JUVENTUS SEASON 2016-2017

[Socrates 8526]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CAGLIARI - JUVENTUS

 

 

0-2

 

 

Gonzalo Higuaín 37'

Gonzalo Higuaín 47'

 

 

 

 

 

MATCHDAY 24

 

Sunday, February 12th, 2017 - 8:45 p.m.
Sant'Elía Stadium, Cagliari
Referee: Gianpaolo Calvarese 

 

 

 

Allegri wants a spectacular but efficient Juventus

 

Manager’s post-match comments after win

 

 

http://www.blackwhitereadallover.com/2017/2/13/14593372/allegri-wants-

a-spectacular-but-efficient-juventus-4-2-3-1-formation-higuain

 

 

Feb 13, 2017

 

Juventus beat Cagliari 2-0 to maintain their seven-point lead at the top of the Serie A table. Gonzalo Higuain nabbed a brace to break down the resolute hosts.

After the game, Massimiliano Allegri spoke about his happiness with ‘Pipita’ and his workrate.

“Higuain is an extraordinary finisher, but we always knew that. The really impressive thing is how hard he works for the team.”

The 4-2-3-1 system has been an unmitigated success for Juve.

“A moment of the season arrived when I thought it was right to change. Our position in the table wasn’t the issue, it was more to do with the performances.

“The lads felt more responsibility and above all made us less conservative in our approach.”

Sami Khedira had a good game playing as one of the midfield pivots.

“Khedira always played in a two-man defence, with us he returned to being a youngster in three, but he had Paul Pogba with him and that meant different movements and work-rates.

“Khedira is good at dictating the tempo, as if it needs to be 30km/h he goes at 31, if it has to be 50km/h he goes at 51.

“We must improve in the speed at which we move the ball and also learn to take up different positions in different games, otherwise we become predictable.

“Cuadrado’s weakness is in choosing the right pass, but on the counter-attack for the second goal he made a great choice.”

Allegri spoke about his vision for the team.

“I want a spectacular Juventus. When you play football, you need to be spectacular. Tonight Cagliari went down to 10 men and we should’ve run riot, but instead we were hasty and didn’t make the right choices. We need to improve.

“At a certain stage we took our foot off the gas and allowed Cagliari several chances, which should not happen. It has to be spectacular yes, but effective, otherwise there’s no point if you don’t win.

“The best players in the world play it simple. The trouble is, it’s more complicated than it looks to play it simple…

“With this system we are a little more aerated, we’ve got more room to breathe and the pitch feels larger for us. We have to do better in defence and attack in the Champions League, as we cannot afford mistakes.”

Of course, the mister had to be asked once again about his tenure at Juventus and being linked with the Premier League.

“I have a year and a half left on my contract, this same conversation was going on last year. I know you all like talking about this, as it fills the time and makes headlines.”

 

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

[Socrates 8526]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CAGLIARI - JUVENTUS

 

 

0-2

 

 

Gonzalo Higuaín 37'

Gonzalo Higuaín 47'

 

 

 

 

 

MATCHDAY 24

 

Sunday, February 12th, 2017 - 8:45 p.m.
Sant'Elía Stadium, Cagliari
Referee: Gianpaolo Calvarese 

 

 

 

Gonzalo Higuain brace steers Juventus

to away win against Cagliari

 

 

http://www.espnfc.co.uk/club/juventus/111/blog/post/3059527/gonzalo-

higuain-brace-steers-juventus-to-away-win-against-cagliari

 

 

Feb 13, 2017

 

Another win and another clean sheet for Juventus as they defeated Cagliari 2-0 away from home to maintain their seven-point advantage at the top of the Serie A table.

Cagliari boast a good home record, having only lost two home games all season and against Juventus they proved why, working hard to block avenues and hinder their offensive opponent. The Bianconeri struggled to create any chances for much of the first half, looking impotent and uninterested.

However, it only took a moment of magic to open the scoring and that moment came when Claudio Marchisio delivered the perfect assist for Gonzalo Higuain to finish. Doubling the lead as soon as the second half started, Juventus sealed the win and worked only on doing the bare minimum to ensure victory. Cagliari continued to try pushing forward and looked particularly energised after going down to 10 men but Juve's efficiency secured another positive result.

Positives

The win against Cagliari means that for the first time since April 2016, Juventus have managed three consecutive away wins in the league. This will help the side maintain momentum going forward and will ensure there is enough of a cushion at the top of the table as Juventus enter the business end of the season.

Negatives

The beauty of Juventus is that they are the ultimate team when it comes to efficiency but at times it would make for fun viewing if they didn't stop playing the moment they felt they achieved the result. They do as much as needs to be done and nothing more and while that ensures victory, it does nothing to boost their reputation as dull winners.

Manager rating out of 10

7 -- Four clean sheets in a row despite playing an offensive formation, Massimiliano Allegri has recovered the balance Juventus had last season. This was the coach's 100th Serie A appearance on the Juve bench and his 100th win for them in all competitions.In Allegri Juventus trust.

Player ratings (1-10, with 10 the best; players introduced after 70 minutes get no rating):

GK Gianluigi Buffon, 7 -- What a save to deny Fabio Pisacane. Barely called upon in the match, but Buffon never dropped his concentration and always remained alert to danger.

DF Stephan Lichtsteiner, 6 -- A little reckless in the beginning but he is a fighter. The player went down clutching his injured shoulder three times yet continued going until the end.

DF Leonardo Bonucci, 6 -- Initiates moves, secures the defence and plays with authority. How can we ask for more?

DF Giorgio Chiellini, 5 -- Earned a quick yellow and then went off with an injury after 18 minutes.

DF Alex Sandro, 6 -- Excellent at recovering possession but a little less polished than usual when going forward. However, he has become a lot more reliable in defence.

MF Sami Khedira, 6 -- His greatest asset lies in his ability to adapt to whomever he plays alongside, knowing when to take the initiative and when to provide support. Demonstrated great refinement and intelligence on the ball.

MF Claudio Marchisio, 7 -- Always reliable with how he distributes the ball, Marchisio delivered the assist that led to Higuain's first goal. Reads game situations perfectly but still needs a little time to recover his physical condition.

MF Juan Cuadrado, 7 -- Excellent work on the second goal, demonstrating his pace on the ball to create the chance that Paulo Dybala assisted and Higuain converted. Overall a very good performance from the player who made good decisions and consistently created opportunities for goal.

MF Paulo Dybala, 6 -- The Cagliari keeper produced a great save to deny him a goal at the end. Good movement but not the best performance, hindered by the opponents' physicality.

MF Mario Mandzukic, 6 -- No player recovered the ball as many times as the forward but perhaps all his hard work and sacrifice is hindering the impact he can make in the final third, missing a great opportunity to head in a goal.

FW Gonzalo Higuain, 7 -- Proving he was worth every last cent Juventus paid for him, Higuain not only always finishes his chances with aplomb but works impressively hard for the team. Clinical and decisive, he is now the league joint top goal scorer.

Substitutes

DF Daniele Rugani, 7 -- Composed, reliable and effective, Rugani cleared the ball well and offered security at the back.

MF Miralem Pjanic, 6 -- Barely asked to expend his energy but his perfect passing ensured a smooth ending.

MF Mario Lemina, N/A -- Virtually no time to make an impact.

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

[Socrates 8526]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CAGLIARI - JUVENTUS

 

 

0-2

 

 

Gonzalo Higuaín 37'

Gonzalo Higuaín 47'

 

 

 

 

 

MATCHDAY 24

 

Sunday, February 12th, 2017 - 8:45 p.m.
Sant'Elía Stadium, Cagliari
Referee: Gianpaolo Calvarese 

 

 

 

Massimiliano Allegri unhappy with

Juventus performance despite 2-0 win

 

 

http://www.espnfc.co.uk/juventus/story/3059545/massimiliano-

allegri-unhappy-with-juventus-performance-despite-2-0-win

 

 

Feb 13, 2017

 

Massimiliano Allegri insisted that Juventus should have scored more despite his team coming away with a 2-0 win at Cagliari.

The Bianconeri kept their seven-point lead at the top of the Serie A standings intact after a brace from Gonzalo Higuain ensured maximum points in Sardinia.

Juventus could have scored more but they failed to take their chances in front of goal, as the Turin giants prepare for their Champions League showdown against Bayern Munich on Feb. 16.

"I want a spectacular Juventus," he told Sky Sport Italia. "When you play football, you need to be spectacular. Cagliari went down to 10 men and we should have run riot.

"Instead, we were hasty and didn't make the right choices. We need to improve. At a certain stage, we took our foot off the gas and allowed Cagliari to have several chances, which should not happen.

"The team has to be spectacular, yes, but also effective, because there's no point if you don't win. The best players in the world play it simple. The trouble is that it's more complicated than it looks to play it simple.

"With this system, we have more room to breathe and the pitch feels larger for us, but we have to be better in defence and attack in the Champions League. We cannot afford mistakes."

While he was not satisfied with the team's overall performance, Allegri lauded praise on his Argentine forward.

"Higuain is an extraordinary finisher, but we always knew that," he added. "The really impressive thing is how hard he works for the team

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

[Socrates 8526]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CAGLIARI - JUVENTUS

 

 

0-2

 

 

Gonzalo Higuaín 37'

Gonzalo Higuaín 47'

 

 

 

 

 

MATCHDAY 24

 

Sunday, February 12th, 2017 - 8:45 p.m.
Sant'Elía Stadium, Cagliari
Referee: Gianpaolo Calvarese 

 

 

 

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

Clinical Higuaín fires Juve past 10-man Rossoblu

 

A ruthless Gonzalo Higuaín double was enough

to put a gutsy Cagliari to the sword in Sardinia.

 

 

http://www.blackwhitereadallover.com/2017/2/13/14593612/cagliari

-juventus-2017-serie-a-round-24-final-score-recap-result

 

 

Feb 13, 2017

 

It’s that busy time of the season again where Juventus games come by thick and fast as the team has to negotiate a taxing seven games in just 23 days in all competitions. One of these games involved traveling to beautiful Sardinia to face Cagliari at the Stadio Sant’Elia on Sunday evening. Cagliari put up a surprisingly good fight in the first half, but it wasn’t enough to spring a surprise over the league leaders in this encounter. The laser-sharp Gonzalo Higuaín scored two fantastic goals on either side of halftime to secure a 2-0 victory for Juventus over 10-man Cagliari in a feisty Sunday Serie A match.

