Socrates

SAMPDORIA - JUVENTUS - Saturday, May 2nd, 2015 - 6:00 p.m. Luigi Ferraris Stadium (Marassi), Genoa Referee: Paolo Valeri Sampdoria determined to spoil Juventus' title party, warns Mihajlovic The former defender says his side are determined to beat the league leaders on Saturday in a bid to bolster their hopes of Europe. May 2, 2015 Sampdoria coach Sinisa Mihajlovic says his side are ready to spoil Juventus’ plans for a party on Saturday. The Old Lady arrive in Genoa needing just one point to secure their fourth consecutive Serie A title. But fifth-placed Samp have enjoyed a fine campaign of their own and Mihajlovic has warned Juve not to expect to celebrate just yet, despite their hosts being without a win in their last five Serie A outings. "Juventus deserve the Scudetto but they can celebrate winning it in Turin and not on our own patch. While they only need a point, we're out to get all three," Mihajlovic said. "I'm convinced that with determination, character, and also that slice of good fortune which has been lacking recently, we'll all be able to postpone their title party. "It’s true that in this period we’ve struggled up front but against Juventus I'm ready to play the best striker in the club's history: Sampdoria's supporters. "I want them to become our 12th man on the pitch." Fourteen points clear at the summit of Serie A with just five games remaining, and with a Champions League semi-final against Real Madrid on Tuesday, Juve may well have their attentions focused elsewhere – but Mihajlovic insists he is expecting Massimiliano Allegri’s side to be as determined as ever. "I don't expect Juve to be distracted," Mihajlovic said. "In the last four years, they’ve both strengthened and improved their mentality. We must put in a good performance for the most important game of the season, our position, morale and the type of opponent we're facing." With a Coppa Italia final against Lazio to come, Juve remain in line for an historic treble. http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

Llorente: Juve must attack Real Madrid The Spain forward says his side must be proactive if they are to see off the reigning European champions and secure a place in the Champions League final. May 2, 2015 Juventus striker Fernando Llorente says his side cannot afford to sit back and defend their way past Real Madrid if they are to reach the Champions League final. The Old Lady, who can claim their fourth consecutive Scudetto with a point at fifth-placed Sampdoria on Saturday, are on the hunt for their first European title since 1996. And Spain international Llorente has called on his team-mates to take a proactive approach when they host the reigning European champions in Turin on Tuesday. "We can't defend forever. We have to attack and we know how to do that," he told AS. "People are used to winning the league but it's not easy. But the Champions League semi-final gives the season greater importance. "It's a unique chance for us. Hopefully we can play two great games. We know that Madrid have spectacular players up front. There isn't room for the smallest of errors. You can't give them any space either, because Madrid are lethal." Joint-top scorers in Serie A with 63 goals in 33 outings this season, Carlos Tevez has once again spearheaded the Juve attack, hitting 20 goals to leave him top of Italy’s scoring charts. And Llorente says the Argentine's form has been an inspiration to everybody at the club. "He's in a great run of form. He also has a character that is contagious in the dressing room. He has so much confidence that it rubs off on the rest of the team. He gives us a lot." Juve and Madrid also met in the semi-finals in 2002-03 edition, when the Italians emerged victorious, while Madrid beat the Italian champions in the final in 1997-98 thanks to a single goal from Predrag Mijatovic.

Barcelona meet for Pogba May 2, 2015 Spanish papers claim Barcelona met with Paul Pogba’s agent to discuss a bid for the Juventus midfielder. According to newspaper Sport, Mino Raiola flew out to Catalonia for a meeting with director Ariedo Braida. The deal could be laying the groundwork for 2016 if Barcelona are still under a FIFA transfer embargo. This offer is believed to be worth €70m plus a player such as Pedro or Montoya. Sport also suggest that Raiola is using the Manchester City terms - €12m per year net wages – to force Barcelona into improving their proposal. However, Paris Saint-Germain are far down the pecking order, as Pogba is not interested in a return to France yet. Juventus have repeatedly stated they have no intention of selling Pogba, as the club does not need to raise funds.

SAMPDORIA - JUVENTUS - Saturday, May 2nd, 2015 - 6:00 p.m. Luigi Ferraris Stadium (Marassi), Genoa Referee: Paolo Valeri Palombo: 'Samp-Juve battle' May 2, 2015 Sampdoria captain Angelo Palombo assures it will be “a real battle” for Juventus to get their Scudetto point today. “Unfortunately we dropped two points against Verona and deserved victory, just as we did against Cesena,” Palombo told Tuttomercatoweb. “That’s how it went, but we’re still there fighting and will do so against Juve as well, because we’ve learned that every match is a unique event separate from the rest. “In these situations it can be easy to calculate how much you need to reach an objective, but that is the wrong attitude, because in football things can turn out to be the complete opposite to what you expected.” Juventus could’ve won the title some time ago, but suffered surprise defeats to Parma and Torino. They’re also likely to rest some stars ahead of the Champions League semi-final with Real Madrid. “Juve are always Juve,” warned Palombo. “Even if the so-called second string should start, it would still be a team to be respected. “Knowing them and us, it will be a real battle and a real game. I doubt Juve will let go of an inch.” Sampdoria are still in fifth place, but only one point clear of Genoa, two from Fiorentina and three from Inter and Torino. “I think all the teams behind us are in with a chance of qualifying. At this moment we have the advantage of a few points, so we’ll try to cling to every single one that can take us to this dream.” http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

