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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.”

http://www.tuttosport.com/foto/calcio/serie_a/juventus/2015/03/09-92157_0/FOTO+Juventus-Sassuolo%3A+la+partita+allo+Stadium? http://www.zimbio.com/pictures/ASkpL-M0DAB/Juventus+FC+v+Sassuolo+Calcio

Pogba: My €200 million price tag is head-spinning The midfielder is concentrating on his performances after reports suggested interested clubs would have to cough up the colossal figure for his fee and salary. Mar 11, 2015 Paul Pogba has branded his €200 million price tag as “head-spinning” as the transfer saga around him at Juventus rumbles on. The French midfielder's agent, Mino Raiola, is alleged to have told Barcelona that they would need to pay €200m for the combined fee and salary of the 21-year-old in January 2016. Although Pogba signed a new contract with the Scudetto holders late last year, the rumour mill has only increased with ferocity since January with Real Madrid and Chelsea linked with a summer move. But the former Manchester United youngster is trying to think only about his efforts for Juventus, whom he fired to an 11-point lead in Serie A with his late winner against Sassuolo on Monday. "I think I have to be more focused on the field because these things can make your head spin," he told Corriere dello Sport. "I'm concentrating only on my performances, as I always say. If you want to know about transfer things you'd have to ask Mino Raiola. "I am focused to win the Scudetto and not thinking about anything else. If I want to become a great player then I have to work harder, and do more and more in training. "I try to thrive in every game and I have the confidence of my coach and team-mates - I have to grow up and do better."

JUVENTUS - SASSUOLO 1 - 0 Paul Pogba (82') Monday, March 9th, 2015 - 9:00 PM Juventus Stadium, Turin Referee: Sebastiano Peruzzo Juventus Fans Empty Curva In Protest Mar 10, 2015 Juventus fans emptied part of the Curva during their 1-0 win over Sassuolo in protest against action of the police. Paul Pogba got a late winner in the match, and during the second half the Bianconeri fans sitting behind the goal emptied half the Curva Sud. It is thought the protest by one of the ultra groups was due to the grievances against the treatment of fellow fans by the police. http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

JUVENTUS - SASSUOLO 1 - 0 Paul Pogba (82') Monday, March 9th, 2015 - 9:00 PM Juventus Stadium, Turin Referee: Sebastiano Peruzzo Juventus 1-0 Sassuolo: Paul Pogba at the rescue as Juve extend Serie A lead Paul Pogba scored with another beautiful long strike to help Juventus overcome a stubborn Sassuolo defence and extend their lead at the top of Serie A table to 11 (ELEVEN!!!) points. Mar 10, 2015 "Siamo noi, siamo noi! I campioni dell'Italia siamo noi..." No, this time it wasn’t just in my head. Juventus’ tifosi at the stadium chanted this even from the first half with, presuming, Roma’s latest draw against Chievo — yes, Chievo! — still fresh in their minds. And they are right, aren’t they? Eleven points between the two clubs at the top of the table with 12 fixtures left and Roma playing another queen of draws at home next time out, namely Sampdoria. Sounds good. Jump on the bandwagon then! Siamo noi, siamo noi! I campioni dell'Italia siamo noi! It was more difficult than expected to get the three points against Eusebio Di Francesco’s side, though, even bearing in mind the result from the first leg when the two teams drew 1-1. Paul Pogba was the man who scored the goal in that match and he was at the post again to save the day for Juventus on Monday. All hail the new king, Paul! If it wasn’t for that ridiculous haircut of his ... seriously, somebody should tell him. Addressing the new king matter, it is certainly distressing seeing Arturo Vidal playing football nowadays. Great work to start the action that lead to the goal, yes, but he has been far away from the normal self for too long and with Andrea Pirlo still out, things are not working brilliantly in midfield for Juventus. Claudio Marchisio has his moments of foolishness; Roberto Pereyra is still doing all the little tricks and flicks with very little effect, while Pogba, despite his goal, has also been off form recently. Pretty much like the whole team — not registering any negative results, but still just off the ideal, steady course. And although it wasn’t actually heart-warming hearing Antonio Conte preaching how his Juventus would be 20 points clear now, there might be a tiny little bit of truth in there somewhere. No doubt many juventini would just kindly ask him to mind his own business, if it would not be