JUVENTUS SEASON 2017-2018

Socrates · September 17, 2017

1-3.

P. Dybala (16)

P. Dybala (49)

M. Politano (51)

P. Dybala (63)

4th Matchday

Sunday, september 17th 2017 - 12:30 p.m.
Mapei Stadium - Reggio Emilia
Arbitro: Davide Massa

‘Dybala 10 hours ahead’

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http://www.football-italia.net/110012/‘dybala-10-hours-ahead’

Sep 17, 2017

Sassuolo’s Matteo Politano says Juventus’ Paulo Dybala sees the game ‘ten hours ahead of everyone else.’

The Argentine playmaker scored a stunning hat-trick in this afternoon’s Serie A match between the teams, won 3-1 by the Old Lady.

And Politano, who also got on the scoresheet, admitted he was struck by the Juve man’s quality.

“Today Dybala again showed that he is a great footballer,” forward Politano said post-match.

“When you come up against players like him, it is hard to win points.

“His movements were what hit me, he sees the game 10 hours before all of us!”

Sassuolo have just one point from their opening four matches of the season, but Politano is confident his side will turn things around.

“We are becoming a good team and we are still at the start.

“Fortunately we are playing again on Wednesday and we will go to Cagliarito win.

“We need to work and we hope we can do what the boss is asking as soon as possible.”

Socrates · September 18, 2017

Del Piero: Inter for top three, Dybala…

http://www.football-italia.net/110052/del-piero-inter-top-three-dybala…

Sep 18, 2017

Alessandro Del Piero claims Inter will “definitely” finish in Serie A’s top three and that Juventus’ Paulo Dybala is striking fear into his opponents.

Inter won their fourth straight game over the weekend to remain joint-top, while Dybala’s hat-trick fired Juve to a 3-1 victory over Sassuolo.

“This Inter seems better to me than Mancini’s of two years ago,” the former Bianconeri attacker told Sky Sport Italia.

“I think they’ll finish higher and do a lot better. I definitely see them in the top three.

“Dybala’s free kick? There’s not much to say about it. It wasn’t an exceptional one and wasn’t at too much of an angle but just enough for him to score.

“In this case, [Sassuolo goalkeeper] Consigli was almost in awe, and that’s what tells you that Dybala is growing, not only for his goals but also for how he plays.

“People are afraid to face him at the moment, even when it comes to free kicks. You don’t know what can happen.

“Consigli could’ve saved it, but he moved too late and the free kick was well struck regardless.”

Socrates · September 19, 2017

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5th Matchday

Wednesday, september 20th 2017 - 20:45 p.m.
Allianz Stadium - Turin
Arbitro: Daniele Doveri

‘Dybala? Viola must stop Juve first…’

http://www.football-italia.net/110081/‘dybala-viola-must-stop-juve-first…’

Sep 18, 2017

Fiorentina goalkeeper Marco Sportiello calls Paulo Dybala “a great player” but “we have to stop Juventus first…”

The Viola take on the champions in Turin on Wednesday night, with Dybala having already scored eight Serie A goals this season.

“He’s a great player in great form,” Sportiello acknowledged on TgR Toscana.

“I think we have to stop Juve first though, before the Argentine. The Bianconeri have world class players, but we’ll try.

“Federico Chiesa? He has important quality, on a human level too. He needs to work calmly, he’ll definitely have a great career.”

Socrates · September 19, 2017

On This Day: Del Piero’s first Juventus goal

http://www.football-italia.net/110091/day-del-piero’s-first-juventus-goal

Sep 19, 2017

On this day in 1993, Alessandro Del Piero scored his first goal for Juventus in a 4-0 win over Reggiana.

The young forward had joined the Bianconeri from Padova in the summer of 1993, making his debut against Foggia on September 12.

On the following weekend, Giovanni Trapattoni’s side took an early 3-0 lead against Reggiana at the Stadio Delle Alpi.

Fabrizio Ravanelli broke the deadlock after 11 minutes, with Andreas Moller making it two just two minutes later.

Roberto Baggio added a third just after the half-hour mark, putting the result beyond doubt by half-time.

With 10 minutes of the match to go, Trapattoni opted to take of Ravanelli, sending on the young Del Piero in his place.

Just a minute later, the future World Cup winner latched onto a bouncing ball which split the Reggiana defence.

Wearing the number 16 shirt, Del Piero fired a left-footed half-volley beyond Andrea Sardini for his first goal in the famous black and white stripes.

It would prove to be the first of many, with Del Piero going on to become a Juve legend, breaking Giampiero Boniperti’s goalscoring record and eventually hitting 290 for the Old Lady.

David Trezeguet, Pinturicchio's former striker partner and Juve's top foreign goalscorer, also scored his first for the club on this day in 2000, a headed winner against Panathinaikos in the Champions League.

Socrates · September 20, 2017

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5th Matchday

Wednesday, september 20th 2017 - 20:45 p.m.
Allianz Stadium - Turin
Arbitro: Daniele Doveri

Höwedes returns for Juventus

http://www.football-italia.net/110112/howedes-returns-juventus

Sep 19, 2017

Benedikt Howedes returns for Juventus against Fiorentina, but Claudio Marchisio, Sami Khedira and Mattia De Sciglio are still out.

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

Defender Howedes was signed in the final days of the transfer window and could get his debut tomorrow evening.

However, Marchisio, Khedira, De Sciglio and Marko Pjaca are still unavailable due to injury.

Coach Max Allegri has already confirmed Wojciech Szczesny will start in goal against the Viola as part of squad rotation with Gigi Buffon.

