Socrates

BORUSSIA D. - JUVENTUS Wednesday, March 18th, 2015 - 08:45 p.m. Signal-Iduna-Park Westfalenstadion, Dortmund Referee:‬ Milorad Mazic (Serbia) Buffon: ‘Allegri brave to take over’ Mar 17, 2015 Gigi Buffon admits Juventus’ 14 point Serie A lead is ‘a lot’, and says Max Allegri was ‘brave’ to take over from Antonio Conte. The Bianconeri stretched their lead at the top of the table this weekend, beating Palermo in Sicily before seeing Roma go down 2-0 at home to Sampdoria. “Is the Scudetto won? Well, a lead of 14 points is a lot,” Buffon admitted in an interview with Sky. “Few thought we could do this, repeat this feat for a fourth time in a row. “I’m happy for myself, for the players and for the fans, but also for Allegri. “Only a brave man would take over Juventus after three Scudetti in a row, because probably no-one - including ourselves - thought we could do it again.” The Italian international was speaking in Germany as Juventus prepare to face Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League, and the goalkeeper believes the Old Lady have progressed on the European stage. “The first game told us that we’re a good team who can play good football against anyone, and at times impose our game too. “I think Borussia are one of the five or six best teams in Europe, so the fact that we played an even game with them, and in some instances were even better is a good sign. “That said, we must do it again and confirm these things tomorrow.”

BORUSSIA D. - JUVENTUS Wednesday, March 18th, 2015 - 08:45 p.m. Signal-Iduna-Park Westfalenstadion, Dortmund Referee:‬ Milorad Mazic (Serbia) Dortmund face 'one of football's biggest challenges' against Juventus, says Klopp The coach feels that taking on an Italian side who only need a draw to reach the quarter-finals of the Champions League represents an almighty task. Mar 17, 2015 Jurgen Klopp believes Borussia Dortmund face one of the "biggest challenges in football" as they look to overcome a 2-1 deficit to beat Juventus in the second leg of their Champions League last-16 tie. The Bundesliga side host Massimiliano Allegri's men on Wednesday having suffered defeat in Turin two weeks ago and Klopp believes there is no greater task than taking on an Italian side who only need a draw to progress. "To reach the quarter-final you have to put in one outstanding performance," the BVB boss told reporters. "We did not have one of those in the first leg. "We face one of the biggest challenges in football - to win against an Italian side who only need a draw. "If you have to lose away from home, you want to lose 2-1. So we are still in a good position. It is up to us. "Juventus will be organised and defend with discipline. We must avoid conceding, although if we did the game wouldn't be over. They are a strong team, but not unbeatable "We still know how to score. Two weeks ago, people were saying we 'buried' Schalke. Now, we've gone two games without goals, we are 'back in crisis'. That's too easy."

BORUSSIA D. - JUVENTUS Wednesday, March 18th, 2015 - 08:45 p.m. Signal-Iduna-Park Westfalenstadion, Dortmund Referee:‬ Milorad Mazic (Serbia) Allegri: Juventus must score at Dortmund The coach insists his side cannot afford to play for a draw at Signal Iduna Park as they look to secure a place in the Champions League last eight. Mar 17, 2015 Massimiliano Allegri insists Juventus cannot play for a draw when they take on Borussia Dortmund in Wednesday's Champions League last-16 second leg. The Italian side have a 2-1 lead from their first-leg win in Turin and travel to Germany to take on Jurgen Klopp's men to conclude the tie. And Allegri maintains his side cannot set out to merely contain their rivals and is hoping to get another win to send them through to the quarter finals. "We have a 2-1 advantage from the first leg and are aware of the difficulties posed by the game, as are Dortmund," he told reporters. "It will be a great game and I honestly can't see it ending 0-0. "I think we'll need to score at least once to go through. In the first leg we didn't allow them a shot on goal, Dortmund only scored from our mistake. They have plenty of pace in their squad and we must put in a good technical performance and strike their weak areas. "I still have some doubts over tomorrow's team and need to decide whether we play three or four at the back." The Turin side are top of Serie A and are still in the fight for the Coppa Italia as well as the European competition and Allegri feels his side are in a strong position as they look to secure a treble. "We're now in the final straight. We want to get through to the next round and we have the league to wrap up. There's also the Coppa Italia, where we'll be aiming to overturn the first leg defeat when we play Fiorentina. "Claudio Marchisio is enjoying a great season and is one of the best midfielders in Europe. Andrea Barzagli's in great shape. He played very well in Palermo and I'm happy to welcome back a player we have missed."

BORUSSIA D. - JUVENTUS Wednesday, March 18th, 2015 - 08:45 p.m. Signal-Iduna-Park Westfalenstadion, Dortmund Referee:‬ Milorad Mazic (Serbia) Hummels: ‘Wary of counter-attacks' Mar 17, 2015 Mats Hummels admits Borussia Dortmund will be wary of Juventus' counter-attacks when the two meet tomorrow. The Champions League Last 16 tie is finely poised at 2-1 in the Bianconeri’s favour, and Hummels says he and his teammates must be wary of being hit on the break. “We can’t play this as if it were a League game,” Hummels said in the pre-match Press conference. “That would be the wrong approach, we can’t focus too much on attack. 1-0 could be enough, we’ll try to avoid counter-attacks. “We’ll try to impose our own game. “First of all we have to make the most of our chances, we didn't create much [in the first leg], so when we get into the last third we have to shoot at the goal. “We have a lot of attacking players, so we’ll definitely have more chances. “Juventus proved in the first leg that they have the ability to get their attacking players into good positions. “Carlos Tevez and Morata, are a dangerous pair, the latter has improved since he was at Real Madrid. “They also have quality in midfield, I’ve watched 25 videos of Pogba shooting! “We know what their strengths are, but we’ll try to limit them as best we can.”