too much to ask of him. Marco Storari made his second Serie A appearance of the season as captain Gianluigi Buffon missed the game because of the flu, while Martin Caceres underwent a surgery to his ankle that probably, and most unfortunately, rules him out for the season. Buffon should be fit to face Dortmund next week — as the Palermo game is now really the last thing any juventino cares about — but Pirlo’s situation is still in doubt. Regardless, Max Allegri has a few choices to make for Palermo, keeping in mind Pogba is suspended for the game. Give as many players as possible a good weekend’s rest or keep them on duty roster? Having just mentioned the former Juventus manager, he used to unnecessarily field the best XI when more important games were around the corner. It might be a good chance for Allegri to interrupt the trend. MATCH SUMMARY Right in the very first minute, there was an almost terrible blunt from Storari who had a moment of incertitude with the ball at his feet and Simone Zaza took full advantage of it. It was a first half of little action, however, as too many poor touches and misplaced passes undermined Juventus’ chances of creating something dangerous for Andrea Consigli’s goal, while Sassuolo were more than pleased to defend the 0-0 and try to hit on the counter. Pereyra and Carlos Tévez played a short corner-kick in the 11th minute and then found Marchisio unmarked in the box but the Italian midfielder skyed his volley. Tévez had the first decent opportunity for Juventus in the 21st minute when he received a ball from Alvaro Morata right at the edge of the box and after beating his man with the first touch, sent a powerful left-footed shot at the near post but the ball went over the goal. It was the same Argentine striker had the first shot on target from distance in the 33rd minute but it was aimed straight at Consigli who parried the ball away easily. A few moments later, Leonardo Bonucci played a horrendous pass inside his own half and it was intercepted by Simone Missiroli who found Zaza with his first touch. The attacker was in a great position and Tévez was forced to bring him down in order to deal with the danger, receiving a yellow card in the process. Nicola Sansone took the resulting free-kick from 25 yards out but it was an easy save for Storari — it turned out later it was also the only save the veteran goalkeeper had to make all game. There was a last half decent chance for the hosts just before the half time as Tévez cut inside from the left and found Vidal in a central position but the Chilean’s shot was blocked and went behind for a corner-kick. Nothing resulted from the set piece and referee Sebastiano Peruzzo blew the half time whistle. Second half started pretty much in the same fashion the first one ended, with Juventus applying pressure close to the opposite box with few results. Pogba missed the first good opportunity in the 52nd minute when his low shot from just outside the area was tipped wide by Consigli. The pressure was mounting as Juventus appeared to have increased the pace a bit and the next chance felt five minutes later to Tévez who sliced a volley just inches away from the far post, following a deflected cross from Stephan Lichtsteiner. Morata found some space inside the box in the 62nd minute but his shot missed the target. That was his latest action of the game as he was replaced a minute later by Fernando Llorente, while Simone Pepe replaced Pereyra. Allegri changed to a 4-3-3 with that double substitution, theoretically moving Tévez wide, but the Argentine kept roaming around asking for the ball whenever he had the chance. Juventus started to flood Sassuolo’s box with crosses after these changes — mainly because of Pepe and probably the general lack of ideas — but 20 more minutes passed before the agony ended. Pogba eventually found the breakthrough for Juventus in the 82nd minute after a very quick build-up involving Vidal and Pepe. The Chilean won the ball inside his half and passed it to Pepe who found space down the middle of the pitch. The winger seemed to be aiming the ball for Tévez on the left side of the pitch but Pogba took it with the outside of his boot at about 20 yards out and with the next touch sent a great volley close to the post that gave Consigli no chance. Juventus managed to keep Sassuolo away from their own box rather comfortably in the final minutes and after Zaza was booked for his third handball of the game, referee Peruzzo put an end to the match. PLAYER RATINGS Storari: 6.5 One steady save from the veteran who was idle for most of the time Lichtsteiner: 5.5 A lot of balls went astray from the Swiss defender who seems to be ineffective out