Socrates

JUVENTUS - MILAN .- Saturday, February 7th, 2015 - 8:45 PM Juventus Stadium, Turin Referee: Antonio Damato Line-ups: Juventus-Milan Feb 7, 2015 Juventus host Milan in a classic Serie A fixture, as Max Allegri, Pippo Inzaghi and Andrea Pirlo face their past. The game can go ahead at the Juventus Stadium despite the heavy snowfall in Turin over the last few days. Juve are runaway Serie A leaders with a seven-point lead, but were pegged back 0-0 by Udinese, so a victory is not to be taken for granted. Milan have been struggling badly in 2015 and Coach Inzaghi was thought to be on the verge of dismissal before a 3-1 win over bottom club Parma. It was reported that Inzaghi and Allegri had a very tense relationship at Milan, almost coming to blows at the training ground when Pippo was the youth team Coach. Allegri has had the last laugh, as he was fired just over a year ago, but the Rossoneri have been through Clarence Seedorf and Inzaghi without finding success. Pirlo has faced Milan many times now, but the decision to let him go as a free agent after a decade of service still stings. Stephan Lichtsteiner is suspended with Alessandro Matri, Kwadwo Asamoah, Martin Caceres and Romulo injured. Carlos Tevez was suffering from a mild fever yesterday, but is still in the starting XI with Alvaro Morata. Milan could put together a whole other team from their absentee list, including new signing Mattia Destro and Philippe Mexes out on bans. Clogging the treatment table are Stephan El Shaarawy, Nigel de Jong, Riccardo Montolivo, Ignazio Abate, Mattia De Sciglio, Cristian Zapata, Daniele Bonera and Hachim Mastour. Giacomo Bonaventura had returned, but his shoulder pain flared up again at the last minute, so he moved to the bench in favour of Keisuke Honda. Gabriel Paletta and Luca Antonelli are thrown straight into the starting XI just days after arriving from Parma and Genoa respectively. Cristian Zaccardo also keeps his spot, having scored on his season debut last week. Juventus: Buffon; Padoin, Bonucci, Chiellini, Evra; Marchisio, Pirlo, Pogba;Vidal; Tevez, Morata Juventus bench: Storari, Rubinho, Barzagli, Ogbonna, De Ceglie, Pereyra, Sturaro, Pepe, Coman, Llorente Milan: Diego Lopez; Zaccardo, Alex, Paletta, Antonelli; Poli, Essien, Muntari; Cerci, Menez, Honda Milan bench: Abbiati, Gori, Albertazzi, Bocchetti, Rami, Van Ginkel, Mastalli, Bonaventura, Suso, Pazzini http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

JUVENTUS - MILAN .- Saturday, February 7th, 2015 - 8:45 PM Juventus Stadium, Turin Referee: Antonio Damato Antonelli: 'Juve will regret tweet' Feb 7, 2015 Luca Antonelli makes his Milan comeback tonight and said they want to “make Juventus regret that tweet.” “This is certainly a difficult match, but we are Milan and we’ve come here to pick up three points,” Antonelli told Milan Channel. He’s expected to be in the starting XI just days after completing his move from Genoa. It’s a return for the full-back, who grew up in the Rossoneri youth academy. “We prepared this game in the best possible way and hope to take away the victory. We will also try to make Juventus regret that tweet.” The official Juventus Twitter account had sent out a message that read: ‘Against the Rossoneri we want six points from two games.’ Juve already beat Milan 1-0 at San Siro earlier this season. http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

JUVENTUS - MILAN .- Saturday, February 7th, 2015 - 8:45 PM Juventus Stadium, Turin Referee: Antonio Damato Tassotti: Milan would be happy with Juventus draw The Rossoneri assistant coach admits avoiding defeat in Turin would be a positive outcome for the side on Sunday. Feb 7, 2015 Milan assistant coach Mauro Tassotti admits his side would be happy with a draw in Saturday's clash with Juventus. The Rossoneri have struggled for form under new coach Filippo Inzaghi and find themselves eighth in the Serie A table ahead of the weekend’s clash in Turin. They are now 10 points behind third-placed Napoli and Champions League qualification, though Tassotti admits avoiding defeat against the reigning Italian champions on Saturday will be seen as a positive outcome. “A draw would be a positive result and it would be even more so should it come after a good performance. We have to bring the team through in order to start off at a better pace next year,” he said. “It’s never been easy in Turin, even for the Milan sides coached by Sacchi and Capello. It’s a tough ground to play at, but we are ready to battle. “In football you go through these negative moments, even Juventus experienced them before they got back to being successful. It’s fundamental that this club gets back to competing for the top places. This is what we want." Saturday will see the 160th league meeting between the two sides, with Juventus leading the way with 57 wins to Milan’s 48. Milan are without a win on the road since December’s 3-1 victory over Verona and have lost 37 away games at Juve, more than they have against any other Serie A side. "Juve are a side that drop very few points and concedes very few goals. They are capable of changing from one playing system to another easily and Allegri has done well to gradually bring his own ideas into an already settled context. If we are organised and aggressive for 90 minutes we have a chance.” http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

JUVENTUS - MILAN .- Saturday, February 7th, 2015 - 8:45 PM Juventus Stadium, Turin Referee: Antonio Damato Emotional Juve-Milan - MATCH PREVIEW Feb 7, 2015 The gap between heavyweights Juventus and Milan has rarely been this big, but Saturday night’s fixture remains a Serie A classic. Champions Juventus hold a seven-point lead at the top of the table, despite a surprising goalless draw away to Udinese on their last outing. Dynamic midfielder Arturo Vidal is expected to feature amid rumours of an alleged row between the Chilean and Coach Massimiliano Allegri, with long-term casualty Andrea Barzagli aiming for a spot on the bench, but Martin Caceres is now in doubt. Left-back Patrice Evra has recovered from tonsillitis, while Allegri must choose between out-of-sorts Fernando Llorente and young striker Alvaro Morata up-front. Milan employee Alessandro Matri is also unavailable following his loan return to Turin and Swiss right-back Stephan Lichtsteiner serves a one-match ban. Under-pressure Milan Coach and former Juventus striker Filippo Inzaghi received a vote of confidence from Silvio Berlusconi on the back of their 3-1 victory over struggling Parma last weekend, yet must be feeling the strain having lost three of his last five games. It’s a familiar scenario for Allegri, who was sacked by Berlusconi just over a year ago. Few expected the fired tactician to start his Juve experience so strongly. Inzaghi has numerous injury worries to contend with. Cristian Zapata, Mattia De Sciglio, Daniele Bonera, Stephan El Shaarawy and Ignazio Abate all fail to figure in his plans. However, Captain Riccardo Montolivo, Hachim Mastour and Nigel de Jong have a chance of making it and will be assessed. New forward Mattia Destro is suspended after picking up a yellow card on his debut, whilst fiery Frenchman Philippe Mexes continues his four-match ban for performing a choke-hold on Lazio star Stefano Mauri. Recent defensive recruits Luca Antonelli and Gabriel Paletta began training with their new team-mates at Milanello this week, but are likely to begin life with the Rossoneri as substitutes. Keep an eye on: Andrea Pirlo (Juventus) – Max Allegri isn’t the only former Milan man with a score to settle. Veteran playmaker Andrea Pirlo was offered a short-term contract by the Rossoneri as his deal neared its expiration, but felt he was worth much more and left following a decade of service. He then crossed the divide to achieve legendary status with the Turin giants and continues pulling the strings to devastating effect at the age of 35. Form Guide: Juventus (D W W W D) Milan (L D L L W) Last season: Juventus 3-2 Milan Stat fact: Juventus have triumphed over Milan on four consecutive occasions, with the Rossoneri’s last Serie A victory in this contest arriving in November 2012. Juventus (probable): Buffon; Padoin, Bonucci, Chiellini, Evra; Pogba, Pirlo, Marchisio; Vidal; Tevez, Llorente Suspended: Lichtsteiner Milan (probable): Diego Lopez; Zaccardo, Alex, Rami, Bocchetti; Poli, Essien, Muntari; Honda, Menez, Bonaventura Suspended: Mexes, Destro http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

