JUVENTUS SEASON 2016-2017

A 49th-minute own goal from Edoardo Goldaniga ultimately proved the difference between the two sides at the Stadio Renzo Barbera, although the visitors did miss a string of chances to make the scoreline more convincing.

And Allegri was more than happy to secure a second win in four days following the 4-0 midweek victory over Cagliari.

"We'll take the points and bring them home," he said.

"When you win 1-0 it means that you suffer, but you have to consider that winning here is not easy because they [Palermo] are a tough team.

gonzalo-higuain-mario-mandzukic-palermo-

gonzalez-higuain-palermo-juventus-serie-

"We have to make fewer mistakes and from a technical point of view, we were not good and made too many misplaced passes. But I repeat that the important thing was to get the three points."

With Paulo Dybala dropped for the first time this season, Mario Mandzukic was paired up front alongside record signing Gonzalo Higuain.

But despite the fact the duo rarely linked up effectively and missed several chances apiece, Allegri claimed to be happy with his selection decision.

"It was the first time really for the two strikers together and they didn't combine, but then that is not in their characteristics," he said.

"They did well to sacrifice themselves and help out in defence and in my view, they played well.

"Considering what I asked of them, they did well and we created some chances thanks to them."

The result cemented Juventus' position at the top of Serie A, while Palermo continue to hover precariously above the relegation zone.

Roberto De Zerbi's men face a trip to Sampdoria next weekend, while Juventus have a midweek Champions League date at Dinamo Zagreb to look forward to ahead of a league visit to struggling Empoli.

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 maintain Serie A lead with defeat

of Palermo; Napoli back on track

http://www.espnfc.co.uk/italian-serie-a/story/2958504/serie-a-juventus-

maintain-serie-a-lead-with-defeat-of-palermo-napoli-back-on-track

Sep 25, 2015

Juventus needed an unfortunate Edoardo Goldaniga own goal to squeeze past Palermo 1-0 and preserve their Serie A lead.

The reigning champions replaced Napoli as the early season leaders with a 4-0 midweek thrashing of Cagliari but found Palermo goalkeeper Josip Posavec a largely immovable object at La Favorita.

Centre-back Goldaniga tried to do the under-siege stopper a favour in the 49th minute, yet Dani Alves' attempt ending up in the back of the net as a result of his intervention.

Massimiliano Allegri's men reach the 15-point mark after six games while Palermo are down in 16th.

Marek Hamsik scored his 100th goal for Napoli as the Serie A title challengers beat Chievo 2-0.

After Manolo Gabbiadini got the ball rolling at the San Paolo, Slovakian schemer Hamsik hit a major career landmark to rubber-stamp the three points, which keep Napoli in touch with leaders Juventus.

Maurizio Sarri's men failure to score in a game for the first time this season, in the goalless draw with Genoa, had allowed Juve to take advantage and reach top spot with a midweek thrashing of Cagliari.

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

Allegri defends his Juve experiments

Manager’s post-match comments

h ttp://www.blackwhitereadallover.com/2016/9/25/13043040/allegri-

defends-his-juve-experiments-juventus-palermo-post-match-comments

Sep 25, 2015

Juventus manager Massimiliano Allegri was relieved to pick up the three points from a trip to Palermo.

"We'll take the points and bring them home.

"When you win 1-0 it means that you suffer, but you have to consider that winning here is not easy because they [Palermo] are a tough team.

"We have to make fewer mistakes and from a technical point of view, we were not good and made too many misplaced passes. But I repeat that the important thing was to get the three points."

He defended his choice to rest Paulo Dybala, and play Gonzalo Higuain next to Mario Mandzukic.

"It was the first time really for the two strikers together and they didn't combine, but then that is not in their characteristics.

"They did well to sacrifice themselves and help out in defence and in my view, they played well.

"Considering what I asked of them, they did well and we created some chances thanks to them."

Allegri also updated the status of injured players Daniele Rugani and Kwadwo Asamoah -

“Asamoah we’ll have to see, as he was on the stretcher, but Rugani was walking and we hope it’s nothing much.

“We have to score against Dinamo Zagreb, as we did everything right against Sevilla except put the ball in the net.”

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

Dani Alves helps inaccurate, lethargic

Juventus sneak past Palermo

http://www.espnfc.co.uk/club/juventus/111/blog/post/2958738/

dani-alves-helps-inaccurate-lethargic-juventus-sneak-past-palermo

Sep 25, 2015

Boasting a multimillion dollar squad, one imagined Juventus would simply thrash most of their opponents in Serie A.

Instead, they were lucky to grab a 1-0 victory against a Palermo side that possessed a clear game plan and the courage to attack Juve's many weaknesses on Saturday.

Inaccurate, lethargic and bereft of ideas, Juventus struggled to play with sophistication and surrendered to clumsy play, losing possession constantly. Cursed with injuries, the Bianconeri held on to seal all three points, but questions will be asked of a coach who is yet to achieve fluidity and balance.

Positives

Despite Palermo's excellent game plan and desire to go forward, they were firmly closed down and blocked off by a tough Juve defence.

Solid and concentrated, Leonardo Bonucci and Andrea Barzagli can always be depended on, while Daniele Rugani is improving and starting to show great character. With the wing-backs helping out and always ready to burst forward to contribute to the attack, Max Allegri will be proud no silly errors were made or terrible goals conceded.

Negatives

Considering the quality within the side, Juventus must play with more precision and accuracy.

While the players have proved good at winning the ball back, they surrender it rather cheaply on many occasions, allowing the opponent to mount dangerous attacks and pressure the backline.

Against the better sides, Juventus will be soundly beaten, unless they prove more careful in possession, maintain composure and make better choices going forward.

Manager rating out of 10

5 -- Will Marko Pjaca ever play? Was it really necessary to play two forwards who made similar movements but were essentially forced to sacrifice?

If technical play is the aim, should Allegri not include more creative and technical players to ensure fluidity and better quality in key areas of the pitch?

The coach might still be experimenting, changing to a 4-3-3 formation due to Rugani's injury, but his choices in personnel are bizarre. Juve were inaccurate with their passes and poor on a technical level; there was simply too little evidence of a genuine game plan.

Player ratings (1-10; 10=best; players introduced after 70 minutes get no rating):

GK Gianluigi Buffon, 6 -- Concentrated and alert, he can always be counted upon.

DF Alex Sandro, 6 -- Never anything but determined, he's always at the right place at the right time. Less wonderful than usual going forward.

DF Daniele Rugani, 6 -- Was forced off injured early in the game but until then, he was dedicated and concentrated.

DF Leonardo Bonucci, 6 -- Too aggressive at times but provided solidity at the back.

DF Andrea Barzagli, 6 -- Precise and composed, the player's greatest quality lies in how well he reads the game.

DF Dani Alves, 7 -- Perhaps the only one on the pitch with the mentality of a champion. Never gave up. Insistent upon dominating the right lane, he struck at goal to force the chance. More than that, Alves created the opportunities and recovered possession more than any other player.

MF Sami Khedira, 6 -- Not his usual remarkable self, Khedira looked tired and less eager to make the timely runs forward. Still capable of a perfect moment or two.

MF Mario Lemina, 5 -- Remarkable when he is fighting for possession or disrupting Palermo's rhythm; terrible when asked to play as the director of the midfield. Too often guilty of making the wrong choice and of losing possession cheaply after working so hard to regain it.

MF Miralem Pjanic, 5 -- Very hot and cold. Good against Cagliari but less so against Palermo. Needs to show more desire, to create the sophisticated patterns of play Juventus need. At the moment, he's nothing more than mediocre, failing to provide the ideas that unlock a defence.

FW Gonzalo Higuain, 6 -- Not the ideal game for the forward who enjoys pace or creativity alongside him. Could not combine with Mandzukic but at least impressed when tasked with taking on a player.

FW Mario Mandzukic, 6 -- Can never be accused of not working for the team. Demonstrated his physicality, strength and desire to play for the side. Good in the air.

Substitutes

FW Juan Cuadrado, 6 -- Actively pursued all avenues forward. Alert and determined but suffered against his man in the defensive side of the game.

MF Kwadwo Asamoah, 5 -- Wasn't in tune with the style of play. Looked lost on occasion and sadly suffered an injury.

DF Giorgio Chiellini, N/A -- Not on long enough to make a difference.

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 vs. Palermo 2016: Final score 1-0,

Battling Bianconeri secure difficult victory

The Bianconeri took all three points after a labored, physical game at the Renzo Barbera stadium.

http://www.blackwhitereadallover.com/2016/9/25/13043920/

juventus-palermo-2016-serie-a-round-6-final-score-recap-result

Sep 25, 2015

Juventus travelled to hot and humid Sicily to face Palermo to continue a busy month of football in September. With midweek Serie A and Champions League games piling up, it was another opportunity to (slightly) rotate the squad ahead of an important trip to Zagreb on Tuesday.

Juventus immediately stated their intentions from the first minute. Gonzalo Higuaín took a low cross by Alex Sandro into his stride, but couldn’t quite steady himself as he blazed the finish over the goal. It was an early warning sign that, unfortunately, would be a fluke rather than a constant during the match. The true portrayal of the game would come swiftly, though: Leonardo Bonucci received a yellow card after a wayward Dani Alves pass forced him into a cynical shirt pull on ~~the extremely irritating, annoying, and pesky~~ Alessandro Diamanti. It was the story of the first half as the flurry of yellow cards commenced: Edoardo Goldaniga, Mario Mandzukic, Giancarlo Gonzalez, Dani Alves, and Haitam Aleesami were all booked in an ugly 45 minutes of football.

