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ROMA - JUVENTUS .- Monday, March 2nd, 2015 - 8:45 PM Olimpico Stadium, Rome Referee: Daniele Orsato Lichtsteiner: Juventus Have Respect For Roma Feb 28, 2015 Juventus defender Stephan Lichtsteiner has said that the Bianconeri have great respect for Serie A rivals Roma. The Giallorossi host Juventus at the Stadio Olimpico on Monday night in Serie A and the 31-year-old Swiss right-back has admitted that it is still important for Juventus to study their opponents every week. “It is a difficult challenge,” Lichtsteiner told Rai Sport. “We are preparing for it like all the others, looking to understand which the weak points of our opponents are. I can say that we have great respect for Roma.” Lichtsteiner was also if the title race in Serie A has become one-sided but he emphasised that this is not the case/ “I do not see it that way. Nine points behind are many but there are strong teams like Roma, Napoli [and] Fiorentina and we know that a mistake is enough to put everything at stake,” he concluded. http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

ROMA - JUVENTUS .- Monday, March 2nd, 2015 - 8:45 PM Olimpico Stadium, Rome Referee: Daniele Orsato De Rossi: 'Roma were asleep' Feb 28, 2015 Daniele De Rossi admits Roma “fell asleep for a month,” but are wide awake and ready to beat Juventus. “We fell asleep for a month, but now we can beat Juventus and re-open the Scudetto race,” De Rossi told Sky Sport Italia. The Giallorossi put together a run of six draws from seven rounds, falling nine points behind the leaders. They are hoping to ride the wave of enthusiasm from a morale-boosting 2-1 Europa League victory away to Feyenoord. “It’s great to see Rudi Garcia so motivated. He’s really hungry to win at Roma and with Roma.” The Coach has occasionally relegated their ‘Future Captain’ to the bench, but DDR accepts it. “With so much talent in the squad it can happen to be benched. If a team wants to be successful, you need to improve the overall level and that means competition for places.” http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

ROMA - JUVENTUS .- Monday, March 2nd, 2015 - 8:45 PM Olimpico Stadium, Rome Referee: Daniele Orsato Pallotta: 'Roma on Juve's level' Feb 28, 2015 Roma President James Pallotta does not seek ‘revenge’ against Juventus and insists the Scudetto race is still open. The top two face off at the Stadio Olimpico on Monday at 20.45 CET. “I don’t see this as an opportunity for revenge,” the patron told Roma Radio after a controversial 3-2 defeat in Turin. “There were mistakes that can happen. I was at the game in Turin and we could easily have won.” Juve are nine points clear of Roma in the standings, whereas Napoli are within three points of the Lupi. “We are on the same level as Juventus and I’m not looking to just defend second place. I think that if we play the way we know how it’ll be a very open match. We have to follow on from the victory over Feyenoord. “What’s frustrating is the number of injuries we’ve sustained, especially very serious ones like Kevin Strootman and Leandro Castan. If Juventus had been without players like Andrea Pirlo or Paul Pogba for most of the season, they’d be in the same situation as Roma. “I am happy with our result in Rotterdam and can see the team fired up for Monday. When the results weren’t coming, we were still giving our all, but it was great to lift our heads in that atmosphere. “Our project is long-term over 10-20 years, so we want to fight for the Scudetto and Champions League.” That also includes the construction of a new club-owned stadium, which Pallotta assured is “progressing quickly. It could become the number one stadium in Europe.” http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

Chiellini: I supported Milan but I want to end career at Juventus The Italy international wants to finish his playing career with the Bianconeri, despite confirming he was a fan of AC Milan when he was younger. Feb 28, 2015 Giorgio Chiellini has revealed that he wants to finish his career at Juventus, even though he supported AC Milan as a child. The 30-year-old has been a mainstay in the Bianconeri defence since joining the club in 2005 and recently signed a new deal that will keep him in Turin until the end of the 2017-18 Serie A season. Despite confirming that he was a fan of the Rossoneri during his youth, the centre-back stated that he could not see himself hanging up his boots while at any club but Juve. "I was a Milan fan when I was a child, but you improve as you grow older. I hope to end my career at Juventus, especially as I’m starting to get a bit old," Chiellini told Rai. The Italy international also commented on the club's tradition of closely monitoring their players both on and off the field, but suggested that the surveillance does not mean the players are dull. "Our style remains the same, it’s just times have changed. You can’t ask Vidal or Pogba to cut their mohicans off, but what really matters is the attitude and in a club like ours that is monitored. However, at Juventus we are not as square as people think." Juve currently sit nine points clear of Roma and travel to Rome to face their rivals on Monday evening.