JUVENTUS - MILAN .- Saturday, February 7th, 2015 - 8:45 PM Juventus Stadium, Turin Referee: Antonio Damato Juventus V AC Milan – Team News, Tactics, Lineups And Predictions Feb 7, 2015 Last week’s draw against Udinese ultimately did not have much impact on Juventus’ league standing thanks to Roma dropping points at home. Still points were dropped and they looked sluggish last Sunday. This upcoming match versus Milan is both an opportunity to make up for those points, and of course another chance for Max Allegri to get revenge on his ex-employers. Obviously, Juventus did beat Milan earlier this season. Since then, the two teams’ fortunes have gone in opposite directions. After the winter break, Milan have won only one Serie A match out of five, the most recent one against Parma. In the other four, they have been defeated by Sassuolo, Atalanta and Lazio and they tied against Torino. In the meantime, they beat Sassuolo in Coppa Italia, but Stefano Pioli’s squad crushed their hopes of winning a title two weeks later. It’s been an awful month for them and the rookie coach Filippo Inzaghi is on the hot seat, with the rumors about his potential replacement at the end of the season gaining more and more steam. Team news and tactical brief Juventus Max Allegri does have a few injuries to fret over: Martin Caceres is most likely going to miss the game. Additionally Arturo Vidal is not confirmed to return from his latest knock either. Vidal’s status is questionable, but if he is healthy he will likely start. Caceres’ status, while more doubtful, is also more important in regards to the formation. If Caceres is healthy, the 4-3-1-2 is likely to appear. If not, Max Allegri will probably go with a 3-5-2. There have been some suggestions that new signing Stefano Sturaro might be used as a right back tonight. Leonardo Bonucci and Giorgio Chiellini are expected to start in defence. On the flanks the choices are limited. Stephan Lichsteiner is suspended, and while Roberto Pereyra can sort of play right wing back – as Simone Pepe has a few times, but, not for years – Martin Caceres is really the only available player who is comfortable there. So, if it’s not Caceres then Stefano Sturaro is expected to be on the right flank. Simone Padoin could be picked to start at right back, in a four man backline. Evra will start on the left. He will probably play the full match, as well. Due to Vidal’s injury the midfield picture is cloudy. Andrea Pirlo, Claudio Marchisio, and Paul Pogba should start. Simone Padoin will probably start in place of Vidal if he the Chilean is still hurt. Carlos Tevez is a guarantee and he will definitely start. There is a legitimate battle between Fernando Llorente and Alvaro Morata for that other starting striker spot. Morata is favored to start over Llorente in this game as he has looked much sharper than his compatriot this season and will be looking to make an impact in this game early on. Probable Starting Line-up (4-3-1-2):Buffon; Sturaro, Bonucci, Chiellini, Evra; Pirlo, Marchisio, Pogba; Vidal; Tevez, Llorente AC Milan Inzaghi prefers an offensive-minded approach, but he probably doesn’t have good enough roster to deliver it as he would like to. The defensive blunders have been countless, especially on set pieces, and the midfield lacks the needed quality, quick-thinking and sharp passing. The attack is loaded and Jeremy Menez has been a star this season, Keisuke Honda has been very prolific early in the season while Giacomo Bonaventura has been a useful jack-of-all-trades that allowed them to switch comfortably from 4-3-3 to 4-2-3-1 when they wanted to. On paper, it looks good, but the problems lie elsewhere. The defense probably started to tail off when Alex first got injured and then had some small relapses and never quite managed to play as well as he was doing in the very first part of the season. Due the suspensions of Philippe Mexes and the injuries to Ignazio Abate, Mattia De Sciglio, Cristian Zapata and Daniele Bonera, they’ll be forced to field a four-man defensive line composed basically by three centre-backs. Alex and newcomer Gabriel Paletta will be in the heart of the defence. Adil Rami has played as a right back this season so he should be confident with his new position this time around while Luca Antonelli on the left would add some pace. With Riccardo Montolivo and Nigel De Jong unlikely to play, Andrea Poli, Micheal Essien and Sulley Muntari will have the task to hold the fort in the middle of the pitch. It’s blatant that there’s not much creativity there and this is where Milan have struggled the most. Honda and Bonaventura are slated to flank Menez in the trident, even though it’s possible that Cerci will be able to win the starting spot in place of Bonaventura, who’s nursing a bruised shoulder, or with the former Atalanta player in the midfield. The numbers of Milan aren’t horrible: 31 goals scored (5th best in Serie A) and 26 conceded (tied-8th), but the last few performances have been frankly disheartening and they inexplicably dropped too many points that would have been very helpful in the race for a Champions League spot (that was wide open until Napoli broke away from the pack). They are in eight position, ten points behind Benitez’s side and five points behind the fifth place occupied by Sampdoria, which guarantees the qualification to Europa League. Milan have quality, especially up front, but they have been a one-trick pony so far. If you take away the counter-attacking game, the first option, they become predictable due to the lack of a harmonious team play and of a smart distributor in the middle: 52% of ball possession per game is historically abysmal for possession-oriented team like Milan. Their defense, not only their defenders, is pretty sloppy and suffers when put under pressure. They concede more than 14 shots per game, which is worse than Empoli, Parma and Empoli (13th overall). As far as performances on the road are concerned, they are in the middle of the group with two wins, six draws and two losses. Probable Starting Line-up (4-3-1-2):Diego Lopez(Gk); Rami, Alex,Paletta, Antonelli; Poli, Essien, Muntari; Honda, Menez, Bonaventura Key Facts This will be the 160th Serie A meeting between Juventus and AC Milan: the Bianconeri lead by 57 wins to 48 Juventus have won each of their last four league encounters with AC Milan, keeping a clean sheet in three of these Juve have won their last three Serie A matches against AC Milan at home, scoring on average two goals per game Players to Watch Out For Andrea Pirlo (Juventus) Veteran playmaker Andrea Pirlo was offered a short-term contract by the Rossoneri as his deal neared its expiration, but felt he was worth much more and left following a decade of service. He then crossed the divide to achieve legendary status with the Turin giants and continues pulling the strings to devastating effect at the age of 35. Jeremy Menez (AC Milan) Having made a bright start to his career with Milan, Jeremy Menez has a final chance to resurrect a career that has so far disappointed. With twelve goals this season in Serie A mostly as a ‘False 9’, Menez is soon becoming a fan favourite. With Mario Balotelli, Fernando Torres both gone and Mattia Destro suspended, Menez has made the central position in the attacking trio of Inzaghi’s 4-3-3 his own. At 27, the talented forward still has time to resurrect his career and regain his status as the gem of ‘Generation 1987’ but much depends on how he takes it from here. Prediction Juventus 1–1 AC Milan Juventus dropped two points without suffering in terms of the table as Roma also drew. The Bianconeri are still 7 points clear and looking in better form than any of their rivals. The victory over Parma let AC Milan back into the top 10, but beating the last team in the table while they are also going through financial problems is by no means a sign of recovery. As it happened with Lazio twice recently, this game could get ugly for the Rossoneri since despite a lot of movement in the transfer market in January, they don’t really seem to have improved their squad, especially in midfield. The rivalry with Juventus may have been weakened by the recent poor results of the visitors, but do not expect Max Allegri to tell his players to let up against his former club. Blast From the Past In the first match of the season, when both teams were still searching for their identities, Juventus won 1-0 with a Tevez goal in the second half. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4YBOFnbgmfk http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

