Socrates

Simone Pepe: Massimiliano Allegri deserves credit for Juventus upturn http://www.espnfc.co.uk/italian-serie-a/story/2730036/simone-pepe-allegri-deserves-credit-for-juventus-upturn? Nov 27, 2015 Former Juventus midfielder Simone Pepe has praised coach Massimiliano Allegri for turning the club's fortunes around after their difficult start to the season. Juve made the joint worst start to a season in their history after losing stars such as Andrea Pirlo, Arturo Vidal, Carlos Tevez, Fernando Llorente and Kingsley Coman in the summer. However, three wins in a row in Serie A and Wednesday's 1-0 Champions League victory over Manchester City have lifted the mood. Juve are still nine points behind leaders Inter Milan, but are now sixth and through to the knockout stages of the Champions League with a game to spare. Pepe said: "There have been big changes at Juventus, but they have rediscovered the right rhythm now and this is to Allegri's merit," he told Sky Sport Italia. "I've heard a lot of criticism of the coach for the way he's managed Dybala, but I remember how well he managed Morata last year and how he then became fundamental in the second half of the season. "Dybala's going to become a great player, but he needs to be given time to mature without any pressure."

Lichtsteiner: ‘Believe in Scudetto’ http://www.football-italia.net/76349/lichtsteiner-%E2%80%98believe-scudetto%E2%80%99? Nov 27, 2015 Full-back Stephan Lichtsteiner declares Juventus “must believe in the Scudetto”. The Swiss international has returned to action for the Bianconeri after heart surgery, and wants to help cut the nine-point deficit to Inter. “It was a difficult period, but coming back was excellent,” Lichtsteiner said of his medical problems. "Before I’m a player I’m a person. A father, husband, friend, son. So I didn’t immediately think about football. "In the Champions League we’ve done well, despite having the strongest and most difficult group. "We played a back-four in Manchester [against City] and won, we played 3-5-2 at home and won, so that shows this team can play any system. "We must believe in the Scudetto, but now we have to think about getting as many points as possible before Christmas, then see what happens in the New Year.”

PALERMO - JUVENTUS - MATCHDAY 14 Sunday, November 29th, 2015 - 8:45 PM Renzo Barbera Stadium, Palermo Referee: Paolo Valeri Zamparini: ‘Juventus don’t scare me’ http://www.football-italia.net/76348/zamp-%E2%80%98juventus-don%E2%80%99t-scare-me%E2%80%99? Nov 27, 2015 Palermo President Maurizio Zamparini insists “Juventus don’t scare me” and compares Paulo Dybala to Lionel Messi. The Rosanero welcome the Old Lady to Stadio Renzo Barbera this Sunday, but the patron is not fazed by their opponents’ three Serie A wins in a row. “Juve don’t scare me,” Zamparini shrugged, speaking to reporters outside the Boccadifalco sports centre. “When you play Juve you always find motivation. You have to give something extra, because Juve are Juve.” The match will see Paulo Dybala return to Palermo for the first time since leaving this summer, and Zamparini expects him to reach the level of Barcelona star Lionel Messi. “Dybala is a level-headed lad who won’t suffer with the emotion of returning to the Barbera. I’ve brought the picture of him. “He’s on the same level as Cavani, Pastore or Ilicic. Dybala is more technical than Cavani, but less physical. “In five years he’ll be among the best in the world with Messi and Neymar. Allegri is a great Coach, I just gave him a suggestion.” http://www.goal.com/en-gb/tables/serie-a/13?ICID=SP_TN_127

Serie A - 14^ Giornata Andata - 29-11-2015 (ore 20:45) PALERMO - JUVENTUS - Domenica, 29 novembre 2015 - ore 20:45 Stadio Renzo Barbera, Palermo Arbitro: Paolo Valeri Confronti ufficiali 57 - 52 (Serie A) - 5 (Coppa Italia) Vittorie Juventus 34 - 31 (Serie A) - 3 (Coppa Italia) Pareggi 12 - 11 (Serie A) - 1 (Coppa Italia) Vittorie Palermo 11 - 10 (Serie A) - 1 (Coppa Italia) Goals Juventus 114 - 102 (Serie A) - 12 (Coppa Italia) Goals Palermo 55 - 50 (Serie A) - 5 (Coppa Italia) Palermo - Juventus Serie A a Palermo Confronti ufficiali 26 Vittorie Juventus 12 (L'ultima il 14.03.2015, 0-1) Pareggi 8 (L'ultimo il 09.02.1969, 1-1) Vittorie Palermo 6 (L'ultima il 02.02.2011, 2-1) Goals Juventus 32 Goals Palermo 19 Giocatori con più presenze e goals contro il Palermo a Palermo 8 presenze Buffon Gianluigi 8 Chiellini Giorgio 7 Boniperti Giampiero 6 Manente Sergio 6 Muccinelli Ermes 5 Trezeguet David Sergio 5 Viola Giovanni 4 Barzagli Andrea 4 Bertuccelli Alberto 4 Camoranesi Mauro German Serr 4 Del Piero Alessandro 2 goals Del Piero Alessandro 2 Monti Luis Felipe 2 Muccinelli Ermes 2 Mutu Adrian 2 Ricagni Eduardo 2 Sivori Omar Enrique 2 Stivanello Giorgio 1 Altafini Josè João 1 Anastasi Pietro 1 Boniperti Giampiero Ultimi confronti diretti 04.10.2009 Serie A Palermo-Juventus 2-0 28.02.2010 Serie A Juventus-Palermo 0-2 23.09.2010 Serie A Juventus-Palermo 1-3 02.02.2011 Serie A Palermo-Juventus 2-1 20.11.2011 Serie A Juventus-Palermo 3-0 07.04.2012 Serie A Palermo-Juventus 0-2 09.12.2012 Serie A Palermo-Juventus 0-1 05.05.2013 Serie A Juventus-Palermo 1-0 26.10.2014 Serie A Juventus-Palermo 2-0 14.03.2015 Serie A Palermo-Juventus 0-1 Giocate 10 - Vittorie Juventus 6 - Pareggi 0 - Vittorie Palermo 4 - Goals Juventus 12 - Goals Palermo 9 da juworld.net http://www.goal.com/it/tables/serie-a/13

