JUVENTUS SEASON 2016-2017

Socrates · November 20, 2016

JUVENTUS - PESCARA

3-0

Sami Khedira 36'

Mario Mandzukic 63'

Hernanes 69'

MATCHDAY 13

Saturday, November 19th, 2016 - 08:45 p.m.
Juventus stadium, Turin
Referee: Michael Fabbri

Oddo: 'Pescara lack confidence'

http://www.football-italia.net/94575/oddo-pescara-lack-confidence?

Nov 19, 2016

Massimo Oddo feels Pescara are severely lacking in confidence after a 3-0 defeat to Juventus. “We’re playing with the handbrake on.”

The Delfini were promoted via the Serie B play-offs with sparkling and attacking football, but have had huge problems finding the net this season.

“Our problem this season is that we can’t convert our chances. Tonight compared to previous matches we didn’t even create that many opportunities,” the Coach told Sky Sport Italia.

“We were a little more solid in defence, as I changed a few things, and that took away some of our confidence going forward. We held out well for as long as we could, naturally against a side with such quality, and once we ran out of steam they took over.

“When a great team controls the ball, they force you to go deep and force you to run a great deal off the ball, which tires you out. I saw the right attitude for about an hour, but Juve did eventually pin us back.”

Pescara are continually praised for their midfield movement, but struggle in attack and defence.

“It’s true, I’ve been working on the final third issue for two years. Our biggest problem is not when the opposition has the ball, as we remain organised, but the real trouble is when we have the ball.

“Last season we were so determined in winning back possession straight away, but our confidence has been hit and we’ve been playing with the handbrake on.

“Also, as against Empoli, when you concede lots of counter-attacks then that hurts your self-belief even more. We’re working on it and I think this evening there were improvements on that score.

“In the opening game against Napoli, we played the same way we did in Serie B. However, if you don’t win, then confidence drops, the fear sets in and you don’t have that same determination.

“What we need is the victory. Technically we haven’t won yet this season, so that would give us so much self-belief.”

There is one win in the table for Pescara, but it was handed to them by the Disciplinary Commission after Sassuolo fielded an ineligible player.

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

Socrates · November 20, 2016

JUVENTUS - PESCARA

3-0

Sami Khedira 36'

Mario Mandzukic 63'

Hernanes 69'

MATCHDAY 13

Saturday, November 19th, 2016 - 08:45 p.m.
Juventus stadium, Turin
Referee: Michael Fabbri

Allegri appreciates humble Juventus

<a href="http://oi64.tinypic.com/28koitv.jpg" target="_blank">View Raw Image</a>

http://www.football-italia.net/94576/allegri-appreciates-humble-juventus?

Nov 19, 2016

Massimiliano Allegri was pleased that Juventus “showed great respect for Pescara” and insists Tuesday’s showdown is “more important for Sevilla.”

The Bianconeri made relatively short work of tonight’s Serie A fixture, winning 3-0 with Sami Khedira, Mario Mandzukic and Hernanes goals.

“We mustn’t be hasty with the ball, because that risks counter-attacks, and when 3-0 up need to control the situation better to preserve energy,” he told Sky Sport Italia.

Allegri rotated the squad to rest several top players ahead of Tuesday’s Champions League showdown with Sevilla, but tried to dial back the pressure.

“I maintain the match is more important for Sevilla than for us. If we don’t beat Dinamo Zagreb at home in our final group game, then we don’t deserve to be in the Champions League.

“Gigi Buffon just got back from international duty, Miralem Pjanic had a bruised foot and I preferred to rest him. I always say you win the title via games like this, bringing home important points. I am above all happy we kept a clean sheet.

“It’s satisfying for Hernanes, as he is a fine professional, a good guy and always puts in a decent performance. He needs confidence, as do all players.

“The team showed humility and great respect for Pescara this evening. It was not an easy game, because they were pressing high and were tactically organised.

“I thought Gonzalo Higuain had a great performance, as he sacrificed himself for the team and worked very hard. These three points are worth the same as three points against Napoli or the three points against Milan that we didn’t get…

“Let’s not talk about breaking away at the top, because Roma and Milan still need to play tomorrow.”

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

Socrates · November 20, 2016

JUVENTUS - PESCARA

3-0

Sami Khedira 36'

Mario Mandzukic 63'

Hernanes 69'

MATCHDAY 13

Saturday, November 19th, 2016 - 08:45 p.m.
Juventus stadium, Turin
Referee: Michael Fabbri

Juventus cruise past Pescara to open

seven-point Serie A lead, Napoli win

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

http://www.espnfc.co.uk/italian-serie-a/story/3000034/juventus

-cruise-past-pescara-to-open-seven-point-serie-a-lead

Nov 19, 2016

Juventus swept Pescara aside 3-0 in Turin to extend their lead at the top of Serie A over Roma to seven points on Saturday night.

With Roma not in action until their trip to Atalanta on Sunday, Massimiliano Allegri's much-changed side made no mistakes against the Delfini.

Sami Khedira put the home side in front on 36 minutes, finishing a neat move in the penalty area.

Mario Mandzukic, converting from close range, and Hernanes, who drilled in a 25-yard effort, then struck twice in the space of six minutes midway through the second half to make sure of victory.

With the points secure, there was also the opportunity for Allegri to hand a late debut to 16-year-old forward Moise Kean.

Lorenzo Insigne scored twice as title hopefuls Napoli returned to winning ways with a 2-1 victory over Udinese at the Dacia Arena.

Thrust into a central role as a result of the sale of Gonzalo Higuain and Arkadiusz Milik's serious injury, Insigne had failed to notch in 11 league games this season before finding form in Udine.

He twice played the role of fox-in-the-box to guide Napoli to a first win in three attempts, a result which lifts them to fourth in the table. Stipe Perica managed to score for Udinese, who are 13th.

Massimo Gobbi helped Chievo stop the rot by scoring the only goal of a 1-0 home win over Cagliari.

The former Parma midfielder snapped the Flying Donkeys' five-game winless run with a cool finish in the 53rd minute at the Stadio Marc'Antonio Bentegodi.

Chievo were dominant in Verona and might have added further goals through Sergio Pellissier and Lucas Castro, while Portugal defender Bruno Alves enjoyed the best opportunity for Cagliari.

The Sardinians, following a fourth defeat from five games, slip one place to 12th while Chievo jump above Fiorentina, Inter Milan and Genoa to reach eighth.

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

Socrates · November 20, 2016

JUVENTUS - PESCARA

3-0

Sami Khedira 36'

Mario Mandzukic 63'

Hernanes 69'

MATCHDAY 13

Saturday, November 19th, 2016 - 08:45 p.m.
Juventus stadium, Turin
Referee: Michael Fabbri

Allegri: Juve showed humility and great respect

Manager’s post-match comments

<a href="http://oi65.tinypic.com/2ln73eu.jpg" target="_blank">View Raw Image</a>

http://www.blackwhitereadallover.com/2016/11/20/13687876/allegri

-juventus-showed-humility-and-great-respect-pescara-3-0

Nov 20, 2016

Juventus manager Massimiliano Allegri insisted that Tuesday’s Champions League showdown at Sevilla was more critical for their hosts than for his Bianconeri side. He was speaking after Juve brushed aside plucky Pescara 3-0 at the Juventus Stadium earlier today.

“We mustn’t be hasty with the ball, because that risks counter-attacks, and when 3-0 up need to control the situation better to preserve energy.

“I maintain the match is more important for Sevilla than for us. If we don’t beat Dinamo Zagreb at home in our final group game, then we don’t deserve to be in the Champions League.

“Gigi Buffon just got back from international duty, Miralem Pjanic had a bruised foot and I preferred to rest him. I always say you win the title via games like this, bringing home important points. I am above all happy we kept a clean sheet.

“It’s satisfying for Hernanes, as he is a fine professional, a good guy and always puts in a decent performance. He needs confidence, as do all players.

“The team showed humility and great respect for Pescara this evening. It was not an easy game, because they were pressing high and were tactically organised.

“I thought Gonzalo Higuain had a great performance, as he sacrificed himself for the team and worked very hard. These three points are worth the same as three points against Napoli or the three points against Milan that we didn’t get…

“Let’s not talk about breaking away at the top, because Roma and Milan still need to play tomorrow.”

Hernanes, who put the cherry on top of today’s win with a shot crashed in from distance to make the score 3-0, also spoke after the game -

“The fans were waiting for it, a performance like this from me and this type of goal that I have scored many times in Italy.

“I am happy to have finally scored from distance again, but it is even more important to find the three points and stay top of the table.

“It was important today and the Coach underlined that we had to face this match with the right determination, which is what we did.

“We got the three points and are fired up to face Sevilla on Tuesday.”