Cagliari started with real fire in their bellies as they took the game to Juventus from the first whistle. Though they didn’t manage to create clear cut chances, they put the visitors under real, sustained pressure in the first 15 minutes of the game. The first scare of the match came as Nicolo Barella was sent through on goal, only to be scythed down by a strong Giorgio Chiellini challenge just centimeters outside of the box. Bruno Alves’ subsequent free kick resuled in nothing, though, but it did cost the Italian defender a very early booking and a huge scare to the fans.

The booking was largely irrelevant, though, as Chiellini apparently picked up a muscle injury and was replaced by Daniele Rugani. That change coincided with a marked drop in the tempo and intensity of the game as Cagliari still stood firm and Juventus looked a little groggy and off-pace – perhaps due to the mounting fixture pile-up of the last few weeks.

However, just when it looked like the half was going to fizzle out into a boring, lifeless encounter, our wonder-man Higuaín opened the scoring out of nowhere. Claudio Marchisio, restored to the starting lineup for this encounter instead of Miralem Pjanic, finally broke free from the close marking of the Two Marcos — Sau and Borriello — and chipped a delicate ball behind the defense for the Argentine to latch on to. As we all know, Higuaín doesn’t need much in order to create something wonderful and that he did as he chipped the ball deftly over Rafael for the opening goal: 1-0! It was a rare spark of magic to end an otherwise industrious and laborious first half.

Photo by Enrico Locci/Getty Images

Juventus started the second half confidently thanks to Higuaín’s goal just before halftime and the Argentine picked up right where he left off after the break after finishing a phenomenal counter-attack for the visitors. Cuadrado showed off the full extent of his extraordinary pace by out-sprinting the indecisive Pisacane to a ball over the top and threading the ball inside to Paulo Dybala. The little striker then cushioned a ball into the path of his compatriot Higuaín who took a few touches and surprised goalkeeper Rafael by striking the ball with the outside of his right foot for his, and Juve’s, second of the match: 2-0!

That goal solidified the Bianconeri’s grip on the game and really sucked the life out of a brave and spirited Cagliari side. The hosts didn’t quite give up though as former Juventus man Mauricio Isla fired an effort at goal that sailed just over the bar. That little glimmer of hope was quickly extinguished when Barella was sent off for a second bookable offense after an awful tackle on the just-introduced Miralem Pjanic.

Somehow, though, the Sardinians almost pulled a goal back despite this setback: a loose ball bobbled into the path of Pisacane who unleashed a thunderous shot on the half volley that looked destined to crash into the back of the net. Pisacane, however, forgot that there was a man more miraculous than his shot in goal: Buffon. The veteran unbelievably extended his left arm to palm away the piledriver of a shot behind for a corner, much to the disbelief of the Cagliari players, fans, and the BeIN commentators.

Mario Mandzukic then almost put Cagliari to the sword straight from the counterattack but could only guide his glanced header inches wide of the target. Aside from a thunderous Bruno Alves free kick a few minutes later, 10-man Cagliari seemed doomed to lose this game in front of their home crowd after a spirited start to the game. The red card really made the game a non-contest, as the home side could barely muster a few minutes of ball possession for the rest of the game. Juventus were literally centimeters away from the third, finishing goal after a brilliantly-executed Mandzukic header bounced off the crossbar and Dybala’s header off the rebound was fantastically saved off the line by a scrambling Rafael, who managed to get up just in time to save the Argentine’s effort after diving for Mandzukic’s initial header. The Bianconeri played out the final few minutes of the match with all the ease in the world to take home a tidy victory thanks to a clinical Higuaín brace!

Photo by Enrico Locci/Getty Images

Le Pagelle

BUFFON 7 – Only had one real save to make all game, but what a save it was. I give him a bit extra because of that since it really was a remarkable piece of goalkeeping. Tremendous.

SANDRO 6.5 – Pretty decent overall and was rarely troubled by Mauricio Isla. Wasn’t quite as active/busy as usual down the left with Mandzukic, though, and, like the rest of the team, struggled a bit in the first 30 minutes of the game.

BONUCCI 6.5 – Sprayed some wonderful passes around the park and comfortably dealt with the “threat” of the Two Marco’s in attack despite Cagliari’s spirited start to the match.

RUGANI 6.5 – Substituted in very early due to Chiellini’s injury (and early yellow card) and put in a flawless performance.

LICHTSTEINER 6.5 – Really got into the thick of things with some tough challenges/clashes with a few Cagliari players, although I really thought his shoulder wasn’t going to hold up for the entire game. Still, a solid performance as well.

KHEDIRA 7 – The typical Khedira performance: worked in the darkness to serve the light. Didn’t put a foot wrong all game and protected the defense impressively.

MARCHISIO 7 – Wonderful assist (which is why I give him a bit extra) but he also struggled badly when Cagliari turned on the heat in the opening half hour. Like the rest of the team, he grew in stature as the game went on and was eventually very comfortable on the ball.

MANDZUKIC 6.5 – A very subdued performance by the Croatian. He spent most of the game playing a functional, defensive role and wasn’t really involved offensively. Still, worked hard for the team as we’re used to from the battling striker-turned-winger!

DYBALA 6 – Despite his tidy assist, he seemed off the pace and quite frustrated all game. Couldn’t find much space to operate in due to Cagliari’s tight defensive lines so he couldn’t really work his magic. At least he got to practice some free-kicks…

Wasn’t quite as active in the danger zone as he would have liked. Seemed to drift more into Cuadrado’s area, interestingly.

Statszone by Opta

CUADRADO 6.5 – A bit of an on-off game for the Colombian. He started off poorly, but then was involved very well for the second goal and enjoyed the freedom of the pitch after the sending-off.

HIGUAÍN 8 – Ruthless, clinical, and fantastic. He’s such a brilliant all-around striker. Since he moved to Juve I’ve really noticed how incredible his hold-up play is, but this game we got to see the side of him we all know best — his finishing. He’s a joy to watch and have in the side!

Subs

PJANIC 6.5 – Shame he didn’t get to take the free-kicks, surely he would have banged one of them in? Tidy and elegant on the ball though, as always.

LEMINA N/A – Nice hairdo, Mario! Probably spent a bit too much with the ever-bored Paul Pogba, right?

Manager

ALLEGRI 7 – Despite a very unconvincing and fatigued start to the game, the team was extremely mature and experienced in the way it handled this potential banana-skin of a match. Credit to Allegri for the psychological management of the game more than anything, but with all these games coming in such a short period of time, he will perhaps need to rotate more to avoid such strained spells of football like in the first half today.

Tactical Analysis – The Two Marcos

Although Livescore tried to confuse me by creatively suggesting a peculiar 3-4-1-2 formation for Cagliari, the Sardinians played nowhere near a formation as ambitious as that. No, it was a plain ol’ 4-4-2 for them. I always find this archaic formation painfully dull to analyze because there’s almost nothing groundbreaking that I can say/analyze about it. And since Juventus’ tactical setup has already been covered in remarkable detail, I thought this was gonna be one of those days where I would have little to write about. Thankfully though, this wasn’t entirely the case, thanks to…The Two Marcos!

Borriello and Sau standing well off the defenders and staying inside their own half as Juventus build an attack. This shortened the distance between midfield and attack.

The two strikers chose to stick very close to their midfield and always dropped off very deep when defending. This kept the side very compact and meant that Di Gennaro and Dessena didn’t have to stray out of their midfield zones into uncomfortable, high positions to deal with Khedira/Marchisio. Instead, they could focus on protecting the defense from the wandering Dybala, who consequently had almost no space to operate in, and the occasional foray forward by Khedira. The Two Marcos weren’t quite as rigorously disciplined as, say, the Lyon forwards were a few months ago in the Champions League, but they performed their job admirably as Juventus struggled for creativity and significant chances. Funny enough, the one time they switched off was when Marchisio was left free to chip the assist for the first goal. Keep your eyes on the prize lads...

Now they’re so deep that Dessena (blue underlined) is almost further forward than they are. Funny enough, Dessena really doesn’t need to be in that position, he can just stay deep and close down Marchisio (circled)

In closing, I do have to highlight something that actually links to why I gave Dybala such a low grade. Generally, 4-4-2s struggle in the middle of the park against three-man central midfields because of the numerical deficit in that zone (2v3) — unless, of course, you’re Croatiaor Atlético Madrid. So I thought, who is our third man that I have to keep an eye on? Yep, Dybala. However, there were two issues here.

First, despite the commentator hoping/calling for the Argentine to play closer to goal, it would actually have been better to play in that danger zone a bit deeper between the lines of defense and midfield. However, the second issue was that Cagliari’s lines were so tight that this danger zone was almost nonexistent. This is something that Atlético especially do so brilliantly and is a way to nullify a key deficiency of the 4-4-2 (but does require extraordinary work-rate, stamina, and discipline).

Anyway, Dybala faced the choice of either playing right next to Higuaín (thus making it a 4-4-2 as well) or drop all the way back and in front of the Cagliari midfield, thus operating very far away from goal (exactly what you want as the opposition). As the earlier passing diagram shows, it seems like he ended up being largely restricted to playing in front of the Cagliari defense and thus put in an underwhelming performance today.

Maybe I’m being harsh, heck maybe I’m underplaying a very impressive, disciplined performance by the home side. Or maybe I just totally misunderstand tactics. Ooh well.

Note: Unfortunately, the sending-off basically ended the tactical contest, so there was really nothing to analyze after the 65^th minute of the match.

Maturity and experience

It wasn’t a pretty match, it wasn’t a match for the neutrals or the aesthetic purists, but it was a match that demonstrated the team’s remarkable maturity and resilience when things aren’t pretty on the pitch. Fatigue can set in and not every game is going to be champagne football, but I was very impressed by how we shrugged off Cagliari’s enthusiastic energy in the opening period to secure a tidy, though somewhat functional and labored, victory in Sardinia. These are games that less mature and experienced sides can easily allow to get to their heads and throw them off-balance, but Juventus just did what they had to do, got the 3-points, and moved on to the next challenge. It was functional and sometimes a bit grim to watch, but heck, not every day is Christmas.

Forza Juve!

Photo by Enrico Locci/Getty Images

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

[Socrates 8526]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CAGLIARI - JUVENTUS

 

 

0-2

 

 

Gonzalo Higuaín 37'

Gonzalo Higuaín 47'

 

 

 

 

 

MATCHDAY 24

 

Sunday, February 12th, 2017 - 8:45 p.m.
Sant'Elía Stadium, Cagliari
Referee: Gianpaolo Calvarese 

 

 

 

Isla: 'Sorry Mum for Juve performance'

 

 

http://www.football-italia.net/98305/isla-sorry-mum-juve-performance

 

 

Feb 13, 2017

 

Cagliari right back Mauricio Isla has apologised to his mother for his performance against former side Juventus on Sunday night.

