JUVENTUS SEASON 2016-2017

Socrates · January 27, 2017

SASSUOLO - JUVENTUS

MATCHDAY 22

Sunday, January 29th, 2017 - 3:00 p.m.
Mapei Stadium, Reggio Emilia
Referee: Daniele Doveri

Doveri for Sassuolo-Juventus

http://www.football-italia.net/97450/mazzoleni-samp-roma

Jan 26, 2017

Paolo Mazzoleni has been announced as the referee for Roma’s trip to Sampdoria on Sunday.

The Giallorossi are looking to continue their Scudetto challenge, with Luciano Spalletti’s side just a point behind Juventus.

Today the AIA has announced the referees for this weekend’s fixtures, and Mazzoleni has been entrusted with the match at Marassi.

Elsewhere, Daniele Doveri will take charge as Sassuolo entertain Juventus, with Luca Banti entrusted with Udinese-Milan.

Serie A Week 22 referees:

Cagliari-Bologna - Luca Pairetto
Crotone-Empoli - Paolo Tagliavento
Fiorentina-Genoa - Daniele Orsato
Inter-Pescara - Gianpaolo Calvarese
Lazio-Chievo - Michael Fabbri
Napoli-Palermo - Domenico Celi
Sampdoria-Roma - Paolo Mazzoleni
Sassuolo-Juventus - Daniele Doveri
Torino-Atalanta - Antonio Damato
Udinese-Milan - Luca Banti

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

Socrates · January 29, 2017

SASSUOLO - JUVENTUS

MATCHDAY 22

Sunday, January 29th, 2017 - 3:00 p.m.
Mapei Stadium, Reggio Emilia
Referee: Daniele Doveri

Allegri: 'Juve adjust at Sassuolo'

http://www.football-italia.net/97543/allegri-juve-adjust-sassuolo

Jan 28, 2017

Max Allegri admits he could make adjustments to the Juventus line-up against Sassuolo. “It’s time we got three points here.”

It kicks off on Sunday at 15.00 CET - 14.00 GMT.

“Claudio Marchisio can fit into the new system because he is a great player. He is available, but I don’t believe he’ll start tomorrow. All the others are fit,” said the Coach in his Press conference.

The Bianconeri have been transformed under their 4-2-3-1 approach, but Allegri may well make changes for this trip to the Mapei Stadium.

“Marko Pjaca has a lot of quality. He needs to learn how to deal with pressure and when called upon, he will do well. We need him in this system and will look to him during the second half of the season.

“Tomorrow I have some doubts. I need to choose between Pjaca and Juan Cuadrado, then Tomas Rincon for Sami Khedira. Miralem Pjanic is a great football player, but clearly if you play 10 metres further forward, it’s a different type of effort required.

“The 4-2-3-1 isn’t entirely new to me, as I used this system at Spal. I changed because I no longer had the players suited to it.

“We won games in Serie A and the Coppa Italia with this system, but it’s ‘easy’ to win against Lazio after we got slapped in the face by Fiorentina. It’s much harder tomorrow when we must prove that even when games are less motivating on paper, we can still give the same determination.

“Sassuolo are in good shape and have important players coming back from injury. They played very well against Roma and we’ll need a tough showing.

“In my first year at Juve we drew at Sassuolo and last season we lost, so it’s about time we got the three points.

“Our objective this season is to improve our football, win the Scudetto and Coppa Italia, then go as far as possible in the Champions League.”

Today is captain Gigi Buffon’s 39^th birthday, so does Allegri have a message?

“Gigi mustn’t think about his age. His strength has been in always feeling young. I also say he shouldn’t retire after the 2018 World Cup.”

Juventus squad for Sassuolo: Buffon, Neto, Audero; Chiellini, Alex Sandro, Barzagli, Bonucci, Dani Alves, Rugani, Lichtsteiner; Pjanic, Khedira, Cuadrado, Marchisio, Hernanes, Mattiello, Asamoah, Sturaro, Rincon; Higuain, Mandzukic, Pjaca, Dybala

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

Socrates · January 29, 2017

SASSUOLO - JUVENTUS

MATCHDAY 22

Sunday, January 29th, 2017 - 3:00 p.m.
Mapei Stadium, Reggio Emilia
Referee: Daniele Doveri

EDF: 'Sassuolo can shock Juve' sefz

http://www.football-italia.net/97546/edf-sassuolo-can-shock-juve

Jan 28, 2017

Eusebio Di Francesco assures Sassuolo “aren’t beaten before we begin” against Serie A leaders Juventus. “I won’t settle for a draw.”

It kicks off on Sunday at 15.00 CET - 14.00 GMT.

“Juventus are the favourites, that’s for sure, but we aren’t beaten before we begin,” said the Coach in his Press conference.

“After all, they lost to Genoa, who have as many points as us in the table. My team is determined and hungry to get back the points we dropped along the way this season.

“I’ve seen Juve play in an aggressive fashion with all systems and in all competitions, so Max Allegri can change and still get a strong response from his players.

“Would we be content with a draw? No, that would be sending the wrong mentality to my players. I am not a defensive Coach and I don’t like to say these things.

“I prepare my team knowing who we are facing, some very strong individuals. I won’t accept defeat from the start, as we have a big opportunity to make an impact.”

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

Socrates · January 29, 2017

SASSUOLO - JUVENTUS

MATCHDAY 22

Sunday, January 29th, 2017 - 3:00 p.m.
Mapei Stadium, Reggio Emilia
Referee: Daniele Doveri

SASSUOLO-JUVENTUS

Match Preview

http://www.football-italia.net/SerieA/match/preview/88043

Jan 28, 2017

Juventus continue to test out their audacious new system in this trip to a revitalised Sassuolo, but could make adjustments.

Max Allegri appears to have struck gold with a tactic that enables him to use five attacking players simultaneously - Gonzalo Higuain supported by Juan Cuadrado, Paulo Dybala and Mario Mandzukic, adding Miralem Pjanic in midfield. Sami Khedira may well be rested for the returning Claudio Marchisio. There could be some adjustments after the midweek 2-1 Coppa Italia quarter-final victory over Milan, as playing a tough fixture away from home Allegri might add Stefano Sturaro to bulk up the midfield and protect Alex Sandro, a more marauding full-back than Kwadwo Asamoah.

Sassuolo have been plagued by an injury crisis all season long and it’s no different this weekend. On the absentee list are Francesco Magnanelli, Paolo Cannavaro, Pol Lirola (on loan from Juventus), Davide Biondini, Marcello Gazzola, Simone Missiroli and Alberto Pomini.

Gregoire Defrel remains on the wish-list of Roma and has been shelved lately, as he is considered to be distracted by the on-going transfer rumours. It’s an intriguing game for ex-Juve men Alessandro Matri, Alberto Aquilani and Federico Peluso, while the Bianconeri famously have an option on Domenico Berardi.

Sassuolo have picked up form since their Europa League elimination, but above all with the return of Berardi from four months out with a recurring inflammation.

Keep an eye on: Miralem Pjanic (Juventus) - The former Roma midfielder’s versatility is the key to Juventus at the moment, as he can play in a deeper midfield role or as a trequartista supporting Higuain. The Bosnia international also reminded everyone midweek that free kicks at his feet are practically the same as penalties, because he will find the top corner.

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

Last season: Sassuolo 1-0 Juventus

Stat fact: The Bianconeri have lost to Sassuolo only once in seven Serie A meetings, winning five and drawing one.

Top tip: Both teams to score.

Sassuolo (probable): Consigli; Antei, Letschert, Acerbi, Peluso; Pellegrini, Aquilani, Duncan; Berardi, Matri, Politano

Suspended: None

Juventus (probable): Buffon; Barzagli, Bonucci, Chiellini, Alex Sandro; Khedira, Marchisio, Sturaro; Dybala, Pjanic; Higuain

Suspended: None

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

Socrates · January 29, 2017

SASSUOLO - JUVENTUS

MATCHDAY 22

Sunday, January 29th, 2017 - 3:00 p.m.
Mapei Stadium, Reggio Emilia
Referee: Daniele Doveri

Sassuolo v Juventus: Preview

http://www.espnfc.co.uk/preview?gameId=461086

Jan 28, 2017

Juventus coach Massimiliano Allegri knows how to motivate his players when the Serie A leaders travel to Sassuolo on Sunday.

It has been a successful week for the Turin club, who followed up last weekend's league win over Lazio by beating AC Milan in the Coppa Italia to reach the semi-finals of the competition.

Victory over Sassuolo would also see them retain their place at the top of the standings, but Allegri is aware his players could become complacent against less-fancied sides, resulting in a repeat of the 1-0 defeat they suffered at the Mapei Stadium last season.

In a bid to avoid another slip-up, the Juve coach will simply remind his team what they are fighting for.

``It's easy to find motivation when you're playing Milan but we also have to find motivation in so-called normal matches,'' Allegri was quoted as saying in Gazzetta.

``Two years ago we drew against Sassuolo, last year we were caught out. Tomorrow it's time to bring home three points. It will be an important test.

``Congratulations to the players for winning through to the semi-finals of the Coppa Italia, but if we go to Reggio Emilia thinking we'll win by just turning up then we are wrong.

``Tomorrow will be a tough game, the team have to take responsibility and they know it. If they want motivation then we have motivation: winning a sixth successive championship, a third Coppa Italia. We mustn't go there and be conservative but instead try to raise the bar.''

Sassuolo have been on the rise in recent weeks, and a three-match unbeaten run - including back-to-back wins over Palermo and Pescara - has put them 14th in the standings.