BORUSSIA D. - JUVENTUS Wednesday, March 18th, 2015 - 08:45 p.m. Signal-Iduna-Park Westfalenstadion, Dortmund Referee:‬ Milorad Mazic (Serbia) Buffon: ‘Pleasure to face Dortmund’ Mar 17, 2015 Gianluigi Buffon describes playing at Westfalenstadion as ‘a pleasure’ and says it can inspire Juventus. The Bianconeri are in Germany to contest the second leg of their Champions League Last 16 tie with Borussia Dortmund, and the club captain says he’s looking forward to playing in one of Europe’s most passionate stadiums. “It’s always a pleasure, it’s never a trivial game when you play here,” Buffon told reporters in the pre-match Press conference. “To play in a such a temple of football where you’ve been a protagonist with other teammates at club and international level is always exciting. “The passion of their support is undeniable, but their are different ways to play a game. “If the fans at this stadium start to get nervous at 90 minutes or 120 minutes, that’s something that the home team will feel, but also something that can inspire a team which comes to play here, especially if you have already experienced certain situations and have a little experience.”

BORUSSIA D. - JUVENTUS Wednesday, March 18th, 2015 - 08:45 p.m. Signal-Iduna-Park Westfalenstadion, Dortmund Referee:‬ Milorad Mazic (Serbia) Allegri: ‘We have to score’ Mar 17, 2015 Coach Massimiliano Allegri says Juventus have to score in Dortmund as 'it's unlikely to end 0-0'. The Bianconeri hold a 2-1 lead from the first leg of the Champions League Last 16 tie, so a goalless game would see them advance, but the former Milan tactician says that’s unlikely. “We start with a 2-1 advantage from the first leg,” Allegri reminded journalists in his pre-match Press conference. “We know how difficult the game will be, but so do Borussia. We must do everything right, from every point of view. I hope it’ll be a good game. “It’s unlikely to end 0-0, so we need two goals to go through. “In the first leg we didn’t allow them a shot on goal, and Borussia scored because [Giorgio] Chiellini slipped, while we had several chances to score. “We have to know what Borussia’s qualities are, they have great pace and pressing, we’ll have to make very few mistakes tomorrow and hit them where they have weaknesses.”

BORUSSIA D. - JUVENTUS Wednesday, March 18th, 2015 - 08:45 p.m. Signal-Iduna-Park Westfalenstadion, Dortmund Referee:‬ Milorad Mazic (Serbia) No Barzagli for Dortmund Mar 17, 2015 Juventus will reportedly start with a back four in tomorrow’s Champions League match with Borussia Dortmund. There had been speculation that Andrea Barzagli’s return to action would see Coach Massimiliano Allegri opt for a 3-5-2 at Westfalenstadion, as the Bianconeri aim for the Quarter Finals. However, Sky reports that after today’s training session at Vinovo, Allegri has decided to stick with his 4-3-1-2 shape, with Barzagli starting on the bench. Giorgio Chiellini and Leonardo Bonucci are likely to partner each other in defence, with Patrice Evra and Stephan Lichtsteiner on either side. At the other end of the pitch, Fernando Llorente is expected to be left out in favour of Alvaro Morata, with the latter supported by Carlos Tevez. Andrea Pirlo has lost his battle to be fit for the match, so Roberto Pereyra will join Arturo Vidal, Claudio Marchisio and Paul Pogba in midfield. Probable Juventus line-up to face Borussia Dortmund Buffon Lichtsteiner, Bonucci, Chiellini, Evra Pereyra, Marchisio, Pogba Vidal Tevez, Morata

BORUSSIA D. - JUVENTUS Wednesday, March 18th, 2015 - 08:45 p.m. Signal-Iduna-Park Westfalenstadion, Dortmund Referee:‬ Milorad Mazic (Serbia) Juventus name squad for Dortmund Mar 17, 2015 Massimiliano Allegri has named his Juventus squad to take on Borussia Dortmund tomorrow, with Paul Pogba included. Pogba had been a doubt for the game, but the Frenchman trained with his teammates earlier today and has been included in the 21-man squad. Kingsley Coman is also named in the party after after missing Saturday’s trip to Palermo, but Andrea Pirlo is not sufficiently recovered from a thigh injury to travel. With speculation that Allegri will field a 3-5-2 system for tomorrow’s Champions League Last 16 clash, Andrea Barzagli makes the journey after completing his first 90 minutes of the season in Sicily. Juventus squad for Borussia Dortmund: Buffon, Chiellini, Ogbonna, Pogba, Pepe, Marchisio, Morata, Tevez, Coman, Llorente, Barzagli, Bonucci, Padoin, Vidal, Vitale, Lichtsteiner, Storari, Matri, Evra, Rubinho, Pereyra.

BORUSSIA D. - JUVENTUS Wednesday, March 18th, 2015 - 08:45 p.m. Signal-Iduna-Park Westfalenstadion, Dortmund Referee:‬ Milorad Mazic (Serbia) Pogba fit for Dortmund Mar 17, 2015 Paul Pogba has trained with Juventus this afternoon, easing fears that he could miss tomorrow’s Dortmund tie. The Bianconeri will face Jurgen Klopp’s men without the services of Andrea Pirlo, and it had been feared that Pogba too could miss the Champions League Last 16 tie after ending training early yesterday. The French midfielder was suffering from a slight muscular discomfort, but has trained with the rest of his teammates at Vinovo this morning, and will fly to Germany with the squad later, reports ANSA. The team will fly to Dortmund from Turin’s Caselle airport at 15.30 this afternoon, before Gianluigi Buffon and Massimiliano Allegri face the media this evening. The Old Lady hold a 2-1 advantage from the first leg, and will progress to the Quarter Finals with a draw tomorrow night.

