JUVENTUS SEASON 2016-2017

[Socrates 8526]

 

 

 

 

 

JUVENTUS - ATALANTA 

 

 

 

 

 

 

MATCHDAY 15

Saturday, December 3rd, 2016 - 08:45 p.m.
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Massimiliano Irrati 

 

 

 

‘Juventus will be angry…’

 

 

  http://www.football-italia.net/95052/‘juventus-will-be-angry…’

 

 

Nov 30, 2016

 

Gian Piero Gasperini expects to find an “angry” Juventus when Atalanta go to Turin on Saturday night.

 

The Bianconeri were humbled 3-1 at Genoa on Sunday, conceding three goals in just half an hour before a Miralem Pjanic consolation in the second half.

 

This weekend sees the Orobici head to Juventus Stadium, with the Bergamaschi on an incredible run which has seen them take 25 points from 27 games.

 

“I think we’ll find an angry team,” Gasperini warned on Radio Sportiva.

 

“For us, however, it will be a crucial test of maturity. We’ve played with Napoli, Inter and Roma.

 

“Playing in Turin against Juventus is a big challenge for us, and a good opportunity to measure ourselves against the best team in the League.”

 

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

[Socrates 8526]

 

 

 

 

 

JUVENTUS - ATALANTA 

 

 

 

 

 

 

MATCHDAY 15

Saturday, December 3rd, 2016 - 08:45 p.m.
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Massimiliano Irrati 

 

 

 

Khedira: ‘Genoa will be a lesson’

 

 

  http://www.football-italia.net/95053/khedira-‘genoa-will-be-lesson’

 

 

Nov 30, 2016

 

Sami Khedira concludes “sometimes you need setbacks” after Juventus were beaten by Genoa on Sunday.

 

The Bianconeri simply didn’t show up at the Marassi, and were 3-0 down after half an hour, before a second-half Miralem Pjanic free-kick restored a semblance of respectability to the scoreline.

 

Massimiliano Allegri’s side have lost three Serie A matches this season, each of them coming after they’d been involved in midweek Champions League action.

 

“That’s the first time I’ve heard that,” Khedira admitted when Sky put the stat to him.

 

“I don’t know, maybe it’s down to concentration. They were certainly all tough matches: Genoa, Milan and Inter; but I think the latter two are different to the defeat to Genoa.

 

“We had played better, we had the opportunity to win those games but against Genoa it was different. These things can happen in the course of a season though.

 

“Sometimes you need setbacks to remind you that you can never lose your concentration. I’m the first to say we have to improve, with the quality of our team we could play better, but we’ve been winning.

 

“The quality is very, very high and we’d like to express ourselves better for the media, for the fans and for the Coach. So we definitely have to improve.”

 

Injuries have afflicted the Old Lady in recent weeks, but perhaps the most painful absence is that of Paulo Dybala.

 

“Dybala has been missing in recent weeks, and he’s a very important player for us. He enriches us with his technical abilities: his left foot, his free-kicks, his corners. He’s a very special player.”

 

Following the defeat to the Grifone, Juve welcome Atlanta to Turin on Saturday, and the Orobici are on a blistering run of form.

 

“Atalanta are a very good team, very strong,” Khedira acknowledged.

 

“In my opinion they can dream of being the new Leicester. We’re Juventus though, and we have our own dreams, on Saturday we have to beat them. That’s our objective.

 

“We saw them against Roma, they’re a very strong side, very tricky and they never give up.

 

“After the first half they could have been two, three goals down but then they won. They have a great mentality, and it won’t be easy for us.”

 

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

[Socrates 8526]

 

 

 

 

 

JUVENTUS - ATALANTA 

 

 

 

 

 

 

MATCHDAY 15

Saturday, December 3rd, 2016 - 08:45 p.m.
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Massimiliano Irrati 

 

 

 

Coppa Italia: Atalanta cruise to Quarters

 

 

  http://www.football-italia.net/95065/coppa-atalanta-cruise-quarters

 

 

Nov 30, 2016

 

Atalanta set up a Last 16 clash with Juventus, easing to a 3-0 win over Pescara in the Coppa Italia.

 

Goals from Cristian Raimondi and Alberto Grassi quickly put the Bergamaschi in control, before a late clincher from Aleksandar Pesic.

 

Coach Gian Piero Gasperini looked to be on the verge of the sack after a 1-0 defeat at home to Palermo on September 21, but the Orobici haven’t lost since.

 

Gasperini made a raft of changes for the match, with a League trip to Juve looming on Saturday night.

 

It was apparent early on that their fine form would continue, with Raimondi putting the hosts ahead after just seven minutes.

 

Grassi doubled the lead just before the half-hour mark, virtually securing Atalanta’s place in the Quarter Finals.

 

Both sides made changes in a largely flat second half, before Serbian forward Pesic sealed the result at the death.

 

 

Atalanta 3-0 Pescara

Raimondi 7 (A) Grassi 29 (A) Pesic 90+3 (A)

 

Atalanta: Sportiello; Raimondi, Toloi, Bastoni; D'Alessandro, Freuler (Masiello, 61), Grassi (Migliaccio, 73), Gagliardini, Dramé; Pesic, Capone (Latte Lath, 46)

 

Pescara: Fiorillo; Vitturini, Gyomber, Zuparic, Biraghi; Cristante, Bruno, Verre (Zampano, 46); Mitrita (Manaj, 24), Pettinari, Muric (Mumushaj, 59)

 

 

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

[Socrates 8526]

 

 

 

 

 

JUVENTUS - ATALANTA 

 

 

 

 

 

 

MATCHDAY 15

Saturday, December 3rd, 2016 - 08:45 p.m.
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Massimiliano Irrati 

 

 

 

Juventus On The Cusp Of Making History

 

 

  http://forzaitalianfootball.com/2016/12/juventus-on-the-cusp-of-making-history/

 

 

Dec 1, 2016

 

Can anyone stop the Old Lady from a historic sixth consecutive domestic title?

Juventus are poised to make history and become the first club to win six domestic titles in a row. Currently leading Serie A by four points through 14 fixtures played (W11, D0, L3), Juventus are well on the way to pulling off the feat. You could say, they look a great bet. You can back Juventus to win the Scudetto at 1.10 at the sports betting exchange. For football fans that means one thing: value free betsacross sports betting platforms.

Nearest rivals Roma are priced at a whopping 13.00 to deny Juventus the historic sextuplet. In what is Francesco Totti’s swansong season, Roma are theoretically still very much in it – sat second in the table with 29 points (W9, D2, L3). If the football betting odds were any indication however, the team from the nation’s capital is a long shot bet.

If Roma are a long shot bet AC Milan look to be a no-hope bet. Though AC Milan are level with Roma on 29 points through 14 laps around Italy’s top flight (W9, D2, L3), they’re backed out to an absurd 34.00 price to win the Serie A.

Lazio and Atlanta, both tied on 28 points, meanwhile are backed out even further to 101.00 and 251.00, respectively, at the sports betting exchange. Pipedream, springs to mind.

So to answer the question: can anyone stop Juventus from a sixth straight Serie A title? The simple answer appears to be, no; that is, according to sports betting markets.

Those looking to bet on Italian football might fancy a turn in Coppa Italia markets where the football odds are more reasonable and the competition looks level.

Granted in 2015-16 Juventus won the Serie A and Coppa Italia for a second straight season, but pulling off the double on domestic soil isn’t so straightforward or a given. The nature of the competition does yield surprise results with an unlikely finalist or champion emerging. Indeed, the last seven seasons has seen four different champions: Napoli were crowned champions in 2013-14 (their second in three seasons) while Lazio won the coveted trophy in 2012-2013. Inter were back-to-back champions in 2009-2011 while Juventus are currently the two-time defending champions.