And with the top half of the table in their sights, coach Eusebio Di Francesco admits they have motivation of their own ahead of the visit of the league leaders.

``On paper Juve are the favourites but my team are determined,'' he told tuttomercatoweb.com.

``Juve have an aggressive mindset however they play and at Juventus Stadium they can have a devastating impact on a game. Allegri can also play different set-ups because he has the players to read any set-up.

``I will prepare my team knowing they are facing strong individuals. We have to get as many points as possible and play a great game against Juve.

``I will not accept we are already beaten, tomorrow we have a great chance. Would I accept a draw? Saying yes would put my players in the wrong mindset and make them too defensive, and I don't like that.''

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

Socrates · January 29, 2017

SASSUOLO - JUVENTUS

MATCHDAY 22

Sunday, January 29th, 2017 - 3:00 p.m.
Mapei Stadium, Reggio Emilia
Referee: Daniele Doveri

Sassuolo vs Juventus Match Preview

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

Jan 28, 2017

Sassuolo v Juventus

Serie A Week 22 – Sunday, 29th January – 14:00 GMT – MAPEI Stadium

Juventus

The big news of the last two games is the new 4-2-3-1 Massimiliano Allegri has implemented. A very interesting tactic that is based upon a very simple principle: fielding all your best players together at the same time. Of course, it is weak defensively considering that neither Sami Khedira or Miralem Pjanic are particularly strong on that front, however, if you score twice in the first twenty minutes, then the whole team can track back and contribute. Pjanic, Juan Cuadrado, Paulo Dybala, even Kwadwo Asamoah have performed very well with this scheme. Mario Mandzukic deserves a special mention because he is playing way out of position, but he is a winger only on paper because you will see him in the box more often than not: the fact that he is being guarded by fullbacks is a net positive and we have already seen him exploit that with his aerial skills.

The first game against Lazio went swimmingly: the squad toyed with Biancocelesti right from the get go and did not have many problems managing the second half. The Coppa one with Milan was a more problematic, we jumped to a two-nil lead again, but we conceded and had trouble dictating the pace in the final portion, even though the Rossoneri were down to ten men.

A few natural questions arise, an immediate one and some long-term ones. We know Juventus lost four times on the road after midweek matches and they will be on the road on Sunday as well. Basically the same XI played twice in three days: can they all go again at the weekend? The squad is very thin with this formation. Allegri in the pre-game presser admitted that he is undecided between Khedira and Tomas Rincon in the midfield and Cuadrado and Marko Pjaca on the wings. If this was the solution going forward, it would be great news for the Croatian youngster.

Secondly, Allegri came up with this partly because Claudio Marchisio is unavailable and probably because Hernanes, the only other viable option as deep-lying midfielder, might not be in the team in a couple of days, so he ditched his beloved three-man midfield. What happens when Il Principino is back? Are Mandzukic and Cuadrado better than him? That is honestly hard to tell. Will he force a tactical switch or will he just alternate with Khedira or Pjanic? Marchisio is in the squad for the game but will not start, but we will find out soon enough.

More importantly, is this formation usable on the road, where opponents are usually a little more aggressive and a bit less intimidated by Juventus because they are playing on their own turf and not in the daunting Stadium? I am curious to see and I think Allegri is too. Considering the away struggles we have had, the coach will stick with it on Sunday, maybe only to send a message to the rivals.

No suspensions and no new injuries for the Bianconeri as they prepare to take on Sassuolo. Gianluigi Buffon and Alex Sandro are slated to reclaim their starting jobs. The two doubts are related to the potential return of the aforementioned Marchisio, who does not have anything serious, just some physiological muscle fatigue. The other one involves the defence: I think Leonardo Bonucci, Giorgio Chiellini, Andrea Barzagli and Daniele Rugani will be regularly rotated to keep everybody up to speed.

By the way, if the coach decides to use this scheme regularly, we are clearly one winger short. It is not necessary to acquire a world beater, but one more body would be useful. Robin Quaison is a name that has been thrown around, more for the summer and as a bargaining chip than for an immediate arrival though. He is an interesting prospect that has struggled so far at Palermo both because they have stunk in the past two seasons and also because they never quite found the right position for him. He has some very recent success as attacking midfielder and he certainly has some technique and speed in his game. Emanuele Giaccherini is another name being mildly discussed and he would be an ideal reinforcement.

It was revealed during the week that Mario Lemina has a bone edema in his back, which means that there is a big swelling that does not allow to see clearly whether there is something severe underneath it. Allegri minimized the injury and it might very well be just a bruise, but let’s not forget that the whole Pjaca ordeal started with an edema that later on was considered compatible with a small fracture. That would be a big setback for the youngster.

Patrice Evra has left the team to join Olympique Marseille: at first, I did not like his addition, but it was immediately clear that he was a great locker room leader and generally a good and genuine guy. His first and a half year at the club were pretty good in a position where for years we did not have anybody decent.

Probable lineup:

4-2-3-1: Buffon; Lichtsteiner, Bonucci, Chiellini, Sandro; Khedira, Pjanic; Cuadrado, Dybala, Mandzukic; Higuain.

Injuries:

Lemina (back), Benatia (AFCON), Mandragora (foot).

Suspensions:

None.

Sassuolo

So far, Sassuolo have had a year from hell and after overachieving last season and taking advantage of the poor performances of the usual Serie A juggernauts, while grabbing a Europa League spot, they were certainly a candidate for regression, but nobody thought it would be this bad. Unfavourable circumstances certainly played a big role. First of all, they really tried in Europe, right from the final week of July and that took a toll. Secondly, and more importantly, they have had so many injuries to key players. Domenico Berardi missed three months with a sprained MCL, Francesco Magnanelli is out for the season with an ACL tear, Matteo Politano and Alfred Duncan were sidelined for weeks by ankle ailments, Paolo Cannavaro had a torn LCL and so on. Eusebio Di Francesco has basically never had the full squad at disposal. Luckily for them, the relegation race has never been this bad in Serie A and I do not think they would have had a shot at one of top seven positions anyway, so the consequences will not be too drastic.

They have won two games in a row against Palermo and Pescara, securing their spot in Serie A for next season, if there ever was a doubt. It is not a coincidence that they have started performing better when Berardi returned: he is not only their best player, but he is also the engine that gets them going. Every action goes through him and when he was not available, it showed. Federico Ricci and Antonino Ragusa are nice complementary players, the first one is a rookie and was not ready for such a big role. They struggled to find new reference points when both Berardi and Politano were out. If it was not for Gregoire Defrel, they would have been in much bigger troubles.

Anyway, that is in the past and they will put up a good fight on Sunday now that the pieces to show their brand of football are almost all available. The only absences will be the oft injured Simone Missiroli, Magnanelli, Davide Biondini and Pol Lirola, the Juventus loanee, who has a strained hamstring. Paolo Cannavaro has been under the weather this week, but has been called up. The Spaniard has had some good stretches and some less positive ones: he looks very tiny so I wonder if he will ever be able to defend at an elite level. However, sometimes his offense has been so effective that this was not a problem. He is set to stay on loan there next season as well: his possible return will hinge on what happens with Stephan Lichtsteiner and Dani Alves. He would benefit from another year at Sassuolo.

Marcello Gazzola is back from a hip contusion, but Di Francesco could decide to go with some more defensive options at right back, like the adapted CB Luca Antei or Timo Letschert. One of the two would replace Cannavaro, so both could end up starting. Aquilani will take Magnanelli’s spot in the heart of the midfield, alongside Lorenzo Pellegrini. The final spot will be taken by either Alfred Duncan, Stefano Sensi or Luca Mazzitelli.

The trident will be formed by Berardi, Politano and most likely Alessandro Matri, who has scored four goals in the last two games. Defrel is dealing with a sore knee and also with Roma’s courtship and the player is reportedly pushing to leave, so right now he is not in the right mind set. We will see if Giallorossi will be able to pull it off. By the way, if they end up waiving Pellegrini’s buy-back clause as part of the deal, I think Juventus should pounce in the summer because he is already pretty complete and can only get better.

Probable lineup:

4-2-3-1: Consigli; Letschert, Antei, Acerbi, Peluso; Pellegrini, Aquilani, Duncan; Berardi, Matri, Politano.

Injuries:

Magnanelli (knee), Biondini (Achilles), Lirola (hamstring), Missiroli (hamstring).

Suspensions:

None.

Formation

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

Socrates · January 29, 2017

SASSUOLO - JUVENTUS

MATCHDAY 22

Sunday, January 29th, 2017 - 3:00 p.m.
Mapei Stadium, Reggio Emilia
Referee: Daniele Doveri

Allegri: It’s time Juve got three points at Sassuolo

Manager’s pre-match comments

http://www.blackwhitereadallover.com/2017/1/28/14425638/allegri-its-

time-juventus-got-three-points-at-sassuolo-manager-pre-match-comments

Jan 28, 2017

Juventus travel to Sassuolo tomorrow for a Serie A clash that they haven’t had much luck with in recent times. Manager Massimiliano Allegri indicated that he would be making changes to the starting eleven for the game.

“Claudio Marchisio can fit into the new system because he is a great player. He is available, but I don’t believe he’ll start tomorrow. All the others are fit.

“Marko Pjaca has a lot of quality. He needs to learn how to deal with pressure and when called upon, he will do well. We need him in this system and we’ll look to him during the second half of the season.

“Tomorrow I have some doubts. I need to choose between Pjaca and Juan Cuadrado, then Tomas Rincon for Sami Khedira. Miralem Pjanic is a great football player, but clearly if you play 10 metres further forward, it’s a different type of effort required.”

