earlier in the season I wasn't playing at my level, I must admit that, but then the team wasn't either. Now I'm feeling better and I feel like I helped Juventus give their best.

"In football there's no such thing as growing old, you just get experienced. I'm young, but I have already collected experience.

"Everything I do, I do it to help the team. Sometimes I play well, and sometimes I don't. That's why I get angry. I hate making mistakes.

"I made even more mistakes back when I played in the street and I used to react exactly the same way. Improving and reducing mistakes, that's what I call experience."

The reverse fixture against Carpi in December marked the last time Juve conceded more than one goal in the league, but they were still able to win 3-2.


OPTA FACTS

This season’s reverse fixture marked the last time Juventus conceded more than one goal, but despite that, the Bianconeri won 3-2.

Since that game, Juventus have collected 52 points from 18 league matches (W17 D1).

Juventus (+16) and Carpi (+11) have recorded the largest difference in terms of points collected over the first 16 match-days, compared to the first 16 games of the second half of the season.

Carpi are the second to last side to have led against Juventus in the league, managing to do so for three minutes in the reverse fixture (the Bianconeri were also behind for nine minutes against AC Milan).

Carpi have kept back-to-back clean sheets for the first time in Serie A.

Juventus haven’t conceded at all in their last nine home matches in the top-flight, which is an all-time record for the Bianconeri in Serie A.

The last Serie A team to keep 10 consecutive clean sheets at home was Empoli in 1987.

Juventus have been ahead in games longer than any other team in Serie A this season (1357) - 1016 more than Carpi.


LAST FIVE MATCHES

Juventus W W W W W

4/24/16 - Fiorentina 1 - 2 Juventus
4/20/16 - Juventus 3 - 0 Lazio
4/17/16 - Juventus 4 - 0 Palermo
4/9/16 - AC Milan 1 - 2 Juventus
4/2/16 - Juventus 1 - 0 Empoli


Carpi W D W L L

4/25/16 - Carpi 1 - 0 Empoli
4/21/16 - AC Milan 0 - 0 Carpi
4/16/16 - Carpi 4 - 1 Genoa
4/9/16 - Chievo Verona 1 - 0 Carpi
4/2/16 - Carpi 1 - 3 Sassuolo


HEAD TO HEAD

12/20/15 - Carpi 2 - 3 Juventus

 

SERIE A TABLE

[Socrates 8523]

JUVENTUS - CARPI

 

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MATCHDAY 36
Sunday, May 1st, 2016 - 12:30 PM
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Massimiliano Irrati

Allegri: 'Juve can't celebrate yet'

http://www.football-italia.net/83618/allegri-juve-cant-celebrate-yet?

Apr 30, 2016
 
Max Allegri warned Juventus can’t party against Carpi. “We’ve got to stay on our toes before the Coppa Italia Final.”

It kicks off in Turin on Sunday at 12.30 CET - 11.30 UK time (10.30 GMT).

“Winning a fifth consecutive Scudetto is a wonderful feeling, especially as it was an extraordinary comeback that began after defeat to Sassuolo on October 28,” said Allegri in his Press conference.

“Winning 24 out of 25 games is something remarkable and everyone who worked for this success deserves compliments. Above all I’d single out the eight players who did win five in a row.

“There is enthusiasm and euphoria, but we still have another three rounds to go and the Coppa Italia Final. We’ve got to stay on our toes, as otherwise it might be difficult to get focus back again.

“The lads have prepared well and tomorrow will be our first game at home as Champions of Italy. Those who need to have a rest will do so, as we must all be fully prepared for the Coppa Italia Final on May 21.

“I can confirm tomorrow we’ll start Gigi Buffon, Leo Bonucci, Daniele Rugani and Patrice Evra. Paul Pogba in midfield and Alex Sandro, plus Alvaro Morata up front.

“Rugani arrived from Empoli and needed a little time. He is a player who can stay at Juventus for 10 years.”

Carpi are fighting for Serie A safety, so Palermo and Frosinone expect Juventus to do their duty.

“The final match at home with Sampdoria will be a party, so there’s a long way to go. These next few games will help us to improve the quality of our football, so we make it a habit.

“I am not interested in records, as the important thing was to win the Scudetto. Having said that, tomorrow we must win, because it’ll be our first game as Champions.

“What interests me is that the side remains focused ahead of the Coppa Italia. Milan played two very good games with us this season, so we want to end the campaign on a high.”

