JUVENTUS SEASON 2016-2017

[Socrates 8526]

 

 

 

EMPOLI - JUVENTUS

 

0-3

 

Paulo Dybala 65'

Gonzalo Higuaín 67'

Gonzalo Higuaín 70'

 
 

 

 

MATCHDAY 7
Sunday, October 2nd, 2016 - 12:30 PM
Carlo Castellani Stadium, Empoli
Referee: Paolo Mazzoleni

 

 

Juventus vs. Empoli 2016: Final score 3-0, Patient Bianconeri

turn on the style in surprising second-half blitz

 

A five-minute goal blitz by the Bianconeri secured all

3 points n an entertaining lunchtime encounter!

 

 

 

 

http://www.blackwhitereadallover.com/2016/10/2/13139136/juventus

-empoli-2016-serie-a-round-7-final-score-recap-result

 

 

Oct 2, 2016

 

The game started off, as has unfortunately become very common of late, in very scrappy fashion with passes going astray and players slipping all over the place. Nevertheless, the first piece of action came courtesy of Sami Khedira in the ninth minute. Miralem Pjanic lofted a fantastic ball over the Empoli defense for the German to control on the chest before quickly swiveling and hammering a shot against the bar from close range. He did seem narrowly offside on this occasion, but the flag stayed down. There was more threat from the Bianconeri just a minute later, as Manuel Pucciarelli handled the ball just outside the box but Lukasz Skorupski comfortably saved Paolo Dybala’s subsequent free kick. As the game progressed, the state of the pitch continued to contribute to the poor, scrappy quality of the play.

Despite the questionable quality of the play, there was no lack of action for the fans.

Juan Cuadrado, starting his first game since rejoining Juventus, broke free on the right-hand side and fired in an awkward cross-shot which Skorupski did well to save to prevent being caught out red-faced. Cuadrado continued his very lively first-half performance by beating the offside trap and latching onto a wonderful long ball by Hernanes, but, with only the keeper to beat, he seemed stuck in three minds before finally taking the shot which Skorupski did well to save.

Suddenly, it was end-to-end stuff as Empoli got their first look at goal. Rade Krunic picked up the ball on the edge of the box and, with no defenders closing him down, unleashed a venomous strike which Buffon did well to tip over the bar. There was even more action to come as Dybala slipped in behind the Empoli defense, but couldn’t quite get control of the ball. Gonzalo Higuaín was alert to the danger, though, as he stealthily latched onto the loose ball and executed a sublime chip from a difficult angle over the heads of the Empoli players but Pasqual was there to clear the ball of the line. Cuadrado then fired a wild volley over the bar from the Pasqual clearance to end that dramatic piece of action and also bring an end to an intriguing, though sloppy, first half.

Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images

Juventus quickly carried the momentum from the first half into the second half. Khedira, having an off-color performance here, released Higuaín in the inside-left channel to go through on goal. The Argentine striker was uncharacteristically hesitant as he tried to shift the ball onto his stronger right foot but this gave Giuseppe Bellusci enough time to snuff out the danger.

Empoli continued to frustrate the Bianconeri and even managed to get a few sights on goal as Massimo Maccarone powered a header over the bar and Krunic almost punished a rare Leonardo Bonucci error soon afterwards. Record-signing Higuaín finally had the ball in the back of the net after Cuadrado played a deft 1-2 with Pjanic that allowed the former to square the ball across goal for the Argentine to tap-in, but the goal was rightly disallowed for offside on Cuadrado. A lovely triangle between the three players, but it wasn’t quite enough for the Bianconeri.

Two minutes later, though, the offside flag wasn’t there to save Empoli.

Alex Sandro, unusually quiet offensively this game, made a strong run forward down the left and danced past a few half-hearted challenges before squaring the ball to Dybala. The left-footed wizard took one touch to compose himself and then rifled the ball into the goal for the opening goal! We had only just finished celebrating when the second goal was already scored, as second-half substitute Mario Lemina played a neat pass into Higuaín who, again on his left foot, waited and waited and waited until he finally decided to give his left foot a chance and smacked the ball into the goal to double the Bianconeri lead. A quick-fire double was merely the beginning for the Bianconeri as a third goal followed soon after. Higuaín calmly rounded Skorupski after the striker capitalized on a woeful Marco Zambelli awful back-pass.

It was all-guns blazing now as Empoli’s confusingly high defensive line was exploited time and time again by a rampant Bianconeri side. This time the speedy Cuadrado again got in behind the defense and fired a far-post shot inches wide of the target. A minute later, Lemina easily beat Empoli’s ineffective offside-trap but, with fellow substitute Marko Pjaca free in acres of space in front of goal, the Gabonese midfielder went for personal glory in an infuriatingly-selfish piece of play which Skorupski saved. The last big chance of the game came for the Croatian winger as he unleashed a blistering shot which Skorupski tipped over the bar for a corner. After two minutes of stoppage time, referee Mazzoleni brought an end to a fascinating lunchtime encounter that resulted in a 3-0 victory for Juventus!

Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images

Pagelle

BUFFON 7 – Combined a tidy save on the Krunic shot with a few routine stops. Rarely called into action.

BARZAGLI 6.5 – Got burned by Pucciarelli early in the game, but other than that didn’t put a foot wrong.

BONUCCI 6.5 – Other than two uncharacteristic mishaps in the second half, he played in his usual confident style especially once the Empoli forwards tired late on.

CHIELLINI 6.5 – Didn’t have much trouble today. Solid performance.

CUADRADO 7 – I wanted to downgrade him because his end-product remains frustratingly poor, but he was the main offensive outlet in the first half as most attacks went down the right side.

KHEDIRA 6 – Wasn’t a great outing for the German today. Perhaps feeling the effect of the recent fixture pileup. I hope he gets some rest soon.

PJANIC 7 – Quiet in the first half, but had a bright 15-minute spell when the goals came flying in. Overall a solid performance, though.

HERNANES 7.5 – Very confident display by the Brazilian as he enjoyed the freedom in the middle of the park. He really is most useful in low-pressure games like these, especially to rotate the starters.

Hernanes distributed the ball excellently to the wings

 Statszone by Opta

SANDRO 7.5 – Again an offensively quiet game, but defensively imperious. It’s funny that the first time he really got forward this game immediately resulted in a great assist for the opening goal.

HIGUAÍN 7 – I actually thought he was quite poor today, particularly wasteful with his two huge chances before his goals. Then again, given the two goals he scored, it’s hard to downgrade him too much.

DYBALA 7 – Finally picked up his first Serie A goal of the season! He said he’s lacking confidence, but I think he’s shown great maturity recently to just keep working hard for the team.

 

Subs

LEMINA 6.5 – Added a breath of fresh air into the midfield after coming on for an off-color Khedira. I’m still really displeased about the selfishness during that breakaway though.

PJACA 6.5 – Brightest performance by the Croatian so far in his Juve stint and really offers a unique option from the bench with his direct play. Played very wide left but also drifted centrally from time to time.

STURARO N/A – Played for eight minutes in his first appearance of the season.

 

Manager

ALLEGRI 7 – Was smart to realize that Khedira needed a break and brought in Lemina at a good time. Although the first half was underwhelming, it was good to see greater urgency in the second period. Also played the midfield numbers game very well (see below).

 

Tactical Dissection – One thing leads to another

Michael Cox of the great ZonalMarking website discussed at great length why two-man striker formations always struggle against three-man defenses and in this game we could clearly see why. Maccarone and Pucciarelli, the two Empoli strikers, generally pressed Barzagli and Chiellini, respectively, when out of possession. Obviously, that would leave Bonucci as the free man in the center of the trio and if there’s someone you don’t want to leave unchallenged for Juventus, it’s this brilliantly talented libero. Here we see the problem crystallized clearly:

Bonucci free between the two strikers here. If you look closely, you see Krunic just on the edge of the picture there on the right.

The key player in this equation was Krunic. He occasionally decided to move higher up the pitch to challenge Bonucci, thus making it a 3v3 at the back. But as with many things in life, one thing always leads to another. Hernanes would be totally free in front of the defense given that Daniele Croce and Andres Tello would mark Khedira and Pjanic, respectively; Jose Mauri was the regista. Hernanes utilized this freedom in different ways: sometimes he would distribute the ball from midfield...

Hernanes in acres of space here on the ball. Krunic is circled (look closely again)

… while other times he would drop back into defense to help the defense build-up play from the back:

Hernanes is circled at the top, Bonucci at the bottom, and Krunic (seemingly confused about who to mark) in the middle

His freedom in midfield meant that he could comfortably ping balls out wide and, given that Empoli was playing a narrow diamond midfield, all the space was out wide. So kudos to Allegri for getting the tactics right here and Hernanes for executing them very well.

