JUVENTUS SEASON 2017-2018

[Socrates 8524]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

JUVENTUS - CROTONE

 

            .........

 

  .......... 

 

 

 

14th Matchday

 

Sunday, november 26th 2017 - 08:45 p.m. CET 

07.45 p.m. UK time - 06.45 p.m. GMT
Allianz Stadium - Turin
Referee: Claudio Gavillucci

 

 

 

 

Cuadrado to miss Crotone

 

 

http://www.football-italia.net/113278/cuadrado-miss-crotone

 

 

Nov 24, 2017

 

Juventus have confirmed that winger Juan Cuadrado will miss their Serie A match against Crotone on Sunday with a thigh injury.

 

A medical report on Juve’s official website explained Cuadrado missed training on Friday due to “an inflammation in his right adductor muscle” and will consequently be out of contention for this weekend.

 

Elsewhere, Federico Bernardeschi and Giorgio Chiellini “continue to work separately”, while Marko Pjaca will take part in the Bianconeri’s Primavera game against Sassuolo.

[Socrates 8524]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

JUVENTUS - CROTONE

 

            .........

 

  .......... 

 

 

 

14th Matchday

 

Sunday, november 26th 2017 - 08:45 p.m. CET 

07.45 p.m. UK time - 06.45 p.m. GMT
Allianz Stadium - Turin
Referee: Claudio Gavillucci

 

 

 

 

Allegri: 'Juventus not in crisis'

 

 

http://www.football-italia.net/113309/allegri-juventus-not-crisis

 

 

Nov 25, 2017

 

Massimiliano Allegri insists tactics are irrelevant compared to “attitude” and urged Juventus to “respect” Crotone. “It’s not a difficult moment at all.”

 

It kicks off on Sunday at 20.45 CET - 19.45 GMT.

 

“Mario Mandzukic will play tomorrow,” said the Coach in his Press conference.

 

He was asked about the new 3-4-2-1 formation tested against Barcelona, but complained it was being taken too literally.

 

“The numbers and systems you cite are too confusing, otherwise you make it seem like there are 12 players. The important thing is how we move when going forward and defending. What we need to improve is occupying the pitch, as at the moment we leave the midfield too empty when we’re in possession.

 

“Giorgio Chiellini, Juan Cuadrado and Federico Bernardeschi are out. Sami Khedira will rest, so the others are at our disposal. Gigi Buffon will start.

 

“Benedikt Howedes had a good training session yesterday. If he confirms that today, then he’s an option I could choose for tomorrow.

 

“Howedes has two good feet, he passes it well and starts moves from the back. He can play in a back three, either in the centre or centre-right, while he can also do well in a four-man defence. I’ll decide tomorrow whether we play with two or three midfielders.

 

“We played with four attacking players on Wednesday, the only difference was that Andrea Barzagli was more of a static full-back. It’s above all an issue of attitude. I am happy with what we did against Barcelona.

 

“Douglas Costa had a good game on Wednesday. He has extraordinary physical and technical capabilities, so can change the balance of a game. He proved himself up to the task against Barcelona.”

 

Despite criticism of that 0-0 draw, following on from the 3-2 Serie A loss to Sampdoria, Allegri is confident Juve are on track.

 

“Juve are not in a difficult moment at all. We must reach March in the best condition to be in the running for all our objectives. We are only missing two or three points in Serie A, not more than that. Napoli are in front because they are doing extraordinary things at the moment.

 

“In the Champions League, we are on track with the process we are meant to have. We are on the verge of qualification for the next round, which is the first objective right now for Juventus. We’ve got a very good chance in Athens with Olympiacos.

 

“We were in crisis two years ago, when 12 points from the top and really struggling. It’s not a crisis now. A year ago, we weren’t playing particularly good football, but still had a seven-point lead at the top of the table. You change when it is necessary.”

 

Alex Sandro looks a shadow of the player he was last season, so what has gone wrong?

 

“Nothing, it’s just that not every season is the same. He needs to find his fitness and already against Barcelona there were some improvements.

 

“We have some players who haven’t given their best for various reasons, yet we are on track in Serie A and the Champions League. That means we should be optimistic, because when we get better in terms of fitness and confidence, Juventus will put in a series of great performances.”

 

Tomorrow evening the Bianconeri host struggling Crotone at the Allianz Juventus Stadium.

 

“We must show great respect for Crotone, who defend well, attack in dangerous ways and never let go. We’ve got to stay focused throughout, because we wandered out of the game a few times against the smaller sides and paid a heavy price.

 

“With every year that goes by, it becomes more difficult for Juventus to win. We must be aware of the teams that have reinforced, have the objective to be the first side after six years to beat Juventus to the title, and that has to motivate us even more.

 

“Right now, the top five are breaking away from the rest, so you can trip up and find yourself falling from first to fifth in a heartbeat. The important thing will be to stay in the running until March, then the sprint finish will be great fun.”

 

[Socrates 8524]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

JUVENTUS - CROTONE

 

            .........

 

  .......... 

 

 

 

14th Matchday

 

Sunday, november 26th 2017 - 08:45 p.m. CET 

07.45 p.m. UK time - 06.45 p.m. GMT
Allianz Stadium - Turin
Referee: Claudio Gavillucci

 

 

 

 

Juventus squad for Crotone

 

 

http://www.football-italia.net/113329/juventus-squad-crotone

 

 

Nov 25, 2017

 

Juventus host Crotone with a 20-man squad, missing Giorgio Chiellini, Juan Cuadrado, Federico Bernardeschi and Marko Pjaca.

 

It kicks off on Sunday at 20.45 CET - 19.45 GMT.

 

Max Allegri confirmed Sami Khedira will rest tomorrow, but the absentee list includes Chiellini in defence, wingers Cuadrado, Bernardeschi and Pjaca.

 

Juventus squad for Crotone: Buffon, De Sciglio, Benatia, Pjanic, Marchisio, Higuain, Dybala, Douglas Costa, Alex Sandro, Matuidi, Barzagli, Pinsoglio, Mandzukic, Howedes, Asamoah, Szczesny, Rugani, Lichtsteiner, Sturaro, Bentancur

[Socrates 8524]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

JUVENTUS - CROTONE

 

            .........

