JUVENTUS SEASON 2016-2017

Socrates · April 11, 2017

JUVENTUS - BARCELONA

-

QUARTER FINALS - FIRST LEG

Tuesday, April 11th, 2017 - 8:45 p.m.
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Szymon Marciniak (Poland)

Enrique: ‘Juventus a top team’

http://www.football-italia.net/100939/enrique-‘juventus-top-team’

Apr 10, 2017

Tifosibianconeri English page - CLICK HERE

Barcelona Coach Luis Enrique calls Juventus’ home form “stunning” and describes them as “a team of the highest level”.

The Bianconeri welcome the Spanish champions to Turin tomorrow night, for the first leg of their Champions League Quarter-Final tie.

“We have to play good football, because Juventus’ numbers are stunning,” Enrique said in his pre-match Press conference.

“They’re at the height of their story, and what it means to be in the Quarter-Finals of the Champions League.

“We have to play a great match though, regardless of where we’re playing and it will certainly be difficult to overcome an opponent of this magnitude.

“Are they better than in 2015? They’re similar, they have players who are gone, but there are new players who have made the squad stronger and I think they’re a team of the highest level.

“So I can’t tell you whether they were better two years ago or now, I think their Coach [Max Allegri] would be able to tell you that better.

“I have positive memories [of the final], it could hardly be otherwise, but tomorrow’s game will have nothing to do with that final.

“Both ourselves and Juve are definitely arriving in good form and with ambitions of making the next round.”

Juve are famous for their solid defence, does Enrique expect them to sit behind the ball tomorrow?

“I can tell you what we’ll do, you can ask Allegri what they’ll do. I’ve seen Juve put pressure on, I’ve seen them play behind the ball, I’ve seen them in defence, I’ve seen them in midfield…

“I think that they dominate all phases of the game and we’ll do the same thing, our approach will be to look for the win from the start.”

The Press conference ended on an awkward note, when Enrique was asked about officiating.

“I never speak about the referees,” the Barça Coach said tersely, before getting up and walking out.

Socrates · April 11, 2017

JUVENTUS - BARCELONA

-

QUARTER FINALS - FIRST LEG

Tuesday, April 11th, 2017 - 8:45 p.m.
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Szymon Marciniak (Poland)

Mandzukic in Juventus squad

http://www.football-italia.net/100940/mandzukic-juventus-squad

Apr 10, 2017

Tifosibianconeri English page - CLICK HERE

Mario Mandzukic is back in the Juventus squad, ahead of the Champions League clash with Barcelona.

The Croatian stirker was injured in the Serie A draw with Napoli, and missed the Coppa Italia second-leg with the Partenopei and Saturday’s Chievo game.

Miralem Pjanic was also rested for the visit of the Flying Donkeys, but both men are among the 23 selected for tomorrow’s Quarter-Final first leg.

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

Socrates · April 11, 2017

JUVENTUS - BARCELONA

-

QUARTER FINALS - FIRST LEG

Tuesday, April 11th, 2017 - 8:45 p.m.
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Szymon Marciniak (Poland)

Buffon: ‘Barca will give us answers’

http://www.football-italia.net/100941/buffon-‘barca-will-give-us-answers’

Apr 10, 2017

Tifosibianconeri English page - CLICK HERE

Juventus captain Gianluigi Buffon believes Barcelona “will give us answers” about how far they’ve progressed.

The Bianconeri reached the Champions League final in 2015, but were beaten 3-1 by the Blaugrana in Berlin.

The two sides will renew acquaintances in Turin tomorrow night, in the first leg of their Quarter-Final tie.

“I’ve never re-watched the Berlin final, but I have some pretty clear memories of that night,” Buffon told reporters in the pre-match Press conference.

“Remembering it makes me cautiously optimistic in the sense that on that occasion we met a team which was much stronger than us, with conviction and belief about how to deal with certain things.

“Now we’re meeting the same team which is, on paper, stronger than us but in the meantime we’ve gained two more years of European experience with the confidence to face this game with the right approach and the right spirit, without being lambs to the slaughter.

“I think it will be a game between two teams which… Barcelona have an ingrained philosophy of play which has been well-defined for many years and has led to the triumphs we all know about.

“We’ve had a different path in the last 10 years, we’ve had some difficulties but we’re finally back at the forefront where we deserved to stay, where our history says we deserve to be.

“We did it by making steady progress, one step at a time gaining more awareness.

“I think we know that in these two games we’re meeting the strongest team we could face, but it’s also true that it’s the Champions League and it will be nice to measure ourselves against them.

“It’ll be nice to see where we still need to improve, there will be insights which will give us significant answers irrespective of the final result.”

Barça will field their trident of Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez and Neymar tomorrow, and Buffon has never conceded a goal to Messi…

“I don’t know how many teams play with out-and-out strikers like Barcelona, I don’t want to disrespect anyone but it’s clear that any team which has the chance to play with Messi, Suarez and Neymar has devastating attacking power which any Coach would love at his disposal.

“The really nice thing that we’ve seen in recent years is that all three are very unselfish, they have a great attitude and I have so much respect and joy seeing them play together because they help each other, they give assists to their teammates.

“That’s what makes it even harder, because you’re not playing against three individuals but a well-equipped trident, a well-balanced one where all three work for the good of the team.

“I’ve never conceded to Messi? I knew that last year, then I’d forgotten and you reminded me of it. It’s true, but it’s also because I’ve been lucky enough not to face him that often.

“Then another really lucky thing is that I’ve had great defenders in front of me who have made his job very difficult.

“Beyond all this though, when you meet certain players it comes down to you, but in this case I think a lot depends on destiny, fate and Messi himself.”

Socrates · April 11, 2017

JUVENTUS - BARCELONA

-

QUARTER FINALS - FIRST LEG

Tuesday, April 11th, 2017 - 8:45 p.m.
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Szymon Marciniak (Poland)

‘Juventus will compete with Barca’

http://www.football-italia.net/100942/‘juventus-will-compete-barca’

Apr 10, 2017

Tifosibianconeri English page - CLICK HERE

Gigi Buffon acknowledges Barcelona are “probably the most difficult team to knock out” but Juventus “aren’t here to make up the numbers”.

Tomorrow sees the first leg of the Champions League Quarter-Final between the two sides, who last met in the 2015 Final.

“We’re aware of what we’re going out there to do and who we’re playing against,” Buffon said in the pre-match Press conference.

“So we already have clarity about who our opponents are and the ability of the team we’ll be facing, it’s a nice step forward because it shouldn’t take us by surprise.

“Barcelona are probably the most difficult team to knock out over two legs, because often if Barcelona win or lose it’s down to them.

“They’re one of those teams who are so strong that they can create their own destiny if they want, so you understand the huge respect we have for them.

“We don’t want to just make up the numbers though, we want to play a football match with courage, this is a chance we’ve earned and we’ll try to show our best.

“Will I still have motivation? I think I’ll definitely be motivated, I’ll definitely be nervy it’s a state of mind which I take into these matches and I hope to have it tomorrow, if I didn’t I’d stop.

“These games are also nice because of the build-up which is a bit scary, a bit tense, a bit of a question mark.

“I’ve been thinking about this [competition] for 22 years, and sometimes you hope it’s the right year [to win it] and then it isn’t.

“So you have to make it the right one. First of all though you need to have that attitude, you need it throughout the entire match.

“Sometimes the opponent is just better, and it can go like the final against Barcelona did two years ago.

“You’re disappointed to lose above all, but if you lose you have to accept it and congratulate the opponent.”

Barça have much the same team as they did in that match, with the notable exception of Dani Alves who will line up on the Bianconero side.

“We’re certainly pleased that Dani joined our cause, because of the player he is and what he does on the pitch, but he can also be crucial to the growth of a lot of us and he can improve a lot of us.

“He should be thanked for that because he’s giving unselfishly for the cause, beyond the fact of whether he’s playing or not.

“The distance to them [Barcelona] has narrowed, we’re still growing and we’re on the right track.”

Socrates · April 11, 2017

JUVENTUS - BARCELONA

-

QUARTER FINALS - FIRST LEG

Tuesday, April 11th, 2017 - 8:45 p.m.
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Szymon Marciniak (Poland)

Allegri: ‘Juventus will attack’

http://www.football-italia.net/100943/allegri-‘juventus-will-attack’

Apr 10, 2017

Tifosibianconeri English page - CLICK HERE

Massimiliano Allegri confirms “tomorrow the front-four will all play” against Barcelona as Juventus "can't play for 0-0".

The Bianconeri have used an uber-attacking 4-2-3-1 formation this season, and some have suggested a more conservative approach could be adopted for the Champions League Quarter-Final.

“I won’t say the formation, but tomorrow the front-four [Gonzalo Higuain, Paulo Dybala, Juan Cuadrado and Mario Mandzukic] will all play,” Allegri confirmed in his pre-match Press conference.

“I don’t see why we should have to renounce them, it’s a Quarter-Final, a beautiful game, and they’ll have to be two beautiful games.

“It’s an important game, a nice one to play, and we’ll play it with the understanding and the belief that we can beat Barcelona and go through.

“It won’t be easy, because Barcelona are the strongest team, because they have those three players [Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez and Neymar] up-front, along with the others, but above all with that front-three you’re likely to score goals in matches.

“On the other hand, we have good players of our own, we have a strong team which is doing great things.

“We’ve changed a lot in recent years, we’ve grown in self-confidence and awareness in the Champions League.

“It’s a Quarter-Final, Juventus should be used to playing games like this, the lads will be ready tomorrow because Juventus have important qualities and we need to show them on the pitch, while knowing the difficulties we’ll face against a great team.

“There are no favourites tomorrow because it’s a balanced game, we’ll need great balance. When you’re at home it’s always good to keep a clean sheet, but that will be difficult tomorrow so we have to play to score goals.

