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JUVENTUS - BOLOGNA - MATCHDAY 7 Sunday, October 4th, 2015 - 6:00 PM Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee: Domenico Celi Allegri braced for 'most important game of the year' The Old Lady manager has highlighted the importance of Sunday's match with Delio Rossi's side after a disappointing opening to their Scudetto defence. http://www.goal.com/en/news/723/serie-a/2015/10/03/15976712/allegri-braced-for-bologna-test?ICID=TP_HN_1 Oct 3, 2015 Juventus must approach Sunday's clash with Bologna as "the most important game of the year" if they are to halt their sluggish start to the Serie A season, says coach Massimilano Allegri. The Turin giants' bid for a fifth straight Scuedtto has gotten off to a rocky start, with just one win from their opening six games. However, Juve have carried last season's Champions League form into the current campaign, winning each of their opening two Group D fixtures, against Manchester City and Sevilla. Wednesday's success against the Europa League holders saw Juve dominate from the off, and Allegri will keep faith with the same XI from that game - meaning Sami Khedira will make his Serie A debut in midfield. "It is important to win tomorrow, above all as it would be our first Serie A home victory of the season," Allegri told a news conference. "If you play well, you're more likely to win. Results haven't been on our side so far, but until the referee blows the final whistle, everything is still to play for. "I was very happy with how we played on Wednesday, as Sevilla had only one shot on goal. I don't believe in turning points, but in consistency. Tomorrow we have to treat Bologna as if it were the most important match of the season. "Then there will be the break for international duty and I asked the lads to help me relax during that break. Bologna have some good individuals and only conceded right at the end against Fiorentina. "The same players you saw on Wednesday will play tomorrow. As for the system, you can discuss that between yourselves." One player not available to Allegri is Martin Caceres. The Uruguay defender was suspended by Juve this week after being caught drink-driving. "Caceres is one of the most reliable on the field, but there are things you do off it that are simply not acceptable" Allegri said. "Players shouldn't be like monks, but there are things you just shouldn't do." http://www.goal.com/en-gb/tables/serie-a/13?ICID=SP_TN_127

Serie A - 7^ Giornata Andata - 4-10-2015 (ore 18:00) JUVENTUS - BOLOGNA - Domenica, 4 ottobre 2015 - ore 18:00 Juventus Stadium - Torino Arbitro: Domenico Celi Confronti ufficiali 171 - 136 (Serie A) - 14 (Coppa Italia) - 19 (Campionato a gironi) - 2 (Serie B) Vittorie Juventus 79 - 66 (Serie A) - 6 (Coppa Italia) - 5 (Campionato a gironi) - 2 (Serie B) Pareggi 62 - 47 (Serie A) - 6 (Coppa Italia) - 9 (Campionato a gironi) Vittorie Bologna 30 - 23 (Serie A) - 2 (Coppa Italia) - 5 (Campionato a gironi) Goals Juventus 246 - 200 (Serie A) - 22 (Coppa Italia) - 20 (Campionato a gironi) - 4 (Serie B) Goals Bologna 160 - 125 (Serie A) - 12 (Coppa Italia) - 22 (Campionato a gironi) - 1 (Serie B) Juventus - Bologna - Serie A a Torino Confronti ufficiali 68 Vittorie Juventus 38 (L'ultima il 19.04.2014, 1-0) Pareggi 25 (L'ultimo il 21.09.2011, Juventus - Bologna 1-1) Vittorie Bologna 5 (L'ultima il 26.02.2011, Juventus - Bologna 0-2) Goals Juventus 109 Goals Bologna 52 Giocatori con più presenze e goals contro il Bologna a Torino 13 presenze Boniperti Giampiero 12 Depetrini Teobaldo 12 Furino Giuseppe 12 Varglien I Mario 11 Salvadore Sandro 11 Varglien II Giovanni 10 Bettega Roberto 10 Borel II Felice Placido 10 Causio Franco 10 Del Piero Alessandro 6 goals Charles John William 6 Inzaghi Filippo 5 Boniperti Giampiero 4 Anastasi Pietro 4 Hansen John 4 Trezeguet David Sergio 3 Gabetto Guglielmo 3 Orsi Raimundo Bibiani 3 Varglien I Mario 2 Bettega Roberto Ultimi confronti diretti 21.02.2010 Serie A Bologna-Juventus 1-2 24.10.2010 Serie A Bologna-Juventus 0-0 26.02.2011 Serie A Juventus-Bologna 0-2 21.09.2011 Serie A Juventus-Bologna 1-1 08.12.2011 Coppa Italia Juventus-Bologna 2-1 07.03.2012 Serie A Bologna-Juventus 1-1 31.10.2012 Serie A Juventus-Bologna 2-1 16.03.2013 Serie A Bologna-Juventus 0-2 06.12.2013 Serie A Bologna-Juventus 0-2 19.04.2014 Serie A Juventus-Bologna 1-0 Giocate 10 - Vittorie Juventus 6 - Pareggi 3 - Vittorie Bologna 1 - Goals Juventus 13 - Goals Bologna 7 http://www.goal.com/it/tables/serie-a/13

Gianluigi Buffon's Ballon D'or omission bemuses Paolo Maldini http://www.goal.com/en-za/news/4563/main/2015/10/02/15957322/-? Oct 3, 2015 Former Italian internaional defender Paolo Maldini has admitted that he cannot understand why Juventus goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon was left off the Ballon D'or shortlist. The 37-year-old was not part of the 59-man long list revealed this week but Maldini has told his former international teammate to ignore the snub. Maldini told La giornalaccio rosa dello Sport: "At nearly 38, he is still one of the top three goalkeepers in the world. I can understand Neuer and Courtois. But Claudio Bravo? David Ospina? "Usually team results are also taken into consideration. Gigi was one of the reasons Juve reached the Champions League final and won in Italy. Did they see the save he made on Dani Alves in Berlin? "I hope this decision doesn't bother him as it is absurd." Buffon has made 429 appearances over 14 years at Juventus winning six Scudettos, a Coppa Italia title and reaching two Champions League finals.

