Socrates

Flipper nell'area rosanero.

Mandzukic anticipato di poco di testa.

Ennesimo 0-0 alla fine del primo tempo. Aspettiamo il secondo per segnare.

Dybala puoi fare di meglio. Dai!

Migliore in campo finora .... Goldaniga.

PALERMO - JUVENTUS - MATCHDAY 14 Sunday, November 29th, 2015 - 8:45 PM Renzo Barbera Stadium, Palermo Referee: Paolo Valeri Marotta: 'Allegri was right...' http://www.football-italia.net/76449/marotta-allegri-was-right? Nov 29, 2015 Beppe Marotta feels Max Allegri has earned the benefit of the doubt with his choices for Palermo-Juventus. “The squad is made up of many excellent players, then it’s up to the Coach to evaluate their current form,” director Marotta told Mediaset Premium. “In the Champions League game against Manchester City there was fierce debate in the media over his decisions, but in the end he was proved to be right.” Mario Mandzukic scored the winner midweek in the Champions League and is again preferred to Alvaro Morata this evening. Paulo Dybala returns to face his former club, though Palermo President Maurizio Zamparini said Juve were “ruining” his talent. “Zamparini is the kind of character you find in folklore, he’s an explosive figure. The best response to that is silence, albeit with respect for him as a friend.” Has Marotta already asked Zamparini about signing Franco Vazquez for Juventus? “We have an excellent rapport with Zamparini. We talk about transfers, as we do with other directors, but we are concentrated on the present and there’ll be time to evaluate the rest.” Roma and Lazio lost today, while Inter and Napoli face each other tomorrow night. Can Juve really close on the top spots? “There are still many sides ahead of us. The objective we set ourselves for this first part of the season was to win the Italian Super Cup and qualify for the Champions League knockouts. We achieved both those targets. “Now we have to find the right balance and focus on ourselves rather than what the other teams are doing.” http://www.goal.com/en-gb/tables/serie-a/13?ICID=SP_TN_127

Palermo: Sorrentino; Struna, Goldaniga, Gonzalez, Lazaar; Hiljemark, Jajalo, Chochev; Brugman; Vazquez, Gilardino Palermo bench: Colombi, Alastra, El Kaoutari, Rispoli, Daprelà, Andelkovic, Maresca, Quaison, Trajkovski Juventus: Buffon; Barzagli, Bonucci, Chiellini; Cuadrado, Sturaro, Marchisio, Pogba, Evra; Mandzukic, Dybala Juventus bench: Neto, Rubinho, Lichtsteiner, Rugani, Alex Sandro, Padoin, Vitale, Zaza, Morata

PALERMO - JUVENTUS - MATCHDAY 14 Sunday, November 29th, 2015 - 8:45 PM Renzo Barbera Stadium, Palermo Referee: Paolo Valeri Line-ups: Palermo-Juventus http://www.football-italia.net/76445/line-ups-palermo-juventus? Nov 29, 2015 Paulo Dybala returns to face his former club with Alvaro Morata dropped again as Juventus visit Palermo. It kicks off at the Stadio Barbera at 20.45 CET - 19.45 GMT. This is an emotional moment for Dybala, who first joined Palermo as a teenager and was groomed to become a €32m signing. He will face off for the first time against his former strike partner Franco Vazquez, who has been linked with a potential reunion in Turin next season. Max Allegri caused controversy when dropping Morata for Mario Mandzukic against Manchester City midweek, but it worked as the Croatian scored the winning Champions League goal. He once again leaves Morata on the bench in favour of Mandzukic in a 3-5-2 system with Juan Cuadrado and Patrice Evra stepping in for Stephan Lichtsteiner and Alex Sandro. Sami Khedira, Hernanes, Roberto Pereyra, Mario Lemina, Martin Caceres and Kwadwo Asamoah are all unavailable. Paul Pogba has to be careful, as he is one yellow card away from a ban and Juve face Lazio next week. Palermo picked up a 1-1 draw away to Lazio on Coach Davide Ballardini’s debut and hope to continue building under his guidance. Roberto Vitiello, Michel Morganella, Francesco Bolzoni and Uros Djurdjevic are on the treatment table. The biggest change since Beppe Iachini’s dismissal is the introduction of Gaston Brugman as a trequartista behind Vazquez and Alberto Gilardino. Defender Edoardo Goldaniga scored on his full Serie A debut last week and was sold to Palermo as part of the Dybala deal. Juve are unbeaten at the Barbera since a 2-1 result in February 2011, but the last stalemate in this fixture was all the way back in 1969. The Bianconeri had struggled in Serie A, but are here seeking a fourth consecutive victory. Palermo: Sorrentino; Struna, Goldaniga, Gonzalez, Lazaar; Hiljemark, Jajalo, Chochev; Brugman; Vazquez, Gilardino Palermo bench: Colombi, Alastra, El Kaoutari, Rispoli, Daprelà, Andelkovic, Maresca, Quaison, Trajkovski Juventus: Buffon; Barzagli, Bonucci, Chiellini; Cuadrado, Sturaro, Marchisio, Pogba, Evra; Mandzukic, Dybala Juventus bench: Neto, Rubinho, Lichtsteiner, Rugani, Alex Sandro, Padoin, Vitale, Zaza, Morata http://www.goal.com/en-gb/tables/serie-a/13?ICID=SP_TN_127