 

  .......... 

 

 

 

14th Matchday

 

Sunday, november 26th 2017 - 08:45 p.m. CET 

07.45 p.m. UK time - 06.45 p.m. GMT
Allianz Stadium - Turin
Referee: Claudio Gavillucci

 

 

 

 

Higuain on bench for Juve?

 

 

http://www.football-italia.net/113357/higuain-bench-juve

 

 

Nov 26, 2017

 

It is reported that Gonzalo Higuain will not start Juventus’ Serie A clash with Crotone this evening.

 

Gazzetta dello Sport claim that the Argentine forward will begin proceedings on the bench at the Juventus Stadium, with Mario Mandzukic playing in the central role up front.

 

The Italian daily believes Paulo Dybala and Douglas Costa will offer support from behind against the Pitagorici in a match Juve must win in order to keep pace with new League leaders Inter.

 

It is said that, with criticial matches on the horizon against Napoli, Olympiacos and Inter, Old Lady Coach Max Allegri wants to take the opportunity to rest Higuain this evening.

[Socrates 8524]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Gomorrah early for Napoli-Juve fans

 

 

http://www.football-italia.net/113363/gomorrah-early-napoli-juve-fans

 

 

Nov 26, 2017

 

Napoli fans begging for Sky Italia to move Gomorrah so as to not clash with their Juventus match have been rewarded.

 

The Serie A showdown is on Friday at 19.45 GMT and would clash with two episodes of the hit television series.

 

With spoilers abundant, fans called on Sky to change the scheduling so they could embrace both icons of Neapolitan culture.

 

According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, the satellite television station listened to the appeals and have made a slight adjustment.

 

The two episodes of the third season coming up will be available via their ‘on demand’ service from Friday morning, so fans can watch those before going to the stadium or sitting in front of the television for the match.

[Socrates 8524]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

JUVENTUS - CROTONE

 

            .........

 

  .......... 

 

 

 

14th Matchday

 

Sunday, november 26th 2017 - 08:45 p.m. CET 

07.45 p.m. UK time - 06.45 p.m. GMT
Allianz Stadium - Turin
Referee: Claudio Gavillucci

 

 

 

 

Line-ups: Juventus-Crotone

 

 

http://www.football-italia.net/113396/line-ups-juventus-crotone

 

 

Nov 26, 2017

 

Gonzalo Higuain is benched and Benedikt Howedes makes his Juventus debut against Crotone this evening.

 

It kicks off in Turin at 20.45 CET - 19.45 GMT.

 

The Bianconeri have stuttered of late, falling 3-2 to Sampdoria before a midweek goalless Champions League stalemate with depleted Barcelona.

 

That result left their European ambitions in the balance, but it’s all about Serie A now, as they need to keep up the pace with leaders Napoli ahead of Friday’s trip to the Stadio San Paolo.

 

Giorgio Chiellini, Juan Cuadrado, Federico Bernardeschi and Marko Pjaca are injured, with Sami Khedira, Miralem Pjanic and Gonzalo Higuain rested.

 

This gives Mandzukic a rare chance to play as a centre-forward rather than on the left wing, which was his natural role until the switch last season.

 

German international Howedes finally gets his Serie A debut after a series of injury problems since joining over the summer in a 3-4-3 formation.

 

Crotone made the incredible comeback to secure safety on the final day of last season and hope to do it again this time around under Coach Davide Nicola.

 

It’s a return ‘home’ for Nicola, who spent much of his career at Juve’s bitter rivals Torino.

 

Aleksandar Tonev and Ante Budimir lead the way in a 4-4-2 formation with Rolando Mandragora eager to impress his parent club in midfield.

 

Marco Tumminello and Oliver Kragl are on the treatment table.

 

Juventus have never lost to Crotone. Having played four times in their history, the Bianconeri have amassed a 13-0 aggregate scoreline in the four matches played.

 

 

Juventus: Buffon; Barzagli, Benatia, Höwedes; Lichtsteiner, Matuidi, Marchisio, Alex Sandro; Douglas Costa, Mandzukic, Dybala

 

Crotone: Cordaz; Sampirisi, Ajeti, Ceccherini, Pavlovic; Rohden, Barberis, Mandragora, Nalini; Budimir, Tonev

[Socrates 8524]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

JUVENTUS - CROTONE

 

            .........

 

  .......... 

 

 

 

14th Matchday

 

Sunday, november 26th 2017 - 08:45 p.m. CET 

07.45 p.m. UK time - 06.45 p.m. GMT
Allianz Stadium - Turin
Referee: Claudio Gavillucci

 

 

 

 

HT 0-0: Crotone frustrate Juventus

 

 

http://www.football-italia.net/113396/line-ups-juventus-crotone

 

 

Nov 26, 2017

 

Juventus have been frustrated by a defensive Crotone and are unable to get away from the 0-0 result at half-time.

 

Max Allegri switched things up with a 3-4-3 formation, including Mario Mandzukic as a centre-forward and the debut of Benedikt Howedes. Giorgio Chiellini, Juan Cuadrado, Federico Bernardeschi and Marko Pjaca were injured with Gonzalo Higuain and Miralem Pjanic rested following one point from their last two competitive games. Crotone faced Juve four times before and were still waiting for their first goal.

 

Blaise Matuidi blasted off target from a promising position and Juve were permanently in Crotone’s half, but without making any genuine impact, as cross after cross was charged down.

 

Howedes was given a bloody nose on his debut by an accidental collision with Ante Budimir, but Juve’s siege continued. Douglas Costa went on a mazy run and got the cross to the back post, where Matuidi nodded wide from six yards.

 

Alex Cordaz made his first genuine save on 38 minutes, getting down one-handed to turn Alex Sandro’s daisy-cutter round the base of the post.

 

Moments later, Crotone also had their chance, as Aleksandar Tonev burst down the left flank and his shot struck the side-netting.