Juventus are priced temptingly to win a third Coppa Italia in a row at 3.50 with bet365 and BetBright, amongst several other top-rated bookmakers. However, by the football odds, they’ve got stiff competition from their rivals with Roma (priced at 4.50), Napoli (5.50), Inter (6.50) and AC Milan (8.00). Any of these teams look to be a good bet for your football wagers.

 

 

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

[Socrates 8526]

 

 

 

 

 

JUVENTUS - ATALANTA 

 

 

 

 

 

 

MATCHDAY 15

Saturday, December 3rd, 2016 - 08:45 p.m.
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Massimiliano Irrati 

 

 

 

Juventus’ pre-Christmas run of games have

now taken on even more importance

 

 

Bad form, bad losses, bad injuries. Even the most optimistic of people are getting

clouded with doubt right about now when it comes to the world centered around Juventus.

 

 

  http://www.blackwhitereadallover.com/2016/12/1/13762426/juventus

-december-2016-fixtures-serie-a-champions-league-injuries

 

 

Dec 1, 2016

 

We sit here, with the calendar officially changed from November to December, wondering what the hell just happened to Juventus. Yes, it’s the first day of December, folks, and the Serie A champions haven’t been playing well for a good amount of time now, with positive results mostly masking the problems that were prevalent during Sunday’s 3-1 loss to Genoa at the Luigi Ferraris.

Juventus enters December having already qualified for the Champions League Round of 16 — which is good. Juventus sits atop the Serie A table with a four-point lead over both Roma and Milan and the rest of the pack isn’t all that far behind that — which is good, but could still be better. It may not seem like the worst situation to some, but when you play like Juventus has played over the last month or two, it’s not exactly the ideal kind of scenario going into a crucial stretch of games.

Juventus has five games before they all take a holiday break and open some presents. We’ll probably see said events documented on various social media accounts because that’s the kind of thing we’ve gotten used to seeing Claudio Marchisio and Leonardo Bonucci do these days. But, more importantly than what gifts the kids are getting in a little less than a month, are those five games Juventus have scheduled before Christmas.

• Saturday, Dec. 3: Atalanta at Juventus
• Wednesday, Dec. 7: Dinamo Zagreb at Juventus
• Sunday, Dec. 11: Juventus at Torino
• Saturday, Dec. 17: Roma at Juventus
• Friday, Dec. 23: Juventus vs. Milan (Italian Super Cup)

With the Super Cup being played in December for the second time in the last three years, that means that Juve’s regularly scheduled game against Crotone that was set for Dec. 22 will come after the holiday break. But even with one less game than we thought there would be during the final month of 2016, there’s a good chunk of importance being put on the next five games.

The fact still remains that there’s nine points in league play, the top spot in the Champions League group and one trophy out there for the taking. And judging by how this Juventus team is playing going into this stretch of December games, their form ensures that nothing is relatively guaranteed or makes us feel relatively calm about things compared to in years prior or even before this season began.

Oh yeah, they also have an injury list that is growing by the week.

All of this — Juventus’ current form, the result of Juventus’ last game, the current state of Juventus’ injury situation — puts even more of an emphasis on the next month while they trey and tread the water and make it to the holiday break unscathed. That doesn’t mean just keeping the closest competition from taking over first place in Serie A or seeing Sevilla do one final leapfrog job on the final day of the group stage. Nah, none of that.

It’s pretty simple to figure out Juventus’ two main goals before Christmas arrives:

1. Beat Dinamo Zagreb and win the Champions League group.
2. Stay atop the Serie A table.

Of course, how Juventus rebounds from the 3-1 dumpster fire against Genoa is the million dollar question heading into this weekend’s showdown with a red-hot Atalanta side that has used a 10-game unbeaten run — with nine of those results being wins, I might add — to rise up to fifth in the table. There is no hotter team in Serie A right now than Atalanta.

Maybe playing a team like Atalanta that is flying high and picking up win after win after win the last two months will be what makes things finally click for this Juventus side that has certainly not played up to its potential. Or maybe it’s the fact that Juve’s showing over the weekend will serve as the kick-start moment just as the defeat against Sassuolo did in late-October of last year.

That sure would be nice considering the current state of the team: Shrinking lead atop the Serie A table, poor run of form and injuries galore. Things aren’t exactly going well for Juventus these days. But they can turn this thing around just as long as Juventus actually start to resemble the quality team we all think they can be over the next three-plus weeks before we all take a break for the holidays.

 

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

[Socrates 8526]

 

 

 

 

 

JUVENTUS - ATALANTA 

 

 

 

 

 

 

MATCHDAY 15

Saturday, December 3rd, 2016 - 08:45 p.m.
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Massimiliano Irrati 

 

 

 

Dybala trains with Juventus squad

 

 

  http://www.football-italia.net/95090/dybala-trains-juventus-squad

 

 

Dec 1, 2016

 

Paulo Dybala has returned to training with the rest of the Juventus squad, and could be called-up to face Atalanta.

 

The forward has been out of action since the defeat to Milan on October 22, but he is now approaching a recovery.

 

Throughout this week he has been following an individual training session at Vinovo, rather than partaking in the full session.

 

However, today saw Dybala take the first part of the session alone, before joining the rest of his teammates.

 

It therefore looks likely he’ll be called-up to face Atalanta on Saturday, though the Argentinian international is very unlikely to start the game.

 

Instead, Dybala will probably take a place on the bench, with the potential for a late cameo appearance depending on how the match progresses.

 

 

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

[Socrates 8526]

 

 

 

 

 

JUVENTUS - ATALANTA 

 

 

 

 

 

 

MATCHDAY 15

Saturday, December 3rd, 2016 - 08:45 p.m.
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Massimiliano Irrati 

 

 

 

Rugani: ‘Juventus need a reaction’

 

 

  http://www.football-italia.net/95100/rugani-‘juventus-need-reaction’

 

 

Dec 1, 2016

 

Daniele Rugani urges Juventus to “react immediately” against Atalanta, and names Andrea Barzagli as his model.

 

The Bianconeri were thrashed 3-1 by Genoa on Sunday, cutting the gap at the top of Serie A to four points and ramping-up criticism of their play this season.

 

“What we need to do is to react immediately and return to our level,” Rugani told JTV.

 

“We need the Juve approach and mentality. So we have a chance to do it straight away against Atalanta, even if they’re a good team.

 

“They’re no longer a surprise and they’re doing very well. We’re not interested in that though, we just have to get three points on Saturday.

 

“We have to win now to send a strong signal to the League and to all the people outside that we may have stumbled against Genoa, that can happen during the season but we’re good.”

 

Massimiliano Allegri has previously said that the youngster must be more aggressive, after he famously went a whole season without being booked at Empoli.

 

“I’ve definitely improved from that point of view, and obviously I’m having to defend in a different way to the way I did it before.

 

“There [at Empoli] there were also less opportunities to get them, while here they’re necessary things because there are a lot more on-one-ones and playing openly.

 

“Quite often there’s a need for a foul, and I’m getting better and better from that point of view. I have to keep doing it, because we have a style of play which requires it.

 

“Leonardo Bonucci or Andrea Barzagli? I probably feel more like Barzagli. I see more of his style of play in me, also for his character and the way he behaves on the pitch and prepares for games.

 

“I see myself in him, so yes I’d say Andrea Barzagli.”

 

 

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

[Socrates 8526]

 

 

 

 

 

JUVENTUS - ATALANTA 

 

 

 

 

 

 

MATCHDAY 15

Saturday, December 3rd, 2016 - 08:45 p.m.
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Massimiliano Irrati 

 

 

 

Khedira: Time for Juventus to step up

 

 

The Scudetto holders were badly off-colour last weekend as they fell 3-1 to Genoa,

and their German midfielder wants a much better performances against Atalanta.

 

 

  http://www.goal.com/en/news/723/serie-a/2016/11/30/30039852/

khedira-time-for-juve-to-step-up?ICID=TP_HN_HP_RI_1_2

 

 

Dec 1, 2016

 

Sami Khedira is confident that Juventus's poor showing at Genoa was a one-off, but says the defeat must act as a warning that the Serie A champions have to step up their game.