It’s likely the Bianconeri will go with the 4-2-3-1 that has brought them success lately.

“The 4-2-3-1 isn’t entirely new to me, as I used this system at SPAL (in 2004-05). I changed because I no longer had the players suited to it.

“We won games in Serie A and the Coppa Italia with this system, but it’s ‘easy’ to win against Lazio after we got slapped in the face by Fiorentina. It’s much harder tomorrow when we must prove that even when games are less motivating on paper, we can still give the same determination.”

On tomorrow’s opponents Sassuolo, who sit in 14th place this season.

“Sassuolo are in good shape and have important players coming back from injury. They played very well against Roma and we’ll need a tough showing.

“In my first year at Juve we drew at Sassuolo and last season we lost, so it’s about time we got the three points.

“Our objective this season is to improve our football, win the Scudetto and Coppa Italia, then go as far as possible in the Champions League.”

Club captain Gigi Buffon is celebrating his 39^th birthday today, what would Allegri say to him?

“Gigi mustn’t think about his age. His strength has been in always feeling young. I also say he shouldn’t retire after the 2018 World Cup.”

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

Socrates · January 29, 2017

SASSUOLO - JUVENTUS

MATCHDAY 22

Sunday, January 29th, 2017 - 3:00 p.m.
Mapei Stadium, Reggio Emilia
Referee: Daniele Doveri

Pjaca must begin to unleash potential

if given start for Juventus at Sassuolo

http://www.espnfc.co.uk/club/juventus/111/blog/post/3048668/marko

-pjaca-must-begin-to-unleash-potential-if-given-start-for-juventus-at-sassuolo

Jan 28, 2017

On Sunday afternoon, Sassuolo will host Juventus, and all anyone can talk about is the 4-2-3-1 formation Massimiliano Allegri recently unveiled.

A tactical shape that allows Juventus to deploy all their best offensive players at the same time, the team's performance against Lazio earned never-ending praise, while victory against Milan secured Juve's progression in the Coppa Italia midweek. Allegri is a genius, or at least it looks that way, for he might have just discovered the so-called formation of the future.

A tactician usually known for adopting a risk-averse attitude in matches, no one imagined Allegri would ever play all of his best players together -- fearful that it would negatively impact an already fragile back line. However, by entrusting his best players to entertain when going forward and sacrifice when tracking back, he has ensured balance and reliability. The offensive mentality has seemingly helped secure defensive solidity.

Yet the match against Milan showed us that this is a finely tuned shape. In order for it to succeed, Juve must always play at a high tempo with a high line to peg back their opponents. Paulo Dybala's movement between the lines is crucial to achieving control. As soon as the Argentina international was substituted off the pitch, his team became a lot easier to defend against.

In essence, there is no right formation. The only thing the 4-2-3-1 shape has encouraged is constant movement and a high tempo simply because Juve's best players love to attack with abandon. As soon as the Bianconeri regain possession, they all look to exploit the gaps at the top, overwhelming the opponent and dragging defenders away to create even more space for the others.

Juventus are only ever successful when their players keep moving, but on too many occasions this season, we have seen them play a static type of football, with Miralem Pjanic looked upon for answers -- ones he struggled to provide.

Playing in a deeper role, the Bosnia international is putting his technique on the ball to great use, ensuring possession and vertical passes going forward. With Dybala allowed to stay further up field rather than retreating in search of possession, Pjanic too looks more effective. The only problem is that Juve are still not making the most of their superiority, having squandered some brilliant goal-scoring opportunities in their last two matches.

Against Sassuolo, it seems Allegri will opt for the new formation again. But on this occasion, Marko Pjaca may start ahead of Juan Cuadrado on the right. The Croatia international -- as we all have witnessed -- is blessed with audacious talent and technique. But according to Allegri, a man who took his time to introduce Alvaro Morata and Dybala to the starting lineup, Pjaca has yet to learn how to suffer.

Juventus and Serie A is a step up from Dinamo Zagreb, and with his old side, Pjaca was the star, the man his teammates looked to on the pitch. At Juventus, he's simply another player who must work hard to unleash the talent of those around him. It will take time, but Allegri is certain Pjaca has what it takes to prove important for the second part of the season.

Sassuolo are a difficult team to face, especially at home, and Allegri hopes his side can walk away with three points. Often deployed in a 4-3-3 formation that turns into something resembling a 4-5-1 when not in possession, Sassuolo are a team that loves to attack via the wings and score goals from open play. As such, should Pjaca start, he will need to remain aggressive and alert, pressing relentlessly to peg back the opponents.

However, it will be Alex Sandro and Mario Mandzukic on the left who must remain highly alert and defensively cautious, as they will face Domenico Berardi, a player who so often inspires the team to victories. His pace and talent have earned him attention from the best clubs in the world, including Juventus, and he will try to impact the game as much as possible.

Away from home, the Old Lady has suffered, and Sassuolo have been known to spring a surprise. If they manage to make the most of their chances and remain alert for the entirety of the game, Juventus can achieve an important win away from home.

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

Socrates · January 29, 2017

SASSUOLO - JUVENTUS

MATCHDAY 22

Sunday, January 29th, 2017 - 3:00 p.m.
Mapei Stadium, Reggio Emilia
Referee: Daniele Doveri

Line-ups: Sassuolo-Juventus

h ttp://www.football-italia.net/97591/line-ups-sassuolo-juventus

Jan 29, 2017

Juventus again go with an all-attack 4-2-3-1 formation against Domenico Berardi’s Sassuolo, but with a few adjustments.

It kicks off at the Mapei Stadium at 15.00 CET - 14.00 GMT.

Max Allegri has kick-started the Bianconeri’s campaign into a different gear since moving to the 4-2-3-1 tactic after a 2-1 defeat to Fiorentina.

He’s won both games in Serie A and the Coppa Italia, beating Lazio and Milan, but this will prove an intriguing test of their motivation.

Claudio Marchisio is rested in favour of Tomas Rincon in midfield, while Alex Sandro steps in for Kwadwo Asamoah and Stephan Lichtsteiner in at right-back.

The attack remains the same, with Miralem Pjanic propping up Juan Cuadrado, Paulo Dybala, Mario Mandzukic and Gonzalo Higuain.

Sassuolo have found their form over the last couple of weeks, unsurprisingly since Berardi returned from four months out injured.

He starts against the club that still has a €25m option on his signature, but he refused to join last summer, as he wanted more regular playing time.

Matteo Politano and Alessandro Matri complete the trident attack, as Gregoire Defrel is ‘distracted’ by Roma interest.

Coach Eusebio Di Francesco’s absentee list remains lengthy, missing Davide Biondini, Francesco Magnanelli, Marcello Gazzola, Simone Missiroli and Juve loaner Pol Lirola.

Paolo Cannavaro returns to bolster the back four.

The Bianconeri have lost to Sassuolo only once in seven Serie A meetings, winning five and drawing one.

However, Allegri has never conquered the Mapei Stadium as Juve Coach, drawing the first year and losing last term.

Sassuolo: Consigli; Antei, Cannavaro, Acerbi, Peluso; Mazzitelli, Pellegrini, Aquilani; Berardi, Matri, Politano

Juventus: Buffon; Lichtsteiner, Bonucci, Chiellini, Alex Sandro; Khedira, Pjanic; Cuadrado, Dybala, Mandzukic; Higuain

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

Socrates · January 29, 2017

SASSUOLO - JUVENTUS

MATCHDAY 22

Sunday, January 29th, 2017 - 3:00 p.m.
Mapei Stadium, Reggio Emilia
Referee: Daniele Doveri

HT 0-2: Juventus run riot at Sassuolo

http://www.football-italia.net/97597/ht-juventus-run-riot-sassuolo

Jan 29, 2017

Gonzalo Higuain and Sami Khedira have given Juventus the 2-0 half-time lead away to Sassuolo.

The Bianconeri continued experimenting with the 4-2-3-1 formation, bringing in Stephan Lichtsteiner, Alex Sandro and Tomas Rincon to freshen things up. The hosts had sparked up since Domenico Berardi returned from four months out injured, but Davide Biondini, Francesco Magnanelli, Marcello Gazzola, Simone Missiroli and Juve loaner Pol Lirola were sidelined.

Juve had lost to Sassuolo only once in seven Serie A meetings, winning five, but Max Allegri had never won at the Mapei Stadium as the Coach of the Turin giants.

It took just nine minutes to break the deadlock, as Mario Mandzukic’s back-heel flick sent Alex Sandro down the left and he pulled across for Gonzalo Higuain to prod in with the inside of the boot from six yards, getting in front of his marker. It meant he had found the net for six consecutive Serie A rounds.

Higuain almost added another, turning wide from a Mandzukic cross, but eventually proved decisive with an assist. He robbed Paolo Cannavaro in midfield and the low cross from the left was allowed through by Paulo Dybala’s delightful dummy, finding Sami Khedira undisturbed from just inside the box.

Sassuolo 0-2 Juventus (Half-Time)

Higuain 9 (J), Khedira 25 (J)

Sassuolo: Consigli; Antei, Cannavaro, Acerbi, Peluso; Mazzitelli, Pellegrini, Aquilani; Berardi, Matri, Politano

Juventus: Buffon; Lichtsteiner, Bonucci, Chiellini, Alex Sandro; Khedira, Pjanic; Cuadrado, Dybala, Mandzukic; Higuain

Ref: Doveri

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

Socrates · January 29, 2017

SASSUOLO - JUVENTUS

0-2

Gonzalo Higuaín 9'

Sami Khedira 25'

MATCHDAY 22

Sunday, January 29th, 2017 - 3:00 p.m.
Mapei Stadium, Reggio Emilia
Referee: Daniele Doveri

Sassuolo 0-2 Juventus: Higuain and Khedira fire champions to win

The Bianconeri extended their lead over Roma in Serie A to four points

and have a game in hand over the second-place side.