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

Socrates · November 20, 2016

JUVENTUS - PESCARA

3-0

Sami Khedira 36'

Mario Mandzukic 63'

Hernanes 69'

MATCHDAY 13

Saturday, November 19th, 2016 - 08:45 p.m.
Juventus stadium, Turin
Referee: Michael Fabbri

Juventus' Moise Kean becomes first

player in Serie A born in 2000

<a href="http://oi65.tinypic.com/mhvh5i.jpg" target="_blank">View Raw Image</a>

http://www.espnfc.co.uk/juventus/story/3000199/juventus-

moise-kean-becomes-first-player-in-serie-a-born-in-2000

Nov 20, 2016

Juventus teenager Moise Kean made history on Saturday when he became the first player born in the year 2000 to feature in a Serie A game.

The 16-year-old, who has been compared to Mario Balotelli, came on to replace Mario Mandzukic in the 84th minute with Juventus in full control of a 3-0 win over Pescara.

Kean, who was born on February 28, 2000, had previously been named to the bench five times in the league -- and twice in the Champions League -- by coach Massimiliano Allegri, but had never before made it into a game.

In September, French side Metz gave a Ligue 1 debut to Vincent Thill, who is three weeks older than Kean. Thill has already earned seven international caps for Luxembourg and even scored against Nigeria in May.

No player born in 2000 or later has yet made an appearance in the Premier League, Bundesliga or La Liga.

Juventus' win may have been straightforward, but Allegri said it was just as important to beat the minnows as it is the title contenders.

"The three points today were worth the same as the three points against Napoli or as the three points we did not get against AC Milan," Allegri told Mediaset Premium.

"Tonight it was important to win. Pescara have always made started games well and, even today, put us in trouble a couple of times, then the defence was unlocked and we won 3-0."

The champions went seven points clear at the top of Serie A ahead of Roma's game against Atalanta on Sunday, and Allegri said it was too early to say Juventus are pulling away toward a sixth straight Scudetto.

"We do not talk about escaping -- Roma must play, AC Milan as well," Allegri said.

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

Socrates · November 21, 2016

JUVENTUS - PESCARA

3-0

Sami Khedira 36'

Mario Mandzukic 63'

Hernanes 69'

MATCHDAY 13

Saturday, November 19th, 2016 - 08:45 p.m.
Juventus stadium, Turin
Referee: Michael Fabbri

Juventus vs. Pescara 2016: Final score 3-0, Juve

brush aside brave Pescara for comfortable victory

The Bianconeri secured a routine three points at home

without ever really leaving second gear

<a href="http://oi67.tinypic.com/2ceemo.jpg" target="_blank">View Raw Image</a>

http://www.blackwhitereadallover.com/2016/11/20/13687836/juventus-pecara-2016-serie-a-round-13-final-score-recap-result

Nov 20, 2016

Back from the eventful matches of the international break, league-leaders Juventus hosted 18th-placed Pescara on a chilly Saturday evening in Turin. Given the crunch-tie away at Sevilla in the Champions League on Tuesday, Juve manager Allegri opted to rotate the squad significantly: Miralem Pjanic, Claudio Marchisio, Giorgio Chiellini and Gianluigi Buffon were all rested.

The game started at a pretty pedestrian pace as the home side tried to shake off all those AirMiles from the international break fixtures. As expected, Juventus dominated possession, but it all seemed to be a bit sluggish and reluctant. The first half-chance of the game came after Alex Sandro set up Gonzalo Higuaín for a shot but Hugo Campagnaro was on hand to shut down the shot. The Sandro-Higuaín combo was repeated a few minutes later; this time the Brazilian teed up Higuaín for a header but the striker couldn’t get it on target. Juventus tried their luck with a few more efforts from range, though, as one shot from Hernanes went a few meters wide while Higuaín blazed a snap-shot well off-target soon after. It was drab and slow stuff but Pescara were understandably happy to keep things that way.

Remarkably, though, it was the away team that registered the biggest chance of the game. The Juventus defense was slow to push up after a failed Pescara attack but Zuparic was able to intercept the ball and loft it over the top to lone striker, Gianluca Caprari. The striker was suddenly through on goal but, thanks to the heavy pressure from defender Daniele Rugani, he fluffed the chance wide of target to the relief of the home fans. Nevertheless, a massive warning shot for the Bianconeri.

As happens with every game that I review, there was another Juventus injury to report. Stephan Lichtsteiner jogged off the pitch with a mystery injury that I honestly have no idea what it might have been. Nevertheless, Juan Cuadrado replaced the injured Swiss wingback. About 10 minutes after the forced substitution, Juventus opened the scoring. A brilliant piece of passing link-up between Khedira and Mandzukic in the inside-right channel resulted in the ball falling into the path of the German midfielder who duly toe-poked the ball into the far corner for the 1-0! That wasn’t the last action of the half though as Memushaj tested Neto with a stinging right-foot shot but the goalkeeper managed to awkwardly save it after making a bit of a mess out of it initially. The referee blew the half-time whistle and Juventus happily took a tidy 1-0 lead to the break, despite almost allowing Pescara to score a goal for themselves.

The second half started with a little more verve beginning with the always wonderful Alex Sandro. The Brazilian twisted and turned and weaved past a host of Pescara challenges and won a free kick for his efforts, although the set piece resulted in nothing. A few minutes later, Higuaín came closest to doubling the home side’s lead after picking up a completely misplaced Cristante back-pass and firing a shot against the outside of the post with Bizzarri backpedaling.

Juventus were getting in the mood now. Khedira fired in a low cross to Mandzukic inside the penalty area but the Croatian awkwardly got in his own way and fired it against his own hand. Later, Khedira was again orchestrating Bianconeri attacks as he released Higuaín through on goal. The Argentine let the ball roll across his body but, in doing so, allowed Biraghi to recover and pressure him enough to force a hasty shot that Bizzarri managed to save. Juventus nevertheless managed to double their lead a few minutes later courtesy of Mario Mandzukic. Alex Sandro crossed the ball into the box for Khedira to head down to an alert Mandzukic who had cleverly beat the offside trap to flick the ball into goal: 2-0! This time around, the roles were reversed: Khedira turned provider and Mandzukic turned goalscorer. Juventus continued to crank up the pressure as the frustrated Higuaín headed a cross from a free-kick a meter or so over the bar. Later, even Hernanes joined the party by collecting a Sandro pass and unleashing an unstoppable right-footed shot into the bottom corner past Bizzarri for the 3-0!

This was the cue for Allegri’s men to take the foot significantly off the gas as the game really trickled into a pedestrian pace. Juventus were understandably conserving energy for Tuesday’s clash so it became a bit of an exhibition match in the final 20-25 minutes of the game. There was still time for a few noteworthy moments though: Sandro caused havoc with a determined dribble and, after a series of deflections from his driven cross, the ball ended up at the feet of ~~enemy-of-the-state~~ Stefano Sturaro who tested Bizzarri with a strong right-footed shot. The Italian midfielder got another chance two minutes later from Higuaín’s cross but somewhat bizarrely chested the ball at ~~Bizzarri~~ goal instead of heading it on target. Moise Kean then made his long-awaited debut by replacing Mandzukic with five minutes to go and Patrice Evra made a goal-line clearance to maintain the clean sheet. 3-0!

Le Pagelle

NETO 6.5 – Had one noteworthy save to make, for the rest nothing to do.

RUGANI 7 – Did well to put off Caprari for that huge scare in the first half. Didn’t put a foot wrong all game.

BONUCCI 7 – Business as usual for the stand-in captain today.

EVRA 7 – Kept things simple and had little difficulty dealing with Pescara’s attackers. Great goal-line clearance at the end of the game too.

LICHTSTEINER N/A – Let’s hope he’s ok!

KHEDIRA 8 – Great game for the German to get his mojo back. Was really involved in allpositive Juventus moves.

ASAMOAH 7.5 – Tidy performance and linked up well with Sandro.

HERNANES 7.5 – Cracking goal and a very composed display. These are the types of games he’ll just love to play in.

ALEX SANDRO 7.5 – Enjoyed himself without exerting too much energy.

Despite the lack of goals, Higuaín’s link-up play was solid as usual. Unfortunately, though, a measly two of these passes were to his striking partner Mandzukic…

HIGUAÍN 6.5 – He’s in a bit of a funk now and was really unlucky not to get at least one goal from his two huge chances. He’ll be alright though, he’s a tough cookie.

MANDZUKIC 7 – Was alert for the second goal and played well throughout.

Subs

CUADRADO 6.5 – Solid outing, did his defensive and offensive work tidily.

STURARO 6.5 – Could have gotten a goal with a good shot on target and an awkward chested ball at Bizzarri.

KEAN 10 N/A – THE FUTURE HAS ARRIVED!!!11ONEONE. Just kidding. I suppose he’ll be back in class on Monday to get back on that high-school hustle.

