JUVENTUS SEASON 2017-2018

[Socrates 8524]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

JUVENTUS - SPAL

 

                ..........

  .......... 

 

 

 

10th Matchday

 

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

07.45 UK time - 06.45 GMT
Allianz Stadium - Torino
Referee: Fabrizio Pasqua

 

 

 

 

Bianconeri to rotate against new boys

 

 

https://www.football-italia.net/SerieA/match/preview/106465

 

 

Oct 24, 2017

 

After ending their winless streak by pummeling Udinese, Juventus will be confident of all three points against relegation candidates SPAL.

 

This will be the first domestic match for the Bianconeri after seeing their long-standing home unbeaten run snapped by Lazio. Prior to that defeat, La Vecchia Signora had not lost at the Allianz Juventus Stadium since August 2015, and that result has seen them slip down to third in the table.

 

Fortunately for the reigning Serie A champions, the top two sides, Napoli and Inter, shared the spoils in a scoreless draw. And now Juventus are facing a SPAL side who have lost four out of their last five fixtures, thus giving them a great chance to possibly creep back up into the top two at the end of this midweek round.

 

Despite the fact that Juventus are level with Lazio, Allegri could likely rotate his squad for this fixture ahead of Saturday’s clash with Milan. Yes, SPAL did manage to hold the Biancocelesti to a surprise scoreless stalemate at the Stadio Olimpico in the opening round, but that was before Lazio really got up and running this season.

 

It goes without saying that it will take a monumental effort from them to manage to pull off that kind of result against Juventus, as Udinese had a man advantage for much of the game and still were not able to prevent the Bianconeri from romping to a 6-2 win last weekend.

 

SPAL, meanwhile, are predictably amongst those already battling the drop. Along with debutants Benevento and recently promoted Hellas Verona, as well as last season’s new boys Crotone, they’re having an absolutely torrid time this season.

 

However, the struggles of others like Udinese, Sassuolo, Genoa and Cagliari do give them some hope that this relegation battle will certainly involve a lot more than just three or four teams. Still, being pitted against Juventus after winning just one game all season could not have come at a more difficult time for the visitors.

 

Veteran striker Marco Borriello will be facing yet another of his former sides – which given his nomadic career that’s hardly a surprise – and SPAL will again be turning to him to try to find some kind of inspiration as they aim to spring a highly unlikely upset against all odds.

 

Mario Mandzukic is suspended following his red card for dissent against Udinese, while Medhi Benatia, Marko Pjaca and Benedikt Howedes are injured. As Milan are coming up on Saturday, it’s unlikely Blaise Matuidi or Stefano Sturaro will be risked, so expect Federico Bernardeschi, Douglas Costa, Rodrigo Bentancur and Daniele Rugani to start.

 

 

Keep an eye on: Gonzalo Higuain (Juventus) - It’s been a largely frustrating season for him so far, as he clearly would have loved to have been the hat-trick hero during Juve’s win over Udinese rather than Sami Khedira. This could be a great chance for him to grab a much-needed goal or two to add some numbers to his account.

 

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

 

Last season: Not played

 

Stat fact: SPAL have beaten Juventus just once in their entire history (20 losses, 11 draws). That was back on February 10, 1957, when they won 3-1.

 

Top tip: Juventus to lead at HT & FT.

 

Juventus (probable): Szczesny; Lichtsteiner, Barzagli, Rugani, Alex Sandro; Bentancur, Khedira; Bernardeschi, Dybala, Douglas Costa; Higuain

Suspended: Mandzukic

 

SPAL (probable): Gomis; Oikonomou; Vicari, Felipe; Lazzari; Schiavon, Viviani, Rizzo, Costa; Antenucci, Borriello

Suspended: None

[Socrates 8524]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

JUVENTUS - SPAL

 

                ..........

  .......... 

 

 

 

10th Matchday

 

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

07.45 UK time - 06.45 GMT
Allianz Stadium - Torino
Referee: Fabrizio Pasqua

 

 

 

 

Line-ups: Juventus-SPAL

 

 

http://www.football-italia.net/111851/line-ups-juventus-spal

 

 

Oct 25, 2017

 

Juventus rotate the squad with several changes against Marco Borriello’s SPAL, starting Federico Bernardeschi and Douglas Costa.

 

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

 

The Bianconeri got back on track at the weekend with a 6-2 victory away to Udinese, even though they had Mario Mandzukic sent off after 25 minutes.

 

Curiously, going down to 10 men seemed to spur them on and improve the performance, suggesting their recent malaise was more of a psychological issue.

 

Mandzukic is therefore suspended tonight with Blaise Matuidi, Stefano Sturaro, Medhi Benatia, Marko Pjaca and Benedikt Howedes injured.

 

Gigi Buffon and Giorgio Chiellini are rested, while Claudio Marchisio and Mattia De Sciglio are only fit for the bench, so Douglas Costa and Federico Bernardeschi get rare starts.

 

SPAL haven’t faced Juventus in the top flight for 49 years, so this visit to Turin is an occasion all by itself for Leonardo Semplici and his squad.

 

Although many of the players are new to Serie A, it’s a familiar scenario for ex-Juve striker Borriello, who leads the way with Alberto Paloschi.

 

Alex Meret, Sergio Floccari and Alberto Grassi are out injured, but Andrea Lazzari has shown he can wreak havoc down the right wing.

 

SPAL had started the season so well, drawing 0-0 at Lazio (still the only side in Italy and Europe to keep a clean sheet against them this term) and beating Udinese 3-2, but they’ve since managed just one point from seven rounds.

 

Juventus: Szczesny; Lichtsteiner, Barzagli, Rugani, Alex Sandro; Bentancur, Khedira; Bernardeschi, Dybala, Douglas Costa; Higuain

 

SPAL: Gomis; Oikonomou, Salamon, Felipe; Lazzari, Schiavon, Viviani, Rizzo, Mattiello; Paloschi, Borriello

[Socrates 8524]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

JUVENTUS - SPAL

 

                ..........

  .......... 

 

 

 

10th Matchday

 

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

07.45 UK time - 06.45 GMT
Allianz Stadium - Torino
Referee: Fabrizio Pasqua

 

 

 

 

HT 2-1: Juventus stunners lead SPAL

 

 

https://www.football-italia.net/111855/ht-juventus-stunners-lead-spal

 

 

Oct 25, 2017

 

Juventus have a 2-1 half-time lead over SPAL thanks to fantastic Federico Bernardeschi and Paulo Dybala goals, but Alberto Paloschi keeps it open.