<a href="http://oi64.tinypic.com/2ciecf4.jpg" target="_blank">View Raw Image</a>

http://www.goal.com/en/match/sassuolo-vs-juventus/2305967/report

Jan 29, 2017

League leaders and reigning champions Juventus strengthened their grip on Serie A with a routine 2-0 win at Sassuolo, as title challengers Roma suffered a costly defeat at Sampdoria.

Well-taken goals from Gonzalo Higuain - his eighth in his last six league games - and Sami Khedira had the favourites in control inside the first 25 minutes at Mapei Stadium, where Eusebio Di Francesco's outclassed hosts proved ill-equipped to respond.

Juve surprisingly dropped points in a 2-1 loss at Fiorentina earlier this month, but they appear now to be firmly back on track, having claimed victory with relative ease in Modena, to follow wins over Lazio in the league and AC Milan in the Coppa Italia.

Second-placed Roma meanwhile lost 3-2 at the Luigi Ferraris on Sunday to find themselves four points back from the frontrunners and at risk of being caught by Napoli.

Next weekend Juve have an opportunity to gain revenge for their 2-1 defeat at Inter in September, when the Nerazzurri make the trip to Piedmont for the second Derby d'Italia of the season. Sassuolo remain comfortably clear of the relegation zone, with a trip to immediate rivals Genoa awaiting on Sunday.

Juve shrugged off a somewhat shaky start to take the lead after nine minutes, as coach Massimiliano Allegri's attacking line-up paid dividends.

Mario Mandzukic sent Alex Sandro racing away down the left wing with a tasty back heel to complete a one-two with the full-back and Higuain did what he does best from the Brazilian's subsequent cross, getting ahead of his marker to stab home from close range in the centre of the penalty area.

Taking the lead served to settle the champions and they doubled their advantage in style in the 25th minute. Higuain closed down veteran Paolo Cannavaro and won possession in a dangerous area before cutting a pass back into the box. Paulo Dybala then fooled the Sassuolo defence with a wonderful dummy and Khedira arrived to smash the ball into the top corner of the net.

Dybala nearly made it 3-0 when he struck the post with a shot from outside the area in the 53rd minute, before Sassuolo finally tested the visitors' goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon.

The 39-year-old produced a smart double save to deny first Matteo Politano and then his former Juve team-mate Alessandro Matri in a rare foray forward from the beleaguered home team.

That was as close as Sassuolo came to pulling a goal back and, while Juve could not find a third to put the result beyond doubt, they saw out the time remaining in comfort to earn a useful buffer at the top of the standings.

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

Socrates · January 29, 2017

SASSUOLO - JUVENTUS

0-2

Gonzalo Higuaín 9'

Sami Khedira 25'

MATCHDAY 22

Sunday, January 29th, 2017 - 3:00 p.m.
Mapei Stadium, Reggio Emilia
Referee: Daniele Doveri

Team ratings - Higuain guides

Juve to comfortable win

<a href="http://oi63.tinypic.com/1t313m.jpg" target="_blank">View Raw Image</a>

http://www.goal.com/en/match/sassuolo-vs-juventus/2305967/ratings

Jan 29, 2017

BEST AND WORST PLAYER

Best Player

Goal Choice

G. Higuaín

JuventusPosition: Attacker

Worst Player

Goal Choice

L. Antei

SassuoloPosition: Defender

TEAM RATINGS

Sassuolo

Juventus

Substitutes

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

Socrates · January 29, 2017

SASSUOLO - JUVENTUS

0-2

Gonzalo Higuaín 9'

Sami Khedira 25'

MATCHDAY 22

Sunday, January 29th, 2017 - 3:00 p.m.
Mapei Stadium, Reggio Emilia
Referee: Daniele Doveri

Juve sweep Sassuolo aside

<a href="http://oi67.tinypic.com/x0raxv.jpg" target="_blank">View Raw Image</a>

http://www.football-italia.net/97599/juve-sweep-sassuolo-aside

Jan 29, 2017

Gonzalo Higuain and Sami Khedira did enough in the first half to sweep Sassuolo aside and extend the Juventus lead at the top of the table.

The Bianconeri continued experimenting with the 4-2-3-1 formation, bringing in Stephan Lichtsteiner, Alex Sandro and Tomas Rincon to freshen things up. The hosts had sparked up since Domenico Berardi returned from four months out injured, but Davide Biondini, Francesco Magnanelli, Marcello Gazzola, Simone Missiroli and Juve loaner Pol Lirola were sidelined.

Juve had lost to Sassuolo only once in seven Serie A meetings, winning five, but Max Allegri had never won at the Mapei Stadium as the Coach of the Turin giants.

It took just nine minutes to break the deadlock, as Mario Mandzukic’s back-heel flick sent Alex Sandro down the left and he pulled across for Gonzalo Higuain to prod in with the inside of the boot from six yards, getting in front of his marker. It meant he had found the net for six consecutive Serie A rounds.

Higuain almost added another, turning wide from a Mandzukic cross, but eventually proved decisive with an assist. He robbed Paolo Cannavaro in midfield and the low cross from the left was allowed through by Paulo Dybala’s delightful dummy, finding Sami Khedira undisturbed from just inside the box.

Leonardo Bonucci turned a Miralem Pjanic corner just wide and Dybala managed to hit the upright with a daisy-cutter that was remarkably accurate considering he was falling over at the time.

Gigi Buffon turned 39 yesterday and was finally given some work to do with a fine low save on Matteo Politano and the Alessandro Matri follow-up.

Sassuolo: Consigli; Antei, Cannavaro, Acerbi, Peluso; Mazzitelli (Duncan 59), Pellegrini (Defrel 59), Aquilani; Berardi, Matri (Ragusa 75), Politano

Juventus: Buffon; Lichtsteiner, Bonucci, Chiellini, Alex Sandro; Khedira, Pjanic; Cuadrado (Rincon 83), Dybala (Pjaca 77), Mandzukic; Higuain

Ref: Doveri

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

Socrates · January 29, 2017

SASSUOLO - JUVENTUS

0-2

Gonzalo Higuaín 9'

Sami Khedira 25'

MATCHDAY 22

Sunday, January 29th, 2017 - 3:00 p.m.
Mapei Stadium, Reggio Emilia
Referee: Daniele Doveri

Gonzalo Higuain and Sami Khedira

on target in Juventus victory

<a href="http://oi64.tinypic.com/ibwb9f.jpg" target="_blank">View Raw Image</a>

http://www.espnfc.co.uk/report?gameId=461086

Jan 29, 2017

Gonzalo Higuain reached 15 goals for the Serie A season as Juventus reinforced their position as league leaders with a 2-0 victory at Sassuolo.

The striker continued his recent hot streak in front of goal with an early opener in Reggio Emilia, before Germany midfielder Sami Khedira made a rare appearance on the scoresheet to guarantee all three points for Massimiliano Allegri's men.

With closest challengers Roma going down to a surprise 3-2 loss at Sampdoria, the Turin club are now four points out in front ahead of next weekend's Derby d'Italia clash with fast-improving Inter Milan back at the Juventus Stadium.

Despite their enduring dominance of the Italian game -- a record sixth straight Scudetto is on the cards -- two defeats across their last six games had left Juve vulnerable to free-scoring Roma, who were just one point behind heading into Sunday's matches.

The Bianconeri could do nothing about subduing Roma first hand as the title rivals will not meet again until May but they could concentrate on accelerating their own efforts, which continued at the Mapei Stadium, home to underperforming Sassuolo.

Higuain, with four goals from his previous three league games, gave Juve an early boost. Nine minutes in Alex Sandro, liberated by a deft backheel from Mario Mandzukic, crossed the ball into Higuain's path and the Argentinian shrugged off Francesco Acerbi's challenge to beat Andrea Consigli with ease.

Another pinpoint cross, this time from Mandzukic, put Higuain into another shooting position in the 21st minute but he could only blast wide from close range.

Four minutes later Juve doubled their lead, Paulo Dybala allowing Higuain's pass to skip him and arrive with Khedira, who finished with his left foot.

The reigning champions showed no signs of letting up when play restarted following the break, and ball-playing centre-back Leonardo Bonucci almost made it 3-0 five minutes into the second half when his deflected swing at a Miralem Pjanic corner shaved paint off one of Consigli's posts.

Dybala went closer still after collecting Juan Cuadrado's flick-on and clattering it against an upright.

Juve decided to take a breather, perhaps unwisely as Sassuolo were soon on the offensive, 39-year-old Gianluigi Buffon forced to make a double save against Matteo Politano and then Alessandro Matri, who was looking for the tap-in.

Normal service was resumed in the 69th minute as Higuain beat the offside trap to test Consigli with a low shot that the Sassuolo stopper smothered.

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

Socrates · January 30, 2017

SASSUOLO - JUVENTUS

0-2

Gonzalo Higuaín 9'

Sami Khedira 25'

MATCHDAY 22

Sunday, January 29th, 2017 - 3:00 p.m.
Mapei Stadium, Reggio Emilia
Referee: Daniele Doveri

Allegri: 'Scudetto not won'

<a href="http://oi63.tinypic.com/2i03x34.jpg" target="_blank">View Raw Image</a>

http://www.football-italia.net/97604/allegri-scudetto-not-won

Jan 29, 2017

Max Allegri does not believe the race for the Scudetto is over despite Juventus increasing their lead over Roma at the top of Serie A.

