Socrates

JUVENTUS - TORINO - Coppa Italia TIM - last 16 Wednesday, December 16th, 2015 - 8:45 PM Juventus Stadium, Turin Referee: Daniele Doveri HT 1-0: Zaza puts Juve ahead http://www.football-italia.net/77220/ht-zaza-puts-juve-ahead? Dec 16, 2015 Simone Zaza gave Juventus the half-time lead over Torino in the Coppa Italia, but there could’ve been two red cards already. This Derby della Mole was worth a spot in the Coppa Italia quarter-finals and had to be decided at the Juventus Stadium after 90 minutes, extra time or penalties. Daniele Rugani got his first start in a Bianconeri jersey, but Max Allegri didn’t rotate his squad much. It was naturally a tense affair and Simone Zaza was first into the book, then moments later risked a second yellow for his late sliding tackle on goalkeeper Ichazo. Zaza seemed perhaps too motivated to make the most of this opportunity, but he did a couple of minutes later when volleying in an Alvaro Morata cross from the left as he stood on the penalty spot. The ex-Sassuolo striker still ran too many risks, shoving Kamil Glik into the advertising boards, while Andrea Belotti drilled wide for Torino and Zaza’s long-range attempt was easily smothered. It was an extremely aggressive affair and Afriyie Acquah was booked for kicking Morata in the back of the leg, something that could barely even be described as a tackle. Juventus 1-0 Torino (Half-Time) Scorers: Zaza 28 (J) Juventus: Neto; Rugani, Bonucci, Chiellini; Lichtsteiner, Khedira, Marchisio, Pogba, Alex Sandro; Zaza, Morata Torino: Ichazo; Bovo, Glik, Moretti; Peres, Aquah, Gazzi, Baselli, Molinaro; Belotti, Maxi Lopez Ref: Doveri

JUVENTUS - TORINO - Coppa Italia TIM - last 16 Wednesday, December 16th, 2015 - 8:45 PM Juventus Stadium, Turin Referee: Daniele Doveri Line-ups: Juventus-Torino http://www.football-italia.net/77214/line-ups-juventus-torino? Dec 16, 2015 Juventus give Daniele Rugani his first start with Alvaro Morata and Simone Zaza in the Coppa Italia derby with Torino. It kicks off at 20.45 CET - 19.45 GMT. These sides have more reasons than just local rivalry to fight hard this evening, although it’s true there’s no such thing as a Derby della Mole without pressure. Juventus are eager to retain the trophy they lifted last season, while Toro see this as a potential short-cut to Europa League qualification. The last time they faced off was a dramatic clash decided deep into stoppages by Juan Guillermo Cuadrado and the Granata want revenge. Max Allegri only rotates his squad slightly, giving ex-Empoli defender Rugani his first start and to all intents and purposes his Juve debut, as he only played a couple of minutes this season. Morata and Zaza form the attacking partnership with support from Paul Pogba, Sami Khedira and Alex Sandro. Torino reply with Italy Under-21 internationals Andrea Belotti and Daniele Baselli, plus Maxi Lopez in attack. Juventus: Neto; Rugani, Bonucci, Chiellini; Lichtsteiner, Khedira, Marchisio, Pogba, Alex Sandro; Zaza, Morata Juventus bench: Buffon, Rubinho, Caceres, Barzagli, Evra, Padoin, Sturaro, Hernanes, Cuadrado, Mandzukic, Dybala Torino: Ichazo; Bovo, Glik, Moretti; Peres, Aquah, Gazzi, Baselli, Molinaro; Belotti, Maxi Lopez

Just How Can Bayern Munich Be Stopped? It’s fair to say that once Juventus gained qualification to the next round of the Champions League, it was obvious no easy ties would be next. http://forzaitalianfootball.com/2015/12/juventus-club-focus-just-how-can-bayern-munich-be-stopped/? Dec 16, 2015 The Bianconeri ending in second place in their group only made matters worse, with the other top seven European clubs in the pot to face the Italians. Following the draw on Monday, the only situation that would have been more of a nightmare would be a clash with current champions Barcelona. Instead, Massimiliano Allegri faces Bayern Munich on February 23 and March 16. The Serie A champions appear to have an impossible task at first glance, and there is good reason for that worry. The likes of Robert Lewandowski and Thomas Muller are a threatening presence in attack. Arjen Robben, Xabi Alonso, Arturo Vidal and Mario Gotze all possess midfield, with Robben and Gotze also having strong attacking ability. The captain of the German national team and backbone of Bayern Munich in Philipp Lahm patrols defence along with Jerome Boateng and David Alaba, while the best goalkeeper in the world in Manuel Neuer is in between the sticks. On paper, there is no route through for the Old Lady to find and advance to the quarter-finals. The middle of the park is probably the area most difficult to dominate, with so many world class players wearing a shirt for Die Roten. Even if Paul Pogba was to be on world class form, a one-man team won’t beat the sophisticated community of the German powerhouse. Therefore, Allegri must look elsewhere to crack them. Lewandowski must be stopped, otherwise the defence have little chance of stopping several goals flying past them. Giorgio Chiellini’s determination and passionate attitude could potentially contain him, with Leonardo Bonucci holding back should he escape. Goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon has to play to the best of his ability and use his experience to guide them through, while the attack has to work well up front, too. One thing that could work in favour for the Italians is the date of the fixture. The first-leg takes place in February at the Juventus Stadium, but before that there is a month of players of switching teams. The January transfer market could either work in favour of Allegri or against him, but a certainty is that he must not lose his attack. Mario Mandzukic has recently been on sparkling form, Paulo Dybala is always just inches from scoring and Alvaro Morata proved himself to be capable in Europe last season and can do the same this term. An interesting factor to look out for come March, should the teams have little change in January, will be the returns of Kingsley Coman and Arturo Vidal to Turin. Especially in the case of the Chilean international, as he has been placed with a third of the blame by critics for the club’s dip in form this year, along with the departures of Andrea Pirlo and Carlos Tevez. The game could be a way to show the difference between the Old Lady of last season and this season.

