JUVENTUS SEASON 2017-2018

[Socrates 7962]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SAMPDORIA - JUVENTUS

 

        .........

 

  .......... 

 

 

 

13th Matchday

 

Sunday, november 19th 2017 - 03:00 p.m. CET 

02.00 p.m. UK time - 01.00 p.m. GMT
Luigi Ferraris Stadium - Genoa
Referee: Marco Guida

 

 

 

 

Sampdoria - Juventus Match Preview

 

 

https://www.football-italia.net/SerieA/match/preview/106493

 

 

Nov 18, 2017

 

As Serie A returns, two form sides in Sampdoria and Juventus face off at the Stadio Luigi Ferraris on Sunday afternoon.

 

Samp have made an excellent start to the season, accumulating 23 points from 11 rounds and collecting four wins from their last five. Under Coach Marco Giampaolo, they have built on last season’s promise, despite losing key men in Milan Skriniar, Luis Muriel and Patrik Schick. If anything, they seem more potent post-Muriel and Schick and have scored 24 league goals to date.

 

A further positive for the Blucerchiati is their perfect home record in this campaign. They have collected five wins from five at Marassi, averaging over three goals a game.  In short, Samp have every reason to be positive about their chances this weekend.

 

As for Juventus, despite injury problems and frequent criticism, they are handily poised both in Serie A and in their Champions League group, placed second in both tables. While not as praised for their playing style as Napoli, The Old Lady are a free-scoring outfit and have registered 35 times already on league business.

 

They have not looked quite as secure defensively in the post-Leonardo Bonucci era, however, and time will tell if they can improve on this aspect as the season continues. Their character can never be doubted and since losing to Lazio in Week 8 they have responded with four straight victories.

 

Samp come in to this challenge with a clean bill of health and no suspensions. Giampaolo is expected to line up with a 4-3-1-2 formation and their talented young midfield prospects Lucas Torreira and Dennis Praet will look to take control of the game and feed Gaston Ramirez. The Uruguayan will be charged with finding space between the lines of the Juve rear-guard and supplying a likely front two of Duvan Zapata and Fabio Quagliarella.

 

Max Allegri also enjoys the luxury of a full squad to choose from, with the Bianconeri both suspension and injury free. It remains to be seen, however, if veterans Gianluigi Buffon, Andrea Barzagli and Giorgio Chiellini will be rested after a wretched week with the Italian national team saw them miss out on what would’ve been their final World Cup.

 

In terms of shape, it is likely that Allegri will stick with a 4-2-3-1 formation. Miralem Pjanic and Sami Khedira are most likely to command the midfield engine room and thereafter La Vecchia Signora will look to steamroller the hosts with their attacking arsenal. After a blistering start to the season, Paulo Dybala has only scored one in six and he will no doubt feel it’s time to get back on the goal trail. 

 

 

Keep an eye on: Duvan Zapata (Sampdoria) - In eight outings for the Blucerchiati, the big Colombian has scored four goals and provided four assists. At 26, he appears to be approaching his peak.

 

Form guide: Sampdoria (W W L W W) Juventus (W W W W L)

 

Last season: Sampdoria 0-1 Juventus

 

Stat fact: The Blucerchiati managed just one point from their last eight meetings with Juventus, home and away, since a 3-2 victory here in May 2013.

 

Top tip: Over 2.5 goals

 

Sampdoria (probable): Viviano; Bereszynski, Silvestre, Ferrari, Strinic; Praet, Torreira, Linetty; Ramirez; Quagliarella, Duvan Zapata

Suspended: None

 

Juventus (probable): Buffon; De Sciglio, Rugani, Chiellini, Alex Sandro; Pjanic, Khedira; Cuadrado, Dybala, Douglas Costa; Higuain

Suspended: None

 

[Socrates 7962]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SAMPDORIA - JUVENTUS

 

        .........

 

  .......... 

 

 

 

13th Matchday

 

Sunday, november 19th 2017 - 03:00 p.m. CET 

02.00 p.m. UK time - 01.00 p.m. GMT
Luigi Ferraris Stadium - Genoa
Referee: Marco Guida

 

 

 

 

Line-ups: Sampdoria-Juventus

 

 

http://www.football-italia.net/113022/line-ups-sampdoria-juventus

 

 

Nov 19, 2017

 

Juventus make massive changes as they visit a Sampdoria side with a perfect Serie A home record this season.

 

It kicks off at 15.00 CET - 14.00 GMT.

 

The fall-out from Italy’s World Cup play-off defeat to Sweden is reverberating around the country and affects clubs too, as Max Allegri decided to rest Gigi Buffon and Andrea Barzagli so they could recover from that heartbreak. 

 

It was worse for them, as the two veterans are retiring from international duty and were hoping to hang up their Azzurri jerseys in Russia. 

 

Instead, Wojciech Szczesny and Daniele Rugani step in, while Federico Bernardeschi gives Paulo Dybala a breather ahead of the Champions League showdown with Barcelona.

 

Juan Cuadrado has a muscular issue, but is still passed fit to start with Mario Mandzukic and Gonzalo Higuain.

 

A victory is needed to secure second place and keep up the pace with leaders Napoli, who beat Milan 2-1 last night.

 

It’s no easy feat, as Sampdoria have a perfect home record this season with five wins out of five, scoring 16 goals and conceding only three, though their meeting with Roma was postponed due to flooding.

 

Duvan Zapata has shaken off a knock and partners ex-Juventus forward Fabio Quagliarella, with Gaston Ramirez in support.

 

Lucas Torreira has already caught the eye of several top clubs, including the Bianconeri, and will be eager to impress.

 

The Blucerchiati managed just one point from their last eight meetings with Juventus, home and away, since a 3-2 victory here in May 2013.

 

 

Sampdoria: Viviano; Bereszynski, Silvestre, Ferrari, Strinic; Barreto, Torreira, Praet; Ramirez; Quagliarella, Duvan Zapata

 

Juventus: Szczesny; Lichtsteiner, Rugani, Chiellini, Asamoah; Pjanic, Khedira; Cuadrado, Bernardeschi, Mandzukic; Higuain

 

Ref: Guida

[Socrates 7962]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SAMPDORIA - JUVENTUS

 

        .........

 

  .......... 

 

 

 

13th Matchday

 

Sunday, november 19th 2017 - 03:00 p.m. CET 

02.00 p.m. UK time - 01.00 p.m. GMT
Luigi Ferraris Stadium - Genoa
Referee: Marco Guida

 

 

 

 

HT 0-0: Juve silenced by Samp

 

 

http://www.football-italia.net/113029/ht-juve-silenced-samp

 

 

Nov 19, 2017

 

Sampdoria have kept Juventus relatively quiet at Marassi in the first half, as Juan Cuadrado had the best chance saved.

 

This was a huge test for Max Allegri, who rested Gigi Buffon, Andrea Barzagli and Paulo Dybala against a Samp side with a perfect home record this season.

 

The Blucerchiati managed just one point from their last eight meetings with Juventus, home and away, since a 3-2 victory here in May 2013.

 

It took just two minutes for Gonzalo Higuain to have a great chance, his angled drive deflected wide by Matias Silvestre.

 

Fabio Quagliarella volleyed wide and Mario Mandzukic’s overhead kick was blocked again by Silvestre, but a crunching Stephan Lichtsteiner tackle forced Dennis Praet off with an injury.

 

Higuain had the ball in the back of the net, but only after he had been flagged offside from Juan Cuadrado’s long ball.

