Socrates

SEVILLA - JUVENTUS - Matchday 6 Tuesday, December 8th, 2015 - 08:45 P.M. Estadio Ramón Sánchez Pizjuán, Sevilla Referee:‬ Szymon Marciniak (Poland) ‘Juventus like Barça, Madrid’ http://www.football-italia.net/76790/%E2%80%98juventus-bar%C3%A7a-madrid%E2%80%99 Dec 7, 2015 Sevilla Coach Unai Emery believes Juventus are “of the same calibre as Barcelona and Real Madrid”. Los Rojiblancos welcome Massimiliano Allegri’s side to Sanchez Pizjuan tomorrow, with the the Bianconeri looking to top the group and the Spanish side hunting a Europa League place. “The team we’re facing tomorrow is of the same calibre as Barcelona and Real Madrid,” Emery warned in his pre-match Press conference, though Sevilla have beaten both this season. “We’ll work in the same way we’ve done against those teams. “I’ve analysed the Italian League in depth, from the analysis that we did, Juventus have an expert defence. They’re solid, they have quality and characteristics that are rare in the world, not just in Italy. “Juventus have three incredible central-defenders, [Andrea] Barzagli, [Leonardo] Bonucci and [Giorgio] Chiellini. “Game after game they show how amazing they are, playing with a back-three or even when they play with just two of them in a 4-4-2, they have great qualities which are hard to find.” Sevilla must beat the Old Lady tomorrow, and hope that Manchester City also beat Borussia Monchengladbach. “It’s not in our hands, all we can do is play a great game, prepare very well to face a strong opponent but have faith in ourselves. “If we win tomorrow then we’ll look at the match in Manchester. City have to win to reach important goals [topping the group], and Borussia are in great form. “All these ingredients insure it’ll be a great game, but for us the only goal is to win tomorrow.” http://www.goal.com/en/tables/uefa-champions-league/10

SEVILLA - JUVENTUS - Matchday 6 Tuesday, December 8th, 2015 - 08:45 P.M. Estadio Ramón Sánchez Pizjuán, Sevilla Referee:‬ Szymon Marciniak (Poland) Emery: ‘Europa League important’ http://www.football-italia.net/76789/emery-%E2%80%98europa-league-important%E2%80%99 Dec 7, 2015 Sevilla Coach Unai Emery warns Juventus that his side will be going all-out for Europa League qualification. The Spanish side cannot reach the Last 16 of the Champions League, with the Bianconeri and Manchester City already through. However, a win over the Old Lady coupled with City beating Borussia Monchengladbach would see Sevilla into the Europa League, a competition they have won four times in 10 seasons. “The goal was to play in the Champions League will Sevilla, and when you get there expectations rise,” Emery noted in his pre-match Press conference. “This has been a challenge for us, a challenge we weren’t up to. It’s been a disappointment. Now our next to challenge is to qualify for the Champions League again. “We want to enjoy the match tomorrow, facing a top team like Juventus and we want to be able to beat them and gain access to the Europa League which is another very important competition which has given us a lot in the past. “We have that opportunity tomorrow.” Emery’s side are currently 10th in La Liga, as well as failing to qualify from their Champions League group, what has gone wrong? “There are players who are growing with the squad on a personal level. It’s a process which can take some time, we know it’s difficult. “The various circumstances which arise day-by-day have unfortunately meant that the team failed to meet expectations. “We were among the favourites in the Champions League, but so were Juventus and Manchester [City]. “Ourselves and Borussia are still playing to get into the Europa League, which is still very important. “We’ve played below what is expected and required of us. We’re gaining strength as we grow though, and we’re just missing a final step to get into the European positions which is one of Sevilla’s objectives. “I’m optimisitic. I’m not asking for time, but it has to be acknowledged that we’ve had injuries, which has affected Sevilla’s performances. “Tomorrow will be a great opportunity to show that our team is moving forward, growing in a manner consistent with our philosophy. “We’re facing an opponent who are definitely favourites, but that’s what gives us more motivation.” http://www.goal.com/en/tables/uefa-champions-league/10

SEVILLA - JUVENTUS - Matchday 6 Tuesday, December 8th, 2015 - 08:45 P.M. Estadio Ramón Sánchez Pizjuán, Sevilla Referee:‬ Szymon Marciniak (Poland) Llorente: ‘Morata will be back’ http://www.football-italia.net/76788/llorente-%E2%80%98morata-will-be-back%E2%80%99 Dec 7, 2015 Fernando Llorente backs his former Juventus teammate Alvaro Morata to recapture his form and place in the side. The big striker was displaced in the Bianconeri first XI by Morata last season, and left in the summer to join Sevilla. His former teammate is now behind Mario Mandzukic and Paulo Dybala in the pecking order, but ahead of the Old Lady’s visit to Seville tomorrow, Llorente backs his compatriot to bounce back. “I think Alvaro is a great player,” the Spanish international explained in the pre-match Press conference. “Certainly he’s not going through a good period at the moment because he’d like to play more. “He has very high quality though, he just has to be positive, work every day in training and I’m sure if he’s given the opportunity he’ll respond.” Llorente is familiar with the Juve backline after his two seasons in Turin, is that the Bianconeri’s biggest strength? “Yes, I think that’s always been Juventus’ most important quality. They’ve always been very strong in that department and it won’t be easy. “We too have our quality on the pitch though, and tomorrow we’ll try to hurt that defence.” Following a slow start to his Sevilla career, the 30-year-old has two goals and two assists in his last six matches, is he starting to hit form? “I think with my characteristics there’s always a bit of hard work to be done at the start,” Llorente explained. “It takes a little time to be in top condition, but now I’m looking for a nice period of form and I feel better every day. “My strength is definitely on crosses, when the team plays well and gets a lot of crosses that’s best for me. “I really want to play and help Sevilla, to score many goals and be important for the team. “I’m taking it little by little, I struggled at first and now I’m trying to get back to the levels of previous years. “Tomorrow’s game is important, we’re playing for a place in the Europa League and the first thing we have to do is win. “Things aren’t in our hands, but City can give us a big chance, they’re fighting for top spot in the group and could give us a positive result [against Borussia Monchengladbach].” http://www.goal.com/en/tables/uefa-champions-league/10

SEVILLA - JUVENTUS - Matchday 6 Tuesday, December 8th, 2015 - 08:45 P.M. Estadio Ramón Sánchez Pizjuán, Sevilla Referee:‬ Szymon Marciniak (Poland) Llorente: ‘Wonderful years at Juventus’ http://www.football-italia.net/76787/llorente-%E2%80%98wonderful-years-juventus%E2%80%99 Dec 7, 2015 Sevilla striker Fernando Llorente describes his two years at Juventus as “wonderful” ahead of a reunion tomorrow. The Andalusian side welcome the Bianconeri tomorrow, with the hosts looking to secure a place in the Europa League and Max Allegri’s side looking to top the group. “Tomorrow’s game will be very special for two reasons,” Llorente told reporters in the pre-match Press conference. “Firstly because we have so much to play for, we still have the chance to go into the Europa League and we want to be there, we want to take this opportunity. “The second reason is that we’re playing against Juventus, which is my former team, just three months ago I was there with my teammates, and I had two wonderful years there, where I experienced many things. "I miss Turin, because it's a special city, very beautiful, where I had two wonderful years, as I've said. Also, to play for Juve was incredible, they're one of the biggest teams in Europe. “It was wonderful. So for those reasons it will be very important." http://www.goal.com/en/tables/uefa-champions-league/10

Capello: ‘Inter favourites, Milan unsure’ http://www.football-italia.net/76776/capello-%E2%80%98inter-favourites-milan-unsure%E2%80%99 Dec 7, 2015 Inter are Scudetto favourites ‘thanks to Roberto Mancini’ and Milan ‘don’t have much quality’ says Fabio Capello. The Coach recently terminated his contract with Russia and discussed the season so far as speculation links him to the Roma job. “The level of the championship? It has improved in general, with teams that have strengthened,” he told Radio Anch’io lo Sport. “Inter are in the lead and I consider them favourites thanks to Mancini. “Milan? They’re an unsure team and are trying to find their way but still haven’t managed to. They don’t have a lot of quality and at times lacks personality during matches. “Napoli are a great club, but I would be careful about Fiorentina, who I like and who have some real talents. “However, the recent Juventus will make others scared and they must pay attention to the Bianconeri. “The seesaw at the summit? It’s because they’re not used to being on top, which makes opponents give 110 per cent of their possibilities and you can never give less than 95 per cent. “Mancini’s Inter like my Milan? He found two very valuable centre-backs, but compared to my Milan they create less chances. “They are more aggressive. You can go far for the Scudetto by having defensive solidity. “Are Italian Coaches better than foreign Coaches? We try to impose our philosophy both on and off the pitch, something that foreign coaches don’t do.” http://www.goal.com/en-gb/tables/serie-a/13?ICID=SP_TN_127

