JUVENTUS SEASON 2016-2017

Socrates · August 25, 2016

Ancelotti: 'Juventus favourites, though...'

http://www.football-italia.net/90356/ancelotti-juventus-favourites-though

Aug 25, 2016

Carlo Ancelotti agrees Serie A is between Juventus, Roma and Napoli, but he's following Sassuolo.

The Bayern Munich Coach released some statements which were reported by the Corriere dello Sport, and he seems to follow the largely uncontroversial consensus as to who the Italian favourites are.

“Juventus are the favourites,” he said. “But Roma have improved, even though they lost [Miralem] Pjanic. Napoli will always cause problems.

“And I'm following with curiosity Sassuolo. They keep growing, and they do so very well.”

Socrates · August 25, 2016

LAZIO - JUVENTUS

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MATCHDAY 2
Saturday, August 27th, 2016 - 6:00 PM
Olimpico Stadium, Rome
Referee: Marco Guida

Guida for Lazio-Juventus

http://www.football-italia.net/90363/valeri-napoli-milan

Aug 25, 2016

Marco Guida will officiate as Lazio welcome Juventus to Stadio Olimpico, while Paolo Mazzoleni will officiate Cagliari-Roma.

Paolo Valeri will take charge of Napoli-Milan, as the referees are announced for Week 2 of Serie A.

Saturday night sees the Rossoneri head to Naples to take on Maurizio Sarri’s side, who drew their opening match with Pescara.

Today is has been announced that Paolo Valeri will be the man in the middle, having last refereed the Diavolo in their 1-0 win over Sampdoria last season.

Serie A Week 2 Referees:

Cagliari-Roma - Paolo Mazzoleni
Crotone-Genoa - Nicola Rizzoli
Fiorentina-Chievo - Michael Fabbri
Inter-Palermo - Carmine Russo
Lazio-Juventus - Marco Guida
Napoli-Milan - Paolo Valeri
Sampdoria-Atalanta - Daniele Doveri
Sassuolo-Pescara - Paolo Tagliavento
Torino-Bologna - Gianluca Rocchi
Udinese-Empoli - Fabio Maresca

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

Socrates · August 25, 2016

LAZIO - JUVENTUS

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MATCHDAY 2
Saturday, August 27th, 2016 - 6:00 PM
Olimpico Stadium, Rome
Referee: Marco Guida

LAZIO VS JUVENTUS: POSSIBLE LINEUPS,

PREDICTIONS, TACTICS, STATS| SERIE A

http://www.thehardtackle.com/round-up/2016/08/25/lazio-vs-

juventus-possible-lineups-predictions-tactics-stats-serie-a/?

Aug 25, 2016

In round 2 of Serie A 2016-17, we have two big clashes coming our way and in one of them, Lazio host Juventus at Stadio Olimpico. The Bianconeri have already had a tricky opening game away at the Stadio Artemio Franchi against Fiorentina, a game that they won 2-1 and will now be tested by Simone Inzaghi’s men in the Italian capital.

Juventus has had an excellent summer spending spree where they responded rather well to the departures of two of their biggest stars – Morata and Pogba. To add to the excellent signings of Pjanic, Higuain and Dani Alves, PSG midfielder Blaise Matuidi is also set to join them according to reports. Lazio will have to do exceedingly well to keep the likes of Paulo Dybala and Higuain at bay.

Team news and tactics

Lazio

Lazio had been humiliated in the summer by Marcelo Bielsa who was appointed as the head coach only to resign after a few days for reasons that are yet to be known to the public. There had been myriad speculations and controversy regarding the club’s future amidst which Simone Inzaghi, the lesser known Inzaghi, was appointed as coach.

And it has not been an easy few months for him as he has had difficulty taming Lazio prospect Keita Balde. The Spaniard is one of Lazio’s brightest prospects on the field and reportedly wants a transfer to a more high profile club.

Simone Inzaghi has coached the youth team of Lazio for 5 years before he finally made the break as the interim coach after the Stefano Pioli and Edy Reja debacle last year at Lazio. In the limited time given to him as a caretaker he had been decent as some circles of Serie A pundits think that this will be the year he finally steps out of his brother’s shadow.

Inzaghi has had a decent start to the season beating Atalanta 4-3, after initially surrendering a 3 goal lead. New signing Ciro Immobile will start in attack alongside the former Ajax star Ricardo Kishna and Italian teenager Christian Lombardi who many Italian fans rate as a prospective young talent.

These agile young wingers would hope to test the more experienced legs of Dani Alves and Patrice Evra in defense. Stefan Radu will miss the game with a muscular injury while Felipe Anderson who has just returned from the Olympics will probably start on the bench.

Probable Lineup – 4-3-3 – Marchetti(GK); Basta, Hoedt, De Vrij, Lukaku; Biglia, Parolo, Milinkovic-Savic; Kishna, Immobile, Lombardi.

Juventus

Juventus are still missing their key midfielder Claudio Marchisio who is on the path to recovery, but will still miss out on all the action till November. Stefano Sturaro is also out with a knee problem. Asamoah who had an impressive game against Fiorentina providing several key passes in the midfield, will start with the ever-reliable Sami Khedira and new signing Miralem Pjanic. The midfield battle will be an intriguing one as Lazio is well balanced in the midfield with youth and experience.

Juventus will look to be quick on the ball as they are missing a holding midfielder, like Lucas Biglia who anchors the midfield and provides cover to De Vrij and Hoedt, Lazio’s Dutch defensive duo.

Juve’s midfield consists of three players all of whom are very dynamic. Needless to say Parolo and Biglia will have their plates full with defensive work while they’ll look to provide Milinkovic-Savic with space to create play.

Probable Lineup – 3-5-2 – Buffon(GK); Bonucci, Barzagli, Chiellini; Dani Alves, Khedira, Pjanic, Asamoah, Evra; Higuain, Dybala

s (1)

Players to watch out for

Paulo Dybala (Juventus)

Dybala is yet to open his account for Juventus. He was the top scorer for the Old Lady last season and the Lazio backline will have a torrid time handling the former Palermo striker. Compatriot Lucas Biglia will have to help out the defense against the dual Argentinian threat supported by Khedira with his runs from the deep.

Sergej Milinkovic-Savic (Lazio)

It will not be an easy task for Milinkovic-Savic to marshal the midfield against the likes of Pjanic and Khedira who will defend deep when the ball is their half. However the lack of a defensive midfield enforcer will allow the Serbian with some space which he would do well to capitalise on.

Key stats

Lazio vs Juventus will finally see Higuain start alongside compatriot Dybala in the Juve attack.
Juventus have played Lazio 53 times and has won 28 times.
Juventus have won 27 of their last 29 matches in Serie A.
There have been over 2.5 goals scored in 5 of Lazio‘s last 6 games in Serie A.

Prediction

Lazio 0-2 Juventus

Lazio will have to utilise the wings and the dead ball situations properly if they stand any chance of scoring. Immobile’s height disadvantage against Chiellini, Bonucci and Barzagli will most likely prove the task of getting on the end of balls a daunting one. However Marco Parolo is also a threat from the dead ball situations.

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

Socrates · August 25, 2016

Champions League Draw – Juventus to face Lyon, Dinamo and Sevilla

juveeee

http://www.juvefc.com/champions-league-draw-juventus-face/?

Aug 25, 2016

Juventus will face Sevilla, Dinamo and Lyon in the group stages of the Champions League.

Granted, it’s not a straight forward draw….but it’s a darn sight better than last years. In a strange twist, Marko Pjaca, Dani Alves and Miralem Pjanic will return to face former clubs….I’m choosing to take it as a sign.

Champions League draw:

Group A: Paris Saint-Germain, Arsenal, Basel, Ludogorets

Group B: Benfica, Napoli, Dynamo Kiev, Besiktas

Group C: Barcelona, Manchester City, Borussia Monchengladbach, Celtic

Group D: Bayern Munich, Atletico Madrid, PSV, FC Rostov

Group E: CSKA Moscow, Bayer Leverkusen, Tottenham Hotspur, Monaco

Group F: Real Madrid, Borussia Dortmund, Sporting CP, Legia Warsaw

Group G: Leicester City, Porto, Club Brugge, FC Copenhagen

Group H: Juventus, Sevilla, Lyon, Dinamo Zagreb

Socrates · August 26, 2016

CL: Napoli-Benfica, Juventus-Sevilla

http://www.football-italia.net/90372/cl-napoli-benfica-juventus-sevilla

Aug 25, 2016

Juventus and Napoli learned their Champions League opponents, with both receiving favourable groups.