SAMPDORIA - JUVENTUS - Saturday, May 2nd, 2015 - 6:00 p.m. Luigi Ferraris Stadium (Marassi), Genoa Referee: Paolo Valeri MATCH PREVIEW May 2, 2015 As Sampdoria look to their home fortress to stop a fine season from disintegrating at the last hurdle, if Juventus avoid defeat, a fourth consecutive Scudetto will be theirs. The Blucerchiati did not win during the entire month of April and are experiencing their longest winless streak at a time when their 5th place is vulnerable to Europa League competitors, including local rivals Genoa. Their Coach, the usually intense and disciplined Sinisa Mihajlovic, appears recently to have been distracted by the prospect of working beneath the glamorous lights of Milan and Naples. To make matters worse, Doria’s two highest goalscorers are unavailable for the remainder of this campaign, Manolo Gabbiadini, having been sold in January, and Citadin Eder now on the treatment table. However, Samp, alongside Juventus are the only side to avoid defeat at home this season, drawing more than half of their matches at Stadio Luigi Ferraris in the process. Pride and the protection of such a record at this late stage of the campaign will demand a battling performance. Something which is not in the Bianconeri’s favour is the ban imposed on their fans, and so should they manage to get over the finishing line away in Genoa, celebrations will be rather muted. Juve have been dominant throughout this season, and though they have suffered somewhat surprising defeats in recent weeks, they have always responded well. In fact such is the emphatic nature of this campaign that even their away goal difference is superior to the home form of this weekend’s opponents and the only other side to go unbeaten. Whilst midfield engine Paul Pogba, may recover in time for a Champions League return, the champions elect have such an embarrassment of riches that his absence should not be felt too greatly this weekend. Juventus already have one hand on their winners’ medals but Sampdoria still have European football and regional bragging rights to play for. The Blucerchiati should push for the win, but a lack of cutting edge and a wave of Turin professionalism mean that a stalemate would be hardly surprising. Keep an eye on: Carlos Tevez (Juventus) – He may be 31 years old but this season has been that of the Apache. He is the league’s top goalscorer (20) and the Old Lady’s highest assist provider (7). Four goals in his last three league starts prove that he is as relentless and hungry as ever. Form guide: Sampdoria (L D D L D) Juventus (W L W L W) Last season: Sampdoria 0-1 Juventus Stat fact: Should Juventus at least earn a draw this weekend they will win their fourth consecutive Serie A title, one short of the record they hold from 1930/31-1934/35. Sampdoria (probable): Viviano; De Silvestri, Silvestre, Romagnoli, Mesbah; Palombo, Obiang, Duncan; Muriel, Eto’o, Okaka Suspended: Acquah Juventus (probable): Buffon; Barzagli, Bonucci, Chiellini; Lichtsteiner, Vidal, Marchisio, Sturaro, Padoin; Tevez, Morata Suspended: Evra http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

SAMPDORIA - JUVENTUS - Saturday, May 2nd, 2015 - 6:00 p.m. Luigi Ferraris Stadium (Marassi), Genoa Referee: Paolo Valeri Serie A Previews: Juve Day? May 2, 2015 Juventus only need a point at Europe-chasing Sampdoria to secure the Scudetto, plus Sassuolo-Palermo, Roma-Genoa, Atalanta-Lazio and Napoli-Milan. There are two games today and the action kicks off at Marassi at 18.00 CET with Sampdoria v Juventus. The Bianconeri need only one point to start the Scudetto celebrations, but Samp are unbeaten on home turf this season and chasing a spot in the Europa League. This evening Sassuolo host Palermo in an intriguing battle of very attack-minded teams, with Domenico Berardi, Simone Zaza, Paulo Dybala and Franco Vazquez on show. On Sunday the 12.30 CET match is a fascinating clash between Roma and Genoa, two sides fresh from impressive wins and who need to keep up the pace for their Euro qualification. Tomorrow afternoon Inter host tricky Chievo, second-placed Lazio visit desperate Atalanta and Fiorentina risk seeing their campaign fall apart against Cesena. There’s also a showdown of the old dogs, as Luca Toni’s Verona take on Antonio Di Natale’s Udinese. At 20.45 CET on Sunday we have a big game between stuttering Napoli and Milan, who by that stage could well be under new ownership. Rafa Benitez’s men were humiliated 4-2 by Empoli on Thursday and don’t want their Champions League hopes slipping further away. The round continues on Monday evening with Cagliari desperate not to get dragged down into Serie B with Parma. On Wednesday afternoon, Torino host impressive Empoli. http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

SAMPDORIA - JUVENTUS - Saturday, May 2nd, 2015 - 6:00 p.m. Luigi Ferraris Stadium (Marassi), Genoa Referee: Paolo Valeri Sinisa Mihajlovic: "Juventus deserve the Scudetto" May 1, 2015 Sampdoria manager Sinisa Mihajlovic has hailed Juventus as worthy champions elect but plans to make them wait to secure the Serie A title. The Old Lady need just one point from their final five games of the season to clinch a fourth straight Scudetto and travel to Sampdoria on Saturday evening. However, Mihajlovic hopes to delay Juve's celebrations by inflicting on them only a fourth defeat of the campaign. "Juventus deserve the Scudetto but they can celebrate winning it in Turin and not on our own patch. While they only need a point, we're out to get all three," he told reporters. Sampdoria are fifth in the Serie A table, but winless in their last five outings. http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

