Socrates

FIORENTINA - JUVENTUS 0 - 3 Alessandro Matri (21') Roberto Pereyra (44') Leonardo Bonucci (59') Juventus win Aggregate 4 - 2 Coppa Italia semi-final Tuesday, April 7th, 2015 - 8:45 PM Artemio Franchi Stadium, Florence Referee: Davide Massa Juventus secure place in Coppa Italia final with victory over Fiorentina Apr 7, 2014 Juventus have sealed their place in the Coppa Italia final by defeating Fiorentina 3-0 in the second leg of their semi-final clash to claim a 4-2 aggregate win. The home side were the first to threaten as Juventus failed to clear a loose ball in their penalty area, which Mohamed Salah latched on to and fired into the bottom corner. However, the goal was disallowed for an apparent push on Stefano Sturaro. Fiorentina came close again as Marcos Alonso was allowed to raid down the left flank and the full-back opted to power an effort at goal, which forced Marco Storari into action as he palmed the ball past the post. Juventus took the lead on the night when Matri pounced from close range to fire past Neto after Arturo Vidal's strike was blocked by Jose Maria Basanta and the home side failed to clear the danger. The Viola had another goal disallowed when Gonzalo Rodriguez had his header from close range chalked off for offside when he nodded home from a free kick, which replays proved was the right decision. Alvaro Morata came close to firing his side in front when he curled an effort at goal from outside the box, but Neto got his fingertips to the ball to tip his strike past the post. The visitors doubled their lead to take the advantage in the tie as Morata caused further problems when he turned and fired a low effort at goal. Neto once again denied the forward, but Pereyra was on hand to turn in the rebound. In the second half, Fiorentina pushed to get back into the match as Matias Fernandez fired a low cross into the box for the run of Mario Gomez, but the striker could only fire into the side-netting. Both sides then exchanged chances as Salah capitalised on a mistake from Vidal, but could only guide his strike over the bar. At the other end Pereyra saw his powerful effort well saved by Neto at the near post. Juventus got a decisive third goal when Claudio Marchisio whipped in a corner from the right and the Fiorentina defence switched off at the near post, which allowed Leonardo Bonucci to hammer a volley past the keeper. Matri almost notched his second of the game to complete the rout as he was picked out by Pereyra inside the box, but his drive was saved well by Neto to keep the scoreline respectable. The game ended on a sour note for the visitors when Morata was given a straight red card for a challenge on Borja Valero, which appeared to be a harsh decision, but not one that affected the outcome of the match as Massimiliano Allegri's men eased to the victory.

FIORENTINA - JUVENTUS 0 - 3 Alessandro Matri (21') Roberto Pereyra (44') Leonardo Bonucci (59') Juventus win Aggregate 4 - 2 Coppa Italia semi-final Tuesday, April 7th, 2015 - 8:45 PM Artemio Franchi Stadium, Florence Referee: Davide Massa Coppa Italia: Juve flatten Fiorentina Juventus pulverised Fiorentina 3-0 to overturn a first leg defeat and reach the Coppa Italia Final 4-2 on aggregate, but Alvaro Morata saw red. Apr 7, 2014 Max Allegri’s men will face the winners of tomorrow night’s Napoli-Lazio semi-final. The Viola’s 2-1 first leg win in Turin represented the first Juve home defeat since Bayern Munich in April 2013, ending a run of 38 wins and four draws. Carlos Tevez, Andrea Pirlo, Paul Pogba and at the last minute Stephan Lichtsteiner missed out, while the hosts were without Milan Badelj, David Pizarro and Giuseppe Rossi. Mohamed Salah scored twice in the first leg and he had the ball in the net after four minutes, but it was disallowed for a push on Stefano Sturaro. Simone Padoin had penalty appeals for a clash with Jose Basanta, but appeared to be looking for the contact. Juventus took the lead when Claudio Marchisio won back possession from Borja Valero in midfield, Alessandro Matri knocked it down for Alvaro Morata and the shot was charged down, but the ex-Genoa striker fired in the rebound. Moments later Sturaro was at full stretch at the back post, unable to get his volley beyond Norberto Neto, then Gonzalo Rodriguez nodded in a Mati Fernandez free kick only to be flagged just offside. Morata curled inches past the far post, possibly with a Neto fingertip save. The move was repeated just before the break and this time Neto only palmed the shot into the path of Roberto Pereyra to double Juve’s lead. As things stood going into half-time, Juventus would qualify for the Coppa Italia Final 3-2 on aggregate. Mario Gomez fired on to the side-netting and Salah skimmed the woodwork, but at the other end Stefan Savic risked an own goal to anticipate Matri. Juve further extended their advantage from that corner, which saw Leonardo Bonucci break away from Marcos Alonso to volley home. A brawl broke out moments later and Marchisio was among those booked, meaning he’ll be suspended for the Coppa Italia Final. Alberto Aquilani’s volley whistled inches wide with Marco Storari rooted to the spot, but Neto prevented Matri getting a fourth with a fine save on his strike. Storari took the sting out of an Alessandro Diamanti free kick late on, though Diamanti drew a kick from Morata that the referee decided was worthy of a straight red card. The ex-Real Madrid striker will therefore also be suspended for the Final. In stoppages, Storari performed a fine save to keep out the Mati Fernandez curler. Fiorentina 0-3 Juventus (2-4 agg) Scorers: Matri 21 (J), Pereyra 44 (J), Bonucci 59 (J) Fiorentina: Neto; Savic, Gonzalo Rodriguez (Tomovic 83), Basanta; Joaquin (Diamanti 66), Aquilani, Mati Fernandez, Borja Valero, Alonso; Gomez (Babacar 73), Salah Juventus: Storari; Padoin, Bonucci, Chiellini, Evra; Vidal, Marchisio, Sturaro; Pereyra (Ogbonna 83); Matri (Coman 74) (Llorente 88), Morata Ref: Massa Sent off: Morata 87 (J)