JUVENTUS - BOLOGNA - MATCHDAY 7 Sunday, October 4th, 2015 - 6:00 PM Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee: Domenico Celi Rossi: 'Bologna birthday with Juve' http://www.football-italia.net/73838/rossi-bologna-birthday-juve? Oct 3, 2015 Delio Rossi is adamant Bologna can cause an upset against Juventus to celebrate the club’s birthday. It kicks off on Sunday at 18.00 CET - 17.00 UK time (16.00 GMT). “Today is Bologna’s birthday and we hope to all give the club a big present,” said Coach Rossi in his Press conference. The Rossoblu were founded on October 3 1909, so are now 106 years old. “The lads are all disappointed with the situation in the table, but the only way to overcome that is to step on to the field and give our all. “So many children grew up dreaming of playing against Juventus in Turin. Many of our players are in their debut top flight season and I hope that going to the Juventus Stadium as protagonists will give them the confidence that they belong at this level. “The squad has had a growth process over the last few weeks, even if the results didn’t arrive. We need a spark, but we have to make it ourselves. If we put in decent performances and don’t get points, it means there’s something we still need to work on. “Juve are also going through a transitional year, but with a squad made up of champions who will be truly determined to beat us. “Aside from individual talents, the strengths of Juventus are their concentration and determination, as their success was built on those.” Emanuele Giaccherini is unable to recover in time to face his former club, but Saphir Taider also misses out due to a bout of tonsillitis. Godfred Donsah, Franco Zuculini and Emil Krafth are also absent. Bologna squad for Juventus: Da Costa, Mirante, Stojanovic; Ferrari, Gastaldello, Maietta, Masina, Mbaye, Morleo, Oikonomou, Rossettini; Brighi, Crimi, Crisetig, Diawara, Pulgar, Rizzo; Acquafresca, Brienza, Destro, Falco, Mancosu, Mounier http://www.goal.com/en-gb/tables/serie-a/13?ICID=SP_TN_127

JUVENTUS - BOLOGNA - MATCHDAY 7 Sunday, October 4th, 2015 - 6:00 PM Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee: Domenico Celi Pereyra adds to Juve problems http://www.football-italia.net/73829/pereyra-adds-juve-problems? Oct 3, 2015 Juventus host Bologna with Roberto Pereyra a new addition to the absentee list. It kicks off on Sunday at 18.00 CET - 17.00 UK time (16.00 GMT). The Bianconeri were already without Claudio Marchisio, Mario Mandzukic, Stefano Sturaro, Stephan Lichtsteiner and Martin Caceres. Pereyra picked up a muscular problem during the 2-0 Champions League victory over Sevilla and is also left out. Juventus squad for Bologna: Buffon, Chiellini, Khedira, Zaza, Morata, Pogba, Hernanes, Alex Sandro, Barzagli, Cuadrado, Lemina, Bonucci, Padoin, Dybala, Asamoah, Rugani, Neto, Evra, Audero, Vitale http://www.goal.com/en-gb/tables/serie-a/13?ICID=SP_TN_127

JUVENTUS - BOLOGNA - MATCHDAY 7 Sunday, October 4th, 2015 - 6:00 PM Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee: Domenico Celi MATCH PREVIEW http://www.football-italia.net/SerieA/match/preview/69884 Oct 3, 2015 Champions Juventus look to get their stuttering campaign back on track Sunday evening as they host a Bologna side entrenched firmly in the bottom three. Max Allegri’s side are in the midst of their worst ever run at Juventus Stadium having failed to win in their opening three matches and having suffered two defeats. The Bianconeri injury crisis has abated somewhat, though, and there was a massive boost in midweek with the return to midfield of Sami Khedira. Whilst it is unlikely he will be given another start quite so soon, it is certainly a boost for Allegri along with the form of new boys Hernanes and Mario Lemina. The strength in depth the champions will enjoy with a full strength squad available was epitomised by Simone Zaza’s goal scoring contribution from the bench having replaced fellow goal scorer Alvaro Morata. Allegri will be hoping the Old Lady’s immaculate European form can be transcended in to Serie A whilst the gap to the top is still manageable. Delio Rossi’s men’s start to the season, meanwhile, has been remarkably similar to that of their last Serie A campaign, although the three points gained that season came from three draws as opposed to the win picked up against Frosinone three weeks ago. It took nine games to gain a maximum that season and the rot had already set in. Rossi will be hoping for a different story this time around and, after the trip to the champions, the Veltri have a favourable run of five games where only Inter among their opponents finished in last season’s top 10. The loss of energetic midfielder Emanuele Giaccherini to yet another injury, however, will be a big blow and leaves a lot of the creative pressure on Erick Pulgar to create the chances for goalless striker Mattia Destro. Big money signing Destro has now gone 497 minutes since his last goal - the winner for Milan against Roma in May - and Bologna themselves have failed to score in three of their seven games so far. You have to go back to 2011 to find the last time Bologna defeated Juventus, a brace from Marco Di Vaio helping the Rossoblu to victory over the Old Lady. If ever there was a time to upset the odds surely it’s now? Then again, maybe not. Keep an eye on: Antonio Mirante (Bologna) - The former Juventus stopper will have to be at his best to keep the Rossoblu in the game, much like he was in Parma’s shock victory over the Old Lady at the end of last season. Form Guide: Juventus (L D W D L) Bologna (L L W L L) Last season: N/A Stat fact: Mattia Destro is suffering the longest goal drought on arrival at a new club in his career, having failed to net for six games. Destro notched on his first ever Serie A appearance for Genoa, his debut for Siena, his second appearance for Milan and in his sixth game for Roma. Juventus (probable): Buffon; Barzagli, Bonucci, Chiellini; Cuadrado, Lemina, Hernanes, Pogba, Evra; Dybala, Morata Suspended: None Bologna (probable): Mirante; Ferrari, Oikonomou, Gastaldello, Masina; Rizzo, Diawara, Pulgar; Brienza, Destro, Mounier Suspended: None http://www.goal.com/en-gb/tables/serie-a/13?ICID=SP_TN_127