 

The Bianconeri closed back up on the top two at the weekend, winning 6-2 at Udinese despite going down to 10 men after 25 minutes. Mario Mandzukic was therefore suspended with Blaise Matuidi, Stefano Sturaro, Medhi Benatia, Marko Pjaca and Benedikt Howedes injured, while Claudio Marchisio and Mattia De Sciglio were only fit for the bench. Gigi Buffon and Giorgio Chiellini were also rested. SPAL started the season well with a draw at Lazio and win over Udinese, but had since scraped one point from six rounds.

 

Federico Bernardeschi made the most of his rare start with a magnificent opening goal, as Douglas Costa flicked it up on the edge of the box and the ex-Fiorentina forward smashed his left-foot volley into the far top corner. Alfred Gomis could only watch it dip viciously.

 

Paulo Dybala curled a trademark free kick into the near top corner to end his mini-goal drought and double Juve’s lead.

 

However, SPAL got back into it, as a corner found Federico Mattiello’s shot and it was going wide until Alberto Paloschi stuck out a foot to prod in at the back post. Stephan Lichtsteiner lost his man on the marking.

 

 

Juventus 2-1 SPAL (Half-Time)

Bernardeschi 14 (J), Dybala 22 (J), Paloschi 34 (S)

 

Juventus: Szczesny; Lichtsteiner, Barzagli, Rugani, Alex Sandro; Bentancur, Khedira; Bernardeschi, Dybala, Douglas Costa; Higuain

 

SPAL: Gomis; Oikonomou, Salamon, Felipe; Lazzari, Schiavon, Viviani, Rizzo, Mattiello; Paloschi, Borriello

 

Ref: Pasqua

[Socrates 8524]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

JUVENTUS - SPAL

 

               4-1 .....

  .......... 

Federico Bernardeschi (14')

Paulo Dybala (22')

Alberto Paloschi (34')

Gonzalo Higuaín (65')

Juan Cuadrado (70')

 

10th Matchday

 

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

07.45 UK time - 06.45 GMT
Allianz Stadium - Torino
Referee: Fabrizio Pasqua

 

 

 

 

JUVENTUS 4 SPAL 1: BERNARDESCHI, DYBALA

BRILLIANCE INSPIRES CHAMPIONS TO VICTORY

 

First-half wondergoals from Federico Bernardeschi and Paulo Dybala

helped Juventus on their way to three points against SPAL.

 

 

http://www.goal.com/en/match/juventus-v-spal/report/b1xllumv7ar4phoxm68zn2d7u

 

 

Oct 25, 2017

 

Juventus kept the pressure on Serie A leaders Napoli with a 4-1 win over struggling SPAL at the Allianz Stadium on Wednesday.

Spectacular first-half goals from Federico Bernardeschi and Paulo Dybala set the champions on course for back-to-back league wins, before Gonzalo Higuain and Juan Cuadrado struck after the break.

Alberto Paloschi had given SPAL hope of a comeback by making it 2-1 but they saw a potential equaliser disallowed for offside and have now picked up just one point from their last eight games to sit second-from-bottom of the table.

Bernardeschi's stunning volley put Juve ahead early on and another fine free-kick from Dybala doubled the lead after only 22 minutes, as Massimiliano Allegri's side threatened a repeat of the goalscoring form they showed in the 6-2 thrashing of Udinese last time out.

SPAL recovered from their early jitters to make life more difficult but their heads dropped again when Higuain and Cuadrado scored in quick succession not long after the disallowed goal, and only a belated offside call denied the Argentina striker what would have been his 100th Serie A goal late on.

There was even a chance for Claudio Marchisio to make his first appearance since the opening-day win over Cagliari, the midfielder having recovered at last from a knee injury, as Juve cruised to the win that keeps them three points behind Napoli.

 

 Follow

OptaPaolo 

 

✔@OptaPaolo

9 - Juventus: 9 goals with the last 9 shots on target. Inspired.

 

 

SPAL did well to withstand Juve's early pressure until Bernardeschi broke the deadlock with a moment of brilliance. Douglas Costa cushioned Dybala's low cross into the winger's path and he unleashed a superb volley that sailed into the top-left corner of the net.

The move was Dybala's only real bright spot in a quiet opening but, not to be undone by Bernardeschi, the Argentina star doubled his side's lead after 22 minutes with a sublime free-kick from 25 yards out that curled high into the right of Alfred Gomis' goal.

 

 Follow

JuventusFC 

 

✔@juventusfcen

.@PauDybala_JR has scored more direct free-kicks (3) this season than anyone in Europe's top 5 leagues 

9:42 PM - Oct 25, 2017

 

The champions were in control until Paloschi halved the deficit 12 minutes before the break, the striker reacting well to prod Federico Mattiello's mishit half-volley into the net from six yards out.

SPAL started the second half with the confidence with which they finished the first and they thought they had equalised through Marios Oikonomou, only for the goal to be ruled out for an offside infringement by Paloschi after VAR consultation.

 

Any threat of a fightback was effectively killed off with 25 minutes remaining, however, as Higuain smashed the ball left-footed into the bottom-right corner for his fourth league goal of the season after SPAL had failed to clear the area following a corner.

Juve could finally relax and they soon added a fourth, the lively Costa crossing for substitute Cuadrado to head home at the far post, despite Gomis' efforts to parry the ball away.

Higuain was denied a landmark goal late on after a VAR check, but Allegri's side eased to a win that keeps them third third, behind Inter and Napoli, ahead of Saturday's trip to San Siro to take on AC Milan.

[Socrates 8524]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

JUVENTUS - SPAL

 

               4-1 .....

  .......... 

Federico Bernardeschi (14')

Paulo Dybala (22')

Alberto Paloschi (34')

Gonzalo Higuaín (65')

Juan Cuadrado (70')

 

10th Matchday

 

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

07.45 UK time - 06.45 GMT
Allianz Stadium - Torino
Referee: Fabrizio Pasqua

 

 

 

 

Allegri: 'Juve can't play like this'

 

 

http://www.football-italia.net/111868/allegri-juve-cant-play

 

 

Oct 25, 2017

 

Massimiliano Allegri warns Juventus that “if we repeat this performance against Milan, we will lose” after a 4-1 win over SPAL.