FIORENTINA - JUVENTUS 0 - 3 Alessandro Matri (21') Roberto Pereyra (44') Leonardo Bonucci (59') Juventus win Aggregate 4 - 2 Coppa Italia semi-final Tuesday, April 7th, 2015 - 8:45 PM Artemio Franchi Stadium, Florence Referee: Davide Massa Fiorentina 0-3 Juventus (agg. 2-4): Bianconeri brush Viola aside to reach Coppa Italia final Alessandro Matri opened the scoring and Roberto Pereyra doubled the Serie A leaders' advantage right on half-time before Leonardo Bonucci sealed a remarkable comeback. Apr 7, 2014 Juventus moved closer to a first Coppa Italia trophy in 20 years, reaching the showpiece after overturning a first-leg deficit to beat Fiorentina 3-0 and seal a 4-2 aggregate success in their semi-final on Tuesday. The Italian champions suffered their first home loss since 2013 in the first leg but produced an excellent display in Florence as goals from Alessandro Matri, Roberto Pereyra and Leonardo Bonucci secured their progression. Making the win more impressive was the amount of stars Juventus were without. Forward Carlos Tevez missed with a muscular problem while Andrea Pirlo (calf) and Paul Pogba (hamstring) remained on the sidelines and goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon was rested. Their win was soured by an 88th-minute red card to forward Alvaro Morata, a decision which seemed harsh. Morata's tackle on Alessandro Diamanti was clumsy, but not reckless. He will now join Claudio Marchisio in missing the final, after the midfielder was shown a second-half yellow card. Despite the late cards, Massimiliano Allegri's men were more than comfortable against a flat Fiorentina and will now meet either Napoli or Lazio in the June 7 final in Rome. Juventus last lifted the Coppa Italia in 1995, beating Parma over two legs, but have lost three finals since, most recently to Napoli in 2012. Fiorentina's defeat means their own drought - which runs back to 2001 - continues. They lost last season's final to Napoli. Mohamed Salah - so superb since joining Fiorentina on loan from Chelsea in January - tormented Juve in the first leg, scoring both goals in their 2-1 away win. And he was nearly at it again as early as the fourth minute, after he wriggled his way into the penalty area before scoring, only to see the effort ruled out for his push on Bonucci in the build-up. It was an early warning sign and Fiorentina would go on to control the first 20 minutes before falling behind, after Marchisio broke down the right and found Matri, who played in Morata. And while the Spaniard's effort was blocked, Matri pounced on the loose ball to prod past Neto and level the tie. Stefano Sturaro went close as Juve pressed for a second, while at the other end, Fiorentina had another goal chalked off as Gonzalo Rodriguez was correctly adjudged offside before he nodded in a free-kick. Juventus then took the aggregate lead on the stroke of half-time, as Pereyra, a constant threat with his powerful forward runs, tapped in the rebound from close range after Morata's effort was saved. Fiorentina were expected to respond after the break and they did initially, as Mario Gomez fired into the side netting before Salah missed the target after a dangerous run. But their revival fizzled out as Pereyra's shot was nearly deflected in by Stefan Savic before the same player forced a good save from Neto. And Juventus would seal their victory from the resulting corner, as Bonucci got free of his man to volley home from seven yards in the 59th minute. Rodriguez was then booked for an elbow on Morata as they contested a high ball, but Marchisio - who was passed fit to play despite fears he suffered a serious knee injury on international duty - was booked for his remonstrations. Alberto Aquilani fired just wide as Fiorentina sought a response but the match petered out in the latter stages, as Juventus - leading Serie A by 14 points and still involved in the Champions League - began to dream of a historic treble. And although Morata's late dismissal was unfortunate, Allegri will hope to have the likes of Tevez, Pirlo and Pogba back for the final.