Raiola: ‘Pogba won’t leave in January’ http://www.football-italia.net/76346/raiola-%E2%80%98pogba-won%E2%80%99t-leave-january%E2%80%99? Nov 27, 2015 Paul Pogba’s agent “categorically” rules out a move away from Juventus in January, but is less sure about the summer. The French midfielder is one of the most sought-after players in world football, with the Bianconeri turning down an €80m bid from Barcelona this summer. “Pogba is no longer a surprise,” Mino Raiola told Mediaset. “He’s not a youngster just being discovered. A player with his talent is known to everybody. There have been offers for him, and they're still there. “Last summer he decided to stay another year at Juve, and he kept his word. We’re not preoccupied with thoughts of his future, we’re thinking about that. “Paul is a lad who decides with his heart, and at the moment he’s focused on Juventus. I can categorically rule out a move in January. “In the future we’ll see, we’ll talk at the end of July.”

PALERMO - JUVENTUS - MATCHDAY 14 Sunday, November 29th, 2015 - 8:45 PM Renzo Barbera Stadium, Palermo Referee: Paolo Valeri Ballardini: ‘Juventus have everything’ http://www.football-italia.net/76334/ballardini-%E2%80%98juventus-have-everything%E2%80%99? Nov 27, 2015 Palermo Coach Davide Ballardini believes Juventus “have everything to compete for the Scudetto and the Champions League”. The Rosanero welcome the champions to Sicily this weekend, with the Old Lady currently trailing leaders Inter by nine points. “I’m not surprised by Juventus’ recent play,” Ballardini insisted in an interview with Tuttosport. “They’re the most advanced club in Serie A, the only one who can compete with the European superpowers. They’re the locomotive of Italian football. “They have a great structure, as shown by their skill in choosing their players. Their signings are a mix of technical quality, the right mentality and the desire to emerge. “Alex Sandro? I followed him at Porto, I’ve always liked him because he reflects my ideas about football: technical ability, freedom, quality and strength. “No wonder he’s exploded, but Juve have a lot of champions. Dybala, Morata, Buffon, Pogba. “They have everything to compete for the Scudetto and the Champions League.” Ballardini also discussed his job at Palermo, working with notoriously volatile President Maurizio Zamparini. “He’s present, active. He’s the same as he was six years ago. “Do I choose the players he wants? If that were true, Zamparini should sack me right away. I don’t think he’d want a Coach who does exactly what he says. “I like to discuss with the President, but then, as it should be, it’s the Coach who has the responsibility to choose and decide. “Zamparini knows me, I’m a stubborn Romagnolo.” http://www.goal.com/en-gb/tables/serie-a/13?ICID=SP_TN_127

ZAMPARINI: ‘DYBALA WORTH €100M AND MORE’ http://www.juvefc.com/zamparini-dybala-worth-e100m-and-more/? Nov 26, 2015 Palermo chairman Maurizio Zamparini believes Paulo Dybala ‘will soon be worth €100m and more.’ Speaking to giornalaccio rosa Dello Sport, the Rosanero patron gave his assessment on Dybala’s talent and revealed that Juve made a last minute bid for Franco Vázquez in the summer. “Time is proving that Marotta and Paratici did well to act fast and convince the boy at an early stage.” Zamparini said of Dybala’s transfer to Juve. “Berlusconi invited me to Arcore and Thohir even came to Vergiate to tempt me and that’s not all. PSG were also ready to invest but only if Ibrahimovic moved to Milan. “Juventus have a talent that will soon be worth €100m and more. I repeat: I think he gives his best when played as a centre forward. Dybala has bulked up in the recent months, adding on muscle mass since joining Juve in the summer. “I hope it stops. Dybala is talented and flexible. I still remember when muscles bulged Del Piero.” Zamparini turned his attention to the future of attacking midfielder Franco Vázquez. “The latest with Vazquez? As I said before, he only leaves in the summer. There are two Italian and two English clubs that want him.” “Marotta asked me for Vazquez on August 31st, before moving to sign Hernanes, but I told him not to ruin our friendship.” “Who will win the Scudetto? I hope Napoli or Fiorentina, but I think Juventus have everything to return to the top.”