The Bianconeri were in Pot 1 for the draw as Serie A champions, while the Partenopei were in Pot 2.

After Juve were placed into Group H, Napoli risked drawing Paris Saint-Germain, Barcelona or Bayern Munich, but were ultimately drawn with Benfica.

Maurizio Sarri’s men also face trips to Ukraine and Turkey, as they’ll face Dynamo Kiev and Besiktas.

For the Old Lady, a number of stars will be returning to their former clubs, with Miralem Pjanic returning to Lyon, Dani Alves reunited with Sevilla and Marko Pjaca and Mario Mandzukic facing Dinamo Zagreb.

Elsewhere, Scottish champions Celtic were handed a nightmare draw with Barcelona, Manchester City and Borussia Monchengladbach, while debutants Leicester City face Porto, Club Brugge and FC Copenhagen.

Champions League draw:

Group A: Paris Saint-Germain, Arsenal, Basel, Ludogorets

Group B: Benfica, Napoli, Dynamo Kiev, Besiktas

Group C: Barcelona, Manchester City, Borussia Monchengladbach, Celtic

Group D: Bayern Munich, Atletico Madrid, PSV, FC Rostov

Group E: CSKA Moscow, Bayer Leverkusen, Tottenham Hotspur, Monaco

Group F: Real Madrid, Borussia Dortmund, Sporting CP, Legia Warsaw

Group G: Leicester City, Porto, Club Brugge, FC Copenhagen

Group H: Juventus, Sevilla, Lyon, Dinamo Zagreb

Socrates · August 26, 2016

Champions League draw results 2016: Juventus get

Sevilla, Lyon and Dinamo Zagreb in Group H

Juventus entered the Champions League group stage draw with the potential

of being drawn against 23 teams. They’ll actually get to play three of them.

http://www.blackwhitereadallover.com/2016/8/25/12637914/champions-league-

draw-results-2016-juventus--sevilla-lyon-dinamo-zagreb-group-h

Aug 25, 2016

The 2016 Champions League group stage draw didn’t have Gianni Infantino because he’s got a new job to take care of, but we all knew that Juventus would be there.

When the ping pong balls were all done being plucked out of the giant plastic bowls, Juventus’ first three European opponents were set in stone. There’s Sevilla, there’s Olympique Lyonnais and there’s Dinamo Zagreb. Remember how I said there’s going to be storylines? Well, there’s plenty of that going on in this group — something we’ll delve into lower in this little post.

Initial reaction?

Could have been much, much worse. Could have been a little bit better. Basically, overall satisfaction considering what the other outcomes could have been.

Regardless, Juventus will be the favorites to get out of this group. The one good thing is that Juve were able to avoid a potential meeting with FC Copenhagen because we all know the history of this team playing on Scandinavian grounds over the last few years.

And when you’re aiming to make a serious run and potentially win the whole damn thing, not just get out of the group stage, having a somewhat favorable draw right out of the chute isn’t the worst thing in the world to have happen.

Of course, when Juventus have three points through three group stage games, we might be thinking a little bit differently.

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Let’s go ahead and take a look at who Juventus will be playing their first six European games against, shall we?

Pot 2: Sevilla

Last year we had the Fernando Llorente-Juventus reunion. This year, with another Juventus-Sevilla meeting, we’ll have the Paulo Dybala-Franco Vazquez reunion as well as Dani Alves playing against the team where he made his name.

Considering some of the other Pot 2 teams out there — Atletico Madrid, Borussia Dortmund, Manchester City — Sevilla was probably a team that some clubs would have looked at as a happy alternative to be drawn against. With Juventus having had such a tough time with Sevilla last season, maybe that wasn’t necessarily what Turin-based folks were thinking. Who knows, though.

The good news? With Sevilla’s history in Europe, it’s an unwritten rule that they will win the Europa League once again, so maybe everything will be fine and that will be that.

At least there’s going to be no worrying about Llorente scoring the game-winning goal that will cost Juventus the top spot in the group this season.

Complete side note: The other half of last season’s Juventus group, Manchester City and Borussia Monchengladbach, are in the same group this year. So basically the group just managed to stay together in some kind of fashion during this season’s draw.

Pot 3: Olympique Lyonnais

Miralem Pjanic, it’s time to face your former team.

Juventus have never lost to Lyon in European competition, having last played the French side in the Europa League two seasons ago. Ligue 1’s second-place team a year ago, they’re currently sitting atop the league table through the first first two games.

Obviously when it comes to facing Lyon, your first thought is how Alexandre Lacazette is going to be stopped. Luckily for Juventus, that defense of theirs is pretty darn good to begin with.

Pot 4: Dinamo Zagreb

What were we saying about reunions...?

Much like Pjanic will be facing his former side, Marko Pjaca — who was playing for Zagreb in the Champions League playoff round — and Mario Mandzukic are set for a reunion their former club when Juventus make the trip to Croatia.

Zagreb was able to get into the Champions League draw thanks to beating FC Red Bull Salzburg 3-2 in their two-legged playoff round matchup.

For Juventus’ sake, I sure hope the final fixture of the group stage isn’t the trip to Croatia as winter is starting to truly arrive.

Socrates · August 26, 2016

Champions League dates announced

http://www.football-italia.net/90379/champions-league-dates-announced?

Aug 25, 2016

The dates of Juventus and Napoli’s Champions League fixtures have been officially announced by UEFA.

The two Italian sides were drawn in relatively favourable groups, with the Bianconeri getting Sevilla, Lyon and Dinamo Zagreb, while the Partenopei face Benfica, Dynamo Kiev and Besiktas.

Napoli will get their campaign underway in Ukraine, taking on Dynamo Kiev on September 13, before welcoming Benfica to San Paolo on September 28.

A double-header with Besiktas follows, with the group concluding with a trip to Portugal on December 6.

Meanwhile, Juventus kick-off with a home fixture against Sevilla on Wednesday September 14, before visiting Zagreb on September 27.

The Bianconeri’s final match of the group will be Dinamo Zagreb’s visit to Turin on December 7.

Napoli fixtures:

Tuesday 13 September - Dynamo Kiev-Napoli
Wednesday 28 September - Napoli-Benfica
Wednesday 19 October - Napoli-Besiktas
Tuesday 1 November - Besiktas-Napoli
Wednesday 23 November - Napoli-Dynamo Kiev
Tuesday 6 December - Benfica-Napoli

Juventus fixtures:

Wednesday 14 September- Juventus-Sevilla
Tuesday 27 September - Dinamo Zagreb-Juventus
Tuesday 18 October - Lyon-Juventus
Wednesday 2 November - Juventus-Lyon
Tuesday 22 November - Sevilla-Juventus
Wednesday 7 December - Juventus-Dinamo Zagreb.

Socrates · August 26, 2016

Juventus should be runaway Group H

winners if they can maintain focus

http://www.espnfc.co.uk/club/juventus/111/blog/post/2935227/champions-

league-juventus-should-be-runaway-group-h-winners-if-they-can-maintain-focus

Aug 25, 2016

Juventus have been drawn against Lyon, Sevilla and Dinamo Zagreb in Champions League Group H. Here's a look at their European campaign.

General overview

For the first time in a long time, Juventus are in a group that they should win comfortably. While none of their opponents should be underestimated, especially Sevilla who have won the last three editions of the Europa League, the Italians have managed to avoid the tricky ties.

This is unlike any other season for Juventus. The Italian champions want to be taken seriously and are desperate to recover their reputation as a force in Europe. It is for this reason they splashed the cash on Gonzalo Higauin and are still working on bringing in more stars despite losing Paul Pogba. With Dani Alves' experience, Miralem Pjanic's creativity and Higuain's efficiency, expectations are high and the Italians will no longer be looked upon as the dark horses but as one of the favourites to win the competition.