 

Emiliano Viviano performed a crucial yet unorthodox save to deny Cuadrado from close range, almost turning his back to deflect the shot across the face of goal from a tight angle.

 

Sami Khedira volleyed off target and with the last move of the half, Juve had penalty appeals for handball. However, Cuadrado’s cross seemed to bounce off Ivan Strinic’s leg first and then hit his hand.

 

 

Sampdoria 0-0 Juventus (Half-Time)

 

Sampdoria: Viviano; Bereszynski, Silvestre, Ferrari, Strinic; Barreto, Torreira, Praet (Linetty 28); Ramirez; Quagliarella, Duvan Zapata

 

Juventus: Szczesny; Lichtsteiner, Rugani, Chiellini, Asamoah; Pjanic, Khedira; Douglas Costa, Bernardeschi, Mandzukic; Higuain

 

Ref: Guida

[Socrates 7962]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SAMPDORIA - JUVENTUS

 

      3-2......

 

  .......... 

Duvan Zapata 52'

Lucas Torreira 71'

Gian MarcoFerrari 79'

Goanzalo Higuaín (penalty) 91'

Paulo Dybala 93'

 

 

13th Matchday

 

Sunday, november 19th 2017 - 03:00 p.m. CET 

02.00 p.m. UK time - 01.00 p.m. GMT
Luigi Ferraris Stadium - Genoa
Referee: Marco Guida

 

 

 

 

Sampdoria smash Juventus

 

 

https://www.football-italia.net/SerieA/match/106493

 

 

Nov 19, 2017

 

Sampdoria maintained their perfect home record and destroyed their Juventus taboo with a 3-2 victory over the Scudetto holders.

 

This was a huge test for Max Allegri, who rested Gigi Buffon, Andrea Barzagli and Paulo Dybala against a Samp side with a perfect home record this season.

 

The Blucerchiati had managed just one point from their last eight meetings with Juventus, home and away, since a 3-2 victory here in May 2013.

 

It took just two minutes for Gonzalo Higuain to have a great chance, his angled drive deflected wide by Matias Silvestre.

 

Fabio Quagliarella volleyed wide and Mario Mandzukic’s overhead kick was blocked again by Silvestre, but a crunching Stephan Lichtsteiner tackle forced Dennis Praet off with an injury.

 

Higuain had the ball in the back of the net, but only after he had been flagged offside from Juan Cuadrado’s long ball.

 

Emiliano Viviano performed a crucial yet unorthodox save to deny Cuadrado from close range, almost turning his back to deflect the shot across the face of goal from a tight angle.

 

Sami Khedira volleyed off target and with the last move of the half, Juve had penalty appeals for handball. However, Cuadrado’s cross seemed to bounce off Ivan Strinic’s leg first and then hit his hand.

 

It was Sampdoria who eventually got first blood at the end of a long move with Juve unable to clear, as Bernardeschi’s acrobatic attempt to get the Fabio Quagliarella cross away just looped into the air and Duvan Zapata steered a looping header into the far top corner.

 

It was very nearly 2-0 moments later, as Quagliarella sent Duvan Zapata clear on the counter, but Wojciech Szczesny came tearing out for a decisive save.

 

Max Allegri threw on Paulo Dybala and Juve immediately stepped up a gear, as Mandzukic just failed to get on the end of a Lichtsteiner assist, then Dybala and Miralem Pjanic follow-ups were charged down. Higuain ran the entire length of the pitch holding off defenders only for Cuadrado to not get there in time for the assist.

 

It proved costly, because Sampdoria doubled their lead. Lucas Torreira took a touch on the edge of the box and drilled a rocket into the far bottom corner.

 

Juventus fell apart and Sampdoria made it 3-0, Gianmarco Ferrari anticipating Khedira to tap in a Quagliarella pull-back from the by-line from six yards.

 

Douglas Costa went on a mazy run and Viviano stuck out a foot to parry, then the Brazilian was tripped by Ivan Strinic for a last-gasp penalty. Higuain converted and it seemed to be too little, too late.

 

However, Dybala then went on a passionate run and drilled into the bottom corner moments later to make it 3-2 in stoppages. 

 

---

 

Sampdoria: Viviano; Bereszynski, Silvestre, Ferrari, Strinic; Barreto (Verre 74), Torreira, Praet (Linetty 28); Ramirez; Quagliarella (Caprari 84), Duvan Zapata

 

Juventus: Szczesny; Lichtsteiner, Rugani, Chiellini, Asamoah; Pjanic (Matuidi 80), Khedira; Cuadrado (Douglas Costa 72), Bernardeschi (Dybala 62), Mandzukic; Higuain

 

Ref: Guida

[Socrates 7962]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SAMPDORIA - JUVENTUS

 

      3-2......

 

  .......... 

Duvan Zapata 52'

Lucas Torreira 71'

Gian MarcoFerrari 79'

Goanzalo Higuaín (penalty) 91'

Paulo Dybala 93'

 

 

13th Matchday

 

Sunday, november 19th 2017 - 03:00 p.m. CET 

02.00 p.m. UK time - 01.00 p.m. GMT
Luigi Ferraris Stadium - Genoa
Referee: Marco Guida

 

 

 

 

Allegri: 'Juve slapped in the face'

 

 

http://www.football-italia.net/113038/allegri-juve-slapped-face

 

 

Nov 19, 2017

 

Max Allegri told off Juventus for being “hasty and losing our cool” in the 3-2 defeat to Sampdoria. “This was an unexpected slap in the face.”

 

The Blucerchiati were 3-0 up, but a Gonzalo Higuain penalty and Paulo Dybala solo effort set up a tense finale in stoppages.

 

“All I can say is that it was a good first half and we made some mistakes in our finishing and choices in the final third,” Allegri told Mediaset Premium.

 

“The first Sampdoria shot turned into a goal thanks to a scuffed clearance. We needed patience after going 1-0 down and not to lose our sharpness, as there were 40 minutes to go, plenty of time to turn it around.

 

“From a possible equaliser, we went to 2-0, that is football for you. That can happen too, but we cannot leave ourselves open to the counter and lose our cool like that. It’s disappointing.

 

“This was one of our best first half performances of the season, but we didn’t score a goal to show for it. Even when going behind, we had the chances and should’ve been less hasty.

 

“We’ve got to sort ourselves out, as we are conceding too many goals at the moment, especially away from home. Our only away clean sheet was against Milan.

 

“This was an unexpected slap that really made us lose our cool. We should’ve been patient, even if things weren’t going our way. It’s a long game, you have to stay calm.”

 

This defeat came with Gigi Buffon, Andrea Barzagli and Paulo Dybala rested, although La Joya did get a late consolation goal.

 

“He has to improve along with everyone. When you lose, the best thing is to stay quiet.”

 

Allegri had harsh words for one of his most experienced players, Sami Khedira.

 

“If Khedira hadn’t stood there with his hand up appealing for offside, we wouldn’t have conceded the third goal. It was a bit like against Atalanta, as when we slow down the tempo, we run hugs risks. We’ve got to patch things up.”

[Socrates 7962]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SAMPDORIA - JUVENTUS

 

      3-2......

 

  .......... 

Duvan Zapata 52'

Lucas Torreira 71'

Gian MarcoFerrari 79'

Goanzalo Higuaín (penalty) 91'

Paulo Dybala 93'

 

 

13th Matchday

 

Sunday, november 19th 2017 - 03:00 p.m. CET 

02.00 p.m. UK time - 01.00 p.m. GMT
Luigi Ferraris Stadium - Genoa
Referee: Marco Guida

 

 

 

 

Chiellini questions Juve desire

 

 

http://www.football-italia.net/113046/chiellini-questions-juve-desire

 

 

Nov 19, 2017

 

Giorgio Chiellini questioned Juventus’ desire after they were beaten 3-2 by Sampdoria this afternoon.

