JUVENTUS SEASON 2016-2017

[Socrates 8526]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

JUVENTUS - INTER

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

MATCHDAY 23

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

 

 

 

Higuain: Beating Inter will move Juve closer to Serie A title

 

 

The Argentine reiterated Gianluigi Buffon's assertion that the Nerazzurri

are in immense form ahead of their clash, but sees opportunity in the game.

 

http://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/683/main/2017/01/31/32141402/-

 

 

Jan 31, 2017

 

Gonzalo Higuain believes Juventus will take a huge step toward the Serie A title if they beat Inter at the weekend, but has warned his team-mates a tough game awaits them.

 

Inter have climbed to fourth place in the table after embarking on a seven-game winning run and Gianluigi Buffon claimed at the weekend they are better than Real Madrid and Barcelona on current form.

 

Higuain has acknowledged Inter are a force to be reckoned with at the moment, but is nonetheless hopeful Juventus can move further clear of their rivals on Sunday.

 

The reigning champions hold a nine-point lead over Inter heading into Sunday's encounter, while they have a game in hand.

 

"Buffon was right when he praised Inter, they are up there with Real Madrid on current form," Higuain told reporters.

 

"But if we beat them on Sunday, we will take a major step toward winning the Scudetto.

 

"It will be a tough game, though. It is important to go out there with the right attitude.

 

"Inter have a great history and have won a lot of titles. They deserve respect."

 

Higuain has scored 15 goals in 21 Serie A encounters for Juve since making his €90 million switch from Napoli. The Bianconeri currently sit four points clear of second-placed Roma, with Inter a further five points behind ahead of the encounter in Turin.

 

 

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

 

 

[Socrates 8526]

 

 

 

MAX ALLEGRI SHOWS DARING SIDE WITH TACTICAL

SHIFT BUT JUVENTUS HAS MUCH TO PROVE

 

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2690044-max-allegri-shows-

daring-side-with-tactical-shift-but-juventus-has-much-to-prove

 

 

Jan 31, 2017

 

 

For a club closing in on its 120-year anniversary and a record sixth consecutive Serie A title, three other numbers have come to represent Juventus over the past few seasons: 3-5-2.

Shortly after Antonio Conte took charge in the summer of 2011, he turned to that formation as a way of getting as many of the squad’s better players into the side and also to mask Juve's weakness at full-back.

Over time, it became vital to their success. The “BBC” back line of Andrea Barzagli, Leonardo Bonucci and Giorgio Chiellini was the rock upon which the team was built, while the “MVP” midfield of Claudio Marchisio, Arturo Vidal and Andrea Pirlo swept all before them.

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BBC back in Vinovo. 

7:19 PM - 7 Sep 2016

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Subsequently, however, the arrivals of Patrice Evra, Alvaro Morata and Carlos Tevez pushed Conte’s successor Massimiliano Allegri to revert to a four-man defence, while the continued emergence of Alex Sandro has ensured that it remained a much more viable alternative this term.

The Brazilian has been a devastating force on the left flank in 2016/17, but his rise to prominence has coincided with the 3-5-2 formation becoming more of a hindrance than a help. It is perhaps no coincidence that the framework was used in each loss suffered by the Bianconeri this term.

Inter Milan, Genoa, AC Milan and Fiorentina have each exploited weaknesses within it, attacking with pace in wide areas and punishing Juve’s lacklustre mindset in order to take all three points.

 

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OptaPaolo 

 

✔@OptaPaolo

3 - #Juventus have conceded 3 goals in the same Serie A match for the first time under Massimiliano Allegri. Nightmare. #GenoaJuventus

5:44 PM - 27 Nov 2016

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“If you are very aggressive and run at them, you’ve got a chance,” Genoa's Ivan Juric told Sky Sport Italia (h/t Football Italia) after his side registered a stunning 3-1 triumph in November, but it would be the January defeat to Fiorentina that eventually forced a drastic shift in Turin.

The Viola dominated the reigning Serie A champions, and Allegri had seen enough. For their next outing—against a previously impressive and high-flying Lazio—the coach ditched the 3-5-2 and went all-out-attack with a new 4-2-3-1 formation.

After a comfortable 2-0 win, Allegri said to Sky Italia (h/t FourFourTwo):

I am not much of a theorist, but every now and then I come up with a mad idea and try it on the pitch.

During the week I had not even thought about it, but after a training session the next morning I thought, "I have to change something".

I had said in the press conference on Saturday that it was an option, but nobody expected me to actually do it!

 

Juve’s new 4-2-3-1 formation.Adam Digby (via lineup11.com).

It worked well enough in that match. Juve conceded few chances to the Rome-based side, which in turn prompted Allegri to deploy it again in fixtures against AC Milan and Sassuolo, recording 2-1 and 2-0 wins, respectively.

 

All three matches have seen the Bianconeri make bright starts, hitting each opponent hard and early, with their six goals all coming before the 25th minute of each encounter. The second half has seen the Old Lady fade somewhat, yet she has still registered two clean sheets and opened up a four-point gap atop the Serie A standings.

The formation has some obvious advantages, with the presence of so many quality attacking players chief among them. Fielding Paulo Dybala, Juan Cuadrado and Mario Mandzukic behind Gonzalo Higuain has seen the Argentina international net in both league games, and he is clearly enjoying the improved service.

“It’s a system that allows us to perform well. Allegri showed courage to use it, and we proved that it was possible,” the striker told the media after the Sassuolo clash. “Obviously, it requires more effort from us to help the team, but you have to say that we’ve not been troubled much in our recent matches.”

            

Mandzukic Vital to System

Higuain went on to add that Juve’s players “have to make sure our attitude is right,” and nobody in the new-look starting XI embodies that as much as Mandzukic. He is the one man not in his most natural role—the Croatia striker is pushed out wide on the left and asked to provide cover on the flank whenever Juventus lose possession.

 

 

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⚫Pinturicchio⚪ @JPinturicchio

he man with the best goal to shot ratio does it again. #Higuain makes it 1-0 #SassuoloJuve

3:17 PM - 29 Jan 2017

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With no goals and just one assist over the three games, it has been his work rate and sacrifice that have shone in the new system. His impact was notable in the win over Sassuolo, making vital contributions at both ends of the pitch and doing all he could to help secure three important points.

 

As the video above shows, it was his ability to hold up the ball and then set Sandro away down the left that led directly to Higuain’s opening goal, while the clip below highlights a wonderful defensive intervention:

 

 

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Bianconeri Brasil @bianconeribra

Mandzukic, herdeiro do Buffon (via @delinquentweet)

3:45 PM - 29 Jan 2017

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He was seemingly everywhere, often filling in behind Sandro as an auxiliary left-back when the Brazilian pressed forward, but it is unclear how long he can sustain such an effort, leading to questions about the long-term viability of the 4-2-3-1 setup.