“We know that Barcelona have great attacking qualities but they also have weaknesses in terms of defence and we need to work on those, because we’ll try to exploit the opponents’ weaknesses.

“Whether the opponent is called - with all due respect - Chievo or Barcelona we always need to work on the weakness of the opponent.

“It’s the only way to go through, because you can’t play against Barcelona, get two 0-0s and go through on penalties, it’s basically impossible.”

The Blaugrana were thrashed 4-0 in the first leg of their Last 16 tie with Paris Saint-Germain, but turned it around with a 6-1 win at Camp Nou.

“That match taught us that nothing can be taken for granted in football, especially at this level.

“So the thing we have to do is think about the game tomorrow and make sure we get it right, then we’ll think about the return.

“But again, it’s a major Quarter-Final, like the one with Bayern [Munich] and Real Madrid, these are four teams who are contenders for the Champions League, along with Atletico Madrid, the four will meet and two will remain.

“They will definitely be four evenings of great entertainment and we’ll have to play our game with great calmness and great technique, because when you play at this level it takes great technique, as well as being balance on the field in defence and attack.”

Socrates · April 11, 2017

JUVENTUS - BARCELONA

-

QUARTER FINALS - FIRST LEG

Tuesday, April 11th, 2017 - 8:45 p.m.
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Szymon Marciniak (Poland)

‘Barcelona weak in defence’

http://www.football-italia.net/100944/‘barcelona-weak-defence’

Apr 10, 2017

Tifosibianconeri English page - CLICK HERE

Max Allegri believes Barcelona “have weaknesses in defence” Juventus can exploit but “the front-three guarantees goals”.

Tomorrow sees the first leg of the Champions League Quarter-Final in Turin, and the Bianconeri Coach discussed the strengths and weaknesses of the Catalan side in his pre-match Press conference.

“For me this is the tenth time with Barcelona,” Allegri pointed out.

“Not that I’ve played, because I’m on the bench, but I’ve faced them. I faced them eight times with Milan, once in the final with Juventus and now there are these two games.

“They’re different games though, because first of all the final is a one-off game, so you play it as such.

“The home and away legs will be balanced games, we have to try not to concede goals but we also need to try and score at home, then there’s always the return match.

“The important thing is to keep the tie open, because anything can happen in football.

“Barcelona continue to be very strong, because they have a front-three which guarantees goals in the shape of [Lionel] Messi, [Luis] Suarez and Neymar, as well as [Segio] Busquets and [Andres] Iniesta who I think are still among the best midfielders in the world.

“Then there’s [Javier] Mascherano, [Gerard] Pique… Barça haven’t changed much compared to the final.

“For us, compared to the final only two players will play: one is [Gigi] Buffon, [Leonardo] Bonucci is the other. From the final Juventus will only have two players.

“Their weaknesses? Barça have weaknesses in the defensive phase, because they’re a team who play a very attacking style, they leave a lot of space and the numbers show that.

“On the other hand, when they have the ball they become very dangerous. We need to be very balanced and stay in the game for 95 minutes.

“Will defence or attack be more important? Both, because both are important in football. Then to get to the next round you also need a bit of luck, but you have to play two great matches and I think that’s normal.

“Barcelona lost a League game on Saturday, but I think tomorrow we’ll see the real Barcelona, because they hardly ever make mistakes in these games.

“So we’ll need to be ready to play a tough, brave game, knowing that we’ll have to go and hit them where they have problems.

“When you play these games you need to be happy to play them and have great enthusiasm, desire and the will to go through.

“Then it’s normal that in these games you can win or lose, and that’s part of the game. The important thing is to be there, to play in a certain way and believe that we can beat Barcelona and go through.

“That’s what Juventus must have in our heads, otherwise we’ll get beaten.”

Allegri was also asked whether Alex Sandro will play tomorrow, as well as about comparisons between Lionel Messi and Paulo Dybala.

“Alex Sandro is in doubt with [Kwadwo] Asamoah because they’re both fit, he [Alex Sandro] has played two games so whatever I decide will be fine.

“Everyone else is fine, but that’s not to say that Alex Sandro definitely won’t play tomorrow, because he had a little rest and then returned so he needs to play too.

“Dybala and Messi? Paulo has made great strides in the year he’s been here, he’s changed his position but they’re three different players [including Neymar].

“Messi - aside from being the best in the world, he has been for many years and he still is today - has different characteristics to Dybala.

“Dybala is a young player who is growing a lot, and I think he and Neymar will definitely be the two best in the near future.”

To close the conference, the Coach dedicated some words to Giuseppe Rossi who has suffered yet another knee injury.

“I wanted to close this conference with a big good luck to Giuseppe Rossi, who I think is a really unlucky lad,” Allegri said.

“Lady luck has turned a blind eye to him a few too many times, I wish him good luck because I hope he can come back and play, he really deserves it after all these injuries, I think this year is his fourth knee injury.

“I just wanted to wish him good luck, thank you.”

Socrates · April 11, 2017

JUVENTUS - BARCELONA

-

QUARTER FINALS - FIRST LEG

Tuesday, April 11th, 2017 - 8:45 p.m.
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Szymon Marciniak (Poland)

Allegri: Tomorrow the front-four will all play

Manager confirms Juventus is going to attack tomorrow

http://www.blackwhitereadallover.com/2017/4/10/15248240/allegri-front-

four-will-all-play-juventus-barcelona-preview-managers-comments

Apr 10, 2017

Tifosibianconeri English page - CLICK HERE

Juventus will host Barcelona in the first leg tie tomorrow of the Champions League quarter finals, and manager Massimiliano Allegri confirmed that the Bianconeri will not be taking a defensive approach.

“I won’t say the formation, but tomorrow the front-four will all play. I don’t see why we should have to renounce them, it’s a Quarter-Final, a beautiful game, and they’ll have to be two beautiful games.

“It’s an important game, a nice one to play, and we’ll play it with the understanding and the belief that we can beat Barcelona and go through.

“It won’t be easy, because Barcelona are the strongest team, because they have those three players [Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez and Neymar] up-front, along with the others, but above all with that front-three you’re likely to score goals in matches.

“On the other hand, we have good players of our own, we have a strong team which is doing great things. We’ve changed a lot in recent years, we’ve grown in self-confidence and awareness in the Champions League.

“It’s a Quarter-Final, Juventus should be used to playing games like this, the lads will be ready tomorrow because Juventus have important qualities and we need to show them on the pitch, while knowing the difficulties we’ll face against a great team.

“There are no favourites tomorrow because it’s a balanced game, we’ll need great balance. When you’re at home it’s always good to keep a clean sheet, but that will be difficult tomorrow so we have to play to score goals.

“We know that Barcelona have great attacking qualities but they also have weaknesses in terms of defence and we need to work on those, because we’ll try to exploit the opponents’ weaknesses.

“Whether the opponent is called - with all due respect - Chievo or Barcelona we always need to work on the weakness of the opponent. It’s the only way to go through, because you can’t play against Barcelona, get two 0-0s and go through on penalties, it’s basically impossible.”

Barca completed a remarkable turnaround in the previous round to eliminate Paris Saint-Germain -

“That match taught us that nothing can be taken for granted in football, especially at this level.

“So the thing we have to do is think about the game tomorrow and make sure we get it right, then we’ll think about the return.

“But again, it’s a major Quarter-Final, like the one with Bayern [Munich] and Real Madrid, these are four teams who are contenders for the Champions League, along with Atletico Madrid, the four will meet and two will remain.

“They will definitely be four evenings of great entertainment and we’ll have to play our game with great calmness and great technique, because when you play at this level it takes great technique, as well as being balance on the field in defence and attack.”

Socrates · April 11, 2017

JUVENTUS - BARCELONA

-

QUARTER FINALS - FIRST LEG

Tuesday, April 11th, 2017 - 8:45 p.m.
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Szymon Marciniak (Poland)

Tactics Talk: Juventus-Barcelona

http://www.football-italia.net/100946/tactics-talk-juventus-barcelona

Apr 10, 2017

Tifosibianconeri English page - CLICK HERE

Juventus Coach Max Allegri confirmed in today’s Press conference that he will stick with his 4-2-3-1 formation against Barcelona tomorrow.

The tactician pointed out that the Bianconeri will have to score to progress in the tie, as the ‘MSN’ front-three of Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez and Neymar won’t be kept quiet for 180 minutes.

That will mean Gonzalo Higuain leading the line, with Juan Cuadrado on the right, Mario Mandzukic on the left and Paulo Dybala in the centre.

Allegri has been clear that Mandzukic’s physicality and energy are crucial to this system, and the Croatian will be tasked with dropping back and providing an extra man in midfield when the Blaugrana are in possession.

One doubt about tomorrow’s line-up is who will occupy the left-back slot, with the Coach stating it could be either Alex Sandro or Kwadwo Asamoah.

The Ghanaian looked shaky against Napoli in the 1-1 Serie A draw, so will he be risked against that famous Barça attack? The smart money would be on Alex Sandro starting, with Mandzukic tasked with protecting him, given the attacking instincts of the Brazilian.

Given that Allegri admitted only two of the players who played in the 2015 final against Barcelona will start tomorrow, Andrea Barzagli and Claudio Marchisio will start from the bench.

Probable Juventus line-up: Buffon; Dani Alves, Bonucci, Chiellini, Alex Sandro; Khedira, Pjanic; Cuadrado, Dybala, Mandzukic; Higuain

Socrates · April 11, 2017

JUVENTUS - BARCELONA

-

QUARTER FINALS - FIRST LEG

Tuesday, April 11th, 2017 - 8:45 p.m.
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Szymon Marciniak (Poland)

After miracle vs. PSG, do Barca have

enough magic left to beat Juventus?

http://www.espnfc.co.uk/uefa-champions-league/2/blog/post/3100791/barcelona

-must-summon-champions-league-magic-in-order-to-overcome-juventus

Apr 10, 2017

Tifosibianconeri English page - CLICK HERE

On a week that is expected to be hyper-difficult for Spanish football, it was a major boost for this country's sporting spirits that Sergio Garcia won his first golf major in such heroic style. Pride, adrenaline, technical brilliance, belief, inspiration: all were on display.