PALERMO - JUVENTUS - MATCHDAY 14 Sunday, November 29th, 2015 - 8:45 PM Renzo Barbera Stadium, Palermo Referee: Paolo Valeri Juan Cuadrado returns to Juventus lineup http://www.sportsmole.co.uk/football/palermo/team-news/team-news-juan-cuadrado-returns-to-juventus-lineup_259925.html? Nov 29, 2015 Juan Cuadrado has returned to the Juventus side for the meeting with Palermo in Serie A. The winger was forced to settle for a place on the bench against Manchester City in midweek, but he earns as recall as Massimiliano Allegri elects to leave out Alex Sandro and Stephan Lichtsteiner. Patrice Evra is also back in action for the visitors, while Paulo Dybala and Mario Mandzukic continue their partnership in attack. Palermo boss Davide Ballardini hands another start to Gaston Brugman in a supporting role to strikers Franco Vazquez and Alberto Gilardino. Edoardo Goldaniga retains his spot in the team after scoring on his full league debut last weekend. Palermo: Sorrentino, Struna, Goldaniga, Gonzalez, Lazaar, Hiljemark, Mato Jajalo, Chochev, Brugman, Franco Vazquez, Gilardino Subs: Colombi, Alastra, El Kaoutari, Rispoli, Daprelà, Andelkovic, Maresca, Quaison, Trajkovski Juventus: Buffon; Barzagli, Bonucci, Chiellini; Cuadrado, Sturaro, Marchisio, Pogba, Evra; Mandzukic, Dybala Subs: Neto, Rubinho, Lichtsteiner, Rugani, Alex Sandro, Padoin, Vitale, Zaza, Morata http://www.goal.com/en-gb/tables/serie-a/13?ICID=SP_TN_127

Perin: 'Trailing Buffon is a triumph' http://www.football-italia.net/76358/perin-trailing-buffon-triumph Nov 29, 2015 Genoa's Mattia Perin won a prize as second best goalkeeper, and claims: 'Being second after Gianluigi Buffon is like being first'. The Italian association of goalkeeper trainers, also known as 'Apport', recently produced a list of the top goalkeepers in Serie A. The first place went to the evergreen Gianluigi Buffon, playing at Juventus, but Perin made it in second. “Coming behind the absolute greatest is like winning,” said Perin, as reported on Genoa's official site. “I consider this second place a source of great satisfaction. “And it's especially pleasing as the position is awarded by the highest experts in the field.”

Italy and Juve legend Zoff suffering from health difficulties The Turin club revealed the former goalkeeper is 'already on the road to recovery' after a bout of ill-health. http://www.goal.com/en/news/10/italian-football/2015/11/28/17805942/zoff-suffering-from-health-issues?ICID=TP_HN_HP_RI_0_2 Nov 28, 2015 World Cup winner Dino Zoff is suffering from health difficulties but is recovering, former club Juventus have revealed. Goalkeeper Zoff captained Italy to World Cup glory in 1982 with a 3-1 victory over Germany in the final at the Santiago Bernabeu, 14 years after helping his country win the 1968 European Championship. Zoff also won Serie A six times, the Coppa Italia twice and the UEFA Cup with Juve as a player. The 73-year-old then went on to coach the Turin club, leading Juve to success in the Coppa Italia and UEFA Cup in 1990. After two spells in charge of Lazio, Zoff took over as Italy coach - guiding them to the final of Euro 2000, only to suffer a 2-1 golden goal defeat to France in extra time. A statement on Juve's official website read: "Juventus Football Club has recently learned that Bianconeri and Azzurri legend Dino Zoff is suffering some health difficulties, but is already on the road to recovery. "European Championship winner in 1968 and world champion in 1982, Dino knows what it means to never give in. "He is a strong man and a legend. We are all right behind him. #ForzaDino."

PALERMO - JUVENTUS - MATCHDAY 14 Sunday, November 29th, 2015 - 8:45 PM Renzo Barbera Stadium, Palermo Referee: Paolo Valeri Juve season is back on track, claims Allegri The coach believes his side have shaken off their early season malaise, and are again in the reckoning on domestic and European fronts. http://www.goal.com/en/news/723/serie-a/2015/11/28/17799312/juve-season-back-on-track-allegri?ICID=TP_HN_HP_RI_1_2 Nov 29, 2015 Massimiliano Allegri says Juventus are targetting more having achieved their goal in Europe, adding that the Italian champions are back on track following a difficult start to the campaign. Juve won just one of their opening six Serie A matches but have since recovered, with the Italian champions also securing their place in the Champions League knockout stages with the 1-0 Group D victory over Manchester City in midweek. With their progress to the knockout stages already sewn up, Allegri believes his men have displayed good signs of progress ahead of Sunday's trip to Palermo. "At the moment, we come with three straight wins in the league and qualification [to the knockout stages] in the Champions League, which is the second goal of the season," the coach told reporters. "The first goal was the Supercoppa Italiana and the second was to qualify in the Champions League. Then we will be in a very good place if we get first in the group, but we will see this in 15 days. "It is not that in Serie A our motivation is different from the Champions League. We had some difficulties in the league. Now the team, regardless of the championship and the Champions League, you can see is better. "We are playing better games with a different focus and this I think is an important growth for us all." Sami Khedira will miss Sunday's clash as he continues his recovery from a thigh injury that flared up again while on international duty. Like Khedira, fellow midfielder Claudio Marchisio has missed long spells of the season, and Allegri is eager to keep the pair fit in order to maintain Juve's upturn in form. "The difference is that until now we had a few unfortunate injuries, especially in midfield," he continued. "But we have had major players like Marchisio and Khedira return and so they are two players who can give us a certain strength. We've improved physically, in our athletic condition, and we have improved individually at a technical level and as a result the team grows. "Then in the end what counts is results. The results help you to work in a certain way. It is normal that when results are better, self-esteem grows and improving things becomes more easier." http://www.goal.com/en-gb/tables/serie-a/13?ICID=SP_TN_127

Alex Sandro wanted by Manchester City? http://www.sportsmole.co.uk/football/man-city/transfer-talk/news/alex-sandro-wanted-by-manchester-city_259903.html Nov 29, 2015 Manchester City are reportedly interested in signing Juventus full-back Alex Sandro. The 24-year-old joined the Italian champions from Porto in the summer and has produced a number of impressive displays. He came up against the Citizens in the Champions League earlier this week, and set up the winning goal for Mario Mandzukic in a 1-0 win for the Old Lady. According to the Manchester Evening News, City have made a bid of €40m (£28m) for the Brazilian defender, but Juventus are thought to be unwilling to do business. Sandro had spent four seasons at Porto before completing his move to Juventus in August.