 

The Chilean was owned by the Bianconeri between 2012 and 2016, spending loan spells with QPR and Marseille during this time.

 

The 29-year-old made 30 appearances in black and white before joining Cagliari for €4m in summer 2016, and apologised for his performance that saw Juventus take all three points with a 2-0 victory.

 

"I was not at my best against Juventus,” Isla told Radiolinea. “I'm sorry because I disappointed my mother who raised me by making so many sacrifices.

 

I did not give more than 60%, and for this I apologise."

 

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

[Socrates 8526]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CAGLIARI - JUVENTUS

 

 

0-2

 

 

Gonzalo Higuaín 37'

Gonzalo Higuaín 47'

 

 

 

 

 

MATCHDAY 24

 

Sunday, February 12th, 2017 - 8:45 p.m.
Sant'Elía Stadium, Cagliari
Referee: Gianpaolo Calvarese 

 

 

 

Cagliari 0-2 Juventus…We march (stroll) ever onwards.

 

 

http://www.juvefc.com/cagliari-0-2-juventus-march-stroll-ever-onwards/

 

 

Feb 13, 2017

 

Player Ratings

Buffon – Was unchallenged for much of the game and when called upon late on in the second Santo Buffon made a world class save to maintain the clean sheet. 7

Bonucci – Managed a few decent passes forward when the opponent was sitting back in the second period. A solid tackle here and there aside, Big Leo was rather quiet on the night, marshalling the opponents with relative ease. 6.5

Chiellini – Was looking lively until what seemed a muscular injury forced him off the field. Made a rather dangerous challenge on the edge of the box for a deserved yellow, but he did take at least some of the ball…alongside the players leg! N/A

Rugani – Appeared early doors for Giorgio and proceeded to keep calm, cover well and dominate from the back. 6.5

Lichtsteiner – Unfortunate to get booked for what seemed a nothing challenge, yet his generally robust approach leaves him liable for cards. After which he kept his head, shored up the back-line though offered little going forward as the areas he likes to get into are more often than not occupied by Cuadrado. Yet he does dovetail with the Colombian more effectively than Alves on most outings. 6.5

Sandro – Rarely seen in the opening period, though showed great stamina to keep motoring through to the death. And barely put a foot wrong throughout. He had little room to operate in beyond the half way line. 6.5

Khedira – Again, the German appeared jaded, though his duties change with Marchiso coming in and he was on hand to offer a steady screen to the rearguard and an option to calm the play down and dictate the tempo. 6

Marchisio – Il principino needs time. And we may not see the best of him for another month or three, just in time for the champions league final! It is a new system with new responsibilities, and his stamina and confidence can only improve through playing competitive fixtures such as this one. Whilst he produced a gorgeous assist for the opener, he also committed a truly wretched tackle on the ankle of an opponent which could well have led to to both broken bones and a red card. Great to see him back. 6.5

Mandzukic – Missed his trademark headed chances late on when the home side tired and were down to ten men, yet the bar thwarted one of his efforts and his work rate remained trojan. It certainly is an odd spectacle to see a target man playing in a hybrid lm/lw role, but for now, it keeps working out fine. 7

Dybala – Needs to practice his shooting and to stop whining and going down too easily. Made an assist yet was nowhere near goal with his scant few strikes. And why the devil was he taking free kicks in Pjanic territory with Miralem in attendance? Still, his work between the lines remains fabulous. He cannot be marked and seems to be enjoying his football. 6

Cuadrado – Made the second with a searing charge forward and was consistently mauled. Considering the amount of passes he misplaces it was bizarre to see him shouting at Lichsteiner at one stage after he had run the ball out of play! Absolutely idiotic booking for blasting the ball – over of course – when he was well aware the play had stopped. 6

Higuain – Superb yet again. His work rate is immense, as is his all round game. And of course his finishing is world class. He is sharp, fit and now has 12 goals from his last 12 games. Just the form we need him in for this stage of the season. Took both goals clinically. 8

Cagliari were solid and played a great game. They were confident, well organised and clearly comfortable on their Sardinian turf. And they offered a test, mainly in terms of committing men forward and breaking them down whilst keeping tight at the back.

Credit is due for a gritty performance which afforded us few chances. Yet, we should have won more handsomely. Chances came more regularly after the red card, though I am happy to see us bombing forward in great numbers. The goals will come in an avalanche sometime soon, but if not, I am content to see us continue to cement the newfound attacking and defensive stability.

We have now gone five games without conceding in the league, and including the coppa tie against AC, our record since that bothersome defeat in Florence reads Played 6, Won 6, scored 11, conceded 1. Very encouraging form indeed.

I am yet to be convinced that Sandro is a more suitable fit for the new system than Asamoah, which is strange for I felt the brazilian’s offensive endeavour would make him clearly superior. Yet when faced with a blockade of defenders, I feel that the battering ram Ghanian might well be as valuable, if not more.

And then there is Marchisio…We need to see him play with Pjanic, for without Miralem we lack creativity. It is tricky to judge his suitability until he is sharp, yet the (very) early signs suggest our best starting XI includes the Khedira-Pjanic fulcrum. Who might simply mesh more seamlessly together. Time will tell. We could well try Claudio in Mario’s position, offer him chance to reprise his former trequartista role. He certainly has the technique and discipline.

One other thing I pondered whilst watching the game was how I see many more goals come as a result of defensive ineptitude in the premier league. Whereas in Italy, it is rare to find a team whose defence can be criticised week in, week out. Which is more than just a comparison of systems and styles. Serie A appears and feels more tactical than the cut and thrust, bomb forward high octane english game, which I still adore, as I have grown up with the game as a major, consistent part of my life.

I watch more english football than italian. And other than the defensive superiority, and I would add, a higher technical level across the squads (in Italy), there is also the officiating which is markedly different. I see tackles fly in which do not even receive a free kick, menacing attacks on the body which don’t find a yellow, with the major points of contention in Italy generally offside debacles. Yet in England there are regular decisions which seem schoolboy errors of officials, even in their direct line of sight. In short, Serie A appears technically superior in the players and officials.

Finally…the Primavera got crunched 4-2 by Sassuolo at the weekend. A hangover perhaps from their midweek exit in the UEFA Youth League to Ajax. The young guns remain top of the league and I will hope they recover swiftly.

Forza Juve

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

[Socrates 8526]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CAGLIARI - JUVENTUS

 

 

0-2

 

 

Gonzalo Higuaín 37'

Gonzalo Higuaín 47'

 

 

 

 

 

MATCHDAY 24

 

Sunday, February 12th, 2017 - 8:45 p.m.
Sant'Elía Stadium, Cagliari
Referee: Gianpaolo Calvarese 

 

 

 

Landmarks of Turin Awards: Juventus vs. Cagliari Edition

 

 

http://www.blackwhitereadallover.com/2017/2/13/14596308/juventus-

cagliari-landmarks-of-turin-awards-2017-serie-a-round-24-match-recap

 

 

Feb 13, 2017

 

One time, I spent 24 hours of pre-transit time in the oceanside city of Cagliari. It was the peak of my glorification of Hemingway, and so I remember sitting with a negroni and the papers outside at some cafe or other, the ocean in sight, the promenade lined with columns, Italians and others waltzing along the shore. I drank many negronis in Italy, and I don’t regret any of them. (Amaretto on the other hand…)

(Side note: Feel free to skip down to the awards if this is interesting or repulsive.)

(Side side note: If, in reading of these vaguely depressing Italian escapades of mine, you find yourself believing I am alcoholic, the answer is a no—sort of. At that time, I 100% had a drinking issue. So. We’ll talk about it later.)

I had spent the previous eight days in the smallish town of Oristano. I had gone alone, and it not being the most visited place in Sardinia I did not see any other American in my time. There was an Irish couple at the bed and breakfast at which I stayed; I heard their lovemaking through the thin walls. At the end of my stay I took the train to Cagliari, where I spent one night, and then flew back to Turin. But in that one night in Cagliari I met these girls who went to Michigan—I was a junior at the University of Iowa—and we had dinner (I think).

All this to say, yay, Cagliari! I love Sardinia. They make this strange liquor out of cactus.

Aperitivi

A tantalizing collection of titillating tidbits.

• Juventus haven’t lost since I started writing for BWRAO. Logic!
• This is the kind of game that tests the mental fortitude of a team. Cagliari are newly-promoted, and they won’t be returning to Series B. The Sardos have scored 32 goals this year, which is only one fewer than Milan. *slow clap for Milan* Of course, Cagliari’s defense is another story, but still.
• Literally 16 seconds into the game you could tell Cagliari weren’t going to pull a Crotone. They threw men forward on the attack, but also threw men back on defense. I actually thought Cagliari played quite well. But thank the deities that they didn’t give us another all eleven in the box scenario.
• I watched on fuboTV, which has been mostly great, and it was going great until, for a brief moment, it failed. And that, because this is how the universe works, is when Principino threaded a flawless pass to Pipita, who did a normal Pipita thing and scored. And I didn’t see it live.
• I get it! beIN sports. Like, be in sports. Be inside of them. Wait, that can’t be right.
• Paulo Dybala wants a goal sooooooo bad. I wonder what was happening in the conversations — two of them! — between Miralem Pjanic and him when La Joya lined up the free kicks. (Coach advice: Let Pjanic take them.)
• Other coach advice: Cagliari is clearly better with 10 men. If I were their manager, I would have one player assassinate — not literally — the other team’s best player, which would be a win-win; my team would be down to the Cagliari-optimal number of ten players, and the opposition would be down their best player. Imagine if Gonzalo Higuain had been sidelined!
• (If Crotone had done this, it would have been fine since the stadium is literally next to a hospital. Heh.)

Onto the awards:

Sidewalk of Turin Award

For a weak(ish) performance masked by other factors.

Alex Sandro, save one or two lazy turnovers, was fine on defense. I (sort of) mean that as a compliment. With Sandro and Mario Mandžukić on the left side of the pitch, I rarely worry about an opponent attacking from that side. It just seems an impossibility, or at least a high improbability. (The Stephan Lichtsteiner/Juan Cuadrado side, however, is periodically disconcerting to me.)

I did think, though, that Sandro was overly tentative pushing forward Sunday night. Most everything Juventus created against Cagliari originated on the right side. I realize that part of that is pure tactics, since moving forward on the right wing means Mandžukić drifts into the center, giving us both the Croat and Pipita to target, but over the last couple games Juve have seen great success attacking from the left as well, and that wasn’t the case tonight. Sandro looked a bit listless. Sorry, buddy, you’re the sidewalk tonight.