Nevertheless, there was some action to cheer for, as Mandzukic rose high to power a header narrowly over the bar from an inch-perfect Miralem Pjanic corner. Soon after it was Higuaín’s turn to have a sight on goal but the young Josip Posevac was quick off his line to deny the Argentine striker. There was more action on the pitch quickly afterwards, although not the type we wanted to see. Daniele Rugani seemed to land awkwardly on his knee after battling for the ball with Norbert Balogh and had to be replaced by second-time debutant Juan Cuadrado. This meant a reshuffle of the Juventus formation into a lopsided 4-4-2 that sometimes seemed like a quasi 3-5-2 as well. Nevertheless, Cuadrado and Alves patrolled the right side of the pitch while Sandro and (occasionally) Pjanic took charge of the opposite side.

US Citta di Palermo v Juventus FC - Serie A

The biggest chance of the half came courtesy of a curled Lemina strike that forced Posevac into a wonderful save after Juventus had won possession in the middle of the pitch and broken away dangerously. Mind you, Mandzukic and Cuadrado were livid with the Gabonese midfielder for not squaring the ball for the easy tap-in. From the corner, Cuadrado managed to sting Posevac’s gloves with a low drive, although it was an easy save for the impressive Palermo goalkeeper. A brilliant long ball by Lemina then caused confusion in the Palermo defense which Higuaín nearly pounced on but, with the goalkeeper off his line and the goal at his mercy, Pjanic tamely chipped the loose ball right into the grateful hands of Posevac. Referee Paolo Valeri then blew his whistle to end a terribly feisty, ugly, and heated half of football.

The second half started in far more optimistic fashion as, right off the bat, we had the breakthrough. Dani Alves had once again drifted centrally and now tried his luck with an ambitious strike from distance. It seemed to be harmlessly going into Posevac’s hands until~~Alessandro Del Piero~~ Edoardo Goldaniga guided the ball into the net with a magical backheel to leave the keeper stranded. An extraordinary piece of skill by the Palermo defender to put the Bianconeri in the lead!

The goal did wonders for Juventus as the game finally calmed down and allowed them to control the game without all the disruptive fouling/bookings. The slower pace of the game helped the league leaders fashion a chance or two as well. Alves whipped in a pacey cross which Higuaín knocked down for his partner Mandzukic, who consequently forced Posevac (bloody hell, how often have I mentioned his name already?) into a brilliant save off the volley. The Croatian striker was again frustrated soon after as Khedira laid the ball on a platter for him, but he failed to convert the chance as he unconvincingly struck the ball straight at the keeper. Mandzukic finally had the ball in the back of the net after guiding it into the far corner from an excellent Alves free-kick delivery, but his celebrations were short-lived as he was correctly flagged offside.

Allegri threw on Giorgio Chiellini and Kwadwo Asamoah for Alves and Pjanic, respectively, to close out the game, yet his team ended the game with 10 men as Asamoah limped off the pitch with a knee injury. This numerical disadvantage was strongly felt in the final five minutes as Palermo piled on the pressure and threw men forward but despite a few half chances and nervy moments at the death, the Bianconeri managed to secure an extremely ugly but valuable 1-0 victory at the Renzo Barbera.

Pagelle

BUFFON 6 – Had one poor clearance in the second half, but for the rest played excellently as he dealt with the occasional low/high cross by the Palermo wingbacks.

BARZAGLI 6.5 – Tidy performance by the ol’ Maestro, had a few great tackles as well.

BONUCCI 6.5 – I won’t punish him for the yellow card because it was really Alves’ fault for the poor pass. Played very well and didn’t put a foot wrong all game.

RUGANI N/A – Went off with injury after only 30 minutes.

DANI ALVES 7 – He’s really a fascinating chap (discussed further below). Played well and linked up frequently with his teammates. Seems to be bedding in with the team and getting to know the system better with each passing game.

Alves was linking up with everyone all over the place

KHEDIRA 6.5 – Quiet performance by the German, but carried out his tasks very well and without fuss. Should have gotten an assist if only Mandzukic had buried that chance.

PJANIC 5.5 – Very disappointing game. Invisible in the first half and sloppy in the second.

LEMINA 6 – Bit of a back-and-forth game for him. Managed to mix excellent interceptions with very sloppy turnovers. His range of passing is still just not quite enough for me, though…

ALEX SANDRO 7 – Once again a very good performance by the Brazilian, who has had an extremely good month of September. Was not as involved offensively though, but fulfilled his duties excellently.

HIGUAÍN 7 – A busy performance by the Argentine as he showed us a different side to him this game. He worked incredibly hard defensively, effectively playing the Mandzukic-role of disruptor/harasser, and contributed quite well offensively as well

MANDZUKIC 5.5 – Very frustrating first half, but picked it up in the second half. Couldn’t really adapt to a double prima-punta system.

Subs

CUADRADO 6 – Defended admirably and very aggressively, which was nice to see. His link-up with Alves looked very slick as well. His final ball remains perpetually frustrating and disappointing, though.

ASAMOAH N/A – Injured after a few minutes.

CHIELLINI N/A – Played for five minutes.

Manager

ALLEGRI 6.5 – The double prima-punta system seemed to make the team too static although his use of Alves centrally is an interesting tactical experiment.

Tactical Musings: Going Undercover

It was difficult to offer much of a tactical analysis in a game as scrappy and disruptive as this one. Nevertheless, the tactical theme of the game was Dani Alves’ interesting movement. Kaushik discussed it excellently in the recap of the Cagliari game, so I’ll keep it short in order to not repeat too much. It was interesting to see that his central drift now resulted in a goal after he rifled in a shot from a central-right position. I wonder about two things with this, though: Is this going to be a permanent feature to his game and are we going to be more vulnerable down that side for counters because Alves will be out of position?

Alves underlapping Rugani here (both circled)

It’s very interesting to see Allegri be open to such a curious tactical nuance and I wonder how much he discussed this with Alves in training. As many of you discussed in the comments of the Cagliari review though, I’m sure Guardiola — and, by extension, Bielsa — had something to do with it…

Now we see Alves extremely high up the pitch, centrally, but not in a position to offer Rugani support in the case of a counter-attack

Take the above screenshot for instance. I wonder what happens if the opposition coach deploys width-heavy tactics and plays a winger that loves to hug the touchline (e.g. a Ribery or Ferreira-Carrasco) on Alves’s side of the pitch. Barcelona’s Copa Del Rey loss to Real Madrid in 2014 was a decent example of that, with Gareth Bale exploiting the space in behind Alves’ very successfully. All that said, it seems like it will be well worth keeping a keen eye on the flamboyant Brazilian during his Juventus career!

Fly me to the moon

Another nitty-gritty game that was an utterly dire affair to witness but, then again, winning these types of games wins championships. Something tells me though that the fans are desperately waiting for a big performance against a big team to really lift the spirits and fill us with optimism again. We’re waiting to be flown to the moon and beyond. Given that it’s only September, there’s thankfully more than enough time for that to happen, but I can’t help but fear that the restlessness among the fans could soon build to an unsustainable level…

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

Socrates · September 26, 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

3 points forward, three steps back…

Palermo 0-1 Juventus

http://www.juvefc.com/3-points-forward-three-steps-back-palermo-0-1-juventus/?

Sep 25, 2015

I pity those still labouring and suffering under the illusion of an Allegri of their own manufacture. Myself included! For I am prone to chide yet not castigate…as mentioned elsewhere of late; my angst and surprise is quickly assuaged, if not silenced, by the knowledge of Allegri formed in not only his first two seasons at the Juve helm, but before.

In short, he has a reputation for making a slow, sometimes haphazard start to the season. The reasons for this are up for debate. Perhaps he has never quite worked out a thorough pre-season conditioning or tactical plan for the ritiro, leaving the squad having to gather their rhythm both physically and mentally after the season has started, rather than before. Possibly Mister Max focuses more on the physical side with the aim of the hard work on the training ground early doors paying off smartly deeper into the season, the squad ideally peaking in fitness when all competitions become more serious, namely March and onwards.

Also worth mentioning are mitigating factors – at least in the last two season beginnings – for we suffered a horrendous injury crisis as the 15/16 campaign approached on the horizon, which whilst lessening further down the line, was a debilitating factor throughout our campaign. Add that to the departures of three world class players in Tevez, Pirlo and Vidal and the heroics performed by both Coach and the players deserves immense praise.

Many players were involved at the EUROs this summer just passed. Not only did this lessen (considerably in some cases) the rest and recovery time after a gruelling season but it also interfered with pre-season training. Allegri had to try substitute players with youth options in order to begin working on tactics, which is a tough task by any measure. By which I mean by example; he tried to integrate the new signings into our 3-5-2 system replacing Mandzukic with Cerri, Khedira with Kastanos etc.

And finally there are injuries to mention. Mandragora may well have been sent out on loan had he not fractured his bones, yet the fact remains he is the only natural DM in our squad, and with the failure to sign Witsel, he would surely have been considered for the senior squad. The mainstay in that role, Marchisio, remains on the road to recovery and could be nearing selection in late October. It remains to be seen how long it will take Il Principino to return to match sharpness after such a lengthy lay-off yet I have great faith in his strongest asset; namely his mentality.

Aside from Marchisio (who is capable, sometimes superb) and Rolando, both injured, we have no other natural DM in the squad. Which for me has been the major problem this season to date. Allegri had hoped that Pjanic or Lemina could play there. They can, but the Bosnian lacks the hustle and the Gabonese lacks the experience or composure. In fact, the only player who has looked comfortable in that integral part of the 3-5-2 has been Hernanes, and that was against a weak, even cowardly Cagliari who were focused on damage limitation from the first whistle.