 

The final result doesn’t perhaps reflect the number of chances the minnows created in Turin, including a potential equaliser disallowed for offside.

 

“If we play like this at San Siro and repeat this performance against Milan, then we will certainly lose,” the Coach told Mediaset Premium.

 

“We have not yet worked out that it’s nice to score goals, but we’ve got to keep the intensity and concentration levels up. We got ourselves into trouble, waltzed out of the game and SPAL did well to get back into it.

 

“In the second half we ran a big risk on Alberto Paloschi and fortunately it was offside. Either we find a balance or it’s difficult for us to win the Scudetto. We are constantly on this see-saw.

 

“It’s not as if we want to only attack or only defend, but maintain a balance. If we play like this against Milan, we’ll get trashed. After going 2-0 up, we made one mistake after another and SPAL were able to control the ball. If we had gone to 2-2, anything could’ve happened. You cannot afford that against the bigger clubs. Just look at our defeat to Lazio.

 

“I hope this is the last time that I will have to throw my jacket to the ground in anger, because I’m getting old for this…”

 

Federico Bernardeschi had a rare start and scored another splendid goal, his volley from the edge of the box flying into the far top corner.

 

“He did well and I am happy, it’s not easy for him to play every now and then. Rodrigo Bentancur also did well, although he has to move the ball quickly and with greater ease, because he’s got the quality.”

 

[Socrates 8524]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

JUVENTUS - SPAL

 

               4-1 .....

  .......... 

Federico Bernardeschi (14')

Paulo Dybala (22')

Alberto Paloschi (34')

Gonzalo Higuaín (65')

Juan Cuadrado (70')

 

10th Matchday

 

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

07.45 UK time - 06.45 GMT
Allianz Stadium - Torino
Referee: Fabrizio Pasqua

 

 

 

 

Juventus set scoring record

 

 

http://www.football-italia.net/111879/juventus-set-scoring-record

 

 

Oct 26, 2017

 

Juventus have scored 31 goals in the first 10 Serie A games, the best record by anyone in 66 years.

 

The Bianconeri beat Spal 4-1 in Turin last night, meaning they have now scored 31 in 10 games, even better than Napoli’s record of 29 in the same period.

 

Indeed that record is better than anyone has managed at this stage since the 1951-52 season.

 

In that campaign it was Juve themselves who boasted the same record after 10 games, going on to win the Scudetto by seven points - in the days of two points for a win - while scoring 98 goals.

[Socrates 8524]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

JUVENTUS - SPAL

 

               4-1 .....

  .......... 

Federico Bernardeschi (14')

Paulo Dybala (22')

Alberto Paloschi (34')

Gonzalo Higuaín (65')

Juan Cuadrado (70')

 

10th Matchday

 

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

07.45 UK time - 06.45 GMT
Allianz Stadium - Torino
Referee: Fabrizio Pasqua

 

 

 

 

Dybala-Higuain break drought

 

 

http://www.football-italia.net/111880/dybala-higuain-break-drought

 

 

Oct 26, 2017

 

Juventus’ win over Spal last night saw Paulo Dybala and Gonzalo Higuain score in the same game for the first time since February.

 

The Bianconeri won 4-1 against the newly promoted side, with La Joya curling in a stunning free-kick and Pipita adding the third with a fine left-footed strike.

 

That represented the first time that both had scored in the same match since the 3-1 win over Napoli in the Coppa Italia on February 28.

 

Following that there was an eight month period where both didn’t score in the same game, a run extending to Argentina’s friendly with Brazil in June, in which both played.

 

Dybala now has 11 goals in 10 Serie A games this season, as well as hitting a double in the Supercoppa Italiana against Lazio.

 

Higuain has started the season slowly by his own standards, with four goals and three assists in his 10 league games.

[Socrates 8524]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

MILAN - JUVENTUS

 

      ..............             

  .......... 

 

 

 

11th Matchday

 

Saturday, october 28th 2017 - 06:00 p.m. CET 

05.00 p.m. UK time - 04.00 p.m. GMT
Giuseppe Meazza Stadium - Milan
Referee: Paolo Valeri

 

 

 

 

Valeri to referee Milan-Juventus

 

 

http://www.football-italia.net/111889/valeri-referee-milan-juventus

 

 

Oct 26, 2017

 

Paolo Valeri has been announced as the referee for Saturday’s match between Milan and Juventus.

 

The Rossoneri welcome the champions to San Siro this weekend, though they will be without former Juve defender Leonardo Bonucci, who is suspended after an elbow on Aleandro Rosi.

 

Today the AIA has announced that Paolo Valeri will officiate the match, having last taken charge of the Diavolo in their 2-0 defeat to Sampdoria in September.

 

Elsewhere, Luca Pairetto has been appointed to Napoli-Sassuolo, while Claudio Gavillucci will oversee Inter’s trip to Verona.

 

 

Serie A Week 11 referees:

 

Benevento-Lazio - Piero Giacomelli
Crotone-Fiorentina - Fabio Maresca
Verona-Inter - Claudio Gavillucci
Milan-Juventus - Paolo Valeri
Napoli-Sassuolo - Luca Pairetto
Roma-Bologna - Michael Fabbri
Sampdoria-Chievo - Daniele Doveri
Spal-Genoa - Daniele Orsato
Torino-Cagliari - Gianpaolo Calvarese
Udinese-Atalanta - Gianluca Rocchi

[Socrates 8524]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

MILAN - JUVENTUS

 

      ..............             

  .......... 

 

 

 

11th Matchday

 

Saturday, october 28th 2017 - 06:00 p.m. CET 

05.00 p.m. UK time - 04.00 p.m. GMT
Giuseppe Meazza Stadium - Milan
Referee: Paolo Valeri

 

 

 

 

Biglia fit to face Juventus

 

 

http://www.football-italia.net/111948/biglia-fit-face-juventus

 

 

Oct 27, 2017

 

Lucas Biglia is in the Milan squad to face Juventus, but Davide Calabria misses out.

 

Biglia went off after 68 minutes of the win over Chievo, and there were fears a slight knock could see him miss out against the Bianconeri.

 

However, the Argentine is included in Vincenzo Montella’s squad, so could feature tomorrow evening.

 

Davide Calabria is left out after a nasty head injury on Wednesday, while former Juve defender Leonardo Bonucci is suspended.

