JUVENTUS SEASON 2016-2017

Socrates · September 22, 2016

JUVENTUS - CAGLIARI

4-0

Daniele Rugani (14')

Gonzalo Higuaín (33')

Dani Alves (39')

Luca Ceppitelli (own goal 83')

MATCHDAY 5
Wednesday, September 21st, 2016 - 8:45 PM
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Maurizio Mariani

Rugani: Cagliari a starting point

http://www.football-italia.net/91850/rugani-cagliari-starting-point?

Sep 22, 2016

Daniele Rugani was “delighted with my first goal” against Cagliari and backed Juventus to use their 4-0 win as “a starting point” for a successful season.

Rugani scored his first goal in Juve colours on Wednesday as the Bianconeri returned to the Serie A summit, but the defender refused to take even part of the credit for the victory, instead praising his teammates for their collective work in stifling the Sardinians.

“I’m delighted for my first goal, the win and many other reasons,” he told JTV.

“It was a lovely evening, it was important to start well after a defeat. Now we turn the page and think about the next one.

“We risked little, this was also important, to be solid and grant [our opponents] little.

“Still, the credit doesn’t just belong to us defenders but the whole team.

“When there’s a desire to sacrifice, run and give a hand, it’s not easy for your opponents.

“This should be a starting point. It helps to have good defenders, but you need the whole team to have a beautiful defensive base.”

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

Socrates · September 23, 2016

JUVENTUS - CAGLIARI

4-0

Daniele Rugani (14')

Gonzalo Higuaín (33')

Dani Alves (39')

Luca Ceppitelli (own goal 83')

MATCHDAY 5
Wednesday, September 21st, 2016 - 8:45 PM
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Maurizio Mariani

Back on track : Juventus 4-0 Cagliari

Juventus' French defender Mario Lemina celebrates after scoring during the Italian Serie A football match between Juventus and Cagliari on September 21, 2016 at Juventus Stadium in Turin. / AFP / MARCO BERTORELLO (Photo credit should read MARCO BERTORELLO/AFP/Getty Images)

http://www.juvefc.com/back-track-juventus-4-0-cagliari/?

Sep 22, 2016

After last Sunday’s horror-show against arch rivals Inter Milan we were fortunate to welcome Cagliari to Turin as sacrificial lambs to the slaughter to immediately remind ourselves that all is not lost. The Sardinians played their role in proceedings to perfection…

The game felt more like a pre-season friendly against a local amateur side than a top flight encounter, for we were in control from the first till the final whistle. Suffering very few half chances and scoring four well deserved goals in the process.

Player ratings

The coach took me to one side during the warm-up and told me I could sit this one out…

Buffon – N/A

Chiellini – Vastly more composed performance. No errors and appears to be regaining his focus. 6.5

Barzagli – Barely saw the old war horse after an early moment of excitement when he tracked back to trap the ball and play out of danger. 6.5

Rugani – Wonderful to see him hit the ground running. By far our most involved defender, hustling, blocking, stealing the ball and moving high to add to the numbers in midfield when Alves headed for the final third. Brilliantly taken goal from the rebound. Shame for the yellow which should not have been given, yet it took nothing away from a commanding showing for the youngster. His future, which is our future, appears ever so bright. 7.5

Alves – The Brazilian skeletor impersonator is finding his feet in this juve side, taking less risks on the ball and adding real quality to the offensive phase with intelligent passing, decent dribbling and accurate crosses. Scored a memorable strike from outside the box and was a thorn in the side of Cagliari throughout. 7

Fast becoming one of the finest fullbacks on the planet…

Sandro – Superb. I believe we have found in the young wide man a truly outstanding talent. I know of no other left back as consistently dangerous up top and solid at the back. A steady menace, offering serious threat whenever the ball was at his feet. He must surely be first choice, with Evra now rightly playing second fiddle as back-up. Could have scored late on with a header, other than which was indomitable. 8

Hernanes – Went about his work diligently and comfortably. His maturity in the position was noted, as was his ability to recycle the ball smartly and maintain a physical presence in that all important position in front of the defence. Set up a few good chances for others and his late attempt from range was quality. Solid. 7

Lemina – Still to convince me as a serious contender for a first XI berth when all others are fit and match sharp, yet Mario had a good game. He does seem more comfortable in a role absent of major defensive duties and perhaps its for the best to use him as a Khedira apprentice. Involved himself more vigorously in the midfield, spread the play intelligently and was in the right place to force the fourth goal. Definite potential, but where best to place him to develop? 7

Pjanic – Back to a role which allows him to focus on the final third and instantly improved. The Bosnian found space, passed often beautifully, almost scored with a free-kick and produced two assists. He is slowly moving up the gears and will assuredly prove a valuable signing once fully on song. 7.5

Dybala – Fought hard and linked up well with the team as a whole. He is definitely playing deeper, no matter what Allegri says and once other players up their game we will see more end product, for presently he is focused on connecting the midfield and attack, far less often than last term finding himself in goal scoring positions. I am happy to see his creativity glowing and growing, as his passing range is often sublime. 7

Higuain – Scored one, hit the post, created another with a well executed volley on the turn from a free kick he had won. He could have easily had a hatrick. What has impressed me is his link-up play, which is a part of his game I was unaware of prior to his arrival. Far more than merely a natural born goal scorer, yet as he gains match sharpness, he gets better and better. 8

Pjaca – A little more time to impress than has become the norm of late, and the Croatian tried hard to make things happen. He forged one great chance late on. 6.5

Reasons to be cheerful

We ran zero risks. Dominated the game from start to finish. Created by my count 12 clear goal scoring chances. Scored four. And barely moved out of second gear.

Higuain, Sandro and Dybala are looking world class threats going forward. The defence was more solid and we could have easily won this tie 8 or 9-0.

