JUVENTUS SEASON 2016-2017

Socrates · December 17, 2016

JUVENTUS - ROMA

MATCHDAY 17

Saturday, December 17th, 2016 - 8:45 p.m.
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Daniele Orsato

Ventura: 'Juve-Roma moment of truth'

http://www.football-italia.net/95798/ventura-juve-roma-moment-truth

Dec 17, 2016

Italy Coach Giampiero Ventura believes tonight’s top of the table clash with Juventus can be “the moment Roma become a great team.”

It kicks off tonight at 20.45 CET - 19.45 GMT.

“This is a game that will be good for Italian football,” Ventura told La Gazzetta dello Sport.

“Lately it has been rare to see a game at this level with two so evenly-matched teams. It’s not just first against second, but also the match that possibly blows open the Scudetto race.

“If there isn’t a draw, then the result will make a big difference: a one-point advantage would be nothing, but at seven points clear Juve would already be the Winter Champions.”

How would Ventura approach a fixture like this?

“Tactical approaches will be crucial. Only when facing a far inferior team can individual quality ever hope to be enough. As a neutral spectator, I’ve been impressed with Max Allegri’s Juventus. Their first half-hour against Atalanta was perhaps their best performance of the season and the response of a great team.

“That’s what this game means to Roma – the moment they could become a great team. Even aside from the result, a great performance is necessary.

“What do people say of those chasing Juve? That they need to acquire the clinical edge of the Bianconeri. These are elements that develop along the way if you believe blindly in what you are doing.”

Who will be decisive at the Juventus Stadium this evening?

“His return in the Turin Derby showed Paulo Dybala is one of the few players who can change a game. Mohamed Salah allows Roma to do certain ‘unique’ things. Without him, there are many who can be decisive.

“As for the centre-forwards, it’s about certainty and uncertainty. Gonzalo Higuain is well-known, we are all aware of what he is and can do.

But Edin Dzeko? Has he already given his best? We don’t know, he might have other qualities we don’t know about yet.”

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

Socrates · December 17, 2016

JUVENTUS - ROMA

MATCHDAY 17

Saturday, December 17th, 2016 - 8:45 p.m.
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Daniele Orsato

Line-ups: Juventus-Roma

http://www.football-italia.net/95817/line-ups-juventus-roma

Dec 17, 2016

Juventus start Miralem Pjanic, Mario Mandzukic and Gonzalo Higuain as they host second-placed Roma with Gerson and Edin Dzeko.

It kicks off at the Juventus Stadium at 20.45 CET - 19.45 GMT.

This is a Scudetto showdown in Turin, as only four points separate leaders Juve from Roma, who consolidated second by beating Milan 1-0 on Monday night.

The Bianconeri are without Leonardo Bonucci and Dani Alves, but Andrea Barzagli is back on the bench after dislocating his shoulder, recovering much quicker than expected.

Paulo Dybala is not risked from the start, despite coming on to turn their 3-1 Derby della Mole victory over Torino last week.

Instead, Pjanic faces his former Roma teammates for the first time, supporting Higuain and Mandzukic.

Stefano Sturaro is the pick for a rugged midfield, while there was uncertainty to the end between Daniele Rugani and Medhi Benatia.

Roma have issues too, as Francesco Totti, Alessandro Florenzi and Leandro Paredes miss out.

Mohamed Salah was expected to start after a late fitness test, but instead Brazilian trequartista Gerson is given a rare chance to shine.

Dzeko remains joint Capocannoniere with Mauro Icardi and leads the way with support from Radja Nainggolan and Diego Perotti.

It’s safe to say Roma do not have a good history in Turin, losing their last five Serie A trips and managing just one point here since their 2-1 victory in January 2010.

In that period they scored four goals and conceded 16.

Juventus: Buffon; Lichtsteiner, Rugani, Chiellini, Alex Sandro; Khedira, Marchisio, Sturaro; Pjanic; Mandzukic, Higuain

Juventus bench: Neto, Audero, Barzagli, Benatia, Evra, Mattiello, Cuadrado, Hernanes, Lemina, Asamoah, Dybala, Pjaca

Roma: Szczesny; Rudiger, Manolas, Fazio, Emerson Palmieri; De Rossi, Strootman; Gerson, Nainggolan, Perotti; Dzeko

Roma bench: Alisson, Romagnoli, Juan Jesus, Bruno Peres, Vermaelen, Seck, Mario Rui, Salah, Iturbe, El Shaarawy

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

Socrates · December 17, 2016

JUVENTUS - ROMA

MATCHDAY 17

Saturday, December 17th, 2016 - 8:45 p.m.
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Daniele Orsato

Dzeko: 'Roma ready for Juventus'

http://www.football-italia.net/95819/dzeko-roma-ready-juventus

Dec 17, 2016

Edin Dzeko assured Roma are “ready for a great game between two great teams” as Roma travel to Juventus.

It kicks off at the Juventus Stadium at 20.45 CET - 19.45 GMT.

“Everyone seems to talk about the battle between me and Gonzalo Higuain, but it’s a great game between two great teams,” Dzeko told Roma TV.

“It doesn’t matter who scores. The result is what counts. We are relaxed and we are ready.

“It’s not a decisive match, because there’s a long way to go yet this season, but it is important. We’re close together and after this match we want the gap at the top to be a maximum of four points.”

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

Socrates · December 17, 2016

JUVENTUS - ROMA

MATCHDAY 17

Saturday, December 17th, 2016 - 8:45 p.m.
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Daniele Orsato

Sturaro: 'Juve-Roma battle'

http://www.football-italia.net/95821/sturaro-juve-roma-battle

Dec 17, 2016

Stefano Sturaro hopes for “another early Christmas present” after his Juventus contract renewal as they host Roma this evening.

It kicks off at the Juventus Stadium at 20.45 CET - 19.45 GMT.

“It’s not a decisive match, but it is important for the table and to end this first part of the season in the best way,” midfielder Sturaro told Mediaset Premium and Sky Sport Italia.

“I am happy to be in the starting XI and to get my contract renewal. It was like an early Christmas present and hopefully another one will arrive tonight with a victory.

“It will be a battle all over the pitch, as it’s two teams made up of great athletes.”

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

Socrates · December 17, 2016

JUVENTUS - ROMA

MATCHDAY 17

Saturday, December 17th, 2016 - 8:45 p.m.
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Daniele Orsato

Baldissoni: 'Gerson surprising pick'

http://www.football-italia.net/95822/baldissoni-gerson-surprising-pick

Dec 17, 2016

Roma director Mauro Baldissoni admits he is “surprised” by Gerson in the starting XI as Roma “target the top” against Juventus.

It kicks off at the Juventus Stadium at 20.45 CET - 19.45 GMT.

“Gerson is a surprising choice, but one made by Luciano Spalletti after viewing training all week,” Baldissoni told Mediaset Premium.