Juventus start to close the gap The Old Lady gained more ground on the title contenders, while Napoli drop points in a shock defeat writes Richard Hall. http://www.football-italia.net/76786/juventus-start-close-gap? Dec 7, 2015 The Stadio Olimpico hosted Juventus on Friday night as they came in search of their fifth straight win. Lazio Coach Stefano Pioli was reported to be in fear of losing his job due to a poor run of form and problems worsened when an own goal from Santiago Gentiletti, saw the hosts go a goal down after only seven minutes. The team from the capital did rally but all thoughts of a revival were dashed when Dybala flicked the ball up and volleyed it past Federico Marchetti from fully 25 yards. The win sees the Bianconeri move up to fifth, only six points adrift of first-placed Inter. Knowing that Juventus had already claimed victory put Roberto Mancini’s men under more pressure for their clash with Genoa at San Siro on Saturday night. The Nerazzurri were intent on bouncing back after their defeat to Napoli in the previous round and this showed as they started the game at a furious pace. Despite having chances they took none of them and it was not until the 59th minute that a sweeping free kick from Adem Ljajic beat Mattia Perin who was expecting someone to get a connection on the ball in the box. The pressure was now transferred to Napoli who were in confident mood heading to Bologna to face Roberto Donadoni’s side. What happened next was almost unbelievable as the Neapolitans’ strong defence was breached three times in 60 minutes thanks mostly to Mattia Destro. Gonzalo Higuain also grabbed a brace near the end but it was too little too late for the Partenopei, and they will certainly rue their missed opportunity. Fiorentina thrashed Udinese at Stadio Artemio Franchi giving them hope of securing their first Serie A title since 1969. The 3-0 scoreline allowed Paolo Sousa’s men to climb to second in the table only one point off Inter in first. Roma are another team that had title ambitions seemingly have gone in to free fall. A draw at Bologna and a defeat against Atalanta was topped off with a dramatic draw against Torino on Saturday night. Despite Rudi Garcia’s side managing to take the lead late on, they could not hold it. A penalty given away in the 94th minute saw Maxi Lopez convert and heap more misery on the Giallorossi. The game in Bergamo pitched an Atalanta team playing with fight, against a Palermo team that seems to have lost all sense of who they are. This was translated in the 3-0 victory for the home side, Marten De Roon completed the scoring only moments after his team had gone down to ten men. Atalanta are now up to seventh and looking like a side to be reckoned with. Sassuolo are one place ahead of the team from Bergamo on sixth and have also been one the seasons surprise packages so far this term. Eusebio di Francesco’s side destroyed Sampdoria by 1-3, pouring more misery on Vincezo Montella. He has now lost his first three games in charge of the Blucerchiati and it is the teams fourth on the bounce. Montella’s men sit in 14th place only two points from the relegation zone. Finally Milan were held to a draw by minnows Carpi, who in fairness could have stolen all three points. It certainly was a night for goalkeepers as the Rossoneri’s 16-year-old Gianluigi Donnarumma made seven saves and Vid Belec in the Carpi goal was also in fine form. Gigi Del Neri’s Serie A debut on the Verona bench was a miserable one, as Empoli’s Andrea Costa scored the only goal of the game in the second half. This leaves Hellas in a terrible position as they sit rooted to the bottom of the Serie A table with only six points. Empoli however, have climbed to a very respectable 10th. The other team from Verona are picking up some healthy results this year and they did so again against Frosinone. Chievo did not make an easy job of it as they went down to ten men before scoring two late goals on the 89th and 92nd minute. This result sees them climb to 11th place, Frosinone sit in 18th place and are one point away from safety. http://www.goal.com/en-gb/tables/serie-a/13?ICID=SP_TN_127

SEVILLA - JUVENTUS - Matchday 6 Tuesday, December 8th, 2015 - 08:45 P.M. Estadio Ramón Sánchez Pizjuán, Sevilla Referee:‬ Szymon Marciniak (Poland) Sevilla vs. Juventus: Team News, Predicted Lineups http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2596238-sevilla-vs-juventus-team-news-predicted-lineups-live-stream-tv-info? Dec 7, 2015 Having already secured their place in the next round, Juventus complete their Champions League group-stage participation with a trip to Spain. A rejuvenated Sevilla will provide the opposition, seeking a Europa League berth with a positive display against the Bianconeri on Tuesday evening. When these sides met in Turin back in September, Sevilla were labouring towards the bottom of La Liga and were comfortably despatched 2-0 at Juventus Stadium. Now undefeated in their last four domestic outings—a run that includes a win over Real Madrid—Los Rojiblancos have climbed up to 10th place and are feeling confident once again. "I see the team working well," coach Unai Emery told a press conference last week, per Football Espana, and the Italian champions will have to be at their best if they are to leave the Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan Stadium with three points. However, there is no escaping the fact Juventus have also vastly improved, winning their last four Serie A matches and enjoying a victory over Manchester City in their last European outing. That result means coach Massimiliano Allegri's men can clinch first place with at least a draw against Sevilla, something his players seem determined to ensure. "It's important for everybody to finish top of the group," Mario Mandzukic said following his winning goal against the English club, per the official UEFA website. That would enable them to avoid the other seeded sides in the draw for the last 16, something that could prove vital if the Bianconeri hope to repeat last year's success in this competition. Probable Formations Sevilla: (4-2-3-1): Sergio Rico; Coke, Adil Rami, Timothee Kolodziejczak, Benoit Tremoulinas; Steven N'Zonzi, Grzegorz Krychowiak; Jose Antonio Reyes, Vicente Iborra, Yevhen Konoplyanka; Kevin Gameiro Unavailable: Marco Andreolli, Beto, Daniel Carrico, Gael Kakuta (all injured) Juventus (4-3-3): Gigi Buffon; Andrea Barzagli, Leonardo Bonucci, Giorgio Chiellini, Patrice Evra; Stefano Sturaro, Claudio Marchisio, Paul Pogba; Juan Cuadrado, Mario Mandzukic, Paulo Dybala Unavailable: Hernanes, Sami Khedira, Martin Caceres, Roberto Pereyra (all injured) Key Battle Fernando Llorente has made just four league starts for Sevilla, operating mostly as a substitute since leaving Juventus back in the summer. Yet he has continued to be an influential figure, weighing in with three goals and three assists for his latest club. The 30-year-old will hope to see some action against the Turin giants, having not featured against them in the previous meeting. His combative style and aggressive on-field approach are a handful for any defence, yet his former team-mates should be better equipped than most to handle him. OptaJose ✔ @OptaJose 4 - Fernando Llorente has been involved in more goals than any other substitute in La Liga this season (three goals, one assist). Revolution Indeed, the prospect of a direct head-to-head battle between Llorente and Giorgio Chiellini would be a hugely entertaining one. The Italian international has averaged two tackles, 3.6 interceptions and 4.4 clearances in this season's Champions League, according to WhoScored.com, and will need to be at his best here. Player to Watch While Juve will need to be wary of the threat posed by Llorente, Sevilla will likely have Paulo Dybala monitored closely throughout. The Bianconeri have come to rely on the Argentinian heavily, and he will certainly need help here from the club's other attacking players. In the Champions League, Allegri has often preferred to start Mandzukic, and that decision has repeatedly paid dividends for the coach. The former Bayern Munich and Atletico Madrid star has netted six goals in all competitions, and his partner up front believes their partnership is beginning to blossom into a fruitful one. "We're getting to understand each other better with every match, and I'm starting to learn where he wants the ball and when," Dybala told Sky Italia, per Juve's official website. "Mario's physical attributes are crucial, he occupies defenders and drags them out of position for me to attack the spaces that are left behind." Mandzukic's ability to continually deliver on the European stage makes him a key figure, and his potential impact on this game makes him the player to watch. Odds (via Odds Shark) Away win: 147-100 Home win: 171-100 Draw: 251-100 http://www.goal.com/en/tables/uefa-champions-league/10

SEVILLA - JUVENTUS - Matchday 6 Tuesday, December 8th, 2015 - 08:45 P.M. Estadio Ramón Sánchez Pizjuán, Sevilla Referee:‬ Szymon Marciniak (Poland) Bonucci: Juventus can go far in Champions League The Italian defender hopes the Serie A champions can repeat last year's feats in the European competition and reach the final. http://www.goal.com/en/news/1716/champions-league/2015/12/07/18082112/-? Dec 7, 2015 Leonardo Bonucci believes Juventus have what it takes to make an impact on the latter stages of the Champions League, even if he feels they are not at the same level as Bayern Munich, Real Madrid and Barcelona. The Serie A champions made it to the final of the competition last season, where Barca eventually proved too strong, winning 3-1 in Berlin. Juve have already booked their ticket for the knockout stages and will clinch top spot in Group D if they get at least a draw against Sevilla on Tuesday, and Bonucci is hoping they are building towards another impressive European campaign. "We have to go to Sevilla and focus on our own result. Finishing top of the standings could give us a favourable draw in the first knockout round and for that reason we have to come back with a positive result on Tuesday night," Bonucci told the official Juventus website. "In Europe, we're perhaps not quite at the level of Barcelona, Bayern Munich and Real Madrid but, with a touch of luck, our usual discipline and a few moments of magic from our younger players, we can make our mark on the Champions League again this season." Juve will be hoping Paulo Dybala can lead the way against Sevilla following his fine performances in recent weeks, with many comparing the young Argentine to compatriot Carlos Tevez, who left the Turin giants to re-join Boca Juniors in the close-season. "They are very different players when you look at them. Carlos was the focal point of our team, while Paulo is only 22 years of age," Bonucci said. "But he has immense quality and he'll only continue to blossom if he's given the space to grow. "I have no doubt that he will be a key part of this Juventus side for a long time to come." http://www.goal.com/en/tables/uefa-champions-league/10