 

Juve were outfought at Stadio Luigi Ferraris and found themselves 3-0 down inside half an hour, with Miralem Pjanic's late strike proving a mere consolation.

 

Massimiliano Allegri's men still hold a four-point lead over Roma and AC Milan at the top of the table, but midfielder Khedira says Juve must start to win with style – starting at home to Atalanta on Saturday.

 

"Everyone knows that we should have played much better in the first 30 minutes against Genoa. It is normal for games like that to crop up during the season and when they do, they serve as a reminder that we must continue to work even harder to keep improving," Khedira told Sky Sport Italia.

 

"Although churning out victories in a functional way is a great quality to have, being able to do so in style is a step we are all very keen to make. Our squad is very strong tactically and we have a coach who knows how to make the most of it.

 

"Victory is our only consideration on Saturday and to do that, we'll need to compete from the first whistle to the last. Playing at home is a good advantage for us at the moment but we need to be prepared both mentally and physically for what is likely to be a testing encounter.

 

"We are an excellent team and we need to show it out on the field every match."

 

 

 

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

[Socrates 8526]

 

 

 

 

 

JUVENTUS - ATALANTA 

 

 

 

 

 

 

MATCHDAY 15

Saturday, December 3rd, 2016 - 08:45 p.m.
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Massimiliano Irrati  

 

 

 

Allegri: We can’t go at 100 MPH all season

 

 

Manager’s pre-match press conference.

 

 

  http://www.blackwhitereadallover.com/2016/12/2/13816530/allegri-juventus-

cant-go-at-100mph-all-season-drop-off-genoa-atalanta-preview

 

 

Dec 2, 2016

 

Juventus manager Massimiliano Allegri has attempted to deflect criticism of the team’s dismal performance in a 3-1 loss last weekend at Genoa by saying that the side cannot go the whole season at full throttle.

In his press conference ahead of tomorrow’s game with surprise side Atalanta who are in fifth after a ten-match unbeaten run, Allegri insisted fans would have to accept some bad performances as well.

“Juve are going at cruising speed. We can’t go 100mph all season, there are times when we have to go 80.

“Your position in the table doesn’t crumble like the world around Juve, if you lose once.

“We’re also first in our Champions League group. We have the duty of making amends for our performance against Genoa, then we’ll think about Dinamo.”

On who he likes on the Atalanta squad -

"Atalanta are doing very well, they play with youngsters. Congratulations to Gasperini and the club. He is proving that they can lead the championship, the value of teams give them the correct ranking after May 28th.

“Gagliardini’s banned, but he’s taken off on his own. The Italian national team has a great future, there are some very good young players ranging between the birth years of 1992 and 2000.”

Speaking of Italians, he was asked on why there were only two Italians in the Juve team against Genoa .

“Only few Italians against Genoa? One of the Italians on the pitch made our first big mistake. We have an important group of foreign players that know about Juve’s history.”

Allegri reflected some more on last week’s loss.

"There are numbers that tell us things, and also numbers that do not count. On Sunday we conceded three goals in the first half and it had never happened before, so stats are not the law.

"Time puts everything right. During the season there are some empty results. In the early 30 minutes in terms of mistakes, we committed anything and everything, they were minutes of terror. We must not carry this in a negative way.

"Human beings can make mistakes. We are still first in the league, the three defeats were all different. The Genoa one was really bad.

"When you suffer a defeat it is normal that during days after your pride is dented. For the first time in three months we spent a whole week working together. From defeats you come out stronger and try not to repeat them.”

He was also asked his opinion on downsizing the League from 20 teams to 18.

“The Scudetto? It’s been very nice and balanced so far. There’s only a few points separating the top seven, although the bottom four are some way adrift

“It’s proof that if the League had 18 teams, it’d be even more balanced and beautiful. Still, the Italian league remains one of the most beautiful in the world.”

The manager finished with an injury and form update on the squad.

"It will be hard for Paulo Dybala to play on Saturday. He could make the squad for the match against Atalanta, but he is more likely to return [against Dinamo Zagreb] on Wednesday.

"Gonzalo Higuain can also score without Dybala. Mario Mandzukic and Higuain are in fine shape, they can play together.

"Giorgio Chiellini is fine, Claudio Marchisio is fine. Andrea Barzagli is progressing well, Dybala is returning, Marko Pjaca is running. We therefore look to the positive things. We have six available defenders, this is plenty.

“Miralem Pjanic is important, he’s inserting himself in the team. He scored a fine goal on Sunday. He has contributed with important goals and assists. I'm happy with how he’s doing.

“Sami Khedira last year played 25 games, and is already almost at 20 this year in all competitions. It’s normal that he may have less intensity in some matches. This is part of the journey of a team that is playing every three days.

"I would say Mehdi Benatia has the best characteristics to replace Leonardo Bonucci (who is out injured).”

 

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

[Socrates 8526]

 

 

 

 

 

JUVENTUS - ATALANTA 

 

 

 

 

 

 

MATCHDAY 15

Saturday, December 3rd, 2016 - 08:45 p.m.
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Massimiliano Irrati 

 

 

 

Gasperini: 'We're no Leicester'

 

 

  http://www.football-italia.net/95114/gasp-were-no-leicester

 

 

Dec 2, 2016

 

Atalanta Coach Gian Piero Gasperini has dismissed claims that his side are like Leicester after a shock rise to fifth in the table.

 

The Orobici take on Juventus at the weekend on the back of a nine game unbeaten run in the league, and a 3-0 Coppa Italia win over Pescara in midweek.

 

"After the defeat at home to Palermo I was almost sacked, Gasperini told Tuttosport. "However this was the time that I made the plunge.

 

"At that point I wanted to give a signal, it made me realise that I had come because a certain type of project had been asked of me. I had to put it into practice.

 

"Against Crotone [Andrea] Petagna started and then came [Andrea] Conti, [Mattia] Caldara and [Roberto] Gagliardini.

 

"We've had some striking results. If you are in this position for so long it is not a coincidence. The same goes for the Cup. Our points are well-deserved.

 

"We needed to break things up at the time. The team was made up of a group of players that had suffered 14 games without a win, so there was some mental residue.

 

"The only thing that unites us with Leicester is the surprise factor, after that we are very different.

 

"They are a mature team and built with people bought from anywhere. They play differently and have more financial resources than us."

 

What about this weekend's opponents Juventus?

 

"Juve are stronger than everyone but we will try to treat it like every other match. You can have bad days but they are first in Italy and in the Champions League. But there is curiosity about confronting these beasts.

 

"Their defeat to Genoa? It was a match played out in a certain way, Genoa scored immediately to help put things in the right direction.

 

"If I could take someone out of the Juve side for this challenge, I would say Buffon. Without him it would be a different match."

 

 

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

[Socrates 8526]

 

 

 

 

 

JUVENTUS - ATALANTA 

 

 

 

 

 

 

MATCHDAY 15

Saturday, December 3rd, 2016 - 08:45 p.m.
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Massimiliano Irrati 

 

 

 

Allegri: 'Stats aren't everything'

 

 

  http://www.football-italia.net/95119/allegri-stats-arent-everything

 

 

Dec 2, 2016

 

Massimiliano Allegri belives that 'numbers aren't everything' as he tries to put last weekend's 3-0 defet to Genoa behind his Juventus side.

 

The 49-year-old also offered congratulations to Atalanta boss Gian Piero Gasperini for his side's superb form before the Orobici travel to Turin on Saturday.

 

"There are numbers that tell us things, and also numbers that do not count," the Coach told his pre-match Press conference. "On Sunday we conceded three goals in the first half and it had never happened before, so stats are not the law.

 

"Dybala did a half training session with the group. Tomorrow he may be called but it will be difficult for him to play. On Wednesday instead he will have space and rediscover his form.

