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JUVENTUS - EMPOLI .- Saturday, April 4th, 2015 - 9:00 PM Juventus Stadium, Turin Referee: Piero Giacomelli JUVENTUS V EMPOLI MATCH PREVIEW Apr 3, 2015 Juventus Juventus return to action after the international break to face an Empoli side undefeated in their last 8 Serie A games. The Bianconeri boast an equally impressive league record, having suffered just one loss all season to date, going the last 19 games unbeaten notching up an impressive 13 WINS along the way. Juve’s recent domestic form hasn’t been as strong as their early season performances, but that’s only to be expected given their 14 point lead at the top of the table combined with a string of injuries to key midfield players like Andrea Pirlo and Paul Pogba. Coach Max Allegri was keen to remind people that the Scudetto is far from secure and Juve still have a way to go before securing up their 4th title in a row. “We’re 10 matches from the end, and we’re still missing a few points and a few victories to WIN the Scudetto.” Allegri said in his pre-match press conference earlier today. “I think two-thirds of the Scudetto will be won if we beat Empoli and Parma.” Allegri will have limited options against Empoli as the international break has taken its toll in more ways than one. “I’d say that for tomorrow there are a lot of question marks, because the last two only returned yesterday, Tevez and Pereyra. “Today I’ll have to evaluate the conditions of both, as well as the conditions of the others in the only training session we have to prepare for the game. “For the regista? I don’t know, it depends on training today. Pirlo is definitely out. We don’t have Marchisio, we don’t have Pogba. “So the midfielders we have available are Sturaro, Vidal, Padoin and Pereyra. “As for which of those will play in front of the defence, we could even play Vidal there, we’ll see.” With all this in mind it’s very likely, given Empoli’s recent run of form and Juve’s injury woes, that we’ll see Allegri use a 3-5-2 over a 4-3-1-2. Gianluigi Buffon and Leonardo Bonucci returned from international duty intact, while Allegri suggested Angelo Ogbonna is fit and could start the game tomorrow. The likelihood is Andrea Barzagli will complete the 3 man defence with Padoin or Arturo Vidal playing in front of them, depending on the formation. Roberto Pereyra only returned to Italy yesterday so it’s very possible that Stefano Sturaro may get a run out in the midfield while Patrice Evra and Stephan Lichtsteiner should both be ready to start on either flank. Carlos Tevez has been in great goal-scoring form in recent weeks and should have recovered from jet-lag to start alongside Alvaro Morata. Probable lineup 3-5-2: Buffon, Barzagli, Bonucci, Ogbonna; Lichtsteiner, Vidal, Padoin, Sturaro, Evra; Tevez, Morata Injured Players Asamoah and Romulo (Recovering from surgery), Pirlo, Caceres, Pogba, Marchisio, Marrone, Coman Suspended Players None Form (L-W-W-W-W) Empoli Empoli has been the most critically acclaimed team in the League so far and deservedly so. What they are accomplishing with no money is truly remarkable. They are comfortably 12 points clear from the relegation zone, despite having probably one of the bottom two rosters in the League in terms of quality. It’s not easy to pinpoint how they achieved that: continuity is certainly a factor, but they are basically fielding seven or eight guys that wouldn’t even be high level Serie B players in other clubs. One big reason is the command, the tactical genius and the low-key demeanor of the coach Maurizio Sarri, whose transition to Serie A football after years cutting his teeth in the lower leagues has not been only seamless, but utterly impressive. He hasn’t just continued to use the same possession football powered by short and smart passes, but he’s even having success with it on the biggest stage, with the same players he had in the previous seasions: they added only Luigi Sepe and Matias Vecino, both on loan, while Riccardo Saponara broke out here in 2012/2013. The environment is so uniquely quiet and relaxed: it’s the ideal situation to play football, especially for the youngsters who have yet to prove themselves. Their starting XI has been very consistent all year long, besides the attack, because the four strikers aren’t very good. Massimo Maccarone, Manuel Pucciarelli, Francesco Tavano and Levan Mchedlidze have combined for thirteen goals, which is less than 50% of the team’s whole contribution (and three less compared to Carlos Tevez on his own). Maccarone is the leading scorer with seven and he’s likely to partner up with Pucciarelli (who has resolved the standoff with the management over the contract extension) but really any of them has a chance to start. Riccardo Saponera, who returned in June, has added some unpredictability in the CAM position, previously occupied by Simone Verdi, who’s more of a role player. They have found goals elsewhere, in particular in dead ball situations. Lorenzo Tonelli and Daniele Rugani have been the key components of what has been the fifth best defense in Italy so far; moreover they have scored four and three goals respectively. Their midfield composed by Daniele Croce, Mirko Valdifiori and Matias Vecino is very muscular and balanced, brightened by the vision and passing of Valdifiori. They attack a lot down the flanks with the two fullbacks Elsejd Hysaj and Mario Rui, who has leapfrogged Vincent Laurini in the pecking order earlier in the season and is an authentic ENERGY bunny. Tonelli has missed some games before the break because of a bad ankle, but it looks like he’s ready to play: if he wasn’t, Federico Barba would take his spot and he has showed that he belongs in Serie A. As every respectable low-table team does, they have collected most of their points at home. They are acceptably bad on the road: they have won only once, but they have also drawn nine times. In the first match of the season, Juventus beat Empoli 2-0 thanks to an Andrea Pirlo magnificent FREE kick one hour into the game and with Alvaro Morata putting the finishing touch on the win ten minutes later. Probable Lineup 4-3-1-2: Sepe; Hysaj, Tonelli, Rugani, Rui; Croce, Valdifiori, Vecino; Saponara; Pucciarelli, Tavano Injured players Guarente Suspended Players None Form (W-D-D-D-W) Formation http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