Siamo una grande squadra: senza Tevez, senza Pirlo, senza Pogba, vinciamo lo stesso.

FIORENTINA - JUVENTUS .- Coppa Italia semi-final Tuesday, April 7th, 2015 - 8:45 PM Artemio Franchi Stadium, Florence Referee: Davide Massa HT 0-2: Juve turn Fiorentina around Apr 7, 2014 Alessandro Matri and Roberto Pereyra gave Juventus a 2-0 half-time lead at Fiorentina in the Coppa Italia semi-final, up 3-2 on aggregate. The Viola’s 2-1 first leg win in Turin represented the first Juve home defeat since Bayern Munich in April 2013, ending a run of 38 wins and four draws. Carlos Tevez, Andrea Pirlo, Paul Pogba and at the last minute Stephan Lichtsteiner missed out, while the hosts were without Milan Badelj, David Pizarro and Giuseppe Rossi. Mohamed Salah scored twice in the first leg and he had the ball in the net after four minutes, but it was disallowed for a push on Stefano Sturaro. Simone Padoin had penalty appeals for a clash with Jose Basanta, but appeared to be looking for the contact. Juventus took the lead when Claudio Marchisio won back possession from Borja Valero in midfield, Alessandro Matri knocked it down for Alvaro Morata and the shot was charged down, but the ex-Genoa striker fired in the rebound. Moments later Sturaro was at full stretch at the back post, unable to get his volley beyond Norberto Neto, then Gonzalo Rodriguez nodded in a Mati Fernandez free kick only to be flagged just offside. Morata curled inches past the far post, possibly with a Neto fingertip save. The move was repeated just before the break and this time Neto only palmed the shot into the path of Roberto Pereyra to double Juve’s lead. As things stood going into half-time, Juventus would qualify for the Coppa Italia Final 3-2 on aggregate. Fiorentina 0-2 Juventus (2-3 agg, Half-Time) Scorers: Matri 21 (J), Pereyra 44 (J) Fiorentina: Neto; Savic, Gonzalo Rodriguez, Basanta; Joaquin, Aquilani, Mati Fernandez, Borja Valero, Alonso; Gomez, Salah Juventus: Storari; Padoin, Bonucci, Chiellini, Evra; Vidal, Marchisio, Sturaro; Pereyra; Matri, Morata Ref: Massa

FIORENTINA - JUVENTUS .- Coppa Italia semi-final Tuesday, April 7th, 2015 - 8:45 PM Artemio Franchi Stadium, Florence Referee: Davide Massa Basanta: 'Forget the first leg' Apr 7, 2014 Jose Maria Basanta told Fiorentina to “forget the first leg” for tonight’s Coppa Italia semi-final with Juventus. The Viola won 2-1 in Turin and are fighting for a place in the Final against either Napoli or Lazio. “We must forget the first leg and play with the utmost concentration, as if it was still 0-0,” defender Basanta told Rai Sport. “Juventus are a complicated opponent, but we want this Final.” Carlos Tevez is out injured along with Paul Pogba and Andrea Pirlo. “Tevez is an important player, but Juventus have other quality figures too.”

FIORENTINA - JUVENTUS .- Coppa Italia semi-final Tuesday, April 7th, 2015 - 8:45 PM Artemio Franchi Stadium, Florence Referee: Davide Massa Marotta trusts in Matri Apr 7, 2014 Juventus director Beppe Marotta believes Alessandro Matri “can play an important role” against Fiorentina tonight. Matri starts alongside Alvaro Morata in the second leg of the Coppa Italia semi-final, filling in for the injured Carlos Tevez. “I am confident Matri can play an important role in the tie tonight,” Marotta told Rai Sport. “Carlitos felt pain in his right thigh, but it’s nothing worrying. The medics suggested it was best not to play him this evening. He will be fit to face Monaco. “We are Juventus, so we always go out there to win. Against Empoli we confirmed our authority in Serie A, we’re still in the running for three tournaments and it is our duty to face every competition to the best of our abilities. “Fiorentina are in great form and Vincenzo Montella deserves credit for doing great work as their Coach.”