For Barcelona's players, who'll be sent home with their tails well between their legs if they try to repel Juventus with the disjointed, lackadaisical football they produced in Saturday's 2-0 defeat at Málaga, it's just their tough luck that Garcia is a dyed-in-the-wool Madridista. Not quite so much inspiration for them there.

But let's be honest: You'd need to have had a glass eye not to shed a wee tear of emotion as Sergio won the Masters at Augusta in such dramatic fashion on what would have been the 60th birthday of his maestro, Seve Ballesteros. Sometimes sport produces moments that unite skill, desire, prayer, history, personal drama and spectacle in ways fictional drama can never aspire to match. Sunday night was precisely that.

Seve mentored, prodded, inspired and adored younger bucks like Chema Olazabal and Garcia. He was taken from us far too early, so for those events to take place in Augusta on what was the 60th anniversary of his birth seemed "meant to be."

Now, Seve was a Barça fan, and the last time any of this squad saw the great man, twice a Masters winner, was August 2010. Gerard Piqué, Lionel Messi, Sergio Busquets and Andres Iniesta are the only ones left from Pep Guardiola's team that day which thumped Racing Santander 3-0 on the opening day of that season. Santander, in Spain's fiery north, was home territory for Seve, and the Barça squad were just thrilled that the great man, who already knew that his cancer remission wasn't lasting and that time was short, came down to the dressing room to see his heroes one last time.

As soon as he emerged through the door, Guardiola's players rose to their feet and applauded him for a full minute. Until he cried. By May, three weeks before what many consider the greatest Champions League performance of all time, Seve died. He never saw that team reach its apex against Manchester United at Wembley.

Sergio, a great little terrier of a golfer and sublimely talented, will have thought of his mentor on Sunday as he conjured up that magical eagle on 15 to haul him back into real contention. Three shots of which Seve would have been so proud: brilliant technique produced in adversity. But Ballesteros wasn't just famous for his five majors, nor for the fact that he was The Godfather of the European tour as the Ryder Cup once again became competitive. I think the world loved him most for his maverick nature, his refusal to believe that any geographical feature, whether trees, car parks, roads, burns or rough, could contain him.

There may have been other golfers who won five majors, 43 European tour events, nine Ryder Cups and nine PGA trophies while putting in more "against-the-odds," win-despite-the-circumstances performances than the mighty Seve. But if there were, I didn't notice them.

So it's to Ballesteros, rather than Garcia, that Luis Enrique's footballers need to turn if in their quiet moments in Turin before playing the Italian champions they are looking for inspiration, guidance and touchstone memories.

Frankly, Seve would have been ashamed of them in Málaga on Saturday night. Dealt the bad hand of needing to win without three players (Pique, Ivan Rakitic and Rafinha) who would normally have started and with Andres Iniesta "protected" on the bench, they suffered further when Neymar was sent off. But they showed the same bewilderment, the same "we are victims of circumstances" attitude, the same lifeless acquiescence that was also present in their away defeats at Manchester City, Celta, Deportivo La Coruña and PSG this season.

Seve loved adversity; he thrived on it. He used it to motivate himself; often, he found it sparked an "I'll show them!" reaction that coursed through his body and transmitted, by osmosis, to us spectators.

Now don't get me wrong. These same elements have been present at Barça for most of the years between 2008 and now. Four coaches have been in charge during those nine years and the squad has carried on metronomically winning big trophies. That doesn't come from talent alone, nor from technique.

This Barcelona era looks more and more like it's either ending or perhaps moving into a transitional stage but the fact that it's lasted this long is as much due to the durable, mean-eyed, competitive determination of people like Piqué, Carles Puyol, Eric Abidal, Javier Mascherano, Luis Suarez and Sergio Busquets as to the nimble, inventive brilliance of Xavi, Iniesta, Messi and Neymar.

They've never lacked the guts for glory -- or at least not for long. Right now, however, there's a repetitive strain not only that teams can sometimes outwork Barcelona, but that they can believe more, show that they want a win more and can render Barça more like spectators than participants. Particularly on the road.

As good and as in-form as the Italian champions present themselves to be, there's no question that, man for man, Barça have the better starting XI than Max Allegri's team. Yet will there be many outside the most loyal of travelling Catalan fans who genuinely believe that after a merited beating at Maálaga and a good period of the second half spent chasing the game with 10 men, Barcelona are anything except up against it on Tuesday night? Anything that isn't a firm defeat could be treated as an exceptional result.

Juve's latest starlet, Paulo Dybala, agrees with me. He was daring enough to tell reporters at the weekend: "we are better than them." It wasn't the usual nice guy PR speak that teams use to talk about each other in the build-up to a quarterfinal. I'm guessing he simply said what Juve fully believe.

Some of the factors with which Luis Enrique must juggle include the absence of Sergio Busquets and choosing the playing formation correctly. They are intertwined concepts. The 3-4-3 that has had spectacular success at the Camp Nou is a system designed, pure and simple, to facilitate Messi playing with freedom between midfield and attack. If he does this, as I explained at length earlier this season, without the coach adapting the system, then Barcelona become disjointed.

The player who overlaps into the right-wing position of the front three to balance Messi's absence either leaves a gap in midfield or in defence. If nobody does, the opposition left-back is then free either to crowd Barcelona's attacking space or launch counterattacks. A defensive line of three can leave gaps at full-back, the specific areas where Juventus love to do damage, but gives added competitiveness in midfield: there's better pressing, better ball retention and better ball recuperation.

Three strikers plus Messi "free" adds great menace and makes the opposition defence think twice about playing out from the back. All of which would be fine if the natural replacement for the suspended Busquets wasn't Mascherano, who would then not be available to populate the most appropriate back three with Samuel Umtiti and Pique. If you'll allow the metaphor, this is where Seve would scrap, dig deep, invent, improvise and then scrap once again.

Does this group still possess that spirit? Are they as committed to going through to the semifinal as they were committed to not going out meekly against PSG in the last round?

Some of the answers will depend on how much of the Seve Ballesteros spirit Barcelona, his favourite team, can conjure up on a night when in golfing terms, they have a horrible lie tucked in behind some trees and their opponent is just a gentle wedge shot away from the pin.

Socrates · April 11, 2017

JUVENTUS - BARCELONA

-

QUARTER FINALS - FIRST LEG

Tuesday, April 11th, 2017 - 8:45 p.m.
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Szymon Marciniak (Poland)

Allegri: ‘Juventus not worried’

http://www.football-italia.net/100949/allegri-‘juventus-not-worried’

Apr 10, 2017

Tifosibianconeri English page - CLICK HERE

Max Allegri insists Juventus are “absolutely not worried” about facing Barcelona - “these will be two beautiful games”.

Tomorrow sees the Bianconeri face Luis Enrique’s side in Turin, for the first leg of their Champions League Quarter-Final, having been beaten by them in the final in 2015.

“We’re absolutely not worried,” Allegri told SportMediaset after his pre-match Press conference.

“These will be two beautiful games, we have huge respect for Barcelona but we’re very prepared.

“It will be important not to concede goals, but we need to score them too because Barcelona are a side with a lot of goals in them.

“We’ll need to be good in defence and attack, because the fight for the next round will be fought over 180 minutes.

“When you play these big competitions you need to think you can get to the end, or at least close to it.

“It’s normal that it will be difficult, because we’re facing a very strong team, we’ll have to do more on the technical, tactical and physical leven, and then we’ll need them to have a little bad luck.”

Socrates · April 11, 2017

JUVENTUS - BARCELONA

-

QUARTER FINALS - FIRST LEG

Tuesday, April 11th, 2017 - 8:45 p.m.
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Szymon Marciniak (Poland)

Juventus lack Euro mentality

What stands Juventus out in Italy is precisely what they’ve been missing in Europe, argues Adam Summerton.

http://www.football-italia.net/100950/juventus-lack-euro-mentality

Apr 11, 2017

Tifosibianconeri English page - CLICK HERE

Mentality. It’s a word we hear so often when people try and explain what has made this Juventus side so consistent in Italy. Time and time again it comes up when Bianconeri players are asked what makes the club so special. It’s not visible, it’s not tangible, but it’s crucial, and it is one of the key things that separates Juventus from the rest of Serie A.

Fine sides like Roma and Napoli are capable of dazzling performances, but they repeatedly fall just short, partly because they lack that extra 5 per cent - the self-belief, resolve and character that comes with years of winning.

This quarter-final tie against Barcelona brings Juventus face-to-face with another club which has a similar mentality woven into its very fabric. A winning habit passed through the generations – one which inspired the belief that, against all the odds, they could achieve what had seemed border-line impossible against PSG.

The turnaround wasn’t quite as dramatic in Munich last March, but as the clock ticked down at the Allianz Arena, and Juventus got ever closer to knocking out the German champions, there was always that nagging feeling that Bayern would pull something out of the bag. Why? Well, partly because they’re Bayern - just as Barça are Barça. Thomas Muller’s 91^st-minute equaliser, Sergi Roberto’s 95^th-minute winner – they are single moments in time, but it is the history those goals add to that also helps make them happen.

In the here and now I see a Juventus side, on paper, with every chance not just of beating Barcelona, but of winning the entire competition – a group of players who’ve been assembled for an all-out assault on the Champions League this season – individuals like Dani Alves and Gonzalo Higuain were not recruited for the future, but to end a 21-year wait.

Since the Bianconeri last got their hands on the Champions League trophy in 1996, Real Madrid have won the competition five times, Barcelona four and Bayern twice. It’s no coincidence that with most high-street bookmakers right now those three clubs will lead the betting odds to be outright winners of this season’s competition. Yes, they have wonderful players, but they also have a long-held winning mentality that extends beyond the confines of their own country, particularly in the cases of Barcelona and Real Madrid.