JUVENTUS - EMPOLI .- Saturday, April 4th, 2015 - 9:00 PM Juventus Stadium, Turin Referee: Piero Giacomelli Marchisio out of Juve-Empoli Apr 3, 2015 Claudio Marchisio and Kingsley Coman are among those out of tomorrow night’s Juventus-Empoli game. It kicks off on Saturday at 21.00 CET. There had been fears Marchisio would be out for six to eight months when he picked up a knee injury on international duty, but scans later showed no significant ligament damage. However, Coach Max Allegri won’t risk throwing him straight into the squad for this weekend’s encounter with his old club Empoli. Coman is also unavailable, as he sustained a muscular injury while playing for the France Under-21 side. Paul Pogba, Andrea Pirlo, Martin Caceres, Romulo and Kwadwo Asamoah are more long-term absentees. Juventus squad for Empoli: Buffon, Chiellini, Ogbonna, Pepe, Morata, Tevez, Llorente, Barzagli, De Ceglie, Bonucci, Padoin, Vidal, Vitale, Lichtsteiner, Sturaro, Storari, Matri, Evra, Rubinho, Pereyra, Marrone http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

JUVENTUS - EMPOLI .- Saturday, April 4th, 2015 - 9:00 PM Juventus Stadium, Turin Referee: Piero Giacomelli Juventus v Empoli: Preview Apr 3, 2015 Juventus coach Massimiliano Allegri has told his players to concentrate on Saturday's Serie A home clash with Empoli and not be distracted by thoughts of next week's crunch Coppa Italia semi-final at Fiorentina. The Bianconeri travel to Florence next Tuesday needing to overturn a 2-1 deficit from the opening leg if they are to reach the final. Juve have not lifted the Coppa Italia since the 1994-95 campaign. ``It has been a long time since the club last won the Coppa and we will do everything we can to WIN it,'' Allegri told his club's website. ``I believe we can overturn the first-leg result. ``We are Juve. ``Right now the most important thing is to be focused on what we need to do from here until the end of the season. ``We haven't won anything yet and we have to take it one game at a time.'' Juve, who are through to the quarter-finals of the Champions League and a tie with Monaco, are well on their way to a fourth straight scudetto but first under Allegri. The Bianconeri are 14 points clear of Roma at the top of Serie A. Juve have won 20 and lost just once this season. They boast the best attack and defence in the competition. Juve are still without midfielder Paul Pogba, who is sidelined with a hamstring injury, while Italian midfielder Claudio Marchisio is out with a knee problem. The hosts will be bolstered by the return of Spanish forward Alvaro Morata, who missed his team's triumph over Genoa in the last round through suspension. Morata, who has scored seven goals and set up four more in 22 league appearances, will partner Serie A's leading scorer Carlos Tevez in Juve's attack. Empoli have not lost in eight matches. A 3-1 triumph over Sassuolo last time out lifted the Tuscan outfit to 13th place, 12 points above the drop zone. Maurizio Sarri's men have won just once on the road this season but have held the likes of Roma, Napoli, Fiorentina to draws. ``Juve is much stronger than us,'' Sarri said. ``But in our heads we must have only one thing in our mind and that is to play a beautiful game in Turin.'' Empoli will be at full strength with defender Lorenzo Tonelli having recovered from injury. http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

JUVENTUS - EMPOLI .- Saturday, April 4th, 2015 - 9:00 PM Juventus Stadium, Turin Referee: Piero Giacomelli Sarri: Empoli Must Show ‘Insanity’ To Get Points At Juventus Apr 3, 2015 Empoli head coach Maurizio Sarri has admitted that his side face an almost impossible task as they prepare to face Juventus at Juventus Stadium. The Azzurri, currently on an eight game unbeaten run, face a difficult trip to Turin after a prolonged break due to the international break, a point Sarri made note of. “If one looks at the results of Juventus at home in recent years, we have no chance in this game,” Sarri told reporters on Friday afternoon. “We must show insanity and think that we can get something from the game. “I know it will be difficult but if we don’t start with that thought, it will become very hard. “Starting again [after the international break] is always difficult. “Our feelings are positive, but the calender has given us a game which only serves to motivate us. “I want us to go out onto the pitch in good spirit and, as I have mentioned, with the folly of trying [to get something from the game].” http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

JUVENTUS - EMPOLI .- Saturday, April 4th, 2015 - 9:00 PM Juventus Stadium, Turin Referee: Piero Giacomelli Title-chasing Juventus on the final straight - Allegri The former Milan coach is hoping for one last push from his side despite their current injury problems, admitting he has very few midfield options. Apr 3, 2015 Massimiliano Allegri has demanded Juventus maintain their stranglehold on Serie A and claim back-to-back wins over Empoli and Parma that would put them on the brink of retaining the Scudetto. Juve have again been the dominant side in Italy this season and they go into Saturday’s home game against Empoli 14 points clear of the second-placed Giallorossi, whose challenge has died down due to poor form. Victory at the Juventus Stadium, backed up by another three points at financially-crippled Parma a week later, would go a long way to securing a fourth successive title for the Turin side. “All our opponents pull out all the stops against us. We’re on the final straight and need to be at the top of our game. We’d be two-thirds of the way to the Scudetto with wins over Empoli and Parma,” said Allegri, who accepts it will not be straightforward against an in-form Empoli side. “Empoli are on an eight-game unbeaten run. It’s important for us to swiftly get back into the swing of things.” Juve are ravaged by injury currently, especially in midfield, but Allegri is pleased key striker Carlos Tevez has returned from Argentina duty unscathed. “Carlos is in good shape and not feeling the effects of jet lag, he’ll play,” he added at Friday's press conference. “But Andrea Pirlo will miss the Empoli game, as will Claudio Marchisio and Paul Pogba. “There are plenty of question marks hanging over tomorrow’s team. I’ll have a good look at training today.” http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