PALERMO - JUVENTUS - MATCHDAY 14 Sunday, November 29th, 2015 - 8:45 PM Renzo Barbera Stadium, Palermo Referee: Paolo Valeri Zamparini: ‘Juventus for Scudetto’ http://www.football-italia.net/76327/zamp-%E2%80%98juventus-scudetto%E2%80%99? Nov 27, 2015 Palermo President Maurizio Zamparini tips Juventus for the Scudetto ahead of their visit to Stadio Renzo Barbera. The Bianconeri started their quest for a fifth-consecutive title in poor form, but have now won three Serie A games in a row, and the patron believes they can retain their crown. “The Scudetto? I’d like it if one of Napoli or Fiorentina won it,” Zamparini told giornalaccio rosa dello Sport. “But I think Juve have everything to return quickly to the top. After the game at the Barbera of course…

“Allegri has great potential, and I hope he gives space in attack to his top scorer [Paulo Dybala]. Mancini is putting a lot into this great Inter run, they must be taken seriously. “Sarri has Napoli playing really well.” Zamparini is famous for his itchy trigger finger, and sacked Beppe Iachini this month despite doing well last season. “With Dybala, Vazquez, and Barreto even I could have coached that Palermo. But I must admit he did well to give the team an identity. “However, recently he had lost his enthusiasm and the squad was affected. Against Chievo, despite winning, we hit rock bottom. “I couldn’t do anything but intervene. http://www.goal.com/en-gb/tables/serie-a/13?ICID=SP_TN_127

JUVENTUS REJECT MAN CITY OFFER FOR ALEX SANDRO http://www.juvefc.com/juventus-reject-man-city-offer-for-alex-sandro/? Nov 27, 2015 Juventus have reportedly rejected an offer from Manchester City for Brazilian full-back Alex Sandro. City had hoped to sign the Brazilian on a free transfer in 2016 when his contract with Porto ended and prepared an offer of €6m per season contract until 2021. The citizens had the opportunity to watch Sandro first hand in Juve’s 1-0 victory on Wednesday night and it’s reported that they still have an interest in the player. According to La giornalaccio rosa dello Sport, the Premier League side presented an offer of €40m for Sandro but it was immediately dismissed by Juventus director Beppe Marotta.

Three Juventus players nominated for FIFA FIFPro World XI http://www.blackwhitereadallover.com/2015/11/27/9805730/three-juventus-players-nominated-for-fifa-fifpro-world-xi-buffon-pogba-chiellini Nov 27, 2015 Just a few days after seeing plenty of familiar faces nominated to be a part of the UEFA Team of the Year, the same can be said when it comes to FIFA's annual squad of the best of the best. Goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon, midfielder Paul Pogba and defender Giorgio Chiellini are Juventus' three representatives on the 55-player shortlist. Throw in the fact that Arturo Vidal, Andrea Pirlo and Carlos Tévez are also nominated for the the FIFPro Team of the Year, and you have over half of Juventus' starting lineup from last season included. And while it might not be like Bayern Munich who can field an entire lineup with all of their nominations, it's still a nice haul for a team that had so many changes four or five months ago. After all, there was a still core group of players that didn't head out this past summer. Let's not forget that. Buffon, ironically not included in FIFA's shortlist for the Ballon d'Or, is no surprise. Same goes for Pogba, who is obviously now a household name amongst footballing fans around Europe and the globe. Chiellini, even struggling with his form throughout the last season or so, is in the same kind of boat. One might have thought that if there's Chiellini, then there's going to be Leonardo Bonucci, but apparently one of the best defenders in all of Europe last season be recognized for his efforts is too hard for FIFA to figure out all by themselves. The final XI will be revealed at the Ballon d'Or announcement on Jan, 11, 2016 in Zurich. The 55-man FIFPro Shortlist: Goalkeepers Gianluigi Buffon (Italy, Juventus); Iker Casillas (Spain, FC Porto); David De Gea (Spain, Manchester United); Keylor Navas (Costa Rica, Real Madrid CF); Manuel Neuer (Germany, FC Bayern Munich) Defenders David Alaba (Austria, FC Bayern Munich); Jordi Alba (Spain, FC Barcelona); Daniel Alves (Brazil, FC Barcelona); Jérôme Boateng (Germany, FC Bayern Munich); Daniel Carvajal (Spain, Real Madrid CF); Giorgio Chiellini (Italy, Juventus); David Luiz (Brazil, Paris Saint-Germain); Diego Godín (Uruguay, Atlético Madrid); Mats Hummels (Germany, Borussia Dortmund); Branislav Ivanovic (Serbia, Chelsea); Vincent Kompany (Belgium, Manchester City); Philipp Lahm (Germany, FC Bayern Munich); Marcelo (Brazil, Real Madrid CF); Javier Mascherano (Argentina, FC Barcelona); Pepe (Portugal, Real Madrid CF); Gerard Piqué (Spain, FC Barcelona); Sergio Ramos (Spain, Real Madrid CF); Thiago Silva (Brazil, Paris Saint-Germain); John Terry (England, Chelsea); Raphaël Varane (France, Real Madrid CF) Midfielders Thiago Alcantara (Spain, FC Bayern Munich); Xabi Alonso (Spain, FC Bayern Munich); Sergio Busquets (Spain, FC Barcelona); Eden Hazard (Belgium, Chelsea FC); Andrés Iniesta (Spain, FC Barcelona); Toni Kroos (Germany, Real Madrid CF); Luka Modric (Croatia, Real Madrid CF); Andrea Pirlo (Italy, New York City FC); Paul Pogba (France, Juventus); Ivan Rakitic (Croatia, FC Barcelona); James Rodríguez (Colombia, Real Madrid CF); David Silva (Spain, Manchester City); Yaya Touré (Ivory Coast, Manchester City FC); Marco Verratti (Italy, Paris Saint-Germain); Arturo Vidal (Chile, FC Bayern Munich) Forwards Sergio Agüero (Argentina, Manchester City FC); Gareth Bale (Wales, Real Madrid CF); Karim Benzema (France, Real Madrid CF); Douglas Costa (Brazil, FC Bayern Munich); Zlatan Ibrahimovic (Sweden, Paris Saint-Germain FC); Robert Lewandowski (Poland, FC Bayern Munich); Lionel Messi (Argentina, FC Barcelona); Thomas Müller (Germany, FC Bayern Munich); Neymar Jr. (Brazil, FC Barcelona); Arjen Robben (The Netherlands, FC Bayern Munich); Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal, Real Madrid CF); Wayne Rooney (England, Manchester United FC); Alexis Sánchez (Chile, Arsenal); Luis Suárez (Uruguay, FC Barcelona); Carlos Tevez (Argentina, Boca Juniors)

