JUVENTUS SEASON 2016-2017

Socrates · October 18, 2016

OLYMPIQUE L. - JUVENTUS

-

MATCHDAY 3

Tuesday, October 18th, 2016 - 08:45 PM

Parc O. Lyonnais, Décines-Charpieu (Lyon)

Referee: Szymon Marciniak (Poland)

HT 0-0: Buffon saves Lyon spot-kick

http://www.football-italia.net/93123/ht-buffon-saves-lyon-spot-kick

Oct 18, 2016

Gigi Buffon saved Alexandre Lacazette’s penalty, as Juventus ran a huge risk despite dominating possession in Lyon.

The Bianconeri were joint top of the group alongside Sevilla, just one point in front of Lyon. Max Allegri missed Giorgio Chiellini, Mario Mandzukic, Daniele Rugani, Claudio Marchisio and Kwadwo Asamoah, but surprisingly picked Patrice Evra in a mobile 3-5-2 system and Mario Lemina as the playmaker. Lyon had to do without Clement Grenier, Christophe Jallet, Maciej Rybus and ill Emanuel Mammana, while Aldo Kalulu sat out a ban. Alexandre Lacazette had his first start five weeks after a thigh strain.

Miralem Pjanic sprung the offside trap, but couldn’t get on the end of the inspired Leonardo Bonucci long ball due to a touch from ex-Roma defender Mapou Yanga-Mbiwa. On the resulting corner, Bonucci’s shot was charged down by teammate Sami Khedira.

Juve dominated possession from the start, as Lyon seemed content to play on the counter. Gonzalo Higuain ran on to an Alex Sandro through ball and flashed his finish across the face of goal, finding the fingertips of Anthony Lopes.

For all the domination, the Italians created few genuine chances and risked going behind when Bonucci foolishly dragged down Mouctar Diakhaby on a corner. Lacazette stepped up, but saw his penalty palmed off the line by Gigi Buffon, who dived to his left for a crucial save.

Higuain got a surprising amount of power to his header on the Dani Alves cross, forcing Lopes to slap it round the near post.

Bonucci had appeals for a slight push in the box on a corner on the stroke of half-time and as the move continued he nodded inches wide.

Lyon 0-0 Juventus (Half-Time)

Lyon: Lopes; Yanga-Mbiwa, Nkoulou, Diakhaby; Rafael, Darder, Gonalons, Tolisso, Morel; Lacazette, Fekir

Juventus: Buffon; Barzagli, Bonucci, Evra; Dani Alves, Khedira, Lemina, Pjanic, Alex Sandro; Dybala, Higuain

Ref: Marciniak (POL)

Saved penalty: Lacazette 35 (L)

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

Socrates · October 18, 2016

OLYMPIQUE L. - JUVENTUS

..0-1

Juan Cuadrado 76'

MATCHDAY 3

Tuesday, October 18th, 2016 - 08:45 PM

Parc O. Lyonnais, Décines-Charpieu (Lyon)

Referee: Szymon Marciniak (Poland)

Lyon 0-1 Juventus: Buffon & Cuadrado

instrumental to Bianconeri win

It was a battling display from Massimiliano Allegri's men as they managed to come away

with three vital points despite having their backs to the wall for the majority of the match.

<br/><a href="http://oi67.tinypic.com/1127keg.jpg" target="_blank">View Raw Image</a>

http://www.goal.com/en-gb/match/olympique-lyonnais-vs-juventus/2348402/report

Oct 18, 2016

Juan Cuadrado struck a fine winner for 10-men Juventus in Tuesday's 1-0 Champions League win over Lyon after Gianluigi Buffon had pulled off several stunning saves, including a penalty save.

Buffon had made errors in his previous two games for club and country which resulted in goals, but returned to his supreme best at the Parc OL to keep a hard-earned clean sheet.

The 38-year-old spurned Alexandre Lacazette from the penalty spot before producing a reflex save of the highest quality to keep Nabil Fekir's deflected strike out.

Mario Lemina was sent off shortly after that stop to tilt the balance of play firmly in the hosts' favour, but again Buffon stood in their way.

And substitute Cuadrado completed the smash and grab in fitting style, slamming home a mesmeric goal worthy of following his captain's fine earlier example.

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Victory keeps Massimiliano Allegri's side top of Group H and a win over Lyon at their fortress Juventus Stadium next time out will secure progression to the last 16.

With both sides deploying three-man defences, space to attack was at a premium and chances were similarly sparse.

Gonzalo Higuain had Juve's best opportunity of the opening half, latching onto Alex Sandro's throughball, but Anthony Lopes saved easily as the striker blasted goalwards from an acute angle.

Roared on by ceaseless chanting from their home fans, Lyon picked up the pace and had the chance to move ahead when Leonardo Bonucci hauled down Mouctar Diakhaby as a corner arrived, but Buffon spurned Lacazette from the spot low to his left.

Having survived that scare, Juve should have been ahead themselves at the break, but Lopes produced a stunning save to repel Higuain's firm header before Bonucci nodded wide from six yards with the last touch of the first half.

Buffon once again left Lyon baffled just five minutes after the interval, throwing out his right hand to sensationally repel Fekir as Lyon broke away at pace and another counter-attack led to Lemina hauling down the France international and earning a second yellow card.

Corentin Tolisso was next to be denied as he headed towards goal from inside the six-yard box, but that too was not enough to beat a sprawling Buffon.

And then, Juve struck with 14 minutes to play, Cuadrado tricking his way into the right channel and unleashing a rocket into Lopes' top-left corner as the goalkeeper anticipated a cross.

Fittingly, it was Buffon who had the final say, equal to substitute Maxime Gonalons' powerful effort as any detractors were issued a reminder of the great veteran's enduring brilliance.

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

Socrates · October 19, 2016

OLYMPIQUE L. - JUVENTUS

..0-1

Juan Cuadrado 76'

MATCHDAY 3

Tuesday, October 18th, 2016 - 08:45 PM

Parc O. Lyonnais, Décines-Charpieu (Lyon)

Referee: Szymon Marciniak (Poland)

CL: 10-man Juve conquer Lyon

Gigi Buffon was man of the match, including a penalty save, as 10-man

Juventus won away to Lyon thanks to an extraordinary Juan Cuadrado goal.

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http://www.football-italia.net/93125/cl-10-man-juve-conquer-lyon?

Oct 18, 2016

Juve remain joint top of the group with Sevilla, who won 1-0 away to Dinamo Zagreb.

The Bianconeri were joint top of the group alongside Sevilla, just one point in front of Lyon. Max Allegri missed Giorgio Chiellini, Mario Mandzukic, Daniele Rugani, Claudio Marchisio and Kwadwo Asamoah, but surprisingly picked Patrice Evra in a mobile 3-5-2 system and Mario Lemina as the playmaker. Lyon had to do without Clement Grenier, Christophe Jallet, Maciej Rybus and ill Emanuel Mammana, while Aldo Kalulu sat out a ban. Alexandre Lacazette had his first start five weeks after a thigh strain.

Miralem Pjanic sprung the offside trap, but couldn’t get on the end of the inspired Leonardo Bonucci long ball due to a touch from ex-Roma defender Mapou Yanga-Mbiwa. On the resulting corner, Bonucci’s shot was charged down by teammate Sami Khedira.

Juve dominated possession from the start, as Lyon seemed content to play on the counter. Gonzalo Higuain ran on to an Alex Sandro through ball and flashed his finish across the face of goal, finding the fingertips of Anthony Lopes.

For all the domination, the Italians created few genuine chances and risked going behind when Bonucci foolishly dragged down Mouctar Diakhaby on a corner. Lacazette stepped up, but saw his penalty palmed off the line by Gigi Buffon, who dived to his left for a crucial save.

Higuain got a surprising amount of power to his header on the Dani Alves cross, forcing Lopes to slap it round the near post.

Bonucci had appeals for a slight push in the box on a corner on the stroke of half-time and as the move continued he nodded inches wide.

Buffon came to the rescue again after the break with an even more sensational save, as Nabil Fekir’s effort from 12 yards took a deflection, but he stuck up a trailing hand to punch it over the bar.

Juve shot themselves in the foot when Lemina, already booked in the first half, chased down and tripped Fekir for a second yellow card.

The Bianconeri had to play the final 35 minutes down to 10 men.

Higuain was offside when his first touch let him down one-on-one with Lopes anyway, but at the other end Buffon smothered a dangerous Lacazette cross-shot off the feet of Fekir.

Buffon performed another miraculous stop, as a free kick found Corentin Tolisso totally unmarked for a downward header at the far post.

Just as 10-man Juve seemed to be under pressure, substitute Cuadrado broke the deadlock with a moment of magic. The Colombian burst down the right with a double step-over and fired in from an almost impossible angle to surprise Lopes.

Buffon parried a Maxime Gonalons strike at the near post and Ghezzal’s angled drive flashed just wide in stoppages – although the captain seemed to have it covered.

Lyon had scored in all 15 home games at their new stadium, winning 12 of those games and losing only once.

Lyon 0-1 Juventus

Cuadrado 76 (J)

Lyon: Lopes; Yanga-Mbiwa (Ghezzal 82), Nkoulou, Diakhaby; Rafael, Darder (Ferri 64), Gonalons, Tolisso, Morel; Lacazette (Cornet 72), Fekir

Juventus: Buffon; Barzagli, Bonucci, Evra; Dani Alves (Benatia 83), Khedira (Sturaro 75), Lemina, Pjanic, Alex Sandro; Dybala (Cuadrado 69), Higuain

Ref: Marciniak (POL)

Saved penalty: Lacazette 35 (L)

Sent off: Lemina 53 (J)

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

Socrates · October 19, 2016

OLYMPIQUE L. - JUVENTUS

..0-1

Juan Cuadrado 76'

MATCHDAY 3

Tuesday, October 18th, 2016 - 08:45 PM

Parc O. Lyonnais, Décines-Charpieu (Lyon)

Referee: Szymon Marciniak (Poland)

Cuadrado: 'I tried hitting a missile!'

