Socrates

Sturaro di nuovo a terra.

Che ha fatto Bonucci?

Sturaro rischia grosso.

PALERMO - JUVENTUS .- Saturday, March 14th, 2015 - 6:00 PM Renzo Barbera Stadium, Palermo Referee: Marco Guida Palermo vs. Juventus: Team News Mar 14, 2015 Juventus travel south this weekend, heading to Sicily for a tricky encounter with last year’s Serie B winners Palermo. The Rosanero have impressed since their promotion this summer, currently sitting in 10th place and enjoying their return to the top flight under Beppe Iachini. The coach has seemingly transformed the usually tumultuous club into a much calmer atmosphere, and his team have benefitted directly from that. Only three teams—Juventus, Roma and Lazio—boast better home records this season than Palermo, who have lost just once at the Renzo Barbera this term. That defeat came way back in September, and last month the Sicilian side recorded an impressive win over Napoli which should set alarm bells ringing for the Bianconeri. Aside from their Coppa Italia loss to Fiorentina last week, Massimiliano Allegri’s men have not been in the best of form lately, although they have still managed to get the results they needed. Narrow wins over Borussia Dortmund and Sassuolo sandwiched a well-earned draw with AS Roma that could prove fatal to the title aspirations of the Giallorossi, with the Turin giants now 11 points clear at the top of the Serie A standings. They will hope to extend that lead against Palermo, knowing that their nearest rivals face a tough clash with Sampdoria on Monday evening. A win over the Rosonero could see the Old Lady take an unassailable lead, although there is likely to be some rotation as Allegri will certainly have one eye on next week’s vital Champions League fixture. Form Lines Last five domestic results: Inter 3-0 Palermo ... Juventus 3-1 Milan Palermo 3-1 Napoli ... Cesena 2-2 Juventus Lazio 2-1 Palermo ... Juventus 2-1 Atalanta Palermo 0-0 Empoli ... AS Roma 1-1 Juventus Cesena 0-0 Palermo ... Juventus 1-0 Sassuolo Predicted Line-ups Palermo (4-3-2-1): Sorrentino; Vitiello, Terzi, Andelkovic, Daprela; Rigoni, Maresca, Barreto; Quaison, Vasquez; Dybala Key Battle There is little doubt that Paulo Dybala is the danger man for Palermo, as the Argentinian starlet is taking Serie A by storm in 2014-15. Recording 12 goals and seven assists in his first 25 appearances of the campaign, it is little wonder he is currently one of the hottest names in the transfer market. His form was discussed in detail here, and this week club president Maurizio Zamparini told Radio Anch’io that “Dybala is the Messi of the future,” (h/t Football Italia) and placed a €40 million valuation on the 21-year-old. The task of stopping him will likely fall to Giorgio Chiellini, and the Juventus defender has hardly shown his best recently. Uncharacteristic mistakes have begun to blight his performances, and the Bianconeri will need him to improve quickly if they are to keep Dybala in check. Player to Watch If Dybala is the deadly finisher, he owes much of his impressive form to the rapport he has built with countryman Franco Vasquez. The pair have shown an eerie understanding on the pitch, and any club looking at Dybala’s prowess would perhaps do well to sign his team-mate at the same time. The 26-year-old has enjoyed a stellar campaign in his own right, netting seven goals while contributing a league-high nine assists. Thanks to his intelligent positioning between the lines—allied with smart off-ball running—he is incredibly difficult to mark and Juventus will have to watch him closely throughout this encounter. The Bianconeri enjoyed a 2-0 victory when the two sides met in Turin earlier in the season, and they did so with a well-executed game plan that stymied the opportunities for Palermo’s vibrant attack. They will need a repeat performance of that if they are to once again collect three points on Saturday. Odds (via Odds Shark) Home win: 4/1 Away win: 100/137 Draw: 5/2 http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

PALERMO - JUVENTUS .- Saturday, March 14th, 2015 - 6:00 PM Renzo Barbera Stadium, Palermo Referee: Marco Guida Allegri: It's a decisive week for Juventus With fixtures against Palermo in Serie A and Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League, the coach insists his side must be at their best in the coming days. Mar 14, 2015 Massimiliano Allegri has warned his Juventus side that they must be at their best as they prepare for a "decisive" week. The Serie A champions take on Palermo on Saturday as they look to maintain their 11-point gap at the top of the table. Just a few days later, they will travel to Germany to defend a 2-1 lead from the first-leg of their Champions League round of 16 tie with Borussia Dortmund and Allegri is confident his side will put in strong performances in both games. "We begin a week that’s more or less decisive as far as the league’s concerned, which still hasn’t been won, and the Champions League, where we’ve got a knockout game," he told reporters. "But for now we’ll just stay focused on Palermo. "I think we’ll have a difficult game because they’re in a healthy position in the table and can play quite a carefree game. “There will also be a full stadium and playing Juventus will provide a huge boost for them, I think. "Crucially, they have shown themselves to be strong at home, they’ve taken 26 points at home, so it will not be an easy game." The 47-year-old was also asked about Palermo's Paulo Dybala, who has been heavily linked with a move to Juve this year. "I think Dybala can get even better and eventually play for a great team," he remarked. Allegri then turned his attention to the European clash at the Signal Iduna Park. "In Europe it is normal that there will be more goals because the game is more technical. "On Wednesday we will have to be very good. "Can Juve get into the top five in Europe in the future? It must be the goal and ambition." http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

PALERMO - JUVENTUS .- Saturday, March 14th, 2015 - 6:00 PM Renzo Barbera Stadium, Palermo Referee: Marco Guida MATCH PREVIEW Mar 13, 2015 Juventus face a tricky trip to Palermo and could rest several key players with one eye on the Champions League tie with Borussia Dortmund. After a win against Sassuolo put Juve 11 points clear of second placed Roma, Max Allegri will be able to rest his best players for this week 27 clash, though even with a full squad at his disposal, Paulo Dybala’s Palermo have proven to a tough nut to crack for Serie A’s elite and a win could see them rise as high as seventh in a packed mid-table. Meanwhile Juve seemed sluggish against an inspired Sassuolo side on Monday, and were again reliant on the individual brilliance of Paul Pogba to seal all three points. The French international is suspended, while it is likely Stefano Sturaro and Kingsley Coman will get a chance as the Binconeri’s midfield stars are rested. Although European qualification seems to be out of Palermo’s reach, Dybala and Vazquez will likely leave this summer and they will be looking to go out with a bang. With 38 goals scored so far this season, the Rosanero are the highest scorers in the lower half of the table and carry a genuine threat going forward. However, with 39 conceded, defensive stability is not their strong point and could cave against Carlos Tevez and Alvaro Morata. Marco Storari and Angelo Ogbonna could start in the place of Gigi Buffon and Giorgio Chiellini ahead of the trip to Signal Iduna Park, while Martin Caceres remains out injured. With Palermo’s backline lacking in height, Fernando Llorente could be given one last chance, though it seems Morata has cemented his place as first choice alongside Tevez. Keep an eye on: Franco Vazquez (Palermo) – With Paulo Dybala taking most of the headlines for Palermo this season, Vazquez has been somewhat unfairly overlooked for his contributions to their successful return season to the top flight. Vazquez is likely to become an Italian international soon, and with rumours of interest from Juventus, Inter and Paris Saint-Germain, he will be looking to put himself in the shop window. What better way to make yourself known than to take down the Italian champions? Form Guide: Palermo – DDLWL * Juventus – WDWDW Last season: Palermo 0-1 Juventus Stat Fact: Palermo and Juventus have never drawn against each other in Serie A history. In 16 meetings Juve have won nine while Palermo have impressively taken the spoils seven times. Palermo (Probable): Sorrentino; Vitiello, Terzi, Andelkovic, Daprela; Rugani, Maresca, Barreto; Quaison, Vazquez; Dybala Suspended: None Juventus (Probable): Buffon; Padoin, Barzagli, Chiellini, De Ceglie; Vidal, Marchisio, Sturaro; Pereyra, Coman; Llorente Suspended: Pogba http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