of his usual wing-back role Bonucci: 6 Kept Zaza quiet relatively easy and was involved in quite a few build-up actions for Juventus. Decent attempt with the shot from very far out Chiellini: 6 Started the game a bit shaky but regained his composure as it went on. Couple of decent chances to score following corner kicks but he didn’t direct his headers properly Evra: 6 Good runs down the left flank but his crosses were poor. The same average performance from the Frenchman he displayed all season Vidal: 5.5 Good work to launch the counter for the goal, but had the same alarmingly quiet game Marchisio: 6 More steady than his latest performance against Fiorentina, but despite being a solid presence in midfield, il Principino didn’t do too much to help the attacks Pogba: 7 Saved the match for Juventus doing exactly what a top player does when his game is poor overall — steps up on one occasions and delivers the killer punch Pereyra: 5.5 Dire performance from the Argentine, whose poor passing and positioning were once more weakening the attacking moves Tévez: 6.5 Was the only spark in attack for Juventus for most of the time, always on the move asking for balls but his efforts were not rewarded with a goal. Morata: 5.5 Rather frustrating night for the Spaniard who was constantly drifting left and right in an attempt to find more space as Sassuolo’s defence was crammed in the middle. Subs Pepe: 6 Delivered quite a few crosses after he replaced Pereyra in the 63rd minute and also provided the assist – although probably by mistake Llorente: 5.5 Replaced Morata but was rarely seen on the pitch. Had one half decent chance but his effort was too weak Barzagli: HE’S BACK! Coach Allegri: 5.5 Despite making a double substitution with half an hour left to play, little things changed afterwards and the team still seemed impotent to find a breakthrough. Was saved by Pogba’s late strike but Allegri needs to give the players a bit of jolt ahead of Dortmund http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

JUVENTUS - SASSUOLO 1 - 0 Paul Pogba (82') Monday, March 9th, 2015 - 9:00 PM Juventus Stadium, Turin Referee: Sebastiano Peruzzo Moment of Pogba brilliance puts Roma's Serie A hopes on the brink Mar 10, 2015 For a moment, you thought it was never going to happen. The fans were booing. Andrea Agnelli was clutching his head as he sat bent down watching. And Massimiliano Allegri was screaming. What is it with Sassuolo, and why does Allegri struggle to overcome this wonderfully constructed side? After the break, the fans cheered on the team and the tempo was raised and yet Juve couldn't pierce through. Only a moment of magic was going to conclude the game, an individual piece of brilliance. And it finally arrived on the 81st minute. Paul Pogba struck an audacious volley to stretch the lead at the top of Serie A to 11 points after Juventus' eventual 1-0 victory. Dear Roma, it looks to be all but over. Eusebio Di Francesco has created a Sassuolo side that simply won't accept their status as a lowly minnow. A teeny tiny club in a city that has a population of 41,000, more or less the same as the capacity of Juve's stadium, they boast heart and infinite determination. Possessing quality in various areas of the pitch, especially in the front line, it's a squad that rarely tires, playing an aggressive style of football that frustrates the opponent as they nip and press for every ball to launch an attack. Juventus, deployed in their usual 4-3-1-2 formation, were close to abysmal in the first half. Barring Carlos Tevez, the squad appeared static, playing their game at an usually-slow pace. They may never have been the fastest squad in the league but there was simply no energy from a side that faced an opponent hungry to irritate. With Sassuolo offering no space between the lines, it was a game made for Fernando Llorente, a player who understands how to push defenders back and create space for his partners alongside him to work. With Alvaro Morata roaming all over the pitch in hopes of uncovering some space, he made himself somewhat easy to defend against. The Neroverdi were too organised, too quick to shut down space and no Bianconero was doing enough to pull players out of position or create space for others. Moreover the midfielders held back, rarely pushing forward to make timely insertions in advanced positions, thus there were few options in the box for Juventus when the odd pass or cross did come in that required conversion. However, while Allegri may not possess Antonio Conte's grit, he can instead rely on what makes him a worthy Juve coach -- his tactical substitutions. His men were already feeding off the reaction of the fans who were