 

It was a harrowing afternoon for Max Allegri’s team at Marassi, with the defending champions going three goals down before late consolation strikes by Gonzalo Higuain and Paulo Dybala gave the scoreline a closer look.

 

Speaking post-match, the veteran defender called on his teammates to start ‘wanting’ to win matches again.

 

“With all due respect to the other teams, if a team like Juventus really wants to get three points, it’ll get the three points,” Chiellini commented.

 

 

“We all have to want it from the first to the 90th minute, those on the field and on the bench.”

 

 

The 33-year-old remains convinced of his side’s quality compared to other Serie A teams but believes a poor attitude is currently holding them back.

 

“On paper, our squad has vastly more quality, strength and depth than most of the other teams.

 

“It’s in theory difficult for us to drop many points this season and yet we are dropping them left, right and centre.”

[Socrates 7962]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SAMPDORIA - JUVENTUS

 

      3-2......

 

  .......... 

Duvan Zapata 52'

Lucas Torreira 71'

Gian MarcoFerrari 79'

Goanzalo Higuaín (penalty) 91'

Paulo Dybala 93'

 

 

13th Matchday

 

Sunday, november 19th 2017 - 03:00 p.m. CET 

02.00 p.m. UK time - 01.00 p.m. GMT
Luigi Ferraris Stadium - Genoa
Referee: Marco Guida

 

 

 

 

Juventus 2 - Sampdoria 3: Initial reaction and random observations

 

 

https://www.blackwhitereadallover.com/2017/11/19/14070008/juventus-sampdoria-

2017-serie-a-round-13-final-score-result-initial-reaction-random-observations

 

 

Nov 19, 2017

 

There are days when missing early-game scoring chances don’t come back to haunt you simply because you’re able to overcome them. Then there are days where you inability to score a goal or two earlier in the game when you probably should have comes back to bite you right in the backside.

 

For Juventus at the Marassi on Sunday afternoon, it was most certainly the second of those two sentences above.

 

Juventus not only saw a chance to grab a first-half lead go for naught, but also watched Samp storm right on by them on the rare occasion they put something on frame in the second half. Goals from Duvan Zapata after a horrid pair of failed clearances, a thunderbolt of a strike from Lucas Torreira and Gian Marco Ferrari taking advantage of terrible marking by Sami Khedira did Juventus in during a miserable second half display.

It went bad in a hurry. And it just so happened to go down after it seemed like Juve were on the brink of breaking what was a scoreless deadlock at the time.

 

Not even a pair of goals within minutes of one another from Gonzalo Higuain and Paulo Dybala could help save the day for Juventus, who have now allowed 14 goals in their 13 league games this season.

 

Instead, it turned into a 3-2 Sampdoria win, sending Juventus to its latest sub-par performance in Serie A this season.

 

You can try and take solace in the fact that Juve nearly pulled a rabbit out of its hat and stole a point from Samp with a stoppage-time comeback. Or, you can think of it this way: Juventus should have never been in that position in the first place, they should have never found themselves down if they had taken advantage of their first-half chances, and they should have never been in the position where two last-ditch goals still has them on the wrong end of the scoreline.

 

But that’s what happened.

 

Juventus, again, struggled to right their wrongs from previous games this season. Call it a recurring pattern or whatever you want, but we keep on seeing the same kind of mistakes be made as this season goes on and on.

 

The backbone of this team during their six-year Scudetto-winning run has been its defense. But as Samp showed, this season’s Juve defense is far from the one we saw two or three years ago. Players are older, the overall quality is not what it used to be and the results are there for everybody to see now.

 

This version of Juventus, the one we keep on seeing throughout Serie A play, isn’t going to be one that wins the Scudetto. Something needs to change — and in a hurry while there’s still plenty of time to go. The only question is whether Max Allegri and the players are actually willing to save face and change just how meh they’ve been for most of the season.

 

RANDOM THOUGHTS AND OBSERVATIONS

• Pre-game lineup thought No. 1: DANIELE RUGANI!
• Pre-game lineup thought No. 2: FEDERICO BERNARDESCHI!
• Pre-game lineup thought No. 3: I thought there might be more squad rotation, especially when you’ve got just about everybody outside of Marko Pjaca available to you. But I’m not Max Allegri, in case you haven’t figured that out by now.
• Opening-minute thought No. 1: What the hell is Emiliano Viviano thinking with that haircut and facial hair combination? (This is also your reminder that Viviano is a goalkeeper who wears kit number No. 2, by the way.)
• I love Fede, I really do. I think he will be a very good player for Juventus by the end of the season if given the opportunities to do so. But holy crap, that was a baaaaaaad attempt at a clearance right before Samp’s first goal. And when you see what Kwadwo Asamoah did trying to clear the ball right before that, it’s saying something.
• That being said, if Bernardeschi can play like he did in the first half a lot more often, then Juve are going to be onto something here. If only they had scored a goal or two...
• Paulo Dybala came on as Juve’s first sub early in the second half and didn’t really do much of anything of note before his 94th-minute goal. Outside of that one moment of wonderful and classic Dybala left-footed goals, his struggles from October have been extended into mid-November. Maybe that late goal and playing Barcelona in Turin again will spark him like it did last season. It sure would be nice...
• Sami Khedira seems like a very nice guy. His Mallorca trip has given Stephan Lichtsteiner — and yours truly — plenty of material on the internet for the past few years. But it’s time that Brother Sami doesn’t start. Blaise Matuidi and Miralem Pjanic are the starting midfielders in the double pivot, Claudio Marchisio is the No. 1 backup who gets some starts along the way and then it’s either Khedira or Rodrigo Bentancur. That’s it. That’s the list.
• Duvan Zapata is a big, big boy and Stephan Lichtsteiner found that out on the opening goal. Talk about getting absolutely towered over on a header. Zapata not only put a picture-perfect header on the ball, but he also completely owned Lichtsteiner in the process.
• Fill in the blank: If Juventus plays like this against Barcelona on Wednesday, the final score will be _____. This should be fun!

[Socrates 7962]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

JUVENTUS - BARCELONA

 

 

.......... 

 

 

 

Wednesday, 22 november 2017 - 08:45 p.m. CET 

07.45 p.m. UK time - 06.45 p.m. GMT

Allianz Stadium - Turin

Referee: Milorad Mazic (Serbia)

 

 

 

‘Barça facing Juventus to win’

 

 

http://www.football-italia.net/113123/‘barça-facing-juventus-win’

 

 

Nov 21, 2017

 

Gerard Deulofeu reflects on his “super positive” loan spell at Milan, and says Barcelona are going to Juventus to win.

 

The winger spent the second half of last season on loan with the Rossoneri, before the Blaugrana activated their buyback clause to bring him back from Everton in the summer.

 

“What did I take from Italy? Many things,” Deulofeu told Gazzetta dello Sport’s Extra Time supplement.

 

“It was a super positive experience for me. I was content, happy. Everyone welcome me straight away: the Coach, the staff, my teammates… I needed that, the warmth of the people.

 

“It was four or five wonderful months and there wasn’t a time I didn’t enjoy playing in Milan. I started feeling good on and off the pitch.

