Socrates

UDINESE - JUVENTUS 0 - 0 Sunday, February 1st, 2015 - 3:00 PM Friuli Stadium, Udine Referee: Andrea Gervasoni Juventus' draw at Udinese exposes pitfalls of playing in a 3-5-2 Feb 1, 2015 Another disappointing performance by Juventus, who once again proved they struggle to play in the afternoon. With Roma having only managed a draw against Empoli on Saturday night, this was the perfect chance to create a larger gap at the top of the table. However, forced to revert back to their old shape, an imprecise and sloppy Juventus only managed a scoreless draw against an Udinese side that was both balanced and ambitious. It's never easy to face an Andrea Stramaccioni side, especially if you're a big team. The master of opposition scouting, he studied the Bianconeri well, noted the absences and played an excellent game that forced the opponent to run a few risks. Unlike other opposing teams that tend to take a defensive approach against Juventus, prioritising their security over the will to win, Udinese played an intelligent game when deployed in their 3-4-1-2 formation. They closed the gaps, man-marked Juve's best players and provoked errors. With three men up front, the Zebrette refused to sit back and halt Juve and their task was made that much easier as absences in midfield forced Massimiliano Allegri to revert to the 3-5-2 formation. Once again, Bianconeri fans were treated to the frailties that come with that shape as not only did the team look offensively impotent, but they were lucky not to concede on the counter. Allegri's men played "Antonio Conte's formation" without the "Conte attitude" required to make it work. The problem with the formation is that it can be easily neutralized. Unless Juventus play with high intensity and profound determination, it can prove frustrating. Instead of gritting their teeth and expending the necessary energy to put their opponent in trouble, the Bianconeri's movements were unusually slow and laboured, especially when faced with a relentlessly hardworking midfield. Such a tactical shape relies on the wing-backs forward thrusts, but in the Stadio Friuli, both Stephan Lichtsteiner and Patrice Evra failed to provide their side with the inspiration required to trouble the Zebrette, while Silvan Widmer deserves recognition for his role in ensuring Juve were left without a strong presence on the wing. As such, the responsibility to create and overpower fell to the three central midfielders, but all three struggled to overcome the fight within Udinese's midfield. Udinese's Allan Loureiro proved fantastic on the night and is truly a midfielder that ought to play for a bigger club in Italy. Stramaccioni was quick to praise the player after the match, referring to him as one of the best midfielders in Europe. Not only is he technically blessed, but he is tactically intelligent too, demonstrating maturity and fight to inspire his fellow teammates. Disrupting Paul Pogba's game, the Frenchman was dispossessed more times than he would care to remember, failing to replicate his stunning performances of late. The 24-year-old Brazilian midfielder, after his performances this season, would make a perfect addition to Juve's midfield, perhaps more so than a certain Roberto Pereyra. The ex-Udinese star once again disappointed on the day as he struggled to integrate himself within the patterns required for such a shape. Passive and confused, he improved greatly in the second half, but perhaps isn't one who deserves a long-term future with the champions. Not that he was the worst Juventus player on the pitch; Fernando Llorente played a clumsy game that consistently infuriated onlookers, while Andrea Pirlo was restricted to passing sideways and failed to provide the geometric passes required to launch Juve's mighty attack. Without Claudio Marchisio and Arturo Vidal -- the real Vidal, not the one who has only sporadically played this season -- Juventus looked imbalanced and defensively insecure. While Allegri's squad must always play with ambition, pushing men forward and looking to create, it's vital to know when to be cautious and when to take the shackles off. Udinese is not a side to take lightly, nor can they be intimidated into playing a cautious game. Thus pushing forward in numbers and leaving the defence exposed was an immature idea that Udinese failed to exploit properly. Better control in the final third would have perhaps allowed Stramaccioni to once again celebrate a win over Juve. Thankfully, Udinese's failures in the final step coupled with Gianluigi Buffon's alert performances in foal rescued a point for the Old Lady, who risked a defeat on the night. With one point in their hands, Allegri's men learned one thing: the 3-5-2 formation no longer seems to fit this team as comfortably as it once did. Time to focus on the alternatives. http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