As regular juvefc regular dar black recently outlined – the balance of the midfield is the major issue at present. I am unsure if it is the presence of Big Sami which causes most woe in the middle, for technically he is extremely gifted and his reading of the game is top drawer. My opinion is that dar black is spot on, and the lack of balance is down to the absence of a natural DM. More on such thoughts in due course…Suffice to say, after the midfield finally looked balanced mid-week, Allegri decided to once again change it.

We lined up not only with Manduzkic playing as a second striker but Lemina back in the DM role, after impressing in a more offensive Khedira role on Wednesday. Rugani came into the defence to offer Chiellini a break, just after the veteran had begun to look like he was gaining rhythm…In short, those who upped their game in the 4-0 drubbing of the Sardinians, were then benched or moved out of position. Other than Higuain, yet he had his strike partner removed and had we a natural CF in the squad other than Mandzukic (who was playing), no doubt he would have also been given a break…Higuain is gaining sharpness and fitness in spite of Allegri’s rotation policy.

The game began with the false dawn of Higuain snatching at a half volley on 10 seconds. After which proceedings plunged into biting fouls and the first signs of bad blood between the sides. Alves played a poor pass which forced Big Leo into taking a yellow for the side, yet the replay suggested very little contact was made. Soon after, former Juve player Goldaniga entered the book for a similar foul, before Mandzukic got up close and personal far too easily after a series of niggly fouls reached his heels; the Croatian earning a pointless yellow for his poor temperament.

Despite the fact that we were creating chances with Higuain mightily close to rounding the keeper after a gorgeous ball from Pjanic, Mandzukic missing a gilt edged chance in the air, and others finding themselves in decent positions in and around the box, the unsportsmanlike conduct of the home side was spoiling the game almost as much as our own ineptitude mainly in midfield.

Diamanti is a conniving ferret of a footballer, disgusting in his playacting, undignified in his eagerness to see other’s booked. And it was no surprise when a slight touch from Alves caused the italian veteran to collapse as if shot. Dani knew he has been done so took the card with a shake of the head and half smile. Soon after, Rugani found himself chasing the ball with Balogh, and as he reached the target and pushed it to safety he came off second best from the tackle. Down and clearly hurt, the Palermo player’s reaction was to demand a yellow. Absolutely appalling behaviour. Which was unfortunately common throughout the game from the sicilians. And clearly part of their tactics. Still, if it works and it is legal, why not eh?

Cuadrado came on to replace Rugani, who had been playing confidently and powerfully. About time we saw the Colombian who can prove a rather divisive figure in the juvefc community, with opinions on his value at best, rather varied.

The breakthrough – deserved on the balance of play and chances created – came not long after the restart. Alves smashing a speculative drive from range towards goal which took a wicked deflection of the heel of Goldaniga to wrong-foot the keeper. Hope sprang from the celebrations that we could go on and secure the 3 points, grab the game by the scruff of the neck and own it. Yet this wasn’t to be.

Palermo continued to push us back with 9/10 men behind the ball, aim for the counter to salvage a point and we grew less accurate in our passing. Asamoah did little to improve matters. Chances came for Manduzkic once again, who also had a goal ruled out for offside, and Higuain was unlucky late on. However, we failed to convert any of our opportunities, which coupled with our horridly unbalanced midfield led to a shaky final ten, with the home side pushing hard. It was a sigh of relief when the final whistle came, not because we were hanging on, but because the match was dire. The closest Palermo came to threatening was a handful of crosses which nobody got near. Other than which, they conned the ref, hacked us down and played extremely defensive. Which almost worked a treat.

Player Ratings

Buffon – One pearoller of a shot to save throughout. Could have brought a book to read. N/A

Bonucci – Still not quite himself, yet was barely involved as Palermo refused to attack. 6

Rugani – Looked lively, confident and eager to push up and make up the numbers in midfield. Such a shame for the injury. 7

Barzagli- As with Bonucci, barely noticed as barely required. 6

Sandro – An odd match for the player who for me has been our most consistent attacking threat this term alongside Dybala, for Alex was rarely to be found with the ball at his feet. Palermo made efforts down their left as we did down our right, with very little involvement of the opposite flank. Whether this was a tactical ploy from the home or away side I could not tell. Yet it was very much the shape of the game for the entirety of the match. 6

Slowly winning me over.

Alves – Scored his second in a week, cut inside and tried to make things happen, put some intelligent balls into the final third and was unlucky to see yellow when tricked by that curly haired fuck Diamanti. Still yet to convince he is as solid and dependable defensively as Lichstiner. Nonetheless a positive showing. 7.

Khedira – Hardly seen for the first 45 other than in brief glimpses in between the ocean of pink around him. Was more pro-active in the second period yet failed to impose himself. I am increasingly less keen on his CMR role combining with the movement (forward runs) of a second striker. I agree with Dar Black on this score, in that his inclusion pulls the midfield out of shape to leave gaps and frenzied defensive efforts to cover, even against hardly the greatest sides. A rethink is required. 5.5

Lemina – Inconsistent passing, poor positional play and failed to create much of value. He can look a decent player one moment and then play an atrocious pass the next. Nowhere near ready to play a steady role in a position as important to the side as DM. He lacks the reading of the game, the composure and the consistency. 5.5

Pjanic – Generally tidy on the ball and was useful from set pieces, and tested the keeper on a couple of occasions. However, he was unable to build on his fine performance mid-week. Still finding his place in our colours yet his quality is beginning to shine through more constantly. 6

Mandzukic – Zero connection with Higuain, had two great chances to score and another ruled offside. I wish we had kept Zaza and sold Mandzukic, for at least Simone offers power and menace. Mario cannot be expected to be super sharp as he has been playing second fiddle (and rightly so) to the Argentine arrival from Naples. However, he generally slows down the play, has never been prolific and will be forced to accept the bench more than the field as the season wears on. What is a concern is if Hugauin is injured we have no natural goal-scorer on the bench. Valiant effort, yet little end product. 6

Higuain – Buzzed around the field like a killer wasp desperate to sting. His fitness is returning swiftly, his one touch and link-up play is a joy to behold. Unlucky with several efforts on goal, yet again he is finding the spaces, forcing the keeper into decent saves. Lacking the service, especially in the second half, it was a bother to see him heading deep to find the ball as the rest of the side retreated into their shell to accept a scrappy 0-1 victory against one of the weakest sides in the league. He deserved better. 7

Cuadrado – Woeful. I had not missed him in the slightest. He beat no opponent, put us defensively in jeopardy on several occasions, halted the progress of the impressive Alves, produced a number of wretchedly lame passes and was guilty of poor decision making when finding himself in the box with the ball at his feet. This was a poor second debut. I will hold fire on too much despondency as he deserves the chance to work his way into top form, yet what is that top form? He really offered nothing of value in his hour on field, other than just the one recovery in defence. Other than which he was horrid to watch. Lacking invention, confidence, even the one element of his game hard to fault; acceleration and pace. Why the devil did we bring him back? 4

Asamoah – Given 20 minutes to blow some wind into our flagging sails, yet continued his cringeworthy form with poor distribution and worrying inability to make anything of note happen. And then the poor chap’s troublesome knee gave way, the source of his injury nightmares of the last season or so. I wish him well in his recovery but on the generally dire form he has shown since returning to the ranks, it may be safer for the team for him to be injured. 5

Reasons for bother

We were largely abject. Rarely stringing together more than a handful of passes other than at the back where we were rarely under any meaningful pressure. The midfield was disjointed with Lemina yet again failing to convince. Our quality came from individuals, nothing seemed fluid or cohesive in the moments when we found route to goal scoring opportunities.

Missing out on Witsel was the single biggest failure of the mercato and it continues to haunt us. For only Hernanes has shown any comfort in the role thus far this season.

The injury to Rugani leaves us short at the back for the Dinamo tie yet the youngster was walking once off and all reports point to something innocuous (UPDATE – The poor lad is out for 45 days with a ligament strain!). However it will be interesting to see what Allegri does mid-week. Set up the side for 3-5-2 and hope no defenders are injured? For we have no other fit CB in the european squad…Who can say eh? He might surprise us with a 4-4-2, yet that could mean Cuadrado plays, which is a worry as he was atrocious.

Khedira had a lifeless showing, give or take a couple of compelling bursts into the box.

Essentially we are terribly disorganized in the middle of the park and carrying too many players bang out of form.

Reasons to be cheerful

We kept our second clean sheet on the trot and remain top of the league.

Higuain is continuing to sharpen, run harder and faster and to connect with his new team-mates more fluidly.

We need to see some of this grinta return to the ranks. Sharply.

“We have to take the points and two consecutive clean sheets, but cannot think this was the real Juventus.”

“When we misplace as many passes as this, it doesn’t matter who is on the field, we are Juve players and cannot do that.” (Leo)

It is this lack of concentration and quality which feels horrid to endure and I am pleased the Bonucci relates. We are simply not playing as a Juve team should and I have not seen a team produce so many errors on simple passing, since the Del Neri/Ciro debacles, when we had a far weaker side, yet were comparably disjointed.

The defence is improving yet we still look a little wild at the back from crosses and corners. Still, two clean sheets on the trot is encouraging. Up top, Higuain and Dybala are in fine fettle. The flanks are well covered and vibrwnt, with Sandro, Alves and Lichsteiner all contributing at a high level. Clearly the problem is the midfield.