While Juventus have certainly upgraded their team, have they upgraded their character? Their defeat to Bayern Munich last season proved that theBianconeri can still be intimidated by the bigger sides but if they change their attitude and begin to believe in their ability to defeat any opponent that stands in their way then perhaps they can achieve glory. The draw was certainly kind to them and it is in these early matches that Juve must prove their determination and desire to win to ensure first place in the group.

Toughest opponents

Juventus came to rue their match against Sevilla last season when a Fernando Llorente goal in the Sanchez Pizjuan condemned the Italians to second place in their group. That forced them to play a difficult match against Bayern Munich in the next round leading to an early exit. For this reason, Juve must play with confidence and determination in every single match in the group stage to assure themselves a first-place finish.

Sevilla should prove to be the toughest opponent. For a club that continuously lose their greatest players every summer never seem to lose their ability to compete. Unai Emery's departure will be felt but Jorge Sampaoli is a respected manager who has clear ideas. Playing an energetic style of football that revolves around relentless running and pressing, the Spaniards will attempt to force Juve into mistakes. This will be the match in which the Old Lady must demonstrate her composure and ability to keep possession and dictate the tempo.

The Spaniards will tire as based on recent games it seems such a dynamic style of football seemingly robs the forwards from the concentration and accuracy required to score goals. Nonetheless it's imperative Juventus do not underestimate their opponents for they struggle to win the matches in which they're deemed the favourites.

Potential pitfalls

Last season, Manchester City were looked upon as the side that could beat theBianconeri. Blessed with experience and star names, Juventus knew they would have to compete and they did, winning both matches. Instead, it was the games against Borussia Monchengladbach that gave Juventus the most problems. Predict an easy win and the Italians suffer, forced to play the game of their lives and Juve rarely disappoint.

Dinamo Zagreb may be the weakest team in the group but they have the capability to cause shockwaves. Blessed with players who are young, dynamic and tenacious, the Croatians produced Marko Pjaca and have other starlets within the side who are keen to get noticed.

Juventus must prove they have matured and play with determination in every single match, even against those they deem inferior. Any small slip up and the Italians risk a nervy ending to the group stage matches.

Key game

Juventus will play their toughest match of the group stage on Nov. 22, when they visit Sevilla. Should they manage a win away from home and in their opponent's fiery stadium then they ought to top their group and secure progress to the next stage of the competition.

A draw against Sampaoli's team could be enough if the Old Lady has secured wins away from home against both Lyon and Zagreb.

Prediction

With all the investments made, Juventus have spent the cash they deem necessary to allow them to compete with the boy boys. Anything other than a semifinal place in the competition will be deemed a failure by the Italians.

Socrates · August 26, 2016

Monchi: ‘Juventus stronger this year’

http://www.football-italia.net/90387/monchi-‘juventus-stronger-year’

Aug 25, 2016

Sevilla sporting director Monchi warns Juventus are “stronger, more complete” this year.

The two sides have been drawn together in the Group Stage of the Champions League for the second year in a row.

On the final day last season, the Andalusian side beat the Bianconeri to earn themselves a Europa League slot and condemn Max Allegri’s side to second place.

“We haven’t had any luck,” Monchi sighed, speaking to Tuttomercatoweb after the draw.

“We drew the strongest team, considering we couldn’t face Barcelona or Real Madrid. We know Juventus, and I think they’re stronger, more complete than last year.

We hope to go through with them.”

Sevilla have won the Europa League for two years in a row, perhaps it’d be better to drop down and lift the trophy again?

“No, not this year. This year we want to aim to get out of the group, our objective is to get to at least the Last 16.”

Finally, the sporting director was asked about a move for Paris Saint-Germain goalkeeper Salvatore Sirigu.

“It’s true, there’s interest and we’re negotiating with Paris Saint-Germain,” Monchi admitted.

“Wait a few days, we’ll see if we can close the deal.”

Socrates · August 26, 2016

Juventus Must Top Group After Kind Champions League Draw

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2659940-juventus-

must-top-group-after-kind-champions-league-draw?

Aug 26, 2016

Dreaming of finally winning the trophy again, Juventus took their place in the draw for the UEFA Champions League group stage on Thursday.

Among those drawing the balls were Ian Rush and Thierry Henry, the two men combining to hand the Bianconeri some favourable opponents when the competition begins in earnest in September.

If the fact the two men's stints in Turin were both relatively poor was somewhat ironic, then so too were the names of the teams they drew against the Old Lady. New signings Marko Pjaca (Dinamo Zagreb), Dani Alves (Sevilla) and Miralem Pjanic (Olympique Lyonnais) will all face trips to their former clubs in Group H.

While qualification for the knockout rounds is imperative, last season showed Juventus the pitfalls that await sides who finish second, as Bayern Munich dispatched them in the last 16.

They will certainly be looking to avoid a repeat of that in 2016/17, with director general Beppe Marotta in little doubt as to what he expects from the Italian champions in Europe this time around. He told Premium Sport (h/t Football Italia) shortly after the draw:

We know what our role is, namely to win qualification regardless of our opponents. We have an obligation to win. The opponents might be less tough on paper, but Sevilla often win the Europa League and Dinamo and Lyon are dangerous.

Are Juventus among the favourites? We feel ready for a challenging journey that could give us satisfaction, we want to do our best to get to the end. We've strengthened for that, to improve upon what we've done in recent years.

While Paul Pogba's return to Manchester United this summer was undoubtedly a blow, La Madama has—as the club official noted—clearly taken a step forward. Gonzalo Higuain guarantees a regular supply of goals, while Alves, Pjanic and Medhi Benatia bring experience, depth and tactical options to the squad.

Those matters were discussed in detail throughout a previous post, but what about the three teams they are set to face in the Champions League?

hi-res-7753bc0f0c3ca0251a2daa7cdb21c0cf_

Miguel Angel Morenatti/Associated Press/Associated Press

Sevilla and Juventus met at the same stage last season.

Sevilla

The Spanish side were in Juve's group last year, their 1-0 win at home securing a place in the UEFA Europa League, which they went on to win, but it also denied the Turin giants top spot on the final day.

That led to the ill-fated meeting with Bayern, something coach Massimiliano Allegri's men will be hoping to avoid repeating. Yet it is a different Sevilla side that awaits them this term, the club having lost a number of key men since their victory over the Bianconeri back in December 2015.

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2 - #Juventus and #Sevilla have met twice in European cups so far: one win apiece in the past Champions League campaign. Draw. #UCLdraw

6:35 PM - 25 Aug 2016

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Coach Unai Emery moved to Paris Saint-Germain after over three years in charge, replaced by Jorge Sampaoli after his highly successful spell with Chile. No fewer than 12 players also departed this summer, with some huge losses in terms of both quality and influence at the Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan Stadium.

Fernando Llorente, Coke, Kevin Gameiro, Ciro Immobile, Jose Antonio Reyes, Ever Banega and Grzegorz Krychowiak are among those to have moved on, leaving huge uncertainty around the club, as Spanish football expert David Cartlidge explained to Bleacher Report:

What to expect from Sevilla is certainly going to be the million-dollar question this season. It's wholly unpredictable. A guarantee, however, is goals. And at both ends too. How Sampaoli translates his style, so open and expansive, to European competition will be fascinating.

This isn't a guy with any European experience whatsoever, and he's finding his feet with each day that passes. Don't expect a locked-up Sevilla, looking to pounce on the break. They will come out to play, whether it be in Seville or Turin.

One new face at the club is Franco Vazquez, longtime friend and former Palermo team-mate of Juve star Paulo Dybala. The Rojiblancos are always tough opponents, but perhaps playing them in the opening match will help Juventus to enjoy better results against them this season.

hi-res-dc7d0c536cee3e6847ea4f7f38805ab8_

Laurent Cipriani/Associated Press/Associated Press

Alexandre Lacazette will be a threat for Lyon.

Olympique Lyonnais

There is little doubt as to Lyon’s rich Champions League pedigree, with last season marking the first time in 10 attempts they failed to progress beyond the group stage. Finishing second to PSG in Ligue 1, they have qualified for Europe’s elite club competition on more occasions (14) than any other French side.

