JUVENTUS SEASON 2016-2017

Socrates · September 17, 2016

Is the Champions League a priority for Juventus this season?

http://www.juvefc.com/champions-league-priority-juventus-season/?

Sep 16, 2016

Juventus were held to a goalless draw in their Champions League opener against Sevilla on September 14^th and Massimiliano Allegri’s men will need to improve if they are to win the group ahead of the knockout stages.

Whilst the Italian side dominated possession and created more clear-cut chances than their opponents, they failed to make the all-important breakthrough and last season’s Europa League winners Sevilla held on for a crucial point in their bid to win Group H.

In truth, Juve are still trying to adapt to life without iconic central midfielder Paul Pogba. The France international, who moved to Juventus in 2012, re-joined Manchester United for a world record fee of £89 million this summer – and the club will need time to adjust to their new set-up.

Pogba will be sorely missed but Allegri acted quickly to dip into the transfer market in a bid to add depth and quality in key areas. The Old Lady were able to steal Miralem Pjanic from AS Roma whilst fellow midfielder Luca Marrone joined from Hellas Verona. Throw Gonzalo Higuain and Dani Alves into the mix and you could claim that Juventus should be stronger than they were at this point last season.

But can Allegri lead Juve to their first Champions League triumph since 1996? Well, it isn’t beyond the realms of possibility. To be completely honest; Barcelona, Bayern Munich and Real Madrid are still streets ahead of everybody else and it is difficult to imagine one of these clubs missing out on Europe’s elite club competition this year. However, it would be foolish to dismiss Juventus completely – they have an exceptional squad.

Despite their strength in depth, the Italian title HAS to remain Juve’s number one priority this season. Allegri is a clever man; he has been there and done it all and the 49-year-old knows that his side may need another year or two until they can challenge for Champions League glory.

Yes, they reached the final of the competition in 2015 but they were well beaten by a superb Barcelona team – and Juventus should focus on winning their sixth consecutive league title before attempting to compete in Europe.

As of September 15^th, Juventus are 3/10 in bet365’s early Serie A betting odds and it would take a brave man to back against the defending champions on current form. They should take the Champions League seriously of course but holding off the likes of Roma, Napoli and Inter Milan is crucial to Juve’s dominance.

Allegri is currently leading Juventus through a dynasty era and fans will expect domestic success for the next three or four years at the very least. A Champions league challenge is on the horizon but for now, the Serie A crown is Allegri’s number one objective for the campaign.

Socrates · September 17, 2016

INTER - JUVENTUS

-

MATCHDAY 4
Sunday, September 18th, 2016 - 6:00 PM
Giuseppe Meazza Stadium, Milan
Referee: Paolo Tagliavento

INTER MILAN VS JUVENTUS – TEAM NEWS, TACTICS,

LINEUPS AND PREDICTION | SERIE A PREVIEW

http://www.thehardtackle.com/round-up/2016/09/16/inter-milan-vs-

juventus-team-news-tactics-lineups-and-prediction-serie-a-preview/?

Sep 16, 2016

Max Allegri’s men travel to San Siro on Sunday following a disappointing Champions League opener at home to play the first Derby d’Italia of the season. They are strong favourites to win the derby boasting a 100% record in Serie A while theNerazzurri are still busy finding their feet in Italy and abroad

Inter Milan summed up on Thursday what was arguably a disastrous week of European performances from Italian sides with only Sassuolo and Napoli coming away with victories in Europe. Inter lost 0-2 to Hapoel Be’er Sheva in the Europa League group stage which is in harmony with their turbulent start to the season under the aegis of the Sunning Group from China.

Team News and Tactics

Inter Milan

Frank De Boer’s side were the only team in Italy that matched Juventus’ exploits on the transfer market this year signing high profile players of international repute to add to a team that already boasted the likes of Ivan Perisic, Jeison Murillo and Mauro Icardi.

Despite a successful transfer market, the second-most successful side in Italy has not shown an iota of improvement on the pitch and continue to be lackluster. Their first win in Serie A came against Massimo Oddo’s Pescara side last weekend courtesy of captain Mauro Icardi who undid most of the Delphino’s hard work.

Coach Frank De Boer rested several key players in the midweek fixture so that they are ready against a more formidable opposition in the weekend. On paper, Inter are the only team in Italy that has a midfield which equals the Juventus midfield in terms of quality.

New signing Joao Mario is expected to start in midfield alongside Ever Banega and Geoffrey Kondogbia as the Nerazzuri would like to control more ball-possession and monitor the movements of the dangerous Sami Khedira, who has scored multiple times this season already with his trademark runs from the box.

Probable lineup (4-3-3): Handanovic; Nagatomo, Murillo, Miranda, D’Ambrosio; Kondogbia, Banega, Joao Mario; Perisic, Icardi, Candreva.

F.C. Internazionale 3-4-2-1 football formation

Juventus

Unlike Inter, Juventus’ midweek result was rather undeserved, with some last-ditch defending and bad luck coming to rescure Jorge Sampaoli’s side in Turin.

While the Champions League has been historically a bogey tournament for the Bianconeri, they have been the most successful side in Serie A. Juventus’ blistering form saw them ease past Sassuolo last week, one of the most competitive sides in Serie A over the last 3 seasons.

Allegri made some surprise decisions in midweek resting Miralem Pjanic and playing Gabonese Mario Lemina. The Bosnian international is therefore fully rested and ready to start from the first minute against Juve’s bitter rivals alongside Sami Khedira and Kwadwo Asamoah.

Juventus will probably still stick to the 3-5-2 formation in Italy and might revert to a more attacking 4-3-3 formation in Europe. As a result, Juve’s galloping fullbacks will be their strongest point going into this game as everyone in Italy is aware of Inter’s weakness in both the left and the right sides of the defence.

Probable lineup (3-5-2): Buffon; Benatia, Bonucci, Chiellini; Lichtsteiner, Khedira, Pjanic, Asamoah, Alex Sandro; Dybala, Higuain.

Juventus 3-5-1-1 football formation

Key Facts

Inter and Juve are the two most successful sides in Italy in terms of domestic trophies
Last year this fixture had turned out to be a stalemate with both sides sharing the spoils
Inter’s last win against Juventus came in 2012 when they beat Antonio Conte’s side 1-3 in Turin
The last 10 meetings between these two sides has produced 26 goals and 4 clean sheets.

Player to watch out for

Juventus – Paulo Dybala

Juventus’ Paulo Dybala jubilates after scoring the goal during the Italian Serie A soccer match Juventus FC vs US Sassuolo at the Juventus Stadium in Turin, Italy, 11 March 2016. EPA/ANDREA DI MARCO

Both Juve and Inter boast some of the best Argentine forwards produced in the last decade, as both forward lines will be marshalled by Argentine attackers. Paulo Dybala is yet to score this season, having been happy to play provider to his Argentine attacking counterpart Gonzalo Higuain till now. Juve fans, however, will expect to see him on the scoresheet against their bitter rivals.

Inter Milan – Ever Banega

Former Sevilla man Ever Banega (Picture courtesy EPA/JONAS GUETTLER)

The second Argentine to make it to this segment ahead of compatriot Mauro Icardi. Ever Banega has already shown in terms of quality and acumen what an asset to this Inter side he is. His midfield duel with Pjanic will be most eagerly anticipated by analysts and pundits all across Italy

Prediction

Inter 0-3 Juventus

It is unlikely that Max Allegri will let De Boer walk with anything from this tie despite fielding a full strength side. Inter’s only chance of getting something out of this game is perhaps a moment or two of brilliance from Icardi or Antonio Candreva.

http://www.goal.com/en/tables/serie-a/13?ICID=TP_TN_110

Socrates · September 17, 2016

Juventus need to let their attack shine

instead of focusing on defence

http://www.espnfc.co.uk/club/juventus/111/blog/post/2951919/juventus-

should-be-using-their-attacking-prowess-instead-of-playing-cautious-football

Sep 16, 2016

A talented squad boasting experience and an excellent tactician, Juventus are considered one of the favourites to lift the Champions League trophy. However, a limp performance in against Sevilla in the opening group fixture has dampened hopes and drawn criticism. Do Juventus have the mentality of the big clubs?