There are no reasons to be bothered from this encounter, with the only possible negative found in the low quality of the opposition. Who rarely threatened, and whilst they did adopt the fabled ‘high press’ in the second half, it led to nothing, with the defence and midfield holding firm and continuing to create in the final third.

Alves is well on his way to becoming a juventino…

It was an interesting move to see Alves cutting in central, with Lemina pushing wide and Rugani making up the numbers in midfield. This is an advantage of playing Rugani instead of Barzagli at RCB, for he is far more mobile. I am pleased to see Allegri trialing such systems. With several of our set piece routines also appearing straight off the training pitch.

Pjanic deployed alongside a competent holding midfielder appears clearly the best fit for his talents – at least in our loose 3-5-2. Once Marchisio returns to the fold, to that very position, our midfield will become perfectly balanced. Mandragora will provide natural back-up in the middle with Sturaro and Lemina keeping Miralem and Big Sami honest.

Alves and Pjanic are both very comfortable on the ball and it shows in our play, both when defending and when moving the ball forward, sometimes with hugely welcome and encouraging one touch football. We have seen hints of this in earlier games, and I cannot help becoming excited at the potential of this squad, which will not be realised after just six games.

Il Principino will soon return to the ranks…

Despite the rancid outing against Inter, we are back on track. Still to find Marchisio, Sturaro, Mandragora and Cuadrado entering the fray, yet well positioned domestically, all to play for in Europe and playing some decent football.

As a juventino, I am accustomed to winning, yet what matters most to me is more than mere results. It is the manner in which we play, the way we behave both on and off the field. For the club has always held an almost regal sense of dignity, transmitted from the President down.

I work alongside a long term Man U fan from the motherland. He is a hardy fellow, knows the game inside out and we have shared delightful reminiscing of the 90s when Juve and Man U shared a respectful rivalry to such a extent that the fans would often applaud their opponents. Angry at the decision to bring in Mourinho, for he doesn’t want the club so close to his heart to be focused singularly upon results, and the Special One does not fit the traditional club ethos, when I talk of Juve, he is less concerned with the result, instead always more focused on asking ‘how did you play?’ For he seeks that glimmer of childish glee in my eyes as I explain a move of one touch passing which led to a player hitting the post, he seeks the same all consuming devotion to the cause found through feeling every tackle, watching every shot in slow motion on the edge of your seat, of the tides of the heart rising and falling spectacularly as glory and failure remains in the balance.

After speaking of Higuain today, he replied…

“That is all we as fans can hope for and demand, to see our players give their all for the badge…its the fight, its the pride in the shirt, not the winning or the flash cars or Adidas adverts, but the grass roots connection to the fans, for we play with them and through them, kick ever ball, run every yard, lose and win as a team, as a club, as a part of our own heart and soul…I would rather lose a game, and feel my heart ablaze with passion inspired by the players fighting for every blade of grass, than win dirty, than watch my team hound the referee at every decision, for they represent me…at least they used to…”

Some of that pride which seemed lost on Sunday night was restored against Cagliari. I saw those in black and white determined to fight, to dominate and entertain. The passion wholly absent in the hurtful surrender against a club who have caused us more harm off the field than any other in history has been swiftly recovered and perhaps it was the galvanising force required to truly kick-start this campaign. Much like last season when the derby lit the fires within. It is where we go from here which now counts. Do we stride forwards with renewed confidence or wilt once again?

Agnelli has presided over a stunning return to the top…

We should all be very proud of our club. We have been through hard times, yet the club ethos has remained. And we have revived from the ashes. Andrea Agnelli has continued our tradition as a club, overseen our rise back to the top table where our seat remained warm. We are financially sound, our squad is improving year on year, and the potential found in our current squad is incredibly promising. This is a wondrous time to be a juventino.

forza juve

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

Socrates · September 23, 2016

Del Neri: 'Only Napoli challenge Juve'

http://www.football-italia.net/91872/del-neri-only-napoli-challenge-juve

Sep 22, 2016

Gigi Del Neri feels “Napoli are the only side who can compete with Juventus” for the Scudetto this season.

The former Chievo and Sampdoria Coach spoke to Radio Kiss Kiss.

“Genoa at Marassi are a team who cause problems for everyone, but Napoli still had the opportunities to win there last night, even without the penalty incident.

“Napoli reinforced to compete in three tournaments, so I think the Azzurri are the only side who can compete with Juventus.”

Surprisingly, Chievo are currently in third place on a par with Inter and Roma.

“I think my first Serie A experience with Chievo cannot be repeated. It is pleasing to see a club like Chievo so high up the table.”

Socrates · September 23, 2016

PALERMO - JUVENTUS

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MATCHDAY 6
Saturday, September 24th, 2016 - 6:00 PM
Renzo Barbera Stadium, Palermo
Referee: Paolo Valeri

Cuadrado set for Juventus return?

http://www.football-italia.net/91906/cuadrado-set-juventus-return?

Sep 23, 2015

Juan Cuadrado is reportedly set to start for Juventus when the Bianconeri visit Palermo tomorrow.

The Colombian winger wasn’t even on the bench for the win over Cagliari, with the official reason being family issues.

However, in the days after it has been reported that there was actually a disciplinary issue, with Cuadrado storming out of training when told he wouldn’t start.

The Bianconeri have denied that version of events, and now SportMediaset is reporting that Cuadrado will start at Renzo Barbera tomorrow.

It’s expected that Coach Max Allegri will stick with his 3-5-2 formation, with Sami Khedira returning and Hernanes retaining his place in central midfield.

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

Socrates · September 23, 2016

PALERMO - JUVENTUS

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MATCHDAY 6
Saturday, September 24th, 2016 - 6:00 PM
Renzo Barbera Stadium, Palermo
Referee: Paolo Valeri

Allegri hints at Pjaca start

http://www.football-italia.net/91908/allegri-hints-pjaca-start?