 

"Cuadrado had a little problem but is doing well today, I will assess whether or not he will play. Mandzukic could play with Higuain, they are getting to know each other and play well together."

 

"Time puts everything right. During the season there are some empty results. In the early 30 minutes in terms of mistakes, we committed anything and everything, they were minutes of terror. We must not carry this in a negative way.

 

"Human beings can make mistakes. We are still first in the league, the three defeats were all different. The Genoa one was really bad.

 

"Atalanta are doing very well, they play with youngsters. Congratulations to Gasperini and the club. He is proving that they can lead the championship, the value of teams give them the correct ranking after May 28th.

 

"When you suffer a defeat it is normal that during days after your pride is dented. For the first time in three months we spent a whole week working together. From defeats you come out stronger and try not to repeat them.

 

"[Giorgio] Chiellini is fine, [Claudio] Marchisio is fine. [Andrea] Barzagli is progressing well, [Paulo] Dybala is returning, [Marko] Pjaca is running. We therefore look to the positive things. We have six available defenders, this is plenty.

 

“[Miralem] Pjanic? He’s important, he’s inserting himself in the team. He scored a fine goal on Sunday. He has contributed with important goals and assists. I'm happy with how he’s doing.

 

“[Sami] Khedira? Last year he played 25 games, and is already almost at 20 this year in all competitions. It’s normal that he may have less intensity in some matches. This is part of the journey of a team that is playing every three days."

 

Who can replace injured Leonardo Bonucci in the centre of the defence?

 

"Benatia has the best characteristics to replace Bonucci.”

 

 

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

[Socrates 8526]

 

 

 

 

 

JUVENTUS - ATALANTA 

 

 

 

 

 

 

MATCHDAY 15

Saturday, December 3rd, 2016 - 08:45 p.m.
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Massimiliano Irrati 

 

 

 

‘Juve can’t always go 100mph’

 

 

  http://www.football-italia.net/95120/‘juve-can’t-always-go-100mph’

 

 

Dec 2, 2016

 

Massimiliano Allegri insists Juventus “can’t go 100mph all season” as Serie A’s bottom four prove an 18-team League would be “more balanced and beautiful”.

 

Accusations of Juve not playing at the level they had showed in previous seasons came to a head after their 3-1 defeat to Genoa last weekend, but Allegri made it clear the fans needed to accept there would be times when the Bianconeri dropped their tempo.

 

“Juve are going at cruising speed. We can’t go 100mph all season, there are times when we have to go 80,” the Coach said at a Press conference ahead of Saturday’s Serie A clash with high-flying Atalanta.

 

“Your position in the table doesn’t crumble, like the world around Juve [are saying], if you lose once.

 

“We’re also first in our Champions League group. We have the duty of making amends for our performance against Genoa, then we’ll think about Dinamo.

 

“Who do I like in Atalanta’s team? Gagliardini’s banned, but he’s taken off on his own. The Italian national team has a great future, there are some very good young players ranging between the birth years of 1992 and 2000.

 

“Only few Italians against Genoa? One of the Italians on the pitch made our first big mistake. We have an important group of foreign players that know about Juve’s history.

 

“Atalanta? They have few weaknesses, they’ve won seven games out of eight, including the last six in a row.

 

“They have great enthusiasm, a great Coach and are a good club that invest heavily in young players.”

 

Allegri then stated which side of the fence he sat on the topic of Serie A possibly downsizing from 20 teams to 18.

 

“The Scudetto? It’s been very nice and balanced so far. There’s only a few points separating the top seven, although the bottom four are some way adrift,” he added.

 

“It’s proof that if the League had 18 teams, it’d be even more balanced and beautiful. Still, the Italian league remains one of the most beautiful in the world.”

 

 

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

[Socrates 8526]

 

 

 

 

 

JUVENTUS - ATALANTA 

 

 

 

 

 

 

MATCHDAY 15

Saturday, December 3rd, 2016 - 08:45 p.m.
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Massimiliano Irrati 

 

 

 

Atalanta squad against Juventus

 

 

  http://www.football-italia.net/95131/atalanta-squad-against-juventus

 

 

Dec 2, 2016

 

Atalanta released their squad list to face Juventus tomorrow evening, missing several players.

 

It kicks off on Saturday at 20.45 CET - 19.45 GMT.

 

Roberto Gagliardini, who Coach Gian Piero Gasperini nicknamed ‘the Italian Paul Pogba’, is suspended and won’t be making the trip to Turin.

 

The Orobici are also without Alberto Paloschi, Etrit Berisha, Abdoulay Konko and Emanuele Suagher due to injury.

 

Mauricio Pinilla is again left off the squad list due to a technical decision.

 

 

Atalanta squad for Juventus: Bassi, Bastoni, Caldara, Conti, D'Alessandro, Dramé, Freuler, Gomez, Grassi, Kessie, Kurtic, Latte, Masiello, Mazzini, Migliaccio, Pesic, Petagna, Raimondi, Spinazzola, Sportiello, Toloi, Zukanovic

 

 

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

[Socrates 8526]

 

 

 

 

 

JUVENTUS - ATALANTA 

 

 

 

 

 

 

MATCHDAY 15

Saturday, December 3rd, 2016 - 08:45 p.m.
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Massimiliano Irrati 

 

 

 

Juventus - Atalanta

Match Preview

 

 

 

  http://www.football-italia.net/SerieA/match/preview/87968

 

 

Dec 2, 2016

 

Leaders Juventus will play host to in-form Atalanta side this weekend in the midst of an injury crisis, as one of these record streaks has to come to an end.

 

Massimiliano Allegri’s lead at the top of the Serie A table was sliced to just four points last Sunday when they shockingly fell to a 3-1 defeat to Genoa at Marassi.

 

The result was the third loss inflicted on the Bianconeri so far this season, enough to see the likes of Roma, Milan, Lazio and, notably, Atalanta move that extra bit closer to breathe down their necks.

 

While there is still a long way to go before any alarm bells should be rung, Juventus will want to bounce back against an impressive La Dea side, who have won eight of the last nine rounds, drawing the other. No other club in Europe’s top five Leagues has done as well during that period.

 

On the other hand, Juve have won their last 23 Serie A home games, just two shy of the all-time record set from August 2013 to December 2014.

 

The problem that will hang over the defending champion’s head like an ominous cloud is the sudden attack of injuries that have flooded the medical room at Vinovo.

 

Losing Andrea Barzagli to a shoulder injury at the beginning of November was already a massive blow, but Allegri has since had to deal with losing both Dani Alves (broken leg) and Leonardo Bonucci (hamstring) for several months too.

 

The dilemma at the back means Stephan Lichtsteiner will finally get some playing time, while Medhi Benatia and Daniele Rugani will slot into the centre with Alex Sandro flanking them on the left. However, the worries don’t end there, as they have been extended further up field in the shape of Paulo Dybala, who spent the week training by himself and probably isn’t ready for his comeback after five weeks out.

This leaves the Bergamaschi eager to utilise Allegri’s squad problems to the best of their abilities, but they too will be missing a massive name in the shape of Roberto Gagliardini, who will be serving a suspension.

 

Remo Freuler is likely to step in to replace the youngster in the middle of the park, while Marco Sportiello will be in goal following Etrit Berisha’s operation, which will leave him sidelined until the turn of the New Year.

 

So far, Atalanta have proven to be enjoying their free-flowing football, coupled with excellent turnarounds on the transitions has undoubtedly made them one of the more exciting teams to watch this season.

 

Given Juve’s ongoing injury crisis and Atalanta’s excellent form, this game will be one for the books this weekend.

 

 

Keep An Eye On: Jasmin Kurtic (Atalanta) - The Croatian, who has scored four goals this season and bagged an assist, is likely to once again pull the strings when sitting behind Andrea Petagna and Alejandro Gomez in attack. If anyone can help decide a game against Juventus, it is the man who creates opportunities and moves between spaces.