Barca-Real fight for Pogba Feb 28, 2015 Marca, AS and Tuttosport claim Real Madrid and Barcelona are in a bidding war for Juventus star Paul Pogba. Papers in Spain and Italy repeat the same reports, that the two Liga clubs are the front-runners to prise Pogba away from Turin. Manchester United, PSG, Chelsea and Manchester City have also shown a marked interest in the 21-year-old French midfielder. The rumours suggest Real Madrid collaborator Zinedine Zidane is working behind the scenes to convince Pogba he can become the latest Galactico. AS claim Zizou is in fact pushing hard with the current Real Madrid hierarchy to go all in for Pogboom. Meanwhile, Barça are also sending positive messages to the ex-Manchester United youth product, who is valued at around €100m. His price-tag does not only reflect his worth on the pitch, but also his immense sponsorship potential. Tuttosport also suggest that agent Mino Raiola picked up a commission worth €4.5m to secure Pogba’s contract renewal until 2019. On Friday Juventus director Beppe Marotta said “we are not looking for buyers.”

ROMA - JUVENTUS .- Monday, March 2nd, 2015 - 8:45 PM Olimpico Stadium, Rome Referee: Daniele Orsato MATCH PREVIEW Feb 28, 2015 Roma head into Monday’s Scudetto six-pointer against Juventus wondering if the tension will lift their title ambitions, or kill them off for good. The Giallorossi began 2015 by taking ill and so have their supporters, sick of the accumulating slide. Their last limp outing at the Stadio Olimpico saw Rudi Garcia’s men match a 1981 record of five consecutive home draws, with confrontations between fans and the team ensuing since. It had come to a point that the Coach needed President James Pallotta's public backing, the former’s first season a distant memory. But the perceived injustice Roma suffered at the referee’s hands in the reverse trip to Juve earlier this term is still fresh in the mind. At a key juncture in their campaign, the enemy will return to being an external one, which suits the squad just fine. Precious momentum arrived in the form of a European win at Feyenoord too, and Francesco Totti stated before hand that with a win, they’d ‘win on Monday too’. Unlike last season, the direct match at the Olimpico will not be dead rubber. And although the Old Lady have won five of their last six Serie A clashes against their hosts, failing to score only once in each of the last 19 fixtures together, they make this trip without Andrea Pirlo. The maestro blazed the champions nine clear at the top against Atalanta last week but is now injured till the middle of March. Even that, in addition Paul Pogba’s possible absence, will not see Massimiliano Allegri’s troops surrender their 15-game unbeaten run in the League lightly though. The Bianconeri travel to Rome in hopes of ending their rivals’ title challenge. On the other hand, Roma, seeking revenge, are aiming to restart it. Keep an eye on: Alvaro Morata (Juventus) - Cruelly denied a goal by the woodwork and then sent off against Roma last October, Alvaro Morata will be eager to give a better account of himself in a clash the former Real Madrid man has compared to El Clasico. Fresh from a standout performance in Juventus’ victory over Borussia Dortmund, the talented striker is increasingly coming into his own. Form guide: Roma (D D W D D) Juventus (W D W D W) Last season: Roma 0-1 Juventus Stat fact: Roma have never drawn six Serie A home games in a row. Roma (probable): De Sanctis; Torosidis, Manolas, Astori, Holebas; Pjanic, Keita, Nainggolan; Gervinho, Totti, Ljajic Suspended: None Juventus (probable): Buffon; Caceres, Bonucci, Chiellini, Evra; Sturaro, Marchisio, Vidal; Pereyra; Morata, Tevez Suspended: None http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

ROMA - JUVENTUS .- Monday, March 2nd, 2015 - 8:45 PM Olimpico Stadium, Rome Referee: Daniele Orsato Doumbia doubt for Roma-Juve Feb 28, 2015 Seydou Doumbia is reportedly going to miss Roma’s big game with Juventus due to injury. It kicks off on Monday at 20.45 CET. Ivory Coast international Doumbia is still looking for his first goal in a Giallorossi jersey since joining in January. According to some reports, he is suffering from lumbago and therefore unlikely to feature in Monday’s Scudetto showdown. Meanwhile, Radja Nainggolan is expected to start, as he was rested in the 2-1 Europa League victory over Feyenoord on Thursday. http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