PALERMO - JUVENTUS - MATCHDAY 14 Sunday, November 29th, 2015 - 8:45 PM Renzo Barbera Stadium, Palermo Referee: Paolo Valeri Dybala calls Vazquez to Juve http://www.football-italia.net/76420/dybala-calls-vazquez-juve? Nov 29, 2015 Paulo Dybala hopes to persuade his old Palermo teammate Franco Vazquez to join him at Juventus. The two face off this evening at the Stadio Barbera. It kicks off at 20.45 CET - 19.45 GMT. Dybala returns to take on his former club just months after a €32m move to Turin. According to Tuttosport newspaper, Dybala will take the opportunity to meet up with his ex-strike partner Vazquez and extol the virtues of joining Juventus. Palermo have already stated Vazquez will be sold next summer and Milan appear to be the current favourites. Juve are still looking for a trequartista – someone who can play behind the strikers – as Hernanes and Roberto Pereyra haven’t delivered in that role. Vazquez would be a more affordable option than Ilkay Gundogan of Borussia Dortmund or Sampdoria’s Roberto Soriano. He also has the advantage of already knowing Dybala well and of playing for Italy. Born in Argentina, Vazquez is half-Italian on his mother’s side. http://www.goal.com/en-gb/tables/serie-a/13?ICID=SP_TN_127

Juventus And Italy Legend Dino Zoff Falls Ill To ‘Neurological Problem’ Italian champions Juventus rallied around Dino Zoff on Saturday after the former Bianconeri and Italy goalkeeping legend was hospitalised with a neurological condition that reports say has affected his ability to walk. http://www.thehardtackle.com/2015/juventus-and-italy-legend-dino-zoff-falls-ill-to-neurological-problem/? Nov 28, 2015 A report in Il Messaggero newspaper said Zoff, who won six Serie A titles with Juventus before coaching the club to the 1990 UEFA Cup, was “struck by an unspecified neurological problem which has left him with difficulty walking”. It added that after initial fears over his condition, the 73-year Zoff was “showing signs of improvement”. Zoff was considered among the best goalkeepers of his generation and, as captain of Italy, led the Azzurri to the World Cup in 1982 — becoming the oldest winner of the trophy at 40 years, 4 months and 13 days. Juventus wished the goalkeeping legend a speedy recovery. “Juventus has just learned that Dino Zoff, captain and legend of the Bianconeri and Italy teams, is suffering from health issues but that he is already improving,” said a statement. Zoff played the bulk of his club career at Juventus from 1972-1983, where he won six Serie A titles, two Italian Cups, a UEFA Cup and reached two European Cup finals in 1973 and 1983, in the process becoming the oldest player, at 41 years and 86 days, to play in a European Cup final. The statement added: “Dino is someone who is used to never giving up.” After his playing career, Zoff spent two years as coach of Juventus, leading the Turin giants to an Italian Cup-UEFA Cup double in 1990. Despite moving on to Lazio, he notably found success as coach of Italy from 1998, when he introduced many up and coming young players including Francesco Totti, Vincenzo Montella, Gianluca Zambrotta and Christian Abbiati to the national side. Having qualified Italy for Euro 2000, Zoff’s team were only ousted in the final when David Trezeguet, who had just signed for Juventus, hit a golden goal in extra-time to hand then world champions France the title. Despite Italy’s achievement, Zoff resigned days after the final following a barrage of criticism from AC Milan owner and president Silvio Berlusconi.

PALERMO - JUVENTUS - MATCHDAY 14 Sunday, November 29th, 2015 - 8:45 PM Renzo Barbera Stadium, Palermo Referee: Paolo Valeri Juventus squad for Palermo http://www.football-italia.net/76390/juventus-squad-palermo? Nov 28, 2015 Juventus are still without Sami Khedira, Roberto Pereyra, Hernanes, Martin Caceres and more for Palermo. It kicks off on Sunday at 20.45 CET - 19.45 GMT. The Bianconeri are looking for a fourth consecutive Serie A victory and to follow on from their midweek Champions League win over Manchester City. The injury list remains extensive, missing Khedira, Pereyra, Hernanes, Caceres and Kwadwo Asamoah. However, midfielder Simone Padoin returns to the squad. Juventus squad for Palermo: Buffon, Chiellini, Zaza, Marchisio, Pogba, Alex Sandro, Barzagli, Cuadrado, Mandzukic, Bonucci, Padoin, Dybala, Rugani, Neto, Lichtsteiner, Sturaro, Evra, Rubinho, Vitale http://www.goal.com/en-gb/tables/serie-a/13?ICID=SP_TN_127

PALERMO - JUVENTUS - MATCHDAY 14 Sunday, November 29th, 2015 - 8:45 PM Renzo Barbera Stadium, Palermo Referee: Paolo Valeri Ballardini 'studying Dybala' http://www.football-italia.net/76387/ballardini-studying-dybala? Nov 28, 2015 Davide Ballardini said Palermo “are studying counter-measures to stop Paulo Dybala” as he returns to Sicily with Juventus. It kicks off on Sunday at 20.45 CET - 19.45 GMT. “How do you stop the Bianconeri? I wish I knew…” smiled the Coach in his Press conference. “It is never easy to limit teams like Juve when they find form. We must primarily focus on playing our own football, as we have strong players and I believe in them. I see them every day and know they want to prove themselves. “I also have extra motivation, as I’ve never beaten Juventus on my home turf. The Stadio Barbera crowd will be an added weapon in our armoury.” Above all this fixture sees the return of Dybala to Palermo, though his old Coach Beppe Iachini was replaced by Ballardini earlier this month. “It is a shame I never got to work with such a strong player. Today he’s at Juve and we are studying counter-measures to stop him.” Roberto Vitiello, Michel Morganella, Francesco Bolzoni and Uros Djurdjevic are the only absentees. Palermo squad for Juventus: Alastra, Colombi, Sorrentino; Andelkovic, Daprelà, El Kaoutari, Goldaniga, Gonzalez, Lazaar, Rispoli, Struna; Brugman, Chochev, Hiljemark, Jajalo, Maresca, Quaison, Rigoni; Gilardino, Trajkovski, Vazquez http://www.goal.com/en-gb/tables/serie-a/13?ICID=SP_TN_127