UDINESE - JUVENTUS 0 - 0 Sunday, February 1st, 2015 - 3:00 PM Friuli Stadium, Udine Referee: Andrea Gervasoni UDINESE 0 – 0 JUVENTUS PLAYER RATINGS – WEEK 21 Feb 1, 2015 Juventus dominated the match but found their chances limited by a resolute Udinese side who held out for an impressive 0-0. Udinese had chances of their own in the match, including some great counter attacks started by Toto Di Natale. The Juve defence looked vulnerable early on while the midfield was well marshalled and chances up front were limited. Juve’s best chances came from Roberto Pereyra who hit the upright while Carlos Tevez wasted a golden opportunity to win it late one by shooting wide. Gianluigi Buffon 6.5 - Had to endure a few nervy moments as Udinese threatened early on. Tested twice by Di Natale but his effort was straight at Gigi. Needed to be at his best and turned in another solid performance. Martin Caceres 5.5 - Much like his fellow CB’s, his passing and decision making was poor at times. Pushed forward when he could but ultimately a game to forget. Leonardo Bonucci 5.5 - Covered Di Natale well early on, and provided some great overhead balls for the strikers to chase but his positioning was poor on some of Udinese’s through balls. Giorgio Chiellini 5.5 - Made some poor passes and was caught out on more than one occasion by the Udinese front line. Stephan Lichtsteiner 5.5 - Spent much of the game in Udineses’ half, trying to create something of use for the strikers. Marshalled well by the Udinese defence and ineffectual for large parts of the game. Roberto Pereyra 6.5 - One of the few bright sparks in a game to forget. Almost opened the scoring for Juventus but his effort hit the upright. Tried to create chances when he could but was kept quiet by the Udinese midfield. Andrea Pirlo 6.0 - Had to resort to balls over the top again and again, many of which failed to find their target. Poor on his corners and made a mistake late on that could have let Udinese in. Paul Pogba 6.0 - A bright start but quickly silended by Allan who kept Pogba in his pocket for much of the game. Patrice Evra 5.5 - Provided little to no attacking threat and his defensive contribution looked poor as well. Carlos Tevez 6.0 - Shot wide of Karnezis’ near post from a tight angle early on and had a great chance to steal all 3 points at the end of the game but put his effort way wide. Fernando Llorente 5.5 - Nearly capitalised on a Karnezis error early on, more mobile than in previous matches. Missed a huge chance to put Juve a goal up when he put his header wide and drifted out of the game afterwards. Substitutes Alvaro Morata 6.0 - Gave Juve some more energy and movement up front and set up Tevez for what should have been the winner. Simone Padoin N/A Simone Pepe N/A http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

Marotta: Juventus To Spend Deadline Day Looking For Giovinco Replacement Feb 1, 2015 JMarotta - Juventusuventus general director Giuseppe Marotta has assured fans of the club that the Bianconeri will spend the last day of the transfer window in search of a striker. The Serie A champions have just three recognised senior strikers in the current squad, but Marotta insists that the club management have prioritised the reinforcement of the attacking department before the transfer window’s end on Monday. “There is still some uncertainty about the immediate future”, admitted the Italian to Sky Sport Italia. “One day left at the end of the market, we are evaluating opportunities and decisions internally, such as Sebastian Giovinco.” Speaking of replacements for Giovinco, who is widely expected to have his move to Major League Soccer side Toronto FC brought forward to this window, Marotta had a name in mind. “Pablo Osvaldo? We will certainly replace Giovinco but the decision will be tomorrow.”

UDINESE - JUVENTUS 0 - 0 Sunday, February 1st, 2015 - 3:00 PM Friuli Stadium, Udine Referee: Andrea Gervasoni Udinese vs. Juventus: Drab Draw Shows Paul Pogba and Allegri Have Work to Do Feb 1, 2015 Having watched AS Roma draw for the fourth consecutive time in Serie A, Juventus travelled to face Udinese knowing victory would hand them a nine-point lead at the top of the table. Their opponents had been struggling, having won just one of their previous six league games and facing the prospect of becoming embroiled in the relegation battle. Massimiliano Allegri faced a selection dilemma, with Claudio Marchisio’s suspension and an injury to Arturo Vidal robbing the coach of two major weapons in midfield. To cover for the absence of such key players, the Bianconeri reverted to a 3-5-2 system, hoping its solidity would guard against the evergreen danger of Antonio Di Natale. With Andrea Stramaccioni also fielding his side in a similar tactical framework, what followed was a difficult-to-watch encounter in which neither team was able to find the back of the net. Both had their chances, but the final 0-0 scoreline reflected the dull nature of the game witnessed by those present at the semi-rebuilt Stadio Friuli. OptaPaolo @OptaPaolo 3 - Juventus have failed to score for the 3rd time in this Serie A. Last season they didn't manage to score only once in the league. Break. While the work being done to remove the running track and reduce capacity in order to create a better atmosphere is important for Udinese, the backdrop also provided a stark metaphor for Allegri and Juventus. Following Antonio Conte’s surprise summer exit, the former AC Milan boss has been charged with reshaping the team he inherited, and the game highlighted the size of the task he faces. Looking at this performance, the defence did its job and restricted Udinese to scraps on the break—opportunities they would perhaps not have received had the Juve midfield been at full strength. Marchisio in particular is adept at reading such danger, rarely getting the credit he deserves for the superb tactical acumen of his play. At the other end of the pitch, the team looked better after the introduction of Alvaro Morata, the young Spaniard injecting the direct approach Fernando Llorente had previously failed to provide. Lacking the pace of his compatriot, the latter continues to labour, looking short on confidence and in desperate need of a goal to boost his morale. Llorente’s problems were previously discussed at length here, and this match only saw those struggles continue. With Carlos Tevez also unable to unlock a resolute Udinese defence, the lack of invention and forward running from midfield grew increasingly apparent as the game wore on. Rather than waiting for something to happen, the Bianconeri needed someone to step up and win the match. For all his wonderful qualities, Andrea Pirlo’s often perfect delivery is only effective with players in position to receive the ball, and all too often on Sunday, his Juventus team-mates stood around watching. Given the talk that has surrounded him in recent weeks, the onus to do more fell to Paul Pogba, but against Udinese, he failed to carry his side to victory. While it must be remembered that he is just a 21-year-old in only his third professional season, it is games such as this in which the best players rise to the occasion. To be considered a world-class talent, Pogba must deliver victory when others cannot, just as Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi and even Zlatan Ibrahimovic do so often. Against Udinese, he was held in check by Allan, a hard-working but limited midfielder charged with nullifying the youngster and preventing him from having an impact on the result. WhoScored.com ✔ @WhoScored Allan: MotM vs Juventus, Rating 8.17, Tackles 7, Interceptions 3, Clearances 2, Key passes 1 The Brazilian achieved that with some ease, ending the match with seven tackles and two interceptions, according to statistics from WhoScored.com. With all due respect to the 24-year-old, it is hard to imagine him enjoying the same success against the other names mentioned, and the visibly frustrated Pogba must learn to overcome such close attention. It is something he will learn in time, and it is one of the few remaining skills he needs to add to his game in order to elevate himself to the highest echelon of stars. Like Pogba, Allegri has work to do, not only to help continue the development of the gifted Frenchman but also to motivate and guide his team to the success they crave. Allan showed that they both remain a work in progress, and Juventus will hope both men can deliver the finished product come the end of the season. http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