BORUSSIA D. - JUVENTUS Wednesday, March 18th, 2015 - 08:45 p.m. Signal-Iduna-Park Westfalenstadion, Dortmund Referee:‬ Milorad Mazic (Serbia) Juventus have proved they can cope without Pirlo The loss of their key playmaker is a blow for the Bianconeri, but they have regularly proven they can play without him. Mar 17, 2015 By Kris Voakes | International Football Correspondent That wonderful free-kick against Olympiakos, the equally stunning set-piece at Empoli, the long-range drive against Atalanta and the unforgettable late winner in the Turin derby… There are plenty of reasons to believe Andrea Pirlo is still at the very top of his game. As such, it will have come as a devastating blow to many Juventus fans to hear that the metronomic playmaker has been ruled out of Wednesday’s crucial Champions League round of 16 second-leg clash at Borussia Dortmund. But there are good omens to be taken into account with Pirlo’s absences this season not having rocked the Bianconeri nearly as much as one might have thought. In fact, they have recorded a greater win percentage in the 16 games he has missed this term than in the 22 matches in which he has featured. They are also scoring two goals per game without Pirlo compared to 1.86 with him, and have conceded just 0.44 goals on average when the Italy international has been sidelined against 0.77 with him in the side. His experience will of course be missed in the pressure-cooker atmosphere of Signal Iduna Park, but such statistics suggest that Juve could just as easily thrive from the increased mobility of Claudio Marchisio in the midfield pivot role. One thing that should be noted from the facts and figures is that Pirlo has only played a part in one Juventus defeat all season. While he turned in his poorest performance in many a year in the Bianconeri’s ignominious loss at Olympiakos in the Champions League, that 1-0 result in Greece stands out as the sole reverse in the 35-year-old’s 22 appearances this term. Juve’s other three defeats, against Atletico Madrid, Genoa and Fiorentina in the Champions League, Serie A and the Coppa Italia respectively, have numbered among the 16 matches in which they did not have Pirlo to call upon. That’s one loss in every 5.33 matches, making defeat four times more likely in the midfielder’s absence. One thing that is for certain is that Juventus will face one of their biggest tests in recent years in Dortmund on Wednesday. And while they would have much preferred to be defending their 2-1 first-leg lead with Pirlo in tow, their 11 wins without him this season represent reasons to believe in a Bianconeri success.

BORUSSIA D. - JUVENTUS Wednesday, March 18th, 2015 - 08:45 p.m. Signal-Iduna-Park Westfalenstadion, Dortmund Referee:‬ Milorad Mazic (Serbia) Something Between Superman And Batman: Juventus’ Buffon V Borussia Dortmund Buffon has produced some superhuman performances at Signal Iduna Park during his near 20-year career. Now the legendary goalkeeper will look to repeat these heroics again on Wednesday night. Mar 17, 2015 Since famously keeping a clean sheet against an all-conquering AC Milan on his professional debut for Parma on November 19, 1995, Italy and Juventus captain Gianluigi Buffon has come to be considered among the greatest goalkeepers ever to have graced the game. After succeeding Luca Bucci as the No.1 at the Stadio Ennio Tardini, Greg Burke in Parma: Notes from a Year in Serie A charts the rise of Buffon during the 1997-98 season and how he started to become known as ‘Superman.’ Burke recalls that the then 20-year-old would wear a Superman t-shirt underneath his jersey, which a woman from Naples had sent him not as a good-luck charm, but simply because he claimed to like the colours. However, he also acquired his moniker for his performances on the pitch with a spectacular penalty save against Ronaldo on March 8, 1998, as Parma knocked Inter out of second place in Serie A highlighted as the pivotal moment. But Buffon was also earning such superhuman superlatives earlier in the season, including an outstanding individual performance for the Ducali against Dortmund in a Champions League group match at the Westfalenstadion on November 5 1997. Die Schwarzgelben had upset Juventus to win the tournament the previous season and were coached by Nevio Scala, who had taken Parma to Serie A from Serie B and then guided them to the Cup Winners’ Cup and UEFA Cup in the middle of the 1990s. Former Juventus players Andreas Moeller and Paulo Sousa controlled the match that ended in a 2–0 win for the German side, however the score could have ended in a bigger margin had it not been for Parma’s young goalkeeper penalty heroics. Buffon saved a first-half penalty from Swiss striker Stephane Chapuisat and also got his hands to Moeller’s later spot-kick, but was unable to stop the Germany international from scoring on the rebound. In Italy there is a deep-rooted culture of giving numerical ‘marks,’ which originated from the school system and has since been universalised by journalists awarding marks out of 10 for individual players, coaches and referees after every match. La pagella (the report card) from the Dortmund test in the leading newspapers the following morning was damning, with plenty of mediocre fives and sixes awarded to the majority of Parma players. However, La giornalaccio rosa dello Sport and Rome daily La Repubblica both gave Buffon an impressive eight, a very rare mark only given for producing decisive moments in important games. “Somebody who stops two penalty shots at Dortmund can do absolutely anything,” La giornalaccio rosa dello Sport gushed. “The next Michael Jordan, or something between Superman and Batman. He [buffon] has only got to choose. Parma hopes he continues to be a footballer.” Buffon would continue his career in Turin moving to Juventus for a then world record fee for a goalkeeper of €45 million in 2001, and has since continued to pull off miracle stops, deny certain goals and win valuable points for Juventus. He has, of course, also come to the rescue of Italy on countless occasions, including the 2006 World Cup semi-final against Germany at the Signal Iduna Park when the Azzurri became the first side to defeat the hosts in Dortmund. Before Fabio Grosso and Alessandro Del Piero became national heroes with last-gasp goals in extra time, Buffon had raced out of his goal faster than a speeding bullet to deny Miroslav Klose and later stop Lukas Podolski with a brilliant one-handed save. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BlovKMAtzx4 Buffon was almost unbeatable behind the best defence in the competition, conceding a record low of just two goals, but it was his leadership that came to the forefront with his booming voice commanding a constantly changing back-four throughout the tournament. This combination of communication and reactions will be essential again amidst the noise and spectacle provided by the Sudtribune when ‘Superman’ returns to the Ruhr for the Champions League Round of 16 second leg against Dortmund on Wednesday. Dortmund may have been held to consecutive scoreless draws in their last two Bundesliga matches, but Buffon will still need to be ready to come to the rescue with the tie delicately poised at 2–1 after the first leg.