Marotta: Pogba Not For Sale Feb 28, 2015 Juventus sporting director Giuseppe Marotta has stated that midfielder Paul Pogba is not for sale. The French international has been linked with Europe’s premier clubs such as Real Madrid and Manchester United of late, but Marotta insists that the Bianconeri are not willing to sell him. “In football, you should always set the bar high,” he told giornalaccio rosa TV. “We’ve won three straight Serie A titles, and we definitely aren’t willing to stop there. “We’re always looking to strengthen the squad, and Pogba is one of our best players. “Of course, we must balance it out between the football needs and economic needs but we haven’t received an offer for Pogba, nor are we looking for potential buyers. “We aren’t thinking of selling him at any costs, we aren’t in search for offers. “His value? It depends on the buyers, but I think it can reach a large amount.” The former Sampdoria sporting director then stated that only Empoli defender [Daniele] Rugani will surely move to the Bianconeri in the summer, as well as speaking about Gianluigi Buffon’s replacement. “There are many players we’re interested in but the only player who we are sure is going to wear the Juve shirt is Rugani,” he said. “Cavani? He’s a great player, and PSG bought him for a very high price; of course, we’d like him but the market is complicated. “As for Verratti, we failed to sign him when he was at Pescara so we opted for Pogba instead, however all of this talk about possible transfers is akin to fantasy football. “We were very close to signing Radamel Falcao in the summer, but now things have changed. “The only person who can replace Buffon at this point is Leali [on loan to Cesena], but replacing Buffon is difficult, because keepers like him come every 50 years. “He’ll keep on playing until he wants to.” Marotta then went on to speak about the club’s relationship with Carlos Tevez, who has been linked with a move away from the Bianconeri as soon as his contract expires in June 2016. “The relationship with Tevez is excellent, he’s fully absorbed the Juventus mentality,” he said. The Bianconeri are currently top of the Serie A table with a nine point lead over second place Roma, and are still in both the Coppa Italia and UEFA Champions League, and the 57-year-old spoke about the criticism the board received for appointing Massimilano Allegri in place of Antonio Conte in the summer. “Allegri in place of Conte? I still remember the criticism we received when we hired Allegri, executives sometimes must make unpopular choices,” he added. Marotta voiced his opinion about the recorded phonecalls between Ischia Isolaverde sporting director Pino Iodice and Lazio president and FIGC chief adviser Claudio Lotito, where the latter said that sides like Carpi and Frosinone would ruin the quality of Serie A due to their limited fanbases. “It’s resounding that the FIGC decided to back him [Lotito] and not us, even after all he said,” he started. “We requested the intervention of the Italian Olympic Committee following the Iodice-Lotito phonecalls, these things ruin Italy’s footballing reputation.” Finally, the Juve sporting director voiced his opinion on Monday’s encounter against second place Roma, as well as speaking about the side’s chances of advancing to the UEFA Champions League quarter-finals after a 2-1 Round of 16 defeat of Borussia Dortmund in the first leg in Turin. “We’re going to Roma to win,” he said. “We’re aware of our strength, but we mustn’t think that the Scuetto race is over, even if we’re leading Serie A by a big margin. “I believe we can progress to the quarter finals of the Champions League, I’d say we have a 60% chance.”

ROMA - JUVENTUS .- Monday, March 2nd, 2015 - 8:45 PM Olimpico Stadium, Rome Referee: Daniele Orsato Pallotta: ‘Ready for Juventus’ Feb 27, 2015 President James Pallotta says Roma are ‘ready’ for Juventus and predicts a ‘fun, great game’ against Fiorentina. The Giallorossi will be facing a tough opening to March as the decisive Serie A clash against the Bianconeri on Monday will be followed, 11 days later, by the Europa League Last 16 tie against La Viola. Pallotta, questioned by the giornalaccio rosa dello Sport and retesport after a meeting with Rome mayor Ignazio Marino over the future property stadium, seemed unconcerned by the Lupi's recent dearth of results. “I think the team is ready for Juventus,” he said. “I'm very happy with the game the players showed us yesterday, which they played in a hostile environment. “The team and the staff showed that they were ready. I think that Gervinho's behaviour in particular was phenomenal. “Walking back into the pitch after some of the things that happened inside the stadium – things that I'd call racist – and then coming back and scoring, well, he couldn't have done it better,” said Pallotta, in reference to the inflatable banana thrown on to the pitch. “But I liked the attitude of his teammates even better than the goal. “I'd gladly take a yellow card a day if it means that my players receive the kind of support shown by [Miralem] Pjanic and the rest of the team after the banana was thrown. “I'm even prouder about the rest of the team. It proves that they're united as a group. “As for Roma-Fiorentina, I think it'll be fun. I'm expecting a great game.” Finally, Pallotta was also able to release some statements about the upcoming stadium. “We discussed and examined all the arguments. We are working within schedule and our relationship is cooperative. “I couldn't be happier than I am to be working with the people who were present at the meeting. “Over the last year we made solid progress. We'll have a great stadium. I see no obstacles. We're working really well. “And soon you can expect a great statement about Roma Cares,” he said, in reference to the initiative that will link the Giallorossi club to a network of charities. http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

