Socrates

'Morata, Pogba away from Juve' http://www.football-italia.net/75759/morata-pogba-away-juve? Nov 14, 2015 FIFA agent Ernesto Bronzetti expects Alvaro Morata and Paul Pogba to leave Juventus for Real Madrid and Barcelona respectively. The Merengues have a buyback clause on Morata that will become active in summer of 2016, potentially depriving the Bianconeri of one of their most solid strikers. “As far as I know Real's intention is of taking him back,” Bronzetti told Tuttosport. “But we'll have to see what Morata himself says. “You don't go to Real with reluctance. They certainly aren't the type of club that will keep those who don't want to stay with them. “Let's say it's too early, the situation will be resolved in the next few months. “Real are changing their policies and they are putting a lot more emphasis on the players from their youth squads. “Recently they pitched ten players from the 'cantera'. For them, someone like Morata may be interesting too.” Bronzetti then went on to discuss Roma's Gervinho and Juventus' midfield star Paul Pogba. “Gervinho was already in Dubai, everything was settled. Then the deal crashed at the last second and now he's decisive where he is. “As for Pogba, I know that Barcelona are after him. It's likely he'll end up there sooner or later. “We'll have to see whether Juventus decide to sell him. In any case Barca are not the only Spanish club looking for him.”

3 Biggest Positives for Juventus' 2015/16 Season so Far http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2587843-3-biggest-positives-for-juventus-201516-season-so-far? Nov 14, 2015 It is easy to look at the early struggles of Juventus this season and assign blame, with numerous players and club officials clearly not performing at their best. With the Bianconeri currently in seventh place, the reigning Serie A champions face an increasingly difficult task if they are to defend that title. In this previous post, those reasons were discussed at length, but the past few weeks have seen incremental improvements from the team on the field. Indeed, their most recent victory over Empoli marked Juve’s first back-to-back league wins of the 2015/16 campaign, much to coach Massimiliano Allegri’s relief. “Just because we’re Juventus, we should never think that we’re going to win easily,” he told a press conference following that 3-1 triumph. “We need to work on our game, but we’ll look at things positively.” What follows is just that, picking out the biggest positives for the Turin giants, highlighting the three most significant factors going in their favour despite poor results. 1. Gigi Buffon While Juve’s defensive record has been poor thus far, there is little doubt it would be much worse were it not for Gigi Buffon. The club captain has been in incredible form, making some amazing saves to bail out the club’s struggling back line on repeated occasions over his 16 appearances. Indeed, Allegri believes he is fortunate to be able to field one of the all-time greats, and it is difficult to argue with that sentiment given Buffon’s current form. “It's one thing seeing him only in one game when you are his opponent, but it's another when you see him training every day,” the coach told Sky Italia (h/t ESPN). “I believe he's the best goalkeeper in history.” 2. Sami Khedira If the Bianconeri are blessed to have a World Cup winner between the posts, then another has proven equally crucial when he steps on the field. Sami Khedira arrived this summer on a free transfer after his contract with Real Madrid expired, and his presence has been a calming one in their new-look midfield. His maturity and leadership have filled the void left by the departures of Arturo Vidal and Andrea Pirlo, Khedira telling German newspaper Welt am Sonntag (h/t Football Italia) that “Juve are a fantastic club with a great tradition, a wonderful present and a promising future.” The 28-year-old has already added one goal and an assist, but the biggest statistic might well be the fact Juventus have yet to lose in any of his seven appearances, notching five wins and two draws. 3. The Schedule While the nine-point gap between Juventus and the top of the table appears quite a gulf, a quick look at their fixture list certainly provides hope that the Bianconeri can improve their record in the coming months. The Old Lady has already travelled to play away against Inter, AS Roma and Napoli, each of the six teams above them have yet to visit Turin. Notching victories over these rivals would undoubtedly see Allegri’s side climb the table, with the coach telling reporters recently that he believes they can do just that. “We’re now seventh in the league with plenty of catching up to do,” Allegri said at his most recent press conference. “But we enter the international break on the back of two straight league wins and a hard-fought draw away in the Champions League.” The team return from that break to encounter both Milan and Manchester City at Juventus Stadium, and two victories there would be a huge boost to a team seeking to remain positive. http://www.goal.com/en-gb/tables/serie-a/13?ICID=SP_TN_127

