JUVENTUS SEASON 2017-2018

[Socrates 7962]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CAGLIARI - JUVENTUS

 

 

       .......  0-1.....

 

 

Federico Bernardeschi 74'

 

 

 

20th Matchday

 

Saturday, january 6th 2018 - 08:45 p.m. CET 

07.45 p.m. UK time - 06.45 p.m. GMT
Sardegna Arena Stadium - Cagliari
Referee: Gianpaolo Calvarese

 

 

 

 

Allegri: 'Cagliari deserved more'

 

 

https://www.football-italia.net/115243/allegri-cagliari-deserved-more

 

 

Jan 6, 2018

 

Max Allegri admits Cagliari “didn’t deserve to lose, but people have to accept the referee’s decision” after a controversial Juventus victory.

 

The Bianconeri remain within a point of leaders Napoli and extend their lead from third-placed Inter to eight points thanks to a Federico Bernardeschi tap-in.

 

“We didn’t react as well as we should’ve done, the second half was very physical. It was very important that we bring home the result, so I compliment the lads, as we are still in Napoli’s slipstream and have broken away from Inter and Roma,” the Coach told Mediaset Premium after the 1-0 win.

 

There was a very controversial incident, as moments after the goal, Bernardeschi charged down a Simone Padoin cross with his arm, but a penalty was not awarded.

 

“After going 1-0 up, we could’ve added another goal, or at least done better to control the ball rather than allow Cagliari opportunities to equalise.

 

“I will say that Cagliari did not deserve to lose today. VAR is an instrument that was meant to reduce controversy, but instead it has increased it because people don’t accept the referee’s decision.

 

“Juventus have done our duty very well so far this season, as we are second in Serie A, through to the Champions League Round of 16 and the Coppa Italia Semi-Finals.”

 

There was also a bitter blow for, as Paulo Dybala limped off with a suspected hamstring strain.

 

“We don’t know how bad it is now, but he will have tests. Fortunately we go into a two-week break now and he’ll evidently need to rest more than the others during that time, so hopefully will be fresh for the final weeks of the season.”

[Socrates 7962]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CAGLIARI - JUVENTUS

 

 

       .......  0-1.....

 

 

Federico Bernardeschi 74'

 

 

 

20th Matchday

 

Saturday, january 6th 2018 - 08:45 p.m. CET 

07.45 p.m. UK time - 06.45 p.m. GMT
Sardegna Arena Stadium - Cagliari
Referee: Gianpaolo Calvarese

 

 

 

 

Barzagli: 'Ref saw the situation'

 

 

https://www.football-italia.net/115244/barzagli-ref-saw-situation

 

 

Jan 6, 2018

 

Andrea Barzagli defended the referee after Juventus took a 1-0 result at Cagliari. “He saw the situation and gave the advantage.”

 

The Bianconeri remain within a point of leaders Napoli and extended their advantage over third-placed Inter to eight points thanks to a controversial 1-0 win away to Cagliari.

 

“It’s a fundamental victory for us to go all the way this season. Cagliari were so fired up, they were almost possessed, but we are happy to have just about snatched it,” the veteran defender told Sky Sport Italia.

 

Cagliari were furious at both the goal, as Leonardo Pavoletti was down following a clash with Medhi Benatia, and a Federico Bernardeschi handball moments later that went unpunished.

 

“The rules state that the referee must stop play if there is someone down injured. He saw the situation and gave the advantage. We did better in that moment and scored the goal.”

[Socrates 7962]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CAGLIARI - JUVENTUS

 

 

       .......  0-1.....

 

 

Federico Bernardeschi 74'

 

 

 

20th Matchday

 

Saturday, january 6th 2018 - 08:45 p.m. CET 

07.45 p.m. UK time - 06.45 p.m. GMT
Sardegna Arena Stadium - Cagliari
Referee: Gianpaolo Calvarese

 

 

 

 

Matuidi: 'Racism from Cagliari fans'

 

 

https://www.football-italia.net/115249/matuidi-racism-cagliari-fans

 

 

Jan 6, 2018

 

Juventus midfielder Blaise Matuidi said he “experienced racism” against Cagliari. “Weak people try to intimidate with hate.”

 

The Bianconeri earned a 1-0 victory at the Sardegna Arena, but Matuidi seemed very agitated at one point.

 

He later explained via a Facebook post what had happened.

 

“Thanks for all your messages.

 

“Today I experienced racism during the match. Weak people try to intimidate with hate. I am not a hater and can only be sorry for those who set bad examples.

 

“Football is a way to spread equality, passion and inspiration and this is what I am here for. Peace.”

 

Unfortunately, this is not the first time there has been an incident of racism in a Cagliari home game.

 

In May 2017, Pescara midfielder Sulley Muntari complained to the referee about racist insults coming from Cagliari fans and was booked.

 

He then moved to leave the pitch and speak to those responsible for the abuse, as he was stunned to see some of it was coming from a child, when the referee sent him off.

[Socrates 7962]

 

 

 

Serie A and Tim Cup fixture announced

 

 

https://www.football-italia.net/115309/serie-fixture-changes-announced

 

 

 

Jan 8, 2018

 

The Lega Serie A has announced the fixture changes up to Week 29, with the Derby della Mole an early Sunday kick-off.

All Serie A matches are scheduled for 14.00 UK time on the Sunday, or 19.45 on the Wednesday for a midweek round.

However, games are moved for television coverage and to accommodate European competition, so the league periodically publishes a revised list of kick-off times.

Today the changes from Week 22 to Week 29 have been announced, with February’s Turin derby moved to 11.30 UK time on Sunday February 18.

Napoli-Roma is now at 19.45 on March 3 and Inter-Napoli is now the late kick-off on Sunday March 11.

The second Serie A Derby della Madonnina of the season between Milan and Inter is on March 4 at 19.45.

Serie A fixture changes [all kick-offs UK time]:

Week 22

Sassuolo-Atalanta - Saturday January 27 17.00
Chievo-Juventus - Saturday January 27 19.45
Spal-Inter - Sunday January 28 11.30
Milan-Lazio - Sunday January 28 17.00
Roma-Sampdoria Sunday January 28 19.45

Week 23

Sampdoria-Torino - Saturday February 3 17.00
Inter-Crotone - Saturday February 3 19.45
Verona-Roma - Sunday February 4 12.30
Benevento-Napoli Sunday February 4 19.45
Lazio-Genoa - Monday February 5 19.45

Week 24

Fiorentina-Juventus - Friday February 9 19.45
Spal-Milan - Saturday February 10 14.00
Crotone-Atalanta - Saturday February 10 - 17.00
Sassuolo-Cagliari - Sunday February 11 11.30
Roma-Benevento - Sunday February 11 19.45

Week 25

Udinese-Roma - Saturday February 17 14.00
Chievo-Cagliari - Saturday February 17 17.00
Genoa-Inter - Saturday February 17 19.45
Torino-Juventus - Sunday February 18 11.30
Atalanta-Fiorentina - Sunday February 18 17.30
Milan-Sampdoria - Sunday February 18 19.45
Lazio-Verona - Monday February 19 19.45

Week 26

Bologna-Genoa - Saturday February 24 17.00
Inter-Benevento - Saturday February 24 19.45
Crotone-Spal - Sunday February 25 11.30
Juventus-Atalanta - Sunday February 25 17.00
Roma-Milan - Sunday February 25 19.45
Cagliari-Napoli - Monday February 26 19.45

Week 27

Spal-Bologna - Saturday March 3 14.00
Lazio-Juventus - Saturday March 3 17.00
Napoli-Roma - Saturday March 3 19.45
Genoa-Cagliari - Sunday March 4 11.30
Milan-Inter - Sunday March 4 19.45

Week 28

Roma-Torino - Friday March 9 19.45
Verona-Chievo - Saturday March 10 19.45
Fiorentina-Benevento - Sunday March 11 11.30
Inter-Napoli - Sunday March 11 19.45

Week 29

Benevento-Cagliari - Saturday March 17 17.00
Spal-Juventus - Saturday March 17 19.45
Sampdoria-Inter - Sunday March 18 11.30
Lazio-Bologna - Sunday March 18 17.00
Napoli-Genoa - Sunday March 18 19.45

 

 

https://www.football-italia.net/115319/coppa-dates-confirmed

 

 

The Lega Serie A has confirmed the dates for the Coppa Italia semi-finals, with Atalanta-Juventus on January 30 and Milan-Lazio the following day.