Juventus squad for Fiorentina: Buffon, Chiellini, Benatia, Pjanic, Cuadrado, Higuain, Dybala, Douglas Costa, Alex Sandro, Matuidi, Barzagli, Pinsoglio, Mandzukic, Howedes, Asamoah, Szczesny, Rugani, Lichtsteiner, Sturaro, Bentancur, Bernardeschi

Socrates · September 20, 2017

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5th Matchday

Wednesday, september 20th 2017 - 20:45 p.m.
Allianz Stadium - Turin
Arbitro: Daniele Doveri

Juventus - Fiorentina Match Preview

h ttp://www.football-italia.net/SerieA/match/preview/106413

Sep 20, 2017

Juventus host Fiorentina in what should be the Bianconeri’s first real test of the Serie A season.

Despite taking 12 points from the first four games, Max Allegri’s team looked far from their confident best in the opening rounds. As is almost becoming routine, Juve have started sluggishly, largely due to the sales of key players.

The departures of Leonardo Bonucci and Dani Alves, and injuries to their replacements Benedikt Höwedes and Mattia De Sciglio, have had a markedly detrimental effect on the defence. In the Bianconeri’s last round against Sassuolo, the back line looked far from comfortable, especially at set pieces, and may well have conceded more against a higher quality opposition.

Likewise, early season injuries to Claudio Marchisio and Sami Khedira have forced Allegri to introduce Blaise Matuidi straight into the starting XI. Although the Frenchman has taken to the task admirably, he needs further time to acclimatise to the system, evident especially in his forays forward against the Neroverdi.

Fortunately for La Vecchia Signora, their shaky defence has been overshadowed by the explosive start to the season of Paulo Dybala. The Argentinian rescued a tepid performance against Sassuolo with three stunning goals, his second hat-trick of the season. Allegri won’t want to risk disrupting this run of form by making significant changes to his team against Fiorentina.

La Viola are another team that have suffered a slow start to the season, but unlike their midweek rivals, were unable to translate poor performances into positive results. Two early defeats, one understandable (away to Inter), the other more damaging (at home to Sampdoria), seemed to prove the Gigliati’s summer transfer window had been as detrimental as it first seemed.

However, after a brief tactical reshuffle, it appears Coach Stefano Pioli has discovered his strongest starting XI, earning a 5-0 win away to Verona and a hard-fought victory over Bologna. It appears that Federico Chiesa has been handed the creative baton from Federico Bernardeschi, and with Giovanni Simeone off the mark, Fiorentina may well find themselves somewhat unexpectedly with a competitive team.

With seven new signings in the line-up, it’s hardly surprising that it took a while for Pioli’s team to gel, and like Allegri, he will be hesitant to make any changes. Fortunately for the former Inter Coach, he has very little need to rotate his squad, with the injured Riccardo Saponara the only potential selection dilemma for the future.

His Juventus counterpart, on the other hand, faces the unenviable task of convincing Mario Mandzukic and Juan Cuadrado to share game time with Douglas Costa and Bernardeschi. This Wednesday could well be the opportunity for the former Fiorentina sweetheart to make his full debut in black and white.

Given Juventus’ dominance over the last half decade, it would be unwise to bet against them at home in Serie A. However, this may just be a blessing in disguise for La Viola, as under no pressure to win, Pioli will be able to learn more about where to develop his side. And, who knows, maybe they’ll be able to take advantage of the Bianconeri’s unsettled defence and return to Tuscany with a good result.

History is not on Pioli’s side, as he has never beaten Juventus or Massimiliano Allegri, managing three draws and 11 defeats. He lost his last 10 encounters with the Bianconeri on the trot, his teams scoring two goals and conceding 19. The last time Pioli escaped unbeaten against the Turin giants was Bologna’s 1-1 home draw in March 2012.

Keep an eye on: Paulo Dybala (Juventus) – Alessandro Del Piero’s heir to the Number 10 shirt has thrived under the extra responsibility thrust upon him so far this season. La Joya already has eight goals this season, and, despite his protests, his mercurial left foot is making it extremely difficult not to compare him to another Argentinian Number 10.

Form Guide: Juventus (W W W W -) Fiorentina (W W L L -)

Last season: Juventus 2-1 Fiorentina

Stat fact: Despite having scored in each of the last three Serie A visits to Turin, Fiorentina have failed to come away with victory since a 3-2 thriller in March 2008, picking up two 1-1 draws and seven defeats.

Top tip: Over 2.5 goals.

Juventus (probable): Buffon; Lichtsteiner, Rugani, Chiellini, Alex Sandro; Pjanic, Matuidi; Cuadrado, Dybala, Mandzukic; Higuain

Suspended: None

Fiorentina (probable): Sportiello; Bruno Gaspar, Pezzella, Astori, Biraghi; Veretout, Badelj; Chiesa, Thereau, Benassi; Simeone

Suspended: None

Socrates · September 20, 2017

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5th Matchday

Wednesday, september 20th 2017 - 20:45 p.m.
Allianz Stadium - Turin
Arbitro: Daniele Doveri

Sturaro to play at right-back?

http://www.football-italia.net/110148/sturaro-play-right-back

Sep 20, 2017

Juventus could deploy Stefano Sturaro at right-back for tonight’s match with Fiorentina, reports suggest.

The Bianconeri welcome the Viola to Turin tonight, with Coach Massmiliano Allegri confirming yesterday that Wojciech Szczesny will replace Gianluigi Buffon in goal.

With the Derby della Mole and then the Champions League to come, there are likely to be other changes and Gazzetta dello Sport expects Stefano Sturaro to play at right-back.