Serie A title race evenly split between Inter, Roma, Lazio, Juve and Fiorentina http://www.espnfc.co.uk/italian-serie-a/12/blog/post/2709247/serie-a-title-race-evenly-spilt-inter-roma-lazio-juve-viola? Nov 14, 2015 Serie A is senza Padrone. Without a boss. The lead just keeps changing hands. Already this season three different teams have spent time alone at the top. Inter Milan did after making their best start in almost half a century. Fiorentina then beat them at San Siro to move into first place for the first time since Valentine's Day 1999. They were then lost to Roma and were overtaken by them. Back out in front and on their own 700 days after they last were, defeat to Inter then meant they slipped behind again. Serie A's wannabe leaders are like Silvio Dante doing his Michael Corleone impression on "The Sopranos." "Just when I thought I was out, they pull me back in." It's drama at its finest. Since the league adopted three points for a win just more than two decades ago, this is only the third time Serie A has had three different clubs trade places at the top of the table by this stage of a season. It happened in 2001-02 as Juventus, Inter and Chievo all couldn't make their mind up who wanted to be No. 1 in the opening 12 games of the campaign. Then in 2010-11 when Lazio, Inter and Chievo (again?!) took turns to stare down on everyone else from on high. If this season climaxes as dramatically as 2001-02, when the title race went down to the final day, then we're in for a treat. If it follows the pattern of 2010-11, when all the early pace-setters faded, including the champions and treble winners, then it will be refreshing too. Right now anyone claiming to know with any certainty who will claim the tricolor in May is brave, foolish and/or partial. Picking a winner is fraught with difficulty. The top four are separated by only a couple of points and, historically speaking, it hasn't been this tight among a quartet of teams so deep into a season since 2002-03 when Lazio were one ahead of the inseparable Inter, Juve and Milan. No one is willing to declare themselves favourites. Roma coach Rudi Garcia won't make that mistake again. He still considers Juventus the team to beat even if no one has ever won the Scudetto after suffering defeat in four of their opening 12 games. "He's doing the opposite of what he did last season then," Max Allegri said with a smile. Garcia, of course, isn't alone. Even after celebrating victory over the Old Lady, Napoli coach Maurizio Sarri insisted: "Juventus remain overwhelming favourites." For his two euros worth, Allegri claims: "I have always said Inter are the No. 1 candidate, together with us and Roma." Roberto Mancini sees it differently again. "It's Fiorentina," he argued. "That's what the table says." It's like a hot potato. A psychological one to shift the spotlight and the pressure away from their respective teams. Only Juventus, clearly unwilling to let it slip from their grasp and desperate to hold onto it, are openly comfortable with it. They won't give up on the Scudetto and that speaks to their winning habit, the culture at the club. Pantomime season is upon us and, inevitably, cries of "they're behind you" are being heard. Juventus hadn't been in the top half of the table until a week ago. Now, after recording back-to-back wins for the first time in the league this season, they are seventh and "only" nine points off the top. Ominous, isn't it? Particularly when you consider the following: Allegri is now closer to knowing his best team. The new recruits are getting more familiar with his methods and what he wants from them. They also have already gone away to Roma, Napoli and Inter. Each of them still have to go to the J Stadium. If Juventus can get scoring with more frequency, achieve greater consistency and keep everyone healthy, especially Claudio Marchisio, then it's not beyond the realm of possibility that they will be where they want to be come March, which is to be back in serious contention. Nine points are a lot though and if Juventus make up that ground it will be an achievement to rank with any in this cycle of success. If the others let it slip now it will be an indictment. This is the best chance they have had in a long while. And perhaps that is arguably where the greatest challenge lies for those aspiring to take Juventus' crown: can they hold their nerve? It'll be 47 years in May since Fiorentina were last proclaimed Campione d'Italia, 26 since Napoli and Diego Maradona celebrated the club's most recent title, 16 since Roma held a parade in Circo Massimo and six since Jose Mourinho left Inter as an all-conquering force at home and abroad. The question is: Will that sense of history bring jitters with it? And as the pressure rises how will they handle it? Will they crumble or stand tall? Other than Allegri, the only coach in the league with experience of winning Serie A is Mancini. Inter, a team who offer as stark a contrast to Fiorentina -- the side with whom they share the lead -- as to be a polar opposite, have been winning ugly. They have won seven games 1-0 due to a mixture of luck, goalkeeper Samir Handanovic keeping them in games, sheer bloody-mindedness and one of their outfield players being opportunistic or plucky enough in front of goal. As Gab Marcotti argues, it matters to play well and Inter's results have been better than their performances. How long will that last? The team doesn't yet have an identity other than it grinds out results and is resilient. The greatest contribution Mancini has made is to bestow upon Inter a winning mentality. Fiorentina offer a great counterpoint. If the impression with Inter is of evident margin for improvement, particularly in building and imposing a style of play -- this is where reports of interest in Andrea Pirlo have arisen -- the question for them instead is can they keep this high level of performance up? Even in defeat to Napoli and Roma, the encouraging thing is Sousa's team played well. He has made this squad look deeper than it first appeared by adding value through coaching. All of a sudden Marcos Alonso, Milan Badelj and Matias Vecino look class. Nikola Kalinic has been one of the bargains of the season (at €5.5 million) and the dependable and durable goal-scorer Fiorentina have been missing. Giuseppe Rossi needn't carry this team, nor rush himself and his presence on the bench speaks to their depth. The inheritance Sousa received from Vincenzo Montella has helped but under his management this team seems more vertical and more incisive. A championship winning coach in back-to-back years in Israel and Switzerland before taking this job, he knows what it takes to get a team over the line first. The players feel they have a point to prove too. Whistled after their elimination in the semifinals of the Europa League last season, the club came under severe criticism for its business over the summer and the team was doubted. The beauty to Inter's beast, neither are favourites in the papers though. Runners' up in consecutive seasons Roma are most people's picks and with good reason. Their ups and downs in Champions League have distorted the perception of a team that has been anything other than mercurial in Serie A. They have so many weapons. Twelve different players have got on the scoresheet in Serie A. This is their most prolific start to a season since 1960. Edin Dzeko is beginning to fire and, in addition to doing over Juventus and Fiorentina, beating Lazio with your best player suspended (Miralem Pjanic) and your heart, your soul, your leadership (Francesco Totti, Daniele De Rossi and Alessandro Florenzi) all absent from the starting lineup was some statement of intent and depth. Frailties in defence remain. Wojciech Szczesny is Wojciech Szczesny and Kostas Manolas lacks a solid partner at centre-back. Sunday's clean sheet was only their second of the season. There's a sense, even though they're currently third, that, among the pretenders to the throne, Roma have the most to lose because if it isn't Juventus' year it should be theirs. Napoli are a match for them. They are every bit as explosive. This isn't anything new but Sarri has got Lorenzo Insigne and Gonzalo Higuain, the league's most valuable player, enjoying their football again and playing to an exceptional level. Crucially though he has found the balance that oddly escaped Rafa Benitez. Previous challenges were undermined by conceding 96 league goals in two years. This season Napoli have allowed only eight and have kept 10 clean sheets in all competitions. Since discovering the winning formula for this group of players -- a 4-3-3 -- Napoli are unbeaten in 15 games with an aggregate score of 33-3. They have won 5-0 on three occasions and have put Juventus, Fiorentina, Lazio and Milan to the sword. Fans are coming back to the San Paolo in their droves. There is renewed enthusiasm. It's quite the contrast with the distance and coolness between Roma and their own ultras at the moment. So might that 12th man make a difference? Or will it become overwhelming, all-consuming in Italy's biggest one-club town? Each of the contenders have their flaws, their weaknesses and insecurities. It makes it all so unpredictable, so fun and helter-skelter. Be sure to hang on for the ride. http://www.goal.com/en-gb/tables/serie-a/13?ICID=SP_TN_127