PALERMO - JUVENTUS .- Saturday, March 14th, 2015 - 6:00 PM Renzo Barbera Stadium, Palermo Referee: Marco Guida PALERMO V JUVENTUS MATCH PREVIEW Mar 13, 2015 Juventus Rotation will be the order of the day when Juventus travel to the Renzo Barbera to face a Palermo side that are undefeated in their last 10 home matches. The Bianconeri ground out a hard-fought victory against a surprisingly stubborn Sassuolo side with Paul Pogba’s wonderful strike making the difference, late on. It was another less than convincing performance, lacking in ideas and creativity, despite much of the regular first team making the starting XI. It was suggested some of the players were fatigued from playing so many games in such a short space of time but Allegri was quick to dispel this idea. “We must be prepared tomorrow,” Allegri told the media ahead of the Palermo game. “Especially because they play the game with great intensity. We played on Monday, it’s been five days so I absolutely don’t want to hear about tiredness. I don’t want to hear about Dortmund, because if a team can’t play every four or five days it means that we’ve trained badly, or don’t have the fitness to play in a great team.” Juve may be sitting 11 points clear at the top of the table but the title race is far from over, especially given the fixture list for the coming weeks, beginning with tomorrows visit to Palermo, swiftly followed by the Champions league tie against Dortmund. JuventusFC ✔ @juventusfcen .@OfficialAllegri: "It will pretty much be a decisive week for our Scudetto and #UCL ambitions." Long-term absentees Kwadwo Asamoah and Romulo are still a few weeks from returning to training, while Andrea Pirlo is hoping to recover from an ankle injury in time for the midweek game in Germany. Martin Caceres’ season may be over as he underwent ankle surgery last week and isn’t expected to return to action for at least ten weeks. Kingsley Coman has a shin contusion and doesn’t make the squad while Paul Pogba is suspended leaving Allegri will limited options in midfield. “In midfield I have four players: Sturaro, [Claudio] Marchisio, [Arturo] Vidal and [Roberto] Pereyra. I don’t have many.” Allegri told reporters earlier today. The lack of options in the centre of pitch could mean Juve revert to the tried and tested 3-5-2 in an effort to control the game while containing Palermo’s attack-duo of Paulo Dybala and Franco Vazquez. Alternately, given Palermo’s strong home record this season (they’ve lost just once, 4-0 to Lazio), attack might be the best form of defence in the shape of a 4-3-1-2 formation. Gigi Buffon should return in goal after recovering from flu, while Andrea Barzagli could make his first start of the season alongside Angelo Ogbonna and Leonardo Bonucci. Allegri dropped some hints as to his starting XI which include a possible start for Stefano Sturaro, with Arturo Vidal and Claudio Marchisio making up the 3-man central midfield. Stephan Lichtsteiner and Patrice Evra will be vital against Dortmund so we may see Simone Padoin and Paolo De Ceglie playing in the full-back positions. Roberto Pereyra has been hit-and-miss in recent games but he’s the only option to play behind the strikers which will likely be Carlos Tevez and Fernando Llorente. Predicted Lineup 4-3-1-2: Buffon; Padoin, Barzagli, Ogbonna, De Ceglie; Vidal, Marchisio, Sturaro; Pereyra; Tevez, Llorente Injured Asamoah and Romulo (Recovering from surgery), Pirlo (ankle), Caceres (ankle), Coman (Doubtful) Suspended Pogba Form (W-D-W-D-W) Palermo Palermo are in mixed form: they have won one of the last five matches (an impressive dismantling of Napoli) and they have lost to Lazio and Inter and drawn against Empoli and Cesena. They are in the middle of the pack: they are just few points away from officially avoiding relegation, but they are nothing more than outsiders in the race for a Europa League spot. They are not in a very stimulating position of the table, but I’m sure that the demanding president Maurizio Zamparini will find a way to keep them focused. At home, they are as good as anybody: they have collected 26 points in 13 matches and they have been defeated only by Lazio back in September. In this season, Paulo Dybala and Franco Vazquez have blossomed into top players. The Argentinian striker has scored twelve goals and assisted his teammates seven times, while the advanced midfielder has tallied seven goals and nine assists. They are easily the best one-two punch in the League and their combination of dribbling skills, pace, technique and long-race shootings poses a serious threat to any defense. Moreover, they can also beef up the attack by bringing Andrea Belotti off the bench when they need to score and he has grown into a late goal specialist. While they are scintillating up front, their defending has often held them back. They have conceded 39 goals: their goal different is -1 and this speaks volume about their defensive woes. Only four teams have conceded more goals than they have and three of them are likely to get relegated. Losing Ezequiel Munoz in January, failing to replace him (Danilo Ortiz has yet to make his debut) certainly didn’t help. Due to various injuries and suspensions, Giuseppe Iachini has recently ditched 3-5-2 because they literally weren’t able to field three valuable centre-backs and opted for 4-3-2-1 with the electric Robin Quaison pairing with Vazquez behind Dybala. It appears that he’ll confirm this scheme: Roberto Vitiello is battling with Andrea Rispoli for the starting RB position (the latter is more offensive) and the returning Achraaf Lazaar is seeking to retake his spot over Fabio Daprelà on the other flank. Claudio Terzi and Sinisa Andelkovic are set to partner up in the middle. Should Iachini use his old tactic, Vitiello would play in the back three and Quaison would be benched. Enzo Maresca has been primed to return to the starting XI for a couple of weeks after a serious ankle injury: if he’s not ready yet, Mato Jajalo will replace him as deep-lying playmaker/pivot in front of the defense. The Croatian midfielder isn’t as good as a distributor as the former Juventus, but he’s still a solid player. The (departing) captain Egdar Barreto and the sneaky cutter Luca Rigoni are slated to complete the midfield. Juventus will have to be prepared for Palermo’s strong flank game, even though they don’t have a physical presence in the box when Belotti isn’t on the pitch, and to their counter-attacks: Dybala and Vazquez are devastating when they operate in the open field and the others have learned to feed off from them. On the other hand, their defense isn’t very trustworthy and will suffer if put under pressure. Probable Lineup 4-3-2-1: Sorrentino; Vitiello, Terzi, Andelkovic, Daprelà; Rigoni, Maresca, Barreto; Vazquez, Quaison; Dybala. Injured players: Gonzalez (knee), Morganella (knee). Suspended None Form (D-D-L-W-L) Formation http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

'Verratti is Pogba's equal' Mar 13, 2015 Marco Verratti's agent says the Paris Saint-Germain ace is 'the most important Italian player' and worth as much as Juventus' Paul Pogba. The veteran of the 2014 World Cup saw his value boost after PSG's dramatic 2-2 draw against Chelsea on Wednesday, which saw the French team through into the Champions League quarter-finals thanks to aggregate away goals. His agent Donato Di Campli, conscious of rumours surrounding a Verratti-Pogba swap, believes the exchange can only be in equal terms. “I hear talk of €100m for Pogba, while in Italy we have an extremely important player,” he said to Sky Sport 24. “Yes, Verratti is worth as much as the Juve midfielder.