         

Juve Squad Gives Lots of Options

However, if and when Mandzukic needs a rest, Allegri will not be short of options. Marko Pjaca is slowly coming back to full fitness after his injury problems, his short cameos thus far showing he could fill in on the left or right wing whenever needed (see video below).

That gives the prospect of him and Cuadrado on opposite flanks, a terrifying thought for Serie A’s lesser sides who rarely face such a tandem, while also allowing Pjaca to replace either Mandzukic or the Colombia speedster in the current XI.

 

Higuain could also be replaced by Mandzukic, but it is arguably the central role in the attacking trident that will cause more questions. As Juventus return to Champions League action against FC Porto in the last 16, a two-man midfield might well be overrun by a team with greater numbers in central areas.

           

Allegri Deserves Much More Credit

In turn, Allegri may opt to field Miralem Pjanic in behind Higuain, perhaps pushing Dybala out to the flank and restoring Claudio Marchisio to the midfield. That would allow the former AS Roma man to drop deep whenever the opposition has the ball, allowing Juve to compete numerically in a key area that could well decide a knockout tie.

 

Yet it could also unbalance this new formation, one that has been born out of necessity but has yet to be tested. Within the confines of Serie A—where the Bianconeri enjoy such a huge talent advantage—its deficiencies are covered by the ability of both the players featuring for Juventus and playing against them.

That will not always be the case, and Allegri will need to think long and hard about utilising it on the European stage. Unlike Carlo Ancelotti or Pep Guardiola, he is rarely held up as a tactical mastermind, but in opting for his new system, the Juve boss has dispensed with not only six years of Juve’s devotion to 3-5-2, but also his own career-long preference for a three-man midfield.

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*Juventus name super-attacking XI*

5’ Juve 1-0 Lazio
17’ Juve 2-0 Lazio

12:53 - 22 Gen 2017

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Allegri moved to 4-2-3-1 because his team needed a spark, a fresh impetus and a more attacking mindset. It worked on all three fronts. Whatever the long-term sustainability of this system proves to be, the 49-year-old found a solution that few expected, and his team improved markedly as a direct result.

Before the game against Sassuolo, Juve director general Beppe Marotta singled him out for some long-overdue praise, telling Mediaset Premium (h/t Football Italia) that “one of the best qualities of our 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.” the club official continued, and while it remains to be seen if he is correct, one man deserves the accolades if it does.

 

Take a bow, Max Allegri—you’ve earned it.

Take a bow, Max Allegri—you’ve earned it.

[Socrates 8526]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

JUVENTUS - INTER

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

MATCHDAY 23

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

 

 

 

Juventus will have 'a bit of the title' by beating Inter - Gonzalo Higuain

 

http://www.espnfc.co.uk/italian-serie-a/story/3050296/juventus-will-

have-a-bit-of-the-title-by-beating-inter-milan-says-gonzalo-higuain

 

 

Jan 31, 2017

 

Juventus' game with Inter Milan on Sunday could have a big say in who wins the Serie A title in May, with Gonzalo Higuain saying the Bianconeri can put one hand on a record-breaking sixth straight Scudetto with victory.

Juve head into the clash holding a nine-point advantage over their in-form opponents, who have won their last seven, while the Turin-based club also have a game in hand.

Victory would therefore give them a 12-point advantage over the side currently sitting fourth in the standings, and that could be expected to rise to 15 when Juve face Crotone in their spare match. That is why Higuain believes a 28th straight win at the Juventus Stadium would be a significant step towards the title.

"Right now, they are [playing] like Real Madrid, but if we win on Sunday, a bit of the Scudetto will be ours," Higuain told La Gazzetta dello Sport. "It's going to be hard, but we have got to go into the game with the right attitude. Inter have a great history and they have won a lot of titles, so they warrant respect."

Gonzalo Higuain has 15 goals in 16 Serie A games so far this season.

Inter also have pedigree when it comes to stopping Juve in their tracks. They ended the Old Lady's 49-game unbeaten record under Antonio Conte in what was also their first ever defeat at the Juventus Stadium back in November 2012, and while victory this Sunday would still leave them with plenty of ground to make up in an eventual title race, it would thrust them into contention for a place in the Champions League next season, according to Hernan Crespo.

"It's not critical that they win -- if they can get a draw, it will help them continue to grow," Crespo told La Gazzetta dello Sport. "Inter need to make the most of the fact they are not playing in Europe. Roma and above all Napoli are going to use up a lot of energy in Europe and a lot is then going to come down to their head-to-heads, so if the Nerazzurri can win those, they have great chances of finishing in the top three.

"I'm most impressed by Roma, in spite of their defeat to Samp. They have taken the biggest strides in terms of quality and now they have character and personality. I admire [Napoli coach Maurizio] Sarri's persistence, in adapting his players to a new style without a centre forward, and they are exciting to watch, but I can't see how they can progress further.

"Inter may not be that ugly side they were at the start of the season, but they aren't the one that has won seven in a row now either. They are better than AC Milan, but we've got to see how they react to the first signs of difficulty. That is where you really see if they have strength, character and solidity."

Sunday could provide that first sign of difficulty with another former Inter forward, Antonio Cassano, expecting them to come away from Turin beaten.

"I hope that the team I support win, but it looks difficult because the Bianconeri are in a different league," he told Mediaset.

"Their players are on a different level, with a different mentality. Inter are playing well now and winning games, but last year Juve started 15 points behind and still won -- it was like they gave their rivals a headstart for the fun of overtaking them. I want Inter to win, but it's hard to see it happening."

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

[Socrates 8526]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

JUVENTUS - INTER

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

MATCHDAY 23

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

 

 

 

Candreva: ‘100 per cent against Juve’

 

http://www.football-italia.net/97768/candreva-‘100-cent-against-juve’

 

 

Feb 1, 2017

 

Inter’s Antonio Candreva looks forward to a “really passionate game” with Juventus but “you’d have to ask the club” about a Chelsea offer.

 

The Nerazzurri face the League leaders in Turin on Sunday night, having beaten the Old Lady in their first meeting of the season.

 

“It’s a very passionate game,” Candreva told Premium Sport.

 

“I already tasted it in the first game at a full San Siro, it was a nice atmosphere. Then we won against the strongest team in the League.

 

“It will be difficult, we know they’re the strongest. We have to give 100 per cent and try to express out qualities and strengths.

 

“We’re in good form though, we’ll go there to play.”

 

Reports yesterday suggested that Chelsea had a €30m deadline day offer rejected for the Italian international, but Candreva refused to discuss it.

 

“You’d have to ask the club.”

 

 

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

[Socrates 8526]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

JUVENTUS - INTER

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

MATCHDAY 23

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

 

 

 

Kondogbia: ‘No mistakes with Juventus’

 

http://www.football-italia.net/97771/kondogbia-‘no-mistakes-juventus’

 

 

Feb 1, 2017

 

Geoffrey Kondogbia warns neither Juventus or Inter can afford mistakes on Sunday as “in these games you pay for them”.