Manager

ALLEGRI 7 – This could have been one of those games where the team couldn’t be bothered, given the nature of the opposition and the task at hand on Tuesday. However, Allegri did well to make sure that the job was well done without any unnecessary implosions. That helped the team close out the game at a very relaxed pace in the last 20-25 minutes.

Tactical Analysis – Mirror Force

Another game that wasn’t exactly tactically revolutionary stuff, but still had a few noteworthy elements. Pescara coach Massimo Oddo mirrored our formation by also going for what seemed like a 3-5-2.

Crescenzi (the RWB) is out of screen here. In red are the midfielders, in blue the strikers

Their 3-5-2 seemed to be consistently deeper than ours though which explained why we dominated possession so much. I’m honestly quite baffled by teams that play a deep line against us because it makes little sense: Higuaín and Mandzukic aren’t exactly Theo Walcotts that are going to run in behind the opposition defense. Just look at that passing map I posted above of Higuaín and how deep he is. Basically, given the lack of pace of our forwards, it’s probably well worth the gamble to play a high line as Napoli demonstrated excellently a few weeks ago.

With a deep 3-5-2 to battle against and defenders that were happy to engage in aerial duels, it’s no wonder so few crosses were successful.

Lastly, although I couldn’t quite note how often this happened, on a few occasions one of either Cristante or Memushaj would step forward to join the forward press when the Juventus back three had the ball – presumably in an attempt to disrupt our build-up play:

Strikers underlined in blue and midfielder in red. Note the gap between the Pescara lines though, on the right side of the picture.

Are you ready?

Juventus obviously had one eye on Tuesday’s big fixture so saw this game as somewhat of a formality and, hence, a good opportunity to rotate. It looked like the international break might have disrupted the rhythm a little in the beginning but eventually things clicked into gear and it was smooth sailing. This is really the perfect type of game to ease back into things after having so many of your players travel the continent/globe to represent their countries. Now, however, awaits the real test of skill, grit, and desire.

The Ramón Sánchez Pizjuán stadium eagerly awaits our arrival. See you on Tuesday, ragazzi.

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

Socrates · November 21, 2016

JUVENTUS - PESCARA

3-0

Sami Khedira 36'

Mario Mandzukic 63'

Hernanes 69'

MATCHDAY 13

Saturday, November 19th, 2016 - 08:45 p.m.
Juventus stadium, Turin
Referee: Michael Fabbri

Sami Khedira, Alex Sandro impress

as Juventus strolls past Pescara

<a href="http://oi64.tinypic.com/bhm8lv.jpg" target="_blank">View Raw Image</a>

http://www.espnfc.co.uk/club/juventus/111/blog/post/3000218/sami-

khedira-alex-sandro-impress-as-juventus-strolls-past-pescara

Nov 20, 2016

It was business as usual for Juventus as they defeated a troubled Pescara side 3-0 with ease on Saturday.

Tactically organised but woefully lacking in quality, there is a reason why Pescara have not managed to win a single match on the pitch this season.

Despite the many injuries and a starting lineup that looked average at best, Juventus were barely forced to break a sweat to secure the win. Sami Khedira's intelligence took centre-stage while Mario Mandzukic's strength and spirit of sacrifice earned the plaudits, securing maximum points to help push Juve towards yet another title.

Positives

Moise Kean's introduction to the game made history as he became the first player born in the year 2000 to appear in a Serie A game. Only offered a few minutes to demonstrate his pace and trickery, the player excited onlookers with his confidence on the ball and exciting technique. His rise to the top is a clear demonstration of how well Juventus have done in scouting and developing talent.

Negatives

The Mandzukic-Gonzalo Higuain partnership is clearly not working but one that has been forced upon the team due to injuries. The €90 million striker was brought in to ensure lethality and clinical efficiency in front of goal. Deployed behind Mandzukic, the Argentine is dropping deep, helping win back possession and therefore not as polished when the time comes to strike. While he worked especially hard on the night, Max Allegri will not get the best out of player unless he relieves him of all the pressure.

Manager rating out of 10

7 -- The upcoming match against Sevilla coupled with the many injuries suffered forced Allegri into an unfancied starting XI. However, his players sacrificed for the collective and secured a 3-0 result to ensure solidity.

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

GK Norberto Neto, 6 -- Barely troubled but did sensationally well to block a Ledian Memushaj strike.

DF Alex Sandro, 7 -- An excellent performance from the player. He took charge of the left wing, paced up and down and delivered fine crosses and passes. Never gave up on possession and made life difficult for the opponent. Always capable of one error in defence.

DF Daniele Rugani, 6 -- Calm and collected, he was hardly forced to defend but pushed up with intelligence.

DF Leonardo Bonucci, 6 -- A little too relaxed at the early stage of the match and looked nervy at the end but the defender always provides security at the back.

DF Patrice Evra, 6 -- Not a central defender but his experience and character ensured a solid performance. Made a crucial goal line clearance at the end.

DF Stephan Lichtsteiner, 6 -- Played a balanced game, controlling the right lane but was taken off in the 25th minute.

MF Sami Khedira, 7 -- A strong performance from the German who not only scored the opening goal but assisted the second. Read the game excellently to ensure perfect positioning.

MF Hernanes, 7 -- Controlled the midfield very well on the night and scored a beautiful goal to seal a 3-0 result.

MF Kwadwo Asamoah, 6 -- Helped create quite a few opportunities and demonstrated a clear understanding with his teammates but doesn't provide the midfield with the great quality.

FW Gonzalo Higuain, 6 -- Worked incredibly hard for the team, helping press the opposition in an attempt to win back possession. A little unlucky in front of goal while his first touch let him down. Tried a beautiful shot from distance and also hit the post but couldn't score.

FW Mario Mandzukic, 7 -- Played with character and determination. Linked up beautifully well with Khedira on the first goal and did everything to help create opportunities. Scored the second goal.

Substitutes

DF Juan Cuadrado, 6 -- Used his pace to create danger but can still frustrate with his decision making.

MF Stefano Sturaro, N/A -- Had the perfect opportunity to score but couldn't. Lacking in confidence but played with determination.

FW Moise Kean, N/A -- Only had a few minutes to demonstrate his pace and trickery. A player with a lot of confidence.

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

Socrates · November 21, 2016

JUVENTUS - PESCARA

3-0

Sami Khedira 36'

Mario Mandzukic 63'

Hernanes 69'

MATCHDAY 13

Saturday, November 19th, 2016 - 08:45 p.m.
Juventus stadium, Turin
Referee: Michael Fabbri

Juventus 3-0 Pescara Match Report

<a href="http://oi67.tinypic.com/spx9qu.jpg" target="_blank">View Raw Image</a>

http://www.juvefc.com/juventus-3-0-pescara/?

Nov 20, 2016

Player Ratings

Neto – Untested, other than by one shot from range easily collected. N/A

Bonucci – We had to play him, and he gave a solid showing as always, and most importantly avoided injury. Huge praise indeed for Big Leo from Baresi recently which will have certainly given him a boost. Big boots to fill, but our finest man at the back is worth the commendation. 7

Evra – Kept things simple and tight. It is welcome to find he is capable in the back three. Produced a brilliant clearance off the line late on to preserve the clean sheet. 7.5

Rugani– Heartening to see him back, and other than the chance for Caprari, where Daniele did just enough to put him off, this was a resolute return to the ranks. Also got much higher up the field than I have seen him before, to largely zero value! 7

Lichsteiner – Such a shame to see him hauled off injured in the first half. Other than which, the Swiss Locomotive did not have enough time to get into his stride, though did nothing wrong. 6.5

Sandro – Produced a wonderful ball in the box for Higuain to head just wide, was a little haphazard defensively, yet generally continued his fine form of this campaign. 6.5

Hernanes – Finally, after a very long wait, the much maligned Brazillian got his (formerly) trademark drive from distance and it was a beauty! A constant presence in everything going forward, screened the defence, kept the ball moving swiftly; a mature and professional outing. He deserves far more praise than he receives from the juve faithful, for he has adjusted his game and proven by far our finest option in the Marchisio role throughout this campaign. 8

samikhedira-cropped_n5h5zz66avt81dfsk45c

Khedira – I remain unconvinced on his advanced AMR role, but he scored a decent goal and returned the favour to Mandzukic for an assist. No complaints. 8

Asamoah – Rarely involved, but played a prominent role in the second goal with a fine cross from out wide. Given his injuries of late and lengthy lay off last season, it will take time to regain his rhythm. Great to have him back, at least till January when he will jet off with Lemina for the ACN. 6.5

Mandzukic – Scored a poachers finish and assisted another with a smart turn in the box. We are forced to deploy Higuain deeper in an unnatural role when Mario plays, but the unhappy marriage between the two is more than enough to still produce the goals needed against most opponents domestically. 7.5

Higuain – As mentioned above, Gonzalo loosely morphs into the Dybala role when the giant Croat is playing in his prima punta position. He is far from at his natural best there, yet still forges plenty of chances every game. Was unlucky with a decent header and moreso with a glorious snapshot with the keeper out of position, which struck the post. It just wouldn’t go in the net on the night. Worked damn hard in a role unsuited to his talents. 7

Cuadrado – Back to woeful, yet perhaps he is saving himself for a cameo in Spain? Gave the ball away criminally cheaply twice, and was largely anonymous going forward. 5

Sturaro – Injuries have hugely affected his sharpness, as was seen against Chievo and again against Pescara. However, he works extremely hard in both the defensive and offensive phases, and always seems to find himself in decent positions. Could and should of scored, yet I am content to simply see him back in the squad and getting game time. 6.5

Kean – I wouldn’t normally bother with any virtual ink but this was the long awaited five minute debut of a 16 year old who has staggering potential. Moisy had three moments. One of which, he was let down by poor control, another he earned a free kick, and finally he found the ball at his feet in the final third, and thrilled the home crowd with his feigned step overs and confident skill. So much more to come from the youngster! 7

14 of the squad had traveled overseas recently. Allegri was clearly thinking of Spain, keeping the likes of Marchisio, Benatia, Chiellini and Pjanic well away from first team action. Which made sense. And what transpired was a disjointed, yet unwaveringly dominant performance. I counted 11 decent chances to 3 for the visitors.