Juventus have already been active on the transfer market, activating their €9.5m option to buy Mario Lemina.

“I gave my evaluation to the club. He started the season with a knee problem, but when called into action he always gave his contribution. Lemina is a young player and Juve did well to buy him.

“There are many good players, both in Italy and abroad. It will be a strange and long transfer session, in part because of the Euros. Juve will make a competitive squad, both for Serie A and the Champions League.

“Alvaro Morata? I’d be disappointed to lose any player. After a brief period in hibernation he is back to his best. I hope he remains at Juventus.”


Juventus squad for Carpi

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

 

SERIE A TABLE

[Socrates 8523]

JUVENTUS - CARPI

 

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MATCHDAY 36
Sunday, May 1st, 2016 - 12:30 PM
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Massimiliano Irrati

JUVENTUS VS CARPI MATCH PREVIEW

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

Apr 30, 2016
 

Juventus

Juventus’ magical second half of the season reached its apex in the last match day, where the Bianconeri outlasted Fiorentina in a terrific match and then Roma beat Napoli, allowing Allegri’s boys to secure the fifth title in a row. The run that started after the loss at Sassuolo was nothing short of amazing: the team won 24 of its last 25 matches, sweeping aside all its mortal enemies: Torino, Milan, Fiorentina, Roma, Napoli and Inter were all defeated in the triumphant march that led to an incredible turnaround in the standings.

After ten games, Juventus was in 12th position, 11 points behind Roma and 9 behind Fiorentina, Inter and Napoli. 25 matches later, Bianconeri have won the League with three games to go, Napoli is 12 points behind, Roma 14, Inter 19 and Fiorentina 26. A remarkable comeback that would not happened without the leadership of the coach and the veterans, first of all Gianluigi Buffon who does not speak a lot, but everybody listens when he does. He called out his teammates after the Sassuolo game, Juventus won the following one against Torino with a last-minute goal by Juan Cuadrado and the fun started.

In a hypothetical ranking of the five straight titles, this one comes just a little below the first one, simply because we were coming off years of struggles in that case. However, like the “undefeated” one, this is a marvellous feat as well. Only great franchises manage to rebuild on the fly while remaining highly competitive like Juventus did in the summer and the credit goes to the management for finding the right players.

Waiting for the parade, there are still three Serie A games to go before the Coppa Italia final, which would be the cherry on top of the sundae. The team spent most of the week celebrating and champagning so the reports about the lineup are very mixed. It looks like there will be some rotation, but not a complete one.

Giorgio Chiellini missed the last game with a knee sprain and the exams revealed a light MCL tear, with a 15-20 day timetable, according to the official site. He has not played a full game since January 27. He returned thrice but the first time he re-aggravated a calf injury, in the second he picked up a hamstring issue and finally he sprained his knee. Tough luck for him, but his absence was not sorely felt thanks to Daniele Rugani and the masterful defensive organization.

The coach announced some starters: Gianluigi Buffon, Daniele Rugani, Leonardo Bonucci, Patrice Evra, Alex Sandro, Paul Pogba and Alvaro Morata. The fact that both left backs will play makes it interesting. Andrea Barzagli is likely to rest, so Evra will take his place in the three-man defence. The other battles are pretty much the usual ones: Stephen Lichsteiner vs Juan Cuadrado, Hernanes vs Mario Lemina and Paulo Dybala vs Mario Mandzukic vs Simone Zaza. If Sami Khedira is benched, there are plenty of options to replace him: Stefano Sturaro, Roberto Pereyra, Simone Padoin and Kwadwo Asamoah. The tactical alternative would be 4-4-2 with Sandro and Cuadrado wide in the midfield.

Juventus picked up the option to buy Mario Lemina so he will stay with the club: some other clubs were after him, so the management just decided to play it safe and avoid a further negotiation with Olympique Marseille. Also, they probably did not want to go into next season with too many question marks in a key position where Claudio Marchisio will miss the first chunk of the season. Lemina is a strong defensive presence, but is a little too much deferring in the build-up of the action: he has decent feet and can certainly improve there as he gains experience.


Probable lineup 3-5-2

Buffon; Rugani, Barzagli, Evra; Lichsteiner, Sturaro, Hernanes, Pogba, Sandro; Morata, Dybala.


Injuries:

Chiellini (knee); Marchisio (knee), Neto (calf), Caceres (Achilles).

Suspensions:

None.