SIVIGLIA - JUVENTUS - Giornata 6 Martedí, 8 dicembre, 2015 - ore 20:45 Estadio Ramón Sánchez Pizjuán, Siviglia Arbitro:‬ Szymon Marciniak (Polonia) Confronti ufficiali 1 - 1 (Champions League) Vittorie Juventus 1 - 1 (Champions League) Pareggi 0 Vittorie Siviglia 0 Goals Juventus 2 - 2 (Champions League) Goals Siviglia 0 Siviglia - Juventus - Champions League a Siviglia Confronti ufficiali 0 Vittorie Juventus 0 Pareggi 0 Vittorie Siviglia 0 Goals Juventus 0 Goals Siviglia 0 Giocatori con più presenze e goals contro il Siviglia 1 presenza Alex Sandro Lobo Silva 1 Barzagli Andrea 1 Bonucci Leonardo 1 Buffon Gianluigi 1 Chiellini Giorgio 1 Cuadrado Juan Guillermo 1 Dybala Paulo Bruno Exequiel 1 Evra Patrice 1 Hernanes Anderson 1 Khedira Sami 1 goal Morata Alvaro 1 Zaza Simone Ultimi confronti diretti 30.09.2015 - Champions League - Juventus-Siviglia 2-0 Giocate 1 - Vittorie Juventus 1 - Pareggi 0 - Vittorie Siviglia 0 - Goals Juventus 2 - Goals Siviglia 0 da juworld.net http://www.goal.com/it/tables/champions-league/10

SEVILLA - JUVENTUS - Matchday 6 Tuesday, December 8th, 2015 - 08:45 P.M. Estadio Ramón Sánchez Pizjuán, Sevilla Referee:‬ Szymon Marciniak (Poland) Sevilla vs Juventus Preview: Allegri sets sights on top spot The Bianconeri, who have won five games on the bounce in Serie A, only need a point to ensure that they finish above Manchester City in Group D. http://www.goal.com/en-gb/match/sevilla-vs-juventus/2146816/preview Dec 6, 2015 Ahead of their Champions League clash with Sevilla, Juventus coach Massimiliano Allegri has urged his side to keep building momentum following a testing start to the season. Last season's finalists, already assured of a place in the Champions League last 16, recorded their fifth successive victory in all competitions as they beat Lazio 2-0 on Friday to move up to fifth place in Serie A. Sevilla, meanwhile, are already out of the competition, and sit bottom of Group D having lost their last four Champions League games – the worst European sequence in their history. However, Unai Emery's side have started to find some form domestically, winning five of their last six home games in all competitions, including victories against Real Madrid and Barcelona. And Allegri is under no illusions that Tuesday's trip to the Estadio Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan will be an easy one – insisting that Juventus are determined to get the point needed to seal top spot in the group, with Manchester City sitting just two points behind them in second going into the final round of fixtures. "We're coming off a positive period of form, but we have to keep the enthusiasm and momentum going," he said, while also commending the breadth of attacking options he currently has at his disposal. "Mario Mandzukic and Paulo Dybala did well [against Lazio], but Juan Cuadrado and Alvaro Morata also made an immediate impact coming off the bench. "Dybala scored a great goal and is improving in that role, proving all his quality. Mandzukic did a lot of the dirty work and contributed to both goals. "We'll need everyone this season and it pains me to make certain decisions, but I am only allowed to start 11 players. Every player must stay focused on being at their best for the next game." Sevilla are playing for more than just their pride, though, with a place in the Europa League – which they have won in the last two seasons – still up for grabs if they can snatch a victory and Borussia Monchengladbach fail to beat City in the group's other fixture. One player in particular looking to make an impact will be Fernando Llorente, who moved from Juventus to Sevilla in the last transfer window. The former Athletic Bilbao striker has netted three goals for Sevilla in La Liga, but is yet to open his Champions League account. Another key player for the hosts could be midfielder Ever Banega, who is set to make his return to the first team following a calf injury. Sevilla will definitely be shorn of Marco Andreolli (ankle) and Beto (knee), along with Daniel Carrico and Gael Kakuta (both hamstring). Hernanes will miss out for the visitors as he serves the second game of a two-match suspension, with Roberto Pereyra and Sami Khedira (both thigh) also absent. LAST FIVE MATCHES SEVILLA D W W L L 05/12/2015 - Deportivo La Coruña 1 - 1 Sevilla 02/12/2015 - Logroñés 0 - 3 Sevilla 29/11/2015 - Sevilla 1 - 0 Valencia 25/11/2015 - Borussia Mönchengladbach 4 - 2 Sevilla 21/11/2015 - Real Sociedad 2 - 0 Sevilla JUVENTUS W W W W W 04/12/2015 - Lazio 0 - 2 Juventus 29/11/2015 - Palermo 0 - 3 Juventus 25/11/2015 - Juventus 1 - 0 Manchester City 21/11/2015 - Juventus 1 - 0 AC Milan 08/11/2015 - Empoli 1 - 3 Juventus HEAD TO HEAD 30/09/2015 - Juventus 2 - 0 Sevilla 24/07/2009 - Sevilla 1 - 2 Juventus http://www.goal.com/en/tables/uefa-champions-league/10

LAZIO - JUVENTUS 0 - 2 Santiago Gentiletti (own goal - 7') Paulo Dybala (32') MATCHDAY 15 Friday, December 4th, 2015 - 8:45 PM Olimpico Stadium, Rome Referee: Luca Banti Bonucci: 'Juve turning point' http://www.football-italia.net/76763/bonucci-juve-turning-point? Dec 6, 2015 Leonardo Bonucci reveals the “turning point” that allowed Juventus to rediscover their form. The Bianconeri have won their last five Serie A games in a row and qualified for the Champions League Last 16. “We looked each other in the eyes and realised this could not be the real Juventus,” the defender told Sky Sport Italia and Mediaset Premium. “That moment helped us to really form as a group compared to how we started the season and it showed the younger players that we had no time to lose. “We brought out the pride within us and winning the Turin Derby at the last second shook us up. That was the turning point and reminded us that every game must be played to the last second. “It was an important sign and the start of a journey that has taken us back up the table, but we mustn’t let off the pressure now, otherwise it’d all be pointless.” Juve were leaking goals at the start of the season, but the return to three at the back helped shore things up. “The credit for the defensive solidity is down to the Coach and the whole team that works to protect us,” insisted Bonucci. “This system does give us more confidence and that solidity allows the forwards to express themselves better. We are doing well, but must keep our feet on the ground and take it one game at a time.” Inter are the new Serie A leaders, as Napoli lost 3-2 at Bologna and dropped to third behind Fiorentina. “It’s not easy for Napoli to play every three days and situations like this can happen. Inter are impressive for their solidity and when you win so many games 1-0 it means they are battlers. They can have their say in the long run.” http://www.goal.com/en-gb/tables/serie-a/13?ICID=SP_TN_127