It leads me to wonder whether what separates Juventus from the rest in Italy, what makes them so strong and so hard to beat, is actually what they’ve often lacked in big moments in the Champions League. If so, it is something they must overcome to fulfil their potential. As much as I admire the almost unshakeable resolve they seem to have in Italy, their unmistakeable air of authority, I also recall how those things were almost non-existent in the first half of the first leg against Bayern last season. At best Juventus were hesitant and stand-offish, at worst almost a bit scared of the opposition.

You might argue they were simply facing a better team than they’re used to coming up against in Serie A, you could also point to tactical errors that were later rectified by Max Allegri, but neither of these things could justify the first half gulf there seemed to be between two sides who were actually quite evenly matched.

Put in a position where they had to go for it, the second half comeback that night was more like it, and Juventus were magnificent for much of the second leg, but how that lack of belief and conviction early on in Turin eventually cost them. Perhaps mindful of the whole psychological aspect of things, it was maybe why after this season’s quarter-final draw was made, Allegri was so keen to stress the ‘normality’ of such a tie.

The big question for me ahead of this much-anticipated meeting with Barcelona is will we see a mentally-strong Juventus from the off - one that truly believes in its unquestionable potential, and gets a step closer to being reunited with a long-lost friend?

Socrates · April 11, 2017

JUVENTUS - BARCELONA

-

QUARTER FINALS - FIRST LEG

Tuesday, April 11th, 2017 - 8:45 p.m.
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Szymon Marciniak (Poland)

Juventus Should Be Seen As Favourites In Barcelona Clash

https://forzaitalianfootball.com/2017/04/juventus-should

-be-seen-as-favourites-in-barcelona-clash/

Apr 11, 2017

Tifosibianconeri English page - CLICK HERE

Two European giants meet in Turin for the first leg of their Champions League quarter final meeting on Tuesday, and Juventus should fancy their chances against a far from untouchable Barcelona

Despite Barcelona’s ‘super club’ label, particularly in recent years, Juventus go into their Champions League quarter final meeting as the stronger of the two sides.

The Blaugrana pose an obvious threat to Juve with their devastating MSN forward line of Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez and Neymar, but the Bianconeri have plenty of strengths themselves, many of which seem to be overlooked in a lot of the game’s build-up.

Because they are Italian, first, and because it’s true, second, Juve are being spoken about as masters of the defensive side of the game. However, many of these comments are going beyond the point of acceptability, and bordering on the lazy, as they almost suggest that defending is all Massimiliano Allegri’s side are capable of.

That said, it would be churlish to overlook their strengths at the back. Their own acronymic trio of Leonardo Bonucci, Andrea Barzagli and Giorgio Chiellini – or the BBC – are more than capable of holding their own against any of world football’s striking departments.

Even in the absence of their trusty trio, Mehdi Benatia and Daniele Rugani are fine stand-ins.

In Gonzalo Higuain and Paulo Dybala, Juventus themselves have one of the most fearsome attacks in world football and, when on his game, there are few No.9s around that do their job better than El Pipita.

Currently, Higuain is on form, and looks to be as confident as ever. With four goals in his last two outings, the former Real Madrid marksman single-handedly eliminated another of his old clubs, Napoli, from the Coppa Italia, before downing Chievo with another typically clinical performance.

With Javier Mascherano, in the absence of Sergio Busquets, possibly lining up in midfield on Tuesday, Gerard Pique and his partner, probably Samuel Umtiti, will have their hands full in trying to deal with Higuain, and that’s before even so much as considering Dybala.

Busquets will be missing for Barcelona and will no doubt leave a gaping hole in their midfield as a result. Though Andres Iniesta and co. are unlikely to look too vulnerable, Juve’s Claudio Marchisio and Sami Khedira are more than capable of taking the game to their opponents, especially during that first leg in Turin.

Juventus are without a defeat in 21 European fixtures at the Juventus Stadium while, rather contrastingly, the Catalan club have fallen to defeat in three of their last four on the road in the Champions League. These three, of course, include the humiliating first-leg demolition at the hands of Paris Saint-Germain.

As much as their remarkable comeback illustrated their strengths, the loss at the Parc des Princes shows that they can be not just overcome, but nullified and dominated.

Barca travel to Turin on the back of a 2-0 defeat to Malaga, while Juventus come into the game full of confidence following a victory over Chievo by the same scoreline.

There will be little separating the two sides, both on the night and over the two legs, but given their recent form domestically and in Europe, the Old Lady should be able to find her way through to the semi finals.

Socrates · April 11, 2017

JUVENTUS - BARCELONA

-

QUARTER FINALS - FIRST LEG

Tuesday, April 11th, 2017 - 8:45 p.m.
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Szymon Marciniak (Poland)

Juventus’ rebuild comes full circle

as they prepare to face Barcelona

The last couple of years have brought about much disappointment

for the Bianconeri as they go in search of Champions League success

http://www.blackwhitereadallover.com/2017/4/11/15241630/

juventus-barcelona-2017-champions-league-quarterfinals

Apr 11, 2017

Tifosibianconeri English page - CLICK HERE

As Paul Pogba headed for the exit door this past summer, Juventus were left with a hefty wallet yet gaping hole in midfield. Pogba’s world-record move to Manchester United, reported to be around €105 million, dominated any and every platform of news. Social media was awash with dabbing tutorials and new haircuts, while the hashtag #POGBACK took over Twitter. Having left Old Trafford four years prior in 2012, the 24-year-old had finally returned to England.

What concerned Juventus and their faithful supporters, however, was how they planned to recover from another integral team member leaving. Arturo Vidal and Carlos Tevez had already departed after a Champions League final run in 2015, while Alvaro Morata was re-signed by Real Madrid in the same summer Pogba left. A once-talented and dominant Juve side were being ripped apart by European clubs around them. When the Italian side would find themselves so close to European glory again was unknown. Losing the strong mental characters of Vidal, Tevez and Andrea Pirlo following the 3-1 defeat to Barcelona was a huge blow to a team that was built on a winning mentality. Without these, Juve had a long road back to the prestigious European contest.

That seemed to be the monotone feeling surrounding the last two years. The current squad’s obituary was written even before the board had time to re-invent the panel, starting with a successful 2015 transfer window considering the losses they had to deal with. Paulo Dybala was signed from Palermo, Sami Khedira and Mario Mandzukic arrived from the Spanish capital of Madrid, while Alex Sandro, Juan Cuadrado and Mario Lemina were also added to the squad. There was a mix of experience and youth to cope with the disappointing departures. But the campaign ahead in Europe would still have a bitter ending.

In the second round of last year’s Champions League, Juve faced Bayern Munich, who were considered heavy favourites to take home the trophy. An exciting 2-2 draw in the first leg in Turin was followed up by a heart breaking 4-2 loss. The defeat still haunts the club. Had Juve managed to hold on to their lead, instead of seeing it dwindle away thanks to a Thomas Muller header deep into injury time, there’s no telling what sort of success they could have achieved. But instead a double from Thiago ensured it was just another year of heartbreak in Europe’s premier competition.

Despite pushing one of the better teams in the tournament close to elimination, the same doubt started seeping in. Was this Juve squad capable of challenging for the biggest prize in club football?

Though the performances over both legs against Bayern were good, the reality was a second round exit. And going out at such an early stage following their run to the final in 2015 wasn’t seen as acceptable. A lot had changed from the side and whether or not the current crop of players had the capability of helping the club reach the final again was questioned. The departure of Pogba and Morata a few months later didn’t help matters. It looked as if Juve weren’t destined to become Europe’s best, and their chance had come and gone that night in Berlin. Instead of accepting such a fate, however, the board simply done what they always do. Rebuild and become stronger.

Miralem Pjanic, Gonzalo Higuain and Dani Alves were signed up last summer as Juve got stronger and their rivals got weaker. Marko Pjaca, Medhi Benatia and a second loan term for Juan Cuadrado also helped add more depth to the squad. The signings of Pjanic and Higuain were symbolic. Juve could have sat on the money they received over the last couple of years, attempt to find some cut-price deals and still challenge for the Serie A title, but that wasn’t good enough for a defiant board. So they went out and paid an astonishing €90m for Higuain while spending over €20m each on Pjanic and Pjaca. It was a signal of intent. Players will come and go but the club’s ambition will remain the same. Much like the summer prior to it, Juve had refuelled and rebuilt in hope of better success for the campaign ahead.

After negotiating through a tough group and taking care of an average FC Porto side in the last round, Juve now find themselves ever closer to returning to the “big dance”. Standing in their way is the same team which prevented them from taking home the trophy in 2015; A Barcelona side, coming off the back of the greatest comeback in Champions League history as they defeated PSG 6-5 on aggregate after a 4-0 loss in the first leg. It was special, even to a neutral. But Barca have had their struggles as well this year, and can certainly be beaten. Just ask Malaga who ran out 2-0 winners against Lionel Messi & co at the weekend. They may boast some of the best footballers in the world but that evidently doesn’t make them invincible.

It’s somewhat fitting that this current squad get to face Barcelona. Most of them weren’t around for the two sides’ previous meeting. That Juve team was one of the more talented to have played in Europe this decade, but the next week offers the likes of Dybala, Sandro, Higuain and others to prove they can help their club return to the summit of Europe’s elite. It was after that loss in the final that the rebuilding of the squad occurred, and most doubted that the new signings could compete with the continent’s best. This quarter final tie offers them the chance to prove those doubters wrong.