223916999-a867d2fe-a851-4614-93e8-6e9cbf

http://www.football-italia.net/93126/cuadrado-i-tried-hitting-missile?

Oct 18, 2016

Juan Cuadrado described his thoughts as he scored a sensational strike for 10-man Juventus in Lyon. “I hit a missile and it worked!”

The Colombian came off the bench to decide the Champions League match in France after Gigi Buffon had saved Alexandre Lacazette’s penalty and Mario Lemina was sent off.

“I am happy and thank God. I tried to make the play, looked up and couldn’t see anyone in the middle, so I tried to hit a missile and it worked!” Cuadrado told Mediaset Premium.

“It was a very difficult match against a great side like Lyon, but I think we put in a strong performance, a real Juve game with a man down and showed our character.

“The objective is to top the group. Now we must turn the page, as we have a very important head-to-head at the top with Milan in Serie A this weekend.”

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

Socrates · October 19, 2016

OLYMPIQUE L. - JUVENTUS

..0-1

Juan Cuadrado 76'

MATCHDAY 3

Tuesday, October 18th, 2016 - 08:45 PM

Parc O. Lyonnais, Décines-Charpieu (Lyon)

Referee: Szymon Marciniak (Poland)

Still Juventus' superman! Buffon silences

critics with Lyon masterclass

The 38-year-old cemented his status as the greatest goalkeeper of all time by saving a penalty

and making two other stunning stops to help earn 10-man Juventus a 1-0 win in Lyon.

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http://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/2914/champions-league/2016/10/18/28608972/-?

Oct 18, 2016

Reports of the demise of Gianluigi Buffon were exaggerated. "It’s fun when people want to hold your funeral and then you prove them wrong,” the Juventus captain admitted before his side's Champions League clash with Lyon. "I live to make them eat their rash words." Wednesday's game in France was thus another life-affirming experience for the evergreen 38-year-old.

It had been feared ahead of the trip to France that time had finally caught up with the Italy international, with his hapless air-kick against Spain during the international break having been quickly followed by a haphazard attempt to keep out Jakub Jankto's shot in Saturday's 2-1 win over Udinese.

Massimiliano Allegri immediately leapt to his skipper's defence. "Gigi plays 50 games per year," the Bianconeri boss pointed out. "He can make half a mistake every now and then."

gianluigi-buffon-juventus-superman_8vq5j

Miralem Pjanic, meanwhile, made a bold proclamation on the eve of his return to Lyon. "He’ll make the difference tomorrow and prove he’s the world’s number one," the Bosnian midfielder declared. Even Pjanic, though, couldn't have imagined just how right he would be.

Despite a bright start in Lyon, Juve gradually lost control of their third fixture in Group H and conceded a penalty 10 minutes before the break when Leonardo Bonucci wrestled Champions League debutant Mouctar Diakhaby to the floor right in front of referee Szymon Marciniak.

The Pole promptly pointed to the spot and Lyon's supporters celebrated the decision wildly, confident that the fit-again Alexandre Lacazette - who had hit six goals in his first three Ligue 1 games of the season before being sidelined by a thigh injury - would convert with ease.

However, Buffon guessed right, throwing himself to his left before producing an excellent one-handed stop to deny the France forward. Remarkably, though, there was even better to come from a man who made his professional debut 21 years ago.

gianluigi-buffon-juventus-quote_r5flyiwf

Five minutes after the break, Nabil Fekir cut inside Andrea Barzagli and unleashed a shot that deflected off Leonardo Bonucci's outstretched foot. Buffon was thus going the wrong way when he stuck out his right arm and somehow diverted the ball over the bar. It was the kind of save that has to be seen to be believed; the full brilliance of which is only truly discernible courtesy of a slow-motion replay.

Buffon wasn't done there, though. With his side reduced to 10 men following the dismissal of Mario Lemina for a second yellow card, the world's most expensive goalkeeper produced another minor miracle with a point-blank range stop with his feet to keep out Corentin Tolisso's header.

Just five minutes later, Juan Cuadrado put Juventus in sensational fashion, the Colombian winger bamboozling Jeremy Morel with his fancy footwork before firing home from an incredibly acute angle. In truth, goalkeeper Anthony Lopes had been at fault for leaving his near post exposed.

However, goalkeepers make mistakes sometimes. As Buffon once again proved, though, it's how you respond to them that matters. As the banner in the Juventus end read: "Even Superman is just Clark Kent sometimes. Gigi, you're our superhero forever."

gianluigi-buffon-superman-graphic_1ew3ri

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

Socrates · October 19, 2016

OLYMPIQUE L. - JUVENTUS

..0-1

Juan Cuadrado 76'

MATCHDAY 3

Tuesday, October 18th, 2016 - 08:45 PM

Parc O. Lyonnais, Décines-Charpieu (Lyon)

Referee: Szymon Marciniak (Poland)

Pjanic: 'Never doubt Buffon'

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http://www.football-italia.net/93127/pjanic-never-doubt-buffon?

Oct 18, 2016

Miralem Pjanic felt Lyon had “their best performance of the season, but it makes no sense to doubt” Juventus captain Gigi Buffon.

Juan Cuadrado came off the bench to secure the 1-0 victory in France after Mario Lemina had been sent off and Buffon saved an Alexandre Lacazette penalty.

“It was a struggle, we knew every Champions League game would be tough. Lyon had perhaps their best performance of the season, but even down to 10 men we fought hard, were well-organised and even managed to score,” Pjanic told Mediaset Premium.

“These are three very important points for our season. I never felt afraid, no. We knew things were more complicated when going down to 10, and it’s true Gigi made some remarkable saves, but we continued to believe in the three points.

“There are 50-odd games over a season and you cannot dominate all of them, creating 20 shooting opportunities every time. You must know how to win even through difficulties.

“Gigi once again proved he’s always there. It makes no sense to doubt him, as he is so important for Juventus and Italy. He’s a great guy, a great goalkeeper and a key figure for us all.”

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

Socrates · October 19, 2016

OLYMPIQUE L. - JUVENTUS

..0-1

Juan Cuadrado 76'

MATCHDAY 3

Tuesday, October 18th, 2016 - 08:45 PM

Parc O. Lyonnais, Décines-Charpieu (Lyon)

Referee: Szymon Marciniak (Poland)

Buffon: 'Don't plan my funeral yet'

Afbeeldingsresultaat voor lione juventus 0-1 2016 buffon

http://www.football-italia.net/93128/buffon-dont-plan-my-funeral-yet?

Oct 18, 2016

Gigi Buffon blasted critics who “tried to organise my funeral” after one of his best ever performances to earn Juventus a 1-0 win at Lyon.

The shot-stopper was under fire after recent errors for both Juve and Italy, but hit back with a series of saves, including an Alexandre Lacazette penalty.

“People can organise a funeral, but there’s nobody there,” he told Mediaset Premium.

“I have said many times, without arrogance, that I am very auto-critical and don’t need to listen to others who try to use situations to disrespect and show a lack of fairness to people.

“I’ve heard many stupid things in recent weeks, but just one true comment: ‘I expect more from Buffon.’ That is true and I agreed with that wholeheartedly.”

After the reaction save on a deflected shot with his trailing hand, even Lyon goalkeeper Anthony Lopes applauded.

“I didn’t celebrate after the saves because we were down to 10 men and I didn’t want to waste energy. I wanted to remain focused on what was going on in front of me, as I owed that to my teammates, to my club and to our fans who have always been unbeatable with me.”

As with his own career, Buffon is not going to settle with his Juventus teammates either.

“Juve must improve, because this is not enough in my view to go all the way. Paradoxically, we seemed more compact and more like a team once we went down to 10 men. We managed to suffer under pressure, but also weren’t just happy with a point, and that shows our spirit.

“We have the opportunity to do a lot better and it would be a real shame if we didn’t use the time leading up to the next round in March to step up a few levels.

“Lyon have European experience over the last 15 years, so this was a very tough test for us and a win would put one foot in the next round. Apart from the penalty, I didn’t get the feeling we could lose when it was 11 against 11. After the red card, one had to consider the possibility.

“We need to make some big steps forward in terms of beautiful football, though.”

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

Socrates · October 19, 2016

OLYMPIQUE L. - JUVENTUS

..0-1

Juan Cuadrado 76'

MATCHDAY 3

Tuesday, October 18th, 2016 - 08:45 PM

Parc O. Lyonnais, Décines-Charpieu (Lyon)

Referee: Szymon Marciniak (Poland)

Juventus 1 - Olympique Lyonnais 0: Initial

reaction and random observations

http://www.blackwhitereadallover.com/2016/10/18/13322040/juventus-olympique-

lyonnais-2016-champions-league-group-stage-final-score-result-initial-reaction

Oct 18, 2016

If you wanted your latest example about how Juventus don’t make things easy on themselves in the Champions League, Tuesday night’s trip to the Parc Olympique Lyonnais was surely it. And once Mario Lemina was sent off early in the second half, that’s pretty much as tough as you can make yourselves without falling behind a couple of goals in the process.

Luckily for all of the heart-attack worthy moments, there were two equally impressive things that took place: Gianluigi Buffon was on straight God Mode from the opening whistle, and Juan Cuadrado pulled an absolute rabbit out of his hat and scored from an angle that you rarely see players score from.