BORUSSIA D. - JUVENTUS Wednesday, March 18th, 2015 - 08:45 p.m. Signal-Iduna-Park Westfalenstadion, Dortmund Referee:‬ Milorad Mazic (Serbia) Buffon is Juventus' weakest link, says Kohler The former defender feels the 37-year-old has become a liability and expects BVB to book their ticket for the last eight. Mar 17, 2015 Jurgen Kohler has singled out Gianluigi Buffon as Juventus' weak link ahead of their Champions League encounter with Borussia Dortmund. The Bundesliga outfit were beaten 2-1 in the first leg of the round-of-16 tie, but Kohler feels the Serie A champions are vulnerable at the back and expects BVB to turn things around. "I am confident BVB will qualify for the quarter-finals. Juventus might be top of the Serie A table but they have a number of weaknesses," Kohler - who played for both Juventus and Dortmund during his career - told Bild. "Buffon once was an extraordinary goalkeeper, but he is no longer the shot stopper he once was. He has been making quite a few mistakes lately. Juventus are vulnerable in defence. "The result of the first leg is a very dangerous one for Juventus. Dortmund are always capable of punishing them if they sit too deep. Players like Marco Reus and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang can score a goal from out of nowhere. "My prediction? I think Dortmund will go 3-0 up and eventually win the match 3-1." Juventus will be without Andrea Pirlo in Wednesday's return at the Signal Iduna Park after he failed to recover in time from a calf injury, while Nuri Sahin is unavailable for BVB.

BORUSSIA D. - JUVENTUS Wednesday, March 18th, 2015 - 08:45 p.m. Signal-Iduna-Park Westfalenstadion, Dortmund Referee:‬ Milorad Mazic (Serbia) Klopp: Signal Iduna Park Will Bring Goosebumps To Juventus Mar 17, 2015 As the heated Champions League second leg match between Borussia Dortmund and Juventus nears, Dortmund coach Jurgen Klopp feels that Signal Iduna Park’s atmosphere will highly favour his team’s efforts. The Bianconeri are up 2-1 on aggregate against the Schwarzgelben thanks to goals from Carlos Tevez and Alvaro Morata in the first encounter at the Juventus Stadium, and the goal from Marco Reus has kept the German side’s hopes alive. “I do not know if it will be an exciting match to the very end,” said Klopp to the press. “But if we create tension, it will mean that we will still be in the running.” The 47-year-old continued by expressing the great moments that the club has experienced at home in recent years of European competition. “Our stadium is a special place that offers special moments,” he said. “It’s really the greatest thing in this club, and each time I go there I feel the goosebumps.” The two sides met in the 1997 final in Munich where Dortmund eventually came out 3-1 victors.

BORUSSIA D. - JUVENTUS Wednesday, March 18th, 2015 - 08:45 p.m. Signal-Iduna-Park Westfalenstadion, Dortmund Referee:‬ Milorad Mazic (Serbia) Borussia Dortmund V Juventus — Preview: The Bianconeri’s Date With Destiny Mar 17, 2015 Juventus travel to Germany at the Signal Iduna Park on Wednesday night, with the hopes of sealing their Champions League quarter-final berth against Borussia Dortmund. Juventus won the first leg 2–1, leaving the match evenly poised. Indeed, Marco Reus’ away goal is sure to keep the Bianconeri extra vigilant in Wednesday’s clash. Juventus will face an important midweek Champions League test; after ruling the roost in Serie A the Bianconeri must now prove their worth in Europe. Often pilloried for their nervousness and unconvincing performances over the last few seasons, Juventus now have a chance to silence their critics should they qualify against Dortmund. Massimiliano Allegri will have to do so without Andrea Pirlo however, who was ruled out by the injury he had sustained in the first leg. To compensate for his absence and with the return of Andrea Barzagli, the Juventus coach would be setting up with a 3-5-2 when he travels to Germany. The hero of the first leg, Alvaro Morata will feature from the start and Claudio Marchisio will deputise for the injured Pirlo. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, who had his issues in front of goal on the weekend as Dortmund drew 0–0 with Koln, will lead the attack in favor of ex-Torino man Ciro Immobile. The off-form Henrikh Mkhitaryan is also expected to drop to the bench. Surprisingly it will be Kevin Kampl to take his place, even ahead of Japanese international Shinji Kagawa. All eyes will be on Dortmund’s star man Reus of course, with the German having already won the initial round of his personal battle against Gianluigi Buffon. Form Guide: Borussia Dortmund (W-W-W-W-D-D) Juventus (W-D-W-D-W-W) Expected Starting XIs Juventus (3-5-2): Buffon; Barzagli, Bonucci, Chiellini; Lichtsteiner, Vidal, Marchisio, Pogba, Evra; Tevez, Morata. Borussia Dortmund (4-2-3-1): Weidenfeller; Kirch, Subotic, Hummels, Schmelzer; Sahin, Gundogan; Blaszczykowski, Kampl, Reus; Aubameyang.

