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JUVENTUS - MILAN .- Saturday, February 7th, 2015 - 8:45 PM Juventus Stadium, Turin Referee: Antonio Damato Juventus - AC Milan Preview: Inzaghi's side quietly confident of Serie A shock Despite the form book suggesting the Scudetto holders will canter to victory, the Rossoneri are determined to cause a Turin upset. Feb 6, 2015 AC Milan are quietly confident they can claim a surprise win at Serie A champions Juventus and blow this year's title race wide open. Juve, aiming for a fourth successive Scudetto, lead the league by seven points and have lost just once in the league this season. Massimiliano Allegri's men missed a chance to extend their advantage to nine points following a 0-0 draw at Udinese on Sunday. And Milan, buoyed by a 3-1 home win over struggling Parma, are out to spring another shock on Juventus. That result ended a run of three straight losses for Milan in all competitions, but the mood is evidently high in the camp, with goalkeeper Diego Lopez insisting they would go all-out for victory in Turin. "The match against Juventus will be brilliant, against the best side in Italy right now," he told the club's official website ahead of Saturday's meeting. "We are going there to play for the win. We can try to win it." Forward Alessio Cerci also believes his side can pull off an unexpected victory. The Italian, who joined on an 18-month loan deal from Atletico Madrid in January, said: "Against Juventus, we have to play an open game. We're taking on the league leaders - the strongest team in Italy. We will have our chances." Milan were busy in the recent transfer window, with the likes of Cerci, Mattia Destro, Suso and Gabriel Paletta all joining the club. Coach Filippo Inzaghi is out to improve his side's strike force with Jeremy Menez and Keisuke Honda - both midfielders - responsible for 18 of their 31 league goals this season. And while Destro will give them added firepower, he - along with team-mate Philippe Mexes - is suspended for the clash. Also missing through a ban is Juventus defender Stephan Lichtsteiner after reaching the yellow card limit. Milan will need to defy recent history if they are to emerge victorious, having lost their last five to Juve. That includes a 1-0 win that the three-time defending champions claimed at San Siro in September. Carlos Tevez scored the winner on that occasion and was quick to talk up the importance of the weekend's match - dubbing it as a "classic of Italian football" when speaking to JTV. Tevez has scored in three of Juventus' last four home matches in all competitions. Their draw with Udinese ended a five-match winning streak, but they take confidence from an incredible 38-game unbeaten run in home league matches. OPTA 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. AC Milan have lost 37 games and conceded 124 away to Juventus in Serie A, more than against any other side in the top-flight. AC Milan won against Parma last Sunday. Prior to that game, they had’t won for five consecutive Serie A games (D2 L3). The Rossoneri are winless away from home in Serie A since last December (3-1 win away to Hellas Verona). Since then, they have drawn four times and lost twice. Juventus have kept 13 clean sheets so far, no sides have done better across the top-5 European leagues this season. AC Milan have conceded 81 shots since January 1st, only Chievo (86) have faced more shots in Serie A over this period. LAST FIVE MATCHES Juventus D W W W W 2/1/15 - Udinese 0 - 0 Juventus 1/28/15 - Parma 0 - 1 Juventus 1/25/15 - Juventus 2 - 0 Chievo Verona 1/18/15 - Juventus 4 - 0 Hellas Verona 1/15/15 - Juventus 6 - 1 Hellas Verona Milan W L L L W 2/1/15 - Milan 3 - 1 Parma 1/27/15 - Milan 0 - 1 Lazio 1/24/15 - Lazio 3 - 1 Milan 1/18/15 - Milan 0 - 1 Atalanta 1/13/15 - Milan 2 - 1 Sassuolo HEAD TO HEAD 9/20/14 - Milan 0 - 1 Juventus 3/2/14 - Milan 0 - 2 Juventus 10/6/13 - Juventus 3 - 2 Milan 4/21/13 - Juventus 1 - 0 Milan 1/9/13 - Juventus 2 - 1 Milan http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

Sturaro: I Enjoy Being Compared To Gattuso Feb 5, 2015 New Juventus midfielder Stefano Sturaro insists he enjoys being compared to AC Milan legend Gennaro Gattuso, and would love to have a career similar to his. The 21-year-old joined the Bianconeri in January after the club brought his loan deal with Genoa to an end early. “I enjoy the comparisons with Gattuso,” he told Sky Sport Italia. “He was a great Italian player and it would be brilliant if I had even half of his career. “These are exciting days for me. To join a club like this where everything is analysed in detail has a certain effect on you. “At Genoa the level of preparation wasn’t the same as here, so that is why there is a difference between the sides. “I was sad to leave so many friends at Genoa, Perin for example, as we were practically twins, but I’ll stay in touch with them all. Moving on to Saturday’s Serie A match with AC Milan, the young midfielder was wary of the Rossoneri who got their first win in 2015 against Parma last weekend. “It will be a tough game, but we are ready,” he said. “We must not let our guard down, the advantage over Roma must be an incentive to do even better. “