PALERMO - JUVENTUS .- Saturday, March 14th, 2015 - 6:00 PM Renzo Barbera Stadium, Palermo Referee: Marco Guida Juventus vs. Palermo Preview: Round 27 — Pretty in pink? Mar 13, 2015 The lead at the top of the Serie A table is comfortable and completely manageable. And it just so happens that the fixture list is telling us there's one incredibly important match a few days from now, while the one directly in front of Juventus is a little more manageable thanks to the double-digit margin there currently is in the league itself. If you were to compare the importance of Juventus' visit to Sicily and Palermo on Saturday, and Tuesday's Juventus vs. Borussia Dortmund game, I'm pretty sure even the most casual of fans can figure out which one has the greater priority and importance. So, once again, we sit here just like we did a few weeks ago. This is the official calm before the storm. Champions League football and a trip to Germany is just a few days away. Everything that comes along with the flight to Dortmund is just a short 24-hour wait after Juve's chartered flight touches down. JuventusFC ✔ @juventusfcen .@OfficialAllegri: "It will pretty much be a decisive week for our Scudetto and #UCL ambitions." That is about as straightforward and honest of a quote as you will ever get from Max Allegri during a pre-match press conference. He knows the importance of the next couple of fixtures before another international break arrives, and so we do we — even if one definitely outweighs the other thanks to the big Serie A lead. I just have a couple of requests for Juventus-Palermo. Here they are, in short order: Nobody gets hurt. Nobody gets hurt. Nobody gets hurt. Nobody gets hurt. Juventus wins and further extends the Serie A lead. Sounds like a pretty good plan, doesn't it? Yeah, I think so, too. So if somebody asks, we can just say Juventus vs. Palermo is the chance for both teams to play one another, maybe have it be in a good looking kind of game, and not have it result in anybody actually getting injured or a Juventus loss. Most importantly, no injuries to those who line up in black and white or blue jerseys, please. That's what I'm asking for. Simple enough. Oh-so-very-sim...nah, not really easy. But it's a legit idea, that's for sure. GOOD NEWS If Juventus beats Palermo on Saturday, they'll have a 13-point atop the Serie A table lead after Roma's eventual draw against Sampdoria two days later. Wait, you mean Roma are allowed to do something other than pick up draws? Okay, so maybe I should re-think this one. BAD NEWS After his latest and greatest wondergoal, you'd want to see more of Paul Pogba being awesome, right? Well, you'll have to wait until Juve roll into Germany next week to see Pogba and his latest hairstyle step onto the field. The young Frenchman, who turns 22 years old on Saturday, will miss the trip to Sicily due to suspension after picking up a yellow card against Sassuolo earlier in the week. Just don't celebrate too much, Paul. There's something pretty important going down on Tuesday night. WHAT TO WATCH FOR 1. How many players will be rested ahead of the second leg against Borussia Dortmund? In a way, this feels like a Coppa Italia game. We know there will be squad rotation. It's a foregone conclusion at this point as we sit less than 24 hours away from kickoff. The only thing is that we don't know how many players will actually be rested with Borussia Dortmund on the horizon. There is speculation that Juve's defense may look completely different compared to who played against Sassuolo on Monday night. That could mean a long-awaited return to the starting lineup for Andrea Barzagli, who made his official comeback in the Sassuolo win. The same may as well said about Juve's starting strikers, which might have been a better bet to happen if Kingsley Coman was healthy and able to make the trip to Sicily. It will be interesting to see what really happens, though. If some of this talk ends up being true, this might be the one of the most turned over squad from one game to the next we've seen since Allegri has taken over as manager. 2. Is this the game Stefano Sturaro makes his Juventus debut? Amongst those rumored to be in line for a start Saturday night is the young Juve midfielder who was recalled from Genoa in the winter transfer window. Since then, the only visual evidence of Sturaro being a Juventus player are those occasional pictures of him from the team's training sessions. Sturaro hasn't appeared in an official game since his final one with Genoa, a 1-1 draw against Fiorentina, on the final day of January. Since then, he's been a safety option and nothing more. But with the injury to Andrea Pirlo and the suspension to Pogba, the odds of Sturaro finally getting off the bench and logging serious minutes in a game are as good as ever. The other midfield absentees likely mean Claudio Marchisio and Arturo Vidal or Roberto Pereyra will play alongside the 22-year-old Sturaro — possibly in a 3-5-2 formation, too! — so it's not like the rumored turnover in other areas of the starting lineup will be applicable to the center of the park as well. 3. How Palermo approaches the game. Palermo are comfortably sitting in 10th place through 26 games, a pretty good spot to be in for a team that was storming through Serie B this time last season. This game is at the Renzo Barbera in Sicily rather than in the craziness that is Juventus Stadium. Does it make a difference in how Palermo actually look at it? We've seen teams lower in the table come right at Juventus no matter what the situation was in the last couple of months. And there's no doubting Palermo has the attacking talent to give Juve's consistent inconsistent defense some issues if they choose to not sit back and defense the entire game. Or maybe they'll just do the typical kind of hit-Juventus-on-the-counter-attack kind of trick. That seems to be working pretty well lately for opposing teams. JuventusFC ✔ @juventusfcen .@OfficialAllegri: "#PalermoJuve is a difficult one for us. They're in a comfortable position and will run out in front of a full house." 4. Containing Palermo striker Paulo Dybala. And here we have the No. 1 problem for Juventus' defense. I don't think it's even close. Dybala has been one of Serie A's biggest and brightest youngsters this season, with 12 league goals this season ranking fifth only behind some of his talented countrymen from Argentina. He has five goals in nine Serie A games since the calendar flipped over to 2015. The only thing better than Dybala in the new year is the fact that he's being surrounded with nothing but a ton of transfer speculation as the always-crazy Maurizio Zamparini is almost certain to cash in on the 21-year-old striker this summer. Let's just hope Dybala doesn't have the chance to score from a dead ball situation. We all know how great Juventus has been defending those the last couple of weeks. My starting XI (3-5-2): Buffon; Barzagli, Bonucci, Ogbonna; Lichtsteiner, Pereyra, Marchisio, Sturaro, Evra; Tévez, Llorente OFFICIAL KICKOFF TIME: 6 P.M. IN ITALY; 1 P.M. ON THE EAST COAST; 10 A.M. ON THE WEST COAST http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