desperately cheering the players on -- after jeering them initially -- but now they realised they had begun to create some interesting chances and they wanted to see more. Something had to change, and Allegri threw on Llorente and Simone Pepe, changing the side's formation to a 4-4-2 to stretch the opponent. Immediately the latter made the difference as he attempted to make the most of Llorente's aerial ability. With accurate crosses now coming in and the tempo raised, there was hope the Bianconeri would find the winner. There was genuine belief among the home squad while Di Francesco's men began to tire as they attempted to adjust themselves. Concentration levels were bound to drop and finally, against an opponent that was well organised and heavily determined, individual quality made the difference. Despite the competition, despite the beauty of certain well-assembled squads such as Napoli and Roma, Juve have that bit more that allows them to resolve these kinds of matches. It takes only one mistake for them to profit and make their superiority count through individual brilliance. Who provided the assist? Why it was Pepe (chapeau Allegri!), while Pogba's goal ought to relieve the block the player has been experiencing in recent games. Placing too much pressure on himself to make the difference, the Frenchman can surrender to frustration at times and confidence is an issue. That wonderful goal is bound to stand him in good stead, especially considering the Borussia Dortmund game is coming up and his contribution ought to prove valuable if he's feeling confident. Monday's essential victory has now stretched the lead at the top and yet Allegri refuses to celebrate at this stage of the campaign, fearful his side will drop their intensity. One cannot help but be pleased for him considering Conte's tongue-in-cheek comments. The former Juve coach coyly suggested that had Allegri's Juve possessed the same grit as his, they would be ahead of Roma by 20 points. Allegri will always have his critics, but this is a team that is still fighting on all fronts and is 11 points clear at the top. One cannot be too critical of him. Conte is and will always be a legend that fans will always be grateful to for having revived their sunken Old Lady. However, there are times his ego has hurt the side he proclaims to love more than anything. That included the time he chose to refer to Fabio Capello's titles as revoked, belittling his achievements and making a mockery of Juve's attempts to insist they won their 32 titles 'on the pitch.' And now, at a time when the club is enjoying success, despite the hardships, he needs to stand firm and applaud them. With Conte, there's no smoke without fire and while his remarks were meant to be humorous, it's clear he truly believes what he said. Regardless of the swipes, Conte will always be Conte, but tonight Juve celebrate, not only because they achieved a victory, but because they now sit comfortably -- regardless of what Allegri may say -- in front of the Serie A pack. http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

JUVENTUS - SASSUOLO 1 - 0 Paul Pogba (82') Monday, March 9th, 2015 - 9:00 PM Juventus Stadium, Turin Referee: Sebastiano Peruzzo Juventus 1 - Sassuolo 0: Initial reaction and random observations Mar 10, 2015 And here is Part 23,452 why Paul Pogba is the eye of every single club that can afford him in the world. In a game that needed something to happen or else Juventus would be sent to their eighth draw of the season in 26 games, there was Pogba, Juventus' 21-year-old superstar French midfielder, to answer the call. His latest leave-your-draw-hanging kind of goal gave Juventus the 1-0 win over Sassuolo in a game that almost seemed destined for a scoreless draw as more and more minutes ticked off the clock. Pogba. Eleven-point lead atop Serie A. Sounds like a lovely night to put one hand on the Scudetto to me. It's just the latest piece of evidence as to why so many of us just smile at the possibility of Pogba staying around for as long as possible.Even when his game isn't at his best in recent weeks, he is able to do what he did in the 82nd minute against a Sassuolo side that was primed to steal a point at Juventus Stadium. It went from "another frustrating result for Juventus" to an ugly win with one moment of absolute brilliance. It wasn't a surprise from who it came from. This is Pogba's world and we're just living in it. You don't have to look far to see who Juventus' most prized asset is. Or why, for that matter. This goal is exactly why. It came at the perfect time when his team desperately needed it. That's just beautiful. And to think Juventus still have a couple months remaining in the season. Those numbers are bound to rise outside of anything terrible going down. Those goals are bound to be in double digits, and knowing how many crazy things he can pull off to setup teammates, the same can be said for the assist numbers. One more thing: Remember this quote from Max Allegri's pre-match press conference? JuventusFC ✔ @juventusfcen .