The Old Lady were 2-0 victors at Sassuolo this afternoon, while the Giallorossi were surprisingly beaten 3-2 by Sampdoria.

The results mean that Juve are now four points clear of their nearest challengers, while they also boast a game in hand. However, the Bianconeri Coach insists there is still a long way to go in the season.

"Regardless of Roma's defeat, the season is still long," Allegri commented following victory against Eusebio Di Francesco's team. "The important thing for us today was to win, the team did well.

"In the second half the team was very good, it was important not to concede a goal and the boys did well."

Juventus again lined up in a 4-2-3-1 as they continue to move away from the three-at-the-back formation that has served them so well in years gone by. Former Milan boss Allegri, however, will not rule out a return to 3-5-2 in the future.

"The other systems of play will not be abandoned because they could be important cards for us."

Finally, Allegri was asked whether he would be signing a new contract to remain in Turin beyond 2018, when his current deal expires.

"The idea of moving forward (together) is there, but there isn't any problem. Maybe it could be for a long time, but that depends on me and the club."

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

Socrates · January 30, 2017

SASSUOLO - JUVENTUS

0-2

Gonzalo Higuaín 9'

Sami Khedira 25'

MATCHDAY 22

Sunday, January 29th, 2017 - 3:00 p.m.
Mapei Stadium, Reggio Emilia
Referee: Daniele Doveri

Juventus 2 - Sassuolo 0: Initial

reaction and random observations

<a href="http://oi68.tinypic.com/dxfy8n.jpg" target="_blank">View Raw Image</a>

http://www.blackwhitereadallover.com/2017/1/29/14429316/juventus-

sassuolo-2017-serie-a-round-21-final-score-result-initial-reaction

Jan 29, 2017

Max Allegri’s switch to a 4-2-3-1 formation has brought a lot of positives to a Juventus side that was is dire need of some kind of jumpstart midway through the season. The overall team play is better, the attack is much more dangerous and explosive, the defense looks stable and not as heart attack-inducing as before.

All of those are good and vital to Juventus success over the course of the last three games since Allegri made the major shift in how his team is lined up on the field.

There’s another one, too: Juventus are not just scoring goals, but scoring them early.

That was on display once again in Juve’s 2-0 win over Sassuolo on Sunday afternoon that finally saw the defending Italian champions solve their bugaboo at the Mapei Stadium. It wasn’t quite the two-goal lead Juventus have had within the opening 20 minutes like in the wins over Fiorentina and Lazio, but thanks to Gonzalo Higuain and Sami Khedira finding the back of the net in the first half, Juve were able to roll to yet another victory with their new-look and attack-friendly formation.

And thanks to Roma doing Roma-like things, it’s plus-4 for a game in hand atop the Serie A standings. If you could have drawn up a better weekend than that, go ahead and name it. (If you say Juventus wins 5-0 instead of 2-0, then you’re just being a jerk.)

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Gonzalo Higuaín is the first Juventus player to score in six consecutive Serie A games since David Trezeguet in 2005. #UCL

5:29 PM - 29 Jan 2017

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For this team to not only get leads early, but to lead by multiple goals within the first 20 or 30 minutes in each of their last three games is so crucial to their success. Their implementing their will against the opposition even those teams have been three very different teams in terms of either how they’re playing or how they operate.

Not only does it mean the pressure is off the attack to produce — and even if it was, I’d feel confident that they could get it done these days with how they’re playing — but that pressure is transitioned over to the opponent because they’re the ones having to try and come back from a multi-goal deficit.

There’s no more sitting there in the 50th or 60th minutes wondering if this is the game where Juve’s attack frustrates the hell out of us because they’re wasting chance after chance. They’ve been extremely clinical to open games against Fiorentina, Lazio and now Sassuolo. They’re creating chances, taking advantage of them and riding their early leads to relatively easy wins as a result.

I don’t know about all of you guys, but I like this version of Juventus a lot better than the one that was grinding its way through the first three or four months of the season. Allegri had the cajones to identify his teams need for a change and go through with it. Now, after plenty of frustrating moments even in wins, Juventus are seeing the benefits of making their much-needed switch to a 4-2--3-1 formation.

RANDOM THOUGHTS AND OBSERVATIONS

Upon seeing the starting lineups, I was reminded that Alberto Aquilani is a Sassuolo player. Yes, the same Aquilani who once played for Juventus six years ago. Time flies.
Gigi Buffon’s goalkeeper kit on Sunday was ... very bright. Very, very bright. (But he’s Gigi Buffon, so he can do whatever the hell he wants.)
Buffon got a win and a clean sheet as a late birthday present. That’s about as good as it gets for a goalkeeper. Oh, and that double save midway through the second half was pretty damn awesome, too.
Sunday proved the latest reminder that Alessandro Matri is Sassuolo’s No. 10. Seriously, Matri is a No. 10.

Who was the better winger on Sunday, Mario Mandzukic or Domenico Berardi? Serious question.
I don’t really care how many goals Mandzukic finishes with this season. He’s been one of Juventus’ best players and there’s nothing that you can tell me otherwise.
That combination play between Mandzukic, Sandro and Higuain for the opening goal will be something I see in my dreams later.
That dummy from Paulo Dybala on Khedira’s goal will be something I see in my dreams later.
It’s Higuain, Mauro Icardi and Edin Dzeko tied atop the Serie A scoring charts entering February. Should we start taking odds about Pipita finishing as the league’s top scorer for a second straight season? He’s starting to get that look of being absolutely lethal every single time he’s in front of goal.
That was Khedira’s first goal in two and a half months. If he’s going to start looking like the Brother Sami we saw at the start of the season rather than the one we’ve seen a lot over the last couple of months, man, Juve’s midfield — and team as a whole — look just that more potent.
Marko Pjaca got to play more than 10 minutes! It’s an improvement!
I feel safe in saying that Juventus are playing a lot better overall entering their second game of the season against Inter than the first one. You know for a fact revenge will be on every single Juve player’s mind based on what happened the first time around. You think somebody like Mandzukic has forgotten about what happened at the San Siro back in September? Of course not. For all we know Mario will be screaming at all of his teammates while he makes them watch the game film again at training tomorrow morning.

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

Socrates · January 30, 2017

SASSUOLO - JUVENTUS

0-2

Gonzalo Higuaín 9'

Sami Khedira 25'

MATCHDAY 22

Sunday, January 29th, 2017 - 3:00 p.m.
Mapei Stadium, Reggio Emilia
Referee: Daniele Doveri

EDF: 'Sassuolo didn't believe'

<a href="http://oi68.tinypic.com/2w3oux5.jpg" target="_blank">View Raw Image</a>

http://www.football-italia.net/97606/edf-sassuolo-didnt-believe

Jan 29, 2017

Sassuolo boss Eusebio Di Francesco says his side did not show enough belief in their 2-0 defeat by Juventus.

First half goals by Gonzalo Higuain and Sami Khedira clinched a solid away victory for the champions, a result the Neroverdi Coach believes was fair.

"We tried to compete but Juve were stronger and deserved the win," Di Francesco admitted post match.

"When we are not perfect we lose against teams like them, it's natural.

"We didn't force the issue much and, more than anything, we made mistakes in defence.

"They have great quality, management of the game and the ball. From my point of view, we didn't believe much."

Di Francesco then added he couldn't see any other team stopping Juve from another successful defence of the Scudetto.

"Juve are the strongest team but I already thought that before this match."

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

Socrates · January 30, 2017

SASSUOLO - JUVENTUS

0-2

Gonzalo Higuaín 9'

Sami Khedira 25'

MATCHDAY 22

Sunday, January 29th, 2017 - 3:00 p.m.
Mapei Stadium, Reggio Emilia
Referee: Daniele Doveri

Juventus extend lead at top of Serie A

as Roma falter at Sampdoria

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

h ttp://www.espnfc.co.uk/italian-serie-a/story/3049066/juventus

-extend-lead-at-top-of-serie-a-as-roma-falter-at-sampdoria

Jan 29, 2017

Gonzalo Higuain reached 15 goals for the Serie A season as Juventus reinforced their position as league leaders with a 2-0 victory at Sassuolo on Sunday.

The €90 million striker continued his recent hot streak with a ninth-minute opener in Reggio Emilia before Germany midfielder Sami Khedira made a rare appearance on the scoresheet in the 25th minute to guarantee all three points for Massimiliano Allegri's men.

With closest challengers Roma going down to a surprise 3-2 loss at Sampdoria, the Turin club are now four points out in front ahead of next weekend's Derby d'Italia clash with fast-improving Inter Milan back at the Juventus Stadium.

Over in Genoa, Roma's four-game winning run came to a halt as Luis Muriel settled a five-goal thriller in Samp's favour.

Bruno Peres soon saw his fifth-minute away goal scrubbed out by home winger Dennis Praet, with the prolific Edin Dzeko restoring Roma's lead shortly after the hour mark. However, substitute Patrik Schick and Muriel grabbed a goal each in a three-minute blitz to fire Samp to a first victory in seven attempts.

Napoli could have gone level on points with Roma had they beaten lowly Palermo later, but it was the Sicilians who felt hard done by at the end of a 1-1 draw.

Ilija Nestorovski stunned the San Paolo with a fifth-minute opener and Napoli waited until the 66th minute to salvage a point through Dries Mertens. Edoardo Goldaniga's sending-off on the stroke of full-time gave new Palermo boss Diego Lopez food for thought, yet his drop-zone dwellers hung on.

