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JUVENTUS - CHIEVO VERONA 2 - 0 Paul Pogba (60') Stephan Lichtsteiner (73') Sunday, January 25th, 2015 - 3:00 PM Juventus Stadium, Turin Referee: Davide Massa Juventus star Pogba: I have improved my finishing The in-form Frenchman believes he is more clinical in front of goal this season after he was on target again in a 2-0 victory over Chievo. Jan 25, 2014 Paul Pogba is determined to continue his purple patch after inspiring Juventus to a 2-0 victory over struggling Chievo on Sunday. The France midfielder scored his fourth goal in as many games with a wonderful left-footed drive from long range on the hour mark. Pogba then had a hand in his side's second goal, as he showed great technique to control a cross and unleash a first-time volley that was saved by Albano Bizzarri, with Stephan Lichtsteiner tucking home the rebound. "I need to keep on working and doing what I'm doing for the fans and the club," Pogba, who has been heavily linked recently with a future transfer to Real Madrid, told Sky Sport at full time. "I'm more clinical this year. I'm fortunate enough to get off a few more shots and thankfully the ball is going in." Juve endured a frustrating first half as Chievo battled to keep them at bay and Pogba gave credit to the Verona outfit, who are in the relegation zone following Cagliari's win over Sassuolo on Saturday. He said: "Chievo defended very well but perhaps tailed off a bit after the first goal. It wasn't an easy game for us." Victory for the champions extended their lead at the top of the table to eight points ahead of Roma's trip to Fiorentina later in the day. http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

JUVENTUS - CHIEVO VERONA 2 - 0 Paul Pogba (60') Stephan Lichtsteiner (73') Sunday, January 25th, 2015 - 3:00 PM Juventus Stadium, Turin Referee: Davide Massa JUVENTUS V CHIEVO PLAYER RATINGS – WEEK 20 Jan 25, 2014 Juventus dominated Chievo and ran out 2-0 winners thanks to goals from Paul Pogba and Stephan Lichtsteiner. Chievo were resolute in the first half, and did a good a job of keeping Juve’s chances to a minimum. A spirited second half display from the Bianconeri finally paid off as Paul Pogba scored a sublime goal from range before setting up Stephan Lichtsteiner for Juve’s second. Gianluigi Buffon 6.0 - Untroubled and untested for almost the entire game. Had one simple save to make but was a spectator for 90% of the match. Martin Caceres 6.5 - Dynamic and forceful. Bombed down the right and whipped crosses at every opportunity. Leonardo Bonucci 6.5 - A solid performance, despite making one wayward clearance which almost let Chievo in. Giorgio Chiellini 6.5 - Could have had a hat trick to his name with 3 headed efforts – two went wide, one saved. Solid in the heart of the defence, covered for Evra on occasion and solid overall. Patrice Evra 6.0 - Made some great overlapping runs with Pogba, early on. Gave away a stupid free-kick but was turned in a decent performance overall. Claudio Marchisio 7.0 - Had a straight forward first half before coming into his own in the second. Pinged crosses around the pitch, completed 90% of his passes and had 3 shots of his own. Arturo Vidal 6.0 - Started off well by breaking up Chievo play and trying to get Juve moving forward. Took a daft dive in the box and was booked as a result. Had a chance to open the scoring early on and another late on. Subbed, and frustrated. PAUL POGBA 8.0 – Another game, another man of the match performance. Scored for his fourth successive game, once again from distance. Tackled, harried and pushed the team forward. Almost scored a sublime second. Getting better with each game in 2015. Roberto Pereyra 7.0 - One of his best performances in a Juve shirt. Had a shot saved by Bizzarri and kept creating chances for his teammates with his clever runs and passing. Brilliant. Carlos Tevez 6.5 - Fired at least two shots wide of Bizzarri’s far post, a constant threat to the Chievo defence. Had chances from his free-kicks and tried his best to create chances for Morata. Alvaro Morata 6.5 - Underrated tonight – Tracked back every time Juve lost the ball in the Chievo half, tried to bring his teammates into play when he could and should have done better with his chance early on. Substitutes Stephan Lichtsteiner 6.5 - Came on for Vidal and made an almost immediate impact. Squeezed home Pogba’s parried shot to put Juve firmly in control. Simone Padoin N/A Simone Pepe N/A http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

JUVENTUS - CHIEVO VERONA 2 - 0 Paul Pogba (60') Stephan Lichtsteiner (73') Sunday, January 25th, 2015 - 3:00 PM Juventus Stadium, Turin Referee: Davide Massa Pogba? Everyone has a price - Allegri The midfielder has attracted the interest of Real Madrid and enhanced his reputation further on Sunday with another stunning goal against Chievo. Jan 25, 2014 Juventus coach Massimiliano Allegri admitted that "everyone has a price" after Paul Pogba inspired the Bianconeri to a 2-0 win over Chievo with yet another incredible goal. The France midfielder, 21, scored a superb 25-yard effort on the hour mark and had a hand in the second when his shot was parried, allowing Stephan Lichtsteiner to convert the rebound. Pogba has been strongly linked with a move to Real Madrid, with Zinedine Zidane admitting he wouldn't be surprised to see him move to the club and Juve CEO Giuseppe Marotta saying the club were realistic over the player's long-term future in Turin. Allegri has now added his thoughts and did little to convince Juve fans their star man would stay at the club for the forseeable future. He told Sky Italia: “I think Pogba scored an extraordinary goal and the second goal was an equally extraordinary assist. "Everything in life has a price, unfortunately. I don’t think it is a problem we need to consider right now. It is difficult to replace world class players, but it can be done, as football goes on. “Having said that, Pogba is only 21 years old, has a good 10-15 years ahead of him and more importantly has the qualities to do much better than he is now. “To win games you need great players, otherwise there wouldn’t be players that clubs pay €100m for. As with every profession, there are levels." Another cause for concern is Arturo Vidal, who displayed his frustration upon being substituted late on, though Allegri insists his decison was the right one. The coach said: "I substituted Vidal because he was on a yellow card and he can get a bit too generous, so goes overboard sometimes and risks a second booking. Marchisio is more level-headed, so I left him on." Juventus are now eight points clear at the top of Serie A, with second-placed Roma facing Fiorentina on Sunday evening in their game in hand. http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