UDINESE - JUVENTUS 0 - 0 Sunday, February 1st, 2015 - 3:00 PM Friuli Stadium, Udine Referee: Andrea Gervasoni UDINESE 0-0 JUVENTUS MATCH REPORT Feb 1, 2015 MATCH REPORT Statistics: Man of the Match: N/A Flop of the Match: N/A Fouls: 16 Corners: 9 Pass Accuracy: 82% Shots on Target: 2 Total Shots: 13 Ball Possession: 66% Formation: 3-5-2 Lineups Udinese: Karnezis; Heurtaux, Danilo, Piris, Gabriel Silva (Pasquale 66), Allan, Bruno Fernandes, Guilherme, Widmer; Di Natale, Thereau Juventus: Buffon; Caceres, Bonucci, Chiellini; Lichtsteiner, Pereyra, Pirlo, Pogba, Evra (Padoin 74); Tevez, Llorente (Morata 67) Ref: Gervasoni http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

UDINESE - JUVENTUS 0 - 0 Sunday, February 1st, 2015 - 3:00 PM Friuli Stadium, Udine Referee: Andrea Gervasoni Player Ratings: Udinese 0-0 Juventus Feb 1, 2015 Udinese and Juventus finished scoreless 0-0 in a Serie A clash played at the Stadio Friuli on Sunday. As expected, the Bianconeri controlled the tempo of the match for the most part but could not establish overall dominance over the Zebrette, who won their first point against the champions in over three calendar years. Here are Forza Italian Football’s individual player ratings for the match. Udinese Orestis Karnezis – 6 – Stability - The Greek international had only two shots directed on his goal for all 90 minutes of play and he dealt with them with no problem, while at the same time picking every ball that entered his range from either side. Thomas Heurtaux – 5.5 –Expectations - Should get the deserved credit for an overall good defensive display by the home team, but he was not one of the most active individuals in the backline until pressure increased in the closing stages of the match. Danilo – 6.5 – Excellent - Did very well neutralising the Bianconeri’s lethal front men with good positioning and well-timed tackles, especially Llorente. Had one of his team’s best chances on goal from a corner, but Buffon saved his header well. Ivan Piris – 6 – Solid - The only reason he has a lower rating than Danilo is that he mispossessed deep in his own half in the second 45 minutes, which could be punished had it not been for his wonderful recovery. Still… Gabriel Silva – 5 – Unimpressive - Justifiedly substituted off by Andrea Stramaccioni Allan – 7.5 – Star - Great performance all throughout in breaking Juventus’ attacking plays in safe distance from Karnezis’ goal. Undisputed winner of the personal battle with Pogba. Bruno Fernandes – 6 – Dangerous - Creator of two of the three shots on the Bianconeri’s goal, asking Buffon to stretch well on one of them. His involvement decreased as the visitors took control in the second half. Guilherme – 5.5 – Complementary - Picked up the slack when and where Allan could not be to form a nearly impenetrable first line of Zebrette defence. Silvan Widmer – 6 – Improving - Slow opening half saw him struggling in his rare attacking runs and forced deep in his own half. He was one of the Zebrette’s best players on the pitch after the break, though, putting pressure higher up the field and neutralising the Bianconeri’s attacks from the right, especially late on. Cyril Thereau – 4 – Absent - More like nowhere to be found. Antonio Di Natale – 5.5 – Tiring - Actively looked for the ball, started some good attacking plays, even looked towards goal on several occasions, but impact decreased as the second half progressed. Substitutes Giovanni Pasquale – 5 – Unimpactful - Replaced Gabriel Silva after 66 and provided only fresh legs. Juventus Gianluigi Buffon – 7 – Responding - Certainly the busier of both goalkeepers, but that did not seem to bother him much. Pulled off two great saves, one in each half. Martin Caceres – 5.5 – Quiet - Did his defensive duties without catching the eye of an average spectator. Leonardo Bonucci – 5.5 – Average - An average game by the 27-year-old. Most significant involvement was to press Fernandes on his run to goal in the first half, making it hard for the Portuguese to put more power in his shot, thus helping Buffon deal with it better Giorgio Chiellini – 5.5 – Parallel - Not any better, nor worse than his partners in the defensive line. Stephan Lichtsteiner – 5.5 – Attack - Spent a considerable portion of the match in Zebrette’s half, even tried his luck early on, but lacked the final touch to create danger. Roberto Pereyra – 6 – Close - Had the best opportunity to open the scoring for either team when he beat Karnezis on a rare occasion, but his volley from close range went as far as the crossbar. Andrea Pirlo – 5.5 – Silenced - Enjoyed a fair share of in-play possession, but wasted multiple set piece opportunities to create danger. Paul Pogba – 5.5 – Overshadowed - Started to find himself later on after an unproductive first half, but all compliments in that part of the pitch should go to his counterpart Allan. Patrice Evra – 4.5 – Disappoining - Did not make as much attacking threat as expected – and usually provided – by him and logically made way to Padoin in the second half. Fernando Llorente – 5 – Ok - Missed a good heading opportunity in the first half and later set up Pereyra perfectly for his shot at the crossbar, but replacing him with Morata seemed to be the right move by Massimiliano Allegri. Carlos Tevez – 5.5 – Wasteful - Had several great opportunities throughout the match to become the Bianconeri’s hero, but his finishing was dreadful and none of his seven shots found the target. Substitutes Alvaro Morata – 5.5 – Unimpressive - Provided extra energy after replacing Llorente after 67 minutes, but bad touches and good defending prevented him from making the same impact as against Parma in the Coppa Italia earlier in the week. Simone Padoin – N/A - Did not provide much to base his rating off. http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