Four teams will compete over two legs to reach the final of the cup, which Juventus have won for the past three years in a row.

The Bianconeri will look to reach a fourth successive final, and the first match of their tie with Atalanta has been confirmed for 19.45 UK time on Tuesday January 30.

Lazio, last year’s beaten finalists, travel to face Milan the following day, with the kick-off also scheduled for 19.45.

The return legs will be played in February on Tuesday 27 and Wednesday 28, but the dates and kick-off times of each game have not yet been decided.

[Socrates 7962]

 

 

 

 

Buffon, Chiellini in Team of the Year

 

 

https://www.football-italia.net/115423/buffon-chiellini-team-year

 

 

 

Jan 11, 2018

 

Juventus pair Gianluigi Buffon and Giorgio Chiellini have been voted in to UEFA’s team of the year by fans.

 

European football’s governing body ran a poll on its website to find the best XI of 2017, and the results have been announced today.

 

Both Buffon and Chiellini have been included, as has former Bianconeri full-back Dani Alves, who joined Paris Saint-Germain in the summer.

 

Buffon received 333,604 votes, which accounted for 41.8 per cent in the goalkeeper category.

 

Chiellini was selected in 37.1 per cent of fans’ teams, acquiring a total of 295,842 votes.

 

Real Madrid centre-back Sergio Ramos was the most popular player in the poll, having been selected in 73.7 per cent of teams with a total 588,315 votes.

 

UEFA.com team of the year: Buffon [Juventus]; Dani Alves [Paris Saint-Germain], Sergio Ramos [Real Madrid], Giorgio Chiellini [Juventus], Marcelo [Real Madrid]; De Bruyne [Manchester City], Kroos [Real Madrid], Modric [Real Madrid]; Hazard [Chelsea], Ronaldo [Real Madrid], Messi [Barcelona]

[Socrates 7962]

 

 

 

 

Capello: ‘Juve have mental edge’

 

 

https://www.football-italia.net/115567/capello-‘juve-have-mental-edge’

 

 

Jan 14, 2018

 

Fabio Capello believes Juventus’ ‘winning habit and mentality’ make them favourites to win the Scudetto again.

 

The Old Lady are a point and a place behind Serie A leaders Napoli as they go in search of a seventh straight League title.

 

But despite acknowledging the ‘danger’ posed by Maurizio Sarri’s Partenopei, Capello is tipping his former club to win through.

 

“Napoli, with no more Champions League, are dangerous,” the former Real Madrid and England boss told Tuttosport.

 

“But Juve have that winning habit, the right mentality and an excellent squad.

 

“They have also shown they don’t rely on individuals, not even [Paolo] Dybala or [Gonzalo] Higuain.”

 

Capello was asked about the form of star man Dybala, who has been in and out of Max Allegri’s starting eleven at times this season.

 

“He is a player of good potential. In my opinion, they are managing him well at Juve.

 

“From personal experience, champion players are those who take advantage of every moment to improve.”

 

Juve have attracted criticism from some quarters for their playing style, particular during clashes against fellow Scudetto contenders.

 

However, Capello backs Allegri’s tactical approach.

 

“I can see myself in the way Allegri is pragmatic. And he is right, it is more difficult to win than to play well.”

[Socrates 7962]

 

 

 

 

Clubs against Lotito for FIGC named

 

 

https://www.football-italia.net/115600/clubs-against-lotito-figc-named

 

 

Jan 14, 2018

 

Genoa patron Enrico Preziosi reveals Juventus, Torino, Roma, Fiorentina and Sassuolo are against Claudio Lotito as FIGC President.

 

There are four candidates to replace Carlo Tavecchio at the head of the Italian Football Federation.

 

They are Damiano Tommasi, Gabriele Gravina, Cosimo Sibilia and Lotito.

 

“Serie A needs to be leading the way and Lotito, for all his conflicts, cannot avoid looking after its needs,” Genoa patron Preziosi told La Repubblica.

 

“None of the candidates have enough votes to win. If Sibilia keeps his work, then we’ll see him supported by Serie A, who have so far given a large support to Lotito. If the Amateur League, who have 34 per cent of the vote, go with Lotito, then he’ll win.”

 

Lotito said that he had 12 Serie A sides backing his candidacy, but their names have until now not been confirmed.

 

“In the Lega Serie A there are Juventus, Torino, Roma, Fiorentina and Sassuolo who are against Lotito. From what we’ve seen, if there is a candidate who receives unanimous support from Serie A, then Sibilia and the Lega Nazionale Dilettanti will put their backing behind him.

 

“The problem here is that we don’t have a unanimous candidate.”

[Socrates 7962]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

JUVENTUS - GENOA

 

 

       .........   .......... 

 

 

 

 

 

21st Matchday

 

Monday, january 22nd 2018 - 08:45 p.m. CET 

07.45 p.m. UK time - 06.45 p.m. GMT
Allianz Stadium - Turin
Referee: Marco Di Bello

 

 

 

 

Dybala and Marchisio out 30-40 days

 

 

https://www.football-italia.net/115683/dybala-and-marchisio-out-30-40-days

 

 

Jan 16, 2018

 

Paulo Dybala and Claudio Marchisio are ruled out for 30-40 days, while Gigi Buffon and Juan Cuadrado are still injured, confirm Juventus.

 

The Bianconeri have resumed training after the Winter break and released a statement following medical tests.

 

Dybala and Marchisio both have muscular problems and confirmed the initial diagnosis of 30-40 days on the sidelines.

 

Buffon and Cuadrado are said to be improving, but continue to train separately from the rest of the squad this week.

 

That means they will not be available for the home game with Genoa.

 

The real target for all of them is to be in shape for the Champions League Round of 16 against Tottenham Hotspur on February 13.

 

[Socrates 7962]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

JUVENTUS - GENOA

 

 

       .........   .......... 

 

 

 

 

 

21st Matchday

 

Monday, january 22nd 2018 - 08:45 p.m. CET 

07.45 p.m. UK time - 06.45 p.m. GMT
Allianz Stadium - Turin
Referee: Marco Di Bello

 

 

 

 

Allegri: 'Juve chasing hare Napoli'

 

 

hhttps://www.football-italia.net/115934/allegri-juve-chasing-hare-napoli

 

 

Jan 21, 2018

 

Max Allegri wants Juventus to focus on Genoa and keep putting together victories as they are “forced to chase the hare Napoli whizzing ahead.”

 

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

 

The Coach started off with some bad news, as Gigi Buffon is out of action and that means he cannot beat Paolo Maldini’s all-time Serie A appearance record.

 

“Gigi will be at our disposal next week and return to being the starter. Fortunately, Wojciech Szczesny has done great work during this period.”

 

If Buffon wants the record, should he carry on playing beyond this season?