"We have to improve, but we're not Real Madrid and we never will be. We don't have their characteristics, if they concede 3-2 then it'll end 6-2," noted Giorgio Chiellini. Herein lies the problem with Juve: they'll never be a side renowned for their offensive brilliance and that just might cost them Europe's grandest trophy.

Chiellini is right. Defensive solidity can get you far but perhaps in this modern age of football, it doesn't get you over the line. Atletico Madrid twice reached the final of the Champions League only to lose to Real Madrid, a side famed for their attack and usually criticised for their defence. It's a question of changing approach but not yet a question of mentality.

Against Sevilla, Juventus did not look intimidated in the way they have looked against Bayern Munich or Barcelona in the past. While they struggled to keep their composure and maintain precision due to Sevilla's aggressive pressing game, they never looked beaten. What effectively cost them maximum points was their cautious approach.

It always seems like the Bianconeri care more about conceding than actually scoring. There was simply no need to bench Alex Sandro and his pace on the left in favour of Patrice Evra. This wasn't a high profile game in which experience mattered; it was a game that required courage and swift executions on the ball.

Miralem Pjanic should have started as well. As we saw in Juve's opening match of the season, even when Kwadwo Asamoah is at is best, he cannot offer the vision and ingenuity the Bianconeri need to release the likes of Paulo Dybala and allow for a fluid attacking game.

What was most unusual is that despite it becoming quickly apparent that Allegri had made the wrong choices in his starting XI, it took him 68 minutes to correct it and introduce the substitutes that would release the "real" Juve. Jorge Sampaoli's side were focused on blocking the central areas leaving the flanks wide open to exploit. Why was Alex Sandro brought on so much later? Why was Asamoah still on the pitch in the second half? Where was Pjanic?

One could argue that had Sami Khedira finished off his chances, Allegri's choices would have been beyond reproach but this match wasn't simply about winning -- it was about demonstrating a different attitude to games. Juventus cannot continue to play with the handbrake on, focusing on security rather than outscoring the opponent. Otherwise, what was the point of paying €134 million on Gonzalo Higuain and Dybala?

Defence is important and the reason why this side has excelled over the past few seasons, but when Bayern Munich are winning 5-0 and Barcelona are beating Celtic 7-0, one has to ask why Juventus aren't playing with an equally attacking mindset?

r126474_1296x729_16-9.jpg&w=738&site=esp — Sami Khedira exemplified Juve's robust approach vs. Sevilla but the final 0-0 score didn't please fans.

If Juve disappointed the critics on Wednesday evening, Inter will have truly shocked them when they lost to unfancied Hapoel Beer-Sheva 2-0 at home in the Europa League.

Frank De Boer's arrival at Milan sparked curiosity and enthusiasm. The Dutchman did well with Ajax despite the high turnover of skillful players and many thought his experience and impressive style of play would inspire an Inter side that lacked creativity last season. However, the Nerazzurri have only managed one win in the four opening games of the season and De Boer's potential sacking is dominating the headlines.

Inter's performance in the Derby d'Italia may well doom a coach who has had little time to affect the tactics and revive a dormant winning mentality. Yet while De Boer will be focused on getting the win, Juventus need to ensure they return to winning ways in Serie A and nothing will bring them more confidence than defeating their biggest rivals, albeit one that has been suffering in recent years.

Once again it looks like Higuain will be playing alongside Dybala up front but it remains to be seen when Marko Pjaca will be allowed more minutes to demonstrate his talent, perhaps providing the creative inspiration that only Dybala and Pjanic have managed so far.

Ultimately, Allegri needs to establish a tactically flexible side that can play in different ways to ensure success in Europe and where better to experiment than in Serie A, a place where it seems Juve have no competition.

Socrates · September 17, 2016

INTER - JUVENTUS

-

MATCHDAY 4
Sunday, September 18th, 2016 - 6:00 PM
Giuseppe Meazza Stadium, Milan
Referee: Paolo Tagliavento

Inter Milan have little hope, yet something

to prove against Juventus

http://www.espnfc.co.uk/club/internazionale/110/blog/post/2952251/serie

-a-inter-milan-have-little-hope-yet-something-to-prove-against-juventus

Sep 17, 2016

After a late 2-1 win over Pescara last Sunday, few Inter fans thought thatNerazzurri Nation would go into the weekend's 230th Derby d'Italia with cheeks redder than Ray Parlour. And yet, a 2-0 Europa League defeat to Hapoel Be'erlater, that is indeed the case. More concerning is that it's hard for anyone in their right mind to picture the grudge match with Juventus ending positively for Inter on Sunday.

As pessimistic as this sounds, it actually doesn't come natural to even the most embittered Inter fan to be this gloomy. They say that to hope is to dream, but in this case it will probably just risk more despair and hysteria, and Inter fans really don't need that after a miserable start to the season.

The case is pretty straightforward: Inter are requiring time to adapt to Frank de Boer's system -- and for him to get used to Calcio, something which recently provoked a face-to-face meeting with the squad where the players asked their manager to change his tactics. The Bianconeri, on the other hand, have begun the season pretty convincingly, even their disappointing midweek performance against Sevilla probably only a blip (Juve had a few poor European showings last year, too).

Even with Gonzalo Higuain still integrating and Miralem Pjanic returning to match fitness, the Old Lady just looks too stacked, and has as many certainties (the defence, Gianluigi Buffon, Paulo Dybala and Sami Khedira) as Inter have doubts. Among the team's concerns are their centre-back and full-back situations (Cristian Ansaldi is still hurt), and a lack of balance in midfield to go along with Ivan Perisic's so-so start.

In hindsight, it isn't such a surprise that a Nerazzurri B team (for the most part) lost to Hapoel on Thursday, when the lack of talent at full-back and the scant time De Boer has had to install his system are taken into account. For all the talk of the players not showing commitment, would it not be more reasonable to assume that they need to adapt?

In a sense, the manner in which these sides are coming into this game is already a defeat for the Nerazzurri. It would be justified to think that Inter, not Juventus, had been sent down to Serie B in 2006. Since Inter's glorious Treble season in 2009-10, Juventus have won five Scudetti and become a fixture in Europe. Meanwhile, Inter have stumbled from coach to coach and only returned to the top three once in 2011.

Even when things looked to be on the way up for the club following last season's fourth-place finish in Serie A, the change in ownership has seen them tumble right back down into uncertainty. While there is great hope for a future under Chinese ownership, there is little doubt that the handling of Roberto Mancini has destabilised the club in the short term. It's a good news that Roma, Fiorentina and Milan have plenty of weaknesses in their teams too, otherwise third would be a tall order indeed.

Oddly enough, Inter could still get something out of this game. Even if a good result isn't forthcoming, a spirited performance against a quality side would go a long way to righting Inter's ship. With all the talk that De Boer could be sacked if his charges are exposed on Sunday, this is a chance for the club to prove that this summer was a blip, a transition, and that it has finally matured enough to not sack a coach five games into a new season, and contradict the frankly hysterical media reaction to the Europa League defeat.

Showing faith in De Boer regardless of the outcome could be enough to prove that sacking Mancini was a necessary evil, a sacrifice of the present in favour of the future by the club's current leadership. Moreover, for all its meaning to players and fans alike, the Juventus game is just one three-pointer of the 35 theNerazzurri have left, and comes only five weeks or so after De Boer was recruited.