ROMA - JUVENTUS .- Monday, March 2nd, 2015 - 8:45 PM Olimpico Stadium, Rome Referee: Daniele Orsato Preview: Roma vs. Juventus Feb 27, 2015 Nine points may separate Serie A's top two of Juventus and Roma, but a result either way on Monday could prove to be a vital moment of the season. Juventus currently lead the way having suffered just one loss in the entire season so far, but Roma have had an impressive campaign of their own as they have not tasted defeat since November. Rudi Garcia's side have failed to earn wins, having recorded eight draws in their last 11 fixtures in the top flight. Clean sheets have also been hard to come by as they have kept just one, which was a goalless draw against troubled Parma, in seven games. Juventus have had a couple of draws of their own, but they are on a winning run in all competitions with two victories to their name, the latest of which came in a 2-1 result over Borussia Dortmund in the first leg of their last-16 Champions League tie on Tuesday evening. Carlos Tevez is the club's highest goalscorer with 20 goals so far this season, and he appears to be back to full flow after scoring against their Bundesliga opponents in Europe earlier this week. For Roma, their 2-1 triumph over Feyenoord in the Europa League on Thursday was marred by several suspensions due to objects being thrown onto the pitch, but Garcia will be hopeful that the disruptions will not hamper his team for Monday's game. The last time these two sides met in October, three penalties, two red cards and a late goal dominated Juve's 3-2 victory, and the Old Lady edge the history books having won 77 of their last 161 meetings with Roma. Juan Iturbe is likely to be in the squad after coming off the bench against Feyenoord following his recovery from ligament damage, but Maicon and Victor Ibarbo remain out of contention. Massimiliano Allegri will be without Andrea Pirlo due to a calf injury that the Italian suffered against Dortmund, while Paul Pogba could also miss out with a thigh problem. Stefano Sturaro could be installed in the starting XI as a result of Pogba's absence. Roma Form in Serie A: D D D W D D Form in all competitions: L W D D D W Possible starting lineup: De Sanctis; Torosidis, Manolas, Astori, Holebas; Pjanic, Keita, Nainggolan; Gervinho, Totti, Ljajic Juventus Form in Serie A: W W D W D W Form in all competitions: W D W D W W Possible starting lineup: Buffon; Caceres, Bonucci, Chiellini, Evra; Sturaro, Marchisio, Vidal; Pereyra; Tevez, Morata Sports Mole says: 1-1 http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

ROMA - JUVENTUS .- Monday, March 2nd, 2015 - 8:45 PM Olimpico Stadium, Rome Referee: Daniele Orsato Sturaro To Make Juventus Debut Against Roma Feb 27, 2015 Juventus midfielder Stefano Sturaro could reportedly make his debut for the Old Lady in their upcoming Serie A clash with Roma on Monday. The 21-year-old, who arrived at the Bianconeri from Genoa in July 2014, was recalled early from his season-long loan at the Grifone on February 2 and it seems like he may already have an opportunity to prove himself in Massimiliano Allegri’s line up due to a number of injuries in the squad’s midfield. According to TuttoSport, Juventus are expected to face Roma without the likes of Andrea Pirlo, Paul Pogba, Romulo and Kwadwo Asamoah, which may leave Allegri open to giving Sturaro a chance to prove himself at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome. The midfielder had provided one assist in his 13 Serie A appearances for Genoa before making his return to Juve and could prove to be crucial for the Turin giants as they look to extend their lead over the Giallorossi to 12 points in the league standings. http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

ROMA - JUVENTUS .- Monday, March 2nd, 2015 - 8:45 PM Olimpico Stadium, Rome Referee: Daniele Orsato Pereyra: 'Roma gap means nothing' Feb 27, 2015 Midfielder Roberto Pereyra says Juve's nine-point lead over Roma 'means nothing' once the teams are on the pitch. The match between the Bianconeri and the Giallorossi is scheduled for Monday March 2, at 20:45 local time, and represents the best opportunity for Rudi Garcia's team to reopen the Scudetto race. The Old Lady lead the race by nine points in the standings, but the Argentinian doesn't see that as a reason to feel assured. “We have to stay concentrated,” he said in an interview with Sky Sport. “Having a nine-point lead means nothing. We can't relax, we have to press forward. “We're off to play a difficult game, in their own environment. “We know what kind of game they play. And they're playing very well right now, so the game will be intense. “We have to be very careful, very focused. We can't afford mistakes. “I admit I haven't seen Roma's game [against Feyenoord]. But we know what kind of match we'll be up against.” http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