 

“I’m in no position to give advice to Gigi, I’m sure he knows what to do. He is a player now and needs to focus on the present, not what he might do in June.”

 

Napoli visit Atalanta today and Juventus are only one point behind the leaders, so is it an advantage to play after the Partenopei?

 

“I don’t see it as an advantage. The only advantage any team can have is winning games. If Napoli continue to win, they will always be a point ahead of us. We can do nothing other than keep winning.

 

“We know that for the Scudetto, we’ll have to do something extraordinary, because Napoli have 51 points and we’ve already put together two more points than at this stage last season. Juve are having a strong campaign, but Napoli are like the hare whizzing ahead and right now we’re forced to chase.

 

“We need to stay calm and be patient, because the moment of truth will be in the head-to-head clashes coming up in April. That is where we must be on our best form.

 

“It’s important to resume where we left off, because this year we haven’t done well after Serie A breaks, losing to Lazio and Sampdoria. Genoa have kept four clean sheets in a row and conceded only three since David Ballardini took over.

 

“They defend very well, have good quality in midfield and are very strong on set plays. We’ll certainly have to suffer tomorrow, but what counts is bringing home the three points. We have to win, even if it’ll be very difficult.”

 

Buffon isn’t the only player out injured, as Paulo Dybala, Juan Cuadrado, Claudio Marchisio and Benedikt Howedes are also sidelined.

 

“Mattia De Sciglio is available and ready to play. Cuadrado needs to be evaluated on a daily basis, because he has this inflammation that keeps flaring up.

 

“I have a doubt between Douglas Costa and Federico Bernardeschi to start. At the back, it’s between Andrea Barzagli, De Sciglio or Stephan Lichtsteiner. I don’t have many other choices to make, unless I use two midfielders and all four forwards, but that might be unwise!

 

“Daniele Rugani had gastroenteritis for a couple of days, but he’s recovered now and he’s fine.”

 

Allegri also missed a couple of days of training this week due to flu symptoms.

 

“We’re all coming back from 15 days without games, so we need to play this match with intelligence, with our minds first and legs second.”

[Socrates 7962]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

JUVENTUS - GENOA

 

 

       .........   .......... 

 

 

 

 

 

21st Matchday

 

Monday, january 22nd 2018 - 08:45 p.m. CET 

07.45 p.m. UK time - 06.45 p.m. GMT
Allianz Stadium - Turin
Referee: Marco Di Bello

 

 

 

 

Juventus - Genoa MATCH PREVIEW

 

 

https://www.football-italia.net/SerieA/match/preview/106572

 

 

Jan 21, 2018

 

Juventus look for their seventh consecutive win in all competition when they host Genoa on Monday evening.

 

Despite a plethora of injuries, Massimiliano Allegri's side have been in stellar form as of late. They didn't look great before the break against Cagliari, but still managed to earn the crucial victory and currently find themselves just one point behind league leaders Napoli with 18 games to play.

 

The Bianconeri will have to make do without the likes of Paulo Dybala - who has five goals in five games against the Rossoblu – Juan Cuadrado, Claudio Marchisio, Gianluigi Buffon and Benedikt Howedes. It shouldn't pose too much of a problem for the peninsula's deepest squad, though. With 49 goals scored already, they lead the league in the category and, even without some of their biggest stars on Monday, their visitors will certainly not be looking forward to the encounter.

 

Sitting just six points above the dreaded relegation zone, Genoa will come into the Allianz Juventus Stadium desperate for a result.

 

The break could not have come at a worse time for the Rossoblu, as they find themselves undefeated in four consecutive matches and are finally beginning to put their terrible start in the rear-view mirror. They have just one loss in their last eight Serie A matches and have kept four consecutive clean sheets.

 

Genoa will need to maintain that stellar defensive form if they have any chance of stopping the aforementioned lethal Juventus attack. Considering they continue to struggle on the other end of the pitch with just three teams in the league finding the back of the net less often, Mattia Perin may need to work miracles once again.

 

Monday's encounter will be no easy contest for Juventus, but the hosts will like their chances given their recent history against the Rossoblu. 

 

Keep an eye on: Douglas Costa (Juventus) – With either a goal or an assist in consecutive matches in all competitions, the 27-year-old his hitting his stride at the right time for the Bianconeri. Especially with Dybala out injured, Juventus will be relying on the Brazilian to help fill the void.

 

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

 

Last season: Juventus 4-0 Genoa

 

Stat fact: Juventus have won eight of the last 10 matches played against Genoa in all competitions.

 

Top tip: Juventus to win by two clear goals

 

Juventus (probable): Szczesny; Barzagli, Benatia, Chiellini, Alex Sandro; Khedira, Pjanic, Matuidi; Douglas Costa, Higuain; Mandzukic

Suspended: None

 

Genoa (probable): Perin; Rossettini, Spolli, Gentiletti; Biraschi, L Rigoni, Brlek, Bertolacci, Laxalt; Pandev, Lapadula

Suspended: Zukanovic

[Socrates 7962]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

JUVENTUS - GENOA

 

 

       .........   .......... 

 

 

 

 

 

21st Matchday

 

Monday, january 22nd 2018 - 08:45 p.m. CET 

07.45 p.m. UK time - 06.45 p.m. GMT
Allianz Stadium - Turin
Referee: Marco Di Bello

 

 

 

 

Line-ups: Juventus-Genoa

 

 

https://www.football-italia.net/116016/line-ups-juventus-genoa

 

 

Jan 22, 2018

 

Stephan Lichtsteiner starts at right-back for Juventus against Genoa, with Douglas Costa preferred to Federico Bernardeschi in attack.

 

The Bianconeri start the evening four points behind Napoli, after the Partenopei beat Atalanta yesterday.

 

Paulo Dybala is out injured and it had been speculated that Bernardeschi could play, but Douglas Costa starts on the right as Coach Massimiliano Allegri sticks with his 4-3-3 shape.

 

 

Lichtsteiner is given the nod at right-back ahead of Mattia De Sciglio and Andrea Barzagli.

 

 

Gianluigi Buffon again misses out, so he cannot now match Paolo Maldini’s Serie A appearance record if he retires at the end of the season.

 

The visitors, meanwhile, opt for a front-two of Adel Taarabt and Goran Pandev, with Gianluca Lapadula left on the bench.

 

In midfield there’s a surprise start for 21-year-old Stephane Omeonga, who is preferred to Isaac Cofie.

 

The Grifone have lost more Serie A matches to Juve than to any other side, with an overall record of 61 losses, 20 wins and 20 draws against the Old Lady.

 

Juventus: Szczesny; Lichtsteiner, Benatia, Chiellini, Alex Sandro; Khedira, Pjanic, Matuidi; Douglas Costa, Higuain, Mandzukic

Juventus bench: Pinsoglio, Loria, De Sciglio, Barzagli, Asamoah, Sturaro, Bentancur, Bernardeschi

 

Genoa: Perin; Rossettini, Spolli, Izzo; Rosi, Rigoni, Bertolacci, Omeonga, Laxalt; Taarabt, Pandev

 

[Socrates 7962]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

JUVENTUS - GENOA

 

 

       .........   .......... 

 

 

 

 

 

21st Matchday

 

Monday, january 22nd 2018 - 08:45 p.m. CET 

07.45 p.m. UK time - 06.45 p.m. GMT
Allianz Stadium - Turin
Referee: Marco Di Bello

 

 

 

 

HT 1-0: Costa downs Genoa

 

 

https://www.football-italia.net/116019/ht-costa-downs-genoa

 

 

Jan 22, 2018

 

Douglas Costa’s goal has given Juventus the lead over a listless Genoa at half-time in Turin.