Stephan Lichtsteiner Underlines His Importance to Juventus After Surgery http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2588974-stephan-lichtsteiner-underlines-his-importance-to-juventus-after-surgery? Nov 13, 2015 Since returning to the starting line-up recently, Stephan Lichtsteiner has once again underlined his importance to Juventus, with the Swiss full-back as vital as ever to the success of Italian football’s grand Old Lady. Indeed, when he took to the field against Borussia Monchengladbach, he did so little over a month after undergoing surgery to correct what the club’s official website described as “a benign cardiac arrhythmia” or atrial flutter. The issue was diagnosed shortly after Juve’s game with Frosinone in late September, a match which saw Lichtsteiner substituted at half-time after a heavy collision resulted in him suffering with breathing difficulties. The operation took place on October 2, with that aforementioned report from Juventus indicating he would need 30 days to recover. That schedule was deemed outlandish in some quarters, with Corriere dello Sport (h/t Football Italia) interviewing cardiologist Bruno Caru, who insisted the player would miss six months of action. Almost immediately, the Bianconeri refuted that claim, publishing quotes from professor Fiorenzo Gaita—the man who performed the operation—on their website. He reaffirmed the diagnosis that Lichsteiner would need 30 days, saying the practice was "very common" and "the first choice of athletes" suffering from cardiac arrhythmia. The 31-year-old would stick to that timetable perfectly, returning to training on November 1, just two days before Juve’s Champions League clash at Gladbach. A surprise inclusion in Massimiliano Allegri’s squad for that trip, not only would he make the trip to Germany but the coach would subsequently name him in his starting XI. Just as he has done since joining the Turin giants from Lazio back in the summer of 2011, Lichtsteiner would deliver a thoroughly assured performance, patrolling the right flank diligently throughout. Playing the entire 90 minutes, statistics courtesy of WhoScored.com show he recorded two interceptions, two clearances and one blocked shot. He also connected with 21 passes as he pressed forward to support the attack whenever possible, despite his first instinct always being to defend. But his key contribution would come in the 44th minute, as Paul Pogba picked him out with a wonderful ball over the defence that Lichtsteiner struck with a perfectly timed volley past goalkeeper Yann Sommer. That goal helped Juve to secure a 1-1 draw and a vital point, particularly after Hernanes was dismissed for a woeful second-half challenge, but the Switzerland international still appeared disappointed after the final whistle. “I had not even dreamed of a game like this. I just wanted to win,” he told Mediaset Premium as he left the field (h/t Football Italia). “It was important for me to be back straight away, despite having just two training sessions with the group. This is still a very delicate time. It was important for me to give the team a helping hand.” Having suffered some disappointing results this season, Lichtsteiner’s return would provide a genuine boost, retaining his place for the win over Empoli just a few days later. Looking as if he’d never been away, that game saw the Bianconeri record back-to-back victories in Serie A for the first time in 2015/16. OptaPaolo ✔ @OptaPaolo 2898 - In 2014, Stephan Lichtsteiner has been the Juventus' player with the most minutes played in the league (2898). Tireless. His return not only provides Allegri with another reliable performer in defence, but also sees the team recover one of its leaders. It is incredible to think that, despite only joining the club four years ago, only five players—Claudio Marchisio, Gigi Buffon, Giorgio Chiellini, Leonardo Bonucci and Andrea Barzagli—have been with the Bianconeri longer. Clearly as important to performances on the field as perhaps all but Buffon, Lichtsteiner’s defensive awareness should see them improve what has been a poor record thus far, keeping just six clean sheets in all competitions. He may not always find himself on the scoresheet, but Lichtsteiner’s value to Juventus cannot be understated, a point he proves every time he steps on the pitch in those famous black-and-white stripes.

Alex Sandro: Juventus Are Starting To Improve At Last http://forzaitalianfootball.com/2015/11/alex-sandro-juventus-are-starting-to-improve-at-last/? Nov 12, 2015 Juventus defender Alex Sandro is adamant his side are improving and will continue to do so in a bid to enter the Scudetto race. The Bianconeri haven’t had the best of starts in Serie A but wins against both Empoli and Torino have given Massimiliano Allegri’s side new found confidence prior to the winter break. “Juventus are not used to being in the current predicament we find ourselves in,” Sandro told JTV. “We are improving on the field now though,” he added. “The wins against Empoli and Torino have been vital. “In Serie A it is very difficult and every opponent is a tough task. “It is, of course, important for us to gain points against everyone. “We were very happy for the previous victory, me especially after assisting Cuadrado [Juan].” AC Milan are Juventus’ next opponents on 21 November, a match that will prove a real test considering Sinisa Mihajlovic’s men have significantly improved, before Manchester City take on the Bianconeri in Europe. “It will be difficult. “We need to win this no matter what. “We’ll give no spaces for them to play, including by Brazilian compatriot Luiz Adriano. “As for European football, we are going well anyway and we are also satisfied with our performances. “The game against Manchester City is key, so we must stay focused and win to gain top spot in the group.” At Juventus, Sandro has slotted into the Italian culture quite well, considering he is surrounded by as number of South American footballers, one of which he believes can go onto even greater things. “Neto is Brazilian so he has helped me a lot.” “He teaches me Italian. “As for Dybala, he will end up being one of the best in the world I think. “For me, just being at Juventus is fantastic. “I am living a dream.”