It is progression to find such total control of a game, so many chances created, with nowhere near the full squad available. Yes yes! We were facing a poor Pescara side, yet they played well, asked questions and whilst we rarely moved out of second gear, we gained another vital 3 points, recovered more injured players and lost no more to the sick ward.

Considering this was a makeshift side, there is little point delving deep into analysis. We got the job done, ran few risks and played, at times, some decent football.

Mandzukic.Higuain.Juve.estulanza.2016.17

The only conclusion I can add is that Higuain and Mandzukic are good enough to dominate Pescara, but are clearly not a match made in heaven, for they rarely play in tandem or dove tail. Several occasions showed their complete lack of togetherness. Gonzalo is at his best on the shoulder of the last defender, as is Mandzukic. Only one can operate there when they both play, and the Argentine is the technically superior and vastly more mobile, and so is asked to forage deep, sacrifice himself for the team. Regardless of this change to his game, Higuain still appeared exceptionally dangerous. Nonetheless, we need Dybala to return, or Pjaca, as soon as possible, for better teams will nullify the threat far more comfortably than Pescara.

A decent performance. 3 points closer to our historic 6th straight scudetto. A job well done, without breaking sweat or femurs.

forza juve

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

Socrates · November 21, 2016

JUVENTUS - PESCARA

3-0

Sami Khedira 36'

Mario Mandzukic 63'

Hernanes 69'

MATCHDAY 13

Saturday, November 19th, 2016 - 08:45 p.m.
Juventus stadium, Turin
Referee: Michael Fabbri

Juventus' Priorities Elsewhere as They

Register Ugly Win vs. Pescara

<a href="http://oi66.tinypic.com/2wdq0d4.jpg" target="_blank">View Raw Image</a>

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2677147-juventus-priorities-

elsewhere-as-they-register-ugly-win-vs-pescara?

Nov 20, 2016

Juventus welcomed Pescara to Turin on Saturday night, recording a routine 3-0 triumph over one of Serie A’s worst teams.

Given that the Bianconeri have dominated Italian football for the past five years and seem on course for a historic sixth consecutive league title, this result was almost a foregone conclusion before the match began.

The Delfini have recorded only a single victory all season following their promotion from the second tier, ranking worse than all but one other side in terms of goals scored and conceded (nine and 23 respectively) in 2016/17.

As Pescara coach Massimo Oddo explained in an interview shortly after the final whistle, his side lacks confidence, particularly as the team's only win was awarded by a disciplinary commission after Sassuolo fielded an ineligible player, per ESPN FC’s Ben Gladwell.

"We held out well for as long as we could, naturally against a side with such quality, and once we ran out of steam, they took over," Oddo told Sky Italia (h/t Football Italia). "What we need is the victory. Technically we haven’t won yet this season, so that would give us so much self-belief."

hi-res-4c62dbc758143d4f815c112c8c384861_

GIUSEPPE CACACE/Getty Images

Massimo Oddo knows his side are struggling.

The statistics from the match make uncomfortable reading for the visitors, WhoScored.com showing that the Bianconeri enjoyed 61.8 per cent of possession, outshot their opponents 14-9 and completed 646 passes to Pescara’s 407.

Yet despite this result appearing both convincing and comprehensive, Juventus struggled to overwhelm an opponent that never looked like troubling them. The reigning champions worked much harder for this win than it appears, and that should not be surprising to anyone.

Coming into the game, coach Massimiliano Allegri was missing a number of players through injury, with Andrea Barzagli, Medhi Benatia, Dani Alves and Paulo Dybala all absent. In addition, he opted to rest Gigi Buffon, Giorgio Chiellini, Claudio Marchisio and Miralem Pjanic, leading to very much a second-string starting XI.

Follow

JuventusFC

✔@juventusfcen

#Juve XI: Neto; Rugani, Bonucci, Evra; Lichtsteiner, Khedira, Hernanes, Asamoah, Alex Sandro; Mandzukic, Higuain #JuvePescara

7:46 PM - 19 Nov 2016

124 Retweets

82 likes

While those looking on from afar might have expected that team to still overwhelm Pescara, those who have watched Juve in recent weeks could easily anticipate how the game would unfold.

The attacking partnership of Gonzalo Higuain and Mario Mandzukic has been blunt every time the duo have been fielded together, with neither truly comfortable moving deep in search of the ball.

Each prefers to lead the line and is unlikely to create a goal for the other. They rarely exchange passes, and both prefer to score rather than present chances to team-mates.

Yes, Mandzukic ended the match with a goal and an assist. His interplay with Sami Khedira to open the scoring (see video below) is proof that the Croatian can help the team, but that does not alter the fact that he is not a suitable partner for Higuain.

The main problem when Allegri rotates is the sheer lack of quality in midfield, with a starting trio of Kwadwo Asamoah, Hernanes and Khedira hardly a unit to induce fear into any opponent.

None of them were particularly poor against Pescara, but like the strikers ahead of them, they simply do not work well together, lacking any real cohesion or quality. Khedira’s smart movement and ability to exploit space saw him also register a goal and an assist. Asamoah was involved throughout the game and continues to be a valuable reserve.

Ultimately, that is the takeaway point from this match. If the Bianconeri are to succeed in the UEFA Champions League, this kind of lineup and this level of performance in Serie A must become acceptable.

hi-res-7f4a4c89c78032da0be70f0a7503f2c5_

Dino Panato/Getty Images

Hernanes embodies Juve's ugly wins.

It is futile to demand progress in Europe, then complain when Juventus rest players and record an ugly domestic win. Brazilian midfielder Hernanes is arguably the physical embodiment of the issue.

In important games, seeing his name in the starting XI should rightly lead to concern, but his skill set is perfect for picking off Serie A’s smaller teams, and supporters who have previously jeered him must learn to appreciate that.

In short, when Allegri rotates ahead of a crucial fixture, that is exactly why a reserve such as Hernanes is part of the squad. He can never be expected to carry Juventus in the Champions League, but he can help them overcome the likes of Cagliari, Empoli and Pescara.

View image on Twitter

Follow

Adam Digby

✔@Adz77

.@hernanes vs Pescara: 1 goal, 52/60 passes, 3 tackles, 2 interceptions, 1/1 aerial duels, 1/1 take-ons.

11:19 AM - 20 Nov 2016

7 Retweets

11 likes

That is exactly what he did on Saturday night, as the FourFourTwoStatsZone graphic in the tweet above illustrates. Connecting with 52 of his 60 pass attempts, the 31-year-old ensured Juve maintained possession and tempo, while he also proved to be defensively solid throughout the game.

Recording three tackles, two interceptions and winning the one aerial duel he contested, Hernanes proved that while he may not be a world-class midfielder, he can perform well against the minnows.

Yes, it was only Pescara, but as a backup to the likes of Pjanic and Marchisio, that is his job, and the Recife native certainly enjoyed his work here, particularly as he found the net with a wonderful long-range effort.

proxy.jpg?t=HBilAWh0dHBzOi8vdi5jZG4udmlu

Follow

Juvefc.com @juvefcdotcom

What a finish from Hernanes. So so happy for the guy. He's being trying hard all season - deserved goal

10:16 PM - 19 Nov 2016

131 Retweets

148 likes

After the final whistle, Hernanes took time to discuss the goal and the 3-0 victory with Mediaset Premium (h/t Juve’s official website), explaining that the result was far more important than any individual display:

I'm pleased with the goal but even happier with the win. Three points are the perfect fillip for us ahead of this big game we have at Sevilla. The fans want to see things like that [goal]. I've scored quite a few similar goals in Italy. I've tried it a lot recently and I struck it sweetly today.