Piazza San Carlo Award

For a potentially overlooked yet stellar showing.

There are a number of players who might win this. I considered Dybala — I thought Chuks was a little tough on La Joya, considering he tallied one assist, nearly had a second with his cross to Mandžukić, and came oh-so-close to scoring — but eventually passed, because for all the merits of the 4-2-3-1, one of the only faults so far is that it seems to have stranded poor Dybala. One game he plays too far into the midfield, and the next he plays too far forward; Sunday night was the latter, with Dybala actually playing higher than Higuain. He looks confused and unsure, but his raw talent is such that even so he remains dangerous. Allegri needs to figure this out. Higuain is rolling, and if Allegri can harness Dybala’s talent as well then the Champions League might need to really watch out.

Instead, though, I think Marchisio deserves it. Of course his assist was beautiful. Pipita was onside by an inch, and Il Principino was quite aware of this. Of course his distribution was steady. But the merit in this performance was, after weeks of tiny injuries, the ability to step into what, for Marchisio, was a different role as one of two midfielders since the fully committed switch to the 4-2-3-1, and play as if he were born into a hospital full of babies perfectly formed into a 4-2-3-1 (who are we kidding, this is a possibility).

Lingotto Award

For a notable demonstration in both grit and flair.

Youthful Daniele Rugani hopped onto the team plane in Turin believing he was to enjoy a restful weekend in Sardinia with the other lads. He probably brought his comfiest pajamas and a good crime novel, maybe some bubble bath for the hotel room, and then Giorgio Chiellini got hurt. My recollection of the moment is probably skewed, but it seemed like to me that Rugani somehow foresaw, as if he were capable of peering into the future, Chiellini’s injury, because as soon as Chiellini threw his hand up Rugani was standing by the third official looking buoyant and ready, like a kid who gets thrown into a game with the older kids (which is sort of what happens every time Rugani plays).

Rugani did nothing absolutely spectacular, but he did nothing poor. His clearances were on point, his distribution was solid, but most importantly he performed well on a day when the resting assumption was, er, that he would be resting.

Parco Valentino Award

For an urbane demeanor distributed amongst the squad.

As Danny mentioned yesterday, Buffon’s save demonstrated two qualities, the more subtle of which being the reason that really sets Gigi in a class of his own. The most obvious was the sheer athleticism — 39-year-olds shouldn’t be able to do that — the physical grace, the strength of arm and hand, the vision. In other words, the physical requirements to make a save like that are something that very, very few keepers possess.

The more impressive feat, however, was the sustained mental fortitude.

For the vast majority of the match, thanks to the defense Juventus wield, Buffon, more or less, had nothing to do. I’ve always wondered what — in these types of games, as Gigi meanders from post to post, occasionally venturing out to tap a ball to one of his center back s— the big Tuscan thinks about. Tonight I received my answer: absolutely nothing. Absolutely nothing besides the tactics of what’s in front of him. And that’s what separates Buffon: not the animal explosiveness to reach out and make a save like he did, but that, in a game with nothing to do, in a moment facing a laser beam of a shot, his mind instantaneously triggered the movement. Welcome to your second Parco Valentino, you handsome man, you.

Giuseppe Garibaldi Award

For the man of the match.

There is a man from Argentina whose nickname is ‘Pipita.’ He puts the ball in the net with absolutely no regrets. (I’ll stop. I always sucked at poetry.)

Higuain is the master finisher. He is the clinic where clinicians go to get their PhD in clinicalness. He is the surgeon surgeons call for surgery, so specific and decisive are his sallies on goal. He actually prefers that you only give him a tiny sliver of space to score, because he never stops practicing his incisions.

Holy hedgehogs, how impeccable was Higuain’s performance? I’ve made comments similar to this before, and similar to Danny’s above about Gigi, but I think against teams like Cagliari and Crotone, in the very busy spans of the season — Juve play Friday against Palermo! — teams that are really gun-shy and not wanting to press forward, it can be tempting for players to mentally check out. In tiny spurts, those mental lapses can be innocuous. But in decisive moments, those mental lapses, for weaker players, can cause tangible mistakes. This was not the case for Higuain.

This edition’s theme is mental resolve, and what a display it was: Buffon’s composure after a placid hour, Rugani’s ability to play well with rest as the expectation, Marchisio’s stepping flawlessly into a new formation, and Higuain’s precision on a night of few chances.

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

[Socrates 8526]

 

 

 

 

 

 

ESPN FC writers' Champions League

round-of-16 predictions

 

http://www.espnfc.co.uk/uefa-champions-league/2/blog/post/3057572/

espn-fc-writers-champions-league-round-of-16-predictions

 

 

Feb 13, 2017

 

 

Which eight clubs will make it through to the Champions League quarterfinals? Here are our writers' predictions.

Gab Marcotti

Barcelona, Borussia Dortmund, Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, Atletico Madrid, Manchester City, Leicester, Juventus.

Mark Ogden

Barcelona, Borussia Dortmund, Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, Atletico Madrid, Manchester City, Sevilla, Juventus.

Graham Hunter

Barcelona, Borussia Dortmund, Napoli, Bayern Munich, Atletico Madrid, Manchester City, Sevilla, Juventus.

Iain Macintosh

Barcelona, Borussia Dortmund, Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, Atletico Madrid, Monaco, Sevilla, Juventus.

Sid Lowe

Paris Saint-Germain, Benfica, Napoli, Arsenal, Bayer Leverkusen, Monaco, Leicester, Porto.

James Horncastle

Barcelona, Borussia Dortmund, Napoli, Arsenal, Atletico Madrid, Monaco, Sevilla, Juventus.

Tony Evans

Barcelona, Benfica, Real Madrid, Arsenal, Atletico Madrid, Monaco, Sevilla, Juventus.

Raphael Honigstein

Paris Saint-Germain, Borussia Dortmund, Napoli, Bayern Munich, Bayer Leverkusen, Monaco, Sevilla, Juventus.

John Brewin

Barcelona, Borussia Dortmund, Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, Atletico Madrid, Monaco, Sevilla, Juventus.

Nick Ames

Barcelona, Borussia Dortmund, Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, Atletico Madrid, Manchester City, Leicester, Juventus.

David Hirshey

Barcelona, Borussia Dortmund, Real Madrid, Arsenal, Atletico Madrid, Manchester City, Sevilla, Juventus.

ESPN Deportes

Barcelona, Borussia Dortmund, Napoli, Bayern Munich, Atletico Madrid, Manchester City, Sevilla, Juventus.

ESPN Argentina

Barcelona, Borussia Dortmund, Napoli, Bayern Munich, Atletico Madrid, Monaco, Sevilla, Juventus.

[Socrates 8526]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

JUVENTUS - PALERMO

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

MATCHDAY 25

 

Friday, February 17th, 2017 - 8:45 p.m.
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Marco Di Bello 

 

 

 

Allegri: ‘Forget Champions League’

 

http://www.football-italia.net/98449/allegri-‘forget-champions-league’

 

 

Feb 16, 2017

 

Massimiliano Allegri warns his Juventus players to ignore the Champions League and focus on Palermo - “any mistake could cost us dear”.

 

The Bianconeri welcome the Sicilian side tomorrow, ahead of Tuesday’s trip to face Porto.

 

“We need to keep any thought of that out of our head by force, because tomorrow is a game we need to win,” Allegri cautioned in his pre-match Press conference.

 

“League titles come from these games. Among other things, since [Diego] Lopez took over at Palermo they’ve had a win, a draw and a defeat at home.

 

“They’re a more organised team, who don’t allow space so we have to be technically quick, aggressive and above all aware that we can’t slip-up.

 

“There are fewer than 14 games to go until the end of the season, and any mistake could cost us dear.

 

“So we need to have the right attitude. We’ll see tomorrow whether the ball goes in or not, but we can’t get our attitude wrong. The lads know that, and they’re very responsible.”

 

Allegri was then asked about Miralem Pjanic’s condition, as the Bosnian missed the win over Cagliari.

 

“Pjanic is fine, at least… I usually get a call from the doctor in the morning, and when I see this doctor’s number come up…

 

“This morning the call never came, so I said to myself ‘the doctor must have died this morning’!

 

"He [Pjanic] is available."

 

 

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

[Socrates 8526]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

JUVENTUS - PALERMO

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

MATCHDAY 25

 

Friday, February 17th, 2017 - 8:45 p.m.
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Marco Di Bello 

 

 

 

Allegri: ‘Pjaca must work harder’

 

http://www.football-italia.net/98451/allegri-‘pjaca-must-work-harder’

 

 

Feb 16, 2017

 

Marko Pjaca could start for Juventus tomorrow, confirms Max Allegri, but “to reach certain levels he has to start pedalling”.

 

The Bianconeri face Palermo tomorrow ahead of their Champions League clash with Porto, and the Coach was asked about rotation.

 

“I’ll have to evaluate tomorrow and then I’ll decide,” Allegri explained in his pre-match Press conference.

 

“[Giorgio] Chiellini and [Andrea] Barzagli are recovering, so between tomorrow and Sunday we’ll know whether they’ll be available for Wednesday.

 

“We have [Daniele] Rugani, [Leonardo] Bonucci and [Medhi] Benatia. Benatia is very good, he came back from the Africa Cup of Nations in good condition.

 

“Rugani has grown a lot and I’m very happy with him, Bonucci is the same because after his injury he needed a few games to get back into condition.

 

“Tomorrow it will be 300 Juventus games for Leonardo, an important goal for a player who has grown a lot since he arrived at Juventus, both technically and in terms of personality.

 

“He has become a mainstay on and off the pitch, even if there’s always room to improve. So tomorrow one of Benatia or Rugani will play.

 

“Stefano Sturaro? Sturaro could play, it depends whether we go with a front four or with three central midfielders.

 

“I have to evaluate, because with [Mario] Mandzukic out we need to figure out how we’ll play. But he’ll definitely have space from the start or during the game.

 

“Gigi [Buffon] plays tomorrow. Then we’ll see for the Champions League… At Porto Buffon won’t play [said with a laugh]!

 

“Tomorrow we’ll put someone in place of Mandzukic or play with three in the middle, if we play with four attackers then Sturaro or Pjaca could take the place of Mandzukic.

 

“Pjaca though must start understanding that to reach certain levels he needs to start pedalling, because football isn’t just about technique, it’s about sacrifice and availability.