"Juventus should sell Pogba, he's no Messi" The midfielder has been tipped to depart Turin for Real Madrid in the summer and one of his current club's former coaches believes they would be wise to cash in. Feb 7, 2015 Giovanni Trapattoni says Paul Pogba is no Lionel Messi and Juventus should therefore sell him in the summer and strengthen their squad with the proceeds from his transfer fee. Speculation during the January transfer window linked the France midfielder with a move to Real Madrid - and the Spanish club refused to distance themselves from a possible bid. The player's agent, Mino Raiola, has previously stated that the sale of Pogba would likely surpass the €80 million Madrid spent on signing Cristiano Ronaldo's from Manchester United, and Trapattoni says Juve would be foolish to turn down such an offer. "If a club wants to do crazy things for a player then it's better to let them go," he told Tuttosport. "Pogba is a great player but he isn't Messi. It would be silly not to sell him for €100m. Juventus could get three quality players at a medium to high European level with the money. "It would be risky to try spending all the money on one player purely to replace Pogba." Juve are on course to win a fourth straight Serie A title and Trapattoni has backed current boss Massimiliano Allegri to guide the club to further domestic dominance in the coming years. "There is the potential for Juventus to win five Scudetti in a row," he continued. "Inside Juventus, though, they will be planning two years ahead of where we are now and they will be thinking of winning seven or eight straight titles. It's an engine that never stops running."

JUVENTUS - MILAN .- Saturday, February 7th, 2015 - 8:45 PM Juventus Stadium, Turin Referee: Antonio Damato Juventus vs. Milan Preview: Round 22 — il Diavolo is coming to town Feb 6, 2015 Over the last few days, I've had this inner monologue or thought process running through my head on a regular basis. Am I supposed to get truly hyped up because it's Milan-Juventus like the good old days? Do I forget about how much Milan has struggled as of late because this is one of the best historic rivalries in Italy's history? Juventus vs. Milan isn't the glamorous fixture it was 10 or 15 years ago when the Scudetto truly did hinge on its outcome. Milan enter the weekend as many points away from the relegation zone as they are to pulling even with third-place Napoli and a Champions League qualification spot. This current Milan truly isn't anywhere close to the level that Milan was at when they were challenging for European glory on a regular basis. And, to be honest, who knows how long it will take the club to get back to that level the way they're going these days. But it's hard to not look forward to Juventus and Milan squaring off against one another — especially when it's being played at Juventus Stadium and all the excitement that comes with rivals making the trip to Turin. There's going to be no awkward and long-winded "It's Max Allegri's comeback and first game against his former team!" kind of talk this time around. It's more about the game itself rather than the guy who is managing his current team against his former team. That means it's first-place Juventus against Milan, which currently sits in ... ninth? Yeah, ninth. JuventusFC ✔ @juventusfcen .@OfficialAllegri: "Milan may have had a few problems in January but played well in December, beating Napoli and drawing with Roma." Who knows what kind of team will show up wearing Milan jerseys on Saturday night. It could be the one we've seen over the last month, it could be the one Allegri spoke to from the final games of 2014. Here's something I do know: Juventus Stadium will be packed to the roof because Milan-Juventus is still a pretty big deal no matter where each team is in the table. And those fans will be looking for their bianconeri to provide a subsequent performance that makes Milan remember who the best team in all of the country is. Why? Because extending the Milan slump will be just as satisfying as getting another three points and momentarily extending the lead over Roma. That is fun, really fun. GOOD NEWS Milan's form the last six games: D-L-D-L-L-W. That's not very good. At all. BAD NEWS Resident Swiss badass Stephan Lichtsteiner is suspended after his yellow card last weekend against Udinese. Martín Cáceres, as noted by Max Allegri in his pre-match press conference on Friday afternoon, is a 'big doubt' after training separate from the group during the week. You know what that means, people. WHAT TO WATCH FOR 1. Can Juventus snap out of this recent funk? Juventus' recent funk is different than that of their opponent Saturday night. MIlan are just flat out struggling this season and not getting results on a regular basis. Juve are getting points — for the most part — but just not playing all that well at the moment. Allegri's men have won two of their last three in all competitions, but haven't been all that convincing against teams you would think they might be. The Juventus offense has been just a bit off its usually high standard in those games, and because of it, the scoring chances haven't been so plentiful as a few weeks ago when they were running wild on Hellas Verona in back-to-back games. Maybe a Milan defense that is far from stellar will be the cure. I sure hope it is considering the month of February is easily the most important four-week stretch to date this season. 2. The Simone Padoin extravaganza at right back. With two right backs likely out tomorrow night, it's time for the latest edition of the Simone Padoin Show. And, oh what a wonderful show it is. Okay, maybe not wonderful, but just unspectacular and easy going. Padoin has been the ultimate utility man for Allegri this season, playing at left back one week and now (likely) shifting across the back four this weekend. Padoin won't wow you, won't do amazing runs down the right wing like Lichtsteiner or Cáceres, but he has also proved to be a solid replacement for whomever he's replaced in the lineup this season. This is the world of Padoin, where things are more about not majorly screwing up rather than doing a ton of amazing things. That's just Padoin in a nutshell. JuventusFC ✔ @juventusfcen .@OfficialAllegri: "Padoin always guarantees top rate performances when given the nod." 3. The Arturo Vidal extravaganza at trequartista. Just when you thought Arturo Vidal was starting to turn a corner form-wise, he gets hit in the face (no pun intended) with tonsillitis and has to spend time in the hospital. Vidal's first two games back in the starting lineup against Chievo and Parma in the Coppa Italia haven't been all too impressive, and missing out on the scoreless draw with Udinese due to a minor knock on the knee wasn't too helpful in its own right. But the other three midfield standouts are healthy and likely to start, and that means Vidal will almost certainly play behind the two starting strikers whomever they may be. As much as we want to give him the benefit of the doubt because of what has happened to him over the last couple of weeks, Vidal needs to be the kind of player we saw at the beginning of January more often than not going forward. That Arturo Vidal is better than just about everybody else. 4. Keeping Jérémy Menez under wraps. Without looking, who is the No. 2-ranked scorer behind Carlitos Tévez this season? Go ahead, guess away. Think about it for a second or two. Did you have Mr. Menez as the second-best scorer in Serie A through 21 games this season? Probably not, but that's what we're seeing in the race to be the capocannoniere. Menez has accounted for over 40 percent of Milan's goals this season with his 12 goals and two assists. That's easily the best season of any individual Milan player, no matter how depleted their roster is compared to years prior. And a lot like Toto Di Natale last week, you don't need to look far to see who is priority No. 1 for the Juventus defense. Simple is as simple does. My starting XI (4-3-1-2): Buffon; Padoin, Bonucci, Chiellini, Evra; Marchisio, Pirlo, Pogba; Vidal; Morata, Tévez OFFICIAL KICKOFF TIME: 8:45 P.M. IN ITALY; 2:45 P.M. ON THE EAST COAST; 11:45 A.M. ON THE WEST COAST http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