UDINESE - JUVENTUS 0 - 0 Sunday, February 1st, 2015 - 3:00 PM Friuli Stadium, Udine Referee: Andrea Gervasoni Stramaccioni Proud Of His Players After Juventus Draw Feb 1, 2015 Udinese coach Andrea Stramaccioni was in a glowing mood after the Zebrette held champions Juventus to a 0-0 draw at the Stadio Friuli on Sunday Afternoon in Serie A. Juventus dominated possession in the match but struggled to produce many goalscoring opportunities, though Carlos Tevez and Antonio Di Natale may feel they could have won the game for their respective sides. The draw sees the Friulani remain in 11th spot in the table, two points ahead of Ac Milan. Speaking to Radio Rai after the game, Stramaccioni expressed his satisfaction at the performance and his tactics, as well as how proud he was of his players. “We approached the game in the best way, with courage,” he said. “I played three attackers to cause problems for Juventus and we were successful. Against Juventus, if you only think about defending, sooner or later they will score.” “Buffon made two crucial saves, but I want to underline the great effort of the defence.” Allan had a standout performance in the Udinese midfield, constantly hassling his opponents and disrupting the visitors’ flow, for which his coach reserved special praise. “Allan was incredible, for me he is one of the best central midfielders in Europe, second only maybe to Paul Pogba.” http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

UDINESE - JUVENTUS 0 - 0 Sunday, February 1st, 2015 - 3:00 PM Friuli Stadium, Udine Referee: Andrea Gervasoni Juventus 0 - Udinese 0: Initial reaction and random observations Feb 1, 2015 Somewhere out there, somebody is probably crazily excited about Juventus having around 70 percent of the possession against Udinese on Sunday. And while possession numbers are perfectly acceptable and a good stat to use at times, here's a question to ponder regarding Juve having so much of the ball at the Friuli: What, exactly, did Juventus do with all that possession? Because it certainly wasn't leading to them finding the back of the net, that's for sure. WhoScored.com ✔ @WhoScored Juventus: Have failed to score in a Serie A match for the 3rd time this season, something they managed just once in the 2013/14 campaign Juventus' somewhat-forced switch to a 3-5-2 formation didn't result in anything special against Udinese. In fact, it was pretty much the same kind of dour, uninspiring performance like we saw against Parma in the Coppa Italia earlier in the week. The Juventus attack didn't create much of anything despite having so much more possession than their opposition. Udinese goalkeeper Orestis Karnezis was barely troubled all game, with both of his two saves being as simple as simple gets. There was a grand total of 13 shots — two of which were on frame — and nine corners from Juventus. And none of them, outside of Roberto Pereyra's screamer off the crossbar in the second half, were all too dangerous. Yep, one of those days. And I'm talking about the kind of game where Juventus creates a ton, finishes with 20 or more total shots and just can't finish anything to save their respective lives. Nope, Sunday afternoon at the Friuli was more about Udinese defending like a bunch of maniacs and Juventus having no kind of answer whatsoever. The formation wasn't great, sure, but Juventus were just off — from start to the final whistle. Not even Simone Padoin being brought on in the second half could save Juventus in this one. It didn't matter how much of the ball they truly had, it was just a lackluster showing from Juve in a game that was a great opportunity to put a massive gap in between themselves and their closest competition in Serie A. JuventusFC ✔ @juventusfcen .@OfficialAllegri: "It was a fair result. Udinese played with great intensity, we made lots of mistakes from a technical standpoint." Random thoughts and observations Still waiting for Max Allegri to make that third sub. Still waiting. Still wondering how Carlos Tévez missed that golden opportunity toward the end of regulation. That ball was served up on a silver platter and Tévez just blasted it high and wide with his left. Unbelievable. Andrea Stramaccioni 1, Max Allegri 0. And it wasn't even close. I guess the secret to keeping Paul Pogba under wraps is to have Udinese midfielder Allan just completely keep the young Frenchman in his pocket. There's only one option for Man of the Match, and that's Allan. Much like the managerial matchup, this one isn't even close, either. Allan racked up tackles left and right, and he was basically involved in everything positive that Udinese did against Juventus. So when does Beppe Marotta call up Udinese and offer up a loan-with-option-to-buy package for Allan? The transfer market is still open, you know. It took Álvaro Morata all of about two minutes to show why he should have started ahead of Fernando Llorente. As much as I love Llorente, it's time for Morata to get the vast majority of the minutes from here on out this season. Llorente's form isn't getting any better and Morata is showing that he's the best option to partner with Tévez these days. Well, would you imagine that. If that's not Allegri giving himself a hint that he should play Morata more, I don't know what is. Andrea Pirlo's corners and free kicks were a mixed bag of mediocre and just plain bad. I don't remember a game where just about every ball he sent in was just totally off the mark or no kind of threat at all. If you had to choose right now, who's your starting right back, Martin Cáceres or Stephan Lichtsteiner? Was Gigi Buffon the only Juventus to truly play well against Udinese? It definitely feels that way. If Udinese had won that game, they would have thoroughly deserved it. They were clearly the better side on Sunday, and they really could have scored a goal or two if not for a couple of blown chances. One positive, I guess: Juventus' lead atop the Serie A table is back at seven points. It could be worse. http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