JUVENTUS - BOLOGNA - MATCHDAY 7 Sunday, October 4th, 2015 - 6:00 PM Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee: Domenico Celi Allegri: 'Bologna biggest game' http://www.football-italia.net/73827/allegri-bologna-biggest-game? Oct 3, 2015 Max Allegri urged Juventus to treat Bologna “as the most important match of the season,” but injuries increase. It kicks off on Sunday at 18.00 CET - 17.00 UK time (16.00 GMT). “It is important to win tomorrow, above all as it would be our first Serie A home victory of the season,” said the Coach in a Press conference. “Via the performance you get to the result. If you play well, you’re more likely to win. Results haven’t been on our side so far, but until the referee blows the final whistle, everything is still to play for.” The Bianconeri have five points from six Serie A rounds, but six points from two Champions League games after disposing of Manchester City and Sevilla. “I was very happy with how we played on Wednesday, as Sevilla had only one shot on goal. I don’t believe in turning points, but in consistency. Tomorrow we have to treat Bologna as if it were the most important match of the season. “Then there will be the break for international duty and I asked the lads to help me relax during that break. Bologna have some good individuals and only conceded right at the end against Fiorentina.” Allegri confirmed “the same players you saw on Wednesday will play tomorrow. As for the system, you can discuss that between yourselves.” It was unclear whether Andrea Barzagli was playing in a three-man defence or as a right-back. Some are raring to go and can’t due to an injury crisis that is intensifying. “I have to make the most of the characteristics of my players without focusing on the system. I have players with certain characteristics, so tomorrow we’ll see both Simone Padoin and Kwadwo Asamoah. “Claudio Marchisio will return after the break for international duty. Stephan Lichtsteiner you know, Martin Caceres is in good shape, but you know the club’s position on him. “Stefano Sturaro tests showed up negative, but he still feels pain in his calf and therefore he’ll be there after the break for international duty. “Roberto Pereyra over-worked a muscle and is not available, but it won’t take long to recover from. Mario Mandzukic is another who will return after international duty. Sami Khedira will start.” Lichtsteiner underwent heart surgery this week to correct a cardiac arrhythmia and could be out for anywhere between one and six months. “I haven’t seen Lichtsteiner, but he is doing well and we hope to have him with us as soon as possible.” As for Caceres, the Uruguay international is frozen out after crashing his Ferrari into a Turin bus stop and failing a breathalyser test. “Caceres is one of the most reliable on the field, but there are things you do off it that are simply not acceptable. Players shouldn’t be like monks, but there are things you just shouldn’t do.” Gigi Buffon is a role model, but was surprisingly left out of the Ballon d’Or longlist. “I didn’t expect that. The Ballon d’Or shouldn’t be awarded for career highlights, but for what you did in one year and Buffon was a protagonist in an extraordinary Juventus year. He deserved to be there.” http://www.goal.com/en-gb/tables/serie-a/13?ICID=SP_TN_127

JUVENTUS - BOLOGNA - MATCHDAY 7 Sunday, October 4th, 2015 - 6:00 PM Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee: Domenico Celi Juventus vs. Bologna: Team News, Predicted Lineups http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2574766-juventus-vs-bologna-team-news-predicted-lineups-live-stream-tv-info? Oct 3, 2015 For the second time this season, Juventus shrugged off poor domestic form to register a superb victory in the Champions League. Indeed, having been hugely disappointing against Napoli last weekend, the Bianconeri put on a dominant display against Sevilla this week, running out 2-0 winners. However, unlike their triumph away to Manchester City, this latest result appeared to signal that a number of their problems were coming to an end. Able to field Alvaro Morata and Sami Khedira, Juve boss Massimiliano Allegri’s squad is returning to full health and looks vastly improved as a result. “Now we simply have to perform in Italy the way we're doing in Europe,” Morata told TuttoSport this week (h/t Football Italia). They will hope to do just that against a struggling Bologna, the newly promoted side currently sitting in 19th place with just three points from their opening six matches. OptaPaolo ✔ @OptaPaolo 4 & 16 - Bologna have fired just 16 shots so far, only four of which from inside the box: no team have done worse in this Serie A. Struggle. “We have to believe in each other because we are a good team,” midfielder Luca Rizzo told Sky Italia last weekend, per Forza Italian Football. They can expect a tough task at Juventus Stadium and will not have enjoyed seeing the Bianconeri rediscover their best form on Wednesday after their own poor run. Allegri must look to continue the positive upturn, and with the international break directly following this weekend, he may not rotate his team too much in order to do so but was pleased with what he saw in their most recent outing. “I trust both myself and my players to get our season back on track,” Allegri said at a press conference directly after the Sevilla clash. “The important thing though is that the players learn from the poorer performances when they come around, and to keep developing both as individuals and as a team.” Probable Formations Juventus (4-3-1-2): Gigi Buffon; Andrea Barzagli, Leonardo Bonucci, Giorgio Chiellini, Alex Sandro, Sami Khedira, Mario Lemina, Paul Pogba, Juan Cuadrado; Alvaro Morata, Paulo Dybala Unavailable: Mario Mandzukic, Claudio Marchisio, Rubinho, Stephan Lichtsteiner, Stefano Sturaro (all injured) Bologna (4-3-3): Antonio Mirante, Alex Ferrari, Daniele Gastaldello, Luca Rossettini, Adam Masina; Saphir Taider, Amadou Diawara, Anthony Mounier; Franco Brienza, Mattia Destro, Luca Rizzo Unavailable: Franco Zuculini, Emanuele Giaccherini, Godfred Donsah, Emil Krafth (all injured) Player to Watch While Juventus finally delivered an all-round excellent performance against Sevilla, perhaps the most important point was the fact the match was only the second clean sheet they have recorded this term. Looking solid throughout, the Bianconeri appeared to rediscover the solidity that has long been a hallmark of this team. It will likely be tested by Mattia Destro on Sunday, with the former AS Roma and Milan striker expected to spearhead the Bologna XI at Juventus Stadium. Yet to net for his new club, the 24-year-old has reached double figures in three of the last four seasons, and his ability to do so again will be vital for their survival hopes. The likes of Leonardo Bonucci and Giorgio Chiellini will need to be alert against Destro’s threat in order for Juve to register another shutout. Key Battle If the clash between the Bianconeri defence and Destro will be vital, at the other end the home side will hope to see Alvaro Morata continue the form he showed against Sevilla. The Spanish striker netted in his fifth consecutive Champions League appearance, matching a club record set by Alessandro Del Piero 20 years earlier, and after the win he expressed his delight at that achievement. JuventusFC ✔ @juventusfcen .@AlvaroMorata matches Alessandro Del Piero's impressive feat of finding the net in five consecutive matches. “Obviously doing what a legend of football like Del Piero has done in the past is a reason of pride for me,” Morata told the official UEFA website. “I'm proud but I don't want to stop here. I want to keep working hard to help the team winning and to score more goals.” The task of stopping him will likely fall to Bologna defender Luca Rossettini, who has also played well thus far in 2015/16. According to statistics, courtesy of WhoScored.com, the 30-year-old has averaged 1.7 tackles, 2.8 interceptions and 4.8 clearances per game but will face a tough task as he goes head-to-head with Morata. Odds (via Odds Shark) Away win: 11-1 Home win: 1-4 Draw: 17/4 http://www.goal.com/en-gb/tables/serie-a/13?ICID=SP_TN_127

