JUVENTUS SEASON 2016-2017

Socrates · January 22, 2017

JUVENTUS - LAZIO

MATCHDAY 21

Sunday, January 22nd, 2017 - 12:30 p.m.
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Davide Massa

Line-ups: Juventus-Lazio

h http://www.football-italia.net/97254/line-ups-juventus-lazio

Jan 22, 2017

Juventus go with a new all-out superstar attack formation against Ciro Immobile’s impressive Lazio in the early kick-off.

It kicks off in Turin at 12.30 CET - 11.30 GMT.

The Bianconeri need to recover from their fourth defeat of the season, 2-1 at rivals Fiorentina, and risk falling off the top of the table for the first time in a year.

Alex Sandro and Stefano Sturaro are suspended, Claudio Marchisio and Mario Lemina injured, Dani Alves fit for the bench after a fracture and Patrice Evra dropped as he awaits a transfer abroad.

Surprisingly, Max Allegri is going all-out with a new 4-2-3-1 formation, starting Paulo Dybala with Sami Khedira in midfield, while Juan Cuadrado, Paulo Dybala (as trequartista) and Mario Mandzukic fan out behind Gonzalo Higuain.

Lazio are without Dusan Basta and transfer-listed Ricardo Kishna, while Keita Balde Diao is at the Africa Cup of Nations with Senegal.

Juve have won their last eight meetings with Lazio, home and away in all competition. In that time they scored 16 goals and conceded one.

Lazio have not enjoyed a Serie A win away to Juve since the 2-1 result on December 15, 2002.

Juventus have set a new all-time Serie A record of 26 consecutive home victories. It allowed the club to beat its own previous best of 25, achieved from August 2013 to November 2014.

Juventus: Buffon; Lichtsteiner, Bonucci, Chiellini, Asamoah; Khedira, Pjanic; Cuadrado, Dybala, Mandzukic; Higuain

Juventus bench: Neto, Audero, Barzagli, Rugani, Dani Alves, Rincon, Hernanes, Pjaca

Lazio: Marchetti; Patric, De Vrij, Wallace, Radu; Parolo, Biglia, Milinkovic-Savic; Lombardi, Immobile, Felipe Anderson

Lazio bench: Strakosha, Vargic, Bastos, Hoedt, Lukaku, Murgia, Leitner, Luis Alberto, Djordjevic, Vinicius

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

Socrates · January 22, 2017

JUVENTUS - LAZIO

MATCHDAY 21

Sunday, January 22nd, 2017 - 12:30 p.m.
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Davide Massa

De Vrij: 'Juventus-Lazio is why we play'

http://www.football-italia.net/97255/de-vrij-juventus-lazio-why-we-play

Jan 22, 2017

Stefan de Vrij said Juventus v Lazio “is the kind of match you become a football player to take part in.”

It kicks off at 12.30 CET - 11.30 GMT.

“It’s a great game to play in, we are really fired up,” the Aquile defender told Lazio Style Radio.

“This is the kind of match that you become a football player to take part in!

“We’re prepared, we all know what we are supposed to do and now have to prove ourselves on the pitch.”

Juventus surprised everyone with a 4-2-3-1 formation, using Miralem Pjanic, Juan Cuadrado, Paulo Dybala, Mario Mandzukic and Gonzalo Higuain together.

“It’s very important to keep concentrated for the entire 90 minutes, but I think we’re ready to face them.”

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

Socrates · January 22, 2017

JUVENTUS - LAZIO

MATCHDAY 21

Sunday, January 22nd, 2017 - 12:30 p.m.
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Davide Massa

Asamoah: 'Juventus must win'

http://www.football-italia.net/97256/asamoah-juventus-must-win

Jan 22, 2017

Kwadwo Asamoah noted “it’s very important for Juventus to get back to winning ways, though Lazio are a difficult opponent.”

It kicks off at 12.30 CET - 11.30 GMT.

“We know it is very difficult, but it’s very important for Juventus to get back to winning ways,” the left-back told Mediaset Premium.

“Lazio are a tough opponent, we know that, and will try to start the match in a very aggressive way. It’ll be crucial to take home the result.

“The other teams are doing well at the moment, so we must win and continue our campaign, then we’ll see what happens.

“Nothing changes if we are at home or away, what matters is the result. This is a very important match for us and for the fans.”

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

Socrates · January 22, 2017

JUVENTUS - LAZIO

MATCHDAY 21

Sunday, January 22nd, 2017 - 12:30 p.m.
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Davide Massa

Tare: 'Juventus surprised Lazio'

http://www.football-italia.net/97257/tare-juventus-surprised-lazio

Jan 22, 2017

Lazio director Igli Tare admits he “did not expect” Juventus to field a 4-2-3-1 formation, but is “curious to see where we’re at.”

It kicks off at 12.30 CET - 11.30 GMT.

“We had a few doubts on the Juventus line-up and I will admit we didn’t expect Juan Cuadrado to start. Many years ago, Mario Mandzukic played wide attack, because he knows how to do it,” the director of sport told Mediaset Premium.

“Juve are a side to be feared, so this will be very tough and we’ll see what happens. These are matches that help you to grow and I am curious to see where we are right now.

“Simone Inzaghi has the advantage of knowing the history of Lazio and this club, but his success is not a surprise to us. He’s been coaching in the youth system for a long time.

“Sergej Milinkovic-Savic has improved a great deal this year and can do even better in future. Now we just need to relax, as he’ll certainly have a fine career.

“We’re having a good campaign, but the onus is now on to maintain those results. Felipe Anderson is improving too, last year he struggled with the competition provided by Antonio Candreva.”

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

Socrates · January 22, 2017

JUVENTUS - LAZIO

MATCHDAY 21

Sunday, January 22nd, 2017 - 12:30 p.m.
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Davide Massa

Marotta: 'Curious, audacious Juventus'

http://www.football-italia.net/97258/marotta-curious-audacious-juventus

Jan 22, 2017

Juventus director Beppe Marotta is “surprised and curious to see how this audacious line-up works” against Lazio.

It kicks off at 12.30 CET - 11.30 GMT.

“Our enthusiasm is always high. In its history, Juventus are accustomed to dealing with criticism, but today we get back on track and try to achieve the maximum result against an unpredictable team that can cause us problems,” Marotta told Mediaset Premium.

“The club hierarchy always visit the training ground, regardless of the results. We cannot ask more from this side, as our campaign is going the way we expected it to. In every sport you win and lose, it’s normal.”

Max Allegri is going all-out with a 4-2-3-1 formation starting Miralem Pjanic, Juan Cuadrado, Paulo Dybala, Mario Mandzukic and Gonzalo Higuain together.

“I am surprised and also curious to see how this line-up works. It’s an audacious team, we have versatile players and know how to impose our style on the game.

“This will be one of those matches where, in a brand new way, Juve present players of great quality and attacking potential. Over the last two market sessions we have raised the quality level in this squad. Maybe we lost a little solidity in the process.

“We are seeking a new balance in midfield and it’s never easy to replace three world class players like Andrea Pirlo, Arturo Vidal and Paul Pogba.

“You’ve written many things about Dybala’s contract, but there are no fears. We are talking with his entourage, but there is no tension, it’s simply right to adjust his salary based on his improvement.”

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

Socrates · January 22, 2017

JUVENTUS - LAZIO

MATCHDAY 21

Sunday, January 22nd, 2017 - 12:30 p.m.
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Davide Massa

HT 2-0: Radical new Juve stun Lazio

http://www.football-italia.net/97260/ht-radical-new-juve-stun-lazio

Jan 22, 2017

The audacious new Juventus set-up is working well, as they lead Lazio 2-0 at the break through Paulo Dybala and Gonzalo Higuain.

The Serie A leaders were smarting after a defeat to Fiorentina, while Claudio Marchisio, Patrice Evra, Mario Lemina, Medhi Benatia and suspended Alex Sandro and Stefano Sturaro missed out. On his 300^th Serie A game as a Coach, Max Allegri threw caution to the wind with a new system starting his top attacking stars together, including Miralem Pjanic in midfield. Lazio were on fine form, but had Senad Lulic banned, Dusan Basta injured and Keita Balde Diao at the Africa Cup of Nations.