 

“Milan gave me everything, I was bad in England and with Milan I saw the light again. I played, I went to the national team - something that seemed a long way away in England - and Barcelona took me back. Now I have to take advantage of that.”

 

Deulofeu was then asked for the difference between Spanish and Italian football.

 

“It’s a different story. The pitches in Italy are more sparse and the ball doesn’t travel as quickly, and I think there are players of a much higher level here.

 

“In Italy they overcome that deficit with organisation, and the defences are much harder to overcome.

 

“There are clubs like Juventus, Napoli, Roma or Milan who also have a lot of talent, but you can’t compare them to the likes of Barcelona, Real Madrid or Atletico Madrid in recent years.

 

“In the last four or five years La Liga has dominated in Europe, winning almost everything.”

 

Barça were knocked out of the Champions League by Juve last year, but they beat them 3-0 in this season’s group stage and face them again tomorrow.

 

“We’re in a difficult group,” Deulofeu admitted.

 

“We’ve already drawn with Olympiakos, which shows that any team can cause you problems. Just took at Atletico with Qarabag.

 

“We’re fine, we’re missing a point to reach the objective we set, the Last 16, but we’ll to Turin to win, as we always do.

 

“The Bianconeri were my first opponent in Italy, I hadn’t even unpacked my suitcases and I found myself playing against Juventus in the Coppa Italia.

 

“I had a dozen minutes which according to you journalists were positive… We were drawing, then we lost but it wasn’t a bad start.

 

“Then I played against Juve in the league and lost again, Juve are very strong. They’re a solid, organised team with a Coach who knows what he’s doing.

 

“I repeat though, we’re going to Turin to win with our weapons and our play.”

[Socrates 7962]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

JUVENTUS - BARCELONA

 

 

.......... 

 

 

 

Wednesday, 22 november 2017 - 08:45 p.m. CET 

07.45 p.m. UK time - 06.45 p.m. GMT

Allianz Stadium - Turin

Referee: Milorad Mazic (Serbia)

 

 

 

 

Rakitic: 'Buffon deserved World Cup'

 

 

http://www.football-italia.net/113137/rakitic-buffon-deserved-world-cup

 

 

Nov 21, 2017

 

Ivan Rakitic said winning the Champions League is “like a drug” for Barcelona and wishes he could give Gigi Buffon a World Cup swansong.

 

It kicks off on Wednesday at 20.45 CET - 19.45 GMT and follows on from the 3-0 Blaugrana victory at Camp Nou in September.

 

“Considering the club we are, every game is important and, as much as we care about the competition, the idea tomorrow is to do what we need to do. “

 

It remains to be seen whether Barcelona will go for the victory in Turin or settle for a point each.

 

“We realise that we play every two or three days and it’s hard to be at our best physically, but we must have the confidence in ourselves to face this and the following games in the right way.

 

“We’re well aware that in football every match is a new opportunity and we’re playing in a spectacular stadium with the opportunity to win.

 

“I think we’re going pretty well this season and had a long run of good results with difficult obstacles we’ve overcome. We’ll see what happens, but undoubtedly we want to target every trophy and to do that need to take it one game at a time.

 

“Winning the Champions League is like a drug, it makes you want to do it again and again and again. It’s a positive pressure that makes us want to lift the trophy once more and to do it while enjoying your football with your teammates is the ultimate.”

 

Juventus are fresh from a 3-2 Serie A defeat to Sampdoria, so will they be more motivated or concerned?

 

“With all due respect to Juve, we have prepared well for this game. Last season they earned the chance to play in the Champions League Final and went close to winning it. I sincerely doubt a couple of defeats in Serie A this season means they are a different or weaker squad.”

 

The Blaugrana have been transformed under new Coach Ernesto Valverde, needing more solidity after their Champions League semi-final 3-0 defeat to Juventus last term.

 

“It was not a fluke that we lost to Paris Saint-Germain and again in Turin last season. When we play at our tempo and in our style, we are difficult to break down. We want to continue our current form.

 

“Our opponents are always more aggressive against us and raise their game, while with Neymar’s departure our style has changed a little bit and we have less room to move. We can improve in many different aspects and it’s not easy when changing Coach and several players.

 

“We have changed compared to last season, we are a more united group and nobody likes to face Barcelona.”

 

Many of the Juve players, such as Gigi Buffon and Andrea Barzagli, missed out on the World Cup after Italy lost the play-off to Sweden.

 

“I feel like telling Buffon to go in my place, as what he’s done for football is incredible, simply unique. When a child writes out his ideal line-up, Buffon will be in there. I can’t explain what it’s like to see him at the end of a game in that shape and to stand next to him.

 

“It’s really a shame he isn’t able to finish his career with participation in a sixth World Cup and I’d honestly love to give him that chance. It’s difficult to stay out of a tournament like that, but I believe in life sometimes you need to take a step back to take three steps forward.”

[Socrates 7962]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

JUVENTUS - BARCELONA

 

 

.......... 

 

 

 

Wednesday, 22 november 2017 - 08:45 p.m. CET 

07.45 p.m. UK time - 06.45 p.m. GMT

Allianz Stadium - Turin

Referee: Milorad Mazic (Serbia)

 

 

 

 

Valverde: 'No Juve-Barca favourites'

 

 

http://www.football-italia.net/113138/valverde-no-juve-barca-favourites

 

 

Nov 21, 2017

 

Barcelona Coach Ernesto Valverde promised “a different game” against Juventus after last season’s 3-0 defeat, but sees “no favourites.”

 

It kicks off on Wednesday at 20.45 CET - 19.45 GMT at the Allianz Juventus Stadium in Turin.

 

“We expect the best Juventus, obviously. They are strong rivals and step up a gear in their own stadium with a fiery atmosphere.

 

“They create many scoring opportunities in every game and need the victory tomorrow, as do we,” said the Coach in his Press conference.

 

“Both sides will try to control the ball and the game as much as possible, as we did in the first leg. We are the team that we are, at times things go better than others, but our idea is to get the result via our football.

 

“At this moment, the focus is getting through to the next round, then we’ll have other important games to play.”

 

Juve lost 3-2 to Sampdoria at the weekend, and were 3-0 down until the final minutes, but Valverde isn’t taking anything for granted.

 

“When such a big team loses a game, they want to immediately make up for it, so I expect a strong reaction from Juventus.

 

“They have many talented players, Paulo Dybala probably one of the most important, but Miralem Pjanic, Gonzalo Higuain and Juan Cuadrado can also make a difference. If you focus on defending against one, you just create spaces for the others, so it’s important to defend and work as a unit.

 

“We try to get results via good football and be solid, but when you can’t do that, it’s important to be organised and have harmony. Some performances have been better than others, but that happens to many teams. You can’t be at your best every day.”

 

Juventus lost 3-0 away to Barcelona this season and Italy failed to qualify for the World Cup, while Juve also lost Champions League Finals to Barça and Real Madrid, so is there a gap between Italian and Spanish football?

 

“I know there is a lot of talk about this, but I don’t think you can tie it in with the two lost Champions League Finals, because Juventus got to those two Finals and that is a success.

 

“Obviously, Italy not going to the World Cup makes a big splash all over the world and is a huge surprise. At times like this, you have the desire to change everything, but sometimes you need much smaller adjustments.

 

“We respect Juventus, Roma and all of Italian football. I don’t think you can say anyone is the favourite tomorrow, as these are two strong teams playing on level terms and it’ll be down to the details.”

 

Last season in the Champions League semi-final, Juventus beat Barcelona 3-0 here and went through to the Final.