 

Milan squad to face Juventus: A. Donnarumma, G. Donnarumma, Storari, Abate, Antonelli, Gomez, Musacchio, Paletta, Rodriguez, Romagnoli, Zapata, Biglia, Borini, Calhanoglu, Kessie, Locatelli, Mauri, Montolivo, Zanellato,  Cutrone, Kalinic, André Silva, Suso

[Socrates 8524]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

MILAN - JUVENTUS

 

      ..............             

  .......... 

 

 

 

11th Matchday

 

Saturday, october 28th 2017 - 06:00 p.m. CET 

05.00 p.m. UK time - 04.00 p.m. GMT
Giuseppe Meazza Stadium - Milan
Referee: Paolo Valeri

 

 

 

 

Allegri ‘sorry’ for Bonucci

 

 

http://www.football-italia.net/111934/allegri-‘sorry’-bonucci

 

 

Oct 27, 2017

 

Juventus boss Max Allegri admits he is ‘sorry’ that Milan defender Leonardo Bonucci cannot face his former side on Saturday.

 

Bonucci’s red card against Genoa last weekend sees him miss the clash with Juve, three months on from his shock €40m transfer to Milan.

 

“We’re feeling good, and we’re going to Milan to play a game of great charm, facing a team that had a great game against Chievo on Wednesday,” the Coach said at a Press conference.

 

“They’re lagging a bit behind in the table, but they’ll end up in the top four positions.

 

“SPAL? I was angry because we missed a lot of chances and weren’t very careful, not just in defence.

 

“We didn’t find the right pass on several occasions and that’s something which can’t happen at a team like Juventus.

 

“Alex Sandro? We’ll have to decide between him and Asamoah. His call-up to the Brazil team gave him a great impetus.

 

“We have to come away with three points. It won’t be easy, but we have to do it. We dropped points here last season and it mustn’t happen again.

 

“Bonucci? One of Barzagli and Rugani will play alongside Chiellini tomorrow. I’m sorry that Bonucci can’t play.

 

“We don’t have a full stomach. Our numbers are better than they were at this point last season, plus we have more points.

 

“Napoli are doing extraordinary things. At the moment, the difference between us and them are two missed penalties.

 

“The title race will end on the final day this season. There will be three direct clashes in the last five rounds, which will decide the title.”

[Socrates 8524]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

MILAN - JUVENTUS

 

      ..............             

  .......... 

 

 

 

11th Matchday

 

Saturday, october 28th 2017 - 06:00 p.m. CET 

05.00 p.m. UK time - 04.00 p.m. GMT
Giuseppe Meazza Stadium - Milan
Referee: Paolo Valeri

 

 

 

 

San Siro sold out for Milan-Juventus

 

 

http://www.football-italia.net/111958/san-siro-sold-out-milan-juventus

 

 

Oct 28, 2017

 

Milan-Juventus is a sell-out, and it’s estimated around 730 million people will watch the match on television around the world.

 

Two of Serie A’s biggest clubs meet at San Siro tonight, in what is always one of the most highly-anticipated matches of the season.

 

The Rossoneri’s official website states that tickets are sold out for the match, with 78,328 fans attending the game.

 

In addition, the game will be shown in over 200 countries across the world, with an expected audience of around 730 million people.

 

There will be a host of football legends present, including Franco Baresi, Filippo Galli, Daniele Massaro, Paolo Maldini, Pietro Vierchowod, Massimo Oddo, Mauro Tassotti, Christian Vieri, Angelo Carbone, Marek Jankulovski and Giuseppe Favalli.

[Socrates 8524]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

MILAN - JUVENTUS

 

      ..............             

  .......... 

 

 

 

11th Matchday

 

Saturday, october 28th 2017 - 06:00 p.m. CET 

05.00 p.m. UK time - 04.00 p.m. GMT
Giuseppe Meazza Stadium - Milan
Referee: Paolo Valeri

 

 

 

 

Milan change, Juve go old school

 

 

http://www.football-italia.net/111961/milan-change-juve-go-old-school

 

 

Oct 28, 2017

 

Milan are expected to use Suso, Hakan Calhanoglu and Nikola Kalinic in this evening’s clash, but Juventus won’t start any new buys.

 

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

 

The Rossoneri are without suspended Leonardo Bonucci, who won’t be able to face his former teammates, while Jack Bonaventura, Davide Calabria and Andrea Conti are injured.

 

Lucas Biglia has shaken off a muscular issue and is able to lead the midfield with Franck Kessie, Fabio Borini and the returning Ignazio Abate.

 

Suso was on stunning form in Wednesday’s 4-1 victory away to Chievo and is expected to support Calhanoglu and Kalinic.

 

Juventus welcome Mario Mandzukic back after his one-match ban for insulting the referee, though Medhi Benatia, Marko Pjaca and Benedikt Howedes are injured.

 

Alex Sandro is likely to be rested in favour of Kwadwo Asamoah at left-back, while Daniele Rugani and Andrea Barzagli are both up for the same centre-back spot.

 

According to various reports, Juan Cuadrado will get the nod rather than Douglas Costa, while Blaise Matuidi is not risked from the start.

 

That means there will be no summer signings in the Juventus starting XI, as Federico Bernardeschi and Rodrigo Bentancur are also benched.

 

 

Milan (probable): G Donnarumma; Zapata, Romagnoli, Rodriguez; Abate, Kessie, Biglia, Borini; Suso, Calhanoglu; Kalinic

 

Juventus (probable): Buffon; Lichtsteiner, Barzagli, Chiellini, Asamoah; Khedira, Pjanic; Cuadrado, Dybala, Mandzukic; Higuain

[Socrates 8524]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

MILAN - JUVENTUS

 

      ..............             

  .......... 

 

 

 

11th Matchday

 

Saturday, october 28th 2017 - 06:00 p.m. CET 

05.00 p.m. UK time - 04.00 p.m. GMT
Giuseppe Meazza Stadium - Milan
Referee: Paolo Valeri

 

 

 

 

Tactical View: Mobile Milan system

 

 

http://www.football-italia.net/111973/tactical-view-mobile-milan-system

 

 

Oct 28, 2017

 

After a change in formation and tactics in a 4-1 win away to Chievo Verona at the Bentegodi, it’s reported that Vincenzo Montella goes with the same formation and a few small changes in personnel to counter Juventus at San Siro, but don’t be fooled into thinking it’s a set 3-4-2-1.