Socrates · April 11, 2017

JUVENTUS - BARCELONA

-

QUARTER FINALS - FIRST LEG

Tuesday, April 11th, 2017 - 8:45 p.m.
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Szymon Marciniak (Poland)

Juventus must attack from all angles

to come up big against Barcelona

http://www.espnfc.co.uk/club/juventus/111/blog/post/3101047/juventus-

must-attack-from-all-angles-to-come-up-big-against-barcelona

Apr 11, 2017

Tifosibianconeri English page - CLICK HERE

It's finally time for the anticipated Champions League clash between Juventus and Barcelona, a match that may finally reveal how far Juve have progressed since the teams last faced each other in the 2015 final.

While Juventus achieved a 2-0 win against Chievo through beautiful football over the weekend, Barcelona lost to Malaga by the same scoreline to hand the advantage to Real Madrid in the Spanish title race. Cue mass hysteria in Spain. Consistency has proved to be a problem for Luis Enrique's men this season, and after they stuttered in several matches, struggling to dominate games like they used to, Enrique changed from the famed 4-3-3 formation to a 3-4-3 shape that brought with it exciting results, including the epic comeback against PSG.

Mesmeric in their new shape, the Catalans blew Sevilla apart last week. Demonstrating their physicality, they pressed high up the pitch, rotated the ball accurately and swiftly, created in abundance and played with speed of thought in overwhelming a side that have rarely looked so out of touch. Boasting a beautiful Plan A, when Barcelona play their best players, they rarely suffer. The problem is they lack depth, and when they rotate, they struggle to dominate as effectively, as evidenced in their loss to Malaga.

The absence of Sergio Busquets due to suspension will therefore cause Enrique problems on Tuesday evening. The midfielder is skilled at acting as a one-man band in midfield, providing the back line with security while producing the passing range to keep Barca moving. Without him, Lionel Messi may be forced to play deeper, and the Argentine struggles to make the same impact when forced to fall back.

Neymar has been in tremendous form this season but the Brazilian has yet to manage a Champions League goal away from home since 2015 -- ironically, against Juventus.

Yet despite this, the Blaugrana do boast the best attack and are not only capable of quick-footed horizontal football in the final third but fast counterattacks. They are not reliant on particular strategy and know how to make the most of their opportunities. Nine of the 26 goals they have managed in Europe have come from free kicks, and Juventus have struggled to defend those this season.

However, the Italians boast their own exciting talents and are side that can attack from all angles, especially in the 4-2-3-1 formation that Massimilliano Allegri has chosen to stick with. Paulo Dybala and Gonzalo Higuain's blossoming partnership has meant the side are no longer static, with the forwards' movement ensuring fluid and fast attacking football. More importantly, Higuain is back to his lethal best, having scored four goals in his last two games.

But the Bianconeri still have much to learn when it comes to quickness of thought. While Juve's running off the ball can be brilliant to watch, they can also be wasteful in possession. And Juventus struggle against sides that limit their time on the ball. The Old Lady must learn how to maintain composure and evade the press, using the full width of the pitch to create space and overcome the opponent.

This season, the two sides are equal in strength, at least on paper. Should Juventus not defeat Barca and progress, it will be due to their mental fragility and not their lack of talent. The Italians are not only perfectly balanced and capable of producing in both phases of the game, but they are armed with one of the best tacticians in Europe. They must believe they are on par with Barcelona and play with confidence, as a confident Juve are often a victorious Juve.

However, they must also be smart, and that may involve playing Barcelona at their own game. The Catalans are, to put it delicately, renowned for furbizia -- the art of cunning play. They know how to push the limits, manipulating referees and managing the game without ever crossing the line. Juventus must do the same, exactly what they manage to do in Serie A, and play with a certain level of maturity that ensures they don't succumb to frustration but rather impose it.

Gerard Pique, Neymar and Ivan Rakitic are all only one yellow card from suspension, and should they receive another yellow on Tuesday evening, they will be unavailable for the return leg in Camp Nou. That match will be significantly more difficult for the Bianconeri considering Barca's record at home, so having one or more of those players suspended would help facilitate Juve's mission away from home.

Juan Cuadrado is also one yellow card away from suspension, and as a player fond of theatrics, he must play with composure and maturity to ensure he will be available to provide the pace and penetration required of Juve away from home.

In setting the starting side for the Old Lady, Allegri will not be changing too much, except that Dani Alves will start at right-back, thus impacting Allegri's decision on who will play on the opposite flank. Alex Sandro is the better player, but the coach may prefer the more defensive Kwadwo Asamoah. Considering how Asamoah fared against a quick-thinking Napoli side, one only hopes Sandro will be chosen. While he may be reckless and capable of the odd error, his physicality and forward thrusts will help pin Barca back, and Mario Mandzukic will be there alongside him to help in both phases of the game.

It's been five years since Barcelona has won against an Italian side in Italy. It's up to Juve to maintain those statistics and prove they are on par with the big boys.

Socrates · April 11, 2017

JUVENTUS - BARCELONA

-

QUARTER FINALS - FIRST LEG

Tuesday, April 11th, 2017 - 8:45 p.m.
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Szymon Marciniak (Poland)

Sacchi: ‘Juventus better than Barcelona’

http://www.football-italia.net/100955/sacchi-‘juventus-better-barcelona’

Apr 11, 2017

Tifosibianconeri English page - CLICK HERE

Arrigo Sacchi believes Juventus have “everything to succeed” against Barcelona who are “a far cry from Pep Guardiola’s team”.

The Bianconeri face the Catalan side in Turin tonight, in the first leg of their Champions League Quarter-Final, and the former Milan Coach believes they can progress.

“Juve have a unique opportunity,” Sacchi wrote in Gazzetta dello Sport.

“To defeat a Barcelona which is currently wavering and at the same time strengthen their status and authority on the international stage.

“A victory against the famous [Lionel] Messi, Neymar, [Luis] Suarez, [Andres] Iniesta, etc would increase their prestige and self-esteem, increasing their chances of success in the Champions League.

“Barcelona today can’t match [Max] Allegri’s men for enthusiasm, team spirit, strength and stamina, determination, motivation and even collective play.

“Today the Bluagrana have the history and the individual quality, but the team’s possession, high pressing and playing strategy has disappeared, now the group is tired with little enthusiasm and not much desire to impress.

“The defeatist and reticent attitude of Paris Saint-Germain was the thing that triggered the Catalan exploit [in the Last 16] which culminated in the 6-1.

“Being passive against the Spaniards in general is very dangerous, but even more so against champions like Messi and co, who are enhanced if you give them time and space to play.

“Today’s Barcelona are not only a far cry from Guardiola’s team, which won by annihilating opponents, but also from the one which defeated Juve in the final two years ago.

“Messi, Neymar and Suarez aren’t supported by extraordinary motivation, and with a style which is better than anyone else, they no longer beat even modest opponents like Deportivo and Malaga.

“It won’t be easy for Juve, because Barcelona have a special feeling on Champions League nights and a history which magnifies their experience and personality.

“Of course Enrique’s players will try to pull out everything they have, but in similar games they’ve got results in line with the rest of the year.

“Few of the Bianconeri have won the Champions League, and that will be a big boost to a group which is already very motivated, with a strong character and an iron will.

“Allegri is handling Juve really well, but he must stop his players being passive and fearful.

“Juve can get past Barça, they have everything to succeed, they’re a great team and perhaps internationally they haven’t yet realised how strong they are.”

Socrates · April 11, 2017

JUVENTUS - BARCELONA

-

QUARTER FINALS - FIRST LEG

Tuesday, April 11th, 2017 - 8:45 p.m.
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Szymon Marciniak (Poland)

Assessing Barça

Barcelona’s weaknesses outweigh their strengths at the moment but, as Football Espana’s

Livio Caferoglu writes, that doesn’t make them any less capable against Juventus.

http://www.football-italia.net/100951/assessing-barça

Apr 11, 2017

Tifosibianconeri English page - CLICK HERE

The 2016-17 campaign may be shaping up to be Barcelona’s most difficult under Luis Enrique, but as the Coach regularly reminds the Spanish Press, the Catalans are still fighting on all three fronts. Furthermore, they’ve reserved their best performances for the Champions League, most recently staging the greatest comeback ever seen in the competition’s history, but they’ll need more than that to beat Juventus.

Saturday’s 2-0 defeat to Malaga in La Liga ranked among Barça’s worst displays of the season, but Juve will have been reluctant to read too much into the game, given Enrique had started several squad players at La Rosaleda. However, only Gerard Pique and Ivan Rakitic were missing in the second half and the visitors were still unable to pose a sustained threat with their attacking riches or play with any kind of cohesion.

Cohesion used to be a fundamental feature of Barça teams, but Enrique’s side are no longer the passing kings they once were. They now keep the ball for longer in defence, resulting in their centre-backs becoming their key distributors, while the midfield trio push further forward and into wider areas, with the aim of directly supplying MSN and speeding up attacking transitions.

With Xavi Hernandez no more and there being a dearth of playmakers at Barça, Lucho is seemingly trying to bypass the middle of the park altogether – and that’s where Juve can take control of the tie. Indeed, teams that have dared to press the Catalans this season have been more successful than not, with Sergio Busquets regularly exposed between the lines.

Another weakness lies in Barça’s extraordinarily high line at the back. A key facet of Enrique’s team is their urgency in applying pressure on their opponents. Yet while their centre-backs are among the best around with their feet, none of them are particularly quick, leaving them vulnerable to long balls over the top and pace on their shoulders.

On the other hand, Barcelona are likely to start in a 3-4-3 formation, which was used to stun Paris Saint-Germain in the Last 16 and see off Sevilla last week. The system has served to stabilise the Catalans, making them less susceptible to attacks through the middle and improve their wing play, particularly down the left, where Andres Iniesta is able to support Neymar more freely.

Last but not least, Barça possess the world’s most potent strike force in MSN – Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez and Neymar. The trio have scored over 300 goals since debuting together in October 2014, and while their supply lines can be cut off, the individual quality of each attacker means the Cules are always in with a chance when they’re on the pitch.