 

“I watched that first leg over and over again to prepare. That was a knockout round and the circumstances are different now, but we do know Juve start very strong and we must be ready for that initial assault.

 

“Juve were in great shape last season and won, but it’ll be a very different game tomorrow and they are certainly motivated to make up for their defeat at Camp Nou.”

Valverde was asked if he would remove any players from the Juventus squad tomorrow.

 

“More than fear, I feel respect for Juventus. If you remove Dybala, they’ve got less creativity, but then you have Gonzalo Higuain for the finishing, Gigi Buffon in goal, others in defence and Miralem Pjanic in midfield, so I’d gladly remove five or six players from them, not just one.”

[Socrates 7962]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

JUVENTUS - BARCELONA

 

 

.......... 

 

 

 

Wednesday, 22 november 2017 - 08:45 p.m. CET 

07.45 p.m. UK time - 06.45 p.m. GMT

Allianz Stadium - Turin

Referee: Milorad Mazic (Serbia)

 

 

 

 

Bernardeschi out of Juve-Barca

 

 

http://www.football-italia.net/113139/bernardeschi-out-juve-barca

 

 

Nov 21, 2017

 

Federico Bernardeschi is out of the Champions League tie between Juventus and Barcelona due to a muscular problem.

 

It kicks off on Wednesday at 20.45 CET - 19.45 GMT at the Allianz Juventus Stadium in Turin.

 

Stephan Lichtsteiner is not on the UEFA squad this season, with Marko Pjaca a long-term injury absentee.

 

Bernardeschi will be in the stands due to a muscular problem to his right thigh that he sustained in training.

 

Rodrigo Bentancur returns, having been left out of the 3-2 loss to Sampdoria on Saturday, while Gigi Buffon and Andrea Barzagli were rested.

 

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

[Socrates 7962]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

JUVENTUS - BARCELONA

 

 

.......... 

 

 

 

Wednesday, 22 november 2017 - 08:45 p.m. CET 

07.45 p.m. UK time - 06.45 p.m. GMT

Allianz Stadium - Turin

Referee: Milorad Mazic (Serbia)

 

 

 

 

Pjanic: 'Respect Barcelona, but want victory'

 

 

http://www.football-italia.net/113143/pjanic-respect-barcelona-want-victory

 

 

Nov 21, 2017

 

Miralem Pjanic said “there is always something to learn from Barcelona and we have great respect, but obviously we are Juventus and want to win.”

 

It kicks off on Wednesday at 20.45 CET - 19.45 GMT at the Allianz Juventus Stadium in Turin.

 

“Barcelona are a great opponent, one of the favourites to win the Champions League,” said the midfielder in his Press conference.

 

“We can secure our qualification and Barcelona were not happy to lose here last season, just as we didn’t like losing there in September.

 

“We have a great deal of respect for Barcelona and obviously want to win. We are playing at home, we are Juve and we want the three points.

 

“I scored against Real Madrid, the big enemies of Barcelona, when I was playing for Lyon. There is always something to learn from watching Barcelona and players like Busquets, Iniesta or Xavi are examples to be studied and followed.

 

“It’s a different Barca lately, but the club is doing very well. Tomorrow we face them simply as any other opponent, but last season we had good memories of facing them and hope it’ll be another wonderful night for us tomorrow.

 

“Juve reached the Champions League Final twice in the last three years, so it’s not as if we’re doing that badly. Anything can happen in a single game, but our objective is to get through and go all the way to the Final again. We are the only Italian club to have reached the Final in recent years, which is not to be taken for granted, as getting there past so many great clubs is a big achievement.”

 

Juve are coming off a surprise 3-2 Serie A defeat to Sampdoria, though they had been 3-0 down until the final minutes.

 

“I know full well when I play a good game or not. I know I have to get back in shape quickly. We shouldn’t have lost to Samp, now we must prepare for tomorrow, we spoke in the locker room with the Coach and will always give our response on the field.

 

“We have to take responsibility and realise with victories, things can always improve. There was disappointment after the defeat to Sampdoria and none of us are happy with what we did at Marassi.

 

“I wouldn’t say there is a problem. We are conceding too many goals and everyone has to work differently, the way we did last year, to create more solidity. It’s not just the defence, but the midfield and forwards who must also work hard to resolve these details.

 

“We are four points off the top of the table, the head-to-head matches are coming up and there will be responses to be given.”

 

Pjanic was asked if his position changes with the 4-3-3 or 4-2-3-1 formation.

 

“To be honest, it’s not really a two-man midfield, because Paulo Dybala or someone else goes deeper to help out. It changes nothing and I just try to give the supply to the quality forwards ahead of me who can make the difference.”

 

Rodrigo Bentancur’s performances with Juventus have helped him earn a senior Uruguay spot.

 

“Bentancur is a player I really like and we’re all very happy to have him. He has things to improve and learn, but he’s a good kid, humble and with a bright future ahead of him.”

[Socrates 7962]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

JUVENTUS - BARCELONA

 

 

.......... 

 

 

 

Wednesday, 22 november 2017 - 08:45 p.m. CET 

07.45 p.m. UK time - 06.45 p.m. GMT

Allianz Stadium - Turin

Referee: Milorad Mazic (Serbia)

 

 

 

 

Allegri: 'No big Juve problems'

 

 

http://www.football-italia.net/113144/allegri-no-big-juve-problems

 

 

Nov 21, 2017

 

Max Allegri doesn’t understand the comparisons between Paulo Dybala and Leo Messi, but insists Juventus “don’t have big problems” ahead of Barcelona.

 

It kicks off on Wednesday at 20.45 CET - 19.45 GMT at the Allianz Juventus Stadium in Turin.

 

“Tomorrow the tactical system will depend on how we move in defence and attack,” said the Coach in his Press conference.

 

“We lost two games in Serie A (against Lazio and Sampdoria) and analysing the first part of the season, we need to improve our defensive movements, because we have conceded too many goals. It’s not just a system, but who we field and the characteristics of the players.

 

“In football, it’s results that count and not performances. We must be quicker to react, but Juve don’t have any big problems. We’ve scored 37 goals and conceded 14, it takes balance, and recently Juve always managed to mess something up and then recover.

 

“Barcelona conceded only two goals in 14 games, scoring 22. They are very balanced, defend well and it’ll be even more difficult for us. Having said that, it’s all open and we can qualify either tomorrow or in Athens.

 

“Juventus can reach the Final again. First of all, let’s get past the group stage, then we can talk again in March.”

 

The Bianconeri lost 3-0 at Camp Nou in September and Allegri’s tactical choices were criticised.

 

“I thought we had a good first half. The strange characteristic this season is that when we didn’t keep a clean sheet, we always conceded two or three goals. We must defend and attack without splitting the team in two.”

 

Juve were beaten 3-2 by Sampdoria on Sunday afternoon and Allegri was critical of midfielder Sami Khedira.

 

“Khedira made too many runs forward when we went a goal behind and he left Miralem Pjanic isolated. Tomorrow I must decide whether to play Mario Mandzukic, Blaise Matuidi or Douglas Costa. Federico Bernardeschi is injured.”

 

The comparisons between Messi and Dybala continue ahead of the showdown between the Argentina internationals.

 

“Dybala will start tomorrow. He is 23 years old and he started out scoring many goals, then had a dip, because that’s natural in the growth process. They are two very different players and move differently too.

 

“They have completely different physical as well as technical characteristics, as Messi is an explosive player and Dybala is more aerobic. Whether they can play together is not my problem!