JUVENTUS - MILAN .- Saturday, February 7th, 2015 - 8:45 PM Juventus Stadium, Turin Referee: Antonio Damato Tacchinardi: ‘Milan are unwell’ Feb 6, 2015 Alessio Tacchinardi expects former team Juventus to 'dominate the game' tomorrow against a Milan side he sees as ‘unwell’. The Old Lady and Il Diavolo will confront each other tomorrow at the Juventus Stadium in the highly anticipated anticipo of Week 22. The Bianconeri’s five-time Scudetto winner, interviewed by Tuttomercatoweb, is confident about which team should be called the favourite. “I think that Juve will dominate the game, because they're in a top moment physically and psychologically, and also because they play at the Juventus Stadium, which is now a factor,” Tacchinardi has said. “Above all else, though, they're aware of the difficulties of Milan. “Juventus will try to press them, using their technique, and face up to a team that is a bit unwell because they have lost their way since [the 4-2 victory against Real Madrid in] Dubai. “I don't know if it's for physical reasons, since they worked so hard in Dubai, or if they just lost faith after the goal they took against Sassuolo. “Milan are sick, and Juve will have the opportunity to dominate the game.” http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

JUVENTUS - MILAN .- Saturday, February 7th, 2015 - 8:45 PM Juventus Stadium, Turin Referee: Antonio Damato Vidal and Tevez are Juventus' key men vs. declining Milan Feb 6, 2015 It's a clash that pits two great rivals against one another but, while one remains at the top of the Italian game, the other is in a state of decline. Juventus host Milan on Saturday in a match that once decided championships but now should see a routine win for The Old Lady. Juventus enter the game in good health. The Bianconeri not only are at the top of the Serie A table but also have reached the semifinals of the Coppa Italia and qualified for the last 16 of the Champions League. By contrast, the Rossoneri have only the league to play for as they deal with a bloated squad of 31 players -- Juve have 27 - and are paying half of Alessandro Matri's wages after the Milan forward joined Juventus on loan last week. The player will not take part on Saturday. Yet despite the disarray, Milan are still a proud club with talented individuals capable of hurting their opponent. As such, Massimiliano Allegri, a former Milan coach of course, must be careful not to get carried away by his club's current superiority, especially as the Rossoneri have impressed against quality opponents this season including Napoli, Roma, Fiorentina and Sampdoria. Filippo Inzaghi's men have impressed when allowed to play a reactive game, one that sees them defend before taking their opportunities either though a vertical play or a long ball forward. When asked to actually create attacking of passages of play from the back and move forward in unison, Milan have faltered due to the lack of talent in midfield and their inability to cope under pressure. In truth, this is a game made for two Juventus men -- Arturo Vidal and Carlos Tevez -- to shine and attack Milan's obvious weaknesses. A side that cedes possession with ease when faced with an opponent who can press intelligently and apply pressure on their ball carriers, Milan will struggle to create if Vidal is on hand to hassle. Invaluable when it comes to winning back possession high up the pitch, the Chilean will facilitate the route to goal especially as he's likely to be deployed in the trequartista role. Meanwhile, Tevez will most likely have plenty of time and space to roam between the lines to find his right position to strike. The Argentine is likely to be flanked by Alvaro Morata instead of Fernando Llorente, which means Juventus will be more mobile in the final third. A third potential weapon would have been Martin Caceres but the Uruguayan is unlikely to be available due to a groin injury. His stamina and strength always add value to the team but it is his ability from set-pieces that Allegri will miss the most, especially against a side that by January had conceded 35 percent of their goals from dead-ball situations despite the arrival last summer of set piece coach Gianni Vio from Fiorentina. While earlier reports suggested Juve would opt for a 3-5-2 formation, the shape that could only muster a draw against Udinese last week, it seems Allegri has since changed his mind and will look to deploy a 4-3-1-2 formation with Patrice Evra and Simone Padoin in the full-back roles. In truth, the formation will have little bearing over the side if the right attitude is not adopted. Intensity, hunger and sacrifice are the only way to get past a side led by the most passionate of all men in football and one Allegri would like to defeat. While the current Juventus coach maintained a generous tone when quizzed about Inzaghi's abilities, their past squabbles can never truly be forgotten. Most infamously, the two clashed during Allegri's time at Milan when Inzaghi was a youth team coach. What better way to have the last laugh than by producing a vicious Juventus side that fight for the win. http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

JUVENTUS - MILAN .- Saturday, February 7th, 2015 - 8:45 PM Juventus Stadium, Turin Referee: Antonio Damato Padoin, Paletta, Antonelli to start Feb 6, 2015 Juventus could pick Simone Padoin at right-back and welcome Arturo Vidal back, while Milan may debut their winter signings. The Bianconeri are without Stephan Lichtsteiner through suspension and Martin Caceres through injury, so are expected to run Padoin at full-back for tomorrow’s clash at Juventus Stadium. Arturo Vidal is at his first game after recovering from a knee injury, but La giornalaccio rosa dello Sport, Sky Sports and Sport Mediaset all expect him to start. Carlos Tevez was reported today to have a fever, but should make it on to the pitch, to be flanked by Alvaro Morata. Otherwise, Fernando Llorente may replace him. Rossonero Coach Filippo Inzaghi, also struck with flu for the day, has to deal with the injuries of Riccardo Montolivo and Nigel de Jong, which compel a midfield trio of Andrea Poli, Sulley Muntari and Michael Essien. In defence, new signings Gabriel Paletta and Luca Antonelli are expected to be given their debut, while Alessio Cerci fights for a place against Keisuke Honda, each favoured respectively by the giornalaccio rosa and by Sports Mediaset. Probable line-ups Juventus: Buffon; Padoin, Bonucci, Chiellini, Evra; Marchisio, Pirlo, Pogba; Vidal; Tevez, Morata Milan: D. Lopez; Rami, Paletta, Alex, Antonelli; Poli, Essien, Muntari; Cerci, Menez, Bonaventura http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

Marchisio: I Want To Play At Juventus Until I’m 36 Feb 6, 2015 Juventus midfielder Claudio Marchisio has revealed that he plans on continuing his career as a professional footballer with the Old Lady until he’s 36-years-old. The 29-year-old is a product of the Bianconeri youth system, making his first team debut at the club in 2006 and only leaving the Turin side once on loan to Empoli during the 2007-08 campaign since then, and he admits that he still hopes to play for quite some time though he remains undecided on what he will do following his eventual retirement. Marchisio spoke to Alessandro Cattelan on Sky Uno about his present situation at Juventus and commented on what his future might look like after his career with the Serie A giants comes to an end. “At Juventus there is a great group, we are all very united,” said the Italian international, who has scored one goal and provided three assists in his 20 league appearances for Juve this term thus far. “I hope to play up until I’m 36-years-old, but I have not yet thought about what I’ll be doing once my playing career is over.”