Why focus on this one game when there are so many left, and the race for third still doesn't have a clear-cut favourite? Though wishful thinking doesn't come naturally to fans disillusioned by this club's track record of administrative bumbling, it may be all the Inter faithful have left. It'll be up to the players to see how they respond to the team's early season troubles against a worthy opponent on Sunday.

http://www.goal.com/en/tables/serie-a/13?ICID=TP_TN_110

Socrates · September 17, 2016

INTER - JUVENTUS

-

MATCHDAY 4
Sunday, September 18th, 2016 - 6:00 PM
Giuseppe Meazza Stadium, Milan
Referee: Paolo Tagliavento

Juventus Prepare for Latest Instalment

of Derby d'Italia with Inter Milan

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2663118-juventus-prepare-

for-latest-installment-of-derby-ditalia-clash-with-inter-milan?

Sep 17, 2016

The Serie A calendar has not been particularly kind to Juventusin the early part of 2015/16, already pitting them against three of last season’s top eight.

While clashes against Fiorentina, Lazio and Sassuolo could never be expected to be easy, Sunday sees the latest instalment of one of Italy’s most heated clashes.

The Bianconeri will travel to the great cathedral of the San Siro, taking on Inter Milan in a game known as the Derby d’Italia, the Derby of Italy. It is a fixture that has decided title races, changed the history of the league and even caused a fistfight during a parliament session.

Like much of the language connected with Italian football, it was coined in the late 1960s by famous journalist Gianni Brera in recognition of the two teams that had won the most trophies at that time.

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However, this clash was punctuated by scandal, intrigue and bad behaviour before it was ever given that moniker. For the first case of the bad blood that has come to typify meetings between these two prestigious clubs, we must look back to the 1960/61 campaign.

There, an encounter in Turin was abandoned after a pitch invasion, the result eventually awarded to the Milanese club because of Juve’s failure to control the crowd. However, the Bianconeri lodged an appeal and were granted a replay, much to the chagrin of their opponents.

The disgusted Nerazzurri made the decision to field their youth team in protest, a move that allowed the Old Lady to record the most one-sided result this fixture has ever seen.

Striker Omar Sivori tore the inexperienced opposition to shreds, scoring six that day in a 9-1 thrashing and, in doing so, secured the top-scorer crown and that year's Ballon d'Or.

It was the birth of this match becoming contentious, but throughout the 1970s and '80s, Inter continually failed to compete, meaning fixtures were relatively quiet compared to what was to follow.

Indeed, in April 1998, the Nerazzurri travelled to Turin with the title on the line, with what followed proving to be an incident-filled encounter that would reignite the old hatred and bile.

The match was marred by poor officiating and questionable calls on both sides, the most notable of which came when Brazilian star Ronaldo attempted to skip past Juve's Mark Iuliano.

The Italian defender seemingly body-checked the striker, but despite vociferous appeals, referee Piero Ceccarini waved play on. If that incensed the home side, they were incredulous moments later, when the official awarded a spot-kick to the Bianconeri.

As he so often did, Gianluca Pagliuca saved the resultant penalty, but the man who missed it, Juve captain Alessandro Del Piero, eventually bagged the goal that all but secured yet another Scudetto for the Turin giants.

Then-Inter coach Gigi Simoni was sent off for protesting the decisions being made on the field, but even his dismissal would pale in comparison to what followed when the match was discussed at the Italian parliament.

The video below shows many incidents from the game, but starting at the 2:37 mark, government officials can be seen talking about various incidents. The session was abandoned when, as can be seen, deputies from the far-right National Alliance and the Democrats came to blows over accusations of match-fixing.

The 20 seconds between the bodycheck and the awarding of a penalty to Juve became among the most replayed in history; countless television programmes slowed them down and discussed them.

Inter supporters call that day "The Grand Thievery," and since then, the clash has become the most intense intercity rivalry in the country. Two years after the Ronaldo incident, Paolo Montero was banned for punching Inter midfielder Luigi Di Biagio. Then the Calciopoli match-fixing scandal rocked the game on the peninsula to its core.

The aftermath of that debacle saw Juventus demoted to the second tier of Italian football for the first time in their history. Inter then signed Patrick Vieira and Zlatan Ibrahimovic relatively cheaply, for £6.5 million and £16.7 million respectively, the Bianconeri struggling financially after the incredible revenue loss their punishment caused.

That season spent in Serie B meant the fixture was absent for the first time in almost a century, but the break did nothing to cool tempers when it resumed the following year, with Giorgio Chiellini needing to be pulled away from former team-mate Ibrahimovic in the first post-Calciopoli encounter.

But the most heated clash of this new era came in 2009, with Inter embarking on what would become their incredible treble-winning season under Jose Mourinho. Yet the Stadio Olimpico became a cauldron of hate, the visitors' bus pelted with eggs and rotten fruit as it arrived in Turin.

However, the abuse directed at then-Inter star Mario Balotelli was far worse. A chorus of "if everybody jumps, Balotelli dies" rang loudly throughout the game, eventually resulting in Juventus being fined and forced to play a match behind closed doors, per the Telegraph.

Mourinho would be sent off for sarcastically applauding a first-half decision from the referee in the first half. Balotelli lived up to his image as a pantomime villain by pretending an elbow from Felipe Melo had caught him in the face, leading to the Brazilian midfielder also being shown a red card.

The incident—and indeed the vitriol on display throughout the clash—saw even the normally placid Gigi Buffon snap in the ensuing scuffle, grabbing international team-mate Thiago Motta by the throat.

Mourinho had previously launched what became a long-running feud with former Juve boss Claudio Ranieri. “He is almost 70 years old,” the Portuguese coach said of his then-56-year-old rival during their time in Italy, per Ben Hayward of Goal. "He hasn’t won anything.”

However, Ciro Ferrara had replaced the current Leicester Citymanager by 2009, and thanks to the fantastic goal from Claudio Marchisio shown below, he emerged with a fondly remembered 2-1 victory.

Last season once again saw this rivalry become heated, Juve taking a penalty-shootout triumph in the Coppa Italia semi-final that saw Inter eliminated and the Bianconeri clinch another league-and-cup double.

On Sunday, they will hope to give Frank de Boer’s side even more problems. Expect tension, drama and no shortage of passion as the old foes renew a rivalry that often delivers each of those in spades. This is the Derby d’Italia.

http://www.goal.com/en/tables/serie-a/13?ICID=TP_TN_110

Socrates · September 17, 2016

INTER - JUVENTUS

-

MATCHDAY 4
Sunday, September 18th, 2016 - 6:00 PM
Giuseppe Meazza Stadium, Milan
Referee: Paolo Tagliavento

Leonardo: 'Juve opportunity for Inter'

http://www.football-italia.net/91587/leonardo-juve-opportunity-inter?

Sep 17, 2016

Leonardo believes facing Juventus represents “an opportunity” for Inter, who should take the Europa League more seriously.

The Derby d’Italia kicks off on Sunday at 18.00 CET - 17.00 UK time (16.00 GMT).

“It’ll be a test for Inter, especially after their Europa League defeat to Hapoel Beer-Sheva,” ex-Nerazzurri Coach Leonardo told Tuttosport.

“They are playing on home turf and it’s an opportunity to send a signal both to themselves and the whole league. Juventus must prove they are the favourites, but they are already top of the table and arguably have nothing to lose.

“On the other hand, victory for Inter would be an enormous step forward in the table, self-confidence and an image of themselves they’d project for opponents to see.”

Frank de Boer is already under fire after a 2-0 home defeat to Hapoel Beer-Sheva, so how will Inter react this Sunday?

“What happened to Hapoel will teach them not to repeat the same mistakes,” suggested Leonardo.

“Winning helps you to win, always. Going forward in the Europa League is good for both club and players. The Bianconeri are without doubt focused more on the Champions League this season, but Inter can have their saw in the Serie A race.”

This will also be a fascinating collision between Mauro Icardi and Gonzalo Higuain.