Juve's Paul Pogba pressing his claim as the best box-to-box midfielder around http://www.espnfc.co.uk/italian-serie-a/12/blog/post/2738479/paul-pogba-makes-his-case-for-being-the-best-midfielder? Dec 6, 2015 Massimiliano Allegri made no secret of his desire to recruit a new No. 10 for Juventus this summer. The shirt had been vacated by Carlos Tevez, but the manager's request to the club board had more to do with the departure of Arturo Vidal. It was the Chilean who performed the duties that we most often associate with a No. 10, acting as the link between midfield and attack in Allegri's 4-3-1-2. Julian Draxler and Henrikh Mkhitaryan were each sought, but the former chose Wolfsburg and the latter stayed at Borussia Dortmund. As Juventus ran out of time and options, another alternative was put forward. Paul Pogba had requested the No. 10 shirt, so why not try him in that role? On the surface, he might have seemed a natural fit. Pogba already scored more goals than the average midfielder, with 15 in his previous two Serie A campaigns. And he had provided ample evidence of his ability to unpick a defence, from the devious side-of-the-heel pass to wrong-foot Genoa's defenders last March to the swivel-and-chip to release Tevez at San Siro six months later. Allegri experimented with the idea in preseason, deploying Pogba at No. 10 for a friendly against Lechia Gdansk. Juventus won 2-1, and the player told reporters afterward that he had "found himself comfortable behind the two strikers." And yet when pressed on whether this might be a role that he wanted to make his own in future, he replied that "I just like to play." It was an exchange that hinted at something fundamental in Pogba's character: an underlying unselfishness, a willingness to put himself at the service of the team. As pleasing as such traits might be to a manager, there was a question here as to whether such a gifted player should really be adapting himself to fit a particular scheme, rather than the other way around. "Paul is different to all the others I have had as clients," said Pogba's agent, Mino Raiola. "He would never allow himself to tell his manager 'play me here' or 'put me there.' He needs to get better at that. At a certain point, a great player needs to start saying what they want to do." Allegri, by contrast, has never been shy of his convictions. He quickly concluded he did not like Pogba behind the attack and drew him back into midfield, abandoning the use of a No. 10 altogether and reverting to the 3-5-2 he had inherited when he first took the Juventus job after Antonio Conte. For the first few games of the new Serie A season, Pogba struggled badly. It was mooted that the burden of leading the midfield was too great for him now that both Vidal and Andrea Pirlo had departed. More than that, though, he looked like a player who did not understand his role in the team. In the absence of a No. 10, was Pogba still supposed to carry the ball forward from midfield or did Allegri intend him to be a deep-lying playmaker? A study of the heat maps from these games show he was roaming all over the pitch. Watching Juventus live, it was apparent that he was failing to impose himself anywhere. After Pogba was left out of the starting XI for the 1-1 draw with Chievo in September, Alessandro Del Piero posited that the No. 10 shirt was resting heavy on the Frenchman's shoulders. "The choice of number has not helped him," he said. "It weighed on me the first few years." That theory gained credence after Pogba was seen to have scrawled a "+5" on his shirt during a game against Atalanta. It was initially reported as a tribute to Pele, who had celebrated his 75th birthday in the same week (from a certain angle, the '+' sign did look more like a '7'), but such interpretations were undermined as Pogba persisted in marking his shirt the same way for several more games thereafter. giornalaccio rosa dello Sport asserted that Pogba's real intention had been to change his shirt back to the No. 6 he had worn throughout his career, since 1 + 0 + 5 = 6. He had been seeing Alberto Ferrarini, a mental coach who previously worked with Juventus defender Leonardo Bonucci. It was said that Ferrarini had devised this ruse to help Pogba get back to his old self. That remains a matter of speculation. Asked about the meaning of the scrawl by Juventus's in-house TV channel, Pogba himself replied: "It's only a +5, nothing more." What we do know is that Pogba's form has improved dramatically since that slow start. And a more tangible explanation lies with Juventus's shift toward using a 4-3-3 formation, alternated with the old 4-3-1-2, a system made viable again by Hernanes's signing on the final day of the transfer window. In either set-up, Pogba's role is clearly defined. Playing on the left of the midfield trio, he serves as what is known in Italy as a "mezz'ala" -- literally, a "half-wing". His task is no longer to roam all over the pitch but instead work in tandem with the full-back to dominate his flank, dropping back when required and marauding forward when the opportunity presents. It is a position that makes the most of his talents. The truth is that Pogba has never been a No. 10 any more than he is a "regista" to place in front of the defence, even if he does possess the technique and athleticism to adapt himself to either role. At his core, he is a box-to-box midfielder, a "trascinatore" as Lilian Thuram recently defined him: someone who can drag his whole team up and down the pitch. There might not be another player in the world right now who does it better. Another former Juventus player, Patrick Vieira, was once considered the model for all box-to-box midfielders to follow but even he believes that he has now been surpassed. "Physically, we have the same game in terms of style and position," said Vieira this summer. "But [Pogba] is much more gifted on the ball than I was and he will also score a lot more goals than me." Still working for Manchester City at the time, Vieira was not the only person at the club to hold Pogba in high regard. The Premier League side made enquiries as to the player's availability, only to discover that he was no more eager to move than Juventus were to sell. When the two teams were later drawn together in the Champions League group stage, City manager Manuel Pellegrini insisted he already owned a superior box-to-box player of his own. "I don't think it's fair to compare a young player who is just starting with Yaya Touré who has had a brilliant career. ... [Pogba] can improve, he has many margins and areas for improvement." That may be so, but over the course of their two matches it was Touré who would not be flattered by the comparison. Pogba played a decisive role in both, setting up Mario Mandzukic's equaliser in a 2-1 win at the Etihad before feeding teammate Alex Sandro on what became an assist to the Croatian striker for the winning goal in the return match. These moments were hardly the sum of his contribution, either. Pogba had been at the heart of the action throughout in Manchester, whether that meant stealing the ball away from Samir Nasri on the edge of his own area or having a goal disallowed at the far end. Likewise, his performance in Turin was packed with little moments of genius, such as a backheeled through-ball to Paulo Dybala who regrettably had strayed offside. If we were to be critical, we might say Pogba has not delivered to this same standard in every game. But since the formation switch, his performances have been positive more often than not. How many players in a squad of Juventus' standard could lead their team in both shots and successful dribbles per game, and yet still have matches (such as the recent derby against Torino) in which they win possession back from the opposition more than any other teammate as well? The emergence of Sandro, explosive and attack-minded enough to get forward from left-back in a way that Patrice Evra cannot at this point in his career, promises even better things ahead for the Bianconeri. If Allegri can persuade Pogba to trade a few more of those shots he is taking into lay-offs for his new teammate, they will not be easy to contain. France, too, will watch with great interest ahead of Euro 2016. Didier Deschamps has run into some of the same challenges as Allegri in working out how to get the best from the player, but professed recently to "know full well that [Pogba] is not a No.10." If nothing else, the France manager seems to be on the right track. And so is Pogba as he presses his claim to being the best box-to-box midfielder on the planet.

LAZIO - JUVENTUS 0 - 2 Santiago Gentiletti (own goal - 7') Paulo Dybala (32') MATCHDAY 15 Friday, December 4th, 2015 - 8:45 PM Olimpico Stadium, Rome Referee: Luca Banti LAZIO 0-2 JUVENTUS SERIE A PLAYER RATINGS Mario Mandzukic and Paulo Dybala ran the attack as Juve scored twice against Lazio despite only having one shot on target. http://www.juvefc.com/lazio-0-2-juventus-serie-a-player-ratings/? Dec 6, 2015 Gigi Buffon 7.0 - Evergreen and majestic. Santo Buffon had a quiet night. Came for crosses with authority, handled the two shots which went straight at him with ease and tried to play the ball out short from the back whenever possible. Untested Andrea Barzagli 7.0 - His covering and positioning is a joy to behold. When fit and sharp, as he is close to now, Barzagli is one of the finest centre-backs in the world. Made light work of all challenges, offered no space to his opponents. Seemingly quiet, but everywhere he needed to be Leonardo Bonucci 7.0 - Hardly noticed throughout. Solid in the air, robust in the challenge, kept things simple and flowing. Giorgio Chiellini 8.0 - Ubiquitous in defence. King Giorgio is hitting his stride. Indomitable in the air. Harried and chopped and scythed with perfection. Definitely stepped up a gear in recent weeks and has taken over from Bonucci as the CB able to carry the ball out of defence as high as progress allows. Fought until the final whistle and when Lazio created their best chance of the game, late on, it was the bandaged warrior who did enough to worry Klose into scuffing his shot. Stephan Lichtsteiner 7.0 - Never troubled, firm in the challenge and tried to support the front men when circumstances allowed. Due to the width of Lazio he was unable to regularly make up numbers in the final third but went about his business deeper with confidence and composure. Stefano Sturaro 7.0 - A quiet game by the youngster’s recent standards, yet he hustled and bustled, avoided putting a foot out of place and contributed well enough to keeping the ball moving and protected the defence. Always eager to receive and either drive forward or release the ball. His development is coming along very nicely indeed. A respectable showing. Claudio Marchisio 6.5 - Still far from top form. Il Principino is one of those players who takes a while to regain full match sharpness after a lengthy injury lay-off. Hardly showed in the final third, other than with a great effort from range in the dying minutes. Other than which, positioned himself in an anchor man role, shielding the defence, adding guile and pressure to the stalwart rearguard routine. Fitness is improving and the sharpness will come, but presently he is far removed from the Pirlo regista impersonator we saw last term. This may well be directed from Allegri, or it could simply be a case of a constantly changing midfield around him and Claudio sticking to the task first and foremost of anchoring the team. Solid hatchet man work. Kwadwo Asamoah 7.0 - His first start for many moons with his inclusion in the starting XI more forced by the absence of Pogba and Khedira than ideal. Regardless, it is a major bonus for the side to have him back in the ranks, and he will improve in potency as he picks up more minutes. Deployed in his more natural CM role, the Ghanian proved solid in both halves of the field, appeared naturally comfortable with Sandro and earns the applause of the coach and myself for plugging the Pogba hole with strength and impressive drive. Alex Sandro 8.0 - Dynamic on the flank and his talent on the ball allows him to transition from defence to attack in the blink of an eye. Played some beautiful, quick one touch passing with Dybala and Asamoah , distribution from the wing was consistently top drawer and looked assured throughout. Great pace, wonderful potential. The 24 year old Brazilian is beginning to look like a wonderful signing by Beppe. Mario Mandzukic 7.5 - Whilst the absence of Morata from the starting XI alongside recent comments of the coach regarding the Spaniard’s form may well be bothering both fans and the player, on Mario’s showing last night, I can have no complaints. For the giant Croat is clearly moving up the gears. His pace, determination, closing down and link up play was dripping with class. Every part of his game is improving and still there is clearly more to come. If a striker is nowhere near any goalscoring chances, we can but hope that he works damn hard all over the field. And on this score, our towering prima punta was quality. Gave the opponents not a second rest, brilliantly assisted in defensive scenarios making great use of his ability in the air and is proving Allegri right with his selection over Morata. Paulo Dybala 8.0 - 7 goals and 3 assists from 10 starts in Serie A is a fine return for a 22 year old signed for huge sacks of gold in the Summer. His confidence is growing as he becomes more comfortable in the role playing in between the front and midfield lines. His turn of pace is good, yet I suspect can be further improved and his touch is phenomenal. Always eager to play one touch football, composed when adding a carefully applied dose of flair to escape from tight positions and more clinical in and around the box game by game. Still needs to work on his shooting, but he forced the first by finding the perfect position for a rebound and the manner in which he conjured and executed the second strike was nothing short of world class. It must be noted that Allegri is morphing Dybala into a role reminiscent of Tevez, which is markedly different from where he found such success last season at Palermo. Rather than finding himself on the end of attacking moves, he is using his speed, control and quality on the ball to roam often deep, intercept, receive the ball and get the team moving up field with lightning speed. At his age there is huge depth for improvement, and whilst I was initially concerned that the weight of the transfer fee and move to a big club might sit heavy on his young shoulders, Paulo is demonstrating incredible professionalism and maturity, working hard and reaping the rewards. The kid is probably destined for greatness. Substitutes Patrice Evra N/A Juan Cuadrado N/A Alvaro Morata N/A http://www.goal.com/en-gb/tables/serie-a/13?ICID=SP_TN_127