Although we played very well in patches against Sassuolo, when Lemina was in the DM role, I believe this was largely due to the opponents missing their key players and moreso that we took our chances. We were three up within 30 minutes due to some clinical finishing.

Against Cagliari we also scored early and were 3-0 before half time. The difference in that game was that the midfield appeared balanced throughout. Lemina was much improved in a more offensive role at RCM and Pjanic had space and time to focus on finding space in the pockets between midfield and attack and pick out some delightful passes. The man in the middle was Hernanes, who recycled the ball intelligently and swiftly, read the flow of the incoming attacks and affected the tempo of the game from deep. He was also reliable in the air, never found out of position and got forward late to drive at goal from range with aplomb.

Yes, it must assuredly be noted that Cagliari were fearful and lacking any sense of adventure. It must also be noted that this combination in midfield, in fact all over the first XI, felt the most balanced system deployed this campaign. We carried no-one.

Could Hernanes be the key to balancing the midfield?

I do not find any value in dropping Hernanes after perhaps his finest showing in our colours, let alone changing the midfield which worked so well.

More frustration will come and the season remains larval and still brimming with hope and expectation.

Other than the tactical chopping and changing, which precludes any momentum or blossoming of form, I cannot help but return to the words of last week, written after the Inter nightmare. I suggested, I believe, that at times it seemed like a disease was spreading through the squad. Players normally proficient at the basics and more, were misplacing passes, kicking the ball straight into touch or to our opponents for no obvious reason other than lack of focus, drive or belief. Remnants of this disease remain in the ranks, and must be removed hastily.

With a deep sigh I leave this alone and head off to watch Match of the Day, but not before adding some positivity to what is largely a cynical yet accurate report.

We are certain to improve. The season is young and nothing is won or lost in September. Given we are top of the league when playing generally disjointed, abject football riddled with individual errors, winning games on moments of individual brilliance or good fortune, try to imagine how well we could be playing when everything starts to fit into place…That is the only question we must be asking ourselves. Will it come right before anything is lost? The beginning of the answer to that question will be found on Tuesday evening in Croatia, then in France three weeks later.

Allegri can rightfully state that he would rather win whilst playing badly than to draw whilst playing well, for that is his job. And would I really be sulking in virtual ink if we had taken even one or two more of the myriad of real chances in front of goal conjured? Perhaps not. I simply see more missing than merely the conversion of the multiple openings we are making each game.

Forza Juve

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

Socrates · September 26, 2016

DINAMO ZAGREB - JUVENTUS

-

MATCHDAY 2
Tuesday, September 27th, 2016 - 08:45 PM

Stadion Maksimir, Zagreb

Referee: Manuel de Sousa (Portugal)

De Sousa ref for Dinamo-Juventus

http://www.football-italia.net/92006/da-sousa-ref-dinamo-juventus?

Sep 25, 2016

Portuguese referee Manuel De Sousa has been assigned to the Champions League game between Juventus and Dinamo Zagreb.

It kicks off on Tuesday at 20.45 CET - 19.45 UK time (18.45 GMT) at the Stadion Maksimir.

De Sousa will be supported by an all-Portuguese set of officials.

The 41-year-old has wielded the whistle in three games featuring Italian teams, leading to two draws and a defeat.

Lazio were held to a 0-0 Europa League draw at Apollon Limassol, the Italy Under-21 side drew 1-1 with Greece in 2008 and Torino were beaten 2-0 at Zenit in March 2015.

During that game, Marco Benassi saw red for a double yellow card after just 28 minutes.

http://www.goal.com/en/tables/uefa-champions-league/10?ICID=MP_TN_167

Socrates · September 26, 2016

DINAMO ZAGREB - JUVENTUS

-

MATCHDAY 2
Tuesday, September 27th, 2016 - 08:45 PM

Stadion Maksimir, Zagreb

Referee: Manuel de Sousa (Portugal)

I hope Dinamo Zagreb fans don't boo me, says Juve's Pjaca

The 21-year-old winger is preparing to come against his former club when the Serie A

champions take on the Croatian heavyweights in the Champions League on Tuesday.

http://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/2914/champions-league/2016/09/25/27866022/-?

Sep 25, 2016

Juventus winger Marko Pjaca is hoping for a warm reception when he faces former club Dinamo Zagreb in the Champions League on Tuesday.

The Serie A side travel to Croatia looking to secure their first win of the group stage following a 0-0 stalemate with Sevilla in their opening fixture in Group H.

Pjaca, 21, moved to Juve from Dinamo in the summer and has made a solid start to life in Turin, making five appearances in all competitions so far.

And the youngster has vowed not to celebrate if he finds the back of the net but hopes he will not get jeered by Dinamo supporters should he enter the field.

"I will never forget what Dinamo fans done for me in my last game (against Vardar),” Pjaca toldGoal.

marko-pjaca-golden-boy_y4alwmsr9u2d1x73h

“Of course I hope they will applaud me now too, although I am aware I am arriving in the 'wrong' jersey. I hope they don't boo me!

"If I score, I will not celebrate my goal."

Dinamo are looking to bounce back after suffering a 3-0 defeat at the hands of Lyon in their opening fixture in Europe's elite club competition.

And Pjaca has warned Juventus that Dinamo will “punish” them if they are not up to their best at Stadion Maksimir.

He added: "Dinamo are great young team who will punish us if we are not right. But of course we are favorites and I believe we will win.

“It will be special game for me, I am looking forward to it. It will be weird to play in Maksimir Stadium wearing another club's jersey, but that is football.

“I will shake hands with everyone at the club before the match and after, and I wish Dinamo all the luck, except in those two matches against Juve."

http://www.goal.com/en/tables/uefa-champions-league/10?ICID=MP_TN_167

Socrates · September 27, 2016

DINAMO ZAGREB - JUVENTUS

-

MATCHDAY 2
Tuesday, September 27th, 2016 - 08:45 PM

Stadion Maksimir, Zagreb

Referee: Manuel de Sousa (Portugal)

Miralem Pjanic: Juventus want and need to beat Dinamo Zagreb

http://www.espnfc.co.uk/preview?gameId=466239

Sep 26, 2016

Miralem Pjanic admits Juventus "need to win" away at Dinamo Zagreb if they are to finish top of their Champions League group.

The Bianconeri got their Group H campaign off and running with a 0-0 draw at home to Sevilla last month while Lyon beat Dinamo 3-0 in France to set the early pace.

Juve, who have won their last two games in Serie A, will fancy their chances against the Croatian champions on Tuesday, though, with Dinamo having failed to qualify from the group stage in all five previous attempts.

"We both want and need to win," said midfielder Pjanic, who joined the Turin club from Roma in the summer.

"We need to play well and impose our style of play on the match because it will be difficult, but our objective remains that of finishing top of the group."

A defeat to Inter in their fourth Serie A fixture of the season has been followed by wins over Cagliari and Palermo, but Pjanic has already turned his attention to the task at hand.

Speaking to the club's official website, the 26-year-old said: "This week we spoke about last weekend's disappointing loss at Inter.

"[Juventus manager Massimiliano] Allegri explained to us the areas we needed to work on and our reaction has yielded two victories. We're now focused on Dinamo Zagreb."

The Serie A champions will have to make do without Daniele Rugani and Kwadwo Asamoah after they were each ruled out for around six weeks with knee injuries following the 1-0 victory over Palermo on Saturday.

Dinamo interim coach Zeljko Sopic has already admitted the hosts will be looking to hit Juve on the break at Stadion Maksimir.

Sopic took the helm earlier this month after Zlatko Kranjcar resigned following three consecutive defeats.

"We will stand firm and we will wait for the chance to score following a counter-attack," Sopic said to the club's official website after picking up his first league win as boss against Lokomotiva Zagreb.

"I am really pleased with the fighting spirit and commitment and the most important thing was the three points."

http://www.goal.com/en/tables/uefa-champions-league/10?ICID=MP_TN_167

Socrates · September 27, 2016

DINAMO ZAGREB - JUVENTUS

-

MATCHDAY 2
Tuesday, September 27th, 2016 - 08:45 PM

Stadion Maksimir, Zagreb

Referee: Manuel de Sousa (Portugal)

Rossi: Juve lacking brilliance

http://www.football-italia.net/92064/rossi-juve-lacking-brilliance?

Sep 26, 2016

Juventus legend Paolo Rossi claims his former club are “lacking brilliance” after their run of unconvincing performances.

Juve failed to break down Sevilla in the Champions League opener, before losing 2-1 to Inter last weekend and needing an own goal to overcome Palermo, and Rossi feels his side have plenty of work to do if they are to realise the potential of their new-look team.

“It’s not so easy, neither can you automatically achieve everything,” the ex-Bianconeri striker told Radio Onda Libera

“On paper, they’re a notch above everyone else due to the potential of their squad.

“Juve have two quality teams, not just one. Now they must find balance.

“They lack brilliance. Even in the Champions League against Sevilla, they created several scoring chances but didn’t appear brilliant.”

Commenting on Juve’s three strikers Mario Manduzkic, Paulo Dybala and Gonzalo Higuain, however, Rossi added: “They are three very different strikers.

“Higuain remains an extraordinary finisher with his characteristics. You can’t discuss the attacking potential of the Bianconeri, especially Higuain.”

http://www.goal.com/en/tables/uefa-champions-league/10?ICID=MP_TN_167

Socrates · September 27, 2016

DINAMO ZAGREB - JUVENTUS

-

MATCHDAY 2
Tuesday, September 27th, 2016 - 08:45 PM

Stadion Maksimir, Zagreb

Referee: Manuel de Sousa (Portugal)

‘Juve in big trouble’

http://www.football-italia.net/92056/‘juve-big-trouble’

Sep 26, 2016

Former Juventus player Massimo Mauro says it is hard to see the Old Lady becoming a great team on current form.