 

Form Guide: Juventus (L W W W W) Atalanta (W W W W W)

 

Last Season: Juventus 2-0 Atalanta

 

Stat Fact: Atalanta have lost their last 12 meetings with Juventus. The most recent interruption was a 2-2 draw in Turin on May 17 2009.

 

Top Tip: Given Juventus’ record against Atalanta, and the latter’s recent form, a draw is probably the best bet.

 

 

Juventus (probable): Buffon; Lichtsteiner, Benatia, Rugani, Alex Sandro; Khedira, Marchisio, Pjanic; Cuadrado, Higuain, Mandzukic

Suspended: None

 

Atalanta (probable): Sportiello; Masiello, Caldara, Zukanovic; Conti, Kessie, Freuler, Drame; Kurtic, Petagna, Gomez

Suspended: Gagliardini

 

 

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

[Socrates 8526]

 

 

 

 

 

JUVENTUS - ATALANTA 

 

 

 

 

 

 

MATCHDAY 15

Saturday, December 3rd, 2016 - 08:45 p.m.
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Massimiliano Irrati 

 

 

 

Juventus vs Atalanta Match Preview

 

 

 

  http://www.juvefc.com/juventus-v-atalanta-match-preview-and-scouting/

 

 

Dec 2, 2016

 

 

Juventus

The performance against Genoa was simply horrible, the worst one in over a decade. The squad was flat and not focused, completely overwhelmed by the opponent’s intensity. As a result, they conceded three goals in half an hour and its advantage over the suitors was reduced to just four points.

However, here is why I am not too worked up about it. First of all, I think that as long as you are in first position, things are good and there is no need to panic. Of course, it would be great to have a ten-point lead and win the League in March, but that is not always possible. In the past two seasons, I have been a proponent of punting a game here and there in Serie A to play better in Champions League, especially in the early stages, to avoid any trouble. Unfortunately, the last few years prove that you can not have it both ways and that the team has always privileged the domestic league.

This season, that has changed: even though the outings in Europe have not always been perfect, certainly they have been the main focus. It is not a surprise that the three losses in Serie A have come after Champions League midweek matches, unfortunately against historic opponents like Milan and Inter. At the end of the day, Juventus have a golden opportunity to finish first in its group, hopefully it will prove to be helpful in the draw, and they are still on top of the table in Serie A.

It is still painful to see matches like the Genoa one, but I accept them if there is a reasonable explanation and if the European campaign is successful. It is hard to be in tip-top shape, physically and mentally, twice in three days, especially against well-rested and well-prepared opponents and in a moment when you can not rotate the squad much because of injuries. All those factors piled up and resulted in an ugly game last week.

The worst news once again come from the infirmary: Leonardo Bonucci could miss up to two months with a severe hamstring strain, while Dani Alves has a fractured fibula, whose recovery time has not been disclosed but that usually takes at least a couple of months to heal, then it depends on what kind of fracture it is and if there is any setback later on. Fortunately, the roster is pretty deep in those two positions, even though it is clear that their quality and leadership will be missed.

Paulo Dybala as not been called up and that qualifies as a surpise as the coach heavily hinted that he would be. He should be close to returning thouhg. His absence, and Marko Pjaca’s one, has forced the coach to constantly use the Gonzalo Higuain-Mario Mandzukic couple up front, which has basically worked pretty well for Mandzukic and not that well for El Pipita, who is playing as second striker/left winger, which has hurt his scoring averages. He is still contributing a ton though.

As for Saturday, there are still few doubts about the tactic. There are only three and a half centre-backs available, two of which, Medhi Benatia and Giorgio Chiellini, are rather similar. I do not think we have ever seen a three-man defence without both Bonucci and Andrea Barzagli, but in the pre-game presser Massimiliano Allegri was confident that Benatia could take over the key role in the heart of the defensive line.

It looks like it will be either a 3-5-2 or a 4-3-1-2. In the first option, Juan Cuadrado and Patrice Evra would serve wing backs. However, Cuadrado is said to have a little problem: if he can not go and is replaced by Stephan Lichtsteiner, at that point Alex Sandro, who had a particularly awful game against Genoa, would enter the lineup as well to keep it a little more offensive.

The alternative is 4-3-1-2 with Miralem Pjanic in the hole and one more body, likely Stefano Sturaro but Kwadwo Asamoah is available as well, in the midfield. I would not mind this look, because it improves the link-up between the departaments and is a little more physical. However, on that front, we get Giorgio Chiellini and Claudio Marchisio back, who were healthy but spared recently, and that is certainly an improvement. The 4-3-3 with the weird Cuadrado-Mandzukic-Higuain trident is losing momentum.

Probable lineup: 

3-5-2: Buffon; Rugani, Benatia, Chiellini; Cuadrado, Khedira, Marchisio, Pjanic, Evra; Mandzukic, Higuain.

Injuries:

Bonucci (hamstring), Barzagli (shoulder), Alves (fibula), Pjaca (fibula), Mandragora (foot). 

Suspensions:

None. 

 

Atalanta

Atalanta are simply the team of the moment and the early surprise of the season. They have won eight out of the last nine matches, and six in a row, including some tough ones against Napoli, Inter and Roma. They are playing outstandingly. They have the best record on the road, but they have not had a tough away schedule and the three signature victories have all come at home, so it will be very interesting to see whether they can impose their style at the Stadium.

Their recipe is pretty simple but hard to replicate. Gian Piero Gasperini basically uses a full-court pressing with man marking all over the pitch. It is taxing, but they have an impeccable physical condition so they can sustain it at least for an hour, until the opponents wear down and therefore they can control the ball in the final portion of the match. They are very physical and they have a good counter-attacking game usually led by Alejandro Gomez, one of the best playmakers in the open court in Serie A. Thanks to the constant help of the wingbacks, they play with width and since Andrea Petagna cracked into the lineup they have a bigger presence in the box in the many crosses they produce. They are also very dangerous in the set pieces, an area where Juventus have struggled mightily.

They will be without a pretty important player: Roberto Gagliardini is disqualified and Remo Freuler is next in line in the pecking order. Freuler is decent, pretty technical, but he is not as dynamic as the Italian youngster and, as we have seen, that is a very big part of their overall plan. Alberto Grassi is more similar to Gagliardini, but he has not featured much since his return on loan from Napoli.

The other injuries include Andrea Paloschi, who has fallen out of favour rather quickly, Etrit Berisha, Abdoulay Konko, Emanuele Suagher and Roberto Cabezas. None of them is particularly significant if not for the goalkeeper, as Marco Sportiello has been surprisingly unreliable this season, maybe because he expected to move to a bigger club in the summer or because his confidence has been shaken by the fact that they acquired somebody to compete with him for the starting job. Boukary Drame is questionable, but Leonardo Spinazzola has done a good job in his place. The only other doubt is whom Rafael Toloi, who returns from a suspension, will replace: either Ervin Zukanovic or Andrea Masiello, or maybe even Mattia Caldara who is reportedly dealing with a minor ailment.

They use a 3-4-1-2 that can easily change within the course of the game. Jasmin Kurtic plays in the key role of attacking midfielder: he is a master in making sneaky cuts but also in pressing the opponents’ deep-lying playmakers. Two highlights are certainly represented by two Italian youngsters, the right back Andrea Conti and the centre-back Caldara, who both started the season behind some players in the hierarchies but have won the coach over and are performing at a very high level. Of course, then, the rookie Franck Kessie has been a revelation.

Probable lineup: 

3-4-1-2: Sportiello; Masiello, Toloi, Caldara; Conti, Freuler, Kessie, Spinazzola; Kurtic; Gomez, Petagna. 

Injuries:

Berisha (knee), Paloschi (hamstring), Konko (hamstring), Cabezas, Suagher (knee).

Suspensions:

Gagliardini. 