He filled in there after Mattia De Sciglio’s injury against Barcelona, and Allegri said yesterday that the Italian international could “grow a lot” in that position.

Giorgio Chiellini is likely to be rested, so Daniele Rugani should partner Andrea Barzagli at the back.

With Claudio Marchisio and Sami Khedira still injured, Rodrigo Bentancur and Blaise Matuidi are expected to form a midfield pair.

In attack it’s likely to be a familiar line-up, with Gonzalo Higuain leading the line and Paulo Dybala just behind him.

Flanking La Joya will be Mario Mandzukic and Juan Cuadrado, with no space for ex-Fiorentina man Federico Bernardeschi.

Probable Juventus line-up: Szczesny; Sturaro, Barzagli, Rugani, Asamoah; Bentancur, Matuidi; Cuadrado, Dybala, Mandzukic; Higuain

Socrates · September 20, 2017

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5th Matchday

Wednesday, september 20th 2017 - 20:45 p.m.
Allianz Stadium - Turin
Arbitro: Daniele Doveri

Line-ups: Juventus-Fiorentina

http://www.football-italia.net/110166/line-ups-juventus-fiorentina

Sep 20, 2017

Juventus look to Paulo Dybala, Rodrigo Bentancur and Stefano Sturaro as they host old rivals Fiorentina, with Giovanni Simeone and Cyril Thereau.

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

The Bianconeri have a 100 per cent record in Serie A, but were crushed 3-0 by Barcelona in the Champions League and lost 3-2 to Lazio in the Italian Super Cup.

Dybala has been carrying the side on his shoulders this season with a remarkable eight goals in four rounds, including two hat-tricks.

Max Allegri has to do without Mattia De Sciglio, Sami Khedira, Claudio Marchisio and Marko Pjaca, but Benedikt Howedes returns to the bench.

There are numerous changes, including Wojciech Szczesny in goal, Sturaro as a right-back and Juan Cuadrado joining Dybala, Mario Mandzukic and Gonzalo Higuain.

The surprises are in midfield, where Bentancur gets another nod after his Barcelona start, but former Viola hero Federico Bernardeschi is on the bench.

Fiorentina seem to have found their feet after a nightmare start, winning back-to-back games against Verona and Bologna.

Simeone has form of scoring against Juve from his time at Genoa and is supported by Cyril Thereau and on-form Federico Chiesa.

Coach Stefano Pioli has never beaten Juventus or Massimiliano Allegri, managing three draws and 11 defeats. He lost his last 10 encounters with the Bianconeri on the trot, his teams scoring two goals and conceding 19. The last time Pioli escaped unbeaten against the Turin giants was Bologna’s 1-1 home draw in March 2012.

Fiorentina have found the net in each of their last three Serie A visits to Turin, but managed two 1-1 draws and seven defeats since their most recent victory here back in March 2008.

Juventus: Szczesny; Sturaro, Barzagli, Rugani, Asamoah; Bentancur, Matuidi; Cuadrado, Dybala, Mandzukic; Higuain

Juventus bench: Buffon, Pinsoglio, Benatia, Chiellini, Alex Sandro, Lichtsteiner, Douglas Costa, Pjanic, Caligara, Bernardeschi

Fiorentina: Sportiello; Laurini, Pezzella, Astori, Biraghi; Veretout, Badelj; Benassi, Thereau, Chiesa; Simeone

Fiorentina bench: Dragowski, Milenkovic, Bruno Gaspar, Vitor Hugo, Cristoforo, Maxi Olivera, Eysseric, Sanchez, Zekhnini, Saponara, Gil Dias, Babacar

Ref: Doveri

Socrates · September 20, 2017

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5th Matchday

Wednesday, september 20th 2017 - 20:45 p.m.
Allianz Stadium - Turin
Arbitro: Daniele Doveri

HT 0-0: Fiorentina frustrate Juventus

http://www.football-italia.net/110174/ht-fiorentina-frustrate-juventus

Sep 20, 2017

Juventus have made very little impact on a solid Fiorentina in the first half in Turin, as the Viola are dangerous on the counter.

This has always been a bitter rivalry, not helped by Federico Bernardeschi making the switch to Turin this summer. Juve rested Gigi Buffon, Miralem Pjanic and Alex Sandro among others, giving a chance to Wojciech Szczesny, Stefano Sturaro and Rodrigo Bentancur in a bid to maintain their perfect Serie A record this season. The Viola were on back-to-back wins, but had just two 1-1 draws in the last nine visits to Turin, since a 3-2 victory in March 2008.

Paulo Dybala turned an early free kick just wide, while Andrea Barzagli was booked after Giovanni Simeone caught Daniele Rugani in possession and Valentin Eysseric turned his set play over.

Simeone went on a dangerous counter-attack only to over-hit the pass for Federico Chiesa, and Higuain’s snapshot was deflected wide.

Marco Sportiello was alert to intercept a Juan Cuadrado assist with Mario Mandzukic ready to tap in.

Juventus 0-0 Fiorentina (Half-Time)

Juventus: Szczesny; Sturaro, Barzagli, Rugani, Asamoah; Bentancur, Matuidi; Cuadrado, Dybala, Mandzukic; Higuain

Fiorentina: Sportiello; Laurini, Pezzella, Astori, Biraghi; Veretout, Badelj; Benassi, Thereau, Chiesa; Simeone

Ref: Doveri

Socrates · September 20, 2017

1-0

Mario Mandžukić (52')

5th Matchday

Wednesday, september 20th 2017 - 20:45 p.m.
Allianz Stadium - Turin
Arbitro: Daniele Doveri

Juve squeeze past 10-man Viola

223353532-e08d510a-3b88-4892-8cea-f76ce8

http://www.football-italia.net/SerieA/match/106413

Sep 20, 2017

Mario Mandzukic’s header proved enough to get the better of 10-man Fiorentina, but Juventus looked far from impressive.