The Italian champions are once again top of Serie A after six matches played, but Max Alllegri’s team have been criticised for their recent performances.

As well as a disappointing goalless home draw with Sevilla in the Champions League, the Old Lady suffered a surprising defeat to rivals Inter last week before appearing out of sorts in the narrow 1-0 win over Palermo.

“I see them in big trouble,” Mauro admitted told QS. “They have a great set of players but it is hard to see them becoming a great team.

“Against Cagliari and Fiorentina we saw a very interesting Juve but the steps back taken against Sevilla, Inter and Palermo are clear.

“Having a squad of champions is crucial but it isn’t enough. The Bianconeri still need to find a balance in midfield and, more than anything, a clear identity.

“The only positive [against Palermo] was the defensive solidity and the ability to kill the game when they were ahead.”

The 54-year-old does not believe Juve will be able to fulfil their European ambitions if they do not raise the standard of their recent displays.

“If you play like that in Palermo it is fine, but it isn’t enough in Europe.”

http://www.goal.com/en/tables/uefa-champions-league/10?ICID=MP_TN_167

Socrates · September 27, 2016

DINAMO ZAGREB - JUVENTUS

-

MATCHDAY 2
Tuesday, September 27th, 2016 - 08:45 PM

Stadion Maksimir, Zagreb

Referee: Manuel de Sousa (Portugal)

‘Buffon the best ever’

h ttp://www.football-italia.net/92061/‘buffon-best-ever’

Sep 26, 2016

Dinamo Zagreb goalkeeper Adrian Semper believes Juventus counterpart Gigi Buffon is the greatest ever shot-stopper.

The two teams are preparing to face off in Tuesday’s Champions League encounter in the Croatian capital, with 18-year-old Semper clearly relishing the opportunity to face one of his idols.

“I believe that Buffon is the best goalkeeper ever, he is one of my idols,” the rookie said at a Press conference. “I will do all I can to give my best.

“We have sold 18,000 tickets and we are still selling. The east and west stands will be full.

“We are ready and we are prepared. We know we will be facing a great team but we have done our homework for the match.”

Dinamo Coach Zeljko Sopic was also present at the media briefing and called for his team not to be overwhelemed by their underdog status.

“We are aware of the strength of the opposition but we will not fear the opponent.”

http://www.goal.com/en/tables/uefa-champions-league/10?ICID=MP_TN_167

Socrates · September 27, 2016

Rossi: Napoli Juve’s only rivals

http://www.football-italia.net/92065/rossi-napoli-juve’s-only-rivals?

Sep 26, 2015

Paolo Rossi believes Napoli are Juventus’ only rivals for the Scudetto this season as Sassuolo and Chievo deserve success for their ability to utilise resources.

Juve lead Napoli by a single point at the Serie A summit after six games, and while their only defeat thus far came to Inter in the Derby d’Italia, Rossi is writing off the Nerazzuri and their ilk, leaving the Partenopei as the Old Lady’s biggest threat to the title.

“Napoli are the only team that can compete with Juventus,” the 1982 World Cup winner told Radio Onda Libera.

“They play really good football, so my congratulations go to Sarri who’s a good Coach. They’ve not suffered from the departure of Higuain.”

Rossi was also asked about his surprise packages for the campaign.

“Sassuolo are an incredible story for what they’re doing, and they’re proof that you can play football at certain levels with a perfectly-organised club in a town of 50,000 inhabitants,’ he added.

“They’ve used their resources very well and the team respond on the pitch.

“Chievo are also a very good and well-established club that take into account their very limited fan base.”

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

Socrates · September 27, 2016

DINAMO ZAGREB - JUVENTUS

-

MATCHDAY 2
Tuesday, September 27th, 2016 - 08:45 PM

Stadion Maksimir, Zagreb

Referee: Manuel de Sousa (Portugal)

Dinamo Zagreb v Juventus Betting: A tight encounter looks likely

The Serie A side are red-hot favourites to take all three points from this Champions League

clash but our tipster is anticipating a low-scoring tussle in the Croatian capital.

http://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/2995/betting/2016/09/26/27899412/-?

Sep 26, 2016

Italian champions Juventus continue their Champions League campaign with a trip to take on Dinamo Zagreb in Group H.

Massimiliano Allegri’s side were left frustrated after being held to a goalless draw on home soil in their curtain-raising fixture in this competition against Sevilla and the Serie A leaders will be determined to kickstart their campaign by taking all three points here.

Zeljko Sopic’s side claimed a sensational win against Arsenal in their opening group game last season, but that was as good as it got for the Croatian champions, for Dinamo’s dreams of reaching the knockout stages of the competition were dashed by five consecutive defeats after that at the group stage.

lyon-vs-zagreb_ojxzh9co28b1tewmq6rbg763.

A thumping 3-0 defeat against Lyon last time out suggests that Dinamo will have their work cut out if they are to reach the last 16 of this competition this term as well, and the chunky 12/1 (13.0) quote on offer from the odds compilers for a home win is indicative of the enormity of the task facing the Croatian outfit in this tie.

Juventus are as short as 1/4 (1.25) with bet365 to pick up all three points from this match, while the same firm go 9/2 (5.50) that they are forced to settle for a share of the spoils for a second successive time in this competition.

Allegri’s men are red-hot favourites to claim victory but Juventus have won just one of their last seven Champions League ties, while they have failed to win 11 of their last 14 matches away from home in this competition.

gfx-fact-dinamo-zagreb-v-juventus_1u5bz1

That is a record that the Old Lady will be determined to put behind them when they travel to the Croatian capital but backing a low-scoring contest may well provide punters with a path to profit.

There has been fewer than three goals scored in eight of Juventus’ last 11 Champions League ties on the road, while following that trend would have paid dividends in seven of Dinamo’s last nine group stage games on home soil in this competition.

As such, punters are encouraged to snap up the juicy 6/5 (2.20) quote offered up by bet365 for fewer than three goals to be scored when these two teams lock horns in this crucial Champions League clash.

http://www.goal.com/en/tables/uefa-champions-league/10?ICID=MP_TN_167

Socrates · September 27, 2016

DINAMO ZAGREB - JUVENTUS

-

MATCHDAY 2
Tuesday, September 27th, 2016 - 08:45 PM

Stadion Maksimir, Zagreb

Referee: Manuel de Sousa (Portugal)

Juve quartet miss Dinamo trip

http://www.football-italia.net/92067/juve-quartet-miss-dinamo-trip?

Sep 26, 2016

Juventus will be without Medhi Benatia, Claudio Marchisio, Kwadwo Asamoah and Daniele Rugani for their Champions League trip to Dinamo Zagreb on Tuesday.

Benatia and Marchisio remain sidelined with thigh and knee ligament injuries respectively, while Rugani and Asamoah suffered sprained knees at Palermo over the weekend.

The match in Zagreb marks a return to Dinamo for Marko Pjaca and Mario Mandzukic, both of whom previously played for the Croatian giants.

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

http://www.goal.com/en/tables/uefa-champions-league/10?ICID=MP_TN_167

Socrates · September 27, 2016

DINAMO ZAGREB - JUVENTUS

-

MATCHDAY 2
Tuesday, September 27th, 2016 - 08:45 PM

Stadion Maksimir, Zagreb

Referee: Manuel de Sousa (Portugal)

Dinamo Zagreb v Juventus – Champions League Match Preview

http://www.juvefc.com/dinamo-v-juventus-match-preview/?

Sep 26, 2016

Juventus

Its hard to gain an accurate reading of this seasons Juventus – They seem to flip between moments of great brilliance, moving the ball fast, countering with lightning pace and intelligent passing….to moments of drab and dreary football, trudging slowly up the pitch, camping out in the opponents half, laboriously passing the ball left and right before inevitably conceding possession or wasting a perfectly good chance by firing the ball over the bar or straight at the keeper (See last weekends 1-0 victory over Palermo). It can be infuriating to watch.

Something isn’t right, and it’s debatable what that ‘something’ is. I’ve read comments on social media where people are all too quick to call-out certain players for their mediocre performances while others urge caution and insist that in time, this team will come together to devastating effect. I’m inclined to agree with the latter – All the component parts are there for this Juve to be a serious force both domestically and in Europe….it remains to be seen if Allegri can get them all working to their absolute best.

Obvious problems lie in midfield – The alternating trio of Lemina, Pjanic, Khedira and Asmoah simply doesn’t look up to the task. That’s not to fault their efforts so far, because at times, they have shown some real spark and industry, but in those same games, we often lack urgency, making heavy and hard work of creating chances for the forwards.

Injuries haven’t helped our cause, nor has the failure of the management to invest in another central/defensive midfielder….but this is something we simply can’t dwell on. It’ll either be fixed at Christmas or we’ll wait until next summer. My sincere hope is that we agree a quick deal with Zenit and add Axel Witsel to our ranks in the winter break. Granted, he’s untried in Serie A, but he’s eager to play for us and eligible to play in the Champions League – Both are huge positives.

