Socrates

JUVENTUS - FIORENTINA 3 - 1 Josip Iličič (3'-penalty) Juan Cuadrado (6') Mario Mandžukić (80') Paulo Dybala (91') MATCHDAY 16 Sunday, December 13th, 2015 - 8:45 PM Juventus Stadium, Turin Referee: Daniele Orsato Cuadrado: 'Goal was a mistake!' http://www.football-italia.net/77081/cuadrado-goal-was-mistake? Dec 13, 2015 Juan Cuadrado admits his Juventus goal against Fiorentina was unintentional. “Maybe the hair helped!” The Colombian’s looping header went into the far top corner, the equaliser on the way to a 3-1 victory. “I saw Sami Khedira at the back post and in my attempt to head it over to him this weird looping trajectory came out. Maybe the hair helped!” he laughed. “We did well to react after conceding the goal so early. We were so eager to win and I think in the end the victory was deserved.” This was the Bianconeri’s sixth consecutive victory and in the space of six rounds they’ve gone from 11 points behind Roma to one point above them in fourth place. “Everything changed after the derby with Torino. After that late winner, our hunger for points got stronger and stronger. “The idea was to close up on the top spots and get as high up the table as possible. We are doing very well and must maintain this attitude, playing every game as if it was a Final.” http://www.goal.com/en-gb/tables/serie-a/13?ICID=SP_TN_127

JUVENTUS - FIORENTINA 3 - 1 Josip Iličič (3'-penalty) Juan Cuadrado (6') Mario Mandžukić (80') Paulo Dybala (91') MATCHDAY 16 Sunday, December 13th, 2015 - 8:45 PM Juventus Stadium, Turin Referee: Daniele Orsato Sousa: 'Proud of Fiorentina' http://www.juvefc.com/7881-2/? Dec 13, 2015 Paulo Sousa is “proud and had fun watching Fiorentina play tonight” despite a 3-1 defeat to Juventus. The Viola had been unbeaten in six games and took an early lead through Josip Ilicic’s penalty, but capitulated 3-1 in Turin. “It’s difficult to attack with pace when all the spaces are closed down, because Juve pressed us early every time,” the Coach told Sky Sport Italia. “The lads did well to control possession and take the initiative, but when you face a side with such defensive quality then it becomes difficult.” Does this defeat change Fiorentina’s Scudetto dreams for this season, even though they remain joint second with Napoli? “Our dreams must always be the same. Playing in this stadium with such a strong attitude is not easy. We’ll have to see who we are facing and how we react. We played with all the quality we had tonight, but Juve are very solid. “I am happy and proud and I had fun watching my team play football tonight. We encountered a dynamic defensive line that played aggressively. “The distances between the lines were so small that we had to anticipate every movement and make each pass at precisely the right time. Juve did very well defensively. “I think of all the sides we’ve encountered this season, Juve are the most mature. They have now achieved a clear system, have strength in depth to keep the quality level up throughout. “Collectively Juve defend very well, but also on an individual level too. In terms of collective, I feel Napoli and Roma will become very impressive.” Sousa spent some of his playing career at Juventus, so was it emotional being back in Turin as a Coach? “I am always experiencing strong emotions with this line of work. Being a part of football means emotional moments are at every turn. “It is always a pleasure to revisit places and people who I shared important moments with.” http://www.goal.com/en-gb/tables/serie-a/13?ICID=SP_TN_127

JUVENTUS - FIORENTINA 3 - 1 Josip Iličič (3'-penalty) Juan Cuadrado (6') Mario Mandžukić (80') Paulo Dybala (91') MATCHDAY 16 Sunday, December 13th, 2015 - 8:45 PM Juventus Stadium, Turin Referee: Daniele Orsato JUVENTUS 3-1 FIORENTINA SERIE A MATCH REPORT Juventus came from a goal down to rout Fiorentina 3-1 and move another place up the table. http://www.juvefc.com/7881-2/? Dec 13, 2015 6 Positives Mandzukic – Scoring goals, creating goals and perhaps more importantly, pressing the Fiorentina defence all night, running up and down the pitch until he was subbed off. I thought of him as a static, Trezeguet type of striker – Allegri has him running, defending and scoring goals. Another great/Vital performance. Six wins in a row – From languishing in 18th, to a gradual, steady ascent up the table into the top 4 again and a mere 6 points from the top. A confidence inspiring win ahead of the xmas break. This Juve is starting to come together in a big way. Dybala – What more is there to be said ? 8 goals, 3 assists and counting. The young striker has fitted in perfectly and is now leading the attack in his own way. The partnership with Mandzukic is paying dividends because of Allegri’s persistence and courage to stick with it. They’ve scored or assisted a goal in 6 of Juve’s last games. Allegri – Got it right again. I sound like a broken record, but all the talk was of Sousa and his new look Fiorentina – A 3-4-2-1- system and La Viola’s impressive record. Allegri outschooled the young coach and earned a precious 3 points with Juve having far less possession on the night. Bonucci – Kalinic ? What Kalinic? the one that spent the night in Leo’s back pocket? Ahhh. Another defensive masterclass from the best of Juve’s defenders. Strong. Smart. Quick. Preemptive. He had it all tonight. Marchisio – Didn’t put a foot wrong – completed all 41 of his passes, 100% Thoroughly impressive given the opposition! Statistics Man of the Match: Paulo Dybala Flop of the Match: N/A Corners: 3 Pass Accuracy: 79% Shots on Target: 6 Total Shots: 16 Ball Possession: 38% Formation: 3-5-2 Lineups Juventus: Buffon; Barzagli, Bonucci, Chiellini; Cuadrado, Khedira (Sturaro 61), Marchisio, Pogba, Evra (Alex Sandro 76); Mandzukic (Morata 85), Dybala Fiorentina: Tatarusanu; Tomovic, Gonzalo Rodriguez, Astori; Bernardeschi, Badelj, Vecino (Rossi 85), Alonso (Pasqual 85); Borja Valero, Ilicic (Mati Fernandez 85); Kalinic Ref: Orsato Poll Who was your man of the match against Fiorentina ? Dybala 55% Mandzukic 13% Bonucci 13% Marchisio 7% Cuadrado 5% Pogba 5% Barzagli 2% Buffon 0% Khedira 0% Evra 0% Chiellini 0% Votes 56 http://www.goal.com/en-gb/tables/serie-a/13?ICID=SP_TN_127