They have met Juventus once before, losing both legs of a Europa League quarter-final clash in 2013/14, and Les Gones boast an impressive-looking team coached by former player Bruno Genesio.

Alexandre Lacazette needs no introduction, the France international quickly establishing himself as one of the continent’s deadliest strikers. He has already netted five times in Lyon’s opening two league games this term.

With Mathieu Valbuena starring in attacking midfield and the likes of Christophe Jallet, Rafael da Silva and Mapou Yanga-Mbiwa featuring in defence, Lyon boast plenty of experienced players. Here are Bleacher Report’s Andrew Gibney’s thoughts on what the Bianconeri can expect from the French side:

Lyon, although weakened by the departure of Samuel Umtiti to Barcelona, are still one of the strongest teams in France. Boosted by the return of Nabil Fekir from injury, the mouthwatering attack of he and Alexandre Lacazette will be on a mission to impress in this season's Champions League.

Last year, they had a horrible time, but their performances after Bruno Genesio took over in January were much improved. There are still doubts over whether the 4-3-3 suits the attacking talent they have, but the quality they possess should not be taken lightly.

hi-res-5a39a9a08922f4072b3bdae495dd393c_

Michel Spingler/Associated Press/Associated Press

Marko Pjaca will tread familiar turf for his new club.

Dinamo Zagreb

Both Pjaca and Mario Mandzukic will return to face their old club here, with the former getting his wish of a trip back to the Stadion Maksimir much sooner than he had anticipated.

"I'd like to say a big thank you to everyone who gave me a standing ovation when I was substituted," Pjaca wrote on his Facebook page in July after his final game for Dinamo (h/t ESPN FC). "I'm a Zagreb boy who loves Dinamo and I have to admit this applause is one of the most beautiful moments of my career."

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13% - Of the teams with 13+ games played in #UCL Dinamo Zagreb have the lowest winning ratio, only 13% (4 of 30). Picnic.#UCLdraw

7:10 PM - 25 Aug 2016

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The Bianconeri have faced the Croatian champions twice before, losing in the quarter-final of the 1966/67 Coppa delle Fiere but winning a Mitropa Cup clash five years earlier.

This year, Zagreb have defeated Macedonian side Vardar, Dinamo Tbilisi of Georgia and Austria’s Red Bull Salzburg in order to qualify for the group stage for only the fourth time in their history.

Zlatko Kranjcar is in his third spell as coach but will face a difficult task after losing Pjaca. That could be compounded, as leading scorer Marko Rog and the impressive Ante Coric could also be picked off before the transfer window closes.

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This is going to be very interesting! The draw brought us trips to Spain, France and Croatia. Can't wait for #UCL to start! #ForzaJuve

7:24 PM - 25 Aug 2016

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Summary

In short, nothing other than first place will suffice for the Italian champions. Their opponents should not be able to keep pace and, as Juventus fan Nate told Bleacher Report, there are plenty of reasons for hope after this kind draw.

“My view would be that this group is by no means a pushover, as such a thing doesn't exist at this level,” he said. “However, it is definitely a group that Juventus should be confident of winning. It could have been much worse. This group is also very favourable from a travel perspective.”

It seems Old Lady flops Rush and Henry gave her a helping hand, and the team must ensure they have clinched top spot after the six matches have been played.

Socrates · August 26, 2016

LAZIO - JUVENTUS

-

MATCHDAY 2
Saturday, August 27th, 2016 - 6:00 PM
Olimpico Stadium, Rome
Referee: Marco Guida

Allegri: ‘Matuidi? No comment…’

http://www.football-italia.net/90410/allegri-‘matuidi-no-comment…’?

Aug 26, 2016

Juventus Coach Massimiliano Allegri won’t be drawn on Paris Saint-Germain’s Blaise Matuidi - “I don’t talk about players from other teams”.

The French midfielder is a target for the Bianconeri, with general manager Beppe Marotta saying yesterday that he’s “optimistic” a deal can be done.

“I don’t talk about players from other teams,” Allegri shrugged in his Press conference ahead of the Lazio game.

“If the director said that it’s his responsibility… At the moment we’re thinking of Lazio. From now until after tomorrow, there’s a break, then there will be four days where there is a flood of transfer stories…”

Allegri was then asked about his team for tomorrow, and confirmed Mario Mandzukic will again start ahead of Gonzalo Higuain.

“The question I have is between [Mario] Lemina and [Miralem] Pjanic. Pjanic is back, he’s in reasonably good condition, it’s normal that he has to adapt to new ways of working which are definitely different to the ones he had at his previous club [Roma].

“Higuain is doing really well, he’s very close to his top condition but in the past two days he’s had to slow down a bit because he’s had a little bit of a strain, so Mandzukic will start tomorrow.

“So the question is Lemina or Pjanic in front of the defence.

“Would Lemina offer more defensive solidity? It depends on the games and the situation. There will be games where we could even play with Panic and three up-front in Mandzukic, [Paulo] Dybala and Higuain, or Pjaca.

“It depends on the situation and the games. Last Saturday I made my choice, tomorrow I’ll make another choice.

“By the way though, Pjanic is a player who is defensively very good. He’s absolutely not a player who suffers physically in the defensive phase.

“Could Bonucci’s absence mean we switch to a back-four? No. Tomorrow we’ll play with three at the back, which is never just three in defence. [Medhi] Benatia could play from the start. Benatia or [Daniele] Rugani.”

Roma, Inter and Napoli have been named as the Bianconeri’s challengers this season, but none of the three have had perfect starts to the season…

  “I don’t think about that,” Allegri insisted, despite Inter’s opening day loss, Napoli drawing with Pescara and Roma being eliminated from the Champions League.

“We’ve had the first match. If you think back to last year - to the 10th match even - Juve were given up for dead. I remember that someone wrote ‘Mandzukic doesn’t score goals, Juve are out of the Scudetto race’.

“Now it’s that Napoli are out of it after the first League game, Inter are out of it with their change on the bench, Roma because of unfortunate incidents…

“On Wednesday Roma had two red cards, they were eliminated because nine against 11 is not easy. That doesn’t mean that Roma don’t have the quality to fight for the Scudetto as a team.  “When you evaluate the match on Wednesday of course it was strange. But that doesn’t mean Roma can’t fight for the Scudetto.”

Juventus squad to face Lazio: Buffon, Chiellini, Benatia, Pjanic, Khedira, Higuain, Hernanes, Alex Sandro, Barzagli, Mandzukic, Lemina, Pjaca, Dybala, Asamoah, Dani Alves, Rugani, Neto, Lichtsteiner, Audero, Neto

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

Socrates · August 26, 2016

LAZIO - JUVENTUS

-

MATCHDAY 2
Saturday, August 27th, 2016 - 6:00 PM
Olimpico Stadium, Rome
Referee: Marco Guida

Allegri is only interested in tomorrow’s game

Manager’s pre-match comments ahead of Juventus at Lazio

http://www.blackwhitereadallover.com/2016/8/26/12655578/allegri-only-interest-

tomorrows-game-juventus-lazio-pre-match-comments-preview-zaza-in-london

Aug 26, 2016

Juventus got off to a good start to the season last weekend, beating Fiorentina 2-1. Their upcoming opponents Lazio won 4-3 in a wild game at Atalanta, having almost relinquished a three-goal lead. The Bianconeri will attempt to silence a raucous crowd celebrating their home opener on Saturday.

Manager Massimiliano Allegri, speaking at a pre-match press conference, was asked about the Champions League draw that took place yesterday, but insisted that his priority with Juve was the next game, which is at the Stadio Olimpico against Lazio.

“The only draw that is of interest to us right now is that which took place in July for the Serie A, which has pitted us against Lazio this weekend.

“The Biancocelesti have started strongly, winning away against Atalanta in Bergamo, which is never an easy place to go, scoring four goals and showing a very good physical condition. Tomorrow we’re playing at 18.00 CEST, so it’s going to be very hot and a tough match, but we need to do everything to bring three points back to Turin.”

The manager did go on to comment about the Champions League though -

“Returning to talk about the Champions League, Sevilla is the only team in the last 40 years which was won the same trophy [the Europa League] three times.