ROMA - JUVENTUS .- Monday, March 2nd, 2015 - 8:45 PM Olimpico Stadium, Rome Referee: Daniele Orsato Pogba fit for Roma? Feb 27, 2015 Juventus midfielder Paul Pogba will be fit to face Roma in Monday’s Scudetto showdown, according to reports. It was revealed yesterday that the youngster was struggling with a thigh injury, and could miss the crucial top-of-the-table clash. However, according to Mediaset, an MRI scan at Vinovo this morning showed no damage to the muscle. The news outlet reports that while Pogba will be carefully monitored over the coming days, the former Manchester United man should be fit to face Roma. A win for the Bianconeri would see them extend their lead over Rudi Garcia’s men to a potentially unassailable 12 points. In addition, the crisis at Parma may see Juve given an extra three points, as the Old Lady will awarded a 3-0 walkover if the Ducali cannot complete their fixtures. That would be a bitter blow for the Giallorossi, who have already played the Emilian side twice, dropping two points in their last meeting. In the event of Parma being expelled from the League, Juventus would also have a free weekend. http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

Andrea Pirlo's Injury Could Be a Net Benefit for Juventus Feb 27, 2015 Andrea Pirlo is as legendary a player as they come in Italian soccer. He is a two-time Champions League winner, five-time Italian champion, a hero of the 2006 World Cup victory, has the fourth most caps in the history of the national team and is the only player who isn't a defender or goalkeeper to be honored as a centurion. While he made his name at AC Milan, his name will go down just as permanently in Juventus' lore. His arrival in tandem with manager Antonio Conte ended the club's post-Calciopoli doldrums and catapulted the team back to the top of Serie A. It would be reasonable, then, for Juve fans to be severely concerned about his impending absence. The team's official website (h/t Football Italia) confirmed that he will miss three weeks after suffering a calf injury in the Champions League against Borussia Dortmund on Tuesday. Given the fixtures facing the team in the next three weeks—a potential title decider in Rome, a grudge match against rivals Fiorentina and the return leg in Dortmund—Pirlo's vision and passing prowess will likely be missed. There is, however, a silver lining in this unfortunate circumstance. Indeed, L'architetto's absence may even help the Bianconeri. The book on Pirlo is that sustained pressure will deny the ability to work his magic. In 2010, Alex Ferguson sticked Park Ji-Sung on Pirlo as a man-marker. Without the time and space to unleash his passes, Pirlo was neutralized, and in turn so was Milan's attack. This strategy is Dortmund's default against any opponent. They press hard in midfield to force the team to force the mids into rushed passes and mistakes. It's Pirlo's worst nightmare, and he was forced into several uncharacteristic errors before he was withdrawn. To his credit, he responded by pressing right back and regained possession on a few occasions. Pereyra's introduction forced some juggling in the midfield. Claudio Marchisio moved from the flank of the diamond formed by the 4-3-1-2 formation to the regista position normally occupied by Pirlo. Arturo Vidal, originally deployed as trequartista, moved farther back and his place was taken by Pereyra. These changes had a profound effect on the team. Their play became far more direct. Pereyra used his pace and dribbling ability well behind the strikers and was more effective at linking with Alvaro Morata and Carlos Tevez. He very nearly sealed the tie late on when a shot across the face of goal ghosted past the post. In moving farther back, Vidal was made more effective. He has always been a poor fit for the trequartista role, and it showed in his performance against Dortmund. He gave the ball away on several occasions and committed more than a few fouls. When dropped back into the midfield, his game improved. Allowed to play his natural position, he was less restricted and could use his defensive skill and endurance to greater effect. Juve benefits with Pereyra, the much more suited player, playing in the hole behind the strikers and Vidal playing his regular role as a box-to-box midfielder. Marchisio is a world-class player in his own right and has quietly become a great alternative to the regista position. He doesn't share Pirlo's ability to drop a 60-yard pass on a dime in a snow storm, but he can make the passes he needs to and plays the position with greater pace than the older man—a key to breaking Dortmund's press. The other potential benefit of Pirlo's injury comes from the move down the depth chart. With Pereyra in the starting lineup, a place opens up for youngster Stefano Sturaro as the first midfielder off the bench. Sturaro was purchased from Genoa in the summer and immediately loaned back to the Griffone. Faced with potential depth problems in midfield the Bianconeri recalled him early this January. The only other player on the squad who can play in the midfield is Simone Padoin—but Sturaro is already the better option. The 21-year-old is a midfield bruiser in the mold of Gennaro Gattuso, and is a future fixture in the team's midfield. To get a potential baptism of fire in big fixtures as a reserve could be a major spur in his development. Pirlo's absence is always difficult to bear. But now his injury could force Massimiliano Allegri to make moves that, if Pirlo were healthy, would be extraordinarily difficult but in the current situation are both obvious and beneficial. This is especially so against Dortmund, where Pereyra's presence and the realignment that comes with it might be the key to breaking Jurgen Klopp's press and preserve their advantage in the second leg. Pirlo is a key part of any team, but in this particular case, his absence may just force the squad to grow.