SAMPDORIA - JUVENTUS - Saturday, May 2nd, 2015 - 6:00 p.m. Luigi Ferraris Stadium (Marassi), Genoa Referee: Paolo Valeri Juventus vs. Sampdoria Preview: Round 34 — Down the stretch they come May 1, 2015 In the hours following Juventus' 3-2 win over Fiorentina on Wednesday, I decided to go back into the BWRAO archives. It wasn't anything from the distant past, more like something from over the summer. I was feeling nostalgic, I guess, and was in search of something that was relevant to what is on the brink of happening in Juve's next game. What I was looking for didn't take long to find at all. And what I was looking for was the 'OFFICIALLY OFFICIAL' post after Max Allegri was hired to replace Antonio Conte as Juventus' manager back in the middle of July. I concluded the post with what journalism folks call a 'kicker,' the paragraph that wraps everything up in a nice bow without spewing out a couple hundred more words. This kicker was all of two sentences that added up to a grand total of about nine words. Here's to the future, Max. Don't screw it up. So simple. So honest. So ... not very optimistic at all. (This coming from a self-proclaimed eternal optimist.) Allegri's appointment was not accompanied with any kind of fanfare or massive amounts of optimism from the vast majority of the masses around here. It was a lot more of the opposite, as people wanted Juve's newest manager to not screw things up and not have the club take a serious step backwards more than anything else. Today is the first day in May, a month where titles are clinched and seasons come to an end. There's still plenty to be written in this 2014-15 campaign for Juventus. There's some Champions League business to take care of in a few days. But first there's the matter of the Scudetto, something we've been waiting on for weeks and weeks. Just like we all thought would be the case on the day Allegri was hired, right? ... RIGHT? ... RIGHT? Juventus needs to get all of one point Saturday evening against Sampdoria and Scudetto No. 33 will officially be theirs. One measly point. Juventus don't even need to beat Sampdoria tomorrow, dammit! The inevitable is as close as it can possibly be without actually taking place in front of us. They've needed some help from Lazio's opponents the last two matches, but now it's all in Juventus' hands this weekend. No need for help anymore. But one point, one single solitary point will make the eventuality an actuality. And, at the same time, be the latest thing that convinces everybody that maybe Mad Mex wasn't such a bad choice to replace Conte after all. Sorry about being so grumpy all those months ago, Max. I take it back. You definitely haven't screwed things up. GOOD NEWS Have I mentioned that Juventus is one point away from clinching a fourth straight Scudetto? Yeah, I think I've mentioned it, but it doesn't hurt anything to say it again mainly because it's the damn Serie A title. BAD NEWS We're getting close to being able to count how many Juventus games that are left to be played this season (in all competitions) on one hand. (I guess that's better than reminding all of you about who's injured and won't be traveling to Genoa tomorrow, right?) WHAT TO WATCH FOR 1. What kind of squad rotation will there be with Real Madrid looming next week? With all the Scudetto talk surrounding the team the last two days — and rightfully so, I might add — there's still a whole lot on the line just a few days from now. I think everybody expects Allegri to be rotating his squad against Sampdoria. But how much squad rotation will there be? It's hard to say. We know Simone Padoin is basically a lock to start at left back with Patrice Evra suspended and not part of the 23-man traveling squad. I'm thinking the odds of Andrea Pirlo getting rested are also rather favorable. Same goes for a certain Argentine striker (more on that later). So if we see four or five changes from the starting lineup that beat Fiorentina 3-2 in the middle of the week, would it be that much of a surprise? I don't think so. That's just what happens when you're comfortably ahead in Serie A and there just so happens to be the defending European champions coming to town in a couple of days. 2. Will there be an all-Spanish striker combination? Of all the spots to rest Carlos Tévez, this seems one of the most logical ones in the entire season. Maybe he'll get some time off the bench in the second half, but with Real Madrid on the horizon, there's really no reason for Carlitos to be logging heavy minutes on Saturday night. I'm sure Tévez wants to play, but let's think big picture here. What's the benefit of Tévez playing against Sampdoria other than giving him a chance to build on his Serie A goal tally? Maybe Fernando Llorente scoring against Fiorentina will make the decision an easier decision for Allegri than it probably already is (or should be). I guess what I'm trying to say in all of this is that there are few things Juventus can really risk to have happen than Tévez picking up a knock against Sampdoria and putting his status for Real Madrid in question. 3. Which Sampdoria will show up? In their last five matches, 'Doria has only gotten three points, drawing three and losing the other two. Luckily for them, they are still in a European spot and those above them in the standings not named Lazio haven't exactly been lighting the world on fire, either. Sampdoria's one saving grace in all of this as they enter a game against the soon-to-be champions? In their last 16 games at the Ferraris, Samp has lost all of zero of them. The only other team not to lose a Serie A game at their home stadium this season? That would be Juventus. In those 16 games, Sampdoria has allowed only 11 goals. Compare that to the 25 goals they've allowed 17 games away from home and you can instantly see just how much better Sampdoria are on their home turf. Maybe, just maybe, Juventus will be the last undefeated-at-home team standing come the final whistle Saturday night. My starting XI (4-3-1-2) Buffon Lichtsteiner, Barzagli, Bonucci, Padoin Vidal, Marchisio, Sturaro Pereyra Llorente, Morata OFFICIAL KICKOFF TIME: 6 P.M. IN ITALY; 12 P.M. ON THE EAST COAST; 9 A.M. ON THE WEST COAST http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

SAMPDORIA - JUVENTUS - Saturday, May 2nd, 2015 - 6:00 p.m. Luigi Ferraris Stadium (Marassi), Genoa Referee: Paolo Valeri SAMPDORIA V JUVENTUS MATCH PREVIEW May 1, 2015 Juventus Juventus travel to Genoa knowing that as long as they avoid defeat against Sampdoria, a fourth consecutive Scudetto will be theirs. For the first time this season, the Bianconeri know that the title is in the own hands and all thats needed is a point to secure a 33rd club Scudetto, despite there being no Juve fans allowed at the Stadio Luigi Ferraris. A ban imposed by the league as a result of last week’s unrest in the Derby Della Mole means that if Juve do secure the title, they’ll have to wait until the following week to celebrate the title with supporters. A further ban was imposed on the Curva Sud meaning it will be closed for two-matches, however Juventus are planning to appeal the decision. There has been some positive news this week, beginning with the return of midfielder Romulo who has missed most of the season due to injury. The Brazilian joined the rest of the team for his first training session in almost 6 months and has been included in the squad for tomorrow’s game. Another positive is the imminent return of Paul Pogba following 50 days out with a thigh injury. A statement on the clubs official website read as follows: “Today an MRI scan revealed that the player has made further progress in his recovery from a torn thigh muscle. “The player will undergo a personalised recovery regime before potentially returning to full training with the group on Wednesday.” If all goes according to plan, the French midfielder may be fit enough to feature in the second-leg of Juve’s Champions League semi-final against Real Madrid. Switching focus to tomorrow’s game, Gigi Buffon is fit and will start in goal while Allegri may opt for a 3-5-2 formation meaning Andrea Barzagli, Leonardo Bonucci and Giorgio Chiellini will all start in defence. Patrice Evra is suspended so Simone Padoin is the likeliest replacement at LWB with Stephan Lichtsteiner starting on the right. Juve coach Max Allegri has confirmed that Andrea Pirlo will probably start on the bench meaning Claudio Marchisio will play in the regista role with Stefano Sturaro and Arturo Vidal partnering him with Carlos Tevez and Alvaro Morata up front. Probable lineup 3-5-2: Buffon; Barzagli, Bonucci, Chiellini; Lichtsteiner, Vidal, Marchisio, Sturaro, Padoin; Tevez, Morata Injured Players Asamoah (Back in training), Caceres (ankle), Pogba (hamstring) Suspended Players Evra Form (L-W-D-L-W) Sampdoria Samdporia are in dire need for points to stave off Genoa and Inter’s furious comebacks into Europa League contention. As it stands right now, they have a one-point lead over Genoa, a two-point one over Fiorentina (that have the easiest schedule in this bunch) and three points more than Inter and Torino. How did that happen? They have chocked in the last two home games, drawing against Hellas Verona and Cesena, they have tied against Milan, a match that has become a freebie at this point, and they have lost against Fiorentina and Napoli. Victory has been elusive to them for five straight pivotal matches down the stretch. The hard-nosed coach Sinisa Mihajlovic needs to right the ship quickly or his stocks will plummet as he’s almost a sure bet to leave after the season. Since Samuel Eto’o and Luis Muriel joined the team in January, he has tinkered a lot with the tactics: a weird 4-3-3 basically with three centre-forwards; 4-3-1-2 with a stronger midfield and a true CAM or Eto’o in the hole; 4-2-3-1 with the Cameroonian striker in a free-style role, with Roberto Soriano, Eder or Muriel completing the trequartistas’ trio and Stefano Okaka as the offensive reference point. The results have been mixed, not to say disappointing, but the last one is probably the best one, or at least the funniest to see. The most defensive one should be the choice here. With Eder now done for the season with an MCL tear, Muriel has stepped into the starting XI, but this has also depleted the bench, which has won some games for them. Muriel can be a transcendent talent, but he’s injury-prone, sometimes out of shape and seems to be performing at high levels only when extremely motivated. He has benefitted from the change of scenery as he has scored four goals in 574 minutes with Blucerchiati, after failing to score with Udinese in the first half of the season. After some fracas at the beginning of the stint, Samuel Eto’o has been awesome: a true leader of men in his new role as point guard/quarterback. So, what’s holding them back? Some calls haven’t gone their way, Okaka’s poor scoring record certainly doesn’t help, at times Mihajlovic gets a little reckless with his lineups and some of the starters are simply average players that have overachieved for most part of the season. I think they deserve to qualify to Europa League because they have been consistent all year long. After Juventus, they face Udinese, Lazio, Empoli and Parma: they definitely have a shot to cling to their lead, even if the opponents are raising the level of their performances. They’ll be without Afriyie Acquah who is suspended and Eder, Fabrizio Cacciatore and Alessandro De Vitis that are injured. Angelo Palombo, Soriano and partly Eto’o have rested on Wednesday, so they are likely to start, but Alfred Duncan has played well against Hellas Verona and could strengthen the midfield in place of Soriano. Djamel Mesbah could replace Vasco Regini on the defensive left flank. Ezequiel Munoz has played the last game substituting Matias Silvestre, but Sinisa will probably go with his starting CB’s pair. They have never lost at home: seven wins and nine draws. In order to grab at least that one Scudetto-winning point, Juventus will have to contain Sampdoria’s shots, through balls and counter-attacks and pay particular attention to set pieces. Injured players Eder (knee), Djordjevic (neck), Cacciatore (thigh), De Vitis (knee). Suspended players Acquah Probable lineup 4-3-3: Viviano; De Silvestri, Silvestre, Romagnoli, Mesbah; Obiang, Palombo, Duncan; Muriel, Okaka, Eto’o. Formations http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