 

  Carpi

While Juventus are celebrating, Carpi are fighting for their lives in the suburbs of the table. They are in 17th position and they have a three-point lead over Palermo: they must hold on to remain in Serie A. Their schedule is strong on paper but maybe they can steal some points against teams that have already checked out like Bianconeri, Lazio and Udinese. Motivations are key in this moment of the season. I can already see a livid Maurizio Zamparini issuing a furious statement on Monday blasting Juventus for its lack of effort and unsportsmanlike conduct because they let Carpi grab a point.

Carpi had a pretty good second half of the season as well: they collected 21 of their 35 points since January. They are understandably better at home, but they have been able to conquer two wins and six ties on the road, which is more than some superior teams like Atalanta and Genoa have done.

The recipe for their relative success has been simple. In January they brought back as many of their former players as they could, added some midlevel Italians that have been in this position before or that wanted to make a name for themselves in Serie A and let go some footballers that did not buy in or simply were a bad fit for their culture. They changed the sporting director, re-appointed Fabrizio Castori and stuck with him also during some difficult stretches. A change of course in midseason that might see them succeed.

They are up against Palermo who undeniably have better quality throughout the roster but lack that fighting mentality of Biancorossi. However, after a series of ill-advised moves, Zamparini has settled on a coach and Davide Ballardini seems to have found some players that can guide them in this final part of the season: it will be an interesting finale.

Carpi’s strategy is not much different from their Serie B year: they sit back and counter. They crowd the spaces and try to move quickly toward the opponents’ box once they have captured the ball. Castori has used four systems so far: 4-4-2, 4-4-1-1 and 3-5-2, at times with a no.10 instead of two strikers.

They usually deploy the most defensive one against the big teams. They have to big absentees due to suspensions: Raffaele Bianco and Lorenzo Lollo, who are their two most creative midfielders. Lollo usually plays behind the striker. The coach has few options to replace them: fielding Raphael Martinho or Jonathan De Guzman in the midfield, alongside the regulars Marco Crimi and Isaac Cofie; Simone Verdi, De Guzman or Antonio Di Gaudio as advanced midfielder.

There are a couple of doubts about the lineup in other areas as well. Fabrizio Poli is a versatile fullback who can play centre-back as well, but at times Cristian Zaccardo has been picked over him in a three-man defence. As for the flanks, Gaetano Letizia, Lorenzo Pasciuti and Stefano Sabelli have all a chance to start. Castori could also go uber defensive by putting Poli or Riccardo Gagliolo as wing back. Watch out for their super sub Kevin Lasagna, who has scored five crucial goals coming off the bench.


Probable lineup 3-5-1-1

Belec; Zaccardo, Romagnoli, Gaglilo; Sabelli, Crimi, Cofie, Martinho, Letizia; Verdi; Mbakogu.


Injuries:

Gnahore (head, hip), Bubnjic (knee).

Suspensions:

Bianco, Lollo.

 

Formation

 

SERIE A TABLE

[Socrates 8523]

JUVENTUS - CARPI

 

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MATCHDAY 36
Sunday, May 1st, 2016 - 12:30 PM
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Massimiliano Irrati

Castori: 'Juve have their Scudetto...'

http://www.football-italia.net/83622/castori-juve-have-their-scudetto?

Apr 30, 2016

Fabrizio Castori notes “Juventus have won their Scudetto, now we want ours” as Carpi battle for Serie A safety. 

It kicks off in Turin on Sunday at 12.30 CET - 11.30 UK time (10.30 GMT).

There will be a party atmosphere for the Bianconeri, who secured their fifth consecutive title, but for Carpi the race is still in full swing.

“We know that it will be a difficult match tomorrow, but will try to face it in the best possible way. Let’s not forget there are three points up for grabs, the same as any other game,” said the Coach in his Press conference.

“We’ve made steps forward during our journey and we want the final sprint to reach safety. We need the right attitude, spirit of sacrifice and effort.

“Juve are a technically gifted team who are also physically strong and well-structured. It’s only natural we’ll make slight tactical adjustments to challenge their characteristics. The fact they’ve won 24 of the last 25 games is exceptional.

“We must try to earn the support of the fans by swearing for the shirt. Tomorrow I want us to leave the Juventus Stadium with our heads held high. That way we can be winners too.”

Considering Atletico Madrid’s performance against Bayern Munich in this week’s Champions League semi-final, some have said Diego Simeone’s approach is similar to that of Castori at Carpi.