BORUSSIA D. - JUVENTUS Wednesday, March 18th, 2015 - 08:45 p.m. Signal-Iduna-Park Westfalenstadion, Dortmund Referee:‬ Milorad Mazic (Serbia) Borussia Dortmund - Juventus Preview: Klopp looks for dramatic finish to last-16 tie The BVB boss feels an exciting end to the game will mean his side have a good chance of going through against the Italian champions. Mar 17, 2015 Borussia Dortmund coach Jurgen Klopp says he would welcome a dramatic conclusion to his side's Champions League last-16 clash with Juventus. The Bundesliga side fell to a 2-1 defeat in Turin three weeks ago, with Carlos Tevez and Alvaro Morata scoring either side of an 18th-minute Marco Reus effort. The result leaves Dortmund needing to beat Juve on Wednesday, but the German side have suffered defeat in their last three home meetings with the Serie A giants. "I don't know if it needs to be exciting until the end, but if it gets dramatic, that means we are still in the race at that point – and that would be positive," Klopp told uefa.com . Until that first-leg clash with Juve, the Champions League had been a rare source of positivity for Dortmund, who spent the first half of their domestic campaign battling at the bottom end of the table, but Klopp insists he never questioned his side's playing style. "Well, it's okay to ask questions [of yourself], but not to put our system into question," he added. "It's not as dogmatic as it may seem: the players are not told to give the ball to the opposition so we have a chance to win it back – that's just nonsense. "Even in the first part of the season there were a few good games, and we gained some confidence in the Champions League by winning matches. "So we are not like a rabbit in the headlights, just standing there, shivering, unable to perform." Meetings between Dortmund and Juve have been relatively rare, but the last one before the first leg of this tie proved memorable for the former, as Karl-Heinz Riedle scored twice and Lars Ricken was on target in a 3-1 triumph against Juve in the 1996-97 Champions League final. Dortmund's name has not been engraved on the trophy since then, with their Wembley defeat to Bayern two years ago the closest they have come. Juve's wait has been longer - the Italians were the holders when Dortmund won it - and Massimiliano Allegri will be without the services of the influential Andrea Pirlo after the midfielder failed a fitness test on Monday. Martin Caceres is also sidelined having undergone ankle surgery last week, while Dortmund are unlikely to risk Kevin Grosskreutz (hamstring) and Nuri Sahin (groin). OPTA FACTS After having won their first four Champions League games this season, Borussia Dortmund are now winless in their last three (D1 L2). The last time Juventus faced Borussia Dortmund in Germany was in the 1997 Champions League final at Munich’s Olympiastadion. The Turin side lost 3-1. Dortmund have never kept a clean sheet against Juventus in their eight competitive encounters. Borussia Dortmund have won 11 of their last 14 Champions League games at home (D1 L2). Dortmund have only failed to score once in their last 19 Champions League outings at the Westfalenstadion, it was in November 2013 against Arsenal (0-1). Dortmund’s Champions League record against Italian sides is perfectly balanced: five wins and five defeats. 14 of Dortmund’s 15 Champions League goals this season have been scored from open play. Juventus have lost five of their last seven away games in the Champions League (W1 D1). LAST FIVE MATCHES Borussia Dortmund D D W W L 3/14/15 Borussia Dortmund 0 - 0 Köln 3/7/15 Hamburger 0 - 0 Borussia Dortmund 3/3/15 Dynamo Dresden 0 - 2 Borussia Dortmund 2/28/15 Borussia Dortmund 3 - 0 Schalke 2/24/15 Juventus 2 - 1 Borussia Dortmund Juventus W W L D W 3/14/15 Palermo 0 - 1 Juventus 3/9/15 Juventus 1 - 0 Sassuolo 3/5/15 Juventus 1 - 2 Fiorentina 3/2/15 Roma 1 - 1 Juventus 2/24/15 Juventus 2 - 1 Borussia Dortmund HEAD TO HEAD 2/24/15 Juventus 2 - 1 Borussia Dortmund

BORUSSIA D. - JUVENTUS Wednesday, March 18th, 2015 - 08:45 p.m. Signal-Iduna-Park Westfalenstadion, Dortmund Referee:‬ Milorad Mazic (Serbia) Beating Borussia Dortmund fundamental for ambitious Juventus Mar 16, 2015 For the prestige of Calcio, for the financial rewards and for the development of the team, Juventus must do enough against Borussia Dortmund on Wednesday evening to ensure they qualify for the quarterfinals of the Champions League. Domestic success means little to a side that continues to collect points with ease and with no true challenger piling on the pressure. For the side to grow on a commercial level and make the type of money that will guarantee better squads and a better brand, Juventus need European success. And this season, they have a chance to move forward in the competition. This is the worst Borussia Dortmund side we've seen in recent years. Void of any attacking ideas that don't include space and fast counter-attacks, Koln should have finished them off and grabbed success on Saturday. However, what they did do, is help the Bianconeri prepare for the test, giving Massimiliano Allegri ideas as to how to set up his team to ensure a clean sheet. One thing Allegri tested in the first leg, and Koln's Peter Stoger proved again over the weekend, is that BVB do not like possession and have yet to show their ability to create chances from open play when space is restricted. Too often they look bereft of ideas as to how to overcome stern defences, and become obsessed with funnelling all their chances through the middle. "We tried to close the middle and we knew BVB would try to play through it anyway," Stoger explained in his post-match comments. Dortmund's lack of width and insistence on repeating their mistakes is the reason they're suffering this season. Opponents are forcing them to evolve tactically and unless they stop resisting, their struggles will continue. A draw is all Juventus need and thus can afford to go to Westfalenstadion and play as the away side. At the end of the first leg, the two sides shared possession equally. But until the final third of the match, the Bianconeri forced Die Schwarzgelben to have the ball and create. Pushing forward in numbers in hopes of pressing Juve's centre-backs and provoking mistakes, BVB left space and gaps at the back for the Old Lady to exploit via a quick counter-attack. Much like they did this weekend against Koln. Using the skills of Carlos Tevez and the pace of Alvaro Morata, Juve had the weapons necessary to score twice. Sadly the Bianconeri will be without Andrea Pirlo. And while his removal from the match proved to be a blessing in disguise in the first leg, it would have been better if he was fit for the second leg, to at least offer an alternative game plan. Nonetheless, Claudio Marchisio has proved to be a hit in this role, while his dynamic style of play and understanding of tactics ensures defensive solidity as well as offensive beauty. The question is, upon which formation will Allegri rely on Wednesday? Early indications in training show that the coach is undecided between a 3-5-2 formation and the now-familiar 4-3-1-2 shape. With Andrea Barzagli back in the squad, it is thought his presence would offer defensive security in a 3-5-2 formation, especially through the middle, and thus allow the side to sit and defend before counter-attacking with strength. The strategy is perhaps the right plan as Juventus don't need to be proactive and Allegri's main concern is that Germans don't score. Clean sheets win you trophies and he's keen to play it safe away from home. The question is, is Barzagli really ready to be depended upon? If he commits one mistake and Juventus concede a goal, then the 3-5-2 isn't the best shape to encourage attacking fluidity. By contrast, the 4-3-1-2 has revived the Old Lady from an attacking point of view, allowing for dynamism and numerous points of creation. Deployed in this formation, BVB will have to live with the fear that their defensive line will struggle to contain Juve's attacking power, making an early goal is a very real possibility. Positioned in this more courageous shape, and an away goal is virtually scored even if on a defensive level, there may be problems. Why not combine the two? Allegri has shown how to alter the formations midway through the match, while his tactical substitutions have proven to be excellent. He can always start with the 4-3-1-2 shape, attempt to get the away goal when energy is still high, then revert to the 3-5-2 towards the end to manage the result and close out the match. Only he will know what is best. And the hope is that Juventus take advantage of their position and the weaknesses of their opponent to secure qualification. There are no more challenges to be found in the domestic league, it's time to conquer Europe or at least build experience.