This has always been a bitter rivalry, not helped by Federico Bernardeschi making the switch to Turin this summer. Juve rested Gigi Buffon, Miralem Pjanic and Alex Sandro among others, giving a chance to Wojciech Szczesny, Stefano Sturaro and Rodrigo Bentancur in a bid to maintain their perfect Serie A record this season. The Viola were on back-to-back wins, but had just two 1-1 draws in the last nine visits to Turin, since a 3-2 victory in March 2008.

Paulo Dybala turned an early free kick just wide, while Andrea Barzagli was booked after Giovanni Simeone caught Daniele Rugani in possession and Valentin Eysseric turned his set play over.

Simeone went on a dangerous counter-attack only to over-hit the pass for Federico Chiesa, and Higuain’s snapshot was deflected wide.

Marco Sportiello was alert to intercept a Juan Cuadrado assist with Mario Mandzukic ready to tap in.

After the restart, Cyril Thereau dribbled down the left relatively undisturbed, his chipped pass for Simeone intercepted at the last second by Barzagli.

Bruno Gaspar replaced Vincent Laurini and immediately Juventus broke the deadlock. Gaspar was caught out by Mandzukic, who was first to nod in the Juan Cuadrado cross from close range.

The Bianconeri almost scored with an exact replica, again Bruno Gaspar not closing it down, but Mandzukic couldn’t get on the end of the Cuadrado cross this time.

There was a bizarre incident when the referee awarded a penalty for Milan Badelj’s trip on Blaise Matuidi. However, VAR confirmed it was just outside the area and a second bookable offence for the midfielder, leaving Fiorentina down to 10 men.

Cuadrado’s fierce strike stung the gloves of Sportiello and Mandzukic saw a late header parried at the far post, but Fiorentina pushed forward even down to 10 and continued to threaten.

In the final minute, they were hanging on, as Simeone had a free header from a corner that went just wide. Max Allegri knew it was a poor performance and stormed off down the tunnel in a rage at the final whistle.

Juventus: Szczesny; Sturaro (Lichtsteiner 90), Barzagli, Rugani, Asamoah; Bentancur, Matuidi; Cuadrado (Bernardeschi 82), Dybala (Pjanic 75), Mandzukic; Higuain

Fiorentina: Sportiello; Laurini (Gaspar 51), Pezzella, Astori, Biraghi; Veretout, Badelj; Benassi (Gil Dias 61), Thereau (Sanchez 69), Chiesa; Simeone

Ref: Doveri

Sent off: Badelj 66 (F)

Socrates · September 21, 2017

1-0

Mario Mandžukić (52')

5th Matchday

Wednesday, september 20th 2017 - 20:45 p.m.
Allianz Stadium - Turin
Arbitro: Daniele Doveri

Player ratings: Juventus

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h ttp://www.football-italia.net/110178/player-ratings-juventus

Sep 20, 2017

Juventus maintained their perfect start to the season with a win over Fiorentina, but how did the Bianconeri fare in Football Italia's ratings?

Wojciech Szczesny - 5

The Pole deputised for Gianluigi Buffon, but if he was hoping for a chance to impress this wasn’t it.

Had nothing to do against a Fiorentina side who didn’t muster a shot on target.

Stefano Sturaro - 5.5

With Stephan Lichtsteiner rested and Mattia De Sciglio injured, the midfielder deputised at right-back.

Never the most cultured player, he stuck to his task well but the fact he was nutmegged by Cristiano Biraghi suggests he may well have struggled more against a team with more attacking ambition.

Daniele Rugani - 5.5

A quiet night for the centre-back, but he was badly caught in possession in the first half in a move which could have opened up a chance for the Viola.

Rugani is a supremely talented defender, but he’ll need to cut those mistakes out of his game if he’s to become the future of the Bianconeri defence.

Andrea Barzagli - 6

The veteran dealt well with the threat of Giovanni Simeone, and was characteristically hard to beat one-on-one.

He’ll have more difficult nights, but the Italian international showed his continuing class.

Kwadwo Asamoah - 6

Kept his side of the pitch quiet, but his crossing was often poor. Worked well with the impressive Mario Mandzukic.

Rodrigo Bentancur - 7

An assured performance from the 20-year-old, Bentancur looks like the most natural replacement for Claudio Marchisio in the Juve squad.

Calm on the ball without looking to do anything spectacular, he showed impressive athleticism to go from box-to-box. It’s early days, but the Old Lady may have another gem on her hands.

Blaise Matuidi - 6.5

Matuidi brings a physicality to the Bianconeri midfield which was lacking last year, and broke forward impressively at times.

On one such occasion he thought he had won a penalty, but the VAR showed that Milan Badelj’s foul was outside the box.

Juan Cuadrado - 8

The Colombian can be a deeply frustrating player, but he was at his best tonight.

Set up the goal for Mandzukic, before seeing a fierce shot well saved by Marco Sportiello and the former Chelsea man was a threat all night.

Cuadrado’s crossing created numerous chances for Mandzukic and Gonzalo Higuain, and he absolutely justified his selection ahead of Douglas Costa.

Paulo Dybala - 6

Fiorentina Coach Stefano Pioli identified La Joya as the danger man before the match and the Viola contained him really well.

Dybala was typically classy on the ball and always looked a threat, but he was unable to make his usual impact.