 

The Bianconeri started the evening four points behind Napoli, after the Partenopei beat Atalanta yesterday.

 

Gianluigi Buffon was still out injured, so Wojciech Szczesny continued in goal, with Douglas Costa preferred to Federico Bernardeschi in attack.

 

Juventus started brightly, and Mattia Perin was called into action after just seven minutes.

 

Gonzalo Higuain was fouled on the edge of the box, very much within Miralem Panic range.

 

The Bosnian curled the free-kick over the wall, but Perin got across to beat the ball away.

 

The hosts were dominating possession, and they opened the scoring with 16 minutes on the clock.

 

Douglas Costa cut inside and managed to break through a challenge and slip the ball to Mario Mandzukic.

 

The Croatian looked up and played a lovely reverse pass back to Costa, who simply side-footed the ball past Perin to put the champions ahead.

 

The goalkeeper had gone 415 minutes without conceding a goal before that striker, and he had to get down sharply to deny Pjanic on the half-volley.

 

Genoa had struggled to break into the Juve half, but Diego Laxalt smashed one over from the edge of the box after it was chested down to him by Adel Taarabt.

 

Pjanic released Khedira down the right, and the German smashed the ball across to the other flank for Mandzukic, but his shot was straight at Perin after great control to bring it down.

 

 

Juventus: Szczesny; Lichtsteiner, Benatia, Chiellini, Alex Sandro; Khedira, Pjanic, Matuidi; Douglas Costa, Higuain, Mandzukic

 

Genoa: Perin; Rossettini, Spolli, Izzo; Rosi, Rigoni, Bertolacci, Omeonga, Laxalt; Taarabt, Pandev

 

 

 

[Socrates 7962]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

JUVENTUS - GENOA

 

 

       .........1-0   .......... 

 

 

Douglas Costa 16'

 

 

 

 

21st Matchday

 

Monday, january 22nd 2018 - 08:45 p.m. CET 

07.45 p.m. UK time - 06.45 p.m. GMT
Allianz Stadium - Turin
Referee: Marco Di Bello

 

 

 

 

JUVENTUS 1 GENOA 0: DOUGLAS COSTA GOAL

CLOSES THE GAP TO LEADERS NAPOLI

 

Douglas Costa's close-range finish secured a narrow victory over Genoa

for Juventus on their return to action after the mid-season break.

 

 

http://www.goal.com/en/match/juventus-v-genoa/report/blsc7if0emfgy0k3a66bum63u

 

 

Jan 22, 2018

 

Juventus moved back to within a point of Serie A leaders Napoli as a solitary goal from Douglas Costa proved enough to clinch a nervy 1-0 win over lowly Genoa.

After Napoli overcame Atalanta by the same scoreline on Sunday, Massimiliano Allegri’s side kept pace with their table-topping rivals thanks to Costa's 16th-minute strike.

The Brazilian's burst in behind Genoa's defence allowed him to poke home Mario Mandzukic's perfectly weighted pass from close range and give the Bianconeri a deserved lead.

 

However, returning to domestic duties following the mid-season break, the hosts struggled to create too many clear-cut chances in a game that saw them once again without the services of injured top-scorer Paulo Dybala.

They had to instead rely on a rock-solid defence to retain their advantage through to the final whistle, as a sixth straight clean sheet at the Allianz Stadium secured three precious points in a two-horse race for the title.

 

 

OptaPaolo

 

✔@OptaPaolo

 

18 - Juventus have scored the most goals (18) in the first 30 minutes of play in the current Serie A. Sprint. #JuventusGenoa

9:19 PM - Jan 22, 2018

 

 

Genoa had arrived in Turin on a four-game unbeaten run in the league under Davide Ballardini, the experienced coach having engineered an upturn in fortunes since being appointed for a third spell in charge of the club last November.

They had stunned the champions by taking an early two-goal lead at the start of the season in a game they eventually lost 4-2, but it was Juventus who were quickest out of the blocks in the return fixture.

Playing towards a closed Curva Sud, the hosts saw their early dominance rewarded with Costa's opener.

The Brazilian came out on top in a 50-50 challenge with Andrea Bertolacci before spreading the ball out to Mandzukic, who picked out his team-mate's advancing run with a well-weighted pass into the penalty area from the left flank.

Mattia Perin was unable to beat Costa to the ball for the goal, yet Genoa's goalkeeper was alert enough to stop two attempts from Miralem Pjanic increasing Juventus' advantage in a one-sided opening half.

The game followed a familiar pattern after the break, yet Juventus' superiority failed to lead to a second goal that would have given them breathing space.

Alex Sandro and Pjanic both failed to hit the target with shots from the edge of the area, while Armando Izzo's desperate clearance close to his own line prevented Gonzalo Higuain from converting Stephan Lichtsteiner's driven cross from the right flank.

The crucial interception kept Genoa alive, and they understandably sensed an opportunity to pick up an unlikely point as the home crowd became anxious during the closing minutes.

 

However, despite the tension in the stands, Juventus held firm to record their third triumph of the season over Genoa, having also knocked them out of the Coppa Italia last December.

[Socrates 7962]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

JUVENTUS - GENOA

 

 

       .........1-0   .......... 

 

 

Douglas Costa 16'

 

 

 

 

21st Matchday

 

Monday, january 22nd 2018 - 08:45 p.m. CET 

07.45 p.m. UK time - 06.45 p.m. GMT
Allianz Stadium - Turin
Referee: Marco Di Bello

 

 

 

 

Allegri: ‘Juventus were tired.

Napoli are extraordinary’

 

 

https://www.football-italia.net/116023/allegri-‘juventus-were-tired’

https://www.football-italia.net/116024/allegri-‘napoli-are-extraordinary’

 

 

Jan 22, 2018

 

Massimiliano Allegri admits Juventus were “a little bit tired” against Genoa, and reveals Gianluigi Buffon will return to training this week.

 

The Bianconeri won 1-0 tonight to move back to within a point of Napoli at the top of Serie A, but their laboured performance drew groans from the crowd at the Allianz Stadium.

 

“We were a little bit tired at the end of the game, more than being anxious about the result,” Allegri admitted in his post-match interview with Premium Sport.

 

“There was the desire to get a result at home and we worked very hard during the week.

 

“It was important to win to stay in Napoli’s slipstream, and start again after the break.

 

“It’s a challenge to ourselves, winning a seventh Scudetto would be extraordinary, beyond legendary, so we have to do well and wait for the right moment.

 

“The lads worked really hard during the week, and that workload made it difficult tonight. At the same time though, we didn't give Genoa anything.

 

 

“Edin Dzeko to Chelsea? I don’t know, let’s chase down Napoli and keep the others behind us.”

 

 

Partenopei Coach Maurizio Sarri claimed Juventus have an advantage in the coming weeks, as they’re playing before Napoli.

 

“It’s not up to me when we play, I won’t reply to Sarri who should be happy with the result [against Atalanta] and being top of the league.

 

“It’s a beautiful duel at the moment, I have nothing more to say. There are bodies who can respond to this, I don't understand how the calendar works.”

 

Gigi Buffon missed out again today, but the Coach says he’ll return to the squad this week.

 

“He’ll return in the week, he’s ready to return and so are others,” Allegri confirmed.

 

“He’s the starter, even if [Wojciech] Szczesny is having an important season.

 

“Mario Mandzukic? He had an excellent match, as did others. [Gonzalo] Higuain played for the team too, he could have scored and was unlucky.

“He put in a good performance and I’m sure he’ll be back among the goals soon.”