Buffon ready for tough Belgium test The veteran Juventus goalkeeper was once more key for the Azzurri in sealing a place in the France finals next year, but is wary of Wilmots' talented youngsters. http://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/3276/serie-a/2015/11/12/17263682/-? Nov 12, 2015 Gianluigi Buffon expects Belgium to provide Italy with a stern test in Brussels as Antonio Conte's side gear up for Euro 2016. After a brief stutter in the middle of their qualifying campaign, Italy finished Group H strongly to seal top spot by four points from Croatia. Four successive wins wrapped up the group and booked their place in France next year. Buffon is confident the current crop of Italian players can go far, but says Marc Wilmots' side, who won Group B, will be a good marker for what is to come in seven months' time. "Belgium are a side we respect," said the Juventus goalkeeper. "They are full of talent and almost all of them youngsters who have been playing together for many years thanks to the plans worked out a long time ago. "They certainly have the potential to be a candidate for the trophy at Euro 2016 and the 2018 World Cup." He added: "As for tomorrow's match, they are on home turf and will do everything possible to make life difficult for us, but it's important for Italy too and we want to do well in this important test. "I don't know if the squad is more united or not than in the past. I will say that when there is a common goal and hard work to perfect movements, this creates a better synchronicity. "You can have many good lads in a group, but if they don't know where to go then they can get lost and lose energy on the journey. If someone tells them where to go, obviously it's simpler."

7th Italian Supercup 8 August 2015

33rd Scudetto 30 May 2015

10th Coppa Italia 20 May 2015

32nd Scudetto 18 May 2014

Buffon: 'Italy history and present' http://www.football-italia.net/75687/buffon-italy-history-and-present Nov 12, 2015 Gigi Buffon can’t wait for Euro 2016, as Italy “have great history and are building a strong present too” ahead of the Belgium friendly. It kicks off on Friday at 20.45 CET - 19.45 GMT in Brussels. “We have a great history and are building a strong present too,” said the goalkeeper in his Press conference. “Belgium are a side we respect, as they are full of talent and almost all of them youngsters who have been playing together for many years thanks to the plans worked out a long time ago. “They certainly have the potential to be a candidate for the trophy at Euro 2016 and the 2018 World Cup. “As for tomorrow’s match, they are on home turf and will do everything possible to make life difficult for us, but it’s important for Italy too and we want to do well in this important test. “I don’t know if the squad is more united or not than in the past. I will say that when there is a common goal and hard work to perfect movements, this creates a better synchronicity. “You can have many good lads in a group, but if they don’t know where to go then they can get lost and lose energy on the journey. If someone tells them where to go, obviously it’s simpler.” Italy and Belgium have both qualified for Euro 2016 and begin preparations for the tournament in earnest. “It’ll be fascinating with nationalities and flag colours mixing together like last time we had a competition in France in 1998. I was second choice goalkeeper then and didn’t get to play, but I still have wonderful memories of that World Cup. “I am convinced the Euros will be memorable for the sentiments and I hope the results too.”

Buffon: 'Understand Heysel' http://www.football-italia.net/75686/buffon-understand-heysel Nov 12, 2015 Gigi Buffon commemorated the Heysel tragedy and urged fans of all clubs to “understand the gravity of what happened.” In May 1985 trouble broke out in the stands before a European Cup Final between Liverpool and Juventus. A wall collapsed and 39 people died in the crush, most of them Juve supporters. Italy play Belgium in a friendly tomorrow at the stadium built over the old Heysel, so today Buffon and and Giorgio Chiellini placed flowers at the plaque marking the tragedy. “We can only try to improve the world so this never happens again, but also educate young people so they understand the gravity of what happened,” said Buffon in a Press conference. “When fans of other clubs deride the victims of Heysel, it is done out of sheer ignorance and not evil.” The goalkeeper was also asked to comment on the current Bianconeri form in Serie A. “I think we have to keep our feet on the ground, as the table says after 12 rounds we are in seventh place and that’s no coincidence. “We need to take it one game at a time and improve both performances and results. If we go from seventh to sixth to fifth, then we’ll see.”

Evra: Manchester United never realised I was allergic to eggs! The France international has explained that it was only after arriving in Turin that his condition was finally diagnosed. http://www.goal.com/en/news/13712/extra-time/2015/11/12/17259122/evra-reveals-bizarre-allergy?ICID=TP_HN_1 Nov 12, 2015 Patrice Evra has revealed Juventus picked up on a food allergy that went undetected for the duration of his eight-year spell with Manchester United! The Frenchman joined the Premier League side from Monaco in 2006 and enjoyed a glittering career at Old Trafford, winning five Premier League titles, three League Cups and a Champions League. However, Evra has now disclosed that he experienced no end of physical discomfort during his time at United, relating to an ailment that was only diagnosed upon his arrival at Juventus last year. "When I came here they said I'm allergic to eggs and I ate them every day in Manchester," he told BBC Radio 5 Live. "I was vomiting in training at first. I went to the hospital and they told me I had been playing with an ulcer and I was lucky it was not bleeding inside." Evra also revealed that not only has he learned more about his body, he's also developed a more in-depth understanding of the tactical side of the game since switching to Serie A. "I have learned a lot about football - how to be more professional, even if I was professional in Manchester," the France full-back added. "Here in Italy, it is more like a chess game - you have to think about every move."