Ten-man Fiorentina and Genoa provided plenty more goals and entertainment in Tuscany with Giovanni Simeone having the last word in a 3-3 draw.

Josip Ilicic and Federico Chiesa gave Fiorentina the upper hand with goals either side of the break but Genoa promptly hit back through Simeone -- the son of Atletico Madrid boss Diego -- and Oscar Hiljemark.

Nikola Kalinic thought he had done enough with his 62nd-minute strike for La Viola, but Simeone stuck away a spot-kick - conceded by substitute Federico Bernardeschi, who was sent off -- with four minutes left.

Sixth-placed Atalanta missed an opportunity to make strides towards the Champions League places when they were held to a 1-1 draw at Torino in the early game.

Spanish winger Iago Falque put the Granata ahead after 16 minutes with visiting youngster Andrea Petagna rescuing a point in the 66th minute.

Behind Atalanta in the table are AC Milan, who suffered a surprise 2-1 defeat at Udinese.

Everton loanee Gerard Deulofeu endured a league debut to forget as the Rossoneri let their advantage slip away after Giacomo Bonaventura notched in the eighth minute. Cyril Thereau equalised in the 31st minute and, with a quarter of the match remaining, Rodrigo de Paul clinched Udinese their valuable win.

Crotone may not be dead and buried after all. The promoted club have propped up the standings since making their top-flight bow in August but on Sunday they took out their frustration on Empoli, victims of a Diego Falcinelli-led 4-1 stuffing at the Stadio Ezio Scida.

Adrian Stoian got the ball rolling with an opener for the hosts in the 24th minute, only for Levan Mchedlidze to plunder an all-too-familiar leveller six minutes before half-time.

No one expected what happened after the break as Falcinelli restored Crotone's advantage on 56 minutes before laying claim to the matchball with a converted penalty and a last-gasp strike in stoppage time.

Davide Nicola's men are, however, a daunting eight points from safety with 17 matches remaining.

Elsewhere, mid-table residents Cagliari and Bologna drew 1-1 in Sardinia thanks to goals from visiting striker Mattia Destro and Marco Borriello. Swedish full-back Emil Krafth and goalkeeper Federico Viviani were dismissed at the death for 12th-placed Bologna.

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

Socrates · January 30, 2017

SASSUOLO - JUVENTUS

0-2

Gonzalo Higuaín 9'

Sami Khedira 25'

MATCHDAY 22

Sunday, January 29th, 2017 - 3:00 p.m.
Mapei Stadium, Reggio Emilia
Referee: Daniele Doveri

Gonzalo Higuain plays starring role

in Juventus' 2-0 defeat of Sassuolo

<a href="http://oi65.tinypic.com/hs6s6t.jpg" target="_blank">View Raw Image</a>

http://www.espnfc.co.uk/club/juventus/111/blog/post/3049104/gonzalo

-higuain-plays-starring-role-in-juventus-2-0-defeat-of-sassuolo

Jan 29, 2017

Once again, Juventus unleashed the 4-2-3-1 formation this week and grabbed their third consecutive win, defeating Sassuolo 2-0 in a comfortable match.

This Juve side has proved to be one that starts quickly and as usual grabbed the opening goal within the first few minutes of the game. By the 25th minute, they were 2-0 up and happy to coast to the final whistle as Sassuolo had seemingly lost belief in their abilities.

Improving upon their performance against AC Milan midweek, Juventus remained in control of the game and on the front foot, careful not to invite pressure from the home side. Sealing all three points, they have now opened up a four-point gap at the top of the Serie A table.

Positives

Gonzalo Higuain may be the man paid to score the goals but the striker has demonstrated an admirable work rate, sacrificing and working to improve the side's forward play. By opening up space, dragging defenders away and supporting his teammates with perfect passes and crosses, Higuain is the man to look to for both goals and assists.

Negatives

Virtually no negatives to speak of considering the win. However, it would be better if Juventus got into the habit of scoring more goals rather than feel satisfied with whatever they managed in the early stages of games.

Manager rating out of 10

8 -- Juventus were not only firing on all cylinders but capable of controlling the game for the entirety of the match. Massimiliano Allegri has truly found the right formation going forward.

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

GK Gianluigi Buffon, 6 -- Virtually a spectator for much of the match but remained concentrated and alert to stop Alessandro Matri and Matteo Politano from scoring.

DF Stephan Lichtsteiner, 6 -- His stamina makes him the ideal player for such a formation. Not always the most accurate but always offers an outlet for the pass.

DF Leonardo Bonucci, 6 -- Looked shaky at the start of the match, dispossessed easily and not alert to various dangers. Grew into the game and even pushed forward to help the attack.

DF Giorgio Chiellini, 6 -- Demonstrated his usual courage at the back, flying into challenges and to win the ball.

DF Alex Sandro, 6 -- A terrific assist for the first goal, the player pushed forward with strength and courage on the left. Handled the threat of Domenico Berardi well.

MF Sami Khedira, 7 -- Great finish for the second goal. His work rate and attention to the mechanics of the formation ensures balance. Perfect at making timely runs forward and yet alert to his defensive duties, providing a necessary shield. His tactical intelligence makes all the difference.

MF Miralem Pjanic, 6 -- Not as great as Khedira. A constant passing machine, no one completed as many accurate passes as the Bosnian and yet the player struggled to impact both sides of the game as well as in the two previous matches.

MF Juan Cuadrado, 6 -- Utilised his pace to chase every ball, the Colombian created several opportunities for goals and is steadily improving his performance. Good at getting back to aid the defence.

MF Paulo Dybala, 6 -- A perfect dummy for Kheidra to score Juve's second, Dybala impressed with his movements and came close to scoring Juve's third. Can disappear at times.

MF Mario Mandzukic, 7 -- That back-heel in the build-up to the first goal was simply delightful and indicative of his brilliant performance on the left. Constantly providing support for his teammates through accurate passes or flick-ons, the player used his stamina to get back and defend and then run forward in search of a goal or to initiate an attack. If only he was more effective in front of goal.

FW Gonzalo Higuain, 8 -- Excellent first goal. Attacked the ball and finished superbly. Missed a good chance but then pressed the opponent to win back possession and deliver the perfect assist for Khedira. Effective and generous with his performance.

Substitutes

FW Marko Pjaca, N/A -- Not on long enough to impact the game.

MF Tomas Rincon, N/A -- Provided solidity to the midfield but only on for a few minutes.

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

Socrates · January 30, 2017

SASSUOLO - JUVENTUS

0-2

Gonzalo Higuaín 9'

Sami Khedira 25'

MATCHDAY 22

Sunday, January 29th, 2017 - 3:00 p.m.
Mapei Stadium, Reggio Emilia
Referee: Daniele Doveri

Allegri: Scudetto not won yet

Manager’s post-match comments after comfortable win

<a href="http://oi68.tinypic.com/2yzez4h.jpg" target="_blank">View Raw Image</a>

http://www.blackwhitereadallover.com/2017/1/29/14430220/

allegri-scudetto-not-won-yet-juventus-sassuolo

Jan 29, 2017

Juventus looked good early on again in their new 4-2-3-1 formation, easily sweeping aside struggling Sassuolo and registering their first win there under Massimiliano Allegri. After the game, the manager spoke to the media.

"Regardless of Roma's defeat, the season is still long.

"The important thing for us today was to win, the team did well.

"In the second half the team was very good, it was important not to concede a goal and the boys did well."

Allegri, despite the success of the 4-2-3-1, refused to rule out a return to his favourite 3-5-2 in the future.

"The other systems of play will not be abandoned because they could be important cards for us."

With all the talk of a move to Arsenal swirling around, the manager was asked if he would be signing a new contract at Juve.

"The idea of moving forward (together) is there, but there isn't any problem. Maybe it could be for a long time, but that depends on me and the club."

Earlier in the day before the game, director Beppe Marotta had dismissed rumours that Allegri could be leaving the Bianconeri for Arsenal.

“He has a contract, we’re happy.

“Allegri has a contract with us and I reaffirm we have an excellent rapport which has brought us great success. We want to continue growing with him.

“Even without the fact there is a contract, there are no reasons to start creating problems. We are happy with him and he is happy with us.”

Marotta also spoke about how Allegri has transformed the side with the attack-minded 4-2-3-1 system.

“Miralem Pjanic is doing much better with this system and one of the best qualities of the Coach is the ability to get the best out of his players, even by changing system. I am convinced this tactic can lead us to great things.

“Patrice Evra has left, but we already have the replacements in-house, namely Kwadwo Asamoah and Federico Mattiello. We have excellent alternatives to Alex Sandro.”

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

Socrates · January 30, 2017

SASSUOLO - JUVENTUS

0-2

Gonzalo Higuaín 9'

Sami Khedira 25'

MATCHDAY 22

Sunday, January 29th, 2017 - 3:00 p.m.
Mapei Stadium, Reggio Emilia
Referee: Daniele Doveri

Higuain: 'Allegri showed courage'

<a href="http://oi64.tinypic.com/2ed5mw0.jpg" target="_blank">View Raw Image</a>

http://www.football-italia.net/97619/higuain-allegri-showed-courage

Jan 29, 2017

Gonzalo Higuain says Juventus Coach Max Allegri has shown courage to switch to a 4-2-3-1 formation.

The Old Lady have dominated Italian football since the turn of the decade by predominantly lining up in a 3-5-2, firstly under Antonio Conte before Allegri's arrival in 2014.