 

“He has great quality, but we’re Juve and if you want to become a great player you need the right mindset.”

 

 

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

[Socrates 8526]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

JUVENTUS - PALERMO

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

MATCHDAY 25

 

Friday, February 17th, 2017 - 8:45 p.m.
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Marco Di Bello 

 

 

 

Di Bello for Juventus-Palermo

 

http://www.football-italia.net/98452/valeri-milan-fiorentina

 

 

Feb 16, 2017

 

Paolo Valeri is the referee for Milan-Fiorentina, as the officials for Week 25 of Serie A are announced.

 

The Rossoneri welcome Paulo Sousa’s side to San Siro on Sunday night, with both sides harbouring Europa League ambitions.

 

Today the AIA has announced that Paolo Valeri will officiate the match, having last refereed the Diavolo in their 4-2 defeat to Napoli in August.

 

On that occasion, M’Baye Niang and Juraj Kucka were both dismissed by the official.

 

Elsewhere, Marco Di Bello will take charge of tomorrow’s Juventus-Palermo game, with Massimiliano Irrati in charge as Napoli visit Chievo.

 

 

Serie A Week 25 referees:

 

Atalanta-Crotone - Luca Banti
Bologna-Inter - Paolo Mazzoleni
Chievo-Napoli - Massimiliano Irrati
Empoli-Lazio - Nicola Rizzoli
Juventus-Palermo - Marco Di Bello
Milan-Fiorentina - Paolo Valeri
Pescara-Genoa - Eugenio Abbattista
Roma-Torino - Marco Guida
Sampdoria-Cagliari - Davide Massa
Udinese-Sassuolo - Paolo Tagliavento

 

 

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

[Socrates 8526]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

JUVENTUS - PALERMO

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

MATCHDAY 25

 

Friday, February 17th, 2017 - 8:45 p.m.
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Marco Di Bello 

 

 

 

Lopez: ‘Palermo need possession’

 

http://www.football-italia.net/98457/lopez-‘palermo-need-possession’

 

 

Feb 16, 2017

 

Palermo Coach Diego Lopez warns they must “do better in possession” against Juventus tomorrow.

 

The Rosanero are eight points adrift of Serie A safety, and travel to Turin tomorrow to meet the League leaders.

 

“It’s nice to play against Juventus,” Diego Lopez insisted in his pre-match Press conference.

 

“These are important and fascinating games. We have to play our game without fear. It’s also nice to play in a new and passionate stadium.

 

“We need to take the game against Napoli as an example, we need to do better in possession because when you go to these stadiums you need to find your teammates who are in space.

 

“I think the speed at which you move the ball is crucial, and tomorrow we have to play with the ball a lot.”

 

 

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

[Socrates 8526]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

JUVENTUS - PALERMO

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

MATCHDAY 25

 

Friday, February 17th, 2017 - 8:45 p.m.
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Marco Di Bello 

 

 

 

Juventus - Palermo Match Preview

 

http://www.football-italia.net/SerieA/match/preview/88070

 

 

Feb 16, 2017

 

Juventus have to make changes, but hope to continue their winning run as struggling Palermo come to Turin.

 

The Rosanero are in last chance saloon territory following the latest in a long line of defeats, this time at the hands of high-flying Atalanta. Gian Piero Gasperini’s side emerged with a 3-1 win, leaving the Sicilians eight points adrift of safety and relying on help elsewhere to complete the great escape.  

 

Palermo’s slim survival hopes will fall largely at the feet of forward Ilija Nestorovski. The Macedonian striker has reportedly caught the eye of teams in Spain and has given a good account of himself, with a return of nine league goals this campaign. This tally accounts for nearly half of Palermo’s goal haul, making the achievement even more impressive.

 

In midfield, the mercurial Alessandro Diamanti is pushing for a start and could prove a shrewd selection. The journeyman Italian is inconsistent but talented, and may provide that little bit of genius to unsettle the Juventus backline.

 

For hosts Juventus, it’s business as usual. Max Allegri’s side are going from strength to strength in the league and have a Champions League Round of 16 clash against Porto to look forward to next week. But, Allegri will not let his troops rest on their laurels and will expect a typically ruthless display from his match day squad.

 

The Bianconeri will be without the suspended Mario Mandzukic, after the burly hitman picked up his fifth booking of the season in the routine 2-0 victory over Cagliari. Mandzukic will be missed, as the forward’s industry and selflessness has contributed heavily to the success of the daring 4-2-3-1 formation. Orthodox wide man Marko Pjaca is expected to deputise in what would be a rare start for the summer signing from Dinamo Zagreb.

 

In defence, Giorgio Chiellini is unlikely to be match fit, having hobbled off with a thigh injury at the Sant'Elia, leaving the runaway leaders with just three recognised centre-backs. Daniele Rugani should win the battle with Mehdi Benatia and partner Leonardo Bonucci at the heart of the defence, while veteran Andrea Barzagli is also expected to miss out.

 

Allegri must also decide whether to reinstate Miralem Pjanic to the starting XI or keep faith with Claudio Marchisio and Sami Khedira at the base of midfield.

 

Keep an eye on: Juan Cuadrado (Juventus) - The electric Colombian has been one of the main beneficiaries of the switch in formation. Cuadrado has repaid Allegri’s faith with the stunning winning goal against rivals Inter and has earned the right to call himself a first team regular. When in full flow, the winger is a joy to watch and an unstoppable force down the right flank.

 

Form guide: Juventus (W W W W L) Palermo (L W D L L)

 

Last season: Juventus 4-0 Palermo

 

Stat fact: Palermo have lost their last nine meetings with Juventus, home and away, conceding 18 goals and scoring zero. The visitors recorded their most recent victory in September 2010, winning 3-1.

 

Top tip: Juventus to score in both halves.

 

Juventus (probable): Buffon; Lichtsteiner, Bonucci, Rugani, Alex Sandro; Marchisio, Khedira; Cuadrado, Dybala, Pjaca; Higuain

Suspended: Mandzukic

 

Palermo (probable): Posavec; Rispoli, Gonzalez, Goldaniga, Pezzella; Bruno Henrique, Jajalo, Chochev; Embalo, Nestorovski, Trajkovski

Suspended: None

 

 

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

[Socrates 8526]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

JUVENTUS - PALERMO

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

MATCHDAY 25

 

Friday, February 17th, 2017 - 8:45 p.m.
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Marco Di Bello 

 

 

 

Juventus lose trio for Palermo

 

http://www.football-italia.net/98465/juventus-lose-trio-palermo

 

 

Feb 16, 2017

 

Juventus miss Mario Mandzukic, Giorgio Chiellini and Andrea Barzagli for Friday’s encounter with Palermo.

 

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

 

Striker Mandzukic is currently suspended and therefore has to sit this one out after being a key figure in the 4-2-3-1 formation.

 

The Bianconeri have won all five rounds since adopting this system.

 

There are changes forced at the back too, as Chiellini and Barzagli are injured.

 

Juventus squad for Palermo: Buffon, Benatia, Pjanic, Khedira, Marchisio, Higuain, Alex Sandro, Lemina, Bonucci, Pjaca, Dybala, Asamoah, Dani Alves, Rugani, Neto, Lichtsteiner, Sturaro, Rincon, Audero, Kean

 

 

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

[Socrates 8526]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

JUVENTUS - PALERMO

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

MATCHDAY 25

 

Friday, February 17th, 2017 - 8:45 p.m.
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Marco Di Bello 

 

 

 

Allegri says Pjaca needs to work harder

 

Manager’s pre-match comments ahead of Friday game

 

http://www.blackwhitereadallover.com/2017/2/16/14638176/allegri-says-pjaca

-needs-to-work-harder-juventus-forget-champions-league-focus-palermo

 

 

Feb 16, 2017

 

Juventus take on Palermo tomorrow in a game brought forward because of the Bianconeri’s upcoming Champions League game next week. Manager Massimiliano Allegri spoke to the press in his regular pre-game press conference.

“I’ll have to evaluate tomorrow and then I’ll decide. Giorgio Chiellini and Andrea Barzagli are recovering, so between tomorrow and Sunday we’ll know whether they’ll be available for Wednesday.

“We have Daniele Rugani, Leonardo Bonucci and Medhi Benatia. Benatia is very good, he came back from the Africa Cup of Nations in good condition.

“Rugani has grown a lot and I’m very happy with him, Bonucci is the same because after his injury he needed a few games to get back into condition.

“Tomorrow it will be 300 Juventus games for Leonardo, an important goal for a player who has grown a lot since he arrived at Juventus, both technically and in terms of personality.

“He has become a mainstay on and off the pitch, even if there’s always room to improve. So tomorrow one of Benatia or Rugani will play.”

What about his midfield options?

“Stefano Sturaro? Sturaro could play, it depends whether we go with a front four or with three central midfielders.

“I have to evaluate, because with Mario Mandzukic out we need to figure out how we’ll play. But he’ll definitely have space from the start or during the game.

“Tomorrow we’ll put someone in place of Mandzukic or play with three in the middle, if we play with four attackers then Sturaro or Pjaca could take the place of Mandzukic.”

Miralem Pjanic missed Juve’s last game.

“Pjanic is fine, at least… I usually get a call from the doctor in the morning, and when I see this doctor’s number come up…

“This morning the call never came, so I said to myself ‘the doctor must have died this morning’!

"He [Pjanic] is available."

He then said a little bit more about Marko Pjaca.

“Pjaca though must start understanding that to reach certain levels he needs to start pedalling, because football isn’t just about technique, it’s about sacrifice and availability.

“He has great quality, but we’re Juve and if you want to become a great player you need the right mindset.”

Allegri even joked about goalkeeper-captain Gianluigi Buffon -

“Gigi Buffon plays tomorrow. Then we’ll see for the Champions League… At Porto Buffon won’t play!”

As far as focusing on the opponents at hand, including the aforementioned trip to Porto on Tuesday.

“We need to keep any thought of that out of our head by force, because tomorrow is a game we need to win. League titles come from these games. Among other things, since Diego Lopez took over at Palermo they’ve had a win, a draw and a defeat at home.

“They’re a more organised team, who don’t allow space so we have to be technically quick, aggressive and above all aware that we can’t slip-up.

“There are fewer than 14 games to go until the end of the season, and any mistake could cost us dear.

“So we need to have the right attitude. We’ll see tomorrow whether the ball goes in or not, but we can’t get our attitude wrong. The lads know that, and they’re very responsible.”

He was asked what he thought about the four games this week.