JUVENTUS - FIORENTINA 3 - 1 Josip Iličič (3'-penalty) Juan Cuadrado (6') Mario Mandžukić (80') Paulo Dybala (91') MATCHDAY 16 Sunday, December 13th, 2015 - 8:45 PM Juventus Stadium, Turin Referee: Daniele Orsato Allegri: 'Juve neutralised Viola' http://www.football-italia.net/77078/allegri-juve-neutralised-viola? Dec 13, 2015 Max Allegri revealed how Juventus neutralised Fiorentina, but will “take it one step at a time” for the Scudetto. The Bianconeri registered a sixth consecutive Serie A victory, fighting back to beat the Viola 3-1 despite an early spot-kick. “I can only say Juventus are going through a good period of form, we have another two games before Christmas in the Coppa Italia and Serie A,” the Coach told Sky Sport Italia. “As we were so far behind, it’d be important to close up even more before the break.” Incredibly, Juve were 11 points behind Roma in Week 10, but six rounds later are one point in front in fourth place. “At this moment the team is playing relatively well, though we have to improve technically and make fewer mistakes. “It has to be said that it was not easy to close up so much considering where we were six rounds ago and six consecutive victories are not easy in Serie A. “I considered Inter one of the favourites pre-season because they invested heavily and have an experienced Coach. They are four points clear at the top now, so remain the favourites. “Juve have to follow our own progress and not anyone else’s. There are many points still up for grabs and we have to take it one step at a time. We initially had to catch Milan and we did, then Roma, now we’ll see if we can overtake Napoli and Fiorentina. “It will take something extraordinary to overtake Inter, though.” Fiorentina had been unbeaten in six games, but capitulated in Turin. “Nikola Kalinic had about 60 sprints in the first half, but we did well to block them off and Fiorentina didn’t have a shot on goal other than the penalty. “On the other hand, Juve had several chances other than the three goals and forced a series of saves. We prepared for the game planning to block off Fiorentina’s strengths, which are the creativity of Borja Valero and Josip Ilicic. “As time wore on, Fiorentina got more fatigued and we improved, so we took advantage of the extra space. “Paulo Dybala is an important player and he will become extraordinary. He has improved a great deal in tactical and psychological terms, because playing at Palermo and Juve are two very different things. “The trouble with Paul Pogba is that when things seem too easy, he relaxes and gets it wrong. Heels? No, only a cobbler should deal with heels.” http://www.goal.com/en-gb/tables/serie-a/13?ICID=SP_TN_127