Coppa Italia TIM - Ottavi di finale - 16-12-2015 (ore 20:45) JUVENTUS - TORINO - Mercoledí, 16 dicembre 2015 - ore 20:45 Juventus Stadium - Torino Arbitro: Daniele Doveri Confronti ufficiali 190 - 16 (Coppa Italia) Vittorie Juventus 80 - 7 (Coppa Italia) Pareggi 54 - 5 (Coppa Italia) Vittorie Torino 56 - 4 (Coppa Italia) Goals Juventus 274 - 20 (Coppa Italia) Goals Torino 233 - 17 (Coppa Italia) Juventus - Torino in casa della Juve, Coppa Italia Confronti ufficiali 8 Vittorie Juventus 5 (L'ultima il 20.04.1988, 2-1) Pareggi 2 (L'ultimo il 31.03.1993, 2-2) Vittorie Torino 1 (Il 06.09.1981, 0-1) Goals Juventus 11 Goals Torino 6 Giocatori con più presenze e goals contro il Torino in casa della Juve - Coppa Italia 3 presenze Brio Sergio 3 Cabrini Antonio 3 Furino Giuseppe 2 Bettega Roberto 2 Causio Franco 2 Cuccureddu Antonello 2 Gentile Claudio 2 Marocchino Domenico 2 Salvadore Sandro 2 Scirea Gaetano 2 goals Gabetto Guglielmo 1 Anastasi Pietro 1 Brio Sergio 1 De Agostini Luigi 1 Furino Giuseppe 1 Menichelli Giampaolo 1 Montico Antonio 1 Ravanelli Fabrizio 1 Stacchini Gino Ultimi confronti diretti 26.02.2008 Serie A Juventus-Torino 0-0 25.10.2008 Serie A Juventus-Torino 1-0 07.03.2009 Serie A Torino-Juventus 0-1 01.12.2012 Serie A Juventus-Torino 3-0 28.04.2013 Serie A Torino-Juventus 0-2 29.09.2013 Serie A Torino-Juventus 0-1 23.02.2014 Serie A Juventus-Torino 1-0 30.11.2014 Serie A Juventus-Torino 2-1 26.04.2015 Serie A Torino-Juventus 2-1 31.10.2015 Serie A Juventus-Torino 2-1 Giocate 10 - Vittorie Juventus 8 - Pareggi 1 - Vittorie Torino 1 - Goals Juventus 14 - Goals Torino 4 da juworld.net Derby della mole in Coppa Italia 01.05.1938 - Coppa Italia - Torino-Juventus 1-3 08.05.1938 - Coppa Italia - Juventus-Torino 2-1 22.06.1958 - Coppa Italia - Juventus-Torino 2-0 13.07.1958 - Coppa Italia - Torino-Juventus 1-2 29.06.1961 - Coppa Italia - Juventus-Torino 2-2 14.06.1964 - Coppa Italia - Torino-Juventus 2-0 09.06.1965 - Coppa Italia - Juventus-Torino 1-0 08.06.1972 - Coppa Italia - Juventus-Torino 2-1 28.06.1972 - Coppa Italia - Torino-Juventus 2-1 26.03.1980 - Coppa Italia - Juventus-Torino 0-0 30.04.1980 - Coppa Italia - Torino-Juventus 0-0 06.09.1981 - Coppa Italia - Juventus-Torino 0-1 06.04.1988 - Coppa Italia - Torino-Juventus 2-0 20.04.1988 - Coppa Italia - Juventus-Torino 2-1 09.03.1993 - Coppa Italia - Torino-Juventus 1-1 31.03.1993 - Coppa Italia - Juventus-Torino 2-2 da juworld.net

JUVENTUS - TORINO - Coppa Italia TIM - last 16 Wednesday, December 16th, 2015 - 8:45 PM Juventus Stadium, Turin Referee: Daniele Doveri ‘Juventus will rest Dybala’ http://www.football-italia.net/77142/%E2%80%98juventus-will-rest-dybala%E2%80%99 Dec 15, 2015 Massimiliano Allegri hints Paulo Dybala could be rested when Juventus meet Torino in the Coppa Italia tomorrow. The Argentinian forward has been in fine form for the Bianconeri, with four goals and an assist in his last seven appearances. “Dybala could rest tomorrow, as he’s played a lot of games,” Allegri admitted in his pre-match Press conference. “He’s available. Two of [Mario] Mandzukic, [simone] Zaza and [Alvaro] Morata will play. Everyone is fine, so whoever plays tomorrow will do well. “Zaza is very good, as is Morata, the same for Mandzukic who is in good physical condition, but I think the whole team is going through a good period. “I’m very happy, because when we start again [after the winter break] we’ll be heading toward the end of the season. “The League ends on May 16, so from January onward we have to be in top physical condition. “Morata-Zaza? They could be a pair, they can happily play together.” Allegri was then asked for his thoughts on yesterday’s Champions League draw, which saw the Old Lady paired with Bayern Munich. “I made a comment on the draw yesterday, I said it can happen in the Champions League… “First, it’s always important to get to the Last 16. Then for the Last 16 there’s the draw, and you don’t know what ball will come out. “We can also see a positive. If we were to go through with Bayern, you certainly couldn’t say we had an easier path, but the team would grow even more in terms of self-esteem. “Then we’d become one of the favourites. That’s the truth. But we’re facing Bayern, one of the strongest teams in Europe. “That’s normal though, when you’re playing in the Last 16 of the Champions League. Last year we faced [borussia] Dortmund, who were coming off a great season the previous year. “If I’m not mistaken in the Quarter Finals last year Paris Saint-Germain and Manchester City were eliminated, so the Champions League is like that. “It’s still a long way away though, so for now we have to concentrate on the League, which is the most important thing. “We have a lot of games before February 23 and March 16. There are still many League games to play, and we have to be focused to try and stay in the race for the top.”