Mario Mandzukic - 7.5

Struggled in the first half when the Viola’s rigid style of play forced him to play as something of an orthodox winger.

The second half saw more deep crosses for the Croatian to attack, and he stole a march on the defence to head in the winner.

His hard working style has made him a fan favourite in Turin, and he received rapturous applause when working back to almost his own corner flag to neutralise any Florentine threat.

Gonzalo Higuain - 4.5

Max Allegri won’t say it publicly, but the form of Higuain must be a concern for the Juventus Coach.

Following insipid displays against Barcelona and Sassuolo, Pipita was simply dreadful here, taking poor touches, being caught in possession and seemingly unable to stay onside.

Most gallingly of all for the predatory striker, he failed to anticipate a low Cuadrado cross which he had only to slide into a gaping net.

Substitutes

Miralem Pjanic - 3

Replaced Dybala as Allegri settled for 1-0, and was typically tidy in possession.

Federico Bernardeschi - N/A

Given the final eight minutes or so against his former side but didn’t have time to make an impact.

Stephan Lichtsteiner - N/A

Came on for the final few moments.

Socrates · September 21, 2017

1-0

Mario Mandžukić (52')

5th Matchday

Wednesday, september 20th 2017 - 20:45 p.m.
Allianz Stadium - Turin
Arbitro: Daniele Doveri

Allegri: Higuain goals will come,

he just has to continue playing

Manager’s comments after narrow midweek win over Fiorentina.

850277496.0.jpg

https://www.blackwhitereadallover.com/2017/9/21/16342090/max-allegri-comments-

juventus-win-fiorentina-higuain-goals-will-come-he-has-to-continue-playing

Sep 21, 2017

Juventus beat 10-man Fiorentina in a narrow 1-0 win today, but saw manager Massimiliano Allegri quite displeased at the final whistle with how close the game had been.

Speaking to the media after the game, Allegri spoke about the win which kept the Bianconeri perfect with five wins in five games in the Scudetto race.

“It’s an important victory because we kept a clean sheet, we suffered and in the first half were a bit stubborn, not running any risks.

“The result was crucial and the lads deserve compliments for that. Gonzalo Higuain did well on the Mario Mandzukic goal and his goals will come, he just has to continue playing. There’s no point feeling sorry for yourself, these are moments every striker goes through.”

Allegri had rung up the changes with Stefano Sturaro at right-back and Rodrigo Bentancur playing again in the middle.

“I decided to rest Stephan Lichtsteiner, as we’ve got another game coming up with Torino on Saturday. In order to be competitive, you have to rotate the squad. Sturaro did well, he’s just getting used to the role.

“Bentancur deserves praise. The only reason we didn’t have a shot on target in the first half was because we misplaced the final ball. In these games the important thing is not to run too many risks, we did better in the second half.”

When asked how this side compared to last season’s team, Allegri contended -

“It’s not a stronger or weaker Juventus than last season, it’s simply different. Comparisons are for others to make, we just have to work to ensure we reach March in good shape and in the running for all our objectives.”

Napoli lead Juve on goal difference with both teams on a perfect record, is it already a two-horse race for the Serie A title?

“Napoli play very well, Juve have a different approach. They are antagonists for the title, but there are others too, as I see four or five teams in the running.

“We have to take it one game at a time and try to win a seventh consecutive Scudetto.”

Socrates · September 22, 2017

6th Matchday

Saturday, september 23rd 2017 - 20:45 p.m.
Allianz Stadium - Turin
Arbitro: Piero Giacomelli

Week 6: Giacomelli for Turin derby

http://www.football-italia.net/110205/week-6-giacomelli-turin-derby

Sep 21, 2017

The referees for Serie A Week 6 have been announced, with Piero Giacomelli assigned the Derby della Mole between Juventus and Torino on Saturday.

The match will take place at Juve’s Allianz Stadium, with the Bianconeri having won all five of their League games this season and Torino similarly still unbeaten.

Elsewhere, Marco Guida is in charge of Inter-Genoa, Davide Massa will oversee Roma’s visit of Udinese and Paolo Valeri is given Milan’s trip to Sampdoria, while Napoli’s clash with SPAL will be officiated by Maurizio Mariani.

Cagliari-Chievo: Aureliano

Crotone-Benevento: Orsato

Fiorentina-Atalanta: Pairetto

Verona-Lazio: Irrati

Inter-Genoa: Guida

Juventus-Torino: Giacomelli

Roma-Udinese: Massa

Sampdoria-Milan: Valeri

Sassuolo-Bologna: Tagliavento

SPAL-Napoli: Mariani

Socrates · September 22, 2017

6th Matchday

Saturday, september 23rd 2017 - 20:45 p.m.
Allianz Stadium - Turin
Arbitro: Piero Giacomelli

Chiellini: ‘Best Torino I’ve faced’

http://www.football-italia.net/110214/chiellini-‘best-torino-i’ve-faced’

Sep 21, 2017

Giorgio Chiellini believes this Torino are the strongest he’s faced at Juventus - “it’s nice to see the level of the derby always rising”.

The Granata visit Juventus Stadium on Saturday for the first Derby della Mole of the season, and the centre-back has been impressed with Sinisa Mihajlovic’s men.

“For those who, like me, have been in Turin for the last 12 years, this is the strongest Torino,” Chiellini told Sky.

“It’s nice to see that finally the level of the derby always rising. I hope as a sportsman and someone who lives in Turin that Torino, after so many years, have a team which can go into Europe and make this derby even better.

“If these are the premises then I’m sure the Torino directors will continue to do very well.”