ROMA - JUVENTUS .- Monday, March 2nd, 2015 - 8:45 PM Olimpico Stadium, Rome Referee: Daniele Orsato Roma must beat Juventus - Garcia The Frenchman has seen his side fall to pieces in Serie A since the turn of the year, leaving them nine points adrift of the league leaders ahead of Monday's game. Feb 27, 2015 Rudi Garcia has admitted Roma simply have to beat Juventus on Monday or else their Serie A title hopes are over for another season. The Giallorossi have fallen nine points behind the reigning champions in the Scudetto race after developing an inability to convert draws into victories since the turn of the year. With European football in March secured - they completed a 3-2 aggregate win over Feyenoord in the last-32 of the Europa League on Thursday - Garcia now has his sights set on resolving their league woes on Monday. "We are satisfied with our performance in Rotterdam," the French coach told the club's official website. "But we need to find continuity. "We showed against Feyenoord that we haven't forgotten how to play. We need to remain on this path. "We'll soon see if this is the turning point for our season. I am satisfied with the performance, now we just need to find the right consistency. "We have two days fewer than Juve to prepare for Monday's game but I'm confident. There is a game against Juventus that we must win." Massimiliano Allegri's men head into the clash at Stadio Olimpico - where Roma have not lost in Serie A all season - on the back of beating Borussia Dortmund 2-1 in their Champions League last 16 first leg. http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

Juventus star Paul Pogba 'not interested in Manchester United return' Feb 27, 2015 Juventus midfielder Paul Pogba reportedly has no intention of returning to Manchester United in the future, despite rumours that the Premier League giants are interested in the Frenchman. The 21-year-old left Old Trafford on a free transfer to Juve back in 2012 following an alleged fallout with former manager Sir Alex Ferguson. Since leaving the Red Devils, Pogba has gone on to become one of the most talented youngsters in Europe and has reportedly attracted interest from Real Madrid. According to the Daily Star, the midfielder is certain that he will never return to United as he feels that he has bigger options should he ever leave Juventus. Pogba has been valued at £75m by his agent Mino Raiola.

ROMA - JUVENTUS .- Monday, March 2nd, 2015 - 8:45 PM Olimpico Stadium, Rome Referee: Daniele Orsato Roma V Juventus – Preview: Serie A’s Top Two Clash With Giallorossi In Last Chance Scudetto Saloon Feb 27, 2015 The destination of the Scudetto could become clearer on Monday evening as Roma and Juventus clash in Serie A’s top of the table clash at the Stadio Olimpico. The defending champions have won 77 of their 161 previous matches against last season’s runners-up in Serie A and secured a 3-2 victory when the two sides met in a fiery encounter at the Juventus Stadium in October. Three penalties, two red cards and a late disputed winning goal by Leonardo Bonucci ended up being discussed in parliamentary question time, while the performance of match official Gianluca Rocchi was described as a ‘horror show.’ Of the polemics that raged in the aftermath, one of the most notable was Roma coach Rudi Garcia claiming his side were stronger than Juventus and that they would go on to win the Scudetto this season. However, the Giallorossi have since suffered from a loss of form drawing six of their last seven Serie A matches and managing only nine goals in as many games in the league. With nine points now separating the two teams, Roma sporting director Walter Sabatini has more recently suggested that his side should now be more concerned about consolidating second place. In addition to this concession, Juve can also take reassurance from knowing that their nine-point advantage is the joint-biggest that any Serie A team has held after 24 rounds in the era of three points for a win. Monday’s edition of La giornalaccio rosa dello Sport notes that it has happened five times before, and on all five occasions the team that achieved such an advantage went on to win the title. The Bianconeri are unbeaten in all competitions in 2015 after 11 matches, but have drawn in their last two away league matches at Udinese and Cesena. Andrea Pirlo is set to miss the next three weeks after suffering a calf injury during the Champions League Round of 16 first leg win against Borussia Dortmund on Tuesday. Paul Pogba is also a doubt due to a thigh problem, which means that Stefano Sturaro could make his Juventus debut after being recalled from his loan at Genoa. Juan Iturbe was a second-half substitute in Roma’s 2-1 Europa League win at Feyenoord on Thursday after recovering from ligament damage in his knee and ankle. Maicon and Victor Ibarbo are still unavailable though injury, while Kevin Strootman, Leandro Castan and Federico Balzaretti are long-term absentees. Form Guide: Roma (D-D-D-W-D-D) Juventus (W-W-D-W-D-W) Expected Starting XIs Roma: De Sanctis; Torosidis, Manolas, Astori, Holebas; Pjanic, Keita, Nainggolan; Gervinho, Totti, Ljajic. Juventus: Buffon; Caceres, Bonucci, Chiellini, Evra; Sturaro, Marchisio, Vidal; Pereyra; Tevez, Morata. http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