JUVENTUS - TORINO - Coppa Italia TIM - last 16 Wednesday, December 16th, 2015 - 8:45 PM Juventus Stadium, Turin Referee: Daniele Doveri JUVENTUS V TORINO COPPA ITALIA MATCH PREVIEW http://www.juvefc.com/juventus-v-torino-coppa-italia-match-preview/? Dec 15, 2015 Juventus What a turnaround. It was exactly three months ago that young Paulo Dybala was facing the cameras, imploring supporters to keep faith following a wretched start to the season, which saw the Bianconeri collect a solitary point from their opening three games. “You only get out of a period like this by working hard.” Dybala told Tuttosport back in September. “We know that this isn’t an easy moment for us, our fans aren’t used to seeing Juve with just one point after three matches. But if we can turn this situation around, it’ll be even more amazing.” Fast forward three months and Juve have leapfrogged Roma in the standings, laid waste to Man City (home and away) to qualify to the last 16 of the Champions League and are breathing down the necks of league leaders Inter. When you add in last weekend’s emphatic 3-1 victory over Fiorentina, there’s plenty of cause for optimism, especially when you consider the nature of said victory. A penalty converted in the opening minutes of the match was La Viola’s only shot on target and while they dominated the possession, 62% – 38%, Juve still managed 6 efforts on goal, finding the net with 3 of them. Next up, we face city rivals Torino in our first Coppa Italia match of the season and there’s expected to be a long awaited start for some of the squad players. Speaking ahead of the match, Max Allegri revealed some of his choices for tomorrow’s game. “Dybala could rest tomorrow, as he’s played a lot of games,” Allegri admitted in his pre-match Press conference. “He’s available. Two of Mandzukic, Zaza and Morata will play. Everyone is fine, so whoever plays tomorrow will do well. “Zaza is very good, as is Morata, the same for Mandzukic who is in good physical condition, but I think the whole team is going through a good period. “Morata-Zaza? They could be a pair, they can happily play together.” “Tomorrow, Neto and Rugani will play. After that I’ll see how the three defenders are who have played so far, between Bonucci, Chiellini and Barzagli. “Technically speaking Rugani is a player who can play… he had a good game at left centre-back in a friendly this summer, or he can calmly play at right centre-back. “He’s a lad who has improved a lot, so tomorrow he’ll be ready to play. “As for the injured players, Hernanes did almost everything with the team yesterday, so we’ll see today. “He’s finally recovered, let’s see if he’ll be available tomorrow, if not he’ll do extra work ahead of Sunday’s game at Carpi. “Lemina went to Barcelona yesterday to be seen, unfortunately he has a problem with his patellar tendon, and when that flares up it’s a problem. “Pereyra is making a journey in his injury recovery, and we’ll see in the New Year. The others are all available.” Judging from that, it’s safe to say we’ll see Neto start in goal, with a back three of Rugani, Chiellini and possibly Bonucci. Given that we’re sticking with the 3-5-2, I’d expect Lichtsteiner and Sandro to play either side of a midfield with Khedira, Marchisio and Pogba. With Dybala rested, it’ll be Zaza and Morata up front. Probable lineup 3-5-2: Neto; Rugani, Bonucci, Chiellini; Lichtsteiner, Khedira, Marchisio, Pogba, Sandro; Morata, Zaza. Injuries: Pereyra (hamstring), Asamoah (knee) Suspended: None. Torino Probable lineup 3-5-2: Padelli; Bovo, Glik, Moretti; Peres, Acquah, Vives, Baselli, Molinaro; Quagliarella, Belotti Injuries: None Suspended: None Formation Poll Who do you think will win between Juventus v Torino? Juventus 100% Torino 0% Draw 0% Votes 8

JUVENTUS - TORINO - Coppa Italia TIM - last 16 Wednesday, December 16th, 2015 - 8:45 PM Juventus Stadium, Turin Referee: Daniele Doveri Juventus V Torino – Preview: Bianconeri Lock Horns With Granata In Coppa Italia Showdown http://forzaitalianfootball.com/2015/12/juventus-v-torino-preview-bianconeri-lock-horns-with-granata-in-coppa-italia-showdown/? Dec 15, 2015 Juventus host cross town rivals Torino at the Juventus Stadium in the Coppa Italia on Wednesday night, with the winners on the night progressing through to the quarter-finals of this seasons competition. The Bianconeri will be full of confidence heading into the game on Wednesday evening following their sixth league win in a row on Sunday night, defeating Fiorentina 3-1 at the Juventus Stadium to lift the Old Lady up to fourth place in the Serie A standings. Massimiliano Allegri’s men enter this seasons edition of the Coppa Italia for the first time at the round of 16 stage, with the eight top ranked sides from the 2014/2015 Serie A campaign receiving a bye from the earlier rounds. The Bianconeri will be looking for their 11th Coppa Italia title if successful this season, having won the competition for the tenth time last campaign. Before last seasons success the Old Lady had gone 20 years without winning the Coppa Italia, and success has been sporadic throughout the decades winning in 1938, ’42, ’59, ’60, ’65, ’79, ’83, ’90, ’95 and 2015. The Granata, meanwhile, weren’t in action at the weekend following their game against Sassuolo being suspended due to heavy fog, but did draw 1-1 with Roma in Turin the previous weekend in their last outing. Il Toro have already played twice in this seasons Coppa Italia, defeating Serie B side Pescara 4-1 in August in round three at the Stadio Olimpico, while also recording the same shoreline against another Serie B side Cesena two weeks ago. The Granata have won the Coppa Italia on five previous occasions in 1936, ’43, ’68, ’71 and on the last occasion in 1993, beating their fierce rivals Juventus on away goals after two legs in the semi-final along the way that year. The two sides have only met sixteen times in the Coppa Italia over the years, with that victory for Torino in 1993 being the last time the teams met in the competition. Indeed Toro will be looking to keep up a fine recent record in the Coppa Italia over the Bianconeri on Wednesday, having knocked their neighbours out in 1980, 1982 and the 1988 editions. Allegri is expected to make a number of changes to his side that won on Sunday, with reserve goalkeeper Neto set to start between the posts, while Daniele Rugani, Alex Sandro, Simone Zaza and Alvaro Morata are all set to start the game. Torino will be without Italy under-21 international Marco Benassi who will miss the game with a thigh injury. Form Guide: Juventus (W-W-W-L-W) Torino (L-W-W-W-D) Expected Starting XIs Juventus: Neto; Rugani, Bonucci, Chiellini; Cuadrado, Sturaro, Marchisio, Pogba, Alex Sandro; Zaza, Morata. Torino: Padelli; Bovo, Glik, Moretti; Zappacosta, Acquah, Vives, Baselli, Molinaro; Quagliarella, Belotti.

JUVENTUS - TORINO - Coppa Italia TIM - last 16 Wednesday, December 16th, 2015 - 8:45 PM Juventus Stadium, Turin Referee: Daniele Doveri Juventus squad for Torino http://www.football-italia.net/77159/juventus-squad-torino? Dec 15, 2015 Juventus named a full-strength squad for tomorrow’s Coppa Italia Derby against local rivals Torino. It kicks off on Wednesday at 20.45 CET - 19.45 GMT and is a one-off knockout game. Hernanes returns to the fold after several weeks out with a muscular injury. Simone Zaza could feature with Martin Caceres as Max Allegri rotates the squad. Ex-Empoli defender Daniele Rugani is widely expected to get his first start in a Juve jersey, having played just a couple of minutes in one competitive match this season. Mario Lemina is still unavailable with Kwadwo Asamoah. Juventus squad for Torino: Buffon, Chiellini, Caceres, Khedira, Zaza, Marchisio, Pogba, Hernanes, Alex Sandro, Barzagli, Cuadrado, Mandzukic, Bonucci, Padoin, Dybala, Rugani, Neto, Lichtsteiner, Sturaro, Evra, Rubinho