Those two things, those two very important things, are why Juventus are going to be leaving France with a 1-0 win over Lyon and heading back to Italy still atop Group H. If not for Buffon’s absolute heroics in goal, Juve don’t keep a clean sheet. And if not for the rocket off Cuadrado’s right foot, Juventus likely don’t find the back of the net and get a draw against Lyon at the very best.

But let’s be honest for a second here, folks: As great as Cuadrado’s goal was, this was all about Buffon being Buffon.

Some said he was starting to fade after mistakes in back-to-back games. Buffon, who said earlier in the day that “It’s fun when people want to hold your funeral and then you prove them wrong,” had other ideas.

I’ll take two decades worth of work over two mistakes in the span of three games for country and club, thank you very much.

As I sat and watched Juve’s 2-1 comeback win over Udinese, all the two announcers could talk about was how Buffon’s confidence looks rattled and that was basically accompanied with a worrisome kind of tone of voice. That was before made that last-ditch save right in front of the goal line in the dying minutes. And that was obviously no sign of what Buffon’s future had in store for him on Tuesday night and going forward the rest of the season.

The sign of the true greats? They make a mistake and then they’re right back to being the player we’re clearly used to seeing the vast majority of the time.

Buffon’s mistake against Spain last week was bad. The inability to make the save on Udinese’s goal over the weekend wasn’t all that good, either. But Tuesday night, that’s Buffon in every sense of who he is. When there’s a circumstance or a situation in the game that means he has to pretty much put the team on his back and pick up points, he is more than capable of doing exactly that.

Being 38 years old creates an easy narrative when you make an uncharacteristic mistake. How you respond to it is the key. And I’m pretty sure that Buffon responded to his miscues about as well as anybody could have expected him to. That’s why he’s the gold standard — and we are never going to get tired of that being true.

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Aren’t you happy that Superman continues to be on our side? I know I am.

RANDOM THOUGHTS AND OBSERVATIONS

I’m still wondering how Buffon made some of those saves. Seriously, that was the perfect night in goal from the GOAT. You can’t do better than that.
Didier Deschamps was in the stands for Juventus-Lyon. Just in case you were wondering,this is the reaction he had to Cuadrado’s game-winning goal.
No, but really, how did Cuadrado score from that angle?
Half-hour after the match is over and these guys are still hanging around.
Sure, it’s easy pickins based on what happened in the second half, but I guess this was another example of why, at least right now, Lemina is more suited for a Mezz'ala kind of role rather than a holding midfielder. You look at how he’s played the last few times playing on either side of Hernanes and then how he’s done as a holding midfielder
Basically, this means Claudio Marchisio can’t come back soon enough.
Gonzalo Higuain had one of Juventus’ best scoring chances of the night on a header that somehow went from somewhat chipped cross from Dani Alves to testing Lyon keeper Anthony Lopes’ reaction time. It was pretty remarkable how Higuain could get that much pace on the ball considering the cross didn’t really have much speed behind it. Something tells me this Higuain guy might be pretty good.
Why does Max Allegri have both Miralem Pjanic and Paulo Dybala standing over corners a good portion of the time? This is something I am struggling to understand.
Medhi Benatia had a couple of big tackles after he came on late in the second half. I don’t know about you guys, but I’d be totally okay if he gets more playing time over the next month or two.
Dani Alves, kinda meh again tonight.
With Sevilla beating Dinamo Zagreb by the same 1-0 scoreline, all remains the same in Group H in terms of who’s atop the table. The one difference, obviously, is that there’s now a little bit of room between the top two teams and the bottom two teams.
Gianluigi Buffon is the best of all time. Just thought I’d say that one more time before ending this post.

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

Socrates · October 19, 2016

OLYMPIQUE L. - JUVENTUS

..0-1

Juan Cuadrado 76'

MATCHDAY 3

Tuesday, October 18th, 2016 - 08:45 PM

Parc O. Lyonnais, Décines-Charpieu (Lyon)

Referee: Szymon Marciniak (Poland)

Buffon stars as 10-man Juve win in Lyon

Afbeeldingsresultaat voor lione juventus 0-1 2016 buffon

http://www.goal.com/en/match/olympique-lyonnais-vs-juventus/2348402/ratings

Oct 18, 2016

BEST AND WORST PLAYER

Best Player

Goal Choice

G. Buffon

JuventusPosition: Goalkeeper

Worst Player

Goal Choice

J. Morel

Olympique LyonnaisPosition: Defender

TEAM RATINGS

Olympique Lyonnais

Juventus

Substitutes

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

Socrates · October 19, 2016

OLYMPIQUE L. - JUVENTUS

..0-1

Juan Cuadrado 76'

MATCHDAY 3

Tuesday, October 18th, 2016 - 08:45 PM

Parc O. Lyonnais, Décines-Charpieu (Lyon)

Referee: Szymon Marciniak (Poland)

Juan Cuadrado strike seals win for 10-man Juventus

223836957-6f46a19f-ea16-42af-8cfa-6d1835

http://www.espnfc.co.uk/report?gameId=466223

Oct 18, 2016

Juan Cuadrado snatched victory for 10-men Juventus with the only goal in Lyon but the Italians had inspirational goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon to thank for keeping them top of Group H.

Cuadrado, a 68th-minute replacement for Paulo Dybala, squeezed home the decisive goal from a tight angle in the 76th minute, while Juventus skipper Buffon made a string of superb saves in either half to keep Lyon at bay.

Lyon striker Alexandre Lacazette saw his first-half penalty saved by the Italy international before Juve played most of the second half with 10 men following midfielder Mario Lemina's dismissal.

Juve, 4-0 winners in Zagreb in their last Group H match after being held to a goalless home draw by Sevilla in their opener, lead the Spanish club on goal difference after three group matches.

The Italian champions, on course for a sixth straight domestic crown after losing only one of their first eight Serie A matches this season, made the more assured start and Leonardo Bonucci's early shot was blocked.

But Lyon, who beat Dinamo Zagreb 3-0 before losing 1-0 in Sevilla in their first two Group H matches, soon settled and threatened through headers from defenders Mouctar Diakhaby and Rafael.

Visiting striker Gonzalo Higuain served warning in the 24th minute after being played in by Paulo Dybala with a low angled shot that was well saved by Lyon goalkeeper Anthony Lopes in the bottom corner.

Lyon midfielder Sergi Darder flashed a shot just wide at the other end as both sides strove to break the deadlock, but the French club spurned a golden chance to take the lead in the 35th minute when Lacazette's penalty was saved.

Bonucci fouled Diakhaby in the area and was booked, but Lacazette's spot-kick lacked power and Buffon got down to save in the bottom corner.

Higuain forced Lopes into a better save just before the break with a header from Dani Alves' cross and Bonucci headed inches wide, this time from Dani Alves' corner, in first-half stoppage time.

Buffon pulled off a superb save to keep out Nabil Fekir's deflected shot early in the second period before Juve were reduced to 10 men.

Lemina had already been booked for a foul on Maxime Gonalons in the first period and when he clattered the Lyon skipper from behind in the 54th minute, he was shown a second yellow card.

Fekir was instrumental again when his cross was met by Lyon defender Corentin Tolisso's header, but Buffon rescued his side again with another sprawling save before Juve made the breakthrough.

Dani Alves played in Cuadrado wide on the right side of the area and the Colombia international arrowed home inside Lopes' near post.

Lyon poured men forward in search of a late equaliser but were thwarted again by Buffon, who turned away Gonalons' goalbound effort.

Rachid Ghezzal went close to a dramatic equaliser deep in stoppage time, but the substitute dragged his low shot wide after being set up by Gonalons.

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

Socrates · October 19, 2016

OLYMPIQUE L. - JUVENTUS

..0-1

Juan Cuadrado 76'

MATCHDAY 3

Tuesday, October 18th, 2016 - 08:45 PM

Parc O. Lyonnais, Décines-Charpieu (Lyon)

Referee: Szymon Marciniak (Poland)

Allegri: 'Juve better down to 10'

CI08DA7K-k2FB-U10901245575631JTG-640x478

http://www.football-italia.net/93129/allegri-juve-better-down-10?

Oct 18, 2016

Max Allegri admits Juventus “must play better” and joked going down to 10 men was the kick they needed against Olympique Lyonnais.

The Bianconeri snatched a 1-0 Champions League victory in France with Juan Cuadrado’s late stunner after Gigi Buffon saved an Alexandre Lacazette penalty and Mario Lemina was sent off.

“We weren’t moving the ball around properly and so the referee decided to give us a kick and force us into it by reducing us to 10 men,” joked the Coach on Mediaset Premium.

“Unfortunately, this is one of our limitations.”

Allegri was asked about his surprise picks, above all Patrice Evra in a three-man defence rather than Medhi Benatia.

“I chose Evra because Benatia was not supposed to play on Saturday and did after 40 days out. I didn’t want to risk him suffering a relapse. Evra can do well there, he’s a natural left-footer and is useful for us.

“I used Cuadrado on the left on Saturday and he did pretty well. If I’d have started Cuadrado today, I wouldn’t have had some fresh legs to bring on, so substitutes are always important.

“We suffered a lot in the first half on the counter, Lacazette and (Nabil) Fekir were good at stretching our defence, while we lost the ball too many times with short passes. It went better after the break, even down to 10 men.”

Lacazette was about to give Lyon the lead in the first half, but captain Buffon saved the penalty.

“Fortunately Buffon saved us at that moment. We must try to play better, be relaxed and not too hasty in our passing, as when Lyon sit back like that, you need patience. The same thing happened against Udinese, as we ran some risks there too.

“We do have to play better in so many areas, including running off the ball. If we don’t run as much as Milan this weekend, we’re going to be in trouble.”