The Bianconeri have won all of their Serie A games so far this season, but their performances have been called into question.

“We’re a growing team, in spite of the difficulties which can come to the fore at the start of the season when there have been changes.

“It’s true that we didn’t have an impossible fixture list, but it’s also true that every team gives 110 per cent against Juventus.

“We rotated a lot last year, and that was one of our strengths. It allowed us to better manage our energies and be more lucid in the games that count, getting to the end in every competition.

“There are a lot of us, all at the highest level, and the boss chooses those most suited. I’m fine, and I’m available for the next game.

“The Scudetto? There are five teams within a few points of each other, and I think that as well as Napoli, also Inter, Roma and Milan can fight until the very end.

“We want to get to March still in the hunt for every competition. The basics are there, now we have to work hard with humility, sacrifice and conviction.

“Those are always the ingredients for success.”

The Italian international also spoke about some of his teammates, beginning with the shaky form of record signing Gonzalo Higuain.

“Gonzalo is a certainty for us,” Chiellini insisted.

“He’s one of the cornerstones for Juventus to win.

“In central midfield there have been situations contingent on injuries like those to [Sami] Khedira and [Claudio] Marchisio, so others have had more chances.

“In Rodrigo [Bentancur] I could see from July that we had a player who was ready, and it’s no accident he’s already played high-level matches in Argentina.

“Blaise [Matuidi] is an international player who completes us, because he has characteristics we don’t have. He’s one who speaks little, but does a lot.”

Socrates · September 22, 2017

6th Matchday

Saturday, september 23rd 2017 - 20:45 p.m.
Allianz Stadium - Turin
Arbitro: Piero Giacomelli

Pjanic: €100m too much for Belotti

http://www.football-italia.net/110231/pjanic-€100m-too-much-belotti

Sep 22, 2017

Miralem Pjanic said he learned the importance of winning 1-0 at Juventus, but €100m “is too much” for Torino hitman Andrea Belotti.

The Derby della Mole kicks off on Saturday at 20.45 CET - 19.45 UK time (18.45 GMT).

“I would like for the derby to end 1-0, because here at Juve I learned it’s a great way to win,” the Juve midfielder told La Stampa newspaper.

“The sides are more or less equal right now, though it’s an advantage to play at home. We must be present in the amtch at all times with intensity and hard work. I just want to win, even 1-0n or 2-0 would be perfect.

“The derby is a game dedicated to the fans, as they care so much about this. I have a lot of Granata-supporting friends here in Turin and at times it does annoy them, because we always win and they hope we’ll slip up. It’s a healthy rivalry.

“What happens if we lose the derby? I won’t even think about that. I am very good friends with (Torino forward) Adem Ljajic, we talk often and I really hope he has a great season. He has talent and can make the difference between the lines. The only thing he needs now is consistency, to score regularly and be decisive.”

The undoubted star of the Granata squad is Belotti, who has a €100m release clause in his contract.

“He is having a good season, but €100m is a huge amount. It’s too much,” continued Pjanic. “It’s especially remarkable when you consider Cristiano Ronaldo was worth that and scores two or three goals per game.

“There are only two at that level: Cristiano Ronaldo and Leo Messi. After them, the market has just taken off completely.”

Juventus paid €90m to get Gonzalo Higuain from Napoli, but he has struggled to replicate last season’s form.

“He is an extraordinary player and I will support him always. If everyone is picking over what you do, it means you are an important player.

“This sort of period is something every striker goes through, but we will help him and he will break that drought.”

Socrates · September 22, 2017

Juve trio up for FIFA awards

http://www.football-italia.net/110245/juve-trio-fifa-awards

Sep 22, 2017

Juventus trio Max Allegri, Gianluigi Buffon and Mario Mandzukic are among the nominees for the Best FIFA Awards of 2017.

Buffon helped Juve win another domestic double last season, and the veteran has been named alongside Real Madrid’s Keylor Navas and Bayern Munich’s Keylor Navas for the title of Best Goalkeeper.

Allegri’s role in the Bianconeri’s successes see him vie for Best Men’s Coach, with Chelsea boss Antonio Conte and Madrid’s Zinedine Zidane also in the running.

Finally, Mandzukic’s overhead kick against Los Blancos in the Champions League semi-finals last term puts the striker up for the Puskas Award.

Socrates · September 22, 2017

6th Matchday

Saturday, september 23rd 2017 - 20:45 p.m.
Allianz Stadium - Turin
Arbitro: Piero Giacomelli

Juve quartet out of derby

http://www.football-italia.net/110253/juve-quartet-out-derby

Sep 22, 2017

Juventus quartet Claudio Marchisio, Sami Khedira, Mattia De Sciglio and Marko Pjaca remain absent for Saturday’s Derby della Mole against Torino.

Max Allegri names the same 20 players that were called up for Juve’s 1-0 victory over Fiorentina midweek.

Sinisa Mihajlovic, meanwhile, is free to pick all of his first-choice personnel, with only Joel Obi injured.

Juve squad: Buffon, Chiellini, Benatia, Pjanic, Cuadrado, Higuain, Dybala, Costa, Alex Sandro, Matuidi, Barzagli, Pinsoglio, Mandzukic, Asamoah, Szczesny, Rugani, Lichtsteiner, Sturaro, Bentancur, Bernardeschi

Torino squad: Tieri, Ichazo, Milinkovic-Savic, Sirigu, Ansaldi, Bonifazi, Burdisso, De Silvestri, Vojnovic, Molinaro, Moretti, N’Koulou, Acquah, Baselli, Gustafson, Rincon, Valdifiori; Belotti, Brenguer, Boye, Edera, Falque, Ljajic, Niang, Sadiq

Socrates · September 22, 2017

6th Matchday

Saturday, september 23rd 2017 - 20:45 p.m.
Allianz Stadium - Turin
Arbitro: Piero Giacomelli

Juventus-Torino Match Preview

http://www.football-italia.net/SerieA/match/preview/106422

Sep 22, 2017

Saturday’s Derby della Mole has a special feeling to it as both Juventus and Torino enter the contest unbeaten.