 

Formation

 

 

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

[Socrates 8526]

 

 

 

 

 

JUVENTUS - ATALANTA 

 

 

 

 

 

 

MATCHDAY 15

Saturday, December 3rd, 2016 - 08:45 p.m.
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Massimiliano Irrati 

 

 

 

No Dybala for Juventus

 

 

 

  http://www.football-italia.net/95136/no-dybala-juventus

 

 

Dec 2, 2016

 

Juventus named their limited squad to face Atalanta tomorrow evening, but there’s no Paulo Dybala.

 

It kicks off in Turin on Saturday at 20.45 CET - 19.45 GMT.

 

The absentee list includes Leonardo Bonucci, Andrea Barzagli, Dani Alves and Marko Pjaca.

 

Dybala is not even included in the squad, as he returned to training this week after a hamstring strain, but was not working with the group.

 

Mario Lemina returns after missing the 3-1 defeat in Genoa with flu.

 

 

Juventus squad for Atalanta: Buffon, Neto, Audero; Chiellini, Benatia, Alex Sandro, Rugani, Lichtsteiner, Evra; Pjanic, Khedira, Cuadrado, Marchisio, Hernanes, Lemina, Asamoah, Sturaro; Higuain, Mandzukic, Kean

 

 

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

[Socrates 8526]

 

 

 

 

 

JUVENTUS - ATALANTA 

 

 

 

 

 

 

MATCHDAY 15

Saturday, December 3rd, 2016 - 08:45 p.m.
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Massimiliano Irrati 

 

 

 

Paulo Dybala the latest Juventus injury

hit as Atalanta charge into Turin

 

 

 

  http://www.espnfc.co.uk/club/juventus/111/blog/post/3010160/paulo-

dybala-the-latest-juventus-injury-hit-as-atlanta-charge-into-turin

 

 

Dec 3, 2016

 

This was supposed to be Juventus' greatest season yet. A cynical side renowned for their cunning tactics and impenetrable defence, the Old Lady splashed the cash over the summer in hopes of introducing more offensive beauty to the side to ensure European success. Four months on and Juventus are fighting against the wave of deafening criticism.

Ravaged by injuries, Massimiliano Allegri has not only struggled to perfect the attack and integrate the newcomers, he has also lost the solidity at the back, conceding 12 goals in 14 games. That is one more than this time last season, when Juve sat in 5th place in the table.

Seventeen muscle injuries to start the season has destroyed the Bianconeri'spotential to dazzle. Mental fortitude and individual moments of beauty have achieved the necessary points to push through, but too many have said that such hideous displays of football had to eventually result in an embarrassing loss. That inevitable defeat came against Genoa, when a fluid and swift opponent ripped through Juve's greatest source of pride: the defence.

The Old Lady suffered a seemingly abnormal number of muscle injuries at the start of last season too. Several newspapers asked whether Allegri was to blame. The coach had endured a similar run of bad luck at Milan when his side suffered 137 injuries during his first two seasons, 78 of which were muscle injuries. Is there an issue with training?

To put it simply no, although Italy could do with a more evolved style of training. Any team that participates in so many competitions is likely to suffer a higher number of injuries. Players are being offered less time to heal and burdened with expending more physical and mental energy to ensure success. Bayern Munich, Juventus, Real Madrid and Barcelona have all suffered from the absence of several key men in recent years.

In the quest to gain understanding of the situation, Gazzetta dello Sport interviewed Laura Bertele in November 2015. A specialist in physical rehabilitation, she was once contacted by Massimo Moratti to help Ronaldo during his injury laden spell with Inter. Bertele was asked to provide insight on the injuries suffered by a team plying their trade and she admitted muscle injuries were more prevalent in Italy. This was due, she said, to the fact Italian teams still heavily rely on gym work and building strength when it comes to training while other countries aim to improve speed and flexibility. Building muscles mass can harm natural elasticity, resulting in more injuries.

Naturally the topic of Paulo Dybala's growing physical stature has come up. The Argentine forward added 3 kg of muscle mass in his first four months at Juventus, working closely with the the club's athletic staff to ensure he became a greater physical presence on the pitch. While Bertele insisted the staff at the club knew how to deal with the players, she did warn against disproportionately large thigh muscles, claiming they could lead to "an increased risk in tears and strains." Could this be the reason behind Dybala's current thigh strain?

The forward was expected to be included in the squad set to face Atalanta on Saturday evening. However, the Argentine has been left out as he is still struggling to overcome his latest injury. His absence has been keenly felt and the club will be hoping he can remain healthy for the crucial part of the season. However, Juventus and other Italian football teams should perhaps look to evolve their training methods if they want to avoid similar problems from happening in the future.

Set to play a 3-5-2 formation against Gian Piero Gasperini's high-flying Atalanta side, Allegri will at least have Giorgio Chiellini and Gonzalo Higuain available from the start.

The Orobici are the team to beat and have been dubbed the Italian version of Leicester City this season. Undefeated in their last 10 matches, they have drawn once and won nine, conceding only three goals in the process. Comprised of talented youngsters with the confidence to prove their worth, Gasperini has produced a fluid and balanced team.

Famous for his never-say-die attitude, the former Juve youth coach is one of the few Italians who reject the notion of caution. He would rather aim for the win and lose than settle for a mere draw and such ambition has encouraged the Atalanta youngsters to play with confidence.

Exhibiting pace, fluidity and tactical intelligence, Gasperini asks his men to play in a compact manner to ensure solidity while the squad press high up the pitch to shorten their route to goal. Playing with remarkable intensity, Atalanta will cause a tired Juve side problems. Allegri will hope his experienced men can stop youthful exuberance from grabbing more points from the Old Lady in the race for the title.

 

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

[Socrates 8526]

 

 

 

 

 

JUVENTUS - ATALANTA 

 

 

 

 

 

 

MATCHDAY 15

Saturday, December 3rd, 2016 - 08:45 p.m.
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Massimiliano Irrati 

 

 

 

Juventus vs Atalanta Match Preview

 

 

 

  http://www.goal.com/en/match/juventus-vs-atalanta/2305894

 

 

Dec 3, 2016

 

OPTA FACTS

• Juventus are unbeaten against Atalanta in Serie A in 23 games (21W, 2D) – Atalanta’s last win over the Bianconeri dates back to 2000/01.
• The Bianconeri have also won each of their last 12 league games against Atalanta.
• Juventus have found the net in each of their last 27 Serie A encounters versus Atalanta, 61 goals in total (2.3 per game on average).
• The Old Lady have won 16 of their last 19 Serie A meetings with Atalanta, drawing the other three.
• Juventus are one of just two sides yet to draw a game this season in the top-5 European leagues (along with Freiburg).
• Allegri’s men are on a run of 23 consecutive home wins in the league; the second-longest winning streak in Serie A history after one set by Juventus between 2013 and 2014 (25).
• On the other hand, Atalanta have equalled their longest winning run in Serie A; six matches in March 2014.
• The Nerazzurri have kept a clean sheet in their last four Serie A games on the road, equalling another record for the club.

 

LAST FIVE MATCHES

 

Juventus

• L
• W
• W
• W
• D

 

• 11/27/16
  GEN

  3 - 1

  JUV
• 11/22/16
  SEV

  1 - 3

  JUV
• 11/19/16
  JUV

  3 - 0

  PES
• 11/6/16
  CHI

  1 - 2

  JUV
• 11/2/16
  JUV

  1 - 1

  OL

 

 

 

Atalanta

• W
• W
• W
• W
• W

• 11/30/16
  ATA

  3 - 0

  PES
• 11/27/16
  BOL

  0 - 2

  ATA
• 11/20/16
  ATA

  2 - 1

  ROM
• 11/6/16
  SAS

  0 - 3

  ATA
• 10/30/16
  ATA

  3 - 0

  GEN

 

 

 

 

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

[Socrates 8526]

 

 

 

 

 

JUVENTUS - ATALANTA 

 

 

 

 

 

 

MATCHDAY 15

Saturday, December 3rd, 2016 - 08:45 p.m.
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Massimiliano Irrati 

 

 

 

Pjanic trequartista with Atalanta?