Juve do seem close to qualification, as they are joint top of the group with Sevilla on seven points, already four in front of Lyon.

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

Socrates · October 19, 2016

OLYMPIQUE L. - JUVENTUS

..0-1

Juan Cuadrado 76'

MATCHDAY 3

Tuesday, October 18th, 2016 - 08:45 PM

Parc O. Lyonnais, Décines-Charpieu (Lyon)

Referee: Szymon Marciniak (Poland)

Gonalons: 'Buffon remarkable'

Afbeeldingsresultaat voor lione juventus 0-1 2016 buffon

http://www.football-italia.net/93130/gonalons-buffon-remarkable

Oct 18, 2016

Maxime Gonalons was left frustrated after Lyon’s defeat to Gigi Buffon’s 10-man Juventus. “What more could we have done?”

The hosts certainly tried everything in this Champions League clash, but there was no way past the veteran shot-stopper, including an Alexandre Lacazette penalty.

“What more could we have done?” Lyon captain Gonalons told BeIN Sport.

“We gave all we had. It was a tactical battle, we had chances, but ran into a great Buffon. He was absolutely remarkable.

“It’s a defeat, but we can be proud of what we did, because we faced a big team that will challenge to win the Champions League.”

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

Socrates · October 19, 2016

OLYMPIQUE L. - JUVENTUS

..0-1

Juan Cuadrado 76'

MATCHDAY 3

Tuesday, October 18th, 2016 - 08:45 PM

Parc O. Lyonnais, Décines-Charpieu (Lyon)

Referee: Szymon Marciniak (Poland)

Unbeatable Buffon

Juventus showed the resilience of Champions League contenders in Lyon

and a goalkeeping masterclass from Gigi Buffon, writes Giancarlo Rinaldi.

Afbeeldingsresultaat voor lione juventus 0-1 2016 buffon

http://www.football-italia.net/93131/unbeatable-buffon?

Oct 18, 2016

Dreams of Champions League glory are fuelled by nights like Juventus ultimately enjoyed in Lyon. A searing strike from Juan Cuadrado delivered victory, but the foundations were laid by a goalkeeping masterclass from Gianluigi Buffon.

After a couple of slip-ups in recent weeks, Superman produced a performance as pitch perfect as Luciano Pavarotti. If it is possible to lift a trophy by sheer force of will alone, he will be picking up some silverware in Cardiff in June.

A group stage win should never be cause for getting too carried away, but this was a display which showed the character necessary to make a convincing case for the Bianconeri making progress in the tournament. They conceded a penalty, went down to 10 men and still came away with three points. Their reserves of resilience appeared pretty much bottomless.

Europe, of course, is the one and only place where you occasionally hear a Juventino sound a little bit sheepish. For a side so dominant in one of the continent’s top leagues, their two wins in the tournament of champions look decidedly paltry.

The more reasonable would admit they have underachieved for a club of their stature, while the more fervent will simply refuse to recognise the deficiency at all. Results like this one in France must fire up the hopes that this could be the season they finally address the big black and white elephant in the room.

It's not that five Scudetti in a row count for nothing, simply that a Champions League would crown this special period. Other than space travel, it's about all this team has left to achieve. But, until they do, rival fans will always be able to mock their famous catchphrase by suggesting their powers only extend Fino al Confine - as far as the national border.

The journey to the Parc Olympique Lyonnais confirmed Max Allegri’s intent to silence those quips. An opening round draw with Sevilla was the footballing equivalent of a camomile tea - designed to deliver a good night’s sleep. It was followed by a win in Zagreb which was as proficient and predictable as clashes of Europe’s haves and have-nots have come to be.

The short trip to the south of France, however, turned out to be a genuine grilling of their credentials to go the distance this time around.

Leonardo Bonucci did his best to make them fail with a bit of wrestling that resulted in a first half penalty. A combination of a poor kick from Alexandre Lacazette and sprawling save from Buffon kept things level. On the Juve bench, Norberto Neto saw the hopes raised by a recent dip in Superman’s form dashed once again.

Then, in the second half, Mario Lemina lunged in when he might have been better advised to use a little patience and gave the referee a good enough reason to send him off. It was the kind of uncharacteristic blunder which has dogged La Vecchia Signora in Europe down the years. But between their resolute goalkeeper and the dancing feet of the Colombian winger, they had no intention of messing up on this occasion.

Looking at this squad, you can have grounds for both optimism and pessimism, depending on your viewpoint. On the one hand, it is clearly the strongest the club has possessed in its recent attempts to win a trophy it has already got close to. On the other, it still looks short of some other sides in the competition. The conundrum, of course, is that you don't have to be the best in the tournament to win it - you simply have to be good enough. And few teams will outdo the Turin giants in terms of drive and determination.

Games like this are an acid test of how seriously you want to win your group and, hopefully, get an easier path to progress. Doing just enough has been the downfall of many an Italian side. You have to dose out your resources, of course, but not so much that it ultimately backfires. On the latest evidence, it looks like the Bianconeri have no desire to let themselves be accused of sloppiness this season.

This was a big step forward for a side with genuine ambitions of becoming kings of Europe after ruling Italy for so long. They took a stronger grip on their group but also showed they have the quality needed to survive the tricky nights that the Champions League can offer compared with Serie A.

The boys in black and white are a strong unit with enough quality throughout the side to deliver match-winning performances from any department - be it in goal, defence, midfield or attack.

Of course, they need things to fall their way as well, but they have shown a will to control their fate as much as possible, which is admirable.

There is one trophy which has eluded the great Buffon, but he had a steely gaze throughout proceedings in Lyon which hinted that he won’t let it slip through his grasp easily this time.

Juventus might not end up taking the trophy in the end, but they have signalled their intent to give it all they have got. And few could deny that a certain set of gloved hands would deserve to raise the greatest club prize on the continent before they quit the game.

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

Socrates · October 19, 2016

OLYMPIQUE L. - JUVENTUS

..0-1

Juan Cuadrado 76'

MATCHDAY 3

Tuesday, October 18th, 2016 - 08:45 PM

Parc O. Lyonnais, Décines-Charpieu (Lyon)

Referee: Szymon Marciniak (Poland)

Aulas: 'Colossal Buffon'

Afbeeldingsresultaat voor lione juventus 0-1 2016 buffon

http://www.football-italia.net/93132/aulas-colossal-buffon

Oct 18, 2016

Lyon President Jean-Michel Aulas was impressed with “colossal” Gigi Buffon and called Juventus “one of the best teams in Europe.”

Despite having a penalty – which Buffon saved from Alexandre Lacazette – and seeing Mario Lemina sent off, the hosts still lost 1-0 to a late Juan Cuadrado scorcher.

“We put in a quality performance, but that still wasn’t enough to get a positive result,” Aulas told reporters.

“I am happy with the players, it just didn’t go our way this evening.

“Let’s not forget we were facing one of the best teams in Europe. Buffon had a colossal game in goal.”

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

Socrates · October 19, 2016

OLYMPIQUE L. - JUVENTUS

..0-1

Juan Cuadrado 76'

MATCHDAY 3

Tuesday, October 18th, 2016 - 08:45 PM

Parc O. Lyonnais, Décines-Charpieu (Lyon)

Referee: Szymon Marciniak (Poland)

Genesio: 'Buffon was decisive'

Afbeeldingsresultaat voor lione juventus 0-1 2016 buffon

http://www.football-italia.net/93133/genesio-buffon-was-decisive?

Oct 18, 2016

Lyon Coach Bruno Genesio credited “decisive” Gigi Buffon saves and saw “positives” despite the home defeat to Juventus.

Although the Bianconeri dominated possession, the hosts saw an Alexandre Lacazette penalty saved and failed to break them down after Mario Lemina’s red card.

Late on, substitute Juan Cuadrado snatched the 1-0 Champions League victory with a scorching drive from an improbable angle.

“Naturally we feel disappointment and frustration for the result,” said the Coach in his Press conference.

“All that matters ultimately are the three points and Juve took them. The start was positive, but we fell at the feet of a great goalkeeper.

“It wasn’t just the penalty, but the three or four great saves were decisive. Those change the result and it’s a pity, because we had the opportunities to take the lead.

“This was Lacazette’s first start since the injury and he made an enormous effort. He really helped the team, now it’s up to us to reassure him. These are the moments where a player must show mental strength and it’s our job to show confidence in him, because he can help us win many games this season.”

Juventus and Sevilla are now joint top of the group with seven points each, while Lyon follow on three. Is their qualification out of reach already?

“I don’t think so, as there are many positives to take from this game. We were able to create problems for Juventus and should be proud of the performance.

“Nothing is out of reach yet, as we have the game in Turin and then face Sevilla. We’ve proved that we can make life difficult for the opposition.”

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

Socrates · October 19, 2016

OLYMPIQUE L. - JUVENTUS

..0-1

Juan Cuadrado 76'

MATCHDAY 3

Tuesday, October 18th, 2016 - 08:45 PM

Parc O. Lyonnais, Décines-Charpieu (Lyon)

Referee: Szymon Marciniak (Poland)

Buffon SLAMS critics following man of

the match display against Lyon

The Juventus shot-stopper had been under pressure following costly errors in his previous

two games for club and country, but he has since hit back at his detractors.

Afbeeldingsresultaat voor lione juventus 0-1 2016 buffon

http://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/2914/champions-league/2016/10/19/28614202/-?

Oct 18, 2016

Juventus captain Gianluigi Buffon hit back at detractors after a man-of-the-match display against Lyon, calling for his "funeral" plans to be nixed.

The 38-year-old came into the Champions League contest at Parc OL under pressure having committed costly errors in his previous two outings for club and country.