Zanetti: Inter Battling With Napoli And Juventus For Scudetto http://forzaitalianfootball.com/2015/12/zanetti-inter-battling-with-napoli-and-juventus-for-scudetto/? Dec 15, 2015 Inter vice president Javier Zanetti believes that the Biscione’s main opponents for the Scudetto this season are Napoli and Juventus. The Nerazzurri currently sit in first place in the Serie A standings with 36 points, leaving them four points ahead of the Partenopei and six points ahead of the Bianconeri, and the 42-year-old admits that the Milan side must remain focused in order to prevent other teams from catching up during the second half of the 2015/16 campaign. Zanetti spoke to Premium Sport about Inter’s top form this season and commented on the comeback Juventus have been making after starting off on the wrong foot. “I believe we’re doing great at the moment, making a lot of progress,” said the Inter legend. “We must continue with this form. There are a lot of things we must do to make sure that we’re on top until the end of the season. “Juventus? I’m not surprised by their progress. They started off badly but they’ve always had quality, they don’t do well with failure. Now they’re returning to the levels we all know. “We will have to fight against all of our opponents, but Napoli and Juventus are the ones we have to worry about the most.” http://www.goal.com/en-gb/tables/serie-a/13?ICID=SP_TN_127

Barzagli in Champions League XI http://www.football-italia.net/77161/barzagli-champions-league-xi? Dec 15, 2015 Andrea Barzagli of Juventus has made it on to the official UEFA Champions League Team of the Group Stage. The Italy international was the only representative from Serie A to make it on to the hallowed XI-strong list. Barzagli got the nod because the Bianconeri conceded only once when he was on the pitch, keeping three clean sheets. Kevin Trapp was chosen in goal after conceding only one goal in six games with Paris Saint-Germain. UEFA Champions League team of the group stage GK: Kevin Trapp (Paris Saint-Germain) DF: Andrea Barzagli (Juventus) DF: Thiago Silva (Paris Saint-Germain) DF: Diego Godín (Atletico Madrid) DF: David Alaba (Bayern Munich) MF: Sven Kums (Gent) MF: Willian (Chelsea) MF: Raheem Sterling (Manchester City) FW: Thomas Müller (Bayern Munich) FW: Hulk (Zenit) FW: Cristiano Ronaldo (Real Madrid)

A BLESSING IN DISGUISE … AN OPPORTUNITY TO PROVE OUR CREDENTIALS http://www.juvefc.com/a-blessing-in-disguise-an-opportunity-to-prove-our-credentials/? Dec 15, 2015 I awoke in a sloppy haze, the flashes of sunlight creeping through my haggard curtains blindingly bright to the slither of reluctant acceptance that the dream realm was once more closed off and the Day must be faced. As is often the case I was riddled with sensations of unfinished business in the fast fading remnants of the magical realm of slumber where chimeras dwell and the soul soars naked, wild and free. The carousel of wakefulness began to turn and churn. Reaching for my phone my first port of call was RT.com alongside Informationclearinghouse.info and globalresearch.ca, the thinking man’s routine of extending one’s view well beyond the present confines of geography and the main stream media bullshit, to check for the latest moves of the brutal death machine of the Western Empire…and then to the Guardian football section and of course Juvefc.com, where I was first found to smile at the live scoreline of our old Mister Tinkerman taking on the presently less than mighty Mourinho. It seemed fanciful, the continuation of a fairytale, for plucky Leicester held a handsome lead over a behemoth of the game who have steamrollered so many in their path in recent history only to find themselves, suddenly undone…but by what??? What could be the reasons behind the continued collapse of Abramovich’s billionaire toy club?? Shaking my head in welcome bemusement, I yawned as I noted that we had drawn Bayern Munich in the Champions League… Taking in the comments section as I focused intermittently on keeping the brutes in suits at bay in the office, I was left lacking eagerness to add my voice to the loudest chorus of discontent, woe and a bothersome tidal wave of doom-mongering. For what so many seem to feel is the end of our European campaign, I see as a wonderful opportunity. Yes! Yes! Bayern and Barcelona are well ahead of the rest of the world, in terms of momentum of success and immense depth of talent. Yet I would be feeling equally radiant had we drawn the Spaniards. Less confident – because their attacking triumvirate is the most devastating in Europe – but still…radiant and even excited. Those aiming to become champions are eager to test themselves against the very best, to lock horns with the established powers and stake their own claim for greatness. Now we have that chance. And whilst many see the two legged tie as a death knell for our ambitions in the elite competition until next season, I naturally assume we have a better chance over two legs in February, than if we face them deeper into the tournament. Most top teams engineer their fitness programs to peak towards the end of the season, when they assume they will be fighting for the top honours. In Bayern’s case, they can be expecting to have the league sewn up well before the final. Yet in mid-February, they could possibly still be expending a lot of energy in the Bundesliga. It is preferable to come up against Bayern in mid February when they may still have something to play for domestically. It was not so long ago that we were competing in the final, winning the Coppa Italia and powering our way to a magnificent fourth scudetto on the trot. We achieved this, arguably with the efforts of the players who remain at the club, more so than those who departed. Tevez and Pirlo were not spectacular in our run to the final and Vidal’s form was lethargic throughout his final innings at the club. It was the youthful exuberance and belief of Morata, the astonishingly quiet and powerful diligence of Marchiso and the winning mentality of Evra which gave us the greatest push. Alongside, of course, sterling consistency from Lichsteiner, Pogba and the rock solid defence in top form. These players remain. And of those who have come into the fold we are starting see what wonderful new blood Beppe and his hatchet man Paratici signed with our hard earned gold. It has been an atrocious start to the defence of the scudetto. Mitigating factors have been suggested and discussed, yet of late, we have begun to taste once again the sweet ambrosia of success. Six wins on the bounce in Serie A is a tough task for any side. An unfortunate loss to Seville in which we very much deserved to win. Resounding crunching of Fiorentina. Results and form fuelled by the return to sharpness of Mandzukic and Marchisio, coupled with the blossoming excellence of Dybala and Sandro. With Morata, Asamoah and Khedira still to find their rhythm and Pereyra soon to return to selection, we are only going to improve further. Four top class players to be added to a team which has regained the winning habit. In time to claw our way back towards title contention at home, and I believe, in time to mount a very serious challenge to the German Powerhouse come February. I very much agreed with the majority of fiQ’s post, which rightly highlighted the need for our best players to be fit and in fine form (to stand a solid chance of progressing in Europe) as well as intelligently sounded out the experience and mentality of many of our stalwarts and even youngsters such as Morata. We have world cup winners in our starting XI. Internationals from Spain, Italy, France, Argentina and other national sides of solid reputation and potency. We have a wealth of experience and talent which is slowly coming together to form a new Juve, a new identity, one which none of us have known before. Indeed, we are not the same side which reached the final last term, but that is not to say we are certainly a lesser side. We are simply different. Still finding our way, still recovering players from injury, whilst gathering winning momentum. None of us can say how we will look in February. I am naturally inclined to hope and assume that the Juve mentality Fino alla Fine is becoming imbued in the crimson rivers of the new recruits as much as it still flows strong and proud through the veins of our veterans. Juventus has never been a team to fear any other. So why start now? We must and will respect Bayern, yet Respect is far removed from fear. They can and have been beaten. And will be beaten again. Perhaps by us. Why not eh? This is a brilliant opportunity to test ourselves, to see how we far we have come on our journey back towards the summit of elite competition. What could we learn of our progress by playing Gent? Or through heading to an empty stadium in Kiev? Less, I suggest, than facing off against the very best Europe can presently offer. The stage will be set for the making of heroes. For it will take a heroic performance, with a little help from Lady Luck, to emerge from the battle victorious. And for our younger players especially, what better way to earn your stripes? To announce yourself to the world as not just a player of potential, but one to be respected and talked of as a Titan. Dybala, Morata, Pogba, Sandro even Zaza must be licking their lips with excitement. For its these kind of fixtures which drew – at least the first four – to our club. Class players live for games like this. In times of old, soldiers fresh out of training would dream of fighting a real battle, of proving themselves to both their compatriots and themselves, of throwing themselves into combat against the finest warriors the world knows if to not usurp, then to match them, slash for slash, gouge for gouge…Do we have that zeal in the ranks? I believe so. Do we have a manager who is tactically adroit? I believe so. Do we have the means to shut out any offence outside of Catalunya? I believe so. In short, I believe in this Juve and all Juves past and future. I must do. For belief is part of true love. So please, wipe away the tears, put away the shotgun, for there is no need for such drastic despondency. Join me in relishing the battle that awaits us, which I suspect will transition to the players and club as a whole, for who knows, maybe Dybala is reading this very forum…And if so, what would he rather find? Confidence and hope or expectation of defeat before a ball has been kicked, an ankle mangled by a beautiful Chiellini scything challenge? Of course its tempting to time travel to Seville, or even to Monchengladbach, yet to what end! No value can come of such meanderings. We are where we are and true champions rise to the challenge, not crawl into the shadows. This could be the making of a Juventus returning to the top table. Where I believe we belong. We have…a chance. The only question is whether we will take it.