“It is pleasing, but I certainly won’t lose my humility because of that comparison. I am happy above all that the work of Carpi is appreciated and recognised.”

They are in their first ever Serie A season, but next term Crotone will have their debut, having sealed promotion from Serie B.

“Their journey is similar to ours, a team that few expected to go very far and yet managed to win a tough tournament like Serie B.

“I compliment Crotone and am happy that in football these fairy-tales can come true.”

Lorenzo Lollo and Raffaele Bianco are suspended for this trip to Turin.


Carpi squad for Juventus

Belec, Colombi; Sabelli, Letizia, Zaccardo, Gagliolo, Poli, Romagnoli, Suagher, Daprelà; Cofie, Porcari, Franchini, Di Gaudio, De Guzman, Crimi, Pasciuti, Martinho; Verdi, Lasagna, Mancosu, Mbakogu

 

SERIE A TABLE

[Socrates 8523]

JUVENTUS - CARPI

 

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MATCHDAY 36
Sunday, May 1st, 2016 - 12:30 PM
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Massimiliano Irrati

Juventus-Carpi line-ups

http://www.football-italia.net/83662/juventus-carpi-line-ups?

May 1, 2016

Juventus have won the Scudetto, but want to continue shattering records and host a Carpi side desperate to avoid relegation.

It kicks off in Turin at 12.30 CET - 11.30 UK time (10.30 GMT).

The Bianconeri were crowned Champions of Italy for the fifth consecutive time this week, able to celebrate at their training centre after watching Napoli lose 1-0 at Roma on Monday afternoon.

Having won 24 of the last 25 games, pausing only to draw at Bologna, Max Allegri was at pains to keep his men focused amid the party atmosphere.

Carpi certainly will be concentrated, as they are hovering three points above the relegation zone and fear Palermo and Frosinone can catch them.

Claudio Marchisio, Giorgio Chiellini, Martin Caceres and Norberto Neto are injured.

Patrice Evra is tested out in a back three, while Hernanes gets a central midfield role.

Leonardo Bonucci starts on the day of his 29th birthday and Paulo Dybala is rested in favour of Alvaro Morata.

Carpi have made a remarkable comeback of their own, as they seemed destined for the drop only a few weeks ago.

Coach Fabrizio Castori is forced to do without suspended Lorenzo Lollo and Raffaele Bianco.

The minnows are unbeaten in three rounds, picking up seven points against Genoa, Milan and Empoli.

The only previous meeting between these sides was an unexpectedly tight 3-2 thriller won by Juventus on December 20.

That game remains long in the memory thanks to Allegri tearing off his coat in a rage at the huge risk his team ran in the final minutes, when Carpi missed a sitter.


Juventus

Buffon; Rugani, Bonucci, Evra; Hernanes, Asamoah, Cuadrado, Pogba, Alex Sandro; Mandzukic, Morata


Carpi

Belec; Zaccardo, Romagnoli, Suagher; Sabelli, Crimi, Cofie, Martinho, Gagliolo; Verdi; Mbakogu

 

SERIE A TABLE

[Socrates 8523]

JUVENTUS - CARPI

 

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MATCHDAY 36
Sunday, May 1st, 2016 - 12:30 PM
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Massimiliano Irrati

HT 1-0: Hernanes opens Juve account

http://www.football-italia.net/83666/ht-hernanes-opens-juve-account?

May 1, 2016

Hernanes has given Juventus the half-time lead, but Carpi had their chances too and tested Gigi Buffon.

The Bianconeri were celebrating their fifth consecutive Scudetto, but Max Allegri warned against a party atmosphere because Carpi arrived desperate for points to avoid sliding back into the drop zone. Claudio Marchisio, Giorgio Chiellini, Martin Caceres and Neto missed out, but Patrice Evra was tested in a three-man defence. Carpi were unbeaten in three rounds, but had Lorenzo Lollo and Raffaele Bianco suspended.

The only previous meeting was a 3-2 thriller on December 20, famous because Allegri tore off his coat in a rage when Juve almost conceded a last-gasp equaliser.

Leonardo Bonucci’s Andrea Pirlo-style pass over the top found a Paul Pogba volley, forcing a difficult Vid Belec save at the near post. Alvaro Morata’s diving header also flashed just wide, but after 20 minutes of dominance Carpi emerged.

Gigi Buffon had to stick out a foot at the near post to deny Simone Verdi’s angled drive, while on the resulting corner both Jerry Mbakogu and Emanuele Suagher were unmarked and went for the same ball, the latter volleying wide.