 

For some strange reason, Cristian Zapata looks like he will be getting the nod at the right of the three-man backline instead of Mateo Musacchio, who’s been absolutely impressive so far in his first season with the Rossoneri. The only other change that’s almost guaranteed is Ignazio Abate coming in to replace injured Davide Calabria, who was stretchered off in an ambulance last match with a head injury, but will be back soon.

 

Ricardo Rodriguez will likely be playing as a left central defender with Leonardo Bonucci serving his two-match suspension. Fabio Borini will take the reins as a left wing back, after impressing once again against Chievo.

 

In terms of the attack, it’s going to be Hakan Calhanoglu, coming off his first Serie A goal to start with the in-form Suso, who’ll set up behind the ex-Fiorentina man Nikola Kalinic.

 

On paper, the formation says 3-4-2-1, however, this isn’t the kind of shape that’s stagnant throughout the entire match. Against Chievo, we saw this system switch in to a 4-2-3-1 at times in attack and also in defence. Montella is trying to make that switch in the game, depending on what the other team’s tactics are and how they play throughout the match.

 

Montella already said that the Rossoneri need to beat Juve, so expect an attacking Milan start from a side that’s desperate for three points in front of their home fans and to climb up the Serie A table. 

[Socrates 8524]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

MILAN - JUVENTUS

 

      ..............             

  .......... 

 

 

 

11th Matchday

 

Saturday, october 28th 2017 - 06:00 p.m. CET 

05.00 p.m. UK time - 04.00 p.m. GMT
Giuseppe Meazza Stadium - Milan
Referee: Paolo Valeri

 

 

 

 

Line-ups: Milan-Juventus

 

 

http://www.football-italia.net/111985/line-ups-milan-juventus

 

 

Oct 28, 2017

 

Milan use Suso and Hakan Calhanoglu to support Nikola Kalinic, while Juan Cuadrado and Mario Mandzukic start for Juventus at San Siro.

 

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

 

This has always been a prestigious fixture in the Italian football calendar and it’s no different this evening, as the Rossoneri got back on track with Wednesday’s 4-1 victory at Chievo and Juve could temporarily go top of the table.

 

Vincenzo Montella put a halt to the crisis and kept hold of his job after one point from four Serie A rounds, while he already beat Juventus twice last season.

 

The first was 1-0 in this fixture, then again on penalties in December’s Italian Super Cup clash in Doha.

 

However, Juve have won eight of their last nine Serie A meetings with Milan, home and away, so will be feeling confident.

 

Mandzukic returns from suspension to bolster the attack with Cuadrado, as Douglas Costa and Federico Bernardeschi are sent to the bench.

 

Claudio Marchisio, Mattia De Sciglio and Blaise Matuidi are not fully fit, with Benedikt Howedes, Marko Pjaca and Medhi Benatia are injured.

 

This means Allegri has chosen no summer signings in the starting XI, but Daniele Rugani is picked rather than Andrea Barzagli.

 

Milan miss Jack Bonaventura, Davide Calabria and Andrea Conti, as well as suspended former Juventus defender Leonardo Bonucci, so look to Cristian Zapata rather than Mateo Musacchio to complete the back three.

 

Ignazio Abate comes in on the flank with Fabio Borini on the other side.

 

These sides have not shared the spoils in Serie A since February 2012, Milan picking up two wins and eight defeats.

 

 

Milan: G Donnarumma; Zapata, Romagnoli, Rodriguez; Abate, Kessie, Biglia, Borini; Suso, Calhanoglu; Kalinic

 

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

[Socrates 8524]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

MILAN - JUVENTUS

 

      ..............             

  .......... 

 

 

 

11th Matchday

 

Saturday, october 28th 2017 - 06:00 p.m. CET 

05.00 p.m. UK time - 04.00 p.m. GMT
Giuseppe Meazza Stadium - Milan
Referee: Paolo Valeri

 

 

 

 

HT 0-1: Higuain's 100th in Milan-Juve

 

 

http://www.football-italia.net/111992/ht-higuains-100th-milan-juve

 

 

Oct 28, 2017

 

Gonzalo Higuain has given Juventus the half-time lead away to Milan with his 100^th Serie A goal, but Nikola Kalinic hit the crossbar.

 

The Rossoneri ended their run of one point from four rounds with Wednesday night’s 4-1 victory away to Chievo, but were still without Leonardo Bonucci, completing his two-match ban against his former club, while Jack Bonaventura, Davide Calabria and Andrea Conti were injured. Juve didn’t field any of their summer signings, but missed Medhi Benatia, Marko Pjaca and Benedikt Howedes, while Claudio Marchisio, Blaise Matuidi and Mattia De Sciglio weren’t fully fit.

 

These sides have not shared the spoils in Serie A since February 2012, Milan picking up two wins and eight defeats. The pre-match choreography in the Curva Sud depicted a pumpkin and Halloween scene, with seven gravestones marking the dates of Juve’s Champions League defeats.

 

The hosts got off to a very lively start and Kwadwo Asamoah made a decisive block on Nikola Kalinic at the back post, but after 15 minutes, Juve emerged from their shell and took more control of the tempo, as Gianluigi Donnarumma took the sting out of a Paulo Dybala snapshot.

 

The growing pressure paid off, as Dybala threaded through for Higuain, who took a touch and smashed in at the near post from just inside the penalty area. It was his 100^th Serie A goal in just 154 games.

 

This woke Milan up again, as moments later Fabio Borini’s ball whipped across the face of goal with Kalinic sliding in a second too late to score.

 

Giorgio Chiellini risked an own goal, nodding inches wide when anticipating Kalinic. There were concerns over Lucas Biglia’s fitness and he looked off the pace, consistently misplacing passes.

 

On the stroke of half-time, Kalinic looked like he had to score, but Gigi Buffon rushed out and managed to deflect it on to the crossbar, then Daniele Rugani charged down the Hakan Calhanoglu follow-up.

 

Milan 0-1 Juventus (Half-Time)

Higuain 23 (J)

 

Milan: G Donnarumma; Zapata, Romagnoli, Rodriguez; Abate, Kessie, Biglia, Borini; Suso, Calhanoglu; Kalinic

 

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

 

Ref: Valeri

[Socrates 8524]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

MILAN - JUVENTUS

 

      ....    0-2            

  .......... 