SAMPDORIA - JUVENTUS - Saturday, May 2nd, 2015 - 6:00 p.m. Luigi Ferraris Stadium (Marassi), Genoa Referee: Paolo Valeri Allegri demands title before Madrid tie Juventus need just a point this weekend to be crowned champions of Italy for a fourth consecutive season, ahead of meeting Carlo Ancelotti in the Champions League. May 1, 2015 Juventus coach Massimiliano Allegri has urged his players to clinch the Serie A title on Saturday before meeting Real Madrid in the Champions League. Allegri's team head to Genoa on Saturday knowing that a point will secure their fourth successive Scudetto before they host Carlo Ancelotti's side in the first leg of their semi-final tie on Tuesday. "It's important to go into it [the Real Madrid match] as Italian champions. The squad is fit so the best team will play at Sampdoria" he said. "We're calm. We know we have the chance to reach the historic milestone of four consecutive Scudetti; four for the players, the club and the fans, and my first as coach of Juventus. "Sampdoria will be aggressive and alert. It'll be tough for us because they're very strong at home. It was 1-1 in the reverse game, but we dominated, particularly the first half. "That teaches us that games are never over until they're over. We've reached the finishing line and now it's time to cross it." http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

Varane: Juventus will miss Pogba against Madrid The defender acknowledged the absence of the midfielder - who is still out with a hamstring problem - is a boost for the Blancos' European hopes. May 1, 2015 Raphael Varane is thinks Juventus will sorely miss Paul Pogba when Real Madrid take them on in Tuesday's Champions League semi-final first leg. Pogba will miss the clash in Turn as he continues his recovery from a hamstring problem, thus depriving the Bianconeri of one of their star players. However, Varane still feels Juve still represent a formidable threat to Madrid's hopes of becoming the first side to successfully defend the Champions League trophy, arguing that the Italian titleholders are on the same level as Barcelona and Bayern Munich. "Paul's obviously a great player and Juve will miss him," the defender is quoted as saying by AS. "But personally I would have liked to play against him." "This is the highest level, a Champions League semi-final, and it will be very tough. But we'll be going all out to get to the final. "I don't think Juve will be easier than Barca or Bayern. At this level, the little details are what make the difference." Madrid are still in contention to do a double, with Carlo Ancelotti's men currently second in La Liga just two points behind leaders Barca with four games to go. Varane remains confident the Blancos can finish top of the Primera Division pile but he knows that they must win all of their remaining fixtures. "It's true we're in a good dynamic at the moment although we have to admit the game against Almería on Wednesday wasn't brilliant, above all in the first half," he said of the 3-0 win at the Santiago Bernabeu. "We weren't able to generate more tempo in our play. But we did the important thing because we got a good result and we're keeping up the pressure on Barcelona. "I think every game from here until the end of the season could be decisive. The league is so tight that there is no margin for error. "We know that we have to stay 100 per cent focused on our football and that we have to play every game as though it's the last one. "Winning is the only thing that's any good to us. We'll see where we stand at the end of the season."

SAMPDORIA - JUVENTUS - Saturday, May 2nd, 2015 - 6:00 p.m. Luigi Ferraris Stadium (Marassi), Genoa Referee: Paolo Valeri Romulo named in Juventus squad May 1, 2015 Romulo could make his first Juventus appearance since November, as he’s named in the squad to face Sampdoria. Massimiliano Allegri’s side will secure a fourth successive title if they avoid defeat at the Marassi tomorrow, and the Coach has named a strong squad. Despite the Champions League semi-final with Real Madrid being on the horizon, the likes of Carlos Tevez, Arturo Vidal and Gianluigi Buffon are named in the 23-man squad. Brazilian Romulo could make just his second Serie A appearance of the season after being named in the squad, with the on-loan Verona man’s season having been disrupted by injury. Juventus squad to face Sampdoria: Buffon, Romulo, Chiellini, Ogbonna, Pepe, Marchisio, Morata, Tevez, Coman, Llorente, Barzagli, De Ceglie, Bonucci, Padoin, Pirlo, Vidal, Lichtsteiner, Sturaro, Storari, Matri, Pereyra, Marrone, Audero. http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

Capello: Tevez should be Ballon d'Or man but Messi remains a genius The Russia coach says the Juve striker is one of the best in the world, but believes that the Barcelona ace is on the same level as Pele and Diego Maradona. May 1, 2015 Fabio Capello believes Carlos Tevez deserves to be a contender for this year's Ballon d'Or but added it will be difficult for the Juventus ace to beat "unique genius" Lionel Messi to the accolade. Tevez has been in sensational form this season, with his fantastic form for the Bianconeri - 28 goals in all competitions - earning him a recall to the Argentina squad. Capello has nothing but admiration for the striker, whom he believes is making a very strong case to be shortlisted for the 2015 Ballon d'Or. "It will depend on Juventus' Champions League campaign," the Russia coach told Tuttosport . "But Tevez is certainly one of those few players that can really make a difference on the pitch and there were weaker candidates for the Ballon d'Or last season than him. "Messi, however, is Messi. He has a unique genius. He's like Maradona and Pele."