Serie A - 10^ Giornata Ritorno - 4-4-2015 (ore 21:00) JUVENTUS - EMPOLI .- Sabato 4 aprile 2015 - ore 21:00 Juventus Stadium, Torino Arbitro: Piero Giacomelli Confronti ufficiali 19 - 17 (Serie A) - 2 (Coppa Italia) Vittorie Juventus 13 - 12 (Serie A) - 1 (Coppa Italia) Pareggi 3 - 3 (Serie A) Vittorie Empoli 3 - 2 (Serie A) - 1 (Coppa Italia) Goals Juventus 42 - 36 (Serie A) - 6 (Coppa Italia) Goals Empoli 14 - 9 (Serie A) - 5 (Coppa Italia) Juventus - Empoli Serie A a Torino Confronti ufficiali 8 Vittorie Juventus 7 (L'ultima il 31.10.2007, 3-0) Pareggi 1 (Il 22.11.1998, 0-0) Vittorie Empoli 0 Goals Juventus 23 Goals Empoli 4 Giocatori con più presenze e goals contro l'Empoli a Torino 4 presenze Buffon Gianluigi 4 Del Piero Alessandro 4 Trezeguet David Sergio 3 Birindelli Alessandro 3 Camoranesi Mauro German 3 Ferrara Ciro 3 Tacchinardi Alessio 3 Thuram Lilian 3 Zambrotta Gianluca 2 Bonini Massimo 6 goals Trezeguet David Sergio 5 Del Piero Alessandro 2 Cannavaro Fabio 2 Magrin Marino 2 Serena Aldo 1 Brio Sergio 1 Cabrini Antonio 1 Di Vaio Marco 1 Inzaghi Filippo 1 Rush Ian James Ultimi confronti diretti 08.02.2003 Serie A Juventus-Empoli 1-0 31.08.2003 Serie A Juventus-Empoli 5-1 25.01.2004 Serie A Empoli-Juventus 3-3 11.09.2005 Serie A Empoli-Juventus 0-4 22.01.2006 Serie A Juventus-Empoli 2-1 31.10.2007 Serie A Juventus-Empoli 3-0 06.12.2007 Coppa Italia Empoli-Juventus 2-1 15.01.2008 Coppa Italia Juventus-Empoli 5-3 19.03.2008 Serie A Empoli-Juventus 0-0 01.11.2014 Serie A Empoli-Juventus 0-2 Giocate 10 - Vittorie Juventus 7 - Pareggi 2 - Vittorie Empoli 1 - Goals Juventus 26 - Goals Empoli 10 http://www.goal.com/it/results-standings/69/serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_101

JUVENTUS - EMPOLI .- Saturday, April 4th, 2015 - 9:00 PM Juventus Stadium, Turin Referee: Piero Giacomelli Allegri: 'Two-thirds champions' Apr 3, 2015 Max Allegri believes two wins will take Juventus ‘two-thirds’ of the way to the Scudetto, but has a midfield headache. The Bianconeri are 14 points clear at the top of Serie A with 10 games to play, with the next two games against Empoli and Parma. “I’ll try to field the best team I can to face Empoli, who are doing well” Allegri told journalists in his pre-match Press conference. “They’ve done great things this season, and have had eight consecutive good results, so we have to be good and have the right attitude to win the League. “We’re 10 matches from the end, and we’re still missing a few points and a few victories to win the Scudetto. I think two-thirds of the Scudetto will be won if we beat Empoli and Parma. “I’d say that for tomorrow there are a lot of question marks, because the last two only returned [from international duty] yesterday, Tevez and Pereyra. “Today I’ll have to evaluate the conditions of both, as well as the conditions of the others in the only training session we have to prepare for the game. “For the regista? I don’t know, it depends on training today. Andrea Pirlo is definitely out. We don’t have Marchisio, we don’t have Paul Pogba. “So the midfielders we have available are Sturaro, Vidal, Padoin and Pereyra. “As for which of those will play in front of the defence, we could even play Vidal there, we’ll see.” Allegri also discussed the controversy around Claudio Marchisio’s knee and says he could be available for Tuesday’s Coppa Italia semi-final with Fiorentina. “I’m sorry about what happened. The important thing is that Marchisio is healthy, that his knee is fine, and even if he won’t be available tomorrow, he certainly will be next week. “Fiorentina? Let’s see, the important thing is that his knee is fine. “By the way, I don’t think it was easy to go from thinking you have a ruptured cruciate ligament to a healthy knee. “He’s bounced back well, psychologically. He’s fine, he’s following his own training regime and we hope to have him available for Florence.” http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

PSG target Tevez? Apr 3, 2015 Juventus striker Carlos Tevez is a target for Paris Saint-Germain, according to reports in France. The Argentinian international is the Bianconeri’s top scorer this season, and is expected to return to Boca Juniors when his contract expires in 2016. Despite this, French newspaper Le Parisien is stating today that the Ligue 1 champions are preparing an offer for Tevez if Ezequiel Lavezzi leaves this summer. The paper claims that PSG would be willing to pay €15m as a transfer fee, as well rewarding the striker with €5.5m per season, a €1m increase on his current salary. The former Manchester City has 26 goals in all competitions for the Old Lady this season, including six in eight Champions League games.