 

The Nerazzurri travel to Juventus Stadium this weekend, in a match which could prove critical for the both sides.

 

“It’s a 90-minute game and you never know,” Kondogbia told Inter Channel.

 

“We’ve shown in recent games that we’re good enough, so let’s go to Turin with out heads held high and try to get a good result.

 

“Both teams have quality and will have to try to make fewer errors, because in these games you pay for mistakes.”

 

 

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

[Socrates 8526]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

JUVENTUS - INTER

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

MATCHDAY 23

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

 

 

 

Lippi: 'Of course' Arsenal want Allegri

 

http://www.football-italia.net/97780/lippi-course-arsenal-want-allegri

 

 

Feb 1, 2017

 

Marcello Lippi is not surprised Arsenal are courting Juventus Coach Max Allegri, while Stefano Pioli is “building a team” at Inter.

 

The former Italy Coach, now the manager of the China national team, spoke to Sky Sport Italia ahead of Juventus-Inter this weekend.

 

“At this moment it seems that Juve have rediscovered their belief and the right motivation thanks to Allegri changing – in my view correctly – the way they are playing,” said Lippi.

 

There have been persistent rumours in England that Arsenal want Allegri to take over from Arsene Wenger next season.

 

“Of course Allegri is courted by important clubs, as he has won so much already in Italy with Juventus and reached the Champions League Final.”

 

Inter have been on stunning form since Pioli took over from Frank de Boer, notching up nine straight wins in all competition until last night’s Coppa Italia defeat to Lazio.

 

“The real credit that Pioli deserves is for building a real team where everyone works for the same objective. As an example, just look at Mauro Icardi, who has also learned to provide many assists as well as scoring goals.”

 

 

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

[Socrates 8526]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

JUVENTUS - INTER

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

MATCHDAY 23

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

 

 

 

Candreva: 'Inter, forget the Coppa'

 

http://www.football-italia.net/97781/candreva-inter-forget-coppa

 

 

Feb 1, 2017

 

Antonio Candreva told Inter to “forget the Coppa Italia” exit to Lazio and focus on this weekend’s Derby d’Italia with Juventus.

 

The Nerazzurri had won nine competitive games in a row before last night’s 2-1 home defeat to Lazio in the Coppa Italia quarter-final.

 

“It was a loss we really could’ve done without, because we cared about the Coppa Italia and wanted to carry on. Now we’ve got to forget is as quickly as possible and focus on the next very important game,” he told Mediaset Premium.

 

“The Derby d’Italia is certainly a passionate game, a crucial one and everyone will want to watch. At San Siro earlier this season the stadium was packed, there was a wonderful atmosphere and we were able to beat the strongest team in the league.

 

“It’ll be tough, we must play to more than 100 per cent of our capabilities, but we’re in a good moment of form and are going to Turin in order to take the game to them.

 

“We are chasing the sides ahead of us in the table and must continue this momentum to achieve our objective, which is to qualify for the Champions League. There’s a long road ahead of us, starting from Juve.”

 

The 29-year-old had a brief spell at Juventus in 2010.

 

“It was so long ago, I don’t really feel like I’m facing my former team. I was young and wore the Juventus jersey for just a few months, though it was a wonderful experience that helped me grow as a player and as a man.”

 

How did Candreva feel at being the first big signing of the Suning Group era at Inter?

 

“I’ve always said I am proud to be here and proud to have been chosen by Suning as their first objective. We are building a fine group, but still need to improve.”

 

Would Candreva advise Italy teammate Marco Verratti to come to Inter after Paris Saint-Germain?

“Absolutely. Marco is a player of another level, a real champion with so much international experience already. Everyone knows what he can do.”

 

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

[Socrates 8526]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Juve change Champions League squad

 

http://www.football-italia.net/97787/juve-change-champions-league-squad

 

 

Feb 1, 2017

 

Stephan Lichtsteiner and Tomas Rincon are in the Juventus Champions League squad, but Hernanes is removed.

 

The Bianconeri announced their list for the tournament after transfer deadline day.

 

Patrice Evra has left and been replaced by Lichtsteiner, who had controversially been dropped in September.

 

January signing Rincon is chosen for the midfield and Hernanes, who rejected a transfer yesterday, makes way.

 

 

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

[Socrates 8526]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Juventus announce squad list for Champions League knockout rounds

 

http://www.blackwhitereadallover.com/2017/2/1/14476392/juventus

-2017-eufa-champions-league-knockout-rounds-squad-list

 

 

Feb 1, 2017

 

 

With so many games over the last four weeks, the month of January just seemed to fly by like it had rocket boosters attached to its shoes. That means, with the first month of 2017 gone and the second now officially here, we’re getting closer and closer to the return of Champions League football.

And with that comes adhering to the usual protocol of said competition.

Before Juventus can take the field against FC Porto later this month, Max Allegri had to submit his squad list for the Champions League knockout round. That list arrived on Wednesday evening in Italy, with pretty much everybody you expected to be on there being included in the 24-man squad list that will be eligible to play against Porto come the first leg in the Round of 16 come Feb. 22 in Portugal:

Goalkeepers

Gianluigi Buffon

Neto

Emil Audero

Defenders

Alex Sandro

Andrea Barzagli

Medhi Benatia

Leonardo Bonucci

Giorgio Chiellini

Dani Alves

Stephan Lichtsteiner

Daniele Rugani

Midfielders

Kwadwo Asamoah

Sami Khedira

Mario Lemina

Claudio Marchisio

Federico Mattiello

Miralem Pjanic

Tomas Rincon

Stefano Sturaro

Forwards

Juan Cuadrado

Paulo Dybala

Gonzalo Higuain

Mario Mandzukic

Marko Pjaca

If you notice, there are two main changes from the group stage squad list that certainly took over a lot of comment threads around here four months ago. For one, Stephan Lichtsteiner is back in the squad, which means Juventus actually have two natural right backs to choose from. And, probably as a result of Lichtsteiner — and a few other things — being back, there’s no room for Hernanes. I know that will upset just about everybody here, but with the likes of Claudio Marchisio back from injury and Tomas Rincon having been signed during the January transfer window, there’s not really room — or a need — for Hernanes to be around.

I know, let us all shed a tear for Hernanes, who seemingly rejected every chance to leave Juventus in January.

The squad list is now set and the first leg against Porto is all of three weeks away. The schedule is just as busy between now and then, so don’t be surprised if Champions League football sneaks up on you just in the same fashion that February did.

[Socrates 8526]

 

 

 

Juventus can't forget 3-5-2

Juventus’ new style is exciting, but Gaby McKay won’t be surprised if it’s dropped for the Champions League.

 

http://www.football-italia.net/97804/juventus-cant-forget-3-5-2

 

 

Feb 2, 2017

 

“Every now and then I come up with a mad idea and try it on the pitch,” Juventus Coach Massimiliano Allegri explained after a 2-0 win over Lazio. The tactician’s ‘mad idea’ had been to field all his attacking options at once in a bold 4-2-3-1 shape. The Bianconeri have stuck with the approach for the two subsequent games, and have won both of them.