However, the former Milan boss has increasingly been using a new shape of late, a move which forward Higuain is fully behind.

"The boss had the courage to change the formation," the Argentine told Italian television. "Whoever plays is showing they can do it.

"We are still hoping to develop, there is still a long way to go. If we play like that it will be difficult for everyone.

"With this formation we need to make an extra effort going forward. We will keep playing in this formation and with these performances, we want to try and win the sixth Scudetto (in a row)."

The 29-year-old then discussed this afternoon's 2-0 win over Sassuolo, praising Juve's improvement in attitude from their recent defeat to Fiorentina.

"On other away trips we have got our attitude wrong, this time we didn't and we brought it home.

"We still need to improve and we can't make mistakes. After losing in Florence it was hard to maintain our high pressure."

Finally, Higuain dismissed Paulo Dybala's angry reaction to being substituted, in which he refused to shake Allegri's hand, as 'normal.'

"We are creating a lot of goal scoring chances. I still haven't seen Dybala but it is normal that everyone always wants to play."

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

Socrates · January 30, 2017

SASSUOLO - JUVENTUS

0-2

Gonzalo Higuaín 9'

Sami Khedira 25'

MATCHDAY 22

Sunday, January 29th, 2017 - 3:00 p.m.
Mapei Stadium, Reggio Emilia
Referee: Daniele Doveri

Allegri: 'Dybala handshake not an issue'

<a href="http://oi68.tinypic.com/2ia2wqe.jpg" target="_blank">View Raw Image</a>

http://www.football-italia.net/97621/allegri-dybala-handshake-not-issue

Jan 29, 2017

Max Allegri brushed over the incident when Paulo Dybala refused to shake the Juventus tactician’s hand. “All players want to stay on the pitch.”

La Joya was substituted during today’s 2-0 victory away to Sassuolo and not only did he fail to shake Allegri’s hand while walking off, he actively swerved and threw his own arm behind his back to avoid the handshake.

“All players want to stay on the pitch and he did very well as long as he was there,” the Coach told reporters.

“Nothing happened, players can get angry when they’re substituted. The important thing is that when they’re on the pitch, they do what needs doing.

“I get cross if the players don’t shake the hands of their teammates when coming off, as they need to always show respect for their teammates.

“If they’re angry with the Coach, it doesn’t matter, it’ll blow over. We’re used to these things. I was a player too…”

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

Socrates · January 30, 2017

SASSUOLO - JUVENTUS

0-2

Gonzalo Higuaín 9'

Sami Khedira 25'

MATCHDAY 22

Sunday, January 29th, 2017 - 3:00 p.m.
Mapei Stadium, Reggio Emilia
Referee: Daniele Doveri

Sassuolo vs. Juventus 2017: Final score 0-2,

Confident Juventus ease past lifeless Sassuolo

First half goals by Higuaín and Khedira granted

the Bianconeri an easy win against Sassuolo.

<a href="http://oi63.tinypic.com/165evk.jpg" target="_blank">View Raw Image</a>

http://www.football-italia.net/97621/allegri-dybala-handshake-not-issue

Jan 29, 2017

The last game of the month saw Juventus travel to bogey-team Sassuolo in what has historically been a terribly difficult stadium to visit. Despite Sassuolo’s poor form this season, exacerbated by the unexpectedly taxing Europa League responsibilities and the unfortunate overload of injuries, they are always up for a big game against the Bianconeri on their home turf. Nevertheless, Juventus finally managed to break the curse of the Mapei Stadium, as two quick-fire first-half goals from Gonzalo Higuaín and Sami Khedira secured a comfortable 2-0 victory for the league leaders on Sunday afternoon.

The hosts almost treated their fans to the opening attempt on goal within just five minutes of play as Leonardo Bonucci was awkwardly dilly-dallying in possession and was dispossessed by Matteo Politano, but the Sassuolo winger couldn’t quite get the space for the shot on target, much to the relief of a red-faced Bonucci. Juventus then took the initiative by getting a decent chance after Juan Cuadrado pulled the ball back to Higuaín at the edge of the box, but the Argentine striker could only blast the ball over the war due to the awkward bounce on the pass.

Higuaín would not be denied at the second bite of the cherry, though, as he put Juventus in the lead just a few minutes later. It all started at makeshift left-winger Mario Mandzukic when he played a remarkably casual backheel into the path of a rampaging Alex Sandro. The Brazilian then broke forward on the left wing and drilled a pinpoint low cross into the box for Higuaín, who had expertly drifted away from Francesco Acerbi, to flick past Andrea Consigli with the outside of his right boot for the goal: 1-0! Juventus were in free-flowing form and Sassuolo were struggling to get any type of passing rhythm or possession in the game, despite Bonucci and Giorgio Chiellini’s best attempts at granting them a way back into the game with their confusingly errant passes.

Higuaín came close to doubling the team’s lead after Mandzukic drilled a great ball into the area for his strike partner, but the Argentine leaned back too much and blazed his strike over the bar. He did, nevertheless, play an instrumental role in the team’s second goal a few minutes later. Higuaín dispossessed a hesitant Paolo Cannavaro deep inside the Sassuolo half and drilled the ball into the box. Paulo Dybala then played a glorious dummy over the ball to let it run to the upcoming Khedira, who needed no invitation to smash his shot into the back of the net: 2-0! Sassuolo were completely out-of-sorts in this game and could only muster a few half-hearted shots at goal which never threatened Gigi Buffon in goal. The best chance they could conjure in the first half was through Berardi, but the Italian winger could only produce a tame header that sailed comfortably over the bar. The first half ended with Juventus well in control and without a worry in the world.

The visitors upped the ante in the second half and almost had the third goal straight away. Mandzukic played a low cross into the box for Khedira, looking for his second of the game, but Cannavaro was there with a crucial tackle to divert the danger. From the subsequent corner, Mandzukic headed just wide of the post for the Bianconeri, much to Sassuolo’s relief. The danger didn’t stop there though as Dybala came closest to the third goal after unleashing a pile-driver of a shot that struck the bottom of the post, despite slipping in the process of striking the ball. Sassuolo finally sprung back to life and very well could have pulled back a goal at the hour mark: Politano finally found some joy on the wing and fired a shot at goal which Buffon did well to save, then the legendary keeper did even better to save the follow-up shot from Alessandro ~~Matatatatata~~ Matri.

Juventus later responded with a big chance of their own as the impressive Cuadrado played a simple pass behind the Sassuolo defense for Higuaín but Consigli saved the Argentine’s shot very well. The danger was still there momentarily but unfortunately only resulted in a header over the goal from Mandzukic. The Croatian was really determined to get a goal that his efforts would have merited and linked up yet again with Cuadrado a few minutes later but his effort on the half-volley also went wide of the target. Aside from a few hopeful shots, the game petered out and Sassuolo finished the game on a whimper as they were, truthfully, really never in the game at all. A comfortable 2-0 victory for Juventus at the Mapei Stadium!

Le Pagelle

BUFFON 6.5 – Recent birthday boy had very little to day, but was alert when called upon to produce the double save on Politano and Matri’s quick efforts in succession.

SANDRO 7.5 – A bit hesitant and ponderous in the first half, but gets a bit extra for the nice passing interplay and assist at the first goal.

BONUCCI 7 – Him and Chiellini maybe had there heads elsewhere in the first 20 minutes, because they seemed totally off-color. Thankfully reestablished normality as the game progressed.

CHIELLINI 7 – Ditto for Chiellini. Props for that fantastic intercepting tackle in the second half on Matri (or was it Defrel?) and then winning the free-kick as well.

LICHTSTEINER 7.5 – Exchanged passes nicely with Cuadrado today. Politano barely gave him a second of worry all game.

KHEDIRA 8 – Excellent goal for the big man, and he seems to have put his slump in form well behind him.

PJANIC 7.5 – Comfortable on the ball, rarely put a foot wrong. A joy to watch.

CUADRADO 8 – I was very impressed by the Colombian and his passing was especially useful and sharp. An effortless display as he seems to be enjoying the new system.

MANDZUKIC 8 – Mr. No Good put in a, well, good performance. Strong, combative, and surprisingly deft on the ball. Some of his delicate touches and passes were reminiscent of actual wingers, not makeshift wingers/strikers shunted out wide.

HIGUAÍN 8 – He’s so hot right now. He’s in absolutely fantastic form and I swear his extraordinary hold-up play is a work of art to behold. Grande Pipita!

DYBALA 7 – A quiet performance, but not necessarily a bad one as his colleagues simply outshone him. Shame about that cracking strike on the post.

Subs

PJACA N/A – Yet another short cameo that I really cannot grade.

RINCÓN N/A – Ditto for El General. Always a pleasure to see his glorious, well-groomed beard, though.

Manager

ALLEGRI 8 – Once again spot on with the tactics. The system is functioning excellently and thankfully the team didn’t fall into the same trap of near-collapse in the second half like against Milan in midweek. There was really never a moment of danger of sustained pressure for Juventus today.

Tactical Analysis: If you leave me now...

Given that I discussed Juve’s new system at decent length last week, I shifted the spotlight back onto our opponents of the day: Sassuolo. The wonderfully-named Eusebio Di Francesco set out his team to play a 4-3-3 system with ex-Juventino Alberto Aquilani playing as the regista and Domenico Berardi on the right wing. The hot-headed Sassuolo winger is actually the main focus of this analysis, as his movements and positioning caught my eye throughout the game.