JUVENTUS - MILAN .- Saturday, February 7th, 2015 - 8:45 PM Juventus Stadium, Turin Referee: Antonio Damato JUVENTUS V MILAN MATCH PREVIEW Feb 5, 2015 Juventus Last week’s Udinese draw was, thanks to Roma, ultimately not that impactful on Juve’s league standing. Still, dropped points are dropped points. 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 beat Milan in the fall, but the game was shockingly close and the scoreline was only 1-0. Since then, the two teams’ fortunes have gone in opposite directions. Unfortunately 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. As of now, I am going to assume that Allegri is using a 3-5-2. If this were to change, the starting lineup wouldn’t necessarily, with the exception of Caceres and of course a midfielder being swapped – in a sense – for a centerback. In a 3-5-2, expect to see Leonardo Bonucci and Giorgio Chiellini to start with Angelo Ogbonna. While Ogbonna has seen his playing time a bit limited so far in 2015 – he has still performed consistently. Coincidentally, Ogbonna substituted Martin Caceres in the first game versus Milan, after Caceres came off with an injury. 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 and we see a 3-5-2, Roberto Pereyra is expected to be on the right flank. A caveat, as well: Simone Padoin could be picked to start at right back, in a four man backline, But this is the least likely outcome Now, out left there is finally a new option in addition to Patrice Evra and Simone Padoin: Paolo De Ceglie. Not really an exciting name or great player, but, at least Evra can get some rest once in a while. Versus Milan though, Evra will start. 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. Though again, one could swap Pereyra and Padoin in these scenarios and still have a realistic guess. For now, assume Padoin in the midfield. Finally the striking corps is another area where it’s not clear who will start. Carlos Tevez is a guarantee, per usual. However it now seems we have a legitimate battle between Fernando Llorente and Alvaro Morata for that other starting striker spot. I think in some ways, for the next match at least, the decision again lies on the formation. If there is a 3-5-2, I expect Llorente. If there is a 4-3-1-2, I expect to see Morata. But that could be wrong! Again, we will need to see who Allegri picks on Saturday. Predicted Lineup 3-5-2: Buffon; Ogbonna, Bonucci, Chiellini; Pereyra, Evra, Pirlo, Marchisio, Pogba; Tevez, Llorente Injuries Kwadwo Asamoah and Romulo (Both undergone knee surgery) Doubtful Arturo Vidal and Martin Caceres Suspended Stephan Lichtsteiner Milan After the winter break, Milan won only one Serie A match out of five, the most recent one against the wrecked 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 rumours about his potential replacement at the end of the season gaining more and more steam. As always, the coach is only part of the problem. 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 just lacks the needed quality, quick-thinking and sharp passing. The attack is loaded and Jeremy Menez has been a star this season (even though sometimes he holds the ball too long), Keisuke Honda has been very prolific early in the season.,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. We’ll see what kind of contribution Alessio Cerci and Mattia Destro (suspended for this match) will be able to provide. 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 four centre-backs. They blew the dust off Zaccardo against Parma as they had run out of right-backs (he played fairly well, but, then again, it was just Parma) and Salvatore Bocchetti made his debut as left-back. Alex and Adil Rami will be in the heart of the season. Certainly a very muscular defense, but not very quick and it could easily slip on one of those usual mistakes that happen when the defenders aren’t familiar with each other. The other newcomer Gabriel Paletta has a chance to start (maybe replacing Zaccardo, with Rami on the right), but that wouldn’t change much, while Luca Antonelli would add some pace. We’ll see whether Pippo will trust them already. With Riccardo Montolivo and Nigel De Jong unlikely to play, Andrea Poli, Micheal Essien and Sulley Muntari (or Marko Van Ginkel) 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, in my opinion, Milan have struggled the most (and should have addressed the issue in the January window). The presence of Montolivo doesn’t even remotely solve the issue too. 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 the next two days, in place of Bonaventura, who’s nursing a bummed 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. When they can’t run-and-gun, Menez tends to be too stubborn, Honda disappears, Bonaventura can’t make sneaky cuts and so on. They usually don’t play with a true centre-forward, so they don’t score cheap goals. Their defense, not only their defenders, is pretty sloppy and suffer 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. 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, but the performance of the Allegri boys was convincing. Predicted Lineup Diego Lopez; Zaccardo, Alex, Rami, Bocchetti; Poli, Essien, Muntari; Honda, Menez, Bonaventura. Injuries Cristian Zapata (foot), Mattia De Sciglio (foot), Daniele Bonera (thigh), Stephan El Shaarawy (foot), Ignazio Abate (thigh), Ricardo Montolivo (thigh), Nigel De Jong (thigh), Hachim Mastour (knee). Suspended Phillip Mexes, Mattia Destro. Formation 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 Preview: Juventus vs. AC Milan Feb 5, 2015 Juventus could extend their lead at the top of Serie A to 10 points for a day at least when they welcome AC Milan to Turin on Saturday. The champions' quest for a fourth consecutive title has been strengthened in recent weeks, with their good form being coupled with a slump for nearest challengers Roma. Four consecutive draws for the capital club have seen Juve edge further clear and gain a cushion that makes results like their goalless draw against Udinese last time out a minor blip rather than a handing over of initiative. That draw was only the sixth time this season that Massimiliano Allegri's side have failed to take maximum points from a league match, with their solitary defeat now coming 12 games ago. They have kept four clean sheets in a row in all competitions and their meagre tally of just nine league goals conceded all season is the joint best record in the top five leagues across Europe, matched only by Bayern Munich. Their record of 13 clean sheets, meanwhile, is the best in the top five divisions. Unsurprisingly, their home record is also very impressive, with no league defeats and only four dropped points in front of their own fans all season. Indeed, they have amassed more points, scored more goals and conceded fewer goals at home than any other side in the league. Allegri is unlikely to make many changes to his starting lineup, although Claudio Marchisio could be recalled in midfield. Arturo Vidal remains a doubt through injury, however. Milan make the trip to one of their great rivals sitting a full 21 points behind them in the table down in eighth place, only one point closer to the Champions League places than they are to the relegation zone. However, they did end a five-match winless streak in the league last time out as a Jeremy Menez brace helped Filippo Inzaghi's fallen giants to a 3-1 victory over bottom-of-the-table Parma. That victory came at San Siro, however, and it is away from home where their major problems have arisen so far this season. The Rossoneri have failed to win any of their last six games on their travels, while they have only picked up maximum away points twice all season. What's more, they have lost more games (37) and conceded more goals (124) away to Juventus in Serie A than any other side in the league's history. New arrivals Salvatore Bocchetti and Mattia Destro both started in the victory over Parma and are likely to keep their places again this weekend. Juventus Form in Serie A: W D W W W D Form in all competitions: W W W W W D Possible starting lineup: Buffon; Caceres, Bonucci, Chiellini; Lichtsteiner, Marchisio, Pirlo, Pogba, Evra; Llorente, Tevez Milan Form in Serie A: DLDLLW Form in all competitions: DWLLLW Possible starting lineup: Lopez; Zaccardo, Alex, Rami, Bocchetti; Poli, Van Ginkel, Honda, Menez, Cerci; Destro Sports Mole says: 2-0 http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