 

Mandzukic nodded inches wide on Andrea Barzagli’s cross.

 

 

Crotone 0-0 Juventus (Half-Time)

 

Juventus: Buffon; Barzagli, Benatia, Höwedes; Lichtsteiner, Matuidi, Marchisio, Alex Sandro; Douglas Costa, Mandzukic, Dybala

 

Crotone: Cordaz; Sampirisi, Ajeti, Ceccherini, Pavlovic; Rohden, Barberis, Mandragora, Nalini; Budimir, Tonev

 

Ref: Gavillucci

[Socrates 8524]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

JUVENTUS - CROTONE

 

          3-0  .........

 

 

Mario Mandzukic 52'

Mattia De Sciglio 60'

Medhi Benatia 71'

 

 

  .........

 

14th Matchday

 

Sunday, november 26th 2017 - 08:45 p.m. CET 

07.45 p.m. UK time - 06.45 p.m. GMT
Allianz Stadium - Turin
Referee: Claudio Gavillucci

 

 

 

 

Juventus break down Crotone wall

 

http://www.football-italia.net/113408/juventus-break-down-crotone-wall

 

 

Nov 26, 2017

 

Crotone frustrated Juventus, but they smashed their way through with Mario Mandzukic, Medhi Benatia and Mattia De Sciglio’s first ever goal.

 

Max Allegri switched things up with a 3-4-3 formation, including Mario Mandzukic as a centre-forward and the debut of Benedikt Howedes. Giorgio Chiellini, Juan Cuadrado, Federico Bernardeschi and Marko Pjaca were injured with Gonzalo Higuain and Miralem Pjanic rested following one point from their last two competitive games. Crotone faced Juve four times before and were still waiting for their first goal.

 

Blaise Matuidi blasted off target from a promising position and Juve were permanently in Crotone’s half, but without making any genuine impact, as cross after cross was charged down.

 

Howedes was given a bloody nose on his debut by an accidental collision with Ante Budimir, but Juve’s siege continued. Douglas Costa went on a mazy run and got the cross to the back post, where Matuidi nodded wide from six yards.

 

Alex Cordaz made his first genuine save on 38 minutes, getting down one-handed to turn Alex Sandro’s daisy-cutter round the base of the post.

 

Moments later, Crotone also had their chance, as Aleksandar Tonev burst down the left flank and his shot struck the side-netting.

 

Mandzukic nodded inches wide on Andrea Barzagli’s cross, but the first half ended 0-0 despite Juve keeping 81% possession.

 

The deadlock was eventually broken on 52 minutes when Barzagli put in a cross from the right, Mandzukic peeled away from his two markers and steered the header into the top corner. That means the Bianconeri have found the net in their last 43 consecutive Serie A games, equalling their own record set from February 2013 to March 2014.

 

It was soon 2-0 with an unexpected goal-scorer, as substitute Mattia De Sciglio came off the bench for Stephan Lichtsteiner and hit an absolute rocket from outside the area to fly past Cordaz. It was remarkably the ex-Milan full-back’s first ever professional goal at senior level at the 173^rd game for club and country.

 

Dybala curled a free kick off target and the third came from a short corner, Miralem Pjanic’s low cross palmed off the feet of Matuidi, but allowing Medhi Benatia to tap in from a yard.

 

Cordaz flew to pluck a Mandzukic header out of the air, but Gigi Buffon made his first save on 74 minutes, using his legs to parry Ante Budimir’s angled drive at the near post.

 

---

 

Juventus: Buffon; Barzagli, Benatia, Höwedes (Pjanic 68); Lichtsteiner (De Sciglio 57), Matuidi, Marchisio (Sturaro 77), Alex Sandro; Douglas Costa, Mandzukic, Dybala

 

Crotone: Cordaz; Sampirisi, Ajeti, Ceccherini, Pavlovic; Rohden, Barberis (Romero 79), Mandragora, Nalini (Faraoni 85); Budimir, Tonev (Trotta 75)

 

Ref: Gavillucci

[Socrates 8524]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

JUVENTUS - CROTONE

 

          3-0  .........

 

 

Mario Mandzukic 52'

Mattia De Sciglio 60'

Medhi Benatia 71'

 

 

  .........

 

14th Matchday

 

Sunday, november 26th 2017 - 08:45 p.m. CET 

07.45 p.m. UK time - 06.45 p.m. GMT
Allianz Stadium - Turin
Referee: Claudio Gavillucci

 

 

 

 

Allegri: 'Juve using form players'

 

 

http://www.football-italia.net/113411/allegri-juve-using-form-players

 

 

Nov 26, 2017

 

Max Allegri explained the need for a tactical shake-up for Juventus against Crotone and warns the showdown with Napoli won’t be decisive yet.

 

The Bianconeri struggled to break down Crotone this evening before eventually managing a 3-0 result, but adopted a 3-4-3 formation.

 

“It’s not an issue of shaking off the 4-2-3-1. We had a more attacking set of players than against Barcelona. We’ve got some coming back from injury and soon will have everyone reaching full fitness,” the Coach told Mediaset Premium.

 

“We kept Douglas Costa wide with Alex Sandro also too wide, so we were unbalanced. I adjusted things to bring Douglas Costa back, so we found Mandzukic and Dybala between the lines.

 

“In order to go all the way, we need everyone. Claudio Marchisio was missed and now it’s important to have him back.

 

“Last season we had some players who performed a certain way and aren’t playing on the same level now. My job is to get the best out of the players I have at my disposal. There are some who aren’t in their best physical and psychological shape, so it’s only right those in the best condition should play.”

 

Allegri again shrugged off Scudetto questions after maintaining third place behind Inter and Napoli.

 

“It’s not as if we are 27 points off the lead, it’s just four points behind two teams who are unbeaten. We dropped points with Atalanta, where we just stopped playing after going 2-0 up. We had a black-out and lost focus for eight minutes against Lazio.

 

“It’s an important win because seven in a row is not easy, while everyone hopes to beat Juventus and our objective is to stay in touch with the top teams come March. Napoli and Inter are still unbeaten, we’ve got Serie A, the Coppa Italia and Champions League, so we’ve got to keep everything in play.”