Berardi (circled) is all the way on the left wing, despite the fact that he was supposed to be playing as a right winger

Berardi consistently drifted not just a bit centrally, but often completely to the other wing, thus abandoning the right wing to Luca Antei. This was probably in an attempt to overload that wing and link up with the lively Lorenzo Pellegrini on that side of the pitch. The problem, however, was that Antei left to fend for himself against the double-teamed efforts of Mandzukic and Sandro; it was no surprise then to see both goals come from his side of the pitch (somewhat paradoxically, however, only 31 percent of Juventus attacks came from the left while 49 percent came from the right). He offered limited/no protection for his full back, who got bullied all game long by Sandro and Mandzukic. Granted, Mazzitelli tried to help him out from time to time, but that consequently meant that the home side was very thin in the center of the pitch. Darn knock-on effects, right?

It’s almost embarrassing to see how absurdly much space there is on the right wing (with Sandro ready to pounce). Berardi is playing almost as a second striker here and is in no position to backtrack.

Di Francesco then went for broke around the hour mark by switching to a 4-2-4 system, basically acknowledging that he was going to feed his full backs to the sharks and let his attackers run rampant in a desperate attempt to get back in the game.

Duncan and Aquilani (circled) were the two central midfielders while the attacking quartet remained high up the pitch. This situation is just BEGGING for the counter attack though...

Although Politano was more disciplined in his positioning and generally kept a wide position during offensive possession, it wasn’t enough to prevent Juventus totally dominating the battle on the wings. Poor Federico Peluso and Antei were probably singing the lyrics from that lovely song the longer the game went on:

“If you leave me now, you’ll take away the biggest part of me. No baby please don’t go!”

So fresh and so clean

The tactical experiment continues to bear dividends for the fans and team alike as the Bianconeri again display confident, fluid, and vibrant football in the new-look formation. Cuadrado in particular had a fantastic performance while Mandzukic is also treating us to a surprising new array of skills that few of us imagined he possessed. Khedira’s has seemingly put his dip in form well behind him too as Pjanic’s calming presence next to him seems to put him well at ease.

It seems like this system decreases the creative dependence on Dybala because, despite his quiet performance, I didn’t feel like the team struggled at any particular time in creating offensive rhythm. It’s going to be interesting to see how the likes of Marko Pjaca, Claudio Marchisio and Stefano Sturaro will battle to earn places in the current setup, because things are looking rock-solid as they stand now.

Forza Juve!

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

Socrates · January 30, 2017

SASSUOLO - JUVENTUS

0-2

Gonzalo Higuaín 9'

Sami Khedira 25'

MATCHDAY 22

Sunday, January 29th, 2017 - 3:00 p.m.
Mapei Stadium, Reggio Emilia
Referee: Daniele Doveri

Sassuolo 0-2 Juventus Match

Review and Player Ratings

<a href="http://oi67.tinypic.com/28k1hg.jpg" target="_blank">View Raw Image</a>

http://www.juvefc.com/sassuolo-0-2-juventus-serie-29117/

Jan 30, 2017

Player Ratings

Buffon – Fresh from celebrating his 39th birthday, Santo Buffon enjoyed the sunshine, offered an outlet at the back to help draw out the opposition and when called upon made a superb double save to cement the deserved clean sheet. 6.5

Lichtsteiner – Kept busy on the flank and showed that his fitness levels have hit top gear as he bombed up and down the wing, supporting the attack whilst ensuring he made up the numbers in the rearguard when out of possession. 7

Bonucci – Strangely subdued, and delivered a few poor passes before finding his range in the second half. His game has changed since we moved to the 4-2-3-1 as he has less responsibility for taking the ball out of defence. 6

Chiellini – Another CB prone to some awful passing, yet his head never drops and he is an indomitable man mountain at the back. 6

process?url=http%3A%2F%2F90min-images-or

Sandro – Grabbed the assist for Higuain’s opener and toiled hard throughout. He is still a way off full sharpness but this outing would have done him the world of good. He is a more physical prospect to Asamoah and more tidy on the ball. A solid return to the starting XI. 6

Khedira – Scored a delightful second, played the strong man in front of the defence and was constantly pulling the strings. The DM role suits his talents more potently than when deployed higher up the field. 7

Pjanic – Given less time to dictate the tempo, Miralem did not disappoint. Recycling the ball intelligently and swiftly, linking defence and attack, choosing well when to aim forward or play back to retain possession. 7

Cuadrado – Still the odd mistimed pass, but he has certainly upped his game this calendar year. His concentration and more importantly his final ball has improved in leaps and bounds. He is creating at least a couple of chances for team-mates every game. Justifying the investment and like many others, coming good at the right time. 7

Dybala – Unlucky with his shot which hit the post, other than which showed great awareness to play the dummy to allow Khedira to double the lead. He works tirelessly between the lines and all that was missing from this performance was a goal. 7

Mandzukic – Lovely backheel to set Sandro free to create the opener, fluffed his lines with two very presentable chances and held his own defensively in the midfield and beyond. Until we have seen more of Pjaca, we have no better option for the LCM position. Mario’s work rate, stamina and immense ability in the air and to shield the ball on the turf is a welcome injection of strength, experience and physicality. 7.5

174821883-ebfbfef8-0711-4dc9-ab19-6e3ec4

9 goals in his last 9 games. Higuain is approaching phenomenal form.

Higuain – Took his goal superbly and proved from start to finish that he was the most technically perfect player on the field. He runs hard, fights well, distributes the ball intelligently and is a steady threat on goal. Gonzalo appears to be improving, whilst continuing to sacrifice his own chances of personal glory for the good of the team. He is one of the most complete strikers I have ever seen in our colours. 8.5

This was the first game I have watched this season in which our intensity levels avoided an obvious slump. We did not step off, we did not sit back and we did not invite the opposition onto us. This is the largest improvement I have noticed in the side and one I hope now continues to blossom alongside the immensely more enjoyable to behold new formation.

Sassuolo are no mugs. Sure enough they are something of a hotchpotch of experienced veterans and gritty, talented youngsters, but their form has picked up of late and they produced a tough fight of a game. We not only stood firm, but continued to push, to press, to hustle and succumbed to just the one decent opening to our hosts.

The two goals were both dripping with class and my only criticism can be once again our profligacy. I counted eleven decent openings, some better than others, but all offered a chance to strike on goal. Had we won this by 4 or 5 to nil, there could of been no complaint by Di Francesco. For we were dominant in every area of the pitch.

There can be no doubt that the 4-2-3-1 is an improvement on the 3-5-2 and anything else we have tried this campaign. It is an evolution, perhaps forced by necessity, yet still one for which Allegri should be praised.

Another minor observation is that whilst I am pleased to see us getting so many players in the box when we attack, on occasion, we appear a little bunched up in the middle. As Danny Murphy would say ‘you could throw a coat over them’, which is fine if we are playing short, sharp incisive passing, but far easier to cover and place a wall against.

Allegri left his substitutions late, yet it made no difference to the final result and we have a week to rest and revive until the crunch tie with our old friends in black and blue…Who will present the first serious test of the new system next weekend. They are in fine form. Having won 9 on the trot as they re-emerge as serious title contenders.

With Napoli drawing and Roma losing to Sampdoria, we have extended our lead once again to 4 points, still with that game in hand against Crotone. It is not just to maintain our scudetto ambitions that we must raise our game still further when we face Pioli’s men, but also to gain some revenge for the reverse fixture in September which saw us defeated 2-1 at the san siro.

Regardless of the errors playing out from the back, we gave Sassuolo barely a sniff of an opening for the full 90. We played with more consistency and confidence and created a plethora of chances to score, the beauty of which is that our attacking threats have increased in number. Dybala and Higuain are very hard indeed to pin down as their movement is superb. Khedira and Pjanic naturally dovetail as the fulcrum of the side. Juan and Mario are constantly causing bother in the channels and we have very capable support from deep on both flanks.

With three eminently winnable games on the fixture list prior to facing Porto in the champions league – Crotone A, Cagilari A Palermo H – we must ensure we enter that phase with continued momentum. Much rests on our collision with Pioli’s reinvigorated Inter. Time to remind the league who owns the scudetto…

A job well done by Allegri and the lads.

forza juve

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

Socrates · February 1, 2017

JUVENTUS - INTER

MATCHDAY 23

Sunday, February 5th, 2017 - 8:45 p.m.
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee:

Juventus are a better team than

resurgent Inter Milan - Costacurta

http://www.espnfc.co.uk/italian-serie-a/story/3049621/juventus-are

-a-better-team-than-resurgent-inter-milan-alessandro-costacurta

Jan 30, 2017

Alessandro Costacurta has said Juventus are better than Inter Milan as Italy's two form teams prepare to meet next weekend.

Juve host a resurgent Inter at the Juventus Stadium having won six of their last seven games to pull away from Roma and Napoli at the top of Serie A.

But although the Nerazzurri have performed even better over the same period, with seven wins from seven games, former AC Milan defender Costacurta still believes there is no contest between the two.

"I think Juve are superior in each and every one of the 11 positions on the field, and in terms of their tactics," he told Sky Sport Italia.

"They have never been any closer than they are now, though, with Inter in a position to challenge Juve.

"They have made inroads, but I would not go as far as to say that they are now playing on a par with them."

Inter beat Juve 2-1 in the reverse fixture and a repeat result would allow them to cut the gap to the league leaders to six points, but Juve have a game in hand against struggling Crotone.

Second-placed Roma and Napoli, in third, will also be hoping Inter can do them a favour after both dropped points at the weekend as Juventus won at Sassuolo.

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

Accedi

JUVENTUS SEASON 2016-2017

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