JUVENTUS - CHIEVO VERONA 2 - 0 Paul Pogba (60') Stephan Lichtsteiner (73') Sunday, January 25th, 2015 - 3:00 PM Juventus Stadium, Turin Referee: Davide Massa Juventus 2 - Chievo 0: Initial reaction and random observations Jan 25, 2014 And to think, Paul Pogba wasn't playing all that great for the first 60 minutes. Yet, that's the beauty of Juventus 21-year-old French dynamo who can't be stopped by anything in sight these days. He can go from so-so to match-winner in the blink of an eye. And that's exactly what happened in Juve's 2-0 win over Chievo, with Pogba's fourth goal in as many games highlighting what was an otherwise average performance from Max Allegri's squad. Need we say more? https://v.cdn.vine.co/r/videos/702EEE75FB1171154713618898944_3d8bf7aef70.1.5.7403993713073628216.mp4?versionId=eavYT2KsMUrY9Z_uvvJ0eSIDwZ7VobA5 Seriously, that's with his left foot, people. This is just another example of the ever-growing brilliance of Paul Pogba. Just when you think he has run out of shots and/or tricks to make you go "WOW!" while watching a game, he pulls a goal like the one above out of his back pocket and helps Juventus secure another three points. The talk following this match will be about Pogba — and rightfully so. He's in such insane form right now that he's about ready to equal his amount of goals from last season (seven) and it's still January. That's ... yeah. Pretty damn good. And on a night where Juventus needed a momentum of magic, Pogba was there to deliver. Because of course he was. JuventusFC ✔ @juventusfcen .@paulpogba: "I’m more clinical this year. I’m fortunate enough to get off a few more shots and thankfully the ball’s going in." That's a grand total of eight goals in 23 matches in all competitions for Pogba. Who, by the way, is a midfielder. And, who, by the way, is just 21 years old. Don't you ever change, Paul Pogba. You are wonderful just the way you are. Random thoughts and observations As a goalkeeper, I was always taught that one of the biggest cardinal sins was to get beat at the near post. But when somebody hits a shot with so much movement and ferocity like Pogba did, it's nearly impossible to actually make a save. Sometimes you just have swallow your pride and realize there are shots even the best keepers can't get. Although, I gotta admit, if Pogba and Gigi Buffon have any kind of friendly competition in training, that would be pretty fun to watch. Just sit back and admire. In the seconds after Pogba scored Sunday's opener, the announcer on the broadcast I was watching immediately went to the "Pogba's price is going even higher!" kind of reaction. I guess we should be used to this by now considering all the rumors surrounding Pogba on a weekly — or even daily — basis. But, you know, sometimes I'd like to be able to watch Pogba do Pogba things without hearing about a potential bid from Real Madrid or Man City or any other super-rich European club. This is one of the best talents we've seen at Juventus in years and all some people talk about is Pogba leaving. It's tiresome. See what happens when Simone Padoin is brought onto the field? Not even a minute later he's delivering the cross that led to Stephan Lichtsteiner's goal. Pado-WIN at its finest. Not the best game for either Arturo Vidal or Roberto Pereyra. I'll give Vidal a pass considering he was in the hospital a little over a week ago. Based on what I wrote in the match preview, you could say I was rather surprised that Álvaro Morata got the start ahead of Fernando Llorente for the third straight game. And while Morata's impact wasn't close to the two starts against Hellas Verona, it was a nice sight to see from Allegri. Who knows if it will continue — there's bound to be squad rotation for the Coppa Italia midweek — but if Morata is set for a lot more regular playing time, I'm pretty intrigued to see what happens. One player who did have a good game? Giorgio Chiellini. WhoScored had him for only one tackle against Chievo, but I could have sworn it was quite a few more than that. He had some pretty crucial shot blocks, too. Maybe he's another player starting to find his form as we enter the second half of the season. While Juventus' defense had some brain fart-worthy moments against Chievo, Buffon was only forced into one save — an easy catch right into his stomach in the second half. With all their misfirings, it became pretty easy to see why Chievo has scored a Serie A-worst 14 goals in 20 games this season. The clash of heads between Nicolas Frey and Patrice Evra in the first half was another reminder as to why European football needs to adapt some kind of uniform and consistent protocol for head injuries. Obviously Frey got the worst of it, but you just hope that it's nothing more than just a really bad cut on the forehead. Martin Cáceres with a potentially goal-saving tackle in the second half after Juventus had gone up 2-0. The guy just works his tail off even when the game is basically over and done with. Have I mentioned that Paul Pogba is fun to watch? Plus-8 — for now, at least. Could be worse, I guess. Yet it's so pretty at the same time. http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

JUVENTUS - CHIEVO VERONA 2 - 0 Paul Pogba (60') Stephan Lichtsteiner (73') Sunday, January 25th, 2015 - 3:00 PM Juventus Stadium, Turin Referee: Davide Massa Allegri: Pogba Will Be The Best In The World Jan 25, 2014 After being made to fight for a 2-0 victory over Chievo on Sunday afternoon, Juventus coach Massimiliano Allegri praised his players for the patience shown as they continued to press the Gialloblu for a vital opener and cited Paul Pogba as the deciding factor. The French youngster produced a wonderful drive to give the Bianconeri the lead on 60 minutes, before a wonderful piece of skill created the second for Stephan Lichtsteiner and the 47-year-old claimed Pogba will become the best in the world. “I have to congratulate my players for the patience they have shown against Chievo that have done a damn lot in the first-half to stop us,” Allegri told Radio Rai. “They were the authors of a great performance in the first 45, then we went up a pace while they were down. “It’ was a victory very hard-fought, it was a three points taken in a different way because recently we have been a little used to close the games pretty early. The team showed maturity and patience and I am very happy. “Pogba is extraordinary, is growing, he is a champion because after a mediocre first-half, he pulled out a really important moment of play. “We did not discover his qualities today, he is destined to grow and become the best in the world.” The former AC Milan boss was then quick to deny any rift with Arturo Vidal who had shown his disappointment at being substituted insisting it was to stop the Chilean being sent-off. “When someone comes off they are never happy but at that time Arturo had been cautioned, as had Marchisio,” explained Allegri. “I preferred to remove Vidal because he is a bit more impetuous than Claudio. “There are still many victories to get, if we want to win the Scudetto.” http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

Forget the €100m – Juventus can’t replace unplayable Pogba The Frenchman scored another cracking goal to rescue his side against Chievo – his fourth strike in successive games. No money in the world can substitute the 21-year-old. Jan 25, 2015 By Carlo Garganese If Paul Pogba was worth €100 million before this weekend, his price tag has now soared to even more astronomical levels following another stunning performance on Sunday. Juventus were struggling badly to break down a stubborn Chievo Verona side in Turin when Pogba came to the rescue on the hour mark. He picked up the ball 25 yards from goal and dribbled past an opponent before unleashing a left-footed missile into the corner. Until that moment, the Bianconeri had created little. Chievo packed the defence hoping to grind out a vital point in their fight against relegation, and their game-plan appeared to be working perfectly. With Andrea Pirlo absent due to illness, Carlos Tevez man-marked, and Alvaro Morata subdued due to a deep defensive line – the only opportunity of note for Juve in the first period was a header that the Spaniard glanced wide. “They defended very well. Until the first goal, they didn’t leave us much space,” Pogba confessed to Sky Sport at full time. But it is the world class players who step up to the plate when it really matters, and Pogba illustrated with his latest wonder-strike just why his agent Mino Raiola values him at more than €100m. He was involved again eight minutes later when the champions doubled their lead. All in one manoeuvre, he majestically stretched his long legs to control substitute Simone Padoin’s left-wing cross before firing a volley towards goal. Albano Bizzarri repelled the Frenchman’s effort, but Stephan Lichtsteiner was on hand to dispatch the rebound. Thanks to Pogba, Juventus extended their lead at the top of the Serie A table to eight points ahead of Roma’s tricky trip to the Stadio Franchi to play Fiorentina on Sunday night. With the 21-year-old in such irrepressible form, it is hard to see how Juventus can be stopped as they charge towards a fourth straight Scudetto. And it is hard to see how Juventus can possibly replace the most complete midfielder in world football should they sell the Frenchman in the near future. The former Manchester United man has now scored in four successive games in 2015 – and he is hitting form just in time for the Champions League knockouts where Juventus face Borussia Dortmund. Real Madrid have already begun playing their traditional transfer games in the media – with Zinedine Zidane admitting this week that "the best players always go to Madrid in the end” and Juventus CEO Giuseppe Marotta accusing Carlo Ancelotti of “telling a white lie” over the Blancos’ interest in the star. Given the financial restraints in Italy, Juventus are resigned to losing Pogba at some point. Marcello Lippi remarked earlier this week that sacrificing Pogba would “generate enough money to buy three or four great players" - alluding to the world record sale of Zidane to Madrid in 2001 which financed the signings of Gianluigi Buffon, Lilian Thuram and Pavel Nedved. But Zidane's situation is somewhat different to that of Pogba's, as Allegri noted after the match on Sunday. "Everything in life has a price but it will be difficult to replace him. He has 10 great years ahead of him, with all the possibility to grow even more." Even with more than €100m to spend on new players, how do you possibly substitute the finest midfielder on the planet? No sum of money could soothe the loss of the 21-year-old based on his current form.