While the Old Lady’s’ ruthless streak is keeping them odds-on for another Scudetto, the Granata have been playing some eloquent football and will prove a huge test when they face their arch-rivals this weekend.

“For those who, like me, have been in Turin for the last 12 years, this is the strongest Torino.” These were the words of Juventus veteran Giorgio Chiellini, and the complement was backed up by Max Allegri as the Bianconeri Coach claimed that Toro could finish in the top six.

The fact that they remain unbeaten is testament to this, and it is not just Andrea Belotti that they need to be wary of. It is true that in Serie A and the Coppa Italia, Belotti has netted six times in five games, but the additions of Tomas Rincon, Cristian Ansaldi, M’Baye Niang and Salvatore Sirigu have given Toro a tough shell, as well as bite. The latter, above all, has been impressive and could play a key role if his new team are to get anything out of this fixture.

Juve have won five out of five, Paulo Dybala has eight goals in five games, and yet their critics say they are masking the cracks. If this is the case, they are hiding it well as while it is obvious that they are adapting to life without Leonardo Bonucci and preparing for life without Gianluigi Buffon, the Bianconeri are still ruthless.

The Derby Della Mole is always a test, however, and the main question will be how will the backline cope without Andrea Brazagli, especially as Benedikt Howedes is also injured. Saying this, Medhi Benatia and Giorgio Chiellini are not a bad pairing to say the least, while Daniele Rugani is improving all the time.

With the Champions League on the horizon and Napoli fixed on catching them this year, there will be no room for slip-ups and Torino will be difficult to beat.

Keep an eye on: Adem Ljajic (Torino) – The Serbian is looking good at the moment, telling the Press he feels “his time has come” and that he is ready for the Turin derby.

Form guide: Juventus (W W W W W) Torino (W D W W D)

Last season: Juventus 1-1 Torino

Stat fact: The Derby della Mole’s biggest win is a scoreline you are unlikely to see on Saturday - Juventus lost 8-0 to Torino in 1912.

Top tip: Paulo Dybala to score in both halves. The Argentine has hit eight goals in five appearances so far this season.

Juventus (probable): Buffon; Lichtsteiner, Benatia, Chiellini, Alex Sandro; Pjanic, Matuidi; Cuadrado, Dybala; Mandzukic, Higuain

Suspended: None

Torino (probable): Sirigu; Ansaldi, N’Koulou, Moretti; Rincon Baselli, Iago Falque; Ljajic, Niang, Belotti

Suspended: None

Socrates · September 23, 2017

6th Matchday

Saturday, september 23rd 2017 - 20:45 p.m.
Allianz Stadium - Turin
Arbitro: Piero Giacomelli

Line-ups: Juventus-Torino

http://www.football-italia.net/110299/line-ups-juventus-torino

Sep 23, 2017

Juventus start Douglas Costa and Juan Cuadrado, with Mario Mandzukic replacing Gonzalo Higuain, as Torino go all-attack in the Turin Derby.

The Bianconeri are, along with Napoli, the only side with a 100 per cent record after five rounds, but Toro are also unbeaten this term with their best start since Serie A moved to three points for a win.

Juve are without Benedikt Howedes, Claudio Marchisio, Sami Khedira, Mattia De Sciglio and Marko Pjaca.

Max Allegri also rests Andrea Barzagli and gives the nod to Medhi Benatia rather than Daniele Rugani.

The big changes are in attack, where Douglas Costa and Cuadrado flank Paulo Dybala in a supporting trident behind centre-forward Mandzukic.

The big Croatian’s move to the centre pushes off-form Higuain on to the bench, although there are some reports he has a slight muscular problem.

Torino are unbeaten and ambitious this season under Coach Sinisa Mihajlovic, who painted the Derby della Mole as “the masses against the rulers.”

Joel Obi and Antonio Barreca miss out, so Lorenzo De Silvestri and Cristian Ansaldi are the full-backs with Lyanco a surprise pick in the centre.

Mihajlovic goes on all-out attack, with Iago Falque, Adem Ljajic and M’Baye Niang fanning out behind Andrea Belotti.

It’s a special game for Tomas Rincon, who arrived from Juventus over the summer.

Last season, this fixture ended 1-1 with Higuain cancelling out Ljajic’s free kick in stoppages, and that ended a run of four consecutive Granata defeats.

The last time Toro beat Juve was 2-1 on their own turf in April 2015, but an ‘away’ Derby della Mole win stretches back to another 2-1 result in April 1995.

Juventus: Buffon; Lichtsteiner, Benatia, Chiellini, Alex Sandro; Pjanic, Matuidi; Cuadrado, Dybala, Douglas Costa; Mandzukic

Juventus bench: Szczesny, Pinsoglio, Barzagli, Rugani, Asamoah, Bentancur, Sturaro, Bernardeschi, Higuain

Torino: Sirigu, De Silvestri, N’Koulou, Lyanco, Ansaldi; Rincon, Baselli; Falque, Ljajic, Niang; Belotti

Torino bench: Ichazo, Milinkovic-Savic, Molinaro, Valdifiori, Acquah, Burdisso, Gustafson, Edera, Berenguer, Moretti, Boyè, Sadiq

Socrates · September 23, 2017

6th Matchday

Saturday, september 23rd 2017 - 20:45 p.m.
Allianz Stadium - Turin
Arbitro: Piero Giacomelli

Marotta: 'Higuain technical decision'

http://www.football-italia.net/110303/marotta-higuain-technical-decision

Sep 23, 2017

Juventus director Beppe Marotta confirmed Gonzalo Higuain is not injured, merely dropped for the Derby della Mole with Torino.