It's nice to know Allegri has so much faith in me. I'm improving and we have to keep growing as a team because the biggest games are yet to come.

That is undoubtedly true, as the clash with Sevilla will likely determine which of the two sides finishes top of their group, something Juventus learned the importance of last term, when they drew Bayern Munich in the last 16 after ending up in second place.

View image on Twitter

Follow

Bleacher Report UK

✔@br_uk

Remember the name—16-year-old Juventus sensation Moise Kean becomes the first player born this millennium to play in Serie A

10:33 PM - 19 Nov 2016

559 Retweets

652 likes

It appears their focus was already on Tuesday’s game at the Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan Stadium, but there was one final positive note for the Bianconeri. Their dominance against Pescara allowed Allegri to send Moise Kean into action, with the 16-year-old striker becoming the first player in Serie A to have been born in the 21st century.

But the coach was far more impressed with his usual reserves. "When we bring in the guys who have played less, they show they're up to the task too," Allegri said at his post-match press conference. "That's crucial because it means the other lads can take a breather."

It does, and it must. If Juventus are to compete in Europe, then this kind of display is going to become more frequent. It was a simple, straightforward win, but it was an ugly performance. With their priorities clearly elsewhere, that has to be OK.

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

Socrates · November 21, 2016

SEVILLA - JUVENTUS

-

MATCHDAY 5

Tuesday, november 22nd 2016 - 08:45 p.m.
Estadio Ramón Sánchez Pizjuán, Sevilla
Referee: Mark Clattenburg (England)‬

Sevilla v Juventus Betting: No early

breakthrough at the Sanchez Pizjuan

These two sides have looked extremely strong defensively in the Champions League

this season and another a low-scoring opening period to the game looks likely.

http://www.goal.com/en/news/2994/betting/2016/11/21/29710342/-?

Nov 20, 2016

The two unbeaten sides in Group H go head-to-head on Tuesday looking for the victory which would put them in pole position to win the group.

Sevilla know that three points against Juventus would definitively seal their position as leaders with a game to spare, while a win for Juve would send them top ahead of the final round of matches. These sides have plenty of recent experience facing one another with the two meeting in the group stages of last season's competition too.

The three matches they have played over the last year have brought a victory for Juventus, one for Sevilla and a 0-0 draw in Turin back on matchday one of this season's tournament.

All signs suggest that a pretty evenly matched game awaits us at the Estadio Sanchez Pizjuan and that's reflected in the odds where bet365 price the visitors as the slight favourites at . Sevilla meanwhile can be backed at while the draw is offered at .

While their last home match saw them defeated 2-1 by Barcelona, Sevilla remain extremely difficult to beat in their own stadium where they are a real force to be reckoned with. Last season the Andalusians beat Juve 1-0 at home and that victory is part of a 37-match run in all competitions which has seen the hosts find the back of the net in their own stadium (not including the Spanish Super Cup).

Jorge Sampaoli's side will feel they should find the back of the net once more, although it is interesting to note that Sevilla have a near identical scoring record in this season's Champions League to Juventus. Both teams put four past Dinamo Zagreb but managed to score only once in their other two matches and neither side has been able to really translate their domestic scoring form to the European stage.

Certainly the bookmakers do not envisage a high scoring game with under 2.5 goals offered at just and both teams to score 'no' priced at .

1i9p8t077bg4h1v3kpp83bfi4z.png?t=-203551

While that second option may appeal to some, perhaps a better option is backing a low scoring start to the match with the price of for no goal to be scored before the 32nd minute, an interesting option.

Sevilla's defence hasn't been breached in this season's tournament, while Juve are yet to concede on the road, meaning that a low scoring opening is a logical selection, for what should be a tight game. It took Sampaoli's men 31 minutes to break down Zagreb on home soil while this bet would have landed in the other three group games involving the Spanish side this season.

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

Socrates · November 21, 2016

SEVILLA - JUVENTUS

-

MATCHDAY 5

Tuesday, november 22nd 2016 - 08:45 p.m.
Estadio Ramón Sánchez Pizjuán, Sevilla
Referee: Mark Clattenburg (England)‬

Clattenburg for Sevilla-Juventus

http://www.football-italia.net/94593/clattenburg-sevilla-juventus?

Nov 20, 2016

English referee Mark Clattenburg has been assigned to the Champions League showdown between Sevilla and Juventus.

The match kicks off on Tuesday at 20.45 CET - 19.45 GMT at the Estadio Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan.

UEFA have appointed Clattenburg to wield the whistle in this crucial clash at the top of Group H.

Sevilla are the current leaders on 10 points, while Juventus follow on eight.

Olympique Lyonnais have four points and Dinamo Zagreb are yet to pick up a single point.

Juve and Sevilla drew 0-0 in Turin, so not only would a victory here put the Bianconeri on top of the group, but they’d also have a better head-to-head record.

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

Socrates · November 22, 2016

SEVILLA - JUVENTUS

-

MATCHDAY 5

Tuesday, november 22nd 2016 - 08:45 p.m.
Estadio Ramón Sánchez Pizjuán, Sevilla
Referee: Mark Clattenburg (England)‬

How should Juventus line up in their

Champions League showdown with Sevilla?

This one’s important. Who do you think can get the job done in Spain?

http://www.blackwhitereadallover.com/2016/11/20/13691608/sevilla-

juventus-2016-champions-league-group-stage-you-choose-the-starting-lineup

Nov 20, 2016

Juventus head into Spain on Tuesday night, in what could be their most important game this season so far. After four games, the group standings look like this:

The result of this game will have a huge impact on the final group standings. A Juve win would put topping the table in our own control, and would secure qualification. Surely, the best healthy team should be sent there to try to make that a reality.

Medhi Benatia was not called up for the game against Pescara, and no word yet if he’ll be available for this game. Giorgio Chiellini, however, was part of the squad against Pescara. Still on the injury list is Andrea Barzagli, Rolando Mandragora, Marko Pjaca and Paulo Dybala.

After this game, Juve’s next fixture will be on Sunday against Genoa.

All things considered, who would you like to see start on TUESday? Vote below! The results will be posted, as well as a few different takes on the lineup, including my own.

Remember, this is not what you expect the lineup to be, this is what you would do or what you would like to see.

Live results available here.

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

Socrates · November 22, 2016

SEVILLA - JUVENTUS

-

MATCHDAY 5

Tuesday, november 22nd 2016 - 08:45 p.m.
Estadio Ramón Sánchez Pizjuán, Sevilla
Referee: Mark Clattenburg (England)‬

Higuain 'in doubt' for Sevilla'

http://www.football-italia.net/94638/higuain-doubt-sevilla?

Nov 21, 2016

Juventus striker Gonzalo Higuain is a doubt for Tuesday’s match with Sevilla after suffering a knock against Pescara on Saturday.

The Bianconeri travel to the Estadio Sanchez-Pizjuan in an important Champions League group stage clash, and are already without forward Paulo Dybala, who is still out through injury.

Pipita collided with Pescara midfielder Alessandro Bruno during Saturday’s 3-0 victory over the Delfin i and felt an increase in pain in his right foot after the match. The 28-year-old sat out of training on Monday, but Tuttosport reports that there is a chance that he will recover in time for Tuesday.

Should the striker be ruled out however, the same source reports that Juan Cuadrado and Alex Sandro could be deployed behind Mario Mandzukic up front.

After making his Serie A debut on Saturday, 16-year-old Moise Kean is also an option for Coach Massimiliano Allegri on the bench.

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

Socrates · November 22, 2016

SEVILLA - JUVENTUS

-

MATCHDAY 5

Tuesday, november 22nd 2016 - 08:45 p.m.
Estadio Ramón Sánchez Pizjuán, Sevilla
Referee: Mark Clattenburg (England)‬

Vazquez: 'Come to Sevilla, Dybala!'

http://www.football-italia.net/94639/vazquez-come-sevilla-dybala?

Nov 21, 2016

Ex-Palermo attacker Franco Vazquez has urged friend Paulo Dybala to 'come to Sevilla!' before confessing that his compatriot is 'happy in Turin'

Juventus take on Los Rojiblancos away from home in the Champions League on Tuesday, and after a 0-0 draw in Turin the 27-year-old warned that the game wouldn't be easy.

"The situation is favorable, but tomorrow we expect a very difficult match," El Mudo told Tuttosport. "In Turin we knew it would not be easy to play against a strong team like Juventus.

"That game went one way, however, the philosophy of Sevilla is another: we like to attack. Both teams arrive in good form for the match and it will be a good game.

"As for us, we have to play as we know how to and think about winning. From the Coach to the last player the buzzword is always the same: to win. [Jorge] Sampaoli has a winning mentality, always thinking to attack and never to defend.

"Salvatore Sirigu? He is training very well. At Sevilla the competition is strong, but he knows that he must continue working to be ready."