See you, Space Cowboy…

It was another one of those confusing performances where we were unconvincing for long periods but still managed to secure a flattering scoreline. I don’t really know what to think of or how to feel about such games, but it does seem grossly ungrateful to complain about four consecutive victories with 12 goals scored and none conceded. Nevertheless, with the International break once again upon us, we’ll have enough time to ponder these curious times for the Bianconeri.

Forza Juve!

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

[Socrates 8526]

 

 

 

EMPOLI - JUVENTUS

 

0-3

 

Paulo Dybala 65'

Gonzalo Higuaín 67'

Gonzalo Higuaín 70'

 
 

 

 

MATCHDAY 7
Sunday, October 2nd, 2016 - 12:30 PM
Carlo Castellani Stadium, Empoli
Referee: Paolo Mazzoleni

 

 

Serie A round-up: Juventus move four points clear

at summit as Napoli suffer first defeat

 

 

 

 

 

http://www.skysports.com/football/news/11854/10603808/serie-a-round-up-

juventus-move-four-points-clear-at-summit-as-napoli-suffer-first-defeat

 

 

Oct 3, 2016

 

The Serie A table is swiftly assuming a familiar appearance after five-time defending champions Juventus pulled four points clear at the top following their straightforward 3-0 victory at Empoli.

Juve's victory at the Stadio Carlo Castellani was secured in the space of five second-half minutes, when one goal from Paulo Dybala and two more from Gonzalo Higuain built a commanding lead.

Missing the chance to keep pace with the Scudetto holders were Napoli, who surrendered their unbeaten status in a 1-0 defeat to Atalanta in Bergamo, Andrea Petagna scoring an early goal.

 

The late game was billed as a battle between two clubs who harbour aspirations of breaking into the top two and it was Roma who moved into title contention after edging past Inter Milan 2-1.

Edin Dzeko scored the first goal of a thrilling game in the Eternal City, with Ever Banega putting away one of his countless opportunities to level before Roma's Kostas Manolas headed a late winner.

AC Milan fared better than their city rivals by launching a dramatic comeback to down Sassuolo 4-3 at the San Siro.

Giacomo Bonaventura's opener was forgotten when Sassuolo responded with goals from Matteo Politano, Francesco Acerbi and Lorenzo Pellegrini, but Carlos Bacca's penalty put Milan back on the road to glory with Manuel Locatelli and then Gabriel Paletta turning the tables.

Torino and Genoa are both in the ascendancy after recording wins againstFiorentina and Bologna respectively.

Joe Hart's new club had Iago Falque to thank for scoring one goal and setting up the other against Fiorentina, for whom Khouma Babacar scored the consolation in a 2-1 defeat.

Tempers flared at Bologna, with Daniele Gastaldello, Santiago Gentiletti and Blerim Dzemaili all being sent off, but Giovanni Simeone saw through the red mist to earn Genoa their 1-0 triumph.

Elsewhere, Cagliari condemned basement boys Crotone to yet another defeat, with Davide Di Gennaro and Simone Padoin scoring for the Sardinians in a 2-1 victory. Adrian Stoian replied for the promoted club, who have picked up a single point thus far, at the death.

Palermo were denied three points from their trip to Sampdoria as Bruno Fernandes cancelled out Ilija Nestorovski's goal before Alessandro Gazzi was dismissed in a 1-1 draw.

Sunday night also brought the news that Udinese had sacked head coach Giuseppe Iachini, for whom the final straw was a 3-0 home defeat to Lazioon Saturday.

 

 

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

[Socrates 8526]

 

 

 

EMPOLI - JUVENTUS

 

0-3

 

Paulo Dybala 65'

Gonzalo Higuaín 67'

Gonzalo Higuaín 70'

 
 

 

 

MATCHDAY 7
Sunday, October 2nd, 2016 - 12:30 PM
Carlo Castellani Stadium, Empoli
Referee: Paolo Mazzoleni

 

 

Empoli 0-3 Juventus Match Review

 

 

 

 

 

http://www.juvefc.com/empoli-0-3-juventus/?

 

 

Oct 3, 2016

 

Player Ratings

Buffon – Largely untested, though produced a couple of solid saves, commanded the box well and his distribution was calm and sensible. 6

Bonucci – A colossus. 7.5

Barzagli – Went about his business with maturity and typically unflappable composure. 7

Chiellini – Working his way back to close to his best. About time. 7

Sandro – His stamina, hard running, quality in the final third is an ever blossoming joy to behold. Alex has proven a stunning signing and I fail to see any major flaws in his game or any left wingback clearly superior, in Italy or beyond. Smart assist for Dybala’s opener. 7.5

So much potential, yet continues to flatter to deceive…

Cuadrado – Great to see him more involved when started in his more comfortable wide right position. His incredible pace causes problems, yet the Colombian continues to dillydally when finding himself in brilliant positions. Was unlucky not to score, but could and should of made more of his chances, especially when put clean through and pondering too much before forcing the keeper into a decent save. Still, it was merely his second outing this term, so overall a commendable outing. 6.5

Hernanes – It is no coincidence that our results and performances (to a slightly lesser degree) have improved with the Brazilian deployed in front of the defence. His intelligence and simple, direct passing is swift and of high quality. He knows when to move and where to move and is becoming a sturdy fulcrum of the side in absence of other defensive, experienced options in the regista role. 7

Khedira – Still off the pace, though at least appeared somewhat more spritely. Was unlucky to hit the bar when making a superb run in the first half to latch onto a magic ball from Pjanic. Other than which he was largely uninvolved, yet had the intelligence to sit a little deeper given Cuadrado’s tendency to operate constantly high up the field. 6

Pjanic – The Bosnian is going from strength to strength. His passing was sublime, his movement classy, and he was unfortunate to end the game without an assist. He is playing a different role, in a different side, and quickly tuning his maestro magic in line with his comrades. Much more to come.  7

Dybala – Certainly operating a little higher and it is showing in terms of his chances appearing closer to goal. Took the opener majestically, linked the play and is picking up sharpness and consistency. 7

Classy and improving game by game.

Higuain – 7 goals and 1 assist from 9 appearances (three off the bench) is a brilliant return on our investment. And he is not yet near his best. His movement, ability with both feet and clinical potency in the final third is world class. The manner in which he took the ball past a defender, shaped up for a left foot belter was stunning. For too long have we missed such a natural born striker. Now we have him! He was unfortunate not to get the hatrick, if not more. For another effort was headed off the line, and the keeper saved well from a close range snapshot. 8

SUBS

Sturaro – I was overjoyed to see my favourite juve soldier back in the fray. Hustle and bustle in midfield, setting up Pjaca for a late chance, its great to have him back. 6.5

Lemina – Assuredly more comfortable in the attacking RCM role, Mario showed great endeavour and was unlucky not get on the score sheet with a late burst and shot which was saved. 6.5

Pjaca – The goals are soon to flow for our young croatian, for every time he is afforded a late cameo, he comes close. Devastatingly fleet-footed on the ball with a keen eye for goal. Inches away from opening his account when set up by Sandro. 6.5

 

 

I thoroughly enjoyed this encounter. Empoli adopted a high pressing game and were prepared to commit men forward, which is precisely what we need to learn to deal with. Admittedly they fell down in the final third, but part of that was due to solid organisation and leadership from the rear-guard stalwarts as well as the potential we had as soon as we retrieved possession of the ball. Our opponents should be saluted for trying to play good football in the right spirit of the game and I hope their fortunes soon revive.

Yet again we made plenty of chances and ran close to zero risks. On another day, had Cuadrado, Khedira and Higuain taken their chances we would have won 0-8, such was the superiority in terms of creating goal scoring chances.

Since the Derby d’Italia bother, we have played four, won four, scoring 12 and conceding 0. That is well worth pondering, especially as we are not yet at our best, we still have key players to recover and the season remains larval.

Are we to witness the second coming of this dynamic duo?

Those wretched mistakes have been cut out of our game, the defence has returned to resolute and commanding, the midfield is now better balanced and up top, we have two very special Argies. Not since Del Piero and Trezeguet have I felt so confident of always scoring goals from the front line. Gonzalo and Paulo are yet to spark into life as a pairing, but both are picking up form and both have world class quality. If we can continue to improve in midfield, keep our finest fit and playing regularly, we could well see the advent of the greatest Juve side for many moons. Perhaps legends in the making.