JUVENTUS - BOLOGNA - MATCHDAY 7 Sunday, October 4th, 2015 - 6:00 PM Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee: Domenico Celi JUVENTUS V BOLOGNA MATCH PREVIEW http://www.juvefc.com/juventus-v-bologna-match-preview-and-scouting-report/? Oct 3, 2015 Juventus On Wednesday, Juventus finally delivered the first complete performance of the season: dominance from the start to the final whistle, two goals scored, basically no chances allowed. It was about time. Now it’s just a matter of replicating it over and over again, as the Old Lady has done in previous seasons. The game against Bologna represents an ideal opportunity to start trending in the right direction. Juventus have collected only two points at the Stadium so far in the season, which is utterly uncharacteristic for a team that built its championship campaign on its home form. The last-minute equalizer by Frosinone was surely hurtful, but things like that happens and overall, Juventus played well in that game, the only sin was to take the foot off the gas in the second half. The performances against Chievo Verona and especially Napoli gave more for concern. Massimiliano Allegri may have stumbled onto something in the Sevilla tilt: a 3-5-2 that turns into 4-4-2 in the defensive phase. I would agree with something that the coach said in the last presser: 3-5-2 is no longer a security blanket for this squad because as in the “ideal” XI, if that even exists, only six starters have played under Antonio Conte. Gianluigi Buffon, Andrea Barzagli, Leonardo Bonucci, Giorgio Chiellini, Claudio Marchisio, who occupies a different position now, and Paul Pogba. The ‘offense’ and the ‘flank’ game are new. The emergency at right back continues: Stephan Lichtsteiner has been diagnosed with arrhythmia, has undergone heart surgery and will miss at least a month. A report says that he is legally forced to wait for six months before returning to action, I hope it is untrue but there is a solid chance we will not see the Swiss-Express for a very long time. To make things worse, Martin Caceres has been suspended by the team for crashing his Ferrari while driving under the influence of alcohol. We can’t catch a break so far this season. Caceres should return after the international break, but he’s not physically reliable and even if he plays with great energy, he is not a ‘pure’ right-back. Therefore, we are left with 4-3-3 and Simone Padoin as RB, or 3-5-2. One of the two options is more palatable. Claudio Marchisio has a chance to return from his injury, but honestly I do not see any reason to rush him back, especially since Sami Khedira is now available and we have plenty of options in the midfield even without no.8. Hernanes is not totally convincing as deep-lying midfielder yet, but at least he has bounced back from the San Paolo horror show. I think Allegri could be a bit more aggressive in this one: Roberto Pereyra might start in the midfield. Stefano Sturaro has a nagging calf injury, while Mario Lemina is ready to play if the coach rotates the midfield, which is likely, or Paul Pogba is given a day off. Who starts might just be a matter of fitness as Lemina and Pereyra are also said to be carrying slight knocks. As for the rest of the lineup, Alex Sandro should replace Patrice Evra on the left flank and Juan Cuadrado will start at RWB and continues to be the most important player this season (not starting him against Napoli was a questionable decision). Alvaro Morata and Paulo Dybala are primed to be the attacking duo: the growth of Simone Zaza allows the coach to field the best pair on paper, without the need to have a change-of-pace guy off the bench. UPDATE: Allegri has announced that he will field the same XI from the Sevilla game and has ruled out Marchisio, Pereyra and Sturaro. Probable lineup 3-5-2: Buffon; Barzagli, Bonucci, Chiellini; Cuadrado, Khedira, Hernanes, Pogba, Evra; Morata, Dybala. Injuries: Lichtsteiner (heart condition), Mandzukic (thigh), Marchisio (thigh), Pereyra (calf), Sturaro (thigh). Suspended: Caceres excluded from squad Bologna Bologna did not have a good start to their 2015/2016 season. They’ve won just the one game, at home against Frosinone, and lost the others against Lazio, Sassuolo, Sampdoria, Fiorentina and Udinese and honestly have shown very little to prove that they will not be a relegation candidate all season long. The early poor performances are understandable as they have changed a lot during the summer. Only a couple of players from last season have remained in the starting lineup: Adam Masina and Marios Oikonomou. Alex Ferrari was there, but he really only won the job from Ibrahima Mbaye this season and it is not yet clear what their best CB pair is, with Sampdoria veteran Daniele Gastaldello, who was acquired last January, certainly in the mix. Delio Rossi is on the hot seat, for reasons that go beyond the sheer results. Bologna really did not want fire Diego Lopez last season as they would have preferred to drop the axe in the summer after the promotion, and be able to choose virtually any coach they wanted; But as the results were so bad and were starting to jeopardize even a playoff spot, they pulled the trigger. Rossi is lucky to have a big supporter in the new sporting director Pantaleo Corvino, but the owner Joey Saputo, who is now the only one in charge as Joe Tacopina left town, is not known to be a patient man. With the international break around the corner, this is an ideal time for a change at the helm and there is no shortage of good candidates for the job. Their reinforcement campaign was massive and had some highlights like Mattia Destro, Anthony Mounier, Godfred Donsah and Emanuele Giaccherini. Unfortunately, Destro has struggled and has not had the right service and the former Juventus winger and the Ghanaian midfielder have been slowed down by injuries. Delio Rossi started with a diamond formation but understandably moved to 4-3-3 as they do not have a Serie A-quality striker to use alongside Destro, while their main purchases in the summer consisted of a bunch of wingers. They have not been able to produce much offense so far and they have scored only three goals, two of which were by Mounier. They’re not really a counterattacking team either as the French forward is the only pacey player in the lineup: folk hero Franco Brienza has never stood out for his speed and they have mostly muscular midfielders. They are expected to field a grit-and-grind lineup with the seasons revelation Amadou Diawara likely beating out Lorenzo Crisetig to start in front of the defense, Saphir Taider on his right and Luca Rizzo on his left. Gastadello has a chance to make his first start of the season replacing Luca Rossettini. I would not be surprised to see Rizzo used in a more offensive and “tactical” position, with Erick Pulgar or Matteo Brighi starting in the midfield. UPDATE: Taider has not been called up, so either Pulgar or Brighi will take his spot in the midfield Probable lineup 4-3-3: Mirante; Ferrari, Oikonomou, Rossettini, Masina; Pulgar, Diawara, Rizzo; Brienza, Destro, Mounier. Injuries: Donsah (thigh), Giaccherini (thigh), Taider. Suspended: None Formation http://www.goal.com/en-gb/tables/serie-a/13?ICID=SP_TN_127