PALERMO - JUVENTUS .- Saturday, March 14th, 2015 - 6:00 PM Renzo Barbera Stadium, Palermo Referee: Marco Guida Pirlo, Coman rested for Palermo-Juve Mar 13, 2015 Juventus have released the list of call-ups to face Palermo, and will be resting midfielder Andrea Pirlo and forward Kingsley Coman. The Bianconeri travel to Sicily tomorrow for their last domestic game ahead of the Champions League decider against Borussia Dortmund. The call-ups confirm that Pirlo will be rested, in hopes that he may recover in time to play the German team, while Coman is also battling a shin contusion and won't be with the team. Paul Pogba is suspended for the game, leaving the Bianconeri with some holes to fill in the midfield. Juventus squad for Palermo: Buffon, Chiellini, Ogbonna, Pepe, Marchisio, Morata, Tevez, Llorente, Barzagli, De Ceglie, Bonucci, Padoin, Vidal, Lichtsteiner, Sturaro, Storari, Matri, Evra, Rubinho, Pereyra http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

PALERMO - JUVENTUS .- Saturday, March 14th, 2015 - 6:00 PM Renzo Barbera Stadium, Palermo Referee: Marco Guida Iachini: ‘No weak Juventus’ Mar 13, 2015 Palermo Coach Beppe Iachini warns that even with rotation, Juventus will field a top-level side in Sicily tomorrow. The Bianconeri are likely to rest some of their star names at Renzo Barbera tomorrow, with an 11-point lead in Serie A and Borussia Dortmund looming in the Champions League on Wednesday. “Juve are Juve, they always compete in all their competitions, with a big squad too,” Iachini said in his pre-match Press conference. “If one player goes out, another comes in. They all go out onto the pitch to win, and it’ll be a difficult challenge for us to go out there and play. “We’ll try to give the best game we can, we’ll have to play it perfectly. “I repeat, every Juventus player is a first-teamer, they’ve won three consecutive Scudetti, to mention one player over another is limiting. “Juve have a squad which has won a lot in recent years, we’ll play our game and try to achieve a good result.” The stadium will be sold-out for the visit of the Bianconeri, with many Sicilians turning out to cheer for the visitors, but Iachini insists he doesn’t resent what could be seen as a lack of support. “There’s respect for Juve. I don’t care about the people who cheer for Juve, there’s no problem.” Finally, the Coach discussed Paulo Dybala and Franco Vazquez, who have both been linked with a move to Turin. “For now they’re at Palermo, and they’ve improved significantly this season,” Iachini said when asked about the possibility. “If they move to a big team, they’ll have an effect. We’re not worrying about losing them, we have to finish the season in the best possible way. “We won’t make the mistake of putting the cart before the horse, and we’ll just think about the moment.” http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

PALERMO - JUVENTUS .- Saturday, March 14th, 2015 - 6:00 PM Renzo Barbera Stadium, Palermo Referee: Marco Guida Palermo v Juventus: Preview Mar 13, 2015 Juventus coach Massimiliano Allegri knows his side must put all thoughts of next week's crunch Champions League last 16 clash at Borussia Dortmund aside when they take on Palermo on Saturday. The Turin giants are 11 points clear of Roma at the top of Serie A and travel to Germany to face Dortmund on Tuesday after their game in Sicily needing to defend a 2-1 lead from the opening leg to reach the last eight of the competition. ``We begin a crucial stage of the season,'' Allegri told the Italian media. ``We haven't won the scudetto yet and Tuesday's game in Germany is a do-or-die affair. But we are taking it one game at a time. ``We expect a difficult game at Palermo. Palermo have done well this season and have taken 26 points at home. ``We need to be ready because they will come out very determined.'' Juve must overcome the absence of pivotal midfielders Andrea Pirlo and Paul Pogba, with the former out injured and the latter suspended. Pogba, whose goal handed Juve a 1-0 triumph over Sassuolo last time out, must serve a one-match ban this weekend. Juve welcome back captain Gianluigi Buffon, who has recovered from the flu and will take his place between the posts. Allegri is set to rest Serie A's leading scorer Carlos Tevez as well as Spanish forward Alvaro Morata, with Fernando Llorente expected to lead the Bianconeri's attack. Palermo lost 2-0 at Juve earlier this season and expect a stern test against the Italian defending champions. Juve have lost just once this season and have won 18 of their 26 Serie A games. ``Juve already have one hand on the scudetto because an 11-point advantage is a lot,'' Palermo goalkeeper Stefano Sorrentino said. ``But they will nevertheless not give anything away from here until the end of the season. ``A draw would be a good result for us.'' The islanders, who gained promotion to Italy's top flight last summer, are riding a 10-match unbeaten home run. Giuseppe Iachini's men are two wins away from being able to plan for another season in Serie A. Palermo have drawn their last two league games and have not conceded a goal in the process. Last weekend's goalless result at Cesena left Palermo 11th in the standings. The hosts are without injured defenders Giancarlo Gonzalez and Michael Morganella. http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

PALERMO - JUVENTUS .- Saturday, March 14th, 2015 - 6:00 PM Renzo Barbera Stadium, Palermo Referee: Marco Guida ‘Sturaro, Barzagli could face Palermo’ Mar 13, 2015 Stefano Sturaro and Andrea Barzagli could start for Juventus when they face Palermo tomorrow, hints Coach Max Allegri. Barzagli has been struggling with injury all season, making his first appearance this term in the win over Sassuolo on Monday, albeit from the bench. Sturaro, meanwhile, was recalled from a loan spell at Genoa in January, but is yet to feature for the Bianconeri. “Tomorrow could be the game for Barzagli,” Allegri revealed in his pre-match Press conference. “Just the fact that he’s come back, and has been able to savour the pitch, the stadium and the emotions of the game is important, so hopefully tomorrow will be the game. “Barzagli is definitely better, so tomorrow he could face Palermo. “That said, virtually nothing is decided until I see training today. The important thing is that they’re all in good condition, because Palermo certainly won’t be an easy game. “In midfield I have four players: Sturaro, Marchisio, Vidal and Pereyra. I don’t have many. “As for Pirlo, we’re monitoring him day-by-day, and we hope we’ll have him available for Dortmund, because he’d be important to have back. “Sturaro can fill Marchisio’s role in front of the defence, or can play where Pogba does. He definitely has different characteristics, but he’s a lad who has integrated well, is training well and could be ready to play tomorrow. “If a Juventus player cannot play a game in any one of Serie A, the Champions League or the Coppa Italia, then he cannot remain a Juventus player. “All the players I have, are capable of playing any game. Then I make choices, one plays or the other plays, but all of them can help us with their qualities.” Allegri was then asked whether the glut of goals in this week’s Champions League second legs made him nervous ahead of Juve’s, given a 0-0 draw would send the Old Lady through. “Scared? Why would I have to be scared?” the former Milan Coach responded. “What, because of all those goals? If our game against Dortmund has a lot of goals, maybe it will be 3-2, or with some number of goals that would see us reach the Quarter Finals. “All games are not the same. It’s normal for there to be more goals in Europe, because the level is higher technically, and I think to reach the Last 8, with two big teams like Juventus and Borussia, we must be very good. “But like I’ve said, we’ll think about that after the Palermo game.” Finally, Allegri defended midfielders Arturo Vidal and Paul Pogba, who have been criticised for their form in some quarters. “I’ve been saying the same things for almost a year, I must be getting boring. “Vidal should not play with anxiety, you can’t play football with anxiety. “In football you have to play as calmly as possible, be focused and think about what you have to do, while trying to make as few mistakes as possible, because that gives you more chance of winning a game. “Also, Vidal is better physically at the moment, as has been shown in his recent matches. The problem is that Vidal is only judged by goals, when he’s a midfielder, who up until now has six or seven goals and could get into double figures. “He should be evaluated for his performances, as should Pogba. With Pogba it’s as if when he doesn’t score he doesn’t play well. “Pogba’s two best matches this year have been Lazio in Rome, and at gome to Dortmund, because he played well technically and tactically. “For a midfielder you can score goals or not, but I think Pogba already has seven goals and Vidal has six, so the numbers are on their side.” http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