Thoughts then turned to Bianconeri attacker Paulo Dybala, to whom Vazquez recommended Sevilla before admitting that he himself would like to come back to Italy.

"We see each other often. The last time was for his birthday. I hope he can return soon to play because anyone who loves football wants to see him on the pitch.

"It’s too bad, especially for him, because I'm sure he would like to play against Sevilla. However, now he must think about recovering.

"Will he stay at Juventus? As far as I know he is happy in Turin and, therefore, I believe that this should not change.

"However, he has to decide. I would recommend that he comes to Sevilla. It’s difficult to imagine that Juve would let him go.

"Would I return to Serie A? Yes, I would like to, it’s a beautiful league."

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

Socrates · November 22, 2016

SEVILLA - JUVENTUS

-

MATCHDAY 5

Tuesday, november 22nd 2016 - 08:45 p.m.
Estadio Ramón Sánchez Pizjuán, Sevilla
Referee: Mark Clattenburg (England)‬

Report: Gonzalo Higuain ‘a doubt’ for Juvenuts’

Champions League showdown with Sevilla

http://www.blackwhitereadallover.com/2016/11/21/13697098/gonzalo-

higuain-injury-juventus-sevilla-2016-champions-league-group-stage

Nov 21, 2016

In a season where injuries have pretty much been the constant, Juventus manager Max Allegri may well be without his star summer signing come the biggest European game of the 2016-17 season.

According to a Tuttosport report on Monday morning, Juventus striker Gonzalo Higuain is considered “a doubt” for the Serie A leader’s Champions League showdown with Sevilla in Spain. Higuain reportedly picked up the knock — which seems to be some sort of thigh injury — during Juve’s 3-0 win over relegation battlers Pescara at Juventus Stadium on Saturday night.

And just in case you were wondering if this was just Tuttosport being Tuttosport, well, it looks as though Higuain is not present with the rest of the team during Juve’s final training session before they board the plane for Spain in a couple of hours.

So, in case you’re wondering what Allegri will be asked about during his press conference after Juventus arrive in Spain, I’m pretty sure this will be one of the first discussion points.

Juventus, already playing without strikers Paulo Dybala and Marko Pjaca, could very well be down to one senior squad striker if Higuain isn’t ready to go. Most predicted lineups on Sunday had Higuain starting alongside Mario Mandzukic in Juve’s trademark 3-5-2 formation. But now, considering the Tuttosport report and no sign of Higuain at training on Monday morning, things could very well change. We probably won’t be able to #MakeSomeMoise at opening kickoff, but there could be a Juan Cuadrado sighting from the first minute onward because of this latest injury development.

More injuries. Wonderful. Just what you want to hear about entering a game with so much importance riding on it like Tuesday’s trip to the Estadio Sanchez-Pizjuan.

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

Socrates · November 22, 2016

SEVILLA - JUVENTUS

-

MATCHDAY 5

Tuesday, november 22nd 2016 - 08:45 p.m.
Estadio Ramón Sánchez Pizjuán, Sevilla
Referee: Mark Clattenburg (England)‬

Juventus striker Gonzalo Higuain not called up

for Champions League trip to Sevilla

http://www.blackwhitereadallover.com/2016/11/21/13697098/gonzalo-

higuain-injury-juventus-sevilla-2016-champions-league-group-stage

Nov 21, 2016

Turns out, Tuttosport was right on the money.

Juventus striker Gonzalo Higuain has officially been ruled out for Tuesday night’s trip to Spain to take on Sevilla in the top-of-the-table Champions League showdown. The 28-year-old will be forced to watch his teammates take on the current Group H leaders due to a thigh injury he picked up against Pescara in Saturday night’s 3-0 win over the relegation battlers.

Here is the explanation, courtesy of Juventus’ official website:

Gonzalo Higuain will not be on the plane to Spain after sustaining bruising to his left thigh in the final minutes of Saturday’s win over Pescara. The forward’s condition will be monitored closely over the coming days. Medhi Benatia, meanwhile, has not yet fully recovered from a knock to his right knee.

So this sucks. This really, really sucks.

Higuain, who has only scored one goal in his last six Serie A games, was expected to start alongside Mario Mandzukic in Juve’s tried and true 3-5-2 before the injury news first came out before training on Monday morning. Then once it became a known fact that Higuain wasn’t even a part of the final training session before Juve left for Spain — the media has the chance to watch the first 15 minutes of training, by the way — then the Tuttosport report became pretty widespread amongst the Italian media outlets.

So now we wait to hear and see what direction Juventus manager Max Allegri will go without the €90 million man available for selection. A host of people are thinking of a trident up top with Alex Sandro and Juan Cuadrado flanking Mandzukic — which seems like a pretty solid option considering how the big Croatian can thrive on service from the wings and in the air.

We’ll see, though. Not that we were looking forward to being in a situation like this to begin with. Again, injuries are so freaking stupid.

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

Socrates · November 22, 2016

SEVILLA - JUVENTUS

-

MATCHDAY 5

Tuesday, november 22nd 2016 - 08:45 p.m.
Estadio Ramón Sánchez Pizjuán, Sevilla
Referee: Mark Clattenburg (England)‬

Higuain to miss Sevilla

h ttp://www.football-italia.net/94650/higuain-miss-sevilla?

Nov 21, 2016

Juventus have confirmed that Gonzalo Higuain will miss Tuesday’s Champions League trip to Sevilla with a thigh strain.

Higuain needed treatment on his left thigh in the dying embers of Juve’s 3-0 win against Pescara on Saturday, and the club have now issued a statement ruling the striker out of match at Sevilla, alongside Medhi Benatia, who is still suffering from a knee problem.

“For Gonzalo Higuain, a strong blunt trauma to his left thigh, remedied in the last minute of the game against Pescara,” read a statement on the Bianconeri’s official website.

“The attacker will be monitored daily to assess his recovery. Latterly, Medhi Benatia has not yet disposed of the consequences of the trauma in his right knee.”

The Argentine’s absence leaves Juve with only Mario Mandzukic and 16-year-old Moise Kean as recognised strikers.

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

Socrates · November 22, 2016

SEVILLA - JUVENTUS

-

MATCHDAY 5

Tuesday, november 22nd 2016 - 08:45 p.m.
Estadio Ramón Sánchez Pizjuán, Sevilla
Referee: Mark Clattenburg (England)‬

Sampaoli: ‘Sevilla will play to win’

http://www.football-italia.net/94658/sampaoli-‘sevilla-will-play-win’?

Nov 21, 2016

Sevilla Coach Jorge Sampaoli believes it would be “crazy” to play for a draw against Juventus tomorrow night.

The Bianconeri face the Spanish side in the Champions League, in what is being billed as a straight shoot-out for top spot in the group.

“We approach every game as protagonists,” Sampaoli told reporters in his pre-match Press conference.

“Playing a game against a team like Juventus and looking for a draw, looking for a point, would be crazy.

“Juventus are a very strong side, one of the strongest in Europe and we’ll try to impose our game and try to win.

“Juventus will have to play the final game against a team which is already eliminated [Dinamo Zagreb], so it’s true that this match is not as decisive for them.

“If we do lose tomorrow, we’d be in a difficult situation, we’d have to try and qualify in Lyon whereas if Juventus lose tomorrow they can still quality against Dinamo.

“In fact, Juventus could face this match with more calm.

“In Turin we had a different idea of how to play. We used [Franco] Vazquez as a false nine, we were able to neutralise the Juventus attack though we didn’t attack much ourselves.

“Tomorrow that will be different, because we can’t afford to suffer at home, we have to impose our own game.

“If we leave space for Juventus we know they’re perfectly capable of hurting us with very few chances. So we have to impose our game if we want to qualify tomorrow."

  Gonzalo Higuain will miss tomorrow’s match with an injury, with Paulo Dybala also still out, but Sampaoli warns the Old Lady will still be dangerous.

“Yeah, well [Mario] Mandzukic is ready. I don’t know if they’ll play with one striker or three, perhaps with [Juan] Cuadrado and Alex Sandro up there with Mandzukic.

“Juventus have one of the best squads in the world. It’s true that they’re missing two very important players, but it’s equally true that they have players who can compensate for those absences.

“Juventus can change their formation, they’ve shown they’re able to adapt after some injuries, changing from 4-4-2 to 3-5-2.

“Higuain and Dybala are both injured so there will definitely be a change of formation, maybe using a more flexible front-three with [Patrice] Evra and Dani Alves on the wings.

“We know that, whichever formation Juventus choose, they’re very dangerous on the break because they’re really quick.

“So Juventus will unquestionably be a tough opponent, if we don’t impose our game we know we’ll suffer.”