“First of all I enjoyed them a lot. When you see these games there are always some tips you can take from them, things you can put into practice and learn. The two Champions League days were good ones, there was absolute technical quality in the players and in the teams.

“It proved that Paris Saint-Germain are a top team, physically and technically they’re on the top level. I didn’t think they’d beat Barcelona so heavily, but they always had the potential to beat them.

“As for yesterday, compliments to Napoli for the game they played, it wasn’t easy to play against Madrid, especially for Napoli who don’t have a lot of international experience.

“So they had a good game against a Real Madrid side which has players of the highest technical level. You just have to look at Luka Modric, with three passes out wide he put the ball at Cristiano Ronaldo’s feet.

“That wasn’t about pressure, tactics or technique, just the technique of individual players and it’s beautiful to see. But Napoli played a good match. De Laurentiis? First of all, I’ll never spout off about what a President can and can’t say.

“One thing I will say and repeat is that Sarri deserves compliments for the work he’s doing in Naples and for yesterday’s game because Napoli aren’t beaten yet, they have the opportunity to overturn the result at home.

“I repeat, Napoli played a good game, a top game, all things considered. They faced Real Madrid, and that’s important European experience.”

And finally, his thoughts on if Juventus were up to the standard required to compete with Madrid, PSG and Bayern.

“No, we have to improve. Definitely on a mental level we have to be up there with Real, Paris, Barcelona and Bayern Munich.

“Some people had doubts about Bayern Munich this year and thought they wouldn’t progress, in fact they’ll do it very calmly as the Germans are always hard to beat. They have character and technical quality.

“Juventus need to improve. I think this is the time where we have to push hard to improve the quality of our play and the speed of our passing, partly because we have excellent players and that’s why we have to improve on this, because only the team can take us forward in Europe.

“Just look at the level of Real Madrid yesterday and the difficulties Napoli encountered.”

 

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

[Socrates 8526]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

JUVENTUS - PALERMO

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

MATCHDAY 25

 

Friday, February 17th, 2017 - 8:45 p.m.
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Marco Di Bello 

 

 

 

Pjaca should learn from Mandzukic

that hard work can trump technique

 

http://www.espnfc.co.uk/club/juventus/111/blog/post/3062410/juventus-pjaca

-should-learn-from-mandzukic-that-hard-work-sometimes-trumps-technique

 

 

Feb 17, 2017

 

Juventus is hosting Palermo on Friday evening, but all anyone can think of is how Juve will fare in the Champions League against Porto on Wednesday. The recent midweek fixtures produced a few surprises, and while certain score lines grabbed the headlines, most would agree that no team has consistently proved to be brilliant.

Paris Saint-Germain looked convincing, but certain mediocre performances in the group stage and in the league have caused many to wonder if manager Unai Emery's team can keep it up. Barcelona were so poor that it's difficult to reach a definitive conclusion about their quality. Real Madrid proved that they can always be counted upon, yet their domestic form of late has brought up concerns as well, while Bayern Munich have defeated teams without breaking a sweat. Having barely had to raise the level of their game all season, will they manage it at the very end?

This leaves Juventus with the hope that perhaps this season their consistency will translate into something more than domestic success, especially considering the competition. Boasting a new formation that has revived the team's offensive game, Juventus are operating with greater confidence. Armed with a good tactician and a somewhat easier fixture than they imagined, will Juventus thump Porto to prove their might or leave manager Max Allegri and the fans in a state of anxiety, as occurred against Monaco two seasons ago?

However, Allegri -- the consummate one-match-at-a-time manager -- does not want to think about Porto yet. While the Champions League trophy has turned into somewhat of an obsession, Allegri is pragmatic and realistic. He wants the team to focus on Palermo, not because he's worried about a loss but because his side must have their feet planted firmly on the ground, taking nothing for granted.

The Rosanero have proved interesting to watch in recent weeks. They held Napoli to a 1-1 draw, defeated Crotone, and lost to high-flying Atalanta. In Diego Lopez, they have a coach who genuinely believes they will escape relegation and isn't afraid to tinker and adapt. Against Juve on Friday evening, he will reportedly change shapes and play a 3-4-3 formation.

Playing in a more organised fashion, Palermo are learning how to frustrate their opponents and would love to spring another surprise, much as they managed against Maurizio Sarri's Napoli.

Mired in the relegation zone, Palermo's league position proves they aren't the greatest of teams. But Allegri is rightly concerned that arrogance will strip his Juve side of the hunger to constantly work, to remain focused for the entirety of the match and seal the win. European honours are coveted, but so is a sixth straight Scudetto.

With Mario Mandzukic suspended, Allegri is considering changing to the 4-3-1-2 formation, with Miralem Pjanic in the hole behind Gonzalo Higuain and former Palermo player Paulo Dybala. It seems Allegri isn't yet convinced of Marko Pjaca's ability to perform in a fashion that's similar to his absent compatriot in the 4-2-3-1 formation.

Pjaca showed some good signs in his debut match as a starter against Crotone, but Allegri continues to note how important it is for the Croatian international to provide more than technical elegance on the ball. Mandzukic, who can at times appear technically limited, works so hard for the side that he is the example to follow. That he recovered more lost balls than any other player in Juve's match against Cagliari is worthy of applause. Watching him run back and forth while Higuain roams all around to score and create, it's easy to understand what Juventus and Allegri want from their players.

Allegri has said: "Pjaca must start understanding that to reach certain levels he needs to start pedalling, because football isn't just about technique, it's about sacrifice and availability. He has great quality, but we're Juve, and if you want to become a great player you need the right mindset."

That means wanting to sacrifice. There are many beautiful players in the world of football, but not all are willing to work hard to earn the trophies. There is a reason why Real Madrid sold Mesut Ozil, an elegant player often criticised for his lack of consistency, and why the biggest clubs in the world are vying for Alexis Sanchez -- one of the few who has learnt to fight relentlessly, making an impact in practically every game he plays.

Pjaca must earn his right to play, and that might involve sacrificing his dribbles to win back possession and create space for others to shine. The chances being offered are few and far between, so if Pjaca is picked for Palermo, he must work hard to secure future appearances and Allegri's trust.

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

[Socrates 8526]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

JUVENTUS - PALERMO

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

MATCHDAY 25

 

Friday, February 17th, 2017 - 8:45 p.m.
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Marco Di Bello 

 

 

 

Juventus vs Palermo Match Preview

 

 

http://www.juvefc.com/juventus-vs-palermo-match-preview-scouting-2/

 

 

Feb 17, 2017

 

Juventus v Palermo

Serie A Week 26 –  Friday, 16th February – 19:45 GMT – Juventus Stadium

---

Juventus

Last Sunday, the lads did their job against Cagliari. Like in the Crotone game, Bianconeri took their time to find the way to punish the opponents, who started the game very well, but eventually found the lead with Gonzalo Higuain, who then doubled his score and sealed the game. Not a stellar performance by any stretch, and the squad seems to playing down the opponent a little bit, but still good enough to come away with three points and continue marching.

Before it is time for Champions League football, Juventus take on Palermo, the third worst team in the League. The game has been moved to Friday because of the Porto game, a welcomed improvement compared to the last seasons, so some heavy rotation is not necessarily needed because of the extended layoff, but it is still planned to keep everybody fresh.

The injury bug continues to hit the defence: Andrea Barzagli and Giorgio Chiellini are dealing with minor hamstring problems and they are at risk also for Wednesday. Luckily for Juventus, Daniele Rugani has been on a steady rise since he started played more often and also Medhi Benatia is pretty dependable. One of the two will start in a defence completed by Dani Alves, Leonardo Bonucci and probably Kwadwo Asamoah.

Mario Mandzukic is suspended so there will be some changes upfront as well. Allegri hinted that he may revert back to a three-man midfield, but at this point Marko Pjaca is still the favourite to start at his natural position on the left wing. Otherwise, Stefano Sturaro would get the nod. It is always very interesting to see how Allegri deals with youngsters: in the pre-game presser he has strongly invited Pjaca basically to run and defend more because “football is not only technique, but also sacrifice and availability.” The coach is asking the winger to step up now that he is seeing the field and hopefully he can have an impact. Withouth Mandzukic, who defends like a fullback, there could be some balance issues, however it would be a pity if the coach did not give Pjaca a chance in an easy home game.

While they would be all starting with a different scheme, only two between Sami Khedira, Claudio Marchisio and Miralem Pjanic would feature with 4-2-3-1. The Bosnian has been held out lately because of a sore foot, but nothing too serious since he still made some cameos. The most logical candidate for resting would be Khedira, but we will see as the coach praised him for being able to pace himself. Mario Lemina played few minutes against Cagliari, so there are plenty of options available to switch to a more numerous midfield.

No Mandzukic means that Gonzalo Higuain and Paulo Dybala will have to wait to get their day off. Dybala will be facing his former team, which is usually always very motivating. The main point for Juventus will have to be focusing on the current opponent and not look ahead at the Porto clash.

 

Probable lineup: 

4-2-3-1: Buffon; Alves, Bonucci, Rugani, Asamoah; Marchisio, Pjanic; Cuadrado, Dybala, Pjaca; Higuain.

Injuries:

Chiellini (hamstring), Barzagli (hamstring), Mandragora (foot).

Suspensions:

Mandzukic.

 

Palermo

After getting real close last season, it looks like Palermo are destined to return to Serie B this year. The relegation race has been dismal so far as Rosanero, Crotone and Pescara have collected to little points, making everybody’s else life in the outskirts of the table so much easier. The volcanic president Maurizio Zampari has gone through so many coaches and executives that he finally broke the toy.

They started the season with Davide Ballardini at the helm and Daniele Faggiano as sporting director. Then they made an ambitious hire, the rookie Roberto De Zerbi, a young coach who will probably have a very good career but was a little out of his depth due to a direct jump from Lega Pro to Serie A. Faggiano left, replaced first by Dario Simic and then by Nicola Salermo as the transfer market guy, and they tried to improve things on the bench with Eugenio Corini and then finally Diego Lopez. Not acquiring any decent reinforcement in January was an interesting move. The former Cagliari coach had a good start but decisively lost the last home game against Atalanta.

They have two fundamentals problems: the squad is so little talented that no coach is going to fix that with tactical changes. They sold Franco Vazquez this summer and the wheels came off as they lost their main reference point. The only bright spot has been Ilija Nestorovski, who has scored nine goals so far, but he is a finisher and they miss somebody who can create for him and for others and carry the team. Just as Robin Quaison was starting to assume that role, they decided to cash in on him because he had an expiring contract. Secondly, they have an horrendous home record: four points in twelve games at Barbera. If you want to avoid relegation, you have to at least defend your own turf. They are OK on the road but that has not made up for the home struggles.