JUVENTUS - MILAN .- Saturday, February 7th, 2015 - 8:45 PM Juventus Stadium, Turin Referee: Antonio Damato Juventus name Milan squad Feb 6, 2015 Juventus name the squad to face Milan, with Arturo Vidal back in the team, but no Martin Caceres or Alessandro Matri. The Chilean appears to have recovered from his knee trouble and will likely flank Andrea Pirlo and Paul Pogba in the midfield. Martin Caceres, however, is still struggling with a thigh strain and will not join his teammates. Young new signing Stefano Sturaro is also part of the expedition, but Alessandro Matri, returning from Milan themselves, was seemingly deemed not ready for the game. Juventus squad to face Milan: Buffon, Chiellini, Ogbonna, Pogba, Pepe, Marchisio, Morata, Tevez, Coman, Llorente, Barzagli, De Ceglie, Bonucci, Padoin, Pirlo, Vidal, Sturaro, Storari, Evra, Rubinho, Pereyra http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

JUVENTUS - MILAN .- Saturday, February 7th, 2015 - 8:45 PM Juventus Stadium, Turin Referee: Antonio Damato Tassotti: ‘We’ll attack Juventus’ Feb 6, 2015 Assistant coach Mauro Tassotti insists Milan will go to Juventus Stadium to attack tomorrow night. The former midfielder was asked to attend today’s pre-match Press conference as Coach Filippo Inzaghi is ill, and says the Rossoneri won’t sit back in Turin. “[Playing against Juventus] has never been easy, even for [Fabio] Capello and [Arrigo] Sacchi’s teams” Tassotti reflected. 
“[but] We’re ready to do battle with Juventus. We like to play every game in an attacking style. “Tomorrow we want to play our game, but our opponents are aggressive too. These games are a little bit like a tug of war. “We’ll have to play with organisation and aggression. If we do that for 90 minutes we’ll have our chances. “Tomorrow’s game is the most difficult one we could have at this moment in time. They’re a team that collects a lot of points, and doesn’t concede many goals. “I think they have one of the best defences in Europe, it’s hard to play at Juventus Stadium. “Allegri has led the team toward playing with a 4-3-1-2 patiently, they can switch from one formation to another with ease. “His talent was not letting anything clog up a machine which was running smoothly.” http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

JUVENTUS - MILAN .- Saturday, February 7th, 2015 - 8:45 PM Juventus Stadium, Turin Referee: Antonio Damato Milan name squad for Juve Feb 6, 2015 Filippo Inzaghi has named his squad for tomorrow’s match at Juventus, with Milan’s new signings included. Mattia Destro is suspended, but Salvatore Bocchetti, Gabriel Palletta and Luca Antonelli are all in the squad which will travel to Turin. The Rossoneri are currently 21 points behind the Old Lady, and will be looking to cut the 10 point gap to Napoli in the third and final Champions League place. Milan squad to face Juventus: Abbiati, Gori, Diego Lopez, Albertazzi, Antonelli, Alex, Bocchetti, Paletta, Rami, Zaccardo, Essien, Mastalli, Muntari, Poli, Suso, Van Ginkel, Bonaventura, Honda, Menez, Pazzini, Cerci http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

JUVENTUS - MILAN .- Saturday, February 7th, 2015 - 8:45 PM Juventus Stadium, Turin Referee: Antonio Damato Juventus v AC Milan: Preview Feb 6, 2015 Juventus coach Massimiliano Allegri expects his former club AC Milan to provide his title-chasing team with a stern test in Turin on Saturday. The Rossoneri have won just one of their last six Serie A games and are eighth in the standings, 21 points adrift of league leaders Juve. ``This is always a tough game because it's still Juve versus Milan,'' Allegri told the Italian media on Friday. ``We face a team that won its last game. ``Although they struggled in January, Milan did really well in December, beating Napoli and holding Roma a to a draw. ``Milan have also made good signings during the winter transfer market, bringing in four international players, (Alessio) Cerci, (Mattia) Destro, (Luca) Antonelli and (Gabriel) Paletta. ``I think that Milan is a team built to fight for a European place and tomorrow it will be far from easy.'' Juve have enjoyed a strong campaign under Allegri, who was sacked by Milan just 13 months ago. The Turin giants are unbeaten at home in Serie A and last weekend's goalless draw at Udinese left the Bianconeri firmly on course for their fourth-straight scudetto. Juve are seven points clear of nearest rivals Roma. ``The season is still very long and I expect Roma to fight until the end for the scudetto,'' Allegri said. ``We haven't achieved anything yet and we need to understand that.'' Last weekend's 3-1 triumph against Parma halted a five-match winless streak for Milan and eased the pressure on coach Filippo Inzaghi. ``From now on, we must show the same determination we displayed against Parma,'' Inzaghi said. ``I want to thank our club president (Silvio Berlusconi) for the new reinforcements. ``They are all talented and are hungry to succeed. ``It''s up to us now to deliver.'' The Rossoneri are still without eight injured players while defender Philippe Mexes and Italian striker Destro are both suspended. Serie A's top scorer Carlos Tevez will lead Juve's attack alongside Fernando Llorente. Juve are without defender Stephan Lichtsteiner, who must serve a one-match ban, while recent signing Alessandro Matri is out with a muscular problem. http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

JUVENTUS - MILAN .- Saturday, February 7th, 2015 - 8:45 PM Juventus Stadium, Turin Referee: Antonio Damato Juventus - AC Milan Betting: Inconsistent Rossoneri to play their part in a high-scoring clash With Filippo Inzaghi's side as weak at the back as they are dangerous going forward away from home, Al Hain-Cole expects plenty of action when they face their former coach. Feb 6, 2015 AC Milan will be hoping to kick-start their ailing season when they travel to Turin to take on Juventus in Saturday's high-profile Serie A clash. Having recorded a first win in six matches at home to Parma last weekend, the Rossoneri are available at with bet365 to secure a morale-boosting victory at the home of the champions. However, after winning 27 and losing none of their previous 29 league fixtures on home soil, the hosts are clear favourites to come out on top for the fifth consecutive encounter between the sides. Inter were the last team to leave the Juventus Stadium with something to show for their efforts following last month's 1-1 draw, and you can get odds of on their city rivals also earning a point here. After being shown the door at San Siro in January after almost four seasons in charge, Massimiliano Allegri will be keen to get one over on his former club. The 47-year-old has certainly landed on his feet since replacing Antonio Conte in the summer, maintaining his predecessor's high standards in suffering just one league defeat so far to open up a seven-point gap at the top of the table. In contrast, his ex-employers have been the antithesis of stability since his departure, with current coach Filippo Inzaghi having replaced Clarence Seedorf in the summer after the Dutchman survived just six months at the helm. This uncertainty seems to have been translated onto the pitch, where Inzaghi's men have struggled all season for consistency, particularly on the road. While their record of 16 goals scored away from home is the joint-second best in the division, the guests' goals against tally of the same figure is worse than that of relegation-battling Atalanta and Empoli. Considering the Bianconeri have scored 33 times in 11 domestic matches on home soil so far, entertainment appears guaranteed against a mercurial Milan team, meaning odds of are not to be missed on over 2.5 goals going in. http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