JUVENTUS - CHIEVO VERONA 2 - 0 Paul Pogba (60') Stephan Lichtsteiner (73') Sunday, January 25th, 2015 - 3:00 PM Juventus Stadium, Turin Referee: Davide Massa Player Ratings: Juventus 2-0 Chievo Jan 25, 2014 Juventus continued their winning run with a 2-0 win over Chievo at the Juventus Stadium on Sunday afternoon. The home side couldn’t break down a stubborn Chievo defence in the first half, but two goals from Paul Pogba and Stephan Lichsteiner in quick succession condemned the visitors to their first defeat since December. Massimilano Allegri’s team continue to push further away from title challengers Roma, while Chievo continue to drop points in the relegation zone. Juventus Gianluigi Buffon – 6.5 – Spectator - Rarely troubled, had one sticky situation when the ball came off the post in the dying minutes. Dealt with it well enough. Martin Caceres- 6.5 – Useful - Had the freedom to push forward and join in the attack. Made the most of his passing range and vision. Leonardo Bonucci – 6.5 – Solid - Let very little get past him. Looked a force to be reckoned with alongside Chiellini. Giorgio Chiellini – 6.5 – Bullish - Had an early chance from a corner but his header looped onto the roof of the net. Missed another chance from the same position shortly after. Cleared up after Evra and generally had a characteristically solid performance. Patrice Evra – 6 – Decent - Clashed heads with Frey and gave away a few needless free kicks. Got forward with regularity and made some telling crosses, including one that Vidal managed to blaze over the bar. Replaced in the second half by Padoin. Arturo Vidal – 6.5 – Wild - Missed an early opportunity to open the scoring with a towering header that the Chilean blazed wide. Later booked for simulation when he seemed to go down melodramatically in the box. Withdrawn in the second half much to his frustration. Claudio Marchisio – 6.5 – Efficient - Had an early attempt in the second half that nearly beat Bizzarri from range. Picked up a needless booking in the first half. Dictated play efficiently and joined in the attack on a number of occasions. Paul Pogba – 7.5 – Magnificent - Showcased his superb control and touch, finally opened the scoring in the second half with a stupendous strike from range. Demonstrated his wonderful range of passing, skills and flair as the pace of the game decreased. Roberto Pereyra – 7 – Golden - Almost squeezed the ball past Bizzarri but for the Argentinian’s quick reactions. His speed and movement saw him breeze past the Chievo defenders, resulting in a few tough tackles. One of the best players on the field. Carlos Tevez – 6.5 – Creator - Grew into the game after several wayward efforts. Attempted to create scoring chances for Morata and the midfielders. Comfortable on the ball and always a threat from set pieces. Alvaro Morata – 6 – Quiet - Missed his first chance of the game when Tevez crossed to the Spaniard in the box, but his header went wide. Largely ineffective for much of the game, particularly in comparison to the more creative outlet of Tevez. Substitutes Stephan Lichsteiner – 7 – Poacher - Took the place of Vidal in the second half. Joined in the attack and when Pogba’s shot was parried, he was off the line quickest to thunder the ball past Bizzarri in the Chievo goal. Simone Padoin – 6 – Energetic - Replaced Evra to continue the hunt for more goals. Provided a fresh pair of legs for the Juventus machine. Simone Pepe – N/A - Brought on for a late cameo appearance. Chievo Albano Bizzarri – 6.5 – Bombarded - Continued to deny Juventus until Pogba stunned the veteran keeper with a thundering effort, and conceded again when Lichsteiner blasted home when the keeper parried the ball out. Nicolas Frey – 5.5 – Unfortunate - Booked in the first half for a cynical challenge on Vidal. Clashed heads with Evra resulting in a nasty cut, forcing him off the field in a stretcher. Was soon replaced by Biraghi. Dario Dainelli – 6 – Slow - Blocked Pereyra’s goal-bound effort early in the match. Booked for bringing down the Argentinian later in the half. Reacted slowly to both of Juventus’ goals. Alessandro Gamberini – 5.5 – Poor - Tried to direct an early opportunity on goal, but ended up sending his shot wide. Should have been on hand to clear Bizzarri’s parried effort for Juventus’ second goal. Ervin Zukanovic – 5.5 – Struggled - Struggled to deal with Pereyra on the wing. Tried to push forward but found himself forced back in his own half. Isaac Cofie – 5.5 – Lost - Ineffective and invisible for much of the game. Spent much of his time defending and struggled to combine with his teammates. Perparim Hetemaj – 6 – Average - Put in his defensive shift admirably but failed to add anything else to the game. Valter Birsa – 6 – Distant - Tried to make ground on the Juventus goal but was curtailed by some solid defending. Combined well with the midfielders and Paloschi. Had a shot late into the second half which Buffon gathered easily. Ezequiel Schelotto – 6 – Inspired - Started the second half positively and began making inroads behind Evra, but was marshalled by Chiellini the rest of the way. Tried the hardest to bag a goal for the visitors and struck the post in the dying minutes. Ruben Botta – 6 – Ineffective - The midfielder could not muster the same level of influence he has demonstrated in recent weeks. Denied much time on the ball, he was replaced by Meggiorini in the second half. Alberto Paloschi – 6 – Isolated - Tasked with leading the Chievo attack against Juventus’ strong central defenders. His searching runs and physical style of play earned him no reward and he was soon replaced by Pellissier. Substitutes Cristiano Biraghi – 6 – Commendable - Came on in the place of the injured Frey and slotted seamlessly into the wall of defending Chievo players. Added some pace to the team but little else. Riccardo Meggiorini – N/A - Replaced Botta in the second half. Isolated up front and found himself defending with the rest of the team. Sergio Pellissier – N/A - Came on in the place of Paloschi, couldn’t help unlock the dominating Juventus defenders. http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