ROMA - JUVENTUS .- Monday, March 2nd, 2015 - 8:45 PM Olimpico Stadium, Rome Referee: Daniele Orsato Pogba in doubt for Roma-Juve Feb 26, 2015 There are reports Paul Pogba is at risk for Monday’s Roma-Juventus match due to a thigh problem. La Stampa’s online edition suggests Pogba suffered a muscular problem in his left thigh. He will undergo further tests tomorrow, but is at risk for the big Scudetto showdown. It is a particularly heavy blow considering Andrea Pirlo has already been ruled out for three weeks. http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

ROMA - JUVENTUS .- Monday, March 2nd, 2015 - 8:45 PM Olimpico Stadium, Rome Referee: Daniele Orsato Orsato to ref Roma-Juventus Feb 26, 2015 Daniele Orsato will take charge of Monday night’s top of the table clash between Roma and Juventus, it has been announced. There was huge controversy in the reverse fixture, as Gianluca Rocchi awarded the Bianconeri two penalties, and sent Roma Coach Rudi Garcia to the stands. Orsato last presided over a Juventus game in November, a 2-1 victory over Torino in the Derby della Mole. Elsewhere, Davide Massa will run the rule over Fiorentina’s trip to Inter, while Gianpaolo Calvarese will officiate as Chievo welcome Milan. Week 25 referees Antonio Damato - Atalanta-Sampdoria Paolo Valeri - Cagliari-Verona Daniele Doveri - Cesena-Udinese Gianpaolo Calvarese - Chievo-Milan Claudio Gavillucci - Genoa-Parma Davide Massa - Inter-Fiorentina Angelo Cervellera - Palermo-Empoli Daniele Orsato - Roma-Juventus Carmine Russo - Sassuolo-Lazio Massimiliano Irrati - Torino-Napoli http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

ROMA - JUVENTUS .- Monday, March 2nd, 2015 - 8:45 PM Olimpico Stadium, Rome Referee: Daniele Orsato Why Beating Roma Will Ensure 4th Consecutive Serie A Title for Juventus Feb 26, 2015 Statistically speaking, last season was among the finest AS Roma have ever enjoyed, the club setting new records for points (85), wins (26) and clean sheets (21). Despite those achievements—and starting the campaign with 10 straight victories—the Giallorossi still found themselves some distance behind eventual champions Juventus. Indeed, thanks to their own breathtaking pace, the Turin giants would set a new Serie A mark by winning 102 points, 17 more than Rudi Garcia’s men, to comfortably lift their third consecutive title. Both sides strengthened their playing squads this summer, but the shock departure of Antonio Conte was seen as the opening Roma needed in order to truly compete with their northern rivals. A controversial 3-2 win over the capital club put Juventus in the driving seat once again, but in the aftermath of that October meeting their coach appears to have inadvertently derailed their title push. Garcia was sent to the stands during the game and blasted referee Gianluca Rocchi afterwards, complaining at his press conference that “the penalty boxes are 19 yards," at Juventus Stadium after a foul by Miralem Pjanic on Paul Pogba resulted in a spot-kick, per Goal.com. Captain Francesco Totti followed his coach’s lead when speaking to Sky Italia, refusing to accept they had been defeated fairly. “I don't know if we were beaten by referees, but we certainly were not beaten by Juventus tonight,” he said (h/t ESPN) before adding that the Bianconeri triumph “by hook or by crook.” The complaints continued, with Garcia saying in December that “It's true Juventus are ahead by three points and we all know how," per Jacopo Lo Monaco of Reuters UK. Yet it is easy to forget that before they clashed two months earlier, the two sides were in fact neck-and-neck at the top of the table. Indeed, since beating Inter at the end of November, Roma have registered just three Serie A victories, adding eight draws to fall nine points behind the Bianconeri. That is an alarming slump, particularly after Garcia stated his belief that his team would win the Scudetto because “we are stronger than Juventus,” per Football Italia. As the two protagonists meet again on Monday, Garcia must find a way to lift his team to victory if they are to have any hope of keeping his promise. A loss or draw would perhaps make the lead insurmountable for the Giallorossi, even as Juve continue their Champions League adventure. Massimiliano Allegri’s men are likely to be buoyed by Tuesday’s win over Borussia Dortmund, putting on an excellent display in which they conceded possession and struck at pace on the break. A similar approach would serve them well at the Stadio Olimpico, as that would negate many of Roma’s strengths just as it did to the German outfit. With the likes of Gervinho and Pjanic failing to match the excellent form they showed last term, it will clearly be a difficult task for the home side. Supporters are increasingly unhappy with the situation, with the banner above making their opinion of the situation abundantly clear. Owner James Pallotta believes that is a minority opinion however, blaming the Roman press for the situation as he spoke to reporters at an event in Milan earlier this week, telling them (h/t Football Italia): It’s only a problem for the media, it’s they who create it. The only ones who see a problem are them and a few fans, who maybe aren’t real fans either. Most other people don’t think that way. I’ve met 30 [Roma fans] in Milan, and for them it’s ok, the team is trying and this is just a phase. We’re still second in the table. Every year the goal must be to win the Scudetto, I don’t see what the problem is, sometimes you win and sometimes you can’t. Do you think that Rudi was a God last year, and is now the devil incarnate? I don’t think so, it’s just a period where we’ve had a few draws, we’ll get back to winning. Ideally for Pallotta and AS Roma, that would start on Monday night, because failure to beat the Bianconeri a second time would likely spell the end for their challenge. It could lead to further problems for Garcia before next season begins, and is almost certain to deliver yet another title to Turin and Juventus. http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3eZpDL98dFs http://www.tuttosport.com/foto/calcio/champions_league/2015/02/24-91134_0/+FOTO+Juventus-Borussia+2-1%3A+che+spettacolo+Tevez+e+Morata http://www.zimbio.com/pictures/gYAseuw8dMx/Juventus+v+Borussia+Dortmund+UEFA+Champions/LXq5-_4xk9B