Gonzalo Higuain 23'

Gonzalo Higuain 63'

 

 

 

11th Matchday

 

Saturday, october 28th 2017 - 06:00 p.m. CET 

05.00 p.m. UK time - 04.00 p.m. GMT
Giuseppe Meazza Stadium - Milan
Referee: Paolo Valeri

 

 

 

 

Higuain brace breaks Milan

 

 

http://www.football-italia.net/111994/higuain-brace-breaks-milan

 

 

Oct 28, 2017

 

A Gonzalo Higuain brace at San Siro gave Juventus the 2-0 victory and plunged Milan back into crisis after poor Nikola Kalinic finishing.

 

The Rossoneri ended their run of one point from four rounds with Wednesday night’s 4-1 victory away to Chievo, but were still without Leonardo Bonucci, completing his two-match ban against his former club, while Jack Bonaventura, Davide Calabria and Andrea Conti were injured. Juve didn’t field any of their summer signings, but missed Medhi Benatia, Marko Pjaca and Benedikt Howedes, while Claudio Marchisio, Blaise Matuidi and Mattia De Sciglio weren’t fully fit.

 

These sides have not shared the spoils in Serie A since February 2012, Milan picking up two wins and eight defeats. The pre-match choreography in the Curva Sud depicted a pumpkin and Halloween scene, with seven gravestones marking the dates of Juve’s Champions League defeats.

 

The hosts got off to a very lively start and Kwadwo Asamoah made a decisive block on Nikola Kalinic at the back post, but after 15 minutes, Juve emerged from their shell and took more control of the tempo, as Gianluigi Donnarumma took the sting out of a Paulo Dybala snapshot.

 

The growing pressure paid off, as Dybala threaded through for Higuain, who took a touch and smashed in at the near post from just inside the penalty area. It was his 100^th Serie A goal in just 154 games.

 

This woke Milan up again, as moments later Fabio Borini’s ball whipped across the face of goal with Kalinic sliding in a second too late to score.

 

Giorgio Chiellini risked an own goal, nodding inches wide when anticipating Kalinic. There were concerns over Lucas Biglia’s fitness and he looked off the pace, consistently misplacing passes.

 

On the stroke of half-time, Kalinic looked like he had to score, but Gigi Buffon rushed out and managed to deflect it on to the crossbar from point-blank range, then Daniele Rugani charged down the Hakan Calhanoglu follow-up.

 

After the restart, Suso dribbled to the by-line and pulled back for Kalinic’s shot charged down, but Vincenzo Montella finally removed Biglia for Manuel Locatelli.

 

However, Juventus doubled their lead with Higuain, as Dybala’s dummy let an Asamoah pass through, Pipita dummied Ricardo Rodriguez and drilled in off the inside of the upright.

 

Borini flashed another dangerous ball across the face of goal, but once more Kalinic just failed to get there in time.

 

---

 

Milan: G Donnarumma; Zapata, Romagnoli, Rodriguez; Abate (Antonelli 60), Kessie, Biglia (Locatelli 60), Borini; Suso, Calhanoglu (Andre Silva 76); Kalinic

 

Juventus: Buffon; Lichtsteiner (Barzagli 65), Chiellini, Rugani, Asamoah (Alex Sandro 70); Khedira (Matuidi 80), Pjanic; Cuadrado, Dybala, Mandzukic; Higuain

 

Ref: Valeri

[Socrates 8524]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

MILAN - JUVENTUS

 

      ....    0-2            

  .......... 

Gonzalo Higuain 23'

Gonzalo Higuain 63'

 

 

 

11th Matchday

 

Saturday, october 28th 2017 - 06:00 p.m. CET 

05.00 p.m. UK time - 04.00 p.m. GMT
Giuseppe Meazza Stadium - Milan
Referee: Paolo Valeri

 

 

 

 

Higuain: 'San Siro Century destiny'

 

 

http://www.football-italia.net/111995/higuain-san-siro-century-destiny

 

 

Oct 28, 2017

 

Gonzalo Higuain believes it was “my destiny” to score the 100^th Serie A goal for Juventus against Milan in this 2-0 victory.

 

Pipita bagged a brace, the first being his Century in the Italian top flight.

 

“When they disallowed the goal against SPAL, we said it was my destiny to score the 100^th at San Siro! Now it’s 101, not bad,” the Argentine told Sky Sport Italia.

 

“Milan perhaps started stronger, but we played like a great team and the goal put the game on track. I think we deserved the victory.

 

“The Coach said games never end at San Siro and that is absolutely true. We stayed concentrated for the full 90 minutes and made only one mistake, when they hit the bar.

 

“Now we have to recuperate and focus on the Champions League in Lisbon.”

[Socrates 8524]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

MILAN - JUVENTUS

 

      ....    0-2            

  .......... 

Gonzalo Higuain 23'

Gonzalo Higuain 63'

 

 

 

11th Matchday

 

Saturday, october 28th 2017 - 06:00 p.m. CET 

05.00 p.m. UK time - 04.00 p.m. GMT
Giuseppe Meazza Stadium - Milan
Referee: Paolo Valeri

 

 

 

 

Allegri: 'Higuain can do more'

 

 

http://www.football-italia.net/111997/allegri-higuain-can-do-more

 

 

Oct 28, 2017

 

Max Allegri warned Gonzalo Higuain and Paulo Dybala mustn’t “rest on their laurels” after Juventus earned a 2-0 victory away to Milan.

 

Higuain bagged a brace at San Siro to secure the three points this evening.

 

“We must compliment the lads, as playing at San Siro is never easy and Milan are historic rivals. In these fixtures, form is wiped out,” the Coach told Sky Sport Italia.

 

“It was a good performance both attacking and defending, we won a head-to-head clash and now prepare for Tuesday, aiming to secure qualification in the Champions League against Sporting.

 

“Mario Mandzukic and Kwadwo Asamoah did well to track back and block Suso. He is a crucial player who is decisive for Milan with assists and goals, so we did well to neutralise him.

 

“This mustn’t be an ending point for Higuain. He is in great shape at the moment and needs to improve it more than maintain it, but as always that’s an issue of mentality. He is really helping the team to play better.

 

“Gonzalo must believe in himself much more, because he has extraordinary potential. Every now and then he rests on his laurels, which is not good for him or for us. He must demand more from himself.

 

“We struggled in the first 10 minutes, as we kept passing it short and not seeking the forwards, as Milan were pressing us. Paulo Dybala was meant to be marking Ricardo Rodriguez, he wasn’t, and so Juan Cuadrado was a bit hesitant and that’s where the chance came from that hit the bar thanks to an extraordinary Gigi Buffon.