Juventus and Inter Milan play down talk of being Serie A title favourites http://www.espnfc.co.uk/italian-serie-a/story/2757894/juventus-and-inter-milan-play-down-talk-of-being-favourites Dec 15, 2015 Inter Milan and Juventus are emerging as two of the main candidates to win Serie A this season, although representatives of both clubs are doing all they can to ensure they are not regarded as the favourites. Juve are currently on a six-game winning streak, which has already erased some memories of one of their worst starts to a campaign on record. As a result, they have reduced the arrears on Inter at the top of the table from 11 to six points, but their general manager Beppe Marotta still feels the Nerazzurri are the team to beat this season. "We're back on the right track, but there are still plenty of rivals to face," Marotta is quoted as saying by Tuttosport. "Inter are the most authoritative candidate for what they have shown since the start of the season, in terms of continuity, determination and, in terms of their football, efficiency, because they've gained a lot for little. These are all important aspects." Inter's former president Massimo Moratti disagrees, however. Juve, who are bidding to win five straight Serie A titles for the first time since 1931-1935, have experience on their side, says Moratti, even if he has been impressed by the job Inter coach Roberto Mancini is doing. "Juve are our biggest rivals," he told giornalaccio rosa dello Sport. "Also because in the second half of the season, they will have almost all of their big matches at home. The others aren't giving an inch either, but Juve are winning because they are really strong. "Everything was contriving against them at the start of the season, but now they are back. They are extremely dangerous, as always, also because they are more used to winning than the rest. But I think they respect us too. This is a really very solid Inter side." Moratti does not feel that the Champions League round-of-16 draw, which has pitted Juve against Bayern Munich, will have any negative impact on the Old Lady's title hopes. "We won the Treble [in 2010] with all of the momentum gained from going through, which really filled our sails," Moratti said. "I wouldn't count on Juve running out of energy if they beat Bayern. It's a tough draw, but I certainly wouldn't say they are out of it." http://www.goal.com/en-gb/tables/serie-a/13?ICID=SP_TN_127

Juve will be one of the favourites if we beat Bayern - Allegri The Bianconeri boss feels his side's chances of improving on last season's runners-up spot will be boosted immensely if they get the better of the Bundesliga side in the last-16. http://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/2914/champions-league/2015/12/15/18377222/-? Dec 15, 2015 Getting past Bayern Munich in the last-16 would represent a significant step towards winning the Champions League for Juventus, according to coach Massimiliano Allegri. Last season's beaten finalists were paired with Pep Guardiola's runaway Bundesliga leaders in Monday's second round draw in Nyon. And although Allegri admits the task of beating the German champions is huge, he believes overcoming Guardiola's men would make them among the teams to watch in the competition. "Bayern are one of the best teams in the world," he said. "Getting past them would make us one of the favourites for the Champions League. "The game with Bayern is a long way off though. For now, we will focus on the more immediate future." Next up for Juve is a Coppa Italia clash with city rivals Torino on Wednesday. "We haven't won two successive Coppa Italia trophies since 1959-60 so it's a feat we are hoping to pull off," he added. "Both of tomorrow's teams are in good shape and it's a one-off game so it will be very different from a Serie A encounter." Allegri is expected to make a raft of changes with striker Paulo Dybala and veteran goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon likely to be left out. "Paulo could be rested, he has played a lot of games recently. Two from Simone Zaza, Mario Mandzukic and Alvaro Morata will play," he said. "Hernanes has taken part in almost all training sessions so we'll see if he's fit. Neto and Daniele Rugani will play. "Juan Cuadrado did well against Fiorentina. If he doesn't start he'll be an important option off the bench."