FIORENTINA - JUVENTUS .- Coppa Italia semi-final Tuesday, April 7th, 2015 - 8:45 PM Artemio Franchi Stadium, Florence Referee: Davide Massa Line-ups: Fiorentina-Juventus Apr 7, 2014 Juventus look to Alvaro Morata against Mohamed Salah’s Fiorentina in the Coppa Italia semi-final tonight. It kicks off at 20.45 CET. The first leg was a shock 2-1 Viola victory in Turin, decided by a Mohamed Salah brace around Fernando Llorente’s temporary equaliser. That saw Juventus lose their unbeaten home run after 38 WINS and four draws in all competition, last losing to Bayern Munich in April 2013. The Bianconeri’s chances of turning that around were hit by news Carlos Tevez is out of action with a muscular problem. Andrea Barzagli is rested, so Max Allegri goes back to a four-man defence with Morata and Alessandro Matri leading the attack. Claudio Marchisio had feared six months on the touchline, but it turns out his knee ligament was not damaged on international duty and he is back in the beginning XI tonight. Paul Pogba, Andrea Pirlo, Martin Caceres and Kwadwo Asamoah are still out of action. Fiorentina are still missing David Pizarro and Ciprian Tatarusanu, while Milan Badelj is suspended, though Stefan Savic returns after injury and Manuel Pasqual is back on the bench. Salah will be hoping to follow on from his fantastic brace in Turin, partnering Mario Gomez and Joaquin. There are numerous players who are one yellow card away from suspension, so would miss the Final in Rome. They are Borja Valero, Jasmin Kurtic, Mati Fernandez and Marchisio. The other semi-final between Napoli and Lazio is tomorrow evening. Fiorentina: Neto; Gonzalo Rodriguez, Basanta, Savic, Alonso; Aquilani, Mati Fernandez, Borja Valero; Joaquin, Gomez, Salah Fiorentina bench: Rosati, Richards, Vargas, Gilardino, Kurtic, Diamanti, Pasqual, Babacar, Lazzari, Rosi, Tomovic, Ilicic Juventus: Storari; Lichtsteiner, Bonucci, Chiellini, Evra; Vidal, Marchisio, Sturaro; Pereyra; Matri, Morata Juventus bench: Buffon, Rubinho, Barzagli, Ogbonna, Marrone, De Ceglie, Padoin, Pepe, Coman, Llorente

FIORENTINA - JUVENTUS .- Coppa Italia semi-final Tuesday, April 7th, 2015 - 8:45 PM Artemio Franchi Stadium, Florence Referee: Davide Massa Matri to replace Tevez? Apr 7, 2014 Alessandro Matri looks set to replace Carlos Tevez in attack when Juventus meet Fiorentina tonight. The Bianconeri are in Florence for the second leg of their Coppa Italia semi-final, but were dealt a blow when Carlos Tevez was ruled out with muscular fatigue. Sky reports that Matri will START in his place, representing his first start since returning to the Old Lady in January. The 30-year-old has made substitute appearances against Genoa and Borussia Dortmund, but looks set to be given the nod tonight. It’s believed Coach Massimiliano Allegri will return to his 4-3-1-2 system, with Marco Storari in goal in Gianluigi Buffon’s stead. Stephan Lichtsteiner and Patrice Evra will occupy the full-back places, with Leonardo Bonucci and Giorgio Chiellini in the middle. Claudio Marchisio is set to return in midfield alongside Arturo Vidal and Stefano Sturaro, with Roberto Pereyra in behind the strikers. Alvaro Morata will partner Matri up front, with Pepe and Llorente ready to come on should a more direct approach be needed as the game wears on. Probable Juventus team to face Fiorentina: Storari; Lichtsteiner, Bonucci, Chiellini, Evra; Sturaro, Marchisio, Vidal; Pereyra; Morata, Matri

FIORENTINA - JUVENTUS .- Coppa Italia semi-final Tuesday, April 7th, 2015 - 8:45 PM Artemio Franchi Stadium, Florence Referee: Davide Massa Confirmed: Tevez misses Fiorentina Apr 7, 2014 Juventus have confirmed that striker Carlos Tevez will miss tonight’s Coppa Italia semi-final through injury. The Bianconeri take on Fiorentina tonight looking to overcome a 2-1 deficit from the first leg, but will have to do so without their star striker. “Carlos Tevez will miss out on tonight’s Coppa Italia semi-final return leg clash with Fiorentina,” the club confirmed on its official website, following reports earlier today. “He returns to Turin as a precautionary measure due to persistent discomfort felt from flexor muscle fatigue in his right thigh, an issue first reported during yesterday’s training. “The Argentine forward will undergo further medical assessments tomorrow.” The Old Lady will hope that the injury is not too serious, as they face the first leg of their Champions League last eight clash with Monaco next week. The 31-year-old has 25 goals and eight assists from his 35 matches in all competitions this season.