Their defence is very leaky and at times gift opponents some easy goals. At the club they are trying to talk up the goalkeeper Josip Posavec and the centre-back Edoardo Goldaniga, maybe hoping someone would take the bait and pay a pretty penny to have them in the summer, but they alternate good performances with unwatchable blunders. They are dealing with few notable injuries: Giuseppe Pezzella picked up a significant hamstring strain and will miss a couple of months, while also Slobodan Rajkovic has been dealing with a calf ailment for quite a while. Also sidelined is the new striker Stefan Silva.

Diego Lopez has been using 4-3-3 in the last three games, but he should opt for 3-4-3 in this one. Toni Sunjic or Thiago Cionek will supplant one of the usual starting midfielders, likely Ivaylo Chochev. Andrea Rispoli and Haitam Aleesami will be the wing backs, with Bruno Henrique and one between Andrea Gazzi and Mato Jajalo in the midfield. Upfront, the coach should give a chance to Norbert Balogh, who can play wide despite being a giant, replacing Carlos Embalo. The last spot will go to Aleksandar Traijkovski, even though it is possible that Diamanti manages to sneak into the XI because of his experience. They could also decide to bulk up the midfield and go with a two-man attack and at that point Chochev would be the frontrunner to start.

To my account, they have tried at least three different systems and they will be going for the fourth. The roster is probably built best for 3-5-2, but that has not been successful. The continous changes has not allowed them to build a proper identity. The one constant, despite all the losing, is that they have generaly been able to find the bottom of the net on the road.

Probable lineup: 

3-4-3: Posavec; Sunjic, Gonzalez, Goldaniga; Rispoli, Henrique, Gazzi, Aleesami; Balogh, Nestorovski, Trajkovski. 

Injuries:

Pezzella (hamstring), Rajkovic (calf), Silva (hamstring), Fulignati.

Suspensions:

None.

 

Formation

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

[Socrates 8526]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

JUVENTUS - PALERMO

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

MATCHDAY 25

 

Friday, February 17th, 2017 - 8:45 p.m.
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Marco Di Bello 

 

 

 

Zamparini: 'Dybala the new Messi'

 

http://www.football-italia.net/98487/zamparini-dybala-new-messi

 

 

Feb 17, 2017

 

Palermo President Maurizio Zamparini trusts Paulo Dybala “is now worth €150m. He’s the new Leo Messi” for Juventus.

 

La Joya was sold to the Turin giants in the summer of 2015 for €32m, but his price-tag has sky-rocketed.

 

“I watch the games and Dybala looks like the best player out there. Anyone who criticises him is mad, because Dybala is the new Leo Messi. He will become a player like that and is already reaching that level,” Zamparini told Tuttosport.

 

“Did you see the game against Cagliari? Who else can send Gonzalo Higuain clear on goal in the best situation to score?”

 

There have already been reports of an exit with Barcelona, Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain interested.

 

“Beppe Marotta is a friend and I’d like Dybala to stay at Juventus. In my view the club can afford a player like this, even though there will certainly be offers.

 

“After all, world class players are wanted everywhere. As far as I can tell, Dybala is worth €150m. I’ve been telling him since he first arrived that he was destined for greatness.

 

“And to think some of my Coaches left him on the bench at Palermo. Don’t remind me…”

 

Zamparini is also impressed by Dybala’s Juventus and Argentina teammate Gonzalo Higuain.

 

“He is an extraordinary and unique striker. He was born to score goals. With his characteristics, he is the best centre-forward in the world, but then you have different types of central striker.

 

“He really reminds me of Gunnar Nordahl, a forward with great technique and physical strength. Higuain is Higuain – if you give him the right service, he’ll put it in the back of the net.

 

“I believe Juventus can win the Champions League. It requires a certain maturity and Napoli proved against Real Madrid that they don’t have that yet.”

 

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

[Socrates 8526]

 

 

 

Sacchi: 'Barca are dead, Juve step in'

 

http://www.football-italia.net/98492/sacchi-barca-are-dead-juve-step

 

 

Feb 17, 2017

 

“The Barcelona King is dead and Juventus can slip on to the throne,” mused Arrigo Sacchi of the Champions League race.

 

The first leg ties in the Round of 16 provided many talking points for former Milan and Italy tactician Sacchi, above all Barcelona’s 4-0 mauling by Paris Saint-Germain.

 

“The Barcelona King is dead,” declared Sacchi in La Gazzetta dello Sport. “There is another sovereign who continues to impose his rule, Real Madrid, but also space for a newcomer to slip on to the throne.

 

“I see Juventus perfectly suited for that role. They are improving and, at the moment, are the favourites along with Real Madrid to take the trophy.

 

“For some time, Barcelona have not been the old Barcelona. In La Liga they also beat the weak clubs with ease, but struggle with stronger sides. You no longer see that aggressive, organised and hungry team we so admired.

 

“The Catalans dominated for 10 years, imposing a style of play that was at times truly marvellous. They gave a football lesson to the whole world.

 

“Now they’ve hit a brick wall and even Leo Messi can’t skip past his many anymore, because the whole machinery of the team is broken down.

 

“I always say that to succeed you require, in order of importance, a club, good football and the players. Without an idea of what football to play, the individuals will get you nowhere.

 

“Juventus have a strong club with clear ideas. Their Coach Max Allegri is capable, intelligent and efficient, with players who interpret the instructions well.

 

“It’s true I criticised Allegri, because I knew he could give more. He wasn’t very generous in terms of entertainment before and was too prudent. He did the bare minimum, a goal and then clam up.

 

“Now his team seeks more goals and is aggressive. You can also tell there has been a step up in quality. For example, Gonzalo Higuain is an exceptional centre-forward, but has never been a leader. At Juve, thanks also to the work done by Allegri and the directors, has become a reference point for his teammates.

 

“This Juve squad has all it takes to go all the way in the Champions League. The important thing is that they play with joy and the sheer desire to get out there with a football.”

 

Bayern Munich are also contenders after crushing Arsenal 5-1 and their tactician is Carlo Ancelotti.

 

“I spoke a lot with Carletto recently,” continued Sacchi. “I told him this is a strange season where anything could happen. When a King falls, it opens up a seat.

 

“I won’t put Bayern on the same level as Juventus and Real Madrid because they lack that ferocious motivation. At Juve, for example, there are players who know it’s their last chance to win silverware and will give heart and soul to get there.

 

“Bayern players seem to be not all that passionate. Mind you, if there’s any Coach that can spark them into life, it’s Carletto. He has a truly phenomenal way of talking to and communicating with his players.”

[Socrates 8526]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

JUVENTUS - PALERMO

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

MATCHDAY 25

 

Friday, February 17th, 2017 - 8:45 p.m.
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Marco Di Bello 

 

 

 

Pjaca gets No 10 role?

 

http://www.football-italia.net/98509/pjaca-gets-no-10-role

 

 

Feb 17, 2017

 

Marko Pjaca will reportedly be Juventus’ No 10 against Palermo on Friday as Medhi Benatia will start in Serie A for the first time since November.

 

Pjaca started his first League game last weekend against Crotone, but Sky Sport Italia claims Massimiliano Allegri is ready to entrust the Croat as the link between defensive midfield and Mario Mandzukic.

 

In turn, Miralem Pjanic will be rested for Wednesday’s Champions League last-16 first leg against Porto.

 

The other big personnel decision concerns Benatia, who had failed to break back into Juve’s defence since returning from the Africa Cup of Nations.

 

Nonetheless, the Moroccan is expected to pip Daniele Rugani to the spot alongside Leonardo Bonucci in the Bianconeri’s central defence.

 

 

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

[Socrates 8526]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

JUVENTUS - PALERMO

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

MATCHDAY 25

 

Friday, February 17th, 2017 - 8:45 p.m.
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Marco Di Bello 

 

 

 

Line-ups: Juventus-Palermo

 

http://www.football-italia.net/98516/line-ups-juventus-palermo

 

 

Feb 17, 2017

 

Marko Pjaca starts for Juventus against Palermo, but it’s not clear if it’s 4-3-3 or 4-2-3-1.

 

Bianconeri Coach Max Allegri hinted in yesterday’s Press conference that he could go with a three-man midfield for the visit of the Rosanero, though said Sturaro could also play on the wing.

 

Sturaro has indeed been given a start in Turin, but it’s not clear whether he’ll play on the right wing or in central midfield.

 

Croatian winger Pjaca replaces the suspended Mario Mandzukic on the left wing, with Paulo Dybala and Sturaro completing the three behind Gonzalo Higuain if it is indeed 4-2-3-1.

 

Andrea Barzagli and Giorgio Chiellini are out injured, so Medhi Benatia partners Leonardo Bonucci, who is making his 300th appearance for the club.

 

Miralem Pjanic is rested ahead of the trip to face Porto in the Champions League on Wednesday, with and Claudio Marchisio and Sami Khedira anchoring the midfield.

 

For the visitors Janos Balogh starts up-front with Ilija Nestorovski and Roland Sallai, in a 4-3-3 formation.

 

 

Juventus: Buffon; Dani Alves, Benatia, Bonucci, Asamoah; Khedira, Marchisio; Sturaro, Dybala, Pjaca; Higuain

Juventus bench: Neto, Audero, Pjanic, Cuadrado, Alex Sandro, Lemina, Rugani, Lichtsteiner, Rincon, Kean

 

Palermo: Posavec; Rispoli, Goldaniga, Andelkovic, Alessami; Jajalo, Bruno Henrique, Chochev; Sallai, Nestorovski, Balogh

Palermo bench: Marson, Breza, Vitiello, Trajkovski, Embalo, Gonzalez, Gazzi, Cionek, Diamanti, Sunjic, Morganella

 

 

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

[Socrates 8526]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

JUVENTUS - PALERMO

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

MATCHDAY 25

 

Friday, February 17th, 2017 - 8:45 p.m.
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Marco Di Bello 

 

 

 

Rispoli: ‘Palermo must be a team’

 

http://www.football-italia.net/98518/rispoli-‘palermo-must-be-team’

 

 

Feb 17, 2017

 

Andrea Rispoli admits Palermo must “count on team unity rather than individual quality” to stop Juventus.

 

The Rosanero are in Turin tonight to take on the League leaders, who have won their last 28 Serie A games at Juventus Stadium.

 

“It’s a very difficult game,” Rispoli admitted, speaking to Sky ahead of kick-off.