JUVENTUS - EMPOLI .- Saturday, April 4th, 2015 - 9:00 PM Juventus Stadium, Turin Referee: Piero Giacomelli Juventus V Empoli – Preview: The Bianconeri On An Easter Hunt Apr 3, 2015 Juventus will be on the hunt for points not eggs when Empoli arrive in Turin on Saturday night as Italian football resumes after the international break. The match at the Juventus Stadium will bookend the action on a full card of Serie A fixtures on the eve of Easter Sunday and, with Roma starting proceedings at midday against top three hopeful Napoli, Massimiliano Allegri’s men will know before kick off if they need to maintain or can extend their commanding 14 point lead at the summit. Empoli travel north-west in good form, unbeaten in eight seeing them pull away from the battle against the drop and start the weekend 12 points clear of Cagliari in the final relegation berth. Their 3-1 win over Sassuolo last time out suggests they could yet finish mid-table. Coach Maurizio Sarri’s blend of experience and youth has produced an entertaining side that haven’t gone unnoticed. Most recently is 28-year-old Mirko Valdifiori, the deep-lying playmaker enjoying his first Serie A season and earned his first international cap for Italy in Tuesday night’s 1-1 draw with England with rumours of clubs circling this summer. Sarri has drawn praise himself as Empoli consolidate on their top flight return after six years away and, while press reports of him replacing Filippo Inzaghi at AC Milan were denied, the 56-year-old has already left the Giuseppe Meazza with a point after a draw with Roma as a part of four straight draws on the road. The Bianconeri have been efficient if not spectacular domestically and haven’t won by more than a single goal in their last six. Allegri has managed the squad well and that task remains a priority with Tuesday night’s Coppa Italia semi-final second leg in Florence and their Champions League last-four clash with Monaco on the horizon. The form of Carlos Tevez is of highest priority, the Argentine’s winner against Genoa last time out sees him remain Capocannonieri on 16 league goals. El Apache can continue to live up to the prestige of the Bianconeri No.10 shirt if he becomes the club’s first Capocannonieri since Alessandro Del Piero in 2008. However he is likely to be rested come Saturday with bigger assignments to come. One anomaly that could be answered on Saturday night is the Curious Case of Claudio Marchisio. The midfielder was initially sent home from the Italy squad, the Azzurri medics claiming he had torn his cruciate ligaments only for Juventus to say the 29-year-old could be in contention against Empoli. The Bianconeri are becoming stretched in the middle of the park with no word on Andrea Pirlo’s recovery and Paul Pogba out until the beginning of May at best. Empoli have a clean bill of health since their impressive victory over Sassuolo a fortnight ago and highly rated Daniele Rugani will hope to avoid a repeat of his own goal against his parent club. Riccardo Saponara scored a brace in that match and will likely continue alongside Francesco Tavano and Massimo Maccarone in their front three. Form Guide: Juventus (W-W-W-D-W-D), Empoli (W-D-D-D-W-D) Expected Starting XIs Juventus: Buffon; Bonucci, Ogbonna, Chiellini; Lichtsteiner, Vidal, Sturaro, Pereyra, Evra; Llorente, Coman. Empoli: Sepe; Hysaj, Barba, Rugani, Mario Rui; Vecino, Valdifiori, Croce; Saponara, Maccarone, Tavano http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

JUVENTUS - EMPOLI .- Saturday, April 4th, 2015 - 9:00 PM Juventus Stadium, Turin Referee: Piero Giacomelli Rugani: ‘I only want Juventus’ Apr 3, 2015 Daniele Rugani admits that interest from Arsenal is flattering, but says he only wants to play for Juventus. The Empoli defender will return to Turin at the end of the season after the Bianconeri bought out his co-ownership deal in the winter transfer window. It had been rumoured that English side Arsenal were tracking the talented centre-back, but Rugani says he only ever wanted Juve. “Wenger wanted me? It’s gratifying to know that such a great Coach was interested,” the Italian Under 21 international told Tuttosport. “But honestly I’m glad to have been redeemed by Juventus, I’ve been a Juventino since childhood and I hope to stay in Turin for 10 years.” The 20-year-old will get an early taste of the atmosphere at Juventus Stadium when his Empoli side play there tomorrow and Rugani warns that they want to emerge with something. “There will be a bit of emotion, more than anything it will be the emotion of playing at the Stadium against the best team in Italy. “I expect a good game against Juventus, we’re pretty much safe [from relegation] and we don’t have any particular worries. “We’ll go to Turin to play and try and take home at least a point. “That said, I know the mentality of Juventus and I’m sure they won’t be distracted by the Champions League or Coppa Italia. “They go into every game with the maximum concentration. This will be the most difficult game of the season for us.” http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

JUVENTUS - EMPOLI .- Saturday, April 4th, 2015 - 9:00 PM Juventus Stadium, Turin Referee: Piero Giacomelli Juventus v Empoli Preview: Allegri eyes historic treble The Bianconeri are 14 points clear at the top of Serie A and remain in the hunt for the Coppa Italia and Champions League. Apr 3, 2015 Juventus boss Massimiliano Allegri talked up his club's push for a treble ahead of Saturday's home clash with Empoli. Such is Juve's dominance as they bid for a fourth successive title - they are 14 points ahead of the second-placed Roma with 10 matches to go - that Allegri can afford to dream of what would be a historic start to his Turin tenure. His appointment was seen as a surprise following Antonio Conte's decision to become Italy boss, but Allegri has won the fans over following an excellent debut campaign. A tremendous win at Borussia Dortmund saw them reach the Champions League quarter-finals, where they will play Monaco, but they do trail Fiorentina 2-1 after one leg of their Coppa Italia semi-final. "We deserved a night like that [in Dortmund] after all the hard work we did in the last few months," Allegri said in a question and answer session with fans. "We must have faith in our ability to go on [in all three competitions]. "The game against Monaco isn't easy at all. It's a much more complicated game than everyone says. "As for the Coppa Italia, we haven't won it in a long time and we'll do everything we can to make up for that. "We can still turn the first leg around. [At Juventus we are] organised, attentive and ambitious." First up for Juve is this home clash, though, as they look to make it five wins in a row in all competitions. Juve have kept clean sheets in each of those four victories, while Empoli have scored only 30 goals in 28 matches this season. The visitors have won just six matches but sit 13th after a season that has seen them become known as Serie A's draw specialists. OPTA FACTS Juventus have won 12 of the previous 17 meetings against Empoli, leaving just two wins for the Tuscans. Empoli are yet to win at Juventus in Serie A, they have picked up only one point so far in eight visits to Turin. Juventus have averaged 2.4 goals per game in the last nine league meetings versus Empoli (22 goals scored overall). On the other hand, Empoli have managed just one goal over the last five clashes against Juve in Serie A, failing to score in each of the last three. Empoli’s last Serie A win over Juventus came in April 1999, 1-0 was the final score with Bianconi on the scoresheet. Juventus have now gone 19 league games unbeaten, winning 13 in the process. Moreover, the Old Lady has not lost any of the last 42 home games in Serie A, with 38 wins over this period. However Empoli are unbeaten in eight Serie A matches (3W, 5D) – their longest unbeaten streak in the top flight. LAST FIVE MATCHES Juventus W W W W L 3/22/15 - Juventus 1 - 0 Genoa 3/18/15 - Borussia Dortmund 0 - 3 Juventus 3/14/15 - Palermo 0 - 1 Juventus 3/9/15 - Juventus 1 - 0 Sassuolo 3/5/15 - Juventus 1 - 2 Fiorentina Empoli W D D D W 3/22/15 - Empoli 3 - 1 Sassuolo 3/14/15 - Cagliari 1 - 1 Empoli 3/8/15 - Empoli 1 - 1 Genoa 3/1/15 - Palermo 0 - 0 Empoli 2/22/15 - Empoli 3 - 0 Chievo Verona HEAD TO HEAD 11/1/14 - Empoli 0 - 2 Juventus 3/19/08 - Empoli 0 - 0 Juventus 1/15/08 - Juventus 5 - 3 Empoli 12/6/07 - Empoli 2 - 1 Juventus 10/31/07 - Juventus 3 - 0 Empoli http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