Serie A - 3^ Giornata Ritorno - 7-2-2015 (ore 20:45) JUVENTUS - MILAN .- Sabato, 7 Febbraio 2015 - ore 20:45 Juventus Stadium, Torino Arbitro: Antonio Damato Confronti ufficiali 215 - 159 (Serie A) - 22 (Coppa Italia) - 32 (Campionato a gironi) - 1 (Champions League) - 1 (Supercoppa italiana) Vittorie Juventus 78 - 57 (Serie A) - 8 (Coppa Italia) - 13 (Campionato a gironi) Pareggi 72 - 54 (Serie A) - 7 (Coppa Italia) - 9 (Campionato a gironi) - 1 (Champions League) - 1 (Supercoppa italiana) Vittorie Milan 65 - 48 (Serie A) - 7 (Coppa Italia) - 10 (Campionato a gironi) Goals Juventus 302 - 219 (Serie A) - 26 (Coppa Italia) - 56 (Campionato a gironi) - 1 (Supercoppa italiana) Goals Milan 286 - 209 (Serie A) - 26 (Coppa Italia) - 50 (Campionato a gironi) - 1 (Supercoppa italiana) Juventus - Milan - Serie A a Torino Confronti ufficiali 79 Vittorie Juventus 37 (L'ultima il 06.10.2013, 3-2) Pareggi 21 (L'ultimo il 12.03.2006, 0-0) Vittorie Milan 21 (L'ultima il 05.03.2011, 0-1) Goals Juventus 124 Goals Milan 97 Giocatori con più presenze e goals contro il Milan a Torino 14 presenze Boniperti Giampiero 14 Del Piero Alessandro 12 Varglien II Giovanni 11 Furino Giuseppe 10 Buffon Gianluigi 10 Causio Franco 10 Cuccureddu Antonello 10 Depetrini Teobaldo 10 Salvadore Sandro 10 Scirea Gaetano 5 goals Boniperti Giampiero 5 Borel II Felice Placido 5 Sivori Omar Enrique 4 Anastasi Pietro 4 Charles John William 4 Del Piero Alessandro 4 Ferrari Giovanni 4 Inzaghi Filippo 4 Orsi Raimundo Bibiani 3 Bettega Roberto Ultimi confronti diretti 02.10.2011 Serie A Juventus-Milan 2-0 08.02.2012 Coppa Italia Milan-Juventus 1-2 25.02.2012 Serie A Milan-Juventus 1-1 20.03.2012 Coppa Italia Juventus-Milan 2-2 25.11.2012 Serie A Milan-Juventus 1-0 09.01.2013 Coppa Italia Juventus-Milan 2-1 21.04.2013 Serie A Juventus-Milan 1-0 06.10.2013 Serie A Juventus-Milan 3-2 02.03.2014 Serie A Milan-Juventus 0-2 20.09.2014 Serie A Milan-Juventus 0-1 Giocate 10 - Vittorie Juventus 7 - Pareggi 2 - Vittorie Milan 1 - Goals Juventus 16 - Goals Milan 8 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ju9ofxYcho4#t=10 http://www.goal.com/it/results-standings/69/serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_101