UDINESE - JUVENTUS 0 - 0 Sunday, February 1st, 2015 - 3:00 PM Friuli Stadium, Udine Referee: Andrea Gervasoni Allegri: Juventus Were Poor Against Udinese Feb 1, 2015 Juventus coach Massimiliano Allegri was concerned about his side’s performance after their 0-0 draw against Udinese at the Stadio Friuli on Sunday afternoon in Serie A, but believed his side tried to win the match. The Bianconeri were held in a match that had little for the neutrals, with much of the game being played in the midfield and both sides failing to provide a consistent goalscoring threat. Despite dominating possession, Juventus looked the less likely to score and Udinese’s veteran captain Antonio Di Natale as well as Cyril Thereau could have won the game for the hosts with more composure. Speaking to Sky Sport Italia, Allegri expressed his concern at the performance, which extended the Italian champions’ lead to seven points over Roma in second place, who also failed to win after a 1-1 draw with Empoli on Saturday evening. “We played badly, we were too hurried on the ball and we were technically poor,” said Allegri. “It wasn’t easy, Udinese were very aggressive and their defence was like a wall. There were some chances but the result was fair, and we could have even lost the game.” When asked about whether the title could yet be declared won, the Juventus coach reacted in a typically coy manner. “It’s a long season and there is a long way to go, there are still many victories required to win the league.” http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

UDINESE - JUVENTUS 0 - 0 Sunday, February 1st, 2015 - 3:00 PM Friuli Stadium, Udine Referee: Andrea Gervasoni Lifeless Llorente loitering in Juve's last-chance saloon The misfiring Bianconeri front man was again substituted after fading into the background in Sunday's stalemate with Udinese. Feb 1, 2015 The two dropped points won’t matter much in the final tally, but Fernando Llorente may well be left to rue another missed opportunity on Sunday as his Juventus career suffered another bump in the road with a goalless draw at Udinese. Juventus drew 0-0 in Udine and rarely looked a real threat, but Roma’s failure to beat Empoli earlier in the weekend simply moved them one game nearer to the finish line without reducing their seven-point lead. Llorente was a particular disappointment as he waved goodbye to another chance to kick-start his flagging spell, and is edging closer to the reject bin. Llorente seemed to offer a new dimension during his first stanza with the club, a more direct target around whom the Bianconeri could base attacks. But in 2014-15 there have been far fewer obvious examples of what the Spaniard truly offers. It was only fair that Carlos Tevez was the man who grabbed most of the headlines in the attacking department last term, albeit with the help of Llorente occupying markers expertly. But this time around the former Athletic Bilbao striker has given countless demonstrations of why he shouldn’t even be kept at the club next season, let alone persisted with in the starting XI. Llorente has netted just five times in 25 games in all competitions, and has been allowed to see out the full 90 minutes of only three league matches since March 2014. What’s more, he doesn’t seem to provide the edge that he added to the forward line 12 months ago. No longer that immense focal point, he is now a sterile figure, one opposition defences find far too easy to nullify. On Sunday he was once more replaced midway through the second half. His early withdrawal is fast becoming the most consistent stat of Juve's season. In terms of Serie A, Juventus can afford to have one misfiring front man, thanks largely to Roma’s recent run of form. The Bianconeri were slow to get started in Udine, yet there was no need to panic. A six-point and one-game advantage stripped them of the nervous energy they may otherwise have used positively had the margin still been a narrow one - as it was just a few weeks ago. Even as the game was dying out, there was no need to raise their levels too drastically. Juve's lead is so great that they can afford days like this. While they have already dropped more points this season than they did in the entirety of 2013-14, there has been no challenge to their superiority. With Rudi Garcia’s men foundering, Massimiliano Allegri has been given more than enough breathing space to allow the likes of Llorente more time. But there are still no signs that the big striker is what Juve need, certainly not in a Champions League sense. Other than when he netted in the must-win trip to Malmo in November, Llorente has done nothing of note on the continent. If the Old Lady are to have any hope of going deep in Europe, then the ‘Lion King’ may not be long for the first team. With Tevez continuing to insist that he will leave the club at the end of his contract in 2016, another new overhaul is looking likely. Beyond Llorente’s troubles, Alvaro Morata also hasn’t shown enough to suggest he will be the long-term solution. And now, with his 30th birthday approaching and no solid suggestion that his career curve is on an upward rather than downward trajectory, Llorente is fighting a losing battle in the Juventus forward line. He is quickly running out of last chances. http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