It’s hard to argue with the benefits of the switch. In defeat to Fiorentina, the final game before the change, the Old Lady looked slow and unimaginative. In the subsequent fixtures against Lazio, Milan and Sassuolo, the opposition have barely been able to lay a glove on Allegri’s side.

Gonzalo Higuain's explosion in form predates the adjustment, but the Argentinian international is clearly thriving on the increase of service, with eight goals in his last six Serie A games. Similarly, the switch appears to have solved the dilemma of choosing between Paulo Dybala and Mario Mandzukic. Where previously one would play off Higuain, the current system uses Mandzukic’s phenomenal work-rate and aerial ability to lock down the left flank, while Dybala can use his dribbling skill and creativity in a trequartista role.

Given the antipathy many Juventini now feel toward the 3-5-2 shape, it has been gleefully declared that this move should be a permanent one. However, while the 4-2-3-1 is another string to the Bianconeri’s bow, don’t be surprised to see it ditched for certain games as the season enters what Sir Alex Ferguson famously called ‘Squeaky Bum Time’.

With Juventus looking to go all the way in the Champions League this year, it’s legitimate to ask whether there is enough solidity in this new shape to contend with Europe’s biggest sides. Sami Khedira is tactically intelligent and capable of going box-to-box, but the German isn’t a tackler.

Miralem Pjanic adds vision and creativity, but must live in constant fear that Turin’s winter winds will blow him into the river Po. Would you be confident in fielding them as a pair against, for example, Arturo Vidal and Javi Martinez?

Perhaps the 4-2-3-1 will be retained to face Porto in the Last 16, but Allegri may opt for three central midfielders should the Old Lady advance to face one of Europe’s leading lights, with Claudio Marchisio coming in at the expense of Dybala or Mandzukic. A third option - other than 3-5-2 or 4-2-3-1 - could be the 4-3-1-2 which took Juve to the Champions League Final in 2015, with Juan Cuadrado dropping out.

Another concern is rotation. The current system works, in large part, thanks to Mandzukic. The 30-year-old is willing to initiate the press, to track back, help out his full-back and to sacrifice personal glory for the team. On the other side, Juan Cuadrado may not be as diligent, but he’s comfortable in a more defensive wing-back role, and brings that to his more advanced position.

What happens if one of those players is injured, or simply needs a rest? Marko Pjaca is a promising winger, but it would be unfair to expect the same defensive contribution that his compatriot Mandzukic provides.

Familiarity breeds contempt, and there are limitations to the 3-5-2 - just as there are with any formation. But don’t forget, the ‘BBC’ defence became renowned as the best in Europe for a reason, and it was largely the balance provided by playing as a three. Why else did Antonio Conte build his Italy side on that bedrock?

As things stand, Allegri’s mad idea has given his side an extra weapon and a new way of playing. What really would be crazy, though, would be to abandon all else in favour of it.

[Socrates 8526]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

JUVENTUS - INTER

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

MATCHDAY 23

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

 

 

 

Boninsegna: ‘Icardi better than Higuain’

 

http://www.football-italia.net/97811/boninsegna-‘icardi-better-higuain’

 

 

Feb 2, 2017

 

Former Juventus and Inter striker Roberto Boninsegna believes “Mauro Icardi is better than Gonzalo Higuain”.

 

The two sides meet in Turin on Sunday night, in a match which is being billed as a showdown between the two Argentine strikers, who are joint-top of the scoring charts.

 

“Icardi is better than Higuain,” Boninsegna insisted in an interview with QS-Sport.

 

“Mauro will soon steal away Pipita’s place in the national team, perhaps playing alongside [Paulo] Dybala.

 

“The Bianconeri are very strong, but Pioli’s team aren’t doomed.”

 

Boninsegna scored 113 goals in 197 games for Inter, before winning two Scudetti with Juve.

 

 

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

[Socrates 8526]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

JUVENTUS - INTER

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

MATCHDAY 23

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

 

 

 

Rizzoli for Juventus-Inter

 

http://www.football-italia.net/97817/rizzoli-juventus-inter

 

 

Feb 2, 2017

 

Nicola Rizzoli has been announced as the referee for this weekend’s game between Juventus and Inter.

 

The pair meet in Turin on Sunday night, with the Nerazzurri looking to secure back-to-back wins over the Scudetto holders.

 

Today that AIA has announced the referees for this weekend’s fixtures, with Rizzoli entrusted with the big match at Juventus Stadium.

 

Elsewhere, Massimiliano Irrati will officiate Roma-Fiorentina on Tuesday, and Davide Massa runs the rule over Napoli’s trip to Bologna on Saturday night.

 

 

Serie A Week 23 referees:

 

Atalanta-Cagliari - Claudio Gavillucci
Bologna-Napoli - Davide Massa
Chievo-Udinese - Gianluca Aureliano
Empoli-Torino - Marco Di Bello
Genoa-Sassuolo - Carmine Russo
Juventus-Inter - Nicola Rizzoli
Milan-Sampdoria - Marco Guida
Palermo-Crotone - Gianluca Rocchi
Pescara-Lazio - Piero Giacomelli
Roma-Fiorentina - Massimiliano Irrati

 

 

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

[Socrates 8526]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

JUVENTUS - INTER

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

MATCHDAY 23

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

 

 

 

Gagliardini: ‘Inter can get a result’

 

http://www.football-italia.net/97821/gagliardini-‘inter-can-get-result’

 

 

Feb 2, 2017

 

Inter midfielder Roberto Gagliardini believes “we can get a result” against Juventus on Sunday.

 

The Nerazzurri have already beaten the champions once this season, and it has even been suggested they could enter the Scudetto race with a win this weekend.

 

“We have the conviction that we can play on equal terms,” Gagliardini told Inter Channel.

 

“We can get a result. If we win it would send a message to the rest of the League that we can be in the top three.

 

“It will be my first game against Juventus and it will certainly be difficult. They’re the strongest team in the League but we’re going there to get a result.

 

“The start is crucial, starting with the right competitive cynicism is important to demonstrate that we can have our say.

 

“We’ll have to be compact, ready to defend and attack. They’re the strongest team. If I could take one of their players it would be [Leonardo] Bonucci, he’s a complete defender on every level.”

 

Gagliardini was linked with the Bianconeri before making the move to San Siro, was there interest from the Old Lady?

 

“I don’t know and I don’t care. I’m here now. I didn’t even expect to come to Inter, I was fine at Atalanta, then an important offer came in from Inter and it was a positive move.

 

“I don’t know anything about Juve though.”

 

 

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

[Socrates 8526]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

JUVENTUS - INTER

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

MATCHDAY 23

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

 

 

 

Zola: ‘Juventus aren’t unbeatable’

 

http://www.football-italia.net/97824/zola-‘juventus-aren’t-unbeatable’

 

 

Feb 2, 2017

 

Gianfranco Zola tells Inter that Juventus aren’t “unbeatable” and discusses Frank Lampard.