JUVENTUS - MILAN - MATCHDAY 13 Saturday, November 21st, 2015 - 8:45 PM Juventus Stadium, Turin Referee: Paolo Silvio Mazzoleni Luiz Adriano: ‘No Milan regulars’ http://www.football-italia.net/75672/luiz-adriano-‘no-milan-regulars’? Nov 12, 2015 Luiz Adriano says ‘there are no first-team regulars’ at Milan and that the clash with Juventus ‘is like a final’. The Rossoneri will face the Bianconeri after the international break and Adriano says it is one of ‘the most important matches of the season’. The Brazilian joined from Shakhtar Donetsk in the summer and also reflected on facing the Old Lady defenders in the Champions League for the Ukrainian side. “I think I can help my teammates, as I’ve always tried to do,” he said to Milan Channel. “Here first-team regulars don’t exist and I must be ready to help the team by scoring goals and getting points for the club. “I played twice against Juventus in the Champions League, they have a very strong defence and their three centre-backs are valuable. “We will find some problems, we must work at our best to achieve a win at the Stadium. “It’s like a final as well as a derby. These are the most important matches of the season. “I think the team that scores first will have the chance to win by controlling and managing the game. “Mihajlovic has many strikers beyond me and Bacca like Niang and Balotelli, but playing a good match is more important than who plays. “There aren’t any regulars, only players who fight for the same objective.” http://www.goal.com/en-gb/tables/serie-a/13?ICID=SP_TN_127

Zamparini: ‘Dybala new Messi’ http://www.football-italia.net/75671/zamparini-%E2%80%98dybala-new-messi%E2%80%99? Nov 12, 2015 Paulo Dybala is ‘the new Messi’ says Palermo owner Maurizio Zamparini, who criticises Juventus Coach Massimiliano Allegri. The Argentina international left the Rosanero to join the Old Lady last summer and has settled well in Turin, scoring five league goals so far this season. However, Zamparini believes that Allegri isn’t giving the 21-year-old enough game time and that he ‘wants to take credit’ for the striker’s development. “Dybala is world class, Allegri no,” Zamparini said to Sport Mediaset. “Dybala knows how to do everything, when I sold him to Juve I told Marotta: ‘look, you’ve signed the new Messi.’ “When Messi was very young at Barcelona he was always made to play. Always. “Dybala plays intermittently, this is a kind of determination from Allegri that I don’t understand. “Or at least: I understand why many Coaches do it like this, they want to take credit to say: look, he’s made the player develop. “Iachini did it with Dybala as well, but I discovered and signed Dybala. He’s the new Messi, he can do it all, he’s world class.”

Juventus Coach Unsure Of Own Tactics http://forzaitalianfootball.com/2015/11/juventus-coach-unsure-of-own-tactics/? Nov 12, 2015 Massimiliano Allegri is keen to shake off Juventus’ poor start to the season and get back on track, though he has admitted he is unsure of the tactics he has used thus far. The Italian has come under scrutiny in recent weeks as his side have failed to demonstrate the same muscle as previous years, and has now taken time out to speak of this season’s struggle with the reigning Italian champions. In an interview to English newspaper The Independant, Allegri explained his tactical decision to change formations this season, though he conceded that he doesn’t quite know what to call his current set up. “We have worked with a number of systems and styles of play so far,” said Allegri. “In order to take the team forward we knew it was time to change. “Though I don’t know what to call it. “But 4-3-3 and 3-5-2 are just numbers on a page, what matters is the way they are applied. “Look at [bayern Munich coach] Josep Guardiola. “Just when you think you have the advantage, he changes everything in the middle of the game and countering that is so difficult.” Such a shift in tactics has led many to criticise the former AC Milan and Cagliari coach, though 2006 World Cup-winning coach Marcello Lippi recently came to the tactician’s side, praising him for his success so far. “It’s a very significant compliment from a coach who did some extraordinary things,” responded Allegri. “Of course it’s important to recognise the coach’s work. “But the players deserve the credit because without them delivering on the pitch we would not have accomplished anything.”

Juventus need penalty area improvement Juventus were amongst the goals at Empoli last Sunday, but were far from convincing. Luca Cetta says the Bianconeri must improve in both penalty areas. http://www.football-italia.net/75666/juventus-need-penalty-area-improvement? Nov 12, 2015 Massimo Maccarone’s strike must have brought back memories of Sassuolo. And the game against Empoli to that point followed a similar pattern: a sluggish opening punished by a goal. Juventus’ first half at Mapei Stadium was deemed ‘unacceptable’ by captain Gianluigi Buffon, as they fell to a 1-0 defeat. Where the matches differed is that last Sunday the Bianconeri managed to recover. They scored more than two goals in a game for only the second time this term. However, the Tuscan outing highlighted deficiencies in attack, one which has not hit the heights of recent seasons. Mario Mandzukic scored as scrappy a goal as you will see. The late third should have been ruled out for a clear offside and in any event took three bites at the cherry. It was up to Patrice Evra to show how it’s done as his precise header put the Bianconeri ahead just before half time. In the short term there were positives for Massimiliano Allegri. His team secured a third win in four Serie A matches. They are seventh, now eight points from the Champions League. Third place is what director general Giuseppe Marotta has declared the “minimum target to reach.” So the victory was a welcome one. But with only 16 goals in 12 matches, the Turin giants are well off the scoring pace set by Roma with 27. Paulo Dybala has been the main contributor thanks to his five strikes, including the sealer at Empoli. That’s one more than the other three strikers combined. Mandzukic’s second in Serie A saw him surpass Alvaro Morata and Simone Zaza. In the past two seasons Juve could rely on Carlos Tevez and, initially, Fernando Llorente to get on the scoresheet regularly. That has been absent this term. Allegri has tinkered with his attacking line-up throughout the campaign. Injuries haven’t helped, with Morata and Mandzukic spending time on the sidelines. But there appears little cohesion and that’s reflected in the penalty area. It was evident last Sunday as Juve laboured in the final third. Juan Cuadrado has proved both a blessing and curse. He has impressed since arriving from Chelsea, patrolling the right hand side either as a wing-back or, as seen against Empoli, or on the right wing. He has made key contributions – one goal and three assists – but at times Juventus have been too reliant on the Colombian. Allegri does not have an equivalent on the left. Dybala and Morata have each spent time manning the left flank. The Argentine has shone in his 700 Serie A minutes – the most of the quintet – and if the tactician can find a way to get the best out of his South American duo at the same time Juventus will be better for it. The lack of goals has been magnified because defensively the reigning champions have not been up to par. An area of strength over the past four seasons, Juve’s worst defensive record in their championship seasons was 24. In 152 Serie A matches they conceded just 91 goals. This term they’ve already let in 11. More worryingly, Empoli was the seventh time the Bianconeri have fallen behind in Serie A, plus twice in Europe. The majority of those to their opponent’s first scoring opportunity. Buffon has been left stranded by uncharacteristic errors and as a result has only six clean sheets to his name. Those are not numbers accustomed with this Juventus. The errors are putting pressure on an already stuttering forward line. “The problem is global,” Giorgio Chiellini believes, “as we concede too many goals, but also don’t score enough. We have to correct the mistakes and get things back in balance.” And then there’s the midfield. Allegri now has his first-choice players available after persistent injury concerns for Sami Khedira and Claudio Marchisio. They’ve looked a better outfit with those two fielded. Controlling the play was a hallmark of seasons past and can help reduce the detachment between attack and the rest. Next weekend’s match against Milan represents the start of a tricky end to 2015, which also includes meetings with Lazio and Fiorentina, plus the conclusion of the Champions League group stage. Juventus must play as a unit and improve in those key areas if they are to reach their target. http://www.goal.com/en-gb/tables/serie-a/13?ICID=SP_TN_127