Having a quick browse of the headlines in Italy this morning, the general theme seems to be the same – Various pundits and assorted former legends of the game casting a critical eye on the current Juve lineup. Understandable, given that performances haven’t quite matched up to expectation…..but I have faith in Allegri and in the team. If they are to prove their credentials in Europe, it has to start with this game. Given Juve were favourites for the Champions League this year, you can get a decent return on them and it’s worth checking promo coupons for the latest match odds. There simply cannot be any excuses in a game like this and only 3 points and a confident victory will suffice. It might be harsh to expect both so early in the season, but the truth is, even with the European competition in the summer and a string of injuries, we should have been better prepared.

Medhi Benatia is out, as are Kwadwo Asamoah and Daniele Rugani, both picking up injuries in the Palermo match that could see them out for over a month each. They join Claudio Marchisio and Rolando Mandragora on the sidelines, leaving us lacking any cover in defence and limited options in midfield. That said, we can still use an almost full strength starting XI against Dinamo tomorrow.

Gigi was largely untroubled against Dinamo and he’ll start in goal. The defence is a worry and my initial thinking was a lack of cover there might force Allegri into a back 4, but I was being optimistic. According to GdS and Sky, the 3-5-2 remains intact, meaning Leonard Bonucci, Andrea Barzagli and Giorgio Chiellini at the back and Dani Alves and Alex Sandro playing in the wing-back positions. In midfield, I think Hernanes might get the nod with Miralem Pjanic and Sami Khedira flanking him on either side. Up front, it can only be Paulo Dybala and Gonzalo Higuain.

Probable lineup:

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

Injuries:

Marchisio (knee), Benatia (hamstring), Mandragora (foot), Asamoah (knee), Rugani (knee)

Suspensions:

None.

dinamo

Dinamo Zagreb

I’ll be the first to admit, i know precious little about Zagreb. What little i do know, I’ve gleaned from various blogs and websites. It seems the boys from Zagreb have had a tough month – They went through much of the year in great form, losing only one league game in March against Hajduk Split, winning and drawing the remainder from February to August. An impressive run, but things started to fall apart in September. A home loss to Osijek was swiftly followed by a 3-0 loss to Lyon in their first Champions League game and rounded off with a humiliating 5-2 defeat to Rijeka. Following the defeat, coach Zlatko Kranjčar left the club, handing over the reigns to caretaker coach Željko Sopić. Results have improved in recent weeks with a solid 5-0 cup victory over Veli and a positive 1-0 victory over Lokomotiva in the league.

Croatian national paper Daily Sportske novosti suggests that injuries might hamper Dinamo in this game – They have a big problem at right back with Petar Stojanovič and Alexandru Matel injured. Captain Domagoj Antolić is not 100% fit yet and is doubtful for the match. Local journalists have suggested that Dinamo still don’t look at their best and the coach is likely to use a defensive 4-3-1-2 formation which will aim to sit back and soak up Juventus pressure.

Probable lineup:

4-3-1-2: Semper; Stojanoic, Benkovic, Schildenfeld, Pivaric; Machado, Jonas, Pavinic; Coric; Soudani, Fernandes

Formation

008dinamo

http://www.goal.com/en/tables/uefa-champions-league/10?ICID=MP_TN_167

Socrates · September 27, 2016

DINAMO ZAGREB - JUVENTUS

-

MATCHDAY 2
Tuesday, September 27th, 2016 - 08:45 PM

Stadion Maksimir, Zagreb

Referee: Manuel de Sousa (Portugal)

Chiellini: ‘Dinamo are dangerous’

http://www.football-italia.net/92078/chiellini-‘dinamo-are-dangerous’

Sep 26, 2016

Giorgio Chiellini warns Juventus can’t afford to take Dinamo Zagreb lightly, citing Roma’s Champions League campaign last season.

The Giallorossi went 3-0 down to BATE Borisov last year, eventually losing 3-2, and though they qualified from the group, the defender wants his teammates to heed the lessons.

“It reminds me a lot of last year’s Champions League, with BATE Borisov-Roma,” Chiellini cautioned in the pre-match Press conference.

“With all due respect, BATE are are well below Roma. They were then and they are now. These are difficult away games that, if you approach them in the right way, you can win and no-one remembers.

“If you approach them in the wrong way, they’re games where it can be as happened to Roma last year, and if you’re lucky you can draw at the end.

“You make things difficult for yourself, you expend enough energy for three games because chasing a game always takes more effort.

“Dinamo are definitely a technical and talented team. Everyone who, like me, who has a lot of experience knows that Champions League away games are always very difficult, so we expect this team which also has a lot of pace to cause us problems.

“We’re aware of that, but we definitely game here to win.

“I think this group is quite balanced, so it’s too early to be talking about a total needed to get through. We understand that after drawing at home [with Sevilla] it’s crucial to win.”

Medhi Benatia and Daniele Rugani are injured, could that see a switch to a back-four tomorrow?

“We’ve had the good fortune to be able to rest everyone over this period. There are two games to go until the international break, so it’s not something that there should be a lot of alarmism about, after the break almost everyone will be back.

“We’re open to anything, I saw on Saturday that this team can play with three, four or five. The numbers don’t count for much, in football it’s all relative. What counts is who is interpreting the roles.”

Finally, the centre-back was asked about criticism of the Old Lady’s approach so far this season.

“The team has to be more concrete, but that doesn’t mean neglecting beauty,” Chiellini explained.

“The result is always important, but in the short-term you can even play some worse games because there will always be those periods.

“In the long-term though, you have to improve in the games, but also in training every day, and that’s what leads to results in the end. We’re working in that direction.

“The most important thing though is that the squad brings the result home. That doesn’t mean we want to play badly and that we only care about the result though, the result comes as a function of your play in the long-term.”

http://www.goal.com/en/tables/uefa-champions-league/10?ICID=MP_TN_167

Socrates · September 27, 2016

DINAMO ZAGREB - JUVENTUS

-

MATCHDAY 2
Tuesday, September 27th, 2016 - 08:45 PM

Stadion Maksimir, Zagreb

Referee: Manuel de Sousa (Portugal)

Allegri: ‘Juventus have to win’

http://www.football-italia.net/92079/allegri-‘juventus-have-win’?

Sep 26, 2016

Massimiliano Allegri admits Juventus have to “take home three points” from Dinamo Zagreb tomorrow.

The Bianconeri drew their first match in this season’s Champions League, meaning they can’t afford any slip-ups in Croatia.

“Let’s take three points, then we’ll see [for the rest of the group],” Allegri said in his pre-match Press conference.

“We take it a game at a time. At the moment we don’t know how many points it’ll take to finish first and second, we just know we have a difficult match tomorrow because it’s always difficult to play in Europe, winning games away from home is never easy.

“We have to deal with tomorrow in the right way, and above all take home three points with our performance.

“Could Mario Mandzukic and Marko Pjaca start? I haven’t decided on the formation yet, but it’s not just the two players who played for Dinamo who could start tomorrow.

“Tomorrow’s choices will be made on conditioning first and foremost, as well as according to the match and those that will be on the bench will need to help out, because I’m sure they’ll be needed tomorrow as in all other games.

“Tomorrow is also the sixth game that we’ll have played in quick succession, and it’s normal that right now some might be a little bit tired, because a cycle like this usually happens once a year.

“It happened last year, where we were playing three or four games with two days between them.

“So tomorrow is match we have to face with great care and concentration, especially given the fact we have 95 minutes to take the win home.”

It has been suggested that Patrice Evra could come off the bench to slot into a back-three as the game progresses, but Allegri wouldn’t confirm the Frenchman’s role.

“Evra could be an alternative, but he could also play from the start, because Alex Sandro has played five of the last six games.

“It’s normal that Evra could play in the three at the back, in Giorgio [Chiellini]’s position because they’re both left-footed, or at least he could be one of two centre-backs.

“As for the midfield three, tomorrow we have Hernanes, [Sami] Khedira and [Miralem] Pjanic. Three midfielders, three names.”

http://www.goal.com/en/tables/uefa-champions-league/10?ICID=MP_TN_167

Socrates · September 27, 2016

DINAMO ZAGREB - JUVENTUS

-

MATCHDAY 2
Tuesday, September 27th, 2016 - 08:45 PM

Stadion Maksimir, Zagreb

Referee: Manuel de Sousa (Portugal)

Allegri: ‘Higuain will play’

http://www.football-italia.net/92080/allegri-‘higuain-will-play’?

Sep 26, 2016

Massimiliano Allegri confirms “Gonzalo Higuain will play tomorrow” and warns Juventus “can’t win every game 3-0”.

The Bianconeri face Dinamo Zagreb tomorrow, having drawn their first Champions League match of the season with Sevilla.

“Higuain will play tomorrow,” Allegri revealed in his pre-match Press conference.  “It’s normal that Higuain has different characteristics to [Mario] Mandzukic and we must learn how to know him, the lads who go onto the pitch must learn how to know him.

“Right now we have 15 points in the League after six games, we’ve played some games well and others less well.

“But the thing I want to say is that everyone has this illusion that Juventus must win every game 3-0. I think though that Juventus must get our feet back on the ground and be practical and solid.

“The fact is that to win games you have to work, sweat, toil and play well.

“But good play goes independent of whether you win or lose a game, even if you win by five you have to improve if you played badly.

“That’s the thing that bothers me most, because this illusion bring superficiality, and superficiality leads to errors.

“The proof is on Saturday in Palermo… The team definitely didn’t have a good game, but I know that, we all know that, the lads first and foremost.

“But last year in Palermo we won the match 3-0 where we scored two late goals in the 90th and 94th minute.

“The year before - and my memory doesn’t go back any further than that - we won 1-0 with [Alvaro] Morata scoring with 15 minutes to go.