JUVENTUS - BOLOGNA - MATCHDAY 7 Sunday, October 4th, 2015 - 6:00 PM Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee: Domenico Celi Juventus - Bologna Preview: Dybala eyes Scudetto spark The Bianconeri's struggles have not spread to their Champions League form, but the Argentine wants to see the continental performances to carry over to the Serie A. http://www.goal.com/en-za/match/juventus-vs-bologna/2120440/preview Oct 3, 2015 Paulo Dybala has seen enough from Juventus' Champions League exploits to suggest a fifth consecutive Serie A title is not out of their reach, despite a woeful start to the season, with a fine chance to kickstart the Scudetto hunt arriving with Bologna in Turin on Sunday. A solitary win from Juve's first six games has done little to suggest that Italy's dominant team of the past four seasons will be able to recapture their former glories, but Massimiliano Allegri's new-look squad has impressed on the continent. Victories over Manchester City and Sevilla have left Juve top of a hotly contested Champions League group and a run of one defeat in 25 league fixtures against Sunday's opponents will be further cause for optimism. Former Palermo forward Dybala has not seen much difference in the side's performances in domestic and continental action, so expects a title challenge to remain at the forefront of their ambitions. He told Premium Sport: "I do not think that there is a difference in our performances in Serie A to those in the Champions League. "In Europe, teams play more open and allow more space. In Serie A, all teams are closed. In the 1-1 draw against Frosinone, we gave away the ball and they scored. "The Scudetto is still a possible target because we are Juventus and we always fight to win. We did not start well but we will fight until the end." Dybala has only started in four of his eight Juve appearances since joining from Palermo in pre-season, but is the champions' top scorer with three goals in all competitions. He added: "I played a good game against Sevilla, but I also played well in the Super Cup against Lazio when I came on. "I fought together with the team until the end and settled on the pitch very well." Summer signing Sami Khedira made his debut against Sevilla in midweek, boosting a Juve midfield that is still searching for its best form since being shorn of Arturo Vidal and Andrea Pirlo, as well as injury victim Claudio Marchisio, although the latter is reportedly in line for a return this weekend. Stephan Lichtsteiner is sidelined by a respiratory illness, although Chelsea loanee Juan Cuadrado has impressed in his place on the right flank. Martin Caceres has been suspended by the club after being caught drink-driving this week and Mario Mandzukic remains out with a thigh injury. Former Juve winger Emanuele Giaccherini will not return to Juventus Stadium this weekend, as Bologna's on-loan Sunderland man has a thigh problem. It is another headache for Delio Rossi, with Bologna having lost five of their six games this term. High-profile summer signing Mattia Destro is yet to find the net since arriving, but Rossi insisted this week that the Italy international "is not the problem". OPTA FACTS Juventus have won their last four Serie A games against Bologna, keeping a clean sheet in the last three. The Bianconeri have lost only one of their last 25 league games against Bologna (W16). Before losing 1-0 in their last trip to the Juventus Stadium, Bologna had found the net in their previous nine visits to Juve’s ground in the league. Juventus have lost three of their first six games of the season – something that hadn’t happened to the Old Lady in Serie A since 1987/88. Juve have just one win in seven Serie A games for the first time since March 2012, but on that occasion they had remained unbeaten (W1 D6). Juventus are winless in their last three home games – this is the first time they’ve failed to win three home games in a row in Serie A since playing at the Juventus Stadium. Bologna have lost the most games so far in this Serie A campaign (five). Bologna are one of the two teams (alongside Genoa) yet to pick up their first point away from home this season. LAST FIVE MATCHES Juventus W L D W W 2015/09/30 - Juventus 2 - 0 Sevilla 2015/09/26 - Napoli 2 - 1 Juventus 2015/09/23 - Juventus 1 - 1 Frosinone 2015/09/20 - Genoa 0 - 2 Juventus 2015/09/15 - Manchester City 1 - 2 Juventus Bologna L L W L L 2015/09/27 - Bologna 1 - 2 Udinese 2015/09/23 - Fiorentina 2 - 0 Bologna 2015/09/20 - Bologna 1 - 0 Frosinone 2015/09/14 - Sampdoria 2 - 0 Bologna 2015/08/29 - Bologna 0 - 1 Sassuolo HEAD TO HEAD 2014/04/19 - Juventus 1 - 0 Bologna 2013/12/06 - Bologna 0 - 2 Juventus 2013/03/16 - Bologna 0 - 2 Juventus 2012/10/31 - Juventus 2 - 1 Bologna 2012/03/07 - Bologna 1 - 1 Juventus http://www.goal.com/en-gb/tables/serie-a/13?ICID=SP_TN_127

Juventus defender Stephan Lichtsteiner undergoes cardiac surgery, will be out for 30 days http://www.blackwhitereadallover.com/2015/10/2/9442505/juventus-defender-stephan-lichtsteiner-undergoes-cardiac-surgery-will Oct 2, 2015 The good thing: We finally know what, exactly, is up with Stephan Lichtsteiner's health. The bad thing: We won't see the Swiss Express bombing up and down the right flank for the next month because of it. Sometimes you gotta take the bad with the good. Two-way street here, people. Juventus announced on Friday that Lichtsteiner, who had come off the field at halftime against Frosinone due to difficulty breathing and subsequently spent the night in the hospital, has undergone a heart procedure that will keep him out for the next 30 days. Here's the club's official statement: During last week's match with Frosinone Stephan Lichtsteiner suffered breathing difficulties due to a benign cardiac arrhythmia (atrial flutter) which later stopped of its own accord. Tests and specialist consultancy conducted over the following days suggested surgery to be the best course of action for the defender. Dr. Gaita today performed a cardiac ablation operation and Lichtsteiner is expected to return to competitive action within 30 days. Okay, so whenever I hear or read about "breathing difficulties" and "cardiac arrhythmia," I pretty much think that Lichtsteiner needs to take as much time as he needs. This isn't a pulled hamstring or a tweaked muscle that will almost certainly recover and then the player is back on his way. When it comes to having trouble doing what you need to do to stay alive, then it's serious. This diagnosis might not be as bad as it could have been, but you don't risk that kind of stuff. If it's 30 days, six weeks or three months, Lichtsteiner's health is the top priority. And if this means that Max Allegri uses the 3-5-2 a little bit more than before, I'll be a little more accepting of that. You should, too. It's not like this is something that could have been prevented. It's just ironic that it happened to a player who always get plenty of praise for his relentless stamina and lungs of steel. So get well, Stephan Lichtsteiner. And may you come back when you're 1,000 percent ready.