Chiellini: Pirlo won't join Inter The Juventus defender cannot envisage his former team-mate returning to Serie A with the Nerazzurri, despite recent reports linking him with a move. http://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/3276/serie-a/2015/11/12/17248002/-? Nov 12, 2015 Juventus defender Giorgio Chiellini does not believe Andrea Pirlo will return to Italy to join Inter this season, and maintains that the midfielder's international career is not necessarily over. The 36-year-old was left out of Antonio Conte's squad for this month's friendlies with Belgium and Romania due to a lack of playing time, having not featured for New York City since October 25. With Pirlo's maiden MLS campaign over and his international future seemingly in doubt, rumours had surfaced regarding a potential spell at Inter ahead of Euro 2016 in June. But Chiellini says he cannot imagine his former Juve team-mate will make the move. "I really can't see Andrea at Inter," he told Rai Sport. "I believe that Pirlo will come back to the national team eventually although, as with others, we're going to have to get used to him leaving sooner or later. "Certainly I think the same Juve general manager Giuseppe Marotta: I do not see Andrea at Inter." Italy qualified for Euro 2016 top of Group H without a defeat in 10 matches and, going into Friday's friendly against the world's top ranked side in Brussels, Chiellini is happy with the way the team has developed under Antonio Conte. "This team has had a steady growth and it was important to achieve the qualification without too much difficulty," he added. "We know we can do well, we are experimenting with new solutions and we feel stronger than before. "In Belgium it will be a key test for us. As well as the challenges in the spring against Spain and Germany. After these three games we will understand where our strengths lie. But I am sure Italy will be among the main sides at the Euros."

Dybala: ‘More pressure at Juve’ http://www.football-italia.net/75660/dybala-%E2%80%98more-pressure-juve%E2%80%99? Nov 12, 2015 Paulo Dybala talks about the 'pressure’ at Juventus and says he has been advised to ‘have no fear’ for Argentina. Dybala was called up for Argentina to face Brazil in their World Cup qualifying campaign tomorrow night. The 21-year-old revealed that he has had supportive words from his teammates, even the Brazilian ones. “Before leaving for the training camp by teammates at Juve told me not to be afraid or let myself be intimidated,” he said to Argentinian paper Clarin. “Even the Brazilians Hernanes, Neto, Alex Sandro and Rubinho told me not to be afraid. “I’m obligated to win, otherwise I’ll have to pay up, as there are several bets at stake in the dressing room… “At Palermo I didn’t have all this pressure that I have now at Juventus, which is the same pressure I have to cope with for the national team. “Juve have helped me to grow because it’s a club where the only thought is to win. “This is what I need to always be focused on the pitch.”

Areas Where Juventus Are Actually Better Than Last Season http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2587883-areas-where-juventus-are-actually-better-than-last-season? Nov 12, 2015 Having secured the Serie A title in each of the last four seasons, Juventus are, undoubtedly, underperforming in 2015/16, with numerous problems affecting their displays to date and leaving them sat in mid-table. Those issues were discussed in detail here, with defensive frailties, a lack of attacking identity and plain bad luck all playing a part in their poor record. Even the schedule has played a role, with the Bianconeri having already undertaken tough away trips for games against AS Roma, Inter and Napoli in the opening 12 rounds. Having already lost three league games—the same number of defeats suffered in the whole of last term—and recorded some desperate scoreless draws, it is easy to have a gloomy outlook on what the rest of the campaign has in store. But while coach Massimiliano Allegri accepts they must quickly get better, he told a recent press conference he has hope they can do just that (h/t Football Italia), highlighting the need to remain calm: Our game still has to improve, but let's see things in a positive light. We're seventh, nobody expected this position at the beginning of the championship but we've had two victories in a row and a positive result in the Champions League. We can't just focus on the negatives. Going on to add that “you must not become hysterical and lose your nerve, even when the moment is difficult,” Allegri certainly makes a strong argument. As the tweet below highlights, his team have all too often seen opponents net from their first shot on goal, and that simply cannot continue. OptaPaolo ✔ @OptaPaolo 1 - Juventus have conceded with the 1st shot on target they faced tonight, like on 6 other occasions also in Serie A this term. Handicap. Looking more closely, the Bianconeri have conceded 11 goals in just 12 league games, a figure made all the more remarkable when noting that they have allowed the opposition just 8.6 shots per game, according to figures from WhoScored.com. The same source shows that is better than last season’s mark of 10.6, and it is a similar story at the other end of the field. Juventus have scored just 16 times this season, a tally bettered by no fewer than five teams, yet WhoScored highlights the fact they lead the league with an average of 17.8 shots per game. Again, that is a rise from their 2014/15 figure of 15.8, which was the best in Serie A and the team has improved aerially, too. According to Squawka.com, the Bianconeri have won 58 percent of headed duels this term, a slight increase from last season’s 51 percent, while also becoming better on the ground. The arrivals of Juan Cuadrado and Paulo Dybala have seen Juventus improve their dribbling, with WhoScored showing they recorded 10.7 successful attempts last term but now average a league-high 13 per game in 2015/16. Remarkably, the team has overcome the loss of Andrea Pirlo to dominate possession and passing marginally more, enjoying 56.7 percent of the ball this year compared to 55.7 just 12 months ago. When it comes to finding team-mates, the same source shows the Turin giants have done so with increased accuracy, finding one another with 86.5 percent of their pass attempts, up from 84.8 percent last term. Clearly, no matter what these statistics indicate, Juventus are much worse than they were a year ago—for all those aforementioned reasons—something both the players and Allegri must address quickly. Yet with a change of luck and an increase in decisiveness at both ends of the field, the grand Old Lady of Italian football should return to form, climbing the table and contending once more for the title she currently holds. http://www.goal.com/en-gb/tables/serie-a/13?ICID=SP_TN_127