“At the moment Juventus have won the matches Juventus had to win, and we have to return to being practical as we should be and not deluded.

“We shouldn’t be distracted by this notion that we have to win every game 3-0, because anyone who thinks that is deluding themselves. Football doesn’t work like that.

“In the end, the strongest team wins, and to win you have to be the strongest during a game, a League campaign or a season, you can’t think you’ll play seven games in a row and be perfect technically in all of them.

“I understand that there have been games - and I agree with you - that the team has played poorly, but there will be some games where the team plays less well, the games where you have to play what seems like two or three matches to win a game.”

Allegri said that Juve were set-up like Real Madrid and Bayern Munich, does he regret that now?

“Absolutely, I’ve never been deluded because I don’t live with illusions, I think I’m a very practical and pragmatic person.

“Then in the end it doesn’t matter what you think of yourself, but what you do. At the end of this season, on May 31, they’ll write who was first. Next year you won’t remember who came second, you’ll remember who won.

“Two years ago, in the Champions League final with Barcelona, it’s not like you remember ‘if Tevez had scored…’. Barcelona won. Done. Finished.

“In 10 years they’ll write ‘In 2014-15, Juventus won [Serie A], Juventus won the Coppa Italia'. What remains is who wins, so you have to be practical.

“I’m not delusional, I said I’m convinced that this squad is on the levels of those teams, but we can’t delude ourselves into thinking that we should win every match 3-0, because everyone struggles.

“Real Madrid struggle, Barcelona struggle. If we won every game 3-0 then it would be easy, but it’s not like that.

“So, if we get our feet back on the ground, in the sense that we know that to win you have to work as hard as normal in football, we can get to the end and win, or fight to win.

“But if we keep this delusion that we have to win every game 3-0, then every time we come off the pitch at half-time and it’s not 3-0 there will be disappointment and it’ll be like failure.

“That’s not to question what I said, by the way, that this squad is on the level of the top four teams in Europe.

“Who has been deluded? No, I mean in general. There’s a general atmosphere. It’s the same as last year’s speech, in fact last year we had 12 points after 10 games. It’s the same.

“I think in football you have to take things a step at a time. We’ll do that tomorrow, and we’ll work to try and dominate the game, trying to play well.

“To play well you have to improve every day, working on ourselves to improve.

“It’s normal that we have to detach ourselves from what is said, because maybe Juventus had a great transfer campaign, but a great transfer campaign doesn’t translate to winning every match 3-0.

“It’s that simple.”

http://www.goal.com/en/tables/uefa-champions-league/10?ICID=MP_TN_167

Socrates · September 27, 2016

DINAMO ZAGREB - JUVENTUS

-

MATCHDAY 2
Tuesday, September 27th, 2016 - 08:45 PM

Stadion Maksimir, Zagreb

Referee: Manuel de Sousa (Portugal)

Max Allegri gets benefit of the doubt,

but his Juve are underperforming again

http://www.espnfc.co.uk/club/juventus/111/blog/post/2959636/max-allegri

-gets-benefit-of-the-doubt-but-his-juve-are-underperforming-again

Sep 26, 2016

It must be acknowledged: Juventus are playing below expectations. Bereft of fluidity, creativity and a clear identity, Massimiliano Allegri may be blessed with great individuals, but he is struggling to create a great unit.

The injuries do not help, and in midfield Juve have suffered great losses in that Claudio Marchisio is hurt and Paul Pogba has departed for Manchester United. Their absences have left a void that Allegri has struggled to fill, to find the balance required to help release a beautiful attack.

Against Palermo, the Bianconeri played an unusually poor game. Many of the players looked tired, losing concentration swiftly while the team as a whole struggled to maintain possession and precision to implement a high-quality style of play.

Yet, as we have come to accept from Allegri sides, they rarely start a season well. While Juventus won many of their opening games in Allegri's first season in charge, the team received criticism for their hot and cold displays. Losing against Atletico Madrid and then Olympiakos in the following match, many wondered whether the Italian champions would accomplish anything in Europe. They eventually went on to reach the final of the competition.

In the next season, they managed the opposite. Their Champions League journey started with a bang, beating the expensively assembled Manchester City squad only to lose in Serie A, provokinghysterical headlines. Juventus looked to be in crisis.

This season, the Bianconeri are getting along, albeit playing at mediocre levels. There is no excitement and few displays of total dominance, yet points are being picked up, almost begrudgingly. While Allegri deserves criticism for some of his bizarre choices in personnel, he must also be granted the benefit of the doubt as usually his sides eventually find their rhythm.

Many changes have been made to the squad this season, and with the injuries piling up, there are fewer men available to raise the quality of play. Marko Pjaca must be granted more minutes as he is one of the few who can provide inspiration, but as Allegri did with Paulo Dybala and Alvaro Morata before him, he likes to integrate fresh faces in the team slowly. Not only is the Croatian capable of providing ideas, he's also exceptionally versatile.

Against Palermo and Inter, Juventus lacked technique and ingenuity, and perhaps the side would have benefitted from having another creator playing in the middle, a player capable of initiating interesting patterns of play when in possession.

At this moment, Miralem Pjanic is heavily depended upon and the Bosnian is not quite living up to expectations. While his debut proved magical, he must learn to take more of the initiative and play with character to warrant a start in the side. Mario Lemina is not suited to playing in the role of director as he struggles when he's in possession and has proved inexperienced when tasked with making the right decision. Played on the right, he has greater freedom to demonstrate his strength and acceleration.

Yet Juventus continue to win based on the quality of the individuals within the side who can force a favourable moment of two. Dani Alves has proved inspirational as he, alongside Alex Sandro, are relentless in their pursuit of a win and total domination. The defence that surrendered to unusual errors at the start of the season is settling in again, providing the security required to allow Juve to close out games with a win.

However, Serie A is one thing and Europe is another. Juventus will not be granted many opportunities to play with mediocrity and still count on a win. Dinamo Zagreb host them on Tuesday and while the Croatians are suffering from their own problems, having coach Zlatko Kranjcar walk out a week ago, they will be looking to right their wrongs.

Under the guidance of interim coach Zeljko Sopic, Zagreb will play a 4-3-1-2 formation, focusing on limiting Juventus defensively and taking the chances afforded to them. While the Italians boast superior talent and experience, they must play with confidence and concentration and work hard to secure a positive result to collect the necessary points in the Champions League.

It will not be easy as the hosts will be difficult to play against, bound to exploit their unpredictable tag. It is now that Allegri must begin to implement clear strategies, allowing Juventus to play with an identity that would guarantee more success.

http://www.goal.com/en/tables/uefa-champions-league/10?ICID=MP_TN_167

Socrates · September 27, 2016

DINAMO ZAGREB - JUVENTUS

-

MATCHDAY 2
Tuesday, September 27th, 2016 - 08:45 PM

Stadion Maksimir, Zagreb

Referee: Manuel de Sousa (Portugal)

Allegri: Three points a must tomorrow

Manager’s pre-match comments.

http://www.blackwhitereadallover.com/2016/9/26/13060680/allegri-

three-points-a-must-tomorrow-juventus-dinamo-zagreb-champions-league

Sep 26, 2016

Juventus have arrived in Croatia to take on Dinamo Zagreb tomorrow in their second Champions League Group H fixture. Their hosts tomorrow lost 3-0 away to Olympique Lyonnais who lead the group, while Juve drew 0-0 at home against Sevilla in the first round of games.

Manager Massimiliano Allegri addressed the press today in the lead up to the match tomorrow.

“Let’s take three points, then we’ll see [for the rest of the group].

“We take it one game at a time. At the moment we don’t know how many points it’ll take to finish first and second, we just know we have a difficult match tomorrow because it’s always difficult to play in Europe, winning games away from home is never easy.

“We have to deal with tomorrow in the right way, and above all take home three points with our performance.”

On who will be playing tomorrow -

“Could Mario Mandzukic and Marko Pjaca start? I haven’t decided on the formation yet, but it’s not just the two players who played for Dinamo who could start tomorrow.

“Tomorrow’s choices will be made on conditioning first and foremost, as well as according to the match and those that will be on the bench will need to help out, because I’m sure they’ll be needed tomorrow as in all other games.

“Tomorrow is also the sixth game that we’ll have played in quick succession, and it’s normal that right now some might be a little bit tired, because a cycle like this usually happens once a year.

“It happened last year, where we were playing three or four games with two days between them.

“So tomorrow is match we have to face with great care and concentration, especially given the fact we have 95 minutes to take the win home.”

If Patrice Evra would be an option for the defence -

“Evra could be an alternative, but he could also play from the start, because Alex Sandro has played five of the last six games.

“It’s normal that Evra could play in the three at the back, in Giorgio Chiellini’s position because they’re both left-footed, or at least he could be one of two centre-backs.

“As for the midfield three, tomorrow we have Hernanes, Sami Khedira and Miralem Pjanic. Three midfielders, three names.”

On the subject of star signing Gonzalo Higuain -

“Higuain will play tomorrow. It’s normal that Higuain has different characteristics to Mario Mandzukic and we must learn how to know him, the lads who go onto the pitch must learn how to know him.”

How has the club started in the Serie A according to him -

“Right now we have 15 points in the League after six games, we’ve played some games well and others less well.

“But the thing I want to say is that everyone has this illusion that Juventus must win every game 3-0. I think though that Juventus must get our feet back on the ground and be practical and solid.

“The fact is that to win games you have to work, sweat, toil and play well.

“But good play goes independent of whether you win or lose a game, even if you win by five you have to improve if you played badly.