Buffon speaks out after Ballon d'Or snub The 37-year-old has not been named on the 59-man shortlist for the award, despite another successful campaign with Juventus last season. http://www.goal.com/en-za/news/4563/main/2015/10/02/15957322/-? Oct 2, 2015 Gianluigi Buffon admits he has been “overwhelmed” by the support he has received after missing out on this year’s Ballon d’Or shortlist. The 37-year-old helped guide Juventus to their fourth consecutive Serie A title last season, while the club also won the Coppa Italia and reached the Champions League final where they were beaten by Barcelona. But despite this, Buffon has failed to make the 59-man list of candidates which includes only two Italians - Giorgio Chiellini and Andrea Pirlo. “This morning, on a day like any other, I looked at my phone was overwhelmed by the messages of support and solidarity, and not because I wasn’t nominated among the 50 or 60 candidates for the Ballon d’Or,” Buffon posted on his Facebook page. “Honestly, I was not aware that the list would be drawn-up today, so I was caught by surprise by the flood of people gathering around me! “By now you may have guessed, that for years I’ve been an incurable optimist, and it’s hard for me to feel resentment, frustration or above all, resignation. “So do you know what I’m taking away from this incident? The spontaneous embrace I received this morning from all of you, and the media commenting on my exclusion. “Thank you, it really warmed my heart, it was an act of great respect which didn’t embarrass me, but one which I loved for a thousand and one reasons. “It was a personal thing, and it’s proof that I don’t have, and never have had, saints watching over me in heaven. “I took what I’ve been given, and I got where I did on the basis of something that is often undervalued - merit. “There are a lot of other reasons, but above all I like to think that you care about me as an Italian among Italians, but also as an Italian in the world, which makes me see even more beauty in this wonderful adventure that is life! “Of course, I’ll tell you in all sincerity that I thought I might be among the five best goalkeepers of last season. Obviously it’s gone to my head.”

Lichtsteiner undergoes surgery for heart condition The Swiss international had breathing difficulties during the Old Lady's draw with Frosinone and is expected to miss a month of football after bring treated for an arrhythmia. http://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/3276/serie-a/2015/10/02/15954012/-? Oct 2, 2015 Juventus defender Stephan Lichtsteiner has been operated on for a heart condition and will be out of action for around a month, the club confirmed. Lichtsteiner was substituted after he complained of respiratory problems during Juve's 1-1 draw with Frosinone on September 23. The club have revealed that the Switzerland international underwent surgery after being diagnosed with arrhythmia. "During last week’s match with Frosinone, Stephan Lichtsteiner suffered breathing difficulties due to a benign cardiac arrhythmia (atrial flutter) which later stopped of its own accord," the statement explained. "Tests and specialist consultancy conducted over the following days suggested surgery to be the best course of action for the defender. "Dr. Gaita today performed a cardiac ablation operation and Lichtsteiner is expected to return to competitive action within 30 days." Lichtsteiner's absence is a new blow for the reigning Serie A champions, who are trying to get their season on track after a disappointing start. Despite winning both Champions League matches against Sevilla and Manchester City, domestic form has not reached expectations and Juve have picked up just five points from their opening six fixtures.

JUVENTUS - BOLOGNA - MATCHDAY 7 Sunday, October 4th, 2015 - 6:00 PM Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee: Domenico Celi Paolo Rossi: ‘Juventus are motivated’ http://www.football-italia.net/73794/rossi-‘juventus-are-motivated’? Oct 2, 2015 Legendary former striker Paolo Rossi is sure Juventus are “motivated to win their fifth consecutive title”. When Rossi was playing, the Bianconeri finished fifth in 1985, the year they finally won the European Cup. With the current side having won just once in six Serie A games, and winning both their Champions League ties, are there any parallels? “No, it was different in my day,” Rossi told reporters at the Football Heroes museum in Milan. “For us, we weren’t snubbing the League, but the European Cup was unconsciously our obsession, we just wanted that, we’d have done anything to win it. “The current Juventus, however, seem to me to be pretty motivated to win their fifth consecutive title and do well in Europe. “They have to find the balance which they don’t have yet, but it’ll come. We can’t put all the blame on [Coach Massimiliano] Allegri for only getting five points in Serie A so far. “The Torinese side have considerably overhauled their squad, and people like Pirlo, Tevez and Vidal can’t just be replaced in the blink of an eye. “You can’t compare the newcomers to that wonderful trio, they’re still lacking experience, but I’m convinced that sooner or later it’ll become automatic for them. “It’s inevitable that Max Allegri continues to shuffle his pack, and doesn’t ever play the same guys, but over time he’ll find the right formula. “Juve won’t give up, don’t worry.” Rossi famously scored a hat-trick for Italy against Brazil in the 1982 World Cup, and was asked about Nikola Kalinic’s treble against Inter on Sunday. “Do you know I see a lot of myself in this player? I mean, Kalinic is playing as a central striker, just like the Paolo Rossi at Lanerossi Vicenza, with midfielders who move well. “The Croatian has good movement, he’s quick and he has an eye for goal. Maybe this description reminds you of someone who was playing a few years ago? “If, on the banks of the Arno [Florence], they can get Giuseppe Rossi back, Fiorentina will have another string to their bow. “This is already a formidable Fiorentina, but with Pepito up-front they could become really impressive.” Finally, the World Cup-winner gave his opinion on the current Azzurri side. “The way I see it, the national team will always qualify,” Rossi mused. “For the European Championships in France, as well as the World Cup in Russia and Qatar. At the moment I see a so-so Italy. “We haven’t moved on from the great champions - Totti, Del Piero - but at the same time there aren’t enough possible Azzurri players playing in the League. “When they play, they smash everything, just like Zaza who has scored two goals when he got involved at Juve. “You have to trust these lads.” http://www.goal.com/en-gb/tables/serie-a/13?ICID=SP_TN_127