“I think they will be the decisive players,” continued Leonardo. “Higuain is in his first real big match of the season and is brimming with enthusiasm.

“Icardi started the season well and his brace against Pescara was wonderful. He seems relaxed an in my view can still improve a great deal.

“Ever Banega can give Inter a helping hand once his teammates understand his tempo. I think De Boer will keep working to find the right position for him and the team.”

Gabigol is flying in from Santos after his €29.5m move and is expected to be in the stands against Empoli next week.

“He will need time, as he is only young and let’s not forget that Italian football is not simple. Gabigol must be settled in without rushing.”

http://www.goal.com/en/tables/serie-a/13?ICID=TP_TN_110

Socrates · September 17, 2016

INTER - JUVENTUS

-

MATCHDAY 4
Sunday, September 18th, 2016 - 6:00 PM
Giuseppe Meazza Stadium, Milan
Referee: Paolo Tagliavento

Inter vs Juventus Match Preview

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

Sep 17, 2016

Juventus

The result against Sevilla was not that bad in the context of the group stage, but certainly the performance was frustrating, especially after that scintillating half against Sassuolo. There must be some kind of mental block, because in Champions League Juventus are rarely as imposing as in Serie A, usually coming out of the gates really slowly and often too tentative. The Spanish side was very attentive and organized and crowded the spaces really well, but we face numerous teams like that in Italy, and usually there are no issues: we keep pounding until the wall cracks. But in Europe we do not seem able to mount repeated attacks with the usual fury we see in the domestic league. That being said, the squad deserved to win the game because the second half was pretty good, with plenty of chances to score, but the sluggish starts will need to be assessed because they could be costly in the future.

Juventus will now face their historical enemy and the bout arrives at an ideal time because of where Inter are in their team-building process. Massimiliano Allegri will have to deal with the difficult task of managing energies in a busy time of the year and also keeping everybody happy from the playing time standpoint. The next game is at home against Cagliari, so there will probably be a little more rotation there, but the physical condition after this quick turnaround will be the main factor in some choices.

For instance, it was announced that Dani Alves has a bruised thigh: nothing too serious, no strains or tears, but it could be enough to keep him sidelined for this one. Stephan Lichsteiner would be the first in line to replace him, but after all, we acquired Juan Cuadrado for a reason and this might be his time to shine.

As for the XI, there are basically doubts at any level. In the defence, Leonardo Bonucci missed time because of family reasons, while Andrea Barzagli was spared against Sassuolo: could it be Giorgio Chiellini’s time to rest now? Medhi Benatia would take his place if that happened. Alex Sandro will most likely start as left wing back.

The trickiest situation is in the midfield: against Sassuolo, Allegri put on hold his “Miralem Pjanic as deep-lying playmaker experiment”, choosing Mario Lemina in that position. He then benched the Bosnian ace in Champions League, a decision that make many scratch their heads, in favour of Kwadwo Asamoah. Lemina did not have a great game on Tuesday and the midfield struggled to move the ball, especially considering that Paulo Dybala, who now likes to come back to initiate the action, was always trapped by two or three opponents. Whatever the position, I think Pjanic is sorely needed to have better and quicker distribution.

Sami Khedira has been outstanding so far, but we know that he has a giant “handle with care” advice all over him: the coaching staff only once fielded him thrice in a week last season. He was pulled early against Sassuolo, but with Stefano Sturaro and Claudio Marchisio both out with injuries, there isn’t a natural replacement for him. In that occasion, Hernanes entered the game and Lemina moved to the right-hand. I do not think it is appropriate to start Hernanes in a game of this magnitude, but I would not be shocked to see a Lemina-Pjanic-Asamoah midfield in this one, or in the next. Of course the easy fix would be to try Pjanic on the right-hand: I don’t think I’ve ever seen him play there, but it should not be a great adjustment from his usual position.

Gonzalo Higuain and Dybala are set to start again: we will see how long we can go before Mario Mandzukic’s lack of playing time becomes an issue. However, it is clear what the best duo is and, thanks to his skills, Marko Pjaca could really be a very nice weapon off the bench.

Probable lineup:

3-5-2: Buffon; Barzagli, Bonucci, Chiellini; Lichsteiner, Khedira, Lemina, Pjanic, Sandro; Higuain, Dybala.

Injuries:

Marchisio (knee), Sturaro (knee), Mandragora (foot)

Suspensions:

None.

Inter

Inter have undergone as many changes as you could go in one summer: the new Suning ownership took over, new coach in the middle of August, many new players. However, other than ten fiery minutes against Pescara, things have not been much better compared to last season, but that is to be expected considering the massive task that is putting together a team after the season has already started, without the benefit of the stress-free environment of the preseason.

I think that the additions of Joao Mario, Ever Banega, Antonio Candreva, Gabriel Barbosa and Cristian Ansaldi will eventually be all rated from good to excellent, but I am not quite sure all the pieces fit together. For instance, Frank De Boer is now going with a tactic that excludes Geoffrey Kondogbia, while Marcelo Brozovic is essentially a forgotten man: that seems ungenerous to me, considering not only their obvious talent but also how much they either paid or could have gotten if they sold those players. For starters, one issue they definitely have is that they have too many players from the waist up and I do not think you could just ask some off them to play well once in two weeks in the Europa League, where many of their good ones are excluded because of Financial Fair Play restrictions. Continuity and familiarity are necessary to perform at high level as a team.

Furthermore, more should have been done to improve the defence: Miranda and Jeison Murillo are reliable, yet over-hyped, but there is no depth; Andrea Ranocchia and Marco Andreolli are the backups, and their fullbacks are just meh. Danilo D’Ambrosio and Yuto Nagatomo are JAGs, Davide Santon actually failed three medicals this summer: the newcomer Cristian Ansaldi was awesome at Genoa last season, but suffered a knee sprain that has not allowed him to debut this season. He could return and take Nagatomo’s spot this week, just like Santon could displace D’Ambrosio, but there is not much difference there.

On the pitch, they are disjointed, weak in the back, toothless upfront. The main concern is that they do not play with much energy or pride, as the collapse against Hapoel Beer Sheva has shown, and they appear to be mentally fragile when things do not go well. So far they have been beaten by Chievo Verona, they have drawn at home against Palermo and they have defeated Pescara thanks to a late game surge.

De Boer is tinkering with the schemes: he is likely to field a 4-2-3-1 with Banega as attacking midfielder, Mario and Gary Medel in front of the defence. I am not convinced this is the best use of the Portuguese starlet, whom I think could give a lot offensively in a different position, maybe in a three-man midfield. Ivan Perisic missed practice time and the Europa League game because of muscle fatigue: he will be a game-time decision, if he is out Eder is the favourite to take his spot in the lineup, with Rodrigo Palacio and Stevan Jovetic as the other not so appealing options.

Or maybe De Boer will change everything once again: after all he is the one who opted for a very strange and unnatural 3-4-1-2 against Chievo Verona. They have the versatility to play multiple formations, but that is probably not a plus for them at this time.

Probable lineup:

4-2-3-1: Handanovic; D’Ambrosio, Miranda, Murillo, Nagatomo; Mario, Medel; Candreva, Banega, Eder; Icardi.

Injuries:

None.

Suspensions:

None.

Formation

004inter

http://www.goal.com/en/tables/serie-a/13?ICID=TP_TN_110

Socrates · September 17, 2016

INTER - JUVENTUS

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MATCHDAY 4
Sunday, September 18th, 2016 - 6:00 PM
Giuseppe Meazza Stadium, Milan
Referee: Paolo Tagliavento

Allegri: 'Stepping stone to Scudetto'

http://www.football-italia.net/91591/allegri-stepping-stone-scudetto?

Sep 17, 2016

Max Allegri insists the trip to Inter “is the first stepping stone to the Scudetto” and praised the importance of Juventus squad rotation.