JUVENTUS - FIORENTINA 3 - 1 Josip Iličič (3'-penalty) Juan Cuadrado (6') Mario Mandžukić (80') Paulo Dybala (91') MATCHDAY 16 Sunday, December 13th, 2015 - 8:45 PM Juventus Stadium, Turin Referee: Daniele Orsato Player Ratings: Juventus 3-1 Fiorentina http://forzaitalianfootball.com/2015/12/player-ratings-juventus-3-1-fiorentina/? Dec 13, 2015 Juventus snatched a 3-1 win against Fiorentina at the Juventus Stadium in their Sunday evening Serie A fixture. An early penalty was converted by Josip Ilicic and Juan Cuadrado leveled the score shortly after, before Mario Mandzukic and Paulo Dybala scored in the dying minutes. Juventus Gianluigi Buffon – 6 – Blameless - Tried his best to stop the penalty from Josip Ilicic, but the Slovenian put so much power on his shot. Andrea Barzagli – 6 – Calming - The more reserved of the Bianconeri defenders, covered Bonucci when he went forward and rarely put a foot wrong. Leonardo Bonucci – 6 – Wiley - Dealt with Nikola Kalinic roughly and made sure he saw very little of the ball. Got forward with regularity and had a few shots. Looked a frustrate the Fiorentina attackers at every turn. Giorgio Chiellini – 6 – Redeemed - Guilty of bringing down Federico Bernardeschi in the opening minute to concede a penalty. Recovered quickly and always looked a force to be reckoned with for the hosts. Juan Cuadrado – 7 – Punisher - No butterflies against his former side, restoring parity with a floated header beyond the reach of Ciprian Tatarusanu. Added little else to the game but provided the width whenever needed. Sami Khedira – 6 – Average - Had a few awkward exchanges with Josip Ilicic, but marshaled the midfield admirably. Didn’t add a great deal to the attack and was withdrawn after the hour with Sturaro replacing him. Claudio Marchisio – 6 – Measured - Moved the ball around confidently and broke up play when he was called on. Yellow carded for protesting the innocence of his teammate Pogba. Paul Pogba – 7 – Creator - Continued his impressive form with the Bianconeri, stringing together some exceptional passes. Booked for what seemed like a fair challenge on Borja Valero. Made the killer pass that put through Dybala through and ultimately saw Mandzukic score the winner. Patrice Evra – 6 – Enforcer - Returning from his ankle injury the Frenchman looked fresh, timing his tackles brilliantly. Picked out Dybala with a wonderful cross but the Argentinian couldn’t convert. Made way for Alex Sandro late into the second half. Mario Mandzukic – 8 – Hero - Battled and bruised his way past the Fiorentina defenders, but couldn’t get the service he wanted. Booked for a tussle with Matias Vecino in the second half. Was quickest off the mark to pounce on the loose ball from Dybala’s shot and put the Bianconeri in front. Paulo Dybala – 7 – Deadly - Had his first sight of goal early on, but sent it straight at Ciprian Tatarusanu. Had a chance in a more central position in the second half, but sliced his first-time shot wide. Scored a late third to complete the win, dancing past the tired Fiorentina defenders to pass it beyond Tatarusanu. Substitutes Stefano Sturaro – 6 – Spirited - Replaced Khedira after the hour mark. Showed greater tenacity then the German getting stuck into challenges. Alex Sandro – 6 – Dogged - Replaced Evra late into the second half. Matched the Frenchman’s enthusiasm with some dangerous runs. Alvaro Morata – N/A - Came on for the goal-scorer Mandzukic with five minutes remaining. Fiorentina Ciprian Tatarusanu – 5 – Indecisive - Caught off-guard when Juan Cuadrado managed to loop his header over him. Did all he could to stop Paulo Dybala scoring, but couldn’t stop Mario Mandzukic from scoring the resultant rebound. Caught out by the run of Dybala when he netted late on. Nenad Tomovic – 5 – Clumsy - Involved in a few wrestling matches with Mario Mandzukic. Too tired to chase down Paulo Dybala when the Argentinian broke free. Gonzalo Rodriguez – 6 – Decent - Had his fair share of tussles with Mario Mandzukic, but organised his defenders very well. Slid in desperately to stop Mandzukic scoring but wasn’t quick enough to deny the Croatian. Davide Astori – 5 – Shaky - Strong in his defensive duties and avoided any characteristic awkward situations. Tracked the run of Paulo Dybala which ultimately led to Mario Mandzukic finding the winner. Allowed Dybala to get goal-side when he scored the third for Juventus. Federico Bernardeschi – 6 – Troublesome - Brought down in the box by Giorgio Chiellini in the opening minute winning his side a penalty, but faded in the second half. Milan Badelj – 6 – Tough - Made a few robust challenges and was tasked with breaking up a lot of the Juventus attacks. Matias Vecino – 6 – Engine - Quick and incisive in possession, moved it forward with purpose and looked to make the killer pass. Booked in the second half for a scrap with Mario Mandzukic. Made way for Rossi with five minutes to go. Marcos Alonso – 6 – Roaming - Struggled with the pace and trickery of Juan Cuadrado, escaped a nasty injury when he landed awkwardly on his ankle. Substituted in the dying minutes for Pasqual Borja Valero – 6 – Lucky - Yellow carded for a poorly timed challenge on Claudio Marchisio, risked being sent off with the amount of fouls he gave away. Josip Ilicic – 7 – Determined - Put under tremendous early pressure from the spot kick, but made no mistake blasting it past Gianluigi Buffon. Booked in the second half for protesting the decision of the referee. Made way for Mati Fernandez in the dying minutes. Nikola Kalinic – 6 – Isolated - Frustrated by the way the Juventus defenders were treating him, rarely got the service he needed and grew more and more annoyed. Substitutes Manuel Pasqual – N/A - Late cameo for the full-back in the place of Marcos Alonso, booked for a coming together with Juan Cuadrado. Giuseppe Rossi – N/A - Thrown on with Fiorentina needing a goal. Mati Fernandez – N/A - Late appearance for the Chilean in the place of Ilicic. http://www.goal.com/en-gb/tables/serie-a/13?ICID=SP_TN_127

JUVENTUS - FIORENTINA 3 - 1 Josip Iličič (3'-penalty) Juan Cuadrado (6') Mario Mandžukić (80') Paulo Dybala (91') MATCHDAY 16 Sunday, December 13th, 2015 - 8:45 PM Juventus Stadium, Turin Referee: Daniele Orsato RATINGS: Juventus 3-1 Fiorentina Goals from Juan Cuadrado, Mario Mandzukic and Paulo Dybala were enough for the home side, who just keep climbing after their poor start to the Serie A campaign. http://www.goal.com/en/match/juventus-vs-fiorentina/2120529/ratings Dec 13, 2015 Juventus 1 G. Buffon - The veteran goalkeeper wasn't tested too often at all, but was unable to keep out Ilicic's early penalty. 15 A. Barzagli - The ex-Palermo defender was calm under pressure and wasn't afraid to just place a clearance up the line when in trouble. 19 L. Bonucci - The Italy international was composed on the ball and slid in to make a couple of great interceptions on the edge of his box. 3 G. Chiellini - Used his pace and strength to ensure that Kalinic did not have any opportunities to get in behind whatsoever. 16 J. Cuadrado - Equalised with a looping header against his former club, before picking out a neat assist for Dybala's late strike. 6 S. Khedira - The ex-Real Madrid midfielder performed in solid fashion, but offer a great deal offensive inspiration when getting forward. 8 C. Marchisio - Sat at the base of the midfield and ensured that the ball was circulated consistently and with quality. 10 P. Pogba - The France international was neat on the ball and could beat his opponents with consummate ease. Caused a lot of problems. 33 P. Evra - The Frenchman combined well with Pogba down the left and clipped some teasing deliveries into the box. 17 Mario Mandžukić - Thumped home a late goal to ensure that Juve went on their way to a win, and was very combative aerially. 21 P. Dybala - The Argentina international buzzed around the box dangerously and stroked home a late finish to put the game beyond doubt. Substitutes 27 S. Sturaro - Forced Tatarusanu into a couple of saves and was an aerial presence at corners. 12 Alex Sandro - Introduced on the left-hand side late on and looked to put some dangerous balls into the box. 9 Álvaro Morata - Introduced for the dying stages and asked to chase lost causes. Fiorentina 12 C. Tătăruşanu - The Romanian goalkeeper made a couple of good stops, but just couldn't cling onto the ball in the build-up to Mandzukic's late goal. 4 N. Tomović - Struggled to deal with the combination of Pogba and Evra whenever Bernardeschi wasn't able to offer adequate cover. 2 G. Rodríguez - Fairly strong in the air against Mandzukic and ensured that the Croatian striker didn't have things his own way throughout the game. 13 D. Astori - The ex-Roma defender put in some good challenges when coming across to aid teammates against Mandzukic. 10 F. Bernardeschi - Won La Viola an early spot kick, despite suspicions of a dive. Didn't manage to offer a great deal in the final third and let Evra run free. 5 M. Badelj - Wasn't afraid to shoot from range, but the Serbian didn't hit the target. Kept the ball quite well, but offered little creativity. 8 M. Vecino - Picked up a booking, which limited his impact on the game slightly. Comfortable on the ball, but didn't go anywhere fast. 28 Marcos Alonso - Struggled to deal with Cuadrado and made a number of cynical fouls as a result. 20 Borja Valero - Showed quick feet at times and could have had a claim for a spot kick from Evra. Did cause some problems while driving forward. 72 J. Iličić - Thumped home the opening goal from the penalty spot, but otherwise struggled to have an impact on proceedings. 9 N. Kalinić - Worked hard and chased lost causes, but the ex-Dnipro man had no chances and was bullied by Chiellini. Substitutes 23 M. Pasqual - Picked up a card for a cynical challenge. 14 M. Fernandez NA 22 G. Rossi NA http://www.goal.com/en-gb/tables/serie-a/13?ICID=SP_TN_127