“He is a player of great quality. Mohamed Salah and Bruno Peres are not fully fit right now, while Gerson can keep the ball well. He has undoubted quality, it’s not a moment of madness. It’s a surprise, but he’ll be up to the task.

“Nobody likes to come second. These are the moments where we must prove that we can aim for first place, as we are here to take on the leaders.

“The season doesn’t end today, but we hope to send a signal that we’re targeting the top. The team is confident and believes in what it’s doing.

“They seem very determined and hopefully that’s a good sign.”

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

Socrates · December 17, 2016

JUVENTUS - ROMA

MATCHDAY 17

Saturday, December 17th, 2016 - 8:45 p.m.
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Daniele Orsato

Marotta: 'Positive ad for Serie A'

http://www.football-italia.net/95823/marotta-positive-ad-serie

Dec 17, 2016

Juventus director Beppe Marotta hopes tonight’s Scudetto clash with Roma can be “a positive advert for Italian football.”

It kicks off at the Juventus Stadium at 20.45 CET - 19.45 GMT.

“I hope it’ll be an entertaining match and I think there’s everything required for it to be great fun,” he told Mediaset Premium.

“The two best teams in Serie A, at least right now, are going head-to-head. We hope it’ll be a positive advert for Italian football.

“If we win, then we could consolidate our leadership against the most impressive opponent. The performance is important as well as the result, though.”

Medhi Benatia was expected to start in defence, but instead Daniele Rugani is confirmed.

“We are very satisfied with the choice made a few years ago to invest in Rugani. He is an Italian player and we are seeking Italian talents to reinforce the national identity not just at Juve, but in all Serie A clubs. Rugani is one of the players representing Italian excellence.”

Marotta was asked if he has any gifts lined up for Coach Max Allegri over the Christmas break?

“It’s not easy to find players up to Juventus standard in January. You in the media throw out many names, as is only logical, otherwise the papers would be blank pages.”

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

Socrates · December 17, 2016

JUVENTUS - ROMA

MATCHDAY 17

Saturday, December 17th, 2016 - 8:45 p.m.
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Daniele Orsato

HT 1-0: Higuain surprises Roma

http://www.football-italia.net/95825/ht-higuain-surprises-roma

Dec 17, 2016

A Gonzalo Higuain solo effort has given Juventus the half-time lead over Roma in the top of the table clash.

There were only four points separating the top two teams going into the Juventus Stadium in an early Scudetto showdown. Mohamed Salah and Bruno Peres weren’t fit to start with Francesco Totti, Leandro Paredes and Alessandro Florenzi injured, so Gerson was given a surprise start. The hosts missed Andrea Barzagli, Leonardo Bonucci and Dani Alves.

It was a physical start, as within 30 seconds Kostas Manolas had barged Mario Mandzukic – no shrinking violet himself – over the advertising boards.

Wojciech Szczesny neutralised a Gonzalo Higuain effort after good work from Mandzukic down the right. Pipita opened the scoring with a solo effort, as he shrugged off Daniele De Rossi – who had just been booked – got away from a Manolas challenge too and smashed the left-foot finish into the near top corner.

Radja Nainggolan drilled on to the side-netting and Szczesny’s save on Higuain from a corner was irrelevant, as he was offside. Manolas wasted a golden opportunity, as a corner ricocheted around the six-yard box and the defender fired straight at Stephan Lichtsteiner.

Juventus 1-0 Roma (Half-Time)

Higuain 14' (J)

Juventus: Buffon; Lichtsteiner, Rugani, Chiellini, Alex Sandro; Khedira, Marchisio, Sturaro; Pjanic; Mandzukic, Higuain

Roma: Szczesny; Rudiger, Manolas, Fazio, Emerson Palmieri; De Rossi, Strootman; Gerson, Nainggolan, Perotti; Dzeko

Ref: Orsato

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

Socrates · December 17, 2016

JUVENTUS - ROMA

1-0

Gonzalo Higuaín 14'

MATCHDAY 17

Saturday, December 17th, 2016 - 8:45 p.m.
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Daniele Orsato

Juventus 1-0 Roma: Higuain fires

champions to seven point lead

The Argentine settled the game with an impressive goal in the first-half,

stretching the home side's lead at the top of the table to seven points.

<a href="http://oi68.tinypic.com/2wf1w5z.jpg" target="_blank">View Raw Image</a>

http://www.goal.com/en/match/juventus-vs-roma/2305915/report

Dec 17, 2016

Gonzalo Higuain's thunderous strike ensured that Juventus opened up a seven-point lead at the top of the table and equalled their own record for the longest home winning streak in Serie A history with a 1-0 victory over nearest title rivals Roma.

Former Napoli forward Higuain moved to 10 league goals for the campaign 14 minutes into an enthralling clash at Juventus Stadium, blasting in from the edge of the area.

That made it 25 home league wins in a row for the Bianconeri, a feat they also achieved between August 2013 and November 2014.

Higuain's goal came after a full-throttle start from Massimiliano Allegri's side, with Roma fortunate to head into the interval with just a one-goal deficit.

And though Luciano Spalletti's men came into the fixture knowing that a win would move them within one point of the champions, Roma could not manage to find a way through Juve's resilient defence.

The victory is a vital one for Juve, who now have a comprehensive points cushion to build on heading into the second half of the season as they signed off for 2016 in Serie A ahead of their Supercoppa Italiana showdown with AC Milan next Friday, while Roma remain in second.

Kostas Manolas wasted no time in setting the tone, as his full-blooded challenge sent Mario Mandzukic crashing over the advertising hoardings 20 seconds in.

In response, Juve created the first opportunity, Higuain's effort forcing Wojciech Szczesny into an instinctive save.

Juve's forward duo combined excellently 10 minutes later - Mandzukic picking out his strike partner with a precise cross, but Szczesny was well-placed to hold onto Higuain's volley.

Higuain, however, made no mistake from Juve's next attack, slaloming around Daniele De Rossi and Manolas before thumping an unerringly accurate finish in off the left-hand upright.

Roma improved, but Radja Nainggolan, who netted a stunning winner against Milan last time out, could only find the side-netting as the visitors finally managed to muster an attempt.

Despite Roma's resurgence, Juve went close to a second prior to half-time when Higuain's strike was saved by Szczesny, although the Argentine had been flagged offside.

Manolas could have levelled at the other end a few moments later, but Daniele Rugani was on hand to block the defender's close-range effort.

1mlsj8arcyuob1e1o3s2ib83hh.jpg?t=2463312

16txjbf5etkey1c0n084rvodaa.jpg?t=2436296

uqb03mryb3om15nyoa4pzp1yv.jpg?t=24299306

Spalletti did not hesitate in shaking things up at the interval, bringing on Mohamed Salah - recently back from injury - in place of the inexperienced Gerson.

Juve were forced into a change themselves soon after the restart, former Roma player Miralem Pjanic hobbling off clutching his hip - Juan Cuadrado replacing the stricken playmaker.