But he was at his absolute best on Tuesday, saving an Alexandre Lacazette penalty before pulling off a stunning reflex stop to deny Nabil Fekir.

Juventus went down to 10 men soon after that save as Mario Lemina picked up a second booking, but Buffon remained inspired and Juan Cuadrado's rasping shot snatched a victory that puts the Italian side on the cusp of the last 16.

"People can organise my funeral, but there's nobody there," Buffon told Mediaset Premium.

"I have said many times, without arrogance, that I am very self-critical and don't need to listen to others who try to use situations to disrespect and show a lack of fairness to people.

"I've heard many stupid things in recent weeks, but just one true comment: 'I expect more from Buffon.' That is true and I agreed with that wholeheartedly."

He added of a scrappy overall performance from the Bianconeri: "Juve must improve, because this is not enough in my view to go all the way.

"We seemed more compact and more like a team once we went down to 10 men. We managed to suffer under pressure, but also weren't just happy with a point, and that shows our spirit.

"We have the opportunity to do a lot better and it would be a real shame if we didn't use the time leading up to the next round in March to step up a few levels."

Cuadrado was also delighted with his impact on the match, describing the slightly hit-and-hope nature of his stunning winner.

He added: "I am happy and thank God. I tried to make the play, looked up and couldn't see anyone in the middle, so I tried to hit a missile and it worked!

"It was a very difficult match against a great side like Lyon, but I think we put in a strong performance, a real Juve game with a man down and showed our character.

"The objective is to top the group. Now we must turn the page, as we have a very important head-to-head at the top with Milan in Serie A this weekend."

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

Socrates · October 19, 2016

OLYMPIQUE L. - JUVENTUS

..0-1

Juan Cuadrado 76'

MATCHDAY 3

Tuesday, October 18th, 2016 - 08:45 PM

Parc O. Lyonnais, Décines-Charpieu (Lyon)

Referee: Szymon Marciniak (Poland)

Allegri: We must try to play better

Manager’s post-match comments

Afbeeldingsresultaat voor lione juventus 0-1 2016 buffon

http://www.blackwhitereadallover.com/2016/10/19/13324878/allegri-we-must

-try-to-play-better-juventus-lyon-champions-league-post-match-comments

Oct 19, 2016

Juventus won a tough game 1-0 away at Olympique Lyonnaise despite playing most of the second half down a man after Mario Lemina was sent off for his second bookable offence.

After the game, Massimiliano Allegri addressed the press, joking that the ref knew his side needed a shot in the backside and therefore reduced Juve down to ten men.

“We weren’t moving the ball around properly and so the referee decided to give us a kick and force us into it by reducing us to 10 men.

“Unfortunately, this is one of our limitations.”

The manager was asked about his surprise choice, starting Patrice Evra on the left side of a three-man defence while Medhi Benatia sat on the bench.

“I chose Evra because Benatia was not supposed to play on Saturday and did after 40 days out. I didn’t want to risk him suffering a relapse. Evra can do well there, he’s a natural left-footer and is useful for us.

“I used Cuadrado on the left on Saturday and he did pretty well. If I’d have started Cuadrado today, I wouldn’t have had some fresh legs to bring on, so substitutes are always important.

“We suffered a lot in the first half on the counter, Lacazette and (Nabil) Fekir were good at stretching our defence, while we lost the ball too many times with short passes. It went better after the break, even down to 10 men.”

On club captain Gianluigi Buffon keeping the sides even by saving a penalty.

“Fortunately Buffon saved us at that moment. We must try to play better, be relaxed and not too hasty in our passing, as when Lyon sit back like that, you need patience. The same thing happened against Udinese, as we ran some risks there too.

“We do have to play better in so many areas, including running off the ball. If we don’t run as much as Milan this weekend, we’re going to be in trouble.”

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

Socrates · October 19, 2016

OLYMPIQUE L. - JUVENTUS

..0-1

Juan Cuadrado 76'

MATCHDAY 3

Tuesday, October 18th, 2016 - 08:45 PM

Parc O. Lyonnais, Décines-Charpieu (Lyon)

Referee: Szymon Marciniak (Poland)

Gianluigi Buffon turns in superhuman

display to help Juve sneak past Lyon

Afbeeldingsresultaat voor lione juventus 0-1 2016 buffon superman

http://www.espnfc.co.uk/club/juventus/111/blog/post/2975850/gianluigi-

buffon-turns-in-superhuman-display-to-help-juventus-sneak-past-lyon

Oct 19, 2016

If there is any team that knows how to win even when performing badly, it's Juventus.

Forced to suffer until the end, 10-man Juve earned a hard fought 1-0 win over Lyon to guide them back to the top of Group H in the Champions League.

Doing little to merit their favourites tag, Juventus lacked creativity and struggled to penetrate a Lyon side that defended in numbers, asserted their physicality and looked to impose their pace whenever allowed to counter-attack.

Juventus were only awakened from their slumber when Mario Lemina was sent off and Juan Cuadrado was introduced. With their backs against the wall, theBianconeri increased the intensity and played with pride to score the winning goal and defend collectively to secure maximum points in Lyon.

Positives

Before the match, Gianluigi Buffon warned: "I live to make people eat their rash words," after critics complained of his errors for Italy and against Udinese over the weekend.

Putting in a superhuman performance, Buffon kept Juve in the game. He saved Alexandre Lacazette's penalty, miraculously denied Nabil Fekir twice and read every situation perfectly to prevent Lyon's impressive efforts. His concentration and agility ensured his side had a chance to fight for the win that eventually came.

Negatives

Juventus' weak mentality must be addressed as once again, as they needed to a suffer a blow before they were jolted back into brilliance. Against Udinese, Max Allegri's side went a goal down before they clawed their way back to success. Against Lyon, it took the Lemina red card to force a better performance that secured the win.

Despite the injuries, the lack of cohesion and the many reasons Allegri could find to defend his men, it must be made clear that Juve are only capable of winning if they play at 100 percent throughout the entirety of the game and not only in the latter stages.

Manager rating out of 10

6 -- While Allegri must address the mentality of his players, his substitutions were excellent, knowing exactly how to turn the game around by introducing Cuadrado and Stefano Sturaro.

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

GK Gianluigi Buffon, 10 -- Man of the match, a mere mortal he isn't, as Buffon truly appeared to be Superman. Without him Juventus would have lost 3-0 at the very least. He not only blocked Lacazette's penalty, but he performed incredible save after save to earn Juventus the right to compete.

WB Alex Sandro, 7 -- Excellent performance from the player who is happy to take his opponents on, deliver a good pass or look for a gap to exploit, even if he can prove suspect at the back on occasion.

DF Andrea Barzagli, 7 -- His performances never cease to amaze. Reading every situation well, Barzagli pushed up to tackle when required and was always on hand to control the danger.

DF Leonardo Bonucci, 6 -- Conceded the penalty that Buffon saved and really ought to have scored one at the other end. At times, Bonucci's lack of composure can hurt Juve in challenging ties such as these, but he tried to participate in every action to fight for his team.

DF Patrice Evra, 6 -- Played as a centre-back, the former Manchester United player put in some excellent tackles to win back possession and demonstrate his experience. Always capable of being a threat in aerial duels.

WB Dani Alves, 6 -- Created more chances than any other Juventus player. Consistently looking to attack, he offers Juventus another option going forward but as we have come to accept with Alves, he doesn't always prioritise his defensive duties which caused Juve problems.

MF Sami Khedira, 6 -- Not the player he was at the start of the season but the World Cup winner showed his maturity and experience when Juve were down to 10 men, taking responsibility to ensure balance in midfield.

MF Mario Lemina, 4 -- Lemina is simply not cut out to play as a director of midfield. Easily overwhelmed and lacking in composure, his aggressive and inelegant style of play earned him two yellow cards leaving Juventus to battle it out a man down.

MF Miralem Pjanic, 5 -- Proved rather effective at winning back possession but fails in taking control to drive the team forward. Must learn to take responsibility more and impose his game rather than surrender to anonymity on certain occasions.

FW Paulo Dybala, 6 -- This is the type of opponent Dybala struggles against. Targeted by Lyon, he suffered with their physicality and struggled to keep defenders at bay to deliver for his teammates. Has yet to combine effectively with Higuain.

FW Gonzalo Higuain, 6 -- Nearly managed a spectacular headed goal, but while he happily shrugged off the attention, he failed to cause real damage.

Gianluigi Buffon — Gigi Buffon belied his age to turn in yet another perfect performance for Juventus.

Substitutes

MF Juan Cuadrado, 8 -- Scored the goal that sealed the win. Stunning finish and stunning impact on the game.

MF Stefano Sturaro, N/A -- Wasn't offered long but made an impact, helping drive Juve forward while simultaneously keeping Lyon at bay.

DF Mehdi Benatia, N/A -- Came on to help secure the win.

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

Socrates · October 19, 2016

OLYMPIQUE L. - JUVENTUS

..0-1

Juan Cuadrado 76'

MATCHDAY 3

Tuesday, October 18th, 2016 - 08:45 PM

Parc O. Lyonnais, Décines-Charpieu (Lyon)

Referee: Szymon Marciniak (Poland)

Juventus vs. Olympique Lyonnais 2016: Final score

1-0, Remarkable victory secured by Buffon heroics

Ten-man Juventus narrowly survive a huge scare in an enthralling encounter in France!