 

“Messi is the only player in the world who knows how to turn and pass the ball where nobody else can. We must defend well as a unit. If the whole team doesn’t help out, it’s difficult to mark him.

 

“We are facing a side of great talent and quality, so need a super performance to bring home a positive result.”

[Socrates 7962]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

JUVENTUS - BARCELONA

 

 

.......... 

 

 

 

Wednesday, 22 november 2017 - 08:45 p.m. CET 

07.45 p.m. UK time - 06.45 p.m. GMT

Allianz Stadium - Turin

Referee: Milorad Mazic (Serbia)

 

 

 

 

Buffon: 'Replacing Rakitic at World Cup...'

 

 

http://www.football-italia.net/113149/buffon-replacing-rakitic-world-cup

 

 

Nov 21, 2017

 

Gigi Buffon thanked Ivan Rakitic offering to give up his spot at the 2018 World Cup, but the Italy goalkeeper warns “it might not be a great idea!”

 

Croatia booked their spot at the tournament in Russia next summer, but Buffon misses the chance to become the first man ever to play in six World Cup finals.

 

“I feel like telling Buffon to go in my place, as what he’s done for football is incredible, simply unique,” said Barcelona midfielder Rakitic in today’s Press conference.

 

“When a child writes out his ideal line-up, Buffon will be in there. I can’t explain what it’s like to see him at the end of a game in that shape and to stand next to him.

 

“It’s really a shame he isn’t able to finish his career with participation in a sixth World Cup and I’d honestly love to give him that chance.”

 

Buffon responded via Twitter ahead of tomorrow night’s Champions League game between Juventus and Barcelona.

 

“As a goalkeeper I might still play, but playing for Croatia as a midfielder in your place might not be a great idea: I am saying it for your good sake!

 

“Joking apart, your words have been a great gift. Thanks to you and Jordi Alba: my jersey is waiting for you.”

 

 

Gianluigi Buffon

 

✔@gianluigibuffon

 

Dear @ivanrakitic , as a goalkeeper I might still play but playing for Croatia as a midfielder in your place might not be a great idea: I am saying it for your good sake. Joking apart, your words have been a great gift. Thanks to you and @JordiAlba: my jersey is waiting for you

8:52 PM - Nov 21, 2017

[Socrates 7962]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

JUVENTUS - BARCELONA

 

 

.......... 

 

 

 

Wednesday, 22 november 2017 - 08:45 p.m. CET 

07.45 p.m. UK time - 06.45 p.m. GMT

Allianz Stadium - Turin

Referee: Milorad Mazic (Serbia)

 

 

 

 

Chiellini out for Barcelona

 

 

http://www.football-italia.net/113177/chiellini-out-barcelona

 

 

Nov 22, 2017

 

Juventus defender Giorgio Chiellini is out of tonight’s game with Barcelona with a thigh injury.

 

The centre-back was expected to start in the crucial Champions League clash, which could see the Bianconeri qualify for the Last 16, depending on other results.

 

However, Chiellini pulled up in training with a thigh problem, which required scans and now Juve have confirmed he’ll miss tonight’s game.

 

“Giorgio Chiellini will not play in Juventus-Barcelona because of a muscular strain in his right thigh,” the club confirmed on their Twitter page.

 

It’s expected Medhi Benatia will replace him in the starting XI, rather than Daniele Rugani.

[Socrates 7962]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

JUVENTUS - BARCELONA

 

 

.......... 

 

 

 

Wednesday, 22 november 2017 - 08:45 p.m. CET 

07.45 p.m. UK time - 06.45 p.m. GMT

Allianz Stadium - Turin

Referee: Milorad Mazic (Serbia)

 

 

 

 

De Sciglio to return for Juventus

 

 

http://www.football-italia.net/113175/de-sciglio-return-juventus

 

 

Nov 22, 2017

 

It’s expected Mattia De Sciglio will start for Juventus in a 4-2-3-1 formation against Barcelona tonight.

 

The Bianconeri will qualify for the Last 16 if they avoid defeat to the Blaugrana and Sporting don’t beat Olympiakos.

 

Despite the defeat to Sampdoria on Sunday, it’s expected that Coach Massimiliano Allegri will stick with his 4-2-3-1 formation for tonight’s match.

 

Stephan Lichtsteiner isn’t in the Champions League squad, so Mattia De Sciglio is expected to replace him at right-back.

 

Douglas Costa is likely to be given a chance from the start, replacing Mario Mandzukic on the left flank.

 

Paulo Dybala was rested at the weekend, but he’ll return in place of Federico Bernardeschi.

 

Probable Juventus line-up: Buffon; De Sciglio, Barzagli, Benatia, Alex Sandro; Khedira, Pjanic; Cuadrado, Dybala, Douglas Costa; Higuain

[Socrates 7962]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

JUVENTUS - BARCELONA

 

 

.......... 

 

 

 

Wednesday, 22 november 2017 - 08:45 p.m. CET 

07.45 p.m. UK time - 06.45 p.m. GMT

Allianz Stadium - Turin

Referee: Milorad Mazic (Serbia)

 

 

 

 

Juventus go 3-4-2-1 with Barcelona

 

 

http://www.football-italia.net/113184/juventus-go-3-4-2-1-barcelona

 

 

Nov 22, 2017

 

With Giorgio Chiellini injured, there are reports Juventus could start a new 3-4-2-1 formation against Barcelona this evening.

 

The Champions League clash kicks off at the Allianz Juventus Stadium at 20.45 CET - 19.45 GMT.

 

Chiellini was a late addition to the absentee list with a thigh problem, while Stephan Lichtsteiner is cup-tied and Federico Bernardeschi injured.

 

According to the latest rumours coming out of Turin via Sky Sport Italia and Mediaset Premium, Max Allegri will transform the side to a 3-4-2-1 system with Daniele Rugani and Medhi Benatia joining Andrea Barzagli.

 

Juan Cuadrado and Alex Sandro would be moved to the wing-back roles, with Paulo Dybala and Douglas Costa supporting centre-forward Gonzalo Higuain.

 

It would be a new approach, keeping Miralem Pjanic and Sami Khedira in the middle of the park, but leaving Mario Mandzukic on the bench.

 

 

Juventus (probable): Buffon; Rugani, Barzagli, Benatia; Cuadrado, Pjanic, Khedira, Alex Sandro; Dybala, Douglas Costa; Higuain

 

Barcelona (probable): Ter Stegen; Semedo, Pique, Umtiti, Alba; Paulinho, Busquets, Rakitic, Iniesta; Messi, L Suarez

[Socrates 7962]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

JUVENTUS - BARCELONA

 

 

.......... 

 

 

 

Wednesday, 22 november 2017 - 08:45 p.m. CET 

07.45 p.m. UK time - 06.45 p.m. GMT

Allianz Stadium - Turin

Referee: Milorad Mazic (Serbia)

 

 

 

 

HT 0-0: Rakitic rattles Juventus

 

 

http://www.football-italia.net/113193/ht-rakitic-rattles-juventus

 

 

Nov 22, 2017

 

Ivan Rakitic hit the woodwork and Paulo Dybala went close, but it’s goalless at the break between Juventus and Barcelona.

 

The Bianconeri had to do without Federico Bernardeschi, Giorgio Chiellini, Marko Pjaca and cup-tied Stephan Lichtsteiner, so debuted a new 3-4-2-1 formation. The real surprise saw the Blaugrana rest Lionel Messi, also missing injured Javier Mascherano, Arda Turan, Rafinha, Sergi Roberto, Andre Gomes and Ousmane Dembele.