The Aquile had lost their last eight meetings with Juve, home and away in all competition.

It took just five minutes to break the deadlock with the first genuine attempt, as Mandzukic knocked it down on the edge of the box for Dybala’s splendid half-volley off the outside of the left boot into the far bottom corner.

Lazio were utterly shell-shocked and went 2-0 down when Cuadrado crossed from the right and Gonzalo Higuain got in front of his marker to tap in from six yards. It was Pipita’s 13^th goal in the last 11 games against favourite targets Lazio.

Sergej Milinkovic-Savic attempted a reaction, his daisy-cutter drilled just wide of the near post, but Higuain had another goal ruled offside for his glancing header on a free kick.

Despite all the forwards, Leonardo Bonucci almost scored when meeting a Higuain low cross to turn wide from six yards.

Juventus 2-0 Lazio (Half-Time)

Dybala 5 (J), Higuain 16 (J)

Juventus: Buffon; Lichtsteiner, Bonucci, Chiellini, Asamoah; Khedira, Pjanic; Cuadrado, Dybala, Mandzukic; Higuain

Lazio: Marchetti; Patric, De Vrij, Wallace, Radu; Parolo, Biglia, Milinkovic-Savic; Lombardi, Immobile, Felipe Anderson

Ref: Massa

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

Socrates · January 22, 2017

JUVENTUS - LAZIO

2-0

Paulo Dybala 5'

Gonzalo Higuaín 16'

MATCHDAY 21

Sunday, January 22nd, 2017 - 12:30 p.m.
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Davide Massa

Juventus 2-0 Lazio: Higuain & Dybala

keep champions ahead of the pack

Massimiliano Allegri's men recovered from their recent defeat to Fiorentina

to ensure they stay well ahead of Roma and Napoli with a game to spare.

<a href="http://oi65.tinypic.com/e5jp0h.jpg" target="_blank">View Raw Image</a>

h ttp://www.goal.com/en-gb/match/juventus-vs-lazio/2305956/report

Jan 22, 2017

Paulo Dybala and Gonzalo Higuain struck as Juventus got their Serie A title bid back on track with a comfortable 2-0 victory over Lazio in Turin.

Leaders Juve increased their advantage over Roma – who face Cagliari later on Sunday – to four points as they made an impressive response to their loss away to Fiorentina last time out.

Dybala put Massimiliano Allegri's men in front within five minutes, his third goal in four games across all competitions.

Higuain quickly doubled the advantage, striking for the 12th time in his Serie A career against Lazio, his favourite top-flight opponents.

And the hosts controlled proceedings from then on, Dybala missing second-half chances to add to the lead with Simone Inzaghi's men never threatening a comeback.

Juve's record home league winning streak now stands at an astonishing 27 matches after victory in Allegri's 300th Serie A match as a head coach.

Fourth-placed Lazio had won five of their last six games coming into the match, but are used to struggling against Juve, who they have not beaten in 25 league attempts.

Juve switched to a new 4-2-3-1 formation for the match and made a magnificent start. Stephan Lichtsteiner and Mario Mandzukic – in as two of Juve's four changes – combined, before the Croatia striker's headed pass set up Dybala to lash in a left-footed strike from just outside the area.

It was two for the champions after 16 minutes, Juan Cuadrado curling in a cross from the right and the onrushing Higuain stabbing in a low finish for his 14th league goal of the season.

Lazio threatened for the first time when Sergej Milinkovic-Savic struck narrowly wide from 25 yards, but Higuain had the ball in the net again just before the half-hour mark at the other end, only to rage at the assistant for flagging him offside as he headed in Dybala's free-kick.

Gianluigi Buffon was called into action for the first time with simple saves from Stefan Radu and Felipe Anderson early in the second half, while Dybala squandered a good chance to put the match beyond doubt for Juve, firing wide after Cuadrado created the opportunity.

Dybala was visibly frustrated after wasting an even better chance in Juve's next attack of note, failing to hit the target after Higuain's throughball had left him one-on-one with Federico Marchetti.

Lazio, meanwhile, were unable to test Buffon at all in the closing stages, with Juve substitute Marko Pjaca wasting two good late chances at the other end as his side saw out a low-key second half with surprising ease.

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

Socrates · January 22, 2017

JUVENTUS - LAZIO

2-0

Paulo Dybala 5'

Gonzalo Higuaín 16'

MATCHDAY 21

Sunday, January 22nd, 2017 - 12:30 p.m.
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Davide Massa

Higuain sharp as Juventus win again

142201523-560517f7-9e6c-43f5-a2b6-edebed

http://www.goal.com/en/match/juventus-vs-lazio/2305956/ratings

Jan 22, 2017

BEST AND WORST PLAYER

Best Player

Goal Choice

P. Dybala

JuventusPosition: Attacker

Fan Choice

Worst Player

Goal Choice

Felipe Anderson

LazioPosition: Midfielder

Fan Choice

TEAM RATINGS

Juventus

Lazio

Substitutes

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

Socrates · January 22, 2017

JUVENTUS - LAZIO

2-0

Paulo Dybala 5'

Gonzalo Higuaín 16'

MATCHDAY 21

Sunday, January 22nd, 2017 - 12:30 p.m.
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Davide Massa

New-look Juve smash Lazio

An audacious new Juventus system got the job done within

16 minutes, as Paulo Dybala and Gonzalo Higuain swept Lazio aside 2-0.

<a href="http://oi64.tinypic.com/r7pxc4.jpg" target="_blank">View Raw Image</a>

http://www.football-italia.net/SerieA/match/88031

Jan 22, 2017

The Serie A leaders were smarting after a defeat to Fiorentina, while Claudio Marchisio, Patrice Evra, Mario Lemina, Medhi Benatia and suspended Alex Sandro and Stefano Sturaro missed out. On his 300^th Serie A game as a Coach, Max Allegri threw caution to the wind with a new system starting his top attacking stars together, including Miralem Pjanic in midfield. Lazio were on fine form, but had Senad Lulic banned, Dusan Basta injured and Keita Balde Diao at the Africa Cup of Nations.

The Aquile have now lost their last nine meetings with Juve, home and away in all competition.

It took just five minutes to break the deadlock with the first genuine attempt, as Mandzukic knocked it down on the edge of the box for Dybala’s splendid half-volley off the outside of the left boot into the far bottom corner.

Lazio were utterly shell-shocked and went 2-0 down when Cuadrado crossed from the right and Gonzalo Higuain got in front of his marker to tap in from six yards. It was Pipita’s 13^th goal in the last 11 games against favourite targets Lazio.

Sergej Milinkovic-Savic attempted a reaction, his daisy-cutter drilled just wide of the near post, but Higuain had another goal ruled offside for his glancing header on a free kick.

Despite all the forwards, Leonardo Bonucci almost scored when meeting a Higuain low cross to turn wide from six yards.

Lazio started the second half more aggressively, Felipe Anderson firing at Gigi Buffon, but Dybala drilled off target when he should’ve set up Mandzukic.

Kwadwo Asamoah ran a huge risk, barging Cristiano Lombardi over with a shoulder-to-shoulder challenge, and Lucas Biglia fired wide as Juve rested on their laurels.

Dybala spurned another chance to finish it off, springing the offside trap on a Higuain through ball only to turn inches wide of an open goal.

Marco Parolo, Higuain and late substitute Marko Pjaca failed to make the most of promising opportunities, as the Bianconeri shut up shop.

In stoppages Pjaca went down under a Felipe Anderson nudge, but again the referee waved play on.