 

Sunday night sees the Nerazzurri travel to Turin for a showdown with the League leaders, and the former Chelsea man believes they can get a result.

 

“Juventus aren’t unbeatable because they’ve lost a few games,” Zola pointed out in an interview with Sky Sport Italia.

 

“They’re going there as one of the most in-form teams but it will take a great performance. A draw would be a good result.”

 

Zola was also asked about his former teammate Lampard, who today announced his retirement from football.

 

“He worked so much, above all at the end of training when he’d work more separately, that’s why he became what he did and why he’s deserved everything he’s done.

 

“Lampard impressed me because after every session with [Claudio] Ranieri he’d always want to stay at least half an hour to work on his shooting, his technique, his passing.

 

“Sometimes he had to be sent away, or he’d have stayed on the pitch forever!

 

 

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

[Socrates 8526]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

JUVENTUS - INTER

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

MATCHDAY 23

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

 

 

 

Simoni: 'Inter will trouble Juventus'

 

http://www.football-italia.net/97845/simoni-inter-will-trouble-juventus

 

 

Feb 2, 2017

 

Gigi Simoni is “not so sure” Juventus are the favourites against Inter this weekend. “I expect it to be a really entertaining game.”

 

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

 

“I expect it to be a really entertaining game,” former Inter Coach Simoni told Juvenews.eu.

 

“If until very recently Juventus were considered the favourites, I’m not so sure that’s the case anymore. Inter are doing well and I think they can get a result in Turin, as Stefano Pioli has given the side a soul and an identity.”

 

Yet the Nerazzurri beat Juve in a surprise 2-1 result earlier this season, the only high point of Frank de Boer’s reign.

 

“It wasn’t only De Boer’s fault, of course, but Pioli is one of us with the mentality of Italian football and a side that plays to get the result. That is our tradition,” noted Simoni.

 

“Juventus are objectively superior to Inter, but the Nerazzurri have already won this season and can do very well, causing the Bianconeri a lot of problems.

 

“Juve are a little inferior to their previous campaigns, so this is an uncertain match and Inter can harbour ambitions going in.”

 

 

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

[Socrates 8526]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

JUVENTUS - INTER

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

MATCHDAY 23

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

 

 

 

Bauza to scout Icardi

 

http://www.football-italia.net/97830/bauza-scout-icardi

 

 

Feb 2, 2017

 

Argentina Coach Edgardo Bauza is expected at Juventus-Inter to scout Mauro Icardi.

 

The Nerazzurri striker has just one cap for his country, and hasn’t featured since a substitute appearance in 2013.

 

With Icardi leading the Serie A scoring charts, clamour has been growing for him to be given a chance with the Albiceleste.

 

Now Tuttomercatoweb is reporting that Bauza will arrive in Italy today, and will visit the striker and his teammate Ever Banega at Appiano Gentile tomorrow.

 

The Argentina boss will then take in Sunday night’s game in Turin, which will also feature Gonzalo Higuain.

 

 

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

[Socrates 8526]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

JUVENTUS - INTER

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

MATCHDAY 23

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

 

 

 

Juventus - Inter Match Preview

 

http://www.football-italia.net/SerieA/match/preview/88051

 

 

Feb 2, 2017

 

It’s all about revenge for Juventus when they host a soaring Inter team that has been rejuvenated under the guidance of Coach Stefano Pioli.

 

A change of management is, on many occasions, hit and miss, but Inter have been on fire since Pioli took over from Frank de Boer. The Nerazzurri are rocking a seven game winning streak in Serie A, scoring 15 goals and conceding only two in the process. The forever critical Inter fans are dreaming again, with the top three – and Champions League football – within reach.

 

The run had been nine consecutive victories in all competition until Tuesday’s 2-1 home defeat to Lazio in the Coppa Italia quarter-final.

 

In Turin, Pioli’s men are facing a true test. Their winning streak has been stellar, but Inter won just one game against a top eight team, Lazio. And who better to test their top form against than their most hated rivals, table toppers Juventus?

 

The Nerazzurri’s wing defence will be tested against Juve’s newfound successful line-up, as well as golden boy Roberto Gagliardini in midfield.

 

Talking about the Bianconeri’s new standard line-up, Coach Massimiliano Allegri has finally settled on what’s best for his squad, namely the 4-2-3-1. It has worked to perfection in every game he’s used it this season, with Juventus being stronger defensively and even more deadly offensively. Allegri made the permanent switch after an embarrassing performance at Fiorentina, and Lazio and Sassuolo didn’t stand a chance against it.

 

Juve don’t need this win as badly as Inter, but the Old Lady suffered a surprise loss at the Giuseppe Meazza back in September, the one bright moment from De Boer’s tenure. That should be enough to motivate this team, which hasn’t dropped a point at home since September 2015. However, it has become obvious this season that Juve’s worst enemy is Juve. A lack of motivation or concentration can be enough to suffer a defeat, learning that on four occasions this season.

 

The 231st Derby d’Italia could be a massive one. Two rival teams who are at the top of their game and who can’t afford a loss, or even a draw. Two squads full of star players ready to show the world Italian football is going in the right direction. Juventus always have the upper hand at home, but Inter aren’t afraid anymore. Tune in for this one, you won’t regret it.

 

Keep an eye on: Roberto Gagliardini (Inter) – Three games played, three wins. That’s Gagliardini’s record at Inter so far. But now comes the real test for the young midfielder, who’s task will be to neutralize Paulo Dybala as much as possible. This could be a breakthrough game for Gagliardini. Or he could show he’s not quite there yet…

 

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

 

Last season: Juventus 2-0 Inter

 

Stat fact: Since 2005, Inter have managed just one Serie A victory in Turin, a 3-1 result in November 2012, along with three draws and six defeats.

 

Top tip: Juventus scoring in the first half.

 

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

Suspended: None

 

Inter (probable): Handanovic; D’Ambrosio, Murillo, Miranda, Santon; Gagliardini, Brozovic; Candreva, Joao Mario, Perisic; Icardi

Suspended: None

 

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

[Socrates 8526]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

JUVENTUS - INTER

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

MATCHDAY 23

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

 

 

 

De Boer's Juventus lesson

 

 

Stefano Pioli has done an incredible job, but Richard Hall thinks when facing Juventus, Frank de Boer’s approach is worth revisiting.

 

http://www.football-italia.net/97851/de-boers-juventus-lesson

 

 

Feb 3, 2017

 

For Inter to hire Frank se Boer, they needed to realise they were changing a philosophy that would develop over seasons. Sacking him after 11 games proved that they had missed the point. Now as we enter February he is barely a memory in Milan, as Stefano Pioli’s Nerazzurri march on, disposing of all before them. This run is the opposite to the Dutchman’s before he faced the ‘Old Lady’, yet his approach in that single moment of glory should perhaps not be ignored.