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

Socrates · November 22, 2016

SEVILLA - JUVENTUS

-

MATCHDAY 5

Tuesday, november 22nd 2016 - 08:45 p.m.
Estadio Ramón Sánchez Pizjuán, Sevilla
Referee: Mark Clattenburg (England)‬

Dani Alves: ‘Not playing for a draw’

http://www.football-italia.net/94663/dani-alves-‘not-playing-draw’?

Nov 21, 2016

Juventus full-back Dani Alves promises “we’re not here to look for a biscotto” ahead of tomorrow’s Sevilla game.

A draw would see both sides almost certainly through, with the Bianconeri taking on Dinamo Zagreb at home in the final match of their Champions League group.

However, the Brazilian denies both sides could settle for a mutually beneficial result, as top spot in the group is up for grabs.

“We’re not hear to look for a biscotto,” former Sevilla man Alves said, sitting alongside Massimiliano Allegri in the pre-match Press conference.

“Obviously tomorrow’s result will be determined by events on the pitch, but we’re here to look for a win to finish top, that’s our objective.

“If we come here looking for a draw we could be in for a nasty surprise, this is a very difficult place to come.

“I don’t think Sevilla will play for a draw, I know this team and you play to win here, regardless of any advantage which could result from a draw.”

The Spaniards are in fine form, is that something for Juve to fear ahead of tomorrow’s encounter?

“I don’t think fear exists in football, what exists is respect. Sevilla are in a great period of form, and we’re used to this level of competition, we’re used to playing teams in great form.

“That’s what makes a win against these kind of teams even more sweet, it motivates us.

“As for Sevilla’s growth, it’s not something which surprises me much. Their Coach [Jorge Sampaoli] is amazing, they have great players and a fantastic structure behind the scenes.

“All those things mean that you grow as a team and a club, so it’s no surprise.

“When I arrived here, Sevilla couldn’t afford much in terms of top wages. I came here after I played - quite well I think - for the Brazilian national team.

“I was privileged to be part of this project, this team and this club, and was privileged to contribute what I could.”

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

Socrates · November 22, 2016

SEVILLA - JUVENTUS

-

MATCHDAY 5

Tuesday, november 22nd 2016 - 08:45 p.m.
Estadio Ramón Sánchez Pizjuán, Sevilla
Referee: Mark Clattenburg (England)‬

Sevilla FC v Juventus: Preview

http://www.espnfc.co.uk/preview?gameId=466190

Nov 21, 2016

Jorge Sampaoli insists he will not send his Sevilla players out looking for a draw with Juventus even though a point would be enough to seal their place in the Champions League knockout stages.

The Europa League holders play host to Juve boasting a two-point lead over the Italian giants in Group H, and could even afford to lose the match and still be guaranteed a top-two finish providing third-placed Lyon do not beat Dinamo Zagreb.

Rather than leave his side's fate in the hands of others, though, Sampaoli wants Sevilla to go for a victory over Juve that would secure their progress and ensure they finish as group winners.

Sampaoli, whose team held Juve to a goalless draw in the first meeting between the two, told his pre-match press conference: ``In Turin we didn't attack. The plan now will be different.

``You go into these types of games trying to stamp your authority on them, to go out looking to win.

``To play a waiting game against a team like Juve wouldn't bother them and would make them feel comfortable.

``We have to try to be decisive, to get on top of them and look to win the game.''

The former Chile coach is well aware of the risks of employing an all-out attacking approach against the five-time defending Serie A champions, though.

He said: ``They are extremely dangerous on the counter-attack, because they have a lot of fast players and are very strong in all aspects.

``They are an opponent who are going to make the night and qualification very difficult for us if we're not aware that we need to try and win the game.''

Sampaoli also played down the absence of his fellow Argentinian Gonzalo Higuain, with the Juve striker sitting out the trip to Spain after picking up a thigh injury during Saturday's win over Pescara.

Juve are also missing Paulo Dybala, Andrea Barzagli and Medhi Benatia but Sampaoli said: ``They have one of the best squads in the world. They may be missing some important players but there will be others just as important as them.''

Juve can also qualify for the last 16 on Tuesday night and, like Sevilla, could do so even in defeat depending on the result in the night's other game in Zagreb.

Bianconeri full-back Dani Alves, a former Sevillista, said: ``We've come here to get the victory that will see us claim top spot in the group, not to defend.

``Sevilla are in really good shape at the moment and that doesn't surprise me. They have a great coach and excellent players.

``But this is a time when a team has to prove how good it really is, because qualification is at stake.''

Sevilla have a doubt over Samir Nasri, who will face a late fitness test to see if he will be able to feature.

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

Socrates · November 22, 2016

SEVILLA - JUVENTUS

-

MATCHDAY 5

Tuesday, november 22nd 2016 - 08:45 p.m.
Estadio Ramón Sánchez Pizjuán, Sevilla
Referee: Mark Clattenburg (England)‬

Allegri: ‘Juventus could play front-three’

http://www.football-italia.net/94664/allegri-‘juventus-could-play-front-three’?

Nov 21, 2016

Massimiliano Allegri confirms Juventus could “play with three up-front” in what will be a “beautiful game” with Sevilla.

Gonzalo Higuain and Paulo Dybala are both injured, leaving the Bianconeri with only Mario Mandzukic as a fit out-and-out striker.

The Coach ordinarily prefers a 4-3-1-2 or a 3-5-2, but the injury problems could see a change tomorrow.

“It’s simple,” Allegri noted in his pre-match Press conference.

“Tomorrow [Juan] Cuadrado will play off the striker or we’ll play with three up-front.

“With the players I have available, Mandzukic will play alone or with Cuadrado alongside him.

“Cuadrado could play on one wing, then on the other [Stefano] Sturaro, Alex Sandro or the kid [Moise] Kean could play.

“Regardless of the formation, we know we’re facing a side which hasn’t conceded so far in the group, so they’re still unbeaten.

“We hope to be the first team to score against them. They’re a team with a very good attacking level and they’re good on set pieces because they have a lot of physicality.

“It’s not a feat [to win without Higuain and Dybala], it’s a football match where we have to do well. The players I have available are capable of putting in a good performance.

“We know that the only result which would guarantee us mathematical qualification is a win, a draw wouldn’t guarantee mathematical qualification.

“We’re facing Sevilla, who are playing good football and are third in the Spanish League, so it will be a beautiful game as they all are in the Champions League.”

Higuain was unable to be called-up after an injury against Pescara, and Allegri confirmed it’s not worth risking him.

“He took a knock which sometimes can get better in a day or sometimes can be worse.

“Yesterday there was a doubt about whether he’d be available or not but this morning he wasn’t able.

“Among other things it’s an area of the thigh where he’d already taken a knock with Argentina, so it would be too risky to chance losing him for a month.

“It’s not like we can go on holiday after tomorrow, we have tomorrow then we have four big games in the League and the final Champions League match.

“We’ve got the players we’ve got for tomorrow, and they can play a great match.”

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

Socrates · November 22, 2016

SEVILLA - JUVENTUS

-

MATCHDAY 5

Tuesday, november 22nd 2016 - 08:45 p.m.
Estadio Ramón Sánchez Pizjuán, Sevilla
Referee: Mark Clattenburg (England)‬

Allegri: ‘First place not crucial’

http://www.football-italia.net/94665/allegri-‘first-place-not-crucial’?

Nov 21, 2016

Juventus Coach Max Allegri confirms “Claudio Marchisio will play” against Sevilla, and says first place isn’t crucial.

The Bianconeri will put themselves in pole position to top their Champions League group with a win tomorrow, but the Liga side are yet to concede a goal in the competition.

“If you finish first and the draw throws up a more beatable second-placed team then you did well to finish first," Allegri pointed out in his pre-match Press conference.

“If you get an easier first place team then it was lucky that you finished second. We need to play for top spot, because that’s the main objective, especially to secure qualification without going to the last day.

“It’s normal though that after that the pot will tell us what is best. When we got to the final [in 2015] we finished second and we got to the final all the same.

“Looking at the groups, they’re divided about 50-50 at the moment, so right now finishing first or second counts for absolutely nothing.

“The objective is the next round, that’s what we know for sure. That’s the first objective of the season from now until December 23.

“We have an important objective tomorrow, to win away, to score against Sevilla and play a great game, then of course Sevilla are doing great things in La Liga.

“It will be a difficult and complicated game, like all Champions League games. We still have to win, because a win tomorrow then a win in the last game would guarantee first place.

“It’s a game for qualification to be won, then the second is to finish first or second.”

Miralem Pjanic missed the Pescara game, while Marchisio is coming back from a knee injury, but both will play in Seville tomorrow.

“[Medhi] Benatia has a knee problem, he’s working and we hope to have him available for Sunday. We’ll evaluate him to see if he improves or not.

“Pjanic is fine, I rested him on Saturday because he’s played a lot of games and he had a bit of a knock to his foot.

“Every now and then it’s good for players to rest, because everyone needs to catch their breath since they play so much. Pjanic has played a lot of games between the start of the season and now.