Barça’s set-piece struggles have also been well-documented this season, with seven points dropped in the Liga as a result of goals conceded from dead-ball deliveries into their box. However, Messi has already scored four free kicks in 2017, proving that moments – not strengths and weaknesses – will decide the winner of this tie.

Socrates · April 11, 2017

JUVENTUS - BARCELONA

-

QUARTER FINALS - FIRST LEG

Tuesday, April 11th, 2017 - 8:45 p.m.
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Szymon Marciniak (Poland)

Juventus defender Dani Alves can show Barcelona what they're missing

http://www.espnfc.co.uk/uefa-champions-league/2/blog/post/3100688/juventus-

defender-dani-alves-can-show-barcelona-what-they-are-missing

Apr 11, 2017

Tifosibianconeri English page - CLICK HERE

Dani Alves is being modest when he says Barcelona miss him because he brightened up the dressing room. With his infectious smile, happy-go-lucky personality and friendships with key players like Lionel Messi and Neymar, he's undoubtedly right, but the defender is missed just as much on the pitch.

"I think they appreciated me as someone who was good to have around the place, who made every game unique, with a new dance or new music or whatever," Alves told FIFA.com ahead of his reunion with his former side in Juventus colours in the Champions League on Tuesday.

"I brought a bit of joy to the dressing room. I've spoken to them and they've told me that that's what they miss about me the most: how happy I am and the way I am. They say I'm unique."

If Alves is underestimating what it is Barca are missing about him the most, then it can also be said that the Catalan club underestimated just how much they would miss him.

Or, at least, by the time they realised how hard it would be to replace one of the best right-backs of the last decade, it was too late.

The way Alves tells it, he had one foot out the door when Barca were struck by a transfer ban. Only then was he offered extended terms.

Torn between the club, teammates and supporters he loved and a board he was growing increasingly less fond of, he did renew his contract in 2015, but with a caveat: he would be allowed to leave for free after the first year. And when Serie A champions Juventus offered him a new challenge last summer, he accepted.

"I like to feel wanted and if I'm not, I'll leave," he said earlier this season in an interview with ABC when explaining his Barcelona departure. "Leaving Barca on a free was a classy punch. During my final three seasons I always heard that 'Alves was leaving,' but the directors never said anything to my face.

"They were very false and ungrateful. They did not respect me. I was only offered a new deal when the transfer ban came in. That was when I played them at their own game and signed a deal with a termination clause. Those who run Barcelona today have no idea how to treat their players."

If Alves had been handled better by the board - some critics feel he was treated differently to others due to the fact he did not come through La Masia academy -- he may still be playing for Barca now.

Instead, on Tuesday he will line up against them in the first leg of the Champions League quarterfinal -- a "weird" meeting he'd rather have delayed until the final.

It will be a strange feeling for the Brazilian, who during eight years at Barcelona laid on 100 assists in La Liga -- 42 for Messi -- made 391 appearances in all competitions, won 23 trophies and made a lot of friends. And it will be strange for Barca, too, who could arguably use him even more effectively than before in their new 3-4-3 formation.

During his final years with the club there were complaints that he'd grown complacent in defence, but more often than not he found his form when it mattered and he was always a threat in attack.

If Alves had never left, Barca may never have needed to switch their system around, as the lack of balance on the right had been one of the problems plaguing them this season which needed addressing -- as well as inconsistency and a lack of control in midfield.

Now they've made the change, though, it's difficult to name a better-suited player in their current squad for the attacking role on the right than Alves.

Before his season-ending injury it was a role which had been filled by Rafinha and one which required a lot of defensive nous, despite the formation graphic depicting a right winger. Alves would be perfect for the job.

He may turn 34 next month but he would have still been an asset to Barcelona this season and there's little to suggest he doesn't have, at least, another year in him at the pinnacle of European football.

Not even a broken leg in November curtailed his enthusiasm for the game and he's bounced back to recover his place in Massimiliano Allegri's side.

"Alves is a champion, a guy with great drive and enthusiasm who has won everything," gushed Allegri after the Brazilian scored in the 2-0 win over Porto in the last round; his fourth game back from injury. "Coming on for the last 20 minutes and doing what he did simply underlines his professionalism."

Alves may feel his professionalism was overlooked by some at Barcelona but he will have a chance to display everything against his former club at the Juventus Stadium this week. The defender certainly does more than just brighten up the dressing room and, on Tuesday, Barca may be reminded just what they let go.

Socrates · April 11, 2017

JUVENTUS - BARCELONA

-

QUARTER FINALS - FIRST LEG

Tuesday, April 11th, 2017 - 8:45 p.m.
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Szymon Marciniak (Poland)

JUVENTUS FACE TRUE TEST OF THEIR PROGRESS

AGAINST FAMILIAR FACES IN BARCELONA

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2702322-juventus-face-true-test

-of-their-progress-against-familiar-faces-in-barcelona

Apr 11, 2017

Tifosibianconeri English page - CLICK HERE

Juventus vs. Barcelona. In terms of prestige, power and tradition, the UEFA Champions League quarter-finals could hardly have contrived to pair two more emotive names during March's draw.

They share a long history of battles, with their seven previous meetings resulting in three wins for the Catalan giants, two for the Bianconeri and two draws, with their last clash of course coming in the final of this competition just two years ago.

Given the fluidity with which coaches are hired and fired, perhaps it is somewhat surprising to note that both clubs are still led by the same men. But while Massimiliano Allegri and Luis Enrique will need little introduction, that continuity does not extend to the starting XIs that the former will send on to the field at Juventus Stadium.

Enrique, however—after already steering the Blaugrana to eight trophies during his three-year tenure—has already announced his decision to walk away from the club at the end of the campaign.

With more silverware likely to be secured before then, the coach perhaps senses his side is coming to the end of an era. They still boast the MSN front line of Lionel Messi, Luis Suarez and Neymar to fire in the goals, and with Andres Iniesta still pulling the strings in midfield, this team is simply an older version of the one that beat Juve 3-1 at Berlin's Olympiastadion in June 2015.

Nine players of the starting XI from the last time these two teams met are expected to start. Of the two exceptions, one is Sergio Buquets, who will sit out the first leg through suspension, and the other is Dani Alves, who joined Juventus last summer on a free transfer.

Yet everything is not quite as it once was at Camp Nou, with Spanish football expert David Cartlidge explaining to Bleacher Report just how Barcelona have evolved since they last took on the Old Lady: "The most important factor is those players who have grown in that period. I think Neymar jumps out more than anyone else. His growth, maturity and ascendancy into a player not just for the future but for the present day is significant.

"Overall, we see a team that has gradually grown to be more dependent on MSN as a whole for a variety of things in the attacking third. Before their responsibility was less. Juve faced MSN when they were at a period of still getting to know one another and discover the benefits of their relationship. Now they know them and how to use them best.

"However, this is something Juventus could exploit. Barcelona don't feel as much of a team. Instead, they are relying on specific parts. There was something more total and complete about them before that doesn't exist as strongly now. Don't get me wrong, there is a lot there in terms of team ethic and hard work. But so much goes through MSN that it leaves the team vulnerable."

There is certainly a daunting task awaiting the Bianconeri, but as the Opta tweet below indicates, their record against Barca in two-legged ties is markedly better than in one-off games.

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2 - Juventus and Barcelona have progressed twice each in their four two-legged clashes in European Cups. Balance. #UCLdraw

12:47 PM - 17 Mar 2017

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"This is a huge tie and completely different to the final in 2015, which was just 90 minutes long," midfielder Claudio Marchisio told Juventus’ official website. "This time we're playing them over two legs, and we should not even be thinking about revenge but instead about overcoming this hugely important challenge."

It is not just the nature of the tie that has changed, either, with the Italian midfielder one of the few players still with the Turin giants. Indeed, nine of the 14 men who contested the 2015 showpiece for the Bianconeri have since moved on, with the club's supporters hoping that the changes will carry over to the final score.

The others who remain are Gigi Buffon, Andrea Barzagli, Leonardo Bonucci and Stephan Lichtsteiner, with Giorgio Chiellini an injury-enforced absentee for the Berlin encounter.

That meant Allegri deployed a four-man back line instead of the 3-5-2 that was the side's preferred system, but over the past two years, the coach has moved away from it almost entirely.

In its place comes a 4-2-3-1 formation that brings the best from every department, starting with the prowess of left-back Alex Sandro. Arguably one of the world's best in that role, the Brazil international is defensively solid but brings a speed and quickness that was simply beyond Patrice Evra back in 2015.

Furthermore, Bonucci has blossomed into arguably the continent's best central defender over the past 18 months, with his man-marking ability, leadership and distribution seeing him widely lauded for his performances for club and country.

Perhaps one of the motivating factors in Allegri's tactical shift was to negate the losses Juventus have suffered in midfield. Arturo Vidal, Andrea Pirlo and Paul Pogba have all left over the past two summers, and while those who have arrived in their place are not poor players, they are not at the level of their predecessors.

But by fielding just two of Miralem Pjanic, Sami Khedira and Marchisio, the Juve boss allows himself to squeeze a wealth of attacking options into the starting XI. Carlos Tevez and Alvaro Morata were a fine pairing, but they did not carry as much threat as the quartet of Juan Cuadrado, Mario Mandzukic, Gonzalo Higuain and Paulo Dybala.

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1:49 PM - 20 Aug 2016

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It is the latter pair who truly allow supporters to dream, however, with the Bianconeri boasting Serie A's record single-season goalscorer (Higuain) and a player who has already been tipped to rise to the top of European football.

"[Dybala] has the quality to win the Ballon d'Or one day," Allegri noted at a recent press conference. Those who watch the Serie A leaders regularly are aware of the steps the club has taken to move forward since they last played Barcelona.

"Since the 2015 final, we have focused on the Champions League a lot," Luca, a season-ticket holder in Juventus Stadium's Curva Sud, told Bleacher Report. "That’s why they spent a lot of money on Higuain and Pjanic. They are determined to become one of the best [teams] in Europe once again, like they were before."