 

On Friday evening, Juventus visit the Serie A leaders Napoli in a Scudetto showdown at the Stadio San Paolo.

 

“I hope Friday will be a wonderful evening of sport. We’ve done some very good things this season, while their results have been extraordinary. It doesn’t count now if you are a point ahead or behind, it’s when we get to the sprint finish,” continued Allegri.

 

“Playing at the San Paolo is always difficult and the games never seem to end. Napoli have been doing great things for three years, they just encountered a Juventus side that was even stronger. We must play with good technique and intelligence, I expect it to be a balanced game decided by details.”

[Socrates 8524]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

JUVENTUS - CROTONE

 

          3-0  .........

 

 

Mario Mandzukic 52'

Mattia De Sciglio 60'

Medhi Benatia 71'

 

 

  .........

 

14th Matchday

 

Sunday, november 26th 2017 - 08:45 p.m. CET 

07.45 p.m. UK time - 06.45 p.m. GMT
Allianz Stadium - Turin
Referee: Claudio Gavillucci

 

 

 

 

De Sciglio: 'Didn't know how to celebrate'

 

 

http://www.football-italia.net/113413/de-sciglio-didnt-know-how-celebrate

 

 

Nov 26, 2017

 

Juventus full-back Mattia De Sciglio confessed he “didn’t even know how to celebrate” after scoring the first goal of his entire career.

 

It was a stunning strike too on the 173rd game of his career for club and country, unleashing a right-foot rocket from 20 metres out in the 3-0 victory over Crotone.

 

“Scoring that goal was an amazing feeling and I didn’t even know how to celebrate,” he told Sky Sport Italia.

 

“All my teammates ran towards me, including Gigi Buffon, who ran the entire length of the pitch to give me a hug. It was already an emotional moment, but seeing Buffon there all of a sudden just made it even better. A wonderful night.

 

“They also told me I now have to buy dinner for the whole team!”

 

De Sciglio left Milan over the summer, as he was often criticised by fans and accused of lacking determination.

 

“Maybe it’s because I’m a clean-cut kid, which is what people called me. I need another two or three scars, evidently. I’ve been working separately by myself for the last two years on top of usual training, as I believe hard work pays off in the end. I tried to stay calm and do what I know best.”

[Socrates 8524]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

JUVENTUS - CROTONE

 

          3-0  .........

 

 

Mario Mandzukic 52'

Mattia De Sciglio 60'

Medhi Benatia 71'

 

 

  .........

 

14th Matchday

 

Sunday, november 26th 2017 - 08:45 p.m. CET 

07.45 p.m. UK time - 06.45 p.m. GMT
Allianz Stadium - Turin
Referee: Claudio Gavillucci

 

 

 

 

Benatia: 'Juve waited for Crotone to tire'

 

 

http://www.football-italia.net/113409/benatia-juve-waited-crotone-tire

 

 

Nov 26, 2017

 

Medhi Benatia notes Juventus kept calm and waited for Crotone to tire before smashing the minnows 3-0.

 

“We ran few risks in the first half, but Crotone were very well-organised, they were all behind the ball and we had to keep the ball moving. Naturally, they got tired in the second half and we made the most of it to score the goals,” the defender told Mediaset Premium.

 

“It’s important to get those goals and we’re in a difficult moment, but we know that if we defend well, then those up front will always get the goals.”

 

The Bianconeri stay within four points of Serie A leaders Napoli ahead of Friday’s Stadio San Paolo showdown.

 

“Napoli are having a great campaign, they play very good football and everyone knows our objective is to win.”

[Socrates 8524]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

NAPOLI - JUVENTUS

 

           ..

 

 

 

  .........

 

15th Matchday

 

Friday, december 1st 2017 - 08:45 p.m. CET 

07.45 p.m. UK time - 06.45 p.m. GMT
San Paolo Stadium - Naples
Referee: Daniele Orsato

 

 

 

 

Bergomi: Juve, play like Inter

 

 

http://www.football-italia.net/113438/bergomi-juve-play-inter

 

 

Nov 27, 2017

 

Beppe Bergomi has advised Juventus “to play like Inter did” if they want to beat Napoli on Friday.

 

A Juve win would cut their gap on Napoli in Serie A to just one point, and Bergomi felt his former club showed the Bianconeri how it was done after they left the San Paolo with a 0-0 draw last month.

 

“Juve have to play at the San Paolo like Inter did,” the 1982 World Cup winner told Sky Sport Italia.

 

“They were solid at the back and tried to hurt Napoli by keeping the ball glued to their feet.

 

“Sarri would probably want to see Juve adopt a high press because Napoli can punish them if they do.”

[Socrates 8524]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

NAPOLI - JUVENTUS

 

           ..

 

 

 

  .........

 

15th Matchday

 

Friday, december 1st 2017 - 08:45 p.m. CET 

07.45 p.m. UK time - 06.45 p.m. GMT
San Paolo Stadium - Naples
Referee: Daniele Orsato

 

 

 

 

Lichtsteiner in doubt for Napoli

 

 

http://www.football-italia.net/113448/lichtsteiner-doubt-napoli

 

 

Nov 27, 2017

 

Juventus risk being without Stephan Lichtsteiner for the showdown with Napoli, as he’s struggling with a thigh injury.

 

The Bianconeri are almost certain to be without Gonzalo Higuain for the match, with the two sides separated by four points in the Serie A table.

 

During today’s training session at Vinovo, Juan Cuadrado, Federico Bernardeschi and Giorgio Chiellini trained separately as they recover from knocks.

 

The club also announced that “Lichtsteiner has aggravated the flexor muscles in his right thigh and will be assessed in the coming days”.

 

It’s a crucial fortnight for Juve, with the Partenopei on Friday, Olympiakos on Tuesday and Inter on the following Saturday.

[Socrates 8524]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

NAPOLI - JUVENTUS

 

           ..

 

 

 

  .........