LAZIO - JUVENTUS 0 - 2 Santiago Gentiletti (own goal - 7') Paulo Dybala (32') MATCHDAY 15 Friday, December 4th, 2015 - 8:45 PM Olimpico Stadium, Rome Referee: Luca Banti LAZIO 0-2 JUVENTUS SERIE A MATCH REPORT Paulo Dybala scored a contendor for goal of the season as Juve beat Lazio 2-0 to continue their climb of the Serie A table. http://www.juvefc.com/lazio-0-2-juventus-serie-a-match-report/? Dec 6, 2015 Confidence is flowing through the ranks ever more vigorously with each victory. Our last five fixtures have seen us win five, concede once, score ten. It comes as no surprise that this upturn in form comes with key players returning from injury but also the re-emergence of the tried and tested 3-5-2. The defence has regained its resolute tightness. We are conceding barely any clear cut chances to opponents with Chellini, Barzagli and Lichsteiner concreting the defensive blockade. Sandro is offering a potent threat going forward when deployed and I add my voice to the chorus demanding that he start more games in place of the dependable, but less useful in the final third Evra. Bonucci can still improve, and will do in time, or perhaps Rugani will find himself given a chance. Still, with clean sheets suddenly becoming the norm, I highly doubt Allegri will make any changes to the stunningly sturdy BBC routine. We are finally beginning to look like a team. And there are many positives to outweigh the only negative, though the latter must be mentioned. Other than the goals, one of which was fortunate, the other a moment of sublime genius, we created next to nothing. Dybala roaming often quite deep to find the ball led to a body removed from the the final third, which wasn’t covered by the midfield. Mainly it was Sandro pushing up to make up numbers and offer support. This will be cured with Pogba back in the side and also with the return of Khedira, for the German presence will allow Marchisio more opportunity to bomb forward. Still, it must be mentioned that we were lacking creativity in the final third. The positives are plentiful… Dybala, Mandzukic, Sandro, Barzagli, Chiellini and Lichsteiner are all hitting decent form. The others are regaining fitness and finesse. We are winning games, deservedly, and affording our opponents barely any clear cut chances. Harrying the opposition in numbers, winning most of the 50/50 balls and dominating in the air. Locking down the defence whilst developing play up the field with intelligence and flair. The grinta is rising from the ashes of last year’s side. And whilst we remain, if those above fare well over the weekend, still outside the bothersome clique of front runners, in our favour is that we are recovering Asamoah, and also have Khedira and Pereyra to bring back into the fray in the near future. Allegri deserves credit for both weathering the storm and bringing through the newcomers at a steady pace, despite the horrid spate of injuries we have suffered earlier this season. Also, his decision to apply Dybala in a new role for the player is beginning to pay dividends. Its remarkable, but a sign of the fickle nature of especially the younger supporters, that only a matter of weeks back, many were calling for Allegri to be replaced. You don’t win the double domestically and reach the champions league final by luck alone… This team has the potential to be much better than we have yet seen. For despite the victories, of late, we are winning without truly dominating any way other than defensively. There is more to come. And if we can avoid any further injuries to key players, continue to climb up from hanging on to the coat tails of those above us, I am beginning to smile and ponder…that we really could have a serious chance of challenging for the title. Lazio are in a bad way. As can be said of Palermo who we crunched last weekend, yet we can only beat what is put in front of us. Winning breeds a winning mentality. Which is especially important when forced to deploy younger players absent of the experience of the stalwarts. I can see our winning mentality growing. The players are no longer turning out with tentative mind-set; they are now expecting to win. Which translates to the performances as well as to the opponents erosion of confidence. The next two games will offer far tougher tests of our credentials, both in Europe and at home. Seville are out of the reckoning for progression from the group stage of the champions league, but remain stern opposition. A draw will keep us in first place in the group thus avoiding the likes of Real Madrid, Barca and Munich in the knockout phase. And then…a huge match at home against Fiorentina. Emerge from those matches with a draw (or better) in Spain and a victory against Sousa’s Florence side and our shared dreams of a return to greatness will be drawn much closer to reality. Its encouraging to see the birth pains of a new side drifting away into the horizon of the past and definite signs of a new beast emerging in the present. Statistics Man of the Match: Paulo Dybala Flop of the Match: N/A Corners: 1 Pass Accuracy: 71% Shots on Target: 1 Total Shots: 7 Ball Possession: 71% Formation: 3-5-2 Lineups: Lazio: Marchetti; Basta, Mauricio, Gentiletti, Radu; Biglia, Parolo; Candreva (Felipe Anderson 46), Milinkovic-Savic (Matri 69), Kishna (Keita 46); Klose Juventus: Buffon; Barzagli, Bonucci, Chiellini; Lichtsteiner, Sturaro, Marchisio, Asamoah (Evra 69), Alex Sandro; Mandzukic (Morata 82), Dybala (Cuadrado 80) Ref: Banti Poll: Who was your man of the match against Lazio ? Dybala 83% Mandzukic 8% Asamoah 4% Chiellini 4% Buffon 0% Barzagli 0% Bonucci 0% Lichtsteiner 0% Sturaro 0% Marchisio 0% Sandro 0% Votes 24 http://www.goal.com/en-gb/tables/serie-a/13?ICID=SP_TN_127

LAZIO - JUVENTUS 0 - 2 Santiago Gentiletti (own goal - 7') Paulo Dybala (32') MATCHDAY 15 Friday, December 4th, 2015 - 8:45 PM Olimpico Stadium, Rome Referee: Luca Banti Juventus Striker Paulo Dybala Scores Amazing Volley Against Lazio After a rather quiet start to the season, Paulo Dybala has been absolutely menacing for the opposition defenders in Italy. http://www.thehardtackle.com/2015/video-juventus-striker-paulo-dybala-scores-amazing-volley-against-lazio/? Dec 5, 2015 The Argentine striker showed his quality once again in a crunch Serie A fixture away at Lazio, on Friday. After an early seventh minute own goal by Lazio defender Santiago Gentiletti put Juventus ahead, Lazio piled on the pressure, hogging the possession of the ball. However, Dybala showed exactly why Juventus paid Palermo €32 million for him, asthe 22-year-old scored what has to be one of the goals of the season. After receiving a square pass from fellow striker Mario Mandzukic around 25 yards out of goal, Dybala flicked the ball up with his right foot, controlled it with his left hnee, and fired in a lightning-fast volley into Federico Marchetti’s goal, to double Juventus’ lead. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J32f18U2Ogg http://www.goal.com/en-gb/tables/serie-a/13?ICID=SP_TN_127

LAZIO - JUVENTUS 0 - 2 Santiago Gentiletti (own goal - 7') Paulo Dybala (32') MATCHDAY 15 Friday, December 4th, 2015 - 8:45 PM Olimpico Stadium, Rome Referee: Luca Banti Chiellini Praises Team-Mates After Lazio Victory http://forzaitalianfootball.com/2015/12/juventus-defender-praises-team-mates-after-lazio-victory/? Dec 5, 2015 Juventus defender Giorgio Chiellini was jubilant after his team defeated Lazio 2-0 away at the Stadio Olimpico on Friday night. An own goal from Santiago Gentiletti and a fabulous volley from Paulo Dybala in the first half gave the Bianconeri victory and the Turin-based giants have now won their last five matches in all competitions. Chiellini posted a photo on his Twitter account featuring him celebrating the triumph with some of his team-mates such as Leonardo Bonucci, Mario Mandzukic and Claudio Marchisio. In the caption, Chiellini tweeted: “Another victory from a great squad. Let’s go forward like this!” Giorgio Chiellini ✔ @chiellini Altra vittoria da grande squadra!!! Avanti così!!!! Juventus share fourth place with Roma on the Serie A table with 27 points after 15 matches. The Giallorossi will face the Bianconeri’s local rivals Torino on Saturday evening. http://www.goal.com/en-gb/tables/serie-a/13?ICID=SP_TN_127