0c1576b1683fbc0e85d536f9d290cb82-kyFE-U1

http://www.blackwhitereadallover.com/2016/10/19/13325910/juventus-lyon

-2016-champions-league-group-stage-final-score-recap-result

Oct 19, 2016

With the injuries once again piling up, Juventus traveled to Lyon with a very light squad to negotiate a difficult away fixture in the Champions League. The Bianconeri started brightly, keeping possession of the ball confidently and making decent inroads at goal early on. Despite the territorial dominance, however, the French team had the first effort of the night courtesy of a Mouctar Diakhaby header wide from the free-kick delivery. A few minutes later, Gonzalo Higuaín registered Juventus’ first shot of the game; his effort went comfortably wide of the target despite the impressive pace behind the shot.

After a bit of a lull in the game, Juve had its first piece of truly noteworthy action. Paolo Dybala conceded a corner kick after a sloppy pass back to Alex Sandro and, from the resulting set piece, Leonardo Bonucci managed to wrap his arms all over Diakhaby and concede the penalty. The referee had no choice, really, after the defender forcefully dragged the Frenchman down in the penalty area. All eyes were on Alexander Lacazette for the ensuing penalty kick, but it was not to be as the legendary keeper Gianluigi Buffon dove to his left to confidently repel the striker’s shot.

The score remained goalless but what was lacking in goals, certainly wasn’t absent in entertainment value. It was soon time for more goalkeeping heroics, though this time from the other side of the pitch, as Anthony Lopes pulled off a fantastic save from a strong Higuaín header, who had been teed up by an exquisite Daniel Alves cross. Higuaín and Khedira almost fashioned a dangerous chance for themselves moments later, but the impressive Diakhaby denied them the opportunity in what proved to be the last kick of a goalless first half.

Juventus were unconvincing in the first half and the start of the second half did little to alter this scenario. Lyon almost capitalized on this hesitancy early on as well: Corentin Tolisso played the ball into Nabil Fekir during a dangerous counter attack and the striker managed to create a yard of space for the shot which, after deflecting off Bonucci, seemed to have Buffon wrong-footed. The Italian stalwart had yet another trick up his sleeve though as he extended his right hand to guide a shot that seemed so destined for goal over the bar. The drama continued as Mario Lemina picked up his (harsh?) second yellow card of the game during another Lyon counter which forced the Bianconeri to see out the final 35 minutes with 10 men.

Lyon clearly felt the wind in their sails now as the crowd roared them on and Juventus dropped deeper and deeper into defense. They were cutting through the Italian midfield with ease and mounting real pressure for Allegri’s side to deal with. The Juventus manager ultimately decided to make a change to restructure the side: on came Juan Cuadrado for the disappointing Paolo Dybala, and Juventus shuffled to a 4-4-1 formation.

Lyon, however, continued to attack but once again Buffon denied them, this time from a point-blank Tolisso header from a corner kick! Then suddenly, against the run of play, Juventus had the opening goal. Substitute Cuadrado received the ball in space on the right side, showed off some wonderful footwork to dazzle Jeremy Morel, and rifled in an unstoppable near-post shot from inside the penalty area. Lyon seemed utterly dumbfounded by this turn of events, even though they twice came close to an equalizer: Buffon (!!!) saved a rasping Gonalons shot before substitute Rachid Ghezzal side-footed a shot inches wide of the far post with literally seconds left on the clock.

A dramatic finale to an utterly gripping game of football in the Parc Olympique Lyonnais! A 1-0 victory for Juventus!

LE PAGELLE

BUFFON 10 – Where do I even start? Batted away the penalty with superb confidence and single-handedly (literally, on one occasion) rescued not just one, but all three points for the team. Amazing.

BARZAGLI 6.5 – Lacazette occasionally wandered over to his side of the pitch, but generally only had to deal with the occasional overlap by Rafael. Things became more complicated after the sending off though.

BONUCCI 5.5 – Words cannot describe how livid I get from defenders doing wrestling moves in the box at set pieces. Of all people, I didn’t expect Bonucci to do it, though. Other than that, he played fairly alright.

EVRA 6 – He was a bit awkward in his unfamiliar left-center back role, especially in the second half. His link-up play with the midfielders was particularly underwhelming.

DANI ALVES 6.5 – Contrary to general opinion, I thought he performed quite well, although his offensive output was a bit erratic.

KHEDIRA 6 – To paraphrase Tim Vickery, Khedira is one of those players that when the collective functions, his individual quality really shines through. This was not the case here though, but he did alright nonetheless.

PJANIC 6 – Very disappointing game. He is really struggling for consistency, it seems…

LEMINA 4.5 – An evening to forget for the young Gabonese midfielder.

SANDRO 8 – An all-action performance by the Brazilian, who continues to win my admiration and plaudits. Struggled a little after the sending-off, mostly because he had to play two positions (CM and LM), but his fitness is absolutely impeccable.

HIGUAÍN 6 – Very quiet throughout the game, with only a few half-chances from long-range efforts to show for.

DYBALA 5.5 – Frustrated throughout the game, though struggled to get reliable service from midfield given Pjanic’s poor display. The 3-v-2 situation, and Lyon’s heavy midfield block, really gave him a hard time as well.

Subs

CUADRADO 8 – Scored the all-important game-winning goal with a dazzling display of quick feet and direct play. Cracking shot to score the goal and also won some useful fouls to calm the tempo of the play.

STURARO 6 – Provided some fresh, battling legs in a difficult final 15 minutes of the game.

BENATIA N/A – Played for a few minutes.

Manager

ALLEGRI 6.5 – Credit to the boss for the Cuadrado substitution after the sending off. He could have made a defensive switch to stabilize the team – which was actually quite necessary given how Lyon were effortlessly slicing through our midfield at that point – but chose to bring on a direct option in the form of the Colombian winger. Then again, he wasn’t very proactive in solving the most pressing tactical issue in the first half, which was the central midfield battle, so all in all an ok rating for Mad Max.

Tactics: Harder and harder to breath

It was an interesting 3-5-2 vs. 3-5-2 battle in this game. Given that our 3-5-2 has already been dissected with razor sharp incision and insight, I cast the spotlight more on our opponents’ tactical setup. I had two tactical predictions prior to the game based on the battle between these identical formations: the strikers on both sides would have very little joy given the 3-v-2 defensive-offensive situation and the two registi, Mario Lemina and Maxime Gonalons, would be crucial for their respective teams. I was partially right on my predictions, so let’s see in what way I was right and in what way I was wrong.

Lemina is neatly trapped between Lacazette and Fekir (again, sorry for the poor image quality)

Let’s start with Lemina. The midfield of both sides was set up such that Lemina for Juventus and Gonalons were free with the most space in the middle of the park. Thus, the question was how each manager would deal with this ‘threat.’ Bruno Genesio, the Lyon manager, responded by instructing his two forwards, Lacazette and Fekir, to drop very deep to deny passing lanes into Lemina. They executed this plan with remarkable diligence: on almost every occasion they were on the exact same lateral line, with Lemina unfortunately sandwiched in between.

Yep, my good ol hand-drawn lines are back!

This was, of course, very smart because it meant that the Juventus midfielder could barely play incisive, penetrating balls to the wings given that this path was firmly blocked. It’s no surprise then that, despite the fact that he completed almost all his passes, these passes were all very unspectacular:

Lemina couldn’t and didn’t do much more than a handful of unambitious passes

The knock-on effect was that all three center backs were completely free, but they had no options to pass to given that everyone was tightly marked. Result? A very uninspiring opening 45 minutes of play. Given how little ball possession Lyon had, Gonalons didn’t really do much with his midfield ‘freedom’ either, though I admit it was difficult for me to see because Lyon didn’t have very extensive build-up play for their attacks. So I guess I was half right, half wrong on this one.

Not as perfectly lined up as usual, but still Lemina’s space is clearly neutralized

It was clear, however, both sets of strikers had a very torrid evening this game. Despite this, I do want to highlight the following curious tactical snippet in the image below. We’ve already discussed Alves’ interesting central midfield drifts before, but here it had a very curious knock-on effect. Corentin Tolisso, usually marking Khedira in midfield, had to make a difficult decision when Alves drifted inside: start marking the Brazilian who was now occupying his defensive zone, or drop all the way back onto Khedira who had stealthily moved forward into attack? The Frenchman (logically) chose the former option, but that meant that there was now an uncomfortable 3-v-3 situation at the back.

Yeah, my lines and boxes aren’t quite up to the standard of my more esteemed peers, alas...

Why was this so uncomfortable? Just look at the chasm of space in behind Mapou Yanga-Mbiwa after he followed Dybala’s move to drop deep. Higuaín is now in a great position to make a diagonal run while Khedira is also in a position to participate in an offensive move. Alves is in a central position at the bottom of the picture, marked by Tolisso. Although this situation went unexploited, it was an interesting tactical nuance that had some potential to it but was unfortunately barely used.

Half full, half empty

This was definitely one of the most gripping and intriguing Juventus games I’ve watched in a long time. On one hand, it was a remarkable display of mental fortitude to not crumble under the pressure of an away Champions League fixture with a man sent off with still 35 minutes left to play. On the other hand, it was really one of the most flattering results you could imagine after that stellar display by the veteran hero Buffon absolutely saved us. There’s no time to dwell on this result though, because speaking of difficult away fixtures…

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

Socrates · October 20, 2016

OLYMPIQUE L. - JUVENTUS

..0-1

Juan Cuadrado 76'

MATCHDAY 3

Tuesday, October 18th, 2016 - 08:45 PM

Parc O. Lyonnais, Décines-Charpieu (Lyon)

Referee: Szymon Marciniak (Poland)

Juventus' Gianluigi Buffon praised by

Massimiliano Allegri after Lyon display

Afbeeldingsresultaat voor olympique lyon juventus 0-1 2016 gianluigi buffon

http://www.espnfc.co.uk/juventus/story/2976004/juventus-

gianluigi-buffon-praised-by-massimiliano-allegri-after-lyon-display

Oct 19, 2016

Juventus coach Massimiliano Allegri has paid tribute to Gianluigi Buffon after his performance helped the club to a 1-0 Champions League win over Lyon on Tuesday.