 

15th Matchday

 

Friday, december 1st 2017 - 08:45 p.m. CET 

07.45 p.m. UK time - 06.45 p.m. GMT
San Paolo Stadium - Naples
Referee: Daniele Orsato

 

 

 

 

Dybala: ‘Napoli not decisive’

 

 

http://www.football-italia.net/113457/dybala-‘napoli-not-decisive’

 

 

Nov 27, 2017

 

Juventus forward Paulo Dybala insists Friday night’s Napoli game “will not be decisive for the Scudetto”.

 

The Bianconeri are already four points behind Maurizio Sarri’s side, so this week’s match is being billed as the biggest game of the season so far.

 

“The match at the San Paolo won’t be decisive for the Scudetto,” Dybala insisted, speaking to reporters outside of the Gran Gala del Calcio.

 

“There’s a long way to go, but two of the best teams are facing off. It’ll be a long week, and we know it’s not easy to play at the San Paolo.

 

“Who would I take from Napoli? No-one. We want to win against the best. We have to continue to grow, we want to win all the games which await us.”

 

Gonzalo Higuain could miss the match, having had surgery on a broken finger earlier today.

 

“I’ll talk to him later, we hope to have him with us.”

[Socrates 8524]

 

 

 

 

Dani Alves: ‘Calcio should follow Napoli’

 

 

http://www.football-italia.net/113464/dani-alves-‘calcio-should-follow-napoli’

 

 

Nov 27, 2017

 

Dani Alves says “Italian football has to improve” and “everyone should take an example from Napoli”.

 

The Brazilian won the double with Juventus last season, as well as losing in the Champions League final, before being released and joining Paris Saint-Germain.

 

“It’s a pleasure to be here,” Alves told Sky at the Gran Gala del Calcio, where he was named in the team of the season.

 

“I had a good year with Juve and it’s always nice to see them again. I’d already spoken to my former teammates about why I left: I left Juve because I think Italian football has to improve.

 

“I wanted to do more but it wasn’t easy for me, I wasn’t as happy as I always am.

 

“Now I’m happy at PSG because my life has taught me that in football you have to do as well as possible and there I’m free to do it, which makes me happy.

 

“I expect Italian football to change in general, also because of what happened with the national team. It’s not just a problem with the Coach, but the football in general because the level has lowered.

 

“Everyone should take an example from Napoli, I really like them and the vision that Napoli have is useful for improving Calcio.

 

“You need more fun than there is in modern calcio.”

[Socrates 8524]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

NAPOLI - JUVENTUS

 

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  .........

 

15th Matchday

 

Friday, december 1st 2017 - 08:45 p.m. CET 

07.45 p.m. UK time - 06.45 p.m. GMT
San Paolo Stadium - Naples
Referee: Daniele Orsato

 

 

 

 

Chiellini "I am fine, I’ll be there against Napoli on Friday"

 

 

http://www.football-italia.net/113498/chiellini-napoli-loss-hard-swallow

 

 

Nov 28, 2017

 

Juventus defender Giorgio Chiellini admits defeat to Napoli “would be hard to swallow” on Friday and admires defender Kalidou Koulibaly.

 

He missed out on Sunday’s 3-0 victory over Crotone, but is confident he’ll be fit enough for a role in the starting XI at the San Paolo.

 

“I am fine, I’ll be there against Napoli on Friday,” he assured Sky Sport Italia.

 

“It’ll be an important game, we are aware of it, but we’ll put in a great performance. There is respect for Napoli, but we want to prove that we’ll be up there on top of the table come May.”

 

Gonzalo Higuain may well miss out, as he had surgery on a broken finger today and it’s a race against time to take on his former club.

 

“Now that he’s had the operation, he feels better. It’s a complicated situation, but he’ll do everything to be there, because it’s a match he cares about in particular.

 

“The season doesn’t end on Friday, but admittedly a defeat would be hard to swallow. We don’t want to even think about that, as we just have to put in a great performance and the rest will wait until Saturday.”

 

Although Napoli are praised for their spectacular style of football, the fact remains they have the best defence in Serie A this season, while Juve are the most prolific in attack.

 

“The objective is for us to have the best defence come the end of the season, because in 90 per cent of cases that means the Scudetto, while the best attack is just a statistic,” continued Chiellini.

 

“We have had too many blackouts, too many highs and lows that saw us concede too many goals. It’d be very important for us to leave the Stadio San Paolo with a clean sheet, as that is the most important test for any Serie A team.

 

“Compared to last season, we have lacked balance and always left out some crucial details. You can’t explain conceding that many goals by blaming just individual errors. It’s true the team is more attacking, but the change of tactics last term probably gave us more enthusiasm in doing things.

 

“Koulibaly has improved a great deal since he arrived in Italy. He combines physicality and excellent tactical positioning, while he passes and creates moves from the back too.

 

“He’s only 24, so can certainly get even stronger and I think Napoli will hold on tight to this player. When he uses his physicality, it’s like he’s filling in for three players.”

[Socrates 8524]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

NAPOLI - JUVENTUS

 

           ..

 

 

 

  .........

 

15th Matchday

 

Friday, december 1st 2017 - 08:45 p.m. CET 

07.45 p.m. UK time - 06.45 p.m. GMT
San Paolo Stadium - Naples
Referee: Daniele Orsato

 

 

 

 

Ferrara: Heart says Napoli!

 

 

http://www.football-italia.net/113520/ferrara-heart-says-napoli

 

 

Nov 29, 2017

 

Former Napoli and Juventus defender Ciro Ferrara admits his heart is going for the Partenopei ahead of Friday’s Serie A showdown.

 

Ferrara turned out for only Napoli and Juve in his playing career, forming part of the squads that won the Bianconeri’s last Champions League in 1996 and the southerners’ most recent Scudetto success six years before.

 

“I feel it so much, even more so now that I’m no longer a player,” he told La Stampa.

 

“It’s my destiny as I made my debut against the Bianconeri and I didn’t play for any other clubs.

 

“I lived through the most beautiful season in the Azzurri’s history and won so many trophies with Juve.