“How will we play them? I don’t know how we’ll play Sevilla, because if I’d known that I’d have already seen the draw, I’d have seen it before the start of the season.

“Otherwise I’d have to watch every match from all the 32 teams competing in the Champions League.

“No, I don’t know how we’ll play them. [Jorge] Sampaoli is a great Coach, he has different characteristics from [Unai] Emery.

“They’re a good team, but we’ll talk about it later. There’s the international break, we’ll go on holiday then we’ll discuss it when we get back.

“It’s nice, because after the holiday there are seven games one after the other.”

Allegri mentioned by name three players who would not be in the squad for Rome -

“There are three players who won’t be on the plane, namely Zaza, who’s in Londonand has the possibility of joining West Ham, Marrone, who’s also departing the club, and Bonucci, who’s missing for personal reasons.

“Even with Leo out, I’ll start with three at the back tomorrow, which could change during the course of the match. My main doubt is who out of Pjanic and Lemina starts in front of the defence. Miralem has returned to training and is in decent shape.

“Meanwhile up front, Higuain is getting very close to peak condition, even if he had to take things a bit easier for two days this week due to fatigue. Mandzukic will play from the first minute tomorrow.”

While Allegri is seven-for-seven against Lazio with Juventus, he is not taking tomorrow’s opponents lightly -

“Lazio is fundamentally a team that plays on the counter-attack as that certainly suits the likes of Lulic, Felipe Anderson, Kishna, Lombardi and Immobile.

“It’s very important that we don’t allow the match to become fragmented because Lazio are very dangerous when hitting on the break. They’re a good side who had mixed fortunes last term, but impressed on finishing third the season beforehand. Inzaghi has assembled a strong team with talented youngsters and this time around they’ll be competing for a top-six berth.”

He also spoke about the perceived defensive frailty seen so far -

“There are times in a league season when you concede more often than others. For example, early on last term we let in quite a few goals, but then at the turn of the year we kept clean sheets when on another day we might not have.

“The unpredictable nature of football is what it makes it so beautiful, but nonetheless we need to be on our guard more often during games, especially when the opposition are taking set pieces.”

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

Socrates · August 26, 2016

LAZIO - JUVENTUS

-

MATCHDAY 2
Saturday, August 27th, 2016 - 6:00 PM
Olimpico Stadium, Rome
Referee: Marco Guida

Inzaghi: 'Lazio v Juve and history'

http://www.football-italia.net/90425/inzaghi-lazio-v-juve-and-history?

Aug 26, 2016

Simone Inzaghi confirmed Ravel Morrison is on the market and urged Lazio to “beat the statistics” against Juventus.

It kicks off tomorrow at 18.00 CET - 17.00 UK time (16.00 GMT).

“Every game is a new test and we overcame the first one in a very difficult arena like Bergamo,” said the Coach in a Press conference after the 4-3 victory away to Atalanta.

“Now we have Juve and know we need the perfect performance, while also hoping they are not having their best day. That happens rarely, but we’ll see and try to do our best.”

Considering Lazio haven’t beaten the Bianconeri in Serie A, home or away, since 2003, is it true to say they have nothing to lose?

“Well, you still lose points. We are playing also to beat the statistics as well as Juventus. They are the Scudetto holders and also reinforced over the summer.

“We tried a few alternative tactical systems, but aside from that must have the right overall interpretation and have individuals on extraordinary form.

“We tested out the 3-4-3 and the 4-3-3, which I rarely let go of in my seven years as a Coach. I expect an aggressive attitude, as we must win the individual duels, work harder and with more intensity so we get to the ball first. We must do something exceptional.

“It is a very important match, though obviously it would’ve been better at this early stage of the season to face an easier opponent. The fact Lazio haven’t beaten Juve since 2003 will if anything motivate my team more, as they’ll be doing something unique.

“I’ve only been in charge of Lazio for nine games and it’ll be my second time facing Juventus, so clearly they are in my destiny. We watched back last season’s games and Juve will play the same way, whereas we changed many players.

“We know they have the Italy defence, so when at full strength and focused they are almost impenetrable.”

That won’t be the case this weekend, as Leonardo Bonucci is absent due to personal issues, so Daniele Rugani is expected to step in.

Lazio have more than a few defensive problems of their own, having conceded three goals against Atalanta.

“We only really allowed one chance in the opening 60 minutes, when Alberto Paloschi hit the bar. People minimized our victory, but I think few will beat Atalanta in Bergamo this season.”

Inzaghi confirmed Felipe Anderson is available after returning with a Gold Medal from the Rio Olympics, while Stefan Radu, Bastos and Senad Lulic are also in the squad.

Keita Balde Diao remains absent following his ugly spat with the club and the Coach announced “Morrison is on the market. Along with the club, he is seeking a new destination. He’s a quality player, but we’ve got the right number in midfield now.”

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

Socrates · August 26, 2016

LAZIO - JUVENTUS

-

MATCHDAY 2
Saturday, August 27th, 2016 - 6:00 PM
Olimpico Stadium, Rome
Referee: Marco Guida

MATCH PREVIEW

http://www.football-italia.net/SerieA/match/preview/87840

Aug 26, 2016

An experienced Juventus side visits the youthful exuberance of Lazio in an intriguing clash after both teams won the opening round.

The Bianconeri showed the sheer quality, experience and winning mentality within the squad to squeeze past Fiorentina 2-1. Lazio showed great confidence and belief in what is a fairly untested and inexperienced side by Serie A standards when taking a 4-3 thriller away to Atalanta.

With a young Coach leading a team in which two thirds of the potential starting XI are under the age of 23, this Lazio incarnation could be one to watch this term.

The 4-3 victory over Atalanta perfectly encapsulated the club’s raw potential and lack of awareness in equal measure, with the four well taken goals and subsequent surrender of a three goal lead. This, coupled with the complete lack of hope and anticipation from the supporters because of the tumultuous off season, could lead to the unfancied crop of players, with no pressure on them, causing some surprises.

However, on Saturday they face the five-time in a row champions in a Serie A contest they haven’t taken three points from in over a decade. In potentially the best piece of transfer business in European football this summer, the club from Turin have managed to offset the loss of Paul Pogba with the signings of Medhi Benatia, Miralem Pjanic, Gonzalo Higuain, Dani Alves and Marko Pjaca, whilst astonishingly still managing to balance the books in the process.

Max Allegri’s side will head into the capital contest as favourites, with the manager set to choose a full strength XI, minus Claudio Marchisio, who continues his recovery from the injury that kept him from competing in France in the summer. Kwadwo Asamoah is an able deputy, and Juve fans will hope he can recapture the form he showed in Antonio Conte’s time in charge, when the Ghanaian was a regular on the left hand side.

Leonardo Bonucci will not be taking part due to personal issues, while Simone Zaza is in London for his transfer to West Ham United.

The weekend’s early evening contest should also see the first competitive start for record signing Higuain alongside compatriot Paolo Dybala. The two Argentinians will be up against another potentially vibrant partnership in Wesley Hoedt and Stefan De Vrij, and whoever comes out of that duel on top will go a long way to deciding the victor.

Keep an eye on: Dani Alves (Juventus) – After looking comfortable and equipped in what was his very first Serie A contest, the Brazilian should have an equally interesting day in his second match against the young and inexperienced Lazio left-back Jordan Lukaku. Despite Stephan Lichtsteiner’s terrific performances in recent seasons, the multiple Champions league winner is an upgrade on the Swiss international.

Form Guide: Lazio (W - - - -) Lazio (W - - - -)

Last season: Lazio 0-2 Juventus

Stat fact: You have to go back to December 2003 for the last time Lazio beat The Old Lady in Serie A. That was followed by six stalemates and 17 Juventus victories. The Aquile haven’t even scored past them in four meetings, conceding 10.

Top tip: Ciro Immobile to score at any time on his home league debut against his former club.