Szczesny came to Roma's rescue once again with 20 minutes remaining, getting down low to his right to deny Stefano Sturaro at the culmination of an exquisite counter-attack.

Roma searched desperately for an equaliser, Federico Fazio almost smuggling the ball home from a corner before Gianluigi Buffon held onto Diego Perotti rasping drive.

But despite a late glut of pressure, in which Manolas again went close, Juve held firm, and almost extended their lead through another Sturaro effort as Roma's five-match unbeaten streak in all competitions came to a halt.

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

Socrates · December 17, 2016

JUVENTUS - ROMA

1-0

Gonzalo Higuaín 14'

MATCHDAY 17

Saturday, December 17th, 2016 - 8:45 p.m.
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Daniele Orsato

Juventus 1-0 Roma: Team Ratings

<a href="http://oi63.tinypic.com/2qx01ee.jpg" target="_blank">View Raw Image</a>

http://www.goal.com/en/match/juventus-vs-roma/2305915/ratings?ICID=MP_MS_6

Dec 17, 2016

TEAM RATINGS

Juventus

1G. Buffon
It was a relatively comfortable evening for the veteran goalkeeper, but he was nonetheless solid when called upon to act.
26S. Lichtsteiner
Had a couple of nervy moments defensively when Roma were on the front foot, whilst at the other end he didn't do well enough with his crosses.
12Alex Sandro
Had few problems over on left wing, where he made life a misery for Gerson before dealing well with Salah after the break.
24D. Rugani
Put in a brilliant performance from start to finish. Impressed with his positioning and was firm but fair with his tackles.
3G. Chiellini
He and Rugani formed an impressive partnership in the middle of the Juventus defence, where they performed wonderfully to keep Dzeko very quiet.
27S. Sturaro
Put in a great performance over on the left-hand side of the Juventus midfield, where he impressed in advanced positions and was strong defensively to continually frustrate the visitors.
6S. Khedira
Was solid if unspectacular in the Juventus midfield, where he got forward well when required and was resolute defensively.
8C. Marchisio
Kept things ticking over at the base of the midfield, where he defended well to close down the space available to the Roma front line.
5M. Pjanić
Impressed in the hole behind Mandzukic and Higuain, where he always looked dangerous with the ball at his feet, but was unfortunately forced off at the start of the second half with what looked to be a hip injury.
17M. Mandžukić
Put in a determined and committed display, particularly in the second half when he dropped deep to become an auxiliary midfielder.
9G. Higuaín
Fired the home side into the lead with a wonderful striking early into the game, and from then onwards the Argentine was a constant nuisance inside the penalty area.

Roma

Substitutes

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

Socrates · December 17, 2016

JUVENTUS - ROMA

1-0

Gonzalo Higuaín 14'

MATCHDAY 17

Saturday, December 17th, 2016 - 8:45 p.m.
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Daniele Orsato

Historic Juve take down Roma

Gonzalo Higuain’s sensational solo effort proved enough for Juventus

to beat Roma 1-0 and go seven points clear at the top of the table.

http://www.football-italia.net/95827/historic-juve-take-down-roma

Dec 17, 2016

History is not kind to the Giallorossi in this fixture, losing their last six Serie A trips to Turin. Juventus also celebrated their 25^th consecutive Serie A home victory, matching the all-time League record also set by the Old Lady from August 2013 to December 2014.

There were only four points separating the top two teams going into the Juventus Stadium in an early Scudetto showdown. Mohamed Salah and Bruno Peres weren’t fit to start with Francesco Totti, Leandro Paredes and Alessandro Florenzi injured, so Gerson was given a surprise start. The hosts missed Leonardo Bonucci and Dani Alves.

It was a physical start, as within 30 seconds Kostas Manolas had barged Mario Mandzukic – no shrinking violet himself – over the advertising boards.

Wojciech Szczesny neutralised a Gonzalo Higuain effort after good work from Mandzukic down the right. Pipita opened the scoring with a solo effort, as he shrugged off Daniele De Rossi – who had just been booked – got away from a Manolas challenge too and smashed the left-foot finish into the near top corner.

Radja Nainggolan drilled on to the side-netting and Szczesny’s save on Higuain from a corner was irrelevant, as he was offside. Manolas wasted a golden opportunity, as a corner ricocheted around the six-yard box and the defender fired straight at Stephan Lichtsteiner.

Inevitably, Luciano Spalletti had to remove Gerson – who was also on a yellow card – to introduce Salah in the second half. Pjanic went off early after a knock to the hip, so Juan Cuadrado came on for a 4-3-3 formation.

Mandzukic had penalty appeals, but he simply crossed paths with Federico Fazio and they tripped each other. Daniele Rugani twice performed crucial interceptions to stop Edin Dzeko going clear and Barzagli made his comeback after a rapid recovery from his dislocated shoulder, moving to 3-5-2.

Szczesny got down for a great reaction save on Stefano Sturaro, set up by Mandzukic, but Roma lost De Rossi to a calf problem and Nainggolan was visibly limping.

Mandzukic’s work-rate was remarkable, getting back constantly to tackle Diego Perotti, but the Giallorossi had a great chance from a corner when Fazio couldn’t complete the turn from three yards out.

Moments later Salah squirmed between defenders to roll across for Perotti, who scuffed his weak finish straight at Gigi Buffon. Roma stepped up the pressure in the closing stages, partly because of Juve’s move to 3-5-2, as Manolas’ diving header was inches away from making contact with a deflected free kick at the back post.

Manolas also went off injured and Buffon fingertipped a Stephan El Shaarawy header out from under the bar. Szczesny was also decisive on Sturaro from close range.

Juventus: Buffon; Lichtsteiner (Barzagli 68), Rugani, Chiellini, Alex Sandro; Khedira, Marchisio, Sturaro; Pjanic (Cuadrado 51); Mandzukic, Higuain (Dybala 82)

Roma: Szczesny; Rudiger, Manolas (Bruno Peres 85), Fazio, Emerson Palmieri; De Rossi (El Shaarawy 72), Strootman; Gerson (Salah 46), Nainggolan, Perotti; Dzeko

Ref: Orsato

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

Socrates · December 17, 2016

JUVENTUS - ROMA

1-0

Gonzalo Higuaín 14'

MATCHDAY 17

Saturday, December 17th, 2016 - 8:45 p.m.
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Daniele Orsato

Gonzalo Higuain nets as Juventus beat Roma

<a href="http://oi68.tinypic.com/2r7st8g.jpg" target="_blank">View Raw Image</a>

http://www.sportsmole.co.uk/football/juventus/result/

result-higuain-nets-as-juventus-beat-roma_287607.html

Dec 17, 2016

Gonzalo Higuain scored the only goal of the match as Italian champions Juventus recorded a 1-0 win over Roma in Saturday night's Serie A clash in Turin.

The victory was Juve's 14th from 17 league matches this season and has moved the title holders seven points clear of second-place Roma at the top of the division.