It kicks off at San Siro on Sunday at 18.00 CET - 17.00 UK time (16.00 GMT).

“Small incidents eventually become fundamental, which is why we must realise every detail matters and it’ll be much more difficult to win the Scudetto. Just because Juventus have a stronger squad doesn’t automatically mean we will win every game.

“Tomorrow is a fascinating game, the Derby d’Italia, it is the first stepping stone to the Scudetto. Some wonder it’s only the fourth week, but I tell you it IS the first stepping stone to the Scudetto.

“There are three or four games in a season that you feel can be decisive at the end of the day and this against a strong Inter side is one of them.

“Everyone is available, Stefano Sturaro will be from next week because today he’s playing for the Primavera youth team. The only one certain to start tomorrow is Stephan Lichtsteiner – him against everyone! OK, Sami Khedira will play too.

“There will be changes, we have a series of games in the space of three days, so yes I will need everyone. Let’s also remember that the bench is not an insult, it is a choice by the Coach, and at the end of the season the winning team is the one with the strongest bench.

“In March when you lack the players to come off the bench and win you games, it becomes a problem winning the Scudetto.”

Inter lost to Hapoel Beer-Sheva in the Europa League on Thursday, so do Juve consider themselves favourites going into San Siro?

“You always say we’re favourites regardless of the situation! Last season we beat Sevilla 2-0 when they had two shots on target. This season we drew 0-0 with seven shots on goal and them not having a single effort or getting close to our box. A draw with Sevilla cannot be viewed as a failure, otherwise we’re all out of our minds.

“We know the Inter we face tomorrow is not the team who lost on Thursday and struggled to beat Pescara last week. They want to prove they are on the same level as Juventus. We want to win because we realise it’s an important stepping stone towards the Scudetto.

“I am not an anxious person, generally. We can’t shoot ourselves because we drew with Sevilla. It was a good performance. I repeat, a good performance. The result will affect the evaluation, I respect the media, but I have to look at what the team did. Balance is necessary.

“If we win tomorrow, it’s not as if we’ll automatically win the next 50 in a row. It’s three points. If we draw or lose, it changes little, this is just one stepping stone on a journey and we have our eyes on the finish line. We can’t be wavered from that path, one way or another.”

Paulo Dybala hasn’t found the net yet this season, but Gonzalo Higuain has bumped Mario Mandzukic to the bench.

“Dybala has not changed position much, the difference is so far he hasn’t scored. This happens in the life of a striker.

“A team needs great strikers, great midfielders and great defenders. If we rotate the squad, it’ll give us the opportunity to play with the same intensity every three days. That is important and, considering our objective is to reach the end of every tournament, it changes little if someone plays 30 or 35 games.

“On Wednesday we did consider some tactical changes. I have already decided, tomorrow we are playing with three at the back.

“It’s possible to play with Mandzukic and Higuain together, we already tried it in a friendly, and with Dybala too, but these things need to be developed gradually.”

Leonardo Bonucci said he felt “let down” by fans at the Juventus Stadium who grumbled 20 minutes into the Champions League draw with Sevilla.

“There were such expectations that some people expected us to be 3-0 up after 20 minutes, but that’s not football.”

http://www.goal.com/en/tables/serie-a/13?ICID=TP_TN_110

Socrates · September 17, 2016

INTER - JUVENTUS

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MATCHDAY 4
Sunday, September 18th, 2016 - 6:00 PM
Giuseppe Meazza Stadium, Milan
Referee: Paolo Tagliavento

De Boer: 'Inter don't fear Juventus'

http://www.football-italia.net/91595/de-boer-inter-dont-fear-juventus?

Sep 17, 2016

Frank de Boer is “used to the pressure” at Inter and assures they have “respect but no fear” for Sunday’s opponents Juventus.

It kicks off at San Siro tomorrow at 18.00 CET - 17.00 UK time (16.00 GMT).

The pressure is already on the Dutchman after a 2-0 Europa League defeat to Hapoel Beer-Sheva on Thursday evening.

“When you are manager of Inter, there will always be pressure and you need results. I already said a few weeks ago that you cannot change everything in four weeks,” he said in a Press conference.

After just four competitive games, did he expect to be dealing with sack rumours in the media?

“We are working very hard with everyone at the club to improve, I think we will and I am used to the pressure, so it’s no problem for me. I chose this job because I think I can handle it.

“I can look in the mirror with honesty and say we do everything in our capability to get Inter back where they belong and I am convinced we will. It’s a process, I am convinced we will get there and feel the support of the club.

“It’s a project, you don’t suddenly go in another direction after a few weeks. It’s what we want and what they want, which is the most important thing.”

Considering the poor results thus far, did De Boer hope to face Juventus later on in the season?

“We have to accept that we’re going to play against a very good opponent, it’s no surprise. I have a lot of respect for what they are doing at Juventus, but we are not afraid. We have respect, but will work very hard as a team and with the support of our fans we can have a good result.

“Juventus are a very solid team, difficult to beat, but we proved last season in the Coppa Italia that we can beat them. I want to see that fighting spirit in the game tomorrow.”

De Boer was rather harshly asked why an Inter fan who saw the performances so far this season should feel optimistic tomorrow.

“Because they are Inter fans and have to believe. It is always very important to stay behind your club, especially in difficult moments, as they give the players something extra and that’s what we need against Juventus.

“At a club like Inter you have to think of the short-term, but above all the long-term. I made a choice, especially in this first period, that we’re going to protect some players who won’t be fully fit until December. Every Coach prefers the team to be 90-95 per cent the same from match to match. Sometimes you will take risks, at others it’s not the right time considering what’s coming ahead.”

De Boer was asked how much importance he puts on to studying the opposition or if he prefers to force the other team to adapt to Inter.

“You must always respect your opponent. We analysed Hapoel Beer-Sheva very well and have great staff for analysing the games. We come to a conclusion on where the threat is and where we can hurt them.

“Sometimes you change some small details, sometimes you press higher or lower, all those aspects are considered and then we make our choice.

“On Sunday you’ll see what we chose to do against Juventus. If we do something, we thought long and hard about it, while also respecting our own philosophy.”

The Derby d’Italia is no ordinary match, as this blog on the bitter history of the two clubs explains.

“Of course this is a special game for everybody. It’s also my first Inter-Juventus, so I will experience the expectations of the fans and I’m looking forward to seeing the stadium full.

“Everybody in Italy knows it’s a special game and so do the players, so there’s no need to motivate them. The important thing is that what they show tomorrow, they show the same against Empoli, then Bologna and so on.

“This is why top sport is so difficult, for example tennis, because to be on the highest level you have to use the same quality and motivation. It’s easy to be motivated for games like this against Juve, but you win championships if you beat all the other teams, not if you just beat Juventus.

“If you give 100 per cent in every training session and every game, normally you get what you deserve.”

http://www.goal.com/en/tables/serie-a/13?ICID=TP_TN_110

Socrates · September 17, 2016

INTER - JUVENTUS

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MATCHDAY 4
Sunday, September 18th, 2016 - 6:00 PM
Giuseppe Meazza Stadium, Milan
Referee: Paolo Tagliavento

Moratti: 'Inter training session mentality'

http://www.football-italia.net/91596/moratti-inter-training-session-mentality

Sep 17, 2016

Former Inter President Massimo Moratti saw “a training session mentality” against Hapoel Beer-Sheva and Frank de Boer is “in a pot of boiling water.”

The Nerazzurri suffered a shock 2-0 home defeat to the Israeli champions in the Europa League on Thursday.

“It’s impossible to judge De Boer right now, because all of football is against him,” Moratti told reporters.

“He ended up in a pot of boiling water and it’s hard not to get burned in that situation.

“The defeat to Hapoel was not a small one. It looked as if the players were in a training session. A serious training session, but nonetheless a training session mentality.”