Juventus: Buffon; Lichtsteiner (Barzagli 74), Bonucci, Chiellini, Asamoah; Khedira, Pjanic; Cuadrado, Dybala (Rincon 81), Mandzukic; Higuain (Pjaca 87)

Lazio: Marchetti; Patric, De Vrij, Wallace, Radu (Lukaku 60); Parolo, Biglia (Djordjevic 60), Milinkovic-Savic; Lombardi (Murgia 66), Immobile, Felipe Anderson

Ref: Massa

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

Socrates · January 22, 2017

JUVENTUS - LAZIO

2-0

Paulo Dybala 5'

Gonzalo Higuaín 16'

MATCHDAY 21

Sunday, January 22nd, 2017 - 12:30 p.m.
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Davide Massa

Juventus 2 - Lazio 0: Initial reaction

and random observations

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http://www.blackwhitereadallover.com/2017/1/22/14348330/juventus-

lazio-2017-serie-a-round-20-final-score-result-initial-reaction

Jan 22, 2017

What’s the easiest way to prevent Federico Marchetti from doing his usual Federico Marchetti thing in goal against Juventus? Well, just score with pretty much every shot you take.

Or, at least the first couple of times.

That’s exactly how Juventus was able to build its two-goal lead within 20 minutes against Lazio on Sunday afternoon in Turin, with the Argentinian golden boys otherwise known as Paulo Dybala and Gonzalo Higuain scoring on shot attempts Nos. 1 and 2 to power Juve to a quality bounceback win.

We wanted to see how Juventus were going to rebound after the latest stumble last weekend against Fiorentina at the Franchi. We wanted to see if Juventus could shrug off that display and start to resemble the team we saw at the beginning of December when they looked like they were starting to play some of their best ball of the season.

That’s what we got.

Not only did we get a new formation from Max Allegri that worked pretty darn well, but we saw a Juventus side that was able to play a pretty appealing brand of football on top of it. I know, hard to believe after what we’ve seen this season, right? But, no. It’s a true statement.

Juventus put forth one of their better efforts all season. They showed absolutely no signs of a hangover from the Fiorentina loss seven days earlier. They not only looked fresh, but they were able to take control of the game almost immediately and then implement what they wanted to do with a lead in hand from that point forward.

That’s what we wanted to see.

And we got it.

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Credit where credit is due: Allegri got this one right. Juventus needed a change after their latest slip up, he delivered said change and they proved it to be the right one on the field. It doesn’t work any better than that, folks.

RANDOM THOUGHTS AND OBSERVATIONS

At his pre-match press conference on Saturday, Allegri said that Marko Pjaca was “in line to feature” against Lazio. I guess the new translation for “feature” is to “start the game on the bench.” Or maybe I’m just sounding like a disgruntled Pjaca fanboy as I type this part of the post-game thread out 55 minutes before kickoff.
Thoughts of the new 4-2-3-1 after the first half: That’s more like it.
Thoughts of the new 4-2-3-1 after the first second half: Yep, still pretty good.
Miralem Pjanic’s defensive game on Sunday: Five interceptions, a team-high total; Five tackles, also a team-high total. Not bad for his first game in a double-pivot this season.
It took all of about 10 or 11 minutes for Stephan Lichtsteiner to get the back of his jersey covered in grass. It was very much a classic Lichtsteiner game against his former club on Sunday afternoon, and the grass stain was just one of the first fitting instances of that for the Swiss Express.
If there was a little more precision in Dybala’s boots in the opening 20 minutes of the second half he could have had a hat trick. You could look at it two ways: Dybala either has a little bit more to go before he truly hits his form or that with the amount of chances he had that he’s starting to really get involved in the attack. No matter what, Dybala scoring goals is a very, very good thing to happen.
The hold up play on that Dybala opener? Mario Mandzukic.
The striker who heard his name sung throughout Juventus Stadium for his efforts on the defensive side of the ball? Mario Mandzukic.
For a guy who has earned the nickname of Mr. No Good, Mario Mandzukic has been pretty good this season, hasn’t he? (If you disagree, I’m just going to have Mandzukic himself come over and fight you. Good luck with that.)
Higuain got so inspired by Mandzukic’s defensive work that he, too, sprinted his tail off and won a tackle back in Juventus’ third of the field. Sounds like a pretty good influence.
There were lots of good things to come out of Allegri going to the 4-2-3-1. Sami Khedira, somebody we talked about in the match preview, wasn’t exactly one of them. You’ve got to wonder that if this formation is going to be a main feature going forward, where does Claudio Marchisio fit into it. Could it be for Khedira? Seems like a logical step.
I like when Gigi Buffon gets a shutout. You should, too.
Back to plus-4 for at least a couple of hours. That’s more like it.

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

Socrates · January 22, 2017

JUVENTUS - LAZIO

2-0

Paulo Dybala 5'

Gonzalo Higuaín 16'

MATCHDAY 21

Sunday, January 22nd, 2017 - 12:30 p.m.
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Davide Massa

Red-hot Higuain becomes first Juventus

player to score five in a row for over 11 years

In finding the net in Sunday's 2-0 win over Lazio, the Argentina international

has done something no-one at the club has managed for over a decade.

<a href="http://oi66.tinypic.com/2iqn6er.jpg" target="_blank">View Raw Image</a>

http://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/683/main/2017/01/22/31830242/-

Jan 22, 2017

Gonzalo Higuain has become the first player to score in five successive Serie A matches for Juventus in over 11 years.

By finding the net in Sunday’s clash against Lazio, the Argentine international emulated the achievement of France international forward David Trezeguet, who was the last player from the Turin giants to achieve such a feat.

Higuain has been in terrific scoring form after initially being criticised as overweight when he arrived at Juventus Stadium in the summer for a record fee from Napoli. The 29-year-old has netted 17 times in 26 matches.

He has been in particularly impressive since scoring twice against Torino in mid-December. He then scored against Roma before the winter break and has started 2017 without having lost any of that momentum, as he registered versus Bologna and Fiorentina.

Trezeguet’s run, meanwhile, came in 2005, when he scored 11 goals in a sequence of nine consecutive games. The France great struck against Siena, Lazio, Cagliari (twice), Fiorentina, Treviso, Roma, Livorno, Milan and Sampdoria during an astonishing run of form.

Higuain, a France-born Argentina international, therefore has some way to go to beat Trezeguet, an Argentine-born France international.

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

Socrates · January 22, 2017

JUVENTUS - LAZIO

2-0

Paulo Dybala 5'

Gonzalo Higuaín 16'

MATCHDAY 21

Sunday, January 22nd, 2017 - 12:30 p.m.
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Davide Massa

Allegri: 'I had mad Juventus idea'

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http://www.football-italia.net/97263/allegri-i-had-mad-juventus-idea

Jan 22, 2017

Max Allegri explains how he came up with his new-look Juventus against Lazio. “Nobody expected me to actually do it!”

Paulo Dybala and Gonzalo Higuain were on target in the 2-0 victory, which was sealed with a 4-2-3-1 formation including Juan Cuadrado, Mario Mandzukic and Miralem Pjanic.

“Paradoxically with so many attacking players, we allowed little or nothing to Lazio,” the Coach told Sky Sport Italia.

“During the week I hadn’t even thought about it, but after a training session the next morning I thought, I have to change something.

“I had said yesterday in the Press conference that it was an option, but nobody expected me to actually do it!

“Mandzukic has gone back in time, because he played in that role when he was much younger. He also has a never-ending engine and isn’t even tired at the final whistle. He did very well today defending and in terms of technique.

“I don’t have to make anyone happy. I am not much of a theorist, but every now and then I come up with a mad idea and try it on the pitch. The important thing is to be sure what you’re doing.”

Can this system become the permanent approach for Juventus going forward?

“It’s one of the options, certainly. Everyone was involved and played a great game as a team. This side has the technical quality to challenge anyone and we need to use all of that to succeed in Europe.

“Today we made a few mistakes and could’ve had many more goals.”