JUVENTUS - CHIEVO VERONA 2 - 0 Paul Pogba (60') Stephan Lichtsteiner (73') Sunday, January 25th, 2015 - 3:00 PM Juventus Stadium, Turin Referee: Davide Massa Pogba: I Must Continue To Play Well For Juventus Jan 25, 2014 Juventus midfielder Paul Pogba wants continue his current good form for the club and the fans. La Vecchia Signora beat Chievo on Sunday afternoon with a goal from the Frenchman putting the Italian champions ahead, which meant Pogba has now scored the opening goal in the last four matches he has been involved in for Juventus. “The work I do is not just for me but for the team, I have to continue like this,” the 21-year-old told Sky Sport Italia. “For everyone at the club and all the fans. “I am fortunate enough to have the chances to score.” Pogba also said that Juventus did well to beat the Gialloblu. “We played a great game against a very tough team.” The three points picked up by Massimiliano Allegri’s men means that Juventus extend their lead over Roma at the top of the Serie A table to eight points. http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

JUVENTUS - CHIEVO VERONA 2 - 0 Paul Pogba (60') Stephan Lichtsteiner (73') Sunday, January 25th, 2015 - 3:00 PM Juventus Stadium, Turin Referee: Davide Massa Juventus 2-0 Chievo: Flying Donkeys Out Done By Pogba Magic As Bianconeri March On Jan 25, 2014 Juventus defeated Chievo 2-0 at the Juventus Stadium on Sunday afternoon in Serie A. With their Scudetto rivals Roma stuttering in their attempts to wrestle the Serie A crown from Massimiliano Allegri’s side the Bianconeri juggernaut continued on their way to a fourth consecutive title with goals from Paul Pogba and Stephan Lichtsteiner seeing off a resolute Gialloblu. A flu outbreak had hit the Juventus squad during the week, most notably robbing them of Andrea Pirlo, but despite the absence of their midfield pivot the Bianconeri were on the front foot from the start as Arturo Vidal and Giorgio Chiellini went close with headers early on. However, before the Old Lady could take full control Chievo were quick to assert themselves on their hosts as their efforts to restrict Juventus’ passing game made the match a more even contest. The decision to operate an aggressive pressing game did have its downside though with defenders Nicolas Frey and Ervin Zukanovic booked within the opening 25 minutes. Restricted to shots from distance Vidal eventually stung the palms of Albano Bizzarri, but the Gialloblu custodian was nearly punished for failing to hold the ball when forced to tip a Chiellini header from the resulting corner over the crossbar. As the first-half reached it’s conclusion the only thing making an impact were the players’ heads as Alberto Paloschi and Leonardo Bonucci survived an accidental collision. However, Chievo captain Frey was not so lucking when clattering into Patrice Evra and left the field bloodied and barely conscious with Cristiano Biraghi his replacement. The second period began with the Bianconeri pressing but equally as wasteful as the first, although Claudio Marchisio’s low drive from distance was forgiven far easier than when Vidal blazed over unchallenged from 10 yards. With the visitors confidence growing with every passing minute, the constant Juventus pressure eventually paid-off through a moment of brilliance from Pogba, shifting the ball onto his left on the edge of the box and driving past Bizzarri. It was the Frenchman who then played a vital role in the second on 73 minutes controlling a Simone Padoin cross wonderfully in mid-air before firing a volley that the goalkeeper could only parry into the path of Lichtsteiner who swept home. That was the moment at which any hope of taking something from the match looked to have been drained from Rolando Maran’s men and the final 10 minutes were largely played out with a sense of inevitability of another three points secured for the Bianconeri. Up next for Juventus should be an equally as taxing challenge away to Udinese next Sunday, while the Gialloblu on the other hand will be hoping they can put their brush with the champions elect behind them when they visit a resurgent Napoli. http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

JUVENTUS - CHIEVO VERONA 2 - 0 Paul Pogba (60') Stephan Lichtsteiner (73') Sunday, January 25th, 2015 - 3:00 PM Juventus Stadium, Turin Referee: Davide Massa Paul Pogba on song as Juventus beat Chievo Jan 25, 2014 Paul Pogba scored one goal and created another as Serie A leaders Juventus beat Chievo 2-0. The former Manchester United midfielder unlocked a tense battle in Turin with a well-struck opener on the hour mark before helping Stephan Lichtsteiner tuck away a second in the 74th minute. The victory boosts Massimiliano Allegri's men eight points clear of second-placed Roma ahead of the capital club's Sunday night meeting with Fiorentina. Chievo did remarkably well to keep Juve at bay during the first half as the reigning Italian champions threw everything they could at the visitors. Arturo Vidal and Giorgio Chiellini both went close from good positions in the opening exchanges and just before 15 minutes, Carlos Tevez launched a right-footed drive straight down Albano Bizzarri's throat. Italy defender Chiellini rose higher than anybody to direct another header towards the Chievo goal before the Flying Donkeys bit back, Alessandro Gamberini just missing the mark following a free-kick. Alvaro Morata soon connected with Martin Caceres' cross to send a deflected header wide of a post. The momentum would slip away from Juve from the 38th minute as a clash between Patrice Evra and Nicolas Frey left the Chievo defender bloodied, thus prompting a lengthy break in play. The Bianconeri siege continued when play resumed with Claudio Marchisio trying to surprise Bizzarri and Vidal fizzing the ball past the target having been put through by Evra. Juve finally made the breakthrough on the stroke of 60 minutes as Pogba touched the ball past Isaac Cofie with his right foot before baffling Bizzarri with a stunning finish off the laces of his left boot. Less than 15 minutes later the French midfielder would turn provider for the hosts' second. More dribbling magic delivered Pogba into a position to slot home comfortably but, after Bizzarri repelled his half-volley, Lichtsteiner stole in to flick home the loose ball. Juve were now content to run down the clock with three more points seemingly sewn up yet their clean sheet was nearly spoiled as Ezequiel Schelotto beat Gianluigi Buffon - but not the post - at the death. http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

JUVENTUS - CHIEVO VERONA 2 - 0 Paul Pogba (60') Stephan Lichtsteiner (73') Sunday, January 25th, 2015 - 3:00 PM Juventus Stadium, Turin Referee: Davide Massa Juventus move eight points clear of Roma Jan 25, 2014 Juventus have opened up an eight-point lead at the top of the Serie A table by claiming a 2-0 victory over Chievo this afternoon. The Bianconeri started the game strongly and Alvaro Morata almost gave them an early lead when his low effort was parried by Albano Bizzarri at point-blank range. Giorgio Chiellini was next to threaten for the hosts, but he planted his header over the bar after meeting Carlos Tevez's corner at the near post. Tevez was involved again minutes later when he worked some room on the edge of the box and blasted a strike into the side-netting. Juventus continued to dominate and Chiellini once again missed the target with a header, before Morata nodded an effort just wide of the far post. Arturo Vidal then saw a long-range effort touched over by Bizzarri and, from the resulting corner, the keeper was forced into another save from Chiellini's header. On the stroke of half time, Tevez fired a free kick into the wall as the first 45 minutes ended without a goal. The second half began with Juventus still in control and Claudio Marchisio tried his luck from range with a low drive that whistled inches wide. Juventus finally made the breakthrough on the hour mark as Paul Pogba smashed in a powerful effort from just outside the box that left Bizzarri with no chance. Pogba was involved again for the Bianconeri's second goal, as his volley was parried by the keeper into the path of Stephan Lichtsteiner, who made no mistake to finish from close range. Ezequiel Schelotto hit the post in the final minutes for Chievo, but it mattered little as Juventus held on to extend their lead over Roma at the top of Serie A. http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