Daniele Rugani’s header skimmed the bar and Bonucci’s shot was so powerful it left Simone Romagnoli with a bruised ankle when charging it down.

The first half seemed to be creeping towards 0-0 when Hernanes’ strike from the edge of the box surprised Vid Belec, squirming in at the base of the near post, but the goalkeeper really should’ve done better. It was the Brazilian’s first goal in a Bianconeri jersey and consequently his first somersault.


Juventus 1-0 Carpi (Half-Time)

Scorers: Hernanes 42 (J)

Juventus: Buffon; Rugani, Bonucci, Evra; Cuadrado, Asamoah, Hernanes, Pogba, Alex Sandro; Mandzukic, Morata

Carpi: Belec; Zaccardo, Romagnoli, Suagher; Sabelli, Crimi, Cofie, Martinho, Gagliolo; Verdi; Mbakogu

Ref: Irrati

 

SERIE A TABLE

[Socrates 8523]

JUVENTUS - CARPI

 

2 - 0

Hernanes (42')
Simone Zaza (80')
 
 

MATCHDAY 36
Sunday, May 1st, 2016 - 12:30 PM
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Massimiliano Irrati

Juventus 2-0 Carpi:
Hosts cruise to victory

Midfielder Hernanes and attacker Simone Zaza were both on target as the Italian
champions brushed their relegation-threatened visitors aside on Sunday afternoon.

http://www.goal.com/en/match/juventus-vs-carpi/2120728/report

May 1, 2016

Serie A champions Juventus continued their incredible form with a 2-0 victory at home to Carpi on Sunday, sealed by Hernanes' first-half strike and Simone Zaza's late header.

Napoli's defeat at Roma on Monday handed Juventus their fifth successive league title and Massimiliano Allegri's men brushed relegation-threatened Carpi aside comfortably.

Hernanes gave Juve the lead shortly before half-time with a neat finish from outside the box and substitute Zaza made sure of the points with a header that floated into the far corner.

Carpi battled hard but were unable to seriously test Juve's veteran goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon and they remain three points above the Serie A relegation zone.

Victory means Juve have now won 25 of their last 26 games in Serie A, taking maximum points from their last 10 league fixtures.

Juve also extended their club record to 10 successive home clean sheets in the league, becoming the first team to go so long without conceding at home in Serie A since Empoli in 1987.

Paul Pogba had the champions' first sight of goal after five minutes but Carpi goalkeeper Vid Belec tipped his effort around the post.

Juve continued to probe and Alvaro Morata, starting up front in place of Paulo Dybala, flashed a header wide from Alex Sandro's cross after 14 minutes.

Simone Verdi then raced onto a throughball by Marco Crimi but Buffon thrust out his right leg to make a fine save.

Juve were struggling to find their rhythm due to Carpi's energetic pressing but Daniele Rugani almost opened the scoring after 31 minutes, his header from Juan Cuadrado's free-kick narrowly clearing the crossbar.

Carpi had previously kept back-to-back clean sheets for the first time in Serie A, but their resistance was broken by Juve after 41 minutes.

Hernanes opened the scoring by finding the bottom corner from 20 yards, beating an unsighted Belec, and celebrated his first goal for the club with a backflip.

Verdi went close from a free-kick after 53 minutes as Carpi, unbeaten in their last three league games, pushed for an equaliser.

Substitute Filippo Porcari hit the side-netting after 76 minutes with a viciously swerving long-range strike, before Mario Mandzukic bundled a cross wide at the back post.

Zaza added gloss to the scoreline for Juve with 11 minutes to go by rising highest in the box to flick Pogba's cross into Belec's net to kick off the champions' party.

 

SERIE A TABLE

[Socrates 8523]

JUVENTUS - CARPI

 

2 - 0

Hernanes (42')
Simone Zaza (80')
 
 

MATCHDAY 36
Sunday, May 1st, 2016 - 12:30 PM
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Massimiliano Irrati

Juventus sweep Carpi aside

There was no Scudetto hangover for Juventus, who swept Carpi aside 2-0 with Hernanes and Simone Zaza goals.

http://www.football-italia.net/SerieA/match/70172

May 1, 2016

The Bianconeri were celebrating their fifth consecutive Scudetto, but Max Allegri warned against a party atmosphere because Carpi arrived desperate for points to avoid sliding back into the drop zone. Claudio Marchisio, Giorgio Chiellini, Martin Caceres and Neto missed out, but Patrice Evra was tested in a three-man defence. Carpi were unbeaten in three rounds, but had Lorenzo Lollo and Raffaele Bianco suspended.