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

Socrates · January 23, 2017

JUVENTUS - LAZIO

2-0

Paulo Dybala 5'

Gonzalo Higuaín 16'

MATCHDAY 21

Sunday, January 22nd, 2017 - 12:30 p.m.
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Davide Massa

Dybala and Higuain on target as

Juventus bounce back with win

<a href="http://oi67.tinypic.com/11qjxty.jpg" target="_blank">View Raw Image</a>

http://www.espnfc.co.uk/report?gameId=461094

Jan 22, 2017

Juventus returned to winning ways on Sunday as early strikes from Paulo Dybala and Gonzalo Higuain steered the Serie A leaders to a 2-0 victory over fourth-placed Lazio.

Dybala notched his fifth league goal of the season five minutes into the contest at the Juventus Stadium with a fine left-footed effort from the edge of the box.

And Higuain added his 14th of the campaign 11 minutes later, converting from close-range having met a Juan Cuadrado cross.

That proved enough to clinch all three points for Massimiliano Allegri's men as they moved on from the 2-1 loss at Fiorentina last time out.

Dybala failed to hit the target with two decent chances after the break, either side of a claim for a penalty from Lazio that was waved away by referee Davide Massa.

Dybala's goal came when he connected in superb style with a knockdown from Mario Mandzukic, hitting a firm shot that goalkeeper Federico Marchetti got a hand to but could not prevent from going in.

Higuain then made it seven goals for him in five Serie A appearances as he tucked the ball in from Cuadrado's whipped delivery on the right.

Lazio's search for a swift reply saw Sergej Milinkovic-Savic fire narrowly wide from outside the box, before Higuain headed in a Dybala free-kick around the half-hour mark, only to see the flag raised for offside.

It was Higuain then providing the cross three minutes before the break from which Leonardo Bonucci sent an excellent effort just the wrong side of the post.

After Lazio applied some pressure early in the second half, with Stefan Radu and Felipe Anderson unsuccessfully trying their luck, Dybala was presented with a decent opportunity, only to drill a low shot wide.

There was an anxious moment for Allegri in the 57th minute when Cristiano Lombardi went down in the Juve box following contact from Kwadwo Asamoah and the visitors protested that a spot-kick should be awarded - but play continued.

Dybala was then guilty of a miss seemingly even more glaring that his earlier failed attempt, slipping the ball wide having been played through one-on-one.

Marko Pjaca, who came on for Higuain with three minutes of normal time remaining, sent a late shot and header off-target before the final whistle confirmed the home side's job was done.

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

Socrates · January 23, 2017

JUVENTUS - LAZIO

2-0

Paulo Dybala 5'

Gonzalo Higuaín 16'

MATCHDAY 21

Sunday, January 22nd, 2017 - 12:30 p.m.
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Davide Massa

Inzaghi: 'Lazio compromised game'

<a href="http://oi63.tinypic.com/zlrp6q.jpg" target="_blank">View Raw Image</a>

http://www.football-italia.net/97265/inzaghi-lazio-compromised-game

Jan 22, 2017

Simone Inzaghi criticised Lazio for “compromising the game straight away” after their 2-0 defeat to Juventus.

Paulo Dybala and Gonzalo Higuain had the scoreline locked down within 16 minutes.

“We lacked concentration. We should not have allowed Dybala to get his shot away, or Juan Cuadrado the time to cross for Higuain,” the Coach told Sky Sport Italia.

“We had prepared so well for this match and compromised it straight away. You cannot give Juventus that much time and space on the ball.

“I leave Turin thinking we should’ve started with a different attitude. I’ll take the reaction in the second half, but when you concede two in the first 15 minutes, it’s a long way back.

“I don’t know why we had this attitude. We knew the impact of playing at the Juventus Stadium, as we’ve been here before. It was a good second half and we kept Juve on their toes to the end.”

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

Socrates · January 23, 2017

JUVENTUS - LAZIO

2-0

Paulo Dybala 5'

Gonzalo Higuaín 16'

MATCHDAY 21

Sunday, January 22nd, 2017 - 12:30 p.m.
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Davide Massa

Higuain: 'Juve can play like this'

<a href="http://oi68.tinypic.com/2qd4xw5.jpg" target="_blank">View Raw Image</a>

http://www.football-italia.net/97266/higuain-juve-can-play

Jan 22, 2017

Gonzalo Higuain enjoyed the new all-attack Juventus approach after a 2-0 win over Lazio. “We’ve proved we can play like this.”

Max Allegri started with Higuain, Paulo Dybala, Mario Mandzukic, Juan Cuadrado and Miralem Pjanic.

“We have always been convinced of our capabilities and it’s normal with a more attacking system we all need to track back and help out in defence, but today we proved that we can play like this,” Pipita told Sky Sport Italia.

“We knew it would be difficult against a strong Lazio side, but we did everything to bring home the result.”

Did Juventus sweep away the doubts that arose after their 2-1 defeat to Fiorentina?

“The only ones with doubts were the media. We knew full well that we made mistakes and proved ourselves in every other game. Lazio didn’t threaten us in the slightest today.”

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

Socrates · January 23, 2017

JUVENTUS - LAZIO

2-0

Paulo Dybala 5'

Gonzalo Higuaín 16'

MATCHDAY 21

Sunday, January 22nd, 2017 - 12:30 p.m.
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Davide Massa

Allegri: New Juventus formation was

a mad idea but we played great

The Serie A champions picked up a comfortable 2-0 win over Lazio with a

4-2-3-1 system, which the coach admits was a spur of the moment decision.

<a href="http://oi66.tinypic.com/qwwq46.jpg" target="_blank">View Raw Image</a>

http://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/683/main/2017/01/22/31834132/-

Jan 22, 2017

Massimiliano Allegri admits his bold new Juventus system was a "mad idea", but is thrilled with how it worked against Lazio.

Juve lined up in a new 4-2-3-1 formation, which included Mario Mandzukic playing as a winger in a team that also contained Paulo Dybala and Gonzalo Higuain – the first time the attacking trio have played together in Serie A this season.

The system worked a treat, with Dybala and Higuain sending Allegri's men two goals up in Turin within 16 minutes.

Paulo Dybala Mario Mandzukic Juventus Lazio Serie A

Paulo Dybala Juventus Lazio Serie A

Juve held on for a comfortable victory with Gianluigi Buffon having nothing to do aside from two simple saves early in the second half, leaving Allegri pondering using the system again in the future.

"I am not much of a theorist, but every now and then I come up with a mad idea and try it on the pitch," Allegri said to Sky Italia.

"During the week I had not even thought about it, but after a training session the next morning I thought, 'I have to change something'.

"I had said in the press conference on Saturday that it was an option, but nobody expected me to actually do it!

"I don't have to make anyone happy. The important thing is to be sure what you are doing.

"Mandzukic has gone back in time because he played in that role when he was much younger. He also has a never-ending engine and wasn't even tired at full-time. He did very well defending and in terms of technique.

"The system is certainly one option we can use. Everyone was involved and played a great game as a team.

"Even with so many attacking players, we allowed little or nothing to Lazio. We made a few mistakes and could have had many more goals."

Juve's victory in what was Allegri's 300th match as a Serie A head coach moved them four points clear of Scudetto rivals Roma, who face Cagliari later on Sunday, at the top of the table.

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

Socrates · January 23, 2017

JUVENTUS - LAZIO

2-0

Paulo Dybala 5'

Gonzalo Higuaín 16'

MATCHDAY 21

Sunday, January 22nd, 2017 - 12:30 p.m.
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Davide Massa

Allegri: I came up with a mad idea!

Manager’s post-match comments after Juve beat Lazio

<a href="http://oi63.tinypic.com/21353fc.jpg" target="_blank">View Raw Image</a>

http://www.blackwhitereadallover.com/2017/1/22/14350390/allegri-i-

came-up-with-a-mad-idea-4-2-3-1-formation-dybala-higuain-mandzukic

Jan 22, 2017

Juventus manager Massimiliano basked in the glory of his ‘mad idea’ as his new-look 4-2-3-1 swept aside Lazio in the opening quarter of an hour, rendering the rest of the game moot.

His offensive juggernaut featured Miralem Pjanic in a deeper role alongside Sami Khedira, with Mario Mandzukic and Juan Cuadrado in wider roles. Paulo Dybala played behind lone striker Gonzalo Higuain, and both bagged an early goal each.