 

 

 

  http://www.football-italia.net/95170/pjanic-trequartista-atalanta

 

 

Dec 3, 2016

 

Miralem Pjanic is expected to take a trequartista role as Juventus move to 4-3-1-2 against Atalanta this evening.

 

It kicks off at 20.45 CET - 19.45 GMT.

 

The Bianconeri are decimated by injuries ruling out Paulo Dybala, Leonardo Bonucci, Andrea Barzagli, Dani Alves and Marko Pjaca.

 

There are a few different options for Coach Max Allegri to reshuffle his squad.

 

The first is a 3-5-2 with Alex Sandro or Patrice Evra on the right, Juan Cuadrado or Stephan Lichtsteiner on the right.

 

In that case, Daniele Rugani would join Medhi Benatia and Giorgio Chiellini in defence.

 

Another alternative gaining traction ahead of tonight’s game is a 4-3-1-2 system with Pjanic as the trequartista behind Gonzalo Higuain and Mario Mandzukic.

 

In this case, Rugani would be benched with Stefano Sturaro stepping into midfield.

 

Like all Gian Piero Gasperini sides, Atalanta go with three at the back and the return of Rafael Toloi.

 

Roberto Gagliardini is suspended in midfield, so Remo Freuler replaces him, while Alberto Paloschi, Etrit Berisha, Abdoulay Konko and Emanuele Suagher are unavailable.

 

 

Juventus (probable): Buffon; Lichtsteiner, Benatia, Chiellini, Alex Sandro; Khedira, Marchisio, Sturaro; Pjanic; Higuain, Mandzukic

 

Atalanta (probable): Sportiello; Toloi, Caldara, Masiello; Conti, Kessie, Freuler, Spinazzola; Kurtic; Petagna, Gomez

 

 

 

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

[Socrates 8526]

 

 

 

 

 

JUVENTUS - ATALANTA 

 

 

 

 

 

 

MATCHDAY 15

Saturday, December 3rd, 2016 - 08:45 p.m.
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Massimiliano Irrati 

 

 

 

Line-ups: Juventus-Atalanta

 

 

 

  http://www.football-italia.net/95185/line-ups-juventus-atalanta

 

 

Dec 3, 2016

 

Juventus use Miralem Pjanic as a trequartista in their new 4-3-1-2 system as they host Gian Piero Gasperini’s seemingly-unstoppable Atalanta.

 

It kicks off in Turin at 20.45 CET - 19.45 GMT.

 

The Bianconeri are in the middle of an injury crisis that has ruled out Leonardo Bonucci, Dani Alves, Andrea Barzagli, Paulo Dybala and Marko Pjaca.

 

They are fresh off a shock 3-1 defeat at Genoa and their lead at the top of the Serie A table has been whittled down to just four points.

 

On the other hand, Atalanta come into this fixture as the form team in Europe right now with eight wins and a draw from the last nine rounds.

 

Atalanta without Alberto Paloschi, Etrit Berisha, Abdoulay Konko and Emanuele Suagher due to injury, while Mauricio Pinilla is dropped.

 

Alejandro ‘Papu’ Gomez hopes to continue terrorising defences and feeding Italy Under-21 international Andrea Petagna.

 

It’s a homecoming for Leonardo Spinazzola, who grew up in the Juventus academy and is currently on a two-year loan.

 

Roberto Gagliardini sits out a ban and is replaced in the centre by Remo Freuler, joining 'new Yaya Toure' Franck Kessie.

 

The Orobici have already shocked Roma, Napoli and Inter so far this season, but have lost their last 12 consecutive meetings with Juve, home and away.

 

Claudio Caniggia was on target the last time Atalanta won a Serie A fixture in Turin, 1-0 back in October 1989, followed by three draws and 16 defeats.

 

They haven’t beaten the Bianconeri at all in the top flight since a 2-1 result in Bergamo in February 2001.

 

Atalanta’s shirt will have the Chapecoense badge on the sleeve. The captain’s armband worn by Gomez is also a picture showing the Chapecoense team lined up ahead of a game with the phrase: ‘Eterno Campeao’ – eternal champions.

 

Something’s got to give, because Juventus have won their last 23 Serie A home fixtures and Atalanta won eight of their last nine, drawing the other.

 

 

Juventus: Buffon; Lichtsteiner, Rugani, Chiellini, Alex Sandro; Khedira, Marchisio, Sturaro; Pjanic; Higuain, Mandzukic

Juventus bench: Neto, Audero, Benatia, Evra, Cuadrado, Hernanes, Lemina, Asamoah, Kean

 

Atalanta: Sportiello; Toloi, Caldara, Masiello; Conti, Kessie, Freuler, Spinazzola; Kurtic; Petagna, Gomez

Atalanta bench: Bassi, Bastoni, D'Alessandro, Dramé, Grassi, Latte, Mazzini, Migliaccio, Pesic, Raimondi, Zukanovic

 

 

 

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

[Socrates 8526]

 

 

 

 

 

JUVENTUS - ATALANTA 

 

 

 

 

 

 

MATCHDAY 15

Saturday, December 3rd, 2016 - 08:45 p.m.
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Massimiliano Irrati 

 

 

 

Sturaro: 'Very difficult for Juve'

 

 

 

  http://www.football-italia.net/95186/sturaro-very-difficult-juve

 

 

Dec 3, 2016

 

Stefano Sturaro warns Juventus will be faced with “a very difficult match” against Atalanta, but hopes they learned from the Genoa setback.

 

It kicks off in Turin at 20.45 CET - 19.45 GMT.

 

“It’s going to be a very difficult match. Atalanta are in good shape and proved that with a remarkable run of victories,” Sturaro told Mediaset Premium.

 

This is their first encounter since the humiliating 3-1 hammering at the hands of Genoa.

 

“We have to shake ourselves up after last Sunday’s defeat. That loss to Genoa was helpful, because we saw things that must not be repeated.

 

“Hopefully we can learn valuable lessons from that ugly defeat when going forward for the rest of the season.”

 

 

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

[Socrates 8526]

 

 

 

 

 

JUVENTUS - ATALANTA 

 

 

 

 

 

 

MATCHDAY 15

Saturday, December 3rd, 2016 - 08:45 p.m.
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Massimiliano Irrati 

 

 

 

Spinazzola: 'Juventus my dream'

 

 

 

  http://www.football-italia.net/95187/spinazzola-juventus-my-dream

 

 

Dec 3, 2016

 

Atalanta winger Leonardo Spinazzola admits it is his “dream to play for Juventus” as he faces them for the first time tonight.

 

It kicks off in Turin at 20.45 CET - 19.45 GMT.

 

Spinazzola grew up in the Juventus youth academy and was voted best player of the tournament when they won the prestigious Trofeo di Viareggio in 2012.

 

He is currently on a two-year loan with high-flying Atalanta and starts this evening.

 

“I want to win. If we achieve that, I’ll be happy even if Juan Cuadrado nutmegs me three times,” the 23-year-old told L’Eco di Bergamo.

 

“For the first time I am facing Juve, at the Stadium, where I dreamed of playing alongside Alessandro Del Piero.

 

“In order to improve myself, I study videos of Gianluca Zambrotta, while I really like Alex Sandro, but above all I am fired up by the idea of facing Cuadrado. I might risk being embarrassed, but it’s a good test of where I’m at right now.”

 

Sadly for Spinazzola, the Colombian is not in the starting XI tonight.

 

“My dream has always been to play for Juventus, but I am in Bergamo on a two-year loan and think that’s the best option to grow. I do still consider myself a Juventino in waiting. I get sent out on loan, but they never sell me outright. Sooner or later I’ll get there…”

 

 

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

[Socrates 8526]

 

 

 

 

 

JUVENTUS - ATALANTA 

 

 

 

 

 

 

MATCHDAY 15

Saturday, December 3rd, 2016 - 08:45 p.m.
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Massimiliano Irrati 

 

 

 

Marotta: 'Pogba? Best to laugh'

 

 

 

  http://www.football-italia.net/95189/marotta-pogba-best-laugh

 

 

Dec 3, 2016

 

Juventus director Beppe Marotta is impressed by Atalanta’s Franck Kessie, but chose to “laugh” at Paul Pogba’s Manchester United comments.