JUVENTUS - FIORENTINA 3 - 1 Josip Iličič (3'-penalty) Juan Cuadrado (6') Mario Mandžukić (80') Paulo Dybala (91') MATCHDAY 16 Sunday, December 13th, 2015 - 8:45 PM Juventus Stadium, Turin Referee: Daniele Orsato Juventus come from behind to beat Fiorentina, win sixth straight http://www.espnfc.co.uk/italian-serie-a/match/432112/juventus-fiorentina/report? Dec 13, 2015 Reigning champions Juventus burst back into the Serie A title race with a come-from-behind 3-1 victory over fierce rivals Fiorentina. The Bianconeri fell from grace by opening their fourth Scudetto defence with back-to-back defeats, but they are now only six points behind leaders Inter Milan after winning six games in a row. Josip Ilicic's penalty was cancelled out by former Fiorentina winger Juan Cuadrado, on loan at the Juventus Stadium, with Mario Mandzukic and Paulo Dybala completing the turnaround in the second half. Massimiliano Allegri's Juve are now fourth ahead of next Sunday's trip to lowly Carpi, while second-placed Fiorentina, who next host Chievo, remain four points behind Inter. Fans on both sides did not have to wait long for drama to unfold in Turin as barely two minutes had passed when Fiorentina were awarded a spot-kick. Federico Bernardeschi skipped into the box only for Giorgio Chiellini to impede him, with referee Daniele Orsato promptly awarding a penalty. Gianluigi Buffon guessed right but Ilicic's finish was unstoppable. Celebrations in the away end were loud and unapologetic but died away suddenly in the sixth minute, when Juve levelled through a source familiar to Fiorentina supporters. Cuadrado, the man who scored 20 league goals for them before leaving for Chelsea in January, nodded Patrice Evra's pinpoint cross beyond Ciprian Tatarusanu to equalise emphatically. Dybala soon tried to cause chaos with a clever through-ball as Juve pushed for the lead, with Leonardo Bonucci trying his luck from distance just before the half-time whistle. The same player made a mistake that almost let Fiorentina in for a second goal when play resumed, but Nikola Kalinic was anticipated by Buffon before he could capitalise. Dybala just missed the target with a shot on the turn from another Evra cross and, in the 80th minute, Juve managed to turn the game on its head. Paul Pogba provided the defence-splitting pass forward that Dybala stabbed at an onrushing Tatarusanu -- all Mandzukic needed to do was sweep home the loose ball. Juve needed a third goal to rubber-stamp the result and they got it through new fan favourite Dybala, the former Palermo striker sweeping Cuadrado's pass under Tatarusanu deep into stoppage time. http://www.goal.com/en-gb/tables/serie-a/13?ICID=SP_TN_127

JUVENTUS - FIORENTINA 3 - 1 Josip Iličič (3'-penalty) Juan Cuadrado (6') Mario Mandžukić (80') Paulo Dybala (91') MATCHDAY 16 Sunday, December 13th, 2015 - 8:45 PM Juventus Stadium, Turin Referee: Daniele Orsato Juventus 3-1 Fiorentina: Bianconeri Grab Vital Win In Scudetto Race http://forzaitalianfootball.com/2015/12/juventus-3-1-fiorentina-bianconeri-grab-vital-win-in-scudetto-race/? Dec 13, 2015 Juventus came from behind to beat Fiorentina 3-1 at the Juventus Stadium on Sunday evening in Serie A, moving the Bianconeri up to fourth. Josip Ilicic got the game’s opening goal after just 120 seconds from the penalty spot only for Juan Cuadrado to score instantly in response to level the game. Mario Mandzukic applied the winning touch, smashing the ball into the roof of the net prior to a last minute goal from Paulo Dybala. The match burst into life after just two minutes when Federico Bernardeschi was brought down by Patrice Evra, leaving Ilicic to make no mistake to hand Fiorentina the lead. That lead only lasted until the fifth minute however, Cuadrado the man to grab the goal against his former club with a lobbed header that fell into the far corner over Ciprian Tatarusanu. Despite the frantic end-to-end start to the game, the next best chance did not arrive until mid-way through the half, Dybala striking a fierce shot from close range that was well blocked following some nice wing play from Paul Pogba. As the second-half got underway it was clear referee Daniele Orsato was not going to be lenient with any decisions, booking Pogba for what appeared to be a fair tackle in the centre-circle. The first chance came just before the hour mark, Dybala meeting a low cross first-time yet he steered the effort just wide of the near post. Juventus turned the match around with a massive goal from Mandzukic with just ten minutes remaining, jumping on a loose ball after Dybala’s effort was saved but the Argentinian also added himself onto the score-sheet in injury time to cap off a fine win. The result meant Juventus go into the final week of fixtures prior to the winter break without their unbeaten record having ended. http://www.goal.com/en-gb/tables/serie-a/13?ICID=SP_TN_127