Sep 23, 2015

Juventus boss Massimiliano Allegri has hinted that Marko Pjaca will replace Paulo Dybala for Saturday’s trip to Palermo. “He can play as a second striker...”

Allegri already revealed in his pre-match Press conference that Dybala could be benched at the Renzo Barbera, paving the way for Pjaca to be given his first start in Juve colours.

“They have different characteristics, he’s grown a lot lately,” the Coach said.

“They can play with Mandzukic and Higuain. Dybala isn’t nervous, the more you look for something, the less you find it, so he must feel comfortable.

“We play differently without [Dybala], but he can play as a second striker.

“He has great qualities and I’m convinced that he’ll become very strong.

“The League where he comes from, however, is different to ours. Morata had a different experience, a different path.

“Chiellini will be rested. I still have to evaluate the midfield. Khedira will return, but I’ll have to rotate. Buffon will be in goal.”

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

Socrates · September 23, 2016

PALERMO - JUVENTUS

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MATCHDAY 6
Saturday, September 24th, 2016 - 6:00 PM
Renzo Barbera Stadium, Palermo
Referee: Paolo Valeri

‘Cuadrado was upset, bench for Dybala’

http://www.football-italia.net/91907/‘cuadrado-was-upset-bench-dybala’

Sep 23, 2015

Juventus boss Massimiliano Allegri says Juan Cuadrado was “upset” but will be a substitute against Palermo as Paulo Dybala “could start on the bench”.

Cuadrado was tipped to start at Palermo after his absence in the victory over Cagliari midweek, but Allegri has now confirmed reports of a disagreement with the Colombian in training, although he asked to leave as opposed to storm out.

“From the beginning no, but maybe in the match,” the Coach said at a Press conference.

“He did all the training the other day and asked me to go home because he was upset, so I decided to go along with him, but he’s back now and it’s all good.”

On the topic of Dybala, Allegri added: “Can he rest? After a year here growing, now it’s now more difficult.

“He is having good games and has more attention from opponents, they know him.

“He must stay calm, he’s played a lot of matches and could start on the bench.”

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

Socrates · September 23, 2016

PALERMO - JUVENTUS

-

MATCHDAY 6
Saturday, September 24th, 2016 - 6:00 PM
Renzo Barbera Stadium, Palermo
Referee: Paolo Valeri

‘Sarri? I did absences at school...’

http://www.football-italia.net/91909/‘sarri-i-did-absences-school’

Sep 23, 2015

Juventus Coach Massimiliano Allegri joked he did his absences “at school” after Maurizio Sarri refused to attend his pre-Chievo Press conference.

Sarri chose not to face the media out of protest for what he perceived to be poor refereeing in Napoli’s 0-0 draw with Genoa midweek, but Allegri was unperturbed by his rival’s conduct.

“I’m sorry for the journalists if they’ve gone there and not found him. I didn’t go to school much, but I’ve been to all the conferences,” he told reporters ahead of Juve’s trip to Palermo on Saturday.

“We have two, even three, away games in two weeks. We’re not playing at home, we have to travel and accumulate fatigue.

“Palermo have four points in two games, a new Coach and will be eager. We can’t come back from Palermo without three points.

“Compared to Inter, I’ve seen us already play differently against Cagliari. We were lacking a tad, but we’ll stick with the three at the back.

“I choose the best formation game to game. No-one noticed the changes I made because we won.

“I hope Benatia returns as soon as possible. Rugani has grown so much. Having everyone available is important.”

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

Socrates · September 24, 2016

PALERMO - JUVENTUS

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MATCHDAY 6
Saturday, September 24th, 2016 - 6:00 PM
Renzo Barbera Stadium, Palermo
Referee: Paolo Valeri

Evra & Cuadrado in Juve squad

http://www.football-italia.net/91910/evra-cuadrado-juve-squad?

Sep 23, 2015

Juan Cuadrado’s return to the Juventus fold against Palermo is confirmed as Patrice Evra recovers from a knee sprain.

The match kicks off tomorrow at 18.00 CET - 17:00 BST (16:00 GMT).

Massimiliano Allegri stated he was ready to welcome Cuadrado back into contention after the winger missed Juve’s 4-0 win against Cagliari due to a training-ground incident, and he is back alongside a fit-again Evra.

Medhi Benatia remains the Bianconeri’s only absence as he continues to nurse a groin problem from the Derby d’Italia.

Juventus squad for Palermo: Buffon, Chiellini, Pjanic, Khedira, Cuadrado, Higuain, Hernanes, Alex Sandro, Barzagli, Mandzukic, Lemina, Bonucci, Pjaca, Dybala, Asamoah, Alves, Rugani, Neto, Lichtsteiner, Sturaro, Audero, Evra

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

Socrates · September 24, 2016

PALERMO - JUVENTUS

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MATCHDAY 6
Saturday, September 24th, 2016 - 6:00 PM
Renzo Barbera Stadium, Palermo
Referee: Paolo Valeri

Palermo - Juventus

MATCH PREVIEW

http://www.football-italia.net/SerieA/match/preview/87883

Sep 23, 2015

Palermo come off the back of their first win as they welcome a rejuvenated Juventus to the Stadio Barbera.

The Rosanero have had a typically chaotic start to the campaign, as Coach Davide Ballardini departed after just two rounds. Roberto De Zerbi lost to Napoli and drew 1-1 at Crotone before securing the first victory of the campaign, a shock 1-0 away to Atalanta.

A late Ilija Nestorovski strike in Bergamo on Wednesday could be the kick-starter they need for this year.

The Macedonian will be integral to their attacking intent on Sunday, but the squad are yet to gel, with a total of nine different nationalities taking part in the smash-and-grab victory.