Tomorrow Inter welcome Juventus to San Siro for the Derby d’Italia, so what does Moratti expect?

“I expect a team with more enthusiasm and a different spirit to what I saw on Thursday. We need a positive approach.”

Which of the Juve players would Moratti take from Max Allegri’s squad?

“Paulo Dybala and Gonzalo Higuain, that’s too easy… Man for man, in any case, Inter are on the same level as Juve.”

http://www.goal.com/en/tables/serie-a/13?ICID=TP_TN_110

Socrates · September 17, 2016

INTER - JUVENTUS

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MATCHDAY 4
Sunday, September 18th, 2016 - 6:00 PM
Giuseppe Meazza Stadium, Milan
Referee: Paolo Tagliavento

De Boer: 'Inter lose their heads'

http://www.football-italia.net/91597/de-boer-inter-lose-their-heads

Sep 17, 2016

Frank de Boer discussed Inter “losing our heads” and hopes “Gabigol will join the squad very quickly.”

The Derby d’Italia with Juventus kicks off on Sunday at 18.00 CET - 17.00 UK time (16.00 GMT).

Inter have been in a leading situation only once this season, for one minute against Pescara.

“We had opportunities to score the first goal and I think it’s only a matter of time before we start taking the lead. It’s not a psychological issue,” said the Coach in his Press conference.

“The problem was mentally we weren’t prepared after the first goal to continue the way we played. A lot of times we control the game, got our chances and didn’t score, the opposition scored and we lost our heads.

“It’s very nice to play from the heart, but football is mostly played with the mind. We lost our heads two or three times when 1-0 down and need to improve, especially against a side like Juventus that will punish you.

“We talked about this after the Hapoel game. The players have to believe and in the last 20 minutes of the first half we controlled the game, created chances. After going 1-0 down, we lost our heads and gave Hapoel many more chances. I asked the players, what do you want?

“If there are changes, they need to be from the Coach with a substitute or tactical adjustment, not from the players themselves changing their approach.

“Everybody is fit to play 90 minutes. We can still improve, but there are no excuses anymore on the team not being fit enough. We worked very well over the last three weeks, some worked on international duty too and everyone is close to the fitness levels we want.”

Gabigol arrived from Brazil today and had his first training session.

“It’s good that he is already getting the feeling of what it means to play for Inter. He had a small session this morning, hopefully he can join the squad very soon and we’ll have an extra option with a lot of quality.

“We are all looking forward to seeing a player of his quality at Inter and for him to show what he can do. I am convinced he will be joining the squad very quickly.”

http://www.goal.com/en/tables/serie-a/13?ICID=TP_TN_110

Socrates · September 17, 2016

INTER - JUVENTUS

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MATCHDAY 4
Sunday, September 18th, 2016 - 6:00 PM
Giuseppe Meazza Stadium, Milan
Referee: Paolo Tagliavento

'Unprofessional' Brozovic out of Inter-Juve

http://www.football-italia.net/91613/unprofessional-brozovic-out-inter-juve

Sep 17, 2016

Ivan Perisic is in the squad list for the Derby d’Italia against Juventus, but Inter drop Marcelo Brozovic for "unprofessional behaviour."

It kicks off on Sunday at 18.00 CET - 17.00 UK time (16.00 GMT).

There were concerns over Croatia international Perisic due to a muscular problem and he was initially not even in the squad, but has been added in.

The surprise is that Brozovic is nowhere to be seen due to "unprofessional behaviour."

Joao Mario, Geoffrey Kondogbia and Stevan Jovetic return, as they are not eligible for the Europa League.

That means they missed the 2-0 home defeat to Hapoel Beer-Sheva on Thursday evening.

Cristian Ansaldi and Marco Andreolli are still on the treatment table.

Inter squad for Juventus: Handanovic, Carrizo, Berni; Ranocchia, Santon, Murillo, Miranda, D’Ambrosio, Nagatomo, Yao, Miangue; Melo, Joao Mario, Kondogbia, Medel, Banega, Gnoukouri; Palacio, Icardi, Jovetic, Biabiany, Eder, Perisic, Candreva

http://www.goal.com/en/tables/serie-a/13?ICID=TP_TN_110

Socrates · September 17, 2016

INTER - JUVENTUS

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MATCHDAY 4
Sunday, September 18th, 2016 - 6:00 PM
Giuseppe Meazza Stadium, Milan
Referee: Paolo Tagliavento

Agent: 'Brozovic didn't create problems'

http://www.football-italia.net/91622/agent-brozovic-didnt-create-problems

Sep 17, 2016

Marcelo Brozovic’s agent denies Inter dropped him for disciplinary reasons ahead of the game with Juventus.

There was surprise when the squad list was released and Brozovic’s name was absent, then reports emerged on Sky Sport Italia and La Gazzetta dello Sport that he was guilty of ‘unprofessional behaviour.’

FCInter1908.it contacted Brozovic’s agent, Miroslav Bicanic, and asked why the Croatia international wasn’t in the squad.

“That is not down to me. I am the wrong person to be asking that question to.”

Have there been problems with Coach Frank de Boer?

“Marcelo has never created any problems.”

Some suggest Brozovic left training early without permission today.

“Absolutely not. He left as normal after the training session.”

http://www.goal.com/en/tables/serie-a/13?ICID=TP_TN_110

Socrates · September 18, 2016

INTER - JUVENTUS

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MATCHDAY 4
Sunday, September 18th, 2016 - 6:00 PM
Giuseppe Meazza Stadium, Milan
Referee: Paolo Tagliavento

Brozovic: 'Excluded for no reason!'

http://www.football-italia.net/91627/brozovic-excluded-no-reason

Sep 17, 2016

Marcelo Brozovic took to social media in order to complain he was frozen out by Inter “for no reason!!!”

The midfielder was surprisingly left off the squad list for tomorrow’s Derby d’Italia against Juventus.

Reports emerged on Sky Sport Italia, La Gazzetta dello Sport and more sources that it was due to ‘unprofessional behaviour.’

However, his agent denied there was an incident and Brozovic also went on Instagram to send a message.

“Excluded for no reason!!! Hello to all the Inter fans!!!! Forza Inter #epicbrozo ”

http://www.goal.com/en/tables/serie-a/13?ICID=TP_TN_110

Socrates · September 18, 2016

INTER - JUVENTUS

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MATCHDAY 4
Sunday, September 18th, 2016 - 6:00 PM
Giuseppe Meazza Stadium, Milan
Referee: Paolo Tagliavento

Moratti: 'Inter have no heart'

h ttp://www.football-italia.net/91630/moratti-inter-have-no-heart

Sep 18, 2016

Massimo Moratti feels Inter have “no heart, no enthusiasm and no emotional connection” ahead of their clash with Juventus.

It kicks off at 18.00 CET - 17.00 UK time (16.00 GMT).

“The performance against Hapoel Beer-Sheva looked like a training session and on the international stage you cannot get away with that,” the former President told Sky Sport Italia of the 2-0 Europa League defeat.

“This team showed no enthusiasm and no emotional connection. We want to see players upset when they lose the ball and happy to have won it back.

“I don’t want to teach anyone their business, but putting a bit of heart into it would be a step forward.”

There are already reports Cesare Prandelli or Fabio Capello are being lined up in case Frank de Boer is sacked.

“It’s difficult to judge De Boer, but I have had the chance to meet him and he seems very well-prepared as well as a good person.

“He was a great champion and has the experience to get out of this situation. He only arrived a month ago, so let’s give him time. I don’t think a change of Coach could resolve things.”

http://www.goal.com/en/tables/serie-a/13?ICID=TP_TN_110

Socrates · September 18, 2016

INTER - JUVENTUS

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MATCHDAY 4
Sunday, September 18th, 2016 - 6:00 PM
Giuseppe Meazza Stadium, Milan
Referee: Paolo Tagliavento

Line-ups: Inter-Juventus

http://www.football-italia.net/91648/line-ups-inter-juventus?