Back in September De Boer had approached the Derby d’Italia in disarray. He had in fairness had no pre-season and was struggling to find his team, tactics and rhythm. A shambolic display and defeat to Chievo was followed by a bore draw with Palermo and a clumsy but improved win against Pescara. The midweek Europa League game against Hapoel Be’er Sheva ended in an unforgettable defeat, which was the worst preparation he could have hoped for. This left the Dutchman with a headache asking how he would approach the Juventus match.

Before the game De Boer realised he was in a ‘Catch-22’ situation, as he had seen some progress against Pescara. Now would he have to change everything for this game? He had started with a high tempo last time out, but was wary to do this against Juventus. Surely, they would not allow him and his team to tap the ball around their area. De Boer had been using his old Ajax play book and this may have started to work against inferior teams, but the Bianconeri were certainly not in that category.

The 46-year old Coach looked back to his days in Amsterdam again and to a Champions League game against Real Madrid. Here he employed a 4-3-3 in principle, but this would revert to a 4-6-0 out of possession. It would rely on the two wingers dropping very deep and the defensive midfielder shielding the defence, they would then break en masse, but would it work against the Champions? You could've made a mint with football betting on those odds.

One thing Inter did well was press hard from the first whistle. They used Eder instead of Ivan Perisic and in said press almost looked like they were in a 4-2-4. This disrupted the defenders playing out from the back, but also cut out build-up play through the midfield. Whilst out of possession in more defensive positions, Inter also took risks for space to be exploited against them, but it paid off. They tried to make the field of Juventus’s play as small as possible. This resulted in the ball going out of play on many occasions and broke up the tempo, playing to Inter’s advantage. With this high-risk policy, they had to use Gary Medel as a deep-lying midfielder so that if The Old Lady broke out of this space, they were covered.

Finally, as Juventus played a back three that day, Inter switched the play very well when in possession, which meant the field opened up for them and allowed them space they are not usually accustomed to when the smaller teams retreat behind the ball. This in the end paid dividends in the 2-1 win.

As Inter travel to Turin with Pioli’s seven round winning streak intact, they can take heart that Pioli’s tag as ‘the normaliser’ has been elevated to the ‘difference maker’. Whilst De Boer was in poor form heading into the Juventus fixture, nothing could be further from the truth for the Nerazzurri now, but they have to be careful not to pay The Old Lady too much respect. This Inter side does press well, yet they have been guilty of doing it only later on through the first half and have started slowly on occasions. It is true Pioli brings a new character to the team and a never say die attitude that they should keep at all costs, but the blueprint of De Boer’s Inter should not be ignored.

Admittedly it may have been a happy accident that the Dutchman fell on or an underestimation from Juventus, but it worked. Pioli has a much more solid structure, core and unity in this bunch and his tactics are not too dissimilar to the way De Boer set himself up in the game in September. The blueprint is there and whilst Pioli doesn’t have to copy it, he needs to at least take note of the opening passage and start quickly in Turin against Juventus.

 

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

[Socrates 8526]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

JUVENTUS - INTER

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

MATCHDAY 23

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

 

 

 

Mancini 'Inter situation was absurd'

 

http://www.football-italia.net/97859/mancini-inter-situation-was-absurd

 

 

Feb 3, 2017

 

Roberto Mancini has spoken about an 'absurd' situation at Inter, where he was replaced by Frank de Boer just weeks before the season started.

 

The former Manchester City boss has been linked with West Ham, and took the opportunity to discuss his previous post with the Nerazzurri.

 

"Inter had created an absurd situation," the Coach told La Stampa. "It was more and more difficult to manage, there were too many people talking.

 

"The Suning group were perfect with me, I was sad to leave, I'm sure we would’ve had a great year.

 

"The boys were getting better, my Inter were preparing to win again, but to work well we needed the confidence of all."

 

What is Mancini's opinion of his ill-fated replacement Frank de Boer?

 

"He said the team was not running in training, but this is incorrect.

 

"I forgive him because working at Inter in those conditions was not easy, he did not know anyone, they did not help him, so it is only natural to look for excuses.

 

"I'm sorry it ended badly, he needed more time to adapt."

 

The Coach was then asked if he would ever consider becoming Juventus Coach.

 

"How many times have I been asked if I would go to Juve? Many, especially among my Juventini friends.

 

“The answer is always the same. Yes, because I'm a professional."

 

 

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

[Socrates 8526]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

JUVENTUS - INTER

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

MATCHDAY 23

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

 

 

 

Mancini: 'my Dybala regret'

 

http://www.football-italia.net/97860/mancini-my-dybala-regret

 

 

Feb 3, 2017

 

Roberto Mancini reveals his regret over not beating Juventus to the signing of Paulo Dybala, as Inter 'had a deal in hand' for the player.

 

The ex-Nerazzurri Coach also revealed that he had attended a West Ham match, which prompted speculation that the Italian could replace under-fire Slaven Bilic.

 

Mancini had described an absurd situation at Inter, but how does he see things currently at the club?

 

"Inter is a team that is still improving, but this is well-known," Mancini continued in an interview with La Stampa.

 

"This does not detract in any way from [Roberto] Gagliardini who is a great player, he’s young and has quality.

 

"Juventus will win the league again this year, but next year – thanks to the strength of Suning – Inter can really compete on par with them."

 

The Bianconeri take on Inter this weekend, who is the favourite to win?

 

"In certain games anything can happen, I think Inter aren’t the favourites, so many victories in the league is not accidental.

 

"The new stadium brings seven or eight extra points for the Bianconeri per year. This certainly counts as a factor."

 

Mancini has been linked with West Ham. How does he explain their poor form after moving to a new stadium?

 

"The new Olympic Stadium does not have the same atmosphere of Upton Park, there was a different atmosphere, more noise.

 

"I noticed it myself a few days ago going to see the game against Manchester City.

 

"After three losses it had already been pointed out."

 

Will Massimilano Allegri go with five offensive players against Inter?

 

"If [Mario] Mandzukic will continue to sacrifice then why not?

 

"[Paulo] Dybala has immense class, he is the big regret at Inter.

 

"They had a deal in hand, they could have offered more, however, it was over with Juventus.

 

"Buying Higuain? How can you argue if you get a champion who has scored just 36 goals?

 

"Higuain guarantees at least 22 goals a year, Juventus has strengthened and weakened an direct opponent like Napoli."

 

 

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

[Socrates 8526]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

JUVENTUS - INTER

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

MATCHDAY 23

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

 

 

 

How should Juventus line up in Sunday

night’s Derby d’Italia against Inter Milan?

 

 

It’s Derby d’Italia time, who do you want to play?

 

http://www.blackwhitereadallover.com/2017/2/3/14490162/juventus-

inter-milan-2017-serie-a-round-22-you-choose-the-starting-lineup

 

 

Feb 3, 2017

 

Juventus’ friendly friends known as Inter Milan head into Juventus Stadium on Sunday for the second Derby d’Italia of the Serie A season. These friends always get along and I’m sure we will see more of their friendship on Sunday and going forward.