JUVENTUS - MILAN .- Saturday, February 7th, 2015 - 8:45 PM Juventus Stadium, Turin Referee: Antonio Damato Damato to ref Juve-Milan Feb 5, 2015 Antonio Damato will run the rule over Saturday’s clash between Juventus and Milan as the week 22 referees are announced. The Italian referees association has announced the officials for this week’s fixtures, and Damato will take charge of Saturday’s match. The 42-year-old last took charge of a Bianconeri fixture when they defeated Lazio 3-0 at Olimpico, and showed a red card to Simone Padoin. The Diavolo also won the last time Damato took charge of their fixture, beating Napoli 2-0 at home. Week 22 referees Verona-Torino - Michael Fabbri Juventus-Milan - Antonio Damato Fiorentina-Atalanta - Dino Tommasi Cagliari-Roma - Paolo Tagliavento Empoli-Cesena - Daniele Orsato Napoli-Udinese - Paolo Mazzoleni Parma-Chievo - Gianluca Rocchi Sampdoria-Sassuolo - Massimiliano Irrati Inter-Palermo - Marco Guida Lazio-Genoa - Andrea Gervasoni 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 Tevez: Juventus-AC Milan Still An Italian Football Classic Feb 4, 2015 Juventus striker Carlos Tevez insists that his side’s forthcoming match against AC Milan remains a classic of Italian football, despite the Rossoneri’s form in recent seasons. Juventus currently top the Serie A table, whilst Milan are currently in eighth, the same position they finished in last season. “Milan are perhaps not at their best but it is a game that remains a classic of Italian football,” the Argentine told Juventus’ official channel. “It is important for us to continue the way we are going.” Recalling memories of his spell in Turin so far, Tevez picked out a strike against Milan at the San Siro last season as the most thrilling. “The goal that excited me most in black and white? The first against Milan at the San Siro,” he said. Tevez has scored 13 goals in 20 Serie A appearances for the Bianconeri thus far. 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 Tevez: ‘Juve-Milan a Clasico’ Feb 4, 2015 Juventus’ Carlos Tevez looks forward to next Saturday's game against Milan, and considers the responsibility of his No 10 shirt. The Old Lady comes up against a debilitated Rossoneri contingent, but the Argentine has warned against lowering their guard. “It's true that this isn't going to be the best Milan side, but it's a Clasico, in Italy it's always a game,” said Tevez in an interview with JTV. “I think this game is different from the other, it's an Italian 'Clasico' and we can't let go of it. “We know they're going through a particular moment but we've got to do our job. In the first round I scored, let's hope I can repeat myself on Saturday. “This year's championship is tough. We know that every game is going to be hard. But we have fun in every game. We are very close-knit and every time you can see a real team coming on to the field.” The forward discussed taking on Alex Del Piero’s famous shirt number in Turin. “I never asked for the No 10 shirt, they gave it to me for my personality. I think the club wanted to give me this responsibility because they knew I could wear it and do well with it. “But as I always say, the responsibility comes when you wear the Juventus shirt with its emblem. The No 10 shirt is important for the tifosi, for the people and for the club. “For me, personally, when I wear the Juventus emblem I'm filled with a positive feeling, a drive to defend the emblem.” A number of topics were discussed in Tevez’s interview, including the Ballon d’Or award. “It would be hard to win the Ballon d'Or because there are great players like [Leo] Messi and Cristiano [Ronaldo], every Sunday they score two or three goals and it's hard to keep up. “In Italian football scoring isn't easy, it's a different type of football. I see the prospect of a Ballon d'Or for me as very distant. “The passion for football is always the same in South America. As for the Italians, everyone has their own way of living football, but I think in South American they have a stronger passion. We're always on our feet and jumping.” http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