JUVENTUS - CHIEVO VERONA 2 - 0 Paul Pogba (60') Stephan Lichtsteiner (73') Sunday, January 25th, 2015 - 3:00 PM Juventus Stadium, Turin Referee: Davide Massa Pogboom again It was far harder than expected, but Juventus beat Chievo 2-0 as Paul Pogba scored one and created another. Jan 25, 2014 The Bianconeri had the opportunity to go eight points clear at the top of the table and hosted the Flying Donkeys, who only ever earned three draws from 11 previous visits to Turin. Andrea Pirlo was out with flu, joining injured Romulo, Kwadwo Asamoah and Andrea Barzagli, while Bostjan Cesar was suspended. Roberto Pereyra forced an early save, but Arturo Vidal was booked for simulation on a risky Ervin Zukanovic tackle. Giorgio Chiellini nodded just over from a couple of corners, while Alvaro Morata failed to make the most of a free header and Vidal’s snapshot stung Albano Bizzarri’s gloves. From that corner, Chiellini’s looping header was fingertipped out from under the bar. There was a very nasty clash of heads between Patrice Evra and Nicolas Frey, the Chievo defender coming off considerably worse. He had to be stretchered off and with a neck brace and was bleeding. Claudio Marchisio blasted just wide from distance, while Vidal slipped and ballooned over the bar. Paul Pogba has been on sparkling form recently and scored his fourth goal in as many games, skipping between yellow shirts on the edge of the box before unleashing a rocket at the near post. The second goal was a good 90 per cent Pogba’s too. The 21-year-old French prodigy trapped a cross from the left with the inside of his right foot and hit it on the volley again with his right, forcing a great reaction save out of Bizzarri, but Stephan Lichtsteiner pounced on the rebound. Bizzarri beat away a Marchisio effort too, but this time Lichtsteiner was offside for the tap-in. Valter Birsa forced the first real save from Gigi Buffon with a long-ranger in the final eight minutes, but moments later Ezequiel Schelotto thumped the near post in a good team move. Riccardo Meggiorini also wasted a late counter, as Juve got distracted. Juventus: Buffon; Caceres, Bonucci, Chiellini, Evra; Vidal (Lichtsteiner 62), Marchisio, Pogba; Pereyra (Pepe 86); Tevez, Morata Chievo: Bizzarri; Frey (Biraghi 43), Dainelli, Gamberini, Zukanovic; Birsa, Cofie, Hetemaj, Schelotto; Paloschi (Pellissier 76), Botta (Meggiorini 62) Ref: Massa http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

JUVENTUS - CHIEVO VERONA 2 - 0 Paul Pogba (60') Stephan Lichtsteiner (73') Sunday, January 25th, 2015 - 3:00 PM Juventus Stadium, Turin Referee: Davide Massa Juventus 2-0 Chievo: Pogba scores stunner in Bianconeri stroll The midfielder struck a wonderful long range effort on the hour mark as the Bianconeri extended their lead at the top of Serie A to eight points. Jan 25, 2014 Paul Pogba scored a stunning 25-yard goal as Juventus comfortably saw off Chievo 2-0 in Turin. Pogba's agent, Mino Raiola, this week ruled out a January move for the France midfielder, but Juve will be braced for big-money bids from Europe's elite clubs for the in-form 21-year-old at the end of the season. The former Manchester United man produced a moment of class to fire Juve in front in the second half at Juventus Stadium and also had a hand in the second goal, when his volley was saved by Albano Bizzarri but Stephan Lichtsteiner was on hand to tuck home the rebound. Massimiliano Allegri's league leaders have now won eight of their last 11 Serie A games and increased their lead over second-placed Roma ahead of the capital club's trip to Fiorentina later in the day. Chievo, on the other hand, remain in the relegation zone and have now lost their last six games against the champions. Arturo Vidal replaced Andrea Pirlo in the Juve starting line-up after the veteran midfielder was ruled out due to illness, while Andrea Barzagli was named on the substitutes bench for the first time since September after recovering from an Achilles injury. Juve wasted no time in putting the visitors on the back foot and Bizzarri kept out Roberto Pereyra's effort at the near post after Patrice Evra had picked out the midfielder, with Giorgio Chiellini then heading the resulting corner just over the crossbar. Chievo were struggling to live with the champions and there was a moment of controversy 20 minutes in, when Vidal went down in the penalty area under a challenge from Ervin Zukanovic but referee Davide Massa booked the Chile midfielder for diving. Chiellini was proving to be a real threat from set-pieces and the Italy defender again rose highest to meet a corner from the right, but Bizzarri tipped his header over the bar. Chievo were forced to make a change late in the first half after Nicolas Frey came off worse in a sickening clash of heads with compatriot Evra and was carried off following lengthy treatment. Juve carried on where they left off after the break and Claudio Marchisio tried his luck from long range but failed to hit the target. The home side's frustration mounted as Rolando Maran's men worked hard to keep them at bay, but Pogba produced the moment of quality that the game had been lacking to open the scoring just before the hour mark. The France international showed quick feet to beat his man and unleashed a left-footed strike from 25 yards to beat Bizzarri at his near post. Vidal cut a frustrated figure when he was replaced by Lichtsteiner two minutes later and the substitute doubled Juve's lead from close range, reacting quickly after Pogba's volley had been kept out by Bizzarri 17 minutes from time. Ezequiel Schelotto almost set up a nervy finish when he stole in and struck the near post four minutes from time, but Juve never really looked in danger of surrendering their advantage as they saw out yet another victory. http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

JUVENTUS - CHIEVO VERONA - Sunday, January 25th, 2015 - 3:00 PM Juventus Stadium, Turin Referee: Davide Massa Arturo Vidal returns for Juventus against Chievo Jan 25, 2014 Arturo Vidal has returned to the Juventus side for their Serie A match against Chievo this afternoon. The Chilean missed last weekend's 4-0 win over Hellas Verona with tonsillitis, but he is back and in the starting XI. However, the Bianconeri will have to do without Andrea Pirlo, who misses out through injury, so Claudio Marchisio takes his place. Juventus: Buffon, Caceres, Bonucci, Chiellini, Evra, Vidal, Marchisio, Pogba, Pereyra, Tevez, Morata Subs: Storari, Rubinho, Lichtsteiner, Barzagli, Ogbonna, Marrone, Padoin, Pepe, Coman, Giovinco, Llorente Chievo: Bizarri, Danielli, Gamberini, Frey, Zukanovic, Cofie, Birsa, Schelotto, Hetemaj, Botta, Paloschi Subs: Bardi, Seculin, Biraghi, Radovanovic, Christiansen, Bellomo, Lazarevic, Pellissier, Meggiorini http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

Pogba will make history, says Pirlo The young Frenchman's team-mate in Turin, who is considered one of the all-time midfield greats, talked up his prospects as long as he does not go off the rails. Jan 25, 2015 Andrea Pirlo has exclaimed that Juventus team-mate Paul Pogba will go down in history if he stays on his current trajectory. The France international, 21, arrived in Turin on a Bosman free transfer in the summer of 2012 and has progressed into one of the highest-rated midfielders in the world en route to back-to-back Scudetti. His performances have not gone unnoticed: Pogba has been linked with an array of clubs including Manchester United, Real Madrid, Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain, although his agent insists he is staying at Juventus until at least the summer. And Pirlo, who has partnered Pogba in midfield for two and a half years, has predicted greatness awaits the young Juve star should he continue progressing at his current rate. "Pogba has never stopped improving," the veteran Italian told Telefoot. "He has everything to become a great player. If he keeps his head on his shoulders, he can mark history." The Frenchman himself commented on the prestige of playing for Juventus and praised compatriot and team-mate Kingsley Coman, who joined from Paris Saint-Germain in 2014. "I’m at a great club," Pogba said. "Juve are one the best clubs right now. Kingsley Coman has shown great maturity for someone who is only 18. He will impress you." Coman, meanwhile, reiterated his desire to follow in the footsteps of Pogba at Juventus and the 18-year-old discussed the reasons behind leaving Laurent Blanc's Ligue 1 holders behind last year. "When I talked to Juve, they told me that French players are always doing great here, a little bit like Brazilian players at PSG," he said. "Juve are a great club, just like PSG, but Juve have a better history. They took Pogba as an example. He arrived at Juve at the same age as me and he succeeded. It convinced me."