Marotta: Juventus Striker Dybala Has Immense Qualities http://forzaitalianfootball.com/2015/11/marotta-juventus-striker-dybala-has-immense-qualities/? Nov 26, 2015 Juventus director Giuseppe Marotta praised Paulo Dybala’s immense qualities after the win over Manchester City on Wednesday. Marotta added he was satisfied about qualifying to the next round in the Champions League, praising the team and coach Massimiliano Allegri. “The club are satisfied with the work of the team and Allegri: we had to reach this point of the season having won the Italian Supercup and being through to the next round in the Champions League and we managed it,” he told Premium Sport. “It is a delicate moment of the season, but we reached the first step: now we must find our identity in the league,” he added. Speaking about his players, Marotta said: “Youngsters like Dybala will show all their potential in the upcoming seasons. He joined a big club like Juventus straight from Palermo: when he gains experience he will demonstrate his immense qualities.” “Mandzukic should have a muscle problem, but it isn’t a big deal,” he added speaking about the injury the striker picked up on Wednesday night.

Italy close on England in rankings http://www.football-italia.net/76322/italy-close-england-rankings? Nov 26, 2015 Italy have closed again on England in the UEFA rankings thanks to this week’s results, above all Juventus beating Manchester City. The gap between the nations now stands at 2.7 points and when 2011-12 is wiped off next year, the gap will be as things stand only one point.. Serie A can snatch the fourth Champions League spot off the Premier League in 2017-18 and are consistently closing on them in the UEFA rankings. This week Juventus beat Manchester City 1-0, while Lazio and Napoli were also victorious in the Europa League. Fiorentina were held to a 2-2 draw, but Roma were the only losers with a humiliating 6-1 defeat at Barcelona. Liverpool, Tottenham, Chelsea and Arsenal won this week, but Manchester United drew and Manchester City lost.

Sturaro: Juventus Do Everything To Win http://forzaitalianfootball.com/2015/11/sturaro-juventus-do-everything-to-win/? Nov 26, 2015 Juventus midfielder Stefano Sturaro says the Bianconeri have a strong winning mentality and are not overly concerned about their current league position. The Old Lady currently sit sixth in the table but Sturaro feels their early stuttering form in the league was because of a lack of self-esteem and awareness from the players. With the Bianconeri’s recent run of positive results, the 22-year-old thinks that players who don the jersey of the club will win many trophies in the future. “We lacked a bit self-esteem and awareness,” Sturaro admitted to Juventus TV. “With these victories, we are finding our rhythm. “All players at Juventus are champions and champions of the future. “We do not talk and think about the rankings, we do everything possible just to win.”