The 5-2-2-1 style will be replaced most likely with a 4-3-3 to counter-act Juventus’ wing-play, with Thiago Cionek, Sinisa Andelkovic and Ivaylo Chochev making way for Giancarlo Gonzalez, Alessandro Gazzi and Carlos Embalo respectively.

Juventus come into this game off the back of a much needed 4-0 victory over newly-promoted Cagliari. The Bianconeri had endured a tough week prior, being held to a drab 0-0 in the Champions League to Sevilla, alongside a 2-1 defeat at the San Siro to Inter.

Wednesday’s victory was a ‘message’ to their title rivals, revealed Andrea Barzagli, also stating that such a message is also directed ‘toward themselves’.

Massimiliano Allegri may well have to alter the starting XI that crushed Cagliari, as he’s shown a desire to rotate ahead of the Champions League commitments. Gigi Buffon is expected to play despite a knock to the knee and there are no fresh injury concerns except the continual evaluation of Patrice Evra and Medhi Benatia.

As much as Palermo will want to use their midweek victory as a catalyst to properly get their season underway, Juventus should have too much firepower for the home side to cause a massive threat.

Keep an eye on: Mario Lemina (Juventus) – The 23-year-old has been a blessing in disguise for the Bianconeri, somewhat filling the rather notable gap due to Claudio Marchisio’s long term injury. Now owned outright after an initial season on loan, the young Gabonese star will be vital in running the centre of the park this weekend.

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

Last Season: Palermo 0-3 Juventus

Stat Fact: Palermo have lost their last eight meetings with Juventus, home and away, failing to score a single goal and conceding 17. The most recent win was 2-1 in Sicily in February 2011 and the last draw was in September 2004.

Top Tip: Over 2.5 goals

Palermo (probable): Posavec; Rispoli, Goldaniga, Gonzalez, Aleesami; Hiljemark, Gazzi, Henrique; Diamanti, Nestorovski, Embalo

Suspended: None

Juventus (probable): Buffon; Rugani, Barzagli, Chiellini; Dani Alves, Lemina, Hernanes, Pjanic, Alex Sandro; Dybala, Higuain

Suspended: None

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

Socrates · September 24, 2016

PALERMO - JUVENTUS

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MATCHDAY 6
Saturday, September 24th, 2016 - 6:00 PM
Renzo Barbera Stadium, Palermo
Referee: Paolo Valeri

Allegri: Pjaca might replace Dybala in starting XI

Manager’s pre-match comments ahead of Palermo trip

http://www.blackwhitereadallover.com/2016/9/23/13029676/allegri-pjaca-

might-replace-dybala-in-starting-xi-juventus-palermo-pre-match-comments

Sep 23, 2015

Juventus manager Massimiliano Allegri is looking to continue tinkering with the side as they travel to Palermo this weekend. In his pre-match press conference earlier today, he addressed rumours that Colombian Juan Cuadrado had stormed out of training earlier this week after he found out that he wouldn’t be in the starting eleven for the game against Cagliari that Juve won 4-0.

Reports said that Allegri proceeded to drop him completely from the squad for the game against the Isolani. Cuadrado later apologized and has been reinstated to the team. Allegri said that he wouldn’t start the game, but could come in later.

“From the beginning no, but maybe in the match.

“He did all the training the other day and asked me to go home because he was upset, so I decided to go along with him, but he’s back now and it’s all good.”

On the topic of Paulo Dybala, who is yet to score a goal despite playing well and being a key part of the attack -

“Dybala could start from the bench tomorrow but don't take that as written.

"After a year here growing, now it is now more difficult for him. He is having good games but has more attention from opponents - they know him now.

"He is playing well at the moment. The only thing that is missing is a goal.

"He must stay calm. He has played a lot of matches and could start on the bench."

He then spoke about possibly giving new signing Marko Pjaca a first start in place of Dybala -

“They have different characteristics, he’s grown a lot lately. They can both play with Mandzukic and Higuain.

“Dybala isn’t nervous, the more you look for something, the less you find it, so he must feel comfortable.

“We play differently without Dybala, but Pjaca can play as a second striker. He has great qualities and I’m convinced that he’ll become very strong.

“The League where he comes from, however, is different to ours. Alvaro Morata had a different experience, a different path.”

Allegri then updated the status of Gigi Buffon, Giorgio Chiellini and Sami Khedira -

“Chiellini will be rested. I still have to evaluate the midfield. Khedira will return, but I’ll have to rotate. Buffon will be in goal.”

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

Socrates · September 24, 2016

PALERMO - JUVENTUS

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MATCHDAY 6
Saturday, September 24th, 2016 - 6:00 PM
Renzo Barbera Stadium, Palermo
Referee: Paolo Valeri

Juventus must maintain Serie A intensity in preparation for UCL tilt

http://www.espnfc.co.uk/club/juventus/111/blog/post/2957224/

juventus-must-maintain-serie-a-intensity-in-preparation-for-ucl-tilt

Sep 23, 2015

Juventus demolished Cagliari 4-0 on Wednesday evening, returning to winning ways after the humbling loss against Inter Milan last weekend.

Potent in attack and dangerous across the field, the Bianconeri truly enjoyed themselves. Yet rather than marvel at the newly assembled attack, praying they can repeat such performances in Europe, coach Massimiliano Allegri confused many with his postmatch comments.

"The lads took the right approach, though perhaps when 2-0 up we should've controlled the tempo, and instead we poured forward looking for a third goal with a little too much haste," he said.

With all due respect, is there ever a need to dictate the tempo against newly promoted Cagliari, who produced no shots on target throughout the game? By all means, the Sardinians at least tried to play football but in reality they spent most of their evening limiting the embarrassment as opposed to genuinely competing with an opponent boasting superior technical qualities.