FIORENTINA - JUVENTUS .- Coppa Italia semi-final Tuesday, April 7th, 2015 - 8:45 PM Artemio Franchi Stadium, Florence Referee: Davide Massa Fiorentina name squad for Juventus Apr 7, 2014 Fiorentina Coach Vincenzo Montella has named his squad for tonight’s Coppa Italia semi-final with Juventus. The Viola take on the Old Lady in Florence tonight holding a 2-1 lead from the first leg, meaning that they could even progress to the final with a 1-0 defeat thanks to their away goal. However, Montella is not resting on his laurels, with a full-strength squad named, barring the still-recovering Giuseppe Rossi. Mario Gomez, Mohamed Salah and Alberto Gilardino are all in contention to start in attack, with Alessandro Diamanti and Joaquin among those fighting it out for an attacking midfield position. Fiorentina squad to face Juventus: Alonso, Aquilani, Babacar, Basanta, Borja Valero, Diamanti, Fernandez, Gilardino, Gomez, Gonzalo, Ilicic, Joaquin, Kurtic, Lazzari, Lezzerini, Neto, Pasqual, Richards, Rosati, Rosi, Salah, Savic, Tomovic, Vargas.

FIORENTINA - JUVENTUS .- Coppa Italia semi-final Tuesday, April 7th, 2015 - 8:45 PM Artemio Franchi Stadium, Florence Referee: Davide Massa Tevez doubt for Fiorentina Apr 7, 2014 Carlos Tevez is reportedly an injury doubt for Juventus’ clash with Fiorentina in the Coppa Italia tonight. The Bianconeri take on the Viola in the second leg of their semi-final, and Massimiliano Allegri’s side trail 2-1 from the first leg. Their task may have gotten harder, as reports from today’s final training session ahead of the game indicate that star striker Tevez is struggling with a muscular injury. Sky reports that the Argentinian international is not seriously injured, but is nevertheless unlikely to be risked in tonight’s match, with the Champions League Quarter Final with Monaco to come next week.

I viola non ci stanno e cominciano ad innervosirsi.

LEONARDO BONUCCI 0-3

Di nuovo Matri e Pereyra. Angolo.

Sembrava autogoal.

Basta che non segni al ritorno, poi possono dire quello che vogliono.

Grande azione di Morata ma il tiro sul secondo palo é fuori.

Strano ma non mi sorprende.

FIORENTINA - JUVENTUS .- Coppa Italia semi-final Tuesday, April 7th, 2015 - 8:45 PM Artemio Franchi Stadium, Florence Referee: Davide Massa Fiorentina - Juventus Betting: Back Montella's men to move closer to Coppa Italia glory Vincenzo Montella's side have the initiative in the tie after winning in Turin last month and our tipster is backing the hosts to beat the Serie A leaders in Florence on Tuesday. Apr 7, 2014 Last season's Coppa Italia runners-up Fiorentina are aiming to reach the final of this year’s competition when they face Serie A leaders Juventus in the second leg of their semi-final tie in Florence on Tuesday night. Vincenzo Montella’s men take a 2-1 lead into Tuesday’s tussle from the first leg and the hosts are chalked up at a chunky with William Hill to book their place in the final in style with a win over Massimiliano Allegri’s men. Remarkably, Juventus have not tasted success in this competition since 1995 but, with the league title all but wrapped up, Allegri’s side will have their eyes on claiming a hugely impressive domestic double while still maintaining a Champions League challenge. Juventus are available at with William Hill to win on Tuesday night while the same firm go that the Cup clash ends in stalemate. Allegri has some decisions to make over the participation of several key players including Claudio Marchisio and Andrea Pirlo who have both recently has spells on the sidelines with injury. The visitors will certainly make the trip to Florence in confident mood, having racked up five successive league victories without even having conceded a goal since they suffered the 2-1 reverse at the hands of Montella’s men in the first leg but the hosts can be trusted to make life difficult for the Serie A leaders. Midfielder Mohamed Salah, on loan from Chelsea, scored both goals for Fiorentina against Juventus in the first leg of this tie and, having found the net for his side again in a win for his side against Sampdoria in Serie A on Saturday, the 22-year-old Egypt international will fancy his chances of adding to his goal tally ahead of Tuesday’s tussle. Salah, who has scored seven goals in his last 12 appearances for Montella’s side, is available at a chunky with William Hill to break the deadlock here, while the same firm go that the former Chelsea man finds the net at any time. Fernando Llorente scored for Juventus against Fiorentina in last month’s first leg tie in Turin and should the Spain international start on Tuesday night, then there could be value in backing the 30-year-old striker to break the deadlock at with William Hill. However, punters should note that Fiorentina have lost just one of their last 19 matches in all competitions and, with one foot in the final after their impressive win over Juventus last month, Montella’s side can make home advantage count here. Allegri's admission that he will take a more attacking approach to the second leg by switching to a back four and utlising the extra man, usually present in a five-man backline, in attack. That ambition should make for an exciting game but with Fiorentina already holding a one goal advantage, Juve could lead themselves open to more defensive issues on the break. Therefore, punters are advised to snap up the juicy quote offered up by William Hill for a home win ahead of Tuesday’s Coppa Italia crunch clash in Florence.