BORUSSIA D. - JUVENTUS Wednesday, March 18th, 2015 - 08:45 p.m. Signal-Iduna-Park Westfalenstadion, Dortmund Referee:‬ Milorad Mazic (Serbia) BORUSSIA DORTMUND – JUVENTUS CHAMPIONS LEAGUE PREVIEW Mar 16, 2015 Juventus The 2-1 Juventus victory in the first leg was a great step forward for this Juve squad. There was however one big fat exception to the success of that day – Borussia Dortmund’s goal. Marco Reus, one of the best players in the world, was given free reign over Juve’s half after Giorgio Chiellini slipped, and a player like Reus isn’t going to blow a chance like that. The away goal, in some ways not indicative of the general performance of Dortmund’s attack, keeps this tie very close going into the second leg. Juve have been scraping out 1-0 wins in recent games, largely due to moment of individual skill or ingenuity. Still, they have generally stepped up to the European level ever since that win versus Olympiakos in the fall. Given the stakes of this game, and the fact that Dortmund can go through with a 1-0 win, we may not see an out and out attacking Juventus in this game. Perhaps the counter-attacking Juve we saw in recent weeks – even against smaller Italian sides – was a Juventus preparing for this match. Given that possible tactical decision, and a few fitness questions, we’re not really sure what formation Max Allegri will choose tomorrow. It’s between 4-3-1-2 and 3-5-2 of course, but I think this is mostly a superficial decision and the team will play in a similar style regardless of formation. Andrea Pirlo’s absence would seem to point towards a 3-5-2 since there is one fewer midfielder, but that is a bit of a simple distinction to make. Of course, having said all of that, the disclaimer is that nobody can accurately predict what goes on in the mind of Allegri, so maybe he will go with a 4-3-1-2 and have Pereyra start. In either case, Gianluigi Buffon will start in goal while Leonardo Bonucci and Giorgio Chiellini start at centerback. Andrea Barzagli will start if there is a 3-5-2, he is the one who would lose his spot if Pirlo were to start. It is arguably the hardest choice of two Andreas that has ever been made, both are very good players. Out wide the starters will surely be Patrice Evra and Stephan Lichtsteiner on their respective sides. Lichtsteiner had a fine performance last time versus Dortmund, while Evra is one of the most experience Champions League player on the squad. Now comes the midfield, always a tricky area due to the glut of skilled players there. Arturo Vidal and Paul Pogba are locks to start, Claudio Marchisio is probably the most likely after those two. Pogba of course was suspended versus Palermo, so he will be well rested, in addition to already being Paul Pogba. Then of course, there’s Roberto Pereyra and maybe even Kingsley Coman, both of whom could appear in the starting line up or as substitutes, depending on the choice of formation. Coman of course is not likely to start in midfield, but some reports have mentioned him as possibly seeing time there if Juve run out of manpower there. Finally, things are a bit more simple up top. Carlos Tevez and Alvaro Morata should be the starters. The duo were phenomenal versus Dortmund last time, and Morata scored a beautiful goal versus Palermo that proved to be the game winner. So this is one source of hope for Juventus fans in what should be a very close encounter. I think Juventus can pull out a victory over the two legs, even if they only draw in this second leg. However, it will be a tough game against a tough side, and it will be very hard fought and close. This will not be a pleasant 90 minutes for Juventini, or for Dortmund fans. But that is the Champions League for you. Probable Lineup 3-5-2: Buffon; Barzagli, Bonucci, Chiellini; Lichtsteiner, Vidal, Marchisio, Pogba, Evra; Tevez, Morata Injured Asamoah and Romulo (Recovering from surgery), Pirlo (ankle), Caceres (ankle) Suspended None Champions League Form (L-W-W-D-W) Borussia Dortmund Probable Lineup 4-2-3-1: Weidendeller; Kirch, Subotic, Hummels, Schmelzer; Sahin, Gundogan; Mkhitaryan, Kagawa, Reus; Aubameyang. Injured players Kevin Großkreutz Suspended None Champions League Form (W-W-L-D-L) Formation

BORUSSIA D. - JUVENTUS Ottavi di finale - Ritorno Mercoledí, 18 marzo 2015 - ore 20:45 Signal-Iduna-Park Westfalenstadion, Dortmund Arbitro:‬ Milorad Mazic (Serbia) Confronti ufficiali 8 - 4 (Champions League) - 4 (Coppa UEFA) Vittorie Juventus 5 2 (Champions League) - 3 (Coppa UEFA) Pareggi 1 1 (Coppa UEFA) Vittorie Borussia Dortmund 2 - 2 (Champions League) Goals Juventus 17 - 7 (Champions League)- 10 (Coppa UEFA) Goals Borussia Dortmund 11 - 7 (Champions League) - 4 (Coppa UEFA) Borussia Dortmund - Juventus - Champions League a Dortmund Confronti ufficiali 1 Vittorie Juventus 1 (Il 13.09.1995, 1-3) Pareggi 0 Vittorie Borussia Dortmund 0 Goals Juventus 3 Goals Borussia Dortmund 1 Giocatori con più presenze e goals contro il Borussia Dortmund 6 presenze Peruzzi Angelo 5 Carrera Massimo 5 Del Piero Alessandro 5 Di Livio Angelo 4 Baggio Roberto 4 Deschamps Didier Claude 4 Ferrara Ciro 4 Kohler Jurgen 4 Marocchi Giancarlo 4 Porrini Sergio 4 goal Baggio Roberto 3 Baggio Dino 3 Del Piero Alessandro 1 Conte Antonio 1 Kohler Jurgen 1 Moeller Andreas 1 Morata Alvaro Borja Martín 1 Padovano Michele 1 Porrini Sergio 1 Tevez Carlos Alberto Ultimi confronti diretti 05.05.1993 - Coppa UEFA - Borussia Dortmund-Juventus 1-3 19.05.1993 - Coppa UEFA - Juventus-Borussia Dortmund 3-0 04.04.1995 - Coppa UEFA - Juventus-Borussia Dortmund 2-2 18.04.1995 - Coppa UEFA - Borussia Dortmund-Juventus 1-2 13.09.1995 - Champions League - Borussia Dortmund-Juventus 1-3 22.11.1995 - Champions League - Juventus-Borussia Dortmund 1-2 28.05.1997 - Champions League - Borussia Dortmund-Juventus 3-1 24.02.2015 - Champions League - Juventus-Borussia Dortmund 2-1 Giocate 8 - Vittorie Juventus 5 - Pareggi 1 - Vittorie Borussia 2 - Goals Juventus 17 - Goals Borussia 11 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3eZpDL98dFs Stesso stadio!