Higuain made the breakthrough in the 14th minute when the Argentine skipped past Kostas Manolas before striking into the top left-hand corner of the net, leaving Roma stopper Wojciech Szczesny with no chance.

The Argentine international might have doubled Juve's lead 10 minutes before the break when a corner found the striker in space, but Szczesny was on hand to make the save as it remained 1-0 at the interval.

Roma huffed and puffed as they went looking for an equaliser in the second period, but the better chances fell to the home side and Stefano Sturaro passed up two good opportunities to double Juve's advantage.

Stephan El Shaarawy and Bruno Peres were both thrown on for the visitors for the final 15 minutes, although chances were few and far between as the defending champions secured all the points ahead of the winter break in Serie A.

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

Socrates · December 17, 2016

JUVENTUS - ROMA

1-0

Gonzalo Higuaín 14'

MATCHDAY 17

Saturday, December 17th, 2016 - 8:45 p.m.
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Daniele Orsato

Buffon: 'Juventus have changed'

<a href="http://oi63.tinypic.com/2dcc1te.jpg" target="_blank">View Raw Image</a>

http://www.football-italia.net/95828/buffon-juventus-have-changed

Dec 17, 2016

Gigi Buffon believes Juventus “changed” after the defeat to Genoa and that allowed them to beat Roma 1-0 this evening.

The Bianconeri emerged 1-0 winners thanks to an early Gonzalo Higuain solo effort, going seven points clear at the top of the table.

“I won’t say it’s a fundamental victory, because there’s a long way to go this season, but it is a win that gives us belief and creates a rather large gap,” the captain told Mediaset Premium and Sky Sport Italia.

“It allows us to go into the Christmas break with excellent sensations. It’s a wonderful game and both teams deserve credit. Roma came here aware of their quality, played to win and in the incidents we deserved the points, as Wojciech Szczesny made two or three excellent saves.

“It’s also true we suffered under pressure towards the end and held out well to keep the lead. I had already seen after the Genoa defeat that something had changed within us and I feel if we got the victory tonight, it was thanks to the loss at Genoa.”

Much like last season's loss to Sassuolo sparked a comeback to win the Scudetto, the 3-1 defeat at Marassi seems to have sparked Juve into life.

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

Socrates · December 18, 2016

JUVENTUS - ROMA

1-0

Gonzalo Higuaín 14'

MATCHDAY 17

Saturday, December 17th, 2016 - 8:45 p.m.
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Daniele Orsato

Juventus 1 - Roma 0: Initial

reaction and random observations

So, can we kill that “Gonzalo Higuain doesn’t score in big games” narrative

now? Because I’m pretty sure he scored in another big game.

<a href="http://oi64.tinypic.com/23jmlj4.jpg" target="_blank">View Raw Image</a>

http://www.blackwhitereadallover.com/2016/12/17/13994912/juventus

-as-roma-2016-serie-a-round-17-final-score-result-initial-reaction

Dec 17, 2016

For most of the summer, we wondered what Juventus were going to do to replace the anticipated return to replace their No. 9 for the past two seasons, Alvaro Morata. He, of course, always had the chance to return to Real Madrid, a scenario that was always going to hang over his head because buy-back clauses are basically the devil. That meant that not only was there going to need to replace him, but replace him in relatively quick order.

Well, as it turns out, Juventus’ current No. 9 is proving to be a pretty acceptable replacement. Yeah, he’ll do just fine.

Gonzalo Higuain pulled a classic David Trezeguet — quiet for pretty much the entirety of the match except for one defining and memorable moment. It was Higuain’s first-half goal that gave Juventus a 1-0 lead over Roma and then turned into the game-winning goal, as the five-time defending Serie A champions extended their lead at the top of the league over Roma to seven points.

This wasn’t a pretty game. Roma seemed to walk a fine line between having two players sent off because of all the yellow cards they got and giving Juventus’ players fits in the final 20 minutes or so. As much as we wanted Juventus to get a second goal and ease some of the pressure off both the defense and our collective blood pressure, that never arrived. That meant it was a grinder the rest of the way.

Luckily for all of us, Juventus’ defense has been playing pretty well lately.

And what do you know? In a record-breaking 25th straight Serie A win at Juventus Stadium, it was a 1-0 win — Max Allegri’s favorite kind of result, remember? — with a shutout and the summer’s big signing proving to the be guy who made the difference in the scoreline.

Yep, Higuain scored the goal, and Juventus got the win because of it. What do they say about big players making big plays in big games? It certainly wasn’t Higuain’s best game in a Juventus shirt, but he certainly came up big in one of the biggest moments there was on Saturday night.

I don’t care if that tweet is from a few weeks back. After the Roma win, there’s only one number that matters to me. It’s seven, and that’s how many points Juventus are up thanks to Higuain’s goal and some really, really good defending.

RANDOM THOUGHTS AND OBSERVATIONS

Gonzalo Higuain is so good at this game oh my god.
Really pleased with what Tom Selleck has been able to do in the Juventus goal his last couple of appearances. Especially at his age, you know? Underrated signing, IMHO.
East and fast knee-jerk reaction: Daniele Rugani is my Man of the Match. If it were up to me, I’d tack on another seven or eight years on that new contract of his because he has been absolutely fantastic since he stepped into the starting lineup. His clearances were timely and fundamental in Juventus holding onto the lead — especially in the second half. Along with Giorgio Chiellini, Rugani just played a huge role in shutting down one of the hottest goal scorers in Serie A and maybe Europe as a whole. That’s the latest sign of just how good Rugani is despite being 22 years old still. (SERIOUSLY, RUGANI IS 22 YEARS OLD, YOU GUYS.)
Easy and fast knee-jerk reaction: This was one of Stefano Sturaro’s best games since he was flying through the air to deny James Rodriguez in the Champions League semifinals a couple of years ago. He’s never going to be somebody like Miralem Pjanic on the ball, I think everybody can see that by now. But this was the kind of game where Sturaro could thrive in — brute force, lots of physicality and lots of running around defending needed. He did all of that, and did so pretty effectively. Sturaro proved Allegri’s continued faith in him to be the right call on Saturday night.
If it wasn’t for Wojciech Szczesny, Sturaro has a pair of goals, he is a much bigger part of this post-game thread and Juventus wins 3-0, not 1-0.
Mario Mandzukic, again, proved why he’s one of the best defenders in Serie A. That’s funny because he’s listed as a striker, yet how many times over the past month have we been sitting in front of our televisions and/or laptops applauding Mandzukic for something he did in the defensive half of the field. He’s in some kind of form right now, and it’s helping pretty much every aspect of his game.
As good as Rugani and Sturaro were, it was the exact opposition for Juan Cuadrado after he came on for Pjanic in the second half. Good thing Roma weren’t able to do anything while playing up a man for such an extended period of time.
Juventus finished with 100 points in Serie A in the 2016 calendar year. Let me check if that’s pretty good...yeah, that’s pretty good.