 

“For Napoli, it’s not just the game of the season: winning is important for the title, like it was in my time.

 

“Decisive? I don’t think so. There’s still a long way to go, but certainly a victory for Napoli would send out an even stronger signal to the rest of the League.

 

“A seven-point lead wouldn’t give any guarantees, but it would strike a blow as Juve and Inter cross paths next, and that could give Napoli a chance to stretch their lead further.

 

“As for the Bianconeri, beyond the narrow distances, a win would greatly boost their morale.

 

“Scudetto? Of course, Napoli and Juventus are the most well-equipped, but we must also look at Inter, neither can we rule out Roma.

 

“Who do I support? Juventus have won six Scudetti in a row, but they can give one up: my heart says Napoli and I hope to experience this great satisfaction.”

[Socrates 8524]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

NAPOLI - JUVENTUS

 

           ..

 

 

 

  .........

 

15th Matchday

 

Friday, december 1st 2017 - 08:45 p.m. CET 

07.45 p.m. UK time - 06.45 p.m. GMT
San Paolo Stadium - Naples
Referee: Daniele Orsato

 

 

 

 

Higuain could be Juve sub

 

 

http://www.football-italia.net/113521/report-higuain-could-be-juve-sub

 

 

Nov 29, 2017

 

It is reported that Juventus are exploring the ‘crazy’ possibility of naming Gonzalo Higuain as a substitute for their Serie A bout with Napoli on Friday.

 

According to Gazzetta dello Sport, Juve will learn “in the next few hours” if Higuain can occupy a place on the bench at the San Paolo.

 

It comes after the striker underwent surgery on a broken left hand two days ago, with a recovery time of 2-3 weeks quickly estimated.

 

The newspaper explains the striker’s hand is currently in a brace, but the rules state he is free to play with one, while a pre-op suggested “he could be used” against his former club.

 

Despite there being ‘growing’ belief that the Argentine could feature, La Gazzetta nonetheless warns “everything depends on his pain threshold.”

[Socrates 8524]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

NAPOLI - JUVENTUS

 

           ..

 

 

 

  .........

 

15th Matchday

 

Friday, december 1st 2017 - 08:45 p.m. CET 

07.45 p.m. UK time - 06.45 p.m. GMT
San Paolo Stadium - Naples
Referee: Daniele Orsato

 

 

 

 

Khedira: ‘Higuain is doing everything’

 

 

http://www.football-italia.net/113535/khedira-‘higuain-doing-everything’

 

 

Nov 29, 2017

 

Juventus midfielder Sami Khedira assures Gonzalo Higuain “is trying everything to be there” against Napoli on Friday.

 

The striker went under the knife this week for an operation on a broken finger, putting him in doubt for the trip to face his former side.

 

Pipita returned to training at Vinovo today, and Khedira gave Sky an update on his teammate’s condition.

 

“It’s never easy after an operation, but he’s doing everything to be there,” the German said.

 

“He tried training today, I don't know if he felt pain you’d have to ask him. He’s trying everything to be there, but there are only two days left until the game.

 

“If he plays it will be a good thing for us, otherwise we have other top forwards who can replace him.

 

“I don’t know if he’s fit or not, I think at the moment his presence is in doubt.”

 

Khedira also praised Napoli, who currently sit four points clear of the Bianconeri at the top of Serie A.

 

“They have a lot of players with the qualities to decide the game, even on the bench.

 

“They have a great Coach [Maurizio Sarri], a good squad in general, a good goalkeeper, defence, midfield and attack.

 

“There are a lot of players who can score like [Jose] Callejon, [Dries] Mertens, [Lorenzo] Insigne, [Marek] Hamsik.

 

“It’s hard to say which players we have to be wary of, we need to be careful with all of them because they play so well as a team.

 

“They have good territory on the pitch, good management of the ball. That’s Napoli’s strength.”

[Socrates 8524]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

NAPOLI - JUVENTUS

 

           ..

 

 

 

  .........

 

15th Matchday

 

Friday, december 1st 2017 - 08:45 p.m. CET 

07.45 p.m. UK time - 06.45 p.m. GMT
San Paolo Stadium - Naples
Referee: Daniele Orsato

 

 

 

 

Allegri: ‘Confident on Higuain’

 

 

http://www.football-italia.net/113565/allegri-‘confident-higuain’

 

 

Nov 30, 2017

 

Juventus Coach Massimiliano Allegri says “I’ll have to see” if Gonzalo Higuain can face Napoli but “let’s say I’m confident”.

 

The striker had to have surgery on his hand earlier this week, putting him in serious doubt for the reunion with the Partenopei.

 

However, there has been growing confidence in recent days that Pipita could be available, and the Bianconeri boss gave an update in his pre-match Press conference.

 

“Lichtsteiner is out,” Allegri confirmed.

 

“Cuadrado has trained a little, along with Bernardeschi but they should be available, I’ll see what the situation is today.

 

“As for Higuain… the hand is definitely painful, but he could be available. We’ll see today, let’s say I’m confident.

 

“Let’s see how he is, how much pain he’s in, because it’s pointless risking a player for one game when we have another 30 between now and the end of the season.

 

“So we need to judge things well, together with him.

 

"Would he play if it was the Coppa Italia final? Well, it isn't the Coppa Italia final, we have 30 games ahead of us so...

 

"Really, I don't know what condition he'll be in. I know his hand isn't good, it's sore, so let's see tomorrow.

 

"Today Gonzalo has given me his full availability, so we'll try to be confident."

 

A loss tomorrow night could see the Old Lady fall seven points behind Napoli in the Scudetto race, does the Coach expect to see the anger and determination of previous years?

 

“First of all, Juventus up to this point have made the journey we should have done. Napoli have done and are doing incredible things, because they’ve won 12 games and only drawn two, Inter are two points behind them and then we’re four points behind Napoli.

 

“We’ve dropped a few points on the road, but then of course football comes down to incidents.

 

“That said, Napoli really are doing extraordinary things. They’re to be congratulated for what they’re doing, what they’ve done for the past three years, and tomorrow is a good test, especially ahead of Olympiakos.