BORUSSIA D. - JUVENTUS Wednesday, March 18th, 2015 - 08:45 p.m. Signal-Iduna-Park Westfalenstadion, Dortmund Referee:‬ Milorad Mazic (Serbia) Champions League worth €9m for Juve Mar 16, 2015 Qualification for the Quarter Finals of the Champions League would earn Juventus an extra €9m, it has been calculated. The Bianconeri travel to Germany this week to face Borussia Dortmund, holding a 2-1 lead from the first leg of the tie. Should Massimiliano Allegri’s men progress on Wednesday, Tuttosport has worked out how much of an increase in revenue that would represent, arriving at a figure of €9m. All clubs which reach the last eight receive a bonus from UEFA of €3.9m, while Juventus will also earn €2.2m from television money for any Quarter Final tie. In addition, reaching that stage of the competition would virtually guarantee another sell-out at Juventus Stadium for the home leg, which brought in €2.8m for the first leg with Dortmund.

BORUSSIA D. - JUVENTUS Wednesday, March 18th, 2015 - 08:45 p.m. Signal-Iduna-Park Westfalenstadion, Dortmund Referee:‬ Milorad Mazic (Serbia) Preview: Borussia Dortmund vs. Juventus Mar 16, 2015 Borussia Dortmund welcome Juventus to the Westfalenstadion on Wednesday knowing that a 1-0 victory over Massimiliano Allegri's men would be enough to see them through to the quarter-final stages of the Champions League. Juve hold a slight advantage in the two-legged encounter following a slender 2-1 victory at home to Jurgen Klopp and his charges back in late February. The Italian side know that any form of draw would give them safe passage, with an away goal making it a little more difficult for the North Rhine-Westphalian club. Dortmund have enjoyed an important resurgence in 2015 and have managed to lift themselves from probable relegation to a safely-placed position in the middle of the German top flight. The Germans have slightly faltered on the domestic front in their last two Bundesliga games, with Dortmund drawing blanks in two scoreless draws against Hamburger SV and FC Koln respectively. Juventus are currently cruising at the summit of the Serie A standings, with a monumental 14-point gap separating the Old Lady and second-placed Roma. The Italian outfit find themselves in fairly good form, having won their last two Serie A matches by one goal against Palermo and Sassuolo, but they were also recently knocked out of the Coppa Italia by Fiorentina. Dortmund may not be too put off by the task in hand come Wednesday, given that Juve have only managed to notch wins by a one-goal margin over the course of their last six matches. What could appeal to Klopp even more is the fact that Allegri's men have conceded at least one goal in four of those last six fixtures, meaning that if Dortmund can defend well enough then progression will be no impossible task. Die Borussen have also kept four clean sheets in six matches across all competitions. Dortmund are expected to be missing both Kevin Grosskreutz and Lukasz Piszczek through injury, potentially leaving Oliver Kirch and Sokratis Papastathopoulos to battle it out for a place in the right full-back position. Nuri Sahin was also missing for the German club at the weekend and he could miss out again on Wednesday. Ciro Immobile could start up top instead of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, with Henrikh Mkhitaryan, Shinji Kagawa and Kevin Kampl providing options in midfield. As for Juventus, Paul Pogba's league suspension at the weekend means that he should be in good shape for the clash, while both Arturo Vidal and Alvaro Morata got some form of a rest against Palermo. Allegri may decide not to rush Andrea Pirlo back from his calf knock, especially given Roberto Pereyra's performance in the first leg in Turin. Borussia Dortmund Form in Champions League: W W W L D L Form in all competitions: W L W W D D Possible starting lineup Weidenfeller Kirch, Subotic, Hummels, Schmelzer Kehl, Gundogan Reus, Kagawa, Mkhitaryan Immobile Juventus Form in Champions League: L L W W D W Form in all competitions: W W D L W W Possible starting lineup Buffon Bonucci, Chiellini, Lichtsteiner, Evra Marchisio, Pereyra, Pgoba Vidal Morata, Tevez Sports Mole says: 1-2

Paul Pogba will not be leaving Juventus, says Giuseppe Marotta Mar 16, 2015 Juventus are ready to resist big offers from top European clubs for midfielder Paul Pogba this summer. The Turin outfit have no interest in selling Pogba, 22, who has impressed hugely since arriving in 2012 after leaving Manchester United as a free agent. The France international has been strongly linked with a move to Paris Saint-Germain at the end of the season, while Chelsea, Manchester City, Barcelona and Real Madrid are also reportedly keen to acquire his services. "There are clubs that are ready to spend 70 to 80 million euros for Pogba," Juventus general director Giuseppe Marotta told Italian radio station Radio Deejay. "There are many suitors for Pogba, but we do not want to open negotiations and we want him to stay with us. If we want to increase our level, we need players of great quality and Pogba is one of them." Pogba, who is under contract until June 2019, has scored seven goals and set up two more in 22 Serie A appearances this season to help Juve remain on course for their fourth successive Scudetto. Marotta, meanwhile, did reveal that Juve are keeping tabs on Palermo striker Paulo Dybala. Dybala, 21, has caught the eye this season for the Sicilian outfit, scoring 12 goals while providing seven assists in 27 league games. "Dybala is a very interesting youngster, who not only has attracted our attention but [that] of other teams too," Marotta said. "We are looking to see what is out there in order to form a strong attacking line." Dybala moved to Palermo in 2012 from home-town club Instituto and helped them gain promotion to Italy's top flight in the 2013-14 campaign. He turned down a contract extension earlier this year and becomes a free agent in June 2016.