The only previous meeting was a 3-2 thriller on December 20, famous because Allegri tore off his coat in a rage when Juve almost conceded a last-gasp equaliser.

Leonardo Bonucci’s Andrea Pirlo-style pass over the top found a Paul Pogba volley, forcing a difficult Vid Belec save at the near post. Alvaro Morata’s diving header also flashed just wide, but after 20 minutes of dominance Carpi emerged.

Gigi Buffon had to stick out a foot at the near post to deny Simone Verdi’s angled drive, while on the resulting corner both Jerry Mbakogu and Emanuele Suagher were unmarked and went for the same ball, the latter volleying wide.

Daniele Rugani’s header skimmed the bar and Bonucci’s shot was so powerful it left Simone Romagnoli with a bruised ankle when charging it down.

The first half seemed to be creeping towards 0-0 when Hernanes’ strike from the edge of the box surprised Vid Belec, squirming in at the base of the near post, but the goalkeeper really should’ve done better. It was the Brazilian’s first goal in a Bianconeri jersey and consequently his first somersault.

Morata picked up a knock in the first half and made way for Simone Zaza. Verdi curled a free kick over, as did Kwadwo Asamoah at the end of a solo run.

Carpi threw on supersub Kevin Lasagna, who immediately had an effort off target, and Filippo Porcari’s sudden screamer skimmed the upright with Buffon rooted to the spot.

Mandzukic and Bonucci combined to turn wide from a corner, but Juve did double their lead when Simone Zaza aimed a looping header into the far top corner from Pogba’s cross, resisting the close marking from Romagnoli.

In stoppages Pogba, Stephan Lichtsteiner, Bonucci and Hernanes all got silly yellow cards and will be suspended against already-relegated Verona. They seemed to be looking for the cards to get their bans out of the way.


Juventus

Buffon; Rugani, Bonucci, Evra; Cuadrado (Lichtsteiner 74), Asamoah (Sturaro 85), Hernanes, Pogba, Alex Sandro; Mandzukic, Morata (Zaza 46)


Carpi

Belec; Zaccardo, Romagnoli, Suagher; Sabelli, Crimi (Porcari 74), Cofie, Martinho (Lasagna 65), Gagliolo; Verdi (De Guzman 85); Mbakogu


Ref: Irrati

 

SERIE A TABLE

[Socrates 8523]

JUVENTUS - CARPI

 

2 - 0

Hernanes (42')
Simone Zaza (80')
 
 

MATCHDAY 36
Sunday, May 1st, 2016 - 12:30 PM
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Massimiliano Irrati

RATINGS: Juve ease past Carpi

http://www.goal.com/en/match/juventus-vs-carpi/2120728/ratings

May 1, 2016
 

Juventus

1 G. Buffon - Made one stop to deny Verdi in the first half, but was untroubled for the majority of the contest.

24 D. Rugani - Was booked for a loose challenge in the second half, but got the better of Mbakogu in their battle throughout the match.

19 L. Bonucci - Solid presence from start to finish for Allegri's men. Never looked troubled by the Carpi attack.

33 P. Evra - Dependable at the back as the home side soaked up any pressure that came their way with relative ease.

16 J. Cuadrado - Made a few threatening runs down the right flank in the first half, but was far from his best with his final ball.

22 K. Asamoah - Played the simple pass to Hernanes for the opening goal, and had a solid outing for his side in the middle of the park.

11 Hernanes - Nice finish to break the deadlock at the end of the first half. Producing the quality needed to put Juve ahead. Had a quiet time in the second period, and was needlessly booked late in the match.

10 PAUL POGBA - Was the best player on the pitch without being on top form. Made surging runs to trouble the Carpi defence, while his use of the ball in the final third was of the highest quality. Put in an outstanding cross for Zaza to kill the game off.

12 Alex Sandro - Made a few nice touches in and around the box, and covered his defensive duties well enough.

17 M. Mandžukić - Battled well against the Carpi backline without much success in the final, although he could have scored before Zaza notched his side's second moments later.

9 Álvaro Morata - Replaced at half time by Zaza after receiving a knock in the first half. Failed to get into the game in his time on the pitch.