I want to play with PSG target Pogba - Verratti The Italy international has labelled the midfielder a "phenomenon" and would love the 22-year-old to join him in France. Apr 2, 2015 Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Marco Verratti says he would love to play alongside Juventus star Paul Pogba. The France international's current deal in Turin runs until 2019 but that hasn't stopped reports linking him with a big money move to several of Europe's top clubs. Pogba joined Juve after leaving Manchester United on a free transfer in 2012 and is now widely regarded as one of the best central midfielders in the world, and Verratti is among his admirers. "Pogba’s a phenomenon," the Italian told So Foot. "If he had been allowed to play at Manchester United he’d have responded as he’s doing now for Juventus. "He needed confidence. Juventus gave it to him and now he’s proving to everyone that he’s among the best in the world. "It would be nice to play with him one day, he’s very good. Playing with the best players makes everything is easier."

JUVENTUS - EMPOLI .- Saturday, April 4th, 2015 - 9:00 PM Juventus Stadium, Turin Referee: Piero Giacomelli Preview: Juventus vs. Empoli Apr 2, 2015 After another dominant season in Serie A, Juventus are on course to register their fourth consecutive title win with a number of games to spare, but they still have work to do to get over the line. Saturday's opponents don't possess any kind of form in Turin, but their recent unbeaten run has given them belief ahead of the trip to the Juventus Stadium. Juventus As far as Serie A is concerned, the main job for Juventus boss Massimiliano Allegri is to ensure that complacency doesn't creep into the ranks as they look to confirm a fourth successive title. Defeat to Fiorentina in the Coppa Italia could have threatened to derail the club's otherwise relentless form, but four successive victories in all competitions has strengthened the club's standing both in Italy and in Europe. Juventus currently possess a run of 19 games unbeaten in Serie A, a streak that has seen them power away from nearest challengers Roma, and they have every chance of retaining their crown by at least 20 points. Despite Carlos Tevez and Alvaro Morata scoring 35 times between them in all competitions, Juventus have struggled for goals in recent weeks with their last three wins all coming by a 1-0 scoreline. The lack of goals won't necessarily worry Allegri when his defence are performing on a consistent basis, but there will be calls for a greater cutting edge against Empoli, who have proven recently that they shouldn't be pushovers on Saturday night. Tevez heads into the game having scored just three in eight league games, a record that is coincidentally shared by Morata, and they will need to improve to fend off the challenge of Fernando Llorente for a starting role. Recent form: D W D W W W Recent form (all competitions): D L W W W W Empoli At one stage this season, it appeared as though Empoli would be prime candidates to suffer relegation to Serie B, but since the end of 2014, they have proven tough opposition for any team in Italy. The Blues are currently on an unbeaten run of eight games, with just three defeats coming in their last 20 - all by one-goal margins. Some will argue that they draw too many games but their current form has ensured that they should avoid a relegation battle at the end of the campaign. Manager Maurizio Sarri will strive for more wins from his team, especially on the road where just one victory has been registered, but if they can add to their nine draws on the road in Turin, Sarri will be delighted with his team's efforts. Sarri will also take heart from the recent draws at Roma and AC Milan, games which have seen former Middlesbrough striker Massimo Maccarone net important goals for his side. The 35-year-old's return of seven strikes isn't particularly impressive, but Empoli have shared goals around the team, as shown in their last match against Sassuolo when Riccardo Saponara netted twice. Recent form: D W D D D W Team News Midfielder Andrea Pirlo is unlikely to be back in contention for this weekend's fixture after a number of reports indicated that the 35-year-old won't be risked as he continues to nurse a calf injury. Claudio Marchisio had been expected to miss the majority of 2015 after suffering a knee injury with Italy, but it has since been revealed that he sprained his knee, meaning that he could be fit for the weekend. Morata could return in place of Llorente after not featuring in the 18-man squad in the last match, while the rest of the team is likely to be dependant on their fitness after the international games. Allegri won't risk any of his senior squad ahead of the Champions League double-header with Monaco, so this might be an opportunity to alter his team. Barring any late fitness issues, Empoli could name the same starting lineup for the second game running. Juventus possible starting lineup: Buffon; Barzagli, Bonucci, Chiellini; Lichtsteiner, Vidal, Sturaro, Pereyra, Padoin; Tevez, Morata Empoli possible starting lineup: Sepe, Mario Rui, Hysaj, Rugani, Barba, Croce, Valdifiori, Vecino, Saponara, Maccarone, Pucciarelli Head To Head Juventus and Empoli have only previously faced each other a total of 15 times, and as you would expect, it's Juventus who dominate the head-to-head record with 10 wins. Empoli's only two triumphs have come at Stadio Carlo Castellani, in 1999 and 2007, and they have suffered defeat on each of their last five visits to Turin. The reverse fixture between the two sides back in November ended in a 2-0 victory for Juventus, with Pirlo and Morata netting second-half goals to help the club get back on track after their only league defeat of the year to Genoa. We say: Juventus 2-0 Empoli Given their recent improved results, Empoli will hold no fear travelling to the Serie A leaders, but they will still require their hosts to under-perform in order to leave Turin with a result. Juventus only need five wins to defend their title, and expect a professional performance at the weekend. http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

Evra: ‘Juve, play like smaller team’ Apr 2, 2015 Patrice Evra admits Juventus are favourites against Monaco, but says he’ll ‘play like I were in the smaller team’. The Bianconeri face the side from the principality in the Quarter Finals of the Champions League this month, and as an ex-Monaco defender, Evra says the Old Lady need to harness the underdog spirit. “If Monaco have reached this stage then they’re here for a reason,” the Frenchman told Sky. “Facing them is like playing Bayern Munich or Barcelona. As far as history goes, we start as favourites, but we have to start at 0-0. “It will be very difficult, I put myself in their shoes, when I was there we played against Real Madrid and Chelsea. “With Real we went through after losing 4-2 in the first leg, winning 3-2 [in the second]. “I’ll play as if I were in the smaller team, sacrificing more, giving everything.”