Il Chievo in sofferenza.

JUVENTUS - CHIEVO VERONA - Sunday, January 25th, 2015 - 3:00 PM Juventus Stadium, Turin Referee: Davide Massa Line-ups: Juventus-Chievo Jan 25, 2014 Juventus aim to further extend their lead at the top of the Serie A table, but host plucky Chievo. The Bianconeri are already five points clear of Roma and this evening the Giallorossi visit on form Fiorentina. Gigi Buffon has recovered from a bout of flu, but Andrea Pirlo is still feeling the sniffles, so he is rested for this game. Also unavailable are Romulo and Kwadwo Asamoah, while Andrea Barzagli is on the bench for the first time in four months due to a recurring Achilles tendon problem. Chievo have caused difficulties for big clubs this season, most famously a victory away to Napoli, so their counter-attacking style is not to be underestimated. Last week they had threatened to beat Fiorentina, but were caught out at the 94th minute in a heart-breaking 2-1 defeat. However, the Flying Donkeys have never won this fixture, managing just three draws from 11 visits. Bostjan Cesar is suspended in defence, but Alberto Paloschi leads the attack with ex-Inter players Ezequiel Schelotto and Ruben Botta. New signing Anders Christiansen is on the bench ready for his Serie A debut. Juventus: Buffon; Caceres, Bonucci, Chiellini, Evra; Vidal, Marchisio, Pogba; Pereyra; Tevez, Morata Juventus bench: Storari, Rubinho, Lichtsteiner, Barzagli, Ogbonna, Marrone, Padoin, Pepe, Coman, Giovinco, Llorente Chievo: Bizzarri; Frey, Dainelli, Gamberini, Zukanovic; Birsa, Cofie, Hetemaj, Schelotto; Paloschi, Botta Chievo bench: Bardi, Seculin, Biraghi, Radovanovic, Christiansen, Lazarevic, Bellomo, Pellissier, Meggiorini http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

JUVENTUS - CHIEVO VERONA - Sunday, January 25th, 2015 - 3:00 PM Juventus Stadium, Turin Referee: Davide Massa Juventus vs. Chievo Preview: Round 20 It's so nice to be home Jan 25, 2014 The city of Verona has been very kind of Juventus over the last 10 days or so. Just how kind? Let's try on 10 goals in two games within four days kind of kid. That's just how well things went for Juventus on Jan. 15 and Jan. 18, respectively. The first win was fun — and then the good times seemed to only carry over into the weekend. (Luckily we're not talking about the beginning of the college semester, so there's no need to worry about any kind of weekend hangover here.) The only thing is, though, Juventus won't be playing Hellas Verona on Sunday afternoon in Turin. Or any time soon, really. It won't be until the final game of the season on the last day of May Nope, it will be Hellas' inner-city rivals, Chievo, that is visiting Juventus Stadium this weekend. Mark it down as the third of three straight Verona-centric games in Turin for Max Allegri's squad, which they've certainly taken advantage of thus far. So as we officially enter the second half of the Serie A season, what does Allegri has to say? JuventusFC ✔ @juventusfcen .@OfficialAllegri: "Every game is important from now until the end of the season. We can't afford to put a foot wrong, many wins to go." Let's just go ahead and consider that to be especially true against a Chievo side that is just two points out of a relegation spot entering Sunday's action. Yes, Chievo — which Juventus 1-0 at the Bentegodi in Allegri's official debut as manager back in late August — is actually lower in the Serie A table than their city rivals. Does this mean much? Maybe, maybe not. But think about what Juventus did to the team currently 14th in Serie A for a second. It might be the same, it might be another grind-it-out kind of win like the first time Juventus played Chievo. If Juve want to go ahead and do what they did to the other side from Verona, you won't see me complaining. Although, barring a miracle, I think the Juventus-Hellas Verona goal differential has killed the Juventus-Chievo goal differential. Hey, can't win them all, right? (Well, technically Juventus has, but don't push it.) GOOD NEWS ANDREA BARZAGLI BACK. ...okay, he's not expected to start — or even play — against Chievo, but it's nice to see him in the matchday squad again. It's been too, too long since we've been able to say Barzagli is indeed healthy and part of the regular group. BAD NEWS While one Andrea returns to the call-up list, another one misses out on Chievo's annual trip to Juventus Stadium. Andrea Pirlo was one of a handful of players to have battled the flu over the last week. But unlike Gigi Buffon, Pirlo has been deemed not healthy enough to be part of the 22-player squad list for Sunday's game against Chievo. Thank goodness for Claudio Marchisio. Always and forever. WHAT TO WATCH FOR 1. Keeping the good times going. When you're averaging over four goals a game in your last three outings, you know you're doing something right. Therefore, Juventus is doing something right in their wins Napoli and Hellas Verona. Not exactly earth shattering news, I know, but when your team is scoring a lot of goals, it needs to be pointed out. Now, Chievo's defense isn't terrible by any means, allowing 22 goals in the first 19 games of the season. That's something 12 other teams in Serie A can't say. You know, squads like Inter and Napoli, Genoa and Palermo that are all in the top half of the table. So maybe, just maybe, Juventus can do more with their 4-3-1-2 formation than they did with a 3-5-2 earlier this season. Seems like a pretty good idea to me. JuventusFC ✔ @juventusfcen .@OfficialAllegri: "Tomorrow won't be easy. Chievo are in good physical shape, very dangerous on the counter and have a smart coach." 2. Arturo Vidal coming off his own health issues. Other Juventus players have been sick over the last seven to 10 days, but none of them had to visit the hospital like Vidal did. But he has been training all, and is expected to start against Chievo. Before he got sick, Vidal had put together a really good start to the 2015 portion of Juventus' schedule. How much will Vidal's stay in the hospital effect his production? Obviously that's still to be determined. But there's no denying that he's well rested after not playing in either game against Hellas Verona last week. And if he comes out like he did the last time he had a good amount of time off this season, then everything will be pretty good to go. 3. Stephan Lichtsteiner or Martin Cáceres at right back? With no midweek match making his decision rather easy, now Mr. Allegri has to choose which player he rolls with from the start on the right side of his defense. I mean, neither player is the wrong decision, so in that sense it's a pretty nice problem to have. Lichtsteiner has been playing well for the last few months since Allegri went to a four-man defense, and there's no denying Cáceres has been absolutely great in his two games since returning from injury. As you can see below, my preference is for Cáceres to get the nod, but that's because I have a thing for high socks. A lot of the predicted starting lineups are going with Lichtsteiner, which is totally okay with me. Like I said, this is a nice problem to have — especially when you consider how packed Juventus' schedule is going to be over the next month. 4. Will Fernando Llorente reclaim his spot in the starting lineup? I think it's safe to say Álvaro Morata made the most of his opportunity to play from the start in both games against Hellas Verona last week. He grabbed a goal in one, an assist in the other, and really just played two strong overall games. But, as we've come to know this season, it doesn't really matter what Morata does to ensure he gets consistent minutes week in and week out. Why? Because Allegri prefers Fernando Llorente, and there's nothing to tell us otherwise. In my mind, it would be more surprising to see Morata get a third straight start than to see Llorente make 16th Serie A start of the season. I don't wanna assume, but I'll just go ahead and assume. My starting XI (4-3-1-2): Buffon; Cáceres, Bonucci, Chiellini, Evra; Vidal, Marchisio, Pogba; Pereyra; Tévez, Morata OFFICIAL KICKOFF TIME: 3 P.M. IN ITALY; 9 A.M. ON THE EAST COAST; 6 A.M. ON THE WEST COAST http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