 

 

Barcelona lost here 3-0 in last season’s quarter-final, but won by the same result at Camp Nou back in September.

 

 

Andres Iniesta failed to make the most of a mistaken Juan Cuadrado header back, but Ivan Rakitic went extremely close on 22 minutes when his free kick flew past everyone to bounce off the far post.

 

Paulinho went down in the box without contact from Miralem Pjanic and was booked for simulation. It was a first half curiously low on quality for such a prestigious fixture, but when Juve did put together a good passing move, Cuadrado ballooned the volley into the stands.

 

Dybala went on a mazy run from Alex Sandro’s assist, but his finish from a tight angle was over the bar just before half-time.

 

 

Juventus 0-0 Barcelona (Half-Time)

 

Juventus: Buffon; Rugani, Barzagli, Benatia; Cuadrado, Pjanic, Khedira, Alex Sandro; Dybala, Douglas Costa; Higuain

 

Barcelona: Ter Stegen; Semedo, Pique, Umtiti, Digne; Sergio Busquets, Rakitic, Iniesta; Deulofeu, L Suarez, Paulinho

 

Ref: Mazic (SER)

[Socrates 7962]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

JUVENTUS - BARCELONA

 

 

.......... 

 

 

 

Wednesday, 22 november 2017 - 08:45 p.m. CET 

07.45 p.m. UK time - 06.45 p.m. GMT

Allianz Stadium - Turin

Referee: Milorad Mazic (Serbia)

 

 

 

 

CL: Juventus hold Barcelona 0-0

 

 

http://www.football-italia.net/113195/cl-juventus-hold-barcelona

 

 

Nov 22, 2017

 

Juventus got a precious point at home to Barcelona, but Ivan Rakitic hit the woodwork and Paulo Dybala was denied by a last-gasp save.

 

The Bianconeri had to do without Federico Bernardeschi, Giorgio Chiellini, Marko Pjaca and cup-tied Stephan Lichtsteiner, so debuted a new 3-4-2-1 formation. The real surprise saw the Blaugrana rest Lionel Messi, also missing injured Javier Mascherano, Arda Turan, Rafinha, Sergi Roberto, Andre Gomes and Ousmane Dembele.

 

Barcelona lost here 3-0 in last season’s quarter-final, but won by the same result at Camp Nou back in September.

 

Andres Iniesta failed to make the most of a mistaken Juan Cuadrado header back, but Ivan Rakitic went extremely close on 22 minutes when his free kick flew past everyone to bounce off the far post.

 

Paulinho went down in the box without contact from Miralem Pjanic and was booked for simulation. It was a first half curiously low on quality for such a prestigious fixture, but when Juve did put together a good passing move, Cuadrado ballooned the volley into the stands.

 

Dybala went on a mazy run from Alex Sandro’s assist, but his finish from a tight angle was over the bar just before half-time.

 

After the restart, Luis Suarez’s free kick was deflected inches over the bar and Gonzalo Higuain blasted off target on the turn from a Pjanic assist.

 

Leo Messi came off the bench for ex-Milan forward Gerard Deulofeu and curled a free kick just over the bar, but Cuadrado slipped to send Lucas Digne through and the Frenchman was too generous in trying to roll it across when he should’ve gone for goal himself.

 

Douglas Costa went down just inside the area on a Gerard Pique nudge, but there wasn’t enough to warrant a penalty, then drilled well wide from a very promising position.

 

Dybala thought he’d won it in stoppages with a wonderful first time daisy-cutter from the edge of the box, but Marc-Andre Ter Stegen got down for a decisive save to fingertip it out of the near bottom corner.

 

 

Juventus 0-0 Barcelona

 

Juventus: Buffon; Rugani, Barzagli, Benatia; Cuadrado (Marchisio 70), Pjanic (Bentancur 65), Khedira, Alex Sandro; Dybala, Douglas Costa (Matuidi 85); Higuain

 

Barcelona: Ter Stegen; Semedo, Pique, Umtiti, Digne; Sergio Busquets, Rakitic, Iniesta (Alba 82); Deulofeu (Messi 55), L Suarez, Paulinho

 

Ref: Mazic (SER)

[Socrates 7962]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

JUVENTUS - BARCELONA

 

 

.......... 

 

 

 

Wednesday, 22 november 2017 - 08:45 p.m. CET 

07.45 p.m. UK time - 06.45 p.m. GMT

Allianz Stadium - Turin

Referee: Milorad Mazic (Serbia)

 

 

 

 

Allegri: 'Wonderful tactical match'

 

 

http://www.football-italia.net/113199/allegri-wonderful-tactical-match

 

 

Nov 22, 2017

 

Max Allegri felt the 0-0 draw with Barcelona was “a wonderful game on a tactical level” and was impressed with the improvements in Juventus defending.

 

“It was a wonderful game on a tactical level, our first 0-0 of the season and we did it against a Barcelona side that defends very well this season,” the Coach told Mediaset Premium.

 

“If we had been a bit quicker in the transitions, we would’ve had more favourable opportunities, but in the second half they stopped us doing that. We had the Douglas Costa shot and the final save on Paulo Dybala.

 

“It’s an important point, as it allows us to go to Olympiacos and play a game where a point is not enough, we need a win, or can go through with a defeat depending on what happens in Barcelona.”

 

Allegri lost Giorgio Chiellini to injury earlier today, so unveiled a new 3-4-2-1 formation.

 

“The lads did very well, so rather than have a full-back who would push up, I moved to three at the back with Andrea Barzagli static. It was the same players, as we had Juan Cuadrado, Alex Sandro and Douglas Costa, so it wasn’t a negative approach.

 

“I told the players that I was not interested in the result tonight, but in the performance. I saw the right spirit and heart, as when Juve defend in a certain way all together, it’s tough for us to concede goals.”

 

Sporting CP won 3-1 over Olympiacos this evening, so it all goes down to the final round. Juve have a superior head-to-head record with Sporting and the Portuguese side finish the group at Camp Nou, while the Bianconeri are in Greece.

 

“I said at the start that to get through this group, we needed at least eight points. Sporting won the opener in Greece and messed up my calculations and we might need 12 points.

 

“It’s strange, as last season we didn’t lose a Champions League game until the Final. The year before we conceded very few as well, but every year is different. We had to start from scratch today, as (in Sunday’s 3-2 Serie A defeat) against Sampdoria we let in goals that Juventus cannot concede. The focus was higher against Barcelona tonight, so we didn’t concede.”

 

It is a step forward from the 3-0 defeat at Camp Nou in September, but last season Juve won this fixture 3-0 in the Champions League quarter-final.

 

“We had a very good first half away to Barcelona, probably with better chances than we had tonight, but then we conceded on the stroke of half-time on a counter-attack. We melted in the first half with an extraordinary Leo Messi.

 

“It’s almost impossible to find time to train at the moment. We want to improve the quality of the football and our scoring opportunities, but we did improve the defence and I am glad about that. We might be less beautiful, but we are becoming more solid. The more you go on without conceding, the more confidence you have and the more chances you will create.

 

“We have to work on playing out from the back, as we made too many mistakes.”

[Socrates 7962]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

JUVENTUS - BARCELONA

 

 

.......... 

 

 

 

Wednesday, 22 november 2017 - 08:45 p.m. CET 

07.45 p.m. UK time - 06.45 p.m. GMT

Allianz Stadium - Turin

Referee: Milorad Mazic (Serbia)

 

 

 

 

Dybala: 'Juve must play the ball'

 

 

http://www.football-italia.net/113200/dybala-juve-must-play-ball

 

 

Nov 22, 2017

 

Paulo Dybala warned Juventus “are good at defending, but must try to play the ball a bit more” after a 0-0 with Barcelona.