PALERMO - JUVENTUS .- Saturday, March 14th, 2015 - 6:00 PM Renzo Barbera Stadium, Palermo Referee: Marco Guida ‘Don’t talk about fatigue’ Mar 13, 2015 Juventus cannot complain about tiredness ahead of Borussia Dortmund, according to their Coach Massimiliano Allegri. The Bianconeri beat Sassuolo on Monday night, will face Palermo tomorrow and then finish off with the Champions league clash in Germany on Wednesday. Despite what some may perceive as a heavy workload, Allegri insists he will not force excessive rotation to save legs for the game at Westfalenstadion. “We must be prepared tomorrow,” Allegri told assembled media ahead of the Palermo game. “Especially because they play the game with great intensity. We played on Monday, it’s been five days so I absolutely don’t want to hear about tiredness. “I don’t want to hear about Dortmund, because if a team can’t play every four or five days it means that we’ve trained badly, or don’t have the fitness to play in a great team. “[Claudio] Marchisio is fine physically, his data is excellent, as is the whole team’s. “He’s should realise - since he’s a lad who gives everything - that it’s better to manage games, and sometimes do less running when there is no need to [run hard].” The Old Lady’s current preferred strike partnership is Alvaro Morata and Carlos Tevez, but the Coach dismisses suggestions they could both be rested in favour of Fernando Llorente and Alessandro Matri. “I don’t think Llorente and Matri are likely to play together. They could play a bit of the game together, depending on how the game goes, but they’re unlikely to start together, because of their characteristics. “In football you can’t just throw players in who have the same characteristics.” http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

Carlos Tevez grew up around drugs and murder in Argentina Mar 13, 2015 Carlos Tevez insists he doesn’t feel the pressure of wearing the Juventus number 10 shirt, and discusses his upbringing. The forward inherited the shirt from Alessandro Del Piero when he arrived in Turin, and it has also been graced by the likes of Roberto Baggio and Michel Platini. “Is it a pressure? I personally don’t feel that it is,” Tevez told fifa.com Although it’s important to me, I don’t pile any additional pressure on myself when I pull on a shirt that so many Juve idols have worn before me. “From the start, I haven’t pressured myself to feel worthy of the No10 jersey. You’d just go mad and be unable to do your job properly otherwise. “After spending eight years in Manchester I received a very warm welcome to Turin. “The people are very easy-going, in contrast to other parts of Italy such as Rome or Naples, where passions run much higher. “Life’s very good here and it’s where I’ve found it easiest to adapt. That’s also because of the language, which I understand a bit better. In England that was so hard for me. “I’ve always missed friends and family, right from the start. Luckily I get plenty of visitors so I’m not always alone. “My old mates have always been there for me no matter where I’ve been. Imagine my pals from Fuerte Apache in England! “I have countless stories. Every time we went out something funny happened, usually involving the language. It’s always good fun.” Fuerte Apache, where Tevez grew up, is a tough neighbourhood in Buenos Aires, and Tevez discusses his upbringing, remembering his former best friend Dario Coronel, another talented footballer who fell into crime and eventually commited suicide after a stand-off with police. “It’s tough to make people understand what that life is like if they haven’t been through the same things as I or the other people from that neighbourhood have experienced. “Therefore people can make of it what they want. You simply can’t get inside the heads of other people and say to them, 'Look, I went through some rough times’. “It’s impossible to explain everything the streets taught me, and that was quite a lot. “My whole childhood was hard, so it wasn’t a matter of any individual incident. I lived in a place where drugs and murder were part of everyday life. “Experiencing difficult things, even as a very young kid, means you grow up quickly. I think that enables everyone to choose their own path and not just accept the one others have taken before you, and I went my own way. “I never condoned drugs or murder, and luckily I was able to make a choice. “Coronel? I don’t think you can say that he wasn’t lucky enough to be able to choose. As I’ve said already, everyone decides for themselves what they’re going to do. “He had everything he needed to be just as successful [as me], but he chose a different path – criminality and drugs – and that ultimately meant that he is no longer with us. “I truly believe that everyone chooses their own route through life, and he – and this has nothing to do with luck – chose the easier option. “He is, or was, my best friend. We were together 24 hours a day, even though we later went to different clubs and things like that. But we were always together, all day long. “People live in fear nowadays. Previously criminals had principles of sorts: they’d rob you but then they’d let you go. Now they’re all on drugs – you give them your belongings and they kill you anyway. “Youngsters today no longer have the values I remember. In the past they would risk their necks by heading out, swiping something and then going home again – that was it. “Today the lads who go stealing are all on drugs. They’re still taking a risk but in a different way. Now they’re only thinking about their own lives and not those of other people. “We need to show people who think like this that there are good kids in Fuerte Apache and Ciudad Oculta too, just like in every Argentinian city. Not all people are bad. “I got out of there and there are others who were able to escape that situation too. It’s not easy for anyone. In fact, it’s unbelievably difficult to get out of there. “But everyone’s fate is in their own hands, as I always say. You have to prove to people that we’re not all the same. “Did Fuerte Apache make me the player I am? I don’t know if there’s a connection there. “I always say that whereas previously I played with the ball, now I play football, and that’s something different entirely. But I don’t know whether my circumstances have made me the kind of player I am. It’s possible.”