FIORENTINA - JUVENTUS .- Coppa Italia semi-final Tuesday, April 7th, 2015 - 8:45 PM Artemio Franchi Stadium, Florence Referee: Davide Massa Coppa Italia Rapid Fire Preview: Juventus vs. Fiorentina, Leg 2 Apr 7, 2014 It wasn't all that long ago that Juventus headed to Florence in need of a conquer to advance in a competition. That was the Europa League, not the Coppa Italia like in present day. But it's a reminder that just about this time last year, Juventus stepped onto the Franchi field needing something — and they delivered. This season's extra trip to the land of Viola and wonderful scenery has Juventus trying to overturn a 2-1 aggregate scoreline in the span of at least 90 minutes at the very minimum. Unlike when Juve were playing a two-legged tie a few weeks ago against Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League, a 1-0 score in favor of the good guys won't be enough to see Max Allegri's team through to the Coppa Italia final. The objective for Tuesday night in Florence isn't a simple one, nor was it ever going to be. Juventus made their bed during the first leg early last month and now have to find a way to flip the script. It might not be a mission impossible, but it's mission-kinda-possible-but-not-totally-possible, if that makes any kind of sense. But if there was ever a time for Juventus to channel memories of last year, they'll have to get it by at least two goals, not one. That's just what happens when you allow Fiorentina to not only grab the win, but get a couple of crucial away goals in the process. As much as Allegri and the squad say they want to advance in the Coppa Italia and end the club's 20-year drought in the competition, there's only one way to try and have that happen now. It's possible. It won't be easy, but it's possible. Well, just as long as Juve don't play like they did in the first leg, that is. JuventusFC ✔ @juventusfcen .@OfficialAllegri: "We're out to overturn the scoreline in Florence. It won't be easy, an intelligent display is required." WHAT TO WATCH FOR 1. Claudio Marchisio's impact. Just like we all thought when the initial news of Marchisio being injured came out, Juve's No. 8 will be playing ... less than two weeks after the fact?! Yeah, it's been an interesting time ever since the ACL tear that wasn't really an ACL tear took place during the international break. What we know is that Marchisio is healthy and back training — a clear sign that his return to the lineup (even though the absence really wasn't much of one) is about to take place. And with no Andrea Pirlo, Marchisio is almost a certainty to slide into the regista spot that he's excelled at. JuventusFC ✔ @juventusfcen .@OfficialAllegri: "@ClaMarchisio8's in good shape and back with the squad. His few days off have served him well." 2. With Marchisio potentially back in the STARTING lineup, who sits in the center of the midfield? With Allegri saying that a four-man defense is happening Tuesday night, it's pretty easy to figure out where he's going tactically. Juventus, in all likelihood, will go with a 4-3-1-2 formation, but there will be the chance of a 4-3-3 if Juventus' first-year manager wants to include Simone Pepe in some kind of trident up front. But I'll just go ahead and put my cents on Allegri doing what he said he was going to do — "playing my best possible team tomorrow" against Fiorentina. I'll take that as Marchisio, Arturo Vidal and, based on how he played over the weekend, Stefano Sturaro with Roberto Pereyra behind the strikes. But that is just one guy's opinion. Maybe Allegri will surprise and do something super fancy. We all know that Juventus are going to need goals in the second leg against Fiorentina. 3. The continued brilliance of Carlos Tévez. Just when you thought he might get a little bit of rest after coming back from the international break, Carlos Tévez goes and scores another goal to remind us — like we really needed it — how awesome he is. Allegri says he will field his best lineup, and that means Tévez will be playing alongside Álvaro Morata in all likelihood. That combination has been so good since it became Juve's No. 1 partnership up front for Allegri to go to. We know Juventus needs goals Tuesday night, and more than just one. Having Tévez on the field with Morata will be Juve's best chance at flipping the scoreline in their favor. And if Tévez can replicate anything close to how he's played for much of the season, Juve have a chance. Why? Because there's always a chance of seeing a Juventus goal whenever Tévez is on the field. He's just that damn good. 4. Slowing down the Mo Salah Express. You want the biggest individual reason why Juventus is down 2-1 on aggregate, here you go. Salah has been simply superb since arriving on LOAN from Chelsea in the winter transfer window. You know, seven-goals-in-12-games kind of good since donning the Viola jersey. That's a goal-to-game ratio you figure Tévez would be racking up — which he has this season — while leading Juventus to another Scudetto. Salah's goals are a big as to why Fiorentia currently sits in fourth in the Serie A table right now. And, more importantly to the matter right in front of Juventus, Salah's played a massive part in why Fiorentina are just 90 or so minutes away from the Coppa Italia final. It doesn't really matter what formation Juve trots out there, the No. 1 priority has to be keeping track of Salah. If they don't, they'll see the 22-year-old Egyptian striker celebrating more than another goal or two against Juventus on Tuesday night. JuventusFC ✔ @juventusfcen .@OfficialAllegri: "Salah? He's a good player. Fiorentina have made an excellent signing." My XI (4-3-1-2): Storari; Lichtsteiner, Bonuccii, Chiellini, Evra; Vidal, Marchisio, Sturaro; Pereyra; Tévez, Morata OFFICIAL KICKOFF TIME: 8:45 P.M. IN ITALY; 2:45 P.M. ON THE EAST COAST; 11:45 A.M. ON THE WEST COAST