Tevez: ‘We want to make history’ Feb 4, 2015 Juventus' Carlos Tevez discusses Max Allegri's formation, playing with the national team and targeting a fourth Scudetto. The Bianconeri failed to extend their seven-point lead on Roma after the 0-0 draw against Udinese last Sunday, but their Argentinean striker was not discouraged. In an interview with JTV, he discussed his aim to win the Scudetto and make it into Juventus' hall of fame. “My objective is to be the champion of Italy with Juventus,” said Carlitos in the interview today. “Winning all three competitions would be a dream, but I think winning the fourth Scudetto, in today's football, is no easy task. “I believe we'll make history if we win this year, but Juventus will always remain in history. The players, all of them, will be part of the highest history of the club.” Tevez was asked about playing in Max Allegri’s new formation. “The new formation is different, it lets us do other things in the pitch and this shows. When we defend with the 4-3-1-2 the Coach asks us to act in a way, but when we have possession we do what we know. “[Former Coach Antonio] Conte played with a formation that he liked, with two strikers close to each other. I like the current formation best because I can do what I feel like doing in the pitch, I have greater freedom.” The former Manchester City man was also asked about what his favourite goal was for Juventus and what it felt like to play for the national team again. “The goal that gave me the greatest emotion was my first against Milan at San Siro. The most beautiful in terms of play, I think the one against Parma. But my first goal against Milan remains the most exciting. “I mentioned the emblem of Juventus, but when you wear the shirt of the national team, of your own people, there's another kind of pressure. “I was very happy and proud to return to playing for the national team. Thanks to the great work that I did with Juventus I have returned to the national team and now I am happy. “I don't know how many kilometres I run over each game. For me what counts is the way of playing, the way of interpreting football. Each ball I see, I think it could be fundamental for the game. You never know which one it is, but you've got to fight for all of them. “I have a positive outlook about the new arrivals. [Alessandro] Matri and [Paolo] De Ceglie are well known here, and the new signing [stefano Sturaro from Genoa] can do well for the team too.” In closing, Tevez was asked to compare Italian and English football, having played for both clubs from Manchester, as well as West Ham United. “I think in England playing is more fun, it's very physical. But here you run more than in England. “In Italy it's more tactical than physical, in England there aren't so many tactics, you just run, run, run. “They're more aggressive, but the referees give more space to play. Here, any aggressive contact results in a foul.”

Tevez: Ballon d'Or win impossible in Serie A now The Argentine cannot imagine himself winning the prestigious individual award, but is keen to make history in other ways with Juventus. Feb 4, 2015 Juventus striker Carlos Tevez believes it will be nearly impossible for a player in Serie A to win the Ballon d'Or right now. The Argentina international has been in sublime form this season and currently leads the Italian goal scoring charts with 13 goals in 20 appearances. Nevertheless, the 30-year-old gives himself little chance of ever winning the prestigious individual award. "Winning the Ballon d'Or is difficult, especially given that in Italy football is different," Tevez told JTV. "There aren't as many goals in Serie A as elsewhere." Juventus are on course to win their fourth consecutive Scudetto, holding a seven-point lead over second-placed Roma at the moment, and Tevez is keen to make history with the Turin giants. "Winning four consecutive championships is not an easy feat, especially in such a tactical and physical league. "If we were to secure our fourth Serie A title on the spin, we'll be making even more history." Tevez enjoyed successful spells at West Ham United, Manchester United and Manchester City before joining Juventus in 2013 and he has fond memories of his time in England. "I think the Premier League is the best league to play in. But here in Italy you run more and it all comes down to tactics."