 

Juve have conceded just one goal in their last 12 games, having started the season looking uncharacteristically porous.

 

“They [the defenders] are doing well, as are [Andrea] Barzagli and [Daniele] Rugani. There are times when two will play more than others, but the whole team works in the defensive phase, if they didn’t we’d have problems.”

 

Max Allegri admits Napoli are doing “extraordinary things” so Juventus “just have to stay in their slipstream and wait for our chance”.

 

The Old Lady beat Genoa tonight in Turin to move back to within a point of the league leaders, and the Coach spoke to Sky after the final whistle.

 

“There’s still a long way to go and there’s still a chance for those behind,” Allegri cautioned.

 

“Napoli are like a hare, so we just have to stay in their slipstream and wait for our chance.

 

“Right now this seems the most complicated [title defence] but don’t forget two years ago when we went on an incredible run, getting to within two points of Napoli and then passing them in the head-to-head clash.

 

“At the moment Napoli are doing extraordinary things because they have 54 points and we have 53.

 

“Juventus aren’t too far behind though, these two teams are creating a beautiful league and we have to be good to stay in their slipstream.”

[Socrates 7962]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CHIEVO - JUVENTUS 

 

       ................... 

.............. 

 

 

 

 

22nd Matchday

 

Saturday, january 27th 2018 - 08:45 p.m. CET 

07.45 p.m. UK time - 06.45 p.m. GMT
Bentegodi Stadium - Verona
Referee: Fabio Maresca

 

 

 

 

Allegri: ‘Chievo won’t be easy’

 

 

https://www.football-italia.net/116201/allegri-‘chievo-won’t-be-easy’

 

 

Jan 26, 2018

 

Max Allegri warns Chievo won’t be an easy game for Juventus, and notes “Napoli never had four 1-0 wins in the first 20 league games before”.

 

The Bianconeri play tomorrow, and will go top of Serie A with a win at the Bentegodi, at least until Maurizio Sarri’s men take to the pitch on Sunday afternoon.

 

“I don’t think there will be changes up-front,” Allegri explained in his pre-match Press conference.

 

“There will be changes in defence, but having said that tomorrow we have to face a Chievo side that recently may have been missing results, but not performances.

 

“Not to mention that every time Chievo have a game where they concede a lot of goals, like they did against Lazio, they always play well in the next match.

 

“They got a 0-0 with Roma after a bad defeat, they got a 0-0 with Napoli after a bad defeat, so tomorrow we just have to get the result to stretch away from those behind us and stay in Napoli’s slipstream.

 

“It won’t be easy, so we’ll need to play a good game on a mental level because playing in their home is never easy.

 

“They’re first in terms of aerial duels in the Italian league, they’re a physical team who do well on dead balls, so this is a serious game.

 

“Our performances? It’s clear that you get results through performances, but we have a team with different characteristics to those of Napoli, Roma, Inter, Real Madrid and Tottenham, who we play in 15 days.

 

“In that game we’ll find a team which, as well as being technical, is very physical.

 

“Napoli aren’t as physical a team so it’s normal that they have different characteristics, they play differently.

 

“This year, in addition to their nice game they’re getting excellent results because they’re top of the league with 54 points.

 

“I also don’t think Napoli have ever won 1-0 four times in the first 20 games, so they’ve changed a bit too. I hope they don’t learn too quickly.”

 

The Bianconeri have a number of injuries, and Allegri also gave an update on those players.

 

“[Claudio] Marchisio worked partly with the team yesterday but it’s not likely he’ll be available because he doesn’t have much work under his belt. He’ll be available for Tuesday.

 

“[Paulo] Dybala is proceeding with is recovery, he’ll have an exam in the middle of next week to see if he’s healed.

 

“As for [Juan] Cuadrado, he’s going to see a specialist in Germany on Monday where he’ll be told whether he needs an operation, if not he’ll continue with his recovery. [Benedikt] Howedes is continuing with his recovery.

 

“[Blaise] Matuidi is ready, he’s been running and he’ll be with the team today. I’ll see if he’ll play tomorrow but it’s really nothing, he just took a knock.

 

“[Mattia] De Sciglio or [Stephan] Lichtsteiner will play tomorrow and we could give [Giorgio] Chellini a rest.

 

“If I decide to play with three in midfield then [Stefano] Sturaro could play, or maybe I’ll decide to throw in all four attackers we have available. So we could have two or three in central midfield.

 

“It could be that I’ll play all four, or [Federico] Bernardeschi could play instead of Douglas Costa tomorrow. He’s doing very well and I’m really happy with Federico.

 

“Could he play as a mezzala? He has the characteristics to do it, but he’s not ready to do it yet.

 

“I’ll say that when we play with two, with him in that position between the midfielders and the forwards, it’s a position that suits him very well.

 

“As for Alex Sandro I’ll see how he is today, he’s mostly shaken off his knock but not totally.

 

“If Alex Sandro doesn’t play though there’s [Kwadwo] Asamoah a very, very reliable player who is having a great season.”

 

Gonzalo Higuain hasn’t scored in Serie A since December 1, is that a concern?

 

“It doesn’t bother me whatsoever,” Allegri shrugged.

 

“Among other things he’s played good matches, especially when we play with a front-three it’s normal that he has to sacrifice a little more in the build-up play.

 

“Even against Genoa he played a good match, he could have had a couple of goals but he didn’t, these things happen.

 

“He absolutely doesn’t need to worry. I rang the alarm at the start of the season when he wasn’t good physically, he needed to get into condition and so then he needed a bit of an alarm.

 

“Now he’s sacrificing, working, playing for the team.

 

“He had chances in Cagliari, he had chances against Genoa, he had a sight of goal and then [Armando] Izzo took it off his toe.

 

“He’ll get back to scoring soon.”

[Socrates 7962]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CHIEVO - JUVENTUS 

 

       ................... 

.............. 

 

 

 

 

22nd Matchday

 

Saturday, january 27th 2018 - 08:45 p.m. CET 

07.45 p.m. UK time - 06.45 p.m. GMT
Bentegodi Stadium - Verona
Referee: Fabio Maresca

 

 

 

 

Buffon back for Chievo-Juve

 

 

https://www.football-italia.net/116211/buffon-back-chievo-juve

 

 

Jan 26, 2018

 

Juventus have named their squad to face Chievo on Saturday, including Gigi Buffon and Blaise Matuidi.

 

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

 

The Bianconeri are still missing Juan Cuadrado, Claudio Marchisio, Paulo Dybala and Benedikt Howedes.

 

Buffon returns to the side ahead of his 40^th birthday on Sunday.

 

Midfielder Matuidi is also available despite some fitness concerns.

 

Juventus squad for Chievo: Buffon, Szczesny, Pinsoglio; Benatia, Chiellini, De Sciglio, Alex Sandro, Barzagli, Lichtsteiner, Rugani; Pjanic, Khedira, Matuidi, Asamoah, Sturaro, Bentancur; Higuain, Douglas Costa, Mandzukic, Bernardeschi

[Socrates 7962]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CHIEVO - JUVENTUS 

 

       ................... 

.............. 

 

 

 

 

22nd Matchday

 

Saturday, january 27th 2018 - 08:45 p.m. CET 

07.45 p.m. UK time - 06.45 p.m. GMT
Bentegodi Stadium - Verona
Referee: Fabio Maresca

 

 

 

 

Line-ups: Chievo-Juventus

 

 

https://www.football-italia.net/116270/line-ups-chievo-juventus

 

 

Jan 27, 2018

 

Juventus rely on Douglas Costa and Stefano Sturaro for tonight’s trip to Chievo, as they can temporarily leapfrog Napoli.