“That’s the thing that bothers me most, because this illusion bring superficiality, and superficiality leads to errors.

“The proof is on Saturday in Palermo… The team definitely didn’t have a good game, but I know that, we all know that, the lads first and foremost.

“But last year in Palermo we won the match 3-0 where we scored two late goals in the 90th and 94th minute.

“The year before - and my memory doesn’t go back any further than that - we won 1-0 with Alvaro Morata scoring with 15 minutes to go.

“At the moment Juventus have won the matches Juventus had to win, and we have to return to being practical as we should be and not deluded.

“We shouldn’t be distracted by this notion that we have to win every game 3-0, because anyone who thinks that is deluding themselves. Football doesn’t work like that.

“In the end, the strongest team wins, and to win you have to be the strongest during a game, a League campaign or a season, you can’t think you’ll play seven games in a row and be perfect technically in all of them.

“I understand that there have been games - and I agree with you - that the team has played poorly, but there will be some games where the team plays less well, the games where you have to play what seems like two or three matches to win a game.”

Having said that Juve, Bayern Munich and Real Madrid were alike, did he have any regrets saying that?

“Absolutely, I’ve never been deluded because I don’t live with illusions, I think I’m a very practical and pragmatic person.

“Then in the end it doesn’t matter what you think of yourself, but what you do. At the end of this season, on May 31, they’ll write who was first. Next year you won’t remember who came second, you’ll remember who won.

“Two years ago, in the Champions League final with Barcelona, it’s not like you remember ‘if Tevez had scored…’. Barcelona won. Done. Finished.

“In 10 years they’ll write ‘In 2014-15, Juventus won [Serie A], Juventus won the Coppa Italia'. What remains is who wins, so you have to be practical.

“I’m not delusional, I said I’m convinced that this squad is on the levels of those teams, but we can’t delude ourselves into thinking that we should win every match 3-0, because everyone struggles.

“Real Madrid struggle, Barcelona struggle. If we won every game 3-0 then it would be easy, but it’s not like that.

“So, if we get our feet back on the ground, in the sense that we know that to win you have to work as hard as normal in football, we can get to the end and win, or fight to win.

“But if we keep this delusion that we have to win every game 3-0, then every time we come off the pitch at half-time and it’s not 3-0 there will be disappointment and it’ll be like failure.

“That’s not to question what I said, by the way, that this squad is on the level of the top four teams in Europe.

“Who has been deluded? No, I mean in general. There’s a general atmosphere. It’s the same as last year’s speech, in fact last year we had 12 points after 10 games. It’s the same.

“I think in football you have to take things a step at a time. We’ll do that tomorrow, and we’ll work to try and dominate the game, trying to play well.

“To play well you have to improve every day, working on ourselves to improve.

“It’s normal that we have to detach ourselves from what is said, because maybe Juventus had a great transfer campaign, but a great transfer campaign doesn’t translate to winning every match 3-0.

“It’s that simple.”

http://www.goal.com/en/tables/uefa-champions-league/10?ICID=MP_TN_167

Socrates · September 27, 2016

DINAMO ZAGREB - JUVENTUS

-

MATCHDAY 2
Tuesday, September 27th, 2016 - 08:45 PM

Stadion Maksimir, Zagreb

Referee: Manuel de Sousa (Portugal)

Pjaca: ‘Not easy at Dinamo’

http://www.football-italia.net/92096/pjaca-‘not-easy-dinamo’?

Sep 27, 2016

Marko Pjaca warns his Juventus teammates “it won’t be a cakewalk” when they face Dinamo Zagreb tonight.

The Croatian international joined the Bianconeri from this evening’s Champions League opponents, and discussed his former side in an interview with Tuttosport.

“If I score, I won’t celebrate,” Pjaca promised.

“I’m excited, more than excited. My friends and family will be at the stadium, they asked me for 25 Juve shirts and a lot of tickets too!

“[Coach Max] Allegri will decide whether to give me an opportunity or not, I can’t wait to show what I can do.

“It definitely won’t be a cakewalk in Zagreb. They have very talented players like [Ante] Coric, [Domagoj] Pavičić, [Ivan] Fiolić and [El Arabi Hillel] Soudani is a dangerous striker.

“I’m expecting a very fiery atmosphere, because the organised supporters are back after a long strike.”

Pjaca has been talked-up by Allegri, but he hasn’t featured much so far this season, if he could go back would he still choose to join Juventus?

“I’d absolutely make the same choice, of course! I’m at one of the best clubs in the world, I’m happy at Juventus. I can learn here, I want to stay in Turin for many years.

“I know that €23m is a lot of money, but more has been paid for some others like [Gonzalo] Higuain and [Miralem] Pjanic. That topic doesn’t really put pressure on me, I’m just thinking about being ready.

“Everyone wants to play regularly, but I’m young and I still have to grow. Scoring goals isn’t an obsession, I feel more like a midfielder.

“In terms of position, I study what [Paulo] Dybala does in training a lot, but I try to learn from everyone.

“The relationship with Allegri is great, even if it’s a normal relationship between a Coach and a player. He’s teaching me a lot tactically, which is crucial because he’s helping me understand Italian football.”

Finally, the winger was asked about the Old Lady’s prospects in the Champions League this year.

“Juve are equipped to win the Champions League,” Pjaca insisted.

“We’ll have to play against three or four other teams for it, but we’ll give it our best shot.”

http://www.goal.com/en/tables/uefa-champions-league/10?ICID=MP_TN_167

Socrates · September 27, 2016

DINAMO ZAGREB - JUVENTUS

-

MATCHDAY 2
Tuesday, September 27th, 2016 - 08:45 PM

Stadion Maksimir, Zagreb

Referee: Manuel de Sousa (Portugal)

Juventus stick with back-three

http://www.football-italia.net/92099/juventus-stick-back-three?

Sep 27, 2016

Juventus are expected to stick with a back-three at Dinamo Zagreb tonight, despite injuries in defence.

Both Medhi Benatia and Daniele Rugani are sidelined, leading to suggestions that Massimiliano Allegri could switch to four at the back.

However, TuttoJuve is reporting that the 3-5-2 will be retained, with Leonardo Bonucci, Andrea Barzagli and Giorgio Chiellini in defence.

Allegri has already confirmed that the midfield will consist of Hernanes, Sami Khedira and Miralem Pjanic, and Dani Alves is expected to play at right wing-back.

There is some doubt about who will play on the left, but Patrice Evra is favourite to get the nod over Alex Sandro.

Up-front, Gonzalo Higuain has already been confirmed as a starter, and Paulo Dybala will almost certainly play alongside him.

Probable Juventus team for Dinamo Zagreb:

Buffon; Barzagli, Bonucci, Chiellini; Dani Alves, Khedira, Hernanes, Pjanic, Evra; Higuain, Dybala

http://www.goal.com/en/tables/uefa-champions-league/10?ICID=MP_TN_167

Socrates · September 27, 2016

Juventus on the verge of winning a sixth Serie A title in a row?

http://www.juvefc.com/juventus-verge-winning-sixth-serie-title-row/?

Sep 27, 2015

Over the last decade or so, Juventus have blossomed into the dominant force in Italian football and Massimiliano Allegri’s men are now targeting a sixth consecutive Serie A title this season. While they lost influential midfielder Paul Pogba to Manchester United earlier this year, Juve invested cleverly to re-build ahead of what could be a memorable campaign for the club.

On paper, you could argue that Juventus are actually stronger now than they were at this point twelve months ago – and that is testament to their forward planning and effective activity in the transfer market.

The likes of Miralem Pjanic and Gonzalo Higuain; both of whom played for Juve’s rivals Roma and Napoli last season, are now integral members of Allegri’s squad – and they will continue to play key roles throughout the majority of the campaign.

At the time of writing, Juventus are priced at 4/11 with Coral to win the Serie A crown and maintain their stranglehold on the Italian top flight this season. Plenty of punters will be taking full advantage of various free bet markets – especially as Juventus’ recent form is menacing.

And if truth be told, the Old Lady are streets ahead in terms of individual quality; there is absolutely no excuse if Juve fall short in their pursuit of the title. However, that level of expectation brings added pressure on Allegri’s shoulders and failure to retain the crown could spell the end of his tenure at the Juventus Stadium.

Nowadays, Italian football fans just assume that Juventus are going to win Serie A but it isn’t necessarily that straightforward. Whilst Higuain’s departure was detrimental to Napoli’s aspirations, it hasn’t knocked them back too much.

After all, Poland international Arkadiusz Milik has stepped up to the plate in recent weeks and he could be the man to replace Higuain as their main goal threat. He isn’t on Higuain’s level just yet but Napoli may be the side to push Juventus the closest this time around…

Meanwhile, Juventus will also be quietly confident of challenging for the Champions League crown this year. They reached the final in 2015 but were unable to beat Luis Enrique’s brilliant Barcelona side; however, Higuain’s signing could prove crucial as they look to get their hands on Europe’s elite club competition.

As of September 22nd, Allegri’s men are 14/1 to win the tournament and bettors will be tempted despite their stalemate against Sevilla in the opening clash. If you don’t necessarily want to stake your own money or you are yet to sign up with Coral, new customers get a free bet and it might be wise to back Juventus before their odds tumble.

Without a shadow of a doubt, Juve are THE team to beat in Italy at the moment and they have been for quite some time. The Old Lady are now one of the most complete sides in European football and Higuain’s presence could be the deciding factor in the title race. Last season, they started poorly and still won the title so it could be cruise control to a sixth Serie A crown this time around…

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

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