My grumbles aimed at Allegri have assuaged into an ocelot purr. For regardless of selection decisions earlier this season, we have many reasons indeed to be cheerful and hopeful of fighting for top honours on all fronts. All we can hope is that our players come through the international break unscathed and this momentum which is spluttering into life is regained when we return to domestic action on the 15th to face Udinese.

forza Juve

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

[Socrates 8526]

 

 

 

EMPOLI - JUVENTUS

 

0-3

 

Paulo Dybala 65'

Gonzalo Higuaín 67'

Gonzalo Higuaín 70'

 
 

 

 

MATCHDAY 7
Sunday, October 2nd, 2016 - 12:30 PM
Carlo Castellani Stadium, Empoli
Referee: Paolo Mazzoleni

 

 

Ranieri: 'Juventus not just a team'

 

 

 

 

http://www.football-italia.net/92421/ranieri-juventus-not-just-team?

 

 

Oct 3, 2016

 

Leicester City manager Claudio Ranieri says former side Juventus are "not just a team".

 

After the Bianconeri beat Empoli 3-0 on Sunday, rivals Napoli slumped to a 1-0 defeat at Atalanta, leaving last year’s Champions four points clear at the top after just seven rounds.

 

"Juventus are replicating on the pitch what everyone thought they were capable of on paper," Ranieri explained on Radio 1.

 

"It is not just a team, it's a club. The Bianconeri are doing an excellent job and should be given credit for this to all involved."

 

 

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

[Socrates 8526]

 

 

 

 

 

Aulas: ‘Lyon must beat Juventus’

 

 

http://www.football-italia.net/92467/aulas-‘lyon-must-beat-juventus’?

 

 

Oct 4, 2016

 

Lyon President Jean-Michel Aulas describes the Champions League clash with Juventus as “a match we have to win”.

 

After the international break, the French welcome the Bianconeri to Parc OL, with Max Allegri’s side currently sharing top spot with Sevilla.

 

“This win takes us up the table a bit before our trip to Nice,” Aulas told Lyon’s official website after the weekend win over Saint-Etienne.

 

“For that match, we should have our injured and suspended players back in action.

 

“And I'm not forgetting that we have a match against Juventus coming up - a match we have to win if we're to achieve our objective of reaching the Champions League last 16.”

[Socrates 8526]

 

 

 

 

 

Zamparini: ‘Serie A needs competition’

 

 

http://www.football-italia.net/92477/zamparini-‘serie-needs-competition’

 

 

Oct 4, 2016

 

Palermo President Maurizio Zamparini calls for more equitable distribution of television money to curb Juventus’ dominance.

 

The Bianconeri have won Serie A for the past five years in a row, and have opened-up a four-point lead after seven games this term.

 

“The financial dominance of the Bianconeri is effectively what makes the difference, just like Bayern [Munich] in Germany,” Zamparini said on Radio Kiss Kiss Napoli.

 

“This morning we read in the papers that they’ve signed another two players [Axel Witsel and Rodrigo Bentancur], but if they sign all of them then there’s no point playing.

 

“We need competition, we should learn from the English: their television rights are shared much more equally among all the teams.”

[Socrates 8526]

 

 

 

 

Ranieri: ‘Juventus on another planet’

 

 

http://www.football-italia.net/92572/ranieri-‘juventus-another-planet’?

 

 

Oct 6, 2016

 

Claudio Ranieri warns Juventus “are on a different planet”.

 

The Leicester City manager is a former Bianconeri Coach, and believes it will take something special to overhaul them this term.

 

“[Napoli Coach Maurizio] Sarri is right,” Ranieri cautioned after receiving an award in Rome.

 

“Juventus are on a different planet. He’s right, because he’s an honest man and he tells the truth, that doesn’t mean he doesn’t believe in his players and that he won’t do everything to beat them.

 

“A Coach has to say what he feels and convey reality, and right now the reality is that Juventus are on another planet.

 

“They’ll try to beat them though, as will Roma, that’s understood.

 

“Juventus have a hierarchy which is reaping the reward of their planning, so before you fire-up the fans you need a club that can compete with Juventus.”

[Socrates 8526]

 

 

The continuing evolution of Juventus’ 3-5-2 formation

 

 

The latest tactical adjustments made by Massimiliano Allegri

 

 

http://www.blackwhitereadallover.com/2016/10/10/13210072/the-continuing-

evolution-of-juventus-3-5-2-formation-2016-serie-a-champions-league

 

 

Oct 10, 2016

 

Massimiliano Allegri has stuck with the 3-5-2 formation since the departure of Arturo Vidal and Andrea Pirlo. The 3-5-2 is not popular in the modern era. Very few top teams in Europe play this formation. There are many reasons, but three of them are prominent: Firstly, very few teams play with two strikers, eliminating the need for three central backs. Secondly, the 3-5-2 formation cannot fit modern attackers, the inverted/hybrid winger/attacking midfielder, very easily. Third but not least, the requirement of a central defensive midfielder is not easy to fulfill. One needs a player who has an excellent passing range and positioning and is defensively sound.

Many have suggested that Juventus should abandon its 3-5-2 formation and return to a 4-3-1-2 or 4-3-3 formation. In this article, we discuss the adjustments Allegri has made since the Palermo game last month. We focus on the last three games — Palermo, Dinamo Zagreb and Empoli — because Allegri had used very similar tactics before these games (other than in the Inter Milan game when Juventus was chasing 2-1 deficit). His priority was to fit in Gonzalo Higuain and Miralem Pjanic into the lineup in the first few games, and he did not want to confuse the team. Since the Palermo game, he has implemented bigger adjustments and new tactics into this Juventus team. Some of these "new" tactics have been used before.

Nevertheless, these new elements in tactics will add variability and unpredictability to Juventus.

One should also note that we only focus on the most extreme adjustments and tactics in this article. There are things that we have not included.

Mario Lemina vs. Hernanes

Offensively, Juventus struggled against Palermo. but thrived against Dinamo Zagreb and Empoli. A major problem is their inability to stretch their opponents through ball circulation between the flanks. Allegri tried to solve this issue by replacing Lemina with Hernanes in the line-up

With three central defenders and three central midfielders, the 3-5-2 formation promotes penetration in the central part of the pitch. In the defensive phase, their opponents often put a major emphasis to defend the center to prevent penetration. The result is that the first (strikers) and the second (midfielders) lines of the opponent's defense will form a block in the center, sitting above the defenders. It usually forces Juventus to initiate the build-up through the sided center backs and the wing backs. In response, the opponent's central block will often shift to the side according to the position of the ball.

All of these interactions end up with something like this:

The shift of the defensive block minimizes the space — and increase the pressure of the ball handlers — on one side while leaving the other flank very open. It is, therefore, crucial for Juventus to be able to utilize both sides efficiently, meaning that they can attack both sides equally. The goal is to take advantage of the open space on the opposite flanks.

Consider these heat maps where a player (or players) are in control of the ball:

The heat maps summarize where the sided center backs and the two wingbacks had processions. The most obvious pattern is that in the Palermo game, Juventus spent a lot more of the processions on the right side than the left side. In the Dinamo Zagreb and Empoli games, they spent a roughly equal amount of processions between the two flanks. These stats are consistent with their offensive performances — the more balanced the processions between the two sides (vs. Dinamo Zagreb and vs. Empoli), the more goals they score. This correlation also extends to most of the other games Juventus played so far this season.

There are several reasons for the differential distribution of procession of the two flanks between different games. For example, in the Palermo game, the ball loving (or hogging) style of Dani Alves is a key element of the greater procession on the right side relative to the left side. Dani Alves had 120 touches in that game while Andrea Barzagli — who mostly played as the left-center back — and Alex Sandro had 109 touches COMBINED. Due to Daniele Rugani's injury, he also played the right-center back for most of the game. Therefore, Juventus initiated most of the build-ups from his side in that game.

A tendency to initiate build-up should not necessarily be a problem, except that Juventus also failed to switch the ball to the opposite side.

Both Juventus's wing-backs received a lot more passes in the game against Empoli. But the most important thing is that the way these passes were carried out. Many of them were long passes originated close to the half-lines. These are very efficient switching passes because they could deliver the ball to the areas where there would be fewer defenders. The opponent's defense had to shift from one side to the other side diagonally to defend those spaces.

Many factors contributed to the better switching. Not having Paulo Dybala in the Palermo game is one factor. Juventus' and the opponents' tactics are another factors. Here I only discuss how the differential interpretation of Lemina vs. Hernanes in the central defensive midfielder role affects ball switchings.