Pirlo out for three weeks Feb 26, 2015 Juventus will be without Andrea Pirlo for the Champions League return with Borussia Dortmund, as he’s out for three weeks. The Italian international was subsituted during the 2-1 win over the German side on Tuesday with a calf injury and was assessed this morning. “The tests showed first degree strain of both medial heads in the right leg,” The Bianconeri confirmed on their official website. “The prognosis for a complete recovery is 20 days.” A first degree strain causes pain, but involves only micro-tearing of the fibres in the muscle, meaning that Pirlo will recover in three weeks, rather than several months. The return leg with Dortmund takes place on March 18, two weeks on Wednesday.

JUVENTUS - BORUSSIA D. 2 - 1 Carlos Tévez (13') Marco Reus (18') Álvaro Morata (42') Tuesday, February 24th, 2015 - 08:45 P.M. Juventus Stadium, Turin Referee:‬ Antonio Mateu Lahoz (Spain) Dortmund handed Piszczek blow BVB have been beset by injury problems all season and will now have to do without another of their key men for the foreseeable future. Feb 25, 2014 Borussia Dortmund defender Lukasz Piszczek has been ruled out for six weeks after sustaining an ankle injury in Tuesday's 2-1 Champions League defeat at Juventus. The Poland right-back lasted just over half an hour of the round of 16 first leg in Turin before limping off following a challenge from Paul Pogba that left him writhing in agony. Dortmund revealed on Wednesday that Piszczek, who has been unfortunate with injuries during his time at the Bundesliga club, is set for another spell on the sidelines. BVB coach Jurgen Klopp has seen a number of his key men succumb to injury this season and must now do without the defender for the second leg against Juve on March 18, while he could also miss the clash with Bayern Munich at the start of April.

Carlos Tevez: 'There were too many big egos at Manchester United' Feb 25, 2015 Juventus striker Carlos Tevez has revealed that he never felt settled at Manchester United because there were too many "big egos" in the team. The Argentina international spent two years at Old Trafford before joining local rivals Manchester City in 2009. The 31-year-old's career at City came to an end four years later following his controversial decision to refuse to warm up for then-manager Roberto Mancini during a Champions League tie with Bayern Munich in 2011. When asked by El Pais if he ever felt at home in England, Tevez said: "Not really at Manchester United because there were so many big egos there. At City I did, but I made a mistake and paid for it. I considered quitting football." Tevez currently plies his trade in Italy for Juventus.

JUVENTUS - BORUSSIA D. 2 - 1 Carlos Tévez (13') Marco Reus (18') Álvaro Morata (42') Tuesday, February 24th, 2015 - 08:45 P.M. Juventus Stadium, Turin Referee:‬ Antonio Mateu Lahoz (Spain) Juventus pass Milan in rankings Feb 25, 2014 Juventus have moved ahead of Milan in the latest UEFA club rankings, and are the only Italian club in the top 20. The Bianconeri beat Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League Last 16 first leg last night, while the Diavolo are not involved in European competition this term. Inter remain 22nd in the standings, with the Old Lady and their city rivals immediately above, and Napoli two places below. Juventus’ ranking is set to rise further in the next few years, as a season of no participation in Europe will be wiped from the record in the coming seasons. Real Madrid are ranked as the top team in Europe, with Barcelona and Real Madrid rounding off the top three.