Substitutes

7 S. Zaza - Had a quiet time before he displayed his predatory instincts by beating his man to the ball and heading his effort beyond the reach of Belec. Was lively for the final 15 minutes.

26 S. Lichtsteiner - The full-back surged forward strongly from the right, creating a few opportunities for his side.

27 S. Sturaro - Made a few neat touches in his limited time on the pitch.


 

Carpi

27 V. Belec - Could have done better to stop Hernanes's strike from finding the net.

5 C. Zaccardo - Used his experience to good effect, but was troubled at times by the pace of the Juve attack.

21 S. Romagnoli - Solid presence at the back, making a few timely blocks to deny Zaza and Pogba.

23 E. Suagher - Made a few interventions in the final third, and appear to fare well on the left side of the defence for the majority of the contest.

2 S. Sabelli - Made a few forward runs to trouble Juve down the right flank, although he failed to produce the quality needed to unlock the defence.

17 M. Crimi - Full of energy, but like his team-mates in the middle of the park did not produce enough quality to trouble Juventus.

4 I. Cofie - Did a decent job in front of the back four as home side endured a frustrating opening 40 minutes. However, he was not able to affect the game in the second half as Juve were content to sit on their lead.

29 Raphael Martinho - Put himself about with a couple of hefty challenges, which earned him a first-half booking. Lacked quality needed with the ball in the middle of the park.

6 R. Gagliolo - Had a couple of nice touches in the first half, but faded drastically in the second period.

10 S. Verdi - Made one good run to get in behind the the home side's defence, but saw his effort well saved by Buffon. Full of effort down the flank, but his final ball was too often not good enough.

99 J. Mbakogu - Put himself about in a tussle with the Juve backline, but failed to produce any quality. His control was poor, which meant he was unable to bring his team-mates into play in the final third.


Substitutes

15 K. Lasagna - Played well in the second half and tried to link-up with Mbakogu in attack. He was always in support, although his team-mate never seemed to find his runs.

7 F. Porcari - Had one effort in his brief time on the field, which narrowly went past the post.

16 J. de Guzmán - On late and did not have enough time to make a positive impact, although his one delivery into the box was a poor free-kick.

 

SERIE A TABLE

[Socrates 8523]

JUVENTUS - CARPI

 

2 - 0

Hernanes (42')
Simone Zaza (80')

MATCHDAY 36
Sunday, May 1st, 2016 - 12:30 PM
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Massimiliano Irrati

Juventus 2-0 Carpi: Bianconeri Ease
Past The Biancorossi In Turin

http://forzaitalianfootball.com/2016/05/juventus-2-0-carpi-bianconeri-ease-past-the-biancorossi/?

May 1, 2016

Juventus defeated Carpi 2-0 at the Juventus Stadium in the Sunday lunchtime game as the Serie A champions extended their lead at the top of the league table by 15 points.

Hernanes opened the scoring for La Vecchia Signora and Simone Zaza, who had replaced Alvaro Morata at half-time, sealed the win late in the second half.

In the first half, Juventus dictated the play as Carpi soaked up some early pressure, with the Biancorossi looking to hit the hosts on the counter-attack whenever the opportunity arose.

Paul Pogba had a volley saved by Carpi goalkeeper Vid Belec while Morata and Daniele Rugani both missed the target with headers. Simone Verdi had the best chance for the visitors, forcing Gianluigi Buffon to save the shot with his feet.

Hernanes gave the Bianconeri the lead three minutes before half-time when he turned Kwadwo Asamoah’s low cross in from the outside of the box and beat Belec at the near post.

The second half was a rather cagey affair with Juventus trying to hold onto the ball and Carpi were trying to avoid a humiliation. For 35 minutes, the only shots of note were a long-range shot from Asamoah and another by Carpi substitute Kevin Lasagna.

With 10 minutes remaining, Pogba crossed from the right-wing and Zaza headed the ball in at the near post.

The victory takes Juventus to 88 points in the Serie A table whereas Carpi remain three points above the relegation zone with 35 points.

 

SERIE A TABLE

[Socrates 8523]

JUVENTUS - CARPI

 

2 - 0

Hernanes (42')
Simone Zaza (80')

MATCHDAY 36
Sunday, May 1st, 2016 - 12:30 PM
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Massimiliano Irrati

Juventus celebrate Serie A triumph
by beating battling Carpi

http://www.espnfc.co.uk/italian-serie-a/match/431911/juventus-carpi/report

May 1, 2016

Hernanes broke his duck as Juventus celebrated winning the Serie A title for the fifth year in a row by beating relegation-threatened Carpi 2-0 in Turin.