JUVENTUS - MILAN .- Saturday, February 7th, 2015 - 8:45 PM Juventus Stadium, Turin Referee: Antonio Damato Juventus V AC Milan – Preview: Big Test For Struggling Rossoneri Feb 6, 2015 AC Milan travel to Juventus stadium on Saturday evening to try and bag one more for the road before the Rossonero shuffle off a dying campaign and derail the Bianconeri train steamrolling toward its fourth consecutive scudetto. Filippo Inzaghi’s men have spent months in full-on crisis mode but temporarily stopped the rot this past Sunday, earning their first victory in six matches, at the expense of bottom-dwellers Parma 3-1 at the San Siro. Meanwhile, Juventus have only lost a single Serie A match all season and have taken advantage of Roma’s poor form to stretch their league advantage to seven points. The lead atop the standings and Juve’s unbeaten run belies the fact the Old Lady have won despite the offense not functioning on all cylinders. Most recently, a last minute Alvaro Morata goal in the Coppa Italia quarterfinals against Parma rescued Juve’s blushes and was followed by a listless scoreless draw against Udinese. The collective defensive work of Massimiliano Allegri’s side and the inimitable Gianluigi Buffon have powered Juve to four straight clean sheets in all competitions. Arturo Vidal’s return should help unlock the club’s difficulty in creating opportunities for whichever strike tandem Allegri features as Roberto Pereyra hasn’t performed nearly as well as the Chilean sitting in the hole behind behind the front line. Allegri will have nearly his full compliment of players as, outside of long term injuries to Kwadwo Asamoah and Romulo, only Stephan Lichsteiner will miss the match due to suspension and a muscle strain to Martin Caceres may force the Uruguayan to the sidelines. Milan have suffered through a season which began brightly enough for Inzaghi, Milan’s fourth coach in a year, with the San Siro side losing only a single match in their opening nine fixtures, a 1-0 loss to Juventus. However, the old wounds quickly resurfaced as Milan currently sit in eighth place earning a meager 13 points over the last 12 matches. Additionally, a 3-1 thumping at the hands of Lazio dropped the side out of the Coppa Italia, the simplest path back to European football for the five-time Champions League winners. A rash of injuries across the midfield have crippled Inzaghi and the latest news of Stephan El Shaarawy’s broken foot along with suspensions to Philippe Mexes and Mattia Destro will further limit Inzaghi’s options. Recent history favors the Bianconeri as Milan has only won a single match in the last seven between the clubs including three consecutive losses at Juventus Stadium. Form Guide: Juventus (D-W-W-W-D-W) AC Milan (W-L-L-D-L-D) Expected Starting XIs Juventus: Buffon; Padoin, Bonucci, Chiellini, Evra; Pogba, Pirlo, Marchisio; Vidal; Tevez, Llorente Milan: Lopez; Zaccardo, Alex, Rami, Bocchetti; Poli, Essien, Muntari; Honda, Menez, Bonaventura http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

JUVENTUS - MILAN .- Saturday, February 7th, 2015 - 8:45 PM Juventus Stadium, Turin Referee: Antonio Damato Allegri: ‘Milan will be back’ Feb 6, 2015 Max Allegri warns tomorrow’s clash with Milan will not be easy, and says the Rossoneri will soon be back to challenge Juventus. The Diavolo currently lie 21 points adrift of the Bianconeri, and have won just one League game since the turn of the year, but the Juve Coach doesn’t think that matters when it comes to tomorrow’s game. “First things first, it’s still Juventus-Milan,” Allegri explained in his pre-match Press conference. “Then you have to remember the game against Inter, where we played well, did things for ourselves and made chances. “Tomorrow we face a team that won its last game, and ok they had difficulties in January, but they did really well in December, beating Napoli and drawing at Roma. “So this is always a complicated game because, I repeat, it’s still Juventus-Milan. “Besides, I think Galliani had a great transfer window, he brought in four big players, four internationals, Cerci, Destro, Antonelli and Paletta. “So I think that Milan are a team built to fight for a European place, and tomorrow is far from an easy game. “I think that life is made up of cycles, so I think that while at the moment Juventus are far ahead of Milan - whatever happens tomorrow - I think Milan have the potential to return to being Juventus’ main rivals in the League.” The former Milan Coach also discussed the fortunes of his opposite number, Pippo Inzaghi, with whom he reportedly had a stormy relationship at San Siro. “Is he the right man for the job? I’m not in a position to judge. “If Berlusconi and Galliani have chosen Inzaghi, it’s because they believe he can be a Coach. “And I think he has all the qualities to be a Coach, over a season or a career there will be difficult times, but I think Inzaghi has all the attributes to be a success. "Is there any bitterness? I'm thinking about Juventus, and trying to take Juventus to first place. After that, if second place goes to Roma, Milan, Fiorentina or Napoli or someone else I don't care. "Everything else is in the past, so many things happen in life that I don't think about things which have happened to me in the past. I always try to look ahead, and that's the right thing to do" http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

JUVENTUS - MILAN .- Saturday, February 7th, 2015 - 8:45 PM Juventus Stadium, Turin Referee: Antonio Damato Allegri: Scudetto race not over yet The Juventus coach has warned that anything can still happen in Serie A and added that AC Milan will not be pushovers in this weekend's Derby d'Italia. Feb 6, 2015 Juventus coach Massimiliano Allegri has warned that the Serie A title race is not over just yet and is eagerly anticipating Saturday's match versus AC Milan. The reigning Italian champions hold a seven-point lead over Roma in the table heading into this weekend's games, but Allegri is adamant his side cannot afford to allow their standards to slip - especially against his former side. "Have we already won the Scudetto? No chance," Allegri said at a press conference. "There's still a long way to go and Roma are firmly in the hunt. "We'll require great intensity from a technical standpoint if we want to come away with an important result against Milan. "Milan may have had a few problems in January but played well in December, beating Napoli and drawing with Roma. They have done well in the January transfer market, bringing in four decent international players. Milan won their last game and can get themselves into a position to fight for a European place." Allegri is also delighted with Juve's own dealings in the January window, during which they sealed return deals for Stefano Sturaro and Alessandro Matri. "We've had a fine transfer window," he said. "Matri scored seven goals in the first half of the term and is an important contribution. "Sturaro possesses important qualities: he still needs to adapt but he's a very level-headed and mature guy. He can play in several positions across the midfield and also just in front of the defence." The Juventus coach also had his say on Milan boss Filippo Inzaghi, insisting the former striker has a long coaching career ahead of him despite his turbulent time at San Siro so far. "Inzaghi's got all the right characteristics to enjoy a successful managerial career," he added. http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

Tavecchio: ‘Juve have 32 Scudetti’ Nov 24, 2014 FIGC President Carlo Tavecchio says Juventus would have won the League without Calciopoli - ‘they have won 32 Scudetti’. The Bianconeri were demoted to Serie B in 2006 after a scandal in which then-director Luciano Moggi was accused of holding too much influence over the selection of referees. However, while Tavecchio says the Old Lady would have triumphed regardless, he maintains the verdict must be upheld. “Juventus were clearly the strongest on the pitch,” the President told La Repubblica. “They have won 32 Scudetti, the team did not steal anything and they wouldn’t have needed any hocus-pocus. “I say this as an old Interista. “However, the Calciopoli ruling, which sanctioned the behaviour of the club off the field, is the law and we’re here to enforce it. “On March 23 the Supreme Court will have the final say on Calciopoli. Juve’s cause is reckless, and you’ll see, it’ll be the FIGC who claim damages.”