 

“We’ll try to limit their quality and make life difficult for them. We’ll count on the team, team unity rather than individual quality.

 

“We know that they’re very good and technically excellent, we’ll have to be compact to try and limit their quality.”

 

 

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

[Socrates 8526]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

JUVENTUS - PALERMO

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

MATCHDAY 25

 

Friday, February 17th, 2017 - 8:45 p.m.
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Marco Di Bello 

 

 

 

HT 2-0: Dybala punishes Palermo

 

http://www.football-italia.net/98520/ht-dybala-punishes-palermo

 

 

Feb 17, 2017

 

Claudio Marchisio’s first goal of the season and a fantastic Paulo Dybala free-kick have Juventus 2-0 up on Palermo at half-time.

 

The Bianconeri are looking for a 29th home win in a row, and are in the driving seat after two first half strikes.

 

Max Allegri’s line-up was listed in a4-2-3-1 formation which had been so successful, with Stefano Sturaro replacing the suspended Mario Mandzukic on the right and Marko Pjaca in for Juan Cuadrado on the other flank.

 

However, Sturaro occupied a more central role than Mandzukic, making it more of a 4-3-3 shape.

 

Leonardo Bonucci was making his 300th appearance for the Bianconeri, partnering Medhi Benatia in the centre of defence.

 

Edoardo Goldaniga risked a red card with a terrible tackle on Sturaro after four minutes, but escaped with a booking.

 

The Rosanero were almost punished regardless, but Dybala’s free-kick rebounded off the outside of the post.

 

It didn’t take long for the hosts to take the lead. Dybala was fouled by Sinisa Andelkovic, giving the Old Lady a free-kick in a dangerous position.

 

Gonzalo Higuain was afforded far too much space to get on the end of Dani Alves’ cross, and despite Josip Posavec taking it off his toes, Claudio Marchisio was there to fire home the rebound.

 

The visitors hadn’t offered much in the opening exchanges, but Ilija Nestorovski forced Gigi Buffon into action with a left-footed strike from a hard angle.

 

Norbert Balogh robbed Bonucci on the edge of the box, but he could only fire a shot straight at Buffon.

 

Palermo could have equalised on 37 minutes, but Kwadwo Asamoah slid in to take the ball away from Balogh as the Hungarian was preparing the volley into the net.

 

That missed opportunity would prove crucial, as the Bianconeri made it 2-0 just minutes later.

 

The Rosanero gave away a free-kick on the edge of the box, and Dybala curled a glorious strike over the wall and into the top corner.

An ex-Palermo player, La Joya didn’t celebrate against his former side.

 

 

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

[Socrates 8526]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

JUVENTUS - PALERMO

 

 

4-1

 

 

Claudio Marchisio 13'

Paulo Dybala 40'

Gonzalo Higuaín 63'

Paulo Dybala 89'

Ivaylo Chochev 92'

 

 

 

 

MATCHDAY 25

 

Friday, February 17th, 2017 - 8:45 p.m.
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Marco Di Bello 

 

 

 

Juventus 4-1 Palermo: Dybala double helps

to fire hosts further clear at the summit

 

The Argentine netted an eye-catching brace, with his countryman Gonzalo

Higuain and Claudio Marchisio also on target for the Serie A leaders.

 

 

http://www.goal.com/en/match/juventus-vs-palermo/2305999/report

 

 

Feb 17, 2017

 

Paulo Dybala haunted his former club with two goals and an assist as Juventus routed struggling Palermo 4-1 to move 10 points clear at the top of Serie A.

 

The champions cruised to their 29th consecutive victory at Juventus Stadium and extended their advantage over Roma - who play Torino on Sunday - at the summit.

 

Claudio Marchisio put Juve ahead early on with his first Serie A goal since May 2015 and Dybala scored a brilliant free-kick to put his old side on the ropes before the break.

 

Gonzalo Higuain's 19th league goal of the season – and 12th in his last 10 games – then put the result beyond doubt just after the hour mark, the in-form striker converting a pass from Dybala.

 

Dybala himself added a fourth with a minute remaining, before Ivaylo Chochev grabbed a late consolation for Palermo.

 

 

Juve have now won six straight league games and have impressive momentum going into next Wednesday's crucial Champions League last-16 first leg away to Porto.

 

Palermo, meanwhile, remain eight points from safety in 18th position and have lost their last 10 Serie A meetings against Juve.

 

Juve made five changes perhaps with the Porto game in mind, but dominated from the off, with Dybala curling a 25-yard free-kick against the foot of the post.

 

The hosts were ahead in the 13th minute, Marchisio taking one touch and firing a left-footed strike high into the net from eight yards after Gonzalo Higuain's initial shot had been saved by Josip Posavec.

 

 

 

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10 - Juventus have scored 10 goals in the first 15 mins of play in home games, at least 3 more than any other team in this Serie A. Stadium.

9:08 PM - 17 Feb 2017

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Gianluigi Buffon kept out Ilija Nestorovski's effort from a tight angle at the other end, before Juve almost doubled their advantage when Sami Khedira diverted Marko Pjaca's cross towards goal, only for Haitam Aleesami to hack clear off the goal-line.

 

Having come close earlier, Dybala made no mistake with his next free-kick opportunity from a similar distance.

 

After Bruno Henrique had fouled Stefano Sturaro, the forward curled a magnificent effort past Posavec five minutes before half-time.

 

The second half got off to a quiet start before Juve got their third after 63 minutes, Higuain coolly lofting his finish over Posavec having been set up by Dybala's throughball.

 

 

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 "I told you I'd score tonight!" #JuvePalermo #FinoAllaFine#ForzaJuve

10:09 PM - 17 Feb 2017

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Palermo breathed a sigh of relief late on when keeper Posavec got back on his feet after what had looked like a serious head injury incurred in a nasty accidental clash with team-mate Edoardo Goldaniga.

 

Juve added gloss to the scoreline when Dybala struck with a low finish after Higuain had robbed Goldaniga and set him up, before Chochev's thumping header from substitute Alessandro Diamanti's inswinging cross ended the hosts' run of five straight league clean sheets in injury time.

 

 

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

[Socrates 8526]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

JUVENTUS - PALERMO

 

 

4-1

 

 

Claudio Marchisio 13'

Paulo Dybala 40'

Gonzalo Higuaín 63'

Paulo Dybala 89'

Ivaylo Chochev 92'

 

 

 

MATCHDAY 25

 

Friday, February 17th, 2017 - 8:45 p.m.
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Marco Di Bello 

 

 

 

Team Ratings - Juve see Dybala

deliver spark again

 

 

http://www.goal.com/en/match/juventus-vs-palermo/2305999/ratings

 

 

Feb 17, 2017

 

BEST AND WORST PLAYER

Best Player

Goal Choice

P. Dybala

JuventusPosition: Attacker

Worst Player

Goal Choice

E. Goldaniga

PalermoPosition: Defender

TEAM RATINGS

Juventus

• 1G. Buffon

  Made one fine stop to deny Nestorovski in the first half. Could do nothing to stop Chochev's late goal.

• 19L. Bonucci

  A solid performance from the 29-year-old. He was not pressed into a great deal of work, but when called upon he was reliable as ever.

• 23Dani Alves

  Comfortable in his position down the right flank as he was not pressed in action all that often.

• 4M. Benatia

  A quiet evening for the defender as he helped manage the threat of Nestorovski in the final third.

• 22K. Asamoah

  Solid in his defensive duties throughout the match, including a vital intervention to deny Balogh. Raided with menace down the left flank.

• 8C. Marchisio

  On the spot to hand his side the lead early in the contest. Combative in the middle of the park, helping his side dominate possession.

• 27S. Sturaro

  Pressed the the Palermo defence with his movement in the final third. Lacked a clinical edge at times to open them up further.

• 6S. Khedira

  Composed on the ball during the first half and almost found the net - albeit with his hand. Replaced at half time.

• 21P. Dybala

  Fantastic performance from the Argentine as he ran the Palermo defence ragged. Was deadly accurate from set-pieces, curling one effort onto the post before finding the top corner with his second attempt. Turned on the quality in the second half with a fine assist before notching a brace with a composed finish.

• 9G. Higuaín

  Cut a frustrated figure for the first hour as he struggled for his usual potency in the final third. However, he upped the ante and proved his quality with a fine finish from close range and late in the game with a sublime assist for Dybala.

• 20M. Pjaca

  His pace and movement caused the visitors' defence issues in the first half. Drifted out of the game in the second period.

Palermo

• 1J. Posavec

  Was brave to continue after taking a thunderous hit from a team-mate. Could do very little with the goals he conceded, and he probably kept the scoreline respectable with a number of fine saves.

• 6E. Goldaniga

  Had issues right from the start and never got to grips with Higuain and Dybala throughout the contest. His error for the fourth goal summed up his display, while he should have been dismissed for pulling back the Argentine before he teed up his team-mate.

• 19H. Aleesami

  Juve used his defensive frailties to expose him time and again down the flank.

• 3A. Rispoli

  Was one of the few players to offer a threat pushing forward, having some success down the right flank.

• 4S. Anđelković

  Fared slightly better than his centre-back partner, but was still exposed by the pace of Dybala and the subtle movement of Higuain.

• 18I. Chochev

  Scored a late goal to hand his side something from the game, but was unable to influence the contest for the majority of the game.

• 28M. Jajalo

  Struggled with the pace of the game in the middle of the park and was replaced in the second half.

• 25Bruno Henrique

  Put in a few tough challenges, but had issues competing with Marchisio in the midfield battle.

• 22N. Balogh

  Weak performance from the forward as he allowed himself to be bullied by the Juve defenders. Needed to be stronger to hold the ball up and ease the pressure on his defence.

• 30I. Nestorovski

  Frustrating evening for the striker as he was starved of service. Almost found the net with his one chance, but saw his effort well saved by Buffon.

• 20R. Sallai

  Had one foray forward, but sliced his strike over the bar. That was his only impact on proceedings before he was replaced in the second half.

Substitutes

• 18M. Lemina

  Not his best performance as he gave the ball away on more than one occasion after replacing Khedira.

• 28T. Rincón

  Helped his side see out a comfortable win.

• 7J. Cuadrado

  His pace caused the Palermo defence issues late in the game, although his finishing was not at its best.

Substitutes

• 44T. Šunjić

  Could do nothing to stem the tide after coming on in the second half.

• 23A. Diamanti

  Provided a pinpoint cross for Chochev to head home late in the game.

• 11Carlos Embalo

  Unable to provide an impact in his time on the pitch.

 

 

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