Six days after results elsewhere meant Massimiliano Allegri's indomitable side had done enough to lock Napoli out of the race for the 2015-16 championship, the Bianconeri returned to the Juventus Stadium to give their loyal following even more reason to be cheerful.

In the 42nd minute Brazilian playmaker Hernanes finally found a maiden goal after enduring a near nine-month drought and Juve eventually broke through a resolute Carpi defence for a second time as substitute Simone Zaza scored with a late header.

Defeat leaves Carpi three points above the bottom three with 18th and 19th-placed rivals Palermo and Frosinone in action later on Sunday afternoon.

Having secured their latest Scudetto without kicking a ball when Roma beat second-placed Napoli on Monday, it was time for Juve to follow up their wild training base festivities with a party on home turf.

Carpi were, however, unwilling to roll over with the relegation zone yawning beneath them and the promoted club proved difficult to break down.

Juve tested their resolve with an early sighter from Paul Pogba that Vid Belec punched clear, before Alvaro Morata headed Alex Sandro's cross just wide.

Carpi were not rattled and passed the ball around the middle of the park with confidence.

Simone Verdi was able to break into the Juve box and force a low save from Gianluigi Buffon in the 21st minute and seconds later Emanuele Saugher was close enough to goal to attempt an acrobatic finish that missed the mark by inches.

The hosts' class was always going to divide the two teams, though, and Pogba reminded Carpi they were up against the five-time Italian champions when he gracefully skipped past a host of defenders to set up Alex Sandro on the left wing.

That entertaining manoeuvre came to nothing but its mirror image resulted in the opening goal with three minutes to go before the break.

Kwadwo Asamoah took receipt of an impressive cross-field pass to the right before teeing up Hernanes for a powerful drive that found Belec's glove and then the bottom corner.

The Brazilian signed from Inter Milan in August celebrated his first goal in Bianconeri colours with a backflip.

It was not the start of a goal rush, however, as Carpi's resilient approach meant Juve would find life tough after the break.

Indeed the Biancorossi would carve out the first real chance of the second half, substitute Kevin Lasagna releasing Filippo Porcari for a long-range strike that shaved paint off a post in the 76th minute.

Juve found the goal they needed to kill the game off barely five minutes later. Zaza, on the pitch as a half-time replacement for Morata, won an aerial duel with Simone Romagnoli to head Pogba's cross beyond Belec.

 

SERIE A TABLE

[Socrates 8523]

JUVENTUS - CARPI

 

2 - 0

Hernanes (42')
Simone Zaza (80')

MATCHDAY 36
Sunday, May 1st, 2016 - 12:30 PM
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Massimiliano Irrati

Allegri: 'Juve will be competitive'

http://www.football-italia.net/83671/allegri-juve-will-be-competitive?

May 1, 2016

Massimiliano Allegri assured Juventus “will be competitive” in Serie A and the Champions League after a 2-0 win over Carpi.

The Bianconeri have already secured the fifth consecutive Scudetto, but didn’t let off and enjoyed their 25th win in the last 26 rounds.

“This was a difficult game considering the celebrations we had earlier this week, as between parties and days of rest we could’ve lost focus,” the Coach told Mediaset Premium and Sky Sport Italia.

“Let’s not forget we have the Coppa Italia Final with Milan on May 21, so if we relax now, it’ll be tricky to get back on point. We must do even better away to Verona next time.

“We want to enjoy our football, but also use these matches to improve technically, play as a team and not as individuals, whereas today I saw a few too many personal duels.”

There was a banner in the stands from supporters thanking Allegri for being ‘a true commander.’

“I was pleased, but I’ve already thanked them many times for their support. We need to keep the concentration levels up for the rest of the season. We’re not done yet.”

Will Allegri announce his contract renewal tomorrow and has the club promised a ‘gift’ to keep him in Turin?

“No announcement, we will meet over the next week. Juventus will have a competitive squad for Serie A and the Champions League. We need to make some evaluations in midfield.”

Simone Zaza was on target today, but confessed to feeling frustrated at the lack of playing time.

“He had a lot of patience and so did I,” replied Allegri. “I have to make choices and being in a big club means competition for places.

“This was his first year at Juventus and he was decisive, as the goal against Napoli was fundamental, but he plays for a top club and that means always giving his best.”

 

SERIE A TABLE