JUVENTUS - CHIEVO VERONA - Sunday, January 25th, 2015 - 3:00 PM Juventus Stadium, Turin Referee: Davide Massa Pirlo out of Juventus-Chievo Jan 24, 2014 Andrea Pirlo has not recovered from flu and therefore misses out on Juventus-Chievo. It kicks off on Sunday at 15.00 CET. The midfielder was the latest to have picked up the illness from teammate Gigi Buffon and missed several days of training. Coach Max Allegri decided not to risk Pirlo and has left him to rest for this game. Kwadwo Asamoah and Romulo are injured, but Angelo Ogbonna is included. Andrea Barzagli makes a welcome return to the squad in order to acclimatise, though Allegri pointed out he is “still a long way” from a comeback. Juventus squad for Chievo: Buffon, Chiellini, Caceres, Ogbonna, Pogba, Pepe, Marchisio, Morata, Tevez, Coman, Giovinco, Llorente, Barzagli, Bonucci, Padoin, Vidal, Lichtsteiner, Storari, Evra, Rubinho, Pereyra, Marrone http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

JUVENTUS - CHIEVO VERONA - Sunday, January 25th, 2015 - 3:00 PM Juventus Stadium, Turin Referee: Davide Massa Maran: Chievo Must Be Fearless Against Juventus Jan 24, 2014 Chievo boss Rolando Maran is adamant that his team must remain fearless in their upcoming away clash with Juventus and revealed that he hopes to make things complicated for the reigning Serie A champions. The Flying Donkeys, who currently sit just two points outside of the relegation zone, will be facing off against the Bianconeri in Turin on Sunday and the tactician admits that overcoming the hosts will be very difficult for his squad, but believes that the chance to do well against a great team like Juve will motivate his men to put in a proper performance. Maran spoke to La giornalaccio rosa dello Sport on Saturday about how he expects Chievo to play against Juventus and commented on the club’s main objective for the remainder of the season. “It will be very difficult, but because of this it will be more stimulating,” said the 51-year-old. “We like playing against champion teams, but we will have to overcome our anxieties and be proactive and fearless while dealing with them on the field. “They are strong, everyone knows this. The secret of Chievo is to be able to make certain aspects of the game, which would be simple against anyone else, complicated. “We need to have a sense of belonging and the common belief that no one can take anything away from us. “Our objectives? We want to achieve salvation as soon as possible.” http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

JUVENTUS - CHIEVO VERONA - Sunday, January 25th, 2015 - 3:00 PM Juventus Stadium, Turin Referee: Davide Massa Barzagli returns to Juventus squad for Chievo clash The defender has not played since the World Cup but is nearing a comeback for the Serie A champions, while Andrea Pirlo is back in training. Jan 24, 2014 Andrea Barzagli could make his first appearance of the season in Juventus' Serie A clash with Chievo on Sunday. Italy defender Barzagli has not played since his country's final World Cup game against Uruguay last June due to a troublesome heel problem. The 33-year-old underwent surgery on the injury in July, before suffering a setback in his recovery when a stress fracture was discovered three months later. However, Barzagli could be in line to make his first Juve appearance since last May when Chievo visit Turin this weekend. Speaking at his pre-match media briefing on Saturday, Juve boss Massimiliano Allegri said: "Andrea Barzagli will be in my squad. "He's still a while away from peak condition, but is coming on well." Allegri also confirmed that playmaker Andrea Pirlo has returned to training after suffering a bout of flu. The 35-year-old is to be monitored on Saturday before Allegri decides whether to select him against Chievo - a side he warns could prove a real threat on the break. "Tomorrow [sunday] won't be easy. Chievo are in good physical shape, very dangerous on the counter and have a smart coach," he said. "Every game is important from now until the end of the season. We can't afford to put a foot wrong, we have many wins to go." Antonio Conte has admitted he could be tempted by a return to the Juventus dugout and speculation over a shock comeback for the former coach threatened to grow when he attended the club's training ground. Allegri, however, says the visit was harmless. "Conte's appearance in Vinovo was a routine visit in his role as Italy coach," he explained. Sebastian Giovinco has agreed to join Toronto at the end of the season when his Juve contract expires, but Allegri is adamant he will still count on the forward for the remainder of the campaign. "Giovinco is a Juventus player until the end of June and I'll treat him as such. There are no problems there whatsoever," he added. http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

JUVENTUS - CHIEVO VERONA - Sunday, January 25th, 2015 - 3:00 PM Juventus Stadium, Turin Referee: Davide Massa MATCH PREVIEW Jan 24, 2014 After crushing Verona 4-0 last week, Juve are favourites to overcome their precariously positioned neighbours, Chievo in Week 20. Juventus look irresistible once more, having emerged from a slight dip in form over the festive period. They have won back-to-back games, and in Carlos Tevez, who scored another two last week, they possess the League’s most prolific marksman. It being January, they must also be pleased not to have had too much serious speculation regarding Paul Pogba’s future to contend with, though Marcello Lippi has recently suggested it is in their interest to sell him. The World Cup winner favours accepting an offer from one of Pogba’s many suitors and reinvesting in the squad, as he did in the aftermath of Zinedine Zidane’s transfer to Real Madrid in 2001. Nonetheless, while the Bianconeri will see this match as an opportunity to extend their lead over Roma - who face a difficult trip to Fiorentina - to eight points at the top, Chievo are currently treading water at the foot of the table. Boštjan Cesar is suspended, but the Gialloblu have taken to the transfer market, purchasing Danish midfielder Anders Christiansen. Immediately handed the No 10 jersey, he has experience of facing Juventus from a recent Champions League campaign, when his Nordsjælland side earned a 0-0 draw in Denmark before suffering defeat in Turin. Coach Rolando Maran acknowledges that, given their current struggle, ‘the road to salvation is long’, but has spoken of an evident fighting spirit within his group. This must translate to the pitch immediately if they are to come away from this clash with anything, though news that Andrea Pirlo and Gigi Buffon are among the Juve players to have been struck down by flu may just foreshadow an unlikely outcome. Keep an eye on: Alvaro Morata (Juventus) – The Spanish striker has been told to ‘knuckle down’ this week by colleague and compatriot Fernando Llorente. Predicted to start against Chievo, he and Llorente will both be concerned by rumours linking attackers Stevan Jovetić, Simone Zaza and Luiz Adriano to the club. Form guide: Juventus (D W D W W), Chievo (L W D D L) Last season: Juventus 3-1 Chievo Stat fact: Juventus have been named as one of the world’s 10 richest clubs, with an annual revenue of €279.4m. Juventus (probable): Buffon; Lichsteiner, Bonucci, Chiellini, Evra; Marchisio, Pirlo, Pogba; Vidal; Tevez, Morata Suspended: None Chievo (probable): Bizzarri; Frey, Dainelli, Gamberini, Zukanovic; Birsa, Izco, Hetemajn, Schelotto; Paloschi, Meggiorini Suspended: Cesar http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