Juventus announce Simone Padoin is out for three weeks with a thigh injury http://www.blackwhitereadallover.com/2015/11/12/9717072/juventus-announce-simone-padoin-is-out-for-three-weeks-with-a-thigh-injury Nov 12, 2015 It makes sense that during this current international break, Juventus are left to deal with another player getting injured. That's just how it's been, and that's just how it's going to be until further notice. The precedent has already been set, so there's a standard to live up to going forward. That means when we hear about an injury, it's not surprising. The latest injury news came to light on Wednesday, with midfielder/jack-of-all-trades/human victory cigar Simone Padoin being ruled out for three weeks with a thigh injury. The "good" word, from Juventus' official website: Kwadwo Asamoah and Roberto Pereyra continued their individual rehabilitation regimes, while Simone Padoin missed out after reporting discomfort in his left thigh following Sunday's clash in Empoli. The midfielder underwent medical examinations yesterday which revealed a first-grade tear of his biceps femoris muscle. He is expected to be sidelined for approximately three weeks. NOT PADOIN. DEAR LORD, NOT PADOIN. Okay, so maybe Padoin getting hurt and missing a few weeks isn't the be-all, end-all of the season, but the trend of Juventus players picking up muscle injuries and heading straight to the training table. Maybe we were delivered this news because Juve didn't meet last week's quota of injury-related posts on the club's website. So now we just pray that all of those players — about two-thirds of the senior squad — basically come back in the same kind of standing as they left Turin to head out to their respective national teams. You know, healthy.

Chiellini: 'Juve can win Scudetto' http://www.football-italia.net/75646/chiellini-juve-can-win-scudetto? Nov 11, 2015 Giorgio Chiellini is confident “Juventus can still win a fifth consecutive Scudetto” and doubts Andrea Pirlo will join Inter. The defender is on international duty for Italy’s friendlies against Belgium and Romania. “I think this Italy squad has everything it takes to become great. The first two years with Cesare Prandelli were very positive thanks to a fine group. “Unfortunately, some mistakes were made and with great regret the World Cup in 2014 was not up to standard. “I believe that Pirlo will come back to the Nazionale eventually although, as with others, we’re going to have to get used to him leaving sooner or later,” Chiellini told Rai Sport. There have been reports the New York City FC midfielder will come to Inter on loan during the MLS close season. “I really can’t see Andrea at Inter.” Juve had a disastrous start to the season, but have clambered back up into seventh place. “John Elkann is right to say Juventus can still win the fifth consecutive Scudetto. He said it to fire up the team after a difficult start, but we are improving and we can do it. “There are many reasons for the difficulties we had this term, but we’re trying to get a handle on the situation with self-criticism. “The problem is global, as we concede too many goals, but also don’t score enough. We have to correct the mistakes and get things back in balance.”