JUVENTUS - MILAN .- Saturday, February 7th, 2015 - 8:45 PM Juventus Stadium, Turin Referee: Antonio Damato Juventus vs. AC Milan: Team News Feb 6, 2015 Two giants going in different directions will meet on Saturday when Juventus takes on AC Milan in Turin. Preamble Juventus is right where it wants to be at this point in the season—seven points up on their nearest pursuers for the title. The cushion over Roma will allow them to give some critical players rest as the first leg of their Champions League knockout tie with Borussia Dortmund moves closer. Given the fact that Jurgen Klopp will not have the same luxury while battling to keep his team out of the Bundesliga's relegation zone, the gap Juve has opened up in the league could prove a critical advantage indeed. That advantage could have been nine, but injuries and suspensions forced Massimiliano Allegri back to the 3-5-2 formation on Sunday against Udinese. Allegri has yet to prove that he can make that formation move as effectively as his predecessor Antonio Conte, and Juve looked flat in a scoreless draw. With Claudio Marchisio back from suspension and Arturo Vidal hopefully healthy, Allegri will likely look to return to the 4-3-1-2 that he has installed to great effect since November. Allegri's former team isn't where they want to be. Milan has a few more points now than they did at this stage a year ago, but so far 2014-15 hasn't been the immediate bounce-back they were hoping for under new coach Filippo Inzaghi. The Milan legend and rookie coach has faced criticism at times for squad selection, but poor upper management is the real reason Milan has scuffled the last two years. Of particular concern has been the defense, which has been flat-out bad since the sale of Thiago Silva in 2012. Milan acquired three new defenders during the transfer window and will hope that Salvatore Bocchetti, Luca Antonelli and Gabriel Paletta mesh in time to hold Carlos Tevez and Co. in their tracks and pick up a surprise point. They fell 3-2 in their last trip to the Juventus Stadium a year ago, but that scoreline is somewhat misleading. Juve didn't fire on all cylinders that night but still dominated much of the game, especially in the second half. Sulley Muntari made the score respectable in the 90th minute, but it was mere window dressing. Both of Milan's previous trips to Turin since the palatial new ground opened were shutout losses. In 2011 Claudio Marchisio scored two goals within five minutes of the whistle to sink the Rossoneri and announce Antonio Conte's first Juve side as a true challenger. A year later an Arturo Vidal penalty was the difference in a 1-0 game. Milan has also visited Turin in the Coppa Italia two of the last three seasons, both times being eliminated after extra time. Players to Watch Carlos Tevez has been the engine of Juve's attack all year long. According to WhoScored.com, he leads the league with 13 goals and has chipped in six assists along the way. He's also chipped in three more in the Champions League and scored a brace in the Supercoppa Italiana—although Juve's eventual shootout loss can be attributed to his getting too fancy when given the chance to give his team an early lead. The Argentine international has been a true wonder to watch this season. Antonio Conte had always given him some freedom to roam sideline to sideline in the attacking third, but Allegri has doubled that leeway. The change in formation has also been a boon to him. He can either roam the entire field looking to draw defenders to him and find lanes for midfield runners in the form of Paul Pogba and Arturo Vidal or stay just above the box to latch onto passes. His dribbling ability—something possessed by no other Juve forward since their title run began—can create goals out of nothing, whether he's in traffic in the box or slaloming his way through half the field. Of all the players Juve can put on the field, he's become the one all teams must be sure to account for. On the visiting side, attention must be paid to Alessio Cerci. Cerci was one of the best players on the field on Sunday against Parma. He assisted on Jeremy Menez's second goal, put two shots on target and made three key passes. Juve's defense is the one of the best in Europe this year, but they have displayed a minor weakness against pacey wing play. Cerci has the pace and technique to cause problems for Juve's defense. His likely defensive matchup will be Martin Caceres, who has only just returned from a leg injury—an injury he aggravated in similar circumstances against Roma in October. Cerci won't have a true target man to cross to on Saturday. New acquisition Mattia Destro is suspended for yellow-card accumulation, so Inzaghi may be forced to revert to a 4-3-3 with Jeremy Menez as a false nine. Key Battle Expect Gabriel Paletta to make his Milan debut immediately, and expect him to tangle with Carlos Tevez. The best way to keep Juve out is to stop Tevez and let the rest of the team beat you. There are, of course, a plethora of players on Juve's roster who can do just that, but if Tevez is firing on all cylinders, it makes players like Pogba, Vidal and Marchisio that much more dangerous. Paletta was probably the best center-back in Serie A last season. He's been out for much of the year with injury, and came to Milan on deadline day from cash-strapped Parma. His return six weeks ago saw the Crusaders' defensive performances improve dramatically. Though he's not anywhere near Thiago Silva's league in terms of talent, he's easily the best center-back the team has had since they sold the Brazilian to PSG three summers ago. The last time he and Tevez went toe-to-toe, however, the Juve man struck twice and ended a long Parma unbeaten run. If Paletta manages to neutralize Tevez this time, Milan will have a better chance of catching Juve on the counter. If Tevez manages to best him, Juve could open a big lead very quickly. Odds (according to Odds Shark) Juventus win: 4/15 Milan win: 10/1 Draw: 4/1 http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

JUVENTUS - MILAN .- Saturday, February 7th, 2015 - 8:45 PM Juventus Stadium, Turin Referee: Antonio Damato Juventus To Persist With 3-5-2 Formation Against AC Milan Feb 6, 2015 Juventus coach Massimiliano Allegri is expected to implement the 3-5-2 formation again when they play against AC Milan on Saturday night. Allegri used the 3-5-2 in the goalless draw against Udinese on Sunday, and he is likely to stick with it against the Rossoneri. According to Sky Sport Italia, Allegri will use the three-man defence but he has trouble settling on which wing-backs he will use. Stephan Lichtsteiner is suspended and Martin Caceres is a doubt for the match so either Simone Padoin or Roberto Pereyra could occupy the right wing-back position. The report also states that Allegri has not been impressed with Padoin playing in that role in training so the Argentine midfielder is the likely candidate to patrol the right flank against AC Milan, whilst veteran French left-back Patrice Evra is expected to play on the left-hand side. The Bianconeri occupy top spot in Serie A with 50 points whereas the Rossoneri are 21 points behind in eighth place. http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