"During the week I had not even thought about it, but after a training session the next morning I thought, 'I have to change something'.

"I had said in the press conference on Saturday that it was an option, but nobody expected me to actually do it!

“I don’t have to make anyone happy. I am not much of a theorist, but every now and then I come up with a mad idea and try it on the pitch. The important thing is to be sure what you’re doing.”

The Croat, with his tireless work ethic, looked well-suited to the left wing position as he charged up and down the byline all game long.

"Mandzukic has gone back in time because he played in that role when he was much younger. He also has a never-ending engine and wasn't even tired at full-time. He did very well defending and in terms of technique.”

The formation is certainly quite popular in the continent, and he was asked if he would use it again.

"The system is certainly one option we can use. Everyone was involved and played a great game as a team.

"Even with so many attacking players, we allowed little or nothing to Lazio. We made a few mistakes and could have had many more goals."

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

Socrates · January 23, 2017

JUVENTUS - LAZIO

2-0

Paulo Dybala 5'

Gonzalo Higuaín 16'

MATCHDAY 21

Sunday, January 22nd, 2017 - 12:30 p.m.
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Davide Massa

Juventus go all-out attack and prosper

with comfortable win vs. Lazio

<a href="http://oi68.tinypic.com/zsoh8k.jpg" target="_blank">View Raw Image</a>

http://www.espnfc.co.uk/club/juventus/111/blog/post/3044239/juventus

-go-with-attacking-approach-and-prosper-with-win-vs-lazio

Jan 22, 2017

To mark his 300th Serie A match as coach, Massimiliano Allegri fielded a fearlessly attacking side to defeat Lazio 2-0 at home, their 27th consecutive home league win.

Unveiling a 4-2-3-1 formation, Allegri fielded a marvellous, dynamic side that started the match with a point to prove. Pressing high up the pitch and playing at a high tempo, Juventus needed just five minutes to open the scoring against a dumbfounded Lazio side. The Aquile have struggled to impose themselves in matches against the top clubs and Juve's energy and offensive might was simply too much for a Lazio team that is still developing and occasionally surrenders to intimidation.

Doubling their lead early on, Juventus then controlled the game with intelligence thereafter to send a signal to their critics: when they play at their highest level, they are simply unstoppable.

Positives

Allegri's decision to play all his attacking players at once was not only courageous, but a masterstroke. Their ferociousness in the final third ensured defensive solidity and helped the side recover the balance they've lacked for much of the season. When the Bianconeri play with intensity and desire, they are not only beautiful to watch but quite possibly the best Europe, let alone Italy, has to offer.

Negatives

The side deserve nothing but praise for responding so well to their critics with this performance but Juventus should have scored more goals. So many golden opportunities were squandered and against better sides, Juve must prove more efficient in order to ensure comfortable victories.

Manager rating out of 10

9 -- On paper the team looked completely unbalanced yet only a coach of Allegri's intelligence can manage to make it work on the pitch, with the team working in tandem to ensure defensive solidity despite the overload of attacking players. The coach deserves top marks for choosing to be courageous at a time critics predicted his demise. This is how a tactician revives a side's fighting mentality.

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

GK Gianluigi Buffon, 6 -- His presence was barely required yet he was always alert and ready.

DF Stephan Lichtsteiner, 7 -- On Sunday, the full-back was simply incredible when it came to offering an outlet for any pass. Always tactically on point, he ran, opened up avenues and initiated the attack that led to the first goal with an accurate cross and great vision.

DF Leonardo Bonucci, 7 -- A brilliant performance from a player on top of his game. Ensuring composure and control at the back, he even made a forward's run into the box, nearly scoring.

DF Giorgio Chiellini, 6 -- A few dubious clearances here and there but overall the defender ensured aerial safety and physical strength at the back.

DF Kwadwo Asamoah, 6 -- The best at recovering possession, Asamoah was reliable on the left, pushing forward with strength and ensuring he remained alert defensively.

MF Sami Khedira, 7 -- Asked to be the responsible man in midfield, Khedira shielded the defence, grabbed control of the game and fought to ensure superiority. Tactically intelligent, this was a courageous and well-rounded performance.

MF Miralem Pjanic, 7 -- Played in a different role than usual, Pjanic ensured technical brilliance in midfield, launching forwards, maintaining possession and showing more aggression than usual.

MF Juan Cuadrado, 6 -- A great cross led to Higuain scoring the second goal. His pace makes the difference and he alternated well with Lichtsteiner. While his passing game has improved, he perhaps ought to have made more of an impression in a formation suited to his characteristics.

MF Paulo Dybala, 7 -- Scored a spectacular opening goal to demonstrate his technique while his movement going forward overwhelmed Lazio and ensured his side's superiority. It's a shame he struggled to convert easier goal scoring opportunities thereafter.

MF Mario Mandzukic, 8 -- Has there even been a harder working forward? He made all the right runs, exploited space beautifully, provided the assist for the first goal and tracked back to regain possession and ensure defensive safety. His commitment to the win deserved the relentless applause.

FW Gonzalo Higuain, 8 -- His movement was excellent, his timing perfect and he was a predator in the box, scoring one goal and helping pull defenders out of position. More importantly, he was happy to deliver perfect passes for his teammates, ones that should have been converted. Intelligent, determined and ambitious.

Substitutes

DF Andrea Barzagli, NR -- Refused to take any chances at the back.

MF Tomas Rincon, NR -- Only on for a few minutes.

FW Marko Pjaca, NR -- Only on briefly but wasted a good opportunity to add to the score. His talent is obvious and continuity will ensure efficiency.

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

Socrates · January 23, 2017

JUVENTUS - LAZIO

2-0

Paulo Dybala 5'

Gonzalo Higuaín 16'

MATCHDAY 21

Sunday, January 22nd, 2017 - 12:30 p.m.
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Davide Massa

Massimiliano Allegri hails 'big'

Juventus response against Lazio

<a href="http://oi65.tinypic.com/3338vu8.jpg" target="_blank">View Raw Image</a>

http://www.espnfc.co.uk/juventus/story/3044281/massimiliano

-allegri-hails-big-juventus-response-against-lazio

Jan 23, 2017

Massimiliano Allegri has urged his side to believe in their own greatness after Juventus returned to winning ways against Lazio.

Allegri named a bold lineup, with Paulo Dybala, Gonzalo Higuain, Mario Mandzukic and Juan Cuadrado all starting, and it paid dividends.

Juve were 2-0 up inside 16 minutes through Dybala and Higuain and the only disappointment was they could not convert a number of chances to make the victory even more emphatic.

Allegri got the reaction he had been hoping for after last weekend's loss to Fiorentina, and he said on juventus.com: "Today we had great responsibility on our shoulders.

"The players responded really well and they deserve the credit for this performance. I asked them to play as a team and they did so.

"Besides hunger and desire, which you need to win any game, the team played well from a technical perspective. The two must go hand in hand. Of course, we could have done better in the final third but I'm pleased because we gave a big response.

"The team have to keep this tempo up whatever formation we operate in. We must be aware of how good we are and have belief in ourselves and our ability, even though to make the step up in the Champions League we have to be a little bit meaner.''

Lazio are now eight points behind Serie A leaders Juve having played a game more, and manager Simone Inzaghi bemoaned his side's start.

He said on sslazio.it: "We knew it would be difficult this game. If you concede two goals in the first 15 minutes it becomes even more complicated.

"I had hoped for a different approach to the match. We conceded two goals that we could have avoided. From tomorrow we will analyse our mistakes. These games help us to grow.

"I would have preferred to have played another type of game - it is the first time that we lost deservedly.''

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

Socrates · January 23, 2017

JUVENTUS - LAZIO

2-0

Paulo Dybala 5'

Gonzalo Higuaín 16'

MATCHDAY 21

Sunday, January 22nd, 2017 - 12:30 p.m.
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Davide Massa

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

Imperious Juventus brush aside limp Lazio

A stylish Juventus overwhelmed Lazio thanks to a fantastic first-half performance.