Lazio (probable): Marchetti; Basta, De Vrij, Hoedt, Lukaku; Parolo, Biglia, Milinkovic-Savic; Lombardi, Immobile, Kishna

Suspended: None

Juventus (probable): Buffon; Benatia, Barzagli, Chiellini; Dani Alves, Khedira, Pjanic, Asamoah, Evra; Higuain, Dybala

Suspended: None

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

Socrates · August 26, 2016

LAZIO - JUVENTUS

-

MATCHDAY 2
Saturday, August 27th, 2016 - 6:00 PM
Olimpico Stadium, Rome
Referee: Marco Guida

Felipe Anderson returns against Juve

http://www.football-italia.net/90437/felipe-anderson-returns-against-juve

Aug 26, 2016

Lazio have named their squad for tomorrow’s Serie A clash with Juventus, including Felipe Anderson and Bastos.

It kicks off on Saturday at 18.00 CET - 17.00 UK time (16.00 GMT).

Keita Balde Diao and Ravel Morrison are left out following issues with the club.

Felipe Anderson returns to the squad after his Gold Medal-winning experience with Brazil at the Rio Olympics.

New signing Bastos could also get his debut in defence.

Lazio squad for Juventus: Strakosha, Hoedt, De Vrij, Patric, Cataldi, Lukaku, Kishna, Basta, Djordjevic, Felipe Anderson, Wallace, Bastos, Parolo, Immobile, Lulic, Biglia, Milinkovic-Savic, Marchetti, Leitner, Lombardi, Radu, Vargic, Murgia

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

Socrates · August 26, 2016

LAZIO - JUVENTUS

-

MATCHDAY 2
Saturday, August 27th, 2016 - 6:00 PM
Olimpico Stadium, Rome
Referee: Marco Guida

Lazio ultras suspend boycott

http://www.football-italia.net/90440/lazio-ultras-suspend-boycott

Aug 26, 2016

Good news for Lazio, as the Curva Nord ultras announced they are suspending their boycott of home games.

It will be active from tomorrow evening's encounter with Juventus.

The supporters of Lazio and Roma have been boycotting matches at the Stadio Olimpico since last year.

They were protesting the introduction of security barriers in the ‘Curve’ – the ends where hardcore supporters stand.

“We are returning to our home to do what we love the most, in other words to cheer on our Lazio,” declared Curva Nord representative Riccardo Rastelli on Radiosei.

“We want to understand better how things are going, to see if we can overcome these barriers. They can invent anything they want, but they won’t stop us supporting our team.

“Often the Curva Nord has taken decisions that were misunderstood at the start, but that’s fine. We return, hoping that we will be allowed to do so.

“We hope this will be a season full of satisfaction for us, for the team and the environment around us. We hope all goes as it should and to see many victories for our Lazio.”

Roma ultras had been expected to suspend their boycott, but renewed it before the season opener against Udinese.

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

Socrates · August 26, 2016

LAZIO - JUVENTUS

-

MATCHDAY 2
Saturday, August 27th, 2016 - 6:00 PM
Olimpico Stadium, Rome
Referee: Marco Guida

Juventus must be wary of 'very dangerous'

Lazio - Massimiliano Allegri

http://www.espnfc.co.uk/juventus/story/2937905/juventus-must-

be-wary-of-very-dangerous-lazio-massimiliano-allegri

Aug 26, 2016

Juventus coach Massimiliano Allegri has warned his players against being caught out of position when they take on a Lazio side he says are "very dangerous'' on the counter-attack.

Both clubs go into Saturday's clash at the Stadio Olimpico looking to make it two wins from two this season, with Juve starting their title defence with a 2-1 triumph over Fiorentina while Lazio were 4-3 victors at Atalanta.

Although Lazio came close to letting a 3-0 lead slip in that match, Allegri believes the result in Bergamo shows that Simone Inzaghi's side could be a force to be reckoned with this season.

The Juventus boss said on his club's website: "The Biancocelesti have started strongly, winning away against Atalanta in Bergamo, which is never an easy place to go, scoring four goals and showing a very good physical condition.

"Tomorrow we're playing at 1800 [local time], so it's going to be very hot and a tough match, but we need to do everything to bring three points back to Turin.''

He added: "It's very important that we don't allow the match to become fragmented because Lazio are very dangerous when hitting on the break. They're a good side who had mixed fortunes last term, but impressed on finishing third the season before.

"Inzaghi has assembled a strong team with talented youngsters and this time around they'll be competing for a top-six berth.''

The Lazio-Juve encounter is one of two mouthwatering clashes in Serie A on Saturday night, with the other pitting last season's runners-up Napoli against AC Milan.

Napoli had a big scare in their opening match, needing two second-half Dries Mertens goals to salvage a draw from 2-0 down at Pescara, and coach Maurizio Sarri is determined to ensure there will be no repeat at the Stadio San Paolo, where the Partenopei were unbeaten in Serie A last season.

Sarri said: "In Pescara we had the wrong approach. We entered the field lazy and this must not happen again. Tomorrow against AC Milan I want a strong reaction from the team and maximum concentration.''

The rest of the matches are on Sunday with early pacesetters Roma, who thumped Udinese 4-0 last weekend after scoring all of their goals in the final 25 minutes, travelling to last season's Serie B champions Cagliari.

Genoa and Chievo, who are second and third in the table, are also away this weekend with respective trips to top-flight newcomers Crotone and Fiorentina.

New Inter Milan boss Frank de Boer will be hoping to do better at home to Palermo following a 2-0 loss to Chievo first time out, while in-form Sassuolo - who are unbeaten in all five of their competitive games this season - host promoted Pescara.

Sunday's other fixtures pit Udinese against Empoli, Bologna go to Torino and Sampdoria host Atalanta.

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

Socrates · August 27, 2016

LAZIO - JUVENTUS

-

MATCHDAY 2
Saturday, August 27th, 2016 - 6:00 PM
Olimpico Stadium, Rome
Referee: Marco Guida

Line-ups: Lazio-Juventus

http://www.football-italia.net/90485/line-ups-lazio-juventus?

Aug 27, 2016

Juventus again leave Gonzalo Higuain on the bench, but start Medhi Bentia and Dani Alves for their trip to Ciro Immobile’s Lazio.

It kicks off at 18.00 CET - 17.00 UK time (16.00 GMT).

The Bianconeri won their opening game of the Serie A season 2-1 against Fiorentina, as Higuain came off the bench to score with only his third touch.

The €90m signing is again on the bench today, as he is working towards his best shape after the summer break.

Instead, Mario Mandzukic partners Paulo Dybala, while Miralem Pjanic is also still not 100 per cent fit after a knock last week.

With Claudio Marchisio and Stefano Sturaro still sidelined, Mario Lemina and Kwadwo Asamoah take the midfield reins.

Leonardo Bonucci is absent due to a personal matter, so summer signing Benatia gets his first start.

Lazio also won the opening fixture, a 4-3 thriller away to Atalanta, with Immobile getting off to the best possible start for his new club.

He also got an Italy recall today, so will be brimming with confidence.

Felipe Anderson is available again after winning the Gold Medal at the Rio Olympics, but Keita Balde Diao remains an outcast.

Simone Inzaghi makes several changes, most notably shifting from 4-3-3 to a 3-4-3 system.

Bastos gets his debut in defence with Chelsea transfer target Stefan de Vrij.

It’s safe to say this game doesn’t hold good memories for Lazio, who have not beaten Juventus in a Serie A match – home or away – since 2003.

In all competition, they’ve lost nine of the last 10 encounters, drawing just once.

There will be a minute’s silence before all games this weekend and black armbands after the devastating earthquake of August 23.

The shock was felt in Rome and so far 284 people are confirmed to have died. Lazio are wearing a special shirt with a clock marking the moment the quake struck.