JUVENTUS - EMPOLI .- Saturday, April 4th, 2015 - 9:00 PM Juventus Stadium, Turin Referee: Piero Giacomelli Giacomelli for Juventus-Empoli Apr 2, 2015 Piero Giacomelli will take charge of Empoli’s visit to Juventus as the AIC announces the referees for Week 29. The 37-year-old has officiated the Bianconeri three times in his career, with the most recent being a 3-0 win over Cesena at Juventus Stadium. Elsewhere, Nicola Rizzoli is entrusted with the Saturday morning clash between Roma and Napoli, while Daniele Doveri will run the rule over Palermo-Milan Serie A week 29 referees Atalanta-Torino - Marco Guida Cagliari-Lazio - Gianluca Rocchi Fiorentina-Sampdoria - Luca Banti Genoa-Udinese - Paolo Mazzoleni Verona-Udinese - Daniele Orsato Inter-Parma - Sebastiano Peruzzo Juventus-Empoli - Piero Giacomelli Palermo-Milan - Daniele Doveri Roma-Napoli - Nicola Rizzoli Sassuolo-Chievo - Luca Pairetto http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

JUVENTUS - EMPOLI .- Saturday, April 4th, 2015 - 9:00 PM Juventus Stadium, Turin Referee: Piero Giacomelli Andrea Pirlo won't play in Juventus' game against Empoli Apr 2, 2015 It's been a few weeks since we've heard much of anything about the status of midfielder Andrea Pirlo. And because of that, when Juventus gave us an injury update on Claudio Marchisio at the beginning of the week, I wondered why there had been nothing included that day about one of Il Principino's fellow beard-clad midfielders. Apparently, now we know why such things have happened. According to both Tuttosport and the giornalaccio rosa dello Sport, Pirlo won't be taking part in Juventus' game against Empoli on Saturday and could return for their trip to Florence in the Coppa Italia against Fiorentina next Tuesday night. That means the original three-week diagnosis and timetable for Pirlo's return will be extended at least another week further as he recovers from the strain in his right calf he picked up in the first leg against Borussia Dortmund last month. All of this is with an eye on Juventus' Champions League quarterfinal opener against Monaco on April 14 in Turin and keeping Pirlo healthy. Isn't having a 14-point lead in Serie A nice? It allows you do some things. Juventus have not released anything officially regarding Pirlo's condition even before Marchisio was injured in the middle of the international break. Pirlo's extended injury absence means that Juventus will again be as slim as it gets in terms of midfield depth coming out of the international break. We're still just a couple weeks into Paul Pogba's two-month injury layoff, and follow last week's shenanigans amongst the Italy training staff, how long Claudio Marchisio is truly out injured is still up in the air. (At least we know it won't be for six or eight months, so we've got that going for us, which is nice.) What am I trying to get at here? Well, injuries suck, first and foremost. Secondly, the likelihood of Max Allegri using the 3-5-2 for the next couple of games went up just a little more than before simply because of who he has — or doesn't have right now — at his disposal. And lastly, I throw this out there for the masses: Who's ready for some Stefano Sturaro playing time? http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

Nedved: Juventus know that Barcelona want Pogba The Czech says that the Bianconeri are well aware that the France midfielder is a man in demand but adds they are confident of holding onto the 22-year-old. Apr 1, 2015 Juventus director Pavel Nedved has admitted Barcelona and every other major club in Europe want to sign star midfielder Paul Pogba but defiantly pointed out that he remains under contract to the Serie A champions. Since joining on a free transfer from Manchester United in 2012, Pogba has established himself as one of Juve's stars and has been linked with a €100 million move away from Turin this summer. Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain have been tracking the France international for some time but Barcelona is being increasingly talked up as a possible destination for the 22-year-old. Nedved, though, is uninterested with the mounting speculation regarding a possible transfer to Camp Nou, pointing out that Pogba is bound to Juve until 2019. "We know that Barcelona and other great clubs want him, but he has a contract with us," the Bianconeri board member told El Mundo Deportivo. Pogba is currently out of action until May with a hamstring injury sustained in the Champions League win at Borussia Dortmund earlier this month. However, Nedved is in no doubt that Juventus can cope without their midfield dynamo, who has bagged seven goals in 22 Serie A appearances this term. "We lose a lot because of his absence," the Ballon d'Or winner stated. "He has great quality. "But the rest of the squad know what they have to do to replace him." Indeed, Nedved was quick to point out that the France star is not the only exciting youngster in the Juve squad, with Alvaro Morata having been called up to the Spain squad after impressing in his debut season in Serie A following last summer's move from Madrid. "I like what he's doing and I'm happy about his national team selection," the 42-year-old said. "He deserved it. "He can become a world-class player and he's also a great boy."

Sturaro: I Can Help Juventus But I Can’t Do What Pirlo Does Apr 1, 2015 Juventus midfielder Stefano Sturaro believes that he possesses the quality to help strengthen the Old Lady’s midfield but insists that no one can ever take the place of Andrea Pirlo. The 22-year-old could be given more of a chance to shine on the pitch now that Claudio Marchisio may be out nursing an injury and he admits that while he’ll be looking forward to showcasing his talents, he’s still upset that his team-mate is injured. Sturaro spoke to giornalaccio rosa.it about his opportunity to prove himself in the Juventus squad and commented on his ability to change his position in the midfield, while also praising Juve legend Pirlo. “I have been able to benefit a little from Marchisio’s injury but I’m obviously still disappointed,” said the Italian. “It will be better for all of us if he can be able to play in the Champions League with the team. “I think I can play three different roles in the Juve midfield, although I would never be able to do what Pirlo does. “Nobody in this world can do what he does.”