JUVENTUS - FIORENTINA 3 - 1 Josip Iličič (3'-penalty) Juan Cuadrado (6') Mario Mandžukić (80') Paulo Dybala (91') MATCHDAY 16 Sunday, December 13th, 2015 - 8:45 PM Juventus Stadium, Turin Referee: Daniele Orsato Fiorentina fall to resurgent Juventus http://www.sportsmole.co.uk/football/juventus/result/result-fiorentina-fall-to-resurgent-juventus_262015.html Dec 13, 2015 Mario Mandzukic and Paulo Dybala scored late goals as Juventus beat Fiorentina 3-1 to record a sixth successive victory in Serie A. Fiorentina led through a third-minute Josip Ilicic penalty, but former Viola winger Juan Cuadrado quickly cancelled out the opener before Mandzukic and Dybala secured the win late on as Juventus continued their resurgence to move within six points of leaders Inter Milan. Juventus were furious when the referee pointed to the spot in just the second minute after Federico Bernardeschi had gone down under the slightest of touches from Giorgio Chiellini. The protests were ignored by the officials and Josip Ilicic capitalised to power home his penalty, despite seeing Gianluigi Buffon get his gloves to the ball. Fiorentina's lead lasted just three minutes as Patrice Evra used space on the wing to send a deep cross to Juan Cuadrado, who found the back of the net with a looping header against his former club. Massimiliano Allegri watched his side settle the better after such a frantic opening, but chances were rare before the break as the visitors looked to keep the likes of Paul Pogba and Paulo Dybala as quiet as possible. Dybala threatened to hand Juventus the lead on a fine solo run to the edge of the box, but he could only send a tame effort straight at Ciprian Tatarusanu. It was Juventus who asked more of the questions either side of the interval as Fiorentina dropped deeper to protect what would have been a good result, and despite the home side dominating possession, Paulo Sousa's men coped with ease for long spells. Mandzukic looked to be one of the candidates to be coming off as the hosts struggled to find a breakthrough, and the Croatian appeared to waste the best opportunity of the second half when he miscued his header wide from Dybala's free kick. Keeping the former Atletico Madrid strike on the pitch proved to be key as he fired a rebound into the roof of the net with 10 minutes of normal time remaining after Dybala's heavy touch at the end of a counter-attack allowed Tatarusanu to initially make the save. Tatarusanu came to the rescue moments later to keep his side in the game with a superb save from Stefano Sturaro's header. However, Fiorentina had tired quickly and were unable to stop Juventus from securing the points in stoppage time as Dybala capitalised on a loose ball to sprint into the box before slotting past Tatarusanu to close the gap on their title rivals. http://www.goal.com/en-gb/tables/serie-a/13?ICID=SP_TN_127

JUVENTUS - FIORENTINA 3 - 1 Josip Iličič (3'-penalty) Juan Cuadrado (6') Mario Mandžukić (80') Paulo Dybala (91') MATCHDAY 16 Sunday, December 13th, 2015 - 8:45 PM Juventus Stadium, Turin Referee: Daniele Orsato Comeback kings sink Fiorentina Mario Mandzukic, Juan Cuadrado and Paulo Dybala completed the Juventus comeback from an early Fiorentina penalty to go fourth. http://www.football-italia.net/SerieA/match/69973 Dec 13, 2015 It was a sixth consecutive Serie A victory, allowing the reigning champions to leapfrog Roma into fourth place, just six points behind leaders Inter. Cuadrado and Paulo Sousa faced their former clubs, but finally this bitter rivalry was also a crucial Scudetto showdown. Juve had Mario Mandzukic, Sami Khedira and Patrice Evra back, but Kwadwo Asamoah, Hernanes, Roberto Pereyra and Mario Lemina missed out. Jakub Blaszczykowski was injured for the visitors. Within 84 seconds Federico Bernardeschi had burst into the box and fell under a Giorgio Chiellini challenge. The referee at first gave nothing, then his assistant flagged for a penalty. Josip Ilicic stepped up and converted to give Fiorentina a shock early lead. They had barely finished celebrating when Juventus equalised, perhaps by accident, as Juan Cuadrado’s looping header flew into the far top corner when it seemed to be intended as an assist. The former Viola player did not celebrate against his old fans. Paulo Dybala blasted straight at Ciprian Tatarusanu and had another effort charged down in the area, while Fiorentina kept more of the ball in Turin. Leonardo Bonucci performed a decisive sliding tackle to stop Ilicic’s through ball sending Nikola Kalinic clear on goal straight after the restart. Dybala spun round to fire wide from close range, but just as Alvaro Morata was getting ready to replace Mandzukic, the Croatian scored. Mandzukic started the move in midfield and finished it, sliding on to the loose ball to turn under the bar after Tatarusanu had denied Dybala from point-blank range. Moments later Mandzukic had penalty appeals waved away for a coming together with Borja Valero and Tatarusanu palmed a Stefano Sturaro header round the base of the near post. In the final minute Davide Astori’s error closing down Cuadrado set up Dybala, who dribbled calmly past a series of obstacles to deposit into an empty net and complete the victory. Juventus: Buffon; Barzagli, Bonucci, Chiellini; Cuadrado, Khedira (Sturaro 61), Marchisio, Pogba, Evra (Alex Sandro 76); Mandzukic (Morata 85), Dybala Fiorentina: Tatarusanu; Tomovic, Gonzalo Rodriguez, Astori; Bernardeschi, Badelj, Vecino (Rossi 85), Alonso (Pasqual 85); Borja Valero, Ilicic (Mati Fernandez 85); Kalinic Ref: Orsato http://www.goal.com/en-gb/tables/serie-a/13?ICID=SP_TN_127