Lazio: Marchetti; Bastos, De Vrij, Radu; Basta, Parolo, Biglia, Lukaku; Felipe Anderson, Immobile, Lulic

Lazio bench: Strakosha, Vargic, Patric, Prce, Wallace, Murgia, Cataldi, Leitner, Milinkovic-Savic, Lombardi, Kishna, Djordjevic

Juventus: Buffon; Benatia, Barzagli, Chiellini; Dani Alves, Khedira, Lemina, Asamoah, Alex Sandro; Dybala, Mandzukic

Juventus bench: Neto, Audero, Lichtsteiner, Rugani, Evra, Hernanes, Pjanic, Pjaca, Higuain

Ref: Guida

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

Socrates · August 27, 2016

LAZIO - JUVENTUS

0-1-

Sami Khedira (66')

MATCHDAY 2
Saturday, August 27th, 2016 - 6:00 PM
Olimpico Stadium, Rome
Referee: Marco Guida

Lazio 0-1 Juventus: Khedira

fires Allegri's men to victory

The German midfielder's fine second half finish was enough

for the Bianconeri to pick up a second consecutive Serie A win.

http://www.goal.com/en-gb/match/lazio-vs-juventus/2305766/report?ICID=MP_MS_5

Aug 27, 2016

Sami Khedira's second goal in as many games secured Juventus a 1-0 Serie A triumph at Lazio on Saturday despite new signing Gonzalo Higuain starting on the bench once again.

Despite netting the winning goal in Juve's 2-1 defeat of Fiorentina last time out, the Argentina star was still was not fit enough to start, but that ultimately mattered little, as Khedira scored just a few moments after the striker's 65th-minute introduction.

There was nothing to separate the two sides during a tepid first half in Rome, with the respective defences on top and clear-cut chances rare.

But the second period started with an instant improvement as Juve took the game to their hosts, with Mario Mandzukic, Paulo Dybala and Khedira all going close in a frenetic four-minute spell.

The German was not to be denied twice, though, as he fired across Federico Marchetti 24 minutes from time to put victory in the visitors' sights.

Juv

Juve then proceeded to tighten their hold on the match and, while Lazio pressed for a late equaliser, the champions had little trouble keeping them at bay to make it two wins from two.

After only stealing victory late on against Fiorentina last time out, Juve looked intent on putting Lazio under pressure significantly earlier at Stadio Olimpico and went close to breaking the deadlock 10 minutes in.

Alex Sandro charged down Dusan Basta's clearance and the ball dropped kindly for Dybala, whose header forced Marchetti to scramble across his goalline and desperately push it away.

The hosts grew into the match, though, and caused some panic of their own in the Juve defence, as Felipe Anderson's right-wing delivery flashed across the goal and forced Dani Alves into an acrobatic clearance before Ciro Immobile could nod in with 24 minutes gone.

That proved to be an isolated moment of worry for Juve, whereas Marchetti was again forced to clamber 10 minutes later, just about stopping Kwadwo Asamoah's deflected volley from creeping under the crossbar.

Proceedings became more frantic after the break and Juve went close twice in quick succession early on – Mandzukic blasting at Marchetti from 18 yards, before Dybala fired just wide of the right-hand post from the rebound.

Higuain was eventually brought on in the 65th minute and Juve had the lead a minute later.

The goal came from a more unlikely source, though, as Khedira latched on to Dybala's pass into the right side of the area and the German found the bottom-far corner with a smart finish.

Lazio's efforts failed to produce any clear opportunities and, when Marco Parolo's long-range effort was comfortably gobbled up by Gianluigi Buffon five minutes from the end, the hosts' chances of a late comeback were effectively ended.

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

Socrates · August 28, 2016

LAZIO - JUVENTUS

0-1-

Sami Khedira (66')

MATCHDAY 2
Saturday, August 27th, 2016 - 6:00 PM
Olimpico Stadium, Rome
Referee: Marco Guida

Khedira conquers Lazio

Sami Khedira’s second half angled drive was enough for Juventus

to earn a 1-0 victory away to nonetheless impressive Lazio.

http://www.football-italia.net/90494/khedira-conquers-lazio

Aug 27, 2016

Both sides won their opening game by a slender margin, Lazio a 4-3 thriller away to Atalanta and Gonzalo Higuain coming off the bench to beat Fiorentina 2-1. The €90m man was again benched with the not 100 per cent fit Miralem Pjanic, but Medhi Benatia stepped in for absent Leonardo Bonucci.

The Aquile hadn’t beaten Juve in a Serie A match since 2003, home and away, and managed one point from their last 10 meetings in all competition. Simone Inzaghi switched to a new 3-4-3 formation, giving Angola international defender Bastos his debut.

The hosts had a very aggressive start, but Federico Marchetti clawed away a scuffed Paulo Dybala header and Stefan Radu was booked for taking down La Joya on the counter.

Felipe Anderson returned after winning the Rio Olympics Gold Medal and seemed to be in fine form, as his cross beat Gigi Buffon and Benatia stopped Ciro Immobile tapping in from point-blank range.

As it was very hot in Rome, the referee enacted the first ever Serie A cooling break after 27 minutes.

Marco Parolo charged down a Sami Khedira half-volley after trapping the Dani Alves pass and Marchetti just about denied a deflected Kwadwo Asamoah attempt.

Immobile harassed the entire Juve defence, eventually forcing Gigi Buffon to kick it away for a throw-in, while Sami Khedira horribly ballooned over from a promising position.

Juventus had a double chance on 57 minutes, as first Mario Mandzukic stung Marchetti’s gloves, then Dybala’s daisy-cutter rebound skimmed the base of the far post.

The Bianconeri went close again as Dybala’s back-heel flick found Khedira for a deflected angled drive inches wide, but so did Lazio as Marco Parolo just failed to get on the end of an Immobile ball rolled across the face of goal.

Higuain came off the bench and Juventus scored moments later, as Lucas Biglia failed to cut out a Dybala pass and Khedira pounced with a precise angled drive into the far bottom corner from 12 yards. It was the German midfielder’s second goal in as many games.

Patric’s half-volley from a deflected Immobile effort flashed just over the bar and Bastos confirmed an excellent debut by holding off Higuain to force a goal kick.

Buffon had to smother a Parolo strike from distance, but Marko Pjaca received his Serie A debut and immediately forced a save after a step-over shimmy on the edge of the box.

Lazio: Marchetti; Bastos, De Vrij, Radu; Basta (Djordjevic 72), Parolo, Biglia, Lukaku; Felipe Anderson, Immobile, Lulic (Milinkovic-Savic 58)

Juventus: Buffon; Benatia, Barzagli, Chiellini; Dani Alves (Lichtsteiner 75), Khedira, Lemina, Asamoah, Alex Sandro; Dybala (Pjaca 88), Mandzukic (Higuain 65)

Ref: Guida

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

Socrates · August 28, 2016

LAZIO - JUVENTUS

0-1-

Sami Khedira (66')

MATCHDAY 2
Saturday, August 27th, 2016 - 6:00 PM
Olimpico Stadium, Rome
Referee: Marco Guida

Lazio 0-1 Juventus Match Review

Sami Khedira scored for the second match in a row to secure

a vital 3 points for Juventus ahead of the international break.

http://www.juvefc.com/lazio-0-1-juventus-match-review/?

Aug 27, 2016

Statistics:

Man of the Match: Vote below

Flop of the Match: N/A

Corners: 2

Pass Accuracy: 84%

Shots on Target: 5

Total Shots: 13

Ball Possession: 47%

Formation: 3-5-2

Formation:

Lineups:

Lazio: Marchetti; Bastos, De Vrij, Radu; Basta (Djordjevic 72), Parolo, Biglia, Lukaku; Felipe Anderson, Immobile, Lulic (Milinkovic-Savic 58)

Juventus: Buffon; Benatia, Barzagli, Chiellini; Dani Alves (Lichtsteiner 75), Khedira, Lemina, Asamoah, Alex Sandro; Dybala (Pjaca 88), Mandzukic (Higuain 65)

Ref: Guida

Post Match Comments:

596422930-sami-khedira-with-his-teammate

Khedira: “I think especially in the first half we had not so much movement, but after the break we had better situations and more opportunities to score. In the end, I think it was a good result for us. At this stage last season, Juve had zero points, but now they have six. This year we know, as we learned from last year. Of course we lost Paul Pogba, but we had the same team and some great new players this summer.”

596423762-juventus-fc-head-coach-massimi

Allegri: “We have our path to follow. It was so hot today and we made a lot of mistakes in the first half. After the break we did well, but I remember the first six touches from Kwadwo Asamoah, for example, were all bad. This Juve is different from the others. We introduced many new players compared to last year. It would be a mistake to seek players similar to the ones we’ve already got. Matuidi? I told the club to sign good players, then I’ll figure out a way to use them.”