SAMPDORIA - JUVENTUS - Saturday, May 2nd, 2015 - 6:00 p.m. Luigi Ferraris Stadium (Marassi), Genoa Referee: Paolo Valeri Sampdoria Boss Determined To Spoil Juventus Celebrations May 1, 2015 Sampdoria coach Sinisa Mihajlovic has called on the fans to play their part in halting Juventus’ procession towards the Scudetto. Any positive result for the Bianconeri would see them crowned champions at the Luigi Ferraris although Sampdoria are determined to put the champagne on ice for the moment. Speaking to the media before the game, the Serbian said: “In recent times, we have had some problems but against Juventus we will be able to deploy the best striker in our history: the fans of Sampdoria. “I ask you to take to the field with us. I am convinced that together with determination, character and that bit of luck, we can postpone the celebrations of Juventus. They deserve the title and can rightly celebrate it in Turin – but not in our ground. “I do not expect Juventus to be distracted because over the past four years, they have greatly improved their mentality. We definitely have to play it as our most important game of the season – for the position, the morale and the opponent we face. They need a point, but we need three.” The former Fiorentina coach also insisted that his overachievers have been the surprise package of the season so far as they find themselves in a great position to qualify for Europe in 2015/16 but would not be drawn on whether or not he will be at the helm for it if they do so. Mihajlovic added: “I would say that Samp have been the surprise of the season. We are fifth with five games to go and we will continue playing right until the end. Our recent results show that all teams have ups and downs but we just have to focus on ourselves and our goals. I always believe in us. “My future? I have never said that I am leaving because I do not know myself. I know football though and know that newspapers need to be filled. I am sure that this does not impact the performances of the team.” http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

Llorente: ‘Unique opportunity in CL’ May 1, 2015 Fernando Llorente believes Juventus’ Champions League semi-final with Real Madrid represents a ‘unique opportunity’. The Bianconeri can wrap up a fourth consecutive Scudetto this weekend, and while Llorente sees that as a great achievement, the Spaniard admits that Europe is where the season will be judged. “We have to wrap up the title as soon as possible so that we can focus solely on Real Madrid,” Llorente told Spanish newspaper As. “In truth, it’s a dream for us to play a semi-final with the chance of going to Berlin. “People seem used to us winning Serie A now, but the fact is that it’s not easy. But what will change the way the season is viewed is the semi-final, it’s a unique opportunity for us. “We really hope we can play two great games, we know how good Real Madrid are up-front, and we can’t afford any errors.” Llorente has found playing time harder to come by in the latter half of the season, being ousted from the team by compatriot Alvaro Morata. Despite this, the Spanish international is happy for this teammate. “He and I are competing for a place. I’ve tried to help him as much as I could, and he’s adapted very quickly. “He’s alert, and he’s having a great season. It’s normal that he had difficulties at the beginning, as I did myself. It’s a different game here in Italy, but he’s giving a lot to the team. “We are different, Allegri has several options depending on the opposition.”

SAMPDORIA - JUVENTUS - Saturday, May 2nd, 2015 - 6:00 p.m. Luigi Ferraris Stadium (Marassi), Genoa Referee: Paolo Valeri Allegri: Juventus Want To Win Scudetto Before Turning To Real Madrid Match May 1, 2015 Massimiliano Allegri wants his Juventus side to rediscover their away form and secure a fourth consecutive Scudetto before turning their attentions to Tuesday’s clash with Real Madrid. The Bianconeri only need a point away to Sampdoria on Saturday evening to secure the league title but Allegri will rest certain personnel with Real visiting the Juventus Stadium on Tuesday for the first-leg of their Champions League semi-final. Carlos Tevez, Andrea Pirlo and Giorgio Chiellini are expected to be on the bench at the Stadio Ferraris but Allegri insists the squad is focused on Sampdoria. “Right now there is the desire to clinch the title,” Allegri told the press. “The players are well rested and will be prepared to give their best on the pitch. The game comes at a time when we have been poor away and strong at home. “We need to be more purposeful and have the right attitude if we want to have a good match. “After two negative results in Parma and against Torino, we need to improve and then we can think about the Champions League.” Allegri spoke positively about the likelihood of having Paul Pogba back after a long spell on the sidelines for Juventus’ first Champions League semi-final for 12 years. However, the former AC Milan coach was coy on the prospect of the Turin giants completing a treble this campaign. “The assessments of Pogba made by the doctors have been good and optimistic,” the 47-year-old coach said. “It is hoped he can return to the squad and play a part against Real Madrid. “We still have the Coppa Italia final to fight for as well but for now we’ll focus on winning the championship. “Winning a treble is hard but everyone has to be happy about what we have achieved up to this point.” http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

SAMPDORIA - JUVENTUS - Saturday, May 2nd, 2015 - 6:00 p.m. Luigi Ferraris Stadium (Marassi), Genoa Referee: Paolo Valeri Sampdoria V Juventus – Preview: Time To Uncork Scudetto Champagne May 1, 2015 Juventus travel to the Stadio Ferraris, where they will meet Sampdoria on Saturday afternoon, looking to seal their fourth consecutive Scudetto. Despite their shock loss in the Derby della Mole against Torino, Juventus travel to Sampdoria only needing a point, following their impressive 3-2 win over Fiorentina in midweek. As for Sampdoria, they will hope they can further delay the celebrations for Massimiliano Allegri and his men. Indeed, after Torino and Lazio wins kept the Scudetto champagne on ice, Juventus will be eager to finally settle the Scudetto race and put the first trophy of a possible treble in the bag. Sampdoria on the other hand, will have aspirations of May auguring better things, after ending the month of April winless. Sampdoria will have a tough task overturning their fortunes however. The last time Samp defeated Juventus was in the 2012-13 season, when they completed a league double over the Bianconeri. Since then however, Juventus have won twice and drew 1-1 earlier in the season. With Juventus preparing an important first-leg Champions League semi final against Real Madrid on Tuesday, Allegri will be rotating his lineup. The suspended Patrice Evra will be replaced by Simone Padoin; Carlos Tevez, Andrea Pirlo and Giorgio Chiellini will be on the bench. Alessandro Matri gets the nod up top. Sampdoria will welcome the Bianconeri in Sinisa Mihajlovic’s new-found attacking spirit, with news that all three of Stefano Okaka, Samuel Eto’o and Luis Muriel will feature. Eder remains unavailable through injury. Despite Sampdoria’s recent attacking intents — in their chase for the elusive Europa League spot — it is individual errors that have hamstrung them the most. Alfred Duncan scored an own goal in the draw against AC Milan; Lorenzo De Silvestri had a game to forget against Napoli, gifting a goal to Lorenzo Insigne and then giving away a penalty. In that same game, goalkeeper Emiliano Viviano allowed Manolo Gabbiadini’s shot to slip under him. Finally, in midweek, Afriyle Acquah got himself sent off for a second yellow card offense in the draw against Hellas Verona. Form Guide: Sampdoria (D-L-D-D-L-W) Juventus (W-L-W-L-W-W) Expected Starting XIs Sampdoria: Viviano; De Silvestri, Munoz, Romagnoli, Regini; Palombo, Obiang; Muriel, Soriano, Eto’o; Okaka. Juventus: Buffon; Lichtsteiner, Bonucci, Ogbonna, Padoin; Vidal, Marchisio, Sturaro; Pereyra; Morata, Matri. http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