One important thing that differs between Lemina and Hernanes is their passing ranges. Hernanes has a much better passing range than Lemina:

From a very similar position of the pitch, they both passed to Juan Cuadrado with a long switching pass. Hernanes' pass was perfect because Cuadrado could catch it with his feet and immediately started to attack the defender. Lemina's one is different, where he could only connect to it with a header. The difference in passing range results in very different passing patterns while playing the same central defensive midfielder role:

When playing as the central defensive midfielder, Lemina is often very cautious and does not place enough forward passes. When he puts the switching passes, they are mostly horizontal. These passes do not advance the ball. And its easier for the defense to handle because they only have to move horizontally. But switching passes placed by Hernanes are diagonal. The defense has to respond by moving both vertically and horizontally. These passes have higher chances to distort the defense and to advance the ball.

3-5-2/4-4-2 or 4-3-3 hybrid system

Since the Palermo game, Allegri has also introduced (or re-introduced) the 3-5-2/4-4-2 or 4-3-3 hybrid system.

During the build-up, Juventus plays their usual 3-5-2. They change to a back four during the initial defensive phase. The goal is to increase defensive solidarity (4 defenders are always better than three). Playing Hernanes, Pjanic and Sami Khedira together is great for the offense, but it also decreases the defensive strength of the midfield. (Allegri himself has also talked about it.)

Playing four at the back with Barzagli as the right fullback also releases Dani Alves or Cuadrado. It allows Juventus to press opponents a lot easier:

Cuadrado is not a natural fullback or wingback. He is a rare breed of the old-school winger, and he is not good at defending as a fullback (the usual way of backing down while facing the advancing attacker). During the defensive phase, Cuadrado is now given the freedom to press as hard as he can when he is close to the ball.

This one solution solves two problems. First, he does not have to carry the duty of defending 1-v-1 against the attacker. Second, if his press is successful, he will be involved in the counter-attack immediately. With his pace and skill, he can cause a lot of damages to the opponents. We saw from the Empoli game that his speed had caused so many problems to the Empoli's defense.

Counter-pressing

Playing presses isn't something that Allegri has not done before. We only have to remember the first half of the second leg against Bayern Munich. But one unique thing that this Juventus team did play is the counter-pressing.

Consider these three examples:

Juventus often presses high to disrupt opponent's build-up. But these above presses are different from the usual presses. These presses occurred after opponents intercepted their balls in various positions of the pitch. The trigger of these presses is the closeness of a player to the ball.

The goal of these counter-presses is to disrupt defensive-to-offensive transition. The faster and the harder you press the opponent when you lose the ball, the more difficult for them to transition to offensive phase. And if you are successful in intercepting the ball, you are in great position to initiate an attack.

One should not assume that Juventus is doing a Jürgen Klopp's type of counter-pressing. Playing that type of soccer will require a complete transformation of player movement and tactics. Juventus is not doing that, nor does Juventus rely on these opportunities to break opponents down. But having a weapon like this in your arsenal is only going to benefit them.

Conclusion

It is true that there is a level of predictability when you play with the same formation for a long time. Many have urged Allegri to switch to a new formation, especially one with a back four. Although he has resisted changing to an entirely new formation, as we can see he did make a lot of adjustments in the current 3-5-2.

Being able to play a 4-3-3 is going to be useful, especially when they are going to give Pjaca more and more playing time. Changing to a permanent back four can be problematic for Juventus when they no longer have players like Vidal, Paul Pogba and pre-ACL-torn Claudio Marchisio who could cover a lot of spaces to prevent counter-attacks.

Critics favor abandoning the 3-5-2 because by having three center backs, it takes away an additional attacking player. One notable thing is that Juventus transits to a back four mostly in the defensive phase. Allegri insists playing three center backs during the build-up. As some of us have noted, playing three at the back is always advantageous to facilitate procession.

It is always beneficial for a team to be able to play different formations. But what can be more advantageous is for a team to play multiple formations with the same players in the same game. One can use substitutions to adjust to the opponent when they change formations (and therefore tactics). But it is a lot more difficult for any team to handle an opponent that can switch drastically different formations constantly during the game. This is what a hybrid system can provide. Such flexibility may be what Allegri is trying to implement in this Juventus squad.

[Socrates 8526]

 

 

 

 

Nedved: ‘Juventus want CL’

 

http://www.football-italia.net/92761/nedved-‘juventus-want-cl’?

 

Oct 10, 2016

 

Pavel Nedved confirms Juventus “want to win the Champions League” and reveals his biggest regrets.

 

The former midfielder is now vice-President of the Bianconeri, and confirmed that the Italian champions are aiming to reach the top in Europe too.

 

“With Juventus we’ve returned to the top in Italy. Now President Andrea Agnelli wants to get back to the top in Europe,” Nedved explained to idnes in his native Czech Republic.

 

“We want to win the Champions League, we’ll try.”

 

Nedved was also asked for the best and worst moments of his career.

 

“What could have been the greatest success instead became the biggest disappointment - the defeat against Milan in the 2003 Champions League final.

 

“Because of yellow cards I missed that match, it was the biggest disappointment of my career.

 

“A regret? That I never played for Manchester United, I’d have liked that. The transfer was never on the table though, there was only Chelsea.

 

“I liked the generation of Paul Scholes and Ryan Giggs, who I admired. I was a little bit jealous of Karel Poborsky who played in Manchester and experienced great matches. I know he still feels that love.

 

“As for my best goal, it was when we played away at Ajax in the Champions League with Juventus in 2004 and won 1-0.

 

“I scored a very nice goal which I like to recall, where I hit it into the top corner with the outside of my right foot.”

 

Finally, ‘the Czech Fury’ was asked for his best teammate and toughest opponent.

 

“In terms of teammates, I’ve had a lot and I don’t want to offend anyone,” Nedved said.

 

“If I had to say one though, I’d say Zlatan Ibrahimovic. He’s a striker who can cut through defences, he has scary power and height, as well as excellent technique.

 

“That said, when he came to Juventus he couldn’t finish. What you see today is mainly down to the fact Fabio Capello took him for a half hour of shooting practice after every training session.

 

“As for the most difficult opponent, there have been too many. Maybe Javier Zanetti of Inter.

 

“He was cut from the same cloth as me, a lot of running, tireless and he was always switched-on. It was hard to make your mark against him.

 

“In some similar questionnaires he’s said my name when asked the same question, so it’s mutual.”

[Socrates 8526]

 

 

 

 

 

Ancelotti: ‘Juventus favourites but…’

 

 

http://www.football-italia.net/92767/juventus-make-witsel-ultimatum?

 

 

Oct 11, 2016

 

Carlo Ancelotti admits “Juventus are favourites” to win Serie A but “the Scudetto is not assigned”.

 

The Bianconeri have won five titles in a row and are being tipped for a sixth, but the Bayern Munich Coach doesn’t believe it’s a foregone conclusion.

 

“Juventus are favourites, but the Scudetto isn’t assigned,” Ancelotti told Gazzetta dello Sport.

 

“Anything can happen, injuries are also commonplace. I like Juve’s solidity, consistency, organisation and the club hierarchy.

 

“Is their defence looking shaky? All opponents wish for that, but defensive solidity is still Juve’s strength.

 

“The injury to [Arkadiusz] Milik is a blow for Napoli, it will be more difficult to stay in the top positions. They have [Manolo] Gabbiadini who now has increased responsibility, so let’s see how he deals with that.

 

“I wouldn't talk about a smooth road though.

 

“Inter? I saw them against Juve and they looked like a well-prepared team. Then they had some hiccups, but they’re still good, as is the Coach [Frank de Boer].

 

“They can compete for the top positions.”

 

Ancelotti is best-known for his work at Milan, and he was asked about Silvio Berlusconi’s potential sale of the club to a Chinese consortium.

 

“I’d be happy for Milan to be run by competent people, as they have been for the last 30 years. And Milanisti, like Berlusconi.

 

“The Rossoneri’s future has to be based on the competence of the directors, that they come from other teams will matter less to fans if the results arrive.

 

“Berlusconi? Sometimes I hear from him, I’ve sent him best wishes and he reciprocated. He’s always a person I have affection for, he made me feel good as a player and a Coach.

 

“Milan without him will be strange, but that’s how today’s football is. He’s tired, and in the end all cycles must finish.”

[Socrates 8526]

 

 

 

 

 

Sacchi: ‘Napoli can cope without Milik’

 

http://www.football-italia.net/92821/sacchi-‘napoli-can-cope-without-milik’?

 

Oct 12, 2016

 

Arrigo Sacchi believes Napoli can cope without Arkadiusz Milik, and advises Juventus on winning in Europe.

 

The former Milan Coach won two European Cups with the Rossoneri, and his rise to the top has been compared with that of Partenopei Coach Maurizio Sarri.