Allegri: 'My greatest fear at Juventus...' Apr 1, 2015 Max Allegri reveals what his 'greatest fear' was when joining Juventus, and discusses the stadium and tactics. The Bianconeri boss took part in a Q&A session with the supporters, and much of the interview was focused on his experience when joining the club. “When I was first announced as Juventus Coach, I felt very happy, because I knew I was being given the opportunity to win. “But my greatest fear when joining the team was that I wouldn't be able to take a place in the heart of the tifosi, because I promised I'd do that by means of results. “Entering the Juventus Stadium is a unique emotion and I think our first home victory this year was the most important. The stadium is an extra resource for the team and for all of us. “As for our formation, it can change. We can play with three or four defenders and then modify it, but these are just details. “Our best game so far was against Lazio [3-0, November 22].” Finally, Allegri was asked whether he'd forgiven the supporters for their initial scepticism in his regards. “I certainly did. Forgiving was the right thing to do, because I think the reaction of the supporters to my appointment on July 16 was normal. “The month of July saw some very sudden changes for the club. It was only by means of hard work and respect for the tifosi that we did well this season, and now we must finish it at our very best, because we still haven't won anything. “We're not at the end of the championship, much less the Champions League or the Coppa Italia.”

Why Carlos Tevez Was Juventus' Standout Performer in March Apr 1, 2015 March was a superb month for Juventus, the Bianconeri recording some impressive results as the 2014-15 season nears its conclusion for the reigning Italian champions. Holding nearest rivals AS Roma to a draw at the start of the month, Massimiliano Allegri’s men followed that up with league wins over Sassuolo, Palermo and Genoa to open a 14 point lead over the rest of Serie A. That margin virtually guarantees the club will now lift a fourth consecutive domestic crown, and impressive performances in Europe have followed, with a quarter-final clash with AS Monaco awaiting them in April. To reach that stage, Juventus handily dispatched Borussia Dortmund, recording a 2-1 victory in Turin before travelling to Germany where they would register a comprehensive 3-0 win over Jurgen Klopp’s side. The 2012 finalists may not be at their best, but the ruthless efficiency shown by La Madama bodes well for the future, particularly as the likes of Arturo Vidal and Alvaro Morata hit their best form. Netting in both legs against Borussia Dortmund, the Spanish striker has taken his tally for the season to 11 goals in all competitions, quickly supplanting Fernando Llorente as the first-choice striker in Allegri’s 4-3-2-1 formation. Meanwhile, the previously struggling Vidal has slowly begun to perform at the world-class levels shown in his previous three seasons at the club, as discussed in this earlier column. Also crucial to that impressive string of results has been Andrea Barzagli’s comeback from the injuries which have kept him out of the side since last summer’s World Cup. With four clean sheets in his four appearances, the importance of the 33-year-old defender simply cannot be understated, once again adding an assured air to the Bianconeri back line. Yet even the contributions of that trio pale in significance compared to that made by Carlos Tevez, the play of the Argentinian striker essential to every positive performance by Juventus. It started with that 1-1 draw away to AS Roma, the 31-year-old opening the scoring with a beautiful free-kick to hand the visitors a 64th-minute lead. He would then lead from the front in the following two matches, his tireless running and infectious work ethic rubbing off on his team-mates, as the Bianconeri recorded narrow 1-0 wins over both Palermo and Sassuolo. While the goals came from Morata and Paul Pogba, Tevez’s presence was essential in each game and the side looks infinitely more threatening when the former Manchester City captain is on the field. That was never more accurate than in the win over Borussia Dortmund, a game in which Tevez was undoubtedly the key figure, scoring twice and creating the other in Juve’s three-goal victory. Playing the perfect counter-attacking game, Tevez scored with both his shots in the match, while his running was a constant thorn in the side of the German outfit. His excellent form continued in the team’s final March fixture, scoring yet another sublime goal to lift the Bianconeri over a resolute Genoa squad at Juventus Stadium. That strike took his tally for the campaign to 24 in all competitions, while he has also weighed in with a team-high eight assists, displaying an unselfish streak that typifies everything about his play since arriving in Turin in the summer of 2013. He may have missed a penalty in the game with Genoa that would have made the win more comfortable, but he had once again proven to be the difference-maker for Allegri’s side, but after the game the conversation immediately turned to the fact his contract expires next summer. “I am happy here and everyone knows that,” Tevez told Sky Italia shortly after the final whistle (h/t Football Italia). “I don’t want to talk about my future, as I am giving my all for Juventus.” That discussion is likely to continue until he either signs a new deal or leaves the club, and was the topic of this previous column. Nevertheless, with those superb displays to his name, Carlos Tevez was undoubtedly the standout performer for Juventus in March, and deserves huge credit for the impact he continues to have.

Nedved: 'Monaco play best away' Apr 1, 2015 Juventus director Pavel Nedved believes Monaco are 'most dangerous when playing away', whilst he also discusses Spanish interest in Paul Pogba. The Bianconeri will be carrying the hopes of Serie A two weeks from now when hosting Monaco for the Champions League quarter-finals, and their former Ballon d'Or winner gave his perspective in an interview with Spanish publication El Mundo Deportivo. “In the Champions League we could have squared off against much stronger opponents, but we shouldn't underestimate Monaco,” Nedved has considered. “I saw their game against Arsenal and they impressed me. “They're most dangerous when playing away, rather than at home. We cannot depend on the home leg.” When asked which team he would rather not face, Nedved was categorical. “Neither Barcelona nor Bayern. Not on your life. The farther away from us, the better. “They're the best two teams in Europe and the favourites to win this Champions League. They're playing a superior level of football and they're achieving some great results. “Real Madrid are no longer what they were last year, but they deserve great respect. They can change many things over one month.” The 42-year-old was also asked about Pogba, who is being touted for a possible transfer to Barcelona and Real Madrid. “We know that Barcelona and other big clubs want him, but he has a contract with us. As for his injury, while he's a player of the utmost quality, we should not weep over spilt milk. We have a great squad to make up for the loss. “With regards to [Alvaro] Morata, I like what he's doing and I'm glad he was called up for the national team. He can become a champion and he's a really good person as well.”