SAMPDORIA - JUVENTUS - Saturday, May 2nd, 2015 - 6:00 p.m. Luigi Ferraris Stadium (Marassi), Genoa Referee: Paolo Valeri Sampdoria v Juventus: Preview May 1, 2015 Juventus need only a single point from their trip to Sampdoria to clinch a fourth straight Serie A title - but the small matter of a Champions League semi-final meeting with Real Madrid offers no small distraction. A hard-fought 3-2 victory over Fiorentina maintained Juve's 14-point lead over Lazio and a point will be enough to secure the Scudetto on Saturday given the Bianconeri have a superior head-to-head record against the capital club. Head coach Massimiliano Allegri knows Samp are no pushovers having observed the fact Juve visited the Marassi five times without winning before they broke their duck with a 1-0 triumph last season. He would ideally pick his strongest team but admits he will have to rest certain key players with European champions Real visiting Turin only three days later. Allegri told the giornalaccio rosa dello Sport: ``We need to take it one step at a time and go slowly. It will be difficult. ``We'll have to be at our best to get a point in Genoa, we've lost our last two away games in the league. ``Players will be rested - some will be saved for the Champions League so it's possible (Andrea) Pirlo won't play - but we'll still do whatever we can to beat Samp. ``First we will try to win the championship and then we'll think about the semi-final. We've already had a good season and it could become a great one.'' Forced out of contention due to injury are Kwadwo Asamoah, Romulo and Martin Caceres, while French midfielder Paul Pogba, missing since March with a thigh injury, will return to training the day after the Real clash. Afriyie Acquah is suspended for Samp, who are also missing injured trio Eder, Fabrizio Cacciatore and Luka Djordjevic. The Ligurians are battling to hold onto fifth place and Europa League football but lost momentum in a 1-1 midweek draw with Hellas Verona. Boss Sinisa Mihajlovic told the Corriere dello Sport: ``It's too bad because the lads did their best, playing the game in the right way. ``We wanted to win at all costs, but unfortunately, it turned out badly. ``But if we continue to play like that, certainly over the last few games, then we have every chance of getting some good results.'' http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

Allegri: ‘Tough decisions needed’ May 1, 2015 Juventus Coach Massimiliano Allegri says ‘tough decisions’ must be taken to curb violence in Italian stadiums. The Bianconeri will play their next two home games in front of an empty Curva Sud after violence in the derby with Torino, which saw 11 Granata supporters hospitalised after a paper bomb was thrown from the away section. In addition, the Old Lady’s team bus was assaulted by Toro fans, with rocks smashing a window. “I think that in Italy we have to start taking some tough decisions,” Allegri told Sky when asked about the violence. “When you take tough decisions, someone will always be unhappy, but if we want to solve these kind of problems I don’t think it’s enough to close the curva. “That means 10,000 people pay for the actions of a few idiots, in particular a few violent and dangerous idiots. “It’s also a social issue, because if you’re assaulting a bus while carrying a child in your arms, I don’t think that’s a very good example for children. “We need to change in Italy, and at the moment we’re not a country which likes to change things. Making is always very difficult and important.”

SAMPDORIA - JUVENTUS - Saturday, May 2nd, 2015 - 6:00 p.m. Luigi Ferraris Stadium (Marassi), Genoa Referee: Paolo Valeri 'Juventus, match ball tomorrow' May 1, 2015 Max Allegri says tomorrow's game against Sampdoria will represent the 'first match ball of the season', and expects to 'close matters over the Scudetto'. Juventus, who lead Serie A by 14 points, have the opportunity to win the championship several weeks in advance as they travel to Genoa to face the Blucerchiati. “Tomorrow is the first real match ball of the season,” Allegri admitted in conversation with Sky Sport Italia. “Last Wednesday it wasn't down to us, we needed Lazio to lose. “So tomorrow we'll have to play well and get a positive result, either a draw or a victory. Besides, we recently lost twice, both times when playing away, against Parma and Torino. “So we must close matters over the Scudetto and concentrate on the Champions League semi-final. “Right now our focus is on the championship. Our players are well rested, so tomorrow we'll be fielding our best formation to face Sampdoria. Though it's possible that [Andrea] Pirlo will sit this one out. “It's not going to be an easy game. They may have been having a rough time recently, but when they play at home their squad is fearsome. “Tomorrow we'll need a positive, aggressive attitude. We need to act like a team that wants to play a strong game in terms of intensity, but most importantly in terms of our technique, as always. We must never stop looking for ways to improve. “So this is the type of game we'll need to play tomorrow, but above all else we need to take home the points we need for the Scudetto.” http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