 

He spoke ahead of tonight’s showdown with on-form Atalanta at the Juventus Stadium.

 

“Every game represents a test for us, regardless of the side we are going to be facing,” Marotta told Mediaset Premium.

 

“Atalanta are highly-motivated, a team with great quality that has taken them into an unexpected position. It is certainly an important night for us.”

 

Juve have been heavily linked with Atalanta midfielder Kessie, nicknamed the ‘New Yaya Toure.’

 

“Kessie is one of the most interesting young players in Serie A, so it’s natural there are many clubs watching him. The Bergamo youth academy has been churning out talents at a high level for many years.”

 

This weekend Pogba made surprising comments, noting that his four years at Juventus were like “being on holiday” before returned home to Manchester United.

 

“We want to be good-hearted in interpreting what one says,” smiled Marotta. “I hope his vacation with us was an instructive one. If he managed to wear the Manchester United shirt, it’s because Juventus got the best out of him.

 

“Really, it’s best just to laugh…”

 

Another former Juventus alumni is doing considerably better in the Premier League, as his Chelsea beat Manchester City 3-1 today to remain as leaders.

 

“Chelsea are an excellent team and deserve to be top of the Premier League. The squad interprets the characteristics of its Coach.”

 

 

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

[Socrates 8526]

 

 

 

 

 

JUVENTUS - ATALANTA 

 

 

 

 

 

 

MATCHDAY 15

Saturday, December 3rd, 2016 - 08:45 p.m.
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Massimiliano Irrati 

 

 

 

HT 2-0: Juventus burst Atalanta bubble

 

 

 

  http://www.football-italia.net/95191/ht-juventus-burst-atalanta-bubble

 

 

Dec 3, 2016

 

Alex Sandro and Daniele Rugani have given Juventus the 2-0 half-time lead over Atalanta, but Mario Mandzukic has been their best defender.

 

The Bianconeri were fresh from a humiliating 3-1 defeat at Genoa, but had won their last 23 Serie A home fixtures. Atalanta had won eight of the last nine rounds, the best run during that period in Europe, and hadn’t conceded from open play for over 12 hours of football.

 

Leonardo Bonucci, Dani Alves, Andrea Barzagli, Paulo Dybala and Marko Pjaca were sidelined, so Max Allegri switched to a 4-3-1-2 system with Miralem Pjanic in the trequartista role. The visitors had Roberto Gagliardini suspended and Etrit Berisha injured, so Remo Freuler stepped in.

 

La Dea had lost their last 12 meetings with Juventus, home and away, not winning a Serie A fixture in Turin since October 1989.

 

Marco Sportiello intercepted a Gonzalo Higuain ball across the six-yard box for Mario Mandzukic, but Alex Sandro broke the deadlock with a solo run and finish at the near post that surprised the goalkeeper. It was the first goal from open play Atalanta had conceded in over 12 hours of football.

 

Mandzukic won back possession from a napping Franck Kessie to send Higuain on the counter, but Mattia Caldara sprinted back for a decisive sliding block. However, on that corner Daniele Rugani soared above the crowd to nod in Juve’s second.

 

Sportiello palmed a Pjanic free kick out from under the bar, while the shaken Orobici only started to create some pressure towards the break when Mandzukic became Juve’s most precious defender with a double block on Freuler’s half-volley and the Papu Gomez follow-up.

 

 

Juventus 2-0 Atalanta (Half-Time)

Alex Sandro 15 (J), Rugani 20 (J)

 

Juventus: Buffon; Lichtsteiner, Rugani, Chiellini, Alex Sandro; Khedira, Marchisio, Sturaro; Pjanic; Higuain, Mandzukic

 

Atalanta: Sportiello; Toloi, Caldara, Masiello; Conti, Kessie, Freuler, Spinazzola; Kurtic; Petagna, Gomez

 

Ref: Irrati

 

 

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

[Socrates 8526]

 

 

 

 

 

 

JUVENTUS - ATALANTA

 

3-1- 

 

Alex Sandro 15'

Daniele Rugani 19'

Mario Mandzukic 64'

Remo Freuler 82

 

 

 

 

 

MATCHDAY 15

Saturday, December 3rd, 2016 - 08:45 p.m.
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Massimiliano Irrati 

 

 

 

Juventus 3-1 Atalanta: Reigning champions

pull seven points clear

 

 

Alex Sandro, Daniele Rugani and Mario Mandzukic did the damage for the

Turin giants, with their opponents seeing a winning run brought to an abrupt halt.

 

 

 

  http://www.goal.com/en/match/juventus-vs-atalanta/2305894/report

 

 

Dec 3, 2016

 

Alex Sandro's spectacular solo effort set the tone for Juventus as Massimiliano Allegri's side returned to winning ways with a resounding 3-1 victory over Serie A's surprise package, Atalanta.

 

Injury-hit Juve, who slumped to a shock 3-1 defeat to Genoa last time out, raced ahead inside 15 minutes at Juventus Stadium, Brazil defender Alex Sandro powering home a shot from the edge of the area – and then dedicating his strike to the players and staff of Chapecoense following the recent plane-crash tragedy in Colombia.

 

Atalanta's success this term has been built on their solid defence, but Juve wasted no time in exerting their authority when Daniele Rugani's header doubled their advantage.

 

The hosts threatened to run riot after the interval, though they did not extend their lead until Mario Mandzukic got in on the act after 63 minutes – the Croatian capping-off a superb individual display with a brilliant header, although Remo Freuler did pull one back for Atalanta in the closing stages.

 

Juve's victory represents a 13th-successive triumph over Atalanta in the league, and moves the champions, temporarily at least, seven points clear of Roma and Milan.

 

 

The hosts' sluggish start cost them against Genoa last week, but it appeared Allegri's side had learnt their lessons from that defeat as they dominated the early stages this time.

 

Gonzalo Higuain was the first to test Atalanta's defence – which had kept four clean sheets from the previous five Serie A fixtures – goalkeeper Marco Sportiello doing well to deny the Argentina striker.

 

However, Juve did make their dominance count soon enough, Alex Sandro weaving his way in from the left before thumping into the bottom corner from 20 yards for his first goal of the season.

 

That strike sparked Juve's attack into full flow, and Higuain would almost certainly have doubled their advantage straight from the restart had it not been for a fantastic last-ditch challenge by Mattia Caldara.

 

Things did get worse for the visitors a few moments later, though, when slack marking allowed Rugani to steal in unmarked and head home Miralem Pjanic's excellent corner.

 

Pjanic, revelling in a free role behind Higuain and Mandzukic, went close himself as the half-hour mark approached, Sportiello just managing to tip over the playmaker's dipping free-kick.

 

 

For all their control, Juve almost found themselves pegged back prior to the interval, but a series of superb blocks from Mandzukic kept them ahead, as he prevented Jasmin Kurtic from heading in before twice covering for Gianluigi Buffon.

 

Atalanta started the second half brightly, but Andrea Petagna failed to test Buffon from close range in their only meaningful attack.

 

Juve maintained the pressure, though, and Sportiello was again called into action when Claudio Marchisio tried his luck from 25 yards – Atalanta's shot-stopper getting down sharply to parry the strike wide.

 

Sportiello could do nothing to deny Mandzukic a deserved goal in the 64th minute, as the former Bayern Munich striker nodded home from another pin-point Pjanic corner.

 

Atalanta did restore some pride when Freuler slotted in a consolation strike from Marco D'Alessandro's cross, before Mario Lemina hit the post at the other end as the visitors' nine-game unbeaten run in Serie A came to an end.

 

 

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