<a href="http://oi67.tinypic.com/x3a9uw.jpg" target="_blank">View Raw Image</a>

http://www.blackwhitereadallover.com/2017/1/23/14350692/

juventus-lazio-2017-serie-a-round-20-final-score-recap-result

Jan 23, 2017

After the hugely disappointing loss against Fiorentina, Juventus were looking to bounce back at home against the high-flying Lazio side. Despite the eventful happenings off the pitch, there was no time to lose focus as games are coming thick and fast in the month of January. Juventus certainly didn’t disappoint as they secured a 2-0 home victory against Lazio thanks to goals from Paulo Dybala and Gonzalo Higuaín in a mesmerizing first-half attacking display.

The home side began in absolutely breathtaking attacking pace, seemingly justifying Max Allegri’s tactical changes. After a mere five minutes on the clock, Juventus found the breakthrough as Stephan Lichtsteiner, returning to the starting lineup after suspension, lofted a ball towards Mario Mandzukic, who cushioned a header into the path of Dybala. The Argentine genius didn’t hesitate for a second as he strode confidently towards the ball and unleashed a sizzling strike on the half-volley past a helpless Federico Marchetti in goal: 1-0! There was a barely believable intensity and pace to the game in the opening 15 minutes as Allegri’s men played like men possessed. This drive and purpose paid dividends again as Juventus found the back of the net for the second time a few minutes later. Once again, some neat passing play down the right resulted in Juan Cuadrado playing an inch-perfect cross towards Higuaín, who snuck ahead of Stefan De Vrij and prodded the ball into goal with the sole of his boot: 2-0!

Lazio were completely shell-shocked as the home side continued to pile on the pressure and attack with precision and purpose. Nevertheless, the visitors managed to get their first “chance” of the game through Sergej Milinkovic-Savic, as he picked up a loose clearance on the edge of the box and fired an effort narrowly wide of the post. Higuaín later thought he had scored his second of the game after heading a Dybala free-kick delivery into goal, but it was correctly disallowed for offside.

Nevertheless, Lazio finally seemed to have shaken off the attacking onslaught and started to grow in confidence as the half came to an end. They recorded a few consecutive corners and shots on goal but the Juventus backline stood firm to the test. Buffon was finally called into action for the first time of the game, although it came in somewhat peculiar fashion. The veteran goalkeeper rushed out of his goal to slide in on Ciro Immobile by the corner flag after the striker had broken through behind the defense. Thankfully, Gigi Buffon just about got the ball and managed to secure the goal kick, but it was an adrenaline rush that certainly gave the fans a scare as the first half came to an end. The last chance of the half came courtesy of Leonardo Bonucci after the defender did well to stop a Lazio attack and then surge forward on the counter, but he could only volley a Higuaín cross narrowly wide of the far post.

Lazio continued to grow into the game further in the second half as they secured a few corners and shots on goal. Juventus eased off the intensity as the game progressed which certainly allowed Lazio to gain a greater foothold in the game. The visitors continued to push forward through Milinkovic-Savic and Felipe Anderson and while the hosts didn’t concede any extremely threatening chances on goal, it was still frustrating to see them clearly take their foot off the gas due to their (comfortable?) two-goal lead.

The Bianconeri finally regained some control of the game and managed to secure two huge chances through Dybala. First, he drilled a low shot just wide of the post after a wonderful counterattack and then he stabbed the ball wide after a magnificent reverse pass from his compatriot Higuaín put him through on goal. Juventus were on the ascendancy again, as Mandzukic got into the mix on a few occasions but his headers were dealt with by the Lazio defense and goalkeeper Marchetti. The most threatening moment in the second half for the visitors came after a neat triangle on the edge of the Juventus box resulted in Milinkovic-Savic chipping an exquisite ball towards the onrushing Marco Parolo, but Bonucci made a crucial last-ditch interception to deny the midfielder a goal that would certainly have put the hosts in a nervous bother in the final 15-minutes of the game.

Marko Pjaca then replaced Higuaín for his customary five-minute cameo and could have grabbed a goal or two in those few minutes. The young Croatian first exchanged some tidy passes with Cuadrado and Miralem Pjanic in midfield and surged forward into the box. Cuadrado drilled in a low cross to the youngster but he completely scuffed his chance and sent his effort high and wide of the target. He was later bundled over in the box by Felipe Anderson in what very well could have been a late penalty, but the referee waved play on. In the last chance of the match, Pjaca headed over a cross by Pjanic much to the frustration of the injury-plagued youngster who still goes on in search of his maiden Juventus goal.

Nevertheless, a great 2-0 victory for Juventus in their 27th consecutive home win!

Le Pagelle

BUFFON 6.5 – A few easy shots and a scary, but impressive tackle on Immobile aside, he had basically nothing to do. Probably caught a lot of sunshine, though!

ASAMOAH 7 – Really assured, confident performance by Asamoah. His defensive side was absolutely on point too as Lombardi (and later Felipe Anderson) didn’t have a second of joy during the game.

BONUCCI 7 – Had Immobile in his back pocket all day and passed well out of the back.

CHIELLINI 7 – Played very confidently in tandem with Bonucci. The two of them had things locked up at the back.

LICHTSTEINER 7.5 – I give him a bit more because the majority of the (best) attacking play came from the right side. Although him and Cuadrado seem to be on different wavelengths at times, they did well in providing the majority of the team’s offensive output.

KHEDIRA 7 – Didn’t set a foot wrong all game, but will be feeling a little dizzy after that unpleasant clash of heads with Chiellini in the first half. Khedira and Pjanic played a fantastic double-pivot block in front of the defense together.

PJANIC 7.5 – Quiet, but assured performance. He obviously had to be reserved offensively because of all the attacking firepower that was on the pitch at the same time, hence he orchestrated the play brilliantly and quietly from deep instead.

CUADRADO 7 – Overall a good performance but like I said above, sometimes his relationship/passing with Lichtsteiner is terribly confusing. Great cross for the assist though (curiously, Whoscored gave him a man-of-the-match rating).

Juventus focused their attacks almost solely (46%) on the right wing

MANDZUKIC 7.5 – His role was mainly a defensive one on Sunday, but showed his offensive class with the wonderfully cushioned header to Dybala for the opening goal. He also showed some surprisingly deft footwork at times while his physical presence on the left wing really helped our defensive solidity.

HIGUAÍN 7.5 – He doesn’t need many chances to score and he showed that here again today. Very well-taken goal and, as usual, his hold-up play was fantastic. That reverse pass to Dybala in the second half for his missed chance was absolutely glorious as well.

DYBALA 7.5 – All-action performance by the Argentine. Missed chances, a wonderful goal, and an overall elegant display. I would have given him a bit more had he buried those late chances that would have put the gloss on the result.

Subs

BARZAGLI 7 – As usual, a flawless display by Barzagli in the 15 short minutes he played in the second half.

RINCÓN N/A – Short substitute display for El General but I liked his tenacity and physical presence in the midfield combined with his tranquility when in possession.

PJACA N/A – Yet another five-minute cameo which is especially surprising because Mandzukic was played out of position on the left wing. Could have had a goal or two but didn’t quite get enough on his two efforts on goal while he even could have won a penalty due to a clumsy Felipe Anderson tackle.

Manager

ALLEGRI 8 – Full credit to Il Mister for this one because he got the tactics spot on today. He won the midfield game as the physical presence of Khedira, deep-lying playmaking skills of Pjanic, and intelligent movement by Dybala overwhelmed Lazio in midfield. Cuadrado and Lichtsteiner dominated the right wing while Mandzukic kept things solid on the left. As much as the decision to play the striker out of position and leave Pjaca kicking his heels on the bench yet again, it clearly paid massive dividends as Lazio were never really in the game.

Tactical Analysis: Change

All eyes were on Juventus on Sunday due to Allegri’s tactical surprise in his starting lineup. Though there were suspicions it would be a 3-4-1-2, it was indeed a 4-2-3-1 with Mandzukic on the left and playing Dybala deeper as trequartista. Hence, today’s tactical feature sees us cast our eyes primarily on our beloved Bianconeri.