JUVENTUS - FIORENTINA 3 - 1 Josip Iličič (3'-penalty) Juan Cuadrado (6') Mario Mandžukić (80') Paulo Dybala (91') MATCHDAY 16 Sunday, December 13th, 2015 - 8:45 PM Juventus Stadium, Turin Referee: Daniele Orsato Juventus 3-1 Fiorentina: Mandzukic, Dybala strike late to grab victory Juve closed the gap to table-toppers Inter with a vital win at home to title-challengers Fiorentina with two late goals from attacking duo Mandzukic and Dybala. http://www.goal.com/en-gb/match/juventus-vs-fiorentina/2120529/report Dec 13, 2015 Resurgent Juventus climbed into Serie A's top four as Mario Mandzukic and Paulo Dybala both struck late to secure a 3-1 win over second-placed Fiorentina. The visitors were searching for their first league win in Turin since 2008 and made the ideal start when Josip Ilicic put them in front from the penalty spot after only three minutes. Juventus restored parity almost immediately, however, as Juan Cuadrado came back to haunt his former side with a fine headed finish. And, having created the better chances over the course of the 90 minutes, Massimiliano Allegri's men duly secured a deserved sixth successive league victory when Mandzukic rifled home from close range on 80 minutes and Dybala added a third in stoppage time. Victory for Fiorentina would have seen them close the gap on leaders Inter to just a point, but instead they slumped to what was their first defeat in seven games. The game could hardly have started more dramatically, with many home fans still filing into the stands when Fiorentina took the lead. Just three minutes had elapsed when Giorgio Chiellini was adjudged to have tripped Federico Bernardeschi in the box. The decision looked decidedly soft but the same could not be said of the resulting penalty, which was blasted home by Ilicic. The visitors, however, were to enjoy their advantage for only three minutes. Patrice Evra's deep cross from the left found Cuadrado unmarked and the on-loan Chelsea man bagged his second goal of the season with a looping header. Juventus really should have hit the front on 14 minutes when Mandzukic played Dybala in, but the in-form Argentinian fired straight at the advancing Ciprian Tatarusanu. The frenetic pace set in the opening exchanges barely dipped throughout the course of a pulsating first half, with both sides happy to flood men forward at every opportunity. The hosts went close again on 25 minutes as Dybala's goalbound shot was blocked by a cluster of defenders and, shortly before the break, Paul Pogba blazed over after more fine approach work from the impressive Evra. If the first half was breathless, the second was decidedly fractious, with both sides committing a string of niggly fouls in the early stages and Pogba and Borja Valero both picking up yellow cards. But it was Juventus who continued to look the more likely and they carved out another opportunity just short of the hour mark, with Dybala's left-foot strike flashing inches wide of Tatarusanu's right post. Mandzukic then failed to keep his header down after rising highest to meet a free-kick launched into the box by Dybala. The Croatian made amends moments later, however, claiming his fouth goal in six games by gleefully firing into the roof of the net after Tatarusanu had parried Dybala's original effort into his path. And Fiorentina's tiring defence was undone again at the death as Dybala calmly beat two men before slotting home his ninth goal of the season. http://www.goal.com/en-gb/tables/serie-a/13?ICID=SP_TN_127

Non basta giocare bene, nel calcio contano il coraggio, la grinta, la determinazione e la Juve ha tutte queste qualitá in abbondanza.

JUVENTUS - FIORENTINA - MATCHDAY 16 Sunday, December 13th, 2015 - 8:45 PM Juventus Stadium, Turin Referee: Daniele Orsato HT 1-1: Cuadrado wipes out Ilicic penalty http://www.football-italia.net/77074/marotta-dybala-and-morata-stay? Dec 13, 2015 Juan Cuadrado wiped out an early Josip Ilicic penalty, as Juventus and Fiorentina are 1-1 after a frenetic first half. Juan Cuadrado and Paulo Sousa faced their former clubs, but finally this bitter rivalry was also a crucial Scudetto showdown. Juve were seeking a sixth straight Serie A win and had Mario Mandzukic, Sami Khedira and Patrice Evra back, but Kwadwo Asamoah, Hernanes, Roberto Pereyra and Mario Lemina missed out. Jakub Blaszczykowski was injured for the visitors. Within 84 seconds Federico Bernardeschi had burst into the box and fell under a Giorgio Chiellini challenge. The referee at first gave nothing, then his assistant flagged for a penalty. Josip Ilicic stepped up and converted to give Fiorentina a shock early lead. They had barely finished celebrating when Juventus equalised, perhaps by accident, as Juan Cuadrado’s looping header flew into the far top corner when it seemed to be intended as an assist. The former Viola player did not celebrate against his old fans. Paulo Dybala blasted straight at Ciprian Tatarusanu and had another effort charged down in the area, while Fiorentina kept more of the ball in Turin. Juventus 1-1 Fiorentina (Half-Time) Scorers: Ilicic pen 3 (F), Cuadrado 6 (J) Juventus: Buffon; Barzagli, Bonucci, Chiellini; Cuadrado, Khedira, Marchisio, Pogba, Evra; Mandzukic, Dybala Fiorentina: Tatarusanu; Tomovic, Gonzalo Rodriguez, Astori; Bernardeschi, Badelj, Vecino, Alonso; Borja Valero, Ilicic; Kalinic Ref: Orsato http://www.goal.com/en-gb/tables/serie-a/13?ICID=SP_TN_127

PAULO DYBALA 3-1

Stasera ha davanti una squadra "piú" magnifica.

Orsato ha lasciato i viola in vita .... in teoria.