Juventus will reach Champions League final if they beat Bayern - coach Allegri http://www.espnfc.co.uk/uefa-champions-league/story/2757780/juventus-to-reach-ucl-final-if-they-beat-bayern-allegri Dec 15, 2015 Juventus coach Massimiliano Allegri believes his side will reach the Champions League final for a second year running if they can beat Bayern Munich in this season's round of 16, while Bayern boss Pep Guardiola thinks the Italian champions were one of the toughest possible opponents in the draw. The Bianconeri lost 3-1 to Barcelona in last season's final in Berlin, and their hopes of going one better this term have been hit by being pitted against Bayern, who have reached at least the semifinals in the past four years since they were last knocked out in the round of 16 by another Italian club -- Inter Milan -- in 2011. Allegri believes that the path to next year's final at Milan's San Siro stadium will be easier going if they can knock out the Bundesliga champions when the competition resumes in the spring. "At least this way we would be getting rid of the biggest threat immediately," he said at an awards ceremony in Turin on Monday night. "If we win, we're in the final. If we lose, we'll focus on the league." Guardiola is wary of his Italian opponents, and reacted to news of the fixture by joking: "Thank you very much, draw!" In his third year at the club, Guardiola has firmly set his sights at finally reaching the final of Europe's biggest club competition with Bayern, after being eliminated by Spanish clubs at the semifinal stage in both his seasons in charge. In 2014, they were eliminated by Real Madrid, and last season Guardiola's former club Barcelona came out on top. Both sides went on to lift the trophy. "Juve are one of the best teams in Europe," Guardiola commented at his prematch news conference for Bayern's cup match against SV Darmstadt. "They played the final last season. "They can play with four at the back, or five at the back. Juve are the toughest draw, alongside Paris Saint-Germain." The Catalan coach added: "We are set for two incredible games. Juventus have a big mentality. The mood in the club is: Win, win, win!" In recent years, a number of players have turned out for both clubs. Bayern's 2013 Champions League winner Mario Mandzukic is set to take to the field for Juventus, whom he joined from Atletico Madrid prior to the season. The Croatia international had left Munich in 2014 following difficulties with Guardiola, but the Bayern boss said that he's looking forward to the meeting with his former attacker, who was replaced by Robert Lewandowski. "I don't have any problem with Mandzukic," Guardiola said. "I am delighted to see him again. The people will welcome him with respect." FC Bayern English ✔ @FCBayernEN .@kingarturo23's: "I am very happy! It will be a wonderful match. I still have a lot of friends in Turin." Arturo Vidal and Kingsley Coman both moved from Turin to Bavaria in the summer, and Chile international Vidal told a news conference: "I would have preferred to play them in the final. "They are very strong. They might have had some difficulties at the beginning of the season, but that's normal because there were many transfers."

JUVENTUS - TORINO - Coppa Italia TIM - last 16 Wednesday, December 16th, 2015 - 8:45 PM Juventus Stadium, Turin Referee: Daniele Doveri Juventus vs. Torino: Team News, Predicted Lineups http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2599099-juventus-vs-torino-team-news-predicted-lineups-live-stream-tv-info? Dec 15, 2015 The Coppa Italia treats football to an extra edition of the Derby della Mole in the Round of 16. Juventus are back. After a horrific start to the season saw them lose more games in 10 weeks than they did throughout the entirety of last season, the Bianconeri are rocketing their way up the table. A 1-0 loss to Sassuolo saw the team's leaders call out the rest of the players to pick up their game—especially captain Gianluigi Buffon, speaking to the club website (via Sky Sports). Their next league game happened to be the season's first Turin derby. Although they took the lead through a Paul Pogba screamer 20 minutes in, Cesare Bovo equalized just after halftime, and the game turned into an uninspiring slog that didn't look like it was going to end with a win for either team. Then Juve's season turned around in the blink of an eye. Alex Sandro's cross looked to have missed everyone in the box, only to bounce off of Juan Cuadrado's rear end and trickle into the net. It was an eerie copy of last season's game between the two at the Juventus Stadium, when Andrea Pirlo's long-range screamer gave Juve a 2-1 victory with only four seconds left in the match. The win kicked off a run that turned the Serie A title race on it's head. Sunday's 3-1 win over Fiorentina was the team's sixth straight in the league. They were in 12th place at the beginning of that streak, 11 points behind then-leaders Roma. They have now nearly halved that deficit, having climbed to fourth place, only six points behind leaders Inter Milan. Torino's season has been the inverse. They started the season with a 4-1-1 record and were in third place after their 2-1 victory over Palermo at the end of September. But they spent the next six games without a win, losing four of those matches. The run dumped them to mid-table, currently sitting in 11th place. However, they have a game in hand, after their match with Sassuolo was postponed due to fog, and could vault as high as seventh if they win the rescheduled match. Now, though, the two teams' focus turns to each other. Torino have shown over the last two seasons that they can hang with their neighbors again. They forced miracle finishes from the Bianconeri on their last two visits to the Juventus Stadium and finally beat them in the return match last year for the first time since they did the double over them in the 1994-95. Juve will have to be on their guard, but expect both teams to rotate a bit midweek, especially Juve, who have finally completed a grueling group-stage campaign in the Champions League. History isn't on their side here. In spite of their general dominance of the Derby della Mole as a whole, Juve have never directly eliminated Torino from this tournament. Projected Lineups Juventus (3-5-2) Neto Rugani - Bonucci - Chiellini Cuadrado - Sturaro - Marchisio - Padoin - Sandro Zaza - Morata Torino (3-5-2) Castelazzi Jansson - Glik - Silva Peres - Obi - Vives - Acquah - Avelar Lopez - Belotti Key Players Alvaro Morata has been playing from the bench for the better part of a month now. Part of that stems from the fact that Mario Mandzukic has been scoring with regularity; part of it stems from the fact that his hot start to the season has fallen off. Morata started in last week's Champions League group-stage finale against Sevilla when Mandzukic was struck down by the flu, and it was obvious that the lack of playing time had eroded his sharpness. He missed several good chances, including at least one where it was harder to miss than score. To be fair to the young Spaniard, Sevilla goalkeeper Sergio Rico turned in one of the best performances in recent Champions League history that night, and the fact that Morata was in dangerous positions and missing the target by fractions was better than him being anonymous. Morata needs to be allowed to play himself back into form, and judging from his performance last week, he probably isn't that far off. Fortunately, the Coppa tends to trigger a good amount of squad rotation, especially in deeper squads like Juve's. Morata will likely be given the majority of the game and may be able to make the kind of statement that will put him back in the conversation for the starting lineup. On the other end, look for Bruno Peres to continue tormenting Juve's left flank. His stunning solo goal last year at the Juventus Stadium looked good enough for a point before Pirlo's heroics, and his continued marauding down the flank has given the Bianconeri problems every time he has started against them. The Brazilian wing-back could end up in a one-on-one duel with Alex Sandro for possession of that side of the field—and the winner of that battle could go a long way toward winning his team the war. Key Matchup Win the midfield battle and you almost always win the game. For the men who will likely be playing in front of their respective defenses on Wednesday, winning that battle will be the imperative. If anyone doubted how important Claudio Marchisio is to Juventus, those doubts should be dispelled now. The midfielder has been a part of the club since joining their academy at the age of eight and has lived this derby as both a fan and a player his entire life. Juve's terrible form at the start of the season coincided directly with Marchisio's absence due to a leg injury. The midfield ended up seriously unbalanced, and without him there, Paul Pogba tried to do too much to compensate. Now that Marchisio is back, the entire team has a calmness that they lacked at the beginning of the year. Il Principino doesn't play the regista system the same way Pirlo did, but his method still works. While the team may occasionally miss the devastating channel-runs he made when he played box-to-box with Pirlo in front of the defense, it's now clear that without where he is now, they're a shell of themselves. The man he's likely to face is Giuseppe Vives. The 35-year-old midfielder has been a top performer this year. According to WhoScored.com, he's completed 85.7 percent of his passes and averaged 3.3 tackles and 2.2 interceptions. Giampiero Ventura isn't the kind of coach to pack and defend, especially not in a derby. Vives will be a key factor in whether Torino can keep the midfield under control. If he succeeds in stopping up the middle of the park and forcing Juve's attack wide, the Granata will take a major step toward neutralizing their rivals.