“Who will be the creator? Marchisio will play. So there are two, Marchisio and Pjanic.”

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

Socrates · November 22, 2016

SEVILLA - JUVENTUS

-

MATCHDAY 5

Tuesday, november 22nd 2016 - 08:45 p.m.
Estadio Ramón Sánchez Pizjuán, Sevilla
Referee: Mark Clattenburg (England)‬

Allegri: Sevilla are dangerous, but we can get a good result

The Spanish side have not conceded in the Champions League this season, but the

Juventus coach is confident his side can do enough to get through to the next round.

http://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/2914/champions-league/2016/11/21/29753082/-?

Nov 21, 2016

Juventus coach Massimiliano Allegri is anticipating a difficult Champions League encounter on Tuesday with a Sevilla side who are yet to concede a goal in this season's competition, but is confident his side can get a good result.

The teams drew 0-0 in September's Group H opener in Turin and are both well placed to progress, although top spot remains up for the grabs.

It is the second campaign running they have been drawn in the same group and Sevilla won the corresponding fixture in December last year, leaving Allegri – who will be without Gonzalo Higuain (thigh) and Medhi Benatia (knee) – wary ahead of a return to the Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan.

"The only result that guarantees our place in the last 16 is a win. I'm confident we can get a positive result," he said on Monday.

"We must win one of our last two group matches to qualify. We want the job done tomorrow.

"We're coming up against a side that is yet to concede in the Champions League and is dangerous on the break.

"We played very well here last season and conceded from one of few attempts on our goal."

Barcelona are the only side to beat Jorge Sampaoli's men at home in 2016-17, but Serie A champions Juve are seven points clear in the top flight and their only losses this term have come at San Siro, to Inter and AC Milan.

Forward Moise Kean became the first person born this century to feature in a Serie A match when he came off the bench in Saturday's 3-0 win against Pescara, and Allegri hinted the 16-year-old may get another chance in midweek.

"Higuain took a knock to the thigh and it would have been an unnecessary risk bringing him with us," he said. "Stefano Sturaro, Alex Sandro and Kean all have the quality to step up into one of the forward positions."

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

Socrates · November 22, 2016

SEVILLA - JUVENTUS

-

MATCHDAY 5

Tuesday, november 22nd 2016 - 08:45 p.m.
Estadio Ramón Sánchez Pizjuán, Sevilla
Referee: Mark Clattenburg (England)‬

Juventus face attacking injury crisis

ahead of tough game in Seville

http://www.espnfc.co.uk/club/juventus/111/blog/post/3001314/juventus

-face-attacking-injury-crisis-ahead-of-tough-game-in-seville

Nov 21, 2016

Juventus will take on Sevilla in the Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan stadium on Tuesday night with €122 million worth of attacking brilliance unavailable due to injury. With Paulo Dybala still recovering and Gonzalo Higuain now forced to miss out due to a thigh strain, Massimiliano Allegri will have only two recognised strikers available and one is only 16 years old.

When Juventus completed their work in the summer transfer market, critics salivated at the prospect of watching the Old Lady thrill on the European stage. Dybala and Miralem Pjanic would create, Higuain and Mario Mandzukic would score while Marko Pjaca and Juan Cuadrado would thrill out wide. Three months into the new season and Juventus are without fluidity or beauty.

Dybala's thigh injury has stripped the club of his presence just as he began to rediscover his magic leaving Higuain to play alongside or even behind Mandzukic in a sacrificial role. Spending his time pressing opponents rather than practicing his lethality in front of goal, it's safe to say the Bianconeri are incapable of extolling the virtues of their expensive signing quite yet. Meanwhile, Pjanic has been frustratingly inconsistent as he seeks to settle in while Pjaca barely kicked a ball before succumbing to injury.

New signings aside, Giorgio Chiellini has featured infrequently for the Old Lady this season while Andrea Barzagli, quite possibly the best centre-back Juve possess, will not be back in action until the new year, leaving Leonardo Bonucci as the sole survivor of the famously impenetrable BBC defence.

And so, in the all-important Champions League clash against La Liga's third best ranked side, Juventus are without their greatest weapons. Yet the fans still expect brilliance and Allegri insists his squad is good enough to handle the challenge.

The reality amongst Juventus fans are suffering from anxiety. Sevilla have always been a strong side, collecting a hat trick of Europa League trophies. Yet the difference between Jorge Sampaoli's side and those of yesteryear is mental fortitude. 27 percent of Sevilla's goals this season have come after the 85th minute demonstrating the club's clear desire to play for the win until the final whistle. No draw accepted, no defeat swallowed, Juventus will arrive at a stadium with the knowledge that only Barcelona have defeated LosNervionenses in their own home this season.

Determined to play an attacking game, Sevilla have all their best players available and will look to inflict their game on a weakened Juventus side, cheered on by their fiercely loyal fans. Renowned for their pressing, vertical and dynamic play, it's vital Juventus remain firm in midfield and rely on their experience and character to control the tempo. The faster the game the more it will suit the home side so the Bianconeri must remain calm and concentrated when in possession to ensure precise rotation of the ball.

The Spaniard's heavy pressing game coupled with their constant movement up front will confuse and trouble the Juve backline, especially young Daniele Rugani. This is the type of game that forces a youngster to develop quickly and the centre-back must remain disciplined and engaged to fight against the pressure and impose his character.

Unfortunately for the Italians, they will be forced to rotate the squad. Likely to play a 4-3-3 formation that could morph into either a 3-5-2 or 4-5-1 shape, Mandzukic will be tasked with leading the line, flanked by Alex Sandro and Cuadrado. The Croatian proved in the match against Pescara as well as in countless other games, that he understands how to work for the team and is happy to provide constant movement to ensure offensive fluidity. He will need Pjanic, Cuadrado and Sami Khedira to make incisive runs and exploit the spaces alongside him to contribute to an attack that is without its most prolific forwards.

Should Allegri prove unhappy with his side's offensive displays, then he may look to 16-year-old Moise Kean who only made his debut in Serie A on Saturday evening. The youngster proved he is capable of playing under pressure, using the few minutes he had on the field to display his range of tricks and flicks. His cold demeanour and ability to handle pressure has often been stated as one of the major reasons behind the teenager's rise to stardom and Kean will need to convince Allegri that the atmosphere within Sanchez Pizjuan will not affect his youthful exuberance.

Manchester United's ridiculous injury crisis last season led to the deployment of a certain Marcus Rashford who went on to thrill a nation. Perhaps the injury to three of Juve's four forwards will expedite Kean's development and hand Allegri another option for the future.

Intelligence and character is the only way Juventus can overcome their hungry opponents and achieve the three points they need to move to the top of the group. It's time Juventus prove they deserve the "favourites" tag.

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

Socrates · November 22, 2016

SEVILLA - JUVENTUS

-

MATCHDAY 5

Tuesday, november 22nd 2016 - 08:45 p.m.
Estadio Ramón Sánchez Pizjuán, Sevilla
Referee: Mark Clattenburg (England)‬

Juventus fan stabbed following clashes

with Sevilla supporters - reports

http://www.espnfc.co.uk/uefa-champions-league/story/3001361/juventus-

fan-stabbed-following-clashes-with-sevilla-supporters-reports

Nov 22, 2016

Clashes between supporters of Juventus and Sevilla on Monday night left one Italian fan seriously hurt after he was stabbed and at least three others injured, according to the Spanish media.

AS reports that a group of 30 individuals went into "El Papelon" bar in Seville's historic centre at 11 p.m. local time, where Juve fans were present.

A Marca video shows some of the clashes between the rival supporters, including one fan throwing a chair after stepping outside of the bar. Local police eventually intervened.

Sevilla and Juventus meet at the Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan Stadium in the Champions League on Tuesday.

"I was sat at a table in the Taberna del Papelon bar with my partner and it was around 23:00 when suddenly a group of around 40-50 people, all with their faces covered, came into the bar and made a beeline for a group of young Italians, around 20 of them, all quiet lads who were drinking beer and eating tapas," an anonymous 46-year-old lady is quoted as saying by Gazzetta dello Sport.

"I live in the area and I seem to recognise some of them as Erasmus students in Seville. "All hell broke loose. Tables were flying and bottles were being smashed. The attackers then pulled out baseball bats. I was scared for my life, I just threw myself to the ground. There was blood everywhere, one lad seemed seriously hurt. It all lasted about 10 minutes. One of the waiters was frantic. It took the emergency services a long time to arrive -- about 20 minutes later they got here, even though the bar staff had called the police and ambulance immediately."

It is not the first time this season that violence has occurred ahead of Sevilla's Champions League home games.

On Sept. 27, a small group of Lyon fans clashed with police prior to their game against Sevilla.

On Nov. 2, before Sevilla's game against Dinamo Zagreb, violence flared between opposing fans with several Dinamo supporters arrested by police.

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

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