PALERMO - JUVENTUS - MATCHDAY 14 Sunday, November 29th, 2015 - 8:45 PM Renzo Barbera Stadium, Palermo Referee: Paolo Valeri Zamparini: 'Reason for dismissals' http://www.football-italia.net/76382/zamparini-reason-dismissals? Nov 28, 2015 Palermo President Maurizio Zamparini assures “sackings were always motivated” and he hopes to beat Juventus. It kicks off on Sunday at 20.45 CET - 19.45 GMT. “It’ll be a very difficult game, but with our Coach we have a very positive tradition against the Bianconeri. We hope to maintain that,” Zamparini told Radio Deejay. Davide Ballardini replaced Beppe Iachini earlier this month and on his debut earned a 1-1 draw away to Lazio, although the decision was greeted with dismay by media, fans and several players. “I have never fired people without reason, the sackings were always motivated. A President has to make decisions, whether they are right or not. “After I sent them away, I brought back a few Coaches, because I realised I got it wrong. Football is about passion, not a business the way De Laurentiis thinks. “Perhaps I am a little too demanding, but my reasoning is always sound. I like to discuss football with my Coach and the team. “A President mustn’t be someone who just provides the money. I know about football and I try to give some suggestions.” This will see the return to the Stadio Barbera of Paulo Dybala, who was sold to Juventus over the summer. “Dybala is world class. He is still very young, but a champion in the mould of Javier Pastore and Edinson Cavani. He will become a very important player indeed. “Franco Vazquez is an excellent player and now has the responsibility of being the reference point for our team.” http://www.goal.com/en-gb/tables/serie-a/13?ICID=SP_TN_127

PALERMO - JUVENTUS - MATCHDAY 14 Sunday, November 29th, 2015 - 8:45 PM Renzo Barbera Stadium, Palermo Referee: Paolo Valeri Palermo vs. Juventus: Team News, Predicted Lineups http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2593705-palermo-vs-juventus-team-news-predicted-lineups-live-stream-tv-info? Nov 28, 2015 Finally on a sustained run of positive results, Juventus travel to Sicily on Sunday evening, set to face off against a Palermo side who currently occupy 15th place in the Serie A table. They are just four points off the relegation zone, but their Stadio Renzo Barbera home is never an easy place to play. Indeed, having held Lazio to a 1-1 draw on their last outing, the home side will be looking to continue their own stuttering form. Poor performances in the first few months led to Beppe Iachini’s dismissal earlier in November, with Davide Ballardini returning to the club he also coached back in 2009. He told TuttoSport (h/t Football Italia) that “Juventus have everything to compete for the Scudetto and the Champions League,” but he will hope to prevent the Bianconeri winning this fixture for the fifth year in a row. Juve’s Stephan Lichtsteiner is under no illusion as to what awaits the visitors, but he told Sky Italia that the team hope to continue their recent winning run and climb back into contention for the title. “We’re expecting a tough game at a testing venue but we’ll make sure we produce a strong performance as we have done in recent weeks,” he said per the club’s official website. “As for the title, you should never stop believing so all we can do is pick up as many points as we can between now and Christmas and see where that takes us.” A victory in this clash will be vital in helping them do just that, and with leaders Inter facing a difficult meeting with Napoli, coach Massimiliano Allegri’s men could begin to close the gap. Probable Formations Palermo: (4-3-1-2): Stefano Sorrentino; Aljaz Struna, Edoardo Goldaniga, Giancarlo Gonzalez, Achraf Lazar; Luca Rigoni, Mato Jajalo, Oscar Hiljemark; Gaston Brugman; Franco Vazquez, Alberto Gilardino Unavailable: Uros Durdevic, Roberto Vitello (both injured) Juventus (4-3-3): Gigi Buffon; Andrea Barzagli, Leonardo Bonucci, Giorgio Chiellini, Patrice Evra; Stefano Sturaro, Claudio Marchisio, Paul Pogba; Juan Cuadrado, Alvaro Morata, Paulo Dybala Unavailable: Kwadwo Asamoah, Hernanes, Sami Khedira, Simone Padoin and Roberto Pereyra (all injured) Player to Watch Perhaps the one player to keep a close eye on during this encounter will be Paulo Dybala, returning to face his former club for the first time. The Argentinian joined Juventus this past summer, with their official website revealing they paid €32 million to the Sicilian side, with a further €8 million in potential bonuses. That investment has already begun to pay dividends, with Dybala weighing in with seven goals and two assists. That tally includes his well-taken match-winning strike against Milan last weekend, which the man himself admitted to enjoying as he spoke to Mediaset Premium after the final whistle. “It was a victory of the team today and we just did what the Coach asked us to,” he said (h/t Football Italia). “Leaving the field to a standing ovation from the fans was an unforgettable moment.” Dybala added that he knows he “can do much more,” which will be a daunting prospect for the Rosanero as they prepare to take on their former hero on Sunday evening. Key Battle If Dybala will be key for Juventus, their opponents will be relying on his former team-mate Franco Vazquez to deliver the quality at the other end of the field. He has yet to hit the same impressive form as last season, but the 26-year-old has notched one goal and four assists in 2015/16. OptaPaolo ✔ @OptaPaolo 50 - Franco Vázquez has completed the most dribbles in the Serie A 2015-16, at least 12 more than any other player. Escape. Carrying the Palermo attack, he has clearly missed having a player as good as Dybala alongside him, but it seems that he too may not remain in Sicily for too much longer. “In January no, in June 2016 it could happen,” club president Maurizio Zamparini said when asked by Sport Mediaset (h/t Football Italia) about the possibility of selling Vazquez. For now he remains with Palermo, however, and the Bianconeri will need to monitor him closely if they are to leave the Stadio Renzo Barbera with three points. Odds (via Odds Shark) Away win: 100/149 Home win: 17-4 Draw: 13/5 http://www.goal.com/en-gb/tables/serie-a/13?ICID=SP_TN_127