JUVENTUS - TORINO - Coppa Italia TIM - last 16 Wednesday, December 16th, 2015 - 8:45 PM Juventus Stadium, Turin Referee: Daniele Doveri Allegri: ‘Scudetto race still open’ http://www.football-italia.net/77141/allegri-%E2%80%98scudetto-race-still-open%E2%80%99? Dec 15, 2015 Juventus Coach Massimiliano Allegri believes “the Scudetto race is still open” but Inter are the favourites. The Bianconeri have won six Serie A games in a row, and the tactician was asked about the title race ahead of the Coppa Italia tie with Torino. “I’d rather talk about the game tomorrow,” Allegri said in his pre-match Press conference. “Anyway, I’ll give an answer to that question. The Scudetto race is still open for all the teams chasing Inter, even though Inter are the number one favourite as I said yesterday. “Juventus are doing a lot, but now we have to think about tomorrow’s game against Torino. “Juventus haven’t won successive Coppa Italia since 1959 and 1960, so I think it would be important to achieve that objective. “It’s not easy, because tomorrow we have a derby against a team who it’s not easy to play against. They want this game, just like us, so we’ll have to be very good. “As for the League, there are still a lot of games to go. We’re behind, so we have to chase. “The game against Carpi is another very important game, like the others, because we’re obliged to win.” Allegri also addressed claims that he isn’t tough enough with the players, with Leonardo Bonucci praising his “intelligence” but noting “sometimes he could use less of the carrot and more of the stick”. “Everyone has their own methods to convey their ideas and their work, it depends on what you mean by the carrot and the stick, if that means raising your voice. “I’d say it’s one thing to be authoritarian, it’s another to have authority. I believe people should be strong and authoritative, not authoritarian.”

JUVENTUS - TORINO - Coppa Italia TIM - last 16 Wednesday, December 16th, 2015 - 8:45 PM Juventus Stadium, Turin Referee: Daniele Doveri Allegri: ‘Rugani will play’ http://www.football-italia.net/77140/allegri-%E2%80%98rugani-will-play%E2%80%99? Dec 15, 2015 Juventus Coach Massimiliano Allegri announces Neto and Daniele Rugani will play in the Coppa Italia against Torino tomorrow. Both players joined the Bianconeri this summer, but have found space difficult to come by, with Rugani making just one substitute appearance in the Champions League. “Tomorrow, Neto and Rugani will play,” Allegri told journalists in his pre-match Press conference. “Enough, enough, I’m not telling you any more! "After that I'll see how the three defenders are who have played so far, between Bonucci, Chiellini and Barzagli. "Technically speaking Rugani is a player who can play... he had a good game at left centre-back in a friendly this summer, or he can calmly play at right centre-back. "He's a lad who has improved a lot, so tomorrow he'll be ready to play. "As for the injured players, Hernanes did almost everything with the team yesterday, so we’ll see today. “He’s finally recovered, let’s see if he’ll be available tomorrow, if not he’ll do extra work ahead of Sunday’s game at Carpi. “Mario Lemina went to Barcelona yesterday to be seen, unfortunately he has a problem with his patellar tendon, and when that flares up it’s a problem. “Roberto Pereyra is making a journey in his injury recovery, and we’ll see in the New Year. The others are all available.” Allegri was then asked about Kwadwo Asamoah, who has insisted he is not injured, despite being left out of the squad to face Fiorentina. “The problem with Asamoah is the usual problem with his knee, which sometimes gives him problems after a game at the moment. “To force the issue would surely damage him. So right now he has to be managed. He can play a game every 15 days or a week. “Against Lazio it had been so long since he played, he had a good game, but afterward he had to stop and be managed. “He’s coming off a knee problem and a muscle injury, so he’s definitely not a player who can play two games in a row at the moment.”

Asamoah: ‘I’m not injured’ http://www.football-italia.net/77138/asamoah-%E2%80%98i%E2%80%99m-not-injured%E2%80%99? Dec 15, 2015 Juventus midfielder Kwadwo Asamoah insists “I am not injured” despite being left out of the squad on Sunday. The Ghanaian international, who can also play at wing-back, has made just 10 Serie A appearances across the last two seasons, as he’s struggled with a series of injuries. Asamoah was not included in the Bianconeri squad for the win over Fiorentina at the weekend, leading to speculation he had relapsed. “I am feeling very good,” Asamoah told Ghanasoccernet. “I have been training very well with my teammates. I am not injured. I just finished another training session with my club and it went really well. “The club will be including me in the Champions League squad in January.”