 

“Will the title race be over without Milik? No, because the team matters more than the individual,” Sarri told La Stampa.

 

“Sarri plays in the same way, just with different performers. If you go to see a [Carlo] Goldoni play, the actors might change but they’ll have his style anyway.”

 

Juventus have won five Scudetti in a row, but Sacchi has some advice for the Bianconeri on making the final step in the Champions League.

 

“Juve have everything to make the final leap, above all in Europe, but they’ve only ever used one verb: to win.

 

“That gives you a little idea of Italy, I once saw a game with 12-year-olds, Inter vs Milan, with more long balls than passes - stuff that the parents would be ashamed of in Spain.

 

“We just keep repeating what we’ve done for centuries, trying to survive. We want to win by taking shortcuts.

 

“Watch Bayern [Munich], Barcelona and now [Manchester] City, they’re never overly tactical. Juve are changing, they’re a great club, ahead of everyone, and they appear to have raised the bar.

 

“I’m very pleased, I once said to my friend [Juventus general manager] Marotta: ‘Beppe, as well as winning there are another two verbs: to convince and to entertain. Work with those if you want to win in Europe’.”

 

The former Italy CT also discussed the Bianconeri’s front-two, Gonzalo Higuain and Paulo Dybala.

 

“Higuain? They had the chance to get him and they did well,” Sacchi noted.

 

“We’re talking about mentality, which matters.

 

“As for Dybala, I’m an admirer he’ll become a great. If only someone had listened to me at Milan two years ago, he might not be playing for Juventus…”

[Socrates 8526]

 

 

JUVENTUS - UDINESE

 

- 

 

 

MATCHDAY 8

Saturday, October 15th, 2016 - 08:45 PM
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Arbitro: Claudio Gavillucci

 

 

Juventus doubts with Udinese

 

http://www.football-italia.net/92840/juventus-doubts-udinese?

 

 

Oct 12, 2016

 

Leonardo Bonucci and Giorgio Chiellini are big doubts for Saturday’s Serie A game between Juventus and Udinese.

 

Some of the internationals arrived back in Turin today to resume training.

 

Chiellini, who left the Italy squad over the weekend with a bruised calf, only took part in separate training today along with Marko Pjaca.

 

Bonucci has been given two days off for undisclosed reasons, so it remains to be seen if he will be fully fit for Saturday evening.

 

There is a Champions League trip to Olympique Lyonnais coming up and Bonucci could be rested.

 

Daniele Rugani and Kwadwo Asamoah are ruled out, but Claudio Marchisio could make his comeback on the bench after six months out with a torn ACL.

 

Marchisio played 45 minutes of a friendly test today and even scored in the 3-0 victory.

 

 

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

[Socrates 8526]

 

 

JUVENTUS - UDINESE

 

-  

 

 

MATCHDAY 8

Saturday, October 15th, 2016 - 08:45 PM
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Arbitro: Claudio Gavillucci

 

 

Del Neri: ‘Juventus my biggest regret’

 

http://www.football-italia.net/92849/del-neri-‘juventus-my-biggest-regret’?

 

 

Oct 13, 2016

 

Luigi Del Neri describes his Juventus spell as “my biggest regret”, as he prepares to return to Turin with Udinese.

 

The veteran Coach spent one season on the Bianconeri bench, but was sacked after the 2010-11 season after finishing seventh in Serie A.

 

Antonio Conte replaced him and immediately won the Scudetto unbeaten, and the Old Lady have won the League in every year since.



 

“When I was there, the club was already planning big,” Del Neri told Gazzetta dello Sport.

 

“Leaving Juventus is my biggest regret. [Fabio] Quagliarella got injured, and he’d already scored nine goals.

 

“The symbol of today’s Juve is [Gigi] Buffon, he’s honest, correct and responsible.

 

“Saturday? They’re a team which seems unbeatable, we’ll face them with dignity knowing that you can only do things for yourself, and you have to be good at taking any chances that do come.”

 

Del Neri was then asked what kind of side he has found since taking over Udinese.

 

“Young, lacking in confidence. There are so many cultures to integrate, but I would’t say they’re all foreigners, as some of them have been playing here for years.

 

“I have to teach them how to be on the pitch, to not be afraid to pass the halfway line. They were a little restrained.”

 

The Coach’s last job was at Verona, who were relegated last season, was it impossible to save them?

 

“No, we came close,” Del Neri insisted.

 

“We pulled off some big results, but we lost two crucial games against Carpi and Frosinone, we were mentally exhausted.

 

“I got on well with [President Maurizio] Setti and the fans never booed us.”

 

 

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

[Socrates 8526]

 

 

JUVENTUS - UDINESE

 

-  

 

 

MATCHDAY 8

Saturday, October 15th, 2016 - 08:45 PM
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Arbitro: Claudio Gavillucci

 

 

Zoff: ‘Scudetto race not over’

 

http://www.football-italia.net/92852/zoff-‘scudetto-race-not-over’?

 

 

Oct 13, 2016

 

 

Dino Zoff insists “nothing is over” in the Scudetto race, as Napoli can overhaul Juventus.

 

The former goalkeeper played for both clubs, and doesn’t believe the Bianconeri are certain to win a sixth title in a row.

 

“Calm down, nothing is over,” Zoff replied, when asked if the title race is over in an interview with Corriere della Sera.

 

“Sarri, as we know, likes to play with words, with communication. It’s part of a strategy to take pressure off the team.

 

“If, as I believe he can, [Manolo] Gabbiadini can replace [Arkadiusz] Milik, then Napoli can reopen the title race.

 

“Four points are a lot, but also not many. October will be decisive, we’ll see.”

 

 

 

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

[Socrates 8526]

 

 

JUVENTUS - UDINESE

 

-  

 

 

MATCHDAY 8

Saturday, October 15th, 2016 - 08:45 PM
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Arbitro: Claudio Gavillucci

 

 

Ancelotti: ‘Napoli, Roma challenge Juve’

 

 

http://www.football-italia.net/92853/ancelotti-‘napoli-roma-challenge-juve’

 

 

Oct 13, 2016

 

Carlo Ancelotti believes both Napoli and Roma “can fight with Juventus for the title” this season.

 

The Bianconeri have won five Scudetti in a row, with the Partenopei and the capital club their nearest challengers for most of that time.

 

“After seven matches the League isn’t over, trust me,” Ancelotti told Il Messaggero.

 

“Anything can happen, games have to be played and there are still 31 to go. Napoli and Roma are slightly inferior to Juve, and they shouldn’t look at the table.

 

“So far they haven’t been at 100 per cent, but they can fight with Juventus for the title.

 

“Napoli are better in possession, Roma are deadly when they get it forward quickly. Both are equipped to be the main rival to Juventus.

 

“For Napoli, the absence of [Arkadiusz] Milik will be a big burden, he had started well and was very effective even if he’s not a finisher like [Gonzalo] Higuain.

 

“Now it’s up to [Manolo] Gabbiadini to prove his worth, he can be decisive. The Champions League? It won’t affect [Maurizio] Sarri’s men.

 

“Roma are a great team with a strong defence and a good midfield. Their elimination in the Champions League surprised me and a lot of my colleagues.

 

“Now they have the chance to make up for it in the Europa League.

 

“Edin Dzeko? Of course he needs confidence, but he’s always been a top striker. Ups and downs are part of player’s career, but he’s always scored goals.

 

“It’s therefore worth persevering with someone like him. Up-front Roma have the players who can bring out Dzeko’s qualities, and of course there’s always [Francesco] Totti…”

 

Napoli and Roma meet this weekend, has neither club ever tried to get Ancelotti as Coach?

 

“Napoli have never tried, though I have a good relationship with [President Aurelio] De Laurentiis. Roma called me when [Fabio] Capello was still at Trigoria.

 

“Who knows, maybe one day. Never say never…”

 

 

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

[Socrates 8526]

 

 

JUVENTUS - UDINESE

 

-  

 

 

MATCHDAY 8

Saturday, October 15th, 2016 - 08:45 PM
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Arbitro: Claudio Gavillucci

 

 

Juventus recover Chiellini, Benatia

 

 

http://www.football-italia.net/92859/juventus-recover-chiellini-benatia?

 

 

Oct 13, 2016

 

Juventus defenders Giorgio Chiellini and Medhi Benatia are expected to be fit to face Udinese on Saturday.

 

The Bianconeri were sweating on their defensive options, as Benatia has been injured since before the international break.

 

Adding to their woes, it was reported last night that Chiellini and Leonardo Bonucci could also be unavailable for the match on Saturday night.