Buffon, 38, made a string of crucial saves, including denying Alexandre Lacazette from the penalty spot, before Juan Cuadrado's late strike kept theBianconeri on course for a place in the knockout rounds of the competition.

The Italy captain's impressive display came just 24 hours after he had vowed to silence his critics following recent criticism of his performances.

"Gigi doesn't need defending by anybody -- he's different to everybody else because all he can do when criticised is smile," Allegri is quoted as saying byGazzetta dello Sport.

Buffon said on Tuesday how his critics were preparing his funeral, and headded after the Lyon win: "They can go to my funeral, but they won't find anybody there. I was never hurt by the criticism because I know that I am already very self-critical.

"There are times when people are disrespectful to people and their careers. I hear lots of stupid things and only a few correct words -- that more should be expected from Buffon."

Juve general manager Beppe Marotta also applauded his club's No. 1.

"Buffon, aside from being a great footballer and a great athlete, is a great man," he told Swiss TV channel RSI. "He's very intelligent with how he manages the minor and very rare criticism which has been levelled at him over the course of an extraordinary career.

"That is why the best metaphor he could have is that of a blank sheet of paper which represents his beautiful career, with just a small black dot representing a few injuries he has had. You can't criticise an icon like him."

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

Socrates · October 20, 2016

OLYMPIQUE L. - JUVENTUS

..0-1

Juan Cuadrado 76'

MATCHDAY 3

Tuesday, October 18th, 2016 - 08:45 PM

Parc O. Lyonnais, Décines-Charpieu (Lyon)

Referee: Szymon Marciniak (Poland)

Gigi Buffon Is Superman Once Again

for Juventus Against Lyon

Afbeeldingsresultaat voor olympique lyon juventus 0-1 2016 superman gianluigi buffon

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2670532-gigi-buffon

-is-superman-once-again-for-juventus-against-lyon?

Oct 19, 2016

Asked about criticism of his recent performances on Mediasetshow Tiki Taka, Gigi Buffon offered a swift response. “I live to make them eat their rash words,” the Juventus and Italy captain said (h/t Football Italia), and on Tuesday night at the ParcOlympique Lyonnais, he did just that.

Faced with a Lyon side who had lost four of their last five fixtures, the Italian giants—who have tasted defeat just once this term—should have dominated. But while the 1-0 UEFA Champions League win recorded by the Bianconeri appears routine, it was anything but.

Indeed, throughout the first months of 2016/17, coach Massimiliano Allegri’s men have become specialists in making life difficult for themselves, yet they continually emerge victorious.

Their previous game was a 2-1 win at home against Udinese that saw them fall behind to a Jakub Jankto strike, with Buffon taking much of the blame for allowing that goal.

Follow

Stereo Serie A Radio @StereoSerieA

Udinese takes a shock 0-1 lead. Buffon needs to do better on that. Uncharacteristic mistake by the Azzurri legend.

9:18 PM - 15 Oct 2016

12 Retweets

34 likes

Letting the Czech Republic midfielder’s effort squirm under his body, the 38-year-old’s error came just days after his blunder for Italy against Spain. In that match, he ran out of his area to make a clearance, completely missing the ball and allowing Vitolo to score in what was eventually a 1-1 draw.

In between his two mistakes, Buffon was awarded the Golden Foot in Monaco and told reporters he would not discuss his performances. "In this job you accept criticism and give answers on the field," he said, perGoal's Ben Spratt, with Juve’s disjointed performance in Lyon giving him the perfect opportunity to do just that.

There were 34 minutes on the clock when Leonardo Bonucci tangled with Mouctar Diakhaby at a corner, and the defender was booked as the French side were awarded a penalty. Up stepped AlexandreLacazette, but Buffon dived the right way and pulled off the save to keep his team in the tie.

Follow

ItalianFootballTV @IFTV_Official

BUFFON YOU LEGEND!!!! SAVES LACAZETTE'S PENALTY KICK

THOUGHT HE LOST IT THO?!?!

9:23 PM - 18 Oct 2016

422 Retweets

323 likes

It was a stop that sucked the confidence from the Lyon striker but failed to inspire Juventus, whose best chance of the first half came from a surprisingly powerful Gonzalo Higuain header from the edge of the box.

After the break, the game became much more open. Fouls began to be committed all over the pitch, but few clear chances were created untilNabil Fekir turned past Dani Alves and prepared to shoot.

Just 12 yards out, he seemed certain to score as Buffon dived low and to his right. Coming across to cover, Bonucci was too late to block the shot and could only deflect it. Somehow, his goalkeeper reacted, sticking up a trailing hand and pushing the shot over the bar to safety.

It was an incredible save, one Buffon had no business making given his age, his recent form and the degree of difficulty. Yet ever since breaking into the team at Parma over two decades ago, the Carraranative has made a career of making that type of extraordinary stop with startling regularity.

Amassing a record number of caps for Italy (currently 165), he is a 10-time Serie A Goalkeeper of the Year, the most expensive player in his position and winner of almost every trophy the sport has to offer.

Almost. On a CV that includes a FIFA World Cup triumph in 2006 and a vast assortment of other titles, the one glaring omission is, of course, the Champions League. Twice—in 2003 then 2015—he has reached the final with the Bianconeri, denied first by AC Milan and then LionelMessi and Barcelona.

View image on Twitter

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Bleacher Report UK

✔@br_uk

Gigi Buffon would not swap one of his seven Serie A titles for an elusive Champions League trophy

1:30 PM - 17 May 2016

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104 likes

The man himself has attempted to downplay that fact (see the quote above from May 2016), but he continues to discuss the importance of that elusive victory, expressing his hopes ahead of the clash withSevilla last month.

“I want to underline that the dream is not mine, it is of Juve and all the players, the club and the Juve World,” Buffon told reporters at a press conference. “At the end of the day, Juve haven’t won this trophy since I started my career. We’ve both been chasing it this whole time and want to crown that dream together.”

Team-mate Patrice Evra told UEFA’s website (h/t FourFourTwo) thatBuffon “deserves it” when asked about Juve’s chances of Champions League glory, while the Azzurri veteran has been equally vocal with one of the club’s summer signings.

hi-res-484edaa6435b0792700c99ebe8d24105_

Jean Catuffe/Getty Images

Buffon believes Dani Alves can help Juventus.

“I asked Dani Alves to help us, above all us older members of the team, to achieve the dream we are still chasing and help us push the bar a little higher,” Buffon told Sky Italia back in August (h/t Football Italia). “He is rather accustomed to certain targets and victories, so I think in that sense his experience can really help us.”

However, one of Juve’s younger players clearly has much to learn about the game at this level. Mario Lemina would make the Old Lady’s task in Lyon infinitely more difficult when he was sent off after 54 minutes, prompting Allegri to reshuffle his side and send on JuanCuadrado.

18 Oct

Juventus FC @JuventusGO

71' ATAJADOTA DE BUFFON con los pies tras cabezaso a quemaropa de Tolisso INEMNSO GIGI!!!

Lyon 0-0 #Juventus #UCL #ForzaJuve

Follow

Juventus FC @JuventusGO

[VIDEO] Atajadota de Buffon a Tolisso #SuperGigi #G1G1

10:17 PM - 18 Oct 2016

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10 likes

Yet it would once again be Buffon who was called upon to deliver, first smothering a dangerous effort from Lacazette with Fekir lurking in the box before pulling off yet another amazing stop to deny an unmarkedCorentin Tolisso header.

Perhaps that was finally enough to inspire those around him. Alvessent Cuadrado away down the right and after a few stepovers, the Colombian quickly glanced around for support. Lyon held firm, and nobody was available for a pass, so the winger took matters into his own hands.

“I tried to make the play, looked up and couldn’t see anyone in the middle,” he told Mediaset Premium (h/t Football Italia) shortly after the final whistle. “So I tried to hit a missile and it worked.”

It certainly did, and the Bianconeri escaped with three valuable points. Allegri was quick to admit that Juve “owe our clean sheet to Buffon's performance" at his post-match press conference, but he was also keen to demand improvement from the rest of his team when he spoke to Mediaset Premium (h/t Football Italia):

We must try to play better, be relaxed and not too hasty in our passing, as when Lyon sit back like that, you need patience. The same thing happened against Udinese, as we ran some risks there too.

We do have to play better in so many areas, including running off the ball. If we don’t run as much as AC Milan this weekend, we’re going to be in trouble.

That clash with the coach’s former club at San Siro on Saturday now looms large for a team that has not played well this term. However, they still sit top of the table in both Serie A and the Champions League and are yet to concede a single goal in the latter competition thanks to their captain.

"People can organise my funeral, but there's nobody there," Buffonquipped to Mediaset Premium (h/t FourFourTwo) as he left the field in Lyon, but perhaps the banner at Juventus Stadium during the Udinesegame said it best.

“Even Superman is at times ‘just’ Clark Kent,” read the sign lifted by supporters on the vociferous Curva Sud. “Gigi is always our superhero.” He was against Lyon and will be again, there should be no doubting him.

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

Socrates · October 26, 2016

JUVENTUS - SAMPDORIA

4-1-

Mario Mandzukic 4'

Giorgio Chiellini 9'

Patrik Schick 57'

Miralem Pjanic 65'

Giorgio Chiellini 87'

MATCHDAY 10

Wednesday, October 26th, 2016 - 08:45 PM
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Carmine Russo

Juventus 4-1 Sampdoria: Champions

bounce back in style

After losing last time out to Milan, champions Juventus score

four against Samp including a double for defender.