JUVENTUS - MILAN .- Saturday, February 7th, 2015 - 8:45 PM Juventus Stadium, Turin Referee: Antonio Damato Inzaghi To Revert To 4-3-3 With AC Milan Feb 4, 2015 Filippo Inzaghi looks set to revert to his preferred 4-3-3 formation as AC Milan face Serie A leaders Juventus this weekend. The Rossoneri had opted away from the frequently used formation in the recent victory over Parma in order to accommodate Mattia Destro and Jeremy Menez, but look set to deploy the familiar tactic once more. According to Sky Sport Italia, Milan will line up in a 4-3-3 formation in the absence of new signing Destro. The victory over Parma marked Milan’s first win since mid-December, and will be eager to avoid defeat as they make the trip to Juventus Stadium on Saturday evening. Juventus ran out as 1-0 winners when the sides met at the Stadio Giuseppe Meazza back in September courtesy of a Carlos Tevez goal, a result which, at the time ended Milan’s 100% record at the start of the season. The San Siro side have been disappointing so far this season, and are currently languishing in 8th place, a shocking 21 points behind Saturday’s opponents. 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 Alex: AC Milan Can Beat Juventus Feb 4, 2015 AC Milan defender Alex is adamant his side are capable of defeating Serie A leaders Juventus, when they travel to the Juventus Stadium on Saturday evening. The 32-year-old has seen his season interrupted by injury, forcing him to miss several Serie A matches through muscular injuries during November and December, but has consistently featured since. Speaking to the Milan Channel, Alex explained it was an honour to wear the captain’s armband against Parma for the injured Riccardo Montolivo and discussed the attributes of the Bianconeri. “The coach gave it to me just before the game, but the most important thing was to perform well and win the match against Parma,” Alex said. “We know the difficulties of Juventus. They are the best team in the league and boast quality players all over the park. “I think we are ready to fight and can win the game. We will have to be compact in defence and counterattack quickly to create scoring chances.” The Brazilian then went on to praise two of the Rossoneri’s recent January acquisitions in Gabriel Paletta and Luca Antonelli. “They are two good players, who arrived to help us improve our position in the [league] standings.” http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

Juventus to face Fiorentina in the Coppa Italia semifinals Feb 3, 2014 Last year we got a couple of extra games against Fiorentina thanks to the Europa League. This season, there will once again be two more chances to play against those crazy kids in the purple jerseys. But this time it's domestically, not in that other European competition. Thanks to La Viola's Mario Gomez-inspired 2-0 win over Roma on Tuesday night, Juventus' next opponent in the Coppa Italia has officially been determined. It will be Fiorentina and Juventus in a two-legged semifinal with a spot in the final in Rome at stake. The first leg will be on Wednesday, March 4, with the return leg will take place on Wednesday, April 8. Where each fixture will be played has not been announced. (On a side note: Seriously, what the hell has happened to Roma over the last couple of weeks? The last six games in all competitions — draw, draw, win, draw, draw, loss. And it's not like some of those draws should be draws. Their last month has been a complete tumble from how they played to open the season.) All of this means Juve's quest for a silver star on their jersey is still alive, while Roma's, well, it's time to wait another year, guys. Good to see the chance for the domestic double is still going strong. That'd be a nice development with no Supercoppa victory this season. Juventus and Fiorentina have already played once before, with both teams seeing out a scoreless draw at the Franchi in Florence back in early December. If you don't remember much of it, don't worry, you're not the only one. It was the first of three consecutive draws to close the 2014 calendar year, which is included the advancement in the Champions League. Let's just hope these games against Fiorentina go a little better than that last one. And maybe a little less heart attack-worthy like the ones in Europe last season. That would be great.

Juventus’ Champions League Squad Includes Genoa Imports Matri And Sturaro Feb 3, 2015 Juventus coach Massimiliano Allegri has named his 25-man squad list for the Bianconeri’s upcoming Champions League round of 16 ties against Borussia Dortmund. The Bianconeri host the Bundesliga strugglers in Turin on February 24 before travelling to face Jurgen Klopp’s men on March 18. Among the names included in Allegri’s squad are Alessandro Matri and Stefano Sturaro who arrived from Genoa and fellow January arrival Paolo De Ceglie who left troubled Parma to return to Juventus Stadium. Goalkeepers: Buffon, Storari, Rubinho. Defenders: Lichtsteiner, Bonucci, Barzagli, Chiellini, Evra, De Ceglie, Ogbonna, Caceres. Midfielders: Pirlo, Pogba, Vidal, Marchisio, Pereyra, Pepe, Padoin, Marrone, Sturaro. Attackers: Tevez, Llorente, Morata, Matri, Coman.