That is the truth of this team, one that the club's upper management has not shied away from revealing, with president Andrea Agnelli explaining the situation to a gathering of employees and sponsors back in December, per Football Italia:

I want to thank the people who are here with me, because in 2016 they couldn't have done more to write Italian football history, but this year we have to become legendary.

This year we have a great privilege. To become legendary we have two paths, national and international. No one has written their name as champions of Italy six times [in a row], and to write it as European champions means becoming legendary.

But standing in their way is effectively the same side that prevented them from sealing a historic moment two years ago. There is arguably no better yardstick to measure their progress against than Enrique's great team, one that will always be remembered for both the trophies it won and its style of play.

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Cristiano Ronaldo rates Juventus as serious Champions League contenders

13: 46 - 12 Nov 2016

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For this version of the Bianconeri, one that has spent two years evolving in hope of being better able to challenge Lionel Messi and Co., they represent more than just another opponent. They are the ultimate test, a living, breathing, tiki-taka-inspired embodiment of the belief that you have to beat the best to be the best.

Juventus are better than they were last time, but they must prove that they are truly ready.

Socrates · April 11, 2017

JUVENTUS - BARCELONA

-

QUARTER FINALS - FIRST LEG

Tuesday, April 11th, 2017 - 8:45 p.m.
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Szymon Marciniak (Poland)

Albertini advises Barcelona

http://www.football-italia.net/100960/albertini-advises-barcelona

Apr 11, 2017

Tifosibianconeri English page - CLICK HERE

Former Barcelona midfielder Demetrio Albertini warns Juventus “can play for 89 minutes without touching the ball and win in the last minute”.

The Milan legend spent the final year of his career at Camp Nou, and will be cheering on the Blaugrana when they face the Old Lady in Turin tonight for the Champions League Quarter-Final.

“In this game, my heart cheers for Barcelona,” Albertini said on Catalunya Radio.

“It’s normal, I have a lot of friends there. This is a great opportunity for Juventus, as they’re facing the best team in the world.

“Italian teams have the ability to play for 89 minutes without touching the ball and win in the last minute.”

Socrates · April 11, 2017

JUVENTUS - BARCELONA

-

QUARTER FINALS - FIRST LEG

Tuesday, April 11th, 2017 - 8:45 p.m.
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Szymon Marciniak (Poland)

Juventus plan to attack flagging Barcelona in UCL first leg

http://www.espnfc.co.uk/uefa-champions-league/2/blog/post/3101242/

juventus-plan-to-attack-flagging-barcelona-in-ucl-first-leg

Apr 11, 2017

Tifosibianconeri English page - CLICK HERE

TURIN, Italy -- Considering the blockbuster fixture that awaits on Tuesday evening, the sense of occasion in Turin is subdued. As Juventus prepare to host La Liga giants Barcelona in the Champions League quarterfinal first leg, there were only a smattering of Catalan fans in the Piedmontese capital's city squares on the eve of the game, while the visitors' arrival at the airport was greeted with group of autograph hunters and selfie-seekers in half-and-half scarves rather than a hostile, baying mob.

There seems to be an absence of tension between the two clubs, too. At the Juventus Stadium for the prematch news conferences, both camps indulged in the usual platitudes about their opponents' qualities, though Juventus coach Massimiliano Allegri was bullish about his team's attacking intent.

"It's impossible to think about playing two 0-0 draws and winning on penalties," Allegri said. "All the four or five attacking players will play, I don't see any reason why we should have to do without them. We have to play with the confidence that we can beat Barcelona."

It is likely that Argentine forwards Paulo Dybala and Gonzalo Higuain will be joined by Colombia winger Juan Cuadrado, with Croatian striker Mario Mandzukic playing his part up front. But Allegri, expected to sign a new Juventus contract despite heavy links to what looks an impending vacancy at Arsenal, was hardly embracing controversy by suggesting Barca can be got at.

The season has presented reams of evidence for their fallibility -- most recently the 2-0 defeat to Malaga at the weekend which handed the La Liga title initiative back to Real Madrid -- and will see manager Luis Enrique step down in the summer.

Barca's 6-1 second-leg defeat of Paris Saint-Germain in the round 16 will go down in history as one of the most remarkable comebacks of all time but, after losing the first leg 4-0, that tie with the French champions revealed a team that's fraying.

Barca's front three of Luis Suarez, Lionel Messi and Neymar may have destroyed his team in the 2015 Champions League final, but Allegri insisted that his players "have to play on their weaknesses."

And there are weaknesses across the team, too. There are problems in defence as Gerard Pique and Javier Mascherano are over 30; midfield, where Ivan Rakitic, so imperious in 2015's final, has been failing to assert himself as the long-term successor to Xavi, while Andres Iniesta's age is also catching up with him.

Sergio Busquets' suspension causes further issues and his replacement is likely to be Andre Gomes, the expensive summer signing from Valencia who is yet to suggest he can cover adequately for Barca's midfield lynchpin. Meanwhile, talisman Messi is looking a shadow of the player he was in 2009, 2011 or 2015, the years his club were crowned European champions.

Legendary Juventus goalkeeper and captain Gianluigi Buffon hinted at that as he cast back to Berlin's final two years ago.

"They were much stronger than us but now we have two more years' experience which allows us to play in such games with a different mentality," Buffon said. "We have closed the gap. We are looking forward to this. We are not here to make up the numbers."

The optimistic, strident tone set by Buffon and Allegri struck something of a contrast to Luis Enrique, who spent much of his news conference raking over the problems Barcelona are suffering back home.

"What I think is a bit pathetic is that you are individualising any defeat on one player or two players in any team," he said, his voice rising from its usual monotone.

But he would do well to focus on the task at hand. Juve have conceded just twice in this season's Champions League, breezing past Porto in the previous round 3-0 on aggregate, requiring none of the dramas of Tuesday's opponents.

Luis Enrique did acknowledge Juventus' defensive strength -- with Buffon behind three world class veterans in Giorgio Chiellini, Leonardo Bonucci and Dani Alves, the latter let go by Barca last summer and sorely missed -- insisting: "Juventus' defensive numbers in the Champions League this season are spectacular ... up to the level of their history and worthy of a team in the quarterfinals."

That should tell him this is a far tougher nut to crack than PSG. Should Barca suffer a heavy deficit in Turin, they will require an even greater Camp Nou miracle.

Socrates · April 11, 2017

JUVENTUS - BARCELONA

-

QUARTER FINALS - FIRST LEG

Tuesday, April 11th, 2017 - 8:45 p.m.
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Szymon Marciniak (Poland)

‘Barcelona 50-50 with Juventus’

http://www.football-italia.net/100963/‘barcelona-50-50-juventus’

Apr 11, 2017

Tifosibianconeri English page - CLICK HERE

Cesare Prandelli says Juventus “are certainly not favourites” against Barcelona but “it’s 50-50”.

The Bianconeri face Luis Enrique’s side in Turin tonight for the first leg of their Champions League Quarter-Final, and the former Italy CT believes the tie is finely poised.

“Against Barcelona, Juventus are certainly not favourites,” Prandelli told Il Mattino.

“It’s say that the chances are 50-50 though. However, to cause problems for a team like Barcelona you have to make them run.

“What will be make the difference will be how intense Juventus’ play is.”

Socrates · April 11, 2017

JUVENTUS - BARCELONA

-

QUARTER FINALS - FIRST LEG

Tuesday, April 11th, 2017 - 8:45 p.m.
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Szymon Marciniak (Poland)

Montero: ‘Buffon isn’t human’

http://www.football-italia.net/100964/montero-‘buffon-isn’t-human’

Apr 11, 2017

Tifosibianconeri English page - CLICK HERE

Paolo Montero discusses Juventus-Barcelona and believes Gianluigi Buffon “is not human!”

The centre-back scored against the Blaugrana when the sides met in the 2003 Champions League Quarter-Final, with the Bianconeri facing Barça at the same stage tonight.

“I scored so few goals that I can remember the Barcelona one in great detail,” Montero told Gazzetta dello Sport.

“It was a complicated game, it was a Dutch Barcelona, not the super team of now. [Javier] Saviola equalised and ultimately it was a fair result.

“We suffered incredibly in the return leg, but thankfully Pavel [Nedved] was on the pitch and then came the touch of [Marcelo] Zalayeta for 2-1. A miracle, but that team was tough and never gave up.

“Today’s Juve are just as strong, but maybe in a different way. [Gonzalo] Higuain and [Paulo] Dybala are top players, they can score at any time.

“Buffon is the same now as he was then, he’s not human. We’ll remember him as the best goalkeeper of all time.

“When I see [Leonardo] Bonucci and [Giorgio] Chiellini I’m reminded of me and [Ciro] Ferrara, just a nod and we understood each other.

“Individually maybe Barcelona are better, but we - I say ‘we’ because I’ll always be a Juventino - we are more solid, united and willing to sacrifice one for the others. Qualification is balanced.

“The Champions League? It’s my great regret, it’s the one thing missing in my career and I carry that with me.

“I could say that my teammates who are still at the club - Buffon, [David] Trezeguet, Nedved - must win this trophy for me too, but it would be wrong to put it that way. I’ve had my turn and I didn’t do it.

“They, however, remain to fight for themselves and for the fans, because Juve deserve this.”

Current Juventus President Andrea Agnelli has said Montero was his favourite player…

“I thank him, he could have chosen [Zinedine] Zidane, [Alessandro] Del Piero or some other star player but he chose a ‘normal’ one like me.

“Maybe it’s because in a sense, with all humility, I represent the feeling of Juve. What I mean is I represent the desire to fight and win that this great club has.

“When I’m in Turin the affection from the people overwhelms me. Moreover when Juve are playing everything stops and my house becomes a stadium: from my dad to my kids, everyone cheers.”