Allegri is an intelligent man and one of the best tacticians Italy has ever produced. He likes his team to play sensibly and intelligently to ensure a positive result. In essence, he is simply following the Juventus philosophy; that of a side that relentlessly pursues a 1-0 victory -- score one and then defend with might. However, he must also realise his task is different this year and much more difficult. Much like Fabio Capello managed in 2001 with Roma, Allegri needs to improve Juve's mental fragility, a frailty that rears its ugly head in Europe from time to time.

This year, Champions League glory should be of the utmost importance. TheBianconeri simply do not play with the confidence of a European giant as shown in the opening 0-0 Champions League group stage draw against Sevilla.

This is no longer a bargain basement side made up of good wheeler dealer deals but one assembled by a canny management team with an eye for talent and money in the bank. Attitudes must change and mentalities must be fortified to ensure success in Europe and perhaps the quickest way to implement such a psychological change is to start winning by a larger margin.

The more goals the Old Lady scores in the league, the more confidence they will build -- confidence that will stand them in good stead against the better sides. In Europe, both Bayern Munich and Barcelona laid down a marker by winning their first match of the group stage by at least five goals. Juventus disappointed and drew a blank against Sevilla.

Giorgio Chiellini was right when he recently noted Juve will never be a free scoring side in the mould of Real Madrid. Juve are a 1-0 team. However, the Juventus of old, the one that regularly reached the latter stages or even the final of the Champions League, believed in their ability to get that 1-0 and played with confidence that at times spilled into arrogance. They never feared losing in the same way they do now. So until they find their way back to the mentality of the mid 90s, Juventus need to score goals in the hope that the accumulation of comprehensive wins will reassure them of their brilliance.

Allegri's side need that confidence back, that edge that will allow them to take on the European giants as equals and not as underdogs. Humility and hard work are essential but so is the knowledge they have enough to win and enough to inflict great harm.

On Sunday afternoon, the Bianconeri have to target three points against a Palermo side that is slowly learning how to play as a unit. It won't be easy and Allegri will be expected to rotate his squad but it seems likely Marko Pjaca will be offered the chance to start in place of Paulo Dybala.

The Croatian has barely played this season largely due to the coach's desire to slowly integrate him into a new style of football, one that differs to what he's been used to.

However, even when played for a few minutes, Pjaca has demonstrated technique and great potential. Capable of playing as a second striker, winger or even central midfielder, perhaps in time Allegri will find a way of integrating the youngster into Juve's formation without having to leave the likes of Dybala out.

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

Socrates · September 24, 2016

PALERMO - JUVENTUS

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MATCHDAY 6
Saturday, September 24th, 2016 - 6:00 PM
Renzo Barbera Stadium, Palermo
Referee: Paolo Valeri

Palermo vs Juventus Match Preview

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

Sep 23, 2015

Palermo v Juventus

Serie A Week 6 – Saturday, 24th September – 17:00 GMT – Stadio Renzo Barbera

Juventus

Juventus rebounded very well after the loss against Inter and dismantled a resigned Cagliari team. The squad just looked relieved to have ended the four-game gauntlet at the start of the season: Massimiliano Allegri has stressed that all the opponents they have faced had finished in the top seven last year. Therefore, nine points should have been considered a very good haul, notwithstanding the garbage outing at San Siro. Personally, I think that every problem goes away when you are on top of the table, therefore all is good and we can move on from the Inter game.

Several things stood out in the amazing showing against Cagliari, starting with Gonzalo Higuain. It looks like the transition to his new side could not have been any smoother and that the lack of playing time is the only thing holding him back from being universally considered one of the top strikers in the world. He has scored four goals in six games, once every 76 minutes. He is a magnet in a box, chances seem to always find him and it is not a case that Juventus netted a couple of goals on rebounds after parried shots. Defenders are so preoccupied with him that it opens spaces for the others. Mario Mandzukic is a terrific worker, but he does not have the same gravitas of Higuain, so the Argentinian ace should play in every game he is healthy enough to feature in.

Hernanes played his best game since he is a Juventus and that is a welcomed sign. If he could hold down the fort every once in a while in these cupcake matches, that would be very helpful for the rotations in the midfield. After all, he is not asked to do much, just not lose dangerous balls in front of the defence and make few passes here and here. Hopefully this would terminate the “Pjanic as regista” plan. Dani Alves and Alex Sandro played great as well: while it has become a standard for the latter, the former Barcelona fullback has had few ups and downs so far, but when he is locked in, he is money.

There was a little case about Juan Cuadrado, who was allowed to leave the Tuesday practice early and then was on the stands on Wednesday. The official version is that he had some familiar issues, the rumours say that he was upset when Allegri told him he would not start and then the coach punished him. We will go with the first one and we will see what will happen going forward, but he will not start on Saturday.

Juventus have already issued the squad list: Sami Khedira returns from his one-game rest, Gianluigi Buffon is good to guy after exiting the last game and Patrice Evra is available as well after banging knees before the midweek game. The only unavailable players are Medhi Benatia, but his situation do not seem very severe, Claudio Marchisio and Rolando Mandragora. Daniele Rugani will replace Giorgio Chiellini in the lineup.

In the pregame presser, the coach said that it is likely that Paulo Dybala will be benched and talked up Mario Mandzukic as second-striker. Marko Pjaca will eventually grow into that role, but he is not there yet, according to Allegri, who stated that the fact that he came from the Croatian league, where the tactical element is not as emphasized as in Italy, has slowed the winger.

The doubts lie on the flanks and in the midfield. It is totally possible that Dani Alves will be spared ahead of the Champions League game, but there is no reason to field Stephan Lichsteiner and Patrice Evra at the same time in a game where Juventus can afford to be a little more offensive. In all likelihood, Lichtsteiner will play on the right and Alex Sandro on the left, but there is a chance Kwadwo Asamoah will be slotted on the wing so the Brazilian starlet will be fresher for the Dinamo Zagreb game. Of course, Asamoah could play in his natural position in the midfield, replacing either Mario Lemina or Miralem Pjanic.