LAZIO - JUVENTUS 0 - 2 Santiago Gentiletti (own goal - 7') Paulo Dybala (32') MATCHDAY 15 Friday, December 4th, 2015 - 8:45 PM Olimpico Stadium, Rome Referee: Luca Banti Juventus' Reliance on Paulo Dybala Once Again Evident in Serie A Win over Lazio http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2595989-juventus-reliance-on-paulo-dybala-once-again-evident-in-serie-a-win-over-lazio? Dec 5, 2015 Friday night saw Juventus travel to Rome for their latest Serie A outing, the defending champions taking on Lazio at the Stadio Olimpico. They added to their recent run of good results, notching a comfortable 2-0 victory over the Biancocelesti, who never posed any real threat. This latest loss—Lazio's sixth match without a win—is likely to see coach Stefano Pioli's job come under intense scrutiny but also highlighted a continuing issue for the visitors despite the easy nature with which they despatched the capital club. Once again, the Turin giants found themselves relying on Paulo Dybala's attacking prowess to secure all three points. The Argentinian striker made his first telling contribution after just seven minutes. A strong run from Alex Sandro down the left saw the ball eventually land at his feet, which he crashed toward goal. Santiago Gentiletti attempted to block the effort but only succeeded in turning it past his goalkeeper, Federico Marchetti. With a lead established, Juventus took full control of the match, enjoying 60.3 per cent of possession, according to WhoScored.com. Shortly after the half-hour mark, they would make that dominance tell, with Dybala once again proving to be the difference between the two sides. Initially miscontrolling a pass from Mario Mandzukic, the 22-year-old took an extra touch with his knee and then unleashed a dipping volley into the bottom corner. Marchetti was helpless to prevent the ball finding the back of the net, with his team-mates never looking like finding a way back into the match during a dull second half. The goal took Dybala’s tally for the season to eight in all competitions and capped a superb all-round performance from the former Palermo man. Indeed, as the graphic in the tweet below shows, two of his four shots resulted in goals while 21 of his 28 pass attempts found their intended target. Attempting to take on a Lazio defender on eight separate times and was successful in six of them, also recovering the ball on no fewer than ten occasions. Adam Digby @Adz77 Paulo Dybala vs Lazio: 4 shots, 1 goal, 21/28 passes, 6/8 take-ons, TEN ball recoveries (via @StatsZone) Constantly involved in the action, Dybala discussed his role in the side with Sky Italia shortly after the final whistle, revealing how coach Massimiliano Allegri had changed how and where he plays compared to last season. "When I arrived I thought I would be playing as a centre-forward like I had done at Palermo,” the player said (via Juve’s official website).” The boss asked me instead to operate a little deeper and get involved in the play as much as possible.” He certainly did just that but was forced to do so with very little help in attack as Mario Mandzukic rarely posed a threat to Lazio’s underperforming defence. Once again preferred to Alvaro Morata as Dybala’s strike partner, the Croatian forward remarkably failed to take a single shot at goal during his 81 minutes on the field. The statistics will credit him with an assist, but his involvement in that strike was extremely minimal and was one of just 27 pass attempts from Mandzukic, according to WhoScored.com’s figures. Completing just 14 of those (51.9 per cent), per the same source, only Gigi Buffon (12) connected with a team-mate on fewer occasions. If Juventus are to return to title contention—and indeed progress deep into the Champions League—they undoubtedly need more from somebody other than Dybala. The onus is on Allegri to find a combination that works, with Mandzukic, Morata and even Simone Zaza available to him for that role. The Bianconeri have invested heavily in that trio and just one of them finding form could prove to be the difference as Juventus chase more glory before the end of the 2015/16 campaign. http://www.goal.com/en-gb/tables/serie-a/13?ICID=SP_TN_127

Marotta on Allegri and Morata http://www.football-italia.net/76531/marotta-‘rugani-will-get-his-chance’? Dec 4, 2015 Juventus director Beppe Marotta shrugged off rumours around Alvaro Morata and Max Allegri going into the Lazio game. “We know the dynamics of football and some alternation of results can happen, the important thing is to end very well,” Marotta told Mediaset Premium. Lazio have complained about refereeing errors after two Miroslav Klose goals were disallowed in the 1-0 defeat to Empoli. “Referees? I have faith in the officials and believe at the end of the year errors balance out for everyone. At the end of the season, the team that deserves it is on top of the table. “So far this term we’ve been penalised by the many injuries that forced the Coach to not always use the best line-up. “We are happy with what we did over the summer and I don’t think there will be any big opportunities to pounce on in January. There are opportunities, but not something we could call a lifesaver.” Marotta was asked about suggestions Morata will go back to Real Madrid after he was benched for the fourth game in a row. “I think the evaluation has to be made over several years. He is young and last season did very well. It’s natural to have peaks and troughs at his age and it’s the responsibility of the Coach to deal with him in the best way. “He is an important player, someone whose promise turned to reality, but we have many excellent players in attack and Allegri decides who to play.” Speaking of the Coach, there were also rumours Manchester United were interested in taking on Allegri for next season. “These are reports, but he has a contract with us.”

LAZIO - JUVENTUS 0 - 2 Santiago Gentiletti (own goal - 7') Paulo Dybala (32') MATCHDAY 15 Friday, December 4th, 2015 - 8:45 PM Olimpico Stadium, Rome Referee: Luca Banti This is Chiellini's Juve Paulo Dybala was decisive as Juventus downed Lazio 2-0, but Luca Cetta also saw plenty of promise in Giorgio Chiellini’s dominant display. http://www.football-italia.net/76685/chiellinis-juve? Dec 5, 2015 Travelling to Rome on the back of four successive Serie A victories, Juventus were coming to a pivotal moment in their season. A triumph in the Capital against a desperate Lazio would not only put pressure on those above, it would add to the growing notion that the Bianconeri are serious Scudetto contenders. All this after a poor start to the season left Juve languishing in the bottom half by the end of October. Massimiliano Allegri’s team did claim three points and in some comfort too. A toothless Biancocelesti gave Gianluigi Buffon little cause for concern throughout the 90 minutes and Juventus hardly moved out of second gear. It was enough for Corriere dello Sport to consider this Old Lady outfit one worthy of the Scudetto, as they continue their climb up the table. Paulo Dybala took the plaudits, contributing heavily to Santiago Gentiletti’s early own goal, before firing a stunning second just past the half hour mark. The young gun has been dazzling of late and it is reflected in his output: three goals in five matches. His numbers compare favourably to those of departed favourite Carlos Tevez, such is his rich vein of form. Tevez scored seven goals in all competition by this stage of his debut season, the same as Dybala. The 22-year-old has done it with fewer minutes under his belt – 1135 to 945. But Dybala knows he has a long way to go to emulate Apache. While La Joya added to his burgeoning reputation, an old warhorse was recovering his. Giorgio Chiellini put in a dominant defensive display, constantly thwarting Lazio’s increasingly fruitless attacking endeavours. Doing so with a bandaged forehead only served to rekindle memories of great Chiellini performances of the past. He led the way for Juventus in interceptions and clearances – five and seven respectively – and only Mario Mandzukic bettered his three tackles. That dominance is exactly what Juventus wanted to see after shaky performances this term from their rugged vice-captain. Chiellini had looked out of sorts and contributed crucial errors, notably against Sassuolo and Borussia Mönchengladbach. In the former he was sent off as Juve were defeated – their last setback to date – while in Germany his sliced clearance led to the Turin club falling behind. Chiellini’s return to form has coincided with the Bianconeri rediscovering their defensive steel. Allegri’s side recorded a solitary clean sheet in the opening seven Serie A matches. They’ve conceded just four goals in the eight matches since, including a run of three consecutive clean sheets. And in each they looked assured. But as Buffon reminded, the work of those further afield is also telling. “The credit for the defensive solidity is down to the forwards too, as they work their socks off when tracking back and that is an important sign for the rest of the team.” Mandzukic was particularly impressive in this department at the Stadio Olimpico. It’s a Juventus side which is playing more like its assured self. The doubts of the opening few weeks are being quelled. The boss admitted Lazio had his side under early pressure, but with Chiellini, plus fellow defensive marshals Leonardo Bonucci and Andrea Barzagli, they never looked like conceding. And there’s always the option for Allegri to switch between a three and four man defence, where he knows the team won’t lose anything in terms of defensive endeavour and ability. Such is their understanding. Allegri is asking his team to “grit our teeth and keep going” until the Christmas break. It’s a difficult upcoming week, with the Champions League encounter at Sevilla set to determine top spot in Group D. Days later is the visit of Fiorentina, a huge match in the context of the Serie A season, then the Turin Derby in the Coppa Italia. Chiellini personifies what the Coach is seeking. http://www.goal.com/en-gb/tables/serie-a/13?ICID=SP_TN_127