 

It kicks off at 20.45 CET - 19.45 GMT.

 

The Bianconeri sit only one point behind leaders Napoli, who host Bologna tomorrow afternoon, so can go top of the table for a few hours.

 

Max Allegri has an injury crisis to deal with, missing Paulo Dybala, Juan Cuadrado, Claudio Marchisio and Benedikt Howedes.

 

As there is a Coppa Italia semi-final coming up against Atalanta on Tuesday evening, some squad rotation will be inevitable too.

 

Gonzalo Higuain leads the attack flanked by Douglas Costa and Mario Mandzukic, while Sturaro is given the nod rather than Blaise Matuidi in midfield.

 

Gigi Buffon marks his 40th birthday tomorrow, and you can read our special tribute to the Italy legend, but he's rested after a month out with a calf injury.

 

Chievo are struggling this season and managed only two points from their last seven games, without a victory since November 25 against SPAL.

 

The Flying Donkeys are only six points clear of the relegation zone.

 

Rolando Maran is forced to do without Roberto Inglese and Lucas Castro, so Manuel Pucciarelli has support from trequartista Valter Birsa.

 

Juve are unbeaten against Chievo since a 1-0 at the Bentegodi in August 2009, followed by 10 wins and five draws, home and away.

 

Chievo: Sorrentino; Cacciatore, Dainelli, Tomovic, Bani; Bastien, Radovanovic, Hetemaj, Jaroszynski; Birsa; Pucciarelli

Chievo bench: Seculin, Confente, Cesar, Gobbi, Gamberini, Depaoli, Garritano, Rigoni, Leris, Meggiorini, Pellissier, Stepinski

 

Juventus: Szczesny; De Sciglio, Barzagli, Benatia, Asamoah; Khedira, Pjanic, Sturaro; Douglas Costa, Higuain, Mandzukic

Juventus bench: Buffon, Pinsoglio, Lichtsteiner, Rugani, Chiellini, Alex Sandro, Bentancur, Matuidi, Bernardeschi

[Socrates 7962]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CHIEVO - JUVENTUS 

 

       ................... 

.............. 

 

 

 

 

22nd Matchday

 

Saturday, january 27th 2018 - 08:45 p.m. CET 

07.45 p.m. UK time - 06.45 p.m. GMT
Bentegodi Stadium - Verona
Referee: Fabio Maresca

 

 

 

 

HT 0-0: Juventus stall with 10-man Chievo

 

 

https://www.football-italia.net/116275/ht-juventus-stall-10-man-chievo

 

 

Jan 27, 2018

 

Juventus have given Chievo precious few problems in the first half, even if Samuel Bastien got himself sent off in a moment of sheer stupidity.

 

The Bianconeri missed Juan Cuadrado, Paulo Dybala, Claudio Marchisio and Benedikt Howedes, while Gigi Buffon was on the bench for the first time in several weeks following a calf injury. The captain turns 40 tomorrow and found some birthday cards drawn by local children left on the bench before kick-off. Chievo had two points from the last seven games, so fielded a very defensive line-up, without injured Roberto Inglese or Lucas Castro.

 

Juve are unbeaten against Chievo since a 1-0 at the Bentegodi in August 2009, followed by 10 wins and five draws, home and away.

 

Dario Dainelli charged down an early Gonzalo Higuain effort and Fabrizio Cacciatore’s deflection on a Sami Khedira cross did just enough to put off Mario Mandzukic.

 

Miralem Pjanic’s strike from distance was too central and Jaroszynski’s smart positioning stopped Higuain getting a shot away after turning one marker.

 

Chievo were reduced to 10 men thanks to two moments of sheer stupidity from Samuel Bastien. He was booked for jumping with elbow raised on Kwadwo Asamoah, then two minutes later blatantly reached over to drag the same player back by the collar right in front of the referee. The second yellow card was simply inevitable.

 

Stefano Sorrentino was alert to smother a Sami Khedira scorcher.

 

 

Chievo 0-0 Juventus (Half-Time)

 

Chievo: Sorrentino; Cacciatore, Dainelli, Tomovic, Bani; Bastien, Radovanovic, Hetemaj, Jaroszynski; Birsa; Pucciarelli

 

Juventus: Szczesny; De Sciglio, Barzagli, Benatia, Asamoah; Khedira, Pjanic, Sturaro; Douglas Costa, Higuain, Mandzukic

 

Ref: Maresca

 

Sent off: Bastien 37 (C)

[Socrates 7962]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CHIEVO - JUVENTUS 

 

       ................... 

....     0-2

 

 

Sami Khedira 67'

Gonzalo Higuaín 88'

 

 

 

 

22nd Matchday

 

Saturday, january 27th 2018 - 08:45 p.m. CET 

07.45 p.m. UK time - 06.45 p.m. GMT
Bentegodi Stadium - Verona
Referee: Fabio Maresca

 

 

 

 

CHIEVO 0 JUVENTUS 2: KHEDIRA AND HIGUAIN

PUNISH ILL-DISCIPLINED CHIEVO

 

Chievo saw two players dismissed as Sami Khedira and

Gonzalo Higuain lifted Juventus back to the top of Serie A.

 

 

http://www.goal.com/en/match/chievo-v-juventus/report/bnnzw45glrl2hzeulisl27vqi

 

 

Jan 27, 2018

 

Juventus leapfrogged Napoli at the summit of Serie A as they edged past nine-man Chievo 2-0 at the Stadio Marc'Antonio Bentegodi on Saturday.

Massimiliano Allegri's side were some way from their best during an insipid first-half display, but received a boost ahead of the second period when Chievo's Samuel Bastien received a red card for two quick-fire bookings.

Chievo's woes were then compounded after 60 minutes as Fabrizio Cacciatore received a straight red card for dissent. 

 

The defender's stupidity was duly punished just moments later as Sami Khedira broke the deadlock with his first goal since a hat-trick against Udinese in October.

Gonzalo Higuain ended his six-game goal drought to secure victory with two minutes to play, a triumph means that Juve have now won their last six Serie A games, conceding just one goal.

That run means they now hold a two-point lead over Napoli, who can return to the top of the table on Sunday when they host Bologna. 

Gianluigi Buffon, who celebrates his 40th birthday on Sunday, received an early present in the shape of a place on the substitutes' bench - his first involvement in a matchday squad since the 1-0 win over Napoli on December 1. 

His presence did little to inspire Juve during a turgid opening half hour, though, with Douglas Costa producing their only effort of note – a whipped effort that flashed past Stefano Sorrentino's right-hand post. 

Higuain attempted to spark his side into life, but could only scuff an effort into the grasp of Sorrentino from the edge of the penalty area.

Chievo's hopes of securing anything from the game were dealt a significant blow 10 minutes before the interval when Bastien received his marching orders. The Belgian picked up two yellow cards in the space of just over two minutes, the second for an inexplicable tug of Kwadwo Asamoah's shirt.

 

 

JuventusFC

 

✔@juventusfcen

 

 Good to see you on the pitch @gianluigibuffon! #ChievoJuve

8:36 PM - Jan 27, 2018

 

The last action of a desperately poor first half was Khedira's low drive, which was comfortably gathered by Sorrentino. 

The expected Juve onslaught failed to materialise in the early stages of the second period, with the 10 men of Chievo holding them at bay with surprising ease.

The visitors did come close to breaking the deadlock in the 53rd minute as Mario Mandzukic clipped a first-time drive towards goal after smart play down the left by Costa, Sorrentino once again equal to the effort. 