 

“That’s the first decisive game of the season, because we can’t get it wrong there. We’re obliged to reach the Last 16 of the Champions League.

 

“I repeat, Napoli represents a good test for us, because first of all it’s a fascinating match.

 

“We’re playing in Naples, with a full stadium, so it should be a nice night of sport and football and I hope it is. There should be a spectacular game, because it will have technical players in it.

 

“It’s an important game, which we have to face as the great team Juventus are, with great respect for Napoli.

 

“Right now Napoli are ahead of us, they’re favourites for the Scudetto and we need to be good at chasing and keeping up with them, getting to March in the best condition to make the final push.

 

“Tomorrow is an important step, but not a decisive one.”

[Socrates 8524]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

NAPOLI - JUVENTUS

 

           ..

 

 

 

  .........

 

15th Matchday

 

Friday, december 1st 2017 - 08:45 p.m. CET 

07.45 p.m. UK time - 06.45 p.m. GMT
San Paolo Stadium - Naples
Referee: Daniele Orsato

 

 

 

 

Allegri: ‘Napoli’s defence has improved’

 

 

http://www.football-italia.net/113566/allegri-‘napoli’s-defence-has-improved’

 

 

Nov 30, 2017

 

Napoli play “beautiful football”, according to Juventus Coach Massimiliano Allegri, but “they’ve quickly learned to do the defensive side too”.

 

The two sides meet at the San Paolo tomorrow for what is being billed as an early Scudetto showdown.

 

In a reversal of recent seasons, Juve have scored more goals than anyone in Serie A, while the Partenopei have the best defence so far.

 

“Tomorrow we have to play a great game first and foremost,” Allegri said in his pre-match Press conference.

 

“That matters above all to get the two results which suit us. A win would definitely be a fantastic leap forward, and we’d give a beautiful signal, but a draw would be another positive result.

 

“We start from the performance, tomorrow we need to put in a good performance from every point of view: technically, tactically, physically; because tomorrow will be a physical game.

 

“In these kind of games it’s the details that make the difference, so whoever makes fewer mistakes has more chance of bringing the result home.

 

“Does defence or attack matter more? In the end all that matters is who comes first, no team finishes top by chance.

 

“Napoli play beautiful football, and I’d say they’ve learned quickly to do the defensive side too which, among other things, has always been [Coach Maurizio] Sarri’s strength.

 

“Ever since his time at Sangiovannese his strength was the defensive phase.

 

“Now they’ve understood that to win leagues you need to have the best defence.

 

“Just look at the numbers, you can’t escape from that. Napoli are first, having conceded nine goals, Inter are second with 10, we’re third on 14 but there’s Roma with a match less so they could match us and - if I’m not mistaken - Roma have conceded nine goals.

 

“That’s what the league table tells you. I repeat, the last 10 seasons have always told you the same thing: the best defence wins the league.

 

“This year maybe we won’t have the best defence, but we hope to win all the same. Or maybe we’ll become the best defence, maybe we won’t concede many from here to the end.

 

“However, we know we play a Napoli side tomorrow who really are beautiful to watch, they play well and have been entertaining people when they play for the past three years - myself included.

 

"I first met Maurizio in 2003, so we've had 15 years together, and his strength has always been the defence.

 

"Napoli are a team that defend very well, and then after that it depends on the players you have.

 

"Napoli have players with features that other teams don't have, because they've got small players up-front and they're all quick.

 

"Mertens is 1.70m - I don't know if he's 1.75m, but you know what I mean - while Mandzukic is 1.90m.

 

"Khedira is 1.85-1.87m, Jorginho is a bit shorter and he's 30kg less with different characteristics.

 

"So he [Sarri] is very good at exploting the characteristics of his players, which is exactly as it should be for a Coach.

 

"It's the same for [Lorenzo] Insigne, Insigne is a little bit different to [Gonzalo] Higuain. They have different players to the ones we have, so we need to exploit our own characteristics."

 

Allegri was then asked if he’s planning to play a back-three or a back-four tomorrow.

 

“They [the defence] are getting better, Howedes is definitely one who’s better on the ball, with more quality. Barzagli can play with no worries.

 

“They used to say that the older you get, the deeper you go. Barzagli started with me at Pistoiese and played as a midfielder, fortunately then they put him at the back, Otherwise he wouldn’t have had a career, poor guy…

 

“Now he could play as the third centre-back, and even play a little behind the others. Then there’s Howedes, but at the same time there’s [Medhi] Benatia.

 

“Benatia has to be more convinced of the quality he has, he’s got two good feet but sometimes he loses his way.

 

“I don’t know if we’ll play three or four tomorrow. We’ll see, because I still haven’t decided who to play up-front. It depends on that, depending on who plays up-front, we’ll decide on who is behind them.

 

“There could be space for Matuidi, but I repeat: it depends on whether I have everyone available up-front.

 

“At the moment up-front we have Cuadrado who hasn't trained much, Bernardeschi who hasn’t trained much, Higuain who is a hand amputee…

 

“So at the moment the only ones who are fit are Mandzukic, Dybala and Douglas Costa.

 

“I’ll see today, if I have more attackers available maybe we’ll play with more up-front, otherwise we’ll put one more behind.

 

“What absolutely won’t change is the attitude of the team.”

[Socrates 8524]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

NAPOLI - JUVENTUS

 

           ..

 

 

 

  .........

 

15th Matchday

 

Friday, december 1st 2017 - 08:45 p.m. CET 

07.45 p.m. UK time - 06.45 p.m. GMT
San Paolo Stadium - Naples
Referee: Daniele Orsato

 

 

 

 

‘Napoli are Scudetto favourites’

 

 

http://www.football-italia.net/113567/‘napoli-are-scudetto-favourites’

 

 

Nov 30, 2017

 

Massimiliano Allegri reiterates Napoli are favourites for the Scudetto and says “everyone is hoping Juventus will lose”.

 

The Bianconeri Coach named the Partenopei as favourites in his pre-match Press conference ahead of tomorrow’s game, and he returned to that theme toward the end of the conference.