PALERMO - JUVENTUS .- Saturday, March 14th, 2015 - 6:00 PM Renzo Barbera Stadium, Palermo Referee: Marco Guida Allegri: ‘Crucial week for Juventus' Mar 13, 2015 Massimiliano Allegri admits his Juventus side are facing a ‘crucial week’ in their season as they prepare to face Palermo and Borussia Dortmund. The Bianconeri are 11 points clear at the top of Serie A, and will face the German giants in the Champions League Last 16 second leg on Wednesday, holding a 2-1 lead from the first game. “I believe that this week, starting from tomorrow, is a week which is, if not decisive, then almost decisive,” Allegri declared in his press conference ahead of the Palermo game. “For the League, which is not yet won, though everyone seems to think it is, and for the Champions League, because it’s a game which will decide whether we’re in or out. “We have to take things one game at a time. Tomorrow I think we’ll have a difficult game at Palermo, because they’re in a healthy position in the table and therefore can play quite a carefree game. “There will also be a full stadium, and playing Juventus will provide a huge stimulus for them, I think. “Above all, they’re a team that has shown themselves to be at home in this League, they’ve taken 26 points at home so it will not be an easy game. “After that, the day after tomorrow, we’ll think about Dortmund, then Genoa, then we’ll take two or three days off. “But, I repeat, this is a crucial week for the League and the Champions League.” With a healthy lead at the top of the table, will the former Milan Coach field his best XI against the Rosanero, with Dortmund looming? “First of all, I don’t like to talk about better or worse, because I think the Juventus squad is full of top players. “It’s normal that there are players who have played a lot, because this year Juventus have been without [Kwadwo] Asamoah, [Martin] Caceres - Caceres because he’s played 10 games or less - [Andrea] Barzagli, Romulo and [Andrea] Pirlo, who unfortunately we have lost for the third time with this injury. “Andrea is a player who is very important for us, not just technically in terms of shape, but especially on set pieces he’s fundamental. “It’s come at a time though, when fortunately Pepe is doing well, he’s a player who can offer us solutions. “He did well on Monday when he came on for half an hour. He doesn’t have 90 minutes in him, but to have him available to offer different attacking solutions during the game I think is very important. “Matri is also finding his peak fitness.” http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

Pirlo returns for Dortmund? Mar 13, 2015 Andrea Pirlo will reportedly be fit to return for Juventus in Wednesday’s Champions League second leg. It was revealed this week that the midfielder, who is battling a thigh injury, would undergo tests to see whether he’d be able to make the trip to Germany to face Borussia Dortmund. This morning La Stampa reports that the Italian international has come through those tests, and should be in contention to play at Westfalenstadion. The newspaper reports that Pirlo has no pain from his injury, and is now just attempting to demonstrate that his fitness is at the proper level to play in the match. It’s not thought that the former Milan man will play any part in tomorrow’s trip to Palermo, but it looks increasingly likely the regista will play some part in the Champions League Last 16 clash. Tuttosport echoes these reports, claiming that Pirlo told his teammates, ‘I’ll be there’ in regard to the Dortmund game.

I nearly quit football in 2005 - Pirlo The veteran player has spoken of the day he contemplated ending his career nearly 10 years ago, when AC Milan capitulated in the Champions League final. Mar 13, 2015 Andrea Pirlo has revealed how he nearly quit football following AC Milan's Champions League defeat to Liverpool in 2005. The midfielder was part of the Milan side who led 3-0 at half-time in the final, only for the Reds to score three goals in the second half and take the game into extra-time. Pirlo saw his penalty saved by Jerzy Dudek while Andriy Shevchencko also missed his spot kick as Liverpool won the match on penalties, leaving the Italian distraught. "The day I leave football is far away," he told Tuttosport . "But once the idea of quitting crossed my mind. "It was after the defeat of AC Milan in the Champions League final with Liverpool in Istanbul. For some days I really thought it was over. I had no strength left." The 35-year-old did, of course, opt to play on and has since gone on to become one of the game's most revered playmakers. Pirlo won the World Cup the following year, lifted the Champions League with Milan in 2007 then left San Siro for Juventus in 2011, where he has won Serie A in every season since his arrival. "I always knew I was good," he added. "I was better than the others. I was never worried about the pressures of being tipped to make it either. In fact, that gave me an even greater sense of responsibility. Knowing I was talented made me want to improve every day. "It's my life; it's what I always wanted to do and want to do. It's been occupying my days for 20 years, in good and in bad, and it taught me my place on earth. "I've learned lots, obviously - the first thing being never to forget to be grateful. The second is not to bear grudges because in football luck does not exist. "You can be lucky for a few years, but in the end your defects will emerge. The reality is different. People are watching you and those who know how to play will progress, while those who don't will remain in the lower levels."

Andrea Pirlo trying to gain full fitness for Juventus' trip to Borussia Dortmund Mar 13, 2015 It was always going to be a close call as to whether Juventus maestro Andrea Pirlo would be healthy and ready to go for the bianconeri's second leg against Borussia Dortmund in mid-March. Just because of how the fixture list is setup and the amount time in between each Champions League game against Dortmund, Pirlo would have to be right on point to even have a chance to play in Germany come March 18. That being said, there may be a Pirlo sighting in the near future, folks. According to both La Stampa and Tuttosport on Friday, Pirlo is pain free and hoping to be ready for selection in Juve's most important game of the season to date on Tuesday night in Germany. Pirlo has been out ever since Juve's first-leg win over Dortmund on Feb. 24 when he had to be replaced by Roberto Pereyra after just 37 minutes because of injury. Will he actually be ready? Max Allegri had this to say about the matter at his pre-match press conference in the lead up to Saturday's Serie A match against Palermo. JuventusFC ✔ @juventusfcen .@OfficialAllegri: "We're assessing Pirlo_official on a daily basis and will hope to have him back for Borussia-Juve." Okay, so that's about as much of an Allegri answer we've come to expect from the Juventus manager without an actual answer being given. Way to go, Max, you've mastered the non-answer game to the highest degree. It's understandable that Allegri isn't going to declare anything right now based on 1) Keeping Borussia Dortmund on their toes about how healthy he truly is; and 2) Pirlo could very well be a last-minute decision at Juve's final training session before they play in Germany on Tuesday. No matter what, though, because just a few days remain before Juventus tries to close out the Dortmund tie, we'll have an answer about Pirlo's health status sooner rather than later.