Probable lineup:

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

Injuries:

Marchisio (knee), Benatia (hamstring), Mandragora (foot).

Suspensions:

None.

Palermo

In a shocking turn of events, Palermo have already changed their coach and their sporting director. However, if they could survive the first rocky couple of months, it could be for the better. The president Maurizio Zamparini was never enamoured with Davide Ballardini and only kept him because he salvaged few points last season that helped them avoid a relegation that seemed inevitable. Rino Foschi is flamboyant and was destined to clash with Zamparini at some point, at least with this early divorce they were able to find somebody in the market. Roberto De Zerbi and Daniele Faggiano are talented up-and-comers and they have done extremely well in the lower leagues. Of course, hiring them was a big gamble, but they could have found something that sticks around for a while, and that would be a change, if they both panned out.

That being said, they are among the “favourites” to be relegated and on paper one of the weakest rosters in Serie A. As usual, they have brought in several talented youngsters from abroad and they will need four or five of them to flourish to have a chance to escape the drop. Also some of their other players will have to step up because the team lacks veteran leadership and that is an issue in the relegation race. They have signed Alessandro Gazzi and Alessandro Diamanti for this very purpose, going against their usual policy, but I fear they might have to add some more seasoned players in January.

Among the newcomers, Haitam Aleesami has been the most consistent: he was put right into the starting XI replacing Achraf Lazaar without any drop-off. Ilija Nestorovski is not super young but he might be what they needed: a pure striker with great nose for the goal. De Zerbi is encouraging him to expand his game, but his two goals against Crotone and Atalanta were fabulous and quite meaningful for their standing. Those four points allow them to approach this game with more serenity. The young goalkeeper Josip Posavec has been very impressive as well.

De Zerbi is a Zdenek Zeman disciple, therefore a 4-3-3 believer, but after being demolished at home by Napoli and struggling on the road against Crotone, he reverted back to 3-5-1-1, a scheme Ballardini had already started to work on. He added a little wrinkle: one of the two box-to-box midfielders sometimes is more advanced, to disrupt the opponents’ playmaker. It does not help the trident’s case that his two best wingers, Robin Quaison and Aleksandar Trajkovski, are sidelined with injuries. Diamanti should play be in the hole, but, after missing the preseason, he might not be ready to play twice in three days: in that case, Roland Sallai would be the favourite to take his place, but they do not lack options for that role, including some conservative ones.

The defence and the midfield are pretty much in flux. They are working Giancarlo Gonzalez, their best defender, back into the lineup after that he was on the trade block for the whole summer. The newcomer Slobodan Rajkovic had a very bad nose fracture and should not be available. Edoardo Goldaniga and Sinisa Andelkovic should flank Gonzalez in the back, but Thiago Cionek is pretty physical and reliable and could be given a chance. As for the midfield, Bruno Henrique has been their big summer acquisition but he might need a little more time to adapt: Oscar Hiljemark and Ivaylo Chochev have more experience in Serie A and Gazzi was rested against Atalanta. The coach also praised Mato Jajalo for his performance against Atalanta and I would not be surprised to see him in the XI to add some muscles. Andrea Rispoli and Aleesami will play on the flanks and they are the heart and soul of a team that is still under construction.

Probable lineup:

3-5-1-1: Posavec; Goldaniga, Gonzalez, Andelkovic; Rispoli, Hiljemark, Gazzi, Chochev, Aleesami; Diamanti; Nestorovski.

Injuries:

Trajkovski (foot), Quaison (hamstring), Rajkovic (nose), Embalo (hamstring), Bentivegna (hip).

Suspensions:

None.

Formation

007palermo

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

Socrates · September 24, 2016

PALERMO - JUVENTUS

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MATCHDAY 6
Saturday, September 24th, 2016 - 6:00 PM
Renzo Barbera Stadium, Palermo
Referee: Paolo Valeri

De Zerbi: Palermo have a dream

http://www.football-italia.net/91920/de-zerbi-palermo-have-dream?

Sep 23, 2015

Roberto De Zerbi foresees a “strictly defensive” Palermo against Juventus in Serie A on Saturday, but his side “have a dream”.

Palermo go into their match against Juve on the back of their first win of the season, the Rosanero having beaten Atalanta 1-0 on Wednesday, but De Zerbi accepts his team face a far-tougher proposition this weekend.

“Palermo have already done big business, but we have a dream,” the Coach said at a Press conference.

“It’ll be a strictly defensive match. We’re facing by far the strongest team in the League in all respects.

“I also hope that within us there’s also the desire not to suffer but suffice because otherwise it wouldn’t make sense to play.

“I live with the same seriousness and enthusiasm of last year’s games, trying to do my best. It was hard enough playing against Juve Stabia!

“They’re the No 1 favourites and reinforced in the summer. The learning process of my team, however, makes me happy.

“My only regret is not having the time to coach [the players] because we’re playing all the time.

“I’m pleased to see the lads at my total disposal and convinced by the quality of this team. The potential, although not being expressed 100 percent, is huge.

“I run the rule according to the players’ conditions. Everyone, more or less, are on the same level here.

“I want to make everyone feel important and like protagonists. Whoever is on the bench will have to support their teammates.

“This is the spirit that I want to see this year, since almost all of us are newcomers.

“If Diamanti doesn’t risk any muscle injuries, he’ll play. You’ll definitely see a different XI, but I’m confident like I was before the match in Bergamo.

“I hope that the points we’ve picked up so far have already disappeared from our heads.

“We have to maintain the enthusiasm and spirit that made us get these points and also increase the courage.”