UDINESE - JUVENTUS 0 - 0 Sunday, February 1st, 2015 - 3:00 PM Friuli Stadium, Udine Referee: Andrea Gervasoni Andrea Pirlo warns Juventus against complacency Feb 1, 2015 Juventus playmaker Andrea Pirlo has said that he is taking nothing for granted in the Serie A title race. Juve are currently seven points clear of Roma at the top of the division, but the midfielder has warned against complacency. "We are early in the second half of the season," the Italy international told JTV. "We have to keep winning to keep Roma at bay. "Our current lead does not mean anything. Roma are strong and will continue to give us a hard time." Juve were held to a goalless draw with Udinese on Sunday. http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

UDINESE - JUVENTUS 0 - 0 Sunday, February 1st, 2015 - 3:00 PM Friuli Stadium, Udine Referee: Andrea Gervasoni Allegri: 'Juve risked losing' Feb 1, 2015 Max Allegri admits Juventus “risked losing” against Udinese and was happy with the 0-0 draw. “We played badly in the first half and kept throwing the ball away, were too hasty trying to go forward and left ourselves open to the counter-attack,” he told Sky Sport Italia. “We went closer to conceding a goal than scoring in the first half. After the break we were more solid and more careful with the ball, so only ran a couple of risks. “Udinese played with a lot of intensity and we made too many mistakes. In the end the result is fair, as it’s one of those games we risked losing.” The Bianconeri moved to 3-5-2 and Gigi Buffon was forced into several saves. “I think the difficulties in the first half were above all because we had three defenders plus Pirlo, then everyone else was already on the edge of the other box hoping to score. Against a side like Udinese that’s a very dangerous approach to take.” Roma remain seven points adrift, but Juve could’ve gone nine in front with a victory. “It’s a long season and seven points isn’t much. We have a long way to go yet and must look forward to next weekend.” Allegri confirmed Sebastian Giovinco will terminate his contract early to join Toronto FC, so Alessandro Matri of Genoa and Inter outcast Daniel Osvaldo are the options. It’s reported this morning Matri underwent a medical, as he is currently out injured. “They are two important players, but the club will evaluate what are the best conditions to bring them to Turin. “Giovinco is leaving, so four strikers aren’t enough and it’s normal we need someone else.” http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

UDINESE - JUVENTUS 0 - 0 Sunday, February 1st, 2015 - 3:00 PM Friuli Stadium, Udine Referee: Andrea Gervasoni Udinese 0-0 Juventus: Lacklustre Champions Held By Defiant Udinese Feb 1, 2015 Juventus were held by Udinese in a drab affair which finished 0–0 at the Stadio Friuli on Sunday afternoon in Serie A. All communication out of Turin this week has claimed that a six-point lead over Roma would not be enough to guarantee another Scudetto for the Bianconeri, but their performance against Udinese could have fooled spectators into believing they felt comfortable enough in only extending the lead to seven points. An Udinese team depleted from injuries and the African Cup of Nations, was expected to cause the The Old Lady few problems, but a spirited defensive performance combined with dangerous counter-attacking from the hosts, made for a starkly different outcome. Juventus were rather slow out of the blocks, spending much of the early stages passing the ball well in possession but failing to create much in the way of chances. If anything, Udinese looked the more threatening proposition on the counter than Juventus, for all their possession. Bruno Fernandes almost had the best opportunity of the game on 12 minutes when he found space beyond the Juventus defence, after Di Natale played him through, but the Brazilian lost control of the ball under his feet and his eventual shot dragged wide of Gianluigi Buffon’s goal. Juventus’ best advances were limited to a trademark Paul Pogba drive but his wide, low effort was never a problem for Greek stopper Orestis Karnezis in the goal for Udinese. Carlos Tevez wasted the away side’s best chance of the first half when he blazed over from inside the box on the right hand side following good hold up play and a pass from Fernando Llorente. Massimiliano Allegri’s Bianconeri continued to dominate possession for the rest of the half but lacked any kind of spark to find an opening and a lead in the game as the first half ended at an uninspiring 0–0 scoreline. Pereyra looked to take the initiative for on 57 minutes but saw his volleyed attempt crack against the crossbar and keep the game goalless. Juventus feathers were becoming noticeably ruffled as they continued to struggle when Giorgio Chiellini reacted angrily to some close attention from Udinese’s Allan, who had a fantastic game disrupting the flow of the Juventus midfield. With the game meandering towards a seemingly inevitable bore draw, Tevez wasted arguably the chance of the match on 82 minutes when Morata found space down the left and crossed towards Pogba, who played it back to the Argentinian striker only for him to fire a left-fooedt shot wide. As the game drew to a close, neither side seemed willing to risk too much to win the points, rendering the final 10 minutes as tame as the other 80 that had preceded them. The game ended 0–0. http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