 

“It was not easy against a very tough team, especially as Barcelona now defend much better than they used to. Now we have to win the next game and not wait to see what Barcelona do,” La Joya told Mediaset Premium.

 

The Bianconeri will go through even with a defeat away to Olympiacos if Sporting lose at Camp Nou, as they have a superior head-to-head record with the Portuguese side.

 

“It’ll certainly be a very difficult month, we are going to a passionate atmosphere at Olympiacos, but we are Juventus and must go to win in every stadium."

 

There is a worrying statistic, as Juve are the side with the worst goals scored tally of all the top two around the various Champions League groups.

 

“We must try to improve our football. We are good at defending, but must try to play the ball a bit more.”

[Socrates 7962]

 

 

 

Napoli sell 26,000 tickets for Juventus

 

 

http://www.football-italia.net/113216/napoli-sell-26000-juventus

 

 

Nov 23, 2017

 

Napoli have reportedly sold over 26,000 tickets for the clash with Juventus a week on Friday.

 

The Partenopei had an attendance of just over 10,000 for the Champions League win over Shakhtar Donetsk in midweek, but it appears the Scudetto showdown is proving more of a draw.

 

Maurizio Sarri’s side are four points clear of the Bianconeri, who have won the title for the past six years in a row.

 

The pair meet on December 1 at the San Paolo, and TuttoNapoli reports that over 26,000 tickets have been sold already, with just over a week until the match.

[Socrates 7962]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

‘Juventus won’t beat Olympiakos’

 

 

http://www.football-italia.net/113218/‘juventus-won’t-beat-olympiakos’

 

 

Nov 23, 2017

 

Sporting CP Coach Jorge Jesus still thinks they can reach the Champions League Last 16 as “I don’t believe Juventus will win in Athens”.

 

The Bianconeri just have to beat Olympiakos in matchday six to be guaranteed qualification, while Sporting have to win at Camp Nou against Barcelona, who are already through.

 

“If we win at Barcelona we’ll be through,” Jesus said after last night’s win over the Greeks, as reported by O Jogo.

 

“I don’t believe Juventus will win in Athens, Olympiakos are a very strong team. What’s more difficult is winning in Barcelona, I’m under no illusions about that.

 

“We want to go to Camp Nou and win, the teams who have gone through often rest players. Today, for example, Barcelona rested [Lionel] Messi.

 

“Let’s believe that we’re going to pass the group stage.”

[Socrates 7962]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

JUVENTUS - BARCELONA

 

 

.......... 

 

 

 

Wednesday, 22 november 2017 - 08:45 p.m. CET 

07.45 p.m. UK time - 06.45 p.m. GMT

Allianz Stadium - Turin

Referee: Milorad Mazic (Serbia)

 

 

 

 

Pjanic: 'Juve must play better'

 

 

http://www.football-italia.net/113248/pjanic-juve-must-play-better

 

 

Nov 23, 2017

 

Miralem Pjanic concedes Juventus “have to play better football,” but looks denies they care more about the Champions League than Serie A.

 

The Bianconeri are stuttering both domestically and in Europe, beaten 3-2 by Sampdoria and held 1-1 by Barcelona in the Champions League.

 

“It’s obvious we have to play better football, but then we are accustomed to criticism,” Pjanic told TuttoJuve at a sponsorship event.

 

“Yesterday we were up against a great Barcelona side, who are certainly among the favourites to win the tournament. There are things we need to improve and we know that too, but then there is criticism because Juventus drew 0-0. There are positives and negatives.

 

“The positive is that we kept a clean sheet and were pretty solid, so it’s something to build on for the future. We know full well it’ll be important this season to concede as few goals as possible.

 

“In terms of our football, we need more movement in general, as we’ve got the quality and certainly haven’t lost that. We can just improve by getting more out of the extraordinary potential and talent in our squad.

 

“We’ve shown already this season that we can score goals, but it’s an issue of how we move in general.”

 

The next 10 days look to be very difficult for Juventus, who have crunch meetings with Crotone, Napoli, Olympiacos and Inter.

 

“It’s an important month with many head-to-head clashes and it’s up to us to make up lost ground. It’s not a problem for Juve to be chasing Napoli, as we are not far off our points tally at this stage last season. We just tip our hats to those who are doing very well indeed, like Napoli, Inter and Roma.

 

“It’s a good level of Serie A this season and everyone wants to beat us, but we remain confidence and have the same desire to take this Scudetto. The important thing right now is to stay up there.

 

“We can’t get sucked into negativity, because while everyone would love us to lose, our objective is to keep winning.”

 

After losing two Champions League Finals in three years, is that the real Juventus target more than Serie A?

 

“I don’t think so,” replied Pjanic. “Our real objective is the Scudetto, obviously. The team is built to play in every competition to the end, but then we know that you need a little luck in the Champions League. There are key moments of the season where you need everyone fit and available.”

[Socrates 7962]

 

 

 

 

 

Del Piero: Juve’s moment of truth...

 

 

http://www.football-italia.net/113273/del-piero-juve’s-moment-truth

 

 

Nov 24, 2017

 

Alessandro Del Piero believes Juventus’ “moment of truth” awaits them when they face Napoli, Olympiacos and Inter in two weeks’ time.

 

Juve will sit the biggest tests of their Scudetto credentials against Napoli and Inter at the start of December, with a Champions League decider at Olympiacos sandwiched in-between, and Del Piero feels the run of matches are a ‘jolt’ that his former club need.

 

“Draw with Barca a setback? Yes, but it was a calculated setback on Wednesday,” the Bianconeri icon told Gazzetta dello Sport.

 

“I’ve heard that drawing or losing was the same, but it’s not true: now Sporting have to win and Juve don’t.

 

“The point was crucial for morale and their place in the group, even though Barcelona have dominated it for a long time.

 

“End of an era? That unconscious feeling of satisfaction is a nightmare for any Coach and players after so many successes.

 

“Ruthlessness and competitiveness come out easier when you lose, but I’ve always seen great commitment from Juve.

 

“Only five goals in five games? It’s one of issues that Allegri’s facing. This Juve are built to score a goal more than their opponents, not concede one less.

 

“Maybe time is all that’s needed for the new players to make their mark.

 

“Sometimes you go through a funnel then find a great big road. It’s not the first time Juve have limped in the autumn, but they have to be in form in the spring. That’s why I still expect Juve to be the leading lights in Italy and Europe.

 

“Napoli, Olympiakos and Inter in one week their moment of truth? Yes. Juve need a jolt like that.

 

“They need those two or three games to give them the feeling of being back. Allegri’s been waiting for this moment.

 

You have experienced difficult moments like the current Dybala. What advice would you give him?

 

“Dybala? He played very well against Barcelona and the only one who offered something different.

 

“He kept the ball, attracted fouls and almost scored towards the end. He’s raising the bar further and he’ll find the balance needed to get back to the levels that he started the season at.”

 

Gianluigi Buffon’s tears after Italy failed to qualify for the World Cup mirrored those of a nation, so what impact did they have on Del Piero?

 

“So much sadness,” admitted the goalkeeper’s ex-colleague.

 

“Gigi showed his greatness once more. One of my most important dreams happened at the 1982 World Cup. I was only eight years old.

 

“We still haven’t come to terms with our elimination, but that’s where our football is.”