Serie A - 8^ Giornata Ritorno - 14-3-2015 (ore 18:00) PALERMO - JUVENTUS .- Sabato, 14 marzo 2015 - ore 18:00 Stadio Renzo Barbera, Palermo Arbitro: Marco Guida Confronti ufficiali 56 - 51 (Serie A) - 5 (Coppa Italia) Vittorie Juventus 33 - 30 (Serie A) - 3 (Coppa Italia) Pareggi 12 - 11 (Serie A) - 1 (Coppa Italia) Vittorie Palermo 11 - 10 (Serie A) - 1 (Coppa Italia) Goals Juventus 113 - 101 (Serie A) - 12 (Coppa Italia) Goals Palermo 55 - 50 (Serie A) - 5 (Coppa Italia) Palermo - Juventus Serie A a Palermo Confronti ufficiali 25 Vittorie Juventus 11 (L'ultima il 09.12.2012, 0-1) Pareggi 8 (L'ultimo il 09.02.1969, 1-1) Vittorie Palermo 6 (L'ultima il 02.02.2011, 2-1) Goals Juventus 31 Goals Palermo 19 Giocatori con più presenze e goals contro il Palermo a Palermo 7 presenze Boniperti Giampiero 7 Buffon Gianluigi 7 Chiellini Giorgio 6 Manente Sergio 6 Muccinelli Ermes 5 Trezeguet David Sergio 5 Viola Giovanni 4 Bertuccelli Alberto 4 Camoranesi Mauro German Serr 4 Del Piero Alessandro 2 goals Del Piero Alessandro 2 Monti Luis Felipe 2 Muccinelli Ermes 2 Mutu Adrian 2 Ricagni Eduardo 2 Sivori Omar Enrique 2 Stivanello Giorgio 1 Altafini Josè João 1 Anastasi Pietro 1 Boniperti Giampiero Ultimi confronti diretti 21.02.2009 Serie A Palermo-Juventus 0-2 04.10.2009 Serie A Palermo-Juventus 2-0 28.02.2010 Serie A Juventus-Palermo 0-2 23.09.2010 Serie A Juventus-Palermo 1-3 02.02.2011 Serie A Palermo-Juventus 2-1 20.11.2011 Serie A Juventus-Palermo 3-0 07.04.2012 Serie A Palermo-Juventus 0-2 09.12.2012 Serie A Palermo-Juventus 0-1 05.05.2013 Serie A Juventus-Palermo 1-0 26.10.2014 Serie A Juventus-Palermo 2-0 Giocate 10 - Vittorie Juventus 6 - Pareggi 0 - Vittorie Palermo 4 - Goals Juventus 13 - Goals Palermo 9 http://www.goal.com/it/results-standings/69/serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_101

PALERMO - JUVENTUS .- Saturday, March 14th, 2015 - 6:00 PM Renzo Barbera Stadium, Palermo Referee: Marco Guida Palermo V Juventus – Preview: Rosanero Look To Press A Distracted Leader Mar 13, 2015 Palermo host Juventus at the Stadio Renzo Barbera in Serie A on Saturday, hoping to exact revenge for their away defeat to the Bianconeri earlier this season and take advantage of a looming distraction on the horizon for the Bianconeri. Retribution will be difficult for coach Giuseppe Iachini’s men, as Juventus not only sit atop the standings with a commanding 11 point cushion, they have also amassed the most road points, scored the second most away goals and no squad has conceded fewer goals both at Juventus Stadium and in their travels than the Old Lady. The Rosanero’s return to the top flight started dismally as it wasn’t until the seventh match before the Sicilians tasted victory. However, Iachini has benefited from president Maurizio Zamparini’s new-found patience and turned Palermo’s fortunes around with eight wins and eight draws in their last 20 matches. Juventus, on the other hand, have continued their dominance and are well on their way to a fourth straight title but with a tricky Champions League Round-of-16 return leg away to Borussia Dortmund next week, one could forgive Massimiliano Allegri’s squad from looking past Palermo as European success has been the lone failing of the mighty Turin giants recent run of dominance. Allegri is widely expected to rest leading scorer Carlos Tevez and Alvaro Morata in order to give Kingsley Coman only his third start of the season. Stefano Sturaro will deputize for one of Juve’s talismanic midfielders as Paul Pogba is suspended and Andrea Pirlo is still suffering from a calf injury. While Paulo Dybala has garnered most of the attention and is central to Palermo’s attack, which is tied with Roma for sixth most goals in Serie A, Franco Vazquez and Enzo Maresca may hold the keys to unlock a stingy Juventus backbone. Vazquez has enjoyed a breakout season both scoring and distributing for the Rosanero with an impressive seven goals and nine assists which are tops in Serie A. Meanwhile, the veteran Enzo Maresca is fully fit from a recent injury which kept the former Sampdoria man out of action for seven weeks. The Rosanero are unlikely to be intimidated as despite conceding at least one goal in over 75% of their home matches, the Aquile have the fourth best home record in Serie A and have lost only a single match at the Stadio Barbera. Additionally, a win could catapult the side as high as seventh place and knocking on a European slot for next season. Form guide: Palermo (D-D-L-W-L-W) Juventus (W-D-W-D-W-D) Expected Starting XIs Palermo: Sorrentino, Vitiello, Terzi, Andelkovic, Daprela, Rigoni, Maresca, Barreto, Quaison, Vazquez, Dybala Juventus: Buffon, Padoin, Barzagli, Chiellini, De Ceglie, Vidal, Marchisio, Sturaro, Pereyra, Llorente, Coman http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

PALERMO - JUVENTUS .- Saturday, March 14th, 2015 - 6:00 PM Renzo Barbera Stadium, Palermo Referee: Marco Guida Palermo - Juventus Preview: Pepe wary of indomitable hosts The home side have an excellent record in Sicily this season but the reigning champions will test their resolve on Saturday. Mar 13, 2015 Palermo 's superb run of form at home is cause for concern for Juventus as Serie A's leaders head to Sicily. Giuseppe Iachini's side are unbeaten in their last 10 clashes at Stadio Renzo Barbera, a run highlighted by a 3-1 success against Napoli last month. So Juve, already 11 points clear of the second-placed Roma as they hunt a fourth successive title, will not be taking anything for granted on Saturday. A rare defeat - in the first leg of their Coppa Italia semi-final to Fiorentina last week - may have been the wake-up call Massimiliano Allegri's side required. They responded with a 1-0 success against Sassuolo but it was hard-fought - Paul Pogba not scoring the winner until the 82nd minute. Pogba is suspended for this clash and Simone Pepe - who assisted the Frenchman for his goal - is expecting a tough battle. "We need to keep our focus," Pepe told Sky Sport Italia. "Palermo have gone a long time without losing a home game and we must try to stretch our advantage over Roma." Pepe, who has battled a string of injuries over the past two-and-a-half years, said he is back to full fitness and is eyeing an increased run in the first team. "I've been training for eight months and feel good," he added. "My legs are getting back to what they were before and I'm ready, as all the others are, to make my contribution." Juve have drawn their last three away matches in Serie A. In addition to Pogba's absence, they could be without Andrea Pirlo (calf) again. They will also be mindful of their last-16 Champions League tie, which concludes next week. Juventus go to Borussia Dortmund leading 2-1. Palermo's excellent home form sees them 10th in the table but have failed to win since upsetting Rafael Benitez's side. Consecutive 0-0 draws against Empoli and Cesena will have them hungry for goals and Argentina striker Paulo Dybala may be the man to provide them. Dybala has scored 12 Serie A goals this season, leaving him fifth in the scoring charts, just three strikes adrift of Inter's Mauro Icardi and Juve's Carlos Tevez. Juventus have won their last five matches against Palermo, not conceding in the process. Palermo's last success was in February 2011 in a season where they did the double over the Italian giants. Arturo Vidal and Fernando Llorente scored the goals in Juve's 2-0 Serie A win earlier this season. OPTA FACTS Juventus have won 30 of the 51 Serie A meetings against Palermo, leading 10 wins to the Rosanero (11 draws). Juve have won the last five Serie A clashes with Palermo, keeping a clean sheet in each of these games. The last draw between these two sides in the league dates back to September 2004; since then there have been seven wins for the Sicilians and nine for the Bianconeri. The last eight Serie A meetings played at Palermo since 2005 have seen four wins apiece. Palermo are winless in three league games: a defeat followed by two goalless draws. The last time that the Sicilians failed to score in three matches in a row within a single Serie A season was back in December 2011. Palermo are unbeaten at home in 10 league matches, seven wins and three draws. Only Juventus (16) and Lazio (12) have picked up more points at home than Palermo (11) since the beginning of 2015. LAST FIVE MATCHES Palermo D D L W L 3/8/15 - Cesena 0 - 0 Palermo 3/1/15 - Palermo 0 - 0 Empoli 2/22/15 - Lazio 2 - 1 Palermo 2/14/15 - Palermo 3 - 1 Napoli 2/8/15 - Internazionale 3 - 0 Palermo Juventus W L D W W 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 2/20/15 - Juventus 2 - 1 Atalanta HEAD TO HEAD 10/26/14 - Juventus 2 - 0 Palermo 5/5/13 - Juventus 1 - 0 Palermo 12/9/12 - Palermo 0 - 1 Juventus 4/7/12 - Palermo 0 - 2 Juventus 11/20/11 - Juventus 3 - 0 Palermo http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