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

Socrates · September 24, 2016

PALERMO - JUVENTUS

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MATCHDAY 6
Saturday, September 24th, 2016 - 6:00 PM
Renzo Barbera Stadium, Palermo
Referee: Paolo Valeri

Juve to use double centre-forward?

http://www.football-italia.net/91936/juve-use-double-centre-forward?

Sep 24, 2015

Juventus could use Gonzalo Higuain and Mario Mandzukic together today against Palermo.

Max Allegri confirmed Paulo Dybala will be on the bench in Sicily against his former club, as he will rest ahead of the Champions League trip to Dinamo Zagreb.

According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, Corriere dello Sport and Tuttosport, the Coach is tempted to use the two centre-forwards together.

They had been tested out in a pre-season friendly with Dybala in a trequartista role, but have since been in an either-or situation.

There are also decisions to be made in midfield, where Mario Lemina and Hernanes are challenging for the playmaker role.

Patrice Evra and Alex Sandro are in the running for one spot down the left flank.

Daniele Rugani is set to start again, as this time it’s Giorgio Chiellini who is rested from the back three, while Medhi Benatia is injured.

Once again Stephan Lichtsteiner is a guaranteed starter on the right, as he is not on the Champions League squad list.

Juventus (probable): Buffon; Rugani, Bonucci, Barzagli; Lichtsteiner, Khedira, Lemina, Pjanic, Alex Sandro; Higuain, Mandzukic

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

Socrates · September 24, 2016

PALERMO - JUVENTUS

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MATCHDAY 6
Saturday, September 24th, 2016 - 6:00 PM
Renzo Barbera Stadium, Palermo
Referee: Paolo Valeri

Line-ups: Palermo-Juventus

http://www.football-italia.net/91963/line-ups-palermo-juventus?

Sep 24, 2015

Juventus experiment with their formation, using Gonzalo Higuain and Mario Mandzukic together, for their trip to Palermo.

The Bianconeri crushed Cagliari 4-0 midweek to get back on top of the Serie A table and are preparing for a crucial Champions League trip to Dinamo Zagreb.

Medhi Benatia is still on the treatment table with Claudio Marchisio, while Patrice Evra, Giorgio Chiellini and ex-Palermo star Paulo Dybala are rested.

It gives Daniele Rugani his second consecutive start in defence, having also scored his debut goal against Cagliari on Wednesday.

Dani Alves is surprisingly picked for the right flank rather than Stephan Lichtsteiner, who is not on the Champions League squad list.

The biggest change is in attack, where Max Allegri experiments with two centre-forwards, Higuain sharing the limelight with Mandzukic.

Mario Lemina is in the playmaker role, again giving Miralem Pjanic more freedom to roam.

Palermo have had a typically chaotic campaign already, losing Coach Davide Ballardini just two games in, but new boss Roberto De Zerbi has been making a difference.

He lost the opener 3-0 to Napoli, albeit while sitting out a touchline ban, then drew 1-1 with Crotone before earning a surprise 1-0 victory away to Atalanta this week.

Robin Quaison, Aleksandar Trajkovski, Slobodan Rajkovic and Carlos Embalo are absent, but Ilija Nestorovski is rested after scoring two in as many games.

Instead, Hungarian Norbert Balogh is given the starting spot with Alessandro Diamanti and Ivaylo Chochev.

Juve-owned Edoardo Goldaniga is in the three-man defence.

Palermo have lost their last eight meetings with Juventus, home and away, failing to score a single goal and conceding 17.

The most recent win was 2-1 at the Barbera in February 2011.

Palermo: Posavec; Cionek, Gonzalez, Goldaniga; Rispoli, Jajalo, Gazzi, Aleesami; Diamanti, Chochev; Balogh

Palermo bench: Marson, Fulignati, Vitiello, Andelkovic, Hiljemark, Sallai, Bouy, Bruno Henrique, Nestorovski, Pezzella, Lo Faso

Juventus: Buffon; Barzagli, Bonucci, Rugani; Dani Alves, Khedira, Lemina, Pjanic, Alex Sandro; Mandzukic, Higuain

Juventus bench: Neto, Audero, Chiellini, Cuadrado, Hernanes, Pjaca, Dybala, Asamoah, Lichtsteiner, Sturaro, Evra

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

Socrates · September 24, 2016

PALERMO - JUVENTUS

-

MATCHDAY 6
Saturday, September 24th, 2016 - 6:00 PM
Renzo Barbera Stadium, Palermo
Referee: Paolo Valeri

Higuain: 'Juve need win at Palermo'

h ttp://www.football-italia.net/91965/higuain-juve-need-win-palermo?

Sep 24, 2015

Gonzalo Higuain expects “a difficult game” at Palermo, but notes Juventus “absolutely must return home with three points.”

“It will be a difficult game, as Palermo have improved in recent outings, so we must be concentrated from the first minute.

“I expect it to be tough, but we absolutely must return home with the three points if we want to remain at the top.

“It’s still too early to comment, but I am settling in well and we hope to continue along this path.”

Paulo Dybala is yet to score this season and is rested for today’s trip to his old hunting ground, the Stadio Barbera.

“Dybala needs to relax, as he is helping the team and we are all happy with him. He has time to improve.

“I don’t know if it’ll be a Scudetto duel with Napoli, we just have to focus on winning our games.”

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

Socrates · September 24, 2016

PALERMO - JUVENTUS

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MATCHDAY 6
Saturday, September 24th, 2016 - 6:00 PM
Renzo Barbera Stadium, Palermo
Referee: Paolo Valeri

HT 0-0: Palermo frustrate Juventus

http://www.football-italia.net/91969/ht-palermo-frustrate-juventus

Sep 24, 2015

Juventus are being kept at bay in the first half by a rugged Palermo in a surprisingly ill-tempered match.