 

“When my players make too many short passes and don’t move it forward, I get angry. We are doing well this season, losing one and drawing one with two last-gasp penalties, so the difference right now is made by those spot-kicks.”

 

This win puts Juve temporarily joint top of the table with Napoli, awaiting the other results this weekend.

 

“Napoli are in extraordinary form right now, we have to make sure we’re up there battling with them and Inter in April,” continued Allegri.

 

He was asked why he opted not to start any of the summer signings against Milan.

 

“When changing to 4-3-3 rather than 4-2-3-1, it requires a different balance and we are working on it. Don’t forget this side won the Scudetto, Coppa Italia and reached the Champions League Final, so there’s no point fiddling with it unnecessarily. We bought the new players to give me more options to choose from.”

[Socrates 8524]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

MILAN - JUVENTUS

 

      ....    0-2            

  .......... 

Gonzalo Higuain 23'

Gonzalo Higuain 63'

 

 

 

11th Matchday

 

Saturday, october 28th 2017 - 06:00 p.m. CET 

05.00 p.m. UK time - 04.00 p.m. GMT
Giuseppe Meazza Stadium - Milan
Referee: Paolo Valeri

 

 

 

 

Montella: 'Not everyone has a Higuain'

 

 

http://www.football-italia.net/111998/montella-not-everyone-has-higuain

 

 

Oct 28, 2017

 

Vincenzo Montella insists Milan played “on level terms with Juventus, but not everyone has a striker like Gonzalo Higuain.”

 

Pipita bagged a brace at San Siro for this evening’s 2-0 Bianconeri victory, whereas Nikola Kalinic wasted several golden opportunities and hit the bar.

 

“It was a very balanced match, one we played on even terms with Juventus, but the difference was made by Higuain with two great goals,” the Coach told Mediaset Premium.

 

“As far as I am concerned, the team put in a good performance, we were just a little tired. We were balanced and had twice as many shots compared to Juve. We could’ve broken the deadlock earlier, but their strikers did better.”

 

Milan are six points worse off than at this stage last season and have lost to all the big clubs so far.

 

“We are a restructured squad and in the games against the big clubs, apart from 15 minutes with Lazio, we always played on level terms. This is scant consolation, but we must be more clinical in front of goal.

 

“On both goals today, the defence was in position, but Higuain scored two phenomenal strikes. We must also recognise the talent of the opposition.

 

“We went close to the goal several times, but there are few Higuains out there and not everybody has someone like him.

 

“I maintain it was a good performance from my team. In this type of fixture, you also need to be accustomed to games at this level. We now have to react straight away and focus on winning in Athens on Thursday for the Europa League.”

[Socrates 8524]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

MILAN - JUVENTUS

 

      ....    0-2            

  .......... 

Gonzalo Higuain 23'

Gonzalo Higuain 63'

 

 

 

11th Matchday

 

Saturday, october 28th 2017 - 06:00 p.m. CET 

05.00 p.m. UK time - 04.00 p.m. GMT
Giuseppe Meazza Stadium - Milan
Referee: Paolo Valeri

 

 

 

 

Buffon: 'Juve don't want to be Napoli'

 

 

http://www.football-italia.net/111999/buffon-juve-dont-want-be-napoli

 

 

Oct 28, 2017

 

Gigi Buffon insists Juventus “don’t want to play like Napoli and vice versa, as that doesn’t represent our idea of football.”

 

The Bianconeri are joint top of the table after a 2-0 victory away to Milan, awaiting the Partenopei’s meeting with Sassuolo tomorrow.

 

“We are two teams who play a very different style of football and have different qualities,” Buffon told Mediaset Premium.

 

“We don’t want to play like Napoli, as that doesn’t represent our idea of football, and vice versa. Napoli have done better than us so far because they’ve got more points.”

 

Juve got the victory at San Siro thanks to a Gonzalo Higuain brace.

 

“If against Udinese, Higuain had carried the team on his back, he did even better tonight with two goals. We played a more humble match and one with a greater spirit of sacrifice than usual. We did very well to realise what was needed to win it.

 

“Daniele Rugani is very talented and reliable. It’s not easy to join in with such a group of well-travelled veterans, as he’s young and needs the time to make mistakes and learn. This is the right way to help him grow.”

[Socrates 8524]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

MILAN - JUVENTUS

 

      ....    0-2            

  .......... 

Gonzalo Higuain 23'

Gonzalo Higuain 63'

 

 

 

11th Matchday

 

Saturday, october 28th 2017 - 06:00 p.m. CET 

05.00 p.m. UK time - 04.00 p.m. GMT
Giuseppe Meazza Stadium - Milan
Referee: Paolo Valeri

 

 

 

 

Buffon hints at retirement push

 

 

http://www.football-italia.net/112002/buffon-hints-retirement-push

 

 

Oct 28, 2017

 

Gigi Buffon announced he’ll retire at the end of this season, but implied Juventus pushed him. “I have to respect the choices of the club.”

 

The goalkeeper turns 40 in January and confirmed this week that it’ll be his final campaign, unless he wins the Champions League, in which case he’ll hold on to play in the Club World Cup in December 2018.

 

After this evening’s 2-0 victory away to Milan, Buffon was asked by Sky Sport Italia why he was hanging up his gloves.

 

“There is a time for everyone and I also have to respect the choices of the club, who buy goalkeepers younger than me and perhaps even better than me,” replied the captain.

 

Juventus signed Wojciech Szczesny from Arsenal over the summer and he is being groomed to replace Buffon.

 

“I want to conclude my career in the best way possible, trying to honour it to the end.”

 

This would be not dissimilar to the situation Francesco Totti went through at Roma last term, where he clearly wanted to play on, but the club would not offer him a contract extension.

[Socrates 8524]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SPORTING - JUVENTUS

 

..........                    

 

 

 

 

4th Matchday

 

Tuesday, october 31st 2017 - 08:45 p.m. CET

07:45 p.m. GMT
José Alvalade Stadium - Lisbon
Referee: Clément Turpin (France)

 

 

 

 

Turpin ref for Sporting-Juventus

 

 

http://www.football-italia.net/112027/eriksson-ref-roma-chelsea

 

 

Oct 29, 2017

 

Jonas Eriksson will officiate Roma-Chelsea in the Champions League, while Clement Turpin takes charge of Sporting-Juventus.