Khedira and Pjanic playing very deep as a double pivot, both on the exact same level

Pjanic and Khedira held a solid double pivot deep in midfield and rarely, if ever, ventured forward. This was completely understandable as the side required a bit more defensive balance given all the attacking players on the pitch at the same time. Come to think of it, I think this is probably the most attacking Juventus starting lineup I’ve ever seen Allegri play: only three recognized defenders in the squad and one defensive-minded midfielder. Mandzukic, however, didn’t really venture forward and played a very disciplined, almost Simone-Pepe-esque, defensive role on the left wing. It was no surprise then to see that 46 percent of Juventus attacks — and both goals — came from the right wing. Furthermore, Dybala played an intelligent deeper role in order to exploit the space in midfield due to Lazio’s disjointed press. The Argentine’s movement was also very useful in creating the 3rd man in central midfield in order to prevent a numerical deficiency in that zone.

Dybala (circled) almost as a third central midfielder here. This was especially useful because Milinkovic-Savic, for some reason, thought he was a striker so constantly played extremely high up the pitch, thus deserting his midfield comrades.

The midfield battle, though, was a curious one. I expected Juventus to struggle because I thought there might be too much space between the Khedira-Pjanic tandem and the attacking quartet. However, this is where Dybala was again so crucial because he tied the side together by dropping deep and harassing (especially) Lucas Biglia in that space.

The chasm in the Lazio midfield was embarrassingly large: Dybala could do little else than exploit it

In the above picture we once again see Khedira and Pjanic playing very deep in order to build the Juventus attack. However, Lazio have pressed them high up the pitch but in a very half-hearted, disjointed manner. Hence, the blue circle shows the gaping hole in midfield which Dybala is in prime position to exploit. Who knows, if Lazio had pressed in a bit more organized fashion, it could very well have been a different story for the Romans. It was also quite confusing to figure out Lazio’s formation/game plan after the substitutions. It seemed like a peculiar fusion between a 4-2-4, 4-3-3, and 4-4-2 and this confusion didn’t help their structure in midfield:

Look at the distances between the defense, midfield, and attack for Lazio here. Poor Parolo (center of the picture, underlined) is left to fend for himself

For some reason, Inzaghi still chose to neglect his side’s left wing despite the fact that everything good offensively for Juventus came from that side of the pitch. All in all, Lazio’s gameplan — emphasis on Milinkovic-Savic’s movement and the positioning of the front three — was difficult to understand for me as I took notes throughout the course of the game.

Left-back Jordan Lukaku (underlined; under the scoreboard) is the only Lazio player on the left wing.

Back to winning ways!

This was one of the most entertaining Juventus games I’ve watched in a while and was reminiscent of the exciting Derby della Mole from a month ago (note: I missed the Coppa game vs. Atalanta). It was a team performance and I found it hard to really pick out a man-of-the-match: everyone raised their game to new heights after the pitiful loss against Fiorentina last week. The Bianconeri made an in-form Lazio look particularly average thanks to their fantastic intensity, crisp passing, high tempo game, and the boisterous crowd roaring them on throughout the game. A tricky Coppa Italia game against Milan on Wednesday awaits us next, but if Juventus can bring Sunday’s swagger and energy to that matchup, it promises to be another wonderful game!

Forza Juve!

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

Socrates · January 23, 2017

JUVENTUS - LAZIO

2-0

Paulo Dybala 5'

Gonzalo Higuaín 16'

MATCHDAY 21

Sunday, January 22nd, 2017 - 12:30 p.m.
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Davide Massa

Bonucci thanks Lazio fans

<a href="http://oi67.tinypic.com/ebct8p.jpg" target="_blank">View Raw Image</a>

http://www.football-italia.net/97295/bonucci-thanks-lazio-fans

Jan 23, 2017

Juventus defender Leonardo Bonucci has thanked Lazio fans who dedicated a song to his son Matteo on Sunday.

The Bianconeri won the game 2-0 at Juventus stadium, but the away supporters took time to dedicate a chant to the youngster, who has seemingly now recovered from an unknown illness.

"Thanks to the Lazio fans for the song at the end. Respect and honor to you," the Italian international wrote on his Instagram page.

Bonucci then commented on a return to form for the Bianconeri, after a defeat to Fiorentina in the previous round.

"This is the very soul of Juve. It does not matter how, it doesn’t matter who. What counts is how we take to the field.

"That we play as eleven in both halves. A spirit of struggle, sacrifice and availability. The road is this. Now full speed ahead."

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

Socrates · January 23, 2017

JUVENTUS - LAZIO

2-0

Paulo Dybala 5'

Gonzalo Higuaín 16'

MATCHDAY 21

Sunday, January 22nd, 2017 - 12:30 p.m.
Juventus Stadium, Turin
Referee: Davide Massa

Juventus 2-0 Lazio Match Review and Player Ratings

<a href="http://oi63.tinypic.com/2ibyon9.jpg" target="_blank">View Raw Image</a>

http://www.juvefc.com/juventus-2-0-lazio/

Jan 23, 2017

Player Ratings

Buffon – Largely untested, one of his quietest games for many moons. Made one routine save down low, other than which was a spectator. 6

Chiellini – Upped his game, as he had to, and kept the foes at bay with a focused outing. 6.5

Bonucci – Stuck to his defensive duties, which was needed after his last outing. Rarely stepped out of defence, though when he did, the big fella almost scored!6.5

Lichsteiner – We are so much more solid defensively with Stephan in the side. He was fine at the back, offered little going forward as Cuadrado was occupying that role. 6.5

Asamoah – Brilliant to see him reprising his LB/LWB role with such zeal. Got up and down the flank well, showed improved stamina. I am confident we would be fine if Evra leaves and Asamoah continues to deputise for Sandro. 7

Measured, top drawer effort from Big Sami

Khedira– Finally got to see the German deployed deep and he was a fulcrum for the offensive endeavour as much as a solid screen for the defence. One of his most valuable games for a while. 7

Pjanic – Showed great intelligence, positional discipline and was always a fleet footed, quick thinking outlet for the defence. He is certainly blossoming of late, no matter where we play him. 7

Mandzukic – CML is an odd role to see the giant croat tasked with, yet he was a success. Not only his perfectly cushioned header for the assist but his discipline in terms of maintaining a physical presence in that area of the field. His fitness is supreme as is his dedication to the cause and selflessness. 7.5

Cuadrado – Yes yes! He produced a superb cross for the second goal. Besides this he was abject to average. His pace and trickery is useful, but the value more often than not proves flashes in the pan. 6.5

Dybala – Scored a sumptuous opener, and should have had a hatrick. He needs to work on his composure. Yet at least he is finding himself in several goalscoring chances per game. Will prove more prolific if as in this tie, he has less work deep and can focus on finding space in the final third. 7

Higuain – Led the line strongly, took his goal smartly and dragged the defenders all over the place. Gonzalo has 14 goals from 15 starts in Serie A. Fine form indeed. 7.5

Pjaca – I cannot wait until we see the young Croat play a full ninety minutes, for his chances created per minute must be ever so high. He came close twice, the goals will come. Progress. 7

Barzargli – Appeared late to shore up the defence and fared well enough. 6.5

Rincon – Got himself involved at both ends of the field. Little time to impress. 6

Allegri surprised many with his selection and tactics. Some of which could be down to a lack of confidence in Hernanes and Sturaro, or perhaps he just rolled the dice whilst assuming with five very offensive players on the field we would outscore out opponents. Whatever the reason behind the change, it worked.

The first 20-30 minutes saw us extremely dominant against a decent side. We were finally playing quality football. And for a period, we looked like causing carnage every time we went forward.

We slowed down in the second half, yet still created a handful of gilt edged chances. With Lazio creating close to nothing in turn. This was a vastly improved performance, which was needed, but still we looked rusty in some moves, and are far away from meeting even the sum of our parts let alone anything more spectacular.