(Ha.)

Inter head into this match with a relatively high spot in the standings, sitting in fourth place. They’re coming off of a 2-1 loss to Lazio earlier in the week, finding themselves eliminated from the Coppa Italia. Other than that, though, they have been on quite a hot streak. In the league they have won seven straight games, with their last Serie A loss coming on Dec. 2 against Napoli. Forever-classy Mauro Icardi is also red hot, scoring 15 goals in 22 appearances this Serie A campaign. The last time these two teams met in the league, Inter was victorious in a 2-1 victory with Icardi and Ivan Perisic scoring the goals at the San Siro.

The unavailable list for Juventus includes Mario Lemina, Dani Alves, and Mehdi Benatia. The rest should be good to go, but it seems like every time I write that we found out a surprise exclusion that throws everything off a little bit. I will update the poll if there are any changes.

After this game, Juventus’ next fixture comes in the form of a Serie A match against Crotone on Wednesday — a rescheduled date due to the Supercoppa in late-December — and then Cagliari on Sunday. I doubt there will be much consideration of resting players for these two bouts.

All things considered, who would you like to see start on Sunday?

Remember, this is who you want to start, not who you think Max Allegri will pick.

 

Starting Formation

3-5-2/5-3-2	5
4-3-3/4-5-1	17
4-2-3-1	138
4-3-1-2	14
Overig	1

 

3-5-2/5-3-2	5	2.9%
4-3-3/4-5-1	17	9.7%
4-2-3-1	138	78.9%
4-3-1-2	14	8%
Overig	1	0.6%

Starting Keeper

Gianluigi Buffon	170
Neto	3
Emil Audero	2

 

Gianluigi Buffon	170	97.1%
Neto	3	1.7%
Emil Audero	2	1.1%

Starting Lineup

Question	Count
D - Daniele Rugani	63
D - Giorgio Chiellini	127
D - Andrea Barzagli	23
D - Leonardo Bonucci	151
D - Stephan Lichtsteiner	159
D/M/W -Alex Sandro	167
WB/M/W - Juan Cuadrado	117
WB/M - Kwadwo Asamoah	13
M - Sami Khedira	123
M - Hernanes	5
M - Tomas Rincon	22
M - Claudio Marchisio	101
M/AM - Miralem Pjanic	161
W/AM/S - Marko Pjaca	40
S - Mario Mandzukic	134
S - Gonzalo Higuain	171
S - Paulo Dybala	168
S - Moise Kean	5

 

D - Daniele Rugani	63	36%
D - Giorgio Chiellini	127	72.6%
D - Andrea Barzagli	23	13.1%
D - Leonardo Bonucci	151	86.3%
D - Stephan Lichtsteiner	159	90.9%
D/M/W -Alex Sandro	167	95.4%
WB/M/W - Juan Cuadrado	117	66.9%
WB/M - Kwadwo Asamoah	13	7.4%
M - Sami Khedira	123	70.3%
M - Hernanes	5	2.9%
M - Tomas Rincon	22	12.6%
M - Claudio Marchisio	101	57.7%
M/AM - Miralem Pjanic	161	92%
W/AM/S - Marko Pjaca	40	22.9%
S - Mario Mandzukic	134	76.6%
S - Gonzalo Higuain	171	97.7%
S - Paulo Dybala	168	96%
S - Moise Kean	5	2.9%

Justify an interesting inclusion (optional)

START PJACA

4-2-3-1

Best lineup we can put on the field right now.

Let's see what Pjaca can do on the left wing from the first minute!

Rincon as a RB

4-2-3-1 I'm looking forward to seeing the new formation with Dani Alves & Sandro. However, Alves's fitness is still dubious, so I feel Allegri should go with Lichtsteiner. We need to be aggressive from the start and sought after an early goal.

Where is Dani?

If it ain't broke, don't fix it.

someone says "Don't change the winning team"

Marchisio in place of Khedira

I'd like to see 3 up top to press their back line. Use Cuadrado off the bench if we need it. Also - Rincon came here to break some skulls. Let's get him some big game action with the 1st team in case we need him to play real minutes in the UCL. Final Score: 3-0

Pjaca for Mandzukic is tempting, but I'd rather have him start against Crotone. Need Mandzu's grinta against Inter.

Use the flanks, Inter's weakness is its fullbacks.

Stick with what works: If it ain't broke, don't fix it.

DANI ALVES IS FITTT!!!! Start that man! Also no khedira, just bc I think claudio does everything a wee bit better

If it ain't broke, don't fix it.

 

 

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

[Socrates 8526]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

JUVENTUS - INTER

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

MATCHDAY 23

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

 

 

 

Barzagli doubt for Inter

 

http://www.football-italia.net/97863/barzagli-doubt-inter

 

 

Feb 3, 2017

 

Juventus defender Andrea Barzagli is reportedly a doubt for for Sunday’s match with Inter.

 

The match kicks off at 20.45 CET - 19:45 GMT.

 

According to Mediaset Premium, the 35-year-old missed today’s training session at Vinnovo due to a fever.

 

This means that the defender will be unlikely to play in the Derby d’Italia and looks set to be replaced by Stephan Lichtsteiner, who renewed his contract with the club earlier this week.

 

 

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

[Socrates 8526]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

JUVENTUS - INTER

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

MATCHDAY 23

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

 

 

 

‘Beating Juve more than a win’

 

http://www.football-italia.net/97869/beating-juve-more-win

 

 

Feb 3, 2017

 

Stefano Pioli claims beating Juventus “can be worth more” than three points for Inter ahead of Sunday’s Derby d’Italia.

 

Pioli has yet to register a win against Juve in his coaching career, but Inter have already beaten the Bianconeri this season and the Coach believes another Beneamata victory would give them a mental edge on their opponents, the result aside.

 

“We were taught another good lesson on Tuesday,” he said at a Press conference.

 

“Now we’re even more aware of what we must do. We must try to be a team. The individual side isn’t important.

 

“We know that when we play with intensity and pace, with the work of everyone, we can be strong.

 

“If we lose distances and we’re not very refined in our play, we run the risk [of losing].

 

“Despite the defeat, we’ve shown that we’re alive and know how to play with heart, which will serve us well on Sunday night.

 

“If I’ve never beaten the Bianconeri as a Coach then it’s because I hadn’t coached Inter.

 

“Juve are strong, in terms of numbers, results, mentality, players and Coach. They move well in their new formation.

 

“We must give them as little space as possible. They’re the best team in Italy, but we’re among the teams that can make life difficult for them.

 

“The numbers say that Juve are the team that score more at the start of the game and Inter at the end.

 

“Our approach must be effective in dealing with a team who will put us under [difficult].

 

“It’s a game that’s worth three points, but it can also be worth more.