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

Socrates · December 18, 2016

JUVENTUS - ROMA

1-0

Gonzalo Higuaín 14'

MATCHDAY 17

Saturday, December 17th, 2016 - 8:45 p.m.
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Daniele Orsato

Higuain effort enough as

Juventus edge Roma in Serie A

<a href="http://oi68.tinypic.com/33th2m9.jpg" target="_blank">View Raw Image</a>

http://www.espnfc.co.uk/report?gameId=461137

Dec 17, 2016

A fine solo goal from Gonzalo Higuain in a 1-0 victory over title rivals Roma extended Juventus' lead at the top of Serie A to seven points.

Higuain, who joined the Italian champions for £75.3 million from Napoli this summer, scored the all-important goal after 14 minutes when the Argentina international skipped past two Roma defenders before blasting past Wojciech Szczesny for his 10th league goal of the season.

Despite not playing with the fluency which has brought them five consecutive league titles, the win proved that Juve are the team to beat while Roma's rebirth this campaign was put on hold and they will need to regroup against Chievo before the winter break.

Both sides entered the game without key defensive players as the visitors were missing Alessandro Florenzi meaning Antonio Rudiger deputised at right-back, while injured defenders Leonardo Bonucci and Dani Alves were ruled out for Juventus.

The Giallorossi, who have recorded impressive wins over Lazio and Milan in recent weeks, were on the back foot in the opening 10 minutes as Mario Mandzukic teed up Higuain but his effort was well saved by Szczesny.

But Higuain broke the deadlock moments later as Sami Khedira found the 29-year-old in space before he evaded two tackles to smash a sublime left-footed strike home.

Higuain came close to doubling their lead but was caught offside as Luciano Spaletti's men failed to adjust in the early stages. Radja Nainggolan came close with the visitors' first real attempt in the opening 45 minutes but Gianluigi Buffon was on hand to deny the Belgian.

Former Roma man Miralem Pjanic limped off with an injury after 50 minutes as Juve were happy to slow down the game in the second half. Szczesny kept Roma in contention when he got down well to deny Stefano Sturaro in the 71st minute as Massimiliano Allegri's side searched for a second to put the game out of reach.

With the game slipping out of their grasp, Diego Perotti had two chances to level for Roma, first in the 77th minute and secondly in added time as Juve kept their opponents at bay for most of the game.

The win saw Juventus claim their 25th consecutive home win in Serie A and assured their dominance in the league while Roma, on the other hand, missed a chance to close the gap to one point and stake their claim as serious title contenders this season.

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

Socrates · December 18, 2016

JUVENTUS - ROMA

1-0

Gonzalo Higuaín 14'

MATCHDAY 17

Saturday, December 17th, 2016 - 8:45 p.m.
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Daniele Orsato

Spalletti: 'Juve proved themselves'

<a href="http://oi67.tinypic.com/k0kmxg.jpg" target="_blank">View Raw Image</a>

http://www.football-italia.net/95829/spalletti-juve-proved-themselves

Dec 17, 2016

Luciano Spalletti defended his decision to start Gerson, but concedes Juventus “were stronger in individual duels” than Roma.

The top of the table showdown was decided by an early Gonzalo Higuain strike, opening up a seven-point gap.

“This gap does give Juventus the opportunity to control their advantage, so we’ll have to do incredibly well to get back up there,” the Coach told Mediaset Premium.

Was starting Gerson, who had barely featured in Serie A, an error in such a massive game?

“Those who don’t have the right mentality can say that. Those who don’t know what they’re talking about can say that. The early yellow card affected him, he was not there to act like Mohamed Salah, but to hold out against the physical strength of Juventus and Alex Sandro.

I think he did it pretty well.

“Salah was out for two weeks and could not have played 90 minutes. After the initial impact of the game, we evened things out and got back into it, but were unable to get the equalising goal.

“Despite the final siege, Roma emerge beaten and it all becomes more difficult. Juve were stronger than us in the individual duels and proved their strength. I always tell Roma to prove themselves on the pitch, not declare their ambition, and tonight Juve proved themselves.

“I above all liked the second half performance, when we went nipping at their ankles and pressed them high. I liked us then, but we did it after Juventus had already taken the lead, so clearly had less to lose. We should’ve had the same attitude in the first 10 minutes, when Juve troubled us with their strength and physicality.

“Unfortunately we weren’t clinical enough in our finishing. At times you go through a period where you don’t finish your chances, but I am not concerned because we’ve been among the most prolific sides in Serie A this season.”

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

Socrates · December 18, 2016

JUVENTUS - ROMA

1-0

Gonzalo Higuaín 14'

MATCHDAY 17

Saturday, December 17th, 2016 - 8:45 p.m.
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Daniele Orsato

Gonzalo Higuain's solo effort leads

Juventus past Roma; AC Milan held

<a href="http://oi66.tinypic.com/sbintf.jpg" target="_blank">View Raw Image</a>

http://www.espnfc.co.uk/italian-serie-a/story/3022283/serie-a-

juventus-beat-roma-with-higuain-goal-milan-held-by-atalanta

Dec 17, 2016

A fine solo goal from Gonzalo Higuain stretched Juventus' lead at the top of Serie A to seven points following a 1-0 victory over title rivals Roma.

Higuain, who joined the Italian champions for £75.3million from Napoli this summer, scored the all-important goal after 14 minutes when the Argentina international skipped past two Roma defenders before blasting past Wojciech Szczesny for his 10th league goal of the season.

Despite not playing with the fluency which has brought them five consecutive league titles, the win proved that Juve are the team to beat while Roma's rebirth this campaign was put on hold and they will need to regroup against Chievo before the winter break.

The respective Serie A ambitions of AC Milan and Atalanta took a hit following a goalless draw at San Siro.

A single point means the Rossoneri are six shy of leaders Juventus, who could further increase their advantage in the Serie A title race with victory over second-placed Roma.

Atalanta, meanwhile, have steadied the ship after suffering back-to-back defeats that slowed their charge into the Europa League spots, but they will now fear losing ground to the likes of Fiorentina.

Levan Mchedlidze scored twice as Empoli pulled away from the drop zone with a 2-0 home win over Cagliari.

The Georgian striker had both of his goals laid on by Guido Marilungo, who picked out Mchedlidze in the Sardinians' box in the eighth minute before finding his teammate again 18 minutes from time.

Empoli dominated from start to finish and Marilungo could have got on the scoresheet had he directed a right-footed shot on target just after the half-hour mark.

Cagliari had a late opportunity to halve the deficit but substitute Joao Pedro saw his penalty saved by Lukasz Skorupski.

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

Socrates · December 18, 2016

JUVENTUS - ROMA

1-0

Gonzalo Higuaín 14'

MATCHDAY 17

Saturday, December 17th, 2016 - 8:45 p.m.
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Daniele Orsato

Allegri: 'It was a battle with Roma'

<a href="http://oi63.tinypic.com/245m4gh.jpg" target="_blank">View Raw Image</a>

http://www.football-italia.net/95830/allegri-it-was-battle-roma

Dec 17, 2016

Max Allegri praised some of the Juventus unsung heroes after beating Roma and urged focus ahead of the Super Cup with Milan.