What this performance and result does suggest, not prove, is that we have so much talent up top and at the back we need not focus on winning a midfield battle against all but the strongest opponents.

markopjaca-cropped_doz2ecantrdg18yq4fk0t

Had Dybala or Pjaca taken their chances, we would have won 4 or 5-0, and it would have been merited. We must learn how to truly kill teams off. For only Higuain appears capable of gobbling up every solid opening he finds. Without his world class striking prowess we would be far worse off.

Still, let us consider the many positives. We did not look frail. A clean sheet, rarely threatened. An assist or goal for each of the front four and we should have won more handsomely. Also…no more injuries.

Will Allegri be brave enough to adopt the same winning system against Milan if Marchisio is fit? I do not believe so. He lacks the cunning of Khedira, and the physicality. Regardless of such ponderings, we sent a message to the league and beyond; Juve remain a very dangerous side and our home record is indomitable.

With more players finally coming back to full fitness, we can resume a hopeful attitude towards the business end of the season.

forza juve

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

Socrates · January 25, 2017

JUVENTUS - MILAN

COPPA ITALIA TIM - QUARTERFINALS

Wednesday, January 25th 2017 - 08:45 p.m.

Juventus Stadium - Turin

Referee: Massimiliano Irrati

JUVENTUS VS. AC MILAN: 2017 COPPA ITALIA

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2688736-juventus-vs

-ac-milan-2017-italian-coppa-italia-live-stream-tv-info

Jan 24, 2017

Juventus welcome AC Milan to Turin in the quarter-final of the 2017 Coppa Italia on Wednesday, as the hosts attempt to retain the trophy they have won for the past two years.

It's been 14 years since the Rossoneri last won the competition, and victory against the Old Lady will leave them well placed to succeed in the last four.

Juve have dominated football in their country for several seasons, but Milan are in the process of rebuilding after slipping to the status of fallen giants.

Preview

Juve continue to dominate the Italian league despite the loss of major talent over the past three seasons. The Turin club have not slipped from the perch in Serie A, and they once again lead the division going into the second half of the season.

The hosts have been magnificent at the Juventus Stadium this term and have won 16 out of 20 matches played in the domestic league.

Milan lie 11 points behind their opponents in Serie A and will need to produce a rare performance to advance to the semi-final stage to meet either Napoli or Fiorentina.

The Milanese have boosted their squad options with the loan capture of Everton forward Gerard Deulofeu, who has signed until the summer, according to BBC Sport.

It is unclear whether Vincenzo Montella will throw the talented attacker into the starting lineup against Juve, but his flair and talent on the counter could be useful for the San Siro club.

The player was at his most productive last season, providing two goals and eight assists in the Premier League, according to WhoScored.com.

Juve are currently favouring an overtly attacking formation as Massimiliano Allegri utilises his star talent.

The Old Lady swept past Lazio in their previous match, winning 2-0, and recorded their 27th consecutive home win.

Mina Rzouki of ESPN FC highlighted Juve's tactics against the Rome club:

Allegri's decision to play all his attacking players at once was not only courageous, but a masterstroke. Their ferociousness in the final third ensured defensive solidity and helped the side recover the balance they've lacked for much of the season. When the Bianconeri play with intensity and desire, they are not only beautiful to watch but quite possibly the best Europe, let alone Italy, has to offer.

Intimidation could prove to play a major role in the result against Milan, and it is doubtful they will be able to stop the hosts finding the net.

Juventus' forward Gonzalo Higuain from Argentina celebrates after scoring during the Serie A football match Juventus vs Lazio on January 22, 2017 at the Juventus Stadium in Turin. / AFP / MARCO BERTORELLO (Photo credit should read MARCO BERTORELLO

MARCO BERTORELLO/Getty Images

Gonzalo Higuain is in top form in Serie A, scoring 14 goals in 15 starts, according to WhoScored. The striker is at the peak of his powers, and Milan do not have the mobility to cope with him. However, the visitors' conservative defence has seen them tighten up this term, and they have conceded only seven times in Serie A, despite their unimpressive position of seventh.

Allegri might choose to rotate his options in the cup, and with the UEFA Champions League ready to resume after its winter break, he will be aware of the commitments ahead in February and March.

Juve will attempt to prioritise and consolidate their position at the top of Serie A, with one eye on the round of 16 in Europe. The Old Lady only hold a one-point advantage over Roma in the league, and they will want to keep their squad fresh for the bigger challenges ahead.

Socrates · January 25, 2017

Gullit: ‘Juventus can win CL’

http://www.football-italia.net/97330/gullit-‘juventus-can-win-cl’

Jan 24, 2017

Milan legend Ruud Gullit believes Juventus “can do it” in the Champions League this season.

The Bianconeri have won five Scudetti in a row, as well as two consecutive victories in the Coppa Italia, but European success has so far eluded them.

“They can do it,” Gullit told Gazzetta dello Sport.

“I already saw them in the final in Berlin [in 2015] and I can’t pick a favourite this year. The most important thing is to get to the end of the season in top form.”

Gullit is no stranger to European success, having won back-to-back European Cups with the Rossoneri, and he reflected on a match against Red Star on the way to that first triumph.

“On the pitch [Roberto] Donadoni took that hit, and everyone thought he was almost dead.

“In the dressing room at half-time we heard an announcement in Slavic over the loudspeaker followed by a chorus of boos.

“When the message was repeated in Italian we understood: the loudspeaker said that Donadoni was out of danger and the fans booed that.

“It enraged us, fired us up and that’s part of the reason we won. Later, their director came onto our bus to apologise and we sent him away.

“[Coach Arrigo] Sacchi was ahead of his time, a master of organisation. The secret was the repetition of training exercises. We’d attack with 11 against six, two central midfielders and four defenders and we never scored.

“Sacchi would then remove the two midfielders and even then we couldn’t score, the defence was so well organised that all you could do was shoot from distance.”

Socrates · January 25, 2017

JUVENTUS - MILAN

COPPA ITALIA TIM - QUARTERFINALS

Wednesday, January 25th 2017 - 08:45 p.m.

Juventus Stadium - Turin

Referee: Massimiliano Irrati

Montella: ‘I hope Juventus are angry’

http://www.football-italia.net/97338/montella-‘i-hope-juventus-are-angry’

Jan 24, 2017

Milan Coach Vincenzo Montella insists “I hope Juventus are angry” as “when you’re angry you’re less lucid”.

The Bianconeri have lost their last two meetings with the Diavolo, including the Supercoppa Italiana at the end of December.

After the response of Max Allegri’s side to their Fiorentina defeat, it has been suggested they’ll be out for revenge in the Coppa Italia, but the Rossoneri Coach doesn’t fear the Old Lady’s anger.

“I hope they’re angry, because when you’re angry you’re less lucid,” Montella pointed out in his pre-match Press conference.

“I doubt that will be the case though, as they’re too experienced. We’ll try to go through.

“Max Allegri? It will be a difficult game, regardless of the challenge between the two Coaches.

“They can change formation and players, and they can change during the match. It’s important that there’s growth on our side.

“I think the game on Saturday [a 2-1 defeat to Napoli] has left us with a bit of bitterness because of what we offered against a strong team.

“We played at least on par with them, we had more of the ball than Napoli, a clear territorial supremacy and we were pushed higher up.

“We played with boldness and a great mindset, and we have to keep that mentality while improving our game management.

“We want to play for our chance tomorrow, because the Coppa Italia is an important objective for the club.”

Gerard Deulofeu finally completed his move to San Siro yesterday, and Montella was full of praise for the Everton loanee.

“He’s a player I know very well, because I’ve been following him for some time. He has all the talent in the world, but hasn’t expressed it fully.

“One of my tasks will be to see why, because he’s a very strong player. We signed him to play him.

“We’ll see how he is physically, but he’s keen to make his mark.

“Will he be in the squad? We’ll see, but I think we’ll take him with us.”

Accedi

JUVENTUS SEASON 2016-2017

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