PALERMO - JUVENTUS - MATCHDAY 14 Sunday, November 29th, 2015 - 8:45 PM Renzo Barbera Stadium, Palermo Referee: Paolo Valeri Why Juventus' match at Palermo is viewed as a derby http://www.espnfc.co.uk/club/juventus/111/blog/post/2730660/why-juventus-match-at-palermo-is-viewed-as-a-derby? Nov 28, 2015 Juventus' trip to Palermo represents a seemingly ordinary match between two Serie A sides. One is a giant that resides in Turin, the other a smaller club from Sicily. Yet whenever the Rosanero host the Bianconeri, tickets sell out quickly and so many fans can be heard chanting for Juve. Many have wondered why this match is looked upon as a derby. To the most ardent fans, those who cheer on Juve are nothing short of traitors, but the link between the two sides is a story etched in history and made famous by the great friendship of L'Avvocato, the great Gianni Agnelli, and Raimondo Lanza di Trabia, the last Prince of Sicily and once upon a time president of Palermo Football club. Raimondo Lanza Branciforte, Prince of Trabia, was an illegitimate child, a wealthy man who enjoyed the high life and was once engaged to Susanna Agnelli, L'Avvocato's sister. Described as enlightened nobility, Lanza was the personification of eccentric wealth -- a man who attracted scandals, enjoyed the drama and relished the highs and lows of human emotions. It thus comes as no surprise that among his closest friends was the great Gianni Agnelli, who -- like him -- was notorious for his seductive ways and charming presence, a playboy who attracted the most beautiful women and became an idol to generations of men who sought power and wealth. The duo may have loved the eccentricities of life but they also enjoyed football and shared the desire to transmit that joy to those who followed the sport. Presiding over Palermo football club in 1948, Lanza profited from his friendship with Agnelli and was able to bring in great talent to the football club such as Cestmir Vycpalek from Juventus, delighting the fans and establishing a good period of form for the Sicilians. Such were his ideas on football and business, it was Lanza who was credited with founding the official football transfer market, situated in the Gallia Hotel in Milan. In the essay titled "The professionalisation of the sport agents: cartels, networks and enterprises within the football industry in a comparative perspective, 1950s-2010," Giambattista Rossi wrote: "Players were sold and bought by clubs which speculated on their value and interests to be transferred as soon as possible." Noted in La Repubblica and GQ Italia, it was said that Lanza would sit naked in his bath in his suite at the Gallia hotel and conduct meetings with the presidents of various football clubs, discussing values of players and what exchanges could be made. Thus il Calciomercato was born. Palermo football club has become synonymous with the practice of buying excellent talent on the cheap before selling at much elevated prices to the big clubs. The likes of Edinson Cavani, Javier Pastore and Paulo Dybala all made their name playing for Maurizio Zamparini's side but this particular way of merging excellent business sense with football was a trend started by Lanza. It was he who became interested in the idea of seeking low cost talent before selling it on for an inflated price. A great friend of the Bianconeri president, the duo's respective clubs and their fans have since shared a certain connection. Many players have been exchanged between the two sides and when Juventus go to play in the south, they regularly find themselves being cheered on by the locals. Welcoming the Bianconeri has little to do with being a traitor and everything to do with recognising the great history of Palermo football club and their former president, the wealthy nobleman who plunged to his death in 1954, committing suicide by jumping off a balcony in Rome. One particular talent nurtured by the Sicilians is now Juventus' most exciting talent. Growing in talent and fitness, Dybala is set for his first return to the Stadio Renzo Barbera since his departure over the summer. A player who has developed at an impressive rate, the Argentine has started eight Serie A games and has already scored six times. Quick, intelligent and breathtakingly technical, he is learning to adapt to his new surroundings, coping excellently under the pressure of playing for a big club. Set to start for the Old Lady on Sunday evening, the hope is that he will score in the stadium that once cheered for him. Playing with the No. 21 jersey -- a number that once belonged to Andrea Pirlo and Zinedine Zidane at Juve -- so many feel this is a youngster who could develop into the world's next great talent. The heir to Lionel Messi -- and with better statistics than Carlos Tevez -- it's important Massimiliano Allegri keeps the player grounded. This is not a forward the Bianconeri want to lose. Set to play in a 3-5-2 formation, another win in Serie A would surely send a signal that Juventus are back in the hunt for more trophies. It's unlikely the game will end in a draw -- the last time a match between the two sides ended in a stalemate was in 2004. With Alvaro Morata set to lead the line and Juan Cuadrado possibly returning to the side, one can only expect a spectacle in the Sicilian capital. http://www.goal.com/en-gb/tables/serie-a/13?ICID=SP_TN_127

PALERMO - JUVENTUS - MATCHDAY 14 Sunday, November 29th, 2015 - 8:45 PM Renzo Barbera Stadium, Palermo Referee: Paolo Valeri Allegri: 'Juve must go 3-5-2' http://www.football-italia.net/76376/allegri-juve-must-go-3-5-2? Nov 28, 2015 Max Allegri insists the 3-5-2 system is more of necessity than choice as Juventus visit Palermo. “I expect Paulo Dybala controversy.” It kicks off at the Stadio Barbera tomorrow at 20.45 CET - 19.45 GMT. There were reports this week that the team prefers to play 3-5-2 and so the trequartista tactic has been shelved. “I think a side has to be based on the characteristics of the players,” said the Coach in his Press conference. “If I wanted to play with a trequartista at the moment then we’d be down to 10 men, because Roberto Pereyra and Hernanes are injured. “I believe the attitude is what makes the difference. It’s not an issue of systems, otherwise we’d be very limited. If you look at the big European teams, their technique and quality makes the difference in the end. The objective I set myself when arriving at Juventus was to improve the European profile and I think to a degree that has been achieved. “We must make fewer mistakes, because the other day we made a lot of errors. Palermo will be a very, very complicated match with 30,000 fans urging their side on to beat Juventus. We must give a sense of consistency to recent results and keep the concentration level up, otherwise we’ll get stuck in the limbo of fifth or sixth place.” Alvaro Morata was dropped in favour of Mario Mandzukic in the 1-0 Champions League victory over Manchester City, but proved to be a managerial masterstroke. “A great squad must have great players. Juventus have four very important strikers, plus Juan Cuadrado who is between a forward and a midfielder. I can’t really play with more than two or three at a time, there are 50-odd games in a season, so we cannot think everyone will play in every game. “Morata is gaining his sharpness back, but at this moment Mandzukic gives certain guarantees and characteristics that Morata doesn’t have. Whoever plays, the important thing is that Juventus win and over the course of a campaign the big players will have made the difference. “When there’s healthy competition for places, I think it’s good for the team, raising the concentration level. “I’m sure there will be controversy over Dybala tomorrow whatever happens, so I might not bring him along and save time! Maurizio Zamparini is a President/Fan and makes amusing comments. He is to be taken for what he is. “I think a player can always improve, from the age of 18 to his retirement. It’s all about the desire to improve and conviction you put into it in training. The objective must always be the maximum, to get the best out of yourself and the team. “The side, the club and fans must have this objective, which is the best, because the Scudetto or Champions League is reductive as a target. In order to get the best, we have to work hard in training every single day. “Serie A and the Champions League are two completely different competitions. I don’t think we are more concentrated or motivated in Europe, but rather we’ve been improved physically, with the return of important players from injury and sharpness. “Results help you to work a certain way. When I talk about balance, I mean a side doesn’t become useless or talented from one game to the next. It’s a process, there are going to be ups and downs.” http://www.goal.com/en-gb/tables/serie-a/13?ICID=SP_TN_127