Sturaro targets Juventus midfield berth The 21-year-old initially agreed to join the club this summer but has arrived in Turin early and is hoping to make an instant impact on the Bianconeri midfield. Feb 2, 2015 Stefano Sturaro believes he can add a new dimension to the Juventus midfield after completing his move from Genoa. A €5.5 million deal was struck for the midfielder last summer but he was not expected to arrive in Turin until the end of the current campaign after agreeing to remain with Genoa this season. However, the 21-year-old he has been recalled six months early as Massimiliano Allegri looks to add depth to his side and on Monday Sturaro joined his new team-mates for his first training session with the Old Lady. “I’m happy and very excited. I couldn’t wait to get started [in training today],” he told the club website. “I’d like to thank my team-mates for the welcome I have received. “This side is full of stars. I can only learn from them and do my bit with what I can offer. I hope they help me. We have a real hunger to achieve success. Sturaro made appearances for a Genoa side that sit ninth after 21 games this season and is eager to battle for a place in a Juve midfield already brimming with quality. “The midfield here is packed with stars but I hope to offer something with my defensive ability," he added. “It’s a fantastic stadium, a wall of noise, and it needs to be in order to help us to perform at our best in games.” Seven points clear of second-placed Roma at the summit of Serie A, Juve are on course to claim what would be their fourth consecutive scudetto. Sturaro joins fellow new arrival Alessandro Matri, who has returned to the club on loan from Milan.

Stefano Sturaro Makes Expeditious Juventus Return Feb 2, 2015 Juventus have announced the official signing of Genoa midfielder Stefano Sturaro. The 21-year-old midfielder has already joined his new teammates and been training with the rest of the Juventus squad. Sturaro will be immediately available to Bianconeri coach Massimiliano Allegri. Juventus announced the signing through social media, via the club’s Twitter account to announce Sturaro’s arrival from Genoa and inform fans that he will wear the no.27 shirt. Juventus had in fact purchased Sturaro in the summer and sent him on loan to Genoa. However, the Bianconeri have opted to cut his loan short and recall Sturaro for the remainder of their season.

OFFICIAL: Juventus recall midfielder Stefano Sturaro from Genoa Feb 2, 2015 Once Genoa midfielder Stefano Sturaro said his goodbyes to his Grifone teammates, his long-anticipated move to Juventus, the team that owns his contract, was a formality. Monday, Sturaro took part in his first training session with the club. Meaning, of course, his move has gone through and everything has been completed. The 21-year-old Sturaro, purchased this summer by Juventus for €5.5 million from Genoa, has been officially recalled by the Serie A champions to add another option in the center of the midfield for manager Max Allegri, it was announced on Monday. And with it, the newest Juventus player got himself a new jersey number which is a little different than the one he wore during his days with Genoa. JuventusFC ✔ @juventusfc .@sturaro_stefano si è già allenato con i suoi nuovi compagni stamattina! Vestirà la maglia n. 27 #BenvenutoSturaro A few words regarding the new midfielder, courtesy of Juventus' official website: A summer signing for Juventus back in July, versatile up-and-coming star Stefano Sturaro returns to Turin following a fruitful loan spell with former club Genoa in order to provide cover for the Bianconeri midfield in both an attacking and defensive dimension. The key in all of this is "provide cover for the Bianconeri midfield." With the likes Paul Pogba, Claudio Marchisio, Andrea Pirlo, Arturo Vidal and Roberto Pereyra all around, regular playing time is probably going to be tough for Sturaro to come by. But with so many fixtures over the next month or two and injuries seemingly always around the corner, maybe Sturaro can find some regular time during the dog days of the Serie A schedule. No matter what, though, Sturaro is now officially a Juventus player. Not that he wasn't a few months ago, but now he actually gets to wear a Juventus jersey rather than being out on loan at another club while Juve just hangs onto his contract.

Sturaro 'sad' to leave Genoa Jan 31, 2015 Stefano Sturaro admits he is “a little sad” to play his final Genoa game today ahead of a move to Juventus. The midfielder had been bought by Juve over the summer and left at Marassi on loan for the rest of the season. However, the Turin giants recalled him early and his last match is against Fiorentina this afternoon. “I am a little sad, as it hurts to be leaving all these people after so many years here,” Sturaro told Sky Sport Italia before kick-off. “I will remain in contact with teammates and the club, as I have made some great friends here.”