LAZIO - JUVENTUS 0 - 2 Santiago Gentiletti (own goal - 7') Paulo Dybala (32') MATCHDAY 15 Friday, December 4th, 2015 - 8:45 PM Olimpico Stadium, Rome Referee: Luca Banti Juventus vs. Lazio 2015: Final score 2-0, Paulo Dybala's magic leads the Bianconeri to a convincing win Juventus recorded their fifth victory in a row in Serie A, thanks to a remarkable performance from 'La Joya' and a solid defensive effort. http://www.blackwhitereadallover.com/2015/12/5/9852672/lazio-juventus-2015-serie-a-round-15-final-score-recap-result Dec 5, 2015 Under the Friday night lights, the red-hot Bianconeri visited a slumping Lazio — who, prior to this game, had lost four of their last five league matches. Juventus arrived at Stadio Olimpico with a depleted midfield; the big mystery for them was who would join Claudio Marchisio and Stefano Sturaro in the middle of the pitch. Some reports suggested that Alex Sandro would perform as an emergency midfielder, but Max Allegri preferred to use Kwadwo Asamoah, who recovered from his injuries just in time. Juventus started the game with their — lately preferred — 3-5-2 formation, once again using the Paulo Dybala-Mario Mandzukic duo. Lazio manager Stefano Pioli opted for a crowded midfield, employing a 4-5-1 formation with the veteran Miroslav Klose as his only striker. The match began with the Biancocelesti looking to pressure Juventus early and often. They crafted their first warning at 5th minute when Antonio Candreva delivered a low shot from distance that went wide of Gianluigi Buffon's right post. It was a decent start for the hosts. But, nevertheless, their luck soon changed. At the 7th minute, Alex Sandro sent a wicked cross from the right flank, and Lazio defender Mauricio cut the service, but his defective clearance was recovered by Paulo Dybala, who performed a powerful shot that ricocheted in Santiago Gentiletti and went into Federico Marchetti's net. Juventus gained an early lead that became decisive in the match. Lazio was again haunted by the desperation from previous matches and their recent lack of success against the Bianconeri. They tried to respond but found the Juventus' BBC at its finest. Then came one of the highlights of the season: In the 32nd minute, Mandzukic passed the ball to Dybala just outside Lazio's penalty box, 'La Joya' juggled the ball after a his initial touch and fired a terrific left-footed shot into the bottom right corner that left Marchetti without a chance. Paulo's magic was too much for the Eagles, who found themselves down 2-0 at halftime. The second half of the game could be easily described as a defensive clinic by Juventus. Pioli tried to unleash his armory bringing in Balde Diao Keita and Felipe Anderson, yet they couldn't find an answer to the Bianconeri's puzzle. Five minutes after halftime Stefan Radu fell on the edge of Juventus' box when he was disputing a ball with Andrea Barzagli. The home crowd screamed for a penalty kick, but the referee didn't appreciate a foul on the play. At the 71st minute Marco Parolo tested Buffon with a long-range free kick, but his effort died in the sticky gloves of the Juventus captain. Three minutes later, Keita shot on target again, however, Gigi was well positioned and controlled the ball easily. After that Juventus quietly eclipsed Lazio, the Roman side had 63 percent of possession of the ball during thematch, but they were never in control. Juventus continued with their comeback in Serie A and right now they're only four points behind Serie A leader Napoli. LE PAGELLE Buffon 6.5 He reached 400 appearances in Serie A as a Juventino and conquered another clean sheet. Good times for Gigi. Barzagli 6.5 The Great Wall of Barza seems to be ageless. Never had any troubles. Bonucci 7 Managed and erased Klose from the game. Another fine performance by Leo Chellini 7.5 King Kong took no prisoners in this one. He was a force in the back line and even secured the ball onto the other side corner to finish the game. Lichtsteiner 6.5 The Swiss Express was solid in the game, got an interesting battle with Radu for the right flank. Sturaro 6.5 A belligerent defender. The game suited his skills and looked comfortable in the pitch Marchisio 6.5 A rutine night for Il Principino. He defended accordingly but lost a couple of easy balls in the midfield. Asamoah 6.5 Let his presence felt. He had a box-to-box performance. Alex Sandro 8 Once again the young Brazilian delivered a great act. He wreaked havoc in the left flank. Mandzukic 7 He was great holding the ball and his self-sacrificing attitude was off the charts. Dybala 8.5 Do you believe in magic? Outstanding performance by the 22-year-old Argentine, who is becoming an international rising star. Subs Evra 6.5 Entered the game for Asamoah and allowed Alex Sandro to play next to Marchisio and Sturaro. The Frenchman had a solid day in the office. Cuadrado 6.5 Came in for Dyabala at the 79-minute mark. The Colombian speedster helped to seal the victory with his defense, but never found the opportunity to counterattack. Álvaro Morata 6.5 Replaced Mandzukic 10 minutes before the final whistle. Coach Allegri 7.5 Mad Max made a great read of the game. His side controlled the game and increased their momentum in Serie A. The Livornian is making an excellent work with Paulo Dybala. Things I think I think We will remember 2015 as the year when Alex Sandro and Paulo Dybala joined Juventus. Please Asabob survived this game! Poor Dusan Basta, he will have nightmares with Alex Sandro. The race for the Capocannonieri: Higuain 12; Eder 10; Kalinic 9; Insigne 7; Dybala 7. Place your bets! See you against Sevilla, Fino alla fine! http://www.goal.com/en-gb/tables/serie-a/13?ICID=SP_TN_127

LAZIO - JUVENTUS 0 - 2 Santiago Gentiletti (own goal - 7') Paulo Dybala (32') MATCHDAY 15 Friday, December 4th, 2015 - 8:45 PM Olimpico Stadium, Rome Referee: Luca Banti Paulo Dybala has Juventus' title hopes flying high after Lazio win http://www.espnfc.co.uk/club/juventus/111/blog/post/2740210/paulo-dybala-has-juventus-title-hopes-flying-high? Dec 5, 2015 Another match played, another win achieved. Juventus defeated Lazio 2-0 on Friday evening to collect their fifth consecutive Serie A victory and send a message to their rivals: They're out for another trophy. With goal-scoring opportunities readily created and a squad that worked immensely hard for one another, all the Bianconeri needed was a little efficiency. Step forward Paulo Dybala, the jewel in the Old Lady's crown. Forcing Santiago Gentiletti into scoring an own goal, la Joya had another brilliant night to cap off a bright few weeks in which he has stolen the hearts of the fans and ensured a starting role. Thrilling onlookers with his elegance on the ball and perfect feet, he was deployed alongside a man well versed in the art of sacrifice. Mario Mandzukic fought, controlled and played entirely for the benefit of his team, helping create the chances that led to Juve's two goals. Performances such as these are the exact reason why the Croatian was bought from Atletico Madrid and why players such as Dybala can shine. Acting as the first line of defence, he dispossessed his rivals, forced the centre-backs into focusing on him and created space for the Argentine's perfect movements. He may not be the most technical player but what he gives the side, at this moment of time, cannot be matched. He is working diligently to not only create chances for the team but to ensure his defenders are not overwhelmed, taking care of plenty of the dirty work. Unfortunately for Lazio and Stefano Pioli, luck has not been kind to them. Between referee mistakes and defenders scoring own goals, there is little to be positive about after a huge loss of confidence. Another home performance filled with trepidation, the players hesitated too much, overthought each move and failed to adequately exploit their rivals' weaknesses. Juventus boast three excellent centre-backs, so excellent in fact that the future of the Italian national team, Daniele Rugani, cannot get any game time. They understand how to move, how to close down spaces and how to shuffle along to help one another. Rather than attempt to drag one or two out of position with tactical expertise, Lazio played a predictable game that failed to trouble the three defenders. All of the Biancocelesti's moves were funnelled through the centre, which meant genuine chances were barely created. With no space to deliver a perfect through ball and no pace to overwhelm any one of their defenders, Pioli's men looked lost for ideas and too nervous to intimidate their opponents. Confidence is key for a side, and while Lucas Biglia was found crying at the final whistle, Juve's men played with an air of superiority -- that is despite the many mistakes made and their wayward passing. Kwadwo Asamoah has only just returned to the side, making his first start of the season in an unfamiliar role. Yet he won possession back at excellent times, helping to create both moves that led to the goals. A hard worker, he quickly understood how to fit in to the new team and how to work with Sandro to push the side forward. Sandro is the player Juventus have needed for quite some time. A man capable of truly providing a threat on the wings, he's disciplined, hard working, energetic and accurate. Knowing when to release and how to work with those around him, he was a thorn to a Lazio side that failed to adequately contain him. While Patrice Evra offered experience and defensive strength and Asamoah proved safe and cautious in that position, Sandro has brought the wing-back role to life, providing the offensive ability required to stretch sides. Juventus have always relied on their strength through the central areas when attacking. Whether it was the midfielders making the right runs or Andrea Pirlo delivering a perfect ball forward, this was a side fond of the middle. With Stefan Lichtsteiner making the correct runs on the right and now Sandro capable of contributing accuracy, whether it be through a perfect pass or an exact cross, Juve have options. This is now a truly versatile team full of varied talent and different options. While the Old Lady managed a convincing win, there are so many mistakes the squad must eradicate from their game if they are to beat bigger and better opposition. Their passing must improve, they must better learn how to control possession and learn when to grit their teeth in certain moments of the game. This is still a side with plenty of inexperience, so it will take time before better decisions are made. With five consecutive wins under their belts and no goals conceded in their past few games, there's every reason to believe in a title push -- if the new arrivals can cope with the pressures of a packed upcoming schedule. http://www.goal.com/en-gb/tables/serie-a/13?ICID=SP_TN_127