PALERMO - JUVENTUS - MATCHDAY 14 Sunday, November 29th, 2015 - 8:45 PM Renzo Barbera Stadium, Palermo Referee: Paolo Valeri PALERMO V JUVENTUS MATCH PREVIEW http://www.juvefc.com/palermo-v-juventus-match-preview-and-scouting-2/? Nov 28, 2015 Juventus Four wins in a row are definitely a great confidence boost. What is most important is that the level of play is improving, even though it has not reached last year’s peak levels: the last two game were gut checks and Juventus passed both tests. As they say, winning helps winning and we should rejoices for advancing to the next Champions League stage, with a good chance to grab the first place too, and for getting back on track in Serie A too. In the Manchester City clash, Massimiliano Allegri brought back an old friend: 3-5-2, which was used also in the second half of the Milan match. This underlines two facts: he believes that the team is more confident with that tactic, therefore it should be used in the tougher matches, which is true to some extent, even though we do not have many players left from the Conte era. Furthermore, he does not think that the squad can pull off 4-3-whatever without Hernanes or Roberto Pereyra in the hole, which is frustrating because I think he should find a way to integrate both Paulo Dybala and Juan Cuadrado in the attack at the same time, maybe using both behind a striker. Injuries continue to plague the roster: Hernanes, who got hurt in the last Serie A and will miss three weeks, and Kwadwo Asamoah, who is dealing with some knee soreness, and Roberto Pereyra are definitely out. The status of Sami Khedira is unclear: he did not suffer a new hamstring injury, but an old scar flared up and he will probably be preserved for one more week. This leaves the coach with only two choices in the midfield, alongside the centrepieces Claudio Marchisio and Paul Pogba: Stefano Sturaro and Mario Lemina. Sturaro is clearly ahead of the Frenchman in the pecking order, but Allegri has often spoken about the difficulties of playing three games in a week for the youngster who are not used to do it. Therefore, Lemina has a solid chance to start. The same argument is valid for Dybala too, but it would be very unfortunate to spoil his grand comeback party in Palermo by benching him. Mario Mandzukic has left the midweek game with a muscular ailment but he should be good to go, however, Alvaro Morata is favoured to start after being benched for two games in a row, inevitably sparking silly buy-back clause rumours. With the BBC poised to start in the back, the real doubt is on the flanks: the coach will probably look to field a balanced lineup, with only one of the two offensive-minded fullbacks, therefore it will be probably either the Juan Cuadrado-Patrice Evra duo or Stephen Lichsteiner and Alex Sandro. Since the Colombian international has barely featured in the last two games, the first combination is most likely. The real alternative to 3-5-2 is 4-3-3 with Morata and Cuadrado wide and either Mandzukic or Simone Zaza as it remains to be confirmed whether Allegri sees Dybala as a viable option as lone centre-forward. Probable lineup 3-5-2: Buffon; Barzagli, Bonucci, Chiellini; Cuadrado, Marchisio, Lemina, Pogba, Evra; Morata, Dybala. Injuries: Pereyra (hamstring), Asamoah (knee), Hernanes (hamstring), Caceres (hamstring), Padoin (hamstring). Suspended: None Palermo Palermo have been lethargic this season but they do come off two positive results in a row. First, a lucky win against Chievo Verona at home that was not enough to save Giuseppe Iachini’s job, who received the boot after that Maurizio Zamparini had been voicing his disappointment for the team’s performances for weeks. Then an impressive showing at Olimpico against Lazio that earned them the first point with Davide Ballardini at the helm. Ballardini had already coached Palermo in 2008, taking the reins after two games and leading his side to an almost historic eight place. His first version of Rosanero was well-known for up-tempo football and for being very stout at home. Their score at Barbera so far is two wins, two ties and three losses. Ballardini is a fan of the diamond lineup, which he deployed in every stint. However, they do not really have two pure strikers: since Uros Djurdjevic broke his ankle few weeks ago, Alberto Gilardino and his bag of old man tricks is the only centre-forward available. They do have a bunch of second-strikers/no.10s, some of them are newcomers, and the coach is trying to figuring out who, among Robin Quaison, Gaston Brugman, Aleksandar Trajkovski and Matheus Cassini is more suitable for his idea of football. Luckily for them, they only need one to pan out because they have arguably the best no.10 in Italy in Franco Vazquez. Brugman started last week, Trajkovski was subbed in and played pretty well. Brugman is more of an advanced midfield, which allows them to advance Vazquez in the forwards’ duo, as he did last season when Dybala was there. The first thing Ballardini changed was the defence, opting for the four-man formation and inserting Edoardo Goldaninga, who was briefly co-owned by Juventus before being included in the Dybala package, in the starting lineup, alongside the cornerstones Pipo Gonzalez and Achraf Lazaar. Aljaz Struna was fielded as right-back, even though Andrea Rispoli should see some playing time in matches where they are not expected to be primarily focused on the defensive phase like in the upcoming and in the last one. Compared to the XI used against Lazio, the only sure change is the return of Luca Rigoni replacing Ivaylo Chochev, who played well last season but has disappeared in this one, overshadowed by the Swedish starlet Oscar Hiljemark. Palermo have always been a tough opponent at home in the last few years, but they have not fared particularly well this season. The coaching chance is always an injection of new energy and motivation as the players, especially the ones who had been overlooked, are trying to impress the new boss. However, Ballardini has not been in charge for much and probably it will take some time for him to forge something close to the excellent Palermo which accomplished a lot in 2008. Probable lineup 4-3-1-2: Sorrentino; Struna, Goldaniga, Gonzalez, Lazaar; Hiljemark, Jajalo, Rigoni; Brugman; Vazquez, Gilardino. Injuries: Djurdjevic (ankle), Vitiello (hamstring). Suspended: None Formation http://www.goal.com/en-gb/tables/serie-a/13?ICID=SP_TN_127