 

“It’s not called the Derby d’Italia by chance, it’s regarded very highly and we’ve prepared for it well.

 

“Every win gives us more confidence and conviction, while any wrong step moves us away from our objective, but it won’t be a decisive game for either team.”

 

 

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

[Socrates 8526]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

JUVENTUS - INTER

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

MATCHDAY 23

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

 

 

 

In-form Inter face their biggest test

under Pioli: A Derby d'Italia at Juventus

 

http://www.espnfc.co.uk/italian-serie-a/12/blog/post/

3052913/inter-face-derby-ditalia-test-at-juventus

 

 

Feb 3, 2017

 

It must be pretty cool to be Steven Zhang. At 24, he became a member of Inter's board when the family business, Suning, bought the club in the summer. Zhang regularly travels with the team and will be in attendance at the J Stadium for the 168th Derby d'Italia vs. Juventus on Sunday.

Why wouldn't he? This is the biggest game of the season for Inter -- the most keenly felt -- and Zhang's very presence in enemy territory is symbolic, primarily because he is breaking with tradition: No Inter executive has followed the team to Turin for this fixture since Apr. 26, 1998. It is an act of dissent almost two decades old; the longest penalty appeal of all-time.

That day, referee Piero Ceccarini didn't give Inter a spot kick when Mark Iuliano floored Ronaldo. Juventus won 1-0 and went on to win the title. Though the 2006 Calciopoli scandal saw them relegated to the second division, a fate that has never befallen Inter, and lose two of their titles (though not the 1997-98 one), the scars remain for the nerazzurri. The Derby d'Italia has since became the most poisonous rivalry in Italian football. 

Beyond the depth of animosity between the two clubs, though, there is a great sense of anticipation ahead of Sunday's showdown: Unlike in recent years, the game is not trading on reputation. Although Juventus look invincible at home, where they have won 27 consecutive league matches, this has the makings of a real contest.

That's because Inter are the most in-form team in Serie A, having won seven games in a row. Indeed, they would be top of the table if the season had started when Frank de Boer was fired in November. New manager Stefano Pioli has racked up 25 points from a possible 30 and has Juventus' full attention.

"They're doing better than Real Madrid, Barcelona and Bayern Munich at the moment," Juventus goalkeeper Gigi Buffon said. "We've got great respect for them. They have huge potential. We saw that when they beat us in September. We'll have to make fewer mistakes than we did in that game. Our last encounter must serve as a warning." 

Juve manager Max Allegri considered his side's 2-1 defeat four-and-a-half months ago as "one of the worst games of the last 30 years from a technical standpoint." Juventus gave the ball away too cheaply, misplacing so many passes that Allegri felt compelled to remind his players that the guys in blue and black weren't on their team. 

Unlike the "usual" Juventus, who would kill the game after taking the lead -- and not for first or last time this season -- they allowed their opponents back in after Stephan Lichtsteiner's opening goal. Inter's equaliser, a Mauro Icardi header, was one of five goals Juve have conceded from corners in the current campaign. In mitigation, that the last one came at the end of November indicates that the problem has been dealt with the problem or Allegri's men are at least more alert to the danger.

Each of Juventus' vanquishers this season -- the two Milan clubs, as well as Genoa and Fiorentina -- have gone about their business in much the same way. They have not been afraid to have a go at the champions, pressing high and making it uncomfortable to play out from the back. They have been courageous enough to take risks, adopting an aggressive, rough-house approach.

Celebrated at the time as the beginning of something special under De Boer, Inter's exceptional performance against Juventus was exactly that: an exception, a glorious aberration. But it also showed the capability of a team with such talent and Pioli is now making it the rule.

Where once confusion reigned, there is now order. The new manager settled on a system and stuck with it and has picked, more or less, the same team every week. Partnerships are forming. Understanding is blossoming.

Inter have kept five clean sheets in their seven-game winning streak. The midfield is beginning to look more like it features players for whom €100 million was paid and possesses the dynamism to press as Pioli demands.

There is also less dependency on Icardi. With 15 goals, he tops the league's scoring charts along with Edin Dzeko and Gonzalo Higuain but, most surprisingly of all, Icardi is the league's joint leader in assists; he and Jose Callejon each have eight. No striker in Europe's top five leagues has set up as many goals for his teammates.

Inter's rise coincides with Juventus entering another phase of evolution. The defeat to Fiorentina three weeks ago prompted a moment of reflection. Giorgio Chiellini spoke eloquently about how the team had still yet to find balance this season and were not able to control games as well as they did in the past.

Allegri's reaction was to double down and name what, on paper, looked like the most unbalanced team he could possibly select for Lazio's visit to the J Stadium on Jan. 22. With the title race apparently back on and people beginning to doubt Juventus, he opted to field all of his attacking players in a 4-2-3-1. Mario Mandzukic played wide on the left in a role demanding the same spirit of sacrifice shown by Samuel Eto'o when Inter won the treble in 2010.

Allegri's move brought back memories of a game against Olympiakos in his first season at the club, when Juventus' qualification for the Champions League knockout stages was in jeopardy. At a most delicate moment of the season, Allegri gambled, switching from the trademark 3-5-2 to a 4-3-1-2. Juventus won and would alternate between systems on the way to the Champions League final.

The attacking formation against Lazio was a stroke of genius and appeared to re-focus the players' minds. Concentration levels spiked. Application increased. Juventus and the so-called "Fantastic Five" convincingly won 2-0 but what really caught the eye, in addition to how well they played, was how much ground they covered: 115 km. Their average this season has been 108 km.

And so the Derby d'Italia promises to be a spectacular affair. True, Juventus have been perfect at home this season, but Inter won't be fazed. You may recall there was a time when no away team had ever won at the J Stadium, a time when Juventus were undefeated over an entire season. Forty-nine games to be exact.

Then, one day in November 2012, a team showed up and surprised everyone by beating them. That team was Inter.

 

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

[Socrates 8526]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

JUVENTUS - INTER

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

MATCHDAY 23

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

 

 

 

‘Inter even more determined’

 

http://www.football-italia.net/97875/‘inter-even-more-determined’

 

 

Feb 3, 2017

 

Stefano Pioli says Inter are “even more determined” to beat Juventus after their loss to Lazio.

 

The Nerazzurri were knocked out of the Coppa Italia this week, and face the League leaders in Turin on Sunday night.

 

“We’re coming off a defeat which followed a positive streak in the League,” Pioli explained to Inter Channel.

 

“We’re facing the team which is the best at the moment, especially at home. We have our weapons though and we’ll go there to play.

 

“We all know how important this match is, and we’ve prepared for it in the best way. The numbers say that Juve are a team which scores in the first minute and Inter in the last.

 

“I’ve never beaten Juventus? This is the first time I’ve faced them as Inter Coach, and that can make a difference.

 

“We know all about the difficulties of the match, but we’re in good shape. We’re even more determined after Tuesday and we’ll be ready.”

 

 

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