 

Cacciatore's moment of madness on the hour then truly handed the impetus to Juve, who duly took the lead just six minutes later.

Substitute Federico Bernardeschi calmly pulled back into the path of Khedira, who drilled a superb half-volley past Sorrentino for his fourth league goal of the season. 

Juve added something of a gloss to the scoreline with just two minutes remaining as an unmarked Higuain met Costa's cross to send a header into the bottom corner and his side to the top of the table – for one night at least.

[Socrates 7962]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CHIEVO - JUVENTUS 

 

       ................... 

....     0-2

 

 

Sami Khedira 67'

Gonzalo Higuaín 88'

 

 

 

 

22nd Matchday

 

Saturday, january 27th 2018 - 08:45 p.m. CET 

07.45 p.m. UK time - 06.45 p.m. GMT
Bentegodi Stadium - Verona
Referee: Fabio Maresca

 

 

 

 

Khedira: 'Not an easy game'

 

 

https://www.football-italia.net/116278/khedira-not-easy-game

 

 

Jan 27, 2018

 

Sami Khedira insists “it was not an easy game” for Juventus, even against a Chievo side that went down to nine men.

 

His goal broke the deadlock at the Bentegodi in a 2-0 result only after Samuel Bastien and Fabrizio Cacciatore were sent off.

 

“The important thing is that the victory arrived, as this was not an easy game,” the midfielder told Mediaset Premium.

 

“Chievo, even down to nine men, closed down the spaces well. We earned the three points eventually and are happy with that.

 

“We must continue winning, as it’ll be a fight to the end with Napoli for the Scudetto.”

[Socrates 7962]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CHIEVO - JUVENTUS 

 

       ................... 

....     0-2

 

 

Sami Khedira 67'

Gonzalo Higuaín 88'

 

 

 

 

22nd Matchday

 

Saturday, january 27th 2018 - 08:45 p.m. CET 

07.45 p.m. UK time - 06.45 p.m. GMT
Bentegodi Stadium - Verona
Referee: Fabio Maresca

 

 

 

 

Allegri not happy with Juventus

 

 

https://www.football-italia.net/116279/allegri-not-happy-juventus

 

 

Jan 27, 2018

 

Max Allegri warned Juventus they have got to improve in several areas after a hard-fought 2-0 win over nine-man Chievo.

 

Sami Khedira and Gonzalo Higuain only scored the breakthrough goals at the Bentegodi after Samuel Bastien and Fabrizio Cacciatore had been sent off.

 

“It was difficult because Chievo were defending well. In the first half, we tried to move them from one side to the other to create spaces,” the Coach told Mediaset Premium.

 

“Obviously, it was simpler after they went down to nine men, even if we lost a little balance towards the end and didn’t realise there was still half an hour to go. We kept a clean sheet, got the three points away from home and are happy with that.

 

“I took Kwadwo Asamoah off, as he was on a yellow card and I was concerned he could get a second booking.

 

“We were struggling to find some width in the first half and also should’ve upped the tempo, but we had this slow passing that allowed Chievo to get back into position.

 

“This game is proof that you have to earn the result on the field, no matter who you are against or how many players, because there was that one incident where we were positioned badly, unbalanced and Szczesny did well to rush off his line.

 

“We have to improve a great deal when it comes to the tempo, learning when to slow it down or speed it up, as otherwise we become too predictable.”

 

Juve are now looking for a winger to replace Juan Cuadrado in case he requires surgery on a recurring groin injury, so do they regret sending Marko Pjaca on loan to Schalke 04?

 

“With hindsight, it’s too easy, as we let Pjaca go to get regular playing time. We’ll see the Cuadrado situation and how it develops, but hope to have Paulo Dybala back within 20 days. We’ll see how the latest test results show the scarring process.”

 

Gigi Buffon turns 40 tomorrow and was back in the squad after a month out with a calf injury.

 

“Gigi is an extraordinary champion, we’re very happy that he was back on the bench today and he will start in Bergamo on Tuesday.

 

“Atalanta are in a great period of form and we need to put in a strong performance, above all scoring an away goal, seeing as it’s a Coppa Italia semi-final.”

[Socrates 7962]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CHIEVO - JUVENTUS 

 

       ................... 

....     0-2

 

 

Sami Khedira 67'

Gonzalo Higuaín 88'

 

 

 

 

22nd Matchday

 

Saturday, january 27th 2018 - 08:45 p.m. CET 

07.45 p.m. UK time - 06.45 p.m. GMT
Bentegodi Stadium - Verona
Referee: Fabio Maresca

 

 

 

 

Juve thank Chievo suicide

 

It was drab, uninspired and enlivened only by two moments of Chievo madness, but Adam Digby and Juventus will gladly take the points.

 

 

https://www.football-italia.net/116282/juve-thank-chievo-suicide

 

 

Jan 28, 2018

 

We’ve learned not to expect surprises when Juventus step into the Stadio Bentegodi. Every time the Bianconeri travel east to take on Chievo, the match unfolds in almost exactly the same way. Their resilient opponents put up a strong fight, seemingly packing the entire population of the Veronese suburb behind the ball, Rolando Maran instructing them to relinquish possession, maintain their shape and deny the visitors the time and space they need to create an opening.

 

From there, the complaints begin. Juventus supporters bemoan their side’s lack of creativity, falling back on the all-too-easy criticisms of Sami Khedira, Stefano Sturaro and Kwadwo Asamoah as if their particular favourite players are not also struggling to make a tangible impact. Usually, the frustration grows and grows until the Old Lady eventually finds a breakthrough, unbeaten in her last 16 meetings with the Flying Donkeys.

 

On Saturday evening, the same pathology looked to be playing out. In the first half, Juve dominated possession, but – even after Samuel Bastien’s senseless red card – they could not find a way through the wall of yellow-shirted players in front of Stefano Sorrentino’s goal. Gonzalo Higuain seemed badly affected by his personal drought, booked for demanding an opponent to be punished for a foul in an incident that would prove to be a portent of things to come.

 

As he left the pitch for the half-time break, the Argentinian was met by Gigi Buffon – on the bench as he continues to recover from an injury – and the club Captain clearly had words of advice for his team-mate. The opening five minutes of the second period continued in the same way, but it was then that Max Allegri made his change.

 

Sending on Federico Bernardeschi in place of Sturaro, the team was clearly prepared for the shift, changing to a 4-2-3-1 formation and instantly looking much more dangerous. Chances finally began to arrive, but a rare Chievo foray forward led to a bizarre situation after Fabrizio Cacciatore went down in hope of being awarded a penalty.

 

The Turin native stayed down for quite some time and when Juve won a corner, referee Fabio Maresca allowed the medic on to treat the 31-year-old. He then refused to leave the field, until he trotted to the sideline and made a handcuffs gesture. This prompted a straight red card and left the Gialloblu with nine men for the final half hour.

 

Did the referee over-react in a situation where Chievo were already down to 10 men? Maybe. Was it an incredibly stupid and futile gesture to make in the circumstances? Absolutely.

 

It took Juve less than six minutes to capitalise, Bernardeschi playing a perfectly weighted ball back into the box which Mario Mandzukic cleverly left for Khedira. The German midfielder made no mistake, thumping his shot beyond Sorrentino and into the back of the net. 

 

In the final minutes, Higuain nodded in Douglas Costa’s cross to claim his first goal since December 1, a timely strike given Juve have much sterner tests on the horizon. A Coppa Italia semi-final against Atalanta, the derby with Torino, a clash with bitter rivals Fiorentina and of course the Champions League meeting with Tottenham all await, meaning there really is no better time for Pipita to be back among the goals.