PALERMO - JUVENTUS - MATCHDAY 14 Sunday, November 29th, 2015 - 8:45 PM Renzo Barbera Stadium, Palermo Referee: Paolo Valeri Palermo - Juventus MATCH PREVIEW http://www.football-italia.net/SerieA/match/preview/69956 Nov 27, 2015 Buoyed by their midweek Champions League triumph against Manchester City, Juventus will be looking to record their fourth straight Serie A victory when they travel to Sicily to take on Palermo. Massiliano Allegri’s men look finally set to take have turned their season around after having taken maximum points off four of five of their last league opponents, with the last one being arch-rivals Milan. The turn around of form has largely been pin-pointed to the change of formation which saw the outfit revert from a back four to a three-man defence which saw Alex Sandro come on in place of Patrice Evra in the left wing-back position. Paulo Dybala and Mario Mandzukic have also been acting as a two-man strike force, adding more dynamism up-front, while Claudio Marchisio can often be seen drifting back to a deeper role when required. The versatility of the squad has proven to be an unwavering strength in Allegri’s side, and with qualification to the Last 16 of the Champions League in the bag, all focus can now be switched to focusing on the league until February 2016. For Palermo, they arrive into the encounter on the back of taking five points out of a possible 15, and they will be eager to use their form at home to halt the Bianconeri’s progress. Davide Ballardini will ensure that special attention will be given to Dybala, who is expected to start for the Old Lady at his former hunting ground. The Argentine spent three years plying his trade with the Rosanero, where he struck 21 times for the island club, and all eyes will be turned to him to see how he will react to the reception on Sunday. It isn’t expected to be a hostile return for the 22-year-old, who formed a father-son relationship with club owner Maurizio Zamparini, and who recently admitted that he feels like the city of Palermo is home. "I'll miss everything about Palermo,” said the striker. “The people always made me feel at home, it will be impossible to forget my experiences there. Palermo made me become a man." Whatever the outcome of the encounter, it is expected to be a brilliant occasion. Keep An Eye On: Paulo Dybala (Juventus) — The striker will be returning to the Sicilian capital for the first time since he left the club to join the Bianconeri and he will be eager to put out a great display against his former club. With six goals in 12 appearances for Juventus, Dybala has been enjoying his time tearing up defences. Form Guide: Palermo (D W L L D) Juventus (W W W L W) Last Season: Palermo 0 – 1 Juventus Stat Fact: Juventus come into this encounter on the back of having won three successive victories at the Renzo Barbera. Palermo’s last triumph against the Old Lady on home soil was back in February 2011. Palermo (probable): Sorrentino; Struna, Goldaniga, Gonzalez, Lazaar; Rigoni, Jajalo, Chochev; Vazquez; Quaison, Gilardino Suspensions: None Juventus (probable): Buffon; Barzagli, Bonucci, Chiellini; Lichtsteiner, Sturaro, Marchisio, Pogba, Alex Sandro; Dybala, Manduzkic Suspensions: None http://www.goal.com/en-gb/tables/serie-a/13?ICID=SP_TN_127