Juventus agree Sturaro deal? Jan 26, 2015 It’s reported that Juventus have agreed a deal to bring Stefano Sturaro back from Genoa early, but possibly not until deadline day. Sturaro was bought outright for €11m by the Bianconeri in the summer, but loaned back to Genoa for the season. However, Grifone President Enrico Preziosi has admitted that Sturaro could return early. According to Tuttosport, the two clubs have already agreed that the Italian international will move to Turin in this window, but the date of the move is dependent on Genoa. Gian Piero Gasperini’s men take on Napoli at San Paolo tonight, with Tomas Rincon and Andrea Bertolacci one booking away from suspension. Tuttosport believes that if the pair come through the match without incurring a yellow card, Sturaro’s move will take place tomorrow. However, should both players pick up a ban, the move would be delayed until February 1 or deadline day on February 2, so that Sturaro can play for Genoa against Fiorentina on January 31.

Genoa: 'Sturaro to Juve early' Jan 24, 2015 Genoa President Enrico Preziosi admits Stefano Sturaro “could join Juventus soon” by cutting his loan short. The midfielder was bought by Juve over the summer and allowed to remain at Genoa for another year to gain playing experience in Serie A. Over the last few days it has been reported that the Bianconeri were trying to bring the Italy international in during the January transfer window instead. “Sturaro could join Juventus soon and move within the current transfer window,” confessed Preziosi to Radio Kiss Kiss.

Juventus Ready To Tie Up Deals For Sturaro And Osvaldo Jan 23, 2015 Italian league leaders Juventus are expected to finalise the signings of two players before the January transfer window closes at the end of the month. The Serie A giants are hoping to add a midfielder and forward to their squad and wheels are in motion to ensure deals go through within the tight time scales. Sportmediaset have reported that on-loan Genoa midfielder Stefano Sturaro is ready to return to his parent club within the next two days. They also claim that Inter’s out-of-favour striker Pablo Daniel Osvaldo could make a sensational reappearance in Turin. The Italian international has been fined and suspended by the Milan club, after a bust-up with team mate Mauro Icardi, and is expected to leave the Nerazzurri. The fiery forward, who is currently owned by English Premier League side Southampton, has already featured for Juve, having spent time on-loan at the club last season.

Sturaro Expected Back At Juventus Before End Of January Jan 20, 2015 Juventus coach Massimiliano Allegri expects to see Stefano Sturaro back in Turin before the January transfer window slams shut. The talented youngster is currently on loan with Genoa, but a change in formation from the Bianconeri tactician has left the club short of cover in midfield. Given Sturaro’s rise to prominence, Allegri is hoping he can be recalled before the month is out. Tuttosport reports that the 21-year-old was to return to the Juventus Stadium in the Summer, but now that the ‘Old Lady’ has switched to using four of their available five midfield men throughout games, Sturaro may be back at Vinovo earlier than expected. The Under-21 international was bought by Juventus last July from Genoa, but immediately loaned back to the Grifone in order to guarantee more playing time.

JUVENTUS TO BRING BACK STEFANO STURARO Jan 17, 2015 Reports in the Italian media suggest Juventus will bring Stefano Sturaro back to the club in January, six months ahead of schedule. The Italy U-21 midfielder joined the Bianconeri last summer for €5.5 million and was immediately loaned back to Genoa for the 2014/15 season. Sportsmediaset suggest that Juventus have found an agreement to bring the Azzurrini star to Turin while GianlucaDiMarzio.com report that Juventus have already agreed the return in principle, the final ‘okay’, however, will come from Genoa, once their injury situation improves. According to giornalaccio rosa dello Sport, Juve coach Max Allegri would like to accelerate Sturaro’s return, given that Kwadwo Asamoah and Romulo are both recovering from surgery and not expected to return for at least another two months. Terrence Clarke @terrenceKC So, if Juve bring Sturaro back, we'd only actually pay 5.5m in total for him. Genoa would lose out on the bonuses. Great if true.

Moggi Washed His Hands After Handshake With Former Inter President Feb 3, 2015 Former Juventus sporting director Luciano Moggi has said that he washed his hands following the handshake with former Inter president Massimo Moratti. Moggi was on trial for accusations of libel against late Inter legend Giacinto Facchetti, and he took to Twitter to comment about his handshake with Moratti in court on Monday. “I immediately washed my hands after shaking hands with him [Moratti],” Moggi wrote. Moratti replied by stating that Moggi’s tweet has only worsened his views on the former Juventus sporting director. The former Juventus sporting director has openly stated his views about Moratti following the 2006 Calciopoli scandal that saw Juventus demoted to Serie B and Moggi receiving a lifetime ban from football.