 

However, SportMediaset is now reporting that all three will be called-up to face the Zebrette.

 

Therefore it’s expected that Massimiliano Allegri will stick with a 3-5-2, with Chiellini joining Bonucci and Andrea Barzagli in defence and Benatia taking a place on the bench.

 

 

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

[Socrates 8526]

 

 

JUVENTUS - UDINESE

 

-  

 

 

MATCHDAY 8

Saturday, October 15th, 2016 - 08:45 PM
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Arbitro: Claudio Gavillucci

 

 

 

Del Neri: ‘Juventus favourites but…’

 

http://www.football-italia.net/92869/del-neri-‘juventus-favourites-but…’?

 

 

Oct 13, 2016

 

Udinese Coach Luigi Del Neri admits “Juventus are favourites” for Saturday’s game but “there are three points up for grabs”.

 

The former Juve boss will take charge of his first game since being appointed as Beppe Iachini’s successor, and isn’t willing to write this one off.

 

“They’re favourites for this game,” Del Neri told SportItalia.

 

“It’s definitely a very complicated debut, a difficult match, but football has taught me that you play a game to play it, being attentive to their great quality, being careful about what you give up and taking advantage of the opportunities which will inevitably come.

 

“Nothing to lose? That’s not the case, all games are important and we have to put our dignity out there on the pitch.

 

“We’re aware that the team we’re facing are favourites for the competition, but they’re also favourites in bigger areas, like Europe.

 

“We’re aware though that this is a game to be played with quality and desire. There are three points up for grabs and we’re aiming to put in a good performance and do our best.



 

“We know they’ll control the game, but we can’t be neglectful of the attacking phase, we have a young team with a desire to prove themselves and show that we can get past this early impasse.”

 

 

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

[Socrates 8526]

 

 

JUVENTUS - UDINESE

 

-  

 

 

MATCHDAY 8

Saturday, October 15th, 2016 - 08:45 PM
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Arbitro: Claudio Gavillucci

 

 

 

Badu out of Juventus trip

 

http://www.football-italia.net/92876/badu-out-juventus-trip

 

 

Oct 13, 2016

 

Udinese will face Juventus without Panagiotis Kone and Emmanuel Agyemang Badu on Saturday evening.

 

It kicks off on Saturday at 20.45 CET - 19.45 UK time (18.45 GMT).

 

The Friulani are in poor form and make their debut under new Coach Gigi Del Neri.

 

Kone has been ruled out after dislocating his shoulder during a training session.

 

Now Badu is also off the squad, as he came down with gastroenteritis during international duty with Ghana.

 

The midfielder remains in Accra under observation.

 

Absentees for this match include Silvan Widmer, Ewandro and Marco Davide Faraoni.

 

 

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

[Socrates 8526]

 

 

 

JUVENTUS - UDINESE

 

-  

 

 

MATCHDAY 8

Saturday, October 15th, 2016 - 08:45 PM
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Arbitro: Claudio Gavillucci

 

 

 

Claudio Marchisio's return a major

boost for Juventus and Max Allegri

 

http://www.espnfc.co.uk/club/juventus/111/blog/post/2971870/serie-a-

claudio-marchisios-return-a-major-boost-for-juventus-and-max-allegri

 

 

Oct 13, 2016

 

Claudio Marchisio is back from injury and could well be included in the squad set to face Udinese on Saturday as the midfielder prepares to begin his 10th season.

Born in Turin and a Juventino since he was a child, Marchisio is the anchor in Juve's midfield. An Italian who combines tactical intelligence with a winning mentality, his absence has been keenly felt, for few boast the vision of Juve's most understated player.

A man who provides direction, he tackles with conviction, releases forwards and times his runs to perfection. Quick thinking and dynamic, Marchisio provided stability to Juve's midfield, securing the backline while regularly contributing to the attack. Without him, Massimiliano Allegri has struggled to solve the imbalance.

At first Mario Lemina was tasked with playing just in front of the defence, but judging by how easy it was to dispossess him and his bizarre positioning on occasion, it was clear his particular set of skills were wasted in that role. Played on the inside right, Lemina was able to show off his acceleration and stamina, combining beautifully with Dani Alves beside him.

Instead, Allegri looked to Hernanes in recent games. The Brazilian is always capable of performing his duties and his no frills approach provided the security necessary to release the likes of Miralem Pjanic ahead of him. Yet Hernanes is two dimensional, cumbersome and slow -- he simply lacks Marchisio's confidence and dynamism.

Il Principino may not have been the man who scored the goals or performed the heroic tackles, but he is invaluable to Juventus and a protagonist in their story of success. Tactically flexible, the player has played out wide, in front of defence and in central midfield. He can steal possession, score goals, exploit gaps and deliver assists. Renowned for how quickly he thinks on the ball, perhaps Marchisio's greatest asset is his sense of responsibility. When the team looks down, he's happy to assume control and try to find a way through.

In truth, Andrea Pirlo's departure forced him to take on a role that essentially robs him of the ability to demonstrate his full range of skills. Forced to sit deeper and rely on his vision, Marchisio rarely makes those timely runs forward to score the important goals like he once managed under Antonio Conte.

Yet his intelligence and excellent reading of the game allowed him to settle into his new position well, offering different qualities to the midfield. Energetic and intense, Marchisio provides the defensive shield that facilitates Juve's attacking game and with him back on the pitch, Pjanic and Sami Khedira can run free and participate in Juve's attack without feeling burdened by their defensive duties. By playing further forward, the duo will also provide support for Paulo Dybala, perhaps stopping him from having to drop deep to recover the ball.

Moreover, Marchisio's return from injury will also help Allegri indulge in a little tactical tinkering. Perhaps now the coach can look at ways of playing a different formation, eventually incorporating Marko Pjaca to help provide even more creativity and attacking brilliance to an already capable squad.

However, against Udinese on Saturday, Marchisio may only be fit enough for the bench. It remains to be seen who will be allowed to play his role but it seems likely both Khedira and Pjanic will start. Considering how well each performed for their country during International Week, their confidence should be riding high.

Udinese, in manager Luigi Del Neri's words, are young and lacking in confidence. A side boasting players from all corners in the world, it's been difficult to create cohesion and fluidity but in time, Del Neri should be able to exploit the hunger of the youngsters he has in his grasp. Yet despite the glaring deficiencies, it's vital Juve do not underestimate their young opponents as every team seems to raise their level of play against the champions of Italy, especially when they are being coached by a man who failed during his stint with the Old Lady.

Set to start with a trident attack, at least according to TuttoUdinese.it, Del Neri refuses to play a defensive game and wants his players to attack Juventus as equals, hoping it will help his squad gain confidence.

Considering Mario Mandzukic scored four goals in two games for Croatia, Allegri will look to start him alongside Dybala up front in a 3-5-2 formation. With Champions League games coming up, a win at home on Saturday will help Juventus head to the European stage with confidence high.

 

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

[Socrates 8526]

 

 

JUVENTUS - UDINESE

 

-  

 

 

MATCHDAY 8

Saturday, October 15th, 2016 - 08:45 PM
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Arbitro: Claudio Gavillucci

 

 

 

Ronaldo: Dybala-Higuain 'strongest pair'

 

http://www.football-italia.net/92891/ronaldo-dybala-higuain-strongest-pair?

 

 

Oct 13, 2016

 

Cristiano Ronaldo said that Juventus have come 'very far', adding that the Paulo Dybala-Gonzalo Higuain combination was the 'strongest in the world'

 

He was asked if the Juventus summer signings of Higuain, Miralem Pjanic and Dani Alves have put them into contention for winning the Champions League this season, and futhermore if the combination of Paulo Dybala-Higuain was the strongest in the world.

 

"Of course, they have come very far," he told Gazzetta dello Sport. "In recent years, they have played well, and have a strong team, especially at home where they are really hard to beat.

 

"I think it's true. I was Higuain’s team-mate, he is a great striker that scores a lot of goals, but at the end of the season, success will be measured according to the number of trophies that he has won. 

 

“I hope they don't do too well in the Champions League because we want to retain it and become the first to win it two years in a row. Let's say that if Juve win Serie A I would not mind ... "

 

The Real Madrid striker was then asked about the progress of his former teammate Jose Callejon at Napoli and the value that his compatriot Joao Mario brings to new club Inter.

 

"I see that Callejon plays very well. I followed the game they played against Benfica and I got the idea that they have a strong group.

“He is having a great start to the season, I'm happy."

 

"Yes, Joao Mario think he brings a lot to his new team and vice-versa. We talked, he told me that the team has great players and that the Italian league is very difficult but it is adapting well. 