@OfficialAllegri: "I'd also be happy to win the Sassuolo game by a 1-0 scoreline. In life you need to be practical." Yeah, I think he'll be pretty happy with it. Although, that Pogba goal was anything but practical for an ordinary human being. Thank goodness Paul Pogba is far from ordinary. Random thoughts and observations God bless Paul Labile Pogba. Seriously. Bless him for being him. Some quality man hugs going on in tribuna. Plus-11 in the table feels pretty good. BARZA BACK. It's been a long road for Andrea Barzagli since undergoing surgery last summer. His only game time in a Juventus jersey Winning ugly seems to be the route Juventus has taken a good amount of the time lately. Sometimes that will make you want to pull your damn hair out, but that's clearly the fashion that Monday's game was going to have to be won as it went on. I mean, it could be worse. They could be losing and look like crap. Sassuolo were oh so close to getting a point at Juventus Stadium. So very close. Too bad for them that Paul Pogba happened. Luckily for us who wear black and white jerseys with his name on the back, Paul Pogba happened and saved us — and potentially some household belongings — from destruction. There are just some mid- or bottom-table teams that give Juventus problems every season. Let's consider Sassuolo one of those this season. A 1-1 draw to Sassuolo, a hard-fought 1-0 win at Juventus Stadium on Monday. This is Juventus vs. Sassuolo in the 2014-15 season. Sixteen total shots, only four put on frame. That's the Juventus I know and love. Gotta be honest, being 11 points up feels pretty good, man. Also good to see Juventus take advantage of a slip up from Roma, too. http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

JUVENTUS - SASSUOLO 1 - 0 Paul Pogba (82') Monday, March 9th, 2015 - 9:00 PM Juventus Stadium, Turin Referee: Sebastiano Peruzzo Player Ratings: Juventus 1-0 Sassuolo Mar 9, 2015 Juventus 30 M. Storari - Making only his second Serie A start of the season in place of the ill Buffon, Storari had a few shaky moments, including in the first minute, but he generally did little wrong. 26 S. Lichtsteiner - Did not spend much time in his own half as Sassuolo rarely attacked down his flank and, while he was regularly involved in the final third, his deliveries were not particularly impressive. 19 L. Bonucci - Always looked to pass the ball out of defence and he will be admired for that, though on several occasions his distribution lacked accuracy and invited pressure on to Juve. 3 G. Chiellini - A threat in the air from set-pieces, but the Juve captain appeared nervous a few times and often looked uncomfortable with Zaza's intense pressing. 33 P. Evra - A solid display from the Frenchman. He generally defended well and also offered an attacking threat going forward, linking well with Pogba more than once. 23 A. Vidal - Not one of the Chilean's better displays. He used the ball well and engaged in some good interchanging in the final third, but he was often caught napping in possession. 8 C. Marchisio - The Italy international worked hard in the middle and even got forward to offer an extra number in the final third, though he often looked a little uncomfortable defensively. 6 Paul Pogba - Disappointing for much of the match, with his touch deserting him on a few occasions. However, like the great player he is, he popped up when it really mattered, netting a brilliant winner towards the end. 37 R. Pereyra - A somewhat unspectacular display from the Argentinian. He picked out Tevez for a good chance in the first half, but on the whole he failed to make much of an impact or have much influence. 10 C. Tévez - A typical Tevez display, as the Argentina star proved a pest to the Sassuolo defence without the ball and ran at them with it, often getting the better of Acerbi. 9 Álvaro Morata - The young Spaniard is enjoying a good debut campaign in Serie A and he had his moments on Monday, proving a willing runner and hard-working attacker, even if his finishing was not great. Substitutes 15 A. Barzagli - A late substitute as Juve looked to shore things up, the centre-back was making his first appearance of the season following a long injury lay-off. 7 S. Pepe - Added an extra dimension to Juve after his 63rd-minute entrance for Pereyra and he ultimately claimed an assist for Pogba's winner. 