SAMPDORIA - JUVENTUS - Saturday, May 2nd, 2015 - 6:00 p.m. Luigi Ferraris Stadium (Marassi), Genoa Referee: Paolo Valeri Sampdoria vs. Juventus: Team News May 1, 2015 Having narrowly defeated Fiorentina on Wednesday night, Juventus travel to Genoa to go head-to-head with Sampdoria on Saturday. The Bianconeri need just a single point in order to claim their fourth consecutive Serie A title and will surely be looking to wrap that up before Tuesday’s Champions League semi-final against Real Madrid. Max Allegri is clearly enjoying the full faith of his players, with captain Gigi Buffon telling reporters his feelings about the coach shortly after that win over the Viola, per Juventus' official website: We’re extremely close to crossing the finish line. We’ve done well up until now and even more so this evening, because it wasn’t an easy game considering what we have coming up on Saturday and especially Tuesday. Allegri’s been a big factor behind our season. He guides us, gives us ideas and manages the group. He inherited a strong squad, but whoever replaced [Antonio] Conte would have had a tough task ahead of them. With that fixture against Real Madrid on the horizon, Allegri is likely to rotate his starting lineup, with a number of reserve players expected to be given the nod. He told Sky Italia (h/t Football Italia) that he believes those players can deliver: “Players like Simone Padoin, Stefano Sturaro, Kingsley Coman and Simone Pepe have proved decisive when coming off the bench. During the course of a campaign, these are the players who become crucial.” They might not need to be at their best against Sampdoria, who are struggling of late and have failed to win in each of their last five league outings. Predicted Lineups Sampdoria: (4-3-3) Viviano; De Silvestri, Munoz, Romagnoli, Regini; Mesbah, Obiang, Duncan; Eto’o, Okaka, Muriel. Juventus: (4-3-2-1) Buffon; Lichtsteiner, Barzagli, Chiellini, De Ceglie; Marchisio, Padoin, Sturaro; Pereyra; Matri, Llorente. Player to Watch Since Sampdoria’s decision to sell Manolo Gabbiadini to Napoli back in January, much of the attacking burden has fallen on Eder. The Brazil-born striker has responded well, recording team highs in both goals and assists, earning a controversial call up to the Italy national team during their last round of fixtures. Now ruled out for the rest of the season with a knee injury, Samuel Eto’o will be expected to fill the void for the Genoese side. He has scored just once since arriving from Everton, netting in the 1-1 draw with Milan at San Siro, showing his love for the big occasion remains. With the Bianconeri coasting their way to a fourth consecutive Serie A title, the former Inter and Barcelona star would relish the chance to spoil the party, and the Juventus defence will need to be aware of him at all times. Key Battle Perhaps the most likely area for this game to be won or lost is midfield, where Angelo Palombo can expect a busy afternoon. The Sampdoria captain remains the beating heart of his team, with those around him constantly looking to him for leadership, particularly in difficult matches in which they are in danger of being overrun. That could well be the case on Saturday, with Stefano Sturaro expected to start for the Bianconeri as they rest others ahead of the forthcoming match against Real Madrid. As discussed in this previous column, the 22-year-old has been handed a wonderful opportunity with the Bianconeri, and it is one of which he seems determined to take full advantage. This fixture holds added meaning for Sturaro, who moved the relatively short distance from his childhood home in Sanremo to join Sampdoria’s bitter local rivals, Genoa, back in 2008, so he will enjoy the chance to once again defeat the port city’s other team. Odds (via Odds Shark) Away win: 129/100 Home win: 227/100 Draw: 43/20 http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

Juventus prepare Allegri renewal May 1, 2015 Juventus could be looking to renew Max Allegri's contract before the end of the month, according to reports, with a new deal until 2017. The new Coach had some big shoes to fill this season after the departure of Antonio Conte, but results so far appear to vindicate his backers. The Bianconeri have a virtual hold on the Scudetto and are contenders for the Champions League and the Coppa Italia, leading the club to reward the work of the Coach. According to Calciomercato.it, the Old Lady will be renewing Allegri's contract at the end of the month, with a new deal that will guarantee his place until 2017.

Juventus star Paul Pogba could be fit to face Real Madrid at Bernabeu May 1, 2015 Paul Pogba is set to return to training on Wednesday and could yet appear in the second leg of Juventus' Champions League semifinal clash with Real Madrid. Pogba has been out of action since tearing his hamstring in the first leg of Juve's Champions League quarterfinal tie with Borussia Dortmund. An absence of 50 days was forecast in mid-March, and he is on course to make his return exactly 50 days on from that MRI scan next week. A further scan on Wednesday revealed the 22-year-old is making the expected progress. JuventusFC ✔@juventusfc Risonanza magnetica per @paulogba: buona evoluzione della lesione muscolare "The MRI scan taken by Paul Pogba this afternoon revealed that the player has made further progress in his recovery from a torn thigh muscle," a statement on the Serie A club's website read. "The player will undergo a personalised recovery regime before potentially returning to full training with the group on Wednesday." His return will come as a boost to the Bianconeri as they seek to reach the Champions League final for the first time since 2003. They host Real Madrid on Tuesday with the decisive second leg at the Estadio Santiago Bernabeu the following Wednesday, giving Pogba a week to prove his fitness.

SAMPDORIA - JUVENTUS - Saturday, May 2nd, 2015 - 6:00 p.m. Luigi Ferraris Stadium (Marassi), Genoa Referee: Paolo Valeri Sampdoria - Juventus Preview: Win or draw gives visitors fourth straight title Massimiliano Allegri's side will win their fourth successive Serie A title with either a win or draw this weekend. May 1, 2015 Juventus goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon hailed coach Massimiliano Allegri ahead of Saturday's trip to Sampdoria, where they need just a draw to clinch their fourth successive Serie A title. Allegri - sacked by Milan in January of last year - was given the tough ask of trying to replace Antonio Conte in July when the latter stepped down unexpectedly. Conte had led Juventus to a hat-trick of Serie A crowns and Allegri's appointment was met with widespread scepticism, as 300 fans protested against the decision at the club's training complex. But all is forgotten with the club's supporters after another stunning season, which could see Juventus win a historic treble as they open a Champions League semi-final against Real Madrid on Tuesday and face Lazio in June's Coppa Italia showpiece. Juve lead second-placed Lazio by 14 points with five games remaining and have a better head-to-head record than their rivals. That means a draw or win would clinch the Scudetto this weekend. That is the ideal scenario for Juve, who can then focus all their energies into the clash against Madrid, and before the road trip, Buffon took time out to praise Allegri. "We're extremely close to crossing the finish line," he said. "We've done well up until now. "Allegri's been a big factor behind our season. He guides us, gives us ideas and manages the group. "He inherited a strong squad, but whoever replaced Conte would have had a tough task ahead of them." Juventus responded to a shock derby defeat to Torino by coming from behind to see off Fiorentina 3-2 on Wednesday, largely thanks to Carlos Tevez's double. The Argentina forward now has 20 Serie A goals - two more than any other player. Juve have failed to win any of their last three away matches in all competitions, with a gutsy goalless draw at Monaco - that secured their progression to the last four of the Champions League - sandwiched by Serie A defeats at Parma and Torino. Paul Pogba (hamstring) is on the comeback trail but this match will come too soon for the France midfielder. Sampdoria boss Sinisa Mihajlovic has seen his side enjoy a strong campaign but they have dropped to fifth after a winless run of five. They threw away a lead in a 4-2 loss at Napoli on Sunday and repeated the dose in a 1-1 stalemate against Hellas Verona on Wednesday. Mihajlovic could also see a record of his own fall. The Serbian scored 28 Serie A free-kicks during an excellent career at Roma, Sampdoria, Lazio and Inter. Juventus' Andrea Pirlo is hot on his heels with 27, though. Sampdoria did the double over Juventus during the 2012-13 campaign, but have not won since, with the earlier meeting this season ending in a 1-1 draw in Turin. Manolo Gabbiadini's 51st-minute effort cancelled out Patrice Evra's opener in December. OPTA FACTS This will be the 130th meeting in Serie A between Sampdoria and Juventus: the Old Lady lead by 64 wins to 27. Sampdoria have conceded 215 goals to Juventus, only Inter have scored more against the Blucerchiati so far in Italy (241). Samp have won only two of their last 12 home games against Juve, losing six times. Over the last three seasons, the second leg has always repeated the result of the first - Samp and Juve drew in Turin back in December. Samp are winless in their last five league games (D3 L2). Juve have alternated between a win and a defeat over their last five league fixtures. Juve have lost their last two away games in the league - last time they lost three in a row on the road was in April 2010. Simone Pepe's first goal for Juve was right against Sampdoria in September 2010. LAST FIVE MATCHES Sampdoria D L D D L 4/29/15 - Sampdoria 1 - 1 Hellas Verona 4/26/15 - Napoli 4 - 2 Sampdoria 4/18/15 - Sampdoria 0 - 0 Cesena 4/12/15 - Milan 1 - 1 Sampdoria 4/4/15 - Fiorentina 2 - 0 Sampdoria Juventus W L D W W 4/29/15 - Juventus 3 - 2 Fiorentina 4/26/15 - Torino 2 - 1 Juventus 4/22/15 - Monaco 0 - 0 Juventus 4/18/15 - Juventus 2 - 0 Lazio 4/14/15 - Juventus 1 - 0 Monaco HEAD TO HEAD 12/14/14 - Juventus 1 - 1 Sampdoria 1/18/14 - Juventus 4 - 2 Sampdoria 8/24/13 - Sampdoria 0 - 1 Juventus 5/18/13 - Sampdoria 3 - 2 Juventus 1/6/13 - Juventus 1 - 2 Sampdoria http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