Sep 18, 2016

It’s a massive Derby d’Italia, as Inter rely on Ever Banega, Mauro Icardi and Antonio Candreva against Juventus’ Mario Mandzukic, Paulo Dybala and Miralem Pjanic.

It kicks off at 18.00 CET - 17.00 UK time (16.00 GMT).

The Nerazzurri are already under huge pressure amid reports Frank de Boer could be sacked, with Rudi Garcia, Cesare Prandelli and Fabio Capello the potential successors at San Siro.

A shock 2-0 home defeat to Hapoel Beer-Sheva in the Europa League on Thursday made the situation critical, managing just one win in four competitive games and three goals – all of them scored by Icardi.

Juventus also had a disappointing midweek foray into continental competition, held to a goalless draw by Sevilla in the Champions League.

Both sides have a point to prove on top of the usual bitter rivalry that goes along with this fixture, whose history got even more intense after the 2006 Calciopoli scandal.

Ivan Perisic, Cristian Ansaldi and Marco Andreolli are out injured and Gabigol only arrived yesterday from Brazil, so isn’t even on the bench.

Marcelo Brozovic was dropped, reportedly for disciplinary reasons, though he took to Instagram last night to insist he was “excluded for no reason.”

Joao Mario returns, as he is ineligible for the Europa League, with Antonio Candreva, Ever Banega and Eder supporting Icardi.

Today Argentina Coach Edgardo Bauzer complained that Inter were using Banega too deep, so this more advanced role should provide a little more creative spark.

Juventus are still missing Claudio Marchisio and Stefano Sturaro.

Gonzalo Higuain is somewhat surprisingly rested in favour of Mario Mandzukic, while Medhi Benatia steps in for Andrea Barzagli.

Dybala leads the attack with support in midfield from ex-Roma star Pjanic, who many wanted to see start against Sevilla.

Inter: Handanovic; D’Ambrosio, Miranda, Murillo, Santon; Joao Mario, Medel; Candreva, Banega, Eder; Icardi

Inter bench: Carrizo, Melo, Kondogbia, Palacio, Jovetic, Biabiany, Ranocchia, Gnoukouri, Perisic, Nagatomo, Yao, Miangue

Juventus: Buffon; Benatia, Bonucci, Chiellini; Lichtsteiner, Khedira, Pjanic, Asamoah, Alex Sandro; Dybala, Mandzukic

Juventus bench: Neto, Audero, Barzagli, Rugani, Dani Alves, Evra, Hernanes, Lemina, Cuadrado, Pjaca, Higuain

http://www.goal.com/en/tables/serie-a/13?ICID=TP_TN_110

Socrates · September 18, 2016

INTER - JUVENTUS

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MATCHDAY 4
Sunday, September 18th, 2016 - 6:00 PM
Giuseppe Meazza Stadium, Milan
Referee: Paolo Tagliavento

Candreva: 'Inter need our fans'

http://www.football-italia.net/91651/candreva-inter-need-our-fans

Sep 18, 2016

Antonio Candreva asked Inter fans to “give us a real boost” in the Derby d’Italia against Juventus.

“We did not do well in the Europa League, it was an ugly stop. This is also why today the approach will be crucial,” Candreva told Inter Channel.

“Everyone wants to play in a game like this. It’s very important for us to do well for the team and the fans.

“In turn, the fans will be important for us, because they can give us a real boost. We have to bring them over to our side with our performances.”

http://www.goal.com/en/tables/serie-a/13?ICID=TP_TN_110

Socrates · September 18, 2016

INTER - JUVENTUS

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MATCHDAY 4
Sunday, September 18th, 2016 - 6:00 PM
Giuseppe Meazza Stadium, Milan
Referee: Paolo Tagliavento

De Boer row with Brozovic?

http://www.football-italia.net/91652/de-boer-row-brozovic

Sep 18, 2016

It’s reported a locker room row with Coach Frank de Boer was behind Marcelo Brozovic’s exclusion from Inter-Juventus.

Brozovic was surprisingly not included in the squad list and his agent claimed there was no incident.

The Croatia international also went on Instagram to write he had been “excluded for no reason!”

However, La Gazzetta dello Sport claim the reason was a locker room row between player and Coach on Thursday.

Brozovic was hauled off at half-time during the 2-0 Europa League home defeat to Hapoel Beer-Sheva.

It’s reported he did not take it well and got into an argument with De Boer, then asked to leave the stadium before the game had even finished.

He did not train fully with the squad on Saturday, only doing some laps.

http://www.goal.com/en/tables/serie-a/13?ICID=TP_TN_110

Socrates · September 18, 2016

INTER - JUVENTUS

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MATCHDAY 4
Sunday, September 18th, 2016 - 6:00 PM
Giuseppe Meazza Stadium, Milan
Referee: Paolo Tagliavento

Khedira: 'We'll see a different Inter'

http://www.football-italia.net/91653/khedira-well-see-different-inter

Sep 18, 2016

Sami Khedira trusts “it won’t be the same Inter” that lost to Hapoel Beer-Sheva when Juventus visit San Siro today.

“Serie A and the Europa League are two different competitions, so it won’t be the same Inter we saw on Thursday,” the Bianconeri midfielder told Mediaset Premium.

“We have studied many videos of the Nerazzurri and know what awaits us this evening.”

Juve also stuttered on the continent this week, drawing 0-0 with Sevilla in the Champions League.

“Inter and Sevilla are two excellent teams, but they have different characteristics, important players and a new Coach. We are playing away from home and must give our best to get a good result.

"Besides, I don't think our game with Sevilla was bad."

http://www.goal.com/en/tables/serie-a/13?ICID=TP_TN_110

Socrates · September 18, 2016

INTER - JUVENTUS

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MATCHDAY 4
Sunday, September 18th, 2016 - 6:00 PM
Giuseppe Meazza Stadium, Milan
Referee: Paolo Tagliavento

Ausilio: 'Inter believe in De Boer'

h ttp://www.football-italia.net/91655/ausilio-inter-believe-de-boer

Sep 18, 2016

Inter director Piero Ausilio insists the club has confidence in Frank de Boer and confirms Marcelo Brozovic needs “re-education.”

“As always, Inter-Juve is an important match. It’s early on in a season that must see us as protagonists, but time is always short in Italy,” Ausilio told Mediaset Premium.

“We believe in our project and in our Coach. When Inter achieved the Treble, it was through a process of work. In recent years there have been numerous changes, including the ownership. It’s not an alibi, but we need time, patience and work.

“As far as we are concerned, we are relaxed and convinced of what we want to do. We knew De Boer was an interesting choice and precisely because of this he needs to be supported during difficulties.

“It’ll take him some time to get to know a different football world, especially as he hasn’t had much time with the squad. He had 15 days before the season began and then the players all left for international duty.

“There was a victory at Pescara to boost confidence, then on Thursday a moment that must be forgotten quickly.”

Ausilio was referring to the shock 2-0 home defeat to Hapoel Beer-Sheva in the Europa League.

Why was Brozovic dropped from the squad for this game, amid reports of ‘unprofessional behaviour’?

“At Inter, like at other clubs, there are rules and regulations that were applied. There will be time for his re-education.”

http://www.goal.com/en/tables/serie-a/13?ICID=TP_TN_110

Socrates · September 18, 2016

INTER - JUVENTUS

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MATCHDAY 4
Sunday, September 18th, 2016 - 6:00 PM
Giuseppe Meazza Stadium, Milan
Referee: Paolo Tagliavento

Marotta: ‘Opponents raise game’

http://www.football-italia.net/91658/marotta-‘opponents-raise-game’

Sep 18, 2016

Juventus CEO Beppe Marotta says opponents raise their game whenever playing against the Serie A champions.