 

“Up until now the team has done what’s required,” Allegri said.

 

“We’ve got a point more than last year if I’m not mistaken, but Napoli are doing incredible things. They’re a team with 12 wins and two draws, which I don’t think has happened often in the Italian league.

 

“So tomorrow we face a team that’s setting a much faster pace than us, and they absolutely deserve to be where they are in the table.

 

“There’s also Inter and above all Roma, who together with Juventus and Napoli have fought for the last few Scudetti.

 

“Roma are a very dangerous team because they’re showing great solidity, their slip-up in Genoa notwithstanding. They have a game in hand and they’ll fight with all the rest of us.

 

“So it’s going to be an open league until the end, with these four or five teams - because Lazio are on the attack - who will fight to the end of the season.

 

“Napoli are setting an impressive pace, so at this point Napoli are favourites for the Scudetto.

 

“Then everyone is hoping Juventus lose and Napoli or another team wins the Scudetto. That makes us even more motivated to win what would be a seventh Scudetto in a row.”

 

It was rumoured yesterday that there had been a rift in the dressing room, with three foreign players asking to leave in January.

 

"I was hoping they'd been beating each other up," Allegri joked.

 

"Sometimes in the dressing room a bit of a rumble can be useful to raise the tension, but unfortunately nothing happened. We're hoping it will soon."

[Socrates 8524]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

NAPOLI - JUVENTUS

 

           ..

 

 

 

  .........

 

15th Matchday

 

Friday, december 1st 2017 - 08:45 p.m. CET 

07.45 p.m. UK time - 06.45 p.m. GMT
San Paolo Stadium - Naples
Referee: Daniele Orsato

 

 

 

 

Juventus stick with 3-4-2-1?

 

 

http://www.football-italia.net/113574/juventus-stick-3-4-2-1

 

 

Nov 30, 2017

 

Gonzalo Higuain trained with Juventus again today, but it’s expected he’ll be on the bench for Napoli as Max Allegri sticks with 3-4-2-1.

 

The striker had surgery on his hand earlier this week, and it’s not clear if he’ll be fit to face his former side tomorrow.

 

Allegri said in his pre-match Press conference that he was “confident” Pipita would be available, and the Argentinian international trained with the rest of the team at Vinovo this afternoon.

 

It’s therefore expected that he will be named in the squad, but will be left on the bench at the Stadio San Paolo.

 

The Coach is likely to retain the 3-4-2-1 deployed against Crotone, and admitted today that his choices will depend on who is fit up-front.

 

If Higuain is able to start a 4-2-3-1 is possible, but with the striker set to be on the bench it should be three at the back.

 

Mario Mandzukic would lead the line, with Paulo Dybala and Douglas Costa behind him.

[Socrates 8524]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

NAPOLI - JUVENTUS

 

           ..

 

 

 

  .........

 

15th Matchday

 

Friday, december 1st 2017 - 08:45 p.m. CET 

07.45 p.m. UK time - 06.45 p.m. GMT
San Paolo Stadium - Naples
Referee: Daniele Orsato

 

 

 

 

Orsato for Napoli-Juventus

 

 

http://www.football-italia.net/113575/orsato-napoli-juventus

 

 

Nov 30, 2017

 

Daniele Orsato has been announced as the referee for tomorrow’s Napoli-Juventus game.

 

The league leaders welcome the Serie A champions to the San Paolo for what is being billed as a crucial match in the Scudetto race.

 

Today the AIA has announced the officials for Week 15, and Orsato has been assigned to the big match in Naples.

 

Orsato took charge of this fixture last season, with Sami Khedira and Marek Hamsik scoring in a 1-1 draw.

 

Elsewhere, Maurizio Mariani will be the man in the middle for Gennaro Gattuso’s first match at Milan Coach at Benevento, with Gianpaolo Calvarese assigned to Inter-Chievo.

 

 

Serie A Week 15 referees:

 

Benevento-Milan - Maurizio Mariani
Bologna-Cagliari - Federico La Penna
Crotone-Udinese - Davide Massa
Fiorentina-Sassuolo - Luca Banti
Inter-Chievo - Gianpaolo Calvarese
Verona-Genoa - Antonio Damato
Napoli-Juventus - Daniele Orsato
Roma-Spal - Rosario Abisso
Sampdoria-Lazio - Paolo Mazzoleni
Torino-Atalanta - Paolo Tagliavento

[Socrates 8524]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

NAPOLI - JUVENTUS

 

           ..

 

 

 

  .........

 

15th Matchday

 

Friday, december 1st 2017 - 08:45 p.m. CET 

07.45 p.m. UK time - 06.45 p.m. GMT
San Paolo Stadium - Naples
Referee: Daniele Orsato

 

 

 

 

Mandzukic and Howedes miss Napoli

 

 

http://www.football-italia.net/113577/mandzukic-and-howedes-miss-napoli

 

 

Nov 30, 2017

 

Gonzalo Higuain makes the trip to Napoli, but Juventus will be without injured Mario Mandzukic and Benedikt Howedes.

 

It kicks off on Friday at 20.45 CET - 19.45 GMT.

 

Higuain remains a huge doubt to feature, as he underwent surgery on a broken finger this week and was expected to only be on the bench.

 

However, there was a sudden blow in today’s training session with injuries to Mandzukic – who was meant to replace Higuain in attack – and Howedes.

 

A note on the club website confirms Mandzukic suffered problems in his left calf muscle, while Howedes has a right thigh issue.

 

Federico Bernardeschi, Juan Cuadrado and Giorgio Chiellini return to the side after injury worries, but Paulo Dybala now may well be used as a False 9.

 

Juventus squad for Napoli: Buffon, De Sciglio, Chiellini, Benatia, Pjanic, Khedira, Cuadrado, Marchisio, Higuain, Dybala, Douglas Costa, Alex Sandro, Matuidi, Barzagli, Pinsoglio, Asamoah, Szczesny, Rugani, Sturaro, Bentancur, Bernardeschi