PALERMO - JUVENTUS - MATCHDAY 14 Sunday, November 29th, 2015 - 8:45 PM Renzo Barbera Stadium, Palermo Referee: Paolo Valeri Juventus’ Mario Mandzukic Could Be Fit To Face Palermo http://forzaitalianfootball.com/2015/11/juventus-mario-mandzukic-could-be-fit-to-face-palermo/? Nov 26, 2015 Juventus forward Mario Mandzukic could be fit to face Palermo at the weekend despite fears the Croatian had suffered a muscle injury during the Bianconeri’s Champions League win over Manchester City on Wednesday. Mandzukic scored the only goal of the game at the Juventus stadium to ensure the Old Lady’s progress to the knockout stages of the competition with a game to spare. The striker’s fitness ahead of the match against the Rosanero on Sunday had been cast into doubt after fears he had suffered an injury, but those worries have been eased by the news that the forward has only suffered a badly bruised leg. As a result, the summer signing from Atletico Madrid could make Massimiliano Allegri’s squad as the Bianconeri look to reclaim lost ground in the title race after their poor start to the Serie A season. 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 Paulo Dybala is not heir to Carlos Tevez at Juventus - Franco Vazquez http://www.espnfc.co.uk/italian-serie-a/story/2728943/paulo-dybala-not-heir-to-carlos-tevez-at-juventus-vazquez? Nov 26, 2015 Palermo midfielder Franco Vazquez is looking forward to being reunited with former teammate Paulo Dybala when Juventus visit the Stadio Renzo Barbera this weekend. The pair netted 23 goals between them for Palermo last season before Dybala signed for Juve in the summer. Argentine forward Dybala was earmarked to fill the role vacated by Carlos Tevez, who moved to Boca Juniors -- but Vazquez is not convinced he is the right man for that task. He told Sky Sport Italia: "Is he the heir to Tevez? I don't think so. He's a different player and he's still young. He's still got a long way to go, but I'm delighted for him. "He's got some beautiful memories of Palermo. He played three years here and I'm sure he's going to be very emotional, but it's Palermo against Juventus, not Vazquez against Dybala. "It's certainly going to be a special game, and it will be different to see him wearing another shirt to Palermo's." Dybala has scored six times in Serie A this season, and Vazquez said he was not certain how his ex-colleague would react if he added to that tally against his old club. "I'm not sure if he would celebrate or not," he said. "I don't think he would, and I hope not too." Dybala has yet to score in the Champions League, but he was still on the winning side as Juventus went top of Group D by taking all three points against Manchester City. Mario Mandzukic, who scored the winner, told UEFA's official website: "It was important today that we played a good game and that we won because we were up against a very good side. "The win was the most important thing for us. Whoever scored the goal was not so important for me. What mattered was that Juventus won, so we're all happy." 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 Paulo Dybala increasingly important for Juventus ahead of Palermo return http://www.espnfc.co.uk/italian-serie-a/12/blog/post/2728941/paulo-dybala-increasingly-important-for-juventus? Nov 26, 2015 Somewhere in Paulo Dybala's Turin home, there is a miniature Sicilian donkey cart. Colourful and elaborately decorated, these trinkets are a popular gift among visitors to the island and this one in particular was one of several souvenirs given to Dybala by Palermo owner Maurizio Zamparini. The most extravagant gift Dybala received was a portrait of him playing for the club. It was still being painted when its subject made his last appearance at the Favorita in May and one imagines him looking at it as he prepares to make an emotional return there with Juventus on Sunday. Zamparini could afford to spoil the 21-year-old. After all, Juventus paid €40m for Dybala. Only one Palermo player has ever fetched more than that figure and that was Javier Pastore, another native of Cordoba; Zamparini must consider the Argentine town a gold mine. While the painting dried, the miniature donkey cart and a new watch would have to do. Zamparini presented Dybala with them on the pitch before his last Palermo game. Taking the microphone, the owner spoke for the supporters in attendance when he said: "We say goodbye to Paulo with great sadness but also great joy." The pair's relationship was -- and remains -- like that between father and son and Zamparini was especially proud that Dybala had got his big move, even if he would have preferred u Picciriddu or "The Kid", as he was affectionately known in Sicilian dialect, to go to Milan. Rossoneri owner Silvio Berlusconi had promised to match Juventus' offer, but Dybala's heart was set on following the other great Argentines who have been leading men for the Old Lady: Omar Sivori and Carlos Tevez. Picciri Grazie read one banner at the Favorita: "Thanks Kid." The Palermo crowd had stuck by Dybala despite initial disappointment that he didn't live up to his club record fee of €12m. Relegated in his first year in Italy, 2012-13, he went 405 days without a goal. Then, towards the end of the season before last as Palermo were returning to the top flight, something clicked. A change of coach to Beppe Iachini, as well as position and strike partner -- Franco Vazquez -- acted like a key and unlocked the potential Zamparini had seen on DVD of a teenager breaking Instituto de Cordoba club records that had been established by 1978 World Cup winner Mario Kempes. "Since the beginning of this season," Zamparini told Sportweek last November, "I've been able to drink two or three coffees for free [at the cafes around Mondello and Palermo]." After throwing his shirt and kicking signed footballs into the Curva Nord following his final home game, Dybala said: "I'll miss everything about Palermo. The people always made me feel at home, it will be impossible to forget my experiences there. Palermo made me become a man." Two weeks later he was a special guest of Juventus at the Champions League final in Berlin. Wrapping up the Serie A title early had allowed them to begin planning for this season and beat the competition to Dybala's signing. A revelation in Serie A, he had got into double figures in goals (13) and assists (10) and had garnered the full attention of Europe's elite. It was a coup for Juventus even if Dybala is the most expensive purchase of the post Calciopoli era. Only current captain Gianluigi Buffon, Lillian Thuram and Pavel Nedved, the Ballon d'Or winner who is now vice-president, cost the club more. But here was a player of immense talent with his entire career still in front of him. Dybala also firmly believed that joining Juventus was exactly the right thing to do for his development. However, that has been a subject of debate since the start of the campaign. Dybala was left out of the starting XI for the Italian Super Cup and even though he came on and scored in that game against Lazio, was again missing at the kickoff of their season opener in Serie A against Udinese. Such an oversight led to Juventus general manager Beppe Marotta receiving texts from Zamparini, who has never stopped looking out for Dybala. Zamparini just couldn't understand why his golden boy was being left out as Juventus made their worst start in decades. Nor could members of the press pack. Nor could sections of Juventus' support. The team was lacking goals and inspiration and yet, more often than not, Dybala was supplying both when he appeared. In August, he got the consolation goal in a defeat to Roma and a month later threatened to inspire a Juventus comeback at Napoli when Mario Lemina pulled one back from his pass. A tipping point arrived after back-to-back goalless draws with Inter and Borussia Monchengladbach in October. Dybala started neither game and the exasperation with Max Allegri reached fever pitch, with La giornalaccio rosa dello Sport speculating that the Juventus coach must be blind to the player's talent. Meanwhile, Zamparini revealed he regretted selling Dybala to Juventus, adding that, in his opinion, they were ruining him and young Paulo should already be considering his future. Allegri didn't feel he had to justify himself to anyone. His track record with blooding youngsters spoke for itself: Radja Nainggolan at Cagliari, Stephan El Shaarawy at Milan and Alvaro Morata at Juventus. In an industry where too much is expected of young players, too soon, Allegri doesn't rush them even amid the pressure to get results and to see an instant return on a club's investment. He feels responsible for them and so nothing was going to change how he handled Dybala's induction. Not Juventus' crisis, nor the price tag. "It's not my problem he cost €40m," Allegri said. For instance, it didn't change the fact that Dybala was still only 21 and had lots to learn. He needed to understand what it means to play for Juventus. He needed to adapt to a new role as a second striker. He needed to add greater maturity to his game. A case in point came in September when Dybala gave the ball away cheaply against Frosinone, who then went up the other end and turn a Juventus win into a draw. He needed to bulk up, too. Against Roma, La Repubblica likened Dybala to "a robin red breast among eagles." When Dybala scored and assisted Mario Mandzukic in his next start against Atalanta at the end of October, Tuttosport's headline declared: "Never again without." There was a touch of "I told you so" about it but what if Dybala played well precisely because Allegri had picked the right moment and opponent for him? The manager continues to use him in doses, albeit bigger ones. Dybala has scored in back-to-back league games -- one as a sub away to Empoli, the other a winner against Milan last weekend. He now has six goals in Serie A. That's the same total as he had at this stage last year, but this season's goals have come in just 781 minutes rather than 1106. Dybala is more efficient; only fellow countryman Gonzalo Higuain has a more rapid goals-per-minute ratio (111) in Serie A than his rate of 130. The average is also better than what Tevez and Alessandro Del Piero achieved in their respective first seasons at Juventus. Dybala has put on three kilograms of muscle in the last four months and is more robust and better able to withstand the physicality of the league's defenders. "Have you seen his thighs?" Allegri said on Sky Italia. All of this is small vindication to the Juventus boss and the same goes for the club's other big summer signing, Alex Sandro, the left-back who was bought from Porto for €26m. His integration has been gradual but, in the last month, he has produced a series of big moments, most notably assists for Juan Cuadrado's stoppage time winner in the Turin derby, as well as for Dybala's clincher against Milan and Mandzukic's winner in Wednesday's game against Manchester City. Both players are beginning to pay back the €66m Juventus invested in them and the team is now on a run. Through to the knockout stages of the Champions League with a game to spare, the Old Lady can now concentrate on the league for a few months. Sunday's visit to Sicily is another chance to make up more ground in title race but, for Dybala, it will also be a second homecoming of genuine sentimental significance. Call it "The Return of the Kid". http://www.goal.com/en-gb/tables/serie-a/13?ICID=SP_TN_127