MARIO MANDZUKIC 2-1

JUVENTUS - FIORENTINA - MATCHDAY 16 Sunday, December 13th, 2015 - 8:45 PM Juventus Stadium, Turin Referee: Daniele Orsato Marotta: 'Dybala and Morata stay' http://www.football-italia.net/77074/marotta-dybala-and-morata-stay? Dec 13, 2015 Juventus director Beppe Marotta assured they have no intention of selling Paulo Dybala or Alvaro Morata. There were reports this week that Barcelona had approached Juve and Dybala’s brother with the idea of a transfer next summer. “He is a player who is improving and still hasn’t expressed his full potential, because he is so young,” Marotta told Mediaset Premium. “Week by week he is showing what he can do, but we have no intention of selling him this year or any other year. We invested a lot of money in him and he represents the foundation to build on in future.” Morata extended his contract with Juventus until June 2020, but Real Madrid still have a buy-back clause. “It won’t make any difference, it’s just that if he remains with us then it’s only right to invest in a player who has plenty of quality. “We will enter negotiations with Real Madrid as soon as possible to resolve this situation and can make it transparent. “We hope to remove this clause. Real Madrid are well aware that he is a player who was promising and is now to all intents and purposes a star.” http://www.goal.com/en-gb/tables/serie-a/13?ICID=SP_TN_127

JUVENTUS - FIORENTINA - MATCHDAY 16 Sunday, December 13th, 2015 - 8:45 PM Juventus Stadium, Turin Referee: Daniele Orsato Rogg: 'Bernardeschi stays with Viola' http://www.football-italia.net/77069/rogg-bernardeschi-stays-viola? Dec 13, 2015 Fiorentina director Andrea Rogg confirmed Federico Bernardeschi extended his contract and “can’t wait” to face Juventus. “Are Juventus interested in Bernardeschi? He has extended his contract with us, we are holding on tight and he has shouted from the rooftops how much he wants to stay,” Rogg told Mediaset Premium. “Fiorentina have ambition and the desire to do well. We are facing the champions of Italy and the vice-champions of Europe. We can’t wait to get on the field and show what we can do. “I have been astounded by Paulo Sousa’s determination and his ability to get the message across with either reproaches or cuddles. He doses the two out perfectly. “He knows that football is not just limited to what happens on the pitch, but also to experiences that allowed him to become a great man-manager. “He is helping the team to grow and really helping every player mature.” http://www.goal.com/en-gb/tables/serie-a/13?ICID=SP_TN_127

JUVENTUS - FIORENTINA - MATCHDAY 16 Sunday, December 13th, 2015 - 8:45 PM Juventus Stadium, Turin Referee: Daniele Orsato Chiellini: 'A lot at stake for Juve' http://www.football-italia.net/77068/chiellini-lot-stake-juve? Dec 13, 2015 Giorgio Chiellini admits Juventus have a lot to lose and gain in tonight’s clash with Fiorentina. “As with every head-to-head, there are pluses and minuses. We have the chance to close up on the leading pack and is therefore a very important test. “We can also maintain momentum and get a sixth consecutive victory,” the defender told Sky Sport Italia. “On the other hand, we are facing an extremely strong team that has perhaps played the best football in Italy so far this season with an excellent Coach and talented players.” Juve had a disastrous start to the season, yet with a win tonight would leapfrog Roma in the table. What was the turning point? “There was a moment when we all looked at each other and decided to truly all move in the same direction.” http://www.goal.com/en-gb/tables/serie-a/13?ICID=SP_TN_127

JUVENTUS - FIORENTINA - MATCHDAY 16 Sunday, December 13th, 2015 - 8:45 PM Juventus Stadium, Turin Referee: Daniele Orsato Mario Mandzukic, Sami Khedira return for Juventus http://www.sportsmole.co.uk/football/juventus/team-news/team-news-mandzukic-khedira-return-for-juventus_261976.html? Dec 13, 2015 Mario Mandzukic and Sami Khedira have returned to the Juventus side for the Serie A clash with Fiorentina. Massimiliano Allegri is boosted by the availability of the pair as the hosts go in search of a sixth successive league victory. Alvaro Morata drops to the bench as Mandzukic partners Paulo Dybala in attack, while Khedira earns a start in midfield for the champions. Patrice Evra also comes into the side in a wing-back role as Alex Sandro is forced to settle for a place among the substitutes. Fiorentina are still without Jakub Blaszczykowski due to a hamstring injury, but Federico Bernardeschi earns a start for the visitors out wide. Nikola Kalinic once again leads the line for Fiorentina with support from Josip Ilicic. Juventus: Buffon; Barzagli, Bonucci, Chiellini; Cuadrado, Khedira, Marchisio, Pogba, Evra; Mandzukic, Dybala Subs: Neto, Rubinho, Lichtsteiner, Caceres, Rugani, Alex Sandro, Padoin, Sturaro, Vitale, Zaza, Morata Fiorentina: Tatarusanu; Tomovic, Gonzalo Rodriguez, Astori; Bernardeschi, Badelj, Vecino, Alonso; Borja Valero, Ilicic; Kalinic Subs: Sepe, Lezzerini, Babacar, Gilberto, Pasqual, Rebic, Verdú, Rossi, Roncaglia, Fernandez, Suarez http://www.goal.com/en-gb/tables/serie-a/13?ICID=SP_TN_127

JUVENTUS - FIORENTINA - MATCHDAY 16 Sunday, December 13th, 2015 - 8:45 PM Juventus Stadium, Turin Referee: Daniele Orsato Line-ups: Juventus-Fiorentina http://www.football-italia.net/77065/line-ups-juventus-fiorentina? Dec 13, 2015 Juventus and Fiorentina come face to face in a bitter rivalry that has Scudetto showdown written all over it too. The Bianconeri have won five on the trot in Serie A and are bursting back into the title race after a dismal start to the season. The Viola are sitting pretty in second and have the longest unbeaten streak in the League, six rounds. Mario Mandzukic and Sami Khedira return to the starting XI, but Kwadwo Asamoah, Hernanes, Roberto Pereyra and Mario Lemina miss out. Alvaro Morata returns to the bench, as Mandzukic partners on-form Paulo Dybala. Patrice Evra is also back, resting Alex Sandro, with Juan Guillermo Cuadrado facing his former club. Fiorentina are without Jakub Blaszczykowski, but have Federico Bernardeschi in a dangerous wide right role. Borja Valero and Josip Ilicic provide the service for centre-forward Nikola Kalinic. Juventus: Buffon; Barzagli, Bonucci, Chiellini; Cuadrado, Khedira, Marchisio, Pogba, Evra; Mandzukic, Dybala Juventus bench: Neto, Rubinho, Lichtsteiner, Caceres, Rugani, Alex Sandro, Padoin, Sturaro, Vitale, Zaza, Morata Fiorentina: Tatarusanu; Tomovic, Gonzalo Rodriguez, Astori; Bernardeschi, Badelj, Vecino, Alonso; Borja Valero, Ilicic; Kalinic Fiorentina bench: Sepe, Lezzerini, Babacar, Gilberto, Pasqual, Rebic, Verdú, Rossi, Roncaglia, Fernandez, Suarez http://www.goal.com/en-gb/tables/serie-a/13?ICID=SP_TN_127