Poll:

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

Socrates · August 29, 2016

LAZIO - JUVENTUS

0-1-

Sami Khedira (66')

MATCHDAY 2
Saturday, August 27th, 2016 - 6:00 PM
Olimpico Stadium, Rome
Referee: Marco Guida

Sami Khedira scores again to supply Juventus win at Lazio

http://www.espnfc.co.uk/report?gameId=461286

Aug 27, 2016

Sami Khedira struck for the second successive game as Juventus won 1-0 at Lazio.

Khedira had been on target in the Serie A champions' opening 2-1 victory over Fiorentina, and the Germany midfielder settled this contest of few chances after 66 minutes.

Lazio had held firm until Paulo Dybala lofted a ball over the home defence and Khedira unleashed a low shot past Federico Marchetti in the home goal.

There were few openings in a tight first half with Juventus going closest in the ninth minute when Marchetti was forced to turn away Dybala's header.

Felipe Anderson was at the heart of Lazio's best moments, and the Brazilian midfielder fired one ball across goal which Ciro Immobile would have reached but for Gianluigi Buffon's fingertip intervention.

Both sides were finding it difficult to create opportunities but Kwadwo Asamoah's deflected 33rd-minute effort had to be parried down by Marchetti from under his crossbar.

Juventus stepped up the pace after the break and Marchetti blocked Mario Mandzukic's thumping effort before Dybala fired just wide after skipping past three defenders.

Buffon had largely been untroubled in the Juventus goal, but Lazio pushed bodies forward in the closing stages as they sought an equaliser.

Immobile's strike fell into the path of Patric and the Spaniard's deflected shot flew just above the bar.

Substitute Marko Pjaca almost doubled Juventus' lead in stoppage time, but Massimiliano Allegri's side held on for the win.

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

Socrates · August 29, 2016

LAZIO - JUVENTUS

0-1-

Sami Khedira (66')

MATCHDAY 2
Saturday, August 27th, 2016 - 6:00 PM
Olimpico Stadium, Rome
Referee: Marco Guida

Lazio 0-1 Juventus Player Ratings

Juventus gave a lacklustre performance but still managed to grind out a win

thanks to Sami Khedira, making it 11 wins against Lazio in their last 12 matches.

http://www.juvefc.com/lazio-juventus-player-ratings/?

Aug 27, 2016

Gigi Buffon

Made one good save in the second half but aside from that, he was rarely troubled by the Lazio attack. Comfortable.

6.0 / 10

Dani Alves

Consistently pushed forward to try and support Khedira and Dybala – Gave a similar performance to last week where he often cut inside to try and create, but he also left gaps at the back. Allegri may have more than a few words with him….

6.0 / 10

Giorgio Chiellini

Fought off what little Lazio threw forward with his customary zeal and dedication – Less adventurous than last week against Fiorentina, but still handled his defensive duties with ease. Solid.

6.0 / 10

Andrea Barzagli

Kept Immobile in his pocket for most of the game – Anticipated Lazio attacks, closed down spaces and played a near-perfect defensive game.

6.0 / 10

Medhi Benatia

A truly superb debut. His positioning, awareness and tackling was immense – Played some lovely passes and was the best defender on the night. Brilliant

6.5 / 10

Kwadwo Asamoah

A good range of passing, some solid tackles and some decent runs at the Lazio defence. Solid if not spectacular.

6.0 / 10

SAMI KHEDIRA

Brilliant work rate, yet again. Ran at the Lazio defence at every opportunity and took his goal with a lovely finish. Man of the match.

7.0 / 10

Mario Lemina

Looked a little shaky to start with and was caught out on occasion – Steadily improved as the game went on. No muss, no fuss.

6.0 / 10

Alex Sandro

Got forward into some good positions and delivered some decent crosses into the box, but was also caught out by Felipe Anderson on occasion.

6.0 / 10

Mario Mandzukic

Another frustrating game for the Croatian stiker who struggled to create anything of note against a decent Lazio defence.

5.5 / 10

Paulo Dybala

Dropped deep and tried to create from all around the final third – Provided a great assist for the opening goal.

6.5 / 10

Max Allegri

Got his tactics right yet again by sticking with the same midfield as last weekend. Introduced Higuain at the right moment against a tired Lazio defence and gave a debut to Marko Pjaca who could easily have scored Juve’s second.

Substitutes

Gonzalo Higuain

Held the ball up well and proved to be more of threat than Mandzukic, pulling defenders out of position for Juve’s opening goal.

6.0 / 10

Marko Pjaca

A nice cameo and hopefully a taste of things to come. A great dribble into the box and a snapshot straight at Marchetti.

6.0/10

Stephan Lichtsteiner

A late sub to wind the clock down. Had one decent run down the right.

N/A

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

Socrates · August 29, 2016

LAZIO - JUVENTUS

0-1-

Sami Khedira (66')

MATCHDAY 2
Saturday, August 27th, 2016 - 6:00 PM
Olimpico Stadium, Rome
Referee: Marco Guida

Team Ratings

http://www.goal.com/en/match/lazio-vs-juventus/2305766/ratings?ICID=MP_MS_6

Aug 27, 2016

TEAM RATINGS

Lazio

22F. Marchetti
Had less to deal with than he would have expected but was finally beaten by a great strike from Khedira.
8D. Basta
Was involved in an interesting battle with Sandro, although it was one that the Brazilian arguably won thanks to a strong attacking performance.
3S. de Vrij
Stuck to Mandzukic like glue and made life very difficult for the Croatian, although he tired as the game wore on and started to make mistakes.
6J. Lukaku
Looked a bit shaky defensively as he spent most of the game trying to push forward down the left, although he looked tentative in advanced positions and missed several opportunities to send crosses into the penalty area.
26Ş. Radu
Bar one nervy moment with Dybala, it was a good evening for the Romanian, who put in a good display and remained defensively solid throughout.
15Bastos
Always seemed to be in the right place at the right time whenever Juventus pushed forward, and he battled incredibly hard with Mandzukic and, later, Higuain.
10Felipe Anderson
Used his pace to great effect down the right wing, but his chances depleted late on as Juventus pushed further forward.
16M. Parolo
Put in a commanding performance in the middle of the pitch. Was always on hand to drop back and defend before bursting forward on several dangerous counter-attacks.
19S. Lulić
Arguably the weakest of Lazio’s front three players. Often got himself into good positions but was too slow on the ball and failed to make his chances count.
20L. Biglia
Largely performed well alongside Parolo, with the two looking strong in the centre of the Lazio midfield, but he began to make mistakes late on, particular in the build-up to Khedira's goal.
17C. Immobile
It was always going to be a tough game for the striker, but he performed well and showed good movement to try and carve out chances on goal.

Juventus

Substitutes

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

Socrates · August 29, 2016

LAZIO - JUVENTUS

0-1-

Sami Khedira (66')

MATCHDAY 2
Saturday, August 27th, 2016 - 6:00 PM
Olimpico Stadium, Rome
Referee: Marco Guida

Allegri: 'Just get me good players'

http://www.football-italia.net/90499/allegri-just-get-me-good-players

Aug 27, 2016

Max Allegri told Juventus to seek “good players, then I’ll figure out a way to use them” after the 1-0 win at Lazio.

The Bianconeri maintained their 100 per cent record so far this season thanks to a Sami Khedira angled drive.

“We have our path to follow,” the Coach told Mediaset Premium and Sky Sport Italia.

“It was so hot today and we made a lot of mistakes in the first half. After the break we did well, but I remember the first six touches from Kwadwo Asamoah, for example, were all bad.”

Is this Juve the strongest side Allegri has ever worked with?

“It’s different from the others. We introduced many new players compared to last year. It would be a mistake to seek players similar to the ones we’ve already got.”

Blaise Matuidi has been taken off the market by Paris Saint-Germain, so who will Juventus look to for their next midfielder?

“I told the club to sign good players, then I’ll figure out a way to use them,” smiled Allegri.

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

Accedi

JUVENTUS SEASON 2016-2017

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