FIORENTINA - JUVENTUS .- Coppa Italia semi-final Tuesday, April 7th, 2015 - 8:45 PM Artemio Franchi Stadium, Florence Referee: Davide Massa Fiorentina v Juventus Preview: Bianconeri hope to have Marchisio for crucial Coppa clash The Italy midfielder picked up a knee injury on international duty last month but could play a part in his side's bid to overturn a 2-1 first-leg loss. Apr 6, 2014 Juventus hope Claudio Marchisio will be fit in time to help them overturn a first-leg deficit in their Coppa Italia semi-final at Fiorentina on Tuesday. Massimiliano Allegri's side suffered a surprise 2-1 defeat in the home tie last month, as Mohamed Salah scored either side of Fernando Llorente's strike. Marchisio suffered a knee injury while on international duty and with Juve needing victory by two goals to progress to the final, Allegri hopes the midfielder will be able to play some part, with Andrea Pirlo (calf) and Paul Pogba (hamstring) still out. "Marchisio is doing well," Allegri said on Monday. "He's returned to the squad, however he's been training separately. "Considering the number of matches he's played from the beginning of the season to now, I think four or five days out of the team did him some good. "He'll be available, so I'll have to assess today whether to play him or not. "As for Pirlo, the day after tomorrow he should be part of the group, and then we'll slowly evaluate his physical condition. "I'll assess him once he returns to the group, but the important thing is to have him available. I hope he'll be in good condition, because he's done well in training. "There are still a lot of games between now and the end of the season, I think Andrea has the quality to play in big games, even when he's not in top condition." Allegri says Fiorentina begin the second leg as favourites to progress, and has pledged to play a back four with an extra attacker, while Marco Storari will start in goal instead of Gianluigi Buffon. Juve go into the game on the back of five straight victories across all competitions since the first-leg defeat, while Fiorentina have lost just once in their past 19 outings. "It's a big opportunity for us," said Viola coach Vincenzo Montella. "To beat Juve after also knocking Roma out would mean we'd eliminated the top two teams in the league, and that would be a source of pride for us. "We're very proud, but we haven't achieved anything yet. Up until now we haven't reached any of our goals. "Tuesday's match can give us the opportunity to achieve something positive. Our state of mind is that we can achieve more and more, the city recognises our commitment and is proud of us." Fiorentina are bidding to reach their second straight Coppa final, after losing 3-1 to Napoli in last year's tournament decider, while Juve were beaten by the same opponents in the showpiece in 2012, last lifting the trophy in 1995. LAST FIVE MATCHES Fiorentina W D W W D 2015/04/04 Fiorentina 2 - 0 Sampdoria 2015/03/22 Udinese 2 - 2 Fiorentina 2015/03/19 Roma 0 - 3 Fiorentina 2015/03/16 Fiorentina 2 - 1 Milan 2015/03/12 Fiorentina 1 - 1 Roma Juventus W W W W W 2015/04/04 Juventus 2 - 0 Empoli 2015/03/22 Juventus 1 - 0 Genoa 2015/03/18 Borussia Dortmund 0 - 3 Juventus 2015/03/14 Palermo 0 - 1 Juventus 2015/03/09 Juventus 1 - 0 Sassuolo HEAD TO HEAD 2015/03/05 Juventus 1 - 2 Fiorentina 2014/12/05 Fiorentina 0 - 0 Juventus 2014/03/20 Fiorentina 0 - 1 Juventus 2014/03/13 Juventus 1 - 1 Fiorentina 2014/03/09 Juventus 1 - 0 Fiorentina