UDINESE - JUVENTUS 0 - 0 Sunday, February 1st, 2015 - 3:00 PM Friuli Stadium, Udine Referee: Andrea Gervasoni Juventus and Udinese draw blank Feb 1, 2015 Juventus missed the chance to pull nine points clear of Roma at the top of Serie A as they were held to a goalless draw at Udinese. The reigning champions created the better opportunities in a battle between two sets of Bianconeri in Friuli, but Carlos Tevez, Fernando Llorente and Alvaro Morata all suffered off-days in front of goal. Second-placed Scudetto challengers Roma had laboured to a 1-1 draw with Empoli on Saturday night, so the single point taken edged Massimiliano Allegri's Juve into a respectable seven-point lead. The visitors would not play at their incisive best during the first half but they would enjoy the better chances. Tevez burst into the box when put through by Llorente in the 18th minute but the Argentinian's shot on the turn fizzed just over the bar. Llorente was unmarked as he rose to head the ball from Andrea Pirlo's pinpoint corner before the half-hour mark, yet his finish shaved paint off a post with Orestis Karnezis rooted to the spot. A few moments earlier Udinese had bared their teeth with Cyril Thereau racing into a one-on-one with Gianluigi Buffon. The Juve goalkeeper would save with his palms, thus negating the danger, but he was soon under threat again when the second half began. This time it was Thomas Heurtaux who lay in wait with the ball bouncing around the Juve box - Buffon did well to push it away from his goal line. Allegri's men soon wrested back control of proceedings and Roberto Pereyra rattled the angle of post and bar after connecting with Llorente's knock-down. Juve substitute Morata, on for fellow Spaniard Llorente, nearly made an instant impact as he controlled the ball with his chest in the box but the final product was lacking. The former Real Madrid striker then should have done better with Stephan Lichtsteiner's cross but he instead scuffed his volley straight into Karnezis' arms. Udinese had been on the back foot for a while yet they sprang a surprise in the 83rd minute with Antonio Di Natale blazing a fierce right-footed shot just over when the ball fell to him in the Juve area. Tevez enjoyed a better opportunity when Paul Pogba supplied him a minute later, but he whipped his effort past the post, meaning Juve had to settle for a share of the points. http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

UDINESE - JUVENTUS 0 - 0 Sunday, February 1st, 2015 - 3:00 PM Friuli Stadium, Udine Referee: Andrea Gervasoni Juventus held by Udinese Feb 1, 2015 Juventus have seen their three-game winning run in Serie A come to an end following a goalless draw against Udinese this afternoon. The home side made a bright start to the match and Bruno Fernandes came close with a strike from the edge of the box that he drilled just wide of the post. Carlos Tevez had the Bianconeri's first attempt soon after, but he could only drag his shot wide of the target. Udinese were close to scoring again midway through the first half when Cyril Theraau saw his effort parried by Gianluigi Buffon and Fernandes smashed the follow up over the bar. As the game approached the half-hour mark, Juventus had their best chance to score, when Fernando Llorente rose unopposed to head a corner inches wide. The teams headed into the break on level terms, but Roberto Pereyra almost broke the deadlock on the hour-mark with an attempt from close range that smashed against the bar. Antonio Di Natale then had a sight of goal when the ball fell to him kindly at the back post, but he fired his effort over. Moments later it was Juventus who threatened again, as Paul Pogba laid the ball off for Tevez to drill just wide of the post. It was to be the final chance of the match, as the game finished all square, with Juventus stretching their lead at the top of the Serie A table to seven points. http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

UDINESE - JUVENTUS 0 - 0 Sunday, February 1st, 2015 - 3:00 PM Friuli Stadium, Udine Referee: Andrea Gervasoni Juventus stumble in Udine Udinese and Juventus both had chances, but Carlos Tevez missed a sitter in a surprising 0-0 draw. Feb 1, 2015 The Turin giants had the chance to go nine points clear at the top of the table thanks to a Roma crisis, but missed Arturo Vidal, Kwadwo Asamoah, Romulo and the suspended Claudio Marchisio. The Friulani had lost three of the last four editions of this fixture. They too had problems, as Panagiotis Kone began a three-match ban with Giampiero Pinzi, Alexandre Geijo, Emmanuel Badu, Maurizio Domizzi, Molla Wague and Lucas Evangelista unavailable. Bruno Fernandes fired wide from a promising counter-attack, then Silvan Widmer failed to convert and in a similar situation Cyril Thereau tested Gigi Buffon. Fernando Llorente should’ve done better when turning a free header off target from Andrea Pirlo’s corner, but Buffon was again called into action by Bruno Fernandes. Orestis Karnezis comfortably smothered a Paul Pogba effort, but overall the Turin giants created very little in the first half. Roberto Pereyra finally had a great opportunity on 54 minutes, smashing his shot against the crossbar from Llorente’s knock-down. Alvaro Morata’s volley was straight at Orestis Karnezis, while Di Natale ballooned over after a set play was not cleared. Carlos Tevez somehow failed to score on a Morata counter that was set up perfectly for him by Pogba, but blasted wide from 12 yards. Udinese: Karnezis; Heurtaux, Danilo, Piris, Gabriel Silva (Pasquale 66), Allan, Bruno Fernandes, Guilherme, Widmer; Di Natale, Thereau Juventus: Buffon; Caceres, Bonucci, Chiellini; Lichtsteiner, Pereyra, Pirlo, Pogba, Evra (Padoin 74); Tevez, Llorente (Morata 67) Ref: Gervasoni http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