 

“He still doesn’t know the language but in a few months he will be able to speak much more."

 

 

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

[Socrates 8526]

 

 

JUVENTUS - UDINESE

 

-  

 

 

MATCHDAY 8

Saturday, October 15th, 2016 - 08:45 PM
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Arbitro: Claudio Gavillucci

 

 

 

Allegri: 'Juve must beat Udinese'

 

http://www.football-italia.net/92904/allegri-juve-must-beat-udinese?

 

 

Oct 14, 2016

 

Max Allegri confirms Claudio Marchisio is fit to return against Udinese, but warns that they must 'be careful' with his reintroduction.

 

Speaking in his pre-match press conference before Juventus take on Udinese on Saturday night, he also stresssed that this is a 'must win' game as Napoli will play Roma earlier on that same day.

 

"Tomorrow we must beat Udinese to take points from Roma, Napoli, or both. Marko Pjaca, Daniele Rugani and Kwadwo Asamoah will all miss out.

 

"Marchisio had a good 45 minutes with the reserves, but we must look out for unforeseen dangers with muscle problems. The ideal scenario would be to give him a bit of time during the forthcoming matches, as all the others are available."

 

"Marchisio is an important available player, one of the most important players for the years to come, but I will always exercise caution when a player returns from a cruciate injury. You have to be cautious and careful, his knee has healed but after six months of inactivity, other issues can occur."

 

The Juve Coach also spoke about his band of South American players who have all endured long journeys on their return from the international break. 

 

"I do not know who came late, some arrived yesterday after eighteen hour flights some trained indoors instead of at Vinovo. The international break went well, some players won, others did not."

 

 

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

[Socrates 8526]

 

 

JUVENTUS - UDINESE

 

-  

 

 

MATCHDAY 8

Saturday, October 15th, 2016 - 08:45 PM
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Arbitro: Claudio Gavillucci

 

 

 

Allegri: Buffon criticism 'blasphemy'

 

 

hhttp://www.football-italia.net/92905/allegri-buffon-criticism-blasphemy?

 

 

Oct 14, 2016

 

With Napoli due to play Roma this weekend, Max Allegri has spoken about his potential team selection for Juve's fixture with Udinese.

 

At his pre-match press conference, he hinted that after they returned from international duty with Argentina, only one of Gonzalo Higuain and Paulo Dybala will start, with a potential first team debut for 16-year-old Moise Kean in the pipeline.

 

"With Pjaca out, I have put Kean with the first team, he can grow, he has good quality, and not just one good attribute, but many. He displays a higher level that than he should for one born in 2000, and I hope for his sake that he can do well.

 

"One of Dybala or Higuain will play for sure. To play Kean from the beginning seems risky but we will assess their condition today and see how they have recovered.

 

"[Medhi] Benatia can play, he has trained well. The only one that has come back today is [Leonardo] Bonucci and I also have Benatia, [Andrea] Barzagli and [Giorgio] Chiellini. We can also play with a back four, we'll see after training.

 

After Gianluigi Buffon made a mistake for Italy against Spain, which allowed La Roja to score, the Juve boss defended the stellar record of his veteran goalkeeper, going on to reiterate the importance of victory in Serie A this weekend. 

 

"It’s blasphemy to criticise Buffon after an error at his feet after he has only made three, four, five errors in total. Buffon’s record speaks for itself, after what he has done in the last 20 years. It was an error that any goalkeeper could make.

 

"The match against Udinese is not a simple one, they are a good team, with a good coach, and we have to win.

 

“We must be humble, yet still be able to take home the three points. Whatever happens we will remain at the top but we have to think about winning. We have to play a great game tomorrow to give our fans a big boost.

 

"The race to the Scudetto is long, and what’s the advantage of having points now?

 

"We had a difficult start, but now we have to press on, we have to move forward step by step, we have to win tomorrow and then again against Lyon.

 

"It’s an important game, given the form of Lyon. we must be preparing for Tuesday but also for tomorrow."

 

 

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

[Socrates 8526]

 

 

JUVENTUS - UDINESE

 

-  

 

 

MATCHDAY 8

Saturday, October 15th, 2016 - 08:45 PM
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Arbitro: Claudio Gavillucci

 

 

 

Juventus vs Udinese Match Preview

 

 

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

 

 

Oct 14, 2016

 

 

Juventus

It almost feels like the international break lasts longer every time it comes around. Anyway, Juventus come off a very good game against Empoli: not a perfect performance since it took almost an hour to find the first goal, but in any case the squad always seemed in control of the match and the opponent’s attack never really threatened Gianluigi Buffon. There is an increasingly growing feeling that Juventus will always be able to win the games where they manage to gain a clean sheet. The offensive prowess of bianconeri will prove to be overwhelming more often than not.

The best possible news coming from the break is the return of Claudio Marchisio, who has fully recovered from his torn ACL and will solve most of the problem in the midfield, which was already starting to shape up nicely. If the rest of the team does its duty, he will able to play few minutes here and here and been eased back in. Of course, it will take some time to return in peak condition, but it is really nice to have him back.

The not so good news comes from Marko Pjaca, who apparently hid to the doctors the fact that he was hurt in order to be called up by his national team. I guess it is a nice gesture towards his fellow countrymen, but not a really smart one. Or maybe he simply wanted to get some playing time. Anyway, after the first reports indicated a very troubling diagnosis, a small crack in the fibula, it turns out he has only a bruised lower leg that will sideline him for a couple of weeks.

As always after the international duties, the South Americans have returned very late and basically missed all the preparation for the Udinese game. Having Pjaca would have helped. Also, the crucial Champions League tilt against Olympique Lyonnais comes up in three days, so some rotation is totally natural. This will almost surely affect Dani Alves and one between Gonzalo Higuain and Paulo Dybala: a re-energized Mario Mandzukic will start and pairing him up with Dybala makes the most sense.

Medhi Benatia has recovered from a hamstring injury and Giorgio Chiellini is available as well after missing an Italy game because of a knock on his trouble calf. Leonardo Bonucci was given an extra rest after the Italy game, so he is likely to get benched. If Allegri does not feel like fielding the two returning centre-backs, he can use a four-man defence. 4-3-3 and 4-2-3-1 are not really options without Pjaca and with Juan Cuadrado coming off an 18-hour flight, so the most credible alternative to 3-5-2 now that the midfield has been repopulated is 4-3-1-2, even though the coach has been a little gun shy with this scheme. Allegri has stressed again that he prefers Mario Lemina as box-to-box: that could be the case on Sunday night if Miralem Pjanic is advanced.

While Pjaca is out, the starlet Moise Kean will be the fourth striker on the first team’s roster. A very clever move: Kean is on a tear in the last two years, he has scored thirty goals in thirty-five matches. The management is squabbling with his agent, non-other than Mino Raiola, over the contract extension: he has yet to sign a pro contract because the two sides have different opinions on the ideal path for his growth. Hopefully everything will be settled and he will have a long and nice career at Juventus.

Probable lineup: 

3-5-2: Buffon; Benatia, Barzagli, Chiellini; Lichsteiner, Khedira, Hernanes, Pjanic, Sandro; Dybala, Mandzukic. 

Injuries:

Rugani (knee), Pjaca (fibula), Asamoah (knee), Mandragora (foot). 

Suspensions:

None. 

 

 

Udinese

After conquering only seven points in seven matches and failing to win in four straight matches, Udinese have uncharacteristically opted for an early change on the bench, firing Giuseppe Iachini and hiring Luigi Delneri. It is true than they regressed as the year went along and at times they looked directionless, but I am not really convinced that this is the right move. In particular, the choice of the new coach has been underwhelming. They have liked Delneri for years now and he was close to be appointed in two separate occasions in the past, but he does not strike me as a great fit for this roster.

Despite the early struggles, they have put together a pretty interesting roster in the summer: they have good prospects at every level and of course they will need some time to adapt to Serie A and perform at good enough levels. Delneri is experienced but he is not really a coach known for grooming youngsters and for his skills in players’ development. They should have probably been a little more daring with the coaching changes, either now or in the summer. In any case, they have enough talent to easily escape the relegation, the goal they are clearly targeting at this point, regardless of who is at the helm.

They have had some bad injury luck and they will be pretty depleted in this one as well. They will be certainly without Silvan Widmer, who has a fractured scapula, Emil Hallfredsson, who has strained hamstring and Ewandro, who has a broken foot. Panagiotis Kone sprained his shoulder this week and should be out, likewise Emmanuel Badu, who is dealing with gastroenteritis. Gabriele Angella has muscle fatigue and his presence is questionable.