The Bianconeri have gone seven points clear at the top of the table after Gonzalo Higuain’s solo effort saw off Roma 1-0.

“I was angry at the final whistle because we did not deal with our lead very well at all towards the end,” the Coach told Mediaset Premium.

“Roma are very physical and we ran a few too many risks on set plays. I was cross with myself, as we should not have given Roma those opportunities. It’s another victory, we have 42 points with two games to play before the midway stage of the season.

“It was important to win tonight, we have Roma seven points behind us, but there’s a long way to go this term.”

Juve have made history by matching their own all-time Serie A record of 25 consecutive home wins.

“I am not remotely interested in records, as they mean very little. I am interested in being top of the table at the end of the season.

“It was a good match, hard-fought and I compliment all 22 players who took the field. I kept Mario Mandzukic to the end so he could engage in the final battle.”

Juventus can win their first silverware of the campaign too, as on December 23 they take on Milan in Doha for the Italian Super Cup.

“Let us enjoy this success and then see what happens. It’s important to go into the Super Cup game against Milan with the right mentality. We lost to them in Serie A this season and this is a one-off game, we’ve got no second chance.

“Miralem Pjanic got a knock to the hip, hopefully he’ll be able to recover in time. Daniele Rugani had a great performance to keep Edin Dzeko quiet. Alex Sandro didn’t put a foot wrong when defending and can become extraordinary.

“Stefano Sturaro played in a very Arturo Vidal style fighting against the Roma midfield and winning many duels, which was not easy up against Daniele De Rossi, Kevin Strootman and Radja Nainggolan.”

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

Socrates · December 18, 2016

JUVENTUS - ROMA

1-0

Gonzalo Higuaín 14'

MATCHDAY 17

Saturday, December 17th, 2016 - 8:45 p.m.
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Daniele Orsato

Juve rope-a-dope Roma

Max Allegri channeled the spirit of Muhammad Ali to let Roma punch themselves out, writes Gaby McKay.

<a href="http://oi66.tinypic.com/25u5gcm.jpg" target="_blank">View Raw Image</a>

http://www.football-italia.net/95831/juve-rope-dope-roma

Dec 17, 2016

It was the most anticipated sporting event of the year, George Foreman v Muhammad Ali in the “Rumble in the Jungle”. In October 1974, the pair faced off for the World Heavyweight Championship.

After an aggressive start in which he landed a number of blows, Ali adopted a strange tactic. The former champ leant back on the ropes, absorbing punch after punch from his powerful opponent. The scorecards had Foreman by a landslide, but inside the ring something else was going on. In round seven, following a vicious blow to the jaw, Ali grabbed Foreman and whispered into his ear: “Is that all you got George?” In the next round, the 32-year-old knocked his opponent to the canvas and reclaimed his belt.

Juventus-Roma wasn’t quite the Rumble in the Jungle - more the Tussle in Turin - but it was certainly billed as the biggest game of the Serie A season so far. Much like the late Ali, the Bianconeri came out of the blocks fast and aggressive, before taking the lead through their own heavyweight, Gonzalo Higuain.

Thereafter the Old Lady largely sat back and absorbed pressure. Roma had 10 shots to Juve’s seven, and dominated possession 60 per cent to 40. Yet Gianluigi Buffon and his Anthony Kiedis moustache barely had a save to make, the visitors managing just two shots on target - is that all you got, Giallorossi?

Juventus’ 1-0 win isn’t a knockout blow in the Scudetto race, but it’s clear their challengers are reeling. The result leaves Massimiliano Allegri’s men seven points clear of Roma at the top of Serie A, and Milan’s slip-up with Atalanta leaves the Rossoneri nine points adrift. The Bianconeri aren’t unbeatable by any means, but can anyone show enough consistency to take advantage if they do stutter?

For all that Juve managed the game superbly, there were some strange decisions on the part of Roma Coach Luciano Spalletti. Gerson was given just his second Serie A start of the season, on the right wing rather than in central midfield. The Brazilian looked like exactly what he was - a 19-year-old thrown into the biggest match of the campaign in an unfamiliar position. He was substituted at half-time.

Pre-match Spalletti had been at pains to stress that, even if they lost, his side wouldn’t be out of the Scudetto race. One would have been forgiven for expecting, therefore, that Roma would approach the game with a certain sense of calm, but for a period the capital club were in serious danger of losing their heads. The first half-hour brought three bookings, with the Giallorossi seemingly too fired-up to face the side which has so often thwarted their ambitions.

The home side simply allowed the Lupi to punch themselves out, without risking any real damage. There were chances for Roma, but were it not for Wojciech Szczesny, the game would have been put to bed in the second half, the Pole twice saving superbly from Stefano Sturaro.

Seven points is not an insurmountable gap, but the table makes for ominous reading for the pretenders to Juve’s throne. Given that the Champions League doesn’t resume until late February, the Old Lady can focus all her attention on domestic matters. With Higuain seemingly approaching the form he showed for Napoli, they’ll take some stopping.

Roma couldn’t land a punch on the Bianconeri on Saturday night, now they must ensure they aren’t knocked out of the title race altogether in the coming months.

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

Socrates · December 18, 2016

JUVENTUS - ROMA

1-0

Gonzalo Higuaín 14'

MATCHDAY 17

Saturday, December 17th, 2016 - 8:45 p.m.
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Daniele Orsato

Szczesny: 'Big Juve-Roma gap'

<a href="http://oi66.tinypic.com/m1o2c.jpg" target="_blank">View Raw Image</a>

http://www.football-italia.net/95832/szczesny-big-juve-roma-gap

Dec 17, 2016

Wojciech Szczesny felt Roma “did not deserve defeat, but there’s a big gap between us and a great side like Juventus.”

The goalkeeper was busier than his Bianconeri counterpart and could not keep out the early Gonzalo Higuain solo effort.

“We played well, especially after the Juve goal,” Szczesny told Mediaset Premium after a 1-0 loss in Turin.

“We did not deserve defeat, but still didn’t play at our best.”

Roma are now seven points adrift of the Serie A leaders, so do they still believe in the Scudetto?

“There’s a bit gap between us and a great side like Juventus. It all becomes more complicated. We’ve got to focus on the next game with Chievo and try to slowly step by step close this gap.”

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

Socrates · December 18, 2016

JUVENTUS - ROMA

1-0

Gonzalo Higuaín 14'

MATCHDAY 17

Saturday, December 17th, 2016 - 8:45 p.m.
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Daniele Orsato

Allegri: Important for Juventus

to win against Roma

Manager’s post-match comments after historic win

<a href="http://oi67.tinypic.com/5nkvsz.jpg" target="_blank">View Raw Image</a>

http://www.blackwhitereadallover.com/2016/12/17/13995656/allegri-

important-for-juventus-to-win-against-roma-post-match-comment

Dec 17, 2016

Juventus beat AS Roma 1-0 at Juventus Stadium to go seven points clear at the top of the Serie A table. A brilliant turn and shot from star striker Gonzalo Higuain was all the difference between the two sides as the visitors threw everything they had at the Bianconeri to no avail.