 

Ultimately, a January win over Chievo is both standard for the Old Lady and largely a meaningless result, played out in typically boring and frustrating circumstances. It is a match that will likely be remembered more for Cacciatore’s ridiculous outburst than anything else, but if it proves to be the game where Higuain finally returned to form, at the end of the season we might well look back on it as a pivotal 90 minutes in Juventus’ latest triumph.

[Socrates 7962]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CHIEVO - JUVENTUS 

 

       ................... 

....     0-2

 

 

Sami Khedira 67'

Gonzalo Higuaín 88'

 

 

 

 

22nd Matchday

 

Saturday, january 27th 2018 - 08:45 p.m. CET 

07.45 p.m. UK time - 06.45 p.m. GMT
Bentegodi Stadium - Verona
Referee: Fabio Maresca

 

 

 

 

Cacciatore sorry for handcuffs gesture

 

 

https://www.football-italia.net/116292/cacciatore-sorry-handcuffs-gesture

 

 

Jan 28, 2018

 

Chievo defender Fabrizio Cacciatore has publicly apologised for the "unprofessional" ‘handcuffs’ gesture that saw him sent off against Juventus.

 

The Flying Donkeys were already down to 10 men when Cacciatore made the gesture in protest at the referee, both in front of him and then behind his back as he stood at the touchline.

 

“I apologise publicly for the gesture I made, it was an enormous error,” wrote Cacciatore on Instagram after the 2-0 defeat.

 

“I apologise to my teammates, the Coach, the club, our fans and all lovers of football. It was certainly wrong, something that shouldn’t be done, an example that a professional should not set.

 

“I’m sorry that I left my teammates in a difficult situation, as they were fighting hard from the first to the last minute…

 

“It was an impulsive letting out of steam and, as is only right, I paid a heavy price for it… SORRY.”

[Socrates 7962]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ATALANTA - JUVENTUS

..

..

.

.......... 

 

 

 

 

 

Tim Cup - Semifinal first leg

 

Tuesday, january 30th 2018 - 08:45 p.m. CET 

07.45 p.m. UK time - 06.45 p.m. GMT
Atleti Azzurri d'Italia Stadium - Bergamo
Referee: Paolo Valeri

 

 

 

 

Allegri: Juve need away goals

 

 

https://www.football-italia.net/116353/allegri-juve-need-away-goals

 

 

Jan 29, 2018

 

Max Allegri has warned Juventus that “we must score” at Atalanta in Tuesday’s Coppa Italia semi-final first leg.

 

Atalanta came back from behind to draw 2-2 with Juve earlier in the season, and Allegri praised his side’s opponents for their ‘great’ run of form, while asserting the Bianconeri would not be making any late moves in the transfer market.

 

“Atalanta? It’s a different game to the one in the League,” the Coach said at a Press conference.

 

“We must score in this away leg, knowing we’re facing a team who are having a great time of it at the moment, and I congratulate Gasp for that.

 

“Still, everything will be played for in the return leg. Higuain? He doesn’t play too close to his opponents’ goal, but I’m glad he’s back and working well.

 

“Rotation? We need to understand what condition the players are in, Marchisio will be available.

 

“No-one snubs [the Coppa] when you get this far. Some people go out at this stage and say ‘fair enough, it’s the Coppa Italia’, but we have three objectives and we must try to reach them all.

 

“Title race? We have to congratulate ourselves and Napoli. Lazio would be second if it was a normal season, but we’ve both picked up a lot of points.

 

“FIGC election? We can start afresh from this election, even if the Italian national team recently failed against Sweden.

 

“Other than that, they’ve picked up some excellent results since 1970. You can’t always think about winning the World Cup.

 

“Training? We’ve done lots of work but not gone overboard. It becomes increasingly difficult to pick up points in the second round of the season.

 

“Bad day for VAR? It’s one of those things. Signings if Cuadrado needs surgery? We’ll be fine, even without him.”

[Socrates 7962]

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ATALANTA - JUVENTUS

..

..

.

.......... 

 

 

 

 

 

Tim Cup - Semifinal first leg

 

Tuesday, january 30th 2018 - 08:45 p.m. CET 

07.45 p.m. UK time - 06.45 p.m. GMT
Atleti Azzurri d'Italia Stadium - Bergamo
Referee: Paolo Valeri

 

 

 

 

Buffon to return for Juventus

 

 

https://www.football-italia.net/116376/buffon-return-juventus

 

 

Jan 29, 2018

 

Gianluigi Buffon will return to the Juventus starting XI against Atalanta, as Massimiliano Allegri sticks with 4-3-3.

 

Following the Bianconeri’s win over Chievo at the Bentegodi on Saturday evening, Max Allegri’s attention would have immediately turned to Tuesday night’s Coppa Italia semi-final first leg against Atalanta.

 

With both Allegri and his opposite number Gian Piero Gasperini facing little in the way of preparation time before the game at the Stadio Atleti Azzurri d'Italia, the Coaches will be looking to gauge the condition of their respective squads in the build up to kick-off.

 

With little news to report on the training front, Allegri will continue to deploy the 4-3-3 we have seen his side use in recent weeks. The Juventus Coach will utilise the squad he has at his disposal, rotating his players in an attempt to keep them fresh ahead of a busy spell of games.

 

Juventus have no fresh injury concerns at present. The trio of Benedikt Höwedes, Juan Cuadrado and star man Paulo Dybala remain sidelined, ruling them out of this game.

 

However, fresh from celebrating his 40th birthday over the weekend, Gianluigi Buffon will be back in the starting XI for this one.

 

After taking a place on the bench against Chievo it is expected that Buffon will replace Wojciech Szczęsny in the starting line-up, making his first start since early December.

 

Midfield man Claudio Marchisio will make a return to the squad after his latest injury, but he’s expected to start on the bench.

 

Rested against Chievo, Giorgio Chiellini and Alex Sandro are set to return to the Juventus defence, with both players coming in at the expense of Andrea Barzagli and Kwadwo Asamoah.

 

After his first start since a short spell out, Mattia De Sciglio will likely be rotated at right back for Stephen Lichtsteiner, while Medhi Benatia will retain his place and complete the back four.

 

In midfield, utility man Stefano Sturaro was treated to a rare start in Verona, however he will return to the side-lines for this one with Blaise Matuidi stepping back in after shaking off a knock. Alongside side Matuidi, the irreplaceable Miralem Pjanic is almost certainly a guarantee; while it is likely Sami Khedira will complete the midfield trio after his goal at the weekend. Rumours circulate that Uruguayan talent Rodrigo Bentancur has a chance of starting this one, and if so he would line up in place of Khedira.

 

“We must score in this away leg”, Allegri stressed in the pre-match press conference the importance of grabbing an away goal in Bergamo and he will be looking to his attacking options to make that happen. This Coppa Italia tie could be an opportunity for Federico Bernardeschi to prove his worth from the start, he made another positive impact at the weekend as he provided an assist for the opening goal and this has further intensified the calls for the Italian talent to be given more minutes.

 

In what would be a surprising change, especially on the back of ending his mini goal drought at the weekend, forward Gonzalo Higuain could be rested. A rare break for Higuain would see Mario Mandzukic spearhead the attack, with the Croatian being flanked by Bernardeschi and the in-form Douglas Costa. The Brazilian wing wizard has been vital to the Bianconeri attack in recent weeks and will likely maintain his starting place.

 

Probable Juventus team for Atalanta: Buffon; De Sciglio, Benatia, Chiellini, Alex Sandro; Matuidi, Pjanic, Khedira; Bernardeschi, Mandzukic, Douglas Costa