Therefore, Delneri will not have many players to choose from on Saturday. As we know, he is a 4-4-2 guy, but they do not have enough wingers to deploy it. He should go with a 4-3-3/4-1-4-1, maybe steering towards the 4-2-3-1 he abundantly used last year at Hellas Verona if need be. In any case, the problem on the flanks remains.

As it is often the case after a coaching change, the pecking orders in the various positions are murky and so there are doubts in every area. Molla Wague has a little edge on Thomas Heurtaux to start as right back, replacing Widmer. Pablo Armero should supplant Ali Adnan on the left, but they have also tried a very uninspiring four centre-back look that includes Heurtaux or Wague at right back, Danilo and Angella in the heart of the defence and Felipe at left back, a position he has not covered in years. They should have Samir back from a severe hamstring strain: he will eventually end up starting at left back, but he is not ready to start just yet.

The absences in the midfield pretty much force the coach’s hand: Seko Fofana on the right-hand, Sven Kums in the middle and Jakub Jankto on the left-hand. Fofana has been pretty good so far even though he has been miscast as a pivot while he looks like a natural and physical box-to-box midfield. Kums, who is a natural deep-lying midfielder, has been inserted in the starting XI right away despite being acquired late in the window: he immediately took control of the team and looks like a great acquisition. Jankto was excellent last season at Ascoli, but he has not played much last season. Lucas Evangelista could be an option, but he is a little too offensive.

In the trident, the versatile Rodrigo De Paul and Cyril Thereau will play on the flanks: neither of them is a pure winger: De Paul is a no.10, while Thereau is a second-striker, but they have both experience on the wings. It would make more sense to put Ryder Matos on the right, but he has not seen the pitch a lot since moving to Udine. Duvan Zapata is the starter, but he is being challenged by Stipe Perica who has been pretty effective in the few minutes he has featured in.

Probable lineup: 

4-3-3: Karnezis; Wague, Danilo, Felipe, Armero; Fofana, Kums, Jankto; De Paul, Zapata, Thereau. 

Injuries:

Widmer (scapula), Badu (gastroenteritis), Hallfredsson (hamstring), Kone (shoulder), Ewandro (foot). 

Suspensions:

None. 

 

Formation

 

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

[Socrates 8526]

 

 

JUVENTUS - UDINESE

 

-  

 

 

MATCHDAY 8

Saturday, October 15th, 2016 - 08:45 PM
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Arbitro: Claudio Gavillucci

 

 

 

Juventus - Udinese

Match Preview

 

 

http://www.football-italia.net/SerieA/match/preview/87900

 

 

Oct 14, 2016

 

Newly appointed Luigi Del Neri takes his Udinese side to former club Juventus, in a meeting between two teams with contrasting fortunes.

 

Following the dismissal of Beppe Iachini, Del Neri must stabilise a side perilously close to the drop zone. For many years the Zebrette have achieved beyond their means, providing a platform for future stars such as Alexis Sanchez, Antonio Candreva and Samir Handanovic, but they now find themselves struggling to survive in Italy’s top flight.

 

Above all else, Udinese desperately miss the regular source of goals provided by iconic former skipper Antonio Di Natale. The veteran wasn’t replaced in the summer and his retirement has hit the club hard.

 

The goal-scoring concern may be further heightened if Napoli choose to recall Duvan Zapata in January, as first choice striker Arkadiusz Milik is expected to be out for four to six months.

 

For the visit to the champions, the visitors should be largely unchanged, with Seko Fofana and Pablo Armero the most likely additions to the side which lost 3-0 against Lazio.

 

Del Neri will hope to have Emil Hallfredsson and Samir back in contention, while Panagiotis Kone, Silvan Widmer, Ewandro and Marco Davide Faraoni look to be out of action.

 

Hosts Juventus are in ominous form. Opposite number Max Allegri has a wealth of options in each position and has the luxury of easing Claudio Marchisio back in to the fold. The midfielder made his comeback from injury on Wednesday in the friendly win against Pro Settimo Eureka and will hope to be in the first team reckoning this weekend, or at the very least on the bench after a six-month absence.

 

Mario Mandzukic will also push for a starting berth. The Croatian netted four times in the two recent World Cup qualifiers and may come in for Gonzalo Higuain, depending on the Argentine’s condition having travelled from South America.

 

In the recent 3-0 victory against Empoli, both Higuain and compatriot Paulo Dybala scored.

 

The duo is now showing signs of a burgeoning understanding, which will be crucial to The Old Lady’s fortunes, especially in the Champions League.

 

Giorgio Chiellini is in doubt, having left international duty with a bruised calf. Medhi Benatia is expected to step in, while Kwadwo Asamoah, Daniele Rugani and possibly also Marko Pjaca are sidelined.

 

While the personnel may change, Allegri will demand the same application and result as the leaders look to increase their four-point lead at the top of the table.

 

 

Keep an eye on: Paulo Dybala (Juventus) – The diminutive Argentine has started the season slowly, but will be buoyed by a goal in his last two competitive club games. Dybala offers something different to his fellow forwards, as he is equally adept at both scoring and providing assists. The challenge now is to build on his promising partnership with Higuain.

 

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

 

Last season: Juventus 0-1 Udinese

 

Stat fact: Udinese caused a huge upset in the first game of the 2015-16 season here, but that remains the only victory in their last 10 meetings, home and away. The rest of that tally reads two goalless draws and seven Juve wins.

 

Top tip: Juventus to win by a two-goal margin.

 

 

Juventus (probable): Buffon; Benatia, Bonucci, Barzagli; Dani Alves, Khedira, Hernanes, Pjanic, Alex Sandro; Dybala, Higuain

Suspended: None

 

Udinese (probable): Karnezis; Heurtaux, Danilo, Felipe, Armero; Fofana, Kums, Kone; De Paul; Duvan Zapata, Perica

Suspended: None

 

 

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

[Socrates 8526]

 

 

JUVENTUS - UDINESE

 

-  

 

 

MATCHDAY 8

Saturday, October 15th, 2016 - 08:45 PM
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Arbitro: Claudio Gavillucci

 

 

 

Allegri: Juve must beat Udinese tomorrow

 

Manager’s Pre-Match Comments

 

http://www.blackwhitereadallover.com/2016/10/14/13283232/allegri-

juve-must-beat-udinese-tomorrow-roma-napoli-moise-kean-marchisio

 

 

Oct 14, 2016

 

Mercifully the international break is now over and Juventus are back. The Bianconeri head into a 22-day stretch with seven games to play, including a couple of crucial Champions League fixtures as well. The spell starts with a match against Udinese tomorrow, and manager Massimiliano Allegri spoke with the media.

AS Roma and Napoli face off before the Juve game. The Neapolitans are in second place four points behind while the Giallorossi are a further point adrift in third.

"Tomorrow we must beat Udinese to take points from Roma, Napoli, or both.

"We must approach Udinese with caution: they have some good players and an excellent new coach."

Allegri commented on teenage sensation Moise Kean, who has been the subject of many transfer rumours lately -

"Kean will join the squad. He's a talent but at 16 years old, he needs more matchday experience."

On the injury front, he named three players who are confirmed out.

“Marko Pjaca, Daniele Rugani and Kwadwo Asamoah will all miss out.

“Medhi Benatia is fit and may start from the off tomorrow. 3 or 4 at the back? We'll see after training.

"Best wishes to Arkadiusz Milik and Ricardo Montolivo, who have been desperately unlucky with injuries recently."

Speaking of injuries, Il Principino Claudio Marchisio is almost fully fit now.

"Marchisio had a good 45 minutes with the reserves, but we must look out for unforeseen dangers with muscle problems. The ideal scenario would be to give him a bit of time during the forthcoming matches, as all the others are available.

"Marchisio is an important available player, one of the most important players for the years to come, but I will always exercise caution when a player returns from a cruciate injury. You have to be cautious and careful, his knee has healed but after six months of inactivity, other issues can occur."

He spoke about what role he envisioned for Mario Lemina -

"I see Lemina as more of a roaming midfielder but in time he'll become a fine anchorman."

Allegri said that one of Gonzalo Higuain and Paulo Dybala would play tomorrow, but he wasn’t sure who. The South American contingent had been trickling in returning from their international fixtures.

"I do not know who came late, some arrived yesterday after eighteen hour flights some trained indoors instead of at Vinovo. The international break went well, some players won, others did not."

The press conference ended with Allegri commenting on the upcoming Champions League tie -

“The game against Lyon is the first of two massive games. They are one of our direct qualification rivals.

“Whatever the competition, we'll approach both games in the best possible fashion."

 

 

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