Barzagli: Pirlo is a unique talent The centre-back was full of praise for his team-mate and highlighted Luis Suarez and Didier Drogba as two of his most dangerous opponents. Mar 12, 2015 Juventus defender Andrea Barzagli has hailed team-mate Andrea Pirlo as a “unique” talent. The 33-year-old former Wolfsburg centre-back has endured a frustrating campaign spent on the sidelines due to injury, but he has offered praise to the veteran midfielder and has named Didier Drogba as one of his most formidable opponents. In a Twitter question and answer session, he was asked who his greatest team-mate was, and he had not doubts over his identity: “I’ve been lucky to play with some great players, but Pirlo is unique,” he responded. “My toughest opponent? Luis Suarez was the most dangerous but the most physically demanding was Drogba.” Barzagli is expected to return to Germany with Juventus for the Champions League last-16 second-leg clash against Dortmund next week and when asked what the greatest difference between football in the Bundesliga and Serie A is, he replied: “In Germany there are more one on ones, in Italy we are more tactical.” Injury prevented the defender from featuring for the Serie A champions this term as he made his return to the field in a win over Sassuolo on Monday and he spoke of his emotion upon getting back into the action. “I must say I was very focused, but to hear the applause of the crowd was beautiful. These months away from the pitch were difficult; my wife and children were the only ones able to put up with me!” Barzagli will hope to play a greater role as Juventus seek to close out yet another Scudetto while also pursue Champions League glory.

PALERMO - JUVENTUS .- Saturday, March 14th, 2015 - 6:00 PM Renzo Barbera Stadium, Palermo Referee: Marco Guida Preview: Palermo vs. Juventus Mar 12, 2015 Twenty-six points separate Palermo and Serie A leaders Juventus, but the hosts have not lost a league game on home turf since September. Giuseppe Lachini's side currently reside 11th in the table on 35 points and they have struggled for consistency in the last few weeks. Palermo have won three and lost three in their last 10 Serie A matches, but draws have dominated their results of late, with two coming against Empoli and Cesena in their last outings. The team's home form will be tested on Saturday when they welcome a Juventus side to Stadio Renzo Barbera that have suffered just one league defeat in the entire season. The 1-0 loss came away to Genoa back in October, and while they have managed to secure seven victories on the road, their visits away from Turin have resulted in five draws. Juventus have the incentive of potentially stretching their gap to second-placed Roma to 14 points, but they will have one eye on next week's Champions League last-16 second leg against Borussia Dortmund, over whom they have a 2-1 advantage from the first leg. The visitors will be without Paul Pogba for this weekend's encounter as he serves a suspension, while Andrea Pirlo is also expected to remain on the sidelines with a calf problem. Paulo Dybala, who has scored 12 top-flight goals this season, is likely to lead the line for Palermo, with Robin Quaison and Franco Vazquez providing attacking support. Palermo Form in Serie A: W L W L D D Possible starting lineup: Sorrentino; Vitiello, Andjelkovic, Terzi, Daprela; Rigoni, Jajalo, Barreto; Quaison, Vazquez; Dybala Juventus Form in Serie A: D W D W D W Form in all competitions: D W W D L W Possible starting lineup: Storari; Lichtsteiner, Bonucci, Chiellini, Evra; Vidal, Marchisio, Pepe; Pereyra; Tevez, Morata Sports Mole says: 1-2 http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

Agnelli blasts Italians and Europe Mar 12, 2015 Juventus President Andrea Agnelli blasted Italian football chiefs, accusing Manchester City and PSG of “financial doping.” The patron sat down with German magazine Die Zeit ahead of Juve’s Champions League visit to Borussia Dortmund. “I am not the leader of the opposition in Italian football, because we don’t have a Government,” said Agnelli. “Nothing happens without a meeting of the Presidents. The Lega Serie A itself is weak and has no authority, nor its own management. This leads to a less transparent situation, for example with TV rights, and a conflict of interest. “We ought to change some of our ideas and behaviour. With few exceptions, the Presidents are all 60-70 years old. There are few in their 40s.” Agnelli also warned the bankruptcy of Parma, who needed a €5m bailout package from the Lega Serie A just to finish the season, is “the tip of the iceberg. “The fact a club can reach this point is down to the bad management of Italian football. I am not worried what people in Italy think of the country, but I am worried by what you overseas think of us. “Old stadiums are one of the causes of this crisis, I agree 100 per cent. It is our generation’s job to leave our children with a different football, one that is better and more transparent, but also a better country. “Without doubt there are differences between me and other Serie A Presidents. In my view it should be run like the Premier League by people who bring the League forward as a product with a strategy to develop and export our football. “In James Pallotta, the Roma President, we have found an ally. Are more foreign investors welcome? I don’t care where the investment comes from, but I can assure you Juve will remain Italian.” Juve have arguably the worst reputation abroad because of the Calciopoli scandal, which saw them stripped of two Serie A titles and demoted in 2006. “It’s not right to say we’ve been rehabilitated. We accepted the sentence of the sporting trial, but that was all done in a month and new information emerged afterwards that was not taken into consideration. “Three years ago we presented a request for damages worth €443m on lost income. We are waiting for the hearing.” Agnelli also blasted the massive clubs who have challenged the Financial Fair Play regulations. “At this moment there are four clubs who are beyond compare in terms of revenue: Real Madrid, Manchester United, Bayern Munich and Barcelona. “They are followed by PSG and Manchester City, who however operate on a system of financial doping. If we take those two clubs out of the table, Juventus rise to eighth place. My objective is to reach fifth position in three or four years.” Juventus also want to climb up the pecking order in the Champions League, starting with the Round of 16 against Borussia Dortmund. “We are Juventus. We have to win every game.”