JUVENTUS - BOLOGNA - MATCHDAY 7 Sunday, October 4th, 2015 - 6:00 PM Juventus Stadium - Turin Referee: Domenico Celi Juventus show signs of life under Max Allegri after Champions League wins http://www.espnfc.co.uk/club/juventus/111/blog/post/2643999/juventus-show-signs-of-life-under-max-allegri-after-ucl-wins? Oct 2, 2015 Did he anyone hear that? The loud sound of fingers striking keyboards? That was the sound of a thousand critics retracting their negative statements written about Massimiliano Allegri. "I am convinced that in the hands of another coach, the team would obtain good results," FIFA agent Pietro Chiaradia exclusively revealed to Il Sussidiario before the Champions League win over Sevilla on Wednesday. Allegri has indeed made mistakes. The team he chose to take on Napoli was baffling to say the least, and he rightly deserved to be criticised for choosing to start the likes of Simone Padoin. The constant rotations have also robbed the side of the consistency required to build tactical harmony. The tactician has his alibis in that he has been forced to deal with the departures of several champions, not to mention the injuries that have left him without a balanced midfield, but it was unnecessary to exacerbate the problem. However, despite the criticisms, this blog preached patience and noted that this perhaps was nothing more than a bad phase. "Once the injured players return, a set starting lineup will be established and that could bring about a change in fortunes," I wrote. We have already seen the considerable difference in Juve's performance once they had Sami Khedira back on the pitch, and the injured Claudio Marchisio could well be available for the match against Bologna on Sunday. With a little more time and a lot more suffering, this side has all it takes to succeed. Beppe Marotta and co did a wonderful job in the transfer market, and while question marks remain over the arrival of Hernanes, every other new arrival has the potential and the talent required to make the difference to a side accustomed to winning. By playing his best men in a formation that highlighted the natural gifts of the talent he has at his disposal, and masked the absences of those missing, Allegri won the tactical battle against Unai Emery's Sevilla. Courage has always helped the coach dig his way out of trouble and he must continue to trust the youthful talent of Juan Cuadrado and Paulo Dybala, even if they are a little too raw at times. One understands the desire to rotate considering how Cuadrado plays the game, but the Colombian is young enough to play a few games in quick succession, at least until the team recover more of their injured stars. In time, the coach will eventually teach his players several different formations to allow for tactical versatility that will better help the team to survive certain absences or the inevitable rotations. They have the players required to allow for effective play through the wings or for more centralised attacks. In time and if a certain few remain fit and healthy, Juventus will be a far more interesting side to watch and could develop into a real force. Next up is Bologna, who are suffering a torrid time themselves. Newly promoted with lots of fresh arrivals in the summer, some hoped for a brighter beginning considering the men in charge, yet barring a win over Frosinone -- a team that drew against Juventus -- Bologna have lost every single game, even if their performances are improving. Delio Rossi is an ambitious and intelligent coach, and he knows his first priority must be to jell all the new faces within the side, and that includes highly rated striker Mattia Destro. Incidentally, the attack is where the problems lies; the team simply seem incapable of creating chances, and when they do, finishing has proved to be another problem. While the Old Lady has shown herself to be inefficient, creating several chances only to squander most of them when playing domestically, not one side in the entire league has taken fewer shots on goal than the Felsinei. Against Udinese, we can see a side shaping up yet success still seems to be nothing more than a pipe dream, so much so that whispers of Rossi's potential dismissal have been circulating. While management insist they fully support the coach, the pressure is on to collect more points. It's a tall order when one considers that their next opponent is a Bianconeri side that has just collected maximum points from their two European matches, demonstrating fluidity and skill to defeat Sevilla midweek. Likely to depend on a 3-5-2 formation again, Allegri is expected to welcome Alex Sandro and Mario Lemina back into the starting lineup -- players who require more playing time to progress. Another win at home and perhaps the fans can start dreaming again. Nothing is yet out of reach for the Old Lady. http://www.goal.com/en-gb/tables/serie-a/13?ICID=SP_TN_127

Lichtsteiner has surgery http://www.football-italia.net/73797/lichtsteiner-has-surgery? Oct 2, 2015 Juventus defender Stephan Lichtsteiner has had surgery after suffering with breathing difficulties. The Swiss international has not featured for the Bianconeri after going off during the draw with Frosinone, and will now be out for a month. “During last week’s match with Frosinone, Stephan Lichtsteiner suffered breathing difficulties due to a benign cardiac arrhythmia (atrial flutter) which later stopped of its own accord,” a statement on the club’s website announced. “Tests and specialist consultancy conducted over the following days suggested surgery to be the best course of action for the defender. “Dr. Gaita today performed a cardiac ablation operation and Lichtsteiner is expected to return to competitive action within 30 days."

Dybala: ‘Allegri a great Coach’ http://www.football-italia.net/73795/dybala-%E2%80%98allegri-great-coach%E2%80%99? Oct 2, 2015 Paulo Dybala describes Juventus’ Max Allegri as “a great Coach” and discusses his Argentina call. The forward has been in and out of the Bianconeri side since his summer move from Palermo, but the 21-year-old knows he has to improve. “He’s the Coach, and he knows what has to be done,” Dybala told Sky. “He talks to me every week, and he helps me so much. I watch videos of everything that I have to improve, because I came from Palermo and it’s a different situation. “The Coach is a great Coach, he and all his staff help me grow, and they’re working with me to help me improve.” Dybala has been called-up by Argentina in the absence of Barcelona’s Lionel Messi, but the striker would have preferred to play with the Blaugrana man. “I’m sorry that Messi won’t be there, because I haven’t had the opportunity to meet him. It would have been very special for me to be alongside the best player in the world, it would have been a very nice moment. “I’ll definitely meet him on another occasion. I’ve had a lot of congratulations from my friends and teammates. “This is a very special moment for me, because I’ve made it to the Argentinian national team, with all the strikers we have.”