FIORENTINA - JUVENTUS .- Coppa Italia semi-final Tuesday, April 7th, 2015 - 8:45 PM Artemio Franchi Stadium, Florence Referee: Davide Massa Fiorentina V Juventus – Preview: In-Form Duo Dreaming Of Coppa Italia Final Apr 6, 2014 Fiorentina are set to host Juventus at the Stadio Artemio Franchi on Tuesday in the second leg of the Coppa Italia semi-final tie. La Viola enter the game with the advantage, having beaten the Bianconeri 2-1 in the first leg in Turin courtesy of goals from January acquisition Mohamed Salah. Juve on the other hand have an uphill task ahead of them if they are to reach their first Coppa Italia final since 2012, as they have to win by a score larger than 2-1 to progress without heading to extra-time. Recent meetings between both sides give an indication that Juventus will have a very tough time against Vincenzo Montella’s men. The previous 10 games between both sides has seen Juve prevail four times compared to Fiorentina’s two. However, only twice has the score been larger than 2-1, with one of them coming in the 2011/2012 season when Juve finished an undefeated Serie A season as champions, while La Viola were hovering near mid-table in 13th. However, the last time both teams played each other in a two-legged tie was last season in the Round of 16 of the Europa League when Juve needed a win or a large score draw at the Stadio Artemio Franchi to qualify, having drawn 1-1 in Turin. It was Andrea Pirlo who scored the goal towards the end of the game and the Bianconeri went through. Juventus also prevailed in the last Coppa Italia tie between both sides which dates back to the 2005/2006 season, winning by an aggregate score of 6-3. Both sides also enter the game in top form, not only have they won their previous Serie A encounters against Sampdoria and Empoli, respectively – but both enter the game undefeated in their past five games in all competitions. Fiorentina coach Vincenzo Montella though will be without the services of Aleandro Rosi, Stefan Savic, and skipper Manuel Pasqual due to injury. On the other hand, Massimiliano Allegri has a plethora of injuries to deal with. Kwadwo Asamoah, Romulo, Martin Caceres, Paul Pogba, Andrea Pirlo, Claudio Marchisio, and Kingsley Coman are all set to miss the game due to respective injuries. Form Guide: Fiorentina (W-D-W-W-D-L) Juventus (W-W-W-W-W-L) Expected Starting XIs Fiorentina: Neto; Richards, Basanta, Gonzalo Rodriguez, Alonso; Borja Valero, Pizarro, Mati Fernandez; Joaquin, Salah; Gomez. Juventus: Storari; Barzagli, Bonucci, Chiellini; Lichtsteiner, Vidal, Marchisio, Pereyra, Evra; Tevez, Morata.

FIORENTINA - JUVENTUS .- Coppa Italia semi-final Tuesday, April 7th, 2015 - 8:45 PM Artemio Franchi Stadium, Florence Referee: Davide Massa Montella: ‘Juventus will attack’ Apr 6, 2014 Fiorentina Coach Vincenzo Montella says they face a ‘very difficult’ game against a Juventus who will ‘attack at full strength’. The Viola hold a 2-1 lead from the first leg of their Coppa Italia tie, with Mohamed Salah scoring twice at Juventus Stadium. “I think it will be an open game, and a very difficult one,” Montella predicted in his pre-match Press conference. “We’ll face a very strong team, who are very competitive both home and away. However, we want to play. It’s the kind of game to play openly, without trying to make any calculations. “It will be a good game to experience both for us and for our fans. We have to know our qualities very well, and use them against those of the opponent. “We have a small advantage thanks to the first leg result, but a very small one. Playing against them [Juventus] should motivate us even further. “The best teams know how to do it all, I expect Juve to attack at full strength. “Tactically, it’s difficult to say what we should avoid. However, we shouldn’t sit back and be submissive, because that would be counter-productive.”

FIORENTINA - JUVENTUS .- Coppa Italia semi-final Tuesday, April 7th, 2015 - 8:45 PM Artemio Franchi Stadium, Florence Referee: Davide Massa Allegri: Juventus must watch out for Salah The Bianconeri boss has admitted the Egyptian attacker could trouble his side, but he remains hopeful of overturning their first-leg defeat. Apr 6, 2014 Juventus coach Massimiliano Allegri has singled out Mohamed Salah as Fiorentina's main threat ahead of Tuesday's Coppa Italia clash at the Artemio Franchi. The Egypt international has made a great impression in Italy since joining on loan from Chelsea in January and he played a key role in his side's 2-1 win in the first leg of their semi-final tie in Turin. Allegri has stressed that the Serie A champions must be on top of their game to keep the 22-year-old quiet in the return tie and progress to the final. "Salah? He's a good player. Fiorentina have made an excellent signing," Allegri said at a press conference. "We're out to overturn the scoreline in Florence. It won't be easy and an intelligent display is required. "To turn the tables we need to win by a two-goal margin. We need a good performance and calm heads. "We need to be extremely patient and make the most of the chances that fall our way. "Where did we go wrong in the first leg? The way we dealt with Salah's goal and the first eight minutes of the second half." Allegri then went on to reveal that Andrea Pirlo is unlikely to feature against Fiorentina, but added that Claudio Marchisio has recovered from injury. "Pirlo should be back with the group on Wednesday. We'll check on his fitness. "Marchisio is in good shape and back with the squad. His few days off have served him well."