BORUSSIA D. - JUVENTUS Wednesday, March 18th, 2015 - 08:45 p.m. Signal-Iduna-Park Westfalenstadion, Dortmund Referee:‬ Milorad Mazic (Serbia) Confirmed: Pirlo misses Dortmund Mar 16, 2015 Juventus have confirmed that Andrea Pirlo will not be fit for Wednesday’s crucial Champions League second leg. The Bianconeri travel to Borussia Dortmund holding a 2-1 lead from the home leg, and so need only a draw to progress. However, following reports this morning, the Bianconeri have now confirmed that Pirlo will not be available to face Klopp’s side, after going off injured in the first leg. “Today Andrea Pirlo underwent some medical examinations,” the club confirmed on its official website. “The ultrasound check showed good progression in the healing of the injury, but not enough for him to be available for the trip to Dortmund. “The midfielder will therefore continue on his personalised rehabilitation programme.” Stefano Sturaro and Paolo De Ceglie will also face time on the sidelines, after picking up injuries in the win over Palermo on Saturday. De Ceglie has a sprained ankle, while Sturaro is suffering after a blow to the knee. Both will be out for around two weeks. The Old Lady also confirmed that captain Gianluigi Buffon will join Coach Massimiliano Allegri in a Press conference at Westfalenstadion tomorrow evening.

BORUSSIA D. - JUVENTUS Wednesday, March 18th, 2015 - 08:45 p.m. Signal-Iduna-Park Westfalenstadion, Dortmund Referee:‬ Milorad Mazic (Serbia) Allegri 'seriously considering' using a 3-5-2 formation against Borussia Dortmund Mar 16, 2015 I don't like to assume one way or another when it comes to certain Juventus things, but I will assume here: There will be pitchforks and torches at the ready after reading that headline. Don't shoot the messenger, people! Yet, there is 3-5-2 things to discuss here. (Apologies in advance.) According to a certain well-known pink sports newspaper in Italy, Juventus manager Max Allegri is "seriously considering" starting his team's decisive Champions League tie against Borussia Dortmund on Wednesday night with a 3-5-2 formation. The desire to keep things the way they were in terms of tactics this past Saturday against Palermo, at least according to the giornalaccio rosa, is basically down to one thing and one thing only. Andrea Barzagli is back and being completely awesome already. Also of importance when it comes to this formation development: The health status of midfielder Andrea Pirlo won't be a determining factor for Allegri. It's pretty much built more on the fact that Barzagli is healthy once again more than Pirlo's health status being completely up in the air right now. Don't worry, this probably won't cause some kind of crazy war of Andreas or anything like that. How Barzagli — who has been one of the most consistent defenders in Europe ever since he returned to Italy for the transfer fee resembling a $5 footlong at Subway — would fit into Allegri's plans once he eventually returned was always something that hung out in the back of my head. I mean, if Barzagli is actually going to be consistently fit for the rest of the season, why not take advantage of having him around once more? He's too good, as he's already proven against Palermo over the weekend in his first start since late last season, to not play more often than not. Apparently that's the way Allegri is thinking as well. The good part in all of this even if it means more 3-5-2? The Juventus defense won't be so totally dependent on the still-out-of-form Giorgio Chiellini, whose poor run this season is still one of the world's greatest mysteries. And having one more defender on the field — especially one of Barzagli's class and effectiveness — is never a bad thing when you're trying to protect a 2-1 lead on aggregate. At least in theory, that is. So, with all of this being said, I'll just go out on a limb and mention this: Max Allegri will be asked about his team's tactics even more than usual at his pre-match press conference on Tuesday. That's almost a given with this latest tactical development surrounding No doubt about it. Let's see how Allegri maneuvers around the questions this time.

BORUSSIA D. - JUVENTUS Wednesday, March 18th, 2015 - 08:45 p.m. Signal-Iduna-Park Westfalenstadion, Dortmund Referee:‬ Milorad Mazic (Serbia) Agnelli: ‘Dortmund not decisive’ Mar 16, 2015 President Andrea Agnelli insists Wednesday’s clash with Borussia Dortmund will not define Juventus’ season. The Bianconeri will travel to Germany looking to hold on to a 2-1 advantage and qualify for the Quarter Finals of the competition, but the patron has played down the importance of the game. “You can’t define a season by one game,” Agnelli told reporters at a Press to launch Italy v England at Juventus Stadium. “If in Spring you’re competitive on all fronts then you’re doing well.” The President also welcomed the return of Antonio Conte, who returns in his role as Italy CT after leaving the Old Lady this summer. “It’s always nice to have Antonio Conte at the Stadium, hopefully he’ll always come back as CT, not as an opponent.”

BORUSSIA D. - JUVENTUS Wednesday, March 18th, 2015 - 08:45 p.m. Signal-Iduna-Park Westfalenstadion, Dortmund Referee:‬ Milorad Mazic (Serbia) Pirlo likely to miss Dortmund Mar 16, 2015 Andrea Pirlo looks likely to miss Juventus’ Champions League Last 16 second leg with Borussia Dortmund. It had been hoped that the playmaker would be fit for the game in Germany, having gone off injured during the first match in Turin. However, Pirlo has not trained with the rest of his teammates at Vinovo today, according to TuttoJuve. The giornalaccio rosa dello Sport is also pessimistic about the Italian international’s propects, as it appears that the former Milan man has not recovered fully from a thigh injury. Pirlo is not the only headache facing Bianconero Coach Max Allegri, as he must decide between a 3-5-2 and a 4-3-1-2 system. It’s believed that the former Milan Coach is currently leaning toward the added defensive solidity offered by a back three, but much will depend on the fitness of Andrea Barzagli. Barzagli has only just returned from a lengthy lay-off with an achilles injury, making his first start this season in the win over Palermo on Saturday evening. The Old Lady require only a draw to progress to the Quarter Finals of the Champions League, having emerged with a 2-1 win in the first leg.