LAZIO - JUVENTUS 0 - 2 Santiago Gentiletti (own goal - 7') Paulo Dybala (32') MATCHDAY 15 Friday, December 4th, 2015 - 8:45 PM Olimpico Stadium, Rome Referee: Luca Banti Max Allegri insists Juventus have to keep going after win over Lazio Max Allegri's comments after Juventus won 2-0 at Lazio, making it 22 games unbeaten against the Aquile. http://www.blackwhitereadallover.com/2015/12/5/9851532/allegri-insists-juventus-have-to-keep-going-lazio-win-december-2015 Dec 5, 2015 Juventus got their fifth League win on the trot beating hosts Lazio 2-0. Forward Paulo Dybala once again provided the masterclass in the first half, forcing the own goal for the first goal before scoring a pretty little volley that ensured Bianconeri would start their weekend off on a high note. Manager Massimiliano Allegri on his overall impressions - "It was a difficult game, as Lazio have some very talented forwards. It's a good moment of form and we have to grit our teeth to keep going. "In the first half Lazio put us under pressure and we made a few too many mistakes. Some fatigue also set in, as it has been an intense run of fixtures for us and will last all the way up to the Christmas break." On the performance of midfielder Kwadwo Asamoah who has been out since last November - "Today was Kwadwo Asamoah's first start of the season and I am very happy with his performance. He's got great technique and passing ability. "He deserved this night after so many injury problems. He's out of the Champions League squad, so can rest for 10 days to be ready against Fiorentina." He mentioned a couple of other players as well - "Mario Mandzukic and Dybala did well, but Juan Cuadrado and Alvaro Morata also made an immediate impact coming off the bench. We'll need everyone this season and it pains me to make certain decisions, but I am only allowed to start 11 players and one of them is a goalkeeper. "The time will come when Morata and Simone Zaza start with Mandzukic and Dybala on the bench. "Dybala scored a great goal and is improving in that role, proving all his quality. Mandzukic did a lot of the dirty work and contributed to both goals. We're coming off a positive period of form, but we have to keep the enthusiasm and momentum going." Juventus are now level in fourth with Roma, who play at Torino tomorrow. "We've got to hold out until the end of December and remain concentrated. I don't care who is ahead of us in the table, the fact remains if we don't get a certain number of points, we're out of the running." Allegri was also questioned about reports this week in the English media that he has been approached by Manchester United - "I have a contract with Juventus until 2017 and I am happy here." Goalkeeper and club captain Gianluigi Buffon also spoke after the game - "We are still fourth or fifth despite this excellent moment of form, so it's not enough. "We mustn't think of what the other teams are doing, just focus on our own journey that is going well, but we still have to realise we dropped too many points at the start. "We cannot fly too close to the sun, nor afford any setbacks. "The credit for the defensive solidity is down to the forwards too, as they work their socks off when tracking back and that is an important sign for the rest of the team." http://www.goal.com/en-gb/tables/serie-a/13?ICID=SP_TN_127

LAZIO - JUVENTUS 0 - 2 Santiago Gentiletti (own goal - 7') Paulo Dybala (32') MATCHDAY 15 Friday, December 4th, 2015 - 8:45 PM Olimpico Stadium, Rome Referee: Luca Banti Serie A: Juventus Get 5th Win On The Trot, As Paulo Dybala Wonder-Strike Guns Down Hapless Lazio Argentina striker Paulo Dybala produced a spectacular strike and prompted an own goal as resurgent champions Juventus outclassed Lazio 2-0 at the Stadio Olimpico on Friday. http://www.thehardtackle.com/2015/serie-a-juventus-get-5th-win-on-the-trot-as-paulo-dybala-guns-down-hapless-lazio/? Dec 5, 2015 Juve remain fifth in Serie A after their fifth consecutive league win and have reduced the gap on leaders Napoli to four points ahead of their trip to Bologna on Sunday. Inter Milan, Fiorentina and Roma sit one, two and four points off the pace respectively ahead of meeting Genoa, Udinese and Torino over the weekend. Four days before meeting Sevilla away in the Champions League looking to finish ahead of Manchester City in Group D, Juventus’s midfield was missing injured Sami Khedira as well as Paul Pogba, who was suspended. Their absences and Juve’s commitments in Europe meant Massimiliano Allegri was a happy man. “It was important to come away with the win because we have another important game in midweek, when we will try to finish top of the group,” the Juventus coach told Sky Sport. “It wasn’t easy because we’re in the middle of a busy period that’s taking a mental as well as physical toll. “But we were solid throughout. In the first half we tried pressing them high while in the second we controlled things a little bit more.” Lazio welcomed the champions looking to end a sorry run of results that has left them in 10th place and their coach, Stefano Pioli, reportedly hanging on to his job. Pending any kind of decision on his future, Pioli told Premium Sport: “We conceded on the first time they got into our own half, but we basically lay down. “It’s inevitable we’re losing faith in ourselves. Just as wins lift morale, defeats make heads drop.” The hosts’ heads did drop, after just seven minutes, when defender Santiago Gentiletti turned Dybala’s weighted cross past goalkeeper Federico Marchetti and into the Lazio goal. There was nothing fortunate, however, when Dybala produced a touch of magic just after the half hour to double the champions’ lead after collecting Mario Mandzukic’s unselfish pass 20 yards from goal. Dybala had time to control, bounce the ball up onto his thigh and unleash a dipping shot that beat Marchetti low at the ‘keeper’s near post. All of a sudden, Allegri’s decision to keep Spain striker Alvaro Morata on the bench for the fourth consecutive game looked justified — and moments later Dybala threatened again only to fire over after collecting Kwadwo Asamoah’s ball and deftly sidestepping three Lazio players. Lazio midfielder Lucas Biglia came off worse in a mid-air challenge with Giorgio Chiellini, the Argentinian left dazed as he was eventually led off the pitch for treatment while Chiellini received treatment to a bleeding head wound. The incident compounded Lazio’s woes and the tension was taken up a notch in added time when Radu was cautioned for slamming his arm into the face of Stephan Lichtsteiner. Lazio were jeered off the pitch at half-time and Pioli took little time to ring the changes. Felipe Anderson replaced Ricardo Kishna and Antonio Candreva came off in place of Keita Balde as the hosts launched what looked to be a futile salvage operation. Anderson added a much-needed touch of creativity to Lazio’s misfiring attack, the Brazilian setting Sergej Milinkovic-Savic up with a clever backheel only for the Serbia under-21 star to completely fluff his chance. Keita had a chance just before the hour but skewed his effort from the edge of the area into the waiting hands of Gianluigi Buffon. Miroslav Klose was then unlucky three minutes from the finish when he ran on to a long ball from midfield and saw his drive in the area deflected out by Chiellini. But it was all too little for the Lazio faithful, many of whom hurled abuse at the players as they left the pitch with a sixth defeat from their last eight games. http://www.goal.com/en-gb/tables/serie-a/13?ICID=SP_TN_127

Dybala: I Want To Get Better And Better For Juventus http://forzaitalianfootball.com/2015/12/dybala-i-want-to-get-better-and-better-for-juventus/? Nov 26, 2015 Juventus striker Paulo Dybala believes the club have finally found their feet this season and wants to improve his own personal game as much as possible. The Bianconeri claimed a 2-0 victory away to Lazio on Friday night which means they have now won five games in a row, and things are beginning to look better for them as they have been putting in performances similar to the previous few season where they have dominated the sport on the peninsula. “We’ve won so many games in a row that it’s clear we have found the right attitude,” Dybala told Mediaset Premium after the match against the Biancocelesti. The Argentine contributed heavily to an own goal to open the scoring before he got Juventus’ second with a sublime shot from outside the box. “I’m happy to have contributed in these victories and restore confidence out on the pitch,” said Dybala. He then praised coach Massimiliano Allegri for his managerial skills and trust in him. “The coach has always given me confidence,” the forward said. “He speaks to me and has taught me a lot, and I listen because I want to get better and better.”

LAZIO - JUVENTUS 0 - 2 Santiago Gentiletti (own goal - 7') Paulo Dybala (32') MATCHDAY 15 Friday, December 4th, 2015 - 8:45 PM Olimpico Stadium, Rome Referee: Luca Banti Dybala relishing new role http://www.football-italia.net/76678/dybala-relishing-new-role? Dec 4, 2015 Paulo Dybala is relishing his new tactical role for Juventus after his stunning goal to beat Lazio 2-0. La Joya netted with a flick and volley after his shot was deflected by Santiago Gentiletti. “We’ve won five in a row and that means we’ve rediscovered the right attitude,” Dybala told Mediaset Premium. “I am happy to have contributed to these victories and helped bring confidence back. The squad is fantastic and you can see how united we are from the little things.” Dybala was asked how he compared to Carlos Tevez, who had a similar goal tally at this stage of his first season at Juve. “He won so much and I hope to follow in his footsteps, but any comparison can only be made at the end of the season. “I was a trequartista in the youth academy in Argentina, but in Italy I always played as a striker. Now the Coach asks me to play a little deeper and support the centre-forward. “It’s great for me, because Mario Mandzukic, Alvaro Morata and Simone Zaza work really hard and even get quite a few knocks to create space and favour my runs. “The Coach has always put his faith in me. He regularly gives advice and teaches me so much. I listen because I want to improve more every day.” http://www.goal.com/en-gb/tables/serie-a/13?ICID=SP_TN_127