“I was angry at the final whistle because we did not deal with our lead very well at all towards the end.

“Roma are very physical and we ran a few too many risks on set plays. I was cross with myself, as we should not have given Roma those opportunities. It’s another victory, we have 42 points with two games to play before the midway stage of the season.

“It was important to win tonight, we have Roma seven points behind us, but there’s a long way to go this term.”

Juve matched their own record notching their 25th consecutive home win tonight.

“I am not remotely interested in records, as they mean very little. I am interested in being top of the table at the end of the season.

“It was a good match, hard-fought and I compliment all 22 players who took the field. I kept Mario Mandzukic to the end so he could engage in the final battle.”

The last game for the winter break for Juventus will be against Milan in Doha, Qatar for the Italian Super Cup title, which will present their first chance at a trophy this season.

“Let us enjoy this success and then see what happens. It’s important to go into the Super Cup game against Milan with the right mentality. We lost to them in Serie A this season and this is a one-off game, we’ve got no second chance.

“Miralem Pjanic got a knock to the hip, hopefully he’ll be able to recover in time. Daniele Rugani had a great performance to keep Edin Dzeko quiet. Alex Sandro didn’t put a foot wrong when defending and can become extraordinary.

“Stefano Sturaro played in a very Arturo Vidal style fighting against the Roma midfield and winning many duels, which was not easy up against Daniele De Rossi, Kevin Strootman and Radja Nainggolan.”

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

Socrates · December 18, 2016

JUVENTUS - ROMA

1-0

Gonzalo Higuaín 14'

MATCHDAY 17

Saturday, December 17th, 2016 - 8:45 p.m.
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Daniele Orsato

Rugani: 'Juve-Roma a six-pointer'

<a href="http://oi63.tinypic.com/1239v7l.jpg" target="_blank">View Raw Image</a>

http://www.football-italia.net/95833/rugani-juve-roma-six-pointer

Dec 17, 2016

Daniele Rugani believes the victory over Roma “was worth six points” and he is finally settling in at Juventus.

The centre-back made some crucial interceptions to cut off the service to Edin Dzeko in this evening’s 1-0 win.

“I am happy with my performance, but above all with the result, as the victory was worth six points,” Rugani told Mediaset Premium.

There had been doubts as to whether he would start or the more experienced Medhi Benatia.

“With every game I feel more confident, that’s normal for a player. When you are called into action, it helps you to mature.

“I feel that I have improved in several areas, but perhaps the most important step was a psychological one. I came from a different level at Empoli and it took the right amount of time to adapt.

“It has been a wonderful week, starting with the Turin Derby, then my contract extension and now this victory.”

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

Socrates · December 18, 2016

JUVENTUS - ROMA

1-0

Gonzalo Higuaín 14'

MATCHDAY 17

Saturday, December 17th, 2016 - 8:45 p.m.
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Daniele Orsato

Nainggolan: 'Roma not weaker than Juve'

<a href="http://oi65.tinypic.com/33ymem1.jpg" target="_blank">View Raw Image</a>

http://www.football-italia.net/95834/nainggolan-roma-not-weaker-juve

Dec 17, 2016

Radja Nainggolan insists Roma “are not a weaker squad than Juventus and we didn’t play worse than them” in a 1-0 defeat.

Gonzalo Higuain’s early solo effort proved decisive in Turin and sent the Bianconeri seven points clear at the top of the table.

“It’s certainly a defeat that hurts considering the performances, as we are not a weaker squad than Juventus and we didn’t play worse than them,” the Belgian midfielder told Sky Sport Italia.

“A single incident made the difference. We had some chances on corners, but the ball didn’t want to go in. I think we can be satisfied with the way we played, as it’s never easy at the Juventus Stadium.

“I’ll be honest, seven points is a big gap now, as it means we’d need Juve to lose three games. We have to keep believing, but it’s becoming difficult.

“If we play like this, then anything is possible, because I felt a draw would’ve been a fair result this evening.”

Roma were unhappy with the way referee Daniele Orsato officiated, particularly when it came to yellow cards.

“I try to stay calm, but he won’t even let you speak. It’s natural that is going to irritate you. I was booked, (Miralem) Pjanic wasn’t for doing the same thing, but if you ask him about it he just brushes you off.

“I could’ve said much worse things than I actually did. I understand it’s a difficult job, but it might help if he listened to what the players have to say…”

It was a reunion with Pjanic, so how did Nainggolan tackle his former teammate?

“He is a friend, but on the pitch there are no friends, because we have to fight for our teams.”

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

Socrates · December 18, 2016

JUVENTUS - ROMA

1-0

Gonzalo Higuaín 14'

MATCHDAY 17

Saturday, December 17th, 2016 - 8:45 p.m.
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Daniele Orsato

Buffon keeps 200th clean sheet

for Juventus in win over Roma

The 38-year-old was the usual safe pair of hands as the Serie A

champions picked up a narrow win to extend their lead at the top.

<a href="http://oi63.tinypic.com/2chrip4.jpg" target="_blank">View Raw Image</a>

http://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/3276/serie-a/2016/12/18/30612072/-

Dec 18, 2016

Gianluigi Buffon held his 200th clean sheet for Juventus in Saturday's 1-0 win over Roma.

The Serie A champions extended their lead at the top of the table over their main contenders to seven points thanks to Gonzalo Higuain's 14th-minute strike.

While the Bianconeri attack otherwise struggled to break through the visitors' defence they were able to rely upon the 38-year-old, who still looks on the top of his game.

Buffon may have only needed to make two saves throughout the 90 minutes, he has already impressed this season by setting a new record for consecutive clean sheets with a run of 10.

buffon-200-clean-sheets_1g7r6xaj6i3ua1vc

And the goalkeeper has now added another impressive milestone with the club since joining in 2001 from Parma.

The World Cup winner already holds the record for most Serie A clean sheets across his spells at Parma and Juve.

Buffon is currently contracted to Juve until 2018, who now sit seven points clear of Roma.

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

Socrates · December 18, 2016

JUVENTUS - ROMA

1-0

Gonzalo Higuaín 14'

MATCHDAY 17

Saturday, December 17th, 2016 - 8:45 p.m.
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Daniele Orsato

Allegri angered despite

Juventus' win over Roma

Gonzalo Higuain's impressive goal saw the Bianconeri take a seven point

lead at the top, but the coach was not entirely happy with what he saw.

<a href="http://oi67.tinypic.com/x1j2h4.jpg" target="_blank">View Raw Image</a>

http://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/3276/serie-a/2016/12/18/30612312/-

Dec 18, 2016

Massimiliano Allegri was left frustrated at Juventus' poor game management in their 1-0 victory over title rivals Roma - and played down the significance of equalling a Serie A record with the result.