JUVENTUS - TORINO - Coppa Italia TIM - last 16 Wednesday, December 16th, 2015 - 8:45 PM Juventus Stadium, Turin Referee: Daniele Doveri Juventus vs Torino: Allegri wants perfect end to 2015 Juventus face a derby clash in the Coppa Italia last 16 and Massimiliano Allegri wants the holders to sustain their strong recent form. http://www.goal.com/en-gb/match/juventus-vs-torino/2171943/preview Dec 14, 2015 Juventus boss Massimiliano Allegri wants his side to bring 2015 to a close in perfect style - beginning with the derby clash against Torino in the Coppa Italia last 16. The Serie A champions fought from a goal down to beat Fiorentina 3-1 on Sunday - their sixth league win in a row - and move to within six points of leaders Inter. Juve's form in recent weeks has taken a remarkable upturn since their dismal start to the campaign, in which they won just two of their opening seven matches in all competitions, and they remain in the hunt to defend their domestic double and go one better than last season's runners-up finish in the Champions League. With the Coppa holders ending the calendar year with Wednesday's clash against their city rivals and an away trip to Carpi in Serie A on Sunday, Allegri is hoping that they sign off 2015 in style in order to keep their trophy hopes alive. "We're going through a good moment. We've got the derby and then Carpi, we need to win to maintain things," he told Sky Sport Italia. "We're playing pretty well, but there is still room for improvement." Torino themselves have been on a strong run since losing to Inter in early November, having won three times in a row before their draw with Roma on December 5, though the weekend clash with Sassuolo was called off due to poor weather conditions. Giampiero Ventura's men saw off Cesena 4-1 in the previous round and will be desperate to avenge their dramatic defeat to their city rivals earlier this season, when Juan Cuadrado's late goal snatched a 2-1 win at Juventus Stadium. Juve are hoping that midfielder Robert Pereyra could be fit after missing 10 games with a muscle problem, but Hernanes (thigh) is unlikely to be risked and Kwadwo Asamoah and Mario Lemina (both knee) are expected to be out. Tests on Monday confirmed Marco Benassi (thigh) will be forced to miss the clash for Torino, while Gaston Silva, Joel Obi (both hamstring), Nikola Maksimovic (foot) and Alexander Farnerud (knee) are out. Bruno Peres is serving a one-game ban in Serie A but is free to return to the side for the Coppa clash. The two sides have been separated by just one goal in each of their last five encounters, with Juve winning four of those. Torino ended a 20-year wait to beat their city rivals last season, when Fabio Quagliarella scored the winning goal in a 2-1 victory in April, but Juve's record stands at a formidable 14 wins in the last 19 encounters. LAST FIVE MATCHES Juventus W L W W W 13/12/2015 - Juventus 3 - 1 Fiorentina 08/12/2015 - Sevilla 1 - 0 Juventus 04/12/2015 - Lazio 0 - 2 Juventus 29/11/2015 - Palermo 0 - 3 Juventus 25/11/2015 - Juventus 1 - 0 Manchester City Torino D W W W L 05/12/2015 - Torino 1 - 1 Roma 01/12/2015 - Torino 4 - 1 Cesena 28/11/2015 - Torino 2 - 0 Bologna 22/11/2015 - Atalanta 0 - 1 Torino 08/11/2015 - Torino 0 - 1 Internazionale HEAD TO HEAD 31/10/2015 - Juventus 2 - 1 Torino 26/04/2015 - Torino 2 - 1 Juventus 30/11/2014 - Juventus 2 - 1 Torino 23/02/2014 - Juventus 1 - 0 Torino 29/09/2013 - Torino 0 - 1 Juventus

JUVENTUS - TORINO - Coppa Italia TIM - last 16 Wednesday, December 16th, 2015 - 8:45 PM Juventus Stadium, Turin Referee: Daniele Doveri Benassi to miss Juventus http://www.football-italia.net/77115/benassi-miss-juventus? Dec 14, 2015 Torino have confirmed that midfielder Marco Benassi will miss the Coppa Italia tie with Juventus through injury. The Granata face their local rivals in the Derby della Mole this Wednesday, but will have to do it without the Italian Under-21 international. “Benassi underwent tests which confirmed a strain of the adductor in the left thigh,” Toro announced in a statement. “The prognosis for recovery is estimated at four to five days.” While the injury is not serious, that means Benassi may not feature again this year, as there is only one Serie A game before the Christmas break.

Moratti: ‘Juventus most dangerous’ http://www.football-italia.net/77134/moratti-%E2%80%98juventus-most-dangerous%E2%80%99? Dec 14, 2015 Former President Massimo Moratti says Inter are “truly very strong” and sees Juventus as their main Scudetto rivals. The Nerazzurri are four points clear at the top of Serie A after the weekend’s results, which saw the four teams behind them play each other. “A perfect weekend for Inter?” Moratti considered, speaking to giornalaccio rosa dello Sport. “So it would seem, though I’d have preferred Juventus-Fiorentina to end in a draw [the Bianconeri won 3-1]. “Are Juventus the most dangerous? Yes, because in the return fixtures they’ll have all the head-to-head clashes at home. “The others won’t give up, but Juventus have won because they’re very strong. At first, everything was going against them, but now they’re back. “They’re as dangerous as ever, because they’re more used to winning than the others. But I believe they respect us, this Inter is truly very strong. “This year we have a squad full of strong players, with a super bench which gives confidence to the rest of the squad and the fans. “The players are talented, and [Coach Roberto] Mancini is talented. We’re seeing good football now too.” http://www.goal.com/en-gb/tables/serie-a/13?ICID=SP_TN_127

Buffon: ‘Donnarumma a top ‘keeper’ http://www.football-italia.net/77128/buffon-%E2%80%98donnarumma-top-%E2%80%98keeper%E2%80%99? Dec 14, 2015 Juventus Gianluigi Buffon praises his Milan namesake Donnarumma - “he’s a top goalkeeper”. The Bianconeri number 1 was receiving the award for best goalkeeper at the AIC’s Oscar del Calcio gala, the 12th time he has been given the award. “Donnarumma is definitely a top goalkeeper,” Buffon told reporters. “To be 16-years-old and able to handle that kind of media pressure is important and rare. “I’m happy, because he’s being protected and growing adequately, despite the enormous pressure that has been created for him.” Donnarumma names Buffon as his idol, and has often been compared to the World Cup-winner, who made his Parma debut at 17.

Pirlo: ‘Juventus still the best’ http://www.football-italia.net/77127/pirlo-%E2%80%98juventus-still-best%E2%80%99? Dec 14, 2015 Andrea Pirlo believes Juventus are “still the team to beat” and “will do everything” to be at Euro 2016. The midfielder left the Bianconeri to join MLS side New York City FC this summer, with the Italian champions initially struggling this season. However, after six wins in a row, the regista insists his old club are still the most dangerous team in Serie A. “I think Juventus are still the strongest,” Pirlo said at the AIC [players’ union] gala. “They’re still the team to beat, the best-equipped to win the Scudetto.” Pirlo has 116 Italy caps, but was dropped by Antonio Conte for the last round of matches, and the 36-year-old admits he’s doing everything to make the European Championships this summer. “The Euros are what I care about. I’ll do everything to be there, but the decision is entirely down to the Coach.” http://www.goal.com/en-gb/tables/serie-a/13?ICID=SP_TN_127

Nedved: ‘Nothing is impossible’ http://www.football-italia.net/77123/nedved-%E2%80%98nothing-impossible%E2%80%99? Dec 14, 2015 Juventus vice-President Pavel Nedved admits they’d rather have avoided Bayern Munich but “nothing is impossible”. The Bianconeri were drawn against the German giants earlier today, with the Czech former midfielder admitting he’d “had better days”. “Bayern are among the best in European football,” Nedved told Sky this evening. “We’ll see how we play though. There were two teams above everyone, Bayern and Barcelona are contenders to win the whole thing. “The Germans were among the worst [to draw] but nothing is impossible in football.”