Socrates · April 11, 2017

JUVENTUS - BARCELONA

-

QUARTER FINALS - FIRST LEG

Tuesday, April 11th, 2017 - 8:45 p.m.
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Szymon Marciniak (Poland)

Xavi: ‘Juventus will counter-attack’

http://www.football-italia.net/100965/xavi-‘juventus-will-counter-attack’

Apr 11, 2017

Tifosibianconeri English page - CLICK HERE

Xavi expects Juventus to “wait for the counter” and believes Paulo Dybala “would perfectly suit Barcelona’s game”.

The Blaugrana legend played his final match for the club in the 2015 final against the Old Lady, and spoke to Marca about tonight’s match.

“My memories from that match are magnificent, winning the last game as a Barcelona player with that title was incredible,” Xavi said.

“To play a Champions League final, even if it was only ten minutes, and to win it and to be able to raise the trophy, was incredible.

“Now, Barcelona have changed little. Juve, however, have incorporated players like [Gonzalo] Higuain, [Paulo] Dybala, [Mario] Mandzukic and [Dani] Alves, also they have radically changed their midfield because they no longer have [Andrea] Pirlo, [Arturo] Vidal or [Paul] Pogba.”

“Barcelona have all the tools and Luis Enrique is excellent on a tactical level. Surely they have worked hard and they will have analysed Juventus.

“Barcelona will have the ball and Juve will wait for the counter to launch a more direct attack with Higuain and Dybala. The meeting will be decided by the great individual players, both teams have them.

“They [Juventus] have a strong defensive setup with [Leonardo] Bonucci, [Andrea] Barzagli, and [Giorgio] Chiellini. “Then they have [Gianluigi] Buffon, it’s no coincidence that he’s played 1000 games because he’s one of the best goalkeepers in history. Many of Juve’s successes are down to him.

“The old guard at the back is important and up front they have a lot of punch.

“I make Barcelona the favourites, scoring is always key in this type of game, and over the two matches it will be just as important.

"For me it would be a surprise if either of them kept a clean sheet along the way.”

Xavi was also asked about the Bianconeri’s Argentine strike duo of Paulo Dybala and Gonzalo Higuain.

“Dybala would perfectly suit Barcelona’s game. He’s very talented, and he can cause problems with that natural talent.

“Luis Suarez or Higuain? The Uruguayan is the best number 9 in the world right now. Higuain is similar, but he’s not on the same level.”

Socrates · April 11, 2017

JUVENTUS - BARCELONA

-

QUARTER FINALS - FIRST LEG

Tuesday, April 11th, 2017 - 8:45 p.m.
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Szymon Marciniak (Poland)

Juventus v Barcelona Champions League Preview

http://www.juvefc.com/juventus-v-barcelona-champions-league-preview/

Apr 11, 2017

Tifosibianconeri English page - CLICK HERE

Juventus v Barcelona

Champions League – Tuesday, 11th April – 19:45 GMT – Juventus Stadium

Juventus

Finally the wait is almost over. A journey that we embarked upon when Conte and Agnelli arrived on the scene many moons ago, which has steadily seen us progress and stride our way back towards the elite of European football now finds us hosting one of the most powerful attacking outfits the world has ever seen.

Many were appalled by the draw, yet many more in turn were instantly excited and roaring a war cry for blood which runs blue and red.

Our last meeting with the boys from Barca was in the final of 2015 which we deservedly lost 3-1. Yet times and sides and fortunes have changed since then. For both clubs. With Juve moving from strength to strength and our opponents, perhaps deteriorating in the same period. Indeed there will be no powerful Pogba, nor tenacious Tevez nor the mercurial and majestic Pirlo, but I am of the opinion that we are clearly stronger. We have become the most balanced Juve side, from top to bottom, since the glory days pre 2006. With world class talent between the sticks, all across the back line, through the midfield and also in attack. Simply put, there are no obvious weaknesses in our side.

Rather than apply the same analysis to our foes I will stick mainly to our players and manager. As others have said, quite rightly, if we wish to be considered the very best, we must beat other established sides of that calibre.

Our defensive record in Europe this season has been staggering. Conceding just two in eight matches. An astonishing achievement. Though we have run risks on occasion. Nevertheless, Allegri must be lauded for both his game and player management, thus far. For we find ourselves not only maintaining a healthy lead in Serie A, back in the final of the Coppa Italia, but also playing our best football of the season. The timing appears as perfect as it could be. Other than perhaps the doubts surrounding the fitness of the essential Mario Mandzukic, whose hard running, superb link up play and ability to drop deep and become an extra midfielder will be pivotal to our hopes and dreams of registering a memorable victory over a side who stunned a fair few when demolishing PSG to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat in the previous round.

In terms of form, and again I have no interest in making a mountain of a mole hill of Barca’s defeat at the weekend to plucky Malaga, I feel our finest players are on the whole in superb shape physically and mentally. Higuain has looked nothing short of awesome, Dybala has shaken off his muscular woes and was ever so lively at the weekend and Big Sami has stepped up a gear in turn.

I also believe we have the confidence and the belief in ourselves, to add to the talent. And in terms of spirit and experience we have a wealth of seasoned professionals alongside several blossoming superstars for whom this will prove the biggest game of their lives to date. I mean players like Sandro, Dybala, Pjanic and to a lesser degree Cuadrado – who has tasted the most brilliant of limelight through his efforts for his country in the latter stages of a World Cup. This mix of huge experience and desire to stake a claim as worthy of consideration as the world’s finest, needs only the right direction and a bit of luck to prosper against any side of any level.

Alongside this confidence, there are in mind but three areas of the proposed starting XI to consider.

RB

Alves appears a certainty to start. He has an axe to grind with a club he has openly criticised for treating him poorly after he gave them so much when part of their flock. He has returned sooner than planned from a broken leg, and other than a delightful cameo against Porto, it has been a case of generally keeping him wrapped up in cotton wool, perhaps with an eye on this fixture. He will be facing Neymar, a player in sparkling form, nimble, full of trickery, sublime turn of pace with an unerring eye for goal. This could well be the battle which decides the tie. I would prefer to see Stephan start. He is finally in top form, match sharp, fully fit and I believe the Swiss offers a noticeable addition of security at the back as well as dovetails more comfortably with Cuadrado. Still, I place my trust in Allegri, for his acumen and cunning has found us in this wonderful position of opportunity to compete for all honours available.

LB

It strikes me as bizarre that Allegri could be seriously considering starting Asamoah in place of Sandro. For the Brazilian is stronger, equal if not better defensively and certainly offers more potency in the final third with his fine footwork and ability to both deliver great crosses and also cut in on his right foot. As much as I am a huge fan of Asamoah, the two players are miles apart in terms of quality.

CB

Whilst the Bonucci and Chiellini tandem is on paper our most formidable duo in the middle, Leo appeared very much out of sorts when he came on at the weekend. He is a player who on his day is unquestionably a top five CB on the planet, perhaps in the galaxy, yet when his head is not right, he can prove a devastating liability. Add in Kaiser Chiellini’s recent bout of what we would say in England was ‘the touch of a rapist’ and I am less convinced of our defensive fortitude than I could be. However, both players have a habit of producing their very best when faced with the strongest challenges. And their experience together, combined with their exceptional strength in every area of the defensive side of the game, could well prove too much for the fabled triumvirate of blaugrana exceptionalism. We can but hope.

Not as a concern, more a pondering…Claudio Marchisio has shown increasing glimpses of returning to his best of late. Whilst Pjanic has been less able to make an impact when deployed. What Il Principino brings is not just a passion for the cause unrivalled by any, but also the solidity and guile to allow Khedira to bomb forward with greater confidence. The Bosnian, however, produces considerably more in the final third and will add much to our creativity. Against a team who are comfortable on the ball and embraces as much as demands possession, it is a difficult decision for Allegri to make. Perhaps as we are playing at home Pjanic gets the nod, and Marchisio will return for the second leg. Which would make sense when we are more likely to attack this evening and seek an advantage to take to the Catalan capital.

Essentially, we have a fighting chance of causing our opponents more problems than they can cause us. And it is this conclusion which fills me with calm confidence.

Probable lineup:

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

Injuries:

Pjaca (knee).

Suspensions:

None.

Barcelona

Probable lineup:

4-3-3: Stegen; Roberto, Pique, Umtiti, Alba; Rakitic, Mascherano, Iniesta; Messi, Duarez, Neymar

Injuries:

Aleix Vidal, Rafinha, Arda Turan (Doubtful)

Suspensions:

Sergio Busquets.

Formation:

Socrates · April 11, 2017

JUVENTUS - BARCELONA

-

QUARTER FINALS - FIRST LEG

Tuesday, April 11th, 2017 - 8:45 p.m.
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Szymon Marciniak (Poland)

Barca return to 4-3-3?

http://www.football-italia.net/100970/barca-return-4-3-3

Apr 11, 2017

Tifosibianconeri English page - CLICK HERE

Barcelona look set to abandon their 3-4-3 formation for tonight’s Juventus game, returning to a 4-3-3.

The Blaugrana have been operating with a back-three in recent weeks, but the absence of Sergio Busquets presents a problem for tonight’s Champions League Quarter-Final.

That means Javier Mascherano is likely to move into central-midfield, and it’s not thought Luis Enrique will trust Jérémy Mathieu after his performance in the weekend defeat to Malaga.

Therefore Sergi Roberto is likely to drop to right-back, with Samuel Umtiti on the other side of the centre-back pairing of Gerard Pique and Jordi Alba.

If confirmed, the switch could have crucial implications on one of Max Allegri’s Juventus doubts.

The Coach is struggling to choose between Alex Sandro or Kwadwo Asamoah for the left-back role in Turin tonight.

If Barça return to 4-3-3, it would mean Lionel Messi on the right of the trident, meaning the left-back would be his direct opponent as the Argentine looks to drift inside off the flank.

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JUVENTUS SEASON 2016-2017

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