Why Mario Mandzukic Is the Juventus Player with Most to Prove After Break http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2587518-why-mario-mandzukic-is-the-juventus-player-with-most-to-prove-after-break? Nov 11, 2015 The reasons behind Juve’s poor start to the 2015/16 campaign are plentiful, with the Bianconeri already having lost three times in Serie A, the same number of defeats recorded in the whole of last season. The defence continues to be foremost among the concerns facing Massimiliano Allegri, but the coach also faces a number of issues further forward. Major questions have been asked over his use of Paulo Dybala, but given he has netted five goals in just 700 minutes of action, those doubts appear misplaced. Indeed, when looking for a Juventus player with most to prove when club football resumes later this month, Mario Mandzukic would seem to be the perfect candidate. Arriving from Atletico Madrid this past summer, according to the club’s official website the Croatian striker cost €19 million and signed a four-year contract. Mandzukic netted against Manchester City in the Champions League and past Lazio in the Supercoppa Italiana, but he has yet to prove value for money after scoring just two goals in nine Serie A appearances to date. Looking largely out of sorts, the 29-year-old struck in encounters with Atalanta and Empoli, but offered very little to the side in clashes against more difficult opponents such as Inter or AS Roma, turning in a particularly woeful display against the latter. In a 62-minute outing in the Italian capital, Mandzukic touched the ball on just 12 occasions, according to statistics courtesy of WhoScored.com. He completed an abject five of 10 pass attempts and failed to record a single shot on goal. He fared little better in the recent loss away to Sassuolo, with the same source showing he managed a meagre 18 touches, taking only one shot as the Bianconeri chased the game. That is simply unacceptable for a player of his calibre, and the former Bayern Munich man must bring more in a Juventus shirt. Even as he played a more prominent role against Empoli, the quality expected of Mandzukic failed to materialise. Despite WhoScored showing he managed a substantially higher number of touches (41), the tweet below highlights just how poor his performance at the Stadio Carlo Castellani was. Adam Digby @Adz77 Mario Mandžukić vs Empoli: 1 goal, 5 shots, 1 on target, lost 4/6 aerial duels, committed 5 fouls (via @StatsZone) He took five shots, with his scuffed effort that resulted in the equalising goal being his only effort on target, lost all but two of the six aerial duels he contested and committed five fouls over the course of the entire game. Things get little better when looking at his season overall, with the graphic below—courtesy of Squawka.com—showing Mandzukic has hit the target with just 31 percent of his shot attempts in 2015/16. That is a marked downturn from previous campaigns, with the same source showing that figure was 51 percent last term with Atleti and 69 percent with Bayern a year earlier. Mandzukic netted 26 then 20 times in those respective seasons, and he will need a dramatic improvement if he is to reach that figure this time round. Yet Allegri insists he is demanding more of the Croatian than simply getting on the scoresheet, as he told a press conference last week. “I’m asking a lot of Mario,” the Juve boss said. “He’s already shown what he’s capable of at the start of the season, now he simply needs to get back to doing what he knows best.” But even seeing Mandzukic as a hardworking player who presses the opposition would appear to fall somewhat short of the mark. According to figures from WhoScored.com, his averages of 0.8 tackles and 0.1 interceptions are way below his previous defensive output, meaning he is contributing far less than his team needs. When club football resumes, Juventus face difficult matches against Milan and Manchester City, and they will certainly need the real Mario Mandzukic on show at least once if they are to seal two victories.

JUVENTUS - MILAN - MATCHDAY 13 Saturday, November 21st, 2015 - 8:45 PM Juventus Stadium, Turin Referee: Paolo Silvio Mazzoleni Clash With AC Milan Of Paramount Importance A week is a long time in football, Oscar La-Gambina asks has the international break come at the worst possible time for Juventus? http://forzaitalianfootball.com/2015/11/juventus-club-focus-clash-with-ac-milan-of-paramount-importance/? Nov 10, 2015 I take back everything that was said last week. It was asked whether Massimiliano Allegri should leave his post as Juventus coach following a string of relatively disappointing results overall. Then the Bianconeri go and come from 1-0 down to win 3-1 away to Empoli after securing an important point in the Champions League against Borussia Monchengladbach in midweek. Let’s not forget the brilliant last-minute victory in the Derby della Mole before that. At this point, an honourable mention should go to Stephan Lichtsteiner, who has amazingly recovered from a potential career-ending illness that he contracted about a month ago. Upon his return to the squad in the match against Monchengladbach, he scored Juventus’ only goal of the game and it’s great to see him back in action. Focusing on the rest of the club in general, it appears that the early season slump has finally been overcome, and with 18 points and a place at seventh spot in the Serie A league table, things are looking up for the reigning champions. It’s not like it was just an easy set of fixtures, either. The Champions League is the best of the best, while Torino have been in good form themselves so far this term. The only downside to this good set of results is the fact that an international break is upon us. If there were a few more league games before all squad members went their separate ways for a week, then it could be, quite plausibly, said that Juventus would be back at the summit of the table in no time. An international break, however, runs the risk of injury to key players, such as goal-scorers Mario Mandzukic, Paulo Dybala and Juan Cuadrado. Furthermore, the point in the season at which the break has come is one that I’m sure every fan of La Vecchia Signora is worried about. The first game back is a huge clash at home to AC Milan who have been going through a successful run themselves; they sit sixth with two more points than Juventus. A game with the Milanese side will be a massive test for Allegri’s squad to see whether the international break has halted their improvement somewhat. Should the Bianconeri gain a positive result, preferably three points, out of the meeting at the Juventus Stadium then we can be pretty certain that Juve are back. If a game similar to the loss to Sassuolo or the draw with Frosinone takes place, however, then there might be a real cause for concern. Thankfully, the dip in form came right at the very beginning of the season, so it is a bit too early to talk of the possibility that their league title hopes have been dashed. On the other hand, the other clubs at the top of the table have been unstoppable so far, so maybe the history-chasing side will have to give in to Fiorentina, Napoli, Inter or Roma this year. Either way, without wanting to sound too dramatic, the clash with Milan will be a turning point in the season. http://www.goal.com/en-gb/tables/serie-a/13?ICID=SP_TN_127

Donnarumma: 'Buffon my idol' http://www.football-italia.net/75553/buffon-‘conte-teams-revolutionised Nov 10, 2015 Milan’s 16-year-old goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma celebrates his Under-21 call. “My dream is to follow Gigi Buffon’s footsteps.” The shot-stopper was a surprise pick from Sinisa Mihajlovic, but his performances – including two clean sheets – bumped Diego Lopez on to the bench. Now he has received his first Italy call at Under-21 level, by-passing the other youth teams completely. “I am very happy, I have to keep working and experience this call with humility,” Donnarumma told Sky Sport Italia. “There is a lot of responsibility on my shoulders, but it’s just my personality, I let it slide off me. I try to help my teammates relax and continue along my way. “My idol is Buffon and my dream is to become first choice goalkeeper for the Nazionale, following in his footsteps. Everyone would love to have a career like his. “At Milan I train with two great professionals like Diego Lopez and Christian Abbiati, who are helping me to improve so much.” Many have called Donnarumma a ‘prodigy’ and someone who was always destined for greatness. “I don’t know about that, but I am keeping my feet firmly on the ground. Clearly it’s great to reach the senior team after just two seasons in the youth sector. “I want to stay calm and respect everyone, that way I can also have help from everyone. I really need to improve in many areas, but goalkeeping Coach Alfredo Magni is giving me a big hand in this process.”