 

They both kick off on Tuesday at 20.45 CET - 19.45 GMT.

 

Swedish referee Eriksson is given the whistle at the Stadio Olimpico for what ought to be an entertaining encounter after the 3-3 thriller in London.

 

He is assisted by Mathias Klasenius and Daniel Warnmark, with additional referees Stefan Johannesson and Andreas Ekberg.

 

Mehmet Culum will be the fourth official.

 

Some Giallorossi supporters might remember Eriksson, as he was officiating when Roma were hammered 7-1 at home by Bayern Munich in October 2014.

 

He was also at the helm when Chelsea lost the European Super Cup Final to Bayern Munich on penalties in August 2013, where he sent off Ramires.

 

 

As for Sporting against Juventus, French referee Turpin is assisted by Cyril Gringore and Guillame Debart, with additional referees Ruddy Buquet and Nicolas Rainville.

The fourth official will be Hicham Zakrani.

 

[Socrates 8524]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ADL: 'They try to stop Napoli'

 

 

http://www.football-italia.net/112060/adl-they-try-stop-napoli

 

 

Oct 29, 2017

 

Napoli President Aurelio De Laurentiis made some controversial comments. “They’ve introduced VAR, what other obstacles will they introduce to stop us?”

 

The Partenopei are top of the Serie A table with 10 wins and a draw, including today’s 3-1 victory over Sassuolo.

 

“How banal you are, always asking about the Scudetto…” the President told reporters at an event in Naples.

 

“In my view, there is also the satisfaction of performing what others can only envy. When they say Napoli play the best football in Europe, that is a great gift for us.

 

“For the Scudetto all you need is a slight slip-up, or an incident, or an injury…

 

“Today we passed the biggest test of all and we defend this top spot for the honour of Naples and the Neapolitans. That counts more than the Scudetto. We’ll win the Scudetto sooner or later, but after that we have to turn the page and create the kind of organisation that annoys the North.

 

“Now they’ve started introducing VAR, so who knows what other obstacles they could put in our way to try and stop us?

 

“We’re playing magnificent football, which is not easy, and invested a lot of money, yet people talk about how much the others have invested. We saw that there are clubs who invested three times as much and still lose 2-0 (he said referring to Milan).

 

“You can only achieve certain results with time and hard work, with consistency. There is always this frenetic approach of fans asking me who we will buy, but why cause problems for the Coach?

 

“In January we need to find players who are useful additions, not players who stay on the bench and play 10-15 minutes.”

 

De Laurentiis did confess he had attempted to sign Federico Chiesa over the summer.

 

“Fiorentina won’t sell him to me. The President of the Viola can’t get himself killed by the fans by selling a gem like Chiesa.”

[Socrates 8524]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SPORTING - JUVENTUS

 

..........                    

 

 

 

 

4th Matchday

 

Tuesday, october 31st 2017 - 08:45 p.m. CET

07:45 p.m. GMT
José Alvalade Stadium - Lisbon
Referee: Clément Turpin (France)

 

 

 

 

Juve: Benatia out, De Sciglio in

 

 

http://www.football-italia.net/112089/juve-benatia-out-de-sciglio

 

 

Oct 30, 2017

 

Juventus have named Mattia De Sciglio in their squad to face Sporting CP on Tuesday, but there is still no Medhi Benatia.

 

De Sciglio is the only recognised right-back in Juve’s squad, with Stephan Lichtsteiner ineligible for the Champions League.

 

However, it remains to be seen whether he is fit enough to appear in Lisbon after staying on the substitutes’ bench for the Bianconeri’s last two games.

 

Benatia, meanwhile, remains sidelined with an ankle problem as the Old Lady can all-but-secure a top-two place in Group D with victory over Sporting.

 

Juve squad for Sporting: Buffon, Pinsoglio, Szczesny; De Sciglio, Chiellini, Alex Sandro, Barzagli, Rugani; Pjanic, Khedira, Marchisio, Matuidi, Asamoah, Sturaro, Bentancur; Cuadrado, Higuain, Dybala, Douglas Costa, Mandzukic, Bernardeschi

[Socrates 8524]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SPORTING - JUVENTUS

 

..........                    

 

 

 

 

4th Matchday

 

Tuesday, october 31st 2017 - 08:45 p.m. CET

07:45 p.m. GMT
José Alvalade Stadium - Lisbon
Referee: Clément Turpin (France)

 

 

 

 

Buffon: ‘Sporting tough for anyone’

 

 

http://www.football-italia.net/112099/buffon-‘sporting-tough-anyone’

 

 

Oct 30, 2017

 

Juventus goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon warns Sporting CP are “a tough team for anyone”.

 

The Bianconeri face the second of a Champions League double-header with the Portuguese side tomorrow, and the captain is keen to guard against complacency.

 

“It’s not like we lacked concentration in the first match,” Buffon explained in the pre-match Press conference.

 

“We knew the importance of the game and we went onto the pitch with that knowledge, because having lost the first game against Barcelona, the next ones became decisive.

 

“We’re facing good opponents, because Sporting didn’t just make it difficult for us, but also for Barcelona.

 

“They’re a team who have players with a lot of experience, who have been leaders in winning teams.

 

“They have physicality, they run hard, so they’re a team that, beyond playing against Juve, are a tough team for anyone.

 

“It’s normal that when you play games at this level you’ll have difficulties.”

 

Buffon was then asked if this game, which could effectively seal qualification, will be the first chance this season to see Juve at their best.

 

“It’s not like up until now we’ve chosen to put in certain performances, or not deliver the results we might have been hoping for.

 

“Things happen by working over time, and in that sense we have better knowledge between ourselves.

 

“We’ve grown in terms of physical condition, and we’ve definitely improved mentally, which was probably our biggest problem a couple of weeks ago.

 

“I do think though that if we’re facing in-or-out games we can find the motivation within ourselves, and the unity to give the answers we have to give.”

 

The goalkeeper has played over 1000 games in his career, and was asked for the secret to his longevity.

 

“My secret is to be very friendly with the President, that helps a lot in playing as a starter!” Buffon joked.

 

“Beyond that, I think on the pitch - and when I say ‘on the pitch’ I mean during the week and in training sessions too - I give the answers that the Coach expects from me, and the answers of a goalkeeper who has to play as a starter.”