JUVENTUS - CHIEVO VERONA - Sunday, January 25th, 2015 - 3:00 PM Juventus Stadium, Turin Referee: Davide Massa Allegri: 'Chievo are dangerous' Jan 24, 2014 Max Allegri warned Juventus not to underestimate Chievo and glossed over the meeting with Antonio Conte. It kicks off tomorrow at 15.00 CET. “Every game from now to the end of the season will be important, the next one up above all,” said the Coach in his Press conference. “There are so many victories still missing for us to achieve our final objective. The important thing is to be top of the table on May 31. “Of course, it’s better to be eight clear than five behind... If you draw two games, the ones behind you will start to catch up. “We must try to give our best performances to get the results. It won’t be so easy tomorrow, as don’t forget that Chievo were very close to beating Fiorentina. They are very dangerous on the counter-attack, so tactical intensity is crucial. “At the end of the day, we’ll see if we did enough to win. There are many games to go this season and we cannot afford to make calculations.” Andrea Barzagli has resumed training with the rest of the squad for the first time this season after an Achilles tendon injury. “He’s a long way off being able to play, but he’ll be on the bench tomorrow. Sebastian Giovinco is a Juventus player until June and that is how I consider him. There are no problems.” Andrea Pirlo and Gigi Buffon were suffering from flu this week, so the midfielder will need a fitness test. Allegri met with Italy Coach Conte on Friday, but insisted it was no different to his other encounters with club tacticians around the country. “I saw nothing strange or significant about it. This was a normal meeting, just as he did with the other teams. It was routine, just as Prandelli used to. “We exchanged ideas, but didn’t really have time to talk much, as I had to take the training session.” http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111

Serie A - 1^ Giornata Ritorno - 25-1-2015 (ore 15:00) JUVENTUS - CHIEVO VERONA - Domenica, 25 Gennaio, 2015 - ore 15:00 Juventus Stadium, Torino Arbitro:‬ Davide Massa Confronti ufficiali 25 - 23 (Serie A) - 2 (Coppa Italia) Vittorie Juventus 17 - 16 (Serie A) - 1 (Coppa Italia) Pareggi 7 - 6 (Serie A) - 1 (Coppa Italia) Vittorie Chievo 1 - 1 (Serie A) Goals Juventus 46 - 43 (Serie A) - 3 (Coppa Italia) Goals Chievo 21 - 20 (Serie A) - 1 (Coppa Italia) Juventus - Chievo a Torino Serie A Confronti ufficiali 11 Vittorie Juventus 8 (l'ultima il 16.02.2014, 3-1) Pareggi 3 (l'ultimo il 03.03.2012, 1-1) Vittorie Chievo 0 Goals Juventus 24 Goals Chievo 12 Giocatori con più presenze e goals contro il Chievo a Torino 9 presenze Buffon Gianluigi 6 Marchisio Claudio 5 Camoranesi Mauro German 5 Chiellini Giorgio 5 Del Piero Alessandro 5 Pessotto Gianluca 5 Thuram Lilian 5 Trezeguet David Sergio 4 Nedved Pavel 4 Zambrotta Gianluca 3 goals Zalayeta Marcelo Danubio 2 Iaquinta Vincenzo 2 Quagliarella Fabio 2 Trezeguet David Sergio 1 Asamoah Kwadwo 1 Camoranesi Mauro German 1 Chiellini Giorgio 1 De Ceglie Paolo 1 Del Piero Alessandro 1 Ibrahimovic Zlatan Ultimi confronti diretti 17.01.2010 - Serie A - Chievo-Juventus 1-0 19.12.2010 - Serie A - Chievo-Juventus 1-1 09.05.2011 - Serie A - Juventus-Chievo 2-2 16.10.2011 - Serie A - Chievo-Juventus 0-0 03.03.2012 - Serie A - Juventus-Chievo 1-1 22.09.2012 - Serie A - Juventus-Chievo 2-0 03.02.2013 - Serie A - Chievo-Juventus 1-2 25.09.2013 - Serie A - Chievo-Juventus 1-2 16.02.2014 - Serie A - Juventus-Chievo 3-1 30.08.2014 - Serie A - Chievo-Juventus 0-1 Giocate 10 - Vittorie Juventus 5 - Pareggi 4 - Vittorie Chievo 1 - Goals Juventus 14 - Goals Chievo 8 http://www.goal.com/it/results-standings/69/serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_101

JUVENTUS - CHIEVO VERONA - Sunday, January 25th, 2015 - 3:00 PM Juventus Stadium, Turin Referee: Davide Massa Juventus v Chievo Verona: Preview Jan 24, 2014 Juventus striker Fernando Llorente is warning his team-mates not to be dazzled by their recent impressive performances as they prepare to host Chievo on Sunday. The Turin giants are five points clear of Roma at the top of Serie A heading into the halfway point of the season. Juve beat Hellas Verona 4-0 last weekend in Serie A having three days earlier demolished the same opponents 6-1 to reach the Coppa Italia quarter-finals. ``It was very important to beat Hellas on Sunday,'' Llorente told the Italian press. ``We are five points clear of Roma but there is a long way to go. ``Roma have proved they are a very good side. ``We just have to focus on ourselves and continue on our path. ``Every game is challenging and if you relax for a minute you can pay the price.'' Juve have lost just once in 19 league games. The Bianconeri boast the best attack and defence in the competition, with the Turin giants having found the back of the net 42 times while only conceding nine goals. Juve coach Massimiliano Allegri is expected to keep changes to the side that beat Hellas to a minimum, although defender Stephan Lichtsteiner and midfielder Arturo Vidal have recovered from injury and are in line to start. Chievo coach Rolando Maran is aware his side will need to be at their very best if they are to end Juve's unbeaten run at home this season. ``We know we face a very difficult game,'' Maran said. ``We cannot afford to make any mistakes because Juve will take no time in making us pay. ``We have to make the most of our chances and put Juve under pressure.'' Chievo go into the encounter on the back of last weekend's 2-1 defeat to Fiorentina. The Flying Donkeys have not come out triumphant since December 21 and are 17th in the standings, just two points clear of the drop zone. The visitors will be without experienced defender Bostjan Cesar, who serves a one-match ban. http://www.goal.com/en/results-standings/69/italy-serie-a/table?ICID=SP_TN_111