Agent: ‘Who’s been better than Buffon?’ http://www.football-italia.net/73792/agent-%E2%80%98who%E2%80%99s-been-better-buffon%E2%80%99? Oct 2, 2015 Gigi Buffon’s agent is mystified by his Ballon d’Or snub - “if you can find a goalkeeper who did better…” The Juventus ‘keeper was not included on the shortlist for this year’s award, with Massimo Luongo, who spent last season at Swindon Town, and David Ospina making the cut. “What he [buffon] has done and is doing is plain for everyone to see,” Silvano Martina told Tuttomercatoweb. “I don’t know if he’d win, so it still doesn’t have much meaning, but when you look at some of the names on there, the fact that Gianluigi isn’t among them speaks for itself. “If you can find a goalkeeper who did better that he did in all competitions last season then…” The Bianconeri lifted their fourth Scudetto in a row last season, as well as reaching the Champions League final, with Buffon's save from Dani Alves in the first half of that match named as one of UEFA's saves of the year.

Dybala: ‘Scudetto still possible’ http://www.football-italia.net/73791/dybala-%E2%80%98scudetto-still-possible%E2%80%99? Oct 2, 2015 Juventus forward Paulo Dybala believes the Scudetto is still “an achievable target” this season. The Bianconeri have taken just five points from their opening six games, but the Argentinian forward is not throwing in the towel. “I don’t think there’s a difference in performance [between Serie A and Europe],” Dybala considered, speaking to Premium Sport. “In Europe, teams play more openly and allow space. “The Scudetto? It’s still an achievable target, because we’re Juventus and we always fight to win. We haven’t started well, but we’ll fight to the end.” Dybala also spoke to Sky, where he discussed his relationship with teammate Alvaro Morata. “I have a good relationship with Alvaro, because before I got to Juventus who wrote me a message saying he was glad I was coming here. So even before we had a good relationship. “We’re working, because we’re young and we still have to grow. But he’s a player who has played for Real Madrid, he’s come so far and I think he can help me a lot.”

Juventus goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon not included in FIFA's 59-man Ballon d'Or shortlist http://www.blackwhitereadallover.com/2015/10/2/9438627/juventus-italy-gianluigi-buffon-fifa-ballon-dor-shortlist Oct 2, 2015 When it comes to individual awards in the world of football, there's pretty much a group of three or four players we know will be the finalists each year no matter what happens. That means the list before the final list is actually something people tend to care about. They won't be finalists, but the recognition still is pretty nice. Below are the six Juventus players who were included in FIFA's 59-man shortlist for the annual Ballon d'Or. Some of them are still around and contributing quite a bit these days, while the other half of them departed over the summer. I think you can guess which one is which. We're all smart people around these parts. So, without much more blabbering about, those six players: Paul Pogba, Álvaro Morata, Giorgio Chiellini, Andrea Pirlo, Arturo Vidal, Carlos Tévez Here's a list of Juventus players who weren't included: Gianluigi Buffon, Leonardo Bonucci There should be a laugh track attached to what has just been written. Except it's not a joke. It's not a prank that will end with all your friends coming out from behind the blinds and proceeding to laugh and laugh and laugh. So what did Buffon do to not make the 59-man shortlist? That's a pretty good question. Let's take a closer look from a little game he played in back in June of this year called the Champions League final. You guys and gals might have heard of it once or twice. Man, I'm sure glad that guy didn't waste a spot on FIFA's beloved list of possible Ballon d'Or recipients. What a waste that award would have been. You have to wonder what a guy like Buffon would have to do to actually get nominated. Oh, right, apparently be Arsenal's part-time goalkeeper, I guess. Fourth place in the EPL and a disappointing Champions League finish, it is! In all seriousness, if Buffon, still easily one of the best in the game today despite officially entering his late-30s, can't make the cut, you can't take something like this with any kind of validity anymore. Do the other Juventus players deserve to be on there? Well, yeah, probably. There can be a case made for each of them, even those who didn't have seasons that matched up to those of the past. But for Buffon — and let's not forget about the season Bonucci is coming off of, too — to be left out is something that makes you just shake your head for seconds on end. You look at all the other keepers on the shortlist and it's not like Buffon is any less than them. Are they great in their own way? Of course. But Buffon is still the gold standard. He is, for all intents and purposes, the best of the bunch. Facts are facts. (Even if this author is just a somewhat bit biased when it comes to this subject.) That's cool, though. I think Buffon is pretty okay when it comes to winning trophies and hardware these days. At least we know how good Buffon still is these days even if FIFA doesn't. Cue the laugh track, too, while you're at it.

Ballon D'Or, Buffon left out http://www.football-italia.net/73774/ballon-dor-buffon-left-out? Oct 2, 2015 FIFA's list of candidates for the Ballon D'Or 2015 includes Juventus' Giorgio Chiellini and Andrea Pirlo, but omits goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon. The ceremony will take place on January 11 next year, and will reward a player from a set list of 59 candidates. Chiellini and Pirlo are the only Italians to make the list, on the back of their strong Champions League campaign last year. Perhaps surprisingly, Buffon was not included in the list, prompting several unhappy responses in Italy. Today's giornalaccio rosa dello Sport titled the front page 'Buffoonery', a term which World Cup-winning Coach Marcello Lippi echoed. “I don't want to offend anyone, but I too think it's buffoonery that he shouldn't be among the 59,” he said, as reported by Calciomercato.it. “I don't understand FIFA and I don't know their criteria, but Buffon is – no, I won't even give a technical opinion. “The whole world knows his worth and what he did in 2015.” Other Serie A or former Serie A players also appear in the list, namely Inter's Gary Medel and Juventus' Paul Pogba, Alvaro Morata, Carlos Tevez and Arturo Vidal.

Khedira Thanks Fans After Competitive Juventus Debut http://forzaitalianfootball.com/2015/10/khedira-thanks-fans-after-competitive-juventus-debut/? Oct 1, 2015 Juventus midfielder Sami Khedira has thanked the club and their fans for the faith they have shown in him. The 28-year-old German international made his long awaited debut as the Serie A campions defeated Sevilla 2-0 at the Juventus Stadium in Turin on Wednesday night. “It is an awesome feeling to be back on the pitch and to be part of such a great team,” Khedira said on his official Facebook page. “A very special thanks to all the fans for your unbelievable support. “This feels like coming home!” Khedira made the move from Real Madrid to the Bianconeri on a free-transfer during the summer before suffering a thigh injury during a pre-season friendly against Marseille back in August. The victory over Sevilla put Juventus at the top of their Champions League table, which is in stark contrast to their domestic woes, were they have managed only one victory after six league fixtures.