JUVENTUS - MILAN .- Saturday, February 7th, 2015 - 8:45 PM Juventus Stadium, Turin Referee: Antonio Damato JUVENTUS V AC MILAN – SITTING DOWN WITH THE ENEMY Feb 6, 2015 1. Where is it going wrong for Milan at the moment ? Things are awry from the top down at Milan. The president isn’t going to continue investing in Milan, and he doesn’t really seem to know what to do with it, with a stalemate at the CEO position. Inzaghi was thrown in the deep end probably too soon, and has had to learn on the job, despite never really being the most tactical of minds. The one thing expected from Inzaghi is motivation, and he’s failed so far to deliver that from his squad, which are collectively the third largest wage bill, yet third would be quite a reach for this group. 2. At the moment, what’s the biggest problem: The team or the coach ? Neither fits each other. Inzaghi went from managing a youth team to playing senior players with no room for improvement future at the club such as Muntari and Essien on a regular basis. The biggest issue is the squad, but Inzaghi isn’t exactly cruising through his debut season. Tactically he’s not alert, although his search for a working formation may provide some needed balance. The ceiling is only so high with the squad though. 3. Would you like to see inzaghi sacked, and if so, who would be the ideal replacement? No, that won’t really do any good – this season needs to be another “year zero” for Milan. Sacking a coach now makes no sense. 4. Do you feel losing a player like Pirlo has had a big impact on Milans fortunes ? Absolutely, I think that more than the massive on the field impact Pirlo had, the psychological impact of losing someone of his calibur who won 2 Champions League trophies with the club and is so engrained in the history is massive. 5. How do you view the game and what are Milans chances ahead of the game ? Cynically at this point. Milan aren’t in any sustained form, and are shuffling through formations. It’s possible Inzaghi finds the right combination at the right time, and Milan have tended to perform at their opponents level, but with the amount of shuffling at the back, and Milan’s muddled gameplan, I don’t see Rossoneri taking any points from the fixture. 6. Which Juve player would solve Milan’s main problem as you see it? Paul Pogba or Arturo Vidal, as Milan lack presence in the center of the field (not Muntari presence, but quality). 7. What are your feelings on the new stadium and do you believe that a new stadium can do what Juventus stadium did for us? I’m cynical for how it’s actually going to be built and financed, but I do think it’s a necessary part of competing in the world of football and challenging in Europe. 8. Would getting rid of Berlusconi solve Milan’s problems? Some of the problems, but far from all of them. 9. Scoreline prediction ? 3-1 Juventus, close until the 65th http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

JUVENTUS - MILAN .- Saturday, February 7th, 2015 - 8:45 PM Juventus Stadium, Turin Referee: Antonio Damato The case for Morata Massimiliano Allegri is reportedly undecided on which Spaniard to start in attack against Milan. Luca Cetta thinks it should be Alvaro Morata. Feb 6, 2015 There are selection decisions ahead for Massimiliano Allegri as Juventus prepare to face Milan. The right-back position is a cause for concern given Stephan Lichtsteiner’s suspension and an injury to Martin Caceres. Claudio Marchisio is back from a one-match stop, while Arturo Vidal and Patrice Evra are battling fitness concerns. And there’s another selection worth considering - the identity of Carlos Tevez’s partner in attack. Italy’s three main sporting newspapers suggest Fernando Llorente is favoured to play from the opening whistle. TuttoJuve.com reported earlier in the week though that the tactician is undecided between Llorente and Alvaro Morata. The senior member of Juve’s Spanish force has been handed more starts this term, but it’s debatable whether his current form warrants inclusion. El Rey Leon is goalless in 2015 and his performance last Sunday against Udinese highlighted recent concerns. It would rank as one of Llorente’s more listless showings in a Bianconero shirt. He not only failed to trouble Orestis Karnezis, but according to WhoScored.com had just 30 touches in 67 minutes and a team-low 62.5 per cent pass completion rate. It’s a trend which has persisted throughout the opening weeks of 2015. The same website notes his four Serie A goals have come from 1195 minutes. It’s a regression for Llorente, who at this stage last term had registered nine League strikes. His numbers in other areas such as shots per game and pass success rate have also dropped. It’s clear that where last season Antonio Conte’s utilisation of Llorente and Tevez in close proximity yielded results for both, Allegri’s allowance of Tevez to play with greater freedom often leaves Llorente isolated. Tevez continues to excel, Llorente struggles to get involved. “Conte played with a formation that he liked, with two strikers close to each other,” Tevez described this week. “I like the current formation best because I can do what I feel like doing in the pitch, I have greater freedom.” Waiting in the wings is Morata. The 22-year-old has started just seven matches in all competitions and while like Llorente scoring four Serie A goals, he’s done so from nearly half the time – 602 minutes. Morata has been amongst the goals in recent Coppa Italia clashes versus Verona and Parma, while his Udine cameo emphasised the energy and directness he offers from the bench, adding a different dimension to the Bianconeri attack. The ex-Real Madrid striker has the ability to either come deep and bring others into play or get behind defenders, something Llorente doesn’t. Where the 2010 World Cup winner is usually deployed with his back to goal, Morata is most dangerous when running at defenders. He draws more fouls than his compatriot, which can lead to set-piece opportunities. What Morata hasn’t done is turn the energetic cameo into a complete 90-minute showing. “He needs to be a little less frenetic and also realise that he has to be in a game for over 90 minutes,” Allegri opined recently. Frustratingly for Morata when he does enough to earn a starting role he has not been able to keep the spot – consecutive starts against Verona and Chievo his only ones in Serie A. Morata is of the opinion both Spaniards can feature, but with Tevez sparkling Allegri is not about to bench him. It would be tempting for the Coach to unleash the aerial prowess of Llorente against a Rossoneri defence which has struggled to defend high crosses and set-pieces. Yet he is off the pace and not producing what Juventus need from somebody leading the attack. And with Juve’s full-back concerns it’s an avenue which may be problematic on Saturday. Morata has proven he can do a job as a substitute and now is the time to prove his effectiveness for 90 minutes. Just twice he has netted – against Empoli and Verona in the Coppa – as a starter, but Morata has the tools to torment a side without a clean sheet in seven matches since the winter break. And with their European tie against Borussia Dortmund rapidly approaching, the Old Lady will want to take some of the scoring burden away from Tevez. As they look for the right combination in attack, it’s time for Morata to show what he can do. http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

JUVENTUS - MILAN .- Saturday, February 7th, 2015 - 8:45 PM Juventus Stadium, Turin Referee: Antonio Damato Juventus cannot afford to underestimate AC Milan, insists Sturaro The young midfielder has warned that Filippo Inzaghi's men remain a dangerous opponent and he is looking forward to making his Champions League debut. Feb 6, 2015 New Juventus signing Stefano Sturaro has warned his team-mates not to take this weekend's Serie A game versus AC Milan lightly. The reigning champions hold a 21-point lead over Saturday's opponents heading into the game, yet Sturaro - who returned to Juventus from Genoa in January - has stressed the Rossoneri remain a force to be reckoned with. "It will be a tough game, because both sides possess great players, but we’re fired up and focused," Sturaro told Sky Sport, before stressing that their seven-point lead over second-placed Roma should inspire them to keep improving. "Our seven-point lead over Roma can be viewed as both a positive and negative, because you can’t ever let your guard down. "Our advantage needs to spur us on to do even better." The midfielder then went on to discuss the upcoming Champions League tie with Borussia Dortmund and says he's looking forward to making his bow in European club football's elite competition. "I can’t even start to imagine what playing in the Champions League will be like, it will represent a completely new experience for me. "I’ll look to adapt as quickly as possible and do my bit for the team." http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111