PALERMO - JUVENTUS - MATCHDAY 14 Sunday, November 29th, 2015 - 8:45 PM Renzo Barbera Stadium, Palermo Referee: Paolo Valeri Palermo vs Juventus Preview: Lichtsteiner ready for crucial period The Bianconeri made a dismal start to their bid for a fifth successive Scudetto but have now racked up 16 points from their last seven games. http://www.goal.com/en-gb/match/palermo-vs-juventus/2120512/preview Nov 27, 2015 Stephan Lichtsteiner believes the fixtures in the run-up to Christmas could prove pivotal in Juventus' bid to retain the Serie A title, with a trip to Palermo up next on Sunday. Juve have won the last four Scudetti, but that run is under serious threat following a major close-season overhaul of the playing squad that has seen Massimiliano Allegri's men make a slow start to the 2015-16 campaign. Now, though, a run of 16 points from their last seven league matches has brought the champions back up to sixth place and within striking distance of the leading pack, who have all taken points off each other to keep the division close. Leaders Inter are nine points ahead of Juventus, with the match against Palermo followed by crucial games against Lazio and Fiorentina, while the club are also in a strong position to finish top of their Champions League group following the home win over Manchester City last time out. Juve have a brilliant record against Palermo having won their last six matches against them in Serie A without conceding a goal and Lichtsteiner is eager to see that continue to set up a title bid. "We are expecting a tough game at a testing venue, but we will make sure we produce a strong performance as we have done in recent weeks," the full-back told the club's official website. "We must believe in the Scudetto. Now we have to think about getting as many points as possible before Christmas, then see what happens in the New Year. "In the Champions League we have done well, despite having the strongest and most difficult group. "We played a back-four in Manchester and won against City, then we played 3-5-2 at home and won, so that shows this team can play any system." New Palermo head coach Davide Ballardini secured an impressive 1-1 draw at Lazio in his first game in charge, but he is under no illusion over the strength of his side's opponents this time around. He believes Juve will go on to compete for both the Scudetto and Champions League this season, with former Palermo star Paulo Dybala one of the key players he highlighted ahead of the game. "I am not surprised by Juventus’ recent play," Ballardini told Tuttosport. "They are the most advanced club in Serie A, the only one who can compete with the European superpowers. They have a great structure, as shown by their skill in choosing their players. Their signings are a mix of technical quality and the right mentality. "I have always liked Alex Sandro because he reflects my ideas about football: technical ability, freedom, quality and strength – no wonder he has exploded. "Juve have a lot of champions. Dybala, Morata, Buffon, Pogba. "They have everything to compete for the Scudetto and the Champions League." Juventus will check on the fitness of striker Mario Mandzukic, who limped out of the game against City with bruising on his leg. Hernanes is out for three weeks with a thigh injury. OPTA FACTS Juventus have won their last six Serie A games against Palermo, keeping a clean sheet each time. There has not been a draw in the last 11 games between these two sides at the Barbera, with Palermo winning four to Juventus’ seven. Palermo won their last home league game against Chievo: last time the Rosanero won two consecutive home games was back in February. The Bianconeri have won three games in a row for the first time in the Serie A 2015-16: last time they have four consecutive games was back in April. Juventus have conceded only two goals from inside the box, fewer than any other team in the Serie A 2015-16. Palermo and Juventus are the two teams to have fired the most headed shots in the league: 32 for the Rosanero, 30 for Juventus (joint with Chievo). Juventus have the lowest tackle success percentage this season(69.3%), while Palermo have the highest (80.9%). Paulo Dybala has scored six goals in his first 13 games, the same return he had at this stage last season. Last season, he played 1106 minutes, this season so far he’s played 781. LAST FIVE MATCHES Palermo D W L L D 22/11/2015 - Lazio 1 - 1 Palermo 08/11/2015 - Palermo 1 - 0 Chievo Verona 02/11/2015 - Palermo 0 - 1 Empoli 28/10/2015 - Napoli 2 - 0 Palermo 24/10/2015 - Palermo 1 - 1 Internazionale Juventus W W W D W 25/11/2015 - Juventus 1 - 0 Manchester City 21/11/2015 - Juventus 1 - 0 AC Milan 08/11/2015 - Empoli 1 - 3 Juventus 03/11/2015 - Borussia Mönchengladbach 1 - 1 Juventus 31/10/2015 - Juventus 2 - 1 Torino HEAD TO HEAD 14/03/2015 - Palermo 0 - 1 Juventus 26/10/2014 - Juventus 2 - 0 Palermo 05/05/2013 - Juventus 1 - 0 Palermo 09/12/2012 - Palermo 0 - 1 Juventus 07/04/2012 - Palermo 0 - 2 Juventus http://www.goal.com/en-gb/tables/serie-a/13?ICID=SP_TN_127

PALERMO - JUVENTUS - MATCHDAY 14 Sunday, November 29th, 2015 - 8:45 PM Renzo Barbera Stadium, Palermo Referee: Paolo Valeri Palermo V Juventus – Preview: Bianconeri Look To Continue Winning Streak In Sicily http://forzaitalianfootball.com/2015/11/palermo-v-juventus-preview-bianconeri-look-to-continue-winning-streak-in-sicily/? Nov 27, 2015 Palermo play host to Juventus at the Stadio Renzo Barbera in Serie A on Sunday night, with the visitors from Turin looking for their forth straight victory in Serie A. The Rosanero will be looking to continue their own mini revival following four points from their previous two games, including a 1-1 draw with Lazio at the Stadio Olimpico last time out. The Sicilians are currently 14th in the standings on 15 points after round 13 of the season, and sit only four points off relegation threatened Frosinone in 18th place. The Aquile have already suffered three home defeats at the Stadio Barbera this campaign, but did beat Chievo 1-0 in Giuseppe Iachini’s last game in charge before he was sacked two weeks ago. Their only other victory at home was a 1-0 win over Genoa on the opening day of the season, while they have lost to Sassuolo, Roma and Empoli since. The Old Lady, meanwhile, have hit a purple patch following a disastrous start to the season by their standards, and will be looking for 12 points out of 12 in their last four Serie A encounters. The Bianconeri find themselves in sixth position in the table on 21 points after 13 games. Massimiliano Allegri’s men recorded only their second win on the road two weeks ago with a 3-1 victory over Empoli. The Old Lady have tasted defeat on three occasions away from Turin so far this campaign, losing to Roma, Napoli and Sassuolo with a victory of Genoa sandwiched in between their only other victory on their travels. The Turin giants won both fixtures between the sides last season, coming away from Sicily with a 1-0 victory in March this year, thanks to a Alvaro Morata second half goal. The first game in October 2014 ended 2-0 to the Bianconeri, with Arturo Vidal and Fernando Llorente getting on the score-sheet. A win on Sunday for Juve would be their seventh in a row in Serie A against Davide Ballardini’s side, a run spanning back to the 2011/2012 season. The Rosanero did defeat the Old Lady in six out of the seven previous fixtures before that, and the last draw between the sides was way back in September 2004, with that game ending 1-1 in Turin. Palermo will be without injured defender Roberto Vitiello and striker Uros Djurdjevic who are not expected back until January. The Bianconeri have doubts over defender Patrice Evra, midfielder Sami Khedira and forward Mario Mandzukic, while midfielders Hernanes, Simone Padoin and Roberto Pereyra are ruled out until December. Form Guide: Palermo (D-L-L-W-D) Juventus (W-D-W-W-W) Expected Starting XI’s: Palermo: Sorrentino; Struna, Gonzalez, Goldaniga, Lazaar; Hiljemark, Jajalo, Rigoni; Vazquez, Brugman; Gilardino. Juventus: Buffon; Lichtsteiner, Bonucci, Chiellini, Alex Sandro; Sturaro, Marchisio, Pogba; Cuadrado, Morata, Dybala. http://www.goal.com/en-gb/tables/serie-a/13?ICID=SP_TN_127