Inter Volunteer To Return Two Scudetto’s To Juve Apr 1, 2015 Reports have come to light that Inter have stepped forward and volunteered to return the Scudetto which was controversially awarded to them in the 2005-06 season as well as compensate Juventus for the title stripped of them in 2004-05. After Juventus were involved in the infamous Calciopoli scandal in 2006, the club were relegated by the FIGC on top of having their previous two league titles taken from them, one of which was handed to Inter who had only finished third place that year. However, after years of turmoil surrounding the subject, and the Bianconeri’s recent push towards re-claiming their lost titles along with a €443 million lawsuit against the FIGC in hand, inside reports suggest that Inter president Erick Thohir has reached out to both parties in order to find a solution. Thohir is said to have proposed a deal in which he is willing to give back the title that Inter were handed, and in addition to reimburse any losses that the Old Lady suffered from the other Serie A title. Andrea Agnelli, president of Juventus will now reportedly take Thohir up on this offer, and is set to join the fellow businessman in Rome along side Carlo Tavecchio to further discuss the matter. It is conceivable that the deal shall be concluded within the next few days. Happy April Fools Day!

Gervinho: Juventus Are Much Better Than Roma Apr 1, 2015 Roma forward Gervinho has admitted that the Serie A title will now be extremely difficult to win due the difference in quality between themselves and Juventus. The Scudetto is now well out of reach for the Giallorossi as they are 14 points adrift of the Bianconeri, however the Ivory Coast international has reinforced his team’s desire to obtain a place in the Champions League places. “It will be extremely difficult for us to win the league now,” said the 27-year-old when speaking to AfricaTopSports.com “There is a huge difference between us and Juventus but we are going to fight hard to get back into the Champions League.” The 27-year-old has also given his opinion on his Roma team-mate and fellow Ivorian Seydou Doumbia who as so far struggled to make much of an impact at the Stadio Olimpico. “I am not worried about Doumbia, he has experienced a complete change in the type of league football and he needs time to adapt. “It is not going to be easy for him but I know his qualities and what he is capable of. Once he has settled in then he will give us a big helping hand.” Roma currently occupy second place in Serie A although are only one point ahead of their arch rivals Lazio. http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

Allegri set for Juventus renewal Mar 31, 2015 Massimiliano Allegri and Claudio Marchisio are both reportedly set for new contracts at Juventus when the season ends. The Old Lady are 14 points clear at the top of Serie A, and are still competing in both the Champions League and Coppa Italia. The ownership of the Turin giants has clearly been impressed by this campaign, with SportMediaset reporting that Allegri will be handed a one year contract extension. The former Milan boss’s current deal expires in June of 2016, and the news outlet reports that he will now stay until the end of the following season. Marchisio, meanwhile, will be tied to the club until 2019, effectively ensuring that he’ll end his career in Bianconero. The 29-year-old is a product of the Juventus youth system, and has made almost 300 appearances for the club since making his debut in 2006.

'Juventus could bankrupt FIGC' Mar 31, 2015 Federation President Carlo Tavecchio discusses Juventus’ Calciopoli lawsuit - ‘the FIGC would go bankrupt’. The final verdicts in the long running scandal were handed down by the criminal courts last week, with former Juventus directors Luciano Moggi and Antonio Giraudo acquitted on some charges, but not others. The club is seeking €443m in damages from the Federation in a civil trial, citing loss of income, loss of players and damage to reputation for a scandal in which they believe they were unfairly singled out. “I’ve always had great respect and affection for Turin,” Tavecchio told Tuttosport, a newspaper based in the city. “Turin is also where the Federation was born [in 1898]. I supported Inter… well I no longer cheer for them but you know… however, I’ve always had a soft spot for Torino, for their history and tradition. “Also, I was one of the few Inter fans who weren’t offended when Juve won. “The thing that troubled me, though not personally, is the civil trial by Juventus, claiming €443m. How can that not be a problem? “How can you go to lunch with someone, meanwhile they’re claiming €443m in damages from you? I don’t know how my predecessors did it. “Every time I’ve met with [Juventus President Andrea] Agnelli he’s shown himself to be open to things, but we never went into details. “We waited for the judgement of all levels of the Calciopoli courts. As for the liability action, Juventus have no chance after the Supreme Court ruling. “The matter is closed. For other things, we’ll have to see. “Other teams phoned the referees? It’s one thing to make calls to protest, it’s another to call to make agreements. The judgements are very clear. “You can say that these things have been refuted in criminal law, but in sports it’s another thing. I have thought of everything and more regarding calls to the referees. “The analysis by the Supreme Court shows that there were deliberate actions by the two Juventus directors. “We don’t know the motivations [of the court for its decisions]? Sure, but in the meantime there have been convictions… or rather the statute of limitations came into effect, but the offence took place, from what I've read… “I repeat, two directors from Juve, not from [amateur team] Bordighera. “I’m not trying to block anything, what interests me now is the question of instability. The FIGC would go bankrupt if we gave Juventus that €443m. “I’d rather just shake hands with Juve and tell everyone to tone it down, but I can’t do that. The FIGC has a dignity which we must get back. “We’re servants to everyone, but slaves to no-one. “Even Juventus have an interest [in the FIGC], with their players being in the national team, to set one party apart from everyone is useless. “We just have to get rid of the claim for damages, then there’s nothing stopping us evaluating the rules and arguments that Juve believe should be evaluated. “We are the first to understand that when you win a title on the field you have a right to it. The pre-Calciopoli Juventus did not need to win in court. “[but] I have only one goal, to find an agreement with Juventus on the matter of the appeal [for damages]. Don’t put the cart before the horse. “The big battle is the litigation, not the Scudetti.”