UDINESE - JUVENTUS 0 - 0 Sunday, February 1st, 2015 - 3:00 PM Friuli Stadium, Udine Referee: Andrea Gervasoni Udinese 0-0 Juventus: Champions squander chance to extend Serie A lead The Bianconeri failed to take advantage of Roma's surprise draw at home to Empoli, with Carlos Tevez missing the best chance of the game in the dying minutes. Feb 1, 2015 Juventus missed the chance to extend their lead at the top of Serie A on Sunday as they turned in a somewhat off-colour performance to draw 0-0 with Udinese at Stadio Comunale Friuli. With Roma's mid-season struggles continuing thanks to Saturday's 1-1 draw against Empoli, Massimiliano Allegri could have seen his side move nine points clear at the summit. However, the holders looked jaded following their 1-0 Coppa Italia success at Parma in midweek and could have been behind at the break if Bruno Fernandes and Cyril Thereau had been more clinical with first-half efforts. The visitors ended the half well and saw Roberto Pereyra hit the crossbar soon after the interval, but still they failed to find a breakthrough against a side whose last win at home in the league came in October. Andrea Stramaccioni was ultimately rewarded for a solid defensive showing - having survived a late scare when Carlos Tevez shot wide - but Allegri will no doubt be frustrated after seeing his side fail to score in a top-flight game for only the third time this season. Juve had taken 13 points from their last five league games on the road, but it was the hosts who started the brighter despite missing the suspended Panagiotis Kone and injured midfielder Emmanuel Agyemang-Badu. Allegri was without midfield pair Arturo Vidal and Claudio Marchisio due to injury and suspension respectively, and Udinese almost made the most of their absences when Fernandes found himself clean through 12 minutes in – only to stutter and miss the chance to apply a finish. Paul Pogba shot wide at the other end soon after, while Tevez continued to pose problems for the home side, but Udinese coped at the back and remained dangerous on the break. Thereau was next to go close but, like Fernandes, was unable to finish a slick counter-attack midway through the half. The unmarked Fernando Llorente headed wide from a corner and, while Juve ended the half on top, they were unable to find an opener before the change of ends. As in the first half, Udinese began the second positively and forced Gianluigi Buffon into a smart save when Danilo flicked on Antonio Di Natale's corner. In a fast-paced opening to the half, Pereyra rattled the crossbar with a powerful strike from inside the area before Allegri opted to replace Llorente with Alvaro Morata - matchwinner against Parma on Wednesday. The Spaniard nearly found himself clean through on goal following a careless pass from Giovanni Pasquale, but a last-ditch challenge from Ivan Piris cleared any danger. Morata's introduction gave Juve added impetus, with Tevez going close at the death with a close-range effort that went wide. Ultimately the visitors had to settle for a draw that moves them back into a seven-point lead at the top, while Udinese are now winless in six at home, but will doubtless be content with their first point against Juve since 2011. http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

Ma come, fallo di Pogba?

Carlos clamoroso.

Cesena - Lazio 2-0

Ha segnato anche Amauri!

UDINESE - JUVENTUS .- Sunday, February 1st, 2015 - 3:00 PM Friuli Stadium, Udine Referee: Andrea Gervasoni HT 0-0: Udinese scare Juventus Feb 1, 2015 Udinese have had the better scoring opportunities in the first half, as they hold leaders Juventus 0-0 at the break. The Turin giants had the chance to go nine points clear at the top of the table thanks to a Roma crisis, but missed Arturo Vidal, Kwadwo Asamoah, Romulo and the suspended Claudio Marchisio. The Friulani had lost three of the last four editions of this fixture. They too had problems, as Panagiotis Kone began a three-match ban with Giampiero Pinzi, Alexandre Geijo, Emmanuel Badu, Maurizio Domizzi, Molla Wague and Lucas Evangelista unavailable. Bruno Fernandes fired wide from a promising counter-attack, then Silvan Widmer failed to convert and in a similar situation Cyril Thereau tested Gigi Buffon. Fernando Llorente should’ve done better when turning a free header off target from Andrea Pirlo’s corner, but Buffon was again called into action by Bruno Fernandes. Orestis Karnezis comfortably smothered a Paul Pogba effort, but overall the Turin giants created very little in the first half. Udinese 0-0 Juventus (Half-Time) Udinese: Karnezis; Heurtaux, Danilo, Piris, Gabriel Silva, Allan, Bruno Fernandes, Guilherme, Widmer; Di Natale, Thereau Juventus: Buffon; Caceres, Bonucci, Chiellini; Lichtsteiner, Pereyra, Pirlo, Pogba, Evra; Tevez, Llorente Ref: Gervasoni http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111