<br/><a href="http://oi67.tinypic.com/35lf5fk.jpg" target="_blank">View Raw Image</a>

h ttp://www.goal.com/en/match/juventus-vs-sampdoria/2305846

Oct 26, 2016

The Serie A champions went down 1-0 at San Siro on Saturday, but were back to somewhere near their best on Wednesday, roaring into a two-goal lead inside the opening nine minutes.

Mario Mandzukic opened the scoring with a header for his first goal of the season and shortly afterwards Giorgio Chiellini nodded in from a corner.

That early quick-fire double may have had Samp fans fearing a repeat of last season's 5-0 drubbing on the same ground, but the visitors – struggling in the lower reaches of the table – pulled one back after the break through Patrik Schick, following Chiellini's error.

Any hopes of a comeback were soon dashed, however, as Miralem Pjanic added a scruffy third midway through the second period and Chiellini completed an eventful outing with his second to ensure Juve's advantage over Roma at the summit remains at two points.

Claudio Marchisio, on his first appearance since a serious knee injury suffered in April, managed 72 minutes on his return, although there was concern when Patrice Evra was forced off with what appeared to be a calf injury late in the first half.

Mandzukic was restored to the starting line-up as one of six changes from that defeat to Milan and Massimiliano Allegri's decision yielded swift reward.

Juan Cuadrado skipped away from his man down the right in the fourth minute and whipped in a devilish cross which Mandzukic met with a simple free header from close range.

The lead was doubled five minutes later as Pjanic swung over a corner and Chiellini rose highest to power a header past Christian Puggioni from six yards.

Juve continued to look a threat whenever they came forward and neat interplay between Pjanic, Mandzukic and Gonzalo Higuain resulted in the latter firing into the side-netting just prior to the half-hour mark.

Samp finally awoke from their slumber and Jacopo Sala brought a fine low save out of Neto – starting in place of the rested Gianluigi Buffon – but the Brazilian was beaten 12 minutes after the restart.

Chiellini was at fault, presenting the ball to Dennis Praet, who strode forward into the area and cut the ball back for Schick to sweep home first time with his left foot.

But Juve's two-goal lead was restored within eight minutes as a scramble inside the Samp area eventually saw the ball fall kindly for Pjanic, who thumped home through a narrow gap at the near post.

Higuain, who endured a frustrating evening, was thwarted by Puggioni with 15 minutes remaining and the Argentina star will hope for better fortunes against his former club Napoli on Saturday.

With three minutes left on the clock Chiellini showed his team-mate how it is done – although the defender could hardly miss a free header from six yards following another excellent Cuadrado delivery.

Key Opta stats:

- Juventus have conceded a goal in three Serie A games in a row, the first time since November.

- Mario Mandzukic has scored after 10 Serie A games without a goal (April 24 against Fiorentina).

- Mandzukic has scored after 763 minutes played without goals with Juventus (all competitions).

- Prior to today Giorgio Chiellini's last Serie A goal was back in May against Sampdoria – his last Serie A brace was back in April 2008.

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

Socrates · October 26, 2016

JUVENTUS - SAMPDORIA

4-1-

Mario Mandzukic 4'

Giorgio Chiellini 9'

Patrik Schick 57'

Miralem Pjanic 65'

Giorgio Chiellini 87'

MATCHDAY 10

Wednesday, October 26th, 2016 - 08:45 PM
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Carmine Russo

Chiellini guides Juve back to winning way

http://www.goal.com/en/match/juventus-vs-sampdoria/2305846/ratings

Oct 26, 2016

BEST AND WORST PLAYER

Best Player

Goal Choice

G. Chiellini

JuventusPosition: Defender

Worst Player

Goal Choice

V. Regini

SampdoriaPosition: Defender

TEAM RATINGS

Juventus

Sampdoria

Substitutes

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

Socrates · October 27, 2016

JUVENTUS - SAMPDORIA

4-1-

Mario Mandzukic 4'

Giorgio Chiellini 9'

Patrik Schick 57'

Miralem Pjanic 65'

Giorgio Chiellini 87'

MATCHDAY 10

Wednesday, October 26th, 2016 - 08:45 PM
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Carmine Russo

Giorgio Chiellini scores brace as

Juventus ease past Sampdoria

<br/><a href="http://oi68.tinypic.com/14c901d.jpg" target="_blank">View Raw Image</a>

http://www.espnfc.co.uk/report?gameId=461207

Oct 26, 2016

Juventus warmed up for their top-of-the-table clash with Napoli by beating Sampdoria 4-1 in Turin.

On Saturday the Bianconeri will lock horns with one of their fiercest Scudetto rivals at the Juventus Stadium and it was vital Massimiliano Allegri's men went into the showdown in positive mood.

Mario Mandzukic and Giorgio Chiellini boosted confidence with early goals and, after struggling Samp responded through maiden scorer Patrik Schick, Bosnia's Miralem Pjanic propelled Juve clear.

There was even enough room behind the visiting backline for defender Chiellini to add goal number four, further humiliating the Genoese club as they suffered a fourth away defeat of the new season.

Juve's 1-0 San Siro defeat to AC Milan at the weekend left them vulnerable to the chasing pack and indeed Roma managed to close to within two points by hammering Palermo on Sunday night.

A convincing home victory was required to banish any creeping doubts and the champions wasted no time setting about a Samp defence without a clean sheet in eight games in pursuit of that goal.

It took Mandzukic only four minutes to score the opener, the Croatian snaking between Jacopo Sala and Matias Silvestre before heading Juan Cuadrado's cross into the net.

Five minutes later it was 2-0 as Chiellini nodded Pjanic's corner kick beyond a stranded Christian Puggioni.

Juve might have added their third before the break but Gonzalo Higuain blasted wide after a nifty one-two with Mandzukic and later saw the ball snatched off his feet by Samp's goalkeeper.

The visitors looked more solid when play resumed and shortly before the hour mark Czech youngster Schick grabbed a first goal in Blucerchiati after seizing on a Chiellini mistake and tucking home.

Juve made sure to punish their opponents for daring to answer back when Pjanic got on the scoresheet in the 65th minute.

The provider for the second goal benefited from a six-yard-box spill by Puggioni on a Higuain shot and the ball was in the Samp net once again.

Higuain, without a goal in his three previous appearances, got Puggioni moving as the final 10 minutes approached, the 90 million euro striker smashing straight into the veteran stopper's gloves.

It fell to Chiellini to show the Argentinian how it should be done. The Italy defender completed a rare brace -- his first since October 2014, when he doubled up for Italy against Azerbaijan -- by converting Cuadrado's free-kick.

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

Socrates · October 27, 2016

JUVENTUS - SAMPDORIA

4-1-

Mario Mandzukic 4'

Giorgio Chiellini 9'

Patrik Schick 57'

Miralem Pjanic 65'

Giorgio Chiellini 87'

MATCHDAY 10

Wednesday, October 26th, 2016 - 08:45 PM
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Carmine Russo

Juventus 4 - 1 Sampdoria MATCH REPORT

Juventus made short work of Sampdoria, Giorgio Chiellini getting a surprise

brace and Claudio Marchisio’s comeback after six months.

<br/><a href="http://oi65.tinypic.com/2nrzgiv.jpg" target="_blank">View Raw Image</a>

http://www.football-italia.net/SerieA/match/87920

Oct 26, 2016

The Bianconeri needed to get back on track after a surprise defeat to Milan reduced their lead at the top to just two points. Samp, on the other hand, were fresh from victory in the Derby della Lanterna and feeling revitalised. Paulo Dybala and Marko Pjaca missed out, so the front two was a forced decision, but Claudio Marchisio made his comeback six months after ACL surgery. Giorgio Chiellini also returned, though Norberto Neto allowed Gigi Buffon some rest. The Blucerchiati were without Emiliano Viviano, Daniel Pavlovic and Carlos Carbonero.

Sampdoria had won this fixture only twice in the last 20 years, in February 2005 and January 2013, falling 5-0 last season.

It took just a few minutes to break through, as Juan Cuadrado shrugged off Vasco Regini and crossed for Mario Mandzukic’s diving header from six yards. The Croatian ended his 764-minute goal drought in all competition for the club.

The second goal was just too simple, as Giorgio Chiellini rose relatively undisturbed to meet a Miralem Pjanic corner.

Gonzalo Higuain drilled on to the side-netting and Samp finally had a chance after 31 minutes when Dani Alves lost possession and Ante Budimir’s angled drive was deflected inches past the far post off Neto’s fingertips.

Patrice Evra went off with a calf injury and made way for Alex Sandro. Higuain threatened again on the stroke of half-time, as he sprung the offside trap and went round Puggioni, but the goalkeeper did well to track back and force him wide.

Sampdoria did pull one back, as Chiellini’s terrible backpass was pounced on by Dennis Praet to set up Patrick Shick for a simple finish.

However, Puggioni used his legs to deny Sami Khedira, then a chaotic move finally ended with Pjanic bundling it over the line to restore Juve’s two-goal cushion.

Chiellini completed his unexpected brace, springing the offside trap to nod in a Cuadrado free kick. It was his first Serie A double since April 2008.

Juventus: Neto; Dani Alves, Bonucci, Chiellini; Cuadrado, Pjanic (Asamoah 82), Khedira, Marchisio (Lemina 72), Evra (Alex Sandro 41); Mandzukic, Higuain

Sampdoria: Puggioni; Sala, Silvestre, Skriniar, Regini; Barreto (Djuricic 74), Cigarini, Praet; Alvarez; Budimir (Quagliarella 61), Schick (Muriel 61)

Ref: Russo

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

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