JUVENTUS - MANCHESTER CITY 1 - 0 Mario Mandžukić (18') Matchday 5 Wednesday, November 25th, 2015 - 08:45 P.M. Juventus Stadium, Turin Referee:‬ Felix Brych (Germany) JUVENTUS 1-0 MAN CITY CHAMPIONS LEAGUE PLAYER RATINGS Alex Sandro, Mario Mandzukic and Stefano Sturaro were contendors for man of the match in Juve’s 1-0 victory over Man City. http://www.juvefc.com/juventus-1-0-man-city-champions-league-player-ratings/? Nov 26, 2015 Juventus went into this penultimate Champions League group knowing that a win would see them into the last 16. It was a cagey start but Juve played the better football early on and took a deserved lead when Alex Sandro floated in a perfect cross for Mario Mandzukic to fire home. Juve continued to miss a host of well created chances while City had opportunities of their own to get back into the game but thankfully the Bianconeri held on for a valuable 3 points. Gigi Buffon 7.0 - Exceptional. Came out off his line to close down Aguero when Marchisio’s back pass was poorly placed. Denied Toure with a truly world-class save and was his usual super-self throughout. Andrea Barzagli 6.5 - Kept things steady at the back with a solid defensive display, marking De Bruyne and making some vital interceptions. Leonardo Bonucci 6.5 - Back to his brilliant best, marking Sergio Aguero and limiting his chances. Superb. Giorgio Chiellini 6.0 - One of his best recent performances, despite some poor passing at the back. Came into the game as it went on and kept Aguero in his pocket for much of the night. Stephan Lichtsteiner 6.0 - Had a great chance to seal the resuly when clean through but was denied by Hart. Tracked back well and kept Navas/De Bruyne quiet throughout the game. Stefano Sturaro 6.5 - An exceptional display from a young player who is maturing more with the big games he plays in. Bossed the midfield and broke down attacks while almost scoring a second goal for Juve. Claudio Marchisio 6.5 - One wayward pass aside, he was at his best, probing the City defence, trying to carve out chances. Tested Hart from distance more than once and kept the midfield ticking over. Paul Pogba 7.0 - One of his best displays in a while, dominating the midfield, covering the pitch and keeping Toure busy. Created a beautiful chance for Dybala and made some great runs into the final third. Alex Sandro 7.0 - Pushed Sagna back and was a constant thorn in the side of City for the whole game. Provided the deftest of crosses for Mandzukic to open the scoring. Mario Mandzukic 6.5 - Another player who turned in a much improved performance. Far more mobile, tracking back when he could, put pressure on the defence and took his goal with a great finish. Could easily have scored a second but for a great save from Hart. Paulo Dybala 6.0 - Wasted a good early opportunity, made good runs with great vision but the end product wasn;t there, in part, due to the physical treatment he got from City. Substitutes Alvaro Morata 6.0 - An infuriating display from the striker who should have passed at least twice to better positioned players to seal the result. Juan Cuadrado N/A - A brief cameo role with the game already won. Patrice Evra N/A - A brief cameo role with the game already won. http://www.goal.com/en/tables/uefa-champions-league/10