Gonzalo Higuain's rasping strike handed Juve the lead 14 minutes into a tightly-fought contest at Juventus Stadium, and the champions held firm to move seven points clear of Luciano Spalletti's side.

But although Juve secured their 25th consecutive home league victory - equalling the club's own record - Allegri was disappointed that the hosts almost let their lead slip in the closing stages, with Roma squandering several gilt-edged chances.

"It was a good game between major teams. Winning was important, but the season is long, nothing is confirmed," Allegri told Premium Sport.

"I was angry because we have not managed the match well. Roma have great physicality and we risked losing the ball and allowed them too much space on set-pieces.

"The 25-game record does not interest me. I am interested in getting to the top in May. We are currently in the lead but we have to see what will happen in a few months, especially when the Champions League returns.

"But let's enjoy this victory, and we will see how the other teams do. It is important to go into the [Supercoppa Italiana] game against AC Milan with the right mental condition.

"[Daniele] Rugani has played a great game against [Edin] Dzeko. Alex Sandro has not missed anything on defence, he could become extraordinary.

[Stefano] Sturaro played like [Arturo] Vidal. He fought against the Roma midfield, winning many battles, and it was not easy with Daniele De Rossi, Kevin Strootman and Radja Nainggolan."

Juve were not helped in their efforts when Miralem Pjanic went off injured early in the second half, and Allegri confirmed that the former Roma playmaker is a doubt for Friday's Supercoppa Italiana clash with Milan.

"Pjanic took a hit to his hip. There's six days to recover, but we will see this week how he is," Allegri added.

Meanwhile, Roma coach Spalletti believes that Juve were well deserving of their victory and acknowledged that his side face an uphill struggle to close the gap at the top.

"Juve have proven to be very strong, we are going to have to be very good to recover points," Spalletti said.

"They were better at an individual level. We need to score more goals to win this type of game, that is something we have to overcome."

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

Socrates · December 18, 2016

JUVENTUS - ROMA

1-0

Gonzalo Higuaín 14'

MATCHDAY 17

Saturday, December 17th, 2016 - 8:45 p.m.
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Daniele Orsato

Spalletti's questionable selections

leave Roma short in loss at Juventus

<a href="http://oi63.tinypic.com/eugi1u.jpg" target="_blank">View Raw Image</a>

http://www.espnfc.co.uk/club/as-roma/104/blog/post/3022444/spalletti-

questionable-selections-leave-roma-short-in-loss-at-juventus

Dec 18, 2016

Gonzalo Higuain pulverised Roma's Scudetto hopes with a wonder goal that saw off the spirited but blunt Giallorossi and left them seven points behind the relentless league leaders, who already look set for six in a row. The Argentine swept past Daniele De Rossi, Federico Fazio and Kostas Manolas before drilling a rasping shot past Wojciech Szczesny, a rare moment of quality in what was a frenetic and fiercely contested but scrappy contest.

Roma recovered after being pinned back in the first 20 minutes by monstrous Juve pressing but never managed to break past the host's rock-solid defence, and the difference between Higuain's incisiveness and the practically invisible Edin Dzeko was stark. All Roma's fight and grit wasn't enough to stop their fourth defeat on the road (more than they've won away from the Stadio Olimpico) and Juve being crowned winter champions with two games to spare -- an ominous sign for the rest of league.

Positives

In previous years, going a goal down after just 14 minutes at Juventus would have led to a full-scale meltdown, with cards and Bianconeri goals flying in from all angles. This time, however, Roma kept their heads and mostly kept a lid on Juve's attack, with their backline showing remarkable poise and resiliency after being battered in the opening minutes. Few teams push Juve back on their own patch as Roma did in the last 20 minutes; it's just a shame that the pressure came so late on.

Negatives

After having already suffered so many injuries to key players this season, De Rossi and Manolas having to leave the field with calf and thigh problems felt like salt being rubbed into a gaping wound. Also a worry is how the goals have dried up -- just two in their last three matches and very few chances created on Saturday. Too often Roma resorted to aimless humps to Dzeko, which were easily mopped up by the steady Juve backline.

Manager rating

5 -- What on earth possessed Luciano Spalletti to start with Gerson on the right of midfield instead of Mohamed Salah or Stephan El Shaarawy no one will ever know. A youngster with only 86 minutes of Serie A action under his belt had no business starting at the Juventus Stadium, and it left Roma without a threat on the right, allowing Juve to assault Emerson Palmieri on their left flank. The manager's half-time substitutions rectified that error, but it was too late to turn it around.

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

GK Wojciech Szczesny, 8 -- The Pole has to be one of the most underrated keepers in Europe at the moment. Made three superb saves to keep Roma just one goal down and was only beaten by Higuain's outrageous winner.

DF Antonio Rudiger, 6 -- Solid as usual at right-back, but when Roma needed to attack his distribution wasn't up to snuff, with too many wayward crosses.

DF Kostas Manolas, 7 -- Made to look very silly indeed by Higuain for the opener, but was otherwise a sound presence at the heart of defence.

DF Federico Fazio, 8 -- Roma's best performer alongside Szczesny. Mostly kept Higuain quiet and showed a surprisingly deft touch on the ball.

DF Emerson Palmieri, 6 -- Juve targeted the Brazilian in the first half and they got plenty of joy, but he steadied himself and came out of the game with some credit.

MF Diego Perotti, 6 -- His set-piece deliveries and crossing were a constant danger. A shame that his creativity wasn't rewarded.

MF Kevin Strootman, 6 -- More comfortable on the front foot than when being pressed back, and was much better once Roma cut loose and started to take some risks.

MF Daniele De Rossi, 5 -- Well below his recent form, and Roma looked like a different team once he was replaced with El Shaarawy.

MF Radja Nainggolan, 7 -- Spent much of the second half limping, but played through the pain barrier, and his aggression helped Roma get a foothold when they looked to be slipping away.

MF Gerson, 4 -- Out of position and completely out of his depth. No surprise to see him hooked off at half-time for Salah.

FW Edin Dzeko, 4 -- Still trying to crawl out of Daniele Rugani's pocket.

Substitutes

FW Mohamed Salah, 6 -- Initially struggled to make an impact, but once Roma moved forward as a unit provided a useful outlet on the right.

FW Stephan El Shaarawy, N/R -- His 72nd-minute entry in place of the injured De Rossi was the catalyst for Roma's late flurry.

DF Bruno Peres, N/R -- Should really provide more attacking threat than Rudiger on the right, but five minutes wasn't enough to make his mark.

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

Accedi

JUVENTUS SEASON 2016-2017

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Juventus

Roma

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So, can we kill that “Gonzalo Higuain doesn’t score in big games” narrative

now? Because I’m pretty sure he scored in another big game.

RANDOM THOUGHTS AND OBSERVATIONS

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