The Bianconeri got back on top of the table with the midweek 4-0 demolition of Cagliari, but missed Medhi Benatia and Claudio Marchisio, while resting Giorgio Chiellini and Paulo Dybala for an experimental formation with double centre-forwards Gonzalo Higuain and Mario Mandzukic. Palermo earned their first win of the season, 1-0 away to Atalanta, but Robin Quaison, Aleksandar Trajkovski, Carlos Embalo and Slobodan Rajkovic were injured.

Higuain had his first effort over the bar within 12 seconds, but it was a tense start with three bookings in the opening eight minutes, two of them for Juve players (Leo Bonucci and Mandzukic).

Miralem Pjanic’s free kick was punched out of the near top corner and Higuain squirmed between two defenders to see his shot charged down by a decisive Giancarlo Gonzalez block. Mandzukic turned a free header over from a set play.

Higuain’s first touch on a long Pjanic pass was marvellous, but Josip Posavec timed his intervention perfectly to pluck the ball off his feet.

Daniele Rugani put his foot down badly and seemed to sprain his knee, but was surprisingly replaced by Juan Cuadrado in his first appearance of the season. This changed the system to 4-3-3.

The Bianconeri had a rapid counter-attack that should’ve gone better, but Mario Lemina went for goal rather than pass to unmarked Cuadrado, so Posavec parried and the rebound was cleared off the line.

Lemina turned another promising effort over and Mato Jajalo horribly shinned a finish inside the box. On the stroke of half-time Posavec almost paid for a weak punch, but was fortunate Pjanic’s follow-up lob was straight at him.

It remained ill-tempered with six bookings in the first half.

Palermo 0-0 Juventus (Half-Time)

Palermo: Posavec; Cionek, Gonzalez, Goldaniga; Rispoli, Jajalo, Gazzi, Aleesami; Diamanti, Chochev; Balogh

Juventus: Buffon; Rugani (Cuadrado 31), Bonucci, Barzagli; Dani Alves, Khedira, Lemina, Pjanic, Alex Sandro; Mandzukic, Higuain

Ref: Valeri

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

Socrates · September 24, 2016

PALERMO - JUVENTUS

0-1-

Edoardo Goldaniga (own goal) 49'

MATCHDAY 6
Saturday, September 24th, 2016 - 6:00 PM
Renzo Barbera Stadium, Palermo
Referee: Paolo Valeri

Palermo 0-1 Juventus: Goldaniga own goal gifts visitors win

Massimiliano Allegri's champions picked up all three points in Sicily and were rarely

troubled by the hosts who have now lost their first three home games of the season.

http://www.goal.com/en/match/palermo-vs-juventus/2305809/report

Sep 24, 2015

Juventus consolidated their position at the top of Serie A as an own goal from Edoardo Goldaniga secured a 1-0 win at Palermo.

Mario Mandzukic, Miralem Pjanic and Gonzalo Higuain had all gone close for Massimiliano Allegri's men before Goldaniga deflected Dani Alves' long-range strike into his own net early in the second half.

The visitors thus secured a ninth successive league victory over the Sicilian side, who have failed to score a single goal during a run of defeats that dates back to 2011.

Roberto De Zerbi's side did little to suggest that they could build upon their surprise midweek win at Atalanta, rarely troubling a Juventus defence that remained impressively resolute throughout.

The result marked the first time in their history that Palermo have lost their first three home games of the season and leaves them languishing in the lower reaches of the table.

The Turin side, meanwhile, will head into Tuesday's Champions League clash against Dynamo Zagreb in confident mood after a commanding display at the atmospheric Stadio Renzo Barbera.

Juventus wasted no time in making their attacking intentions clear, Higuain firing over after being picked out by Pjanic with just 12 seconds on the clock.

Three yellow cards then followed in quick succession, with Goldaniga and Juventus duo Leonardo Bonucci and Mandzukic all going into the book as the contest became increasingly fractious.

The league leaders continued to look the more likely as the half wore on, with Pjanic their main creative force.

It was his corner that picked out the unmarked Mandzukic who headed wastefully over after 12 minutes and the Bosnian midfielder also supplied the long ball that sent Higuain in on goal, only for home goalkeeper Josip Posavec to snuff out the danger by diving bravely at the striker's feet.

Posavec was again called into action in the 33rd minute, this time palming away Mario Lemina's angled strike, and he was also equal to Pjanic's weakly struck shot on the stroke of half-time.

In contrast to the visitors, Palermo struggled to find any attacking fluency, with Haitam Aleesami driving their only meaningful effort of the first half straight at Gianluigi Buffon.

Juventus started the second half as brightly as they had the first and hit the front after 49 minutes, albeit in fortuitous circumstances.

Posavec looked to have Alves' speculative long-range strike well covered until it struck the luckless Goldaniga and flew into the opposite corner of the net.

The hosts struggled to muster much in terms a response to that setback and in fact could have fallen further behind just after the hour-mark when Posavec was forced to tip over a thumping volley from Mandzukic.

And three minutes later the two Croatians went head-to-head again with the same result as Posavec pulled off another fine save to prevent his compatriot from making the game safe for his side.

Palermo did mount some concerted pressure in the final quarter, but failed to seriously trouble Buffon as the visitors secured their fifth league win of the season.

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

Socrates · September 25, 2016

PALERMO - JUVENTUS

0-1-

Edoardo Goldaniga (own goal) 49'

MATCHDAY 6
Saturday, September 24th, 2016 - 6:00 PM
Renzo Barbera Stadium, Palermo
Referee: Paolo Valeri

Juventus scrape victory in Palermo

A thoroughly unconvincing Juventus earned the 1-0 win away to Palermo thanks

only to a deflected Dani Alves effort, as tactical experiments did not pay off.

http://www.football-italia.net/SerieA/match/87883