http://www.tuttosport.com/foto/calcio/champions-league/2015/11/25-6193405/juventus-manchester_city_il_film_della_partita/ http://www.zimbio.com/pictures/6RlajdPPoGj/Juventus+v+Manchester+City+FC+UEFA+Champions

JUVENTUS - MANCHESTER CITY 1 - 0 Mario Mandžukić (18') Matchday 5 Wednesday, November 25th, 2015 - 08:45 P.M. Juventus Stadium, Turin Referee:‬ Felix Brych (Germany) JUVENTUS 1-0 MAN CITY CHAMPIONS LEAGUE MATCH REPORT Juventus are through to the last 16 of the Champions League following a resolute 1-0 victory over Manchester City. http://www.juvefc.com/juventus-1-0-man-city-champions-league-match-report/? Nov 26, 2015 5 Positives 1. Don’t call my name, don’t call my name…. Alex Sandro. I’m not your….ah, you get the point. Another strong performance from the left-back who is really getting to grips with his role in this Juve team. Pushed forward and pegged back Sagna and his lin-up play with Pogba was beautiful to watch. His third assist in a row shows just why he needs to be starting more often. 2. Stefano Sturaro – Bossed and bullied that midfield and did a damn-fine impersonation of a certain Arturo Vidal. Robbed and recycled the ball, had a half chance to score a second for Juve. a very mature performance. 3. Another win – Granted, the victories preceding this one may not have been particularly pretty, but they were done with a degree of determination that seemed to be missing from earlier performances. The confidence is growing and the momentum is building. Only 1 defeat in 11 games is pretty damn good considering some were calling for Allegri to be sacked as little as two weeks ago. 4. A clean sheet – We’ve managed to keep 7 clean sheets so far this season – Not especially good when you consider how strong our defence was these past 4 seasons but this was our second in a row and a sign that the things are starting to come together. 5. Allegri – There were plenty of questions about the choice of formation, the inclusion of Mandzukic over Morata….but it worked, and it worked well. The team looked balanced across the pitch and when substitutions were made in the form of Morata and Cuadrado, they continued to cause City problems. bravo Max! Statistics Man of the Match: Alex Sandro & Stefano Sturaro Flop of the Match: N/A Corners: 2 Pass Accuracy: 79% Shots on Target: 5 Total Shots: 13 Ball Possession: 41% Formation: 3-5-2 Lineups Juventus: Buffon; Barzagli, Bonucci, Chiellini; Lichtsteiner, Sturaro, Marchisio, Pogba, Alex Sandro (Evra 78); Mandzukic (Morata 55), Dybala (Cuadrado 81) Manchester City: Hart (Caballero 81); Sagna, Demichelis, Otamendi, Clichy; Fernando, Fernandinho (Delph 60); Navas, Toure, De Bruyne; Aguero (Sterling 69) Ref: Brych (GER) Poll: Who was your man of the match against Man City ? Sandro 63% Pogba 15% Mandzukic 8% Buffon 5% Marchisio 5% Barzagli 2% Chiellini 2% Sturaro 2% Lichtsteiner 0% Bonucci 0% Dybala 0% Votes 62 http://www.goal.com/en/tables/uefa-champions-league/10