The Bianconeri take on Inter in the Derby D’Italia on Sunday afternoon and, in the build up to the match at San Siro, the director admitted he expected a different Nerazzurri performance to their display on Thursday night, when they were beaten 2-0 in the Europa League by Hapoel Be’er Sheva.

“It is an important match, we know that against Juventus our opponents’ motivation increases and it will be different to Thursday and previous matches,” Marotta told Premium Sport.

“We need to try to get the most out of it. I am certain that in the Derby D’Italia the motivation of our players is very strong.”

The 59-year-old was then asked about the audible grumblings in the Juventus Stadium crowd during the Old Lady’s goalless Champions League draw with Sevilla, as well as defender Leonardo Bonucci’s post-match comments condemning the attitude of the home supporters.

“We are used to dealing with this criticism, it is part of the game. Bonucci’s comments were heard, he is an important player and it is right that he made them.

“The squad we have today is a competitive one and we are happy with what we have done.

“It needs time to bed in the new players who are of a great calibre. Allegri’s work is proceeding as well as it can, but we are talking about a Juventus squad with a high quality.”

http://www.goal.com/en/tables/serie-a/13?ICID=TP_TN_110

Socrates · September 18, 2016

INTER - JUVENTUS

-

MATCHDAY 4
Sunday, September 18th, 2016 - 6:00 PM
Giuseppe Meazza Stadium, Milan
Referee: Paolo Tagliavento

HT 0-0: Inter rattle Juventus

h http://www.football-italia.net/91659/ht-inter-rattle-juventus

Sep 18, 2016

It has been a very intense Derby d’Italia, as Mauro Icardi hit the upright and Sami Khedira missed a sitter, but Inter and Juventus are still goalless.

This was always a passionate affair, but there was even more pressure on than usual amid sack reports for Frank de Boer and Thursday’s 2-0 home defeat to Hapoel Beer-Sheva in the Europa League. The Bianconeri had won all three Serie A games so far, but were held to a 0-0 Champions League draw by Sevilla.

Marcelo Brozovic was dropped for disciplinary reasons and Ivan Perisic injured. Juve missed Claudio Marchisio and Stefano Sturaro, but opted to rest Gonzalo Higuain, Dani Alves and Andrea Barzagli.

Inter hadn’t beaten Juventus here in Serie A since 2010, managing three stalemates and as many defeats.

Sami Khedira was incorrectly flagged offside when running clear on goal, though Samir Handanovic had smothered at his feet anyway.

Paulo Dybala had a volley charged down and on the counter Mauro Icardi only glanced the header on to Leo Bonucci from six yards on Eder’s cross.

Eder seemed lively and cut in from the left to drill just wide of the near post from the D.

Medhi Benatia pulled up with a thigh problem after 24 minutes and had to make way for Barzagli, whose first contribution was a booking for a foul on Eder.

Both sides had incredible chances to score on 34 minutes. First Khedira’s free header on an Alex Sandro cross was weak and straight at Samir Handanovic. Then Inter went on the counter, Icardi robbed Giorgio Chiellini and his curler smacked against the far post.

Dybala then skipped past a tackle to feed Miralem Pjanic, who drilled inches wide from the edge of the box.

Inter 0-0 Juventus (Half-Time)

Inter: Handanovic; D’Ambrosio, Miranda, Murillo, Santon; Joao Mario, Medel; Candreva, Banega, Eder; Icardi

Juventus: Buffon; Benatia (Barzagli 25), Bonucci, Chiellini; Lichtsteiner, Khedira, Pjanic, Asamoah, Alex Sandro; Dybala, Mandzukic

Ref: Tagliavento

http://www.goal.com/en/tables/serie-a/13?ICID=TP_TN_110

Socrates · September 18, 2016

INTER - JUVENTUS

2 - 1-

Stefan Lichtsteiner 66'

Mauro Icardi (68')

Ivan Perisíc (78')

MATCHDAY 4
Sunday, September 18th, 2016 - 6:00 PM
Giuseppe Meazza Stadium, Milan
Referee: Paolo Tagliavento

Inter 2-1 Juventus: Icardi stars as

Nerazzurri take Derby victory

The Argentine scored the home team's equaliser and set up his team-mate with

a fine cross to turn the tables at San Siro, as the Serie A champions fell to defeat.

http://www.goal.com/en/match/internazionale-vs-juventus/2305785/report

Sep 18, 2016

Ivan Perisic came off the bench to score the decisive goal for Inter in a 2-1 victory over Juventus that gave head coach Frank de Boer his first home win as Inter coach.

The Croatian midfielder powered a header into the net in the 78th minute to send the San Siro crowd into raptures and the result was fully deserved.

In fact, the scoreline flattered Juventus, who came up against an Inter side playing their best football since De Boer was installed as coach and they would have been very fortunate had Stephan Lichtsteiner's 66th minute goal proved to be the winner.

Mauro Icardi scored his fourth goal in as many Serie A games to equalise shortly after and it was Icardi who provided the assist for Perisic to score the winner.

Inter, who struggled to play De Boer's preferred brand of expansive football in their opening three games, were compact, cohesive and robust against a Juventus side not used to being pressed and harried as they were at San Siro.

The result leaves Juventus in second place in Serie A behind Napoli while Inter – who saw Ever Banega sent off late on - climb into the top half of the table.

Massimiliano Allegri rested Gonzalo Higuain, despite the Argentine netting a brace in his first Serie A start for the club against Sassuolo, and his side seemed to lack purpose without him leading the line.

Sami Khedira was put clean through on goal in the opening minute but Inter were saved by the offside flag, and the scare prompted Frank de Boer's men to slow things down and compose themselves.

Inter have found goals hard to come by this season and, despite enjoying long spells of possession in the first half against Juventus, they struggled to trouble Gianluigi Buffon's goal.

The best chance of the first half fell to Khedira, who was completely unmarked when Alex Sandro's cross picked him out but his header went weakly into the hands of Samir Handanovic, who released Icardi at the other end.

Icardi jinked his way into the Juventus box and unleashed a swerving shot that clipped the post on its way wide, leaving the scoreline goalless at half-time.

Inter ramped up the pressure after the break and forced Juventus into a number of errors that produced chances for Gary Medel, Eder, Danilo D'Ambrosio and Icardi, but they were all wasted.

Juventus, having survived a long spell of Inter pressure, struck what looked like a killer blow after 66 minutes when Alex Sandro broke down the left and crossed for Lichtsteiner to score from close range.

But less than two minutes later Inter were level thanks to their inspirational captain Icardi, who leaped above a crowded penalty area to connect with Banega's corner and head the ball past Buffon.

Inter continued to push forward and they were rewarded when Kwadwo Asamoah gave the ball away cheaply to Candreva, before Icardi delivered a sublime pass with the outside of his boot that found the head of Perisic and he found the corner of the net.

Higuain was sent on by Allegri in the closing stages and he flashed a glancing header wide with Handanovic rooted to the spot, but Inter were not to be denied a hard-fought victory.

The only downside for De Boer was Banega's red card in the final minute for a second bookable offence, but his dismissal and ensuing suspension failed to take the edge off a fine victory for Inter and their ecstatic supporters.

http://www.goal.com/en/tables/serie-a/13?ICID=TP_TN_110

Socrates · September 19, 2016

INTER - JUVENTUS

2 - 1-

Stefan Lichtsteiner 66'

Mauro Icardi (68')

Ivan Perisíc (78')

MATCHDAY 4
Sunday, September 18th, 2016 - 6:00 PM
Giuseppe Meazza Stadium, Milan
Referee: Paolo Tagliavento

Inter comeback breaks Juventus

Inter completed a remarkable comeback to inflict the first defeat

of the season on Juventus with an inspirational Mauro Icardi.

http://www.football-italia.net/SerieA/match/87859