Pipita was surprisingly on the bench and did not take part in the warm-up with the other substitutes at the Juventus Allianz Stadium.

“It is absolutely a technical decision, you can call it squad rotation, as the Coach is aware of the capabilities of these players and chose this XI without Higuain,” Marotta told Mediaset Premium.

“Last season Juventus had 57 competitive games, so there has to be some rotation. Higuain is not in ideal form right now, so it’s only right that he is allowed to rest and recuperate, while others are given a chance.

“The derby is always a separate entity from the rest of the season and therefore very difficult to predict. It is always a passionate and aggressive affair, but we still want to bring home the three points.

“Serie A is not like the Champions League, it’s more of a cycling race where you have to be in front at the end. Juve must focus on victory, weekend by weekend, aware that there are determined opponents, but ultimately destiny is in our hands.”

Douglas Costa and Blaise Matuidi are in the starting XI, but Federico Bernardeschi can barely get any game time.

“Every player has specific characteristics, including the ability to settle and adapt quickly. Matuidi adapted very fast to his new team and fortunately, because we’re missing Claudio Marchisio and Sami Khedira, so it’s only natural Matuidi has to play consistently. He also plays because he is a midfielder of quality with international experience.”

Socrates · September 23, 2017

6th Matchday

Saturday, september 23rd 2017 - 20:45 p.m.
Allianz Stadium - Turin
Arbitro: Piero Giacomelli

HT 2-0: Juventus lead 10-man Toro

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http://www.football-italia.net/110306/ht-juventus-lead-10-man-toro

Sep 23, 2017

Paulo Dybala and Miralem Pjanic gave Juventus a 2-0 half-time lead, but Torino saw Daniele Baselli foolishly sent off after just 25 minutes.

The Derby della Mole saw both Turin giants unbeaten going into the game, though the Bianconeri needed to maintain their 100 per cent record if they were to stop Napoli going clear at the top of the table. Claudio Marchisio, Sami Khedira, Mattia De Sciglio, Marko Pjaca and Benedikt Howedes were injured, but Gonzalo Higuain was dropped in favour of Mario Mandzukic as the centre-forward. Toro missed Joel Obi and Antonio Barreca, choosing an all-attack formation.

Last season, this fixture ended 1-1 with Higuain cancelling out Adem Ljajic’s free kick in stoppages, and that ended a run of four consecutive Granata defeats. The last time Toro beat Juve was 2-1 on their own turf in April 2015, but an ‘away’ Derby della Mole win stretches back to another 2-1 result in April 1995.

Lyanco was a surprise pick in central defence and almost scored an own goal after four minutes, but Salvatore Sirigu scrambled back to get on the end of the terrible back-pass.

Juan Cuadrado dribbled through the Toro defence on a slalom only to eventually fire over, although he felt there was a deflection. Ljajic also blasted off target and Giorgio Chiellini flung himself at the Iago Falque strike in the penalty area.

Blaise Matuidi and Miralem Pjanic pressured Daniele Baselli and Tomas Rincon into giving up possession, at which point Dybala drilled in from the edge of the box. It was La Joya’s ninth goal in six Serie A games.

Torino shot themselves in the foot, as Baselli had already received a yellow card when he leapt into Pjanic sideways in an extraordinarily clumsy challenge, leaving the Granata down to 10 men for over an hour.

Cuadrado’s acrobatic attempt from an Alex Sandro cross was cleared off the line by Lyanco, while Sinisa Mihajlovic introduced Afriyie Acquah to bolster the midfield.

Andrea Belotti pounced on a Cuadrado error to counter and was brought down, Ljajic firing the resulting free kick into the wall. Ljajic was visibly irritable and booked for kicking the ball away.

Juve doubled their advantage as Cuadrado pulled back for unmarked Pjanic to curl into the near top corner from the edge of the box.

Gigi Buffon fingertipped a Ljajic free kick off the feet of Belotti at the far post.

Juventus 2-0 Torino (Half-Time)

Dybala 16 (J), Pjanic 40 (J)

Juventus: Buffon; Lichtsteiner, Benatia, Chiellini, Alex Sandro; Pjanic, Matuidi; Cuadrado, Dybala, Douglas Costa; Mandzukic

Torino: Sirigu, De Silvestri, N’Koulou, Lyanco, Ansaldi; Rincon, Baselli; Falque (Acquah 30), Ljajic, Niang; Belotti

Ref: Giacomelli

Sent off: Baselli 25 (T)

Socrates · September 23, 2017

4-0

P. Dybala (16') M. Pjanić (40') Alex Sandro (57') P. Dybala (90+1)

6th Matchday

Saturday, september 23rd 2017 - 20:45 p.m.
Allianz Stadium - Turin
Arbitro: Piero Giacomelli

Juventus thump four past Torino

212857942-d3c811a6-336a-4ba1-a86d-94f63a

https://www.football-italia.net/SerieA/match/106422

Sep 23, 2017

Paulo Dybala, Miralem Pjanic and Alex Sandro sealed a Juventus win in the Derby della Mole, but Daniele Baselli left Torino down to 10 men for over an hour.