SAMPDORIA - JUVENTUS - Saturday, May 2nd, 2015 - 6:00 p.m. Luigi Ferraris Stadium (Marassi), Genoa Referee: Paolo Valeri Preview: Sampdoria vs. Juventus Apr 30, 2015 Juventus will win their fourth consecutive Serie A title if they earn at least a point against Sampdoria on Saturday evening. The Bianconeri have once again shown their dominance in Italy this season, but their opponents are also looking for vital points in their bid for a European spot. Sampdoria It has been a torrid month for Sampdoria, who have seen their hopes of qualifying for the Champions League all but ended and have also lost their grip on securing a Champions League spot. They had enjoyed a fine spell in March and had won all four of their league matches, including memorable victories over heavyweights Roma and Inter Milan. Their good form was brought to an end at the start of April following a 2-0 defeat at European rivals Fiorentina, and it signalled the beginning of a five-game winless run. The most recent of those fixtures came on Wednesday evening, when they were held to a 1-1 draw by Hellas Verona. They had taken the lead thanks to a goal from Lorenzo De Silvestri just minutes after being reduced to 10 men, but a quick-fire equaliser from Luca Toni made it another night to forget for Sinisa Mihajlovic and his players. The Blucerchiati are still fifth in the league table and in command of a European place, but their city rivals Genoa are just a point behind them, with Fiorentina and the in-form duo of Inter Milan and Torino also closing in quickly. As well as their recent dip in form, they have also suffered a major blow, with highly-rated striker Eder ruled out until the end of the season due to a knee injury that he sustained in last weekend's defeat to Napoli. Recent form: W L D D L D Juventus Juventus are just a point away from retaining their title and winning a record 31st Scudetto, as their superiority of Italian football shows no signs of ending. At the start of the season, many people were tipping Rudi Garcia's Roma to be their main challengers for the Serie A trophy, but they have made light work of their rivals to open up a 14-point lead at the top with a month left to play. The title could have been secured twice already this week, but on Sunday they fell to a shock 2-1 defeat against Torino, while on Wednesday evening a 3-2 win over Fiorentina was not enough to see them crowned champions, due to second-placed Lazio's victory over Parma. Massimiliano Allegri will be desperate for his team to finally wrap up the league this weekend, with the first leg of their Champions League semi-final against Real Madrid taking place next Tuesday. The Juventus manager has made a number of changes to his starting lineup in recent weeks before crucial European games, but with the title on the line it is likely that he will play his strongest side. It is that rotation policy that has seen the Bianconeri lose two of their last four league matches, having suffered just one defeat previously all season. They have also let in four goals in their past two games, which is surprising considering that they had conceded just one goal in the 10 matches that came beforehand. As well as winning the Scudetto this weekend, there could be another record broken at the Stadio Luigi Ferraris, as Andrea Pirlo is just one free kick away from equalling Sampdoria manager Mihajlovic's Serie A tally of 28 goals from set pieces. Recent form in Serie A: W W L W L W Recent form (all competitions): L W W D L W Team News Sampdoria will have to make do without Afriyie Acquah, who was sent off during the draw against Verona. He is expected to be replaced by Roberto Soriano, while Samuel Eto'o is also pushing for a start. Meanwhile, Juventus are able to welcome back Leonardo Bonucci following his recent suspension. Arturo Vidal should also return to the starting lineup and Fernando Llorente may keep his place after scoring in midweek. A spot up front seems almost certain for Carlos Tevez, who scored twice against Fiorentina to take his tally to 28 goals this season. Paul Pogba is ahead of schedule with his recovery from a hamstring injury, but he is not expected to feature until next week's Champions League match. Sampdoria possible starting lineup: Viviano, De Silvestri, Romagnoli, Silvestre, Mesbah, Obiang, Palombo, Soriano, Muriel, Eto'o, Okaka Juventus possible starting lineup: Buffon, Lichtsteiner, Bonucci, Chiellini, Evra, Marchisio, Pirlo, Vidal, Pereyra, Tevez, Llorente Head To Head In this season's reverse fixture, Sampdoria came from behind to earn a 1-1 draw against Juventus in Turin. Sampdoria generally have a good record against Juventus and they have won three of their last eight meetings with the Bianconeri, including two wins in the last five games. There is also plenty of excitement whenever these teams play each other and there have been 30 goals scored in the last nine games between them. We say: Sampdoria 1-2 Juventus With the title up for grabs on Saturday evening, Juventus will be fired up and eager to get the result they need. It would be a huge confidence boost for the Bianconeri ahead of their tie with Real Madrid to be crowned champions and although Sampdoria are a good team, we don't think that they will be able to stop Allegri's side from picking up all three points. http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111