JUVENTUS - MANCHESTER CITY 1 - 0 Mario Mandžukić (18') Matchday 5 Wednesday, November 25th, 2015 - 08:45 P.M. Juventus Stadium, Turin Referee:‬ Felix Brych (Germany) Sturaro: ‘Perfect night against City’ http://www.football-italia.net/76290/sturaro-%E2%80%98perfect-night-against-city%E2%80%99? Nov 26, 2015 Juventus midfielder Stefano Sturaro describes last night’s win over Manchester City as “a perfect evening”. The Bianconeri sealed their place in the Last 16 of the Champions League with a 1-0 win at Juventus Stadium, and will top the group with a point at Sevilla in two weeks. “After such a good evening there’s a happy atmosphere,” Sturaro told JTV. “In the end, yesterday was a perfect evening, as so often happens here. It’s a victory which boosts morale, so today it’s really good. “The group was very difficult, because all four teams are strong, we’ve seen that, we’ve suffered, but our strength allowed us to qualify. “The Champions League is a fascinating competition, and probably the best. I don’t think there is much need to prepare for matches of this calibre. “I always give my maximum, in every game, whether that’s against Real [Madrid] or a less prestigious team. “Of course, every game can do well or less well, that’s the beauty of football. But I’ll give 100 per cent and even more in every game.” Sturaro could have scored last night, but could only deflect Alvaro Morata’s effort onto the far post, when it had been dropping wide. “I was up there anyway, offering support, and then I saw that Alvaro’s ball was about to go in our out. “I gave everything, but I got there half a second late and I couldn’t put it in the goal.” http://www.goal.com/en/tables/uefa-champions-league/10

JUVENTUS - MANCHESTER CITY 1 - 0 Mario Mandžukić (18') Matchday 5 Wednesday, November 25th, 2015 - 08:45 P.M. Juventus Stadium, Turin Referee:‬ Felix Brych (Germany) Mature Juventus march on A 1-0 victory over Manchester City sealed by Mario Mandzukic saw Juventus advance to the Champions League Round of 16. Luca Cetta praises a mature Bianconeri. http://www.football-italia.net/76286/mature-juventus-march? Nov 26, 2015 It’s a luxury that hadn’t been afforded to Juventus in recent seasons. Despite domestic dominance, results in Europe did not followed suit. Firstly under Antonio Conte and then Massimiliano Allegri, the Bianconeri on three occasions took qualification for the Champions League Round of 16 down to the wire. Only twice they succeeded. You have to go back to 2008-09 for the last time Juve qualified for the knockout phase with something to spare. That was the scenario staring Allegri’s men in the face at Juventus Stadium: beat Manchester City to advance before Matchday 6. After three successive Serie A wins they were starting to show the form of campaigns past. A victory would also take Juventus back above the Sky Blues, after they relinquished top spot in drawing at Borussia Monchengladbach. Much had been made in the build-up of City’s European resurgence after testing seasons in the competition and that first-up loss in September. Yet in doing the double it was the new-look Bianconeri who showcased their ability at this level. Mario Mandzukic once again netted against the English club to put Juventus ahead after 18 minutes – their earliest goal scored this term. It was the perfect start, allowing the Old Lady to control proceedings from that point. Control they did. Juventus stifled Manuel Pellegrini’s team in what was a measured performance. Both Pellegrini and Yaya Toure derided City’s luck in front of goal, although they truly only broke the Bianconeri open once. That came late on as substitute Raheem Sterling missed from close range. It took an errant Claudio Marchisio backpass to give Sergio Aguero an opening, one snuffed out by the commanding Gigi Buffon. Another good chance arrived from a set piece, with Fernando’s header parried on to the post by Buffon. Yet what the pair failed to mention is Juventus had opportunities to extend the lead. They didn’t make the most of their control, or chances. Manduzkic was denied a second by a fine Joe Hart save. A combination of Alvaro Morata and Stefano Sturaro could not do the job, the latter shaving the woodwork. The Spaniard then went on a mazy dribble, only for Hart to keep City in it. Those spurned chances could have been costly had Sterling made the most of his opening and it’s something Allegri will remind his players of. But the Coach can be pleased overall with the performance. And he was. “I am very happy with the performance. The lads did well and it’s not easy to qualify with a game to spare from such a tough group.” Crucial for Juve was a third clean sheet in five European outings. “Keeping a clean sheet was an important element too,” Allegri noted. It led giornalaccio rosa dello Sport to declare ‘Juve to the Max’, as Allegri and his team got it right on an important evening. There were contributors all over the pitch. Like Alex Sandro. The Brazilian whipped in six crosses, including one for the goal. It was his third match-winning assist in as many matches, while he also made five interceptions and four tackles, according to WhoScored.com. In Sandro and Patrice Evra, Allegri has a welcome headache on the left-hand side. Giorgio Chiellini put recent wobbles aside to help shackle the City attack. Leonardo Bonucci utilised his role to perfection, his reading of the game helping to eight clearances and providing an initial attacking outlet. Andrea Barzagli was, as usual, telling without fuss – just look at that Sterling chance, for instance. Marchisio’s error aside, the midfield trio stuck to their tasks diligently and in Paul Pogba had a creative outlet. The Frenchman was important in creating the goal and in driving Juve forward. Nobody covered more ground than the anchoring Marchisio – 11.01km – and Sturaro at 10.74km, who provided the necessary grunt. Now on 11 points, Juventus only need a draw to top Group D when they travel to Sevilla in a fortnight. Compared to recent seasons it is a welcome turn of events for the Bianconeri to have already qualified and be in the box seat to finish first. That can be so important when the draw for the Round of 16 takes place. But Juve have also given others something to think about thanks to another mature performance. http://www.goal.com/en/tables/uefa-champions-league/10