JUVENTUS - FIORENTINA - MATCHDAY 16 Sunday, December 13th, 2015 - 8:45 PM Juventus Stadium, Turin Referee: Daniele Orsato Sousa laments timing of Juventus clash Juve are on a roll after struggling to find their best form early on, and the Viola coach admits that they are a different prospect from the start of the season. http://www.goal.com/en/news/723/serie-a/2015/12/12/18275602/sousa-laments-timing-of-juve-match?ICID=TP_HN_HP_RI_0_2 Dec 13, 2015 Paulo Sousa concedes he would have preferred for Fiorentina to face Juventus during their early struggles in Serie A. Juve began their Scudetto defence with just three wins from the opening 10 fixtures, but a run of five straight victories has propelled them up to fifth position and back into the title hunt. And Sousa feels his side now face a sterner challenge against Massimiliano Allegri's team than they would have earlier in the campaign, while admitting Europa League participation has hampered Fiorentina's preparation. "Juventus are chasing the pack, but the confidence of four years of success allowed them to stay calm," Sousa, whose men beat Belenenses 1-0 on Thursday, said. "Unfortunately for us, Juventus are on fine form now. We hoped to face them earlier. "It will be a very difficult game, because this Juve is in great shape and found their best system. They defend very well and everyone is involved in protecting the back three, then counter-attacking. "They have quality individuals, so we have to play at a very high level to contain them and, at times, dominate so we can win. "Unfortunately we had two fewer days to prepare for this game and tactically that can mean a lot, but on the bright side we have a five-point advantage over Juventus, so that makes me happy." The 45-year-old considers fourth-placed Roma to be strong contenders for the title, but is attempting to instill a new competitive mentality within his team. "Roma, in my view, are the most balanced team," Sousa added. "Since Juve found their balance again they are the strongest defensively, the most mature and know how to read the various moments of the game. "Fiorentina will be increasingly courageous and ambitious. All my decisions so far in Florence have been aimed at replacing fear and concern with courage and ambition, to play for the victory from start to finish." http://www.goal.com/en-gb/tables/serie-a/13?ICID=SP_TN_127

JUVENTUS - FIORENTINA - MATCHDAY 16 Sunday, December 13th, 2015 - 8:45 PM Juventus Stadium, Turin Referee: Daniele Orsato Low expectations have helped Fiorentina - Allegri The Italian champions are five points behind the Viola after improving in recent weeks, and their coach believes the lack of pressure has aided their rivals. http://www.goal.com/en/news/723/serie-a/2015/12/12/18275202/low-expectations-have-aided-viola?ICID=TP_HN_HP_RI_1_2 Dec 13, 2015 Juventus boss Massimiliano Allegri feels Fiorentina's lofty position in Serie A can, in part, be attributed to low expectations at the Stadio Artemio Franchi. Scudetto holders Juve have recovered from a poor start to win their last five league games and climb to fifth, but remain five points behind the second-placed Viola. Fiorentina have defied pre-season predictions to mount a serious title challenge - they are just a point behind leaders Inter - and Allegri believes the relatively low forecasts have aided Paulo Sousa's men. He told a media conference: "Nobody expected the Viola to be where they are, but they're fully worthy of their current position. "Fiorentina is an important game for us. They play good football and are doing very well at the moment. "They have performed well at home and away this season and possess plenty of skilful players. They can also play without the pressure of title expectations. It will be a tough one." Allegri hinted he would be surprised if Fiorentina were still challenging come May, however, adding: "We'll have a much clearer picture of the Scudetto contenders in March. "Our aim is to be right among them and a positive result on Sunday would get us ahead of the game in terms of climbing the table." Allegri, who confirmed Sami Khedira, Mario Mandzukic, Patrice Evra, Simone Padoin and Simone Zaza are fit and available for the clash at Juventus Stadium, also defended Alvaro Morata despite a record of three goals in 19 games in all competitions for the Bianconeri this season. "Alvaro has come in for too much criticism," he said. "He always scores in the Champions League and performed well in [midweek] in Seville." Juve host city rivals Torino in the Coppa Italia on Wednesday, but Allegri is adamant his focus is trained solely on Sunday's league game. He added: "The derby? No, we're just thinking about tonight's game as it stands." http://www.goal.com/en-gb/tables/serie-a/13?ICID=SP_TN_127

Barcelona meet for Dybala? http://www.football-italia.net/77046/barcelona-meet-dybala? Dec 13, 2015 Tuttosport claims Barcelona met with Juventus to discuss a possible bid for Paulo Dybala. The Argentine only joined Juve from Palermo over the summer for €27m after they won a bidding war with Milan and Roma. After Dybala’s brother confessed there was interest from Barcelona, now Turin-based newspaper Tuttosport insists the situation is progressing. The report maintains Barcelona transfer guru Ariedo Braida met with Juventus director Beppe Marotta this week to ask for more information. Spanish media claim 22-year-old Dybala is open to a transfer to Barcelona. He has scored seven goals in 14 Serie A appearances this season, also providing four assists.