14 Llorente - Replaced Morata with just under half-an-hour to go and, while he did not offer as much running as his compatriot, he was more effective as the focal point of the Juve attack. Sassuolo 47 A. Consigli - By far the busier of the two goalkeepers and while he looked nervous at some crosses, he produced several fine saves to keep Sassuolo in the contest. He could do nothing about the winner, however. 11 Š. Vrsaljko - The Croatian was given plenty to think about by both Evra and Morata, but he did his job well for the most part, halting several Juve attacks. 15 F. Acerbi - Given a bit of a run-around by Tevez at times, rarely getting close to the Argentinian, but he did make several crucial blocks and interceptions in the Sassuolo area. 31 F. Peluso - Playing against his former team, the centre-back did more or less did his job well sweeping up around Acerbi and keeping a close eye on Pereyra, whom he halted more than once. 3 A. Longhi - Generally appeared to be the weak point in the Sassuolo defence, as the left-back routinely failed to deny Lichtsteiner crossing and he generally struggled. 33 M. Brighi - One of three exceptionally hard-working midfielders in the Sassuolo midfield, the former Roma man helped to nullify the threat of Pogba for long periods, proving something of a nuisance. 4 F. Magnanelli - A battling performance in the middle, the Sassuolo captain proved effective at closing down on the edge of the area in the first half, though after the break he found Juve's increased tempo a little more awkward. 7 S. Missiroli - Although deployed towards the left, he often found himself pressing from the centre and generally to good effect. Rather ineffective in possession, however. 25 D. Berardi - Although he rarely ran at Evra, the young Italian caused a few problems when he cut inside and he worked exceptionally hard without the ball before fading in the second half. 10 S. Zaza - Despite ultimately being rendered helpless by poor service, he constantly put the Juve defence under pressure and worked tirelessly. 17 N. Sansone - Impressed in flashes with his direct running and he certainly cannot be faulted for his efforts out on the left, though he will perhaps be disappointed by his final ball. Substitutes 19 S. Taïder - Introduced for Sansone with 18 minutes to go and produced a couple of clever runs down the left flank. 6 R. Chibsah - Replaced Brighi for the final 10 minutes and did not make much of an impact. 30 D. Lazarević - A late entry in place of Missiroli, he did not have enough time to cause Juve any issues. http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

JUVENTUS - SASSUOLO 1 - 0 Paul Pogba (82') Monday, March 9th, 2015 - 9:00 PM Juventus Stadium, Turin Referee: Sebastiano Peruzzo Pogba: I don't feel like I've sealed the Serie A title The Frenchman's fine half-volley against Sassuolo has moved Juventus 11 points clear but the midfielder says nothing has been decided yet. Mar 9, 2015 Paul Pogba has played down claims that he sealed Juventus' fourth successive Serie A title with his spectacular strike in Monday's 1-0 over Sassuolo. The France international scored a sublime half-volley with just eight minutes to go in Turin to send the Bianconeri 11 points clear at the summit of the standings with 12 rounds of the season remaining. "I don't feel like I'm the 'Scudetto man'," Pogba told Sky Sport Italia. "But we have won a difficult game. It was very important in terms of the league." Pogba has played an integral role in Juve's march towards a fourth consecutive Scudetto, netting seven times in 22 Serie A appearances, but he insists that he should not yet be considered a key member of Massimiliano Allegri's squad. "I don't feel like a leader, only one of many players within an extraordinary group," he added. "I can improve. If I want to be a great player, I must do more, both on the field and in training." Pogba celebrated his crucial matchwinner by cupping his hands around his ears, an apparent reference to the fact that not only has his recent form been criticised, but also the boos and whistles that came from certain sections of Juventus Stadium during a frustrating encounter with Sassuolo. The midfielder admitted afterwards that he was trying to make the point that Juve need unwavering support from their fans. "I thank all of my team-mates and the fans, because without them we will not go far," he added. "We need them also when we're playing badly. There are always difficult moments but we need them and their support. "Even when we're playing badly, we want to make them happy. We need them behind us. It's very important." http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111